John Penticoff Jr., who resides on section 29 of Loran Township, came to Stephenson County about 1847 or 1850 from Union County, Pa. He was born in that county on the 16th of August, 1832. His parents, Jonathan and Elizabeth (Kiesler) Penticoff, were both natives of Lebanon County, Pa. They were among the pioneer settlers of Stephenson County, having arrived here at about the date named at the opening of this sketch. They settled in Loran Township, where they remained for a considerable time, afterward removing to Florence Township, where the father now resides. The mother died in that township on the 23d of August, 1887. They were the parents of five children, four girls and one boy. John, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest child. He has been a constant resident of Stephenson County since the advent of the family into the county. He is the owner of 220 acres of land, 200 of which are highly improved. The buildings which he has erected will compare favorably with those of the best farmers of the surrounding country.

On the 17th of July, 1855, in Oneco Township, Stephenson County, our subject was united in marriage with Elizabeth Myers, daughter of Conrad and Lydia (Lukenbach) Myers, both of whom were sturdy natives of York County, Pa., from whence they came and settled in Oneco Township. After residing in that township for some time, they removed to Lancaster Township, where the father died on the 20th of January, 1881. They reared a family of nine children, four girls and five boys. The wife of Mr. Penticoff was the eldest child. She was born in Dauphin County, Pa., on the 10th of October, 1836. The names of their four children are Laura J., Rosanna C., Oscar C. and Oliver S. Mr. Penticoff, while devoting this entire time to agricultural pursuits, has permitted himself to be chosen to several offices of trust and honor in his township.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 371