Charles L. Drommer 1865-1957

DROMMER

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 4/16/2023 at 16:27:39

Charles L. Drommer
(July 15, 1865 - February 12, 1957)

Charles L. Drommer is one of the progressive and wide-awake farmers of Butler township, residing on section 13, and throughout his life he has resided in this portion of the state. He was born in Fort
Dodge, Iowa, July 15, 1865, and is a son of John and Marietta (Collins) Drommer. The father of our subject was a native of Saxony Germany, born February 22, 1831, and his father, Charles Drommer, who was also born in the same locality, spent his entire life in Germany, where he died in 1863. He was a weaver by trade and followed that pursuit in support of his family. His wife survived him for about nine years, passing away in 1872. In their family were eleven children, but John Drommer was the only one that ever crossed the Atlantic to the new world. He obtained his education in the schools of Saxony, and at the age of fourteen he began learning the weaver's trade under the direction of his father. He was twenty-one years of age when he resolved to seek a home and fortune in the new world, for he had heard favorable reports of the opportunities offered to men of determination, industry and ambition. Accordingly he crossed the Atlantic and on his arrival began working at the harness maker's trade in New York, there following that pursuit for two years. In 1854 he removed to Pennsylvania and took charge of a saw mill which he operated for about a year, when he removed westward to Illinois. In that state he worked in a saw mill, following that pursuit until 1856, when he became a resident of Clear Lake, Iowa. Soon afterward, however, he took up his abode in Fort Dodge, where he was connected with the operation of saw mills and flouring mills until 1860. In that year he turned his attention to the tanner's trade, which he followed until 1870, and then came to Calhoun County and secured a homestead claim two and one-half miles southwest of Pomeroy in Butler township. It comprised the south half of the northeast quarter of section 14, and there he lived until 1882, when he purchased the west half of section 13 in Butler Township. His farm was pleasantly located about a mile south of Pomeroy, and he made of it a very valuable property, owing to the excellent improvements which he placed upon the farm. It continued to be his home until his death, and he was long regarded as one of the leading and enterprising agriculturists of the community. On the 5th of December, 1861, John Drommer was united in marriage in Fort Dodge, to Marietta Collins, who was born November 15, 1842, and is a daughter of Zachariah and Ellen (Wallace) Collins, the former a native of North Carolina, and the latter of Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Drommer were born six children: Martha E., the wife of Henry Wells, of Butler Township, Calhoun County; Charles L., the subject of this review; William H., who is engaged in the implement business at Pomeroy; George V., a resident of Norton, Kansas; Louis W., who resides on the old homestead farm with his brother; and two who died in infancy. The family are members of the German Lutheran church and the life of John Drommer was at all times in harmony with the highest principles of manhood. He voted with the Republican party and held all of the township offices, being called to positions of public trust by his fellow townsmen who recognized his worth, and ability. He was one of the honored pioneers of the county and while he never sought notoriety, and while his life was free from ostentation, he yet performed his duties with strict regard to the obligations which devolved upon him and in all possible ways aided in the substantial up building and development of his portion of the state. He was spoken of by the local papers as an honorable and exemplary citizen and was ever known as a faithful friend, while to his family he was an indulgent and loving husband and father. By well directed industry and honorable effort he gained prosperity and was able to leave his family in very comfortable circumstances. More than that, he left to them the heritage of an untarnished name and his example is indeed in many respects well worthy of emulation. In June, 1892, Mrs. Drommer removed to Pomeroy, purchased land and erected a home, but during the memorable cyclone which occurred on the 6th of July, 1893, the residence and barn were completely destroyed. Mrs. Drommer and her two sons went into a cellar and escaped with their lives, but the mother had an arm dislocated at the elbow and broken just above the wrist, while she also sustained a severe wound on the head. During the fall of 1893 the family again resided upon the old homestead, after which Mrs. Drommer erected her pleasant residence which she now occupies in Pomeroy. She owns eighty acres at the edge of the town, together with a half-section of land in Butler Township. Her farms are improved with good substantial buildings and all modern accessories. She is a most estimable lady whose many excellencies of character have gained her the love and esteem of all whom she knows.

Charles L. Drommer, whose name introduces this record, pursued his education in the district schools of Calhoun County, for he was only five years of age when his parents removed from Fort Dodge to this place. No events of special importance occurred to vary the routine of farm life for him in his youth. He performed the duties of the school room, enjoyed the pleasures of the playground, and in the summer months worked in field and meadow. On the 24th of February, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucy Cookton, who was born April 5, 1871, and is a daughter of John and Helen (Holtzmyer) Cookton. Her father was a native of Germany, her mother of Pennsylvania, and in their family were nine children, Mrs. Drommer being the third in order of birth. The others are: Annie. the wife of Henry Kruel, of Pocahontas County; Mamie, who married John Doyle, of Pomeroy; John, a farmer of Pocahontas County; Lizzie, who became the wife of James Wood, a resident of Pocahontas County; Sylvester, who lives on the home farm; James, who married Lizzie Burns, February 11, 1902, at Fonda; and Eddie and Helen, who are living with their parents. Since the removal of the parents to the city, Sylvester and James operate the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Cookton now reside in Pocahontas County. The marriage of our subject and his wife has been blessed with four children: Nellie May, born November 13, 1892; John E., born July 15, 1896; Mildred, whose birth occurred on the 14th of January, 1898; and Charles Leroy, who was born on April 6, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Drommer have a very pleasant home on section 13, Butler Township, where he owns and operates in connection with his brother, Lewis a well improved tract of land of one hundred and seventy-three acres. Our subject is also the owner of one hundred and twenty acres west of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is quite extensively engaged in stock raising and in connected with the Co-operative Creamery Association of Pomeroy. His business affairs are well managed and his keen sagacity and unflagging labor have been the means of winning for him creditable standing among the leading agriculturists of his county. He is now serving as a member of the board of supervisors and his record as an official is in harmony with his record as a man. All who know him have confidence in his ability and his trustworthiness is above question. During his long residence in the county he has made many warm friends and well does he deserve mention among the representative citizens of this portion of the state. [Source - Biographical Record of Calhoun County, Iowa, by S. J. Clarke, 1902, p.539]