Buena Vista County, IA
USGenWeb Project

Lewis P. Dierwechter, a successful farmer and stock-raiser residing in section 15. Washington township, was born in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, June 26, 1864. His father, Jacob Dierwechter, a native of Germany, was there reared and on emigrating to the new world located in Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, where he wedded Miss Mary Clappier. He was a stonemason and plasterer by trade and made his home in the Keystone state until called to his final rest in 1892. His wife, however, still survives him. Their family numbered nine children, five sons and four daughters.

Lewis P. Dierwechter remained in the county of his nativity until fourteen years of age, attending the common schools in the acquirement of education. In 1878 he removed to La Salle county, Illinois, where for several years he worked by the month as a farm hand. For two years prior to his marriage he lived in Kansas, and on the 19th of April. 1893. in Mendota, Illinois, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Betz, a native of Burton county, Illinois, and of German parentage. Subsequently he was engaged in the operation of a rented farm in La Salle county for a number of years. In 1900 he came to Buena Vista county and purchased his present farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 15, Washington township, taking up his abode thereon on the 1st of March, 1901. He at once began to develop and improve the property, added to and remodeled the residence, built a good barn and all necessary outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock, and likewise set out an orchard. There are two miles of wire-woven fencing and the place is also well tiled. In addition to the work of general farming he also raises and feeds stock, fattening steers and hogs on an extensive scale. His farm is situated within three miles of Storm Lake and is well kept and highly improved property, for he follows the most advanced methods of agriculture and uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. Moreover, he has ever maintained a reputation for strict integrity and unfaltering honesty in all business matter, his word being as good as any bond ever solemnized by signature or seal.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dierwechter have been born two sons, Arthur A. and Earl H. Dierwechter. They also lost two children in infancy. In his political views Mr. Dierwechter is independent but has no desires for the honors or emoluments of office, preferring to devote his time and energies to his private business interests. He has, however, served as a member of the school board, the cause of education finding him a stalwart champion. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen, the Mystic Workers and the Fraternal Insurance Order, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church at Storm Lake, with which his wife is also identified. They are well known and highly esteemed in Storm Lake and this part of the county, having ever displayed those traits of character which in every land and clime win admiration and respect.