Among the more prominent farmers inhabiting the region of Prairie du Rocher is Mr. John Peter Ellner of Rural Route #2. He is a native of the State of Missouri, where he was born in the town of Herman on August 18, 1872. However, his parents were of an adventurous disposition and not satisfied with the opportunities offered by our neighbor state, removed, in 1876, to Horse Prairie and later, in 1881, to Ruma, Illinois. Here the family at length found a pleasant home and remained in that district. Here Mr. Ellner received his education by attending both the public and parochial schools.
His schooling over, he entered upon a busy and eventful life, Fate had not cast him into the lap of luxury, nor ordained that he should live a life of idleness and security. On the contrary, his life is a record of constant application and unremittent effort, as the man climbed ever higher and arrived at last at the very pinnacle of success. After leaving school Mr. Ellner worked on the farm of his parents until his twenty-second year. Then he spent four more years working as an assistant to several other farmers. Finally he saw himself able to become the manager of a farm, and in the year 1900 he rented a farm of 120 acres. This farm it has been his sole ambition to improve and make a model for all who behold it.
In the same year he was married. Mrs. Horse Prairiewas the daughter of Joseph Myerscough of Hecker, Illinois. In that town she was born March 6, 1876. At the early age of 11 years she began to work for her subsistence, and continued to be thus employed until her marriage. The couple have two children, Albert John and Cecilia M. C. Ellner. They have applied themselves to such purpose that Mr. Ellner was able to purchase the farm in a few years. It was in 1916 that he became the proprietor. He says that this remarkable success is due to the fact that work is his hobby.
Mr. Ellner is affiliated with the Republican Party. His wife is a member of the Altar Society.