| 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 agriculturists 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. |
Dubuque
County IAGenWeb