John Fischer
Through well applied industry John Fischer, who lives in Hanover township, has acquired a farm of two hundred and forty acres which yields substantial annual returns. He represents the progressive and trustworthy element of the community and his ability has received recognition by his neighbors and friends, be having served with general satisfaction as secretary of the German Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Ida and Crawford counties. This position he filled with the greatest fidelity.
He was born in Germany, January 23, 1862, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joachim Fischer, both of whom were natives of Germany. They were married in the old country and came to America in 1869. The father died in Chicago, and later the mother settled in Crawford county, Iowa, making her home with her children until her death. One child, Frederica, was in the family besides the subject of this review. She is now the wife of Gustave Rabe, a farmer of Crawford county.
At seven years of age John Fischer crossed the ocean to the new world and has since made his home under the friendly shelter of the American republic. He received his education in the public schools and began farming for himself at the age of twenty years. He bought eighty acres of land in Hanover township, which he still owns, and by economy and diligence was enabled as the years passed to purchase more land until he acquired two hundred and eighty acres. Of this one hundred and sixty acres is located in Monona county, Iowa. He engages in general farming and handles a good grade of stock. For six years past he has filled the office of secretary of the German Farmers Mutual Fire Insurance Company and has assisted very materially in enhancing its prosperity.
On the 13th of November, 1881, Mr. Fischer was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Koeppen, who was born in Germany, July 6, 1864. She is a daughter of Lewis and Frederica (Dabal) Koeppen, who were married in the fatherland and came to America in 1870. They lived for eight years in Chicago and then settled in Crawford county, where Mr. Koeppen became the owner of eighty acres of land, thus acquiring a competence for himself and family. He died in 1901, but the mother is still living on the old homestead, having now reached the age of sixty-nine years. Of their children five still survive, namely: Bertha, now Mrs. John Fischer; Alvina, the wife of Oscar Knoblock, of Denison, Iowa; John, of Joliet, Illinois; Louis, now living on the old homestead; and Mary, who lives in South Chicago.
Eight children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fischer, namely: Ida, who was born December 14, 1882, and lives at home; Martin, who was born July 5, 1884, and is now a farmer of Monona county; John, who was born August 1, 1886, and also engages in farming in Monona county; William, who was born January 31, 1888, and is at home; Gustave, born May 1, 1892; Louis, who died at the age of four years; Selma, born April 28, 1900; and Arthur, born December 16, 1902.
Politically, Mr. Fischer is identified with the democratic party and is an active worker in its behalf. He has served for eight years past as assessor of his township. He and his family are members of the German Lutheran church and are sincere believers in its teachings. He is a man of genial disposition who readily attracts others and is widely known in this part of the state. He started out with a laudable ambition to accomplish a worthy purpose in life, and as he possesses marked ability he has in a large measure accomplished the object of his desire.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.