John began his adult life working as a clerk and merchant in Dubuque. On 22 May 1867 he married Anna Fassitt Myers, from another prominent Dubuque family. They lived in the early years of marriage in Dubuque, likely at one of several residences owned by his father. About 1869 they moved to Hardin County, north central Iowa, to farm the land purchased for them by father, Richard. Here they farmed successfully with the help of their large growing family of 10 children. Several of the children remained in central Iowa; some returned to Dubuque; others around the Midwest. One son, Gus, lived in Fort Dodge, Iowa, becoming the grandfather of this family genealogist.
John began his adult life working as a clerk and merchant in Dubuque. On 22 May 1867 he married Anna Fassitt Myers, from another prominent Dubuque family. They lived in the early years of marriage in Dubuque, likely at one of several residences owned by his father. About 1869 they moved to Hardin County, north central Iowa, to farm the land purchased for them by father, Richard. Here they farmed successfully with the help of their large growing family of 10 children. Several of the children remained in central Iowa; some returned to Dubuque; others around the Midwest. One son, Gus, lived in Fort Dodge, Iowa, becoming the grandfather of this family genealogist.
