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Levi Bressler

Short Bio

Levi Bressler is one of the prominent, enterprising farmers of Jordan Towsnship, and is located on section 35. He is the grandson of Peter and Elizabeth (Stoner) Bressler. The former was born in Germany, and was about six years of age when his parents emigrated thence to the US. They settled in Lancaster PA where Peter Bressler grew to man's estate. He was married there to Elizabeth Stoner, who was of German parentage and American birth. He was a blacksmith and farmer and both himself and his wife died in Lancaster County. Their youngest child and only son, Isaac,awas the father of Mr. Bressler, of this present narration. He acquired a complete knowledge of farming in Lancaster County, where he was born and he was there married to Fanny Neff, a daughter of a Pennsylvania farmer, and a native of the same county. She was of German origin, and became the mother of 12 children of whom 11 are still living, and who are all married. One resides in Nebraska, two in PA and the remaining eight in Whiteside County. Isaac Bressler was a farmer, and in connection with his agricultural operations, managed an overland transportation business, carried on between the cities of Philadelphia, Wheeling and Pittsburg - the latter being the eastern terminus of the western water route. This was conducted by means of the famous "Contestoga" wagon, having a capacity of four to six tons, and drawn by six horses. This was the limit, as the route crossed the several mountain chains of the Appalachian system. He was a successful stock-grower and dealer. Among his pioneer experiences was that of being a passenger on the first railraod between Columbia dn Philadelphia, horses furnishing the motive power. The passengers were on the top of the car, and one was nearly killed while passing under a bridge, neglecting to stoop at the proper time. Associated with the armers of Lancaster County, he established the Lancaster Bank, in the city of the same name. He acted as one of the directors of the institution until 1856, when he removed to Whiteside COunty. He purchased extensive tracts of land in Jordan Twp. and in other portions of the county, making the aggregate of 700 acres. He built a large residence on his farm in Jordan Twp. and a barn of the variety known as a "bank", or Swisser barn, the fist structure of the kind in the township, if not in the county. He was born at the very close of the 18th century and died March 31, 1881, after a life of active usefulness, during the entire course of which he experienced but a few days illness. His death was caused by fatty degeneration of the heart at 82 years of age. The mother is still living at Sterling. She was born in 1800 and is 85 years of age. She has been some years nearly blind. Levi Bressler lived in his native county until he wsa 25 years of age, and during the last five years of that time he drove a team for his father in the transportation business. In the spring of 1848 he came to IL an spent the ensuing summer in Whiteside COunty, returning in the fall to PA, where he remained until he exchanged his bachelor condition for that of a benedict. He was united in marriage March 26, 1850 in Lancaster Co to Frances Eby. She was born Oct. 10, 1823, in Leacock Twp., Lancaster Co PA and is the daughter of a Pennsylvania farmer of German extraction, Abraham and Elizabeth (Groff) Eby. her parents were lifelong residents of the State of PA. Mrs. Bressler died at her home in Jordan Twp. Jan. 18, 1879 leaving five children. One little one preceded her to the home of eternal peace. She as a devoted adherent of the Mennonite faith. Mary F. died Jan. 31, 1861; Emma E. lives at home; Louisa married John S. Landis a farmer of Sterling Twp; Amanda is the wife of Henry R. Rutt, a farmer of Jordan Twp.; Lydia is the wife of Frank P. Wilson and lives on the homestead of her father; Mary is also at home. In 1850 Mr. Bressler came with his young wife to Jordan Twp. and located on Section 35. He is now the owner of 240 acres, situated on sections 33, 34, and 35, which is chiefly under excellent cultivation, and furnished with first-class farm buildings. In political faith and connections he is a Republican of the genuine stamp. Portrait and Biographical Whiteside Co IL 1885 Pg 581

Owner/SourceWhiteside County, Ill Biographies
Linked toIsaac Bressler; Levi Bressler

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