Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 328
GEORGE GRETE, a leading citizen of Sweetland Township, residing on section 22, is a German by birth, and was born in Eddighausen, in the Kingdom of Hanover, on the 27th of March, 1836. His parents were Frederick and Wilhelmina ( Springer ) Grete, and he has two sisters yet living: Wilhelmina, who is a resident of Nebraska, and Regina, who is living in Montpelier, Iowa.

The days of his boyhood and youth our subject passed in his native land, but on attaining his majority he determined to cast his lot in the New World, and emigrated to America. The voyage across the Atlantic was made in the "Helena," and on the 4th of October, 1857, he arrived at Muscatine. After reaching that city he secured work, receiving for his labor fifty cents per day, from this small amount boarded and clothed himself until 1858, when he turned his attention to farming. Renting land in Sweetland Township, he engaged in its cultivation for one season, and the following winter worked for Dr. Mary, who resided at the same place. He was next employed by William Wright, with whom he remained one summer, and in the winter rented a farm north of Muscatine, where he also made his home for one season. At the end of that time he made his first purchase of land, consisting of twenty acres, the foundation of his present farm. Success attending his efforts as an agriculturist, he has been enabled to add to his original purchase until he is now the owner of 250 acres, which is highly improved and cultivated. He gives considerable attention to the raising of stock, and is regarded by all as a progressive, enterprising farmer.

On the 3d of July, 1859, Mr. Grete was united in marraige with Miss Mary, a native of the same place as Mr. Grete, and who came from Germany on the same ship with him, daughter of Adam and Christian Wetsel. She was the fifth in order of birth of a family of six children, but, with the exception of her sister Louisa, they are still residents of their native land. On the 20th of March, 1861, their union was graced by the birth of twins, but when two years had passed the daughter Catherine was laid to rest. August, the other Child, wedded Louisa Nolte, Nov. 4, 1880, and to them have been born two children: Matilda, born Nov. 13, 1881, and George, Jan. 29, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Grete have been communicants of the Lutheran Church since their childhood days, and now hold membership with the society of that denomination in Muscatine. After becoming a citizen, until 1884, he supported the Republican party, but in that year voted for Grover Cleveland, and again in 1888. In 1865, some time before he was naturalized, he was appointed School Director, serving three years, and has several times since been elected to the same position. He is at present Director of the Highland School, Sweetland Township, and was instrumental in its establishment. He labored earnestly and effectively in its behalf, and to him much credit is due for its high standard of excellence.

August Grete is living with his parents, and is in partnership with his father in all farming operations. His wife was born in Milton, Muscatine County, of German parents, who were among the early settlers of that part of the county. She is the daughter of Frederick and Anna Nolte, and was born May 2, 1858. Both August and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church.

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