CASSEL, Andrew F. - 1890 Bio (1831-1915)

CASSEL, ANDERSON, DANIELSON, JACOBSON, PETERSON

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 7/30/2007 at 21:14:19

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 388-389

Andrew F. CASSEL resides on section 20, Lockridge Township, where he is engaged in farming. Among the early settlers of Jefferson County none merit more honorable mention in this volume than the colony of Swedes, who left everything dear on earth save their families, to find comfortable homes for their children in the New World. The colony consisted of Peter CASSEL and family, John DANIELSON and family, John Munson and family, Peter ANDERSON and family, and E. P. and Sarah ANDERSON, both of whom were single. From their homes they went by wagon to the Gotta Canal, a distance of about fifty English miles, then by steamer, passing through the lakes, Vetran and Vernau, on to Guttenberg, some fifty Swedish miles, or over three hundred miles as we reckon distance. The vessel in which the company was to sail was adjudged unsafe for the trip, and they were compelled to wait for a month. Finally, on the 24th of June, 1845, the vessel, "Superb," spread her canvas to the wind, and with longing looks our party of passengers saw their beloved land fade from sight. During a fog the vessel collided with another in mid-ocean, damaging the rigging of the "Superb," but still she held on her way, and after eight weeks sailing landed in New York. There they were joined by Peter Dahlburg. By railroad and canal they proceeded as far as Pittsburg, and thence by the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to Burlington, Iowa. Coming on to Lockridge Township, Jefferson County, they soon realized their dream of securing pleasant homes. The character of these emigrants was marked. They were people who feared God and respected the rights of men. Though most of them were poor, they were honest, industrious and frugal. The leading spirit in forming and guiding this colony in their efforts to reach the New World was Peter CASSEL, the father of our subject. He was a man of intelligence, well informed and of good business capacity. For a long time he read and talked of America, but it took about two years to raise and prepare the colony for embarkation.

Peter CASSEL was born in Asby County, Sweden, October 13, 1790, but was of German descent. His early life was spent in acquiring the trade of a millwright, at which he worked many years, though the last six years he spent in Sweden were devoted to the manufacture of threshing machines. On reaching manhood he married Miss Catherine ANDERSON, a native of Kisa County, Sweden, born September 3, 1807. When it was found that Mr. CASSEL had fully decided to come to the United States, his friends tried to deter him by putting him forward for representative of his county, but he declined the honor, and would let nothing turn him aside from his chosen course. He was a man of some means, and used his money liberally in assisting those who accompanied him on the trip. After he was established in Jefferson County, many of his countrymen came to enjoy the opportunities America offers for acquiring wealth, and all found a friend and ready helper in Mr. CASSEL. Both he and his wife were members of the Swedish Lutheran Church, but after coming to America, where one is free to worship in any manner they desire, they united with the Methodist Church, and he became an ordained minister of that denomination. His many acts of kindness, his deeds of charity, his words of encouragement and ready assistance to those in need of a friend, won him the confidence and love of the entire community, who deeply mourned his loss when his life on earth was ended. He was called to his final rest March 4, 1857. His wife long survived him, dying on the 3d of May, 1877.

The family of this worthy couple numbered seven children. Five were born in Sweden, and after they found a home in Iowa the circle was increased by the birth of another son and daughter. Charles J., the eldest, is a farmer of Boone County, Iowa; Andrew F. is the next younger; Matilda is the wife of Frank O. DANIELSON, of this county; Catherine died at the age of nine years; Gustave died in Helena, Ark., in 1862, at the age of twenty-four years, while defending the flag of his adopted country; Edward died at the age of twenty-five years; and Carrie, the youngest of the seven, is now the wife of Axel JACOBSON, who resides near Creston, Iowa.

Andrew F. CASSEL, a worthy representative of this illustrious family, was born in Kisa County, Sweden, on the 3d of December, 1831. He received his early education in his native land, and attended school for a short time in this country, but has acquired the greater part of his knowledge by intercourse with his fellow-men, especially in his business relations. At the age of twenty-five years he began life for himself, and shortly afterward, on the 13th of November, 1857, he married Louisa PETERSON, a native of Hyklinge County, Sweden, born August 19, 1835. When twelve years of age she accompanied her parents, Andrew and Christina PETERSON, to the United States, and the family chose as a location Jefferson County, Iowa. Six children have been born of their union -- Ella, at home; John W., who is employed in a mercantile house of Kearney, Neb.; Simon P., now located in Denver, Colo.; Andrew E., Clara S. and Esther A.

Having attained his majority prior to the election of 1856, Mr. CASSEL deposited his first ballot for John C. Fremont, and at each succeeding election has supported the Republican party. His fellow-citizens appreciating his worth and ability, have frequently called upon him to serve in official positions, where he has displayed his uprightness and honesty by his faithful discharge of every duty devolving upon him. In connection with all the minor offices he was for nine years Assessor of his township, for many years was Township Trustee, for some twelve years has held the office of Notary Public, for four years has been Bridge Commissioner, and during the past six years has been a member of the County Board of Supervisors. His farm, comprising one hundred and twenty-seven acres of well-improved lands, yields to him a good income, and in connection with its cultivation he raises high grades of stock. In 1884 Mr. CASSEL was sent as a lay delegate to the Methodist Conference convened at Philadelphia, Pa., representing the entire Swedish Church. His acquaintance extends all over Jefferson County, and few are better, while none are more favorably known. He has many friends, but his enemies are indeed limited, for his course has ever been such as to win the confidence and esteem of all with whom business or pleasure have brought him in contact.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.