Hans Heldt

HELDT

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/20/2009 at 00:40:15

Hans Heldt, the farming interests of Mr Held tare extensive and he is regarded as one of the most prominent and enterprising agriculturists of Amaqua township, where he has resided for thirty years. He is a native of Germany, born May 9, 1834, his parents being Hans C and Phoebe Heldt both of who where natives of Germany, where they spent their entire lives and at length passed away. the father devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits as a means of providing for his family There are two sons of the family now living in Boone county, Hans and Peter, the latter a farmer I Yell township.
In his early life while living in Germany Hans Heldt learned the shoemaker’s trade and followed that pursuit in his native country until 1866, when he resolved to test the truth of the favorable reports he had heard concerning the business opportunities of the new world. Accordingly he sailed for America and sailed for America and settled in Clinton county, Iowa where he worked at the shoemaker’s trade until 1873, when he came to Boone county, taking up his abode upon his present farm in Amaqua township. At the time he located here he purchased a small tract of land but he labored earnestly and indefatigably and as his financial resources increased he kept adding to his property until he is now the owner of over 500 acres of rich farm land in Amaqua township on Sec 21 and 22. He has made all of the improvements upon this place and is now successfully and extensively engaged in carrying on general farming. He is also engaged in stock raising on a large scale and both branches of his business are proving to him a profitable source of income.
In 1873, Mr Heldt was untied in marriage to Miss Annie Kuhl also a native of Germany and a daughter of Claus and Tepka Kuhl. Her father was a waver by trade and spent his entire time and life in Germany but is now deceased. Three children have been born unto our subject and his wife: Hans, who married Alvina Johns, and is carrying on farming in Amaqua township, Claus who is now attending school and Alvina the wife of John Johns who is employed in a lumber yard in the village of Ogden where he makes his home.
The parents are devoted members of the German Lutheran church of Ogden. In his political views Mr Heldt is a Republican and earnestly supports the party, but has never sought or desired office as a reward for his fidelity to republican principles. Although he has reached the age of sixty-eight years Mr Heldt is still a very active and diligent man, yet doing hard work upon his farm. His own labor and careful management have been the factor in his success. He is now one of the wealthy and substantial citizens of Amaqua township and his life record should serve to encourage and instill inspiration in others who are forced to begin their business careers and he did, without capital or influential friends to aid him. His history roves conclusively that success can be gained by strong purpose and indefatigable energy.

1902 Boone County History Book