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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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HERMAN F. MIDDENDORF, a well known merchant of Chester, is a native of this place, where his birth occurred August 30, 1867. He is the son of John George Middendorf, who was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 8th of August, 1824, and was one in a family of nine children. As was the custom in his native land he attended school from the age of six to fourteen years. His father, who was a merchant tailor, trained him to follow that occupation, but upon reaching his majority he left the parental roof and crossed the Atlantic in company with an elder brother, landing in New Orleans in December, 1845.

Two years later John Middendorf sailed up the Mississippi to St. Louis, where he worked at his trade until March 6, 1851, the date of his advent in Chester. Having visited this city the previous year, he had then selected and purchased residence and business property, and on coming hither brought with him a stock of goods for opening a store, which was the first establishment of its kind in the place. He was quite successful in this undertaking, and a few months later put in a stock of dry goods and conducted a very successful business as a general merchant. He was prudent and judicious in the management of his affairs, and honesty, which he ever found to be the best policy, was the corner-stone of his success.

The father of our subject was married August 1, 1851, to Miss Minnie T. Triefte, also a native of Germany, who had come to America three years previous to her marriage. She aided her husband very materially in attaining his high standing in the community, and during her entire life has manifested her ability as a helpmate, her wisdom as a parent and her value as a friend. John Middendorf departed this life December 22, 1888, greatly mourned by all who knew him. He was very prominent in local affairs, and at one time was honored with the office of Mayor of Chester.

The brothers and sisters of our subject are: Anna, Mrs. John F. Naber, of St. Louis, Mo.; Caroline, Mrs. A. H. Senden; Mary, Mrs. J. T. Neely; Fred H., George H. and Edward. Herman F. was given a good education, and is one of the bright and promising young men of the county. He is a stanch Republican in politics and possesses hosts of friends in this section.

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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 Randolph County, Illinois family biographies here: Randolph County, Illinois Biographies

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