The father of our subject had been twice married, and lost his first wife at sea while crossing the Atlantic. Of this union there had been born two children, only one of whom is living, a son, Henry, who is a resident of Meredosia precinct. Mary died about 1876. Mr. Nergenah married his second wife in this county, and became the father of six children: Louisa, the wife of Frederick Tillman; William, living in this county; George H., our subject; Annie deceased; Lizzie and Minnie, the latter the wife of Frederick Nagel.

George H. Nergenah, Sr., for a number of years after his arrival in this county, prosecuted farming on rented land, and finally settled in Bethel precinct. He encountered the usual hardships of pioneer life, struggled successfully with the elements of a new soil, and was numbered among the leading German residents of this community. He lived to be over sixty years of age, and rested from his earthly labors Dec. 1, 1870. He belonged to the German Lutheran Church, and was always in warm sympathy with the institutions of his adopted country. After becoming a naturalized citizen he identified himself with the Democratic party, and was the uniform encourager of those enterprises tending to benefit the people at large.

The subject of this notice was reared to manhood on the farm, and has been an eye witness of many changes occurring since his boyhood. He acquired his education in the public school, and by reading and observation has kept himself well posted upon all matters of general interest. He attained to a strong and healthy manhood, and when ready to establish domestic ties of his own, was married, Dec. 5, 1888, after reaching the thirtieth year of his age, to Miss Louie I. Whorten, the wedding taking place at the bride's home in Concord Precinct.

Mrs. Nergenah was born Jan. 18th, 1868, in Morgan County, Ill., and is the daughter of Michael L. Whorten, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Nergenah, after their marriage, settled on the farm where they now live, and which comprises eighty acres of well improved land, with a snug residence, and the outbuildings required by the progressive and enterprising agriculturist. Mr. Nergenah, politically, is a staunch Democrat, like his father before him, and serves as a School Director in his district. He is public-spirited and liberal in his ideas, and is looked upon as one of the rising men of his community - one who is destined in the near future to make his mark therein. Religiously, he belongs to the Lutheran Church.