J. J. Welterlen is numbered among the substantial and prosperous farmers and dairymen of Delaware county, where he owns a valuable farm of one hundred and sixty acres located on section 11, Delaware township. He was born in this township June 5, 1856, a son of John and Mary (Kaltenbach) Welterlen, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ohio. The father emigrated to America in his young manhood and made a permanent location in Delaware county, Iowa, where he first engaged in blacksmithing. He later purchased land and engaged in farming for many years, or until the time of his death, which occurred July 27, 1910. The mother, however, is yet living. Of her family of five children, three sons survive, these being the subject of this review; H. W., who is engaged in carpentering in Manchester, Iowa, and Samuel B., who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume.
     J. J. Welterlen spent the period of his boyhood and youth in much the same manner as do other farm lads. He was reared on the home place, assisting in the work of the fields during the spring and summer seasons, while in the winter months he pursued his education in the common schools. He continued to assist his father in the work of the home farm until the time of his marriage in 1889, at which time he bought the place which is still his home. This property embraces one hundred and sixty acres of choice farm land, located in, section 11, Delaware township. He plants his fields to the cereals best adapted to the soil and climate of Iowa, but gives much of his attention to the dairy business, meeting with success in both branches of his activities. On his farm are found good buildings and everything about the place indicates the thrift and industry of the owner.
      In 1889 Mr. Welterlen was united in marriage to Miss Anna C. Menge, who was born in Clayton county, Iowa, February 3, 1865, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Knupple) Menge, natives of Germany. They came to America in the early '50s and located on a farm in Clayton county, to which they devoted their energies throughout their remaining years. Both are deceased. Mrs. Welterlen was one of a family of ten children and by her marriage has become the mother of two daughters and two sons, as follows: Gladys M., who was born January 15, 1891, and now makes her home in Manchester; Arthur L., whose birth occurred February 9, 1893; Frank E., born March 30, 1895; and Grace, born May 27, 1897.
      In his political views and affiliations Mr. Welterlen is a democrat but aside from serving as school director he has never held public office. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and his wife belongs to the ladies' auxiliary, the Royal Neighbors. They represent two of the honored pioneer families of Iowa and they fully sustain the high reputation borne by their forefathers.