For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 574
JOHN OLIVER HOLTZ....It was fifty-three years ago when John O. Holtz, the subject of this review first caught a glimpse of Muscatine county, where he spent nearly his entire life. He was brought by his parents to Iowa in his infancy and grew up in this county, gaining a practical experience which has enabled him to become one of the successful farmers of the county. He is a native of Erie county, New York, born June 2, 1855. His father, John Holtz, was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, November 5, 1827, and came to America in 1849 with his father and mother, two brothers and three sisters. After spending several years in New York he was attracted westward and in 1857 arrived in Muscatine county, entering the employ of S. G. Stein. After a short tme he went to work for John Moss and at the end of a year purchased forty acres of land of Mr. Moss, upon which he lived about seven years. He then acquired eighty acres one mile west of his original purchase and made his home upon that place until his death, which occurred April 3, 1900, being at that time the owner of Two hundred and forty-three acres which he had accumulated by industry and economy. He stood very high in the estimation of his neighbors and friends and for a number of years filled the office of township trustee and also served as member of the school board. In 1853, in New York, he was married to Mary Peterson and they became the parents of seven children,all of whom are now living : John Oliver, our subject ; Henry A., who is married and has three children ; F. G., who is also married and has three children ; Lizzie R., who married August Pantel and is the mother of six children ; Mary, who is the wife of W. A. Weirhauser, of Flatiron Point, Iowa, and has five children ; C. F., who is married and has two children ; and Emma, who is the wife of Franz Pantel and has two children.John O. Holtz received his early education in the district schools of Sweetland township. He continued at home until he was twenty-two years of age, when he began farming on his own account by renting one hundred and twenty acres of land. He later farmed eighty acres more and in 1881, having prospered in this work, he purchased eighty acres in Sweetland township, upon which he took up his residence. He is recognized as one of the energetic and pregressive farmers of his locality and is secretary of the Mount Prominent Grove Telephone Company and also serves upon the executive board of the Farmers Mutual Insurance Company.
On December 27, 1882, Mr. Holtz was united in marriage to Miss Carrie May Gipple, a daughter of George and Mary Gipple, both of her parents being natives of Pennsylvania and now living at Letts, Iowa. Her father was born May 4, 1827, and her mother October 6, 1826. One son, John William, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Holtz. He is now living at home.
For a number of years Mr. Holtz has filled the office of school treasurer. He also served seven years as township clerk and two years as township assessor. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he is a stanch supporter, being steward and treasurer at the present time. As one of the prominent men of Sweetland township, Mr. Holtz has assisted materially in forwarding the best interests of his part of the county and is always willing to lend a hand in advancing any worthy movements that have for their object the promotion of friendship and good-will among men.
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