JOHN WISCHMANN

John Wischmann, one of the pioneer settlers of this of Iowa, has long been numbered among the substantial and representative agriculturists of Springfield township, where he owns two hundred acres of rich and productive land. His birth occurred in Schleswig-Holstein on the 31st of October, 1831, and when nineteen years of age he joined the German army, serving for four months. In 1853 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, settling at Moline, Illinois, where he worked in the sawmills for three years. On the expiration of that period he went to Wheatland, Clinton county, Iowa, and there became identified with general agricultural pursuits, owning and operating a farm until 1861. In that year he sold the property and rented two hundred acres of land, being busily engaged in its cultivation until 1867, which year witnessed his arrival in Cedar county. Here he first purchased eighty acres of slightly improved land and in 1883 moved his buildings to an adjoining tract, having resided thereon continuously since. His landed holdings embrace two hundred acres and in the conduct of his general farming interests he has been most successful.

In 1859, in Clinton county, Iowa, Mr. Wischmann was united in marriage to Miss Catherina Lahann, who was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, on the 24th of August, 1840. Unto them were born twelve children, seven of whom are yet living, as follows: Henry, who is at home; Herman, who is married and resides in Springfield township; Gustav, who is married and lives in Clinton county; Otto, likewise at home; George, who is also under the parental roof and who now holds the office of township assessor; and Alfred and Martha, who are likewise at home. The deceased members of the family are Grace, William, Marie, Joseph and one who died in infancy.

In politics Mr. Wischmann is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. Both he and his wife belong to the Evangelical church at Lowden and their lives have been in harmony with its teachings. Though now seventy-nine years of age, Mr. Wischmann is still hale and hearty and takes an active part in the management and operation of his farm. He is exceptionally bright and witty and his many friends find him a pleasing companion. The period of his residence in this part of the state covers more than a half century and he is therefore largely familiar with its annals from pioneer times down to the present. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He here found the opportunities he sought and, making the most of them, steadily worked his way upward to a position among the substantial citizens of Springfield township.