1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa
Page Index:
Nissen |
Paup |
Pedersen |
Erickson |
Daws |
Frank |
Soey |
Nelson |
Schack |
Rosmann |
The Declaration of Independence has brought millions of people to this country. A magnetic sentence in this document reads as follows: "We hold these truths self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." The fact that the truth embodied in this wonderful statement is guaranteed by our nation has brought to our shores people from every nation under the sun. During the past century there were fought in Europe many wars of conquest. While these were unfortunate for the people who were subjugated, it was a good thing for the United States, for the boldest and best spirits left the lands thus enthralled and came to this Country. In 1864 occurred a war between Denmark and
Prussia, and as a result of this conflict a large tract of Danish territory was annexed by Prussia. There were hundreds and thousands of loyal Danish people who left this subjugated territory and either came to America or moved over into their native land. Among these people there is at least one who fought in this memorable struggle and left the conquered tract to make his home in Shelby county, Iowa. This man, John Nissen, is now living a retired life in Harlan, and no man in this county is more deserving of representation in this volume than this distinguished eitizen, who has spent more than thirty-five years in this county.
John Nissen, the son of John and Catherine (Docwhiler) Nissen, was born in Schleswig, Germany, August 20, 1836. At the time of his birth this territory was a part of the Danish kingdom, and so remained until 1864, when it was annexed by Germany. John Nissen, Sr., was born in this country in 1806, and his wife in 1804. Both of these people lived all of their lives in the land of their birth, the father dying in 1874, and the mother in 1884. Seven children were born to them, four of whom are living, and three are residents of the United States.
John Nissen, Jr., went to school in his native land, and after leaving school worked as a farm hand. At the opening of the Danish-Prussian war in 1864, he enlisted in the Danish army and fought a brave fight, but was compelled to see his country defeated and the home which he loved snatched away and added to a foreign country. Had this not occurred, John Nissen would never have become a resident of the United States, in all probability, but he was not satisfied to become a citizen of Germany, and in 1868 came, with his family, to this country, and settled in Scott county, Iowa, where he secured employment as a farm hand at sixteen dollars a month. Three years later he rented a farm and lived upon this for eight years. In 1879 he came to Shelby county and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of unimproved land in Jackson township. This land was raw prairie, totally unimproved, there being nothing on the farm but a rude shack. With characteristic thrift and with a determination born of centuries of struggle, he went to work and with his sons' aid, he soon had his farm yielding a handsome return. He improved it at a cost of twelve thousand dollars and a few years ago retired from active farm life and moved to Harlan, where he is now living with his widowed daughter, Mrs. Christina Hansen.
Mr. Nissen was married in 1868 to Lena Jacobsen, who was born in Denmark in 1841, and died in 1911. To this union eight children were born: John, a farmer of Audubon county, this state; Chris Nissen, a farmer of this county; Charles, a farmer of Pottawattamie county; Mrs. Mena Broderson, of Harlan; Mrs. Hattie Morrison, of Harlan; Mrs. Christina Hansen, of Harlan; Peter, deceased, and Christopher, also deceased.
Mr. Nissen has always identified himself with the Democratic party since coming to this country, believing that in the principles of that party are to be found the best interests of our country. He has never been active in political affairs, although he has ever taken a full share of the civic burdens of his community. He and his family are all loyal and earnest members of the Danish Lutheran church, and contribute generously of their substance to its support. The life history of Mr. Nissen is full of interest to the people of this county, and the historian takes a great pleasure in presenting his record in this connection. Since coming to this county he has impressed
every one as a man of sterling integrity and high ideals. No man in the county is more highly respected or held in higher esteem by his fellow citizens.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1259 - 1261.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
Among the men of sterling worth and strength of character who have made their impress upon the life of the locality in which they live no one has achieved a larger measure of popular respect than George C. Paup, one of the largest stock raisers of Shelby county. His residence of a quarter of a century in Shelby county has given the people an opportunity to know every phase of his character, and that he has been true to life in every phase is manifest by the esteem in which he is held by all who know him. He has won' success by his own honest endeavors and indomitable energy, and has placed himself in the front ranks of the farmers and stockmen of his community.
George C. Paup, the son of George and Sarah (Ham) Paup, was born in 1855 in Jackson county, Iowa. His father was born in Pennsylvania in 1834 and came to Jackson county, this state, in 1854, immediately after his marriage. He homesteaded on eighty acres of brush land in that county and after making improvements on the farm, sold it and bought land in Clinton county, where he lived until 1877. He then disposed of his farm and came to Harlan, Iowa, where he engaged in the real estate business until his death, in 1906. He was twice married. His first wife, Sarah Ham, was born in 1838 in Pennsylvania and died many years ago. Five children were born to this union. Some time after the death of his first wife Mr. Paup was married to Julia Brombrow, who died in 1912, at the advanced age of ninety.
There were no children born to the second marriage.
George C. Paup worked upon the home farm until he was twenty-five years old. His father then gave him one hundred and sixty acres of land in Clinton county, Iowa, and on this he lived for a few years. He then sold this farm and moved to his father's old homestead in Clinton county, remaining there until 1892. In that year he moved to Harlan and bought two hundred and fifty acres of land adjoining the city limits on the north, where he carries on extensive hog and cattle feeding. He buys hogs and cattle and then feeds them himself, and often has as many as two hundred head of cattle on the farm at one time fattening for the market. In 1906 he built a handsome home at a cost of eight thousand dollars. He had several farms scattered throughout the county which he has given to his children, and all of them are well improved and attractive in appearance.
Mr. Paup has been married three times. He was first married in 1876, to Margaret Paris, who was born in New York state in 1856, and to this first union four children were born: Leonard C. and Frank, who are farming in Shelby county; Clifford and Roy, who are deceased. His first wife died in 1903, and in 1907 Mr. Paup married Vinnie Thompson, who was born at Scranton, Iowa, in 1861, and she died in 1908. Mr. Paup was married to his present wife, Cora Kelley McCrak, in 1910. She was born in 1856.
Mr. Paup is a Republican in politics, but his extensive landed interests have prevented him from taking an active part in political matters. Mr. Paup is a very keen business man and has the sagacity and foresight which marks the successful business man. As a stock raiser he does not have his equal in the county, and has had remarkable success in this phase of farming. While advancing his material interests, he has not forgotten his obligations to the community at large and gives his hearty support to all measures calculated to benefit his locality in any way.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1262 - 1263.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
From Denmark have come some of the best citizens of Shelby county and they have given their adopted country the same steadfast loyalty which they accorded their native land before coming here. They have taken their share in the community life and have been as patriotic as any of our native-born citizens. Many of them were pioneers in Shelby county and, without exception, they have become prosperous citizens. The history of Eske L. Pedersen, which is here presented, is. full of many interesting details and should be stimulating to the coming generation.
Eske L. Pedersen, the son of Peter and Marian (Longensen) Pedersen, was born April 29, 1845, in Denmark. His father was a carpenter and erected wooden mills in his native land, following this particular line of carpentering until his death. Peter and his wife never came to America, both living all their days in Denmark.
Eske L. Pedersen is one of seven children born to his parents, five of whom are living. He received a good common school education in his native land and when twenty-five years old came to America to seek his fortune. He landed in the southern part of the United States and found employment on the freight boats running from Galveston, Texas, to the various ports on the eastern coast of South America. He followed sea-faring life for three years and then located in Davenport, Iowa, but shortly afterward went to St. Louis, where he found work in the lead factories of that city.
In 1875 Mr. Pedersen came to Shelby county, Iowa, where he bought eighty acres of land for seven dollars and a quarter an acre. Before making many improvements, he sold it to his brother, Carl, and bought one hundred and sixty acres in the same township, which he farmed for three years. He then disposed of this and bought his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Jackson township. He prospered, as have all of his country-men, and when he retired to Jacksonville, in 1907, he owned three hundred and sixty acres of fine land in this township and two and a half acres of lots in Jacksonville, on which he erected a fine modern residence of eight
rooms.
Mr. Pedersen was married August 20, 1876, to Kern Nissen, who was born in Denmark February 12, 1853. To this union there have been born twelve children: Peter, a farmer of this county; Nissen, a farmer of this county; Mrs. Mary Jensen, whose husband is a farmer of this county; Mrs Lena Petersen, of Shelby county; Ebbe, a farmer of this county; Mrs. Tena Jacobsen of Shelby county; Hans, who is working on the farm; Sarah, who is still living with her parents; two who died in infancy; Theresa and James L., a carpenter in this county.
The Democratic party has claimed the support of Mr. Pedersen, but he has never been an aspirant for office. He and his family are loyal members of the Danish Lutheran church. Mr. Pedersen is a man who has made everything he has by the sweat of his brow and is one of the most highly respected citizens of his county. By a life full of good deeds and kindly actions, he has endeared himself to a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1258 - 1259.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
From the "land of the midnight sun" have come several of the most substantial citizens of Shelby county, Iowa, and in whatever community they have settled they have become the leaders in their respective lines of activity. Starting in in this county when he was eighteen years of age, Enoch H. Erickson has gradually accumulated valuable farming lands until he is new the owner of nearly a section of excellent land in the county, while at the same time he has taken his share of the civic burdens of his community. The lives of such men are stimulating to the youth and should spur the coming generation to greater efforts. He is a man whose integrity and strength of character have commanded respect and this brief biographical review is but a feeble tribute to the worth of such a man to his community.
Enoch H. Erickson, the present trustee of Lincoln township, the son of Henry and Olane (Anderson) Erickson, was born on December 26, 1854, in Norway. Henry Erickson was born in 1821 and after his marriage lived several years in the land of his birth. They first came to America in 1869, and at once settled in Mahaska county, Iowa, where they farmed for a short time. In 1873 Henry Erickson brought his family to Shelby county, where he lived for several years on his own farm and then lived with his son, Henry, Jr., until his death, in 1904. His widow is now living with her son, Andrew, in this county. There were nine children born to Henry Erickson and wife: Two died in infancy, 0. J. died at age of twenty-one years, Andrew, Martha, Enoch H., Olane, Christina and Henry.
Enoch H. Erickson was between fourteen and fifteen years of age when his parents moved from Norway to this country and settled in Iowa, and consequently received his education in his native land. As soon as he came to this country he began working for himself, saving every cent in order to buy a farm of his own before the price of land rose. He was nineteen years of age when he bought forty acres of land, in Lincoln township at nine dollars an acre, and since that time has been classed among the progressive farmers of his county. He started in with practically nothing and with forty acres as a nucleus he has added to his land holdings from time to time until he now owns five hundred and `forty acres of land in Lincoln and Jefferson townships. He has made extensive improvements upon his land and
now derives a large annual income from the sale of his crops and live stock. Mr. Erickson was married in 1886 to Matilda Oleson, who was born in 1862 in Norway, and to this union have been born eight children: Oscar, a farmer of Jefferson township; Carl, who is farming in this township; Elmer, a farmer of Osceola county, Iowa; Toy, a teacher in the schools of this county, and four children who are still living with their parents, Stella, Floyd, Helen and Alice.
Mr. Erickson has always been identified with the Republican party since coming to this country and has been honored by his party on more than one occasion. He has been township clerk and at the present time is the trustee of Lincoln township, a position which he is filling to the entire satisfaction of the residents of the township. Religiously, he and the members of his family are all loyal members of the Lutheran church and take an active part in church work. He is a progressive citizen in his community and has labored not only for his own advancement, but for the good of the people generally. He is a man of many sterling characteristics, hesitating at no obstacles, and ever willing to do his full share in the work of progress-a man whose word is as good as his bond.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1152-1154.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
The best title one can establish to the high and generous esteem of an intelligent community is a protracted and honorable residence therein. James L. Daws, one of the best known and highly esteemed young farmers of Shelby county, Iowa, has resided in this county all his life and his career has been a most commendable one in every respect, well deserving of being perpetuated in the pages of a historical work such as this. Like his sterling father before him, he has been a man of well defined purpose and never failed to carry to successful completion any work or enterprise to which he addressed himself. Knowing that the country was destined to take a high rank in the productive localities of the state, he has applied himself very closely to his work and waits for the future to bring its rewards.
James Leroy Daws, proprietor of the "Pinehurst" farm in Center township, this county, was born January 13, 1881, in the township where he has spent his entire life. His parents, Charles W. and May Elizabeth (Womer) flaws, are both natives of Illinois, his father's birth occurring in 1854, and his mother's in 1859. Charles W. Daws moved to Shelby county, Iowa, in 1880, and rented land for a short time, after which he purchased one hundred and sixty acres. He prospered and added to his land holdings from time to time until he is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of excellent farming land in Center township, which is highly improved and one of the most productive farms of the county. He was an extensive breeder of Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, and exhibited his best stock at the
different fairs in Nebraska and Iowa, winning sweepstakes at the state. fairs. He shipped stock for breeding purposes to different parts of the United States, and while actively engaged in the business, was recognized as one of the leading stock breeders of this section of the state. In 1913 he retired to Harlan and turned the management of his farm over to his son, James L., whose sketch is found in this volume.
James L. Daws was given a good common school education and later went to Ames College, where he took a course in butter making and steam engineering. After spending two years in college, he returned to his home and operated a creamery for one year in Center township. He then began working on his father's farm, and later bought a half interest in his father's stock, and upon the retirement of his father in 1913, took active charge of his father's large farm. He is an energetic young man and has the ability to become one of the most successful farmers and stock breeders of the county. In 1913 he raised seventy acres of corn and twenty acres of oats, and on several occasions has won prizes on his agricultural products at the Shelby County Fair.
Mr. Daws was married June 14, 1903, to Elsie May Walters, who was born in Shelby county, Iowa, April 21, 1885, and to this union have been born two children, Fred and Blanche, both of whom are living with their parents. Mrs. Daws is the daughter of Henry H. and Melissa (McQueen) Walters, natives of Iowa, who located in Jackson township on a farm in 1884. In 1909 Mr. Walters retired to Eddyville, Iowa. Mrs. Daws is the only child of her parents.
Mr. Daws identifies himself With the Republican party and has always been actively interested in political affairs. At the present time he is township clerk, an office which he has held for the past six years to the entire satisfaction of all the citizens of the township. He is an earnest advocate of good government and lends his influence to every measure which he thinks will bring about this result. He and his wife are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church and contribute to its support. Mr. Daws is a representative citizen of his county and is interested in all that affects the general welfare of the locality.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1269 - 1270.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
Charles F. Frank is among the favorably known and representative citizens of Greeley township, Shelby county. By his indomitable enterprise and progressive methods he has contributed in a material way to the advancement of his locality and during the course of an honorable career has been fairly successful in his business enterprises, having been a man of energy, sound judgment and honesty of purpose.
Charles F. Frank is a native of the great German empire, born in that land November 11, 1872, the son of Charles and Minnie (Olrich) Frank. He is one of a family of nine children, the others being Earnest, Elfrieda, Nordby; Henry, Martha (Mrs. Grieve),. Mamie (Mrs. Gawley), August and John. When the immediate subject of this sketch was seven years old, his parents emigrated to this country and located on a farm near Avoca, this state. About 1888 they purchased a farm in Greeley township and took up their residence there. Charles F. Frank remained under the parental roof, assisting in the work about the home place until the time of his marriage, when he was twenty-six years old. He then started out for himself, renting a tract of eighty acres, which he tended for two years, when he increased his
rented acreage to one hundred and sixty acres, which he tilled for three years. By that time he felt warranted in making a purchase for himself and bought a farm of eighty acres, on which he has since resided continuously. He carries on farming and finds the raising of live stock a lucrative side line. At the present time he has six head of horses, which he employs in the work about the farm; ten head of cattle and he raises on an average sixty hogs annually for the market.
On February 8, 1899, Mr. Frank was united in marriage with Myrtle Humphrey, who was born July 2, 1877, in Witmore, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Richard and Ellen (Roberts) Humphrey. The former was born on November 15, 1853, in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, the son of William and Mary Humphrey, both of whom were natives of Wales and came to this country shortly after they married. They took up their residence in the state of Pennsylvania; and there passed the remainder of their lives. He saw service with the soldiers of the Union during the great internal struggle of the early sixties and was at one time taken prisoner and confined in Libby prison. He was twice married, having seven children by his first marriage and six by the last. Richard, the father of Mrs. Frank, was one of the children of the first marriage and after the second marriage he secured employment with the farmers of the neighborhood, hiring out to them by the month. He employed himself in this manner until the time of his marriage and in 1879 he came to this state, locating on a farm three miles south of Iowa City. There he remained for three years, when he came to this county and purchased a farm containing eighty acres in Greeley township, one mile west of Irwin. There he made his home for the remainder of his life and there his death occurred July 12, 1894. Mrs. Frank's parents were married in 1878, her mother being Ella Roberts, who was born on October 29, 1854, in Cambria county, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Owen and Marguerite (Tibbitt) Roberts. Owen Roberts was a native of Wales, having been born near Sherevon and was a young man when he came to this country and located in Pennsylvania. He engaged in agricultural work and prospered, owning about one hundred acres of land. He was married soon after he came to this country and became the father of seven children, of whom Ellen, the mother of Mrs. Frank, was next to the youngest. The Tibbitts were also of Welsh descent and likewise engaged in farming in Pennsylvania. where the family had always lived. Mrs. Frank is one of a family of five children, the others being Maud (Mrs. Clark), Webster, Lottie (Mrs. Reynolds), and Mabel (deceased). To Mr. and Mrs. Frank have been born two children, Earl Charles, born on August 2, 1905, and Bernice, who was born August 29, 1908. The entire family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and are interested in its work, contributing both time and means to further the cause. Mr. Frank endorses the principles of the Republican party. He has served as a school director and is always glad to do anything in his power to promote the social, educational or moral welfare of. the community. Personally, Mr. Frank possesses those qualities which gain friendship in a community and is well entitled to the respect and esteem in which he is held by all who know him.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1270 - 1272.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
Shelby county has attracted people from all over the United States and not a few of them have come from the state of Ohio. The cause for the rapid settlement of Iowa after it was opened is to be found in its fertile soil and other great natural resources. It is not only one of the greatest farming sections in the world but it also has immense beds of coal as well. However, it was the knowledge that there were thousands of acres of excellent land within the borders of the state that led to its rapid development .after it was once opened for settlement. People flocked to the state from all over the world, not only people from this country, but from foreign lands as well. Among the natives of the Buckeye state to make this county their permanent home there is no more energetic citizen than Henry B. Soey, whose life history is here briefly reviewed.
Mr. Soey, the son of Benjamin S. and Margaret (Meese) Soey, was born February 9, 1840, in Columbiana county, Ohio, his parents being natives of the same state. His father was a shoemaker in Ohio and lived there all of his days. He and his wife were the parents of ten children: Lydia, Henry B., Dorothy, Clinton, John, Margaret, James, Joseph, William and Catherine. All of these children are deceased except Catherine and Henry B. After getting a common school education, Henry B. Soey took up shoemaking with his father and followed the occupation for about fourteen years. He then moved to Iowa and erected and operated a saw mill in Monona county for twelve years. Disposing of his mill, he moved to Defiance, and engaged in the implement business for the next eighteen years. After retiring from
this line of activity he took up the real estate and insurance business and has made a success of this from the beginning.
He has taken an active part in local Democratic politics and has served his party on several occasions in different capacities. At the present time he is serving as justice of the peace and has served for thirty-four years in that capacity, twelve years in Monona county. He conducted the longest trial before any justice of the peace in Iowa. It was the Parker liquor case and lasted ten days. He was township clerk in Monona county for seven years and served eight years as mayor of Defiance. In all of these positions he performed satisfactory service for his fellow citizens. He has been the master of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masonic lodge at Defiance for a number of years.
Mr. Soey was married July 4, 1864, to Mary Ellen Brinker and to this union was born one child, who died in infancy. Mrs. Soey's parents were natives of Ohio. Her father died in Ohio and his widow later moved to the southern part of Illinois where she died. They were the parents of nine children: Harriet, William, Jerry, Allen, Alice, Martha, Marcus, George and Mary Ellen, the wife of Mr. Soey. Mrs. Soey is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1272 - 1273.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
One of the youngest business men of Harlan, Iowa, is Moody M. Nelson, who is the proprietor of a well-equipped garage in Harlan. This is the day of the young man in business and it is gratifying to note the splendid success which is attending the younger group of business men in this city. Mr. Nelson is a skillful machinist and a man of keen business ability. He is rapidly becoming a leader in the commercial life of his city and as a man of unquestioned integrity, he has won the confidence of his business associates. No man of the city is more interested in its welfare.
Moody M. Nelson, the son of Christopher and Katherine (Larson) Nelson, was born in 1889 in Jackson township, in this county. His father was born in 1835 in Denmark and came to Shelby county, Iowa, when it young man. He started with practically nothing and when he retired from active farming in 1902, he owned two hundred acres of fine land in Lincoln township. He and his wife are now residing in Harlan, where they have a handsome home. His wife was born in 1842 in Denmark. To Mr. and Mrs. Nelson have been born eight children, all of whom are living.
Mr. Nelson received a common and high school education in Harlan and remained with his father on the farm while attending school He has not married and lives at home. On leaving school he worked for six years with the Nelson Gas Company, where he learned the trade of a machinist. He then became a mechanician in the Harlan Auto Garage and three years later bought the garage. He is one of the most skilled machinists in the city and since taking over the garage his business has constantly increased. His shop is equipped with all the necessary tools and machines for automobile repair.
Mr. Nelson owns a half interest in eighty acres located in Guthrie Center, Iowa. He is allied with the Republican parts but has neither time nor inclination to engage in politics. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Harlan and takes an active interest in this organization.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1273 - 1274.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
The little kingdom of Denmark is one of the smallest in Europe, and yet from it have come some of the finest citizens of Shelby county, Iowa. In whatever profession they are found, they are leaders. In the welfare of their respective communities they take a prominent part. It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the result of legitimate and well applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in a course of action once decided upon. This means that these Sons of Denmark have these qualities in abundance, and in their adopted land, with greater opportunities than in their native country, they have become men of affairs. From the life of Louis Schack, of Harlan, Iowa, it is plainly seen that the success which he enjoys today has been won by these commendable capabilities and it is his sterling worth that has gained for him the high esteem of those with whom he is associated. Louis Schack, the son of Carl and Boline (Belchner) Schack, was born
in 1869 in Denmark. His parents were born in 1834 and 1837, respectively, and have never left their native land. They are the parents of eight children, seven of whom are still living.
Louis Schack went to school in his native land and completed his education by attending the Ranum Seminary. Before coming to this. country hundreds of his friends and relatives had settled in various parts of the United States, and the glowing letters which they sent back, telling of the opportunities in this land, induced young Louis Schack to cast his fortunes also in this new world. In 1888, just after passing his twenty-first birthday, he came to the United States and settled in Elk Horn, Iowa, where he worked as a farm laborer for four years. He then went to Hancock, Iowa, where he worked in a butter and cheese factory, but feeling that he could not attain the success in this work without practical training, he went to Ames College and took a course in butter and cheese making in order to perfect himself
in his chosen work. After leaving college he had no difficulty in securing a good position and his first work was at New London for one year, and then at the Elgin creamery in Atlantic, this state. This was followed by four years at Prairie Rose, Iowa, and during all of these years he was saving his money with the intention of going into some kind, of business for himself. In 1903 he came to Harlan and started in the furniture business with his brother-in-law, Andrew Boysen, and has been continuously engaged in this since that time. He and his brother-in-law have a fine store, well equipped with all the latest furniture and by their deferential treatment of their customers and their well established reputation for honesty they have built up a large trade in the city and surrounding community. In addition to his interests in the furniture business, Mr. Schack also has two lots and a handsome home near the Vocational College in Harlan, and also holds several shares of stock in the Blau Gas Company of this county.
Mr. Schack was married in 1897 to Mary Christiansen, who was born in Moline, Illinois, in 1877, and to this union have been born three children, Carly, Volberg and Elvavernie.
The Progressive party, upon its organization in 1912, attracted the leaders in communities from coast to coast and from the Gulf to the Great Lakes. Never in the whole history of the United States has a new party sprung into existence and in three months reached such gigantic proportions as to poll more votes than the party which it supplanted. Mr. Schack allied himself with this new party and has since been active in its councils. Mr. Schack is a member of the Danish Lutheran church, and a generous contributor to all of its activities. A man of judgment, sound discretion and excellent business ability, he has managed his affairs with a success which
has brought him a comfortable competency.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1276 - 1277.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
All callings, whether humble or exalted, may be productive of some measure of success. In enterprise and industry, coupled with a well-directed purpose. these form the motive force of the person directing the same, and in no case is this fact more apparent than in agricultural pursuits. It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the result of legitimate and well applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance as well as the above enumerated qualities. In tracing the history of Joseph Rosmann, a prosperous and influential agriculturist of Lincoln township, Shelby county, Iowa, we find that the above named elements have entered largely into his makeup and, therefore, we are not surprised at the large and ever growing success which he has attained.
One of the many excellent German farmers of this county is Joseph Rosmann. Although Mr. Rosmann was born in this county on June 27, 1882, his father was a native of the Fatherland, his birth having occurred in Germany in 1849. Joseph Rosmann is the son of George and Anna (Ertmar) Rosmann, his mother having been born in 1861 in Jo Daviess county, Illinois. George Rosmann left his native land in 1880 and, upon reaching the United States, came direct to Shelby county, Iowa, where he purchased land in Douglas township. He became one of the most extensive land owners of his township and at his death, in 1911, was the owner of five hundred acres of fine farming land, on which he had made some very extensive improvements. George Rosmann and wife were the parents of fifteen children, all of whom are living but one.
Joseph Rosmann has spent his whole life in this county. He received such education as was afforded by the district schools of his home township in his youth and has been a wide reader since leaving school, keeping in close touch with the latest literature on agricultural subjects. He remained at home until 1907, at which time he married and began farming for himself in Lincoln township. He first purchased eighty acres and as fast as his growing prosperity enabled him to do so has added to this until he is now the owner of three hundred and ten acres in this township, as well as eighty acres in Cedar county, Nebraska. He has made some extensive improvements upon his farm and has built, at a cost of four thousand dollars, one of the most modern houses to be found in the county. His house and all of his out buildings are fully equipped with electric light, an innovation which bespeaks the thrift and enterprise of the owner. He has placed at least twelve thousand
dollars' worth of improvements upon his farm since 1907, which fact alone is a definite indication of the prosperity which has come to him. In 1913 Mr. Rosmann had eighty acres of corn which averaged forty-five bushels to the acre, this being a small average, due to the dry season. He is a heavy breeder of Poland China hogs and keeps on an average of two hundred head of hogs each year.
Mr. Rosmann was married January 29, 1907, to Rosa Hodapp, who was born in 1884 in Westphalia, Iowa, and to this union have been born four children, all of whom are still living with their parents: Raymond, Adeline, Anna and Walter.
Politically, Mr. Rosmann is a Democrat, but owing to his extensive farming interests and the heavy demands made on his time and energy by his own private affairs, he has never felt inclined to take a very active part in political matters. Nevertheless, he is an advocate of good government and gives his influence to such measures as tend in that direction. He and his family are loyal members of the Westphalia Catholic church and contribute generously of their substance to its support at all times. Mr. Rosmann has attained a position of relative distinction in his community because he has combined his talents in such a way as to bring about the most definite results. He is a man of sterling qualities of character, even tempered, patient and strictly honest in all the relations of life and has gained the approval and
high esteem of his fellow citizens because of his upright mode of living.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1277 - 1279.
Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
|
