Jacob Raveling, 1861-1942
RAVELING, HENDRICK, FRASA, LARSON, BOESE
Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 1/15/2011 at 05:01:54
The life record of Jacob Raveling, a well-to-do farmer of Peterson township, is a splendid example of the value of German thrift and industry. Starting out in life with practically nothing, without either influence or apparent prospect but possessed of saving qualities, perseverance and patience, he set his mind upon success and by hard labor he succeeded, in the course of time, in laying by sufficient means with which to purchase his farm. He has since labored and the harvests year by year have placed him in his present affluent circumstances.
Mr. Raveling was born in Germany, August 20, 1860, a son of Henry and Sieve (Hendrick) Raveling. His father, having come to the new world in 1882, settled in Plymouth county, Iowa, where he resided in retirement until he departed this life in 1905. His widow is also a native of Germany, but they were united in marriage in this country and she still resides in Plymouth county. She was the mother of nine children, namely: Tina, of Minnesota; John, a farmer of the same state; Henry, who follows agriculture in Lyon county, Iowa; Tjffie, a farmer of Plymouth county, Iowa; Hilka, who became the wife of Peter Tjaden, an agriculturist of Plymouth county, Iowa; Jacob; George and Peter, both farmers in that county; and William, who follows the same occupation in Minnesota.
Jacob Raveling had no educational advantages beyond those accorded him in the common schools of his native country, where he remained until he was twenty-seven years of age, in the meantime serving as a soldier in the German army. He then came to the new world, locating in Plymouth county, Iowa, where he resided until 1898, during which year he removed to Clay county and has since resided here. Upon arriving in the United States he was compelled to seek employment at once in order to meet his daily needs and was engaged as a section laborer on the railroad. In that position he worked for some time and by modest and sober living and practical economy he managed to lay aside the greater part of his earnings and when he gave up railroad work he has sufficient money with which to buy land. From time to time he added to his possessions until at present he owns two hundred and forty acres on sections 24 and 25, Peterson township, and a quarter of section 15 and keeps the entire tract under h high state of cultivation. From time to time Mr. Raveling has improved his property until he has as fine a farm as there is in the township and it is provided with a comfortable residence, barns, modern machinery and all conveniences requisite to carry on the work successfully. He produces large quantities of hay and grain, gives some attention to stock raising and is accounted one of the most industrious and substantial farmers in the community.
In 1881 Mr. Raveling wedded Miss Lena Frasa, and unto them were born the following: Mary, who became the wife of Carl Larson, a farmer of Buena Vista county, Iowa; Henry, who engages in farming in this county and married Mary Boese; George, Sever, Sophie, Annie, Peter, Ben and Clarence, all of whom reside at home with their parents. In politics Mr. Raveling gives his support to the republican party and is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the German Evangelical church. He is a substantial citizen who merits the respect and confidence of the entire community. His present prosperity is due to his own exertions and careful management, and he is now comfortably situated in life.
Source: History of Clay County Iowa – Steele – 1909.
Interment in Oakland cemetery
Clay Biographies maintained by Kris Meyer.
WebBBS 4.33 Genealogy Modification Package by WebJourneymen