William Gottsch
Citizens of foreign birth have performed an important part in the development of Crawford county and in the list of those who are now prominent in agricultural circles stands the name of William Gottsch, a native of Germany.
His eyes first opened to the light of day in the province of Holstein, August 16, 1868, his parents being Peter and Elsie Gottsch, who were also natives of that province. The family came to America in 1881 and located in Carroll county, Iowa, where the parents are still living. Five children were born to them, three of whom survive.
William Gottsch came to the new world with his parents when he was thirteen years of age and received his education in Germany and in the district schools of Iowa. He continued at home until he reached manhood and then took up his residence on the farm where he now lives on section 15, West Side township. This place comprises three hundred and twenty acres, on which he has erected substantial buildings and made other improvements, developing the farm into one of the most desirable properties of the township. He also has charge of three hundred and twenty acres which belongs to his father and engages quite extensively in raising and feeding stock for the market. He is a thorough business man and is regarded as one of the substantial and progressive farmers of the county.
In 1896 Mr. Gottsch was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kruse, who was born in Hayes township, Crawford county, December 29, 1873, a daughter of Otto and Metha Kruse. Her parents were born in Germany and came to America in 1856, locating in Crawford county, Iowa, where they still live. There were six children in their family, four of whom survive.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Gottsch has been blessed by four children, namely: Alfred P., who was born August 8, 1897; Hilda Anna, born December 26, 1899; Rudolph C., born August 30, 1904; and Gilmer Otto, born December 30, 1905.
Mr. Gottsch has attained his present honorable position in the community through a practical knowledge of his business and an innate ambition which has ever urged him to the accomplishment of worthy objects. He is known as one of the reliable and energetic men of his township who never falters in the discharge of any obligation and is generally capable of carrying to a successful conclusion whatever he undertakes. Politically he gives his support to the republican party and fraternally he is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias. He and his estimable wife hold membership in the Lutheran church and are active workers in its behalf.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.