WILLIAM HIERONYMUS
William Hieronymus, a prosperous retired farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Boone County, Ky., October 17, 1826, and was brought by his parents to Tazewell County in 1828. He received a common-school education and worked on his father’s farm until twenty-three years of age. He then established himself as an independent farmer, and has so successfully followed his calling that at the present time he owns over 800 acres of choice land adapted to both agriculture and stock-raising. His mother lived with him until her death, on June 2, 1857.
Mr. Hieronymus has retired from active life, but continues to reside on the old homestead and is highly respected by his neighbors. He has been a member of the Christian Church since 1852, and in politics supports the Prohibition party. He has served as School Trustee and Road Commissioner and for seventeen years has filled the office of School Director.
Mr. Hieronymus was married. December 7, 1848, near Stanford, McLean County, to Miss Lucinda Gardner, and the following children were born to them: Mary A. (deceased). Cynthia A., James H., John L., Albert A.,;’’’ Ella M., Nancy J. (deceased), and Margaret E. All of the living children reside near the old home.
Mrs. Hieronymus was born in Perry County. Ohio, March 30, 1829, and was the daughter of George and Elizabeth (Smith) Gardner. Her father moved from Maryland to Ohio and later to Cumberland County, Ill. (about 1840), where both be and his wife died. Mrs. Hieronymus died January 23, 1902. The grandfather of our subject, Henry Hieronymus, was a native of Virginia, while his parents were William and Alvira (Darnall) Hieronymus, the former being born in Loudoun County, Va., in 1788, and the latter, in Kentucky, in 1796. William Hieronymus, the father, migrated to Kentucky, where he married in 1809, and in 1819 settled in Missouri. He remained in that state, however, only about three years, when he returned to Kentucky. In 1828 he located permanently in Tazewell County, engaging in farming on Section 12, Hittle Township, and continuing in that line of industry until his death, on March 12, 1848.
Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Tazewell County - page 1022