Diekmann, Fred

AHRENS, MATTHIAS, ROHRSSEN, KOCH, KNIEF, PAPE, BUETTNER

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 12/28/2009 at 10:56:51

Fred Diekmann, one of the respected and valued citizens of Readlyn, living in retirement after having been closely connected with business interests of this city and Klinger for a number of years, was born in Germany, August 2, 1854. He is a son of Louis and Wilhelmina (Ahrens) Diekmann, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1872, locating in Maxfield township, Bremer county. The father died here in 1889 and was survived by his wife until 1907. To their union were born six childdren, as follows: Fred, of this review; Wilhelmina, who died at the age of sixteen; William, residing at Elma, Iowa; C.H., of Denver, this state; Henry, deceased; and Louis, twin to Henry and a resident of Waterloo.

Fred Diekmann came to America in 1871 and settled in St. Paul, Minnesota, May 26 of that year. In October, 1872, he came to Maxfield township and located on a farm with his parents, following farming and stock-raising until 1887. In that year he moved to Klinger and built a creamery, conducting this successfully until 1891, when he traded it to his brother for a mercantile establishment. For many years thereafter he remained connected with the latter enterprise, building up a large and profitable business by reason of his practical management and straightforward methods. On the 29th of September, 1905, he formed a partnership with his sons, and they organized in Readlyn the firm of Diekmann & Sons, general merchants. Mr. Diekmann remained connected with the enterprise until he retired from active life, when he transferred his interests to his partners. The concern is now operated by his son, C.W. Diekmann.

Mr. Diekmann has been twice married. He wedded first Miss Mary Matthias, who was born in Maxfield township, a daughter of William and Christina (Rohrssen) Matthias, natives of Germany. They were among the earliest settlers in Maxfield township and both died in this locality. By his first marriage Mr. Diekmann had four children: Fred L., a resident of Readlyn; C.W., also of Readlyn; Mrs. Wilhelmina Koch, of Maxfield township; and Christina, who died in infancy. The first Mrs. Diekmann died in 1886, and in October, 1888, Mr. Diekmann, married Miss Dora Knief, who was born in Maxfield township, a daughter of George and Wilhelmina (Pape) Knief, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. To this union were born the following children: Mrs. Matilda Buettner, of Palo Alto county, Iowa; August, a resident of Readlyn; and Dora at home. The parents are members of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr. Diekmann gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has served as clerk of Maxfield township. He has now given up all business and political activity and is enjoying a rest which he has earned through many years of well directed labor in the past.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914