For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 745
THOMAS FRENZEL....From a rude log cabin to a handsome and commodious residence, supplied with modern conveniences is a long step, yet it has been made by Thomas Frenzel, a well known citizen of Muscatine county, whose home is in Moscow township. He is a native of Germany, born, February 4, 1845, and is a son of John E. and Elizabeth ( Breslin ) Frenzel, also natives of the fatherland. John E. Frenzel became convinced that America offered opportiunities not to be found in the older settled countries of Europe and accordingly, in 1847, he came with his family to America and settled in Muscatine county, Iowa, as the location where he would attempt to work out his destiny. He purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, on which there was a log cabin, and there the family resided for nine years, the father then erecting a brick house, which still stands on the farm. He departed this life in 1878, the mother passing away in 1894, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. There were eight children in the family, six sons and two daughters, seven of whom are now living.Thomas Frenzel was reared on the home farm, where he early gained a practical knowledge which he was able to put to good use later on his own account. He had no opportunity for acquiring an education in the common schools but through his own efforts, assisted by well disposed people with whom he came in contact, he learned to read and write the English and German languages. After reaching manhood he rented a farm for six years and in 1879 purchased ninety-six and one-half acres, which he improved by the erection of a residence and other buildings, later acquiring one hundred and sixty acres in another part of the township, so that at the present time he is the owner of two hundred and fifty-six and one-half acres of good land in Muscatine county. There is a brick house standing on the farm which he first purchased that was erected in 1847 and is still in a good state of preservation. Mr. Frenzel has devoted himself to general farming and has attained the prosperity which indicates thrift and good judgment.
In 1873 Mr. Frenzel was united in marriage to Miss Martha Hucke, who was born in Germany, September 15, 1853, a daughter of Conrad and Kathrine ( Glover ) Hucke. She came to Muscatine county with her parents when she was three years of age, the father renting land for ten years and then becoming the owner of a farm in Moscow township. He accumulated a good property. He died in 1878 and his wife survived him until January, 1889. Four of their nine children are now living. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Frenzel has been blessed by the birth of three children : Laura Kathrine, now the wife of Louis Schmidt, of Muscatine county ; Martha M. L., at home ; and Henry, who was born January 19, 1874, and died in September of the same year.
It would be difficult to find a more striking example of the beneficial effects of industry then that presented in the career of Mr. Frenzel. Starting out entirely on his own resources, not even having the advantages of a common-school education, he years ago attained a competence and each returning season adds to his prosperity. He is justly regarded as one of the substantial men of Moscow township. He has been greatly assisted by his wife, who is a woman of sound judgment and as head of the household has ably supplemented the labors of her husband. They are both members of the German Lutheran church and are favorably known, their sterling worth being recognized throughout the community.
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