Biography - Philip Roessler
PHILIP ROESSLER. The readers of this volume will be interested to pursue
still farther the history of the Roessler family, one of the most prominent and
respected circles of Rose Township, Shelby County. The representative whose name
we give here is one of the most thorough-going fanners and intelligent and
representative citizens of his section of the county. His parents are spoken of
more at length in the history of his brother, Edward Roessler.
Six children gathered about the parental fireside and among these our subject
was the youngest son and next to the youngest child. He was born in Fairfield
County, Ohio, near Lancaster, July 7. 1837. Here he spent his boyhood days and
came with his father to Shelly County in 1849, growing to maturity in Rose
Township. He remained at home until he was married, and then settled upon the
old home farm where he has since resided. His bride was Sarah E. Barringer, who
was born in Montgomery County, Ill., in 1837. Their wedding took place in Rose
Township, in October, 1860. This wife bore him two children, Stephen A. and Mary
S., the daughter dying when fifteen years old, and the mother being called away
in October, 1864.
The second marriage of our subject took place in Rose Township, February 22,
1870, his wife being Mary E. Gearhart, who was born in Pennsylvania. She became
the mother of four children: Theodore J., Arthur H., Nellie M. and Emma F. Mrs.
Mary E. Roessler died in September, 1878. His third wife was Florence M.
Gearhart, who died in June, 1880. The lady who now presides so graciously over
the household of Mr. Roessler, bore the maiden name of Mary M. Kull and was born
in Shelby County. Five children have crowned this union, namely: Ralph E.,
Luther M., Charles A., Ira P. and William O.
Agricultural pursuits have always claimed the attention of Mr. Roessler and he
is now the owner of two hundred acres of rich and fertile soil which bears upon
it excellent improvements, and comfortable and commodious buildings. His
neighbors have placed him in several offices of responsibility and trust. He has
been Collector for four terms, Assessor for one term and School Director for
several years, he has taken quite an active part in political affairs, is in
sympathy with the Labor Union movement and a member of the Farmers' Mutual
Benefit Association. His religious training and associations have led him to
unite himself with the Lutheran Church in which his wife is also an active
member. He has contributed liberally both to the support and building of the
church, and is man of broad intelligence and one of the efficient promoters of
all movements designed to forward the best interests of the community. His good
wife bears a high reputation for housewifely skill and management and her
hospitality and geniality make her a decided favorite in the social circles of
Rose Township.
Extracted 05 Feb 2020 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 654-655.
