My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES L. HEITKAMP, a prosperous general agriculturist, residing on one of the best farms in township 7, range 6, Randolph County, has since 1855 been identified with the advancement of his present home interests, and, widely known, is highly esteemed for his business ability and sterling integrity of character.

Our subject was born in Prussia June 27, 1834, and is the third child born to Frederick William and Fredericka (Kaldavier) Heitkamp. The parents were likewise natives of Prussia, and on emigrating to America, in 1857, made their way to the Prairie State. They followed farming in Randolph County until their decease, the father dying in 1876, and the mother preceding him to the better land by five years.

Charles, of this sketch, attended school in his native country, and when old enough to do so, was employed at various kinds of work, and for four years engaged to work in a brick yard. After reaching his twenty-third year, he entered the Prussian army and served his country for three years and three months. A short time after his discharge, he came to America, whither his parents had preceded him three years.

After landing in the New World, Mr. Heitkamp spent three months in New Orleans, then made his way up the Mississippi River to Chester, this state, and has since that time been a resident of Randolph County. He has been a very hard working man, industrious and economical, and as the result of his labors, now has a comfortable estate, which yields him a good income.

In all matters of importance Mr. Heitkamp maintains a deep interest, and in 1891 was appointed by the Mayor of Chester as Cemetery Superintendent. He is also the present Superintendent of the County Farm, and has been the incumbent of that position for the past five years. His life has been distinguished by his unfailing kindness, and he has thus endeared himself to a multitude of friends, and has won the high regard of all his fellow-townsmen.

In 1860, our subject and Miss Henrietta Drexhage were united in marriage. Mrs. Heitkamp was also born in Prussia, where her parents lived and died. By her marriage she has become the mother of ten children, the eldest of whom, Mary, became the wife of Herman Oetting. During a severe windstorm, on the night of November 16, 1892, a large tree was blown across the house, killing Mrs. Oetting and her two children. The husband escaped injury. The second child of our subject, Amelia, is at home, while Annie, who is the wife of C. Mueller, lives in Chester. Caroline married M. Lochhead, a successful farmer in this county. Wilhelmina and Yetta are married and reside in St. Louis. Louisa was accidentally killed by a runaway team, and Margaret, Emma and Louis are all at home.

Our subject and his entire family are members of the German Lutheran Church. In politics he is one of the ardent advocates of the Democratic party, and keeps himself intelligently posted on local and national issues.