Joseph Conrad

CONRAD, BALLER

Posted By: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs (email)
Date: 3/24/2009 at 16:00:49

JOSEPH CONRAD, an intelligent and successful farmer of Hamlin Township, was born in Germany, April, 1853. He is the youngest of three brothers. His parents, Joseph and Mary A. Conrad, remained in the old country. Joseph, Jr., entered school at the age of six years, and pursued his studies for eight years. On leaving school he engaged in farm work, which he continued for two years. At the age of sixteen he sailed for America, and landed at New York City; from the latter place he went immediately to Scott County, Iowa, where he secured employment on a farm, and continued there sixteen mouths. He then came to Atlantic, Iowa, and entered the employ of the Rock Island & Pacific Railway Company, working in different departments and divisions until the last few years, when he was employed in the engine house. He remained with this company for fourteen years. By the practice of economy he was able to save from his wages enough money to buy eighty acres of land in Hamlin Township; he has added to that purchase until he now owns 200 acres. In 1884 he removed to his farm and began to improve it. Mr. Conrad has been very prosperous in all his agricultural enterprises. His notable success has been in raising small grains and breeding high grades of livestock. He has erected a comfortable residence, a substantial barn, and numerous buildings for the protection of stock. In 1879 Mr. Conrad was married to Albertina Baller, of Atlantic, Iowa, who was a native of Germany, coming to this country when quite young. The result of this union has been three children Mary A., August and Frank. On his arrival in this country Mr. Conrad's means were almost exhausted; he was in a strange land, without friends or acquaintances, unfamiliar with the English language. Under these inauspicious circumstances he began his career. His success is evidence of his indomitable courage and perseverance, and he richly deserves his prosperity.

1889 BIOGRAPHICAL HISTORY OF
SHELBY AND AUDUBON COUNTIES, IOWA
W. S. DUNBAR & CO., PUBLISHERS
113 ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO

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