HENRY BEINKE

Henry Beinke, a general farmer and stock-raiser of Farmington township, was born in Scott county, Iowa, on the 17th of February, 1860, his parents being Henry and Louisa (Illian) Beinke. The father’s birth occurred in the province of Westphalia on the 19th of September, 1820, while the mother was born in Waldeck, Germany, on the 7th of May, 1825. Henry Beinke, Sr., came to the United States on the 1st of January, 1845, and worked in the cities of New York, Plymouth and Boston until 1851. In that year he returned to Germany but at the end of six weeks again emigrated to the new world, first locating in New York and subsequently in Plymouth. In the spring of 1852 he went to California and afterward removed to Australia, where he worked in the mines for two years, on the expiration of which period he journeyed to South America and the Isthmus of Panama. In 1856 he took up his abode in Scott county, Iowa, and lived in Hickory Grove township until 1862, when he removed to Cleona township, there making his home until called to his final rest on the 4th of March, 1902. He owned and operated a well improved farm near Walcott and won success in his agricultural interests. His political allegiance was given to the republican party, while his religious faith was indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. His wife died on the 4th of July, 1902, also passing away in the faith of the Lutheran church.

Their children were six in number, namely: Lena, who is the widow of William Schade and makes her home in O’Brien county, Iowa; Henry, of this review; Rekey, who is the wife of Henry Muhs, of O’Brien county, Iowa; Louis, whose demise occurred on the 17th of March, 1901; Charles who is a resident of Walcott, Iowa; and Mary, who is the wife of Herman Cook and resides on the old homestead in Scott county, Iowa.

Henry Beinke, Jr., attended the district schools of Scott county in pursuit of an education and after putting aside his text-books assisted his father in the operation of the home farm until 1888. In that year he came to Cedar county and took up his abode on a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 2, Farmington township, renting the place from his father. Subsequently he removed to a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 16, Farmington township, belonging to his father’s estate, which is not yet settled. That farm has remained his place of abode continuously since and his labors as an agriculturist have been rewarded with success. In connection with the tilling of the soil he devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock, which branch of his business has also proved profitable.

On the 14th of February, 1899, in Davenport, Mr. Beinke was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Jensen, a daughter of Nicholas and Annie (Thompson) Jensen, who were natives of Germany and settled in Cedar county on coming to the new world. Nicholas Jensen passed away in 1900 but is still survived by his wife, who makes her home with her son-in-law, Peter Leopenteen, of this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beinke were born six children, one of whom died in infancy. The others are as follows: Henry L. C., whose natal day was December 28, 1899; Lillie L., whose birth occurred on the 23d of January, 1902; Lulu L., born on the 8th of August, 1903; Clarinda C., who was born on the 23d of May, 1905; Vernie May, who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the 2d of May, 1907.

Mr. Beinke supports the democracy where national questions and issues are involved but casts an independent ballot at local elections. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias at Sunbury, while in religious faith he is a Lutheran. His wife also belongs to the church of that denomination. Having resided in this part of the state from his birth to the present time, Mr. Beinke is well known here and his fellow townsmen give him their respect and confidence in recognition of the upright and honorable life that he has led.