[...]
Index
HERMAN O. HANSEN
Herman O. Hansen, deputy county treasurer, was born in Washington Township, this county, on the 8th of October, 1888, a son of Lawrence and Anna (Hansen) Hansen, both natives of Denmark. In 1877, when but sixteen years of age, the father immigrated to this country and took up his residence in Iowa County, Iowa. In 1875, the mother accompanied her parents upon their removal to the vicinity of Luzerne, Benton County, in this state. She was then a girl of fourteen years. Her marriage to Mr. Hansen was celebrated in 1887 and they settled upon a farm three miles northeast of Marengo, which he had purchased a short time previously. They resided upon that place for twenty-two years, but in 1909 Mr. Hansen retired from active life and they removed to Marengo, where they are now living. They belong to the Presbyterian Church and are held in high esteem by all who have been brought into contact with them.
Herman O. Hansen was reared at home and acquired his education in the district schools and in the Marengo high school. After putting aside his textbooks, he assisted his father with the work of the farm for a number of years, but in 1905, he took an extensive trip through Colorado and the western country, going to the coast and attending the Portland Exposition. He spent a year touring the west and after his return spent some time upon the homestead. On the 5th of February 1909, however, he went to Stanley County, South Dakota, where he filed on a claim and later bought eighty acres from the government, making his holdings aggregate two hundred and forty acres. Not long after proving up upon his claim, he took the civil service examination and, passing it successfully, was appointed to the railway mail service; but a year later his health broke down and he turned his attention to the lumber business, in which he had been employed at the time of his appointment to the government service. His work was so gratifying to his employers that he was at length made manager of a lumberyard at Blairstown, Iowa and he continued there until the spring of 1914, when he returned to this county and found employment with the Brown Hardware Company of Marengo. On the 1st of January 1915,
He was appointed deputy county treasurer, which position he is now filling with credit. Mr. Hansen is a democrat in politics. He is very active in church circles and is a member of the choir of the Presbyterian Church, to which he belongs. He is also a member of the Bible class of that church and plays the first violin in the Sunday school orchestra. He is one of the representative young men of Iowa county and his friends prophesy a successful future for him, as in all that he has done he has succeeded and has demonstrated his ability and sound business judgment.
Index
RUFUS B. SEARS
Rufus B. Sears, who is living retired in North English, still owns a good farm and is interested in agricultural affairs. He was born in Indiana on the 31st of March 1849, a son of Curtis and Nancy (Huey) Sears, who were natives of the states of New York and Ohio respectively. They were married in the latter state and later removed to Indiana, whence in 1852, they came to Iowa County, Iowa, where the father entered land. The family resided in a log cabin and they were among the highly esteemed pioneer settlers of what is now Fillmore Township. Both parents passed away upon the homestead. Their twelve children all grew to maturity, but only three are still living, namely: Louisa, the wife of Abel Hall; Mrs. O.L. Carter; and Rufus B.
The last named remained at home and assisted with the farm work until he became of age. He was then given charge of the homestead and has since been responsible for its operation. He now owns the place, which comprises two hundred and forty acres of well improved land on sections 31 and 32, 28 and 29, Fillmore Township. Mr. Sears resided upon his farm until 1906 and year after year performed the tasks that fall to the lot of the farmer cultivating the soil and raising stock. For the last nine years he has lived retired in North English, his residence being one of the finest in the town.
In 1866, Mr. Sears was married, his bride being Miss Mary E. Truax, who was born in Indiana of the union of Isaac and Lily (Dixon) Truax, both likewise natives of the Hoosier state. In 1854, the family removed to Keokuk county, Iowa, where both the parents passed away. They had seven children, all but two of whom have also answered the final call. Mr. and Mrs. Sears became the parents of eleven children: Romanzo C., Delpha M., who gave her hand in marriage to Henry Haid of Cody, Wyoming; Francis and Amma, both deceased; Denver C., of this county; Etha, now Mrs. Frank Ingraham, living in Montana; G.W. of Keokuk county, this state; Mary, the wife of Fred Wentz of Cedar Rapids; Charles, deceased; Elsie, the wife of Samuel Keister of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and Blanche, the wife of Clay Fernleaf, who is now living in Dayton, Washington. Mrs. Sears passed away in April 1898 and was buried in the Clothier cemetery.
The Republican Party numbers among its loyal workers, Mr. Sears, and he has served his township acceptably as trustee, which for twenty years he has been on the school board. He belongs to Triumph Lodge, No. 479, A.F. & A.M.,
and has taken the degrees of the Scottish rite; belong to Iowa Consistory, No. 2, A. & A.S.R., of Cedar Rapids. He is also identified with the Eastern Star, in which he has held all of the offices, and with North English Lodge, No. 325, I.O.O.F., in which he has filled all of the chairs. While actively engaged in farming he did his work well and was a factor in securing the progress of his locality along agricultural lines, so that the rest and freedom from care which he now enjoys is thoroughly deserved.
Index
JAMES D. BUTLER, Jr.
James D. Butler, Jr., whose death was felt in North English as a loss to the community as well as to his family and intimate friends, was by profession a lawyer and won a large measure of success in his chosen calling, but the high place which he held in the estimation of his fellow citizens was due not so much to his professional attainments as to the marked spirit of self-forgetfulness which he displayed, putting at all times the general good before his personal interests. Born in Vermont on the 9th of June 1847, he was a son of James D. and Rizpah (Morgan) Butler. Their family numbered eight children, all of whom have passed away.
James D. Butler, Jr. continued to reside in his native state until he was fifteen years of age and had acquired a public-school education, when, as a youth, he answered President Lincoln’s call for troops, enlisting in the Ninth Regiment, Vermont Volunteer Infantry. He was one of the eleven thousand prisoners taken by General “Stonewall” Jackson at Harpers Ferry, but was at length exchanged and continued at the front throughout the war. He believed that the practice of law offered excellent opportunities for the young man and accordingly prepared for the legal profession and was duly admitted to the bar. It was in 1882, that he came to North English, Iowa and from that time until his demise, which occurred on the 5th of November 1912, he was a representative of the bar of Iowa County and there were few attorneys of this part of state who commanded the respect of the general public and the profession alike in such measure as did he. His practice grew steadily and, as it was of an important nature, the preparation of his cases demanded not only much care but also a great deal of time. However, he always found opportunity to assist with his advice and active cooperation in carrying out projects whose aim was the civic, commercial or moral advancement of his town, and his example in unselfish public service was so forcible that it could not be ignored. In private life he manifested the same thoughtfulness and care for interests other than his own and friendship held a large place in his life.
Mr. Butler was married in early life and as his first wife had died some years before he was married in 1881 to Miss Eliza Culiton, who was born in Vermont, a daughter of John and Mary (Reynolds) Culiton, natives of Ireland, who in 1847 took up their residence in the Green Mountain state. By the second marriage, there were eight children, namely; James D., a resident of Sioux City; Frederick, deceased; Frank of North English; Laura, who is principal of the
[Portrait]
James D. Butler
[Blank Page]
Ladora schools; A. Owen, deceased; Helen, who is teaching in Millersburg; and Mary and William J., both in high school.
Mr. Butler was a democrat and in the councils of his party his word or suggestion carried more than ordinary weight. As a member of the public school board, he was instrumental in giving to North English the fine schools which are the pride of the town. Fraternally, he was connected with the Masonic order, belonging to the blue lodge and the Eastern Star, and he also maintained membership in the Grand Army of the Republic. Much of the moral strength which underlay his whole life was due to his religious father, which was attested by his membership in the Methodist Church. Although he was not indifferent to the material and professional success which he gained, he valued most highly the esteem and goodwill of his fellowmen and it is for his great-hearted interest in others that he is chiefly remembered.
Mrs. Butler received a good education in Vermont, her native state, and for several years taught school, proving a popular and capable instructor. She has been appointed postmaster of North English by President Wilson and the appointment has the endorsement of the people of North English, who recognize her worth and ability. She is quite prominent in the Eastern Star and for six terms has held the office of matron.
Index
CHARLES L. MONTROSS
Charles L. Montross, who is dealing in real estate in Millersburg and is also identified with agricultural interests of Iowa County, was born in Dayton Township, this county, on the 10th of July 1871, a son of Elijah and Lucy (Hadsall) Montross, both born in Pennsylvania. They grew to maturity and were married in the Keystone state, but in 1847, they migrated to Iowa, locating in Muscatine County upon a farm, which remained their place of residence for three years. In 1850, the family removed to this county and for a time lived in Millersburg, but later settled on a farm in Dayton Township, which the father purchased. He passed away in 1898, at the advanced age of eighty-three years and his widow, who died in 1913, was eighty-one years old.
Charles L. Montross received a common school education in his youth and also learned much concerning the farm work. After reaching maturity, he continued to reside at home, working in partnership with his father and brothers until 1897, when he removed to Millersburg and purchased the Farmers Cooperative Creamery Company’s plant and engaged in the creamery business, with which he was identified for eighteen months. He was then appointed postmaster of Millersburg and held that office for two years, when he resigned and established himself in the restaurant and grocery business. He sold out after nine months, however, and turned his energies into another line of activity, becoming a real estate and insurance agent. He is still active in those fields of endeavor and as he is well acquainted with the local real estate market and represents first class insurance companies, he derives a good income from his business. He also owns two farms, one in Dayton Township, comprising two hundred and twenty acres, and the other, of seventy acres, in English township,
half mile north of Millersburg. He makes his home on the latter place and personally supervises its operation. He also owns the opera house of Millersburg and other town property and is one of the well-to-do men of his township.
In 1891, Mr. Montross married Miss Sarah Taylor, of Dayton Township, this county, and their living children are six in number: Andrew H., who is farming his father’s farm; Mabel, the wife of Alfred Lortz, of Pilot Township; and Rilla, Ilene, Hubert and Dorothy, all at home.
Mr. Montross is a republican and for twelve years served as constable, while for many years he was on the school board. He is affiliated with Millersburg Lodge, No. 364, I.O.O.F. and his wife is a member of the Methodist Protestant church. They have many friends, their estimable qualities winning them respect and warm regard.
Index
W. H. LANGLAS
Sumner Township pays tribute to W.H. Langlas, who is there engaged in farming and stock raising. He was born in Davenport, Iowa on the 5th of April 1861, a son of Frederick and Lena (Wendel) Langlas, both natives of Germany. They grew to manhood and womanhood in that country, where their marriage was solemnized, and one child was born to them before they left their native land and emigrated to American in the fall of 1858. After landing in the United States, they continued their journey westward to Davenport, Iowa where the father found work as a laborer. Subsequently, he rented land and engaged in farming. In 1872, when he came to this county, he purchased a quarter section of land in Sumner Township, which is now owned by his son Henry. On the 7th of December 1906, the father passed away. The last seven years of his life were spent with the subject of this review, as his wife died in Marengo in January 1899.
W.H. Langlas was reared under the parental roof and his education was that afforded by the district schools. Even as a boy much of his time was taken up with farm work and his attendance at school was limited to three or four days a week during the three months winter term. Before reaching his twenty first birthday, he was married but for a year as he continued to work for his father. However, in 1883, he began farming for himself, renting one hundred acres of land from his father, which he cultivated for a decade. In 1893, he purchased one hundred and forty-one acres on section 31, Sumner Township and subsequently bought an adjoining one hundred acre tract. He resided upon that farm until 1901, when he sold out and removed to his present home farm which he had purchased the fall previous. From time to time he added to the quarter section which he at first purchased and is now the owner of four hundred and eighty acres of excellent land. He gives considerable attention to the raising of stock but also raised the usual grains and his labors are efficient and profitable. He is identified with a number of local companies, being a stockholder and vice president of the Hilton Lumber Company of Conroy; a stockholder in the Iowa County Mutual Telephone Company and a stockholder and director of the Peoples Savings Bank of Marengo.
Mr. Langlas was married on the 28th of January 1882, to Miss Sophia Priem, of Waukesha, Wisconsin and they became the parents of six children, three of whom survive: Nettie, the wife of Walter Hopp of Elgin, Illinois; William, who married Ella Wiese and is farming in Sumner Township; and Earnest, at home. The wife and mother passed away in 1896, and in February 1898, Mr. Langlas was again married, Miss Minnie Guehrn becoming his wife. She is a sister of Fred Guehrn, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Langlas have three children; Mae J., Vernon G. and Minnie E.A., all at home.
Mr. Langlas is independent in politics, voting according to the dictates of his best judgment rather than blindly following the commands of party leaders. He has served two terms as township trustee and takes a great interest in everything relating to the public welfare. He is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belong to Hebron Lodge, No. 148, and both he and his wife are church members, he being affiliated with the Congregational church and she with the German Reformed church. He believes thoroughly in the value of recreation and wholesome pleasure and finds much enjoyment in motoring. He is also a lover of fine horses and has given each of his sons a driving horse equal to the best in the county. His agreeable personality enables him to make friends readily and his sterling qualities of character and unquestioned ability bind his friends more firmly as the years pass.
Index
FRANK OWEN
Frank Owen, whose term as county clerk expired on the 31st of December 1914, is now engaged in the real estate and insurance business in Marengo and is well known in this city. His is a native son of Iowa County, born on the 27th of October 1859, of the marriage of Abraham and Cyrena (Ford) Owen, who were born respectively in Rutland County, Vermont on the 27th of October 1817 and in Virginia on the 1st of March 1831. On the 12th of June 1838, Abraham Owen arrived in Iowa, settling in Washington County near the mouth of the English river. There he built a sawmill, in company with a Mr. Haskenn, and for two years was connected with its operation. He helped build the first frame building in Iowa City and in 1841, was one of a committee appointed to explore the Iowa, Cedar and Des Moines rivers down to the Indian Agency. After that task was performed, he engaged in trapping and hunting for some time but in 1849, joined the rush of gold seekers and went to California. He left Iowa City for the newly discovered El Dorado on the 31st of March 1849, and in October, of that year, arrived at the mines on the upper Feather River. He followed mining for two years there and then engaged in lumbering, with which he was connected until 1855. In that year he returned to Iowa City and in the spring of 1856, he came to this county, settling upon the farm now in possession of the subject of this review. He continued to reside here until his demise, which occurred on the 4th of April 1907. His wife preceded him in death five years, as she was called to the great beyond on the 3rd of March 1902. They were the parents of nine children: Hugh B., deceased, Frank; Fred, who
died in infancy; William T., who lives in English township; Glenn, who was last heard of in Africa; Thomas B., who died at Foo Chow, China, where he had gone as a missionary; Charles A., who is living in Oklahoma; Mary, the wife of J.S. Chapman of Fillmore township, this county; and Jessie, who died in infancy.
Frank Owen is indebted to the common schools of this county for his education and remained at home until he attained his majority. He then went to Montana and was employed there in various lines of activity for five years. At the end of that time he returned to Iowa County and located upon the homestead farm, which he operated until 1903. He then removed to North English and turned his attention to the lumber business, with which he was identified for four years. He next became a factor in the administration of county affairs, being elected sheriff, which office he held for four years. For a year and a half he was marshal of Marengo and at the end of that time was elected county clerk, in which office he served for two years. In March 1915, he opened a real estate office in the Opera block, becoming a partner of J.W. Thompson. Mr. Owen also represents a number of reliable insurance companies and is a valued addition to the business circles of Marengo. He is energetic and aggressive and is also characterized by sound judgment and this combination of traits is certain to lead to success in almost any line of business.
On the 2nd of October 1887, Mr. Owen married a Miss Mary O. West, a native of this county and a daughter of Abraham and Barbara (Garver) West. Her father has passed away, but her mother is still living in Fillmore Township. Mr. and Mrs. Owen are the parents of four children; Ada B., who is a teacher and is residing at home; Nellie, the wife of E.T. Voss, of Marengo; Abraham, deceased; and Richard, at home.
Mr. Owen is well known as a worker in the Democratic Party and his advice carries weight in its local councils. He is a representative of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities and has many friends in both of those organizations and also among those who are not his fraternal brethren.
Index
ROBERT SHEDENHELM
Robert Shedenhelm is an automobile dealer of Ladora, handling a number of well known cars and is also the inventor of a self-loading manure spreader and excavator which has proved an unusually efficient implement. He was born in Hartford Township, Iowa County on the 9th of August 1871, of the marriage of John N. and Ann C. (Shaull) Shedenhelm, both natives of Seneca County, Ohio. The paternal grandparents removed to Iowa in 1853 and the Shaull family located here about the same time. Levi Shedenhelm, the grandfather of our subject, entered government land and acquired title to other land, owning in all, some eight hundred acres in Hartford Township. Mr. and Mrs. John N. Shedenhelm were married in the county and located upon a farm, a part of which he received from his father. He subsequently gave one of his sons an eighty acre tract but purchased other land and at the time of his demise, which occurred on the 25th of January 1909, owned three hundred acres of valuable
land. He was a stanch republican in politics and served for twelve years as township assessor. He was a fifer in Company E, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry for three years during the Civil war. He belonged to the Methodist Protestant church, as does his widow, who is residing in Ladora.
Robert Shedenhelm attended the district school and also the Ladora schools and subsequently entered the Iowa State University, from which he was graduated in law with the class of 1894. It was never his intention to devote his life to the legal profession, but he recognized the value of thorough training in law to a business man and has never regretted taking the course. For a year after his graduation, he devoted his time to farming and then went to Des Moines, where he became one of the organizers of a company for the manufacture of a self-feeder for a threshing machine, of which he was the inventor. For three years he superintended the manufacturing plant and then went to Sterling, Illinois, where the feeder was manufactured for a year and a half. At the end of that time, Mr. Shedenhelm returned to Des Moines and for a year and a half, devoted his attention to the manufacture of gas engines. In 1905, he returned to Ladora and concentrated his attention largely upon the perfection of his last invention, a self-loading manure spreader and excavator, which is now being manufactured and placed upon the market.
For the last eight years, the self-loading manure spreader and excavator has been thoroughly tried out and tested and where there were any signs of breaking or indications of weakness, cast steel and machine steel were substituted for cast iron and wood, making the machine very strong and durable. All operating parts are controlled by the driver and he can throw any part in or out of gear without leaving the seat, simplicity of operation being one of the strong points of the machine. Although it has been loaded in nine seconds, doing work in that time which it took three men nine minutes to do, Mr. Shedenhelm advertises it on the basis of loading in a minute on the average, or while the horses are walking eighty feet. It is so arranged that the cutting edge may be adjusted deeper or shallower, as is desired and it may be unloaded gradually with or without the spreader attachment or the load can all be dumped at once. It is not only excellently adapted to loading and spreading manure, but it has also proved superior to the ordinary scrapers in grading roads, as the grade is built evenly and will wear evenly without depressions and ridges. It has been noticed that in building grades with the self-spreader, passing automobiles do not even slow down to pass over the grade, which is conclusive proof that the work is done smoothly. It can also be used for making shallow drainage ditches, filling up low places on low ground, filling in yards, leveling up streets and roads and hauling rich loam and depositing it on unproductive soil. Many of the farmers in this county have given the self-loading manure spreader and excavator a thorough trial and all are much pleased with the work that it does, while the town council of Ladora has found it unusually economical and satisfactory in keeping the streets in good condition. Simplicity, durability and utility are the outstanding qualities of the machine and in its construction, standard materials have been used as far as possible, thus facilitating its repair. The invention gives promise of becoming a source of good income to Mr. Shedenhelm and of proving of great value to farmers and those connected with the upkeep of the public highways. Mr. Shedenhelm is also a successful automobile dealer, holding the agency
for the Maxwell, the Empire and the Case cars, and has built up a profitable business in that connection.
Mr. Shedenhelm casts his ballot in support of the republican ticket and takes the interest in public affairs that is incumbent upon every good citizen. He is known in fraternal circles of Iowa County as a member of Ladora Lodge, No. 226, I.O.O.F., and he likewise belongs to the encampment and the Rebekahs. All who have been associated with him hold him in high esteem, not only because of his undoubted ability, but also because of his strict adherence to highest standards of honor.
Index
ADOLPH SMITH
Adolph Smith, who was a resident of Lincoln township and had many friends in his locality, was born on the 16th of March 1878, a son of Adolph and Anna Smith, both natives of Germany, who became residents of Lincoln township many years ago and are still living there. In their family were eleven children. Our subject grew to manhood in this state and made agriculture his life work, becoming very successful in that occupation, as he possessed the qualities of industry, energy and sound judgment, traits which go far toward winning success in any calling.
On New Year’s Day 1902, Mr. Smith married Miss Lizzie Pirkl, who was born in Johnson County, this state, a daughter of J.A. and Mary (Kroul) Pirkl, both of Bohemian descent. They removed to Iowa County from Johnson County and are still residing upon a farm here. Three of their four children survive. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born three children, Edward and two who have passed away. Mr. Smith was a democrat in his political allegiance and measured up to the standard of a good citizen. His death occurred April 1, 1907.
Mrs. Smith owns and operators a hotel at Ladora which was the first hostelry in the town and is a credit to its owner and manager. It occupies a half block and is well furnished and equipped, much thought having been taken to secure the comfort of its guests. Mrs. Smith holds membership in the German Reformed church and her influence is always on the side of moral advancement and progress.
Index
FRANK W. HEITMANN
Frank W. Heitmann, well known as a successful farmer and stock-raiser of Hartford township, is a native of Iowa county. He was born in Pilot Township on the 14th of May 1880, of the marriage of A.J. and Katherine Heitmann, an account of whose lives is found elsewhere in this work. He received a good common-school education and when seventeen years of age, began working as a hired hand. Later he rented a farm, which he operated for ten years and then bought two hundred acres of land on section 33, Hartford Township. His farm
is excellently improved and he derives from there a good income, specializing in raising and feeding hogs and cattle.
In 1910, Mr. Heitmann married Miss Laura Conrad, who was born in this county and is a daughter of Christ and Mary Conrad, further mention of whom is made on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Heitmann have two children, Mary F. and Harry M.Mr. Heitmann has supported the Democratic Party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and has been elected to office by his fellow citizens. He has served as township clerk and is now township trustee. His dominant characteristics are energy, determination and progressiveness and these traits insure his continued success and prosperity.
Index
REV. EVAN J. EVANS
Rev. Evan J. Evans, was for many years, a minister of the gospel in this county and also owned valuable land here. A native of Wales, he was born on the 20th of May 1812, of the marriage of John and Rebecca Evans. The father was a lifelong school teacher, having the unusual record of teaching in one school for forty years, and he was a power for good in his community. Both he and his wife passed away in Wales.
Rev. Evan J. Evans grew to manhood and received his education in his native land, remaining there until he was thirty-eight years of age. He then crossed the Atlantic and settled in New York State, subsequently going to Racine, Wisconsin, where he was ordained as a minister. He was married there and resided in that state for a number of years but in 1858, he came to Williamsburg, Iowa, where he built the first church. He preached for about ten years and built up a large congregation but at the end of that time, he retired and lived in leisure until his demise. He purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land a mile south of Williamsburg and also a forty acre tract within the city limits, which his widow still owns.
In 1849, Rev Evans married Miss Annie Davis, also a native of Wales, who was born in 1832, a daughter of William and Alice (Hughes) Davis. In 1847, the family emigrated to America and settled upon a farm in Wisconsin, where both parents passed away, the father shortly after his arrival in this country and the mother some time later. Mr. and Mrs. Evans were the parents of eleven children: John E., now a resident of Minnesota; William D., justice of the supreme court of Iowa; Evan J. Jr, Alice R. and David W., all three deceased; Edward of Williamsburg; Elizabeth, the wife of R.C. Craven of Omaha, Nebraska; Morris of Pipestone, Minnesota; Ellen E., a graduate of the Williamsburg high school and also a graduate in music of Grinnell College, who is now engaged in teaching music and resides at home; Anna W., the wife of J. Corrough of Grinnell, Iowa; and Price Vincent who died in the same year that he graduated from Grinnell College.
Rev. Evans died in 1884, and was laid to rest in the Williamsburg cemetery. His demise was not only an irreparable loss to his family, but also deprived Williamsburg of a valued citizen, one whose life and influence did much to
promote the moral welfare of the community. Although he was called to his reward over three decades ago, there are still many who remember him and his devotion to the cause of Christianity. His widow and daughter, Ellen E., rent the farm to the son Edward and manage all of their financial affairs themselves, proving capable and energetic business women. The name of Evans is held in high esteem in this county and justly so, for its representatives have always adhered to the highest standards of conduct in all relations of life.
Index
R. G. POPHAM
R. G. Popham, a well known representative of the legal profession in Marengo, is a native of Iowa County, born on the 7th of April 1871. The birth of his father, William Popham, occurred in Cadiz, Harrison County, Ohio, on the 27th of June 1819. He was a farmer by occupation and in 1858, settled in Iowa County, where he was identified with agricultural interests until 1892, the year of his demise. On the 4th of February 1841, he wed Miss Mary Jane Shipley, who was born in Knox County, Ohio on September 5, 1822 and passed away on the 28th of February 1853. She became the mother of three children, namely: Rebecca, who died in infancy; Mary Ellen, who is the widow of Elmer Barnes and resides in Polk county, Iowa; and Genevra, the deceased wife of Melvin Hall, by whom she had two children, D. Hall and Mina Davis. For his second wife, William Popham chose Miss Rebecca Shipley, a sister of his first wife, who was born in Knox County, Ohio on the 20th of November 1834 and passed away in 1895. They became the parents of eight children as follows: Alfred, Charles and Elias, all of whom died in infancy; Lucy, the wife of C.R. Zimmerman, who is engaged in educational work in Kuala Lumpur, Federated Malay States; Jose L., the wife of A.L. Morse of Boise, Idaho; Frank of Eugene, Oregon; R.G. of this review; and Jessie P., the widow of Francis Lenocker, a resident of Little Rock, Arkansas.
R. G. Popham attended the common schools of this county and the high school at Williamsburg and further prepared for efficient work in life by attending the Northern Indiana Normal School al Valparaiso, Indiana, completing the business and scientific courses there in 1891. For four years he taught, being superintendent of the schools at Shueyville, Johnson County, Iowa and being also connected with the schools of Walker in Linn County. At the end of that time he again went to school, entering the University of Iowa, which institution conferred upon him the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1897. He had combined law with his scholastic course and after receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree, he continued in his preparation for the legal profession, graduating from the law department of the university in 1898. While a student there, he was inspector of high schools and thus had a part in the effort to more closely coordinate the various parts of the school system of the state. After receiving his professional degree, he remained in Iowa City for a year, practicing in connection with R. L. Dunlap, but on the 1st of May 1899, he and H. M. Havner opened a law office in Marengo and has since engaged in general practice.
[Portrait]
R. G. Popham
[Blank Page]
They have a large and important clientage and are recognized as attorneys of more than usual knowledge and ability.
On the 24th of August 1897, Mr. Popham married Miss Amelia A. Jones, who was born in Iowa County and is a daughter of John T. and Rachel (Jones) Jones. Mr. Popham is a republican and keeps closely in touch with public affairs and movements that affect the general welfare. He is president of the library board and has been largely responsible for the efficient service which that institution gives to the citizens of Marengo. He is also a member of the State Historical Society of Iowa. His religious allegiance is given to the Methodist Episcopal Church and his fraternal spirit finds expression in his connection with the Masonic order. He has won gratifying material prosperity and owns a half interest in the R.L. Dunlap Lumber Company of Iowa City, of which he is president and also holds title to farm lands both in the county and in Canada. He is a valued citizen of Marengo and there are many who are proud to be numbered among his friends.
Index
M. DEAN ROLLER
M. Dean Roller, attorney at law and a member of the firm of Off & Roller, of North English, Iowa, was born on the old Roller homestead in English township on the 28th of February 1889, of the marriage of Michael and Eliza E. (O’Brien) Roller, natives of Hancock County, Ohio and Johnson County, Iowa. The paternal grandfather, George W. Roller came to this county in 1853 and for two years, sold land as a representative of an Ohio real-estate firm. In 1855, his family located here and the home was established upon land on section 13, English township, which Mr. Roller entered from the government. He lived upon this homestead until about 1894, when he removed to North English, where his death occurred. The maternal great-grandfather of our subject, Richard O’Brien, removed from that county to Iowa County in 1866 and entered government land on section 24, English Township. In 1905, his demise occurred in North English.
Michael Roller was but five years of age when he came with his parents to this county and here he grew to manhood. Following his marriage, which was solemnized in this county, he farmed the Roller homestead for a number of years and in the meantime acquired eighty acres of the O’Brien homestead and from time to time added to his land and now holds title to an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he still resides.
M. Dean Roller remained at home during the period of his minority and during his boyhood and youth assisted his father with the farm work. He was given excellent educational advantages, as he went from the district schools to the North English high school, from which he was graduated in the class of 1908. The following fall he entered the State University of Iowa at Iowa City, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree with the class of 1912. He then began the study of law and in 1914, received his professional degree. On the 26th of June of that year, he was admitted to the bar and in September,
he formed his present partnership, becoming junior member of the firm of Off & Roller. The firm receives a fair share of the patronage of the public and Mr. Roller is known as one of the young attorneys of promise of North English. His preparation for the profession has been most thorough and as he has a mind which is naturally keen and logical, he is well fitted for his chosen life work and has already gained the respect of his colleagues.
Mr. Roller is a democrat and keeps thoroughly informed as to the political situation and the issues that come before the people. Fraternally he belongs to Triumph Lodge, No. 479, A.F. & A.M. of North English and his religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he is a member. His grandfather was one of the honored pioneer settlers of the county. His father has contributed to the agricultural development of his locality and our subject is adding to the honor in which the family name is held in the county as he is just and upright in all of his dealings with his fellowmen.
Index
ADAM KEIL
Adam Keil, a well known farmer residing on section 32, Sumner Township, is also interested financially in a number of local business enterprises and is recognized as a substantial and representative citizen. His birth occurred in Johnson County, Iowa on the 3rd of June 1864. His parents, John and Magdalena (Kuhns) Keil, were natives of Germany and emigrated to the United States as a young man and young woman, both settling in Columbiana County, Ohio, where they were married some three or four years later. The father was a blacksmith by trade and came west with a stage company as one of their blacksmiths, reaching Iowa City some time before the railroads were built through this part of the state. He worked for two or three years at his trade in Iowa City and then located on a farm in Johnson County, where he remained until 1866. He then came to this county and bought sixty-five acres in Sumner Township about a mile north of Genoa Bluff and concentrated his energies upon its development. He subsequently purchased additional land and became, in time, the owner of three hundred and eighty acres of excellent land. In 1891, however, he retired from active life and removed to Marengo, where he passed away in January 1903, when about sixty-seven years old. His widow survived him until 1907. They were members of the German Reformed Church and were loyal to the teachings of that faith.
Adam Keil received his education in the district schools and began his independent business career by working for a general merchant of Ladora in the capacity of clerk. After spending about two and a half years in that manner, he returned to the home farm and has since given his time to agricultural pursuits. He was married in 1883 and the following year purchased eighty acres of land in Pilot Township, which he operated for two years. At the end of that time, as he was in rather straightened financial circumstances, he and his wife worked for his father, receiving two hundred and fifty dollars for a year’s work, that being, at the time, considered good wages. At the end of the year, our subject rented land from his father for three years, receiving half of the crops. Up to
this time he had retained the ownership of his farm in Pilot Township, but at length sold it to a good advantage and purchased his present home farm of one hundred and forty acres near Genoa Bluff. He took up his abode thereon shortly after it came into his possession and the year following the demise of his father, he purchased the original homestead, comprising a quarter section, and in 1909 he bought one hundred and twenty acres on section 32, Sumner Township, known as the Jim Morse farm. Altogether, he holds title to four hundred and twenty acres of some of the finest land in the state of Iowa. He was one of the organizers of the Genoa Bluff Creamery Company, of which he is now secretary. He is a stockholder and director of the Ladora Savings Bank, a stockholder in the Iowa County Mutual Telephone Company, of which he was one of the organizers and of which he was a director for ten years, and is a director of the Ladora Lumber & Grain Company, which he aided in organizing.
Mr. Keil was married in the fall of 1883, to Miss Louise C. Tanner, of Genoa Bluff, a daughter of the late John U. Tanner, one of the pioneers of Sumner Township. To this union have been born four children: John A., who is farming land belonging to his father; Mae, the wife of Alva Shaw, who is also operating a farm belonging to Mr. Keil; Rosetta Maud, who married Albert Kuch, a farmer of Troy Township; and Leslie E., at home.
Mr. Keil is independent in politics, voting for the man rather than the party. For a number of years he served as secretary of the school board and has always manifested much concern for the welfare of the public schools. He is quite well known in local fraternal circles, as he belongs to Hebron Lodge No. 146, I.O.O.F. of Marengo and Ladora Camp, No. 1774, M.W.A. He and his family are all members of the Congregational Church and their support can be counted upon in the furtherance of the moral progress of their community. Mr. Keil has gained gratifying success as a farmer through well directed labor, and his spirit of progressiveness and willingness to take advantage of discoveries in the line of agriculture have also been factors in his attainment of prosperity. As a citizen he is public-spirited to a marked degree and his personality is such that he makes and retains friends easily.
Index
B.A. SWOPE
B.A. Swope, who is living in North English, having retired from activity as an agriculturist, was born on the 7th of December 1846, a son of Williams and Polly (Harvey) Swope, both natives of Virginia. At an early day in the history of the Hoosier state, they settled there and in 1856, continued their journey westward, taking up their abode in Iowa County, Iowa in the fall of that year. The father purchased land in Fillmore Township and both he and his wife resided there during the remainder of their lives. Four of their children, who numbered ten, survive: J.L and J.W., both residents of Nebraska; Jemimah K. the wife of A. J. Burns of Colorado; and B.A.
The last named resided at home and passed his time much as did other boys upon Iowa farms until the beginning of the Civil War, when, like so many other young men of this state, he joined the Union army, enlisting in Company C, Eighth
Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He served with that command until the close of the conflict and was mustered out at Selma, Alabama, after which he returned to this county and continued to assist with the work of the homestead. At length, he purchased a farm in Fillmore Township and lived upon that place for many years, devoting his time to its cultivation until 1912, when he removed to North English. He purchased a fine residence here and is one of the valued citizens of the town. He still owns a part of his farm, which comprised two hundred and forty acres on section 31, Fillmore Township. It is excellently improved and yields him a good income. Recently he sold forty acres of this tract to his daughter, Mrs. G. W. Knipfer.
Mr. Swope was married in 1881 to Miss Laura E. McKinstry, a native of Mercer County, Illinois. Her parents, Alexander and Rebecca (Backus) McKinstry, were both born in Pennsylvania but in 1850 settled in Mercer County, Illinois. Six years later they removed to Kansas but in 1860 returned to Illinois, locating, however, in Warren County. In 1866, they took up their residence in Fillmore Township, Iowa County, Iowa and both passed away here. Five of their seven children still survive. Mrs. Swope taught school for ten years, entering that profession when a girl of seventeen years of age. She was successful in that work, proving both efficient and popular. By her marriage, she is the mother of four children. Rose Millicent, who was born on the 12th of June 1882, graduated from the local high school and was for two years a teacher. She is now the wife of G.W. Knipfer, who is operating a part of the Swope homestead. Arthur H., born on the 22nd of December 1884, is now living in Wyoming, as is also Ross E, whose birth occurred on the 31st of August 1886. Martha R., born February 3, 1891, attended Cotner University at Lincoln, Nebraska, and for two years taught school. She is now the wife of Rev. E. Molloy of Howard Lake, Minnesota.
Mr. Swope is a democrat and has held a number of local offices, having been trustee for ten years and having also served as assessor and as a member of the school board. He and his wife are influential members of the Christian Church, of which he is an elder and trustee and both do all in their power to spread the influence of that organization. They have many friends in North English and hold in full measure the respect of the community.
Index
CHARLES F. ZOPF
Charles F. Zopf, now engaged in the boot and shoe business in Marengo, in partnership with John Keil, Jr., was born in Adelsheim, Baden, Germany on September 30, 1879, a son of Peter Zopf, likewise a native of the fatherland, who came to American with his family in 1880, and made his way to Marengo, Iowa. He has since lived in this county and is now conducting a restaurant in Marengo. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Ernestine Kueihl, was born in Germany and has passed away. Twelve of their children survive: Sophia, the wife of M. C. Krumbholz, a resident of Iowa City; Charles F.; Fred, who is living in this county; Petur H., of Waterloo; Anna, the wife of Harry Rice of Ottumwa, Iowa; Katherine, now Mrs. A. B. McConnell of Idaho; Christine, who is now
Mrs. Christ Haist of Marengo; Lizzie, the wife of Herbert Seydel, also of Marengo; and George, Susan, Ernestine and Amelia, all at home.
Charles F. Zopf was but an infant when brought by his parents to Marengo and practically his entire life has been spent here. After attending the local high school for a year, he accepted a clerical position which he held for seven years. He was then in the grocery business for a year and after that was appointed deputy auditor, serving in that capacity for six years. He was the elected county auditor and his record was so commendable that he was again elected to that office. He understood thoroughly all phases of his work and as he is prompt and accurate, he proved a most efficient auditor and the county is to be congratulated upon having so able and faithful a servant. On the expiration of his term in January 1915, he embarked in his present business as a dealer in boots and shoes in partnership with John Keil, Jr.
On the 17th of June 1903, Mr. Zopf married Miss Clara Buelow, a daughter of Henry and Minnie (Mueller) Buelow, both residents of Marengo. Mr. and Mrs. Zopf have two children: Louis C., who is attending school and Helen.
The Democratic Party has in Mr. Zopf, a loyal worker and faithful adherent. The integrity of his daily life bears witness to the sincerity of his religious faith and he is an influential member of the German Lutheran Church. He possesses those admirable characteristics that we associate with the German race and is one of the most valued citizens of Marengo.
Index
ISAAC BRICKER
Isaac Bricker, who for many years was prominently identified with the farming interests of Hartford Township, was born in Richland Count, Ohio, on the 8th of February 1837. When he was but five years of age, his parents removed to Stark County, Ohio, but four years later returned to Richland County. At the end of three years, they took up their residence in Mansfield, where our subject attended the public schools. About 1849, the family made another removal, settling in Fostoria, Seneca County. Nine years afterward, Mr. Bricker, of this review, went to West Unity, Ohio, but a year later removed to De Kalb County, Indiana, where he resided for a time, after which he returned to West Unity.
On the 17th of February 1861, Mr. Bricker enlisted in Company H., Fourth Ohio Cavalry, in defense of the Union and was mustered in at Camp Wooster, Monroeville, Ohio. The regiment first proceeded to Camp Chase at Columbus, thence to Evansville, Indiana and later to Nashville, Tennessee. In the latter part of March and the 1st of April 1862, they marched across the country under the command of General Buell, to Pittsburg Landing, arriving there at daybreak ,April 6, just in time to take part in the battle of Shiloh. They were also engaged in the siege of Corinth and were later in action at Mumfordsville, Bardstown and Perryville. Subsequently they were on duty around Lookout Mountain, where they remained until May 1864, when they joined Sherman on his famous Georgia campaign. They were under fire almost every day along the route from Chattanooga to Atlanta. When his term of enlistment expired, Mr. Bricker returned home and in 1864, came with his wife to Iowa County, Iowa, first settling
upon a farm belonging to his brother, Dr. Bricker. Subsequently he became a landowner himself and for many years engaged in farming and stock-raising, his labor returning to him a good annual income.
Mr. Bricker was married on the 24th of March 1856, to Miss Mary J. White, who died in 1900. For his second wife he chose Miss Frankie La Dow, a daughter of Alexander and Harriet (Babcock) La Dow. Her father was born in the state of New York on the 2nd of February 1810; was reared and educated in the east and was there married. In 1831, he removed with his family to Ohio and four years later took up his residence in Michigan. Thence by ox team in 1854, he removed to Tama County, Iowa where he lived until 1881. In that year he became a resident of Iowa County and spent the balance of his days here, passing away in 1899, having survived his wife for a year. Both were laid to rest in the cemetery at Marengo. They lived together as a man and wife for sixty-seven years and their mutual confidence and affection increased as the years passed. They were the parents of nine children: Lucy A., the wife of David Wilcox; Angeline, the deceased wife of William Blodgett; Benjamin B., deceased, who married Miss Helen Spayth; Carrie, now Mrs. Thomas Moore; Emeline, who gave her hand in marriage to Andres Blodgett; Charlotte, the wife of C.G. Price; Mary, who became the wife of Dr. F.E. Johnson of Chicago; Harriet Ruth, who married J.M. Merritt; and Mrs. Bricker. Mr. La Dow was an old soldier and throughout his entire life manifested a commendable spirit of patriotism and regard for the public welfare.
Mr. Bricker was a republican and for six years was trustee of his township. He also served as secretary and treasurer of both his district and his township. Fraternally he was a member of the Masonic blue lodge and the high ethical teachings of that order found expression in his daily life. He passed away on the 14th of February 1906, and his demise was sincerely mourned.
Index
JOSEPH ELICK
Joseph Elick is a representative of the energetic and progressive farmers who have contributed to such a large extent in gaining the wealth and prosperity of Iowa County. He operates an excellent farm on section 15, Pilot Township, and is highly respected by all who know him. His birth occurred in Johnson County, Iowa on the 11th of January 1874, and he is a son of John and Nancy Elick, both natives of Bohemia, Austria, whence they emigrated to the United States in 1873. A sketch of the father appears elsewhere in this work.
Joseph Elick received his education in the district schools and by aiding with the farm work at home, gained much valuable knowledge concerning practical methods of agriculture. He assisted his father until his twenty-second year and then became a farm hand. During one year, he operated rented land and following his marriage, he purchased the farm now owned by Albert Hradek. He resided there until 1907, when he sold that place and acquired his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres, on which he has since resided. He is energetic
in all that he does and as he plans his work well, he secures good returns from his labor.
On the 22nd of January 1900, Mr. Elick married Miss Agnes T. Hradek, a daughter of John Hradek, a sketch of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. To this union have been born six children: Joseph C., Sadie A., Emil A., Emma A., Albert W. and Evelinea E.
The Democratic Party has a strong supporter in Mr. Elick and he takes a praiseworthy interest in all public affairs. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Roman Catholic Church and their lives are forces for good in the community. Both are highly esteemed and have many warm friends.
Index
ELI J. SMITH
Eli J. Smith, the founder of the firm of E. J. Smith and Sons, brick and tile manufacturers, has not only built up one of the leading industries of Iowa County but also has other extensive business interests and has executive ability of a high order. A native of Washington County, Pennsylvania, he was born on the 15th of February 1835, and is the eleventh in order of birth in a family of sixteen children. His parents were Eli and Mary (Grandon) Smith, the former born in 1796, presumably in Pennsylvania and the latter born in that state, in 1800. In 1836, the family removed to Iowa and located in Le Claire, Scott County. The journey was made down the Ohio and up the Mississippi River and on the 20th of April of that year, they reached Le Claire. The father located on government land, which he entered some time later when it was put on the market. The family resided there for several years and experienced the usual inconveniences and hardships of pioneer life. When they arrived in Iowa, it had not been given a separate territorial government. The mother passed away in 1864 and the father then took up his residence with out subject and lived in this county until his demise, which occurred in March 1874.
Eli J. Smith was but an infant when the family removed to Scott County, where he resided upon a farm until he attained his majority. He then came to Iowa County and located in English Township, where he purchased forty acres of land on section 26. He cut the timber on his place and hauled it to North English, where it was sawed into lumber and then he built a frame house upon his farm, eighteen feet square and twelve feet high, with a four foot second story. The roof was made of clapboards which he rived out himself. A year or so later he erected a better residence and continued to reside upon that farm for about ten years, at the end of which time he removed to another farm on that section which he had purchased At the end of three years, however, he took up his residence upon a quarter section of land just across the line in Keokuk County, where he resided for three years, and at the expiration of that time, he removed to North English, which has remained his home for about forty-three years. He owns about seven hundred acres of land in English and Fillmore Townships, this county, and supervises the operation of his farms. In 1882, he began the manufacture of brick, tile and building blocks and now has an extensive plant in North English. As his sons have reached manhood, they have been taken into
the business, which is conducted under the firm name of E.J. Smith & Sons. They employ a number of men and the total sales reach a large figure. In 1890, Mr. Smith was one of the incorporators of the Morey Clay Works at Ottumwa, Iowa, investing some twenty-five thousand dollars in the building of the plant. The concern has been very successful and he has received good dividends from his investment. It is recognized as one of the important industries of Ottumwa and one factor in its prosperity has been the sound judgment of Mr. Smith, who has had wide experience in the business and particularly in the manufacture of clay products.
In 1854, Mr. Smith married Miss Hannah Conrow, a native of Greene County, Pennsylvania. Her parents, William and Sarah J. (Huffman) Conrow, removed to Scott County, Iowa in 1837 and located in Le Claire Township upon a farm where the father passed away in 1879. The mother subsequently made her home with the subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have become the parents of five children, of whom four survive: Ira P., a member of the firm of E. J. Smith & Sons; Mary, the widow of Dr. S. B. Green of North English, now residing with her parents; Charles C., engaged in the manufacture of brick and tile at Mason City, Iowa; and Omer I., a member of the firm of E.J. Smith & Sons of North English. Albert B., the fourth in order of birth, is deceased.
Mr. Smith, who is a republican in politics, served as justice of the peace for several years and won an enviable reputation for fairness and impartiality in the discharge of his duties. His wife is a member of the Christian Church and he belongs to North English Lodge, No. 325, I.O.O.F. For about a half century, he has resided in the county and there are few still living who have witnessed as much of the early development of county as he and few who have contributed in such a large measure to its advancement along business and industrial lines. As conditions have changed, he has adapted his activities to the new circumstances in which he has found himself and has continued to be a leader in his community. He is one of the extensive landowners of the county and while engaged in farming, was progressive and enterprising, which qualities have characterized him in building up the business of E.J. Smith & Sons.
Index
JOHN H. CRAWFORD
John H. Crawford, the owner of Oak View farm on section 35, Greene Township, is a native of Iowa County, his birthplace being a log cabin on the farm which he now owns. He was born July 11, 1864, a son of John and Sarah (McCreary) Crawford, who were both born in Ireland, the former in County Derry and the latter in County Antrim. Both immigrated to America in their youth, the father settling in New York State and the mother in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Subsequently, they met and their marriage was solemnized in 1861. The father came to this county in 1854, traveling down the Ohio River from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on a flatboat and continuing his journey by water to St. Louis. From that city he came overland to Iowa County, Iowa. In payment of a small debt he was deeded eighty acres of land in this county, which was practically unimproved. There was however, a one room log cabin on the place and there
[Portrait]
Sara Crawford
[Blank Page]
the two older children were born. The father prospered in his work as a farmer and became, in time, the owner of six hundred acres of excellent land. He passed away in 1893 and his wife died in 1911, both being buried in the Daytonville Cemetery. To their union were born four children: John H., of this review; William J, who is a dealer in livestock; Tillie J., who became the wife of Rev. H.C. Millice; and Emma, who died in infancy.
John H. Crawford acquired his early education in the public schools of this county and also pursued an academic course. Through assisting his father with the work of the farm, he became familiar with practical methods of agriculture and has continued to devote his time to the cultivation of the soil and the care of crops. His place, on section 35, Greene Township, known as Oak View Farm, is one of the excellently improved properties of the township. He is energetic and alert and is meeting with gratifying success in his agricultural labors.
Mr. Crawford is a republican and in 1896, served as committeeman from Greene Township. The Methodist Church finds in him a loyal and faithful member and those who know him most intimately realize most thoroughly his close adherence to high standards of conduct.
Index
EDWARD M. HANSON
Edward M. Hanson is living on section 23, Troy Township, where he now owns and controls two hundred and seventy acres of rich farm land. He was born upon this farm September 23, 1854, in a one room log cabin-a typical pioneer home, with clapboard roof and puncheon floor. His parents were Thomas and Bridget (Maher) Hanson. The father was born in Ireland in 1809 and died upon the old homestead farm in Iowa County in August 1891, having attained the venerable age of eighty-two years. His wife, who was born in Ireland in 1814, also passed away at the same place in 1879. They were married in Ohio in 1837. Thomas Hanson had come to the new world in 1830 and first took up his abode in the Buckeye State, where he resided until 1845, when he removed to Iowa and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government-a tract upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made. His wife had come to the new world in 1833. To their marriage six children were born: Michael and John, both deceased; Hugh D., who follows farming; Stephen, who has passed away; Thomas of Williamsburg, and Edward M.
The last named was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He has never sought to change his occupation but has always carried on general farming. He makes a specialty of stock-raising, handling Hereford cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs and Belgian draft horses. He is meeting with excellent success in his undertaking and has become recognized as one of the foremost stockmen of his part of the state. The farm presents a neat and attractive appearance, being improved with good buildings and all modern accessories.
On the 1st of February 1881, Mr. Hanson was united in marriage to Miss Ella Giblin, who was born in New Jersey in 1863, a daughter of Thomas and
Mary Jane (Gallagher) Giblin, both now residing at Parnell, Iowa. To them were born the following children: Ella, John, Celia, Mary, Michael, Maggie, Patrick, Thomas, Sadie, Laura and Bridget and Jennie, both of whom are deceased.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hanson nine children have been born: Thomas, who was born in 1882 and is now engaged in farming in Iowa County, Bridget, who was born in 1884 and died in April 1913; Daniel, who was born in 1886 and follows farming in this county; Raymond, who was born in 1888 and is assistant insurance examiner of Iowa; Cyril,, who was born in 1890 and now lives in Arizona; Mary, who was born in 1892 and died in 1913; Clarence, who was born in 1896 and is at home; Emmet, who was born in 1899 and died in 1915; and Reita, who was born in 1903.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic Church and the political belief of Mr. Hanson is that of the Democratic Party. He has never sought political office but has served as school director, occupying that position for five or six years. The greater part of his time and energy, however, are concentrated upon his business affairs and he has made his farm of two hundred and seventy acres a valuable property, for his interests are wisely directed and he keeps abreast with the spirit of the times as exemplified in modern progress along farm lines.
Index
CAPTAIN JAMES J. COATS
Captain James J. Coats is a prominent retired farmer of Hartford Township, who is now making his home in Ladora, and for many years he has materially assisted in promoting the best interests of his home locality. He was born in Miami County, Ohio, on the 20th of September 1846, a son of John and Fanny (Roody) Coats. The paternal grandfather, James Coats, was of German descent and served in the War of 1812. He was a man of great physical vitality and his spirit was equally strong and hardy, as demonstrated when he emigrated from Pennsylvania to Ohio at the advanced age of 90 years. John Coats was born in the Quaker state in 1818, but in young manhood left there and became a pioneer settler of Miami County, Ohio. He settled upon land that was heavily timbered and began the task of clearing his farm. He built a log cabin and in the course of years, made other improvements upon his place. In 1854 however, he again turned his face westward and located in Honey Creek Township, Iowa County, Iowa, buying land at a dollar and a quarter per acre. He built a log cabin with a clapboard roof, floor and door and the chimney was made of sticks and mud. As soon as possible, he broke the land with ox teams and planted crops and his was the life of unremitting labor and hardship that was common to the pioneer. Game was plentiful and he often killed deer which supplied the family with venison for some time. To obtain breadstuff, it was necessary to go to Cedar Rapids, as the nearest mill was located there. In 1868, he left the farm which had been his home for fourteen years and went to Dixon County, Nebraska, locating upon land which he had previously purchased and after residing in that county for two decades, he passed away in 1888. In the fall of 1864, he enlisted
in company B. Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil War, but on account of disease contracted in the army, he was soon discharged for disability and returned home. He was highly respected, patriotic and progressive and was a man of considerable influence in the localities of which he lived. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Fanny Roody, was a native of Ohio of Scotch descent, her father, David Roody, having emigrated from Scotland and settled in Ohio at an early day in the history of that state. She passed away on the 23rh of January 1855. To her union with Mr. Coats were born six sons and a daughter, four of whom survive.
Captain James J. Coats was the fourth child born to his parents and accompanied the family to this county when about eight years of age. He was reared upon the home farm and did his share in the work of redeeming the land from the wilderness. His education was not neglected, however, and in the winter he attended the schools of the neighborhood, walking three miles each way. The schoolhouse was a primitive log structure and the seats, made of slabs, were crude and uncomfortable. However, the schoolhouse and its furniture was as good as the average in the county at that time and the early settlers thought little of inconvenience and discomfort.
On the 12th of August 1862, when not quite sixteen years of age, Mr. Coats enlisted in Company B. Twenty-eighty Iowa Infantry and was immediately sent to the front. The first battle in which he participated was that of Port Gibson, Mississippi, on the 1st of May 1863, and he subsequently served under General Grant in his Vicksburg campaign, participating in the engagements of Raymond, Edwards Station, Champion’s Hill and Black River. During the siege of Vicksburg, he was in the trenches for forty-seven days and nights and after the fall of that stronghold, participated in the fighting around Jackson. His command was then transferred and sent under General Banks up the Red River, taking part in the battles of Sabine Cross Roads, Pleasant Hill, Care River, Yellow Bayou and Alexander. In the last named battle, Captain Coats was slightly wounded in the left leg by a minieball. He was next transferred to General Sheridan’s command and fought in the Shenandoah Valley at Winchester, Fishers Hill, Barryville and Cedar Creek. He saw Sheridan when he made his famous ride from Winchester, twenty miles away, and turned the tide of battle from defeat to victory. On the 14th of August 1865, Captain Coats was honorably discharged from the military service of the United States with the record of having participated in fifteen battles, besides the sieges of Vicksburg and Jackson. From the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, he had been sent to join Sherman’s command and in 1865 was forwarded to Savannah, Georgia, where he mustered out. He served with distinction under Generals Grant, Banks, Sheridan and Sherman and rose from private to corporal and sergeant. He attained the rank of second lieutenant and captain as a state’s guardsman. During the entire time of his service in the army, he was never in the hospital, but at the battle of Port Gibson, Mississippi, a shell exploded near him and injured the hearing of his left ear. When the Spanish-American war broke out, he tendered his services to his country by addressing a letter to Governor Shaw of Iowa, asking him to examine his military record and if possible, give him a place where he could give service to his country. In due time the Governor replied, stating that Captains Coats’ military record was exceptionally good and that if there was another call for volunteers
from the state of Iowa, he would commission Captain Coats to organize a company from Iowa County. Upon his return from the Civil War, Captain Coats gave his attention to the peaceful pursuits of agriculture and cultivated land in Honey Creek Township until after his first marriage, which occurred in 1871. In the spring of 1873, however, he removed to a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 2, Hartford Township, which he had purchased. The farm was unimproved when it came into his possession, but as he was a carpenter, he personally erected a frame house which was for many years the family residence. He petitioned for a public road across the then trackless prairie near his home and succeeded in having the highway established. It was also largely due to his efforts and influence that a schoolhouse was built within sixty rods of his home and it still bears his name. The farm in Hartford Township remained the family home for forty years and there all of his children were born. Although he met with many reverses by reason of sickness and death, he prospered financially and became one of the substantial men of his locality. He made excellent improvements upon his farm and his energy and foresight was regarded by good crops annually.
On the 27th of August 1871, Captain Coats married Miss Emma Lupher, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of David and Mary (Badger) Lupher. The family removed to Honey Creek Township, this county, many years ago and Mr. Lupher was a well known farmer. On the 15th of September 1884, Mrs. Coats died and left to the care of a bereaved husband four children: Mae, now the wife of C.E. York, a stock merchant of Ladora; Clyde C., justice of the peace and real-estate agent of Riceville, Iowa; Lake L. deceased; and Fanny, now the wife of W.D. Shaull, a prominent farmer residing hear Leroy, Minnesota.
On the 1st of February 1888, Captain Coats was married to Miss Rebecca Noaker, a native of Honey Creek Township, this county, and a daughter of Henry and Isabelle Noaker, natives of Pennsylvania, who immigrated to Iowa County in 1858. To this marriage were born three children: James H., who is a prominent agriculturist and stock feeder of Hartford Township; Laota P, the wife of H.C. Sather, a trusted employee of the First National Bank of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Amy B.., who is a stenographer but is now keeping house for her father. On the 14th of April 1894, the beloved wife and mother was called by death and again Captain Coats was left with three small children to care for alone. He kept his family together and was to them both a father and mother until the 6th of September 1903, when he married Mrs. Ella Mumby, the widow of A.C. Mumby of Seymour, Iowa. She was born at that place and was a daughter of Patrick and Susie Carey, of Irish descent, who removed to Wayne County, Iowa in 1865 from Illinois. Captain and Mrs. Coats became the parents of a daughter, Kathryn B., and their home life was a very happy one. On the 14th of April 1914, when the daughter was but six years of age, the wife and mother was called by death. Captain Coats has given his children good educations and three of his daughters have taught school. All of his children are prosperous and are highly esteemed in the localities in which they reside.
Captain Coats is an active republican and has ably served in county, state and congressional conventions of his party and has also held a number of local offices of trust and honor. He has served as a clerk and trustee of his township and for
the last thirty-three years has been secretary of the school board. During the time that he has held this office, he has written orders on the teachers’ contingent and schoolhouse funds to the amount of one hundred and twenty thousand dollars without the loss of one cent to the township. Some of the teachers for whom he first wrote orders are now grandmothers and he has seen great changes brought about in the public school system as it has grown to meet the demands of changing conditions.
Fraternally Captain Coats is a member of Ladora Lodge, No. 622, I.O.O.F. and the Knights of Pythias Lodge at Victor, Iowa. He is justly proud of his military record and wears the bronze button of the Grand Army of the Republic and also affiliates with the Sons of Veterans. He has now retired from active work and resides in a beautiful home in Ladora, which town did not exist when he came to Iowa as a boy sixty years ago. At that time, both the town and the railroad were but the dreams of a few of most progressive and farsighted pioneers and the county was but sparsely settled, while but little of the land was under cultivation. Today there is scarcely a waste acre in the county and its residents enjoy all of the comforts of twentieth century civilization. When he bought his land forty years ago, he paid twelve dollars per acre but so great has been the advance in land values that when he sold his farm a few years ago, he received one hundred and seventy dollars per acre. He loaned the money on real estate and on the 3rd of March 1913, took up his abode in Ladora, where he is now living in the enjoyment of a rest and leisure earned by former years of unremitting industry. He finds much pleasure in motoring and runs his own machine and his energy and activity belie his sixty-eight years, as he seems a man still in his prime. He has always been a good citizen, willing to place the public interests above his individual affairs and he has never in the slightest degree, betrayed a trust that was reposed in him, either in a private or official capacity.
Index
FRED L. WILSON
Fred L. Wilson, a farmer and dealer in automobiles at Marengo, has in his business career, indicated the force and value of industry, determination and laudable purpose and ambition. He was born in Tama County, Iowa, February 4, 1866, a son of John and Mary E. (Biles) Wilson, whose record appears elsewhere in this work.
Our subject acquired his education in the schools near his father’s home and was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. When twenty-one years of age, he started out in business on his own account by renting his father’s farm, which he carefully operated up to the time of his marriage or for a period of about six years. He then engaged in stock dealing on another farm and continued there until 1904, when he removed to Marengo, where he again engaged in the livestock business, purchasing the interest of James Delaney in the firm of Delaney & McGivern. Their business exceeded that of any other livestock concern in Iowa County. They conducted their interests with mutual pleasure and profit for five or six years and then dissolved the partnership. Mr. Wilson
then built a large pavilion and established the Marengo horse auction, where sales are held every two weeks, buyers being present from St. Louis, Kansas City, St. Paul, Chicago and from Vermont and Ohio. At a record sale, ninety-two horses were disposed of in ninety-seven minutes. In 1913, Mr. Wilson traded the sale pavilion for a farm in Fayette County and embarked in the automobile business in Marengo, making a feature of the Mitchell machine, which is made in Racine, Wisconsin. Already he has built up a good business in this connection, his sales reaching a gratifying figure. He also owns his farm and from that property derives a good annual income.
On the 15th of May 1892, Mr. Wilson was united in marriage to Miss Hattie B. Whitlock, of Iowa County, a daughter of Samuel and Mary E. (Pike) Whitlock. To Mr. And Mrs. Wilson have been born four children. Daisy, born July 23, 1895, has decided musical talent in both vocal and instrumental. Park was born March 6, 1898; Elta, July 23, 1900 and Forest Frederick in December 1907. All are in school.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, are interested in its growth and contribute generously to its support. In politics, Mr. Wilson is a republican, but while he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he does not seek office as a reward for party fealty. He prefers to give his undivided attention o his business affairs and throughout his career, his activity and energy have constituted the crowning points in winning for him his success.
Index
C. W. STATLER
C. W. Statler was for many years actively engaged in farming and bore his part in the work of development in his locality. He was born in 1834, in Ohio and received an excellent education in his native state. When this county was still a pioneer region, he located upon a farm and continued to operate it until his demise. He was energetic and diligent and as his methods were practical; his labors yielded him a good return year by year.
In 1873, Mr. Statler married Miss Angeline Blair, a native of Tennessee and a daughter of Montgomery and Mary (Carson) Blair, both likewise born in that state. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Blair was solemnized in Tennessee, but in 1852 they came to Iowa County, Iowa, making the journey with covered wagons. It took six weeks to make the trip and upon arriving here, they found a district, the improvement of which seemed scarcely begun. The father entered land and built a log cabin which served as a residence for a considerable time. Both his and his wife passed away in this county. They were the parents of eight children, seven of whom are still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Statler were born three daughters and a son: Mary M., now Mrs. Ira Hutson; Elizabeth, who married A. Lavell; Maud, deceased; and Harry of this county.
Mr. Statler was justly proud of his record as a soldier, as he served for three years in Company I, Twenty-eighth Regiment of Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and participated in many important engagements. At the battle of Champion’ Hill, he was wounded in the left shoulder and he endured many hardships and discomforts.
He was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa and then returned to the pursuits of civil life. His political belief was that of the Democratic Party and for many years he was justice of the peace. He also served on the school board and held a number of township offices, proving capable and conscientious as an official. The Christian Church found in him a consistent member and he took an active part in its work. His widow also holds membership in that organization and is much interested in the extension of its influence. She owns a fine residence in North English and is well and favorably known there. The demise of Mr. Statler occurred in December 1904, and interment was made in the Clothier Cemetery. He was a true pioneer and disregarded privation and hard work, believing that he was more than compensated for all of the unpleasantness of frontier life by the consciousness that he was gaining for himself material prosperity and that he was also laying the foundation for a prosperous and progressive community in the future. It was a great gratification to him that he lived to have a part in the life of his locality, when the conditions of pioneer days were but a memory and when Iowa County compared favorably in all that goes to make up civilization with the counties of the older eastern states.
Index
GEORGE W. STAHL
George W. Stahl, a well known farmer on section 22, Pilot Township, was born in that township on the 12th of February 1856, of the marriage of Lorenzo and Rose (Smith) Stahl. The parents, who were both born in Germany, came to the United States as children with their respective parents. They were married in Huron County, Ohio, where both were residing, but immediately following their marriage, Mr. Stahl came westward to Iowa in company with James McCombs. They hauled a threshing outfit through to this state by team and threshed one fall and winter in Muscatine County. The following spring they came to Iowa County and their threshing outfit was one of the first seen in that section of the state. Mr. Stahl immediately homesteaded eighty acres of land on section 28, Pilot Township, Iowa county and his wife joined him, the family home being established on the newly acquired farm. Mr. Stahl purchased additional land and became the owner of three hundred and forty acres in his home farm and a small tract of timber in English Township. He passed away upon the homestead in 1890, when seventy-three years of age.
George W. Stahl received his education in the district schools and for some time after attaining his majority, remained under the parental roof, cooperating with his father in the operation of the homestead. In 1884, he rented the home farm and began operating it independently. He was married the following year and continued to farm as a renter until 1886, when he purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land on section 22, Pilot Township. He took up his residence thereon and has since cultivated that place. From time to time, he has bought other land and now owns three hundred and seventy-two acres of productive and well improved land. He derives more than a competence from his labors and is one of the substantial men of his township.
Mr. Stahl was married in 1885, to Miss Caroline Faas, a daughter of Gottlieb Faas, one of the pioneers of Pilot Township. To that union have been born six children: Rose C., the wife of Ralph Lortz of Pilot Township; Olga M., the wife of John Goettsche, also of Pilot Township; Fred L., who is farming part of the land belonging to his father; and Elmer G., Glovia D. and Merlin O., all at home.
Mr. Stahl casts his ballot in support of the measures and candidates of the Republican Party and has been called to public office, having served for two terms as a member of the board of township trustees. For eleven years he has been treasurer of the school board and in that time has done much for the cause of popular education. Fraternally, he belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America, and both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church, of which he is a steward. He is a stockholder in the Williamsburg Savings Bank and in the Troy Creamery Company of Williamsburg, both of which are prosperous and growing institutions. He has found that agriculture offers scope for his best thought and energy and that it gives good financial returns. He also values highly the independence which the farmer enjoys to an unusual degree and has never regretted his decision to devote his life to agricultural pursuits.
Index
L. B. AMICK, M.D.
Dr. L. B. Amick, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery at Millersburg, is a native of Parkersburg, West Virginia, born on the 3rd of April 1881. His parents, P.P. and Anna M. (Williams) Amick, were both natives of West Virginia, but some time after their marriage, removed to Florida. They had six children, all of whom are living, but the subject of this review is their only son.
Dr. L. B. Amick left home when seventeen years of age and supplemented the education that he had acquired in high school by attending Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana. He graduated from the scientific course there in 1904, receiving the degree of Bachelor of Science and subsequently took his medical work at the Chicago College of Medicine and Surgery. After receiving his professional degree, he was for two years interne in a hospital and thus gained much valuable knowledge. In 1910, he opened an office for the practice of his profession at Hammond, Louisiana and remained there until the spring of 1912, when he came to Millersburg, Iowa, where he has since been located and where he has built up an excellent practice. He is a member of the Iowa County Medical Society and the Iowa State Medical Society and finds his identification with those associations of much value to him, as it enables him to keep in touch with the methods of other successful practitioners and also to keep informed as to the newest discoveries and theories in medical science.
On the 29th of December 1909, Dr. Amick married Miss Ruby H. Lavanture of Portland, Oregon. She is a daughter of George H. and Laura Lavanture, natives respectively of the state of New York and of Vermont, who in 1907, removed to Portland, Oregon, where they still reside. They were the parents of six children, five of whom survive. Mrs. Amick is a trained nurse. Dr. and
[Portrait]
L. B. Amick, M.D.
[Blank Page]
Mrs. Amick have had three children: Leonard and Lloyd, twins, born on the 29th of December 1912, the latter of whom died at the age of six months; and Percival P. whose birth occurred on the 14th of September 1914.
Dr. Amick is a democrat and is now serving as a member of the city council and as health officer of Millersburg, doing much in that capacity to extend the popular knowledge of laws of hygiene and health. He owns a fine residence and a separate office building in Millersburg and has won material prosperity and at the same time, the confidence of the public and his colleagues in the profession.
Index
MISS MARY F. McEACHRAN
The ability with which Miss Mary F. McEachran is discharging her responsible duties as county superintendent of schools is an argument in favor of the greater participation of women in public affairs. She is a native of this county and a daughter of Robert McEachran, who was born on the 30th of October 1840, in Ohio and removed to Muscatine County, Iowa in 1867, locating upon a farm there. Subsequently he removed to this county and took up his residence upon land in Pilot Township. He gained a competence by farming and is now living retired in Marengo. At the time of the Civil War, he enlisted in the Thirtieth Indiana Volunteer Infantry and was with the colors for four and a half years, serving under Generals George H. Thomas and William T. Sherman. He participated in many battles, including those of Chickamauga, Chattanooga and Franklin, Tennessee and was on the famous march to the sea as far as Atlanta. He was wounded near Resaca and near Lookout Mountain. His wife, who was in her maidenhood, Miss Bridget O’Hair, was born in County Clare, Ireland on the 22nd of December 1845, and has passed to her last rest. She was the mother of seven children, of whom Mary F. is the oldest. James E., the next in order of birth, and John F., are both deceased; Ellen H. is the wife of J.J. Donohoe, a resident of Williamsburg, this county; Annie M. is a high school teacher of Prescott, Arizona; Helena A. is also living in that city; and Claire J. is the wife of G.C. Lessard of Mayer, Arizona.
Miss Mary F. McEachran entered the common schools of this county at the usual age and continued her education in the high school of Williamsburg, from which she was graduated with the class of 1897. She began teaching and won promotion to the principalship of the graded schools at Williamsburg. During her vacations she attended normal school and thus fitted herself for doing better work the following year. She taught in this county for twelve years and in Minnesota for two years and from year to year her power as a teacher and her understanding of educational problems increased. In 1910, her ability was recognized by election to the office of county superintendent of schools and she ahs since filled that position with credit. Her long experience as a teacher enables her to aid the teachers under her in overcoming the difficulties that arise from time to time and she has also succeeded in securing the cooperation of the parents of the children to a marked degree. She is continually striving to relate the school work more closely to the actual life and needs of the community and there has been notable advance in the condition of the schools under her administration.
Miss McEachran is a republican in her political belief, as she is convinced of the wisdom of the policies of that party. Her membership is in the Catholic Church and she belongs to the Ingleside Reading Club, the Woman’s Relief Corps and the P.E.O. Society. Practically her entire life has been passed in the county and her interests are identical with those of the community which she serves in her capacity as county superintendent of schools. She is not only highly respected professionally but has many warm personal friends, who esteem her highly for her many admirable womanly qualities.
Index
RALPH E. JONES
Ralph E. Jones, the present mayor of Williamsburg, is directing the affairs of the municipality in a business like manner and is winning the commendation of his fellow citizens for his efficiency. He is a member of the firm of Jones Brothers, dealers in lumber and coal, and is recognized as a man of enterprise and sound judgment. A native of this county, he was born in Troy Township on the 29th of June 1885, a son of William T. and Margaret (Richards) Jones, natives of Wales and of Covington, Kentucky, respectively. In 1864, both the Jones and Richards families settled in the county and the marriage of William T. Jones and Margaret Richards was solemnized in Troy Township, where they began their married life upon a farm. For many years the father was actively engaged in farming there. The mother passed away in this county in 1905 and in 1913, the father removed to Fairmont, Minnesota, where he is now living.
Ralph E. Jones was reared upon the homestead in Troy Township and at the usual age entered the public schools. After completing the course there, he matriculated at the State University of Iowa and was graduated from the institution in 1906 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. The next three years were spent in teaching in northwestern Iowa, but on the 1st of January 1909, he turned his attention to business, forming a partnership with his brother, David R. Jones, under the firm name of Jones Brothers. They bought out the lumber business of Hughes & Ogle at Williamsburg, and in the six years that have intervened, have established themselves among the most progressive and most successful merchants of the city. They keep on hand a large stock of lumber and their annual sales reach a large total. As they have the reputation of carrying the best grades of coal and as their prices are reasonable, they do a large business in that line as well and the standing of the firm in commercial circles is high.
In April 1910, Mr. Jones married Miss Ella Sieh of Sutherland, Iowa. He is a member of Stellapolis Lodge, No. 391, F. & A. M.; Troy Chapter No. 117, R.A.M.; and of the lodge of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Plover, Iowa. His ballot is cast in support of the measures and candidates of the Republican Party and for four years he served on the city council of Williamsburg. In April 1914, his fellow citizens recognized his ability and public spirit by electing him to the mayoralty and he is now the incumbent in the position. He gives the closest attention to his duties as chief executive of the city and his record is a distinctly creditable one. He is a valued member of the Williamsburg Boosters Club and has had much influence in formulating the plans of that body
for the development of the city. Both he and his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church and in its teachings are found the guiding principles of their lives. His integrity as well as his initiative and ability are well known and the general confidence in his rectitude has been an important factor in his success.
Index
WILLIAM E. STUMP
William E. Stump, who as manager of the Acme Lumber Company, is one of the leaders in business circles of North English, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, on the 19th of November 1853, a son of George and Sarah (Tipton) Stump, who were born respectively in Pennsylvania of Pennsylvania Dutch stock and in Ohio. The father accompanied his parents upon their removal to the Buckeye State when he was but a child and there grew to manhood. He was married to Miss Tipton in Franklin County and after their marriage; they resided upon a farm in the county until 1854. In that year they came to Iowa, locating in Washington County, where the father purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land. Upon retiring from active life, he removed to Wellman, where the demise of his wife occurred. Subsequently he made his home with a daughter on a farm north of Washington and there he passed away.
William E. Stump was educated in the district schools of Washington County and during his boyhood and youth, also learned the principles of farming through assisting his father. Upon attaining maturity, he engaged in farming for himself and continued to follow that occupation until 1893, when he was appointed postmaster of Wellman under President Cleveland. He served a little more than four years and following the expiration of his term of office, purchased a half interest in a lumberyard at Wellman, with which he was identified for two years. He then disposed of his interest therein and purchased a lumberyard in Barnes City, which he conducted for two years. In 1901, he came to North English for the purpose of buying the yard at this place, but upon his arrival found that the stock was being invoiced to the Hawkeye Lumber Company. He then contracted with that concern to manage their yard and continued in the capacity until 1912, when he, with others, organized the Acme Lumber Company and bought the business of the Hawkeye Lumber Company. He has been general manager of the Acme Lumber Company since its organization and his power of initiative, his wide knowledge of business, especially of the lumber trade, combined with his excellent judgment, have made him an ideal man for the place. The business of the company has grown steadily and under his direction, its continued success is assured.
In 1883, Mr. Stump married Miss Ida Stiles, of Washington, Iowa and they have three children: Bessie E., now Mrs. Fred Graham of Barnes City, Iowa; Maud E., a teacher in the North English Schools; and George W., who is attending school.
The political support of Mr. Stump is given the Democratic Party and for several years he served as a member of the town council, while from 1910 to 1912, he was mayor of North English. Fraternally, he holds membership relations with North English Lodge, No. 256, K.P., and with the American Yeomen. His
wife and children belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church and he supports the movements, having as their object the moral betterment of his city. In business he has always lived up to high standards of honor and his success has been the result of superior ability and unusual energy and has not in any case, been the outcome of dubious methods or sharp practice.
Index
BENJAMIN F. TOMPKINS
Benjamin F. Tompkins was for many years closely identified with agricultural interest of Marengo Township, and his demise was the occasion of much sincere regret. Born in Girard, Michigan, January 2, 1840, he was a son of Abram and Mary Ann (Eton) Tompkins. The father was greatly interested in public affairs and following his removal to Tama County, Iowa, represented his district in the state legislature, being elected on the republican ticket.
Benjamin F. Tompkins began his education in his native state, but when fourteen years of age, accompanied his parents to Tama County, Iowa and there finished his schooling. In early manhood he farmed in Tama County for some time but in the spring of 1863, came to Iowa County, where he remained for two years, returning to Tama County in 1865. Twelve years later he again came to Iowa County and the remainder of his life was passed here. He accumulated four hundred acres of fine land in Marengo Township and there followed farming and stock raising, finding that it was more profitable to carry on both branches of business than to specialize in either the one or the other.
On the 18th of April 1861, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Tompkins and Miss Jeannette Johnson, a native of Indiana, who was born October 22, 1840, in Jackson County, and to their union were born eight children, six of whom are living, namely: James G., Harriet, Edgar, Ethel, Elsie and Harry.
Mr. Tompkins, like his father, was a republican and held a number of local offices, proving an excellent official. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, to which his family also belongs, and in its teachings was found the guiding principles of his life. On the 16th of March 1900, he passed to the great beyond and there were many who felt that in his death, they lost a sincere friend. He was a successful farmer and a good citizen and his community was the richer for his having lived.
Index
E. B. HENDERSON, M. D.
Dr. E. B. Henderson, who since 1897, has been engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Marengo, was born in Indianola, Iowa of the 23rd of June 1872, a son of J. H. Henderson, whose birth occurred in Ackworth, Iowa on the 16th of September 1846. The father is an eminent lawyer of the state and for fifteen years was judge of the district court. He is now commerce counsel for the Iowa State Railway Commission and resides in Des Moines. He married Miss Nannie J. Spray, who was born in Darke County, Ohio on the 20th
of December 1848 and died on the 8th of February 1902. She was the mother of five children: Alfred, deceased; E. B.; Frank P., a lawyer residing at Indianola; Inez, now Mrs. C. D. Proudfoot, also of Indianola; and Dwight F. of Spokane, Washing, who is superintendent of motors for the Washington Water, Light & Power Company.
Dr. E. B. Henderson entered Simpson College at Indianola, after completing the public school course there and in preparation for his professional career, became a student in the medical department of the State University of Iowa, from which he was graduated with the degree of M.D. In 1897, he located in Marengo for the practice of his profession and in the years that have since intervened, has built up an enviable reputation for ability and conscientiousness. His patients come from quite a wide territory and have the utmost confidence in him as a physician and surgeon-a confidence that is shared by his colleagues in the profession. He is also connected with the financial interests of Marengo as a stockholder and director of the First National Bank and as secretary of the local telephone company.
On the 7th of June 1898, was solemnized the marriage of Dr. Henderson and Miss Effie Busselle, a daughter of William W. and Tamzen Anna (Reece) Busselle, both native of Lucas County, Iowa. They were highly esteemed in their community and both have passed to their final rest. Dr. and Mrs. Henderson have two living children, Brenton B. and Harriet, and have lost a son, Luther H.
Dr. Henderson casts his ballot in favor of the Republican Party. His religious adherence is given to the Methodist Church, in the work of which he takes a helpful interest. Fraternally he is well known; belonging to the Masonic lodge, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of American and the Modern Brotherhood of America. Professionally he is a member of the Iowa County and Iowa State Medical Societies and of the American Medical Association. He is very progressive and wide-awake and keeps in close touch with the latest developments in the field of medical research, realizing that only by so doing, can he maintain his standing as an able member of his profession.
Index
CHARLES T. LYON
Charles T. Lyon, postmaster of Conroy and manager of the Conroy Drug Store, was born in Marengo, Iowa on the 9th of September 1873, of the marriage of Asher M. and Josephine (Haverly) Lyon, both of whom are still living in Marengo. He passed his boyhood and youth in his native city and was graduated from the high school of that place in 1891. However, prior to that time he began the study of pharmacy in the drug store of F. O. Goldthwaite, where he was employed for four or five years and upon leaving there, went to Sioux City, where he worked in a drug store for two or three years. At the end of that time, he returned to Marengo and in 1900, passed the examination of the state board of pharmaceutical examiners, becoming a registered pharmacist. During the
next two years, his time was taken up with his duties as deputy treasurer, serving under Henry Goldthwaite. At the end of that time, he left the office and in company with T. M. Clevenger, then county superintendent of schools, established a drug business in Marengo. After six months, Mr. Lyon purchased the interest of his partner and became sole proprietor, conducting the store for eight years. He then sold out and for a time represented a cigar and tobacco house upon the road, after which he located in Des Moines and helped to open a drug store, where he was employed for about two years. After spending about thirteen months in Marion, Iowa, he came to Conroy, arriving here in August 1914. He opened the store owned by the Conroy Drug Company and has since been its manager. The store has been well patronized since its establishment and its trade has grown steadily in volume. Much care is taken to fill prescriptions accurately with drugs of known purity and a full line of druggists’ sundries is also carried. Much of the success of the business is due to Mr. Lyon’s knowledge of the trade and his close attention to all details.
In July 1900, Miss Frances A. Henderson, of Marengo, became the wife of Mr. Lyon. She is a daughter of the late A. M. Henderson, for many years cashier of the Marengo Savings Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Lyon have a son, Alfred Asher.
Mr. Lyon is a republican in politics and has taken considerable interest in public affairs. He has served as a member of the Marengo city council, as city clerk, as treasurer of the school board and on the 1st of October 1914, was appointed postmaster of Conroy. Fraternally he is connected with Marengo Lodge, No. 114, A.F & A.M..; Jerusalem Chapter, No. 72, R.A.M.; and Marengo Lodge No. 30, K.P. He is prominent not only in business circles but in politics and in general civic affairs and in all of those lines of activity; his influence has made for the good of the community.
Index
C. H. CARSON
C. H. Carson, superintendent of the Marengo Schools, was born at Woodburn, Macoupin County, Illinois, on the 9th of April 1860, a son of William T. and Abbie (Colcord) Carson, the former born near Nashville Tennessee and the later in Wilton, Maine. On the maternal side, our subject is a direct descendant of John Alden, Priscilla Mullens and Miles Standish. He is also a descendant of Lieutenant Lemuel Perham, of the Revolutionary War, on the maternal side and is a member of the society of the Sons of the American Revolution. His father was a well known merchant of Woodburn, Illinois and served as postmaster under five presidents: Buchanan, Lincoln, Johnson, Cleveland and Harrison.
The early education of C. H. Carson was received in the village school of his native town, but in 1876, he entered the Bunker Hill (Ill) Academy and there prepared for college. In 1879, he entered Oberlin College of Oberlin, Ohio, where he remained for a year, when he was compelled to leave school in order to earn money with which to continue his education. He taught in a country school during the scholastic year of 1880-81, but in the fall of 1881, returned to Oberlin College
and remained until 1884, when he was graduated from the classical course with the degree of A. B. Three years later his alma mater conferred upon him the master’s degree.
In the fall following his graduation from college, Mr. Carson came to Iowa as superintendent of the public schools of Anita. He held that position for five years, but in the fall of 1889, began his work as superintendent of the schools of Winterset. He remained there for two years and in 1891, was elected superintendent of the Marengo public schools. He has been at the head of the school system of this city every since, or for twenty-five years, a tenure of office exceeded in length by only one other city superintendent in the state. He understands thoroughly the needs and conditions of the community and as he has completely identified his interests with those of Marengo, he succeeds admirably in adapting the public school system to the life of the city and under his administration; the schools are preparing students for the responsibilities and opportunities that lie ahead of them.
Mr. Carson was married on the 13th of June 1889, to Miss Carrie McKinley, of Anita, Iowa and they began housekeeping at Winterset. They are the parents of a son, Clarence McKinley Carson, who received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Grinnell College in 1913, and is now an industrial chemist, living in Cleveland, Ohio.
Mr. Carson has always taken a keen interest in religious work and is a member and officer of the First Presbyterian Church. Since the establishment of the board of trustees of the free public library in June 1903, Mr. Carson has been secretary thereof and has done much to make the library a real factor in the community life. For a number of years he has also managed the Marengo lecture and entertainment courses and has for two summers had charge of the Chautaugua in Marengo. In those connections he has perhaps had more to do than any other one man in providing wholesome entertainment for Marengo and its vicinity, a service that is far from being insignificant. His activities include work in behalf of the commercial and business growth of the city as a member of the Commercial Club. In many different directions, his energy and public spirit have benefited this city, and he is indeed one of its most highly respected citizens.
Index
MICHAEL SHAULL
Among the prosperous farmers of Sumner Township is Michael Shaull, who owns land on section 16. He was born in that township on the 9th of February 1878, and is a son of George W. and Sarah (Baughman) Shaull, natives of Seneca County, Ohio, the former born February 1, 1835 and the latter September 28, 1838. The father operated his mother’s farm until 1856, when he came to Iowa County in company with his brother Michael and for some time they worked at the carpenter’s trade together. In the fall of 1857, he returned to Ohio and was there married in 1858. He farmed in Seneca County, Ohio until the fall of 1868, when he brought his family to Iowa County, Iowa, buying eighty acres of land in Honey Creek Township. In 1869, he sold his land in the county and
returned to Ohio, where he followed agricultural pursuits until the spring of 1874. He then came again to this county and bought land on section 16, Sumner Township. He subsequently purchased additional land until at the time of his death; he held title to three hundred and sixty acres. He passed away January 24, 1913, when in his seventy-eighth year. His widow survives and resides with our subject. She is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, to which her husband also belonged.
Michael Shaull was educated in the district schools and under the instruction of his father early, learned the principles of agriculture. When twenty-two years of age, he began farming for himself, operating a portion of the home farm as a renter, but he now owns eighty acres of the homestead, deeded him by his father, and in addition to operating that land, cultivates forty acres as a renter. He is alert and up to date and his well directed labors are bringing him a good financial return.
On the 8th of March 1902, Mr. Shaull married Miss Zina Bigbee of Pilot Township, this county. In his political views he is independent, voting for the man whom he deems best fitted for the office in question. His wife belongs to the Congregational Church and takes a praiseworthy interest in the furtherance of its work and the spread of its influence. Mr. Shaull is a stockholder in the Iowa County Mutual Telephone Company and is one of the representative men of his township. A native of Iowa County, he has passed his entire life here and the fact that those who have known him from childhood hold him in high esteem indicates the sterling worth of his character.
Index
J. F. KIRBY
J. F. Kirby was born in Iowa County, Iowa, October 22, 1872. His father was Patrick Kirby of County Kerry, and his mother Bridget Kirby, nee Power, of County Kilkenny, Ireland. The father came to America in 1849 and the mother in 1851. They were married in Brooklyn, New York in 1860, and immediately went to live in Lyons, Wayne County, New York. They continued to reside on Wayne County until 1866, when they moved to Cleveland, Ohio. In 1867, they came to Iowa in search of good, cheap land. The family took up temporary residence at Davenport in order to give the father opportunity to look about the state for a satisfactory location. The same year Patrick Kirby came to Iowa County and purchased the farm in Sumner Township, which is still owned by J.F. Kirby and his sister Mary T. Moynihan. Two years later the family moved to this farm and made it their home until Mr. Kirby’s death in 1894. Later Mrs. Kirby removed to Marengo, Iowa, where she resided until her death in 1906.
When Patrick Kirby bought his Iowa County farm, there was but one house between it and then then village of Marengo, a distance of eight and a quarter miles. It was among scenes like this that J. F. Kirby spent his early years. He says he can still remember sitting on the doorstep of the little prairie home in the early summer evenings listening to the dismal howling of the wolves among the hazelbrush on the prairie hills. He says his mother, to her dying day,
[Blank Page]
[Portrait]
J. F. Kirby
[Portrait]
Mrs. J. F. Kirby
[Blank Page]
delighted to tell of spring in early Iowa, with its green rolling prairies, its hillsides banked deep with wild flowers and the air heavy with their stimulating fragrance.
J. F. Kirby received his early training in the public schools, supplemented by such studies as he was able to pursue between days of farm work. In the fall of 1898, after a year’s preparation in the Iowa City Academy, he entered the State University of Iowa, from which he received three degrees: Ph.B in 1902; LL.B in 1904, and A.M. in 1906. In 1906, he opened a law office in Williamsburg, Iowa where he is still engaged in the practice of law. He served four years as county attorney for Iowa County, after which he decided to quit politics, except so far as a private citizen should take an active interest in the affairs of his state and country. He has a wide acquaintance over the state, and it is said of him that once he makes a friend, he keeps him. Fortune has been kind to him, both financially and in his law practice. He says he appreciates most, however, the fact that he has retained, through his years of practice, his old neighbors in Iowa County as his friends and clients.
While attending the State University of Iowa, Mr. Kirby met Miss Elizabeth Schichtl of Algona, Iowa, who was also a student of the university, to whom he was married in 1910, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mrs. Kirby is of German extraction. Her father, Joseph Schichtl, was a native of the kingdom of Bavaria, and her mother, whose maiden name was Mary Fuhrmann, was born in the state of Wisconsin, but her parents came from the province of Treves (Trier) on the Moselle.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Kirby are members of the Catholic Church. Mr. Kirby is a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
Index
MICHAEL H. MORRIN
Michael H. Morrin is a prosperous and esteemed citizen of Iowa County who has lived within its borders for about a half century, during which period he has devoted his attention successfully to the pursuits of farming and stock raising and now owns three hundred and fifty-five acres of valuable land on section 28, Troy Township. His birth occurred in Ireland on the 14th of February 1845, his parents being Peter and Margaret (Brennan) Morrin, who were born, reared and married in that country. In 1848, they crossed the Atlantic to the new world, settling first in Licking County, Ohio, while in 1855, they took up their abode in Muscatine County, Iowa. Eleven years later they came to Iowa County, arriving here in March 1866. They had eight children, as follows: Bridget, who was born in Ireland and is now a resident of Williamsburg, Iowa; Mary and Peter, both of whom were born in Ireland and have passed away; Michael H., of this review; John, a native of Ireland and now a resident of Cherokee County, Iowa; Patrick, who was born in Ohio and now makes his home in Emmetsburg, Iowa; Catherine, a native of Iowa and a resident of Williamsburg; and James, who was born in this state and lives in Iowa County.
Michael H. Morrin was but three years of age when brought to the United States by his parents and a lad of ten years when he accompanied them to Iowa. He attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and on the 29th of November 1864, when nineteen years of age, enlisted at St. Louis as a member of the First Nebraska United States Volunteers, serving on the frontier for six months. He was discharged at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and on the 20th of June 1865, and then returned to his home in Muscatine County, but remained there for only a short time, coming to Iowa County with the family in the following spring. Here he has resided continuously since and agricultural pursuits have claimed his attention throughout his entire business career. His holdings now embrace three hundred and fifty-five acres of rich and productive land on section 28, Troy Township and in connection with the cultivation of cereals; he devotes considerable attention to live stock, raising shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, which, branch of his business adds materially to his income.
On the 14th of February 1876, Mr. Morrin was united in marriage to Miss Anna Henson, daughter of Hugh and Sarah Henson, who were married in New York City. Hugh Henson, who was born in Ireland, became the father of eight children, as follows: John, a resident of North Dakota; Richard, deceased; Mrs. Anna Morrin; Catherine, living in Davenport; Joseph, who has passed away; James, a resident of Rock Island; Hugh, who makes his home in Kansas City; and Michael, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Morrin have been born twelve children, namely: Leonard, who is married and resides in Chicago; Augustine, deceased; Paul, who is married and lives in St. Louis; Rosella, the wife of L.L. Lynch, of Cedar Rapids; Frances, the wife of Hugh O’Donnell, of Williamsburg; Ambrose, at home; Veronica, who became Sister May Angela, at Des Moines in 1905; Evalena, at home; Theresa, a resident of Chicago; Nell, who is attending St. Ambrose College at Davenport; and Lambert and James, both at home.
The family are communicants of the Catholic Church at Williamsburg. For almost a half century, Mr. Morrin has lived in this county and has, therefore, been a witness of the greater part of its progress, development and improvement. He has always rejoiced in what has been accomplished here and as the years have passed, has taken an active and helpful part in promoting the best interests of this section of the state.
Index
HOWARD C. GATES
Howard C. Gates is one of the prominent men in Iowa County and one of the foremost citizens of Ladora. He is cashier of the Ladora Savings Bank, vice president of the Millersburg Savings Bank and is identified with many other corporations and with many movements for the public good. A native of Oswego County, New York, his birth occurred on the 15th of July 1866, his parents being Samuel E. and Sarah L. (Cleveland) Gates, also natives of that state, where they continued to reside until 1866. In that year, they came west with their family and arrived in this county on the 8th of December, that year. The father bought a farm in Honey Creek Township, known as the old Middlesworth
farm, but not having sufficient capital to pay for it, he borrowed the money, for which he paid ten per cent interest. He gave the man who loaned it his note without a mortgage, and in time paid off his indebtedness in full. He resided upon his farm until February 1888, when his health failing, he traded his land for city property in Grinnell, Iowa and removed there. Some time after taking up his residence there, he engaged with his son Elmer D. in the mercantile business and although he had had no previous experience in merchandising, he was very successful in the conduct of his store. For a number of years he was identified with the mercantile interests in Grinnell but is now living retired in that city, enjoying the fruits of his many years of labor.
Howard C. Gates was reared under the parental roof and learned lessons of industry and integrity that have since proved of great value to him. His scholastic education was acquired in the public schools and he was graduated from the Marengo high school with the class of 1884. The next two years were devoted to teaching, but in 1886, he came to Ladora and entered the employ of Whitlock & Fields, dealers in lumber, grain and livestock. He was bookkeeper for the concern and had been with the company but three years when he acquired a sixth interest in the business. Two years later he was a third owner of the company and when, three or four years afterward, Mr. Whitlock dropped out of the business, Mr. Gates acquired a half interest therein and the firm style was changed to Fields & Gates. While that partnership was maintained they built the present bank building and organized the Ladora Savings Bank. They contracted for a stated sum to pay all of the clerical help and conduct the bank for five years and were also given the privilege of conducting their own business at the same time. After the expiration of that period, the bank was conducted on much the same plan under yearly contract for two years longer. At the end of that time, Mr. Gates bought Mr. Fields’ interest in the grain and lumber business and has also continued to operate the bank under the contract and is known as cashier of the institution. A number of years ago, however, he sold the bank building to the bank. The agreement under which he conducts the business of the institution for a stated sum has proved satisfactory to both the bank and to Mr. Gates and the success of the plan is a high tribute to his astuteness as a businessman and to his unquestioned integrity. In 1911, he sold his livestock business and in 1913, sold his grain and lumber interests and has since given his entire attention to banking, to the supervision of his farm, which is located on the Iowa and Benton County line, and to his duties as an official in a number of local companies.
In 1908, Mr. Gates organized the Newburg Savings Bank at Newburg, Iowa, of which he was a director for three years, after which he sold his interest therein. In 1909, he organized the Millersburg Savings Bank, of which he was later made vice president, in which capacity he is still serving. During the years that he has resided in Ladora, there has scarcely been an enterprise of any importance inaugurated in the town in which he has not been a dominant factor. He was a leader in organizing the Farmers Mutual Telephone Company and the Ladora Northern Telephone Company and served as treasurer of both companies until a short time ago. He still occupies that important position with the Ladora Northern Telephone Company. He was one of the prime movers in the incorporation of the Ladora Lumber & Grain Company, of which he is treasurer, and was one of the leaders in the organization of the Karsten Clothing Company,
an incorporated concern, of which he is treasurer. He is secretary and treasurer of the Ladora Gas Company, which he aided in organizing, and he was one of the organizers of the Genoa Bluff Creamery Company, of which he is treasurer.
On the 15th of September 1887, Mr. Gates married Miss Minna Whitlock, a daughter of Samuel and Mary E. (Pike) Whitlock. Her father first came to Iowa some time in the 50’s but returned to Ohio, where he continued to reside until in the 60’s, when he removed with his family to this county, where he has since resided. He spends the summer months with his children but lives in Florida during the winter. He retains many business interests, which he manages personally. To Mr. and Mrs. Gates have been born two children: Muriel, a registered nurse; and Harry S., a farmer of Saskatchewan, Canada. Mrs. Gates has been, at all times, a true helpmate to her husband and Mr. Gates says that whatever success he has attained in life is due in large measure to her wise advice, encouragement and helpful influence.
The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are important factors in furthering its work. Fraternally, Mr. Gates is a member of Sharon Lodge, No. 287, A.F. & A.M., of Victor. He is a man of progressive spirit and has always been among the first to take advantage of the perfection of any new device that promises to add to the comfort and joy of living. He himself installed the first telephones put in for the Ladora Northern Telephone Company at the time of the building of that line and put in the first telephone installed in the town of Koszta. There are a number of thriving companies in the county that in all probability would not have been organized if it had not been for his initiative and leadership and they owe much of their prosperity to his continued connection with them and to his power of executive control. He is not only one of the most successful and able men in the county, but is also highly esteemed personally and has many loyal friends.
Index
HARRY H. REED
Harry H. Reed, owner and proprietor of the Heatherdale Stock Farm, is one of the most progressive and enterprising agriculturists and stock-raisers of the county. He was born in Marengo Township on the farm which is still his home, his natal day being June 4, 1879. His parents were George W. and Margaret (Hunter) Reed, in whose family were two children, Harry H. and a sister, Edna M. The father was born in England but in his boyhood days, came to the new world and settled in Ohio. After coming to this state, he took up his abode in Iowa City and afterward removed to Marengo. He was a wagon maker by trade but, turning his attention to agricultural pursuits, became the owner of the farm near Marengo. His wife was born in Iowa township and is now sixty-six years of age. They are a worthy and highly esteemed couple and have the friendship of many with whom they have come in contact. They now reside in Marengo.
At the usual age, Harry H. Reed became a public school pupil. He was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and he has always occupied the old homestead farm
on which he was born. He gave to his father the benefit of his services until he reached the age of twenty-two years, at which time he was married and took possession of the farm, which he has since cultivated. His methods are at once practical and progressive, he keeps in touch with the trend of modern progress along agricultural lines and he is today one of the foremost stock-raisers of his part of the state, making a specialty of Aberdeen cattle and Shropshire sheep. He has owned some very fine specimens of both and has exhibited his stock at the Chicago livestock exhibits and at the State Fair at Des Moines. He has thoroughly informed himself concerning conditions which bear upon the raising of livestock and his business has been conducted to systematically that success has attended his efforts in a most creditable measure.
On the 13th of October 1901, Mr. Reed was united in marriage to Miss Bessie L. McFall, of Marengo, a daughter of Charles V. McFall, a merchant. Mrs. and Mrs. Reed are members of the Presbyterian Church and contribute generously to its support. In politics he is a republican and he has filled the office of township clerk. As proprietor of the Heatherdale Stock Farm, he is widely known.
Index
JOHN L. LUTTON
John L. Lutton is associated with agriculture and it kindred industries, for he owns and operates four hundred acres of land, is an extensive stock-raiser and dealer and also owns and conducts the elevator at North English. He is a native of this county, born on the 4th of December 1856, and is a son of C.W. and Margaret (Main) Lutton, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. In the early ‘50s they immigrated to Iowa County, Iowa and located in the vicinity of North English in what was then known as Soaptown. The father taught school for some time and exerted considerable influence in his community. Both he and his wife have passed to their reward. They were the parents of five children: Ella, Mary and Charles, all deceased; Belle, now Mrs. M.G. King; and John L. of this review.
The last named attended the common schools in his boyhood but when only thirteen years of age began his independent business career and has since relied upon his own resources. He was employed as a farm hand until he was grown and being by that time an experienced agriculturist and having carefully saved his wages, he rented a farm and cultivated it on his own account. Subsequently, he purchased land in English township and now holds title to four hundred acres, all in a high state of cultivation. His farm is excellently improved, and up to date methods and the latest machinery are used in the farm work. Mr. Lutton makes a specialty of raising and shipping stock and buys and sells many head annually. He ships on an average of one hundred cars of stock per year and is one of the best known stockmen of this county, in fact, in this part of the state. He also buys grain of all kinds, owning the elevator at North English, and all of his activities are wisely managed.
In 1876, Mr. Lutton married Miss Hannah Bolts, who was born in the county, a daughter of Josiah and Almira Bolts. The father, who was a native of Ohio, came to Iowa at an early date and passed away in this state. Mr. and Mrs. Lutton
became the parents of four children: William W., who is still upon the home farm; Mattie G., at home, W.O., upon the homestead; and Clarence, deceased. The wife and mother died in 1895 and was laid to rest in the North English cemetery.
Mr. Lutton is a republican but has never sought public office. He is well known in local Masonic circles, having taken all of the degrees in the Scottish rite and belonging also to the Mystic Shrine. He has filled all of the chairs in the blue lodge and does all in his power to promote the welfare of that great order. His life has been characterized by energy and the ability to direct his activities wisely and although he has had to depend entirely upon himself since the age of thirteen, he has never failed of making a good livelihood and is now one of the most substantial men of his county, having gained financial independence. He has the respect of those who know him and his personality wins him the friendship of many.
Index
ALBERT H. EVANS
Albert H. Evans, cashier of the Williamsburg Savings Bank, has the enviable distinction of being the youngest cashier in Iowa County and has fully demonstrated his right to rank with the able financiers of the county. The bank of which he is an officer is the largest and strongest in the county and his election as cashier is a high tribute to his ability. He was born in Williamsburg on the 26th of July 1888, a son of William H. and Ida M. (Hughes) Evans. His paternal grandfather, William E. Evans, was one of the early settlers of this county and also one of the most prominent citizens. His maternal grandfather, John Hughes, was likewise a pioneer of Iowa County and was for many years, postmaster of Williamsburg. Indeed, he held the office so long that he was familiarly known among the old settlers as “old Postmaster Hughes.”
Albert H. Evans has spent his entire life in this county and acquired his education in the public schools, being graduated from the Williamsburg high school with the class of 1906 when a youth of eighteen. Following the completion of his studies, he entered the employ of Hughes & Ogle, lumber dealers and was with them in the capacity of bookkeeper until November 1907. He was then offered and accepted a position in the Williamsburg Savings Bank, entering the service in a very humble capacity as general utility man. Among his duties was that of opening the bank in the morning and he was also expected to sweep the rooms and arrange things in order for the day. He turned his hand to whatever he was called upon to do, no matter how menial it might seem, and performed every task to the best of his ability. He never missed an opportunity to learn something concerning the work of the institution, as he believed that if he showed himself capable and prepared for advancement he would win promotion. His superiors were favorably impressed with his energy and the intelligent interest which he took in the work of the bank and he was advanced through various positions until he was made cashier. As bookkeeper and assistant cashier, he acquired a thorough knowledge of the routine of banking procedure and also
gained much insight into the general principles underlying the management of the institution. On the 1st of July 1914, when not quite twenty-six years of age, he was made cashier of the institution and has since held that responsible position. He has a knowledge of banking that is unusual for one of his years and his judgment is remarkable mature. He seldom, if ever, makes a mistake in the extension of credit and keeps in close touch with all the phases of the work of the bank. Under his management the high standing of the institution has been maintained and the amount of its deposits has continued to grow steadily. His first care is to safeguard the interests of depositors, realizing that the permanent prosperity of a bank is based upon the confidence of the general public in its stability, but he has also so managed its affairs that it has paid good dividends to its stockholders. The institution is the largest and best known in the county and its cashier is an important factor in the financial circles of the county.
Mr. Evans resides with his mother and both have many friends in the community. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian Church and fraternally he is connected with the Williamsburg Lodge, No. 6, I.O.O.F. His political allegiance is given to the Republican Party, but he has no time to devote to political activity, as his business demands his undivided attention. He is heartily in sympathy with the work of the Williamsburg Boosters Club, which is doing much to promote the expansion of the city, and he has contributed to the successful carrying out of a number of its plans.
Index
T. M. FOSTER
T. M. Foster, ex-mayor of North English, is actively engaged in business there as the proprietor of a drug store. He was born in Muscatine, Iowa on the 17th of October 1865, of the marriage of Isaac and Milly J. (Wood) Foster, natives respectively of Ohio and of Kentucky. The paternal grandfather, David Foster, was a brother in law of Robert Lucas, first territorial governor of Iowa, the wife of Mr. Foster being a sister of the governor’s wife. Soon after Mr. Lucas was appointed governor, David Foster removed to Iowa and located in Burlington, but not long afterward went to Louisa County, where he passed away and was buried. Robert Lucas, son of the governor, was left with David Foster in Ohio, following his father’s appointment as governor and when Isaac Foster was a boy of about sixteen years, he and young Robert Lucas ran away and made their way to Burlington, whence Isaac Foster, the father of our subject, drifted to Muscatine. This was in the early ‘50s and in 1855 he was married in that city and continued to reside in Muscatine County until his fiftieth year. Following the demise of his wife he removed to Louisa County, where he resided for about twenty years and there passed to his reward. While living in Muscatine County, he followed agricultural pursuits but after his removal to Louisa County, he engaged in the livery business in Columbus Junction.
T. M. Foster was reared under the parental roof and acquired his general education in the public schools and in Wilton Academy at Wilton, Iowa. When twenty years of age, he went to Marengo and took up the study of pharmacy in a drug store owned by Dr. W. M. Eddy. On completing his studies he took the
examination of the state board of pharmacy, which he passed. That was in the year 1888 and he was duly registered as a pharmacist at that time. He then went to Iowa City, where he devoted one year to his profession and then returned to Marengo as the manager of Dr. Eddy’s drug store, in which capacity he served for four years. In 1893, he came to North English and established a drug store, to the conduct of which he has since devoted the greater part of his time and energy. He exercises the greatest care to secure drugs of known strength and purity and also carries a well selected stock of druggists’ sundries.
In 1891, occurred the marriage of Mr. Foster and Miss Esther Mary Hopkins, of Marengo, and they have three children: Amy W., who is teaching in the North English schools; Charles H., a resident of Iowa City, who is bookkeeper in the office of J. H. Huntzinger, a prominent building contractor of that place; and Maude L., at home. All of the children are graduates of the North English high school and are proving useful men and women.
In political matters, Mr. Foster gives his allegiance to the Republican Party and has been elected to a number of positions of trust. For five years he served as a member of the town council, for nine years was treasurer of the school board, while for two terms he held the office of mayor. All of his official service has been characterized by single-minded devotion to the public good and by efficiency, his record being one of which he has every reason to be proud. Fraternally he belongs to Triumph Lodge, No. 479, A.F. & A.M., and his religious faith coincides with the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which he belongs as does his family. As a business man, as an official and as a private citizen, he has, at all times, measured up to high standards and is one of those whose lives give strength and character to the life of the community as a whole.
Index
JOHN P. TYLER
John P. Tyler, general merchant of Ladora, Iowa is also secretary and manager of the Farmers Supply Company, Incorporated, dealers in lumber, grain, coal, feed, etc. He is a native of Sumner Township, Iowa County, born on the 7th of November 1859, of the marriage of Jehiel and Rachel (Veach) Tyler. The father’s parents were among the earliest settlers in Iowa, the family arriving here in the ‘30s when he was but three years old. The came to this stated from the vicinity of Albany, New York, and settled about three miles from the present city limits of Burlington. In that locality, Jehiel Tyler was reared and married. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rachel Veach, was a native of Burlington. She was one of the first white children born in that city, which was then but an insignificant frontier town composed of twelve or fifteen log cabins. Her parents came to Iowa from Pennsylvania and one of her mother’s direct ancestors was a sister of Daniel Boone, the great pioneer. In 1856, Mr. and Mrs. Jehiel Tyler came to the county and settled upon a farm in Sumner Township, buying the place from Nick Rosenberger, who received a patent to the land from the government. Upon the breaking out of the Civil War, Mr. Tyler joined the Union army and was assigned to the Company E, Twenty-fourth Regiment, Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He died in the service at Helena, Arkansas on the 15th of February 1863. His
[Portrait]
John P. Tyler
[Blank Page]
widow subsequently married J. B. Betz and survived for many years, dying on the 10th of December 1908.
John P. Tyler was reared upon the home farm and as a boy the greater part of his time was devoted to assisting with the cultivation of the fields and the care of livestock. He attended school only when his services were not needed upon the farm and never attended sixty-five days in any one year. When he attained his majority, he bought the old home farm and operated it until 1904, in which year he removed to Ladora and embarked in mercantile business. He was a successful farmer and in the eleven years that he has conducted a general store in Ladora, he has built up a gratifying business and has gained a place among the leading merchants of the town. He carries hardware and furniture and also has an undertaking department. He has made it an invariable rule to give his customers the benefit of the doubt, believing that the confidence of the general public in his unswerving integrity is an asset, the value of which cannot be overestimated. He is also secretary and manager of the Farmers Supply Company, Incorporated, which is an important business concern of this part of the county and deals in lumber, grain, coal, feed, etc.
On the 18th of December, 1882, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Tyler and Miss Frances Kimes, a native of Hartford Township, this county. Two sons were born to this union: Arthur N., a veterinary surgeon of Victor; and John F., who is in the automobile business in Brooklyn. The wife and mother passed away on Christmas Day 1887, and on the 23rd of November 1892, Mr. Tyler married Mrs. Martin Zimmerman, who was in her maidenhood, Miss Charity E. Penn. They have become the parents of two children, Rachel C. and Ralph M; both of whom are attending high school in Grinnell.
Mr. Tyler is independent in politics, refusing to follow the dictates of any party boss. Fraternally he is a member of Ladora Lodge, No. 622, I.O.O.F.; Francisca Chapter, No. 406, Daughters of Rebekah; and Ladora Encampment, No. 220. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Protestant Church and the rectitude and kindness of their daily lives bear witness to the sincerity of their faith.
Index
WILLIAM EDWIN WANAMAKER
William Edwin Wanamaker, who passed away in Marengo on the 28th of March 1913, spent his entire life within the borders of Iowa County and had devoted his attention to the pursuits of farming and stock-raising and also carpentering. His birth occurred in Washington Township on the 16th of December 1856, his parents being John and Elizabeth (Bowers) Wanamaker, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Indiana respectively and were married in the latter state. The mother of our subject, born October 20, 1827, was reared and educated in the Hoosier state and gave her hand in marriage to John Wanamaker on the 14th of January 1847. In 1853, they came to Iowa County, Iowa and here spent the remainder of their lives, Mr. Wanamaker passing away on the 4th of January 1865.
William Edwin Wanamaker attended the public schools of this county in the acquirement of an education and left home about five or six years prior to his mother’s demise. The pursuits of farming and stock-raising claimed his attention for many years and he disposed of one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land when he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Marengo about 1902.
On the 4th of April 1893, Mr. Wanamaker was united in marriage to Miss Ida Simmons, who was born in Frederick County, Maryland, a daughter of Baker Howard and Theresa (Jarboe) Simmons, both of whom were natives of Maryland. The father died in that state, but the mother removed to this county in 1887, and passed away at Marengo when eighty years old. Mr. and Mrs. Wanamaker had one son, Edwin, who is at home with his widowed mother and who is engaged in the automobile business.
Mr. Wanamaker was a liberal in his political views, but the honors and emoluments of office had no attraction for him, as he was a man of quiet, retiring disposition and domestic tastes. He was a convert to the Catholic Church in Marengo, to which his widow and son also belong. In his demise, which occurred on the 28th or March 1913, the community lost one of its representatives, prosperous and public-spirited citizens and one whose life had ever measured up to the highest standards of honorable manhood and citizenship. Mrs. Wanamaker is also well known and highly esteemed throughout the community, having gained the warm regard and friendship of those with whom she has come in contact.
Index
GUSTAVE H. PLAGMANN
Gustave H. Plagmann, a farmer living on section 19, Hilton Township, is a native son of this county, born in Sumner Township on the 13th of January 1884. Extended mention of his father, Jochim Plagmann, appears elsewhere in this work. Gustave H. Plagmann grew to manhood here and his education was that afforded by the common schools. Upon reaching his twenty-first year, he rented land from his father and he and his brother Frank began operating two farms in partnership, one in Hilton Township and the other in Sumner Township. The brothers carried on agricultural pursuits together for about three years and then, as their father was unable to continue the work of the home farm, our subject returned home and took charge of the place, which comprised three hundred and twenty acres. He operated it for about five years and in 1910, upon the division of the estate, he purchased his present farm of one hundred acres, on which he located December 23, 1912. He made a number of improvements thereon and his farm is said to be the best improved one hundred acres in Iowa County. The residence is supplied with hot water heat, bath, its own electric light plant and all other modern conveniences. The barns and sheds, which are the finest in the county, are all painted white and planned to secure the greatest efficiency in the farm work. All of the improvements have been made by Mr. Plagmann and his reputation for initiative and progressiveness is well deserved.
Besides this property he owns an improved farm of eighty acres in Hilton Township.
On the 1st of November 1911, occurred the marriage of Mr. Plagmann and Miss Mary Louise Hursh, a daughter of Benjamin B. Hursh, who came to this county from New Jersey but subsequently removed to Saskatchewan, Canada, where his death occurred. Mr. and Mrs. Plagmann have two children, Harold Elden and Dorothy Louise.
Mr. Plagmann is independent in politics, believing that the greatest good of the country requires that the yoke of bondage to party leaders be thrown off and that the voters follow the dictates of their own judgment in casting their ballots. He is an active member of the Presbyterian Church, as is his wife and no good cause appeals to them in vain. He is an excellent representative of the new type of farmer that seeks to utilize the results of scientific investigation, to place the business phases of farming upon a strictly business basis and to constantly increase his efficiency in the work of cultivating the land and caring for stock.
Index
CONRAD GABRIEL
Conrad Gabriel is the owner of an excellent farm of two hundred and forty acres, situated in Lincoln and Dayton townships. In its midst stands a modern residence, attractive in its style of architecture and in its equipment and commanding a fine view of the farm, which stretches in undulating fields that, carefully cultivated, are bringing to the owner a golden return for the care and labor which be bestows upon them.
Mr. Gabriel has always lived in Iowa, his birth having occurred in Muscatine county April 9, 1857; his parents being Adam and Eliza (Gleisner) Gabriel, both of who were natives of Hesse-Cassel, Germany and in that country were reared, educated and married. The interesting tales which they heard concerning the new world and it’s opportunities led to a decision to try their fortune on this side of the Atlantic and in 1856, they bade adieu to friends and fatherland and sailed for the United States, making their way at once to Muscatine County, Iowa where, for twelve years, the father followed the occupation of farming. At the end of that time they removed to Iowa County, where their remaining days were passed, the father’s death occurring on October 1905, when he had reached the very venerable age of eighty-eight years, while his wife died in 1878. They were the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters: Martha, who is married and lives in Utah; Anna, who died at the age of fifteen years; James, a farmer of Dayton Township; Eliza, living in Grinnell, Iowa; Conrad, of this review; and Mary, who is married and lives in Pasadena, California.
Conrad Gabriel was about ten or eleven years of age when his parents removed from Muscatine to Iowa County, where he has since remained. In his boyhood he attended the public schools and divided his time between the work of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground, and the labors of the fields. He had practical training in the work of tilling the soil and caring for the crops so that his experience was of much value to him when he started out in life on
his own account. He has always followed farming and is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich and productive land, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation. His farm is neat and thrifty in appearance and in its midst stands an attractive modern residence, while upon the place are good barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock. Mr. Gabriel makes good use of his time and energies and in the management of his property displays sound judgment and keen sagacity.
Mr. Gabriel has been married twice. In 1883, he wedded Miss Elizabeth Fish, with whom he traveled life’s journey for about a decade, when in 1893, she was called to her final rest. They were the parents of four children. Leo A., who was born April 8, 1885 and is now a resident farmer of Deep River Township, wedded Mary Thomas and they have one child, Orville Lynn. Eva, born December 3, 1887, is the wife of Charles Bale, of Marengo. Their only child is deceased. Mable, born February 22, 1890, is the wife of Clarence Jordan, of Fresno, California. Pearl, born April 8, 1892, is the youngest child of the first marriage. After losing his first wife, Mr. Gabriel married Margaret Dougherty, of Poweshiek County, a daughter of John A. and Mary (Reynolds) Dougherty. She was born March 13, 1871 and was one of ten children, six sons and four daughters. For seven years prior to her marriage she was a successful teacher in the country schools and on the 20th of March 1895, she became the wife of Conrad Gabriel. They attend the Methodist Protestant Church and are interested in the material, intellectual and moral welfare of the community, giving active aid to many measures which are of direct benefits to the county. As the years have gone by, Mr. Gabriel has so directed his energies as to win substantial success and is now one of the representative farms of Dayton Township.
Index
LUKE BUCKLEY
Luke Buckley, who still resides upon the family homestead in English Township, Iowa County, was born in Ohio in 1841 of the marriage of Thomas and Margaret (Wyckoff) Buckley, natives respectively of Ohio and New Jersey. They were married in 1839 and in 1865 removed to this county, locating upon land on section 23, English Township. Both lived to an advanced age, the father dying upon the farm on the 3rd of May 1902, when ninety years old. They were the parents of five children: Edward, who was born in 1840; Luke, of this review; Elizabeth and Robert, who are deceased; and Margaret, the wife of C. O. Hickman, of South Dakota.
Luke Buckley received a public-school education in his native state and upon the removal of his parents to this county accompanied them, continuing to make his home with them as long as they lived. His brother Edward also remained at home and the two sons carried on the work of the homestead and cared for their parents. Luke Buckley now owns the home place, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres, and is still devoting his time to its cultivation. It has been excellently improved and is one of the valuable farm properties of English Township, its fertile soil yielding abundant crops annually. Mr. Buckley
also devotes some attention to stock-raising and finds that by so doing he adds materially to his income.
Mr. Buckley has always voted the democratic ticket but has never desired to hold office. He belongs to Social Lodge, No. 231, A.F. & A.M., of Millersburg and to the Royal Arch Chapter at Marengo, in which he has filled all of the chairs. He affiliates with the Presbyterian Church and guides his life by the teachings of Christianity. He is recognized not only as a successful agriculturist, but also a man with a high sense of honor and as a good citizen.
Index
ALBERT TANNER
Among the progressive and well-to-do farmers of Sumner Township, is Albert Tanner, who was born in Johnson County, Iowa on the 20th of September 1855. His parents, John U. and Mary Ann (Reinhart) Tanner, were both born in Switzerland, whence they immigrated to the United States as a young man and young woman, making the journey in company with the mother’s parents. They were married in Ohio and in the fall of 1854, or the spring of 1855, they came to Iowa, locating on a farm in Johnson County. They resided there until 1870, when they removed to Iowa County, buying one hundred and sixty acres of land in Pilot Township. Subsequently the father sold that farm and bought the quarter section in Sumner Township on which our subject now resides. The mother passed away upon this farm and the father subsequently made three trips to Switzerland. Following his last return to Iowa, he took up his abode in Johnson County, where he lived until his death.
Albert Tanner received his education in the district schools and remained at home, assisting his father until 1879. In that year he rented land in Pilot Township, which he cultivated for two or three years and at the end of that time, he was in a position to buy eighty acres of land in Pilot Township, which he operated for five or six years. He then traded it in on the homestead, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres. He has since resided upon that place and has further developed and improved the property. While still living in Pilot Township, he purchased a threshing outfit, which he operated for nine years. He has added to the homestead, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres, and now holds title to two hundred and eighty acres of as fine land as any in Iowa County. He is very industrious and since he gives much thought to planning his work, he avoids waste of time or energy.
In March 1879, Mr. Tanner married Miss Jennie M. Davis, of Pilot Township. Her father, John Davis, was one of the pioneers of Sumner Township, where he located on immigrating to the United States from England. He enlisted in the Union army for service in the Civil War and died while at the front. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rachel Parker, was also a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. Tanner became the parents of two children: Thomas Edgar, who farms part of the land belonging to our subject; and Albert Raymond, who operates the home farm. Mrs. Tanner passed away on the 28th of September 1911, but the good influence of her life remains.
Mr. Tanner holds membership in the Old Ohio Methodist Episcopal Church and his life is guided by high principles of morality. He is a stockholder in the Iowa County Mutual Telephone Company and is recognized as one of the substantial and representative citizens of Sumner Township.
Index
JOHN NASH BEILSTEIN
John Nash Beilstein, one of the successful young business men of Williamsburg, is assistant cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank. He is a native of the county, born in Pilot Township on the 29th of March 1888, of the marriage of Adam and Elizabeth E. (Nash) Beilstein, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. His paternal grandfather, who was also named Adam Beilstein, and his maternal grandfather, John Nash, were both pioneers of this county.
John Nash Beilstein passed the days of his boyhood and youth upon the home farm and devoted much of his time to the acquirement of an education. He was graduated from the Williamsburg high school with the class of 1906 and for six months thereafter, taught in the country schools. Subsequently he entered a telegraph office and took up the study of telegraphy. After preparing himself for the position of operator, he was so employed for five years by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. In 1913, however, he abandoned that line of work and was appointed deputy county clerk of Iowa County, serving under Frank Owen. On the 1st of January 1915, he was elected assistant cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank, of Williamsburg, in which important position he is now serving.
Mr. Beilstein is a supporter of the Democratic Party and takes the interest of a good citizen in everything relating to the public welfare. Fraternally he is connected with Marengo Lodge, No. 30, K.P., and is popular in that organization. He is one of the representative young men of Williamsburg and his ability, energy and integrity make his friends confident that he will win gratifying success in the banking business with which he has lately become connected. He is a worthy descendant of two of the leading pioneer families of the county and in promoting his private interests never forgets the duty that he owes to his community but manifests a laudable public spirit.
Index
THEODOR FRIES
Theodor Fries passed away in Marengo on the 4th of August 1914, after a long and useful career as a business man. He was the owner of a furniture store and undertaking parlors and won an honored place in business circles. He was born in Burgauf-Fahmain, Holstein, Germany on the 7th of January 1844. His mother died when he was only six years of age but his father, George Fries, lived to an advanced age in the fatherland.
Theodor Fries passed his boyhood and youth in his native land and there received his education and learned the cabinetmaker’s trade. He became
engaged to a young woman there but as their financial condition would not permit them to marry, in 1871, she emigrated to American, intending to join relatives in Iowa. Mr. Fries crossed the Atlantic at the same time, with Iowa as his destination, but on the ocean voyage, contracted smallpox and giving his fiancée his last ten dollars, he was separated from her for some time. After recovering his health he worked upon farms in Iowa for a few months, receiving the meager wages characteristic of the times, and later entered a furniture store, where he followed his trade of cabinetmaking. At length, Mr. Fries opened a furniture store of his own and also did embalming. When the law was passed requiring undertakers to be licensed, he entered a school of embalming and in due time received his diploma. His expert knowledge of furniture, gained from working as a cabinetmaker, enabled him to choose his stock well and as his business methods were always above question, he built up a gratifying trade and his was one of the best known furniture stores in Marengo. He also did a good business as a funeral director and as the years passed his resources grew steadily.
On the 26th of February 1890, Mr. Fries was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Voss, who was born in Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa, a daughter of Charles and Caroline (Zager) Voss and they had two children, George, who attended the State University; and Carrie, who completed her education at Cedar Falls college.
Although Mr. Fries was a republican, he was nominated and elected to the office of county coroner on the democratic ticket. He served with credit for several terms but resigned before the expiration of his last term. He was well known all over the county and his worth as a man and his unswerving integrity were acknowledged by all who came in contact with him. He was a credit to his community and his death was a loss to his city and county, as in the last analysis, it is such men as he that make a community strong and progressive.
Index
ALBERT H. TURNER
Albert H. Turner, deputy auditor of Iowa County, is a native of this state, born in Benton County on the 17th of March 1861, a son of Joseph W. and Rachel (Leonard) Turner, the former a native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania and the latter of Ohio. However, they were married in Ottawa, Illinois, where the mother had removed with her parents as a girl and where the father had gone as a young man. Not long after their marriage,, they came westward to Iowa, journeying by rail to Iowa City and thence by stage to Marengo, arriving here in January 1858. They walked from this city to their new home in St. Claire Township, Benton County, where the paternal grandfather of our subject had previously entered land. The parents, however, first lived in a log house on an adjoining farm, residing there until the father could haul lumber from Iowa City and erect a home for himself and bride on the farm which was to be their permanent home. They resided upon the homestead until March 1913, when he sold the farm of two hundred and thirty acres for fifty thousand dollars. They then removed to Marengo, where they are now living retired.
Albert H. Turner grew to manhood upon the homestead in Benton County and acquired his education in the district schools in the neighborhood of the farm. He assisted his father with the work of cultivating the fields and caring for the stock until he was twenty-four years of age, when he was married and began his independent business career. He rented land for some time but in 1894, was appointed postmaster of Watkins, Benton County, and held that office for six years. In 1904, he was elected county auditor of Benton County, assuming the duties of that position on the 1st of January of the following year and he served for two terms, or four years, his reelection being proof of the acceptability of his service. In 1909, he again turned his attention to farming and continued to follow agricultural pursuits until the 1st of January 1915, when he was appointed deputy county auditor of Iowa County, in which position he is now serving. His thorough familiarity with the work to be done, his systematic habits and his tried integrity make him an excellent man for the place.
On the 29th of January 1885, Mr. Turner married Miss Anna Belle Springer, a native of Uniontown, Pennsylvania and they have four children; Joseph A., who is farming in Benton County; Zed B., of Cedar Rapids; Lenore V., a teacher in the Benton County schools; and Pauline B., who is attending school in Marengo.
Mr. Turner is a stanch support of the Republican Party and his advice is often sought in local party councils. He and his wife attend the Presbyterian Church and are always glad to cooperate in movements that seek the moral betterment of their community. Fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of American. He is one of the well known residents of Marengo and the city is the better for his residence in its midst, as he is a man of marked public spirit.
Index
JOHN B. BETZ
John B. Betz, a farmer living practically retired in Ladora, is a veteran of the Civil War and is entitled to honor as one who offered his life if need be to his country in her hour of trial. He was born in Ohio on the 9th of November 1841, of the marriage of Samuel and Barbara (Mosseney) Betz, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of France. The mother was brought by her parents to America when seven years of age and her education was acquired in this country. She married Mr. Betz in Ohio and both passed away in that state. The father served in the Civil War and after the restoration of peace returned to the Buckeye State, where he passed his remaining days. The mother’s demise occurred in 1852. They were the parents of five children, of whom two are living: Jon B.; and Margaret, the wife of Charles Leyler, of North English, Iowa.
John B. Betz was but ten years old when his mother died and he was taken by an aunt, who reared him to manhood. He accompanied her upon her removal to Iowa and was living in this state at the outbreak of the Civil War. He enlisted in Company G., Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, in 1861, and was with that command until the close of hostilities, participating in a number of hotly
[Portrait]
Mr. & Mrs. John B. Betz
[Blank Page]
contested engagements, including the battles of Shiloh, Corinth and Jackson. He went through the siege of Vicksburg, which lasted for forty days and nights, and remembers well the events that led up to the surrender of that Confederate stronghold. At the battle of Spanish Fort, in April 1865, he received a flesh wound which, however, did not prove serious. He was mustered out in Alabama as first lieutenant of his company.
Mr. Betz then returned to Iowa and bought a farm in Sumner Township, this county, and immediately began to clear the land of timber. In time he brought his entire farm under cultivation and by buying additional land, acquired title to two hundred and nine acres in all. He spared neither time nor energy in the improvement of his place and in his farm work, used the latest machinery and the most efficient methods. He thus became financially independent, but has now sold his farm and is living retired at Ladora, where he owns a fine residence and two lots.
In 1866, Mr. Betz married Mrs. Rachel A. (Veach) Tyler, who was born in Burlington, Des Moines County, Iowa, a daughter of Parnell and Susanna Veach, the former a native of Connecticut. To Mr. and Mrs. Betz were born nine children: Hattie E., the wife of Elmer Fiser, of this county; W.H., who is a minister of the gospel; J.E. and C. H., both residents of California; R.M., who is living upon the homestead; M.J., at home; Anna, the wife of Dale Maudlin, of this county; J.A. of California; and V.B., who married Arthur King. The wife and mother passed away in 1908 and was laid to rest in the Ohio Cemetery.
Mr. Betz is an adherent of the Republican Party and for a number of years served as township trustee and has also been a member of the school board. Fraternally he is connected with Ladora Lodge, No. 622, I.O.O.F., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he is also a member of Bricker Post, No. 145, G.A.R. He is now a member of the staff of Colonel D. J. Palmer, national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic. The Methodist Protestant Church finds in him a consistent member and profits much from his support and cooperation. In addition to the real estate which he owns in Ladora, he is one of the directors of the Farmers Savings Bank of that place, which was organized in 1913. While he has taken commendable care in safeguarding his individual interests, he has never failed to place the public welfare above individual success and has been as patriotic in times of peace as he was when he was with the colors upon southern battlefields.
Index
FRED BIRCH
Fred Birch, devoting his energies to general farming near Marengo, was born in Iowa County, May 11, 1865, a son of Thomas and Louisa (Wilson) Birch, the latter a daughter of Carmichael Wilson. The parents were both natives of Ohio and in the year 1864, became residents of Iowa County, where the birth of their son occurred the following year. They soon afterward settled in Washington Township, but subsequently removed to Benton County and in 1898, the family returned to Iowa County. The father had died in the meantime, passing
away in 1887. The mother survives and is now living in Marengo at the age of seventy-two years. Their family numbered twelve children, five sons and seven daughters.
Fred Birch spent his boyhood days under the parental roof and was early trained to habits of industry. He is indebted to the public-school system of the state for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and to the careful training of his father in farm work for the knowledge which enabled him to start out in business on his own account and make of it, a success. He has worked diligently and persistently and he has today an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres situated in Marengo Township. The soil is naturally rich and productive and he has brought his fields to a high state of cultivation, utilizing practical and progressive methods in the further development and improvement of his farm.
On the 7th of October 1891, Mr. Birch was united in marriage to Miss Caroline F. Gieskieng, a daughter of Henry F. Gieskieng, of Benton County. Her father was born in Germany and at an early day was left an orphan. Coming to the new world, he was bound out to George Lincoln, a brother of Abraham Lincoln, with whom he worked for four years or more. At the time of the Civil War he entered the service as a bugler. He is a gardener and has devoted much of his life to that work. He still survives at the age of seventy-two years, but his wife, who bore the maiden name of Nancy A. Miller, passed away December 22, 1910. She was a native of Ohio, while her father came from Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Birch have been born four children: E. Raymond, born May 21, 1894; Lizzie Ellen, November 14, 1895; Henry Arthur, May 5, 1899; and Ralph Frederick, September 30, 1906.
The family attends the Presbyterian Church and guide their lives by its teachings. They are well known in the community and the friendship of many with whom they have been brought in contact is freely accorded them. Mr. Birch has never sought to figure prominently in any public connection, preferring always to concentrate his energies upon his farm work and his determination and enterprise have been the salient features in winning his success.
Index
DIXON JONES
Dixon Jones, a substantial resident of Williamsburg, who is engaged in the poultry and egg business, was born in New York State on the 8th of June 1857, and is a son of Owen R. and Ann Jones, the former also a native of that state and the latter of Wales. The death of the mother occurred in New York, but in 1869, the father removed to this county and took up his residence in Williamsburg. He farmed in this locality for a number of years and passed away here in 1907. In his family were four children: Mary E., the wife of Fred A. Lyon, who is living in Montana; Edward W., of Williamsburg; Dixon and Catherine A., the wife of O.W. Perry.
Dixon Jones remained at home until he was thirty-one years of age and assisted his father with the work of the farm. After his marriage he embarked in the produce business, in which he has since engaged. He has met with success
and his trade is increasing from year to year. He buys poultry and eggs from the farmers of Iowa County and ships to larger cities, where he receives good prices for this produce, as he takes pains to have the eggs fresh and the poultry in good condition. He has accumulated considerable property, owning ten acres of valuable land between Cedar Rapids and Marion, four store buildings in Williamsburg and two residences.
Mr. Jones married Miss Katherine Evans, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Watkins and Elizabeth Evans. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Jones two children have been born: Edwin E., who is a graduate of the local high school and is at home and Dixon, deceased.
The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Jones has been a trustee. Politically, he gives his allegiance to the Republican Party and for eight years has served acceptably as township clerk. He is identified with the Williamsburg Lodge, No. 368, I.O.O.F., and has filled all of the chairs therein, having served as secretary for seventeen years. He is also a member of Williamsburg Lodge, No. 172, K.P., and has held all of the offices in that organization. He is a self-made man, as his success has been gained without the aid of influential friends and as he started with no capital. He attributes his prosperity to his willingness to pay strict attention to business and his careful management and takes just pride in what he has accomplished.
Index
SAMUEL GREENBLATT
Samuel Greenblatt, a successful general merchant of North English and one of the foremost business men of that town, was born in Russia on the 15th of July 1873, a son of Jacob and Ethel (Hirschman) Greenblatt, both of whom passed away in Russia. Our subject was reared at home and acquired his education largely under private German tutors, for he lived near the German line and learned only the German language.
When seventeen years of age, he sailed for the United States, arriving in New York in the spring of 1890, but after spending two or three weeks in that metropolis, he came west, locating at Muscatine, Iowa. For two years he traveled throughout the country districts as a dry-goods peddler, selling his goods from house to house. He thus became acquainted with the customs of the country and familiarized himself with the English language, of which he was entirely ignorant when he arrived in the United States. His next business venture was in a somewhat different line, as, in partnership with his brother Jacob, who had followed him to this country, he engaged in the junk business in Muscatine. At length he sold his interest in the business and went to Oxford, Iowa where he established himself as a general merchant. In the five years that he remained there, he built up a good trade and prospered financially. The year 1900 witnessed his arrival in North English and the general store which he opened has become one of the leading mercantile establishments of the town. He adheres consistently to strict business methods in his dealings with the public and has found that policy a very satisfactory one. He carries the largest stock of merchandise in Iowa County, being valued at thirty-five thousand dollars or
more; his goods are modern and up-to-date and selected with reference to the needs of the community which he serves; and, as the store is well appointed and as everything possible is done to facilitate the transaction of business, it compares favorably with the stores of cities of considerable size.
When he came to this country, Mr. Greenblatt was not only empty-handed, but also labored under the disadvantage of speaking only a foreign tongue and he has just cause to be proud of his achievements, as he has gained financial independence and has also educated himself in English by study and observation so that he has a thorough command of the language. About 1905, Mr. Greenblatt employed a young man by the name of Bruce Thomas, who soon manifested an interest in the business and applied himself so diligently that Mr. Greenblatt admitted him to partnership on the 1st of February 1915, the firm becoming Greenblatt & Thomas.
On the 5th of September 1905, Mr. Greenblatt was united in marriage to Miss Leona Oransky, of Des Moines, Iowa and they have a son and daughter, Ethelyn and Jerald J. Mr. Greenblatt has supported the Republican Party since becoming a naturalized citizen of the United States and for four years was a member of the city council, using his prerogatives as a member of that body to further the civic advancement of North English. Fraternally he belongs to Triumph Lodge, No. 479, A.F. & A.M., of North English; North English Lodge, No. 256, K.P. and North English Lodge, No. 325, I.O.O.F. Both he and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star and the Rebekahs.
Mr. Greenblatt has displayed marked business ability which has commanded the respect of those who know him and in the conduct of his store has not only won gratifying prosperity for himself but has also been a factor in the commercial expansion of his town. There has never been the slightest question as to his integrity and he is one of the influential and valued citizens of his community.
Index
L. E. ENGELBERT
Many years of well directed labor as an agriculturist enabled L. E. Engelbert to accumulate a competence and he is now living retired in Conroy. A native of Hilton Township, this county, he was born on the 15th of August 1866, of the marriage of Christopher and Eelen [Ellen. see page 173] Engelbert, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work.
L.E. Engelbert remained upon the home farm until he was of age, assisting in its operation. Upon attaining his majority, he assumed complete charge of the farm work and subsequently bought the property, which is on sections 4 and 9, Hilton Township, and is a highly productive and valuable tract. He has since added to it and now holds title to three hundred and thirty acres of fine land. He continued to farm and raise stock until 1914 and then, deciding that he had enough of this world’s goods, he retired from business and removed to Conroy, where he has a fine residence.
On the 16th of January 1889, Mr. Engelbert married Miss Anna C. Faltonson, who was born in Hilton Township and is a daughter of Jonas and Julia (Markeson) Faltonson, both natives of Norway. In the early ‘50s they came
to the new world with their family and after landing in the United States, continued their journey westward, settling first in LaSalle County, Illinois and later in this county. They located upon a farm in Hilton Township and the father devoted the remainder of his life to its operation. Both he and his wife have passed away. Six of their eight children survive. Mr. and Mrs. Engelbert have two children: Winifred, who has received an excellent musical education and is still at home, and Luella M., a graduate of the Marengo high school. She married Herman Olson and they reside upon the old homestead.
Mr. Engelbert is a democrat and served acceptably as road superintendent. He was also, for twelve years, school director. Fraternally he is connected with Marengo Lodge, No. 148, I.O.O.F. and also with the Rebekahs. His wife is a Rebekah and she also belongs to the Woman’s Relief Corps. Both Mr. and Mrs. Engelbert hold membership in the Presbyterian Church and are active in movements that seek the moral betterment of their community. None grudges him the rest and leisure which he is now enjoying as it was earned by unremitting labor and the wise management of his affairs.
Index
ELI SWEET
North English numbers many retired farmers among her residents and they are valued citizens, contributing in large measure to the well-being of the community. Eli Sweet, who is spending his last years in leisure and rest earned by former labor, was born in Madison County, New York, on the 17th February 1839, a son of Rufus and Lucy (Neal) Sweet. They were born, reared and married in New York State and there the mother died on the 21st of July 1844, when but 36 years of age. To their union were born five children: Elizabeth and John P., deceased; Emma C., who was the wife of Abel P. Griffith of Ames, Iowa and died March 8, 1915; Eli; and Lucy J., deceased. In April 1845, the father married Mrs. Abigail Hodgkiss and in October 1855, they removed to this county, settling at Millersburg, where the father passed away on the 25th of June 1864.
Eli Sweet received a good education in his youth and when he became of age, turned his attentions to teaching but the outbreak of the Civil War changed his plans and in 1861, he enlisted in Company G. Seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for three years. He was in the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson and Shiloh and in the siege of Corinth. He was on guard duty during that campaign and later went to central Tennessee, where his command went into winter quarters. At the close of the war he was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky and honorably discharged from the military service of the United States. He was wounded at the battle of Fort Donelson and in June 1862, while on the March to Corinth, he suffered sunstroke, from the effects of which he has never fully recovered.
Upon the restoration of peace, Mr. Sweet returned to Iowa County and taught school until 1879, in which year he was appointed postmaster of Millersburg. For nineteen years he held that office, discharging his duties with ability, and upon the expiration of his tenure of office, he became deputy postmaster and
served in that capacity for six years. He then took up his residence on a farm in English Township, which was owned by his son-in-law, and engaged in raising stock, but in March 1914, he retired from active life and removed to North English, where he is still residing.
In August 1868, Mr. Sweet married Miss Cynthia Ann Friend, who was born in Indiana, of the marriage of Rev. George W. and Catherine (Ryan) Friend, both natives of the Hoosier State. In 1855, they located in eastern Iowa, where the father became well known as a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Subsequently he removed with his family to this county, where he passed away. His wife died in Arkansas while visiting a son. Of the eleven children born to their union, nine survive. Mr. and Mrs. Sweet have become the parents of four children: Minnie E. and George R., deceased; Fred E., who died leaving a widow and one son to mourn his loss; and Lucy Catherine, the wife of E. Bremer, now living in North English. Mrs. Bremer was for eight years a successful school teacher and by her marriage has two children, Garrett I. and Harold E.
Mr. Sweet is a republican and for twelve years was a justice of the peace. He has also been township clerk and for many years served upon the school board. He holds membership in Social Lodge, No. 231, A.F. & A.M., of Millersburg, and James Cross Post, No. 292, G.A.R., in which he has held all the offices. Both he and his wife are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church and uphold all organizations whose purpose is the advancement of the community along the lines of moral endeavor. During the years that Mr. Sweet was engaged in educational work, he proved a force in the intellectual life of his community and as postmaster he manifested the spirit that considers public office an opportunity for community service. After a busy and useful life, he should enjoy a period of rest and freedom from business cares.
Index
W. H. SCHAFBUCH
Among the highly esteemed farmers of section 22, Sumner Township, is W. H. Schafbuch, who was born in that township on the 15th of October 1877, a son of Jacob Schafbuch, an account of whose life appears elsewhere in this work. W. H. Schafbuch was reared at home and acquired his education in the district schools. He continued to give his father the benefit of his labor until three years before his marriage, when he began farming the place which he now owns but which was then in possession of his father. Our subject purchased the farm in 1903 and in that year took up his abode thereon. The property comprises eighty acres and he also operates eighty acres belonging to his father. He is up-to-date and does his work in good season and receives a gratifying income from his land.
In 1903, Mr. Schafbuch married Miss Ida Kruse, a daughter of Joachim Kruse, who was one of the pioneer settlers of Sumner Township. To this union have been born seven children: Esther L., Karl W., Roy E., Matilda C., Ivan L., Rachel F., and Lewis R.
In politics Mr. Schafbuch is independent, believing that the qualifications of the candidates are of more importance than their party affiliations. He has been a member of the school board and can be depended upon to cooperate in movements that seek the advancement of his community. He and his wife belong to the German Reformed Church, in whose work they take a deep interest. He owns stock in the Iowa County Mutual Telephone Company and is recognized as an excellent business man and a successful agriculturist.
Index
JOHN C. ENGELBERT
John C. Engelbert, vice president of the German-American Savings Bank of Marengo and president of the Farmers Savings Bank of Victor, is well known in financial circles of this part of the state. A native of Norway, he was born on the 8th of April 1849, and is a son of Christopher Engelbert, who was likewise born in that country. In 1850, the father emigrated to American and four years later removed with his family to Iowa. At that time he purchased a farm at a dollar and a quarter per acre which could not now be bought for two hundred dollars per acre. The land is still in possession of the family, being now owned by his son, L.E.W. He devoted his entire active life to agricultural pursuits and gained a gratifying measure of success. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Ellen Olson, was also born in Norway and has likewise passed to her reward. They were the parents of ten children: Ole, deceased; John C.; Hans and Catherine, both of whom have passed away; two who bore the name of Jefferson and who are also deceased; Hannah, who has also passed away; C.M.W., of Conroy; Ellen, the wife of Mark Faltonson of Conroy; and L.F.W., a resident of the same place.
John C. Engelbert was educated in the common schools and in his youth, was trained to agricultural pursuits. The family was in straightened financial circumstances and it was necessary that he early provide for his own support. During three seasons he worked at threshing for others and then purchased a machine of his own, operating the same for eleven years. In 1873, when twenty-four years of age, he purchased eighty acres of land on time, working earnestly and persistently until he had paid for the property and discharged his debt. As time passed and his financial resources increased, owing to his well directed industry and capable management, he augmented his holdings by additional purchase until he owned three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land which he cultivated for a number of years. He still owns eighty acres of that tract and derives therefrom, a material addition to his income. In 1885, he went into the grain business in Conroy and continued in that line until 1888, when he was elected sheriff and his services were so satisfactory to his constituents that he was reelected. At the expiration of his second term in that office, he returned to Conroy and reentered the grain business, continuing to deal in that commodity until 1903. In that year he took up his residence in Marengo and became a factor in the financial growth of the city as vice president of the German-American Savings Bank. He is also president of the Farmers Savings Bank of Victor and both institutions profit by his good judgment and sound
advice. His record is that of a self-made man who has worked his way upward unaided until he now ranks among the prominent and representative citizens of the county.
On the 4th of March 1878, Mr. Engelbert married Miss Annie Olson, a native of Norway and they have three children: Josephine and Gertrude, both at home; and Christopher Leo, who is attending high school.
Mr. Engelbert is a republican and in 1912 was elected mayor of Marengo, in which office he served for two years. He is now justice of the peace and his official duties are ably discharged. While residing at Conroy, he was secretary of the school board for ten years and in that capacity had a part in promoting the best interests of the school system. The Presbyterian Church finds in him a loyal and active member and he is both a trustee and an elder therein. He is well known in local fraternal circles, as he belongs to the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows. He is a fine looking man of large physique and is splendidly preserved. Mr. Engelbert possesses marked business and financial ability and has won a large measure of material success but he does not allow commercial activity to monopolize his life, being always ready to aid in any way possible, movements seeking the moral and civic advancement of his community.
Index
HARVEY E. OLDAKER
Harvey E. Oldaker, the popular and capable cashier of the Conroy Savings Bank, was born in Johnson County, Iowa on the 3rd of June 1862, a son of Henry J. and Mariamne (Crosby) Oldaker, both natives of Ohio. They accompanied their respective parents to Iowa, the father’s family coming to this state in 1849 and the mother’s a few years later. In 1852, the father made the long journey across the plains to the California gold fields with ox teams and remained there for six years. Two years were spent in prospecting and mining and four years at carpentering. He had learned that trade as a young man and worked on transforming the old state house at Iowa City into a university building prior to his going to California. After spending six years upon the coast, he returned to Iowa, coming back by way of the Horn. He was married in Johnson County and for a number of years followed agricultural pursuits there; although at odd times he continued to work at his trade of carpentering. In 1864, he removed with his family to Iowa County and located upon a farm in Greene Township, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred on the 1st of November 1891, when he reached the age of sixty years and two days. His widow, who survives, is living in South English.
Harvey E. Oldaker was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the common schools. When a boy, he began working with his father at the carpenter’s trade and became a fine workman. For a number of generations back, his ancestors were carpenters and he still has many of the tools used by his grandfather. For a number of years, our subject divided his time between farming and carpentering and after his marriage; he located upon land in Greene Township, where he resided until 1893. During his early manhood, he also taught
[Portrait]
Harvey E. Oldaker
[Blank Page]
school for ten winter terms and was one of the most able teachers in this county. He enjoyed the work very much and has always felt that the best part of his life was the time that he devoted to teaching. In 1893, he left the farm and removed to Marengo, having been appointed deputy clerk of the district court. After filling that position for four years, he was for two years employed at carpentering. He was again appointed deputy clerk and served in that office for two more years, at the end of which time he was elected county auditor, taking office in 1903. He held that important position for two terms, or four years, and at the end of that time was offered and accepted the cashiership of the First National Bank and the Iowa County Loan & Savings Bank of Marengo. After serving in that responsible position for three years, or until 1910, he organized the Conroy Savings Bank and on the 23rd of May of that year, the doors of the institution were thrown open for business with Mr. Oldaker as cashier. At that time there was but one general store and five or six houses in Conroy and the population was twelve. With the advent of the bank, the town took on a new lease of life and now has a population of one hundred and fifty and new houses are being constantly erected. Its growth, though rapid, has been substantial and it is now a prosperous village, and there is every indication that it will continue to increase in size and importance. Much of the credit for its growth is due to the Conroy Savings Bank and to our subject, who is responsible for the establishment and development of this institution. He has a thorough understanding of the banking business and has so directed the policy of the bank that progressiveness has been wisely tempered with conservatism.
On the 22nd of March 1888, Mr. Oldaker married Miss Imogene Raffle, of Sigourney, Keokuk County, and they have become the parents of four children, three of whom survive: John H.A., Blanche A., and Lillian A.
Mr. Oldaker is a democrat and for years was a dominant factor in his party’s councils, serving as a member of the township and county democratic committees, and at various times he was a delegate to the state conventions. Fraternally he is a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 114, A.F. & A.M., of Marengo; Jerusalem Chapter, No. 32, R.A.M.; Hebron Lodge, No. 143, I.O.O.F.; and Marengo Lodge, No. 30, K.P. He also has membership relations with the Modern Woodmen of America. He and his family belong to the Presbyterian Church and contribute liberally to its support. He is well known throughout the county and is respected for his undoubted business ability and for his integrity and probity.
Index
JOHN W. RATHJEN
John W. Rathjen, president of the Genoa Bluff Creamery Company, has demonstrated his ability as a business man and as an executive and under his direction the company has gained a place among the prosperous concerns of Iowa County. He also gives much time to the operation of his farm, which is located on section 29, Sumner Township, and is well improved and developed. He was born in that township on the 28th of August 1874, a son of Henry and Catherine (Bauer) Rathjen, natives of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and of Byrne, Germany, respectively. The father came to this country as a young man
and the mother accompanied her parents on their emigration here in early womanhood. Both became residents of Dubuque County, Iowa and there their marriage occurred. In the early ‘60s they removed to Iowa County and located in Sumner Township, where the father bought forty acres of land. He later added to his holdings and held title to the farm on section 32, Sumner Township, where his son Henry now lives. He died in Marengo on the 9th of January 1905, but his widow survives and still makes her home there.
John W. Rathjen was reared under the parental roof and received his education in the district schools. The spring following his marriage, he began farming for himself, renting the land which he now owns. In 1905, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres and in 1913, bought a one hundred and twenty acre tract, having since cultivated the two hundred and eighty acres which he owns. He is progressive and wide-awake and applies the principles of efficient business management to his work as an agriculturist. He was one of the organizers of the Genoa Bluff Creamery Company and for a number of years has served as president of that corporation. He owns stock in the Ladora Lumber & Grain Company and in the Iowa County Mutual Telephone Company. He was for some time a member of the board of directors of the Ladora Lumber & Grain Company but resigned that office as his other interests demanded his entire attention.
Mr. Rathjen was married in 1898 to Miss Martha Schafbuch, a daughter of Jacob Schafbuch, a prominent farmer and early settler of Sumner Township. Mr. and Mrs. Rathjen have three children: Leila E., Iva A., and Melvin J.
Mr. Rathjen is independent in politics, voting for the best candidates irrespective of their party affiliations. Both he and his wife belong to the German Reformed Church and there are no more esteemed people in Sumner Township than they. He has done much to insure the success of the Genoa Bluff Creamery Company and his work as a farmer has gained him gratifying material prosperity, but he values most of all the respect and esteem in which he is generally held by his fellow citizens.
Index
AUGUST BAUMER
August Baumer, who passed away in Marengo on the 1st of March 1904, had been a resident of the city for more than four decades and was long numbered among its most esteemed citizens as well as its substantial and representative business men. His birth occurred in Prussia, Germany on the 27th of August 1838, and his father being Herman Baumer, who came to America with his family in 1848 and joined the Pennsylvania Dutch at Johnstown. There the parents reared their six children and spent the remainder of their lives.
August Baumer, a lad of ten years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the United States, was married after attaining his majority and came with his bride to Marengo, Iowa in 1860. He was a carpenter by trade and devoted his attention to that occupation throughout the greater part of his life but also engaged in other lines of business activity, at different times conducting the old Park House and being likewise engaged in the grocery trade. His various undertakings were attended with success and he became widely
recognized as one of the prosperous and representative citizens of the community. He bought and disposed of a number of small farms.
On the 19th of April 1860, Mr. Baumer was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary J. Ford, a daughter of John and Mary (Ross) Ford, natives of Ireland, who immigrated to the United States when their daughter Mary was ten years old. The family home was established in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and it was there that Miss Ford met and married Mr. Baumer. Her mother passed away in Dubuque County, Iowa, near Cascade, but the demise of her father occurred in this county. To Mr. and Mrs. Baumer were born the following children: Menia, who is the wife of Charles Wheeler; John, who died in infancy; Herman, a resident of Ohio; Lottie, who gave her hand in marriage to Jake Haggerty; Jennie, the wife of Clarence Eells; Ida, who is the wife of James Buffum; and Louis Charles, living in Texas.
In politics Mr. Baumer was a democrat of independent tendencies but the honors and emoluments of office had no attraction for him. He had a host of friends and no enemies, for his life was upright and honorable in all things. He never indulged in the use of tobacco or profanity and remained clean in both body and mind. His record is a credit to Marengo and his demise was sincerely mourned. Mrs. Baumer also enjoys an extensive and favorable acquaintance throughout the community, having resided in Marengo continuously during the past fifty-four years.
Index
H. L. BRYSON
H. L. Bryson, who as a member of the law firm of Swift & Bryson, of North English, is closely identified with much of the important litigation of Iowa County, was born upon a farm in Polk Township, Benton County, this state, on the 16th of November 1880. His parents were both born in this country, but were of Irish descent.
H. L. Bryson attended the common schools and prepared for college in the Shrader Academy at Urbana, Iowa. Upon completing the course there he entered the State University of Iowa, which conferred upon him the Bachelor of Arts degree in 1908. He studied law both at the University of Iowa and in the offices of J. L. Swift and in 1910, was duly admitted to the bar. He practiced at Vinton, Iowa until 1912, when he removed to North English and formed a partnership with his former preceptor, J. L. Swift, under the firm name of Swift & Bryson. The confidence which his fellow citizens have in his professional attainments and his integrity was demonstrated in the fall of 1914, when he was elected county attorney on the republican ticket. He is not only well versed in the law, but he has a clearness of insight that, joined with the power of logical reasoning, enables him to present his cases effectively.
On the 18th of June 1901, Mr. Bryson married Estella B. Gearhart, of Troy Mills, Iowa and they have three living children: Madge Beatrice, Marian Estella and Edith Elizabeth and a lost daughter, Eleanor, in infancy.
Mr. Bryson believes firmly in the wisdom of the principles of the republican
belonging to Vinton Lodge, No. 62, A.F. & A.M., and is a worth exemplar of that great fraternity whose basic principle is the brotherhood of man. He is highly spoken of in North English and is considered one of its representative young professional men.
Index
AUGUST B. WAUTERS
Many of the farmers of Iowa County have been born within her borders, a fact which is indicative of the splendid opportunities afforded agriculturists here. Among the natives of this county who have continued to reside here to the present time is August B. Wauters, who owns and operates land on section 28, Hartford Township. His birth occurred in that township on the 2nd of August 1886, and he is a son of Bruno and Amelia (Vandewostyne) Wauters, both natives of Belgium, where they were reared and married, and where one child was born to them. In 1880, they removed to the United States and after landing continued their journey westward, locating in Hartwick, Poweshiek County, Iowa. Six years later they came to Iowa County and located in Hartford Township, where the father farmed rented land for about eight years. In 1894, he purchased the farm on section 28, Hartford Township, which has since remained his home.
August B. Wauters was reared under the parental roof and is indebted to the district schools for his education. When but little past nineteen years of age, he was married and thereafter farmed in partnership with his father until 1913, when the father retired from active life and our subject became the owner of the home farm. He is still operating that place and as he is energetic and practical in his methods, his labors are rewarded by a good annual income. His parents reside with him upon the farm.
On the 27th of September 1905, Mr. Wauters married Miss Mary Martens, of Hartwick, Poweshiek County, and they have three children: Louis A., Cleman R., and Frederick E. Mr. Wauters is largely independent in politics but other things being equal, favors the Democratic Party. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Catholic Church and their influence is always on the side of justice and right. Mr. Wauters is a progressive and industrious young agriculturist and the success which he has achieved insures his continued prosperity.
Index
JULIUS SINN
Julius Sinn, who is engaged in blacksmithing in Williamsburg, was born in Scott Township, this county, on the 25th of February 1859, one of nine children born to the union of John and Anna Sinn, both natives of Germany. About 1857, the emigrated to America and located in Moline, Illinois, whence in April 1868, they removed to this county and settled upon a farm in Pilot Township. Both
passed away in the county, the father dying in April 1915, at the advanced age of ninety years. Six of their children survive.
Julius Sinn acquired a public-school education and remained at home until he was twenty-three years of age. He then came to Williamsburg and learned the blacksmith’s trade, which he has since followed successfully. He owns a shop which is well-equipped and well patronized and he has built up an enviable reputation for good work.
In 1890, Mr. Sinn was married to Miss Mary Kuch, a daughter of Jacob and Colarena Kuch, the former of whom has passed away. The mother is still living and resides with Mr. and Mrs. Sinn. They have become the parents of three children: Irvin, who is now attending the State University at Iowa City; Merrill, a high-school student; and Clarence, deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Sinn hold membership in the Presbyterian Church and can be counted upon to aid in the accomplishment of any project that will promote the moral advancement of the community. He is a member of Williamsburg Lodge, No. 368, I.O.O.F., in which he has filled all of the chairs, and in his life he exemplifies the spirit of brotherhood which underlies all fraternal organizations. The Democratic Party has in him a loyal adherent and for several years he has been a member of the city council. He has many warm friends in Williamsburg and is highly respected, as his probity is not open to question.
Index
CHARLES W. GOODMAN
Among the successful agriculturists of English Township is Charles W. Goodman, who was born in that township on the 8th of April 1879, a son of Frederick and Mary (Faas) Goodman, the former born in Germany and the latter in Ohio. The father came to the United States many years ago and first located in Ohio, where his marriage occurred. He and his wife later removed to Iowa County, Iowa and settled upon a farm, where they continued to reside for many years. The father passed away in 1911, but the mother is still living and makes her home in North English.
Charles W. Goodman was given the opportunity to attend the common schools and also received valuable practical training at home, as he assisted his father in the cultivation of the farm. When he reached his majority, he went to South Dakota and rented land for two years and then purchased a farm there. After devoting four years to its cultivation, he sold the place and returned to Iowa County, renting a farm belonging to his father for eight years. He then purchased his present farm, which comprises one hundred and twenty acres of good land on section 35, English Township. It is well improved and everything about the place is kept in good condition, testifying to the energy and thrift of its owner. He raised the usual crops and also raises stock and finds that the two activities coordinate well.
On August 5, 1900, Mr. Goodman married Miss Minnie Dietze, a native of this county, although her parents, William and Louisa (Bartels) Dietze were both born in Germany. At an early date in the history of this state they emigrated to America and made their way to Iowa, settling in Iowa county, where they
were married. Both are still living and reside upon a farm in Dayton Township. Mrs. Goodman is one of eleven children and by her marriage has become the mother of a daughter, Mary L., whose birth occurred on the 17th of September 1901.
Mr. Goodman is convinced of the wisdom of the principles of the Democratic Party and supports its candidates at the polls. He has served as school director and takes a deep interest in everything relating to the welfare of the public-school system. He and his wife strive in their daily lives to practice the teachings of Christianity and are loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of North English. In improving his land and bringing his farm to a high state of development, he has not only gained individual success but has also added to the material wealth of this county, and he is a valued resident of his township.
Index
OLIVER E. DAVIS
Oliver E. Davis, who is a successful agriculturist of Sumner Township, was born in Pilot Township on the 4th of October 1871. His parents, Henry and Anna (Robinson) Davis, were both born in England, the former in Monmouthshire on the 15th of July 1832, and the latter in Yorkshire on the 4th of January 1841. The father came to the United States in February 1856, and located in Johnson County, Iowa, where on the 24th of March 1861, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Robinson, who had come to the United States with her parents in 1852. They first located in Wayne County, New York, but in 1856, took up their residence in Johnson County, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Davis removed to Iowa County on the 7th of January 1864 and located on the southeast quarter of section 7, Pilot Township, which the father purchased from the government. He continued to reside upon his farm until his demise, which occurred on the 14th of February 1906. His wife died at the home of a daughter in Williamsburg about three months later, her death occurring on the 15th of May 1906. They were both members of the Methodist Protestant Church.
Oliver E. Davis received his education in the district schools and on reaching his majority, began farming for himself, renting eighty acres of the old home farm. In 1894, he purchased the homestead which comprises one hundred and sixty acres and which he farmed until 1902, when he sold that place and removed to Genoa Bluff. He bought sixteen acres of land there, which he cultivated together with eighty acres of rented land, and also hauled cream for the creamery. In 1907, he bought his present farm on section 31, Sumner Township, which comprises eight acres. He has since resided there and has brought his place to a high state of development.
On the 20th of November 1895, Mr. Davis married Miss Ida Shaull, a daughter of Martin S. Shaull, a well known pioneer of Sumner Township, more extended mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have four children: Roscoe O., Alta E., Ethel A., and Lester H., all at home.
Mr. Davis believes in the wisdom of the basic principles of the Democratic Party but is not a narrow partisan, being very liberal and progressive in his views. He is president of the school board and gives much time and thought to
planning for the welfare of the public schools. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Protestant church, whose teachings form the guiding principles of their lives. He is industrious and has met with a gratifying measure of success as an agriculturist.
Index
A. M. LYON
A. M. Lyon, of Marengo, one of the pioneers of Iowa County, was born in Williamsport, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, on the 12th of August 1841, of the marriage of Isaac M. and Margaret (McBride) Lyon, both likewise natives of the Keystone State, where they grew to years of maturity and were married. In 1855, they emigrated westward, settling in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Some time later, anticipating the building of the Northwestern Railroad to Irving, the father removed with his family to that place and resided there for three years. In 1861, he came to this county and located in Marengo. A shoemaker by trade, he made the shoes for the people of Marengo and its vicinity in the days before the introduction of machines. About 1870, he retired and when seventy-three years of age, passed to his reward. His wife lived to the age of seventy-five years. He took an active part in public affairs and held a number of local offices, while for several years he served as county coroner. Both he and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and its various activities profited by their cooperation.
A. M. Lyon, who was reared at home, received his education in the common schools and as he grew to manhood, learned the shoemaker’s trade under the instruction of his father. He watched carefully the events that led up to the Civil War and was among the first to respond to the call for three hundred thousand men, enlisting on the 9th of August 1861, in the Union Army. He was sent to Camp McClellan at Davenport, where he was mustered into the United States service as a member of Company G, Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He served for three years and eight days with that command and for one year was on scouting duty in Missouri, his first important battle being at Shiloh, Tennessee. He was captured on the 6th of April 1862, and was confined in rebel prisons at Tuskaloosa and Montgomery, Alabama and Macon, Georgia and also at Libby prison, Richmond, Virginia. After being incarcerated in the last named place for five days, he was paroled but in all he spent six months and fourteen days in southern prisons. He was sent to the parole camp at Benton Barracks, St. Louis, where his regiment was reorganized and after rejoining his command, he participated in the Vicksburg campaign and was mustered out of service on the 28th of September 1864. His last year in the army was spent on detached service in the Overton Hospital as steward of Ward C.
Following his discharge, Mr. Lyon returned to Marengo and worked at his trade in his father’s shop for about eight years. At the end of that time, his father retired and our subject became his successor and continued the business until 1881. In that year he sold out and entered the employ of William Burgy, a shoe merchant of Marengo, and he is still in the same store although the busi-
ness has changed hands several times. O’Neill and Simmons are the present proprietors and for the last two years Mr. Lyon has conducted the repair business there on his own account. There is no detail of shoemaking that he does not understand and as he is painstaking in his work, taking pride in doing it well, he has a large share of the shoe repair business in Marengo.
In 1865, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Lyon and Miss Josephine Haverley, of Marengo, and to their union have been born six children, five of whom survive: Hattie E., the wife of H. R. Fritz, of Denver, Colorado; Mary E., who married Harry G. Clarke, of Chicago; Isaac M., cashier of the Northwestern National Bank at Sioux City, Iowa; Charles T., a druggist of Conroy; and Bessie K;, the wife of Lee R. Swinehart, who is engaged in business in Marengo.
As its principles coincide with his political views, Mr. Lyon supports the Republican Party at the polls and for three years was a member of the city council. He is a member of the Marengo Lodge, No. 148, I.O.O.F., and Marengo Encampment, No. 47. He is an enthusiastic Odd Fellow and also holds membership in the Rebekahs. As a member of John Dillon Post, No. 233, G.A.R., he keeps in touch with those who, like himself, gave their services to the Union when it sorely needed the loyalty of brave men. His residence in the county covers more than a half century and he has watched, with gratification, the steady progress that has made possible the present state of development of Marengo and Iowa County.
Index
MARTIN S. SHAULL
Martin S. Shaull is actively engaged in farming on section 28, Sumner Township, and is meeting with gratifying success in his chosen occupation. His birth occurred in Seneca County, Ohio on the 5th of February 1836, but his parents Michael and Catherine (Houseman) Shaull, were both natives of Virginia. They removed to Seneca County, Ohio with their respective parents and there grew to maturity. They were married in that county and continued to reside upon their farm there until called by death.
Martin S. Shaull was reared under the parental roof and attended the district school, which was held in a log cabin. In 1860, he migrated westward and located in Iowa County, Iowa where he found work as a farm hand. In August 1861, he enlisted in Company G., Eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, but was later rejected because two fingers were missing from his left hand. On the 21st of August 1862, he again enlisted, as he was very anxious to serve his country, and this time was accepted as a drummer boy. He was with the colors until the close of the war and was enrolled in the Drum Corps of Company E., Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered out of the service at Davenport in August 1865.
After his discharge from the army Mr. Shaull returned to Iowa County and for a short time was in the employ of others, but in 1866 he purchased the farm in Sumner Township where he still resides. For many years he was actively engaged in its operation and proved industrious and efficient. He has gained a
[Photograph]
Martin S. Shaull
[Blank Page]
competence and is now living largely retired, although he still takes much interest in the work of the farm.
On the 21st of October 1866, Mr. Shaull was united in marriage with Miss Rebecca E. Rosenberger, a daughter of Nicholas and Hannah (Keppel) Rosenberger, who became residents of Iowa County in the fall of 1851, when their daughter, Rebecca E., was but a child of two and a half years. To Mr. and Mrs. Shaull have been born eleven children, ten of whom survive, namely: Howard; Angie E., the wife of William Scandridge, of Pilot township; Oscar T., Ida, the wife of Oliver E. Davis, of Sumner Township; Willis R., Arthur E., Alva E.; Ervin A.; Raymond C.; and Carrie A., the wife of Cloyd L. Hillman, who is operating our subject’s farm.
Mr. Shaull is a republican but has never sought to figure prominently in public affairs. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Protestant Church, as do their children, Mr. Shaull having joined the church in January 1862. The family has done much to promote the work and extend the influence of the church and they are at all times willing to cooperate with movements seeking the moral betterment of their community. Mr. Shaull finds much satisfaction in his association with his comrades in arms and is an enthusiastic member of W. B. Bricker Post, No. 145, G.A.R. He has made arrangements to have on his monument these words: “Our God and our County, G.A.R.” He has resided in Iowa County for more than fifty years and during that time has done well the work that was nearest at hand, thus gaining individual prosperity and also contributing to the agricultural development of the county. His farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres on sections 27 and 28, Sumner Township, is well improved and is a valuable property. While actively engaged in farming, Mr. Shaull was recognized as one of the progressive agriculturists of his township.
Index
MERRILL K. HATTER
Merrill K. Hatter, a successful business man of North English, is the senior partner in the well known firm of Hatter & Bauer, dealers in clothing and men’s furnishings. A native son of Iowa County, he was born in Millersburg on the 10th of January 1881. A sketch of his father, L. W. Hatter, appears elsewhere in this work.
Merrill K. Hatter remained at home during his boyhood and youth and attended the public schools and the Millersburg high school in the acquirement of an education. When but sixteen years of age, he served as a clerk in a store in Millersburg belonging to his maternal grandfather, E. K. Rankin and remained in his employ until 1902, when the business was sold. Mr. Hatter subsequently associated himself with the Welch-Cook Company, a wholesale dry-goods firm of Cedar Rapids. Part of his time was spent in the home office and part upon the road and through his connection with that firm, he learned much concerning dry goods and concerning mercantile business. In 1904, he came to North English and entered the employ of the clothing house of W. C. Carson & Company, with whom he remained for six years. At the end of that time he was thoroughly
acquainted with the clothing business and decided to establish himself independently. He later organized the present firm of Hatter & Bauer, his partner being F. F. Bauer, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. During the three years that the firm has been in existence, it has gained the respect of the business men of North English and its trade has grown steadily as the people have come to appreciate its reliable methods and its high grade, up-to-date stock. Much of the success of the business has been due to the detailed knowledge of the senior member concerning all of its phases.
In 1910, Mr. Hatter married Miss Rose Bauer, a daughter of Jacob Bauer and a sister of his partner. More detailed mention of her father will be found in the sketch of F. F. Bauer. Mr. and Mrs. Hatter have two children, Maxine Ruth and Jessie Rosalyn.
Fraternally Mr. Hatter is connected with Triumph Lodge, No. 231, A.F. & A.M.; Jerusalem Chapter, No. 72, R.A.M., of Marengo; and Iowa Consistory, No. 2, A. & A.S.R., of Cedar Rapids. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Order of the Eastern Star and she also belongs to the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Hatter is not only a business man of experience and sound judgment, but he is also characterized by energy and alertness and realized the value of carrying a stock that is thoroughly up-to-date and having the appointments of the store attractive and adapted to the display of his goods. The firm is Hatter & Bauer is one of the most progressive in North English and the large trade which it enjoys is well merited.
Index
JENS HALVERSON
Jens Halverson was for many years actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in this county but is now living retired at Marengo. He was born on the 6th of February 1844, in Norway, a son of Halver Engebertson and Karste (Helgeson) Hagenes, both likewise natives of that country, where they passed their entire lives. They were the parents of seven children.
Jens Halverson grew to maturity in his native land and there acquired a common school education. He remained at home until 1869, when he was about twenty six years of age, and then emigrated to the new world, making his way direct to Iowa County, Iowa. He located in the vicinity of Marengo and was employed for about two years as a farm hand. At the end of that time he was married and began farming rented land. It was several years before he was able to buy land of his own, but at length he purchased a farm on section 17, Hilton Township, where he resided for eight years. At the end of that time he sold that place and bought an eighty acre tract in Pilot Township, which remained his home for four years. After selling that property he rented land for a number of years but subsequently purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Hilton Township, where he resided until he retired from active life and removed to Conroy, later become a resident of Marengo. He was energetic and progressive as a farmer and accumulated a competence that enables him to spend his declining years in rest and leisure.
Mr. Halverson married Miss Rebecca Oleson, likewise a native or Norway and a daughter of Mons and Gunella Oleson, both of whom were born in the land of the midnight sun. In 1870, they emigrated with their family to America and located in Hilton Township, this county. The father carried on agricultural pursuits until his demise and the mother has also passed away. They were the parents of five children, four of whom are living.
To Mr. and Mrs. Halverson have been born ten children: Hannah E., deceased; Hannah Marie, the wife of Edward Lewis of North English; Henry A., of Williamsburg; Martin J., a resident of North Dakota; John G., who is living in Minnesota; Edward C., who makes him home in South Dakota; Julius A., who is residing in Minnesota; Ralph W., of Jones County, Iowa; Walter G., now in the United States mail service; and Frances L., a graduate of the Williamsburg high school, who taught for a number of years and who died on the 10th of February 1914.
Mr. and Mrs. Halverson both hold membership in the Lutheran Church and conform their lives to its teachings. He is a republican and has served his district as school director. He has many friends through out the county and the high respect in which he is held is fully deserved.
Index
JOHN H. LINDSAY
John H. Lindsay, a well known grocer of Marengo, was born in Miami County, Ohio, on the 21st of June 1847, a son of Charles and Ellen (Hollopeter) Lindsay, natives respectively of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The father passed away in 1853 and the mother subsequently came to Iowa, arriving in Marengo on the 31st of October 1857, where she was living at the time of her demise. They were the parents of three children, of whom our subject is the only one living.
John H. Lindsay was only ten years old when the family came to Iowa and there are very few still living in Marengo who were here on his arrival. He pursued his studies in a log schoolhouse and there acquired a serviceable education. When but twelve years of age, he left home and worked upon a farm until 1864, when although still in his teens, he enlisted in the Civil War, joining Company G., Forty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry. After serving at the front for six months, he went to Irving, Benton County, Iowa and found employment in a hardware store, but shortly afterward he returned to Ohio, where he worked on a farm for a year and a half. He then again removed to Benton County, this state, and attended school during the ensuing winter, thus supplementing the knowledge that he had previously acquired. Later he was employed in a grocery store for about a year, but at the end of that time he was married and again turned his attention to farming. He followed agricultural pursuits for three years, but in the early ‘80s came to Marengo and entered the grocery business, with which he was quite familiar from having previously clerked in a grocery store. He understands how to buy to advantage and is willing to give his customers the benefit of his long experience, being content with reasonable prices. As his stock is well selected and is of good quality and as he
takes pains to keep it fresh and attractive, his patronage is large and remunerative and his business is growing from year to year.
Mr. Lindsay married Miss Malinda Ellen Ryerson, who was born in Indiana of the marriage of William and Sarah (Patten) Ryerson, both natives of Ohio. Her parents removed with their family to Iowa in 1856 and settled upon a farm in this county, where both passed away. They were the parents of seven children. To Mr. and Mrs. Lindsay have been born fourteen children: one who died in infancy; Charles W., who was accidentally killed at the age of twenty-nine years; Lillie Luella, the wife of C.B. Raney, of Marengo; Nettie M., the wife of William Cummings, a farmer of this county; John E., who is in partnership with his father; Della L., the wife of G. A. McKinley, of Marshall, Minnesota; Harry F., a grocer of Hebron, Illinois; Bert P., a druggist of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Bruce L., who is engaged in the furniture business in Marengo; Minnie E., the wife of Dick Morabec, of Cedar Rapids; Effie, at home; Arthur Roy, who is clerking in his fathers store; and Grace and Bessie, both at home.
Mr. Lindsay is a prominent democrat and while living in the country served acceptably as clerk of the board of supervisors. For a number of years he has been a member of the town council of Marengo. He was a charter member of the volunteer hook and ladder company to which he belonged for twenty-two years. Fraternally he is connected with the subordinate lodge, encampment, canton and Rebekahs of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has filled all of the chairs in Lodge No. 148. He has been representative to the grand lodge and in his capacity of district deputy was the installing officer for his district. Through his membership with John Dillon Post, No. 233, G.A.R., he keeps in touch with his brother veterans of the Civil War. He gives close attention to his business interests but does not allow them to monopolize his time, as he realized that there are other phases of life that are equally important, and his cooperation can be counted upon in support of any movement seeking the welfare of the community.
Index
PAUL KEIL
Paul Keil, a well known farmer of Hartford Township, was born in Sumner Township on the 7th of November 1869, a son of John and Magdalena (Kuhns) Keil, more detailed mention of whom appears in the sketch of Adam Keil elsewhere in this work.
Our subject remained with his parents until he was of age and gave his father the benefit of his labor. He then began hauling cream to the Genoa Bluff Creamery and was so engaged for five years, after which he purchased one hundred and thirty acres of land on section 36, Hartford Township, where he has since resided. He has added to his holdings and now owns one hundred and seventy six acres, all of which is under cultivation. He has made a number of improvements upon his place and is well equipped for his work as a general farmer and stock-raiser.
In 1890, Mr. Keil married Miss Carrie E. Bell, who was born in Hartford Township, this county, of the marriage of C.W. and Adelia A. (Rumple) Bell,
both natives of Ohio. They came to Iowa County, Iowa in the later ‘60s and here the mother passed away in 1898. The father is still living and makes his home with a daughter at Ames. He served for three years in the Civil war as a member of Company H., One hundred and first Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and participated in many hard fought battles, including that of Stony River, where he was wounded in the right arm. Mrs. Keil is the oldest of a family of three children, the others being: Mary J., the wife of Arthur Davis, of Pilot Township; and Ethel B., who married Perry Houghan of Ames, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Keil have three children, Audrey G., Vera E., and Mildred B., all at home.
Mr. Keil supports the democratic party at the polls, as he believes in the soundness of its policies and for nine years has served as township trustee, his reelection to the office proving the acceptability of his work in that connection. For two terms he was school director and has always manifested a lively interest in the welfare of the local schools. He belongs to Ladora Lodge, No. 622, I.O.O.F., and both he and his wife are faithful and consistent members of the Methodist Protestant Church. He has gained a competence as a farmer and all who have had dealings with him testify to his integrity and honesty.
Index
THOMAS I. WILLIS
The work of tilling the soil has always claimed the attention of Thomas I. Willis, who was born in Marengo Township, July 29, 1865, a son of Richard and Ann (Reed) Willis, in whose family were eight children, five sons and three daughters. The parents were both natives of England and were reared and married in that country. Thinking to find better opportunities in the new world, they sailed for the United States and settled in Ohio. The father was a brick-maker by trade and followed that business in Ohio until 1854, when he came with his family to Iowa and entered the employ of Thomas Leader of Marengo Township. It was while he was thus engaged that the birth of Thomas I. Willis occurred. The father carefully saved his earnings until he was able to purchase a farm, which he then cultivated and improved until his life’s labors were ended in death in 1903 when he was seventy-three years of age. His wife passed away in 1899 at the age of sixty-four years.
The usual experiences of farm life came to Thomas I. Willis during the days of his boyhood and youth. At an early age he began work in the fields and alternated his time between the labors of the farm and attendance at the district school. When he arrived at years of maturity he began farming on his own account and he now operates one hundred and ten acres of land belonging to his father-in-law. On the 2d of March 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary B. Williams, of Iowa County, a daughter of John D. Williams, whose record appears elsewhere in this volume. To Mr. and Mrs. Willis have been born four children. Mary Inez, who was born June 17, 1893, was graduated from Oberlin College on the completion of a kindergarten course. Alice May died August 4, 1898, at the age of four and a half years. Horace Hugh, born December 18, 1903 and Alma Ann, born May 20, 1905, are both in school.
Mr. Willis is a firm believer in education and the improvement of the public school system and for twenty years has done effective service as secretary of the school board. Both he and his wife are members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and their lives are guided by its teachings. In politics he is a prohibitionist, staunchly advocating the cause of temperance in every way. In a word, he stands for all those things which tend to uplift mankind and benefit the community at large.
Index
HERMAN PAEPER
Herman Paeper, who is carrying on farming on section 33, Hartford Township, was born in Scott County, Iowa, on the 28th of December, 1866, a son of John and Fredericka Paeper, both natives of Germany. In the early ‘50s they emigrated to America and first located in Scott County, Iowa, where the father farmed rented land until 1872. In that year the family removed to Iowa County and here he purchased a farm two years later. Both he and his wife are deceased. Three of their six children survive, namely: Emma, the wife of William Herschberger; Charles, of Victor; and Herman.
The last named attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education and through assisting his father early became familiar with practical methods of farming. He remained at home until he was of age and then was for two years employed as a hired hand. At the end of that time he rented a farm but a year later bought eighty acres on section 33, Hartford Township, which he has since cultivated. He has made a number of improvements upon his farm and keeps everything in splendid condition. He specializes in stock-raising but also grows the usual crops.
Mr. Paeper was married in 1914 to Mrs. Nettie (Best) Kinzler. She was born in this county and is a daughter of Alexander and Martha (Furney) Best, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. They were among the early settlers of Iowa County and here their marriage occurred. The father has passed away but the mother is still living. Mrs. Paeper is one of two children and by her first marriage she has two children: Alva, who is married and resides at Kinross, Iowa; and Roy, of Belle Plaine, Kansas.
Mr. Paeper is a republican but has never desired to hold office. He belongs to the Lutheran Church and his wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Both are highly esteemed in their community, and the respect in which they are uniformly held is well deserved.
Index
ALICK HANSON
Alick Hanson is farming the homestead in Hilton Township and is numbered among the prosperous and energetic agriculturists of that locality. He is a native of Norway, born on the 2d of February, 1849, and is a son of John and Gunnel (Anderson) Hanson, also natives of the land of the midnight sun. The
family emigrated to America in 1853 and resided in New York State for a year. At the end of that time they decided that better opportunities awaited them in the west and removed to Rock Island County, Illinois, where they continued until 1860. That year witnessed their arrival in Scott County, Iowa, and five years later they came to this county, locating upon a farm in Sumner Township. In 1866, however, they purchased the farm in Hilton Township which our subject now owns. It comprises a quarter section of excellent land on section 16 and the father gave the remainder of his active life to its operation. Both he and his wife have passed to their reward. They were the parents of the following children: Hannah A., the wife of F.A. Faltinsen; Christopher; Martin, a resident of Spokane, Washington; Andrew, who is living in Scott County, Iowa; George, a resident of South Dakota; Alick, of this review, and one who died in infancy.
Alick Hanson was but four years of age when he accompanied his parents to the new world and his education was acquired in the public schools. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-one and assisted in the operation of the home farm. Upon attaining his majority, he purchased the homestead and resided thereon until 1891. In that year he went to Cedar Rapids but in 1896 returned to the home farm and has since concentrated his energies upon its cultivation and development. He cultivates the soil and also raises stock of a good grade and as he is industrious and progressive and manages his affairs well, success is attending his efforts.
In 1872 Mr. Hanson married Miss Maria L. Johnson, a native of Sweden and a daughter of Jonas and Anna Johnson, who were also born in that country and passed their entire lives there.
Mr. Hanson supports the Republican Party and has held the offices of township trustee and school director. In addition to the fine farm which he owns in Hilton Township, he holds title to a quarter section of land in South Dakota, which is partly improved, and is also a stockholder in the Bank of Conroy. He has thoroughly identified himself with the interests of Iowa County and his life measures up to a high standard of manhood and citizenship.
Index
ANDREW G. FAAS
Andrew G. Faas is one of the well-to-do farmers of Iowa County, owning three hundred and eighteen acres of good land in English Township. He was born in Wisconsin on the 7th of April, 1864, of the marriage of Gottlieb and Carolina Faas, more detailed mention of whom is made in the sketch of George B. Faas, which appears elsewhere in this work.
Andrew G. Faas received a common school education and remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age, giving his father the benefit of his work, but he then began his independent business career, renting a farm for one year. At the end of that time he purchased land in Pilot Township and resided there for seven years, after which he sold out and bought one hundred and sixty-two and a half acres of his present farm, which now consists of three hundred and eighteen acres on sections 33 and 34, English Township. He carries on general farming and stock-raising but gives especial attention to raising and feeding
hogs and the income which he receives from that business is a gratifying one. He is energetic, systematic and foresighted and manages well the financial phase of farming, and it is but natural that his capital should increase from year to year.
Mr. Faas was married in 1891 to Miss Anna C. Rumburg, who was born in Germany. Her parents, Gustave and Rosale Rumburg, were also born in that country but in 1869 emigrated with their family to America and first located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, whence they removed to Nebraska. They resided in that state for six years but are now making their home in Williamsburg, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Faas have four children: Henry, who is married and is farming in this county; and Truman, Orval and Merlin, all at home.
Mr. Faas has given the Republican Party his political allegiance since age conferred the suffrage upon him, and he has served acceptably as school treasurer, although he has never aspired to political office. Both he and his wife are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church and take a helpful interest in the various phases of its work. Mr. Faas has met with success in his agricultural operations and has given the greater part of his time and attention to his work upon the farm, but has also cooperated in many movements that have resulted to the good of his community along material, moral or civic lines.
Index
ANDREW GALLUP
Andrew Gallup, a retired farmer and a veteran of the Civil war, who is residing in Conroy, was born in Connecticut on the 24th of February, 1836, a son of Andrew H. and Nancy (Ayer) Gallup, also natives of that state. The mother passed away there and after the war, the father removed to Iowa and settled with his family upon a farm in this state, where he remained for some time but subsequently removed to Nebraska, where his demise occurred. Three of their five children are still living.
The educational opportunities of Andrew Gallup were those afforded by the common schools and he also received practical training in farm work as he began farming on his own account and was so engaged when he put aside personal interests and enlisted in the Union Army in 1864, as a member of Company I, thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, remaining with that command until the conclusion of hostilities. He went with Sherman on the march to the sea and saw considerable hard fighting, in which he bore his part bravely and well. At Resaca, Georgia, he received a gunshot wound in the right foot and was in the hospital for four months. He has never fully recovered from the injury, which has always bothered him and now almost disables him. At the close of the war he was mustered out at Louisville, Kentucky, and returned to Carroll County, Illinois, where he remained for a number of years.
Mr. Gallup then removed to Iowa County, Iowa and settled upon a farm which he operated successfully, accumulating in time, a competence that enabled him to retire from active life. He then took up his abode in Conroy, where he is now living. As a farmer he was active, forehanded and progressive, and the
[Photo]
Photo of Andrew Gallup
[Blank Page]
success which attended his efforts was the natural result of his practical methods of farming and close application to business. He owns fourteen lots, a fine residence and an acre of land in Conroy and is one of the substantial men of the village.
In 1860, Mr. Gallup married Mrs. Carolina Endicott and to them were born two children: A.H., and one who is deceased. In 1864 Mrs. Gallup passed away and Mr. Gallup subsequently married Miss Sarah Carroll and they became the parent of four children, three of whom are living. Following the demise of his second wife in 1878, Mr. Gallup was again married, Mrs. Anna Evans becoming his wife. She was born in Pennsylvania, but in 1881, came to this state.
Mr. Gallup votes the republican ticket and is a stanch supporter of that party. For twenty years he served as justice of the peace and his fairness and impartiality were above question. Both he and his wife belong to the Presbyterian Church, and the work of that organization is furthered by their active participation in its affairs. With the passing years the nation realized more fully the invaluable service that the soldiers of the Union Army rendered to the country as it becomes increasingly apparent that the greatness of a country depends upon its unity and Mr. Gallup takes just pride in his Civil War record.
Index
THOMAS J. PERRY
There are many native sons of Iowa County who are still residing here, being convinced that the opportunities here offered are equal to those found elsewhere. Among them is Thomas J. Perry, a well known druggist of Williamsburg, who was born in York Township on the 25th of May, 1873, a son of Thomas J. and Elizabeth (Jones) Perry, both natives of New York State, where they were reared and married. In 1866, they removed to Wisconsin and some time later came to this county, locating upon a farm in York Township. The father was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits there until 1882, when he removed to Williamsburg, where his death occurred in 1896, at the age of sixty-two years. His widow is still living at the age of seventy-four years and resides in Williamsburg.
The public schools of Williamsburg afforded Thomas J. Perry his early educational opportunities. He decided upon the study of pharmacy and in 1890, entered the drug store of G. W. Alt, where he remained until 1893, when he entered the pharmaceutical department of the State University of Iowa at Iowa City. After a year’s study in that institution he passed the state board examination and was duly registered as a pharmacist. Not long afterward he accepted a position in a drug store at Millersburg and later entered into partnership with L. W. Hatter and purchased the business. After two years he sold his interest to his partner and came to Williamsburg, where he established himself as a druggist. In 1910, he removed his store to its present commodious quarters and as he erected the building himself, it is splendidly adapted to its purpose and is equipped with everything that will aid in the conduct of business. He is thoroughly up-to-date and progressive; carries the best lines of druggists’
sundries in addition to a full stock of pure drugs and as his business methods are above question, his patronage is growing steadily.
In 1900, Mr. Perry was married, Miss Amelia Jones becoming his wife. Her father, the late David T. Jones, was a successful farmer and a director of the Williamsburg Savings Bank. Mr. and Mrs. Perry have a son, T. Emerson.
Mr. Perry is a republican but is not hide-bound in his partisanship and is very progressive and liberal in his views. For ten years he served as a member of the town council and in that time was influential in securing the passage of a number of ordinances that have proved of value to the municipality. His membership is with the Methodist Episcopal Church and his wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally he is identified with Stellapolis Lodge, No. 62, A.F. & A.M., Troy Chapter, No. 719, R.A.M., and the Williamsburg Lodge of the Knights of Pythias. His wife is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. As he is an enthusiastic supporter of every movement that seeks the development of Williamsburg, it is but natural that he is a member of the Williamsburg Boosters Club. There is no better known or more valued resident in the city than Thomas J. Perry, who has not only gained individual success but has also contributed to the general welfare.
Index
F. F. BAUER
F. F. Bauer, of the firm of Hatter & Bauer, dealers in clothing and men’s furnishing goods, of North English, was born in Pilot Township, Iowa County, on the 9th of August, 1889, a son of Jacob and Harriet (Hilfiker) Bauer. The father was born in Landau, Germany, but the mother was born in this state, her father, John Hilfiker, being a pioneer settler of Iowa County. When Jacob Bauer was about sixteen years of age he accompanied his parents on the emigration to the new world, the family home being established in Iowa County about 1861. His parents continued to reside upon their farm until called to their reward. Following the marriage of Jacob Bauer he removed with his wife’s family to Pilot township and there engaged in farming, prospering as the years passed. He added to his land from time to time and eventually owned between nine hundred and one thousand acres in English and Lincoln Townships, having disposed of his holdings in Pilot Township. About 1900 he removed to Millersburg, where he resided for a number of years, but for the last few years he has spent his summers in this county and his winters in San Antonio, Texas, where he owns city property.
F. F. Bauer lost his mother when he was only three years of age but an older sister took her place and cared for him tenderly. He was educated in the Millersburg high school, the Highland Park College of Des Moines and the State Agricultural College at Ames. After completing his studies he returned home and for two years assisted his father with the farm work. In January, 1912, he entered into partnership with M. K. Hatter, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work, establishing the firm of Hatter & Bauer. They are engaged in the clothing and men’s furnishing business in North English and carry a strictly up-to-date stock, their customers being among the representative
men of the city. Both partners are aggressive, wide-awake young men, who display initiative in their business methods and spare no effort in securing furnishings of the latest approved style and of high quality.
On the 3d of February 1915, Mr. Bauer married Miss Gladys M. Hatter, a sister of his partner. Mr. Bauer gives his political allegiance to the Republican Party and takes a commendable interest in public affairs as he possesses marked public spirit. His wife belongs to the Presbyterian Church and aids in its work. Mr. Bauer has gained a gratifying success for one of his years and his power to successfully cope with the problems that confront the retailer is increasing year by year as he understands how to profit by experience. Energy and progressiveness are among his salient characteristics and are manifest not only in his business dealings but in all of his relations with his fellowmen.
Index
JOSEPH HARRISON COLSON
Joseph Harrison Colson, who passed away in Marengo on the 8th of June, 1906, was long and successfully identified with agricultural pursuits in Iowa County. His birth occurred in Jay County, Indiana, on the 30th of November, 1841, his parents being James and Catherine Eliza (De Long) Colson, who were of Yankee extraction. In 1857 the family home was established in Muscatine, Muscatine County, Iowa and subsequently in Poweshiek County and afterward in Iowa County.
Joseph Harrison Colson acquired his education in the schools of this county and early in life turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits, which claimed his time and energies through his active business career. On the 27th of August, 1862, when not yet twenty-one years of age, he enlisted for service in the Civil War as a member of Company E, Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry, but was honorably discharged nine moths later on account of illness. He purchased land from his father and carried on general farming in Honey Creek Township, also raising cattle and hogs for the market, until about 1870, when he disposed of his property and took up his abode in Marengo. He bought a small tract of land near the town and during the remainder of his life was successfully engaged in raising garden truck.
On the 30th of May, 1866, in Marengo, Mr. Colson was united in marriage to Miss Roselia Beardshear, a daughter of George and Susan (Skein) Beardshear. The father, who worked at the millwright’s trade during his entire life, was an honored pioneer of his county, settling here before the railroad had been built. To Mr. And Mrs. Colson were born nine children, namely: Frank B., who is a resident of Marengo; Mary Nellie, who is the wife of Ed Butler, of Leesburg, Florida; George, who died in infancy; Decatur, who has passed away; Clara, who gave her hand in marriage to Parke Butterfield; Freddie, who is deceased; Bruce, living in Silvis, Illinois; Isaac, a resident of Kasson, Minnesota; and Hazel, the wife of Percy Edwards, an agriculturist by occupation.
In politics Mr. Colson was a stanch republican but the honors and emoluments of office had no attraction for him, as he always preferred to confine his attention to his private interests. He was, however, a most public-spirited and loyal
< PREVIOUS NEXT >