LEE WERNER.

Pg 356

         Among the younger generation of men who are making their mark in agricultural and stock-raising circles in this state is Lee Werner, who was born in Grand View township, Louisa county, on the 6th of November, 1883. His parents, Christopher and Mary (Lieberknecht) Werner, natives of Germany and Pennsylvania respectively, were married in Louisa county and began their domestic life upon a farm here, Mr. Werner being engaged in agricultural pursuits until his retirement from active life in 1905, at which time they removed to Muscatine. He was then the owner of seven hundred and sixty acres of very finely improved land, constituting one of the valuable farms of Louisa county, and was extensively engaged in stock raising and feeding in connection with general farming. He still survives and at the age of fifty-eight years makes his home in a beautiful residence which he owns in Muscatine. His wife passed away in November, on Thanksgiving Day, 1909. In their family were seven children, as follows: David, who passed away at the age of eighteen years; Henry, who died in infancy; Lee, of this review; Albert, residing in Grand View, where he follows the barber’s trade; Pearl and Bertha, twins, the former residing at Muscatine and the latter the wife of Charles Dickerson, of Muscatine; and Ruth, residing at home.

         Fortunate in being reared amid the wholesome scenes and environment of farm life, Lee Werner entered the district schools at the usual age, and, after completing the course therein taught had the benefit of a commercial course at the Peck’s Business College of Muscatine. His practical training also was thorough, for he was early assigned tasks about the home place which became more numerous and important as his age and strength increased. He was twenty-three years of age when he began farming independently, taking charge of the old homestead upon the retirement of his father in 1905 and this has since remained the scene of his activities. Continuing in the line in which his father engaged, he gives close attention to the cultivation of his fields and is a heavy raiser and feeder of stock. As a farmer he has met with a gratifying degree of prosperity and, being an excellent judge of stock, is meeting with success in that direction also. He is progressive and up-to-date in his methods and has ever manifested a business sagacity in the management of his affairs which has been a potent force in the attainment of substantial and satisfactory results.

Pg 361

         It was on the 4th of September, 1907, that Mr. Werner was united in marriage to Miss Nannie Graham, who was born near Wapello, October 19, 1888. Her parents, Daniel and Frances (Hart) Graham, were born in Ohio and New York respectively but were married In Louisa county, Iowa, where the father followed farming until his retirement in 1901. Since that time they have resided at Wapello, where they own an attractive home. In their family were eleven children, as follows: Clarence W., of Grand View; Musa May, the wife of George Schneider, residing near Wapello; Harry, still at home; Myrtle, who married Alpha McGill, of Columbus City, Iowa; Charles W., of Muscatine, Iowa; Floyd, also at home; Mrs. Werner; Harold and Lucile E., with their parents; Lillie, who died at the age of six years; and Daisy, whose death occurred at the age of one and a half years. Mrs. Werner acquired her education in the common and high schools and is a lady of many excellent traits of heart and mind. By her marriage she became the mother of one son, Lloyd Daniel, born July 26, 1909, the light and life of the household.

         Fraternally Mr. Werner is connected with the Accident Association of the Modern Woodmen of America, at Lincoln, Nebraska, and he and his family affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a sturdy supporter of the republican party, and with the exception of a term of four years in which he acted as a member of the school board, he has never held office, preferring to concentrate his attention on his business interests. Having spent his entire life within the borders of Grand View township, he is widely known throughout the community, and the fact that many of his best friends are those who have known him from his boyhood is an indication that he possesses those qualities which win high regard and warm friendships.