William and Joseph J. Gerlach

GERLACH, HOYSEN, HAGAER, NEWHOUSE, FELTUS

Posted By: Barbara Gehlsen Nugent (email)
Date: 8/25/2011 at 19:00:43

History of Jackson County, Iowa, Volume 2, by James Whitcomb Ellis, 1910, Pages 383-384. Biographical Sketches

WILLIAM AND JOSEPH J. GERLACH.

One of the neat and attractive farms of Washington township is that of one hundred and eighty-one acres, lying on section 18, owned and operated by the Gerlach brothers, William and Joseph J. Both were born on the homestead on which they now live, the birth of the former having occurred July 9, 1868, and that of the latter September 14, 1858. Their father, Charles Gerlach, was born in Esento, Westphalen, Germany, February 5, 1822, and while a resident of the old country was engaged in the hotel and saloon business. In 1856, accompanied by his wife and one son, he emigrated to the United States, coming westward immediately after disembarking. They spent a few days in Chicago, Illinois, whence they went to Dubuque, Iowa, where Mr. Gerlach conducted a hotel for a few months. Upon leaving that city he came to Washington township, Jackson county, where he purchased a farm of eighty-eight acres, which he operated with fair success until January 16, 1899, when he sold the property to his sons William and Joseph J., who were at home. In the meantime, however, he had added to his original purchase, so that at that time the homestead embraced one hundred and thirty-seven acres. He lived thereon until his death, which occurred June 23, 1899, and when he passed away the community lost one of its respected citizens.

In Esento, Westphalen, Germany, on the 23d of February, 1854, Mr. Gerlach wedded Miss Josephine Hoyson, likewise a native of the fatherland. She is yet living at the advanced age of eighty-four years and makes her home with her sons, William and Joseph J. Unto her and her husband were born nine children, six of whom are living, as follows: Joseph J., who operates the home farm in partnership with his brother William; Henry C. H., who lives in Bellevue; Charles J., of Villadale, Kansas; Mary, who is the wife of Henry Hager, of Bellevue township; William, of this review; and Lena, who is the wife of Joseph Newhouse, of Lyons, Iowa.

William and Joseph J. Gerlach were reared at home, obtaining a fair education in the district school of the township and early in life becoming familiar with the tasks that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. They remained with their parents, assisting their father in his work, until January, 1899, when they bought the home place, which is still in their possession. Previously, however, they had bought forty-four acres adjoining the farm, so that now they have a tract of one hundred and eighty-one acres. The place is well provided with all the necessary improvements and conveniences to carry on the work to the greatest advantage, and everything about it is indicative of thrift and prosperity. Aside from producing general crops, such as hay and the various kinds of grain, they also pay some attention to stock raising, keeping from forty to fifty head of cattle; from fifty to sixty hogs and a few colts. The brothers are industrious and persevering in their work and have everything on hand with which to pursue agriculture by modern methods.

In Spring Brook, February 11, 1896, William Gerlach wedded Miss Anna K. Feltus, a daughter of Joseph Feltus, of Washington township. Seven children have been born to them, as follows: Anna Elizabeth, who is thirteen years of age; Joseph William, eleven; Anton Henry, nine; Leo Nicholas, seven years of age; Regina Josephine, six; Rosina Cathrina, three; and Marie Johanna, who is a baby of seven months.

The parents are communicants of the Catholic church of Spring Brook, as is also Joseph J. Gerlach, and are faithful in their religious duties. In their political views the brothers are in sympathy with the platform of the democracy, and Joseph Gerlach has served two terms as township trustee and one term as constable. William Gerlach is a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual So-, ciety. Like his brother, in all his business dealings he has been found thoroughly reliable and in matters of citizenship, helpful and progressive, and he merits and enjoys the respect and confidence of the many friends he has made in Washington township, where his entire life has been passed.