The business and public interests of Lowden have found a worthy representative in D. W. Conrad who, as proprietor of a lumber and coal yard and hardware store in this city, has made for himself a place among the progressive and successful business men of the community. He is one of Cedar county’s native sons, his birth occurring in Springfield township on the 15th of April, 1868. A sketch of his father, Fred Conrad, will be found on another page of this volume.
The early life of D. W. Conrad was that of the farm, and the period of his boyhood and youth was spent in the usual manner of the country lad. He attended the district schools near his home and later benefited by a course at Duncan’s Business College, at Davenport, and therein acquired a thorough and comprehensive training which well equipped him for the practical and responsible duties of commercial life. He then returned to the home farm and remained with his parents until twenty-five years of age, when he went to Tipton to accept the position of deputy county auditor, in which capacity he acted for one year. In 1895 he entered commercial circles as the owner of a lumber and coal yard and hardware business which he purchased from Kossuth Pauls. Since that time he has worked up a trade of extensive proportions, for his keen business sagacity has led him to make a thorough and careful study of existing conditions bearing upon his line of business and he has equipped his establishment with those commodities which are in greatest demand and most fully meet the needs of the people. He has kept in close touch with the lumber and coal market; carries a well selected line of heavy and shelf hardware; and is ready at all times to meet any demand of the general public in his line.
Mr. Conrad was united in marriage in 1896 to Miss Augusta Eggert, a native of Springfield township and a daughter of Carl Eggert, a retired farmer residing in Lowden. To this union have been born five children, Olga, Lydia, Edward, Ferdinand and Robert, all yet at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Conrad hold membership in the Evangelical church, in the work of which they are deeply and helpfully interested, and in his political belief Mr. Conrad is a democrat. He has served as school treasurer and is now acting as a member of the village council, and in public office he has ever manifested the same loyalty to duty, the same progressiveness and integrity that have gained for him success in the conduct of his individual interests. Fortunate in possessing ability and character that inspires confidence, the simple weight of his character and ability has brought him into positions of trust and responsibility, and he ranks high among the well known and valued citizens of Lowden.
