Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

J. Louis Nitzke, who is engaged in general agricultural pursuits and in building operations in Buena Vista county, is a worthy representative of one of the old and prominent families of this section of the state.  He is a native son of the county, born December 8, 1878, of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Nitzke, mentioned elsewhere in this volume, while two of his brothers, Edward J. and Samuel L., are also represented in this work.

Mr. Nitzke acquired his education in district school No. 7 near his father's home, pursuing his studies during the winter months, while in the spring and summer seasons he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm.  He completed his education when a youth of seventeen years, and then gave his entire time to farming interests, remaining under the parental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-six years. At that age he began business on his own account on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he had purchased in Coon township, and on this property he has since made his home.  This place is improved with excellent buildings, which are kept in a good state of repair and there is also a good orchard on the place and this is now in bearing.  In addition to doing general farming .Mr. Nitzke also gives much of his time to carpentering and in this connection is widely known throughout the county.  He is an expert in handling tools and all who employ his services know that his obligations will be discharged with strict adherence to the terms of a contract.

Mr. Nitzke chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Augusta Porath, their marriage being celebrated on the 8th of December, 1904.  Mrs. Nitzke is a daughter of Charles Porath, deceased, who was well known throughout Buena Vista county.  The mother, however, still survives.  Mr. and Mrs. Nitzke have a little son, Victor L., born October 22, 1906, who is the joy and light of the household.

Mr. Nitzke usually votes the republican ticket but does not consider himself bound by party ties, giving his support to the men whom he deems best fitted for office.  He is a member of the German Methodist church.  He possesses an alert and enterprising spirit, making good use of the opportunities which come to him, and if his present position is any criterion by which to judge, no doubt the future holds in store for him still greater success.