USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 48
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66
Julius C. Thiedeman attended the public schools of Hayes township in the acquirement of his early education and later had the advantage of a course of study at Denison College. He remained at home until twenty-four years of age, when, well equipped by liberal mental training and practical experience obtained under the direction of his father, he embarked independently in agricultural pur- suits, wisely choosing the occupation to which he had been reared as his life work. For seven years he followed farming in Carroll county, after which he operated his father's farm for a time. Subsequently he purchased the place which has since remained his home, a tract of two hundred acres located on section 23, Hayes township. With the exception of the dwelling, Mr. Thiede- man has erected all of the buildings on the place, including substantial barns and commodious outbuildings, and in other ways has improved the property, thereby greatly enhancing its value. He is a practical farmer, recognizing the value of progressive methods and modern equipment, and the neat appearance of his place indicates a life of industry, enterprise and thrift on the part of the owner.
448
IHISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Mr. Thiedeman was united in marriage, in 1902, to Miss Anna Kruse, a daughter of Otto Kruse. of Hayes township, and they had three children : Har- old: Gilbert, deceased ; and Velma. The parents are members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which they are deeply interested, and occupy a high place in the regard and esteem of their friends and neighbors. Politically Mr. Thiedeman is a democrat, and he is serving his first term of two years as trus- tee of the township. Having spent his entire life within the borders of his na- tive county he has a wide circle of acquaintances and numbers among his best friends many who have known him from boyhood, for he possesses in his na- ture those qualities of sociability and geniality which everywhere win warm friendships and high regard.
MARCUS KUHL.
One of the representative farmers of Crawford county is Marcus Kuhl, who during the forty years of his residence in lowa township has acquired eight hun- dred and ten acres of land, in the cultivation of which he is still engaged. He is another thrifty, energetic and persevering son of Germany who came to America empty-handed but richly endowed with those qualities which enable the ambitious man to dominate the conditions confronting him and win where his less determined brother loses. Suderau, Krempe, Schleswig-Holstein, was the scene of the birth of Marcus Kuhl, whose natal day was the 2d of August, 1845. His parents, Peter and Augusta (Bremer) Kuhl, spent their entire lives in the fatherland, where their eldest child, Cecelia, continues to reside. Seven children were born unto them, our subject being the second in order of birth but the eldest son. The others are: Jochim, who is a resident of Benton county, Iowa ; Anna, deceased; Henry, living in Manning, Iowa; the sixth who died in infancy ; and John, who still lives in Germany.
Marcus Kuhl obtained his education in the common schools of his native land, of which he continued to be a resident until he attained his twenty-second year, at which time he determined to become a citizen of the United States, feeling assured that better advantages must exist here for ambitious young men than were to be found in the more conservative countries of Europe. Upon his arrival here he made his way westward to Davenport, Iowa, where he obtained employment as a farm hand, continuing to follow that occupation for three years. At the expiration of that time he removed to Crawford county, locating in lowa township, which at that time contained but two or three families, their nearest trading point being Denison. He settled upon the farm on section 4, where he has ever since continued to reside, and of which only about forty acres were broken, immediately engaging in its cultivation and making such improvements as he could from time to time. Having absolute faith in the agricultural possi- bilities of the country he increased his holdings as he was able until the present aggregate of his real estate is eight hundred and ten acres, all of which is located in Iowa and Hayes townships. The land is all under a high state of cultivation and contains five sets of improvements with large groves and orchards. The
449
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
residence, barns and outbuildings upon the home farm are particularly good, the grounds are given careful attention and everything about the place has an air of thrift and prosperity which bespeaks capable supervision and regard for details. For many years Mr. Kuhl was an extensive feeder of stock but re- cently he has only prepared about one carload a year for the market. Although he engages in general farming much attention has always been given to the breeding and raising of thorough bred stock.
Mr. Kuhl was married in 1874 to Miss Anna Kuhl, who died June 1, 1908, and they became the parents of seven children: Henry Edmond, who is also a resident of Iowa township; Ida Augusta, at home; Emma Matilda, the wife of J. W. Anthony, a farmer living east of Mr. Kuhl; and Carl H., who is at home. Three members of the family, Ludwig, Ernest and Carl have passed away.
The religious affiliation of the family is with the Lutheran church, and po- litically Mr. Kuhl is identified with the democratic party. Although he has served in the capacity of road supervisor and school director, owing to his extensive private interests he has been unable to actively participate in public affairs. However, he is known to be a man who can always be relied upon to faithfully perform his public duties and gives his support to every movement advanced for the improvement or upbuilding of the community in which he resides. During the long period of his residence here Mr. Kuhl has seen the prairie of Iowa township give way to well tilled fields and good farms, which have proven to be the realization of his early expectations, in the fulfilment of which he has been an active and prominent factor.
ALBRO E. DARLING.
One of the early settlers of Crawford county, who has been identified with general farming and stock-raising for a period of more than thirty years is Albro E. Darling, who resides upon a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Ells. He was born in Vermont on the 21st of September, 1848, and is a son of Rob- ert and Johanna (Fletcher) Darling, also natives of the Green Mountain state, who passed away in Deloit, Iowa.
The son of a farmer, Albro E. Darling has always been identified with agri- cultural pursuits, for which he was fitted both by education and training. He acquired the capital, through his own unaided efforts, in 1873 to buy eighty acres of land, upon which he engaged in general farming and stock-raising. A thrifty, hard-working man, by close application and perseverance he was able to add to his holdings until he now owns one hundred and sixty acres, in the cultivation of which he still engages.
Mr. Darling completed arrangements for a home of his own by his marriage on the 22d of May, 1872, to Miss Rosana Long, a daughter of David H. and Angelia (Thompson) Long, originally of Illinois, and unto them were born the following: Robert, who lives in Deloit; and Susan, George and Emily, all deceased; Harry, who is at home; Daisy, the wife of S. M. Louden, of Cas-
450
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
tana; Annie, who became the wife of Andrew Schwanz of this county; Ida, who married Charles Dean, also of this county ; Jessie, the wife of Julius Schramm, of Odebolt ; and Edward, Myrtle, Thomas and Earl, all of whom are at home ; and the thirteenth, who died in infancy. The family attend the Methodist Epis- copal church, with which denomination the parents are identified by member- ship. Ever since attaining his majority Mr. Darling has cast his ballot for the candidates of the republican party. Not being an aspirant for public honors or the emoluments of office, however, he never actively participates in public affairs. Although he has not accumulated extensive landed interests Mr. Darling has an excellent farm and such success as he has attained is due to his own effort and well directed energy.
MILLER SIMMERMAN.
Among the representative farmers of Nishnabotny township must be num- bered Miller Simmerman, who has been identified with the agricultural inter- ests of Crawford county for over thirty years. His birth occurred within three miles of Birmingham, Guernsey county, Ohio, on the 22d of October, 1852, his parents being Francis and Eleanor ( Miller) Simmerman. The father was born in Pennsylvania, from which state he migrated to Ohio with his parents when a boy. In 1862 he removed with his family to the vicinity of Newcomers- town, Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he continued to reside until he passed away on the 16th of December, 1881. His wife was also a native of Pennsyl- vania, her birth occurring on the 15th of April, 1820, and she had passed the eighty-eighth milestone on life's journey when she departed this life on New Year's morning, 1909. She came west with her parents and taught school in the vicinity of her home until her marriage in 1843. Ten children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Francis Simmerman : David, a resident of Dakota; Jacob, who is deceased; Layton, of Ohio; Leander, a resident of South Dakota; Mil- ler, our subject ; Osborn, deceased; Jenkins, who is living in Idaho; Barnette, deceased ; Willis, who is a resident of Ohio; and Francis, deceased. The family always affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which denomination the parents were active and earnest members. The father was a class-leader, having united with the church forty years prior to his death and the mother at the age of thirteen.
Miller Simmerman acquired his education in the common schools of Guern- sey and Tuscarawas counties, Ohio, remaining at home until he attained his majority and assisting his father, who was an agriculturist, in the cultivation of the homestead. In 1873 he came to Iowa to join his brother David, with whom he engaged in cooperative farming for three years, during which time they also performed all the work which usually devolves upon women, as they were both unmarried. At the expiration of that time Miller Simmerman bought the farm upon which he has ever since continued to reside. He has added to his original tract from time to time until he now owns two hundred and fifty-one acres of land, all of which is under a high state of cultivation and is well improved.
451
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
In 1883 Mr. Simmerman was united in marriage to Miss Mary Knowles, who is also a native of Guernsey county, Ohio, and the eldest daughter of John and Maria (George) Knowles, natives of Ohio, from which state they removed to Missouri when Mrs. Simmerman was six years of age, locating in Gentry county, where the father passed away. After his demise Mrs. Knowles and her family returned to Ohio, but she now makes her home at Blanchard, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Knowles were born the following children: Homer M., de- ceased; Mary, who is now Mrs. Simmerman; Maggie, who married Samuel Downer, of Blanchard, Iowa; and Ella, the wife of William Hold, also of Blan- chard. Mr. and Mrs. Simmerman have become the parents of three children : Lucy, Francis and Walter, all of whom are at home.
The religious belief of the family is manifested by their identification with the Methodist Episcopal denomination, while fraternally Mr. Simmerman is affiliated with the Masonic order. The candidates of the republican party have always been accorded his political support, which body has rewarded his fealty by electing him to the offices of school director, township trustee and road su- pervisor, the duties of which he discharged in a manner highly creditable to his constituency.
FRED H. KUHLMANN.
A promising young farmer of Charter Oak township, Fred H. Kuhlmann has attained his present position through making a good start and then applying himself with a sound judgment and persistence which have yielded very satis- factory financial returns. He is a native of the township in which he now lives and was born December 6, 1881, a son of George and Sophia (Bogheman) Kuhlmann. The father was born in Germany and came to the United States about 1876, taking up his residence in Jackson county, Iowa. After spending a year at his new home he removed to Crawford county and for a year rented land in Charter Oak township, then establishing himself on the farm where he now lives in the same township. He has made all the improvements upon his place and is now the owner of almost a section of land. His wife was also born in Germany. She came to the United States at the age of eight years and was married to Mr. Kuhlmann in this county. There were five children in their family : Fred H., of this review; Martha, now the wife of August Krogel, of Willow township; William F., of Charter Oak township; and Paul and Ferdi- nand, both of whom are at home.
Fred H. Kuhlmann received his preliminary education in the common schools of Charter Oak township and later possessed the advantages of attendance at Concordia College, St. Paul, Minnesota, for one year. Returning home, he as- sisted his father until nineteen years of age and then started to learn the car- penter's trade in Willow township. He continued at that occupation for three years and then, having decided to devote his attention to farming, he rented land in Willow township until 1909, since which time he has cultivated the farm of one hundred and sixty acres which he rented from his father. He is
452
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
a general farmer but pays special attention to the raising of pedigreed Berk- shire hogs, in which he is proving very successful.
In 1910 Mr. Kuhlmann was married in Crawford county to Miss Dora Ketelsen, a native of Germany and a daughter of Peter and Anna (Wamser) Ketelsen. They came to the United States when she was four years of age and located in Clinton county, Iowa, but in 1906 removed to Crawford county and are now residing in Charter Oak township. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ketelsen, namely: Margaret, who became the wife of Hans Dirks, of Jackson county, lowa; John, of Charter Oak; Dora, now Mrs. Fred Kuhlmann ; and Mary, Peter, Clara and Albert, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Kuhlmann is a supporter of the democratic party and he and his es- timable wife are members of the Lutheran church. He is a man who is always ready to listen to advice, but he acts upon his own judgment and generally ac- complishes what he undertakes. He has found in his wife a sympathetic com- panion and theirs is a peaceful and happy home. In his life work he has met with deserved success and he has many friends who prophesy for him increasing prosperity in the years to come.
EMIL VOGT.
One of the remarkable features of American life is the rapidity with which young men advance and the responsible positions they attain in the business and professional worlds. Emil Vogt, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, is an illustration of what a young man may accomplish who makes a fair start and possesses the judgment and ability to continue to move forward. Although only thirty-three years of age, he is the owner of a beautiful farm in Crawford county of two hundred and forty acres, and each year witnesses a handsome in- crease in his available capital.
He was born in Illinois, July 11, 1878, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Jocks) Vogt, both natives of Germany. They came to America in 1874 and Mr. Vogt worked for several years in Illinois, then removing to Crawford county, Iowa, where he purchased eighty acres of land. After developing his place he traded it for three hundred and twenty acres which he made the family homestead. He acquired six hundred and twenty acres in this county, all of which he brought to a high state of cultivation. Since 1902 he has lived retired at Denison. There were ten children in his family, namely : William and John, both of Crawford county ; Emil, the subject of this review; Annie, now the wife of John Hilde- brandt, of Crawford county: 'Alvina, the wife of William Hildebrandt; Eliza- beth, now Mrs. Fred Fredrick, of Hanover township; Henry, of Crawford county ; Emma, at home ; and Alvina, the first of that name, and Ella, both of whom are deceased.
Emil Vogt was reared upon the home farm and as a boy became thoroughly acquainted with the duties and responsibilities pertaining to farm life. He at- tended the district schools and after laying his books aside continued to assist his father until twenty-three years of age. He then rented land belonging to
453
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
his father for seven years, and having acquired sufficient capital he purchased two hundred and forty acres on sections 34 and 27, Hanover township, upon which he now lives. He has made many improvements and has gathered about him all the conveniences and appliances most to be desired by the enterprising agriculturist. He raises cereals upon an extensive scale and also pays special attention to red polled cattle, of which he is a great fancier. He is a large cattle and hog feeder, making use of his entire crops in this way, and is recognized as one of the most thorough farmers in this section.
On the 12th of June, 1901, Mr. Vogt was united in marriage to Miss Helena Fredricksen, who was born in Illinois, April 17, 1881, a daughter of Fred and Christina (Steffen) Fredricksen, both of whom were born in Germany. Her parents came to America when young and were married in Illinois, where Mr. Fredricksen engaged for a number of years in farming. Subsequently he came to Iowa and is now the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of land in Han- over township. He retired from active labor in 1905, and he and his wife are making their home in Denison. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fredricksen, one of whom died in infancy. The others are: Charles, of Craw- ford county ; Helena, now Mrs. Emil Vogt; Fred, Henry and Gill, all of Craw- ford county ; and Mary, at home. Three children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Vogt, namely: Elizabeth C. A., who was born July 12, 1902; Minnie H., born June 25, 1904; and Edna M., born April 8, 1906.
Mr. Vogt has won his way mainly through his own exertions. He pos- sessed the advantages of a good practical training under his father, which has been of inestimable value to him. He was also endowed with a natural talent for agricultural pursuits, and his work is to him a genuine pleasure, yielding at the same time a gratifying financial reward. He is justly regarded with respect by all with whom he comes into contact. Religiously, he is a stanch believer in the Bible, and he and has family are members of the German Lutheran church.
WILLIAM HOWE SCAGGS.
Highly esteemed and respected throughout the community, William Howe Scaggs, who died May 30, 1907, was one of the useful citizens of Denison, whose example of industry and progressiveness still stands as an object lesson to those who knew him. He was born in Newcastle county, Delaware, March 19, 1841, a son of Thomas and Emelina (Roberts) Scaggs, both of whom spent their entire lives in Delaware. There were nine children in their family, six of whom are still living.
Mr. Scaggs of this review was educated in the public schools of his native state and continued at home until twenty years of age. Being an ambitious young man, desirous of seeing the world and also of taking advantage of favor- able opportunities for advancement, he went to Benton county, Iowa, and spent the winter there. In the spring he crossed the plains to Colorado, and the Civil war being then in progress, he enlisted in behalf of the Union and served most creditably. Subsequently he settled in Clinton county, Iowa, but after his mar-
454
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
riage took up his residence in Denison, where he continued during the remainder of his life, becoming actively identified with its business interests as a carpenter contractor.
In Clinton county Mr. Scaggs was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Allison, who was born in Orange township, that county, in October, 1852, a daughter of A. S. and Rosanna (Betz) Allison. The farmer was a native of Virginia and the mother of Ohio. They settled in Clinton county in 1849 and Mr. Allison entered eighty acres of government land and became one of the leading farmers of the county, adding largely to his possessions as the years passed. The mother died upon the home farm in 1895 and the father in March, 1910, he having then reached the age of eighty-eight years and six months. There were seven children in their family, three of whom are now living. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Scaggs, all of whom are deceased except Birdie M., who is now the wife of Richard R. Robinson, of Milford township.
Mr. Scaggs was a stanch champion of the democratic party and was for many years an active worker in its behalf. For a number of years he served as one of the aldermen of Denison. He was well known in fraternal circles, being a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge, No. 626; and John A. Logan Post, G. A. R., both of Denison. Mrs. Scaggs is still living in this city and owns two residences, in one of which she makes her home. She is a member of Relief Corps, No. 56, of John A. Logan Post, and takes an active part in its work. She is also a member of the Rebekah Lodge, No. 420, and has filled all the chairs in both of these organizations, being recognized as one of their most active and capable officials. She has spent her entire life in this state and by her unselfish labors in behalf of others has made many friends in Denison.
JOHN DIETZ.
When John Dietz, now living retired on his farm in Crawford county, took up his residence in Willow township there were only a few houses between his place and Dow City. The country was largely wild and unoccupied and even the most enthusiastic friends of Crawford county could not have prophesied the marvelous changes which have since been made. It is by men of great per- severance, zeal and untiring industry that the improvements witnessed today have been accomplished.
Mr. Dietz was born at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, April 15, 1849, a son of Casper and Margaret (Sherm) Dietz. The father was born in Germany and after his marriage came with his wife to the United States. They lived in Milwaukee for a while and then removed to Chicago, continuing in that city and vicinity until the death of the father, which occurred when his son John was about twelve years of age. The mother had died five years before. There were seven children in the family, namely: Anna, now the wife of Fred Eggers, of Denison, lowa; Josephine, of St. Louis, Missouri ; Matilda and Margaret, both of Chicago; Frank, who is deceased; John, of this review; and Peter, who lives in Dakota.
JOHN DIETZ
457
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Educated in the public schools, John Dietz began learning the shoemaker's trade, to which he devoted two years, and then spent three years in learning cigar-making. Leaving Chicago, he drove a team for a year on the construction of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in Iowa, at the end of which time he began working on a farm in Knox county, Illinois. About 1881 he arrived in Crawford county, Iowa, and for three years rented land of Judge Dow, then settling in Willow township, where he has since lived. He has de- veloped his farm from the virgin soil and has made many improvements, being now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of highly productive land. As he is a man of industrious and thrifty habits he has acquired a competency so that there will be no difficulty in keeping the wolf from the door during the mainder of his life.
In 1877 Mr. Dietz was united in marriage to Miss M. A. Munson, and five children came to bless their union: Arthur L., who is now living on the home farm; and Phina, Inas, Emma and Nellie, all of whom are deceased. The son Arthur has charge of his father's farm and is handling it most admirably. He was married to Miss Lizzie Bartell and they have three children : George, Lester and Mabel. Mrs. M. A. Dietz died in 1893, and in 1899 Mr. Dietz was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Dora Hare, who departed this life in 1908.
Born in the folds of the Catholic church, Mr. Dietz is not at present an at- tendant upon any religious services. He has been a liberal contributor in be- half of the needy, and no deserving applicant for assistance has ever been turned unassisted from his door. Politically he adheres to the democratic party. He has served in a number of township offices, having been trustee for about twelve years and also president of the board, displaying in the discharge of his duties the same interest which he has shown in the management of his own business affairs. He is a true friend of education and has rendered valuable assistance to the cause as member of the school board. While promoting his individual success, he has never forgotten his duties as a citizen and as a member of the great brotherhood of man.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.