The Evergreen Farm, situated on section 5, Bremen township, is
one of the valuable farms of that township and its owner, John B.
Mormann, is one of the most progressive agriculturists of his
locality. He was born in Sternfeldt, Oldenburg, Germany, and was
baptized on the 10th of October, 1853. His parents, Bernard and
Katherine (Krogman) Mormann, brought their family to the United
States in 1858 and settled in Dubuque county, Iowa, where they
rented land for two years. They then crossed the line into
Delaware county and rented a farm for three years, after which
they purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 2,
Bremen township. Eventually they gave this property to their son
Henry but continued to reside upon the place until their deaths.
The mother passed away in 1898 and her husband survived until
1902. They were buried in the cemetery at Petersburg. Seven
children were born to them, as follows: John B. , is the subject
of this review. Josephine became the wife of John Gable, who
passed away in February, 1893, and she later became the wife of
S. Schmieding and they reside in Madison, Minnesota. Katherine
married Joseph Mayrose and they live in Remsen, Iowa.
Henry resides upon the homestead in Bremen township. Mary died
when two years of age. William passed away in infancy. Frank died
when a young man of twenty two years.
John B. Mormann is indebted to the public school system of this
state for his educational advantages as he was but a child of
five when brought to Dubuque by his parents. He was reared to
manhood under the parental roof and became an experienced
agriculturist through aiding his father in the work of the home
farm. Since starting out in life for himself he has devoted his
time to agriculture and now owns one hundred and eighty acres of
land on section 5, Bremen township, which he successfully
operates and which is known as Evergreen Farm. He also holds
title to one hundred and sixty acres in South Dakota. He carries
on diversified farming and his well directed labors insure him a
competence.
Mr. Mormann was married on the 12th of February, 1878, to Miss
Elizabeth Tapke, a daughter of Henry and Katherin (Brinkmann)
Tapke. Her father was a native of Hanover, Germany, and when a
youth in his teens first settled in Kentucky. He did not remain
long in the Blue Grass state, however, but soon crossed the river
to Cincinnati, where at the age of seventeen he was married. He
then drove with one horse to Delaware county, Iowa, and he and
his wife settled upon a farm which he entered from the United
States government. His wife passed away in 1877 but he survived
until 1893. To Mr. and Mrs. Mormann were born ten children,
namely: Henry, who died at the age of eight years; John, who died
when but six years old; Frank, who died at the age of four;
Fred, who died when two years of age; Albert, who passed away
when in his thirteenth year; Anton, born February 14, 1887;
Bernard, born February 1888; Katherina, July 19, 1893; Joseph,
March 6, 1896; and Rosa, March 24, 1898.
Mr. Mormann is a republican and takes an active part in public
affairs. At one time he served as constable, proving energetic in
the discharge of his duties. The family are devout communicants
of the Roman Catholic church and contribute liberally to its
support. Fraternally Mr. Mormann is a member of the Roman
Catholic Mutual Protective Association and he manifests a great
interest in everything concerning its welfare. He is not only a
successful agriculturalist but a public spirited citizen and
merits the high respect in which he is held.
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