BRANDHORST, Charles Henry b:1848

BRANDHORST, STRAYER

Posted By: P. Bergmeier (email)
Date: 2/25/2005 at 19:18:39

Charles Henry Brandhorst was born in Germany, August 14, 1848, a son of Frederick and Louise Brandhorst, both of whom died in their native land.

His father was a farmer and his boyhood and early youth was spent on the farm of his parents in Germany, and when fifteen years of age, in 1863, came to the United States, reaching New York City, March 28, and going thence to Dane County, Wisconsin. He remained there two years, working for a fellow countryman, Christian Hoffman, and in 1865 came to Iowa, locating in Black Hawk County.

He worked for others seven years, saving his wages carefully, having ever in view a home of his own. He then rented land three years, and in 1875 bought land in Black Hawk Township. His fine farm on section 28 contains 178 acres, and his residence and farm buildings are in good repair. Mr. Brandhorst is a practical farmer, and it is due to his thorough knowledge of agricultural, his good management, and his economy that has placed him in the independent and prominent position he now occupies.

A poor German emigrant boy when he came to America, with very little more than money enough to enable him to reach Dane County, he has experienced all the hardships and privations that fall to the lot of a penniless boy in a strange land, but has perserved in spite of adverse circumstances and is now reaping a just reward for his early life of toil. His education was largely acquired in the school of experience, and its hard lessons have been well remembered and of great value.

In politics he has been identified with the democrat party and is one of its active working men. He has frequently been the candidate of his party for office in the township, but owing to their minority in the township, has with one exception failed of election. He has served as assessor one term. He is much interested in promoting the efficiency of the public schools and for the past seven years has been secretary of the School Board.

Mr. Brandhorst was married March 3, 1872, to Elizabeth Strayer, a native of Johnstown, Cambria County, Pennsylvania, born March 8, 1849, daughter of Joseph J. Strayer. They have three children-William Clarence, Susan Viola and Frank Oscar. Mrs. Brandhorst is a member of the Brethern church.

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