JACOB S. REISINGER, Superintendent of the Stephenson County Poor Farm, has been in charge of that institution for the last twelve years. It is scarcely necessary to say that, considering the length of time which he has occupied this responsible position, he has acquitted himself with credit and to the satisfaction of all concerned. He has managed the farm with excellent judgment and made the most of its natural resources, producing all kinds of grain and vegetable, and providing more than is necessary for the maintenance of beneficiaries of the institution. He devotes his whole time and attention to the interests of the unfortunate of this county. The farm embraces 166 acres of land, and there are twenty acres of timber belonging to it on another section. When Mr. Reisinger assumed charge there were but four trees on the place, but he has planted until there are 700 ornamental and shade trees, which add greatly to the beauty of the property. The land likewise was greatly run down and sadly needed the supervision of a man understanding his business. This want our subject has met most thoroughly, and besides bringing the soil to a good state of cultivation, has had the buildings repaired, additional ones erected, the fences and machinery properly cared for, and, indeed, could not have fulfilled the trust committed to him in a better manner if the property had been his own. There has been no trace of “boodler” work connected with this institution during the past twelve years, as the books are always open for inspection, and the Superintendent cordially invites examination by all those interested and entitled to the privilege.

Our subject spent his childhood and youth in Trumbull County, Ohio, where his birth took place Feb. 20, 1836. His father, David Reisinger, also a native of the Buckeye State, had learned blacksmithing in early manhood, which he followed in Trumbull County until the spring of 1855. Then deciding to seek his fortune in the West, he came to Illinois and located in Stephenson County, which was his home until 1858, when he went to Ogle County, where he remained until 1876. He then crossed the Mississippi into Grundy County, Iowa, where his death took place Jan. 8, 1877. The paternal grandfather of our subject, Peter Reisinger by name, was of German birth and parentage, and emigrated to the United States when a small boy, locating with his parents in York County, Pa. He was there married to a lady whose name is not now known to our subject, and who did not live many years. His second wife was Miss Barbara Shanner, of Beaver County, Pa., who became the mother of several children, and died in Ohio in 1849. The father afterward lived with his children until his death, which took place in Ohio in 1852, at the advanced age of eight-six years. His remains were placed by the side of those of the mother of his children. He had been occupied as a blacksmith the greater part of his life, but was also fond of agricultural pursuits.

The father of our subject learned the blacksmith trade of his honored sire, and remained under the home roof until his marriage. The maiden of his choice was Miss Sarah Sibert, a native of Middletown Township, Columbiana Co., Ohio, who is yet living, and is now past seventy years of age. She is yet strong and active in mind and body, and retains many of the characteristics which distinguished her early in life as a careful and conscientious mother, and led her to train her children to habits of industry and principles of honor.

The subject of this sketch was the eldest of eight children, six sons and two daughters, born to his parents. The two daughters are both deceased. The sons are all married and settled in comfortable homes of their own. The early life of Jacob S. was spent in the shop and on the farm, and he was nearly a young man grown when he accompanied his parents to this State. They located in Rock Run Township, and two years later our subject was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca Hulse, the wedding taking place at the home of the bride, Jan. 8, 1858. Mrs. Reisinger is the eldest daughter of Benjamin and Cloa A. (Sibert) Hulse, natives of Ohio, where they were reared and married. Mr. H. was a carpenter by trade, which he followed in his native State until 1856, when he came to the West, accompanied by his family, and settled in Rock Run Township. There the mother died in 1862. Mr. Hulse was married the second time and removed to Union County, Iowa, where his death took place July 14, 1883, when he was seventy-three years of age.

The wife of our subject was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, Jan. 24, 1836 and remained with her parents until her marriage. Of her union with Mr. Reisinger there have been born seven children, three now deceased, namely, Charles H., David L. and Mattie J., who died when quite young. Those surviving are Clara Ada; Lizzie E., a teacher in the district schools; Sarah A., also a teacher, and Lydia A., all making their home with their parents. The family are members and regular attendants of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Freeport. Mr. Reisinger keeps himself well posted upon matters of general interest and votes the straight Republican ticket. He is held in high regard by the people of his township as a man who has contributed his full quota toward its prosperity. He owns a good farm in Plymouth County, Iowa, which embraces 320 acres of land. He takes pride in having everything done well, and his management of the County Farm has been highly creditable to his excellent judgment and good business capacity.

Contributed by Carole Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. 1888