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Herman B. Reth
holds title to a fine tract of land comprising two hundred and
eighty acres on section 23, Delhi township. He was born in Eitzen,
Minnesota, August 13, 1867, a son of Herman and Phenia (Maurer)
Reth, both natives of Germany. The father emigrated to the United
States at the beginning of the Franco Prussian war, more than
four decades ago, and the mother came a year later. Mr. Reth
worked in Cincinnati, Ohio, for a year, after which he removed to
Eitzen, Minnesota, where he was married and where he continued to
reside for about two years. At the end of that time he removed
with his family to Dorchester, Iowa, where the family home was
maintained for about twelve years. A removal was then made to
Delaware county, Iowa, and Mr. Reth rented a farm near Earlville
for eight years, after which he bought three hundred and eight
acres in Delhi township, which he cultivated until 1912, when he
retired from active life. Ten children, of whom six are living,
were born to his union with Miss Maurer: Herman B.; Fred,
residing in Delhi township; Henry, who lives in Oneida township;
Frank, a farmer of Delhi township; Carrie, who makes her home
with her brother Frank; and William C., residing in Delhi
township, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. The
father died November 1, 1913, but the mother survives and makes
her home in Earlville.
Herman B. Reth owes his education to the public school
system and in addition to his training in book learning he
received much practical instruction and also a great deal of
experience in agriculture, as he assisted his father with the
work of the homestead. Since coming to mature years he has
continued to devote his time and energies to farming and now owns
two hundred and eighty acres of excellent land situated on
section 23, Delhi township, but two and a half miles from the
town of Delhi. He has improved his place by erecting a house and
barn and has the land in a high state of cultivation. The good
income which he annually receives from his farm is the natural
result of his industry, enterprise and good management and, as he
is careful to save a part of his income each year, his capital is
steadily increasing.
Mr. Reth was united in marriage on the 20th of
September, 1893, to Miss Minnie Maass, a daughter of Ernest and
Wilhelmina (Pantan) Maass, both natives of Germany, who came to
the United States and almost immediately made their way to this
county, arriving here in May, 1891. Her father died in March,
1911, but her mother survives and makes her home in Delaware,
Iowa, with her son William. To Mr. and Mrs. Reth have been born
eight children, namely: Charles, William, Emma, Louis, Martin,
Harry, Herman and Anton, all at home.
Mr. Reth is a republican in politics and has
always taken a marked interest in community advancement and is
particularly concerned for the welfare of the public schools,
having served as school director for five years and for one year
was president of the board. He is diligent in his business
affairs and is prospering financially, but he does not forget his
civic duty which is as binding as any obligation of life. His
marked public spirit and his strict adherence to the principles
of honesty and right have won for him the respect and esteem of
his fellow citizens. |
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