DROZ, George Albert - 1890 Bio (1836-1908)

DROZ, RIVES, RAINICHE, ROTH

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/4/2007 at 14:30:38

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 385-386

George Albert DROZ, a farmer residing on section 17, Cedar Township, Jefferson County, is the son of John P. and Mary P. (RIVES) DROZ. His parents were both natives of Alsace, France, and unto them were born two sons, one of whom died in his native land. In April, 1847, accompanied by young George, who was born in Alsace, March 3, 1836, Mr. and Mrs. DROZ sailed from Havre to New Orleans, reaching the latter city after a voyage of sixty-one days. They then proceeded up the Mississippi to St. Louis, near where, for some five years, Mr. DROZ engaged in his life occupation, farming. The year 1851 witnessed the arrival of himself and family in Jefferson County, where he purchased the farm upon which our subject yet makes his home. It continued to be his place of abode until called to the better land at the age of seventy-seven years. His wife, who like her husband, was a member of the Catholic Church, died at the age of seventy-three years. In politics, Mr. DROZ was a Democrat.

The subject of this sketch, now a progressive and influential farmer of Cedar Township, was educated in the schools of his native land, but after his arrival in America, he secured some English text books, and familiarized himself with the American tongue. He has now a fair knowledge of both languages, and is a well-informed man, who keeps abreast of the times in everything of public interest. His knowledge of the French language has proved of great advantage to him as an interpreter in the courts.

On the 30th of July, 1857, Mr. DROZ was joined in wedlock with Mary V. RAINICHE, who was also a native of Alsace, France, born February 27, 1838. Some sixteen years later, she accompanied her mother and brother to this country, the family locating in Jefferson County, Iowa. Her father died in his native land.

Beginning their domestic life on the farm which is still their home, their union was there blessed with a family of ten children, who in the order of birth are as follows: Louis J., George E., Francis M.; Mary G., wife of John ROTH; John P., who is employed as a salesman in Denver. Colo.; Joseph C., Philomene E., Adolph, Marie A., and Marie V. With the exception of the two children above specially mentioned, all are yet at home, and the members of the family are communicants of the Catholic Church.

In his political affiliation, Mr. DROZ is a Democrat. He cast his first Presidential vote for Stephen A. Douglas, and since that time has never swerved in his allegiance to the Democracy. He filled the office of Township Assessor for two years, and has held other minor positions. He is accounted a successful farmer and stock-raiser, and may well be called a self-made man. His father was the possessor of some $3,000 in France, but lost the entire sum by giving it in charge of untrustworthy persons when he emigrated to America. The joint capital of the father and son consisted of but $60 on their arrival, but together they labored to retrieve their lost property, and not only soon accomplished that, but became possessors of much more. Mr. DROZ now owns three hundred and fifty acres of land all under fence, which is well cultivated and improved with a neat and tasty dwelling and good barns and outbuildings. His example might well encourage others to renewed efforts, for success comes to those who labor in the right direction, and who are possessors of industrious habits, enterprise and fair business ability.

*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.