JOHN SPAETH.

Pg 220

         Among the energetic and successful citizens of Louisa county who can claim birth in Germany and who came to the new world to work out their destiny under the stars and stripes may be named John Spaeth, for years past a well established farmer of Columbus City township. He was born in Germany, December 26, 1848, a son of Claus and Catharina (Grimm) Spaeth, the latter of whom died in the old country. The father came to America in 1873 and here spent the remainder of his life. In the family were six children: Claus, who died at the age of two years; Anna, who is the widow of George Smith, of California; John, of this review; Adolph and William, twins, the former of whom is deceased; and Ferdinand, who lives at Columbus City.

         John Spaeth received his preliminary education in his native land and continued there until he was seventeen years of age. He then came to America, having decided to make his home in the republic, of which he had received many favorable reports from friends of the family who had greatly improved their condition by settling in the United States. After arriving in America Mr. Spaeth first located in Scott county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming for two years. He then went to Camanche, Iowa, and was for four years employed in the government distillery at that point. In 1871 he arrived in Louisa county, and one year later purchased one hundred acres of land on section 6, Columbus City township, upon which he established his homestead. He has made many excellent improvements on the place and engages in general farming and stock-raising, devoting special attention to graded stock, of which he is a good judge. As he takes a deep interest in his work and spares no pains to secure the best results, his efforts are rewarded with a generous annual income.

         On the 25th of September, 1873, Mr. Spaeth was married to Miss Henrietta M. Knight, a daughter of Curtis and Nancy (Lewis) Knight, both of . . .

Pg 221

. . . whom were born in Vermont. The father came west in 1832 and took up land on the spot which is now occupied by Rock Island, Illinois. This was about the time of the Black Hawk war and settlers were ordered to leave the country. Instead of doing so, however, Mr. Knight secured employment as scout under General Winfield Scott and met with many interesting ventures as the Indians were being driven away. After the close of the war he returned to Vermont and was married, but in 1840 started westward with his wife, settling on a farm of about two hundred and forty acres in Louisa county. He died in 1857, his wife having been called away in the previous year. In their family were six children, namely: Alonzo, who became a soldier in the Civil war and died from the effects of exposure received in the service; Stephen, deceased; Stephen, the second, of Columbus Junction; Triphosa and Lizzie, who are also deceased; and Henrietta M., now Mrs. John Spaeth. Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Spaeth: George, who died in October, 1902; Emma E., the wife of W. M. Randolph, of Eldon, Iowa; Curtis, of Morning Sun; Helena, who married Loyd Brown, of Louisa county; Harry, who resides at Eldon; Charles, who is at home; and Frank and Glen, who are also at home.

         Mr. Spaeth is the oldest Odd Fellow in Columbus City lodge and is a member of the camp, and also a valued member of the Knights of Pythias. In politics he is a stanch advocate of the democratic party. In religious belief he adheres to the Lutheran church, while his wife is a member of the United Brethren church. Mr. and Mrs. Spaeth have reared a large family and in all their relations of life have performed their duty, thus gaining the confidence and respect of a wide circle of friends in Louisa county.