GEORGE HENRY EIFERT settled in Schuyler county, January 13, 1857. He was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, February 11, 1823. He had five brothers and two sisters; the former all came to the United States, where the brother, John, died in Schuyler county; George also died there, while Ludwig died in this county; Valentine went away during the civil war, and was never heard from again.
George was the youngest, but his father died when only forty-one years old, so he had to work very hard, as there were nine small children left. He came to the United States and first stopped in Maryland with a Dunkard preacher two years, when the minister sent him to Ohio. He went to Preble county, Ohio, and in 1854 he sent to Germany for Margaret Roth. She came to America from Hesse-Darmstadt, in 1826, June 21, all by herself. When she arrived in Ohio she and Mr. Eifert were married. In 1855 they came to Illinois and rented land in Schuyler county, which was but little improved. Here he passed his remaining years. Before his death he became the owner of 417 acres of land and put up find buildings on the land, and he also raised stock. His death occurred November 17, 1884. His wife is still living on the homestead. They had four children: George, Charles W. and two who died in infancy. Mr. Eifert was a Democrat in politics, a Methodist in religion, and was an earnest, good man, dying happy and satisfied.
When he was married he borrowed $50, and that was all he had. When he came to Illinois he was worse off yet, as he then had only $20. He purchased a stove and washtub, and they began housekeeping without a chair, table, knife or fork, and slept on the floor, a whole month before they could afford to buy a bedstead, but they worked hard and prospered.
George Eifert is the elder son of George and Margaret Eifert. He was born in Preble county, Ohio, August 6, 1856. The family came to Illinois, and he has since resided here, where he has followed farming.
He was married, November 17, 1878, to Sarah Hale, daughter of William and Margaret Hale (see sketch). She was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, in 1858. They have two children: Carl and Warren. Mr. Eifert has part of the old homestead, where he follows stock-raising. He is a Democrat in politics and a member of the Methodist Church South. He and his wife are highly respected citizens of their section, and are admired by every one who knows them.