John Adolph Eggert
Thousands of ambitious young men born in Germany have founded homes in the United States, establishing themselves as permanent citizens of this great republic. It is doubtful whether any nationality that ever landed on American shores is more patriotic and public-spirited, and as to thrift and industry it has never been surpassed anywhere. To this class belongs John Adolph Eggert, a prosperous farmer of Hanover township.
He was born in Germany April 9, 1858, a son of Carl and Catharina (Schoer) Eggert. The parents were both natives of Germany, where they continued to spend all their lives, the father passing away in 1870 and the mother in 1877. There were the following children in their family: John A., the subject of this review and the only member of the family who came to America; August, deceased; Henry; Carl, who died while serving in the German army, August 18, 1870; Margaret; Dora, deceased; and Elsie.
John A. Eggert was educated in the common schools of his native land and under his father, who was a farmer, he was early taught the importance and value of labor. At the age of twenty-four years, in 1882, he emigrated to this country and made his home for sixteen months in Chicago. He then came to Iowa, where he worked for three years upon a farm and then rented land for one year, acquiring the money necessary to purchase eighty acres. After cultivating his land for three years he traded it on a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, which constitutes a part of the farm that he now owns. By diligent and good management he acquired more land, his place now comprising two hundred acres on sections 25 and 26, Hanover township. He devotes his attention especially to feeding stock, using his entire crop in this way, and he has managed his affairs with such sound judgment that he is today one of the substantial farmers of the township.
On the 20th of February, 1885, Mr. Eggert was united in marriage to Miss Alvena Ruberg, who was born in Jackson county, Iowa, October 30, 1867, a daughter of Fritz and Catharina (Jepsen) Ruberg, both of whom were born in Germany. The father came to America in early manhood and was a valiant soldier for the Union at the time of the Civil war, marrying Catharina Jepsen shortly after his discharge. He removed to Sabula, Jackson county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming until his death. The mother came to Crawford county in 1877, where she remained until July 24, 1880, being then called to her reward. There were three children in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Ruberg: Alvena, now wife of John A. Eggert; Johannes, of Crawford county; and Annie, deceased.
Four children constituted the family of Mr. and Mrs. Eggert: Johannes A., who was born January 24, 1887, is married and lives in Crawford county; Henry, who died at the age of eight months; William, born March 8, 1890; and Freddie J. H., born September 18, 1892.
Mr. Eggert may always be depended upon to assist in any movement relating to the public welfare and his acknowledged ability in business makes him a valuable member of the community. His good fortune is due to honorable methods. untiring industry and clear discrimination, and he is, therefore, recognized as one of the thoroughly respected men of this part of the county. Politically he supports the principles and candidates of the republican party, believing that by so doing he is best advancing the permanent interests of the state and nation. Religiously he and his family give their sincere adherence to the German Lutheran church.
Source: History of Crawford County, Iowa. Vol. II. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1911.