Fred Wunnenberg's father, Heinrich Wunnenberg, was born in Calvorde, Germany in 1821, the only son of Johann and Margarethe (Reineke) Wunnenberg.  As a young man Heinrich traveled through Germany serving as a journeyman learning the trade of miller.  In 1853 he married Emilie Rehfeldt of Linzarsigle, Germany. They immigrated to the United States on their wedding trip and settled on a farm in Benton Township, north of Burlington in Des Moines County, Iowa. 

Heinrich and Emilie started with 40 acres of good farm land and farmed using hand tools and oxen. They raised sheep and tapped maple syrup.  They lived in a log cabin Heinrch built.  Eventually they were able to expand the farm to 265 acres.  Heinrich was known and respected for his hard work and industriousness.

Heinrich and Emilie had eleven children, six of whom married and raised families of their own.  All stayed in the general area and stayed close their farming roots.

Henry Wunnenberg married and raised his family in Benton Township.

Herman Wunnenberg married and raised his family in Burlington.

Otto Wunnenberg married and raised his family in Franklin Township.

Fred C. Wunnenberg married and raised his family in Benton Township.

Mary Wunnenberg married and we are still researching where she raised her family.

Alvina Wunnenberg married and raised her family in Benton Township.

Read The Story of My Grandfather, by Edith Edmonds.

The photo below appears in the book: Time to Remember: Benton Township Rural by Dan Dustman, Des Moines County, Iowa. We'd like more information about the saw mill. Henirich may have continued his original occupation of miller as well as farming.

saw mill

Caption: Wunnenberg Saw Mill - 1907, Art Wunnenberg - Engine, Joe Sullivan - Off Bearer, Henry Wunnenberg - Saw, Otto Wunnenberg - Barker.