Marion County
ILGenWeb

John Merkelbach

JOHN MERKELBACH. Although not one of the earliest settlers, Mr. Merkelbach may justly be regarded as one of the pioneers of Centralia, to the progress of which he has contributed, and of which he has been a resident since the year 1857. His name will always be closely linked with that of his adopted home, as partly by his influence it has attained a place among the leading cities of this section of the state. He has ever been active in extending its commercial and business interests, and has contributed generously to all projects that would enhance its material prosperity.

A man of such vigorous mind, such unerring sagacity and keen insight, cannot well avoid accepting public office at the call of his fellow-men when it seems his duty as a loyal citizen to do so, and hence, while having the care of a large property, Mr. Merkelbach has found time to take a part in the administration of local affairs, and for four years represented his ward in the City Council of Ceutralia.

At present he passes his time quietly in his pleasant home, somewhat retired from active business, although he still retains the supervision of his extensive interests. Many of the foremost citizens of Marion County are of German birth and ancestry. Such is the case with the subject of this sketch, who was born near the River Rhine, in Grenzhausen, October 1, 1828.

His father, John Merkelbach, was born in Grenzhausen, and was a member of an old and prominent family of that locality. He received an excellent education in the German language, and early in life learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he made his life occupation. He was twice married, his first union being with Anna Schellmann, who bore him two children, John and Jeanette.

His second marriage resulted in the birth of three children. William, Mina and Christina, all of whom reside in Germany. The father was a leading man in local affairs, and at various times held offices of trust and responsibility. A deyoted Christian, he held membership in the Presbyterian Church.

John Merkelbach, like all German lads, attended school between the ages of six and fourteen years, and afterward learned the trade of a shoemaker under the instruction of his father. Later he traveled through the greater part of Germany working at his trade, and when a young man entered the army, serving his country for five years. He was a soldier during the war in 1848, but did not participate in any engagement.

In 1853 our subject decided to try his fortune in the New World, and in the month of April landed on American shores. Previous to coming hither, his father had given him a sum of money, which enabled him to live comfortably until he found a suitable location. After working in various places, he came to Centralia, March 7, 1857, and for twenty years followed the trade of a shoemaker. Since that time he has been variously occupied, and is now living in comparative ease in the city where he has spent so many of his best years.

In October, 1856, our subject and Miss Susan, a daughter of Bernhard and Catherine Keller, were united in marriage. Mrs. Merkelbach was born in the same locality in Germany as was our subject, and came to the United States in company with friends. By her union she has become the mother of four children,

  1. Gustavus,
  2. Mena,
  3. Emma and
  4. Albert.

Albert makes his home in Oskaloosa, Iowa, while the others arc residing in Centralia.

Mr. and Mrs. Merkelbach are members in good standing of the German Evangelical Church.

Socially, the former is connected with Centralia Lodge No. 108, I. O. O. F. In politics he is a stanch Republican, having cast his first vote for John C. Fremont. He has always been actively interested in public affairs, and in 1872 was elected Alderman of the Second Ward, serving a term of four years.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 319
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer