Pike Township Family Stories
HENRY C. AND IDA E. HARDER FAMILY
Nichols, Iowa Centennial Book 1884-1984, pages 281
By Theodora and Lawrence HarderHenry C. Harder, son of Claus Harder of Germany, married Ida E. Martz, daughter of Gustav Martz, also of Germany. They had three children, born while the family lived in Wilton township, Muscatine county.
They bought a 160 acre farm on the south edge of Wapsie township in the Poole school district. They moved to the farm in 1930 and farmed until retiring in 1946, when they moved to Muscatine. Henry died in 1966. Ida continued to reside in Muscatine.
The oldest child, Violet Harder, was attending Muscatine High school when the family moved to the Nichols community, so she continued her schooling there. She married Ira McFadon. They had one son, Terry McFadon, of Muscatine. Violet Harder McFadon died in 1969.
Lawrence Harder and Elmer Harder enrolled in Poole school, and then they attended Nichols High school.
Lawrence graduated and was drafted into the U. S. Army in 1941. He first went in with the 113 Cavalry Troop and trained with horses. After two years, the unit was mechanized and served as a reconnaissance group during World War II in Europe until October 1956.
Lawrence Harder married Theodora Neff, daughter of J. T. Neff and Grace Neff. Theodora graduated from Nichols High school. She was employed in the Muscatine County ASCS office for 25 years.
After Lawrence returned to Nichols, they farmed the family farm until they moved to West Liberty. As they retired they became interested in painting and golf. They enjoy their winters in Arizona.
Elmer Harder graduated from Nichols High school. He enlisted in the Marines and served there during World War II. He then enlisted in the U. S. Air Force, retiring after 20 years of service, and continued as a civilian employee at Holiman Air Force base in New Mexico. He married Lois Hoffbauer of Blue Grass. They have three children, Leslee Harder, Marten Harder and Joseph Harder.
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