For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 649
RUDOLPH J. ALTEKRUSE....Rudolph J. Altekruse, a leading farmer of Lake and Seventy-six townships, who is now residing in a comfortable home at 214 West Seventh street, Muscatine, Iowa, was born in this county, June 1, 1840. He is a son of Rudplph and Sophia ( Vordermark ) Altekruse, both of whom were natives of Germany. They were married in their native land and immediately afterward started for America, making the voyage in a sailing vessel which was twelve weeks on the ocean, having encountered a very severe storm. They landed in Baltimore, remaining there for four years. They arrived in Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1840, and located in Seventy-six township, upon land which is now owned by the subject of this review. The father was a good farmer and followed that occupation until 1890, when he passed away. His faithful companion departed this life the same year. There were eight children in the family, four of whom grew to maturity, but only two are now living, our subject and his brother, H. H. Altekruse.Rudolph J. Altekruse was educated in the public schools and was reared on the home farm, where under his father he became thoroughly familiar with the various details of agriculture and stock-raising. For nearly fifty years he continued upon the farm where he was born and became known as one of the successful men in the community. He removed to Muscatine in 1907 but still owns his farm of four hundred and twenty-seven acres, which is one of the finest properties in the county. He also owns the residence in which he lives in Muscatine.
On the 5th of January, 1876, Mr. Altekruse was united in marriage to Miss Alice M. White, a native of Johnson county, Iowa and a daughter of Samuel and Eliza ( Hawkins ) White. The father was born in Pennsylvania and the mother in New Jersey. They were married in the latter state and came west, locating in Johnson County, Iowa. Mr. White was a wool carder in the east but after coming to Iowa devoted his attention to farming. There were nine children in the family. Mrs. Altekruse received her priliminary education in the district schools but later attended the high school at Muscatine. She is a lady of many excellent traits on mind and heart. To Mr. and Mrs. Altekruse five children have been born : Rosella May, the wife of Walter Shellabarger, of Cedar township, Muscatine county ; Mary Alice, now Mrs. Milton R. Waltz, of Lake township ; Ida Olive, the wife of Rev. D. M. Scott, a Presbyterian minister now stationed at Rochelle, Illinois ; Samuel C., living on his father's farm ; and Clark C.
Mr. Altekruse is known as one of the substantial men of Muscatine county, being recognized as " a man of his word " and one who never deserts a friend. He came of good Teutonic stock and many of his traits of character are those which have made the sons of Germany famous throughout the world. Politically he is independent and votes for the man regardless of his party. He has not sought office but for nine years consecutively served as trustee and clerk, performing his duties in such a way as to meet the hearty approval of the taxpayers. He and his wife are earnest members of the First Baptist church of Muscatine and are firm believers in the inspiration and authority of holy writ.
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