Ricke, Clemence

RICKE, BLANK, LAUDE, LUTZKE, MORROW, CARUTH

Posted By: Janelle Martin - volunteer (email)
Date: 4/6/2011 at 23:33:35

History of Hamilton County, Iowa, Vol. II, 1912, J.W. Lee, pp 198-200.

One hundred and twenty acres of excellent land in Williams township is comprised within the well improved farm of Clemence Ricke, whose sound judgment and energy find visible evidence in his growing crops and golden harvests. He was born in Jo Daviess county, near East Dubuque, Illinois, on the 30th of January, 1874, and with his parents came to Hamilton county, Iowa, at which time the family home was established upon a farm four and one-half miles north of Williams. On that place he grew to manhood, his experiences being such as usually fall to the lot of farm lads. He early bore his part in the work of plowing, planting and harvesting and thus gained a practical experience which qualified him to take up work on his own account after he had attained his majority. He has always been identified with agricultural interests throughout the entire period of his residence here and his success has its root in his laudable ambition, unfaltering diligence and unflagging perseverance.

On the 6th of January, 1897, Clemence Ricke was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Blank, who was born in Dubuque county, Iowa, May 21, 1876. In 1880 she was brought to Hamilton county by her parents and the family have since been residents here. Her father, Ernest Blank, was born in Prussia, Germany, February 3, 1841, and died in Williams, Iowa, May 7, 1901, at the age of sixty years. Much of his life had been spent in the new world, for he crossed the Atlantic in 1852. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Eliza Laude, was born near Syracuse, New York, April 29, 1846, and is now residing with her daughter Mrs. Ricke. She was a small child when her parents removed with their family to Dubuque county, Iowa, settling on a farm eight miles south of Dubuque. To Mr. and Mrs. Blank were born seven children, of whom six are yet living; Mrs. Emily Lutzke, born August 28, 1868, residing at Doon, Iowa; Mrs. Hattie Ricke, born December 19, 1869, residing at Doon, Iowa; Henry Alexander, born December 29, 1871, residing at Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; Mrs. Maggie Morrow, born April 16, 1874, of Doon, Iowa; Mrs. Clemence Ricke; William, who died in infancy; and Mrs. Martha Caruth, who was born October 5, 1879, and makes her home at Williams. They were all born in Dubuque county.

Mrs. and Mrs. Ricke have become the parents of three children, namely; Lloyd Dewey, who was born July 30, 1898, and died July 16, 1902; Maurine Eliza, born April 14, 1902; and Zona Beryl, whose birth occurred January 15, 1904. The daughters are attending the public schools near their home. They were born in Williams township and have always resided here. The family occupy a pleasant residence in the midst of a well improved farm and in the community they are held in high esteem as people of genuine worth. In politics Mr. Ricke is independent and has never had ambition for office. He has, however, been a member of the board of trustees of Williams township and at the present time is treasurer of the school district. He is likewise one of the commissioners of the drainage district of Hamilton county. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church, while his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church, both being identified with congregations at Williams. A long residence in Hamilton county has made Mr. Ricke well known and his salient traits of character have been such as have brought to him the warm and enduring regard of those with whom he has been associated.

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