The Teutonic race has ever been an important one in the civilization and development of the new world. The sons of the fatherland have come to America, where they adapted themselves to changed conditions and new surroundings but have brought the same spirit of energy and determination which they manifested in the old country and by reason of these qualities they have become successful and valued residents of various parts of the United States. To this class of citizens Fred FELDMAN belongs. He resides upon a farm in Scott township and has been a resident of America since the age of twenty years.

He was born in Hanover, Germany, a son of August FELDMAN, also a native of that land. His education was acquired in the schools of Germany and in 1875 he bade adieu to friends and native country and sailed for New York, from which point he made his way westward to St. Louis, Missouri. He had learned the trade of a soapmaker in Germany and he secured employment in a soap factory in St. Louis. He afterward rented a farm in Franklin township, Des Moines county, upon which he lived for seven years, when he bought seventy-eight acres of land, the greater part of which was covered with timber. He cleared all but twenty acres of this and uses most of it for pasture. He built a house of five rooms and barn with stall space for six horses. He continued the further improvement of that property until the spring of 1896, when he removed to Scott township, Henry county, and bought about one hundred and sixty acres of land from William J. MULLEN in the northeast corner of section I. Taking up his abode upon this place, he has remodeled the house until it is a good residence of eight rooms and in 1903 he remodeled the barn. He has recently erected a large corn crib and has placed many rods of tiling upon his land, so that it is well drained and therefore very productive.

On the 20th of March, 1866, Mr. FELDMAN was united in marriage to Miss Fredericka VOLLMER, who was born in Prussia, Germany, and is a daughter of Henry and Louise (HOFFMEIER) VOLLMER, who, in the year 1866, crossed the Atlantic to America, becoming residents of St. Louis, where they lived with their children. Unto Mr. and Mrs. FELDMAN have been born nine children: Annie, now the wife of Harry KENNEDY of Chicago; Henry, who is living in Burlington, Iowa; William, a resident of Ringgold county, Iowa; Carrie, the wife of F. JOHANSMEIER of Henry county; Fred, who is living in Louisa county; Louisa, Edward, and August, all at home; and Charles, who is attending school.

In January, 1903, Mr. FELDMAN was sent to the hospital at Mount Pleasant for a time, but though there have been some difficulties and obstacles in his path he has perservered in his work and steadily advanced toward the goal of success. He deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, as he had no assistance when he started out in life on his own account. He realized, however, that earnest labor is the basis of all prosperity and because of his indefatigable diligence he has gained a place among the substantial agriculturists of Henry county.

SOURCE:  Biographical Review of Henry County, Iowa  Hobart Publ. Co. Chicago. 1906.

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, December of 2008