Fred W. Duval

A young man not yet thirty years of age, Fred W. Duval has already established himself as one of the substantial agriculturists of Allamakee county, cultivating a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, near Postville, which is highly improved and by its appearance gives evidence of the successful efforts of its owner. Born in Ludlow township, Allamakee county, on October 16, 1884, Fred W. Duval is a son of Henry and Anna (Menke) Duval, the father a native of Germany, where he was born in the city of Bremen, and the mother of Wisconsin. In early life the father learned and followed the carpenter’s trade east of Waukon, where in the employ of others he followed his occupation. He was so engaged until his marriage, when he purchased a farm in Ludlow township, in the cultivation of which he successfully continued until his death, which occurred in 1896. The mother still resides on the home farm in Ludlow township. In their family were eight children, of whom Mr. Duval is the third in order of birth.

In the acquirement of his education Fred W. Duval attended district school in Ludlow township and subsequently made his home with his mother until about twenty-one years of age, when he began his independent career, hiring out as a farm hand and so continuing for three years. Thrift and industry brought him the means with which he was enabled to buy the farm upon which he now lives and which comprises one hundred and twenty acres of fertile land. All of his acres are under high cultivation and devoted to general farming, although he specializes in stock-raising to some extend. His thorough work, and energy and industry, have brought him rich harvests and, although yet young in years he is on the high road to prosperity.

On January 17, 1907, Mr. Duval was united in marriage to Miss Lena Klepper, a native of Ludlow township, this county, who was born December 9, 1886. Her parents are Fred and Johanna (Bollhafer) Klepper, both natives of Germany. The father was reared to and always followed agricultural pursuits and upon coming to this country in the early ‘80s acquired land in Post township, which he later sold to our subject, buying subsequently a farm near Frankville in Winneshiek county, where he now lives, still actively engaged in the cultivation of his farm. Mr. and Mrs. Klepper have six children, of whom Mrs. Duval is the oldest. Mr. and Mrs. Duval are the parents of two children: Clarence born March 21, 1908; and Viola, born August 19, 1910. Mr. Duval is a member of the German Reformed church at Ludlow. Enterprising and progressive, he has in a few years builded a success which might well be envied him, for there are many who in a lifetime do not accomplish as much as he has done. He has become a valuable factor in his locality and, while he is careful of his own interests, he ever finds time to promote worthy public enterprises and gladly bears his share of time and money in promoting the welfare and advancement of his district.

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

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