Joseph Klinkhardt

Joseph Klinkhardt is the enterprising proprietor of the Hecker Creamery, located in Hecker, Ill. He is one of the native sons of Monroe County, his birth having occurred here, December 11, 1856. His father, Theodore F. Klinkhardt, was born in Germany December 11, 1816, there grew to manhood and in his native land married Caroline Kasten, also a German by birth. In 1840 he crossed the Atlantic to America, and in 1842 brought his family to the New World. Coming west, he purchased property south of Freedom, and when joined by his family, located upon his land, which was a tract of wild prairie. He at once began its cultivation and improvement and lived in true pioneer style during the early years. He was enterprising and industrious and success crowned his efforts. From time to time he made other purchases, and at his death owned six hundred and seventy-five acres of farm land, besides other real estate and personal property. In politics he was a supporter of the Republican party, and served as Postmaster of Hecker for about twelve years. He was also Justice of the Peace for a period of twenty-two years, and was also Notary Public. He served as Trustee of the Catholic Church for many years. He was prominent in public affairs and was widely known as a valued and highly respected citizen,. His death occurred December 30, 1880, and his wife passed away on the 21st of June, 1884. They were the parents of six children, of whom one died in infancy. Five grew to mature years and four are yet living, namely: Mary, wife of John Mann, a farmer of Perry County; Ellen, wife of Ernest Waldmann, of Washington County, Ill.; Theodore, a farmer living two and a-half miles south of Freedom; and Joseph. Augusta grew to womanhood and became the wife of Charles Frick, but is now deceased.

Mr. Klinkhardt was reared on the old homestead until fifteen years of age, when he went with his parents to Freedom. He was educated in the public schools and spent one term in St. Patrick's College. He then assisted his father in the store and also carried on farming until his marriage. On the 21st of September, 1875, he married Miss Anna Thum, daughter of Jacob Thum, a native of Switzerland. The lady was born in Belleville, Ill., and was reared in Monroe County. They have four children, Eliza, Theodore, Emma and George.

After his marriage, Mr. Klinkhrdt operated his father's farm until after the latter's death, when he bought out the entire place. For ten years he continued its cultivation and was a successful farmer. On the 1st of August, 1890, he established the Hecker Creamery, which he has since carried on in connection with the cultivation of his land. He owns two hundred and twenty-five acres of land, one hundred and twenty acres of which are in St. Clair County, and the remainder in Monroe County. It is all under a high state of cultivation and is well improved. He keeps on hand a large number of cows for dairy purposes, and the product of his creamery is so fine that he always receives the highest market prices in Belleville and St. Louis, to which places he ships his butter. His business career has been a prosperous one. In politics he is a stalwart Republican, and has served as District Clerk and School Trustee. He and his wife hold membership with the Catholic Church, and he is one of the Trustees of that organization.