My Genealogy Hound

Henry Mahnken, merchant of Cole Camp, Mo., was born in Germany on the 13th of December, 1840, his parents, Claus and Margaret (Ficker) Mahnken, being also natives of Germany. In 1841 they immigrated to America, and settled in Benton County, Mo., where the father made a farm and engaged in the milling business. Here he died on the 4th of November, 1886. Henry Mahnken grew to manhood in Benton County, and in August, 1862, enlisted in the Sixtieth Enrolled Militia, Company I. While serving as a scout in Benton County, he received a gunshot in the elbow, which caused the loss of an arm. He was in the hospital at Warsaw for some time, and after his regiment was disbanded, in January, 1863, he returned home. The following year he engaged in the saloon business at Cole Camp, but three years later he embarked in general merchandising, which occupation he has followed up to the present time. The present firm, Mahnken & Kieffer, was established in 1878, and their stock of general merchandise is among the best in the county. Since 1881 Mr. Mahnken has been postmaster of Cole Camp, and has also served as mayor of the town one or more terms. He is one of the directors of the Third National Bank at Sedalia, and in addition to his mercantile business is engaged in trading and dealing in cattle and lard. He was married in July, 1861, to Miss Martha Imbusch, who was born in Germany, but was reared in Benton County. Their children are as follows: Margaret, wife of C. P. Michaelis; Anna, wife of Garrett S. Kieffer, Claus P., John H., H. L., Lena M. and Amelia A. Three children died in early childhood. Mr. and Mrs. Mahnken are members of the Lutheran Church, and he is a member of the G. A. R., Fred Steel Post, No. 244, of which he is quartermaster.