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Albert and Anna were married in 1877 at Clinton, Iowa. They lived in Clinton county, Iowa, for eleven years. In 1888, they moved to a farm southeast of Zearing, Iowa.
Albert and Anna were the parents of five children. They were August, Mayme Cerka Schuler, William, Anna Cerka Lyons, and Carrie Cerka Chance.
Albert died on April 20, 1925. Anna died on April 30, 1932.
John Fred William Cerka was born in Germany on July 17, 1833. Fredricca Amelia Garris was born in Germany on August 26, 1835. William and Fredricca were married on May 3, 1863, in Germany. They came to Chicago, Illinois, from Germany soon after their marriage. In 1869, they moved to Story county, Iowa.
William and Fredricca were the parents of six children. They were Fred, Joanna, Frank, Esther, Henry, and Ben.
William died on December 26, 1914. Fredricca died on February 25, 1894.
Chance:
The name Chance is a well known name in this part of Iowa. Members of the Chance family have been active citizens of our community for many years.
Jonathan Chance married Sarah Pope on May 10, 1867, in Coshocton county, Ohio. Jonathan was a veteran of the Civil War. They moved to our community in 1873. In later years Jonathan owned a livery business in Zearing. He was interested in race horses and took part in the activities at the Norton race track.
Jonathan and Sarah were the parents of seven children. They were Frank, James, Thomas, John, Jerry, Bertha, and Bessie. Bertha Chance Thornton is living in Zearing in 1956.
Jonathan died on October 1, 1917. Sarah died on December 16, 1931.
Thomas P. Chance was born on June 5, 1838. He was a veteran of the Civil War. Mary Corbit was born on January 3, 1844. Thomas and Mary were married on July 12, 1865, in Adams township, Coshocton county, Ohio. They moved to the Illinois Grove community on June 14, 1866.
Thomas and Mary were the parents of twelve children. They were Rosalie, Matilda, Jane, John R., Alonzo H., Nellie, William H., Kate, Almeda, Mary Grace, Thomas B., and Stephen F.
Thomas and Mary did not establish a permanent home in Lincoln township. Their son, Stephen F., married Ruth Thornton and established a permanent home in our community. William H., a son of Thomas P., lived in Zearing for several years.
Thomas died on September 25, 1909. Mary died on September 6, 1902.
Jonathan and Thomas P. were brothers. Zakariah Chance was a