JOHN H. HOLSHEISER. - Farming and stock raising claims the attention of John H. Holsheiser, and his farm of seventy acres, together with other lands which he operates, indicates that he thoroughly understands his business and gives to it close attention. He lives on section 22, Fancy Creek township, and is a native of Sangamon county, his natal day being December 4, 1861. He is a son of William Holsheiser, a native of Germany, who was reared and married there, wedding Miss Mary Kessler, also a native of the fatherland. Crossing the Atlantic to America, William Holsheiser became a resident of Illinois, establishing his home in Sangamon county. Later, however, he removed to Menard county, where he carried on farming for a number of years. He then returned to his county and spent his last years here, passing away on the 11th of September, 1882. His wife survived him for a number of years and departed this life on the 6th of March, 1901. In the family were two sons, who are yet living, Charles Holsheiser being a resident of Mechanicsburg, Illinois.

John H. Holsheiser was reared under the parental roof, living with his parents in Menard and Sangamon counties, and in the common schools he obtained hi education. He remained with his father until his death and then rented a farm, which he operated for four years. He was married in Fancy Creek township in March, 1887, to Miss Olive Dunlap, a daughter of John R. Dunlap and a sister of Clarence P. Dunlap, of this county. The young couple began their domestic life upon a farm in Fancy Creek township and for four years Mr. Holsheiser operated that land. He then removed to his present location and has since continued the development and improvement of his property. He has seventy acres on section 22, Fancy Creek township, and in addition he operated rented land. He has made a business of raising and dealing in stock and is considered one of the successful stockmen of his township.

In 1902 Mr. Holsheiser was called upon to mourn the loss of his loved wife, who passed away on the 14th of August. They were the parents of three children: Edna, who died June 6, 1902; and Henry and William Powers, who are with their father. Politically Mr. Holsheiser is a stanch Democrat and supports the men and measures of his party. He has never sought or desired office, however, believing that he can better employ his time by giving his attention to his farm and stock raising interests. He is a member of the Modern Woodman Camp and the Court of Honor. His entire life has been passed in Illinois, during which time he has witnessed much of the growth and progress of this portion of the state. He is a man of sterling integrity and worth, well deserving mention in this volume, devoted to the past and present of the locality.