John Hammel

John Hammel, carrying on general farming and stock-raising upon a fine tract of land on two hundred acres near Postville, was born in Frankville, Winneshiek county, August 21, 1856, and is a son of John and Margaret (Jokers) Hammel, natives of Baden, Germany, whose marriage occurred in America. The father crossed the Atlantic in 1855, settling first in Boston, where he remained for a few months, going at the end of that time to Frankville, Winneshiek county, Iowa. There he spent one year and then purchased a farm in Post township, Allamakee county, a portion of which his son now owns. He and his family continued to reside thereon until the mother's death, after which he retired from active business life, spending most of his time traveling through different parts of the United States. He lived in Virginia for one year and was for three years in the Soldiers' Home in Milwaukee. Later, however he returned to Iowa and made his home with the subject of this review, dying in the year 1903. He had survived his wife for seven years. He was honored as a veteran of the Civil war, having served in that conflict for nine months.

John Hammel acquired his education at the West Grove school in Post township and remained at home until his marriage. In 1881 he bought eighty acres of his father's farm and also conducted the entire homestead until after the death of his mother, when he moved to his own property. Later he became the owner of the homestead, adding to his own farm and acquiring in this way tract of two hundred acres which he still operates. Having been connected with farming since his early childhood, he is thoroughly familiar with the best agricultural methods and understands every detail connected with the operation of farm. His practical labors have been rewarded by well deserved success and he is today known as one of the most progressive farmers and stock-raisers in this part of Allamakee county.

On the 4th of February, 1881, Mr. Hammel was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Harris, a native of Post township and a daughter of Elisha Harris and a sister of George Harris, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Hammel have become the parents of eleven children. Stella is the widow of Charles Cook and resides in Postville. Ralph is in the employ of the Standard Cream Separator Company and makes his home in Milwaukee. Verna is the wife of Andrew Stockman, of Milwaukee, who is employed by the John Deere Machine Company. Bertha is the wife of Lee Folsom, who resides near Postville. Charles is also a resident of Milwaukee and is employed as chauffeur for the Solvay Coke Company. Leonard resides on a farm southeast of Postville. Ruby and Ruth are twins. The former is the wife of Frank Lawson, a farmer in Franklin township, and the latter married LaRue Webster, also engaged in farming in that township. Earl is operating a farm in Franklin township. Augusta and the Pearl are both residing at home. It is a remarkable incident that the eleven children of Mr. Hammel, all of whom are living, attended in the acquirement of their education the same school as their father, namely the West Grove school in Post township.

Mr. Hammel is a large stockholder in the Canning Factory at Postville. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has been a resident of this part of Iowa since his childhood and is well and favorably known here, his business reliability, his genuine personal worth and his sterling qualities of character commanding for him the respect and esteem of all who come in contact with him.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Jan Miller

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