Hagen Hessenius

HESSENIUS, COUP, NEAMANN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/12/2011 at 17:46:11

HAGEN HESSENIUS is one of the many representatives of the Teutonic race in this country who have brought into American life the patience and industry which are sometimes lacking in our people. He was born in Hanover, Germany, October 23, 1841, and at the present time is residing on his fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres located on section 15, Beaver Township, Grundy County.

Henry and Delia (Coup) Hessenius, the parents of our subject, were also born in the Fatherland, where they were well-to-do farmers. They reared a family of six children, of whom one is deceased; those living besides our subject being Kate, Maggie, Christina and Benjamin. The mother, who received a good education in her native language, died after coming to this country, at the age of three-score year and ten.

Henry Hessenius, the father of our subject, decided to try his fortunes in the New World, and in 1871 came to America, accompanied by his family. He made his way directly to Illinois, and rented a farm in Ogle County, which he operated with fair success for four years. Then coming to Beaver Township, Grundy County, he became the proprietor of an eighty-acre tract near where our subject at present resides, and there he lived until his decease, which occurred when seventy-eight years of age.

Hagen Hessenius received a very thorough education, and when able to do for himself, began working out by the month on farms near his home. He was married in his native land to Miss Maggie Neamann, and to them were born nine children, of whom those living are Henry, John, Dick, Ned, Casper, Benjamin, Maggie and Christina. They have all been given good educations in the English language and are either graduates of, or are attending the normal school at Mt. Morris.

Mrs. Hessenius was born on a farm in Hanover, Germany, and in 1868 accompanied her husband on his removal to this country, the young couple embarking on a vessel bound for America the next day after their marriage. After being five days on the water their vessel was wrecked, but no lives were lost. The voyage, which was a very tedious one, consumed twelve weeks, and when finally landing on American soil, the young couple went directly to Ogle County, Ill., where Mr. Hessenius farmed upon rented land for seven years. At the expiration of that time he came to Beaver Township, Grundy County, and purchased eighty acres of land, which now forms a part of their home estate. That he has been successful in life is very evident, for at the time of coming here he possessed but $65 in money, and at the present time he owns three hundred and twenty acres of as fine land as is to be found in this county. In addition to this he is the proud possessor of a like amount in Hancock County, this state.

Politically Mr. Hessenius always casts a Republican vote, and while the incumbent of the position of Township Trustee, discharged the duties imposed upon him to his own honor and credit. He has also held many other positions of trust, and as a reliable citizen and intelligent man wins respect from those about him.

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