History of Lee County, Illinois - Bushnell Historical Society

HISTORY OF LEE COUNTY
hard work, and it is this which has brought him the success which
has crowned his labors.
Mr. Semmler is a republican in his political views. He has
never sought nor desired office, however, preferring to concentrate
his energies upon his business affairs. He has acted as school
director, believing firmly in the cause of public education and the
employment of competent teachers.
In 1890 Mr. Semmler was united in marriage to Miss Catherine
E. Gonnerman, who was Iwrn in 1863 and is a daughter of Marcus
and Christine E. (Ferneau) Gonnerman, both of whom were na-
tives of Germany and in 1860 came to America. The mother died
here in January, 1905, but the father is still living, making his
home in Franklin Grove. They had a family of ten children, of
whom two have passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Semmler have
been born four children: Oswin Marcus, who was born May 22,
1891 ; Annette L., born December 5, 1893; Marie E., December 12,
1898; and Gertrude E., January 19, 1902. The parents are members
of the Lutheran church and are well known in the community
in which they live, enjoying the warm regard of their many
friends.
ANDREW LITTLE.
Andrew Little, a worthy native son and representative agriculturist
of Lee county, is the owner of a well improved farm of one
hund]-ed and sixty-three acres on section 34, Viola township. His
birth occurred in that toAvnship in November, 1850, his parents
being Andrew and Charity (Ross) Little, who are deceased and
lie buried in the old Burg cemetery. The father passed away on
the 25th of March, 1857, while the mother's demise occurred on
the 20th of November, 1850. They were among the esteemed pioneer
residents of the county and were sincerely mourned by an
extensive circle of friends.
Andrew Little, Jr., attended the schools of this county until
seventeen years of age and subsequently started out as an agriculturist
on his own account, beginning the opei'ation of the farm
which he had inherited from his parents. As his financial re-
sources increased, owing to his capable management and untiring
industry, he extended the boundaries of his place by purchasing
adjoining property, and it now embraces one hundred and sixty-
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