Frank Frederick Menzel
Among the well known and prosperous farmers of Warren township was Frank Frederick Menzel, who was born in Stephenson county Illinois in 1863. He was the son of Carl and Amelia (Richter) Menzel. His father was born in Prussia, Germany on the 4th of July, 1832 and came to America in 1860. He landed in New York on the 5th of July and went onto Freeport, Ill where he remained until 1871, when he migrated to Warren township, Story County, Iowa. He was actively engaged in farming until 1900, at which time he retired and moved to McCallsburg.
Frank F. Menzel was only eight years of age when his parents located on a farm in Warren township. He started to school in Illinois but the greater portion of his education was acquired in the district schools of Story County. He remained under the paternal roof until he had reached the age of twenty-two years, when he felt that he should become independent of his father's supervision and started out in life for himself. He engaged in farming as a renter for six years in which time he acquired sufficient capital to enable him to purchase land, which he did in 1891. He settled on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres in section 35, Warren township. In addition to his country real estate he invested in business property in McCallsburg. He also became a stock holder in the State Bank and a director of the Farmers Elevator Co of McCallsburg.
Menzel was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Johnson, who was born in Denmark, in 1867, coming to the United States with her parents in 1868. Six children were born to this union: Pearl, Mrs. Wm. T. Tett; Ray; Grace, Mrs. Lester Fincham; Ruth, who never married; Leila, Mrs. Frank Boelk, and Fred Menzel. Of these children only Mrs. Tett and Mrs. Boelk survive. The mother, Minnie, died at the age of 35.
F.F. Menzel and his family lived on his farm southeast of town until 1921 when he retired to McCallsburg with his daughter, Ruth.
F.F., as he was referred to, held several responsible offices. He served as a township trustee and president of the school board in his district. Soon after moving to town he was elected to the office of county supervisor. He still held this office when he passed away on Feb. 22, 1928 at his home in McCallsburg.
He was a man of exceptionally high principles, broad in his views, charitable in his criticisms and just in his opinions. He was quite successful in his pursuits, but it was the fruit of honest endeavor and close application. His every deed was above suspicion and as a result, he was highly esteemed and honored in the community to which he had devoted his life.
Chris B. Thompson
Chris B. Thompson moved here from Illinois living 1 1/2 miles west of town until they retired. Upon their retirement, they built a new home in town which is the present Luther Holland residence.
Mrs. Chris Thompson and Olous Helland were sister and brother.
Sam and Andrew Erickson
Brothers Sam and Andrew Erickson also were early settlers in Warren Township. They first settled in Section 21 and later each bought a quarter section in Section 16.
Sam Erickson's son, Carl, lives in town and Andrew's son, Obed also is a local resident.
Gudman Hall Family
Mr. and Mrs. Gudmon Gudman were married November 12, 1899 in Holane, Norway. They came to the United States in 1904, and settled on a farm between McCallsburg and Roland. They had ten children of which three are living. Two of the children were born in Norway. They have been a resident of Story County since they came over from Norway. They retired in Story City.
Clarence O. Severson
Clarence O. Severson and wife, Agnes, were the son and daughter of Martin and Sena Severson and Oscar and Isabell Tegland, respectively.
Clarence was born on a farm west of Garden City, March 4, 1897. Agnes was born on a farm north of Story City, June 28, 1902. They were married June 24, 1922.
They are the parents of two sons, Curtis Severson of Nevada and Laverne Severson of Cedar Rapids. Clarence was a World War I veteran and is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Clarence worked on the Rock Island railroad for four years. He took up carpentry then, an occupation which he followed until his retirement.
They have lived their entire married life in McCallsburg.