JOHN T. BURMEISTER

One of the progressive representatives of the agricultural interests of Farmington township is John T. Burmeister, who owns an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres. His birth occurred in Scott county, Iowa, on the 26th of December, 1859, his parents being Paul and Margaret (Erricksen) Burmeister, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father passed away in Davenport in 1907, but the mother still survives and yet makes her home in that city. Unto them were born eight children, all of whom are still living, namely: Emma, Emil, John T., Henry, Julius, Alvenia, Gustav and Charlie.

John T. Burmeister attended the district schools of his native county in the acquirement of an education and after completing his studies assisted his father in the work of the fields. On starting out as an agriculturist on his own account he rented a quarter section of land in Scott county from his father, while subsequently he rented a farm of three hundred acres from his father-in-law. When he had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase land of his own he came into possession of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Farmington township, Cedar county, to the further cultivation and improvement of which he has devoted his time and energies continuously since. He has erected a handsome modern residence and his place is lacking in none of the equipments and accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. In connection with the tilling of the soil he devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock, finding both branches of business remunerative.

On the 22d of February, 1887, in Davenport, Mr. Burmeister was united in marriage to Miss Annie Carstens, a daughter of Carsten and Annie Carstens, who are residents of Dixon, Iowa. Unto our subject and his wife were born five children, as follows: Malinda, the wife of Otto Paustian, of Cedar county; Hugo and Harvey, at home; and twins who died in infancy.

In politics Mr. Burmeister is independent, voting for men and measures rather than party. The honors and emoluments of office have never had any attractions for him, for his time has been fully occupied in the management of his private interests. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Lutheran church. His entire life has been spent in this part of the state and in his home community he enjoys an enviable reputation as a man of energy, enterprise and integrity.