For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 25
JOHN T. NESTER. John T. Nester, proprietor of a popular blacksmith and repair shop in Muscatine, was born in this city, December 26, 1856. He is a son of John and Afra ( Bengele ) Nester. The father was born in Wurtenberg, Germany, and came to the United States in 1847, stopping for several years at Toledo, Ohio. Being attracted to the west, he came to Davenport, Iowa, where he lived for one year, and in 1853 or 54 located in Muscatine. He was a blacksmith by trade and was considered one of the best in his line in Muscatine. About 1898 on account of failing health, he withdrew from active work and in 1902 was called from earthly scenes. He was buried in St. Mary's cemetery. The mother of our subject was also a native of Germany. She was married in Ohio and died in this city on 1897. There were eight children in the family: Mary Margaret, deceased; John T., our subject; Mary Elizabeth and Charles, both deceased; Andrew J., of Muscatine; Theresa R., now a Sister of the Order of St. Francis and living in Roselle, Iowa; Joseph, deceased; and Mary A.., the wife of Anton Myers, of Muscatine.John T. Nester was educated in the common schools and at Snavely's Business College at Muscatine. As a boy he spent a great deal of time in his father's shop and became thoroughly familiar with the trade to which his father devoted his life. After laying aside his books he worked in the shop and became a partner of his father. The shop was originally located on Seventh street, but later moved to Third and Walnut streets and in 1868 to 311 Mulberry avenue, where work has since been carried on. The first button factory was started in his shop in 1891. Mr. Nester was the originator of the first saw for the button factory--the same pattern being used at the present time. He also originated the first saw set and shell tongs and is the only steel worker in the city. He is a man of considerable originality and has displayed a great deal of skill in various kinds of steel work. He is the owner of his shop and also of the fine residence in which he lives.
In 1886 Mr. Nester was married to Miss Matilda Gonsman. Nine children have come to bless their home: Afra Margaret; Joseph A.; John M., a stenographer at the United States arsenal at Rock Island, Illinois; Matilda; Lewis; Rosalie; Andrew; Agnes; and Cecelia, deceased. Six of the children are living at home.
Mr. Nester has from his boyhood been accustomed to work and has always applied himself earnestly, thereby accomplishing a great deal more than in the case of one who is not thoroughly interested in his daily occupation. By conscientious discharge of his duties he has built up a fine reputation and a lucrative business. He and his wife are members of St. Mary's church. Politically he affiliates with the democratic party. He holds membership in St. Joseph's Beneficiary lodge and the Iowa Protective Association, and is also connected with the Maennerchor, the Turners, the German American Alliance and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The esteem in which he is held by his associates is indicated by the fact that he is president of the Maennerchor and of the German American Alliance and has held various offices in other organizations.
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