Krahling, Conrad

KRAHLING, ENGEL, WENDEL

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/22/2006 at 16:36:45

KRAHLING, CONRAD

Conrad Krahling, a noted stock raiser and general farmer of Lyon county, whose home is on section 15, Dale township, enjoys a well earned popularity among his own townsmen, which is shown in one thing by his election as a member of the board of supervisors for the county, a position in which he has manifested those same business characteristics and habits that have brought him success in his own affairs. He was born in Hesse, Germany, April 4, 1846, a son of Daniel and Gertrude (Krahling) Krahling, both of whom were Hessian born and bred. The father, who was a life-long farmer, died in his native land at the age of seventy-two years, where the mother passed away when she was sixty-nine. They were the parents of three sons and two daughters. The girls are both dead, but the boys have all found homes in Iowa. Peter is a farmer in Dale township, Lyon county; John, a retired farmer, has his home in Cedar Rapids, and Conrad, whose name introduces this article.

Conrad Krahling received the equivalent of our common school education while remaining under the old German roof, and then worked out by the month until he reached the age of eighteen years. In 1865 he came to the United States in company with an uncle, making the ocean voyage in a sailing vessel that required ten weeks for the trip. The uncle paid Conrad's fare, which was paid back as soon as the money was earned. They landed in Baltimore, and the young Krahling went to Washington, D.C., where for two years he was employed in a bakery. After the expiration of this period, he came west, stopping at Iowa City, Iowa, with the expectation of meeting a brother there, in which he was disappointed, and presently found himself out of money. From Iowa City he made his way into Benton county, where he remained until 1885. That year he settled in Lyon county, on the farm where he is found at the present time, and where he has reaped a large reward for his strenuous life and earnest endeavor. While in Benton county he worked out for six years, and then engaged in farming on his own account for several years. At the present time he owns a magnificent estate of four hundred and eighty acres, well improved, and provided with every requisite for advanced and up-to-date agriculture.

Mr. Krahling was married December 28, 1873, to Miss Christina Engel, daughter of George and Emma Engel, both of whom were German born and bred. Her parents were always farming people. They came to this country in 1854, settling in Benton county, Iowa, where they passed their remaining years in peace and comfort. Her father died in 1870, and her mother the following year. Their eight children, of whom Mrs. Krahling is the fifth in order of birth, are all living. To this union of Mr. Krahling and Miss Engel were born the following family: John W., now a farmer in Dale township; Annie E., the wife of Henry Wendel and a resident of Benton county; Louisa, the wife of Gustave Wendel, also of Benton county; Adam, a farmer in Grant township, Lyon county; Conrad, Jr., at home; August, deceased; Christina, Henry, Minnie, William and George, still at home under the parental eye and care.

The Krahling family are associated with the Lutheran church, in which they are much esteemed for their high character and Christian spirit. In politics he is a Democrat, and has served on the town board one term. At present, as already noted, he is a member of the county board.

Mr. Krahling makes a specialty of Hereford cattle, of which he owns one of the finest herds to be found in the county.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.; Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner, Darlene Jacoby and Diane Johnson