Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor
Page 1474:
MORSTATTER, GEORGE - Ever since its incorporation Sangamon County has been noted for its phenomenal development, due not only to the fertility of the land, but to the enterprise and public-spirit of its citizens. Especially has this growth and development been apparent in the last few years, during which it has taken its place in the front rank of Illinois counties. One who had done his share in bringing about such a condition of affairs is George Morstatter, engaged in agricultural pursuits on Section 26, Illiopolis Township, where he has an excellent property. Mr. Morstatter is a native of Germany, born in Bavaria, February 28, 1836, a son of Jacob and Magdaline Morstatter, natives of the Fatherland. Jacob Morstatter who was a fruit grower in his native country, came to America at an early date and settled in New Haven, Conn., where he conducted a wine garden until his death. He had served in the German army during the Franco-Persian War. Of his family of six sons and four daughters George is the only survivor.
Mr. Morstatter was educated in Germany and assisted his father until coming to America in 1856, and after landing in New York went to New Haven, Conn., where he secured employment in a factory. One year later, however, he came west to Decatur, Ill., and followed gardening fro seven years, eventually moving to Illiopolis Township and purchasing his present fine farm of 110 acres. He has been successful in his agricultural pursuits and has also done his duty as a citizen, serving as Road Commissioner in Macon County for several terms. In political matters he is a Democrat. He is a Roman Catholic in religious belief, while Mrs. Morstatter is a member of the Christian Church.
Mr. Morstatter was married in Decatur, Ill., in 1863, to Malinda Barger, who was born in Maroa, Ill, daughter of a Macon County farmer, and to this union there were born two children: Dora, wife of John Erlinbush, living in St. Louis, Mo.; and Sarah, wife of Andrew Jackson, living in Creston, Iowa. Mrs. Morstatter died in Decatur, and Mr. Morstatter was married (second) July 13, 1876, to Mary E. Doolin, who was born in Jefferson County, Ill., October 1, 1855, daughter of a farmer of that county. To this union there were born eleven children, of whom nine are now living: Harvey, who resides in Buffalo, Ill.; Delilah, wife of James Person, living in Morrisonville, Ill.; Anna M., who married J. B. Stubblefield, living in Decatur; Mary K., wife of Frank Sargent, living on a farm near Illiopolis; Martin R., a resident of Fort Worth, Tex.; Lula B., wife of Charles Roelinger, of Shelbyville; Amelia E., wife of Harry Henry of Decatur; Georgia, wife of Guy Ready of Chatham, Ill.; and Arthur W. There are twenty grandchildren in the family.