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Below is a family biography included in The History of Greene County, Illinois published by Donnelley, Gassette & Loyd in 1879.  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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ACHENBACH, PETER, farmer and stock raiser; Sec 30, P.O. Rockbridge. The history of Greene County would be rendered incomplete without the sketch of Peter Achenbach, whose successful career has justly entitled him to a place in the front rank of self-made men, and whose success and present surroundings are due to his energy, industry and business tact. He was born in Appelsheim Kreise Worms, Hesse Darmstadt, Nov. 11, 1825; his father’s name was Frederic and his mother’s name was Mary Schwarz. At the age of 19 he left the parental roof and hired out for three years, to one man, at $22 (of our money) per year. In Sept 1848, he embarked for this country with a man by the name of Rothgeber, they came direct to this county. Peter first hired out to Wm. Hardcastle at $115 per year; worked the second year for Rothgeber, for which he received $120; he then bought him a cheap team and began farming for himself, first renting one year of Rothgeber, then six years on Sec 7, on the Harden estate. Feb. 2, 1851, he was married to Mrs. Maggie Dohm, relict of Jacob Dohm. Three children have blessed this union: Frederick, born Oct. 28, 1851; Mary, born Sept. 15, 1853; Bena, born Feb. 8, 1855. In 1858 Mr. Achenbach bought 160 acres of land, where he now resides, costing him $3,350. Phillip Keohm was the former owner. He has since remained on the same land, but has added to it until he now has 1,340 acres of choice land and all under the very best cultivation and improvements. Mr. Achenbach, a few years ago, built him one of the finest barns in the county, which was destroyed by fire including nineteen head of fat steers; was insured in the London Imperial, by B. B. Bartholomew. The loss was not total, as he received the amount of his policy. Mr. Achenbach has for several years been engaged in stock raising, and his efforts in that direction have been characterized by the same degree of success that has attended all the enterprises in which he has been engaged. In short, he is a man far above the average, having a remarkable memory, and evinces great sagacity in business matters, and one whose honesty and integrity are unquestioned. Such is, in brief, the sketch of one of Greene County’s self-made men.

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This family biography is one of 744 biographies included in The History of Greene County, Illinois published in 1879.  View the complete description here: The History of Greene County, Illinois

View additional Greene County, Illinois family biographies here: Greene County, Illinois Biographies

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