Judge Hermann Heinrich Bierbaum

Judge Hermann H. Bierbaum, one of the influential citizens of Warren County, was elected to the responsible and honorable position of County Judge in 1872.  While serving in that capacity for a period covering six years, he gave full satisfaction to his constituents and won commendation from all concerned.  He has been an active supporter of the Republican party ever since its organization, and is one of the best representatives of the German-American element in this portion of the state.  The judge lives on a well improved estate situated on section 15, township 45, range 1.

John Henry Bierbaum, the father of our subject, was born in Germany, and continued there to dwell until 1834, when, with his wife, Ann (whose maiden name was Hinneh), and their seven children, he set forth to make a home in the United States.  At first he settled in Femme Osage, St. Charles County, where he followed the carpenter's trade, but subsequently also worked to some extent at farming, in which occupation he reared his sons.  He had left his native land owing to the limited chances there afforded to the poor, and the wisdom of his venture was shown very soon after he reached this state, for he at once began to make his way upward in the financial world.  His death occurred in 1856, but his wife lived to attain the good old age of eighty-one years.

Judge Bierbaum was born in Germany in 1822, and until he was twelve years old was a student in the schools of the Fatherland.  He then came to America, and as there were no schools here at that early day, his later attainments have been entirely owing to his own private study.  He remained with his parents until nearly thirty years of age, when he began farming for himself, and continued to follow that occupation until about eight years ago, when he retired from active cares, and handed the management of his farm over to his son-in-law.  His farm comprises two hundred and ten acres of land, which is well improved.  His competence and property he acquired by his own industrious and energetic efforts, and his honesty and capability have won for him the esteem of all his friends and neighbors.

In 1844 Judge Bierbaum was married to Josie Jacob, who was born in Germany, but in her childhood came to Missouri with her parents.  Ten children were born of this marriage, only four of the number still living.  W. H. is a prominent farmer of this county; Minnie became the wife of H. H. Hinneh, a resident of this county; Rev. Andrew has charge of a congregation in Wisconsin; and Ann is the wife of Fritz Berliekamp, who resides on the Judge's homestead, and superintends the work of the place.  The mother of this family died in 1861, and the following year our subject wedded Kate Jacob, a sister of his former wife.  She has also been called to her final rest, her death having occurred in 1891.

In religious belief Judge Bierbaum and his family have long been active and useful members of the Evangelical Church.  Though now getting well along in years, the Judge is still in the enjoyment of good health, and manifests much of his old-time vigor and sprightliness.  In manner he is cordial, genial and kind hearted, thus readily making friends.  In conversation he is very interesting, and entertains his friends by stories of pioneer days and experiences in this county.