The full biographical sketch as printed in 1914, transcribed from the public-domain book. Spelling and wording are the original author’s; a few scanning errors may remain.
ANDREW J. FRIESNER.
The importance that attaches to the lives, character and work of the early settlers of Sac county and the influence they have exerted upon the cause of humanity and civilization is one of the most absorbing themes that can possibly attract the attention of the local chronicler of histories. If great and beneficent results — results that endure and bless mankind — are the proper measure of the good men do, then who is there in the world's history that can take their places above the hardy pioneer? To point out the way, to make possible our present advancing civilization, its happy homes, its arts and sciences, its discoveries and inventions, its education, literature, culture, re- finement and social life and joy, is to be the truly great benefactors of man- kind for all time. This was the great work accomplished by the earl}' settlers, and it is granted b)' all that they builded wiser than they knew. Admit that, as a rule, but few ever realized in the dimmest way the transcendent possibili- ties that rested upon their shoulders ; grant it that their lives, in certain in- stances, were somewhat narrow and that they realized but little the great results that ultimately crowned their efforts, yet there exists the supreme fact that they followed their restless impulses, took their lives in their hands, penetrated the wilderness and, with a patient energy, resolution and self- sacrifice that stands alone and unparalleled, they worked out their allotted tasks, accomplished their destinies and today their descendants and others enjoy undisturbed the fruitage of their labors.
Among the worthy class referred to above, there is no one who deserves more honorable mention among the citizens of Sac county than A. J. Friesner,
who was horn July 18, 1859, in Coles county, Illinois. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Friesner and came to Sac county from Illinois in 1S66, when he was seven years of age. He has spent his whole life in this county and has devoted has career to agricultural interests. He now has eightv acres of excellent farming land in Coon \^alley township, on which he raises all of the crops peculiar to this climate.
Mr. Friesner was married in 1886 to Matilda Cleveland, of Sac county, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Cleveland. To this union ha\e been born fourteen children, Noah. Fred, Herbet, Robert, Joseph, Archie, Floyd, Henry, Arnold, Lester., Elsie, Laura, Golden and Pearl. .Ml of these children, except the oldest, are at home with their parents.
Politically, Mr. Friesner has always identified himself with the Republi- can party, but, while taking an interest in the success of his party, has never tak^.. an active part in its various activities. Mr. Friesner is one of the farmers in Sac county who were here in 1870, and for this reason he thoroughly appreciates the wonderful advance which has been made in civ- ilization in this county in the past forty years. He has seen the countv grow from a broad prairie tract to its present prosperous condition and has taken his full share in bringing about this change. Being a man of industrv and strict integrity, he has, by his clean and wholesome life since living in this county, won the esteem of a large circle of friends.
Source: History of Sac County, Iowa (1914. See the original pages at the Internet Archive.
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