Prestien, Henry

HEINE, STEVENSON, STANSUL, MEYERS, HOPPENWORTH

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/16/2010 at 11:07:24

Henry Prestien, engaging in general farming upon one hundred and thirty-five acres of land in Jefferson township, was born in Cook county, Illinois, in 1864. He is a son of Fred and Amelia Prestien, natives of Germany, who married in Illinois and lived upon a farm in Cook county until 1871. In that year they came to Iowa, settling on a farm in Fremont township, Bremer county, where the father engaged in agricultural pursuits until he retired from active life. He died in 1913, having survived his wife since 1908. To their union were born eight children: Henry, of this review; Louis, deceased; Minnie, the wife of John Heine, of Warren township, this county; Charley, of Tripoli; Louisa, the wife of a Mr. Stevenson, of North Dakota; John of Tripoli; Emma, who married Leo Stansul, of Waverly; and a child who died in infancy.

Henry Prestien acquired his education in the public schools of Bremer county. At the age of twnety-five he began his independent career, buying land in Jefferson township, and since that time he has followed farming. He owns one hundred and thirty-five acres, fifty-five of which are within the city limits of Denver, the tract being known as the Prestien addition. The farm is well cultivated and highly improved, reflecting everywhere the care and labor which the owner bestows upon it. In addition to his land Mr. Prestien owns also some valuable business property in Waterloo.

In 1890 Mr. Prestien was united in marriage to Miss Evelyn Meyers, who was born in Bremer county, a daughter of George and Roselle Meyers, natives of Germany. They came to America and settled first in Illinois, whence they moved to Bremer county among the early settlers. The mother has passed away and the father survives, making his home in Denver. Mr. and Mrs. Prestien have four children: Irene, who was born in 1891 and who married Alfred Hoppenworth, of Florida; Leo, born in 1892; Elsie, whose birth occurred in 1896; and Willard, born in 1910. The family are members of the Evangelical Lutheran church.

Mr. Prestien is a democrat in his political beliefs and has filled the township offices of trustee, road supervisor and member of the school board. His long residence in Jefferson township has made him widely known throughout the community, while the strength of his character and his honorable record constitute him a valuable and respected citizen.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914