1914 Delaware County History pgs. 501-502
Herman B. Reth
Herman B. Reth holds title to a fine tract of land
comprising two hundred and eighty acres on section 23, Delhi township.
He was born in Eitzen, Minnesota, August 13,
1867, a son
of Herman and Phenia (Maurer) Reth,
both natives of Germany. The father emigrated
to the United States at the beginning of the
Franco-Prussian war, more than four decades ago, and the mother came a year
later. Mr. Reth worked in Cincinnati, Ohio, for a year, after which he removed
to Eitzen, Minnesota, where he was married and where he
continued to reside for about two years. At the end of that time he removed
with his family to Dorchester, Iowa, where the family home was maintained for about
twelve years. A removal was then made to Delaware county, Iowa, and Mr. Reth
rented a farm near Earlville for eight years, after which he bought three
hundred and eight acres in Delhi township, which
he cultivated until 1912, when he retired from active life. Ten children, of
whom six are living, were born to his union with Miss Maurer: Herman B.; Fred,
residing in Delhi township; Henry, who lives
in Oneida township; Frank, a farmer of Delhi township; Carrie, who makes her
home with her brother Frank; and William C., residing in Delhi township, a sketch of whom appears
elsewhere in this work. The father died November 1, 1913, but the mother survives and makes
her home in Earlville.
Herman B. Reth owes his education to the public-school system and in
addition to his training in book learning he received much practical instruction
and also a great deal of experience in agriculture, as he assisted his father
with the work of the homestead. Since coming to mature years he has continued
to devote his time and energies to farming and now owns two hundred and eighty
acres of excellent land situated on section 23, Delhi township,
but two and a half miles from the town of Delhi. He has improved his place by
erecting a house and barn and has the land in a high state of cultivation. The
good income which he annually receives from his farm is the natural result of
his industry, enterprise and good management and, as he is careful to save a
part of his income each year, his capital is steadily increasing.
Mr. Reth was united in marriage on the 20th of
September, 1893, to Miss Minnie Maass, a daughter of Ernest
and Wilhelmina (Pantan) Maass,
both natives of Germany, who came to the United States and almost immediately made their
way to this county, arriving here in May, 1891. Her father died in March, 1911,
but her mother survives and makes her home in Delaware, Iowa, with her son William. To Mr. and Mrs. Reth have been born eight
children, namely: Charles, William, Emma, Louis, Martin, Harry, Herman and Anton,
all at home.
Mr. Reth is a republican in politics and has always taken a
marked interest in community advancement and is particularly concerned for the welfare
of the public schools, having served as school director for five years and for
one year was president of the board. He is diligent in his business affairs and
is prospering financially, but he does not forget his civic duty which is as
binding as any obligation of life. His marked public spirit and his strict
adherence to the principles of honesty and right have won for him the respect
and esteem of his fellow citizens.
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