My Genealogy Hound

Max C. E. Joachimi, a member of the firm of Freebairn & Joachimi, dealers in grain, flour, feed; and railroad tie and bridge-timber contractors, has been a resident of Versailles since the fall of 1870, having been born in Mecklenburg, Germany, in 1843. His parents, L. and Louisa (Reinschnessel) Joachimi, were born in Mecklenburg, Germany, and about 1845 came to America, and settled in Oshkosh, Wis. The father established a newspaper in Oshkosh, and after a time began editing one at Sac City, Wis. In 1866 he came to Boonville, Mo., and began publishing a paper called the Waechter am Missouri, which was the first German paper established in Cooper County. This he continued to edit, in connection with his son Max, until 1870, when he managed the paper alone until 1875. During this time he took an active interest in politics, but at the latter date went to Virginia City, Nev., where he established a paper and remained some time, and then was engaged in the same work in Stockton, Cal. He is now living retired from the active duties of life in Versailles, Mo. His wife is also living, and they are members of the Lutheran Church. They reared a family of six children: Anna, wife of Nicholas Miller, of St. Louis; Matie, wife of Albert Salici, of Chicago, Ill.; Fanny, wife of Peter Steib, of St. Louis; Louisa, wife of Fred Fuegner, of Versailles; Paul, a printer, of San Francisco, Cal., and Max C. E. The latter learned the printer’s trade under his father, and came with him to Boonville, and in 1870 to Versailles. He engaged in merchandising, and furnished supplies to railroad contractors, and, through the roguery of one of the contractors, failed in business. From 1873 to 1881 he held the office of postmaster. He then engaged in mining, and developed several mines, which he found to be profitable until the reduction of the price of lead, but he still owns considerable mining property. Since December, 1885, he has been engaged in his present business. From 1881 to 1884 he was United States Marshal for this district, and did active work in that capacity. He was also mayor of the city one year. November 8, 1866, he was married to Miss Helen Gross, a native of New Orleans, La., and a daughter of Jacob Gross, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Joachimi have five children: Arthur, a book-keeper for his father; Max J., also working for his father; Albert, Carrie and Lillie. Mr. and Mrs. Joachimi are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a member of the A. F. & A. M. He served the Union in the late war, and in 1861 enlisted in the Ninety-seventh Illinois Volunteers as a private, and served three years, being promoted to the position of principal musician. He participated in the following battles: Vicksburg, Arkansas Post, Raymond, Jackson, Champion’s Hill, Black River Bridge, siege of Vicksburg, and many others of less note. At Black River Bridge he received a gunshot wound in the left leg, but was not long disabled. He was in a railroad collision in Algiers, La., in which his regiment lost about seventy men. He is now a member of the G. A. R., and commander of Jeff C. Davis Post, No. 108, and it is almost needless to say a stanch Republican in politics. He is the owner of 1,000 acres of land and a one-half interest in 400 acres, and is one of the most extensive and successful business men in his part of the country. He has ever had the welfare of his county at heart, is a patron of education, and is considered a substantial and honorable business men of the State and county.