Joseph Finger & Heinrich Thielke, 1899 Biography

FINGER, THIELKE, EHRICH

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 1/15/2006 at 13:03:39

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:

Joseph Finger and Heinrich Thielke

Unfortunately, the subject of our present description, Mr. Joseph Finger, is no longer among the living, but his earthly deeds stand written on the Book of Life, and his affable character is remembered by all. The deceased was born in 1833 in Knevelinghausen, Büren County, Westphalia, Germany. He received his youthful education in his hometown, and he was later called to military service. In 1863, he married Miss Maria Ehrich, but just a year later moved out with his regiment to the war against Denmark [DanishWar], and two years later he took part in the campaign against Austria [Austro-Prussian War]. He was in several battles and actions, but he returned uninjured to the care of his family, honorably discharged and decorated with the Iron Cross. In 1868, he emigrated with his family to America, where they went first to New Vienna, Dubuque County, Iowa, and in 1872 they moved to Kniest Township, Carroll County, where he purchased a beautiful 160-acre farm. But after several years, he began to notice the effects of the war campaigns, and so he retired in 1882. Unfortunately, his condition worsened from year to year, and he passed away in 1885, bemoaned and mourned by his dear wife and children.

Mr. Heinrich Thielke, who had lived on the farm for many years, married the widow Maria Finger in 1887. He was born in Blankenrode, Büren County, Hanover Province, on 26 July 1858. He received his youthful education in his hometown, and when he finished school, he worked primarily in agriculture. In 1880, he put on the uniform of his king, and a few years later, he emigrated to the United States of North America, where he made his way to Kniest Township and made the acquaintance of his dear wife, and thereafter followed the marriage. Today, the Thielke family still lives on the farm, which by virtue of its fine location, solid buildings, and excellent land, may be counted among the most valuable properties. Mr. Thielke, along with his wife and children, enjoy an excellent reputation and are respected by all their fellow-citizens.