T. J. KLOTZ.

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         T. J. Klotz is one of the active and prosperous farmers and stockmen of Columbus City township and is conducting his business interests on a farm of two hundred acres on section 16. The neat and thrifty appearance of the place indicates the careful supervision and practical methods of the owner, who is justly accounted one of the leading agriculturists of the community. His birth occurred in Lehigh county, Pennsylvania, on the 5th of August, 1844, his parents being Joel and Sarah (Hausman) Klotz, who spent their entire lives in the Keystone state. Their union was blessed with eleven children, seven of whom are still living.

         T. J. Klotz pursued his education in the common schools and remained at home until he had attained the age of twenty-three years. In 1867 he came to Louisa county, Iowa, and began working as a farm hand, being thus employed for one year or until the time of his marriage. Following that important event in his life he purchased a farm of two hundred acres on section 16, Columbus City township, and has since been busily engaged in its operation. He has improved the property by the erection of a number of substantial and commodious buildings and also set out a fine grove. In addition to cultivating the cereals . . .

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. . . best adapted to soil and climate he is engaged in the raising and feeding of stock, finding this branch of his business very remunerative.

         As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Klotz chose Miss Anna A. Stapp, a native of La Fayette, Indiana, and they were married August 30, 1868. When but two years of age she was brought to this county by her parents, Reuben and Ann (Reece) Stapp. They were born in Pennsylvania and Virginia respectively and removed to Indiana at an early day, while the year 1854 witnessed their arrival in Louisa county. Mr. Stapp located on a farm, erected a log cabin and made his home therein for several years. His demise occurred in June, 1892, while his wife was called to her final rest in 1902. They were the parents of fourteen children, eight of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs. Klotz have seven children, as follows: R. L., who is a resident of Columbus Junction; Ada L., the wife of William Propst, of West Liberty, Iowa; Hattie, the wife of Dr. McGrew, of Grand View, Iowa; Effie, the wife of J. Don Darrow, of Columbus Junction; Meda M., the wife of Dr. Blender, of Carthage, Illinois; Pearl L., the wife of L. Palmer, of Carthage, Illinois; and Paul M., who is at home.

         Mr. Klotz is a democrat in politics and has held several township positions, ever discharging his official duties in a most prompt and capable manner. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias and the Ancient Order of United Workmen, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Reformed church, to which his wife also belongs. He is a man of high moral character, industrious and enterprising, and his honesty and uprightness have always merited him the confidence and respect of his neighbors.