George Roskens, 1879-1961

ROSKENS, HEMKE, MEYBOR, BOYENGA

Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 1/15/2011 at 05:08:29

The examples of patient purpose and steadfast integrity, furnished by such men as George Roskens, the popular and efficient supervisor of Everly, strongly illustrate what is in the power of each to accomplish, and there is always a full measure of satisfaction in adverting in even a casual way to their achievements, for it is the progressive, alert and wide awake men of affairs who make the real history of a community. George Roskens was born in Germany on the 13th of June, 1879, and is a son of Eite and Geersema (Hemke) Roskens, who brought their family to the United States in 1881, locating in Grundy county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming until 1890, when he came to Clay county, settling on a farm near Everly. he is now deceased, while the mother is still living here. They became the parents of six children: John, of Minnesota; George, of this sketch; Marin, of Clay county; Richard, also of Clay county; Mary, the wife of S. W. Meybor, of Clay county; and Thomas, also of this county.

George Roskens remained on his father's farm until he had attained his majority, in the meantime receiving a good education in the public schools. He then engaged in farming on his own account, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land north of Spencer, where he carries on general farming operations and stock raising, in which, through his untiring efforts and good management, he has met with a very gratifying measure of success.

On March 16, 1905, Mr. Roskens was united in marriage to Miss Sophie Boyenga, of Franklin county, Iowa, daughter of Boye and Anna (Ringesing) Boyenga, both of whom were natives of Germany, from which country they came to the United States as young people, their marriage occurring in this country. They are now retired and live at Ackley, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Roskens have four children: Minnie Masie, who is engaged in teaching school; William, Roy and Lillian Anna, who are at home. Mr. Roskens has always been a republican in his political views and has taken an active part in local public affairs. He has been a member of the board of supervisors since 1924, holds the office of school treasurer, was a justice of the peace four years and was also elected township trustee. He had served some time as township clerk until elected supervisor. His religious affiliation is with the Dutch Reformed church, to which he gives liberal support. His is a friendly and cordial man in his social relations, is courteous and accommodating among his neighbors, and throughout the community where he has spent so many years of his life he has always enjoyed the respect and good will of all who know him.

Contributed by: Debbie Clough Gerischer. Source: Northwestern Iowa, Its History and Tradition, Volume III, 1804-1926.