JURGENS, JOHN, proprietor of one of the finest farms in Cass County, ha attained to his present prosperity through the exercise of his own talents and laborious efforts to attain the end in view. He was born at Oldenburg, Germany, July 7, 1846, a son of John and Grace M. (Hundorf) Jurgens, who died in their native land.

When he was only ten years old, John Jurgens had become self-supporting, and in 1882, realizing the better agricultural opportunities offered in the United States, came here, and soon after his arrival settled in Cass County, where he worked by the month and day at farm labor. This he continued for four years, and then rented land in Menard County. After a few years there he came back to Cass County, and bought 123 acres of land at Oregon Point, township 18, range 9, which he has made into one of the most valuable rural properties to be found within the boundaries of the county. On it he carried on general grain farming.

While living in Germany, Mr. Jurgens, on February 17, 1875, was married to Anna Margaret Balster, born in Germany, January 30, 1854, and their children are: Fred, who is of Iowa; Mary, who is Mrs. Joseph DeGroot, of Missouri; Henry, Carl and Herman, all of whom are of Cass County, and William, Emma and Louis, who live at home; and five who died in infancy. There are sixteen grandchildren in the family. Mr. Jurgens belongs to the Lutheran church. His political views make him a Democrat. A man of sterling principles, he has tried to live up to what he believes is right, and he enjoys the full confidence of all with whom he has dealings.