ROTH, Joseph - 1890 Bio (1817-1897)

ROTH, KLOPFENSTEIN, WEITZEL, MESSER, DROZ, LAMSON, ANDERSON

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 8/23/2007 at 21:41:45

Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties, Iowa, Printed 1890 by Lake City Publishing Co., Chicago
Pages 397-398

Joseph ROTH is numbered among the highly respected citizens of Jefferson County, where he has resided for the long period of forty-seven years. His home is situated on section 12, Fairfield Township, and his farm embraces a part of the land which he obtained from the Government almost half a century ago. Although he was then in very limited circumstances, his industrious habits, combined with enterprise and a determination to succeed, have secured for him a handsome competence, and he is now numbered among the substantial farmers of the community.

Mr. ROTH was born in Bellott, France, August 6, 1817. His parents, Jacque and Kate ROTH, were also natives of the same country, emigrated to America in 1831 and settled in Wayne County, Ohio, but not until five years later did our subject leave his native land to seek a home across the water. He had just attained his majority when, in 1836, he joined his family in Wayne County. His capital was sixty-seven cents, and with that sum he began life in the New World, but in a country where all who will, may work and rise above a humble position, he met with success and prosperity crowned his efforts. He confined his operations to the dairy business while in Ohio, but since coming to Iowa has devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits. His first purchase of land in Jefferson County was a tract in Cedar Township, which he obtained from the Government, and which still forms a part of his farm. He made his home thereon until 1849, when he moved across the township to his present home. As time passed and his farm began to prove a paying investment, he extended his acreage until at one time he owned eight hundred acres, but a portion of this he has since divided with his children, and the old homestead now comprises three hundred and sixty acres. To those who know Mr. ROTH and are familiar with his industrious, practical and energetic habits, it is needless to say that his farm is a model one in every particular. All necessary improvements have been made, good stock is there raised and fields of grain yield a golden reward for his care and cultivation.

While in Wayne County, Ohio, Mr. ROTH was joined in wedlock with Miss Mary KLOPFENSTEIN, daughter of Christ KLOPFENSTEIN. She was born in Southern France, on the 24th of September, 1823, came to America in the year 1832, and on the 23d of December, 1840, became the wife of Mr. ROTH. Two children were born unto them in Ohio, and after their removal to Iowa the family circle was increased by the birth of eleven children,making in all a band of thirteen, seven sons and six daughters. Of that number nine are yet living. Lydia, the eldest, died at the age of four years; Peter wedded Mary WEITZEL and lives in Black Hawk Township, Jefferson County; Rebecca is the wife of Adam MESSER, of Lockridge Township, Jefferson County; Elizabeth died at the age of one year; John wedded Mary J. DROZ and is a resident of Fairfield Township; Christian is at home; Joseph died at the age of five years; Mary is with her father; Anna is the wife of V. A. LAMSON, of Fairfield; Jake is at home; Lizzie died at the age of three years; Edward married Mary ANDERSON and is residing in Holdridge, Neb.; Benjamin F. is located in Omaha, Neb., and completes the family. Mrs. ROTH, the mother of the above-named children, died on the 11th of March, 1886. She was a Mennonite in religious belief and lived a useful life. Mr. ROTH and his daughter Mary are also believers in the same faith and in politics he and his sons, with one exception, are Democrats. Genial, warm-hearted and loyal, he wins hosts of friends and enjoys the confidence and good-will of his neighbors in a marked degree.

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