For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 421
JOHN S. HEABNER. No history of Muscatine county would be complete without adequate mention of the citizens now departed who assisted in the upbuilding of the county and left a name as a legacy to their children which may be rightly considered even a more precious heritage than lands or money. Among the men of this character was Thomas S. Heabner, for more than sixty years a resident of the county, who here acquired a reputation for ability in business and fidelity to duty which endeared him to a host of friends and acquaintances.He was born in Bavaria, Germany, May 13, 1832, being the son of Michael and Mary Heabner. The father died in his native land in 1834 and ten years later the mother came to this country, locating in Muscatine county, Iowa. Here she was married to David Baker and she and her husband moved to Macon county, Illinois, where she departed this life in 1856. She was a woman of many sterling characteristics and a worthy representative of a nationality whose sons and daughters have wonderfully contributed toward the advancement of civilization not only in their native land but in all the principal countries of the world.
John S. Heabner came to America with his mother at twelve years of age and continued with her until her death. Returning from Illiniois to Muscatine county, he became closely identified with farming interests, first purchasing eighty acres in Wilton township. Later he acquired one hundred and ninety acres in section 11, Moscow township, which became the homestead. He carried on general farming and stock-raising and as he was industrious and enterprising, he gained a reputation as one of the most successful farmers in the region.
In 1860 Mr. Heabner was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Doefler, who was also born in Germany, her natal day being October 19, 1842. She was a daughter of Adam and Barbara Doefler, who came to this country in 1852. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Heabner eight children were born, namely: Anna B., now the wife of Adolph Kirchoffer, of Missouri; George W., of Wilton Junction, Iowa; Katharine, at home; John S., Jr., of Cedar county, Iowa; Henry, of Moscow township; Frank A., who is now in charge of the home farm and with his brothers is identified with the dairy business as well as with general farming; Lydia M., at home; and William P., also at home.
Mr. Heabner died November 12, 1906, and the general expression of regret that greeted the announcement of his death gave evidence of the profound respect in which he was held. He was laid to rest by loving hands in Moscow cemetery but the memory of his many kindly acts cannot be forgotten by those with whom he was associated. Mrs. Heabner is still living upon the home farm, which is endeared to her by many associations. She is a member of the Lutheran church, as well her husband, and as she is a woman of many admirable characteristics, she is well beloved by all who know her.
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