My Genealogy Hound

JOHN SCHELTGEN. It has been often said that invincible determination will accomplish any desired result, and already are the effects of its constant exercise visible in the life of this gentleman, who has won a respected position for himself in the community by reason of his industry, perseverance and genial nature. His well directed efforts have been rewarded by the accumulation of a considerable amount of land and the machinery and stock necessary for carrying on a first-class farm. He was born in Luxemburg, Germany, March 15, 1827, and was about twenty years old when he emigrated to America.

The early schooling of our subject was obtained in his native country, attending until about fifteen years old. His first settlement in this country was near Belleville, in St. Clair County, this state, where he commenced in life by working out on a farm in the vicinity. In 1861 he located on a farm of his own, which he purchased with the money he had earned, and which comprised fifty-eight acres in township 6, range 7, it being the present home of the family. He has added to it from time to time until now he is the happy possessor of three hundred and seventy-five broad and fertile acres, which are under excellent tillage and bear numerous improvements. The farm house and accompanying buildings are well built and sufficiently commodious for the purposes for which they were designed, and include whatever will add to the convenience of the family in carrying on the household and farm economy. About eight years ago Mr. Scheltgen was stricken with paralysis, and, has since been unable to perform any manual labor.

In 1857 our subject was married to Miss Rosa Verlin, who is of French parentage. To them have been born four children, viz.: John, who is single; Nicholas, who married Lizzie Pauless and resides near his father’s place; Mary who is at home; and Harriet, the wife of Charles Constanzers, residents of Clinton County, Ill. The entire family are devout members of the Catholic Church. In politics our subject always casts his ballot in favor of the Democratic candidates.

The worthy parents of our subject bore the names of John and Margaret (Honson) Scheltgen. They were both natives of Germany and lived and died in the Fatherland, the mother passing away when our subject was quite young.