Joel Lantz. There is in the business world one kind of men who can successfully combat many disadvantages and trials and come boldly to the front. It is this sort of men, with superior intelligence and force of character, that seem somehow to transform a poor beginning into the most flattering end. To this class belongs Joel Lantz, a man who by shrewdness of judgment and good management has risen to an honorable position in life.

Our subject was born in Clayton County, this state, in 1852, and is the son of Christ and Sophia (Meyer) Lantz, natives of Switzerland. The parents emigrated to America in the year 1850, landing in New York City and for the following two years made their home in that state. Then coming to Iowa they located in this county, the father in the meantime following his trade of cigar manufacturer. In addition to this business he superintended the operations of the estate on which the family made their home for two years. Mr. Lantz then purchased another tract of land, and moving his family upon it occupied it but a short time when he sold out and went to Indiana, where he is still living and is in the possession of a good income from his agricultural pursuits. His family comprises the following named children: Christ, Sophia, Lizzie, Bertha and Joel, our subject.

The original of this sketch was deprived by death of the care of his mother when an infant of six months. He remained in the home in which he was adopted until attaining his fifteenth year. Then starting out in life on his own responsibility he worked as a farm hand for ten years; when he had accumulated a sufficient sum of money, he purchased one hundred and sixty-five acres of choice farming land, the extent of which he soon increased to two hundred and ninety acres, his possessions at the present time. He has abundantly shown his good judgment in the accumulation of his estate, which is well supplied with improvements which make life in the country enjoyable and add to the value of the property.

Joel Lantz was united in marriage with Miss Eliza Frieden, a lady who is a native of this county and is the daughter of Benedict and Annie (Baumgardner) Frieden, formerly wealthy residents here. Mr. and Mrs. Lantz have become the parents of three children, bearing the respective names of Willie, John and Celia. They are being given the best advantages for obtaining an education by their worthy parents, who will also train them to fill honored positions in life.

Mr. Lantz is a stanch member of the Democratic party, understands well the political issues of the day and firmly believes that he is right in his judgment regarding them. In religious affairs he belongs to the Dunkard Church.

~source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties;Chicago: Chapman Pub. Co., 1894; pg. 549
-transcribed by Becky Teubner