History of Fulton County, Illinois; together with
Sketches of its Cities, Villages and Townships, Educational, Religious,
Civil, Military, and Political History; Portraits of Prominent Persons
and Biographies of Representative Citizens. Chas. C. Chapman & Co.,
Peoria, Illinois, 1879, page 464-465, Astoria Township
Christopher Wetsel, farmer and stock-raiser, sec. 21; P. O.,
Astoria. There are few in the county more generally or favorably
known than Mr. Wetsel, who was born in Cumberland Co., Pa., July 13,
1813. His father, as near as can be ascertained, was also a
native of the Keystone State, and by trad a blacksmith. He was
married to Miss Catherine Wunderly. Three of the 9 children she
bore him grew to mature years, and 2 yet survive. The head of the
family died during the infancy of Christopher. His mother was
afterwards married to Balseer Lutz and moved to Virginia.
Christopher grew up amid pioneer associations, and we suppose became
early instructed in the rudiments of hard work, his main
education. While living in Augusta Co., Va., he was married to
Miss Sarah Cook. In 1836 he came to Astoria township and moved
into the pioneer log cabin, containing no fire-place. He built
one, however, of sod. The winter was quite severe and the cabin
so open that snow and wind gained free access, and it frequently
happened that the floor and bedding were deeply covered with
snow. Wild game at this time was abundant, but soon disappeared
owing to the rapid settlement of the county. Vermont then boasted
of one store, and the future twon of Astoria was then given over to the
study oak, under whose ample foliage the pioneer often rested from his
labors. We cannot describe step by step the progress of Mr. W.
from poverty to affluence. He labored diligently and uprightly
and owes all that he has to his own efforts. His children are
Eliza J., Priscilla E., Margaret A., Sarah C., George H., John B.,
David T. and Henry L.
