USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 41
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Fred Fiene continued to follow the cabinet-maker's trade in Chicago and by careful economy was enabled to save enough from his wages to build a com- fortable home, but unfortunately just after its completion it and all of his other possessions were destroyed by the great Chicago fire of 1871. Although the house Vol. II-21
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was insured for one thousand, seven hundred dollars he only received eleven dol- lars, as the fire insurance companies were compelled to go into bankruptcy. How- ever, Mr. Fiene erected another house but, becoming discouraged at the pros- pects, in 1875 he came to Hanover township, Crawford county, Iowa, and here settled on one hundred and sixty acres of raw and unbroken prairie land, which he proceeded to break and cultivate, and here he built a little home for his fam- ily. Ile improved his place and later bought sixty acres more. He resided there until 1892, when he disposed of this property and purchased a two hundred and forty acre farm near Charter Oak, where he followed general farming and stock- raising until 1903, when he retired from active life and made his home in Charter Oak, selling his farm in 1906. His death occurred January 22, 1907.
Mrs. Margaret Fiene, the mother of Paul F., was born in Langer, Ilesse- Darmstadt, Germany, June 4, 1845, her parents being Fred and Susanna ( Keime) Fink, the former of whom was born September 3, 1822, and the latter October 22, 1820. The father emigrated from Hesse-Darmstadt in 1847, arriving in Chicago with only eight dollars in his possession. He secured employment on a farm near that city and later was engaged in various occupations, during which time he managed to save enough money to buy a one acre plot of land in the vicinity of what is now Lincoln Park. This steadily increased in value and even- tually he sold a one-eighth part of his plot for five hundred dollars, which formed a nucleus for his subsequent business enterprises, and he began building houses and selling them at a liberal profit. He also handled real estate and continued to follow both undertakings until he had acquired a comfortable competence, solely the result of his individual efforts and business acumen. To Mr. and Mrs. Fink were born nine children, of whom four daughters survive, as follows : Margaret, the widow of G. F. Fiene; Mrs. August Schultz, who resides in Schleswig, Iowa; Johanna, the wife of Martin Kretchmer; Adelheid, who mar- ried Theodore Gottman and lives in Chicago.
After passing through the various grades of the German Lutheran parochial school in Hanover township, Crawford county, Paul F. Fiene pursued a general business course. Hle remained at home, assisting his father on the farm, until twenty-three years old, when he entered the employ of the First National Bank at Charter Oak as bookkeeper, a position he held until 1901, when his efficiency was recognized and he was promoted cashier and transferred to a branch bank of the same firm at Ricketts, lowa. There he remained for three years and then, in 1904. returned to Charter Oak to take up the duties of cashier and general manager of the First National Bank. This is one of the solid financial institu- tions of the state, having a capital of forty thousand dollars, with a surplus of $10,000, and besides general banking it does a real-estate and insurance business. Mr. Fiene is financially interested in the bank and also owns three hundred and twenty acres of farm land in South Dakota, upon which he has made all up-to-date improvements, the house and buildings being equipped with every modern con- venience. The old homestead in Addison, where Mr. Fiene's father first set- tled, is now owned by his cousin, Otto Fiene.
On August 12, 1905, Mr. Fiene was united in marriage to Miss Julia Dicke, of Shawano county, Wisconsin, a daughter of the Rev. P. H. and Catherine (Detzler) Dicke, the former of whom is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany.
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He studied for the ministry in his youth and all his life has been spent in preach- ing the gospel as understood by the German Lutheran church. His active labors have now ceased, however, and at the age of ninety years he is enjoying the re- sults of a well spent Christian life. To Mr. and Mrs. Fiene has been born one child, a daughter, named Irma.
Mr. Fiene has always given his active support to the republican party and while his business affairs preeminently occupy his close attention he has found time to serve his township in public office, holding the position of town clerk for two terms, when he resigned. At present he is serving as a member of the school board. In his religious views he has always been a consistent adherent of the Lutheran faith. He is a man, still young in years, who, by his persever- ยท ance, pluck and unfailing industry, has won for himself a place in the foremost ranks among his fellow citizens, who know him to be thoroughly reliable in all his business dealings, as well as devoted to the best interests of the com- munity in which he resides.
FRANK HEMMINGER.
Frank Hemminger, who owns a valuable farm in Iowa township and occu- pies a beautiful home provided with all modern conveniences, recalls clearly the time when this section of the county, now dotted with farm houses, was mostly wild land and the principal means of travel was by wagon or on horseback. Al- though it was only a third of a century ago the conditions were as primitive in many respects as during the very early pioneer period of the state. The railroad, the telegraph, the telephone and many other conveniences of modern times have effected a marvelous change. The appearance of the country has been transformed and today the farmer possesses many of the advantages of long settled communities and at the same time enjoys an independence and freedom of action unknown to dwellers in the cities.
Frank Hemminger was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, January 18, 1858, and is a son of Joseph and Susanna Hemminger, both of whom were na- tives of the Keystone state. The father was of Irish and German descent and spent his entire life as a farmer in Pennsylvania. There were thirteen children in the family, namely : Harriet and Lucinda, both of Pennsylvania; Israel, de- ceased; Adeline, also of Pennsylvania; Jacob; Cyrus, deceased; David and Nora, both of Pennsylvania; Edward, of South Dakota; Frank; Ferdinand, of South Dakota ; and Benjamin and Marcellus, both of whom are deceased.
After receiving his education in the country schools of his native state, Frank Hemminger continued at the parental home until he reached the age of nine- teen years. He then came west to Indianola, Iowa, where he continued for one and one-half years, at the end of which time he removed to Harlan, Shelby county, Iowa. He had no money when he arrived at Harlan and the weather was extremely cold. He husked corn in the snow and froze two of his fingers so severely that the nails came off. He finally earned enough money to buy a pair of gloves. He worked out by the month for two and one-half years and
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then located on section 23, lowa township, Crawford county, and began farm- ing upon raw land. This was before the railroad was built through the county and Wayland was the nearest market point. Mr. Hemminger prospered in his work and now owns three hundred and twenty acres on sections 31 and 32, lowa township, being also the owner of one hundred and sixty acres in Custer county, Oklahoma. He has engaged as a general farmer, stock raiser and feeder but is now retired from active labor, his sons having charge of the farm. In 1882 Mr. Hemminger was married to Miss Alice Berry, who was born in Knox county, Illinois, and of this union seven children were born: Effie, Frances and Hazel, all of whom are at home; Allie, who is teaching school ; Wil- lian1; Gertrude ; and John. The great sorrow of Mr. Hemminger's life was the death of his beloved companion, which occurred December 26, 1905. She was a devoted wife and mother, ever seeking to promote the happiness of those with whom she was associated. Her remains were interred in Nishnabotny cemetery.
When the house of Mr. and Mrs. Hemminger was first erected there was no schoolhouse in the neighborhood and they generously threw open their resi- dence for school use for the fall and winter term. It was this spirit of kind- ness that bound the settlers together and softened the hardships of earlier days. Mr. Henumninger remembers driving to Denison with eggs and butter when he received only three cents a dozen for eggs and three cents a pound for butter. He assisted in stacking hay on the ground where Manilla now stands the year before the town was founded and also assisted in hauling lumber for the first building in the new settlement. Having bravely borne his part of the burden, he now enjoys a well earned reward and also the respect of all who know him. Politically he supports the republican party. He has never sought public office but has served as road supervisor of Iowa township.
AUGUST LINMAN.
Coming to America as a boy August Linman has made a practical demon- stration of success financially and has also built up an excellent reputation as an intelligent and progressive citizen of his adopted state. He is the owner of. one of the valuable farms in Stockholm township, which he has greatly beauti- fied by his excellent taste and judgment. He was born in Sweden, October 6, 1858, a son of Carl and Margaret (Johnson) Linman, both of whom were also natives of Sweden. They came to America in 1869 and located on a farm in Crawford county, Iowa. The mother passed away in 1901 and the father in the latter part of the same year. There were six children in their family, four of whom are still living, namely : Clara, wife of August Lindgren, of Ida county, Iowa; Matilda; Victor, also of Ida county; and August, the subject of this review.
August Linman came to this country with his parents at eleven years of age. He was educated in Sweden and in the schools of Crawford county and con- tinued at home until he was twenty-one years of age. He then bought eighty acres on section 4, Stockholm township, where he now lives, which he improved
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with substantial buildings, also planting a grove of maple trees, now one of the highly attractive features of the township. As opportunity presented he bought more land and now owns seven hundred acres, all of which is under an excel- lent state of cultivation. He is a general farmer and as his business is skill- fully managed he is recognized as one of the substantial men of the county. In addition to his agricultural interests he is a stockholder in the Farmers Tele- phone Company of Kiron.
On the 13th of March, 1884, Mr. Linman was united in marriage to Miss Tilda Burkman, who was also born in Sweden, a daughter of Ola and Johanna (Christian) Burkman, both natives of Sweden. They came to America in 1876 and made their home in Crawford county, Iowa. The father passed away April 21, 1910, but the mother is still living and has arrived at the venerable age of eighty-three years. They were the parents of four children. Six children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Linman, namely: Virgil, who was born March 7, 1885, and still at home; Russel A., born June 7, 1887; Adella C., born April 7, 1889; Myrtle V., who was born November 26, 1891, and is now a student in college at Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and Osher T. and Elden E., twins, born September 21, 1894.
Mr. and Mrs. Linman are stanch advocates of education and have given their children advantages of schooling which is of great importance in shaping their career. They are also sincere believers in Christianity and are members of the Free Mission church. Politically, Mr. Linman is in sympathy with the republican party and although he has not sought the honors of office, he gives his friends his earnest support. He ranks as one of the influential men of his neighborhood.
JACOB GESSMANN.
Ever since becoming a resident of Crawford county agricultural pursuits have claimed the attention of Jacob Gessmann, who is residing on a homestead of two hundred and forty acres on section 20, Nishnabotny township, where he engages in general farming and stock-feeding. He is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, his natal day being the 14th of March, 1853, and is a son of Fred- erick and Christina (Bender) Gessmann, also natives of the fatherland. They spent their entire lives in the old country, where the father engaged in garden- ing. Ten children were born to them, six of whom have become residents of the United States: Christina, who is seventy-three years of age and lives in Germany; Godfrey, now deceased, also of Germany; Frederick, of Chicago, who passed away in 1895; Frederica, a resident of Germany; Carl, who is a farmer in Germany; William, living in Nishnabotny township; Jacob, our sub- ject ; Louisa, of Chicago; Minnie, a resident of the same place ; and Catharina, who died near Denison in 1910.
In the common schools of his native land Jacob Gessmann acquired his edu- cation, following which he engaged in gardening being employed in a vineyard until he was twenty-seven years of age, at which time he determined to become
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a citizen of the United States. He took passage for America in 1880, sailing from Hamburg and landing in New York, whence he proceeded to Chicago, where he resided for two years, engaging in various occupations. In 1882 he came to Crawford county, Iowa, where he and his brother each bought forty acres of land, which they cultivated together for five or six years, at the expi- ration of which time they purchased another two hundred acres. They con- tinued to make such improvements in their property as they were able from time to time and at the end of five years they bought another two hundred acres, upon which they erected good, substantial buildings. They continued to live upon this for eight years and then Jacob Gessmann removed to his present homestead on section 20, Nishnabotny township. During the period of his residence here he has made many improvements upon his farm, which is now under a high state of cultivation. Although he is engaged in general farming he is an extensive stock feeder and is meeting with success from both sources.
In 1877, before leaving his native land, Mr. Gessmann was united in mar- riage to Miss Carolina Hoffman, and they have become the parents of nine chil- dren: Minnie, who has never married and is a resident of San Francisco, Cali- fornia; Anna, the wife of Hugo Boettger, of Redlands, California; Carrie, the wife of John Heppee, also of Redlands; Kate, who married Fred Bell, of Deni- son, Iowa; Charles, who is at home: Matilda, who became the wife of James McMahon, of Manilla ; and Bertha, Carrie and Albert, all of whom are at home.
The family affiliate with the Evangelical Lutheran denomination of Manilla, while politically Mr. Gessmann has always supported the men and measures of the republican party ever since becoming a citizen of the United States, al- though he has never held any official position save that of school director. He has been rewarded with more than average success in his undertakings, and in addition to his extensive realty holdings was one of the organizers of the Farm- ers Lumber Yard of Manilla, as well as a member of the first board of directors, in which capacity he continues to serve.
HANS C. CHRISTIANSEN.
A beautiful farm of four hundred and forty acres in Hanover and Paradise townships belongs to Hans C. Christiansen, whose name stands at the head of this review. This farm he has acquired since 1898, his success in establishing a home for his family being a remarkable instance of the effect of industry when it is directed by wise judgment. He was born in Brecklum, Germany, April 1, 1855, a son of Ludwig and Elizabeth (Jensen) Christiansen. The mother died in Germany, but the father crossed the ocean to America in 1907 and died two days after arriving in New York. There were two children in their family: Hans C., the subject of this review; and Briggita, who died in Germany at the age of eighteen years.
Hans C. Christiansen was reared and educated in his native land and con- tinued there until forty-three years of age, coming to the United States in 1898. He began his career in the new world by working by the day in Ida county,
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Iowa, and after two years commenced renting land in Crawford county, making such headway that four years later he purchased three hundred and twenty acres on section 28, Hanover township. He has since acquired more land and is the owner of one of the most valuable farms of its size in the county, one hundred and twenty acres of his place being located on sections 5 and 8, Para- dise township. He carries on general farming and being thorough and system- atic in his work secures substantial results from everything he undertakes.
On the 10th of November, 1878, Mr. Christiansen was united in marriage to Miss Catharina C. Paulsen, who was also born at Brecklum, Germany, and is a daughter of Paul and Catharina (Kettelsen) Paulsen. The Paulsen family consisted of five children, namely : Anna, now living in Germany; Henry, de- ceased; Christena, of Davenport, Iowa; Catharina C., now the wife of Hans C. Christiansen; and Johannes Paulsen, a half brother, who lives in Hamburg, Germany. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Christiansen, namely : Ludwig C., who was born January 15, 1880; Peter E., born April 11, 1881 ; Carl E., October 1, 1882; Emelie C., November 1, 1884; Herman C., June II, 1886; Ida, who was born October 4, 1887, and is now deceased; Christina, born November 14, 1888; Paul C., December 4, 1890; Annie B., October 14, 1893 ; Johannes C., March 7, 1895; Max C., February 17, 1897; and Rosie A., Jan- uary 17, 1902.
Mr. Christiansen has been in the United States only thirteen years and dur- ing that period has accomplished as much in acquiring a competence for him- self and family as generally requires two or three times as many years. He and his wife have reared a large family and by their energy and faithfulness to responsibility have earned the respect in which they are held by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. They give their allegiance and earnest sup- port to the German Lutheran church. Politically Mr. Christiansen is affiliated with the democratic party, believing that its principles are best adapted to the support of free institutions.
CHRIST H. BRINK.
Among the enterprising and successful men who have come from Germany and have gained an established standing in Crawford county is Christ H. Brink, who owns one hundred and eighty acres of good land in Willow township and through his business ability and acknowledged integrity ranks as one of the substantial men of this section. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, February 9, 1855, a son of Hans and Christina (Lorensen) Brink, both of whom were born in Germany. There were four children in the family: Kate, who is now living in the old country; Christ H., of this review; Louise, who also makes her home in Germany; and Anna.
Christ H. Brink was educated in his native land and remained in the parental home until sixteen years of age. In 1871 he emigrated to America and spent three years in Scott county, Iowa, at the end of which time he came to Craw- ford county and for four years made his home in Morgan township. The next
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two years he spent in Denison and then went to Brule county, South Dakota, where he took up a homestead, which he cultivated for eleven years. However, he was again attracted to Crawford county and after living for one year in Denison he established his home permanently in Willow township, being now the owner of one hundred acres on section 24 and eighty acres on section 23. He engages in general farming and as he is devoted to his work and gives to it his best thought and energy he has attained a goodly measure of prosperity.
In 1882 Mr. Brink was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Hargens, who was born in Germany, and six children have blessed their union: Hans, now living in Willow township; Louise, who is the wife of Thomas Hartwick, of Charter Oak : and Christ. John, George and Anna, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Brink as the head of a promising family has set an example well worthy of emulation by his children who have all been given excellent advantages of education and training. Mrs. Brink has proven a faithful companion to her husband and a kind mother whose main happiness it is to promote the comfort and welfare of others. She and her husband are sincere members of the Luth- eran church and active workers in its behalf. Politically he gives his support to the democratic party.
AUGUST F. LILL.
Among the industrious and enterprising agriculturists of Charter Oak town- ship is August F. Lill, who owns and successfully cultivates one of the highly developed farms in that part of the county. He is recognized as an enter- prising and progressive citizen and was born on the place which he now owns May 8, 1883. The parents were August and Theresa (Reetz) Lill, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to America at twenty-one years of age and the mother at sixteen. They were married in this country and after living in Chicago for several years settled in Charter Oak township, Crawford county, Iowa, where Mr. Lill bought land, ultimately acquiring two hundred and eighty acres, which he developed into a valuable property. He died August 24. 1902, his faithful companion having passed away July 13, 1899. Eight children were born to them, namely: John, of Sioux City, Iowa; Anna, now the wife of Emil Pautsch, of Crawford county; Laura, the wife of Rolly Weed. of Crawford county: Minnie, now Mrs. George Pautsch, of Luverne, Minnesota : Theresa, also of Crawford county; August, the subject of this re- view ; and Max and Selma, both of whom died in infancy.
August F. Lill attended the district schools and worked on the home farm under his father until after the death of the latter, when he located on his portion of the homestead. He has since cultivated the farm except for four years, when he rented it to another person, but is now living on his own place. which consists of one hundred and twenty acres. He has a commodious and comfortable residence and has made many improvements, everything about the farm being in excellent order. He is a general agriculturist and is regarded as one of the best farmers in his locality.
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On the 24th of February, 1910, Mr. Lill was united in marriage to Miss Josie Teut, who was born in Soldier township, January 21, 1887, a daughter of Peter and Sophia (Boysen) Teut. The parents were both born in Germany but were married in Clinton county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming until his retirement in 1907. He and his wife are now living at Denison. He still owns a section of well improved land which is in three different tracts in Soldier township. There were twelve children in his family, namely: Mary, now the wife of Christ Jensen, of Crawford county; Alvena, wife of John Eggen, also of Crawford county ; Herman, of this county; Annie, wife of John Else, of Ida county ; Josie, now Mrs. August Lill; Otto, Eliza, Estella, Albert and Erwin, all of whom are at home; and Ella and Agnes, both of whom died in early childhood.
Mr. Lill and his wife are members of the Lutheran church and are well known and prominent socially in the community. He devotes his close atten- tion to his business, aiming to keep abreast of the times, and he thus secured ample returns for his labor. He is now apparently on the high road to steadily increasing prosperity.
JOHN SCHUMANN.
John Schumann, of Hayes township, was born in Scott county, Iowa, May 12, 1869, and has devoted his life to farming. His efforts have been crowned with success, as is indicated by a beautiful place which pays liberal tribute to his energy and care. He is of German descent on both sides of the house, a son of Nicholas and Johanna ( Peekenschneider) Schumann. The father came to America in 1858 or 1859, before his marriage, and first took up his residence in Scott county, Iowa. Later he removed to Crawford county and located on land six and one-half miles south of West Side in Hayes township. He im- proved his farm and there died in 1893. The mother is still living on the old home place. There were twelve children in their family, namely: Catherine, who is the wife of Fred Schrum, of Audubon county, Iowa; Frederick, who is living on a farm west of Manning; John, of this review; Elizabeth, the wife of John Reimers, of Carroll county, Iowa; Caroline, who married Herman Fankon, of Manning; Adelia, the wife of John Martins; Rosa, who married John Johanson, of Nebraska; Amelia, now Mrs. William Coberg, of Denison, Iowa; Henry, who is at home; Charles, of Manning; and Clara and August, both of whom are also at home.
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