Dubuque Gravestone Project Index

Henry Henkels

Biography of Henry Henkels taken from Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties, Iowa. Chicago: Chapman Publishing Co. 1894. Pages 118-119.

HENRY HENKELS

It has been truly said that the prosperity of a community depends upon the individual 
enterprise and uprightness of its citizens.  In proportion as each person achieves 
success will the county and state show a favorable advancement along the lines of 
material and commercial progress.  The high standing of Dubuque County and its 
prominence among the other counties of the state of Iowa may be attributed largely to
the energy and progressive spirit displayed by its residents.  As one of its successful 
young agriculturists we present the name of Henry Henkels, who owns and occupies a 
fine farm of three hundred acres situated on section 16, Peru Township.

Our subject was born in Mosalem Township, Dubuque County, on the 24th of December, 1859.  
He is a son of Michael and Catherine (Becker) Henkels.  Michael came to the United States 
in 1843, landing in New York City; he remained there a short time looking around, then 
came to Dubuque County, Mosalem Township, where he worked on a flatboat for three years.  
He lived economically and saved his earnings, and at the end of that time he purchased 
forty acres of wild land, which he cultivated and sold.  He bought eighty acres more of 
wild land, which he cultivated, and had increased to two hundred acres at his demise, 
June 27, 1883.  He was well and favorably known throughout the county and occupied the 
position of Road Supervisor for four years, that of Constable for six years, and served 
his fellow-citizens in the capacity of member of the School Board for fifteen years and 
also as Trustee of the Township.

Mr. Henkels married a most estimable lady, and to them were born eleven children, as 
follows: Catherine, Lambert Henry, (our subject), Nick, Maggie, Peter, Louise, Aggie,
Frank, John and Mary.  To these he gave the best education that he could procure.  He
was a member of the Catholic Church, and in politics was an adherent to the Democratic 
party, using his right of franchise for the advancement of every party interest.

Our subject, Henry, worked on the old homestead until February 18, 1886, when he was 
united in marriage with Miss Anna Wagner.  He then started out in the world for himself, 
and his first attempt was to rent the old homestead, which he worked for five years.  
By frugality and good business management he saved enough money to purchase forty acres 
of wild land, which he cultivated and improved and which he has since increased to three 
hundred acres.  To him and his wife have been born two children, Nick B. and Josephine.  
This estimable couple are members of the Roman Catholic Church, and in politics Mr. Henkels 
is a Democrat and that party finds in him a strong adherent.  He is always ready to help 
in any good cause, and he has represented his fellow-citizens, who find in him a man of 
exceptional ability and worth, as Secretary of the Public Schools for the past thirteen 
years, and also as Assessor of the township for four years.

Back to the main page.