GEORGE FURRER
Page 553
GEORGE FURRER
Page 553
 GEORGE FURRER, one of the progressive farmers of Sherman Township, Mason County, is now living on section 36, where he owns and operates three hundred and twenty acres of valuable land, all under a high estate of cultivation. He was born on the 17th of December, 1843, in Baden, Germany, and when about nine years of age was brought by his parents to America. He was reared under the parental roof and worked at farm labor in all its various departments until he entered the Union army. Feeling that the county needed his services, and prompted by patriotic impulses, Mr. Furrer in December, 1861, joined the boys in blue of Company M, Second Illinois Cavalry, at Havana under Captain Solenbarger, now deceased. He joined his regiment at Bird's Point, Mo., went thence to Kentucky, and entered Columbus with the first troops that marched into that city. He was engaged for a time in guarding railroads and participated in some skirmishes, after which he went to Union City and later to Moscow. He took part in the battle of Bolivar, where Lieutenant-Colonel Hogg was killed, and in the battle of La Grange. Under the command of General Grant he went through Mississippi to Oxford, after which he returned to Holly Springs. His company served as body guard for General Lahman on this expedition until they fell back to Memphis, where they joined the regiment. They then went to Baton Rouge, La., where they were engaged in scouting and in guard duty. A sharp fight occurred at Tallahatchee River. From Baton Rouge they marched seven hundred miles to West Pascagoula Bay, and thence to New Orleans, after which they returned to Baton Rouge. Our subject was there mustered out and in Cairo, Ill., was honorably discharged in January, 1865. He was in all the engagements of his company, but was never wounded or taken prisoner. When his time had expired Mr. Furrer returned to his home and began farming on the old homestead, where he continued to reside until 1869. In that year he married Miss Margaret Kreiling, a daughter of H. G. Kreiling, now deceased. Their union has been blessed with ten children, namely: Barbara, Oscar, Henry, Clara, Annie, Eva, Fannie, Addie, Ollie and George. After his marriage, Mr. Furrer resided for one year in Pennsylvania Township, and in 1870 removed to a farm on which he has since made his home. He now owns three hundred and twenty acres of land, which is under a high state of cultivation and finely improved. In 1882 he erected a fine residence at a cost of $3,000, and the other buildings upon the place are in keeping with his home. In connection with general farming he makes a specialty of raising shorthorn graded stock for the market. His success in life is his own achievement. It results from earnest and untiring effort, nor from fortunate circumstances, and is therefore will deserved. In politics, Mr. Furrer is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Throughout the community they have a wide acquaintance and are held in high regard by all. |