Arens, Nicholas Francis 1872-1953

ARENS, KOOB

Posted By: Bob Arens (email)
Date: 7/29/2005 at 08:47:12

ARENS, NICHOLAS FRANCIS 1872-1953
N. F. ARENS
Nicholas Francis Arens was born March 23, 1872 in Alton, Iowa, a son of Frank and Justina Koob, Arens. When 12 years of age he moved with his family to Remsen, Iowa, where he grew to manhood. There on June 19, 1894 he was married to Anna L. Hentges, born May 17, 1875, a daughter of Christopher and Anna Werner Hentges. Soon after their marriage they came to settle in the Montrose community about 1895.

Mr. Arens formed a partnership with Martin Heiman, making wagons, carriages and buggies. Later buying out the entire business, he used his mechanical abilities to convert the wagon and carriage business into general repair, after automobiles outmoded carriages.

He was a skilled machinist and workman, and many came to him for an intricate piece of work. Many times he gladly made repairs on youngsters' bikes or showed them small favors to make them happy. Mr. Arens installed and operated the first municipal power plant in Montrose, which gave the citizens electric current in the evenings.

Also during this time when the first steam shovels were operating north of Montrose he was their mainstay in welding and repairs and saved them valuable time and money by being able to make or repair any parts needed.

His favorite hobby was music, and as long as Montrose had an organized band, he was their tuba player, and at this he excelled. He also played with bands at Clinton, Deepwater, Butler and Appleton City.

Mr. Arens was active in all community affairs and served as mayor, also served as president of the school board many years.

He suffered a stroke in 1941 and died December 31, 1953. Mrs. Arens died September 20, 1957.

Their children are, Mrs. George (Lenora) Swaters; Mrs. William (Frances) Armstrong; Mrs. Joe (Angeline) Price; Elizabeth Arens; and Clem C. Arens.

The late Nick Arens is the father of Mrs. Joe Price of Clinton. He was a tuba player in the orchestra and in the program had an advertisement listing himself as "The Village Blacksmith." "No break too bad to be repaired", the advertisement said, and gave wagon work and carriage painting as specialties.