From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 643.

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

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Western Historical Company, Chicago, 1879, page 701.

Alexander Beatty, Jr., has always lived on the farm which was his birthplace and is his home today. He attended the district schools of the township, from which he derived a fair education, and then returned to the duties at home which had not been relinquished during the years he was a student, for from an early age he assisted in the cultivation of his father's farm. When the latter was released from the cares of this world he assumed the management of the place, purchasing the interests of the other heirs. Since then he has devoted all his time and energies to agricultural pursuits, making the one hundred and thirty acres produce bountiful harvests. His industry has brought him a pronounced success and it has also served as an inspiration to others who have witnessed the substantial returns that have resulted from it.

In June, 1894, Mr. Beatty wedded Miss Sadie Nachtrieb, who was born in Cascade, Iowa, in 1870, and was a daughter of John and Harriett (Lewis) Nachtrieb, one of the three children born to the couple. Both parents are dead now but during their lives they were important members of the agricultural community of Dubuque county. Mrs. Nachtrieb was a native of Indiana, while her husband was born in Germany, but he had come to the United States in his youth. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Beatty: Beulah M. and Gladys.

In political matters Mr. Beatty has always given his support to the republican ,candidates, being wholly in sympathy with the platform of that party, but has never sought office or any public recognition of his abilities, He has been very active, however, in the Cascade Lodge, No. 127, A.F.&A.M., not only participating in most of the meetings but through the occupancy of many of the chairs directing the policy of the organization there. With his wife he belongs to the Eastern Star, No. 626, at Cascade, and like her is a consistent member of the Baptist church.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 222.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, 1879, page 689, and submitted by Lori J. Mentzel

Benjamin B. Behrends was but five years of age when his father died, so that as soon as he was able he had to assist his mother. Until he was twenty he remained at home, and then went to St. Louis to attend high school, having long looked forward to the time when he might continue the education received in the county school. After one year spent in that city he obtained a position as clerk in a grocery store, going two years later to Le Mars, Iowa, where he engaged in the grocery business for himself. Two years later he sold his interests there, going thence to Monticello, where he opened a store, which he conducted very profitably for eleven years. At the end of that period, however, he decided that he would like an agricultural life better, so he came to Lovell township, where he leased the farm he tills at present. It is a tract of one hundred and sixty-six acres, which besides being fitted for diversified farming, affords a good pasture for his cattle, for he has engaged extensively in the dairy business. The venture has so far prospered very well and Mr. Behrends has every reason to be pleased with his change of occupation. Although the agricultural life and the commercial are far different in character the principles upon which he based his success in the business world are not unlike those upon which he hopes to build his prosperity as a farmer. Through years of experience he has learned the value of hard work if one is to satisfy his ambitions, and of good management if he is to win the best returns for his expenditure of effort. The capacity for these two essentials have always been among his salient characteristics.

In 1887 Mr. Behrends wedded Miss Rosie Ichenberger, a native of Switzerland. Seven children were born of this union: Henry T., Frederick, Otto, George, Benjamin, Jr., Anna M., and one who died in infancy. Mrs. Behrends died in 1881, and when Mr. Behrends married again his second wife was Miss Margaret Lubben. She was born in Germany but had come to America with her parents in 1881 Five children were born of this union: Anna Marie, William, Frieda C., and Herman and Arthur, who were twins and have died. The parents are members of the German Reformed church, while politically Mr. Behrends has always given his support to the democratic party. He has never been an aspirant for public office, however, although he takes an interest in the progress of local affairs.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 35.

From History of Jones County, Iowa, 1879, (Chicago, Western Historical Publishing Co.), p. 585, and submitted by Mary Kay Kuhfittig.