Representative John Van Staden View All Years

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John Van Staden

Clayton County

Mr. Van Staden was of German parentage, having been born in Bedak Asa, State of Hanover, Germany. At the age of 19 he came to America and found employment in New York City, where he remained until when he came west and made Guttenberg, Iowa, his home for two years, coming on to McGregor in 1859. Upon arrival here he formed a partnership with Michael Klein, and the two conducted an extensive brewing business over a period of twenty years. Since concluding the business association mentioned above, Mr. Van Staden has led a combined life of farming and pleasure, making his home on a beautiful farm in Clayton Township. Mr. Van Staden was elected on the Democratic ticket in '79-81 as a member of the state legislature, to represent Clayton County, and to all accounts he fulfilled the office creditably. Mr. Van Staden was always an earnest worker and supporter of the Masonic Order, his membership dating back to June 20th, 1870, when he joined Bezer Lodge No 13., A. & A. M., continuing on to the membership of Clayton Chapter R. A. M. on Nov. 25th, 1870, and was made a Sir Knight in Honorius Commandery on Jan. 20th, 1871.

House District 63