John Melcher

John Melcher owns a well equipped and highly profitable farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Linton township, Allamakee county. He was born in the same township on May 7, 1875, a son of Nicholas and Amelia (Stiert) Melcher, both natives of Germany. The father is now a resident of Clayton county. He was born in 1844 in the fatherland and soon after serving in the army came to America, settling in Linton township, where he became a well known farmer, residing here until 1883, when he sold out and moved to Clayton county, locating on a place just across the line. He still owns land in Franklin township, this county, but lives practically retired in Clayton county, his sons operating the farm for him. The mother was born May 17, 1854, and died May 16, 1912. In her family were five children, of whom our subject is the eldest.

In the acquirement of an education John Melcher attended school in this township. For a time he worked upon the home farm and also cultivated some land at Walnut Grove, just over the county line in Clayton county. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age and then worked for a time as a farm land in Franklin township until he married, when he bought the farm upon which he now resides, comprising one hundred and sixty acres. He has greatly enhanced the value of his holdings by making valuable improvements and his property is well equipped. He engages in general farming and also gives considerable attention to the breeding of livestock. He is a stockholder in the Monona Creamery Company.

On December 21, 1904, Mr. Melcher was united in marriage to Miss Effie Leas, who was born in this township July 27, 1886. She is a daughter of George and Sarah (Thias) Leas, also natives of Linton township. The father has always followed farming and grew to manhood upon the homestead where he now resides. He has practically retired from active work, leaving the more arduous duties to his sons. He served as township trustee, as school director and in various other local offices. Mr. and Mrs. Melcher have become the parents of four children: George Lester, who was born October 17, 1905; Wilma Merrill, born July 11, 1907; Glenn Arthur, born in August, 1909; and Amelia Sarah, born September 1, 1911.

Mr. Melcher served for one term as school director of his district, giving thereby evidence of his interest in the cause of education. He has otherwise, however, never aspired to political office, preferring to give his entire attention to his private interests. His views incline toward the republican party and he staunchly upholds its candidates. Fraternally he is a member of the Volney lodge of the Modern Woodmen. Mr. Melcher has attained to a prosperity which is remarkable for one of his years, and his achievements have come to him as a result of good judgment and honest labor. All who know him respect and esteem him for his success and for those qualities of his character which have made possible his prosperity.

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

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