Lorenz Grossmann, 1899 Biography

GROSSMANN, MESSER

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 3/3/2007 at 18:55:38

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:

Lorenz Grossmann

Mr. Grossmann was born on 12 December 1843 in Bernerieth, Royal District of Bohenstrauss, in the County of Oberpfalz and Regensburg [Bavaria]. He attended school in Döllnitz, and after finishing with excellent grades he took up farming and worked on various farms until 1865, when he was called up as a soldier. He took part in the war against Prussia and served until 1867 when was discharged with honors for the service he had rendered to his fatherland. He again worked on farms until 1868, and then he immigrated to the United States of North America. He made his way first to St. Lucas, Iowa, where he married Miss Margaretha Messer. He purchased 40 acres of land there, which he worked on his own. He sold the 40 acres in 1875 and moved to Pleasant Valley Township, Carroll County, Iowa, where he purchased 120 acres. He later purchased an additional 40 acres, so that he now calls 160 acres his own, a fine piece of land that is equipped with good buildings and a fine residence. The Grossmann family enjoys a good reputation and is very popular with everyone. This happy marriage has produced 10 children, two of whom died at an early age. The names of the children still living are: Anna, Mrs. Frank Gute; Johann; Maria; Franziska, George, Joseph; Franz; and Bernhard.