My Genealogy Hound

JOHN HENRY HOMRIGHAUSEN, a farmer of Monroe County, living on section 31, township 3, range 8 west, is a son of Henry and Sophia (Scharch) Homrighausen. He was born on the old family homestead where he now lives, March 26, 1859, was reared under the parental roof and soon became familiar with all the details of farm life. The public schools of the neighborhood afforded him his educational privileges, which, added to experience and observation in later years, have made him a well informed man.

On the 6th of August, 1885, Mr. Homrighausen was married to Miss Catherine Ritter, a daughter of Balthazar Ritter. Her father was a native of Germany, and crossing the Atlantic to the New World he came to the west and cast his lot among the early settlers of Randolph County, Ill. He is still living in this state, his home being now in Mascoutah, St. Clair County. His daughter, wife of our subject, was born in Randolph County on the 5th of June, 1864, and there spent her early girlhood days. She afterwards went with her parents to St. Clair County, where she grew to womanhood and was educated. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Homrighausen, a son and two daughters, namely: Alma Anna Sophia, who was born August 9, 1886; Henry Balthazar, born on the 20th of July, 1889; and Mary Sophia Catherine, born December 2, 1891.

After his marriage, Mr. Homrighausen settled upon the farm which has since been his home. He now owns one hundred and sixty acres of good land, sixty acres being on section 31, sixty acres in Randolph County, and forty acres in the adjoining township. It is all well improved and under a high state of cultivation. He devotes his time principally to the raising of grain, and the well tilled fields give evidence of abundant harvests. Many of the improvements upon the place stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He has erected a comfortable residence, built a new granary and also a barn. The place is complete in all its appointments, being supplied with all modern accessories and conveniences. It is one of the best improved places in the township, and the owner is regarded as one of the leading agriculturists.

Our subject is a member of the Evangelical Church, and in his political views is a Republican. While he keeps himself well informed on the issues of the day, as all true American citizens should do, he has never sought or desired the honors or emoluments of public office, preferring to devote his entire time and attention to his business interests, in which he has met with signal success. He has lived an upright, honorable life, and throughout the community is held in high regard.