1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa
Page Index:
Sorensen |
Carmichael |
James McMahon |
T McMahon |
John McMahan |
Nieman |
Kramer |
Schmitz |
Kraschel |
Downs
Two most strongly marked characteristics of the old and new worlds are combined in the residents of Harlan, Iowa. While many
countries of Europe have contributed their best blood to the citizenship of this county, there are no more substantial or better citizens in every way than
those from the little peninsula of Jutland. Scores of the most thrifty citizens of Shelby County today are of Danish descent. Shelby County owes to these
worthy people a tribute which it can never repay.
Coming to this country with practically no resources -- just a stout heart and willing hands -- Jens SORENSEN has achieved a success which is almost
marvelous. Since the age of 14, he has worked for himself and now, though he is still in the prime of life, he has built up a business which proves his
extraordinary ability.
Jens Sorensen, the proprietor of one of the largest department stores of this section of the state, was born in 1870 in Denmark. His parents, Michael and
Johanna (Mortensen) Sorensen, were born in 1835 and 1840, respectively, and never left the land of their birth. They have always lived in Rhoding,
Denmark, are both in the best of health, and are proud of their worthy children, seven of their eleven children still being alive.
Jens Sorensen received only a limited education in his native land, and when 14 years old, began clerking in a store in Hvibjerg, where he learned
bookkeeping with his other work. Five years later, he clerked at Skive and then spent two years at Kjellerup. However, he was not satisfied to remain in
his native land, feeling that there were better opportunities for advancement in the United States. The success which attended his brother, Martin J., in
this country induced him to say good-bye to his parents and relatives and cross the broad Atlantic. Accordingly, in 1893, he left his native home, crossed
the ocean and immediately came to Iowa, where he settled at Atlantic with his brother, Martin J., and sister, Gertrude. He clerked here for seven years in
two different stores and then resigned and engaged in business at Ringsted, Iowa, with a partner. They started in with a small stock of goods and
gradually built up a good trade. Four years later, Jens sold out his interest in the business at a good profit and started to look for a new location. In 1904
he came to Harlan, and after thoroughly investigating the town and community, decided that here was the place for which he had been looking. He
opened up his business in a very modest sort of way, putting in only eight hundred dollars worth of stock. Within ten years so rapid has been the
increase in his business that he has enlarged his stock until he now carries at least twenty thousand dollars worth of goods the year round. He handles
a stock of general merchandise on the main floor and in the basement has a variety of departments, where all the latest novelties are to be found. His
store is one of the largest and cleanest in the city, and in order to supply his large trade he employs eight clerks all the year. In addition to his mercantile interests, Mr. Sorensen is a heavy land owner, and now has four hundred and twenty acres of land in different states.
Mr. Sorensen married in 1895 to Louise CROISSANT, who was born in 1875 in Illinois, and to this union have been born seven children: Fred, Alma,
Esther, Wilmar, Lyle E., Eugene and a baby.
The family are all earnest and loyal members of the Congregational Church, and in its welfare they are deeply interested. Mr. Sorensen is classed with
the large and influential group of men known as independent voters and casts his vote for such men as he feels will best serve the interests of their
fellow citizens. He is a member of the Loyal Order of Moose.
Mr. Sorensen has been devoted to his adopted country and his career exhibits that unswerving integrity, indefatigable industry and wholesome home and social relations which stamp him as a man of high ideals. It is the record of a well balanced mental and moral constitution, strongly marked by those
traits of character which are of especial value to such a state of society as exists in this country. In all life's relations, he has been true and faithful to duty and to all trusts reposed in him and thereby has won the unqualified confidence and respect of his fellow citizens.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1267-68. Contributed by Mona Sarratt Knight
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
One of the first children to be born in Monroe township, Shelby County, Iowa, was Douglas J. CARMICHAEL, who at the present time is a prosperous
farmer in the township which gave him birth. His father was one of the pioneers of the county, a man who lived a long and useful life. The Carmichael
family is of Scotch descent, and they have those characteristics which have made the Scotch people famous the world over. Mr. Carmichael is a practical farmer, understanding every department of the work connected with the proper supervision of a country home and success had abundantly rewarded his persevering labors.
Douglas J. Carmichael, son of Neil and Esther A. (McCALLUM) CARMICHAEL, was born March 11, 1872, in Monroe Township, Shelby County, Iowa. His
father was born in Scotland on October 26, 1840, and was the son of Dugal and Sarah (KIETH) CARMICHAEL. In 1847, Dugal Carmichael and family
came to this country and settled in New York state, where they remained until 1856. They then removed to Canada, where Neil Carmichael concluded his
education and lived until the breaking out of the Civil War, when he returned to the United States, enlisted in the 21st Regiment of Michigan Volunteer
Infantry, and was with Sherman on his famous march through Georgia to the sea. At the close of that great struggle, he came west and engaged in
railroad contracting for a few years. In 1870 he came to Monroe Township, Shelby County, Iowa, and settled on a farm, where he resided until his death
November 2, 1885. He was one of the pioneer settlers of the county and a man who was intensely interested in the development of his community. By
close application, he accumulated a farm of 460 acres, on which he carried on a general system of farming and stock raising. He was a member of the
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Harlan. Neil Carmichael and wife were the parents of five children, Douglas J., Sarah Ann, Barbara, Neil, and Lilly.
Sarah Ann and Lilly are deceased.
Douglas J. Carmichael was educated in the public schools of Harlan, Iowa, and early in life began to work upon the farm. By the time he had reached his
majority, he was well equipped from actual experience to take up agricultural work and began farming for himself on his present farm in this township.
He has made extensive improvements, having erected a fine residence and built barns and outbuildings to care for his livestock. He has paid special
attention to livestock, keeping only high grades and it is to this feature of farm work he is indebted for the best part of his income.
Mr. Carmichael was married october 2, 1895, to Anna Christiansen, the daughter of C. B. Christiansen and to this union have been born two children,
Donald L. and Ada Lillian. Mr. Carmichael is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of Harlan, having attained to the Chapter degree.
During his life in this country, he has not only gained a strong position among his fellow men, but as a man of force of character, uprightness and honesty in his dealings with his fellow citizens, has gained the esteem of all who know him.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 868-69. Contributed by Mona Sarratt Knight
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
Descendants of many nationalities figure in the building of Shelby county. It is probable that no county in the state of Iowa
can boast of a more cosmpolitan body of settlers and residents. James J. McMAHON is the son of Irish parents who settled in the county in 1883 and
reared a considerable family of children, now living in the county with their families. In James J. McMahon, Sheriff of Shelby County, we have a fine type of citizen who has served the people well and faithfully in the discharge of the duties of his important office.
Sheriff McMahon was born June 3, 1867 on a farm in Scott County, Iowa, son of Thomas and Ann (McGANNEY) McMAHON, both natives of Ireland.
Thomas McMahon was born February 22, 1824, and died October 13, 1902. He emigrated to America in 1844, when twenty years old, and first located in
Philadelphia where he followed the occupations of laborer and teamster. In 1856, he came westward and located in Davenport where he was employed
as a laborer. He also served as foreman of the Renwick, Shaw & Crossett lumber yard for a period of fifteen years. He had other amibitions, however,
and desired to get back to the soil. It was his ambition to give his children a better opportunity to gain a livelihood than the city afforded. He was of a
frugal disposition, and in 1883 he came to Shelby County and invested in a tract of 580 acres of land in Clay township, which he proceeded to put under
cultivation and improve. With the assistance of his faithful wife and sons, he succeeded beyond his expectations, his children were left comfortably
provided for as a result of his foresight and decision. Thomas and Ann McMahon were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living: James J.,
sheriff of the county; J.T., T.A., D.A., S.C., E.F., all of whom are prosperous formers in Clay township; a daughter, Margaret, is also living on the home farm.
James J. was 16 years old when the family removed to Shelby county. He had previously attended the public schools in Davenport, Iowa. When he
attained his majority, he became a farmer for himself and the owner of 200 acres of land in Douglas township, which he cultivated until January 1907 at
which time he removed to Harlan to take up the duties of Deputy Sheriff of the county. Mr. McMahon was married July 19, 1898 to Sadie NOON, daughter
of E. A. and Hannah (WHITE) NOON, both of whom are natives of England, the father having been born on the ocean while his parents were making the
trip to the New World and the mother having been born in England. The NOON family first ook up a residence in Nebraska. In 1875, they settled in Clay
township on a farm which is still their home. To this union have been born eight children, as follows: Eunice, aged 14; Francis, aged 13; Lester, 11 years of age; Jesse, aged 10 years; Walter, aged 8; Harry, aged 6; Glen, aged 4; and Bernard two years of age.
Mr. McMahon is a Democrat in politics and has been generally active in political affairs in Shelby county. His first public office was that of deputy sheriff to which he was appointed in January 1907. He was elected to the office of sheriff of the county in the fall of 1910 and re-elected in 1912. During his term, he has faithfully and ably performed the duties of his position. He has many warm friends throughout the county who admire him for his many excellent qualities. The members of his family attend the Congregational Church, which is the family faith. Sheriff McMahon is fraternally affiliated with the Elks lodge of Atlantic, Iowa, the Loyal Order of Moose of Harlan, and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is generally found in the forefront of the advocates for progress and achievement in his home community and county. He is a fine type of the successful county official and citizen. (end)
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 941. Contributed by Mona Sarratt Knight
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
The McMahon family has been prominently identified with the history of Shelby county for more than 30 years, and in every
phase of the county's growth they hae taken a conspicuous part. Of Irish ancestry, they have all of those sterling qualities which have made the people of that country such excellent citizens in the United States. Terence McMahon is one of five brothers now farming in Clay township, while a sixth brother is the present sheriff of Shelby county. These brothers are enterprising and successful farmers and are valuable citizens of the township.
Terence McMahon, son of Thomas and Anna (McGANNY) McMAHON, was born in Philadelphia, August 27, 1855. Thomas McMahon was born in Ireland,
February 22, 1824, and died October 13, 1901. He came to America when he was 20 years of age and first located in Philadelphia where he was a
laborer and teamster. (See the bio of James J. McMahon for further details on this family.)
Terence McMahon was only one year old when his parents came from Philadelphia to Davenport, Iowa. He received a limited education in the schools of
Davenport, and at the age of ten, started out to work for himself by teaming and working in the saw mills of Davenport. When his parents moved to Shelby county, he remained with his father on the farm until the latter's death. At that time, he became the heir to 80 acres and operated that until 1911, when he traded it for 160 acres of land on section 8 in Clay township. On this farm he is now living, and so administering his affairs that his farm returns him a good profit each year. In 1913 he had 70 acres of corn, which averaged 55 bushels an acre; and in 1914, he harvested a bountiful crop of corn from 75 acres. He feeds his corn to stock and markets considerable live stock annually.
Mr. McMahon was married in 1884 to Katherine GRIFFEN, who was born in Davenport, Iowa, in 1859. She is the daughter of Samuel GRIFFEN, one of the
early settlers of Davenport. Mr. McMahon and his wife have one daughter, Marguerite T., who is still living with her parents. The family are devoted
members of the Catholic church, and are interested in everything which pertains to the welfare of their denomination. Politically, Mr. McMahon gives his
loyal support to the Democratic party, but has never taken an active part in political affairs, his interests having been rather along the line of his agricultural affairs. He has left most of the politics to others. He is a man of genial disposition and has made a wide circle of friends and acquaintances throughout the township and county.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 943. Contributed by Mona Sarratt Knight
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
John T. McMahon has been a life-long farmer and for the past 35 years has been farming in Clay township. John
McMahon, son of Thomas and Ann (McGANNEY) McMAHON, was born in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, in 1851. His parents were both born in Ireland,
his father in 1824 and his mother in 1830. Thomas McMahon came to this country in 1842 alone and located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he
followed his trade as a weaver. While living in Philadelphia, he met his wife, who had come to this country in 1845, being about 15 years of age when she came here. In 1856, Thomas McMahon and his family went west and settled at Davenport, where he engaged in the lumber and teaming business. He lived in Davenport until 1883, when he permanently located in Shelby County, Iowa. Before that time, he had made a prospecting trip to this county and about 160 acres in Clay township, and in 1882 he added another 160 acres, so that when he came to this county in 1883, he already had a farm of 320 acres in Clay township. He was a shrewd manager and by hard work and ceaseless industry, he accumulated a farm of 520 acres by the time of his
death in 1901. He set out a large grove of fruit-bearning trees and improved his place until he had one of the best farms in the county. He was a breeder
of Shorthorn and Hereford cattle and always kept from 160 to 200 head of cattle on his land. Before his death, he divided his farm of 520 acres among
his children. There were ten children born to Thomas McMahon and wife: John T., whose history is here presented; Daniel, deceased; Terrence, a
farmer of Shelby County; Mary, deceased; Edward, deceased; James J., the present sheriff of Shelby County; Maggie, at home; Daniel, a resident of
Shelby County; Sylvester, at home; and Edward, at home. The mother of these ten children died in 1891. Both she and her husband are buried at
Davenport, Iowa.
John T. McMahon was five years of age when his parents moved from Pennsylvania to Davenport, Iowa, and consequently all of his education was in
Davenport, teaming and working in the saw mills of the city, where his father was employed. He came to Shelby County in 1883 and worked with his
father until the latter's death in 1901. He received 80 acres as his share of the home estate and has since been living in the old homestead on the last 80 acres which his father bought. His sister, Margaret, keeps house for him, and three of his brothers are still living with him.
Mr. McMahon is a large stock raiser and markets about 100 head of hogs annually. He served as road supervisor in 1899 and while holding this office
opened a road from his farm to the town of Elkhorn. This road made the distance quite a little shorter in reaching Elkhorn and is now the main highway to
that place. As a young man, Mr. McMahon hauled wheat to the old Chapman mills in Harlan and exchanged it for flour. Mr. McMahon has made many
improvements upon his farm in the last few years and now has a very productive farm, due to his systematic crop rotation and tillage.
Interesting instances are told by Mr. McMahon concerning the Indians who still were quite numerous in this locality when he came here with his family.
One time an Indian buck came to the house asking for something to eat, and it happened at that particular time a large piece of meat was being cooked.
The Indian was given a large piece of meat and then, seeing that he had been given such a liberal piece, asked for a piece of "dead hog" meaning
bacon. However, Mr. McMahon instead of giving him a piece of bacon, gave him a few clothes and the Indian said that he farmed like a white man and
that he had 160 acres himself, 150 acres of which was in grass and 10 acres in corn. Of course, Mr. McMahon knew that the Indian was merely boasting
and was trying to make him believe that he was a farmer and ought to be given some particular consideration on that account. The Indians gave very little trouble after Mr. McMahon came here with his family and in all his dealings with the aborigines, usually found them friendly.
Mr. McMahon always has been affiliated with the Democratic party, but has never held any official position other than that of road supervisor. He, as well as all the other members of the family, are devout adherents of the Catholic Church, and they give generously of their means to its support. He is a man of genial dispotion and has a host of friends throughout the township and county.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1357. Contributed by Mona Sarratt Knight
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
The true measure of individual success is determined by what one has accomplished. An enumeration of those men who have
succeeded in their special vocations in Shelby county, Iowa, while at the same time they have impressed their personality upon the community, would be incomplete were there failure to make special mention of Fred NIEMAN, who has successfully combined the life of a merchant with that of a farmer. The splendid success which has come to him has been the direct result of perseverance and unswerving attention to the details of his business. He has a mind capable of laying judicious plans and a will strong enough to carry them to completion. He has carried forward to successful completion whatever
he has undertaken and his business methods have ever been conformity with the standard ethics of commercial life.
Fred Nieman, the son of John and Mary (BECKER) NIEMAN, was born August 24, 1861, in Germany. His parents came to this country in 1864, and located in DuPage County, Illinois, where they lived until 1872 when they came to Shelby County, Iowa, where his father bought 400 acres of land in Shelby township and followed the vocation of a farmer until his death in 1908. John Nieman and wife were the parents of six children: William, HENRY, Mrs. Mary Bohlander, Mrs. Dorothy Bohlander, Fred and Mrs. Maggie Steckelberg.
Fred Nieman was three years of age when his parents came from Germany to Illinois and 12 years old when they settled in Shelby county, Iowa. He
received part of his education in the schools of Illinois and completed it after coming to this county. After leaving school, he assisted his father on his
large farm of 240 acres in Fairview township, and during the 27 years which he has lived on this farm, has made it one of the most attractive in the county. He has a beautiful country home, which embodies all of the latest modern improvements and is equal in every respect to any city home. In 1893 he engaged in the mercantile business at Avoca, Iowa, and continued in this line of activity for four years, when he disposed of this business and engaged in the clothing and shoe business for the next five years in the same town. He then disposed of this business and organized and incorporated the Hanchey, McCabe & Hill Hardware Company at Council Bluffs, Iowa. This has proved to be a very profitable venture, and Mr. Nieman still holds a controlling interest in the company, although not actively connected with its management. He prefers the life of the farmer and still maintains his country home in Fairview township near Avoca.
Mr. Nieman was married February 27, 1887, to Emma MEISTER, the daughter of Henry and Charlotte (JAHANSON) MEISTER, of this township, and to this
union have been born six children, Louis, Minnie, Hattie, Arthur, Fred, and Alvin. Mr. Nieman is a firm believer in the value of a good education and has
taken a deep interest in the training of his children.
The Democratic party has always claimed the support of Mr. Nieman and he has served it in an official capacity with credit to himself and general
satisfaction to his fellow citizens. He has been a member of the school board of Avoca, as well as on the board of aldermen of that place. He and his
family are earnest and loyal members of the German Lutheran Church and subscribe generously of their means to its maintenance. Mr. Nieman is a
man of genial personality and kindly disposed to those less fortunate than himself. His life has been such as to win for him the commendation of his
fellow citizens, and no man in the county has more acquaintances and warmer friends.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 925. Contributed by Mona Sarratt Knight
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
When we consider the habits of the German citizens who have cast their lot in our midst, we are not surprised at their almost uniform success in
whatever they turn their attention to, for they do not permit adversity or obstacles to overcome them. They adopt common sense and time-tried principles
for their everyday life. They observe proper economy, yet at the same time believe in having the necessities and some of the harmless luxuries of life.
One of this vast number who is deserving of special mention in a work of this nature is Joseph KRAMER, a farmer and stockman of Wesphalia township,
Shelby County, Iowa.
Joseph KRAMER, the proprietor of 420 acres of land in Westphalia township, was born in Germany, August 28, 1853. His parents, William and Elizabeth
Kramer, lived all of their days in Germany, the father dying there in 1867. William Kramer worked in a factory in Essin, Germany, all his life, and to him and his wife were born 9 children, only 2 of whom are living: Joseph, and Mary the wife of Peter GREVE.
Joseph Kramer received a good, common school education in the schools of Germany, and as soon as he left school began to work in the same factory.
In 1874, he broke all home ties and sailed for America, where he felt that he would have larger opportunities and better prospects for future
advancement. He immediately located in Shelby County, Iowa, where hundreds of his countrymen had already settled and started to work as a hired
hand in Westphalia township. For three years he worked and saved his money and then purchased a farm of 80 acres at a cost of eight dollars an acre.
That he has succeeded well is shown by his fine farm of 420 acres, which is indeed a tribute to his good judgement and industry. This has not come
about from any sudden stroke of fortune, but by gradually adding land as he was able to pay for it.
Mr. Kramer was married in 1880 to Mary BOOK, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth BOOK, and to this union have been born eight children: Joseph, William, Mary E., Frank, Matilda, Carl, Clara and Mary. Joseph married Eleanor ASSMANN, and they have one son, John. Mary is the wife of Henry SCHMITZ, and has two daughters, Stella and Lillian, while all the rest of the children are unmarried and living with their parents. Mrs. Kramer's parents were both natives of Germany and came to this country in 1851, locating at Elkader, Iowa. In 1874 they moved to Westphalia township, Shelby county, and remained there the rest of their lives.
Mr. Kramer lends his hearty support to the Democratic party, but has never had any desire for public office, feeling that all of his time and energy should
be devoted to his heavy agricultural interests. He and his family are devoted members of the Catholic church, and contribute liberally of their time and
means to its support.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1214. Contributed by Mona Sarratt Knight and Marthann Kohl
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
The science of agriculture finds an able demonstrator as well as a successful practitioner in the person of Henry SCHMITZ, one of the most progressive of the younger farmers of Lincoln township, in this county. He is descended from a German family of distinguished ancestry and has inherited all of those sterling qualities which mark the German citizens of this country. He is a young man of high civic ideals and is manifesting his liberality in connection with measures and enterprises tending to advance the moral welfare of the community honored by his residence. Although still a young man, he gives much promise for the future, judging by his record in the past, and in the years to come much more may be looked for from him.
Henry Schmitz, the son of William and Josepha (KIRCHOFF) SCHMITZ, was born in 1883 in Westphalia township, in this county. His parents were both
natives of Germany, having been born in that country in 1852. When William Schmitz came to this country with his parents in 1868 he was about sixteen
years of age. The family settled in Freeport, Illinois. About two years later the Schmitz family moved to Shelby county and purchased land in Westphalia township. William Schmitz is now retired from active farm life and is living in Westphalia, Iowa.
Henry Schmitz is one of nine children born to his parents, seven of whom are still living. He remained on the farm with his father until he was
twenty-seven years of age, and then, upon the retirement of his father to Westphalia, he rented one of his father's farms in Lincoln township and has
since been managing it in a way to indicate that he is a man of more than ordinary ability. He keeps graded stock of all kinds and in 1913 had four
hundred head of hogs on the farm. He feeds as much live stock as he can handle and finds this a valuable adjunct to crop raising.
Mr. Schmitz was married on May 2, 1911, to Mary KRAMER, who was born at Earling, this county, in 1888. To this union have been born three children, one who died in infancy, and Stella and Lillian, the later of whom are still at home with their parents.
Politically, Mr. Schmitz is a Democrat, but as yet has taken no active part in political affairs beyond exercising the common right of suffrage, being
concerned chiefly with the administration of his agricultural duties. Religiously, he and his wife are loyal members of the Catholic church and contribute
of their means to its support at all times. Mr. Schmitz manifests an abiding regard for the advancement and welfare of his community and for every
measure and enterprise by which his fellow men may be benefited. He encourages churches and schools and is a respecter of law and order, having no
use for or sympathy with any calling which tends to lower the moral status of the country or degrade the youth of the land. Such a man always stands for
the best interests of his fellow citizens, and such men are eminently worthy of representation in this volume.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1279-1280. Contributed by Marthann Kohl
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
This is the age of specialists in many lines of endeavor. The young men of today are, to a considerable extent, taking up a
single line of endeavor, educating themselves for this line specifically, and in many instances when endowed with a natural aptitude and training for an
important avocation have made wonderful successes by following out a definite plan of procedure in a previously determined pathway. Life is so
strenuous in these days of fast moving progress that the young man who specializes along certain professional and useful lines, and is gifted with the
aggressiveness and ability to succeed, is certain to be highly rewarded for his efforts. The professional livestock auctioneer is a specialist who is in great demand in sections of the United States where fine stock is bred for the markets. In Nelson G. KRASCHEL, we have one of the most eminent livestock auctioneers in the country and one who has made a life-long study to fit himself for a profession which calls for an intimate and thorough knowledge of fine livestock. This difficult calling also requires that its exponent be a thorough and accurate judge of pure bred animals of every kind and the ability to determine their worth when placed on sale. Mr. Kraschel fills these requirements and has made an enviable reputation throughout the country as a livestock auctioneer of unexcelled ability.
This gifted and versatile young man was born October 27, 1889, on a stock farm in Macon County, Illinois, and is the son of Fred and Nancy J. (POE)
KRASCHEL. His mother was born December 23, 1852, in Tennessee and is a distant relative of Edgar Allen Poe, the famous poet. She was a daughter
of Frank Poe, of Tennessee, a member of a once wealthy southern family whose estates were devastated by the ravages of the CivilWar and the
members of the family reduced to poverty. There were eight sons of this famous family who fought in the Confederate Army and who were wealthy
planters at the time of the outbreak of the Civil War.
Fred Kraschel, the father, was born in 1842 in Germany and when 14 years of age emigrated to America with his mother and his brothers, two of whom
were later killed while fighting in the Union Army during the rebellion. The Kraschels first came to New York and then traveled to Macon County, Illinois,
where Fred Kraschel married and was later left a widower. To this marriage were born five children, only one of whom is yet living, Mrs. William
ECKHART of Macon, Illinois. By his second marriage with Nancy J. POE, there were five children born: M.A. of Shenandoah, Iowa; Mrs. Charles CARR of
Macon, Illinois; Nelson G., with whom this review is directly concerned, and two deceased.
Fred Kraschel was the son of fisher folk in Germany who plied their nets in the lakes of Germany. When he first came to America, he worked with his
brother and half-brother. His half-brother later on settled at St. Peter, Minnesota, and became very wealthy. Fred left home and journeyed to southern
Illinois where he engaged in the buying and shipping of produce. He would ship his cargoes down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers in barges. After
reaching his destination down the Mississippi, he would return the entire distance on foot and walked as far as 300 miles to rreach his headquarters.
In 1871 he decided to go to Iowa but stopped on his way in Macon County, Illinois, for the purpose of visiting a friend who was engaged in the ministry.
This was the turning point of his career. He took a liking to the climate and the land, and remained. As a result, he became a large land owner and stock
breeder and has been very successful. He was the owner of one of the finest stock farms in Illinois and has long been a breeder of Shorthorn cattle,
English shire horses, and Duroc Jersey hogs. The livestock shown by Fred Kraschel and sons for a period of 14 years at the state fairs in Illinois gained
more blue ribbons than most similar exhibitions of fine livestock. They were the best exhibitors of hogs, once of which, a product of their skill, brought five thousand dollars at public sale, the highest price ever received for a hog. Kraschel and sons sold hogs at prices ranging up to two thousand dollars for breeding purposes. The senior Kraschel encouraged his sons to take up his work so as to become proficient in livestock breeding. When his farm land reached a high value, he sold his Illinois holdings and invested his funds in cheaper Ohio farm lands for the purpose of renting to tenants and also
invested in town and city property. He is now living a retired life in Macon, Illinois.
During his whole active life, Fred Kraschel has been very modest and retiring and is an excellent citizen in his home community. He has always been a
Democrat in politics and has been a prominent organization man, having served efficiently as delegate in the state and national conventions of his party.
His influence in local politics has been marked. While he was reared in the German Lutheran faith, he now affiliates with the Methodist Episcopal
denomination. He became a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in 1913, when he had attained the ripe age of 72. He is also a member
of the Knights of Pythias with which organization he became affiliated at the age of 52.
Nelson G. KRASCHEL, with whose life work the biographer is more directly concerned, received his education in the district schools of his native county
and had planned to pursue a college course. Owing to his father's failing health, he was forced to forego his ambition and remained on his father's farm.
His principal work during the summer and fall seasons was in making the fair circuit with the fine stock exhibits which his father sent out each year. He
also supervised the operating of the two Kraschel farms and conducted three stock sales each year. He continued this work for a period of five years, and the experience thus gained under his father's tutelage has been exceedingly valuable to him in his chosen profession. He gained a fine practical
education in this manner and supplemented his training with a course in oratory and elocution in a private conservatory at Decatur. When his father
disposed of his stock farms, Nelson G. became a livestock auctioneer, even before his father's farms were sold. He handled the livestock sales
department of the farms until 1910 when he removed to Harlan and began his career as a professional fine livestock auctioneer. Prior to his removal to
Harlan, he had become identified with some of the greatest stock sales held in the country in the capacity of assistant auctioneer in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Kentucky. It will thus be seen that he came to his present advantageous location fully equipped to undertake the practice of his difficult and exacting profession and has achieved a remarkable success in a much broader field within the short space of four years. Colonel Kraschel cries sales in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and Minnesota. He specializes entirely in pure bred cattle and hog sales and is frequently called to points in Colorado, Montana, Oregon and other western states and travels south as far as Texas and Florida when duty calls him. In 1911, his professional travels totaled forty thousand miles. He is practically the only exclusive fine livestock auctioneer in the west and his record exceeds that of any other member of his profession. In fact, his sales will exceed one hundred and fifty annually.
Colonel KRASCHEL was married April 2, 1913, to Agnes JOHNSON of Harlan, a daughter of Mrs. Hannah JOHNSON. The father of Mrs. Kraschel died
when she was seven years of age.
Politically, he is a Democrat. Religiously, Mr. Kraschel is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is allied with the Free Masons, being a
member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery of Harlan. He holds his membership in the Knights of Pythias of Macon, Illinois. The story of
Colonel Kraschel's success should prove an incentive to the younger generation as an example of a young man who saw the need of fitting himself for a
vocation which as yet has had but few exponents. The work of the auctioneer furnishes a wide field of endeavor and calls for peculiar qualifications of a
high order, and likewise a suitable field for the exercise of talents of the high order. Colonel Kraschel was attracted to Shelby County because of the fact
that it is known the world over as the greatest livestock county in the United States. Its prestige as a livestock producing center induced him to locate in
Harlan, and he has never regretted that he made this city his home as he has fitted into the social and civic life of the city as if he were born and reared in this great county. He is a young man of strong and likeable personality whose friends in this section are legion and who instinctively inspires a sincere liking on the part of those with whom he comes in contact.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1280-83. Contributed by Mona Sarratt Knight
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
In examining the life records of self-made men, it will invariably be found that indefatigable industry has constituted the basis of their
success. True, there are other elements which enter into and conserve the advancement of personal interests -- perseverance, discrimination and the
mastery of expedients -- but the foundation of all achievements id earnest, persistent labor. At the outset of his career, Mr. DOWNS recognized this fact.
He did not seek any royal road to the goal of prosperity and independence, but began to work earnestly and diligently in order to advance himself, with the result that he is now numbered among the progressive, successful and influential businessmen of Shelby County.
Guy L. DOWNS, the son of Dunham D. and Sarah (COX) DOWNS, was born at Harlan, Iowa, in 1880 and has spent his entire life in the city of his birth.
His father was born February 10, 1851, in Logan County, Ohio, and is the son of Josiah DOWNS, who was born in New Jersey, September 6, 1808.
Josiah DOWNS went west and settled in Ohio, where he married Louise J. BALL, who was born in Carlyle county, that state, October 16, 1807. Josiah
Downs and wife were the parents of six children: William O., deceased; Ella, deceased; J. E., deceased; Dunham D., the father of the immediate subject
of this sketch; C. N., whose address is unknown; and Huldah E., deceased.
Dunham DOWNS came to Shelby County, Iowa, January 18, 1868, at the early age of 17 years and has since been a resident of this county. He was a
carpenter by trade and followed this occupation until 1904, when he received an appointment as rural mail carrier. To Dunham DOWNS and wife were
born nine children: D. P., born March 1, 1872; Mrs. Lulu PATTERSON, born September 5, 1873; C. A., born August 6, 1875; William O., born January 25,
1877; Guy L., born September 1, 1880; F. J., born February 1, 18??; Bessie M., and Daisy Bell, twins, born May 26, 1895, and Laura Esther, born
November 24, 1897.
Guy L. DOWNS was educated in the schools of Harlan and early in life began to work out at day labor. He finally became identified with the butcher
business of C. R. PATTERSON and worked for him five years, during which time he became acquainted with every detail of the business. He then went to
Audubon County, Iowa, where he worked for a short time, after which he went to Creston, this state, where he followed his trade for two years. He then
returned to Harlan and worked in a retail meat market for three years, when he bought a half interest in the meat market of KEMP & DOWNS, where he is
now located. He is a young man of energy and determination and is making a success of his business. In addition to his interest in the meat market, he
is the owner of ten acres of land in Florida.
Mr. DOWNS was married in 1900 to Leila MOTZ, who was born in Guthrie County, Iowa, in 1882, and to this union have been born three children: Helen,
Ardis, and Louree, all of whom are still living with their parents. The family are all loyal members of the Baptist Church and give it their hearty support in
various ways.
In politics, Mr. DOWNS is a Republican, but owing to the nature of his business, ti has never been possible for him to take an active part in politics, much
less be a candidate for public office. Mr. DOWNS has contributed to the extent of his ability to the advancement of the public welfare of his community and the welfare of his fellow citizens, and consequently is well deserving of the high esteem in which he is universally held.
Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1286-1287. Contributed by Mona Sarratt Knight
|
To Page Index ---
To Bio Index
|
