J. H. C. Stuhr, one of the most prominent business men of Minden, was born in Holstein, Germany, February 27, 1841, and was but sixteen years of age when he came to America. In 1857 he went to Davenport, Iowa, where he worked at the trade of stone mason and also at farm work; he was a weaver by trade in the old country.

In 1861, after the three months' service men had returned, he enlisted in Company I, Twelfth Missouri Infantry, as a private. He had previously made several attempts to enlist, but failed owing to the eagerness to enlist in Iowa regiments. He missed the battle of Pea Ridge, owing to sickness, and was in the hospital at St. Louis six weeks. He then returned to his regiment, and was on the march through Missouri, Arkansas and in many skirmishes. His first severe battle was at Vicksburg. He was next at Fort Heintman, on the Little Red River; next at Lookout Mountain, where he captured thirteen prisoners and afterward had charge of them; he himself carried their arms. Then he was at the battle of Mission Ridge, and afterward at that of Ringgold, Georgia, and here his regiment met with severe loss in men and officers. He was also in the battle of Atlanta, Georgia, detailed as Orderly, and from there he went with Sherman on his famous march to the sea as far as Savannah, Georgia. He became a dispatcher for General Osterhouse, and also served a short time under General John A. Logan as Orderly, and still has in his possession one of the General's passes. He served altogether four years and five months, and was honorably discharged at St. Louis, Missouri, January 15, 1866. Mr. Stuhr served three years as drummer in the old State Militia, and at the battle of Lookout Mountain he served as bugler. At Ringgold, Georgia, when his Captain, Joseph Ladegerber, was shot and mortally wounded, he was carried off the field by Mr. Stuhr and three companions, under a flank fire. He says that $10,000 would not tempt him to take such a risk again. They took the Captain along the railroad over one and a half miles distant, and all the way the enemy poured a fierce fire at them. Throughout all his experience Mr. Stuhr received no wounds, but at one time his blanket was shot through without touching him. Thus our young soldier faced the Rebel bullets for his adopted country, and then resumed peaceful pursuits.

Returning to Davenport, Iowa, he engaged in teaming, and the next year rented a farm in Scott County, where he resided until 1875, when he came to Pottawattamie County. Here, in company with J. Stamp, he purchased 205 acres in Pleasant Township and 160 acres in Harrison County, but dissolved partnership in 1883. In 1887 he came to Minden, where he became business manager for John L. Daw & Co., in buying grain; this season he bought 60,000 bushels of barley.

Mr. Stuhr is a self-made man, having worked his way up from boyhood in a strange country, becoming first a soldier and defender of his country's rights, and is now an honorable American citizen. Socially he is an Odd Fellow, and has held the offices of Noble Grand and Treasurer. He is a member of the Dick Yates Post, G.A.R., at Shelby, Iowa. He is a man who is best known for his sterling qualities and integrity, and he is a credit to the sturdy German stock from which he came.

Mr. Stuhr was married October 6, 1866, to Eva Aron, and they are the parents of eight living children, namely: Emma, William, Mary, Clara, Katie, Matilda, Dora and Hannah. Mr. Stuhr's first wife died, and he was again married to Abel Linan, and by this marriage there are four children: Emil, Olga, Alma and Johnnie.

Contributed By: Mona Sarratt Knight