Untitled
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wisconsin, publ. 1901- page 922
BERNARD STOCKEL, a well-known Grant county, farmer, was born in Hanover, Germany, Dec. 21, 1843, a son of Henry and Christina (KIMPEE) STOCKEL, both native Hanoverians.
Henry STOCKEL was married in his native land, and emigrated to the United States in 1852, coming with his wife and children to Council Hill, Ill., where Benjamin STOCKEL, a brother, had already established himself. They lived in Illinois a short time, and then moved to Sinsinawa Mount, in the town of Hazel Green, Grant Co., Wis., where Mr. STOCKEL bought a tract of wild land, and by hard labor and persistent industry converted it into a desirable home. The first improvements in that region were made upon this farm of 160 acres, and here Mr. STOCKEL passed his entire life, dying in 1895, and leaving his aged wife, who is still a resident of the place. Today she is one of the very oldest pioneers of this part of the State. Six children were born to them, and they are still living: (1) Bernard is the eldest. (2) Mary, born in Germany, is the wife of Garrett BUSSAN, of Illinois. (3) John, born in Wisconsin, married Miss LOVELAND, of Illinois, and now resides on the old farm of his father. (4) Henry, born in Grant county, married Miss Christina SCHONHOF, who died, leaving four children all of whom live in Iowa. (5) Joseph, born in Illinois, is single, and lives on the old homestead. (6) Christina is the wife of George SPEIKER, and lives in Jo Daviess county, where she has a family.
Bernard STOCKEL was eight years old when his parents moved to this country, and had his education in the district schools of Illinois, and in Grant county, growing up on the home farm, which he managed until his marriage in 1867, to Elizabeth HULS, who was born in Jo Daviess county, Ill., in 1850, a daughter of B. H. HULS, an old-time resident of that county. After his marriage Mr. STOCKEL purchased the "Mathew BURK home," of 160 acres. A large stone house, good barns, and many substantial improvements render the farm very attractive and desirable. To their union were born five children: (1) Henry, born in 1871 had his education in common with all the other children of the family in the Hazel Green schools, and is now at home unmarried. (2) Annie, born in 1873, is a young lady at home; (3) Joseph, born in 1875; (4) Julia, born in 1880, is a young lady at home; and (5) Frank, born in 1885, is still a student at school.
Mr. STOCKEL and his family are all devout members of the Roman Catholic Church. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and has served as a member of the town board for three years. Like a host of his countrymen who have greatly prospered in the United States, Mr. STOCKEL began at the foot of the ladder, has already become prosperous, and is now one of the respected citizens of the town.
This biography generously submitted by Carol Holmbeck