Transcribed by Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Page 244

LEWIS WETZEL, a farmer, section 17, Hopkins Township, is a son of John and Margaret (REESE) WETZEL, who were natives of Franklin co., Pa., of German and English descent. They first settled in Ohio and lived there till 1855, when they came to Whiteside County and settled in the township of Genesee, where they lived till their death. He died Sept. 18, 1860, and she Feb. 2, 1882. They had a family of 12 children, namely; Catherine, Daniel, Jacob, John, George, Elizabeth, David, Andrew, Hannah, Joseph, Margaret and Lewis.

Mr. WETZEL was born in Stark Co., Ohio, June 3, 1837. He received a common-school education and came to Whiteside County with his father when he was 18 years old. He lived in Genesee Township till the fall of 1861, when he purchased a farm of 160 acres on section 17, Hopkins Township, where he settled and has since lived. He isnow the owner of 206 acres, most of which is tillable. He has erected some very fine buildings on his farm.

Mr. WETZEL was married in Sterling, Ill., March 25, 1858, to Mary, daughter of Frederick and Catherine LAWYER, natives of Germany, who had four children, - Jacob, Mary, William and Frank. Mary (Mrs. W.) was born in Stark Co., Ohio, March 1, 1836. Mr. and Mrs. W. are the aprents of four children - Rebecca E., Delilah J., John G. and Rollin E.

Mr. WETZEL has been Overseer of Highways and School Director. In politics he is indentified with the Republican party.