HARDSOCG LESTER CHRISTOPHER

ROSENAUR, KRATZ

Posted By: Tim S. Dupy (email)
Date: 11/10/2001 at 20:31:59

Lester Christopher HARDSOCG, manager of the Hardsocg Manufacturing Company, is one of the younger men of Ottumwa, but manifests a spirit of enterprise and progressiveness that has enabled him to rank in efficiency with many of much greater age. His birth occurred in Avery, Iowa, April 1, 1880, his father being Martin HARDSOCG. In the common schools of Ottumwa the son began his education, which he continued through the high school and when his text-books were put aside he entered the employ of the Hardsocg Manufacturing Company and there learned the manchinist's trade, remaining in the plant from 1899 until 1903. In the latter year he went to the Nicholls Manufacturing Company, with which he remained as superintendent until 1906. He then returned to the Hardsocg Manufacturing Company and was superintendent until October, 1912, when he became manager, and is now bending his energies to administrative direction and executive control. This is one of the important productive industries of the city, and the business has been a source of material prosperity for Ottumwa as well as for the individual stockholders. Mr. Hardsocg is likewise a stockholder in the Hardsocg Wonder Drill Company. He is wide awake and alert-a typical young business man of the period, and his energy and determination have enabled him to overcome difficulties and obstacles, such as all meet in a business career, and work his way steadily upward.

On the 18th of June, 1913, Mr. Hardsocg was united in marriage to Miss Louise C. ROSENAUR, who was born in Ottumwa, a daughter of John and Mary (KRATZ) ROSENAUR, the former now deceased, but the latter still a resident of Ottumwa. Mr. Hardsocg holds membership in the First Methodist church and gives his political support to the Republican party, with which he has been connected since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He also belongs to the Country Club and has many friends both within and without that organization. His life has been one of intense and well directed activity and is proof of the fact that industry wins.

[Published in The History of Wapello County, Iowa, Volume II, S.J. Clarke, Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, 1914, pages 103-104.]