KIRCHNER, WILLIAM F. (deceased). - In his time William F. Kirchner, whose industrious and prosperous life came to an end after a duration of seventy years, was one of the most extensive farmers in Cass County, Ill., and he cultivated one of the most desirable tracts of land in the Sangamon River bottoms. Like many other successful men of his calling in the early history of this region, he was of German origin, having been born in Saxony, January 19, 1834. On emigrating to the United States, he located in Chicago, where he was employed in driving a team for two years. This was in 1854, and then, making up his mind to undertake agricultural pursuits he came from Cook County to Cass County and bought a farm on the bottom lands along the Sangamon River, and in the course of time engaged in farming on a large scale. In 1888 he purchased 320 acres in Sedgwick County, Kas., which is now rented out. Of the bottom lands in Cass County there still remains in the family possession 130 acres, constituting a very choice farm. At the time of his most extensive farming operations he was the owner of 700 acres, much of which he sold. He died December 20, 1903.

The marriage of William F. Kirchner took place at Beardstown, Ill., on December 28, 1857, at which time he wedded Elizabeth Yeck, who was born in Wurttemberg, Germany, January 22, 1838. Mrs. Kirchner came to this county with one of her sisters, and located at Beardstown, settling on the Sangamon bottoms after her marriage, where she still resides. The children resulting from their union were as follows: Mary (Mrs. Richard Schuman), of Chicago; Louis, of South Dakota; Matilda, deceased, who was Mrs. John Schaad; Elizabeth (Mrs. Lincoln Fielding), of township 18, range 10, Cass County; Frank, deceased; Ann (Mrs. Joseph During), deceased; and Emma (Mrs. J. R. Sligh), of Virginia, Cass County, Mr. Sligh having served as assessor and treasurer of Cass County.

Mr. Kirchner was a very upright, honorable and useful member of the community. His religious connection was with the Lutheran Church. Politically he acted with the Democratic party. His widow and the entire family are much respected and have a wide circle of friends.