Frederick Hoepfner
"Frederick Hoepfner, a farmer and stock-raiser of Banks Township,
residing on section 9, is of German birth. He was born in
Mecklenburg in 1839, his parents, John and Mary (Tirm) Hoepfner,
being natives of the same place. His father was a farmer and
followed that occupation in Germany until 1869, when bidding good-by
to home and Fatherland, he sailed for America. He made his first
location in Will County, Ill., where he resided for some four years,
when in 1873, he crossed the Mississippi into Fayette County, Iowa.
He was not long permitted to enjoy his new home however, for his
death occurred in 1875. His wife still survives him and makes her
home in Center Township. This worthy couple were parents of six
children, three of whom are now living: Frederick whose names heads
this sketch; Mrs. Wilheimina Boeckenheuer who resides in Center
Township; and Peter who is married and makes his home in Kankakee
County, Ill.
In Germany, Mr. Hoepfner attained to mature years and in the public
schools of that land was educated. In accordance with the laws of
the county he served in the German Army and then gave his attention
to agricultural pursuits which he had chosen as his life work. He
was married in Mecklenburg, April 28, 1865, the lady of his choice
being Mary Quandt, who was born in that place, and is a daughter of
Joseph and Caroline Quandt, who were also natives of Germany. Her
parents emigrated to this county in 1869, and locating in Michigan
have there since resided. It was in that year also that Mr. Hoepfner,
accompanied by his family sought a home in the new world. He chose
Will County, Ill., as the scene of his labors and there continued to
engage in farming for some three years, when in 1872 he came to this
county. Soon after his arrival he purchased eighty acres of land in
Banks Township and the care and labor which he has bestowed upon it
have made it one of the best farms in the community. As his
financial resources have increased, he has extended its boundaries
from time to time until he now owns two hundred and eighty-nine
acres under a high state of cultivation. In 1889 he erected a large
barn, 100x51 feet.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoepfner are members of the Lutheran Church in Banks
Township, contribute liberally to its support and are active workers
for its interests. They have a family of six children—Fred C.; Mrs.
Mary Wittenberg, who resides near the old home; Mrs. Rosa Schrader,
of Bremer County, Iowa; Louisa, Anna and Harriet who are still under
the parental roof. The children have been provided with good
educational advantages and Mr. Hoepfner did effective service for
the school interests of the community while serving as a member of
the board. On State and National topics, he favors the Democracy but
at local elections votes for the men whom he thinks will best fill
the office, regardless of party. Beginning life a poor boy, Mr.
Hoepfner has worked his way upward step by step until he has reached
a position of affluence. He has a good home pleasantly situated near
Sumnor and his family are held in high regard in the social world." |
