My Genealogy Hound

HENRY GROPPE. Township 6, range 7, Randolph County, is the home of many intelligent, industrious and prosperous farmers, who from a small beginning have won a competence, securing a considerable amount of land and surrounding themselves with all the comforts and conveniences which heart can wish. Among this number maybe mentioned Henry Groppe.

Our subject was born in Hanover, Germany, December 18, 1840, and is a son of Adolph and Mary (Knemeyer) Groppe. The father died in his native land, Germany. In 1850 the mother came to America, and was followed three years later by our subject. The first three years of his residence in the United States were spent in St. Louis, after which he came to Randolph County and located on a farm near the one on which he now resides.

Attending the model schools of his native land, our subject gained a fair education. While a resident of St. Louis he was engaged in the tobacco business, and on reaching Randolph County was employed as a day laborer for a few years. In 1863 he purchased a partially improved piece of land and at once set about its cultivation. It now includes one hundred and sixty acres, and this valuable property he has acquired through his indomitable industry and good management. As a farmer he displays excellent judgment in the rotation of crops, fertilization of the soil and cultivation of the land, and as a result of his efforts he has gained prosperity. The stock to be found on the place is of the best, and in it the owner takes great pride.

The marriage of Mr. Groppe and Mrs. Susannah (Wissel) Sinker occurred September 28, 1864. Mrs. Groppe is a daughter of Andrew and Kate (Statmiller) Wissel, both natives of Germany, but now residents of Illinois. Five children have come to bless the hearth and fireside of our subject and his wife: Hermann, Lizzie, Katie, Lulu and Emma, all of whom are living at home with their parents. Mrs. Groppe by her first marriage became the mother of three children, all of whom are still living: William, Mary and Anna. Our subject and his entire family are members of the Catholic Church. In national and state affairs our subject is in favor of the Democracy, but in local matters is rather conservative.