August Zahlten
"Here we found August Zahlten and Christian Hackman, who made it (a dugout) their home during the following winter and spring. They then came on to Kossuth County where they have been known so long and so well." William Ingham
August Zahlten was one of the earliest settlers in Kossuth County. He was born in Prussia and came to the United States in 1852. Before moving to Algona, he lived with a friend, Christian Hackman, in a dugout north of what is now Humboldt, IA. In 1854, William Ingham met August as he was traveling north from Fort Dodge. August invited Mr. Ingham to see his dugout. Mr. Ingham noticed that the only furniture that August had were only two long wooden benches for beds and a fireplace. As Mr. Ingham was leaving August sang a German song for him loud and clear into the night.
In May of 1855, August came to Algona. He staked a claim north of Algona and began working for Asa Call.
August Zahlten was one of the earliest settlers in Kossuth County. He was born in Prussia and came to the United States in 1852. Before moving to Algona, he lived with a friend, Christian Hackman, in a dugout north of what is now Humboldt, IA. In 1854, William Ingham met August as he was traveling north from Fort Dodge. August invited Mr. Ingham to see his dugout. Mr. Ingham noticed that the only furniture that August had were only two long wooden benches for beds and a fireplace. As Mr. Ingham was leaving August sang a German song for him loud and clear into the night.
In May of 1855, August came to Algona. He staked a claim north of Algona and began working for Asa Call.
Listen to William Ingham's description of August Zahlten's dugout.