Anton Franz KOESTERS Sr.

  General Notes:

Name Suffix:<NSFX> Sr. Source: "Past and Present of Shelby County Iowa" By Edward S. White - - Volume II Illustrated - - 1915 by B. F. Bowen & Company, Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana: Page 787, 788:

KOESTERS, ANTON

The population of the United States is the most cosmopolitan of any on the face of the earth. The statue of Liberty which stands in New York harbor has been the beacon light to the oppressed people of every land, and to our shores have flocked ambitiouspeople from every civilized country on the globe. The magic word liberty has been a talisman which has drawn hither the most enterprising and ambitious men and women and this accounts in a large measure for the wonderful progress which our country has made since its organization. Of all the people who have come tothe shores of the United States no worthier, better or more patriotic citizenshave become a part and parcel of our commonwealth than have those of German descent. The community which numbers the sons of Germany among its citizens is tobe congratulated, for wherever they settle, prosperity is sure to be found. Thousands of acres of land in Shelby county have been made to bloom as the desertrose because of the thrift and industry exercised by these people. Beautiful homes have been erected, flourishing villages have been established, business enterprises have been launched and schools and churches have been built to serve the educational and spiritual wants of the people. Among the many sterling German citizens of Shelby county may be mentioned Anton Koesters, one of the most substantial farmers of Union Township. Anton Koesters was born in Westphalia, Germany, February 17, 1861, and is the son of Joseph and Brigita Koesters. His father was educated in Germany and farmed in his native land until late in life. He then retired and came to America, where he spent his declining years with his children. There were eight children born to Joseph Koesters and wife, Casper, Anton, John, Robert, Joseph, Hubert, Richard and Fredericka. Casper is stillliving in the old country; John married Mary Eberts; Robert married Thresia Schneider; Joseph married Anna Hush; Hubert is living at Freeport, Illinois; Richard is still in Germany; Fredericka is the wife of Theodore Schnuettegen.

Anton Koesters received a good common school education in the district schools of his native country, and after leaving school took up the trade of a cabinet maker, which occupation he followed while he was living in Germany and even after coming to America. He came to this country in 1880 and first settled in Little Rock, Arkansas, where he worked at his trade for a short time. From that cityhe removed to Westphalia, Iowa, and again resumed his trade as a carpenter andcabinet maker. In addition to his carpentering and contracting business Mr. Koesters has invested largely in land in this county, buying his first farm in 1891. >From year to year he has added to this first farm until he now is the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of the best land in the county. He is not only one of the best carpenters and contractors in the county, but as a farmer he stands second to none. He keeps in close touch with the management of his largeestate and keeps it well equipped with the latest improved machinery. He realizes a very handsome return annually from the sale of grain and live stock.

Mr. Koesters was married March 4, 1886, to Mary Sasse, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Sasse, and to this union twelve children have been born: Joseph, Annie (deceased), Charles, John, Henry, Aloyious, Anton, Frederick, Annie, Lena, Cecelia and Mary. Joseph married Annie Brecker and has three daughters, Elizabeth, Loretta and Geralda. The rest of the children are still living with theirparents.

Mrs. Koesters' parents were also natives of Germany, coming to this country in 1873, and were among the first settlers in Westphalia, Iowa. Her father died shortly after the family came to Ameri

Anton married Mary Catharine SASSE, daughter of Carl Theodore SASSE and Louisa A. AHRENS, on 4 Mar 1886 in St. Boniface Catholic Church, Westphalia, Shelby Co., IA. (Mary Catharine SASSE was born on 15 Jan 1866 in Attendorn, , NW, DEU, died on 20 Dec 1940 and was buried in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Earling, Shelby Co., IA (Gravesite: Iii-6-22).)