J. H. Henry Loxterkamp, 1899 Biography

LOXTERKAMP, BÜLT, BUELT

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 1/20/2007 at 11:32:02

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

J. H. Henry Loxterkamp

This man was born on 18 August 1864 in Ankum Parish, Province of Hanover, Germany. He attended school in the same place where he first saw the light of the world, and when he finished school he learned the trade of blacksmith. After he finished his training, he continued his learning further in various large workshops. But then it came time to put on the colorful coat of the military, but our friend showed no special liking for that occupation, and instead made the plan to immigrate to the free country of America, and he carried out his plan in the month of August. Upon arrival in the United States, he chose the State of Iowa as his destination, and he settled at first in Manning, Iowa, where he worked for a time. He also made a go at it in Aspinwall, but the desire for independence soon led him to the decision to establish his own business, and for that he chose the nice little town of Roselle, where he found only like-minded people among the honest residents. But our friend also thought that it is not good for a man to be alone, and since he had already become acquainted with Miss Anna Maria Bült [Buelt], a fine young lady who had a mind to entrust her happiness and her future to the industrious young man, and so the decision was soon made. In 1891, the respected couple became man and wife, and it can truthfully be said that it is a happy pair that find themselves together and share joy and sorrow with each other. This marriage produced four children, one of whom, however, was taken from the parents at a tender age by death.

Because Mr. Loxterkamp is inspired with a strong drive for business, he expanded his business in 1892 by opening a lively business in farm machines and implements in Roselle, and he has experienced a nice upswing in trade since then. His inventory in the famous and well-known Deer [Deere] brand of machines, Elwood & Knowlton harvesters, spring wagons, and lumber carts, as well as a large selection of all types of modern and durable buggies, already has an excellent reputation. And in 1896, in addition to his blacksmith shop and business in agricultural machines and implements, he also took over a wheelwright business in which wagons are manufactured and all imaginable repairs are quickly and cheaply performed. Loxterkamp, with his extensive business, is an essential part of the beautiful and pleasant little town, and he contributes more than a little to the business success of Roselle.