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Theodore Perry

Theodore Perry, who is engaged in general merchandising in St. Lucas, is also the efficient Postmaster at that place, which position he has filled for twelve consecutive years. He was born in Ozaukee County, Wis., February 11, 1855, and is a son of Nicholas and Mary (Strauss) Perry, natives of Luxemburg, Germany, the father born in 1814, and the mother in 1816. With their three children they emigrated to America in 1848, and on landing in this country went at once to Holy Cross, Wis., where Theodore was born. Nicholas, the eldest, married Anna Robinet in Wisconsin and went to La Salle County, Ill., where he engaged in farming for nine years. On coming to St. Lucas he embarked in the hardware business and also carried on a hotel until his removal to Hosper, Sioux County, Iowa, where he is now keeping a hotel. By his marriage nine children have been born. Catherine has been twice married. By her first husband, John Croatt, she had two children, and by the second marriage seven children have been born. Her present husband is Joseph Lusson. They removed to Blue Island, Ill., and thence to La Salle County, that State, whence they came to Iowa with her brothers and are now living on a farm near St. Lucas. Mary became the wife of John Dries, by whom she has seven children. Their wedding took place in Marshall County, Ill., and shortly afterward they came to Iowa, locating on a farm near St. Lucas, where they resided until 1887, when selling out, they became residents of Wadena, Wadena County, Minn., where Mr. Dries is engaged in agricultural pursuits.

Our subject was reared to manhood under the parental roof, and on attaining to mature years chose as a helpmate on life's journey Miss Catherine Bies. They were married October 24, 1877. The lady was born in Luxemburg, Germany, in August 1855, and is a daughter of E. and Anna Bies, also natives of that place. Seven children grace their union as follows: Nicholas, who was born August 14, 1878; Mary, July 27, 1880; Barbara, September 4, 1882; Catherine, October 2, 1884; Joseph, March 1, 1886; Anna, August 12, 1888; and John Mathias, August 17, 1890. The children enjoy the advantages afforded by the public schools and also attend the parochial school conducted by the Franciscan Sisters, under the jurisdiction of the German Catholic Church of St. Lucas.

Mr. Perry has a fine trade in general merchandise, his stock consisting of clothing, boots and shoes, hats and caps, dry-goods, notions, groceries and provisions. He owns the leading store in the place and enjoys a liberal patronage, won by fair and honest dealing and impartial treatment. He was appointed Postmaster twelve years ago and has held the position continuously since to the satisfaction of all concerned. He has been School Director for a number of years and is at present the Treasurer of the Auburn Township School Board. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party and takes an active interest in public affairs. He and his family are members of the German congregation of the St. Lucas Roman Catholic Church, and in the community are highly respected by a large circle of friends and acquaintances.