Kelm, Frank

KELM, POHL, POLESKE, RIX, EVOLDT, BINGHAM

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 12/2/2012 at 14:56:38

A large percentage of the citizenship of Iowa are either of German birth or parentage, and among those who claim the fatherland as the place of their nativity is numbered Frank Kelm. He was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 5th of February, 1847, a son of Gottlieb and Elizabeth (Pohl) Kelm, whose entire lives were spent on a farm in that country. In their family were five children, as follows: William, operating the home place in Germany; Henrietta, who passed away in the fatherland; August; Frederick; and Frank, of this review.
Frank Kelm spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his native county and there resided until he was about twenty-four years of age, when the reports which he heard concerning the opportunities offered in the new world proved irresistible and he determined to seek his fortune on this side of the Atlantic. Accordinly, in 1871, he made the long trip to the United States. On the 17th of July he arrived in Poweshiek county, Iowa. Reared to farm life he wisely sought employment along that line, and for eight months worked on a farm as a farm hand. He then rented land in Sheridan and Malcom townships for eleven years, but during that period he was actuated by the desire to one day become the owner of a farm in order that his efforts might more directly benefit himself. Consequently he practiced the utmost economy and labored earnestly and diligently and, in 1882, he was able to purchase a tract of one hundred and sixty acres located on section 16, Malcom township, upon which he has since made his home. When the place came into his possession it was an undeveloped tract, but with characteristic energy and perseverance Mr. Kelm set about its improvement, erecting new buildings, introducing modern and up-to-date machinery, and eventually converting it into a highly cultivated and valuable property. He is engaged in general farming and stock-raising and his efforts are meeting with well merited success.
Before leaving the fatherland Mr. Kelm was united in marriage, in 1866, to Miss Julia Poleske, who was born in Prussia, Germany, on the 28th of March, 1849, and unto them have been born five children, as follows: Emma, who is now the wife of Henry Rix, of Grinnell township; Mary, who married Herman Evoldt, of Washington township; Gustavc, a resident of Malcom township; Otto, at home; and Julia, now Mrs. Fred Bingham.
Prior to coming to the United States Mr. Kelm served for two years and eight months in the Prussian army as an infantry soldier, and during that period received an injury which destroyed the sight of his right eye. He has never regretted his determination to come to this country, for here he has gained a most creditable degree of prosperity. The county has at the same time gained a valued citizen, for during his connection with American interests ad institutions he has been as loyal in citizenship as any native born resident. He gives stalwart support to the republican party and holds membership in the Lutheran church, and the sterling worth of his character has won for him the respect, confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact.

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 299-300