USA > Iowa > Jackson County > History of Jackson County, Iowa; Volume II > Part 50
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LEO DEICHELBOHRER.
The days pass busily for Leo Deichelbohrer, for a tract of one hundred and forty acres on section 32, Bellevue township, claims his attention, and the neat appearance of the fields, and the orderly and well kept buildings indicate a care- ful supervision and progressive methods in farming. As his name indicates he belongs to that nation which has contributed so much to the quality of American manhood, his birth having occurred in Baden, Germany, June 1, 1864. His parents, Carl and Mary Ann (Gerber) Deichelbohrer, were also natives of the fatherland, which remained their home throughout their lives. Indeed, Leo Deichelbohrer was the only one of their six children to cross the ocean and seek a home in America.
Mr. Deichelbohrer was reared in his native land, acquiring his education in the public schools, and he remained at home until he was nineteen years of age, when, thinking to find greater opportunities for advancement in the new world, he left home and friends and sailed for the United States. He did not tarry in the east but made his way to Bellevue township, Jackson county, Iowa, reaching this local- ity September 1, 1883. He was alone, a stranger in a strange land, but he was not discouraged. With determination he sought and found employment as a farm hand and was thus engaged for seven years, when, in the hope of deriving fuller benefit from his labors, he rented the place on which he now lives. After three years, as the result of his diligence and economy, he was able to purchase this tract of one hundred and forty acres, which has been his possession since 1893. He has put up a number of good buildings and made other improvements indic- ative of his enterprise and good management and of the fact that he keeps abreast of the most up-to-date methods of tilling the soil. The greater part of his land -one hundred acres-is cultivated to its fullest extent, while the balance is util- ized as pasturage for stock, Mr. Deichelbohrer engaging to some extent in rais- ing and feeding cattle and hogs. From all of his undertakings he has won a degree of prosperity that entitles him to be numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of the community.
It was in 1890 that Mr. Deichelbohrer was united in marriage to Miss Anna Groos, who was born in Bellevue township, November 7, 1868. Her parents, Peter and Mary Groos, are natives of Germany and are now residing in Bellevue. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Deichelbohrer are nine children, namely: Leo A., Helen, Peter, Mary, Frank, Rufina, Anna, Josephine and Carl.
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The parents are members of the Catholic church, in which faith the children are being reared, and Mr. Deichelbohrer belongs to St. Joseph's Society, an or- ganization of St. Joseph's parish of Bellevue. He possesses the strong, rugged and persevering characteristics developed by his early environment, which, united with the determination to avail himself to the fullest extent of the opportunities of this land, have enabled him to realize the hope that led him to leave his old home. He has no reason to regret his removal, for in addition to the substantial success he has attained he has won the good will and friendship of a large circle, whose regard is bestowed in recognition of the sterling traits of his manhood.
WILLIAM HORST.
That William Horst is enabled to live practically retired, enjoying many of the comforts of life without further recourse to that hard labor which characterized his earlier years, is due to the industry, diligence and perseverance which proved the salient characteristics of his business career. Born in Davenport, Scott county, Iowa, on the 2d of July, 1858, he is a son of Henry and Kath- erine (Ploen) Horst, natives of Schleswig, Germany. The parents came to America in 1858, taking up their abode in Davenport, where they remained for one year. They then came to Jackson county and here the father purchased forty acres of the farm upon which our subject now resides. Upon that farm he made his home for several years, devoting his efforts to agricultural pursuits until his retirement from active life, when he went to live with his eldest son, Claus, in Iowa township. He and his wife both still survive, the former at the age of eighty-one years and the latter at the remarkable age of ninety-two years.
William Horst spent the period of his boyhood and youth upon the farm which has since remained his home, and in the district schools acquired his educa- tion. Amid the activities of rural life he early learned lessons concerning the value of industry and energy-lessons which stood him in good stead when later he entered upon an independent business venture of his own. He remained under the parental roof, assisting his father in the cultivation of the fields, until 1895, when, upon the retirement of the latter, he purchased the old homestead and has since continued to make it his place of residence. For a number of years he devoted his attention to tilling the soil, bringing his fields under a high state of cultivation and annually harvesting rich crops as the result of his care and labor. As he prospered he was able to add to the farm until it today consists of one hundred acres of valuable land. With prosperity has come independence, and he is now living practically retired from active labor, renting the greater portion of his farm, while upon the small tract which he reserves for his own use he has erected a new home which is one of the attractive residences of the community.
It was on the 19th of June, 1907, that Mr. Horst was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Struve, who was born in Jackson county, Iowa, and is a daughter of Carl Struve, a native of Schleswig, Germany, who came to this county in the early '50s. Mr. Horst's political views are in accord with the principles of the republican party, and although he has no desire for preferment along political
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lines he yet keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, so that he is able to support his position by intelligent argument. He has ever been a worker for the best interests of the county within whose borders almost his entire life has been spent, and he is well known and highly esteemed by reason of his many excellent traits of character, having a circle of warm friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.
LOUIS FERDINAND CLAUSEN.
Louis Ferdinand Clausen, who is energetically and profitably engaged in farming and stock raising in Washington township, owns a tract of two hun- dred and twenty acres on section 31. He also owns eighty acres in Iowa town- ship and forty acres in Van Buren township. His father, Henry Clausen, was actively identified with agricultural interests in Washington township for the greater part of half a century and was one of its highly respected citizens. He was a native of Schleswig, Germany, and in 1856 came to America the first time, locating in Davenport, Iowa, whence, shortly after, he went to California. After engaging in mining in that state for three or four years he returned to Germany, but after nine months' sojourn there again crossed the Atlantic to the United States. Two months were spent in New York, after which he came to Davenport and thence to Washington township, Jackson county, where he bought a farm on section 31. It remained his home throughout the rest of his life, and he was fairly successful in tilling its soil. During the Civil war, in 1864, he enlisted in Company A, Second Iowa Infantry, and served nine months until the close of hostilities, being with Sherman's army. He had previously done active duty on the battlefield in the German war of 1848. In his political views he was a democrat and served as township trustee: In his religious faith he was a Lutheran. He always measured up to a high standard of man- hood, and in his death, which occurred April 14, 1908, when he was eighty-six years of age, the community lost a valuable and esteemed citizen. His wife. who bore the maiden name of Margaret Sieves, is likewise a native of Schleswig, Germany, and is still living at the advanced age of eighty years, making her home in Clinton county. In their family were ten children, eight of whom are living.
Louis Ferdinand Clausen, the youngest of the children, was born March 31, 1871, on the farm on which he is now residing. He was reared at home and in the district schools of the township became acquainted with those branchies which usually constitute the public school curriculum. He remained with his parents, working upon the farm until he was twenty-four years of age. when he married and engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself. For two years he rented the home farm and then bought it, a tract of one hundred and thirty acres. Since that time, as the years brought him a substantial revenue he added ninety acres to its area, so that he now has two hundred and twenty acres under his control. He has built several new barns and made various other improve-
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ments in keeping with the progressive spirit of the time, and his is one of the neat and attractive farms of the township. About one hundred and eighty acres are under cultivation, the balance being used as pasture, for Mr. Clausen raises considerable stock, averaging from forty to forty-five head of cattle yearly, from fifty to sixty hogs, and eleven horses. He also has some sheep. In all of his undertakings he has manifested keen enterprise and great industry, and is in consequence numbered among the prosperous men of the community.
On the 7th of March, 1894, at Miles, Iowa, Mr. Clausen wedded Miss Mary Ploen, a daughter of Henry Ploen, a farmer of this county. In their family are seven children living, but one has passed away. They are: Malinda Johanna, who is fifteen years of age; Arnold Henry, thirteen; Leroy, who died Febru- ary 4, 1904: at the age of five years ; Luella Margaret, ten years of age, Leona Henrietta, seven; Eldon Louis, five; Harold Julius, three; and Beulah Marie, who is one year old.
Mr. Clausen is a democrat, but believes it the duty of every American citi- zen to exercise his franchise right for the benefit of the community at large in accordance with what he believes right, and not in blind allegiance to party. However, worthy men and measures may always count upon his support, and he is ever ready to cooperate in any movement whereby the welfare of his fellow citizens will be promoted. His religious adherence is given to the Luth- eran church, and that his life has been upright and honorable is indicated by the fact that in his township, where he has lived continuously since birth, his most loyal friends are those who have known him since boyhood.
NICK G. KILBURG.
Nick G. Kilburg, whose business ability is indicated in his successful control and management of a farm of two hundred and twenty acres in Jackson township, is one of this county's native sons who have found in its rich lands a wide field for the profitable exercise of their energies. He was born in the year 1871, and is a son of John and Mary Kilburg, both natives of the German fatherland. The mother passed away after coming to Jackson county, Iowa, but the father is still living. In their family were six children, four of whom survive.
Reared in the county of his birth Nick G. Kilburg attended the district school near his home that he might acquire a rudimentary training for the responsibilities of later life. His time was not wholly devoted to the preparation of lessons, however, for like many another boy upon a farm he rendered assistance about the house or in the fields from the time he was able to assume his share in the work. In this manner he learned the invaluable lesson of industry, which stood him in good stead when as a man grown he started to make his fortune as a farmer. Now he owns a fine tract of two hundred and twenty acres in Jackson township, the many improvements of which indicate the capable management and progressive- ness of Mr. Kilburg. The ground is naturally rich and fertile, responding readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it, and by its energetic, scientific and up-to-
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date cultivation he has been enabled to reap golden harvests, resulting in a very substantial and gratifying income.
In 1894, Mr. Kilburg was joined in the bonds of wedlock to Miss Mary Donde- linger, a daughter of Philip and Catherine Dondelinger, of whom mention is made at length in the sketch of Frank Laffey. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kilburg, namely: John, Arthur, Lester, Elmer, Clarence, Benjamin, Melvin, and Walter, but the first born has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Kilburg are devout members of the Catholic church and their entire lives have been in accord with its teachings and have exemplified the practical value of Christianity.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Kilburg has given stalwart support to the democratic party, having firm faith in its principles. He has not taken any part in local political affairs, however, nor has evinced any de- sire to be the recipient of official honors, yet his life has at all times measured up to high standards of honorable manhood, as is indicated in the fact that many of his stanchest friends are those who have known him the longest.
REV. JOHN LENZ.
On the 18th day of January, 1909, occurred the death of Rev. John Lenz, an event which caused general mourning in the community of Bellevue and especially in the Lutheran parish of this town, to whose needs he had ministered during the past thirty-two years, for he was a man who was deeply beloved by all, both the members of his congregation and others who had felt the spell of his magnetic personality and the inspiration of his life so unselfishly devoted to bringing men and women to a deeper realization of spiritual values. This worthy man was born at Schwarzenbach-am-Wald, Bavaria, May 10, 1848, and in Neuendettelsau, Bavaria, received his early literary training. On the 26th of June, 1871, he landed upon American shores, and, coming immediately to Iowa, entered Wartburg Seminary, in Clayton county, wherein he obtained his theologi- cal education. He was ordained a minister of the Lutheran faith at Toledo, Ohio, August 19, 1873, and for the next three years ministered to the parish at Edgerton, Ohio. In May, 1876, he came to Bellevue to assume charge of the struggling congregation in this section of the state, which in the thirty-two years of his pastorate grew to be one of the largest and strongest in the county. In that period, it is stated, he christened, confirmed, married and buried probably one third of the population of Bellevue, and in his quiet way did much to build up the town and promote its moral progress.
At Independence, Iowa, February 25, 1874, Rev. Lenz was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Bertha Schenkowitz. Rev. and Mrs. Lenz had six children : George, deceased; William; Edith ; Emma; Nettie; and Alvin. On the 3d of June, 1901, was celebrated the twenty-fifth anniversary of Rev. J. Lenz's pastorate. An immense crowd was present at the church on that oc- casion and appropriate gifts were presented Rev. and Mrs. Lenz.
Rev. Lenz was modest and retiring in disposition, yet he had a magnetic personality which attracted others to him, while the beauty and purity of his
REV. JOHN LENZ
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life and its nobleness enabled him to retain the deep love of those who came to know him well. All his duties relative to the spiritual welfare of his flock were performed conscientiously, and of him truly might the great Master say: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
COLONEL R. B. WYCKOFF.
The history of Jackson county contains on its pages the name of no man who has been more honored or respected in the community than was Colonel R. B. Wyckoff, one of the pioneer lawmakers of Iowa and for a long period an active factor in shaping the policy and molding the destiny of the state. He was born in Delaware county, New York, October 28, 1815, and was more than eighty years of age at the time of his death. While a boy he learned the mason's trade, which he followed in early manhood. In 1836 he removed west- ward to Michigan, where he worked at his trade. In 1836 he married Miss Esther Jones and in 1838 they started with a team and wagon from Ann Arbor, Michigan, crossing the Mississippi river on the Ist of September, 1838, at Charleston, now Sabula, Jackson county. They took up their abode on a farm in what is now called the Copper Creek valley, Mr. Wyckoff still owning it at the time of his demise. . When he crossed the river he had one yoke of oxen and a wagon in which was stored all of his household goods, and his actual capital consisted of twenty-five dollars. He secured a claim of one hundred and sixty acres, on which he built a log cabin, and the property remained his until his demise. Unto him and his wife were born the following children: Charles, living on the old homestead; George, of Webster City, Iowa; Albert, of Teka- mah, Nebraska; and Richard B., whose home is near Webster City.
Iowa was a territory at the time of his arrival. There were only nineteen organized counties and all were large enough to have made a good-sized state. After the territorial convention met congress decreed that Iowa's boundaries must be cut down, and in 1848 a convention was called for the purpose of revising the constitution, and at the time of his death Colonel Wyckoff was probably the last surviving member of the convention of 1844, which had met at Iowa City for the purpose of framing a constitution for the state. He long figured prominently in democratic circles, was at one time elected probate judge of Jackson county and was a member of the state legislature in 1850 and 1851. He also served for two terms as treasurer of his county. He lived to see remarkable changes here, for at the time of his arrival Indians were numer- ous, there being about a hundred and fifty of the Sac and Fox tribe camped in a small grove near his home. Colonel Wyckoff frequently visited and talked with them, as a few of them could speak a little English. Deer were plentiful, and with the aid of his old flintlock Colonel Wyckoff frequently replenished the family larder with venison. All of the hardships and trials as well as the most interesting experiences of pioneer life were familiar to Colonel Wyckoff. He was the builder of the first drug store building in the now enterprising city of Savanna, Illinois. He knew many of the notable men of the middle west in-
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cluding General Grant, who at that time owned the tannery at Galena, Illinois. He was also a man well read, of high mental attainment and strong purpose, honored and respected by all who knew him. While a firm believer in the universal salvation of all, he was free from sectarian prejudices and was willing to assist any religious organization that had for its object the betterment of humanity. He possessed a cheery and beautiful disposition, always had a kindly word for those with whom he came in contact and was ever inclined to look upon the bright side of life. In his earlier years he was a leader in the social engagements of his home neighborhood and when the hand of affliction was laid on his neighbor he was always ready to minister to the sick, close the eyes of the dying and ask God's blessing on those who mourned.
On the 30th of April, 1856, Colonel Wyckoff was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who had indeed been a faithful and loving helpmate and com- panion to him. He was married again on the 7th of February, 1867, his second union being with Mrs. Charlotte Purcell, nee Traver. In 1878 he left the farm and removed to Clinton, where the remainder of his days were passed. During the first years of his residence in that state he took an active part in its wel- fare, serving as councilman and in other ways aiding in the public progress. For some time prior to his demise, however, he was in ill health and on the 25th of January, 1896, he passed away, his remains being interred in the Van Buren cemetery near his old home in Jackson county. Thus a long, well spent life closed. He passed from earth with life's duties well done, for at all times he was actuated by a spirit of devotion to the tasks which lay closest to his hand. His life was one of usefulness and his influence will not soon be for- gotten. The part which he took in framing Iowa's first constitution would alone entitle him to remembrance while in other connections his work was of a char- acter to win him the honor and respect of all who knew him.
MARTIN C. HARMSEN.
Many of the valued citizens of Jackson county have come from lands across the seas, and among the number must be included Martin C. Harmsen, who occupies valuable farming property on section 22, Iowa township. There he has a tract of one hundred and eighty acres and from its careful and system- atic cultivation, as from his extensive stock interests, he derives a generous income that places him among the successful and representative men of his township. He was born in Schleswig, Germany, August 30, 1876, a son of Paul and Ida (Kunau) Harmsen, natives of the same province of the father- land. On the Ist of April, 1891, the father emigrated to America with his family, and coming direct to Iowa rented a farm in Clinton county. He was busily engaged in tilling the soil for a number of years, but now lives retired, making his home with his children. He had a son and daughter by his first marriage : John, who is a resident of Oregon; and Sophia, who is the wife of Bahne Hinricksen of Clinton county, Iowa. The children of the second mar- riage are: Henry of Teeds Grove, Clinton county; Julia, who is the wife of
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Albert Dohrman, of Teeds Grove; John, who is also a resident of Clinton county ; and Martin, who is the subject of this sketch.
Martin C. Harmsen was about fifteen years of age when he accompanied his parents upon their emigration to America, and had received his ยท education in the land of his birth. Since he became a resident of this county his time and energies have been given to agricultural pursuits, for he assisted his father in his undertakings until 1904, and then engaged in farming on his own re- sponsibility. For one year he rented a place in Clinton county, and then, in 1905, with the intention of deriving the full benefit from his labors, he bought one hundred and eighty acres on section 22, Iowa township, Jackson county, whereon he has since resided, devoting his attention to the further cultivation and improvement of the place. He carries on general agricultural pursuits, and in connection therewith has engaged to some extent in raising and feeding stock for the market. Both branches of his business are pursued along up-to-date and progressive lines and are proving gratifying sources of income, his pros- perity being due to his close application and good management.
On the 10th of February, 1904, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Harm- sen and Miss Catherine Koch, a daughter of Detlef Koch, a native of Schleswig, Germany, who had come to Jackson county, Iowa, in 1855. He passed away March 10, 1909, but his widow is still living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Harmsen have been born three children: Florence, who was born December 21, 1905; Ida, September 22, 1907; and Mildred, May 22, 1909. The parents are mem- bers of the Lutheran church, taking a deep interest in its work and supporting it liberally, while politically Mr. Harmsen has allied himself with the republican party. Fraternally he enjoys pleasant relations with the camp of the Modern Woodmen of America at Miles and with the lodge of the Knights of Pythias at Sabula. He is a young man who has made good use of his opportunities, forging his way to a foremost place among the farmers of Jackson county, and no man in his locality is held in higher esteem than is Mr. Harmsen.
JACOB ANDERSEN.
Jacob Andersen, who is meeting with well merited success in his operations as a farmer and stock raiser, is the owner of a productive tract of land of two hundred acres on section 36, Van Buren township. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of this county, his birth having here occurred on the 28th of March, 1863. His parents, Adolph and Christina (Quitzan) Andersen, both of whom were natives of Germany, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in the '50s and took up their abode in Jackson county, Iowa. The father here followed general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, and is still living at the ripe old age of seventy-six years. The mother was called to her final rest in 1884. Unto this worthy couple were born five children, namely: one who died in infancy; Anna, the wife of C. Petersen, of Clinton, Iowa; Jacob, of this review; Peter, who is a resident of Clinton county, Iowa ; and another who died in infancy.
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