Matthias, F.W.

POOCK, BARTLING

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/17/2010 at 13:25:48

F.W. Matthias is a native son of Bremer county and for the past thirty-two years has been connected with agricultural interests of this part of Iowa as a landowner. Today he owns and operates a fine farm of ohe hundred and sixty-four acres in Jefferson township, and is regarded as one of the most substantial and successful agriculturists of the locality. He was born in Maxfield township in 1857 and is a son of William and Christina Matthias, natives of Germany, who came to America in their early years. They were married in Illinois and from that state came to Iowa, settling in Maxfield township, this county, in the middle '50s. The father purchased government land and added to his original tract from time to time, finally accumulating a large farm. He engaged in general agricultural pursuits and also followed the stock business until his death. He was a democrat in his political beliefs and active in public affairs, holding a number of township offices. He and his wife became the parents of ten children: F.W., of this review; Mary, who has passed away; Henry; John; Christina; Fred and Caroline, twins; Herman; August and Louis.

F.W. Matthias acquired his education in the public schools of Bremer county and at the age of twenty-four began farming for himself on one hundred and twenty acres of land in Maxfield township, operating this property for sixteen years thereafter. At the end of that time he bought land in Jefferson township and added to this until he owned at one time three hundred and sixty acres. He has divided part of this land among his sons, but retains one hundred and sixty-four acres, which by his practical management and well directed labor he has made productive and valuable to the highest degree.

In 1881 Mr. Matthias married Miss Minnie Poock, who was born in Bremer county, a daughter of Henry and Charlotte Poock, natives of Germany. After the parents came to America they settled in Bremer county, arriving in 1852, among the earliest settlers. The father accumulated large landed holdings, which he operated until his death in 1893. His wife survived him two years. In their family were eight children, four of whom still survive, as follows: Henry, Charley, John and Minnie, the wife of the subject of this review. The deceased member of this family are as follows: Minnie, who died in Germany; Christ, who passed away in Iowa; Minnie, the second of the name; and another child who died in Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Matthias have become the parents of twelve children: Carl, of Maxfield township; Herman, who is operating a portion of his father's homestead; Christina, who married Fred Bartling, of Jefferson township; August, Minnie, Martha, Otto, Elmer, Ada, and William, Fred and Arthur, who have passed away. The family are members of the Evangelical church. Mr. Matthias has spent his entire life within the borders of Bremer county and has become widely and favorably known, his record showing him to be a progressive agriculturalist and a useful and worthy citizen.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914