Jirak, Louis A. 1869 –

JIRAK, DVORAK, TUPY, BUSTA, KUPKA, KOUDELKA, POUSKA

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 3/30/2015 at 16:43:50

LOUIS A. JIRAK.

Louis A. Jirak is the proprietor of the Rosebud Farm, a fine property of one hundred and forty-five acres lying on sections 28, 29 and 32, Jackson township and in its management has displayed both energy and ability, his work being rewarded with that success which always follows earnest, well directed and persistent labor. He is in addition well known in mercantile circles of Jackson Junction as manager of an important lumber concern there and in this connection has proven reliable, efficient and discriminating, his business ability being undoubted and his business integrity standing as an unquestioned fact in his life. He is one of Winneshiek county's most successful native sons, his birth having occurred on the 25th of August, 1869. He is a son of Wenzel and Mary (Dvorak) Jirak, natives of Bohemia, who came to America in 1860, locating in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where the father engaged in farming until his death which occurred on the 24th of July, 1901. His wife has also passed away, dying May 17, 1910. To their union were born twelve children: John, who resides in Jackson township; Joseph, of Chickasaw county, Iowa; Wenzel A., who resides in Jackson township; a son and a daughter who died in infancy; Frank, of Protivin, Howard county; Louis A., of this review; William, of Winneshiek county; Mary, the wife of Antone Tupy, of Jackson township; Anna, the wife of W. A. Busta, of Chickasaw county; Rosie, twin to Anna, who has passed away; and Charles, of Chickasaw county.

Louis A. Jirak was reared on his father's farm in this county, gaining in his childhood an excellent knowledge of the best agricultural methods and of all the details of farm operation. At twenty-three he began his independent career, turning his attention to the occupation to which he had been reared, and thereafter for five years he engaged in agricultural pursuits, success steadily attending his well directed labors. At the end of that time he removed to Fort Atkinson and became connected with a lumberyard there, retaining his position from 1896 until 1901, when he went to Jackson Junction. He assumed management of the lumber company in that community and he still continues in this capacity, being known as one of the most resourceful, farsighted and progressive men in the town. He makes his home, however, upon his farm and is active in its operation, his general farming and stock-raising interests being today extensive and important. The Rosebud Farm lies on sections 28, 29 and 32 and is an excellent property in every particular, reflecting the intelligent care and supervision of its owner, who is an able and practical agriculturist.

Mr. Jirak married Miss Josephine Kupka, who passed away in March, 1896 leaving one daughter, Mamie, who married Charles Koudelka, of Sumner township, this county. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Jirak was again married his second union being with Miss Anne Pouska, by whom he has five children: Emil, who lives at home; Cyril, Lydia, Leo and Anna, also with their parents.

Mr. Jirak is a devout member of the Roman Catholic Church and guides his honorable and upright life by its principles. A stanch democrat, he is active and prominent in public affairs and has been honored by his fellow citizens by election to various positions of trust and responsibility, having served as town clerk of the Jackson Junction corporation and as township clerk of Jackson township. Both offices he still holds and in the discharge of his important duties has proved energetic, able and public-spirited.

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