GREGOR HERR.

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         Gregor Herr, who has lived retired at Oakville for the past two years, was successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising throughout his active business career. His birth occurred in Germany on the 10th of March, 1845, his parents being Fredrick and Belbia Herr, both of whom passed away in that country. Their children were six in number, as follows: Gregor, of this review; Mathias, who died in Germany; George, living in Louisa county, Iowa; Andrew, who is a resident of Mount Pleasant, Iowa; Elizabeth, who is the wife . . .

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. . . of George Hook and makes her home in Germany; and Caroline, of Des Moines county, Iowa.

         Gregor Herr remained in the fatherland until he had attained the age of twenty years and in July, 1865, emigrated to the United States, coming direct to Louisa county, Iowa. After a residence of five years he took up his abode in Mercer county, Illinois, where he remained for a similar period. Returning to Louisa county, he purchased eighty acres of land but subsequently sold the property and bought another tract of one hundred and sixty acres, of which he retained possession until he put aside the active work of the fields in 1909. In addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate he also devoted considerable attention to stock-raising, winning a gratifying measure of prosperity in both branches of his business. Two years ago he purchased ten acres of land in Oakville and has resided there up to the present time, enjoying the fruits of his former toil in well earned ease.

         Mr. Herr has been married twice. In 1871 he wedded Miss Augusta Hook, a daughter of Joseph and Barbara Hook, both of whom are deceased. By that union there were five children, namely: Joseph, who is a resident of Hamilton, Iowa; George, who has passed away; Emerson, the wife of D. E. Strawhacker, of Oakville; Sophia, the wife of F. S. Searl, of Oakville; and Annie, the wife of Harry Munson, who also resides in Oakville. The wife and mother passed away in the 17th of March, 1895, and on Valentine Day, February 15, 1900, Mr. Herr was against married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary A. Kerr, the widow of James Kerr and a daughter of William and Martha Munson. By his second wife Mr. Herr had three children: Lucy and Ruby, both at home; and Evalina, who is deceased.

         In politics Mr. Herr is a stanch democrat, believing firmly in the principles of that party. In religious faith he is a Catholic. The hope that led him to leave his native land and seek a home in America has been more than realized. He found the opportunities he sought which, by the way, are always open to the ambitious, energetic man—and making the best of these he has steadily worked his way upward. He possesses the resolution, perseverance and reliability so characteristic of his nation, and his name is now enrolled among the best citizens of Louisa county.