Jacob J. Burckhardt, a representative farmer of Silver Creek Twp., and in all respects worthy of the esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, was brought by his parents to this section of country in the spring of 1847. His birth took place in Baden, Germany, APril 14, 1846 and a year later his parents gathered together their household goods and embarking upon a sailing-vessel at Bremen, started on their long and perilous voyage to the New World. Our subject was the eldest of ten children, nine of who were born in this country. His parents after landing in the United States made their way ewestward to this county, and located upon the land which became their permanent home, and where their son George M. still resides.
Our subject was rearedunder the home roof and received his education in the district school, and as soon as old enough assisted his parents on the farm. After reaching man's estate he went to Dane County, Wisc. and in due time ws united in marriage with Miss Bertha Watzkey, a native of Wisconsin, and the daughter of Anton and Sophia Watzkey of Germany. Mr. W. is a retired citizen living in Minnesota, where he removed after having been for some time a resident of Wisconsin. Mrs. Burckhardt was reared mostly in Wisconsin and by her marriage with our subject became the mother of five children, Henry, Carrie, Augusta, ALbert C. and Frank.
After their marriage Mr. Burckhardt and his wife continued to occupy what is known as the Neimen homestead, which is now supplied with good buildings and well stocked with cattle, horses and hogs. It is also provided with the requisite farm machinery and all the implements required by the intelligent and progressive agriculturist of today. Mr.a nd Mrs. B. are members of the German-Lutheran Church and the former, politically, votes with the Democratic party.
Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Illinois Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1888 p. 246
See Bio of his brother George Burckhardt
