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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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H. J. HEINECKE, who is successfully engaged in merchandising in Du Quoin, was born in Saxony, Germany, November 3, 1849, and is a son of Frederick Heinecke, who was a farmer and dealer in grain in the Old Country. He crossed the Atlantic in 1854 and took up his residence in St. Clair County, where he followed wagon-making. Subsequently he removed to a farm in Randolph County, and is now living on a farm with one of his sons. He married Emily Rieticher, a native of Germany, who died August 16, 1875, at the age of fifty-five.

Their family numbered twelve children—six sons and six daughters—of whom four sons and two daughters are yet living. Alwine is the wife of William Dinges, a farmer of St. Clair County; Agnes married Godfrey Eckert, a soldier of the late war, who was wounded, and after carrying a Rebel bullet for twelve years, died from the effects of his injury. His widow has since been married to John Ferdinand Debro, and is now living in St. Louis. Henry T. is a farmer of St. Clair County; William, a miner of Du Quoin, married Sophia H. Smith, and Louis is a farmer of St. Clair County.

Our subject was reared upon the old homestead and received but limited educational privileges. He remained with his father upon the farm until twenty-four years of age, when he married Elizabeth Wildy, a native of St. Clair County, where her father, who was a native of Switzerland, settled in a very early day. To Mr. and Mrs. Heinecke were born nine children, of whom six are yet living: Henry T., eighteen years of age, who aids his father in the store; Caroline, aged sixteen; Walter, who is fourteen years of age and is also in the store; Elanora Agnes, who is ten years old and attends school; Otto S., aged eight, and Gustauf E., aged six. The three other children died in childhood.

After his marriage Mr. Heinecke engaged in the operation of a rented farm in Randolph County for a year, and then followed farming in St. Clair County for two years, after which he was forced to abandon that occupation on account of ill health. He removed to Lenzburg Station, where he engaged in the hotel, saloon and livery business, which he successfully followed for ten years. During that time he became interested in coal mining, which proved a profitable venture. At length he sold his mining interests, bought land, and also purchased and operated a creamery for a time. In 1889 he embarked in general merchandising in Du Quoin, and has since built up a large business, having a constantly increasing trade. He also owns his farm in St. Clair County and has been very successful in carrying on his interests.

While living in St. Clair County Mr. Heinecke served as President of the Town Board of Lenzburg for several years. For four years he was Township Supervisor, and also served on the School Board. He has always been a Democrat in politics and is a prominent member of the Lutheran Church. He served as a Trustee in St. Clair County and is President of the Board of Trustees of the church in Du Quoin. Socially, he is an Odd Fellow and has filled all the chairs of his lodge. He is also a Knight of Pythias and belongs to two orders, the D. O. H. and the U. O. T. B. In all of the organizations he takes an active part. In the community where he lives he is widely and favorably known, and with pleasure we present to our readers this record of his life.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Perry County, Illinois family biographies here: Perry County, Illinois Biographies

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