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Benjamin B. Behrends
Born 12 April 1861


Benjamin B. Behrends, who located in Lovell township a few years ago and is now a successful farmer and dairyman here, was born while his parents were crossing the Atlantic ocean, April 12, 1861, being a son of Henry and Anna (Heiken) Behrends. They were natives of Germany and started upon their journey to the United States shortly after their marriage. For a year and a half after their arrival in this country they lived in Alton, Illinois, coming to Jones county in 1863. Here the father engaged in farming, although he was permitted to enjoy life in this section of the state for only three years, his death having occurred in 1866. His wife is still living in Jones county. Two children were born to them, Benjamin B. Behrends alone surviving, for their daughter, Margaret, has passed away.
Benjamin B. Behrends was but five years of age when his father died, so that as soon as he was able he had to assist his mother. Until he was twenty he remained at home, and then went to St. Louis to attend high school, having long looked forward to the time when he might continue the education received in the county school. After one year spent in that city he obtained a position as clerk in a grocery store, going two years later to Le Mars, Iowa, where he engaged in the grocery business for himself. Two years later he sold his interests there, going thence to Monticello, where he opened a store, which he conducted very profitably for eleven years. At the end of that period, however, he decided that he would like an agricultural life better, so he came to Lovell township, where he leased the farm he tills at present. It is a tract of one hundred and sixty-six acres, which besides being fitted for diversified farming, affords a good pasture for his cattle, for he has engaged extensively in the dairy business. The venture has so far prospered very well and Mr. Behrends has every reason to be pleased with his change of occupation. Although the agricultural life and the commercial are far different in character the principles upon which he based his success in the business world are not unlike those upon which he hopes to build his prosperity as a farmer. Through years of experience he has learned the value of hard work if one is to satisfy his ambitions, and of good management if he is to win the best returns for his expenditure of effort. The capacity for these two essentials have always been among his salient characteristics.
In 1887 Mr. Behrends wedded Miss Rosie Ichenberger, a native of Switzerland. Seven children were born of this union: Henry T., Frederick, Otto, George, Benjamin, Jr., Anna M., and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Behrends died in 1881, and when Mr. Behrends married again his second wife was Miss Margaret Lubben. She was born in Germany but had come to America with her parents in 1881 Five children were born of this union: Anna Marie, William, Frieda C., and Herman and Arthur, who were twins and have died. The parents are members of the German Reformed church, while politically Mr. Behrends has always given his support to the democratic party. He has never been an aspirant for public office, however, although he takes an interest in the progress of local affairs.

Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 35.

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