My Genealogy Hound

JOHN A. HAHN occupies an important place in the farming community of township 7, range 6, Randolph County, and resides upon the old homestead where he was born, near Chester. His father, Christian Hahn, was born in West Baden, Germany, where he was reared to mature years on his father’s farm, and emigrated to America when a young man. He was a tailor by trade, and after coming to America made his first location in Kaskaskia, this state, where he began working at his trade. He was the first German to make settlement in that place, but only remained there two years, when he came to Chester and established himself in the tailoring business, in which he was fairly successful for four years. Christian Hahn then purchased land near Chester and gave himself up to the work of its cultivation, residing there until his death, which occurred in 1863.

Soon after coming to Illinois, and while making his home in Kaskaskia, the father of our subject was married to Miss Elizabeth Fortman, of German parents, and their union was blessed by a family of ten children. John A., of this sketch, who was the youngest in the family, was born February 20, 1852. He enjoyed only limited opportunities for obtaining an education, aiding his father in the care of his farm, thus gaining a thoroughly practical knowledge of the pursuit of agriculture. After his father’s death, John remained at home with his mother and carried on the home place, which has since come into his possession. His mother now makes her home with him, and although having attained the advanced age of eighty-seven years, is enjoying good health, and every pleasant Sunday she may be seen walking to church.

May 12, 1874, John A. Hahn and Miss Mary C., daughter of Mathew and Adelia (Riker) Muerer, were united in marriage. Mrs. Hahn’s parents were natives of Germany, but at the time of her marriage were residing in Missouri. A family of three children has come to bless the home of our subject and his wife, Clara, Anna and Joseph. They are all being given good educations and are students in the high school at Chester. In his religious belief, Mr. Hahn and his entire family are devout Catholics. He is a strong Democrat in politics, but has never held or aspired to political office, preferring to devote his attention exclusively to his private affairs.