Henry opened a hardware store in Winthrop, Iowa, in _______.

Henry C. Unbehaun received a letter from his cousin, Louis Bock, ofDoernfeld an der Heide, by K?nigsee, Thuringen, published in theWinthrop, IA, newspaper:

H.C. Umbehaun on tuesday received the following letter from his cousin,Louis Bock, a resident of Germany. The letter came thru in 18 days andthere were 150 marks postage on the envelope. But that isn't much whenone recalls that it takes 23,000 marks to equal one American dollar. Theletter which was written in German ‎(it has been translated into English)‎gives some ideas of the conditions in that war-ridden country:

Doernfeld, February 14, 1923
Dear Cousin Henry:
I have often thought of you and your family but couldn't remember youraddress anymore but by chance I found in an old memorandum book I broughtback with me from America the address of your father and you, dear cousin.

I guess your parents are gone to their heavenly rest long ago but Ihaven't forgotten them as they were very good to me and I received manyfavors and kindly advice from them. God bless them!

Dear cousin, we are a greatly oppressed people in this country as ourmoney value is very near worthless. It costs you 1,200,000 marks for 1milk cow; 100 pounds wheat flour 190,000 marks; 1 egg 150 marks; 1 poundpork 5,000 marks; 1 pound beef 4,000 marks; 1 pound butter 5,000 marks; 1pound butterine 4,000 marks. Clothing and shoes are high and everythingelse in proportion. Wages are also very high but nothing to compare withthe price with what we have to pay to make a decent living.

As you know, I am 70 years old now so you see it is pretty hard to getalong under present conditions. I will let you know how we stand in myfamily circle. We raised a family of ten children - 9 boys and 1 girl.Two boys have passed away. Had seven boys in this World War. Thank thegood Lord; all came home sound without a scratch or being made a cripple.

If there is any children from Amil and Henry Nibeck alive yet, they areall first cousins. Give them all my best regards. Will close for thistime and hope to hear from you soon. Best regards to your family and allof our relation.

Your cousin,
Louis Bock

‎(photocopy in files)‎