GUST G. RECTENBACH

RECTENBACH, KIESEL, WESTPHAL, BURG, KEMBURY, MANGELS, FINLEY

Posted By: Norma Nielson (email)
Date: 5/15/2004 at 20:31:36

"Gust G. Rectenbach owns four hundred and eight acres of splendid land in Jackson township which comprises the old family homestead. He was born in Lee county, Illinois, on the 27th of March, 1858, a son of A. W. and Amelia Rectenbach, both natives of Germany, who in 1846 emigrated to America. They first located in Bureau county, Illinois, but subsequetly removed to Lee county, that state, whence, in 1869, they came to Adair county, Iowa. The father followed agricultural pursuits here until his demise, and the mother has also passed away.

Gust G. Rectenbach remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-one years of age and then purchased land, to the cultivation of which he devoted his time. Subsequently he bought the homestead on section 20, Jackson township. He carries on general farming and stock-raising.

In 1888 Mr. Rectenbach married Mrs. Augusta Kiesel, nee Westphal. She was born in Germany, a daughter of Frederick and Fredericka Westphal, who are now residing in Bridgewater, this county. She was first married to William Kiesel, who has passed away, and to their union were born three children: Frederick, a farmer of this county; Emma, the wife of John Burg, Jr.; and Martha, who married Frank Kembury. All reside in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Rectenbach have become the parents of eight children: Herman; Lena, at home; Augusta, the wife of Max Mangels, of this county; Ernest, Else, who married P. Finley; Daniel; Harlan; and Earl.

Mr. Rectenbach is a republican and has served as trustee and as road superintendent. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and their lives conform to the teachings of that organization. Mr. Rectenbach owes his success to his energy, foresight and wise management, and none begrudges him the prosperity which is his."

Source: The "History of Adair County Iowa and its People," Volume II. (Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company) 1915.