Adolph Popken

The sturdy German has played a conspicuous role and has had a large part in the development of the state of Iowa. The seeds of their thrift and energy, the sturdiness of their race and the fervor of their religious belief, have been beneficially scattered broadcast throughout the state. A representative of this race, Adolph Popken, who has devoted much of his active life to agricultural pursuits in Plymouth county, was born in Oldenburg, Germany, on October 5, 1875, the son of Gerhard and Hannah (Johnson) Popken.

Gerhard and Hannah (Johnson) Popken were also natives of Germany, and there they were educated in the public schools, were married, and in that country their children were born and there the parents died some years ago. They were active members of the German Lutheran church and were prominent in all church work. The father, who was a drayman, was one of the worthy citizens of his home district. He and his wife were the parents of four children, George, Dena, Helena and Adolph. George is a resident of Brunsville, Iowa; Dena is the wife of John Enken, of Le Mars; Helena is the wife of Jacob Cordes, of Danforth, Illinois.

Adolph Popken attended the public schools in Germany, where he resided until he was fourteen years of age, when in 1889, he decided to come to America. On his arrival in the United States, he at once came to Danforth, Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand for two years, after which he came to Plymouth county. Here he worked in Washington township for one year, and then for one year he rented land in Grant township. On October 22, 1902, he was united in marriage to Clara Harm Kruse, a native of Grundy county, Iowa, and the daughter of Harm H. and Antje (Schmidt) Kruse. Her parents were both natives of Germany and later as young man and woman, came to the United States, in 1866. They located in Ackley, Iowa, and were there married. in 1885, they came to Plymouth county, where they purchased land in section 19, Grant township. The tract at that time was all wild land, and was for the most part undeveloped. A small house and stable were erected, and here they established their home. The farm was later developed and more substantial buildings erected, and here Mr. Kruse engaged in general farming until the time of his death on December 12, 1894. As a farmer and stockman he was most successful, and at the time of his death, he was the owner of six hundred and forty acres of excellent land, all of which was under cultivation and well improved. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Kruse has made her home on the old homestead. She is an estimable lady and she and her late husband had many friends throughout the county. They were active members of the German Lutheran church of Preston township, and during their active life, took much interest in all Church work.

Harm H. and Antje Kruse were the parents of the following children; Dick, John, Harm, Hilka, Anna, Tena, Clara. Dick is a successful farmer of Washington township and is married to Kathrena Frerichs; John married Hannah Reemts and is engaged in farming in Washington township; Harm H. married Annie Nannen, and is engaged in farming in Grant township; Annie is the wife of Herman Frerichs, a well-known farmer of Grant township; Tena is the wife of H. J. Mammen, of Grant township, and Clara is the wife of Adolph Popken. To Adolph and Clara Popken haves been born seven children, Dora, Albert, Alma, Clara, Emma, Della and Hilda, all of whom are at home with the parents. For eleven years after his marriage, Mr. Popken rented the old Kruse homestead, and is now the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of the place. In 1914 he built the present modern house, in which are installed a furnace, lights and running water. In addition to the house, he has made many other valuable improvements on the place. He is engaged in general farming and stock raising, and keeps many fine Shorthorn cattle, mixed hogs and excellent draft horses.

Adolph Popken has always taken and active interest in local affairs, and has much to do with the civic life of the township. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church and are held in the highest regard by all who know them.