Biography of Henry J. Hoerger, Waverly, Bremer Co., Iowa ======================================================================= USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, for their private use as long as this message remains on all copied material, AND permission is obtained from the contributor of the file. Any other use, including publication, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission by electronic, mechanical, or other means requires the written approval of the file's author. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for non-commercial purposes, MUST obtain the written consent of the contributor, OR the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. Transcribed by Barb Braun, February 12, 2000. Questions, please Email: seawave8@hotmail.com ======================================================================= This material was obtained from the Waverly Public Library from a book entitled: THE HISTORY OF BREMER COUNTY, IOWA. The book was published in 1914. HENRY J HOEGER. Henry J. Hoeger is identified with journalistic interests in Bremer county as owner and editor of the Democrat, which he published at Waverly since January, 1911. His birth occurred in Mendota, Illinois, on the 30th of December, 1877, his parents being John and Mary Hoeger, natives of Baveria, Germany. The father, who was born in September, 1826, passed away in September, 1893, while the mother, whose natal day was April 27, 1842, was called to her final rest on the 5th of December, 1912. John Hoeger crossed the Atlantic to the United States in early manhood and made his way direct to Iowa, locating at Saint Sebald, Clayton county, where he was married. He was employed on the farm of the Wartburg Seminary, removing with that institution to Mendota, Illinois, and continuing with the school until it was again established at Dubuque, Iowa. He then retired and returned to Mendota, where both he and his wife spent the remainder of their lives. They were the parents of seven children, our subject being the second in order of birth. Henry J. Hoeger acquired his early education in the place of his nativity and subsequently pursued a course of study in Wartburg Seminary at Waverly. When a youth of thirteen he entered the printing office of the Mendota Reporter as an apprentice and at the end of five years' service came to Waverly, continuing at his trade with the Wartburg Publishing House for a period of fourteen years. During the last ten years of that time he acted as foreman of the printing department. In January, 1911, he purchased The Democrat and has since remained its independent owner, editor and publisher. The sheet is devoted to the dissemination of local and general news and enjoys an extensive subscription and advertising patronage. Mr. Hoeger is widely recognized as a journalist of ability and influence. He is also president of the Rhode Island Red Journal Company. He has been appointed postmaster to take office in January, 1914. On the 3d of November, 1897, Mr. Hoeger was united in marriage to Miss Harriet May Eifert, who was born in Waverly on the 6th of November, 1875, her parents being John and Sophia (Kastbohnn) Eifert, natives of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany. Their marriage was celebrated in Waverly, Iowa, John Eifert having emigrated to the new world when a young man. He devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits in early manhood but subsequently took up the carpenter's trade and later embarked in the dry goods business at Waverly. His demise occurred on the 22d of July, 1907, but his widow still survives and resides with a daughter in Cleveland, Ohio, although she still has her home in Waverly. Mr. And Mrs. Hoeger have four children, as follows: Harold J., who was born on the 4th of February, 1900; Florine T., whose birth occurred on 27th of May, 1904; George M., whose natal day was February 4, 1908; and a son, born October 2, 1913. Mr. Hoeger gives his political allegiance to the democracy and, as the name indicates, publishes his paper in the interests of that party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church at Waverly. A loyal and public-spirited citizen, he does everything in his power to promote the general welfare and has done valuable service as secretary of the Waverly Industrial Association. Wherever known he is held in high regard and most of all where he is best known. He is always to be found in those circles where the most intelligent men are gathered in the discussion of vital and significant questions and his influence and labors have been a potent factor for progress. Transcribed by Barb Braun, February 18, 2000. Any questions, please Email: seawave8@hotmail.com