The Meyer Families of Winneshiek County, Iowa

For many years Jacob Meyer has been connected with the commercial development of Winneshiek county and especially of Calmar, where for the last twenty-five years he has been extensively engaged in the grain and live-stock business as the principal owner of the firm of Meyer & Company. Moreover, he has participated in the public life of the community which he now efficiently serves as mayor, having held this office at different times for eight years and having also served with ability in a number of minor township offices, besides being, since August 9, 1 9 1 3, the postmaster at Calmar. His career is proof of the fact that success is but ambition's answer and none begrudge him the foremost position which he holds in his community because it is self-won and is the outcome of incessant industry and innate ability. Born in Zurich, Switzerland, on November 20, 1845, Jacob Meyer is the son of Jacob and Margaret (Wismer) Meyer, natives of that country. The father was reared upon a farm and followed agricultural pursuits for a number of years before he was appointed superintendent of an old people's home, in which capacity he was active for the rest of his life, a period covering forty-four years. He died in 1890 and his wife followed him in death eighteen years later or in 1908.

Jacob Meyer was reared and educated in his native country and after putting his text-books aside entered the employ of a mercantile and grain house with whom he remained for six years. Perceiving the opportunities which went begging on the other side of the Atlantic he came to America in 1866 and located in Winneshiek county, Iowa, beginning his business career in this country in the humble station of farm hand and subsequently finding employment in a brewery. He was thus occupied until he rented the brewery in partnership with another party, operating this enterprise until 1868, when he sold out his interest. He then engaged as a clerk in a store at Spillville and remained in that capacity until 1870, when his employer J. J. Ilaug offered his nephew, J. H. Haug, and Mr. Meyer an equal share in the business and the firm became J. J. Haug & Company and so remained until 1876, when J. J. Haug retired, and the business was continued under the firm name of Meyer & Haug until 1878, when Mr. Meyer came to Calmar, establishing a store in partnership with A. Dostal, which they conducted together until 1888. In that year Mr. Meyer engaged in the grain, seed and live-stock business which he has successfully followed ever since under the firm name of Meyer & Company, his son, G. A. Meyer, of whom more extended mention is made in another part of this book, being connected with him in business.

In October, 1872, Mr. Meyer married Miss Bertha Bindschaedler, a daughter of Jacob and Regula Bindschaedler, natives of Switzerland. Unto this union were born seven children Gustav A., who is mentioned at greater length elsewhere in this volume; Carl, the manager of the sash and door factory at Calmar; J. H.. who also resides in Calmar; Louise, the wife of Dr. R. R. l'age, of Ponca, Nebraska; Matilda, at home; Ruth, who graduated from school at Grinnell, Iowa, in June. 1913, and has been elected assistant principal of the high school at Calmar; and Jacob, who passed. away in 1885 at the age of eight years. Public-spirited and progressive, Mr. Meyer also has actively participated in the public life of his community. I lis political affiliation is with the democratic party and his religious faith is that of the German Lutheran church of which he and his wife are members. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen and the Yeomen. Although born in a foreign country he has readily grasped the idea of American citizenship and, public-spirited and progressive, has largely contributed to the development of his section, at the same time attaining a prosperity which assures him of a creditable position in the commercial life of the count v.

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

G. A. MEYER.

G. A. Meyer, a member of the firm Meyer & Company, well known in the grain, seed and live-stock business, successfully carries on the traditions of his family as one of the foremost citizens of his community. Born in Spillville, Winneshiek county, January 17, 1874, he is a son of Jacob and Bertha (Bindschaedler ) Meyer, of whom more extended mention is made in another part of this work. He was reared under the parental roof and educated in this county, attending the public schools of Calmar, to which village his parents had moved when he was four years of age. He completed his public-school education in 18X7 and in that year entered the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, there pursuing the commercial course and graduating with the class of 1888. He then took a course at the Breckenridge University at Decorah and subsequently entered the Agricultural College at Ames, Iowa, there remaining one year. He then became a partner in a meat market in connection with H. Wesselman, the business being so conducted for three years, at the end of which time Mr. Meyer sold his interest and formed a partnership with his father in the grain, seed and live-stock business. He has since been engaged in this line under the firm name of Meyer & Company and the progressive policy of the concern is largely due to the junior member of the firm, who ably assists his father in widening their trade relations.

In June, 1896, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss Nellie Ryan, a daughter of Thomas and Mary (O'Brien) Ryan, and to them was born one son, John (i. Meyer, who is about sixteen years of age. Mrs. Meyer passed away after a short illness in 10.00 and in 1907 Mr. Meyer was again married, his second union being with Miss Matilda Goite, a daughter of George and Mary ( Meyer) Goite, natives of Pennsylvania. Her father was an agriculturist and in an early day in the history of the county came to Winneshiek county, where he farmer for many years with good success. By Mr. Meyer's second union two children were born: Miriam, aged four; and Francis, aged two.

A young man, widely interested in public affairs, Mr. Meyer brings an intelligent understanding to the public questions that affect the people and at present is efficiently serving in the important position of chairman of the county board of supervisors, on which he has served continuously for six years. He has also been assessor of Calmar and town treasurer and at the last primary election was a candidate for congress on the democratic ticket. Although the district was conceded to be strictly republican by a vote of at least eight thousand, he was

GUS A. MEYER able to cut down this majority to three thousand votes, polling the largest democratic vote ever given for that office in the county and giving thereby proof of his personal popularity and high standing among his fellow citizens. He is an adherent of the German Lutheran church, in the work of which he takes an active and helpful interest, and fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, the Knights of Pythias and the Woodmen, holding membership in the local lodges at Calmar. He occupies one of the handsome residences of the town and there he and his wife entertain their many friends, being highly esteemed and respected by all who have the honor of knowing them.

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

PETER F. MEYER

Among the most prominent and progressive residents of Ossian is numbered Peter F. Meyer, who since 1911 has served with credit and ability as county supervisor. He is a native of Iowa, born in Festina on the 19th of October, 1863, and is a son of Andrew and Regina (Bechel) Meyer, natives of Alsace- Lorraine, Germany. As children the parents came to America, the father locating in New York, but they were married in Cincinnati and afterward came to Iowa, where they spent the remainder of their lives. To them were born eleven children: Mary, the widow of J. W. Cramer; George A., who resides in San Antonio. Texas; Frances H., the widow of P. J. Huber of Fort Atkinson; L. A., who resides in Ossian; Agnes, the wife of II. A. Kout of St. Paul, Minnesota; Philip J., of Kissimmee, Florida; Catharine ' deceased; Caroline, the wife of F. W. Dessel, of Ossian; Lizzie, who has passed away; Julia, also deceased; and Peter F., of this review.

Peter F. Meyer acquired a public-school education and spent his childhood on his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the best and most modern agricultural methods. After his marriage he assumed entire charge of the old homestead, buying the property in 1893. This comprised two hundred and eighty acres of fine land, and upon it Mr. Meyer steadily carried forward the work of improvement and development, making it a valuable and productive property. This he sold in 1903 and removed to Ossian, where he erected a fine, modern home in which he has since resided, being numbered today among the most substantial and honored residents of the town. He has of late years given a great deal of attention to public affairs and in 191 1 was elected county supervisor, a position which he still holds. He has proven capable, reliable and conscientious in the discharge of his important duties, and his able management of the affairs of the office has reflected credit alike upon his ability and his public spirit.

Mr. Meyer was married on the 24th of September, 1889, to Miss Ida F. Dessel of Festina, Iowa, and they became the parents of ten children: Bertha; Irma, of Rochelle, Illinois; Ursula; Wilfred, who has passed away; Marcella, George, Victor, Jerome, and Inez; and Arthur, deceased.

The family are members of the Roman Catholic church and Mr. Meyer is connected fraternally with the Knights of Columbus and the Order of Foresters. Always a progressive and public-spirited citizen, Mr. Meyer has rendered the township and county excellent service in various positions of trust and honor, having been township trustee for two terms, a member of the school board and census take. In the office which he now holds he is proving entirely satisfactory and capable, and his official record is a conclusive evidence of the integrity, conscientiousness, industry and ability which have been the dominating forces in all of his success.

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

HENRY L. MEYER.

Since 1891 Henry L. Meyer has been an esteemed and respected resident of Bloomfield township and during the entire period has engaged in general farming, his holdings now comprising two hundred and fifty-three acres on sections IS and 16. He was born in Clayton county on the 28th of October, 1862, and is a son of Frederick and Louisa ( Wilke ) Meyer, natives of Germany. The parents came to America in 1854 and settled in Clayton county, Iowa, where the father turned his attention to farming. In his early years he had followed the tailor's trade, but during the latter period of his life he gave all of his attention to agricultural pursuits, dying upon his farm in October, 1884. His wife has also passed away, her death having occurred in October. 1911. To their union were born nine children: Charles H., of Allamakee county; Theodore H., of Minden, Nebraska; Lavina, the wife of Fred Wild, of Benton county, Iowa; Henry L., of this review; J. P., of Clayton county, Iowa; Mary E., the wife of Fred Misner, of Elkader; Emma, who married George Englehart, of Luana. Iowa: Fred, deceased; and August C. of Castalia.

Henry L. Meyer remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age and after laying aside his books became a teacher, following this occupation for eight years after attaining his majority. He came to Winneshiek county in 1891 and in Bloomfield township purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, turning his attention to general farming. He has since added ninety-three acres to this property and his land lies on sections 15 and 16 and constitutes one of the finest farms in his locality. Mr. Meyer has made substantial improvements in buildings and equipment and has neglected nothing that will add to the attractiveness" or value of his place, the appearance of which is evident of his careful management and constant supervision. In addition to the cultivation of his fields he is also extensively interested in stock-raising and this branch of his activities forms an important source of income to him.

On the 26th of lime, 1890. Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss Lizzie Senholz, a daughter of Carl and Barbara (Beck) Senholz, natives of Bavaria, who came to America in 1852, locating in Clayton county, Iowa. The mother passed away September 4, 191 2, but the father survives, making his home in Postville. To this union were born seven children: Minnie, the wife of Henry

Games, of Charles City, Iowa; Anna, who married Christ Salzgaber, of Postville; Fred, who passed away in 1886; George, who resides in Griswold, Iowa; Lizzie, the wife of the subject of this review; Emma, who married Will Thoma, of Postville; and Charles, of the same city. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have four children. Yelma, Lester. Ruby and Valder.

Fraternally Mr. Meyer is connected with the Masonic lodge, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Modern Brotherhood of America. He is a devout member of the Lutheran church and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is widely known throughout the county as a representative citizen and commands and holds the confidence and high esteem of all who are associated with him.

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

H. H. A. MEYER.

One of Bloomfield township's most progressive business men and public-spirited citizens is H. H. A. Meyer, whose fine farm of one hundred and ninety-six acres lies on section 28 and is a well managed and productive property, reflecting everywhere the owner's careful supervision and practical methods. Mr. Meyer was born in Clayton county, Iowa, on the ist of October, 1865, and is a son of Carl and Elizabeth (Wildrod) Meyer, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1858 and located in Clayton county. There the father turned his attention to general farming and continued to engage in that occupation until his death, which occurred on the 26th day of March, 1913. He and his wife became the parents of thirteen children: Emma, who married Joseph Wickler, of Clayton county; Henry and William, of the same section; H. H. A., of this review; August, who resides in Clayton; Lizzie, the wife of August Tangarman, also of Clayton county; Birdie, deceased; Charles, Theodore and Amelia, all of Clayton county; Mamie, who married Fred Drehn, a farmer in Clayton county; Carrie, who married John Meyer; and Dalia, the wife of James Forne, of Clayton county.

H. H. A. Meyer was reared upon his father's farm and acquired his education in the district schools of his native community, dividing his time during his childhood between his studies and work upon the homestead. He remained with his parents until his marriage, after which he engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself, remaining in Clayton county until 1903. In that year he moved to Winneshiek county and purchased one hundred seventy-two and a half acres on section 28, Bloomfield township, to which he has since added, the vol. 21 farm now comprising one hundred and ninety-six acres. This he has improved with a modern two story residence, a substantial] barn and the necessary outbuildings and he has installed labor-saving machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. Everything about the place is kept in excellent condition, the soil is well cultivated, the buildings adequate, and the entire property is entitled to rank with the model farms in this county.

[This passage is too damaged in the scanned book to reproduce. See the original book.]

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

MARTIN A. MEYER.

Martin A. Mever, a prosperous and successful stock buyer in Fort Atkinson, is a native son of Iowa, born in Fayette county, his parents being Henry and Mary ( Smith ) Mever. natives of Germany. The father died when the subject of this review was only one year and a half old, leaving two children: a daughter, Mary, who died in a convent at Racine, Wisconsin, on the 22d of May. 1906; and Martin A.

Martin A. Meyer was reared in Fayette county and acquired his education in the district schools. When he began his independent career he followed farming and merchandising for some years, conducting a profitable and well managed hardware store in Wesley, Iowa, for some time. He afterwards engaged in his present occupation as a cattle and horse buyer, feeder and shipper on an extensive scale and success has steadily rewarded his well directed labors, his business being today of large proportions and the trade which he controls important. He resides upon a fine farm of fifty acres just adjoining the corporation limits and this he has provided with substantial improvements, erecting upon it a fine modern brick house, fine barns and outbuildings and installing the necessary labor-saving machinery. He is well known throughout the township as a progressive and practical farmer as well as a reliable and farsighted business man and he holds the confidence and esteem of all who are in any way associated with him.

IMr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss Dora Meyer, a second cousin, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Leiman) Meyer, natives of Germany. The father has passed away but the mother survives, making her home in Des Moines, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Meyer have been born four children: Euphemia, whose birth occurred on the 9th of October, 1903; Legories, born November 6. 1905; [name withheld], born July 26, 1908; and Margaret, born on the lath of February, 191 1. Mr. Meyer is a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He is, however, not active as an office seeker, preferring to concentrate his attention upon his business affairs in which he is meeting with a gratifying and well deserved measure of success.

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