D. J. WIKE

Is the son of George Wike, who was born on Big Spring, in the state of Pennsylvania, in the year 1781, and died in the same state in the year 1825. His wife's maiden name was Polly Essig. She was born in the state of Pennsylvania, in the year 1782, and died in Pike county, Illinois, in 1862. Mr. and Mrs. Wike were married in Pennsylvania, in the year 1802, and remained there until they had three children, when they emigrated to the state of Ohio, and settled in Stark county, where Mr. Wike engaged in farming until the year 1812. He then joined the United States army, serving under Gen. Harrison throughout the war of 1812. At the close of this war he was honorably discharged, and returned to his home and family in Ohio, where he followed farming for several years. He then removed his family back to Pennsylvania, locating on the same farm that he had formerly left. Here he remained until his death.
    D. J. Wike, the subject of this sketch, was born in the state of Pennsylvania, in the year 1821, and remained at home until he was twenty years of age. He then emigrated to Adams county, Illinois, where he remained for about two years, and then moved to Pike county, and engaged in the manufacture of woolen goods, in which he continued for about eight years. He then bought a good farm, and commenced farming and stock-raising, which has been his business ever since. In the year 1847, he married Miss Drusilla Orr, who was born in Randolph county, Illinois, in the year 1827, a daughter of Thomas Orr, now of Kinderhook township.
    Mr. Wike is one of the prominent and successful farmers of Pike county. When he first came to Illinois, he was a very poor boy. The country being then comparatively new, and he being destitute of means, he had consequently to pass through many hard and tough times; but through perseverance and patience he has succeeded, and is now enjoying the comforts of life. He is a very zealous Mason, and devotes much of his time to the study of Masonry, the true teaching of which he cherishes as a part of his religion. He is strongly in favor of all enterprises that have a tendency to advance the improvement of the country, is an ardent supporter of all moral and intellectual institutions and does all in his power to put down immorality and vice of every kind. With such citizens as Mr. J. D. Wike, Barry township may well boast of her morality, intelligence, and prosperity. A view of his residence and property appear on pg 28.