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Below is a family biography included in the book, Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson and Pettis County Missouri published by Chapman Publishing Company in 1895.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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CHARLES KOEPPEN, of Sedalia, is the proprietor of one of the finest and most complete greenhouses in this part of the state. A man of energetic disposition, shrewd judgment and quick perceptions, his name is synonymous with success, and his greenhouse is not only one of the most extensive, but is also one of the best arranged establishments of its kind.

A native of Germany, our subject was born in Pommern, April 8, 1864. His parents were Charles and Lena (Plonske) Koeppen, and he was one of the nine children born to this union. The father was a farmer and miller in Pommern, and served in the German army. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and faithfully tried to practice the principles and precepts taught by that body of Christians.

Our subject received the rudiments of his education in the schools of Pommern, and later attended the Latin school, continuing therein until attaining his seventeenth year. He then entered the German army, becoming a member of the First Artillery, Battery Second, and served for three years, when he was honorably discharged. In 1884 he came to America, by way of Bremen and New York, but after remaining in New York six weeks, determined to come farther west, first stopping at St. Louis, and later going to Springfield, Mo. There he was employed for eighteen months as a florist, and at the expiration of that time returned to St. Louis, and, taking in William Schrayer as partner, continued in business for three years.

August 15, 1889, Mr. Koeppen came to Sedalia and bought the site of his present fine property. This tract of land he improved and built upon, adding to it as his needs required, until at the present time he has a beautiful residence and ten thousand feet of glass in greenhouses. There are five houses, with a fine cone-shaped glass conservatory. He raises all kinds of flowers and plants, which he sells both at wholesale and retail, besides shipping to other markets.

In Springfield, Mo., occurred an event which united the fortunes of our subject and Miss Mary Koeppen. She was also a native of the Fatherland, and her birth likewise occurred in Pommern. Three children have come to bless this union, as follows: Augusta, Charles and Lena. Mr. and Mrs. Koeppen are members of the Lutheran Church, and are much beloved for their faithful Christian lives, their generosity to all good causes, and their great hospitality. In politics Mr. Koeppen is a firm believer in the principles laid down by the Republican party, and by vote and influence does all he can to advance its interests. Socially he is identified with the order of the Sons of Herman, and may be counted on to advance every interest for the public good.

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This family biography is one of the numerous biographies included in the Pettis County, Missouri portion of the book,  Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson and Pettis County Missouri published in 1895 by Chapman Publishing Co.  For the complete description, click here: Pettis County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

View additional Pettis County, Missouri family biographies here: Pettis County, Missouri Biographies

View a map of 1904 Pettis County, Missouri here: Pettis County, Missouri Map

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