Ludwig Simons, 1899 Biography

SIMONS, CASPARY

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 3/23/2006 at 00:01:22

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:

Ludwig Simons

When one sets foot in the friendly little town of Maple River Junction, one quickly notices the large business building of Mr. Ludwig Simons. It is a business in general merchandise, which enjoys a good and wide customer base, and where a rich selection of all customary goods is offered for sale at reasonable prices. Mr. Simons, the friendly and obliging storeowner, has operated this business since 1892, in which year he was also named postmaster, which office he still holds today. He was born on 23 July 1862 in Lyons, Iowa, where he attended the parish and public schools, and later the high school. In 1876 his parents moved to Crawford County, where his father farmed. Young Ludwig then went into farm work, and he assisted his father in running the farm. On 12 February 1885, Mr. Simons married Miss Louise Caspary, and then from 1887 to 1889 he farmed for himself. He then took over a farm in Carroll County, and after three years he opened the business in Maple River Junction, which since then has enjoyed an excellent reputation and has acquired good support.