Henry Graaff

GRAAFF

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 12/29/2009 at 22:40:37

J. W. Ellis, History of Jackson County, Iowa, 1910

HENRY GRAAFF.

Henry Graaff, who is acting as bookkeeper for the Bellevue Piano Company, is, as the name indicates, of German ancestry and possesses the industry and perseverance which are such strongly marked characteristics of the Teutonic race. He is a native of Bellevue, born November 7, 1872, a son of Hypolite and Rebecca (Rosenberg) Graaff, both of whom were natives of Germany, whence they were brought to America by their respective parents during their childhood days. At the time of the Civil war the father enlisted for service in Jackson county as a member of Company L, Fifth Iowa Cavalry, and while at the front experienced the terrible hardships incident to imprisonment at Andersonville, where he spent four months. He also lost his left forearm and his left eye was also injured so seriously that it resulted in the loss of sight in that eye. After the close of hostilities he returned to his home in Jackson county, where he spent his remaining days, his death here occurring in 1904, when he had reached the age of sixty-one years. The mother still survives, however, and yet makes her home in Bellevue. Her six children are: Henry, of this review; Barney, who died when a youth of eleven years; Edward, who resides in Andrew, this county; Susie, at home; Etta, the wife of William Born, of Bellevue; and William, who makes his home in Freeport, Illinois.
Henry Graaff, the eldest of the family, was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the Bellevue schools, completing the high-school course. After putting aside his text-books he was for four years assistant postmaster at this place and later for eight years served as city clerk. He was then, in 1903, elected on the republican ticket to the office of county auditor and capably discharged his duties in that connection for six years, or until the close of 1908. He is the first auditor in Jackson county who compiled a financial statement and during his incumbency in office compiled five different statements. which were circulated among the public. After his term of office had expired Mr. Graaff accepted a position as bookkeeper with the Bellevue Piano Company and in this connection, as in his former positions, he is manifesting his ability and a thorough knowledge of the work which he is performing, and by his employers he is regarded as capable and trustworthy.
Mr. Graaff chose as a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Miss Edna Biehle, who was born in Maquoketa, December 27, 1876, a daughter of Jacob and Mary Biehle, both of whom were natives of Germany but are now deceased, their last days being spent in Maquoketa. By her marriage Mrs. Graaff has become the mother of five children: Lenora, Eldred, Loren, Marie and Thomas.
Mr. Graaff is a member of the Lutheran church and, possessing a fine tenor voice, he has since a boy been a member of the choir. He and his wife are well known in Bellevue and vicinity, for their entire lives have been spent in Jackson county. Mr. Graaff is devoted to the interests of his home and family, finding his greatest pleasure in the companionship of his wife and children, and yet he is not unmindful of the duties of citizenship, for in this connection he has done work that is not only creditable to himself but is of value to the community at large.