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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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JOHN KELLERMANN. Perry County is the home of many intelligent, industrious German farmers, who from a small beginning have won a competence, securing a considerable amount of land, and surrounding themselves with many comforts and conveniences. Among this number may be mentioned Mr. Kellermann, who is the possessor of one hundred and ninety acres of improved land, located on section 36, township 4, range 3 west.

Our subject was born in Prussia in the year 1824, and is the son of Jasper and Josephine (Schultz) Kellermann, likewise natives of the Fatherland. Jasper Kellermann was one in a family of two children, and his sister dying when young, he fell heir to the property left by his parents, which comprised about fifty acres of valuable land. Of his family, Clara, Frank and William are deceased. Those living besides our subject are Catherine, and William (second). Jasper Kellermann lived to be seventy-four years of age, while his good wife at her death numbered ninety-nine years and two months.

John, of this sketch, received his education in the schools of Germany, and when attaining his fourteenth year began work in the rolling mills, receiving five cents a day for his services, and was obliged to board himself. He was thus employed until entering the German army when twenty years of age. He was given a furlough after serving his country for two years and five months, and taking advantage of his leave of absence, came to the United States. This was in 1849, and upon landing in the New World young Kellermann made his way to Michigan, and after a few months spent in that state moved to St. Louis, and later to Monroe County, this state. Upon arriving in the Mound City he had but $50 in money, and for three years was there employed in the rolling mills.

While making his home in Monroe County, our subject married Miss Mary, daughter of John and Nancy (Beckley) Benson. The lady was likewise a native of Germany, and was brought by her parents to the United States when five years of age. By her union with our subject were born the following named eleven children: Lizzie, Jasper, John, Henry, Mary, Catherine, Herman, Henry William, Frank, Peter and Joseph. Of these, Henry and Catherine are deceased. After his marriage Mr. Kellermann rented land, which he operated for five years, and at the end of that time was enabled to purchase a portion of his present farm in this county, where he has since made his home. In his agricultural pursuits he has ever shown a disposition to improve his opportunities by means of unflagging industry and perseverance, and now ranks among the well-to-do farmers of this section. Mr. and Mrs. Kellermann are active members of the Catholic Church. He is a reliable citizen, and at every election casts a vote in favor of Democratic candidates.

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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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