Schwake, John H.

HAASE, KUETHE, GROSSMANN

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 11/22/2009 at 17:19:12

John H. Schwake, a highly esteemed and representative citizen of Waverly has held the office of county recorder since 1900 and has filled the position in a most commendable and efficient manner. His birth occurred in Maxfield township, Bremer county, on the 14th of February, 1971, his parents being Conrad and Maria (Haase)Schwake, natives of Germany. The father was born in August, 1839, while the mother's birth occurred ten or twelve years later. They emigrated to the United States about 1865 and located in Chicago, Illinois, their marriage being celebrated in the Prairie state. Conrad Schwake was employed as a teamster in Chicago and afterward came to Bremer county, Iowa, settling in Maxfield townshiop, where he became a landowner. Some years later he removed to Dayton township, where he purchased a valuable tract of land and engaged in farming until about 1891. At that time he disposed of the property and took up his abode in Howard county, now making his home in what is the old town of Busti. He served with the regular army during the latter period of the Civil war and has held a number of local offices, including membership on the school board. His wife is also living.

John H. Schwake, the second in order of birth in a family of twelve children, acquired his early education in the district schools and also pursued a course of study in the Tripoli high school. When a lad of eleven years, while assisting his father in the work of the fields, he suffered a serious accident, being thrown from a loaded wagon by a runaway team. His left arm was broken and after it had been set complications ensued because of the tight bandages and it was necessary to amputate the arm at the shoulder. He remained with his father until about 1894 and then came from Howard county back to Bremer county, living with his sister in Dayton townshiop. There he became secretary of the creamery company and also of the school board. He worked in the employ of others and with a threshing outfit as bund-cutter until elected to the position of county recorder in 1900. Coming to Waverly he assumed the duties of the office and throughout the intervening thirteen years has discharged them in a faithful, efficient and highly satisfactory manner. Though handicapped early in life, he has by natural ability and firm determination worked his way upward to a position among the substantial, esteemed and representative citizens of his native county.

On the 20th of May, 1902, Mr. Schwake was united in marriage to Miss Clara Kuethe, who was born in Douglas township, Bremer county, June 25, 1876, her parents being Frederick and Minnie (Grossmann) Kuethe, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Iowa. Frederick Kuethe was ordained as a Lutheran minister in the fatherland and emigrated to the United States as a young man, locating in Douglas township, Bremer county, where he remained in charge of a congregation for a time. Subsequently he removed to Minnesota, but after a number of years returned to Iowa and purchased a small farm, continuing as a preacher of the gospel and leaving the work of the fields to his sons. His demise here occurred in 1888 and his widow afterward took up her abode in Waverly, where she passed away about 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Schwake have two children, namely: Reuben, who was born on the 19th of November, 1906 and Irma, whose natal day was July 17, 1910.

In his political views, Mr. Schwake is a democrat, believing firmly in the principles of that party. As above stated,he has acted in the capacity of county recorder since 1900 and while a resident of Dayton township he served for a number of years as secretary of the school board. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran church of Waverly. In matters of citizenship his influence and support are given on the side of advancement and progress and he holds to high standards in man's personal relations with his fellowmen. His many genial qualities of heart and character have gained for him hosts of friends throughout the county in which almost his entire life has been spent.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol II 1914