Henry A. Ringgenberg (1866-1937)

RINGGENBERG

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 9/3/2023 at 15:56:48

Henry A. Ringgenberg
(August 15, 1866 – December 13, 1937)

Henry A. Ringgenherg, one of the most enterprising and successful agriculturists of Garfield Township, is the owner of a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres and his management of the place is marked by the scientific knowledge and skill which characterize the modern farmer. Mr. Ringgenherg is a native of Illinois, born in Henry county, August 15, 1866, and is a son of Peter and Annia (Imboden) Ringgenherg. The mother was born in Germany in 1845, while the father was born in Ohio, the same year, of German descent, his parents, Peter and Eliza Ringgenherg, having come to this country from the fatherland. On their emigration to America they first settled in Ohio, and from there removed to Henry County, Illinois, and later to Polk County, Iowa, where our subject's grandfather died at a good old age. He was a hard working man and a successful farmer. In his family were fourteen children, all of whom reached man and womanhood, and with one exception all are still living and are residents of Polk County, Iowa, where they have made their home for many years. Throughout his active business life Peter Ringgenberg. Jr., the father of our subject, has followed general farming. At an early day he came to Iowa and has since made his home in Polk County, being numbered among its pioneers and honored citizens. Prosperity has attended his well directed efforts, and he is today the owner of about eight hundred and twenty acres of valuable farm land in Polk County. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat. Both he and his wife are active members of the German Reformed church, and are highly respected and esteemed by all who know them. Of the thirteen children born to them twelve are still living, namely: Henry A., Robert A., William C, John A., Edward E., Charles, Albert, Frank O., David, Fred, Rosetta and Arthur. Henry, Robert, Edward and William are quite extensively engaged in farming, and together own about seven hundred and thirty-five acres of land.
Our subject was reared and educated in Polk County, Iowa, and has made farming his life occupation. Coming to Calhoun County in 1892, he located on the farm in Garfield Township where he now resides, he and his brother Robert having purchased three hundred and sixty acres of land together in that locality. Of that tract he now owns two hundred and forty acres, and has added to it forty acres more. It was formerly the old Joe Strain farm, and is one of the most desirable places in the township. Mr. Ringgenberg has made most of the improvement's, and the well tilled fields and neat and thrifty appearance of the place testify to his careful supervision and show conclusively that he thoroughly understands the vocation which he now follows. He raises from seventy-five to ninety-five acres of corn, and a like amount of small grain, besides hay. He keeps about fifteen head of horses and forty head of cattle of the shorthorn and Durham breeds, and in all his undertakings is meeting with well deserved success.
On the 15th of February, 1891, Mr. Ringgenberg was united in marriage with Miss Sophia Enabinat, who was born in Polk County, Iowa, September 28, 1871. Her father, Christ Enabinat, is now engaged in the hardware and furniture business in Meserva, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, and is also a land owner. Mr. and Mrs. Ringgenberg have six children, namely: Edward, Ora Dell, Elmer E., Roy R., Dewey and Elgin F. Mr. Ringgenberg attends the Presbyterian church and is a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 336, at Lytton. In his political affiliations he is a Democrat. He is one of the best known farmers in his township today and is highly respected and esteemed wherever known. [Source - Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S. J. Clarke, 1902, p.559]