Wingen, Gerhard 1826 - 1916

WINGEN, DAHMEN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 3/3/2019 at 12:18:56

Elkader Register & Argus, Thur., 5 Oct. 1916.

Gerhard Wingen, one of the pioneers of North McGregor, and widely known in Iowa and Wisconsin, died Saturday morning at 2:30 o'clock, aged 90 years, 3 months and 15 days. He was born on the Rhine River, in the village of Stockhausen, Prussia, Germany, June 15th, 1826.

He attended school in Germany until 15 years old, then worked at the carpenter trade until he was 20 years old, when he and his brother Peter came to America. They landed at New York City, and from there they went to New Lisbon, Columbia County, Ohio, working at the carpenter trade, building boats and locks for eighteen months, and later went to Milwaukee, where they lived for two years, then Gerhard Wingen removed to Baraboo, and from there to Sauk City, Wis., where on November 19th, 1861, he was married to Isabella Dahmen, who died several years ago. In May, 1858, Mr. Wingen located in North McGregor, where he followed the carpenter trade until 1886, when he opened a store of general merchandise. On the 17th day of February, 1879, he was appointed postmaster at North McGregor. He has been closely identified with interests of that town during all the years of his residence there, and was an extensive property owner. About twenty-seven years ago when the Fleming Bros.' saw mill was sold Mr. Wingen bought the mill and thus established the Wingen Lumber company, including his sons in the business with him. On Easter Sunday the mill was burned to the ground, and since then the Wingen lumber yards have adhered to the retail trade, not rebuilding the mill.

Mr. Wingen has been in failing health for the past three years, but was able to be out the greater part of the time, taking a keen interest in all improvements in the town. He was a Catholic in religion, a faithful member of St. Mary's church at McGregor. He leaves one daughter, Isabella, and four sons, John A., Christian, Herman and William.