BIOGRAPHIES: Past & Present of BV Co., 1909; L thru P Buena Vista County, Iowa ************************************************************************ USGENWEB ARCHIVES PROJECT NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://usgwarchives.net/ ************************************************************************ The USGenWeb Archives provide genealogical and historical data to the general public without fee or charge of any kind. It is intended that this material not be used in a commercial manner. All submissions become part of the permanent collection. This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Sheryl McClure Febuary 9, 2002 ____________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: For more information on Buena Vista County, Iowa Please visit the Buena Vista County, IAGenWeb page at http://iagenweb.org/buenavista/ ____________________________________________________________________________ From the History Book; Buena Vista Past & Present (1909) INDEX LUNDVALL, Nils August NELSON, Lars A. NEWCOMB, W.C. NITZKE, Edward J. NITZKE, J. Louis NITZKE, Samuel L. OLSON, William Hans PORATH, Charles PRATT, William H. POULSON, H.J. NILS AUGUST LUNDVALL Nils August Lundvall, who devotes his time and energies to the conduct of a drug store at Sioux Rapids and displays keen discrimination in the management of his business affairs, was born June 20, 1864, at Oscarshamn, Sweden, his parents being J. P. and Christina Caroline Lundvall. The father was a dyer by trade and is still living in Sweden at the advanced age of eighty-six years. The mother died in that country in 1902 when sixty-seven years of age. The children of their family were as follows: Alida, the wife of Oscar Lundvall, a resident of Boone, Iowa; A. P. who married Emily Erickson and is a resident of Boxholm, near Boone, Iowa; Marie, the wife of G. E. Olsen, living at Rockford, Illinois; and J. H., who married Sophia Swanson and made his home in Sweden. He was a sea captain who had followed that life for thirty-six years and died at sea in 1898. Three other children of the family died in infancy. Reared in the land of his nativity, N. A. Lundvall entered upon a three years' apprenticeship when sixteen years of age. He was in his nineteenth year when in 1882 he sought a home in the new world attracted by the land of promise of which he had heard such favorable reports. The vessel in which he sailed dropped anchor in New York harbor and he soon after made his way to New Britain, Connecticut, where he remained for two years. When he decided to go to the middle west and made his way to Dayton, Webster county, Iowa. After a short period there passed he removed to St. Peters, Minnesota. He was well educated in his own language but found it was like commencing his education all over again to master the English tongue with all of its intricacies of grammar and pronounciation. At St. Peters. however, he entered upon a course of study in English. About a year later he returned to Dayton, Iowa, where he engaged as a clerk in a drug store, filling the position for about a year and a half after which he occupied similar positions at Carroll, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska. In 1890 Mr. Lundvall arrived in Sioux Rapids, where he engaged in clerking for about six months in the drug store of Nordtrom and Company. He then bought an interesting the business and the firm name was changed to Lundvall and Company, under which style was conducted until 1899 when Mr. Nordstrom sold his interest to Mr. Ebersole. The firm then became Lundvall and Ebersole and conducted business until 1902, when the junior partner sold his interest to Mr. Steen, who some time later disposed of his interest to William Leighton, the firm name of William Leighton and Company being then adopted. Mr. Lundvall, however, continued as manager for that firm. On the 7th of April, 1896, occurred the marriage of Mr. Lundvall and Miss Agnes E. Leighton, a daughter of Charles and Isabelle Leighton, both natives of Scotland, whence they came to America at an early day. Three children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Lundvall: Charles John, Marjory Adah, and Isabel Caroline. Mr. and Mrs. Lundvall are prominent in the community, having an extensive circle of warm friends. He is a member of Enterprise Lodge, No. 332, A. F. & A. M., and has also taken the Royal Arch and Knight Templar degrees. He likewise belongs to the Sioux Rapids Camp, No. 288, M. W. A. He came to America empty handed but determination stood him instead of capital and upon the foundation of his own industry and perserverance he has built his success. He is now well known in Sioux Rapids and a genial manner, courteous disposition and deference for the opinions of others have made him popular with his fellow townsman. END LARS A. NELSON Lars A. Nelson*, a successful and well known agriculturalist residing in Section 26, Elk township, where he owns one hundred and sixty acres of finely improved land, also operates a tract of two hundred and forty acres adjoining. Born in Denmark on the 22nd of February, 1853, he was there reared to the age of nineteen years and was afforded good school advantages. Wishing to profit by broader business opportunities of the new world, he crossed the Atlantic in 1872 and took up his abode in Iroquois county, Illinois. Subsequently he located in Kankakee county and there carried on farming but later returned to Iroquois county, where he was also connected with agricultural pursuits. On the 22nd of February, 1879, in Kankakee county, he wedded Miss Maggie Lewiston, a native of Denmark, who was called to her final rest in 1883. In that year Mr. Nelson came to Buena Vista county, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of his present farm, taking up his abode thereon in 1884, He opened up and improved the property and as the years passed by brought the farm under a high state of cultivation and development. As his financial resources increased he extended the boundaries of his place until it now comprises one hundred and sixty acres, and for about thirteen years ha has also farmed a tract of two hundred and forty acres adjoining. In addition to the work of the fields he is also engaged in raising and feeding stock, fattening about three or four carloads of cattle and two carloads of hogs annually. He is likewise a stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company and in the Co-operative Creamery Company and is widely recognized as one of the substantial and public-spirited citizens of the county. In 1885 Mr. Nelson was united in marriage to Miss Batilda Hanson, also a native of Denmark, by whom he has three children: Morris, Frank and Walter. The two sons of Mr. Nelson's first marriage are as follows: Nels K., an agriculturist in Elk township, residing at hone; and Chris, a student at Sac City and also a teacher in a commercial school there. Mr. Nelson gives his political allegiance to the men and measures of democracy and is an active worker for the success of the party in his community. He has served as a member of the school board, has been a delegate to the county convention and is now capably filling the office of township clerk. He is an official member of the Danish Baptist church, with which his wife is also identified. The period of his residence here now covers a quarter of a century and he has therefore been a witness of the county's steady development and growth as it has kept pace with the onward march of civilization. In the summer of 1908 Mr. Nelson took a trip to Europe, visiting the land of his birth and finding much pleasure in renewing the associations of his childhood and youth. He has never had occasion to regret his determination seek a home in the new world, however, for here he has gained the prosperity which is ever the reward of earnest, persistent labor and by his upright, honorable career has won the esteem and regard of all with whom he has come in contact. END *also known as Lars Nelsen Kraase W. C. NEWCOMB W. C. Newcomb, who is one of the most extensive stock-raisers and feeders of Buena Vista county, owns a fine farm of two hundred and forty acres on section 20, Elk township. Mr. Newcomb was born in Poweshiek county, September 14, 1860, a son of Joseph Newcomb, a native of England, who emigrated to the new world when a young man and was married in Poweshiek county to Miss Esther Cassidy, a native of Ohio. The father served in the Civil war and was present at the siege and surrender of Vicksburg. He died while at the front, passing away at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, in 1863. His wife survived for a long period and died in Buena Vista county in 1904. She became the mother of four children, but two died in childhood, the sister of our subject being Rosetta, the wife of J. F. Haight, a resident of Brooke township. W. C. Newcomb was but three years of age when he lost his father and he was reared on the home farm by his mother and pursued his studies in the EDWARD J. NITZKE Edward J. Nitzke, who is one of the younger representatives of farming interests in Buena Vista county, is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land, situated in Coon township. He was born May 4, 1879, a son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Nitzke, who are mentioned elsewhere in this volume. The son attended district schools to the age of seventeen years and assisted in the operation of the home farm until he established a home of his own by his marriage on the 22nd of February, 1906, the lady of his choice being Miss Anna M. Grunewald, who was born in Germany, October 23, 1881, and was a little maiden of twelve years when she accompanied her parents to this country, the family home being established in Storm Lake, Iowa. The other children of this family are: Ernest, Albert, William and Fred, all of whom follow farming in Minnesota; Augustine, the wife of Chris Richter, and Bertha, of the home. The father died in December, 1907, but the mother still survives and makes her home in Minnesota. Following his marriage Mr. Nitzke purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Coon township, this property having been improved by his father. With his young bride he took up his abode here and has since been actively engaged in its cultivation. He follows practical methods in his farm work and each year his labors are rewarded by the large crops which he harvests. In addition to his farm work he also gives much of his time to stockraising, making a specialty of shorthorn cattle. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Nitzke is graced by an interesting little son, Sidney Walter, who was born June 2, 1907. Mr. Nitzke's study of the political questions and issues of the day has led him to give stalwart support to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Methodist church. He and his wife are estimable young people, popular among a wide circle of friends, and the hospitality of their own pleasant home is enjoyed by all who enter its door. END J. LOUIS NITZKE J. Louis Nitzke, who is engaged in general agricultural pursuits and in building operations in Buena Vista county, is a worthy representative of one of the old and prominent families of this section of the state. He is a native son of the county, born December 8, 1878, of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Nitzke, mentioned elsewhere in this volume, while two of his brothers, Edward J. and Samuel L., are also represented in this work. Mr. Nitzke acquired his education in district school No. 7 near his father's home, pursuing his studies during the winter months, while in the spring and summer seasons he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm. He completed his education when a youth of seventeen years, and then gave his entire time to farming interests, remaining under the parental roof until he reached the age of twenty-six years. At that age he began business on his own account on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he had purchased in Coon township, and on this property he has since made his home. This place is improved with excellent buildings, which are kept in a good state of repair and there is also a good orchard on the place and this is now in bearing. In addition to doing general farming Mr. Nitzke also gives much of his time to carpentering and in this connection is widely known throughout the county. He is an expert in handling tools and all who employ his services know that his obligations will be discharged with strict adherence to the terms of a contract. Mr. Nitzke chose as a companion and helpmate for the journey of life Miss Augusta Porath, their marriage being celebrated on the 8th of December, 1904. Mrs. Nitzke is a daughter of Charles Porath, deceased, who was well known throughout Buena Vista county. The mother, however, still survives. Mr. and Mrs. Nitzke have a little son, Victor L., born October 22, 1906, who is the joy and light of the household. Mr. Nitzke usually votes the republican ticket but does not consider himself bound by party ties, giving his support to the men whom he deems best fitted for office. He is a member of the German Methodist church. He possesses an alert and enterprising spirit, making good use of the opportunities which come to him, and if his present position is any criterion by which to judge, no doubt the future holds for him still greater success. END SAMUEL L. NITZKE That the agriculturalist finds in the rich soil and productive land of Buena Vista county ample opportunity for the scope of his energies is indicated by the fact that so many of the native born remain within her borders. This is true of Samuel L. Nitzke, who was born here June 4, 1877, a son of Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Nitzke, now living retired in Storm Lake. The father was born in Germany and for many years was prominently identified with the farming interests of Buena Vista county, being number among it most substantial residents. More extended mention of him is made on another page of this work. His family numbers ten children, the brothers and sisters of our subject being: Mary, the wife of Ed Hanke, who follows farming; Annie, the wife of Will Ahntholz, who also follows farming; Lilly, Alfred, Benjamin and Andrew, all of whom are still under the parental roof; J. Louis, who is a farmer and is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; and Edward J., who is also represented in this work. Samuel L. Nitzke pursued his studies in district school No. 7, attending to the age of nineteen years, when, putting aside his text-books, he gave his time and attention to work on the farm. He later worked three years in the employ of others. In 1905, however, feeling justified in purchasing land of his own, he became the owner of one hundred and sixty acres, situated in Coon township. On the place stands a nice country home, in the rear of which are found good and substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, whiled the land has been made very productive through the care and labor which Mr. Nitzke has bestowed upon it. Mr. Nitzke was married to Miss Ida Zemke, who was born in Wausau, Wisconsin, July 9, 1884, and who presides with gracious hospitality over her home. By her marriage she has become the mother of a son and daughter: Clarence, was born March 17, 1903; Viola, who was born March 27, 1905. The parents are faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Nitzke is independent in his political views and affiliations, voting for the man whom he regards as best fitted for political preferment, regardless of party ties. His success has by no means the result of fortunate circumstances but it has come to him through energy, labor and perserverance, directed by an evenly balanced mind and by honorable business principles. In manner he is quiet and straightforward and his word has become a synonym for business integrity. WILLIAM HANS OLSON William Hans Olson carries on general agricultural pursuits on a well improved tract situated in Grant township, Buena Vista county. He was born in Buchana county, Iowa, December 31, 181, a son of Rev. Fred and Hannah (Jacobson) Olson, both of who, were natives of Denmark. The father was a soldier in the Danish army and also served two years in the German army, during which time he recieved a gunshot wound in the head. He accompanied a party of emigrants to America, believing that he might better provide for his family in the new world. Finding employment here, he returned to the old country for his family and upon once more reaching American shores made a permanent location in Blackhawk county, Iowa. For a time he followed the carpenter's trade and also engaged in farming. In 1902 he came to Buena Vista county and purchased on one hundred and twenty acres of land, which he later sold and invested his meony in one hundred and sixty acres in Grant township. The father spent his later years as a traveling missionary for the Baptist church and his work in this connection was of far-reaching benefit and influence. Crowned with honors and years, he was called to his final rest January 14, 1908, when he had reached the age of seventy years. His widow still survives and makes her home on the farm in Grant township. The family of Rev. and Mrs. Fred Olson numbers six children, as follows: Lena, the wife of Andrew Jensen; Minnie, the wife of Valentine Nelson; May, the wife of Charles Hansen; Charley F., who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; William H., of this review; and Walter, who follows farming in Grant township. William H. Olson prusued his studies for four years in the schools of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and after the removal of the family to Buena Vista county he continued his studies in the schools of this section. After completing his studies he gave his father the benefit of his services on the home farm until he reached the age of twenty-one years, when he started out to face the responsibilities of life on his own account. He first went to Council Bluffs and for a time was employed in an implement house there. Not finding city life congenial, however, Mr. Olson then resumed farming pursuits in Grant township and has since been thus engaged, his labors resulting in a gratifying measure of success. In addition to general farming he raises stock to some extent, keeping a high grade of shorthorn cattle. Mr. Olson established a home of his own by his marriage on the 31st of December, 1901, the lady of his choice being Miss Carrie Nelson. She was born in De Kalb county, Illinois, July 11, 1882, and was married at Storm Lake, Iowa. Her parents now make their home in Coon township. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Olson has ben blessed with a little daughter, Helen Ruth, born August 8, 1905. Mr. Olson gives his polictial support to the republican party but has never been active in public life. He and his estimable wife are highly esteemed by their neighbors and friends and all who enter the door of their pleasant home find there a warm welcome. END CHARLES PORATH Charles Porath, residing on section 2, Newell township, is the owner of nearly six hundred acres of valuable farm land, which he has accumulated as the result of his well directed thrift and enterprise. He started out in the business world empty-handed, but he realized the fact that success can always be gained by industry and perseverance, and he determined that some day it should be his. His record may well serve to encourage and inspire others, showing what can be accomplished if one but sets himself seriously to the tasks of life.. Mr. Porath was born in Hermeldorf, province of Pommern, in the kingdom of Prussia, Germany, August 21, 1845. His parents were Michael and Charlotte (Kelle) Porath, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was reared to the occupation of farming and worked at that pursuit nearly all his life. He served for three years in the regular army and was one of the King's Guards. He died when about fifty-seven years of age and his wife, surviving him for a few years, passed away at the age of sixty-three. Both were members of the Lutheran church.. Mrs. Porath was a daughter of Fritz Kelle, who died in Germany at an advanced age. His wife in her maidenhood was a Miss Born, and she lived to advanced age. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Porath were nine children, four sons and five daughters, of whom six are yet living: William, of Newell township; Wilhelmina, the widow of Carl Schumann and a resident of Quincy, Illinois; August, a resident of Varina, Iowa; Charles, who makes his home in Newell township; Fredericke, the wife of Christopher Nitzke, of Storm Lake; and Johanna, the wife of William Degner, of Coon township. Charles Porath spent the first twenty-three years of his life in the land of his nativity and then, thinking to find better business opportunities in the new world, he sailed for the United States and made his way at once to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was employed in and near that city for several months but in the fall of that year (1868) came to Iowa and worked on the construction of the Illinois Central Railroad. For twelve years he devoted his time and energies to railroading, after which he was married and settled in Newell township, Buena Vista county, where he purchased a farm of seventy-two acres, for which he paid fifteen dollars per acre. To that place he added from time to time until he now owns nearly six hundred acres of well improved land, together with some town property in Varina. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and the land is rich and productive. He is justly accounted one of the leading agriculturalists of Newell township, having a valuable property which he developed from the raw prairie. He has done as much as perhaps any other man toward improving Newell townships. He and his brother dug the large drainage ditch at their own expense and made tillable an extensive tract of land. They worked for five years on this ditch. They worked for five years on this ditch. Having no modern machinery with which to dig it, they resorted to the pick and shovel, and hauled all the dirt a considerable distance to fill up a slough. Mr. Porath has always kept in touch with the most progressive methods of farming and his labor have been attended with a measure of success that is the merited reward of his earnest labor. On the 8th of May, 1881, Mr. Porath was married to Miss Ulrika Degner, who was born in Schoen Valley, Pommern, Prussia, a daughter of Peter F. and Wilhelmina (Sell) Degner. She came to America when twenty-one years of age, settled in Newell township, this county, and was married in Coon township. Her father died in Prussia but her mother afterward came to America and made her home with Mr. and Mrs. Porath until her demise at the age of sixty-three years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Porath have been born nine children: Martha, the wife of Reinhold Hanke, by whom she has one daughter, Berrnice; Elizabeth, the wife of Otto Haag, of Newell township, by whom she has one daughter, Leola; Augusta, the wife of Louis Nitzke and the mother of one son, Victor; and Herman, Charlotte, Minnie, August, Elsbert and Agnes, all of whom are under the parental roof. Both Mr. and Mrs. Porath were reared in the faith of the Lutheran church but are now identified with the German Methodist church. In politics he is a republican and has served as school director for several terms but otherwise has never sought nor desired office, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his business affairs, in which he has met with significant success. He is one of the old settlers of the county and has lived to witness a remarkable transformation here as the wild prairie has been converted into rich and productive fields, while hamlets have grown into villages and cities. He has the high regard of his neighbors and acquaintances, his friends being many in the county, while all who know him entertain for him respect and admiration for what he has accomplished. His life has indeed been well spent and his record is a most creditable one. END WILLIAM H. PRATT William H. Pratt, who for 42 years has continuously remained in the employ of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad and since 1882 has served the company as agent at Sioux Rapids, is one of the highly esteemed and respected residents of Buena Vista County. He was born in Woodstock, Vermont, in 1841, his parents being John A. and Sarah (Patrick) Pratt, both of whom spent their entire lives in the old Green Mountain State. The grandparents were also natives of Vermont and the grandmother, Freedom Moore, was the first child born in Windsor, that state, after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. John A. Pratt, the father of our subject, was a very prominent man in Woodstock, Vermont, and in fact was well known throughout the entire state. As his grandfather and father were also named John, he was called John the Third, and finally petitioned the legislature of Vermont for the addition of the A. to his name. For a number of years he acted as sheriff of his county and likewise held various other public offices. He served as a lieutenant in the war of 1812 and at the close of the hostilities was sent by the United States government in charge of a surveying party to determine the boundary line of the state. He was an extensive landowner and a most prosperous and public-spirited citizen. Prominent in Masonry, he held important official positions in the fraternity for many years and was serving as grand master at the time of the Morgan trouble, taking an active part in the reconstruction of the order. His demise occurred in 1852 and his wife survived him for only two years, being called to her final rest in 1854. END H. J. POULSON H. J. Poulson deserves mention in this volume from the fact that he is numbered among Buena Vista county's old settlers, for he has made his home here since the spring of 1874, covering a period of more than three decades. He was formerly actively engaged in farming pursuits and although he still own valuable farm property covering three hundred and twenty acres, he is now living retired in a comfortable home in Alta. Mr. Poulson was born in Denmark, June 15, 1845, and was there reared and educated. Hearing favorable reports concerning the advantages to be enjoyed in the new world, when a young man of twenty years he decided to emigrate to this country and accordingly, in 1865, made his way to the United States. He located first in Chicago, Illinois, where he learned the carpenter's trade and subsequently did contracting and building, and he was also engaged in railroading for a time in that city. It was during his residence there that he was married, the date being June 24, 1871, and the lady of his choice, Miss Marie C. Peterson, who was likewise a native of Denmark, where she was reared. Following their marriage the young couple remained in Chicago during the succeeding three years, or until the spring of 1874, when they made their way to Buena Vista County, Iowa, where Mr. Poulson had previously made a trip and purchased land. Taking up his abode thereon, Mr. Poulson at once began to clear and develop his tract and in due course of time had opened up a good farm. He likewise built a good residence, barn and outbuildings and form his tract of one hundred and sixty acres annually gathered rich harvests. After a residence of four years on his farm, he removed to Alta, where he erected a modern residence. He there engaged in buying and shipping stock and as he prospered in his undertakings, he accumulated a completence that enabled his to invest in more land, becoming an owner of two farms in Nokomis township, one comprising two hundred and fifty acres and a second of one hundred and sixty acres. He still retains possession of the land from which he derives a good rental. He has been an active factor in the advancement of Alta, having built and operated the flouring mill at this place for several years. He also completed a modern home for himself. He has led a very busy and active life and well deserves the rest which he is now enjoying. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Poulson has been blessed with seven children, but one daughter, Emma, died at the age of two years and a son died in infancy. The living members are: William, who is engaged in business in Colorado; Ames, a farmer of Nokomis township; Emma, the wife of A. B. Converse, who is connected with the First National Bank in Sioux City, Iowa; Bertha, the wife of Julius Bold, a business man of Story City, this state; and Alice, a young lady at home. Where state and national questions are involved, Mr. Poulson gives his political support to the men and measures of democracy, but at local elections casts an independent ballot. He has filled some public offices, having served on the village council for eighteen years and has been president of the school board at Alta for a number of years. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Poulson was formerly a Master Mason but has demitted from that order. He takes a just pride in the progress which his hometown had made in the past few years, and in every movement and measure that is calculated to benefit his community he takes a deep interest. He has made good use of the opportunities that have come to him since he first located in America and by his indomitable perseverance and energy has worked his way upward until he is now classed with the well-to-do citizens of Buena Vista county. END