Herman Essig

Herman Essig (1911-1999) was a graduate of Carthage College. He was owner of and a broker for WRC Inc. Realtors beginning in 1938. At the time of his death he had helped in developing one-third of the homes in Washington.

He was a member as well as officer and director of the Peoria Board of Realtors, a member of the Multiple Listing Service and Society of Appraisers. He was a member of the Peoria, Illinois and National associations of Realtors.

He received the second Real Estate Industry Award ever given by the Peoria Board of Realtors. He also received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award and the Washingtonian Award in 1964. His accomplishments and memberships include being a charter member and board member of the Washington Rotary Club, officer and director of the Washington Civic Club, member of the American Lung Association, board member for WTVP-TV Channel 47, Grand Marshall of the 1999 Washington Cherry Festival, chairman of the Washington Planning Commission, member and president of Kennel Lake Sportsman's Club, director of the Crippled Children's Center in Peoria, and board member of Tazewell County Public Housing Authority.

He served as fund chairman for the Boy Scouts of America and was a charter member and an early director of the Washington Chamber of Commerce.

He also was active with the Tazewell County Republican Central Committee.

He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, where he served on various committees and served several terms on the church council.