Clemens Penkhus, 1899 Biography

PENKHUS, FERNEDING

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 1/7/2006 at 16:35:39

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. Information in brackets and notes at the end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:

Clemens Penkhus

This man conducts an enterprising shoemaker business and, along with it, has a well-equipped stock of shoes and boots. His work is considered excellent, and the merchandise that he keeps on hand is durable and of good quality. Therefore, he enjoys an excellent business, and has earned the greatest respect of all his fellow-citizens.

Clemens Penkhus was born on the 6th of November 1856 in Südholz, Oldenburg. He learned the shoemaker’s trade and worked as a journeyman until he was called to military service. He served with the 19th Dragoon Regiment, which was garrisoned in Kloppenburg. He was honorably discharged after serving three years. After a break of two years in Südholz, he emigrated with his parents to America. In the winter of 1884-1885, he was working in Halbur, and in that spring he set up in Templeton. On the 23rd of November 1886, he married Miss Rosa Ferneding, a virtuous and cultured young woman. They were happily married for about 10 years when, on the 29th of May 1896, his dear wife was torn from his side by death. Three children were the fruit of this happy marriage: Maria, Heinrich, and Rosa.