John Joest, 1899 Biography

JOEST, ACHATZ

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 3/11/2007 at 19:00:20

I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and 1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. Words in quotations are original. Any information in brackets or notes at the end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:

John Joest

This man was born on 17 August 1852 in Eitorf, County of Siegburg, on the Rhine River. He spent his youth here, attended elementary school, and received First Holy Communion. He then devoted himself to the occupation of farmer and worked with his father on his parents’ farm until his 18th year, when he immigrated to America. Arriving in America, he made his way to Mendota, Illinois, where a few of his relatives lived. They gave him a friendly reception and he stayed with them for a time. He then attended public school to gain instruction in the English language. In 1878 he moved to Carroll County, Iowa, where he purchased and worked a 180-acre farm. He improved the farm, built a comfortable residence, as well as stables, barns, etc.

On 2 April 1891 he married Miss Anna Achatz, a well-brought-up and cultured young woman, who was born in Mendota, Illinois. Mr. Joest inherited part of a valuable silver mine in Colorado, of which he has been the administrator for years. He is a very progressive farmer, and he and his wife enjoy an excellent reputation. This happy marriage produced one child, named Anna Katharina.