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Among the prosperous business men and capable financiers of Cedar Rapids is numbered Christian Magnus, who has been a resident of this city since 1859. He was born on the 19th of March, 1834, in Giessen, Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, where he grew to manhood and received a thorough education in the higher schools and colleges. His father, Carl Magnus, was also a native of Giessen, Hesse-Darmstadt, and was a brewer, as was also his father and grandfather. For many years Carl Magnus was actively engaged in the brewing business in Giessen, and was one of the prominent men of that city. During his youth Christian Magnus learned the brewing business with his father, and then traveled through Germany, working in different cities and thoroughly learning the business in all its branches. In connection with it he also worked two years at the cooper’s trade in Frankfort and thus qualified himself for his chosen occupation. He traveled and worked in different cities of Germany for several years. In 1857 Mr. Magnus crossed the Atlantic, and took up his residence in Twin springs, Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he started a brewery for a Frenchman, remaining there one year. He subsequently spent a short time in Chicago and Milwaukee, and in 1859, came to Cedar Rapids, where he worked in the brewery of Jacob Wetzel as head brewer for two years. He next started a brewery in Kankakee, Illinois, where he remained two years, then returned to Cedar Rapids and formed a partnership with Mr. Wetzel in the brewing business, that connection continuing until 1868, when Mr. Magnus bought out his partner. He began business here in a small way, but has enlarged his facilities from time to time to meet the growing demands of his trade until the capacity of his brewery is now twenty-five thousand barrels per year. He was at the head of the business when it was organized as a stock company with Mr. Magnus as a stockholder and director. He was one of the promoters and an original stockholder in the Cedar Rapids National Bank; a stockholder in the Cedar Rapids Savings Bank, the Electric Light and Power Company, a stockholder and director of the Cedar Rapids Water Company, and also extensively interested in real estate and building, owning the Magnus block on South Second street, and other valuable property. He was president of the Iowa State Brewers’ Association for four years, during which time was fought the prohibition campaign, when the brewers made an active campaign to save their property. Politically, Mr. Magnus has been a Democrat, and served two terms as alderman from the First ward, during which time the sewering was begun. Mr. Magnus was married in Cedar Rapids, in 1864, to Miss Mary A. Wetzel, a daughter of Jacob Wetzel, one of the old settlers of the city. Mr. Magnus has made a number of trips to Europe, and has visited all of its great cities, spending some time at the Paris Exposition in 1900 and returning home in February of the following year. Fraternally, he is a prominent member of the Odd Fellows lodge of Cedar Rapids, in which he has filled all the chairs and is now a past grand. As a public-spirited and enterprising business man he has done much to promote the welfare of his adopted city and advance her interests along various lines. He has a large circle of friends and acquaintances here who will peruse this sketch with interest. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 220-223. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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One of the most progressive and successful agriculturists of Linn township, is Alva Mann, who is the owner of a beautiful farm on sections 8, 16 and 17. His entire life has been passed in this township, where he was born on the 11th of November, 1843, his parents being Adam and Jennie (Whitlach) Mann, who were honored pioneers of Linn county. His father was a native of Greene county, Pennsylvania, and continued his residence in that state during his boyhood and youth. When a young man he went to Ohio, where he lived for four years, and then came to Iowa, crossing the Mississippi eight miles from Muscatine, at Pine Creek, August 8, 1837. On this trip he was accompanied by his parents, David and Nancy Mann, who located on a farm in Greenfield township, Jones county, where they made their home until death. Adam Mann remained with his parents in Jones county until 1840, when he came to Linn county, and took up his residence on section 8, Linn township, where he entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government. He at once commenced to break and improve his land, and in his farming operations here he met with marked success, owning at the time of his death nearly five hundred acres of valuable land in Linn township, though he had already given some of his children farms. In connection with general farming he carried on stock raising to some extent. He voted the Democratic ticket, and was an earnest and consistent member of the Baptist church, as is also his wife. He died on the old home place, October 6, 1889, at the age of sixty-five years, but she is still living in Linn township at the age of seventy-six, and enjoys good health. She is a native of Ohio, and a daughter of John W. and Annie (Mann) Whitlach. Her father was engaged in farming in Linn township for a great many years, but shortly before his death removed to Nebraska, where he passed away about twelve years ago. His wife has been dead twenty-three years. The subject of this sketch is the second in order of birth in a family of seven children, the others being as follows: Katherine married John A. Kearns, who died in June, 1900, and she resides on a farm in Linn township; Hamilton died at the age of two years; William B. is a farmer of southern Kansas; Stephen married Lucy Coleman and died in Linn township, this county, January 22, 1892, leaving a widow and three children, who reside on the homeplace on section 10; Nirah is the wife of William Lacock, of Linn township; and Addie is the wife of Abner Lacock, a farmer of the same township. Alva Mann grew to manhood upon the home farm and was educated in the district schools of Linn township. He started out in life for himself upon his present farm, a part of which was given him by his father, it being a valuable and well improved tract of one hundred and ninety-five acres, which he has placed under a high state of cultivation and improved with good buildings. He has given considerable attention to the raising of stock, and being a man of good business ability and sound judgment, as well as a systematic and practical farmer, he has met with well-deserved success in his undertakings. On the 24th of June, 1874, in Franklin township, Mr. Mann was united in marriage with Miss Alicia Coleman, a daughter of Elisha and Rebecca (Carr) Coleman, both now deceased. Her father followed farming in Franklin and Linn townships for a number of years, and then moved to Nebraska, where he lived for some time, but his last days were spent in Kansas, where he died at the age of seventy-three years. Her mother departed this life in Nebraska at the age of sixty-nine. In the family were nine children of whom seven are still living. One of these is Lucy, widow of Stephen Mann, previously mentioned. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Man were born five children, namely: Lena and Stella, both of whom are at home; Bertie, wife of Otto Dunlap, a cooper of Springville, Brown township, Linn county; Lillian, who died at the age of sixteen years; and Deverre, at home. During Mr. Man's boyhood Linn county was but sparsely settled, and he well remembers when much of the land was still in its primitive condition and wild game of all kinds was plentiful. He has seen the wild land transformed into highly cultivated farms, and in the work of development and upbuilding has ever borne his part, being one of them who has materially aided in making the county what it is to-day - one of the richest agricultural districts in the state. In his political vies he is a Democrat, and in religious faith is a Presbyterian, having long been an active and prominent member of the church at Paralta, as well as one of its trustees. His fellow citizens hold him in high esteem on account of his honorable and upright life, and he commands the confidence and respect of all who know him. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 360-363. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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Prominent, not only in the medical profession, but among the business men of Cedar Rapids, for many years, was the well-known figure of Dr. E. L. Mansfield. He was a native of Athens, Ohio, and a graduate of the Western Reserve College, Cincinnati. Having practiced medicine in this native State about two years, he came to Cedar Rapids in 1847 to make it his permanent home. At one time he was in partnership with Dr. S. D. Carpenter, and in later years with other physicians; but for many years he practiced his profession alone. While some of his partners early turned aside into other channels of business, he continued the practice of medicine with unflagging devotion for thirty-five years. During the latter part of his life, I believe, he gave less attention to the practice of medicine, and devoted more time to business matters in other channels. He operated to a considerable extent in real estate, and erected some large buildings which are at this time recognized as ornaments in the city. He was connected with the banking and manufacturing interests of the city, and the ample fortune which he secured, is proof sufficient of his business sagacity. One characteristic of the doctor was, that he was always very lenient with his patients who were unable to pay for the services he had rendered them. This I can testify to from my own personal knowledge of some cases. And then I have this from his daughter, Mrs. C. J. Deacon, which is a good illustration of this trait in his character. When Mrs. Deacon was an infant only a few days old, the doctor had a call to go to Boone to amputate a man’s leg. It was before the days of railroads in that direction, and the doctor had to drive his horse and buggy all the way there and back. Months and years rolled away and the bill was never paid. Finally, after twenty-one years, and the infant daughter had grown to womanhood and was married, the bill was paid without interest, and the doctor invested the amount in a silver pitcher, which he presented to his daughter, to pay for leaving her so suddenly and on such a long journey, when she had only looked out upon this strange world but three or four days. He died very suddenly, May 26, 1887. One day he was riding out in the country north of town on business, and when near the residence of Mr. Wm. Hunter, some three miles out, Mrs. Hunter observed the horse and carriage go by and then suddenly stop under a tree, and surmising that something was wrong, she went out to see what was the matter, when to her dismay, the doctor was found to be quite dead. The cause of his death was supposed to be apoplexy. Source: Carroll, George R., Pioneer Life In and Around Cedar Rapids, Iowa From 1839 to 1849. Cedar Rapids, Times Printing and Binding House. 1895. Pages 133-135. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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BURGESS MARTIN Burgess Martin remained a resident of his native land until he had attained his majority. In 1870, having determined to establish his home in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and located in Michigan, where he resided for two years. Since leaving the Wolverine state he has made his home in Linn county, Iowa, the period of his residence here therefore covering thirty-eight years. He secured employment as a farm hand and at the end of four years had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase land of his own, coming into possession of a tract of eighty-six and a half acres adjoining the city limits of Marion. As the years have gone by he has made many improvements on the farm and its splendid appearance indicates his careful supervision, progressive methods and practical ideas. Excellent crops are annually harvested in return for the cultivation bestowed upon the fields. On the 20th of December, 1872, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Cory, likewise a native of England and a daughter of William and Elizabeth Cory, who were also born in that country. They emigrated to the United States at an early day and spent the remainder of their lives in this county. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Martin were born seven children, namely: Charles, living in Linn county; May, the wife of Henry Vahl; Oscar, who is a resident of South Dakota; Clarence, of this county; Florence, a graduate of the Marion high school, who is still at home; and two who died in infancy. The wife and mother was called to her final rest in April, 1902, her remains being interred in the Oak Shade cemetery. Coming to this country in early manhood, Mr. Martin found the opportunities he sought and through their wise utilization has gained a place among the prosperous and respected citizens of his community. Source: History of Linn County Iowa, From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. II, Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company, 1911, p. 185. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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In 1849 Mr. James Martin, with his wife and four children, Elmira, George, Lizzie and Nathaniel H. came to this place from Calaise, Maine. They have always been numbered among our best people. For many years, Mr. Martin was employed about the flouring mills, and the family kept a boarding house where all the comforts of a home were enjoyed by its patrons. Mr. Martin was quiet and unobtrusive in his manners, but he was a man of intelligence and of unimpeachable integrity of character. MrS. Martin was one of those motherly, kindhearted women that every body loved to meet. In times of sickness and bereavement she was always present with loving words of sympathy and willing hands to help. At such times here discreet counsels and her wise and loving ministrations were invaluable to the many anxious and suffering ones who sought and obtained her help in those times of need. Mrs. Martin, and I believe all of the children were members of the Methodist church. She died April 24, 1884. Mr. Martin departed this life at LaCross, Wisconsin, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Gault, October 22, 1889. Miss Elmira, one of our purest and noblest Christian characters, died at the same place as that of her father, January 21, 1894. The remaining two children, George and Nathaniel H. are residents of this city, the former a well known conductor on the B., C. R. & N. Ry. And the latter a commercial traveler for one of our business houses. Source: Carroll, George R., Pioneer Life In and Around Cedar Rapids, Iowa From 1839 to 1849. Cedar Rapids, Times Printing and Binding House. 1895. Pages 176-7. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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HENRY E. MASON Henry E. Mason was reared in the state of his nativity and assisted his father in his work until he had reached the age of twenty-six years. He then rented land in Ohio, which he operated for ten years, and subsequently sought the broader opportunities of the middle west, coming to Linn county, Iowa. He has made farming and stock-raising his work since coming to this state and now rents a farm of two hundred and forty acres in Bertram township.
Mr. Mason was married to Miss Clara
Sawyer, a daughter of William and Isabel Sawyer, both of whom died in
Ohio. Mrs. Mason is one of six children born to her parents, of whom
four are now living, the other three making their home in Ohio. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Mason have been born three children: Valid In politics Mr. Mason is a republican and his fellow townsmen have called upon him to fill a number of local offices. He has served as alderman of Mount Vernon, has been school director and at the present time is serving as trustee of Bertram township. His fraternal relations connect him with Mount Vernon Lodge, No. 551, I. 0. 0. F., in which he has filled the chair of noble grand. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church, in which he has served as trustee. Mr. Mason is a man of worth in the community in which he makes his home. He takes a deep interest in public affairs, lending his aid and influence in the cause of every good movement and heartily promoting the progress and advancement of his locality. Source: History of Linn County Iowa, From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. II, Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company, 1911, p. 737. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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This well-known resident of Marion is one of the leading German-born citizens of the place, and in his successful career he has shown the characteristic thrift and enterprise of his race. Beginning with no capital except that acquired by his own industry, he met with excellent success in his farming operations for many years, and is now living retired. Mr. Mathes was born near Frankfort-on-the-Main, Germany, February 11, 1831, and is a son of Nicholas and Barbara (Fischer) Mathes, natives of the same place, where as farming people they spent their entire lives, the father dying at the advanced age of ninety-six years, the mother at the age of eighty-eight. Religiously they were members of the Lutheran church. They were parents of six children, namely: Margaret, Mary and Philip, all deceased; Nicholas, who came to Linn county, Iowa in 1856, and died here in 1889; Dorde, wife of Lewis Cager, of Johnson county, Iowa; and Benjamin. The subject of this sketch was reared and educated in his native land, and prior to coming to America he worked for one firm four years in the wholesale grocery business and the manufacture of soap and candles. It was in 1851 that he crossed the broad Atlantic and took up his residence in Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, where he was in the employ of the Safe Harbor Iron Works until August, 1855. The following two months were spent in Dubuque, Iowa, and at then end of that time he came to Marion with his brother and others. He brought with him three hundred dollars in gold, which he invested in city lots. After working for other for five years Mr. Mathes purchased a team and commenced breaking prairie. Subsequently he rented the Judge Walch farm in Marion township for two years, and at then end of that time purchased the place. As a farmer and stock raiser he met with marked success, and at one time owned three hundred acres of valuable and well-improved land in this county, which he sold on his removal to Marion in the fall of 1888, and has since laid aside all business cares, enjoying a well-earned rest. His present elegant home was built by him in 1897 at a cost of three thousand dollars. On the 2d of July, 1859, in Marion, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Mathes and Miss Anna Schmidt, who was also born in Germany, and came to this country when fourteen years of age. Unto them were born the following children: Lizzie, wife of Sylvester Walser, a farmer of Otter Creek township, this county; Charles, a farmer of Johnson county, Iowa, whose wife, Minnie Grieshopper, died in September, 1895; Benjamin F., who married Ada Strucker, and follows farming in Otter Creek township, Linn county; John, who married Anna Cannon, and is employed in a hardware store in Marion; Lewis E., who married Flora Carpenter, and is clerking in a grocery store in Marion; and Robert Wesley, at home. In his religious belief Mr. Mathes is a Lutheran, and in his political affiliations is a Republican. He has served as a delegate to the conventions of his party, and has most capable filled the office of school director, giving his unqualified support to any enterprise which he believes will advance the moral, educational or material welfare of his adopted county. He has always been a very steady, hard-working man, and well deserves the success that has come to him. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 145-146. Submitted by: Carrie J. Robertson of Marion
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John
Nicholas Mathes, deceased, was for several years an honored and highly
respected citizen of Linn county, his last days being spent in the
city of Marion, where he died on the 24th of October,
1889. A native of Germany, he was born near Frankfort-on-the-Main
November 13, 1825, his parents being Nicholas and Barbara (Fischer)
Mathes, who were life-long residents of that place. The father, who
was a farmer by occupation, died at the advanced age of ninety-six
years, and the mother passed away at the age of eighty-eight.
Religiously they were members of the Lutheran church. Their children
were Margaret, Mary, Philip and John Nicholas, all deceased; Dorothy,
wife of Lewis Zanger, of Johnson county, Iowa; and Benjamin, who is
represented on another page of this volume. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in Germany, and in 1849 emigrated to the new world, locating first in Columbia, Pennsylvania, where he was engaged in mining for two years. He was next employed in the iron works at Safe Harbor, that state, until 1855, when he and his brother Benjamin came west. After spending the winter in Dubuque, Iowa, they came to Linn county in the spring of 1856, and our subject engaged in teaming in Marion until 1862, when he purchased a slightly improved farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Otter Creek township. To the further improvement and cultivation of that place he devoted his time and attention for seven years. On selling that farm in 1869, he bought two hundred and eighty acres of land in Long Grove township, eighty acres of which had been placed under cultivation, and he continued to engage in agricultural pursuits on that place until his removal to Marion in 1874, making his home there until his death. There he dealt in wood and also engaged in teaming to some extent. He was very industrious and energetic, and developed one of the best farms in Linn county. On the 4th of May, 1851, in Columbia, Pennsylvania, Mr. Mathes married Miss Anna Mary Darmstetter, who was born March 20, 1826, near his birthplace in Germany, and came with her mother to America in 1850. Her father, George Darmstetter, died in Germany. The other children of his family were George, who died in Germany; Barbara Mary, deceased; and Katie, wife of Mark Swain, of Chicago. Of the several children born to Mr. and Mrs. Mathes all died young with the exception of two, namely: Kate married William Corum, who died in 1885, and she departed this life in 1873. They had two children: William, who died at the age of three years; and Anna Frances, wife of John Mathes, by whom she has one child Anna Bernice. Benjamin, son our subject, died at the age of fourteen years. Mr. Mathes and his family held membership in the Evangelical Lutheran church of Marion, and were among the most highly respected citizens of the community. He led an honorable and useful life, and due success was not denied him, so that at his death he was able to leave his widow in comfortable circumstances. She is a most estimable lady, and has a large circle of friends and acquaintances in Marion. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 180-183. Submitted by: Carrie J. Robertson of Marion
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Among Cedar Rapids' honored and highly esteemed citizens is numbered the subject of this sketch, who was for many years one of the leading physicians of the city, but is now practically living a retired life, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned. He came here in 1866 from Guernsey county, Ohio, and at once became prominently identified with the interests of the city. The Doctor is a native of Ohio, born in New Athens, Harrison county, January __, 1821, and is a son of John and Mary (Urey) McClenahan, who were born in Ireland of Scotch-Irish parentage. Throughout life the father followed the occupation of farming and died in Fairview, Ohio, at the age of seventy-four years. The mother was seventy-eight years of age at the time of her death. In their family were eleven children, one of whom died in early childhood, and all are now deceased with exception of our subject. His brother Robert died in De Witt, Iowa, in 1900, aged ninety-one years. During his boyhood Dr. McClenahan pursued his studies in the log schoolhouses then common in Ohio, but his early educational advantages were rather limited. He remained on the home farm, assisting in its work until twenty years of age, when he entered Antrim College. Later he took a preparatory course at New Concord, Ohio, and then studied medicine with Dr. James Campbell, of Middletown, Ohio, for three years. He subsequently took a course of lecturers at the Starling Medical College of Columbus, Ohio, but during the rush to see the gold fields of California in 1849 he made a trip overland with an ox-team, being enroute from May till September, 1849, and spent about a year in the mines. On his return to Ohio he completed his medical course and was graduated in the spring of 1853 with the degree of M. D. from Starling. He was then engaged in practice at Fairview, Ohio, until coming to Cedar Rapids in 1866. Dr. McClenahan was married, in Fairview, Ohio, in 1855, to Miss Parmelia Grier, who died in Cedar Rapids July 20, 1894. They became the parents of four children: Mary, Thomas, Martha and Rob - Mary died in June, 1900, at the age of forty-one. William married Ella Cooper, and they have one child, Margaret; and Robert married Edith Shakaker, and they have four children; Mary, Thomas, Martha and Robert. Both are business men of Cedar Rapids. [transcription note: This paragraph appears to have been mistyped in the original] The Doctor first came to Iowa, in 1854 and entered land in Benton county, but did not locate here until his removal to Cedar Rapids in 1866. This city was then a small town of about five thousand inhabitants. Finding that there were good schools for his children to attend, he decided to make this his permanent home, and purchased property here. He was not long in building up a large and lucrative practice, which in early days extended to many surrounding towns and other counties, and he continued to successfully engage in general practice until 1898, since which time he has lived retired, though he still visits some of his old patients who will have no other physician. For many years he was a member of the Linn County Medical Society. He is one of the early stockholders in the Water Company. In early life Dr. McClenahan was a Whig in politics and cast his first presidential vote for Henry Clay, and since the dissolution of that party has been an ardent Republican. He is an active and faithful member of the United Presbyterian church, and has always been a liberal contributor to the charitable institutions of the city, in Manner he is quiet and unassuming, yet very popular, makes friends wherever he goes, and is held in high regard by old and young, rich and poor. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 60-61. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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WILLIS A.
McCONKIE, M. D. In 1892 Dr. McConkie was united in marriage to Miss Mary Elsie McDaniel of Cedar Rapids and they have become the parents of seven children, one of whom died in infancy, while six are yet living. Dr. McConkie takes an active and helpful interest in the welfare and growth of the city. He became a member of the Presbyterian church in early life and is still identified therewith as an active worker in the church and Sunday school. His political affiliation for a few years was with the prohibition party but of late years his support has been mainly given to the republican party. Close attention has precluded his active participation in political affairs, yet he is never remiss in the duties of citizenship and aids in many progressive public movements. Notwithstanding all this his attention is chiefly fixed upon his chosen life work and he is deeply interested in anything which tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life. In a profession where advancement must depend entirely upon individual merit, he has made continuous progress and held to high ideals and his course will undoubtedly be marked by further advancement and higher professional attainments and success. Source: History of Linn County Iowa, From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. II, Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company, 1911, p. 50-1. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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John McHugh, deceased, was for many years one of the leading farmers and highly respected citizens of Franklin township. He was born in Sligo, Ireland, in June, 1825, and was educated in the national schools of that country, but his school privileges were very limited. At the age of nineteen years he emigrated to America, the voyage being made on a sailing vessel and lasting over two months. He landed in New York and soon obtained work on a fruit farm in New Jersey, though not far from the eastern metropolis, which was the market place for the farmers in the neighborhood. He remained there seven years, receiving four dollars per month for his services. In 1855 Mr. McHugh came to Linn county, Iowa, and first located at Mr. Vernon, where he worked by the day, often being paid in chickens, pigs, etc., for his labor. At that time wild hogs, turkeys, prairie chickens and other game was plentiful, and much of the land in this locality was still in its primitive condition. He did his first farm work with a team of oxen. As soon as he was able Mr. McHugh purchased eighty acres of land in Franklin township, to which he subsequently added a tract of twenty acres, and after residing thereon until 1884, when he sold that place, and removed to the farm which his family still occupy. This consists of two hundred and one acres on sections 23 and 26, Franklin township, and to its cultivation and improvement he devoted his energies until called to his final rest June 29, 1892. He was a devout member of the Catholic church, and was buried in the Catholic cemetery at Lisbon. In politics he was a Democrat, and he filled the office of school director for a number of years. About 1850 Mr. McHugh married Miss Ann Kilkinney, a native of county Galway, Ireland, who died in 1867 and was also buried in Lisbon. By that union he had three children, namely: (I) Margaret, born August 20, 1857, is the wife of John Butler, of White Oak, Greenfield township, Jones county, Iowa, and they have three children, Edward, Mary and Alice. (2) Mary, born November 15, 1851, died at the age of thirty years. (3) Catherine, born January 3, 1862, is the wife of Fred Emerson, who lives south of Tipton, Iowa, and they have six children, Ross, Clara, Eva, Emily, Hiram and Stonerook. Mr. McHugh was again married, at Tipton, Iowa, April 27, 1879, his second union being with Miss Annie J. Drury, who was born in Boyle, Roscommon, Ireland, June 24, 1844, a daughter of Edward and Bridget (Murray) Drury, also natives of Roscommon. The father died when Mrs. McHugh was only three years old, and the mother subsequently married Patrick McCauly, of Boyle, county Roscommon, where her death occurred in March, 1877. Mr. McCauly died in 1890. Of the four children born of the first union Mrs. McHugh is the only one now living. Those by the second marriage were Winnefred, who died in Los Angeles, California, in April, 1893, at the age of forty years; James died in St. Louis, Missouri, in the fall of 1887, at the age of thirty-eight years; Mary is the wife of Michael H. Duggan, of Los Angeles; Bessie is a resident of San Francisco, California; Patrick married Margaret Brown and lives at Delmar, Clinton county, Iowa; and Ann is the wife of Thomas Boyton, of Boyle, county Roscommon, Ireland. By his second marriage Mr. McHugh had two children, but the older died in infancy. John Edward, born March 2, 1881, was educated in the district schools near his home and the Mt. Vernon high school. He is now managing the home farm, and is one of the most energetic and successful young farmers of Linn county. He raises a high grade of horses, cattle, sheep and hogs for market, but notwithstanding his numerous farm duties he still finds time to devote to literary pursuits, and is a well-informed young man. He is a member of the Catholic church of Lisbon, and a supporter of the Democratic party. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 72-3. Submitted by: Carrie J. Robertson of Marion
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James H. McLaughlin, a prosperous farmer and highly esteemed citizen of Franklin township, whose farm is pleasantly located on section 17, was born in that township on the 23d of August, 1843, and has there spent his entire life. His father, John McLaughlin, was born in Ireland November 15, 1799, and on his emigration to America located first in the east, where he was married, August 26, 1826, to Miss Arsa Kimball, who was born in Vermont January 20, 1805. Soon after their marriage they removed to Illinois, and during the ‘30s came to Linn county, Iowa, being among the pioneer settlers of this locality. Locating in Franklin township, the father entered the land on which our subject now resides, and made his home there until his death. He started overland for California, but became ill before reaching thee and died in Oregon in 1849, his remains being interred in that state. His wife died September 30, 1873, and was buried at Mt. Vernon. They had nine children, namely: George, who married Cassie Morford and resided in La Fayette, Iowa; he died in the service of his country during the Civil war. Nancy is the wife of William Hunt, of Redland, California. Lucy married Bert Sargent, of Franklin township, this county, and both are now deceased. Hiram, deceased, first married Jane Carnahan, and after her death wedded Elizabeth Horn, and resided in Lincoln, Nebraska. Sarah married Joseph Carnahan, who died in the service during the Civil war, and she is now the wife of John Denaway, of Jasper county, Iowa. John died at the age of eight years. Elvira married Demott Rose, who died in Franklin township, this county, and later wedded a Mr. Schwatzel, of Kansas, where her death occurred, though her remains were brought back to Mt. Vernon for interment. Caroline is the wife of Scott Thomas, of Garnet, Kansas. James H., our subject, is the youngest of the family. Mr. McLaughlin of this review pursued his studies in the public school until eighteen years of age, and since then devoted his entire time and attention to general farming and stock raising. After his marriage he purchased the interests of the other heirs in the old homestead, consisting of one hundred and eighty acres of land on section 17, Franklin township, and has since added to it, making a good farm of two hundred and twenty acres, which he has brought to a high state of cultivation. He has built a good house, two large barns and numerous cattle sheds, and now has a well-improved and attractive farm. He makes a specialty of stock raising, and being an excellent judge of cattle, horses and hogs he keeps only the best grades of stock upon the farm. The Republican party finds in him a stanch supporter of its principles, but he has always refused to hold public office, preferring to devote his undivided attention to his business interests. On the 4th of July, 1864, in Marion, Iowa, Mr. McLaughlin married Miss Margaret Ann Waln, and they have become the parents of ten children, namely: (1) George William, born July 17, 1865, follows farming in Franklin township. He was married, August 27, 1884, to Isabel McIntosh, and they had four children, Darlie, Ina, Clara and Anna, of whom the last two are now deceased. (2) Francis H., born January 25, 1867, was married August 27, 1884, to Chet Litts and resides near Toddville, Iowa. They have two children, Mabel and Edith. (3) Peter, born in 1869, died at the age of two years. (4) Polly born in 1870, died at the age of eight months. (5) Thomas H., born March 4, 1872, (6) Nettie M. born January 22, 1874, (7) Fred Harvey, born April 23, 1876, (8) Cora A., born October 25, 1878, (9) Rosie J. born February 25, 1880, and (10) Nellie E. born February 18, 1884, are all at home. Mrs. McLaughlin was born in Linn county October 20, 1848, and is a daughter of William H. and Fannie (Burge) Waln, the former a native of Ohio the latter of Greene county, Pennsylvania. Her great-grandfather on the maternal side was a Mr. Barnett, who was drafted and served forty years in the Swiss army before coming to America, and in this country took part in the war. He had two daughters, both of whom married Walns. Mrs. McLaughlin’s parents were married in this county and made their home on what was known as the William Waln farm until the father’s death, he being killed in a tornado in 1860. The following four years he conducted the farm alone, and in 1864 she married Silas Bailey, and continued to make their home on the farm one year, when they sold their property and moved to Creston, Iowa, where they lived till 1874, when the property there was sold and she returned to Linn county and remained one year. At the end of that period she rejoined her husband and removed to Nebraska, where they purchased a farm. There she died December 13, 1892. Mrs. McLaughlin is the oldest in a family of eight children, the others being as follows: Samuel J., born April 8, 1850, married Ida Patmore and lives west of Mt. Vernon; Martha Jane, born June 11, 1851, died in childhood; Eliza J., born December 5, 1852, is the wife of Emanuel Welty, of Winteset, Iowa; William Henry, born June 4, 1854, married Cynthia Hill and resides in Raven, Arkansas; John E., born February 24, 1857, married Hattie Russell and makes his home north of Mt. Vernon; Lemuel J., born May 26, 1858, is represented on another page of this volume; and Milton B., born February 8, 1860, married Emma Maybower and lives in Mt. Vernon. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 217-218. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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The name of John G. McLeod is remembered by the early settlers, as one of our most prominent men, and a very useful citizen. His claim included the big spring which has always borne his name, and which is located two and a half miles north of this city. It is one of the finest springs I have ever seen, and I am not aware of anything in Iowa that surpasses or even equals it, in the amount and clearness of the waters it discharges. There may be others just as fine, but although I have traveled over the state quite extensively, I have not yet seen them. The water power of one of the first saw-mills in this county was furnished by that spring. I am not sure but that this mill was the first in the county. Certain it is that no one antedated it very many months. To Mr. McLeod belongs the honor of erecting that mill. It was an event of the greatest importance to the pioneers of this section of the country. Few can understand at this distance of time the absorbing interest with which the people watched the progress of this new enterprise. It was in 1841, two years after our arrival, that this mill was built. I remember well when Mr. McLeod came to invite our family to the raising. After extending the invitation to father and the older boys, he turned to mother and said: “You must come, too, and bring all your dishes with you.” The thought never seemed to enter his mind to ask if it would be convenient for her to go; but he used the imperative mood with an emphasis that seemed to admit of no excuse or failure. Of course, mother was only too happy to go with her dishes and cooking utensils, together with what provisions she could supply, and do all she could towards providing a good dinner for the busy workmen who were assisting in this new and welcome enterprise. She had a hearty laugh, however, afterwards over the earnest and summary way in which Mr. McLeod commanded her presence on that important occasion. Sometime after the saw-mill had been put in operation, Mr. McLeod decided to put in a small run of stone, which he did. The stones were only eighteen or twenty inches in diameter perhaps, but they served a very good purpose for “cracking corn” as they called it. This mill afforded us our first corn meal manufactured in this region, and it was a matter of no small interest to the surrounding inhabitants, when it was set in operation. The meal was probably not of the finest grade, but it was fresh and sweet, and the people were too glad to get it to be critical in regard to its coarseness. A few years later, Mr. McLeod erected a larger and better mill that was capable of manufacturing both meal and flour of very good grades. This mill did a very large business and proved a great blessing to the people all through this region, and for many miles around. This property in after years passed into the hands of Mr. N. B. Brown, who converted it into a distillery, to afford drink to those who were not satisfied with the cool, limpid waters of the spring. A few years later this famous mill afforded food for the flames, and so passing out of existence, many more hearts rejoiced than when it was first erected. Mr. McLeod in after years moved into the northern part of the state, where he continued in the milling business up to the time of his death, which occurred many years ago. Source: Carroll, George R., Pioneer Life In and Around Cedar Rapids, Iowa From 1839 to 1849. Cedar Rapids, Times Printing and Binding House. 1895. Pages 138-140. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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Whatever else may be said of the legal fraternity, it cannot be denied that members of the bar have more important actors in public affairs than any other class of American people. This is but the natural result of causes which are manifest and require no explanation. The ability and training which qualify one to practice law also qualify him in many respects for duties which lie outside the strict path of his profession and which touch the general interests of society. The subject of this record is a man who has brought his keen discrimination and thorough wisdom to bear not alone on professional paths but also for the benefit of the community in which he resides. He is now attorney for the northern district of Iowa, and makes his home in Cedar rapids. A native of Ohio, Mr. McMillan was born in Wayne county, May 29, 1854, and is a son of P. R. and Elizabeth (Cully) McMillan, the former a native of New York state, the latter of Wayne county, Ohio. His paternal great grandfather came to this country from Scotland in the latter part of the eighteenth century and settled in Washington county. New York, where the father of our subject was born. He was only six years old, however, when he removed with his parents to Seneca county, Ohio, and there in the midst of the forest he grew to manhood with little opportunity to attend school. He took an academic course after reaching his majority, and by thoroughly applying himself to his studies at home he succeeded in acquiring a splendid education, becoming a fine Latin, Greek and German scholar, and mastering all the branches of higher mathematics. While a resident of Wayne county, Ohio, he taught school, and in 1846 he came to Iowa as the first principal of Washington Academy under Dr. George Vincent, the founder of that school and a very noted divine of the Presbyterian church. After teaching there for some years Mr. McMillan returned to Wayne county, Ohio, where he was married and engaged in farming four years. At the end of that time he again went to Washington county, Iowa, where he was engaged in mercantile business at Crawfordsville with two brothers four years, and then removed to a farm near Washington, the county seat, and turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. Throughout the remainder of his life he engaged in farming and raising fine stock. He died March 19, 1882, and his widow now resides with a daughter in Aberdeen, South Dakota. They were the parents of three children, namely: Alice is the wife of T. C. Rogers, who for some years has been engaged in the grain and milling business in Beloit, Kansas, and has served in the legislature of that state. Horace G., of this review, is the next in order of birth. Frances is the wife of A. W. Glenn, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, who is a conductor on the Chicago & Milwaukee Railroad between Aberdeen and Sioux City, and although he has been with that company for twenty-seven years has never been laid off a day. He has farming interests in South Dakota. Horace G. McMillan received his primary education in the district schools, and later attended the Grandview Academy in Louisa county, Iowa, two terms, and the Washington Academy about one year. He was then engaged in raising fine stock as a partner of his father, handling horses, cattle, sheep and hogs of a high grade, and he continued in this business for five years after reaching his majority. In the meantime he commenced the study of law, and later entered the office of J. F. McJunkin, then attorney-general of Iowa, with whom he remained for a year, walking from the farm to the city each morning and returning home at night. After two years and a half devoted to study he was admitted to the bar in 1880, and was engaged in practice in Washington, Iowa, about two years. He then removed to Rock Rapids, Lyon county, where he successfully followed his chosen profession until coming to Cedar Rapids in July, 1898, having been appointed district attorney in February of that year. During the first seven years spent at Rock Rapids, Mr. McMillan was in partnership with A. Van Wagenen, under the firm name of Van Wagenen & McMillan, at the end of which time his partner was appointed district judge by Governor Boies. Our subject then became connected with Mr. Van Wagenen's brother, who had studied with the firm, and this partnership lasted a year and a half. Mr. McMillan was then alone for two years, and at the end of that time formed a partnership with J. W. Dunlap under the firm style of McMillan & Dunlap, which connection was continued until our subject's removal to Cedar Rapids. In the spring of 1898, in partnership with Cyrenus Cole, he bought out the Republican Printing Company, of which he is now president and business manager. He is also still interested in farming and stock raising. He first purchased a small farm in Lyon county, which he stocked, but has since bought a large place, consisting of seven hundred acres, known as the Lakewood Stock Farm, to which he gives his personal supervision. Here he raises thorough-bred stock, his specialty being Percheron horses, Jersey cattle, of which he has one of the finest herds in the west, and he holds annual sales, disposing of his surplus stock. Besides this valuable place, which is one of the finest stock farms in the state, he now owns over five thousand acres of highly cultivated land, which he has purchased from time to time. Since 1895, he has been largely interested in raising both imported and home-bred registered Percheron horses, having now one hundred head, and in the future he proposes to make this his principal farm business. On the 28th of August, 1877, Mr. McMillan was united in marriage with Miss Alice Van Doren, a native of Washington county, Iowa, and the third in order of birth in a family of five children. Her father, W. A. Van Doren, was for many years a prominent attorney and real-estate dealer of Washington, Iowa, and was one of the early settlers and pioneer lawyers of that section of the state. Unto Mr. and Mrs. McMillan were born six children, namely: Glenn V.; Viva; Stella, who died in infancy; Florence; James B.; and Horace G., Jr., all at home. The wife and mother is a member of the Presbyterian church; has always taken a deep interest in educational affairs; and was largely instrumental in founding the public library at Rock Rapids. Before entering upon the duties of his present office Mr. McMillan had probably the largest private practice of any lawyer in this section of the state, and was retained as counsel either on one side or the other of all the important cases that came up. He has had large experience in trying personal injury cases, both for and against railroad companies, and obtained one of the largest verdicts probably ever secured in this state. He was prominently connected with the bond litigation of Lyon county, when the county had been fraudulently bonded for one hundred and seventy thousand dollars, and various school districts had been bonded for from twenty to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Mr. McMillan tried these cases in both the state and United State courts and the supreme court at Washington, D.C., decided in his favor. As a jury advocate he is very successful, and to-day ranks among the foremost attorneys of Iowa. Prominence at the bar comes through merit alone, and the high position which he has attained attests his superiority. Since reaching manhood Mr. McMillan has taken an active and prominent part in political affairs; was three times elected a member of the Republican state central committee from the eleventh congressional district; and three times elected chairman of the same. He was alternate delegate at large to the national convention in 1896, and had charge of the campaign when Francis M. Drake was elected governor by an almost unprecedented majority. He also had charge of the McKinley and Hobart campaign in Iowa, which he conducted in such a manner as to win the praise of the Republicans and gold Democrats alike, and he managed the campaign when Leslie M. Shaw run for governor. As a campaign leader Mr. McMillan has tenacity of purpose, persistence of effort and a wise spirit of conciliation, and under him the party has developed no factions nor has it wavered. The first office he was called upon to fill was that of assessor of his township, which he held when a young man. He served two terms as city attorney of Rock Rapids; three terms as county attorney of Lyon county; and ten years as a member of the board of insane commissioners of that county. As a citizen he ever stands ready to discharge any duty devolving upon him; his public service has been most commendable; and he stands deservedly high in professional, political and social circles. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 30-33. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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Frank P. McNamara, a well known farmer and prominent citizen of Buffalo township, has spent his entire life in Linn county, his birth occurring here on the 18th of February, 1866. His parents, John and Ann (Slattery) McNamara, were natives of Ireland and on their emigration to America in 1849, located in Buffalo, New York, where they spent two years. At the end of that time, however, they came to Iowa and for five years made their home in Jones county. The father then purchased forty acres of land in Buffalo township, Linn county, whereon the family took up their abode. As an agriculturist he steadily prospered and bought more land from time to time as his financial resources increased until he had accumulated five hundred acres in this county, one hundred acres in Jones county, and six hundred and forty acres in South Dakota. His Linn county property he placed under a high state of cultivation and improved by the erection of good, substantial buildings. He continued the operation of his farm for many years but finally deeded eighty acres to each of his children as they became of age. After a useful and well spent life he passed away May 10, 1900, and his wife, who had been a faithful helpmate to him throughout her, life, died February 25, 1903. They were communicants of the Catholic church and were laid to rest in Castle Grove Catholic cemetery. Frank P. McNamara was feared in much the usual manner of farm lads, acquiring his literary education in the schools near his boyhood home. He was twenty-five years of age when he left the parental roof and settled on the eighty acres of land given to him by his father and to its improvement and cultivation he has since devoted his energies. He has extended the boundaries of his farm from time to time, however, and now has two hundred and forty acres of very valuable and productive land which has been improved by himself and is now one of the best farms of the county. He has always devoted considerable attention to the raising of fine stock but has never made a specialty of any particular breed except the Hereford cattle. Mr. McNamara was married January 24, 1894, to Miss Katy Drummy who, like her husband, acquired a good common school education in her youth, Her parents are W. F. and Lizzie (Kehoe) Drummy, the former a native of New York and the latter of Delaware county, Iowa. They were married on the 25th of October, 1875, and located upon a farm in Delaware county. Both are still living. Eleven of the fifteen children born to them also survive. To Mr, and Mrs. McNamara have been born ten children, as follows: Francis P.,
who was born October 26, 1894, and died August 2, 1896; Thomas E., born
February 26, 1896; John W., born August 8, 1897; Elizabeth B., born December 21, 1898; William Joseph, born July 4, 1900; Emlin A,, born May
16, 1902; Bernard A., born May 15, 1903; Anna M., born May 30, 1905; Frances D., born June 4, 1907; Bernice M,, born June 30, 1909, The parents
are faithful members of the Catholic church and in his political views Mr.
McNamara is liberal, supporting the men and measures he believes best calculated to promote the public welfare. He is a progressive and public
spirited citizen and gives his earnest support to those measures which he
believes will advance the general welfare of the community in which he resides.
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Franklin B. McNiel, who devoted his time and energies to the operation of a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 16, Washington township, is an agriculturist whose labors have been attended with well merited success. His birth occurred in that township on the 11th of March, 1862, his parents being George T. and Mary M. (Penn) McNiel, who were natives of New York and Maryland respectively. They took up their abode among the early settlers of Linn county, Iowa, were married here and remained worthy and respected residents of this county throughout the remainder of their lives. George T. McNiel, who followed general agricultural pursuits throughout his active business career, passed away on the 31st of March, 1882. His wife was called to her final rest on the 19th of April, 1899. Their children were five in number, as follows: Aletha E., a resident of Washington township; Edward, who is deceased; Franklin B., of this review; Horace E., living in Spring Grove township, this county; and Richard M., of Washington township. Franklin B. McNiel attended the common schools in the acquirement of an education and remained with his parents until twenty-eight years of age, when he was married and established a home of his own. Following that important event in his life he rented a farm for two years and then purchased a tract of land on section 13, Washington township, where he resided until 1908. In that year he disposed of the property and bought his present place of one hundred and twenty acres on section 16, Washington township, where he has carried on his farming interests continuously since, annually gathering good crops which find a ready sale on the market. On the 11th of March, 1891, Mr. McNiel was united in marriage to Miss Lucy E. Priaulx, who was born in Jackson county, Iowa, on the 14th of December, 1868, her parents being John and Elizabeth (Ballieul) Priaulx, natives of France. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States at an early day, first locating in Ohio, while later they took up their abode on a farm in Jackson county, Iowa. John Priaulx was called to his final rest in January, 1868, and his wife passed away five years later. They were the parents of fourteen children: Joseph; Susan, the wife of H. Bobo, of Davenport, Iowa; Flora, who is the wife of A. W. Flathers and resides in Sioux City, Iowa; Mrs. McNiel; and ten who are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McNiel have four children, as follows: John H., born July 30, 1893, who is a graduate of Center Point high school; Florence B., whose birth occurred April 20, 1902; Kenneth F., whose natal day was February 5, 1904; and Clarence B., born January 29, 1907. Mr. McNiel exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its principles are most conductive to good government. He has done effective service for the cause of education as a member of the school board, having held the office for twelve years. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Episcopal church and take a helpful interest in its work. Mr. McNiel has many friends in the county where his entire life has been spent and is well entitled to a place among its esteemed and substantial citizens. Source: History of Linn County Iowa From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. II, The Pioneer Publishing Company, 1911, pages 81-2. Contributed by: Terry Carlson
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MARSHALL F.
MEREDITH
Marshall F. Meredith remained under the
parental roof until seventeen years of age and then began working as a
farm hand by the month, being thus employed for three years. During
the following twenty years he devoted his attention to the operation
of rented land and in 1893 purchased one hundred and forty acres of
the farm on which he now resides. Subsequently he extended the
boundaries of the place by an additional purchase of sixty-eight and
two-thirds acres, so that it now embraces two hundred and eight and
two-thirds acres of land in Buffalo township, all of which is under a
high state of cultivation and improvement. During the past twenty
years he has also devoted On the 22d of February, 1873, Mr. Meredith was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda M. Grayson, a daughter of Wren and Lucinda (Williamson) Grayson, who spent their entire lives in Indiana. They were both faithful members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Unto them were born thirteen children, as follows: Nancy and Byrel P., both of whom are deceased; John T.; Hiram T.; Catherine A.; Rebecca J., who is likewise deceased; William H.; Samuel B.; Eliza E.; Mary E.; Mrs. Meredith; Anna D.; and one who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Meredith became the parents of three children, namely: Eva Viola, who was born July 7, 1875, and died on the 15th of August, 1881; Daniel W., who is married and lives on a portion of the homestead farm; and Raymond G., at home. In his political views Mr. Meredith is a republican, believing firmly in the principles of that party. He served as township trustee for four terms and for several terms has acted as justice of the peace, his fair and impartial decisions winning him ‘‘golden opinions from all sorts of people.” His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. He is always the same honorable and upright gentleman in whatever relation of life he is found and his salient characteristics are such as have gained him the respect, confidence and good will of all with whom he has come in contact. Source: History of Linn County Iowa, From Its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time, Vol. II, Chicago, The Pioneer Publishing Company, 1911, p. 12-13. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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Prominent among the business men of Cedar Rapids is numbered John Perley Messer, who has been engaged in real estate and loan business for some years, with offices located at present in the Granby block. Mr. Messer was born at Bow Center, in the town of Bow, New Hampshire, on the 9th of December, 1843, and is the second son of Silas and Nancy (Hadley) Messer, who are also natives of the old Granite state. His father was a farmer in early life, and later was a railroad man, but is now living retired in St. Paul, Minnesota. The mother died in that city in 1894, and was buried in Oak Hill cemetery, Cedar Rapids. John P. Messer was reared on the home farm, and received his education in the public schools. At the age of sixteen he left the farm and went to work as a locomotive fireman on the Concord Railroad. At eighteen he was promoted to the position of locomotive engineer, and at that time was the youngest man who had ever been entrusted with an engine on that road. He continued in that employment until 1862, when he resigned to enter the service of his country as assistant engineer in the navy, and was ordered to the United States steam frigate Colorado, on which he served for nearly three years. He participated in both bombardments and in the capture of Fort Fisher. At the first battle Mr. Messer had charge of the fire department (a department of sixteen men to extinguish fires), and at the second battle he served under B. F. Garvin, chief engineer and Lieutenant George Dewey, executive officer as one of Commodore Henry K. Thatcher’s staff officers. In these engagements the Colorado suffered severely and was ordered to the New York navy yards for repairs. Mr. Messer was then transferred to the U. S. S. Trefoil. He was on that vessel when she “accidentally” collided with and sunk the Confederate privateer Florida. Also at the capture of Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely in Mobile bay, and continued to serve on her until the close of the war, when he resigned and received an honorable discharge from the United States navy. At Bow, New Hampshire, September 1, 1866, Mr. Messer married Miss Carrie E. Evans, who was also a native of that state and a daughter of Stephen W. and Emma (Veazy) Evans. Shortly after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Messer removed to the then new state of Minnesota, the journey occupying a full week and requiring twelve changes of cars and boats. They are the parents of three children, namely: Walter S., who died April 5, 1881, at the age of eleven years; Emma Evans, now Mrs. James W. Clark; and Florence V., who is at home. They also have one grandchild, Charles A. Clark, Jr. On his removal to Minnesota Mr. Messer at once entered the employ of the Minnesota Valley Railroad as a locomotive engineer. He was with that road about two years and ran the first freight and passenger trains into the towns of St. Peter and Mancato, Minnesota. From that state he came to Cedar Rapids in 1869, and has made his home here ever since. He was the first regular engineer and master mechanic at Cedar Rapids in the service of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Minnesota (now Northern) Railroad, and he remained with that road for about ten years as engineer, master mechanic and passenger conductor. As engineer he was in charge of the first regular trains into each of the towns along the line from Cedar Rapids to Rockford, Iowa, as the road was completed to those points. Mr. Messer resigned his position with the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad in 1879 to take the superintendency of the Memphis, Kansas & Colorado Railroad, then in course of construction and built some twenty miles of this road besides opening about forty-five miles from Parsons to Messer. This road was an enterprise of the late Judge Green and the late C. S. Bennett, both of Cedar Rapids, and was sold by them to the Kansas City, Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad, at which time Mr. Messer resigned. As superintendent of the old City Street Railway Company, of Cedar Rapids, he built the largest part of their road, building the first line across the river. After about twenty years in the railway service, Mr. Messer entered the real-estate business in Cedar Rapids in 1881, and is still actively engaged therein. He has met with well-deserved success in this business, as he had formerly done in the railroad business, and has acquired a comfortable competence. In his political affiliations Mr. Messer is a Republican, but has never sought office. As a public-spirited citizen, however, he takes an active interest in public affairs and gives his support to all enterprises which he believes calculated to advance the social, moral or material welfare of Cedar Rapids. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 102-6. Submitted by: Carrie J. Robertson of Marion
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The agricultural interests of Franklin township are well represented by this gentleman, who was born in Linn township, this county, on the 31st of December, 1860. The Milholin family originated in Ireland, but many bearing the name now live in Scotland and America. James Milholin, our subject’s father, was born on the Emerald Isle, but when a boy went to Scotland, and in 1853 came to the United States. After spending two years in Pennsylvania, he removed to Iowa, and was married in Marion, to Miss Elizabeth McLaughlin, a native of Glasgow, Scotland, who came to the new world in 1856, and located in Marion, Iowa. After living in that place for a time, they removed to a farm in Linn Grove, Linn township, and later spent two years on the farm of Colonel Robert Smyth in Franklin township. Their next home was on the Robert Rose farm, where they continued to reside until their deaths. The mother departed this life February 15, 1878, and the father died February 2, 1897, the remains of both being interred in the Mt. Vernon cemetery. Unto them were born five children, as follows: Isabella Agnes is now the wife of Andrew Dill and lives south of Cedar Rapids; John C. is a railroad conductor and makes his home in Livingston, Montana; J. W., our subject, is next in order of birth; Thomas H. lives on a farm adjoining our subject in Franklin township; and Robert A. resides with his brother Thomas H. The district schools of Franklin township afforded our subject his educational advantages, and on leaving school at the age of nineteen years he gave his entire time to the work of the home farm, continuing to manage the place for one year after his marriage. The following year he operated rented land, though in 1887 he had purchased fifty-five acres of land. In 1898, he bought the James Bryney farm of one hundred and five and one-half acres on section 18, Franklin township, and in the operation of this place he has since met with marked success. Like most of the farmers of this region he devotes considerable attention to the raising of stock. He is progressive in his methods and his success in life has been worthily achieved, it being due entirely to his own well-directed and energetic efforts. Politically he is identified with the Republican party, and socially is connected with the Camp of Modern Woodmen, No. 216, at Mt. Vernon. On the 19th of October, 1892, at Mt. Vernon, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Milholin and Miss Elsie Adella Bair, who was born at Elvira, Clinton county, Iowa, February 14, 1870, and is a daughter of Joseph Bair, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume. Four children bless this union, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Harry B., October 14, 1894; J. Clifford, May 10, 1896; Florence E., July 3, 1898; and Glen Leroy, March 10, 1900, died April 1, 1901. Florence was born the day Cervera’s fleet was captured by the Americans during the Spanish-American war. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 209-210. Submitted by: Carrie J. Robertson of Marion
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This gentleman dates his residence in Linn county from January, 1853, and as a progressive agriculturist he was prominently identified with the growth and development of the county for over a quarter of a century, but he has now laid aside all business cares, and is living retired in Cedar Point. A native of New York, he was born near Syracuse, September 8, 1821. His father, William Miller, was born and reared in England, and when a young man - came to the United States. He was married in New York to Miss Loraine Fountaine, who was born in that state of French and German parentage, and there they continued to make their home throughout life. Milo Miller remained a resident of the Empire State until nineteen years of age, and then went to Warren county, Pennsylvania, where he worked in the lumber camps for about six years. The following year was spent near Milan, Ohio, and at the end of that time he removed to McHenry county, Illinois, where he rented land and engaged in farming for a time. He next made his home near Valparaiso, Indian, for about five years, and from there removed to Jackson county, Iowa, here he bought a farm of two hundred acres, of which sixty acres had been placed under the plow. After residing there for two years he sold that place and came to Linn county, in 1853, purchasing a partially improved farm of two hundred and twenty acres in Grant township. He planted the first crop raised upon that place, and to the cultivation and improvement of that farm he continued to devote his time and energies until his removal to Center Point in 1876. He added to his property and erected thereon good and substantial buildings. For some time after locating in Center point he was engaged in the real estate business and has handled considerable property. He has made several farms by buying raw land which he has broke and improved by the erection of a good set of farm buildings, and he has also improved considerable village property, which he either sells or rents. He is still the owner of about a dozen residences in Center Point and two business blocks, besides five farms aggregating six hundred acres of valuable land. He has been a man of industrious habits, progressive and enterprising, and to his excellent business and executive ability he owes his success in life, for he started out in the world for himself empty-handed. Mr. Miller has been twice married. In 1843, in Pennsylvania, he wedded Miss Patience Meeker, who died in Indiana. By that union he had two children, of whom one died in infancy. The other, Elmira married George Fee, of this county, and died in 1899. Mr. Miller was again married in Indiana, in 1848, his second union being with Miss Cyuthia Sprague, who was born in Allen county, Ohio, and removed to Porter county, Indiana, with her father, Solomon Sprague, locating near Valparaiso. Unto them were born four children, namely: Delia, now the wife of Theodore Lampman, a farmer in Linn county, Iowa; Samuel, a resident of Center Point; Paulina, wife of Edward Sarchet, also a farmer of this county; and Anna, wife of Oliver Hines of Center Point. Mr. Miller takes no active part in politics or has never cared for office. During his long residence in this county, covering almost half of a century, he has materially aided in the growth and building of his town and county, and has become widely and favorably known as an upright, reliable business man of strict integrity and sterling worth. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 364-5. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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Mason P. Mills (deceased) was born at East Windsor, Connecticut, January 15, 1843, died at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, July 31, 1896. The life of this soldier, lawyer and citizen was a noble example of the best there is in American citizenship; his death a public calamity. As the public is apt to place a correct estimate upon the character of a man whose career has been a highly prominent one the biographer can do no better than to record in part an editorial which appeared in the Cedar Rapids Republican at the time of the death of Mr. Mills: "As a citizen he was, from the first active in all things that make for a city. He was public spirited and energetic to a degree attained by few men. He was an alderman for many years, and in this capacity did a great deal to shape legislation. He was a born leader. If there was an enterprise on foot, Mr. Mills was either for or against it with all his might. He had the courage, the strong intelligence, the rare, subtle magnetism, which, as public men are analyzed, compose the requisites of the real genius of leadership. As a lawyer he attained a very high rank. He was a worker a master of the art of accumulation of testimony - a tactician, skillful in cross-examination, a perfect judge of men, and therefore, one who selected a jury with method and keen analysis of those who presented themselves for acceptance. Many of our foremost business men relied upon him absolutely, and to them the loss will be as a personal bereavement. As a friend, perhaps the word loyal is the best and most expressive adjective descriptive of this phase of his character. It is the fortune of strong characters like Mason P. Mills to be strong in friendship and intense in resentment, to have friends bound to them with hooks of steel, and at the same time have those who swear, Hamilcar-like, to love them not at all. And now, what of him? * * * It does not seem possible that a soul of a man like Mason P. Mills - the force that was in that brain can have gone out forever. Meeting by the side of his grave this great question which is the dark cloud on the horizon of all of us, we are glad to know that he here found reason for hope." The father of the deceased died when he was a mere boy and the other, within a few years, married P. T. Crowell, of Springfield, Massachusetts, a trusted employee of the United States armory at that city. The mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth Strong, was a lineal descendant of the Grant family of East Windsor. The early education of Mr. Mills was acquired in the common schools. He was a student in the Upper Iowa University at the breaking out of the war, and at the first call for troops went to Washington and enlisted in a squadron of cavalry known as McClellan's Dragoons. This was George B. McClellan's bodyguard. He served in that capacity under the commanders of the Army of the Potomac until the winter of 1863-4, when the squadron of cavalry was ordered to Chicago and made a part of the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry. There he was made sergeant of the regiment, and afterward promoted to regimental quartermaster and first lieutenant by Governor Yates. He served gallantly at Yorktown, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and in the seven days' fight before Richmond, as well as in the smaller affairs in which the Army of the Potomac was engaged up to the year of 1864. He was then sent on the Red river expedition under General Banks. He was mustered out of the service February 17, 1865, but until July of that year he was in the government employ, having charge of Camp Fry, in Chicago. He was not mustered out as an officer until 1887, when he took advantage of the act of congress permitting volunteer officers to be mustered according to their rank, if they had failed to be so mustered, owing to active operations in the field. He did this in order to become eligible to membership in the Loyal Legion, which he at once joined. When his country no longer needed his services he commenced the study of law in the office of Ira P. Buell, of Chicago, and was admitted to the bar there in 1866. In 1867 he located in Cedar Rapids and engaged in practice, where he remained until his death. Although not a college-bread man, he was recognized as a thorough scholar. An omnivorous reader, his whole life was a process of self-education. He was a Republican in politics, and was colonel on the staff of Governor Gear during his last administration. He was a prominent member of the Loyal Legion, and served as department commander of the G. A. R. in 1890. Mr. Mills was married, October 14, 1869, to miss Flora B. Coulter, a native of Wooster, Ohio. Her father, Colonel John P. Coulter, was born in Butler county, Pennsylvania, and was engaged in the practice of medicine in Ohio for many ears. In 1857 he came to Cedar Rapids, Iowa and followed his profession at this place until the breaking out of the Civil war. He assisted in organizing a regiment, which was mustered into the United States service as the Twelfth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Later he was made lieutenant-colonel of the Union Brigade. He was wounded during an engagement and never afterward regained his health. On his return to Cedar Rapids at the close of the war he lived retired from active practice, and died in that city in 1876. His wife passed away in 1884, and both were laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery. They had four children, namely: Lewis, a resident of Chicago; Edward, an express messenger on the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railroad, and a resident of Cedar Rapids; Eleanora, wife of J. M. Jolley, of Florida; and Mrs. Mills. Unto our subject and his wife were born three children: John P., of Cedar Rapids; Flora, wife of Edward R. Kaupke, of the firm of Frick & Kaupke, wholesale grocers; and Mary M., a student in the high school at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Source: The Biographical Record of Linn County Iowa, Illustrated, Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901, pages 365-7. Submitted by: Terry Carlson
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Edwin E. Mitchell, proprietor of one of the leading livery stables of Mt. Vernon, was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, on the banks of the Rock river, a few miles below Janesv | ||
