Julius H. Jaenke

Julius H. Jaenke, a harness dealer of Burksville, is numbered among the prominent and representative business men of that place. He well merits the prominent position which he fills and the high regard in which he is held. He was born in Germany, December 21, 1851, and is a son of Ehrenfried G. and Christiana (Grallert) Jaenke, both of whom were natives of Prussia. Their family numbered six children, of whom four are yet living: William, Fred, Julius H. and George J. The parents were both reared and educated in their native land. The father was a millwright by trade. In 1852 he brought his wife and children to the United States and on reaching the shores of this country, came directly to Waterloo, Ill., where he followed coopering for a time. He afterward purchased an eighty acre farm in Monroe County, and successfully carried on agricultural pursuits until his death. Both he and his wife were members of St. Paul's Church and in politics he was a Republican. His death occurred at the age of sixty-seven, and his wife passed away at the age of sixty-two years.

It was during the infancy of our subject that he was brought to America. He attended school until thirteen years of age, and then began earning his own livelihood by learning the harness-maker's trade, serving a three years' apprenticeship. He then again attended school, and after pursuing his studies for a time in the high school at Waterloo he began teaching. Subsequently he was for three terms a student in the state normal school at Carbondale, Ill. He then resumed teaching, which profession he followed for twelve years, being recognized as one of the most able instructors in the county.

On leaving the normal school, Mr. Jaenke was united in marriage with Miss Mary Keck, a native of Monroe County, who was reared and educated near Waterloo, and who is a highly cultured and refined lady. Two children were born to them, of whom one is yet living, Julius H. The mother was a faithful member of St. Paul's Church of Waterloo, and was a most estimable lady. Her death occurred at the early age of twenty-six years. For his second wife, Mr. Jaenke chose Catherine Trost, also a native of Monroe County, where her maidenhood days were passed. Three children graced this union, of whom two are yet living, Lydia and Flora. The mother is a highly educated lady, and belongs to the Lutheran Church.

Mr. Jaenke continued to engage in teaching for some years. He then abandoned that profession, and gave his entire attention to farming and harness-making, which pursuits he still follows. He is the owner of one hundred and eighty acres of rich land, under a high state of cultivation and well improved, and also owns some town property. As a harness dealer he is doing a good business and enjoys a constantly increasing trade, which he well merits for he is honorable and upright in all transactions and earnestly desires to please his customers. He carries a policy in the Northwestern Insurance Company of Chicago for $1,000. He is a member of the Harigari Lode of Waterloo and has held the office of Township Assessor and Justice of the Peace, discharging his duties with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He votes independently, preferring to support the man whom he thinks best qualified for the office. Mr. Jaenke is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is now serving as its President.