Robert Glockzien
America has been called the land of opportunity and to thousands it has proven not only a land of opportunity but a land in which they have conquered fears of poverty and dependence and obtained home and fortune. It would be difficult to find a more striking illustration of this statement than is presented in the career of Robert Glockzien, who is now the owner of one of the finest farms of Crawford county, embracing four hundred and thirty-five acres, all of which he has acquired by his own efforts.
He was born in Germany, October 19, 1848, a son of Gottleib and Elbertina (Lentz) Glockzien, both of whom passed their entire lives in the fatherland. The father was a tailor by trade. and the head of a family of three children: Robert. the subject of this review; Herman and August, both of whom are living in Germany.
Robert Glockzien received the advantages of a common-school education in his native land and grew up under the friendly shelter of the parental roof. In 1868, being then twenty years of age, he crossed the ocean to America, spending the first eighteen months in New York, at the end of which time he went to California, where he followed the cobbler's trade for twenty years. By patient industry and the application of thorough principles of economy he acquired sufficient capital to start as a farmer and accordingly he came to Crawford county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres, which he cultivated for seven years, largely increasing its value.
Having disposed of this land he bought one hundred and ninety-five acres, to which he has since added two hundred and forty acres. The farm is one of the most attractive features of the landscape in that part of the county, everything about it indicating thoughtful care and attention. It is located on section 8, Charter Oak township, and section 11, Hanover township. Mr. Glockzien devotes his attention to general farming and as he understands his business thoroughly, every year witnesses an increase financially in his favor.
On the 5th of March, 1888, Mr. Glockzien was united in marriage to Miss Ernestine S. Kroll, who was born in Germany, May 10, 1867, a daughter of William C. and Henrietta Kroll, both of whom spent their entire lives in the old country. The wife of our subject was their only child. She came to America in June, 1881, and made her home for seven years in Chicago, being married in that city.
Mr. and Mrs. Glockzien are the parents of three children: Eichmann, who was born November 15, 1888, and received a common-school education; Louisa, born December 22, 1890; and Robert, born April 10, 1893. These children can all fluently read, write and speak the English and German languages, and all give promise of useful lives.
Mr. Glockzien began in a humble capacity but by overcoming obstacles gathered strength, so that he is today independent financially and a highly respected citizen of one of the largest counties of Iowa. Politically he is allied with the democratic party but has never sought to mingle in public affairs as his interests are centered upon his family and his farm. In religious belief he and his wife are identified with the German Lutheran church, of which they are earnest supporters.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.