Frank Hupfer, farmer, Monona Township, was born in Saxony, Germany, Oct. 25, 1834, and was a son of Charles and Frederica (Frederick) Hupfer. When he was thirteen years of age he was apprenticed to the trade of a furrier. In 1852 he left his home in Germany and came to the United States, landing in Philadelphia, where he remained but a short time, thence to Chicago, where he was engaged in various occupations until 1855, when he married Elizabeth, daughter of Philip Hinz. She was born in Germany, and emigrated with her parents to America when a mere child. Nine children blessed this union— Frances S., now the wife of John Longendorfer; Mary E., wife of John Bernhardt; Charles F., Henry A., George P., Edward Lewis, Arthur E., Harry N., and Frank B. In 1859 Mr. Hupfer located in Grant County, Wis., where he followed farming, and while there was drafted into the Union service, and had to pay $300 to procure a substitute, then a large sum, he being in limited circumstances. In 1864 he came to Clayton County, where he has resided since. He came to the country a poor man, having but $15 in money when he started for Chicago, which he paid for his fare, and while making his trip was forced to pick corn from the fields to live upon. By good management he has accumulated a fine property and home, owning 400 acres of land, all under cultivation, and valued at $35 per acre. Mr. and Mrs. Hupfer are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. source: History of Clayton
County, Iowa, 1882, p. 1045 |