Kaiser, Nicholas B. 1833-1914

KAISER, KNEWELL, HANSEN, NEMMERS, BAACK, LEWIS

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 8/6/2019 at 12:45:52

WAS PIONEER SHOEMAN
N. B. KAISER CAME HERE AT AN EARLY DATE
ONE OF THE EARLY SETTLERS
At One Time Owned Land in Plymouth and Sioux Counties and Erected One of the First Brick Stores in This City.

N. B. Kaiser, of Struble, died at his home in that town on Friday, shortly after midnight. Mr. Kaiser was one of the earliest settlers in Plymouth county, and was one of the first residents of Struble. He had been in rather poor health the past few months, although able to be about town and attend church on Sundays. About ten days ago he was taken seriously ill and was confined to his bed under the care and attention of a physician and trained nurse. The recent hot weather militated against his recovery as he had not experienced a well day in the past two weeks. His family were at the bedside when he passed peacefully away, and loving hands and hearts ministered faithfully to him in his closing days of life.

Nicholas B. Kaiser was born in the city of Luxemburg, Europe, on August 15th, 1833, and was a son of Laurens and Anna Kaiser, natives of the same city, and his grandfather had the honor of being mayor of the city of Luxemburg. When a lad of fourteen, Nicholas was apprenticed to a shoemaker, and thoroughly learned his trade, in which he had no masters and few equals. He came to America in 1853, and shortly after he opened a shoe store in St. Donatus, Jackson county, Iowa. He was in business there until 1875, when he came to LeMars and opened up a shoe business. He occupied quarters in a brick block when he built where the Burg store now stands on Main street. He had previously purchased land in Plymouth and Sioux counties and for many years owned the Lieb farm directly north of town, the Kaiser farm being one of the best known places in the county.

He was one of the first residents in Struble, going there shortly after the Great Northern Railroad was built and the town platted. For many years he had retired from business and made his home with his children. He was twice married, his first wife being Miss Anna Knewell, to whom he was married in Jackson county in 1857. To this union were born three children, who are: Mrs. Nic Hansen, Mrs. Peter Nemmers, of LeMars, and Miss Kate Kaiser, of Struble.

The children by the second marriage are Mrs. Wm. Baack, Mrs. Lillian Lewis, Peter J. Kaiser, of Struble vicinity, and Miss Tena Kaiser, who is in a convent at Reading, Pa. A son, John P. Kaiser, died a few years ago in Struble. His wife preceded him in death about sixteen years ago.

Mr. Kaiser came of a long-lived family. His father died in LeMars in 1885 at the advanced age of ninety-eight years. Mr. Kaiser soon after his second marriage came with the first colony of Luxembourger’s to Plymouth county. They were among the first active tillers of the soil and helped to make this county what it is now, one of the best in the state. Mr. Kaiser had at one time a fine business and several pieces of land, but met with financial reverses and was compelled to dispose of much of his property at a sacrifice. Nearly everyone called him “Nick,” and he had many friends up and down the northwest country. He was a whole-souled and generous man, big-hearted, and would share his last dollar with a friend. He was a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and to him the local church is indebted for many acts of benevolence, and he collected and subscribed money to secure many beautiful things for the interior of the house of worship.

His passing marks the removal of another one of the old settlers, and there are many who will regret to hear of his death, and who will pay a tribute to his memory.

The funeral was held yesterday at St. Joseph’s church in Struble, Rev. Father Fisch officiating, and the remains were brought to LeMars and interred beside those of his wife in the St. Joseph’s cemetery.

Father Fisch was assisted in the celebration of the requiem mass by Rev. Father Dries, of Hospers, and Rev. Father McNally, of Sibley, both former pastors at Struble. Father McNally preached the funeral sermon and paid a fitting tribute to the deceased. The pallbearers were old friends of the departed, and were Frank Ruhland, H. A. Ahlers, Jos. Kamp, Al Brandt, W. H. Deegan and John Rodenbour.
Source: The LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, Tuesday, June 23, 1914
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Nicholas Kaiser, of Struble, 81 years old, passed away Friday last. The funeral was held Monday in LeMars and was attended by Mr. and Mrs. Math Herrig and Mrs. and Mrs. A. Huss from here.
Source: The Alton Democrat, Alton, IA – June 27, 1914
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