BLUME, CHARLES. - If a snug competency, acquired by patient and unremitting labor in agricultural pursuits is evidence of good qualities in a farmer, Charles Blume is entitled to rank among the most efficient and successful of his class in the vicinity of Beardstown, Cass County, Ill., where he has long made his home. As in the case of a considerable proportion of the farming element of this and other counties of the state, Mr. Blume is of German origin, and is one of the oldest residents of this section having lived in Cass County nearly fifty years. Beginning in a humble way, he has plotted on until by industry, economy and thrift, he has reached a position where he can enjoy all the comforts of life for the remainder of his years.

Charles Blume was born in Prussia, Germany, December 18, 1846. He emigrated to the United States at an early age, and proceeding to Illinois, located in Cass County in 1866, working at the outset for different farmers at $10 per month. In 1871 he purchased eighty acres of land, on which he carried on farming for sixteen years. At the end of this period he bought 200 acres more, 40 of which was in timber. Here he has since been engaged in general farming, devoting a portion of his attention to the raising of stock. His farm is situated in township 18, range 11 N and is deemed one of the most desirable in this vicinity. All his undertakings have met with success, and he is looked upon as a prosperous and substantial farmer.

During his youth Mr. Blume enjoyed the advantages of the public school system in his native land, and is an intelligent man and a well informed member of the community. On February 23, 1876, he was united in marriage with Carrie Stuke, born in Cass County, a daughter of William and Mary (Lucking) Stuke, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Blume have had three children, namely: William and Annie, both of whom died in infancy; and Robert, who is at home and assists his father on the farm, having received a common school education in the neighborhood. Mr. Blume is a member of the Lutheran church, of which he has served as a trustee for many years. In politics he acts with the Democratic party.