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Updated on December 30, 2007 Biographies- B -
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FREDERICK
BOKORNY Source: Biographical Record of Linn County, Iowa. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901. p.862.
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Among the enterprising and wide-awake business men of Cedar Rapids is this well-known real estate and loan agent. He was born in Stockholm, St. Lawrence county, New York, on the 30th day of June, 1869, a son of Thomas Harrison and Rosina Caroline (Schellenger) Bolton, also natives of that county. His paternal grandfather, James Bolton, was an Englishman by birth, and emigrated to America about 1835, locating in St. Lawrence county, New York. As his father was a landed proprietor of England he was reared amid wealthy surroundings, had no practical business experience, and lost his property. After coming to this country he followed farming in St. Lawrence county, New York, until his death. Thomas H. Bolton, father of our subject, was the fifth in order of birth in a family of six children. For many years he has followed the insurance business, making his home in Stockholm, New York, though for about half the time in the past twenty years he has made Springfield, Illinois, his headquarters. He owns considerable farm property in St. Lawrence county, which is operated by tenants. Of his four children two sons died in infancy, while those living are Malcom V., our subject; and Thomas Harrison, Jr., who is attending the Cedar Rapids high school. Malcolm V. Bolton received his literary education in the schools of Stockholm and the Lawrenceville Academy, and in 1888, at the age of nineteen years, he removed to Cedar Rapids, took a course in the Cedar Rapids Business College, and then entered the employ of McGee & Kauppe, later Frick and Kauppe, wholesale dealers in coffees, teas and spices. He remained with them in the capacity of bookkeeper and salesman for three years. At the end of that time he accepted the position of bookkeeper of the Order of Railway Conductors, whose national headquarters are located at Cedar Rapids, and was in their employ for two years. He then engaged in the real estate and loan business. He deals in city and farm property and makes a specialty of city and farm loans. Mr. Bolton is secretary of the De La Hunt Flush Tank Company of Cedar Rapids, and is also secretary of the Occidental Club, a social organization composed of the Cedar Rapids business men. Fraternally he affiliates with Mt. Herman Lodge, F. & A. M., and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In politics he is independent. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 169-170. Submitted by: Carrie J. Robertson of Marion
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HIRAM I. BOOTH Hiram I. Booth passed his boyhood and youth in much the usual manner of farm lads and the knowledge which he acquired in the district schools was supplemented by one year’s attendance at Western College. For three terms he engaged in teaching school but since that time has devoted his entire time to agricultural pursuits, owning sixty-one and one-half acres of his present farm. In 1872 he went to Colfax county, Nebraska, where he homesteaded eighty acres, living thereon for five years, during which time the grasshoppers ate his crops every year. Becoming discouraged there, he then returned to his farm in Fayette township, this county, and has since engaged in its cultivation with marked success. He has added to the property from time to time until he now owns one hundred and twenty-six and one-half acres that he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with good and substantial buildings. On the 14th of November, 1869, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Booth to Miss Rhoda D. Nelson of College township and they have become the parents of eleven children, ten of whom are still living, namely: Carrie R.; Abbie A.; Phoebe D.; Julia B.; Mary D.; Berith L.; Esther C.; Isaiah J.; Harvey W. and Vera 0. Since attaining his majority Mr. Booth has affiliated with the democratic party but at local elections where no issue is involved he votes for the men whom he believes best qualified for office regardless of party lines. He has been called upon to serve as a member of the board of township trustees and was assessor of his township for several years and for more than a quarter of a century has been a member of the school board. He has always been found prompt and faithful in the discharge of any duties imposed upon him and he is justly regarded as one of the leading citizens of his community. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Seventh Day Adventist church and their lives have ever been such as to gain for them the esteem and friendship of a large circle of acquaintances. Source: History of Linn County Iowa, From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. II, Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company, 1911, p. 733-4. Contributed by: Terry Carlson
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Member of the finance committee of the Iowa State Board of Education, was born in Merwinsville, Litchfield county, Connecticut, on the border line between new York and Connecticut. His parents and all the other members of the family except himself were natives of New York state. When he was a child his parents moved from Dutchess county, New York, to Linn county, Iowa, and located on a farm in Maine township. He resided on the farm until after he was of age, having completed his education at Cornell college, Mount Vernon, Iowa. He left the farm to enter the banking business, which he pursued the greater part of his life. In 1880 he was engaged in the banking business in Canisteo, New York, where he married Charlotte Allison. On his return to Iowa in 1886, he was elected clerk of the district court of Linn county, after which he followed the grocery business for a short time. In 1892 he assisted in the organization of the Bohemian American State Bank, and the Iowa Savings Bank of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, which, by merger became the present American Trust and Savings Bank. In politics he is a democrat.
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The subject of this sketch is one of the most successful and progressive farmers within the borders of Marion township, where he owns four hundred and seventy-five acres of valuable and well improved land. He has made his special field of industry a success, and is highly esteemed and respected by all who know him. Mr. Bowman was born near Lancaster City, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, February 26, 1830, and is a son of Daniel and Mary (Smith) Bowman, also natives of that county, and both now deceased. The father made farming his life occupation. In the family were eight children, namely: Benjamin, of this review; David, a farmer of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania; Captain A., who is engaged in farming on section 35, Marion township, this county; Anna, wife of David Weaver, of Cumberland county, Pennsylvania; Mary, wife of David Mohler, of the same county; Daniel, a merchant of Shiremanstown, Pennsylvania; Lydia, wife of Scott Smith, a miller of the same place; and Reuben, foreman of one of the departments of the gas pipe works at Middletown, Pennsylvania. Benjamin Bowman received only a limited education in the common schools of his native state, and on laying aside his text books he learned the miller's trade in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania. In 1850 he removed to Licking county, Ohio, where he continued to follow that occupation until coming to Linn county, Iowa, in January, 1856. After working for four years in a flouring mill in Marion, he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 36, Marion township, known as the Brody farm, and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Prospering in this venture he bought the Joseph Cooper place of one hundred and twenty acres, and in 1870 purchased one hundred and fifteen acres on section 26, Marion township; the McCurdy place of eighty acres on section 36, in 1880, and later forty acres south of his present home, making four hundred and seventy five acres of land, all in Marion township. He is a thorough and systematic farmer, whose success is due entirely to his own energetic and well-directed efforts. On the 13th of May, 1856, Mr. Bowman was married in Utica, Ohio, to Miss Eliza Wilson, of Licking county, a daughter of Abel and Mary (Forry) Wilson, the former a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, the latter of Licking county, Ohio. By occupation her father was a farmer. To Mr. and Mrs. Bowman have been born the following children: May, born August 25, 1857, and died on September 28, 1858; Arthur Wilson, who married Dora Leonard, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is now engaged in the retail shoe business in Omaha, Nebraska; James Wilbur, who married Ida May Gibson, and is now serving as clerk of the courts of Linn county; May E., at home; Nettie L., wife of George Strong, who is engaged in farming on our subject's old homestead, in Marion township; and Myrtle Estella, at home. In connection with general farming Mr. Bowman has always carried on stock raising quite extensively, and has dealt in stock of all kinds. In 1891 he erected his present elegant home at a cost of four thousand dollars, and has made many other useful and valuable improvements upon his place which add greatly to its attractive appearance. The Republican party has always found in him a stanch supporter of its principles, and in religious belief he is a Presbyterian. He and his family are prominent in the social circles of their community, and have a host of warm friends throughout Linn county. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 41-42. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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Prominent among the early settlers and honored veterans of the Civil war now residing in Linn township is the gentleman whose name introduces this review. He was born on the 25th of May, 1837, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, of which state his parents, Robert and Rhoda (Young) Boxwell, were also natives. In 1845 they removed with their family to Iowa, and settled in Linn township, Linn county, where the father took up eighty acres of government land, to the improvement and cultivation of which he gave his time and attention throughout the remainder of his life, farming being the occupation which he always followed. He died at the age of seventy-four years, and his wife, who survived him about five years, passed away at the age of seventy-six, the remains of both being interred in Linn township. They had eight children of whom four died when quite young. The others are William and Robert, both farmers of Linn township; Mary Ann, who is the widow of David Clark, and resides on the home farm in Linn township with her children; and Moses, the subject of this sketch. Moses Boxwell was educated in the district schools of Linn township and early acquired an excellent knowledge of agricultural pursuits on the home farm. After his marriage he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 24, Linn township, which at that time was only partially improved, and upon that place he has since made his home. As a farmer and stock raiser he has met with well-deserved success, and now has one of the most desirable farms of its size in the township. On the 2d of July 1868 Mr. Boxwell was united in marriage with Miss Irene Corbly, who was born in this county, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Inghram) Corbly. Her father was a native of Virginia, and in pioneer days located in Linn county, Iowa. He engaged in farming in Linn township, where he died at the age of sixty-two years. Mrs. Boxwell lost her mother when a small child. She has two brothers and two sisters living, besides a half sister. He took part in all of the important engagements in which his regiment participated, including the battle of Champion Hills, and was taken prisoner near New Orleans, being held a captive for nine weeks before being exchanged. When his term of enlistment expired he was honorably discharged at Savannah, Georgia. He is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and has filled the office of school director in a most creditable manner. Fraternally he is a member of John Buck Post. G.A.R. Religiously he is a member of the Methodist Church, and is a man of the highest respectability. Source: Biographical Record of Linn County, Iowa. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901. p.359-360.
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D. L. BOYD Landing in New York, he proceeded at once to Marengo, Iowa, where he remained three weeks and then came to Mt. Vernon, which has since been his home. He began life here as a farm hand in the employ of James Smyth, with whom he remained three months, and for three weeks he was similarly employed by Colonel Smyth. At the end of that time he accepted a position in the lumber yard of Colonel R. Smyth & Co., at Mr. Vernon, and a year later purchased an interest in the business. This partnership continued for some time, and he then purchased his partner's interests, and has since continued to be identified with the lumber business of his adopted city. In May, 1900, he took into partnership with him his son, Jay C., and under the firm name of D. L. Boyd & Son the business is continued with remarkable success. On the advent of his son into the firm, he became connected with the banking business as cashier of the Mt. Vernon Bank, and is now holding that position. His intimate knowledge and extensive acquaintance with the people who do business in Mt. Vernon make him a valuable acquisition to the bank. He was twice married, his first wife being Margaret Shaver. After her death he married Martha Smyth, and to them were born three children, of whom Mrs. Boyd is the only survivor. Three children were also born to Mr. and Mrs. Boyd. Jay Craig, born December 23, 1872, is now the junior member of the firm of D. L. Boyd & Son. He married Miss Mabel Shire, and they have one child, Donald L. William Walter, born May 26, 1876, resides at home. Florence B., born April 22, 1882, is attending Cornell College. Source: Biographical Record of Linn County, Iowa. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901. p.502-503.
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Chairman of the finance committee of the Board of Education, is a native of Iowa, having been born in Lisbon, Linn county, May 19, 1864. His boyhood was spent in Tipton, Iowa, where he attended the public schools. He was graduated from the college of liberal arts of the state university in June, 1889, having earned his way by teaching school and clerking in a store. He was principal of the school at Mechanicsville, Iowa, two years. He was editor of the Tipton Advertiser two years, editor and associate editor of the Cedar Rapids Republican sixteen years. Mr. Boyd served as postmaster of Cedar Rapids from 1899 to 1909, resigning this office to accept his present position. He has long been interested in educational matters, and was for several years a member of the board of trustees of Coe college, and for a time lecturer on political economy in that institution. Mr. Boyd is a director of the American
Trust and Savings bank, and president of the Perpetual Savings and Loan association, both located in Cedar Rapids. A republican in politics.
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The subject of this sketch was for some years one of the most energetic and progressive business men of Mt. Vernon, Iowa, but is now practically living a retired life at that place. He was born in Saratoga county, New York, October 17, 1855, and is descended from a good old colonial family of Scotch origin, from whose coat of arms it is supposed they belonged to the agricultural class. The first to come to America was Captain Richard Brackett, a native of Scotland, who was one of the fifteen hundred people composing the Massachusetts Bay colony, who came to the new world with Governor Winthrop about 1629, and settled near Boston. The family has always been a patriotic and loyal one, and among its representatives have been soldiers of the Revolutionary war, the war of 1812, and the war of the Rebellion. James S. Brackett, father of our subject, was born near Pittstown, Rensselaer county, New York, January 29, 1823, and is a son of John Adams and Eliza (Chase) Brackett, who were natives of New York and Rhode Island, respectively, and were married in Rensselaer county of the former state. There Eliza Brackett died and for his second wife John A. Brackett married Elizabeth Sturgis. Later he removed to Saratoga county, New York, where his death occurred in 1871. He had eight children, three by the first marriage and five by the second, namely: James S., father of our subject; William, who married Elizabeth Sherman and died in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, in 1896; Henry, who married Mary Ott and resides in Saratoga county, New York; Hattie who married John Fryer, and is dead; George, who married Elizabeth Perry and died in Glens Falls, New York, in February, 1901; and John, who was wounded at Gettysburg, and died in the army during the Civil war. At the age of five years James S. Brackett began his education in the district schools near his boyhood home, and at the age of twelve accompanied his father on his removal to Saratoga county, New York. He assisted his father in the operation of the farm and sawmill and made his home there until coming to Mt. Vernon, Iowa, in January, 1873. Here he was engaged in the meat business with our subject for some time, and since disposing of their market he has lived retired. He and his son erected the building now owned by the Wolf Brothers, and took a very active and prominent part in the business affairs of the city. On the 15th of September, 1844, in Saratoga county, New York, was celebrated the marriage of James S. Brackett and Nancy Sherman, who was born in that county, January 4, 1823, and died there April 5, 1865, her remains being interred at Wilton, New York. The only child born of that union was our subject. His maternal grandparents were Sylvanus and Clara (Slatter) Sherman, who were married in Rensselaer county, New York, and were the parents of the following children: Caroline, who married Smith Carr and both died in Saratoga county, New York; Nancy, mother of our subject; Elizabeth Ann, who married William Brackett and both are now deceased; Elisha, deceased, who married Polly Brackett and lived in Washington county, New York; and James, who died in that county. Reared in his native county, Charles Brackett attended first the district schools and later the high school at Saratoga Springs. In the spring of 1874 he came to Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and for one year was a student at Cornell College. He embarked in the meat business with his father in the fall of 1876, and successfully conducted a market here until 1892, when they sold out. In December of that year he purchased a two-story brick block, and in January following opened a clothing store, which he carried on until his retirement from the business in 1898, when he sold out to the firm of Bair & Kyle. In 1899 he built one of the best residences in Mt. Vernon, it being supplied with all modern improvements and furnished in a most tasteful manner. He also owns other city property and is quite well-to-do, having accumulated a comfortable competence through his good business ability, sound judgement and untiring perseverance. Mr. Brackett was married at Saratoga Springs, New York, September 6, 1876, to Miss Jane E. Springsted, who was born at that place January 31, 1857, a daughter of John and Martha F. (Owen) Springsted. The Springsted family was founded in America by her great-grandfather, who came from England in 1790, and settled in Coeymans, Albany county, New York. Her grandfather, Stephen Springsted, was born at that place January 16, 1799, and married Abigail Terry, who was born March 1, 1801. They had nine children, all born in Coeymans, namely: Jeremiah, born February 19, 1820, died September 22, 1879; Lydia, born November 25, 1821, still resides in Coeymans; Oliver, born November 14, 1823, died in December, 1896; Henry, born January 18, 1826, resides in Coeymans; John, father of Mrs. Brackett, is next in order of birth; Jane E., born July 20, 1830, died May 16, 1851; Sally Ann, born February 2, 1833, died December 14, 1834; Mary, born May 14, 1835, resides in New Bethlehem, New York; and Stephen, born October 31, 1837, died April 30, 1891. Mrs. Brackett’s maternal grandfather was William C. Owen, who was born in East Line, Saratoga county, New York, June 14, 1807, and died in Saratoga Springs, April 28, 1893. His wife bore the maiden name of Hannah Bliss, was born in Greenfield, the same county, July 22, 1809, and died in Saratoga Springs January 2, 1883. She was a cousin of Senator P. P. Bliss. In the Owen family were the following children: Mary M., born March 20, 1831, died July 22, 1859; Martha F., mother of Mrs. Brackett, was the second of the family; Phebe E., born October 18, 1834, died February 19, 1858; Henry W., born February 22, 1836, resides in Mt. Vernon, Iowa; William J., born February 27, 1837, died October 28, 1866; James B., born December 1, 1838, died February 26, 1839; Eliza J. born February 11, 1840, died September 17, 1885; Charles, born November 15, 1841, died August 1, 1842; Harriet Emma, born October 30, 1844, resides in Saratoga Springs, New York; and Charles A., born July 1, 1850, died November 19, 1872. John Springsted, Mrs. Brackett’s father, was born in Coeymans, New York, February 29, 1828, and was married at Martha F. Owen, who was born in Greenfield, that state, January 8, 1833. In 1857 they came west and located near Peru, Illinois, where the father followed farming until his death, which occurred September 9, 1861. By trade, however, he was a tinner. After her husband’s death Mrs. Springsted returned to Saratoga Springs, New York, where she was married, September 3, 1869, to Samuel Ainsworth, a native of Vermont, by whom she had one son, Samuel W., who was born in Saratoga Springs April 23, 1871, and still resides at that place. He was married in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, September 15, 1894, to Sally Courtney. Mrs. Brackett is the older of the two children born of the first marriage, the other being Mary J. Etta, who was born in Illinois January 8, 1862, and is now the wife of Daniel Barbey, a journalist of Saratoga Springs, New York. The mother died at that place May 21, 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Brackett have two children: Frank J., born September 15, 1883; and Florence Etta, born January 15, 1897. The former is now attending Cornell College. Politically Mr. Brackett is a Republican with prohibition tendencies, and religiously is a member of the Methodist church. Socially he belongs to Mt. Vernon Lodge, No. 112, F. & A. M., and Ashlar Chapter, R. A. Saratoga Springs, November 11, 1855, to M., and is also connected with Star of Bethlehem Lodge, K. P. Social, educational and moral interests have been promoted by him, and anything that tends to uplift and benefit humanity secures his hearty co-operation. Both he and his father enjoy a wide acquaintance and marked popularity in the city where they have made their home for over a quarter of a century. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 133-6. Submitted by: Carrie J. Robertson of Marion
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ALLEN P.
BRESSLER Source: Biographical Record of Linn County, Iowa. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901. p.964-965.
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And then there was Harrison Bristol, who had an eye for business and early purchased a lot and erected a house thereon, and whose hospitable roof sheltered my mother and her family prior to the erection of her own house near the corner of Second street and Third avenue [Cedar Rapids]. He was a genial, clever young man whom everybody liked, and in later years became one of the most prominent businessmen of Vinton, being in partnership with his father-in-law, Mr. Russell Jones, a former trusted and highly esteemed clerk in Greene’s store in our city. In later years financial reverses overtook Mr. Bristol from which he has never been able to fully recover. After these reverses, true to his old instincts as a lover of stock, he studied veterinary surgery and has for a number of years practiced that profession. Both he and his estimable wife still reside in Vinton and are members of the Presbyterian church of that place. Source: Carroll, Rev. George R., Pioneer Life In and Around Cedar Rapids, Iowa from 1839 to 1849, page 192, Times Printing and Binding House, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 1895. Contributed by: Terry Carlson
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Cornelis BroeksmitThe best justification of our republican government lies in the fact that young men of other lands seeking homes in America have opportunity to demonstrate the power they possess, and, equally with the native-born sons of the country, work their way upward by diligence, earnest effort and perseverance, unhampered by the caste system which prevails in the old countries and which is certainly detrimental to the development of talent. Coming to this country, Mr. Broeksmit won recognition by his merit and has worked his way upward until he holds to-day the responsible position of auditor of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad. His life has been an eventful and interesting one, and integrity, activity and energy have been the crowning points of his success. Such a career is well worthy of perpetuation on the pages of Iowa's history, and with pleasure we present this sketch to our readers. Mr. Broeksmit was born in the city of Zierikzee, Holland, on the 25th of January, 1825, and is the son of Adrian F. and Gertrude (De Zwitzer) Broeksmit, also natives of Holland. His ancestors have for many generations resided in that country. His father was a merchant, dealing in grain and madder, the latter a commodity which has now fallen into disuse owing to the introduction of chemical dye stuffs, but which fifty years ago was in great demand all over the world. Under the parental roof Mr. Broeksmit spent his boyhood days, and the public schools of the neighborhood afforded him his early educational privileges. Subsequently he entered the French Institute, where he studied engineering, algebra, the higher mathematics and the French language. His business training was received in his father's counting room, where he remained between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one years. During this time he became attracted by the reports which he heard of the United States and the advantages here afforded, and resolved to try his fortune in the new world. In 1847 he sailed for New York, arriving in the eastern metropolis after a voyage of several weeks, for it was not yet the era of steam navigation. In his native land he had demonstrated his ability as a young man of excellent capacity for business, possessing energy and sound judgment, and was given several letters of recommendation; but he was unfamiliar with the English language and it was therefore difficult to obtain a situation where his services would prove of any material value. Failing to obtain employment in New York, he went to Boston and secured a situation in the office of Thomas H. Dixon & Son, importers and ship-owners, located at No. 41 India Wharf. The senior member of this firm was Consul General of the Netherlands for the state of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Maine. He took a personal interest in our subject, having received a letter from the mayor of Zierikzee, urging him to assist the young man and assuring him that Mr. Broeksmit was worthy of any trust. During the two years that he remained with that firm our subject gained the mastery of mercantile methods in America, and also learned to speak, read and write the English language. His next position made him assistant bookkeeper for the firm of George W. Warren & Company, extensive dealers in dry goods, doing both a wholesale and retail business. From 1851 until 1855 he was bookkeeper in the Nahant Hotel near Boston, and then traveled southward, his object being a desire to see the country. Making his way to New Orleans Mr. Broeksmit became chief clerk for Samuel Van Loon, master mechanic of the New Orleans, Jackson & Great Northern Railroad, in Louisiana. He occupied that position until the breaking out of the Civil war in 1861. It happened that at that time a vessel of his own country lay in port at the Crescent City, the only ship flying the colors of that nation that had entered the harbor of New Orleans for twenty-three years. It was ready to start on the return trip to Holland, and Mr. Broeksmit, feeling a strong desire to visit his native land, became one of its passengers, and thirty-two days later reached his old home. In that country, Mr. Broeksmit continued railroad work, being employed in various capacities and stationed at various places, including Breda and Zutphen. After a time he secured a clerkship for the railroad commission having in charge the construction and operation of the railroads in the Dutch East Indies, for which he sailed and saw service on the Island of Java, at Batavia and Samarang. There he witnessed the ceremonials attending the building of the first railroad, and saw the first spade stuck into the ground for the railroads on that island by Baron Sloet Van de Beele, Governor General of the Netherlands Indies. Subsequently our subject returned to his native land, where he spent a part of the year 1867. America, however, had won his love and he determined to again identify his interests with this country. Accordingly, in 1868, he once more crossed the Atlantic and made his way to Chicago, where, through the instrumentality of George P. Lee, treasurer of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company, he obtained the appointment of station agent at Cleveland, Illinois, where large coal mines of the company were located. Subsequently he was transferred to Coal Valley, Illinois, and later became agent of the Davenport & St. Paul Railroad under Hon. Hiram Price at Maquoketa, Iowa. In 1871 he was promoted to the position of assistant auditor of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota Railroad and removed to Cedar Rapids, where he has since made his home. Two years later he was appointed auditor of the same road, and on its reorganization in 1876, when it became known as the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad, his services were retained in the same capacity. He yet holds that position, but his duties are far more extensive and important, owing to the growth of the road. His position is indeed a responsible one, but he is fully capable of handling and managing its interests. That he has won and merited in the fullest extent the confidence of the railroad officials is demonstrated by his long continuance in this office, and his uniform courtesy and fairness to the employees under him has also gained their genuine respect. Turning from the public to the private lie of Mr. Broeksmit, we chronicle the event of his marriage, which was celebrated in 1873, the lady of his choice being Miss Laura Shaw, daughter of John Shaw, of Maquoketa, Iowa. She is a member by descent of an old New England family, members of which participated with distinction in the Revolutionary war. Four children have been born in their family - Gertrude, Eugene, Helen and John. By a former marriage he had one son, W. F. Broeksmit [see bio below], the present freight auditor of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad. Mr. Broeksmit is pre-eminently a pubic spirited citizen, devoted to the welfare of his adopted country and to the upbuilding of his community. He has been an important factor in advancing several business enterprises of importance in Cedar Rapids, and has been a director of the Merchants' National Bank, and secretary of the Cedar Rapids Water Company. The cause of education finds him a stalwart champion, and he is treasurer of Coe College, which institution owes not a little of its advancement and success to his well directed efforts in its behalf. He is a consistent member and active worker in the Presbyterian church and was president of the board of trustees of the Young Men's Christian Association. He votes with the Republican party, and though he has never sought or desired office he takes an interest in political affairs, as every true American citizen should do. His career has been one of honorable methods, and while it has won him prominence and success he has gained the respect and esteem of a large circle of warm friends, while he is a man of very genial and social nature. Source: Biographical Record of Linn County, Iowa. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901. p.9-11.
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William Frederick Broeksmit For almost fifteen years the subject of this sketch has served as freight auditor for the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad, with headquarters at Cedar Rapids, and is one of the popular railroad men of the city. He was born in Madisonville, St. Tammany parish, Louisiana, September 24, 1858, and is the only child of John C. and Jane (Burns) Broeksmit. During his boyhood he pursued his studies in the common schools of his native parish, and at the age of thirteen years joined his father at Cedar Rapids, his father being connected with the old Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota Railroad. Here our subject attended school for several years, and in 1879 found employment in the carpenter shops of the same road. Two years later he was transferred to the stationery supply department as clerk, and remained there about a year. He next accepted a clerkship in the auditor's office under his father, being employed in that capacity from 1882 until August, 1885, when he was made chief clerk in the freight auditor's office. He held that latter position until October 1, 1886, when he received the appointment of freight auditor for the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad, and has filled the office ever since with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of the company. His duties have always been performed in a most conscientious and capable manner, and he well merits the confidence imposed in him. On the 28th of September, 1886, Mr. Broeksmit was united in marriage with Miss Fanny A. Tisdale, of Cedar Rapids, the wedding ceremony being performed by Revs. Casebeer and Fowler. She was born in Herkimer county, New York, the third in order of birth in a family of nine children, all still living, and in 1869 accompanied her parents, Daniel and Harriet L. Tisdale, on their removal to Cedar Rapids, where they now reside. Mrs. Broeksmit was educated in the schools of Cedar Rapids. Both she and her husband are members of the Second Presbyterian church of the city, and have a large circle of friends and acquaintances throughout the community. In his political views, Mr. Broeksmit is a Republican, and he takes a deep interest in public affairs, as every true American citizen should. Source: Biographical Record of Linn County, Iowa. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901. p.973-974.
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Arthur G. Brown is the proprietor of one of the leading confectionery establishments of Cedar Rapids, known as the Palace of Sweets, and during the period of his residence here he has built up a substantial business in the manufacture and sale of candies and ice cream and also as a caterer. A native of Illinois, he is the youngest son of Dr. Benjamin Franklin Brown, who served through the Civil war as a surgeon in the Union ranks. After the cessation of hostilities he settled in Oneida, Illinois, where he continued in the practice of medicine until his death. He reared a family of six children of whom Mark and Eli are now deceased. The others are Edward, Charles, Arthur and Carrie. Of these Charles is a prosperous farmer living near Oneida, Illinois. Edward is a very prominent stock-raiser of Mitchell, Nebraska, handling pedigreed hogs and cattle, and at one time was the owner of a famous boar which was the prize winner at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. The daughter, Carrie, is now the wife of Jesse Jagger and resides at Denver, Colorado. Arthur G. Brown was only two years of age when left an orphan by the death of his father. His mother had previously passed away and he was reared by a stepmother, acquiring his education in the public schools of Oneida, Illinois, which he attended to the age of eighteen years. He then began learning the trade of a master baker at Knoxville, Illinois, and after two years he established business in that line on his own account at Stevens Point, Wisconsin, where he remained for three years. On the 15th of February, 1901, he arrived in Cedar Rapids and with the capital which he had previously acquired he established himself in business here, beginning the manufacture of candies and ice cream. His establishment, known as the Palace of Sweets, has become one of the popular resorts of this character in this city and its trade is constantly growing. Its manufactured products are of the highest grade, tempting the most capricious palate, and as a caterer Mr. Brown is also doing a successful business, his services being constantly in demand by the people of Cedar Rapids and vicinity. His business, too, is carefully and systematically managed and his store is thoroughly equipped with all accessories needed in making the goods which he handles. He has recently erected a splendid brick business block on one of the prominent streets and entertains optimistic views concerning the future of Cedar Rapids. In 1904 occurred the marriage of Arthur G. Brown and Miss Elizabeth Parrott, of Waverly, Iowa. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of the Maccabees, the Knights of Pythias and the Red Men. His political views are in accord with republican principles where national issues are involved, but at local elections when the only question for consideration is the capability of the candidate he casts an independent ballot. Dependent upon his own resources from the age of eighteen years, he has made continuous advancement in business and as the architect of his own fortune has builded wisely and well, recognizing the fact that there is no excellence without labor and that close application and energy constitute the most substantial foundation for success. Source: History of Linn County Iowa, From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. II, Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company, 1911, p. 132-3. Contributed by: Terry Carlson
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Nicholas B. Brown (from Carroll's book) The first and most prominent figure that stands out before us in the matter of improving the water power of our city, is that of Mr. Nicholas B. Brown. He came to this place in 1840, and purchased the land which contained the original plat of Cedar Rapids. It was not until sometime during the summer of 1841 that he began active operations towards the improvement of the water power. The first dam was a very weak and temporary affair, made of brush or small trees with stone piled upon them. The brush and trees were brought down the river on flat boats from the neighboring islands, and the stone was quarried from the river bottom on the rapids. It was a long and tedious job to build it, and when completed, it was a poor make shift, and always caused trouble whenever there was a rise in the river. However, it answered for a beginning, and when the saw-mill was completed in 1842, and the waters of the Cedar began to make its machinery hum, it was the beginning of a new period for our town and the harbinger of better days to come. Mr. Brown’s means were limited, and it was with much difficulty that he could procure the money with which to pay the faithful toilers who had helped him in this new enterprise. A grist mill was added in due time, and later, in 1846-7, I believe, the woolen factory was built. The one dominant characteristic of Mr. Brown was his great tenacity of purpose. He was not an aggressive man, but rather the reverse. But he had the gift of hanging on, and this, doubtless, was what brought him his fortune at last. His loose business habits involved him in endless litigation and caused him an immense amount of needless trouble. There can be but little doubt that many a shrewd business man, standing in his place, and possessing his rare advantages, would have made vastly more out of the splendid property which he controlled. However, it must be admitted by all, that Mr. Brown did some excellent work as a pioneer settler, in making a beginning in a new country, and under many adverse circumstances. In my personal relations with Mr. Brown, I always found him courteous and gentlemanly. In the later years of his life, I seldom met him, not being a resident of this city during that period. But I am told that a decided change came over his life a number of years previous to his death, and that he became a member of the Methodist church, and a regular and interested attendant upon its stated meetings, and a liberal contributor towards its support. He was born in New Jersey in 1814. A few years before coming to this state, he had resided in Kentucky. His death occurred Sept. 16, 1880. His first wife was Miss Catherine Craig, who died many years ago. His second wife’s maiden name was Miss Susan Emery. Her home is still in the city, although, much of the time she is absent. She is a woman of irreproachable character, and is, and always has been, conspicuous in works of benevolence and charity. Few can show a better record. She is a member of the Methodist church, and for many years has been one of its most faithful workers. Source: Carroll, Rev. George R., Pioneer Life In and Around Cedar Rapids, Iowa from 1839 to 1849, pages 87-90, Times Printing and Binding House, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 1895. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
NICHOLAS BRODHEAD BROWN
(from 1911 history) With the example of these ancestors before him it is not surprising that Nicholas B. Brown was ambitious to make his mark and be of some consequence in the world. His father, who was a millwright and the owner of a mill, became a man of some considerable property, but his business affairs were somewhat involved at the time of his death, which occurred when he was comparatively Young. The educational facilities in those days being limited, it was decided that N. B. Brown should follow the occupation of his father and he accordingly became a millwright’s apprentice. On the expiration of his apprenticeship he immediately began contracting on his own account, building a mill in Pike county, Pennsylvania, which was still in existence a few years ago. He afterward went to Henderson. Kentucky, where he built a mill for E. and W. King. After completing that contract he returned to his home, but soon decided that the opportunities of the new and comparatively unknown west promised success and he resolved to try his fortune in that section of the country. Taking passage upon a boat on the York and Erie canal he traveled as far as he could in that manner and then purchased a horse, saddle and bridle and upon horseback continued the journey. In 1839 he passed over the ground upon which the city of Cedar Rapids now stands, but either in a spirit of adventure or in quest of further knowledge of the country he traveled as far north as Cedar Falls, returning in 1840, to what became his new and permanent home. Cedar Rapids represented to him the ambition of his life: the building of a new city in a new country as his ancestors had done before him, and he was one of the incorporators of the town. In 1840 he erected for Elias and Daniel James Doty, brothers, the first manufacturing plant to be propelled by motor power in Linn County. He next purchased from Osgood Shepard an interest in the riparian rights along the Cedar river in the city and in 1841 began improving the water fall located here by the erection of a temporary dam and the building of the second sawmill to be erected in Linn county. He built the sawmill for himself, the date of its erection being 1842. He then in 1843 began the building of what became the first flour mill in Linn county to be placed in operation. In 1847 or 1848 he erected a woolen mill which was the first of its kind to be built in this part of Iowa. he also improved the waterfall to be found in McLeod ‘s run some two miles northeast of this city and erected upon it what in all probability was the first starch mill to be built in the city or territory of Iowa. This enterprise, however, proved to be a failure through improper management and the building was converted into a distillery, being the first and only one ever operated in Linn county. Besides these enterprises, which in their day were of the utmost importance to the new and growing country and considering the lack of financial facilities were really affairs of magnitude, Mr. Brown was also engaged largely in erecting buildings and buying and selling real estate and to some extent he also followed farming. Not only were Mr. Brown’s labors of direct benefit to himself, but he was a cooperant factor in many movements relative to the public good. He aided in the building of and was first senior warden of Grace Episcopal church and later became one of the most ardent supporters and upbuilders of St. Paul’s Methodist Episcopal church, contributing most generously toward the erection of the present house of worship. He was one of the few who built and aided in maintaining the first schoolhouse in Cedar Rapids. He was a strong believer in education and morality, and his influence could always be counted upon to further any movement or project for the benefit of city and county along the lines of material, intellectual and moral progress. From the foregoing statement it will he seen that Nicholas Brodhead Brown was by nature and birth a man of energy and enterprising ability, of that class of men who were of the utmost importance to a new and unpopulated country, who by reason of their faith in themselves and their faith in the district in which they located not only put forth untiring effort for its upbuilding but also induced others to locate here and aid in the improvement and development of the region about them. He possessed a genial, kindly disposition, was devoted and loyal to his friends, was a lover of good cheer but thoroughly temperate in all things throughout his life, and was an indulgent father and husband. His life was such a one as to honor the community which honored him. Notwithstanding all of his good qualities, his social and genial disposition, his last days were days of sickness and adversity but he bore up under these with an unusual degree of fortitude. On the 8th of February, 1844, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Catharine Craig, a daughter of Thomas Craig, who settled at Mount Vernon in 1839. She did not long survive her marriage, for her death occurred on the 6th of July. 1846. Their only child died in infancy. On the 8th of May, 1852. Mr. Brown was again married, his second union being with Miss Susan Emery, a daughter of Nathan and Cornelia (Brodhead) Emery. She was his cousin and in the same line of descent as himself. Mr. Brown was never a church member, but was a strong believer in Christian work and the good influence of churches in a community. In politics he was a Douglas democrat and, notwithstanding adverse criticism during the Civil war was a firm believer in the maintenance of the union of states and was a contributor to the Union defense fund. He cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln when he was for a second time a presidential candidate, believing that it was the duty of all northern men to stand by the government at that critical period in the history of the country. He belonged to the Masonic fraternity and was a firm believer in its teachings and tenets, saying that if its teachings were strictly followed there would be little need for the churches. John J. Daniels, in writing reminiscences of pioneer days for the local press of Cedar Rapids, said: “Before closing this article I feel it my duty to speak more at length of Nicholas B. Brown, almost one of the earliest settlers, and who is justly deserving of a lasting remembrance, being a leader among men, with a master mind, in hewing the way and laying the foundation stones from which arose some valuable manufacturing establishments and many of the modern structures of Cedar Rapids. It certainly will be conceded by unbiased and impartial minds that Mr. Brown did some valuable initial work, as a pioneer, in making a beginning in a new country under so many adverse circumstances as he had to contend with — especially in building a dam with very limited facilities and the scarcity of laborers. The life that N. B. Brown lived is past, his labors are done, but the works he wrought still live and the blessings he bestowed are in their first fruition. The sufferings he has relieved and the help he gave is only fully recorded in the great book of remembrance. My opinion is that hereafter when Cedar Rapids has another park to name or dedicate, in grateful remembrance to a man who was the largest factor in the early settlement of Cedar Rapids and vicinity and a worthy pioneer, that N. B. Brown should not be so intentionally sidetracked, forgotten or omitted and the name given to some other man less deserving. Can the present generation afford to be guilty of robbing a man so justly deserving of a lasting remembrance and do such an apparent and personal injustice to Brown ‘s memory — to his widow and his posterity — I for one cannot, for I have not overlooked or closed my eyes to the valuable achievements accomplished by him from 1840, the year of his coming to Linn county, until his death, September 16, 1880. Whether the writer is or is not in point of time, considered a contemporary with Mr. Brown, yet I will say that the larger part of my remarks in his behalf is from actual knowledge gained from personal observation and my intimate acquaintance with him for thirty-six years.” Source: History of Linn County Iowa, From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. II, Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company, 1911, p. 30-34. Contributed by: Terry Carlson
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Mr. H. L. Bryan came to this place in 1849 from Charleston, South Carolina. I presume that he was born in that city and state, although I am unable to state this with certainty. I only know that he was a genuine southerner in all his tastes and habits of life. He was a Presbyterian of the old school, and a thoroughly conscientious good man. He had the charge of the extensive business of his aunt, Miss Mary S. Legare [read her bio]. Mr. Bryan had two brothers Michael, and “Doc,” as they called him, although that was not his true name. Besides these came his brother-in-law Mr. E. G. Stoney, and four sisters, Mrs. Rutledge, Mrs. Stoney, Hartley, and Joanna, the latter two quite young girls. They all came, I think, about the same time, and being quite wealthy they made a decided impression upon our community. For a time they monopolized the larger part of the business of the town, having leased Mr. Brown’s mills and the Woolen Factory, and engaging in the dry goods trade and controlling many of the blacksmith and carpenter shops and I know not what other branches of industry. Miss Legare invested largely in real estate, and her large fortune seemed to be the main capital employed to carry on all these various branches of business. Mr. Bryan was the chief manager of all these great interests. For a year or two it made lively times for our town and the country around. Mr. Bryan managed the best he knew how. He was a kind, generous hearted man and perfectly honest in his business transactions. Of this I can testify from actual experience in dealing with him to a considerable extent. But he undertook too much, and financial disaster was the unavoidable result. It was a cause of sincere regret that they did not succeed better, but their ways of doing business and their habits of life were such as to render success an impossibility in a new and undeveloped country like this. The failure, however, was an honest one, and Mr. Bryan’s fortune went down with the rest. Of his honesty in all these trying times I have never had any doubt. He never regained his financial standing, but seemed content to gain a livelihood by honest toil. For many years he pursued the calling of a drayman, and finally devoted himself mainly to gardening. His death occurred April 19, 1877. Where I to write his epitaph it would be in these words: “Here lies a good man, who in the face of great adversity tried to do his duty.” His wife was a lady of rare accomplishments and of the highest Christian character. She is living, I believe, with some of her children in the far west. Source: Carroll, Rev. George R., Pioneer Life In and Around Cedar Rapids, Iowa from 1839 to 1849, pages 186-190, Times Printing and Binding House, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 1895. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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Among the leading business men of Cedar Rapids and the honored veterans of the Civil war is this well-known contractor and builder, who came to this city in 1873 and has since been an important factor in its business affairs. A native of Monroe county, Indiana, he was born near Bloomington on the 5th of May, 1834. His father, David Bunger, was a native of Virginia, and when a young man went to Indiana, locating in Monroe county, where was celebrated his marriage with Miss Juritha Berry, a native of Kentucky. Throughout life he engaged in farming and stock raising, and died in Monroe county, in 1845, at the early age of thirty-three years. His wife survived him many years and reared their family. In 1851 she removed to Illinois, and settled on a farm in Henderson county. Her last days were spent with her only daughter, Mary P., wife of Samuel Brightwell, residing near Chariton, Iowa, and there she died at the age of seventy-eight years. She had four sons, of whom Jacob D. is the oldest; William, who died in Burlington, Iowa, in 1884, was a soldier of the Civil war and lost a leg in the siege of Vicksburg; Green is a farmer of this county; and Joseph is a farmer of Nebraska. Jacob D. Bunger grew to manhood upon the home farm in Henderson county, Illinois, and in early life learned the trade of a carpenter and joiner, at which he worked in Indiana and Illinois until the Civil war broke out. On the 14th of August, 1862, he joined the boys in blue of Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, as corporal, and was sent down the Mississippi to Memphis. He participated in the battles of Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson and the siege of Vicksburg, and assisting in taking that stronghold. He had two fingers of his right hand shot off, and was thus permanently disabled. He was ill in the hospital at Keokuk, Iowa, until the close of the war, and was then sent to Davenport, where he was mustered out and honorably discharged on the 18th of May, 1865, after which he returned to his home in Illinois. In the fall of the same year, however, Mr. Bunger came to Iowa, and settled in Blairstown, where he engaged in contracting and building for five years. At the end of that time he removed to Marion, where he was similarly employed for three years, and then came to Cedar Rapids, where he has since successfully carried on operations as a contractor and builder. He has erected a number of business buildings but has mostly engaged in building private residences, and on all sides are seen evidences of his handiwork. He has bought lots and built two houses for himself. At Galesburg, Illinois, in June, 1856, Mr. Bunger married Miss Eliza H. Woodbridge, who was born and reared in McDonough county, that state, and was educated at Galesburg. Unto them were born five children, namely: Clara married George Shaffer, of Cedar Rapids, and died here leaving one child, Nina, who now resides with her grandparents and is attending the Cedar Rapids high school; Edward is married and engaged in farming in Linn county; David is an energetic man of good business ability residing at home; Nora is the wife of George Holland, of Cedar Rapids; and Harry is in the upholstering business in Denver. Politically, Mr. Bunger has been a life-long Republican, having never wavered in his allegiance to that party since casting his first presidential vote for John C. Fremont in 1856. His duties of citizenship are always faithfully and conscientiously performed, but he has never sought political honors. He was made a Mason in Blairstown in 1867, and is now a prominent and honored member of Crescent Lodge, No. 25, F. & A. M. He and his wife are connected with the Christian Science church, and are people of the highest respectability. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 199-200. Submitted by: Carrie J. Robertson of Marion
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MORDECAI EDWARDS BUNTING Mordecai Edwards Bunting, who was the sixth in order of birth in a family of ten children, began his education in the district schools of Muskingum county, Ohio, but following the arrival of the family in Iowa he continued his studies in the public schools of Linn county for five years. He then taught school for some time and in 1862 was employed as teacher of the school which he, had attended, some of his pupils being his old classmates. He taught for twelve consecutive winter terms in Marion township, receiving at first only twenty dollars per month, but of which salary he had to pay his board. During the vacation periods he was employed at farm work, being early instructed in the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He continued to assist his father in farming for some time but was ambitious to establish a home of his own and in the fall of 1867 purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land near Marion, on which not a furrow had been turned. He at once commenced its development and today has one of the most valuable farms of Linn county. It was on the 30th of November, 1865, that Mr. Bunting wedded Miss Lucy A. Ives, a daughter of Norman and Hannah (Gray) Ives, who were early settlers in this part of the state. He took his wife to the farm and there they reared their family of five children, namely: Effie M., who is now the wife of Dr. F. E. Miller, of Cedar Rapids and has one child, Isabella; Hallie I., a retired farmer now connected with the Iowa Motor Company of Cedar Rapids, and who married Lydia Eidamiller; B. Laura, who is prominent in the musical circles of Sioux City, being a fine vocalist and pianist; William E., who is employed by the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad Company and is located at Miles City, Montana; and Norman E., an expert draftsman at Chicago with the International Harvester Company. He wedded Mary June and their children are Norma and Howard Jennings. As the years passed by Mr. Bunting continued to cultivate his fields and harvest his crops and met with fair success in his undertakings, but at length retired from the farm and established his home in Marion, where in April, 1909, he was appointed city weighmaster, which position he is still filling. His fraternal relations are with the Knights of Pythias and politically he is a democrat. He has served as a member of the board of supervisors and in various township offices, the duties of which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. He is a very prominent and helpful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he is serving as a class leader, and his life work in every relation has been in harmony with his profession as a member of the church. Source: History of Linn County Iowa From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. II, Chicago, The pioneer Publishing Company, 1911, page 338-9. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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Source: Biographical Record of Linn County, Iowa. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901. p.735-738.
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William Burns, a highly esteemed citizen of Franklin township residing on section 14, was born in Trumbull county, Pennsylvania, May 23, 1840, and is of Scotch-Irish descent. His ancestors, however, came to America at an early day and his great-grandfather took part in the Revolutionary war. His parents were Solomon and Margaret (Faulk) Burns, also natives of Pennsylvania, whence they came to Iowa in 1857, and after spending three years in Appanoose county, located in Marion, where they continued to make their home throughout the remainder of their lives. The father died May 26, 1899, at the age of eighty-one years, nine months and twenty-three days, and the mother passed away May 19, 1887, at the age of sixty-six years, five months and two days. In their family were twelve children, namely: Marcus married, first, Dora Hayhusk, and second Ellen Minnea, and resides in Marion; William, our subject, is next in order of birth; Sylvester married Anna Fanlings, and lives north of Marion; Wallace married Annie Thompkins, and lives in Marion; Emeline is the widow of Ephraim Andrews, and resides on a farm near Springville; Sarah is the wife of Peter Kessler, of Marion; Anna is the wife of Passmore Knight, of Center Point, Iowa; Jane is the wife of George Knight, a brother of Passmore, and resident of Marion; Hester is the wife of Aaron Taylor, of Mt. Auburn, Iowa; Ella is the wife of Philip Bunton, of Marion; George married Barbara Kohnkie, and lives north of Marion; and Effie, wife of William Alexander, of the same place. The first seventeen years of his life our subject passed in his native state, and he received his education in its public schools. He then accompanied his parents on their removal to Appanoose county, Iowa, where he worked on a farm until the family came to Marion, Linn county. On the 28th of May, 1864, he enlisted in Company G, Forty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and after being mustered into the United States service at Davenport went south to Memphis, Tennessee, where he remained until discharged on the 23rd of the following September. On his return from the war he lived in Marion for two years, and then removed to Mt. Vernon. At the latter place he was married, December 20, 1866, to Miss Nancy Painter, who was born February 28, 1850, in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, of which her parents, Lawrence and Mary (Orner) Painter, were also natives and of German descent. Her father followed the shoemaker’s trade until his death, which occurred in December, 1858. The following year the family removed to Marion county, Missouri. The mother afterward became the wife of Sylvester Hodges, and died in 1895. She was born in 1809, and died October 5, 1900, being laid to rest in Mt. Vernon cemetery. Mrs. Burns is the tenth in order of birth in a family of eleven children, the others being Michael, who married Maggie Hopkins and lives in Hannibal, Missouri; Lewis, who married Jane Briney and makes his home in Sciota, Illinois; Martha, wife of John Carnet, of Mt. Vernon, Iowa; Mary, who died at the age of eight years; Catherine, wife of Herman Otten, of Hannibal, Missouri; Johnnie, who died at the age of three years; Joseph, who died at the age of one year; one who died in infancy; Leonard, who married Matilda Wyant and lives in Schuyler county, Illinois; and David, who wedded Mary Bryant, now deceased, and resides in Oklahoma. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Burns were born seven children: Lewis, born December 13, 1867, it at home; Lydia, born December 14, 1870, was married, in November, 1896, to Orley Walmer, a farmer of Cedar county, Iowa; Addie, born July 25, 1875, died February 13, 1878; Nellie, born January 30, 1878; William J., born July 4, 1881; Grace born May 21, 1884, and Earl, born February 16, 1890, are all four at home with their parents. For six years after his marriage Mr. Burns engaged in farming on rented land near Mt. Vernon, and then lived on the Chauncey Dill farm for a year. For a year and eight months he made his home on the Smith farm, and when that place was sold he removed to the Gamble farm, remaining there one year. The following five years were passed on the Riddle farm, and the next three years were spent in Cedar county, Iowa. At the end of that time he bought twenty acres of land on section 14, Franklin township, Linn county, near Lisbon, where he has since continued to reside. His wife has been to him a true helpmate and has always contributed her share to the support of the family. She is an expert carpet weaver, weaving all kinds of fancy rugs and carpet, and has often turned out over one thousand yards of carpet in a year. Both Mr. and Mrs. Burns are members of the Evangelical church, and are held in high regard by all who know them. Fraternally he affiliates with W. C. Dimmit Post, No. 126, G. A. R., of Mt. Vernon, and politically is a gold Democrat. For a number of years he served as school director in his district. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 138-140. Submitted by: Carrie J. Robertson of Marion
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George W. Burnside, ex-sheriff of Linn county and a prominent citizen of Coggon, now living retired, was born on the 13th of October, 1832, in Otsego, New York, of which state his parents, George and Elizabeth (Walley) Burnside, were also natives. There the father engaged in farming during the greater part of his life, but spent his last years with our subject in Linn county, Iowa, where he died May 24, 1879. The mother had passed away many years previous, dying on the 3d of August, 1844. They had a family of five children, of whom Marion and Sarah A. are now deceased. Those living are Thomas, a farmer of Delaware county, New York; George W., our subject; and William, a retired farmer of Oconto, Wisconsin. All were educated in the common schools of New York state. There he erected a new store building and again embarked in general merchandising, but in 1895 his store and stock were destroyed by fire, and since then he has not been actively engaged in any business. At one time he was interested in the Coggon Savings Bank which he assisted in establishing, and is now one of the stockholders of the Bank of Harris, at Harris, Osceola county, Iowa. He has always been a lover of fast horses and fine stock, and has owned one or two valuable horses during his entire residence in this county. Source: Biographical Record of Linn County, Iowa. Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901. p.738-739. |
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Nicholas
Brodhead Brown, son of John and Johannah (Brodhead) Brown, was born in
the village of Sandiston, Sussex county, New Jersey, July 10, 3814.
his father, John Brown, was a native of Connecticut, while his mother
was horn in Wallpack, Warren county, New Jersey, a few miles above the
Delaware water gap, and was the daughter of Garret Brodhead, Jr., and
his wife, Affe Decker. Through his mother he was a descendant of
Daniel Brodhead, a Yorkshire Englishman, who came to America in 1664
with Colonel Richard Nichols as a captain in the Nichols expedition,
which was ordered to America by Charles II of England to capture New
Amsterdam and the New Netherlands from Peter Stuyvesant and the colony
of Dutch over which he was governor. Daniel Brodhead was for a time
military governor of a part of New Netherlands under Colonel Nichols,
and was located at what is now known as the town of Kingston, New
York, dying there in 1670. His grandson; also named Daniel Brodhead,
removed in 1733 to the Delaware water gap in what is now Monroe
county, Pennsylvania. He acquired some six or seven hundred acres of
land and some of his descendants are still living upon the original
tract. He had four sons, Daniel, Garret, Charles and Luke, who with
their father during the Indian wars in Pennsylvania refused to. leave
their home, protected themselves, with others, by a stockade and
maintained their stand until peace was restored. Of these sons three
became officers in the Revolutionary army, Daniel serving as a
general, Luke as captain, while Garret was also an officer. His son,
Garret Brodhead, Jr., was a sergeant and was for a time in that part
of the army commanded by General Washington. Garret Brodhead, Jr., was
the grandfather of Nicholas B. Brown. 