SHEBOYGAN HISTORY

Theodore L. Diestelhorst, Page 617

THEODORE L. DIESTELHORST, proprietor of the Farmers' Home, Sheboygan, has been a resident of the Chair City since 1851.  His birthplace was in the village of Pattensen, Callenberg, kingdom of Hanover, Germany, his natal day being November 27, 1848.  He is a son of Louis T. and Fredericka (Kraemer) Diestelhorst.  With his parents he emigrated to Sheboygan, Wis., in 1851.  His father was born in Hamburg, September 14, 1809, and died in Sheboygan January 1, 1879.  The mother was born February 2, 1808, in the same city as her son, and died in Sheboygan December 11, 1878.

    Our subject was an only child, and was educated partly in private schools and partly in the High School.  He learned the harness-making trade in his father's shop in Sheboygan, and succeeded to the business, which he continued for twenty years.  Failing health compelled him to make a change of business, and he opened the Farmers' Home, which he has continued to keep.  He has stabling accommodations for one hundred head of horses, and has made his place a very popular resort for country people.

    On the 29th of October, 1871, Mr. Diestelhorst was married to Miss Augusta Binte, in the city of Sheboygan.  The lady was born in Sheboygan, and is a daughter of William and Florentina Binte.  Her parents were natives of New Barnim District, Pottsdam, Prussia, Germany, and emigrated to America in 1848, settling at Sheboygan.  The father was born March 7, 1820, and died April 19, 1882.  He was a tailor by trade, but farmed for a time after coming to Wisconsin, afterward resuming work at his trade.  The mother was born April 21, 1813, and died February 15, 1882, only two months before her husband.

    Mr. and Mrs. Diestelhorst have four children:  Louis W., who is employed in the Jewelry business in Milwaukee; William L., who is a jeweler's apprentice in Sheboygan; Theodore F., who is a dry-goods clerk; and John C., who is a student.

    Mr. Diestelhorst is a Democrat in his political views, and is serving as Alderman from the second ward.  Socially, he is a member of Gutenberg Lodge No. 68, A. O. U. W.; of Oak Council No. 509, R. A.; and of Armenia Lodge No. 26, S. H.  He owns his business building, Nos. 811 to 815 Eighth Street, and his file brick residence at the southeast corner of Ninth and Ontario Streets, opposite Fountain Park.  Mr. Diestelhorst has been a resident of Sheboygan for forty-two years, and is esteemed as one of the reliable and respected business men of the Chair City.