HENRY VETTE, a general farmer, was born in Prussia, May 10, 1864. His father, William Vette, was a brick mason, and died when he was thirty-eight years old. His wife had died the preceding year, and they both were members of the German Lutheran Church.

Henry was left an orphan at the age of ten, and grew up as a maker of cigar boxes in his native province until seventeen years of age, and then he and a friend set out for this country. They set sail from Bremen in 1882, landed in New York City in the same year and then came to Illinois, reaching Beardstown with $1.10 in his pocket. He began work first as a laborer with his uncle, Henry Vette, and after some years of economy he was able to purchase the large farm he is now rapidly paying for. The farm consists of 125 acres, well improved, and other land that is not under plow, amounting to 372 acres. He is a young man of good judgment, and has shown what he can do and is bound to succeed.

He was married in Cass county to Anna Shave, who was born in Beardstown, March 22, 1867, and was reared and educated in this county. She is the daughter of William and Ingle (Shave) Shave. They are now living in this county, successful farmers, owning fine property. Mr. and Mrs. Vette are members of the Sixth Street Lutheran Church in Beardstown. They are the parents of three children, Hilda I., William H. and Edna L. Mr. Vette is an ardent Republican, and both he and his wife are highly esteemed by all who know them.