West Liberty History 1838-1938

Source: One Hundred Years of History
* Commemorating a Century of Progress in the West Liberty Community * WEST LIBERTY, IOWA
JOHN LAFRENTZ

John Lefrentz was born inGermany, in 1836 and received his education in his native land. He was a shoemaker by trade and came to America in 1856, coming to Iowa City. In 1857 he moved to West Liberty, working for a short time for Peter Polders.

In 1858 he opened a shoemaker's shop of his own. It was located at the northwest corner of Calhoun and Third streets. The family occupied the back of the building, and the shoe shop was at the front. He operated this place of business for about twelve years. Wishing to change his occupation, in 1870 he bought a farm in Cedar county, later trading it for land in Goshen township, Muscatine county.

He married Anna Lenabaugh in 1859. Their children were Henry, Clara, John, Anna, Lena, Mary L., Frederick, Charles and Dora.

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