William Straesser

Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Peoria County, 1902
Transcribed by Janis Straesser!

WILLIAM STRAESSER has had a successful career as a farmer since he attained his majority, and at one time he owned a farm of one hundred and eighty-four acres, forty acres of which he sold to the State of Illinois. He gives particular attention to fine Jersey stock. Independent in politics, he wields a recognized influence in township affairs and has served his fellow citizens two years as Tax Collector and twelve years as School Director. He is a Methodist. December 24, 1878 at Peoria, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Michael M. and Catharine (Haner) Powell, natives of Wales, and they have five children: William Eugene, Elmer Morgan, Harold Carter, Catherine E. and Christian. Mrs. Straesser was born in Limestone Township April 22, 1855. Her father, born at Radnor, South Wales, January 15, 1819, emigrated to New York City and removed thence to Jefferson County, New York, where he was constable eight years and was twice elected Justice of the Peace. After his settlement in Peoria County he was Postmaster at Dowdallville, resigning to remove to Peoria to serve as Coroner, which office he occupied several terms. He was the first Notary Public in Limestone Townships. In politics he was a Democrat.

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