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GEORGE J. KOEHLER

"In writing of the well known citizens of Windsor township, Fayette county, the name George J. Koehler should not be overlooked. He was born on the farm on which he now resides, on October 2, 1859, the son of Nicholas and Catherine (Reithel) Koehler, the former born in Bavaria, February 16, 1823, the mother also coming from the same province of Germany, where her birth occurred on January 8, 1832. They came to America when young and were married in Kendall county, Illinois, in 1849, having resided in that state about three years. They came to Fayette county, Iowa, in 1855 and entered, from the government, the farm on which George J. Koehler lives, the place consisting at first of one hundred and eighty-five acres. The parents were honest and hard working and they were the first members of the local Zion Lutheran church. But one member of the Reithel family, John, is now living.

Nicholas Koehler was a Republican politically and he held some of the township offices, including school director. He was a good and honest man, and when his death occurred, in 1897, he was greatly missed. He had been preceded to the grave by his wife, who died when thirty-nine years of age. When George J. Koehler was about ten years of age his mother died and he and a sister, then twelve years old, reared the family, the sister becoming housekeeper. Late in life their father, Nicholas Koehler married again, his second wife being Mrs. Margaret Slagle, who is now living in Hawkeye. His last years were spent with his youngest daughter. Nicholas Koehler's family consisted of four children, namely: Charlotte, wife of Conrad Daum, of Albert Lea, Minnesota; George J., of this review; Annie, who married Charley Bruehler, of Hawkeye; Lizzie married Mr. Gyer, living in Bethel township.

Nicholas Koehler had nothing when he came to Bethel township. He erected a slab shanty and hired out to his neighbors in order to get a start, and by working hard and saving his money he was soon well established. He had been a weaver in the old country. George W. Koehler has always lived on the home farm, having taken charge of the same years before his father's death and finally bought it from his father. He has continued to improve and repair it until it is now in good condition and he carries on general farming and stock raising very successfully. He has a substantial dwelling and outbuildings, surrounded by an inviting grove, most of which was set out by himself when a lad. Mr. Koehler was married on November 11, 1880, to Johanna Krueger, a native of Washington county, Wisconsin, and this union has resulted in the birth of three children, namely: Albert J., who married Edith L. Gray, is farming in Smithfield township; Edwin H. And Lula L. are living at home. Both Mr. and Mrs. Koehler are members of the Zion Lutheran church. Mr. Koehler being the second deacon and is also serving as secretary of the church. They are both active in church affairs and liberal supporters of the local congregation."