For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 433
FRED BIRKHOFER....The life of Fred Birkhofer presents a striking example of the beneficial effects of perseverance when under the direction of sound judgment. Coming to America in early manhood and obliged to depend entirely upon his oqn exertions, he acquired a competence and today is the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred and eighty-six acres in Moscow township, Muscatine county. He is a native of Switzerland, born October 16, 1861, his parents being John and Mary ( Frudiger ) Birkhofer, both of whom are still living in Switzerland. In their family were eleven children.The subject of this review was educated in the public schools of his native land and as he grew up became familiar with work, as it was necessary for him to assist in the maintenance of the family. Ambitious to improve his condition, he came to America after attaining his majority and for one year worked on a farm in Muscatine county, Iowa. He then went to Crawford county, this state,where he worked for seven years, acquiring sufficient capital to purchase a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he lived for three years. However, he felt that Muscatine county offered more favorable conditions, and he sold his farm and purchased two hundred and thirty acres in Moscow township, Muscatine county, where he has since made his home. He has also acquired one hundred and fifty-six acres in addition to his original purchase and, having made many improvements upon his place, he possesses one of the most desirable farms in the township. He makes a specialty of feeding cattle and hogs and as he has an extensive and practical knowledge of his calling, he accomplishes excellent results. Mr. Birkhofer is also president of the Moscow Cedar Telephone Company.
On the 22d of August, 1889, Mr. Birkhofer was united in marriage to Miss Mary Artz, who was born in Moscow, Iowa, February 7, 1862. She is a daughter of John and Anna ( Moery ) Artz, both of wom were born in Germany. Her parents came to America and located on a farm in Muscatine county, where the father died June 17, 1895, at the age of seventy-three years. The mother is still living and has reached the venerable age of eighty-two years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Birkhofer seven children have been born, John F., Effa, Edward, Harry, Arthur, Elsie M. and Ethel, all of whom are living at home.
Mr. Birkhofer has since boyhood been controlled by a laudable ambition to exel in everything he has undertaken, and the well ordered appearance of his farm is evidence of his thoroughness as a farmer. Mrs. Birkhofer is a woman of many excellent traits of mind and heart and has been not only a companion to her husband but a wise mother, rearing her children to lives of honor and usefulness. The family has many friends in Muscatine county. Politically Mr. Birkhofer is identified with the democratic party and is now serving most acceptably as township trustee and is a member of the school board.
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