John M. Herman

JOHN M. HERMAN.

John M. Herman vas prominently connected with a number of enterprises which helped to make Boone the important center which it is today. He was quiet and reserved in manner, weighing every proposition carefully, but after coming to a conclusion would act aggressively and with decision, pursuing the object which he had in view until he had attained the goal. Mr. Herman was born in Hengstfeldt, Wurtemberg, Germany, December 31, 1830, and there attended school and grew to manhood. Having heard of the opportunities which were waiting those who came to America, he decided upon emigration and in 1846 crossed the ocean. Making his way inland, he settled in Ohio, but the gold fever of the late '40s induced him to make the overland journey to California in 1850. Braving perils and overcoming hardships, he completed the long trip ill one IniiulrLd and five days and after reaching the coast remained two and one-half years in the gold fields, acquiring the capital which enabled him to establish himself in business. He returned by way of the isthmus of Panama and for a few years remained in Ohio but then sought the middle west, locating in Madison and later founding his home in Monroe, Wisconsin, in 1858. He resided at that town for about eight years and came to Boone, Iowa, August 16, 1866, the city remaining his residence until he was called to his fathers. Boone then bore the name of Montana, the village having been founded the year before his arrival. He took active part in its early development and invested in property, soon becoming a prominent man, as he brought with him the means which so many of the other settlers lacked. He established the Boone Brewery, which sold over a wide territory, and continued this establishment until the state adopted the prohibition policy. He then promptly closed its doors, performing the mandate of the law to the letter, although he lost heavily in so doing. He was not a man, however, who could long be idle and soon found other occupations. He acquired title to realty which he developed by improving and building, adding to his prosperity and contributing at the same time to the growth of the city. He was vice president of the First National Bank and also had an interest in the Security Savings Bank. Moreover, he had large farming interests, driving a gratifying addition to his income from this source.

On August 16, 1860, in Monroe, Wisconsin, Mr. Herman was married to Mrs. Anna B. Spring, who was born in Thun, Switzerland, and came to America in 1857. To them were born six children: Emma, a resident of Boone; J. Henry: John F., who is mentioned elsewhere in this work; and Otto C, all of whom are engaged in the banking business: Julia, who died in infancy; and Anna, who passed away in young womanhood.

Mr. Herman died January 15, 1898, at the age of nearly sixty-eight years. In him the city of Boone lost one of its representative citizens and one who had been instrumental in securing for the city many of the conveniences and comforts of modern life. His memory still lingers with his many friends, who appreciated him as a trustworthy and faithful man and a public-spirited citizen. He was one of that race of German-Americans who have done so much for the progress of this country and who form such a secure and dependable part of our nation. The prosperity which came to him and the esteem in which he was held were but tribute to his ability and character.

As printed in History of Boone County, Iowa (1914). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.