- JOHN LIENAU, who is engaged in general farming and tobacco
raising on section 9, Porter
- Township, is one of the respected citizens of Rock County.
He was born in Germany, Jan. 29, 1826, and is a son of Jacob
and Catherine (HEYDORN) LIENAU, who are also natives of the same
country. His father was a farmer by occupation, but also engaged
in the manufacture of vinegar for many years. He was well known
to the community in which he resided and had many warm friends
who sincerely mourned his death. He was especially beloved by
the poor, being charitable, sympathetic and benevolent, and many
have reason to bless him for his generous gifts and timely aid
in their hours of suffering and want. Of him it can truly be
said the world is better for his having lived. Some eleven years
ago, when Mrs. John LIENAU visited Germany, the people near his
old home were planning to celebrate the 100th anniversary of
the birth of that loved man. He was born June 27, 1781, and died
on the 24th day of October, 1827, his wife surviving him until
January, 1867, when she too was laid to rest in the silent tomb.
- Our subject passed the days of his boyhood and early youth
in the parental home, receiving his
- education in the common schools. At the age of sixteen years
he started out in life for himself, striving to make his own
way in the world, where trials and difficulties were to be met
on every side. Going to Berlin he obtained employment in the
distillery, and continued to work in that line during the greater
part of the time until 1847. Thinking that the New World furnished
better opportunities he resolved to emigrate to America. Crossing
the broad Atlantic, he landed in New York City, a stranger in
a strange land. After being employed for a short time in the
great Eastern metropolis, he sailed for California, being attracted
by the discovery of gold on the Pacific Slope. Reaching the Isthmus
of Panama he sailed by the first steamer for San Francisco, and
on reaching his destination at once began working in the mines.
For two years he engaged in mining with reasonable success and
then embarked in the grocery business in San Francisco, spending
the four succeeding years in the prosecution of that business,
when he sold out. After a residence of six years in California,
Mr. LIENAU returned to New York. With a desire to make a location
in Wisconsin, he followed the course of emigration westward and
settled temporarily in Madison, and in July, 1855, came to Porter
Township, Rock County, purchasing 640 acres of land, which was
but partially improved.
- Mr. LIENAU has been twice married, his first union being
with Miss Helen M. WHEELER, by
- whom he had five children, namely: Jacob, John, Caroline,
deceased, Addie and Helen. The mother of these children died
March 9, 1868, and on the 4th day of January, 1873, Mr. LIENAU
led to the marriage altar Mrs. Mina MILLER, who is a native of
Germany and a most estimable lady.
- On the purchase of his farm in Porter Township, Mr. LIENAU,
with characteristic energy, at once
- began the development of the land, and has steadily carried
forward the work of cultivation and improvement until he is now
the owner of one of the finest farms to be found in Rock County.
In 1857 the little cabin, the home during the pioneer days, was
replaced by a large and beautiful frame residence, two stories
in height, which presents a fine appearance from the highway.
The other buildings are in keeping with the house, while upon
the farm will be found a good grade of all kinds of stock, together
with the latest improved machinery, and the entire surroundings
bearing testimony to the thrift and ability of the owner. Mr.
LIENAU has erected buildings for the curing of tobacco, which
he raises in large quantities, and has done quite an extensive
business in that line, which he has followed for twenty years.
From the age of sixteen years, he has made his own way in the
world, his success being due entirely to his own efforts. Step
by step, with untiring energy, he has climbed the ladder of success,
and has now a comfortable competency which will enable him to
pass his declining years in retirement from the more active duties
of his former life. As a citizen Mr. LIENAU is progressive and
has the interest of the community at heart. Toward the advancement
of all moral, social and educational interests he is a liberal
supporter, and his influence is ever given to the upbuilding
of town and county. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic
party, having since his majority supported that organization
by his ballot.
- We are pleased to show upon another page the portraits of
Mr. and Mrs. LIENAU.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 685-686.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|