Henry Boody was born in Prussia, Province of Leppe Detmold, Germany May 12, 1827, and is the son of George and Louisa Boody. The German spelling of the name is "Budde," but the family later adopted the spelling "Boody". After Henry emigrated from Germany to America, he made his home in Stephenson County, Ill., where he was married, Nov. 30, 1853, to Miss Louisa Knop, daughter of Ludwig Knop. Louisa was a native of Germany, and came to America in 1851. Two children were born of their union, both dying in childhood. Mrs. Boody died Sept. 20, 1857. Mr. Boody removed to Benton County, Iowa, and purchased his present farm in Belle Plaine, Iowa Township, and was married the second time, Feb. 25, 1858, to Miss Dorathea Kollmann. Dorathea was born Oct. 3, 1840, and came to America in the spring of 1855. Nine children were born of this union, three sons and six daughters; Edward, born March 3, 1859, married Mary Kollmann, and carries on the homestead farm; Emma, born May 20, 1862, is the wife of William Knights, and lives in Clay County, Iowa; Ida M., born Oct. 10, 1864; Matilda M., Feb. 26, 1866; George A., July 13, 1868; Louisa V., Dec 23, 1870; Eli A., born April 7, 1873, died Oct. 3, 1874; Clara M., born Aug. 8, 1875, and Edna C., Sept. 15, 1877.

Mr. Boody made a success of farming in the West, increased his acreage, built a fine residence and barns, placed his farm under a high state of cultivation, and had them well stocked. He resided in Belle Plaine, where he has purchased nearly ten acres of land, and had a comfortable residence. He and his wife were members of the Evangelical Church. Mr. Boody was a Republican. Henry died in Belle Plaine Jan 21, 1899, and after his death Dorothea lived with her daughter Edna in Des Moines, Iowa. She died Dec 4, 1928 in Des Moines and was buried in Belle Plaine, Iowa.