Eilers, Heye

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD
MACOUPIN COUNTY ILLINOIS - 1891

Chicago: Biographical Publishing Company


Page 335

HEYE EILERS, one of the successful and well-to-do farmers and stock-raisers of this county, owns and operates a fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres on section 30, Cahokia Township. He there has a pleasant and comfortable home, good farm buildings, the latest improved machinery and also raises fine grades of stock. His well-tilled fields present a neat appearance and there is not a neglected looking corner upon the whole place; everything will bear the closes inspection which is excellent evidence of the thrift, industry and enterprise of the owner. He also owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in Gillespie Township, which is likewise under a high state of cultivation. His entire possessions have been acquired since his arrival in this county. He first set foot on this soil November 28, 1859, and having no capital had to begin life here as a farm laborer, but perseverance and economy soon did for him what inheritance does for many others and he has worked his way upward to an enviable position.

Mr. Eilers was born in East Friesland, in the province of Hanover, Germany, February 23, 1836, and spent the days of his boyhood and youth upon the farm of his father, Egge Eilers, who died when the son was a youth, his death occurring June 9, 1849, at the age of fifty-eight years. He had married in Hanover, Miss Ekhoff Taitze, who lived and died in her native kingdom, departing this life at the age of sixty-one years. Both were members of the Lutheran Church. Heye Eilers remained at home until the 15th of September, 1859, when on board the sailing vessel "Albert" he waved an adieu to his native land and was en route for America. On the 18th of November, the vessel dropped anchor in the harbor of New Orleans after a pleasant ocean voyage of eight weeks, and he went up the Mississippi to St. Louis, where he spent one day. Coming on to Alton and across the country to Gillespie, he has since made his home in Macoupin County.

Mr. Eilers was united in marriage in this county with Miss Trientje Goesmann, a native of Hanover, Germany, born June 24, 1842. In 1864 she came to this country landing in New York. By their union have been born nine children, eight of whom are still living - Tette is now deceased; John resides in St. Louis, Mo.; Edward, William, Johanna, Jurgen, Heye, Anna and Tillie are at home. Mr. Eilers, his wife and children are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is independent, voting for the man whom he thinks will best fill the office, regardless of party affiliations. One of his chief characteristics is shown by the fact that during the four years he was working as a farm hand for M. W. Dorsey, he never lost but half a day. The same perseverance and fidelity to duty has marked his entire career, proving important factors in his success.


1891 Index

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