KSGenWeb Digital Library Biographical Sketch of August Poppe Nemaha County, Kansas

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The following transcription is from a 750 page book titled "Genealogical and Biographical Record of North-Eastern Kansas, dated 1900.  These have been diligently transcribed and generously contributed by Penny R. Harrell, please give her a very big Thank You for her hard work!

August Poppe, who carries on agricultural pursuits on section 24, Clear Creek township, Nemaha county, was born in Hanover, Germany, on the 21st of March, 1855.  His father, Hinrich Poppe, was born in Germany and was a linen weaver by trade.  His wife was born in the same country, in 1822 and came to America in 1870, her death occurring here in the year of her arrival.  In the family were six children: Hinrich, Fred, Conrad (deceased), Sophia, one who died in infancy and August.

Reared and educated in his native land, Mr. Poppe was there married to Sophia Shreeds, whose birth occurred in Germany on the 13th of November, 1864.  She remained with her parents until eighteen years of age and was then married, in 1882.  Immediately afterward she came with her husband to Nemaha county, Kansas.

Her father, Conrad Shreeds, was born in Germany about 1842, and in 1848 crossed the Atlantic to the new world, where he has since followed the occupation of farming.  His wife, who bore the maiden name of Caroline Easensy, was born in Germany June 9, 1837, and by her marriage became the mother of six children, namely: Conrad, Sophie, William, Louise, Dora and Minnie.  All are married with the exception of William.

Resolving to try his fortune in the new world, Mr. Poppe bade adieu to friends and with his young wife sailed across the briny deep to the United States, where he was employed as a farm hand for some time, accepting any honorable labor that would yield him a living.  His financial circumstances were extremely limited and he experienced many hardships and privations.

He purchased his present farm in 1883, but it was some time before it became a paying property.  In order to secure some ready money he went to Oregon and Washington, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits in the employ of others.  Upon his return to Kansas he engaged in digging wells for a year and a half, after which he returned to the fatherland, spending six months abroad.  On again reaching Kansas he took up his abode upon his present farm of 160 acres and since that time has placed the entire land under cultivation.

It is now a well developed property, improved with a substantial residence, good barns and outbuildings and an excellent orchard.  He has made a specialty of raising poultry and hogs, but at one time many of his hogs died of cholera.  However, as the years passed he triumphed over all the obstacles and difficulties in his path and he is today the possessor of a comfortable competence as the reward of his well directed labors.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Poppe have been born two children, Ellen and Walter, and all are members of the Lutheran church.  In his political views Mr. Poppe is a Democrat and is serving as postmaster of the Clear Creek post office.  His life demonstrates the opportunities that lie before young men of determined purpose who are not afraid of work, but who will steadily push their way upward in the face of great opposition and difficulty.  He is now the possessor of one of the valuable farms of his township and his success is certainly well merited.

Last update: Thursday, January 15, 2004 00:59:37

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