USA > Iowa > Winneshiek County > Past and present of Winneshiek county, Iowa; a record of settlement, organization, progress and achievement, Volume II > Part 38
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53
The last named was reared upon the farm which he now owns and from his early childhood has aided in its operation, becoming familiar through practical experience with the best and most modern methods of farm operation. lle has now full control of the homestead, comprising two hundred acres of fine land, and upon it he engages in general farming, stock-raising and dairying, making a specialty of breeding and fattening blooded Holstein cattle. All of the depart- ments of his farm are important and profitable, for he is a reliable, farsighted and discriminating business man and the entire place reflects in its neat and attractive appearance his careful supervision and practical labors. In addition to the man- agement of his farm he gives a great deal of time to the affairs of the Silver Spring Creamery Company, of which he is manager, and to the cemetery association, of which he acts as treasurer.
Mr. Nicholson was married, on the 19th of October, 1892, to Miss Margaret Harvey, a daughter of Cyrus A. and Margaret (De Smith) Harvey, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of Canada. They came to Ossian in 1866
417
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
and remained residents of that town the remainder of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholson have become the parents of four children: Ernest P., a clerk in the First National Bank of McGregor; and Hazel K., Cyrus Rodney and Hugh Philo, who live at home.
Mr. Nicholson is a member of the Methodist church and fraternally is con- nected with the Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and, being interested in the cause of education, has done a great deal to promote it through his able work as secre- tary of the school board. In his business dealings he has ever been straightforward and reliable, enjoying the confidence of those with whom he has been associated, and as a worthy and representative citizen of Winneshiek county he fully deserves the substantial prosperity which is his today.
THEODORE SCHULZ.
A well improved, productive and valuable farm stood as a monument to the industry and energy of Theodore Schulz when on the 18th of April, 1906, he was called to his final rest after many years devoted to agricultural pursuits in Winneshiek county. He was born in Dortmund, Germany, on the 14th of February, 1844, and throughout his entire active life engaged in farming, win- ning the success in his chosen occupation which always follows earnest, per- sistent and well directed labor. After he came to Iowa he settled in Winneshiek and purchased land, gradually accumulating a fine property to which he gave practically all of his attention for many years, developing it along modern, practical and progressive lines. his success coming to him as a logical result of industry, energy and perseverance. He early realized the fact that labor is the basis of all prosperity and his close application and sound judgment enabled him to acquire a competency which, at the time of his demise, left his family in the comfortable circumstances which they now enjoy.
Mr. Schulz was twice married. He wedded first Miss Caroline Cremer and to this union were born five children: Caroline, the wife of John Merrick of Duluth, Minnesota; Henry, deceased; Elizabeth, of Los Angeles, California ; Dora, of Duluth, Minnesota, and Theodore, a resident of San Francisco, Cali- fornia. On the 30th of September, 1890, Mr. Schulz was again married, his second wife being Miss Theresa Steffens, a daughter of Herman and Maria (Roling) Steffens, natives of Germany. As a young man the father came to America and after spending some time in Cincinnati, Ohio, moved in 1866 into Iowa, where he engaged in farming until his death in 1902. He had survived his wife since May 14, 1896. To their union were born three children: Henry of Nebraska ; Theresa, widow of the subject of this review ; and Frances, who has passed away. Mrs. Herman Steffens also had three children by her first hus- band, Mr. Kaupel, who was engaged in the mercantile business in Cincinnati. They are: Bernard, of Nebraska; Margaret, the wife of Joseph Luetkenhaus of Cook county, Texas; and Herman K., who has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Schulz became the parents of two sons: Herman A., who was born September 30, 1891, and Edward F., born on the 30th of October, 1894.
418
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
Mr. Schulz was a member of the Catholic church and in that faith he passed away, his death occurring on the 18th of April, 1906. He was a democrat in his political beliefs and did able and effective work in various official positions of trust and honor, including those of township trustee and school director. He was ever an active worker in the party's ranks at the same time manifesting a deep interest in the general welfare of the community. His influence was ever upon the side of progress, reform and improvement and his salient qualities were those which make for honorable manhood and good citizenship, so that with his passing Winneshiek county lost one of her honored and valued residents.
WILLIAM JOHN HOLTEY.
William John Holtey, carrying on general farming and stock-raising upon the fine farm of four hundred and sixty-five acres in Military township upon which he was born and reared, is numbered among the most progressive and successful young farmers of Winneshiek county, his labors having contributed substantially to its agricultural growth and development. His birth occurred on the 27th of December. 1875. his parents being Theodore and Maria Catherine ( Seidtegel) Holtey. natives of Westphalia, Germany. They came to America, July 1, 1854, and settled in Illinois, whence two years later they removed to Iowa, locating in the vicinity of Calmar, Winneshiek county in 1856. After four years the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Military township on section 19 and afterward added to this another one hundred and sixty acres lying on the same section. From time to time, thereafter he added to his holdings, buying land on section 18 and 20 of the same township, thus finally accumulating four hundred and sixty-five acres, which still constitutes the Holtey homestead. He continued to develop and improve this property, engaging in general farming and stock-raising, for many years, but eventually retired and removed to Ossian, where he now resides, having reached the age of eighty-six. He is well and favorably known in that town and also in Military township to which he came in pioneer times and to the development of which he made such lasting and sub- stantial contributions, and his genuine personal worth and sterling integrity are honored and respected wherever he is known. Mrs. Theodore Holtey passed away in August, 1901. She and her husband became the parents of eight chil- dren : Mary, deceased; Caroline, the wife of William Eimers : Catherine ; Barney, who resides in Ossian; Henry, who has passed away; Roman, at home ; Annie, the wife of Henry F. Miller of Winneshiek county ; and William John, of this review.
William John Holtey was reared upon the farm which he now owns and acquired his education in the district schools of Military township. From his early childhood he assisted his father with the work of the homestead and becanie in this way thoroughly familiar with the best agricultural methods. In 1897 he purchased the home farm from his father and has since continued to develop and improve it, his unremitting industry and practical methods having won their natural reward. Upon his three hundred and twenty acres Mr. Holtey carries on general farming and stock-raising, both branches of his activities proving
419
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
profitable and important, and he gives practically all of his time to the improve- ment of the farm which today reflects his careful supervision in its excellent con- dition and attractive appearance.
On the 7th of September, 1897, Mr. Holtey married Miss Paulina Becker and they have become the parents of eight children : Theodore, deceased; Marie, who lives at home ; Henry, who has passed away ; Beata, Joseph, Adelia, William and Rosella, all of whom are still with their parents.
The family are members of the Roman Catholic church and fraternally, Mr. Holtey is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Order of Foresters. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has been called upon by his fellow citizens to fill various positions of trust and honor, proving always loyal and faithful in the discharge of his duties. He has been trustee of Military township and is now serving as township assessor, discharging his duties in a capable and farsighted manner and to the satisfaction of his constituents and the public at large. He has gained a high place in the business and official life of his native township and his record is a credit to a name that has long been an honored one in this part of Iowa.
GEORGE HOVE.
Among the younger agriculturists of Sumner township, Winneshiek county, is George Hove, a native of this township, who owns a valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres, well improved. He was born June 8, 1884, a son of John and Ella (Fardahl) Hove, the father a native of Winneshiek county and the mother a native of Norway. The father died in 1897, but the mother still lives at the old home place in Sumner township. They became the parents of eight children, as follows: Oscar, of North Dakota; Henry, of Madison town- ship, this county; George; Elmer, who died in infancy: John Elmer, who re- sides on the home farm and a sketch of whom appears on another page of this work ; Lawrence, of Madison township; Ida, who married Herman Albertson, of Sumner township; and Amanda, at home.
George Hove was reared under the parental roof and received his educa- tion in the schools of the neighborhood. He was early grounded by his par- ents in the old-fashioned virtues of industry and honesty, and his present pros- perity is proof that he has put the same to good use. He learned agricultural methods upon the home farm and has followed agricultural pursuits all his life. In 1907 he bought forty acres of the old homestead and has since added thereto eighty more acres on section 2, Sumner township. He carries on diversified farming and stock-raising, following modern methods, and has installed up-to- date equipment to facilitate the labor of the farm. All of his buildings are kept in good repair and he has also placed a silo upon the farm.
Mr. Hove was united in marriage to Miss Sadie Thompson, and of this union have been born three children : Everett, whose birthday is June 1, 1908; Newman, born February 20, 1910; and Melvin, whose birth occurred March 25, 1912.
Mr. Hove is independent politically, preferring to follow his own judgment in supporting candidates, whom he considers more in the light of their quali-
420
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
fications than in regard to party affiliations. He is a school director of his district, giving thereby evidence of his interest in the cause of education, and his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. He has made a good start toward financial independence and his farm even today represents valuable property. He puts all his vigor into his work and naturally the result is gratifying. He is highly respected and esteemed by all who know him, and it must be a great satisfaction to him that those who have known him since his boyhood days are his stanchest friends.
G. A. MEYER.
G. A. Meyer, a member of the firm Meyer & Company, well known in the grain, seed and live-stock business, successfully carries on the traditions of his family as one of the foremost citizens of his community. Born in Spill- ville, Winneshiek county, January 17, 1874, he is a son of Jacob and Bertha (Bindschaedler ) Meyer, of whom more extended mention is made in another part of this work. He was reared under the parental roof and educated in this county, attending the public schools of Calmar, to which village his parents had moved when he was four years of age. He completed his public-school educa- tion in 1887 and in that year entered the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, there pursuing the commercial course and graduating with the class of 1888. He then took a course at the Breckenridge University at Decorah and subse- quently entered the Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa, there remaining one year. He then became a partner in a meat market in connection with H. Wessel- man, the business being so conducted for three years, at the end of which time Mr. Meyer sold his interest and formed a partnership with his father in the grain, seed and live-stock business. He has since been engaged in this line under the firm name of Meyer & Company and the progressive policy of the concern is largely due to the junior member of the firm, who ably assists his father in widening their trade relations.
In June, 1866, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Ryan, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (O'Brien) Ryan, and to them was born one son, John G. Meyer, who is about sixteen years of age. Mrs. Meyer passed away after a short illness in 1900 and in 1907 Mr. Meyer was again married, his second union being with Miss Matilda Goite, a daughter of George and Mary ( Meyer) Goite, natives of Pennsylvania. Her father was an agriculturist and in an early day in the history of the county came to Winneshiek county, where he farmed for many years with good success. By Mr. Meyer's second union two children were born : Miriam, aged four ; and Francis, aged two.
A young man, widely interested in public affairs, Mr. Meyer brings an intelli- gent understanding to the public questions that affect the people and at present is efficiently serving in the important position of chairman of the county board of supervisors, on which he has served continuously for six years. He has also been assessor of Calmar and town treasurer and at the last primary election was a candidate for congress on the democratic ticket. Although the district was conceded to be strictly republican by a vote of at least eight thousand, he was
GUS A. MEYER
423
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
able to cut down this majority to three thousand votes, polling the largest demo- cratie vote ever given for that office in the county and giving thereby proof of his personal popularity and high standing among his fellow citizens. He is an adherent of the German Lutheran church, in the work of which he takes an active and helpful interest, and fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen, holding membership in the local lodges at Calmar. He occupies one of the handsome residences of the town and there he and his wife entertain their many friends, being highly esteemed and respected by all who have the honor of knowing them.
ERICK O. ELLINGSON.
Erick O. Ellingson has valuable farm property in Sumner and Lincoln town- ships, owning one hundred and sixty acres in the former and fifty-five in the latter. He was born in Illinois, in Boone county. on February 15, 1855, and is a son of Ole and Sarah ( Melinlong) Ellingson, natives of Norway, who came to America about 1848, locating in Illinois. There they are still living. the father having followed agricultural pursuits during his entire active life. In their family are nine children : Edward. of South Dakota; Elizabeth, at home; Erick O., of this review ; Ellen, who married Iver Engerbrocksen, of Franklin county, this state; Nels, of Capron, Illinois; Lena, at home: Joseph, of Capron; John, of Boone county, Illinois ; and Emma, at home.
Erick O. Ellingson remained at home until twenty-one years of age, having received his education in the neighboring schools and having learned agriculture under the guidance of his father. At that time he came to Winneshiek county, where he remained for one year and then proceeded to South Dakota, where he proved up a claim, which he later sold. Returning to Winneshiek county, he then bought one hundred and sixty acres on sections I, II and 12 in Sumner township. He has made excellent improvements on his land, erecting substantial barns, a silo, a modernly appointed home and other necessary buildings. He has installed most up-to-date machinery and does everything to enhance the value of his farm and improve its appearance. He also owns fifty-five acres in Lincoln township, upon which place he intends to settle when he retires from active labor on the larger place. He has built thereon a new and modern home which he soon expects to occupy. He engages in general farming and also gives close attention to stock-raising.
On September 20, 1884, occurred the marriage of Mr. Ellingson to Miss Margaret Opstahal and to them have been born five children : Ole Alfred, deceased ; and Edwin, Elmer, Birdie Seleta and Albert Julius, all at home.
Mr. Ellingson has by his example done much toward setting a standard for successful agricultural methods and has otherwise exhibited a worthy public spirit. He is progressive in all that he undertakes and also has carried his enter- prising spirit into the political field, having embraced the doctrines of the pro- gressive party. He has always been interested in anything that tended to better conditions in Winneshiek county and his district and four years has served
424
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
as road supervisor. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and he has ever been active to help in the spread of his religion and to support allied societies and charitable institutions. He is highly respected by all who know him and the confidence which he enjoys is well bestowed upon him, for he is a man of the highest qualities of mind and character, and there has never been a shadow of a doubt as to the righteousness or sincerity of purpose of his actions.
ANDREW P. ANDERSON.
Andrew P. Anderson, although a native of Norway, has been a resident of the United States since 1851, when his parents located in Illinois. A few years later he was brought by them to Sumner township, Winneshiek county, and here he has ever since made his home. He now owns a valuable farm of one hundred and seventy acres, one hundred and sixty of which are under cultivation and highly improved. A modern two-story house greatly enhances the value of the property and adds to its prosperous appearance. Mr. Anderson was born in Norway, August 24, 1849, and is a son of Peter and Augusta (Olson) Anderson, natives of that country. The parents came to America in 1851 in order to profit by the opportunities which are held out on this side of the Atlantic to those who are willing to work. They located in Illinois, which state they made their home for three years before removing to Sumner township, Winneshiek county. Here the father died in September, 1866. The mother survives and makes her home with the subject of this review, being now in her eighty-fifth year. During all of his life the father followed agricultural pursuits. In their family were nine children, of whom Andrew P. was the oldest. The others were, Ole, Louis, Betsy, Martin, Annie, Andrus, Annie and Citona, all deceased.
Andrew P. Anderson secured his education in Winneshiek county, having come here before he was of school age. He subsequently decided upon an agricultural career and engaged in that line. When he was twenty-four years of age he came to his present farm on section 3, Sumner township, buying sixty acres at that time. As his means have increased he has subsequently added thereto and now holds title to one hundred and seventy acres, one hundred and sixty of which are under a high state of cultivation. He has a most conveniently appointed house, modern and up-to-date in every particular, substantially con- structed barns, sheds and outhouses and has installed up-to-date equipment in order to facilitate the labor upon the place and receive the highest possible returns. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, following scientific and approved methods in obtaining results.
On January 25. 1875, Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Berdahl and to this union were born eleven children: Peter, of South Dakota; Anna, the wife of John Albertson, of Sumner township; Emily and Mary, deceased ; Emily, the wife of C. T. Trytten, of Ridgeway, Iowa ; Iver, of Sumner township; Carl, deceased; Tilda, who married H. M. Halverson, of Lincoln township ; Minnie Berdina, deceased ; and Albert and Lena, at home.
425
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
For twenty years Mr. Anderson served as road supervisor, doing much towards promoting good roads in this section and early recognizing the impor- tance of having good transportation facilities. He also served as trustee of the township, as constable and as president and director of the school board. He gives his adherence to the republican party, upholding its principles stanchly and endorsing its candidates. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, to which his family also give their allegiance. Coming here at an early date in the history of the county, Mr. Anderson has seen much of its growth and development and has in no inconsiderable way contributed thereto. He enjoys in a large measure the respect and esteem of all who know him for he is a man of high principles whose success has been entirely builded upon industry and honesty.
JOHN CREMER.
Farming interests of Winneshiek county find a progressive and worthy representative in John Cremer, who owns and operates the Cremer homestead of two hundred acres on section 7, Military township. His entire life has been spent upon this property and upon it his birth occurred July 25, 1872, his parents being William and Paulina ( Henneke) Cremer, natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1847 in company with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Cremer, and their family, the other children being Henry, Mrs. Gertrude Fleischer, Mrs. Caroline Schultze, Mrs. Francis Holthaus and Joseph W., all of whom are now deceased. The family settled in Wisconsin, where the father of our subject remained until the spring of 1852, when he removed to Iowa, buying land on section 7, Military township, whereon he continued to reside until his death, February 16, 1889. His wife survived him several years, her death occurring on the 18th of February, 1900. To them were born six children : John, of this review ; William, a priest in Calmar, Iowa; Frank, who resides in North Dakota; Mary, the wife of Peter Theland of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Catherine, who married A. F. Dessel of Ossian; and Andrew, of North Dakota.
John Cremer spent his childhood upon his father's farm, assisting with its operation during the summer months and in the winters attending the parochial schools. He has never left the homestead, which he purchased in 1901, and since that time he has steadily carried forward the work of its development, the results of his labors being evident today in its excellent condition and attractive appearance. He owns two hundred acres of fine land on section 7, Military township, and upon it engages in general farming and stock-raising, meeting with the success in both branches which always reward earnest and persistent labor when guided by sound judgment.
On the 10th of October, 1905, Mr. Cremer was united in marriage to Miss Matilda Holthaus, a daughter of August and Caroline (Kleisart) Holthaus, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Iowa. Her parents had six children : Henry, a priest in Dubuque, Iowa; Joseph, a resident of Winneshiek county ; Matilda, the wife of the subject of this review; Felix, of Washington township; Monica and Gustaf, who live at home. Mr. and Mrs. Cremer became the
426
PAST AND PRESENT OF WINNESHIEK COUNTY
parents of four children: Alfred, who was born September 17. 1906; Francis, whose birth occurred on the 5th of December, 1907; Gregor, born July 18, 1910; and Victor, born January 4, 1913.
Mr. Cremer is a member of the Roman Catholic church and politically gives his allegiance to the democratic party. In the section where he was born and where his entire life has been spent he is widely and favorably known, his genuine personal worth and high standards of integrity having gained for him the con- fidence and regard of all who are in any way associated with him.
EDWARD SCHEIDEMANTEL.
One of Winneshiek county's most progressive and successful native sons and one of the most substantial and prosperous farmers living in the vicinity of Ossian, is Edward Scheidemantel, who owns and operates one hundred and eighty acres of land in Military township, whereon he engages extensively in farming and stock-raising. He was born on the 9th of August, 1868 and is a son of IIenry and Kunigunda ( Meyer) Scheidemantel, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1848 and settled in Wisconsin. After two years spent in that state they removed to Winneshiek county, lowa, and here the father engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in 1888. His wife survived him a number of years, dying on the Ist of November, 1911. To them were born eleven children : Eva, the wife of Joseph Brown, of Humphrey, Nebraska ; William, of Clear Lake, Minnesota; Theodore, who is engaged in farming near Ossian : Mary, the wife of Theodore Lamm, of Canute, Oklahoma ; Clement, also of Canute; Andrew, who resides in Calmar, Iowa; Carrie, who is a nun in a convent in La Crosse, Wisconsin; Henry, of Ossian; Edward, of this review ; Joseph, of Winona. Minnesota : and Emilie, the wife of Julius Gernes, of Winona.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.