CASPAR STROTHMAN

STROTHMAN, AUTFAUGER, WITTE, FULLENKAMF

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 4/4/2020 at 20:24:20

CASPAR STROTHMAN is the second son and second child of a family of twelve children, six sons and six daughters, only four of whom are alive - three daughters and one son. He was born in Prussia, Nov. 21, 1821. His parents Joseph Strothman, and his wife, Mary C. Autfauger, left the “old country” and came to America in 1842. They first landed in New Orleans, where they staid three days. They then ascended the river as far as St. Louis, where the staid six weeks. They spent most of the time in examining the surrounding country, in search of their future home. Not being satisfied, they left St. Louis and landed at Fort Madison, at that time a very small place. After staying there four weeks, they found a satisfactory location near West Point, which, at that time contained only a few cabins. After a short stay there, Mr. Strothman removed to his present residence, a short distance south of town. At first they bought about one hundred acres of land. The improvements were some plowed land and a log cabin, into which the whole family moved. This place has been improved and enlarged, so that it is one of the best farms in the township. In 1854, Mr. Strothman’s father died, at the age of sixty-eight. His mother is still living, and enjoys remarkably good health, at the age of eighty; she is living with him. In 1836, Caspar Strothman and Catharine Witte, a native of Germany, were united in marriage. By this union eight children were born, six sons and two daughters, only six of whom are now living - five sons and one daughter. In 1865, his wife died; and Nov. 18 of the same year, he was married to Mary C. Fullenkamf. She was born May 3, 1849, in West Point Township, Lee County. Her parents came to this country from Germany. In 1839. Both are now living at their old home in West Point. By this marriage four children have been born, two sons and two daughters. One son died in infancy; Joseph is married and lives on a farm near his father. Mr. Strothman’s education was received in Germany. When he came to this country he could not speak a word of English. His education being obtained in Germany fitted him better for his work than if he had obtained it in this country. It being more practical. Mr. and Mrs. Strothman, and all the children, are members of the Roman Catholic church, of West Point. He fills the office of Church Trustee. Politically, Mr. Strothman is a strong party man, very seldom voting for any other than Democratic candidates. He has always been a prominent politician, and takes more than an usual amount of interest in elections, etc. About twenty years ago, a railroad was projected from Fort Madison to West Point, and thence westward. Knowing the benefits derived therefrom, he subscribed and paid $500, when the enterprise failed. Another was projected from Burlington to West Point. As before, he showed his liberality, and subscribed $1,000. As the road was built through Fort Madison, the money never became due. He has also aided the churches of West Point by his liberal subscriptions, and, in general, has done as much, if not more, than any other person towards building up the place. Mr. Strothman now lives in a fine brick farm house, a view of which is given on another page of this book.

In the farm on which he lives, there is seven hundred acres if good land, four hundred and fifty of which is under cultivation. He has about two hundred acres in other tracts. He is ranked as the wealthiest man in his township.

Source:
Illustrated Historical ATLAS of Lee County, IOWA
A. T. Andreas
Chicago, ILL.
1874

Transcription by Mary H. Cochrane, Volunteer