Henry Buenther was born in Germany in 1861. He was married to Louisa Maack on Jan 18, 1900 in Salt Lake City, Utah. They moved to Bemidji about 1901 and established his taxidermist business. On March 1, 1902, Henry Buenther & Co., taxidermists and furriers, moved to Second Street, two doors west of the post office. He advertised, “Game heads, birds and animals mounted in life-like and decorative positions. Skins tanned. Rugs and robes made to order and for sale. Fur coats, caps and mittens made to order, repaired and remodeled. All work guaranteed moth proof and first-class in every respect. We are here to stay and solicit your patronage.” ((Mar 6, 1902)
The firm seems to have done well, The Bemidji Pioneer wrote: “Henry Buenther, our taxidermist is a very busy man these days. The Pioneer man happening into his place Monday found him mounting a deer for Martin Knudson of Blackduck. He has just finished mounting three moose heads, which are about the finest specimens ever seen in this country. He has also two bucks and seven bob cats to mount as soon as he can find the time.” (Feb. 19, 1903)
In 1904, he and his wife were residents of 204 Fifth Street, but appear to have moved to Beltrami Avenue before the 1905 census.
On October 19, 1906, Henry Buenther drowned while on a trip at Trout Lake near Tower, Minnesota. He was only 47 years old and left a wife Louisa and three daughters: Charlotte b, Oct 13, 1901; Grace, b. Feb 29, 1904; Alice, b. Feb 6, 1906. He was a member of the Modern Samaritan lodge. Buenther was considered one of the most skilled taxidermists in the western states, and he had done work for people residing in all parts of the United States. (Oct 1906)
Mrs. Henry Buenther decided to continue the business formerly conducted by her husband. She requested the Pioneer to state that she had hired competent men to do the work and that all unfinished work would be turned out as soon as possible. (Dec 3, 1906)
In 1907, Mayor Pogue organized the first Market Day. Among other things that were offered at the sale were a quantity of articles owned by Mrs. Henry Buenther, such as deer heads and other mounted specimens, which were manufactured by her husband, and which were considered to be among the best ever produced in the state. The auction was held at the corner of Third St. and America on August 17, 1907.
Mrs. Buenther advertised: “I am now prepared to do all kinds of work in the taxidermy line. Mr. John Moak, who has had fifteen years’ experience in this work, will have charge of the work I may receive. Mrs. Henry Buenther, 809 Bemidji Ave.” (Nov 14, 1908); and “The art of taxidermy will be taught by Mrs. Henry Buenther, 809 Bemidji Ave.” (Aug 7, 1909).
Mrs. Buenther and her daughters moved back to Salt Lake City, Utah – probably in the latter months of 1910. She was working in Salt Lake City by 1912 and remarried in 1917.
Information gathered from the Bemidji Pioneer and Bemidji Daily Pioneer at http://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/