Hamann, John J.

HAMANN, TITTERMAN, SHAFFER, SCHAEFFER

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/21/2006 at 22:22:42

HAMANN, JOHN J.

This is a name very familiar to those acquainted with the leading agriculturists of Lyon township, Lyon county, as that of a man who has acquired more than a local reputation for his industrious habits and high personal character. He is the owner and operator of a half section of land, in section 25, Lyon township, and by his good management and unremitting labor has made it one of the most productive farms of this part of the county.

Mr. Hamann was born in Holstein, Germany, March 1, 1852, a son of Claus and Anna Hamann. The father was always a laboring man, and died in his native land at the advanced age of seventy-six years in 1884. His widow entered into rest in 1888 when seventy years. They always lived in Holstein, where they became the parents of a family of thirteen children, four of whom are now living; Anna Maria, who has her home in Missouri; Sophia is married, and lives in Hamburg, Germany; Margaret married Claus Titterman, and still resides in her native land; John J., whose name appears above.

John J. Hamann attended the schools of his native land until he reached the age of fifteen years, when he crossed the ocean, and located in Scott county, Iowa, where he found employment as a laborer for the ensuing eight years. For twelve years he was engaged in farming, after which he came to his present location, where he now owns three hundred and twenty acres, which under his careful management have become very productive. He operates one hundred and sixty acres of rental land in addition. At the present time he is working largely towards stock farming, and owns one hundred and thirty head of cattle, one hundred and fifty hogs and seventeen horses.

Mr. Hamann was united in marriage in 1879 to Miss Anna C. Shaffer, of Scott county, a daughter of Ludwig and Louisa (Schaeffer) Shaffer, both of whom were natives of Germany. Her father was always a farmer, and died in his sixty-eighth year; her mother being at the time of her death one year younger. They were the parents of fourteen children, six of whom are now living, Mrs. Hamann being the oldest.

Mr. and Mrs. Hamann have had the following family: Herman L., a successful farmer in Richland township, Lyon county; Henry C., at home; Gustave W., who helps Herman on the farm; Alvina; Celia, at home.

Mr. Hamann is associated with various important interests, and is a man of standing in the community, where he is so well known. He is a director in the Fair Association of Sioux county, and vice president of the Farmers' Elevator Company at Rock Valley. He was also a trustee of the Mutual Fire Association of Sioux and Lyon counties, and at different periods has served as road superintendent. His grasp of affairs is strong, and he has conducted himself with credit wherever placed. For seven years he has served as judge of elections, and is associated in religious matters with the Lutheran church.

Our subject was a member of Inwood Lodge, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and has gone through all the chairs at Alvord, Iowa, which lodge he joined later.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.; Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner, Darlene Jacoby and Diane Johnson