Henry Reitz

REITZ, GURMER, BUCHOLZ, VORNKAHL, GRAVES

Posted By: Chuck Helling (email)
Date: 8/20/2003 at 09:05:38

HENRY REITZ, who is located on a fine homestead on section 15, in Van Buren Township, is carrying on farming operations in a highly creditable and successful manner, and is one of the highly respected citizens of Lee County. Mr. Reitz was born in Williamsburg, L.I., in November, 1854, and is the son of Conrad and Frances (Gurmer) Reitz, both natives of Germany, who came to America before their marriage, the father in 1846, and the mother in 1852. They are both living and are residents of Franklin Township, Lee County. The parental household consisted of eleven children, of whom the subject of our sketch is the eldest: Katie is deceased; Sophy R became the wife of A. C. Bucholz; Adam, Magdalena, Wilhemina and Matilda.

Mr. Reitz came to Iowa in 1867, and located at Ft. Madison, where he remained one month, and then came to Franklin. He lived for several years, and in 1876 was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Vornkahl, the wedding taking place on the 6th of August. Mrs. Reitz is a native of Lee County, and was born in Harrison Township Aug. 21, 1854. She is the daughter of Henry and Wilhelmina Vornkahl, her mother having been Miss Graves before her marriage. The parents of Mrs. Reitz were natives of Hanover, Germany, and their family consisted of ten children, as follows: Louise, Sophia, Emma and Julia (twins), Frederick, Matilda, Eleanor, Martha and Magdalena (twins), and Wilhelmina.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Reitz have become the parents of five children, of whom one died in infancy; those living are Eleanor W., Fred William, Emma M and Oliver L.C. Mr. Reitz has 260 acres of finely cultivated land, all in one body. In 1880 he erected a beautiful farm dwelling at a cost of $3,000, and his barns and out-buildings correspond in every respect with the residence. He is a man of influence in his community, and has held the offices of Road Supervisor and Treasurer of the School Board. He is a Democrat in politics, and a member in good standing of the Evangelical Church.

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