BIO:  Hiram L. ILLIG, Lebanon County, PA

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Biographical Annals of Lebanon County Pennsylvania.
Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1904
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Page 33 - 35

HIRAM L. ILLIG, the present recorder of Lebanon county, was born July 24, 1846, 
son of Jonathan and Eliza (Ramler) Illig.

The family is one of the oldest in the section, and the Pennsylvania branches 
were founded by Andreas Illig, who came originally from the Palatinate, Germany.  
He and his wife sailed from Rotterdam, on the good ship "Molley," John Hodgesen, 
master, in 1727, and landed in Philadelphia September 30th of that year.  The 
parcelling out of the fertile Millbach valley, decided Mr. Illig to locate in 
that region, and soon after his arrival he settled upon the farm now occupied by 
his descendants, Hiram L. and Andrew S. Illig.  The present occupants have in 
their possession the original deed, written on parchment, dated 1727, and 
bearing the signatures of William, Thomas and Richard Penn, under the seal of 
Great Britain.  Andreas Illig cleared up his new land, and there made a 
comfortable home for himself and family.  He and his wife Dorothy had two 
children:  Leonard, who is mentioned below; and a daughter, who married a Mr. 
Scholl.  Andreas Illig died May 14, 1758.

Leonard Illig (I) succeeded to his father's estate, and there made a good home, 
making many improvements upon the work of his predecessor.  During his young 
manhood he married and among his children were three sons, Leonard (2), John and 
Simon, and a daughter, who married a Mr. Reed.  He served in the war of the 
Revolution.  His death occurred December 23, 1797.

Leonard Illig (2), upon reaching manhood, settled upon the home farm and there 
engaged in agriculture.  As a progressive farmer he made improvements on the old 
place, among his additions being the old mansion still to be seen there.  During 
his young manhood he married Catherine Wechter, and they had three children:  
Jonathan, who is mentioned below; Leonard, who never married; and Elizabeth, who 
became the wife of Jacob Schoch.  He died February 2, 1836.

Jonathan Illig was born in 1806, and was reared on the family homestead.  Upon 
reaching manhood he turned his attention to farming, following same in Millcreek 
township.  In 1837 Mr. Illig married Eliza Ramler, who was born in Heidelberg 
township, daughter of Christian Ramler, who served in the war of 1812.  He was 
elected sheriff of Lebanon county, in 1840.  To Mr. and Mrs. Illig were born 
nine children, seven of whom grew to maturity:  Mary, who married George 
Seltzer, of Lebanon City; Elias R., a miller and farmer of Millbach; Elizabeth, 
who married Capt. J. G. Baddorff, who is the present treasurer of Lebanon 
county; Jonathan C., of Reading, Pa.; Hiram L., who is mentioned below; Andrew 
S., of Richland; and Thomas B., who is in partnership with his brother Jonathan 
C., in the dry goods business in Reading.

After his marriage Mr. Illig settled upon the homestead farm in Millcreek 
township, and followed agriculture.  He lived to the age of fifty-seven, dying 
in 1862.  He was prominently identified with the Evangelical Lutheran church at 
Millbach, where he is buried.

Hiram L. Illig was reared in Millcreek township.  In the free schools of his 
vicinity, and Fremount Seminary, Norristown, Pa., he was educated.  Upon leaving 
school he taught eight consecutive terms in the public school at Millbach, in 
Lebanon county.

In November, 1875, Mr. Illig married Clara Gernant, of Leesport, and they have 
two children:  Charles L., residing in Pottsville, Pa.; and Laura G., who is 
living at home.

After his marriage, Mr. Illig settled upon the homestead farm in Millcreek 
township, and continued his agricultural pursuits, which he has steadily 
followed for the last twenty-seven years.  Mr. Illig has always been a man of 
many interests, especially active in public affairs, and has served as school 
director for twenty-five years, a place which he is still filling.  On November 
4, 1902, through the esteem of his fellow citizens he was elected county 
recorder, and is now performing the duties of the office.  Of St. Paul's 
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Millbach, he has served as deacon four years and 
trustee since 1886.  He is the possessor of a collection of local specimens of 
Indian relics, numbering over twelve thousand (12,000), together with typical 
specimens from all over the United States.  Politically he affiliates with the 
Republicans.