Friedrich Buenger
Although Friedrich Buenger passed the first forty-four years of his life in Europe he has attained success under the American republic and is one of the successful farmers of Crawford county, his prosperity being the direct result of his wisely applied industry.
He was born of worthy parents in Germany, October 11, 1843. His father died when the son Friedrich was a child, but the mother is still living in the old country and has arrived at the venerable age of eighty-four years. There were two children in the family, William and Friedrich, the older son still continuing in Germany.
Friedrich Buenger grew to manhood in his native land, having gained his early education in the public schools. In 1887 he arrived in America, coming direct to Crawford county, where he bought eighty acres of land, which he cultivated for six years and then disposed of, purchasing the farm which he now owns. It originally comprised one hundred and sixty acres on section 29, Soldier township, and as his resources increased he purchased more land until he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of good land which yields abundant harvests and returns a generous income upon the investment.
On November 8, 1880, Mr. Buenger was united in marriage to Miss Wilhelmina Wittecopf, who was born December 14, 1857, a daughter of Carl and Minnie (Brasse) Wittecopf. The mother died in Germany and the father came to America in 1887, making his home with the subject of this review until his death, which occurred in 1902. In his family there were seven children: Frederica, the wife of Carl Bank, of Crawford county; Gitta, who married Carl Hopp, of Crawford county, and is now deceased; Wilhelmina, now Mrs. Friedrich Buenger; Marie, who is the wife of Johann Kleinser and lives in Germany; Sophia, the wife of Fred Bellman and also residing in Germany; Carl, of Germany; and Caroline, the wife of August Schoff, of Germany.
Mr. and Mrs. Buenger became the parents of ten children, five of whom survive: Freda, who was born December 21, 1881, and is now the wife of Louie Kroll, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this review; Ernest, born May 8, 1886; Alma, born August 4, 1889; Bernhard, born April 14, 1895; and Martin, born June 11, 1898. With the exception of Freda, all are living at home.
Mr. Buenger has never sought the honors of public office, as his attention has been given to his family and his farm. He and his wife are consistent members of the German Lutheran church. He represents the class of men who reach the front in business undertakings and if they so desire become leaders in a community. Among his associates his word is accepted as inviolate and through honorable business methods he has accumulated what he possesses today. He is neglectful of none of his duties as a citizen, business man or head of a family and therefore is fully entitled to a place in this work.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.