1575

REV. G. H. HAERTLING.
The Lutheran church of Neunert, Illinois, the strongest Lutheran congregation in Jackson county, is fortunate in having for its pastor the Rev. G. H. Haertling, a man whose qualities of mind and heart have made him beloved by all who know him, and one who has proved himself not only an able pastor and efficient business man, but also a friend and advisor to all who will place confidence in him. Born at Cape Girardean, Missouri, May 8, 1876, Rev. Haertling is a son of Herman and Sophia (Koenig) Haertling.

Herman Haertling was born in Saxony, Germany, February 16, 1841, and came to the United States when about twenty-two years, locating in Cape Girardeau county, Missouri, among the heavy timber. Clearing his original land, he added to it from time to time, becoming eventually one of his section's most prosperous men. In political matters he was a Republican, but he never cared for public preferment, and the time he could spare from his private affairs was all devoted to the work of the Lutheran church, of which he was an active and useful member, holding several official offices and being a deacon for a number of years. A good man and true Christian, the world was better for Mr. Haertling having lived in it, and at the time of his death, which occurred July 13, 1904, his community lost not only an able agriculturist, but a man whose life was so spent that those who came after him could look back upon his career with a sense of pride. His widow still survives and makes her home with a younger brother of Rev. Haertling on the old homestead.

Rev. G. H. Haertling was the fifth of nine children born to his parents, and his early education was secured in the parochial schools. When he was fourteen years of age his father sent him to college at Concordia, Missouri, and in 1894 he was graduated at which time he went to Milwaukee and was graduated from college there in 1897. Returning to Missouri, he was a student at Concordia College, St. Louis, until his graduation in 1900, and at that time was ordained. His first charge was at Menno, Hutchinson county, South Dakota, where he remained for two years, and then received a call to Hanson, Brown county, in that state, remaining there until 1904, then going to the Fountain Bluff congregation. The Rev. P. S. Estel, whom Rev. Haertling succeeded as pastor of the present congregation had been in charge here for twenty-two years. During Rev. Huertling 's administration, the congregation, comprising seventy-eight active members, has erected a new church edifice at Neunert, made necessary by the extensive growth of its attendance. Rev. Haertling is sincerely loved in his parish, enjoys the fullest confidence of the members of his church, and is accorded the highest respect of all who know him. He has a deep sense of the high duties of his position and the responsibility he has assumed in caring for the spiritual needs of those who have been entrusted to his charge. His eloquence in the pulpit and his sincere interest in the welfare of his people have enabled him to accomplish much good, and he has administered the financial affairs of the church to the advantage of that organization.

In 1901, Rev. Haertling was united in marriage with Miss Louisa Koenig, of Cape Girardean county, Missouri, daughter of Julius Koenig, and to this union there have been born four children: Concordia, Lorna, Paula and Milta.