CHARLES LAUBSCHER

View Portrait of Mr. & Mrs. Charles Laubscher

A life of well directed effort, of industry and perseverance, crowned with success that now enables him to live retired in the enjoyment of well earned rest, is the record of Charles Laubscher, who was born near Buchanan, Cass township, Cedar county, on the 26th of February, 1852. His parents, John and Philipine (Stork) Laubscher, both natives of Bavaria, Germany, came to the United States about the year 1831. They were married in Ohio and there made their home for thirteen years, at the expiration of which period they came to Iowa, taking up their abode in Cedar county where Buchanan now stands and where their remaining days were spent. The father was a farmer by occupation, following that pursuit until his death, which occurred in Cedar county. His wife also passed away in this county. In their family were six children, of whom the subject of this review was the fifth in order of birth. The others were: John, deceased, who left a widow and one child; Susan, the wife of David Diltz, a resident of Parkman, Wyoming; A. C., of Tipton, who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; Anna H., who died in February, 1910; and Ella A., who became the wife of John Burroughs, of Cedar Rapids.

In the schools of Cedar county, Charles Laubscher acquired his education, and in his parents’ home spent the period of his boyhood and youth. Reared to farm life, he early became familiar with all the tasks that fall to the lot of the country lad, and in the fields under the direction of his father he learned many practical lessons which prepared him for those duties which devolved upon him when, later, he took up farming on his own account. On attaining his majority he began his independent business career as a farmer and for many years was actively identified with agricultural pursuits, becoming the owner of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 1 and 2, Cass township, and also one hundred and eighteen acres of pasture land on section 7. Energetic, industrious and progressive, he successfully carried on his farming interests until the competency which he acquired enabled him to retire from active labor, when he left the farm and removed to Buchanan, where he is now living, enjoying the comforts of well earned rest without further recourse to labor. He has given the management of his farm property over to his sons but still retains his position as administrator of an estate of eighty-seven acres, to which office he was appointed some years ago. He is the owner of the attractive and comfortable residence in which he now makes his home in Buchanan and also owns several lots in the town, his real-estate holdings being the visible expression of his thrift, industry and business foresight.

It was on the 7th of November, 1878, that Mr. Laubscher was united in marriage to Miss Forrestine Dodds, who was born in Athens county, Ohio, July 5, 1857, and came to Cedar county with her parents, Dr. and Mrs. W. C. Dodds, who now reside in Tipton and who are mentioned at length on another page of this volume. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Laubscher are two sons, Frank R. and John P., who are now operating the home farm. The latter married Miss Pearl Edwards and they have two daughters, Eloise and Marjorie.

In politics Mr. Laubscher gives stalwart support to the democratic party, and his fellow citizens, recognizing his ability and worth, have at different times called him to public office. He was elected to the office of township trustee, finding in him a stanch champion. He retains a deep interest in the political questions and current events of the day and, being pre-eminently public-spirited in his citizenship, lends his influence at all times to those measures which have for their object the substantial improvement and permanent upbuilding of the community. Having passed his entire life in the vicinity of Buchanan he is well known throughout that locality, where his sterling traits of character have won him a circle of friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances. He and his wife attend the Union church at Buchanan.