For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 14
HERMAN HUCHENDORF. Muscatine possesses advantages as a city of homes that are recognized by many who have established their permanent residence. Among this number is Herman Huchendorf, living at No. 917 Oak street. By years of industry he acquired a competence and is now enjoying at leisure the fruit of his labors. He is a native of Kolmar, Prussia, born July 20, 1849, and is a son of Jacob and Anna ( Pietz ) Huchendorf, both of whom were born in Germany. The father was a stone-mason and contractor, and was a man of high standing in the community. He departed this life in 1887 at the age of sixty-nine years. The mother died in 1874, aged fifty-four years. Three children constituted their family : Herman; Augusta, the wife of Fritz Kruger, of Rattay, Germany; and Otilge, the wife of William Rosenau, of Cristenchen, Germany.The subject of this review grew up under the kindly protection of a happy home and was educated in his native land. At fourteen years of age he began learning the miller's trade and in 1867, like thousands of young men in Germany who seek their fortune in other climes, he came to America, stopping at Wanatah, Indiana. Conditions not being entirely satisfactory there, he decided to travel further west, locating at Pine Mills , Muscatine county, Iowa, where he purchased the Pine Creek Mill, and for twenty-five years engaged in custom milling, gaining a wide reputation on account of the excellence of the work that he turned out. In 1893 he took up his residence in Muscatine but after a short stay he went to Durant and built a mill which he conducted for ten years. In 1904 he sold out and established his permanent residence in Muscatine.
On the 9th of February, 1872, Mr. Huchendorf was united in marriage to Miss Mary Funk, who was born at Tipton, Cedar county, Iowa, June 27, 1852. She is a daughter of Daniel and Barbara ( Blessing ) Funk, both of whom were born in Pennsylvania. They were early settlers of Cedar county but removed to Sweetland township, Muscatine county in 1859. Here the father died in 1887, the mother being called away fourteen years later, at the age of sixty-nine years. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Huchendorf was Abraham Funk. Her maternal grandfather died in Lisbon, Iowa. His wife was Elizabeth Blessing.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Huchendorf ten children have been born: Anna, now deceased, who married William Carter and was the mother of six children, Leonard, Floyd, Harold, Lavada, Hartzel and May; Mary, who married Henry Herlin, of Sweetland township, and is the mother of five children, Gail, Addie, John, Harry, and Albert; Clinton, of Durant, Iowa, who married Rose Bierkamp and is the father of one child, Inez; Edith, now living at Durant, who married Rudolph Meyer, and is the mother of one son, Ralph; Grace, also of Durant, who married Fred Denkmann and is the mother of two children, Richard and Mildred; Wilmette, who died at the age of nineteen years; Olive, at home; Clyde, of Greeley, Colorado; Herman, aged sixteen, also at home; and one who died in infancy.
Mr. Huchendorf is prominently identified with the Masonic order, holding membership in Iowa Lodge, No. 2, A. F.& A. M.; Washington Chapter, No.4, R. A. M.; Webb Council, No.18, R. & S. M.; De Molay Commandery, No. 1, K.T.; Zaraphath Consistory No.4; and Kaaba Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S. He and his wife also hold membership in the Order of the Eastern Star. Politically Mr. Huchendorf is now allied with the republican party, although for a number of years he was a stanch advocate of democracy. He has never sought public office but served with great acceptance as township clerk in Montpelier township for seven years and also for several years as postmaster. He and his wife have reared a large family and by precept and example inculated in their children those principles of diligence and perseverance that are so necessary in the accomplishment of any worthy object. Mr. Huchendorf started out in life for himself when eighteen years of age among strangers with nothing to depend upon but his powerful constitution and an ambition that has never been dampened by obstacles. He forged his way to success and today is honored by a host of friends who recognize his manly qualities. His career is a brilliant illustration of the possibilities of every young man who possesses the courage and the will to climb the ladder of attainment.
Back to Biographical Index Page