KOESTLER, GEORGE

KOESTLER, JORGE

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 2/1/2004 at 15:25:15

Biography reproduced from page 692 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

Four hundred acres of highly improved and intelligently cultivated land operated along lines of scientific agriculture constitute the Des Moines River Stock Farm and forms the contribution which George Koestler has given to the expansion and development of Portland township, Kossuth county, Iowa. Mr. Koestler’s holdings are located three and a half miles beyond Burt, and his enterprise is one of the model and up-to-date farms in the district. Mr. Koestler was born in Bavaria, Germany, on July 15, 1866, and remained in his native country until he was fifteen years of age. His education, which was begun in the fatherland, was continued in the public schools of Jefferson county, Wisconsin, which was his original location in the new world. In 1882 he went to work as a monthly laborer upon a farm and continued agriculture in this capacity for eight years. At the end of that time he was able to rent a tract of land in Rock county, Wisconsin, and here he began his independent agricultural life. He married in 1892 and lived with his wife upon rented land until he purchased one hundred and sixty acres, constituting the farm upon which he now resides, and began its cultivation and improvement. Subsequently he purchased more land and has been adding to this property from time to time until he is now in active operation of four hundred acres of productive and improved soil. He has kept up a continuous policy of expansion and improvement, has divided his acres into convenient fields by fences and has tiled his property to insure good drainage. His four hundred acre property is enclosed by a woven wire fence and a commodious and thoroughly modern dwelling. He has planted a large portion of his farm to fine forest trees and orchards, and carries on his agriculture along the most improved lines of development. His fences divide his property into two separate farms, each of which is equipped with separate machinery and outbuildings, and each is run entirely independently. He has made a business in late years of the raising and feeding of stock and now has a fine herd of high-grade cattle and many hogs and horses. He has become known throughout Kossuth county as an expert judge of stock and his activities in this line constitute an important source of his income. Although he is an expert agriculturist Mr. Koestler does not make this his only branch of occupation. He is interested in many business concerns in the town of Burt and as one of the promoters and an extensive stockholder in the local creamery company has aided in the growing prosperity of that enterprise. He is also stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company and has done constructive work in promoting its growth.

On February 24, 1892, Mr. Koestler was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Jorge, who was born in Iowa but who traces her ancestry to Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Koestler are the parents of eight children: Eva B., who is teaching in the public schools of Kossuth county; Ada; Edna; Eleanor; Theckla; Lydia; Bertha; and George C. Mr. Koestler affiliates with the German Lutheran church and is treasurer of the official board of that organization. His home is one of the most modern in the county, with hot and cold water in all the bedrooms. It is lighted with acetylene gas and equipped with every convenience for household comfort. He and his wife are well known in social circles of Kossuth county, where their genuine hospitality has won for them many friends.

In his political affiliations Mr. Koestler is a consistent republican and is always ready to serve his fellow citizens when called upon to do so. He was elected township trustee and after serving for one term with ability and efficiency was reelected and is now holding office. Interested in the cause of education he has served on the local school board for a number of years. He has been sent as a delegate to numerous county conventions and has gained a reputation throughout Kossuth county as a broad-minded and intelligent public official. As a resident of Kossuth county for twenty years he has witnessed the growth and development of this section and has seen the city of Burt grow from a little cross-road village into a flourishing community and by his labors along agricultural lines has been one of the influential forces in the material and educational upbuilding. He is one of the prominent men of his section and his influence is always constructive. He is imbued with a natural industry and business judgment of a high order and these qualities, dominating his activities, have promoted and hastened his success.