Schissel, Joseph 1843 - 1921
SCHISSEL, BOHARDT, CLERE, SCHEIDEMANTEL
Posted By: P. Bergmeier (email)
Date: 11/2/2004 at 18:34:53
History of Winneshiek County Vol. II
Through well directed business activity and enterprise Joseph Schissel has gained recognition as one of the prosperous farmers of Winneshiek county. He owns an attractive homestead of two hundred acres on section 16, Military township and since 1858 has lived in the county, during a great portion of which time his labors have not only contributed to his own prosperity but have also proven effective forces in advancing the general welfare.
Mr. Schissel was born in Germany on the 15th of June, 1843, and is a son of Peter and Mary Schissel, who came to America in 1845, settling in Pennsylvania. In that state they resided for thirteen years and at the end of that time moved to Iowa, taking up their residence near Festina in Winneshiek county. The father purchased land in that locality and upon that property engaged in agricultural pursuits until shortly before his death which occurred in Ossian in 1907. He had long survived his wife who passed away in 1863. To their union were born five children: Barbara, George, Peter and John, who have passed away; and Joseph of this review.
When Joseph Schissel was fifteen years of age he accompanied his parents to Winneshiek county and he has remained a resident of this part of Iowa since that time, having won in the interval the respect, confidence and esteem of all with whom he has associated. In his childhood he assisted with the work of the homestead, becoming a practical and able agriculturist, and at twenty-four he rented the home farm from is father, taking entire charge of its operation for one year. At the end of that time he rented one hundred and sixty acres additional land and for more than two years and a half managed both properties, his well directed labors being rewarded by a gratifying measure of success. He eventually purchased land of his own, buying two hundred acres upon which he resided for seven years, selling it at the end of that time and buying another farm similar in extent, the land lying on section 16, Military township. Five acres are in timber but upon the remainder he carries on general farming and stock-raising, both branches of his enterprise being profitable as a result of his energy, ability and industry. Upon his farm he has made substantial improvements, having remodeled the residence, erected a fine barn and the necessary outbuildings, and installed modern labor saving machinery. He has made it one of the finest agricultural properties in this part of the county, its appearance being a striking evidence of the care and labor he has bestowed upon it.
Mr. Schissel married Miss Carrie Bohardt and to their union were born six children: Joseph, who resides in Military township; Peter, of Calmar, Iowa; Nicholas, of Military township; John, at home; Mary, the wife of Antone Clerc; and Barbara, who married Henry Scheidemantel.
Mr. Schissel is a member of the Roman Catholic church and his political allegiance is give to the democratic party. Having been a resident of this part of Iowa since his childhood, he has witnessed practically its entire development and he has to a great extent assisted in the work of advancement and progress along agricultural lines. Wherever he is known he is honored and respected for he is a man of many sterling traits of character, reliable in business, progressive in citizenship and at all times upright and trustworthy.
St. Francis de Sales Cemetery
Winneshiek Biographies maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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