Charles G. Kolb was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, September 29, 1834. When he was 22 years of age, he came to America, making the journey on a Sailing Vessel that required 40 days for the passage. Altogether in his life, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean 13 times, the second trip being to bring back a bride, Catherine Weiler. The last journey was in 1910 when he visited his fatherland.
He lived two years in New York State along the Hudson before he went for his bride. Upon their return, they settled on a farm near Harrisburg, Pa. in 1858. In the spring of 1880, they came to Ida County and purchased a farm in Logan Township. At that time, the best lands in that locality could be secured for $10 an acre. When he arrived in Logan Township, he found divine worship being held only at rare intervals. He organized a Sunday school and exerted himself that there should be church services regularly. For many years he continued faithfully as superintendent of the Sabbath school. His influence was always for better schools and served for many years as secretary of the school board in Logan Township.
In 1892, Mr. Kolb bought his farm on the Maple Valley Road, and it was his home until 1907 when they moved to Ida Grove on Moorehead Ave., next to the Odebolt River. Mrs. Kolb passed away in the spring of 1908, but Charley continued to live in the same place until September 1918. He met with an accident at the railroad crossing, but received no serious injury. From that time on, he made his home with his son William F. Kolb on Quimby Street.
Charley passed away in April of 1919, and he is buried in the Ida Grove Cemetery. Catherine and Charley Kolb had 6 children: Mrs. Kate Morrison, John C. Kolb of Logan Township, W. F. Kolb of Ida Grove, Charles L. Kolb of Logan Township, Mrs. Sadie E. Hoffman of Logan Township, and Mrs. Anna M. Clifton of Ida Grove.