John Bornhoft, Sr.
A successful farmer, John Bornhoft, Sr, is to be congratulated on selecting Crawford county, Iowa, as his home. He is a native of Germany, born July 11, 1855, and a son of John and Anna (Stollendorf) Bornhoft, who were both born in Germany. The family came to America in 1883 and located in Crawford county, Iowa, where the father was engaged in farming until his death, which occurred February 8, 1895. The mother was called away three years later. Four children were born to them, of whom three are now living.
John Bornhoft, Sr, of this review received his early education in the public schools and at the age of fifteen began work on his own account. After arriving in America he engaged as a farm hand until he was thirty-eight years of age.
In 1893 he began independently as a farmer and purchased the land where he now lives in West Side township. His place originally comprised one hundred and sixty acres on section 23 but he has since acquired one hundred and sixty acres in Hayes township so that his land includes three hundred and twenty acres, which through his industry he has made highly productive. The place is supplied with many modern improvements and everything about it gives evidence of careful attention on the part of the owner, so that he receives liberal returns upon his investment.
In 1878 Mr Bornhoft was united in Marriage to Miss Bertha Joensdotter, a native of Sweden and a daughter of Bens and Christina Bengksten. Nine children were born to Mr and Mrs Bornhoft, namely: John, August, Ann, Henry, Gustaf, Clara, Walter, Edna and Ella. The daughter Ann, third in order of birth, is now the wife of Henry Schoessler.
Mrs Bertha Bornhoft departed this life March 31, 1901, and Mr Bornhoft was married in February, 1902, to Mrs Alvina Burmester, who was born in Scott county, Iowa, January 25, 1859, a daughter of Nicholas and Dora Blocker. Her father is deceased but her mother is now living in Jackson county, Iowa. Mrs Bornhoft became the mother of four children by her former husband, namely: Emma, Richard, Anna and Dora.
Mr Bornhoft is a man of acknowledged integrity and his word once given is as sacred to him as his bond. The success he has achieved as a farmer is entirely attributable to his own efforts and reflects upon him the highest credit. Politically he gives his adherence to the republican party and, although he has not sought official honors, he served most creditably for two years as road supervisor. He and his wife and family are members of the Lutheran church and active workers in all causes that have for their object the permanent advancement of the neighborhood.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.
Submitted by Norm Prince