Blattenburg, Edwin R.

BLATTENBURG

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 6/28/2021 at 23:00:25

History of Warren County, Iowa from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, by Rev. W. C. Martin, Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1908, p.784

EDWIN R. BLATTENBURG
Edwin R. Blattenburg, who is successfully engaged in general farming on section 9, Liberty Township, where he owns one hundred and thirty-six acres of well improved land, was born in Lee County, Iowa, October 13, 1855, his parents being George and Caroline (Tope) Blattenburg. The father was born in Center County, Pennsylvania, September 20, 1816, being a son of Daniel and Mary Blattenburg, both of whom lived and died in the Key­stone state. The family is of Pennsylvania Dutch descent and nearly all of its representatives were agriculturists.
George Blattenburg was one of three children, his two sisters being Mary and Eliza, both of whom married and resided in Pennsylvania but are now deceased. He also had two step-brothers, his mother having married a second time. George Blattenburg was reared in the state of his nativity and acquired his education in the common schools. Owing to the early death of his father, he was reared by an uncle and when he started out in life on his own account his only assets were his willing hands and determined spirit. In Pennsylvania he first wedded Miss Susanna Hunselman, who passed away in that state, leaving three small children, namely: Sarah, who is now deceased; George, Jr., who has likewise passed away, and David who makes his home near Gage, Woodward County, Oklahoma.
The father of these children was again married, in West Virginia, choosing for his second wife Miss Caroline Tope, whose birth occurred in Hancock County, West Virginia, January 21, 1821. Her parents were Jacob and Lucretia Tope. Her father, who was engaged in flat-boating, died in New Orleans. His wife removed to Iowa in 1855 and resided for some years in Lee County, but passed away at the home of her daughter Caroline in 1872, having at­tained the age of eighty-four years. Her family numbered three children, as follows: Jefferson, living near Wheeling, West Virginia; Mrs. Caroline Blattenburg; and William, whose death occurred in Lee County, Iowa, in 1869. Caroline was reared in West Virginia and taught school in that state for some years prior to her marriage. She became the mother of five chil­dren, namely: Lucretia, the wife of J. W. Leeper, of Omaha, Nebraska; Mary E., residing at Omaha; Edwin R., of this review; Virginia, the wife of W. E. Lyon, who lives near Liberty Center, and J. F., of Denver, Colorado, who is train dispatcher for the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad. The last named commenced at Ackworth and subsequently went to Indianola, Des Moines and other points in the west. He wedded Miss Mollie McGee, of Knox­ville. Both Mr. and Mrs. George Blattenburg are deceased.
Edwin R. Blattenburg accompanied his parents on their removal to War­ren County in 1861, his father purchasing a farm on section 10, Liberty Township. He was reared in this County and for a time attended Simpson College, subsequently entering Ackworth Seminary, where he prepared for teaching. His principal preceptor and the one he remembers most kindly was Professor Eli W. Beard. Mr. Blattenburg's first certificate was issued in November, 1878, during Mrs. Elizabeth S. Martin's term as County Superintendent, and for eighteen years he followed his profession in the public schools of Warren County, imparting clearly and readily to others the knowledge that he had acquired. In later years he also engaged in farming and since 1887 has been located on his farm on section 9, Liberty Township, which has been in his possession for the past thirty years. The property comprises one hun­dred and thirty-six acres and he has placed thereon many substantial im­provements, including a comfortable home and good outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. In addition to the work of general farming he has devoted considerable attention to breeding and raising Shropshire sheep, but only for his own use. He is widely recognized as a prosperous and enterprising agriculturist of the community and as one whose success is the merited reward of his well directed labor and capable management.
In 1887 Mr. Blattenburg was united in marriage to Miss Emma Ander­son, who was born in Lucas County but from the age of twelve months was reared in Warren County. She was a daughter of H. C. and Frances (Hayden) Anderson, the latter being called to her final rest in 1891, when about forty years of age. H. C. Anderson, who was a soldier of the Thirteenth Iowa Volunteer Infantry for about four years, now resides at Pomona, California. Mrs. Blattenburg was one of a family of twelve children, nearly all of whom survive. Those residing in this County include her sister Grace, who is the wife of J. L. Woodyard, of Liberty township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Blattenburg have been born four children, two of whom, Bonnie and Earl died in infancy. The surviving members are: Robert Clare, born February 29, 1892 and Carroll, whose birth occurred November 4, 1895. Both are now attending school.
In his political views Mr. Blattenburg is a staunch Republican and has served as township clerk, assessor and trustee, discharging his official duties with capability and promptness. For the past twenty-seven years he has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Liberty Center, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Having been a resident of this County for almost a half century, he is well and favorably known here and has won the respect and regard of all with whom he has been brought in contact in business or social relations.