Biographies

WILLIAM A. WIEGAND, one of Henderson County's self-made men, who is now engaged in general farming and stock dealing, was born on the 25th of September, 1862, in Oquawka and is of German descent.

His father, William Wiegand, who was a native of Philippsthal, Hessen Cassel, Germany, was born August 15, 1828. In November, 1848, he came to this country, and, taking up his residence in St. Louis, was there married, in 1850, to Miss Elizabeth Goempler, also a native of Philippsthal. In May, 1852, the family located in Henderson County, and after some years spent upon the farm where our subject now resides, the parents removed to Oquawka. The mother was called to her final rest October 20, 1892. In the family were the following children: Mrs. Minnie Fliege, Mrs. Christina Jamison, August and William A.

We now take up the personal history of our subject, who in the usual manner of farm lads grew to years of maturity, his educational privileges being those afforded by the common schools.

As a companion and helpmeet on life's journey, he chose Miss Annie Keener, a daughter of Martin Keener, one of the honored pioneers and highly respected citizens of Henderson County. Their marriage was celebrated on the 14th of February, 1884, and has been blessed with a family of three children: Louis A., Elizabeth S. and William.

Mr. Wiegand received a small share of the home farm as his part of the estate, and in 1892 he purchased the interests of the other heirs, becoming the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of valuable land. He is practically a self-made man, his possessions having been acquired through his own industry, perseverance and good management. His land is now under a high state of cultivation, and the place is improved with good buildings and all the accessories of a model farm.

Mr. Wiegand is a member of the Odd Fellows' society and the Knights of Pythias society, and his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church. All who know him esteem him highly for his strict integrity and sterling worth.

From the Portrait and biographical record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson counties, Illinois : containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county (1894)
May, 1894. Lake City Publishing Co.