Jacob Deardorff

As printed in 1907

JACOB DEARDORFF.

Jacob Deardorff is a retired farmer living in Panora. Nature seems to have intended that man should enjoy a season of rest in his latter years. In early life he is full of the vigor, hope and enterprise of youth and in middle age his youthful enthusiasm is tempered by mature judgment that makes his efforts of the utmost value, thus if he is enterprising and of sound judgment he can accjuire a measure of success that will enable him to spend the evening of life in a well-earned retirement. Such has been the history of Mr. Deardorff, who has prospered in his undertakings and is now one of the men of affluence in the county, having worked his way up from a stiiiggling financial position to one of wealth.

Mr. Deardorff was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania, January 15, 1837, his parents being Andrew M. and Catherine (KaufF- man) Deardorff. He spent the first sixteen years of his life in the county of his nativity and although his school privileges were very limited he learned to read and write. In 1854, when a youth of seventeen years, he came with his parents on their removal to Franklin Grove, Lee county, Illinois, and there he had better educational opportunities, attending the common schools. When not engaged with his school books he worked in the fields and remained at home Avith his parents until twenty-three years of age. He then started out in life on his own account and not long after made preparations for having" a home of his own by his marriage, in 1862, to Miss Nancy Brecunier, who was born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, Augaist 8, 1841, her parents being Daniel and Christine Brecunier.

Jacob Deardorff was engaged in farming in Lee county Illinois, on rented land until 1875, when he came to Guthrie county, Iowa. Here he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land, which was then raw prairie on section 4, Cass township. He bought the land for ten dollars per acre and three years ago he sold it for about one hundred dollars per acre, its value having thus increased through the settlement of the country and the improvements he had made upon the farm. The first residence which he built on the farm is still standing. Here he lived until eight years ago, when he removed to Panora, where he had purchased one hundred acres adjoining the village. Recently he sold this save twelve acres which is now included in the city limits. He has also built two residences in the town, which he rents. In his business life he has used his opportunities to the best advantage and has been watchful of all indications pointing to success. As time has passed by he has worked diligently and persistently and is today one of the prosperous citizens. Although he came to the county not as early as some others, yet when he settled here all was still open prairie and gave little evidence of the transformation which was soon to be wrought and which had converted the wild country into valuable farms. He was in debt when he came to the county but his investments have been so judiciously made that he is now one of the most substantial residents of this part of the state. For a number of years he was associated with his brother Josiah in buying and shipping poultry to the eastern markets and thus he added materially to his income.

UntO Mr. and Mrs. Deardorfif were born eight children, of whom two died in their infancy in Illinois, while six are vet living: Harry A., who married Sadie jMeyers and is a grocer at Malvern, Iowa; Christy, the wife of J. M. Curtis, of Tacoma, Washington; F. M., wdio is living in Amarillo, Texas, but his wife, who bore the maiden name of Mabel Adair, died six years ago; Lottie, the wife of Theodore Duckworth, of Boone, Iowa; Stella, the wife of Charles Marlenee, of Phoenix, Arizona; and Warren, who married Nora Summy and is a druggist at Yale. Iowa.

The parents are members of the German Baptist Brethren church. Mr. Deardorff is independent in politics and has never voted for but one president, Benjamin Harrison. He has served as school director for two years but has had no desire for offices. His life has been honorable, his actions many and sincere and in every relation he has displayed those sterling characteristics which in every land and clime command confidence and awaken regard. No life is free from vexations, from obstacles or from disappointments and it is the successful man who does not allow these to deter him, but with resolute spirit pushes on in spite of them. Such has been the case with ]\Mr. Deardorff, who is now one of the most prosperous retired farmers in the county.

As printed in Past and present of Guthrie County, Iowa : together with biographical sketches of many of its prominent and leading citizens and illustrious dead (1907). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.