Edward F. Richmann, 1899 Biography

RICHMANN, DEGEN, BERGER, KNIEST, NOCKELS

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 1/8/2006 at 18:18:06

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:

Ed. F. Richmann

This man, of whom the anniversary edition presents a true photograph, is a successful cigar maker, and the cigars that come from his works are favorably known in the entire state. Mr. Ed. F. Richmann was born on 23 December 1861 in Lehmsig, Province of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. When he was a six-year-old boy, his parents emigrated to the United States of North America and settled in Davenport, Iowa, where the young Edward attended the public schools. After completing school, he learned the cigar-making trade in Davenport, and after a successful term of apprenticeship, he worked in various American states, such as Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas. In 1884, he made his way to Ida Grove, Iowa, where he associated with a Mr. Degen and founded a cigar making business with him. The name of the firm was Richmann & Degen. A year later he sold his interest in the business and came to Carroll where he at first established a cigar making business in Peter Berger’s building on Fifth Street. After operating for three years, he moved his works to Kniest’s building on Fifth Street and at the same time opened a retail business in cigars, tobacco, pipes, and cigar holders. In 1893, he moved his works and store to Nockel’s building on the north side of the street. Here, in addition to his cigar works and retail business, he opened a wholesale business in tobacco, pipes, and cigar cases, and in 1898 he purchased the business block building.

We see here how a young and industrious man, through hard work and knowledge, has gradually risen in commerce, and from a modest beginning has built a significant and thriving business. Mr. Richmann also enjoys the respect of all his fellow-citizens and is especially popular and esteemed in the German-American community.