My Genealogy Hound

ISAAC LEHNHERR. There is nothing of more interest to the general reader than a sketch of a gentleman who has won for himself both fame and fortune in the battle of life, and according to this principle a brief account of Mr. Lehnherr cannot fail to prove interesting. He ranks among the most successful business men of Chester, and is closely identified with both the commercial and social prosperity of the city. He is a man of sterling worth and superior intelligence, and at the present time is carrying on a splendid business, dealing in dry goods, groceries and general farming implements.

Our subject is a native of Switzerland, and was born September 9, 1824. He is a son of Christian and Elizabeth C. (Klopsten) Lehnherr, the former of whom was a miller in his native land, and a well-to-do citizen in Spietz. Isaac was a lad of nine years when in 1833 he crossed the Atlantic in company with his parents. On landing in the New World, they went directly to NewYork City, whence the father soon went to Stark County, Ohio, and located on a farm near Paris. After living six years in the Buckeye State, the elder Mr. Lehnherr with his family came to Randolph County, and located on a farm in Ellis Grove Township. This he continued to operate with fair success until his decease, which occurred in 1860. His good wife preceded him to the better land many years, dying in 1844.

Our subject was the sixth in order of birth of the parental family of seven children. His brothers and sisters bear the respective names of Susan, John, Christian, Martha, Jacob and Elizabeth. After coming to the United States, Isaac attended school in Ellis Grove Township, and thus gained a fair education in the English language. Young Lehnherr remained on the farm assisting his father in its cultivation until 1849, when he began in life on his own account.

On the 24th of May, 1849, our subject and Miss Sophia Heitman were united in marriage. The lady was born on the 1st of May, 1826, and was a daughter of Herman and Margaret (Wayland) Heitman. After their marriage, the young people removed to a farm near Steeleville. In October, 1856, Mr. Lehnherr established himself in business in Randolph County, opening a general store which he carried on for seven years. At the expiration of that time, having good reasons to believe he could better his condition, he removed his stock of goods to Chester, and soon afterward put in a full line of hardware and agricultural implements, carrying the Hocking, the Superior and Hoosier drills, and the Belleville thresher. His honorable course in business, his frank and courteous bearing, and his warm-hearted nature have won him the confidence of the entire community, and have given him a high place in the regard of all with whom he associates either in a business or social way.

The five children born to our subject and his wife are, Rudolph D., who aids his father in the store; Louis F., a druggist; Adelia, the wife of Fred Rebbe, of this city; Herman H., a saddler; and Emma, at home. In his political relations, Mr. Lehnherr is a Democrat, and has taken an important part in the local government, serving for some time as Alderman of the Third Ward. In him the Lutheran Church finds one of its most earnest and valued members, and he has held the office of Trustee.