The present collector of Looking Glass township, was born in Clinton county, on the 31st of March, 1850. His father, John H. SANTEL was a native of Holland, and came to America when sixteen years old, settled in Clinton county, and married Margaret WENDEL, who was born in Hanover, Germany. Henry was the second of a family of four children. He was raised in Clinton county. After attending the schools in the neighborhood of his home, at the age of sixteen he went to St. Louis, and there attended the Christian Brothers’ college. He afterwards became a clerk at Damiansville, in the store of his father, who is carrying on the mercantile business at that place. While living at Damiansville , he married Catharine ACKERMANN, who was born in Lorraine, then a part of France, now belonging to Germany. This marriage took place on the 16th of August, 1870. Mr. and Mrs. Santel are the parents of five children—Henry, Mary, Margaret, Joseph, and August. In 1872 Mr. Santel began his experience as a teacher. After teaching at LittleYork six months, in 1873 he became the teacher at KALMER’s school-house, in Looking Glass township, where he has since taught eight successive years, giving full satisfaction as an able and conscientious teacher. He is an active democrat in politics. In the spring of 1880 he was elected collector of Looking Glass township, and was re-elected without opposition in the spring of 1881. His father is still a resident of the county, and carried on the mercantile business at Damiansville six years.
Copied from the "1881 History of Marion & Clinton Counties, Illinois."
Submitted by: Pamela Safriet