Biography - George Mindrup
GEORGE MINDRUP. Agriculture has one of its most energetic representatives among the German population of Nokomis Township, Montgomery County, in the gentleman whose name appears at the head of this sketch. A prosperous and progressive farmer, Mr. Mindrup is a native of Germany, having been born in Oslerland, December 6, 1836. His father was a farmer, with all the ideas of thrift and industry common and necessary to the German agriculturist. Our subject was reared on the home farm, and in the intervals of duties incident to a farmer lad, he received a common-school education, which was, however, very different from the education received by the boys of to-day.
Our subject's parents both passed away in their native land, and when young Mindrup had reached his majority he emigrated to America, his advent hither taking place in 1857. He at once proceeded to Illinois, and located on a farm near Mount Olive, in Macoupin County. There he continued until 1868, when he came to this county and purchased eighty acres of land in Nokomis Township. When all that thrift and energy could do was done for this small tract, and it had been made to blossom like the rose, he later added a larger tract to the original purchase.
A home procured, our subject cast about for the right woman to give it indeed a home atmosphere, Miss Lena Husman proved to be his heart's choice, and they were united in marriage March 2, 1865. She also was of German birth and parentage. Nine children have taken their place in the pleasant home, in which kindness and appreciation are the chief characteristics. A great affliction was laid upon the eldest son, whose name is Harmon. When but two years of age, the child had a severe illness, and as a result of this he lost the power of speech and hearing. He is now a student in the deaf and dumb school at Jacksonville, Ill., and his progress there is gratifying to himself and parents. The other children are still at home, and are named as follows: Lizzie, Frederikie, Richard, Annie, Henry, Otto, Etta and Lena. The older children are receiving every advantage afforded by the public schools of their vicinity for a thorough and practical education, and will doubtless take their places as respected citizens in the localities chosen for their homes. Mr. Mindrup is an ardent adherent of the Republican party in theory, but takes but little active interest in politics, aside from casting his vote.
Extracted 10 Jan 2017 by Norma Hass from 1892 Portrait and Biographical Record of Montgomery and Bond Counties, Illinois, page 342.
