THOMAS KADLEC

Thomas Kadlec, a well known and capable farmer living on section 18, Gower township, is numbered among Iowa’s native sons, his birth having occurred in Johnson county on the 3d of August, 1877. He was, however, only two years of age when brought to Cedar county by his parents, Joseph and Mary (Krofter) Kadlec, both of whom were natives of Bohemia, the father’s birth having there occurred on the 2d of May, 1855, while the mother was born January 1, 1858. He was seventeen years of age when he came to the new world with his parents, while Mrs. Kadlec was a little child of two years when her parents crossed the Atlantic, both families settling in Johnson county, Iowa. Joseph and Mary Kadlec are now residents of Scott township, Johnson county, their home being a mile and a half west of West Branch. Their family numbered six children: Thomas, of this review; Wesley, living at home; Anna, the wife of John Galvin of Johnson county; Emma; May, living with Thomas; and Joseph, at home.

The paternal grandparents were Joseph and Anna Kadlec, natives of Bohemia, who spent their last days in Cedar Rapids, Linn county. Joseph Kadlec, Sr. had retired from business and spent his last days in the enjoyment of a well earned rest. He had come to America empty-handed but as the years passed accumulated a handsome competence through his well directed efforts in farming. His family numbered three sons and three daughters, all of whom were born in Bohemia. The maternal grandparents of Thomas Kadlec were James and Mary Krofter. They, too, were born in Bohemia and the year 1860 witnessed their arrival in Johnson county, Iowa. The latter died on the home farm in Cedar township, Johnson county, about fifteen years ago, while Mr. Krofter now resides with his son on the old homestead at the venerable age of eighty-seven years. He, too, came to the United States with only courage and determination to serve as a foundation on which to build his success. He not only won a handsome competence for himself but also aided his children in gaining a good start in life. His family numbered five sons and three daughters.

In his youthful days Thomas Kadlec, whose name introduces this record, attended the public schools and through the winter seasons and in periods of vacation worked on the farm. He thus gained practical experience concerning the best methods of tilling the fields and cultivating the crops. Throughout his life he has followed farming and is today the owner of an excellent tract of land of two hundred acres situated on section 18, Gower township. Here he carries on general farming and stock-raising, devoting his attention to the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate and to the raising of such stock as appears to him profitable when placed upon the market. He also owns a half-interest in a lot in West Branch. He has never married and his sister May is acting as his housekeeper. He belongs to the Catholic church at Iowa City and also holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America. Almost his entire life has been spent in this county and all who know him recognize in him an enterprising business man whose close attention to his interests is bringing him a success which numbers him with the representative farmers of the district.