Daniel Lehman

LEHMAN

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 3/11/2009 at 15:13:29

Daniel Lehman who is devoting his energies to agricultural pursuits on Sec 31, Grant township, owns and operates a valuable farm of 240 acres. This is well improved land and in its neat and thrifty appearance indicates the careful supervision of the owner who since March 1875, has made his home in Boone county. He was then a young man of twenty-seven years, his birth having occurred on April 11, 1848, in Henry county, Illinois. His father, Lawrence Lehman, was born, reared and married in Germany and on emigrating to the new world took up his abode near Geneseo, Illinois, in Henry county, being one of the first settlers to establish a home in that portion of the state. He purchased his land from the government and at once began the improvement of the farm upon which he reared his family and spent his remaining days passing away there in 1865.
Daniel Lehman was reared in the county of nativity upon the old homestead and assisted in the work of cultivating and improving the place, working in field and meadow during the summer months while in the winter season he became a student of the public schools, thus acquiring the knowledge that fitted him for life’s practical and responsible duties. On attaining his majority he started out in life on his own account and was first employed as a farm hand working by the month for two seasons. He then entered upon an independent venture by renting an improved farm which he cultivated for a few years. Believing that good opportunities were afforded in Iowa, which had recently been opened up to civilization, he came to Boone county in 1875 and purchased a portion of his present farm becoming the owner of a quarter section. Not a furrow had been turned upon this raw tract of prairie, but he built a small house and at once began the task of placing the land under the plow. Later he added 80 acres to the farm so that his landed possessions now aggregated 240 acres. The little home has long since been replaced by a large and commodious residence which is one of the best in the township. He has also built a substantial barn and good cribs, has a wind pump upon the place, has planted fruit and shade trees, in fact, has made his place one of the very best farms of the community. In connection with the cultivation of the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate he is also engaged in the raising of good graded stock. As the years pass by he is continually adding to his capital which has come to him as a result of his unremitting diligence and industry that never flags. Mr Lehman was married in this county in 1879, the lady of his choice being Miss Caroline Vetter, a native of Germany , who when a little maiden of seven summers, crossed the Atlantic to the new world and was reared in Whiteside county, Illinois. By he marriage she has become the mother of eight children: Ida M the wife of Jacob Schneider, a farmer, residing near Grand Junction, Iowa, Harvey L who is aiding in carrying on the home farm, Alice C the wife of Fred Wagner, of South Dakota, Charles, who also assists his father, Minnie, Bernice L, Warner A, and Vern E all at home.
Mr Lehman is a Republican and since 1872, when he voted for General Grant, has supported each presidential nominee of the party. He and his wife belong to the Evangelical Association. He is a man of good business ability, enterprise and keen discernment and in his business career has brooked no obstacles that could be overcome by the determination and honorable effort. Thus he has advance from a humble financial position to one of affluence.

1902 Boone County History Book