Jacob Reigard , a retired farmer of Silver Creek Township, was formerly one of the most extensive land-owners in this and Ogle Counties. He was admirably adapted to the calling of an agriculturist, and gave much of his attention to the breeding of fine stock, including Short-horn cattle and Norman horses, building up an enviable reputation as a farmer and stock-raiser. After due time, during which he had accumulated a competence, he wisely retired from active labor and is now spending his last years surrounded by all the comforts of life and many of its luxuries. The residence is a handsome brick dwelling, surrounded with shade and ornamental trees, and all the other appliances of a modern home. It is finished and furnished in excellent style, and what is unusual in village homes, each room is supplied with water carried by pipes.

Mr. Reigard is a fine illustration of the self-made man. Commencing life at the foot of the ladder, by his industry and integrity he has acquired a competency for his declining years, and established himself in the confidence and esteem of all who know him. At the beginning he judiciously invested his surplus capital in land, and was at one time the owner of 800 acres in Ogle County. Besides his property in this county, he has a fine tract of land near Ottawa, Kan., embracing 660 acres with valuable improvements. He has been a resident of Illinois since November, 1854, when he established himself in the flouring-mill business, which he carried on for a period of fourteen years in Freeport, and was at the head of this industry in that section. This, however, did not please him so well as agricultural pursuits and dealing in real estate, and accordingly in 1866, he abandoned milling and thereafter became interested in farming lands. In which he operated seventeen years in Ogle County, and afterward took up his residence for a time in Freeport, whence, in December, 1883, he removed to Silver Creek Township, which he purposes making his permanent home.

Jacob Reigard was born in Centre County, Pa., on Christmas Day, 1813. He remained under the parental roof until seventeen years of age, and then began the study of medicine under the instruction of Dr. Bigelow of his native county. He was thus occupied for five years following, and finally became the partner of his tutor, with whom he practiced successfully, and shared the reputation which the latter had built up as a practitioner of no ordinary merit. Our young physician after leaving the office of Dr. Bigelow, went to Shirleysburg, Huntingdon Co., Pa., where he established, and practiced as nearly as possible after the methods of his former patron. He built up a successful and lucrative practice, which he continued during fourteen years, and then abandoned it for what he believed would be the more congenial occupation of a real-estate dealer. His first purchase of land was in Huntingdon County, on the Juniata River, and he afterward took a contract on the Pennsylvania Railroad, by which he realized a handsome sum of money. He was, however, located in a section of country whose climate brought on an attack of ague, which eventually caused him to leave Huntingdon County, and return to his old home in Centre County, where he afterward engaged in the manufacture of liquor and also resumed milling operations. In connection with this he was known as "mine host" of a stage house, which he conducted for a period of nine years, the proceeds thereof adding still more to his exchequer. He finally decided to remove to the West, and since taking up his residence in Freeport, has been widely and favorably known in the social and financial circles of Stephenson County.

The marriage of Jacob Reigard and Miss Lucinda Wagner was celebrated at the home of the bride in Columbia County, Pa., in March, 1833. Mrs. Reigard was born and reared in that country, and by her marriage with our subject became the mother of eight children, all of whom with one exception are still living. The eldest son, Frank, married Miss Chirslep, and is farming in Florence Township; Melia is the wife of J. C. Motz, of Centre County, Pa.; Louisa is the wife of R. C. McWilliams, who is a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature from Northumberland County; Shepard is married and a well-known business man of Freeport; Belle is the wife of F. J. Welch, a dealer in agricultural implements in Chicago; Juniatta H., Otie and Blanche are at home with their parents, the latter a successful teacher in the district schools. The parents and children are all members and regular attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Reigrad is an uncompromising Democrat, and takes a lively interest in all matters pertaining to the general welfare of the people.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Peter Reigard by name, was one of the best educated men in Mifflin County, Pa. His education was completed in the best schools of his native Empire, and his whole career was that of a close student and extensive reader, whose talents brought him in contact with the best minds of his day. Even when over eighty years of age he was a fluent reader of Greek and Latin and no less a master of German and English. He was born in Heidelberg, Germany, and was educated for the ministry in the German Lutheran Church, to which his people belonged. He desired a career, however, which would better harmonize with his more liberal ideas. The great-grandfather of our subject, also named Peter, was a native of the Rhine Province, and carried out the design of his parents and friends in becoming a minister of the church. While still a young man he was sent to America as a missionary, and preached the first sermon in the German language that was delivered in the city of Philadelphia. He also closely applied himself to study, and became finely educated and lived to a ripe old age.

Daniel Reigard, the father of our subject, was born and reared on a farm in Mifflin County, Pa., his father deeming it wise to have his children reared amidst rural scenes and pursuits. These accorded so well with his tastes that he became a full-fledged farmer, which pursuit he followed successfully, though he was not physically strong and died in middle life.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 738-740