Henry Suckstorf
Among the young men who are attaining success as farmers in Morgan township Henry Suckstorf occupies an honorable position, being the owner of a valuable place of one hundred and sixty acres which he is cultivating to excellent advantage.
He represents the second generation of the family in the township and was born August 22, 1884, a son of George and Lena (Groth) Suckstorf, both of whom were born in Germany. They were married in America and settled in Iowa, the father acquiring a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Morgan township, Crawford county, upon which he lived until his death, which occurred, in 1896. He was twice married, his first wife dying in 1882. She left one child, Emma, who died at the age of twelve years. In 1884 Mr. Suckstorf was married to Miss Lena Groth, a sister of his first wife, and of this union three children were born: Henry, of this review; Maggie, who is now at home; and John, also at home. The mother has remarried and lives in Morgan township.
Henry Suckstorf received his preliminary education in the district schools and later attended the Denison Normal School for one term. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age and then began working by the month for neighboring farmers. After three years he was placed in possession of one hundred and sixty acres on section 15, Morgan township, a part of the family homestead, and is now the owner of this property. He has provided his farm with a good residence, bam and outbuildings and also with all modem accessories and conveniences. The success he is meeting with is due to his capable management and he is recognized as one of the prosperous business men of this part of the county.
On the 5th of February, 1908, Mr. Suckstorf was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Stockfleth, who was born in Germany, March 4, 1886, a daughter of Henry and Henrietta (Lorensen) Stockfleth, both of whom were born in Germany and came to America in 1903, settling in Crawford county, Iowa, where they are now living. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stockfieth, namely: Freda, the wife of Hans Jess, of Denison; Anna, the wife of Carl Borgen, of Germany; Henry, of Crawford county; Minnie, who became the wife of Barney Clausen, of Washington; Sophia, now Mrs. Henry Suckstorf; Amanda, the wife of Adolph Jochims, of Crawford county; Laura, the wife of Carl Moltman ; Anthony and Julia, both of whom are deceased; and Anthony II, who is living with his parents in this county.
One child, Harry, came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Suckstorf, the date of his birth being August 14, 1909.
Mr. Suckstorf and his wife are both identified with the German Lutheran church and are sincere believers in its teachings. Their hospitable home is the favorite gathering place of their many friends and wherever he is known Mr. Suckstorf is respected for his sterling characteristics, and as a business man he justly ranks high in Crawford county. His life has been governed by honorable principles and few men of his age in this part of the state can claim a more favorable outlook.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.