GERHARD HUSMANN
Page 512
GERHARD HUSMANN
Page 512
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GERHARD HUSMANN. This gentleman is numbered among the practical and successful business men of Natrona, Allen's Grove Township, Mason County. Here he embarked in the mercantile and poultry business in 1891, and although he began with small capital he has met with flattering success. As his trade increased he enlarged his stock, until he now carries a full assortment of general merchandise valued at $5,000. His business house in 25x70 feet in dimensions, with a shed 14x50 feet, and is filled with a varied assortment of goods, such as are usually found in a first-class general store. He conducts a business mounting to about $20,000 per annum. Born February 25, 1859, our subject is a native of Hanover, Germany, in which province were born his parents, D. A. and Fokje (Loop) Husmann. There were twelve children in the family, eleven of whom are yet living, as follows: John D., Gerhard, Margaret, Fredericka, Marie, Dietrich, Henry, Jacob A., Theresa, Reinhard and Alide, By a former marriage there was one child, Taalke. The parents and eight children are still residents of Hanover, Germany, while the four children who came to the United States are residents of Illinois. April 6, 1887, Mr. Husmann was united in marriage with Miss Catherine Hesse, who was born in Stedtdorf, Hanover, May 5, 1860. She is one of four children, Catherine, Heinrich, Maria and Dora, born to the union of Heinrich and Margaret (Ven Ohlan) Hesse, both of whom died in Germany. Mrs. Husmann came alone to the United States in 1884 and settled in Natrona, where she has since made her home. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Husmann has resulted in the birth of four children as follows: Albert Heinrich, Margaret Fokje, Frederick John and Henry Cornelius. These children will be given good educations in German and English, and will be trained in the religious faith of the parents. IN politics a stanch Democrat, Mr. Husmann has filled the office of Town Clerk and was a member of the Board of Alderman in Mason City for two years. He also served on the Township Committee. Of the success which he has attained he is in the highest degree worthy. Coming to the United States in 1883, he began as a clerk in a business house in Mason City, but being a young man of enterprise and energy it was not long before he had saved a sufficient amount to permit him to embark in business for himself. During an honorable career as a sagacious business man he has attained financial prosperity and has displayed in a good degree those solid traits of character that are needful in securing success in any calling. In his dealings with others, whether in a business or social way, he has ever shown himself to be a man of truth, honor, and the utmost probity. He and his wife are numbered among the best people of the county and occupy an enviable place in society, both religious and social. |