GERHARD, HENRY

GERHARD, HEISER

Posted By: Administrator
Date: 10/3/2001 at 21:49:01

From the book "The History of Clinton County Iowa" by L. P.
Allen (1879) Pages 669-697
Biographical Sketches of Clinton Residents

HENRY GERHARD, proprietor of the Gerhard House, corner Front street and Sixth avenue; was born in Germany, in 1832; he emigrated to America in 1853, and came to Iowa and located in Clinton in the spring of 1865 ; he bought the Mississippi House, which was entirely destroyed by fire June 8,1865 ; he immediately rebuilt the hotel; moved into the new hotel and occupied it the following 3d of July, less than one month from the time the fire occurred ; in 1869, he bought the Cinton brewery, and ran that for two years, which was a losing investment; he then returned and opened the Gerhard House again, and he has continued in the business since. The Gerhard House is one of the most convenient and best-arranged hotels in the State, being well kept, well furnished and comfortable in all of its appointments. When Mr. Gerhard began life, he had nothing, and, notwithstanding his losses, by attending to business, he owns the hotel and the brick building adjoining it, and half a block on Sixth avenue, from Front street. He is a man of strict integrity. In 1864, he married Louise Heiser, a native of Germany; they have three children. He also has three children by former wife.