My Genealogy Hound

FRITZ MEINEKE. Among the citizens of foreign birth who have contributed their quota toward the development of their adopted land, and who by patience and perseverance have made America what it is, may be properly mentioned this gentleman, who is well known for his integrity as a citizen. He is an active farmer, making his home in township 5, range 7, Randolph County, where he is carrying on operations with more than ordinary thrift and sagacity. He owns one hundred and fifty-three acres of land, which is considered one of the model farms of the township.

The parents of our subject, who were also natives of the Fatherland, were Christopher and Fredreka (Nasstedt) Meineke. They reared a family of ten children, and spent their entire lives in their native land. Fritz, of this sketch, received his education in the Old Country, where his birth occurred June 19, 1830. He remained there until 1869, when, having heard glowing accounts of the New World, he decided to try his fortunes in America, and came hither in, 1869. Finding his way to Randolph County, he located in Ellis Grove, where he worked out by the day for four years. Then finding himself able to rent land, he operated a farm near Ellis Grove for a year, and then moved to Evansville Precinct, where he was similarly employed and rented property for two years.

At the time of locating on his present property, it contained but ninety-six acres, and Mr. Meineke worked hard to place the land under cultivation and clear the sixty-six acres which were in a wild state. He erected as good buildings on the place as circumstances would allow, added to his acreage, and at the present time everything on the farm betokens the industry and thrift of the owner.

Miss Minnie Hopfe, also a native of Germany, became the wife of our subject in 1855. She accompanied her husband in his trip to the United States, and by her union has become the mother of three children: Fritz, William and Minnie (now Mrs. William Ricknagle). She is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, with which denomination Mr. Meineke is also connected. In political affairs he always casts his vote with the Republican party. He has held the office of School Director for many years, and is an incumbent of that position at the present time.