LOUIS KLEIN, one of the successful farmers of Marion County, has a productive estate of ninety-five acres pleasantly located on section 6, Odin Township.
He was born in Lorraine, then in France, but now belonging to Germany, July 2,1854.
His parents, Sebastian and Mary (Ditche) Klein, were also natives of that country, as were also the paternal grandparents, John Nicholas and Mary Ann (Durnon) Klein.
The grandfather of our subject combined the occupations of merchant and farmer, and religiously was a Catholic. He reared a family of six children, all of whom came to the United States with the exception of one who died in the Old Country. The sons and daughters were named respectively,
Sebastian Klein was born January 21, 1815, in Lorraine, France, and was educated in the Catholie schools of his native country in the German language. While a soldier in the army, serving under Napoleon III. for fourteen years, he became thoroughly conversant with the French language.
The mother of our subject was the daughter of John and Barbara (Dem.inge) Ditche, and, like her husband, was also a native of France, her birth occurring March 25, 1827.
After his return from the army, the father of our subject turned his attention to farming, at the same time buying grain and straw from his fellow-agriculturists, which lie sold at a good profit. The parental family included six sons and five daughters, of whom those living are,
The parents were devout members of the Catholic Church. In 1872 they came to the United States, whither our subject and Mrs. Thomas had preceded them, and making their home in Sandoval, there remained until 1876. That year the father purchased forty acres of land near the town, on which he resided for a few years, and later became the proprietor of one hundred and thirty-five acres just across the line in Clinton County, where he makes his home at the present time.
Louis Klein, of this sketch, attended the Catholic school until reaching his thirteenth year, after which he assisted his father in cultivating the farm in France. On emigrating to this country, he made his way directly to Sandoval, where he had an aunt who owned and operated a store. Young Klein at once entered her employ, and for one year acted as a clerk in the establishment. Then, feeling that he could make more money, Mr. Klein hired out, first as a farm hand, and later worked in a flour mill for a few years.
The lady who became the wife of our subject in 1883 was Miss Augusta, the daughter of George and Augusta Geiger, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this RECORD. Their union has been blessed by the birth of five children, of whom Leone died at the age of six months. Those living are,
In his political relations Mr. Klein is a Republican on all national issues, but at local elections votes for the best man. His farm is embellished with all tbe necessary buildings and machinery, and under the splendid management of our subject ranks among the best in the county.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 415 - 416
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer