Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1891
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 473
CHARLES MICHAEL

Charles MICHAEL, a farmer living on section 17, of Magnolia Township, has been a resident of Harrison County, since April, 1869, when he settled on the farm he now occupies. The land he purhcased was without improvements, and he erected a log cabin 14x18 feet, which served as a residence, until about 1875, when he built a frame house 26x36 feet, one story and a half high. In 1884 he erected a barn 26x40 feet, with twelve-foot posts. He has been a successful tiller of the soil, and has invested his money in land, until he now owns 300 acres, one third of which is plow land, and the balance in pasture and meadow.

He was born in Mechlenburg Germany, June 30, 1833, and when about fifteen years of age he hired out to work for $8 per year, but when he quit was receiving $20 per year, which was considered high wages in that country. He worked by the year until 1862, and the next two years, worked by the job, and then sailed for America. He was six weeks on the voyage across the ocean, and came direct to Cleveland, Ohio, where he worked at odd jobs, cutting wood in the winter and working on a brick-yard during the summer until 1869, when he came to Harrison County, Iowa.

Our subject, was married in Germany, October 1, 1861, to Miss Frederica PLOTH. By this union five children were born: John C., Minnie, Charley (deceased), Mary and William. Frederica (PLOTH) MICHAEL, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, December 25, 1835, and remained at home until seventeen years of age, after which she worked out at $13 per year, continuing this for seven years, or until she was married. Mr. MICHAEL and his family are all members of the German Lutheran Church at Magnolia, and politically, he affiliates with the Democratic party.

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