PAST AND PRESENT OF
O'Brien and Osceola Counties, Iowa

BIOGRAPHIES

O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES IOWA. 1103

ALEXANDER L. MARTIN.

From the land of the hagpipe have come several citizens who have made their home in O'Brien county, Iowa. These Highlanders, with their accoutrements, are among the most picturesque people of Europe. From the earliest period of English history they have struggled against the English and it was not until 1702 that they were finally united to England. Those sturdy characteristics which they now possess have come about as a result of centuries of bloody fighting and today they still exhibit those qualities which kept them independent for so many centuries.

Alexander L. martin, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Waterman township, O'Brien county, Iowa, was born in Scotland in 1850. He came with his parents, William and Mary (Lumsden) Martin, to this country in 1852. His father was born in Scotland in 1807 and lived the life of a farmer in his native land. Upon coming to this country he engaged in farming in Wisconsin until his death in 1893.

Alexander L. Martin was one of a family of twelve children, five of whom are still living. At the early age of ten, he left home and worked out by day's labor. Before he reached his majority he had come to Iowa and homesteaded in Clay county. In 1881 he moved to O'Brien county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land, put up buildings, erected fences and otherwise improved the farm, so that when he sold it he realized a handsome profit upon his investment. He then bought one hundred and sixty acres in Waterman township and has added to that from time to time until he now owns four hundred acres of excellent farming land in this county. Mr. Martin has gone through some very trying experiences since living in this county. During the terrible blizzard of 1882 he drove a distance of sixteen miles in one of the worst days in the history of the county. During this terrible winter he found frozen bodies in Clay and O'Brien counties. In addition to farming his own land he has done a great deal of threshing in his time. At one time he owned a machine, threshing by horse power and since this machine was the only one in this part of the country he found plenty of work to do. Like many of his neighbors, he owns a share in the Farmers Elevator Company at Sutherland. He has always been interested in the raising of live stock and has exhibited cattle and poultry at the various fairs in this section of the state. He is one of the organizers of the O'Brien County Fair Association and is one of the directors of that organization at the present time.

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Mr. Martin was married in 1875 to Kate Huxley, who was born in Massachusetts in 1854. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are the parents of ten children, all living, Lewis, Nellie, Lawrence, Charles, Albert, Rose, Jane, Ethel, Jasper and Alta. Nellie and three sons are married. All of them are living in this county. Jane and Ethel are teaching school. Mr. and Mrs. Martin are justly proud of their children and have given them every educational advantage, in order that they may be better prepared to fight the battles of life.

Politically, Mr. Martin belongs to the class of men who are known as independents in politics, that is, men who vote for people rather than for an emblem at the top of a ticket. He has always been especially interested in the educational affairs of his township and has the honor of being the man to locate the first school house in his township. Religiously, he and his family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and contribute liberally of their means to its support. Fraternally, he is a member of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. He is a man of clean character and genial impulses, so that he unconsciously makes friends of all with whom he comes in contact.

JOHN H. IRVINE,

Many of the leading citizens of O'Brien county have come to us from over the sea and, as a rule, we find these to be men who are persevering, aggressive and not afraid of any amount of toil which leads to success. The beautiful Emerald isle has produced many such men, and a few of them have come over the seas to us, bringing their progressive spirit and brilliance of thought to add strength to the body politic of our vicinity.

One of these is John H. Irvine, a native of county Fermanagh, Ulster, Ireland, who spent his childhood and youth among the green hills of that county and there his schooling was received. His father, William Irvine, was born in 1822 in this same environment, and in his youth studied for the profession of civil engineer. In fact, throughout his life he found his pleasure, as well as his vocation, in this line, and when death came to him in the year 1874 it found him still actively employed in that capacity. He was married to Margaret Maise, also of county Fermanagh, and to them were born ten children. The two eldest, Isabel and William, are both deceased. Andrew is still a resident of Ireland, a farmer, Jane (McCauley) resides in O'Brien county, Iowa, and Arthur, a retired farmer, also has his home in

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this county, at Primghar. Mary died at her home in Ireland. James is a resident of Primghar, Iowa. Margaret (Cummings) lives in Troy, Kansas. Thomas is a retired business man in Ireland.

John H. Irvine emigrated to America in 1882, coming directly to Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where he found employment as a farm hand. The following year he returned to Ireland, but after a couple of years had passed he again journeyed westward across the sea, and made his way to Jo Daviess county, Illinois. Here he remained until the year 1888. At this time he married Grace Hay, of Warren, Illinois, the daughter of Cameron Hay, of Scotland, and from this time forth his energies were bent toward the acquisition of a home for his bride.

Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Irvine continued his journey westward and found in the broad prairies of O'Brien county the opportunity which he sought. Here he rented a quarter section of land, and so energetically did he labor and so wisely did he plan that the young couple were soon enabled to purchase a tract of one hundred sixty acres of improved ground. Mr. Irvine proved to be a successful farmer and was also interested in the breeding of live stock. A herd of fine Shorthorn cattle were soon added to his establishment and proved a profitable adjunct to the place.

Many improvements have been added to the homestead since its purchase and now the place is one of luxurious comfort. Four acres of trees, many of them fruits of various kinds, have been planted and add greatly to the beauty, comfort and value of the home, while other improvements to the extent of several thousands of dollars have been made.

Three children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Irvine, all of whom are enjoying the comforts and protection of the parental rooftree. Miss Mary is her mother's valued assistant, while Thomas labors with his father about the farm. Andrew has been attending high school at Primghar, but is now at home.

In manner, Mr. Irvine is genial and sincere, inspiring confidence with those with whom he comes in contact. Broadminded and aggressive, he is closely allied with all movements for the improvement of the surrounding country and the general uplift of the community.

When the Independent Progressive party was organized he was among the first to join its ranks. He is an attendant of the Congregational church of Primghar, and is also affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at that place. Mr. Irvine, though a loyal American, is still true also to the land of his nativity, and maintains his membership in the order of Orangemen of Ireland. The order of Good Templars also, of Wisconsin,

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numbers him among its members. A man of large acquaintance, he is held in high esteem by his fellow citizens, as is evidenced by the fact that he has efficiently served the community as road overseer, justice of the peace and as a member of the school board and also school treasurer of the township for years. In all of these official capacities he has given of his time and his energy without stint, evincing the same sound business judgment that has characterized his own successful career.

Among the young people of the community Mr. and Mrs. Irvine are well known and liked, and their hospitality has been enjoyed by many of these. Truly, he has found the best in life, a charming family, a luxurious home and the well-earned respect of his fellow citizens.

WILLIAM CAIN.

In glancing through the contents of this volume the reader will doubtless be interested in observing the places of birth of the various men whose careers are herein noted. Few indeed are those who can claim this as their native soil, and this is not to be considered strange when it is remembered that a comparatively few years ago these wonderfully productive acres still remained in their primitive state. And when once the first settlers, those daring and hardy pioneers, came and the great opportunities offered here became noised about, small wonder it is that men from all the thickly populated sections of our own country as well as many from other lands should hope to find here their golden opportnnity. Many there came who could not be considered desirable citizens of any place, but for the most part these passed on, not possessing the stamina which characterized the successful pioneer, and to those of genuine worth who remained, enduring privations and hardships for a time, unqualified success has come and they had the privilege of witnessing wide stretches of prairie land grow into well tilled acres, dotted here and there with towns and villages and gradually attaining to the standard of civilization of the present day.

William Cain, retired farmer and banker, who has attained a gratifying degree of success and popularity in this locality, is a native of mother England born in that country in 1850, the son of John and Elizabeth (Creer) Cain, who passed their entire lives on their native soil, the former having been born in 1818 and the latter in 1816. The father followed the vocation of farming throughout his life and died in 1859 while still actively engaged

Picture of WILLIAM CAIN.

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in this pursuit. The mother survived him several years, passing away in 1870. They were the parents of an interesting family of twelve children, eight of whom are still living.

The subject received his early education in his native home, and when sixteen years of age emigrated to America, settling in Canada. There he worked for several years as a farm hand, when vague stories reached him of the better chances in "the states." For a while he remained in Michigan, where also he engaged in farming, and then went westward into Nebraska where he remained for nine years. In 1879 he came to Sac county, Iowa, remaining there until 1884, when he came to O'Brien county and homesteaded on squatter land in Dale township. Having followed farming all his life, he was ably qualified to convert his raw land into a desirable farming property. In this attempt he was eminently successful, bringing to bear upon his enterprise not only unfailing energy and firm determination, but an excellent judgment and judicious management. He made it a point only to raise fine grade stock and for a time fed from eight to ten cars of cattle annually. In 1901 he sold his home farm and took up his residence in Paullina where he is identified with the Farmers State Bank, being a shareholder in the same and also serving as its vice-president. He is also largely interested in a bank at Randolph, Nebraska, with which his son William is identified, being its cashier. In addition to these banking interests, he owns two hundred and forty acres of land in Union township. Throughout his career, Mr. Cain has given evidence of far more than ordinary financial ability and success is inevitable to one possessing this trait coupled with honesty of purpose and unfailing energy.

In 1881 Mr. Cain led to the marriage altar Hattie Hiersche, a native of Clinton county, born in 1861. Their union has been blessed with five children: Harry, the oldest, is engaged in farming in Union township ; William is interested in the bank at Randolph, Nebraska, as above stated; Zada (Mrs. Jehu) is the wife of a farmer of O'Brien county; George W. is at present attending the Iowa State University, and Dorris, the youngest daughter, remains at home with the parents.

Politically, Mr. Cain is a stanch supporter of the Democratic party, in the success of which he has taken a keen interest and has been largely identified with that party's affairs as applied to local matters. He has served as a member of the school board and was treasurer of Dale township for several years. His religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church, with which organization the family has been prominently identified. They move in

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the best social circles of their community and are deservedly popular among their acquaintances. Mr. Cain is genial and unassuming, easily makes friends and always retains them. He gives his support to every movement which promises to be of benefit in any way to the people and because of his success in life and his genuine worth he is eminently entitled to representation in this work.

OTTO CALLENIUS.

There are many men of agricultural pursuits who find complete absorption in their vocation, and it is indeed pleasant to review the life of a man who finds time and ability to vary his life work with an occasional digression, or to devote time to educational pursuits, or to serve his town or community in political capacity. Not many years ago farming was considered almost entirely a physical occupation. With the improved machinery of this age, and the granges and institutes, the physical requirements are less and the mental requirements are greater. Farming has developed like many other lines of business. Two dollars must grow where one grew before; so in farming, two ears of corn must grow where formerly but one grew, and the ears must grow larger, the cobs smaller and the stalks must be placed in the silo and kept green and moist for winter feeding. These things were practically unheard of fifty years ago. They have been brought about largely by men such as the one dealt with in this sketch.

Otto Callenius was born in New York City in 1862. His parents, Adolph and Mletta (Eggrs) Callenius, were both natives of Germany, the former having been born in 1834 and the latter in 1832. The father located in New York City in 1848 where he was engaged in mercantile business. Toward the close of the Civil War his business interests suffered, as did many other Northern enterprises during that period of internal strife, and he found it advisable to move westward to Illinois. Here he conducted a general merchandise store for several years. In 1883 he bought one hundred and sixty acres in leaker township, O'Brien county, Iowa, which he farmed till 1913, when he retired and moved to Primghar to enjoy the sunset of his life. Four years before this a shadow had been cast upon the household by the death of the wife and mother. There were six children in the family, four of whom are living.

Mr. Callenius received a liberal education. After having completed the common branches in Illinois he entered the college at LaMoille, Illinois,

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where he won distinction in his studies. Later he attended a German college at Clarion, Illinois. After this he remained with his father, helping in the general merchandise store or on the farm.

The advantages arising from being a land owner had appealed to him early in life, and at the age of thirty-two he began farming for himself, first purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Baker township, O'Brien county. In 1901 he moved to Peterson, Iowa, where he entered a partnership with a Mr. Schutz, and the two conducted a general merchandise store for five years. He then sold out his interests and returned to the farm, on which he made very extensive improvements. His attention was directed toward live stock and he soon became one of the most successful raisers of Hambletonian horses and Duroc Jersey hogs in that neighborhood. Mr. Callenius is a man with a well developed mind and has written numerous articles in various papers and farm journals, dealing with questions of political and agricultural import.

The subject was married in 1893 to Kathrine Claussen, who was born in 1864 in Wheatland, Iowa. To this union have been born three children, all of whom inherit their father's appetite for mental development: Metta, the eldest, finished the common school branches and attended Highland Park College, after which she returned home with her parents; Mrlynn, the second, is at present attending high school at Hospers, Iowa; Lester is at home.

Politically, Mr. Callenius is an Independent Progressive. He has faithfully served his community on different occasions as member of the school board, township trustee and assessor.

DANIEL A. SMITH

The father of Mr. Smith, Henry V., was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, in 1827, and here he grew to manhood, engaged in active farming. In 1850 he was married to Matilda A. Deyarman, daughter of Alexander D. Deyarman, of Fayette, Pennsylvania. With untiring energy he toiled at his chosen vocation, ably assisted by his faithful wife, and suc-

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cess crowned his efforts; but as the years passed, the lure of the golden West loomed before him and in 1874 he brought his family to Butler county, Iowa. Here he engaged in farming until the year 1891, when he came to O'Brien county, purchasing a tract of one hundred sixty acres in Center township. The soundness of his judgment in making these journeys has been fully vindicated, for the tract on which he established his permanent home in this county has increased in beauty and value as the years have passed, and the homestead which he founded for his family at that time has become a source of both profit and pride. Four children were born to him and his wife, viz.: Hugh, who is now a retired farmer, living in Pringhar, Iowa; Marion, an active farmer of O'Brien county; John D., an attorney of Lincoln, Nebraska, and the subject of this article, Daniel A.

The father of Henry Smith was Daniel Smith, of Fayette county, Pennsylvania, born April 1, 1806, and who spent his entire life in that locality. He, in turn, was the son of Henry B. Smith, whose birth occurred in 1750, in Harguas, Maryland. Life, in those days, was far removed from the luxurious existence enjoyed by this generation, and no man could call himself safe in the bosom of his family while the bloodthirsty Indians were abroad in the land. So Mr. Smith was drafted to fight the savage red man, under Capt. Louis Weysel, a scout in and around Morgantown, West Virginia. Later, when the call to arms came for the colonists to fight for freedom from England's oppression, he joined the Revolutionary army, fighting bravely for its cause, and leaving the glorious heritage of an honored name for his descendants until the present day.

The immediate subject of this article, Daniel Smith, came to Butler county, Iowa, with his father in 1874, and assisted with the labor of the farm until 1887, when he obtained employment as a carpenter in the Santa Fe shops at Nickerson, Kansas. He was later transferred to Arkansas City, Kansas, where he remained until 1895. In 1896 he came to O'Brien county and took up his residence upon the farm purchased by his father, and has been most successful in its cultivation. While living in Nickerson, Kansas, he met and married Mary J. Thomas, daughter of David Thomas, of that place. Three children have come to bless their home, all of whom are now happily residing with their parents in the old homestead. These are Eva V., a graduate of the high school at Primghar; William H., also a graduate of the same school, and formerly teacher in the schools of Lincoln township; David A., named for three grand fathers, is also a high school graduate. Mr. Smith and his charming family occupy a prominent position in the so-

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cial life of the community and many of the young people of this vicinity have been recipients of their bountiful hospitality.

In politics. Mr. Smith is deeply interested in the Independent Progressive movement, and is a well-known member of the Congregational church. He was formerly a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Arkansas City, but of late years has not been actively interested in fraternal affairs, well informed, broadminded and aggressive, he is deeply interested in all movements for the progress of the surrounding country and the general uplift of the community.

MICHAEL HODAPP.

The virile and wholesome blood of the fatherland, which has steadily flowed in all its enriching and purifying power into the arteries of every industry and occupation of this land, has probably been more marked in the development and uplift of agriculture than in any other vocation. With wholesome minds and sturdy bodies, these welcome emigrants from the Kaiser's domain have formed a part of the vanguard of almost every band of pioneers fighting their way through forests dense, braving untold dangers and suffering severe privations that they might do their full share in making their adopted land the glorious nation it is today. No more worthy son of the Teutonic race could find a place in the pages of this work than he who forms the caption of this brief sketch. The phrase "a self-made man" has been so frequently abused and so carelessly applied that its full import is often lost, but the friends and acquaintances of the subject of this narrative will readily grant and insist that, in all its broadest meaning, it but justly and truthfully describes the one whose life inspires this article.

Michael Hodapp was born in Baden, Germany, in 1866, and is the son of Melchor and Katherine (Zink) Hodapp. His parents were born, reared and married in Germany and spent all of their days in the land of their birth. Melchor Hodapp died in 1870 and his wife in 1913.

Michael Hodapp was one of eight children, and received his education in the land of his birth. He left Germany in 1884 and came to America, where he settled in the state of Illinois and worked on a farm for four years and then rented a farm in Cherokee county, Iowa, and began farming for himself. Later he moved to O'Brien county and rented land in Omega and Union townships for seven years. All the time he was saving his money

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and in 1907 he was able to purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land in Baker township, O'Brien county. Since buying this farm he has made extensive improvements on it and otherwise enhanced its value so that today it is yielding him a handsome return upon his original investment. He raises all of the crops of this latitude and also deals largely in live stock.

Mr. Hodapp was married in 1893 to Mary Burter. who was born in Germany in 1870 and died in 1903 in O'Brien county. To this union seven children were born, William, Herman, Rosa, Martha, John, Lena and Clara, all of whom are still living with their father. Politically, Mr. Hodapp is a Democrat and has taken an active interest in politics since coming to this county. The esteem in which he is held by the citizens of his township is shown by his election as trustee of Baker township, a position which he has filled to the entire satisfaction of everyone in the township. He and his family are earnest members of the Catholic church and give it their unreserved support at all times. Mr. Hodapp has done well his part in life since coming to this country and it is a compliment well bestowed to say that O'Brien county is honored by his citizenship. He is devoted to his adopted country and he is now filling one of the most important offices within the suffrage of his fellow citizens; thus it can be seen that he has won the confidence of his fellow men to a marked degree. It is needless to say that he is justly deserving of the enviable standing which he enjoys in the community which he honors with his residence.

JOHN GARDNER.

John Gardner, one of the sturdy sons of Ireland who has found in O'Brien county a pleasant home and the opportunity to amass a competence for the declining years of life, has risen to his present position by reason of his abounding energy and the exercise of the clear thought and keen intelligence which are characteristic of the inhabitants of the beautiful Emerald isle. He was born in 1855 in Fermanagh, Ireland, the son of John B. Gardner, also a native of Fermanagh, whose birth occurred in the year 1822. The father remained in his native country throughout his youth, and when he reached manhood's estate he was united in marriage to Helner Mayes, a native also of his birthplace. For several years the young couple toiled bravely together, and little ones came to bless and brighten their home; but soon the support of the growing family in the congested counties of Ireland became

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a problem for the young father to face, and he longed for the opportunities of the New World. Finally he was enabled to realize his ambitions in this respect and sailed for the shores of America, selecting for his destination the broad fields of Canada. Here he was enabled to purchase a tract of land, which he improved and cultivated, and eventually sold at a profit and returned to Ireland, where he raised his family to maturity. Later he returned to Illinois where he remained some years, his death occurring late in Paullina, Iowa.

Seven children were born to this couple, as follows: James, who is now a farmer in Otis, Colorado; William, deceased; Robert, still in his native county, Fermanagh, Ireland; Anna, deceased; Archie, a resident of Otis, Colorado; Mary. now Mrs. Williamson, who resides in Paullina, Iowa, and the immediate subject of this article.

John Gardner, Jr., remained in Ireland until his eighteenth year, when he. too, left its verdant shores and sailed for America, locating in Warren, Illinois. Here he obtained employment in a flour mill, and so conscientiously did he labor that promotion came to him and he finally became the head miller for the concern. Here, also, he became interested in the purchase and sale of the grain which he handled, and thus materially increased his income. In the year 1881 his marriage to Amanda Noble was solemnized, she being the daughter of James Noble, a native of Canada.

In 1891 Mr. Gardner came to O'Brien county, purchasing a flour mill of one-hundred-barrel capacity, located in the town of Paullina. Six years later this business was disposed of and his capital invested in a tract of eighty acres of land. Later a quarter section was added to his holdings, and the cultivation and improvement of this place became his paramount interest. He was very successful in his agricultural ventures and particularly so in the breeding of Duroc Jersey hogs.

Later, Mr. Gardner purchased a beautiful home in Primghar, and here, with his faithful wife, he is enjoying the fruits of his earlier years of toil. So successful has he been and so ready to grasp at the opportunities which have come to him that he is now in a position to rest, if he so desires, for the remaining years of his life.

Two children have come to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Gardner: Lillian M.. who is now Mrs. Smits and is a resident of Kelso, Washington, and Carl, who attended college at Cedar Rapids and is now a florist of Portland, Oregon.

Mr. Gardner is in all things a progressive man and when the new Independent party was organized he soon allied himself with the movement, to

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which he strongly adheres. He and Mrs. Gardner are both members of the Congregational chnrch. where he is highly esteemed and his judgment respected. He is also affiliated with the blue lodge of Masons, at Primghar. Truly a self-made man, his sterling qualities and dependable character have won for him a host of friends among his associates.

WILLIAM W. BEEBE.

The gentleman whose name stands above is widely known throughout O'Brien county and is one of the honored citizens of Paullina, where he is living in honorable retirement after a strenuous life of activity in connection with agricultural pursuits. The town of Paullina is much indebted to him for the keen interest he has always taken in any movement having as its object the betterment of the social, moral, material or educational welfare of the town. Possessed of strong qualities of heart and mind, with a kindly consideration for the interests of others, his activities along civic lines during the years of his residence here have marked him as one of Paullina's best and most disinterested citizens.

William W. Beebe was born in the state of Michigan on May 17, 1841, the son of Daniel P. and Eliza Jane T. (Green) Beebe, both of whom were natives of the state of New York, the former born on September 26, 1809, and the latter on September 23, 1814. Daniel P. Beebe went from his native state to Ohio, where for a few years he engaged in agricultural labors, following the same line of work in Michigan where he lived for some years, later going to Illinois where he located in Kankakee county. At that place he passed the remainder of his life, his death occurring in December, 1881. His widow survived him about six years. Shortly after the death of her husband she accompanied the subject to this locality and here her life closed in 1887, and she rests in the cemetery at Paullina. Daniel P. Beebe and wife were the parents of eleven children, six of whom are still living.

William W. Beebe remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, receiving his education in the schools of the neighborhood and from his father receiving instructions in the secrets of successful husbandry. When twenty-one years of age he started out in life for himself, securing work on a farm in the home neighborhood and at this he continued until the year 1862. At that time war had been declared between the two sections of our nation and with his sympathies enlisted on the side of the North, he

Pictures of Residence of William W. Beebe and William W. Beebe.

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enlisted on Angust 5th of that year at Kankakee, Illinois, as a private in Company B, One Hundred and Thirteenth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Throughout his services to the Union he endured many hardships and privations. He was first injured in the right shoulder on the 22d of July, 1863, during an engagement at Jackson, Mississippi, and was taken captive to Libby prison for a few weeks. From there he was finally paroled on the 18th of December and for four months prior was a patient at the Richmond (Virginia) hospital. While still far from well he was paroled and returned to Chicago the first of January, 1864. By May of that year he had so nearly regained his health that he became impatient to be in service again and rejoined his regiment at Memphis, Tennessee. Again he was taken prisoner and endured the hiardships and privations of Andersonville prison and other prisons of the rebels. His release was brought about and on July 1, 1865, at Springfield, Illinois, he received his honorable discharge. He immediately returned to his home in Kankakee county, Illinois, and for twelve years engaged in farming there. He, had acquired some property there and in 1882 disposed of his holdings and came to O'Brien county, which has since been his home and with the affairs of which he has been largely identified. Shortly after coming here he bought six hundred and forty acres of prairie land in Baker township, for which he paid ten dollars per acre. It was his desire to bring this farm under an excellent state of cultivation and to this end he immediately set to work. He was an extensive feeder of cattle, always priding himself on the fact that he raised nothing but graded stock. He succeeded in his endeavors in a most gratifying degree and in 1910 he retired from the active management of his farm and took up his residence in Paullina. He owns eight hundred acres in the state of Minnesota, and also has an interest in the Farmers Elevator Company of Paullina.

Mr. Beebe chose as his wife Ellen A. Winnerstrand, with whom he was united in marriage on December 21, 1887. She was a native of Minnesota, born in 1855, and to their union were born three children, namely: Frank, who lives in Paullina; Bertha E. (Mrs. McCauley), residing in the state of Minnesota, and the youngest daughter, Gladys, married Glenn Fanning, of Sherburn, Minnesota. Mr. Beebe was married on November 24, 1909, to Mary B. Adams, who was born near Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of John E. and Melinda (Bell) Adams, he an early settler of Ohio, being a native of Maine. The subject's wife came here in March, 1882, and has since lived in the vicinity of Paullina. Mrs. Beebe had four children by her former marriage: Frank, of Minnesota; Mae Belle, of O'Brien county; Harriet, at

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home; Howard, of New Port, Washington. The family is one of the most highly respected and sincerely liked of the community, being prominent in the various social affairs of the town. Politically, Mr. Beebe has always been aligned with the Republican party and while not seeking office for himself, his influence at the polls is such as to be reckoned with by those seeking that honor. At one time he served as school director and is alwavs ready and willing to do all possible to advance the cause of education, which ever lies near his heart. While he is a member of the Presbyterian church, he is extremely liberal in such matters and to all church societies gives generously of his means. His fraternal affiliation is with the time honored body of Freemasonry, in the work of which order he takes a pleasurable interest.

Mr. Beebe is one of those stauch men of intelligence and depth of character so essential to the best growth and development of any community and fortunate indeed is that locality which can number among its citizens men of this type. Mr. Beebe can be said to have attained success in life along financial lines, which in itself is a worthy ambition when coupled with the higher desire of being of service to mankind. While primarily seeking the interests of himself and family, he has ever so ordered his life as to include in his efforts the welfare of those about him. Thus he has come to be regarded with the kindliest feeling by those with whom he comes in contact and is in every sense worthy of the esteem and confidence in which he is held.

CHARLES S. CLARK.

When, after years of long and earnest labor in some honorable field of business, a man puts aside all cares to spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil, it is certainly a well deserved reward for his industry.

wrote the poet, and the world everywhere recognizes the justice of a season of rest following an active period of business life.

Charles S. Clark, a well-known resident of Primghar, has labored diligently throughout the early days of his life, and now, as he looks forward to an "age of ease," it is fitting that he should rest in the full enjoyment of the fruits of his toil. He was born in Rockford, Illinois, being the son of

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Samuel and Mary Ann (Gibbins) Clark, natives of Gunthorpe, England. His father was born in the year 1813 and made his home in his native country until the year 1833, when he took the then slow and tedious voyage across the Atlantic to American shores. He brought his family to Rockford, Illinois, where the rest of his days were spent, cultivating the soil and toiling to obtain sustenance for his growing family. Ten children were born to Mr, and Mrs. Clark, of whom but four are now living, viz.: Sarah A. (Kimble), of Rockwell City, Iowa; Carrie (Jones), now residing in Thor, Iowa, Charles S., of O'Brien county, Iowa, and Robert J., of Lake City, Iowa.

The gentleman in whom we are directly interested, Charles S. Clark, remained on the farm of his father until the year 1870, when he journeyed westward to the newer country and broader fields of Iowa, and here he obtained employment on a farm, working by the month. For three years he labored for others, after which he returned to the old homestead and rented from his father one hundred twenty acres of ground which he cultivated for himself. So successful was he in this venture that he soon began to look forward to having a home of his own. In the year 1877 he was united in marriage to Sarah Traver, of Sac City, Iowa, the daughter of Luther Traver, of New York, who later lived in Odebolt, Iowa, where he died in 1898. Mr. Clark soon returned with his bride to her home in Sac county, Iowa, where he rented a farm, and here the young couple established their first home. For three years they labored together here, economizing gladly with the hope that they would soon enjoy a home of their own, and at the end of that time, hearing of the splendid opportunities open to settlers in O'Brien county, they came to this locality to invest their savings. A quarter section of unbroken land was purchased and, after being thoroughly cultivated and improved, was sold at a profit and the money reinvested in a similar manner. Until the vear 1886 Mr. Clark continued in the purchase and sale of farm land, working with tireless energy to cultivate and improve each piece as it came into his possession. At the end of this period he brought his family to Primghar and built a handsome residence which has become their permanent abiding place, hallowed by the associations which cluster around a place so long called home. Three city lots are included in the beautiful grounds of this property, in addition to which Mr. Clark is the owner of nine other lots in the city of Primghar.

Three children have come to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clark, all of whom are near their parents in their native county. Webb, the eldest son, attended high school in Paullina, after which he took a four years' course in civil engineering at Ames College. He is now a resident of Primghar. El-

1118 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

mer, the younger son, is profiting by his father's example, and is engaged in the pursuit of agriculture in O'Brien county, while the daughter, Mavis, now Mrs. Shinkle, a graduate of Primghar high school and who taught school several years, also has her home in O'Brien county.

When the Independent Progressive party was organized Mr. Clark was soon interested in the principles which it espoused and is still a devoted adherent of this cause. He is a member of the Congregational church at Primghar, but is not interested in fraternal affairs.

Mr. Clark and his family have always stood for what is highest and best in life and haye been interested in all movements for the betterment of their surroundings, physically and morally. Conservative in some respects, he is yet progressive in his ideas, broad-minded and intelligent, truly one of our representation men and worthy the high position which he holds among his associates.

JOSEPH GEISTER.

Tht gentleman whose name appears as the heading of this article needs no introduction to our readers, for he is well known throughout the county, being one of the prominent farmers of Summit and Dale townships, and also an active business man of Primghar. A few facts, however, concerning his life cannot but prove to be of interest to his many friends. He was born in Cook county, Illinois, in the year 1863, his father being Joseph Geister, a native of Brandenburg, Gennany. This latter gentleman was born in 1833 and spent his childhood and youth in the land of his birth, and there he received his schooling. In the year 1859 he was mnrried to Marie Stallbaum, also of Brandenburg, and to them were born six children, being now located as follows: William, of Julesburg, Colorado, a farmer; Augusta (Mrs. Krekow), of Cherokee county, Iowa; Caroline (Mrs. Grauer), of the same place; Henry, a resident of Primghar, Iowa; George, of Tunic county, South Dakota, and Joseph, Jr.

In the year 1861 Joseph Geister, Sr., left the fatherland and brought his family to America, settling in Cook county, Illinois, where they remained until 1872, when they journeyed westward to the sparsely settled state of Iowa, making their home in Marshall county until 1882, when thev again migrated to Cherokee county, Iowa. Later, in Plymouth county, Iowa, the call of death came to the father.

Joseph Geister, Jr., remained with his father, assisting him with the

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multitudinous duties and labors of the farm, until after his marriage to Katherine Harges, which occurred February l0, 1886. Miss Harges was also of German parentage, her father being Frederick Harges, of Hanover, Germany. In the year 1888 the young couple left the homestead of the father and purchased a quarter section of prairie land in O'Brien county, Iowa. This was cultivated energetically, and soon another tract was added to the original purchase, and their holdings have steadily continued to increase until now they hold title to six hundred and forty acres of improved land, lying in Summit and Dale townships. In all his undertakings. Mr. Geister has found a faithful assistant in his loyal wife. Early in his career he was led to see the profit in keeping the best of live stock, and he has specialized in this branch of his work, taking great pride in breeding only the choicest of the various animals on his farm. He has at all times proven a reliable judge of real estate as well and a block of city lots in Primghar stands to his credit in this respect.

Notwithstanding the heavy responsibility of the administration of his large estate, Mr. Geister has by no means confined his activities to the pursuit of agriculture, but has found time and energy for many other interests, both for his own profit and for the good of the community in which he resides. Just now much of his attention is devoted to the upbuilding of this automobile sales business in Primghar. In this connection, he has proved himself an active, aggressive, energetic salesman, handling the Cadillac, Buick and Ford machines.

Mr. Geister has served the community in the official capacity of trustee of Summit township and as school director for the city of Primghar, in both of which capacities he has brought to bear the same conscientious efficiency which has characterized his own business undertakings. He also served as sheriff of the county from January, 1907, to January, 1911.

Mr. and Mrs. Geister are the parents of four children, viz.: Albert G., of Primghar; Anna, teaching school in Hartley, Iowa; Lillian, at home, and Carl, also at home.

Politically. Mr. Geister is a stanch Democrat. He is affiliated with no fraternal orders, but is a prominent member of the German Lutheran church.

Mr. Geister is known by his many friends throughout the county as a sincere, honorable gentleman who, though energetic in the conduct of his business affairs, is devoted to the welfare of the community at large. Broadminded and able, he is closely allied to all movements for general improvement and uplift and is deserving the confidence of his associates.

1120 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

NOAH C. WILKINSON.

Noah C. Wilkinson, one of the prominent business men of Highland township, is essentially a self-made man, having risen to his present position through tireless energy, supported by sound judgment and keen business acumen. He was born in the year 1849 in Belmont county, Ohio, the son of Joel W. Wilkinson, also a native of Belmont county. The father spent the earlier part of his life in the county of his birth, engaged in the pursuit of agriculture, but in the year 1865 he migrated to Fulton county, Illinois, where he remained until the call of death came to him.

The son, Noah, came west with his father and assisted him in the labors of the homestead until the year 1870, when he found employment on a farm elsewhere in the vicinity, remaining thus employed for a year. At the expiration of this period he sought a change of scene and manner of living, and found in the city of Chicago a position as a carpenter, and for six months he labored diligently in this new field. But this work was abruptly brought to an end for him by the death of his father and the obvious duty of the son was to take charge of the homestead. Here he labored diligently, giving time and energy without stint for the continued cultivation and improvement of the home place.

In the year 1877 Mr. Wilkinson's marriage to Sue Negley, of Canton, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph B. Negley, of the state of Pennsylvania, was solemnized. The following year the young couple emigrated to Marshall county, Iowa, renting a farm which he cultivated for a season; but in the year 1883 the ardent wish which they both cherished for a home of their own was realized. In Buena Vista county, Iowa, they were enabled to purchase a tract of land containing two hundred acres, all improved, for the small sum of eighteen dollars and seventy-five cents per acre, and this became their home. For three years Mr. Wilkinson labored to still further improve the place, and at the expiration of that period sold the farm and moved to the town of Alta in the same county, investing his capital in the Alta Elevator. In 1900, this interest also was disposed of and he found in O'Brien county opportunity for still more profitable investment. Here, at Gaza, he engaged in the mill and elevator business, being also the proprietor of a feed store.

In the year 1902 Mr. Wilkinson joined with his son Ralph in renting a tract of two hundred forty acres of ground, and this the young man later purchased for seventy-seven dollars per acre and later sold at a net profit

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of twenty-three dollars per acre, this tract being the first land in Highland township to sell tor one hundred dollars.

Mr. Wilkinson was interested in the organization of the Farmers Savings Bank of Gaza, being a stockholder and director of this institution, and since then he has continued to invest and increase his holdings in various enterprises of the place. He is now the owner of fifteen city lots, all of which are improxed, on a number of them being erected substantial residences and business buildings. He has throughout his business career, dealt largely in Shorthorn cattle, his shipments at times reaching fifty to a hundred car loads at one time. While on the farm, he was also interested in breeding these fine animals and found this department of his business one of the most profitable connected with agricultural pursuits.

The entire business career of Mr. Wilkinson has been noteworthy because of the remarkably aggressive character of his undertakings and the tireless energy and sound judgment brought to bear in their execution. Some disappointments there may have been, but these served only to give him riper experience and renewed strength for the next venture, and now, in the realization of the hopes of earlier years, he is in a position to look forward to an age of ease, a fitting ambition for one who has labored tirelessly and long.

Three children have brought joy into the lives of Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson, all of whom are now residents of O'Brien county, within easy reach of their parents. The eldest son, Ralph, was born in Marshall county, Iowa, in 1882, but was taken by his parents to Buena Vista county while still an infant, and there his childhood and youth were passed, and there his schooling was received, in the schools of Alta. After completing the elementary and high school grades, he attended college at Ames, for a year's study in scientific agriculture. This course was completed in Madison, Wisconsin, after which he actively engaged in the pursuit of agriculture for himself. He is now the owner of a large farm in O'Brien county and is very successful, both in the cultivation and production of the various products of the soil, and also as an extensive breeder of fine cattle. He owns the old Salisbury ranch of four hundred and eighty acres of land in Highland township, near Gaza, a finely improved farm. He put up the first brick silo in the county. He is now a feeder of graded stock, feeding five to six hundred at a time, also Jersey Red hogs. He married Elsie Stevens, of Sheldon, and has two girls, Greta and Marie. Forest, the younger son, married Ella O'Donell and has one child, Larue. He has also wisely noted the advantages of the wholesome life of the farm, and is a successful agriculturist of O'Brien county, having purchased the old C. S. Clark farm, in Highland township, at a cost of one hundred

1122 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

and fifty dollars per acre. The only daughter, Ethel, now Mrs. Grending, is a resident of Gaza, a source of comfort to her parents. They have one child, Howard.

Politically, Mr. Wilkinson is an adherent of the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of the Congregational church, and is affiliated with the blue lodge of Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

In all of these connections, Mr. Wilkinson enjoys the highest respect of his associates, and the thought of all with whom he comes in contact is "Here truly is a man of sterling worth."

WILBERT C. METCALF.

It is with pleasure that we call the attention of our readers to one of the most prominent families of O'Brien county, the men of whom, for many generations, have proven themselves citizens of sterling worth and integrity.

The immediate subject of this article, Wilbert C. Metcalf, is a native of the state of Iowa, born in Eldora in the year 1872. His father, John, was born in 1842 in England, and his grandfather, Thomas Metcalf, was also a native of that country. This latter gentleman was born in the year 1820, and there, in the mother country, upon his father's farm, his childhood and youth were passed. As he grew to manhood, however, the limited opportunities of the agriculturist in the congested sections of his native country palled upon him, and he joined the westward tide of emigration, reaching the shores of the New World in the year 1849, bringing with him his family. Still journeying westward, he came directly to the mining territory of Wisconsin, seeking to acquire for himself and family a competence in the lead mines of that locality, and here he met his death. His son John spent his youth in this section, after the death of his father, but when he arrived at the age of maturity he came to the state of Illinois, and when the secession of the South was attempted and the disruption of our Union was threatened, he responded to the call for volunteers to maintain the integritvyof our government and uphold the honor of her flag. He enlisted from Galena, Illinois, in Company A, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, but was later transferred to Company B, Twenty-first Illinois Infantry. He accompanied his regiment to eastern Tennessee and later to San Antonio, Texas, where he was given his discharge.

Picture of JOHN METCALF.

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In the year 1868 he was married to Mary A. Simpson, who was born in 1848, in the state of Iowa. Three children were born to this couple, viz.: Wilbert, of whom we have spoken; Nettie V., now at Morning Side, Iowa, and John T., a resident of Paullina. In the year 1893 the faithful wife and mother was called from her family by the grim death angel. In 1894 the father again married, taking for his wife Belle Raw. This lady's birth occurred in the year 1863 in Sioux City, Iowa, where she now resides. Two children were born of this union, Lucile and Marion.

Mr. Metcalf, in the year 1884, settled in O'Brien county, at Paullina, and here for years he was engaged in banking, also dealing largely in grain and live stock. He was known as a man of sound judgment, keen business acumen and unquestioned integrity. His investments in real estate were characterized by the same discrimination which led to his success in other lines, and in time he became one of the largest owners of this class of property in O'Brien county. His death occurred on the 28th day of November, 1908, and his last resting place is at Paullina, the scene of his successful labor.

Wilbert Metcalf received his education largely in the schools of O'Brien county, but after his graduation from the local high school, a three years' course in the University of Minnesota was completed. At the age of twenty- two years, he left his father's home and emigrated to California where he engaged in the photo and engraving business. Two years later, however, he returned to Paullina and entered into partnership with C. C. Cannon in the grain business, dealing largely in this commodity, as had his father. Later he became associated more intimately with his father's affairs, gradually relieving him of some of the arduous duties of his undertakings and taking complete charge of some departments of the various interests. In this manner he became his parent's most valued assistant.

At the early age of twenty-two years Mr. Metcalf was married to Mavis Pratt, a native of Pennsylvania, whose birth occurred in the year 1876. Their happiness was short lived, however, for the hand of death was laid upon her in the year 1895, leaving him alone, for they were without children. Fourteen years later he met and married Bonnie Core, whose birth occurred in 1878 at Grand Ridge, Illinois.

Mr. Metcalf has inherited his father's fine business qualities and public spirited policies. Broad minded, progressive and energetic, his activities reach far beyond the confines of the locality in which he resides. He is director of his father's large estate, a position which, of itself, would tax the abilities of many able business men. In addition, he holds the respon-

1124 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

sible position of president of the Bank of Merrill, Iowa, and is also vice- president of the Bank of Paullina. A member of the board of trustees of Morningside College, he is deeply interested in the various activities of this institution. In all of these capacities the same fidelity to duty and aggressive interest is manifested which has characterized his private undertakings. All movements looking toward the general welfare and improvement of the community at large, both physically and morally, find in him a ready adherent, and his zeal in political affairs is conscientiously manifest. He has been a firm adherent of the tenets of the Republican party, and in the year 1907 was selected by this body to represent his district at the national convention at Chicago. Though not a communicant of any church, he is in sympathy with religious work in the community and a frequent attendant at the services. He is affiliated with the order of Masons, among whom he is widely known and highly honored. Truly a representative man, O'Brien county claims with pride his fealty and his loyalty.

FREDERICK W. GRENDING.

One of the thriving merchants of Gaza, O'Brien county, is worthy of our notice at this time because, being a young man, he has risen rapidly to the position he now occupies, and stands for the progressive spirit which is abroad among our young people.

Frederick W. Grending was born in the year 1885 in the city of Colfax, Illinois. His father, August Grending, is a native of Germany, where he was reared and educated. In his youth he longed for new scenes and new faces and for the larger opportunities of which he had heard in the New World, and in the year 1862 he undertook the journey across the broad Atlantic, going, directly after landing on American shores, to the city of Joliet, Illinois. Here he remained for thirteen years, plying the trade which had been taught him in the fatherland, that of harness making. While here, he met and married Julia Frohnhoff. In the year 1877 he migrated with his family to the little town of Chatsworth, Illinois, where he remained until 1881, continuing his vocation. In this year he removed to Colfax, and for nine years more continued to labor at his trade of harness making. All these years he had labored at the one occupation and as the years went by he wished for a change, and when the opportunity presented itself, he purchased a confectionery, which has proven a successful venture for him and where he is still engaged in business.

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Six children were born to this worthy couple, as follows: Emma, now Mrs. White, who resides in Colfax, Illinois; Ida and Carl, both of whom were called from their parents by the grim death angel; Ricka and Edwin, both of whom are residents of Colfax, and Frederick, of Gaza, Iowa.

The immediate subject of this article, Frederick Grending, attended the elementary and high schools of Colfax, and soon after his graduation accepted employment as an assistant to the depot agent for the Illinois Central Railroad in his home city. In the year 1905 he was promoted to the position of relief agent, working at various places along the line. He remained at this work but a year, when he was again promoted to the position of depot agent at Edna, Lyon county, Iowa. In 1907 he was given the position of depot agent at Gaza, and this position he filled with great credit until the year 1912. But the monotony and confinement of this position began to pall and he sought for an opportunity to establish a business for himself, he having had some experience in mercantile life while attending high school at Colfax. At that time he worked during his spare time in a general store, and as he saw the growth of the town of Gaza and the opportunity which appeared to open before him, he resolved to attempt the promotion of such an enterprise here. Hence, in 1912, the store was opened, and its proprietor has spared no amount of energy and time to build up the business and establish himself in a permanent position for the future. Success is sure to follow where industry is directed by sound judgment and business acimien, and the steady growth of the store owned by Mr. Grending is no exception to this rule.

In the year 1909 Mr. Grending was united in marriage to Ethel Wilkinson, of Gaza, she being the daughter of Noah Wilkinson, of that place. Three years later a little son, Howard, came to bless and brighten their home, and one more incentive to labor with the best effort possible was given to Mr. Grending.

Socially, Mr. and Mrs. Grending are very popular in the circles of Gaza. They are members of the Congregational church of this place and deeply interested in the various departments of its work.

Politically, Mr. Grending is a strong adherent of the principles promuloated by Jefferson and consistently votes the Democratic ticket. Fraternally, he is a member of Rising Star Lodge No. 496, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, at Primghar.

In manner Mr. Grending is genial and unassuming, and by his upright business methods has won the confidence and respect of the community in which he resides. Having shown so well his capabilities at an early age, we predict for the young man increasing prosperity and affluence.

1126 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

DR. BURLINGTON J. MAYTUM.

It is always pleasant and profitable to contemplate the career of a man who has won a definite goal in life and whose career has been such as to command the honor and respect of his fellow citizens. Snch in brief is the record of the well known man whose name heads this sketch, than whom a more popular man could hardly be found within the borders of O'Brien county. Doctor Maytum has made many friends through his skill as a dentist and his position as mayor of Paullina for three terms kept him prominently in the mind of the public and won for him many friends by reason of the manner in which he discharged the duties devolving upon him. His life has been one of unceasing energy and perseverance and the systematic and honorable methods which he has ever followed have resulted in obtaining for him the enviable degree of esteem in which he is held by all who know him.

Burlington J. Maytum was born on March 13, 1869, at Toronto, Canada, being a son of Charles and Emma (Fagg) Maytum, both of whom were born in London, England, the former on March 31, 1837, and the latter in the year 1846. They were married in 1864 and became the parents of twelve children, one of whom is deceased. The year of their marriage they left England, going directly to Canada, where they remained but a short time, when they took up their residence in New York state. After a time they came westward to Iowa, locating in Wayne county, where Mr. Maytum engaged in the flour milling business and also followed the vocation of farming. He prospered in a gratifying degree and in the year 1900 retired from active business and moved to Tacoma, Washington, where he and his wife are passing their riper years in quiet enjoyment.

The subject received a good education in his youth and when twenty- two years of age accepted a school in Wayne county which he taught for three terms. However, this occupation was merely a stepping stone for him, as he had higher ambitions in life and in 1893 matriculated at the State University of Iowa, where he took a course in dentistry, being graduated from that institution in 1897. He took keen enjoyment in athletics and while in college played base ball in different leagues, retaining his interest in the national sport even after leaving school. He chose Paullina as the field for his future labors in his chosen profession and since coming here has grown completely into the life of the community. He has succeeded admirably in every respect and in addition to the real estate he owns in Paullina, consist-

Picture of DR. BURLINGTON J. MAYTUM.

O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 1127

ing of six business lots and one residence lot, he has acquired three hundred and twenty acres in Colorado and also owns twenty acres on the Isle of Pines, Cuba. Doctor Maytum takes considerable interest in politics, especially pertaining' to local matters, and during the three terms he served Paullina as mayor a gratifying impetus was observed in all matters pertaining to the better phases of civic life. He is a man well posted on current events and takes more than ordinary interest in the affairs of the Progressive party, being one of its stanch supporters in this section. While not a member of any church, Doctor Maytum's religious sympathies are with the Presbyterian church, which the family attends and in the support of which he does a commendable part. His fraternal affiliation is with the ancient order of Freemasonry.

Doctor Maytum chose as his life companion Gertrude Loucks, born in 1879 in Sandwich, Illinois, to whom he was united in marriage in 1903. To their union have been born two sons, Francis and Clyde, both of whom are attending school. The family moves in the best social circles of the town and are well liked and highly esteemed. So far, Doctor Maytum has acted well his part in life and, while primarily interested in his own affairs, he has not been unmindful of the interests of others, but has ever sought the advancement of the public good and the welfare of his fellow men. Personally, he is a man of pleasing address, sociably inclined and enjoys a wide acquaintance and a large circle of warm and loyal friends.

WARNER W. BONDERMAN.

Warner W. Bonderman, a prominent citizen of Carroll township, is a typical example of the modern farmer and stock man—energetic, aggressive, directing the labors of his hands by the active use of his mental powers, and combining the qualities of a successful business man with a thorough knowledge of agricultural methods.

This gentleman was born in the year 1872 in Mercer county, Illinois, the son of William Bonderman, a natiye of Harrisburg, Pennsylyania, whose birth occurred in the year 1824. The father spent his childhood and youth in his native place, trying various occupations, but settling definitely upon no one vocation. When he reached maturity he felt that time for him was wasted in the city, and that his opportunities for the future would be found in the vast farming territory then being developed in the West. Hence he

1128 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

moved, with his family, to Mercer county, Illinois, and here he engaged in the pursuit of agriculture until 1881. At this time he continued his journey westward and located in O'Brien county, Iowa. Here he purchased a tract of three hundred and twenty acres of land, and with all his energy he set about the cultivation of the soil and the erection of suitable buildings for the comfort of his family and the housing of live stock, implements and produce. Soon he had a comfortable homestead and here the remainder of his life was spent. He was twice married, his second wife being Jane M. Hiett, of Illinois. Four children were born of this union, viz.: John S., who is now a successful farmer of Carroll township, O'Brien county, Effie, now Mrs. Blunt, whose home is in Nebraska; Martha, now Mrs. Mateer, a resident of O'Brien county, and the subject of this review.

W. W. Bonderman, the immediate subject of this sketch, remained on the home place throughout the life of his father, first assisting in the labors of the farm and eventually taking entire charge of the place. Under his care a grove of seven acres of mixed orchard and shade trees has been set out. Four hundred acres of land are now included in this tract, and the cultivation and care which it receives are evident to the most casual observer. Mr. Bonderman has always been interested in the breeding of fine live stock and the farm is at all times well stocked with the choicest specimens of horses, cattle and hogs. For the past twenty years, also, he has been actively engaged in the purchase and sale of these animals.

In the year 1897 Mr. Bonderman was united in marriage to Inez M. Davis, a daughter of Edgar J. Davis, a retired farmer of Sheldon, Iowa. Five children have come to bless their home, all now under the parental rooftree. These are Earl, Lee, Leslie, Elma and Grace.

Notwithstanding the arduous duties connected with the administration of the farm, Mr. Bonderman has not limited his work to these affairs alone, but has taken an active part in carrying on the work of the township. That his associates have the utmost confidence in his probity and sound judgment is evidenced by the fact that he has been called upon to administer justice to the community in the capacity of justice of the peace. He has also acted as township assessor and as a member of the board of school directors. In each of these positions he has rendered efficient service, giving of his time and energy with the same diligence which he has shown in the administration of his private affairs.

Mr. Bonderman is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Archer, and here also his associates have demonstrated their confidnce (sic) in

O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 1129

him by electing him treasurer of this corporation. Politically. he is a stanch adherent of the Progressive party.

In manner, Mr. Bonderman is genial and kindly, inspiring confidence in all with whom he comes in contact, and his hospitality is proverbial. Although he has accomplished much for himself and for the community in which he resides, he is yet a young man, having barely reached the zenith of his powers, and even greater accomplishments may be expected of him in the future.

LEE McELWAIN

The history of the family of McElwain is closely interwoven with that of the state of Iowa, for three generations of the family have made it their home, and the growth and improvement which has taken place during the time of their residence has been watched with pride and interest.

Lee McElwain, of whom we wish in particular to write at this time, is a native of Washington county, Iowa, and here in this state his entire life has been passed. He, belonging to the third generation of the name to call the state home, can personally recall the days when O'Brien county was largely unbroken prairie. He first saw the light of day in the year 1879 upon the farm of his father in Washington county, and here, in his childhood, he beame so inured to the free, wholesome life of the country, that he has devoted all his energies thus far to the cultivation of the soil, living near to the heart of Mother Nature and learning her secrets year by year.

His father, Oscar McElwain, was born in the year 1845 in the state of Vermont, but came west with his parents while yet in his boyhood. Here, in the little country school of the time, he received his education, and labored with his father upon the farm. At the age of eighteen, however, he heard his country's call for volunteers for the great army which should uphold the honor of the flag at the hazard of dangers and privations unspeakable, and if need be, meet death cheerfully for the honor of the nation. In the year 1863 he enlisted in the Twenty-eighth Iowa Regiment, with which he remained throughout the war. When peace was declared, he returned to Washington county, where he rented farm land for himself. In the year 1869 he was united in marriage to Marietta Morrow, and henceforth his energies were redoubled to acquire, not only sustenance for the present needs of the familv, but a competence for the future. In 1879 he heard of the splendid opportunities offered the pioneer in O'Brien county, and, believing in the wonderful

1130 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

future which lay before it, he emigrated with his little family to this place, where he rented a quarter section of land and cultivated it for a time. In 1887 he was enabled to purchase for himself two hundred and forty acres of unbroken prairie land, and this was soon cultivated and improved until a comfortable home was established. Gradually, more and more improvements were made and necessary buildings were erected for the shelter of the stock and the housing of farm implements and produce, until now the improvements alone probably aggregate seven thousand dollars in value.

Four children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. McElwain, all of whom are living: Frank, the eldest, is a resident of Minnesota; Alfred makes his home in the state of Oregon, while the daughter. Eva, now Mrs. Farquhar, has remained in O'Brien county; Lee is the subject of this sketch.

Lee McElwain has remained always on the old homestead, assisting his father until the latter reitred, since which time he has operated the farm himself. His interests are, of course, primarily in the development and improvement of the farm, and in this line of work he is very successful, being especially well known as a breeder of fine horses. He is a stockholder, also, in the Farmers Elevator at Archer. He is, however, in touch with all movements for the public welfare in the community, and is affiliated with the lodges of Elks and Moose. Politically, he accords a stanch allegiance to the Republican party and is interested in promoting its interests in the community.

In manner, Mr. McElwain is quiet and unassuming, but sincere in his friendships, and was a loyal and devoted son to the parents who reared him. Though not active in outside affairs, he has a large acquaintance and is universally respected by those with whom he comes in contact.

C. F. MEYER AND ALBERT H. MEYER.

Picture of C. F. MEYER.

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has been fortunate in attracting hundreds of German settlers and without an exception they have proven among the most worthy citizens of the county, and among them there is no one who occupies a more honored place than C. F. Meyer, who is now living a retired life in Paullina.

C. F. Meyer, the son of Christopher and Marie (Plelcke) Meyer, was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1848. His father was a farmer and lived all of his days in the land of his birth, his father and mother both dying in Germany in 1873. They reared a family of eleven children, nine of whom are still living.

C. F. Meyer received a good education in his native land and when twenty years of age came to this country to seek his fortune. He first settled in Minnesota and later went to Wisconsin, where he remained a short time, after which he went to Illinois, where he worked as a farm hand for ten years, and while living in that state was married, after which he rented a farm in Illinois and lived on it for three years, and by true German frugality and thrift saved enough money so that he was enabled in 1880 to come to O'Brien countv and buy one hundred and sixty acres of land. He located in Caledonia township, and paid three dollars and a half an acre for his quarter section of unimproved land, and today his farm is worth at least two hundred and twenty-five dollars an acre. He and his wife started in to make a home for themselves on the wide prairie and within a few years had one of the most substantial homes and attractive farms in the county. He has prospered as only German settlers do prosper and has added to his land holdings from time to time until he is now the owner of six hundred acres of fine farming land in O'Brien county, this state, and six hundred and fifty- two acres in Minnesota. In addition to his land holdings he is a stockholder and director in the Farmers State Bank at Paullina and a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company, of the same place.

Mr. Meyer was married in 1877 to Alvina Hoermann, who was born in Cook county, Illinois, in 1854, and to this union there were born four children: Frederick, deceased; William, who is now farming his father's home place in Caledonia township; Emma, at home with her parents, and Albert H., the present cashier of the Farmers State Bank at Paullina.

Politically, Mr. Meyer is a stanch Democrat, but, owing to his extensive agricultural and business interests, he has never had the time to participate in active politics. Religiously, he and the members of his family are loyal adherents of the German Lutheran church and he was for a long time a trustee of his church in Germantown, Caledonia township. In 1907 Mr. and Mrs. Meyer retired from the farm and moved to Paullina, surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences of modern life.

1132 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

Albert H. Meyer, who was born in 1887 in Germantown, this county, is still living with his parents in Paullina. He was given a good education and when only eighteen years of age became a bookkeeper in the bank at Marcus, Iowa, and a year later he came to Paullina, where he assumed a similar position in the Farmers State Bank. He rapidly acquired the details of the banking business and within two years was promoted to assistant cashier, a position which he held until made cashier in June, 1914. He owns seven and one-half acres in the Isle of Pines, near Cuba, and is the owner also of one hundred and sixty acres of land near Pipestone, Minnesota. He adheres to the same political faith as his father, is actively interested in the civic and political affairs of his home town and is now acting as city clerk of Paullina. He is a zealous member of the German Lutheran church and is treasurer of his church in Paullina. He is very much interested in music and is now president of the Paullina Concert Band, an organization which has more than a local reputation. Mr. Meyer is still unmarried and has a bright and promising future before him.

ELMER C. FOSKETT.

The history of O'Brien county would be incomplete were mention not made of Elmer Foskett, one of the early settlers of the county and one who for many years gave his time and his best efforts for the service of the people of Center township. In fact, he enjoys the unique distinction of having held every official position within the gift of the people of that locality, and when we consider the various services he has rendered and the position he has attained for himself in the community, it is with pleasure that we now can say, he is enjoying an age of ease. Mr. Foskett has lived long and well, and now, having far passed the allotted span of man's days, the proverbial three score years and ten, and having reached the ripe age of seventy-seven years, he is still a remarkable man whose memory for things in the past could furnish us with untold pleasure.

Mr. Foskett was born in the year 1837 in the town of Athol, Massachusetts, the son of Elbridge Foskett. This latter gentleman first saw the light on the 5th day of May. 1815, also in the state of Massachusetts. He spent his youth upon the farm, assisting in its various activities, and as he reached manhood's estate he also mastered the trade of blacksmithing. When about fifty years of age he retired from active labor, and was enabled for a season

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to enjoy the fruits of his earlier years of toil. In his youth he was married to Thankful Carpenter, the daughter of Consider Carpenter, and her birth occurred also in the year 1815, on the 22d day of March. Two children were born to this couple, being Emily, now Mrs. Murdock, who resides in the state of Maine, and the honored subject of this sketch.

While Elmer Foskett was but a child, he was taken by his parents to the town of Northfield, Massachusetts, and there his schooling was received. After passing through the elementary grades, he continued to study until the high school course was completed, working in his spare time to assist in the payment of his expenses. When he attained his majority, he decided to leave the home of his parents and seek for new scenes and enlarged opportunities, so he emigrated to the state of Connecticut. While in that place he learned the trade of locksmith, and finally became foreman of the company by whom he was employed. There he met and married Celia M. Darrin, the daughter of Daniel Darrin, of Hillsdale, New York. The grandparents of this young lady were residents of the state of New York, and there her father, Daniel, was born on December 21, 1794. His wife was Harriet Mead, w hose birth occurred in the same year, on the 30th day of May, and who was a native of Connecticut.

After his marriage, Mr. Foskett was employed in the armory of Springfield, Massachusetts, where he was in charge of the fire arms and supplies of that institution. He remained in this position but a short time, however, soon returning to his former occupation in Connecticut.

Meantime, Mr. Foskett had heard much of the golden opportunities open to the home seeker in the broad prairies of the state of Iowa, and in the year 1870 he made the journey westward with his family, locating in O'Brien county, where he took up a homestead in Center township. This became their abiding place for thirty-two years, a homestead in truth, hallowed by all the memories which cluster about the life of a family, both of joy and of Morrow. In the year 1902, however. Mr. Foskett felt that he was entitled to the rest which is earned by many years of toil, so the homestead was disposed of and he moved to the city of Primghar. In this place he invested in a home and five city lots, and part of his capital he invested in the state of Minnesota.

Five children came to brighten the lives of Mr. and Foskett, but three of whom are now surviving. These are Herbert L., who lives in Minnesota; Leslie D., at this time cashier of the State Bank of Crockston, Minnesota; and Myrtle, now Mrs. Moller, of Laurens, Iowa. A daughter, Grace, became the wife of Mr. Hinz. Init death called her from her family while a resident of

1134 O BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

Primghar. One child was taken from Mr. and Mrs. Foskett in infancy by the Grim Reaper.

Mr. Foskett is still a progressive man, taking an interest in all movements for the public welfare, and when the new Independent party came into existence, he was one of the first to espouse its cause. He attends the Congregational church of Primghar, where he is well known and highly honored, and is also affiliated with the order of Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. In the early day's of the county he was actively engaged in the administration of its affairs and was the first incumbent of the office of township clerk of Center township. Following this he was the holder of many official positions, and personally set out the beautiful evergreen trees which adorn the grounds of the county poor farm.

Mr. Foskett has lived an active life, laboring not only to amass a competence for himself, but has given largely of his energy in the service of the people of O'Brien county. Now, in the eventide of life, the weight of years sits lightly upon him and he enjoys the aftermath of an abundant harvest. May he remain with us many years, a benediction to his many friends throughout the county.

JOSEPH DEN BESTE.

The tide of immigration has brought to American shores men from many countries, each adding to the general character of our citizenship his mite of influence, and to this constantly changing tide is due much of the strength of the American nation. Among these, perhaps none has added more stability, the trait which maintains poise and balance in the character of a man or a nation, than have those gentlemen who owe their birth or their ancestry to the land of dikes and wind mills. These are men whose fathers for centuries have toiled and persevered and watched unceasingly lest the cruel sea reclaim what they have continued to wrest from her grasp, and these traits of vigilance and industry and patience have been transmitted from father to son.

One of these families in our midst has exemplified these traits, and they have brought success to both father and son. Joseph Den Beste was born in the year 1881 in Sioux county, Iowa, the son of John H. Den Beste, a native of Holland. This latter gentleman was born in the year 1842, and spent the first twenty-four years of his life in the land of his birth. Here he was employed in various ways, but found no vocation which appealed to him as a

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life-time employment. In the year 1864, however, he resolved to seek for larger opportunities in the agricultural belt of the New World, and, leaving the land of his fathers, he found his way directly to the broad stretches of unbroken prairie in the central western part of our own America. In Marion county, Iowa, he rented a quarter section of land and for a short while cultivated it diligently, but, seeing an opportunity to purchase a tract for himself, he moved to Sioux county, Iowa, where he invested in a tract of one hundred and twenty acres of unbroken prairie. Here he toiled with all his energy, breaking the ground and improving same, and at the expiration of three years was enabled to dispose of it at a profit. In 1872 he journeyed to South Dakota and claimed a homestead, which he cultivated and improved. Here buildings were erected and a comfortable abode was established, and six years later he brought to his home a bride, Marie Markus, of Pella, Marion county, Iowa, and henceforward he was encouraged and aided by a faithful friend and unfailing ally. In the year 1895 he brought his family to O'Brien county, Iowa, where he rented a farm for two years. In 1902 he purchased a quarter section of land in Sioux county, Iowa, and this became their home for nine years. In the year 1911, however, this also was sold and they returned to O'Brien county, where a tract of one hundred sixty acres was purchased in Floyd township. Eighty acres were later added to his holdings here, and now he is the possessor of a handsome homestead.

Ten children were born to this couple, who are now located as follows: Edward and John, both farming in O'Brien county; Henry, his father's able assistant on the homestead; Ada, now Mrs. Hays; Ben, at present employed as a farm hand; Jacob and Josie, who are twins; Mamie, now Mrs. Groot, of Sanborn; Etta, assisting her mother at home. It is worthy of note that among so many children, none have left the vicinity of their home, but have remained in O'Brien county near their parents.

Joseph Den Beste, the immediate subject of this sketch, remained with his father until he reached the age of maturity, assisting in the various activities of the farm, and at the expiration of that period he rented a quarter section which he cultivated for himself. Here he has labored diligently and has proven himself a successful agriculturist. He now owns a portion of his father's farm, and is also a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company at Ritter, O'Brien county. He has, for a number of years, engaged in the purchase and sale of hogs and cattle, and has many times demonstrated the soundness of his judgments in selecting these animals.

In the year 1910 Mr. Den Beste was united in marriage to Alice Lyftogt,

1136 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

in Sioux county, Iowa, and one child has come to bless their home, little Marion J.

Mr. Den Beste is a firm believer in the tenets of the Republican party, and is a faithful member of the Dutch Reformed church at Sheldon. He is affiliated with no lodges nor secret societies, preferring to use his time and his energies for the upbuilding of his home. One of the substantial, reliable young men of the community, he has won the respect of those with whom he has been associated. He has proven himself a dutiful son, a devoted husband and father and a valued member of the community.

MELLVILLE DANFORD FINCH.

The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article is a broadminded, intellectual gentleman who has found, in the pursuit of agriculture, a vocation and a profession worthy of his best efforts. In this profession he has not worked blindly, but has exercised the same judgment and discrimination in his labors which he would have given to the practice of law or medicine or a similar profession. When, to this discriminating sense, unbounded energy and vitality are added, success is inevitable, and so it has proven in the case of Mr. Finch.

Mr. Finch was born in the year 1851 in Mercer county, Illinois, the son of Pettis Finch, a native of the sunny South, whose birth occurred in 1833. The father was also a successful farmer and stock man, and to his precept and example the son is, without doubt, largely indebted for his full and comprehensive knowledge of agricultural affairs.

Pettis Finch was thrice married, his second wife, the mother of the subject, being Esther Rader. To this couple were born six children, now located as follows: Walter, who resides in the state of Illinois; Warren S.. a resident of Iowa; Mandia (Mrs. Noble), in Colorado; Esther (Mrs. Ives), whose home is in Harper, Kansas; and Mellville Danford, the immediate subject of this article.

Mr. Finch spent his boyhood on the farm of his father in Mercer county, Illinois, attending the schools of the vicinity and assisting in the labors of the farm. When he reached his majority, however, he wished to obtain a start in life for himself and, with characteristic aggressiveness, he left the old homestead and came to Marshall county, Iowa, where he rented one hundred

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twenty acres of land, which he farmed until the year 1882. Meantime, in the year 1879, he was married to Almeda Brundage, daughter of Phihp Brundage, of Marshall county, Iowa, and henceforth he worked with still higher ambition and renewed energy, always aided and encouraged by the wife whom he had chosen. In 1882 he brought his little family to O'Brien county and, after renting land here for two years, he took up a homestead claim, consisting of a quarter section of land. This he has cultivated assiduously, erecting a beautiful home and all the necessary buildings for carrying on the work of the place; also planting five acres of orchard and grove and making other improvements as needed, aggregating probably nine thousand dollars' worth of improvements. He has also purchased forty acres of valuable onion land in Texas, and is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company at Sheldon, Iowa, and has an interest in the Farmers Telephone Company of Carroll township. From his childhcxid he was always taught the value of fine live stock and he has found the breeding and sale of choice animals one of the most profitable departments of his work. At all times, also, has he been interested in the purchase and sale of stock of various kinds.

Five children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Finch, all of whom have had every educational facility in the power of the father to give. The eldest son, George W., at attorney of Sioux City, Iowa, attended the high school in Sheldon, Morningside College of Sioux City and the Leland Stanford University of California. The daughter, Nellie, attended Morningside College at Sioux City and Drake College of Des Moines. She is now an instructor in schools and resides with her parents. Pettis, following in the footsteps of his father, is farming in O'Brien county. Harry is a resident of Montana, while Mellville D., Jr., is in Wyoming.

Politically, Mr. Finch is allied with the Democratic party and is a well- known member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is afliliated with the order of Masons, being a member of the blue lodge, and is also numbered among the members of the American Order of United Workmen at Sheldon, Iowa.

Mr. Finch has, all his life, labored earnestly and wisely, and now he is in a position to rest on his laurels and enjoy the fruits of his toil if he so desires. A substantial, highly-respected citizen himself, he has also given to the community and to the world a family of intelligent children who, in probable generations to come, will perpetuate the teachings and principles of an honored father.

1138 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

ALFRED A. STOELTING.

Alfred A. Stoelting, an able and progressive merchant of Paullina and widely known throughout the county, was born in the year 1876 at Davenport, Iowa, being the son of Christian Stoelting, a native of Hamburg, Germany. The birth of this latter gentleman occurred in the year 1832, and here, in the home of craftsmanship, he learned the cabinet-maker's trade. As he approached the years of maturity, however, he longed for the enlarged opportunities for growth and development of which he heard in the New World, and he decided to join the westward tide of emigration and leave the home of his birth. Consequently he took the long and tiresome journey, making his way directly to Davenport, Iowa. Here he found no employment for the time being in his own profession, but his knowledge of wood working stood him in good stead and he was soon employed as a wagon maker. In this occupation he continued for many years, perfecting himself in his work and living with characteristic thrift. During this period he was united in marriage to Augusta Herrling, also a native of Germany, whose birth occurred in the year 1847. In 1881 he moved, with his little family, to the town of Glad Brook, Iowa, and here the remainder of his days were spent. Three children were born to this couple, viz: Louise, now Mrs. Fedderson; Clara, now Mrs. Gotsch, and the immediate subject of this article, all of whom are now residents of the state of Iowa. In the year 1901 the wife and mother was called to her final rest, and a year later the father followed.

Alfred A. Stoelting received his education in the schools of Glad Brook, and here he remained with his parents until he attained the age of eighteen, at which time he obtained employment as a clerk in a general merchandise store at Peterson, Iowa. The year following he was enabled to purchase a half interest in the store, and for the three successive years his time and energies were given without stint to the upbuilding of the business. In 1908, however, he took advantage of the opportunity to dispose of his holdings here, and moved to Paullina, O'Brien county, where he was employed for three years as a clerk. At the expiration of this period he purchased the stock of A. Hanson and here again all his energies were enlisted for the upbuilding of the business, and success has abundantly crowned his efforts. He now carries a stock of goods representing an annual investment of about ten thousand dollars, and so judiciously has he managed the concern and invested the profits therefrom that he has been enabled to invest largely in

Picture of ALFRED A. STOELTING.

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profitable farm land. He is now the owner of a tract of four hundred and forty acres in the state of Minnesota.

In the year 1901 Mr. Stoelting's marriage to Oma Evans, a native of Peterson, Iowa, was solemnized. Two sons have come to bless their home, Robert and Arthur, both of whom are in school.

Politically, Mr. Stocking is a stanch believer in the principles of the Republican party, which ticket he consistently votes. He is a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian church, of which he is a member and where he is well known and highly respected. He is affiliated, also, with the order of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and is allied with all movements for the betterment of the community at large.

A hospitable host, a devoted father, a business man of sound judgment and integrity, he is deserving of the success and popularity which he enjoys throughout the county.

ELBERT McCLELLAN.

The following is a brief sketch of the life of one who, by close attention to business, has achieved marked success in the world's affairs and risen to an honorable position among the enterprising men of the county with which his interests are identified. It is a plain record, rendered remarkable by no strange or mysterious adventure, no wonderful and lucky accident and no tragic situation. Mr. McClellan is one of those estimable characters whose integrity and strong personality must force them into an admirable notoriety, which their modesty never seeks, who command the respect of their contemporaries and their posterity and leave the impress of their individuality upon the age in which they live.

Elbert McClellan, a farmer of Carroll township and now living a retired life in Sheldon, O'Brien county, Iowa, was born in 1853 in Pennsylvania. His parents were Marcellus and Rachel (Brush) McClellan. Marcellus McClellan was born in Erie county, Pennsylvania, in 1826, and was a farmer and stockman in his native state. In 1868 he came west with his family and settled in Cedar county, Iowa, where he rented a farm until 1871. Then he homesteaded in Carroll township, O'Brien county, where he lived for about twenty years, dying in O'Brien county in 1889.

Elbert McClellan was fifteen years of age when his parents left their

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native state of Pennsylvania. He had already received a good common school education in the schools of his native state and when his parents came to Iowa he immediately began to work upon the farm. He remained at home, working for his father, until he was twenty-two years of age, and then married and began to farm for himself on the old homestead. He set out eight acres of orchard and grove and has made extensive improvements on the place. He owned two hundred and forty acres of land, which he sold in 1913.

Mr. McClelland was married in 1875 to Kitty Riddell, and to this marriage have been born five children, three of whom are living: Marcellus G., a farmer of Wyoming; Frank Elbert, a resident of Sheldon, and Florence G., now Mrs. H. H. McGruder, of Denver, California.

The Republican party has claimed the support of Mr. McClellan; while he does not always agree with all of its policies, yet he has never felt inclined to break complete with his party. He and the members of his family are regular attendants of the Methodist church and contribute liberally of their means to its support. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America. Before retiring from active work and moving to Sheldon, he had been very much interested in the public schools of Carroll township, where he had served as secretary of the school board for several years. Mr. McClellan is well known throughout the county and is held in high esteem by all who know him. He has always taken an active interest in such measures and enterprises as he felt would benefit his community and has been a sympathetic helper in everything which he felt would make a better community for his family and fellow citizens.

FRED FRISBEE.

Among the worthy citizens of Sheldon, Iowa, whose residence here has contributed in no small degree to the prestige of the vicinity is Fred Frisbee, for, while laboring for his individual advancement, he has never forgotten his obligations to the public and his support of such measures and movements as have been made for the general good has always been depended upon. Although his life has been a busy one, his private affairs making heavy demands upon his time, he has never allowed it to interfere with his obligations as a citizen or in his duties as mayor of Sheldon. He has always been interested in the public affairs of his city, and is now serving as mayor in a

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manner acceptable to all classes of citizens irrespective of political affiliations. Through the long years of his residence in this locality, he has ever been true to the trusts reposed in him, whether of a public or private nature, and his reputation in a business way has been unassailable. Possessing in a marked degree those sterling traits which have commanded uniform confidence and regard, he is today honored by all who know him, and is numbered among the representative men of his section of the state.

Fred Frisbee was born July 6, 1849, at Geneva Lake, Wisconsin. His parents were Chester and Emeline (Stevens) Frisbee, both of whom were natives of Oneida county, New York. Chester Frisbee and his family came to Walworth county, Wisconsin, in 1845. In 1851 he bought a farm in Dane county, near Madison, Wisconsin, the capitol of the state, and lived there until 1881, when he came to Sheldon, where he lived the remainder of his days. Mr. and Mrs. Chester Frisbee were the parents of eight children: Mrs. Elizabeth Vaughn, who died in San Diego, California, in 1812; Adeline, who died at the age of twenty-five in Wisconsin; Mrs. Ruth Fox, who died in 1907; Jennette, who died in 1908; Bessie, the wife of Frank Webster, of Sheldon; James, who came to O'Brien county in the fall of 1870, and died in 1892 in Sheldon: he homesteaded on the southwest part of section 14 in Carroll township and farmed it for many years, retiring to Sheldon a short time before his death; Frank, of Sheldon, who homesteaded on the northwest quarter of section 14, Carroll township, in April, 1871; Fred, whose history is herein presented, is the youngest child.

Fred Frisbee received his preliminary education in the district schools of Wisconsin and later attended the State University at Madison. At the age of twenty-two he came to Iowa and homesteaded in Osceola county, settling on the northwest quarter of section 18, in Baker township, one-half mile west and one mile north of Melvin. Here he suffered all of those hardships which were peculiar to the early settlers of this county, yet, with grim determination and persistence, he stayed on his section until he had it in a good condition. Oftentimes a year would pass without any crops at all and he went through the grasshopper war of 1876, 1877 and 1878. He built a cabin, twelve by sixteen, of boards on end and in this lived for several years, doing and living the same life which hundreds of other sturdy young men did in this and adjoining counties. Later he came to Sheldon and he and his brother, Frank, opened a livery stable, and for the next twenty years managed this business with an increasing income annually. As they saved money from this busness, the brothers invested it in land, while it was cheap.

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at prices varying from six to fifty dollars an acre. He and his brother, Frank, own three thousand acres, of which eighteen hundred is in O'Brien and Osceola counties, Iowa, and Moody county, South Dakota, eleven hundred in other counties in Iowa and seven hundred in South Dakota. Mrs. Frisliee owns one thousand acres in O'Brien and Osceola counties. This land now averages one hundred and twenty dollars an acre in value and some of it is worth as high as one hundred and seventy-five dollars per acre. After entering the livery business, Mr. Frisbee never returned to active farming, although he has always rented his farms out and had general supervision over them.

For the past twenty-five years Mr. Frisbee has been largely interested in the banking business. He organized the Primghar Bank with J. L. E. Peck and George W. Schee; has been a director of the First National Bank of Sheldon for twenty years and one of the largest stockholders; was formerly connected with the Hartley State Bank; a director in the First National Bank of Hartley; a stockholder in the Sanborn Savings Bank, the Ocheyedian Savings Bank, the Sibley State Bank and the Boyden Savings Bank. In addition, he has been interested in several other banks of the state, among them being the Ames Savings Bank.

Mr. Frisbee is a Republican in politics and has always been actively interested in affairs of his party. He has never allowed his large business and agricultural interests to hinder him from taking his share of the responsibility of public life, and for seventeen years served on the city council of Sheldon. In March, 1912, he received the highest honor the citizens of Sheldon could confer upon one of their number, by being elected mayor of the city. During his administration the streets have been paved and the boulevard lights installed, thereby enhancing the beauty of the property as well as increasing its value. He and the members of his family are attendants of the Congregational church of Sheldon and contribute liberally to its support. He is a prominent member of the Knights of Pythias and Pythian Sisters.

Mr. Frisbee was married in 1879 to Idelle Haseltine, the daughter of Joseph Haseltine and wife. Joseph Haseltine was a native of Hamilton county, Ohio, and spent his boyhood days near Cincinnati. He was a preempter and pioneer of Green county, Wisconsin, not coming to O'Brien county until his latter years. Mr. and Mrs. Frisbee have two interesting sons, Willis, who graduated from the University of Minnesota and is now an automobile salesman at Sheldon, and Lawrence, who graduated from the Sheldon high school and is now a sophomore in the University of Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Frisbee have a large, fine residence situated in very attractive ground. The mayor owns city property in addition to his home, in-

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cluding the three-story brick building on Main street used for business and lodge purposes. Mr. Frisbee is a man of splendid personality and is public spirited in his attitude toward all movements for the advancement of the best interests of his city. Because of his public-spiritedness and his many good qualities, he enjoys the esteem of his city and county.

ROBERT ALEXANDER MATEER.

Among the honorable and influential citizens of O'Brien county, Iowa, is the subject of this review, who has here maintained his home for many years, winning a definite success by means of the agricultural industry, to which he has devoted his attention during the years of an active business life. His career has been without shadow of wrong or suspicion of evil, and thus he has ever commanded the confidence and esteem of his fellow men.

Robert Alexander Mateer was born February 5, 1859, in Pike county, Illinois, the son of George and Margaret (Murray) Mateer. George Mateer was born in Ireland in 1826, and received his education in the land of his birth. As a young man he worked at different things in his own land and when he came to America he worked for awhile in Pennsylvania, after which he went to Illinois in 1852, where he followed the vocation of farming, and during the time he was working in this line he also bought and sold farms. In 1855 he returned to his home country and went across to Scotland, where he was married to Margaret Murray, and to this union were born nine children: Mrs. Mary Umpleby, a resident of Illinois; Mrs. Susan Denton, who also lives in Illinois; George, a farmer of North Dakota; John, living in Illinois; Mrs. Sarah Gallagher, who lives in Illinois; James, a farmer living in Montana; Mrs. Rosa Grimes, living in Illinois; William, of Illinois, and Robert A., whh whom this narrative deals.

Robert A. Mateer remained with his parents in Illinois until he was twenty-one years of age, when he came to O'Brien county, Iowa, where he worked at farm labor throughout the county. He married and then rented land for about six years, and in 1887 bought three hundred and twenty-seven acres of raw land for thirteen dohars an acre. He has four acres of orchard, which he has set out himself since coming to this farm. He has made extensive improvements in the way of buildings, tiling and fencing and has made a success of agriculture. In addition to the raising of all the crops common to this section of the country, he keeps registered stock of various kinds and

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finds a ready sale for all of his surplus stock. He owns a large share of stock in the Farmers Elevator Company at Archer, Iowa, and is a director in the company.

Mr. Mateer was married in 1884. in O'Brien county, Iowa, to Mattie Bonderman, and to this union have been born eleven children, Walter, Susan, Frank, Mabel, Ernest, Faye, George, Florence, Robert, Milo and Scott. Susan is the only one of these children who is married. She married Mr. Peterson and lives in this county. Mabel graduated from the Sheldon high school and is now teaching in Montana, where her brother, Frank, is now operating a farm. The other children are still with their parents on the home farm.

Politically, Mr. Mateer is an independent voter, but is strongly in favor of progressive measures of all kinds. He and his family are regular and faithful attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church and contribute liberally of their means to its support. Fraternally, Mr. Mateer is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at Primghar, Iowa. He has always taken a deep interest in educational affairs, and for the past twelve years has been school director of his township. He is a fine example of the sturdy Scotch- Irish emigrant who has made a success of agriculture in this county. While a native of this country, yet he inherits all of those characteristics which are found in his father's race. He is a genial and sociable man and has a host of friends throughout the community who admire him for his many good qualities. He has been a good citizen and has given of his time and means to the support of such enterprises as give promise of the betterment of his community.

CHARLES E. APPLETON.

A man's reputation is the property of the world, for the laws of nature have forbidden isolation. Every human being either submits to the controlling influence of others or wields an influence which touches, controls, guides or misdirects others. If he be honest and successful in his chosen field of endeavor, investigation will brighten his fame and point the way along which others may follow with like success. The reputation of Charles E. Appleton, one of the leading farmers of O'Brien county, Iowa, having been unassailable all along the highways of life, according to those who have known him best, it is believed that a critical study of his career will be of benefit to the reader, for it has been one not only of usefulness but of honor also.

Charles E. Appleton, a retired farmer of Sheldon, O'Brien county,

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Iowa, was born in 1870 in Madison county, Iowa, the son of Abel and Mary Ann (Bridgford) Appleton. The father was born in 1838 in Butler county, Ohio, and lived in that county until the outbreak of the Civil War, when he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served until he was discharged on September 8, 1864, after which he went to Madison county, Iowa, where he purchased eighty acres of timber land and cleared and improved the tract in such a way as to realize a handsome profit when he sold it a few years later. He first came to O'Brien county, Iowa, on April 19, 1871, and immediately settled on the northwest quarter of section 36. He improved this one hundred and sixty acres and rendered it a very valuable piece of property. He set out five acres of orchard and forest trees in accordance with the custom of all the farmers of this section of the state. He was an extensive stock raiser and added much to his income each year from his sale of stock. He died in 1901 and is buried at Sheldon. Abel Appleton was married January 2, 1868, to Mary Ann Bridgford, who was a native of Ohio, her birth having occurred in that state in 1853, in Butler county, and to this union there were born nine children: William, who lives in Spencer, Iowa ; Mrs. Lulu Bilsland, who is a resident of this county; Robert, deceased; Addie, of Sheldon, Iowa; Clarence, of this county; Thomas E., deceased; Mrs. Erma Watson, of this county; Ray Chester, a farmer living in South Dakota, and Charles E., whose life is here presented to the reader.

Charles E. Appleton received a good education in the schools of O'Brien county. He was only one year of age when his parents moved from Madison county to O'Brien county and has spent his life since then in this county. When twenty-five years of age he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land and has added to his first land holdings until he is now the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of well improved land in the county. He has put in an extensive system of scientific drainage, which adds not a little to the productivity of the farm, as well as the value of the land. He has always been an extensive cattle feeder and derives a large part of his income from the sale of his stock. In addition to his agricultural interests, he has an interest in the Farmers Elevators at Archer and the Lumber Company at the same place.

Mr. Appleton retired from the active labor of the farm in 1913 and is now living in Sheldon, Iowa. Politically, he is independent, belonging to that large class of citizens who are not blind to the fact that all of the good men are not in one party, and if every American citizen should exercise his right as well as his privilege and vote for the best men. irrespective of

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party lines, the political millenium would soon be here. He is an attendant of the Congregational church and contributes liberally to the support of that denomination. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Acepted Masons at Primghar, Iowa, and is also a member of the consistory at Sioux City, Iowa. No man in his locality has possessed to a greater degree the absolute confidence and regard of the people generally and in all that constitutes true manhood, good citizenship and sterling integrity of character, he is a worthy example, and his career so far has been characterized by duty well performed.

RUBEN W. YOUNG.

The subject of this article is one of the best known men in Union township, having long been a resident in this locality and having held various positions of responsibility and trust. In whatever capacity we hear of Mr. Young, we find him spoken of with the highest respect and utmost confidence in his ability, judgment and integrity. His birth occurred in the year 1854, in Jackson county, Ohio, he being the son of George D. Young, who was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1814. The father, in his youth, was taught the use of needle and shears, and he readily mastered the art of the expert tailor. For many years his time was devoted to this vocation in the state of Pennsylvania, and later in Ohio.

In the year 1851 Mr. Young was united in marriage to Caroline Rider, whose birth occurred in the state of Ohio in the year 1833; and four years later the couple journeyed westward, locating in Boone county, Iowa. As the years passed he desired to leave the confines of the shop and engage in the pursuit of agriculture, and in 1862 his wish was realized and he found himself actively engaged in the tilling of the soil. Very successful he proved in this vocation, and for twenty years he found his pleasure and his profit in the production of bountiful harvests. As he advanced in years, however, he looked forward to the time when he should enjoy the fruits of his toil, and accordingly, in 1882, he retired from active labor and moved, with his family, into the town of Boone, Iowa, and here his remaining days were passed, until death called him in 1894.

Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Young, four of whom are now living, a source of great comfort to the mother, who resides with her daughter, Mrs. Mary Hodges. These children were Agnes (Mrs. Wagner), now deceased; Francis, a successful carpenter of Boone, Iowa; James, whom

Picture of RUBEN W. YOUNG

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death called in infancy, and John, also deceased; Charles, an insurance agent in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Mary, now Mrs. Hodges, of Carroll, Iowa.

Ruben, the immediate subject of this article, attended the schools of Boone county, Iowa. and. as he grew in stature and strength, assisted his father in the various activities of the farm; but when he reached the age of maturity he rented land for his own use and for three years he labored assiduously in its cultivation. At the expiration of this period he emigrated to O'Brien county and here also, in Union township, a tract of land was rented. At this time there were but four families residing in the township, and the young man found all the loneliness and privation of a pioneer's life awaiting him; but he labored cheerfully and enthusiastically to improve the tract which he had rented, and at the expiration of six years he was enabled to purchase a quarter section of prairie land. This was soon plowed and planted, trees were planted in numbers, including one and one-half acres of walnut. Later eighty acres additional was purchased, and the place was stocked with choice live stock. He was particularly successful as a breeder of Clydesdale horses, and his exhibits of these animals at county fairs brought him prizes.

In the year 1877 Mr. Young was united in marriage to Mary V. Smith, whose birth occurred in 1856 at Decatur, Iowa, and henceforth his efforts for success were continued and increased. In the year 1905 his holdings here were disposed of and the following year the family moved to Paullina, and this has since been their residing place. Six years later he purchased the tile factory of this place, and with characteristic energy set about to increase the output of the concern. Now a full line of cement products of various kinds is manufactured and Mr. Young is constantly adding to his line and introducing new ideas in its designs.

Ten children have blessed the home and lives of Mr. and Mrs. Young, as follows: Orrin and George, who are residents of the state of Oregon; Lee, a farmer of Union township, O'Brien county; Ethel, now Mrs. Carnahan, of Larrabee. Iowa; Charles, who is his father's able assistant in the manufacturing plant; Inez, now Mrs. Beebe, a resident of Paullina; Myrtle, a trained nurse, graduated from the Methodist hospital of Des Moines; Mae, teaching school at Cedar Falls, Iowa; and Ralph and Francis, who still enjoy the privileges and protection of the parental roof.

Mr. Young is a firm adherent of the principles of the Democratic party, and a prominent member of the Methodist church of Paullina. He is also affiliated with the order of Yeomen of that place. The confidence of his fellow men in his sound judgment and integrity has been evidenced in many

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ways. He was selected as one of three school trustees of Union township, and served as secretary of the school board of the locality. He was also for a time assessor of the township, and is now president of the school board. In each capacity Mr. Young has given unsparingly of his time and energies, serving the people who selected him with the same diligence and fidelity which he has evinced in the carrying on of his private business projects.

Mr. Young's life throughout has been one of service, and all movements for the betterment of the community have had his encouragement and interest, and now, in the autumn of his life, he possesses in fullest measure the esteem and confidence of his many friends throughout the county.

MAHLON HARVEY.

Among the successful, self-made men of a past generation in Osceola county, Iowa, whose efforts and influence contributed to the material upbuilding of the community, the late Mahlon Harvey occupied a conspicuous place. Being ambitious from the first, but surrounded with none too favorable environment, his early youth was not especially promising, but, resolutely facing the future, he gradually surmounted the difficulties in his way and in due course of time rose to a prominent position in the commercial, agricultural and financial circles of his community, besides winning the confidence and esteem of those with whom he came in contact, either in a business or a social way, and for years he stood as one of the representative citizens of the locality honored by his citizenship. Strongly in contrast with the humble surroundings of his youth was the high position which he eventually filled in the life of his community. He realized early that there is a purpose in life and that there is no honor not founded on worth and no respect not founded on accomplishment. His life. and labors were worthy because they contributed to a proper understanding of life and its problems. The strongest characters in our national history have come from the ranks of the self-made men to whom adversity acts as an impetus for unfaltering effort, and from this class came the lamented gentleman whose name initiates this memorial.

The late Mahlon Harvey, a distinguished citizen of his county and a representative to the state Legislature at the time of his death, was born August 26, 1844, in Potsdam. St. Lawrence county. New York, and died on December 21, 1912, eleven days before the expiration of his third term in the

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Legislature. His parents. Freeman and Evelyn (Copland) Harvey, were of Scotch descent and natives of New York state.

Mr. Harvey was given a good, common school education and early in life taught school for a time. He learned the cheese-making trade in his native state and upon coming to Iowa, in 1875, he followed that trade for a time. He also taught school in Iowa for a time after coming to the state, and made his first purchase of land in section 28, East Holman township, buying one hundred and sixty acres, at a cost of three dollars an acre, land which is today easily worth one hundred and fifty dollars an acre. After buying his farm and making some temporary improvements he returned to New York state and brought his family back the next year. When he first came to Iowa he experienced the same trouble which befell all of the settlers in the northwestern part of Iowa in the latter seventies. He had to contend with the grasshoppers, which were so thick that they practically ate all of the crops. Many of the farmers became discouraged and left the county, but Mr. Harvey had the foresight to see that the land would one day become very valuable and stayed with his farm. He has always been a heavy breeder of sheep and has always had from three to five hundred head of sheep on the farm. At one time he branched out into the breeding of pure bred hogs, but later decided to devote his attention to his sheep.

Mr. Harvey was twice married. His first wife. Helen Houghton, died in 1889, leaving two children, Mabel and Elmer, the former of whom died before her father, while the son is now living upon his father's farm. Elmer married Jcannette Buchan, and has one son, Lloyd. In 1893 Mr. Harvey was again married to Alice Harvey, his cousin, who was born August 6, 1864, in Colton, St. Lawrence county, New York, and is the daughter of Norman and Adelia (Blount) Harvey. In 1892 she came to Iowa as a school teacher and a year later was married to Mahlon Harvey. To this second union was born one daughter, Rachel, who died at the age of thirteen years.

Mahlon Harvey always made his home on the farm and was regarded as one of the most progressive farmers of the county. He was a public-spirited man in the fullest sense of the word and was highly respected by every one who knew him. In politics he adhered to the Republican faith and received several offices at the hands of his party. Having been a school teacher early in life, it was natural that he should be interested in educational work. Accordingly, he was school director and was secretary and treasurer of the school board of his township for more than twenty years. In 1896 he was

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nominated by his party as state representative from his county and was elected. He gave such excellent satisfaction that he was re-elected for two more terms, holding from 1906 until 1912. While in the Legislature he was particularly interested in all the bills of an educational nature. He was the father of the bill forbidding treating in saloons. He was a strong advocate of every bill which he felt would benefit the general welfare of the people of the state. He was a sturdy exponent of clean living and high thinking and exerted a wholesome influence in the community where he spent so many active years. He gave to the world the best of an essentially loyal and noble nature. He was true to the highest ideals and principles of life and was one of the world's noble army of workers.

SCOTT MARTIN.

From far-off Pennsylvania has come to us one of our enterprising and worthy citizens. Scott Martin, of Sheldon, Iowa, who, since casting his lot with the people of O'Brien county, has benefited alike himself and the community in general, for his record shows him to be an honorable, upright man, industrious, temperate, economical and in every way exemplary in his daily life and conduct. As a factor of the body politic he has performed well his every duty and no one questions his standing in this favored locality of the commonwealth of Iowa.

Scott Martin, the present city clerk of Sheldon, was born October 27, 1871, in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Robert and Mary B. (Allison) Martin, both of whom also were natives of Pennsylvania. In 1879 the Martin family settled in the southern part of Iowa and in the spring of 1881 came to O'Brien county, where Robert Martin bought a farm in Floyd township. In 1889 he moved to Sheldon and engaged in the implement business until his death, in 1905. His widow is still living with her son in Sheldon. Mr. and IMrs. Robert Martin had one child, Scott, who was given a good education in the common and high schools of Sheldon, graduating from the high school in 1891.

Mr. Martin has been largely identified with the official life of this county and city since his graduation from the high school, and in the spring of 1892 he was appointed deputy clerk of the O'Brien county court, and served in that capacity until 1896. He was then elected as county clerk, and served until 1901 in that capacity. As county clerk he rendered faithful and efficient

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service to the citizens of the county, not only those who had voted for him, but other citizens irrespective of party. In 1901 Mr. Martin returned to Sheldon from Primghar and engaged in the plumbing business, which he followed for the next ten years. In 1911 Mr. Martin was elected city clerk of Sheldon, and is now also superintendent of public improvements and supervisor of the paving of streets. As an official of the city of Sheldon, he is performing efficient service and showing that the confidence which is imposed in him is well founded.

Mr. Martin was married in 1895 to Bertha Holt, the daughter of Dr. E. T. Holt and wife, of Primghar. His wife died in September, 1901, leaving two children, Irving W. and Martha A. Mr. Martin is a member of the Republican party and takes an intelligent interest in the various political issues of the day. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Martin has been a useful man in the community life of his county and has never failed to do the right as he saw and understood it, with the result that he is rightly regarded as one of the representative men of this county.

FRANK W. TIERNEY.

Among the farmers of O'Brien county, Iowa, who have lived within its limits for the past thirty years, there is no one who has made a greater success of agriculture than has Frank W. Tierney, who is now living a retired life in Sutherland, in this county. Coming to this county when a youngman, with no assets but a strong heart and willing hands, he has risen to a position where he is classed among the most substantial men of his township and community. This has not come by easy stages, but by consecutive effort. directed along the proper lines. While nature is really the best aid the farmer has, yet nature herself cannot do it all.

Frank W. Tierney. county commissioner of O'Brien county, was born in Chickasaw county, Iowa, in 1862, and is the son of Matthew and Bridget (Noon) Tierney. Matthew Tierney was born in Ireland in 1830, and when a young man settled in Massachusetts, where he followed farming for awhile. He then moved on west and settled in Illinois for a short time, and his last change of location took him to Chickasaw county, Iowa, where he farmed until 1901, when he retired from active farm, labor and moved to New Hampton, Iowa, where his death occurred in 1910. Matthew Tierney and Bridget

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Noon were married in 1857 and to their union there were horn nine children: Patrick, a farmer of Osceola comity; Thomas, living in this state; John, who is a resident of Montana; Cornelius, who lives in the state of Washington; Mrs. Mary Doyle, of New Hampton, Iowa; Mrs. Anna Hoffman, also of New Hampton; George, living in Minnesota; Charles, a practicing physician in Granger, Minnesota, and Frank W., whose life history is here briefly presented.

Frank W. Tierney received a good, common school education in the schools of Chickasaw county, and at the age of nineteen years started out to make his own way in the world. For the first three years he worked on a farm, after which he felt able to rent a farm of his own and accordingly he rented sixty acres in Tama county, Iowa. Within a few years he decided to move to O'Brien county and in 1885 he settled in Grant township on a rented farm, but a year later purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in this township. He has improved this farm in every way by the erection of good buildings, putting out a fine orchard, constructing fences and following a scientific system of drainage. So successful has he been that he has been able to add another one hundred and sixty acres to his original farm in this county, as well as purchase one hundred and sixty acres in Murray county, Minnesota. In the year 1910 Mr. Tierney exhibited corn at the corn show at Sutherland which received first prize. He is a shareholder in the Farmers Elevator Company at Sutherland and is now a director of that cooperative concern. For the past three years he has been living in Sutherland, having turned over the active management of his farm to one of his sons.

Mr. Tierney was married in 1888 to Melva Staines, and to this union have been born four children: Mrs. Pearl Minard, whose husband is operating the old home farm; Mrs. Rosalie J. Salser, who lives in this county; Agnes, who is still at home with her parents, and Mary, deceased. The Democratic party has always received the support of Mr. Tierney and, although he takes an intelligent interest in public affairs, he has never been a candidate for any public office. He and his family are loyal and faithful members of the Catholic church and give to it their earnest and zealous support at all times. Fraternally, he is a member of the Yeoman. Mr. Tierney has always taken an interest in all public affairs, yet he has never been an ofiice seeker. He took the position of county commissioner at the earnest solicitation of his many friends and not because of any desire of his own to hold such office. However, he administers the affairs of the position to the entire satisfaction of the citizens of the county, and because of his high

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personal character and success in life he is popular throughout the community, being numbered among O'Brien county's most enterprising and progressive citizens.

JOHN J. SMITH.

John J. Smith, ex-trustee of Baker township, Osceola county, and a prosperous farmer and stock raiser, was born in Decatur county, Indiana, son of John and Sybil (Renner) Smith, his father having been a native of Germany, born in that country in 1832, while his mother was born in Franklin county, Indiana, in 1836. John Smith, Sr., left his native country when a young man and settled in Indiana, where he married and lived until his death in 1864. After his death his widow was married in 1866 to Crist Clements, who died in 1911, while Mrs. Clements died in 1892.

John J. Smith was one of a family of three children born to his parents and at the age of sixteen years started to work upon a farm at eight dollars a month. While still a young man, he went to Henry county, Iowa, and for ten years worked at different kinds of work, spending most of his time on the farm. He rented land in Henry county, Iowa, after his marriage and followed farming there until 1893, in which year he came to Osceola county, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Baker township, where he has since resided. In accordance with the custom of most farmers in this section of the state, he set out a grove of forest and fruit trees. He devotes considerable attention to the breeding of cattle and has made a specialty of Hereford stock. He has improved his farm to a great extent since acquiring it and it is now one of the most attractive farms in his township.

Mr. Smith was married in 1887 to Rachel A. Price, who was born at Olds, in Henry county. Iowa, in 1864, and to this union have been born seven children: Mrs. Maud Tate, whose husband is a farmer in South Dakota;

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Mrs. Gladys Stanley, whose husband is a farmer in Osceola county; Jessie, deceased; Earl, Ruth, Hazel and Helen, the four last named children being at home with their parents.

Politically. Mr. Smith has always been identified with the Democratic party and has taken a great deal of interest in local political affairs. His party recognized his ability and nominated him several years ago for the office of township trustee, to which he was subsequently elected, and he discharged the important duties of this office in such a manner as to win the commendation of every good citizen of the township, whether he was of his political faith or not. He has also served as constable of Baker township and performed his services in this office in a conscientious manner. Mr. Smith is known as a man who has always been interested in every movement or enterprise which promised to better his community. He has many friends and is a pleasant social companion and for this reason is verv popular throughout the township where he lives.

FRANK W. HULSER.

The best history of a county or state is that which deals most with the lives and activities of its people, especially of those who, by their own endeavor and indomitable energy, have forged to the front and placed themselves where they deserve the title of progressive men. In this brief review will be found the record of one who has outstripped the less active plodders on the highway of life and achieved a career surpassed by few of his contemporaries, a career of marked success in agricultural affairs and a name which all men who know him delight to honor, owing to his upright life and habits of thrift and industry.

Frank W. Hulser, ex-trustee of Waterman township, O'Brien county, Iowa, and a prosperous farmer and stockman, was born in New York, in Oswego county, in 1853. His parents were Divan and Margaret (Dygert) Hulser, his father being born in 1817 in Frankfort, New York, and his mother's birth occurred in the same place in 1823. Divan Hulser was a sailor on the Great Lakes and canals of the east and followed that profession until he came to Illinois, in 1869, with his family. From here he went to Buena Vista county, Iowa, where he followed the vocation of a farmer until his death, which occurred in 1880. His wife, to whom he was married in 1844, is now living in Minnesota with her son, Fred. Divan

Picture of FRANK W. HULSER FAMILY

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Hulser and wife were the parents of four children, three of whom are living: Fred, a farmer of Minnesota; Mrs. Ida Sill, who was a resident of New York, where she died, and Frank W., whose history is briefly reviewed in this connection.

Frank W. Hulser was sixteen years of age when his parents moved from New York to Illinois, consequently he received his education in the schools of Oswego county, New York, and Illinois. He worked on his father's farm in Illinois and continued to assist his father on his farm after the family removed to Iowa. Upon his marriage, in 1880, he came to Buena Vista, where he lived two years, and then, in 1882, came to O'Brien county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land in Waterman township, and this tract he has improved in various wavy, placing about eight thousand dollars worth of improvements on the place in the way of buildings, fencing, drainage, etc.. and has succeeded in bringing it to its present high standard of excellence. As a farmer he has adopted the latest methods of agriculture and finds that he secures the best results in this way. He makes it a point to feed his grain to home stock and makes a specialty of breeding Berkshire hogs and Red Polled cattle. As a breeder of hogs, he takes first rank in his county, having won first prizes on different occasions at the county fair at Sutherland. He has added to his original acreage until he now has two hundred and twenty-five acres of fine farming land, all of which he keeps under a high state of cultivation. He is interested in the telephone company in his townsb.ip and has a share of stock in that prosperous company.

Mr. Hulser was married in 1880 to Elizabeth Kelty, who is a native of Ohio and the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Kelty, and to this marriage have been born five children: Jesse D., who is a farmer in Minnesota; Mrs. Flora Gilbert, now living in Sutherland, who was a former school teacher and photographer; Margaret; Mabel, the wife of J. E. Gleason, who is a farmer of Arkansas, and to them was born a child June 28, 1914, which makes grandparents out of our subject and wife, and Otis, who is now attending the high school at Sutherland.

The Republican party has always claimed the stanch support of Mr. Hulser and as a member of that party he has been nominated to various township offices. He has served as trustee of his township for two terms, has served as township clerk and for the past twenty-six years has been secretary of the school board of Waterman township. In these several official positions he has rendered faithful and efficient service, not only to those

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who elected him, but to all the citizens of the township, irrespective of their politics. He and his family are earnest and zealous members of the Christian church and give liberally of their means to the support of their favored denomination. Mr. Hulser is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Yeomen. He and his family were members during their active life of the Independent Order of Good Templars, a temperance society which was prominent in promoting temperance in this part of the state for many years. He is a man of public spirit and enterprise and he has been instrumental in promoting the prosperity- of his community in no small degree, and for this reason is rightfully regarded as one of its representative citizens.

ALBERT H. SCHULTZ.

One of the prosperous young business men of Sutherland, O'Brien county, Iowa, is Albert H. Schultz, who is descended from those thrifty people of Germanic ancestry. Although still a young man, he has shown that marked business ability which characterized his father before him. He was born in Tama county, Iowa, in 1882 and is the son of Gustave Karl and Anna (Seeman) Schultz.

Gustave Karl Schultz was born in Schleswig, Germany, December 9, 1853, and came with his parents, Henry J. and Magdalena Margareta (Peterson) Schultz, to America when he was fourteen years of age, making the trip to this country in a sailing vessel, which took forty-five days. Henry J. Schultz and Magdalena M. Peterson were married March 4, 1852, and to their union were born three children, one of whom died in infancy; Mrs. John Frahm, of Gaza. Iowa, and Gustave Karl, the father of Albert H., whose history is here delineated. Henry J. Schultz and wife came to this country with their two children in 1867 and settled at Sabula, Iowa. Four years later thev moved to Tama county and located on a farm twelve miles north of Toledo. Here they lived until 1898, when they moved to Sutherland in order to be near their children. Henry J. Schultz died in Sutherland in 1901 and his wife died December 28, 1907.

Gustave Karl Schultz received some education in Germany and completed it after reaching Iowa. He was married October 25, 1877, to Anna Seeman and settled in Tama county after his marriage. Anna Seeman was born in Clinton county, Iowa, May 30, 1858. At the age of ten her parents moved to Jackson county and she lived here until the time of her marriage. She was a woman of noble and beautiful character who spent much of her

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time carefully and thoughtfully planning for the comfort of her family. She took a great deal of interest in the Eastern Star, in which organization she and her husband were both active members. She passed away May 7, 1899. The parents of Anna Seeman Schultz were Detlef and Elizabeth C. Seeman, both of whom were born in Germany. Her father was born in 1832 and her mother in 1837, marrying after coming to this country. Mr. Seeman died in Jackson county, Iowa, in 1900 and his wife passed away at Harleyville, Oklahoma, January 24, 1908.

In 1900 Gustave K. Schultz returned to his native land to visit his relatives and also to seek relief for rheumatism which had been troubling him for many years. He returned to this country and married, on July 18, 1901, Margareta Dehmke. Mr. Shultz was a loyal citizen to his adopted country and was always working for the best interests of the town in which he lived. He served three terms on the Sutherland school board and for sixteen years served as a member of the town council. Of the twenty-six years he lived in Sutherland he took an active part in the business life of the city for twenty- three years, and then quit only on account of poor health. During his last year in business he built the fine business block which his son Albert now occupies. He is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 347; Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 202; the Brotherhood of America Yeoman Lodge No. 31.

Albert H. Schultz received a good comman school education and early in life began to be interested in business affairs. In 1905 he purchased his father's store and has since conducted the business. He carries ten thousand dollars worth of stock at all times and by his sound business methods and efforts to please his patrons, he has a full share of the local patronage. He carries a large and complete line of such goods as are found in a general mercantile establishment in towns of this size, and has built up a large trade throughout this part of the county.

Mr. Shultz was married in 1908 to Alta M. Briggs, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Briggs, and to this union have been born three children, Rachel, Phillip and Marion, all of whom are still living with their parents. Politically, Mr. Schultz adheres to that large class of men who are not tied down by any particular party, but prefer to vote for the best man, irrespective of politics. Mr. Schultz has always taken an active interest in political affairs and in the city of Sutherland has served for a number of years as city clerk. He and his family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and render it their earnest support at all times. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America.

1158 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

HENRY WOLF.

To write the personal record of men who have raised themselves from humble circumstances to positions of responsibility and trust in a community is no ordinary pleasure. Self-made men, men who have achieved success by reason of their personal qualities and left the impress of their individuality upon the business and growth of their place of residence and affect for good such institutions as are embraced in the sphere of their usefulness, unwittingly, perhaps, built monuments more enduring than marble obelisk or granite shaft. Of such we have the unquestionable right to say belongs the name of the gentleman whose name appears above.

Henry Wolf, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Carroll township, O'Brien county, Iowa, was born in 1862, in Woodford county, Illinois, the son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Sengspiel) Wolf. Christopher Wolf was born in Germany in 1821 and came to this country early in life and settled in Ohio, where he worked in the city of Cleveland as a day laborer. Shortly afterwards he moved to Illinois, where he engaged in farming for a few years, after which he came to O'Brien county, Iowa, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in 1894. Mr. Wolf made extensive improvements on his farm and died the following year and is buried at Sheldon. His wife was born in Germany in 1830 and her death occurred in 1902. Christopher Wolf and wife were the parents of ten children, seven of whom are living: Mrs. Diana Funk, who is a resident of this county; Mrs. Elizabeth Goodsell, who lives in Nebraska; Fred, who is a farmer of Sioux county, this state; Mrs. Minnie Jinkinson. of Sheldon, O'Brien county; Mrs. Anna Pond, whose husband is a farmer in Nebraska; Joseph, of Sioux county, this state, and Henry, with whom this narrative deals.

Henry Wolf received his elementary education in the schools of Illinois and remained with his parents on their farm until he was twenty-five years of age. He then left his father's home and went to Plymouth county, Iowa, where he rented land for five years. In 1893 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Carroll county, O'Brien county, and later purchased another quarter section so that he is now the owner of a half section of land in Carroll township, all under a high state of cultivation. He has three acres in orchard and grove and has placed ten thousand dollars worth of improvements on his farm since coming here. He is a heavy stock breeder and sells

Picture of MR. AND MRS. HENRY WOLF.

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annually quite a large amount of stock, which adds not a little to his annual income.

Mr. Wolf was married in 1899 to Louisa Harbst, and to this union there have been born five children, Mrs. Elvie Snyder, of this county, Joseph, Clara, Selma and Verna, the last four named being still with their parents.

Politically, Mr. Wolf is a Republican, but has never had the time nor the inclination to take an active part in the deliberations of his party, the only public office which he ever held being that of school director, and while in the capacity he rendered efficient service to his fellow citizens. He and his family are all members of the German Lutheran church and give it their earnest support at all times. Mr. Wolf has won his success by the exercise of his good judgment and characteristic determination to win in spite of any obstacles. Life has not always been a pathway of roses and yet he has succeeded in a way which stamps him as a man of more than ordinary ability.

TOM B. BARK.

The business man of the twentieth century demands certain characteristics if he expects to make a success in life. Among these are integrity, scrupulous honesty and singleness of purpose. The life history of Tom B. Bark, the cashier of the Sutherland State Bank, exemplifies what is possible of accomplishment on the part of one who establishes a definite aim in life and is willing to apply his energies and abilities to the attainment of the same. He has not only gained for himself marked prosperity in temporal affairs, but he has so ordered his course in the various relations of life as to gain and retain the confidence and esteem of those with whom he has come into contact.

Tom B. Bark was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, in 1863, and is the son of James R. and Sarah M. (Newman) Bark. James R. Bark was born in Worcestershire, England, in 1821, while his wife was born in the same shire five years later. James R. Bark is a son of George Bark, who was born in England in 1791, and he was a coal merchant and married Mary Rowe and lived and died in the land of his birth. George Bark and wife were the parents of six children: William, deceased; Mrs. Elizabeth Corfield, deceased; Jane, deceased; Mrs. Matilda Newman, of Wisconsin, deceased; Alfred Bark, deceased; and Mrs. Linnie Milner, who lives in Salt Lake, Utah. The son of Mrs. Milner is the promoter of the Twin Falls Irrigation project of Milner, Montana, the town being named for him.

1160 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

James R. Bark was married in 1848, in Harrow, England, to Sarah M. Newman, and to this union were born four children: Mrs. Sarah Cilley, who is a resident of Peterson, Iowa; Mrs. Esta Boyce, who lives in Dubuque, Iowa; Mrs. Dora Lee, of Nebraska, and Tom B., whose history is here presented.

Tom B. Bark received a good common school education and finished his education in the Cassville, Wisconsin, school. On leaving school he began to clerk in a store, where he worked until he was nineteen years of age. On the 9th day of July, 1882, he came to Sutherland, O'Brien county, Iowa, and purchased a hardware store, and two years later he sold his interest in this business and became associated with E. P. Messer in an agricultural implement establishment in Sutherland. The connection continued for nine years when he disposed of his interests and bought stock in the First National Bank, of which he was cashier for two years. Afterwards he organized the First Savings Bank, of which he was cashier for nine years. In 1903 he sold his stock in this bank to S. J. Jordon and was elected cashier of the Sutherland State Bank, of which he has been cashier ever since. In addition to his banking interests Mr. Bark is one of the most extensive land owners of the county, being the owner of fourteen hundred acres in O'Brien county, two hundred and eighty acres in Murray county, Minnesota, and six business lots and residence lots in Sutherland.

Mr. Bark has ben twice married, his first wife being Ella Townsend, to whom he was married in 1884, who died five years later, and to this union there was born one daughter, Margaret Ethel, who is a graduate of Simons College of Domestic Science, of Boston, Massachusetts. The second marriage of Mr. Bark occurred in 1891 to Augusta Townsend. and to this marriage has been born one daughter, Kathryn, who is at home with her parents.

The Republican party has always claimed the support of Mr. Bark, and his party has honored him on several occasions. He has filled the office of city recorder, has been a member of the city council of Sutherland, secretary of the school board, treasurer of the school board for fourteen years, and is now the president of the school board. In all of these various official positions he has shown marked ability and won the commendation of his fellow citizens by his faithful service. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Yeomen. Mr. Bark is a man of kindly and charitable impulses and breathes a spirit of optimism wherever he goes. He is a man of clean character, a good business manager and keenly alive to the highest and best interests of the community.

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WILLIAM LOGER.

1162 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

Fannie Loers, whose husband is a farmer in this county; Lena, deceased; Louis, deceased; and three who are still at home, Herman, Frank and Hattie. The Democratic party has always claimed the support of Mr. Loger, but, while he is well informed on the various political issues of the day, he has never felt he had time to take an active part in politics. His only official position has been that of school director in his township, a position which he filled satisfactorily to all concerned. He and his family are members of the Reformed church and give it their earnest support at all times. Mr. Loger deserves a great deal of credit for the success which he has made out of his life, since he started out for himself with practically nothing. For this reason a study of his life would be instructive as well as stimulating to the coming generations of Osceola county.

JOHN COOPER.

When Dame Nature sorted out the land for the country, she put much of the best land in the Mississippi valley and for this reason this particular region is frequently referred to as the garden spot of the world. Iowa owes her agricultural pre-eminence to her broad, fertile fields. The thousands of farmers who have come to this state from various parts of the Union as well as from various parts of the world, owe their prosperity to the rich, black soil of this state. From poverty to prosperity has been the course of many of the citizens of O'Brien county. Many farmers who are today living in handsome country homes used to live in dugouts or rude shacks on the prairie. Among the farmers who have known every hardship in this county and who are today living in fine homes surrounded with every comfort, there is no one more deserving of mention in this connection than John Cooper, of Grant township.

John Cooper, the son of Henry and Rebecca (Brooks) Cooper, was born in Lake county, Ohio, in 1851. His father and mother were born in the same county, the father being born in 1824. Henry Cooper was a sailor on Lake Erie and followed this occupation until 1862. He then decided he would go west with his family and take advantage of the cheap land which was being sold west of the Mississippi. Accordingly, he came to Iowa and first settled in Delaware county, where he engaged in farming until 1878, after which he went to O'Brien county and took up eighty acres of land as a tree claim and gradually added to this until he owned four hundred acres

Picture of MR. AND MRS. JOHN COOPER

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at the time of his retirement, in 1902. He was a man who took an active interest in the civic life of his community, and at his death, in 1910, there passed away one of the pioneers of the county. He and his wife were the parents of eight children: Early, deceased; Ernst, deceased; Walter, of Montana; Mrs. Mary Van Alstyne, of Iowa; Mrs. Abbie Ginger, of O'Brien county; Charles, of O'Brien county, and John, whose history is here briefly presented.

John Cooper was nine years of age when his parents left Ohio for Iowa and consequently received most of his schooling in his adopted state. Upon coming to Iowa he assisted his father on the farm and as soon as he reached his majority he married and began renting a farm for himself. Three years later he came to O'Brien county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land in Grant township. When he came here, in 1875, there were very few settlers in the county, and for the first few years he and his family suffered severe hardships. The first five years they lived in a dugout on the farm and went through the experiences of the grasshopper war in the latter seventies. Today he has a fine modern home equipped with every convenience, a commodious farm and every improvement which will make his farm more remunerative. Like most of the farmers of the county, he makes a large part of his income from the sale of live stock and has always kept a high grade of animals upon his farm. He has a share in the Farmers Elevator Company of Sutherland, as well as in the county fair association at Sutherland.

Mr. Cooper was married in 1872 to Amelia Bagley, and to this union were born seven children: Bert, a farmer of Grant township; Mrs. Edith Kennedy, of Cherokee, Iowa; Charles, of Sutherland, Iowa; Roy, of Sutherland, Iowa; Henry, of Cherokee, Iowa; Owen, a farmer of Osceola county, and Earl, a farmer of O'Brien county. In 1891 Mr. Cooper was married to Myrtle Brown, and to this union have been born six children: Mrs. Grace Johansen, of Sutherland, Gertrude, Inez, Orlow, Marion and Velma. All of the children except the married daughter are still living with their parents.

Politically, Mr. Cooper has been a life-long Republican and takes an intelligent interest in the affairs of his party. He is a member of the Christian church and gives his earnest support to that denomination at all times. He has always taken an active interest in the civic-affairs of the community and all movements which he felt would benefit his fellow citizens found in him a hearty supporter. As road overseer he has been active in

1164 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

seeing that the roads of his district were brought up to the highest standard of excellence. He has always supported all movements for the public welfare which he felt would better his community in any way.

CHANNING LONGSHORE, M. D.

The pioneer physician occupies a unique and distinguished place among those with whom he has been associated for many years. His type is peculiarly fitted to the time, the people to whom he ministered, and the needs of the sturdy empire-building generation to which he belonged. In the early days of O'Brien county the doctor would be called out to travel mile upon mile to treat some sufferer who had implicit faith in his skill. The roads were then but trails over the vast prairies and it required manhood of the greatest fortitude to endure the hardships incidental to the life of the early physician. His financial returns were usually modest, inasmuch as the patients who called upon him for treatment were not blessed with much of this world's goods. The early physicians who have been successful in securing a substantial competence during their careers, generally seized opportunity in other lines and assisted likewise in developing the country. One of the most striking figures in the pioneer life of O'Brien county, and one to whom hundreds of the early settlers were indebted for kindly human sympathy and assistance in time of stress and direst need, is Dr. Channing Longshore, of Sheldon, who has been in active practice in O'Brien county for thirty-five years. He was the pioneer doctor of the county and in the earlier days traveled the length and breadth of his territory, during the deep snows and extreme cold of winter, and at all seasons responding to the calls of the sick and ailing who lived in the new homes on the prairie.

Doctor Longshore was born in the year 1842 in Langhorne, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, the son of Thomas Ellwood and Hannah E. (Myers) Longshore, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter a native of Maryland. Thomas E. Longshore was a descendant of Swedish ancestors who emigrated from Sweden to America and settled in Bucks county in the seventeenth century. The Myers family is of German descent.

Doctor Longshore was educated in the city of Philadelphia and graduated from the Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery in 1871. It is noteworthy that his mother was an eminent physician and one of the first women physicians in the country to practice medicine. He made his first

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trip to Iowa in 1864, but as this was but a sight-seeing expedition, he returned home. On year after his graduation he came west and located in Marshall county, Iowa, in 1872. In September, 1873, he came to O'Brien county and was practically the first regularly accredited physician to locate in the county. He established his office in the new town of Sheldon and from here traveled over the county attending to his large practice. For a period of twenty years he was in continuous practice. Of late years he has not maintained a regular office in Sheldon, and it is a fact that his other business affairs began to take up a considerable portion of his time and he found it necessary to abandon a goodly part of his practice in order to devote more time to his many ventures.

Doctor Longshore had the foresight and the business acumen to take advantage of opportunities which presented themselves and has profited accordingly. He assisted in organizing the Primghar State Bank in partnership with George W. Schee and others; his second venture was the Hartley State Bank; he was instrumental also in the organization of the First National Bank at Sutherland. At one time he was financially interested in the Empire Loan and Investment Company of Sheldon, and was formerly connected with the State Bank of Maurice, Sioux county, and the Ireton, Iowa, State Bank. He was one of the progenitors of the Iowa State Bank at Sheldon and was heavily interested in the First National Bank at Ouray, Colorado. He held a considerable interest in the Inter-State Finance Company of Topeka, Kansas, for several years.

Of late years. Doctor Longshore has been taking life easy and enjoying himself to the utmost. His money being safely invested so as to cause him the least trouble, he is now reaping the reward of a long and active life. He is the owner of a cottage on the shores of Akobosi lake, and here he spends the hot summer months fishing and taking ease and comfort from his surroundings.

Doctor Longshore's commercial experience has been of the most varied and widest kind. He owned and operated a general store in Sanborn, Iowa, for some years; also conducted a similar establishment in Sheldon, and was engaged in coal mining in Colorado, in all of which pursuits he made money. During his long residence in the county he has likewise engaged in the raising and breeding of live stock, being a large buyer and shipper.

In politics, Doctor Longshore has become a pronounced Progressive in his views and has broken away from the Republican party. During his earlier years he took an active and influential part in civic and political affairs in

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O'Brien county and served one term as county recorder. He was United States pension examiner for many years.

Mention should be made of the fact in this review that a sister of Doctor Longshore is the wife of Mayor Rudolph Blankenburg, of Philadelphia. Mayor Blankenburg is well known in northwestern Iowa as an orator of force and ability. It was one of his recreations in past years to make a trip to Iowa during the campaigns and speak in behalf of the Republican ticket. The jovial Doctor would usually accompany him on these tours.

Doctor Longshore was married August 8, 1873. to Maria Pierce, of Alliance, Ohio. They are the parents of three children, namely: Thomas A., deceased; Mrs. Hannah Elsie Garrett, residing in Chester county, Pennsylvania; Rudolph, a resident and mining engineer of Lewistown, Montana.

Doctor Longshore has led one of the most useful and varied lives of any of the old pioneer settlers of O'Brien county. Besides being an excellent physician whose methods were adapted to the time and needs, he has been an excellent financier. It is probable that he is the oldest and best known pioneer doctor of northwestern Iowa. Despite his age, he is hale and hearty and possesses the faculty of enjoying life to the fullest extent. This volume of O'Brien county history would be sadly incomplete if it did not contain this spectively. Feeling that there was a better opportunity for their children in brief review and description of the important part which Doctor Longshore has taken in its development.

ADOLPH PINGEL.

O'Brien county, Iowa, is justly proud of her many German citizens, for in the development of the material, social and intellectual life of the county they have played no inconsiderable part. They have been a valuable asset to the county wherever they have settled and they have taken an active part in every phase of the life of their communities. Their devotion to their adopted county is such that they have always taken an active interest in seeing it forge to the front among the counties of the state, and for this reason the prominent position which O'Brien county holds today among the counties of the state is, largely owing to the enterprise of its many German citizens.

Adolph Pingel, a retired farmer of Sutherland, Iowa, was born in Germany in 1852. His parents, Henry and Mary (Layham) Pingel, were also natives of Germany, their births having occurred there in 1807 and 1809 re-

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the United States, (sic) they came to America and settled near Wheatland, Clinton county, Iowa, and here Henry Pingel followed the vocation of a farmer until his death, which occurred in 1862, his widow dying in 1877.

Adolph Pingel was one of six children born to his parents, four of whom are still living. He assisted his father on the home farm until twenty-three years of age and then went to Boone county, Iowa, where he lived on a rented farm for a short time, after which he became an employee of the railroad companies in the state and for some years was employed as a fireman. He resigned his position as fireman on the railroad and began to farm in Boone county, Iowa, until 1887, and in the following year he moved to O'Brien county with his family and purchased three hundred and twenty acres of land in Waterman township, at twenty dollars an acre. He improved this land and was soon realizing a handsome return on his investment. In fact, within five years he felt justified in adding another half section to his original farm. The land which he purchased in 1893 cost him eighteen dollars and a quarter an acre and at the present time is easily worth ten times that amount. While raising all of the crops common to this section, he has made the most of his money in the breeding and selling of live stock, and always makes it a point to keep only the best grade of stock and has won prizes on several occasions by his stock at the Sutherland fair. In 1907 Mr. Pingel retired from the active labor of the farm and moved to Sutherland, where he owns a handsome modern home and five acres of land in the city limits. In addition to his six hundred and forty acres of land in O'Brien county, Mr. Pingel is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land in South Dakota, and also has a share' in the Farmers Elevator Company, at Sutherland.

Mr. Pingel was married in 1877 to Matilda Jaacks, and to this union have been born six children, Henry, Lewis, William, John, Edward and Emma. Henry and Lewis are farming in South Dakota, while William, John and Edward are engaged in farming in O'Brien county, and Emma is still at home with her parents.

In political affairs Mr. Pingel has always taken an active interest and has held practically all of the township offices of Waterman township at some time or other. At the present time he is the efficient township trustee and is discharging the important duties of that office to the eminent satisfaction of all concerned. Religiously, he and his family are loyal members of the German Lutheran church and are interested in all the activities of that denomination. Personally, Mr. Pingel is a man of clean moral character and marked business ability, which has been evidenced in the successful management of his many enterprises. As a neighbor and citizen Mr. Pingel stands

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high in the esteem of all who know him and the deep interest he takes in promoting the social, educational and moral welfare of the community gives him an enviable reputation throughout the locality in which he lives.

DENNIS E. CRONIN.

Dennis E. Cronin was born in Limerick county, Ireland, October 14, 1848, and died in Sibley, Iowa, July 19, 1913. His parents, Owen and Bridget (Connell) Cronin, came to this country when he was about four years of age and first located at Great Bend, in Pennsylvania. In 1859 they moved to Waverly, Iowa, where they remained until 1878.

Dennis Cronin received his education in the schools of Pennsylvania and Waverly. Iowa. In 1878 he went to LeMars, Iowa, where he started a dray line. While living in the city he conceived the idea of putting in city water works, and with the courage which is characteristic of the sons of Ireland, he applied himself to this task. He installed it and operated it for ten years and finally turned it over to the city in an excellent condition. Previous to this he had been a railroad brakeman and conductor. In these occupations he did not find the opportunity for advancement, and in 1902 he moved to Sibley, having previously purchased three hundred and sixty acres in Osceola county. He later purchased three hundred and twenty acres in East Holman township, so that at the time of his death he owned six hun-

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dred and eighty acres of fine farming land in this county. In 1906 he built the present beautiful home occupied by his family on the southeastern side of Sibley. In 1907 he built the commodious barn, which is now upon his farm adjoining the city.

Mr. Cronin was married December 26, 1876, to Susie Roddy, who was born April 19, 1858. in county Tyrone, Ireland. Her parents were James and Rose (Quinn) Roddy. She died at her residence in Sibley August 15, 1914. She came to this country by herself when she was sixteen years of age and located at Dubuque, Iowa, where her uncle, Patrick Roddy, managed a grocery store. Several years later, after her mother's death in Ireland, her father came to this country and made his home with her. Four of the Roddy sons are now in this country also. Mr. and Mrs. Cronin have four children, Frank, Helen, Morris J. and Leo J. The youngest boys are twins.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Cronin have been given every educational advantage and have responded to their parents' efforts in this line in a remarkable manner. Morris graduated from Ames College in 1908, taking the full course in agriculture and animal husbandry. In 1913 he returned to college and took the course in agronomy. Frank attended school both at LeMars and Sibley, and is with his brother Morris, who is operating the estate. Leo took a three-year course in forestry in college and then went to California in the employ of the government forestry service. He is now on the road with a hardware line. Helen studied music in the Academy of Visitation at Dubuque and is an accomplished musician.

Mr. Cronin was a man of unusually strong will power and with a determination which never knew what defeat meant. He was a great lover of his home and family and took a great deal of pride in seeing his children do well in the world. The last few years of his life he was an invalid and was confined to his home most of the time. He was a loyal Catholic, as are all the members of the family and never wearied in lending assistance to his church in both time and money. When it was seen that an operation was necessary in order to save his life, he submitted cheerfully and went to the hospital of the famous Mayo Brothers at Rochester, Minnesota, but he failed to respond to their treatment, and died July 19, 1913, and there passed away one of the kindest-hearted and most generous men that had ever lived in the county. He had the greatest sympathy for his fellow men and was always ready to aid and encourage those who were strugging to assist themselves. He commanded the respect of all classes by his exemplary life, and his memory will long be endeared by his many friends and acquaintances.

1170 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.

CHARLES FARQUHARSON.

It is interesting to note how different men begin and continue the duties of life. Some commence in hesitation and seem to hesitate at every obstacle they encounter. Others begin boldly, but after a time show by some defect in execution that they have not properly mastered their task; still others begin with a steady grasp of the situation and show by their subsequent accomplishment that they have compassed the problem of life. To the last class success always comes and they are the men who leave behind them good names and large properties honorably won in life's struggle. Among such active and enterprising men is Charles Farquharson, of O'Brien county, Iowa, and no man is worthier of the large success which has attended his efforts, for he came to this country from faraway Scotland and found here a strange people, strange customs and even a language with which he was not familiar. However, he mastered it all and, although starting with nothing in the way of material wealth, he gradually overcame all obstacles and today he is one of the substantial men of his locality.

Charles Farquharson was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and is the son of Andrew and Margaret (McHardy) Farquharson. His father was born in Scotland in 1813 and lived the life of a farmer there until his death, which occurred in 1895. His wife was born in Scotland in 1817 and spent all of her days in the land of her birth.

Charles Farquharson is one of a family of six children, five of whom are still living. In 1880 he decided to come to America to seek his fortune, believing that better opportunities presented themselves in this country than in his native land. Upon arrival here he immediately went to Iowa and found employment in Palo Alto county. After working in that county for a short time he went to O'Brien county, and for the first six years lived on a rented farm. In the meantime he had married and in 1887 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Grant township, where he is now living. Since acquiring this farm he has made extensive improvements upon it in every way, building a new and handsome residence, large and commodious barns and outbuildings, putting out fruit and orchard trees, so that today his farm is one of the most attractive in the township. He was one of the organizers of the O'Brien County Fair Association and holds a share of stock in that association. He makes a specialty of breeding a high grade of cattle and other live stock for the markets, which adds not a little to his annual income.

Mr. Farquharson was married in 1885 to Elizabeth Bowden, and to this

Picture of CHARLES FARQUHARSON

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marriage have been born two children, Lee, who is at home assisting his father on the farm, and Mrs. Edith Barry, of this county. Mrs. Farquharson died in 1905.

Politically, Mr. Farquharson is a stanch Republican and has always taken an active interest in the affairs of his party, although he has never been a candidate for public office himself, yet his support is always earnestly desired by those who are candidates for office. He is a member of the Presbyterian church and renders to it his zealous support at all times. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America and takes an active interest in the work of these fraternal organizations. Public spirited and enterprising, he gives his support to all objects calculated to advance the moral, intellectual and social interests of the community which he has chosen as his place of abode.

THOMAS ALBERT QUILLEASH.

The history of a county or state, as well as that of a nation, is chiefly a chronicle of the lives and deeds of those who have conferred honor and dignity upon society. The world judges the character of a community by those of its representative citizens and yields its tribute of admiration and respect to those whose works and actions constitute the record of a community's prosperity and pride. Among the younger citizens of O'Brien county, who are well known because of their success in business affairs and the part they have taken in the affairs of the locality, is he whose name appears at the head of this article and who is now an efficient and popular merchant of Sanborn.

Thomas A. Quilleash, proprietor of a general mercantile establishment in Sanborn, was born in 1885, in Linden, Wisconsin, the son of John and Lavinia (Smith) Quilleash. His father was born in 1847 on the Isle of Man, and left his native place when fourteen years of age and settled in the state of Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming and blacksmithing for a period of two years, at the end of which time he moved to Britt, Iowa, and there engaged in farming and operated a dairy for one year. In 1887 he moved to Sanborn and conducted a blacksmith shop until his death, which occurred in 1892. To John and Mrs. Quilleash were born four children: John, deceased; Joseph; Elmer, a salesman living in Sioux City, Iowa, and Thomas A., with whom this narrative deals.

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Thomas A. Quilleash received a good elementary education and at the age of twenty-three years began business for himself. He had been well trained in the school room, having completed the course in the Sanborn high school and later taken a course in Tolan University, of Spencer, Iowa. Accordingly when he opened up his general mercantile establishment he arranged his goods in a very attractive manner and the result has been the building up of a large and lucrative patronage in Sanborn and the surrounding community. He is a man of pleasing personality and by his courteous treatment of his customers he makes them regular patrons of his store.

Mr. Quilleash was married in 1908, at Sanborn, to Georgia Eldridge, and to this union has been born one son, Albert Henry. The Republican party has claimed the vote of Mr. Quilleash, but the cares of a business life have precluded him from taking an active part in political affairs. However, he takes an intelligent interest in the current issues of the day and is a wide reader and a close observer of men and events. He and his wife are regular attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sanborn and subscribe generously to the support of its various activities. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and takes a part in the various affairs which are promoted by these fraternal organizations. Mr. Quilleash is a young man, but in the short time which he has been in business in Sanborn he has impressed every one as being a man of excellent judgment and foresight and it is safe to predict for him a successful career in the future. He keeps well abreast of the times on all matters of public interest and has won the respect of all who know him because of his genial and unassuming manner.

J. E. SOLLITT.

It is often remarked in these days that the tendency of modern education is to draw the young men away from the farm, and it is interesting to note that there are many exceptions to this current belief. J. E. Sollitt, whose life history is here presented is a man of excellent education, being trained in the best high schools of Chicago, yet he is a contented farmer of Osceola county, Iowa. It is true he is not content to farm exactly in the same manner as all of his neighbors, because he has removed from the beaten path and devoted his energies proudly to the raising of live stock. However, he is as successful in the cultivation of the crops of this locality as he is in his

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stock raising. He is actively interested in all the phases of the civic, moral and intellectual life of the community and is rightly regarded as one of the representative citizens of his locality.

J. E. Sollitt. the son of Charles W. and Clara E. (Marsh) Sollitt, was born November 19, 1880, at Sollitt, Illinois. His father was the son of John and Anna (Rowntree) Wilson Sollitt and was born in Chicago.

John Sollitt, the grandfather of J. E., whose history is here presented, was a building contractor and built the first court house in the city of Chicago. He also built the first Illinois Central depot in that city. At the time the present magnificent court house was built in Chicago he was honored by having his picture put in the corner stone. John Sollitt acquired about two thousand acres of land in Kankakee county and Will county, Illinois. The station of Sollitt was laid out and named after him. Charles W. Sollitt, the father of J. E. Sollitt, with whom this narrative deals, owned one hundred and sixty acres in Will county, Illinois, where he lived until 1903. He then sold it and purchased three hundred and twenty acres in sections 22 and 28 of East Holman township, Osceola county, Iowa. Here he lived until the spring of 1914 when he moved to Sibley and left the management of his farm to his son, J. E.

J. E. Sollitt graduated from the English high school at Chicago, later from the Manual Training School in that city. He then took up farming and stock raising as his life work, rather than going into any of the learned professions. It is a satisfaction to feel that an increasing number of our best young men are trained to agriculture, a basic occupation to all occupations. He makes a specialty of full-blooded, registered Hereford cattle and now has about forty head of as fine a cattle as can be found in the state. He also keeps full-blooded Duroc Jersey swine, as well as full-blooded Plymouth Rock chickens. He is interested in all phases of farm work and for several years has been an officer of the Farmers Institute in his county.

Mr. Sollitt was married October 10, 1906, to Verna R. Bullington, who was born in Illinois March 7, 1889, the daughter of Samuel M. and Mary C. (Fauber) Bullington. Samuel Bullington was a farmer and moved to Iowa in the spring of 1893, buying one hundred and sixty acres in section 34 in Viola township, Osceola county. Mr. and Mrs. Sollitt have two children, Kenneth and Zelda, both of whom are still with their parents.

Politically, Mr. Sollitt is a stanch Prohibitionist and gives his aid to the temperance cause on all occasions. He and his wife are loyal members of the First Baptist church of Sibley and take an active part in the work of the church and Sunday school. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of

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America and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, while both he and his wife are members of the Daughters of Rebekah. Mr. Sollitt is still a young man and has a long and useful career before him. He has the training and the natural talent to become an influential member of his county and state, and the record he has made so far indicates that the future holds much for him.

JOHN A. SANDS.

A score of years ago there were few men who could retire from active life and content themselves with the thought that they were going to rest. An able-bodied man seldom let his mind or body wander back to the green fields and running brooks of his youth; retrospection was a word not to be found in his vocabulary. Many times he earned his bread by the sweat of his brow until death gave him relief. In more fortunate cases he continued to increase his holdings for his children or for charity's sake. Time has brought about a change. The necessities of today are the luxuries of yesterday, and the father gives his family more comforts in the present, with less thoughts of the future. And when he sees his children settled in life, he himself takes a long deserved rest. This is a social advance as much ahead of the old customs as the electric light is ahead of the kerosene lamp.

John A. Sands, the eldest son of Gustave and Christina M. (Skald) Sands, was born in Sweden in 1850. The father was born in 1824 and the mother in 1827. They were married in 1849 and had seven children, only two of whom are alive. The parents came to this country in 1885 and settled on land in Baker township. They remained on this farm till 1906, in which year the death of the father occurred.

The subject came to this country from Sweden in 1880. He located in Webster county, Iowa, where he worked four years as a farm hand. From there he went to O'Brien county, where he secured a homestead in section 9, in Baker township, and where his parents joined him in 1885. Since that time he has owned and farmed the original quarter section. The land is now rented to his nephew, Victor J. Sands.

Politically, Mr. Sands advocates the policies of the Independent Progressive party. He is religiously inclined and, while not a member of any church, he is a regular attendant at services. He has never married.

Victor J. Sands, the nephew who now has sole charge of the farm, is also a native of Sweden, where he was born in 1884. His father, Victor

Picture of JOHN A. SANDS

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Sands, had emigrated to this country in the latter part of 1883, leaving his wife, Ida (Christina) Sands, who was born in 1857, and the unborn child behind. It was known that he first went to Chicago, but further than that nothing was ever heard of him. A party of emigrants was leaving for America and when John A. Sands heard of it he and his sister-in-law and her infant child joined them. They all located on the same quarter section in O'Brien county.

Victor J. Sands has remained with his mother and uncle since coming to this country. He is a wide-awake young man, thoroughly alive to the opportunities of the farmer of today. The farm is well improved and well supplied with graded animals. He was married in 1912 to Ella Moord, who was born in Sweden in 1891. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

ANTON DRIES.

The farm dweller has always been conceded some advantages over the city dweller, but until recently the disadvantages were often considered to outweigh, them. Now. with the establishment of good roads and schools in country districts, with the use of modern machinery, which has lightened the farmer's task, and in the era of prosperity, which has recently dawned upon the farmer, his position is beginning to be an enviable one. Such it seems indeed to the man who has the pleasure of seeing the well regulated farm and the happy home life of Anton Dries.

Anton Dries, a prosperous farmer of Gilman township, Osceola county, Iowa, was born in Kenosha county, Wisconsin, January 31, 1869. His parents, Joseph and Catherine (Ratz) Dries, were both born in Germany. The Dries family were farmers in their native land and raised almost the same crops which they are now growing in this country with the exception that very little corn is raised in Germany. When Joseph Dries came to America he settled in Chicago where he worked by the day, helping to build the stone water front on Lake Michigan. Subsequently he rented land in Wisconsin and later purchased a farm for himself. In 1882 he moved to Osceola county, Iowa, and bought two hundred and forty acres. He proved to be a very successful farmer and eventually became the possessor of six hundred and forty acres of fine land in the county.

Anton Dries was given a good common school education in the schools of Wisconsin and Iowa. He was thirteen years of age when he came with

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his parents to this county from Wisconsin, and consequently spent most of his life here. He remained at home until he was married, when he moved to his present farm in section 23 in Gilman township where he has one hundred and sixty-five acres in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Dries is building an addition to his home which will add much to the attractiveness and convenience of the place. In 1900 he built the commodious barn which now stands on his farm and in 1910 built one of the largest silos which has ever been erected in the township. He conducts a dairy along with his regular farming, milking on an average of twelve cows each day. He raises considerable stock, including hogs, cattle and horses, which adds not a little to his annual income.

Mr. Dries was married in 1899 to Elizabeth Beck, who was born November 13, 1873, in Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Christian Beck, a native of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. Dries are the parents of seven children, six of whom are living: Theodore Joseph, Alma C. (who was accidentally shot when thirteen vears of age and died soon after from the effects of the wound), Therissa Elizabeth, Martin, Gregor, Lena and Edward. All of the children are still living with their parents and are being given the advantages of a good education.

Politically, Mr. Dries is a Democrat, but has never been an aspirant for any public office. He prefers to devote all of his time to his agricultural interests. Religiously, he and his family are loyal members of the Catholic church at Ashton, and give their hearty support to their favorite denomination. Mr. Dries is a man of pleasing personality and has a host of friends and acquaintances who have been attracted to him because of his clean and wholesome life since living in this community.

CHRIST ATTIG.

One of the best farming regions of Osceola county, Iowa, is West Holman township. In that township one of the best and most productive farms is owned by Christ Attig. Though he has been a resident of the county but a few years, yet he has proven himself one of the most progressive farmers of his community, a man who always takes a deep interest in the public welfare. He is a descendant of German parentage, and this may account for his phenomenal success in agriculture. It is a well known fact that the German citizens of this county are among its best and most substantial farmers.

Christ Attig was born January 8, 1871, in Woodford county, Illinois,

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and is the son of Fred and Mary (Schoman) Attig. His parents were natives of Wurtemberg, Germany, and were the parents of ten children, Christ being the youngest of the family. Part of these children were born in Germany and part of them in this country, and are as follows: Catherine, the wife of John Schneider; Fred; John; William; George; Sarah, the wife of Frank Losher; Marguerite, the wife of William Salzman; Christ, whose life history is here recorded; an infant who died while the family was crossing the ocean, and Lena, who died in infancy. On the voyage to this country from their native land, the sailing vessel required fifty-six days to make the trip, consequently the little daughter who died on board the vessel had to be buried at sea.

Fred Attig was a good, substantial farmer, but was never an office seeker in any sense of the term. Upon coming to this country he settled with his family in Illinois, where he followed the vocation of a farmer until his death on May 15, 1894, while his wife passed away on November 19, 1901. He and his wife had been adherents of the Lutheran faith in the old country, but on coming to the new country they identified themselves with the Evangelical association. Mr. Attig was a very religious man and took a great deal of interest in church work.

Christ Attig lived with his parents until he was twenty-one years of age and then went to live with his brother, George, his father having retired from farming. The two brothers farmed together for four years, and upon the marriage of Christ Attig he rented one hundred and sixty acres of land in Livingston county, Illinois, and continued to rent land for sixteen years in that state, and was very successful as a farmer. He saved his money with the intention of eventually purchasing a farm of his own. In 1902 he came to Osceola county, Iowa, where he bought one hundred and sixty acres in West Holman township. In 1910 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres in Viola township, across the road from his first farm. In 1912 he built a large, twelve-room house, which is one of the most modern and up-to-date country homes in the county, and in this same year he brought his family to the new home, where they are now living.

Mr. Attig was married November 27, 1896, to Siniah Batrum, the daughter of John and Mary (Bickle) Batrum, and who was born in McLain county, Illinois, April 8, 1873. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, having come from that state to Indiana and from thence to Illinois, and they were the parents of four children, Oliver, Ray, Alta and Siniah, wife of Mr. Attig. Mr. and Mrs. Attig have four children living and one deceased:

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Harold D., Bernice M., Fred R. and Edith Leona; the other child having died in infancy.

Mr. Attig carries on a system of general farming and raises fine crops of corn, oats and hay, particularly. He also devotes considerable attention to the breeding of live stock and never handles any but the best grade. He had twenty-one head of horses and colts at the time this biographical material was collected and no farmer in the countv owned any more stock than he. He also makes a specialty of breeding full blooded Plymouth Rock chickens. His farm is one of the best developed in the county, while his home is a model of convenience and comfort. Thre are now three houses on the farm, the smallest house being the one built there when the land was homesteaded, about forty years ago. It is fourteen by eighteen feet and seven feet to the eaves. The second house is a little larger and has a little attic for an upstairs. The third house is the present large and beautiful home which is occupied by Mr. Attig and his family.

Mr. Attig has always been a Republican, but has never aspired to any public office. He and his family have been loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church and contribute liberally of their means to its support. Mr. and Mrs. Attig entertain their many friends and acquaintances in their handsome home, where they dispense genuine hospitality.

WILBUR J. OSGOOD.

One of the popular and substantial citizens of Osceola county is Wilbur J. Osgood, who gives his support to all measures for the public good, and his name has long been synonymous with honorable dealings in all the relations of life. He has passed so many of his years in Osceola county that he has a wide acquaintance among its best citizens, many of whom are included within the circle of his warm personal friends. He has always tried to measure up to the standard of correct manhood, and this locality is proud to number him among its progressive and representative residents.

Wilbur J. Osgood was born December 16, 1878, on the farm where he is now living, and the same which his father homesteaded in the early seventies. His father, Clemment Osgood, was a native of New York, and came to Butler county, Iowa, when about thirty years of age. He lived there until Osceola county was open for homesteading and then came to this county and established his claim to a large tract of land. He was one of the first

Picture of WILBUR J. OSGOOD AND FAMILY.

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settlers in the county and passed through some very trying experiences in his time. He built a dugout first and then later erected a sod house. He had just finished his sod house when the terrible three-day blizzard from October 10 to October 13, 1873, came. If this blizzard had struck some days before their houses were completed, they would probably have perished. It is remembered as the severest blizzard that ever crossed the plains of this county. In the course of a few years he was able to build a small frame house, to which he later added as the family increased. Mr. Osgood was the first man in the county to have a grain stack, and for many years bound all of his own grain by hand. He went through the experiences incident to the grasshopper period and for three years fed practically all of his crops to these little pests. A few years after he had comfortably settled in this state, he made a trip to his home state in New York, during the winter. He started back in February and got as far as Mason City, Iowa, when the train was blockaded by snow. Not knowing how long it would be before they could proceed westward, he and another man started to walk the rest of the way home, but did not reach home until early in April. During part of their way they walked on snow drifts as high as telegraph poles. In fact the snow was so deep in many places along the railroad track that it was the latter part of April before their train reached Osceola county. When Mr. Osgood settled in this county the nearest postoffice was Cherokee, seventy miles away. Clemment Osgood and wife were the parents of eight children, four of whom are living. He died in 1896 and his wife, Mary M. Merrill, is now living in Sheldon, where she moved in 1908. The children of this family were three who died in childhood: Milo, of Canada; Maud, who is with her mother in Sheldon; Wilbur; Hattie, deceased, aged thirty-two, in 1914; Clifford, with his brother Wilbur.

Wilbur J. Osgood was educated in the schools of this county and from his earliest boyhood has spent all of his spare time upon the farm. In 1907 he was married to Mable Weaver, who was born in Edmund, Wisconsin, May 2, 1884, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Weaver. The Weaver family came to Iowa shortly after the county had been settled. Mr. and Mrs. Osgood have three children, Homer, Lawrence and Dorothy, all of whom are still children.

Mr. Osgood devotes most of his time and attention to stock breeding, making a specialty of Aberdeen Angus cattle. He owns three hundred and twenty acres of land in Lyon county, adjoining Osceola. He and his father were both Republicans, but never were aspirants for any public office. The

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family have always been Methodists and Clemment Osgood was very active in the work of the church. Mr. Osgood gives character and stability to the body politic. He is a man who has won the admiration and esteem of his neighbors and friends by his clean and upright way of living.

ROBERT J. ROBERTSON.

One of the prosperous business men of Osceola county, Iowa, who has made a pronounced success in his chosen vocation is Robert J. Robertson. He is a member of that class of enterprising, public-spirited citizens who have done a great deal for the development of their county. For this reason he is rightly regarded as one of the representative men of his community. He has ever done all in his power for the betterment of the common welfare and as an honest dealing and successful business man his life has been full of interesting and varied experiences.

Robert J. Robertson, a native of Quebec, Canada, was born February 25, 1869, and is the son of Alexander and Isabella Robertson. Alexander Robertson was the son of William Robertson, a sailor who was born in Scotland, and came to Canada early in life, but followed the sea all of his days. Alexander Robertson was born in Canada and was reared on a farm and lived the life of a farmer until his death, in December, 1911. He and his wife were loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church and lived a life in strict accord with the teachings of that denomination. Alexander Robertson and wife were the parents of eight children: Emily, the wife of Samuel Campbell; Elizabeth, the wife of Harry Lamson; William T.; Maggie, the wife of Henry Brooks; Alexander; Belle; Robert J., whose history is here presented, and Flora, the wife of Henry Nelson. The mother of these children died November 10, 1913.

Robert J. Robertson was only two years of age when his parents moved to Dickinson county, Iowa. After coming to this state he attended school during the winter time and assisted his father on the farm during the summer. He worked on the home farm until 1899 when he opened a real estate office in Harris, Osceola county. For the past fifteen years he has been engaged in the real estate business in that city and has had remarkable success. He does an extensive business in farm land in this and adjoining states. He has not only sold thousands of acres of land, but is also the owner himself of four hundred and eighty acres of fine land in this county, as well as considerable land in other states. He started in the business without any

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capital whatever, but by good management and keen business ability he has made himself one of the most substantial business men of his county. He is a man of pleasing personality and has commanded the confidence and respect of everyone with whom he has been associated.

Mr. Robertson was married February 26, 1902, to Ina Knepper, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Knepper, of O'Brien county. William Knepper is an old and prominent settler of O'Brien county and a soldier of the Civil War. He served four years with distinction, being wounded at the battle of Stone's River. William Knepper was the father of nine children: Ina (the wife of Mr. Robertson), Hurbert, Ash, Edna, Charles, Laura, John. Sadie and Harold.

Mr. Robertson is a Republican in politics, but has never cared or sought for a public office of any kind. He has always devoted himself strictly to his own interests and, while taking an interest in the issues of the day, he has never felt inclined to indulge in local politics. He and his wife are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which denomination he is a trustee and has served as superintendent of the Sunday school. He is a man of clean character and wholesome life and has a large number of friends in Harris and the county who admire him for his many good qualities.

CHARLES M. McDOUGALL.

There is no better agricultural region than that which is to be found within Osceola county, and the agricultural history of the county shows that every man who entered land in the early history of the county and stayed with it eventuallv became successful. It is true that there were many discouragements in the earlier history of the county and many obstacles which thoroughly tried the pioneer farmers, but those who had the courage to stay have never regretted it. Among the present farmers of Osceola county who have been connected with its history for the past quarter of a century, there is no one who has made a more pronounced success than Charles M. McDougall, of Baker township.

Charles M. McDougall. the son of Melvin and Anna (Ricky) McDougall, was born in Iowa county, Wisconsin, in i860. His father was born in New York state in 1836, and when a young man moved to Wisconsin, where he was living at the opening of the Civil War. In 1862 he enlisted in the Union army at Avoca, Wisconsin, as a member of the Thirty-

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third Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry. He fought in many of the hardest fought battles of the Rebellion and was finally discharged in Tennessee in 1865. In 1866 Melvin McDougall came to Palo Alto county, Iowa, and homesteaded on a farm. However, he only stayed two years in Iowa and then returned to Wisconsin, where he remained for the next two years. He again returned to Iowa and settled at Victor, where he died in 1911. The wife, Anna Ricky, was born in Henry county, Illinois, in 1840 and died in 1882. To their union three children were born, two of whom are now living.

Charles M. McDougall was only two years of age when his father enlisted in the Civil War, and was old enough to distinctly remember his return from it in 1865. He received his education in Wisconsin and Iowa and when eighteen years of age started to learn the harness-maker's trade at Victor, Iowa. After putting three years in at this occupation he became interested in the drilling of tubular wells, and followed this for the next ten years. In 1888 he came to Osceola county and purchased two hundred and eighty acres in Baker township, on which he has placed ten thousand dollars' worth of improvements since acquiring it. While he raises all the crops of this locality, he has made a specialty of the breeding of Percheron horses and Duroc Jersey hogs. He has disposed of some of his land and now owns one hundred and sixty acres, which constitutes cme of the most attractive farms in the township. He owns a share of stock in the creamery and Farmers Elevator Company of Melvin, Iowa.

Mr. McDougall was married in 1885 to Sadie McBride, who was born at Victor, Iowa, in 1866. To this union was born one son, Roland, who is now the manager of an automobile garage at Beaver Creek, Minnesota. In 1911 Mr. McDougall was married to Mrs. Ella Guthrie, who was born in Wisconsin in 1865.

Politically, Mr. McDougall is a Republican, with Progressive tendencies. He has alwy's been a prominent factor in the civic life of his community and has had the honor of filling several offices in Baker township, where he has made his home since coming to this county. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church at Sibley and gives it her earnest support at all times. Mr. McDougall is a man of energy and ambition who has never been afraid to work, and his optimistic nature has always enabled him to look upon the bright side of life. In all the relations of life he has commanded the confidence and respect of those with whom he has been brought into contact, and for this reason he is popular throughout the community where he lives.

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GEORGE L. READER.

There are not many native sons of England in O'Brien countv. Iowa, but the few who have made this county their home have risen to positions of influence in their respective communities. Among the citizens of English descent who have made this county their residence is George L. Reader, a prosperous farmer and stock man of Center township, who was born in Dorsetshire, England, in 1857, and is the son of Barnard and Ellen (Cox) Reader. Barnard Reader was born in Dorsetshire in 1832, and followed the trade of a shoemaker. Later he became an official in the English government and filled that position until a few years ago, when he retired and is now living in Dorsetshire. His wife, Ellen Cox, is also a native of England, her birth having occurred there in 1833.

George L. Reader was one of eight children, seven of whom are still living. He left his native land in 1868, when about twelve years old and came to America, where he lived with his uncle in Macoupin county, Illinois, with whom he remained for six years, during which time he spent the winters attending school. He then began working for himself, doing whatever he could find to do which turned him an honest dollar for his labor. He found employment in a flour mill for a short time and from there went to Joplin, Missouri, where he secured employment as a clerk in a clothing store. At the age of twenty-five he came to O'Brien county, Iowa, and worked for a few years on a farm, after which he moved to Cherokee county, Iowa, where he worked for a time on a transfer and draying line in the city of Cherokee. From this place he moved to Stevens county, Kansas, and homesteaded on a farm for a short time, afterwards selling the tract, and came back to Cherokee county, where he engaged in the grain business for nine years, buying and selling grain of all kinds, in which line he was very successful. In 1900 he moved to O'Brien county and took charge of one hundred and sixty acres of land in Center township, on which he is still living. He raises a large amount of live stock and finds a ready market at a good price for his surplus product. He owns a share in the Farmers Elevator Company at Primghar.

Mr. Reader was married in 1891 to Jennie Whitham, who was born in 1871 in the state of Wisconsin, and to this union there have been born two children, Carrie and Wesley, both of whom are still living with their parents. Mr. Reader belongs to that class of men who avail themselves of the opportunity to vote for the best men at election time, irrespective of party lines,

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feeling that in so doing he is serving the best interests of his county and state. Political office has never held any attractions for Mr. Reader, although he has been a school director in his township. He and his family are earnest and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are interested in all the activities of that denomination. He enjoys a large acquaintance among whom are many warm and loyal friends, and throughout the community with which he has identified himself for the last fifteen years, he enjoys that standing which can be gained only by those possessing qualities of a high order.

WILLIAM GRAVES.

The individual enterprise which is justly the boast of the American people is strikingly existing in the career of William Graves, who is a fine type of the self-made man. Although young in years, he has already made a place fur himself in the business circles of this county and is now engaged in the automobile business in Melvin, where he has demonstrated those keen business qualities which mark the successful man. Descended from German parentage, he displays those characteristics which have made the German residents of this county among its most substantial citizens.

William Graves, the son of Hans and Minnie (Rohde) Graves, was born in 1887 in Baker township, Osceola county. His parents were both born in Germany, the father being born in 1848 and the mother in 1863. Early in life Hans Graves came to this country and settled in Osceola county, where he lived the life of a simple farmer until his death, in 1898. His widow was married to Emil Berandt, a retired farmer now living at Melvin, Iowa. To her first marriage were born eight children. Her second marriage was to Barney Imhoff, now deceased.

William Graves received a very meager common school education and at the tender age of fourteen started out to make his own way. He was a youth of remarkable energy and resource, a fact which is shown by his being a ditch contractor by the time he was nineteen years of age. He then disposed of his interests in the contracting business and purchased a restaurant in Melvin, which he managed until 1912. He and his brother then engaged in the automobile business and have one of the largest garages in Osceola county today. They are the agents for the Regal automobile and have a repair shop in connection with the garage, which is well equipped with all the latest machinery for the repairing of automobiles. They also

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manufacture a mud chain for automobiles, which has proven to be very successful. They are also manufacturers of a vulcanizer, for which they find a ready sale at a good price. In addition to his other interests, Mr. Graves owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in Osceola county, as well as a handsome home in the city of Melvin.

Mr. Graves was married in 1910 to Nellie Jones, who was born in Osceola county in 1889. To this union have been born two children, who are still living with their parents, Kenneth and Beulah. Politically, Mr. Graves is a stanch Democrat, but his entire time and attention has been devoted to his own interests, so that he has had no time to engage in the political game. He and his family are earnest members of the German Lutheran church, to which they contribute of their worldly goods. Mr. Graves has always been honest and upright in all his business relations, and the result is that he holds no insignificant place in the esteem of the community where he resides, and the future will undoubtedly find him included among the most substantial and influential men of his county.

JACOB BRANDT, JR.

Probably the youngest farmer of Osceola county today is Jacob Brandt, Jr., who is now farming three hundred and eighty acres of fine land in Baker township. Reared to the life of a farmer, he is thoroughly acquainted with all the details that must be acquired before the farmer is successful in managing his farm. Since taking charge of this he has been persistent in his efforts to bring it into better condition so that it would yield larger returns. He was born in 1892 on the farm where he is now living and is the son of Jacob and Phoebe (Burmeister) Brandt.

Jacob Brandt, Sr., was born in Germany in 1844, and when a young man of seventeen came to this country and settled in the state of Illinois. He received a good education in his native land and left there for the reason that he felt this country offered better opportunities for advancement. After settling in Illinois he worked as a laborer until 1888. During this period he acquired a good knowledge of the English language, and also acquired a thorough knowledge of the American methods of farming. With true German thrift and energy he saved his money with the intention of purchasing a farm of his own. In 1888 he came to Osceola county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres. Here he has been living up to the present

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time. He made extensive improvements upon the farm in the way of erecting buildings, fencing and installing drainage, so that the farm is today worth many times what it was when he purchased it. As he prospered he continued to add to his land holdings until at the present time he owns three hundred and eighty acres, which is farmed by his son, Jacob, Jr. The wife of Jacob Brandt, Sr., was born in Germany in 1854, and to their union have been born seven children.

Jacob Brandt, Jr., the youngest child of the family, was given a good common school education in the schools of Baker township and has remained with his parents all his life. He has made a specialty of stock raising, paying particular attention to the breeding of Duroc Jersey hogs and Shorthorn cattle. Politically, Mr. Brandt is a Democrat and since he is only one year past his majority he has never yet got mixed up in politics. Religiously, he is a member of the German Lutheran church, as are all the other members of the family, and to it he gives his earnest support at all times. He is still a young man and has a long period of usefulness before him. He has lived a clean and wholesome life, which has commended itself to his friends and neighbors with the result that he is held in high esteem by everyone with whom he has been associated.

JOHN KUNDEL.

It is with pleasure that we present a review of the life of John Kundel, a prominent farmer of Liberty township, for he is the living exemplification of the broad-minded, liberal policies of the modern farmer—energetic and aggressive and combining keen business acumen with the ability to labor steadily and hard.

Mr. Kundel was born on January 15, 1859, in Germany, the son of Claus Kundel, whose birth occurred in the year 1819. The father spent his childhood and youth in his native country and was married in 1849 to Katherine Miller, a lady nine years his junior, having been born in 1828. Three children were born of this union, one of whom, Lizzie, is now deceased. Emma, now Mrs. Haas, is a resident of Nebraska, and the son, John, in whom we are interested, is an honored citizen of this county.

This gentleman was born in Germany, but in his childhood was brought by his parents to this country. his first business venture occurred when he

Picture of JOHN KUNDEL AND FAMILY.

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was a child, carrying papers in Davenport, Iowa. He remained with his parents until he reached the age of twenty years, when he set out to enter business life for himself. He entered the pursuit of agriculture, and has since found it his pleasure as well as his profit.

Three years later Mr. Kundel was united in marriage to Dora Rohwer, who also was a native of Germany, her birth occurring on January 6, 1862.

Continuing his agricultural pursuits, Mr. Kundel located in the years that followed in three different counties of the state of Iowa, but in the year 1894 he journeyed to O'Brien county, and here he found the opportunity for future competence which he had been seeking. The fact that he has since remained in this beautiful portion of the state after having lived in the various other localities speaks highly for the advantages which this county has to offer to those who make it their abiding place. Here he was enabled to purchase a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of land, which he immediately set about to improve. Four acres of grove were set out, comfortable buildings were erected, bountiful harvests sprang from the ground and a beautiful homestead supplanted the barren tract which he had purchased. Mr. Kundel has been particularly active in the breeding of graded live stock of various kinds, finding this one of the most profitable departments of his establishment. He has labored diligently and intelligently and success has abundantly crowned his efforts. He is now the owner of a quarter section of land in South Dakota, a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Sutherland, and is also interested in the Co-operative store of that place. Seven children have blessed the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kundel, as follows: Alma (Mrs. Eichner), now a resident of Minnesota; Elizabeth (Schierholz), residing in South Dakota; Lulu, an efficient clerk in the Bank of Sutherland; Lillie, now Mrs. Mugge. residing in South Dakota; John C, his father's able assistant upon the homestead farm; and Olive and Roy, who also enjoy the protection of the parental roof tree.

Politically, Mr. Kundel casts his ballot for the nominees of the Democratic party and, religiously, he is a faithful member of the German Lutheran church. He is also affiliated with the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America, among whom he has a wide acquaintance and is highly respected. Although he has labored assiduously since his youth, he has nevertheless found time to keep abreast of the times, showing a progressive spirit in his undertakings and being deeply interested in all public questions and movements for the betterment of the community at large. Well informed, aggressive and broad minded, his life has been a

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well rounded and proportioned one, making for the best elements of true success. Genial in manner, kindly and hospitable, he and his wife are beloved by their many acquaintances, particularly among the young people of the vicinity.

DANIEL CLARENCE STEELSMITH. M. D.

Among those who stand as distinguished types of the world's workers is Dr. Daniel Clarence Steelsmith, one of the able physicians and surgeons of Melvin, Iowa. He is a man of fine intellectual and professional attainments, of most gracious personality, of strong and noble character, and who has labored with zeal, devotion and success in the alleviation of human suffering. As one of those who have lent dignity and honor to the medical profession in Iowa and who brought to his chosen vocation the strength and devotion of a great soul and a broad mind, it is most consonant that in this publication be entered and perpetuated a tribute to his worth. He is charitable and benevolent and those in need or distress of body or mind seek not his aid in vain. These and many other commendable qualities have won for him the good will and esteem of the people of Osceola county. It is no very rare thing for a boy in our country to become prosperous and occupy a commanding position in the world's affairs, but many who have fought their way to a place of influence in the various relations of life retain some marks and scars of the conflict. Doctor Steelsmith, however, is an instance of a man who has achieved success without paying the price at which it is so often bought; for his success has not removed him away from his fellow men, but has brought him into nearer and closer relations with them. He has through the years been a potential factor for the upbuilding of the community and the advancement of the highest and best interests of the people with whom he has mingled and been associated. As a member of the Legislature from his county, he is now serving his fellow citizens in a distinguished manner.

Dr. Daniel C. Steelsmith, the son of Michael Henry and Nancy Jane (Jordon) Steelsmith, was born in June, 1877, in Grundy county, Iowa. His parents were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively.

Michael H. Steelsmith was the son of John Steelsmith, a native of Germany. The name Steelsmith is derived from stiehl-schmidt, a name signifying a worker in steel. On his way to this country from his native land, John decided to adopt the English spelling of the German name and conse-

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quently, while he started from his native land as John Stiehl-Schmidt, he landed in this country as plain John Steelsmith. He first settled in Pennsylvania and later moved to Ohio, where Michael H. was reared to manhood. Upon the outbreak of the Civil War Michael Steelsmith enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Eighteenth Regiment Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and served for four years in some of the worst battles of the Rebellion. He was in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Dallas and many others. Immediately after the close of the war he returned to Ohio and in 1866 came to Grundy county, Iowa, where he purchased a farm. In 1883 he returned to Ohio to care for his father, John, and lived there until the fall of 1890, when he returned to Grundy county, where he is still living at the age of seventy-nine. His wife is still living at the advanced age of seventy-four. They spend their winters in Portland, Oregon, and their summers in Iowa with their children. They reared a family of six children: Charles, of Portland. Oregon; Margaret, who died in Ohio; George, of Portland, Oregon; Bruce, of Montana; Dr. Daniel C, with whom this narrative deals, and Mrs. Nellie Graves, of Osceola county.

Doctor Steelsmith was educated in the schools of Grundy county, Iowa, and after graduating from the Conrad high school in that county entered the medical department of the University of Iowa, from which he graduated in 1902. In the spring of 1902 he located in Melvin, where he has since continued to reside. He has built up an excellent practice and is regarded as one of the successful practitioners of this section of the state. He keeps fully abreast of the advance made in his chosen profession and keeps in close touch with all associations dealing with medical science. He is a member of the Osceola County, Iowa State and American medical associations.

Doctor Steelsmith was married in 1904 to Maud Rolston. of Marshall county, Iowa. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Rolston and was born in Marshall county, Iowa. To this union have been born three children, two of whom died in infancy. The one daughter, Lola, is now two years of age.

The Democratic party has claimed the support of Doctor Steelsmith since he was old enough to vote and in the civic affairs of his community he has always taken a prominent part. His worth as a citizen is shown by the fact that his party nominated him for the prominent position of state representative in the fall of 1912 and his subsequent election gave added proof of his popularity in his home county. In the Legislature he was made

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a member of the committees on public health, fish and game, roads and highways and public schools. On these various committees be performed efiicient service and was recognized as a man of progressive ideas in every way. He is honoring the county that elected him by throwing his influence in favor of all movements of merit and opposing such as he feels will not be to the benefit of his community or the state at large. He and his wife are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church while the Doctor is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Such is the brief history of Doctor Steelsmith, a man who, while serving his own interests, is at the same time performing his full duty as a member of the commonwealth in which he lives. He is a man of pleasing personality, is widely known throughout his county as a man of strict integrity and high ideals in life.

ENOCH PHILBY.

Enoch Philby. a well known farmer of Baker township, is one of the early settlers of the county who endured the arduous toil and privation of the pioneer. He was born in the year 1841 in Franklin county, Indiana. His father, James E. Philby, was a native of the state of Virginia, who emigrated to Iowa in the year 1849. In his youth he was united in marriage to Sidney Lyons, and to this union nine children were born. In 1861, when the foundations of our government were shaken and the call for volunteers was issued to fight for the unity of the nation and the integrity of its institutions, Enoch Philby and his father were among the first to offer themselves to protect the honor of the flag. Both father and son enlisted from Winterset, Iowa, and served in Company I, Fourth Cavalry. The following year, however, both were discharged on account of disability, the father receiving his discharge at Batesville, Arkansas. Both returned to Iowa, the son Enoch returning to Madison county. Here he remained, engaging in the pursuit of agriculture until 1870, at which time he came to O'Brien county and homesteaded on section 10, in Baker township. Here he labored to cultivate the land and erect necessary buildings for the shelter of himself and housing of the implements and produce of the place, and two years later he brought to his home a bride, whose maiden name was Martha Brown. This lady was a native of Ohio and was born in 1842. Four children were born to them, but in the year 1905 sorrow entered their midst, for at that time death claimed the wife and mother. The children are living, as fol-

Pictures of Mr.and Mrs. Enoch Philby

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lows: Nevada (Phil), at home; Enos, a farmer of Baker township; William and Elbert, both assisting in the labors of the homestead.

Politically, Mr. Philby espouses the principles of the Republican party. Together with his family, he attends the Methodist Episcopal church. He has not been interested in fraternal affairs and has membership in no secret societies, his energies and interests having been chiefly confined to his home and to those movements directly affecting the future of his children and their associates. School affairs have been of particular interest to him, and for sixteen years he served his commimity in the capacity of school trustee and for twenty years was treasurer of its board. In this capacity he gave without stint of his time and energy, fulfilling in every particular the trust reposed in him by his constituents.

Unassuming and conservative in many respects, his life has stood for purity and uprightness rather than for wealth and show, though he has been successful in his chosen calling, as is evidenced by the competence he has acquired. His homestead comprises two hundred forty acres of well cultivated land, all improved and well stocked with choice live stock.

An honorable citizen, a devoted father and an official of unquestioned integritv, fulfilling each duty as life presented it to him, he is deserving the esteem in which he is held by a large circle of neighbors and friends.

HENRY DUNKELMANN.

Of all the emigrants who reach the United States from the countries of Europe, none show a greater aptitude in adapting themselves to our peculiar institutions than those who come from Germany. Having themselves lived in a country where one citizen is as good as another if he behaves himself as well, they almost immediately understand our political methods and customs and appreciate the advantages which are offered by our laws. The result is that they are at once contented and straightway proceed to make the most of their new surroundings. After their home is established and thev have attained some degree of comfort, they look around and soon take a warm and intelligent interest in our form of government, in our schools, in our churches, in the affairs of our county administration, and so forth.

Henry Dunkelmann, the son of William and Helen (Stoltenberg) Dunkelmann, was born in Germany in 1841. William Dunkelmann was

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born in Germany in 1817 and died a year after his son, Henry, was born. The widow, who was born in 1824, came to America and remarried here, and she died in the year 1890 in Kansas.

Henry Dunkelmann has one sister, Mrs. Dora Carstensen, of Kansas. He came to this country with his mother in 1854 and settled in Chnton county, Iowa, where he farmed for his stepfather until the breaking out of the Civil War. He then enlisted in the Union army at Lyons, Iowa, in 1862, being mustered into Company A, Sixth Regiment Iowa Cavalry. His service was in the Northwest, where he was detailed to guard against the Indians. He served under General Solley in the Dakotas, participating in some dangerous fighting before he was finally discharged in 1865 at Sioux City, Iowa. He then returned to Clinton county, Iowa, where he farmed until 1872. In that year he and Joseph Von Suhm and August Carstensen started to drive from Clinton county in a covered wagon to Osceola county with the intention of homesteading. Mr. Dunkelmann homesteaded in section 20, in Baker township. During the first year he built a sod house and broke up his land for the first crop. He immediately set out a grove of fruit and forest treees, with the result that he today has plenty of fruit as well as timber sufficient for fuel. He has made many improvements upon the farm, so that today it ranks with the best farms of the township. He has added to his land from time to time, until he now owns two hundred and forty acres in this county. He has made his money by raising the crops of this locality and then feeding his grain to the live stock which he raised for the market. He retired from active work several years ago, but is still living on the home place, while his son, Adolph, is managing the farm.

Mr. Dunkelmann was married in 1868 to Lisette Stehr, who was born in Germany in 1849. They are the parents of five children: Francis, a school teacher of Ida county, Iowa; Gustave, a salesman of Nebraska; William, a lumberman of South Dakota; Adolph, who is now farming the home place; and Dora, a music teacher, who studied in the conservatory of music at Lincoln, Nebraska.

Politically, Mr. Dunkelmann is allied with that large class of independent voters who vote for the best men irrespective of their political affiliations. Religiously, he and his family are loyal members of the German Lutheran church, and in the work of this denomination they have always taken a hearty interest. His fraternal connections are confined to the Grand Army of the Republic, Post No. 118, at Sibley. Mr. Dunkelmann has always taken an active interest in the civic affairs of his community and has

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served on the school board and also as township trustee, in both offices giving entire satisfaction to his fellow citizens. Mr. Dnnkelmann has, by his own efforts, overcome every obstacle, and has gained not only a competency, but an honest position in the community where he has lived so many years.

SIDNEY I. BRADRICK.

One of the prominent and successful business men of Ocheyedan, Iowa, is Sidney Bradrick, a real estate and grain dealer. He has proven himself to be a man of force of character and intellect, of keen discernment and able to foresee with remarkable accuracy the future outcome of a present transaction. It is this which makes success possible in the real estate business, and it is this quality which has given Mr. Bradrick his present high standing in his chosen line of business. His notably straightforward methods have gained for him the confidence and good will of all who know him, and he is in every way deserving of the high esteem in which he is held by all classes. He keeps well abreast of the times and never shirks his duty as a citizen of the commonwealth.

Sidney I. Bradrick, the son of William and Henrietta (Aldred) Bradrick, was born at Belle Plaine, Iowa, in 1879. His father was a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in the city of Mansfield, in 1828. He came to O'Brien county, Iowa, in 1879, where he purchased land in Highland township. In 1901 he moved to Osceola county, where he died the same year. His wife was born at Salisbury, North Carolina, in 1838 and died in 1912.

Sidney Bradrick was one of the two children born to his parents and was less than a year old when his parents moved to O'Brien county, consequently practically his whole life has been spent here. He received a good, common school education and remained with his father on the home farm until his death, in 1901. He then farmed for himself until 1905, when he came to Ocheyedan as manager of the elevator company of this place. In 1911 he became the manager of the Roth Implement Company, but a year later he severed his connection with this company and started in the real estate business at Ocheyedan. In addition to handling farm lands through his agency, he buys and sells a considerable amount of grain. He owns the elevator at Allendorf, this county, and is also a stockholder in the elevator at Ocheyedan. He is the owner of five hundred and sixty acres of land in

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Osceola county, on which he has made extensive improvements, so that his farms today are among the most attractive in the county. In addition to his other varied interests, Mr. Bradrick is financially interested in the bank at Allendorf.

Politically, Mr. Bradrick is a Republican with progressive tendencies, and while he keeps well informed on the current issues of the day, yet he has never been an aspirant for any public office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and takes a deep interest in the work of that old fraternal organization. He has always stood for progressive ideas, wholesome living and clean politics, and while his life has been without incident of any unusual nature, yet it shows what can be accomplished by steady and conservative endeavor, coupled with an honesty of purpose.

LINCOLN ADAMS.

Practicallv every state in the Union has furnished citizens for O'Brien county, Iowa, and if it were possible to have a record of the United States census at hand it would probably be shown that at some time in the history of this county there had been residents from every state in the Union. It is not hard to find the reason why men have come from all over the United States to settle in this particular part of the world. Up until a few years ago land could be purchased at a moderate rate in this county, while land which twenty-five years ago was worth thirty dollars an acre is now worth two hundred dollars an acre. The onward march of civilization has brought hundreds of thousands of people from the Eastern states to the states lying beyond the Mississippi river. Much of the prosperity of the Western states is due to the fact that they receive the most ambitious and enterprising citizens of the older states in the East. Lincoln Adams, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Waterman township, was born in Stevenson county, Illinois, on July 4, 1865. His parents were John Quincy and Julia (Van Brocklin) Adams, his father being born in 1831 in Newport Center, Vermont. John Quincy Adams settled in Illinois in 1851, where he engaged in farming until 1902, and then removed to Sutherland, O'Brien county, Iowa, where he lived a retired life until his death, in 1907.

Lincoln Adams was one of nine children, all of whom are now living but two. He received a good common school education in the schools of Illinois and remained at home with his parents and assisted with the work

Picture of MR. AND MRS. LINCOLN ADAMS

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on the farm until he had reaehed his majority. His father then purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Waterman township, O'Brien county, Iowa, for Lincoln, where he began to farm. After living a year or two in Iowa he came back to Illinois and looked after his father's farm until 1901, when he returned to O'Brien county and took charge of the farm which he acquired in 1886. He has put eight thousand dollars worth of improvements on the farm since purchasing it and has now brought it to a high state of efficiency. He raises a considerable amount of live stock, and always makes it a point to keep only the best breed. He found by experience that it pays to keep only pedigreed stock. He has a share in the Farmers Elevator Company, as well as the Co-operative store at Sutherland, two institutions which have been of great benefit to the farmers of Sutherland and community.

Mr. Adams was married in 1898 to Bettie Pickering, and to this marriage have been born two children, Bernice Marie and Harold Quincy, who are still at home with their parents. The Republican party has always claimed the support of Mr. Adams, but although interested in political affairs, he has never taken an active part in local politics. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Brotherhood of American Yeomen and the Modern Woodmen of America, and takes an active interest in the work of these various fraternal organizations. He and his family are loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church and give it their earnest support at all times. In every phase of life's activities since coming to this county, Mr. Adams has been guided by the highest motives and because of his integrity and high personal worth he has earned the commendation of all who know him, and enjoys a large circle of friends and acquaintances in and around the community in which he lives.

FRED ATTIG.

One of the most prominent farmers and business men of Osceola county is Fred Attig, who is of German extraction. He has made a pronounced success in agricultural pursuits since coming to this county and his career is eminently worthy of preservation in the biographical volume of this nature.

Fred Attig was born December 28, 1856, in Woodford county, Illinois, and is the son of Fred and Mary (Schuman) Attig. They were born, reared and married in Germany and came to this country during the summer of

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1856, locating immediately in Woodford county, Illinois. They were the parents of ten children: Catherine, the wife of John Schneider; Fred, whose history is here presented; John; William; George; Crist, whose history is presented elsewhere in this volume; Sarah, the wife of Frank Losher; Margaret, the wife of William Salzman; an infant who died while they were crossing the ocean, and Lena, who died in infancy. They came to this country in a sailing vessel which took fifty-six days to make the trip and the little one who died aboard the ship was buried in the ocean. Fred Attig, Sr.. was a life-long Republican after coming to this country. He had been a Lutheran in the old country, but identified himself with the Evangelical Association in this country. He was always very much interested in church work and took an active part in it. His death occurred May 15, 1894, while his wife died November 19, 1901.

Fred Attig lived at home until he was married and then lived upon a rented farm for ten years. In the spring of 1892 he bought one hundred and sixty acres in section 22, Viola township, and the same year bought another eighty acres adjoining the farm. In 1895 he bought eighty acres and then owned a half section of land, where he has since erected a beautiful ten-room home, one of the most modern country homes of the county. In 1910 he purchased forty acres within the corporation of Sibley which is farmed by his son. He has since sold all of his land except two hundred acres, one hundred and sixty acres of which he still farms.

Mr. Attig was married January 25, 1881, to Mary C. Truckenmiller, who was born in Marion county, Ohio, January 23, 1859, and is the daughter of Michael and Martha (Richerdon) Truckenmiller. Her parents were natives of Germany and have seven children: William F., Charles C.. Edward, Emma, Jesse, Nellie, and Mary, the wife of Mr. Attig. Mr. and Mrs. Attig have two children, Ida May, the wife of Albert T. Newman, a farmer of this county, and Earl E., who married Alma Polly and lives in Sibley. Mr. and Mrs. Newman have one child, Marion, who was born July 26, 1904. Earl E. and wife have one son, Frederick, born July 8. 1909.

Mr. Attig had always been a stanch Republican until 1912. when he allied himself with the new Progressive party. He has had a remarkable career since coming to this county and has been township trustee for the past eighteen years and school director for a great many years also. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and have always taken an active part in church work. Mr. Attig has made a specialty of Shorthorn cattle, but is now practically retired from an active cattle business. His wife has always been very much interested in the raising of chickens and has had

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some of the finest White Plymouth Rock and Rhode Island chickens to be found in the county. Mr. Attig is one of the leading citizens of Viola township and is well and favorably known throughout the length and breadth of Osceola county. He is charitable and generous, and no man is more highly esteemed in his community than he.

HENRY C. HASS.

Any person who will investigate the facts in the case will be surprised to learn of the great number of people of Germanic descent now living in the United States. Unquestionably the greatest number of emigrants reaching the shores of the new world come from that nation, and statistics show that there is more Germanic blood in the United States than any other. This being a fact it is easy to account for the prosperity and morality of this country. Not only that, but it will afford an explanation of the love of learning shown by the people of this vast nation. Germany is famous the world over for its remarkable universities, for its educated men, for its poets and philosophers, and for the industry, patience, intelligence, morality and sturdiness of its citizens. These qualities have been brought to this country by the immigrants, and are now part and parcel of our wonderful nation ‐ its progress in domestic economy, its advancement in every branch of material improvement and its love of country and home.

Henry C. Hass, a retired farmer of Sutherland, O'Brien county, Iowa, was born in Germany in 1856 and is the son of Otto and Lucy (Plies) Hass. Otto Hass was born in Germany in 1818 and lived there until his death in 1885. His wife was born in 1817 and after her husband's death she came to O'Brien county in 1887 and lived with her son, Henry, until her death in 1892. Otto Hass and wife were the parents of five children, the four oldest never leaving their native land: Mrs. Dora Buack. deceased; Mrs. Mary Schrader; August; Mrs. Sophia Paul, and Henry C., whose life history is here briefly reviewed.

Henry C. Hass received a good education in his native land and remained in his native country until he was twenty-nine years of age, then came to this country and went overland to O'Brien county, where he worked as a day laborer for three years. Later he rented one hundred and sixty acres of land and in three years purchased eighty acres which he farmed until two years ago, when he retired from active life and moved to Sutherland. He

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still owns the farm, which is now managed hy his son. Mr. Hass was a farmer who followed up-to-date methods in his agriculture and in addition to raising the crops which are found in this locality, he added not a little to his annual income by the sale of stock which he raised upon his farm.

Mr. Hass was married twuce, his first wife being Eleser Ehleis. The first marriage occurred in 1884 and the wife died five years later. One child, Henry W., was born to the first marriage and and he is now managing his father's farm. In 1903 Mr. Hass was married to Augusta Radker, who was born in 1863.

Since acquiring the right to vote in this country, Mr. Hass has supported the Republican ticket in state and national elections. He has taken an active interest in political affairs and the various civic affairs which came up in his township particularly. The citizens have elected him road supervisor and school director and in both of these positions he has rendered efficient service, not only to those who elected him, but to the other citizens of the township. Fraternaly, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and takes an interest in the various activities of this fraternal organization. He and his wife are zealous members of the German Lutheran church and render it their hearty support at all times. Mr. Hass is a plain and unassuming man, straightforward in all his relations of life, and by his clean and wholesome method of living since coming to this county has won a host of friends who admire him for his many good qualities.

ALEXANDER GILKINSON.

Alexander Gilkinson was born in Ireland in 1850 and died in Sibley, September 10, 1909. He grew to manhood in the land of his birth and there

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received a verv meager education. When nineteen years of age he came to this country and first settled in Grant county, Wisconsin, where he was employed for five years by a live stock shipper. In 1875 he came to Osceola county, Iowa, and homesteaded on section 48, in Goewey townsnip. He built a small house and started to improve the farm at the time the grasshoppers were swarming this section of the state. In 1878 he returned to Wisconsin and married, bringing his wife back with him to the homestead in this county. They continued to reside in this small house for the first fifteen years of their life in the county and then built a much larger and more convenient dwelling. The original homestead contained one hundred and sixty acres and to this he added more land so that at the time of his death he owned one of the finest farms in the township. His widow still owns the old homestead farm and keeps it in a fine state of repair, so that it at all times it presents a very attractive appearance.

Mr. Gilkinson was married in 1878 to Helen Thornton. She was born June 6, 1855, in Scotland and came with her parent's, John and Anna (McDonald) Thornton, to this country when she was only eighteen months of age. Her parents settled in Grant county, Wisconsin, where they are still living at an advanced age. Her father was born August 3, 1823, and is now ninety-one years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Gilkinson reared a family of three children: Pearl, the wife of George Kraft, a merchant and postmaster at Melvin, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Kraft have two children, Edna Myrtle and Elsie Ellen. Roy N., the only son of Mr. and Mrs. Gilkinson. lives at Des Moines, Iowa. The third child is Mrs. Freda Townsend, of Murdo, South Dakota. She has one daughter, Margaret May.

Mr. Gilkinson was a Republican in politics and served in many official capacities during his busy career. He served as school director and scnool treasurer of Goewey township, as well as serving a term as trustee of the township. He was also a member of the county supervisory board for a number of years, being a member when the present handsome court house was erected. Religiouslv. Mr. Gilkinson was originallv a Presbyterian. but while living in the country he and his familv attended the Methodist church and after moving to Sibley they were attendants of the Congregational church. Mr. Gilkinson was one of the pioneers of this county and lived to see it emerge from a broad and barren prairie to its present prosperous condition. He has had his full share in the development of his local community and never shirked any burden which came his way. He lived a life which will remain as a credit to himself and an honor to his family and friends.

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HENRY L. BANGERT.

The word success is susceptible of several interpretations; it does not necessarily mean the mere accumulation of wealth, for if it did the man who gains his wealth dishonestly might be said to be a successful man. In the best sense of the term, the successful man is he who lives such a life that the community is the better for his having lived in it. He may never become wealthy; in fact, he may die poor, yet when the last judgment is rendered the honest man, though he be poor, will be accounted more successful than the dishonest man with his millions. He who carries his name unspotted before the world and at the same time performs his duty as a public-spirited citizen and takes his full share of the burdens of the community is a citizen who is the backbone of our nation. Such a man is Henry L. Bangert, merchant of Melvin, Iowa, and the present assessor of his township.

Henry L. Bangert, the son of Charles and Anna Bangert, was born in Jackson county. Iowa, in 1881. His father was a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in the latter country in 1846, while his mother was born in the same country ten years later. His parents coming to this country, settled in Osceola county, Iowa, in 1888, where his father engaged in farming until 1912, at which time he retired to Ashton, where he is now living.

Henry L. Bangert received a good common school education and, since he was one of twelve children, he early started to work for himself. He married at the age of twenty-four and immediately began farming on a rented farm. Three years later he came to Melvin and bought a half interest in a general mercantile establishment in that city. The firm of which he is a member has a large and lucrative business in the surrounding community. In addition to his interests in this store, Mr. Bangert has a share in the Farmers Elevator Company at Melvin.

Mr. Bangert was married in 1904 to Katherine Collins, who was born in New York city in 1884. He and his wife are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church and give to it their active support in various ways at all times. Politically. Mr. Bangert is now classed with that large and intelligent group of men who are known as independents. He is progressive in his inclinations and votes for those men at election who he feels are the best qualified for the respective offices for which they are aspiring. His example is worthy of emulation and if there were more independent voters many of the political evils of our country would soon be eliminated. The only office

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which Mr. Bangert has ever held is the one which he is now holding, that of town assessor. He is now discharging the duties of his second term and is giving universal satisfaction because of his kindness and courtesy in this important office. Mr. Bangert is a courteous and pleasant gentleman to know, obliging, generous, plain and unassuming, a man who has kept well abreast of the times, politically and materially, as well as in the world of science and invention. Such men are a help to the community in which they live, and for this reason he is eminently entitled to representation in this series of biographical memoirs.

MENNO S. GOLE.

One of the leading citizens and business men of Ocheyedan, Iowa, and a man of many personal traits is Menno S. Gole. He is a man who has believed that, while advancing his own interests, it was his duty to be kind and considerate toward his neighbors and associates and to further any laudable enterprise which promised for the welfare of his community. For eighteen years he has been a resident of Ocheytdan and in that time his fellow citizens have had the opportunity to read his character and the fact that he is held in such high esteem by them proves that he has lived a clean and wholesome life.

Menno S. Gole, the son of Jacob and Katherine (Schoemaker) Gole, was born in Ontario, Canada, in 1868. Jacob Gole was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1819 and left Germany with his parents when he was ten years old and settled in Canada. His wife was born in Pennsylvania in 1829 and died in 1912. Jacob Gole came to Ocheyedan, Iowa, in 1904 and is now the oldest living man in the county, having reached the advanced age of ninety- five. He and his wife were the parents of eight children, all of whom are still living but one.

Menno S. Gole was given a good common school education in the schools of Canada and at the age of seventeen began farming for himself. After spending eight years upon the farm, he decided that the mercantile profession offered better opportunities for his material advancement. Accordingly, he came to Ocheyedan, Iowa, in 1896 and purchased a general merchandise store, which he has managed continuously since that time. He carries a large and varied assortment of goods and has built up a large and lucrative trade in Ocheyedan and the surrounding community. By his court-

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eous treatment of his customers and his strict honesty in all his dealings he has won the confidence of the people and thus has secured the success of his undertaking. In addition to his mercantile interests he owns four hundred and eighty acres of land in Canada, from which he receives a handsome

income each year. Mr. Gole was married in 1898 to Rosa Pank, who was born in Stillwater, Minnesota, in 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Gole have two children, a son, Austin, who is still with his parents, and one daughter, Maxine. The Republican party has always claimed the support of Mr. Gole and, while never an active participant in political affairs, he has never shirked his duty as a public-spirited citizen. He has served on the council of his city and while in that capacity advocated every measure which he felt would benefit his city. He and his wife are loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man of strong character, whose success indicates the possession of good business judgment. He is widely known throughout the community and wherever known is well liked and esteemed. His life history since coming to this county has been such as to win for him the hearty approval of his fellow citizens.

FRANCIS L. BIDWELL.

The family name which forms the caption of this article is one which is widely and favorably known and has for many years past been prominently identified with the growth and development of this section of the country. Many of the sturdy pioneers of the great Middle West, who placed the stamp of their own personalities upon the early growth of this favored community , have lived to see their sons, and occasionally their sons' sons, following valiantly in their footsteps, each pressing onward to the goal of what is highest and best in community life in his particular day and age. One such excellent family is that to which the reader's attention is now directed.

Francis L. Bidwell, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born on April 27. 1843, in Chautauqua county, New York, the son of Daniel B. and Maria (Howland) Bidwell, both natives of the same county, the former born March 23, 1797, and the latter on September 20, 1804. Daniel Bidwell was a lumberman and a flour miller, vocations which he followed in his native state. Desiring to become identified with the pioneer life of what

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then seemed the far West, he, in 1854, came westward into Wisconsin and engaged in farming, there remaining until his death in 1861. He left a widow and children, only one of whom (the immediate subject of this sketch) is now living. The widow lived to a good old age, passing away in 1889. There had originally been seven children in the family.

Francis L. Bidwell worked on the homestead in Wisconsin when a boy and in 1862, early in the conflict between the North and South, he enlisted as a private in Company C, Twenty-fifth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered out of service on June 7, 1865. He enlisted at Lancaster, Wisconsin, and was in Washington. D. C at the time he was mustered out, and between these two points his company had marched over seven thousand miles, passing through fifteen states. Their first service was in suppressing the Indian uprisings in Minnesota and later they saw service in several skirmishes on the firing line in the South.

After the close of the war, Mr. Bidwell returned to his home in Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming, settling on a tract of three hundred and twenty acres which he owned. After several years' residence in that state and not being wholly satisfied with the conditions which he encountered, he in 1880 disposed of his holdings there and came into O'Brien county, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres in Liberty township. Here he proceeded to make extensive improvements in various ways. In addition to the work done on buildings, he set out nine acres in grove and orchard and proceeded to get his affairs well under way for carrying on an extensive business. He built his residence during the winter, while there was two feet of snow on the ground. He is extensively connected with the raising, buying and shipping of live stock. He is known as an extensive feeder and at one time was feeding one thousand head of cattle, six hundred head of sheep and three hundred hogs. Altogether, Mr. Bidwell owns six hundred and forty acres of land, located in O'Brien and Clay counties, and in addition to the management of this land and the time devoted to the live stock business, he also finds time for other business connections. He is vice-president of the O'Brien County Fair Association, being one of the first and most enthusiastic promoters of same. He is also a shareholder in the Farmers Elevator Company of Sutherland and is also interested in the Co-operative store of the same place.

Mr. Bidwell has been twice married, first to Margaret Prichett, who was born January 24, 1844, and to whom he was united in 1867. She was a native of Grant county, Wisconsin, and died in 1901 at Sutherland. She

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was the mother of seven children, three of whom, Eli, Ora (Mrs. C. Eaton) and Delbert, are deceased. Delbert met his death by drowning. Those living are Olive, wife of J. Hockert, of Sutherland; Oscar, who is engaged in farming in the state of Montana; Everett, also engaged in farming in the same state. He is a dentist by profession, being a graduate of the dental college located at Iowa City. The other son is Lester, of whom more will be stated later on in this article. After the death of the first Mrs. Bidwell, the subject was, in 1905, united in marriage with Mrs. Martha L. Banks, a widow, born in New York state in 1842. She passed from this life in 1912, no children having resulted from this union.

Mr. Bidwell's political affiliation is with the Republican party and he has evinced more than a passing interest in the affairs of his party in local matters. He has served Liberty township both as clerk and assessor, township trustee, road superintendent and school director, and for six years was a member of the town board of Sutherland. He has, with a spirit of cheerfulness, assumed these various duties, bringing his native sagacity and judgment to bear upon the discharge of same and ever keeping in mind the best interests of the commonwealth. His fraternal affiliations are with the Independent Order of Odd Eellows and the time-honored body of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Bidwell is a man of marked traits of character and great native ability and his influence on the various phases of community life have been far-reaching and of the best. While primarily seeking to advance his own financial interests, he has done much to improve the general tone of business in his locality, being of valuable assistance to those of lesser means and ability than himself. In striving for success in his various enterprises he has so ordered his business principles and manner of life as to also win for himself the confidence and respect of those with whom he came into contact through business connections as well as those with whom he has met only in a social way. He is one of those stalwart characters so essential to the best growth and development of a community, and in his son Lester, whose interests are prominently identified with this same locality, the community points to a worthy son of an excellent father.

Lester Bidwell was born in 1886, being a native of O'Brien county, in the district schools of which his education was received. He remained under the parental roof until coming of age, when he engaged in the restaurant business in Sutherland. This enterprise claimed his time and attention for two years, when he disposed of it and purchased a livery business, with which he has since been identified. He keeps twelve to fifteen rigs for the accommodation of his patrons and in addition to this he buys and sells a

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great number of horses and mules. He also owns three excellent business lots in the town of Sutherland. In 1909 he was united in marriage with Dora Johannsen, who was born in 1886, and to their union have been born two children, one of whom died in early infancy. The other, a son, Bernard, is a fine promising child.

Lester's fraternal affiliation is held with the Knights of Pythias, through their local society at Sutherland and in the workings of this order he takes a commendable interest. While still a young man, he gives promise of becoming a man of broad influence in the community as the years pass by, already evincing an interest in all that pertains to the best good of the community

HUMPHREY HENDERSON.

The people of Irish descent who have made Osceola county their permanent residence are found among the most highly honored and respected citizens of their respective communities. Without exception, they are men of industry, integrity and genuine worth. Among the sons of Irish descent who are now prosperous citizens of this county there is no one who is more worthy of mention than Humphrey Henderson, the manager of the elevator company at Ocheyedan. By his earnest and persistent life since coming to this county he has earned the warm regard of all who have been associated with him. Efficient in the business which he is managing and honest in his dealings with the many patrons of the company, he has earned the high standing which he enjoys in Ocheyedan and the surrounding territory.

Humphrey Henderson, the son of Thomas and Anna (Smith) Henderson, was born in Canada in 1861. His parents were both born in Ireland, the father being born in 1834 and the mother in 1838. They were born, reared and married in the land of their birth, and came to the New World and settled in Canada, where they live until 1864. They then moved to Wisconsin, where they resided until their death, both passing away in the same year, 1904. They were the parents of five children, four of whom are still living.

Humphrey Henderson was three of age when his parents left Canada and settled in Wisconsin. He received a very meager education and when only nine years of age started out to work by day's labor. For several years he worked on the farm and then clerked in a general merchandise store for a time. For a number of years he worked at different occupations, but

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finally came to Osceola county, Iowa, and began to work for the elevator company of Ocheyedan. He has worked for this company for the past thirteen years and is now manager of the elevator, a position which carries with it no small responsibility. Since coming to this city he has taken a part in the civic affairs of the community and has given his support to all measures which were for the advancement of the welfare of the community.

Mr. Henderson was married in 1897 to Anna Stouts, who was born in Dewitt county, Illinois, in 1865. To this union have been born three children: Mrs. Nina Woodroth, of Ocheyedan; Mrs. Edna Kervy, of Ocheyedan, and Marshall, of South Dakota. Politically, Mr. Henderson has always been identified with the Republican party and takes an active interest in political affairs. He has served on the council of the city of Ocheyedan, and while in that office he advocated every measure which would assist the city in any way. He and his family are loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church and give it their hearty support at all times. Fraternally, Mr. Henderson is a member of the Knights of Pythias. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have their own home in Ocheyedan, where they dispense genuine hospitality to their many friends and acquaintances. Mr. Henderson is a man of genial personality and is well and favorably known throughout this section of the county.

BERTH SCHNURR.

The many German settlers of O'Brien county, Iowa, have been important factors in the material, moral and intellectual advancement of the county. The townships which have been honored by their citizenship have found them among the most enterprising and successful of their citizens. Nearly all of them came to this country with no asset except a willingness to work, combined with those strong characteristics of thrift and honesty. Berth Schnurr is a typical example of the self-made German farmer who has made himself a prosperous citizen by the application of these same principles.

Berth Schnurr was born in Germany in 1859 and is the son of Andrew and Katherine Schnurr. His mother died in Germany and his father later came to this country and settled in Illinois. Berth Schnurr was one of three children born to his parents and left his native land when he was twenty- two years of age. He first settled in Freeport, Illinois, and worked by the month on a farm for seven years in that state and then came to O'Brien

Picture of MR. AND MRS. BERTH SCHNURR

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county, Iowa, having been married in Illinois, and rented land in Liberty township. In 1889 he purchased eighty acres of land in Caledonia township and three years later sold it at a good profit. He then purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Baker township, where he is now living. He has improved the farm in such a way as to increase its value and at the same time it yields a large return in crops. He has had many discouragements in his farming experience, but by energetic work and economy he has weathered these various obstacles and has gotten ahead in his financial affairs. His success shows that he was wise in deciding to make agriculture his life industry after coming to this country, for in this line of endeavor he has achieved a pronounced success and is today numbered among the representative agriculturists of O'Brien county. He carries on a general line of farming, raises all of the crops common to this locality and also gives considerable attention to the breeding and raising of live stock for the market. Mr. Schnurr was married at Freeport, Illinois, in 1886, to Louise Fisher, who was born in Germany in 1866. To this union have been born the following children: Joseph, Herman, Berth, Henry and Anna; two other children are deceased. Politically, Mr. Schnurr is affiliated with the Democratic party, but has never been an aspirant for any public office. He and his family are loyal members of the Catholic church and render it such assistance as is within their power. In all of his affairs in this county Mr. Schnurr has succeeded, because his career has been characterized by sound judgment and untiring energy. He has given his personal attention to every detail in his farm work and therefore has been regarded as a man of high agricultural intellect. He has labored to keep abreast of the times in every respect, and as a result every mile post through the years he has passed has found him further advanced, more prosperous and with an increased number of friends.

GEORGE A. ROMEY.

The gentleman whose history is here briefly presented needs no introduction to the people of Osceola county, since all of the forty years of his career have been spent within its limits. He has devoted his career not only to the prospering of his own interests but also to the welfare of the community at large. As an honorable representative of one of the esteemed families of this county, and as a gentleman of high character and worthy ambitions, he has filled no small place in the history of his county. As

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cashier of the First National Bank of Melvin, he has made his impress upon the business life of his community and is rightly regarded as one of the representative men of his county. He is a splendid type of the intelligent, up-to-date, self-made American in the full sense of the term, a man of the people and with their interests at heart. As a citizen he is progressive and abreast of the times in all that concerns the common weal.

George A. Romey, the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Romey, was born October 6, 1874, in Osceola county, Iowa, on a farm in Goewey township. His father was one of the pioneers of this county, and homesteaded his farm in Goewey township. Later he was engaged in the mercantile business in Sibley. George A. Romey graduated from the Sibley high school and later from Morningside College at Sioux City, Iowa. After graduating from college he was engaged in the mercantile business with his father at Sibley, for a time, and then became assistant cashier of the bank at Ashton, this county. In 1900 he located in Melvin as cashier of the bank in that place.

The first bank organized in Melvin, Iowa, was known as the Bank of Melvin and was organized by H. L. Emmet and George A. Romey in 1900. The following year Townsend and Locke organized the First National Bank of Melvin and in 1906 it was purchased by Emmet and Romey. The present officers of the bank are as follows: President, J. Fred Mattert; vice-president, W. F. Steiner; cashier, George A. Romey; assistant cashier, Arthur M. Evans, and W. F. Steiner, H. L. Emmert, George A. Romey, J. Fred Mattert and Arthur M. Evans, directors. At the present time the bank has a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars, with a surplus of five thousand dollars, and undivided profits of three thousand five hundred dollars and deposits of one hundred and seventy thousand dollars. It is gradually growing in strength and importance in the community, due to the confidence the people have in its board of directors and officers. It is in the midst of a rich farming district, from which it draws its patronage.

Mr. Romey was married in 1897 to Nelle Hickok, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Hickok. Her father is proprietor of the Osceola House at Sibley. To this union there have been born three children, Harold, Alice and Richard.

Politically, Mr. Romey is a Republican, but owing to the heavy demands which his business makes upon his time he has never felt that he had the time to indulge in politics to any great extent. He and the members of his family are adherents of the Methodist Episcopal church, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Mr. Romey is a man of keen business ability and, in addition to his banking interests,

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has invested largely in Osceola county land. At the present time he is the owner of sixteen hundred acres of good farming land in the county, which he rents to responsible tenants. He and his wife have a fine modern home in Melvin, where they dispense hospitality with a generous hand. The success which has attended the efforts of Mr. Romey have been due to his keen intelligence and his persistent energy and these excellent qualities, together with his genial manner, have won for him the confidence and esteem of his fellow citizens.

ROHLF FRUHLING.

Ancestry does not count for more than personal worth, but it is often a guarantee of the latter. The casual reader of the history of Rohlf Fruhling cannot help but feel that he is a descendant of a worthy father and mother. Rohlf Fruhling and his father have led eminently honorable and industrious lives and have never shirked from their duties when worthy movements were proposed for the public good.

Rohlf Fruhling, a stock buyer and shipper of Sibley, Iowa, was born February 29, 1870, in Friesland, Germany, and is the son of Andrew and Elsie Katrina (Frederickson) Fruhling. Andrew Fruhling was born in Germany August 27, 1831, and is still living with his son Rohlf in Sibley. In 1882 Andrew Fruhling and his family, consisting of his wife, two sons and four daughters, came to this country and settled in Champaign county, Illinois. Ten years later they moved to Osceola county and settled on a farm in West Holman township, where they lived until 1907, when they moved to Sibley, where the mother died July 2, 1912. Andrew Fruhling and wife were the parents of nine children: Mrs. Lizzie Smith, born January 29, 1868, and died in 1889; Mrs. Kate Erdmans, of Concordia, Missouri; Frederick, died September 19, 1895; Mrs. Jennie Harberts. of Brewster, Minnesota; Mrs. Christina Kruger, of Little Rock, Iowa; Mrs. Carry Bruns, of Sibley, Iowa; Mrs. Hannah Grimm, of Long Beach, California; Mrs. Reka Wublena, of Foreston, Illinois, and Rohlf, whose history forms the theme of this narrative.

Rohlf Fruhling was twelve years of age when his parents came to this country, consequently he had already received some elementary schooling in his native land. He received very little in this country, due to the fact that he came here without any knowledge whatever of the English language. He continued to reside at home until his marriage in the fall of 1912, although he began farming for himself in 1895. In 1907 he became interested in the live

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stock business and has continued to buy and sell stock since that time. He now handles about one hundred and twenty-five car loads of stock annually, most of which is purchased in this county. He has also bought and sold considerable land the past few years and now owns three hundred acres in Osceola county, and one hundred and sixty acres at Worthington, Minnesota.

Mr. Fruhling was married December 4, 1912, to Etta Frey, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dirk Frey. Mr. and Mrs. Fruhling have a fine home in the eastern part of Sibley where they extend hospitalities to their numerous friends and acquaintances. Politically, Mr. Fruhling is a member of the Republican party, although he voted for Woodrow Wilson in the fall of 1912. Religiously, he and his wife are members of the German Reformed church and render it their earnest support at all times. Mr. Fruhling has always taken an active interest in work of the county and town and has always stood for those measures which might in any way benefit the community in which he lives.

BENJAMIN JONES.

We who live in a Christian era and during an age when men are better morally and intellectually, and are possessed of a wider and more intimate knowledge of the world's affairs than in past ages, are somewhat inclined to take a philosophic view of misfortunes which are visited upon us. When one near and dear to us is called away from his hearth and home to lie down in the bosom of Mother Earth and his immortal soul is wafted upward and onward to the heavenly realms of which man knoweth not, except from Holy Writ, there to be embraced by his Creator and to meet with a just reward, we cannot help but feel an ineffable sadness sweeping over our souls because of our great loss and we grieve deeply that never more on this earth shall we see his kindly visage or be able to profit from his wise, fatherly advice, nor sit at his feet imbibing of the stores of his wisdom, garnered from a long and fmitful life with his fellow beings here. The demise of Benjamin Jones, pioneer settler of O'Brien county, and the first citizen of the city of Sheldon, while not unexpected, came as a profound shock to his family and the community in which he was so widely and favorably known. The county in which he was such an important factor likewise misses him and his absence leaves an aching void in the hearts of loving relatives and friends which time alone

Picture of BENJAMIN JONES.

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can heal, but which the passing years can never wholly efface. His life was a just and diligent one: he was truly an honest man, high minded and of sterling integrity; he was a strong man among a race of virile pioneers. We are apt to remember a fitting phrase which can be applied to the passing of this character from our midst, and in the words of the apostle quote, "O death, where is thy sting; O grave, where is thy victory?"

Benjamin Jones was a pioneer. To the mind of the historian or biographer the term "pioneer" appeals with a logic and force which latterday annals do not inspire. It invites new investigations which are productive of a wealth of historical material that inspires the general reader as no other records can. To have been a pioneer and one of the great and noble army of men who live created a wealthy and prosperous community out of a raw prairie wilderness is the height of successful attainment. The aged pioneer belongs in a class of his own creation. Around him and his cluster the memories of bygone halcyon days when the wilderness awaited the magic touch of the empire builders from the East, whose optimism and mighty endeavors have transformed the virgin lands into a smiling landscape of productive farms and beautiful towns and cities. Benjamin Jones, of whom these words are transcribed, was the pioneer settler of the city of Sheldon and an early settler of O'Brien county, who enjoyed the esteem and universal respect of his neighbors and fellow citizens. In many ways he was tenderly regarded as the oracle and final authority on the happenings which took place after his first advent into the vicinity of Sheldon. He was the first and oldest living settler of the city. His prestige was not based in its entirety upon his pioneer experiences but his career was a long and honored one in mercantile lines. He ranked high as one of the most substantial and the kindliest of the citizens of Sheldon.

Benjamin Jones was born June 15, 1833, on a farm in Oneida county. New York. He was the son of John J. and Margaret (Pritchard) Jones, who were natives of Anglesey, Wales. They emigrated to America in 1830 and settled in Oneida county, New York. John J. Jones was a millwright by trade and located in the city of Chicago in 1836. In 1841 he came to Des Moines county, Iowa, where he tilled a large farm. John J. Jones died on August 12, 1855. His wife, Margaret, died September 4, 1854. They were the parents of the following children: Edward Jones, Mrs. Jane Lewis, Mrs. Elinor Williams, Mrs. Ann Jones, William P. Jones, Joseph F. and Benjamin. It is recorded of John J. Jones that he was a pronounced Whig in politics and in his native land belonged to the Independent Order

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of Odd Fellows. He was a member of the Congregational chnrch. He was instrumental in bringing a large number of Welsh settlers to the vicinity of Des Moines county when the Welsh settlement was created. A church was instituted by the Welsh immigrants and Elder Jones was constituted their virtual leader.

Benjamin Jones spent his boyhood days on the farm and received his education in the local schools and in the city of St. Louis. In 1851 he journeyed to Wausau, Wisconsin, and engaged in the lumber industry for a period of twenty years. He had charge of a very large force of men, being foreman of the crews engaged in the mills and logging operations in the virgin forests of Wisconsin. He was also pilot of the fleets rafted down the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers to St. Louis, where the lumber was sold. During his residence in Wausau he took an active part in civic affairs and was a member of the first council in the city of Wausau. He erected one of the first dwelling houses in the city. In 1869 he made a purchase of land in Buena Vista county, Iowa. In 1870 he located in Cherokee and was engaged in the lumber and grain business for two years, coming to Sheldon in 1872. He was in fact the first settler of the new town and built the first dwelling house and the first warehouse. He engaged in the business of retailing and wholesaling grain, coal, machinery and live stock. A few months later he formed a partnership with E. F. Parkhurst, and was senior member of the firm of Jones & Parkhurst for eighteen years, when Mr. Parkhurst went west. Mr. Jones built the first grain elevator in Sheldon in 1878. He built, in all. three elevators, one on the Omaha road, one on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul, and one on the Illinois Central railroad, as they were completed through the city. The firm conducted the largest grain business west of the Mississippi river at that time, having elevators in the town of Sanborn, O'Brien county, and also in Boyden and Calliope, in Sioux county. His activities have been varied and he has participated in many other business ventures which have become prosperous fixtures in the city. He was one of the original organizers of the Sheldon Bank and served as its president for several years. He served his county as supervisor for four terms of three years each, twelve years in all. Mr. Jones was the first school director of Sheldon and served as president of the school board for some years. He resided at the time of his death in the original home, which he erected when he came to Sheldon. He retired from active participation in business affairs in 1893.

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Politically, Mr. Jones had long- been allied with the Republican party and had always taken an active part in political affairs, having been a delegate to several state and county conventions of his party at various times. Mr. Jones was fraternally allied with the various Masonic bodies, being a member of the blue lodge, Royal Arch chapter, Knights Templar, and the Mystic Shrine. He was also a member of the Knights of Pythias.

Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Margaret Edwards, of Morning Sun, Iowa, in 1861. His wife survives him and has the great distinction of having been the first woman resident of Sheldon and is at present the oldest living settler of the city. Despite her long and active life through the pioneer days, she is still hale, hearty and active, and takes a deep interest in every-day affairs. In the year 1911 Mr. and Mrs. Jones celebrated their golden wedding anniversary, an honor which falls to but few couples in a lifetime. Four children were born to them. One died in infancy, while the three surviving children are: Mrs. Margaret L. Egert, of Upton, Wyoming; Nellie Jones, of Sheldon, both graduates of St. Mary's College, Prairie Du Chien. Miss Nellie taught in the Sheldon high school for a period of eighteen years and was county superintendent of O'Brien county for sexven years; Dr. Edward Frank Jones, formerly a student of Notre Dame University, a graduate of Rush Medical College, of Chicago, and now a practicing physician in South Dakota.

Benjamin Jones passed away at his home in Sheldon, May 27, 1914, at the age of eighty years, eleven months and twelve days. His mortal remains were laid away in East Lawn cemetery on the Sunday afternoon following his demise. The funeral services were held at the residence, on the lawn and under the trees which he had planted. Rev. John McClain, pastor of the Congregational church, preached the sermon, being assisted by Dr. J. J. Bushnell, pastor of the Methodist church. The service was attended by a great body of people, many being present from the country and nearby towns. At the conclusion of the religious services the remains were taken to the cemetery, where the beautiful Masonic burial service was given. Mr. Jones had been a member of the Masonic fraternity fifty years, serving as treasurer of the Sheldon lodge for twenty-five years. His membership in Malta lodge, Knights of Pythias, dated from the time of its organization in the city, he being a charter member, and he had been custodian of its funds for twenty-three years. He was also a member of the Eastern Star and Pythian Sisters. Large delegations of the members of each of the orders were present and all attested to their love and esteem and respect for the de-

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ceased by placing sprigs of green on the casket. Doctor Brackney, past master of Mistletoe Lodge, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, had charge of the Masonic burial service and it was given in a most impressive manner. One hundred and fifty Masons, members of the Sheldon, Primghar, Sanborn, Hull and other nearby lodges, and also large delegations of Knights of Pythias, Eastern Star and Pythian Sisters, followed the remains of their deceased brother to his last resting place. The services from beginning to end were beautiful and impressive and the floral offerings by friends and local orders were numerous.

Thus closed a life well spent in deeds of usefulness and kindness. This aged and highly respected pioneer enjoyed the sunset of his declining years, surrounded bv comforts and ministered to by his faithful wife and loving daughters. He was the first and oldest citizen of the city which he had seen develop from the dwelling he built into one of the wealthiest and most beautiful cities in western Iowa. Honors to him to whom honors are due.

Benjamin Jones was a man of essentially sterling qualities. He proved true to his inheritance and all through his life developed the powers of a character which was his by inheritance and birthright. His actions were honest because lie was honest in heart and he was never known to have been connected with a dishonest or dishonorable action. He used this inherent quality not only in his business affairs but throughout his entire life. He interpreted honestly his conceptions of life's duties and was likewise honest in his interpretations of the opportunities which came to him in the various activities of life. A man of far-seeing judgment, he foresaw the possibilities of development of this northwest country and was a leader in building for the future, and lived to see his broadest dreams come true. He was a natural leader but an unobtrusive one, who never sought official preferment. Political and civic honors came to him as the natural result of the recognition by his friends and fellow citizens of his possessing the necessary qualifications which make for the accomplishment of desirable results. His friendships were deep seated and strong.

The desire of the human race since time immemorial has been for a future existence beyond the tomb. This desire has been the buoyant hope and solace of humans for all time and will continue to be for aeons to come. Benjamin Jones truly and faithfully believed in immortality and that He who perished on Calvary would gather his spirit unto his bosom in the hereafter.