William Sodemann

SODEMANN, FREYER, SCHROEDER

Posted By: Barbara Gehlsen Nugent (email)
Date: 8/24/2011 at 17:45:14

History of Jackson County, Iowa, Volume 2, by James Whitcomb Ellis, 1910. Biographical Sketches

WILLIAM SODEMANN.

William Sodemann, who is engaged in the successful conduct of a livery in Miles, was born in Germany, October 13, 1877, and is a son of Fred and Minnie (Freyer) Sodemann, also natives of the fatherland. In 1884 they decided to emigrate to America, that their children might profit by the larger opportunities for advancement afforded by this country, and, coming to Jackson county almost immediately after disembarking, located in Van Buren township. They have remained residents of this county to the present and are highly regarded as persons of genuine worth. In their family are nine children, all of whom are still living.

William Sodemann was about seven years of age when his parents established their home in America and has spent the rest of his life in Jackson county. In the public schools he acquired a fair education that qualified him to take up the more responsible duties of later years when he put aside the tasks of the schoolroom. While assisting his father in the work of the field he also obtained a practical experience that has been of considerable value to him He remained under the parental roof until he reached mature age and then set out to make his own way in the world, obtaining employment first as a farm hand. He was thus engaged for seven years, after which he worked in a gristmill at Miles for two years. He believed, however, that a man is at his best only when working for himself, and so, seeing a favorable opening, about five years ago he embarked in the livery business in Miles. The undertaking has proved a very profitable one. He gives a service that is first class in every respect, has up-to-date barns and suitable equipment and by reason of his reliability and straightforward business methods he has built up an excellent trade. He owns a comfortable house and lot in Miles, the property being one evidence of his success and of his stability.

It was in 1901 that Mr. Sodemann was united in marriage to Miss Lorena Schroeder, a native of Jackson county and a daughter of Fred and Dora Schroeder. The latter has passed away, but the former is still living and makes his home with Mr. and Mrs. Sodemann. Unto the couple have been born three children, namely: Hugo F., Alvin and Lester.

Mr. Sodemann gives unfaltering endorsement to the republican party at the polls but otherwise is not active in its ranks as he does not aspire to any public office. He is a member of Camp No. 1026, M. W. A., at Miles, and is in thorough sympathy with the ideals of the fraternity. While still a young man he has achieved an enviable success in his business for he has been watchful of all its details and of all indications pointing toward prosperity, and from the beginning has had an abiding faith in the ultimate success of the enterprise. He and his wife are highly esteemed throughout the community, and the cordial hospitality of their pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends.