Frank Hupfer. As every life has a history of its own, although in appearance it may seem to possess little to distinguish it from others, the reader will take interest in learning the details of the business career and private incidents connected with our subject. Formerly a prominent farmer of Clayton County, he is now a resident of Monona, where his attention is devoted to looking after his varied interests. He is a stock-holder in the Monona State Bank and a man of influence in this village.

A native of the Fatherland, our subject was born in Werdau, Saxony, October 25, 1834, to Carl F. and Fredricke (Pope) Hupfer, natives of Saxony. His father was a cloth-maker by trade, which he followed throughout his active life; he died at the advanced age of eighty-five. His wife passed away when eighty-two years old. They were the parents of nine children, eight of whom attained mature years. Frank, who was fifth in order of birth, remained under the parental roof until attaining his fourteenth year, when he left home to learn the furrier's trade. He was thus engaged for four years, after which he determined to try his fortunes in New York. Accordingly embarking on a ship, he landed at Philadelphia after a voyage of eight weeks, and thence made his way to Chicago and afterward to La Porte, Ind. For five years he worked at his trade in the last-named place, and also in the meantime engaged at other vocations whereby he might earn a livelihood.

Later going to Wisconsin, Mr. Hupfer made his home in Grant County for five years, where he was drafted into the United States service. In 1863 he came to Clayton County, Iowa, and settled in Monona Township. Here he was engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1889, meantime improving and cultivating his estate, which he transformed into one of the most attractive and productive in the township. He was very successful in this occupation, and making good investments with his money, was enabled to retire in 1889, when he moved with his family to Monona. In this place they have a very pleasant home and move in the best circles of society.

November 6, 1855, Mr. Hupfer married Miss Elizabeth Heinz, a native of Bavaria, Germany, and a most estimable lady. By her union with our subject there were born nine children, two daughters and seven sons, namely: Frances S., wife of John Langendorfer; Mary E., who married John Barnhard; Charles F., Henry A., George P., Edward L., Arthur E., Nelson H. and Frank B. At one time Mr. Hupfer owned five hundred and twenty acres of land, but when his children established homes of their own he gave each one a farm, which greatly reduced his acreage. He is active in all good works in the village and is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Since coming to America he has voted the Republican ticket. He arrived in America without means, but by courage and a determination to succeed he has accumulated a handsome competence and is classed among the well-to-do residents of Monona.

~source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties; Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894; pg 537-538
-transcribed by Sharyl Ferrall