Henry Buettner

Henry Buettner, who carries on general farming on section 36, township 3, range 10 west, is numbered among the early settlers of Monroe County, and as such well deserves representation in its history. He was born in Germany on the 29th of July 1837, and is a don of Henry and Julia Buettner, who were also natives of the same country. The father was a miller by trade. He afterward came to Monroe County, where he purchased an eighty-acre farm, which he cultivated until selling out preparatory to his removal to Kansas. In that state he purchased a large farm and continued its cultivation until his death, which occurred in Clark County, Kan., at the age of sixty-nine years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics was a supporter of the Republican party. His wife died in St. Louis at the age of thirty-five. This worthy couple had a family of seven children, six of whom are yet living, namely: Caroline, Adeline, Henry, Herman, Julia and Henrietta.

Henry Buettner was a lad of eleven years when with his family he crossed the briny deep to the New World. He grew to manhood in Monroe County, and its public schools afforded him his educational privileges. He remained with his father until twenty-four years of age, when he stared out to make his own way in the world, and as a companion and helpmate on life's journey he chose Miss Elizabeth Valentine, a native of Germany, who with her parents came to America when a maiden of ten years. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Buettner were born four children, but three of the number are now deceased. The only one living is John, who is married and resides in Monroe County. The mother died at the age of thirty-two years, in the faith of the Lutheran Church, of which she was a consistent member. For his second wife Mr. Buettner married Mena Hesterberg, a native of Germany. She was brought by her parents to the United States during her infancy and was reared and educated in this county. By this union were born six children, but four of the number are now deceased. Sophia and Julia are still with their parents.

Upon his first marriage Mr. Buettner purchased forty acres of land and upon that farm he has since resided, although he has extended its boundaries from time to time until it comprises one hundred and twelve acres of good land, which yields to the owner a golden tribute in return for the care and cultivation he bestows on it. In earlier years he followed threshing in connection with his farm work, and as the result of his industry and perseverance he has become well-to-do. He exercises the right of franchise in support of the Republican party, and has held several school offices, such as Director and Trustee. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church, and in social circle they hold an enviable position. Mr. Buettner is a highly respected citizen, who during his long residence in this community, by an honorable, upright life, has gained the confidence and good will of all with whom he has been brought in contact.