Meyer, John H.

STEEGE, MEYER, WEST, KOCH, OLTROGGE, BARGER, TJADEN

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 1/18/2010 at 11:59:41

John H. Meyer, a well known, enterprising and representative citizen of Bremer, his native county, holds the position of teller in the Waverly Savings Bank. His birth occurred in Washington township on the 24th of October, 1878, his parents being Fred C. and Minnie (Steege) Meyer, the former born near Kassel, Germany, and the latter in Cook county, Illinois. Fred C. Meyer, the youngest in a family of four children, was brought by his parents to the new world when a youth of fifteen, in order that he might avoid military service. The family home was established in Jefferson township, Bremer county, Iowa, and there the father of our subject grew to manhood, working for others as a farm hand. Subsequently he removed to Washington township with his parents, who became landowners, and was also employed by others at intervals. Eventually he acquired land of his own in Washington township and was there successfully identified with general agricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of his active business career. At the time of his retirement he leased the main farm and on another tract in Washington township erected a new house at the cost of six thousand dollars. In this commodious and attractive home he is now spending his declining years, surrounded by all of the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. He is widely recognized as one of the substantial and esteemed citizens of the community and has served in the capacity of trustee of Washington township, while since about 1902 he has acted as treasurer of the Bremer County Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He is likewise well known in financial circles as vice president of the Waverly Savings Bank. Unto him and his wife were born three children as follows: Mary (Meyer) Freie, at home, who cares for her invalid mother; John H., of this review; and Louisa Meyer, who died June 22, 1901.

In the acquirement of an education John H. Meyer attended the high school at Waverly and also pursued a course of study in the Wartburg Academy of Waverly and the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, while subsequently he spent one term at Cedar Rapids. When about twenty-two years of age he embarked in the drug business at Waverly in association with Frank West, but at the end of six months was obliged to abandon the enterprise because of impaired health. He then secured a position as bookkeeper in the Waverly Savings Bank, was later made teller and served in the latter capacity until the time of his wife's death, when he went west for the benefit of his health. He spent two and a half years in rest and recreation, touring Yellowstone Park and various other places of interest. After returning from the west he embarked in the shoe business, but on the expiration of a year sold out to Herman Koch, at that time teller of the Waverly Savings Bank. In 1909 Mr. Meyer resumed his duties as teller of that institution and has held the position to the present time, proving a highly satisfactory and efficient incumbent. He has property interests in Waverly and also attends to his father's estate and business.

Mr. Meyer has been twice married. On the 2d of July, 1902, he wedded Miss Augusta Steege, who was born in Jefferson township, Bremer county, on the 14th of July, 1880, her parents being Henry W. and Minnie (Oltrogge) Steege. They have spent their entire lives in Jefferson township, where Mr. Steege is now retired after an active career devoted to agricultural pursuits. Unto John H. and Augusta (Steege) Meyer were born two children: Viola, whose birth occurred in 1903; and Augusta, whose natal day was May 16, 1905. The wife and mother passed away on the 22d of May, 1905, and on the 24th of September, 1907, Mr. Meyer was again married, his second union being with Miss Cora G. Barger, who was born at Ackley, Hardin county, Iowa, on the 24th of September, 1886. Her parents, Benjamin and Gertrude (Tjaden)Barger, born near Emden, Germany, emigrated to the United States at an early date. On of the father's brothers served in the Civil war and was killed in battle, and the mother's brother served in the army but his life was spared. Benjamin Barger became a landowner and agriculturist, but is now living practically retired at Ackley, where his sons conduct a transfer and livery business. By his second wife Mr. Meyer has a son, Carl W., who was born on the 12th of October, 1908.

In the exercise of his right of franchise, Mr. Meyer supports the men and measures of the democracy, but has never sought nor desired office as a reward for his party fealty. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Evangelical Peace church, the state church of Prussia. He has an extensive acquaintance here and has hosts of friends, as in all of his dealing he had conducted himself in a manner to entile him to the esteem and confidence of those with whom he comes in contact.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914