Weitgenant, Joseph 1845 - 1917
WEITGENANT, GOSSEL, DE COW, BRIGGS, DOAN, BANNING, ALLEN, ROSA
Posted By: P. Bergmeier (email)
Date: 10/30/2004 at 22:29:50
Taken from 1913 History of Winneshiek County Vol.II
One of the most prosperous and progresive farmers of Winneshiek county is Joseph Weitgenant, who owns and operates one hundred and eighty acres near Ossian. He was born in Benton, Elkhart county, Indiana, January 29, 1845, and is a son of George V. and Christiana Barbara (Gossel) Weitgenant, the former a native of Baden and the latter of Wurtemberg, Germany. The parents came to America in 1835 and after a short period spent in Columbus, Ohio, went to Indiana and from that state came to Winneshiek county in June, 1856. The father engaged in general farming and followed that occupation in this locality until his death, which occurred in August, 1862. To them were born nine children, the eldest of who, a daughter, died in infancy. The second in the order of birth is the subject of this review. George has passed away. David makes his home in Ossian. Anna became the wife of Eber De Cow, of Ossian. The sixth was a daughter, who has passed away. Ellen became the wive of F.E.Briggs, of Rockford, Iowa. John died on the 2d of June, 1884. Melvina married Berkley Doan, of Ossian.
Joseph Weitgenant was eleven years of age when his parents came to Winneshiek county and he has made his home in this part of Iowa since that time. Being the eldest son, he was obliged after his father's death to take charge of the homestead at the age of seventeen years and he remained upon it until he was twenty-two years of age, after which he operated a threshing machine for twenty-five years. At twenty-three he turned his attention to farming on rented land and on the 24th of May, 1872, purchased sixty acres, which he improved and developed until 1902. He still gives his entire attention to agricultural pursuits and owns today one hundred and eighty acres near Ossian, which he has developed along pracical and modern lines, making it one of the finest farming properties in this part of the county. He owns in addition valuable town property in Ossian, including a beautiful home, and his business interests are all carefully and capably managed.
Mr. Weitgenant has been twice married. On Christmas day, 1867, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Banning, who died in 1871, leaving two sons: Joseph Oscar, of Centerville, Iowa; and Charles Edgar, of Wilmont, Minnesota. Mr. Weitgenant's second wife was in her maidenhood Miss Luella Allen, whom he married September 25, 1877, and they became the parents of a daughter, Rena Elizabeth, who married Elmer Rosa, of Winneshiek county.
Mr. Weitgenant gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but is not active politically, preferring to concentrate all of his attention upon his private affairs. He is, however, interested in the betterment of the community and is a man of many sterling traits of character, able in business, progressive in citizenship and at all times trustworthy and reliable.
Greenwood Centennial cemetery Gravestone
Winneshiek Biographies maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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