HERMAN D. VANNIER is a native of Hanover, Germany, where he was born October 1, 1832, and reared on a farm. His father, Frederick Vannier, was also a native of Hanover, Germany, and by trade a gunsmith. He removed to London, England, and there enlisted in the English army, and was sent back to Germany to fight the french from 1812 to 1815. In 1851 he came to America, and died very soon after he landed, at the age of sixty-two years. His wife was Kate Shown. She was also born in Hanover, and came to America in 1851 and died in 1855, leaving six children: Dick, henry, Margaret, Annie, Herman and Mary. Dick and Henry were both in the Mexican War.

Herman D. received a common school education in his native land and after he became ten years of age he worked on a farm for his father. IN 1851 he came to America with his parents, leaving Bremen on the sailing vessel "Tousan;" after a voyage which covered eight weeks and three days, they landed in New Orleans, whence they came directly to St. Louis. From St. Louis he came to Scott County and from here he proceeded to Peoria, where he followed the work of firing on a steamboat, a business he prosecuted for some time. In 1857 he came to Scott County and rented some land, which he continued doing for eight years, after which time he bought eighty acres. By dint of hard work and under many disadvantages, he cleared this tract of land and stayed on it until 1875, when he purchased his present place of 290 acres. This farm was an improved one, partially, and he has since cleared it up until he has now 175 acres under the plow, well fenced, and containing a splendid orchard. It is well watered by springs, and upon it is erected a large commodious farm house and other buildings. He is engaged in a general farm business, and among other things raises Clydesdale horses. His cattle and hogs are of improved breeds, and a source of considerable revenue to him.

Mr. Vannier was married in Peoria, in February, 1852, to Miss Mary Middendorf, a native of Hanover. Her father was a soldier in Germany, and also a farmer. He came to America in 1860 and located at Bluffs, where he engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in August, 1878. Her mother was also a native of Germany, and died July 4, 1886, leaving eight children, of whom Mrs. Vannier was the eldest, having been born Jan. 15, 1828. While yet in Germany she learned the dressmaker's trade, a calling she pursued until her emigration to America. She crossed the ocean on the same ship as her husband did. She was the mother of eight children: Henry W., Annie, George J., John D., Mary K., Frederick G., Carrie A., and William (deceased). Henry married Ada Bloyd, and is now a resident of Seward, Neb.; Annie married John Gansman, and they also reside at Seward, Neb.; George married Emma Aldridge, and is farming at Bluffs; John married Annie Morthole, and they are residing in Seward, Neb.; Mary married John O'Harra, who is a coal miner at Centerville, Iowa. The rest of the children are at home with their parents.

Mr. Vannier is a Democrat, and has held the office of School Director for three years. He is also an active member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. V. is of the hard working farmers whose modesty is apparent, and is adverse to ;publicly parading his actions, but nevertheless he is one of the solid farmers of this county, and one who will leave to his children the priceless heritage of a good name.