Paul E. Topel
Paul E. and Tillie (Kamin) Topel
The career of Paul E. Topel is another proof of the fact that
this rich country supplies opportunities for all who seek them
out. A foreign born citizen, Mr. Topel came to America at the age
of sixteen practically empty in pocket but rich in determination
and fired with the ambition to succeed. Combining German
thoroughness with American enterprise, he succeeded and today
owns one of the most valuable farms in Post township, Allamakee
county, a property comprising one hundred and seventy-five acres
of land, improved with fine buildings, having its own water
system and its own electric light plant, and in its completeness
and modern equipment being a monument to Mr. Topel’s
thorough methods and his industry and energy. However, while he
has given much of his time and attention to the improvement of
this splendid farm, he has found time to devote to other causes
and is especially prominent in his church, in the upbuilding of
which he has taken an interest which has produced moral and
intellectual advancement.
Born in Pomerania, Germany, November 7, 1868, his parents were
August and Wilhelmina (Kamin) Topel, both natives of that German
province. The father was born January 2, 1829, and the mother
March 9, 1830. He was a carpenter and contractor by trade and
gained a livelihood as a builder, following this occupation from
his early manhood until his demise. Both parents spent their
entire lives in Germany. The father served the regular term in
the army and this was practically the only time that he was
absent from his business. Mr. and Mrs. Topel had four children,
of whom Paul E. is the youngest.
Growing up under parental care in a systematic German household,
Paul E. Topel was early taught by his parents the advantage of
honesty, industry and thrift. These three cardinal
characteristics have never left him and have been the foundation
upon which his American success rests. When old enough Mr. Topel
entered school and received his education in Germany, which
country remained his home until he attained the age of sixteen
years. To the imagination of a growing lad the opportunities of
America loomed large and he decided to emigrate. Crossing the
ocean and making his way inland, he went direct to Chicago, where
for one year he worked in the stock yards, thence removing to
Iowa and engaging as a farm hand. For four years he was so
occupied, rendering good service to his employers and saving his
earnings. He then married and after that event brought forty
acres of land, which forms the nucleus of his present holdings
and which he began to clear and cultivate. His labors brought
results and as his means increased he added to his place small
tracts until he now owns one hundred and seventy-five acres,
highly improved with modern buildings which are among the finest
in Post township. His land is brought to a high state of
cultivation by fertilization and the scientific rotation of crops
and its yearly yield is at a maximum. In 1912 Mr. Topel erected a
modern barn thirty-six by eighty feet which adds value to his
farm and takes care of his increasing live-stock interests. The
latest equipment and machinery are installed upon his place which
by its appearance proves the thorough and up-to-date methods
employed and the resultant prosperity to the owner of the
property. Mr. Topel has installed his own water system and also
an electric light plant which furnishes not only illumination but
power to machinery
On January 31, 1890, Mr. Topel was united in marriage to Miss
Tillie Kamin, who was born in Pomerania, Germany, September 13,
1869, a daughter of Henry and Augusta (Schroeder) Kamin, the
former born July 2, 1825 and the latter September 17, 1831, in
the same province. The father remained in Germany until he was
forty-six years of age, when both he and his wife went to
Chicago, Illinois, where they made their home for nine years.
They then came to Allamakee county, locating in Post township on
a part of Mr. Topel’s present farm, where they continued
until their deaths, spending their later years in retirement, and
making their home with Mr. and Mrs. Topel. The father died July
29, 1909, and the mother, March 28, 1911. In their family were
three children, of whom Mrs. Topel is the youngest.
Mr. and Mrs. Topel have four children: Rosetta Clara, born
February 12, 1891, who is the wife of Fred Hilmer, an
agriculturist of Ludlow township; Clara Bessie, born May 27,
1898, who resides at home; Arthur Walter, born August 29, 1899;
and Ralph Herman, whose natal day was October 19, 1906.
Politically Mr. Topel reserves an independent judgment, giving
his support to the most efficient candidate without regard to
party lines. Although he has never aspired to public office, he
has consented to accept the position of treasurer of the school
board of his district, being guided by his deep interest in the
cause of education and administering the affairs under his charge
in a highly satisfactory way. He is a member of the Presbyterian
church of Frankville and shows his interest in its work by
serving as elder for twenty years. He is also prominently
connected with Sunday-school work, being a member of the
executive committee of the Iowa State Sunday School Association.
Fraternally Mr. Topel is a member of the Brotherhood of American
Yeomen, being connected with Frankville lodge. Having started out
in life with no particular advantages, Mr. Topel has attained to
a position which solicits respect and esteem, both of which are
given him freely. While he has attained personal prosperity he
has been a valuable unit in promoting agricultural development in
Allamakee county and has done much toward raising agricultural
standards by instituting and following the latest known farming
methods. His career must be classed as entirely successful as he
has not only gained financial independence but has made many
friends and enjoys the confidence of all who know him.
-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