Nicholas Colsch
Nicholas Colsch, who since 1894 has been prominently connected
with agricultural interests of Allamakee county, Iowa, owning
today three hundred and fifty-seven acres in Iowa township, is
one of the many sturdy, industrious and able men whom Germany has
given to America, his birth having occurred in that country in
1861. The father died in Germany, where the mother still makes
her home.
Nicholas Colsch acquired his education in the public schools of
his native country and there remained until 1883, when he crossed
the Atlantic to America, settling at once in Allamakee county,
Iowa, where he has since made his home and where he is now
numbered among the most substantial and progressive citizens. He
spent the first four years after his arrival working as a farm
laborer, and then rented land, which he developed and improved
for six years, after which he bought a portion of his present
farm in Iowa township. He purchased first one hundred and
seventy-five acres to which he has since added from time to time,
his holdings now comprising three hundred and fifty-seven acres.
The land is located five miles southwest of New Albin and one
hundred and eighty acres are in a high state of cultivation,
excellent harvests annually rewarding Mr. Colsch’s careful
supervision and practical labors. In addition to cultivating his
fields, he is also extensively interested in stock-raising,
breeding and fattening fine animals which he sells in the local
markets. Besides his fine farm in Iowa township he owns also one
hundred and sixty acres in South Dakota, and he is connected with
business interests of New Albin as a stockholder in the Farmers
Cooperative Store, the Cooperative Creamery Company and the
Farmers Produce Company.
Mr. Colsch married in 1887 Miss Louisa Teff, a native of
Allamakee county, born in 1863. She is a daughter of Hillis and
Catrina Teff, both of whom reside in Dorchester, Iowa. Mr. and
Mrs. Colsch became the parents of ten children: Leo, who was born
in 1889, and who is married and lives in Allamakee county;
George, who was born in 1891; Julia, whose birth occurred in
1895; Nicholas, Jr., born in 1896; Martha, born in 1898;
Josephine, whose birth occurred in 1901; Charley, born in 1903;
Maggie, born in 1906; and Rosa M. and Mary P., who have passed
away.
Fraternally Mr. Colsch is identified with the Modern Woodmen of
America and politically he gives his allegiance to the republican
party. Although not active in politics he is always eager to
advance the general interests of the community and is especially
interested in educational affairs, having done able work in this
cause as a member of the school board. He has made substantial
contributions to the agricultural development of the section
where he makes his home and, moreover, he has by his upright life
and honorable business standards won the esteem, confidence and
regard of all who are in any way associated with him.
-source: Past
& Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S.
J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Linda Earnheart
Return to Bio index