1899 BIOGRAPHIES
H - M
From Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language Newspaper
Published between about 1874 and 1920
These bios are from a special 25th Anniversary Edition of September 20,
1899
Translated &
Contributed by David Reineke
This is an ongoing project. Please use the Free Find Search Engine,
which will be updated as names are added.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. I have not changed the place or name
spellings, but I have added some notes at the end. It reads as follows:
Hermann Hermsen
The subject of our present description is Mr. Hermsen who resides on his pretty
farm near Mt. Carmel, and in addition to the cultivation of his land is occupied
with good success in cattle breeding. The gentleman is well liked and esteemed
among all his acquaintances and is one of the most respected German-Americans in
the county.
Mr. Hermann Hermsen was born on 6 January 1850 in Lone, Lingen District,
Province of Hannover. He received his early education in his hometown, after
which he devoted himself to the occupation of agriculture. In 1871, he married
an estimable young woman, Miss Maria Hasken. In 1875, he immigrated with his
wife and children to the United States and settled in New Vienna in Dubuque
County, Iowa. However, he remained there only four weeks and then moved to
Kniest Township, Carroll County, where he purchased a nice piece of land of 80
acres and farmed it quite successfully. Through the years he purchased an
additional 70 acres, and 160 acres in Newton Township, so that his real estate
holdings now amount to 310 acres of the finest land. On 26 September 1896, he
had the misfortune to lose his dear wife. His elderly, venerable mother, who is
now 80 years old, is spending her twilight years with her son Hermann. His very
happy marriage produced five children, namely: Hermann, Heinrich, George, Franz and Johann.
NOTES: The article states “Lone” as the place of birth, which possibly refers to
the town of “Lohne bei Lingen.” There is an obituary index for the Carroll Times
Herald listing an obituary for a Mrs. Hermsen published 28 August 1901, page 5,
column 2.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat,
a German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. I have not changed the place or name
spellings (for example, the article spells his name both Henrich and Heinrich),
but I have added some possible corrections in brackets and some notes at the
end. I also attached a scanned photo of Heinrich Hermsen that was part of the
article. It reads as follows:
Henrich Hermsen
The good citizens of Kniest Township have the honor to have a representative in
the United States Army in the person of Mr. Heinrich Hermsen, who as a valiant
soldier took part in the war in Cuba against Spain. [Spanish-American War] He
grew up in Kniest Township, and entered the military at Omaha in 1887. During
the period of his service, his regiment was often employed to subdue Indian
disturbances. When the war with Spain broke out, his regiment was among the
first regular troops that landed and brought the Spanish to their senses. Mr.
Hermsen especially distinguished himself at the battle of San Diago [Santiago]
and participated in several engagements and skirmishes.
When the war ended with the total suppression of Spain, he was honorably
discharged with great distinction. Taken with the notion of seeing his family
once again, he returned on a visit to Kniest Township where he, like a dear and
affectionate son, embraced his elderly mother and greeted his brothers and
relatives, who were naturally overjoyed to see him healthy and safe and sound.
Of course, the remaining citizens of Kniest Township were also happy to shake
the hand of the dapper soldier after so long an absence. But the soldier did not
permit himself to stay at home long; he soon reported again for duty, was
mustered in, and now finds himself back in Cuba with his regiment, which
according to the latest reports is located in Chienfuego.
Accompanying this article, the Anniversary Edition presents an accurate photo of
the brave soldier, who has long since advanced to a higher rank.
NOTES: The article does not list place of birth or names of any relatives.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the end
are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Gottlob Hensel
This man, of whom we print a fine picture, was born on 18 March 1829 in
Authausen, Province of Saxony. After successful completing school, he devoted
himself to farming. On 22 May 1851, he married Miss Karoline Schulze, a virtuous
young lady, after which he went into farming for himself. He and his wife
immigrated to America in 1872. They moved first to Illinois, then Wisconsin, and
then to Sac Township, Sac County, Iowa, where he purchased a beautiful 160-acre
farm, which he successfully managed. His dear wife died on 26 March 1882, which
was a heavy and irreplaceable loss for Mr. Hensel and his children. This happy
marriage produced seven children, two of whom, however, are already united with
their mother in death. The names of the children still living are: Friederich,
who is married in Berlin, the capitol of Prussia; Wilhelm, married to Miss
Helena Jarnatz; Ernst, husband of Miss Emilie Pagel; Bertha, Mrs. Johann Krei;
and Paulina, who is unmarried.
Mr. Hensel, who occupies a beautiful home in Auburn, where he has lived for
several years retired from farming, is a very respected German-American, and is
very popular among all his acquaintances.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the end
are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
John H. Höbing [Hoebing]
Mr. John D. Höbing on 26 November 1848 in Quincy, Illinois. He attended school
there, and at St. Francis Solanus College, and spent his youth with his parents
in the country. In 1869 and 1870, he traveled and worked on farms in various
states as a hired hand. In May 1871, he moved to Iowa. In the fall of 1871, he
passed the examination and worked as a teacher in the public schools of Dubuque
and Delaware Counties, Iowa until February 1876, when he moved to a 160-acre
farm in Viola Township, Sac County, and worked four winter semesters as a
teacher. In 1880 he purchased another 40 acres, and in 1883 he purchased another
80 acres which bordered on his homestead. In addition, over the course of time
he has bought and sold several other properties. In 1888 and 1890, he purchased
his new homestead of 107 acres on the outskirts of Breda. In 1897, he purchased
another adjoining 100 acres of land, so that he is a taxpayer in two counties.
In 1889, he was a participant
in the first pilgrimage trip to Palestine, in which 102 people took part. On
this trip, which lasted six months, there were expeditions to the large cities
of America, France, Italy, and Egypt, and they also visited all of Palestine,
Syria, Asia Minor, Turkey, Greece, Switzerland, Germany, and England. On 8 May
1873, he married Miss Angela M. Nieland, and this marriage produced 11 children,
six of which died at a young age and have gone to a better world. The children
still living are: Emma G., Frances E., George C., Edward B., and Leonard L. B.
In March 1890, the family moved to their present residence in Kniest Township,
where the couple plan to spend the remaining days of their life.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. I have not changed the place or name
spellings, but I have added notes at the end. It reads as follows:
Joseph Hoffmann
This gentleman was born near Buffalo, New York, on 10 August 1859. When he was 4
years old he moved with his parents to Winneshiek County, Iowa, where young
Joseph attended parochial school and afterwards became a farmer, helping his
father on his parents’ farm. In 1874 he moved with his parents to Pleasant
Valley Township, Carroll County, Iowa, where his parents purchased a farm. Mr.
Joseph Hoffmann worked for his parents until he was 22, at which time he found
employment on various other farms. In 1884 he purchased 80 acres in the same
township which he worked on his own. On 21 February 1887 he married Miss Maria
Gretemann, a virtuous young lady who was born in Winneshiek County, Iowa, on 30
September 1869. Later, Mr. Hoffmann increased his real estate by about 40 acres,
and again by about 80 acres, so that today he possesses a farm of 200 acres
which, by virtue of its location and the condition of its soil, can be counted
among the best in the township. Mr. Hoffmann and his wife are known in the entire township and enjoy an excellent
reputation. He was also elected Township Assessor and still holds this office
today. Seven children were the fruit of this happy marriage, and their names
are: Johann, Anna, Sophia, Franziska, Clara, Leo, and Joseph.
Notes: The article spells the names Hoffmann and Gretemann with with a double
“n” at the end. I think the families today both spell the names with one “n” at
the end.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. I have not changed the place or name
spellings, but I have added some notes at the end. It reads as follows:
Lorenz Joh. Hoffmann
The bearer of this name has lived in Carroll County since 1874 when he moved
with his parents to Pleasant Valley Township. He was born on 6 February 1853 in
New York State, there attended parochial school, and after he received his First
Holy Communion he devoted himself to farming and assisted his father in running
his parents’ farm. In 1863, his parents moved to Winneshiek County, Iowa, and in
1874 they moved to Pleasant Valley Township, Carroll County, where his father
purchased 80 acres of land. The son Lorenz Joh. worked here another three to
four years on his parents’ farm, and then purchased for himself 40 acres of land
in Roselle Township that he worked on his own. After a year he sold that land
and purchased 80 acres in the same township, and Mr. Hoffmann lives on this farm
with his family still today. On 9 February 1881 he married a virtuous young
woman, Miss Anna Kennebeck, a well brought up lady who was born in McHenry
County, Illinois on 27
February 1862. The young couple began their work with courage and dedication and
soon had the satisfaction of being able to increase the size of their farm so
that it is now 180 acres and is equipped with good buildings and a beautiful
residence. This happy marriage has produced six children, namely: Franziska,
Karl, Lorenz, Susanna, Heinrich and Rudolph.
NOTES: The article spells the name Hoffmann with a double “n” at the end. I
think today the family spells it with one “n”. Anna Kennebeck was a daughter of
George Kennebeck, Sr., who moved his family from Illinois to Roselle Township in
the early 1870’s.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the end
are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Joseph Irlmeier
This gentleman, an industrious and capable farmer, was born in Auerbach,
Niederbayern, Germany, on 11 March 1861. After completing school, he devoted
himself to agriculture and assisted his father on a farm. At age 19, he
immigrated to America and settled first in Roselle Township, Carroll County,
Iowa, where he found work with Mr. Geo. Bierl. He remained there for one year
and then had his parents come over from Bavaria, at which time they bought
themselves a farm of 200 acres in Roselle Township. On 15 May 1887, Mr. Irlmeier
married Miss Magdalena Stoeckl, a respectable young woman. The young couple
lived with their parents for four years, and then they bought themselves a
pretty farm of 160 acres in Eden Township. The farm is especially notable for
its good location, and just last spring, he built a fine large barn. The
Irlmeier family enjoys a large circle of friends and, something very gratifying,
an excellent reputation. This happy marriage has produced two children whose names are Franz and Joseph.
NOTES: There are a few towns in Germany called Auerbach. I think the correct one
is Auerbach in Niederbayern, which is just east of Deggendorf and near the Czech
Republic. Niederbayern means “lower Bavaria.”
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the end
are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Joh. Ger. Janning [Johann Gerhard Janning]
This man is also an old pioneer of Kniest Township and has lived and owned land
there now for 29 years. Mr. Joh. G. Janning was born on 1 February 1831 in
Bramsche, District of Lingen, Province of Hanover. In the spring of 1861, he
came to America and made his way first to Grant County, Wisconsin, where he
worked on farms for five years and farmed for himself on a rented farm for four
years. In September of 1866, he married Miss Anna Pulz, but his wife died just
the following year. On 28 April 1868, he married Miss Barbara Roth, and in 1870
the young couple moved to Kniest Township, Carroll County, Iowa, where they
purchased an 80-acre parcel of land. From time to time, the hard-working and
industrious landowner expanded his real estate, so that today he owns a farm of
280 acres of the finest land. Ten children were the fruits of this happy
marriage: Anna Maria, Mrs. Wm. Schenkelberg; Johann Anton, married to Miss
Louise Augustin; George; Franz; Bernhard; Heinrich; Barbara; Katharina;
Elisabeth; and Anna.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the
end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Mathias Jülich [Juelich]
The family of Mr. Mathias Jülich in Carroll Township [now Maple River Township]
is also among the most well-known German-American families, and Mr. Jülich is
widely respected due to his honesty and integrity. He was born on 25 September
1844 in Altenburg, County of Ahrweiler, Germany. He spent his early childhood
and received his early education in his hometown. In 1855, his parents
immigrated to America and stayed first with friends near Chicago. In the
following spring, the family moved to Lyons, Clinton County, Iowa, where young
Mathias then received further schooling. When his school days were over, the
young man worked in a sawmill, and on 2 April 1869, he married Miss Julia Dung,
a respected and estimable young lady. The young couple lived another year in
Lyons, and then they moved to a farm, which was about 12 miles from the town.
In 1877, Mr. Jülich and his family moved to Carroll Township, Carroll County,
where he purchased a farm, and the family has lived there up to the present day. Later, in addition to the 120-acre
parcel, he purchased another 40 acres, and also 480 acres in Antelope County,
Nebraska, so that his entire real estate consists of 640 acres of the finest
land, which is equipped with good, solid buildings.
Mr. Jülich had [first] come to Iowa [perhaps meaning western Iowa] in 1866,
where he found employment on the railroad line that was to be built. At first,
he did the work from where the town of Carroll now stands up to Tip Top, the
present Arcadia. At that time, as he relates to us, the heavy posts used in the
railroad bridges were pounded [into the ground?] in present Grant Township. He
liked the area extremely well, and so he then began to form the plan of settling
here, which he carried out following a later visit in the above-mentioned year
[probably referring to 1877].
This happy marriage was blessed with 15 children, 6 sons and 9 daughters, all of
whom are in good health. The names of the children are: Maria, wife of Mr.
Martin Berger; Joseph, living in Nebraska and married to Elise Thiemann;
Heinrich, a partner in the business of Berger & Jülich in Mt. Carmel; Katharina,
wife of Mr. Nick. Thelen; Engelbert, living in Nebraska and married to Maria
Pape; Josephina; Franziska; Margaretha; Leo; Anna; Fritz and Lena, twins; Carl;
Clara; and Julia.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the end
are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Franz Kawi
Among the residents of Kniest Township is Mr. Kawi, a sociable Westphalian
and a well-known personality. He was born on 2 June 1852 in Minden, Westphalia.
On 20 November 1880, he married the respected Miss Maria Schulte from Hagen,
Westphalia. In 1882, he had the misfortune of losing an eye at an ironworks.
But, active and industrious as he is, he sees more with one eye than others see
with two. He came to America in 1884. He made his way quickly to the West and
settled initially in Maple River Junction, where he worked at times on the
railroad or made himself useful at other jobs. After he had lived there for five
years, he moved to Kniest Township, not far from Mt. Carmel, where he is a very
sought-after and skilled worker who knows how to work in the widest variety of
jobs and leads a peaceful and pleasant life, respected by all his
fellow-citizens in Kniest Township. This happy marriage has produced six
children who enjoy a good upbringing. The children’s names are: Bernhard, Konrad, Anna, Elisabeth, Katharina, and Agnes.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the
end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Dr. A. Kessler
We have the pleasure of being able to present an excellent portrait of Dr. A.
Kessler, a man who has the reputation of being one of the finest and most
conscientious doctors of Carroll County. He was born in 1858 in Johnson County,
Iowa. When he was one year old, his parents moved to Michigan, where they
stayed for seven years, and then they moved back to Johnson County. When he was
13, the family moved to Cass County.
Dr. Kessler graduated from the State University, attended medical college in
Chicago, and the Medical Hospital College in Louisville, Kentucky, where he
received his diploma with distinction. In 1889, he came to Carroll, Carroll
County, Iowa, and he enjoys a large practice.
NOTES: Dr. Kessler’s parents were German immigrants. His first name was Alois.
There is a more-complete biography of him in Paul Maclean’s 1912 county history.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. I have not changed the place or name
spellings, but I have added some notes at the end, and also attached a scanned
copy below. It reads as follows:
Nickolaus Kirsch
This gentleman is also a very old settler of Carroll County, for he has lived in
Roselle Township since 1872. He is among the most progressive farmers in Carroll
County, and has not only invested much effort to introduce a superior breed of
cattle, but also has been constantly intent on cultivating the best varieties of
corn here.
Mr. Kirsch was born in Holsdum, County of Bittburg, Germany, on 4 December 1813.
After finishing school, he worked on his parents’ farm or with other farmers. He
came to America in 1867, and settled first in Wisconsin, where, however, he
remained only one year. He then moved to Illinois where he worked again for
seven years, and in 1872 he settled in Roselle Township, Carroll County, Iowa.
He purchased a 120-acre parcel of land that he has farmed successfully since
then, and has furnished it with fine buildings. On 15 April 1875, Mr. Kirsch
married the virtuous Miss Katharina Neppel. This marriage has produced six
children, three of whom died at a tender age. The names of those still living
are: Andreas, Maria, and Katharina. The Kirsch family enjoys a good reputation
and is much liked everywhere.
NOTES: The attached scan includes a very faded photo of the Kirsch farm, with
the caption, “The inner portion of the farm of Mr. Nickolaus Kirsch.” The
article states that he was born in “Holsdum” in “Bittburg” County, Germany. I am
reasonably certain that this should be the town of “Holsthum,” which is just a
few miles southwest of “Bitburg.” Both towns are in the far west part of
Germany, about 20 miles northwest of the city of Trier, and very close to the
Luxemburg border. The article also says that he came to America in 1867, worked
one year in Wisconsin and seven years in Illinois, and then came to Roselle
Township in 1872. The dates do not add up.
I translated the following article from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the
end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Knudsen & Wiederhold
The above-named men are manufacturers and wholesalers of cigars.
John Knudsen, the elder shareholder of the firm, has now been employed in the
making of cigars for 22 years.
Wm. Wiederhold, the younger shareholder, has now been active in the business for
10 years. Both men are esteemed and respected by all the citizens of Carroll
County.
They associated in the above-named firm in July 1898, and their works is located
above Sol Loeb’s clothing store.
Under their direction and special supervision, between ten and twelve thousand
cigars are manufactured each month, which on account of their quality are very
quickly sold.
They make a specialty in the well-known “City Pride” cigar. They have an
excellent name since they really are the pride of the city and are the preferred
smoke of all connoisseurs.
The firm enjoys constantly growing sales and increase in customers in Carroll as
well as in neighboring counties. The owners are very obliging men who have made
it their special duty to produce only the best product at reasonable prices, and
therefore they have earned the good support of their customers.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the end
are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Eberhard Kölker [Koelker]
Mr. Eberhard Kölker and his dear life’s companion, who are pictured in a photo
published in the Anniversary Edition, are undoubtedly among the most respected
and popular German-Americans. Papa Kölker has already lived 80 summers, but the
respected old man still enjoys a mental vigor such as one seldom sees in old
age. The old and friendly gentleman will be considered as the senior in Kniest
Township and St. Mary’s Parish, and he is gladly paid the respect that he
deserves. Mr. Eberhard Kölker was born on 29 September 1819 in the District of
Fürstenau, Province of Hanover, Germany. In 1852 he emigrated to the United
States of North America. At that time in this country, the German culture was
not as strongly represented as it is today and, among the nativists, it was not
yet granted the respect that it later gained by virtue of its numerical
strength. The old man could certainly tell a few stories attesting to the fact
that life for
a German in those days was no bed of roses. But bravely and honestly he managed,
and initially made a homestead in Clayton County, Iowa. In 1853, through the
blessing of the priest, he was married to Miss Maria Elisabeth Göttken. This
marriage produced five children, of which, however, only Bernhard and Elisabeth
(Mrs. Frank Hagen) are still living. On 14 May 1866, he had the misfortune to
lose his dear life’s companion through death. In the following year, he married
Miss Matia Rösener. And this marriage produced four children, of which, however,
only Louis, Joseph, and Anna are still living. In 1873, Mr. Kölker moved to
Kniest Township, Carroll County, where he purchased 200 acres of land where the
old man still lives with his family, respected and esteemed by all his
acquaintances.
NOTES: The biography refers to the “nativists.” During the 1850’s the nativists
were an anti-immigrant group active around the United States including in Iowa.
They were generally anti-Catholic, opposed German and Irish immigration, and
were responsible for occasional acts of violence directed against immigrants.
The members were supposedly sworn to secrecy concerning the organization and
were also called the “Know-Nothings.” In 1856, the nativists formed the American
Party and nominated Millard Fillmore for President. In Iowa, the movement was
not so harsh. The nativists and the Know-Nothings were associated with the birth
of the Republican Party in Iowa in 1856 and favored temperance and longer
waiting periods for citizenship. Many Germans continued to support the
Republican Party, probably because of its anti-slavery platform, but most German
immigrants in Iowa supported the Democratic Party.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the end
are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Louis Kölker [Koelker]
Here we introduce into the scope of our review a young man who first saw the
light of the world in Carroll County. That was on 6 March 1870. He received here
his youthful education, and following school, he devoted himself to farming and
assisted his father in operating the farm in Kniest Township. He worked loyally
and industriously on his parents’ farm until 1894 when, on the 3rd of October,
he led his chosen one to the marriage altar. That was Miss Theresia Berger, a
virtuous and esteemed young lady. He moved to his newly established home,
consisting of 100 acres. Mr. Kölker is a young, progressive German farmer, who
has labored with good success. He is also very popular and respected in the
entire township and has already held several offices of distinction. He was
Justice of the Peace for two years, and still today Mr. Kölker holds the office
of Township Assessor. His home farm is in a good state of affairs and is
equipped with fine buildings.
The above excellent picture, the original of which was taken on his wedding day,
shows him with his dear wife. This very happy marriage has produced two
children: Mabel and Myrtel.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the
end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Wilhelm Lesle
This man was born in Zaatzke, near Wittstock, Province of Brandenburg, on 4
May 1831. After successfully completing school, he devoted himself to farming,
and in 1854, he went to Spandau as a soldier in the 24th Infantry Regiment.
After two and a half years of service, he was honorably discharged. He then
married Miss Louise Krohn, a fine young lady. In 1857, he and his wife came by
way of Canada to America, where they settled near Burlington, Wisconsin. After
12 years there, the family moved to Sac Township, Sac County, Iowa, where they
purchased a 120-acre property. From 1865 to 1866, he was inducted as a soldier
in the United States Army and was then discharged with honors. He then
returned again to the plow, and after selling the above-mentioned farm, he
acquired a 160-acre farm in the same township. Gradually, Mr. Lesle purchased
another 240 acres, but he later signed 80 acres each to both of his sons. In
1891, Mr. Lesle and his wife retired from farming and moved to the little town
of Auburn to enjoy the fruits of their successful labor, but unfortunately his
dear life’s companion died on 11 April 1894. This happy marriage produced five
children, two of whom died at a young age. Mr. Lesle was a loyal subscriber to
the Demokrat and has been a constant and attentive reader since it first
appeared. May the jovial old man be granted sunny twilight years.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the end
are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Christ. Löffelholz [Christian Loeffelholz]
Anyone who is acquainted with the residents of Kniest [Township] also has the
pleasure of knowing the jovial Christ. Löffelholz, of whom we publish [in
another place in this paper] an excellent picture. Mr. Christ. Löffelholz was
born on 25 April 1840 in Heuthen, County of Heiligenstadt, District of Erfurt,
Province of Saxony, Germany, where he received his youthful education. After
being released from school, he devoted himself to agriculture. He helped his
father in operating the parental farm, but when he was 17 years old, he had the
misfortune to lose his father through death. He worked on various farms up until
1864, when he took up the hiking staff and toured Bavaria, Wuerttemberg, and the
beautiful Father Rhine. He stayed for three weeks in Alsace-Lorraine, and on 31
October 1865, he carried out his long-held decision to travel to the free
country of America. On 1 January 1866, he set foot on the shore of America,
landing in New York Harbor. He immediately turned towards the West, and settled in New Vienna, Iowa. At first he
worked in a woolen mill, then in a brewery, and in 1869 he worked as a clerk in
a store while also assisting in a barroom. On 26 April 1870, he came to Kniest
Township, Carroll County to work a piece of land in that township which he had
purchased a year earlier. On 15 June 1870 he married Miss Margaretha Wilkens,
and this bride and groom were the first couple to be proclaimed married at St.
Mary’s Church in Mt. Carmel by Rev. Father Heimbucher. While Mr. Christ.
Löffelholz has been living on his land in Kniest Township, he has equipped his
farm with a splendid residence as well as solid buildings, so that his farm may
be counted among the best in Kniest Township. On account of his straightforward
and open character, he is esteemed and popular and enjoys the respect of all his
acquaintances. In the Mt. Carmel Protection Society Against Fire, he has at
various times held important
offices and is on the board of directors. On 15 June 1895, he and his
dear wife celebrated their silver wedding anniversary, in which all their
acquaintances very happily participated. Unfortunately, the worthy couple has
not been immune from the decrees of God. After five of their children had died,
a brave and virtuous daughter had to undergo a dangerous operation due to a
tumor, and she succumbed to her illness on 11 May 1899, at the age of 24 years,
3 months, and 15 days. She is deeply mourned by her sorely tested parents, her
loving siblings, and all her acquaintances. The names of the children still
living are: Bernhard, Maria, Johann, Franz Martin, Joseph Albert, and Theresia
Elisabeth.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the
end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Hermann Luchtel
This man, who appears in a picture with his estimable wife, although not among
the earliest settlers of Carroll County, along with his family, still holds a
respected place among all the German society in Carroll County. He is a
progressive and practical farmer, and his equipment, most of it produced by
his own hand, may be considered exemplary.
Mr. Hermann Luchtel was born in New Vienna, Dubuque County, Iowa on 28 July
1850. As a studious young boy he attended school there, and then he devoted
himself to farming and worked there until he was 22 years old. He then
purchased a parcel of land in Delaware County, and on 16 July 1872 he married
Miss Sophia Grote, a well-brought-up young woman. Mr. Luchtel then moved with
his young wife to the previously-purchased farm, which he worked successfully
for six years. He then sold the farm and established a new home in Wheatland
Township, Carroll County, purchasing a farm of 120 acres, where the family
lived until 1890. Mr. Luchtel then acquired another farm of 120 acres in the
same township, and then another 120 acres of adjoining land, where the family
still lives today. This true Christian marriage produced six children: Maria,
Anna, Heinrich, Clemens, Hermann, and Clara.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the
end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Chas. H. Ludwig
The subject of our current description is one of the best-known and most-popular
business people in Carroll County, and Mr. Chas. H. Ludwig has the reputation of
being a completely honest and reliable businessman.
He was born on 27 November 1853 in Birkenriede, Germany. After the
promising boy had attended a few years of school in his hometown, his parents
immigrated to America and settled in Joe Davis County, Wisconsin. [There
does not appear to be such a county in Wisconsin.] Here, young Charles
commenced and completed his studies in elementary school. In 1869, his
parents moved to Kniest Township, Carroll County, where his father purchased a
farm. Charles H., who meanwhile had grown to promising youth, turned to
farming, either assisting his father part-time on the farm, or operated a
threshing machine. But he had an urge to go into a commercial occupation,
and he then went to the town of Carroll, where he first worked a year as a shop
assistant for Mr. Wayne, and then a year for Messrs. Wayne and Arts, who had
become partners, and then three years for Mr. Arts, who had taken over the
business for himself. Then Mr. Ludwig worked a year for Geo. Everts, and
then he associated with Mr. H. E. Stevens, and they opened a general merchandise store. In the
fall of 1880, Mr. Chas. Ludwig married Miss Elisabeth Niens from Port
Washington, Wisconsin. In 1882, Mr. Stevens withdrew from the business and Mr.
Christ Ludwig, a brother of Charles H., took over Mr. Stevens’s share. Since
the business had experienced an unexpected and large increase, the store
premises soon became too small. The Ludwig brothers purchased a neighboring lot
and built a two-story business building, in which the large business is still
located today. Mr. Christ Ludwig died in April 1898, at which time Mr. Chas.
H. Ludwig took over the entire stock, valued at $24,000, on his own.
The dimensions of the store are 24 feet wide, and 100 feet long, and the
basement, store area, and upper storage rooms constitute an area of 7200 square
feet, and this space is filled with merchandise that is not to be found in any
smaller store in Carroll. The total inventory of merchandise at the moment
represents a value of $30,000 and is large enough for a town with four times the
population. Mr. Ludwig is assisted by four shop assistants, who are almost
always busy helping to fulfill the wishes of the customers. That is the result
of a business career of an industrious, honest and reliable businessman.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the
end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Rev. Gerh. Heinr. Lührsmann [Gerhard Heinrich Luehrsmann]
This Reverend Gentleman has been the pastor at St. Mary’s Parish in Mt. Carmel
since 1892, and during this time he has earned the love and affection of all his
parishioners. Due to the repeated destruction of the church by fire, the St.
Mary’s Parish was rather run-down, and when Rev. Father Lührsmann took over
leadership of the parish, it was also considerably in debt. Today, St. Mary’s
Parish in Mt. Carmel is debt-free, and in addition, it is decorated with
beautiful wall and ceiling paintings, magnificent altars adorn the church, a
large pipe organ sounds to the glory of God, and in respect to the other
furnishings of the beautiful church, it can be said that St. Mary’s, the mother
church of Carroll County, is far and wide the most beautiful in form as well as
in fixtures. Through the careful works of this energetic pastor, the interior of
the church stands completed and, just during the last year, another addition was
achieved in the architectural perfection of the church property—a worthy priest’s residence.
Where such successes are to be noted, one can and must say that they are due to
a beneficial and harmonious cooperation between priest and laity.
The Rev. Father Lührsmann was born on 23 December 1835 in Wallenhorst, Osnabrück
District, Province of Hanover. He spent his childhood years and attended
elementary school there, and in 1849 his parents emigrated to the United States
of North America and settled initially in Cincinnati. In 1862, the reverend
gentleman entered the priests’ seminary in Milwaukee, and on 18 December 1869 he
succeeded in fulfilling his deepest wish and was ordained a priest by the late
Bishop Luers of Ft. Wayne, Indiana. On Christmas Day of the same year, he
celebrated his first Holy Mass in New Vienna, Iowa. Then the energetic priest
was transferred to a missionary assignment in Baden, Keokuk County, to which
belonged 14 stations in three different counties. Then he was called to
Gutemberg [should probably be Guttenberg], Clayton County, where he built the
beautiful church constructed of quarried stone. Then he was called to Lyons,
Clinton County, where he enlarged the church and founded the school operated by the nuns. The energetic priest was
there for eight years, and then he was transferred to Alton, Sioux County, where
he again established an elementary school conducted by the nuns. It is also
noteworthy that four students have gone forth from this educational institution
to prepare for the priesthood. The Reverend Father Lührsmann spent eight years
in this parish and cared for Sioux, Osceola, and O’Brien Counties, because he
was the only German priest in those three counties. He was then called to St.
Mary’s Church in Mt. Carmel, where he did his blessed work and earned the
respect of all the parishioners. On 18 December 1899 he will have the great
happiness of celebrating his 30th anniversary as a priest, which will certainly
be appropriately celebrated by the entire parish.
NOTES: Father Lührsmann died in 1916 and is buried in Breda.
I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a
German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and
1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the
paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the
end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:
Johann Meisel
In the above portrait is presented an excellent picture of Mr. Johann Meisel and
his respected wife. Mr. Meisel was born on 2 November 1830 in Odenhausen,
District of Erfurt, Province of Saxony. After successfully attending school, he
learned the trade of linen weaver, and he lived with his parents until he was 23
years old. On 10 August 1853, he married Miss Friederika Stange, after
which he worked another two years at his trade in his hometown. He then
immigrated with his young wife to the United States of North America and settled
in Peru County, Illinois. He then took up farming, and he rented a farm
where he lived for three years with his wife. They then purchased an
80-acre farm in Peru County, and after a few years they purchased an additional
96 acres. They lived on this farm for 29 years, and they then sold the
land and moved to Roselle Township, Carroll County, Iowa, where they acquired
120 acres. They later purchased another 85 acres in Washington Township, and a while later another 160 acres, so that their entire real estate
consists of 365 acres of the finest land, which, because of its excellent
location, its quality of soil, and its good and solid buildings, may be
considered among the most valuable of properties. After many years of the
greatest industriousness and extremely hard work, the couple longed for
retirement. So, Mr. Meisel and his wife purchased an elegant home in the First
Ward in Carroll and moved there in 1894, in order to enjoy he fruits of their
successful labor. They have lived here now for five years, and they are among
the most respected German-American families, and they are very respected and
popular among all their acquaintances because of their great integrity and their
compassion for the sufferings of others. This very happy marriage has produced
seven children: Augusta, married to Mr. Anton Hoffart; Anna, married to Mr.
Nickolaus Backes; Johanna, married to Mr. Fred. Hoscheid [possibly should be Hoscheit]; Maria, married to Mr. Albert Hoscheid [Hoscheit]; Heinrich, married to Miss Julia Guegel; Benjamin, married to Miss Katharina
Williams; and Emma, married to Mr. Heinrich Rose.
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