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Herman J. Ingwersen
Born May 10, 1877 |
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Herman J. Ingwersen is a successful merchant of Oxford, engaged in the hardware business. He is a native of Jones county, born May 10, 1877. His father, Peter C. Ingwersen, was born in Germany, September 16, 1839, and was there reared and educated, and for three years served in the German army. He is one of a family of eight children, born unto Nicholas and Lucy Ingwersen, who emigrated to the new world in 1865, and spent their remaining days in this country. One of 4 their children died prior to their emigration to America and four died here. When twenty-five years old, foreseeing no future in the old world for him and having heard and read a great deal about the freedom and the opportunity for advancement in this country, he decided to leave home. It was in 1864, a year prior to his parents' emigration, that he first set foot on American soil. He was in debt to the extent of one hundred dollars when he arrived here but he possessed the determination and energy that is sure to win success, and accordingly made his way to the west, locating in Clinton county, Iowa. He rented land there for several years and through the cultivation of the same acquired the money that enabled him later to buy a farm in Jones county. He engaged in the operation of that farm for a quarter of a century and then disposed of the place and bought other land, owning at the present time two hundred and fifty acres in Oxford township and he and his son own hundred and sixty-two acres in Clinton county, this state. He also owns a nice residence property in Oxford Junction, where he is living retired.
Mr. Ingwersen was married to Miss Johanna Peterson, who was likewise born in Germany, and their union has been blessed with three sons and one daughter: Paul N., a resident of Hale township, Jones county; L. P., who makes his home in Clinton county; Laura M., at home; and Herman J., of this review. Mr. Ingwersen is a democrat in his political views but has never been active in public affairs. He and his wife were reared in the faith of the Lutheran church, to which they now belong. The superiority of business opportunities and advantages in America is a fact little realized by the man who is born and reared in this country but Mr. Ingwersen, like many others of foreign birth, was quick to appreciate this fact and allowing no opportunity to pass if. he could profit thereby, he has worked his way upward to a substantial place among the valued residents of Oxford and Jones county.
Herman J. Ingwersen, the immediate subject of this review, was educated in the common schools of Jones county and remained on the home farm until he reached years of maturity. He then joined John Buresh in the conduct of a hardware and implement business, in which he is still engaged having bought out the interest of his partner. The industry and perseverance so characteristic of the German race is strong within him and the success he has attained in his chosen field of labor is very gratifying. He is a young man of many good qualities and has many friends both in social and business circles.
Mr. Ingwersen has followed in the political steps of his father and gives his support to the democratic party, on which ticket he was elected and served for five years as township clerk. He is a member of Masonic lodge, NO. 435, at Oxford Junction and is also identified with the Knights of Pythias fraternity.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, pp. 28-29. |
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