Giesen, Henry J. 1874 - 1931

GIESEN, HUBER, BERNATZ

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 3/11/2015 at 19:28:16

HENRY J. GIESEN.
A foremost representative of commercial life in Calmar, Iowa, Henry J. Giesen has for many years owned the only exclusive grocery store in the city and is also extensively engaged in the real-estate and insurance business here. Moreover, he has given evidence of his public spirit by efficiently acting in various public positions, making a creditable record and giving valuable service to the community. Since April, 1912, the grocery store has been conducted under the name of The H. J. Giesen Company, Herman J. Busch becoming a partner in the enterprise and the manager.

Henry J. Giesen is a native of Winneshiek County, being born in Conover on May 6, 1874, a son of Conrad and Anna C. (Huber) Giesen, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Indiana. He was brought to this country by his parents when he was but six years of age, the family locating in Allamakee County, this state. The grandfather of our subject served as captain in a colored infantry regiment in the Civil war, coming at the end of hostilities to Winneshiek County and engaging in the drug business at Conover, but subsequently removed to Fort Atkinson, this state, where he lived retired until his demise. Conrad Giesen, the father, was reared and educated in Conover, attending the public schools, however, for only three months in his life. However, he improved his limited education by studying and reading and became a well-informed man upon many subjects. In 1875 he came to Calmar, Iowa, and engaged in the lumber business, so continuing until 1896 with gratifying success. He also maintained a lumberyard at Fort Atkinson. In 1896 he engaged in the general mercantile business in the same building in which our subject is now located, having bought the establishment in 1892 but not becoming connected with its active operation until the aforementioned year. He conducted the store until 1900, when he disposed of his interests and went to Superior, Wisconsin, again returning to the lumber business, being so engaged until his death, which took place in June, 1909. The mother still makes her home in Superior. Wisconsin.

Mr. Giesen was reared under the parental roof and educated in Calmar, attending public school there. To improve his education he then attended Valder's Business College of Decorah, graduating with the class of 1891, and then entered his father's establishment, remaining in the store until 1898, when he engaged in the grocery business in Calmar, having been so occupied ever since.

The store is located in the building which was used by the father, and the structure, which is a two-story brick building, is also the property of our subject. He has the only exclusive grocery store in town and carries a large and complete stock of fancy and staple groceries, enjoying a large patronage which insures him of a gratifying income. He conducted the enterprise alone until April, 1912, when he took Herman J. Busch into partnership, the latter now being manager of the store. Since that time the concern has operated under the firm name of The H. J. Giesen Company. Mr. Giesen is also engaged in the real-estate and insurance business, to which he now devotes most of his time. He owns considerable real estate in Calmar and vicinity, including his fine residence.

On September 10, 1895, Mr. Giesen married Nellie Bernatz, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Bernatz, of whom more extended mention is made in connection with the sketch of George Bernatz on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Giesen had eight children: George, who died August 25, 1897; Ethel, who passed away April 3, 1899; and Willis, Donald, Phillip, Mary, Helen and Dolores, aged twelve, nine, seven, five, three and two years, respectively.

Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Giesen has become closely connected with the public life of his locality, having served as city treasurer. At present he is clerk of Calmar Township, having held this office for twelve years and also served for two years as deputy sheriff. His faith is that of the Catholic Church and his political allegiance is given to the Republican Party, in whose principles and platform he steadfastly believes. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Columbus, of the Modern Woodmen of America, the Woodmen of the World and the Decorah lodge of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. While he has attained commendable material success, Mr. Giesen has been a serviceable factor in the up building and development of his locality and stands always ready to support any movement undertaken in the interest of the people. A man of; strong character, he enjoys the high regard and confidence of all who know him.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913

St. Aloysius Cemetery gravestone
 

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