Anton ‘Tony’ Juhl was born in Oakfield Township in
Audubon County, Iowa, several miles west of Brayton in 1887. His
father, Jens, and mother, Anna Juhl, were farmers, fanning west of
Brayton for many years. Tony has one brother, Bill, living in
Atlantic. Two sistes, Minnie Hansen living in Audubon and Anna
Bengard living in Exira.
At an early age, Tony was intrigued by everything mechanical.
Steam engines, threshers, early gasoline engines and automobiles.
He soon bought a set of tools and walked many miles carrying his
tool kit and repairing the neighbors engines and autos.
He finally set up a shop in Brayton, Iowa which he operated year
around except at threshing time. He had bought a 50 HP. steamer and
36-58 separator and water wagon. He threshed off and on in this
area many years. He pulled the County Grader for five years with
his 30-60 Oilpull Rumley tractor. Alt together, he owned two 50
H.P. Case, one Avery Steamer, a 30-60 H.P. and 20-40 H.P. Rumley
Oilpull, one 15-30 H.P. I.H.C. Single Cyliner, 15-27 H.P. Cross
mounted Case and a 25-50 Twin City tractor. Tony also had a saw
mill with which he sawed some lumber from 1923 until 1941.
In 1917, the United States sent out a call for machinests and
mechanics for the Air Force. Tony volunteered and was sent to Texas
where he worked on airplane engines and machined parts for them. He
returned when Armistice was signed.
About 1903 the Oak Hill Rifle Gun Club was formed near Brayton.
Tony joined and was one of the best shots. They used single shot
Winchester Hi Walls in 30-40 Krag size. Tony was also known as the
best gunsmith in this part of the country up to this day. At one
time he had one of the finest antique gun collections, which he has
since sold.
At about 1938, he opened up his present machine shop including a
large lathe, milling machine and many other tools. These are all
operated by a Harlan, Iowa Nelson side shaft 3 H.P. gasoline
engine. Tony always did acetylene welding, never having electricity
in his shop. The engine was originally bought in 1904 and still is
in good running condition. Tony still operates his shop in the
summer, but takes it easy in the winter.
He is known by many friends from many states as a steam and
gasoline engine operator and collector. He tries to get to all the
local steam and gas engine shows each year.
In 1975, he was honored at the World’s Largest Steam and Gas
Engine and Farm Equipment Show at Mt. Pleasant, Iowa for being the
oldest and longest operator there. He rode in an antique auto at
the head of the parade.
Tony said he did have a girl friend many years ago and went to
the dances, but never married.