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NICHOLAS MANN,
one of the early settlers of Effingham County, is now owner of the flour-mills of Shumway and is recognized as
one of the leading business men of that place. He was born July 24, 1838, in Albisheim, Germany, his parents, Nicholas
and Philibina (Wurster) Mann, being also natives of Germany. In 1855 they left the Fatherland and crossed the Atlantic
to America. They made a location in St. Clair County, Ill., and there resided with their eldest son, who had come
to this country some years previous. The death of Mr. Mann occurred in 1862, and his wife passed away in 1878.
Tliey had a family of eleven children, eight sons and three daughters.
The
subject of this sketch spent the days of his boyhood in the land of his nativity and at the age of eighteen accompanied
his parents on their emigration to America. Here he went to work on a farm, receiving $ per month for his services,
and was thus employed for three years. On the expiration of that period, he rented land and engaged in farming
for himself. He remained in St. Clair County until 1867, when he came to Effingham County and bought a farm of
one hundred and sixty acres of partially improved land. The purchase price was $2, 900, but at that time he could
only make a small payment upon it. He is an energetic and industrious man, however, and as the result of his untiring
labors his financial resources were increased and in due time he paid off all indebtedness.
On
the 17th of March, 1864, Mr. Mann married Miss Mary Lotz, who was born in St. Clair County, Ill., October 30, 1844.
Twelve children graced their union, six sons and six daughters, but four died in infancy. Those yet living are
Elizabeth; Otto, who married Lena Hohman, of this county, and is in partnership with his father in the milling
business; Charles, a grain and stock-dealer in Beecher City, Effingham County; Annie, wife of Theodore Engle, a
prosperous farmer of Effingham County; Lena, wife of William Metzer, one of the leading young merchants of Shumway;
Rudolph, who aids his father in carrying on the business; Alvena, who is now employed as clerk in a store; and
Mary, who completes the family.
Mr.
Mann continued to devote his energies to agricultural pursuits until 1885, when he left the farm and removed to
Shumway. He was a successful farmer and added to his landed possessions a tract of forty acres. On coming to Shumway,
Mr. Mann embarked in the grain and stock business, in which he is now doing a large and flourishing trade. He owns
a large flouring-mill worth $15,000, which is supplied with all the latest improvements known to the business.
His success in life has all been due to his own efforts and for it he deserves great credit. He may truly be called
a self-made man, for unaided, he has steadily worked his way upward from a humble position until he is now classed
among the substantial citizens of the community in which he makes his home. In politics, he is a Republican and
has filled nearly all of the town offices, including those of Supervisor and Road Commissioner. He was also School
Director and served as School Treasurer for nine years. Himself and family are members of the Lutheran Church.
Mr. Mann is a public-spirited and progressive citizen, and manifests a commendable interest in all that pertains
to the welfare of the community.
Portrait
and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties Illinois, Containing Biographical Sketches of
Prominent and Representative Citizens, Governors of the State, and the Presidents of the United States. (Chicago:
Chapman Brothers, 1887), p. 277. Transcribed by Judy Rosella Edwards.
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