My Genealogy Hound

JOHN HAGEDORN, Justice of the Peace in Evansville Precinct, is also a prominent farmer, whose practical sagacity and thrift have brought him to the front as an agriculturist. To this interest he also adds that of nurseryman, and is well liked and respected by all who know him. Born in Prussia May 31, 1832, he is the son of Paules and Victoria (Hase) Hagedorn, also natives of Prussia, where the mother died in 1861.

The father of our subject, who came to the United States in the year 1866, died that same year at the home of our subject. The parental family included six children, of whom three besides our subject are living—a brother in the Old Country and two sisters in America. John, of this sketch, was educated in Germany, and was there married on the 10th of February, 1857. On the 28th of the same month the young couple started for their new home in America, and, making their way directly to this state, located in Belleville, St. Clair County, where they made their home during the summer. Then, coming to Randolph County, Mr. Hagedorn located on property near his present home, clearing land and cultivating and embellishing it with substantial buildings. On this present farm he continued to reside while improving another one he had purchased. He is now the proprietor of two fine estates, which are located three miles east of Evansville, one comprising eighty acres, and the other ninety-five acres of land.

Mr. Hagedorn branched out in the nursery business in 1888, and now supplies the people in this section with the choicest variety of trees and shrubs. He also raises great varieties of fruit, for which he always finds a good market in the city. Miss Christina Metz and our subject were united in marriage in 1857. Mrs. Hagedorn was born in Prussia, Germany, and by her marriage has become the mother of six children, of whom those living are: Sophia, Mrs. Edward Ludker; Minnie, the wife of James H. Mathews; and Theresa, at home.

Mr. Hagedorn is a genial gentleman, and his social qualities make him a general favorite, while his ability gives him a prominent part in the management of local affairs. In politics he votes the Republican ticket, and has been Constable since residing here, or for eight years, and has served a like period as Justice of the Peace. That he is popular is shown by the fact that, although his precinct is strongly Democratic, he never fails to be elected when brought before the people. He served as Deputy Sheriff for seven years, and cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. With his wife and family he is a member of the Catholic Church.