My Genealogy Hound

John A. Toelke, wagon manufacturer at Beemont, is the son of Fritz and Mina (Willenkrueger) Toelke, both born in Prussia, Germany. When young both came to America, and worked for some time in St. Louis. They were among the early settlers of Franklin County, where they are now living. Their family consisted of eight children, three sons and five daughters. The father and all his sons are Republicans in their political views. Both parents are members of the Methodist Church. John A. was born in Franklin County, Mo., in 1863, was reared on the farm, and at the age of fourteen began learning the wagon-maker’s trade, under Fritz Strehhmann of Gasconade County, Mo. He served three years, and then worked for Mr. Strehhmann for the same length of time. In 1884 he came to Beemont, and, after renting a shop for some time, purchased it, and has since been actively engaged in his business. In 1885 Mr. Toelke married Mary, daughter of Francis Stolle. She was born in the year 1863, and to her marriage was born one child, a son, named William. Mr. Toelke is a wide-awake business man and he and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.