The Notts are a family well known in Germany, and to some extent in this country, some of its members having made a deep imprint upon institutions here. The family in Germany came from Umpzhorn.

The father of our subject was named Christopher Nott, and was the son of a German farmer, who died when his son Christopher was but a young man. Young Christopher, who was largely endowed with the peculiar characteristics of his people, had great resolution and force of character, and set out young in life. He first learned the trade of a mason, afterward marrying in his own country, Sophia Redeker. She was born and reared in the neighborhood, and could boast the same pure German ancestry as her husband. To them were born eight children, one of whom died in infancy in the Fatherland, and three died here. Christopher set out with his wife and four children for this country, being induced thereto by the wider field it afforded him to make a living. He located in Rock Run Township in 1851. One year later the family moved to Dakota Township, locating on a farm in that township, which has since been the home of a part of the family. Christopher Nott lived there until about two years ago, when, after seeing his children well settled, and his wife having died, he went back to the old Fatherland, where he now lives, aged seventy-three years. It was in the fall of 1878 that he lost his wife, who was then aged sixty-six years. She had been the mother of eight children, two of whom were born in this country. She and her husband were always devoted members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

After our subject came to this township and county, he was educated in the schools here, and for two years prior he had the benefits of German schooling. He was married in this township, his wife being Miss Minnie Goeke, who was born Oct. 14, 1849, in Rock Run Township, and was also reared here. Her father died in Rock Grove Township, and there her mother is yet living, advanced in years. Mrs. Nott is the mother of five children, one of whom is deceased. Those living are, Mary C., John H., Sadie E. and David H. The name of the deceased was Ellen. Since his marriage, Mr. Nott has lived at his present place, a home of 180 acres of land, most of which is in this township and located on section 12. His farm has all the necessary buildings upon it, is well stocked with fine breeds of cattle, and is altogether a comfortable home.

Mr. Nott is a member of the Evangelical Church, and in politics is a Democrat. He is a Director in the German schools of this township, which are supported by the Lutheran Church. It will thus be seen that Mr. Nott has carved out a competence from very untoward surroundings. His place in the community rests upon his being a man of energy, perseverance and industry. By these qualities he has won in the battle of life. A handsome lithographic view of Mr. Nott's residence is shown elsewhere in this work.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888) Pg 623