JOHN C. BLOOM, one of the prominent merchants of Minden, dealing in hardware, furniture, agricultural implements, etc., and also an undertaker, was born near Berlin, Prussia, the son of Christian Bloom, who was a farmer by occupation. He came to American in 1861 with his wife, whose maiden name was Fredrica Schmidt. He settled in Scott county, Iowa, and is the father of seven living children, namely: John C., Herman, William, Robert, Ferdinand, Christian and Matilda. Mr. Bloom is still living, on his farm at the age of fifty-nine years. Politically he is a Democrat and is a straight-forward and honorable citizen.

Mr. J.C. Bloom, a son of the above and the subject of this sketch, was born July 24, 1856, and was but five years of age when he was brought by his parents to America. He learned the trade of carpenter, and in 1880 bought a farm three miles north of Minden, which he conducted for three years. In 1883 he bought the hardware store of J.C. Garmong, which was then a small stock of $4,040, but which he has since increased to over $9,000 and is doing a flourishing business.

Politically Mr. Bloom is a Republican. He is a self-made man, having obtained his property by his own unaided efforts. He is a prominent and reliable businessman, who owes his success in life to his own method of dealing and personal character. He was married in 1880 to Miss Margarita Engler, who died in May 1881. He was again married in 1884 to Teresa Geiger and they are the parents of three children: Matilda, Teresa and Ida.

Contributed by: Darlene Vergamini