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EPHRAIM BOLLINGER was for long years one
of the highly respected and truly worthy citizens of Stonington Township. The whole community was deeply shocked
on learning of his death, which occurred in March, 1893. While attempting to cross the railroad track to look after
some business near the crossing by the Stonington Station, he was run down and instantly killed by the train. He
was laid to rest in Grove City Cemetery [ed., probably Grove City Methodist Cemetery].
The birth of Mr. Bellinger occurred in Baltimore County,
Md., October 24, 1832, and he grew to manhood
near his birthplace. He was of German descent, though his father and mother were born and reared in Baltimore County.
The family removed to Christian County, Ill., in 1869.
Our subject worked at his trade of a millwright
until the commencement of the late Civil War. For three years during that struggle he was employed as a teamster
in and near Baltimore. After his arrival in Illinois, he gave his whole time and energy to farming. When he started
out to fight life's battles, he had his own way to make from the first, and even at the time of his marriage he
was only in moderate circumstances. He was the eldest of thirteen children, eight of whom were sons.
The marriage of Mr. Bollinger occurred in
Baltimore
County, Md., his wife being Miss Mary Ann Street,
who was born in that county August 23, 1832. They have become the parents of eight children: Oliver, who is now
deceased, and James M., deceased, both of whom were buried in Baltimore County; Mary E., who died in Christian
County, and lies buried in Grove City Cemetery [ed., probably Grove City Methodist Cemetery]; Henry C., John T., William E., Daniel S. and Samuel W., who are respected citizens of this county.
Henry C. married Miss Keziah Coffee, who was born and educated in this county. They are residents of Stonington
Township. John T. married Miss Caroline Cooner, of this county, and lives near the old homestead. The three younger
brothers are at home with their mother and lend their dutiful assistance in carrying on the homestead. The farm
is one hundred and twenty acres in extent, located on section 14, and has good improvements upon it.
In his political faith Mr. Bollinger was a Republican and was a worthy example of the agricultural class. He bore a high
reputation for integrity of purpose and justice in the various walks of life. Both himself and wife for many years
held membership with the German Reformed Church, to which the latter still belongs.
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