USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 52
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On December 1, 1897, Mr. Koester was united in marriage to Miss Mary Carstensen, and they have become the parents of five children : Louis, Ida, Her- man, Hilda and Julius. The family are identified with the Lutheran church and his political affiliation Mr. Koester accords the democratic party. He is a public-spirited man and takes a helpful interest in all local affairs and for the past four years has served as a member of the school board. Mr. Koester is meeting with success in his undertakings, which is ever the reward of earnest, persistent effort when sustained by thrift and industry.
WILLIAM PETERS.
On a beautiful farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Charter Oak town- ship lives William Peters, who is recognized as one of the thorough agricul- turists of Crawford county and also as one of its substantial and progressive citi- zens. Born in this county, August 28, 1882, he is the son of William and Annie (Wendeke) Peters, both of whom were natives of Germany. They were mar- ried in the old country and came to America in 1880, settling on a farm in Crawford county. Here they continued until their deaths, the father passing away in 1901 and the mother five years later. There were nine children in their family, namely: Mary, Emma, William, Elizabeth, Annie, Fred, Rosa, Martha, and one who died in infancy.
William Peters was educated in the district schools of Crawford county and remained with his parents until arriving at manhood, becoming thoroughly ac- quainted with all details pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. At twenty- three years of age he rented land on his own account and continued to operate rented property until the division of the family estate in 1907. He received one hundred and twenty acres as his portion and upon this tract he has made many
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mphvenients The ample crops gathered every year as well as the sleek looking ammal are evidence of las good judgment and thorough knowledge of farming.
On the 20th of September, 1905, Mr. Peters was united in marriage to Miss Rosa Bahnsen, who was born in Crawford county, April 22, 1887, a daughter of Christ and Uhricke (Jensen ) Bahnsen, both natives of Germany. They Came to America in 1883 and after living a short time at Denison, lowa, re- Moved to a latin which Mr. Bahnsen rented, subsequently purchasing eighty are in Paradise township, upon which they established their home. At the present time Mr. Bahnsen is the owner of two hundred and eighty acres, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. There were twelve children in then family, three of whom died in infancy, the others being : Julia, now de- Ecase, Annie, Rosa, Peter, Emma, John. Minnie, Amanda and Christopher. Three children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Peters, namely : Dahe, who was born May 8, 1906: Edna M., born April 26, 1908; and Sadie Leona, born February 20, 1910.
Mr. Peters has not given much attention to politics as his interest is cen- tered principally upon his business. His prosperity is the result very largely of his own efforts, which have been wisely directed, as is indicated by the neat and thrifty appearance of everything about his place and the gratifying results that have followed his labors. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran church and are highly respected by the people of the entire neigh- borhood.
S. N. SANDSTROM.
Among the enterprising and ambitious young men, who, unfamiliar with either the language or customs of this country, left their native land to seek their fortune in America, is S. N. Sandstrom, whose birth occurred in Sweden on the 19th of April. 1845. He is a son of Nels Nelson and Elna Swanson, who spent their entire lives in the land of their nativity and were laid to rest there
In the year 1869 S. N. Sandstrom crossed the Atlantic to become a citizen of the United States, believing that the opportunities afforded in America, al- though they might not be so wonderful as were oftentimes reported, were far greater than in his native land. He first located in Crawford county and after remaining here for a short time went to Marshall county, where he was em- played as a farm hand for three years. With much forethought he carefully put aside the greater portion of his meager wages each month and by the end of his period of service had sufficient money to buy land. He therefore re- turned to Crawford county and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Stock- holm township from a Mr. Hamilton. He was only able to make a payment of ten dollars on his land, as the remainder of his small capital was required to buy a team of horses as well as to make necessary improvements. He immedi- ately began the cultivation of his homestead, being the first man in the settle- ment to break prairie with horses. He engaged in general farming, making a
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specialty of stock-raising, and in both undertakings he has met with most grati- fying success. He had but a limited amount of money when he landed in the United States, but he had an abundance of perseverance and energy, the quali- ties which dominate conditions and make for success in any walk of life. Con- fidence in his own powers and belief in ultimate victory, even when things looked the most hopeless, gave him the courage to attempt greater things. He has added to his holdings at different times until today he owns two hundred and forty acres on section 5, Stockholm township, and one hundred and twenty on sections 8 and II ; and also two hundred acres in Sac county. His improvements are fine and are kept in an excellent condition ; his place is well stocked with a fine grade of cattle and hogs, while his fields are cultivated in accordance with the most approved methods, which means abundant harvests that command the best prices the markets afford.
On the 6th of November, 1872, Mr. Sandstrom married Miss Mary Olson, a daughter of Ole and Celia (Anderson) Matson, both of whom died in Sweden. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Sandstrom, but the first five died in infancy and the next three, Albert, George and Otto, are also dead, while those surviving are: Nels, Martin and Alice. They are all living in this county, the last one still being at home with her parents.
The family hold membership in the Lutheran church. Mr. Sandstrom affil- iates with the republican party, considering that its protective policy is best adapted to subserve the interests of the majoriy. He takes an acive interest in all local political matters and was for a time a trustee of his township. He is one of the well known and highly regarded men in his community, and although he has met with more than a usual degree of success in his undertakings it is deemed but the just reward of honest and well directed effort.
ARCHIE B. CREWDSON, D.V.M.
Although he has engaged in practice only a short time Dr. Archie B. Crewdson has gained substantial recognition in Charter Oak and vicinity as a competent veterinarian and gives promise of attaining excellent success in his profession. He is a native son of Iowa and was born June 10, 1884, his parents being G. W., and Barbara A. (Watts) Crewdson. The father was born in Kentucky and the mother in Indiana. They were married in Iowa and settled on a farm in the western part of the state, which Mr. Crewdson cultivated until 1885, when he removed to Harrison county. In 1902 he and his wife retired to Woodbine, Iowa. He is the owner of a handsome residence in the town and also of two hundred and forty acres of good land in Harrison county. There were nine children in the family, namely: Guy, who is now connected with Buckstaff Brothers, harnessmakers of Lincoln, Nebraska; Lennie, the wife of E. A. Rosenberger, a farmer of Woodbine; Clay, who is engaged in farming in Monona county; Ray, who is now operating a feed store and dray line at Woodbine; Vergie, who died in infancy; Archie B., of this review; Essie and
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Bessie, twins, the latter of whom died in infancy and the former is living at home ; and Ira, also at home.
Archie B. Crewdson attended the district schools, later becoming a student in the Woodbine Normal School, where he pursued a course of four years, graduating in 1906. He then matriculated in Iowa State College at Ames and studied diligently for four years, graduating in veterinary science June 10, 1910. After leaving that institution he took the state board examination, ranking as one of the six highest. He began practice on the 26th of June at Charter Oak and still continues at that place. On March 9. 1910, he took an examination for the Philippine service and later received appointment from the United States government but has not accepted, owing to his success in his present location.
Dr. Crewdson was reared in the Christian church and affiliates with that denomination. An intelligent and indefatigable student, he has devoted years to thorough preparation for a calling to which he seems especially adapted, and as he possessed every advantage that could be desired he began under the most favorable conditions. His success in treatment of animals has met with general recognition and his patrons are among his best friends. He is regarded as entirely reliable and concerning his skill there is no question. Under the cir- cumstances there is scarcely a doubt as to the rewards that await him in the years to come.
GEORGE MAYNARD.
Ever since he entered upon the active duties of life George Maynard has devoted his attention to farming and his place of one hundred and sixty acres in Jackson township gives convincing evidence in its well kept appearance of his ability as an agriculturist and stock-raiser. He was born on the home farm in this county, October 31, 1881, a son of Henry W. and Julia (Lane) Maynard, record of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
George Maynard received his early education in the district schools and grew to manhood under the favoring conditions of a happy home. Under his father he was thoroughly instructed in all the details pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. He continued at home until twenty-one years of age and then rented eighty acres of his father, to which additions have been made until he now has one hundred and sixty acres which he has provided with many im- provements. He is thorough in every department of his work and having possessed unusual advantages of training in early life, he has made few mis- takes and his labors are rewarded by a handsome annual income.
On the 3d of February, 1909. Mr. Maynard was united in marriage to Miss Angie Irene Swartz, a daughter of George and Anna (Nash) Swartz. The mother of Mrs. Maynard passed away September 16, 1887. There were three children in the family: Catharine E., who is now the wife of P. C. Lawrence, of Houston, Texas; Angie Irene, now Mrs. George Maynard; and Anna, who 15 deceased.
Politically Mr. Maynard gives his support to the republican party as the organization whose principles in his opinion are essential to the permanent
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welfare of the country. He is socially well known and is identified with the Masonic order, whose teachings of brotherhood find in his heart a ready response. In religious belief he affiliates with the Methodist church. Active and enter- prising, he is highly esteemed by all who know him and especially by his neigh- bors who are best acquainted with his many admirable traits of character.
STEPHEN J. JANS.
Stephen J. Jans, who is justly accounted one of the leading agriculturists of Crawford county, owns and controls one hundred and sixty-three acres of land on section 5, Jackson township, and an inspection of his place indicates his careful supervision and progressive methods. He was born October 20, 1873, in Chicago, Illinois, a son of John and Wiebka (Webers) Jans, both natives of Germany. In 1865 the father came to the United States with the intention of joining the Union forces in the Civil war, but upon arriving here he found that the conflict was ended. He located in Davenport, Iowa, where he earned enough money to send for his wife in Germany and upon her arrival they took up their residence in Chicago, where they remained until 1875. In that year they re- moved to Carroll county, Iowa, and began farming on a section of land in Ar- cadia township, where they remained until 1900, when the father retired from active life.
This couple were the parents of thirteen children, of whom five died in in- fancy. The remaining members of the family are as follows: John, who lives in Minnesota; Annie, who is the wife of Fred Rickers and resides at Jackson township; Sophia, whose husband is James McKinnon, of Chicago; Stephen J., of this review; George, who lives in Sioux City, Iowa; Frank, a resident of Arcadia ; Mary, who married Christ Kuehl and lives in Minnesota; and Julius, who resides in Crawford county. The father departed this life in 1906, at the age of sixty-four years, being survived by the mother, who still resides at her home in Arcadia.
Stephen J. Jans obtained his early education in the public schools of Carroll county and at the age of seventeen began working on a farm, where he re- mained for the following four years. He then obtained employment in the Hayes Township Creamery in West Side, where he remained for five years, subsequently accepting a position in the Arcadia Creamery, continuing there for seven years. In 1905 he purchased one hundred and sixty-three acres of land in Jackson township, upon which he located in 1906 and immediately began to improve the property, which is now considered one of the best pieces of land in Crawford county. While he here carries on general farming, he makes a spe- cialty of stock-raising, giving particular attention to Hereford cattle and Poland China hogs.
On September 1I, 1901, Mr. Jans was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Peters, a daughter of C. H. and Augusta (Martin) Peters, who were natives of Arcadia and were the parents of the following children: Lizzie; Mary, who married Frank Jans and resides near Arcadia; Claude, who is on a farm ad-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Joming Arcadia ; Mime, the wife of Emil Kaspersen, of Arcadia; Alvina, who became the wife of John Holck and lives in Paulina, Iowa; Henry, who is at- tending school in Des Moines, lowa, together with his brother Emil. Mr. and Mit Jans are the parents of four children, namely: Harry, born August 12, 1922: Helen, born June 3. 1904 : Claude, born July 10, 1906; and Leslie, born September 13. 11MAS.
In politics Mr. Jans has always supported the republican party but has never colight nor desired political favors. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Modern Werden of America and in religion he and his wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian church. He early realized that labor is the strongest force atii he to directed his efforts that obstacles and difficulties have been overcome and One Has gained a merited place among the prominent and prosperous farmers ot Crawford county.
JOHN T. CAREY.
Some men are adapted by nature and inclination for public life and are Happiest when carrying the gravest responsibilities. What to others would be a burden to them is a pleasure. Much of the important municipal and state business is carried forward by this class of men and to the number belongs John T. Carey, who is now serving as county supervisor of Crawford county and is one of its most esteemed citizens.
He was born in Cedar county, Iowa, June 18, 1863, a son of John and Margaret ( Mead) Carey, natives of County Clare, Ireland. The parents were reared and married in Ireland, coming to America about 1848. The father en- gaged for a time in railroad work in New York but about 1855, deciding that conditions for advancement were more favorable in the west, he came to Cedar county, where he lived for twenty-six years. In 1881 he purchased a farm in Milford township, Crawford county, and took up his home there, continuing on this place until his death, which occurred in 1889, at the age of sixty-five years, his beloved wife passing away the following March, in the sixty-sixth year of her age. They were both consistent members of the Catholic church and made many friends by their upright lives and genial dispositions. There were twelve children in their family, eight of whom grew to maturity: Mary, who is now deceased; l'atrick, a resident of South Omaha, Nebraska; Michael, also de- ceased; Ella, the wife of Joseph Grose, of Wisner, Nebraska; Bridget, now Mrs. Michael Leahy, of Hartington, Nebraska; John T., the subject of this review : Margaret, the wife of Mark Keane, of Norfolk, Nebraska ; and Anna, who died at the age of eighteen years.
John T. Carey was reared upon a farm in Cedar county and gained his pre- hmmmmary education in the district schools, later taking advantage of a thorough Ianes course at the Omaha Commercial College. After leaving school he took up his residence at Denison in 1881 and was appointed deputy county treas- Arer. an office which he filled for six years, evincing a capacity that gave bril- Hi prome as to his future. After leaving this position he became county andnur. continuing for six years, and then was elected city treasurer of Deni-
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son. He engaged in the real-estate business for two years but again became actively identified with politics and served for six years as mayor of the city. In 1901 he was a candidate for state senator but was defeated. He has filled the office of township clerk and in 1907 was elected county supervisor, to which position he has since been reelected and is the present incumbent.
On the Ist of July, 1890, Mr. Carey was united in marriage to Miss Marietta Greek, who was born November 13, 1856, and is now the oldest living lady whose birth occurred in Crawford county. Here she has spent her entire life and by her marriage has become the mother of three children, namely, John Gail, Lu- cina Margaret and William, deceased. Sylvanus B. Greek, the father of Mrs Carey, was born in Cattaraugus county, New York, December 25, 1826, and was a son of Nathan Greek, a Scotch sailor who was lost at sea. In early manhood Sylvanus B. Greek was married, in Whiteside county, Illinois, to Miss Lucina Goodrich, whose birth occurred in Cortland county, New York, September 25, 1836. In September, 1855, they came to Crawford county and settled in Mil- ford township, being among the first residents of that locality. In their family were five children, namely, Cyrus, Seba, Marietta, William and Sylvan.
Mr. Carey gives his adherence to the democratic party and has for many years has been a stanch supporter of its principles. Religiously he is identified with the Catholic church and fraternally he is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias, the Improved Order of Red Men, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World. His wife is a prominent member of the Wom- an's Relief Corps of the Grand Army of the Republic and in religious faith is a Methodist. They are both widely and favorably known and have a host of friends throughout Crawford county. Mr. Carey is a man of pleasing man- ners and genial disposition and to these traits may be largely attributed his suc- cess in public life. The important offices he has occupied attest his popularity and also give evidence that he has a large acquaintance and a host of friends. By efficiency as an officer and fidelity to the best interests of the people he has fairly merited the esteem in which he is held.
CHARLES J. ANDERSON.
For the past twenty-five years Charles J. Anderson, who is a resident of Stockholm township, has been identified with the agricultural interests of Craw- ford county. A son of Gustav and Caroline (Danielson) Anderson, he was born in Sweden on the 12th of February, 1852. He is the fifth in a family of nine children, the others being as follows: August, deceased; Anna, the wife of Charles Peterson, of Sweden; Frederick, deceased; Matilda, also deceased ; August, a resident of Crawford county ; William, of Sioux City, Iowa; Hilma, the wife of A. Lindan, of Sac county; and Clara, who died in infancy. The parents have long since passed away.
In 1879 Charles J. Anderson decided to become a citizen of the United States, believing that better opportunities and greater advantages were here
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affordel than in his native land. He first located in Wall Lake, Iowa, and after une year's residence there removed to Odebolt, where he lived for five years. During that time he saved the means requisite to enable him to farm as a renter, and so, removing to Crawford county, he leased eighty acres of land in Stock- holm township. He cultivated this land for ten years and then in 1895 he bought it He has since added another one hundred and twenty acres to his holdings, so that his homestead now contains two hundred acres of well improved and highly cultivated land. He engages in general farming and stock-raising and is receiving lucrative returns from both undertakings.
On the 18th of December, 1880, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Ander- son and Miss Augusta Elstrom, the youngest child of John and Johanna (Grip- wall) Elstrom, the other members of the family being as follows: Carl, deceased ; August, living in Sweden; Ferdinand, also of Sweden; and Reinhold, Matilda, Anna, and Emma, who have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have become the parents of nine children: Hattie, the wife of J. B. Johnson; and Matilda, Emma Christina, Seth, David, Elizabeth, Levi, Mildred and Irene, all of whom are at home.
The family are Christians and worship with the Mission Friends. Ever since acquiring the full rights of citizenship Mr. Anderson has given his political support to the candidates and principles of the republican party. He has always taken an active interest in all local governmental matters, having served in a number of the minor township offices, and is one of the progressive and public- spirited citizens of his community as well as one of the most successful.
HENRY R. WIEMER.
Henry R. Wiemer, deceased, was for many years prominent in agricultural circles in Crawford county, his farm on section 23, Willow township, being developed under his management until it became one of the most attractive places in that part of the county. He was a native of Iowa, born at Burlington, February 28, 1858, a son of Henry and Helen (Lambach) Wiemer, both of whom were born in Germany. The father belonged to a family of the nobility and studied for the priesthood, receiving a fine education. He left home and was disinherited and came to the United States, settling on government land near Burlington, lowa. He was married at Burlington to Helen Lambach. Dur- ing the Civil war he was of great assistance in drilling recruits and was com- mander of the home guards at Burlington. He and his wife are both now de- ceased. There were seven children in their family : Ludwig, Henry R., Lizzie, Laura, Helen. Bertha and Emma.
Henry R. Wiemer received his education in the public schools at Burling- ton and later attended college at Denmark, Iowa. He began his business career as clerk in a clothing store at Burlington and later became a canvasser for fruit trees. In 1882 he located on one hundred and sixty acres of land in Willow township. Crawford county, where he lived for five years, and then moved to section 23 in the same township, there establishing the family homestead. He
MR. AND MRS. HENRY R. WIEMER
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erected buildings and fences and planted shade and ornamental trees, making the farm one of the most desirable in the locality. Being a man of industry and good judgment, he applied himself with excellent results to his work, and as the years passed became financially independent.
In August, 1880, Mr. Wiemer was united in marriage to Miss Ida Lambach, a native of Le Claire, Iowa, and a daughter of Frederick and Sophia (Puls) Lambach, who were both natives of Germany. Her father came to the United States when a young man and was married in this country. Later he became connected with railroad construction, but having lost his health, removed to Texas, where he died in 1897. His wife passed away four years later. They were the parents of four children: Ida, who married Henry R. Wiemer; Gus- tave, who lives at Boise City, Idaho; Frederick, now a practicing physician of Davenport, Iowa; and Robert, deceased. Five children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wiemer, namely: Frederick, who married Mary Shui- peter and is now living on the home farm; Henry, who married Nellie Fritz and also lives on the home farm; Frank, who lives at home and is a member of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs; Patsy, deceased; and Lulu, also at home.
Mr. Wiemer departed this life on the 6th of January, 1901, and the an- nouncement of his death was received with profound regret wherever he was known. He was recognized as a man of large business ability, upright character and fearless spirit, who seldom undertook anything which he did not carry through to a successful conclusion. He possessed a remarkably clear judgment and his advice in business affairs was often sought by friends and acquaintances, who paid great respect to his opinions. He was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church and was always a generous promoter of worthy causes. Po- litically he was a supporter of the republican party. Mrs. Wiemer has remained at the old homestead and is now the owner of six hundred and forty acres of land on sections 23 and 24, Willow township, the work upon the farm being under direction of her sons. She has long been prominently known in Craw- ford county and is much interested in its continued development. She is a valued member of the Rebekahs.
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