www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com
25 Jul 2005
Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885 Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL
Transcribed by: Brandi McLoughlin Jacob M. Van Demark, farmer and stock-raiser, section 3, Tampico Township, was born in Olive Township, Ulster Co., N.Y., Dec. 18m 1832. His father was J.S. Van Demark, a mechanic, of whom a sketch is give elsewhere in this volume. He worked with his father in mechanical pursuits until of age, receiveing only a limited school education, but a good training in the ar of house-building. After he attained his legal age, he worked four years for Martin Acker, an architect, and then, in 1858, he came West and located upon 40 acres in Yorktown Township, Henry County, this State, and followed his trade. In 1859 he came to Tampico Township, this county, and helped to organize that division of the county, being elected the first Township Clerk. He has since served also as Road Commissioner several years. In 1866 he settled on a farm of 80 acres on the section he now occupies. At present, however, he owns an aggregate of 220 acres, all finely improved, the county ditch passing through his farm. His farm buildings and equipments are also first-class, and he exhibits every evidence of a No. 1 agriculturist. His cattle are of high grade of Short-horns. He votes the Repulbican ticket. Feb. 19, 1857, in his native township, he married Miss Mary A. Lane, who is also a native of Ulster Co. N.Y., where her father Cornelius Lane, was a farmer. Her mother's maiden name was Catherine Elmendorf. Her parents now reside in Hume Township. Mrs. Van Demark received a good education and before her marriage, taught school. Mr. and Mrs. V are the parents of two children, namely; Fred, born Oct. 25, 1863; and Irma, born Sept. 12, 1870.
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