Henry R. Wiemer
Henry R. Wiemer, deceased, was for many years prominent in agricultural circles in Crawford county, his farm on section 23, Willow township, being developed under his management until it became one of the most attractive places in that part of the county.
He was a native of Iowa, born at Burlington, February 28, 1858, a son of Henry and Helen (Lambach) Wiemer, both of whom were born in Germany. The father belonged to a family of the nobility and studied for the priesthood, receiving a fine education. He left home and was disinherited and came to the United States, settling on government land near Burlington, Iowa. He was married at Burlington to Helen Lambach. During the Civil war he was of great assistance in drilling recruits and was commander of the home guards at Burlington. He and his wife are both now deceased. There were seven children in their family: Ludwig, Henry R., Lizzie, Laura, Helen, Bertha and Emma.
Henry R. Wiemer received his education in the public schools at Burlington and later attended college at Denmark, Iowa. He began his business career as clerk in a clothing store at Burlington and later became a canvasser for fruit trees. In 1882 he located on one hundred and sixty acres of land in Willow township, Crawford county, where he lived for five years, and then moved to section 23 in the same township, there establishing the family homestead. He erected buildings and fences and planted shade and ornamental trees, making the farm one of the most desirable in the locality. Being a man of industry and good judgment, he applied himself with excellent results to his work, and as the years passed became financially independent.
In August, 1880, Mr. Wiemer was united in marriage to Miss Ida Lambach, a native of Le Claire, Iowa, and a daughter of Frederick and Sophia (Puis) Lambach, who were both natives of Germany. Her father came to the United States when a young man and was married in this country. Later he became connected with railroad construction, but having lost his health, removed to Texas, where he died in 1897. His wife passed away four years later. They were the parents of four children: Ida, who married Henry R. Wiemer; Gustave, who lives at Boise City, Idaho; Frederick, now a practicing physician of Davenport, Iowa; and Robert, deceased.
Five children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Wiemer, namely: Frederick, who married Mary Shuipeter and is now living on the home farm; Henry, who married Nellie Fritz and also lives on the home farm; Frank, who lives at home and is a member of the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs; Patsy, deceased; and Lulu, also at home.
Mr. Wiemer departed this life on the 6th of January, 1901, and the announcement of his death was received with profound regret wherever he was known.
He was recognized as a man of large business ability, upright character and fearless spirit, who seldom undertook anything which he did not carry through to a successful conclusion. He possessed a remarkably clear judgment and his advice in business affairs was often sought by friends and acquaintances, who paid great respect to his opinions. He was reared in the faith of the Lutheran church and was always a generous promoter of worthy causes. Politically he was a supporter of the republican party. Mrs. Wiemer has remained at the old homestead and is now the owner of six hundred and forty acres of land on sections 23 and 24, Willow township, the work upon the farm being under direction of her sons. She has long been prominently known in Crawford county and is much interested in its continued development. She is a valued member of the Rebekahs.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.