Wynhoff, H.J.

GASTER, COOK, BERG, ARNEMAN, LEEGE, WINTERS, AMBROSE, KLEINAU

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/2/2010 at 10:41:43

H.J. Wynhoff, who conducted the first store in Tripoli and who for many years thereafter left the impress of his individuality upon the commercial and financial history of the town, is now living in retirement, having won a period of rest and leisure by earnest and capable labor in the past. He was born in Rhine Province, Germany, January 2, 1843, and is a son of Anton and Adelaide (Gaster) Wynhoff, both of whom died in their native country. Mr. Wynhoff acquired his education in the common schools at Till, Germany, and afterward served three years in the regular army. He came to the United States in 1868 and located at West Bend, Wisconsin, at which place and later at Appleton he followed the shoemaker's trade which he had learned from his father. He afterward moved to Neenah, Wisconsin, where he engaged in the manufacture of soda water for a time. From there he came to Bremer county, in 1872, and settled in Tripoli, where he opened the first store, erecting a one-story building twelve by twenty-four feet in dimensions, in which he kept his goods and an additional twelve by eighteen feet, where he and his family resided. He hauled his goods from Waverly and supplied the early settlers with their needs, eventually building up a large and profitable patronage. At the end of eight years Mr. Wynhoff took George Cook into partnership and they continued the business successfully for a long period. Two years after their association was dissolved Mr. Wynhoff formed a partnership with Jake Berg. This building is still standing and has been remodeled into a modern apartment house. In 1900 Mr. Wynhoff became interested in the banking business, organizing the German Savings Bank of Tripoli, of which he served as president, making it a sound and conservative institution, well managed along practical and modern lines. In June, 1913, he disposed of all of his business interests and retired from active life.

At Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Mr. Wynhoff was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Arneman, a native of Germany, and they have become the parents of six children: Addie, the wife of Henry Leege of Waterloo; Augusta, who married Emil Winters of Petersburg, Nebraska; Martha, now Mrs. William Ambrose of Tripoli; Oscar H., who married Louisa Kleinau and who is employed in his father's bank; Henry D., who died when he was a young man; and Amanda, who passed away at the age of eighteen. Mrs. Wynhoff is a member of the Evangelical church.

Mr. Wynhoff gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has always been active in public affairs. He was the first postmaster of Tripoli and served again in this position during Cleveland's administration. For many years he was township trustee and has been for a long period a member of the school board, serving in this capacity when the old schoolhouse, now used for a livery barn, was built and also when the beautiful new structure was erected. During the period of his connection with public office Mr. Wynhoff has sought the community good along many lines, cooperating heartily in all measures and movements to promote advancement and growth. He has won for himself a high place in public and business life and he holds the esteem and confidence of all who have been in any way associated with him.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914