1909 Encyclopedia of Illinois and the History of Ogle County Volume 2, by
Munsell publishing Co., Chicago, Ill., page 964-965

JOHN H. MUMMA-- With the exception of a very brief period spent elsewhere, Mr. MUMMA has always made his home in Ogle County, and throughout active life has devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, in which line of activity he has met with more than ordinary success. After many years of strenuous exertion on his farm in Pine Creek Township, he removed to the village of Grand Detour after having harvested the crop of 1906. December of that year found him in a pleasant home in the town and here he now resides, still living, however, the homestead comprising 160 acres. Besides maintaining a general supervision of his property interests, he acts as treasurer of the Pine Creek Telephone Company and has accomplished much in promotion of his enterprise, as well as in behalf of other movements for the benefit of the county. The history of the MUMMA family shows that they are of Southern lineage, honorably associated with agricultural pursuits in this country for several generations. Elias and Susannah (MILLER) MUMMA, natives of Washington County, Md., after having been reared there to mature years, in 1840 made the then long journey thence to Illinois overland, settling in Ogle County. Immediately after his arrival Elias MUMMA took up claim of 160 acres in Pine Creek Township, which he finally bought from the overnment at a cost of $ 1.25 per acre. On it he first built a log house, in which he lived until 1858, when he built a brick residence. The land was mostly covered by heavy timber much of which was cleared away by the father. As the years passed, the surrounding lands began to be taken up by other settlers, towns began to grow, schools and churches were established, and the lot of the pioneer became more cheerful and satisfying. But ere long old age came to the parents and the mother passed from earth at the age of sixty years. Later the father left the home and came to Grand Detour, where he died at the age of seventy-six years. In the family of Elias MUMMA there were nine children, all but one of whom attained years of maturity. The youngest of the family, John H., was born April 6, 1846, on the old homestead in Pine Creek Township, and grew to manhood amid the surroundings familiar to his earliest memories. Since coming into possession of the paternal homestead the subject of this sketch has increased its value by clearing more land and other improvements. With the exception of eight months spent in Rockford, he has always remained in Ogle County and since attaining man's estate has followed general farming and stockraising, with the exception of a period devoted to the carpenter's trade. The marriage of John H. MUMMA was solemnized in Pine Creek Township, Ogle County, January 1, 1868, when he was united with Miss Augusta PALMER, daughter of Irving and Sarepta (HADEN) PALMER, both natives of Vermont, the former born in 1809, and the latter in 1811. The parents of Mrs. MUMMA, after their marriage, first settled in Vermont, but during the year 1839 removed to Illinois, settling in Ogle County, where they took up a tract of eighty acres of raw land in Pine Creek Township, which he cleared and otherwise improved, building on it a comfortable frame dwelling. He also owned other land which he disposed of, finally dying on his original homestead of eighty acres, March 6, 1901. At the date of writing this sketch he is survived by his widow, who has attained the age of ninety-six
years. They were the parents of six sons and two daughters, Mrs. MUMMA being the sixth in order of birth and a native of Pine Creek Township, born July 26, 1846, and her education was received in local schools. Mr. and Mrs. MUMMA are the parents of four children, namely: ELMER A.; MAUDE E., who is the wife of Warren BURDICK; WALTER A.; and LULU M., Mrs. Charles PYFER. Interested in educational affairs and ever solicitous to promote the interests of his district, Mr. MUMMA filled the office of School Director while living in Pine Creek Township, and his work in that position was received with appreciation. Politically he has been stanch in his support of the Republican party and its candidates. With his wife he holds membership in the United Brethren Church and contributes generously to its support...

Submitted by Doug Mumma

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