Walther, Emil Ernest

WOODRUFF, HOPPENWORTH, PORTEOUS

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/6/2010 at 16:28:32

Emil Ernest Walther, whose demise occurred on the 19th of October, 1911, was for a number of years actively and successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits in Bremer county, owning and operating one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in Lafayette township. His birth occurred in Germany on the 30th of August, 1859, and in that country he spent the first fifteen years of his life. In 1874 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and when twenty-one years of age took up his abode in Washington township, Bremer county, Iowa. He rented land of J.B. Woodruff in Lafayette township and afterward bought this property, residing upon it until his death, which occurred October 19, 1911. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he won a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity and was widely recognized as one of the substantial, representative and esteemed citizens of the community. He was well known in local public affairs, serving as county assessor for eight years and he was also secretary of the Bremer County Fire & Lightning Insurance Company at the time of his demise.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Walther chose Miss Bertha Hoppenworth, a native of Germany and a daughter of Lewis Hoppenworth, who was born in Hanover and came to America at an early date, joining his brother. Carl Hoppenworth, Sr., located in Bremer county in 1869 and became one of the most successful and prominent farmers of his locality. Lewis Hoppenworth located in Douglas township about the same time and afterward removed to Maxfield, where he spent the remainder of his life, engaging in farming. To Mr. and Mrs. Walther were born six children, as follows: Otto, who is engaged in farming in Lafayette township; Rudolph, who follows agricultural pursuits on the Wapsie river, in Bremer county; Herman, a farmer in Lafayette township; Elarie, who is twenty years of age; and Meta and Elenore, who are eighteen and fifteen years old respectively. The three daughters are at home.

Otto Walther, who was born in Bremer county on the 26th of January, 1886, passed his boyhood and youth in Lafayette township, acquiring his early education in the district schools and later attending Wartburg College. He has since been engaged in farming and is now managing for his widowed mother the home place of one hundred and sixt acres of excellent land in Lafayette township. Upon this he has made excellent improvements in buildings and equipment and the property reflects everywhere his intelligent management and careful supervision. Upon the death of his father Otto Walther succeeded to the latter's position as secretary of the Bremer County Fire & Lightning Insurance Company and he has filled this office with credit and ability for the past few years.

In December, 1912, Otto Walther married Miss Carrie Porteous, a daughter of Henry Porteous, who is engaged in farming in Warren township. Mrs. Walther passed away in March, 1913. Mr. Walther gives his political allegiance to the republican party and for the past two years has served as township assessor. He is a young man of force, ability and capacity, holding the esteem and respect of all who are associated with him, and he will undoubtedly be carried forward into still more important relations with the agricultural interests of his locality.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914