My Genealogy Hound

GEORGE K. KEINER, a well known farmer, living on section 3, Paradise Prairie, Perry County, was born January 11, 1842, in Prussia. His parents were William C. and Sophie (Kern) Keiner. The father was a native of the same locality, and in his Prussian home carried on general farming. He also served in the Prussian army for three years and was a highly respected citizen. He held the office of Burgomaster, or Mayor, of his native place for a number of years. The mother was also born in the same locality as her husband, and their marriage was celebrated in 1838. They became the parents of eight children, all of whom are yet living, namely: William C., who resides with our subject; George K, who is the next younger; Frederick W., who still makes his home in Prussia; Minnie, who married Henry Pepper, of Ohio, and then returned to Prussia; Henry, who served in the Franco-Prussian War and now makes his home in Du Quoin Precinct, of Perry County; Ernest, a school teacher of Dordmund, Prussia; and Nettie and Peter, who complete the family.

In his native land our subject was reared to manhood, his early boyhood days being spent upon his father’s farm. In the winter months he attended the common schools, and through the summer season aided in the labors of the field. His time was thus passed until fourteen years of age, when he left home and started out in life for himself to make his own way in the world. He began learning the cooper’s trade, which he followed until twenty-five years of age. At that time he bade adieu to the Fatherland and crossed the Atlantic to America. He first located in Belleville, Ill., where he remained for five years, and since 1872 he has resided upon his present farm. His first purchase was eighty acres, to which he has added from time to time until he now owns over two hundred acres. He carries on general farming and his place is neat and thrifty in appearance.

On the 3d of June, 1869, Mr. Keiner was united in marriage with Miss Mary Wegerich, a native of the province of Saxony, Germany. Their union is blessed with five children: Charlie and Henry, who aid their father in the operation of the home farm; Minnie, who aids the mother; George and Lewis. The family circle yet remains unbroken. Mr. Keiner is a man of thrifty habits, and his home and surroundings show the effects of his efforts to make his homestead comfortable and attractive. In politics he votes with the Republican party, but never seeks political preferment for himself. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran Church and are highly respected people, who hold an enviable position in social circles.