Biography - WILLIAM H. MEDLER
William H. Medler is one of the most industrious and successful farmers in his neighborhood; in fact he is spoken of as being a model farmer. He was born in Aylsham, Norfolk, England, May 19, 1832. His father, William Medler, was by trade a shoemaker, his part of the work being that of overseer or foreman. He was also a dancing master and musician. His mother, whose maiden name was Mary Potter, was the daughter of a Veterinary Surgeon, who of had a business worth a thousand pounds per annum. When but nineteen years of age the subject of this sketch, accompanied by his mother and step-father came to this country. They were six weeks and four days on the ocean aboard the sailing vessel Savannah. After reaching New York city they got out of funds, and were compelled to remain there until supplied by Mr. E. Dyball, of Madison county, New York. For seven years William H. remained in Madison county, New York, when he came to this county. His mother and family followed two years thereafter. While living in New York, he attended three terms of school of three months each, thus obtaining a fair education. He was married to Mary A. Rolands, a native of Oxfordshire, England, March 15, 1856. By her he had five children, three sons and two daughters. Of these the sons are all living, but both daughters are dead. Mary A. Medler died September 29, 1866. On the 10th of October, 1867, Mr. Medler was married to Martha Ann Kitchens, his present wife. She was the daughter of Joab Kitchens. Both of her parents died when she was a small child, so that she was reared by her grandmother. By her he has had four children, two of whom Alonzo and Lily are living, and two, Alfred Charles and Ralph are dead. Mr. Medler has been a hard worker. His first purchase of land was only five acres, which he sold, buying where he now lives, a small tract to which he has been steadily adding until it is now a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. At times he has labored as a farm hand, again at brick making or as a mechanic. Anything his hand found to do that would earn for him an honest penny was his motto. Now that he is quite independent he blesses the day he turned his back on old England, which by the way he was only enabled to do through the aid of George Barber, and found a home in America. When yet in New York, he earned $25 by chopping a hundred and fifty cords of wood, which money he sent to England to defray the passage of a brother hither. He is a staunch Republican and a member of the M. E. church. He is determined that his children shall have better chances than were his lot, and to that end is giving them good facilities for gaining knowledge.
Extracted 12 Aug 2017 by Norma Hass from 1883 A Combined History of Edwards, Lawrence, and Wabash Counties, Illinois, page 225.
