In 1866, he served in the Prussian army, and, after the war with the South German States, was decorated with the Iron Cross by King William of Prussia, which entitles him to a present of arms when passing a squad or body of soldiers ; he was also promoted to Corporal while in the service. In 1869, he came to America and located in Hanover, operating the flour-mill till March, 1871, when he moved to Afton, in Rock Township, and rented the flour-mill there; on Oct. 15, 1871, he returned to Hanover and opened his store, in which he transacts a large business, which is annually increasing. Married Miss Josephine Beckman, of Plymouth Township, Oct. 26, 1869, and has three children — Wilhelm, born Sept. 4, 1870; Josephine, Nov. 13, 1871 ; Frederick, Dec. 15, 1875.