William H. Pruter
William H. Pruter, of Crawford county, is a native son of Iowa, born August 22, 1873, his parents being William F. and Helena (Rohr) Pruter.
They are natives of Holstein, Germany, and were married in the old country. In 1869, believing that more favorable opportunities awaited energetic and deserving people in the western hemisphere than could be expected in the older countries of Europe, they crossed the ocean to America and after spending four years in Clinton county, Iowa, removed to Crawford county. Here Mr. Pruter engaged very successfully in agriculture and stock-raising and became the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of good land in Crawford and Carroll counties. He started upon his own resources without capital and deserves great credit for what he accomplished. In 1902 he and his wife removed to Davenport, where they are now living. There were four children in their family: Frank, of Hayes township; Charles, of Iowa township; John, who is now living in the state of Washington; and William H.
The subject of this review acquired a practical education in the common schools, thus laying the foundation for a life of usefulness and honor. He continued at home with his parents, assuming many of the responsibilities, until after attaining his majority. Then, having been married, he lived across the road from the old home until after his parents removed to town, since which time he has resided at the family homestead. He owns two hundred and forty acres of valuable land, which yields bounteous harvests, and his wife is the owner of sixty acres near West Side. He gives his attention to agriculture and also to raising graded stock for the market.
In 1895 Mr. Pruter was married to Miss Clara Moeller, who was born at Davenport, a daughter of Peter Moeller, of West Side, Iowa. Two children have come to brighten their home, Clarence and Leslie.
Mr. Pruter and his wife are not members of any religious denomination, but they are stanch believers in Christianity and attend the German Lutheran church, being liberal contributors to that organization. He has voted independently ever since he reached his majority. He is recognized as an industrious, enterprising and progressive man and has gained a measure of success which gives proof of the wise application of his energies.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.