Polk Co. IAGenWeb

BUTTKEREIT, C. G. - Merchant tailor. He was born in Prussia on the 3d day of May, 1826, and in his early boyhood was raised on a farm, and received his education in the schools of his native country. He began his trade when about eighteen years of age, and in 1851 came to America, stopping first in New York City about two years, and from there to Litchfield, Conn. In 1855 he came to Tama county, this State, and from there to this city in 1874, and engaged in his present occupation. Mr. Buttkereit from his boyhood up has been of an ingenious disposition, and is the inventor of the "bell piano," an instrument similar to the piano forte, except that the tones are produced by bells. He spent about fifteen years in the study and completion of this invention, and it is his object to make it more perfect in the future. The amount he has expended on the one he now has is about $3,300. He feels that he can no doubt yet add to the musical world an instrument of true merit, and one that will far exceed anything yet invented in beauty and quality of tone. His marriage was in Connecticut, in 1854, to Miss Roxanna Addis, of that State. By this marriage they have one daughter, Alice, who possesses many rare qualifications as a musician on the violin, piano and organ. She began the study of music when only seven years of age, and since that time has devoted about five hours each day to practice. Her instruction was under the well-know Professor Proctor.