Kling, Philip

KLING, RODTH, REINHEIMER, HENDRICKS, SHEEN, CASTROF, ANDRESS, SNELL

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 9/6/2009 at 16:24:00

Kling, Philip

It is always an inspiring thing to learn something of a good man's history. Life is so checkered and uncertain a thing that when we find an individual who has at all times been clean and steadfast of purpose, and loyal and true to the best that was by nature his, it is a pure delight to tell of him. Such a man is Philip Kling, who resides as a retired farmer in Newton.

Philip Kling was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, January l, 1859 and came with his father to America in October 1870, settling in St. Clair County, Illinois. Here the family remained for three months, after which they removed to Jasper County, Iowa, where they have since remained. Two hundred acres of land were purchased in Elk Creek Township in Jasper County, and with this holding they began farming and stock raising. Mr. Kling's father, John Kling, and his mother, Elizabeth (Rodth) Kling, were both natives of Germany and were splendid examples of the fine, hardy stock of that great empire. The father died in June 1889, at the age of eighty-five, the mother in November 1875 at the age of fifty-two.

Ten children in all came to America, all of whom are still living and all of whom own their own homes. Seven of them, including the subject of this sketch, reside in Jasper County. They are: Adam J., who resides in Sully, this County, is a retired farmer; George, residing in Hickman, Nebraska, is a shoe merchant; Catherine Reinheimer, wife of George Reinheimer, a farmer residing in New Athens, Illinois; Margaret Hendricks, wife of Fred Hendricks, a farmer residing near Galesburg, Jasper County; Henry resides in this County, near Kellogg, and is a prosperous farmer; John, residing in Jasper County, is a farmer; Philip, the subject of this review, is a retired farmer living in Newton; Mary Sheen, wife of Daniel Sheen, resides on a farm near Shemington, Wisconsin; William J. resides on a farm in Jasper County; Frederick, who resides in St. Louis, is employed in a wholesale house.

On April 4, 1889, Mr. Kling was united in marriage to Lena W. Castrof, a native of Jasper County. She is the daughter of Frederick Castrof, of Jasper County, who was born in Pommern, Germany, March 1, 1846, and who died in Jasper County, December 13, 1902. Her mother, Augusta (Andress) Castrof, was a native of the same place. She came to America when about seven years of age and is still living near Killduff, Jasper County, making her home with her two sons, Frederick and Edward Castrof.

Mrs. Kling is one of four living children, namely: William, the first born, first saw the light August 26, 1870; Margaret Snell, wife of J. W. Snell, a farmer residing near Killduff, was born March 1, 1872; Frederick Castrof, whose wife was Effie Snell, resides on a farm in Jasper County. He was born July 14, 1876; Edward Castrof, unmarried, residing with his brother, was born July 18, 1878.

When Mrs. Kling's parents came here they could not speak a word of English, but two days after landing at New York began work, and shortly came to Jasper County, Iowa, in the year 1855. Here her grandfather entered land from the government, later purchasing more until he owned four hundred acres before he died, this being the farm upon which Mrs. Kling's mother now lives.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Kling are members of the English Lutheran Church of Newton. Mr. Kling is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, being a Knight Templar and Shriner. He is affiliated with the lodge at Newton. He is also a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge No. 73, at Newton. Mrs. Kling is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter No. 100, of Newton. She is also a member of the Daughters of Rebekah lodge at Newton and is a woman of exceptional culture and refinement.

Mr. Kling owns three hundred and twenty acres, besides his elegant home in the city of Newton and other interests. Both he and his wife are affable, kindly people, beloved by the great circle so fortunate as to call them friends.

In politics Mr. Kling is a Democrat. Past and Present of Jasper County Iowa B. F. Bowden & Company, Indianapolis, IN, 1912 Page 659