The Bertholf Family of Madison County, Iowa

ANDREW H. BERTHOLF.

Although thirty-seven years have come and gone since Andrew H. Bertholf was called to his final rest, he is still remembered by many of the older residents of Madison county as one of its prosperous agriculturists and esteemed citizens, having made his home in Lincoln township for more than a quarter of a century and owning eighteen hundred acres of rich and productive land. He passed away on the 15th of July, 1878, when seventy-four years of age, his birth having occurred in New York City on the 3d of March, 1804. When a youth of twelve years he was taken by his parents to Gallia county, Ohio, and on the 17th of June, 1832, there wedded Miss Electa Macumber, who was born in that county, January 5, 1816. Making his way to Indiana, he purchased a farm in that state and then returned to the Buckeye state for his family. He and his wife rode horseback from Ohio to St. Joseph county, Indiana, and each carried a small child. In 1842 they removed to Lee county, Illinois, and in 1851 came to Madison county, Iowa, settling on section 20, Lincoln township.

Mr. Bertholf devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits with excellent results throughout the remainder of his life, becoming the owner of eighteen hundred acres of valuable and productive land, from which he derived a gratifying annual income. He was also a well known stockman in the early days. He assisted all of his sons in making a start and was long numbered among the most prosperous agriculturists and respected citizens of the community.

To Mr. and Mrs. Bertholf were born thirteen children, as follows: Alexander M., whose birth occurred April 2, 1833, and who is deceased; George, born December 19, 1834, who died in early life; Zachariah, born March 12, 1837, who is also deceased; James, born February 8, 1839, who is a prominent agriculturist of Lincoln township, this county; Letecia, who was born July 12, 1840, and died in infancy; William H., who was born February 2, 1842, and passed away in Des Moines; Esther Jane, born January 1, 1844, who is the deceased wife of L. H. Demar; John M., whose birth occurred June 29, 1846, and who is a resident of Bonanza, Oregon; Rebecca, born August 16, 1849, who is the wife of S. J.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

James Bertholf, who has practically retired and who owns seven hundred acres of land in Lincoln township, was born on the 8th of February, 1839, in St. Joseph county, Indiana, near the city of South Bend. The city has grown much since that time and from what he can learn it now includes the farm where he was born. He was a child of three years when the family removed from that place and settled in Lee county, Illinois. A sketch of his father, Andrew H. Bertholf, appears elsewhere in this work.

In 185 1 the family removed from Lee county, Illinois, to Madison county, Iowa, and settled upon a farm which Mr. Bertholf of this review aided in cultivating as soon as old enough. There were scarcely any schools here at that time and most of his education was acquired in his father's log cabin. Until he was twenty years of age he worked upon the home farm and then spent two years upon

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

L. M. BERTHOLF.

L. M. Bertholf, a well known farmer residing on section 20, Lincoln township, was born upon the farm which is still his home in 1855, a son of A. H. Bertholf, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He passed the period of his boyhood and youth upon the home farm and as the years went by he assisted his father more and more with the work of cultivating the fields and during the winter months attended the district schools. He took his part in community affairs and on reaching mature years continued to devote his energies to agricultural pursuits. There have been few striking events in his life but his steady, persistent labor and wise management have not only brought him individual success but have been factors in promoting the prosperity of his community. He is now the owner of the old homestead and in all has four hundred and sixty acres of fertile land. He follows general farming, finding that more profitable than devoting his time to one branch of agriculture.

Mr. Bertholf was married in Dallas county, Iowa, to Miss Sarah J. Williamson, who was born in Davis county, this state, on the 4th of February, 1860, a daughter of Joseph and Mary (Adams) Williamson. Her father was born in England on the 17th of September, 1835, but was brought by his father to the United States when but eight years of age. He was married in Davis county, Iowa, to Miss Mary Adams, who was born in Indiana on the 22d of February, 1839. After farming for some time in Davis county Mr. Williamson removed to Madison county and still later to Dallas county. Both he and his wife are deceased. To Air. and Mrs. Bertholf have been born six children: Edna, the wife of C. T. Cummins, of Lincoln township; Ray, who married Myrtle Burch, of Winterset, and now resides in Des Moines; D. D., a resident of Muncie, Indiana, who married Stella Pratt, of Winterset, Iowa, and has two children, Lucile and Aileen; Mamie, who is a school teacher by profession and resides at home; Don, a resident of Des Moines, who married Pearl Harper, of Winterset, and has one child; and Cole, who is attending the East high school of Des Moines.

Mr. Bertholf is a democrat and has served as trustee and school director. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of Winterset and is well known in the local camp. He is one of the well-to-do farmers of his locality and the success that has attended his efforts is well deserved.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.