ERNST RIXE

Ernst Rixe, a progressive and prosperous farmer of Springfield township, Cedar county, is a representative of a family that, like many another that has come from across the water, sought the opportunities of the new world that advancement might be made in business lines and better advantages given to the members of the household. He came to this country from Germany, his birth occurring in Hanover on the 28th of January, 1852. His father, Fred Rixe, was also born in that country, on the 20th of October, 1816, and was there reared to manhood. He married Sophia Debner, also a native of Hanover, born January 18, 1818, and while still residents of the fatherland they became the parents of six children, all of whom are yet living, namely: Louise the wife of Fred Conrad, of Lowden; Deidrick, of Springfield township; Fred, also of that township, Ernst, of this review; Minnie, the wife of Kossuth Pauls, of Lowden; and Lena, who married Henry Miller and resides in Springfield township. The two eldest children, Louise and Deidrick, came to the United States in 1865, and two years later the father and the rest of the family also sought a home in this country. Fred Rixe located upon the place which is now the home of his son Ernst, for which he paid one thousand dollars. He became the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land, which was but slightly improved, but with characteristic energy he set about its cultivation and later developed a valuable farm. He devoted his entire time and attention to farming and with the passing years became one of the successful and well-to-do men of his section. He passed away on the 6th of May, 1885, his wife surviving him until June 6, 1898, when she was called to her final rest.

Ernst Rixe, whose name introduces this review, spent the first fifteen years of his life in his native country and acquired his education in the common schools of Germany. He came to America in 1867 with his parents, with whom he lived during the remainder of their lives, and at the death of his father inherited eighty acres of the old homestead in Cedar county, upon which he yet resides. He has since been able, however, to add to this farm until today he owns two hundred and fifty acres of valuable land which responds in abundant harvests to the care and attention bestowed upon it. Upon the farm he has erected a new and attractive residence, has built two good barns and substantial outbuildings, and the place is lacking in none of those accessories and conveniences which constitute the equipment of a model farm. Indeed progress may be termed one of his most salient characteristics, and his well directed efforts and intelligently applied labor are accomplishing gratifying results.

In Springfield township, on the 28th of April, 1877, occurred the marriage of Mr. Rixe and Miss Louise Richmann, a native of Randolph county, Illinois, where she was born October 13, 1853. Her father, William Richmann, who was born in Westphalen, Germany, came to the United States as a young man and was for a few years a resident of St. Louis. Later he engaged in farming in Randolph county, Illinois, and in 1857 came to Cedar county, locating in Springfield township, where he acquired considerable wealth. He passed away in this county at the age of eighty-two years. His wife, who in her maidenhood was Christine Penningroth, was also a native of Germany and her death occurred in Springfield township, Cedar county, at the age of fifty-one years. In their family were twelve children, of whom the eldest died in infancy. The others are: Sophia, the widow of Fred Penningroth; Mrs. Rixe; William, who lives in Lowden; Henry, of Oelwein, Iowa; Annie, the wife of Fred Dircks, of Springfield township; Lena and Emma, twins, the former the wife of Henry Rodenbeck, of Springfield township, and the latter who passed away when eighteen years old; Emil, who resides in California; and Lizzie, who wedded Chris Schoff and makes her home in Springfield township. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Rixe were seven children, but of this number, Henry, the eldest, is now deceased. He married Emma Bushing. The surviving members are Annie, Liddie, Lizzie, Carl, Freda and Clara, all yet at home.

Mr. Rixe and his family hold membership in the Evangelical church of Lowden and occupy a prominent position in the social circles of the community, their home being a favorite resort with their many friends and acquaintances. Fraternally Mr. Rixe is identified with the Modern Brotherhood of America, while in politics he gives his support to the republican party. The honors and emoluments of office, however, have no attraction for him, for his time is fully occupied by the conduct of his private interests and he has never had desire to figure prominently in public life. Quiet and unostentatious in manner, he is also kind in disposition and generous in thought, and well does he deserve the confidence, respect and good-will entertained for him by his fellow citizens.