BIERHAUS, EDWARD W. - In the farming region adjacent to Virginia, Cass County, Ill., and in the country districts lying beyond, up to the line which marks the boundary of he county, are many well known men engaged in agricultural pursuits, who have been long and prominently known in connection with the progress and welfare of the community and who are interrelated with each other by family ties. Among such instances are the Crums, the Taylors, Schalls, Bierhauses and others, whose lives are portrayed in the chapters of this volume. The work is thus made especially interesting to many whose family records appear herein, by reason of the fact that it contains also life histories of relatives who have shared with them the creditable task of promoting the public prosperity. The Bierhaus and Schall families exemplify this relationship.

Edward W. Bierhaus was born in a log house in township 18, range 10, Cass County, Ill., August 17, 1868, a son of Henry Bierhaus, a sketch of whom may be found elsewhere. Edward was the seventh of nine children and made his home with his parents until his marriage, attending the district schools in his early youth, and afterwards working on the paternal farm. On November 10, 1893, Mr. Bierhaus was wedded to Caroline Schall, born in Cass County, Ill., a daughter of Charles and Mary Schall, mentioned in another portion of this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Bierhaus have one son, Earl Edward, born April 28, 1903.

After his marriage Mr. Bierhaus moved to a farm of eighty acres which he bought in township 18, range 11, Cass County. Although the place was improved, he built a new barn and new sheds, corn cribs, etc., besides making other improvements. He is engaged in general farming, and devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock. The family is well like among their neighbors, and Mr. Bierhaus is looked upon as one of the most industrious and careful of farmers, and one of the most reliable citizens in the community of which he forms a useful part. He belongs to the Cumberland Presbyterian church. In politics, he supports the principles of the Republican party.