GODFREY QUAAS
Since
civilization took root in Europe the German race has sent its
representatives into all sections of the community to become factors in
planting the seeds of development and improvement. The sterling traits
of character of the German people are manifest in Godfrey Quaas, who
was born in Saxony, on the 13th of June, 1823. His parents were
Christopher and Elizabeth Quaas, who spent their entire lives in
Germany, where long since they passed away. Their family numbered eight
children, including the subject of this review, who remained at home
until sixteen years of age and during that period pursued his education
in the public schools. He then began learning the wagon-maker's trade
which he followed for a number of years, working diligently and
persistently in his native land in order to gain a good start in life.
On the 12th of April, 1846, Mr. Quaas was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Lantman, who was born May 20, 1823. Her parents were born
in Germany and both died in that country. Their family numbered five
children including the daughter Mary, who in 1846 took charge of her
own household, the young couple beginning their domestic life in their
native land. In 1849 they started for America, hoping to find here the
improved business conditions which they had heard existed in the new
world. At that time it took about six weeks to cross the sea for it was
before the period of steam navigation and most ocean vessels were
propelled by sails. On the 25th of May, 1849, they arrived in Marion,
Linn county, Iowa. The town was small and the county but sparsely
settled, but the young couple possessed stout hearts and willing hands
and Mr. Quaas improved every opportunity that would enable him to
provide a comfortable living for his family. He began work at the
carpenter's trade and in connection with John Marion he built the first
two-story buildings in Cedar Rapids. These were located on First avenue
and were built for William Stuart. In September, 1849, Mr. Quaas
purchased eighty acres of land in Rapids township and took up his abode
thereon, the family occupying a little log cabin which was covered with
a clapboard roof and had a puncheon floor. There was not a nail in the
whole house. The door was made of upright boards joined together and
hung with wooden hinges. There was no window but the little cabin was
well ventilated by a large fireplace eight feet long and four feet
deep. Mr. Quaas and his family occupied this primitive home until 1860,
when his prosperity enabled him to erect a two-story frame residence,
commodious and comfortable in its equipment. He resided upon the farm
for forty-nine years, during which period he brought the land under a
high state of cultivation, transforming the once wild prairie into rich
and productive fields, from which he annually gathered abundant
harvests. When almost a half century had passed he sold the farm, then
comprising two hundred and sixty acres, to his oldest son, Louis, and
removed to Cedar Rapids where he lived retired. He owned a fine
residence at No. 1615 C Avenue, which he recently sold to a grandson
and he and his wife now reside with another grandson on the old home
farm. His former labor, intelligently directed, brought to him a
substantial competence which enables him to enjoy many of the comforts
of life.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Quaas have been born nine children of whom
six are yet living: F. A., whose home is in this county; Matilda: Anna
M.; W. H.; E. E.; and Sarah. There are also thirty-one grandchildren
and fifteen great-grandchildren. Fifteen of the grandchildren are now
married.
Mr. and Mrs. Quaas have long been devoted and faithful members
of the Evangelical church and their lives have been permeated by their
Christian belief. Mr. Quaas has always given his political allegiance
to the republican party since becoming a naturalized American citizen,
but has never sought nor desired office, preferring to give his time
and attention to his business affairs whereby he provided a comfortable
living for his family and laid by a handsome competence for old age. He
has now reached the eighty-seventh milestone on life's journey and is
one of the venerable and honored citizens of Cedar Rapids, deserving
much credit for what he has accomplished.
Source: History of Linn County Iowa, From Its Earliest
Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. II, Chicago, The Pioneer
Publishing Company, 1911, p. 804-5.
Submitted by: Terry Carlson
W. H. QUAAS
W.
H. Quaas, who has met with success in his operations as a farmer and
stock-raiser, is the owner of three hundred and two acres of rich and
productive land on sections 13, 19 and 24, Monroe township. His birth
occurred in Linn county, Iowa, in 1858, his parents being Godfrey and
Mary Quaas, who are mentioned at greater length on another page of this
volume [see above]. His educational advantages were such as the common
schools of the period and locality afforded and he remained under the
parental roof until the time of his marriage at the age of twenty-three
years. He then devoted his attention to the operation of rented land
for two years, on the expiration of which period he purchased one
hundred acres of his present farm and began improving the property. As
his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and
capable management, he added to his acreage by additional purchase
until his holdings now embrace three hundred and two acres of valuable
land on section s 13, 19 and 24, Monroe township. In connection with
the tilling of the soil he makes a specialty of raising and feeding
hogs and cattle, which branch of his business adds materially to his
income.
In early manhood Mr. Quaas was joined in wedlock to Miss Maria
C. Vannote, who was born in Linn county, Iowa, in 1864, her parents
being Brazilla and Maria (Wolfe) Vannote, both of whom were natives of
Indiana. The year 1849 witnessed their arrival in Linn county and here
they continued to reside throughout the remainder of their lives, the
father passing away in 1908 and the mother in 1907. Both had attained
the ripe old age of eighty-five years. They were the parents of nine
children, seven of whom still survive. Unto Mrs. and Mrs. Quaas were
born six children, namely: Walter W., who is deceased; Selma E., the
wife of G. R. Hagerman, of Linn county; Stella V., at home; Opal and
Orville, twins, who are likewise under the parental roof; and Hattie
M., also with her parents.
Mr. Quaas is a republican in his political views and has
capably served his fellow townsmen in the capacity of trustee and also
as a school director. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern
Brotherhood Association, belonging to lodge no. 51. His religious faith
is indicated by his membership in the Evangelical church, with which
his wife is also affiliated. They have always resided within the
borders of this county and the circle of their friends is almost
coextensive with the circle of their acquaintances.
Source: History of Linn County Iowa, From Its Earliest
Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. II, Chicago, The Pioneer
Publishing Company, 1911, p. 855-6.
Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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