Hans D. Baeth
Among the worthy citizens which Germany has contributed to Crawford county must be mentioned Hans D. Baeth, whose landed interests now aggregate two hundred and forty acres.
A son of Reimer and Weibkie (Hansen) Baeth, his birth occurred on the 12th of February, 1855. The family emigrated to the United States in 1872, first locating upon a farm in Cook county, Illinois, which they cultivated for eleven years. At the end of that period they removed to Crawford county, Iowa, settling upon a farm in Otter Creek township, in the cultivation of which the father engaged during the remainder of his active years, but now at the age of seventy-nine he makes his home with his son Hans D. The mother passed away in 1903 at the age of sixty-eight.
Hans D. Baeth acquired his education in the common schools of the fatherland. After his arrival in the United States he learned the trade of a mason, which he followed until 1895, since which time he has devoted his entire attention to the cultivation of his large farm. Possessing the thrifty nature which characterizes his nationality, while pursuing his trade he acquired the means to buy eighty acres of land, in the cultivation of which he immediately engaged. Still continuing at his trade he added to his original tract at different times until he now owns two hundred and forty acres of land, upon which he has made all of the improvements himself. Here he engages in general farming and stock-raising, the greater portion of his time and attention being devoted to the latter, in the breed of which he takes great pride. He gives his personal attention to the sale and shipping of his stock, which has probably proven to be the most lucrative of his ventures. Mr. Baeth started out in life with a definite purpose, which he early realized' could be attained only by strict adherence to carefully executed plans, and thus he has always conserved his energy for the accomplishment of his well directed effort.
Twice married, Mr. Baeth's first union was with Miss Catherine Peterson, and unto them seven children were born: Henry, George, Amanda, the wife of Ernest Johnson, and Hans, all of whom reside in Montana; William, deceased; Niena, the wife of Charles Miller, of Crawford county; and Catherine, the wife of Henry Nichelson, of Cook county, Illinois.
For his second wife Mr. Baeth chose Miss Mary Whetholm, a daughter of John and Jung Whetholm, of Germany, both deceased. They have become the parents of the following children: Emma, John, Charles, Robert, Helen, Louis, Peter and Harvey, all of whom are still at home.
The family affiliate with the Lutheran church and fraternally Mr. Baeth holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Sons of Herman. A public-spirited man, he takes an active and helpful interest in civic affairs. His political ideas coincide with those of the democratic party, whose candidates always receive his ballot. That he stands well in the opinion of his fellowmen is evidenced by the fact that for nine years he has held the office of township trustee, while he is now serving his second term as county supervisor.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.