BARNARD THALMANN

BARNARD THALMANN, who carries on agricultural pursuits on section 30, New Trier Township, was born in Prussia on the 23d of March, 1836, and is a son of Gerhard Thalmann, who was born in the same country, July 24, 1801, made farming his life work, and died on the 16th of July, 1867. His wife bore the maiden name of Kerdrad Kohle, and was a daughter of Adolph Kohle, a native of Prussia, and a stone-cutter by trade. She was born in that country in 1804, and by her marriage had a family of four sons and two daughters, of whom three sons are living, namely: Barnard of this sketch; Henry, Postmaster of Gross Point; and Joseph, a farmer of that community. The parents came to America in 1847, landing in New York on the 14th of April, after thirty days spent upon the bosom of the Atlantic. After visiting relatives in Boston for three weeks they came to Cook County, and Mr. Thalmann purchased eighty acres of land on section 30, New Trier Township. He afterwards added forty-four acres on section 33, and there made his home until called to his final rest.

Barnard Thalmann spent the first eleven years of his life in his native land, and then accompanied his parents on their emigration to America. In his father's home his childhood days were passed, and during his youth he became familiar with farm work in all its departments. On the 26th of September, 1865, he was united in marriage with Mary Feldmann, who was born in Gross Point, June 4, 1848, and is a daughter of Joseph Feldmann, whose birth occurred in Prussia on the 4th of August, 1817. He came to America with his parents in August, 1833. His father died in Albany, New York, while en route for Chicago, and the other members of the family continued their westward journey. For two years they lived in Chicago, and then removed to New Trier Township. Here Mr. Feldmann still resides, making his home with his daughter, Mrs. Thalmann. His other children are: Christina, wife of Anton May, a contractor and builder of Wilmette; Frank, an engineer on the Ft. Wayne Railroad, residing in Chicago. Mrs. Mathias Pauly, Mrs. Nick Fellens and Mrs. Peter Kunz, all of Chicago; and Mrs. Nick Surges, of Lombard, DuPage County, Illinois.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thalmann have been born twelve children, of whom nine are living, five sons and four daughters: John G., who was born April 5, 1867, and is a carpenter residing in New Trier; Joseph, born February 24, 1871, who follows farming; Barnard, born May 25, 1873, a carpenter; Elizabeth, born August 11, 1875; Kate, September 23, 1877; Frank, December 7, 1880; Anton, June 27, 1883; Mary, March 28, 1885; and Anna, July 25, 1890. Elizabeth attended St. Joseph's College, of Milwaukee, for one year, and all have received good common-school advantages. The parents and their family are members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Gross Point.

Mr. Thalmann cast his first Presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas, and has since been a supporter of the Democratic party and its principles. He was twice elected Overseer of Roads, and was School Director for several years. He is also a member of St. Joseph's library and Sick Benefit Association. His farm, located on section 30, New Trier Township, is under a high state of cultivation and well improved with all modern accessories, and the owner is regarded as one of the leading agriculturists of the community.

– Submitted by Sherri Hessick on May 27, 2007.

DISCLAIMER:  The submitter is not related to the subject of this biography nor is she related to anyone mentioned in the biography.