Hanken, John G. 1851 –

HANKEN, DARNERS, TETTMAN, ROTHMEYER, HESS, KESSLER, KLEVE, SCHRANDT, BROCKAMP

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/18/2015 at 09:33:30

JOHN G. HANKEN.

Among the most progressive and successful farmers of Washington township is numbered John G. Hanken, carrying on general agricultural pursuits and stock-raising upon one hundred and ninety-nine acres of choice land lying on sections 20, 21 and 15. He was born in Erie county, New York, on the 27th of. April, 1851, and is a son of Bernard and Bernadina (Darners) Hanken, natives of Westphalia, Germany. They came to America in 1847, locating in New York, where they spent about twelve years before removing to Ohio, whence after fourteen years they came, in 1876, to Winneshiek county, Iowa. The father bought land on section 15, Washington township, and worked as a carpenter and builder for many years, finally retiring and moving to Festina, where he now resides at the age of ninety-one. He has long survived his wife, who passed away when the subject of this review was still a child. In their family were two children; John G., of this review; and Henry, deceased. Bernard Hanken was twice married, his second wife being Miss Agnes Tettman, and to their union were born the following children: Joseph, Bernard and Frank, deceased; Mary, the wife of John Rothmeyer, of Festina; Catherine, the widow of William Hess, of Festina; Agnes, who married Charles Kessler, of Wisconsin; William, who resides in Oelwein, Iowa; Frank, of Wisconsin; Theresa, the wife of Barney Kleve; and Annie, deceased. Mrs. Hanken passed away on the 14th of February, 1910.

John G. Hanken acquired his education in the public schools of New York and Ohio and came to Iowa at the same time as his father, being at that time twenty-five years of age. He afterward remained at home for ten years, farming in association with his father, and at the end of that time purchased ninety acres in Military township, upon which he resided for about eight years. Disposing of this property, he moved into Festina, where he followed the carpenter's trade for some time, but he eventually resumed his farming operations, buying one hundred and nine acres of land on sections 20 and 21, Washington township, to which he has since added ninety acres on section 15. Upon this fine property he carries on general farming and stock-raising and success has steadily attended his well directed labors, his farm reflecting everywhere the careful supervision of a practical and able agriculturist. In addition to this property he owns a fine home in Festina and is favorably regarded in that city.

Mr. Hanken married Miss Annie Kleve, a daughter of Antone and Margaret (Schrandt) Kleve, and they became the parents of nine children: Margaret M., the wife of F. H. Brockamp, of Washington township; Antone B., who is attending college; William, who lives at home; Ida C, the wife of Harry Brockamp, of Military township; and Catherine H., John A., Annie B., Edward B. and Frank H., all of whom live at home.

Mr. Hanken is a member of the Roman Catholic church and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, serving at the present time as assessor of Washington township. Fraternally he is connected with the Roman Catholic Protective Association. His good qualities of heart and mind have gained for him the friendship of many and the high regard of all who know him, while his business record commends him to the confidence of his fellowmen, for at all times he is reliable and straightforward.

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