Source: Portrait & Biographical Album of Whiteside County, IL
Originally published 1885
Chapman Bros.
Chicago, IL
Reproduced on CD purchased from "Old Glory Accents"

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Page(s)749

George Seyller, a hardware merchant, residing in the village of Prophetstown, is a son of George and Catherine (Haumesser) Seyller, and was born in Alsace, France, April 23, 1847. When Mr. Seyller was but eight years of age, his father emigrated to the United States and came to Naperville, this State. His father was a farmer by occupation, and soon after settling at the latter place, removed to Henry County and located on a farm.

Mr. Seyller was reared on the farm, receiving such advantages as were afforded by the common schools in the locality where he resided. He worked on the farm until 1868, when having attained his majority, he went to Annawan, Henry County, this State, and there engaged in the hardware business, in company with Herman Herschberger, with whom he remained in partnership until 1872, when he sold out. He then came to Prophetstown and was in the employ of W. E. Suthard in the capacity of a tinner. He remained with him about nine months, when, in company with his brother-in-law, August Clemetz, he purchased the stock of Mr. Suthard, and conducted the partnership business about nine years, when Mr. Seyller bought out his partner and has since conducted the business alone. In 1874, while the partnership was still in existence, they built the building (24x74, two stories and cellar) which Mr. Seyller now occupies. In 1883, Mr. Seyller bought out the property; he carries a stock approximating $10,000 and is doing a good and constantly increasing business, being the leading one of this kind in hardware, stoves, cutlery, tinware, farming implements and farm machinery. His warehouse is nearly opposite his store building. He is also engaged in tin roofing and repairing, and keeps two assistants. Mr. Seyller is also the owner of 80 acres of land situated on section 31, Prophetstown Township, which he cultivates. Religiously, he belongs to the Catholic Church, and socially, he is a member of the I.O. O. F.

Mr. Seyller was united in marriage, in Henry County, this State, Jan. 1, 1872, to Miss Catherine Clementz, a daughter of John and Lena Clementz. She was born in Naperville, Du Page Co., Ill., Nov. 25, 1848, and has borne her husband three children. Their record is as follows: Catherine, born Oct. 24, 1873; Nora, born Nov. 25, 1874; Martha, Aug. 7, 1876. Mr. Seyller has been a member of the City Council four years and is acting in that capacity at the present time; he was also President of the council one year.