THEODORE F. HANFT.

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         Theodore F. Hanft, now owning and operating the old Hanft homestead in Columbus City township, is one of the active and prosperous agriculturists and stock-raisers in this locality. He was born in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the 10th of March, 1857, a son of John and Helena (Smith) Hanft, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively. The family home was established in Iowa in 1864, at which time the father, a farmer by occupation, purchased forty acres of land in Louisa county, to which he added by subsequent purchases, and at the time of his death he was the owner of a fine property of two hundred and sixty acres. At one time he also operated two thousand acres . . .

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. . . of rented land in addition to his home place, and often had as high as twenty teams at work at one time in the cultivation of his fields and the harvest of his crops. In connection with his extensive farming interests he also gave considerable attention to raising cattle and hogs, and was one of the most substantial and successful agriculturists in his part of the county. He passed away in Columbus Junction in July, 1888. In his family were thirteen children, as follows: William H. and John, both now deceased; Milton D., a farmer of Louisa county; Jacob A., engaged in the hardware business in Columbus Junction; Theodore F., of this review; George S., also of Columbus Junction; Emma, the wife of Reuben Heindel, likewise of that city; Martha, who wedded George Wren, of Sheridan, Wyoming; Cora, who passed away in infancy; John F., a resident of Columbus Junction; Sarah, the wife of A. J. Willett, of that city, Edward, deceased; and Louis, who death occurred in infancy.

         Theodore F. Hanft was a little lad of seven years when brought to Louisa county, Iowa, by his parents, and in the public schools of this district acquired his education. Reared to farm work, he has since continued to concentrate his energies upon that line of activity which George Washington once designated as “the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation a man can follow.” He remained with his parents, assisting his father in the cultivation of the home fields, until he laid the foundation for a happy home life of his own through his marriage January 19, 1887, to Miss Elizabeth Cassabaum, who was born in York county, Pennsylvania, and came to Louisa county with her parents when but two months old. She was a daughter of Frederick and Catherine (Everhart) Cassabaum, who came to Louisa county in 1859, where the mother passed away six months later. The father’s demise occurred in 1890. In their family were ten children, only five of whom now survive.

         After his marriage Mr. Hanft rented the old homestead for about five years, at the expiration of which period he purchased it and has since continued to make it his place of residence. It is an excellent property of one hundred and sixty acres, located on section 5, Columbus City township, all well improved and highly cultivated. The fields annually yield rich harvests in return for the care and attention bestowed upon them, and in addition to general farming he also raises and feeds stock. In both branches of his business he has prospered for, actuated by a laudable ambition to succeed, he has closely applied himself to the management of his affairs and has so directed his efforts as to bring forth the best possible results.

         As the years have come and gone the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hanft has been blessed with five children, as follows: Edward H., living at home; Frederick J., born March 29, 1890, and who passed away May 27, 1890; Nellie M., who was born September 15, 1891, her death occurring March 10, 1892; and Ruth Anna and Cyril F., both of whom reside at home and attend the high school.

         The parents are exemplary members of the United Brethren church, in which they have been active and helpful workers for many years, and in politics Mr. Hanft gives his support to the democracy, although he is not an office seeker. . . .

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. . . He is one of the most highly respected and esteemed residents of Columbus township, wherein he has passed the greater portion of his life, and where he has gained for himself a circle of friends which is almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintance.