George Heyl

(Taken from an April 28, 1932 Tazewell County Reporter article about his death)

Mr. Heyl was one of the most widely known exhibitors, breeders, and dealers in fancy stock in this country.  For many years his services have been in demand as a judge of stock and poultry exhibitions in different parts of the United States.  As far back as 1904 Mr. Heyl made an exhibit at the Illinois State Fair and three poultry shows, receiving 128 first and 17 second premiums.  He had thirty-two varieties of the finest land and water fowls known in America.  He early engaged in raising fancy swine, his herd being headed by that great patriarch, Black Chief’s Rival, besides Young Chief’s Perfection.  Mr. Heyl’s herd of Shetland ponies has been famous for years.  It was headed by King Larigo, and this pony sold for $10,000, the highest price paid for an animal of this breed in the world.

Of late years Mr. Heyl had imported many ponies, especially the Welsh and Hackney breeds and had been a breeder of these lines as well as the Shetlands.

Mr. Heyl was a charter member of the Illinois Poultry Association and one of its early presidents.  At the last annual meeting he was again made president.  He was also president of the Welsh Pony Association of the United States.

For thirty years Mr. Heyl has not missed having an exhibition at the International Stock Show in Chicago.  For many years he has had exhibits at the leading stock exhibition in this country and has made a yearly circuit of the leading state fairs.  His ponies have attracted marked attention and have been one of the leading attractions at all exhibitions and have won countless premiums and awards.  He had been in the pony business since 1900.

His daughter, Miss Iona, and son, Harley, have grown up in the business and have also won fame in the work by being associated with their father, and at his request will no doubt carry on the business.

Geo. A Heyl was born on December 3, 1866, on a farm near Manito, a son of Christian and Sarah Heyl.  He resided in that community until 1891 when he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Blumenshine, a daughter of one of Washington’s prominent early settlers, Philip Blumenshine, who lived 2 ½ miles southeast of the city.  They lived in the country for some three years and then moved to Washington, which had since been their home.  For three years they lived on the G.W. Cress place and later moved to his present home which has been built up as the Heyl Pony Farm, and farm lands adjoining Washington have been added to the business since that time, a part of it being the Highland Park addition and the Bayler farm.  As one writer has well said, “The Heyl Pony Farm at Washington enjoys an international reputation and wherever the breeding and raising of fine ponies and horses is known, Mr. Heyl is known as one of the leaders.”

Mr. Heyl did much to make Washington, Ill. Famous.  He always took great pride in his home town and was active in its welfare.  He was an alderman of the city for a number of years.  He was a member of the Evangelical church and was helpful in all its activities.

While Mr. Heyl was loved and respected by a wide circle of friends in this community, it was in his home that his unselfish love was manifested to the fullest extent, and no sacrifice was too great for his family.  He was the guiding hand that had all the details of his business well up in hand until the very last.  He was also remarkably well posted on business affairs over the county.  He was genial and pleasant to meet and while out on the fair circuits even the stable boys were his friends as he was not above meeting them in a friendly way.

He is survived by his wife and the following children: Mrs. Florence Strubhar of Peoria, Miss Iona, Harley, Wellington and Miss Mildred of Washington.`  He leaves three brothers, Fred and Edward Heyl of Manito and Rev. Walter Heyl of Granville; and three sisters, Mrs. William Himmel of Manito, Mrs. F.R. Isenberg and Mrs. J.H. Rankin of Pekin.  One brother William died nine years ago.  He was the father of Clarence and Harry Heyl, well known Peoria attorneys.

The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock from the Evangelical church.  It was one of the largest funerals ever held in Washington.  Long before the service many were turned away.  Rev. H.B. Schaeffer, pastor of the church, officiated.  “Bound for the City of Spiritual Foundation,” based on Hebrews 11:10, was the subject of the sermon, during which he paid a splendid tribute to the memory of the deceased.

Rev. and Mrs. Schaeffer rendered two songs, which were favorites of Mr. Heyl, “Shall We Gather at the River,” and “The Lights of Home.”  Clyde Belsly rendered an impressive solo.  Mrs. Wepner was at the organ.

Burial was in Glendale Cemetery in Washington.