Jacob Wunn

WUNN, JONES

Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 1/15/2011 at 08:02:48

Jacob Wunn, who after a long, busy and useful life as a farmer, is now retired from active labor and is living in his comfortable home in Spencer, Clay county, was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, June 23, 1858, and is a son of John and Louisa (Wagner) Wunn, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to the United States in youth, were married in this country and became the parents of ten children, only thee of whom are now living, the others having died in infancy. The survivors are, Charles H., of Coggsville, North Dakota; Lucy, the wife of Henry Darty, of Iowa Falls, Iowa; and Jacob.

The last named spent the years of his youth on the paternal farmstead and attended the public schools of that neighborhood. He then spent five years in farming at monthly wages, and in the fall of 1883 turned his face westward, going to O'Brien county, Iowa, where he rented two hundred and forty acres of land, to the operation of which he closely devoted his attention for ten years. On February 14, 1894, he came to Sheldon, Iowa, and located on the land that he had rented in the fall of 1893. Subsequently he came to Dickinson, Iowa, and bought a half section of land, on which he lived for twenty-one years, developing it into a good, productive farm, in the operation of which he met with very gratifying success. In 1915 he rented the place to his oldest son and moved to Everly, Iowa, and in 1922 he moved to Spencer where he is now living.

On January 15, 1884, Mr. Wunn was united in marriage to Miss Katherine Jones, who was a native of Wisconsin, but who died March 4, 1915. Their children were: Lula E., born January 5, 1885, died April 10, 1889; Charles H., born July 14, 1886, died July 16, 1886; William Harrison, born May 3, 1889, lives at Haverhill, Iowa; Amil Fremont, born October 12, 1891, is living in Everly; John D., born August 2, 1893, died September 20, 1893; Letha E., born August 15, 1897, is living at home with her father; and Wesley L., born October 20, 1900, is now living in Spencer. Politically Mr. Wunn has always given his support to the republican party, has kept well informed on the issues of the day and has maintained a deep interest in local public affairs. he was honored by election as mayor of Everly, in which position he gave a good administration, and in every possible way has contributed to the general welfare of his community. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, belonging also to the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite branch of that order, and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His religious membership is with the Congregational church. A gentleman of unassuming manner, but possessing a forceful personality, he has long enjoyed the esteem and confidence of his fellowmen, who look upon him as a representative citizen of their community.

Contributed by: Debbie Clough Gerischer. Source: Northwestern Iowa, Its History and Tradition, Volume III, 1804-1926.