The home of our subject is on section 9, where he owns two hundred and eighty-six acres of fertile land upon which may be seen a complete line of substantial farm buildings, sufficiently commodious to fulfill the purposes for which they were erected and conveniently located. Every part of the estate bears evidence to the thrift and intelligence of the owner. Mr. Biederbeck was born in Prussia, April 26, 1820, and carefully reared by his good parents, John and Catherine (Schutz) Biederbeck. He received a good education in his native tongue, and when about sixteen years old began an apprenticeship at the trade of a carpenter and joiner. After having served three years, he began journey work, continuing it in is own country until 1850, and later pursuing it in America.

At the date mentioned, Mr. Biederbeck determined to seek a broader field for his labors than the thickly settled regions of his native land afforded, and taking passage at Bremen on a sail vessel, landed in New York City after a voyage of several weeks. He spent several years in the East, first in the State of New Jersey, and for a short time in Philadelphia, Pa. In that city, April 17, 1857, the rites of wedlock were celebrated between himself and Miss Augusta Kaus. This lady, who has nobly assisted her husband by her good counsel and wise management of domestic affairs, is a native of Wurtemburg, Germany, born August 19, 1831, to John and Caroline (Aeple) Kaus. When about twenty-one years old she came to America.

To Mr. and Mrs. Biederbeck, ten children have been born, of whom we note the following: Richard is living in Millbrook Township; Amelia is the wife of Harry Combs, of Colorado; Mary is the wife of P. Hart, their home being in Stark County; Lincoln A. also lives in Stark County; Augusta and Sherman W. T. have homes in Millbrook Township; Carrie, Addie, Robert Phillip, and Albert John still remain under the parental roof.

On August 20, 1862, Mr. Biederbeck became a member of Company G, One Hundred and Third Illinois Infantry, and from that time until his discharge, June 21, 1865, fought bravely, marched uncomplainingly, and watched patiently among the boys in blue, who endured more than tongue can tell in their support of American institutions. He was a member of Sherman’s Fifteenth Corps during the siege of Vicksburg, also participated in the battles of Jackson and Missionary Ridge, and in the entire Atlanta campaign. He made one of the gallant sixty thousand who followed the leadership of the renowned “Tecumseh” from Atlanta to the sea, assisted in the capture of Savannah, and finally took part in the battle of Bentonville, N. C. Mr. Biederbeck was one of the fortunate number who escaped wounds and captivity, although he had many narrow escapes. The last great act in which he participated as a Union soldier, was the grand Review at Washington, after which he returned to Peoria County.

Several years ago Mr. Biederbeck located upon the farm he now occupies, and is so successfully conducting. He endeavors to bear his part in up-building the material and moral welfare of the county, quietly interesting himself in all which he believes will be for the public good. He has served as School Director, votes the Republican ticket, and in memory of his campaign life, is identified with Post No. 177, G. A. R., at Brimfield. He and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church at Laura, are active members of society, and enjoy the esteem and confidence of their neighbors and friends. Since coming to America, Mr. Biederbeck has acquired a fair knowledge of the English language, in which he transacts all his business. His strict honesty and industrious habits are well known and valued.

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