The full biographical sketch as printed, transcribed from the public-domain book. Spelling and wording are the original author’s; a few scanning errors may remain.
GEORGE KELCH.
George Kelch, who has lived retired in West Liberty for the past nine years, was long and successfully identified with agricultural pursuits in this part of the state. His birth occurred in Germany on the 20th of February, 183 1, his parents being Nicholas and Katherine Kelch, who were likewise natives of that country. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1834,' locating at Westfield, New Jersey, where they continued to reside for about forty years. On the expiration of that period they removed to Cedar county, Iowa, and there spent the remainder of their lives. Unto them were born nine children, seven of whom are yet living.
George Kelch, who was but three years of age when brought to this country by his parents, obtained his education in the common schools of New Jersey. He remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority and then began providing for his own livelihood, working as a farm hand for ten years. In 1865 he came to Iowa, purchasing and locating on a farm in Cedar county which he operated until 1902, when he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in West Liberty, where he has since lived in hon- orable retirement. He owns a fine residence at No. 419 Third street and still has eighty acres of valuable farm land.
In March, 1854, Mr. Kelch was united in marriage to Miss Georgiana Pier, a native of New Jersey, by whom he had seven children, as follows : Mary J., the wife of B. A. Conklin, of Cedar county, Iowa; Carrie, the wife of Henry Rumels, of Johnson county, Iowa; Albert, who is a resident of Illinois; Frank and John, who make their home in Cedar county ; and George and Anna M., both of whom are deceased.
Mr. Kekh is a stanch democrat in politics but has never sought office as a reward for his party feahy. He has now reached the eightieth milestone on life's journey and is spending his declining years in the enjoyment of well earned ease, respected and esteemed by all who know him.
Source: History of Muscatine County, Iowa. See the original pages at the Internet Archive.
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