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RUDOLPH J. KASSERMAN.
Among those who have achieved a position of prominence at the Jasper county bar is Rudolph J. Kasserman, junior

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member of the firm of Fithian & Kasserman, attorneys and counselors at law in Newton, The firm holds a foremost position and is concerned in important litigation and retains a clientage of signally representative character. Mr. Kasserman was born on a farm in Richland county, Illinois, January 27, 1870, and is a son of Stephen and Annie (Tomi) Kasserman.

Stephen Kasserman was a native of Switzerland, where he was born August 16, 1829. Coming to America with his parents when still a lad, he settled in southeastern Ohio, where he grew to manhood and followed farming, in addition to engaging in steam-boating on the Ohio river. About 1866 he moved to Richland county, Illinois, and after he had engaged in agricultural pursuits for a time he became a general contractor, his field of operation being Olney. He removed to a farm in Jasper county in 1879, where his death occurred in 1893. He married Miss Annie Tomi in Ohio, and she died in 1895, having been the mother of nine children, of whom Rudolph. J. was the fourth in order of birth.

Rudolph J. Kasserman's early life was spent in Olney and his education was secured in the public schools of Jasper county. He eventually became private secretary to Congressman George W. Fithian, of Newton, and while discharging the duties of that position found time to prosecute his law studies under Mr. Fithian's preceptorship, and became his partner after his admittance to the bar in 1895. Mr. Kasserman as a counselor is safe and duly conservative, and well merits the reputation he has gained as one of the able and honored attorneys of the county. Politically he is a Democrat, and has served as master in chancery of Jasper county.

In 1894 Mr. Kasserman was united in marriage with Miss Lydia L. Moore, and they have had three children: Homer, George and Anna. Mrs. Kasserman attends the Presbyterian church, and is well known in religious and charitable work. Mr. Kasserman belongs to the local lodge of Masons.