G. L. Mundorf, one of the leading and representative farmers of Waveland Township, was born in Henderson County, Illinois, October 20, 1853, a son of George L. and Caroline (Kelly) Mundorf. The father's birth occurred in York County, Pennsylvania, in 1818, and he was there married, while two children were born of the union ere the removal of the family to Henderson County, Illinois, about 1845. In that county Mr. Mundorf engaged in general farming for a time and later was identified with the milling and with the lumber business. He also engaged in the grain business, was successful in his various undertakings and acquired wealth, but in his later years met with financial reverses. In 1877 he came to Pottawattamie County, Iowa, and later went to Nebraska, where he spent twenty years ere returning to this county. Here he made his home with his son, G. L. Mundorf, up to the time of his death, which occurred on the 25th of March, 1907, when he had reached the very venerable age of eighty-nine years and twenty-five days. He had a family of nine children: Peter W. H., Eli C., Zachariah, /Elizabeth, Isaiah F., Caroline F., G. L., Quincy K. and Rufus R. All are still living with the exception of Elizabeth, who was the twin sister of Zachariah.

In taking up the personal history of G. L. Mundorf we present to our readers the life record of one who is widely and favorably known in Waveland Township. He was reared at home to his thirteenth year, and from that early age has been dependent upon his resources. That fortune has favored him is due to the fact that he has worked persistently and energetically to win her good graces. In his boyhood days he was variously employed, turning his hand to anything that offered an honest dollar. Later he secured a position in an elevator in Kirkwood, Illinois, where he remained for several years, and in 1873 he removed to Iowa, spending about two months at Red Oak, after which he came to Waveland Township, Pottawattamie County. Ambitious to secure property of his own and engage in farming, he here invested the money saved from his earnings in eighty acres of land on section 17. It had formerly been railroad property, and he paid thirteen dollars per acre for the tract, being allowed ten years' time in which to pay for it. His brother, Isaiah, also purchased at the same time eighty acres adjoining the farm of our subject, and five years later G. L. Mundorf bought his brother's farm, while in 1882 he invested in a third tract of similar size. In 1898 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres on section 6 of the same township, and in 1900 he bought the piece of timber land of one hundred and twenty acres on sections 11 and 12, whereon he later erected his residence and is now living. In 1902 he further invested in one hundred and sixty acres on sections 9 and 10, and in 1904 one hundred and sixty acres on section 17 became his property. Thus his landed possessions are extensive, embracing eight hundred acres in Waveland Township.

On the 1st of April, 1871, Mr. Mundorf was married to Miss Anna I. Bagby, of McDonough County, Illinois, and unto them have been born four children: Belle I., the wife of J. I. Cocklin, of Omaha; Viola, the wife of Andy C. Hausen, of Waveland Township; Ogden S., who cultivates the old homestead farm; and George W., who is operating a farm belonging to his father.

Mr. Mundorf is unfaltering in his support of Republican principles and has served as township trustee, but has never been an aspirant for office. The cause of education, however, finds in him a stalwart friend, and as a member of the school board during several years he has done effective service in behalf of public education. He is one of the best known men in this section of Pottawattamie County. His life work is indeed commendable in that he has steadily advanced from a very humble position. Starting out in life, as he did, when only thirteen years of age, he certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. His course has been marked by consecutive progress, and each forward step has brought him a wider outlook and a broader view. He has not been favored by luck or fortunate circumstances, but has worked earnestly for what he has enjoyed. He has, however, watched for good opportunities and has utilized them as they have been presented and this has constituted one of the salient elements in the success which makes him today one of the largest landowners of his part of the county.