Stoefen, William

STOEFEN, LOOFT

Posted By: Roseanna Zehner
Date: 7/25/2006 at 17:36:38

STOEFEN, WILLIAM

William Stoefen would surely be among the first to be mentioned in any list of the best farmers of Richland township, Lyon county, where his hard work, careful management and manifest integrity have combined to win for him a high place in the esteem and confidence of his community. Born in Germany September 11, 1852, he was a son of John Stoefen, who farmed all his life in the Fatherland.

William Stoefen attended the local schools in his native community and in 1875 came to this country, landing in New York, and making his way to Davenport, Iowa, where for fourteen years he worked at the trade of cabinet making. At the end of that time he entered Lyon county, and bought a farm, on which he settled. Here his home has since been maintained and he has become one of the leading men of his calling.

Mr. Stoefen was united in marriage March 29, 1877, to Miss Lizzie Looft, a German compatriot, who was born March 31, 1857. They have five children, of whom Ferdinand, Alma, Arnold and Emil were born in Davenport, and William in Lyon county.

Mr. Stoefen is a democrat, and is counted among the honorable and useful citizens of the community, though his extensive farming interests demand his close attention. His farm comprises a half section of choice land, almost entirely under cultivation, only such land being devoted to grass and pasture as the needs of the place indicate. The buildings are good, and the entire establishment is a model of it skind, including as it does a nicely growing gove.

Source: Compendium of History Reminiscence and Biography of Lyon County, Iowa. Published under the Auspices of the Pioneer Association of Lyon County. Geo. Monlun, Pres.; Hon. E. C. Roach Sec’y; and Col. F. M. Thompson, Historian. Geo. A. Ogle & CO., Published, Engravers and Book Manufacturers. Chicago, 1904-1905

Transcribed by Roseanna Zehner, Darlene Jacoby and Diane Johnson