Iowa ranks among the first of the great agricultural states of the Union and Cedar county is one of its richest sections. The wealth of the state comes mostly from its farming and stock-raising interests and among its most progressive citizens are those who are promoting activity along these lines. One of the most progressive farmers of Center township is Peter Willer, who now lives on section 31, where he owns a fine farm and has erected thereon a beautiful new ten-room residence. He has a wide acquaintance in this county, for he has lived here since his first year and, since attaining manhood, has been actively identified with its farming and stock-raising interests.
A native of Ohio, Mr. Willer was born near Pomeroy, Meigs county, December 1, 1864, his parents being George and Julia Willer, of whom extended mention is made on another page of this volume. As before stated, it was during his infancy that he was brought by his parents to Cedar county in the spring of 1865 and the family located in Center township. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage and for two years afterward he engaged in the operation of his father’s farm. He then purchased a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Fairfield township, to which he has added until its boundaries now comprise four hundred and forty acres on sections 34 and 35. This he has improved by the erection of good and substantial buildings and has placed under a high state of cultivation. Upon that property he continued to reside until February 3, 1910, when he located upon his present farm, just outside the corporation limits of Tipton. Here he owns one hundred and twenty acres of land, which is also well improved and highly cultivated. Throughout his active business career he has given considerable attention to the raising and feeding of stock and besides operating his present farm he is also engaged in the cultivation of his old place in Fairfield township in partnership with another.
Mr. Willer was married on the 4th of April, 1889, to Miss Mary Birk, who was born in this county, June 28, 1869, her parents being Adam and Emeline (Shaffer) Birk. They now have four children, namely: Edith A., Forest B., Vera L., and Edwin P.
Mr. Willer is a prominent and influential member of the Reformed church of Tipton, in which he is now serving as deacon, and in his social relations is connected with the Odd Fellows lodge of that place. He is a stockholder in the Cedar County Fair Association and as a public-spirited and progressive citizen gives his support to all measures which he believes will promote the moral and material welfare of his adopted county. Throughout his entire life he has manifested those individual characteristics which in every land and clime awaken confidence and good will.
