Hermann Hermsen, 1899 Biography

HERMSEN, HASKEN

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 3/2/2004 at 23:55:03

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. I have not changed the place or name spellings, but I have added some notes at the end. It reads as follows:

Hermann Hermsen

The subject of our present description is Mr. Hermsen who resides on his pretty farm near Mt. Carmel, and in addition to the cultivation of his land is occupied with good success in cattle breeding. The gentleman is well liked and esteemed among all his acquaintances and is one of the most respected German-Americans in the county.

Mr. Hermann Hermsen was born on 6 January 1850 in Lone, Lingen District, Province of Hannover. He received his early education in his hometown, after which he devoted himself to the occupation of agriculture. In 1871, he married an estimable young woman, Miss Maria Hasken. In 1875, he immigrated with his wife and children to the United States and settled in New Vienna in Dubuque County, Iowa. However, he remained there only four weeks and then moved to Kniest Township, Carroll County, where he purchased a nice piece of land of 80 acres and farmed it quite successfully. Through the years he purchased an additional 70 acres, and 160 acres in Newton Township, so that his real estate holdings now amount to 310 acres of the finest land. On 26 September 1896, he had the misfortune to lose his dear wife. His elderly, venerable mother, who is now 80 years old, is spending her twilight years with her son Hermann. His very happy marriage produced five children, namely: Hermann, Heinrich, George, Franz and Johann.

NOTES: The article states “Lone” as the place of birth, which possibly refers to the town of “Lohne bei Lingen.” There is an obituary index for the Carroll Times Herald listing an obituary for a Mrs. Hermsen published 28 August 1901, page 5, column 2.

Carroll Biographies maintained by Lynn McCleary.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen