Hentges, John 1839-1911

HENTGES, BURG

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 12/1/2009 at 21:55:56

From: Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, January 24, 1911

JOHN HENTGES DEAD

Pioneer Merchant of LeMars Succumbs to Illness

In Business Here Forty Years

Surrounded by the members of his family who had been summoned home some dayspreviously, John Hentges, one of the best known residents of LeMars, passedpeacefully away to another world, on Sunday evening at eight o’clock. Hisdeath was not unexpected as he had been in a serious condition the past few days, and his sons and daughters, residing at a distance, were called here some days ago to see him before the end came.

Mr. Hentges had been suffering from stomach trouble and other complications for the past year. In September last, in company with his wife, he went to Chicago in order to consult specialists in regard to his health. On their advice he underwent an operation which had hoped would be permanent benefit. He remained in Chicago several weeks and then returned to his home. His health did not improve as expected and three weeks ago he was taken seriously ill and never recovered.

The name of Hentges is identified with the early history of LeMars. John Hentges was one of the early pioneers and also bears the distinction of being one of the first merchants to engage in business in the town of LeMars. He was a native of the Grand Duchy of Luxemberg and was born at Bissen in that principality on the eighteenth of June, 1839. There he received his first schooling and early training and grew to man’s estate. When a young man of twenty-four, he left his native land and emigrated to America, making his home in Chicago for several years.

In company with his brothers, he came west to Iowa and in 1870 located in Plymouth county, which has been his home ever since. He engaged in stock raising and farming nine miles south of LeMars. In 1874 he bought the block where Duster Bros. are now located and engaged in the clothing and dry goods business, and later bought the block in which the Hentges Clothing Company is located. For several years, he was in partnership with M. Burg. On the dissolution of this partnership, Mr. Hentges was assisted in the management of his business by his sons as they grew up. He was one of the most successful merchants of Northwestern Iowa and by his industry and integrity built up a splendid business which has been largely extended since his sons have been connected with the firm. The Hentges company is identified with business interests in Chicago and has large stores in Watertown and Yankton, South Dakota, in addition to the LeMars concern.

In early days the Hentges store was a central trading point for a large number of people residing in this section of Northwestern Iowa as there were no towns nearer than Sioux City on the south and Sioux Falls on the north for many years and Calliope, now absorbed by Hawarden, was the nearest village.

John Hentges was a highly respected citizen, widely known throughout the county and neighboring towns and his death will be deeply regretted by a large circle of friends and neighbors. He was connected by ties of blood and marriage with many of the old families of this section of the country. By his uprightness of character, sterling integrity and other qualifications, he earned the respect of all those with whom he was in any way associated.

In his business dealing he gained many friends in the early days by his generosity and forbearance, extending credit time and again to customers in the days when money was about as scarce as it could be and the country had not developed to its present state of fecundity and prosperity. In his home life he was a loving and just husband and father, happy in the environment of his family and wrapped up in their welfare and happiness, a kindly neighbor, slow to express judgment on others, fair and honest in word and deed.

He was united in marriage with Miss Mary Burg at Caledonia, Minn., on January 19, 1871, and lived in happy married life with her for forty years. To their union eleven children were born, who are: John and Edward of Chicago; Frank, of LeMars; Stephen and Leonard, of Yankton, South Dakota; Mrs. D. W. Hoffman, of this city; Miss Cecelia, of Chicago; Clara and Clementine and Romane, who live at home. He also leaves three brothers, Nicholas Hentges, of this city; Theodore, of Hospers; Hubert, of Marcus; and a sister, Mrs. Durst, of Waukegon, Ill.

The funeral services will be held at St. Joseph’s church at ten o’clock on Wednesday morning.