Peter Heldt

HELDT

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/20/2009 at 00:30:35

Peter Heldt, Yell township has a large representation of German American citizens. There are men of sterling worth, persevering and reliable in business. Mr Heldt now follows farming on Sec 30, Yell township, and is numbered among the early settlers of Boone county, having taken up his abode here in May 1868. He was born in Germany, where they spent their entire lives. The father devoted his energies to farming and in that way provided for his family. Unto him and his wife were born six children, three of whom came to America: Han who is living in Amaqua township, Boone county, Phoebe the widow of Peter Peterson, a resident of Ogden and Peter Heldt of this review.
Mr Heldt, of this sketch was a young man of twenty-four years when he crossed the Atlantic. He had acquired his education in the schools of his native country, and believing that he would have better business opportunities and larger scope for advancement in the new world he made preparations to leave the old world and sailed to the United States in 1868. He landed in New York and at once made his way across the country to Clinton county, Iowa where he worked on his farm for three years. On the expiration of that period he came to Boone county, where he was again employed as a farm hand for some time. He then purchased a farm of eight acres, on Sec 7, Yell township, and made his home thereon for about twenty-two years during which time the fields were placed in a high state of cultivation, the land being very rich and arable. On the expiration of that period he removed to his present home, known as the Sylvester farm. He now owns 600 acres of very valuable land. Of this a tract of 80 acres and one of 40 acres are in Amaqua township, but the remainder is in Yell township. Here Mr Heldt is carrying on farming and everything about his place is in good condition, indicating the careful supervision of the owner. The fields are well tilled, the fences and barns kept in good repair and annually Mr Heldt receives a good income as the result of the sales of his farm products.
He married Miss Phoebe Hendkins, a native of Germany and a daughter of Claus Hendkins, who was a veterinary surgeon and came to America spending his remaining days here. Unto Mr and Mrs Heldt have been born seven children: Hans C who is now living on Sec 7, Yell township, Claus who resides about one-fourth a miles from his parents, Annie the wife of Han Jones a resident of Amaqua township, Emma, Phoebe, and Janie who are yet under the parental roof. Mr Heldt votes with the Republican party, having firm faith in its principles, and has served as school director for some time, the cause of education finding in him a arm friend. Both he and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church of Ogden, and the circle of their friends is almost co extensive with the circles of their acquaintance. Mr Heldt has been one of the most prosperous farmers of Yell township and has never had occasion to regret his determination to leave the fatherland and become a resident of the land of the free.

1902 Boone County History Book