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Delaware County, Iowa

 

 Biography Directory

Jacob Schwager

Agriculturist

Coffins Grove Township

 

 
       Jacob Schwager, a representative and progressive agriculturist of Coffins Grove township, is the owner of a rich and productive farm comprising sixty five acres on section 25. His birth occurred in New Jersey on the 22d of February, 1855, his parents being Bernhart and Anna Marie (Richenbacher) Schwager, both of whom were natives of Baden, Germany. They emigrated to the United States in 1843 and at the end of a year's residence in New York settled in New Jersey, where they remained for two years. On the expiration of that period they removed to Kane county, Illinois, and there spent the remainder of their lives. Their children were six in number, as follows: Augustus; Jacob, of this review; Anna; and three who are deceased.
      Jacob Schwager attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education, and when he had attained his majority took charge of the home farm, continuing its operation successfully until 1892. In that year he came to Delaware county, Iowa, and he and his brothers purchased three hundred and fifty acres of land on section 21, Coffins Grove township, to the further cultivation and improvement of which they devoted their attention, erecting substantial and commodious buildings thereon. Sixteen years ago they sold and Jacob Schwager removed to Manchester and retired.
      Eight years ago he bought his present farm of sixty five acres, remodeled the residence and built up a fine place. In connection with the production of cereals he makes a specialty of the raising of Jersey cattle and in all of his undertakings as an agriculturist is meeting with well deserved success. His present prosperity has come as the direct reward of his industry and enterprise, and he may justly lay claim to recognition as a self made man.
       In 1900 Mr. Schwager was united in marriage to Miss Myrtle L. Walters, who was born in Delaware county, Iowa, March 2, 1876, her parents being Illiad and Sarah (Purdy) Walters, natives of Pennsylvania and New York respectively. They came to Iowa in an early day, taking up their abode in Delaware county. The father now makes his home in Black Hawk county, this state, but the mother has passed away. Mrs. Schwager, their only surviving child, pursued high and normal school courses and followed the profession of teaching for three years prior to her marriage. She is the mother of one daughter, Anna F., whose natal day was January 20, 1908.
       Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Schwager has supported the men and measures of the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of office have never had any attraction for him. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 149, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. He is a man of exemplary character, reliable in business, progressive in citizenship and faithful to all ties and obligations, and he commands and holds the confidence and regard of all who are associated with him.
 

 

~ source: History of Delaware County, Iowa and its People, Illustrated, Volume II. The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1914, Chicago. Page 191-192. Call Number 977.7385 H2m; LDS microfilm #934937.

~transcribed and contributed by Constance Diamond for Delaware County IAGenWeb

 

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