WILLIAM J MENGLER, b 29 Jan 1838

MENGLER, MAZENBRINK, HAMLINGTON, LAMBY, KAYEL, CLAUSON, KLEMME

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 7/10/2004 at 17:27:49

There are some remarkable facts connected with the history of this gentleman, which is one of the largest land-owners of Washington Township; being the proprietor of 611 acres, besides village property in Green Island. He commenced at the foot of the ladder, and by his own indomitable energy and perseverance has arisen to an enviable position, socially and financially. Not only is he in possession of a large amount of this world's goods, but Providence has endowed him with that temperament and character which has led him to live honestly and uprightly, and thus secured him the esteem and confidence of all with whom he has had dealings. He has been a man of remarkable industry, and performed with his own hands a large amount of labor, especially in the clearing of his land, and effecting the improvements which the passing traveler beholds with admiration.

The Mengler homestead is considered one of the most valuable in this part of the county, and denotes the employment of the best methods of agriculture, assisted by the latest improved machinery. Our subject is the offspring of a good family, being the son of William and Mary (Mazenbrink) Mengler, who were natives of the Kingdom of Hanover, and the latter of whom died when her son, William J., was six years old. The father was subsequently married to Miss Anna Hamlington, and the boy was reared by his stepmother. The family emigrated to America when William J. was a youth of seventeen; settling in Washington Township, this county, in the fall of 1857. Here the father died, in 1885, at the advanced age of ninety-two years and four months. The stepmother passed away the following year, at the age of seventy. Of this union there were no children.

Of his first marriage there has been born to William Mengler, Sr., seven children, four sons and three daughters, of whom William J. was the youngest. He was born Jan. 29, 1838, in the village of Windelbustel, near the city of Nemberg, Hanover, and received a good education in his native tongue. In the meantime he began making his own living at the tender age of eight years, pursuing his studies mostly during the winter season. He made his home with his father until reaching his majority, and was engaged mostly in farming pursuits after coming to America. With genuine German thrift and prudence he saved what he could of his earnings, and invested his capital in land. When ready to establish a home of his own he was married, in 1863, to Miss Minnie Lamby, a native of his own country. Mrs. Mengler was brought to America by her parents, when a child of three years; they settling in the vicinity of Bellevue, this county. The father was three times married, and the mother of Mrs. Mengler had two daughters, the other daughter being Sophia (Mrs. Chris Kayel), who now lives in Washington Township; her husband is deceased.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mengler occupied a rented farm for several years. Mr. Mengler made his first purchase of land, in 1867, the eighty acres which constitutes the homestead proper, and upon which are located the farm buildings. Notwithstanding his large landed possessions Mr. Mengler still avails himself of every good opportunity for the acquisition of more territory. He has 100 acres under the plow, which he cleared himself. Besides his stock operations he conducts a dairy, having about thirty milch cows, and is largely patronized by the Miles Creamery.

The twelve children of Mr. and Mrs. Mengler are recorded as follows: The eldest daughter, Louisa, is at home with her parents; Emma is the wife of Frederick Clauson, of Washington Township, and the mother of two children - John and Henry; Matilda married Henry Klemme, and has one child - a son - August; Sophia, Mary, Frederick, William, Minnie, Christine, Charles and Frank are at home with their parents; Edward died in infancy. Although never attending school since coming to America, Mr. Mengler has obtained a very good knowledge of the English language, which he reads and writes readily. He, at an early date, secured his naturalization papers, and identified himself with the Democratic party. In religious matters both he and his estimable wife are members in good standing of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Mengler has served as School Director in his district several years, and a number of times on the Grand and Petit Juries. He is one of those rare characters whose word is considered as good as his bond, and he has contributed his full share to the development and progress of Jackson County.

("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)