Biography - David Wilhelm
DAVID F. WILHELM, a prosperous farmer residing in Cache Township, Johnson County, was born in North Carolina, January 8, 1831. He is a son of John and Mary (Boston) Wilhelm, both natives of the same State. Lewis Wilhelm, the father of John, was also born in North Carolina, and his wife, Margaret, was of German descent. John Wilhelm was a carpenter by trade, and also followed agricultural pursuits on a farm he owned in North Carolina until he sold out and came to Illinois. He made the journey by wagon and was on the road six weeks and two days, camping and cooking by the way. He crossed the Ohio River at Golconda in Pope County, and reached Illinois May 13, 1841. On the land he purchased in Cache Township, Johnson County, he continued to reside until his death, February 10, 1868.
David F. Wilhelm received his education in North Carolina, and as the schools at that time in his native State were very similar to those in southern Illinois at the same time, his opportunities for securing a good education were extremely limited. He remained at home until he was twenty-two years old, when he took charge of the home farm. This place he finally purchased and has since then added other tracts to it, until at the present time he owns six hundred acres, two hundred and eighty acres in the home farm, and three hundred and twenty acres in another tract, but all in Johnson County.
December 6, 1860, Mr. Wilhelm married Sarah E. Beggs, who was born in Union County, Ill., October 30, 1839. Her father was a native of Illinois and her mother of North Carolina. Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm have had four children: Martha J., who married M. Bruens and resides in Union County, Ill.; Permitta Ann, deceased; Sarah E., who married Lee Moak and resides in Johnson County; and David T., who is married and also lives in Johnson County. Mrs. Wilhelm is a member of the Baptist Church, while Mr. Whilhelm is identified with the Lutheran Church. In his social connections he is a member of Belknap Lodge No. 822, A. F. & A. M. Politically he adheres to the platform adopted by the Republican party. He is one of the best and most successful farmers of the county and has the best of improvements on his farm.
Extracted 16 Dec 2016 by Norma Hass from 1893 Biographical Review of Johnson, Massac, Pope, and Hardin Counties, Illinois, page 548.
