Here as elsewhere true the thrifty German element made its appearance at an early date, and became one of the important factors in the development of Jo Daviess County. The subject of this record has not been behind his countrymen in his close application to business and success as a tiller of the soil. He was born in the Fatherland March 30, 1838, and is the son of Martin and Johanna (Hanchell) Bautsch; the former of Polish, and the latter of German birth and ancestry. Martin Bautsch was born in 1788 and his excellent wife May 23, 1800. They were married in their native Province, and emigrated to America in 1855, making their way at once to this county. The father, however, did not survive a long period, dying at the home of his son, our subject, when sixty-seven years of age. He was a tailor by trade, and also the owner of a good farm. The mother survived her husband until June 1874, also making her home with her son, and died at his residence in Rice Township.

To the parents of our subject there were born six children, one of whom died in Germany. The others all came to the United States. One brother and one sister of our subject are since deceased, the first mentioned near La Cross, Wis., and the other near Momence, this State. Mr. Bautsch was reared to manhood in this county, and on the 29th of December, 1875. was married to Miss Mary Ann Daters, who was born in Germany, June 21, 1858, and is the daughter of Bernard and Catherine Daters. Mr. and Mrs. B. are the parents of seven children, namely: Frank, Antoine, Joseph, John, Johanna, Mary, and Cecelia.

The farm of our subject comprises 254 acres of fertile land, 180 of which has been brought to a good state of cultivation. All the improvements which have been effected on his land are the result of his own industry and close application. He had very little schooling in his youth, and after coming to America had to assist in the support of his father's family. He learned the trade of shoemaker, and followed it for a period of sixteen years. Politically, he is an uncompromising Democrat, and decidedly in favor of free trade. After abandoning the shoemaker's bench he returned to his native Germany, but was not satisfied to stay there, and came back to the United States, proceeding at once to the vicinity of Bellevue, Iowa, and thence coming this county, of which he has since been a resident.

Transcribed by Christine Walters Portrait and Biographical Album of Jo Daviess and Carroll Counties, Illinois (1889), p. 696.