My Genealogy Hound

John H. Horstmann was born in Prussia in 1827, received a common-school education, under the excellent compulsory school system of Prussia, which obliged the parents to send their children to school for seven years. He enlisted in the Prussian army at the age of twenty-one years, and served two years. He was the son of John H. Horstmann, who was a carpenter in South Herman. John H., our subject, learned the carpenter’s trade, and in 1851 crossed the ocean to America. He went to Washington County, Ill., and worked on a farm, after which he followed his trade. In 1855 he married Christina Koenemann, the daughter of William and Mary (Borcherding) Koenemann. This union resulted in the birth of eight children: August, Elizabeth, Fredreka, Mary, Henry, Carry, Annie and Minnie. Mr. Horstmann bought a farm in Washington County, Ill., and there resided until 1875, when he moved to Nashville, Ill., and kept a hotel until 1885, at which date he moved to Lawrence County, Mo., and settled on his present farm, which consists of 240 acres of fine farming land. Mr. and Mrs. Horstmann are members of the German Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., is an honest man and an excellent citizen. He is a self-made man, having accumulated all his property by his unaided exertions. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E, Tenth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, and was in the siege of Corinth, May, 1862, and the battle of Iuka, Miss. He embarked in the hazardous Yazoo expedition in 1863, and also in the campaign to the rear of Vicksburg, Miss., in which were fought the battles of Jackson, Miss. He was in the siege of Vicksburg for forty-three days, and marched across the country from Memphis, Tenn., a distance of 300 miles, to Chattanooga, where was fought the battle of Missionary Ridge. September 7, 1864, he received an honorable discharge at Resaca, Ga., and a complimentary testimonial from his captain, James B. Logan. Mr. Horstmann was always present in battle and fought bravely for his adopted country. He is now in comfortable circumstances, and is a representative citizen of the county. Henry Hortsmann, the youngest son, remains at home with his father. He married Miss Mary Fieker, daughter of Fredrick and Mary (Kertz) Fieker. Henry Horstmann is a young man of intelligence, and is well known for his industry and honorable conduct.