USA > Iowa > Crawford County > History of Crawford County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 62
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The religious belief of Mr. Sandstrom is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, while in politics he affiliates with the republican party. He has served as clerk of his township for the past eight years and takes a public-spirited interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare and upbuilding of the community in which he has resided throughout his entire lifetime. His circle of friends has steadily widened as the years have gone by until it is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance, and that many of his warmest friends are those who have known him longest is indicative of the fact that his life has ever been governed by those principles which command the re- spect. confidence and good-will of all.
P. F. BURKE.
P. F. Burke, one of the foremost representatives of a family which for two generations has been closely identified with the agricultural development of Crawford county, is a native of Ireland, his birth occurring in County Galway. His parents, Martin and Margaret (Grady) Burke, were born and married in the same county but migrated to the United States when their son was about ten years of age. After living in Jersey City for two years they removed to Crawford county, lowa, locating on a farm four miles southeast of Buck Grove. They were thrifty, hard-working people and when the father retired five years ago they were cultivating four hundred acres of land, all of which they owned. Mr. Burke made a specialty of stock-raising and met with most gratifying suc- cess in that venture. Four children were born to him and his wife, the order of their birth being as follows: P. F .. Ed., Martin and M. J. The three latter all live in Denison. The wife and mother passed away in 1905 but the father is still living and makes his home in Denison, enjoying the comfort and ease which the income from his large estate provides him.
P. F. Burke attended the district schools of Crawford county. His early years were spent in a manner similar to most farm lads and when not in school he had to assist in the work of the farm, his duties and responsibilities increas- ing with the passing years. He remained at home until he had passed his twenty- fourth birthday and then rented land in Washington township, which he culti- vated until four years ago, when he bought the place where he is now living. His homestead consists of one hundred and sixty acres of well improved and highly cultivated land in Washington township. Although he engages in general
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farming and stock-raising he makes a specialty of breeding and raising hogs and is rewarded by most lucrative returns.
Mr. Burke was united in marriage in 1900 to Miss Margaret Faulkner, who is a native of Greene county, Iowa, and they have become the parents of the following children: Joseph, Edward and Leonard. Edward, the second child, has now passed away. The family attend the Catholic church, of which the parents are communicants. Mr. Burke's fraternal relations are confined to membership in the Modern Woodmen of America, his local affiliation being with the Dow City Lodge. Ever since acquiring the rights of suffrage Mr. Burke has given his support to the candidates of the democratic party. He does not take a particular active interest in local politics, not being an aspirant for office. However, he meets the demands of good citizenship by going to the polls and casting a ballot on election day.
CLAUS J. PETERS.
Claus J. Peters, who for nearly half a century has been a resident of Craw- ford county, during the greater portion of which time he was associated with the agricultural interests but is now living retired in Schleswig, is a native of Germany. His birth occurred on the 2d of September, 1836, and he is the fourth in the order of birth and the only surviving child of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Peters. The others were as follows: Paul, Henry, Peter, Catrina and Beepke. The mother passed away while Claus J. was yet too young to remember her, but the father survived for some years and he, too, died in his native land.
Claus J. Peters spent his boyhood and youth and part of his early manhood in the fatherland, serving in its army in the year 1859-60, but in 1864 he decided that better opportunities awaited him in America than he could ever realize in the old country so took passage for the United States. He made his way west- ward almost immediately after his arrival and located in Davenport, Iowa, where he remained for two years and then removed to Crawford county. Here he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land and engaged in general farming and stock- raising, which occupations he followed for a period of thirty-eight years. He was an energetic and thrifty man and during that period acquired a competence, which, combined with the amount realized from the sale of his farm in 1904, enables him to live retired.
Mr. Peters has twice married. His first wife was Miss Lizzie Lauman, and there were five children born to them, only two of whom, Henry and William, both of this county, are living. The wife and mother passed away in 1880 and on the 4th of March, 1881, Mr. Peters was married to Miss Emma Schroeder, a daughter of Henry and Margaretta (Kipple) Schroeder. Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder were the parents of the following children: Andrews, deceased ; Julius, living in Otter Creek township; Doris, deceased; Emma, the wife of C. J. Peters ; Marea and Bertha, both deceased ; and Johannes, living in Montana.
Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Peters: Minnie, the wife of Rudolph Kolls, of South Dakota; Bertha, who became the wife of J. Stott, of
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Montana; Hugo, also a resident of Montana ; Anna, the wife of Thomas Hol- lander, of Otter Creek township; Ella, Julius, Amil and Herbert, all of whom are at home ; and Eda, the youngest, deceased.
The family affiliate with the Lutheran church. For several years Mr. Peters was unable to discharge his own business, owing to an injury which he sustained when thrown from his wagon. Although the accident left no permanent physical effects it was some time before he recovered his memory, in fact it was several months before he remembered his name, but gradually his faculties were restored and now, although he has passed the Psalmist's alloted span, his health is good and his mind to all purposes is as clear as it ever was.
The men and measures of the democratic party always receive Mr. Peters support, and although he has never actively participated in political affairs, not aspiring to public office, nevertheless he is to be found at the polls on election day casting his ballot for the candidates of the party with which he affiliates. During the long period of his residence in the United States he has never regret- ted transferring his allegiance from his native land, although there are many customs and ideas of the old country to which he clings, believing they are superior to some American innovations.
HENRY REINKING.
Henry Reinking, who lives in a comfortable, modern residence in Schleswig. where he enjoys the case and comfort denied him during the early years of his hie. is in every sense of the word a self-made man. He was born in Germany on the 19th of February, 1838. a son of Ernest and Louisa (Meyer) Reinking, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland. Twelve children were born to them. as follows: Dedrich. William and Charles, who are deceased; Henry, our subject : Ferdinand, who is a resident of Chicago; Louis, living in Wheaton, Illinois ; Fritz, who resides in Cedar county, Iowa; and Ernest, Minna, Lena and Louisa, deceased ; and Sophie, who is the wife of Joe Pnactretz, of Cedar county.
Henry Reinking spent his boyhood and youth in the land of his birth, but he was an ambitious young man and at the age of eighteen years decided that his chances of attaining his aspiration were much better in the new world than in the old. so in 1856 he took passage for the United States. He located near Chicago on his arrival and obtained employment as a farm hand, which occupation he followed for three years. At the end of that period he made a trip to the old country and upon his return again took a position on a farm in the locality where he had previously worked, which he retained until 1862. In the latter year he showed his loyalty to the country of his adoption by enlisting in Company I, One Hundred and Fifth Illinois Volunteer Infantry and going to the front to uphold the Union cause. Although he was wounded he most faithfully and valiantly served until peace was restored and he was mustered out as a sergeant. At the close of the war he again returned to Chicago and undertook farm work but in 1807 removed to Cedar county, Iowa, where he bought eighty acres of land After cultivating this for five years he sold it and went to Butler county
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and purchased two hundred and twenty acres, being engaged in general farm- ing there until 1872, at which time he disposed of his property and removed to Crawford county. Here he rented one hundred and sixty acres for three years and then bought one-half section in Ida county. He was a tireless worker and capable manager, which combined with thrift and determination, enabled him to add to his holdings another three hundred and twenty acres, so that he now owns an entire section of highly cultivated land, which his four sons are operat- ing. Mr. Reinking's life is but one of the many examples of what may be accomplished by application and perseverance, and it is one well worthy of emulation.
Mr. Reinking was united in marriage on the 4th of October, 1867, to Miss Louisa Meyer, of Cedar county, Iowa, a daughter of Frederick and Caroline (Sieling) Meyer, who were the parents of eight children, as follows: Henry, a resident of Kansas; Fred, now residing in Woodbury county, Iowa; Louis, who lives in Dakota; William, living in Minnesota; Louisa, the wife of Henry Reinking ; Caroline, who married Charles Reinking, of Woodbury county ; Emma, deceased ; and Minnie, the wife of John Peterson. Mr. and Mrs. Reinking had six children, but only four are now living: Fritz, Charles, August and William, all of whom are on the old homestead in Ida county. Louis, the second born, and Lena, the third child and only daughter, are both deceased.
The family affiliate with the Lutheran church. Mr. Reinking has always supported the men and measures of the republican party and despite his exten- sive personal interests has ever found time to serve in various minor offices in his township. He is a public-spirited, progressive man who would be an acquisi- tion to any community, and his abilities have always been recognized and accorded the respect which is their due. He has ever been a loyal citizen and feels he has nothing to regret and much to be grateful for in having emigrated to the United States.
HENRY HANSMAN.
From a farm hand to the ownership of a productive place of one hundred and sixty acres and a home possessing the conveniences of modern life is a long step but it has been accomplished by Henry Hansman, of West Side township. He is a native of Germany and is undoubtedly indebted to sturdy characteristics inherited from worthy ancestry for a large share of his success. He was born in the province of Hessen, Germany, June 6, 1858, a son of Conrad and Anna E. (Smith) Hansman. The parents were both natives of Germany and passed their entire lives in the old country. Of the four children in their family two are now living.
Henry Hansman acquired his early education in the public schools of his native land and grew to manhood under the paternal roof, continuing in Ger- many until he was twenty-one years of age. Having decided to seek his fortune among strangers he bade farewell to relatives and friends and in 1881 went aboard a vessel which landed him in America. For three years he worked as a
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farm hand, and then, having acquired a good practical knowledge of agriculture and stock-raising, he rented two different farms, upon which he continued for eleven years. In 1804 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 4, West Side township, which became his home. He has made many improve- ments on his farm, which each year under his care has become more valuable. He devotes his attention to general farming but makes a specialty of raising and feeding Berkshire and Poland China hogs, and as he uses sound judgment he has attained deserved success.
On the 19th of January, 1884, Mr. Hansman was united in marriage to Miss Alice Luckhardt, who was born in Germany and came to America at the same time with himself. They were married in Crawford county and by this union seven children have been born, namely: Lizzie C., the wife of A. P. Bottgar of Des Moines, lowa ; Henry, deceased ; and Henry J., Anna L., Carl F., Leona Mary and Elsie E., all of whom are at home.
Mr. Hansman is a striking example of a self-made man. When he landed in America his cash resources were only twenty dollars, but he had a stout heart and two strong and willing arms and through an energy and perseverance that never wavered in the face of difficulties he forged his way to a comfortable competency. His excellent wife nobly assisted him during the years of his carly struggles and shares with him in the reward of a happy home and freedom from worry over financial obligations. They are both sincere members of the Lutheran church and active workers in its behalf.
FRANK SLECHTA.
Among the successful farmers of Crawford county who are of Bohemian birth Frank Slechta occupies an honored place. He was born January 11, 1872, and is the eldest son of Albert and Mary (Vonnestic) Slechta. The father emi- grated to America with his family in 1881 and located in Crawford county, lowa, where he rented land for ten years. He applied himself to such good advantage that he then purchased two hundred and forty acres, which became the home place. He passed away at the age of seventy-seven, but the mother is still living and resides on the old homestead with her son Albert. There were seven children in the family, four of whom survive: Frank, of this review; Albert, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work; and Joseph and Charles, both of whom are living at home.
Frank Slechta came with his parents to Iowa when he was nine years of age. He was educated in the public schools, pursuing his studies with an interest which gave bright promise as to his future. After laying his books aside he continued at home, assisting in the work of the farm until he was thirty-one years of age, and then began farming on rented land, devoting his attention to one hundred and sixty acres for two years. After acquiring sufficient capital he purchased one hundred and twenty acres on section 24, Milford township, and does general farming, making a specialty of feeding hogs and cattle for the
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market. He has a well developed property, on which are substantial buildings, and he secures gratifying annual returns for his labor.
On the 15th of April, 1902, Mr. Slechta was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Resler, a daughter of Frank and Rose (Cofel) Resler, in whose family there were nine children, seven of whom are now living, namely: Mary, who is now Mrs. Slechta; Frank, who is living in Johnson county, Iowa; Annie, the wife of Louis Hirdlicka, of Johnson county; and Joseph, Louis, Edward and Emma, all of Johnson county. Three children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Slechta : Lilly Helen, who is now eight years of age, Grace Rose, now six years of age, and William Frank, about a year old.
Mr. Slechta was early introduced to labor and his success has been largely due to his industry and especially to his good judgment. He does not yield to difficulties but generally finds a way by which he accomplishes any worthy object in which he becomes interested. On account of his steady character and credit- able record as a business man he is highly respected by his neighbors and by all with whom he comes into contact. He gives his political allegiance to the demo- cratic party, and in religious faith he and his wife are identified with the Catholic church.
JAMES HANNAH, JR.
At twenty-six years of age James Hannah arrived in Crawford county and worked as a farm hand. Today he is the happy owner of a farm of one hun- dred and sixty acres, which is provided with the best facilities known and yields a handsome annual revenue. He comes of sturdy Scotch parentage and was born in Scotland, June 18, 1850, a son of James and Margaret (Glenn) Hannah. The family came to America in 1852 and after stopping for a while in Con- necticut traveled westward to Kane county, Illinois, where the parents continued during the remainder of their days. There were nine children in their family, of whom eight are now living.
James Hannah, Jr., has no recollection of his trip across the ocean as he was only two years old when he came with his parents to the new world. He re- ceived his early education in the district schools and remained at home, assist- ing in work about the farm, until he reached the age of twenty-four. He then began working for neighboring farmers and in 1876, believing that Crawford county presented superior advantages, he came to this county and at the end of two years had accumulated sufficient capital to purchase the farm upon which he has since lived. It is located on section 4, West Side township, and consists of one hundred and sixty acres. He has greatly improved his place by planting groves and also an orchard, making it one of the attractive features of the landscape. He engages in general farming but specializes in feeding hogs for the market and meets with liberal returns for his industry.
Mr. Hannah's interest is centered in his farm, although he finds time to attend to his duties as a citizen and casts his ballot for the candidates and prin- ciples of the republican party. He is in favor of an honest business administra-
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tion of public affairs and yields to no other man in love for the county and state of huis adoption. The fortunate possessor of a pleasing address and genial manner, he readily makes friends and on account of his acknowledged integrity he is a favorite in his section of the county.
ANDREW KRAEMER.
Ever since his earliest recollection Andrew Kraemer has resided on the farm where he now lives, in Hanover township. Crawford county. He has been intimately connected with the agricultural interests of the county ever since his boy hood and is recognized as one of the progressive and enterprising men who may be depended upon at all times to assist in the development of this section.
He was born in Clinton county, Iowa, August 29, 1874. a son of John and Anna ( Miller ) Kraemer, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was born in May, 1836, a son of Andrew and Magdalena Kraemer, the former of whom died at the age of eighty-one and the latter at seventy-three years of age. There were three children in their family, John, Bernard and Nicholas, the last two of whom are now deceased.
John Kraemer, the father of our subject, came to America in 1866, being then thirty years of age, and after working for a year in a factory in Chicago, removed to Clinton county, Iowa, and was employed for seven years on farms and in a sawmill. He began farming on his own account in Clinton county, with such favorable results that in 1877 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Crawford county which he still owns. After taking up his residence upon this land he brought it to a high state of cultivation and also in- creased his holdings until he became the owner of a valuable farm of four hun- dred and eighty acres on sections 20 and 17, Hanover township, becoming rec- ognized as one of the leading farmers in his part of the county.
On the 12th of February. 1872. in Clinton county, John Kraemer was mar- ried to Miss Anna Miller, who was born in Germany, November 13, 1839, a daughter of Antony and Anna (Casper) Miller. The parents both died in Germany, the father passing away at forty years of age and the mother when she had reached the age of forty-eight years. There were four children in their family: Anna; Nicholas, now a retired farmer of Nebraska; and Nicholas and Margaret, both of whom are deceased. Four children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kraemer, one of whom died in infancy. The others are : Andrew, the subject of this review : Julia, the widow of Henry Kohles, who was born July 24. 1876, and is now living at home; and Katherine, who was born May 15. 1879, and is now living at home.
The father is now living retired having turned over the active management of the farm to his son. Politically he is identified with the democratic party but has never sought public office, although he served very acceptably as road supervisor of his township for four years and also as member of the school board for three years. He and his family are stanch members of the Catholic church.
MR. AND MRS. JOHN KRAEMER
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Andrew Kraemer was reared on the old homestead and received his edu- cation in the district schools, becoming acquainted under his father with the various details of agriculture and stock-raising. Being the only son in the fam- ily, he remained at home and since the retirement of his father, in 1904, has had active charge of the farm, managing its affairs in such a way as to indi- cate special talent for his responsibility. In connection with general farming he is also interested in stock-raising and has upon the place a good grade of horses, cattle and hogs. He has made a number of improvements upon the farm, adding greatly to its value and productiveness.
On the 24th of July, 1906, Mr. Kraemer was united in marriage to Miss Jennie I. Mitchell, who was born at Dunlap, Iowa, a daughter of James and Jane (McGill) Mitchell, both of whom were born in County Antrim, Ireland. The father came to America early in the '40s and the mother twenty years later. They were married in Ireland. In their family were twelve children, one of whom died in infancy. The others were: Daniel and James, both residents of Omaha, Nebraska; John, of Seattle; Mary, the widow of Ira L. Tripp, of Omaha; Elizabeth, the wife of Nicholas Miller, of Crawford county; Charley, a railroad man of Omaha; Jennie I., now the wife of Andrew Kraemer; Mag- gie, who became the wife of John Coakley and is now deceased; and Arthur, Edward and Robert, all of whom are deceased. Three children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kraemer, namely: Jane Katherine, who was born June 17, 1907 ; Anna Lucile, born July 17, 1908, and John James, who was born August 6, 1909, and passed away April 17, 1910. Mrs. Kraemer received a college education and was a popular and highly successful school teacher, in which vocation she continued for six years previous to her marriage.
A worthy son of sturdy parentage, Mr. Kraemer has followed in the foot- steps of his father and is carrying forward the work upon which the latter started so successfully many years ago. Being endowed with an indomitable energy, clear judgment and a laudable ambition to acquit himself honorably in everything, he gives promise of continued prosperity and of increasing useful- ness to the community in the years to come. He gives his support to the re- publican party and although he has never sought the emoluments of office, he has served most creditably for three years upon the school board. He and his family are faithful members of the Catholic church.
AUGUST SEILS.
August Seils has been for many years a resident of Crawford county and has performed his part in the development of its agricultural resources. He was born in Germany, September 16, 1844, and received his early education in his native land. After arriving at manhood he learned of the possibilities in America for ambitious young men and came to this country, making his home for a while in Chicago. While in that city he was married, later removing to Crawford county, Iowa, and beginning upon his own account on a farm of eighty acres, which he purchased before leaving Chicago. He improved the Vol. II-32
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place and after five years sold it and bought eighty acres in Hanover township, to which he added eighty acres more, making a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. After cultivating the land industriously for six years and largely adding to its value he sold it, and on July 30, 1901, purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which is now the family homestead. It is located on section 19, Hanover township, and is one of the desirable properties of this section, the title now being in the name of Mrs. Seils.
In November, 1875. Mr. Seils was united in marriage to Miss Anna Berendt, who was born in Germany, October 20, 1854, a daughter of John and Louisa ( Schuppmann ) Berendt, both of whom were natives of the fatherland. The mother died in Germany but Mr. Berendt came to America in 1870. After living for a short time in Baltimore, he removed to Chicago, where he entered the employ of the McCormick Machine Company and later engaged in the liquor business. Subsequently he sold out and came to Iowa, living with his daughter until his death, which occurred in January, 1891. There were four children in his family : Carl, who is now living in Germany; Edward, of Chicago; Robert, who married and died leaving a family ; and Anna, now Mrs. Seils. Five chil- dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Seils, namely: Louisa, who was born June 7, 1878, and is now living at home; Edward, who was born September 17, 1880, and is now in charge of the family homestead, which he is managing with excel- lent judgment ; John, born June 17, 1882, who learned the carpenter's trade and is living in South Dakota; Carl, who was born June 8, 1885, and is also living at home ; and Theodore, who was born September 30, 1890, and is at home. The family are members of the Lutheran church.
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