HENRY C. BRENDES

Henry C. Brendes enjoys an enviable reputation as a prosperous and progressive farmer and stock-raiser of Springfield township, owning two hundred and one acres of valuable land on section 22. His birth occurred in Scott county, Iowa, on the 2d of November, 1866, his parents being Henry and Maggie (Kelling) Brendes. The father, who was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 20th of October, 1826, was married in 1856. In the fall of the preceding year he emigrated to the United States, first locating in Davenport, Iowa. There he secured employment on the railroad and later worked as a farm hand for several years. Subsequently he spent a short time in the western part of Iowa and on returning to Scott county purchased eighty acres of land, devoting his attention to its cultivation until 1881, when he disposed of the property and came to Cedar county. Here be bought eighty acres of land and carried on general agricultural pursuits continuously and successfully until the time of his retirement. He now makes his home in Springfield township with their daughter, Mrs. C. F. W. Kleppe. His wife passed to her final rest August 4, 1910. He is a member of the Lutheran church at Lowden, to which his wife also belonged, and exemplifies its teachings in his daily life. Henry Brendes gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has served his fellow townsmen in the capacity of road supervisor, while for many years he also acted as a school director. Unto him and his wife were born ten children, namely: Georgiana; Louisa; Paulina; Maggie; Minnie; Henry C., of this review; Tillie; Lena; Nellie, who is deceased; and Katie.

Henry C. Brendes pursued his education in the district schools of Scott and Cedar counties and after putting aside his text-books assisted his father in the operation of the home farm. Subsequently he operated a rented farm of two hundred acres in Springfield township for two years and then rented a quarter section of land from his brother-in-law for five years. On the expiration of that period he bought his present place of two hundred and one acres on section 22, Springfield township, and the further cultivation and improvement of that property has claimed his attention continuously since. He has erected a new residence, a substantial barn and good outbuildings, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his farm indicates the supervision of a practical and progressive owner. In connection with the cultivation of cereals he handles stock to some extent, raising graded stock exclusively.

On the 22d of February, 1893, at Lowden, Mr. Brendes was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Miller, a daughter of Louis and Doris (Rixe) Miller, both of whom are deceased. Their home has been blessed with seven children, as follows: Otto, who was born on the 21st of August, 1894; Martha, whose natal day was September 8, 1896; Amanda, whose birth occurred December 25, 1898; Walter, born March 20, 1900; Henry, August 10, 1902; Elmer, July 17, 1904; and Norman, August 4, 1907.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Brendes has given his political allegiance to the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to good government. He is at present serving in the capacity of school director. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church at Lowden. His entire life has been spent in this part of the state and he enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance here.