Tegtmeier, Henry

BORCHERT, HEISER, HAASE

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/4/2010 at 13:07:59

No one can carry investigation far into the history of Bremer county without learning how long and honorably the name of Tegtmeier has been connected with agricultural development in this part of Iowa. Among its most honorable and worth representatives was Henry Tegtmeier, who died upon his farm June 23, 1894, and whose memory yet lives in the hearts of his many friends. He was born in Germany in 1825 and after acquiring his education began serving the required term in the regular army. Hearing, however, that his parents and brothers were going to America, he left the service and with his brother William crossed the Atlantice in 1850. the letter which he wrote to his father telling of his action just saved the latter from being punished for his son's desertion, for he secured passage for America on board a vessel commanded by a personal friend.

The Tegtmeier family were pioneers in Bremer county, having settled in Maxfield township in 1853. Henry Tegtmeier and his brother William settled upon a farm on section 32, Fremont township, making their home in a granary during the first summer. They gradually prospered, however,and improved the land, gaining rank with the most substantial and prosperous men of the community. Henry Tegtmeier continued active in the improvement and development of his farm until his death, which occurred June 23, 1894.

Henry Tegtmeier married Miss Sophia Borchert, who was born in Germany, April 5, 1837, her parents being early settlers in Maxfield township. Mr. and Mrs. Tegtmeier became the parents of five children: Carrie, the widow of H. Heiser, of Plainfield, Iowa; Mary, who married H.L. Haase, of Tripoli; and H.H.C, F.H. and Carl A., farmers in Fremont township, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Tegtmeier survives her husband and has reached the age of seventy-six. She is a lady of many excellent qualities of mind and character and has an extensive circle of friends in Bremer county.

Mr. Tegtmeier was a member of the Evangelical Association and he gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. He was on of the earliest settlers in Fremont township and for years was a great individual force in development, giving the weight of his influence to measures of progress, advancement and reform. His death was therefore a distinct loss to Bremer county, depriving it of one of its most valued and representative citizens.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914