Henry Hollmann
Thirty-seven years ago Henry Hollmann located in Crawford county and during the time that has since elapsed has developed his farm into one of the most productive properties in Morgan township. He deserves great credit for the work he has done, especially when it is considered that he began without capital and is therefore a self-made man.
He was born in Germany, September 7, 1849, a son of T. H. and Anna (Blackwell) Hollmann, both of whom were natives of Germany and continued there during their entire lives. The mother died February 2, 1872, and the father passed away on the 19th of the following March. In their family were eight children, three of whom died in infancy, the others being: Henry, of this review; Heinrich, of Shiner, Texas; George and Diedrich, both of whom died in Germany; and Elizabeth, who died at the age of fifty-nine years.
Henry Hollmann acquired his early education in the public schools of his native land and in 1865, being then sixteen years of age, he came to America, first making his way to Monroe county, Michigan. Later he was a sailor on the Great Lakes for five years, in the course of which time he acquired considerable experience that has been of practical value to him in later years. Finally, having decided to settle down, he arrived in Iowa in 1870 and spent four years working on a farm, becoming intimately acquainted with the details of agriculture and stock-raising.
On the 18th of May, 1874, he came to Crawford county and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 14, Morgan township. The land when he acquired it was raw prairie, but he has greatly improved his place by the erection of substantial buildings and the excellent appearance of the farm is convincing evidence of the interest he takes in his work and the financial success he has achieved.
In 1884 Mr. Hollmann was united in marriage to Miss Annie Schafer, who was born in Germany, July 14, 1861, and came to America the year of her marriage. She is one of a family of five children, three of whom are still living in Germany. A brother, Diedrich, came to America and died in California.
Five children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hollmann: George D., who was born April 12, 1888, and received his education in the public schools and the Denison Normal School; Katie, born December 29, 1890, who was educated in the common schools; John M., who was born June 16, 1894, and also educated in the common schools; and Harry and Adolph, both of whom died in infancy.
Mr. Hollmann and his wife are sincere members of the German Lutheran church and have reared their children in the same belief in which they themselves were reared. As a public-spirited man he is interested in the affairs of the Community and is a willing assistant in every movement that aims to promote the general welfare. He is well known in Morgan and adjoining townships and can claim an extensive circle of friends whom he has attracted by his sterling character.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.