Baustian, George

BAUSTIAN, SCHMIDT, EISELE

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 11/29/2012 at 07:21:39

The business and agricultural interests of Poweshiek county find a worthy representative in George Baustian, whose farm is one of the attractive features of the landscape in Sheridan township. He is a native of Henry county, Illinois, where he was born in 1862, a son of George and Elizabeth (Schmidt) Baustian. The father was born in Pashinn, Germany, October 11, 1830. He came to America and took up his residence in Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He was married in 1858 to Elizabeth Schmidt, and later they removed to Henry county, Illinois. He began his business career by working out by the day and after a few years rented land, coming with his family in 1866 to Jasper county, Iowa, where he farmed for five years near Kellogg. In 1871 he arrived in Poweshiek county and settled in Chester township. He died in Sheridan township, however, in 1907.

George Baustian assisted his father in farm work as a boy, attending the district schools in the winter. Later he began farming on his own account and, in 1893, he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 25, Sheridan township, which is now his home place. It is one of the highly improved farms of the township and the well cultivated fields and substantial buildings and fences indicate that he gives to his work his best thought. He raises and feeds stock upon extensive scale. He is also the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of land near Fillmore, Canada, and six hundred and ninety-two acres in Faulk county, South Dakota. Aside from his agricultural and stock-raising interests he is a member of the board of directors of the Malcom Savings Bank, the Malcom Telephone Company, and also of the Malcom Agricultural Society.

In 1887 Mr. Baustian was united in marriage to Miss Phillippina Eisele, a daughter of Andrew and Phillippina (Wentzel) Eisele, who at the time of their daughter's marriage were living on a farm three miles northwest of Malcom. The father of Mrs. Baustian was born in Germany, emigrating to this country, and making his home in Poweshiek county from 1868 until the time of his death. The mother was born in Baden, Germany, February 10, 1833. She came to America in 1855 and made her home in Philadelphia. In her latter years she lived with the subject of this review and was called from early scenes March 24, 1906. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Baustian: Elmer, who was born May 24, 1889; Stella, born December 12, 1892; and Ben, born May 13, 1894.

Mr. Baustian is identified with the Odd Fellows lodge and encampment and the Rebekahs at Malcom, and his wife and daughter are also members of the Rebekahs. The son Elmer, who has reached his majority, holds membership in the Odd Fellows lodge and encampment and the Rebekahs at Malcom, and also in the lodge of the Woodmen of the World at Sheridan. The daughter, Stella, belongs to the Royal Neighbors at Sheridan. Mr. Baustian gives his support to the republican party and is now serving as school director of District No. 7, Sheridan township, having also filled the office of township trustee for seven years. He has been unusually successful in business and during his residence in Sheridan township has been closely identified with its development. His prosperity is due to his application, good judgment and perseverance and today he enjoys the fruits of his well directed endeavors.

History of Poweshiek County Iowa
- A Record of Settlement, Organizations, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II
written by Prof. L. F. Parker.
Published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., in 1911
Pages 597-596