Ferdinand Kessler

KESSLER, FUNDINGER

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 2/17/2007 at 21:10:18

Ferdinard Kessler, One of the best situated and most productive farms in St. Clair Township is that of Mr. Kessler, who, in 1882 entered on Section 22 the land which now forms his farm, and which was then some one hundred and twenty acres in extent. Since then, when it was in nowise different from the prairies around it, he has, by diligent, persevering and intelligent effort, transformed it from a grassy wilderness into a model of productiveness, utilizing every part and making it of use. He has now a farm of some two hundred acres, a neat, handsome and commodious residence and good barn, and ranks with the well-to-do farmers of the community.
On the soil of the German Empire, at Reggenbeuren, in the Kingdom of Baden, Mr. Kessler was born, January 28, 1849, and was reared in the home of his parents, Mattaus and Theresa I. Kessler. As is customary in that land, he received an excellent education in his native tongue, and there made his home until April 26, 1874, learning early in life the blacksmith’s trade. On the date above given he sought in a freer land, and among more liberal institutions, the chance for wealth and social position denied him in the land of his birth, and crossed the ocean to America, settling at Kingston, N.Y. He followed the blacksmith’s trade there for a few months, and thence removed to St Joseph, Berrien County, Mich., where he spent some two years. After another year passed in Muskegon, the same State, he went to the Black Hills, Dak., but being run out by the Indians, went to Cheyenne, Wyo., and from there to Denver, Colo. After a short time spent in the later city, being entirely out of money, he was compelled to cross the plains on foot, walking from the mountains to Shelby County, Iowa, and in the latter village was employed for a short time as a journeyman blacksmith. Entering into partnership with his employer, he carried on the business, and finally bought out the latter and remained there until 1882, when, selling the business, he came to Monona County, where he has since resided.
Mr. Kessler, January 22, 1876, at Muskegon, Mich., was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Fundinger, a native of Penkingen, Baden, Germany. Unto them has been born a family of nine children, as follows: Louisie Amalie, born October 1, 1876: Franz Joseph, September 12, 1878: Friderik Wilhelm, who was born February 10, 1880, and died August 17, 1880: Mary Theresia, born February 25, 1881: Ferdinard Leo, August 1, 1882: Henry Wilhelm, September 6, 1884: Anna Katharina, March 18, 1886: Sovia Karlina, October 15, 1887: and John Anthon, July 11, 1889.

Source: History of Monona County Iowa
Chicago National Pub Co 1890