For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 29
HENRY R. ALTEKRUSE. Henry R. Altekruse, for many years prominately connected with the farming and stock-raising interests of Muscatine county and now living retired in the city of Muscatine, was born on a farm seven miles from Baltimore, in the state of Maryland, August 8, 1839. His parents, Rudolph and Sophia ( Vo Dermark ) Altekruse, were both born in Germany, and came to America soon after their marriage. The father worked on a farm in Maryland for some years and in 1840, believing that the west presented more favorable inducements than could be found elsewhere, located in the wilderness on the line of Seventy-six and Lake townships, Muscatine county, Iowa. Here he built a cabin of round logs, with clapboard roof and puncheon floor, and began as a pioneer to acquire financial independence. He was an industrious and economical man and in his wife found a highly capable assistant. After acquiring a competence he erected a comfortable frame dwelling, in which the family took up their home. Here he passed away February 12, 1891, his faithful companion having departed September 21, 1890. Their bodies were first deposited in a country cemetery, but later were taken up and now repose in Greenwood cemetery at Muscatine. There were eight children in the family, of whom Sophia, William, Ernest, Samuel, Eliza and Mary are deceased, those still living being Henry R., our subject, and Rudolph J., a retired farmer who, makes his home in Muscatine.Henry R. Altekruse received his education in the common schools and grew up on the home farm. At thiry-eight years of age he was married and engaged in farming on section 35, Lake township, where he built a residence and a cattle barn, and also made numerous other improvements. He now owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in Lake township and twenty acres in Seventy-six township, making a fine farm of one hundred and forty acres. He is also the owner of the commodious residence in Muscatine to which he removed in June, 1910.
In 1877 Mr. Altekruse was united in marriage to Mrs. Sarah Matilda ( Addleman ) Buck, the widow of Ira Buck, by whom she had two children: Harry, now living in the southwestern part of Iowa; and Estella, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Altekruse three children have been born, all of whom are living: Arthur J., a sketch of whom appears below; Emma, the wife of Chester McCabe, of Seventy-six township; and Ira B., a mechanical engineer of Moline, Illinois.
Mr. Altekruse was formerly a stanch democrat, but, having observed the evil effects of the saloon, he is now an ardent prohibitionist. He has never sought public office but for two years he served as trustee of Lake township with great acceptance to the tax-payers. He and his wife are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal church and by their steadfast lives they have won a place in the esteem of all with whom they have come in contact.
Arthur J. Altekruse was born on the farm on which he now resides in Muscatine county, June 14, 1878. He received his preliminary education in the district schools and for two years was a student in the schools in Muscatine. Laying his books aside, he assumed the responsibility upon the home farm and is now devoting his attention to feeding stock. He has a few short-horn cattle and three trotting horses, being at the present time owner of eighty acres of land, although he cultivates two hundred and twenty acres. Having been thoroughly trained in farming under his father, he gives promise of gaining an enviable reputation in his chosen calling. In 1905 he was married to Miss Rebecca Miller, a daughter of Charles and Cynthia Miller, of Muscatine. Politically he is an independent democrat, and he has served one term as township trustee. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and fraternally he is connected with the Modern Brotherhood of America.
Back to Biographical Index Page