Oltrogge, John W.

STEEGE, BARTLES, OLTROGGE

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/12/2010 at 14:00:12

The Oltrogge homestead, comprising three hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Maxfield township, has been in possession of members of the Oltrogge family since it was secured from the government three generations ago. It has been developed from a pioneer farm into one of the model agricultural properties of Iowa, well equipped and scientifically cultivated, a credit to the many years of practical labor and careful supervision which have been bestowed upon it. Its present owner, John W. Oltrogge, is one of the active and progressive young men of the township and is carrying forward the work of devleoping the property along modern lines, neglecting nothing which will add to its appearance or value. He is a representative in the third generation of one of the pioneer families of Bremer county, his grandfather, Conrad Oldtrogge, having taken up property from the government in very early times. He was a native of Germany and came overland in 1854, settling in Maxfield township, where he resided until his death. His son, H. William Oltrogge, father of the subject of this review, was born upon the homestead and reared in Maxfield township. He married Miss Mary Steege, whose parents were among the pioneers in this part of Iowa. They are now living retired in Denver. Three children were born to their union, as follows: Mrs. Amanda Bartles, a resident of Bremer county; John W., of this review; and Hilda, who makes her home with her brother.

John W. Oltrogge was reared at home and acquired his education in the district schools. At an early age he became familiar with the best agricultural methods and understands farming in principle and detail, this knowledge being evident in his competent management of his property. The homestead comprises three hundred and sixty acres of choice land in Maxfield townshiop and is a model of its kind, equipped with substantial buildings and all kinds of labor-saving machinery. All of the out buildings are strictly up-to-date, the hog sheds are cement floored and piped so that hard or soft water can be used in mixing the soft feed. The stables are well arranged and the machine shed would do credit to any city implement house. The fences and hedges are kept always in excellent condition and the entire place reflects the constant care and supervision of a practical and progressive agriculturist. Mr. Oltrogge uses an automobile for his journeys about the farm and in the vicinity and owns one of the finest cars that can be purchased. His house is commodious, modern and well furnished and worthy of comparison with the finest residences in this part of the state.

In May, 1912, Mr. Oltrogge was united in marriage to Miss Hulda Oltrogge, who was born in Jefferson townshiop, September 18, 1889. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Steege) Oltrogge, native of Bremer county and well known in Jefferson township, where they now reside. In their family were five children, as follows; Luisa; Mary; Mrs. Oltrogge; Emma, and John.

Mr. Oltrogge is a member of St. John's Lutheran church of Maxfield and he gives his political allegiance to the progressive party. He is an enterprising, energetic and ambitious young man, who besides having already accumulated a substantial fortune has made many material contributions to general agricultural progress in this locality. His record is a credit to a name that has long been held in high honor and regard in Bremer county.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914