RAKOW. ALBERT H.

RAKOW, FRITZ, MISSEL

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 9/25/2003 at 12:59:19

Biography reproduced from page 585 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

One of the most attractive and prosperous farms in Buffalo township is that of Albert H. Rakow, who holds title to a hundred and sixty acres of section 35, where he has been engaging in general agricultural pursuits, stock-raising and dairying for nineteen years. He is one of the enterprising and thrifty citizens Germany has furnished Kossuth county, his birth having occurred on the 5th of June, 1853. There he was reared to manhood and was given the advantages of a thorough, practical education in his native language, but his knowledge of English has been acquired since he came to America.

The son of an agriculturist, Albert H. Rakow was reared on a farm and early became familiar with the various processes employed in tilling the soil. After leaving school he gave his undivided attention to this occupation, being associated with his father until 1884, when with his wife and family he embarked at Hamburg for the United States. They landed at New York, coming direct from there to Iowa, their destination being Hamilton county. Upon his arrival there Mr. Rakow rented some land and began farming for himself. He applied himself to his work with the perseverance and unremitting energy that ever characterizes the man of determined purpose, and while he met with many discouragements and obstacles in his early years success ultimately came to him. By reason of thrift and capable management he gradually accumulated sufficient capital to invest in property, and in 1893 he came to Kossuth county and purchased the place where he now resides. His holding was unimproved and while he erected the buildings necessary for habitation and engaged in making the various other preparations preliminary to beginning operations, he resided on and cultivated his rented farm. The next year he removed to his homestead, and here he has ever since continued agricultural pursuits. The first residence he erected was destroyed by a tornado in 1894, at which time one of his sons was killed. In the autumn of the same year he erected his present house, a comfortable and substantially constructed building. Mr. Rakow takes great pride in keeping up his place, which is provided with ample barns and sheds for the protection of stock and grain, while his equipment comprises everything essential to the modern agriculturist. The house is surrounded by a well kept lawn on which has been planted a variety of evergreen trees, ornamental shrubs and plants, making it one of the most attractive places in the township. Since locating here he has planted a large grove of pine, evergreen, elm and maple trees and an orchard in which is represented practically every variety of fruit grown in this section. Mr. Rakow is a practical man of progressive methods, as is manifested by the appearance of his farm, which evidences close supervision and careful regard for details, indicative of competent management. His fields annually yield abundant harvests, and he is meeting with equal success in stock-raising and dairying. He takes an active interest in all local enterprises and was one of the promoters of the Titonka Cooperative Creamery Association, and also owns stock in a company operating a threshing outfit.

In Germany in 1881, Mr. Rakow was united in marriage to Miss Ottillie Fritz, a native of the fatherland, and to them were born four children, two of whom are living. Anna, who was born in Germany, became the wife of Adolph Missel of Buffalo township, by whom she has had one son, Albert. Frank is living at home with his father, whom he assists in the cultivation of the farm. In August, 1907, the family was called upon to mourn the loss of the wife and mother, who was a most estimable woman.

Mr. Rakow is one of the trustees of the German Lutheran church, of which his wife was also a member. He enjoys full rights of citizenship, giving his political indorsement to the republican party. Possessing those qualities which characterize the leaders of every community, Mr. Rakow has several times been called to public office by his fellow townsmen, discharging the duties of his position in a highly creditable manner. He began his official career as a member of the school board and during the intervening years has served the township in various capacities, having long been a member of the board of trustees. He enjoys the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and fellow citizens, as in both the public and private relations he has conducted himself in a manner which entitles him to the respect of those with whom he has dealings.