Henry Block, 1899 Biography

BLOCK, BOLTE, FLESKES

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 3/12/2006 at 13:20:18

I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and 1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Information in brackets and notes at the end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:

Henry Block

Mr. Henry Block, who has lived in Carroll for five years and has been married to widow Fleskes during this time, is among the most popular German-Americans and, because of his integrity and honesty he is esteemed and respected by all his acquaintances. He was born in Germany in May 1826. When he was just a boy of 9 years, he was already forced to make a living on his own. He learned the trade of miller, and carried on in this occupation until he married Miss Anna Maria Bolte in May 1850. After living another two years in his hometown, he and his young wife immigrated to the United States of North America and settled in Fort Madison, Iowa. The Block family lived in this town for 25 years and was engaged in various occupations. In 1877, the family moved to Shelby County, where Mr. Block acquired 240 acres of the finest real estate, which he worked with his children. In March 1891, he received a heavy blow when his dear wife was torn from his side by death. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Block sold his land and moved to Carroll, where he married the widow Fleskes on 9 January 1894. This happy marriage produced a son, which at baptism received the name August Joseph. He and one adopted daughter, Katharina, along with the parents, comprise the entire family. A few months ago, Mr. Block purchased a pretty farm a few miles from Carroll, which, however, he rented out. He lives in the southwest part [perhaps meaning the southwest ward of Carroll], where he owns a fine property of several acres, which he works himself.