Source: Portrait & Biographical Album, Whiteside Co., IL
Originally published 1885 - Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL
Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Daniel NICENWANGER is a farmer on section 31, Garden Plain Township. He was born in Ligonier Township, Westmoreland Co., Pa., July 2, 1834. His paternal descent is of German, and his father, Joseph NICENWANGER, was born in Cumberland Co., Pa. His mother, Margaret HULL, before her marriage, was of Engligh origin, and was born in Allegheny Co., Pa. The father conducted a home of public entertainment in the village of Mill Creek, Pa., and he also owned a farm, which he managed.

The son operated as his father's assistant in both his business interests. He was married July 2, 1857, to Jane Elizabeeth, daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth LOWREY. She was born June 22, 1835, inthe town of Ligonier, Westmoreland Co., Pa., of mixed German and Scotch ancestry.

The newly married people passed the first year subsequent to their marriage on the homestaead farm of the senior NICENWANGER, after which they settled on a farm, of which they were the occupants until 1862. In August of that year, the husband enlisted as a Corporal in the military service in the state of Illinois, and went to Connellsville. At that place he was transferred to the Quartermaster's Department and served six months. His term of enlistment having expired, he was discharged in February, 1864. He re-enlisted in the regular army as a private. He was assigned to a position on the signal service department under Capt. Russel PENNIS. He was soon after promoted to the rank of Sergeant and served til August, 1865, when he was honorably discharged, and returned to Westmoreland County.

In 1866 he came to Rock Island Co., Ill., to assume the duties as superintendent of the property known as the McCORMICK farm, which he managed five years. He afterward rented the same farm, and conducted his inteests there two years. Meanwhile he bought the farm he now occupies in Garden Plain Township. It includes 120 acres, has a good outfit of buildings, and is under an excellent grade of cultivation. Its improvements includes one of the finest apple orchads in the county and a large assortment of varietites of small fruits.

Mr. NICENWANGER belongs to the Post Captain Mack, G. A. R., at Albany, to Lodge No. 66, A. F. and A. M., to the A. O. U. W., of Garden Plain, and to the Forest Camp of Modern Woodmen. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Their children are named Anna, Grace, Etta and Joseph Edgar. The elder is the wife of William DRURY, of Garden Plain Township.