J. G. H. Stellern

As printed in 1914

J. G. H. STELLERN.

y. G. H. Stellern, who was long identified with the business and industrial interests of Fort Madison, but is now living retired here, was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 25th of December, 1830, a son of John Bernhard and Elizabeth Stellern. His father died in that country when our subject was only eight years of age and in 1844 the mother brought her family to the new world. They located in St. Louis, Missouri, where she passed away in 1850. By occupation the father was a farmer. J. G. H. Stellern was the fifth in order of birth in a family of several children, four of whom accompanied the mother on her removal to the United States, these being John. Christina, J. G. H. and Richard. Joseph started with them, but died at sea, while Henry, who was serving as a soldier in the German army, did not come until eighteen months later. All are now deceased except the subject of this review.

. G. H. Stellern was only thirteen years of age when the family settled in St. Louis and about a year later he began learning the brick maker's trade, which he foUovved until he removed to Lee county, Iowa, in 1869. Here he located on a farm in West Point township and for two years devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits, but at the end of that time removed to Fort Madison, where he has since made his home. He purchased a half interest in the bottling works of Frank Hesse, being in partnership with Barney Bellman, who died two months later. Mr. Stellern was then alone in business until 1902, when he was succeeded by his son, Frank. He now lives retired.

While living in St. Louis, Mr. Stellern was married, November 7, 1857, to Miss Charlotte Knippschild, who was also a native of Prussia, born August 9, 1836, and was twenty years of age when she came to the new world. By this union were born the following children: Emma, now the wife of George H. Van Tilburg, of St. Louis; Joseph, a resident of Fort Madison, Iowa; Henry, of Washington township, this county; Ida, the wife of William Dues, of Fort Madison; Clara, the wife of George Haessig, of Fort Madison; Frances, at home; Frank, who is mentioned below; Rose, the wife of H. D. Lawrence, of Fort Madison; Albert, who died at the age of eighteen years in 1891; and Charles, who died in infancy.

Mr. Stellern gives his political support to the democratic party and in religious faith is a Catholic. During his long residence in Fort Madison he has made many warm friends and is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him.

As printed in Story of Lee County, Iowa; (1914). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.