Michael Stumpf

Our subject is a native of Hessen, Germany, and was born in 1828 to Peter and Christina (Bridenbauh) Stumpf. Peter was a son of Henry and Mary Stumpf, who were also natives of the fatherland, where the father was a farmer by occupation and also followed the trade of a blacksmith.

The father of our subject was born in 1795 and learned of his father the trade of blacksmith, which he followed in his native land. He was married to the mother of our subject when about twenty-eight years old, and her people were well-to-do farmers in Germany. To them were born eight children: Henry, a blacksmith in Germany; Mary and Katie, who died when young in years; Michael, our subject; Christina, who died in the United States; George, who also died in this country; Catherine, who is the wife of John Herringer and lives in Belleville; and John, a school teacher in the Fatherland. The parents of this family died in 1871 and 1841, respectively.

Young Michael received his education in the model schools of his native country, completing it when but fourteen years old. He also learned the trade of his father, in connection with which he worked on a farm. In 1848 he decided to see what America held in store for him and accordingly set sail, making the journey alone. He at once came to this state and made his home for a time with an uncle, who lived in this county, near Waterloo. For a period of seven years he was engaged in working out by the month on farms in that neighborhood, but in 1855, a the time of his marriage, commenced farming on his own account. AT the time of his coming here, Mr. Stumpf had but fifty cents left with which to start in life, but by economical habits and hard work he was soon enabled to buy a tract of eighty acres, and this is still in his possession. But being of an ambitious turn of mind, he was not satisfied with this small piece of property, and at once set about to add more to his original purchase. This he did from time to time, and is now the deserving owner of seven hundred and sixty-two splendid acres. The farm is stocked with all that goes to make up a good estate, and the family occupy a comfortable and commodious residence. Mr. Stumpf has always been keenly alive to the interests of the township and county, and has been an important factor in promoting them. He is known throughout the county, and is one of its leading and most prosperous agriculturists.

The maiden name of the lady who became the wife of our subject was Rebecca Huch, a daughter of Gottleib and Caroline (Holzhaus) Huch. She has borne her husband nine children, of whom one died in infancy. The living are, Louis, who married Rosetta Taake; Herman, who is married to Mary Mummert; Fritz, who married Margaret Klohr; Caroline, who is the wife of George Klohr; Margaret, who married William Taake; Christina, the wife of Christ Gummershimer; and Kate, who is single and at home. Mr. and Mrs. Stumpf have twenty-one grandchildren. They are devoted members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, towards the support of which they are liberal and constant contributors. Politically our subject is conservative and prefers to cast his vote for the best man, irrespective of party principles. He is a man of good habits, and unlimited praise is rightfully bestowed upon him for the noble manner in which he has battled with the trials and privations that the poor are compelled to endure.