For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 286
B. F. HERR....The old soldiers of Muscatine county are honored not only for the part they bravely performed in upholding the stars and stripes, but also for their work in the development of this region. Not a few of the most prominent men now living in the county have worn the blue, among them B. F. Herr, of Wapsinonoc township, who has reached the age of seventy-two years and has been actively identified with agricultural interests ever since he was old enough to hold the handles of a plow. He was born in Montgomery county, Ohio, July 3, 1839, a son of Christian and Susanna ( Stiver ) Herr, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They removed to Ohio in 1820 and the father built a log cabin on a timber farm, where he made his home for thirty-seven years. His wife died in 1853 and he subsequently came to Muscatine county, where he passed away in 1890 at the age of eighty-four years. There were six children in their family, four of whom are now living.B. F. Herr received his early eductaion in the district schools and when not busy with his books assisted his father in clearing the farm and cultivating the fields. At the age of seventeen he started out to make his way in the world on his own account, and in 1857 arrived at Muscatine, Iowa, his first employment being in breaking the prairie with six yoke of oxen. In 1861 he responded to the call of President Lincoln and enlisted in Company D, Eleventh Iowa Infantry, in which he faithfully served for three years. At the battle of Shiloh he was wounded in the side and also in the right ankle, but was not permanently disabled, as he participated in the siege of Vicksburg, the battle of Corinth, and in the advance under General Sherman to Atlanta, being present at a number of the most important battles and engagements of the war. After the close of the Rebellion he received his honorable discharge in Alabama. He returned to Iowa and has been continuously engaged in farming in Muscatine county, spending three years, however, from 1874 to 1877, on a farm which he purchased in Johnson county. After disposing of that place he bought land on section 18, Wapsinonoc township, upon which he made his home for seven years, when he sold out and purchased the farm which is now the home place. It is located on section 21, Wapsinonoc township, and consists of one hundred and sixty acres, which he has improved and provided with a neat residence and other buildings, all of which are kept in excellent repair. He makes a specialty of raising stock for the market.
On the 16th of September, 1866, Mr. Herr was united in marriage to Miss Rebecca Wilson, a daughter of David Wilson, a record of whom is found elsewhere in this work. Four children have blessed this union, namely: Fannie B., now the wife of Ed Wells, of Johnson county; George W.; Bertha E., at home; and Carrie M., the wife of Ed James of Johnson county.
George W. Herr, the only son of our subject, was born March 12, 1870. He received the advantages of a good common-school education and continued upon the home farm, of which he now has charge. He was married February 20,1895, to Miss Hattie M. Verry, who was born in Muscatine county, August 26, 1872, a daughter of William and Jane ( Watkins ) Verry, both of whom are now deceased. Two children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Herr, Verna L., born March 8, 1896, and Clifford E., who was born January 27, 1898. The beloved wife and mother was called away December 15, 1898, and her remains were interred in the West Liberty cemetery. George W. Herr gives his support to the republican party and has served to the general satisfaction of the people as assessor of his township and also as a member of the school board. He is recognized as one of the energetic and successful farmers of his section.
B. F. Herr, although now at an age when many men seek to lay aside the cares of business, still takes an active interest in affairs. He has always borne an excellent reputation for honesty and fidelity to every trust and has the satisfaction of knowing that through his labors he and his family are amply provided for so far as finances are concerned. Ever since he arrived at voting age he has been a pronounced supporter of the republican party. He is a stanch friend of education and served for nineteen years as a member of the school board, also filling other public offices whose responsibilities he discharged with the same faithfulness that he has ever displayed in the administration of his own affairs. He and his family are valued members of the Methodist church.
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