HANS SIMONSEN
Hans Simonsen, proprietor of the Marne House, and first settler upon the town site of Marne, came here in 1875. He was the first purchaser of town lots here, and put up the first building, which was a small board shanty. In this he boarded his carpenters until the new hotel was finished. In 1878 he opened the new hotel, which he kept till 1881, when it ws rented to Joe Caulkins, who kept it until September 1, 1884. At that date Mr. Simonsen again became the landlord. The building is a commodious structure, three stories in height, with an L, two stories. The house is well furnished and well kept and a favorite stopping place of the travelling public. Hans Simonsen was born in Sleswick-Holstein, Germany, September 23, 1835. He lived upon a farm in that country until he reached the age of thirty years. His parents were Simeon and Sike (Marta) Simonsen. Hans came to this country in October, 1864, and located near Davenport, Iowa, where he engaged in farming, remaining there until 1865, when, as before stated, he came to Marne. In 1881, he returned to Davenport and engaged in the grocery business, which he continued until 1883. Mr. Simonsen was married in Davenport, April 30, 1865, to Mary D. Wendt, also a native of Germany. He is a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In 1883, Mr. Simonsen, engaged in the business of selling agricultural implements, and all kinds of farm machinery, which he still continues.
Transcribed by Gloria Goltiani from "History of Cass County, Iowa. Together With Sketches of its Towns, Villages and Townships, Educational, Civil, Military and Political History: Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Citizens." Springfield, Ill.: Continental Historical Company, 1884, pg. 609.
When Hans Sinmonsen came to the town site of Marne, he put up a small board shanty back of where his barn now stands. Here he boarded the carpenters while his hotel was being built. In 1878 he commenced business in his new hotel, and conducted the same until 1881, when he rented it to Joe Caulkins, who ran it till Septmeber 1, 1884, when Mr. Simnonsen again resumed proprietorship. The main building is 22x34 feet in dimensions and three stories in height, with an "L" 24x23 feet in size, and two stories high. It also has a basement, which is used as a harness shop. There is also a kitchen 22x20 feet in size. There is also another building in connection with the hotel, 14.26 feet. The basement of the main building is used as a dancing hall. The house is well furnished, and can furnish good accommodations to travelers. Mr. Simonsen has an ice-house in connection with the hotel.
Transcribed by Gloria Goltiani from "History of Cass County, Iowa. Together With Sketches of its Towns, Villages and Townships, Educational, Civil, Military and Political History: Portraits of Prominent Persons, and Biographies of Old Settlers and Representative Citizens." Springfield, Ill.: Continental Historical Company, 1884, pg. 617-618.
