BENJAMIN CUTKOMP.

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         Benjamin Cutkomp, who owns a valuable farm in Columbus City township and is known as one of the substantial citizens of Louisa county, his record being in the highest degree creditable, was born at Columbus City, January 18, 1864. He is a son of Charles and Amanda (Stoddard) Cutkomp, the former of whom was born in Germany. The father emigrated to America from his native land, arriving in Iowa in 1853. Later he went to Nebraska where he spent twenty-two years, but in 1906 returned to Columbus City and is now making his home with the subject of this review, having arrived at the age of seventy-five years. He learned the shoemaker’s trade soon after coming to this country, but devoted his attention principally to farming. There were seven children in his family, namely: Erastus, and Charles, both deceased; Clarence, who makes his home in Emery, Nebraska; Eddie; Eva; Fred, also deceased; and Benjamin, of this review.

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         Benjamin Cutkomp received his early education in the public schools. He moved with his parents to Nebraska and assisted his father in farm work until twenty-three years of age, when he rented one hundred and sixty acres in Nebraska which he cultivated for two years. He then returned to Iowa, continuing with marked success as a farmer and stock-raiser. He is now the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and ten acres, located near Columbus City, and also owns two houses in town. He is recognized as a man of fine business judgment and one who seldom undertakes anything he does not carry through to financial success.

         On the 12th of October, 1886, Mr. Cutkomp was married to Miss Leona Cutkomp, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Berry) Cutkomp. The parents were both born in Pennsylvania and are now deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cutkomp seven children were born, namely: Abraham; Jane, the wife of William Bretz, of Louisa county; Henry, also of Louisa county; Catharine, who married M. D. Hanft, of Columbus Junction; Lewis E., who makes his home in Louisa county; Ida, the widow of Thomas Stark, of Louisa county; and Leona, now Mrs. Benjamin Cutkomp. Mr. and Mrs. Cutkomp have become the parents of four children: Gussie, born October 15, 1887, died May 12, 1890; Herman Henry, who was born August 27, 1892, and is a graduate of the Columbus City high school; Samuel Milton, born January 8, 1895, and living at home; and Thomas W., born July 24, 1897.

         Mr. Cutkomp is now in the prime of a prosperous and successful life and has many friends who admire him for his manly attributes of sincerity, energy and resourcefulness as well as for his pronounced social traits. He is an earnest supporter of the republican party and has served as a member of the school board and also in the city council. Fraternally he is connected with the Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. His wife is a member of the United Brethren church.