Klemp, William

HOGRAVE, VAN SCHOISK, ALBRIGHT, KATZ, BIERNS, STROTHMAN, FRATZKE

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 12/31/2009 at 13:01:05

William Klemp, conducting a barber shop and pool hall in the K-K block in Readlyn, is a native son of Bremer county, born in Fremont township October 9, 1879. His parents, Frederick and Lena (Hograve) Klemp, were natives of Germany and they came to Bremer county in 1878. The father died in Fremont township in 1894, and is survived by his wife who still makes her home there. Six children were born to their union: Fred, residing near Sumner, Iowa; Herman of Readlyn; Henry, of the same city; Charlie, who makes his home on the old farm in Fremont township; William of this review; and Mrs. Alvina Van Schoisk of Waterloo. The four eldest of these children were born in Illinois and the others in Bremer county, where all were reared.

William Klemp acquired his education in the public schools of Fremont township and when he began his independent career turned his attention to farming, following this occupation until 1903. He then moved to Knittel and established himself in the grocery business there, operating an enterprise of that character for two years. In 1905 he removed to Readlyn and has since conducted a barber shop and a pool hall in the city. When the fire of September 9, 1912, destroyed all of the business district Mr. Klemp lost two buildings, entailing a loss of over fifteen hundred dollars, but he evidenced his faith in the future of the town by assisting in the erection of the K-K block, a fine modern business building, heated by steam and lighted by electricity from its own plant. Mr. Klemp has installed his barber shop and pool hall in one of the finest rooms in this building in which he owns a one-third interest. He enjoys a large patronage and stands high in business circles of Readlyn.

On the 22d of April, 1906, Mr. Klemp was united in marriage to Miss Martha Albright, who was born in Franklin township, this county, March 9, 1886. She is a daughter of William and Louisa (Katz) Albright, natives of Germany and now residents of Readlyn. They had the following children: William and Herman, of Franklin township; Mrs. Carrie Bierns, residing near Tripoli; John, of Maxfield township, Mrs. Klemp, wife of the subject of this review; Mrs. Emma Strothman of Readlyn; Henry, who resides in Franklin township; and Mrs. Clara Fratzke, of Fairbank, Iowa. Mr. Klemp's home is in the K-K block, a portion of the second floor of which he has had fitted up as an apartment. Mrs. Klemp has had charge of the telephone exchange for the past eight years and her excellent work in this capacity has gained wide-spread approval. The family are members of St. Pual's Evangelical Lutheran church. Mr. Klemp is a democrat in his political views and has been a member of the town council and is still active in his support of measures and projects for community growth and advancement. He is a public-spirited and progressive citizen as well as a successful business man and is held in high regard and esteem wherever he is known.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914