Johnson County << 1893 Index
Poweshiek County
Iowa County

Portrait and Biographical Record of Johnson, Poweshiek and Iowa counties, Iowa
Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1893.

C

Unless otherwise noted, biographies submitted by Dick Barton.

JOSEPH CERNY, County Recorder of Johnson County , and for thirty-eight years a resident of Iowa City , was born in Bohemia , February 20, 1839 . His parents, John and Rosalia (Brozik) Cerny, left their native land on December 24, 1854, and arrived at their destination, New York City, several weeks later, coming direct to Iowa City, where the father commenced working at his trade, that of a carpenter. For many years he was one of the most industrious and hard-working of men. In 1881 he was accidentally killed by the giving way of a scaffold. Our subject's mother is still living, though now in her eighty-fourth year. Her family comprises six children, four boys and two girls, of whom our subject is the fifth child in order of birth. His schooling was largely acquired in his native county, and he continued his studies until fourteen years of age. Coming to America with his parents in 1854, Mr. Cerny commenced to work at the carpenter's trade, though he had never served a regular apprenticeship, but was quite handy with tools. He followed that vocation quite successfully for six years, after which he worked for two years in a brewery, and then accepted a position as clerk in a dry-goods store, his employers being Haas & Eppel, with whom he remained for a like period of time. Our subject then embarked in the clothing business in company with Mr. Isense, under the firm name of Isense & Cerny, which connection lasted for eighteen years, at the end of which time our subject purchased his partner's interest and continued in business alone until 1887, when he sold out and entered a political career. In 1888 he was elected Recorder of Johnson County on the Democratic ticket for a term of two years, when he was again elected and a third time chosen to that position in 1892, commencing his third term January 1, 1893. He has filled various other responsible positions, having been always found a faithful and efficient officer. He was City Trustee and Alderman from the Third and Fourth Wards, having been elected on the Democratic ticket, to the support of which party he has always given his time and interests.

Mr. Cerny was united in marriage with Miss Helen T. Haas, of Iowa City , the date of that event being June 14, 1866 . Mrs. Cerny is a native of this city, where her parents, Francis and Margaret Haas, were among the early settlers. By her marriage she has become the mother of seven children, four sons and three daughters: John A., the eldest, who is a clerk in a clothing store; George J., Lewis F., Joseph G., Rosa, Ida and Anna. The pleasant home of the family is situated in the Fifth Ward, and is the abode of hospitality and good cheer. Our subject is a member of Iowa City Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M., and of Kosciusko Lodge No. 6, I. O. O. F., and is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a worthy citizen, and one who has made many friends by his excellent qualities and manly traits of character. He has risen from the lowest round in the ladder of success to his present position of a secure competence entirely through his own well-directed efforts and business methods. He is truly a self-made man, and is but another example of the many men of this class who have risen to the top, taking advantage of the opportunities afforded in America for men of ambition and sterling qualities to succeed.