IAGenWeb Project - Allamakee co.

Amos W. Nagel

 

Amos W. Nagel devotes his attention to the operation of his farm of two hundred and eighteen acres on section 16, Franklin township, and has met with a gratifying measure of success in his undertakings as an agriculturist. His birth occurred in Clermont, Fayette county, Iowa, on the 3d of December 1862, his parents being Frederick P. And Mary (Meyer) Nagel, both natives of Germany. The father was born in Frankfort in 1822, while the mother’s birth occurred in Mecklenburg in the same year. In early life Frederick P. Nagel worked as a journeyman shoemaker in his native country. Crossing the Atlantic to the United States at an early day, he made his way first to Chicago and at that place conducted a shoe store at the corner of State and Randolph streets. Subsequently he embarked in the same business at Clermont, Iowa, remaining there until 1874 or 1875, when ill health necessitated his removal to a farm in Clayton county, four miles south of Postville. After seven years’ residence there he took up his abode in Franklin township, Allamakee county, and here made his home until the farm was taken over by his son Amos in 1900. In that year he went to Waukon, there spending the remainder of his life in the home of his daughter. His demise occurred in February, 1911, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1891.

Amos W. Nagel, the fifth in order of birth in a family of eight children, obtained his early education in the district schools of Franklin township and later spent one winter in a select school at Waukon. He spent the first twenty-three years of his life under the parental roof and at different times was employed as a farm hand by others. In 1886 he made his was to Omaha, Nebraska, and for eighteen months was there employed in the Omaha and Grant Smelting Works. Returning to this state, he became identified with the photograph business in association with A. C. Norton at Monona and was thus engaged for eighteen months. On the expiration of that period he went to Chicago and worked at that art in the employ of others until he was obliged to abandon it because the close confinement was impairing his health. He was subsequently in the service of Siegel, Cooper and Company for nine months and was afterward employed for one year as a coachman by H. H. Gross, superintendent of the Panoramic. In the fall of 1893 he returned to Franklin township, this county, and has here devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits to the present time, owning two hundred and eighteen acres of rich and productive land on section 16. He has instituted many improvements upon the place, and the farm with its well tilled fields and well kept appearance is the visible evidence of the progressive methods and unfaltering industry of its owner.

On the 11th of October, 1897, Mr. Nagel was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Hammon, who was born at Elkader, Clayton county, on the 19th of August, 1878, her parents being Henry and Augusta (Wittenburg) Hammon, natives of Mecklenburg, Germany. The father’s birth occurred on the 26th of November, 1845, while the mother’s natal day was September 11, 1848. Henry Hammon followed general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career. In 1865 he emigrated with his wife to the United States, arriving in Castle Garden, New York, on the day of Lincoln’s assassination. Making his way to Clayton county, Iowa, he was there actively engaged in farming until his removal to Franklin township, Allamakee county, where he has since resided. Both he and his wife survive and make their home with their sons. Mrs. Nagel was the fourth in order of birth in a family of ten children. By her marriage she has become the mother of nine children, as follows: Lois Winifred, who was born on the 31st of July, 1899, and died on the 5th of May, 1902; Louis Frederick whose natal day was August 19, 1900; Celia Beatrice, whose birth occurred on the 24th of January, 1902; John Albert, born October 31, 1903; Ralph Donald, who was born April 24, 1905; Sybil Irene, born May 16, 1907; Mildred Augusta, whose birth occurred on the 24th of May, 1909; Walter Neal, born January 2, 1911; and Vera Ruth Idelia, who was born on the 9th of December, 1912.

Mr. Nagel gives his political allegiance to the democracy, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran church. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Lodge No.. 70 at Monona. His life, in all of its various relations, has been of such character as to command the respect and esteem of those with whom he has been associated.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Diana Diedrich

Return to 1913 biographies index