Charles F. Allgeyer

ALLGEYER, CRUMBY, ROGAN, SELTZ, WILHELM

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 6/28/2006 at 19:58:58

Charles F. Allgeyer, a retired farmer of Winterset, Iowa, is connected with financial affairs there as a bank director. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio, September 26, 1850, the second of five children, whose parents were Charles and Frances (Seltz) Allgeyer, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany, the former born in 1821. Charles Allgeyer learned cabinetmaking in his youth and followed that trade in his native land until he came to the United States in 1849. He settled in Mansfield, Ohio, and did some cabinetmaking, but also worked upon the railroad, being boss of a gang of men. After living there for eight years he removed to Mercer county, Illinois, purchased land and began farming. In 1867 he came to Madison county, Iowa, moving his family and household effects in two wagons. He paid ten dollars an acre for his farm, which was yet largely unbroken. As there was no house upon the place, the family lived in the wagons until lumber could be hauled from Des Moines and a residence erected. He owned two hundred acres of land, which he brought to a high state of cultivation, and successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising. Both he and his wife passed away upon the farm. He was a devout communicant of the Catholic church and contributed liberally to the support of that organization. He was without political aspirations, but served as a member of the school board in his district in Douglas township.

Charles F. Allgeyer remained at home for some time after completing his education in the district schools, but when twenty-six years of age he was married, and buying a farm near his father's place, began the cultivation of his land. He continued to follow agricultural pursuits for many years, specializing in the feeding and shipping of cattle and hogs. His well directed energy and his knowledge of his business secured him financial prosperity and in 1909 he retired from active life and is now living in Winterset. He owns six hundred and two acres of land in Douglas township and derives a handsome income from his property. He is a stockholder and director of the First National Bank of Winterset and his business judgment is highly respected.

In 1876 Mr. Allgeyer was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Rogan, who was born in Creetown, Scotland, and who was brought to this county by her parents when an infant of nine months. Her father, James Rogan, was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1813 and is still living in Douglas township at the remarkable old age of one hundred and two years. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Crumby, was born in Creetown, Scotland, in 1818 and died at the age of seventy-six years in 1894. In June, 1853, Mr. Rogan took up his residence in Joliet, Illinois, where he resided until August, 1859. He then came to Douglas township, this county, and although he was a stonecutter by trade engaged in agricultural pursuits, becoming the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land. He still worked at his trade occasionally after coining to this county. He is a democrat and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church. To him and his wife were born five children, of whom Mrs. Allgeyer is the third in order of birth. The record of the five children born to her marriage is as follows: Minnie Maud, who is the wife of Thomas F. Wilhelm, a druggist of Winterset, Iowa, has a daughter, Helen, attending school. Charles Otis, born in 1879, is operating his father's farm and is dealing in stock. He is married and has a daughter, Frances Ella. Vergie is at home. James Lloyd and Joseph William are both upon their father's farm.

Mr. Allgeyer is a democrat and has done much efficient work in the party ranks. He has been township trustee and has also served as school director. His religious allegiance is given to the Catholic church, of which he is a devout communicant. He has contributed much toward the development of agricultural interests in his county and the individual prosperity that he enjoys is his just reward.

Information taken from the book, “The History of Madison County, Iowa, 1915,” by Herman Mueller.