Bergman, A. C.

BERGMAN

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 10/20/2008 at 13:46:58

A. C. Bergman

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.208, Pleasant Twp.)
A. C. Bergman, farmer, P. O. Avoca, was born in Wehrden, in Prussia, Germany, August 24, 1833, and received his German education in his native town, but in the English language he has educated himself. He is a son of Henry and Carlina (Hesse) Bergman, natives of Wehrden, Prussia, Germany, who had a fmily of five sons and two daughters. Henry Bergman was born February 4, 1794; his wife, who was born in June, 1799, died April 9, 1869; they both died in their native place. In May, 1855, Mr. Bergman came to the United States, landing at New Orleans, La., and thence proceeded to St. Louis, Mo., where he remained three months; then went to Knox County, Ill., where he engaged in farming. He remained in Illinois for seventeen years, traveling, however, in 1865-66 in Minnesota and Missouri, and in 1870 in Kansas, looking for a suitable place to locate. In 1871, he came to Pleasant Township and bought eighty-three acres of land at $9 per acre, improved it, and built on the place a house and other buildings. In 1872, he bought forty acres at $9 per acre, which he improved. He set out 2,000 shade trees - maples, box-elders, black walnut and Lombard poplars - and also many fruit trees, and in 1881 built a large one and a half story frame dwelling-house, 18 x 28 and 14 x 22 feet with two porches. This is one of the finest residences in this township. At La Fayette, Stark County, Ill., December 27, 1859, he married Katy Johnson, a native of Sweden, born August 22, 1841, daughter of Peter and Catharine (Olson) Johnson, natives of Sweden; he, born March 11, 1800; she, born July 15, 1798. By this union they have one son, Edgar Augustus, born February 11, 1862. They have also an adopted daughter, Lizzie Clark, born in Jasper County, Iowa, born April 14, 1868. Mr. Bergman has held the office of Township School Director and President of the Board; was Township Trustee two years; has been Justice of the Peace five years, and still holds that office, and is a leader in township affairs. He is a member of the Catholic Church; is an A., F. & A. M.; in politics, a Republican.