USA > Iowa > Hancock County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 46
USA > Iowa > Winnebago County > History of Winnebago County and Hancock County, Iowa, a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 46
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In December, 1889, Mr. Flugum was united in marriage to Miss Jane Jacobs, and they have become the parents of nine children, namely : Nels, Alfred, Joseph, Clara, Oscar, Jewel, Charles, Martha and Lloyd. The family are communicants of the Lutheran church and Mr. Flugum is a republican in politics. He has served on the school board for the past eight years and gives his hearty support to all measures calculated to advance the moral or educational welfare of his community. He is a public-spirited citizen and well merits the high esteem in which he is held.
GEORGE KRAUSS.
George Kranss, living on section 28, Boone township, has been a resident of Hancock county since 1901, in which year he purchased his present farm, and to its further development and improvement he has since devoted his energies. Hle was born in Germany on the 17th of June, 1867, and is a son of Christian and Marie ( Hoerr) Krauss, who always remained residents of Germany. In his native land George Krauss pursued his education to the age of seventeen years and afterward worked at the shoemaker's trade in Germany for about three years. Attracted by the business opportunities of the new world, however, he came to America in 1886 and was employed as a farm hand by the month in illinois for seven years. Hle then felt that his experience and capital were sufficient to justify his engaging in farming on his own account and rented land in Illinois. Hle con- tinned to cultivate farms which he leased in that state for seven years and then came to Towa, reaching Hancock county, as previously stated, in 190t. Here he purchased eighty acres of land and has since carefully conducted his farm, raising the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and also engaging in the raising of Hereford cattle, Jersey hogs and Percheron horses. In adition to his farming and stock raising interests Mr. Krauss is connected with the Kanawha Elevator and the Kanawha Creamery Companies and is thus a factor in that organized effort which is looking to the advancement of the interests of farmers through active cooperation. On the 20th of February, 1886, Mr. Krauss was married to Miss Sophia Hotz,
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a native of Germany, and they have two children: Lizzie, the wife of James Sloan, living in Magor township: and Marie, the wife of Fred Oxley, Jr., a resi- dent of Minnesota.
Politically Mr. Krauss is a republican but has never been an otlice seeker. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and both ho and his wife hold membership in the German Lutheran church. They are much esteemed in the community and enjoy the warm regard of all. Mr. Krauss is loyal to the interests of his adopted country. He voluntarily chose to become a resident here, feeling that he could have better business opportunities on this side the Atlantic, and he feels that he owes his first allegiance here. As a farmer he is diligent and persevering and his success has come as the direct reward of his earnest effort.
FRANZ PRINGNITZ.
Franz Pringnitz is one of the large landowners of Hancock county, his posses- sions aggregating six hundred and forty acres of land. Itis home place is on section 8, Twin Lake township, where he has three hundred and twenty acres devoted to general farming and stock raising. He was born in Germany, March 15. 1845, a son of Sigismund and Frederica Sophia (Jahnke) Pringnitz, who were also natives of that land.
Reared under the parental roof, Franz Pringnitz attended the public schools until he reached the age of fourteen years, when he began working for others, thus starting ont independently. He was thus employed until thirty years of age and spent some time in buying hides and in selling shoes as a traveling salesman on the road. In 1882 he came to the United States, hoping to find still better business opportunities on this side the Atlantic. He made his way to Ackley, Iowa, and for eleven years was in the employ of the Illinois Central Railroad Company. He then turned his attention to farming. renting land near Ackley upon which he lived for three years. In 1896 he came to Hancock county, where he again rented land and thus followed farming for five years, but in the meantime he was so directing his energies that through his industry and economy he was acquiring a capital that enabled him to purchase his present property. In 1901 he invested in three tracts, one of three hundred and twenty acres on section 8 and one of a hundred and sixty acres on section 16, Twin Lake township, together with a quarter section in German township. He still owns all this property and he has become widely known as one of the leading stoek raisers of his section, making a specialty of Scotch graded shorthorns, Poland China hogs and Belgian horses. He handles fine stock and his annual sales bring to him a gratifying income. His farm is a splendidly improved property on which are good buildings, fine farm machinery and in fact all the accessories and equipments of a model farm of the twentieth century. He is like- wise a stockholder in the State Bank at Klemme and in the First National Bank at Kanawha, Iowa.
On the 17th of April. 1876, Mr. Pringnitz was united in marriage to Miss Fredericka S. Jahnke, a daughter of Joachim and Sophia (Radloff) Jahnke, who were natives of Germany, where they spent their entire lives. Mr. and Mrs.
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Pringnitz have a family of four sons: Ofto, Hehath W., Frank A. and Emil F. There is also a stepdaughter. Marie Louise Krueger. The family attend the German Lutheran church, in which the parents hold membership. Mr. Pringnitz votes with the democratic party and has filled the office of township trustee for three years but does not seek nor desire politieal preferment as a reward for party fealty, and in fact desires to give his time and attention to his business affairs. He has now passed the Psalmist's allotted span of three score years and ten but still remains an active factor in the world's work, being elassed with the leading and representative agriculturists of Twin Lake township.
OLE 1. MARTINSON.
Ole 1. Martinson, a well known farmer residing on section 29, Norway township, Winnebago county, was born on the 29th of March. 1853, in Norway, of which country his parents, Ingebrit and Gertrude (Odden) Martinson, were also natives. There the father worked as a day laborer until our subject was six years of age when he brought his family to America and first located in La Fayette county, Wisconsin. After spending six years in that locality he started westward with an ox team and on reaching Winnebago county, lowa, purchased two hundred and twenty acres of land on section 22, Norway township, where he followed farming throughout the remainder of his life. He died December 11, 1911, aged seventy- nine years, honored and respected by all who knew him, and his widow now lives on the old homestead with their son Henry L., and is ninety-two years old. In the family are seven children, all living, of whom Ole I. is the oldest, the others being Carrie, now the wife of John Dahle, living near Kiester, Minnesota; M. I., a resi- dent of Norway township, Winnebago county : Anna, the wife of G. Holstad, of Worth county, lowa; A. I., of Norway township; Sarah, the wife of S. O. Solo- monson, of Logan township. Winnebago county ; and Henry L., living on the old homestead.
Ole 1. Martinson began his education in the public schools of La Fayette county. Wisconsin, and continued his studies in the district schools of Winnebago county after the removal of the family to this state. On leaving school at the age of sixteen years he gave his father the benefit of his labors on the home farm until he attained his majority and then bought the south half of the northeast quarter of section 29, Norway township, and began farming on his own account. He has improved the place and is still engaged in its operation.
In 1871 Mr. Martinson married Miss Celia Moen, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Erick E. Moen, who were old settlers of Norway township but have now passed to the world beyond and are buried in Lime Creek cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. Martinson have ton children, namely: Ed, a resident of Lake Mills: Martin, living near Twin Lakes, Minnesota; Lonis, Ingebrit, Bertine and Emma, all at home; Rachel, the wife of L. P. Johnson, of Norway township; Ella, the wife of Edwin Petersen, of the same township; Inger, the wife of A. S. Moen, also of Norway township : and Louisa, the wife of L. J. Olson, of Logan township, Winnebago county.
The republican party has always found in Mr. Martinson a stanch supporter of its principles since he became of age, and he has taken quite an active part in local
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affairs, serving as school director a number of years, as township trustee six years and as road supervisor the same length of time. Ilis religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Synod Lutheran church and his life has over been in harmony with his professions.
GEORGE HOWARD OXLEY.
Among the prominent residents of Corwith is George Howard Oxley, who is engaged in the livery business and is also dealing in poultry. A native of Iowa, he was born in Fayette county, October 28, 1879, of the marriage of Joseph William and Anna (Bealer) Oxley. The father was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, January 10, 1856, but when eight years of age was taken to Fayette county by his parents, William and Maria (Vincent) Oxley, natives respectively of Sheffield and London, England. It was in 1853 that the father emigrated to New York city and the following year the mother came to the United States. They were married in this country and resided for a time in Battle Creek, Michigan, going subsequently to Waukesha, Wisconsin, whence they removed to Fayette county, Iowa, taking up their residence upon a farm near West Union. In 1878 they removed to Hancock county, and the father followed agricultural pursuits here until he retired from active life. His last days were spent in Corwith and his death ocenrred in 1909. The mother is also deceased. Mrs. Anna ( Bealer) Oxley was born upon a farm in Whiteside county, Illinois, and is a daughter of Christian and Maria (Wall) Bealer, both natives of Germany, although their marriage occurred in Whiteside county. Mr. Bealer located near Sterling, Ilinois, about 1848 and in 1865 removed to the vicinity of Morrison, that state, where his death occurred. He was a baker by trade. His daughter Anna received her education in the common schools and remained upon the home farm until her marriage to Mr. Oxley. She is now a resident of Corwith, lowa. She is the mother of six children : Charles, who is farming in Hancock county : George Howard: May, who is at home; James Roy, engaged in the real estate business in Corwith ; and Jessie and Trix, at home.
George Howard Oxley was taken by his parents to Cerro Gordo county, Iowa, in 1880, and the family home was there maintained until 1887, when removal was made to Hancock county, Iowa. He received a good common school education and under the careful training of his father became familiar with all kinds of farm work. He followed agricultural pursuits either in association with his father or independently until he was twenty-two years old, when in 1901 he came to Corwith and engaged in the livery business. In the intervening years he has built up a large trade, and he is also dealing in poultry, which business he likewise finds profitable.
On the 8th of February, 1915, Mr. Oxley was united in marriage to Miss Emma M. Erdman, who was born in Grand Ridge, Illinois, but has been a resident of Hancock county, Iowa, since the age of thirteen years. Her parents, William and Gustie ( Booblits) Erdman, were born in Germany but were married in Hlinois. They have lived in Hancock county since 1900 and the father is successfully engaged in farming.
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Mr. Oxley supports the republican party at the polls and has taken quite an active part in public affairs. lle is ex-mayor of Corwith and at the present time is filling the office of justice of the peace, in which connection he has gained an enviable reputation for strict impartiality. As a business man he is progressive and energetic, as a citizen is public-spirited and in the private relations of life combines justice with kindness.
JOIN JURGENSEN.
John Jurgensen, who carries on general agricultural pursuits on section 2, Magor township, Hancock county, was born in Douglas county, Illinois, April 2, 1873. a son of Peter and Anna ( Dussler) Jurgensen, who were natives of Germany. After arriving at the age of six years John Jurgensen became a pupil in the district schools of his native county, which he continued to attend until he reached the age of fifteen years. He afterward worked upon the home farm until he attained his majority, after which he started out by the month as a farm hand, spending a year in that way. He also rented land for a year at Luverne, lowa, and eventually he purchased eighty aeres on section 35, Boone township, Hancock connty. This he sold and bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 2, Magor township. Ilere he has a good farm supplied with substantial improvements and in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he is engaged in the raising of Duroe hogs and in feeding cattle. His entire attention is devoted to the branches of his farm work and in this he is meeting with well merited success.
Mr. Jurgensen attends the Methodist Episcopal church and is loyal to its teachings. He votes with the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek office as his entire attention is given to his business affairs, which are wisely and successfully directed.
MARTIN COSGRIFF.
Martin Cosgriff, a farmer and stock raiser of Hancock county, living on section 17, Amsterdam township, was born in Ireland on the 23d of October, 1860, a son of Patrick and Nora (Grady) Cosgriff, both of whom were natives of Ireland. Martin Cosgriff obtained his education in this land, pursuing his studies at intervals to the age of twenty-three years. He afterward worked on a farm in Cedar and Greene counties, Iowa, until 1886, when he went to the northwest and was engaged as section foreman on the Northern Pacific Railroad through Montana for about seven years,
It was in the year 1892 that Martin Cosgriff arrived in Hancock county and made his first purchase of land, becoming owner of a tract of eighty aeres on section 17. Boone township. Later he made investment in one hundred and sixty acres on section 12, Amsterdam township, where he now makes his home. Ile has here a well developed farm known as the Mulberry Lane Stock Farm. He has brought his land to a high state of cultivation and in addition he makes a specialty of
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raising fine stock, handling pure bred Duroc hogs, Belgian horses and Hereford cattle. Upon his place is found some of the finest stock to be seen in the county and Mr. Cosgriff is most progressive in his methods of developing his stock and caring for them. He is also a stockholder in the elevator, in the telephone company and in the creamery at Kanawha.
On the 25th of February. 1886, occurred the marriage of Mr. Cosgriff and Miss Maggie Gilligan, a daughter of Daniel and Alice (Ilaley) Gilligan. Her father lived to the very remarkable old age of one hundred years and ten days, while his wife passed away at the age of sixty-seven. She was a native of England. while Mr. Gilligan was born in Ireland. Mrs. Cosgriff was the second child born at Jefferson, Greene county, lowa, showing that the family has been identified with this state since early pioneer times.
Mr. Cosgriff is a republican in his political views and a Catholic in his religious faith. Hle has become widely and favorably known during the period of his resi- dence in Haneock county and his many substantial qualities have gained for him the respeet, confidence and good will of those with whom he has been brought in contact.
ANDREW HANSON.
Andrew llanson, who follows farming on section 36, Mount Valley township, Winnebago county, is a representative of the Scandinavian contribution to lowa's citizenship and he displays many of the sterling traits of the race from which he comes. He was born in Sweden, August 12, 1867, and is a son of Hans Rapp, who came to the United States in 1879. After two years, however, he returned to Sweden, where he spent the succeeding six years and then again in 1887 came to the new world, establishing his home in Winnebago county. Five years afterward he removed to llancock county, where he has since resided.
Andrew Hanson continued a resident of his native country through the period of his minority and acquired his education in the schools of Sweden, but in 1888 he resolved to try his fortune in the new world and bade adieu to friends and native land, after which he sailed for America. For two years he was employed in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in 1890 he came to Winnebago county, lowa, where he took up farming on his own account as a renter. He carefully saved his earnings. however, and each year added a little more to his capital. At the end of five years he was able to purchase eighty aeres of his present home farm, but he did not discontinue his habit of industry and of economy. In five years more he was able to purchase an adjoining eighty-acre tract and is today the owner of an excellent farm property of one hundred and sixty acres. He has brought his fields to a high state of cultivation and has achieved a gratifying measure of success as the result of unabating energy and industry that never flags.
In 1891 Mr. Hanson was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Nyhus, her father being Halvor Nyhus, who emigrated from Norway to the United States in 1869 and took up his abode in Winnebago county. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson have five children, as follows: Ida, who is the wife of Ilenry Lovik, of Winnebago county : and Halvor. Ella, Dora and Irving, all yet at home.
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Mr. Hanson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and for several years he has served as a member of the school board but has never sought nor desired political office. He and his family are members of the United Lutheran church. His entire life has been actuated by high and honorable principles and by worthy purposes and his record shows what may be accomplished when there is a will to dare and to do. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for he has here found the opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has made steady progress toward the goal of prosperity.
JOHN L. MOEN.
John L. Moen, a representative farmer of Winnebago county, carrying on operations on section 30, Center township, is one of Fowa's native sons, his birth occurring in Winneshick county, December 3, 1869. His parents, Lewis A. and Carrie L. (Anderson) Moen, were born and reared in Norway and emigrated to America in 1866. After living near Madison, Wisconsin, for a time, they removed to Winneshiek county, Iowa, where the father worked as a farm hand until 1870, which year witnessed his arrival in Winnebago county. Here he purchased two hundred and forty acres of land on section 30, Center township, and devoted his energies to its improvement and cultivation throughout the remainder of his life, passing away here in June, 1885, at the age of forty-six years. His widow has now attained the age of eighty years and is still living on the old home farm with onr subject.
John L. Moen is the second in order of birth in the family of six children, the others being Andrew L., now a resident of Forest City, Iowa; Edward L., who is also living on the old homestead; Iver, a resident of Lake Mills; and Iver and Rowland, both deceased.
It was during his infancy that John L. Moen was brought by his parents to Winnebago county, where he grew to manhood, receiving his education in the district schools of Center township. He was sixteen years of age when his father died and he has since given his time and attention to the operation of the home farm, upon which he has made many useful and valuable improvements. Ile is interested in stock raising, making a specialty of polled Hereford eattle, and is a stockholder in the Lake Mills Creamery Company. His religious faith is that of the Imtheran church and his political support is given the men and measures of the republican party. Mr. Moen is one of the leading citizens of his community and wherever known is held in the highest esteem.
WILLIAM F. STILLE.
William F. Stille, who carries on general agricultural pursuits on section 36, German township, Hancock county, was born Angust 10, 1865, in Missouri, a son of Henry and Louisa ( Stineker) Stille, who were natives of Germany. The father has passed away but the mother is still living and resides in Klemme.
JOHN L. MOEN
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At the usual age William F. Stille began attending the common schools, but afterward benefited by instruction in the Garner Academy. where he completed his education when twenty-four years of age. He farmed in German township previous to his marriage and then for five years he was engaged in general merchan- dising at Klemme, but resumed farm work, renting land on section 36, German township, Hancock county, where he lived for three years. He carefully saved his earnings and his economy and industry brought him sufficient capital to enable him to purchase the land on section 36, German township. Ile has since added to his holdings until he is now the owner of four hundred aeres of rich and productive Jand, and in addition to tilling the soil and the production of crops best adapted to climatic conditions here he is also successfully and extensively engaged in stock raising, making a specialty of Chester White hogs, shorthorn cattle and Belgian horses. His stock is of high grade and finds a ready sale on the market. He is also one of the directors and stockholders of the Klemme Creamery. Upon his place he has the latest improved farm machinery and other facilities for promoting his work, yet his memory goes back to the time when he drove oxen for his father in farm work in this section of the state, at which period there were only two stores in Garner.
On the 18th of July, 1894, Mr. Stille was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Koerner. a daughter of the Rev. William and Mary (Venekolt) Koerner, the former a native of Germany while the latter was born in Illinois. The father became a minister of the German Methodist Episcopal church in Hancock county and has been actively identified with the moral progress of this section of the state. He was born in 1842, so that he has now reached the advanced age of seventy-five years, and his wife, who was born in 1852. is also living. Mr. and Mrs. Stille have become the parents of three sons and a daughter, C. Lester. Harvey Il., Donald L., and Elvira 1. Mr. Stille is a republican and while he has never sought political office he has served for many years as school director, the cause of education finding in him a stalwart champion, for he believes in providing the young with school privileges that will adequately prepare them for life's practical and responsible duties. Both Mr. and Mrs. Stille hold membership in the German Methodist Epis- copal church and their lives are passed in harmony with its teachings.
JOHN E. GIFFORD.
John E. Gifford, living on section 9. Amsterdam township. is one of the active and energetic farmers and stock raisers of Hancock county. He has oceupied his present place since 1886 and his labors have wrought a marked transformation in its appearance, it being regarded today as one of the most pleasing features in the landscape.
It was on the 2d of January, 1851, that John E. Gifford was born in Wilson, New York, a son of Jesse and Abigail (Hill) Gifford, the former a native of Canada and the latter of New York. The common schools afforded John E. Gitford his early educational privileges and between the ages of ten and sixteen years he attended the country schools of Seott county. Iowa. He afterward worked on the farm through the summer months and engaged in coal mining in the winter. At
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length he rented land and began farming on his own account. He won success in this undertaking, for he had had broad and liberal experience in every depart- ment of farm work. Ile continued to rent land until 1886, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section 9, Amsterdam township, Hancock county. and here he is extensively engaged in the raising of pure bred Durham cattle and full blooded Duroc hogs. His live stock interests constitute an important feature of his business, adding materially to his income. He is also connected with the Kanawha Elevator and the Kanawha Creamery Companies.
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