George H. Deemer

 

George H. Deemer is a man who owes his present success entirely to his own ability, industry and energy, for he began active life at a very early age and with very few advantages has steadily worked his way upward until he is today one of the substantial and prosperous farmers of Allamakee county. He was born in Indiana county, Pennsylvania, July 9, 1866, and is a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Campbell) Deemer, both natives of that locality, the former born in 1832 and the latter March 3, 1833. In his early life the father was a blacksmith. He came to Iowa in the fall of 1866, locating in Jefferson township, one mile and a half northeast of Rossville, but soon after his arrival he disappeared and the fact that he was never heard of led to the opinion that he had been murdered or had met with an accident the details of which will never be known. The mother and her family moved to Nebraska, but in 1872 returned to Allamakee county, where she has since resided, now making her home with the subject of this review.

George H. Deemer is the youngest of a family of four children. He acquired his education in district school in the vicinities of Rossville, Watson and Sixteen, but when he was ten or twelve years of age he began earning his own livelihood, securing a position as a cattle herder for a neighboring farmer. Later he worked as a farm hand and continued thus until his marriage, after which he moved to Nebraska, where he spent four years. Returning to Iowa, he made his home upon his mother’s farm until 1907, when he bought the property upon which he now resides. He owns eighty acres of valuable land, practically all under cultivation, and he engages in general farming and stock-raising, success steadily attending his well directed efforts.

Mr. Deemer was united in marriage to Miss Ula Biggs, who was born in Linton township in March, 1873, a daughter of David and Elizabeth (Fitch) Biggs, natives of Ohio. The parents came to Allamakee county in the early ‘50s and located on the farm in Linton township whereon they resided for many years thereafter. They have now retired and make their home in Rossville. Mr. and Mrs. Deemer became the parents of two children, one of whom died in infancy. The other is Harold Hampton, who was born August 11, 1912. Mr. Deemer is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America of Rossville and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party, serving at the present time as secretary of the board. He is a stockholder in the Monona Creamery Company, his ability being widely recognized and respected in business circles. Since beginning his active career at a very early age he has steadily worked his way upward, using every opportunity that has come to him and brooking no obstacles which could be overcome by a persistent and earnest worker. He is today one of the substantial and progressive farmers of Allamakee county and holds the respect and esteem of his neighbors and friends.

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

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