Bernard H. Ahrling
This man, of whom the Anniversary Edition presents a fine
picture, was born on 17 July 1846 in Steinfeld, County of Bechta,
Grand Duchy of Oldenburg, Germany. He attended the schools in
his hometown. After successfully completing school, he became a
farmer and later managed the property of his father, who for 44
years had traveled the world’s oceans as a sailor in merchant
ships, and in his travels had several times visited the East
Indies and Australia. As a 20-year-old young man, Bernard H.
also became a sailor, and from 1865 to 1868 he saw many
European, North and South American, and Cuban harbor cities. He
can still vividly picture the harbor of Santiago, where [in the
Spanish-American War] the hero Hobson sank the coal ship Merimac
[Merrimac]. On 15 July 1868, the immigrant family Ahrling
arrived in Baltimore. They settled near Petersburg, Iowa, where
they lived for three years. In 1871, Bernard H. purchased 80
acres in Wheatland Township [Carroll County] .
In the years 1872 to 1874, he purchased an additional 40 acres
of bordering land. Today he still lives with his family on this
farm, which is equipped with fine buildings and other equipment,
and which also has a good livestock herd. Over time, he
purchased another 240 acres of neighboring land, which is also
well equipped with buildings, etc. On 16 January 1875, he
married Miss Louise Werning, and the marriage was blessed with
four children. One child, however, died at a tender age. The
children still living are: Agnes, Gertrude, and Franziska.
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Louis T. Anderson
One of the oldest businesses in Carroll, which has distinguished
itself through a very large inventory of goods, through good and
quality work, and through moderate prices and friendly service,
is the saddlery shop of Mr. Louis T. Anderson on Fifth Street.
He opened his saddlery business about 20 years ago. As usual in
those days, it was a small business, but he had a good knowledge
of his profession. And today in his trade, he has the largest
business in Carroll, and it is known beyond the borders of the
county. The expansive and large business building is filled with
merchandise from top to bottom, and represents a value over
$10,000, among which are found the usual as well as the most
elegant horse harnesses, saddles for men and women, and all
sorts of items used for carriages, driving, and riding. Handbags
and trunks in all sizes, as well as the finest sewing machines,
and so forth, can be found there. Mr. Anderson believes in the
idea that honesty and reliability are the main requirements for
a good business, and he has built his business on this
principle, so that he now enjoys such a large number of
customers. Since he finds himself in such agreeable
circumstances, he is able to make large purchases, which he
settles in cash payment, and so obtains advantages which he
passes on to his customers.
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Mathias Banscher
Mr. Banscher, who appears below in a picture, was born in
Untergrombach, Baden, on 10 December 1856. He attended
elementary school in his hometown and received First Holy
Communion in the local parish church. In 1872, his parents and
their children immigrated to the United States of North America.
They settled first in Geneseo, Henry County, Illinois, where the
father purchased a farm. The son, Mathias, worked with his
father on the farm until the latter passed away in 1882.
On 4 July 1882, Mr. Mathias Banscher married Miss Franziska
Freund, a virtuous young woman who was born in Davenport, Iowa
on 22 March 1858. After the young couple lived one more year in
Henry County, they moved to Davenport, Iowa, onto the farm of
the young bride’s parents. Later, Mr. Banscher and his wife
moved to Roselle Township, Carroll County, where the couple
purchased a 160-acre farm three-fourths of a mile south of the
little town of Roselle. On 1 January 1890, Mr. Banscher’s dear
mother also died. Mr. Banscher is an industrious and capable
farmer, and as soon as he took over his farm he sought to
increase the value of his property through new construction. In
1887, he built a large and good barn, and in 1893 a beautiful
and stately residence where he and his wife and children live,
respected and highly regarded by all their acquaintances. The
couple did not remain immune from fate, for in the fall of 1898
they lost their good little daughter Maria, a promising child
and the joy of her parents. From this extremely happy and
Christian marriage have come six children, including the
deceased Maria, and their names are Katharina, Rosalia, Peter,
Margaretha and Anna.
[NOTES: Baden is a region in southwest Germany. Untergrombach is
a small town about 10 miles northeast of Karlsruhe, near the
French border.]
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Henry Bartel
This man was born on 1 November 1846 in Kirchberg, Grand Duchy
of Luxembourg, where he also received his schooling. Afterwards,
he worked in farming, and he came to America in 1872. He settled
first in Chicago, and then went to Wisconsin, where he worked on
the railroad 40 miles from La Crosse. He also worked for farmers
near La Crosse. From there, he moved to Dubuque, Iowa. He then
worked for three years in Wisconsin, where he was employed
cutting trees. In 1875, he came to Carroll County, where he
worked as a farmhand until 1884, when he married Miss Wilhelmina
Ziegenfus and went into farming for himself. In 1889, he moved
to his own 120-acre farm in Kniest Township, which he operated
successfully. Henry is a progressive farmer, and he has good
equipment and a fine livestock herd on his property. This happy
marriage has produced six children, five of whom are still
living: Henry, Lene, Johny [sic], Annie, and Peter.
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Nickolaus Beiter
Among all German-Americans, Mr. Beiter, the owner of the oldest
butcher shop in Carroll, enjoys a great popularity, and he is
equally respected by all the other residents. He was, therefore,
honored on various occasions and has held many offices. He has
been a member of the school board since 1881, which he led for
three years as president. He was also was an honorable and
active member of the town council for several terms. In
German-American societies, he was president of all the clubs
except only one.
Mr. Beiter was born on 21 March 1847 in Strassberg,
Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. He attended school there and learned
the trade of butcher. After completing a period of
apprenticeship, he strapped on his knapsack and traveled through
the states of Wuerttemberg, Bavaria, Baden, Switzerland, and
Austria, and everywhere found employment in his occupation.
Later, he visited the cities of Paris and Havre in France.
Having received rich experience in his occupation, he came to
the United States of North America in July 1866. He first made
his way to Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, and in 1869 to Chicago,
Illinois. In 1870, he went to Elgin and from there to Aurora,
Illinois. In the fall of the same year, he made his way to Iowa,
where he settled in Clarence, Cedar County, and he remained
until the fall of 1874. He then came to Carroll and opened his
butcher shop in a small frame building, where the business of
Mr. Mark and Co. is now located. But for many years he has been
the owner of a solid business building on Fifth Street, where he
conducts a considerable butcher shop business with good success
and employs four assistant butchers. In 1890, he bought 240
acres of land in Sheridan Township, and he also owns a 40-acre
parcel in Grant Township where he has his cattle yard and
slaughterhouse. A few years ago, he built a fine residence on
Main Street, which is equipped with steam heat.
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Berger & Jülich [Juelich]
Mr. M. Berger was born in Blackhawk County on 22 April 1867, and
in 1870, he moved with his parents to Kniest Township, Carroll
County, where he assisted his father in running their large
farm. In 1880, the family again moved back to Blackhawk County,
and after six years they returned to Kniest Township. On 29
November 1893, he married Miss Herberta Jülich, and their
marriage produced three children. He worked on the farm until
1899, and in February of this year, he took over the above-named
business with Mr. Jülich.
Mr. Heinrich Jülich was born on 1 August 1872 in Clinton County,
Iowa. In February 1877, his parents moved to Carroll Township
[now Maple River Township], Carroll County, where little
Heinrich received his education. After he finished school, he
worked on his parents’ farm until 1899, when he and his
brother-in-law took over the business in Mt. Carmel. Later,
these men were given the appointment of local postmaster.
The business consists of groceries, dry goods, hardware,
crockery, footwear, and all sorts of goods which are only to be
found in good, large businesses. The prices which the men quoted
are in accord with the better businesses of large cities, and
since the men are very friendly and courteous, they have earned
the support of all the residents of Kniest Township and Mt.
Carmel.
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Jakob Berger
This man, whose interesting life story follows, has been
connected with the history of Carroll County for 30 years now,
and he stands in high regard among all the citizens of this
county. Mr. Jakob Berger was born on 20 August 1831 in Herxheim,
Rhineland Palitinate, Bavaria. After he finished school, he
devoted himself mainly to agriculture. But an enterprising
spirit dwelt within him, and during his free time in the winter
he found employment with a transport wagon, whereby he traveled
to Baden and France. For a long time already, he had made the
decision to try his luck in the new country on the other side of
the ocean, and he carried out this decision in 1853. Arriving
here in this country, he went first to Pennsylvania, where he
worked for a time. Then he moved to Stevenson County, Illinois,
and in 1856 we find him on the way to Waterloo, Iowa, where the
industrious and enterprising man acquired 100 acres of land. Mr.
Berger had already reached his adult years, and since he had
known a respectable young lady for some time, he came to a
decision. Miss Elisabeth Blim was the chosen young lady, and the
marriage took place on 22 May 1862. The young couple worked on
the farm another four years, and then Mr. Berger established a
general merchandise store in Waterloo. He sold the business in
Waterloo in 1870, and then made his way to Carroll County, where
he bought a fine piece of land of 200 acres. For nine years we
see the hard-working man operating his expansive farm, but then
he got the longing to return to his dear Waterloo. So he rented
out his farm, which he had equipped with fine buildings, and
moved with his wife and children back to Waterloo, where he
again opened a similar business. But it turned out that the farm
in Kniest Township required his own attention, and there was a
good opportunity to sell, so he sold his business and moved with
his family to the farm in Kniest Township. Eleven years later,
in January 1896, he and his wife retired and moved to the town
of Carroll, where he bought a beautiful home right in the
vicinity of Saints Peter and Paul Church. This happy marriage
produced 12 children, three of whom died at a tender age. The
names of the children still living are: Martin, married to Miss
Maria Juelich; Theresia, married to Mr. Louis Koelker;
Katharina, married to Mr. Peter Ortner; Frank, married to Miss
Maria Nurre; Maria, married to School Superintendent Mr. Frank
van Erdewick; Elisabeth, married to Mr. Peter Thelen; Jakob;
Anna; and Agnes.
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Peter Berger
There is hardly a person to be found in this district who enjoys
a greater popularity than Peter Berger. There is therefore
almost no one in this county who has been so honored, not only
in elections and responsible offices, but also in kind support
from the citizens in all of his undertakings.
He was born on 16 October 1844 in Herxheim, Rheinland-Pfalz,
Bavaria. His parents moved to America when he was eight years
old, and after living in Pennsylvania for two years, they moved
to Stevenson County, Illinois and then to Blackhawk County,
Iowa. After he had completed his elementary education, he
devoted himself to agriculture and assisted his father on the
farm. On 26 December 1867, Mr. Berger married Miss Katharina
Beierschmitt, and soon thereafter (1868), the young couple sold
a 100-acre farm in Blackhawk County, which Mr. Berger had
acquired earlier. In January of the following year, they
purchased a 200-acre property in Kniest Township, Carroll
County, and in the spring of that year, Mr. Berger came out to
break the virgin prairie and build a house. In the spring of
1870, he came with his family from Blackhawk County to establish
a home on his farm in Kniest Township, and the Berger family has
lived in Carroll County ever since.
Five years later, in 1875, he had the satisfaction of being
elected as a county supervisor for Carroll County, and he served
so satisfactorily that he was honored with a second term and
served the county six years in this capacity. In 1881, he
increased his real estate by 80 acres, but two years later he
sold his entire property to Philip Heimann, and shortly
thereafter, he purchased another 160 acres in the same township.
In September 1883, Mr. Berger and his family moved to the town
of Carroll where he bought a beautiful home. That fall, he
competed for the office of County Treasurer but was defeated
with a slight minority. However, when the elected Treasurer
absconded the following year, he had the honor of being
appointed as Treasurer by the Board of Supervisors until the
next election. In all, he was entrusted with the office four
times, once through the above-offered appointment, and three
times through public election, in each of which he was elected
by strong majorities.
In 1884, Mr. Berger purchased a business building on Fourth
Street, which he expanded with a two-story addition to Fifth
Street. In 1891, he sold the house he was living in and then
built a fine residence across from the German Catholic Church.
In the same year, Mr. Berger associated with Mr. Russell and
formed a business which is favorably known throughout the
county, and which primarily operates in real estate loans and
insurance. In January 1898, he became a member of the German
Bank of Carroll County and was elected to its finance committee.
Getting back to his respected family, this happy marriage was
blessed with 12 children, however, five of them died in
childhood. The names of those still living are: Maria, married
to Mr. Geo. Schmich; Elisabeth, married to Jos. Wiedemeier;
Frank, married to Miss Emelie Trebon; Theresia, married to Mr.
Charles Schmich; and Helena, Veronika, and Wilhelm, who still
live with their parents
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Philip Bernholz
Mr. Philip Bernholz may also be counted among the earliest
residents of Carroll County, since he has lived in this county
since 1870. He has always taken a prominent place among the
German-Americans: for many years he was a township trustee, and
he is esteemed and respected by his acquaintances.
Mr. Philip Bernholz was born on 2 September 1829 in Bonenburg,
Westphalia, Germany. After successfully completing school, he
assisted his father in farming. He then went to Horsbeck near
Hagen, where he found employment for a time in operating a
transport wagon. In 1851, he immigrated to America and settled
in Freeport, Illinois. Five years later, in May 1856, he married
Theresia Kasecker. Mr. Bernholz lived in Freeport for 18 years,
and then he moved to Stands County, Minnesota, where he remained
for two years. On 12 May 1870, he came to Carroll Township [now
Maple River Township], Carroll County, Iowa. After two years,
Mr. Bernholz moved onto Lambert Kniest’s farm in Kniest
Township. After he managed it for two years, he purchased Henry
Niemann’s farm, where he and his wife still live today. This
happy marriage has produced five children, four sons and a
daughter.
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George Bierl
In another place, the friendly reader will find an accurate
picture of Mr. George Bierl and his good wife. This gentleman is
a prominent farmer, well known in the entire county, who enjoys
an excellent reputation. Mr. Bierl was born in Schwarzenberg,
Bavaria, on 3 June 1844, where he grew from a child to a boy,
from a boy to a young man, and from a young man to a man. Thus,
here is the place he spent the years of childhood play, attended
school, and, after completing school, turned to agriculture, at
which he was later very successful. He worked on various farms
until he was called to military service. He entered the 11th
Infantry Regiment was just at the time of the armistice, and
then peace was declared following the campaign of 1866. He
served two years active duty.
As he had been acquainted with a respectable young woman for
some time, he decided to marry. The wedding took place on 24
July 1868, and the chosen one was the virtuous Miss Franziska
Rödel.
In 1870, when the war with France broke out, he again answered
the call of his king and took part in the campaign. He
participated in the Battle of Orleans and several other
engagements, and was discharged on 25 February 1871.
Soon thereafter came the notion of emigrating to the Free States
of North America. The plan, after careful consideration, came to
fulfillment, and so in 1875, he crossed the ocean with his
family to try his luck in this progressive country. He settled
first in Gutenberg, Iowa, and after he and his family had lived
there one year, they moved to Eden Township, Carroll County,
Iowa, where Mr. Bierl bought 80 acres of land. He worked with
great success, and now and then increased his real estate, so
that today it amounts to 460 acres. The farm is well equipped,
has good stables, barns, grain bins, and a fine, comfortable
house. The land is also first rate, so that the extensive farm
may be counted among the finest properties in Eden Township.
Mr. Bierl and his wife and children are well liked everywhere,
and enjoy a good reputation. This happy marriage has produced
six children whose names are: Johann, Joseph, Franziska, Anton,
George, and Maria.
NOTES: George Bierl was born “Georg” Bierl, and was sometimes
called George Bierl, Sr. The town of Schwarzenberg, Bavaria is
located in southeast Germany, northeast of Regensburg, and very
close to the Czech Republic border. The war referred to in the
article is the Franco-Prussian War. I have seen his wife’s
maiden name spelled various ways, including, Rail, Roedel, Rohrl,
Roehrl. This article spelled it Rödel, with two dots above the
“o.” The two dots (called an Umlaut) above the “o” can also be
spelled by adding an “e” after the “o” when writing in English.
George and Franziska Bierl are buried in Templeton, Iowa. |
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Henry Block
Mr. Henry Block, who has lived in Carroll for five years and has
been married to widow Fleskes during this time, is among the
most popular German-Americans and, because of his integrity and
honesty he is esteemed and respected by all his acquaintances.
He was born in Germany in May 1826. When he was just a boy of 9
years, he was already forced to make a living on his own. He
learned the trade of miller, and carried on in this occupation
until he married Miss Anna Maria Bolte in May 1850. After living
another two years in his hometown, he and his young wife
immigrated to the United States of North America and settled in
Fort Madison, Iowa. The Block family lived in this town for 25
years and was engaged in various occupations. In 1877, the
family moved to Shelby County, where Mr. Block acquired 240
acres of the finest real estate, which he worked with his
children. In March 1891, he received a heavy blow when his dear
wife was torn from his side by death. Shortly thereafter, Mr.
Block sold his land and moved to Carroll, where he married the
widow Fleskes on 9 January 1894. This happy marriage produced a
son, which at baptism received the name August Joseph. He and
one adopted daughter, Katharina, along with the parents,
comprise the entire family. A few months ago, Mr. Block
purchased a pretty farm a few miles from Carroll, which,
however, he rented out. He lives in the southwest part [perhaps
meaning the southwest ward of Carroll], where he owns a fine
property of several acres, which he works himself.
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Sebastian Bruch
Mr. Sebastian Bruch and his family are also among the earliest
residents of Kniest Township. A copperplate of Mr. Bruch and his
revered spouse, the original of which was taken on the silver
anniversary of their wedding, appears in another location [in
this paper]. He is one of the largest landowners in Kniest
Township, and due to his open and honest character he enjoys the
respect of all his fellow-citizens. Mr. Bruch was born on 11
October 1847 in Shelby, Richland County, Ohio. Soon thereafter,
in the fall of 1853, his parents moved to New Vienna, Dubuque
County, Iowa, where little Sebastian received his schooling and
received First Holy Communion. He then took up the plow and
assisted his father in operating the parental farm. In the
spring of 1870, the entire family moved to Kniest Township,
Carroll County, where our Sebastian assisted his father in
operating the farm for another two years. On 22 May 1872, Mr.
Sebastian Bruch married Miss Maria Bernholz, and there after
moved to his own farm, a property of 426 acres, where he still
lives today with his family. On 19 June 1886, his elderly
parents celebrated the 50th anniversary of their marriage, but
on 15 October of the following year, the elderly man passed
away, entrusting his dear life’s companion, who had already
reached the age of 88, to the care of his son. On 3 June 1897,
Mr. Bruch and his revered wife celebrated their own silver
anniversary, in which a large group of relatives and friends
participated. During the long years that Mr. Bruch has lived in
Kniest Township, he has been honored to serve in various
offices, and still today he is the Treasurer of the Farmers
Mutual Fire Insurance Company. This very happy marriage has been
blessed with nine children, seven daughters and two sons, who
are all still living. The children’s names are: Louise; Clara, a
successful teacher; Agnes; Joseph; Francis; Maria; Rose; Laura;
and Albert.
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Clemens Brüning [Bruening]
The bearer of this name is among the oldest pioneers in Carroll
County. He was born on 14 February 1830 in Lengerich, Hanover,
Germany. After successfully completing school, he learned the
cabinet-maker's trade, and after his mother died in 1848 he
immigrated to America with his father and two sisters. The
family settled near Hazel Green, Wisconsin. Mr. Clemens Brüning
made his way to Joe Davis County [perhaps Jo Daviess County,
Illinois] and worked there at his trade. He was also employed in
the lead ore mines in Galena. Returning again to Wisconsin, he
married the respected Miss Maria A. Arts. He then devoted
himself to farming for 12 years. In 1865 he traveled to Idaho,
California, and Oregon, and he returned back home the next year,
bringing with him a considerable number of diamonds. In 1869 he
and Mr. Arts each purchased a section of land in Wheatland
township [Carroll County, Iowa], which he brought under
cultivation the next year. In 1875 he moved to Arcadia and
opened a general merchandise store. He sold it in 1879, and he
and his sons became businessmen in the new town of Breda, where
they still conduct a business dealing in commercial goods,
hardware, furniture, lumber, machinery, produce, cattle, and
coal. In 1893, he sold the farm and invested his money in town
property. In 1894 he built a large brick business building. His
dear wife died on 21 October 1895. In the two fire disasters of
7 September 1897 and 6 April 1898, the Brüning family suffered
heavy losses.
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Joseph Busche
This man has lived in Kniest Township since 1883 and is a
successful farmer. He was born in Lüsche [Luesche], District of
Bechta, Oldenburg, Germany. After he finished school, he worked
on various farms until he was 19 years old. He then immigrated
to the United States of North America, where initially he worked
three years in Cincinnati. In 1883, Mr. Busche turned to the
West in order to seek his fortune. He came to Kniest Township,
Carroll County, Iowa, where he worked on a farm for two years.
On 24 November 1885, he married the respected widow Elisabeth
Naberhaus, who owned a beautiful and valuable 160-acre farm in
Kniest Township. The couple then enlarged their property by
about 80 acres, so that the farm now consists of 240 acres of
the finest land and is equipped with good and solid stalls. The
children from the first marriage are: Katharina, Bernhard,
Maria, Joseph, Elisabeth, Anna, and Heinrich. The happy marriage
with Mr. Busche produced four children, one of whom died at a
young age. Those still living are: Johann, George, and Franz.
Mr. Busche, his wife, and children are popular and esteemed
everywhere, and they enjoy the respect of their fellow-citizens.
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Fred. Caspary
The bearer of this name is among the best-known and most
respected German-Americans of Carroll County, and he runs a
large and successful business in grain, coal, and lumber in
Maple River Junction, the next town west of Carroll.
Mr. Caspary was born on 18 October 1856 in Altenahr, County of
Ahrweiler, Germany. He first attended elementary school in his
hometown, and then he attended the gymnasium [advanced high
school] in Muenstereifel, District of Cologne. In 1875, he
entered the Prussian Army as a one-year volunteer, and after he
honorably completed his service, Mr. Caspary remained with his
parents until 1879, assisting his father in a wine business. He
then made a visit to the United States of North America, and the
Caspary family crossed the ocean in the following year. Mr.
Fred. Caspary’s parents settled a mile west of Maple River
Junction where they acquired a fine farm and have been engaged
in farming since then. On 29 September 1885, Mr. F. Caspary
married Miss Josephine Simons, and in the following year he
founded the above-mentioned business in Maple River Junction.
For the last year and a half, he has been a stockholder in the
German Bank of Carroll County.
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Jakob Daczewitz
The bearer of this name was born on 7 August 1846 in Pirklitz,
County of Stuh, District of Marienwerder, Germany. After he
finished school, he learned the trade of wagonmaker, and he then
laced up his knapsack and traveled through Poland, Russia, and
Germany. In 1870, he was called into the military, and during
his service he worked with a mechanic company in an artillery
workshop. When the war with France [Franco-Prussian War] ended,
Mr. Daczewitz made his way to England. He worked there for four
months, and then made his way to the United States of North
America. He sent for his wife, Miss Clara Zobel, whom he had
married in February 1871, to follow him to America, and until
1875 he worked in various large American cities, such as Boston,
New York, Chicago, and Milwaukee. He then came out to the West
and settled in Carroll, Iowa, where he set up in business. He
suffered a total loss in the big fire of 1878, but bravely began
again and was rewarded with success. He later purchased a lot
north of Burke’s Hotel, where he built a wagonmaking and
blacksmith shop. In 1892, he built a solid business building on
Main Street, and in 1898 he built a splendid residence.
The exemplary marriage was blessed with six children, of which,
however, only three are still living: Martha, Clara, and Maria.
NOTES: The big Carroll fire was in 1879, not 1878 as stated in
the article. The town of Pirklitz might be the town of Perklice,
which is in Poland today. Also, the county name was probably
Stuhm.
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Franz X. Dangel
Mr. Franz X. Dangel, whose excellent portrait with his wife we
present in the above picture, was born on 31 March 1844 in
Altheim, Kingdom of Wuerttemberg. He attended the schools in his
hometown and learned the trade of miller, but because of an
accident in which he severely injured his spine and left hip, he
had to give up the business. In 1866 he immigrated to America
and settled in Galesburg, Illinois, where he learned the trade
of rope-maker, at which he worked for two years. Mr. Dangel then
devoted himself to farming and worked 18 months on a farm. He
then made his way to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he found
employment in a sawmill for 18 months. In 1871 he moved to
Roselle Township, Carroll County, Iowa, where at first he stayed
with his brother for three-fourths of a year. With success, he
devoted himself to farming in Carroll County, and in 1878 he
visited his parents in the old hometown on the other side of the
ocean, from where he returned after a year. On 16 July 1872, Mr.
Dangel married the widow Rosina Benzkofer, and then the young
couple moved to the young wife’s farm in Roselle Township. In
1879, Mr. Dangel expanded his real estate by purchasing another
160 acres in Grant Township. In 1897 he sold his 160-acre farm
in Roselle Township for an 80-acre farm in the same township,
and late in that same year he moved to his farm in Grant
Township. In April 1899 the couple moved to the town of Carroll,
where they purchased a beautiful and comfortable property on
Main Street, in order to enjoy the fruits of their hard and
successful work. Mr. Franz X. Dangel and his wife are well known
in the entire county and enjoy an excellent reputation among all
their acquaintances. The four children from the [wife’s] first
marriage are named: Anna, married to Mr. Jos. Fischer in
Nebraska; Joseph, married to Miss. Ch. Knobbe; Johanna, married
to Mr. Raimund Dangel; and Anton, married to Miss Agnes Soat.
The marriage to Mr. Franz X. Dangel produced one child, named
Raimund, who is married to Miss Anna Niemand.
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John Eischeid
Mr. John Eischeid, an industrious and able farmer in Roselle
Township, was born on the 16th of July 1857. [Location is not
stated] He spent his youth in his hometown, and when the time
came to choose an occupation, he took up the plow and worked
faithfully and diligently on his parents’ farm. In 1873, his
parents moved to Roselle Township, Carroll County, Iowa, where
they again worked in farming. Their son John worked for his
parents until he was 21 years old, when he rented a farm in
Roselle Township. The good old “Vater Eischeid” died on the 23rd
of March 1878, and then the dear wife and mother followed her
life’s companion and husband into eternity on the 25th of August
1881.
Two and a half years later, on the 25th of February 1884, Mr.
John Eischeid married the virtuous young woman, Theresia
Schornagel. This very happy marriage has produced eight
children, two of whom died at a tender age. The names of the
children still living are: Johann, Joseph, Theodor, George,
Wilhelmina, and Heinrich.
At first, Mr. Eischeid purchased a farm in Sioux County, Iowa,
which he later exchanged for a 160-acre farm in Roselle
Township. Later, he purchased another 80 acres, so that he is now the owner of a beautiful 240-acre farm, which is equipped
with good buildings.
NOTES: The biography does not say where John Eischeid was born
or what town the family came from. Roselle Cemetery records list
the parents: Wm. F. Eischeid, 14 Feb 1815 to 1 Mar 1878; and
Katharina Eischeid, 1 Aug 1825 to 25 August 1881, and that her
maiden name was Walterscheid.
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Joseph Finger and Heinrich Thielke
Unfortunately, the subject of our present description, Mr.
Joseph Finger, is no longer among the living, but his earthly
deeds stand written on the Book of Life, and his affable
character is remembered by all. The deceased was born in 1833 in
Knevelinghausen, Büren County, Westphalia, Germany. He received
his youthful education in his hometown, and he was later called
to military service. In 1863, he married Miss Maria Ehrich, but
just a year later moved out with his regiment to the war against
Denmark [Danish War], and two years later he took part in the
campaign against Austria [Austro-Prussian War]. He was in
several battles and actions, but he returned uninjured to the
care of his family, honorably discharged and decorated with the
Iron Cross. In 1868, he emigrated with his family to America,
where they went first to New Vienna, Dubuque County, Iowa, and
in 1872 they moved to Kniest Township, Carroll County, where he
purchased a beautiful 160-acre farm. But after several years, he
began to notice the effects of the war campaigns, and so he
retired in 1882. Unfortunately, his condition worsened from year
to year, and he passed away in 1885, bemoaned and mourned by his
dear wife and children.
Mr. Heinrich Thielke, who had lived on the farm for many years,
married the widow Maria Finger in 1887. He was born in
Blankenrode, Büren County, Hanover Province, on 26 July 1858. He
received his youthful education in his hometown, and when he
finished school, he worked primarily in agriculture. In 1880, he
put on the uniform of his king, and a few years later, he
emigrated to the United States of North America, where he made
his way to Kniest Township and made the acquaintance of his dear
wife, and thereafter followed the marriage. Today, the Thielke
family still lives on the farm, which by virtue of its fine
location, solid buildings, and excellent land, may be counted
among the most valuable properties. Mr. Thielke, along with his
wife and children, enjoy an excellent reputation and are
respected by all their fellow-citizens.
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Johann Fink
The bearer of the above name, Mr. Johann Fink, of whom an
accurate picture appears here, was born on 11 October 1835 in
Anholt, County of Borken, Westphalia, Germany. After finishing
school, he worked for his parents until he was 22 years old. He
then worked at the engineering works in Isselborg [possibly
should be Isselburg]. In 1859 he was inducted into military
service and was honorably discharged after serving three years.
He was then employed again at the engineering works in Isselborg.
Since Prussia became involved in a war with Denmark in 1864, Mr.
Fink received his marching orders as a reservist. He followed
the call of his king and took part in the battles at Missunde
and Dueppel, as well as the transfer of Alsen, and several other
actions. He was discharged with special distinction. In October
1865, we find him on his to Essen, where he found employment in
the world famous cannon factory of Friedr. Krupp. When the war
with Austria broke out, Mr. Fink was again called up. He
received his stripes [promotion], but at the complaint of Mr.
Krupp, the factory owner, he was released from service. He
married Miss Wilhelmina Fischer on 4 November 1866. As a
militiaman, he took part in the German-French campaign
[Franco-Prussian War], and when the war with France was over, he
worked another eight years at the Krupp factory. In 1879 he
moved with his family to America, where he settled in Kniest
Township, Carroll County, Iowa. He lived here for 11 years, and
then Mr. Fink purchased a farm in O’Brien County, Iowa, where he
lived with his family until 1899. He then sold the farm and
moved to the town of Carroll, where he acquired a beautiful
home. Mr. Fink and his wife and children are well known in
Carroll County and enjoy an excellent reputation. This happy
marriage has produced five children: Theodor, Johann, Bernhard,
Wilhelmina, and Maria.
NOTES: The Krupp steelworks in Essen, Germany was one of the
world’s largest arms manufacturers in the 1800s.
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Roelf Freese
Mr. Roelf Freese was born on 30 March 1831 in Neermoor, District
of Leer, Ostfriesland [East Frisia]. After successfully
attending school, he worked on various farms, and in 1852 he was
inducted as a soldier into the 8th Company, 7th Regiment, in
Osnabrück. He served the King of Hanover for seven years, and
then he was honorably discharged. He then worked a short time in
the countryside, and on 26 April 1856 he married the respected
Miss Taalke Kuhlmann, at which time he started working for
himself. In the spring of 1861, he and his family moved to
America, where they settled first in Ogle County, and then in
Carroll County, Illinois. After living there for nine years, he
moved with his family to Ackley, Hardin County, Iowa. Mr. Freese
lived here another three and a half years, and then the family
moved to Wheatland Township, Carroll County, where they
purchased 240 acres of land. They later acquired another
adjoining farm of 80 acres, and another 240 acres on the border
of Carroll and Crawford Counties, which is well-equipped with
good buildings. The Freese family are honest German-Americans
and esteemed by all their acquaintances. This happy marriage
produced eleven children, two of whom, however, have died. The
names of the children still living are: Freerk, Janna, Bernd,
Hauwe, Anna, Mettje, Christian, Wopke and Tiebettje, and a
grandchild named Lüsse.
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Willey and Pleasant Valley Township
Johann Heinrich Geling
Rector at Saint Mary's Church in Willey
The Reverend Joh. H. Geling was born in Wessum, County Ahrhaus,
Government District Muenster to brave and Christian parents.
There he attended elementary school and received First Holy
Communion in the village church. Then his parents traveled to
America and settled in Festina, Winneshiek County, Iowa where
the father pursued farming. The son worked part time with his
father on the parents' farm and part time on various other farms
until he was 21 years old.
Then feeling in himself the high calling of the holy priesthood,
he entered the priest seminary, where he surrendered himself
with eagerness to his studies and completed the classical
curriculum. Thereafter, he entered St. Joseph College where he
studied Theology for one year. Then he turned to the Grand
Seminary in Montreal Canada, an outstanding and renowned
educational institution, where he once again for two years
performed his studies and then attained the goal of his desire
by being ordained a priest on 14 July 1884. On 16 July of the
same year, the young pastor celebrated his first Mass in his
dear hometown, Festina. At the moment, there was no position
available there, so during this time he visited the Reverend
Father Wegmann in Roselle and the present town of Willey. Soon
thereafter he received the call to Festina where he should work
as assistant priest with the Reverend Father Sauter. For three
years he remained in the community, whereupon the Reverend
Archbishop named him as Rector of Saint Mary's Church in Willey.
In the Fall of the same year, due to the eagerness of the young
priest, the community was able to build itself a church school,
and during the Winter months he himself participated in the
instruction of the youngsters until Fall of the next year when
the nuns came from La Crosse, Wisconsin. In the year 1895 the
school was enlarged through the addition of a second wing.
The church was built in the year 1882. In the year 1886, the
Reverend Peter Hoffman arrived, who was the first Rector of the
Saint Mary's community in Willey, and was from Christmas 1886
until September 1887. At that time the Reverend Father Geling
took over the community. In the year 1893, the church was
significantly enlarged, on which occasion three bells were also
obtained. A second school building was constructed in the year
1895. There exist now three schoolrooms with 125 school children
under the capable leadership of the esteemed Sisters of the Holy
Franciscan Order of LaCrosse.
In the year 1890, the Crucifixion Chapel was constructed; a
second to the honor of the Suffering Mother in the year 1898.
Both chapels resulted from the very skillful hand of the
Reverend Father who certainly single-handedly took care of
almost the entire interior ornamentation of the church. The Dear
Reader can hardly imagine the artistic skill of this gentleman
in vestments. Certainly should anyone come to the friendly town
of Willey, they should not neglect to visit the splendid chapels
and visit the interior of Saint Mary's Church. The exquisite
pulpit, constructed in Gothic style, a beautiful baptismal font,
confessionals as well as many other items dedicated to this holy
place, endure due to the outstanding genius of this
priest-artist.
Notes: I translated this from an article in Der Carroll Demokrat,
a German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa in the
late 1800's and early 1900's. I kept the spellings as they were
in the original article, but I think the name should be spelled
"Gehling," although I am not certain, and the county in Germany
is "Ahaus."
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Chas. Gnam
There is hardly a person in Carroll County who enjoys a greater
popularity than Mr. Chas. Gnam. After he left the clothing
business he had with an earlier partner, he opened his own
clothing store on Fifth Street several years ago. Like all
beginners, Mr. Gnam also began with some anxieties. But as soon
as the business opened, his friends, who are located all over
the county, came and bought. They brought still more customers,
and now he has a business that may be compared with the biggest
and best in the county. The inventory represents a value of
$25,000, and one can boldly assert that the biggest and best
selection of suits, overcoats, hats, caps, and men’s accessories
are found at Chas. Gnam’s. But also in respect to prices, the
business is among the most reasonable in the county, and his
motto is: “Good and durable goods, a low profit, and a quick
turnover.” And this motto is accompanied by the great courtesy
of the owner as well as his store assistants, so that the
business has earned far and wide its large support from the
public of Carroll County.
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B. Gretemann
Mr. Gretemann was born in St. Lucas, Fayette County, Iowa, on 4
April 1866, to honest and Christian people who provided their
intelligent son Bernard a good education. Here he bustled about
in the exuberance of youth, attending the parochial school with
his spelling book under his arm. He was an industrious and
well-behaved student, which pleased his parents as well as the
nuns. Of course, the happiest time for little Bernard was when
his First Holy Communion approached. After adequate instruction,
he received the Bread of Life from the good pastor. During this
period of time he assisted his father in running the family farm
until he was 21 years old. He then entered the employment of the
Union Telephone Co. and, after a year, relocated to Roselle
Township, Carroll County, Iowa, where he was employed for half a
year with Mr. C. Kohorst. Then he worked for four years as a
teacher in Pleasant Valley Township. In 1888, he joined with his
brother, Mr. Frank Gretemann, and erected a general merchandise
store in the little town of Willey. While his brother Frank
conducted the business, he worked one more year as an elementary
school teacher.
On 10 November 1891, he married Miss Anna Schmitt, a
well-brought-up and respectable young woman, who was born in St.
Lucas on 8 November 1865.
In the following year, Mr. Bernard Gretemann took over the
business on his own, and since 1890 he has served as Postmaster
of Willey. Within a year of taking over the business, he had to
enlarge the store area with an addition because the business had
experienced an unexpected boom. As he enlarged the space for the
business, he also increased his inventory, so that today the
business is among the most notable in the county, and the
abundance of inventory leaves nothing to be desired. This
significant success alone speaks to the quality of merchandise
and the honesty of the management. The residents of Willey and
Pleasant Valley Township have long understood that it is
unnecessary to do their shopping in Carroll or other large
towns. In the substantial business of Mr. Gretemann they can
shop just as cheaply and receive quality as good as in any
better store in a large city. Therein they have the benefit of
being able to rely on the respectability of Mr. Gretemann, who
is always ready to please his customers. In order to supply a
long-standing need, he has been renting the business space
across the street since last year, and here stocks a selection
of farm machines and implements, oils and paints. In truth, the
business of Mr. B. Gretemann is a very solid one that enjoys the
support of all the residents of Willey and the surrounding area.
NOTES: I think the family name is usually spelled “Greteman”
with one “n.” There is another biography of Mr. Greteman in:
Paul MacLean, History of Carroll County, Iowa, Vol. II (Chicago:
S.J. Clark Pub. Co. 1912), p. 66.
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Eberhard Gretemann
This gentleman was born in Neukarnitz, jurisdiction of Nieberg,
administrative district of Prussian Minden, on 26 May 1846. When
he was 5 years old he immigrated to America with his parents,
but during the trip the family suffered a heavy blow from fate.
A murderous cholera outbreak occurred aboard the ship, and Mr.
E. Gretemann’s dear mother and also a brother were taken by the
sickness, whereupon they and many other deceased passengers
found a watery grave at sea. His father then settled down in
O’Plain, a small town twelve miles from Chicago, where the old
gentleman worked as a hired man. After about three years his
father moved to Fayette County, Iowa,
>ard attended school and received his First Holy Communion. He
now helped his father in running the farm, and assisted until
his father died on 20 November 1867. He worked another year for
other farmers, and then married a respectable young woman,
Elisabeth Kloesener, who also had been born in Neuckarnitz on 5
December 1845. The young couple rented a farm in Winneshiek
County, and in 1879 they moved to Pleasant Valley Township,
Carroll County, where they purchased 80 acres of prairie. Small
was their start and small was the first little house where they
lived happily and peacefully, but little by little they worked
with God’s blessing and untiring diligence. At first they
purchased another 20 acres, and then an additional 40 acres.
They also purchased another 80 acres in Minnesota for their son,
and built on their farm assorted buildings such as barns,
stables, storehouses, and a beautiful large residence. The
Gretemann family are honest Germans who enjoy the respect of all
their acquaintances. Ten children are the fruit of this
Christian marriage, namely: Maria, Mrs. Jos. Hoffmann; Heinrich,
married to Anna Backer; Anna, Mrs. Joh. Hausmann; Johann;
Franziska, Mrs. Jos. Spitz in Minn.; Katherina; Anton; Eberhard;
Bernhard; and Frank.
Notes: The family names Gretemann and Hoffmann were spelled in
the article with a double “n” but I think today the families use
only one “n” at the end. The name Kloesener is spelled sometimes
with an initial “C” in some sources. There does not appear to be
a German town anywhere called “Neukarnitz” or “Neuckarnitz” as
spelled in the article. I am reasonably certain that it refers
to “Neukaunitz,” a village which today is part of the town of
Verl, south of Bielefeld, and just east of Guetersloh.
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Johann B. Grossmann
This man was born in Bogenstraus, Kingdom of Bavaria, on 26 July
1837. After leaving school, he took up farming. He became a
soldier at age 21, and was honorably discharged after three
years. As a reservist, he took part in the campaign of 1866 [the
Austro-Prussian War], and in 1868 he immigrated with his brother
Lorenz to the United States of North America and settled near
St. Lucas, in Fayette County [Iowa]. On 5 April 1869, Mr.
Grossmann married the widow Elisabeth Gretemann, who was the
owner of a fine 80-acre farm. The couple lived there for 17
years, during which time they increased their real estate by 160
acres. On 23 September 1885, his wife died, and on 5 May 1886,
Mr. Grossmann married again, to Anna Zenger. He sold his land in
the fall of 1889, and the following spring he and his family
moved to Pleasant Valley Township, Carroll County, where he
purchased 139 acres of land. After four years, he again sold the
property and moved with his family to the town of Carroll, where
he purchased a fine home. The names of the children still living
from the first marriage are: Johann, Maria, Katharina, Jakob,
Franz, Bernhard, and Wilhelm Gretemann, and also from this
marriage was a deceased son, George Grossmann [possibly should
be George Gretemann]. The name of the child from the second
marriage is Anna Katharina. Mr. Grossmann enjoys the respect of
all his fellow-citizens.
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Hermann Hermsen
The subject of our present description is Mr. Hermsen who
resides on his pretty farm near Mt. Carmel, and in addition to
the cultivation of his land is occupied with good success in
cattle breeding. The gentleman is well liked and esteemed among
all his acquaintances and is one of the most respected
German-Americans in the county.
Mr. Hermann Hermsen was born on 6 January 1850 in Lone, Lingen
District, Province of Hannover. He received his early education
in his hometown, after which he devoted himself to the
occupation of agriculture. In 1871, he married an estimable
young woman, Miss Maria Hasken. In 1875, he immigrated with his
wife and children to the United States and settled in New Vienna
in Dubuque County, Iowa. However, he remained there only four
weeks and then moved to Kniest Township, Carroll County, where
he purchased a nice piece of land of 80 acres and farmed it
quite successfully. Through the years he purchased an additional
70 acres, and 160 acres in Newton Township, so that his real
estate holdings now amount to 310 acres of the finest land. On
26 September 1896, he had the misfortune to lose his dear wife.
His elderly, venerable mother, who is now 80 years old, is
spending her twilight years with her son Hermann. His very happy
marriage produced five children, namely: Hermann, Heinrich,
George, Franz and Johann.
NOTES: The article states “Lone” as the place of birth, which
possibly refers to the town of “Lohne bei Lingen.” There is an
obituary index for the Carroll Times Herald listing an obituary
for a Mrs. Hermsen published 28 August 1901, page 5, column 2.
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Henrich Hermsen
The good citizens of Kniest Township have the honor to have a
representative in the United States Army in the person of Mr.
Heinrich Hermsen, who as a valiant soldier took part in the war
in Cuba against Spain. [Spanish-American War] He grew up in
Kniest Township, and entered the military at Omaha in 1887.
During the period of his service, his regiment was often
employed to subdue Indian disturbances. When the war with Spain
broke out, his regiment was among the first regular troops that
landed and brought the Spanish to their senses. Mr. Hermsen
especially distinguished himself at the battle of San Diago
[Santiago] and participated in several engagements and
skirmishes.
When the war ended with the total suppression of Spain, he was
honorably discharged with great distinction. Taken with the
notion of seeing his family once again, he returned on a visit
to Kniest Township where he, like a dear and affectionate son,
embraced his elderly mother and greeted his brothers and
relatives, who were naturally overjoyed to see him healthy and
safe and sound. Of course, the remaining citizens of Kniest
Township were also happy to shake the hand of the dapper soldier
after so long an absence. But the soldier did not permit himself
to stay at home long; he soon reported again for duty, was
mustered in, and now finds himself back in Cuba with his
regiment, which according to the latest reports is located in
Chienfuego.
Accompanying this article, the Anniversary Edition presents an
accurate photo of the brave soldier, who has long since advanced
to a higher rank.
NOTES: The article does not list place of birth or names of any
relatives.
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Gottlob Hensel
This man, of whom we print a fine picture, was born on 18 March
1829 in Authausen, Province of Saxony. After successful
completing school, he devoted himself to farming. On 22 May
1851, he married Miss Karoline Schulze, a virtuous young lady,
after which he went into farming for himself. He and his wife
immigrated to America in 1872. They moved first to Illinois,
then Wisconsin, and then to Sac Township, Sac County, Iowa,
where he purchased a beautiful 160-acre farm, which he
successfully managed. His dear wife died on 26 March 1882, which
was a heavy and irreplaceable loss for Mr. Hensel and his
children. This happy marriage produced seven children, two of
whom, however, are already united with their mother in death.
The names of the children still living are: Friederich, who is
married in Berlin, the capitol of Prussia; Wilhelm, married to
Miss Helena Jarnatz; Ernst, husband of Miss Emilie Pagel;
Bertha, Mrs. Johann Krei; and Paulina, who is unmarried.
Mr. Hensel, who occupies a beautiful home in Auburn, where he
has lived for several years retired from farming, is a very
respected German-American, and is very popular among all his
acquaintances.
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John H. Höbing [Hoebing]
Mr. John D. Höbing on 26 November 1848 in Quincy, Illinois. He
attended school there, and at St. Francis Solanus College, and
spent his youth with his parents in the country. In 1869 and
1870, he traveled and worked on farms in various states as a
hired hand. In May 1871, he moved to Iowa. In the fall of 1871,
he passed the examination and worked as a teacher in the public
schools of Dubuque and Delaware Counties, Iowa until February
1876, when he moved to a 160-acre farm in Viola Township, Sac County, and worked four winter semesters as a teacher. In 1880
he purchased another 40 acres, and in 1883 he purchased another
80 acres which bordered on his homestead. In addition, over the
course of time he has bought and sold several other properties.
In 1888 and 1890, he purchased his new homestead of 107 acres on
the outskirts of Breda. In 1897, he purchased another adjoining
100 acres of land, so that he is a taxpayer in two counties. In
1889, he was a participant in the first pilgrimage trip to
Palestine, in which 102 people took part. On this trip, which
lasted six months, there were expeditions to the large cities of
America, France, Italy, and Egypt, and they also visited all of
Palestine, Syria, Asia Minor, Turkey, Greece, Switzerland,
Germany, and England. On 8 May 1873, he married Miss Angela M.
Nieland, and this marriage produced 11 children, six of which
died at a young age and have gone to a better world. The
children still living are: Emma G., Frances E., George C.,
Edward B., and Leonard L. B. In March 1890, the family moved to
their present residence in Kniest Township, where the couple
plan to spend the remaining days of their life.
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Joseph Hoffmann
This gentleman was born near Buffalo, New York, on 10 August
1859. When he was 4 years old he moved with his parents to
Winneshiek County, Iowa, where young Joseph attended parochial
school and afterwards became a farmer, helping his father on his
parents’ farm. In 1874 he moved with his parents to Pleasant
Valley Township, Carroll County, Iowa, where his parents
purchased a farm. Mr. Joseph Hoffmann worked for his parents
until he was 22, at which time he found employment on various
other farms. In 1884 he purchased 80 acres in the same township
which he worked on his own. On 21 February 1887 he married Miss
Maria Gretemann, a virtuous young lady who was born in
Winneshiek County, Iowa, on 30 September 1869. Later, Mr.
Hoffmann increased his real estate by about 40 acres, and again
by about 80 acres, so that today he possesses a farm of 200
acres which, by virtue of its location and the condition of its
soil, can be counted among the best in the township. Mr.
Hoffmann and his wife are known in the entire township and enjoy
an excellent reputation. He was also elected Township Assessor
and still holds this office today. Seven children were the fruit
of this happy marriage, and their names are: Johann, Anna,
Sophia, Franziska, Clara, Leo, and Joseph.
Notes: The article spells the names Hoffmann and Gretemann with
with a double “n” at the end. I think the families today both
spell the names with one “n” at the end.
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Lorenz Joh. Hoffmann
The bearer of this name has lived in Carroll County since 1874
when he moved with his parents to Pleasant Valley Township. He
was born on 6 February 1853 in New York State, there attended
parochial school, and after he received his First Holy Communion
he devoted himself to farming and assisted his father in running
his parents’ farm. In 1863, his parents moved to Winneshiek
County, Iowa, and in 1874 they moved to Pleasant Valley
Township, Carroll County, where his father purchased 80 acres of
land. The son Lorenz Joh. worked here another three to four
years on his parents’ farm, and then purchased for himself 40
acres of land in Roselle Township that he worked on his own.
After a year he sold that land and purchased 80 acres in the
same township, and Mr. Hoffmann lives on this farm with his
family still today. On 9 February 1881 he married a virtuous
young woman, Miss Anna Kennebeck, a well brought up lady who was
born in McHenry County, Illinois on 27 February 1862. The young
couple began their work with courage and dedication and soon had
the satisfaction of being able to increase the size of their
farm so that it is now 180 acres and is equipped with good
buildings and a beautiful residence. This happy marriage has
produced six children, namely: Franziska, Karl, Lorenz, Susanna,
Heinrich and Rudolph.
NOTES: The article spells the name Hoffmann with a double “n” at
the end. I think today the family spells it with one “n”. Anna
Kennebeck was a daughter of George Kennebeck, Sr., who moved his
family from Illinois to Roselle Township in the early 1870’s.
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Joseph Irlmeier
This gentleman, an industrious and capable farmer, was born in
Auerbach, Niederbayern, Germany, on 11 March 1861. After
completing school, he devoted himself to agriculture and
assisted his father on a farm. At age 19, he immigrated to
America and settled first in Roselle Township, Carroll County,
Iowa, where he found work with Mr. Geo. Bierl. He remained there
for one year and then had his parents come over from Bavaria, at
which time they bought themselves a farm of 200 acres in Roselle
Township. On 15 May 1887, Mr. Irlmeier married Miss Magdalena
Stoeckl, a respectable young woman. The young couple lived with
their parents for four years, and then they bought themselves a
pretty farm of 160 acres in Eden Township. The farm is
especially notable for its good location, and just last spring,
he built a fine large barn. The Irlmeier family enjoys a large
circle of friends and, something very gratifying, an excellent
reputation. This happy marriage has produced two children whose
names are Franz and Joseph.
NOTES: There are a few towns in Germany called Auerbach. I think
the correct one is Auerbach in Niederbayern, which is just east
of Deggendorf and near the Czech Republic. Niederbayern means
“lower Bavaria.”
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Joh. Ger. Janning
[Johann Gerhard Janning]
This man is also an old pioneer of Kniest Township and has lived
and owned land there now for 29 years. Mr. Joh. G. Janning was
born on 1 February 1831 in Bramsche, District of Lingen,
Province of Hanover. In the spring of 1861, he came to America
and made his way first to Grant County, Wisconsin, where he
worked on farms for five years and farmed for himself on a
rented farm for four years. In September of 1866, he married
Miss Anna Pulz, but his wife died just the following year. On 28
April 1868, he married Miss Barbara Roth, and in 1870 the young
couple moved to Kniest Township, Carroll County, Iowa, where
they purchased an 80-acre parcel of land. From time to time, the
hard-working and industrious landowner expanded his real estate,
so that today he owns a farm of 280 acres of the finest land.
Ten children were the fruits of this happy marriage: Anna Maria,
Mrs. Wm. Schenkelberg; Johann Anton, married to Miss Louise
Augustin; George; Franz; Bernhard; Heinrich; Barbara; Katharina;
Elisabeth; and Anna.
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Mathias Jülich [Juelich]
The family of Mr. Mathias Jülich in Carroll Township [now Maple
River Township] is also among the most well-known
German-American families, and Mr. Jülich is widely respected due
to his honesty and integrity. He was born on 25 September 1844
in Altenburg, County of Ahrweiler, Germany. He spent his early
childhood and received his early education in his hometown. In
1855, his parents immigrated to America and stayed first with
friends near Chicago. In the following spring, the family moved
to Lyons, Clinton County, Iowa, where young Mathias then
received further schooling. When his school days were over, the
young man worked in a sawmill, and on 2 April 1869, he married
Miss Julia Dung, a respected and estimable young lady. The young
couple lived another year in Lyons, and then they moved to a
farm, which was about 12 miles from the town. In 1877, Mr.
Jülich and his family moved to Carroll Township, Carroll County,
where he purchased a farm, and the family has lived there up to
the present day. Later, in addition to the 120-acre parcel, he
purchased another 40 acres, and also 480 acres in Antelope
County, Nebraska, so that his entire real estate consists of 640
acres of the finest land, which is equipped with good, solid
buildings.
Mr. Jülich had [first] come to Iowa [perhaps meaning western
Iowa] in 1866, where he found employment on the railroad line
that was to be built. At first, he did the work from where the
town of Carroll now stands up to Tip Top, the present Arcadia.
At that time, as he relates to us, the heavy posts used in the
railroad bridges were pounded [into the ground?] in present
Grant Township. He liked the area extremely well, and so he then
began to form the plan of settling here, which he carried out
following a later visit in the above-mentioned year [probably
referring to 1877].
This happy marriage was blessed with 15 children, 6 sons and 9
daughters, all of whom are in good health. The names of the
children are: Maria, wife of Mr. Martin Berger; Joseph, living
in Nebraska and married to Elise Thiemann; Heinrich, a partner
in the business of Berger & Jülich in Mt. Carmel; Katharina,
wife of Mr. Nick. Thelen; Engelbert, living in Nebraska and
married to Maria Pape; Josephina; Franziska; Margaretha; Leo;
Anna; Fritz and Lena, twins; Carl; Clara; and Julia.
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Franz Kawi
Among the residents of Kniest Township is Mr. Kawi, a sociable
Westphalian and a well-known personality. He was born on 2 June
1852 in Minden, Westphalia. On 20 November 1880, he married the
respected Miss Maria Schulte from Hagen, Westphalia. In 1882, he
had the misfortune of losing an eye at an ironworks. But, active
and industrious as he is, he sees more with one eye than others
see with two. He came to America in 1884. He made his way
quickly to the West and settled initially in Maple River
Junction, where he worked at times on the railroad or made
himself useful at other jobs. After he had lived there for five
years, he moved to Kniest Township, not far from Mt. Carmel,
where he is a very sought-after and skilled worker who knows how
to work in the widest variety of jobs and leads a peaceful and
pleasant life, respected by all his fellow-citizens in Kniest
Township. This happy marriage has produced six children who
enjoy a good upbringing. The children’s names are: Bernhard,
Konrad, Anna, Elisabeth, Katharina, and Agnes.
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Dr. A. Kessler
We have the pleasure of being able to present an excellent
portrait of Dr. A. Kessler, a man who has the reputation of
being one of the finest and most conscientious doctors of
Carroll County. He was born in 1858 in Johnson County, Iowa.
When he was one year old, his parents moved to Michigan, where
they stayed for seven years, and then they moved back to Johnson
County. When he was 13, the family moved to Cass County.
Dr. Kessler graduated from the State University, attended
medical college in Chicago, and the Medical Hospital College in
Louisville, Kentucky, where he received his diploma with
distinction. In 1889, he came to Carroll, Carroll County, Iowa,
and he enjoys a large practice.
NOTES: Dr. Kessler’s parents were German immigrants. His first
name was Alois. There is a more-complete biography of him in
Paul Maclean’s 1912 county history.
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Nickolaus Kirsch
This gentleman is also a very old settler of Carroll County, for
he has lived in Roselle Township since 1872. He is among the
most progressive farmers in Carroll County, and has not only
invested much effort to introduce a superior breed of cattle,
but also has been constantly intent on cultivating the best
varieties of corn here.
Mr. Kirsch was born in Holsdum, County of Bittburg, Germany, on
4 December 1813. After finishing school, he worked on his
parents’ farm or with other farmers. He came to America in 1867,
and settled first in Wisconsin, where, however, he remained only
one year. He then moved to Illinois where he worked again for
seven years, and in 1872 he settled in Roselle Township, Carroll
County, Iowa. He purchased a 120-acre parcel of land that he has
farmed successfully since then, and has furnished it with fine
buildings. On 15 April 1875, Mr. Kirsch married the virtuous
Miss Katharina Neppel. This marriage has produced six children,
three of whom died at a tender age. The names of those still
living are: Andreas, Maria, and Katharina. The Kirsch family
enjoys a good reputation and is much liked everywhere.
NOTES: The attached scan includes a very faded photo of the
Kirsch farm, with the caption, “The inner portion of the farm of
Mr. Nickolaus Kirsch.” The article states that he was born in “Holsdum”
in “Bittburg” County, Germany. I am reasonably certain that this
should be the town of “Holsthum,” which is just a few miles
southwest of “Bitburg.” Both towns are in the far west part of
Germany, about 20 miles northwest of the city of Trier, and very
close to the Luxemburg border. The article also says that he
came to America in 1867, worked one year in Wisconsin and seven
years in Illinois, and then came to Roselle Township in 1872.
The dates do not add up.
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Eberhard Kölker [Koelker]
Mr. Eberhard Kölker and his dear life’s companion, who are
pictured in a photo published in the Anniversary Edition, are
undoubtedly among the most respected and popular
German-Americans. Papa Kölker has already lived 80 summers, but
the respected old man still enjoys a mental vigor such as one
seldom sees in old age. The old and friendly gentleman will be
considered as the senior in Kniest Township and St. Mary’s
Parish, and he is gladly paid the respect that he deserves. Mr.
Eberhard Kölker was born on 29 September 1819 in the District of
Fürstenau, Province of Hanover, Germany. In 1852 he emigrated to
the United States of North America. At that time in this
country, the German culture was not as strongly represented as
it is today and, among the nativists, it was not yet granted the
respect that it later gained by virtue of its numerical
strength. The old man could certainly tell a few stories
attesting to the fact that life for a German in those days was
no bed of roses. But bravely and honestly he managed, and
initially made a homestead in Clayton County, Iowa. In 1853,
through the blessing of the priest, he was married to Miss Maria
Elisabeth Göttken. This marriage produced five children, of
which, however, only Bernhard and Elisabeth (Mrs. Frank Hagen)
are still living. On 14 May 1866, he had the misfortune to lose
his dear life’s companion through death. In the following year,
he married Miss Matia Rösener. And this marriage produced four
children, of which, however, only Louis, Joseph, and Anna are
still living. In 1873, Mr. Kölker moved to Kniest Township,
Carroll County, where he purchased 200 acres of land where the
old man still lives with his family, respected and esteemed by
all his acquaintances.
NOTES: The biography refers to the “nativists.” During the
1850’s the nativists were an anti-immigrant group active around
the United States including in Iowa. They were generally
anti-Catholic, opposed German and Irish immigration, and were
responsible for occasional acts of violence directed against
immigrants. The members were supposedly sworn to secrecy
concerning the organization and were also called the
“Know-Nothings.” In 1856, the nativists formed the American
Party and nominated Millard Fillmore for President. In Iowa, the
movement was not so harsh. The nativists and the Know-Nothings
were associated with the birth of the Republican Party in Iowa
in 1856 and favored temperance and longer waiting periods for
citizenship. Many Germans continued to support the Republican
Party, probably because of its anti-slavery platform, but most
German immigrants in Iowa supported the Democratic Party.
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Louis Kölker [Koelker]
Here we introduce into the scope of our review a young man who
first saw the light of the world in Carroll County. That was on
6 March 1870. He received here his youthful education, and
following school, he devoted himself to farming and assisted his
father in operating the farm in Kniest Township. He worked
loyally and industriously on his parents’ farm until 1894 when,
on the 3rd of October, he led his chosen one to the marriage
altar. That was Miss Theresia Berger, a virtuous and esteemed
young lady. He moved to his newly established home, consisting
of 100 acres. Mr. Kölker is a young, progressive German farmer,
who has labored with good success. He is also very popular and
respected in the entire township and has already held several
offices of distinction. He was Justice of the Peace for two
years, and still today Mr. Kölker holds the office of Township
Assessor. His home farm is in a good state of affairs and is
equipped with fine buildings. The above excellent picture, the
original of which was taken on his wedding day, shows him with
his dear wife. This very happy marriage has produced two
children: Mabel and Myrtel.
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