This book details the lineage of four generations of descendants of three brothers who emigrated from Blankenberg, in the Rhine Province of Prussia, between 1827 and 1843. They settled in west central Illinois when this territory was only sparsely settled with Europeans. Francis A. Arenz was the founder of Arenzville, an elected state representative contemporary of Abraham Lincoln, as well as editor and publisher of The Beardstown Chronicle and Illinois Bounty Land Advertiser. His brothers John A. and Peter Arenz were key figures in the village’s early history. Information is presented in a manner that is respectful of the family story as well as the privacy of persons who are still living. 420 pages, including an index and some illustrations.