Henry Shinstock

SHINSTOCK, HOLZNEKEMPFE

Posted By: Chuck Helling (email)
Date: 8/20/2003 at 08:58:21

HENRY SHINSTOCK, a well-to-do and successful farmer of Marion Township, was born in the Empire of Germany, April 4, 1833, on a farm. His father, Casper Shinstock, was a farmer by calling, and followed his vocation in the “faderland.” The mother of our subject, Anna Shinstock, was also a native of Germany, and she and her good husband continued to live in that country until their death. Fourteen children were born to them, nine of whom lived to attain the age of maturity.

Henry Shinstock lived on his father’s farm and assisted in the maintenance of the family until he was his own man. He then, hoping to better his financial condition in the free Republic beyond the ocean, emigrated to this country and disembarked at New Orleans. From that city he went to St. Louis, Mo., where he remained for about three years, working the major portion of the time in a brickyard. With money which he had saved by days’ labor he purchased a team of horses, that is he paid half cash and went in debt for the remainder. He, however, followed teaming there awhile, and then disposing of his team by sale, came to Fort Madison, this state. Here he ran a brickyard, but this being at the same time the late Civil War was in progress, the business proved unprofitable. He then engaged in farming on rented land in Marion Township, which he followed in this manner for four years. At the expiration of this time he had the snug little sum of $700. He then bought a farm for $1,300, and paying his $700 down, went in debt for the balance. The place consisted of 100 acres, and our subject went to work with all the energy he could bring to bear to clear his place of indebtedness. He soon did so, adding to the same from time to time, and now has 335 acres of choice land, which is located in the garden spot of Lee County. He has erected a good brick residence, substantial barn and out-buildings, and is now enabled to enjoy the fruits of a laborious and successful past. He has dealt extensively in the raising of cattle, and out of this branch of his calling has made a portion of his money. His horses are of the Clydesdale breed, of which he has some fine specimens on his place.

Mr. Shinstock was married to Miss Katie H. Holznekempfe, in 1860. She was born in Germany, whence our subject went after and married her. Eleven children have been born to them, five sons and six daughters, namely Casper, Henry, Anna, Theodore, Peter, Theresa, Christ, Mary, Katie, Lizzie and Maggie. Mr. Shinstock and his wife, together with his children, are members of St. Paul. In politics Mr. Shinstock votes the Democratic ticket.

A view of the handsome residence and surroundings of Mr. Shinstock is shown on another page.

Source:

Portrait and Biographical Album of Lee County, Iowa

Author: Anonymous
City of Publication: Chicago
Publisher: Chapman Bros.
Date: 1887
Page Count: 648 p.: ill., ports.