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Below is a family biography included in Portrait and Biographical Record of Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan published by Biographical Publishing Company in 1893.  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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JOHN M. ALLMENDINGER. In a city of the rapid growth and development of Benton Harbor, the importance of the line of industry in which John M. Allmendinger is engaged cannot be over-estimated. To the contractor and builder in effect, conjointly with the architect, belongs the task of imparting to the city that appearance of solidity, wealth, refinement and comfort which at once stamps its citizens as progressive and enterprising.

Mr. Allmendinger is a native of Montgomery County, N. Y., born June 3, 1845, and the son of John M. and Mary M. (Frank) Allmendinger, both natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, who were married in Germany before coming to the United States, some time in 1845. After residing in Montgomery County, N. Y., for some time, Mr. Allmendinger moved to near Little Falls, Herkimer County, the same State. There our subject attained his growth and received his education. When very young John M. started out to earn his own living. In 1867 he came to Berrien County, Mich., where he taught school one winter. He first located in Michigan in 1867, and shortly after finishing his term of school he began contracting in pile-driving, when he built the foundation for the Life Saving Station at Benton Harbor. He erected the docks in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph for E. A. Graham, also for the Vandalia Railroad, and was engaged in dredging for the same road some time. He makes a specialty of heavy foundation building and erected the foundation for the Benton Harbor Mills, also for several bridges for the Chicago & West Michigan Railroad in the State, some at a cost of $40,000. Mr. Allmendinger has done much contracting in different parts of the State, and at the present time (1893) is engaged in the construction of heavy docks in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph.

In 1892, Mr. Allmendinger built the Allmendinger Hotel, a fine three-story brick, well furnished and now doing a good business. This he rents. Mr. Allmendinger’s first marriage occurred in 1868, and in 1885 he was married to his present wife, who was formerly Miss Georgianna, daughter of Almanza and Laura (Brunson) Hamlin. Two children have been born to the last marriage, John M., Jr., and Vere H. In politics, our subject has ever been a warm supporter of Republican principles, and was Trustee of Benton Harbor two terms. He was also Harbor Master two years, Alderman of the Third Ward one year, and then resigned. He is public-spirited to an unlimited degree, and no worthy enterprise is allowed to fail for want of support on his part. Socially, he is a Mason, a member of Lake Shore Lodge No. 298; Calvin Brittain Chapter at St. Joseph, and Malta Commandery No, 44, Benton Harbor, His residence is situated on Lincoln Avenue, Benton Harbor, and is in a very desirable location. As a business man Mr. Allmendinger has been a success. From the start his exceptional business abilities, his reliability and promptness in carrying out his undertakings, and the liberal methods he adopted in dealing with the public, secured for him wide recognition and an influential patronage.

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This family biography is one of numerous biographies included in the Portrait and Biographical Record of Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan published in 1893. 

View additional Berrien County, Michigan family biographies here: Berrien County, Michigan Biographies

View a map of 1911 Berrien County, Michigan here: Berrien County Michigan Map

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