HARMON HENRY ELLERBUSCH
Page 506

HARMON HENRY ELLERBUSCH. In every state of the Union the German-American citizens are to be found, making their way steadily onward in the accumulation of property and securing their means by honest industry, prudent economy and untiring zeal. In this county a prominent position among agriculturists and land owners is held by the gentleman above named, who is a native of Hanover, Germany, but is now living retired in the city of Havana. Our subject was born January 22, 1836, and spent the first twenty years of his life in his native land. When only twelve years of age he was compelled to start out in the world for himself, and worked at various occupations in Germany until 1856, when he boarded a sailing-vessel bound for America and six and one-half weeks later landed in New York Harbor. He remained in that city only a short time, however, when he came west and stopped for a time in Chicago, and later came to Mason County, where he worked out on farms by the month for different people until enabled to purchase property of his own. He soon began farming on his own account, and being energetic and industrious, soon accumulated a handsome property which he placed under the very best methods of improvement and resided upon until February, 1892. That year he moved his family to Havana, where he purchased a pleasant residence and is preparing to spend the remainder of his life in peace and quiet. He still owns his estate however, which comprises two hundred and sixty-eight acres located on section 36, Forest City Township, which he developed into one of the choicest farms in this section. Mr. and Mrs. Ellerbusch are active and efficient members of the Lutheran Church, and are highly esteemed by those who know them for their consistent and useful lives. In 1873 our subject was instrumental in the building of the Forest City church and parsonage. He is also a member of the Building Committee for the erection of the new Lutheran Church in Havana, which is to be a fine brick structure and will cost when completed $9,000. He is a representative Democrat in politics, has taken an active part in local affairs, and in the spring of 1893 was elected alderman of the Second Ward. With his family he is now occupying a large and handsome residence, located in the southern part of Havana, which is finished and furnished in a most elegant manner. Mr. Ellerbusch was skillful in his calling as an agriculturist, and by well directed and incessant labor accumulated a handsome fortune, and by investing his means in a suitable manner reaps an excellent income. He is a man of steady habits, is a kind and helpful neighbor, and is in every way to be relied upon.

1894 Biography Index

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