Klemp, Herman F.

HOGRAVE, VAN SCHOISK, BREITSPRECHER, BREGGMAN, CRANFIELD, SNYDER, SACK, RODER

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/3/2010 at 12:19:29

Herman F. Klemp, a successful general merchant of Readlyn, was born in Cook county, Illinois, March 12, 1873, a son of Frederick and Lena (Hograve) Klemp, native of Germany, who 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 in that locality. In their family were six children: Fred, residing near Sumner, Iowa; Herman F., of this review; Henry, who makes his home in Readlyn; Charles, residing upon the home farm in Fremont township; William, of Readlyn; and Mrs. Alvina Van Schoisk, of Waterloo.

Herman F. Klemp came with his parents to Fremont township, this county, in 1878, the father making the journey overland while the remainder of the family came by railroad. Here our subject grew to manhood, acquiring his education in the district schools, and upon laying aside his books turned his attention to farming, following this occupation until 1901. In that year he engaged in the general merchandise business at Knittel and there continued for four years, or until 1906, when he moved his business to Readlyn. He carried a large and well selected stock of goods and has been accorded a liberal patronage in recognition of his straightforward commercial methods, his reasonable prices and his earnest desire to please his patrons.

On the 22d of June, 1905, Mr. Klemp was united in marriage to Miss Emma Breitsprecher, who was born in Clayton county, Iowa August 18, 1878, and who came with her parents to Sumner, Iowa in 1889, locating on a farm near that city. She is a daughter of Fred and Sophia (Breggman) Breitsprecher, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Holland. The father resides in Sumner, having survived his wife since November, 1895. Ten children were born to their union, eight of whom survive, namely: Mrs. Mary Cranfield, of Chicago, Illinois; John, residing in Milo City, Montana; Mrs. Anna Snyder, of Chicago; Mrs. Klemp, wife of the subject of this review; Mrs. Sophia Sack, Henry Breitsprcher and Mrs. Minnie Roder, all of whom reside in Sumner; and Herman. Mr. and Mrs. Klemp have become the parents of two sons: Elmer H.F., who was born May 2, 1906; and Raymond, born December 27, 1909.

Mr. Klemp is a member of the German Lutheran church of Maxfield township and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. His life has been one of well directed activity, resulting in the attainment of a fair measure of success, and wherever he is known he is respected and esteemed by reason of his genuine personal worth.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914