My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM THIELEN, one of the honored early settlers of Randolph County, and one of the highly respected citizens of Red Bud, whose friends are many throughout the community, is a native of Prussia, Germany, born in 1825. The days of his boyhood and youth were passed in that country, where he continued to reside until 1852, when he bade adieu to friends and Fatherland and sailed for America, accompanied by his sister and brother-in-law, William Heining. They made their way to St. Louis, and in 1854 our subject came to Red Bud. He also had another sister, Mrs. Frohning, who came to America, and a brother, who never left his native land.

Immediately after locating in Red Bud, Mr. Thielen embarked in the butchering business, which he has since continued, and in the years which have passed he has built up an extensive trade, which now yields to him a handsome income. As a companion and helpmeet on life’s journey, he chose Miss Caroline Koenig, their union being celebrated in Red Bud. By their marriage has been born a family of seven children, five of whom are yet living: Henry; Odilda, wife of Rudolph Lehnherr, a resident of Chester, Ill.; William, of this place; Theodore, who makes his home in Chicago; and Oscar, who completes the number. The two eldest sons are engaged with their father in the meat-market. His sons are all respected young men, held in high regard throughout the community.

In his political views, Mr. Thielen is a Republican and warmly advocates the principles of that party, but though he takes an active interest in everything pertaining to its growth and success, he has never sought or desired public office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests. He was reared in the Catholic faith, while his wife is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Thielen is widely known in Red Bud and throughout the vicinity, and is a popular gentleman, universally respected. Pleasant and genial in manner, he wins many friends and always retains their warm regard. He is liberal in the support of every worthy enterprise calculated to prove of benefit to the public, and does all in his power to promote the general welfare. He came to this country with the hope of bettering his financial condition, and his expectations have been more than realized, for by earnest effort he has won success.