My Genealogy Hound

JOHN REIMAN. In the brief and imperfect outline we are able to give in this biographical sketch of one of the most progressive farmers of Jackson County, we can do but little more than merely glance at some of the principal events with which he has been connected and identified in his long and useful career as a farmer and business man. The life and character of Mr. Reiman, rising from an humble position by his own unaided efforts to a place of honor among men, presents a useful lesson to the youth of this generation and adds another striking illustration of the power and force of determined purpose and perseverance.

The landed possessions of Mr. Reiman aggregate five hundred and twenty-six acres, the larger part of which has been placed under cultivation. His home is pleasantly situated on section 35, Levan Township, where he has erected a substantial residence, commodious barns and other buildings adequate to their several uses. The soil has been fertilized by a proper rotation of crops, and every thing about the place gives indication of the enterprising habits of the proprietor.

In Somerset County, Pa., where he was born February 4, 1838, the subject of this sketch spent the first six years of his life, and thence in 1844 he accompanied his father, Andrew Reiman, to Illinois. They journeyed up the Mississippi River as far as Chester, and at their place of landing the Father of Waters was thirteen miles wide. Arriving in Chester in June of 1844, the family proceeded to Jackson County and settled one and one-fourth miles north of Murphysboro. There the boyhood years of our subject were passed, and there he remained until he attained the age of twenty-two, meantime devoting his time almost exclusively to agricultural labors and enjoying the most meager of educational privileges.

When twenty-two years old, Mr. Reiman purchased eighty acres, comprising a portion of his present estate, and to his original tract he has from time to time added, until he is now the owner of five hundred and twenty-six acres of as fertile land as is to be found in Jackson County. He has witnessed the wonderful progress made by the county and the development of its material resources, and by his enterprise and public spirit has contributed to the growth of this section of the state. In former years Chester was the nearest wheat market and the surrounding country was sparsely settled. He was accustomed to go to mill on horseback, carrying the wheat and corn that was to be ground.

In 1860 Mr. Reiman married Miss Emily E., daughter of William Cooper, a Virginian, who early settled in Illinois. Seven children were born of the union, all of whom died in infancy with the exception of William, an intelligent and well educated young man. While Mr. Reiman has devoted his attention principally to his private affairs, he has found time to keep posted upon the national and local issues of the day, and in politics gives his support to the Democratic party. He is now filling the position of Supervisor, and at the expiration of his present term will have served six years in that capacity. For twenty-one years he has been an officer in the Lutheran Church, and is a generous contributor to religious enterprises.