Gerland, Conrad

MEYER, WILHARM, WOLF

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 12/6/2009 at 20:34:29

For thirty-six years, covering the period of the greatest growth and development of Bremer county, Conrad Gerland engaged in carpentering and contracting in Sumner and during that time assisted greatly in promoting the business expansion of the city and gained an individual success which now permits of his honorable retirement. He was born in Germany, January 27, 1847, and is a son of Conrad Gerland, who passed away in the fatherland.

Conrad Gerland of this review learned the carpenter's trade in his native country and followed this after he emigrated to America in 1871. He settled immediately in Bremer county and when the town of Sumner was established he took up his residence here, remaining afterward for thirty-six years active in the carpentering and contracting business. In the early days he used to take his tools on his back and often walk eight miles to his work, but he allowed no obstacles to lessen his determination and he gradually built up a lucrative and representative trade. He erected an average of ten structures each year and many of the most attractive residences and a number of business houses in this locality are testimonials to his skill and ability. In 1908, feeling that he had earned a period of rest and leisure, he retired from active life and two years ago erected a modern home in Sumner, wherein he resides with his sister.

In Germany, Mr. Gerland married Miss Anna Meyer, a native of that country, who died in Sumner in August, 1908. They were the parents of eight children: Annie, who married Ed Wilharm, a merchant in Sumner; Henry, who resides in Dakota; Sophia, the widow of Henry Wolf, of Sumner; Hermann, a retired farmer living in the same city; George, who is engaged in farming in Bremer county; William, a clerk in a store in Montana; Otto, at home; and Emil, a clerk in Waterloo.

Mr. Gerland is one of the three surviving founders of the German Evangelical Lutheran church in Sumner and has been a member since 1878. He is a democrat in his political views and, although not an office seeker, takes an intelligent interest in the affairs of the community where he has so long resided, giving his aid and cooperation to all progressive public projects. He is one of the most highly respected residents of Sumner, where his life of integrity and straightforward dealing has gained him the confidence and regard of all who are associated with him.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914