Stiffler, Adam

STIFFLER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/2/2021 at 21:01:58

History of Warren County, Iowa from Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, by Rev. W. C. Martin, Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, Illinois, 1908, p.670

ADAM STIFFLER
Adam Stiffler, one of the few remaining pioneer settlers of Warren County, was born in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, January 7, 1828, the son of George and Nancy (Dust) Stiffler. His father, as the name indicates, was of German descent. He was a native of Pennsylvania and when a young man removed to Tuscawaras County, Ohio, where he was an early resident of the town of New Philadelphia. Later he removed to Delaware County, Ohio, where he combined the occupation of farming with that of the milling business. Ever ambitious to better his condition, in 1856 he removed with his family to Iowa, where he settled at St. Charles, Madison County. Here he died two-years later. While a resident of Ohio he married Miss Nancy Dust, a native of Pennsylvania, who survived her husband some years, passing away at St. Charles, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stiffler were born thirteen children, ten of whom grew up to the estate of manhood and womanhood. Three of them are yet living, namely: Mrs. Thompson, who resides in Colorado; Simon, a resident of California; and Adam, of this review. Three of their sons volunteered for the defense of the Union at the outbreak of the Civil War. One, J. W., was killed at the battle of Chattanooga; another, William H., was wounded at Vicksburg and discharged; and the third, J. If., served for three years, or until the cessation of hostilities.
Adam Stiffler received his education in the district schools of Ohio. He followed his father's fortunes and aided him in his enterprises throughout his young manhood. Prior to the removal of the family to Iowa he was married to Miss Nancy Thompson, and he and his young wife accompanied them on their western trip. He engaged in blacksmithing in St. Charles and followed this occupation there for twelve years. His business thrived and served as a stepping-stone to greater prosperity, which he found in the purchase of eighty acres of land upon which the town of Norwalk, then but a stage station, is now located. Here he bought a hotel and, as the growth of the surrounding country demanded the conveniences of a market place, he laid out the city of Norwalk. He was elected its first mayor and served for two consecutive terms. The village, which was born of the necessities of the times, prospered and grew, resulting in an increased value in his realty holdings. He pinned his faith to the future of the locality and results have proven that his judgment was well founded. Quick to discern the opportunities of the times, Mr. Stiffler engaged in the buying and shipping of live stock, thus converting the products of the community into an available form of cash. He now derives a substantial income from his property in Norwalk and for eight years has lived retired, spending his summers at home, but wishing for a more genial climate in which to spend the months of winter, Norwalk, Los Angeles County, California has been selected as a winter resort by him for several years past and is really now his permanent home.
Unto the first marriage of Mr. Stiffler were born three children. One died as a young woman; Ophelia is now the wife of A. G. Hartley, of Des Moines; George is a stock-buyer and shipper of Norwalk. The mother died at St. Charles many years ago. For his second wife Mr. Stiffler chose Miss Matilda Foster. To this union were also born three children, namely: J. W., who lives in West Virginia; J. E., residing in Kansas; and F. C., who is now the cashier of the New Virginia Savings Bank. The second Mrs. Stiffier died in 1905 and Mr. Stiffier again manifested his faith in and respect for womanhood by his marriage to Mrs. Emily Stiffler, the widow of his brother Harvey, who is now the companion and helpmate of his declining years.
For fifty years Mr. Stiffler has been an active member of the Methodist Church. He helped to organize the first one that was established in the New Virginia circuit, at St. Charles. His political allegiance has always been given to the Republican Party, which he has at various times been called upon to serve, notably as mayor of Norwalk as well as in other minor offices. In look­ing back over his career Mr. Stiffler has every reason to feel, like Paul, the apostle, that he "has fought a good fight." and that life has yielded him full and rich returns.