My Genealogy Hound

FERDINAND GRAH is one of the old and honored citizens of Randolph County, and has accomplished much good in his life. He is a native of Prussia, and was born June 22, 1821. His parents, Daniel and Caroline (Mueller) Grah, emigrated to America in 1847, and after some months spent in St. Louis, came to Randolph County, locating in township 7, range 6, upon the farm now owned by our subject.

The latter is the eldest of a family of five children. In his native land, Germany, he attended the common schools and worked in the machine shops until coming with his parents to the New World. During their residence in St. Louis he was engaged in a blacksmith shop, and he continued to reside with them until their death, which occurred when he was thirty-three years old. At that time he took possession of the old homestead and began to work for himself. The place comprises two hundred and forty acres of fine land, which he has improved and cultivated until it is classed among the best farms in the township. Here he raises stock and the cereals, from which he derives a good income. In 1847, he enlisted in the Mexican War under General Price, but had served only ten months when it came to a close and he then returned to his home.

In 1855 Mr. Grah and Miss Mary Herbertz were united in marriage. The lady was a native of Germany, but at the time of her marriage was residing in Chester. She has borne her husband ten children, as follows: Mena, who became the wife of William Pickett, and died in 1878; Tillie, who married W. C. Wall, and makes her home in St. Louis; Caroline, who is the wife of Will Gelike, and also lives in St. Louis; Annie, the wife of Andrew Cushman, residing in Arkansas; Emma, who is at home; Fred, who married Clem Tindall; August, who married Mary Tindall; Mary, Mrs. Fred Shilling, of Perry County, Ill.; William and Randolph, both of whom are unmarried. Mr. Grah and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church, and are highly respected in both religious and social circles. In politics our subject is rather conservative, and always supports the man whom he thinks most competent for the position.