LOUIS VOLTZ

LOUIS VOLTZ, who is successfully engaged in farming on section 10, Northfield Township, Cook County, claims Germany as the land of his birth. He was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, September 30, 1833, and is the second in order of birth in a family of six children whose parents were Louis and Elizabeth Voltz. They were also natives of Germany. In the common schools of the neighborhood our subject acquired his education. No event of special importance occurred during his boyhood and youth, which were quietly passed in his father's home. Having arrived at years of maturity, he determined to seek his fortune in America, and in 1857 crossed the Atlantic to the New World. He made his way direct to Chicago, and thence removed to McHenry County, Ill., where he secured work as a farmhand by the month. When he had acquired a sufficient capital, he purchased land in Jefferson Township, Cook County, and began fanning in his own interest. For a time he continued the cultivation and improvement of that tract, but at length sold out, and in 1870 purchased the farm on which he now resides in Northfield Township.

Mr. Voltz was married in Jefferson Township in 1862, the lady of his choice being Miss Margaret Kilwy, a native of Germany, who at the age of fourteen years left the Fatherland and came to the United States. By the union of this worthy couple were born the following children: Louis, who is now deceased; William, who is married; Katie, who has passed away; Charlie, at home; Emma, deceased; Emma, the second of that name; Edward, Walter, Sophia, Ella, George, Frank, Richard and Albert, all of whom are yet under the parental roof. The children were all born in Cook County, and nine of the number are still at home.

Mr. Voltz now carries on general farming, and is the owner of one hundred and six acres of good land, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation. He has also made many good improvements upon his farm, and its neat and thrifty appearance indicates his careful supervision. His life has been a busy one, and as the result of his energy and untiring labors he has become the possessor of a comfortable property. He may truly be called a self-made man.

In religious belief, Mr. Voltz is a Lutheran, and in politics is a Republican, having supported his party by his ballot for many years. He has held the office of School Director for a long period, and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. For six years he served as Township Commissioner, and is now Township Treasurer. In September, 1883, he was elected Supervisor of Northfield Township, and has held that position continuously since, discharging his duties with a promptness and fidelity that have not only caused his retention in office, but have also won him the high commendation of all concerned.