FREDERICK J. STAAB

View Portrait of Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Staab

Frederick J. Staab, one of the progressive young farmers and substantial citizens of Pioneer township, living on section 8, was born in that township, on the 12th of June, 1879, being the son of Christopher Staab, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany. The father was born in 1826 and in his native land grew to manhood and on coming to the new world first located in Albany, New York, where he spent about nine years. At the end of that time he proceeded to Iowa, and on reaching this state purchased land and also entered a tract in Jones county, coming into possession of two hundred and fourteen acres, which he and his brother operated in partnership for a few years. He then sold out to his brother and removed to Cedar county where he purchased two hundred and fifty-one acres of raw prairie land now owned by his widow and son Charles. To the improvement and cultivation of that tract he devoted his energies for many years, erecting good and substantial buildings, and in connection with the cultivation of the soil also engaged in the raising of stock. He died upon this farm January 10, 1904, and is still survived by his wife, who now makes her home with her daughter in Lisbon, Iowa. To them were born three children, the sons, Frederick J. and Charles, being twins. The latter lives on the old homestead farm and is one of the enterprising and successful farmers and stock-raisers of this locality. He is married and has one son. Effie M., the only daughter, is now the wife of Thomas J. Beckett of Lisbon.

Upon the home farm Frederick J. Staab was reared to manhood, early acquiring an excellent knowledge of all the duties, which fall to the lot of the agriculturist and when not engaged in the work of the farm he attended the common schools and thus acquired a good practical education. He remained at home until after the death of his father and on the 7th of September, 1906, was married in Blue Earth, Minnesota, to Miss Mae Kohl, a daughter of Duane Kohl, one of the pioneers of Cedar county. Mrs. Staab was born, reared and educated in this county, her home being in Mechanicsville, and by her marriage has become the mother of one child, Mary Bernard.

After his marriage Mr. Staab located in Jones county, Iowa, where he purchased eighty acres of land and engaged in its cultivation for two years. He then sold that place and bought a tract of one hundred and sixty acres on section 8, Pioneer township, Cedar county, where he now resides. Here he has since successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising, fattening a large number of hogs for the market each year. He also gives considerable attention to the raising of shorthorn cattle of a high grade and has a number of good horses upon his place. He is one of the most energetic and progressive agriculturists of his community and is a public-spirited citizen, taking a commendable interest in public affairs. By his ballot he supports the men and measures of the democratic party and his aid is never withheld from any enterprise which he believes will prove of public benefit.