George H. Heyer, now living retired at Earlville, was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, May 4, 1844, a son of Henry and Catherine (Hahn) Heyer. The family came to the United States in 1846 and the parents died in Ontario, Canada. They had a family of six children, five sons and one daughter, but with the exception of George H. Heyer all are deceased.
     When but two years of age George H. Heyer was brought to the new world by his parents and when twenty years of age he left home and made his way to Kane county, Illinois, where he remained for about two years. He then came to Delaware county, Iowa, on the 10th of May, 1866, and settled in Richland township. Since that time he has resided continuously in the county, although he has lived on various farms. At one time he was the owner of two hundred acres of rich and arable land near Greeley, but he has since disposed of all of his farm property and now lives retired in Earlville, enjoying the rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves.
     On the 14th of September, 1873, Mr. Heyer was united in marriage to Miss Barbara Hesner, who died October 29, 1881, leaving two sons, Evlon J. and Charley. On the 22d of March, 1882, Mr. Heyer was again married, his second union being with Miss Jane Dixon, a daughter of John Dixon, of Oneida. They have become parents of one child, Lillie.
     Mr. Heyer is a republican in his political views and keeps well informed concerning the leading questions and issues of the day. He has been a trustee and school director of Oneida township, but the honors and emoluments of office have had comparatively little attraction for him. While upon the farm he always preferred to give his attention to his business interests and successfully engaged in general farming and in the raising of blooded cattle. His business affairs were carefully managed and his energy, industry, close application and reliability brought to him a gratifying measure of success.