T. S. FICKEL

FICKEL

Posted By: Jake Tornholm (email)
Date: 4/20/2020 at 13:29:38

T. S. FICKEL, section 9 , Carl township, Adams county, is one of the enterprising and successful citizens of this vicinity.

He was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, December 6, 1841 , near the historic spot where the battle of Gettysburg was fought. His father, George Fickel, and his grandfather, John Fickle, were both natives of that county, and the latter was a soldier in the war of 1812 . His great-grandfather, William Fickel, was born in Germany, emigrated to America and became one of the first settlers in Adams county, Pennsylvania. George Fickel was reared in his native county and at the age of twenty-one was united in marriage with Elizabeth Schriver who was born and reared in that place, daughter of Benjamin Schriver, of Pennsylvania. In 1865 they moved to Henry county, Iowa, where they lived eight years. In 1873 they moved to Adams county, Iowa, where, a year later, the wife died, leaving five sons and two daughters. George Fickel now resides with his son, T. S. The latter was reared on his father’s farm and educated in the common schools.

During the late war Mr. Fickel enlisted, August 7 , 1862 , in the Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company I, Regiment One Hundred and Twenty-seven, and served nine months. He took an active part in the battle of Fredericksburg, Cliancellorsville and other minor engagements. After receiving an honorable discharge, he returned to his home in Pennsylvania where he remained until 1865 . That year he moved to Henry county, Iowa, and made his home there till 1873, when he located on his present farm in Adams county. Here he owns 200 acres of well-improved land, has a nice cottage home and other substantial improvements.

Mr. Fickel was united in marriage, at Mount Pleasant, Iowa, June 23, 1867, to Miss Leah J. Chronister, a native of Pennsylvania and daughter of John and Catherine Chronister. Their family is composed of nine children, namely: Warren C., Dora M., wife of W. E. Hofmeister, of Carl township, this county; and Cora A., Sadie E., Laura J., Harry A., Theressa S., John S. and Ruby C. Their first born, David, died at the age of three years. The Fickels, father and son, are strong radical Republicans, and are numbered, socially, politically and financially, among the best citizens of the township.