JOHN SUHLING who is engaged in farming and stock-raising on section 25. Belleview Precinct, Calhoun County, is numbered among the enterprising and progressive citizens of the community. Although he has made his home in the county but a comparatively short time; he has made its interests his interests and has done all in his power for its promotion and advancement. When called upon to aid any worthy movement or enterprise he cheerfully responds and therefore deserves to be called one of the leading citizens of, the county.
Mr. Suhling is a native of Hanover, Germany, his birth having occurred on the 8th of April, 1855. He is the second in order of birth in a family of four children whose parents are John and Gesiena (Frick) Suhling, also natives of Germany. Prior, to the late war his father crossed the Atlantic to America and located in New York City, where for seven years he was employed as night watchman in a sugar factory. He then returned to his native land where he spent his last days. John remained in Germany until sixteen years of age and prior to that time acquired a good education in his mother tongue. Believing the advantages of the New World superior to those of the old countries he resolved to try his fortune in the United States and in 1871 boarding a vessel at Bremen, he landed at New York City on the 16th of September, having spent fourteen days upon the water. Since his arrival he has mastered the English language, learned to read, write and transact his business in our tongue and is now a well-informed man on all matters of general interest. He entered upon his business career in Brooklyn, N. Y., where for a year he was employed in a candy factory. He then spent one year as clerk in a retail grocery store of New York City, after which he started westward coming to Calhoun County. Ill., in 1873, where for several years he worked as a farm hand, generally receiving a compensation for his services about $15 per month and his board.
An important event in the life of Mr. Suhling occurred on the 2d of June, 1881, when he led to the marriage altar Miss Hannah F. Quelle, a native of this county, and a daughter of John P. and Wilhelmina Quelle. Her parents were born in Germany and became citizens of this county during the early days of its history. Her father is now deceased. Four children came to gladden the home of Mr. and Mrs. Suhling with their presence but only two are now living, William F. and John P. In politics Mr. Suhling supports the principles of the Republican party and feels a deep interest in its success. He has succeeded admirably with his business interests and though yet a young man he is now the owner of a fine farm comprising one hundred and seventy acres the greater part of which is under a high state of cultivation. His home is one of the finest residences in the county and the other improvements are such as one would expect to find upon a model farm. The household is the abode of hospitality and our subject and his worthy wife have a large circle of friends and acquaintances who hold them in high esteem.
Extracted 16 Mar 2017 by Norma Hass from Portrait and Biographical Album of Pike and Calhoun Counties, Illinois, published in 1891, pages 548-549
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