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Fred Boie

Among the men of influence of Fayette county, who, though an American by adoption only, have the interests of their community at heart and who have led consistent lives, thereby gaining definite success along their chosen lines, is Fred Boie, who is the owner of vast and valuable estates, which he manages with that care and discretion that stamps him as a twentieth-century agriculturist of the highest order. He was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, February 18, 1869, the son of Joachim and Sophia ( Voelker ) Boie, both natives of the same locality where their son, Fred Boie, was born. They grew to maturity, were educated and married there, and in the fall of 1873 came to America, locating in DuPage county, Illinois, and in March, 1875, came on to Fayette county, Iowa, and began farming one-half mile west and one mile south of Hawkeye, on a rented farm which he managed for two years. Then he moved on another rented farm for four years. In February, 1881, he moved to section 16, Bethel township, this county, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of good land and there he made a comfortable home for his family. He had two sons, John, who was born June 9, 1863, and Fred, of this review. They both assisted with the work on the home place where they grew to maturity, and during the winter months attended the German schools for one year, but most of their education was obtained in the public schools. Their father was a man of rare courage and persistency. He worked for some time in Germany at one dollar and twenty-five cents per week as a farm hand, and by careful habits and strict economy he had saved the sum of nine hundred dollars with which he began life in the New World

When he came to Fayette county, Iowa, he found that hogs and corn were very cheap, and that farmers had a hard life and small profits for their labor. Both his sons are naturalized and both are Democrats. John Boie is now living on a farm in Stearns county, Minnesota. Fred Boie remained under the parental roof until he reached manhood. He was married on September 8, 1892, to Flora Rachow, daughter of Charles and Frederica (Popenhagen) Rachow, both natives of Germany, the father from Mecklenburg-Schwerin, coming to America about 1864, just too late to enlist in the Federal army for service during the Rebellion. He worked about two years in Calhoun county, Michigan, then went back to Ohio, where he remained four years. While living in Auglaize county, Ohio, in 1871, he married Frederica Popenhagen, who also came from Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, arriving in America about 1870, They returned to Calhoun county, Michigan, where they lived until March, 1888, then settled in Banks township, Fayette county, Iowa, where they bought a farm which they worked for many years, but they are now living retired in Sumner, Iowa.

To Mr. and Mrs. Fred Boie four children have been born, namely Joseph Carl, Lewis Fred, Carl Ernest and Ena Sophia. The father and mother are both living at the old home with Fred. Fred Boie is a Democrat and he is interested in the welfare of his community. He was school director in Bethel township in 1898 and continued as such for about eight years, since which time he has been secretary of the board, resigning as a member of the board to become secretary. He was township trustee of Bethel township for three years, having been elected on November 2, 1903, and at the end of three years he was elected township clerk, which position he still holds. He was road supervisor for three years. He was twice elected constable, but once refused to qualify for office. There are only two township offices that he has not held. This is certainly proof of his high standing in the township and of the absolute confidence which his fellow citizens repose in him. His is probably the only instance in the history of Bethel township of an individual holding at the same time the office of the school board and also that of township clerk. Mr. Boie has been a frequent delegate to county conventions and was once selected as a delegate to the state convention but sickness prevented his attendance. He has been committeeman for seven years, and he probably knows the politics of each man in the township better than anyone else. His advice is frequently sought by party leaders and he wields a wide influence in local political affairs. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran church, in which Mr. Boie is an active worker, having been treasurer for two years and he is now secretary of the local congregation.

Mr. Boie has been a very successful farmer and business man, and is the owner of one hundred and twenty acres, to which he added eighty acres in 1900. He purchased one hundred and twenty acres from his father in 1894. He also bought a half section of land in Edwards county, South Dakota, in 1909, which he still owns. He has been a good manager and has been fortunate in his transactions. Personally, he is a good mixer, pleasant to know, congenial and hospitable, all who visit his pleasant and attractive home being made to feel a genuine welcome, consequently he and his wife are popular throughout the community where they reside.

~transcribed by Judy Boie