P. J. KORTH

P. J. KORTH, the popular pioneer merchant of Portsmouth, established himself in business in the fall of 1882, and sold the first goods in the new town. He carries a full stock of dry-goods, staple and fancy groceries, and clothing, and does a business from $17,000 to $20,000 per annum. By his genial, affable manners, and strictly honorable dealing he has built up an extensive business. P. J. Korth was born near Madison, Wisconsin, April 1, 1857, and is the son of Jacob and Mary Anna (Soentgen) Korth, who were born near Cologne, Germany, and came to America and settled in Wisconsin in 1852. The family lived there ten years and then removed to Keokuk County, Iowa, and made that their home until 1876, when they came to Shelby County. The family consisted of the parents, five sons and three daughters. P. J. Korth was reared to the life of a farmer, and obtained his education in the common schools. At the age of twenty years he secured a situation as clerk with E. C. Clapp, of Shelby, with whom he remained one year. He then entered the employ of W. F. Cleveland, remaining with him two or three years. In 1882 he came to Portsmouth and opened his stock of general merchandise. Mr. Korth was married February 1, 1881, to Miss Mary Leinen, a daughter of Matthias and Mary (Buch) Leinen, natives of Germany. Mrs. Korth was born, reared and educated in Keokuk County. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Korth, both of whom are deceased-Leo J. died at the age of one year and eleven months, and Zeono J. died at the age of two years and eight months. Mr. Korth is one of the wheel-horses of the Democratic party in Cass Township. He is a member of the Roman Catholic church. February 14, 1886, he was appointed postmaster of Portsmouth. He is one of Shelby County's honored and esteemed citizens.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa. pg. 592. Transcribed and submitted by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs