HENRY WEILAND, deceased, presented the admirable illustration of a self-made man, who by his own efforts arose from a humble position in life, and became the reliable business man and thoroughly respected citizen who formed one of the valued factors of the community of Winslow, among whose people he moved for a period of over twenty years.

Mr. Weiland was a descendant of excellent German ancestry, and was himself born in the Fatherland, April 22, 1822. He was orphaned by the death of both parents when but three years old, and was reared by an uncle. He attended school during his childhood and youth, and later engaged in farm pursuits in his native Province, until emigrating to the United States. Upon his arrival in New York City he had a cash capital of thirty-seven cents in his pocket, and naturally made it his first business to seek employment. This he soon found in a restaurant, where he remained a year, and then started for the West. He was located for a time at Freeport, Ill., and then proceeded into Jo Daviess County, being employed on a farm by the month until his marriage. Subsequently he operated on rented land in West Point Township, and in the meantime saved what he could of a limited income. His industry soon met with its reward, and in due time he was enabled to purchase the land which is now included in the desirable family homestead. Upon it at that time was a partially finished house, and most of the land was broken. Mr. Weiland completed the dwelling, erected a good barn, and planted fruit, shade and ornamental trees. Upon the homestead thus established he spent many tranquil years, and there departed this life Feb.16, 1884. He mingled but little in public affairs, but after becoming a naturalized citizen cast his vote with the Democratic party.

Mrs. Weiland, the wife of our subject, was born in Union County, Pa., July 1, 1837, and was the daughter of John and Mena (Walter) Babb, who were among the earliest pioneers of Stephenson County, and of whom a sketch will be found elsewhere in this volume. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Weiland there were born four children, namely, Mary, Cora, Emma and Minnie. The mother is a member in good standing of the Lutheran Church, and she and her daughters live together on the homestead, surrounded by all the comforts of life, and enjoying the friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. The Weiland homestead is situated on rising ground which commands a fine view of the adjacent country, and invariably attracts the admiring attention of the passers-by. Since the death of her husband Mrs. W. has managed her farming and business affairs in a highly creditable manner, and has aimed in every particular to keep up the standing of the home established by her honored husband, and which will remain for years to come as the monument of this thrift and industry.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 679