Nicholas G. Kilburg

KILBURG, DONDLINGER

Posted By: Barbara Gehlsen Nugent (email)
Date: 8/24/2011 at 14:38:00

History of Jackson County, Iowa, Volume 2, by James Whitcomb Ellis, 1910. Biographical Sketches

NICK G. KILBURG.

Nick G. Kilburg, whose business ability is indicated in his successful control and management of a farm of two hundred and twenty acres in Jackson township, is one of this county's native sons who have found in its rich lands a wide field for the profitable exercise of their energies. He was born in the year 1871, and is a son of John and Mary Kilburg, both natives of the German fatherland. The mother passed away after coming to Jackson county, Iowa, but the father is still living. In their family were six children, four of whom survive.

Reared in the county of his birth Nick G. Kilburg attended the district school near his home that he might acquire a rudimentary training for the responsibilities of later life. His time was not wholly devoted to the preparation of lessons, however, for like many another boy upon a farm he rendered assistance about the house or in the fields from the time he was able to assume his share in the work. In this manner he learned the invaluable lesson of industry, which stood him in good stead when as a man grown he started to make his fortune as a farmer. Now he owns a fine tract of two hundred and twenty acres in Jackson township, the many improvements of which indicate the capable management and progressiveness of Mr. Kilburg. The ground is naturally rich and fertile, responding readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it, and by its energetic, scientific and up-todate cultivation he has been enabled to reap golden harvests, resulting in a very substantial and gratifying income.

In 1894, Mr. Kilburg was joined in the bonds of wedlock to Miss Mary Dondelinger, a daughter of Philip and Catherine Dondelinger, of whom mention is made at length in the sketch of Frank Laffey. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kilburg, namely: John, Arthur, Lester, Elmer, Clarence, Benjamin, Melvin, and Walter, but the first born has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Kilburg are devout members of the Catholic church and their entire lives have been in accord with its teachings and have exemplified the practical value of Christianity.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Kilburg has given stalwart support to the democratic party, having firm faith in its principles. He has not taken any part in local political affairs, however, nor has evinced any desire to be the recipient of official honors, yet his life has at all times measured up to high standards of honorable manhood, as is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him the longest.