HENRY HAHN
Page 700
HENRY HAHN
Page 700
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HENRY HAHN. Reference to the agricultural interests of Mason County would be incomplete were no mention made of Mr. Hahn, among others engaged in tilling the soil. The farm of which he is the owner and proprietor is pleasantly located on section 31, Havana Township, and has been embellished with all the improvements of a model estate. A portion of the land has been planted to fruit trees, while the remainder is devoted to the raising of cereals, in which Mr. Hahn has met with flattering success. Our subject is one of our German-American citizens who have contributed so largely to the growth and development of the United States. He was born in Hanover. October 21, 1844, and is the son of Ludwig and Fredericka Zelle Hahn who with their family came to America in 1851 and settled two miles east of Havana. Later the family settled on section 5, Havana Township, where the father passed away in 1874. The mother survived him for a number of years, dying in July, 1893. They were the parents of five children. Louisa was the wife of John McCounie, of Havana; he is now deceased. Henry is our subject. The parents were members of the Lutheran Church and were sincere Christian people, highly esteemed by all who knew them. Of the land of his birth, Henry Hahn retains little recollection, as he was but seven years of age when brought to the United States. In the schools of this township he received a good English education, while his knowledge of the German language has been increased through the conversation in the home circle as well as by self-culture. He was reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, and throughout his entire life has followed the occupation with which he became familiar in his youth. For a number of years he gave his father the benefit of his services, and upon starting out for himself settled upon his present farm. In 1865 Mr. Hahn married Miss Hannah, daughter of John H. and Mary (Heye) Dierker, a native of Hanover, Germany, who emigrated to the United States in 1839 and settled in Mason County, Ill. After one year's sojourn in the vicinity of Havana he came to section 31, where he was residing at the time of his daughter's marriage. Mr. Hahn cultivated his father-in law's-farm for a time, and since then has acquired the ownership of one thousand acres in Logan County, for which he paid $11,000. While he makes a specialty of corn and wheat, he also engages in stock-raising and has upon his place a large number of cattle and hogs. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hahn have been born three children, namely: Louis, who married Miss Lizzie Buerman and lives on section 29 of this township; Mary, deceased, and Fred, who is at home. The family is identified with the Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Hahn is an official member. The two boys are also prominent in the church and are popular in social circles; both are practical, energetic farmers and intelligent young men, Politically our subject was formerly an advocate of Democratic principles, but is now independent in his views. As School Director he has rendered efficient service since 1875, but with that exception has refused to accept office. |