Holtey, William John 1875 –1932
HOLTEY, SEIDTEGEL, EIMERS, MILLER, BECKER
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/25/2015 at 07:56:35
WILLIAM JOHN HOLTEY.
William John Holtey, carrying on general farming and stock-raising upon the fine farm of four hundred and sixty-five acres in Military township upon which he was born and reared, is numbered among the most progressive and successful young farmers of Winneshiek county, his labors having contributed substantially to its agricultural growth and development. His birth occurred on the 27th of December, 1875, his parents being Theodore and Maria Catherine (Seidtegel). Holtey, natives of Westphalia, Germany. They came to America, July 1, 1854, and settled in Illinois, whence two years later they removed to Iowa, locating in the vicinity of Calmar, Winneshiek county in 1856. After four years the father purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Military township on section 19 and afterward added to this another one hundred and sixty acres lying on the same section. From time to time, thereafter he added to his holdings, buying land on section 18 and 20 of the same township, thus finally accumulating four hundred and sixty-five acres, which still constitutes the Holtey homestead. He continued to develop and improve this property, engaging in general farming and stock-raising, for many years, but eventually retired and removed to Ossian, where he now resides, having reached the age of eighty-six. He is well and favorably known in that town and also in Military township to which he came in pioneer times and to the development of which he made such lasting and substantial contributions, and his genuine personal worth and sterling integrity are honored and respected wherever he is known. Mrs. Theodore Holtey passed away in August, 1901. She and her husband became the parents of eight children : Mary, deceased; Caroline, the wife of William Eimers; Catherine; Barney, who resides in Ossian; Henry, who has passed away; Roman, at home; Annie, the wife of Henry F. Miller of Winneshiek county; and William John, of this review.
William John Holtey was reared upon the farm which he now owns and acquired his education in the district schools of Military township. From his early childhood he assisted his father with the work of the homestead and became in this way thoroughly familiar with the best agricultural methods. In 1897 he purchased the home farm from his father and has since continued to develop and improve it, his unremitting industry and practical methods having won their natural reward. Upon his three hundred and twenty acres Mr. Holtey carries on general farming and stock-raising, both branches of his activities proving profitable and important, and he gives practically all of his time to the improvement of the farm which today reflects his careful supervision in its excellent condition and attractive appearance.
On the 7th of September, 1897, Mr. Holtey married Miss Paulina Becker and they have become the parents of eight children: Theodore, deceased; Marie, who lives at home; Henry, who has passed away; Beata, Joseph, Adelia, William and Rosella, all of whom are still with their parents.
The family are members of the Roman Catholic church and fraternally, Mr. Holtey is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Order of Foresters. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has been called upon by his fellow citizens to fill various positions of trust and honor, proving always loyal and faithful in the discharge of his duties. He has been trustee of Military township and is now serving as township assessor, discharging his duties in a capable and farsighted manner and to the satisfaction of his constituents and the public at large. He has gained a high place in the business and official life of his native township and his record is a credit to a name that has long been an honored one in this part of Iowa.
Source: History of Winneshiek County, Iowa Vol. II Chicago the S. J. Clark Publishing Company 1913
St. Francis de Sales cemetery gravestone
Winneshiek Biographies maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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