John Klopfer, of Freidabach in the kingdom of Wurtemburg, Germany, was a cooper by trade and plied his calling at a time when Central Europe was practically demoralized by the Napoleonic wars. He had a son, John Michael, born in Freidabach, July 26, 1823, who adopted his father’s calling. In Germany the cooper’s trade is closely allied with the wine industry, and for a number of years John Michael Klopfer was engaged in distributing the product of the vine all over Southern Germany, and collecting the revenues therefrom. This was before the advent of railroads and the butts were transported in large wagons drawn by horses. In company with George Michael Kerndter, the latter’s sister, Anna Barbara, and several neighbors, he left Freidabach, March 6, 1854, and on March 23. took passage in the sailing ship “F. W. White,” Captain Snow, which landed them in New York, May ii, following. He proceeded to Pennsylvania in search of employment, but not being successful he returned to the metropolis, and on August 6, 1854, he was married in Williamsburg, New York, by the Rev. C. T. Heisel, of St. Johanes’ Lutheran church, to Anna Barbara Kerndter. She was born in Greglingen, Wurtemburg, April 17, 1834. Her father was Christof Kerndter, who owned a small farm in Greglingen, and her mother was before marriage Anna Barbara Meisenhelter. Mrs. Klopfer had two brothers and six sisters, none of whom are now (1910) living. One brother and one sister remained in Germany; her other brother, George Michael, and three of her sisters came to America and settled in New York and Brooklyn; and another sister resided in Geneva, New York. In 1856 John Michael Klopfer settled in Geneva, where he found employment as a gardener and also driving and caring for horses. He made his application for citizenship in 1858 and received his final naturalization papers in 1860. His death occurred in Geneva, October 30, 1885. His widow is still residing in that city. Children: 1. Margaret Catherine, born in Williamsburg, New York, June 3, 1855, married Frank C. Hofmann, of Geneva. 2. Mary Magdaline, born in Geneva, June 16, 1857, died January 19, 1880. 3. Michael Henry, born February 25, 1859, died April 16, 1882. 4. John ‘Philip, born January 30, 1861, died in Seneca Falls, October 4, 1893. 5. Charles Bernard, born December 31, 1862, resides in Geneva. 6. Mina Elizabeth, born February 16, 1865. died June 12, 1884. 7. William, born March 29, 1867, died January 12, 1903. 8. Frederick, born May 2, 1869, died August 28, 1870. 9. Frederick, born June 2, 1871, died June 9, 1871. 10. Louis, see forward. u. Edward, born May 10, 18i4, resides in Geneva.
Louis, son of John Michael and Anna Barbara (Kerndter) Klopfer, was born in Geneva, May 3, 1872. After concluding his attendance at the public schools he was for a time employed in the optical business, and later in the shoe business. In 1901 he established himself in the book and stationery business at No. 75 Seneca street, and his store soon became the centre of trade for goods of that character. He has since added athletic goods, phonographs, office supplies. post-cards. souvenirs, etc., and his establishment is now (1910) regarded as a public necessity. He is a member of Ark Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Geneva Chapter, Royal Arch Masons (past high priest), and Geneva Commandery, Knights Templar; also of St. Peter’s (Protestant Episcopal) church, and the Young Men’s Christian Association. He is an active member of the Geneva volunteer fire department, having joined the Charles J. Folger Hook and Ladder Company in 1897, and has served as its secretary from 1905 to the present time.
On October 29, 1907, Mr. Klopfer was married at St. Peter’s Parish House to Mary Catherine Mogge; one daughter, Dorothy Barbara, born October 6, 1908.
Mrs. Klopfer was born in Chippewa, Province of Ontario, June 4, 1878. Her father was William Mogge, a native of Germany. Her mother, Barbara (Keller) Mogge, was born in Buffalo, New York, and at an early age went to reside in Chippewa, where her father, Charles Keller, was proprietor of a tannery. William and Barbara (Keller) Mogge are the parents of five sons and three daughters: Charles, a resident of Buffalo; John, who resides in Rochester; Ernest, now (1910) of Evansville, Indiana; Frank H., Fred G., Mary Catherine, Anna F. and Ona L.
