USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 36
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and make them such desirable pioneers, and by means of his persistent endeavor, thrift and industry added to his original holding from time to time until he now owns one hundred and twenty acres of valuable land.
Before leaving Sweden, in June, 1804, Mr. Lindberg was united in marriage to Miss Annie Larson, a daughter of Lars and Annie Carlson. Her parents and brothers and sisters all passed away in their native land, and she died May 9, 1911. Eight children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Lindberg, but only four are now living, Annie, Christina, Alfred and Augusta having passed away. Those surviving are: Alfreda, the wife of Gus Clausen, of Nebraska; Willie, who is living in Crawford county, and besides his own, has charge of the home farm; Annie, who became the wife of Otto Larson, of this county ; and Chris- tina, the wife of Peter Miller, of Woodbury county, lowa. The family are communicants of the Baptist church.
Ever since naturalization conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Lindberg has given his support to the candidates and measures of the repub- lican party. He has never sought public honors or the emoluments of office, but meets the requirements of citizenship by being at the polls on election day and casting his ballot for the men chosen by his party for the various offices in his township and county. He is one of the leading men in his community as well as one of the successful and substantial agriculturists.
AUGUST MEYER.
Enterprise and thrift have been prominent characteristics in the career of August Meyer, the neat and orderly appearance of his farm in Soldier town- ship indicating that his reputation as a first-class farmer is well deserved. His birth occurred in Du Page county, Illinois, November 3, 1867, a son of Adolph and Katrina (Vogelpohl) Meyer, both of whom were born in Germany. The father came to America prior to the Civil war and lived in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas, then again taking up his residence in Illinois, where he was mar- ried. In 1876 they settled on a farm which Mr. Meyer had previously pur- chased in Charter Oak township, Crawford county, and here he continued dur- ing the remainder of his life. He died in 1907, his wife passing away in 1900. By their union seven children were born, five boys and two girls, namely : Minnie, now the wife of Otto Stegemann, of Crawford county; August, of this review; William, also of Crawford county ; Dora, who is now Mrs. Henry Neddermeyer, of Crawford county; Adolph, of Crawford county ; Henry, who died at the age of twenty; and Edward, who is also living in this county.
August Meyer received his education in the public schools and remained with his parents until 1895, when he took charge of one of his father's farms which he now owns. He has prospered in his work and as opportunity presented pur- chased more land until he has accumulated four hundred acres. His farm is located on section 26, Soldier township, and is under an excellent state of cul- tivation, the neat and attractive appearance of the place indicating that its owner is a first-class farmer and is acquainted with the most progressive methods.
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He engages extensively as a stock-raiser and feeder and is a fancier of polled Angus cattle, being the owner of some of the best specimens of this breed that are to be seen in the county. Mr. Meyer is a director of the German Saving, Bank at Ricketts, lowa, and is also serving as secretary of the Crawford County Mutual Telephone Company.
On the 8th of March, 1895, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss Dora Hammann, who was born in Crawford county, April 19. 1876, a daughter of Carl and Therese (Seils) Hammann. Her parents were both born in Ger- many and came to America in the '70s. They were married in lowa and later Mr. Hammann purchased a farm in Hanover township, Crawford county, where he lived for a number of years, when he retired and resided in Dow City and later in Charter Oak. He subsequently sold his place and now lives near Balti- more, Maryland, having reached the age of sixty-six years. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have become the parents of seven children, namely: Anna, born April 20, 1898; Ida, April 25, 1900; Dora, November 27, 1901; Henry, January 12, 1903; Martha, February 23, 1906; Minnie, August 5, 1908; and Herman, April 28, 1910.
Mr. Meyer and his family are members of the German Lutheran church, and he is an earnest worker for all movements seeking to promote the welfare of the community. Politically he gives his support to the democratic party and is now serving as township clerk, having filled the office to the general satis- faction of the people for five terms consecutively. He is interested in the cause of education and also in the promotion of good roads and efficiency in all de- partments of township, county and state government. By reason of his many good qualities, Mr. Meyer is greatly respected by his neighbors and acquaint- ances, and the valuable property he has acquired is evidence of his sound busi- ness ability.
JOHN H. KRAL.
John H. Kral, a prosperous and well known agriculturist of Crawford county, is the owner of four hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in West Side township. His birth occurred in Iowa City, Johnson county, lowa, on the 20th of July, 1864, his parents being Joseph and Theresa ( Slechta) Kral, both of whom were natives of Bohemia. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1861, locating in Johnson county, Iowa, and later purchasing land there. On the 21st of May, 1875, they came to Crawford county, here also buying a tract of land. Joseph Kral was successfully engaged in general agri- cultural pursuits in this county throughout the remainder of his active business career and passed away on the 16th of May, 1900. His widow, who has at- tained the age of eighty-eight years and still enjoys good health, now makes her home with one of her sons in Crawford county. Unto them were born eleven children, five of whom are yet living.
John H. Kral acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Starting out as an agriculturist on his own account, he bought forty acres of land in Milford town-
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ship and later added to his holdings by additional purchase as his financial re- sources increased. He now owns four hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land in West Side township and in connection with the tilling of the soil makes a specialty of raising Duroc Jersey hogs. He feeds from six to ten carloads of cattle annually, and in both branches of his business has won a gratifying measure of success.
On the 5th of January, 1886, Mr. Kral was united in marriage to Miss Frances B. Fiala, who was born in Bohemia on the 2d of April, 1866, her par- ents being Joseph and Mary (Haskovec) Fiala, likewise natives of that coun- try. Emigrating to the United States, they landed in New York city on the Ist of January, 1867, and later settled on a farm in Johnson county, Iowa. subsequently they removed to Webster county, this state, there spending the remainder of their lives. Joseph Fiala passed away on the 17th of December, 1898, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 4th of August, 1897. They reared a family of eight children, all of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Kral likewise have eight children, as follows: Rose, whose birth occurred on the 7th of October, 1886; Leon L., whose natal day was January 15, 1889; Milo George, who was born January 3, 1891 ; Mary T., who first opened her eyes to the light of day on the Ist of June, 1893; Adaline, whose birth occurred Jan- uary 23, 1896; Lydia Josephine, who was born June 5, 1898; Joseph Edward, born July 25, 1900; and Edwin Victor, whose natal day was February 23, 1905.
Fraternally Mr. Kral is identified with the Masons, belonging to Lodge No. 422 at Vail, in which he has filled all of the chairs. He is also a member of the Yeomen at Vail, while both he and his wife are connected with the Eastern Star there. Their religious faith is indicated by their membership in the Meth- odist Episcopal church. Mr. Kral's business interests have been carefully con- ducted, his duties of citizenship capably performed and at all times he has been true to the obligations and responsibilities that have devolved upon him in every relation of life, making him one of the worthy and much respected residents of his community.
EDWARD LANGER.
One of the progressive and successful farmers and stock-raisers of Crawford county, a man who represents the best interests of the community in which he resides is Edward Langer, a native of Denison township, born June 5, 1887, his parents being August and Jennie (Weiland) Langer. The birth of both his parents occurred in Germany, where the father's youth was spent. About 1870 he came to the United States and for the following two years engaged in rail- roading, after which he came to Crawford county and purchased land, which at the present time comprises the home farm. Here he married Miss Weiland and to them were born the following ten children: Kate, who became the wife of William Piper, of South Dakota, and is now deceased; Mary, who lives at home; George, who resides in Lincoln county, Idaho; Lizzie, the wife of T. R. Beers, of Vale, Oregon; Minnie, who married Sam Bichler, of Fullerton, North
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Dakota; August, deceased; Frances, who lives in Idaho; Edward, our subject ; Anna and Alice, both of whom are living at home.
In his youth Edward Langer attended the public schools of Crawford county, supplementing the knowledge obtained there by a year's course in the college at Denison. He then returned to the home farm, to which he has since given his entire time and attention. Having studied the science of agriculture, his labors, perseverance and energy have succeeded in bringing his fields to a high state of cultivation and his live stock comprises the best class of animals ob- tainable. His possessions, all told, amount to two hundred acres of rich farm- ing and grazing land. Mr. Langer is one of the youngest as well as the most energetic farmers in his community and enjoys the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens, who are glad to count him among their friends.
In politics he adheres to the precepts of the democratic party and takes an active interest in all affairs in which the welfare of his county is concerned. Although in religion his parents were of the Catholic faith, several of their children deviated in their views and became affiliated with the Presbyterian church, and to this and other local churches Mr. Langer gives his cordial sup- port.
F. J. SMITH.
Having experienced many of the fluctuations of life, in the course of which he bravely faced every obstacle, F. J. Smith is now pleasantly located in a beau- tiful home in Willow township and has the satisfaction of feeling that he and his family are provided with a comfortable competency. He is a native of Iowa City, Iowa, born January 4, 1856, and is a son of Lawrence L. and Elizabeth (Graber) Smith. The father was born in Germany and came to the United States when thirteen years of age, living for several years at Cleveland, Ohio. In early manhood he came to Iowa and located at Iowa City, where he met Elizabeth Graber, to whom he was married. He passed away three years after his marriage, having just fairly started in life as a farmer. Our subject's pa- ternal grandfather was a blacksmith and landowner in Germany. Mrs. Eliza- beth Smith is a native of Germany and came to the United States at the age of five years, her parents being among the early settlers of Iowa City. Her father was a carpenter by trade. She was married a second time, her second union being with Michael Smith, a brother of her first husband, and to them six chil- dren were born: George, now living at Plainview, Nebraska; Mary, who mar- ried Jacob Fackalman, of Willow township, Monona county, Iowa; Peter, of Plainview, Nebraska; Rose, who is the wife of John Hannigan, of Boyer town- ship; Anna, now Mrs. Chester Hunter, of Willow township ; and John, who lives in Monona county, Iowa.
F. J. Smith, who was the only child by his mother's first marriage, received his early education in a little log schoolhouse two and one-half miles from his home. He remained with his mother until seventeen years of age and then began working on a farm for Z. T. and Samuel Dunham. Later he engaged
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in farming on his own account in Willow township and spent two years in Dunlap and eleven years in Omaha in the elevator business, becoming manager for the Pevie Elevator Company at Omaha. In 1896, however, he returned to farming in Willow township and rented land for four years. In 1901 he pur- chased a farm, which he brought to a high state of cultivation. He has sold a part of his land, but still owns eighty acres. He lias erected a handsome residence, which is provided with all desirable conveniences of modern life, and he is known as one of the highly successful farmers of the township.
In 1879 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Tillie Lewis, a native of Chicago and a daughter of Thomas and Anna Lewis, the former of whom was born in France and the latter in Ireland. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith: Arch Lawrence, who studied medicine at Lincoln, Nebraska ; George Edward, who is now a railroad engineer in the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad at Chicago, Illinois; and Leonard Lewis, who married Florence Wickwire and lives on a farm adjoining our subject's farm. The mother of these children having passed away. Mr. Smith was again married in 1905. the lady of his choice being Miss Eva C. Hufford, a native of Crawford county and a daughter of Adam and Lucia (Lepper) Hufford, and one child, Myrtle E., has come to bless this union. Mr. Hufford, the father of Mrs. Smith, was born in Pennsylvania and the mother was born in Clinton county. Iowa. They removed from Clinton county to Crawford county thirty-five years ago and located on a farm near Vail.
Mr. Smith politically gives his allegiance to the democratic party, believing that its principles are adapted to the prosperity and perpetuity of the republic. He was reared in the Catholic church and is a man of consistent principles and high ideals. Fraternally he is a valued member of the Odd Fellows lodge at Charter Oak and of the local branch of the Ancient Order of United Workmen at the same place. His wife is an active worker in the Rebekahs. The business methods of Mr. Smith have always been honorable and trustworthy, and today he enjoys the confidence of his neighbors and a wide circle of friends in Craw- ford county.
GEORGE SCHNEIDER.
Although comparatively a recent arrival in Crawford county. George Schneider is well established upon his farm and is one of the prosperous citi- zens of Boyer township, displaying an energy and ability in the management of his business which have produced goodly returns for the time and labor em- ployed. He was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, August 29, 1871, a son of Ernest and Johanna (Kab) Schneider, both of whom were born in Germany. The father came to the United States at the age of sixteen and the mother when she was fourteen years of age. Three years after his arrival he offered his services to his adopted country and fought as a soldier for the Union from 1863 until the close of the war. He participated in several important battles and underwent many hardships, but never failed to respond to the call of duty.
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After the war he engaged in farming in Illinois until 1883 and then removed to Custer county, Nebraska, where he lived until 1896. He then removed to Atlanta, Georgia, and is now making his home in that city. The mother passed away in 1883. There were fourteen children in the family, eleven of whom grew to maturity, namely: Ernest, now living in Nebraska; Lillie, a resident of Oconto, Nebraska ; Barbara, also of Oconto; George, of this review ; John, who lives in Boyer township; Lawrence, who is a farmer and lives near Moore- head in Harrison county, Iowa; Susie, of Oconto; Anna, of Deadwood, South Dakota; Louise, of Boyer township; Pearl, whose whereabouts are unknown; and Lizzie, twin sister of Pearl, deceased.
George Schneider received his education in the public schools and after ar- riving at manhood began farming in Pottawattamie county, lowa, where he continued for four years. In 1895 he removed to Dunlap, Iowa, where he farmed for two years, after which he took up his residence in Council Bluffs. In 1907 he bought eighty acres of land in Boyer township, Crawford county, upon which he established his home. He has greatly improved his place and engages in raising cereals and also in stock-breeding, handling a good grade of animals.
In 1894 Mr. Schneider was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Handke and they have four children, Walter Edward, Bertha, Edward William and Esther Emma. Politically he is in thorough sympathy with the republican party and gives to it his hearty support. He has served with acceptance as road super- visor of his township for one term. In religious belief he is Lutheran and fra- ternally he is identified with the lodge of Modern Woodmen of America at Underwood and the Eagles of Sioux City. Being of a social disposition, he readily makes friends and is greatly esteemed for his frank and genial manner. A man of intelligence and application, his success in his chosen calling is as- sured, and it is evident that he made no mistake in locating within the friendly limits of Crawford county.
GILL FREDERICKS.
Among the prosperous young farmers of Crawford county is Gill Fredericks, of Hanover township. He was born in the immediate locality in which he now lives, June 30, 1887, a son of Fred and Christina (Steffen) Fredericks. The parents were both born in Germany and came to America, settling on a farm in Crawford county, which his father cultivated until 1909. He is now living retired at Denison and is the owner of three hundred and sixty acres on sec- tions 26 and 28, Hanover township, and also of a beautiful residence at Deni- son. There were six children in the family, namely: Charley, Lena, Frederick, Henry, Gill and Mary, all of whom are living in Crawford county. Mary, the last named, makes her home in Denison.
Gill Fredericks was reared under highly favorable conditions on the home farm and received his education in the district schools. He began farming for himself at twenty years of age upon a portion of the homestead and after two
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years removed to another part of his father's land, which he has cultivated with a judgment and skill that give bright promise as to his business ability. He is now recognized as one of the substantial farmers of the county.
On the 23d of February, 1910, Mr. Fredericks was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Henning, who was born in this county, October 5, 1886, a daugh- ter of Christ and Mary Henning. The father was born in Germany and the mother in this country. They were actively identified with the agricultural in- terests of Crawford county until 1907, when they disposed of the farm and removed to Denison, where they are now living retired. In their family are ten children : Henry, John, Anna, Christ, Justus, Amanda, Hans, Verna, Nada and Walter, all of whom are living in Crawford county, except Henry whose home is in Nebraska. One child, Walter, has come to brighten the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Fredericks, his natal day being December 26, 1910.
Mr. Fredericks and his estimable wife are members of the German Lutheran church and are counted among its active supporters. They were both reared in this county and have many friends who have known them since their childhood. From his earliest recollection, Mr. Fredericks has been identified with agricul- tural interests and by honorable business methods he has acquired an enviable reputation as a gentleman who by an upright life merits the high regard in which he is held.
EDWARD MEYER.
The name of Meyer is well known in Crawford county, representing as it does remarkable success in farming and unquestioned financial integrity. The founder of the family here has passed to his reward, but Edward Meyer of this review is a worthy representative as is clearly shown by the record he has made although he is still a young man and is just fairly started in his chosen vocation. He was born on the farm where he now lives on section 3, Charter Oak township, November 27, 1883, a son of Adolph and Katrina ( Vogelpohl) Meyer, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany. They came to America when young and were married in Cook county, Illinois, where Mr. Meyer engaged in farming for eleven years after his marriage. He then came to Crawford county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land. He was a remarkably clear-minded business man and was highly successful. becoming one of the leading farmers of the county. He added to his posses- sions until he owned seventeen hundred acres. He passed away June 3, 1907. after having met with a measure of success accorded to few men starting out in limited circumstances. There were seven children in his family, namely : Minnie, now the wife of Otto Stegemann; August; William; Dora, the wife of Henry Weddenmeyer; Adolph; Henry, who died at the age of eighteen years; and Edward, our subject. All of the family now living make their home in Crawford county.
Edward Meyer was educated in the district schools and continued at home, assisting in cultivating the farm until after the death of his father. Upon the
MR. AND MRS. ADOLPH MEYER
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division of the estate he came into possession of his interest in the homestead and is now the owner of seven hundred and twenty-three acres, his place being known as one of the most highly improved farms in that part of the county. He is an extensive stock-feeder and by good management is meeting with a hand- some recompense for time and labor employed. He makes a specialty of high grade Angus cattle and Poland China hogs, which he fattens for market.
On the 26th of October, 1904, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss Emma Maas, who was born in Crawford county, February 15, 1886, a daughter of Charley and Christina (Krueger) Maas. The parents were born in Germany and came to America in 1874, spending the first six years after their arrival in Chicago. They then settled in Crawford county, Iowa, where the father en- gaged in farming. The mother died in 1906, but the father is still living on the family homestead and is now sixty-four years of age. Their family in- cluded thirteen children, of whom the following are now living and make their homes in Crawford county : William, Martha, Gusta, Elizabeth, Herman, Emma, Alvena and Max. Four children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Meyer; Edwin, who was born March 26, 1905; Willie, born April 23, 1907; Louis, born June 27, 1909; and Elmer, born November 2, 1910.
Mr. Meyer and his wife are identified with the Lutheran church and are in full sympathy with all worthy enterprises seeking to promote the general wel- fare. He has possessed every desirable advantage of training, early having become acquainted with the practical details of agriculture and stock-raising, and has few superiors of his age in those lines. Although he is in charge of a large farm which involves many responsibilities he performs his duties promptly and efficiently and has acquitted himself in a way that gives assurance of still greater success in years to come.
C. A. LARSON.
A member of a family that is well known in Crawford county, C. A. Larson has gained an established reputation as one of the substantial citizens of his locality, being the owner of a well improved farm in Stockholm township. He is a native of Sweden, born December 10, 1854, a son of John and Mary Larson, a record of whom is presented in the sketch of Andrew Larson, which appears elsewhere in this work.
C. A. Larson received his education in his native land and at thirteen years of age crossed the ocean to America and lived for several years in Pennsylvania. He then came to Crawford county, Iowa, continuing with his parents until after reaching manhood, when he began farming on his own account and rented land for five years. In 1887 he purchased the place on which he now lives, embracing one hundred and sixty acres on section 5, Stockholm township. Sub- sequently his wife inherited one hundred and fifty acres on section 6, the same township, and both farms are now being cultivated by Mr. Larson. As they are provided with modern facilities, the work is carried forward very satis- factorily. Mr. Larson makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock and as Vol. II-19
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he keeps a good grade of animals and thoroughly understands farm manage- ment, he has attained a large measure of success.
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