LOVEKAMP, LOUIS FRED, a successful and experienced grower of grain, is justly numbered among the substantial agriculturalists of township 17, range 11, this county. He was born in this township, August 19, 1867, a son of Christian and Mary (Wedeking) Lovekamp, natives of Prussia, Germany. The grandfather, Everett Wedeking, came to Cass County in 1833, when Mrs. Lovekamp was seven years old. Christian Lovekamp, who was born December 2, 1818, learned the blacksmithing trade in Germany, and in young manhood came to the United States, working at his trade for a time in New Jersey, but later came to Arenzville, this county, where he conducted a blacksmith shop for some years. He then bought a large farming property, and added to it, and when he died, January 16, 1904, owned and was operating 400 acres. His wife, who was born February 14, 1827, died February 23, 1914. Their children were as follows: Edward, who is of Peoria, Ill.; Mary, who is the widow of William C. Hagener, lives at Beardstown; Sophia, who is Mrs. Henschen, of Beardstown; George, who lives in Cass County; Henry C., who is living on a part of the home place; Louisa, who is the wife of Rev. H. F. Eggert, a Lutheran preacher; and Louis Fred.

Louis Fred Lovekamp has always lived on the homestead of his parents, and has always carried on grain farming. After his marriage, he took charge of 244 acres that he bought from his father, and they all lived together until the death of his parents. He has added forty acres to his holdings, all of which land is under cultivation except about forty acres in timber.

On August 15, 1895, Mr. Lovekamp was married to Christina Lovekamp, born in Cass County, a daughter of Herman and Mary (Peters) Lovekamp, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Lovekamp became the parents of the following children: Ada, Esther, Clarence and Harry, all of whom are at home. Mr. Lovekamp attended the public schools of his district and the German school, and is much interested in educational matters, having served as a school director for twelve years. In politics he is a Republican, while religiously he is a member of the Lutheran church. In addition to his farming interests, Mr. Lovekamp is a director of the Arenzville & Hagener Grain Company. A man of solid business qualities, he has increased his holdings and gained a strong position in his neighborhood.