William Henry Klemme
(1849-1943)
William Henry Klemme was born on February 17, 1849, in Brookville, Indiana, to Henry William Klemme and Anna Katharine Gesell. His father was 27 years old at the time of his birth, and his mother was 23.
He married Mary Augusta Bolles on March 27, 1870, in Ridgeway, Iowa.
Early Life and Work
William was raised on his father’s farm, located approximately three and a half miles west of Ridgeway along the Turkey River. He remained there until the age of 21.
He received his education in a country school and developed a strong interest in the law, maintaining a personal law library and devoting much of his time to reading and study.
Public Service and Business
William served his community as Justice of the Peace for 30 years, reflecting a long-standing commitment to local civic life. He was also elected as a Representative for Winneshiek County in the Iowa legislature, serving three consecutive terms.
In addition to his public service, William was active in business. He owned several lumber yards, as well as farms and land holdings in the Ridgeway area, North and South Dakota, and Minnesota.
Family Life
William Henry Klemme and Mary Augusta Bolles had one child:
- Nellie R. Klemme (1871–1961)
Siblings
William Henry Klemme was one of fourteen children. His siblings included:
- John Philip Klemme (1847–1937)
- Rosena Klemme (1850–1852)
- John Charles Klemme (1852–1947)
- Harmon Johanas Klemme (1854–1926)
- Anna Katharine Klemme (1856–1917)
- John J. Klemme (1857–1925)
- Mary Klemme (1858–1944)
- Henry Frederick Klemme (1861–1957)
- Christian Klemme (1862–1933)
- Jacob William Klemme (1864–1924)
- Benjamin Frederick Klemme (1866–1953)
- Joseph Klemme (1868–1964)
- Stephan A. Klemme (1870–1947)
Later Years and Legacy
William Henry Klemme died on March 11, 1943, in Ridgeway, Iowa, at the age of 94.
His life reflects a blend of rural upbringing, self-education, public service, and business enterprise, contributing to the civic and economic development of his community over many decades.
