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         JOHN S. LIMBOCKER, one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of Louisa County, residing on section 9, Columbus City Township, was born in Jackson County, Ind., Jan. 19, 1834, and is a son of Alfred Limbocker. This is the only family of this name in the United States, the name having originated in Germany where the ancestors lived. John was about eleven years of age when he came to Iowa. His early education had been received in his native county, where he and his father made a wagon, in which they made the trip to Iowa. Reaching the Mississippi River, they crossed on a ferry at the then village of Burlington, this being their first introduction to the State. Continuing their journey until they reached Louisa County, our subject began working upon the farm which his father had rented from W. W. Garner, and in this county finished his education in the district schools. Since his arrival, he has not only witnessed but has been a participant in the development which has transformed the wild, unbroken and uncultivated land into farms of fertility and great richness, for which the great State of Iowa, now ranking the eleventh in population, and second to none in agricultural products, is noted.

On the 10th of March, 1858, Mr. Limbocker wedded Miss Amanda Fish, who was born April 2, 1839, in Henry County, Ind., and is a daughter of Tilman Fish. Her mother died when she was a small child. They are the parents of eight children: Anna, wife of W. A. Henderson, a druggist of Clarinda, Iowa; Eva, widow of N. F. Windal, now resides in Clay County, Tex.; Carrie, Harry, Ella, Lee and Clyde Herman, all at home; and one child died in 1864.

In 1865 Mr. Limbocker bought a farm of 120 acres in Columbus City Township, and at once began its improvement. His early farming life in this county was spent in breaking the wild prairie land, and as he was the eldest son, the management of the Limbocker estate was largely left in his care and judgment. For about twenty-five years he has run a threshing-machine in the fall, and he bought and shipped the first separator in this section of the county. In 1884 he sold his first purchase of land, and bought 160 acres on section 9, Columbus City Township, where he has one of the most finely improved farms of the county. His buildings have all been designed by himself, and are models of convenience and comfort. His home is a nice story and a half frame residence. His barn is 28x48 feet, and the stock to be found upon his farm is all of the best grades.

In his early life Mr. Limbocker was a Whig, but upon the organization of the Republican party, he identified himself with that body, and has ever since been an ardent supporter of its principles. He and his wife are both members of the Methodist . . .

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. . . Episcopal Church. The name of Limbocker is one honored and respected throughout the county, and the old home of the family was always the abiding place of the Methodist Episcopal ministers when traveling their circuit in that community.