Active and enterprising, Lewis Wendt, a farmer living on section 36, Dayton township, is meeting with well merited prosperity in his undertaking and a farm of one hundred and sixty-three acres, which lies both in Dayton and Massillon townships, pays tribute to the care and labor which he bestows upon it. He has a strong attachment for Cedar county inasmuch as he is one of her native sons and has spent his entire life here.
His birth occurred in Massillon township, July 20, 1872. His father, John Henry Wendt, was born and reared in Germany and was there married to Miss Margaretta Deifer, also a native of that country. Attracted by the broader business opportunities of the new world, he came to the United States and spent a few years in Illinois. He afterward came to Cedar county, Iowa, settling in Massillon township as one of the early residents here. Upon the farm which he secured and developed he reared his family and later removed to Lowden, where he now makes his home. He has attained the age of eighty-two years, while his wife is seventy-nine years of age.
The youthful days of Lewis Wendt were spent on the old homestead farm, and his early training made him familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. In early manhood he was employed at farm labor for seven or eight years and thus made his start in life. As a companion and helpmate on life’s journey he chose Carolina Rixe, a daughter of Dietrick Rixe, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Cedar county. She was reared and educated in this county and in Springfield township on the 15th of February, 1895, was married.
Mr. Wendt had previously purchased land and at the time of his marriage took up his abode thereon. As the years passed he not only cultivated the fields but also made the substantial improvements which are regarded as essential features of the model farm. He erected a large residence built in the modern style of architecture, also built two good barns, a double crib and a tool house. He put up a wind pump and has plenty of water for all purposes. His fields annually return good crops and in addition to this he makes a specialty of raising hogs. He likewise sells cattle off the pasture and also raises good horses. In addition to his cultivable land he has purchased five acres of timber land.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Wendt have been born eight children: Hugo, Ernest, Elma, Herman, Zelma and Lydia, all of whom are yet living; and they have lost two, Fred and Carolina, who died in infancy. The parents hold membership in the German Evangelical Lutheran church and in his political views Mr. Wendt is a democrat. He has served on the school board but otherwise has held no public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs. He is a well known farmer of Cedar county and has demonstrated his keen business ability and sagacity. In all business transactions he is thoroughly reliable and enjoys the confidence and esteem of the community in large measure.
