ISAAC MISENHIMER, farmer and stock-raiser of Frederick township, was born in Clay county, Illinois, September 28, 1839. His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth (McGrew) Harris. Mr. Harris was a native of Pennsylvania and his wife of Indiana. They were married in Clay county, Illinois, where their parents had moved, being among the first pioneers of that county. Mr. Harris died in 1843, and his widow survived him some ten years. The family moved to Schuyler county when Isaac was about nine years old. He was educated in Schuyler county and was reared on the farm, and he has followed that business ever since. He enlisted in Company I, First Illinois Infantry, and served three years in the Western army. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Britain Lane, siege of Vicksburg, and was present at the capture of Little Rock, Arkansas. When he returned from a furlough the regiment was back in Tennessee and he there re-enlisted and was in Tennessee until he was mustered out in March, 1865. Returning home after this, he settled down to farming. He owns 223 acres of land in excellent farming condition, and two years ago he built one of the most commodious and comfortable houses in the county. He has large barns, and altogether his farm is among the best in the county. His grade of stock, too, is very fine and he is among the most prosperous of the citizens of this section.
He was married, September 27, 1867, to Miss Penelope Gillet, of Schuyler County. Her parents were Elijah and Eliza Gillet, who were among the very first settlers of the county. She was the youngest of seven children. Mr. Misenhimer was one of five children, only two of whom are living. They have one child, Jennie, born December 28, 1874, and is still at home. She is a young lady of fine attainments and holds a teacher's certificate. She is a fine musician, also. Mr. Misenhimer is a Democrat in politics.