CARLS, HERMAN H. - Quite a number of well known citizens of Virginia, Cass County, Ill., are men who have been prosperous farmers in the vicinity until a comparatively recent period, but have abandoned active pursuits and retired to private life, to enjoy in quietude the fruits of years of industry and thrift. Not the least worthy among these is the subject of this personal narrative, Herman H. Carls. Mr. Carls was born near Arenzville, Cass County, Ill., October 19, 1861, and is a son of John Henry and Maria (Yost) Carls, who were natives of Hanover, Germany. The parents emigrated to the United States in commemoration of their wedding, and on arriving in Illinois, located in Cass County and bought a farm. On this they lived the remainder of their lives, the mother passing away in 1896, and the father in 1909. Ten children were born to them, namely: Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles Meyers), deceased; Mary (Mrs. Talkemeyer), of Cass County; William Henry, who died in infancy; Lena (Mrs. Gus Arnold), of Beardstown; Anna (Mrs. William Musch), of Cass County; Mathilda (Mrs. William Jockish), who is deceased; and Herman, George and Carrie.

Herman Carls was born on the home farm, and in boyhood attended the district schools. He remained on the homestead until his marriage, March 12, 1884, to Kate Musch, a daughter of John and Margaret (Schaaf) Musch. The parents of Mrs. Carls were natives of Wurttemberg, Germany, whence they emigrated to Illinois at an early period. Settling in Cass County they applied themselves to farming, but later retired from active life and died some years afterwards in the city of Virginia.

After his marriage Herman Carls cultivated one of his father's farms for seven years, when he purchased 175 acres two miles south of Virginia, which he named Maple avenue, and on which he carried on general farming until 1902, when he withdrew from agricultural pursuits. He established his home at Virginia where he has since continued to live, and has the respect and esteem of a wide circle of friends. In political activities Mr. Carls is a staunch Republican, although never a seeker of office. He is a member of the Presbyterian church, in which he has officiated as a deacon since 1904.