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         HENRY MEYERHOLZ, a leading farmer residing on section 1, Jefferson Township, Louisa Co., Iowa, was born in Oldenburg, Germany, in 1829, and is a son of Harmon Henry and Lena (Albere) Meyerholz, the father a native of Oldenburg, and the mother of Hanover, Germany. He remained upon his father’s farm until fifteen years of age, when he embarked on a German vessel as cabin boy, under Capt. Kearn. They sailed to Greenland and other northern lands, the vessel not returning to port for six months and twenty-three days. For the succeeding four years Henry followed the sea, sailing between Germany, England, Russia, France and the United States. His last voyage was on the ship “Edmond,” . . .

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. . . which came to America by way of the Island of Cuba, in 1849. Landing at New Orleans, Mr. Meyerholz then boarded a steamer and went to Cincinnati, Ohio, whence he proceeded to Madison, Ind., where he engaged as an apprentice to the carriage and wagon making trade. After a year and a half spent in Madison, the works were removed to Burlington, Iowa, and he went with them, continuing in that employ for two years. At the expiration of that time he went to Nebraska Territory, and while in that Territory lived with the Indians. Returning to Iowa he secured employment with Mr. Ellis, of Wapello, at his trade, working for him a year and a half, and then went to Madison, engaging as a mechanic in the car shops.

While in the latter city Mr. Meyerholz was united in marriage with Elizabeth Burchold, a native of Hanover, Germany, their union being celebrated Sept. 23, 1855. Shortly after the young couple became residents of Louisa County, the husband renting land and engaging in farming until 1863, when he purchased forty acres on section 1, Jefferson Township. By his energy and perseverance he has added to his original purchase until his farm now comprises 365 acres of fine land, all highly cultivated. A comfortable house has been erected at a cost of $1,500, and a barn was also built, worth $800. Everything about the place denotes the thrift and energy of the owner, and in the vocation he has chosen Mr. Meyerholz has been quite successful.

To our subject and his excellent wife have been born eight children: William, a farmer residing in Jefferson Township; Emma, wife of Joseph Lindly, a resident of Adair County, Iowa; Mary, at home; Lizzie, who is a successful teacher of the county; Frank, Fritz, Minnie and Charley are all inmates of the paternal home. This worthy couple are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Politically, he is a supporter of the Republican party, and has held the office of School Director.

Financially, Mr. Meyerholz is a self-made man. Starting in life as a cabin boy on an ocean steamer, he has, little by little, gained a comfortable competency, and is now one of the well-to-do farmers of Louisa County. He has reared a family of intelligent children, who are a credit to his name, and the family is ranked among the highly respected people of the community. Mrs. Meyerholz died in the spring of 1878, and her death was mourned, not only by the family, but a large circle of friends. The death of Mr. Meyerholz’s father occurred in Madison, Ind., and there the mother also departed this life. They had reared a family of five children: Richard, who is now a resident of Clark County, Ind.; our subject; Mary, wife of Fred Warbe, a merchant of Madison, Ind.; Anna, wife of Fred Showe, whose home is in Clark county of the same State; and Herman, who was a soldier in the 82d Indiana Infantry, died while in the service at Atlanta, Ga.