WILLIAM ASBACH

William Asbach, who has been a resident of Decatur county for more than six decades, has since attaining his majority owned and operated the old home farm on sections 25 and 26, Burrell township, which has been in possession of the family since the spring of 1854. His birth occurred in Germany on the 5^th of June, 1847, his parents being John and Veronica (Proff) Asbach, who were likewise natives of that country. In 1854 they crossed the Atlantic to the United States and made their way direct to Decatur county, Iowa, the father purchasing a tract of government land in Burrell township. There he was actively engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his life, passing away in 1882. His wife, who survived him for almost a decade, was called to her final rest in 1891.

William Asbach, a little lad of six years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world, was reared and educated in Burrell township, this county, and early became familiar with the duties and labors of the agriculturist as he assisted his father in the operation of the home farm. On attaining his majority he purchased the old home place, which he has operated continuously and successfully since, having improved the farm until it is now a valuable and productive property. It embraces one hundred and seventy and one-half acres on sections 25 and 26, Burrell township, and its owner is widely recognized as one of the enterprising, substantial and representative agriculturists of the community.

In August, 1880, Mr. Asbach was joined in wedlock to Miss Maria Mitchell, daughter of L. D. and Catherine (Meek) Mitchell, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was an agriculturist by occupation and after farming in Madison county, Iowa, for one year came to Decatur county in 1857, purchasing the land in Eden township which he cultivated until 1870. In that year he disposed of the property and purchased a farm near that of Mr. Asbach in Burrell township, successfully operating the same until his death in May, 1901. The demise of his wife occurred in August, 1900. Mr. and Mrs. Asbach are the parents of six children, as follows: Catherine, who is now the wife of Fred Graham, of Sioux City, Iowa; William, who is a resident of St. Joseph, Missouri; John, living in
Duluth, Minnesota; Ruth, who gave her hand in marriage to W. A. McEwen, of Sioux City; Dow, who has served in the capacity of township clerk since the 1^st of January, 1915, and also operates his father’s farm, enjoying an enviable reputation as a progressive young agriculturist and capable official; and Esther Myrle, at home.

Mr. Asbach exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party and has ably served as trustee of Burrell township for some time. Her religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Church of Christ, and the high principles of manhood which have ever governed his dealings with his fellowmen have won for him the unqualified respect, confidence and goodwill of all with whom he has come in contact.