CONSTAND LEINEN

Constand LEINEN, a farmer of Cass Township, has been identified with the history of Shelby County since 1875. He was born in Germany, September 25, 1847, and is a son of Matthias and Anna Mary (BUCH) LEINEN. He was a lad of eight years when his parents left their native soil to try their fortunes in the new world. After their arrival in America they came to Iowa, and settled in Keokuk County; there Constand grew to mahood, passing his youth in much the same fashion as other farmer's sons. He acquired a good education in the public schools of Leokuk County. November 3, 1870, he was married in Keokuk County, Iowa, to Miss Gertrude KORTH, daughter of Jacob KORTH, Sr., of Portsmouth. She was born in Germany, April 5, 1852, and when she was three months old her parents removed to Dane County, Wisconsin, and when ten years old removed to Keokuk County, Iowa; there she grew to womanhood and received her education.

When Mr. Leinen came to the county of Shelby he invested in eighty acres of wild land; he was very successful in his business, and to day owns 280 acres of well-improved land. He has a substantial dwelling house, a commodious barn with a brick basement, and cribs for grain. He has planted a grove and an orchard, and made his place one of the best in the county. He raises large quantities of grain, and fattens a number of cattle and hogs annually.

Mr. and Mrs. LEINEN are the parents of six children -- Matthias, Constance, Jacob, Josephine, Mary and Gertrude. The family are members of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. LEINEN is one of the staunch Democrats of Cass Township. He is a man of intelligence, is well informed upon general topics, and one of the solid men of the county.

Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa. pp. 626, 629. Transcribed by Dennis Walsh.