The homestead of the family in the fatherland was in the country, and here the sons learned the secrets of agriculture, and developed in the free, pure atmosphere of "God's out of doors"' that brawn and strong physique which make for success in this vocation. In the year 1883 the father, being a progressive man, saw in the broad prairies of which he had heard in the western hemisphere the opportunities for which he longed for himself and his family. Consequently they undertook the tedious voyage and came directly to the new fields of O'Brien county. Here, in Caledonia township, he was enabled to purchase a tract of land, and with characteristic industry and thrift, the place was rapidly improved and a competence for the future was assured. In 1906 the father retired from active labor and is, together with the faithful wife, now enjoying the fruits of his earlier years of toil, in a comfortable home in Paullina.
The son. William, while but a lad in Germany, left the homestead of his father and went to work on the farm of a neighbor; but when his parents decided to take the long journey to the shores of the New World, he gladly accompanied them to the new home. Soon after their arrival in O'Brien county he obtained employment upon a neighboring farm and for four years he labored in this manner for others. Then came the opportunity for a change which is so dear to the heart of youth, and he learned the carpenter's trade, to which he clung for the succeeding four years. At the expiration of this period he opened a creamery in the country, four miles southwest of Paullina, and for eighteen years his time and his energies were devoted to the up building of this establishment. Unremitting industry, directed by sound judgrment, could not fail to bring the success which he craved and when, at the expiration of this period, in the year 1910, he sold the business he was enabled to purchase a tract of two hundred and forty acres of improved land in Union township. Remembering the training of his youth, it was not a difficult matter for him to again assume the duties of farm life, and in this, as in all his previous business ventures, he has been successful. His farm shows the care which has been lavished upon it, and the high grade of lve stock which is found upon the place is evidence of the sound judgement which he exercises in this department of his work. In the year 1890 was taken one of the most important steps of Mr.Strampe's career, for in this year he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Gruenhagen, who was born in Cook county, Illinois, in the year 1871. Ten children have blessed this union, nine of whom are still enjoying the protection of the parental roof, some attending school and some assisting the parents in the varions labors and activities of the homestead. Arthur, the eldest son. is a resident of the town of Paullina. also. The children at home are William. Edward, Amanda. Bernard, Walter. Alvina. Laura. Harry and Clarence.
Politically. Mr. Strampe is a faithful adherent of the principles of the Democratic party. He is a devoted member of the German Lutheran church, where he is well known and highly respected. That he holds an enviable position in the confidence of his fellow men is evidenced by the fact that he has been selected to act as county supervisor for O'Brien county. In manner Mr. Strampe is unassuming and sincere, deserving and receiving the respect of those with whom he is associated throughout the countv.
From Past and Present of O'Brien and Osceola Counties Iowa 1914