Henry Hoefer
Thirty years ago Henry Hoefer, now of Charter Oak, became a resident of the United States and as a farmer and land dealer he has demonstrated his business ability, being at the present time. one of the prominent real-estate men of western Iowa. He is a native of Husum, Germany, born February 11, 1854, a son of Ingwer C. and Anna (Moeller) Hoefer.
The father was superintendent of the poor farm during the latter part of his life and died in 18S9, the mother having been called away in 1864. There were two children in their family: Agnes, the wife of Cornelius Boysen, of Germany; and Henry.
Educated in the public schools of his native land, Henry Hoefer continued in Germany until 1880 and then crossed the ocean to seek his fortune in the new world. He spent the first seven years in this country working upon a farm, after which he rented land upon his own account for four years and then bought one hundred and sixty acres in South Dakota, subsequently becoming the owner of fourteen hundred acres, which he disposed of as opportunity permitted.
He became quite successful as a dealer in land and having entirely disposed of his South Dakota property, he came to Crawford county in 1894 and opened an office at Charter Oak. He is an extensive dealer in lands in Iowa and in various other western states, and as he has a comprehensive knowledge of values and good business capacity, he has gained a gratifying measure of success in his vocation.
On the 16th of September, 1888, Mr. Hoefer was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Schmidt, who was born in Germany, July 10, 1868, a daughter of Peter and Katrina (Nissen) Schmidt. There were four children in their family: Katrina, who became the wife of Fred Ahff, of Paullina, Iowa; Anna M. and Margaret, twins, the former of whom married Henry Hoefer, and the latter the deceased wife of Thomas Munster; and Peter, of Woodbury county, Iowa.
The father of these children died in Germany in 1878 and the mother was later married to Christ A. Hendricksen. After their marriage they came to America and in 1886 settled in Crawford county. Mr. Hendricksen opened a feed store at Ute, in which business he has ever since continued. The mother was called from earthly scenes in 1895. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hendricksen: Lena, the wife of Julius Clausen, of Monona county, Iowa; Christina, who married Herman Sievers, of South Dakota; Henry, also of South Dakota; Mary, the wife of John Holstine, of Paullina, Iowa; and Christ, of Monona county.
Four children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hoefer: Katrina, who was born February 18, 1889, and died in infancy; Christ P., who was born June 29, 1891, and is living at home; Otto J., born March 13, 1892, who graduated from the high school and is now living at home; and Frank H., born August 15, 1893.
Politically Mr. Hoefer is in hearty sympathy with the platform of the democratic party and by his vote and personal influence assists in supporting the party of his choice. Religiously he and his estimable wife affiliate with the German Lutheran church, in which faith they reared their children. A patriotic and progressive citizen, he always aims to keep abreast of the times. He is well informed as to the progress of events in the state and country and as an intelligent business man, who has demonstrated his ability, he is highly respected by a constantly growing circle of friends and acquaintances.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.