For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 418
FRANK LEIMKUEHLER. Among the respected citizens of Muscatine county born in Germany who came to America in quest of a fortune and here found what they sought is Frank Leimkuehler. He was born in Dissen, Province of Hanover, Germany, January 7, 1857, and comes of good Teutonic ancestry, being the son of Frederick and Wilhelmina (Hinkhouse) Leimkuehler, both natives of Germany. The house of his grandfather Hinkhouse, erected in 1560, is still standing on the old homestead. The parents of our subject lived and died in their native land. By their union six children were born, two of whom are deceased.Frank Leimkuehler received his education in the schools of Germany and continued amidst familiar scenes until twenty-four years of age, when he sought in America to solve the problems that face every young man entering upon the responsibilities of a business career. He bravely bade his friends farewell and on April 15, 1881, landed in New York, coming direct to Wilton Junction, Iowa, where he spent two months with an uncle and then clerked in the store of W. Johnson, for six weeks. Relinquishing his position, he then came to Moscow, Muscatine county, and clerked in the store of C. A. Zeisig until September 1, 1882, when he bought out the business, moving into a new store building erected by himself, December 1, 1885. Here he has continued ever since, carrying a general line of merchandise, and as he is well acquainted with the wants of the people and uses good taste and discrimination in buying, he has met with marked success, his establishment being one of the most prosperous of the kind in his part of the county. He is also the owner of a handsome residence, which he erected in 1888, where his family are supplied with all of the conveniences and many of the luxuries of life.
On the 15th of May, 1883, Mr. Leimkuehler was united in marriage to Miss Libby A. Myers, a native of Rock Island county, Illinois. She was born October 11, 1863, and is a daughter of William and Margaret (Wilhelm) Myers, the former a native of Indiana and the latter of Ohio. They were married in Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1858, subsequently taking up their residence in Indiana, where they remained for four years. They then went to Rock Island county, Illinois, and while living there, the Civil war being in progress, Mr. Myers enlisted in the cause of the Union. When the father went to the front the mother removed to Muscatine with her children and was there joined by the head of the family after his return from the army. He located on a farm, which he cultivated until 1885, when he retired from active labor and is now living with his wife at Wilton Junction. Mrs. Leimkuehler is the only daughter of her parents but had four brothers, only two now living. Mr. and Mrs. Leimkuehler, not having children of their own, adopted a daughter, Cora E., who is now the wife of the Rev. W. H. Slack, a minister of the Methodist church at Douds, Iowa.
Ever since he became a citizen of his adopted country Mr. Leimkuehler has been identified with the democratic party, believing that its principles are most conducive to the perpetuity of a government founded upon political equality. He has taken an active interest in political affairs and served as postmaster of Moscow from 1886 to 1897. He has also most acceptably filled the position of school director for a period of fourteen years. In religious belief he and his wife are in sympathy with the Methodist church and are active supporters of that denomination. The success of Mr. Leimkuehler has been due to laudable ambition, close application and well directed energy. He made no mistake in striking out as a young man among strangers. In this state he found the opportunities he sought and here he has attained a prosperity which is the reward of labor and perseverance.
Back to Biographical Index Page