One of the most pleasantly located homesteads in Oneco Township is the one occupied by the subject of this sketch, and in order that the reader may form some idea of its exterior appointments and substantial surroundings, a view is presented on another page of this album. Mr. Rahorn has been one of the successful men of Oneco Township, and in his business affairs has not only shown good judgment and much sagacity, but has been liberal and broad-minded in the methods adopted for conducting his farm. In all things he has kept abreast of the times, and on all occasions has demonstrated a progressive spirit.
Mr. Rahorn is a native of the State of Maryland, and was born on the 10th of November, 1821, shortly after the arrival of his father and mother in this country. During his boyhood days he resided at home with his parents, to whom he was much devoted, and gave his best efforts in assisting in the care of the farm until he was twenty years of age. Just about the time of arriving at his majority he became engaged in co-operative farming in Clinton County, Pa., in which he continued for seven years. During these years, and while thus engaged, Mr. Rahorn developed those traits of industry and economy which have stood him so well in after life, and their practice at that time enabled him to accumulate means sufficient to emigrate farther West, and to make the beginning of what has proved a successful life, in Illinois. On the 9th of June, 1849 he arrived in Stephenson County and located in Oneco Township, purchasing at the time eiglity acres of prairie and thirty-lwo acres of timber land, and two years later, eight acres just across the line in Wisconsin. With much energy he immediately began the improvement of this land, and persevered in the work until now he has, as the view given will show, one of the most delightful places in the township.
On the 26th of July, 1857, Mr. Rahorn was married to Fannie Gingrich, a widow, daughter of Thomas Worts, a native of Union County, Pa. His great-grandfather was a native of Germany, and his great-grandmother was of English descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Rahorn have been born eight children, whose names are: Mary, now Mrs. Runkle; William, Ella, Albin, Anna Maria, Emma C., George A. and Amelia M. Mrs. Raliorn's children by her first husband were Cyrus W.; John H., who resides in Kansas, and Sarah, deceased. While Mr. Rahorn is a Democrat and invariably supports the nominees of that party for national and State offices, he discriminates among local candidates to the extent of voting for those he considers the best men, whether they be Democrats or not. If this line of policy were followed by a larger number of the citizens of townships and counties, there would be less dishonesty displayed and covered up by politicians. Mr. Rahorn, since his residence in Oneco Township, has earned for himself the reputation of a good citizen, and a business man who is prompt and reliable in his dealings.
Contributed by Karen Hammer
Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Illinois Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1888 p. 689
