JOHN ROBERT SCHAFER.

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         One of the highly successful stockmen of Grand View township is John Robert Schafer, who pursues this vocation in connection with the cultivation of his homestead of two hundred acres. He was born in Nebraska on the 11th of October, 1874, his parents being John and Annie (Hucke) Schafer, both natives of Germany.

         The parents were married in Muscatine county, where for a time Mr. Schafer worked, but in 1868 they migrated to the west, filing on a homestead in Nebraska. Mr. Schafer engaged in the cultivation of this for ten years, following which he sold it and returned to Muscatine county where he bought a farm. In 1882 he also disposed of this place and came to Louisa county, purchasing two hundred and fifty-three acres of land in Grand View township. He continued to operate this until 1894, when he withdrew from agricultural pursuits and removed to Grand View, where for twelve years he lived retired. At the expiration of that time he and his wife took up their residence in Wapello, where she passed away on the 28th of December, 1910, and was laid to rest in the cemetery at Grand View. Since the demise of his wife Mr. Schafer has been making his home with one of his sons in Muscatine county. Mr. and Mrs. Schafer were the parents of seven children, the order of their birth being as follows: Emeline and Clara, twins, both deceased, the former having died in infancy and the latter . . .

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. . . at the age of twenty-four years; Emma E., who passed away when she was forty-two years of age; Martha Elizabeth, who married William Beik, of Grand View; John Henry, who is a resident of Letts; John Robert, our subject; and George F., who is living in Wapello.

         Born and reared on a farm the youthful activities of John Robert Schafer were directed along agricultural lines while his education was being pursued in the common schools. When he laid aside his text-books he had a good, serviceable knowledge of practical farming and from then until he was twenty years of age assisted in the cultivation of the homestead. When his father retired he rented a farm which he operated for twelve years. Capable management, tireless energy and close application made it possible for him at the expiration of that period to buy the property, upon which he has ever since continuously resided. He is both ambitious and enterprising and pursues modern methods in the conduct of his business. His fields, which are well drained and fenced, are given the careful supervision which brings abundant harvests, while his improvements are kept in good condition, the result being that his place has a general air of thrift and prosperity. During the period of his ownership he has erected some fine buildings and now has a comfortable residence, while he has ample barn and shed room for the accommodation of his stock and grain. He raises only such cereals as are used in the feeding of his stock, all of his product being consumed in this manner, as he is an extensive operator in this line. His property is located on section 28 of Grand View township and is one of the valuable places of the vicinity.

         Mr. Schafer was married at the age of twenty to Miss O. Nevada Collins, a native of Port Louisa township, their union being solemnized on the 22d of November, 1894. Mrs. Schafer is a daughter of K. B. and Eliza J. (Springer) Collins, the mother a native of Ohio and the father of West Virginia. Their marriage occurred in Port Louisa township, however. Unto them were born eleven children, four of whom survive as follows: Charles W., of Kits Caty, Albert, Canada; Minta C., of Muscatine, Iowa; O. Nevada, now Mrs. Schafer; and Della May, who is living in Louisa county. Those deceased are as follows: Maggie, Effie, Josie, Everettte, George H., and a pair of twins who died in infancy. Mrs. Collins was previously married, her first husband having been James Humphrey, now deceased. Of their union there were born two children, a son and daughter, James and Lydia, who are also deceased.

         Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schafer seven children have been born, namely: Orpha G., who was born on the 23d of September, 1895, and who has a common school education and is now studying music; Franklin C., born on the 18th of February, 1897; Irma C., born on the 4th of February, 1898; Verle Van, born on the 7th of May, 1900; Iva May, born on the 9th of October, 1901; Norval Paul, born on the 6th of September, 1903; and Martha Helen, whose birth occurred on the 22d of October, 1905.

         The religious faith of the family is manifested through their connection with the Methodist Episcopal church, of which the parents are members. Mr. Schafer casts his ballot for the candidates of the republican party, but has never been . . .

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. . . an office seeker. He has met with success and in addition to his finely stocked homestead is interested in the Grand View Mutual Telephone Company, of which he is president. He has steadily forged ahead since he began his independent career and is now regarded as one of the substantial citizens of his township.