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Ernst Baechler

Among the thrifty German element in Fayette county who have come to us from the fatherland and have benefited alike themselves and the community where they have settled by their wholesome and straightforward lives and by that enterprising capacity for energetic, well directed effort and close application to the work at hand which amounts almost to genius, is Ernst Baechler, who is now a prosperous farmer in Pleasant Valley township. Mr. Baechler, was born in Germany, on April 5, 1865, his parents, John and Magdalena Freiburghaus Baechler, both being natives of that country. The former being a man of straightforward character and being attracted to the new republic in the west by the call of his wife’s brother, by whom he had heard of the great opportunities and was assisted with enough funds to be able for him and his family to sail to America in the year 1876. He came direct to Elgin with his family, which consisted of three girls and two boys. His profession in Germany was that of a tailor, but after taking up his residence in Elgin he did not follow that business exclusively, but spent some time in mason work as well as other occupations which he found lucrative.

Ernst Baechler’s education, which had begun in Germany, was continued in the public schools at Elgin. After finishing his course of study he struck out boldly for himself, working by the month from his boyhood until he was twenty-four years of age. He then determined the he would become a landowner, and as a preliminary step rented a place known as the old Ritcherton farm on the West Union road. Here the Teutonic characteristics which have won success for the large majority of the people of German birth or extraction who have assisted materially in developing the agricultural possibilities of the West, asserted themselves, and it was not long before he was able to purchase the splendid one hundred and fifty-acre tract where he at present makes his home. Here he has erected new buildings throughout, a house that is much more than a comfortable dwelling, with very attractive surroundings, excellent outbuildings, new, strong and durable fences ; in fact, he has one of the substantial and highly cultivated farms in the community. In addition to general farming, Mr. Baechler conducts a large dairy business and pays particular attention to the breeding of Poland China hogs, in which he is especially successful and in which he takes pardonable pride, for the pure breed he produces is widely and favorably known.

In 1902 Mr. Baechler married Rosa Baumgardner, daughter of Benedict Baumgardner, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Three children have been born to them, Selma, John Alfred and Mebbert, who was born October 9, 1909.

Mr. and Mrs. Baechler are members of the Baptist church and are actively interested in the work which the church carries on. The parents of Mr. Baechler were charter members of the Baptist church of Elgin. Mr. Baechler is a Republican in politics, although he is not an office aspirant.