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Belgians in the Civil War

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BELGIANS IN AMERICA:    Biographies of Belgian settlers  

John LORGE, a native of Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, was born July 22, 1855. He is a son of Peter and Anna (Wayland) Lorge, natives of Belgium, who emigrated to America in 1846 and 1849 respectively. They were united in marriage in 1853, and came to Iowa in 1865. In 1875 they came to Shelby County and settled in Westphalia Township, in which place, one year later, March 23,1876, Mr. Lorge passed to his last rest. Mrs. Lorge is still living, and resides in Earling. They were the parents of eight children-John P., John, Nicholas, Henry, Frank, Julius, Mary (the wife of John Smith), and Katie. John, the subject of this brief biography, was the second child, and until his tenth year was reared to farm life. His education was obtained in the common schools, and was more of a practical than literary character. At the age of fourteen years he commenced life on his own responsibility, and his first business engagement was with W. J. Creamer, of Calmar, Iowa, dealer in agricultural implements. He remained in his employ for five years, and in 1875 came to Shelby County, since that tine making this his home, with the exception of nine months. In 1881 Mr. Lorge embarked in the agricultural implement business in Harlan, which he conducted for three years, in company with J. B. Weyland one year, and then with Lewis Gingery. In February, 1884, he disposed of his stock and came to Earling, engaging in the same business until 1888, at which time he placed a stock of harness in connection with the other stock. He carries a fine line, and also does manufacturing of harness. Mr. Lorge owns a half interest in a stock of general merchandise, the business being conducted under the firm name of Lorge Brothers. This stock is valued at $5,000. Mr. Lorge affiliates with the Democratic party, and has held the office of justice of the peace for four years. He was married September 15, 1885, to Miss Lena Kuhl, daughter of Valentine and Clara Kuhl, a native of Wisconsin. Mr. and Mrs. Lorge are members of the Roman Catholic church.

Nicholas J. LORGE, a native of Ozaukee County, Wisconsin, was born February 13, 1858. He is the fourth child of Peter and Anna (Weiland) Lorge, and at the age of five years was brought to the Hawkeye State, Winneshiek County, here he was educated in the common schools, and received training in agricultural pursuits. At the age of eighteen years he engaged in school-teaching, and continued in this profession until he had taught twelve terms in Shelby and O'Brien counties, Iowa, and in Dakota. During the intervals between terms of school Mr. Lorge was engaged in clerking. In 1888 he entered into partnership with his brother John, having purchased the stock of J. B. Weiland. This firm carry a stock of $5,000 of general merchandise, and are doing a thriving business. Mr. Lorge is a member of the Roman Catholic church. His political sympathies are with the Democratic party, to which he gives his undivided support.

Source : (collective work) : Biographical history of Shelby and Audubon Counties, Iowa : containing portraits of all the presidents of the United States from Washington to Harrison, with accompanying biographies of each, portraits and biographies of the governors of the state, engravings of prominent citizens in Shelby and Audubon Counties, with personal histories of many of the early settlers and leading families : a concise history of the counties, and the cities and townships.; Chicago: W.S. Dunbar & Co., 1889, 833 pgs.