Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 499
LORENTZ KLEIN, deceased, was one of the pioneers of Moscow,Township, and an honored citizen of Muscatine County. He was born in Bavaria, Germany, on the 7th day of January, 1814, and was a son of Paulus Klein. He was reared to manhood in his native land and there received his education. When twenty-five years of age, thinking that the new world would furnish him a better field for his labors, he bade good-by to his home and friends and embarked for America, landing at Philadelphia. Going to Ohio, he remained a resident of that State for five years, when, in 1843, he returned to Germany to visit his parentsand once more look upon his childhood's home. During the autumn of 1844, he returned to Ohio, where he was united in marriage with Miss Katherine Schmidt, who with others had accompanied Mr. Klein on his second journey to this country. They began their domestic life in the Buckeye State, but after two years came to Iowa, reaching Muscatine on the 29th of August, 1846. Mr. Klein immediately purchased a farm in Moscow Township, which was then almost in its primitive condition. A small home and stable had been built and twenty-nine acres had been broken, otherwise no improvements had been made. Care and cultivation soon transformed the wild praire into a beautiful farm, which was increased in extent, as well as value, until it comprised 800 acres. In all his enterprises Mr. Klein was very successful and at the time of his death left his wife in comfortable circumstances. For about two years he was an invalid, and on the 7th day of May, 1880, was called to his final home, and released from the sufferings of this life. On the 20th day of March, of the same year, his residence caught on fire and burned to the ground. Mr. Hahn, a neighbor, removed Mr. Klein to his residence and kindly offered him the shelter of his home until his own house could be rebuilt, but gradually sinking, the final summons came before his own home was completed. A loyal and worthy citizen, he received the respect of all, and at his death a feeling of sadness pervaded the whole community.

Mr. and Mrs. Klein were the parents of seven children: George W., who is living in Wilton Township; Lorentz, whose home is in Nebraska; John G., of Moscow Township; Anna Elizabeth, who lives with her mother; Matthew, who is engaged if farming in Moscow Township; Johnson A., who resides on the old homestead; and Anna C. Mrs. Klein has a pleasant home in Wilton, where she yet resides and is surrounded by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

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