Theodor Stallmann, 1899 Biography

STALLMANN, HERBERS

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 12/20/2006 at 22:42:57

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. Any information in brackets or notes at the end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:

Theodor Stallmann

The bearer of this name, of whom the Anniversary Edition presents a fine copper plate, is a popular German-American and a progressive farmer who, through hard work and integrity, has acquired quite a substantial real estate holding. He was born on 16 April 1853 in Lohne, District of Bechta, Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. He attended school until he was 15 years old, and then he worked for his parents and grandparents until 1872, when he immigrated to America. Upon arrival, he made his way first to New Vienna, Dubuque County, Iowa, where he worked for several years on various farms. On 6 June 1876, he traveled to Carroll County where he purchased 100 acres of land in Eden Township. He then traveled back to Dubuque County, and in March of the next year he came out here again to undertake the breaking of ground on his land. The following winter he spent back in New Vienna, and on 23 January 1878, he married the virtuous Miss Angela Maria Herbers. The solemn wedding ceremony took place in St. Bonafacius Church in New Vienna. He and his young bride then moved to Eden Township, Carroll County in order to settle permanently on his earlier-purchased farm.

In 1879, he expanded his farm by 80 acres, and ten years later he added another 80 acres. The farm, thus now 260 acres in size, is a fine property and the land forms a perfect square. During this spring. Mr. Stallmann purchased another 320 acres in Murray County, Minnesota.

Mr. Stallmann was township trustee several times, and was also elected treasurer of Eden Township, an office which he still holds today. This happy marriage has produced 10 children, one of whom died at a tender age. The names of the children still living are: Johann, Theodor, Cecilia, Clemens, Joseph, Aloysius, Leo, Maria, and Rosa.