IAGenWeb Franklin County > 1914 Biographies: B

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Charles Beed	George A. Bird

Harold Dudley Baldwin

Harold Dudley Baldwin, a well known druggist of Hampton, was born in this city December 11, 1884, a son of Emmet V. and Sarah Jane (Cook) Baldwin, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of Wisconsin. When the father was eighteen years of age he came to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and for a time engaged in farming in the vicinity of that city. He afterward passed his examination and became a registered pharmacist, establishing a drug store in Hampton in partnership with Dr. J. H. Hutchins. Eventually he purchased his partner's interest and erected a fine brick store, the first floor of which he used as his pharmacy, the second floor being occupied by business offices. Emmet V. Baldwin conducted this enterprise successfully until his death which occurred in August, 1911. He is survived by his wife, who makes her home in Hampton. To their union were born two children: a daughter, who died in childhood; and Harold Dudley, of this review.

Harold Dudley Baldwin acquired his education in the Hampton grammar and high schools and afterward attended the University of Illinois, graduating from that institution in 1908. Immediately afterward he became connected with his father's drug store and after the latter's death assumed charge of the enterprise which he has since conducted. He carries a full line of drugs and sundries and controls a large and representative patronage.

Mr. Baldwin is a member of the Congregational church, is connected fraternally with the Knights of Pythias and the Order of Elks and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is a young man of force, ambition and enterprise and will undoubtedly be carried forward into still more important relations with mercantile interests of the community.

J. M. Barker

It is fitting that after many years of active, persistent and successful effort J. M. Barker should enjoy a period of rest through the evening of life. For many years he was actively engaged in farming but is now living retired, for the fruits of his former toil are sufficient to supply him with all of the necessities and comforts, and some of the luxuries of life. He has now reached the venerable age of seventy-five years, his birth having occurred in Oneida county, New York, on the 5th of May, 1838. He is a son of Miles and Melinda (Brace) Barker, the former a native of New York and the latter of Connecticut. Joab Brace, a brother of the grandfather of our subject, was a Presbyterian minister devoting his life to his holy calling through a half century in one church, a length of service in one pastorate which is rarely equalled in this generation. Some of his children also became identified with the work of the ministry.

Miles Barker was a cooper by trade and also a farmer, devoting his life to the dual occupation. He always continued a resident of the Empire state and there passed away May 16, 1838, when his son, J. M. Barker, was but two weeks old. His widow survived him for more than four decades and died in Illinois, December 29, 1878. In the family were four children: A. B. and Sophia, both now deceased; Martha, the widow of N. Smith, of Chicago; and J. M.

J. M. Barker, reared to the occupation of farming, decided to make it his life work and his early training and experience well qualified him for his later labors. In 1856, when eighteen years of age, he left New York and made his way to Illinois, where he followed farming until 1861. He was thereafter connected with mercantile interests in Chicago for ten years and later was upon the road as a traveling salesman, representing sewing machine supplies. In 1874 he came to Sheffield, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land and in 1875 purchased one hundred and sixty more. Four years later in 1879 he moved from Chicago to Franklin, Iowa. He added to this property by additional purchases and thereafter continued to carry on general farming more or less successfully on three hundred and forty acres of land which he cultivated and improved, transforming wild land into richly productive fields.

He continued to reside upon the farm until 1896, when he built a fine residence at No. 603 Reeve street, and removed to Hampton, where he now resides. Year by year while upon the farm he carefully cultivated and cared for his crops and annually gathered good harvests of corn, wheat and other cereals. He also raised cattle and hogs. The products of the farm found a ready sale upon the market, and thus year by year he was able to add to his financial resources.

Mr. Barker was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Smith, a native of Illinois, and unto them have been born three children: C. Maude, now deceased; Bertha B., at home; and Cariola, who is in the state library at Iowa City. They have one grandchild, Thelma B. Watt, of Sheffield. Mr. Barker gives his political allegiance to the republican party and although he does not seek nor desire office, keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church, and he stands at all times in support of progressive public measures having to do with the material, political, intellectual and moral progress of the community.

William Barry

Among the successful pioneers of Franklin county William Barry occupies a conspicuous position by reason of his progressive work along agricultural lines. Mr. Barry has not only attained individual success but has contributed toward agricultural standards of the state and has always been a leader in accepting new ways and means toward reaching the farmer's goal of success. He was born on the 13th of August, 1845, a son of Edmund and Elizabeth (Kirby) Barry, both natives of County Cork, Ireland. Together they emigrated to America in 1840 and first located in Syracuse, New York, where the father found employment in a salt works. By reason of his ability, close application and faithfulness to duty he soon rose to a prominent position. However, the call of the west had its charm for him and about two years later he departed, making his way to Green county, Wisconsin, where he embarked in agriculture. He at first rented two hundred and forty acres on shares, which he cultivated with such good results that he was later enabled to purchase one hundred and sixty acres. Close application and good judgment resulted in continued prosperity and he increased his holdings until he finally owned eight hundred acres. He was one of the foremost agriculturists of his district in Wisconsin and stood high in the estimation of his friends and neighbors. Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Barry had nine children. Those living are John, who is located on the homestead in Green county; William, our subject; and Frank, who is a business man of Long Beach, California. Both parents died in Wisconsin about 1899, their demise occurring but a short time apart.

William Barry received his early education in the country schools of Wisconsin and had the usual experiences of a farmer lad, beginning early to assist his father in his extensive farming operations. He showed unusual qualifications for this kind of work and applied a number of new ideas in working the farm. While yet assisting his father he made his first investment by buying one hundred acres in Green county, Wisconsin, at the rate of ten dollars per acre, and he later sold this tract at a handsome profit. Shortly thereafter Mr. Barry made his first trip to Iowa, walking from Ackley, this state, to what is now Franklin county, and looking for possible investments in land. Although a friend who had accompanied him purchased property Mr. Barry decided to wait, but in 1870 he returned and with his brother traded a horse as a first deposit on land in Ingham township. There they together bought one hundred and sixty acres of rich prairie land. This was at a time when practically every farmer gave his attention to raising wheat and the first two crops of this cereal were so bountiful that all continued along that line. However, in the third year the wheat turned out to be an utter failure, and while most of the other agriculturists continued in trying to raise the same cereal for several years thereafter Mr. Barry and his brother grew timothy and their hay crop was probably the largest ever seen in their part of the state. They had in the meantime bought cattle to a considerable extent, and while the farmers around them were falling and were forced to give up they succeeded and derived large profits from the cattle business. They disposed of their stock in the Chicago market. Mr. Barry subsequently made numerous and advantageous trades in land, always increasing his holdings, until finally in 1894 he moved to Hampton. He today still owns nearly five hundred acres of land and has ever followed the rule of investing his surplus in good Iowa agricultural property. He has for a number of years been considered an authority on land values and has never risked his capital in dubious investments. He has made his money in Iowa and believes in home investments. His spirit of attachment to the soil has not only brought him prosperity but has left the money where it was made and in that way he has been a great factor in the upbuilding of the prosperous state, of which he is a successful citizen. He has ever shown extraordinary judgment in all business transactions, and his reputation is of the highest on account of his fair methods, which underlie all his business deals.

On February 11, 1873, Mr. Barry married Miss Mary E. Walker, a lady of Kentucky parentage. They have two children: Frank, who is connected with shipping interests in Oregon; and Joseph, at Hampton. The second son was born September 2, 1878, and received his early education in the country and district schools, later graduating from the high school at Hampton. He spent some years in traveling in the west and was also connected with a wholesale house of Spokane for a time. Later he returned to Hampton and is now assisting his father in looking after the properties which they jointly own. He married on November 9, l912, Miss Lulu Ferris, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Adeline (Forrest) Ferris, the former a native of Binghampton, Broome county, New York, and a prominent nurseryman of Hampton. Mrs. Barry's father is a veteran of the Civil war and in 1861 enlisted as a soldier in Company F, First Colorado cavalry, remaining in the service three years and three months. He participated in the battle of Pigeon's Ranch and in that of Apache Canyon, New Mexico. In the first battle he lost his horse, and in the second he received a wound in the leg. However, for the greater part of the time he was engaged in service against the Indians, and in scouting. From 1866 to 1868 he took part in the war which the Mexicans waged against Maximilian and was in the battle in which Maximilian was captured. At the conclusion of the war in Mexico he removed to Texas.

Politically Mr. Barry is a democrat and has always taken a deep interest in the progress of his section. Political honors have .been offered him, but he has always declined preferment of a public character. However, he for years was a trustee of Ingham township. When he arrived here there were twenty-five voters and of these two were democrats, he and his brother bringing the representatives of this party up to the number of four. Mr. Barry has watched the onward march of civilization and has always participated in activities that have made Iowa the foremost agricultural state of the Union. He is highly esteemed and respected in Hampton for what he has done and for what he is. Physically and mentally he appears to be a man many years younger than his record shows, and he is still intelligently interested in all objects which have for their purpose the development and advancement of the people in a moral, intellectual and material way. The honors which are accorded him are highly merited.

William F. Becker

William F. Becker needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for he is one of the successful and representative farmers of Osceola township, owning and operating one hundred and twenty acres on section 13. He was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin, September 17, 1870, and is a son of August and Wilhelmina Bertha (Brammer) Becker, natives of Germany, the former of whom came to America in 1868 and the latter in 1861. The father located in Wisconsin and later moved to Butler county, Iowa. He took up his residence in Butler county, Washington township, this state, in 1871 and in 1887 moved to Franklin county, where he passed away July 2, 1889. His wife survived him some years, dying December 23, 1912. To their union were born ten children: William F., of this review; Ida, the wife of J. Aldinger of Rowan, Iowa; a son who died in infancy; Louisa, the wife of F. P. Sailer of Osceola township; a daughter who died in infancy; Bertha, the wife of Fred Sailer of Hardin county; Herman, a resident of Ackley; a son, who died in infancy; Martha L., also deceased; and Olga, the wife of F. Miske of Ackley. After the death of her husband the mother of the subject of this review married F. Bulson, and to this union were born two children: Martha, the wife of H. Lepine, of Hartford, Wisconsin; and Anna, who married F. Uble, also of Hartford.

William F. Becker remained at home throughout the period of his boyhood and youth, was reared to farm labor and early became familiar with the best and most practical agricultural methods. His entire active life has been devoted to farming. At the age of twenty-seven he rented one hundred and twenty acres of land in Butler county and after developing this for two years moved to Franklin county, where he rented one hundred and sixty acres. At the end of one year he bought one hundred and twenty acres on section 13, Osceola township, and here he has since continued to reside, operating the property along practical and modern lines. In addition to general farming he also raises and feeds stock, and has managed his interests so capably and intelligently that he has met with rapid and well deserved success.

On the 8th of April, 1896, Mr. Becker was united in marriage to Miss Maggie Stoher, a native of Franklin county and a daughter of John and Becky (Barger) Stoher, natives of Germany. The father came to America in 1868 and the mother crossed the Atlantic when she was four years of age. They reside in Iowa, the father engaging in stationary engineering. In their family were twelve children: Maggie, the wife of the subject of this review; Edward, deceased; Herman, a resident of Ackley; Hannah, who married William Sauter of Ackley; Henry, deceased; Benjamin, of Marshalltown, Iowa; Edward, who has passed away; John, of Eldora, Iowa; Bertha, who married F. Hintzen, of Mason City; Lizzie, deceased; and Mary. and Taldine, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Becker have two children: Minnie Bertha, born April 30, 1898; and John H., whose birth occurred March 7, 1905. Mr. Becker is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He has held a number of township offices, in all of which he has discharged his duties in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituents. He has been carried forward into important relations with agricultural interests of his locality, and his personal characteristics have gained him the lasting regard of those with whom he has come in contact.

A. W. Beed

A. W. Beed not only occupies a prominent position in financial circles as president of the Franklin County State Bank, but also has the distinction of being the first boy born in Hampton. His natal day was November 11, 1858, his parents being George and Marinda (Dennan) Beed, who came to this county in the year 1856, settling on a farm near Hampton. Their remaining days were spent in this county, and with the pioneer development the father was actively identified. The son was reared upon the frontier with the usual experiences and environments of pioneer life. The public schools afforded him his educational privileges, and he has learned life's lessons well. He was eighteen years of age when he entered the Citizens' Bank, of which his father had been president for a number of years. After a period of identification with the bank in which he was thoroughly mastering the business, he removed to Florida, where he remained for a few years, but in 1902 returned to Hampton and has since been an active factor in the management and. control of the bank of which he is now the president. The institution has made an excellent showing and is one of the strong financial. concerns of this part of the state.

In 1881 Mr. Beed was united in marriage to Miss Alveretta J. Osborne, who was born in Wisconsin, but for some years. prior to her marriage lived in Franklin county, Iowa. They have become the parents of three children: Gail, Edith and George. Theirs is a hospitable home whose good cheer is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Beed belongs to the Masonic lodge and chapter and in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. His political support is given to the republican party, and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, although he does not seek nor desire office. Through the long period of his residence in this county he has become widely and favorably known. He has been an interested witness of all the changes which have occurred as the work of development and improvement has been carried forward and has been a cooperant factor in many movements which have worked for civic betterment and municipal advancement.

Charles Beed

Charles Beed is proprietor of the oldest hardware establishment of Hampton, but is now leaving the management of the business to his son, while he has practically retired, although he still gives supervision to his farm of seven hundred acres in Franklin county.

Mr. Beed was born in Devonshire, England, June 20, 1843, and is a son of Thomas and Anne (George) Beed, both of whom were natives of England. They had ten children. At different times members of the family made the voyage to the new world until all were located on this side the Atlantic. The first to come to America was John, the fifth son, who left London in 1853 and took up his abode at Batavia, Illinois. In 1854 Thomas Beed, the third son, arrived in the United States. He was a sailor and had made a number of voyages to the West Indies and to South America. After coming to this country he sailed for a time on the Great Lakes. In 1855 John, the first arrival in America, persuaded his father and mother to emigrate to the new world and on the trip they were accompanied by their only daughter, Mary Sarah Anne, and their youngest son, Bishop C. The eldest brother, William, was at that time in business in England and Charles Beed, subject of this review, and his younger brother Walter, ten years of age, were left at school in England. The parents with the two children mentioned sailed for America, being almost six weeks on shipboard. During the voyage the father had the misfortune to fall down the hatchway of the vessel and broke several of his ribs. For some time his life was despaired of, but he improved and after resting for a week in New York was able to renew the journey to Batavia, Illinois, where he joined his son John. About a year later George, the second son of the family, followed the others to Batavia and a few months afterward James, the fourth son, came to America and also went to Batavia. He was a sailor, as was his brother Thomas, although they sailed in different parts of the world. James made his last voyage to Bombay, East Indies, before leaving his native country of England to come to the new world.

Some time in 1856 the father with his sons George, Thomas, John and James came to Iowa to look up a location and made choice of the land now known as the Henry Wolf farm, about three and a half miles northeast of Hampton. In September of the same year George Beed went to Dubuque with a covered wagon to bring the others of the family to the home that the father and his sons were preparing near Hampton. Dubuque was at that time the terminus of the railroad. On the 4th of July, 1857, Charles Beed started for America and on the 1st of May, 1858, William G. Beed, the eldest son of the family, together with his wife and Walter Beed, the eighth son of the family, left the old country, arriving in New York on the 16th of May. They were the only ones of the family who came from England on a steamship, the others making the voyage in sailing vessels. On its next trip the vessel on which William G. and Walter B6ed sailed was burned at sea and out of seven hundred passengers aboard only seventy-five escaped, some being burned to death and others drowned. The one other son of the family, Henry, who was the sixth, went to Australia in 1850 and worked there as a cowboy and afterward engaged in merchandising. He came to Hampton with his family some time in the early '80s, but after remaining in this country for a few years he returned to Australia with his family. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Beed, the parents, have now passed away, as have their children William G., George, Thomas, John and Henry, leaving as the surviving members: James, who is now living in Waverly, Iowa; Mary S. A., a resident of Charlotte, Michigan; Charles, who is the only one now living in Hampton; Walter, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Bishop C., of Kansas City, Missouri.

Charles Beed, whose name introduces this review, remained at home with his parents in London until eight years of age, when he was sent to school, there pursuing his studies until he reached the age of fourteen. He was a lad of twelve, when his parents started for America and two years later, on the 4th of July, 1857, he left London for the new world. While going down the Thames river they passed the Great Eastern, then the largest ship ever built. It took from the 1st of November, 1857, until the 30th of January, 1858, to launch it. It was launched broadside instead of stern first. The vessel on which Charles Beed sailed was fifty days in making the voyage, during which time they encountered some heavy storms and also some calms, which greatly delayed. the progress of the sailing vessel. It was on the 20th of August, 1857, that anchor was dropped in the harbor of New York. Charles Beed expected someone to meet him and remained alone on shipboard for three days and nights, but as no one came for him he started alone for Hampton, Iowa, the address on his trunk reading "Hampton, near Maysville, Franklin county, Iowa, United States of America." He reached his parents' home in September, 1857, having completed the trip by stage from a point just a little this side of Dubuque. The family residence was a log cabin about sixteen by twenty feet. There was one story, all in one room, and a garret. There was a window at each end of the room, consisting of six pains of glass, eight by ten inches, which had been brought from Dubuque. The garret constituted the bedroom of the family, nine in all, and a piece of calico served as a curtain to divide the room, the father, mother and sister sleeping in one end, while the boys occupied the other. There was a bedstead for the parents, but the children all slept upon the floor. The house was not plastered, the logs being bare, while the roof was of split oak timber. In the winter there was plenty of covering, some times four inches of it being nice white snow, for the roof was so open that the snow would sift in through the crevices.

When spring came Charles Beed had to go to work putting in crops and soon he made a full hand in improving the farm which had been purchased. He remained at home with his parents until December 29, 1866, when he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia A. Haecker. They took up their abode upon a quarter section of land a mile east of the old homestead, and for a number of years Mr. Beed continued its cultivation and improvement. He still owns that property and also some adjoining land. In 1878 he formed a partnership with Charles Pease in the hardware business, in which he continued until a few years ago, when he suffered an accident that permanently disabled him for further business, although for the last few years he has worked to some extent around his farm of sixty-three acres lying within the town limits of Hampton.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beed were born ten children, of whom two died in infancy, while eight are yet living. Charles Lockwood, the eldest, is conducting the hardware business established by his father. Mersey, the eldest daughter, was born in Hampton, where she has always made her home, being now the wife of Bert Page. Frank, the third child, is living on the old home farm in Ingham township, on which his parents began their domestic life. Louis occupies a farm adjoining the old homestead. Roy is working at the plumber's trade in Waterloo. Victor follows the same in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Ruth T. and Harry are still at home with their parents.

The farming interests of Mr. Beed comprise more than seven hundred acres of the rich and productive soil of Iowa. He occupies a fine home at No. 620 South Reeve street, and has reached a financial position that enables him to enjoy the comforts and some of the luxuries of life. He exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party but is without political ambition or aspiration. He belongs to the Congregational church and is interested in all that pertains to the moral as well as the material welfare of the city in which he lives. He has now compassed the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, but is a vigorous, well preserved man and many more years should yet be accorded him. His life has been one of activity and usefulness, crowned with success, and because of the fact that he has never taken advantage of the necessities of his fellowman in business transactions but has always been straightforward and honorable he is accorded the confidence and friendly regard of those with whom he has been associated.

Frank C. Beed

Frank C. Beed, engaging in general farming and stock-raising upon six hundred acres, of which two hundred and sixty acres in Ingham and Mott townships belong to him, is a native of this part of Iowa, born in Hampton, July 2, 1876. He is a son of Charles Beed, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work.

At the age of twenty Frank C. Beed turned his attention to farming and eventually purchased his present property, one hundred acres of which lie in Ingham township and one hundred and sixty acres in Mott township. Mr. Beed makes a specialty of raising registered Aberdeen Angus cattle and Poland China hogs and he has been very successful in these lines. He does a large business as a shipper and has gained a reputation as an expert judge of stock values, his opinions being regarded as sound and reliable. He was for some time secretary of the Farmers Elevator at Hansell and is a man of recognized business ability.

On the 21st of December, 1898, Mr. Beed was united in marriage to Miss Daisy Wirt, a native of Franklin county and a daughter of John A. and Minerva Wirt. Her father is a retired farmer living in Hampton. In his family were six children: Florence, the wife of W. W. Shroyer, of Hampton; Jessie M., deceased; Daisy, wife of the subject of this review; John, deceased; James, of Fresno, California; and Elsie, who married J. E. Welker, of Hampton. Mr. and Mrs. Beed have a son, Frank Lyle, who was born March 24, 1905.

Mr. Beed is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights of Pythias and he and his wife attend the Congregational church. He has lived in this part of Iowa during his entire life and has become widely and favorably known, for he is honorable in all business dealings and upright and straightforward in all the relations of life.

Henry O. Beed

Henry O. Beed, a hardware merchant of Hampton, and one of the native sons of the city, was born January 20, 1873, a son of John and Celma (Rose) Beed, the former a native of England, but the latter of Ohio. At an early period in the development of this state, the father came to Iowa, where he engaged in buying grain to the time of his death. His widow survives. In their family were five children, but three daughters died in infancy. The surviving sister of Henry O. Beed is Mrs. Emma Cogswell, the wife of F. A. Cogswell, of Rockwell, Iowa.

In the public schools Henry O. Beed acquired his early education, which was supplemented by study in a business college at Des Moines. He was graduated therefrom and afterward went to Florida, where he engaged in the orange business for ten years. On the expiration of that period he returned to Hampton and for two years was employed in the feed store of his uncle. He next purchased the hardware business of F. D. Smith in 1902 and has since been proprietor of the store. He carries a large and well selected line of shelf and heavy hardware and has a liberal patronage which he well merits, owing to his honorable business dealing and enterprising methods.

Mr. Beed was united in marriage on the 23d of August, 1893, to Miss Grace E. Ross, a native of Franklin county, and unto them have been born seven children: Eunice, Lloyd, Cecil, Winnifred, Carol, John and Celma, all of whom are yet under the parental roof. Mr. Beed holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and with the Congregational church-associations that indicate much of the rules that govern his conduct and the principles which shape his life. He has served as alderman and is a member of the school board, and the cause of education finds in him a warm and stalwart friend, anxious to do everything in his power to promote the interests of the schools and of public affairs in general. He has a wide acquaintance in Hampton and Franklin counties, and that his life has been well spent is indicated by the number of his friends.

Edward A. Beemer

Edward A. Beemer, who in an influential way has been for over thirty years identified with farming interests of Franklin county and whose enterprise has contributed much toward the financial betterment of the community, was born in Warren county, Ohio, June 6, 1848. He is a son of William and Evaline (Rhutan) Beemer natives of New Jersey. They went to Wisconsin in 1850 and moved from that state to Illinois, where the father died May 12, 1881. He had survived his wife since 1874. To their union were born nine children: Martha, who married H. J. Millard, of Hampton; Julia Ann, who has passed away; Hannah E. and Rosella deceased; Margaret Elnora, the widow of N. E. Judd, of Rockford, Illinois; Edward A., of this review; two sons, who died in infancy; and Mary, the wife of O. B. Bates, of Hampton.

When Edward A. Beemer was twenty-one years of age he took charge of his father's farm in Illinois, and this property he operated for about six years. At the end of that time he moved to Cherokee county, Iowa, and in 1882 came to Franklin county, where he rented land for one year. At the end of that time he bought eighty acres on section 17, Reeve township, to which he afterward added forty-four acres. This property he still owns and it is in a high state of cultivation and provided with all the requisites for the successful operation of the farm. Mr. Beemer specializes in breeding high-grade, shorthorn cattle and Chester White hogs.

On the 22d of September, 1869, Mr. Beemer was united in marriage to Miss Ellen A. Bates, who died July 27, 1904, leaving two children: Willis E., of Reeve township; and William A., of West Fork township. On the 8th of October, 1907, Mr. Beemer was again married, his second union being with Miss Jennie E. Johnston, a daughter of James J. Johnston, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work.

Mr. Beemer gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a man whose industry, honesty and success have made him influential in the affairs of the township, and he commands the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.

David Benning

One of Franklin county's most progressive and successful native sons is David Benning, who for a number of years has owned and operated a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 9 and 19, Osceola township. He was born in Grant township, this county, September 15, 1875, and is a son of Gottlieb and Amelia (Meinberg) Benning, natives of Germany. The father came to America about 186o and located in Illinois, from which state he enlisted for service in the Civil war. In 1875 he moved to Franklin county, Iowa, and purchased land in Grant township, whereon he resided until his death, which occurred in 1897. His wife survives him and makes her home in Grant township. To their union were. born nine children: Henry and Caroline of Grant township; Emma, the widow of Charles Hofmeister, of Osceola township; Frederick, deceased; David, of this review; Herman and Minnie, deceased; Mary, at home and one child who died in infancy.

David Benning was reared at home and aided in the operation of the home farm until he was twenty-four years of age, becoming in this way thoroughly familiar with the best and most practical agricultural methods. When he began his independent career he rented one hundred and twenty acres and after operating this for five years purchased the farm which he. now owns. This comprises one hundred and sixty acres lying on sections 9 and 19, Osceola township, and Mr. Benning's able management has made it one of the best improved and most highly productive-properties in the locality.

On the 22d of November, 1900, Mr. Benning was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Burkle and they have become the parents of six children: Bertha, born November 19, 1901; David, born July 28, 1903; Sophia, July 11, 1905; Edward, December 11, 1907; Louis, February 28, 1911; and Martha, March 19, 1913. Mr. Benning is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church and a republican in his political beliefs. He is a man of high character, industrious and enterprising, and his honesty and uprightness have always merited him the confidence and respect of his neighbors.

Andrew Benson

Andrew Benson is one of those sturdy sons of the Norseland who, like the vikings of old, crossed the ocean to the western hemisphere in search of large opportunities. He has found what he sought and today is the owner of two hundred and forty acres of highly improved farm land on section 23, Oakland township. He was born in Norway, December 5, 1854, a son of Anton and Alice (Oleva) Benson. They were also natives of the land of the midnight sun and came to America about 1877, locating in Wisconsin. There the parents lived until their deaths. They had eleven children: Hans C.; Bertha; Cever and Caroline, deceased; Andrew; Martha, the wife of John Bruhn of Wisconsin; Christian, of Wisconsin; Lilly, who is married and lives in Wisconsin; and three who died in infancy.

Andrew Benson passed his youth in his native land and his beginnings in this country were humble. However, at the age of twenty-seven years he was able to start out independently, renting eighty acres of land. In 1884, when thirty years of age, he came to Franklin county, locating in Hamilton township, where he cultivated leased land for four years. He then bought two hundred and forty acres on section 23 Oakland township, which he now owns, being engaged in general farming and also giving considerable attention to stock-raising. His buildings are kept in good repair and the most modern machinery can be found upon his place. The appearance of his place -indicates the prosperity of the owner and his land is in a good state of cultivation.

On the 17th of March, 1880, Mr. Benson married Miss Caroline Munson a native of Wisconsin, born of Norwegian parents. Mr. and Mrs. Benson have three children: Melissa, the wife of Thomas Hanson, of Reinbeck, Iowa; Alvin, at home; and Kallum, deceased.

Mr. Benson has always interested himself in. township affairs and has given demonstration of his public spirit by accepting a number of township offices, which he satisfactorily filled. For two terms he has been township trustee and also has been road, supervisor and a member of the school board and has taken a deep interest in the cause of education. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church, to which he gives his moral and material support. Mrs. Benson passed away on March 20, 1900, deeply mourned by the family and a number of devoted friends. She found her last resting place in Otis Grove cemetery. Mr. Benson has achieved success on account of the high qualities of manhood which have ever guided his life. He left his native land with the idea of achieving independence and he has succeeded in the quest.

James Bergen

Among the young agriculturists of Franklin county is James Bergen, a native of Illinois, who for a number of years has cultivated one hundred and twenty acres on section 10, Oakland township. By employing the most modern methods he has become one of the successful agriculturists of this section. He was born in Bureau county, Illinois, on July 16th, 1870, and is a son of John and Hannah (Shaw) Bergen, natives of Ireland. The parents came to American and made their home in New York city for four years, whence they removed to Massachusetts, where they spent one year. They then sought the middle west, where the father was employed in the pineries and engaged in lumbering for about two years in Michigan. They left that state for Illinois, where Mr. Bergen, Sr., turned his attention to agricultural pursuits and became a well-to-do farmer. He died on the 15th of February, 1913, and his wife still makes her home in Illinois. They were the parents of nine children: Mary J., who married Charles Sabin, of Bureau county, that state; Patrick H., also of Illinois; John and Nellie, twins, the former of Illinois and the latter deceased; James and Sarah, twins, the former our subject and the latter of Illinois; Thomas, who makes his home with James Bergen; George, of Illinois; and one, who died in infancy.

James Bergen was reared under the parental roof and had such school education as was afforded in the neighborhood where he was then residing. He left his home at the age of nineteen, coming to Franklin county with a neighbor, for whom he worked that year. Being careful of his earnings he was enabled in 1900 to buy eighty acres of land in Wright county, which he sold at the end of a year and then acquired title to the one hundred and twenty acres which he now owns on section 10, Oakland township. Mr. Bergen's property is well improved and in a good state of cultivation. He follows the latest methods of farming and has installed the most modern machinery. He also gives his attention largely to stock-raising.

On December 20, 1899, Mr. Bergen married Miss Caroline Johnson, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Martin and Annie Johnson. They have three children: Beulah Blanche, born December 2, 1900; Maynard James, born December 14, 1903; and Luella Belle, February 24, 1906.

Mr. Bergen gives his allegiance to the republican party and fraternally is a Modern Woodman of America. He is a member of the school board and has done valuable work in promoting the cause of education. Such success as has come to him is well merited as it has been built upon honesty, energy and industry. Mr. Bergen is popular in the neighborhood and has made many friends since locating in Franklin county.

Henry Bicknese

Henry Bicknese, carrying on general farming upon a quarter section of land in Scott township, was born in Germany, June 11, 1851. He came to America in 1868 and located in Chicago, Illinois, where he remained three years. At the end of that time he moved Kankakee and there spent five years, after which, in 1875, he came to Iowa, locating near Hampton, where he engaged in farming. After ten years he returned to Chicago and this time made his home in that city for five years. Upon the expiration of that period he removed to Franklin county, buying a quarter of section 24, Scott township. Upon this property he has since resided and has greatly improved it, providing it with substantial buildings and labor-saving machinery. He has made it productive and valuable and it reflects in every department the care and labor he has bestowed upon it.

On October 13, 1877, Mr. Bicknese married Miss Magdalena Hornburger, a native of France, and they became the parents of seven children: Emma, deceased; Henry, at home; Anna, the wife of J. Gill, of Texas; Minnie and Fred, at home; Sarah, who married Adlbert Beal, of Alden, Iowa and Louisa, at home.

Mr. Bicknese is a member of the Lutheran church and a republican in his political beliefs. He is widely known throughout Franklin county as a progressive farmer and public-spirited citizen and he commands the confidence and respect of the entire community.

George A. Bird

George A, Bird, one of the successful and representative farmers of Franklin county, owning three hundred and twenty acres of land on section 30, Mott township, was born in England, April 10, 1864.. He is a son of John and Ann (Beet) Bird, natives of England. The mother died in that country in July, 1910, and is survived by her husband. Eleven children were born to their union: Ruth, of England; George A., of this review; Mary, residing in England; John A., deceased; Maggie and Ada, of England; James, a Methodist minister located at Monona, Iowa; Joseph and Christopher, who reside in England; Harold, engaged in railroad work in Connellsville, Pennsylvania; and a son who died in infancy.

George A. Bird was reared in England and at the early age of thirteen began farming, following that occupation there for seven years. He then came to America, locating in Wisconsin, whence after five years he moved to Franklin county, Iowa. He rented a farm here for seven years and at the end of that time bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 30, Mott township. This he has since increased to three hundred and twenty acres., and he has greatly improved the property, erecting substantial barns and outbuildings and providing modern equipment. He engages in general farming and stock-raising, and his success is the natural result of his wise and capable management.

On the 25th of August, 1887, Mr. Bird was united in marriage to Miss Mary Fox and to this union have been born three children: Arthur C., of Mott township; and Raymond George and Roy John, twins, at home. Mr. Bird is a member of the Methodist church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party, serving at present as township trustee. He enjoys in a high degree the respect and confidence of his friends and acquaintances and is known as a man of unusual energy, perseverance and ability who is governed by a high sense of honor in all. business and personal dealings.