pgs. 185-186

ALBERT ALLENSTEIN

Albert Allenstein, a worthy native son and enterprising agriculturist of Delaware county, is the owner of an excellent farm comprising one hundred and eleven and a half acres on sections 6 and 7, Richland township. His birth occurred on the 18th of July, 1864, his parents being George and Mary (Neighman) Allenstein, both of whom were natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States in 1862 and were married in Delaware county, Iowa. George Allenstein here continued to reside until called to his final rest in 1906, the community thus losing one of its substantial agriculturists and respected citizens. His widow survives and is well known and highly esteemed here, the period of her residence in this county covering more than a half century. They became the parents of six children, all of whom are yet living.

Albert Allenstein attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. He then started out as an agriculturist on his own account and after cultivating rented land for four years purchased a tract of one hundred and eleven and a half acres on sections 6 and 7, Richland township, in the operation of which he has since been actively engaged. The land was covered with timber when it came into his possession and much arduous labor was necessary before it was ready for the plow, but Mr. Allenstein set himself to the task with commendable zeal and as the years have gone by has improved his property until it is now an excellent and valuable farm. He cultivates the cereals best adapted to soil and climate and conducts a dairy, this branch of his business also proving profitable.

In 1886 Mr. Allenstein was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wesley, who was born in Delaware county, Iowa, September 21, 1864, her parents being Jacob and Josephine Wesley, the former now a resident of South Dakota, while the latter is deceased. They had eleven children, nine of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Allenstein are the parents of two children. Rudolph J., who was born November 25, 1888, and is still at home with his father, wedded Miss Leta Steltzmiller, a native of Clayton county, Iowa. Louis J., who was born February 8, 1891, and received professional training at Davenport, Iowa, is now a chiropractic of Madison, South Dakota.

Mr. Allenstein gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has served as school director for a number of years, being a stanch friend of the cause of education. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, belonging to Camp No. 2605, in which he has filled some of the chairs. His wife is a devout communicant of the Catholic church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Allenstein have spent their entire lives in Delaware county and have won an extensive circle of friends and acquaintances within its borders.

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