JOHN B. WETZEL, of section 5, Browning township, was born within three miles of his present home, July 7, 1843. His parents, Christopher and Sarah (Cook) Wetzel, came to Fulton county, Illinois, in 1836, settling on the farm where the father now lives. He was born in Carlisle, Pennsylvania in 1813, and in the same year his mother was born in Augusta county, Virginia. The latter died in Fulton county, Illinois, March, 1889. The Wetzel and Cook families were both of German origin.

Mr. Wetzel received his education in the public schools of the district and grew to manhood on the farm and has always been a farmer. He owns 282 acres of land in section 4 and 5, Browning township. This land is highly improved, his residence, erected in 1888, being a very handsome building of modern architecture. On his south farm he also has a good residence, comfortable surroundings, and he takes pride in his fine stock, and usually purchases from the stock yards in Chicago such cattle as he desires to feed; he also deals in hogs. He markets fruit by the car load. The entire family are members of the United Brethren denomination and all are active in Sunday school and church work. He has been a Class leader and a Sunday school superintendent for many years.

He was married in Astoria, in December, 1866, to Amanda E. Bryan of Virginia, whose parents, Thomas and Emeline (Lutz) Bryan, removed to Fulton county about 1853. Mr. and Mrs. Wetzel have three children, all living: Nettie F., Willard P. and Ina J., the first two living on the old homestead. Ina J. is the wife of William Dean, a farmer. The two daughters have enjoyed the advantages of two years' attendance at the Rushville Normal School taking this after their public school course, but do not care to teach. Mr. Wetzel is a Republican and has served as member of the County Central Committee. He is active and energetic in political work.