For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 268
BERNARD KIRCHNER...,For fifty years Bernard Kirchner, deceased, was a citizen of Muscatine county, assisting in an important degree in the developement of its agricultural interests. At the time of his death, November 27, 1906, he was the owner of five hundred acres of well improved land, which he had acquired through perseverance and energy. He won his way to success by sterling characteristics of courage, thrift and industry, which are so prominent in the Teutonic race, of which he was a representative.Born in Weimar, Germany, December 2, 1833, he was the son of Christian and Dorothy (Gepford) Kirchner, both of whom passed their entire lives in the fatherland. Mr. Kirchner came to America as a young man in 1852, and, after spending two years in New York, lived in Rock Island, Illinois, for a short time, and in 1855, began his career as a farmer in Muscatine county by renting land. Subsequently he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Pike township, which he cultivated until 1873, when he came to Nichols and opened a mercantile establishment. He was highly successful both as a farmer and as a merchant, but in 1894 he retired to enjoy a well earned rest, his sons taking charge of the business. In addition to being the owner of a valuable farm and of a good business house, he was a stockholder in the Lone Tree Savings Bank, and as a man of high financial standing his advice was much sought in matters of business by persons who desired to be guided aright. He had two brothers, both of whom are now deceased. On December 23, 1836, Mr. Kirchner was united in marriage to Miss Charlotte Lenz, who was a native of Germany, a daughter of Valentine and Barbara ( Geis ) Lenz. The family came to America in 1856 and settled upon a farm in Muscatine county, which Mr. Lenz cultivated until the death of his wife, which occurred in 1874. He then retired, passing his remaining days with his children, and his death occurred July 29, 1898. There were seven children in their family: Adam, deceased; Nicholas ; George, deceased ; Peter ; John, deceased ; Charlotte, who became the wife of Mr. Kirchner ; and Elizabeth, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Kirchner eight children were born, namely: Frederick H., of Lone Tree, Johnson county, Iowa, who is married and has one child ; Elizabeth, the widow of William Bowen, who lived at What Cheer, Iowa, and was called away October 20, 1910 ; Margaret, who is now the wife of Dr. Carl, of Nichols ; Henry and Bernard A., both of whom are in the mercantile business at Nichols ; Anna, who is the wife of Louis Mapes, of Lone Tree, and has two children ; John, of Portland, Oregon, who still owns land in Muscatine county, and is married and has two children ; and Gertrude, at home. The mother of these children is now living at Nichols and is sixty-five years of age.
Bernard A. Kirchner was born in Muscatine county, September 16, 1873. He received his education in the common schools and also at commercial college, and remained at home until nineteen years of age, when he and his brother assumed charge of the mercantile business at Nichols which their father had established a number of years previously. They continued together until 1907, when they divided the stock and since that time each has operated a separate store. Bernard A. Kirchner is also the owner of various properties in Nichols and is known as one of its prosperous and representative citizens. He is a stockholder and director of the Nichols Savings Bank. On the 15th of June, 1898, he was married to Miss Nannie E. Black, who was born in Muscatine county, May 1, 1879, a daughter of R. C. and Malissa M. ( Johns ) Black, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Two children have been born of this union: Clara Frances, who was born April 25, 1899, and is now living with her grandparents and attending school : and Robert Bernard, who died September 4, 1902, at the age of one and one-half years. The mother of these children departed this life March 26, 1901. Politically Mr. Kirchner is identified with the democratic party, to which he gives his stanch adherence. He has served as a member of the city council for six years and also for one year as city clerk. Fraternally he is connected with Lodge No. 445, A. F. & A. M., and Nichols Lodge, No. 664, I. O. O. F., of Nichols, and Prairie Encampment No.4, I. O. O. F., of Muscatine. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was also his wife.
Henry Kirchner was born in Muscatine county, on April 13, 1871. He remained at home until twenty-three years of age, when he became associated with his brother in the store at Nichols which their father had established. Since 1907 he has conducted an establishment in his own name, and, being a man of good business ability, he has been very successful. He was married September 4, 1895, to Miss Emma Hacke, who was born in this county, February 21, 1876, a daughter of Frederick and Dora ( Mueller ) Hacke. Her parents came to this country from Germany, the father being engaged in farming in Iowa until his death, which occurred September 8, 1886. Her mother is still living in Muscatine county and is sixty-eight years of age. There were six children in their family, namely : Louisa, who died in 1895, leaving a husband and two children now living near Nichols ; William, who is married and lives in Johnson county ; Matilda, now the wife of Edward Reusnow, of Chicago, Illinois ; Mary, wife of harry Federmann,of Nichols ; Emma, now Mrs. Henry Kirchner ; and Frederick, who died in infancy. Four children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kirchner : Alvina, who was born January 9, 1897 ; Elsie P., born June 10, 1899 ; Alfred F., born August 14, 1902 ; and Marguerite F., born June 28, 1908. Mr. Kirchner is a member of the German Lutheran church, and his wife holds membership in the Christian church. Politically, he gives his support to the democratic party, and although he has never been a seeker of public office, he has served most acceptably as treasurer of the schools of his township for four years. He is a man of good social instincts, and is an active member of the Masonic and Odd Fellow lodges of Nichols.
Bernard Kirchner, whose name introduces this review, was a supporter of the candidates and principles of the democratic party. He was a sincere friend of education and served on the school board for many years. Religiously he was identified with the Lutheran church, while his widow is a member of the German Evangelical church. He was greatly interested in the growth of Muscatine county and lived to see the marvelous changes in this section, which now contains many of the most productive farms of the state. He was recognized as a man thoroughly trustworthy, who loved the country of his adoption, having here established a home where he enjoyed what he came to America to find---peace, happiness and prosperity.
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