FEGLES, William

FEGLES, EDWARDS, KENNITOCTT, DOLPH, HUMMEL, SMITH

Posted By: P. Bergmeier (email)
Date: 5/9/2005 at 20:33:40

William Fegles, who for many years was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Big Creek township, Black Hawk County, has lived in retirement since 1898 in La Porte City, where he is enjoying the peace and quiet of home life after a long term spent in fruitful labor. He is a son of George W. and Hannah (Edwards) Fegles, and was born in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, July 27, 1853.
George W. Fegles was born in New York State, August 12, 1820, and as a boy, moved to Pennsylvania in company with his parents. At an early age he followed the trades of blacksmithing and brickmaking. Later in life he took up farming pursuits, and became successful in that occupation, being acively engaged until 10 years ago, Mr. Fegles adheres to the Democratic party, although he takes but a citizen's interest in political affairs. Mrs. George W. Fegles was born in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, in 1830, and died here at the age of 63 years. Mr. Fegles has always been a church member, he belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. He lives in retirement at the home of his son, William. Besides the latter, three other children were born to Mr. and Mrs. George W. Fegles, namely; Carrie C., the wife of A.J. Kennicott, of Kansas; Phoebe, the wife of Erastus Dolph, residing near La Porte City and Wesley, who is farming near La Porte City.
William Fegles was 15 years old when the family removed from Pennsylvania to Black Hawk County, Iowa. Until his retirement from active labor in 1898, when he removed to La Porte City and built his present home, he was engaged in farming on his estate of 280 acres, situated in Big Creek township; he also ran a threshing machine for 18 years. In politics he is a member of the Democratic party, and has always been a prominent worker in the interest of that party. Mr. Fegles was first elected supervisor in 1897, and served one term of three years. In the next campaign, he was renominated, but was defeated by seven votes, 16 votes being thrown out. He was again elected supervisor in the fall of 1903 and is at present serving his second term in a most efficient manner. Mr. Fegles has also acted as chairman of conventions and various other political gatherings. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of the Pythias and the Elks.
On March 1, 1873, the subject of this sketch was married to Mary A. Hummel, who was born in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, September 8, 1853, and is a daughter of Charles and Hester (Smith) Hummel, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Fegles came to Iowa in 1870. Four children have been born to this couple, namely: May, who is the wife of Luther Monigold, of La Porte City; Gertrude, wife of Edward McKevitt, of Oelwein, Iowa; Alice, wife of Michael Fox, of La Porte city, and the mother of three children, - Everett, Glenn, and an infant; and Jessie, who is 16 years of age and resides with her parents.

History of Black Hawk County and It's People, 1915