HENRY C. NIESTRADT, a general farmer living on section 12, township 17, range 12, is a young, progressive man. He has always lived in this county where he was born September 29, 1861. He was reared and educated in the public schools, remaining home with his father until his majority. He is the third son of Henry B. Niestradt, who was born in Prussia, Germany, where he grew up and remained until he was twenty-five years of age. He then came to the United States and settled where he now lives and now owns a large property. He is the only member of his father's family that came to the United States. He is very active for his eighty years, and is proud of his good, healthy German blood. He was married, in Cass county to Charlotta Miller, who was born in Prussia, Germany and who came alone, the first of her father's family who ventured to this country. Her parents have died, but the most of her brothers and sisters have joined her here. Henry B. and wife are both active members of the Lutheran Church and he has been an officer in the same for some years. Henry C. is one of seven children, two having died in infancy.

Mr. Niestradt has been a farmer for some years, having carried on farming for three years before he took the present farm. This he purchased September 30, 1890. He is a very practical man and has so improved his eighty acres that one would predict great success for him in the future.

He was married, in this county, to Miss Minnie Lawner, who was born in this township, August, 1868. Her early life was spent at home with her parents, Frederick and Carrie (Meyer) Lawner, both natives of Illinois. They were married in Cass county and began life as farmers in township 17, range 11, and there Mr. Lawner died, in 1878, being under forty years of age. He was a good citizen, a fine farmer, a member of the Lutheran Church and a Republican in politics. His wife was married for a second time, to John Kern, who lives in Arenzville, Illinois.

Mrs. Niestradt is the only child born to her father. She is an intelligent woman and makes a good wife and mother. She and her husband have one child, Anna B. Mr. and Mrs. Niedstradt are Lutherans in religion and Mr. Niedstradt belongs to a Republican family. They are highly respected people of their neighborhood.