John Seebach is a fine representative of the German element that has played such a conspicuous part in the upbuilding of the Northwest, and he is one of Lee County's most worthy farmers and stock-raisers. His finely equipped farm on section 25, China Township, is a valuable piece of property, and ranks with the best in this section as to productiveness and improvements.

Mr. Seebach was bora December 30, 1836, in Hensen-Luterbach, Germany, where he passed his early years. But much of his life has been spent in America, within the borders of this county, as when he was nineteen years old, he boldly set out for the New World, a stout heart, a clear head and industrious habits his only passport to success in the busy life that Jay before" him in a strange country before he could acquire a competency and build up a home. He landed in New York, and came directly from that city to Lee County. That was in the year 1855, and he found that there was still a great deal of pioneer work to be performed before the land could be properly developed into well-improved farms. Skillful and reliable laborers were in demand, and he obtained employment as a farm-hand, and for two years worked out by the month in China and Amboy Townships. At the expiration of that time, he became more independent, and began agricultural operations on his own account, renting land near Lee Centre the following five years. He was prudent and wisely economical, and he then invested his money in a farm in Bradford Township. He lived upon that for six years and then sold it at a good profit. He put the proceeds into his present farm on section 25, China Township, and has here one hundred and eighty-four acres of as fine farming land as there is under cultivation in the township. He has elected a first-class set of buildings, has provided himself with good modern machinery for farming purposes; his fields are under the best of tillage; his pastures are stocked to their fullest capacity with cattle of good grades, and he is managing his interests so as to make money, he being one of the solid men of his community.

Our subject has been greatly aided and encouraged in his work, and in the making of a cozy home, by one of the best of wives, to whom he was married in China Township, April 22, 1858. They have been blessed with eight children, namely: Conrad; Katie F., wife of Augustus Schaffer; Catherine K., John S., Christine, Charles, Anna B., and Anna Martha Elizabeth. Mrs. Secbach, who bore the maiden name of Catherine Weishaar, is a sister of E. Weishaar, of Ashton, whose biography appears elsewhere in this book. She is likewise a native of Luterbach, Germany, born April 25, 1839. She was about nineteen years old when she came to this country.

Mr. Seebach merits and receives the respect due

Transcribed by Christine Walters - Portraits and Biographical Lee Co. 1892