Adam Herman

For almost a half century Adam Herman has been a resident of Allamkee county, and his is today numbered among the most prosperous and successful farmers and stock-raisers of this section of the state, owning a well improved tract of two hundred acres, located on section 21, Makee township. He was born near Centerville, Wisconsin, December 18, 1861, a son of George and Caroline (Lukee) Herman, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father came to the new world as a young man, first locating in Wisconsin. He was married in that state, and subsequently located in Allamakee county, the year of his arrival here being 1865. He purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Union Prairie township, only twenty of which were cleared. He eventually cleared the entire tract, erected buildings and made it a valuable place. He continued to make his home on the farm until the time of his death, which occurred in 1895. He had survived his wife for many years, her death having occurred in 1873. Adam Herman was a little lad of three years when the family removed from Wisconsin to Allamakee county. He was reared to farm labor, assisting in the work of the fields during the spring and summer seasons, while in the winter months he pursued his education in the district school. He remained with his father until the time of his marriage in 1891, after which he located on leased land. He then purchased his present farm of two hundred acres located on section 21, Makee township. Since coming into possession of this place he has made many improvements, has built a modern home, and outbuildings for the shelter of his grain and stock, and in addition to farming and dairying he raises good grades of stock, making a specialty of Holstein cattle and Berkshire hogs. He is likewise a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company at Waukon, and is one of the board of directors of the company.

As above stated, Mr. Herman was married in 1891, the lady of his choice being Miss Eliza Svebakken who was born in Paint Creek township, of Norwegian parentage. Of this marriage four sons and three daughters survive. The sons are Roland O., Clarence G., John L., and Harold J., while the daughters are Luella, Stella G. and Esther E. Benjamin and Ruth M. died in infancy. Mrs. Herman has also passed away, her death occurring March 26, 1913.

Mr. Herman gives his political support to the republican party but he has never held political office. He has, however, served as school director. In religious faith he is a Presbyterian, belonging to the church in Waukon. Owing to his long residence in Allamakee county, Mr. Herman is thoroughly familiar with the progress and development that has here been made, and has himself done much to advance the best interests of this section of the state.

-source: Past & Present of Allamakee County; by Ellery M. Hancock; S. J. Clarke Pub. Co.; 1913
-transcribed by Diana Diedrich

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