My Genealogy Hound

GOTTFRIED NIEHAUS, who for almost a quarter of a century has followed farming in township 6, range 6, Randolph County, is a native of Germany, and his birth occurred in December, 1838. He is a son of Theodore and Katherine (Dickerman) Niehaus, both of whom were also natives of Germany. The early life of our subject was spent under the parental roof. He acquired his education in the public schools of his native land, which he attended until fourteen years of age, when he left the schoolroom to earn his own livelihood.

Mr. Niehaus began work for himself as a farm hand and was thus employed for several years, in fact his time was thus passed until his emigration to America. That important event occurred in 1871, when he crossed the Atlantic to the New World. On landing in New York he at once resumed his westward journey, continuing his travels until he had arrived at Chester, Ill. Here he engaged in farm work in the employ of others for about a year, on the expiration of which period, with the capital he had acquired through industry, economy and good management, he purchased the farm on which he now resides. He has devoted his time and attention exclusively to his business interests and has met with excellent success in his undertakings, becoming a very prosperous farmer. His well tilled fields and the neat appearance of his place indicate the careful supervision of the owner. The farm is well improved with good buildings and all modern accessories and conveniences.

It was in 1871 that Mr. Niehaus was united in marriage with Miss Theresa Gausman, who came to America with her parents during her girlhood. Her father and mother are both now deceased. To our subject and his wife have been born six children, and with the exception of Catherine, who died at the age of six years, all are yet living. They are as follows: Mary, now the wife of Ed Myers, a resident of Cutler, Ill.; John, who aids in the operation of the home farm; Lizzie, Frank and Katie, all of whom are yet at home.

Mr. Niehaus and his entire family are members of the Catholic Church, and to its support contribute liberally. Since becoming an American citizen our subject has exercised his right of franchise in support of the Republican party, but has never sought or desired the honors or emoluments of public office. He may truly be called a self-made man, for since an early age he has made his own way in the world, depending alone on his own resources. He need never have occasion to regret his emigration to the New World, for here he has been prospered and is now recognized as one of the substantial and well-to-do citizens of the community.