Frank Slechta
Among the successful farmers of Crawford county who are of Bohemian birth Frank Slechta occupies an honored place. He was born January 11, 1872, and is the eldest son of Albert and Mary (Vonnestic) Slechta.
The father emigrated to America with his family in 1881 and located in Crawford county, Iowa, where he rented land for ten years. He applied himself to such good advantage that he then purchased two hundred and forty acres, which became the home place. He passed away at the age of seventy-seven, but the mother is still living and resides on the old homestead with her son Albert. There were seven children in the family, four of whom survive: Frank, of this review; Albert, a record of whom appears elsewhere in this work; and Joseph and Charles, both of whom are living at home. Frank Slechta came with his parents to Iowa when he was nine years of age.
He was educated in the public schools, pursuing his studies with an interest which gave bright promise as to his future. After laying his books aside he continued at home, assisting in the work of the farm until he was thirty-one years of age, and then began farming on rented land, devoting his attention to one hundred and sixty acres for two years. After acquiring sufficient capital he purchased one hundred and twenty acres on section 24, Milford township, and does general farming, making a specialty of feeding hogs and cattle for the market. He has a well developed property, on which are substantial buildings, and he secures gratifying annual returns for his labor.
On the 15th of April, 1902, Mr. Slechta was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Resler, a daughter of Frank and Rose (Cofel) Resler, in whose family there were nine children, seven of whom are now living, namely: Mary, who is now Mrs. Slechta; Frank, who is living in Johnson county, Iowa; Annie, the wife of Louis Hirdlicka, of Johnson county; and Joseph, Louis, Edward and Emma, all of Johnson county.
Three children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Slechta: Lilly Helen, who is now eight years of age, Grace Rose, now six years of age, and William Frank, about a year old.
Mr. Slechta was early introduced to labor and his success has been largely due to his industry and especially to his good judgment. He does not yield to difficulties but generally finds a way by which he accomplishes any worthy object in which he becomes interested. On account of his steady character and creditable record as a business man he is highly respected by his neighbors and by all with whom he comes into contact. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, and in religious faith he and his wife are identified with the Catholic church.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.