8 Elmer Brothers

November 1950

Swiss immigrants, Jacob H. Elmer (1866-1936) and Katherin (Widmer) Elmer (1870-1938) were married in 1891. To this union, nine sons were born. Eight lived to adulthood. The family farm, Elmer’s Brown Swiss Dairy, was on the northwest edge of the village of Monticello.

Front row left to right: John C., Herman, Marcus, and Arnold

Back row left to right: Wilbert, Fred, Jacob J., and Henry

Henry “Grocery Hank” (1893-1986) operated a livery stable in Monticello and farmed. In 1922, he began working as a clerk at the Peoples Supply Co., a general store in Monticello. He worked there for 45 years and retired in 1967 when the business was known as Blum’s Grocery Store.

Jacob J. “Tommy” (1894-1960) was employed by the gas company for nearly forty years before retiring in 1959.

Fred (1896-1956), referred to as “Engineer Fred,” began working for the Chicago & Northwestern railroad in Madison in 1918. He spent his career as an engineer with the railroad, except during his service in World War I.

Wilbert D. “Dude” (1898-1973) managed a mink ranch in northwest Monticello starting in 1940.

John C. (1900-1986) operated the Elmer’s Brown Swiss Dairy in Monticello, later selling the land for the Elmer’s Subdivision in 1974.

Herman (1903-1976) was employed at Triangle Cheese Co., Monroe.

Marcus (1908-1970) served as a patrolman for the Green County Highway Department.

Arnold (1912-2000) worked on the Elmer’s Brown Swiss Dairy farm in Monticello, then for the Illinois Central Railroad, later joining the Green County Highway Department until his retirement.

Edward (1907) passed away in infancy.

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