The grandfather of our subject was Henry Meyer, Sr., who was most likely the founder of the family in the United States, and in Pennsylvania. He was a millwright by calling, and held positions as a skillful mechanic. He lived, in later life, in Centre County, Pa., where he died, and where he owned a large farm of about 500 acres. Most probably he was a native of Germany, and extremely poor when he commenced in life. With his young bride he started out with all his earthly possessions with him and, after traveling for some time, came to a spring, where he threw down his effects and said he was going to make his home there, which he did for a while, before he went northwest to Centre County. This happened when he lived in the southern part of the State.
The family are noted for their large size, our subject possessing the characteristics of his race, being a man of great strength and a fine specimen of physical manhood. Henry Meyer, Sr., was married twice, and it is from the first wife that our subject is descended. Her name is not remembered by Mr. Daniel Meyer. The father of our subject was Henry Meyer, Jr. He may have been born in Southern Pennsylvania, but was reared in Centre County, in that State. He was a large, strong boy and grew into a portly man, strong both in body and in mind. When a young man, he learned the millwright's trade, which he must have followed some thirty years, but the last years of his life were spent in farming. He died in Centre County, Pa., Dec. 12, 1881. The father was born Sept. 2, 1795, and lived to be eighty-six years old. He married a lady of Centre County named Hannah Bierly, who was born and reared there. Her father was Nicholas Bierly, also a native of Pennsylvania, of German descent and parentage. Hannah Meyer ia yet living in Centre County, and is eighty-seven years of age. She is quite stout and hearty for one so old. She has been the mother of nine children, four sons and five daughters.
Our subject is the second son and fifth child, and was born Feb. 24, 1831. All the family are living except two daughters. Mr. Meyer, the subject of this sketch, is the only member of the family living in Illinois, the other members residing in Centre and Clinton Counties, Pa. Mr. Meyer lived at home until he was nineteen years old, when he set out to learn the cabinet trade under his uncle, John Meyer, at his residence in Centre County. After he had worked as an apprentice for two years, he started a shop at Rebersburg, in that county. His health failing, he came West to better his physical condition, landing in Freeport in the month of December, 1853. In 1854 he settled in Rock Run Township and followed the career of a farmer, except for six years, which were spent at the carpenter and cabinet-maker's trades. Mr. Daniel Meyer purchased his present farm in this township in 1865. He owns 240 acres of improved land, upon which are neat and substantial buildings. He also owns 160 acres of land in Marion County, Kan., and 240 acres in Clay County, Iowa.
July 2, 1851, Mr. Daniel Meyer was married, in Centre County, Pa., to Miss Matilda R. Smull; she was born and reared in Pennsylvania, her birth occurring Oct. 15, 1828. She is the mother of nine children, four of whom are deceased. The oldest daughter, Sarah, is married to George McGilligan, and lives on a farm in Tama County, Iowa; Thomas, the oldest of the boys living, married Hilda Nelson, and they reside in Rockford, Ill.; he is a mechanic. John is in Dakota Territory; he is single and the owner of 160 acres of land in Clark County, Dak., but at present is engaged in teaching school. Emma is the wife of Edward Lauck; they live in Buckeye Township, in this county, on a farm. Effie S. resides at home.
Soon after marriage Mr. and Mrs. Meyer united with the Evangelical Church, and ever since then have lived honest, upright, Christian lives. The Lord has prospered them in their exchequer, and showered spiritual blessings upon them, and their faith leads them to realize that they will surely meet their loved ones on the other shore. At present Mr. Meyer holds fellowship with the Methodist Episcopal Church, but Mrs. M. still remains a member of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Meyer is a Trustee of his church, and politically, is a Republican.
Contributed by Karen Hammer
Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Illinois Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1888 p. 567
