My Genealogy Hound

JACOB ZANG, an extensive farmer of Randolph County, and the owner of valuable property in township 6, range 7, was born in Germany in 1820 and is the youngest son of Michael Zang. A student in the schools of Germany until fifteen years of age, he gained a fair education, and when discontinuing his studies engaged in farming. At the age of twenty-eight he sailed for America, and arriving in this country settled near the present city of Scranton, Pa., where for one year he was employed in the iron works.

Coming to Illinois in 1849, Mr. Zang settled in Chester, and for some time thereafter worked as a laborer. He then for several years engaged in burning lime. In 1861 he purchased the property where he still lives and here he has since engaged in farming. At the time of its purchase, the land was a wilderness, but is now a finely improved farm, which proves the energetic disposition and persevering spirit of the owner. While still a resident of Germany, Mr. Zang was united in marriage, in 1846, with Miss Susanna Gahen, and one child, Caroline, was born to them before emigrating to the United States. She is now the wife of Fred Andrews, who resides near Rockwood, this state.

Since corning to America nine children were added to the family, of whom the eldest, Peter, died when ten years old. Those who are living are: Jacob, who married Mary Caudle and resides near New Palestine, Ill.; Ricky, the wife of Thomas R. Stewart, living near Chester; Fred, who married Dora Risner, and makes his home near Palestine, this state; Emma, the wife of William Williamson; William, who is unmarried and lives with his parents; Rudolph, who married Addie Bilderbach and lives near Palestine; Susa and Maggie, who are at home. Mr. Zang is a Democrat in national issues, but is liberal in local affairs. He and his family are members of the German Methodist Church.