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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.