Biography - Jacob E. Eby
JACOB E. EBY. Illinois in its early settlement gathered within its
bounds representatives from every State in the East and South, and to its
rich and fertile prairies there have flocked, even unto the present time,
representatives of the older civilization in various parts of the country.
Many Pennsylvanians by birth are among its sound and sensible residents and
have brought from the old Keystone State those principles and habits of
thrift which mark that Commonwealth. Our subject who is a native of that
State and who makes his home on section 31, Okaw Township, dates his
residence in Shelby County from 1882.
Mr. Eby was born in Lebanon County, Pa., March 10, 1852, and was thus a man
of mature years when he removed to the West. His honored parents were Jacob
and Eliza (Shaak) Eby, and they gave to him so good a common-school
education as to fit him to take a position at the teacher's desk, which he
filled for eight terms. They also gave him the best of home training and a
thorough drill in the work of the farm.
The marriage of Jacob Eby with Miss Kate Seltzer was solemnized at
Washington, D. C., in April, 1877. This happy occasion was the beginning of
a married life of true congeniality and harmony, and the foundation of one
of those families which are the strength and glory of America, in that their
quiet and useful home lives form the basis for the success of our Republican
institutions. Mrs. Eby is the daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Martin) Seltzer,
and like her husband, was born in Lebanon County. Pa., but at the date of
her marriage was residing in Maryland.
As we have said, it was the year 1882 when our subject first came to
Illinois, and being favorably impressed with the value of the land and the
environments of this section, he purchased the farm upon which he now
resides and made his home upon it in the spring of 1883. Since that time he
has devoted himself indefatigably to the cultivation and improvement of the
seventy-six and one-half acres which he owns.
Mr. and Mrs. Eby have had the pleasure of welcoming to their home three
interesting and lovely children, but one of them they were called upon to
lay in the grave in early infancy. The two who are living are named Sarah
and John D., and the traits of character which they have already shown give
a fair promise of their future usefulness which will, as it should, prove an
honor to their parents.
The Democratic party for many years held the allegiance of Mr. Eby, but for
some time past he has been independent in his political views and feels that
by being free from the trammels of party he can more effectually serve his
State and country. This independence does not at all interfere with his
popularity among his neighbors and he is at present the efficient Supervisor
of Okaw Township. He is an earnest believer in the Christian religion,
having been reared in the faith of the Reformed Church. The interests of the
agricultural community appeal very strongly to this gentleman and it is his
aim to assist both himself and others in promoting the commercial and
industrial prosperity of this class. With this end in view he has identified
himself with the Farmers' Mutual Benefit Association, in which he believes
there is help for the difficulties which have stood in the way of the
progress of agriculturists.
Extracted 17 Jun 2019 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 634-635.
