Horst, Claus

HORST

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 10/22/2008 at 16:15:08

Claus Horst

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.214, Pleasant Twp.)
Claus Horst, farmer, P. O. Avoca, was born in Holstein, Germany, March 20, 1830, son of Ehler and Anna (Stauben) Horst, natives also of Holstein, Germany; he, born in 1802, was a wood-carver, and died June 6, 1874, in Pleasant Township; she, born in 1801, and died in her native province in September, 1856. They were the parents of seven children - five sons and two daughters. Our subject received his education in his native country, and carpentering was his first occupation. he was married, April 14, 1858, in Holstein, Germany, to Lena Alpen, born in that province April 19, 1826, daughter of Marx and Katharina Alpen, natives of Holstein, Germany; he, born in 1790; she, in 1794. Our subject worked at carpentering until 1863, when he turned his attention to farming. He was in the Danish Army for over two years; was a soldier in 1850, and took part in the battle of Idstadt and other engagements. He came to the United States in 1863, and lived ten years in Scott County, this State. He came to Pleasant Township in 1874 and purchased 160 acres of wild land at $8 per acre. He set out tow and one-half acres in shade trees, one acre in an orchard, and other wise improved the place. In 1875, he bought forty acres at $11 per acre, and in the following year sixty-seven acres at $9 per acre. He now has 267 acres of well-improved land. He erected a large house in 1881. He has four children - Ehler, born May 2, 1859; Marcus, born June 22, 1860; Henry, born December 25, 1864; and Lena, born May 26, 1865. Our subject has filled several township offices, including School Director and Road Supervisor. In religion he is a Lutheran, and politics a Republican.