Charles B. Bachtell

 

Although a native of Pennsylvania, Charles B. Bachtell has practically spent his entire life in Iowa, where for many years he was prominently connected with agricultural pursuits, actively operating a large and profitable farm of two hundred and forty acres. In 1909, however, he removed to Postville, where he now resides in a handsome residence set in a plat of five acres, still supervising the operation of a two hundred and twenty-five acre farm, which he cultivates by the means of hired help. Mr. Bachtell also has other valuable property in Postville. He was born April 23, 1849, a native of Chester county, Pennsylvania, and a son of David and Susanna (Davis) Bachtell, both natives of the same county of the Keystone state. The father was born December 18, 1818, and the mother, May 6, 1819. In early life the father followed the trade of butcher, but gave up that line in favor of farming when he came to Iowa in 1853. He settled at National, Clayton county, later buying land and, in the course of years, becoming one of the leading agriculturists of his section. He continued to reside there, near Elkader, and passed away on February 17, 1891, his wife’s demise occurring within one month, on March 13. In their family were ten children, of whom Charles B. of this review is the fifth in order of birth.

Charles B. Bachtell was brought by his parents to Iowa when but four years of age and, in the acquirement of his education, attended school at Elkader, making use of such opportunities as were afforded pupils at that pioneer period. He subsequently attended district school near there in Clayton county. At the early age of sixteen Mr. Bachtell tried his hand at farming and, hiring out, worked for others until thirty years of age, carefully saving his earnings during that time with a view toward independence. He then married and bought a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he resided for thirty-one years, profitably engaged in general farming and stock raising. As his means permitted, he had added to this farm until he owned two hundred and forty acres. In September, 1909, he removed from there to Postville, buying a commodious residence set in a beautiful five-acre tract. However, he still operates a farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres with hired help. Mr. Bachtell is a stockholder in the Canning Factory and also in the Cooperative Creamery of Postville. Moreover, he is interested in the Citizens Bank of this city.

The marriage of Mr. Bachtell and Miss Carrie Carrithers occurred on February 11, 1879. Mrs. Bachtell is a native of Post township, where she was born August 3, 1859, a daughter of William H. and Elizabeth (Smith) Carrithers. The father was born in Ohio county, West Virginia, on December 29, 1829, and the mother in Indiana, at or near Perryville, on May 23, 1833. Their marriage occurred in 1851, in Allamakee county, whence he had come in that year on horseback, the mother arriving in 1849. The father always followed agricultural pursuits and here took up government land, which he cleared, improved and developed, spending the balance of his life, with the exception of two years in the early part of his career, in this county. During those two years he worked in a mill in Clayton county. He was prominently and favorably known in his locality and for some years served as county supervisor. His marriage was performed by Judge Topliff, who was the first judge of Allamakee county. Both he and his wife resided in the home which he first prepared for sixteen years, when he built the residence as it now stands and which is known as the Carrithers homestead. He made a specialty of stock-raising in connection with general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Carrithers had three children, of whom Mrs. Bachtell is the youngest. She grew up on the home farm amid the primitive conditions of pioneer life, under the able guidance of her worthy parents and received her educational advantages in the district school of Post township. Mr. and Mrs. Bachtell became the parents of three children: Elmer C., who was born October 11, 1880, and died at the age of eleven months; one child, born in 1882, who died in infancy; and Ralph William, born March 18, 1889, who resides at home.

In his political affiliations Mr. Bachtell is a republican and, at a period about twenty years ago, served efficiently as township trustee of Post township for three terms, doing valuable work in promoting public interests at that early period. A man of progressive tendencies and sound principles, he has based his success upon determined endeavor and honesty, and the financial independence which has come to him is well merited. Public-spirited and progressive, he has ever been considerate of the general welfare and by his work has done much toward promoting agricultural development. He enjoys the confidence and good-will of all who know him and there are many in the Postville district who are proud to call him friend.

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

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