John P. Suttman

SUTTMAN, REA, HAYES, ROHLFSON

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/18/2011 at 08:58:18

JOHN P. SUTTMAN, one of the worthy German-American citizens of Grundy Centre, was born in Weener, in the province of Hanover, and is a son of Peter Suttman, who died when our subject was a lad of six summers. There were only four children in the family, and but two are now living. In 1868 the mother crossed the Atlantic to America and located in Stephenson County, Ill.

Our subject also made the voyage at the same time. He continued to reside in Illinois until 1870, when he removed to Grundy County, Iowa, where he was engaged in working on a farm for six years. He then changed his pursuit and began clerking in a general merchandise establishment. That business he followed for about twelve years at Parkersburg and Grundy Centre. He then took up the study of law with the firm of Rea & Hayes, of this place.

In 1875 Mr. Suttman was united in marriage, the lady of his choice being Miss Fannie, daughter of H. Rohlfson, of Parkersburg, Iowa. The lady has been to her husband a faithful companion and helpmate. By their union have been born the following children: Fred, John, Theodore, Rosa and Lillie, all at home.

In his political views Mr. Suttman is a stalwart supporter of the Democratic party and has been an active worker in its ranks for twenty years. In 1890 he was elected to the office of County Recorder, and so well did he fill the position that he was re-elected in 1892. He was the first German Democrat that was ever elected in this county, a fact which indicates his popularity and the confidence reposed in him by his fellow-townsmen.

In his social relations Mr. Suttman is connected with the Odd Fellows’ society, of which he has been a member for about twenty-years, and also with the encampment. He is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men, having joined the lodge at its organization. Both he and his wife hold membership with the Baptist Church and are highly respected citizens. Their friends are many throughout the community and they will be glad to see the sketch of this worthy couple given in the history of Grundy County.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894