Reimler, C.F.

HAAG, ROGGENSACK, GRANNEMAN, CASS

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 11/22/2009 at 18:02:30

C.F. Reimler is one of the earliest settlers in Sumner and has been since pioneer times closely identified with business interests of the city. In the intervening period his activities have touched closely various phases of community development and his work has been a powerful factor in promoting general growth. He is now a member of the firm Reimler & Granneman and, although he is practically retired, he still gives careful supervision to his business interests.

Mr. Reimler was born in Germany, on the 24th of November, 1848 and acquired his education in the public schools of his native country, the German law requiring attendance between the ages of six and fourteen. When he was fifteen Mr. Reimler emigrated to America, joining a brother who was located at Amsterdam, thirty miles west of Schenectady, New York. The voyage took seventeen days and after Mr. Reimler had changed his German money into United States currency he had two silver dollars, these being all of his earthly possessions with the exception of the clothes upon his back. After he joined his brother he worked upon a farm for two years and then moved to Madison, Wisonsin, where he spent one year in a brickyard and another in a flour and feed store. In April, 1866, he went from Madison to New Hampton on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St Paul Railroad, which had just been completed, and from New Hampton with horse teams to Bremer county. He went to work on the farm belonging to S.F. Cass, who also conducted a country store, and part of Mr. Reimler's duties consisted of hauling goods from the depot at Waverly, where they were left by the Illinois Central Railroad, then the only railroad in the county. Later Mr. Cass established a mercantile enterprise in what is now Sumner and Mr. Reimler continued in his employ for some time, resigning afterward to be a partner in the concern. The name of the firm has undergone many changes, as has also the management of the business, but for a number of years past the enterprise has been conducted by Reimler & Granneman, dealers in dry goods, groceries, boots and shoes. Mr. Reimler is living in practical retirment, but he visits the store at intervals and directs its management. He is known as a practical and farsighted business man and his ability is recognized and respected in business circles.

In 1880 Mr. Reimler married Miss Rosa Haag, who was born in Jefferson county, Wisconsin and they have become the parents of three children: Anna, the wife of Henry Roggensack, of Waverly; Edwin, managing his father's interests in the store; and Ruby, at home. Mrs. Reimler is a lover of flowers and is very successful in their culture. She is especially proud of a fine cactus, known as the Christmas cactus, which is twenty-five years old.

Mr. Reimler still controls valuable property interests, owning a comfortable home in Sumner and the store building and sixty-five acres of improved land in the vicinity. He is a member of the Evangelical church and has been for years trustee and treasurer of the Sunday school. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and for several years before Cleveland's administration served as postmaster, the postoffice being located in his store. During the long period of his residence in Sumner, he has made many valuable contributions to its advancement and growth and by reason of an upright and worthy life has gained the respect and confidence of an extensive circle of friends.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914