Joseph Friedman

Joseph Friedman, son of Ignatz and Theresa (Geotz) Friedman, was born at Baden, Germany, in 1819, where his parents died a few years Later. At the age of twenty-two years Joseph came to the United States, and for three years labored at Pittsburgh, Pa.; there he married Miss Caroline Krisenger, daughter of John and Clara Krisenger; she was also born at Baden, and came in 1817 with her parents to Pittsburgh. Some time after their marriage they settled within fifteen miles of Buffalo, N. Y., and worked by the month there until 1852, when they came to Valley township, Stark county, Ill., and purchased a farm on sec. 31. At this time there were not over twenty families in Valley; wolves and deer were numerous. In 1857 he purchased 160 acres in Essex, built his home there, and has been identified with the progress of Essex for thirty years. His first tax payment was 95 cents, now increased to over $600 annually. Of their family, John is in Peoria county, Joseph C. at home, William C. also here, Sophia and Lizzie are numbered among the dead, Caroline resides here. The family are old members of the Catholic church. In politics Mr. Friedman is decidedly independent, voting always for the best man and best measures. He was a member of the anti-horse-thief association and lends his aid to every project for the advancement of virtue and the detection and punishment of vice.