CRILE, Julius - 1912 Bio (1846-1941)

CRILE, KULL, HANKAMMER, HOLBISER, DIERS, POWELL, SMITH

Posted By: Debbie Nash - Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/12/2005 at 21:52:17

“History of Jefferson County, Iowa” – 1912, Volume II
Pages 419-421

JULIUS CRILE

“Julius CRILE, well known in agricultural and financial circles of Jefferson county, is today one of the most extensive landowners in this part of the state, his possessions aggregating ten hundred and sixty acres, most of which lies in Walnut and Lockridge townships, Jefferson county. It was in the former township that his birth occurred in July, 1846, his parents being John P. and Gottlieben (KULL) CRILE, both of whom were natives of Germany. On coming to America the father located in Marion county, Ohio, where he lived for eight or nine years, and in 1836 he arrived in Jefferson county, Iowa, settling in Walnut township, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of government land. Later he secured another claim of forty acres and with determined purpose began clearing the land and turning the first furrows in the field. The work of further development and improvement was continued by him throughout the remainder of his days but death claimed him when this was still a frontier district. He passed away in 1848 (sic - 1853) and his wife survived him many years, her death occurring in 1906 (sic - 1900).

Julius CRILE was reared and educated in Walnut township and always remained with his mother. He was but two years of age when his father died and when twenty-two years of age he began farming on his own account, joining his brother in the purchase of the old homestead property of two hundred acres. They farmed this in partnership for six years, at the end of which Julius CRILE sold his interest to his brother and invested in one hundred and ninety-four acres, since which time he has carried on farming independently. With resolute purpose he began the task of developing his property and that he has prospered is indicated in the fact that from time to time he has added to his holdings until he now has in his possession ten hundred and sixty acres of valuable land, of which one hundred and forty acres lies in Henry count, while the remainder is situated in Walnut and Lockridge township, Jefferson county. Whatever he has undertaken he has carried forward to successful completion and that his methods are practical and progressive is manifest in the excellent appearance of his place, with its well tilled fields, its substantial buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and a pleasant and commodious residence. He raises about sixty head of hogs each year and keeps eleven head of cows and twenty-two head of horses. He also deals largely in horses and is well known as a breeder, having four Percheron stallions and one Shire. He is likewise a stockholder in the Pleasant Plain Savings Bank and in the State Bank of Brighton and has become widely known in financial circles.

In August, 1871, Mr. CRILE was united in marriage to Miss Minnie HANKAMMER, a daughter of John and Mary (HOLBISER) HANKAMMER, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to the United States in 1883, settling in Keokuk county, Iowa, where he purchased and improved a farm, continuing in its operation until about a year prior to his death. His last year was spent in the home of Mr. and Mrs. CRILE and here he passed away in 1893. His wife died in 1889. Mr. and Mrs. CRILE have become the parents of eight children: Emma, now the wife of George DIERS; George, who died in 1905; Lizzie, the wife of Frank DIERS; Ida, the wife of Dave POWELL; John; Ben; Clara, the wife of Earl SMITH, who is operating a farm in partnership with her father; and Minnie, at home. After an illness covering two years the wife and mother passed away in 1898 and her death was the occasion of deep regret to many friends as well as her immediate family.

Mr. CRILE exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. His record is notable by reason of the success he has achieved and the honorable, straightforward business policy which he has ever followed. He has never sought to take advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any trade transaction but through industry and wise investment has won the prosperity that places him now among the most extensive landowners of Jefferson county.

I am copying this for genealogical purposes and am not related to said individuals.