Friedman, Anton

FRIEDMAN, WESTENDORF

Posted By: Rochelle Phelps (email)
Date: 7/15/2002 at 22:44:35

Anton Friedman, deceased, for many years prominently identified with the farming interests of Dubuque county, was a native of the state of Ohio, born October 14, 1844, a son of Joseph and Katherine Friedman. He came with his parents to Dubuque county, Iowa, in 1856, and for a time attended the New Vienna school. Joseph Friedman died in 1883, aged sixty-nine yers, and was buried in Luxemburg; his wife died in 1860 and is buried at New Vienna. Shortly after his marriage Anton Friedman farmed on rented land, and later bought 120 acres which he improved. In 1882 he sold this and purchased 160 acres, six years later adding another 80 acres to his holdings, and by hard work he brought his property to a high state of cultivation. He gradually prospered and became one of the foremost men of his community. July 20, 1900 he passed away and his loss was mourned generally throughout the county. On February 18, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Westendorf, who was born July 31, 1849, in Maryland, the daughter of Joseph and Catherine Westendorf. Her parents came to Dubuque county at an early date and here engaged in farming. To them were born these children: Mary, the wife of Herman Sassen, retired farmer of Adrian, Minnesota; Catherine, married George Friedman, retired farmer of Alton, Sioux county; Anna, wife of John Stalzer, farming in Marshall county, Iowa; Theresa, wife of Henry Pottebaum, farming in Liberty township; Bernardina, married John Hoefler, of Westphalia, Kansas, and Elizabeth, wife of Anton Friedman. Mr. Westendorf died April 10, 1890 aged seventy-one years, followed by his wife December 8, 1895, aged seventy-one years, and both are buried at Luxemburg. Mrs. Friedman attended the old Vorwald school during her girlhood days, and resided at home until her marriage. She now resides on the old homestead, where she and her husband lived happily together for many years. To them were born the following named children: John J., died at the age of twenty-six, March 12, 1905, while studying for the priesthood, and is buried in the family lot at Luxemburg; Jospeh, farming in Liberty township; Mary, who married John Pottebaum, a farmer of Millville township, Clayton county, Iowa; Jacob, proprietor of the Dyersville Automobile Company; George, farmer of Clayton county; Theresa, Sister Lucilla of St. Francis, Dubuque; Henry J., at home; Magdalena, residing at home; William Anton, at home and Anna M., a graduate of Luxemburg parochial school. Mr. Friedman always took an active interest in the growth and development of his section of the county and for years held the office of township trustee.