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Available Sources Records 1875 A. T. Andreas Atlas
Dubuque Genealogy Coordinator
Logo by Ginger Cisewski |
Extracted from Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties, Iowa, 1894 Reprinted by Higginson Book Co., Salem, Massachusetts, p. 118 HENRY HENKELS. It has been truly said that the prosperity of a community depends upon the individual enterprise and uprightness of its citizens. In proportion as each person achieves success will the county and state show a favorable advancement along the lines of material and commercial progress. The high standing of Dubuque County and its prominence among the other counties of the state of Iowa may be attributed largely to the energy and progressive spirit displayed by its residents. As one of its successful young agriculturalists we present the name of Henry Henkels, who owns and occupies a fine farm of three hundred acres situated on section 16, Peru Township. Our subject was born in Mosalem Township, Dubuque County, on the 24th of December, 1859. He is a son of Michael and Catherine (Becker) Henkels. Michael came to the United States in 1843, landing in New York City; he remained there a short time looking around, then came to Dubuque County, Mosalem Township, where he worked on a flatboat for three years. He lived economically and saved his earnings, and at the end of that time he purchased forty acres of wild land, which he cultivated and sold. He bought eighty acres more of wild land, which he cultivated, and had increased to two hundred acres at his demise, June 27, 1883. He was well and favorably known throughout the county and occupied the position of Road Supervisor for four years, that of Constable for six years, and served his fellow-citizens in the capacity of member of the School Board for fifteen years and also as Trustee of the Township. Mr. Henkels married a most estimable lady, and to them were born eleven children, as follows: Catherine, Lambert, Henry, (our subject), Nick, Maggie, Peter, Louise, Aggie, Frank, John, and Mary. To these he gave the best education that he could procure. He was a member of the Catholic Church, and in politics was an adherent to the Democratic party, using his right of franchise for the advancement of every party interest. Our subject, Henry, worked on the old homestead until February 18, 1886, when he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Wagner. He then started out in the world for himself, and his first attempt was to rent the old homestead, which he worked for five years. By frugality and good business management he saved enough money to purchase forty acres of wild land, which he cultivated and improved and which he has since increased to three hundred acres. To him and his wife have been born two children, Nick B. and Josephine. This estimable couple are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and in politics Mr. Henkels is a Democrat and that party finds in him a strong adherent. He is always ready to help in any good cause, and he has represented his fellow citizens, who find in him a man of exceptional ability and worth, as Secretary of the Public Schools for the past thirteen years, and also as Assessor of the township for four years. |
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