Joseph Friedmann, 1899 Biography

FRIEDMANN, GÖTZINGER, GOETZINGER

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 12/31/2006 at 12:19:07

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:

Joseph Friedmann

And this gentleman, a very respected farmer, is also an early settler because he has lived in Roselle Township since 1872. And, even more notable, he still lives today on the dear old soil that he initially acquired. Mr. Joseph Friedmann was born on 26 September 1844 in Stark County, Ohio. When he was a boy of 11 years, his parents moved to Dubuque County, Iowa. After little Joseph had acquired his further schooling here, he chose the same occupation as his father and became a farmer. He worked as an exemplary son for his parents until his 27th year. On 27 July 1871, he married Miss Maria Götzinger [Goetzinger], a well-brought-up woman from Luxembourg [or of Luxembourg heritage]. In October of the same year, Mr. Friedmann purchased a 160-acre farm in Roselle Township, Carroll County, and he moved to Roselle Township on 14 March 1872 with his young wife. They lived in the hospitable home of Mr. Buchheit until April of that same year, at which time they moved onto their farm, which from year to year, through fencing the land, and the building of barns, stables, and a fine residence, they have raised to its present state. A part of the history of Roselle Township and Carroll County is connected to the efforts of Mr. Friedmann. He experienced a great deal of the early days of German settlement in the county, and Mr. Friedmann has always been an honorable citizen and a reliable father, and so he and his family have earned the fullest measure of respect. This happy marriage has produced 14 children, of whom the following are still living: Anton, Mathias, Anna, Elisabeth, Katharina, John, Helena, Theresia, Peter, Joseph, and Wilhelm.