LEWIS C. GITCHEL, deceased, late of Ridott Township, was one of its most thorough and successful farmers, and gave much of his attention to stock-raising. He accumulated a good property consisting of 125 acres in the home farm on section 31, besides valuable village property. His widow, Mrs. Rachel A. Gitchel, now occupies a handsome residence in the village, and is surrounded by all the comforts of life.

The subject of our sketch was born in the State of New York, and is the son of David Gitchel, who came West with his family when Lewis D. was a small child. He located upon a tract of unimproved land and built up a good homestead where he passed the remainder of his life. Our subject continued with his widowed mother, being educated in the district schools, and at his marriage came into possession of the homestead. Mrs. Elizabeth (Bennett) Gitchell departed this life at her home in Ridott Township about 1868, after having arrived at a ripe old age.

The marriage of Lewis D. Gitchel, our subject, and Miss Rachel Sibert was celebrated at the home of the bride in Ridott Township, Dec. 10, Sept. 5, 1834, and is the daughter of George and Rachel Sibert, who came to Illinois when their daughter Rachel was about twelve years of age. She attended school during her childhood and youth, and remained with her parents until her marriage. Her father was more than ordinarily successful in life, and built up a fine homestead in this township to which he came during the fifties. His wife was an Ohio lady, Miss Rachel Black, who became the mother of nine children, and died at her home in Ridott Township some years ago. Both parents were members of the United Brethren Church, and Mr. Sibert, politically, was a Republican. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, and active in those enterprises tending to the good of his community. To Mr. and Mrs. Gitchel were born five children: Eva, the eldest daughter, became the wife of John F. Smith, now a lumber merchant of Dakota; George L. married Elma Betsen, and lives in Kansas; Ira S. married Miss Della McConnell, and is farming in Ridott Township; May and Elma are at home with their mother.

The death of Mr. Gitchel occurred under very painful circumstances in the summer of 1875. While driving a young horse, himself being on foot, the animal became frightened and ran several times around the field, Mr. G. becoming entangled in the lines. He was thrown violently against a gate and instantly killed, without a parting word from his family or a last look into their faces after he knew that his time had come. It is hardly necessary to say that the days which followed for the stricken family were most melancholy, and in their calamity they received the sympathy of the entire community. Mr. Gitchel was regarded as a valued citizen, and held some of the local offices of his township. Politically he was a strong Republican, and in his dealings with his fellowmen pursued that upright and straightforward course which secured him their highest regard.

The handsome lithographic portrait of Mr. Gitchel, which is shown on another page of this work, will be looked upon with pleasure by the many citizens of Stephenson County who were familiar with his features in life.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 766