Eli J. Heller

 

SOURCE: "History of Champaign County, Illinois with Illustrations," 1878

SURNAMES: BLACK, HELLER, TAYLOR, WHEELING

 

ELI J. HELLER, The following is a short biographical sketch of Eli J. Heller, who was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, December 24th 1836. His father, Thos. HELLER, is a native of Pennsylvania, but at an early day removed to and settled in Ohio. In the year 1851 he again struck his tent and came to Illinois, and settled in this county. His occupation is farming. Mr. Heller's first wife's name was Mary TAYLOR. She died in 1841. He afterwards married Rebecca WHEELING.

There were eleven children in the family, of which Eli, the subject of this sketch, was the eldest. At the age of twenty-three years he left the parental roof and went forth into the world to carve out his own future. In the memorable year 1861, on the 10th day of July, in response to his country's appeal for help he enlisted as a private for three years in the 2d Ill. Cavalry, but was soon promoted to 2d Orderly Sergeant. At the expiration of the three years, the time for which he enlisted, he veteranized, enlisting for the war. He was in all the battles in which the 2d Cavalry participated. He was mustered out of the service in July 1st, 1866. After the war the 2d Cavalry was detailed to look up the property confiscated at the beginning of the war by the rebels. This business took him into Texas. After the service he returned home and resumed his old business.

On the 20th of November, 1866, he married Miss S. E. BLACK, by whom he has two children, both girls.

In politics Mr. Heller is a Republican, and cast his first vote for Abe Lincoln in 1860, and has ever since voted that ticket. He is a member of the Masonic Order, and is a Knight.

Mr. Heller is an old settler, a well-known resident of Urbana. Is an honest, hardy son of toil, and who, during our civil strife proved his patriotism and devotion to his country, by stepping to the front and going forth to meet the foe and punish the traitors who insulted our national honor by firing upon our flag. These are the men who are the bulwark of our nation, its mainstay and stronghold. Who produce its wealth. fight its battles, defend the honor of its flag and pay its debts. They are the bed-rock upon which securely rest our liberties.