 |
|
 |
|
CHARLES TROJOVSKY, of Norway, one of its most prominent citizens, was born in Bohemia, October 15, 1860, and is a son of John Trojovsky, also a native of Bohemia. John Trojovsky was a weaver by trade, and served in the army eleven years, without a furlough; he served with his regiment in Italy, and took part in several battles. During the Revolution of 1848 he served with great gallantry and was discharged in 1850. He took up his trade for two years, and then became a government mail carrier. He continued in the government service until he left his native country in 1877; he came direct to Iowa, and in June, 1877 settled in Johnson county, where he remained a few months. He purchased forty acres of land in Tama county, and began farming, but died in 1882, before he was able to realize much from his labor. "He married, in Bohemia, Francis Zabokrtsky, and they had nine children, of whom six survive, Charles being the youngest.
Charles Trojovsky was educated in the common schools of his native country, and always took keen interest in educational matters; he is a well-read man, and always keeps in touch with the events of current history. Before leaving his native country he learned the trade of shoemaker, and after reaching Iowa helped on the farm, working at his trade in Marshalltown. In 1879 he came to Benton county, and worked as farm hand for five years, after which he spent four years farming on his own account, making a success of the enterprise.
In 1888 Mr. Trojovsky went to Nebraska, where he spent about a year and returned in the fall of 1889, and came to Norway where he followed his trade for eleven years, during which time he was able to save enough money to embark in the business of manufacturing brick and tile. He began in a modest way and has constantly increased the capacity of the plant for ten years, though he is now unable to supply the large demand for the output of the plant. He expects during the year 1910 to turn out seven hundred and fifty thousand of tile. The machinery used is modern and the latest improved, and the plant is located a quarter mile north of the town of Norway. He keeps improving his brick yard, putting in new machinery, sheds and kilns, and is thoroughly progressive. He is an influential citizen of Norway, and is well liked. He is a member of the fire department, being a charter member of ten years' standing, and now acts as chief. He is also a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Society of Iowa, is a devout Catholic and a trustee of the church and treasurer of the board. In national affairs he is a Democrat, but votes independent of party in local matters.
On September 11, 1888, Mr. Trojovsky married Lena, daughter of Peter and Anna Walter, retired farmers of Benton county, now residing in Norway. She is a native of Iowa, educated in the public schools. They have six children, all educated in the parochial school in Norway, namely: John M., of Norway; Anna, now Mrs. John II. Boddicker, of Newhall, Iowa; Elizabeth, Catherine, Louise and Henry, at home.
 |
