HISTORY OF MITCHELL AND WORTH COUNTIES, IOWA, VOL. II, 1918, page 456

Herman H. Bonker, following farming on section 26, Danville Township, Worth County, was born in Jefferson Township, Clayton County, Iowa, on the 18th of October, 1870, a son of John and Mary (Brandt) Bonker. His boyhood days were spent in his native county and his educational advantages were those afforded by the district schools, his time being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields upon the old homestead farm. Later he and his brother William purchased the old home property, which they cultivated together for three years and then sold.

Herman H. Bonker at that time removed to Danville Township, Worth County. This was in 1897. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land at that time and began the development and improvement of his farm. As the years passed and his financial resources increased he added to his property. In 1912, he bought a half section of land in Saskatchewan, Canada, but in 1917 sold a quarter section of the and bought one hundred and thirty-five acres in Danville Township, Worth County, while in 1918 he sold the remaining quarter in Canada. In l914 he bought another eighty acres adjoining his home farm and upon his place he has erected new buildings and now has a commodious and attractive farm residence with good barns and outbuildings that furnish ample shelter for grain and stock. He uses the latest farm machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, which are divided by well-kept fences, and in fact everything about the place presents the appearance of neatness, thrift and progress. He now has three hundred and seventy-five acres of highly improved land and his farming activities are annually returning to him a most gratifying income.

On the 6th of March, 1897, Mr. Bonker was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Bierbaum, a daughter of Garhart and Carolina (Walke) Bierbaum. Mr. Bonker was born in Clayton County, Iowa. They have become the parents of four children, Arthur, Alydia, Alvina and Ernest.

The parents are members of the Evangelical church at Manly and Mr. Bonker gives his political support to the men whom he believes best fitted for office. He has been called upon to serve in several local offices, acting as road supervisor for a number of years, also as township trustee for a year and as school director for several years. He stands for progressiveness in all affairs relating to the advancement and upbuilding of his community, which classes him with its substantial citizens

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Transcribed by Gordon Felland - July 4, 2005