Crawford County, Iowa, IAGenWeb

Biographies

Henry Schwarz

Arriving in America in his early boyhood, Henry Schwarz came to Crawford county with his parents and has succeeded so well as an agriculturist and stock-raiser that he is now firmly established, being the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of good land.

He was born in Germany, September 15, 1862, and is a son of Christian and Dorothea Schwarz, both of whom were natives of Germany. The family came to America in 1873 and spent nine years in Illinois. In 1882 they came to Iowa and settled in Crawford county, Mr. Schwarz buying a farm in Morgan township. He became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, which he cultivated to excellent advantage and attained a gratifying measure of prosperity. He lived to reach the age of seventy-three years and his wife passed away at the age of seventy-two. They were the parents of six children, namely: Christian, of Chicago; John, of Illinois; Charles and Fritz, both of Crawford county; Henry, the subject of this review; and Caroline, who died in Germany at the age of three years.

Henry Schwarz received his education in the public schools of Germany and Illinois. He came to Crawford county with his parents at the age of twenty and two years later began farming on rented land. He was especially apt even in his boyhood in becoming acquainted with the details of agriculture and stock-raising and as an independent farmer he has been from the beginning remarkably successful. He bought one hundred and sixty acres as the foundation of his present farm on section 21, Soldier township, and as his resources increased purchased more land until he is now the owner of a highly improved place, which yields him generous returns each year. He is a general farmer and is very successful as a stock-feeder, usually receiving the very best prices for what he has to offer in the market.

In 1885 Mr. Schwarz was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Henkle, who was born in Germany, February 20, 1863, and is a daughter of John and Caroline (Wendt) Henkle. Her parents came to America when the daughter was four years of age and after spending ten years in Illinois settled in Crawford county, Iowa. At the present time her father is visiting in Germany and her mother is in Arkansas. Their children are: Emma, now the wife of J. B. Crissman, of Arkansas; Herman, also of Arkansas; Augusta, deceased; Amelia, now Mrs. Henry Schwarz; and Emil, who died at the age of forty-four.

Six children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schwarz: Alma, who is now the wife of Louis Koeppen, of Crawford county; Carrie, at home; Walter E.; Emma; Elsie; and Henry.

Politically Mr. Schwarz is identified with the democratic party. He has been prominent in public affairs in his township and has served with great fidelity as assessor for three terms, trustee for one term and member of the school board for twelve years. The high esteem in which he is held by his neighbors is indicated by his election to responsible offices. Religiously he and his family are earnest adherents of the German Lutheran church.


Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.