Clay Co., KS AHGP-Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties-Peter Hagen
Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington, Clay and Riley Counties Chapman Brothers, Chicago, 1890
PETER HAGEN, of Mulberry Township, ranks A. No. 1 among the farmers and stockraisers in the northwestern part of Clay County, he having a finely developed tract of land, 180 acres in extent tin section 30. There are few finer estates in the Republican River Valley, the land being amply watered by Mulberry Creek, and, by the wise management of its present owner, having been brought to a high state of cultivation. This farm was purchased by Mr. Hagen in 1879 and he has since made it his home.
The birthplace of the subject of this sketch was in the kingdom of Hanover, Germany, where he first opened his eyes to the light Sept. 2, 1848. He is thus in the prime of life and the prospect is that he has before him many years of usefulness. He is descended from pure German stock, being the son of Jacob Hagen. likewise a native of Hanover and a farmer by occupation. The latter spent his entire life in his native kingdom, dying in 1861 at the age of fifty-two years. He had been prosperous, financially, through the long management of a large estate, although not becoming a landowner himself. In religion be was a Lutheran.
The maiden name of the mother of our subject was Rega Held. She likewise was a native of Hanover and of pure german ancestry, her home being in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. She is still living and has now arrived at the advanced age of seventy-five years. She, too, was trained in the doctrine of the Lutheran church to which she still adheres. Peter, of this sketch, was the third in a family of seven children, three sons and four daughters, four of whom arc living and all married. Peter is the only one of the family who came to the United States. He was carefully trained at home and obtained a good education in the common school. Upon the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War he enlisted and formed one of the body guard of the old King William, being one of 250 good sized soldiers chosen for this office. He was at Frazalis when William was proclaimed Emperor of consolidated Germany, after the surrender of the French, in January, 1871. It is well known to those acquainted with history that the old Kaiser took particular pride in his soldiers and would have none about him who were of insufficient weight or stature. Mr. Hagen still maintains the fine proportions, physically, which gained him the post of honor during his military career.
After the close of the war Mr. Hagen repaired to Oldenberg where he attained to his majority. Finally, not being satisfied with his condition or his prospects in his native land. he, in 1879 set out for the United States from the port of Bremerhaven on the sailing vessel "America" bound for Baltimore, Md. After being landed safely at his destination he started for the West, coming at once to this State, which has since been his home. He was first married in Clay Center to Miss Mary Hinrichs, who was born in Oldenburg in 1852 and came alone to America in 1880. Their wedding followed shortly afterward, Mrs. Hagen being "the girl he left behind him", and to whom he was betrothed before leaving his native country. She departed this life at Clay Center, July 10, 1885, leaving one child, a son. Henry, who is now at school and living with his father.
Returning in 1887 to his native land, Mr. Hagen was a second time married in Oldenburg, to Miss Fredricka Onken. She likewise was born (in October, 1864). and reared in Oldenburg, and was orphaned by the death of her parents when quite young. She was carefully reared and received a good education in her native tongue. Of her union with our subject there are no children. Mrs. Hagen has one brother who lives in Iowa and two sisters who reside in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Hagen are Lutherans in religion and people more than usually intelligent and progressive. Their tasteful home gives evidence of culture and refinement in a marked degree. Mr. Hagen endorses the principles of the Democratic party although meddling very little with politics. His farm buildings are neat and substantial and adjacent is an orchard of 120 choice trees in good bearing condition. A fine grove adds to the embellishments of the place, while at the same time affording grateful shade in the summer and a protection from the blasts of winter. A lithographic view of Mr. Hagen's residence (to view click here) is shown on another page.
