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KURTZ, Joseph J. - 1912 Bio (1860-1930)

KURTZ, WEYER, ARNDT, KIPP

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 9/19/2007 at 21:34:42

History of Jefferson County, Iowa -- A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress and Achievement, Vol II, Published 1912, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 396-398

Joseph J. KURTZ.

That Jefferson county is an attractive place of residence, that it offers many opportunities and advantages to its citizens, and that its social and intellectual conditions are pleasing and helpful is indicated by the fact that many of its native sons ever remained within its borders. Among this number is Joseph J. KURTZ. He was born July 5, 1860, in Walnut township, where he still makes his home, being now one of its progressive agriculturists. His parents were John and Caroline (WEYER) KURTZ, natives of Germany and Mississippi, respectively. The father came to this country with his parents when only six months old, the family settling in Michigan whence a removal was afterward made to Illinois. There the grandfather engaged in farming for some time and in 1855 the family home was established in Jefferson county, Iowa, where land was purchased and the work of improving and developing a farm in Walnut township was begun. During this time John KURTZ was engaged in railroading and followed that occupation for about nine years, but at the time of his parent's death he came to Jefferson county, purchasing the interest of the other heirs in the old homestead property, and set about clearing and improving the place. He continued to develop and cultivate it until his death, which occurred in May, 1890. For two years he had survived his wife who died in June, 1887. During the long period of his connection with the agricultural interests of this section he was known as a worthy and respected citizen and one who at all times commanded the high regard of those with whom he was brought in contact.

Joseph J. KURTZ was reared on the old homestead and acquired his education in the district schools, remaining with his parents until he had attained his majority. During that time he became familiar with all of the duties and labors incident to farm work and when he started out in life on his own account rented a farm which he continued to cultivate for eight years. On the expiration of that period he invested his earnings in eighty acres of land in Walnut township and at once began the task of further improving this and additing to it all of the equipment and accessories of a model farm. As he has prospered in his undertakings he has increased his holdings until his possessions now aggregate three hundred and sixty acres of finely improved land which he continues to cultivate, the well tilled fields yeilding to him golden harvests. In all of his work he has been very successful and in addition to the raising of cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also makes a specialty of stock-raising, keeping about one hundred and fifty head of hogs per year, also sixty head of cattle, twenty head of horses and seventy-five head of sheep. His live-stock interests constitute an important feature of his business and add materially to his income. In addition to other interests he is also a stockholder in the East Pleasant Plain Mutual Telephone Company.

In August, 1885, Mr. KURTZ was united in marriage to Miss Mary ARNDT, a daughter of Ferdinand and Mary (KIPP) ARNDT, who were natives of Germany, in which country Mrs. KURTZ was born in October, 1863. Her parents died in their native land, after which she came to the United States when eighteen years of age. Her girlhood days had been spent upon her father's farm and like most German housewives her mother carefully trained her in the work of the household. The death of Mrs. ARNDT occurred in 1872 and Mr. ARNDT passed away in 1896, having never left their native country.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. KURTZ have been born eight children: Hubert P.; Clara L., who died in March, 1890; Carolina C., William J., Bertha F., Theodore P., Dora G. and Bernard G., all of whom are yet at home. The family are communicants of the Catholic church and Mr. KURTZ is a democrat in his political views. He has served as school director of his district but has never aspired to public office. The work of his farm makes heavy demands upon his time and, recognizing the fact that industry is the basis of all honorable success, he works persistently and energetically to gain that prosperity which is the merited reward of labor. He is well known in this county and many of the comrades of his boyhood remain the friends of his manhood -- a fact which is indicative of a well spent life.

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


 

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