Henry J. Gehner, Jr., who owns a fine farm of 200 acres in
section 35, Cahokia township, Macoupin County, and occupies a handsome
residence erected on that place, was born near Jacksonville, Morgan County,
Illinois, April 18, 1861, and was brought to Macoupin County when an infant
of three years. He is a son of Henry and Wilhelmina (Schweppe) Gehner.
The father of our subject was born in Westphalia, Germany, in August,
1823, and when 25 years old immigrated to America. He first located at St.
Louis, where he was engaged at general work, later removing to Cahokia
township, Macoupin County, where he now resides on a handsome farm of 260
acres. Mr. Gehner's first marriage was to Wilhelmina Schweppe, who was a
native of Germany. Her death occurred in January, 1880. They were blessed
with seven children, namely: Mary (Eichmeyer), who resides in Cahokia
township; Henry J., our subject; William H., of Cahokia township; Fred, who
resides in Minnesota; Lottie (Arkebauer) a resident of Kansas; Herman, who
is a teacher in Wisconsin; and Louis, who resides at home with his parents.
Mr. Gehner's second marriage was to Caroline Weisbrodt and to this union
were born two boys and three girls.
Henry J. Gehner, Jr., has
resided on his present farm since he was three years old and has met with
success in all enterprises into which he has entered. He is at present
operating his large and productive farm of 200 acres and is besides employed
as an engineer for the Madison Coal Company. Mr. Gehner sold the coal rights
of his farm to this company and they have besides purchased four acres of
his farm for their pumping station. He is a member of the Democratic party
and has served as highway commisioner for the past three years, having also
served in several other minor township offices.
In 1885, our subject
was married to Hermina Arkebauer, who was born in Mount Olive township,
September 9, 1864, and is a daughter of Meint Arkebauer. Mr. and Mrs. Gehner
are the parents of eight children, namely: Lydia, Rosena, Amanda, Theodore,
Pauline, Clara, Ida and Walter. Mr. Gehner and family are members of the
Lutheran Church.
Extracted 2018 May 08 by Norma Hass from Biographical Sketches of Leading Citizens of Macoupin County, Illinois, published in 1904, pages 409-410.
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