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History of the Counties of Woodbury and Plymouth,
Iowa K Biographies submitted by Dick Barton. p. 553: Floyd Valley Odd Fellow's Lodge - This is the oldest civic society in Plymouth county, and was formed during the month of October, 1870, by six members. Its number among the lodges of Iowa is 208. The first noble grand was Philip Schneider, the first vice-grand was John Raadermaher, and the first secretary was Leonard Koenig. The lodge met for some time at the farm-house of Mr. Koenig, but after a few yeasrs built them a good hall on section thirty-four, which they still use for lodge purposes. This hall was built in 1882 at a cost of $700. The present officers are: Albert Speis, N. G.; John Koenig, V. G.; Anton Hicky, treasurer; and Leonard Koenig, secretary. The order is in a growing and harmonious condition. p. 944: Leonard Koenig, one of the leading farmers of Plymouth county, was born in Germany, February 28, 1827, a son of Ulrich and Mary Koenig, also of Germany. He attended school there until ten years of age, when he came with his parents to America, settling in Baltimore, Md., where he engaged in gardening until 1869. He then removed to Plymouth township, Plymouth county, Iowa, where he bought eighty acres of land, and has since carried on general farming. He has added to his farm, and now owns 750 acres of land. Mr. Koenig married Miss Mary, daughter of Russell Strickstra, of Germany, in February, 1850, and they are the parents of nine children: Annie, William, Dora, Sarah, John, Matilda, George, Philip and Henry. In politics he is a democrat, and was elected by that party to the board of county commissioners, which position he has held six years. He has also filled the offices of township trustee and school director. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Evangelical church.
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