My Genealogy Hound

PAUL IROSE. Township 7, range 6, Randolph County, is the home of many intelligent, industrious and prosperous farmers, who from a small beginning have won a competence, securing a considerable amount of land and surrounding themselves with many comforts and conveniences. Among this number may be mentioned Paul Irose, who is now occupying a good farm on section 17.

Our subject is a native of Poland, where he was born in June, 1842, and where also the birth of his father, Daniel Irose, occurred. The latter was married in his native land, and to them were born eight children, who accompanied them on their removal to America in 1854. The wife and mother dying while en route to this country, the father came to Illinois and located with his children on a farm five miles east of Chester, and at once began farming, which was his vocation throughout life. At his death, which occurred in 1862, he left a good property.

After coming to America, the father of our subject was married to Miss Mary Schlocher, and his widow still survives, making her home in Chester. Paul, of this sketch, attended school in Randolph County, and received such an education as was given to the boys and girls of that day. When a lad of seventeen, he learned the trade of a blacksmith with Henry Koehns, of Chester, for whom he worked for three years. Then going to Rockwood, young Irose worked at his trade with Robert Emery for a short time, then made his way into Jackson County, this state. After two months spent there, he returned to this county, and at Archie Island worked for four years as a blacksmith. At the expiration of that time he came to Chester and opened up a shop for himself, continuing to do a good business for twenty-six years. Being afflicted with rheumatism, he closed out his business and purchased a farm two miles east of Chester, where he is still living, engaged in raising grain and fine grades of stock.

October 22, 1868, Paul Irose was married to Miss Catherine Murkufsky, who, like himself, was born in Poland, and who was brought to America by her parents when quite young. Her father, Henry Murkufsky, was a tailor, and met his death in the coal mines of Pennsylvania. To our subject and his wife have been born eleven children, two of whom died in infancy. Those who are living are, Maggie, Lizzie, Paul, Katie, Joseph, Jessie, Robert, Alice and Cora. They have all been given good educations, and the three eldest are prominent teachers in this county.

Although Mr. and Mrs. Irose have been reared in the Catholic faith, they are not closely identified with the church now. Mr. Irose was in early life a Democrat, but of late years has voted with the Republican party. He takes a great interest in the educational affairs of his neighborhood, and has rendered efficient service as School Director.