RIEBHOFF, MICHAEL

RIEBHOFF, JOBMAN, ROAN

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/7/2004 at 12:56:13

Biography reproduced from page 371 of the History of Kossuth and Humboldt Counties, Iowa published in 1884:

Michael Riebhoff was born June 15, 1807, in Hanover, Germany. He emigrated to America in 1833, locating in Westmoreland Co., Penn., and worked in the salt works for five years. In 1838 he came to Iowa and rented a small farm five miles from Dubuque, remaining two years, then took a claim in Dubuque county where he lived ten years and entered 220 acres more land. In 1856 he sold out and came to Kossuth county, settling on the north half of section 24, Algona township, where he now resides, and has thirty acres under cultivation, the rest being covered with native timber. He also owns 160 acres in Portland township, on section 18. Mr. Riebhoff was married June 30, 1830, to Mary Jobman, who died Dec. 2, 1845, leaving six children—Henry, Margaret, Peter, John, Mary and Michael; four of these are married. John and Henry died in the Civil War of 1861. John died and was buried at St. Louis, Mo. Henry at Vicksburg, Tenn. Mr. Riebhoff was again married Feb. 22, 1842, to Amelia Roan, born April 9, 1930, in New Galloway, Scotland. They had fourteen children, twelve of whom are living—Elizabeth C., Agnes G., James F. and Jane, twins, Matthew N. And Martha A., twins, Susan A., Grace, John H., Grace J. Frank, Henry and Garfelia, twins, and Capitola. Grace and Capitola are deceased and buried in Algona. Eight of the children are married. Mr. Riebhoff is one of the oldest settlers in the county. He is upright and honest, worthy of great respect, and beloved by all who know him.