WITTE, JOHN M.

WITTE, KUHNER, FALK, STEINLAGE, WEBBER

Posted By: Jean Kramer (email)
Date: 7/3/2003 at 18:59:57

Biography reproduced from page 466 of Volume II of the History of Kossuth County written by Benjamin F. Reed and published in 1913:

John M. Witte, of St. Benedict, Kossuth county, is the postmaster of the village in which he lives and is also a dealer in hardware, agricultural implements and live stock. He is the first born child to his parents, John and Anna (Kuhner) Witte, his birth occurring October 16, 1866, in Fayette county, Iowa. The father was born in Germany in 1833 and came to America while yet a boy, settling in Oldenburg, Indiana, where he lived on a farm and attended the district schools for seven years. He then came to Fayette county, Iowa, with his parents, where the family remained for some time, the parents passing away in that county. In 1865 he was married to Miss Anna Kuhner and to this union were born three children. The brother and sister of our subject are: Nicholas Witte, born in 1871, living in Stearns county, Minnesota; and Elizabeth, born in 1868, who married Ed Falk, a resident of Stacyville, Iowa.

John M. Witte was educated at St. Lucas parochial school in Fayette county, and was reared on his father’s farm, there working until he was twenty-six years of age, after which he was married and removed to Salem, South Dakota. He lived on a farm near Salem, South Dakota, for two years and then returned to the home place in Fayette county, Iowa, where he remained until 1903. He then removed with his family to St. Benedict, Iowa, and engaged in the hardware and general merchandise business with his brother, Nicholas, later going into business in the hardware, implement and stock-buying lines. In the latter business he is in partnership with G. B. Ludwig.

Mr. Witte was married to Miss Gertrude Steinlage, on November 15, 1892, and to this union were born five children: John, born August 25, 1893; Bernard, September 27, 1895; Nicholas, December 6, 1897; Elizabeth, February 21, 1900; and Ferdinand, May 14, 1902. The wife and mother died May 28, 1902, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery of St. Lucas. Mr. Witte was again married, on the 7th of September, 1905, to Miss Mary Webber, and to this marriage were born five children, three of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Alois, born June 21, 1907; and Mary, born November 15, 1910. Although a democrat in his political affiliations Mr. Witte was appointed postmaster by President Roosevelt in November, 1908, and is still serving in that capacity, having been confirmed by President Taft. He is one of the best known citizens of Prairie township, Kossuth county, and is a man who is respected by all the people of his acquaintance. He has for many years been a successful business man, handling various lines of trade in addition to his official capacity with more than ordinary ability. He is affable by disposition, optimistic in his nature and is generally regarded as one of the best and most valued citizens of the county.