MILTON D. HANFT.
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Milton D. Hanft, who for many years was identified with the agricultural interests of Louisa county but is now living retired in Columbus Junction, was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the 26th of September, 1853. He is a son of Jonathan N. and Helena (Smith) Hanft, the father a native of Germany and the mother of Pennsylvania. In 1864 the parents came to Iowa, settling in Columbus City township, where the father bought forty acres of land. As success attended his efforts Mr. Hanft added to his holdings from time to time until at his demise he owned two hundred and sixty acres of excellent farming land. During a large portion of his life he farmed on a very large scale, and at one time he was cultivating two thousand acres of land, for which purpose he often employed twenty teams. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hanft there were born thirteen children: William H. and John, both of whom are deceased; Milton D., our subject; Jacob A., who is a resident of Columbus Junction; Theodore F., who is living on the old homestead; George S., of Columbus Junction; Emma, the wife of Reuben Heindel, also of Columbus Junction; Martha, who married George Wren, of Sheridan, Wyoming; Cora, who died in infancy; John F., who is living in Columbus Junction; Sarah, the wife of A. J. Willett, of Columbus Junction; Edward, who is deceased; and Louis, who died in infancy. The father passed away in Columbus Junction in 1888.
The first eleven years in the life of Milton D. Hanft were spent in his native state, in whose public schools he began his education, which was completed in the district schools of Louisa county. While still a very young lad he assisted his father in the operation of the farm, remaining a member of the parental household until he was twenty years of age, after which he rented some land of his father. He continued to farm as a renter for nine years, during which time he acquired the capital essential to the purchase of a homestead. In 1882 he bought one hundred and sixty acres in Columbus City township and at various times he . . .
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. . . added to this until he now owns three hundred and seventeen acres. Thereon he engaged in general farming and stock-raising, both of which ventures netted him very good returns. He was one of the enterprising and energetic agriculturists of the township and in addition to his excellent farm Mr. Hanft now owns two lots in Columbus Junction and the eight acres were he now resides, as well as a business block in Columbus Junction, Iowa.
Mr. Hanft was married on Christmas of 1875, to Miss Catharine Cutcamp, a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Berry) Cutcamp, both of whom have now passed away. The father was a native of Germany and the mother of Pennsylvania, and of their union were born nine children: Abraham, who is deceased; Jane, who married William Bretz, of Columbus City township; Henry, who is also a resident of Columbus City township; Catherine, now Mrs. Hanft; Lewis, of Columbus City township; Ida, the widow of Thomas Starks, of Columbus City; Leona, who married Benjamin Cutcamp, of Columbus City; and Frederick and Charles, both of whom died in infancy.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hanft were born three daughters and four sons, as follows: Amanda, who is the wife of Edward Pretz, of Columbus City township; Louis S., and Todd Milton, also living in Columbus City township; Maud, who is residing in Columbus Junction; John H., who is living in West Liberty, Iowa; Laura, who is living at home and teaching school; and Hale H., who is also at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Hanft hold membership in the United Brethren church, and he votes with the democratic party, considering that its policy is best adapted to subserve the interests of the majority. He has held a number of minor offices and is now serving as township clerk. He has been living retired since 1907, having so capably directed the efforts of his early manhood as to have acquired sufficient property to enable him to now enjoy the ease and comfort assured by a steady and dependable income.
