MELCHOIR A WAKERLI, b 23 Jun 1823

WAKERLI, HARTER, KINRADE, NEISWANGER, DOBBINS, RODGERS

Posted By: Donna Moldt Walker (email)
Date: 2/28/2005 at 07:01:06

Melchoir A. Wakerli, a retired farmer residing in Maquoketa, is classed among the pioneers of Eastern Iowa who have been active in developing its agricultural resources. He still owns a valuable farm in Clinton County, which he improved from the wild prairie. By persistent and well-directed toil, seconded by wise economy, shrewdness, and sound judgment, he has accumulated a large amount of property, from which he derives an income amply sufficing himself and wife, and enabling them to spend their declining years in ease and comfort.

Mr. Wakerli is a native of Switzerland, born in the canton of Zurich, June 23, 1823. His parents were both natives of that country, and his father spent his entire life there. His mother came to the United States, and now lives in Sac City, Iowa, enjoying a hale and hearty health, notwithstanding she has seen nearly a century of life. Our subject was reared to a stalwart, independent manhood amid the beautiful scenes of his native land. He gleaned an excellent education, as he attended school quite regularly in his youth. He then worked on the home-farm until he was twenty-one, when he joined the army, and served nine years, and during that time took part in several battles, from which he did not escape unscathed, as he still carries a scar, the result of a sabre-wound received in a hand-to-hand conflict with one of the enemy. After his experience of military life he gladly turned his attention to more peaceful pursuits, and for a time had charge of a pleasure-boat on the river Rhine. He was ambitious to better his condition in life and wishing to try his fortunes in the Great Republic across the water, emigrated to this country in 1855. He spent a short time in Western Ohio, and thence came to Iowa, and, locating in Clinton County, bought forty acres of wild prairie-land in Bloomfield Township. A shanty had been built on the place, but he replaced it by a more commodious frame house, and then proceeded to improve his land. He found the country roundabout rather sparsely settled, and for a time Lyons was the nearest market for his grain and other farm products. He worked with characteristic industry, perseverance and good judgment, and in a few years the result of his labors became apparent in his well-cultivated fields, substantial buildings, and the general air of neatness that pervaded the whole place. In time his success was such that he was enabled to add to the original acreage of his place by further purchase until he had 280 acres of as fine farming land as there was in the county. He continued to reside on his estate until 1883, when he left his son in charge and retired to enjoy his income by a more quiet and leisurely life; taking up his residence in Maquoketa, buying his present home, and has ever since been a valued citizen of this city.

Mr. Wakerli has been twice married, and by his first union had four children, two living, of whom the following is recorded: Pauline married John B. Harter, of Sac City, Iowa; Albert, who manages the homestead in Clinton County, married Miss Hattie Kinrade. The maiden name of the present Mrs. Wakerli was Mary A. Neiswanger, and she was born in Belmont County, Ohio. Her father, John Neiswanger, was born in Lancaster County, Pa.; and his father, David Neiswanger, was born in Heidleberg, Germany, and was educated in the far-famed Heidleberg College. He came to America when a young man, located in Pennsylvania, and married there. He resided in Lancaster County a few years and then removed to Belmont County, Ohio, of which he became a pioneer. He bought real-estate in St. Clairsville, on which he erected a large building, which he opened to the public as a tavern, and for many years he was known to all the country round in the capacity of "mine host." He also dealt quite extensively in cattle, buying in the surrounding towns and counties, and driving them across the mountains to the Philadelphia market. He continued his residence in Belmont County until death closed his busy life.

Mrs. Wakerli's father was young when his parents removed to Ohio, and he there grew to man's estate amid the pioneer scenes. He continued to reside with his father, assisting him in business until after his marriage. He then removed to Columbus, and with his brother, Gen. Neiswanger, took contracts on the National Road then being constructed between Zanesville and Indianapolis. After the completion of the road they bought a large tract of land near Columbus, and then engaged in farming for a time. In 1853 our subject removed to Illinois, and after residing in Bloomington for awhile crossed the Mississippi into Iowa, and took up his abode in Muscatine County. While living there he visited the more westerly portion of the State, and in Dallas County bought a large tract of land. He continued his residence in Muscatine County until after the war closed, and then located on his land in Dallas County, and building up a comfortable home spent his last days there. The maiden name of his wife, the mother of our subject, was Elizabeth Dobbins. She was born in Barnesville, Ohio, and was a daughter of James and Elizabeth (Rodgers) Dobbins, natives of New Jersey. She died in Wilton, Muscatine County.

Mrs. Wakerli received a good education in the public schools of her native county, which well qualified her for the profession of teacher, which she adopted while still in her teens, and was successfully engaged in it until the time of her marriage. She is a woman of elevated character and refined tastes, and is a devoted member of the Episcopal Church. She and her husband have made many pleasant friends and acquaintances since making their home in Maquoketa, and by whomsoever they are known they are warmly respected for those qualities of head and heart that make them true to themselves, and to others with whom they are associated. Mr. Wakerli is a loyal citizen to his adopted country, and takes as much pride and interest in its progress and prosperity as if he were a native.

("Portrait and Biographical Album of Jackson County, Iowa", originally published in 1889, by the Chapman Brothers, of Chicago, Illinois.)