KUMLE, SEBASTIAN , (deceased), formerly a prosperous farmer near Alexander, Morgan County, Ill., was born January 20, 1830, in the Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany, where he spent the first twenty years of his life. At the end of that period, having had a good mental training in the public schools, and being reared to agricultural pursuits, he came to the United States to begin an independent career. Soon after arriving in this country he went to St. Louis, where he remained two years. He then made his home in Morgan County, Ill., where he secured employment as a farm laborer, subsequently renting land and beginning agricultural operations on his own account. By perseverance, industry and economy, he had accumulated sufficient money by the year 1863 to purchase a farm, which, through the same diligence and frugality, was rapidly increased and improved. Besides general farming, he entered largely into the raising and selling of fine horses, cattle and hogs, and in this became very successful. He was a man of untiring energy and rigid honesty. His busy life reached its termination July 28, 1901.

In 1852, Mr. Kumle was united in marriage with Gertrude K. Rush, a native of Germany who emigrated to the United States with her brother in 1850. Of the family of children born to them, five survive, namely: Joseph, a farm and stock-raiser of Alexander, Ill.; Alves L., a farmer and Deputy Sheriff of the same place, a sketch of whose life appears in this connection; William F.; John Emil; and Mary, wife of Hardman Seller, a farmer of Morgan County. The deceased was one of the old residents of Morgan County, whose rugged virtues and sterling worth developed the region to its present condition.