John F. Abels

ABELS, BRANDT, GROENHAGEN, KRAMER, KRUSE

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/9/2011 at 15:02:36

JOHN F. ABELS, who resides on section 22, Colfax Township, Grundy County, where he is successfully engaged in farming, was born in Germany, June 28, 1841, and is a son of Harm Abels, who came to America with his family in 1854, and settled in Stephenson County, Ill., where he purchased land and engaged in farming. His wife bore the maiden name of Annie Brandt. They were the parents of ten children, all of whom are yet living. In 1857, the father of this family went to Ogle County, Ill., where he is now living a retired life.

Mr. Abels whose name heads this record was about thirteen years of age at the time he crossed the Atlantic. He continued to reside in Stephenson County until after his marriage, which was celebrated in 1865. The lady who became his wife was Henrietta, daughter of Harm Groenhagen, who emigrated to the United States about 1856, locating first in Ogle County, Ill. After his marriage, our subject took up his residence in Stephenson County, Ill., but later removed to Ogle County. In 1872 he came to Grundy County, and located upon the farm which is still his home. There were no improvements upon the place and for the tract of eighty acres he paid $410. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of rich and highly cultivated land, and his farm ranks among the best in the county, owing to the excellent improvements he has made upon it. He now carries on general farming and stock-raising.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Abels was born a family of seven children: Harm, who married Faulka Kramer, and is living in Pleasant Valley Township; Barney, who married Annie Kruse, and is living in Colfax Township; Annie, Lucas, John, George and Marguerite, all of whom are still with their parents.

During the late war, Mr. Abels manifested his loyalty to the Government and his adopted country by enlisting on the 11th of September, 1861, among the boys in blue of Company C, Fortieth Illinois Infantry. He participated in the battle of Shiloh, where the regiment lost one-half of its men. He took part in the engagement at Ft. Donelson, the siege of Corinth, the hotly contested siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Jackson, Miss., and others. When his three years' term of service had expired, he was honorably discharged, on the 10th of September, 1864. He was always found at his post, faithful to his duty and the Old Flag which now floats over the united nation. In politics, he is a Republican, and is one of the stalwart advocates of the party. He has served as Township Trustee for about six years, was Township Assessor for about six years, and was a member of the Board of Supervisors for about three years. The prompt and able manner in which he discharged his duties won him the high commendation of all concerned. He holds membership with the Presbyterian Church, and is now serving as one of its Deacons. His business career has been one of success, and he is now the possessor of a comfortable competence.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894