Hans Stoltenberg

As printed in 1910

HANS STOLTENBERG.

The strong qualities of industry and frugality which are marked characteristics of the German race were conspicuous in securing for Hans Stoltenberg the success which enabled him to retire from the active life of the farm and live in the enjoyment of many comforts in Davenport. He was born in Germany, September 20, 1828, his parents being Hans and Anna (Mundt) Stoltenberg. With his wife and twelve children the father came to America in 1847. He landed at New Orleans and later ascended the Mississippi river to Davenport. In Scott "county he bought seven hundred acres of fine farm land about five miles from the city. Unfortunately, however, he was not permitted to enjoy it or to see the success of his children for he died about two months after his arrival.

His son Hans Stoltenberg was about eighteen years of age when he left his native land. He had received all his education in the public schools there and after coming to this country assisted the family in settling upon the new farm. After the father's death he and his brother Claus remained there for six years and the tasks were many and hard that were laid upon their shoulders in order to care for their brothers and sisters until this land, which had been but little cultivated, was producing richly. At the end of six years the homestead was divided between the children and for the next twenty-two years Hans Stoltenberg remained upon his share of the estate. A skillful farmer, he soon had his fields highly cultivated and his place well improved, winning therefrom large and ample returns for his labor. With advancing years he determined to give up the active operation of the place and came to Davenport in 1887, where he devotes himself to looking after his several interests, for besides retaining possession of lis farm he holds some stock in the Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank.

Mr. Stoltenberg was married in 1854 to Miss Elda Baresa and they had seven children: Minnie, the wife of Richard Petersen and a resident of Davenport;

Henry, who wedded Miss Tillie Speck and has seven children; William, who married A. Hoss; Amelia, who is the wife of E. Stoltenberg; Louis, who wedded Melia Deckman; Edward; Mrs. Theresa Miller; and Caroline who became the wife of William Mann. For his second wife Mr. Stoltenberg wedded Miss Elizabeth Hoss. The family have been raised in the Lutheran church in harmony with whose teachings they endeavor to order their lives and in whose support Mr. Stoltenberg has always been liberal. He belongs to the Society of Old Settlers here and, having witnessed and participated in the growth of Davenport, the memories of his past years are rich in reminiscences of the early days and the incidents and hardships connected with them. His home is at 911 West Seventh street.

As printed in History of Davenport and Scott County Iowa : Illustrated (1910). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.