Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Becky Jones

Page 274

William Mensch, farmer, section 18, Hopkins Township, is a son of John and Christianna (Heinbach) Mensch, who were natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, and passed their entire lives in that State. They had a family of nine children who lived to grow up, namely: Sarah, Michael, Eliza, Jesse, Christian, Maria, William, Catherine and Abby.

William, the subject of this sketch, was born in Columbia Co., Pa., April 3, 1826. He lived in his native State till 1860, where he followed farming, and in the spring of that year came to Whiteside County and bought 165 acres of land in Hopkins Township, on section 18, where he settled and has since lived. He is now the owner of 337 acres, most of which is well cultivated. He has erected fine buildings on his farm, and in many ways enhanced its value.

He was married in Columbia Co., Pa., about Dec. 26, 1847, to Anna C. Leiby, who was born in Columbia Co., Pa., Jan. 9, 1826. She was a daughter of Jacob and Mary (Harmon) Leiby, who were also natives of the Keystone State. They had a family of 12 children, namely: Reuben, Mary, David, Rebecca, Jacob, Isaac, Samuel, Anna C., John, Emeline, Harriet and Ira Jackson.

Mr. and Mrs. M. have had 16 children, ten surviving: Martin L., William A., Eva, John H., Alice, Harriet, Jacob M., Clarence H., Laura J. and Ida are living, and Maria, Emeline, Lovina, Mary M., Sarah C. and Ellen M. are deceased.

Mr. Mensch has been Overseer of Highways, School Director and Highway Commissioner. Mr. and Mrs. M. are members of the German Lutheran Church.

In politics, Mr. Mensch is identified with the Democratic party.