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V. E. Sobotka
Born March 28, 1872 |
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| Among those of foreign birth who have become prominent in the business circles of Jones county is numbered V. E. Sobotka, who conducts a clothing establishment in Oxford Junction. He was born in Bohemia, March 28, 1872, a son of John and Josephine Sobotka, who, likewise natives of that country, emigrated to the new world in 1889 and located in Jones county. To them were born seven children, of whom five still survive. The parents are now living in Oxford Junction.
V. E. Sobotka was a youth of seventeen years when he accompanied his parents to America. Upon their arrival in Jones country the son obtained work as a farm hand, being thus engaged for seven years. He then rented land for six years and subsequently engaged in the clothing business with his brother-in- law, Charles W. Vlach. After a time he purchased the interest of his partner and is now alone in business. He studies the needs and demands of his patrons and keeps on hand a full line of clothing, having one of the finest establishments of its kind in this section of Jones county, while his business methods are such as commend him to the good will and patronage of the public.
Mr. Sobotka was married October 4, 1899, to Miss Emma Vlach, who was born in Oxford Junction, a daughter of Emanuel and Mary Vlach, in whose family were three children. The father was born in Bohemia but the mother was born in Jackson county, Iowa, and both have departed this life. Mrs. Sobotka acquired her education in Oxford, completing the high school course. Later she engaged in teaching for three years prior to her marriage.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Sobotka has been blessed with two daughters and a son, Loretta, Louise and Raymond. Mr. Sobotka is a democrat in his political views and is now serving his second term as councilman, and he is also a school director. He is a member of the Western Bohemia Brotherhood. Coming here a poor boy, unknown, and without even a knowledge of the English language, he has risen to a substantial place among the business men of Oxford Junction. His path was a hard one but by strict economy, perseverance and determination, it has led him to success.
Source: History of Jones County, Iowa, Past and Present, R. M. Corbitt, S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., Chicago, 1910, p. 256. |
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© Copyright 1997-2013, The Art Department, © Copyright 2014-2020, Richard Harrison.
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