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1907 Past and Present Biographies
John H. Albert Click photo to enlarge Mr. Albert is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having occurred in Lancaster county in 1848. His father, Emanuel Albert, was also born in the Keystone state and was a blacksmith by trade. Removing from the east, he settled first in Indiana and subsequently became a resident of Iowa, where he lived for three years. He then returned to Indiana, in which state he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1893 when he had reached the age of sixty-nine. He wedded Miss Mary Will, who was born in Pennsylvania and died in Indiana in 1896 at the age of seventy-four years. In their family were ten children, of whom seven are yet living. John H. Albert was reared and educated in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, being instructed in the common branches of English learning in the public schools. He was a youth of only sixteen years when in response to the country’s call for troops he offered his services to the government, enlisting in 1864 as a member of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving under Colonel MacKenzie until the close of the war. The regiment was assigned to Sheridan’s army, did scouting duty and saw much hard service. It was also the Sixteenth Pennsylvania that cut off Gen. Lee’s supplies When the war was over Mr. Albert returned to his old home and at the age of twenty years started out in business life on his own account. He first provided for his support by working at farm labor and afterward engaged in railroading for four years. He next spent two years in Indiana and two years in Illinois, after which he came to Iowa, locating in Cedar county, where he followed farming until he removed to Greene county, in 1878. Here he purchased eighty acres of prairie land on section 22, Jackson township, only partially improved, and he added to the small house already built, in which he lived for some time, when he replaced his original dwelling by the commodious and tasteful residence which he now occupies. He also built a barn forty-eight by forty-eight feet, doing all the work himself, and he has made many other improvements in keeping with the spirit of modern progress as manifest in agricultural life. After some time he added eighty acres on section 23 to his original tract, broke that and has promoted its fertility by putting in about seven miles of tile. He raises good crops, which he feeds to his cattle and hogs, for stock-raising is his principal business. He makes a specialty of shorthorn and polled Durham cattle and Poland China hogs, keeping only registered stock. He was awarded a medal and diploma on corn at the World’s Columbian Exposition and also on other crops, and he takes great pride in maintaining the record which he thus established in years gone by. His course furnishes an excellent example to other agriculturists of the community and many have been stimulated to put forth greater effort by reason of the fact that he has made his own farm so attractive and valuable.  Click photo to enlarge In 1872, in Cedar county, Iowa, Mr. Albert was united in marriage to Miss Arsula Reynolds, who was born in Pennsylvania. They have become the parents of eight children: Frank, at home; Charles, living in Greene county; Mrs. Maude Clopton, who is located in Nebraska; Mrs. May Dodge of Greene county; Isaac, whose home is in California; David, at home; Mrs. Dora Smith, residing in Greene county; and Minnie, at home. The wife and mother died in the year 1901 and her death was deeply regretted by many friends as well as her immediate family, for they had come to know and esteem her for her many good qualities of heart and mind. In his political views Mr. Albert is a democrat, recognized as one of the leading workers in the party in this locality. He has served as justice of the peace for sixteen years and his decisions have been strictly fair and impartial, being based upon the law and the equity in the case. He has likewise been clerk of the township for many years and in his oflicial duties has ever been prompt and reliable. He belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Presbyterian church and is interested in all that pertains to the progress and welfare of his community. It was Mr. Albert who was instrumental in securing the establishment of the gravel roads in Jackson township, which have been so beneficial to this section of the county. In fact, he has been very active in plans and measures to improve the county, especially in Jackson township, and his labors have been directly beneficial, for he has manifested the same spirit of progress which he has displayed in his business affairs and the management of his live-stock interests. |
Transcribed from "Past and Present of Greene County, Iowa Together With Biographical Sketches of Many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead," by E. B. Stillman assisted by an Advisory Board consisting of Paul E. Stillman, Gillum S. Toliver, Benjamin F. Osborn, Mahlon Head, P. A. Smith and Lee B. Kinsey, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1907.  Site Terms, Conditions & Disclaimer |