GEORGE KLAUS. The name that heads this sketch is that of an estimable, German-American townsman who, though deceased, still lives in the deeds that redound to his honor and credit. At the time of his death he was the proprietor of a farm located in Nilwood Township. Since his decease his son and namesake, George Klaus, has operated the farm in the interest of the widow, and so well has the young man sustained the methods employed by his father in the management and arrangement of their agricultural interests that there is no perceptible difference in the productions thereof.

Our subject was a native of Alsace, Germany. He came to America about 1853 and first located in Louisville, Ky., where he remained about two years and then came to Springfield, Ill., where he followed his trade, which was that of a shoemaker. This trade he had learned in the old country and until the time of his emigration hither had employed it there to gain his daily bread. He was married in Springfield to Theresa Netz, in 1855. The lady is a native of Baden, Germany. After their marriage they settled in Auburn, this State, where our subject worked at his trade two years and then came to Nilwood again following his trade for five years. He then turned his attention to farming, which calling he pursued until the time of his death, which occurred in Nilwood Township in 1884.

Mr. and Mrs. Klaus were the parents of nine children whose names are as follows: Charles; George was married February 22, 1891, to Miss Lena Bheme and lives in Nilwood Township; Emma, Kate, Mary, Frank, William, Walter and Albert. The father with characteristic German thrift, built a comfortable and cozy home upon his farm, which comprised at the time of his death two hundred and sixty acres. Most of the children have arrived at years of maturity and have gone out into the world to battle for themselves. Charles took to wife Miss Emma Keune and is a resident of Nilwood Township; Emma is the wife of Fernando Winter, a son of Fernando Winter, of Carlinville Township and is a resident of South Otter Township; Mary is the wife of William S. Talley, and is also a resident of Nilwood Township.

The widow of our subject was the loving helpmate and co-worker of her husband, gifted with a strong physical constitution and having clear and bright perceptions. Her opinions and estimates were seldom in error, and she has been by her economy and prudence one of the main sources of Mr. Klaus' success in life. She is, as she should be, still the head of the family, and her sons and daughters, who have a sincere affection and pride in their mother, may well look back upon the parental care that she has bestowed upon them and call her blessed.