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DOERFLER, JOHN (deceased), of Springfield, Ill., was born in Germany, January 12, 1828, son of John and Catherine Doerfler, both of whom were natives of Germany and died there. The father was a miller, and, after receiving his education in the German Lutheran schools, John Doerfler, Jr., worked with his father in the mill until he came to America, in 1854. He landed in New York in July of that year and lived in that city two years, becoming a broom maker, which occupation he followed in Springfield after locating there in 1856, until his death. He became an adept at his trade and was fairly successful in a financial way, being industrious and thrifty. He became a highly respected citizen of Springfield, where he won many warm friends, and at his death was genuinely mourned by his family and all who knew him. Mr. Doerfler was always a devout church member and was affiliated with the German Lutheran Church of Springfield. He had served in the German Army before emigrating to America. In politics he was a Democrat, and took a commendable interest in the progress and welfare of his community.

In August, 1856, Mr. Doerfler was married, in Springfield, to Miss Elizabeth Traeger, who was born in Germany, January 18, 1828, daughter of Leonard and Catherine (Diedell) Traeger. Children as follows were born of this union, namely: Margaret, married and living in Springfield; Elizabeth, unmarried, living with her mother; Catherine, married and living in Springfield; Anna C., also married and living in Springfield; John, Thomas and Barbara, unmarried, the latter in the employ of the Illinois Watch Company, and living at home. Mr. Doerfler died in 1895 and his remains were buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery. Mrs. Doerfler owns the family home at 355 West Reynolds Street, where she has lived the past twenty-nine years, and is well-known in the neighborhood.