HENRY S. GRIESEMER
The paternal grandparents of Mr. Griesemer, John and Elizabeth Grieserner, and his maternal grandparents, Michael and Barbara Luly, were natives of Germany. His father, Adam Griesemer, who was born in Germany, February 25, 1825, came to the United States in 1845, borrowing the money to pay his passage, and first landing in New York City. There he remained about one year, working at his trade, which was that of a tailor, and receiving only three dollars a month for his services. When about twenty-two years of age he removed to Ohio, where in October, 1849, he was married to Barbara Luly, also a native of Germany. While a resident of Ohio he worked at his trade and also engaged in farming.
In. March, 1868, Mr. Griesemer removed to Illinois, settling on Section 23, Hopedalé Township, Tazewell County, where he purchased a farm of 90 acres and commenced immediately to improve it. He became a very successful farmer, eventually owning about 400 acres.
Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Griesemer, as follows: Elizabeth, born August 3, 1851, died February 15, 1853; Adam C., born August 7, 1853; Mary, July 6. 1855; Theresa, May 2, 1857; Barbara, August 20, 1859; Rosa, October 27, 1861; John, July 16, 1864; Clara, May 13, 1867; Charles, September 18, 1869; and Henry S., born in Hopedale, Tazewell County, July 20, 1872, being the subject of this sketch, who is still living at the old homestead. Mr. Henry Griesemer graduated from the Hopedale school, after which he engaged in farming and stock-raising, and now cultivates about 175 acres of land. He is a member of the Catholic Church, and in politics a Democrat. He was married in Hopedale .January 17, 1900, to Miss Anna Ford, who was born in Quincy, Ill., August 2, 1873, his wife being the daughter of Ben S. and Mary (Russell) Ford, who came to Illinois from Kentucky. Mrs. Griesemer’s father was a soldier in a Kentucky regiment during the Civil War.
Mr. Griesemer is a prosperous and energetic young man, and at present fills the position of President of the Farmers’ County Institute of Tazewell County. He is a lover of good horses, and takes just pride in breeding some of the best in the community.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 1011