GEORGE PHILIP KROLL
George Philip Kroll, superintendent of the American Distillery, Pekin, Ill., was born in his present home city, September 2, 1859, and acquired his education in the public schools of his native place. At an early age he secured employment loading hay for a hay press, and was later employed in a distillery, which was later converted into a hominy mill. His next, position was with the Hamburg Distillery, where he learned the trade of yeast making and was made superintendent. For twelve years he remained with the Hamburg Distillery, and then supervised the building of the American Distillery, in which he became a stockholder, and was later engaged as superintendent and yeast-maker, a position which he still fills with ability.
Mr. Kroll has always voted the Republican ticket, and socially is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Tazewell Club. In 1888 he was married to Miss Frances Augusta Leach, who was born in Pekin December 13, 1862, the daughter of Anson and Amanda Melvina (Bacus) Leach, the father being a native of New York and the mother of Ohio. Frances A. was graduated from the Pekin High School, held a position as teacher for a while, and was employed in the Peter Steinmetz dry goods store. Her death occurred in 1898. On June 17, 1902, Mr. Kroll was united in marriage at Springfield, Ill., to Miss Minta R. Bailey, a daughter of Edward and Emma (Coleman) Bailey, born in Spring Lake Township, Tazewell County, in June, 1873, and educated in the public schools and the College of Mexico, Missouri. Mr. Kroll’s parents were Jacob and Margarite (Keil) Kroll, both of whom were born in Germany, the father in 1829 and the mother in 1825.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 1035