John German

     John was born on Saturday, 16 June 1810 in New York. He married first, a Sally born 23 May 1817, died 10 September 1851. 11 November 1850, John was listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Peoria Township, Peoria County, Illinois. Enumerated in this household were John German [39 New York], Sally [32 New York].¹ John married 2nd Nancy McCurdy, daughter of James McCurdy I and Elizabeth Taylor, between 11 November 1850 and 1 August 1860 in Peoria Township. 1 August 1860, John and his wife, Nancy, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Trivoli Township. Enumerated in this household were John German [50 New York], & his wife: Nancy [30 Pennsylvania].² 28 July 1870, John and his wife, Nancy, were listed on the U.S. Federal Census in Trivoli Township. Enumerated in this household were John German [60 New York] & his wife: Nancy [60 Virginia].³ John made his will on 15 August 1874.

I John German of Farmington Township in the County of Fulton & State of Illinois, do hereby make and declare this my last will and testament in manner and form following to wit:
First – It is my will that my funeral expenses and all my just debts fully paid.
Second – After the payment of such funeral expenses and debts , I give devise and bequeath unto my beloved wife Nancy German, her heirs and assigns forever the house and lots on which we now reside, situated in said Town County and State, known and described as lots Number Seven [7] and Eight [8] in Block Number Seven [7] in Cones Addition to the said town of Farmington. Also all the household furniture and other articles of personal property Notes, Moneys, Credits not herein enumerated or otherwise disposed of in this will. Also I give and devise to my beloved wife Nancy German the use of the following real estate Situated in Trivoli Peoria County Illinois; The East Half of the South West and the West Half of the South East Quarter Section twenty nine; and the South East of the North West quarter of Section Thirty three [33], the above land being in Township Eight [8] north of the Base Line and Range Five [5] East of the fourth Principal Meridian State of Illinois during her natural life.
Third – After the death of my beloved wife I give devise and bequeath to my Heirs Brothers and Sisters or their children the lands that I have bequeathed to my wife during her natural life. This have I made as my last will and testament revoking and annulling all former wills by me made and ratifing and confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament.⁴

John departed this life on Monday, 2 September 1878 in Farmington Township at age 68 years, 2 months and 17 days. He was buried at Trivoli Township in Concord Cemetery. The inscription on his stone reads: John Gernan - Died Sept. 2, 1878 - Aged 68 ys. 2 ms. 17 ds. He is buried with his first wife.⁵ His will was probated on 18 September 1878.