Henry Goetsch
It was through the application of energy and perseverance that Henry Goetsch established himself upon a comfortable financial basis, becoming the owner of a productive farm which he acquired as the result of his own exertions. He is also the owner of a prosperous livery and feed business at Kiron.
He was born in Wisconsin, February 20, 1868, a son of Carl and Carolina (Baumann) Goetsch, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to America in 1864 and after spending five years in Wisconsin removed to Boone county, Iowa, and later to Harrison county, where they spent seven years. In 1892 they went to California, where the father died in December, 1898, but the mother is still living in that state. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom are now living.
Henry Goetsch was brought to Iowa in his infancy and received his early education in this state. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age and then rented a farm in Harrison county, Iowa, which he cultivated for ten years, then purchasing a farm in the same county which he developed into a valuable property. In March, 1910, he removed to Kiron and purchased a feed and livery business, of which he has since had charge. He also manages the farm and as he is alert and enterprising and, moreover, uses good judgment in everything he undertakes, he has attained a creditable measure of success.
In September, 1889, Mr. Goetsch was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Mesching, who was born in Minnesota and is a daughter of Henry and Julia (Wendorff) Mesching, both natives of Germany. Her parents came to America and after living for some time in Minnesota removed to Harrison county, Iowa, where they now make their home. There were twelve children in their family.
Four children came to brighten the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Goetsch, namely: John, who was born August 8, 1891, and is now attending school at Schleswig, Iowa; Glenn, born July 12, 1895; August, born September 6, 1896; and Elmer, born October 20, 1900, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Goetsch as a patriotic American citizen has devoted considerable attention to political questions and is an ardent adherent of the republican party, which he believes has the ability to manage the affairs of the nation successfully. He is a member of the German Lutheran church, as is also his wife. They are giving their children the advantages of a good education and by their influence and example are contributing to the general welfare of the community. Mr. Goetsch is to be congratulated upon the position he has attained, and the high respect in which he is held by his acquaintances is evidence of his genuine worth.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.