Harder, Jacob

HARDER

Posted By: Joyce Hickman (email)
Date: 10/22/2008 at 14:13:00

Jacob Harder

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.213, Pleasant Twp.)
Jacob Harder, farmer, P. O. Avoca, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, June 17, 1825; son of Jacob and Mary (Jurden) Harder, both natives of Mecklenburg, Germany, where they also died. They were the parents of three children, of whom our subject is the only boy and the only one of the children now living. He received his education in his native country and began life as a farmer. He was married in his native country, in October, 1853, to Mary Hoppner, born December 28, 1826, in Mecklenburg, Germany, daughter of Christian and Mary (Laasch) Hoppner, both natives of Mecklenburg, Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Harder have five children - Christina, Sophia, Mary, Charley and William. Our subject came to the United States in 1857, and located near Chicago. He came to Pleasant Township in the spring of 1874, and purchased 320 acres of wild land at $8 per acre, selling one hundred acres $19 per acre in 1881. He bought 240 acres at $12 per acre. His present farm of 460 acres is well improved, and a fine stock and grain farm. He set out a grove, and at present engages in general farming. He has filled several township offices. In religion, he is a Lutheran, and in politics a Republican.