JOHN KREINBRING

There is no more worthy success than that which comes as the result of unfaltering industry, earnest endeavor and well defined labor—qualities which have characterized the efforts of John Kreinbring throughout a lifetime of hard toil and unceasing diligence. He was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on the 8th of June, 1854, a son of Charles Kreinbring, also a native of that country. The father came to the United States in 1858 and while on the voyage across the Atlantic lost his wife and two-year old daughter. Before leaving the fatherland he had borrowed one hundred dollars but upon arriving in Davenport, Iowa, had only ten cents and three motherless children. The outlook was indeed dark, but, undaunted by the circumstances, he placed the children in good homes until he could establish another home for them, and at once set about earning a livelihood. He was first employed as a day laborer in Scott county, near Davenport, and was similarly employed in Clinton county for two years, after which he engaged in farming on rented land for eleven years. Living economically he was at length able to purchase a farm and in 1869 bought one hundred and sixty acres in Cedar county, on which he located the following year. He continued to make his home on that place, which was located on section 4, Springfield township, and there passed away on the 19th of April, 1894. The three sons born of his first union are all yet living, namely: Charles, of Lowden; Fred, residing in Springfield township; and John, of this review. After the death of his first wife he was united in marriage to Mrs. Sophia Becker, who had two children by a former marriage. Her union with Mr. Kreinbring was blessed with two children: Mrs. Charles Richmann, of Springfield township; and Mrs. Gus Alberts, now deceased. The second wife also passed away, after which he wedded Miss Sophia Runge, now deceased.

John Kreinbring was only four years of age when he came with his father to America, and, losing his mother at that time, he lived with strangers until his father established another home by his second marriage. In that home he continued to live until twenty-three years of age and then, starting out in the business world on his own account, he wisely choose as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared and has since directed his energies to agricultural pursuits. His first purchase made him owner of eighty acres of land, which he acquired from his father. This was but slightly improved, and he devoted himself to its development and cultivation for seven years, after which he purchased another tract of eighty acres, upon which he erected a house and there took up his abode. In the spring of 1910 he bought the old homestead from his brother Fred, and he is now remodeling it, and in the operation and improvement of his three farms his time is fully occupied. All have been brought under a high state of cultivation and annually return the rich harvest for the care and attention bestowed upon them. He carries on general farming and is meeting with most gratifying success.

The marriage of Mr. Kreinbring occurred in Cedar county, on the 17th of November, 1876, the lady of his choice being Miss Maria Schramm. She was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 9th of May, 1856, a daughter of John and Margaret (VonMacher) Schramm, both of whom are now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kreinbring have become the parents of seven children, of which number Fred and John passed away in infancy. The surviving members of the family are: Louise, the wife of W. C. Schmidt, of Springfield township; Louis, who married Maggie Miller and resides in Springfield township; Henry, who married Agnes Gundlack, also of Springfield township; and Amelia and George, both yet at home.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Kreinbring has given his support to the democratic party and for thirteen years served as township trustee and for fifteen years was school director, his long continuance in office indicating in a degree the position of trust and confidence in which he is held by his fellow citizens. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical church, and both enjoy the unqualified respect and esteem entertained for them throughout the community in which they reside. Mrs. Kreinbring is proving an excellent and capable helpmate to her husband and assists in every way possible to further his interests. For years she boarded the school teacher and did her washing for one dollar and twenty-five cents per week. Both are very hard-working people, and as a result of their unceasing toil and of the frugality which is a part of their German birthright, they have accumulated a most comfortable competence and are today numbered among the well-to-do residents of Springfield township.