JOHN H. GOSSMEYER
John Henry Gossmeyer, an extensive landowner and stoc-kraiser of Deer Creek Township, who is demonstrating in his own creditable career the possibilities of farming in Illinois, was born July 8, 1848, in Cincinnati, Ohio, where his father, John H. Gossmeyer, a native of Hanover. Germany, settled at an early day.
John H. Gossrneyer, the father, came to America in 1835, and, after settling in Ohio, married Mary Fisher, after which he spent some time in Covington, Ky. Coming overland to Illinois in 1866, he located in Deer Creek Township, but, not being satisfied with his prospects, disposed of his farm and returned to Cincinnati. At a later period, he also returned to Deer Creek Township, where he purchased another farm and spent the balance of his life.
The self-supporting career of the subject of this sketch dates from the family arrival in Illinois in 1866, when he bought a farm in Mackinaw Township, and, after selling it, purchased a portion of his present homestead on Section 35. This proved productive and remunerative, and he has subsequently added to his property, until he now owns 410 acres, devoted principally to high-grade stock.
On October 23, 1895, Mr. Gossmeyer was married in Pekin. Ill., to Mrs. Johanna White (nee Dean), who was born in Woodford County, Ill., the daughter of Joseph and Anoilva Dean, both of whom came from Ohio and settled in Bloomington, Ill. Later Mr. Dean removed to Woodford County, Ill., and subsequently to Deer Creek Township, Tazewell County, where he rented a farm previous to purchasing the forty acres on Section 35, where he died at a venerable age.
Mr. Gossmeyer adheres to the principles of the Democratic party, and for many years has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. By his wife’s former marriage four children were born: Minnie, Eliza (wife of Bert Francis. of Peoria), Anna and Emma.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 1008