For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 695
ALBERT RATHJEN....Agricultural interests have characterized the efforts of Albert Rathjen during the years of his connection with business affairs, and a well improved farm of one hundred and seventy-seven acres, of which he is now the owner, pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it. Iowa numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred in Hickory Grove township, Scott county, on the 14th of September, 1880. His father Charles Rathjen, was born in Scott county where his entire life has been spent, his attention being devoted to the occupation of farming. He was twice married. He first wedded Matilda Eichner, also a native of Scott county, and they became the parents of two children : Helena, the wife of Jens C. Jensen, of California ; and Albert, of this review. After the death of his first wife the father was again married and by his second union had three children.Reared amid the busy activities of the farm, no event of special importance came to vary the routine of life for Albert Rathjen during the period of his boyhood and youth, which he devoted to the acquirement of an education in the district schools near his home and to assisting his father in the work of the fields. He early became familiar with the tasks that usually fall to the lot of the country lad and as his years and strength increased the work grew more and more important and his responsibilities increased so that when he entered business life on his own account he was thoroughly equipped to take up an independent business venture. He remained at home until about eight years ago when he left the parental roof to carve out his own future. He first took up farming on rented land about three miles southeast of Stockton, in Fulton township, and was so successful in the undertaking that by the year 1905 the capital which he had been able to accumulate was sufficient to purchase a place of his own and on the 1st of April of that year, he became the owner of his present property, to which he removed in the following spring and which is now his home. It is a tract of one hundred and seventy-seven acres located on section 13 in Montpelier township, and its present fine condition is due almost entirely to the efforts of Mr. Rathjen. He has placed many improvenemts upon the farm, which in its well kept appearance bears evidence to the fact that his diligence has been unfaltering and his methods of a most practical character. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, and both branches of his business are proving profitable, owing to the fact that the thorough knowledge which he early acquired concerning the best methods of carrying on agriculture has been supplemented by a keen business sagacity and close application to the work before him, and although he is numbered among the younger residents, he has already gained a most creditable place for himself among the substantial and progressive farmers of the community.
On the 2d of December, 1903, Mr. Rathjen was united in marriage to Miss Alvena Schiesser, a native of Hickory grove township, Scott county, where her birth occurred on the 7th of January, 1883. Her parents, Theodore and Mary ( Hendricks ) Schiesser, still make their home in Hickory Grove township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rathjen have been born four children, but the eldest, Paul Theodore, passed away at the age of two and one-half years. The surviving members of the family are Neola, Ella and Adeline.
A stanch believer in democratic principles, Mr. Rathjen has kept himself informed on the questions and issues of the day and is an active and influential worker in the party organizations. He does not care for public recognition, however, as a reward for party fealty, preferring that his sevice should be that of a private citizen rather than a politician. He warmly advocates all measures which pertain to the general welfare and progress and is recognized as one of the substantial and public-spirited citizens of the community.
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