IowaJones/Biographies/H. C. Ahrendsen

H. C. Ahrendsen–S. Alexander

Hans C. Ahrendsen
Born February 1866

With the passing away of Hans C. Ahrendsen Hale township lost one of its progressive and representative agriculturists, who for a number of years was closely identified with farming interests here. Born across the waters, he is a native of Holstein Germany, his birth having there occurred on the 22d of February, 1866. His parents were Lawrence and Christine (Peterson) Ahrendsen, both natives of Germany, who came to United States when their son was a young man of twenty years. The father followed farming here for some many years and now resides in Olin, Jones county, while his wife has already passed to her final rest. Six members of their family, three sons and three daughters, are residents of this county, while one daughter still makes her home in the fatherland.

Hans C. Ahrendsen spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his native land, there acquiring his education in the common schools, and after his arrival in Jones county, Iowa, he began working as a farm hand by the month, being this engaged for six years. At the expiration of that period, desiring that his efforts should more directly benefit himself, he took up agricultural pursuits on his own account, operating a farm in the capacity of a renter until three years ago. In the meantime he had carefully saved his money with the hope that some time he would own a farm of his own. The invariable law of destiny accords success to untiring industry, energy and perseverance, and through the manifestation of those qualities Mr. Ahrendsen was eventually able to satisfy his ambition. He became the owner of two hundred acres of fine farming land located on section 21, Hale township, and to its further development he directed his energies. He brought the fields under a high state of cultivation and erected new and substantial buildings, making all of the improvements upon the place which today make it one of the valuable farming properties of the township. Everything about the place indicates that he was in touch with the modern spirit of progress which is manifest in agricultural lines, while his interests were so wisely and carefully conducted that he won substantial success and was numbered among the representative and progressive farmers of the locality.

It was on the 1st of January, 1892, that Mr. Ahrendsen was united in marriage to Miss. Dora Rohwedder, a native of Bryant, Clinton county, Iowa, born on the 30th of January, 1871. Most of her life, however, was passed in Jones county. Her parents were Hans and Margaret (Gobel) Rohwedder, natives of Germany, who came to the United States, the latter passing away in Clinton county, Iowa, while the former now makes his home in Hale township, this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ahrendsen were born seven children, namely: Margaret, Leonard, Hilda, Carl, Hans, Arthur and Anita.

In politics Mr. Ahrendsen gave his allegiance to the democracy, doing all in his power to further the influence of that party in the community although he neither sought nor desired public office for himself, preferring to concentrate his energies upon the conduct of his business affairs. He was not remiss, however in the duties of citizenship, for his influence was ever upon the side of progress, improvement, reform and advancement. He passed away on the 14th day of September, and his death was the occasion of deep regret among the many warm friends whom he had gained during his residence in Jones county, and who entertained for him high regard because of his many sterling qualities.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 359.

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William Aitken
Born September, 1823

WILLIAM AITKEN, farmer, Jackson Twp., Sec. 1; P.O. Amber; born in September, 1823, in Perthshire, Scotland; May 4, 1869, he came to Jones Co., Iowa; owns 160 acres of land. Married Christina Lawson in 1818; she was born in 1823, in Perthshire, Scotland; have three children—Jessie (now Mrs. Henderson, living in Scotland), David and Catharine. Presbyterian.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 607.

Henry Albertson
Born 1837

HENRY ALBERTSON, farmer, Wayne Twp., Sec. 6; P.O. Langworthy; born in Pennsylvania in 1823; came to Jones Co. in 1856, where he has since resided. Wife's maiden name was Jane Dunmer, a native of Pennsylvania also; they were married October 5, 1843; have had ten children, eight of whom are now living, named as follows: Charles, James, Elizabeth, Daniel, Isabelle, Mary, Susan, Grant; those dead were named Sarah and Jacob. One son was in the late war of the rebellion, Charles, a member of the 31st I.V.I.; enlisted in September, 1861; was discharged July 4, 1865; he belonged to Co. H; was wounded in the leg, below the knee, by a shot which struck it at the battle of Memphis, Tenn.; was also in the battle at Lookout Mountain, and, while there, captured five rebels and marched them into camp alone; was under Gen. Sherman during the latter part of the war: and was in the famous "march to the sea;" was also at Richmond when it fell. Mr. Abertson has been a Road Supervisor in his town; he and his family are members of the M.E. Church. Mr. A. is a Republican; owns 150 acres.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 620.

William Albertson
Born 1821

WILLIAM ALBERTSON, farmer, See. 6; P.O. Langworthy; born in Pennsylvania in 1821; came to Jones Co. in 1857, where he has since resided; wife's maiden name was Rebecca Brush, also a native of Pennsylvania; they were married in 1847; had eleven children, six living, named as follows: Margaret Jane, Mary Ellen, Carl, Martha, Hattie and William. Mr. and Mrs. Albertson are members of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. A, is a Republican; owns 160 acres.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 620.

William Alden
Born September 21, 1820

WILLIAM H. ALDEN, farmer, Madison Twp., Sec. 34; P.O. Wyoming; born September 21, 1820, in Plymouth Co., Mass.; in 1855, came to Jones Co. Owns 430 acres of land. Has been School Director, Township Trustee, Township Collector, Township Treasurer, etc. Married Emily J. Williams in February, 1857; she was born in Vermont; have five children—Alton G., Hattie, Mary, Emma and Edith. Republican.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 614.

Rev. O. E. Aldrich
Born October 29, 1825

REV. O. E. ALDRICH, County Superintendent of Schools, Wyoming; born October 29, 1825, in Orleans Co., N.Y.; when about 4 years of age, came to Madison Co., Ohio with his parents. After attending the Brooklin Academy four terms, he attended the Geauga Seminary about five years; he then traveled as a home missionary, and graduated in Granville College, Ohio; received the degree of A.M. Previous to this he had taught a select school, and was Principal of an academy. He is a Free-Will Baptist, having preached seven years in Spencer, Madison Co. In 1857, he came to Jones Co., and improved a farm of 160 acres. He preached at Central City, Iowa, about five years, and erected a very fine church edifice here; he also raised a Church at Clay, Scotch Grove, Hale and Waubeck. He baptized eighty members in one year in Hale, where he was also Pastor. He was appointed in 1874 to fill the vacancy as County Superintendent of Schools; afterward elected to this position, which he now holds. Married Emma Post in 1851; she was born in 1828, in Oneida Go., N.Y.; have three children—Adaline J. (now Mrs. Gilbert), Jennie B. and Lillie May. Republican.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 598.

J. W. Alexander
Born October 1, 1828

J. W. ALEXANDER, farmer, Madison Twp., Sec. 10; P.O. Onslow; born October 1, 1828, in Ireland; in 1833, came to Dearborn Co., Ind.; in 1858, to Jackson Co.; in 1861, he removed to Jones Co. He owns 205 acres of land. His mother lives here with him; she is now in her 93d year; his father died in 1844, aged 55 years.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 614.

Samuel Alexander
Born Dee. 8, 1834

SAMUEL ALEXANDER, farmer, Madison Twp., Sec. 15; P.O. Center Junction; born Dee. 8, 1834, in Ireland; when a child, he came to Dearborn Co., Ind., with his parents; in 1858, he came to Jackson Co.; in 1861, he removed to Jones Co. He owns 140 acres of land. Married Phebe A. Gale January 3, 1871; she was born in Schoharie Co., N.Y., February 16, 1847; have four children—Mary, Nellie, Sarah and Lulu. Republican.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 614.