August Hager

As printed in 1912

AUGUST HAGER.

It is almost unnecessary at this time to speak of the part played by European aliens, many of them exiles, in the upbuilding of this nation. They thronged our shores on the Atlantic prior to the Revolution; the stream grew larger and more constant at its close, and they have continued to come in everincreasing numbers. We have always plenty of room for them and they pay us back manifold by their industrious and frugal lives and by their contributions to the prosperity of almost every section of the national union.

One of the worthy sons of the old fatherland who has become one of Jasper county's progressive citizens is August Hager. well known mill operator of Baxter. He was born in Lippe-Detmold, Germany, September 5,

1875, and there he grew to maturity and received his education in the common schools. He is the son of Herman and Sophia (Stock) Hager, both natives of Germany, the father having died in that country several years ago, but the mother is still living in the old country. Five children were born to them, namely: Herman lives in Germany; Fred, who is president of the State Savmgs Bank of Baxter, was born November 29, 1863, and he is one of the leading business men of this vicinity; Lena Stoelting lives hi Germany; Lena Einsmeyer is also still a resident of her native land; August of this sketch is the youngest.

August Hager emigrated to America in 1894 and located at Baxter, Iowa, and entered the employ of his brother in the local flouring mill, and with the exception of six months spent in farm work he has continued in this business to the present time, having bought the mill from his brother in 1902, Henry Noah being an equal partner from July, 1902. This is one of the best known and most popular mills in the county and has a wide and ever growing patronage, for high grade work is done here at all times and every caution is observed in order to please and give honest service. It is equipped with the most up-to-date and best approved machinery and is properly prepared in every respect to turn out the best material promptly. The products are eagerly sought for all over the country and the mill is usually run at its full capacity, seventy barrels daily, many car loads being shipped to various localities.

On April 6, 1904, August Hager was married to Carrie Kracht, who was born in Independence township, Jasper county, Iowa, August 9. 1878. She is the daughter of Adolph and Wilhelmina (Begemann) Kracht, both born in Lippe-Detmold, Germany, the father on June 29, 1841, and the mother on December 7, 1847. They grew up, were educated and married in the fatherland, and came to Iowa in early life and they now live retired in Baxter, having secured a competency. There were eleven children in their family. The two eldest, Henry and Matilda, died in infancy; Fred, born in Wisconsin, December 19, 1873, lives in Baxter; William died when eight years old; Lydia, born December 5, 1879, lives in Baxter; Carrie, wife of Mr. Hager of this review; Elvina Wintermeier lives in Independence township, this county; Adolph, born March 2, 1884, lives in Baxter; Emma, born December 13, 1884, lives in Baxter; Anna, born November 13, 1887, also lives in Baxter.

Politically, Mr. Hager is a Democrat. He is a member of the German Reformed church of Independence township. He has always been a student of the world's best literature and of the current topics of the times. He has led a commendable life since coming among us and has made a host of friends who admire him for his business ability, his progress! veness and honesty.

As printed in Past and present of Jasper County, Iowa (1912). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.