FREDERICK W. BRAMMEIER

Frederick W. Brammeier, who has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career, is now the owner of three hundred and forty-five acres of valuable land, one hundred and five acres of which is situated in Muscatine county, while the remainder lies in Farmington township, Cedar county. His birth occurred in Westphalia, Germany, on the 11th of October, 1836, his parents being William Frederick and Wilhelmina (Ketemann) Brammeier, who were likewise natives of that place. Both are now deceased, however, passing away in Cedar county, Iowa.

Frederick W. Brammeier attended the schools of the fatherland in pursuit of an education and when seventeen years of age emigrated to the United States. His first place of residence in this country was St. Louis, Missouri, where he remained for one month. On the expiration of that period he went to Muscatine county, Iowa, with his eldest brother, William, while subsequently he worked as a farm hand in Cedar county for about three years. For three seasons he was engaged in breaking raw prairie with four yoke of oxen. Later he farmed a quarter section of land in association with his brother Henry for three years and then bought a tract of eighty acres from his brother William. As his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he added to his holdings by additional purchase from time to time untilhe is now the owner of three hundred and forty-five acres of rich and productive land, one hundred and five acres of which lies in Muscatine county and the remainder in Farmington township, Cedar county. The place is highly improved in every particular and all of the buildings, including a handsome modern residence, were erected by our subject. In all of his farm work he has been progressive andhis life record is an indication of the fact that success is not a matter of genius, as some aver, but comes as a result of in fatigable labor, sound judgment and experience.

On the 10th of December, 1863, at Wilton Junction, Iowa, Mr. Brammeier was united in marriage to Miss Annie Martha Otto, who was born on the 14th of September, 1836. Her parents, Emanuel and Martha Elizabeth (Simon) Otto, spent their entire lives in Germany. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Brammeier were born eight children, as follows: J. W.Henry, who is mentioned on another page of this work; Louis, who resides in Farmington township; Gottlieb, at home; William, a sketch of whom appears on another page of this volume; Lydia, who passed away on the 13th of June, 1900; and Catherine, Selma and Clara, who are likewise still under the parental roof.

Politically Mr. Brammeier is a democrat and for five years he ably served his fellow townsmen in the capacity of road supervisor. He and his family belong to the German Lutheran church and take a deep and helpful interest in its work. Coming to America as a youth of seventeen, he possessed the laudable ambition that prompts close application and earnest effort, and upon these qualities he has builded his success. The period of his residence in this part of the state now covers fifty-seven years and he has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as a prosperous and respected citizen.