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By Mildred SmithBack in 1172. John Nicola* Specht wrapped the family’s savings in a blue handkerchief and brought his family by train to Cherokee County. Iowa.Upon his arrival, he bought 122 acres of land from the Iowa Palls and Sioux City Railroad Co. for $944.This is the beginning story of the century-plus farm In Rock Township In section 3, now operated by Specht’s great grandson, Adrian Rupp.It must have taken a full measure erf faith for this man to stake his fortune on undeveloped land in an undeveloped country In 1172. But John Specht had staked his claim on opportunity in America even earlier.IN 1879, he. his wife, Katherine Kellerer, and two sons. John Jr, 20. and Charles, 14, left their homeland in Bavaria, Germany, and came to America, settling in Milwaukee. Wls., whereCNtllRY FARM mby the same family for oswrfather and sons obtained work.It Is reported that after purchasing the land In June of 1872. Specht gave his remaining 820 to a neighbor to plant winter wheat. This neighbor was hired to farm 20 acres of the land and plant a grove. At this time, taxes were about 10 cents an acre.• After purchasing the farm, the Specht family returned to Milwaukee to continue with their jobs but returned to Rock Township two years later to farm the land and make thetr home. •At this time, Specht built the first home on the farm land, a 14-by-20 frame building This structure sUU stands cm the farm today, remodeled into afeed home.JOHN SPECHT SR. later purchased land in Sheridan Township where he resided during his later years. He lived to be 95 yeirs of age so is well remembered by his granddaughter. Mrs. Bernard (Anna) Rupp, 89. present owner of the farm. She. her son, Adrian, and daughter, Imelda, live on the century-old homestead.The elder Specht’s sons, were next owners of the farm, but In 1879, Charles sold his share to John Jr.. who continued to make his home here with his wife, Anna Kohn.John Jr.’s daughter, Anna, and her husband, Bernard (often known as Ben), came to the hone place to live when married In 1920, purchasing the land in 1930. Bernard died in 1942. Mrs. Rupp was bom and raised in Rock Township on land owned by the family adjacent to the farm land where she presently resides.Through the years, Specht continued to add to his original purchase. In 1174, he paid 1480for 80 acres he bought from Henry W. Holland.MRS. RUPP said her grandfather often carried things in a handkerchief as described in the family's account of coming to Rock Township. She remembers as a youngster, her grandfather wuuld often walk over to visit them, bringing .ilong a treat tied in a big handkerchief. He also carried a cane, often thrusting his cane through the kerchief to carry his treasure over his shoulder.Grandfather Specht passed Baumtown en route, often stopping there to purchase his candy treats. Baumtown, she explained, was located about two miles from their place. The store was later moved adjacent to Maiyhill church.As for hanfchips, Mrs. Rupp said she couldn't recall any incidents passed on down through the family. Even the grasshoppers, which so depopulated the county,-FARM Ceatiaaed Oa Page 2
Newspaper Details
Cherokee Daily Times
Cherokee, Iowa, US
Thu, Jun 26, 1975
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Mid-Continent L.
MO, USA 20 Feb 2017
Other Publications Near Cherokee, Iowa
Cherokee Courier
Cherokee Iowa Free Press
Cherokee Iowa Independent
Cherokee Cyclone
Cherokee Daily Times
