For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 553
HERMAN STEFFEN. Wisely chosing as a life work the occupation to which he had been reared, Herman Steffen is today one of the progressive and successful agriculturists of Montpelier township, close application, unfaltering industry and practical methods being salient elements in his prosperity. Numbered among Iowa's native sons, his birth occurred in Cleona township, Scott county, on the 6th of September, 1872, the family home being located near New Liberty. His parents, Hans and Anna (Wulff) Steffen, were natives of Germany, where they were reared and married. On coming to the United States they made their way direct to Iowa, where the father was engaged in farming for many years. He passed away in 1894, at the age of fifty-two years, while his wife survived until 1910, dying when she had reached her sixty-fifth year.The third in a family of eight children, Herman Steffen was reared in his native county and there remained until about eight years ago. The period of his boyhood and youth was passed in the usual manner of country lads, attending the district schools during the winter months, and in the summer seasons assisting in the work of the home farm, thereby learning practical lessons concerning the value of industry, diligence and perseverance. Amid the wholesome environment of country life he grew to manhood and gave his father the benefit of his assistance until the latter's death, which occurred soon after the son had attained his majority. He then took upon himself the management of the home farm, operating it for his widowed mother until 1902, when he rented a farm south of Durant in Wilton township. Upon that farm he remained for five years, at the expiration of which time he came to his present farm, which he had purchased in 1906. This property, known as the Julius S. Sheely place, consists of two hundred acres located on section 12, Montpelier township, and under his wise direction and careful supervision has become a well improved and valuable property. As a general farmer he has made a careful study of agriculture, cultivates the grains best adapted to soil and climate and practices rotation of crops, and his progressive methods combined with intelligent direction and a willingness to work have proved strong forces toward the acquirement of success. In connection with tilling the soil he also engages in stock-raising and a good business sense has made it possible for him to attain prosperity in this branch of his interests also.
It was in 1900 that Mr. Steffen was united in marriage to Miss Laura Schnack, who was born in Cleona township, Scott county, on the 10th of August, 1879, a daughter of James and Maggie Schnack. Her parents, who were both born in Germany, yet survive and make their home in Bennett, Cedar county, Iowa. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Steffen have been born three children: Elmer, Luella and Roy.
Devoting his entire life to the occupation which is now his vocation, Mr. Steffen has never endeavored to extend his efforts into other channels, and to his close application to and concentration upon one line of activity is due in large measure the gratifying position which he has attained as one of the successful and enterprising farmers of his locality.
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