For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 461
JOHN H. ARZT....Among the prosperous and substantial citizens of Muscatine county is John H. Arzt, who is now living retired in Wilton Junction. He was born in Moscow township, November 28, 1860, a son of John and Anna ( Murry ) Arzt, both natives of Germany. The parents came to America, crossing the ocean in a sailing vessel and locating in Muscatine county. Their record may be found in the sketch of Fred Birkhofer on another page of this work.The subject of this review was reared under the care of loving parents and was well trained even as a boy in agriculture and stock-raising. When not employed by his father in the fields, he put in his time to good advantage in the neighboring schoolhouse, where he acquired the rudiments of an education which has been very useful to him in the years that have since elapsed. After laying aside his books he continued upon the home farm until several years after he had attained man's estate and then, having married, he established a home on rented land. After ten years of diligent work and faithful saving, he purchased a farm of eighty acres on section 6, Moscow township, where he continued to live until his retirement from farming. He erected buildings, set out shade and ornamental trees and not only improved the appearance of the place, but by the proper rotation and cultivation of crops greatly increased its productiveness. He gave special attention to the raising and feeding of hogs, and as he devoted close attention to his work and followed well established lines, he was very successful.
On October 18, 1883, Mr. Arzt was united in marriage to Miss Anna B. Baker, who was born in Cedar county, Iowa, January 10, 1862, and is a daughter of John and Sarah ( Howe ) Baker, the father being a native of Ohio and the mother of Indiana. They came to Iowa many years ago, Mr. Baker entering land in Cedar county and there continuing until he passed away January 5, 1892. His widow is still living on the old homestead and has reached the advanced age of eighty-three years. Mrs. Arzt's grandfather, Martin Baker, was one of the early pioneers of Iowa and a stanch upholder of the faith as delivered from the pioneer pulpits. He long since passed to his reward. Ten children were born to John and Sarah Baker, seven of whom are now living. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Arzt three children were born : Clara, who was born November 9, 1885, and died December 12, 1885 ; Elmer J., born October 9, 1891, and died December 17, 1891 ; and Floyd Wilbur, born March 8, 1896, and died March 25, 1896.
The loss of their children bore heavily upon the parents, but they are sincere believers in the authority and inspiration of the Bible and are assured that all is well, even though at times the way seems dark and uncertain. They are both valued members of the Methodist church and supporters of all movements that seek to add permanently to the welfare of the community. Mr. Arzt gives his adherence to the democratic party and fraternally is identified with Lodge No. 122, A. F. & A. M., at Atalissa, and the Royal Arch chapter of West Liberty, being a strong upholder of the benevolent principles inculcated by those organizations. Both he and his wife are members of Purity Chapter No. 365, O. E. S., of Wilton Junction.
Back to Biographical Index Page