Brockman, Theodore

BROCKMAN, AGARS, ROCK, COPENHAFER, SHWEEN

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Date: 4/15/2003 at 18:31:11

Source: "The 1901 Biographical Record of Clinton Co., Iowa, Illustrated" published: Chicago : S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., 1901.

THEODORE BROCKMAN.

The subject of this personal narrative is one of the most successful and progressive farmers within the borders of Berlin township, his home being on section twenty-five. He has made his special field of industry an eminent success, and is highly esteemed and respected by all who know him.

Mr. Brockman was born in Holstein, Shanafeld, Germany, April 24, 1842, a son of Henry and Annie (Agars) Brockman, who were also native of Holstein. The father was a mason by trade and followed that occupation throughout his active business life. He died in Germany, March 30, 1850, at the age of thirty-eight years, and his widow subsequently came to the United States with our subject. Her death occurred in Davenport, Iowa, on the 29th of May, 1887, when she was seventy-four years of age. They had three sons: John D., now a retired merchant of Davenport; Theodore, our subject; and Henry, a commission merchant of Davenport. Our subject’s brothers came to this country some years before he crossed the Atlantic. Both are married and have families.

It was on the 30th of May, 1867, that Theodore Brockman and his mother landed on the shore of the new world. They proceeded at once to Davenport, and for four years our subject engaged in farming in Scott county. In 1872 he came to Clinton county and rented a farm in the central part of Berlin township, which he operated for three years, and in 1877 purchased eighty acres of land on section twenty-five, where he now resides. To this property he has since added from time to time until he now has two hundred and seventy-eight acres of rich farming land on sections twenty-five and twenty-six, on which he has erected a commodious and pleasant residence, large barns and other buildings, making it one of the best farms of the township. He has engaged in general farming and stock raising, but at present his farm is mainly carried on by his youngest son, though he still has an oversight of the entire property, and takes great pride in scientific farming, using the best and most improved machinery. Everything about his place shows evidence of a man who believes in having a place for everything and everything in its place. The lawn which surrounds the pleasant home is well shaded by large trees, which add greatly to the beauty of the place. Being industrious, persevering and economical, he has met with excellent success, and has accumulated a fine property, his farm being one of the model places of the locality.

Mr. Brockman was married, December 2, 1868, to Miss Louisa Rock, a native of Waldock-Harbsen, Germany, who came to America when about twenty-six years of age, her father having died in Germany, her mother and brother Ludwig following her one year later. The mother died in Scott county, Iowa, at the age of eighty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Brockman are the parents of five children, the two eldest born in Scott county, the others in Clinton county. In order of birth they are as follows: Annie resides at home. Minnie married Martin Copenhafer, a prominent farmer now living in Montana, and died at the home in Berlin township, this county, in 1898, leaving one child, Elmer, who resides with our subject. Louisa is the wife of William Shween, who owns and operates one hundred and twenty acres of land in Welton township, this county. Henry is a farmer of Brown county, Minnesota. Christian, now twenty-one years of age, is carrying on the home farm.

Mr. Brockman has served as school director a great many years, and has also filled the office of road supervisor, but he has never sought public office nor taken an active part in politics, though he is deeply interested in public affairs, and does all in his power to advance the welfare of his township and county. He is a man of influence in his community, and his advice is often sought by his neighbors and many friends.