NIERLING, WILLIAM F.

NIERLING, BUCK, TILLMONEY, KERNDT, STUART

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 12/8/2003 at 14:10:00

Biography reproduced from page 247 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

William F. Nierling, one of the popular business men and best known citizens of Algona, sold on January 1, 1912, the Algona Bottling Works, of which he had for over six years been the proprietor. He has other manufacturing interests and is comfortably installed in his own beautiful and well appointed home.

Mr. Nierling was born July 25, 1873, in Allamakee county, Iowa. His parents, Anton and Mary (Buck) Nierling, both of whom were born in Germany, left the fatherland about 1853 to seek their fortunes in the new world. They at first settled in Galena, Illinois, but later determined to press farther west and take advantage of the greater opportunities which seemed to be held out to them there, arriving in due time in Allamakee county, Iowa. Anton Nierling successfully followed agricultural pursuits near Lansing and, being a prominent citizen of his community, he was at different times elected to several township offices, in the conduct of which he was entirely efficient, thus giving complete satisfaction to his constituents. In Allamakee county he resided until 1888, when his death occurred. He was survived by his wife, who died in 1903. Anton and Mary (Buck) Nierling were the parents of ten children, as follows: J. J., who is a resident of Jamestown, North Dakota; Mrs. N. Tillmoney, living in Ledyard, Iowa; Mrs. P. H. Tillmoney, who makes her home in Wells, Minnesota; Carrie M., of Ledyard, Iowa; Mrs. W. H. Kerndt, of Allamakee county; Charles P., who resides on the old homestead; H. G. of Jamestown, North Dakota; A. T., living in Waukon, Iowa; William F., of this review; and one who died in infancy.

William F. Nierling was principally educated in the public schools of Allamakee county, though he later attended a commercial college. His entry into business life was as deputy county treasurer of Allamakee county, Iowa, a position which he held with distinction for two and a half years. He was then made cashier of the Waterville Savings Bank at Waterville, Iowa, and filled that position with honor to himself and satisfaction to the directorate for two years. In 1905 he purchased the Algona Bottling Works and took up his residence in Algona, where he has since been in active business. After owning and conducting the bottling works for six years and five months to a day, he sold the plant January 1, 1912, and on the first of the following August embarked in the hardware business as a member of the firm of Nierling & Skinner. He is also a stockholder in the Algona Manufacturing Company.

In 1905 Mr. Nierling was married to Miss Fannie Stuart, who was born in Britt, Iowa. By this union have been born two children, Vera Grace and Donald Ellwood, both at home. The political party which claims Mr. Nierling’s influence and support is the republican, and both he and his wife are members of the Congregational church. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter, and he is the present master of the lodge, in which he has occupied all of its offices. He is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America, while Mrs. Nierling is active in the Eastern Star, having filled all of its official chairs. Although having been a citizen of Algona for a comparatively short time, Mr. Nierling has acquired a well earned popularity in business and social circles. Possessing sterling integrity, keen business insight and commendable social qualities, he is a valued citizen and is glad to contribute his mite toward the upbuilding of Algona and the county.