J. S. Margretz

MARGRETZ, STUMPFF, DUNSON

Posted By: Diane Wilson (email)
Date: 7/29/2002 at 20:33:45

Hitesville Post Office – This post office was established in July, 1871, and J. S. Margretz was appointed the first postmaster, the office being located at his house on section 19. It was then on the mail route form Aplington to Bristow. It remained as such while the route was changed from Aplington to Hitesville. Mr. Margretz has since held the office and is the present postmaster. The office took its name from the Hites family or families, there being several of them among the first settlers of this part of the township.
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J. S. Margretz was born in Union county, Pa., September 29, 1838, and is a son of Herman H. and Sarah (Stumpff) Margretz. During his early life he learned the miller’s trade in his native county, and while there was also engaged in clerking for some time. In 1856 he came to Butler county, Iowa, passing the first summer in Albion township, and the following winter removing to Butler Center, where he worked in the steam saw-mill.
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On the 27th day of September, 1861, he enlisted in Company E, Twelfth Iowa Volunteers, and served until mustered out, January 20, 1866. At the battle of Shiloh, April 6, 1862, he was wounded in the left arm and also taken prisoner by the confederates. After remaining in different southern prisons until October 17, 1862, he was exchanged and returned to his regiment. Soon after Mr. Margretz’s enlistment he was appointed corporal and afterward sergeant.
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Upon again entering civil life he returned to Butler Center, where he farmed for one year, and then came to his present location on section 19, where he now owns 160 acres of land. He has held the office of town clerk for eleven years, and has been justice of the peace three years. In 1879 he was appointed postmaster of Hitesville, and still retains that office. Mr. Margretz was joined in wedlock, December 5, 1869, with Miss Mary E. Dunson, a native of Shelby county, Ohio. Five children – Herman E., Guy C., Lotta B., Ella E. and Lloyd R. – have been born to them.
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Source: History of Butler and Bremer Counties, Iowa
Union Publishing Co., Springfield, IL, 1883
Pages 690-691