J. P. HAAS

J. P. Haas, manager of the Farmers Grain & Seed Company of Lamoni, was born on the 10^th of January, 1868, in Henry county, Illinois, a son of Frank and Mary (Guinter) Haas, who emigrated to this country shortly after the close of the Civil war, coming here from the vicinity of Berlin, Germany. They took up their residence in Illinois and the father engaged in the coal business and also worked as a carpenter for some time. In February, 1880, he removed with is family to Greene county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm, to the operation of which he devoted his energies. He continued to reside there until his death, which occurred in 1905, when he had reached an advanced age. His widow is still living and resides at Cooper, Iowa. She is a devout member of the Catholic church, as was her husband, who took an active part in its work. They were the parents of five children, namely: Mrs. Maggie Myers, of Greene county, Iowa; J. P.; Frank, who is a barber in the capital building at Des Moines; Mrs. Ida Pittman, who is residing at Cooper, Greene county; and Mrs. Minnie Powell, of Grand Island, Nebraska.

J. P. Haas was twelve years of age when the family removed to Greene county, Iowa, ad he continued his education in the district schools there. He remained at home until 1893, in which year he removed to Decatur county, where he began farming o his own account. For many year she concentrated his attention upon the cultivation of land and still owns one hundred and twenty-five acres in the southwestern part of Fayette township. He also recently purchased four hundred acres just west of Lamoni, which he operated together with his son-in-law, Loren Truman. At one time he was in the hardware business in partnership with is father-in-law, John Hatcher, an association that was maintained for two years. On the 31^st of October, 1913, the Farmers Grain & Seed Company was organized and Mr. Haas was made the manger of the concern. The headquarters are at Lamoni and the officers are as follows: Eli Hayer, president; S. S. Keown, vice president; Oliver Hayer, secretary; and D. P. Steckel, treasurer. The directors are: O. L. Weld, Robert A. Hart, John Strecker, O. M. Rew and J. S. Teale. The company is incorporated and is capitalized at twenty-five thousand dollars. It handles grains and all kinds of seed and has erected a well equipped elevator at Lamoni. Its business has grown steadily from the start and Mr. Haas has proved an aggressive and judicious manger. He understands all phases of the business thoroughly and is recognized as a factor in the commercial life of Lamoni.

Mr. Haas was married in Greene county, Iowa, to Miss Mollie A. Hatcher, who was reared in Cooper. They have three daughters: Flava, the wife of Loren Truman; and Myrtle and Jeanette, both at home. Mr. Haas gives his political allegiance to the republican party and fraternally is identified with the Odd Fellows and the Yeomen. He has many admirable traits of character and has won the respect and esteem of all who have come in contact with him, whether in business or social relations.