GERDES, WILLIAM R., of Chandlerville, Ill., is a well known and industrious farmer, who is engaged in operating 160 acres of his own land and 192 acres, which he rents, in section 36, township 19, range 9, Cass County, Ill., and besides farming, devotes considerable attention to the raising of Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. He lives on a part of the farm that his father formerly owned. The latter, Folker W. Gerdes, who was born in Germany, was also a farmer and stock raiser. He came to the United States about 1855, settling in Cass County, and after working for awhile on different farms, bought land and improved it. On April 6, 1864, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Ray, a native of Cass County. They reared a family of children, one of whom is William R. Gerdes. He was born December 25, 1869. He attended the district schools of the neighborhood, and from early youth also spent time in performing duties on the farm. For some time he was connected with a creamery in Chandlerville, but since then has been occupied wholly in tilling the soil and raising stock. As a farmer his labor has been attended by success, and he is considered one of the thriving agriculturists of his locality.
On August 10, 1893, Mr. Gerdes was wedded by Rev. A. Sloan to Rosa M. Lewis, born July 25, 1875, a daughter of Kilbourn and Nancy Ann (Lucas) Lewis, natives of Cass County. They have children as follows: Lena Ethel, born September 6, 1894; Ernest Vern, born January 6, 1897; Bessie Mae, born September 18, 1901; Alva Ellsworth, born September 23, 1908; and Beulah Alice, born September 26, 1910.
Mr. Gerdes is a member of the Missionary Baptist church. In politics he acts with the Democratic party, and has rendered efficient public service as school director. In fraternal circles Mr. Gerdes is affiliated with the M.W.A. No. 3274, at Newmanville, Ill.; and the Court of Honor, at Chandlerville, while Mrs. Gerdes is a member of the Royal Neighbors and the Court of Honor.
Mr. and Mrs. Gerdes are sociable, genial and kindly people, and those who know them most intimately are their best friends, although they are popular with all their neighbors.