Frank Slegel
Frank Slegel, who owns a pleasantly situated home and farm in West Side township, may justly be designated as one of the intelligent and enterprising citizens of Crawford county.
He is a native of Jackson county, Wisconsin, born November 23, 1874, a son of Carl and Barbara (Kocum) Slegel. The parents were both born in Bohemia and came to America in 1867, taking up their residence in Wisconsin. In 1880 the family arrived in Crawford county, Iowa, and located on a farm in Milford township, where Mr. Slegel successfully engaged in agriculture and stock-raising. He and his wife are now living retired at Vail in the enjoyment of many years of well directed labor. There were seven children in their family, five of whom are now living: Frank, the subject of this review; Louis, at home; Anna, the wife of Wilbur Hawley, of Crawford county, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; Mamie, who married William Maynard, also of Crawford county; and Carrie, who is the wife of Floyd Chapman, of this county.
Frank Slegel came to Crawford county with his parents in his early boyhood and received the advantages of education in the public schools. He assisted his father in work upon the home farm until arriving at manhood and then began in business upon his own account by purchasing a place of one hundred and sixty acres on section 17, West Side township, where he now lives. He has improved his farm, converting it into rich and highly cultivated fields. He has also erected good and substantial buildings and planted a grove of evergreen trees, which is one of the highly attractive features of the township. He raises grain but pays special attention to stock-raising, which is a valuable part of his business and returns a generous revenue yearly.
In 1903 Mr. Slegel was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Kastl, who was born in Nebraska, October 10, 1880, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Kunes) Kastl. The parents were both born in Bohemia and emigrated to America in 1873. settling in Nebraska. The father passed away in 1890 but the mother is still living. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kastl, Mary being next to the youngest in order of birth.
Mr. Slegel and his estimable wife are members of the Catholic church, in which they were reared and in its work they take a great interest. As active and efficient factors in the community they are held in the highest esteem. Politically Mr. SIegel gives his support to the democratic party. He has never cared for official honors but has served most creditably as school director and also for six years in the responsible position of township assessor. Fraternally he is a valued member of Camp No. 3057, M. W. A., of Vail.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.