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Mathes Kalmer |
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Mathes Kalmer is a worthy representative of the agriculturist of Monroe County. He resides on section 28, township 3, range 9, where he has made his home for many years. He was born in Germany, July 25, 1822, and is the second in a family of three sons, whose parents were Casper and Mary (Kreger) Kalmer. His brothers were Henry and Frank. Casper Kalmer was reared and educated in Germany, and for some years he had to support his father, which he did by working at the carpenter's trade. After his father's death he wedded Miss Kreger, who was also a native of Germany, and in 1842 he emigrated with his family to America, landing in New Orleans. He then took passage on the steamer "General Pratt, " but while coming up the Mississippi the vessel took fire, at Vicksburg. They then boarded another vessel, which was sunk at Cairo, and from that place to Waterloo they completed the journey on foot. Mr. Kalmer continued to follow carpentering until his death, which resulted from an accident that occurred in Columbia. He was run over by a load of lumber and instantly killed, and his remains were laid to rest in Waterloo. In politics, he was a Democrat, and both he and his wife were members of the Catholic Church. She too met with death by accident. They were highly respected people, who had many friends throughout the community in which they made their home. We now take up the personal history of Mathes Kalmer, who in the schools of his native land acquired his education. He accompanied his parents to America, and remained with them until eighteen years of age, when he started out I life for himself. He learned the blacksmith's trade in Berksville, and afterwards followed that pursuit in St. Louis. Subsequently he carried on blacksmithing in Waterloo for several years, and while thus engaged he met with an accident which resulted in the loss of his right eye. This exempted him from service in the army. He then purchased the farm on which he now lives and has since made it his home. In 1852 Mr. Kalmer was married to Miss Catherine Kleier, a native of Germany, who after her parents' death came to the United States with her sister. After a brief illness she was called to her final rest, about 1879 and her remains were interred in Waterloo Cemetery. She had many friends in the community, who sincerely mourned her loss. In the family were eight children, of who three died in infancy. Elizabeth is now the wife of Henry Vogel, a farmer residing in Glasgow, by whom she had seven children. Mary Ann is the wife of John Forabaugh and has a family of three children. Caroline married Frank Hempe, a farmer of Oregon, and they have three children. Katie is the wife of Frank Ritter, who operates the old homestead, and they had two children, but one died in infancy. Christina, the youngest member of the family, married Martin Canon. Mr. Kalmer endeavored to give his children educations which would fit them for the practical and responsible duties of life. As a citizen he is public-spirited and progressive, and manifests a commendable interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the community. The greater part of his time and attention however is given to his farming interests. He has carried on agricultural pursuits throughout his life and is now the owner of a good farm of two hundred acres as the result of his industry and well directed efforts. NOTE: Daughter Mary Ann married John Forabaugh, please note that the correct name is Fauerbach. Correction noted by C. Vogel
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