CONRAD OHLWEIN.

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         Conrad Ohlwein, who has lived retired at Oakville since March, 1908, was successfully engaged in the clothing business at that place for a number of years. His birth occurred in Germany on the 26th of October, 1844, his parents being Henry and Elizabeth (Kroch) Ohlwein, both of whom are deceased. The father passed away in Germany and the mother was called to her final rest while a resident of Chicago, Illinois. Unto them were born four children, as follows: Henry, now living in Highland Park, Illinois; Conrad, of this review; John, who died in Chicago; and Elizabeth, who passed away in infancy.

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         Conrad Ohlwein spent the first twenty-four years of his life in the father-land, there learning the tailor’s trade. In 1868 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Chicago, where he worked at his trade for about fifteen years. Subsequently he removed to New Boston, Illinois, there residing for about twelve years. On the expiration of that period he came to Oakville, Iowa, here being actively engaged in the clothing business until the time of his retirement on the 1st of March, 1908, when he sold out to his son and son-in-law. Twelve years ago he lost everything because of a disastrous fire which destroyed the building in which he was conducting business and in which he was also living at that time. Nothing daunted, however, he set resolutely to work and soon retrieved his lost possessions. He now owns two lots in Oakville and also the home which he erected thereon.

         On the 29th of July, 1869, Mr. Ohlwein was united in marriage to Miss Catharine Ohlwein, a daughter of Christian and Elizabeth (Zeibert) Ohlwein. She was one of a family of five children, the others being as follows: John, who is deceased; Elizabeth, who is the wife of Henry Ohlwein and resides in Germany; and Henry and Adam, who also make their home in Germany. Unto our subject and his wife have been born eight children, as follows: Elizabeth, who has passed away; Annie, the wife of Lee Hunt, of New Boston, Illinois; John, also living in New Boston; Henry, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mary, the wife of Charles Creaton, of Oakville, Iowa; Lizzie, the wife of Fred Pulver, of Oakville, Iowa; Edward Conrad, who likewise makes his home at Oakville, and one who died in infancy.

         In politics Mr. Ohlwein is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons. Coming to the new world in early manhood, he eagerly embraced the opportunities afforded in a land unhampered by caste or class and steadily worked his way upward to a position among the prosperous and esteemed citizens of his community. In August, 1908, Mr. Ohlwein made a trip to Europe, visiting his old home and many points of interest. He met many old friends and school mates of his boyhood days as well as relatives. While he enjoyed his trip very much, especially seeing again the land of his birth, he was glad to return to his home in America.