Albers, John J. 1870 -

ALBERS, HERR, REINHARDT, BENDER, KUNTZ, BLACKBURN, GERBER, BACH

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 4/14/2014 at 19:30:07

Among the native sons of Winneshiek County who have gained well deserved success in agricultural pursuits is John J. Albers, who since 1909 has carried on general farming upon the old Albers homestead. He was born, June 24, 1870, in Canoe Township and is a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Herr) Albers, natives of Germany and early settlers in Winneshiek County, where the father spent practically his entire life engaged in farming. He was well known in this part of Iowa and served for several years as road supervisor. His death occurred in Cresco, February 1, 1910. His wife survives him, making her home in that city. To their union were born eleven children: George, of Lake Benton, Minnesota; Anna, the wife of Albert Reinhardt, of Howard county, Iowa; Ida, who became the wife of John Bender and is now deceased; Henry J., engaged in farming in Lincoln township; John J., of this review; Clara, the wife of John Kuntz, of Luck, Wisconsin; Emma R., who married Frank Blackburn, of Lincoln township, this county; Albert, of Cresco; Fred W., a resident of the same locality; a child, who died in infancy; and Edward R., of Cresco.

John J. Albers was reared at home and from his early childhood has been familiar with farm operation, having spent a great deal of time aiding his father with the work of the homestead. After beginning his independent career he worked at farm labor for ten years and then rented one hundred and twenty acres of land in Lincoln Township. After one year upon this property he began working by the day but eventually rented the homestead, operating this for three years thereafter. At the end of that time he rented another farm of one hundred acres and after one year rented an eighty-acre tract, upon which he continued to make his home for three years. He then returned to the homestead and has now been renting this property for four years, carrying on general farming and stock-raising and meeting with that success which always follows earnest and persistent labor.

On the 26th of November, 1902, Mr. Albers was united in marriage to Miss Emma Gerber, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Bach) Gerber, natives of Switzerland. Mr. and Mrs. Albers became the parents of two children: a son who died in infancy; and Louise Herminia Alma. Mr. Albers is a republican in his political beliefs and fraternally is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a devout member of the Methodist church and is a man of exemplary character, known in his business dealings for reliability and integrity and holding the esteem and confidence of all who are associated with him.

Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark publishing Company 1913