Rensselaer Journal, Volume 11, Number 12, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 August 1901 — Has Reward in Old Age. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Has Reward in Old Age.

Henry Michael, a retired farmer of Mattoon, 111., is an odd and noted character. He is 97 years old, yet as spry and alert as many men of 50. His memory is unimpaired and he narrates reminiscences of early days In Illinois with a dramatic effect. He has lived in Coles county, within a few miles of Mattoon, for three-quarters of a century. Although unable to read or write he

amassed a fortune of $50,000, which he divided among ten children when he recently retired from the farm. His sagacity in a land or cattle trade was notorious and he could compute financial transactions involving thousands of dollars to the penny by mental processes quicker and more accurately than most men by use of figures. The Michaels came from North Caroline. They walked the entire distance, the journey requiring three years. Michael’s parents had six children, all of whom walked with them. For days they r -had no other food than their father could secure with his rifle. The family was among the first to till the prairie at Kickapoo Point, where savages yet roamed and wild beasts were in possession. Schools were unknown and thrice envied was he who could read his bible.

HENRY MICHAEL. [Resident of Mattoon, Ill., 97 Years Old and Can Do the Manual Labor of a Man of 50. A Unique Character.]