Henry Meder, farmer and miller, was born in Mecklenburg, Schwerin, Germany, Jan. 24, 1834, and was a son of Louis and Frederica (Sourbier) Meder. They were the parents of ten children, nine living. He emigrated to the United States in 1853, and came at once to Clayton County. He obtained employment as a farm laborer, but soon after engaged in stone quarrying and house building. He followed that business four years, and in 1859 was married to Dorothy Brockman, who was born in Mecklenburg, Schwerin, Germany, and was a daughter of William and Mary Brockman. Of thirteen children born of this union, ten are living—Bernhardt, is married and resides in Mederville; Louis, Emma, Lena, Albert, Clara, Rosa, Ida and Charles. Henry, August and an infant are deceased. After his marriage Mr. Meder located on his present farm in Cox Creek Township. In 1867 he built the saw and flouring mill, which he still runs, and in 1868 he platted the town of Mederville. He has been very successful financially, both as a farmer and miller, and has accumulated a fine property. He has held many of the important city and township offices, and is a member of the United Workingmen. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 747-748 |