months. He then went into business for himself by establishing a novelty store, and gradually increasing his stock until he had a general merchandise store. He then disposed of this business, and, in partnership with Edward Ewoldt, purchased the general merchandise store of Williams Brothers. The firm of Ewoldt & Vogel prospered for fifteen years, and in 1911 they sold to the Lemke Brothers. Mr. Vogel then opened a shoe store in Hartley and has continued to manage this business up until the present time. He carries a complete stock of the latest styles in shoes and has his full share of the patronage of Hartley and vicinity.
Mr. Vogel was married January 1, 1883, to Elizabeth Steeptelon, who was born in 1862, in Mahaska county, Iowa, and to this marriage have been born four children: Mary, the wife of H. C. Guenther, of North Dakota; Lessie, the wife of W. F. Arrowsmith, of Melvin, Iowa; Lucile and William D., who are still in school.
Politically, Mr. Vogel is a member of the Progressive party, or, rather, he is an independent in politics with progressive tendencies. He takes an active interest in all public affairs and has been a member of the council of the city of Hartley for four years. In his religious relations he is found affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, while, fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order and the Yeomen. Mr. Vogel is a man of education and has the command of seven languages. German was the language of his parents, and to this he has added six other languages, an accomplishment which is little short of remarkable. In every relation of life Mr. Vogel has conducted himself as a true American citizen, taking his full part in the public affairs of the day and throwing his influence to all measures which are calculated to benefit his community.
JOHN C. MANSMITH.
A retired farmer and stockman of Hartley, O'Brien county, Iowa, who has long been identified with the agricultural and business life of this county, is John C. Mansmith. A residence of more than twenty-five years in this county has given him a reputation for honesty and strict integrity which has made him a man of prominence in his community.
John C. Mansmith was born in 1866 in Ohio, the son of Anthony and Amanda (Oswald) Mansmith. Anthony Mansmith was also a native of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred there in 1829, and he followed the
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trade of a cabinet-maker. In 1869 he came to Marshall county, Iowa, where he purchased two hundred and forty acres of unimproved land. After improving this land and greatly increasing its value, he sold it and bought another quarter section, which he farmed until his retirement in 1876. He then moved to Hartley, O'Brien county, where he is now living at the advanced age of eighty-five years. He was married to Amanda Oswald, who was born in Ohio in 1822, and to this marriage have been born two children. Levi, deceased, and John C. whose life history is here presented.
John C. Mansmith received a good, common school education in the schools of Marshall county, Iowa, and when thirteen years of age he came to Iowa and settled in Marshall county. In 1887 he came to O'Brien county, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres which he improved and then sold at a handsome profit, after which he purchased the west one-half of section 35, which he still owns. He has placed ten thousand dollars worth of improvements on the farm since he became the owner of it, including buildings of all kinds, fencing, drainage and groves of fruit and forest trees. He has always kept a high grade of live stock, and has made a specialty of the breeding of Hereford cattle. He is now the owner of three hundred and fourteen acres of excellent farm land, besides four acres in lots in the city of Hartley.
Mr. Mansmith was married in 1874 to Julia Anna Paul, the daughter of David and Sarah (Runkle) Paul, and who was born in Illinois in 1852. David Paul was born August 20, 1829, was a native of Germany, and was a farmer in Pennsylvania for many years. He died February 11, 1901. He was married to Sarah Runkle in 1857, in the state of Indiana, and to this union were born ten children, all of whom, except two, Mrs. Mary C. Beye and Mrs. Ida M. Martin, are living in Marshall county, Iowa. The eight children who are living in Iowa are as follows: James I., William H., John R., George E., Fred, Charles C. and David H.
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Mansmith are the parents of eleven children: Mrs. Sarah Williams, who lives in Hartley, Iowa; Wilbur, of this county; John E., who is farming on the old home place; Mrs. Cora Loushen, who is a resident of Hartley; Mrs. Ethel F. Vilmek, whose home is in Hartley, Iowa; Jessie B., of Arnolds Park, this state; Mrs. Bessie Hunt, of Hartley; Claude C. of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; Ralph A.; Edith, deceased, and David, deceased. Ethel is a graduate of Morningside College, Des Moines, Iowa, and taught school for seven years in O'Brien and Cherokee counties. Her husband is a merchant. Mrs. Bessie Hunt has one daughter, Doris Violet.
Mr. Mansmith is a Republican in politics and has always taken an active
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interest in local politics. In fact, he has filled every township office except that of justice of the peace and constable, and in all of these important positions he has rendered satisfactory services to his fellow citizens. He and his family have been loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church and have given of their means and time to the support of this denomination at all times. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man who has a host of friends throughout the community, who have been attracted to him because of his clean life and high character.
BEN OLSON.
O'Brien county has opened welcoming arms to all the world, and from all parts of this country and many sections of Europe have come stalwart, courageous men who were not afraid of the arduous labor required in a new country if with it came hope of future competence. Among these, some have come from the northlands of Europe, where the descendants of the mighty Vikings still are noted for their strength of sinew and high moral character. Among the numerous immigrants who have sought the smile of fickle fortune in this land of the free none have given more in return to the land of their adoption than these hardy sons of the north, and it is of one of these we would speak in this short article.
Ben Olson was born in the year 1856, in Sweden. His father, Ole J. Olson, was a prosperous Swedish farmer who was born in the year 1811, and spent his days in the land of his birth. He was the father of eight children, but three of whom are now living. Jens, Swan, Olof, Monse and Hagen are deceased, while Bessie, now Mrs. Johnson, is still a resident of that country. Sarah is now making her home with her brother Ben, the gentleman of whom we speak in this sketch.
Mr. Olson left his native land in the year 1872, finding his way directly to the city of Moline, Illinois, where he found employment in an iron foundry. Here he remained until 1884, toiling diligently and living economically. But Mr. Olson believed that greater opportunities for advancement awaited him in the work of the open country, and as he thought of the fields and meadows through which he had roamed in his boyhood the determination grew within him to return to the natural, wholesome life of the country. Hearing of the opportunities open to homesteaders in the state of Iowa, he
Picture of BEN OLSON.
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journeyed westward and settled upon a tract of railroad land, taking a claim of one hundred sixty acres. In 1902 he bought a tract of the same size, which he sold at a profit in 1907. He reinvested this capital in Summit township, but moved to Archer, where he is living retired. His homestead at the present time comprises two hundred forty acres of well improved ground, all in a high state of cultivation, a comfortable house and all necessary buildings for the housing of his stock and the shelter of implements and produce of various kinds. His sister Sarah has been a faithful friend and companion, keeping his house in order and performing the various duties which fall to the mistress of an establishment of this size.
Mr. Olson has never married, but takes much pride in his home. As he has demonstrated his ability to earn for himself a competence, so has he shown the ability to enjoy the fruits of his toil, and now, in his later years, he has retired from active farming, with its arduous labor, and husbands his strength for the years that are to come. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Politicaly, he is deeply interested in the success of the Independent Progressive party.
Mr. Olson is typically a self-made man, one who has started at the foot of the ladder and by his own efforts has risen to a position of affluence. Industrious, conscientious and persevering in whatever he undertakes, he is deserving of the position he now occupies in the community.
ISAAC M. SILVERTHORN.
One of the oldest patriarchs in O'Brien county, Iowa, and the first marshal of the city of Hartley, is Isaac M. Silverthorn, who was a man past middle age when the Civil War broke out. The threescore and ten years which is said to be the allotted time of the average man was passed twenty years ago by him and within the next ten years he will reach the century mark. He was a small boy running around when Thomas Jefferson was still living and was born only twenty-five years after the death of George Washington. This "grand old man" of Hartley was one of the earliest pioneers of O'Brien county, and since coming here he has the pleasure of seeing it emerge from a broad and treeless prairie to its present condition of prosperity.
932 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
Isaac M. Siherthorn was born October 1, 1824. in Ohio, and consequently will celebrate his ninetieth birthday anniversary in the fall of 1914. He was the son of William D. and Polly (Ringland) Silverthorn. His father was born in Pennsylvania and lived the greater part of his life in Ohio and died in the latter state. To William Silverthorn and wife were born nine children: John, deceased; James, deceased; Jacob, who is a resident of Ohio; Mrs. Lucretia Fields, who lives in Ohio; Lusia, a resident of Michigan; Augusta, who died in the Civil War; William fought in the Mexican War, but his subsequent history is unknown; a daughter who died in infancy, and Isaac M.. whose history is here presented.
Isaac M. Silverthorn started out when he was but eleven years of age to make his living at the time when Andrew Jackson was President of the United States. He was tossed about from pillar to post until he came in touch with a family by the name of Thorn, in the state of Ohio, with whom he stayed two years, after which he went to Ashtabula, Ohio, where he found work in a carriage shop with Jesse Phillips. By this time he was sixteen years of age and was a boy of sturdy constitution and eager to work. He remained in the carriage shop at Ashtabula four years and in that time learned the trade which earned him a livelihood for many years afterwards. He then worked in different places for the succeeding eight years and in 1856 journeyed on west and finally landed in Hardin county, Iowa, and here he settled down as a carpenter and wagon-maker and lived in this county for twenty-one years. He was married many years before, in fact, he was married the year before the Mexican War broke out. He traded a hotel property at Steamboat Rock, Hardin county, Iowa, for a section of land in O'Brien county, Iowa. He came to O'Brien in 1876 and to this tract he added from time to time. He made extensive improvements on his farm and set out eight acres of fruit and orchard trees. When the terrible grasshopper plague came on, in 1876, he had a fine prospect for crops. He had sixty acres of corn, ninety acres of wheat, ten acres of oats, and in the short space of a few days, during July of that memorable year, every vestige of his crop disappeared before the voracious appetites of the grasshoppers. By actual count he found that these insects ate two acres of potatoes in one hour. However, he was not to be discouraged by a mere grasshopper. He stayed by his farm and laid aside a very comfortable fortune in the course of a few years. He has now sold all of his farm with the exception of eighty acres, which he still retains. In 1888 he retired from active farm life and moved to Hartley, where he is still living. He is the owner of two lots in the city of Hartley.
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Mr. Silverthorn was married, in Ohio, nearly seventy years ago to Rebecca A. Willis, who was born September l0, 1826, in New York state, and her death occurred October 30, 1899. To this marriage, which occurred in 1845, have been born eight children: Milo G., who is a resident of Leavenworth, Kansas; Mrs. Fannie M. Doscher, deceased; Mrs. Flora Kingman, who lives in Des Moines, Iowa; Frank E., who is in California; Cora C, deceased; Dwight, deceased; Mollie, who is now keeping house for her father in Hartley; John H., manager of a cream station in Hartley.
Mr. Silverthorn was voting many years before the Republican party was born. in 1856. In fact, he has the distinction of being old enough to vote for the second Whig candidate for President in 1845. He has never been an aspirant for public office, although he has been justice of the peace for many years and was the first marshal of the city of Hartley. Religiously, he is an earnest attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church and tries to live a life consistent with its teachings.
Such in brief outline is the life history of one of the oldest and most respected citizens of O'Brien county. Few men reach the patriarchal age of ninety years, and the very fact that a man lives to such an age is an indication that he has lived a clean and wholesome life. Mr. Silyerthorn is still hale and hearty and able to enjoy life and in his declining years has the satisfaction of looking back over a long career which has not all been for self, but has been devoted to the adyancement of civilization in his community and the upbuilding of those interests which widely affected his fellow men.
JOSEPH O. SHELDON.
Any profession, if honorable, has its place in human existence, constituting a part of a plan whereby life's methods are pursued and man reaches his ultimate destiny. It is not within the province of man to say that one occupation is more important than another, nor is it possible to do more than say that a profession is important so far as it is useful to the community. So dependent is man at the present time upon his fellow man that the work of each individual is largely reckoned by what he has done for humanity. There are more than one thousand different professions recognized by the United States government, in the last census, and yet the occupation of the farmer is really the one on which all others must depend.Joseph O. Sheldon, the son of Irian and Katherine (Ellis) Sheldon,
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was born in Clinton county, Iowa, in 1870. His father was a native of New York state, his birth having occurred there in 1843, and who came to Clinton county, this state, and engaged in farming. Shortly after coming to this county his death occurred and his widow was remarried, in 1875, to Nathan Hayes. To the first marriage were born nine children: Emma, deceased; Samuel, deceased; William, who lives in the state of Washington; Frank, a resident of Liberty township, this county; Mrs. Delia Carr, also a resident of this county; Nelson, who is a manager of a feed store in Missouri; James, a farmer living in Nebraska, and Joseph, who forms the theme of this narrative. To his mother's second marriage was born one daughter, Mrs. Lulu Banister, who is now living in O'Brien county.
Joseph Sheldon received his education in the schools of his native county and remained under the parental roof until he was nineteen years of age, and then began to work out by the day at farm labor, after which he secured employment in a brick yard. After a short time he rented a farm from his stepfather, where he lived for eight years, at the expiration of which time he and his brother, James, purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Cherokee county, this state, where he farmed until 1900, when he sold his interest in this tract and bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in O'Brien county. Since securing this farm he has made extensive improvements on the place, expending more than five thousand dollars on it in the way of buildings, fences, drainage, etc., until it is now rated as one of the most productive and valuable farms in the county. Besides general farming he is also engaged extensively in stock raising, making a specialty of the breeding of Duroc Jersey hogs and he finds this a profitable source of income. In addition to his land holdings in this county, he is the owner of thirty acres of land in Orange county, Florida, and also has an interest in the Farmers Elevator Company and also the Hartley Lumber Company both of Hartley, Iowa. Mr. Sheldon has always been very successful, in all of his business ventures until today he is the owner of three hundred and forty-three acres of excellent farming land in this county and thirty acres in Florida.
Mr. Sheldon was married in 1899, in Cherokee county, Iowa, to Lula Johnson, who was born in 1873, and four children have been born to this union. Rufus, Joseph. Lula and Vera, all of whom are at home with their parents.
Politically, Mr. Sheldon is a Republican and always takes an active interest in politics and at the present time is holding the important ofiice of trustee of Hartley township, filling this place to the entire satisfaction of
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 935
all the citizens of the community. He and his family are earnest and faithful members of the Latter-Day Saints and contribute liberally of their means to its support. Fraternally, he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. He enjoys the respect and esteem of those who know him for his friendly and genial manner, business ability, his interest in public affairs and upright living. For this reason he is regarded as one of the substantial and worthy citizens of his community.
OLIVER EVANS.
Forty-five years have come and gone since Oliver Evans, a retired farmer of Hartley, came into O'Brien county, Iowa. These forty-five years have seen this county grow from a broad, barren prairie to its present prosperous condition, covered with cities and villages and hundreds of prosperous farms. According to the 1910 census there are eleven towns in O'Brien county, three of which are over one thousand in population. The residents of O'Brien county who have lived in this county for nearly two score and a half years have had the opportunity to witness the great change which has come about, not only in this county, but in this whole section of the state. In 1870 there were no railroads in this county, not an improved road, and but one school house had been built. Today there are over three hundred school buildings, several hundred miles of improved highways, as well as five railroads running through the county. From the date of the first election in this county,when nineteen votes were cast, down to 1910, there are several men living in the county who can remember the whole history of the county.Oliver Evans, one of the earliest of the pioneers of this county, was born December 3, 1841, in Utica, New York, and is the son of Edward and Margaret (Jones) Evans. Edward Evans was born in Wales in 1812 and his wife was born two years earlier in the same country. They were reared and educated in the land of their birth and married before they came to this country. He landed in New York city in 1837, where he worked for a short time as a laborer. In 1840 they moved to Utica, New York, where they lived a few years. In 1848 they went to Martinsburg, New York, where they purchased fifty acres of land and lived there the remainder of their lives. Edward Evans proved to be a successful farmer and at the time of his death, in 1898, he owned two hundred and fifty acres of land and died in 1880. To their marriage were born four children: John, of Lowville, New York, and a
936 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
soldier of the Rebellion and later a homesteader of O'Brien county, Iowa; Mrs. Margaret Boshart, deceased; Henry, deceased, and Oliver, with whom this narrative deals.
Oliver Evans received his education in the schools of New York state and remained at home until he was twenty years of age. He then left home and worked out among the neighborhood farmers by the day for three years and a half, after which he traveled for some time seeking a location. He came to O'Brien county. Iowa, November 9, 1869, and immediately homesteaded eighty acres, the east one-half of southwest quarter of section 24, in Center township, patent No. 9640. The year fullowing he had no improvements or crops after the terrible fire of 1870 swept across the whole county. In a short time there was not a tree, not a house and no improvements whatever which were left after that terrible disaster. Later he hauled wood and fuel from near Old O'Brien, which is situated on the Sioux rivcr. The postoffice was O'Brien, where he received mail once a week. In order to provide himself with fuel for the coming years, as well as lumber, he planted what was then the largest grove of forest trees in the county; he put out fifteen acres of forest trees and for the past twenty years has had plenty for fuel. He also planted two acres of orchard trees — in fact, he has put at least ten thousand dollars worth of improvements upon his farm of three hundred and sixty acres of land. He also has other farms, making a total of seven hundred and forty-nine acres in the state. The improvement on all his land is estimated at between twenty-five and thirty thousand dollars. In addition to raising all of the crops which are peculiar to this section of the country, he has been a large breeder of thoroughbred stock, including Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He started to farm with a team of oxen, and during the first summer all they had to eat was pancakes made of course flour and creek water. In giving the data for this history, Mr. Evans remarked that the food which they had to eat during this year was hardly fit for a dog to eat, and yet they lived upon it and thrived and as the years came and went Mr. Evans acquired more of this world's goods so that today he can look back upon that period of deprivation and misfortune through which he went during the early years of his life in this county. In addition to his large land interests, he also has an interest in the Hartley Lumber Company and in the Moneta Savings Bank. He has been president and vice-president of the First National Bank of Hartley, Iowa. Some vears ago he sold all his interest in this bank. He owns nine acres of land and a residence adjoining the corporation of Hartley, where he has set out an acre of trees.
Mr. Evans was married in 1871, in Harrisburg, New York, to Marietta
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English, who was born in Martinsburg, New York, in 1849. To their marriage have been born fonr children: Harry J., a graduate of Ames College in the dairyman course, he then taught in the dairy school of Ames, Iowa; he is now residing in Lovejoy, Montana, where he is raising stock and homesteading; Jesemine, the wife of J. M. Hawley, a farmer of Canada, is a graduate from the Hartley high school and taught school ten years in O'Brien county. Evelyn, the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Evans, is the wife of George P. Powers, a farmer of Moneta, Iowa. She graduated from the Hartly high school and taught three years. Edward O. is a farmer and auctioneer in Omega township in this county. He attended Ames College one year and then graduated from the Jones Auctioneer College at Chicago, Illinois.
In politics, Mr. Evans is independent, reserving the right to cast his ballot at all times for the man he feels best qualified to hold the office. Religiously, he is affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal church, as are the other members of his family. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and takes an intelligent interest in the work of that order. He has always been a man who was interested in public affairs and has served as trustee of Center township in his county.
THOMAS M. CORNS.
Among the earnest men whose enterprise and depth of character have gained a prominent place in the community and the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens is the honored subject of this sketch. A leading farmer of the township in which he resides and a man of decided views and laudable ambitions, his influence has ever been exerted for the advancement of his kind, and in the vocation to which his energies are directed he ranks among the representative agriculturists of the county.Thomas M. Corns is a son of Thomas B. and Harriet (Hale) Corns. The father is a native of England, in which country he supported his family by stock raising. In 1851 he emigrated to the United States and settled on a farm in Illinois, near Rock Island, where he engaged in the cattle and stock business. There were five children in this family: Sarah (Vivian), of Colorado; John, of Illinois; Hattie (Grant), of Moneta, Iowa; Thomas, the subject of this sketch, and George, who died a few years ago.
In 1883 Mr. Corns went to O'Brien county, Iowa, where he bought
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raw land. He has made improvements on the place and now has a comfortable country home, with ample shade and a beautiful grove of about two acres. The improvements on the farm could conservatively be estimated at five thousand dollars. At this time he is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of some of the choicest land in O'Brien county and has fourteen valuable lots in Moneta, Iowa.
In 1884 Mr. Corns was married to Anna Dawson. They have but one child, Thomas R., who remains at home helping with the cares of the farm. Mr. Corns is a stanch Independent Progressive. He is not affiliated with any church, but is a man in whom every one reposes the utmost confidence, for his word is to him a sacred obligation and he is always ready to lend assistance to those in trouble. He is a member of the Masonic lodge.
JOHN H. BURNS.
The subject of this article is a striking exemplification of what can be accomplished by an energetic and determined man when the goal for which he strives is a worthy one. And here it may be pertinent also for us to speak of the golden opportunities which this beautiful state has held forth to those willing to accept of her gifts and cultivate their growth.
John H. Burns, one of the prominent citizens of Carroll township, with large holdings also in Summit township, is the typical, self-reliant, aggressive man of affairs of our western civilization. His father, Thomas Burns, was one of the high-class immigrants which America has been glad to welcome to her shores; the class which has assisted so largely in the development and upbuilding, not only of our beautiful state, but also of the country at large. He was born in Cavanaugh, Ireland, in 1834, on the 22d day of December, but came to this country with his parents in 1841. While still a child, he labored in a cloth factory in the state of Massachusetts, remaining there until he was fourteen years of age, when he was taken to Dane county, Wisconsin. In that place he learned the glories of the out-of-door life of a farmer, and this life appealed to him so strongly that the rest of his days were spent far away from the noise of cities, in the free, wholesome atmosphere of the open country. When he reached the age of maturity, in the year 1855, he met and married Bridget Cowan, of Dale county, Wisconsin, and from that time forth he was assisted in all his ventures by man's most faithful friend and ally, a devoted wife.
Picture of JOHN H. BURNS
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In 1863 Mr. Burns took his little family to the state of Minnesota, where he spent ten years in profitable farming. In 1873, hearing of the wonderful opportunities offered the homesteader in Iowa, they undertook the journey, and there purchased one hundred sixty acres of land in the prairie country at the low price of one dollar and seventy-five cents per acre, and later he added another tract of the same size to his holdings, this time paying two dollars and a half per acre.
Life for the pioneer on the broad prairie, in those days, was far removed from the luxurious existence now enjoyed by the modern farmer. The barest necessities were difficult to obtain, and endless toil was necessary in order to erect a comfortable habitation and bring forth a harvest for the sustenance of the family. But they were brave and willing, and as the years passed the fruits of their toil became apparent. Fertile fields supplanted the broad stretches of prairie; an orchard was planted, and requisite buildings dotted the landscape; and finally comforts and luxuries were added to the bare necessities which formerly were their portion.
And in the meantime, eleven children were born to them, as follows: Charles, who is now a retired farmer at Sanborn, Iowa; Marguatte, now Mrs. Madson, who also lives at Sanborn; William and Thomas, both of whom are prosperous farmers of Floyd township, O'Brien county; Mollie, now Mrs. Fitzgerald, who resides in North Dakota; James, a resident of Sheldon; Nellie (Donohue), who lives in Sheldon, Iowa; Kate (Kennedy), whom death called from her home in Sheldon, Iowa; Jennie (Maroney), a resident of Worthington, Minnesota; Edward, who still resides on the old homestead in Franklin township, and John H., the immediate subject of this review.
This latter gentleman assisted his father in the labors of the farm until he attained the age of twenty-two years, when he left the old homestead and came to the then new country in O'Brien county in 1873. Here he worked for others for a time, and finally rented a place for himself, spending the year 1875, however, with his father on the home place. He finally succeeded in purchasing a tract of eighty acres of land for himself at ten dollars per acre. Since that time he has gradually added to his holdings, at prices ranging up to one hundred seven dollars per acre, until now he is in possession of five hundred and seventy-five acres of O'Brien county land. On this ground he has placed many thousands of dollars worth of improvements, and a fine mixed orchard of two acres bountifully supplies the family with fruit. His land is well cultivated, and he is an extensive breeder of fine
940 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COINTIES, IOWA.
live stock, making a specialty of Percheron horses, Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs.
In 1886 Mr. Burns was united in marriage to Jane Kennedy, of Floyd township, O'Brien county, the daughter of Patrick Kennedy, also one of the early pioneers of the county and a native of Ireland. Early in life he came to this country and settled in Norwich, Connecticut. being employed on a line of steamships. In 1871 he journeyed westward and homesteaded a claim in Floyd township, O'Brien county, Iowa. Here he endured all the toil and privations of the early settler, but his courage was undaunted, and with the fine wit and humor characteristic of his race he laughed at obstacles and found joy in making the face of Mother Nature smile with him and produce of her alundance for the sustenance of himself and family. And now, in his later years, the joy of living is still bright within him, and he loves to remember the days when he joined the "grasshoppers" of the glorious West. Five children came to his home, but only two have been spared to solace his declining years. the rest having been called by an all-wise Father to their final home. The two yet surviving are a daughter, Jane (Mrs. J. H. Burns) and Bridget, now Mrs. Thomas Burns.
To Mr. and Mrs. P)urns have come seven children, all of whom still enjoy the protection of the parental roof and the comforts of their beautiful home. These children are: Thomas; Frank, who spent a year in St. Joe College, at Dubuque; Edward, Bert, Kate, Mary and John.
Mr. and Mrs. Burns and their family are members of the Catholic church and are active in its councils. He is also a member of the order of Knights of Columbus and the Modern Woodmen of America at Sheldon. Politically, he is a stanch adherent of the Democratic party, which ticket he has consistentenly voted from his youth.
The progress which has been made by Mr. and Mrs. Burns, as well as the improvement in the country which surrounds his beautiful home, can be appreciated by mentioning the fact that in 1876 Mrs. Burns drove to the new town of Primghar in a lumber wagon, using a board as a seat. Exactly thirty-seven years later, to the day, she made the same trip in an elegant new touring car, a striking example of the transsition(sic) from the old era to the new.
Mr. and Mrs. Burns hold an enviable position in the life of the community, and are well known for their hospitality and genial ways. Again we say he is the exemplification of what can be accomplished in life by an earnest, intelligent worker, and his example should encourage the youth of the community to greater efforts for their advancement in life. The Burns estate comprises over two thousand six hundred acres in O'Brien county.
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DAVID BYERS.
The man who causes two blades of grass to grow where one formerly grew is conferring as distinct a benefit upon civilization as the man who invents a patent washing machine or wins a suit in court. It cannot be said that one occupation is more important than another, and yet it is conceded that the occupation of the farmer is the most independent and at the same time the basic occupation of mankind. Cain and Abel were farmers; Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were farmers and stock raisers, Cincinnatus, the old Roman hero, dropped his plow handles in the furrow when his country called him. From ancient times down to the present most of our greatest readers have come from the soil and have been instrumental in making two blades of grass grow where formerly grew but one.David Byers, a farmer and stockman of this county, was born in 1876, in Livingston county, Illinois, the son of John and Susan (Wilson) Byers. John Byers was born in 1848 in Ireland and when a young man came to this country and first settled in Illinois, where he followed the occupation of a farmer, and some time after settling in Illinois he purchased a farm of his own, on which he lived until 1892, when he went to O'Brien county. Iowa, and bought six hundred and forty acres of land, on which he lived until he retired from active labor, in 1904. He improved his farm until it was one of the most productive and valuable farms in the county. He was married in 1876 to Susan Wilson, and to this marriage were born nine children: Robert, a farmer of Osceola county. Iowa; David, with whom this narratve deals; Mrs. Mary Page, who lives in Delta, Colorado; William, a farmer of Osceola county; Mrs. Ella R. Page, who lives in North Dakota; Mrs. Belle Sauer, who is a resident of Osceola county; James, a farmer of Osceola county; Mrs. Martha Hoppie, who lives in Minnesota, and Susan, who is living with her father in Hartley.
David Byers remained with his father upon the farm until twenty-eight years of age and assisted him in the management of his large landed estate. Upon the retirement of the elder Mr. Byers to Hartley, in 1904, David Byers purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in O'Brien county, which he has improved at a cost of thirty-five hundred dollars. He has set out three acres of orchard and forest trees and improved the farm in various ways. He is a heavy feeder and breeder of live stock, making a specialty of the raising of Poland China hogs and Percheron horses.
Mr. Byers was married in 1905 to Minnie Sauer, the daughter of Mr. and
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Mrs. William Sauer, of Des Moines, Iowa, and to this marriage have been born two children, Leola and Verna, who are both at home with their parents. Politically, Mr. Byers is identified with the Democratic party and, while taking an interest in its various activities, yet he has never been an aspirant for any public office. He is a regular attendant of the Methodist Episcopal church and tries to live a life consistent with the teachings of that denomination. He is a man who has worked for what he owns and because he is a fine type of the self-made man, he is truly a representative citizen of his community and county and well worthy of mention in a work of the character of the one in hand.
HENRY J. KILLMER.
Among the German settlers, farmers and public-spirited citizens of Omega township, O'Brien county, Iowa, is Henry J. Killmer, who is a typical example of the hundreds of the native citizens who have come to this county from across the ocean and become prosperous and substantial citizens. He was born in 1860 in Germany and is the son of George and Christina (Roesing) Killmer. George Killmer was born in 1822 and has been a stone mason all his life. He was married in 1850 to Christina Roesing, and to this union have been born six children: Carl; Mrs. Gertrude Dies, deceased; Mrs. Minnie Backer; Mrs. Anna Liese; George, and Henry J., with whom this narrative deals. All of the living children except Henry are now in their native land. The father and mother never came to this country, but are still living in the land of their birth.
Henry J. Killmer was educated in his native land and when twenty- two years of age he decided to come to America and seek his fortune. Immediately after coming to this country he located in Benton county, Iowa, and farmed for two years. In 1885 he came to O'Brien county, Iowa, and rented land. In 1911 he purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Omega township, where he is now living. In addition to his farm in Omega township he owns six lots in Moneta and is also a shareholder in the Farmers Elevator and Moneta Savings Bank. He is a large breeder and raiser of live stock and makes a specialty of Shorthorn cattle, Duroc Jersey hogs and Norman horses. Since coming into possession of his present farm he has made two thousand dollars worth of improvements on the farm. Mr. Killmer is a progressive farmer and takes advantage of all the latest improvements in farming machinery and agricultural methods.
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Mr. Killmer was married August 13, 1888, to Bertha Hirch, and to this union have been born four children, Carl, Emma, Albert and George, all of whom are still living with their parents. Politically, Mr. Killmer is a Democrat and takes an interest in public affairs. He has been especially interested in the educational affairs of his township and has been for some years a school director in Omega township. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Yeomen, while in his religious belief he and the other members of his family are strong adherents of the German Lutheran church. He is a great believer in the work of the churches and has always donated to the churches of Hartley and Moneta. Mr. Killmer has been a hard working man since coming to this country, and has seen many hardships. During the winter of 1893 he hauled hay at a time when it was so cold that the air was so full of snow that he could not see his horses before him. However, he has persevered and now has the satisfaction of being able to look back over a life which has been well spent in every way. His clean and wholesome way of living and the frank and open manner in which he treats his fellow men has won him the unqualified esteem of all of those with whom he has been associated.
DENISON C. PUTNAM.
A retired farmer of Hartley, O'Brien county, Iowa, who, as a farmer in this county, laid by a sufficient quantity of this world's goods in order to spend his declining days in comfort, is Denison C. Putnam, who was born in 1847 in Phoenix, Oswego county, New York, the son of William and Mary (Crary) Putnam. William Putnam was born in Connecticut in 1812, and was a merchant in Phoenix, New York, for a number of years, operating the mercantile business in that place until 1864, when he came to Hardin county, Iowa, and engaged in the mercantile business there for a number of years. At that time all provisions had to be freighted overland from Marshalltown, Iowa, a distance of twenty-seven miles. He finally disposed of his mercantile interests in Hardin county and engaged in the hotel business at Rockwell, Iowa, where he remained until his death, which occurred on January 8, 1876. William Putnam was twice married, his first marriage occurring in 1839 to Mary Crary, and to this union six children were born: Frances, the wife of O. A. Sutton, of South Dakota; Mrs. Eliza Names, deceased; two who died in infancy; Denison C, whose
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history is here presented, and Lewis, deceased. The second marriage of Wilham Putnam occurred on February 28, 1853, to Martha L. Reynolds, and to this second union were born four children: Thomas, of North Dakota; Mary, the wife of Doctor Miller of Brookings, South Dakota; Frank, who was killed in 1881 while helping to clear the snow blockade; Fred R., a banker of Morris, Minnesota.
Denison C. Putnam was a son of his father's first marriage and was only six years of age at the time of his father's second marriage. He remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-one years of age, during which time he received a good, common school education and learned the rudiments of agricultural life. Shortly after reaching his majority he married and then rented land in Hardin county, Iowa, and began to follow the occupation of a farmer on his own account. He continued to farm in Hardin county until 1883, when he came to O'Brien county and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land for six dollars and a quarter an acre. He improved and cultivated this land and lived on it many years. He always raised a great deal of live stock and was especially interested in the breeding and raising of Percheron horses, and at one time he was the winner of the second prize at the Sutherland fair. Several years ago Mr. Putnam sold his farm and invested his money in one hundred and twenty acres of land in Brookings county, South Dakota. In 1909 he came to Hartley, Iowa, built a livery barn and engaged in the livery business, and here conducted a prosperous livery business until 1908, when he permanently retired from active work. He has a home in Hartley, where he is now living.
Mr. Putnam was married in 1869 to Josephine Walker, who was born in 1847, in Pennsylvania, and to this marriage have been born nine children : William, deceased; Lewis, who is a farmer of this county; George, deceased; Mrs. Martha Harness, who lives in Minnesota; Edson, who is a carpenter in Hartley, Iowa; Mrs. Addie McDonald, also of Hartley; Thomas, deceased; Frank, who is a dealer in horses, of Hartley, and Glenn, deceased.
The Republican party has received the support of Mr. Putnam for many years and he has been honored by his party on several occasions by being elected to public office. For nine years he served as a constable in his township and at different periods in the history of his township he has been school director and road overseer. Religiously, he and his family are members of the Church of God, of Omega township, this county, and give their earnest and hearty support to this denomination. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Hartley.
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He is always in sympathy with any movement looking toward the betterment and advancement of his community and has always been regarded as a man of sterling honesty and worthy of the utmost confidence and respect.
CHARLIE CLARKSEAN.
Among the enterprising citizens of O'Brien county who owe their success and advancement in life to their own industry and well directed efforts is Charlie Clarksean. He hails from New York state, but has spent the greater part of his active and successful life in Iowa, where, by his individual and unaided efforts, he has made a success of his chosen calling and has won the respect of all with whom he has had dealings in either a business or a social way.Mr. Clarksean was born in New York state in 1858 and is the son of Fred and Sophia (Bowman) Clarksean, both of whom were born in Germany, the father in 1827. His father was for many years a shepherd in the land of his nativity, but located in New York in 1857, where he worked in the lumber camps for several years. Later he removed to Wisconsin and engaged in farming, in which he spent the remainder of his active life. He retired a few years ago and now makes his home with his son, August, in Wisconsin.
The subject left the parental roof in 1873, when but fifteen years of age, and worked out as a farm hand for several years. In 1884 he and his brother, Fred, bought one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land. Together they began the arduous task of improving and stocking their new possession, planting trees, a grove and generally creating a home-like atmosphere about the place. The original farm has been increased until he now owns a farm of three hundred and twenty acres of land, and there are many improvements on it amounting to a value of seven thousand dollars. Like many other progressive farmers in his neighborhood, he has no place on his farm for scrub stock, but gives his attention to the breeding and raising of grades and pure bloods. He also has stock in the Moneta Elevator, a company whose stock is largely subscribed to by the farmers of that vicinity.
In 1886 Mr. Clarksean was united in marriage to Mary Rietzow. This union has been strengthened bv the birth of four children, of whom two.
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Walter and Bernhart, are engaged in agricultural pursuits in O'Brien county; the other two, Ray and Esther, are at home with their parents.
Mr. Clarksean has three brothers and two sisters: Fred, with whom the subject first began farming, lives in Montana; William and Elmer, in South Dakota, and August, in Wisconsin; Anna (Heiter) lives in Wisconsin, and Mary (Sauter) lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Mr. Clarksean is a Republican in politics, but he has never aspired to office, preferring the quietness of his farm home to the glamour of political activity. He is a modest, unassuming gentleman, respected by all who know him, and that includes almost every one in Omega township.
Since 1884 Mr. Clarksean has been on the farm which continues to be his home. He has made nearly all of the improvements on the farm, and he carries on a general farming business, having devoted his life to this line of usefulness. His farm home is one of the modern residences for which this part of the state is notable.
NICHOLAS BOOR.
In this memoir of the life of the late Nicholas Boor, who is now numbered with the honored dead, those who knew him best cannot help but recall his numerous kindly acts, his charitable and public-spirited deeds. Coming to Osceola county in its early history, he became one of the worthy and honored men of the county and filled a large place in the life of the community in which he lived for so many years. For this reason it seems eminently fitting that this tribute be here recorded that coming generations may know the worth of such a man.
Nicholas Boor was born in August, 1845, in Prussia and died in Ashton, Osceola county, Iowa, February 5, 1897. He came to this country with his parents when he was twelve years of age and settled in Kenosha county, Wisconsin. In 1871 he, together with two of his friends, John Streit and William Schultz, came to Osceola county, Iowa, and homesteaded in section 4, Gilman township. After building a small house on this tract, Mr. Boor returned to Wisconsin, where he wwas married to Eva Streit, and in the spring of 1873 he came with his young wife to Osceola county, where they lived until his death. He resided on the farm which he homesteaded until 1881, when the family moved to Ashton, where Mr. Boor engaged in the lumber and grain business until his death. He was highly successful as a business
Picture of NICHOLAS BOOR
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man and was widely respected by everyone who had any dealings with him. He took an active interest in public affairs and served nine years as supervisor of Osceola county. He always took an active part in the Republican party, and was considered one of its leaders in the county. He was a firm believer in the possibilities of land in Osceola county and invested heavily during his business career in Ashton. At the time of his death he was the owner of twelve hundred acres of land in the county. His widow still owns four farms, aggregating seven hundred acres, besides the finest modern home in Ashton.
Nicholas Boor was married in 1872 to Eva Streit, who was born in Prussia on June 13, 1853. Her parents, Michael and Helena (Strout) Streit, left their native land and settled in Kenosha county, Wisconsin, in 1857. They came to Osceola county, Iowa, in the fall of 1873, the same year in which the Boor family permanently settled in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Boor were the parents of ten children: Reinold J.. Mathias J., Katherine E., Helena M., John L. (deceased February 14, 1907), Charles S., Frederick T., Anna V., Anthony L. and Francis M. Reinold H. is married and has five children. Martin. Hilda, Vincent, Marie and Bertha, and resides at Ashton, this county; Mathias J. also lives in Ashton, and he and his wife had two sons, Donald and Mark, the mother dying September 2, 1903; Katherine E. married a Mr. Hubbard, of Rock Rapids, Iowa, and has five children, Eva, Helen, Marcella, Jack and Alice; Helena M. married Mr. Osweiler, of Lewistown, Montana, and has two children living, Paul and Helen; Charles S. Boor is living in Lewistown, Montana, while the other children are still living with their mother in Ashton.
WILLIAM BYRON ELLIOTT.
The history of the Hawkeye state is not an ancient one, in fact, there are many settlers living in Iowa today who are older than their state. William B. Elliott, whose history forms the theme of this narrative, was only one year of age when Iowa was admitted to the Union, in 1846. The history of Iowa from December 28, 1846, when it was admitted to the Union, down to the present time, is a record of steady growth of the community, planted upon the wide, treeless and trackless plains of the prairie beyond the Mississippi. From the twenty-seven counties which were in existence in
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1846, it has grown to ninety-nine counties, with a population that has increased about as rapidly as any state in the Union. This history of this state is but a record of the things which have been done by its people. Every nation of Europe has contributed of its best citizens that Iowa might attain its present position of honor among its sister states. From Norway and Sweden on the north, to Italy and Greece on the south, from Ireland on the west, to Russia on the east, have come men who have labored for the common good of their state. The little island of Ireland has contributed some of the sturdiest citizens to this state and among them William Byron Elliott is an honorable descendant.
William B. Elliott, a retired farmer and stockman of Hartley, O'Brien county, Iowa, was born in Canada in 1847. He is the son of Jeremiah and Rebecca (Bothwell) Elliott. His father was born in Ireland in 1816, where he lived the life of the simple farmer until his death. He and his good wife reared a large family of children to lives of usefulness: John, a farmer of Saskatchewan, Canada; Alexander, deceased; Samuel, a railroad employee of British Columbia, Canada; Jane, of Saskatchewan, Canada; Jeremiah and Ralph, deceased and buried in Canada; Mrs. Elizabeth Waters, of Waterloo, Iowa; Richard, who is farming the old home place in Canada; Mrs. Mildred McLarion, of British Columbia, Canada; Trotter, deceased and buried in Mexico, and William B., with whom this narrative deals.
William B. Elliott received his education in the schools of Canada and worked with his father on the farm until he was eighteen years of age, then left home and started to seek his fortune in the western states of this county. He roamed around in different parts uf the Mississippi valley and finally settled in Grundy county, Iowa, in 1867. Here he secured employment as a farm hand and worked for the next nine years. He then purchased eighty acres of land with his savings and lived on it until 1892, then sold it at a good profit, putting all of his possessions in a covered wagon and drove across the country to O'Brien coimty. Here he purchased two hundred and forty acres of prairie land in Lincoln township, and began to make extensive improvements on the farm in order to make it yield better returns. He has been an extensive raiser and breeder of high class stock, including Shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. A few years ago he retired from active farm life and moved to Hartley, where he now owns four acres of land and a residence in the western part of the town. He confines his activities in town to the breeding of White Wandotte chickens.
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Mr. Elliott was married in 1887, in Hampton, Iowa, to Margaret Dorcas Hyndman, a native of Canada, and to this marriage have been born five children: Bryant, deceased; Mrs. Anna Smith, of Hartley, Iowa; Mrs. Edna Huston, whose husband is a farmer of O'Brien county; George, a farmer of South Dakota, and Jermina, of South Dakota.
Since reaching his majority, Mr. Elliott has been casting his vote for the candidates of the Republican party and in the affairs of his party he has taken an active interest. He has been honored by his party by being elected township trustee as well as being made a member of the school board of Lincoln township. He and his family are earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which they contribute generously of their means. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and takes an. active interest in the affairs of that fraternal organization.
GEORGE E. RECTOR.
The history of O'Brien county is a history of the men who have made it what it is today. There are leaders in every conimunity who force to the front in their respective professions and set the pace for the quiet plodders who have not the native ability or the energy themselves. It has been estimated that in a town of two thousand there are at least two hundred different occupations represented. It is impossible to say which one is the most important, since everyone contributes its share to the success of the community. Among the men of Hartley who have contributed in their way to the success of this communitv there is no one who is more deserving of mention than George E. Rector, a cement contractor. He is interested in the construction of anything which is made out of cement.
George E. Rector was born in 1853 in Delaware county, Iowa, and is the son of Andrew Jackson and Elizabeth (Walsmith) Rector. Andrew J. Rector was born November 26, 1823, in Rowan county, North Carolina, and when a young man settled in the southern part of Indiana. A few years later he went to South Bend, Indiana, where he farmed and worked by the day. In 1849 he came to Delaware county, Iowa, and was one of the earliest pioneers to settle here. He pre-empted one hundred and sixty acres of government land and in the course of time became a prosperous farmer and stock raiser. He took an active interest in all public affairs and was a man of considerable influence throughout the county. He died Janu-
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ary 7, 1904. He was married December 22, 1846, to Elizabeth Walsmith and to this union were born six children: John, deceased; Mrs. Delia Sargent, of Independence, Iowa; Mrs. Sarah Warnick, of Wayne, Nebraska; Martha Trewin, deceased; Mary, deceased, and George E., whose history is here briefly delineated.
George E. Rector remained with his parents until twenty-three years of age, was given an excellent education in the common schools of Iowa and later attended the college at Hopkinton, Iowa. In 1876 he went to Sac county, Iowa, and farmed during the summer and taught school during the winter. His excellent education made him a good teacher, and he taught school for five years in Delaware and Sac counties with marked success. During the year 1877 he, with a party of three others, including J. E. Wheelock, the present postmaster of Hartley, Iowa, started with a mule team from Delaware county, Iowa, for the Black Hills of South Dakota. They went to prospect and carried a large amount of provisions. Only one could ride at a time, so they took turns at riding. From South Dakota the party went on west to Montana. However, the prospecting trip did not produce any returns from the investment. Mr. Rector returned to Sac county, sold his farm and for a time engaged in the cattle business. He bought one hundred and sixty acres in Sac county, again, and lived on it for five years. He then moved to South Dakota, where he purchased three hundred and twenty acres and farmed it for eight years. He had the im fortunate experience of living through the terrible blizzard of 1887. In 1895 he came to Hartley, O'Brien county, and engaged in the produce business, buying butter and eggs. Later he traded his South Dakota land for a shoe store in Hartley and for three years managed the shoe store, but still continued the produce business. He then traded his building and business for one hundred and sixtyacres of land in Osceola county, Iowa, and within a short time he traded his farm in Osceola for a business building in Hartley, the present site of the Earl Miller Drug Company. A few years ago he sold that building and is now a cement contractor, doing a large amount of work in Hartley and the surrounding country. He owns his home in Hartley and is one of the most influential men of the town.
Mr. Rector was married in 1882 in Delaware county, Iowa, to Eleanor Helbron and to this marriage have been born two children: Mark, who died at the age of seventeen, and Mrs. Neva Knaack, of Rock county, Minnesota. Politically, Mr. Rector is a Republican and as a member of his party has been elected to the county council of his county. Mr. Rector has
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been a busy man all of his life and has been engaged in many different enterprises, being a man of sterling honesty and uprightness of character. He is a man of pleasing personality and has a host of friends throughout the county.
LORENZ SCHUBERT.
From the land of the Kaiser some hundreds of O'Brien county's best citizens have come and the prosperity of this county is due in a large measure to these enterprising sons of Germany. The success which has attended their efforts in this county has been the result of their early training in their mother country, together with the natural fertility of the soil of this county and the many opportunities for investment. In this country every man may aspire to the head of his country; no matter what his birth or how poor the advantages in his youth, there is a chance for any man who is willing to work. Lorenz Schubert had little idea when he came here, at the age of twenty-one, that in the course of time he would be holding one of the responsible official positions of his community, but such has been his life in this county that he is today the efficient trustee of his township.
Lorenz Schubert was born in Germany in 1864, the son of Lorenz and Mary (Ablass) Schubert. His father was born in 1829 and died in 1865, at the age of thirty-six. He was a prosperous farmer in his home country and one of his sons is still living on the old home farm in Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Schubert were born six children, all of whom were born in Germany: Jacob, who is farming the old home farm in the fatherland; Christopher, a farmer of Lyons county, Iowa; Mrs. Catherine Scherner, who lives in Ida county, this state; Hans, also of Ida county; Marie and Lorenz. Jr., whose life history forms the theme of this narrative.
Lorenz Schubert was educated in his native land and remained with his parents until he was eighteen years of age, then, as was the custom of his country, he served three years with the German army, and upon the expiration of his enlistment he decided to come to America to seek his fortune. He crossed the ocean in 1885 and immediately came to Ida county, Iowa, where he secured employment as a farm hand for four years. He then married and rented two hundred and forty acres of land in Ida county and lived on this tract until 1907. With the intention of purchasing a farm of his own, he and his wife saved their money and bought one hun-
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dred and sixty acres of land in Omega township, O'Brien county. Two years later they sold this farm, at a profit, and purchased three hundred and twenty acres in Omega township, in sections 12 and 13. This is one of the best and most valuable farms in the township and has a large eighty acre grove of fruit and forest trees upon it. He raises a large amount of stock in addition to the grains of this locality and is counted among the most progressive and substantial farmers of his township. He owns a share in the Co-operative Elevator in Moneta, Iowa, an enterprise which has been of great benefit to the farmers of that locality.
Mr. Schubert was married in 1889 to Anna Rice, and to this union have been born six children: Otto, of Minnesota; William; Albert; John; Mrs. Emma Gotch, who lives in this county, and Lillie. Albert, John and Lillie are still with their parents on the old home farm.
Politically, Mr. Schubert has identified himself with the Democratic party and, for a naturalized citizen, has taken a deep interest in political affairs. His worth as a citizen is shown by the fact that his party nominated him for the office of township trustee, and his subsequent election to this office allows that he is highly regarded by the citizens of his township. He is now filling this important office to the entire satisfaction of all the citizens of the township, irrespective of their politics. He and his family are earnest and devoted members of the German Lutheran church and are interested in its various activities. Mr. Schubert is one of the leading citizens of his township and enjoys, in a marked degree, the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and friends throughout the community. His career, since coming to this country, has been eminently honorable, and those who know him speak in high terms of his many sterling qualities and characteristics.
ANDREW HOEVEN.
The prosperity and substantial welfare of a community are in a large measure due to the enterprise and wise foresight of its business men. It is the progressive, wide-awake men of affairs that make the real history of a community, and their influence in shaping and directing its varied interests is difficult to estimate. The well-known gentleman of whom the biographer writes in this connection is ranked among the leading business men of O'Brien county, and it is to such enterprising spirits as he that the locality is indebted for its recent substantial growth and for the high position it occupies as a center of industrial activity and progress.
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Andrew Hoeven was born in Marion county, Iowa, in 1870, the son of Everett and Ella (Mulder) Hoeven. Everett Hoeven was born in 1832 in Holland and was reared and educated in his native land. His wife also is a native of the Netherlands and before coming to this country they had reared a large family of children. They came to American shores in 1868 and immediately settled in Marion county, Iowa, and three years later they came to Sioux county, where Everett Hoeven now owns eight hundred acres of land. Some years ago he retired from the active labor of his farm and moved to Alton, Iowa, where he is now living.
Everett Hoeven and wife are the parents of fourteen children: Benjamin, an implement dealer of Lyon county, Iowa; John, deceased and buried at Newkirk, Iowa; Mrs. Gertride Oolbekkink, deceased; Gerat, of Olin, Iowa, where he conducts an implement store; Mrs. Hattie DeBruin, of Hospers, Iowa; Joseph, a real estate man at Hull, Iowa; Henry, deceased and buried at Newkirk, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Dejong, of Hospers, Iowa; Mrs. Ella Idma, who is living on the old homestead farm; Mrs. Maggie Braskamp, of Alton, Iowa; Jacob, of Sioux City, this state, who is a proprietor of an automobile garage; Isaac, who is lving with his parents; Abraham, living at Alton, Iowa, and Andrew, with whom this narrative deals.
Andrew Hoeven was two years old when the family moved to Sioux county, where he received all of his education. He remained with his parents until he was twenty years of age and then rented land in Sioux county for a short time. He then sold out his interests in his farm and engaged in the general mercantile business at Hospers, Iowa, but after a few years he disposed of his store at this place and went to Sioux Center, where he engaged in the implement business for six years, after which he sold his store and moved to Orange City, where he managed an implement store for nine years. While living in Sioux county he was deputy sheriff for four years. In 1911 he came to Sanborn and established a hardware store, putting in a new stock of goods. He now carries four thousand dollars worth of standard hardware goods, such as are carried in hardware stores of this size, and he has a goodly share of the patronage of Sanborn and vicinity.
Mr. Hoeven was married in 1895 to Dora Kits, and to this union have been born seven children: Everett, who is now attending the National Business College at Sioux City, Iowa; William, John, Allison, Katherine, Ella May, Dorothy. The six younger children are still with their parents. Politically, Mr. Hoeven votes the Democratic ticket and has always
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been a factor in his party wherever he has lived. He and his family are earnest members of the Holland First Reformed church and contribute generously of their means to its support. Mr. Hoeven is an excellent example of the sturdy business man, and has taken an active interest in every movement which he thinks would be of benefit to his community. He is a man of genial manner and easily wins friends and since living in Sanborn has gained the respect and esteem of all of those with whom he has been associated.
JOHN FRANKLIN GLOVER.
Osceola county is proud to honor John Franklin Glover as one of her citizens. During the course of a long and busy career he has filled many important positions. He has been a soldier in the Civil War, a clerk of the district court, a member of the state Legislature, the mayor of the city, newspaper editor, a lawyer, a public speaker, a gardener and a minister of the Gospel. He was born September 16, 1845, in Hartleton, Union county, Pennsylvania, the son of William and Eliza (Fisher) Glover. In 1846 his parents moved to Stephenson county, Illinois, where they lived until their deaths. The subject, when a day old, moved to Monroe, Wisconsin, and was living there when the Civil War broke out. In 1864 Mr. Glover enlisted in Company D, Thirty-eighth Regiment Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and was later transferred to Company F in the same regiment. During the course of his service he was promoted and made first sergeant and subsequently commissioned as second lieutenant and was mustered out as sergeant. He served under General Grant in the campaigns in Virginia.
Mr. Glover had not completed his education when he enlisted in the cause of the Union. He had had some schooling in Freeport, Illinois, and Monroe, Wisconsin, but after the war was over he entered Wisconsin University and graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1871 and Master of Arts in 1874. The same year he came to Osceola county and shortly afterwards was elected clerk of the court of this county. In the meantime he was studying law and in 1878 he was admitted to the practice of all the courts of this state. Rapidly forging to the front as a lawyer and being a man of ability as a public speaker, it is not surprising that he was elected a member of the Legislature of the state. For a number of years he was editor of an Iowa weekly newspaper and while in charge of this paper he made it a source of power for the Republican party in that community. After moving to Sibley
Picture of JOHN F. GLOVER
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES. IOWA. 955
he was elected mayor and served in that important office for three years. He has also served as justice of the peace in this county, as well as county attorney.
Mr. Glover was married to Mary Frances Upton, who died Mav 23, 1886, leaving one son, Lyn Fisher Glover, who is now living in Sibley. Mr. Glover has always been a stanch supporter of the Republican party and has been one of the leaders in Republican politics in Iowa for many years. He is frequently called into campaigns and has given political and patriotic speeches throughout this section of the state. He is a man of eloquence and has a flow of language which charms his hearers. In 1908 he was ordained to the ministry of the Congregational church, and since that time has served as a supply minister in Iowa, Missouri and Minnesota. He is now living in Sibley, where he is engaged as an attorney and public speaker. For many years he was pension attorney, and because of the fact that he served in the war his services were in great demand by the old soldiers who were seeking pensions. He is a man of strong and upright character and an honorable and useful citizen, and a man who has been a power for good in this county. He is also a man of lofty attainment and ripe judgment and has been eminently successful as a lawyer. He is probably wider known over the state of Iowa than any other of the citizens of this county and it may be assumed that he has always so conducted himself as to reflect honor upon his county.
It is the purpose of this volume to preserve as far as possible an authentic
record of the lives and deeds of those who have assisted in the upbuilding
of the various interests of O'Brien county, Iowa. The rank that a city
or county holds is very largely dependent upon the achievements of its
citizens. The history of Iowa dates back many years, the first act of Congress
concerning this territory being passed June 28, 1834. At that time
the territory of Iowa was made a part of Michigan territory and four years
later it was organized as a separate territory. It was admitted as an
independent state on December 28, 1846, wdth twenty-seven counties and a
population of one hundred thousand, and the state has grown until today it has
ninety-nine counties and a population of over two and a quarter million.
O'Brien county dates its organization from February 6, 1860, and at its
first election, held in November of that year, there were only nineteen votes
956 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES. IOWA.
cast in the whole county, and from that time until the present the county has
made as rapid progress in population and material prosperity as has any
county in the state. The younger generation will never know the trials
and discourgaments which faced their fathers and grandfathers in this
county. Never again will this county have to go through with the terrible
"grasshopper wars" which ate this county out of house and home in the latter
part of the seventies. Among the younger generation of farmers who are
to bear the burdens of agricultural life in the years to come is John
Steinbeck, who is a native of this county.
John Steinbeck, the son of William and Anna (Merkord) Steinbeck,
was born on April 20, 1891, in O'Brien county. Iowa. His father was
born in Germany in 1853 and his grandfather, Henry Steinbeck, was born in
the same country in 1816.
Henry Steinbeck married Mary Marie Isrell, and to this marriage were
born five children: Frederick, deceased; Henry, deceased; Dick, who is a
resident of Sutherland, this county; Mrs. Sophia Lang, who lives in New
York state, and William, the father of the subject of this review. William
Steinbeck received his early training in his native land and when thirty years
of age came to this country and settled in Wisconsin. He came here on
a prospecting trip in order to satisfy himself that this country was the land
of opportunities, which had been pictured to him. He was satisfied that
he could find a better opportunity for advancement in this country than in
his native land, and accordingly he went back in 1886 and married Anna
Merkord, immediately returned to the United States and settled in O'Brien
county, Iowa, where he worked for two years as a laborer, after which he
rented one hundred and sixty acres of land, and by thrift and frugality
saved enough money so that he was able to purchase one hundred and sixty
acres of land in 1897. He has been a prosperous and successful farmer in
Hartley township, and is classed among the most successful agriculturists
and stock raisers of the township. Mr. and Mrs. William Steinbeck were
the parents of four children, Alfred, Mary, Laura and John, all of whom
are still living with their parents.
John Steinbeck was given a good common school education and after
leaving school continued to assist his father upon the home farm. He and
his father are Democrats in their political affiliations, but have never taken
an active part in public politics. All of the family are loyal, and earnest
members of the German Lutheran church and subscribe liberally to its
support at all times.
O'BRIEN and OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 957
One of the retired farmers and stockmen of Hartley, O'Brien county,
Iowa, is John H. Fogle. who, after a strenuous life on the farm, is now
quietly living a life of ease and retirement in the city of Hartley. Born of
German parentage, he has inherited those characteristics which have made
the German people prosperous citizens in whatever occupation thy (sic) chose
to enter.
John Fogle was horn in Henry county, Iowa, in 1867, and is the son of
John and Katherine (Swalp) Fogle, both of whom were natives of Germany.
John Fogle, Sr., was born in 1821 and, after receiving a common
school education in his native land, began to learn the carpenter's trade.
His wife was bornn in 1826 and they were married in 1845 in the land of
their birth. Four years after their marriage they decided to come to America
with the hopes of giving their children better oppurtunities. They first
settled in Canada, remaining there until 1851 on a farm. From there they
came to Henry county, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of timber land,
which they cleared and improved. Here they lived until the death of John
Fogle, Sr., in 1896. John Fogle, Sr., and wife were the parents of nine
children: Mrs. Mary Everts, of the state of Oregon; Mrs. Diana Franklin,
who is a resident of California; Mrs. Katherine Hopfe, who lives in Minnesota;
Mrs. Lizzie Foster, deceased; Frank, a farmer of Minnesota; Mrs.
Ella Fyler, also a resident of California; two who died in infancy and John
H. Jr., with whom this narrative deals.
John H. Fogle remained with his parents until he was twenty-eight years
of age and received such education as was afforded by the country schools
of his neighborhood, and after finishing his common school education he
assisted his father in the work on the farm. In 1895 he came to O'Brien
county, Iowa, where he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in
Center township for thirty-two dollars and a half an acre. Here he set
out four acres in orchard and forest trees and otherwise improved the place
so that at the end of seven years he was able to sell the tract at a handsome
profit. He then bought two hundred and forty acres in Hartley township,
and within a few years had put six thousand dollars worth of improvements
upon this land. While living on the farm he made a specialty of raising
cattle and sold from one to four car loads of cattle from his farm each year.
Recently he sold his farm and has built a home in Hartley, where he expects
to spend the remainder of his days. He still owns two hundred and
958 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES. IOWA.
forty acres of land in Minnesota, and has a share in the Farmers Elevator
Company and the lumber company at Hartley.
Mr. Fogle was married in 1891 in Henry county, Iowa, to Katie Garick,
who is a native of that county, born in 1865, and to this marriage three
children have been born: Alma, a graduate of the Hartley high school,
Ralph, deceased, and Walter, who is now attending the Hartley public schools.
Mr. Fogle has been affiliated with the Republican party since reaching his
majority, and although he is deeply interested in all public questions, he has
never found time to take an active part in political affairs. He and his
family are earnest and devoted members of the Methodist Episcopal church
and give to this denomination their undivided support at all times. Mr.
Fogle stands for the highest and best standards of living and has given his
support unreservedly to such movements as promise to advance the welfare
of his fellow citizens in any way.
William Wagner, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Beitzel) Wagner,
was born in 1891 in Wheatland, Clinton county, Iowa. His father was a
native of Germany, in which country he was employed on a farm, later
being apprenticed to a stone mason. In 1887 he was attracted to this
country by reports of the opportunities which were to be found here. He
first settled in St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked at his trade for five
years. Leaving St. Louis, he went to Clinton county, Iowa, where he
rented land for a short time, a little later buying one hundred and sixty
acres of raw land. On this farm he made his home until a few years ago,
when he moved to Wheatland and retired from active farming. He was
married early in life to Elizabeth Beitzel and to them were born eight
children: Henry, who died in Germany; Elizabeth (Schnider), of Clinton
county, Iowa; Albert, a mail carrier of Wheatland, Iowa; Anna (Balhorn),
of Wheatland, Iowa; Lena (Morgan), of Clinton county, Iowa; Louis, a
laborer of Clinton county, Iowa; Otto, who is at home with his parents,
and the subject.
William Wagner has begun an active life. After leaving college he
went to Davenport, Iowa, where he secured employment as a salesman of
mill work. The company by which he was employed soon recognized his
ability and he was promoted to the position of estimator. Finding a good
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES. IOWA. 959
opening in the restaurant business at Wheatland, he returned to his native
county and conducted a restaurant. After being here for some time he
disposed of his interests and purchased the Bader & Byers restaurant in
Hartley, Iowa. After a few years in this location he was able to purchase
the Schlidt building, where he now owns his present cafe.
The subject of this review received a liberal education. After
graduating from the Wheatland high school he entered the College
of M. H. C. in Wisconsin.
Mr. Wagner was married in 1913 to Velma Horstman of Wheatland,
Iowa. Since that time they have made their home in Hartley. He is an
Independent Progressive in politics. He and his wife are members and
regular attendants of the German Reformed church and contribute of their
means to its support. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America
and the Yeoman Lodges.
Change is constant and general. Nations rise and pass away and it
is the duty of posterity, as well as the present generation, to place upon
the printed page a true record of the lives of those who have preceded us
on the stage of action and left to their descendants the memory of their
struggles and achievements. The succeeding generations of O'Brien county,
Iowa, will be interested to read of the hundreds and even thousands of
citizens of German extraction who have made this county their home. One
hundred years from now this book will be invaluable in showing the early
history of this county and the original homes of its first settlers. Not less
than twenty-five countries of Europe have contributed of their best blood
to this county, and there is hardly a state east of the Mississippi but what
has sent some of her sturdiest sons as settlers to this county. However,
this particular history deals with a son of Germany, who was one of the
many who have come to this county and made a success.
Michael Denny, a farmer and stockman of Hartley, Iowa, was born in
Germany in 1861, the son of George and Mary (Mahl) Denny. George
Denny was born in Germany in 1810, and lived the life of a laborer there
until his death. To George Denny and wife were born eight children, and
whose life history is here presented is the only one of the family who left
his native land and came to America. The other seven children are George,
Jacob, Margaret, Anna, Katherine, John, deceased, and one who died in infancy.
960 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
Early in life Michael Denny made his plans to come to this country,
feeling that here was a good chance to get out of the rut into which he was
afraid he would fall should he stay in his native land. Accordingly, when
he reached the age of twenty years, he boldly crossed the Atlantic to seek
his fortunes in a strange land. With little money, with no knowledge of
the language, but with a brave heart, he landed on the docks at New York
City. He had the good sense not to linger in the city, hut immediately went
out into the farming regions of New York, where he obtained employment
on a farm. Two years later he had saved up enough in order to travel and
look for a better position. He finally settled in Stevenson county, Illinois,
where he worked as a laborer and farm hand for six years. In 1891, when
thirty years of age, he came to O'Brien county and purchased four hundred
acres of land in Hartley township. It is superfluous to add that he made a
success, for from the very beginning he was unusually prosperous. He is
now the owner of four hundred acres of fine farming land, on which he has
placed six thousand dollars' worth of improvements. He has the honor
of putting up the first fence and placing the first cornerstone of Hartley
township. While raising all of the crops common to this localitY, he has
had his largest financial returns from the good grade of live stock which he
has marketed each year.
Mr. Denny was married in LeMars, Plymouth county, Iowa, to Anna
DeVries, the daughter of Reka and Aljette (Poppen) DeVries, and to this
marriage have been born six children, George, Cora, August, Arthur,
Margaret and Addie, all of whom are still with their parents. Mr. and Mrs.
Denny are justly proud of their children and are giving them the
advantages of a good education.
Mr. Denny is a Republican in politics and for the past six years has
been holding the office of school director in his township. He is deeply
interested in educational affairs and everything which promises to better the
educational system of his township has found in him a ready and enthusiastic
supporter. He and all of his family are earnest and devoted members of
the German Lutheran church and subscribe liberally to the support of that
denomination. Mr. Denny is a man who deserves a great deal of credit
for the success he has made of his career in this country. He is scrupulously
honest in all of his dealings with the business world, generous and pleasant
with his friends and advocates wholesome politics, clean living and honesty in
business. It is needless to add that such a man who has lived such a life has
a host of friends and acquaintances who admire him for what he has done
for himself, as well as for the way in which he has helped his friends.
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES. IOWA. 961
Under a popular government like that of the United States, where the
democratic idea of equality is as fully developed as the present imperfect
condition of mankind will permit, we expect as its legitimate result the
triumph of individual worth and energy over all the competition that wealth
and class may array against them. Here the avenues of wealth and distinction
are fully opened to all, which fact enhances rather than detracts from
the merits of those whose energy and integrity have triumphed over all
obstacles intervening hetween an humble position and the attainment of these
laudable ends. Obscurity and labor, at no time dishonorable, never assume
more attractive features than when the former appears as the nurse of those
virtues which the latter, by years of honest and persevering effort, transplants
to a higher and richer soil; hence, the biography of those men of sterling
worth, whose active enterprise has won for them distinction, pre-eminence
and commanding influence in the society in which they move, must be
replete with fact which should encourage and instruct the young.
Alexander Grant, a prosperous farmer of Omega township, O'Brien
county, Iowa, was born in Henry county, Illinois, in 1862. His parents
were Daniel and Ellen {Furguson) Grant. His father was born in 1831 in
Scotland and when a young man left his native country and settled in Pennsylvania,
where he followed the trade of a carpenter for several years, after
which he went to Ohio, where he worked as a carpenter for a short time
and then moved on west to Illinois, where he engaged in farming in Henry
county until his death, which occurred in 1899. He married Ellen Ferguson
in the state of Pennsylvania, and to this union were born three children. Mrs.
Anna J. McMeekin, who lives in Illinois, John, deceased, and Alexander, with
whom this brief biography deals.
Alexander Grant received a good common school education in the schools
of Henry county, Illinois, and after finishing his school work contintied to
assist his father upon the farm until he reached his majority. Shortly after
his marriage he came to O'Brien county, Iowa, where he bought eighty acres
of land in 1885. For the past thirty years he has bought and sold several
different farms and at the present time has one hundred and sixty acres of
well improved land in Omega township. Since acquiring this farm he has
made eight thousand dollars' worth of improvements on it in the way of
erecting buildings of various kinds, constructing fences and making extensive
drainage. He raises a large amount of stock and is counted as one of
962 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
the most progressive farmers of his township. In addition to his agricultural
interests he is a stockholder in the Moneta Savings Bank and in the
Farmers' Elevator Company, of Moneta.
Mr. Grant was married in 1883 to Hattie Corns, and to this union has
been born one son, John, who is now assisting his father on the home farm.
Politically, Mr. Grant is a Republican, but has never held any official
position other than that of road superintendent of his home township. He and
his family are regular attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church and take
an active interest in the work of the church. Mr. Grant is a man who has
attained success through his own efforts, having been practically dependent
upon his own resources since reaching manhood, and because of his business
success, integrity of character and genial disposition he has won and retains
a host of warm personal friends throughout this section of the county.
Inherent honesty in the individual is certain of being demonstrated in
behalf of his fellow men at some time during the course of his life if the
right opportunity presents itself. When that honesty of purpose is tested to
the extrem.e and the man himself is able to resist every blandishment and
proffers of reward if he would but betray his fellows — then he is marked as
a man among men and one of nature's noblest creations. Sad to relate, there
are many persons in the world who hesitate when tempted, prevaricate, stitle
their consciences, and fall before the tempter. However, the world and the
people in it is growing better. Nowadays a higher standard of morality
prevails than ever before in history. Men and women are both growing more
tolerant of others' opinions — instead of an honest man being the exception,
he is everywhere prevalent. There are many reasons for this great change.
Wider publicity is being given to the doings of mankind and people have
learned that it is better, far better in the end, to lead honest and upright lives.
Were Diogenes on earth today, searching for his mythical honest man, he
would not have far to seek — such a man is found in the person of Robert P.
Jones, of Primghar, one of the most highly respected and best beloved
personages in O'Brien county.
Mr. Jones was born April 1, 1846, on a farm in Jackson county, Ohio.
His father was Griffith J. Jones and his mother was Elizabeth Rowland
Jones, both natives of Argylshire, North Wales. They emigrated to Ohio
Picture of ROBERT P. JONES.
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 963
from their native land and there settled on a farm. They later moved to
Wisconsin and lived on a farmstead thirty-six miles west of Madison. They
sold out their Wisconsin holdings in 1871 and moved to Clay county, Iowa,
where they bought a farm and resided until death took them in 1894. They
were the parents of the following children: Mrs. Helen Pond; Mrs. Jane
Pond; William R., who gave his life in defense of the Union during the great
Rebellion; Griffith R., of Minnesota, who was also a Union soldier; Robert P.
During the Civil War it was necessary for Robert P. to remain at home
and assist in the support of the family. In the year 1870 he left Wisconsin
for the oil regions of Pennsylvania and was located in the vicinity of Shamberg
for four years, operating in the oil fields. In 1874 he traveled to the
Black Hills section of South Dakota, where he followed mining for one year.
He returned to Clay couny in 1875. but was again overtaken with wanderlust
and went back to the Pennsylvania oil region to try his fortunes. He
followed the exciting life of the oil operator with its various vicissitudes and
varying fortunes until 1880, when he went to Arkansas and prospected for
gold in the mountains. He was successful in his mining operations, discovered
and developed a fine claim which he sold and invested in eighty acres
of land in Clay county. In 1886 he sold out and came to O'Brien county,
locating on the southwest quarter of section 13, in Dale township. Here
he built a "shack" and homesteaded on railroad land. He was a "squatter"
on land claimed by the Sioux City & St. Paul railroad. He broke up his
land and planted a portion of it to crops. The railroad company sent parties
to sell him out and his "squatter" holdings were disposed of to outside parties.
Many "squatters" suffered exiction and dispossession through the
power wielded by the railroads, but they eventually organized themselves
into what is known in history as the Taxpayers' Association, of which Mr.
Jones was made president. The circuit or district judge decided against them
at Primghar when their cases were called for trial and gave possession of
the lands to the railway. The cases were appealed to the supreme court of
the state of Iowa and the squatters were eventually given possession of the
lands. The full history of this remarkable controversy is given in the pages
of this O'Brien county annals. The agents of the railway tried repeatedly
to coerce or bribe Mr. Jones to abandon the fight in behalf of his constituents
and promised him immunity, possession of his land and monetary rewards,
but he resisted their blandishments and cast his lot with the men who had
trusted him with their fortunes. Mr. Jones tilled his fine farm in Dale town-
964 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
ship until 1908, when he removed to Primghar, where he engaged in business
and is very active in lodge affairs. It is recorded of him in the squatter
litigation history that Mr. Jones replied to the charges of the railway agents
as follows: "I do not care so much for myself, but I am working for the
settlers." Through his personal integrity and with the assistance of several
famous and able attorneys, thousands of acres of rich land were saved for
the settlers and wrested from the grasp of the railroads. D. M. Mullen
(now deceased) was the secretary of the association.
Mr. Jones has led an adventurous and exciting life, the details of which
would make interesting reading. While in Arkansas, he served as a Pinkerton
detective. He has ever evinced qualities of leadership among his fellow
men, been prominent in Republican politics and has held all township offices.
He has attended many state conventions as a delegate and has always taken
an active and leading part in behalf of Republican policies. He is a prominent
member of the Odd Fellows lodge, of which fraternal body he is the
efficient secretary. All members of his family are identified with the Baptist church.
Mr. Jones was married in 1867 to Emily Pond, who was born in 1845.
No children have blessed this union, but they have attempted to satisfy the
child hunger by adopting and rearing as their own five orphaned children as
follows: Mrs. Ella Culberson, of Primghar; Arthur Selma, of South
Dakota; Mrs. Belle Henderson Thayer, of Montana; Mrs. Ethel McKay
Gurney, of Omaha; Charley Jenkins, a resident of Clay county.
Further mention of this respected character is made in the chapter devoted
to the squatter litigation as written by the historian of this volume.
The details of the litigation in which he was such a prominent and influential
figure are fully and completely given. The foregoing review is intended as
an appreciation of his manly qualities and as a permanent record of his life.
All credit is due a man who wins success and by persistency and energy
gains a competence and apposition of honor as a man and citizen. The record
of the subject of this sketch is that of such a man, for he came to O'Brien
county in the day of her rapid growth and here worked out his way to definite
success and independence. He quickly adapted himself to the conditions
which he found here and has labored so consecutively and effectively that he
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 965
is now held in high regard by all who know him, having here maintained
his home since 1882.
Lyman F. Wilson, a prominent farmer and stockman of Omega township,
O'Brien county, Iowa, was born April 8, 1857, in Delaware county,
Iowa, and is the son of Nicholas and Jemima (Martin) Wilson. Nicholas
Wilson was born in 1820 in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, and remained
there until he was nineteen years of age and then went west and settled in
Ogle county, Illinois, near Palo, where he farmed until the year 1852. Then
he moved to Delaware county, Iowa, and purchased two hundred and forty
acres of government land and lived upon it until a few years before his death.
He then moved to Delhi, Iowa, where he resided until his death on March
30, 1906. Nicholas Wilson and Jemima Martin were married September
29, 1846, and to this union were bom seven children: Mary Jane, deceased;
Rebecca, of Delhi, Iowa; Sarah, deceased; John, a farmer of Delaware county,
Iowa; Robert, deceased; Lyman F., whose life history is here briefly
presented, and one who died in infancy.
Lyman F. Wilson received a good common school education and then
finished wnth a three-year course at Lenox College. He then assisted his
father on the farm until he was twenty-six years of age. In 1882 he bought
one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land in O'Brien county and in
the year of 1885 he worked the entire winter for seventeen dollars and twenty-five
cents. This was their family's first year upon the farm and probably
the most severe winter through which they ever passed. Fuel was very
scarce and they were compelled to burn hay and flax in order to keep from
freezing to death, but after the first winter prosperity began to smile upon
them and in a few years they were free from all troubles and cares. Mr.
Wilson made extensive improvements on his farm and soon became one of
the largest stock raisers of the township. He made a specialty of Galloway
cattle and added not a little to his annual income by the sale of cattle. He
was one of the organizers of the Hartley Lumber Company and is now a
director in that company. He is also president and manager of the O'Brien
County Rural Telephone Company.
Mr. Wilson was married in 1885 to Sarah J. Dawson, who was born
in Cedar county, Iowa, in 1861. To this marriage have been born five children,
Lew H., a farmer of O'Brien county; Cora Bell, who is a school teacher
in this county, and three who died in infancy.
Mr. Wilson is prominently identified with the Republican party and at
different times has held township offices in Omega township. At the present
time he is assessor of Omega towriship and is filling that important office in a
966 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
very satisfactory manner. In all of his official positions he has shown
marked administrative ability, so that he is one of the most efficient officials
the township has ever had. He and his family are loyal members of the
Methodist Episcopal church and are interested in all the activities of that
denomination. He is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Imbued with the deepest and most helpful public spirit, Mr. Wilson is well
set in his opinion as to matters of public policy and gives of his best to the
serving of good government. His personal relations with his fellow men
have been ever mutually pleasant and agreeable and he is regarded highly
by everyone with whom he has been associated in the county.
Among the prosperous business men of Moneta, O'Brien county, Iowa,
is John W. Jepsen, a hardware merchant and the present postmaster of the
town. His whole life has been spent in business and with a success which is
commensurate with his efforts. He was born in 1875 in Davenport, Iowa,
and is the son of Hans and Christina (Nagel) Jepsen.
Hans Jepsen was born in Germany in 1843 and followed the occupation
of a gardener in his native land. In 1866 he came across the ocean and
settled in Davenport, Iowa, where he followed gardening for fifteen years. In
1889 he moved to Clay county, Iowa, and bought one hundred and sixty acres
of land, on which he lived for several years. He improved the land and then
sold it at a good profit, after which he retired to Davenport, Iowa, where he
is now living. His wife, Christina, was born in Germany in 1849 and to this
union were born nine children: Frank, deceased; Katherine, of Davenport,
Iowa; George, a farmer of Clay county; Jacob, a druggist of Davenport and
a graduate of Highland Park College of Des Moines; Mrs. Paullina Soehren
of Minnesota; Harry, a partner in the hardware business with John W.;
Margaret, of Davenport; Louisa, of Davenport, and John W., with whom this
narrative deals.
John W. Jepsen received a good common school education and helped his
father on the farm until he was twenty-six years of age. He then became
interested in the hardware business at Spencer, Iowa, where he learned the
intricacies of the business by serving as a clerk for one year. In 1902 he
came to Moneta, in O'Brien county, where he and his brother, Harry,
purchased the hardware stock of E. E. Dodge & Company, and they have been in
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 967.
charge of this store for the past twelve years. They have built up a large and
lucrative trade in Moneta and the surrounding country. The brothers carry
three thousand dollars worth of stock the year round. In addition to their
hardware interests, they have a share in the Farmers Elevator Company of
Moneta. Mr. Jepsen is also manager of the telephone company at Moneta
and is a stockholder in the company. He owns five acres of lots in Moneta
in addition to his handsome residence.
Mr. Jepsen was married in 1905 to Marguerite E. Unangst, at Spencer,
Iowa, and to this union have been born four children, who are still with their
parents. Lulu, Laura, John and Jacob. Politically. Mr. Jepsen is a Democrat,
but his business interests have kept him from taking an active part in
politics. He and his family are earnest members of the German Lutheran
church and subscribe liberally to its support. Mr. Jepsen is a self-made man
and owes his present success to the fact that he has been diligent in his
various undertakings. As a graduate of the Davenport Business College he was
able to do administrative work in any line and consequently makes an efficient
manager of the telephone company. He has a large number of friends and
acquaintances in Moneta and the surrounding country who admire him for
his many good qualities.
O. L. Lighter was born in 1884 in Grundy county, Iowa, and is the son
of George and Jennie (Wilhelm) Lighter. George Lighter was born in
Carroll county, Illinois, and after his marriage became a prosperous farmer
of Grundy county, Iowa. In 1888 he moved to O'Brien county and purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land. He improved the
farm and in 1902 he sold it at a good profit and purchased two hundred
acres, which he still owns. Since purchasing his last farm, he has placed
six thousand dollars worth of improvements upon it. George Lighter and
wife are the parents of four children: Clinton, who is farming the home
place; Gladys, Clyde, and Omer L., whose life history is here briefly set forth.
After leaving college Omer L. Lighter was first made manager of the
Fleete Lumber Company and in 1908 he came to Moneta to manage the lumber
yard of the same concern. He owns a share in the lumber company as
well as a residence and three acres in Moneta.
Mr. Lighter was married in 1909 to Estella Jones. Politically, Mr.
Lighter is a Republican, but has never taken an active part in politics. Fra-
968 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
ternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and the
Knights of Pythias. Mr. Lighter is still a young man and has a long and
useful life yet before him. His success in his forepart of life indicates
that he will become one of the substantial business men of the county in the
years to come.
Among the substantial business men of Hartley, O'Brien county, Iowa,
whose labor and influence has given aid to the material welfare of the city,
is Ole F. Olson, the proprietor of a prosperous clothing business in that city.
His whole life has been filled with hard work and by industry and close
attention to business he has risen to his present place of prominence in the
business world. He was born November 22, 1871, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and
is the son of Theo and Mary (Helle) Olson, both of whom were born in
Norway. Theo Olson was a farmer in his native land and after coming to
this country he settled in Minnesota and engaged in farming until his death
in 1875. He was born in 1841 and his wife was born in 1838. There were
two children born to Theo Olson and wife, Mary, deceased, and Ole F..
whose history is here briefly portrayed.
Ole F. Olson received a good practical education in the schools of Minnesota
and when fifteen years of age he began clerking in a clothing store.
He worked there for eight years and, although other clerks came and went,
he always retained his position. In those days it was a disgrace to lose a
position of this kind. In order that he might be secure in his clerkship he
applied himself with unusual energy to his daily tasks. Considered as an
excellent clerk, he received better wages than those who worked by him. In
1894, when only twenty-three years of age, he came to Oelwein, Iowa, and
purchased a clothing store known as the Hawkeye Clothing Company. He
operated this store for eleven years and did a prosperous business. Most of
his trade was with the railroad men, since Oelwein was a division point on the
Chicago & Great Western Railway. In 1905 he sold out and moved to Hartley,
where he purchased an interest in the firm of Broders, Tagge & Company.
He became the manager of the company and continued in this capacity
until September 24, 1913, when he purchased the entire interest of the
other members of the firm. He now carries the largest stock of goods in this
city. His courteous treatment of his customers and his honesty in all of his
transactions have won him the confidence of a large circle of people in
Hartley and the surrounding community.
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 969
Mr. Olson was married January 15, 1900, in Chicago, to Clara Duncan
and to this union have been born two children, Thelma and Teddy, both of
whom are still with their parents. Politically, Mr. Olson belongs to that
large class of men who are classed as independent voters, preferring to cast
his ballot for the best man irrespective of their politics, and in so doing he
feels that he is serving the best interests of his community. He and his
family are earnest members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and subscribe
liberally to its support. Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and
Accepted Masons, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Knights
of Pythias, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Foresters. Mr.
Olson deserves a great deal of credit for the success which he has attained.
In order to qualify himself for better and more efficient work he went to night
school in Albert Lea, Minnesota, and later took a business course. He has
worked hard for his present success and deserves a great deal of credit for
the large business which he has built up in this city. He is a man of genial
nature and a winning personality and has a large number of friends and
acquaintances in Hartley and the surrounding community.
The following is a sketch of a plain, honest man of affairs, who by correct
methods and a strict regard for the interests of his patrons has made his
influence felt in Sanborn, Iowa, and won for himself distinctive prestige in
the business circles of that city. He would be the last man to sit for romance
or become the subject of fancy sketches, nevertheless his life presents much
that is interesting and valuable and may be studied with profit by the young,
whose careers are yet to be achieved. He is one of those whose integrity and
strength of character 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 deeply stamped
upon their community.
Edgar Wright, a prosperous hardware merchant of Sanborn, was born
in 1880, in Linn county, Iowa, the son of John and Catherine (McRay)
Wright. John Wright was born in New York state and operated a farm
there until he came to Summit township, O'Brien county, this state, in 1884.
Upon arriving in this county he purchased land and farmed until his death in
1898. He was twice married and by his first marriage there were three chil-
970 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
dren: Silas, a resident of Wisconsin; Ernest, a retired farmer of Sanborn,
Iowa, and Ellis, deceased. Edgar is the only child by his second marriage to
Catherine McRay.
Edgar Wright received his education in the common schools of O'Brien
county, his father moving to this county when he was four years of age. He
worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-seven years of age and in
1912 purchased a half interest in a hardware store in Sanborn, where he is
now building up a large and increasing trade. He owns a share in the
Farmers Elevator and Lumber Company, of Sanborn, a co-operative concern
which is of great benefit to the farmers of the county.
Politically, Mr. Wright has always voted the Republican ticket since he
reached his majority, but has been so busy that he has never had time to take
a very active part in political affairs. He is an attendant of the Methodist
Episcopal church and a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons at
Sanorn. Mr. Wright is a young man who has the promise of a bright business
career before him. Since buying an interest in the hardware store, he
has increased its stock, while the trade of the store has been increased as a
result. He is courteous in his treatment of his customers and because he is
honest in all of his business transactions he has earned the confidence and
esteem of all the people with whom he has been associated.
One of the substantial business men of Sibley, who has always taken
an active interest in the affairs of the city, is W. D. Shuttleworth, the
president of the Shell Lumber Company and vice-president of the Sibley Cement
Company. He is a man of rare business ability and integrity and, although
he has only been connected with the business life of Sibley a comparatively
short time, yet he has impressed his individuality upon all of those with whom
he has been associated. He was born May 12, 1869, at Fennimore, Grant
county, Wisconsin, and is the son of Craven and Nancy (Kayley) Shuttleworth.
Craven Shuttleworth was born in Helsfield, Yorkshire, England, and
came to America in 1856, first settling in Madison, Wisconsin, for two years
and then went to Grant county, where he followed his trade as a cabinetmaker
until his death, in February, 1903, at the age of seventy-eight years.
Craven Shuttleworth and wife were the parents of eight children: Job, of
Picture of W. D. SHUTTLEWORTH
O'BRIEN and OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 971
Centralia, Illinois; Mrs. Ella McDougall, of Melvin, Osceola county, Iowa;
Farrand K., a lawyer of Madison, Wisconsin; Fred, of Idaho Falls, Idaho;
W. D., whose history is here narrated; Craven, of Allendorf, Iowa; Ina D.,
a lawver of Avoca, Iowa, and May, a teacher of music in Northfield, Minnesota.
W. D. Shuttleworth was educated in the public schools of Wisconsin
and came to Iowa in the fall of 1890, when he was twenty-one years of age,
and took employment in the Shell lumber yards and remained there for three
years, learning the intricacies of the business. He then went to Minneapolis
and took a business course, after which he located in Ocheyedan and operated
a lumber yard for Armin &asp; Shell. A little later he purchased an interest in
the Ocheyedan lumber yards and remained there for the next fifteen years.
In 1909 he came to Sibley and assisted in the organization of the Shell
Lumber Company and the Sibley Cement Company. He is now president of the
lumber company and vice-president of the cement company. The cement
company was organized in 1903 for the purpose of manufacturing cement
blocks and tile, making a specialty, however, of tile. The factory is located
along the Rock Island railway and covers five acres of space. It does a
large business in Sibley and the surrounding community and employs from
fifteen to twenty men the year round.
Mr. Shuttleworth was married in 1896 to Blanche B. Sokol, the daughter of
F. J. and Anna Sokol. The reader is directed to the life history of
George F. Sokol, which is found elsewhere in this volume, for the ancestral
history of the Sokol family. Mr. and Mrs. Shuttleworth are the parents of
two sons, Frank and Craven.
In addition to his interests in Sibley, Mr. Shuttleworth is vice-president
of the Ocheyedan Savings Bank. Politically, he is an ardent Republican, but
the affairs of his business have kept him from taking an active part in political
affairs. He and his family are loyal members of the Congregational church
and contribute liberally of their means to its support. Fraternally, he is a
member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and has attained to the
thirty-second degree, belonging to the consistory at Sioux City. He is also
a member of the Knights of Pythias. He is a self-made man and owes his
large success solely to his own efforts. While intent on promoting his own
interests, he has not been indifferent to the interests of his fellow citizens,
as is indicated by the part he takes in advancing the material prosperity of
the community and the zeal which he manifests in all enterprises having for
their object the uplift of his fellow men.
972 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
George Hakeman was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1841 and died
February 15, 1913. He came to this country from his native land when a
youth and settled in Iowa. At the outbreak of the Civil War he was seized
with the same enthusiasm which inspired the native sons of the country and
enlisted in the Union Army, August 5, 1862, at Tipton, Iowa, in Company C,
Twenty-fourth Regiment Iowa Volunteer Infantry. He was in continuous
service until his final discharge on August 4, 1865, at Davenport, Iowa. He
saw hard fighting during his three years at the front and served his country
in a distinguished and faithful manner.
Immediately after the close of the war he returned to Iowa and in 1872
came to O'Brien county, in this state, and homesteaded in Highland township.
He continued to reside on his farm until 1882, when he moved to
Paullina, O'Brien county, and engaged in the lumber business. Four years
later he retired from the lumber business and again began to farm near the
town of Paullina. After operating his farm for the next four years he sold
it and moved to Sanborn where he and his son Clare engaged in the grain
and elevator business. Thev also managed a lumber vard with their other
interests. He continued in active business until 1909 when he retired, and
continued to reside in Sanborn until his death in 1913.
Mr. Hakeman was twice married, his first marriage being in 1861 to
Sarah Albaugh, and to this union nine children were born: Charles,
deceased; Mrs. Margaret Alard, of Sutherland, Iowa; James, a hardware
merchant at Sutherland, Iowa; Clinton, of May City, Iowa; Mrs. Lily Bryant, of
North Dakota; Nora, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Mrs. Mary Wagner, of
Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Clare, of Sanborn, Iowa; Mrs. Nellie Fisher, of
Belleplane, Iowa, and Sadie, now Mrs. E. Hendrickson, of Mason City, Iowa.
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 973
The second marriage of Mr. Hakeman was in 1882 to Sarah Delapp.
She was born in 1855 in New York state and is the daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. George Delapp. She came from New York state and lived with her
uncle, Samuel Spencer, in Adair county, Iowa. She lived with her uncle for
several years and then spent two years in Wisconsin. In 1879 she came back
to Iowa and lived in O'Brien county with Mrs. D. C. Fields, her sister, until
her marriage in 1882. To this second marriage were born two children,
Callie, who is living with her mother, and Mrs. Amy Raymond, of O'Brien county.
Mr. Hakeman and his wife were long members of the Methodist Episcopal
church and subscribed liberally to its support. He was a member of
the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows
and the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Hakeman is a member of
the Eastern Star. Mr. Hakeman is remembered by his friends as a man of
fine presence and an influential man in the circles in which he moved. With a
sound character and unflagging energy he stood as an example of the self-
made man. His life was filled with good deeds and kindly thoughts and in
all of life's relations he was true and faithful to his duty and thereby won
the unqualified confidence and regard of his fellow citizens.
Patrick Dougherty, a former clothing merchant of Sanborn and a member
of the firm of Dougherty & Kelley, was born at Erin Prairie, Wisconsin,
in 1876. He was the son of John and Julia (Crowe) Dougherty, his father
being a native of Ireland. John Dougherty was born in 1817 and early in
life left his native country and settled in Wisconsin where he became a
farmer. After living fifteen years in that state he came to O'Brien county
974 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
in 1877 and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land in Carroll
township. For a number of years the family lived in a log house, but later
he put up a substantial dwelling and improved his farm so that it became a
valuable piece of property. John Dougherty was twice married, and to his
first marriage were born four children: Thomas, a banker of North Dakota;
Mrs. Katherine Gifford, of Seattle, Washington; Frank, a farmer of
Floyd towmship, in this county; Charles, a real estate agent of Sheldon, Iowa.
In 1869 John Dougherty was married to Julia Crowe and to this union four
children were born: Mrs. Mary Beacom, of O'Brien county; James, a farmer
of South Dakota; one which died in infancy, and Patrick, whose life history
is here delineated.
Patrick Dougherty was educated in Northfield, Minnesota, and after
leaving school he returned to his parents home in O'Brien county where he
worked for a time. His father dying, he and his mother moved to Sheldon,
where he secured employment as clerk in a general mercantile establishment.
For fifteen vears he clerked in different stores in Sheldon and then in 1905
he went to Primghar, Iowa, and managed the clothing department for the
Williams Mercantile Company at that place. After a service of nine years
with that company lie moved to Sanborn and with his brother-in-law, Joe
Kelley, bought a clothing store. He was in the firm only a short time, but
had already become thoroughly familiar with all the details of the establishment.
His long experience as clerk in different stores and as manager of
the clothing department of the Williams Mercantile Company at Primghar
had made him a business man of exceptional ability. He knew every angle
of the purchasing part of the business, and was able to stock his store with
the best judgment at the lowest prices.
Mr. Dougherty was married in 1901 to Mae Kelley, and to this union
have been born two children, John and Winifred. The Democratic party
had always claimed the support of Mr. Dougherty, but he had been so busy
with his own interests that he had no time to indulge in politics. He and his
family were loyal members of the Catholic church, while he was a member
of the Catholic fraternity, the Knights of Columbus. He also held membership
in the Brotherhood of American Yeomen. Genial and unassuming in
manner, Mr. Dougherty easily won friends and always retained them, and
because of his high personal qualities and business success he is eminently
entitled to representation in a work of this nature. He was killed in the awful
cyclone that struck Sanborn June 5, 1914, being on his way home, from the
store to his supper.
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 975
The subject of this review is a representative farmer and stock grower
of Frankhn township, O'Brien county, Iowa, and he is known as one of the
alert, progressive and successful agriculturists of this favored section of the
Hawkeye state. In his labors he has not permitted himself to follow in the
rut in a blind, apathetic way, but has studied and experimented and thus
secured the maximum returns from his enterprising efforts, while he has so
ordered his course at all times as to command the confidence and regard of the
people of the community in which he lives, being a man of honorable business
methods and advocating whatever tends to promote the public welfare in
any way.
Martin Hickey, a farmer and stock raiser of Franklin township, O'Brien
county, was born August 2, 1849, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of John and
Mary (McCardel) Hickey, who were natives of Ireland. John Hickey was
born in 1823, and left his native land with his parents and came to America,
settling in Chicago when he was seven years of age. He grew to manhood in
this city and became a stage driver and a miner in Illinois. Later in life he
moved to Clinton county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming for a few
years and then moved to Buchanan county, where he followed the vocation
of a farmer until his death in 1888. He was married in 1846 to Mary McCardel,
who died in 1908, and to this union were born eleven children:
Martin; Peter, who is a farmer of this county; John, who was killed by an
automobile in this county in 1913; Michael, who is a resident of Montana;
Ellen, living with her brother, Peter; William, a farmer living in Minnesota;
Patrick, of Sheldon, Iowa; Thomas, a farmer in O'Brien county; two who
died in infancy; Mary, deceased, and Martin, with whom this narrative deals.
Martin Hickey started to work for himself when he was eighteen years
of age and for several years worked as a farm laborer, and for a time he
drove a cab in the city of Chicago and later freighted with a team across the
Rocky mountains from Fairplay to Leadville, Colorado. In 1888 he came to
O'Brien county, Iowa, where he worked on a farm for the first three years,
after which he bought eighty acres of unimproved land in Franklin township,
and is still operating this land. Since purchasing this tract he has made
extensive improvements in the way of erecting buildings, fencing and installing
a splendid system of drainage. He makes a specialty of raising Norman
horses and has taken first prizes on his Norman stock at the county fair.
Mr. Hickey was married in 1896 to Mary Rathford. Politically, he is a
976 O'BRIEN and OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
member of the Democratic party, but has never taken an active interest in
political affairs. Religiously, he and his wife are earnest and faithful
members of the Catholic church and subscribe generously to its support. Mr.
Hickey is a self-made man and is deserving of great credit for the success
which has attended his efforts in the county. He takes an intelligent interest
in local movements which make for the advancement of the best interests of
his community. He is a man of social tendencies, kind and obliging and
straightforward in all the walks of life, and is highly respected and popular
with his fellow citizens.
The history of any man is merely a recital of those things which have
marked his progress along his pathway in life. Every man fills his niche in
society and the value of a man to society depends upon how important is the
niche he fills. In this day of specialization there are so many hundreds of
different occupations that it is impossible to set a comparative value upon the
work of men, but it must be conceded that there is no occupation which
outranks that of a farmer in importance.
John J. Newman, a prominent farmer and stockman of Franklin township,
O'Brien county, Iowa, was born in Lee county, Illinois, in 1856, the son
of John and Martha (Wagner) Neuman, who were both natives of Germany
and came to this country after their marriage in 1855. John Neuman, Sr.,
settled in Lee county, Illinois, on a farm and remained there until a few years
before his death, when he moved to Ashton, in Lee county, where he died in
1900. John and Martha Neuman were the parents of eight children: Mrs.
Christina Teal, who lives in Hartley, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Krug, who is a resident
of Illinois; Mrs. Elizabeth Heipenthal, who also lives in Illinois; Mrs.
Sophia Kersten, deceased; Mrs. Katherine Kersten, of Lee county, Illinois;
Henry, who lives in Lee county, Illinois; Mrs. Anna Schafer, who lives in
Illinois, and John J., whose life history forms the thread of this narrative.
In addition to these eight children, there were two others who died in infancy.
John J. Neuman received a good common school education in the schools
of this native county in Illinois, and upon marrying in that state rented land
from his father, on which he lived until 1904, after which he moved to
O'Brien county, Iowa, and purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in
Franklin and Lincoln townships, where he is now living. He has improved
his farm in various ways by erecting buildings, constructing fences and put-
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 977
ting in an extensive system of drainage until the farm is now one of the most
highly cultivated and productive, as well as among the most valuable of the
township. In addition to the raising of all the grain crops common to this
locality, he also engages extensively in the breeding of live stock and makes
a specialty of Aberdeen Angus cattle, finding that this line of endeavor adds
not a little to his annual income. He is also a shareholder in the Farmers
Elevator Company at Sanborn.
Mr. Neuman was married in 1882 to Sophia Krug, who died in 1900,
and to this union there were born eight children, all of whom are still living
in O'Brien county: William, a farmer; Mrs. Ida Neinthorp; Mrs. Minnie
Muxlow ; Albert, who is assisting his father on the home farm; Nora,
Harvey and Clara, who are still with their parents on the home place,
and Charlotte, who is living with her grandparents.
Mr. Neuman, from the time he attained his majority, has been active in
the support of the Republican party, but his farming and stock interests
having made such heavy demands on his time and attention that he has never felt
that he had the time to take an active part in politics. He and his family have
been earnest in their support of the Methodist Episcopal church and have
advanced its interests in every way. Mr. Newman has always given his support to
every movement which was calculated to advance the welfare of his
community along any legitimate lines. By his advocacy of wholesome living,
pure politics and honesty in business, he has enjoyed the undivided respect
and esteem of all who know him.
Practical industry, wisely and vigorously applied, never fails of success.
It carries a man onward and upward, brings out his individual character and
acts as a powerful stimulus to the efforts of others. The greatest results in
life are often attained by simple means and the exercise of the ordinary
qualities of common sense and perseverance. The every-day life, with its cares,
necessities and duties, affords ample opportunities for acquiring experience of
the best kind and its most beaten paths provide a true worker with abundant
scope for effort and self-improvement.
William Brahan, son of Michael and Catherine (Smith) Brahan, was
born in 1870, in Jasper county, Iowa. Michael Brahan was born in 1818 in
Ireland, while his wife was born in the same country in 1823. He died in
978 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
1913. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Brahan were the parents of five children:
Northrop, a resident of Baxter, Iowa; Mrs. Agnes Leamer, of Melbourne,
this state; Mrs. Josie Jack, of Newton, Iowa; Mrs. Agnes Ieamer, of Ashton,
Iowa, and William, whose life history is here delineated.
William Brahan settled in Sanborn, Iowa, in 1887, and for the next three
years worked as a farm hand in the immediate neighborhood, after which he
rented land in Franklin township, this county, until 1907, at which time he
purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Franklin township, this
county. Since acquiring a farm of his own he has improved the tract in
various ways, so as to greatly enhance its value, and in addition to raising all
the crops common to this section, keeps graded stock of high quality and is
recognized as a farmer who is progressive in his methods and a man who
understands thoroughly the details of modern agriculture.
Mr. Brahan was married on March 12, 1895, to Sarah Dummitt, the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Dummitt, a homesteader of Franklin
township, this county, and to this marriage have been born two children,
Beulah and Earl, who are now attending school.
The Republican party has claimed the support of Mr. Brahan since
reaching his majority and, although he has never been a candidate for a
public office, he takes an intelligent interest in political affairs. Religiously, he
and his family are attendants of the Methodist Episcopal church and try to
live a life consistent with the teachings of that denomination. Mr. Brahan
is recognized as a man of enterprising and progressive ideas and has not been
backward in giving his support to every movement for the upbuilding and
development of his county. Personally, he is a genial and companionable
man and an appreciative member of the various circles in which he moves.
Picture of PATRICK L. PEISLEY
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 979
Patrick L. Peisley was born in Ireland in 1844 and died in Osceola
county, Iowa, September 13, 1900. He came to this country with his father,
Michael, when he was five years of age and the family settled in Grant county,
Wisconsin, and there Patrick Peisley was reared to manhood. In that state
he enlisted for service in the Union army in 1861, in Company C. Second
Regiment Wisconsin Cavalry, and served until he was mustered out at
Austin, Texas, November 15. 1865. He was appointed corporal Junw 1,
1864, and finally discharged at Madison, Wisconsin, on December 11, 1865,
with this rank. Among the battles in which he took part may be mentioned
the following: Bayou Cache, Arkansas; Oakland. Mississippi; Lick Creek,
Arkansas; Cold Water, Mississippi; Hour Lake, Tennessee; siege of Vicksburg;
Clinton, Mississippi; Bayou Pierre and James Landing, Arkansas;
Jackson, Mississippi; Mentonia, Missouri; Prairie Grove, Arkansas; Van
Buren, Arkansas; Hall's Plantation, Mississippi; Woodville, Mississippi;
Yazoo City; Egypt Station and several skirmishes in Texas.
After being mustered out of the service in Wisconsin, Mr. Peisley remained
there until his marriage in 1873. He and his wife then came to
Osceola county and homesteaded on section 32, in Viola township, and on
this farm they lived and reared a family, remaining there until 1910. In
that year the family moved to Sibley, where she is now living. Mr. Peisley
was successful as a farmer and at the time of his death was the owner of two
hundred and ninety-three acres of excellent farming land. He put extensive
improvements on his farm in the way of new buildings, fencing and drainage
until it became one of the most valuable tracts in the township.
Mr. Peisley was married on July 3, 1873, to Mary Jane O'Neil, who
was born December 15, 1850, in Dutchess county, New York, and is the
daughter of John and Julia (Phillips) O'Neil, who were both natives of Ireland.
They left New York in 1874 and settled in Grant county, Wisconsin,
where they lived until 1883. In that year they came to Osceola county, Iowa,
where the father and mother both died, the mother passing away in 1889 and
the father in the year following. Mr. and Mrs. O'Neil were the parents of
three children: Mary J., the wife of Mr. Peisley; Eliza Ann, who died in
the fall of 1906, and Daniel, who is the clerk at the Osceola House in Sibley.
Mr. and Mrs. Peisley are the parents of four children: Mrs. Maria R.
Corkell, who is living with her mother in Sibley; Mrs. Emma Walbran, who
is a resident of Tracy, Minnesota; Daniel L., who is living on the homestead
in Viola township, this county, and one who died in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Peisley were both members of the Catholic church and
980 O'BRIEN and OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
always rendered it their earnest support. In politics Mr. Peisley was a
Democrat and always took an active interest in local politics. He had been
a school director in Viola township for a number of years preceding his
death and served several years as trustee of Viola township. Mrs. Peisley
is a woman of most estimable character and is highly esteemed by all who
know her for her many deeds of kindness and charity. She and her husband
lived a full and complete life and were happy in their home relations.
Mr. Peisley thought much of the family name and strove to keep it
untarnished before the world. He took pride in his children and did
everything in his power for their welfare. To those who were very near to him
and knew him well he was regarded as a good man in every sense of the
word, faithful and true, a kind neighbor, and an honor to his county and state.
The history of him whose name heads this biographical sketch is closely
identified with the history of O'Brien county, Iowa, which has long been
his home. He began his career in this locality in the pioneer epoch and
throughout the subsequent years he has been closely allied with its interests
and upbuilding. His life has been one of untiring activity and has been
crowned with a degree of success commensurate with his efforts. He is of the
highest type of progressive citizen and none more than he deserves a fitting
recognition among those whose enterprise and ability have achieved results
that have awakened the admiration of those who know them. The cause
of humanity never had a truer friend than Mr. Boyd, and in all the relations
of life — family, church, state and society — he has displayed that consistent
Christian spirit, that natural worth, that has endeared him to all
classes. His integrity and fidelity have been manifested in every relation of
life, an example which has been an inspiration to others and his influence has
been felt in the community honored by his citizenship.
Robert W. Boyd, a distinguished veteran of the Civil war, and now
living a retired life in Sutherland, O'Brien county, Iowa, was born in
Ireland in 1844. He is a son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Boyd, whose family
history is sketched elsewhere in this volume, in the history of Richard Boyd.
Robert W. Boyd came over to this country with his parents before the
Civil War, and in 1862, although only a lad of eighteen, he offered his
services for the cause of his adopted country and enlisted at Marion, Iowa.
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 981
on October l0, 1862, in the Sixth Iowa Cavalry. A short time after entering
the services he became sick with lung fever and was discharged on
account of disability, on Febrnary 10, 1863, at Davenport, Iowa, having
been in the active service only about four months. In 1865 he started to
work in Linn county, Iowa, as a laborer, and continued to work in that
county until 1871. In that year he came to Grant township, O'Brien county,
and homesteaded a tract of land and eventually proved his title to his land.
He put out one of the largest groves and orchard trees which has ever been
set out in the township and his seventeen acres of trees is one of the pleasing
sights of this section of the state. He is a progressive farmer in every sense
of the word and erected a barn, which at the time it was built was the
largest barn in the township. This barn was later destroyed by fire. For
the first three years after coming here Mr. Boyd lived by himself in a
sod house, and one must live in such a house in order to appreciate the
disadvantages and discomforts which he suffered. In 1874 his mother sent
him money to build a little house, and the lumber had to be hauled from
Sheldon, a distance of twenty-five miles. In the early days of the county
he was a grain freighter, hauling grain from Primghar to Sheldon, and he
has the honor of selling the first load of wheat which was sold in Sheldon,
the purchaser being Benjamin Jones. He also hauled the first load
of wheat to Hartley, where he sold it to a Mr. McAndrews. In the early
days of the county there were no roads and the trails between towns was
constantly changing, a fact which often caused travelers to be led astray and
even lost. As well acquainted as Mr. Boyd was with the different trails in
that early time, it has happened that he has been lost himself more than
once on the prairies of O'Brien county, in the days gone by. Mr. Boyd
continued to reside upon his farm until 1910, when he moved to Primghar
to educate his only son and child. In 1911 he moved to Sutherland, where
he is now living, having a fine home and four acres of land within the
corporate limits of the town. Mr. Boyd at one time owned and operated a
livery barn in Sutherland, but has disposed of his interests in this business.
Mr. Boyd was married in 1878 to Hannah Snyder, the daughter of
Palmer and Polly Snyder, who are now living with Mrs. Boyd, Mrs. Snyder
being one of the oldest women in the county, having reached the advanced
age of ninety-six years in October, 1914. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have one
son, John W., who is still living with his parents.
The Republican party has claimed the stanch support of Mr. Boyd since
he was old enough to cast his first ballot. However, he has never had as-
982 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
piration along political lines, being content to devote his time and energies
to his agricultural interests. However, he has been a school director for
several years and in that capacity gave his aid to every measure which
promised to benefit the schools of his township. He and his family are
earnest members of the Methodist Episcopal church and subscribe liberally to the
support of that denomination. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and
takes a deep interest in the work of these fraternal organizations. Personally,
he is popular throughout the community, possessing those amiable qualities
which attract friends and is rightfully ranked among the leading citizens
of his township and county.
John Blahauvietz was born in Michigan in 1869 and is the son of Mr.
and Mrs. Jacob Blahauvietz. His father was born in Germany in 1804 and
settled in Michigan, where he lived until his death. Jacob Blahauvietz and
wife were the parents of six children: Vence, who is in the employ of a
brick yard in Michigan; Joseph, a machinist of Michigan; Frank; Albert;
Charles, and John, with whom this narrative deals.
John Blahauvietz has made his own way since he was twelve years of
age, starting in at that early age as a horse driver in a brick yard at Detroit.
Michigan. He worked for five years. At the age of nineteen he left home
and came to O'Brien county, where he worked for six years as a farm laborer.
He then rented land in Benton county and farmed for four years,
after which he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Carroll county,
Iowa. He improved this land and in three years sold it out at a good profit
and invested his ,oney in one hundred and sixty acres of land in O'Brien
county. Since purchasing his farm in O'Brien county, in 1904, he has made
seven thousand dollars worth of improvements upon it. While raising all of
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES. IOWA. 983
the crups which are common to this locality, he has made a specialty of the
breeding of Duroc Jersey hogs. He owns a share in the Farmers Elevator
Company at Sanborn.
Mr. Blahauvietz was married in 1898 to Mary Reisser, and to this union
have been born two children, William and Margaret, both of whom are now
attending the high school at Sanborn. Politically, Mr. Blahauvietz is a
Republican and has been active in civic and public affairs of his township and
is now serving as a school director in Franklin township. He has always
taken an interest in public affairs and gives his support to such movements as
he feels will benefit his community. He and his family are loyal members of
the Presbyterian church and render it their support at all times. Fraternally,
he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America.
America is known the world over as the land of opportunity, and this
fact accounts for the millions of people who come to our shores each year
seeking new homes. They come from practically every quarter of the
globe and while all of them do not make good citizens, yet within the course
of a few vears the maiority of them become imbused with the true American
spirit and settle down to lives of usefulness. There is one country
in Europe, however, whose citizens are always acceptable in any community,
and O'Brien county, Iowa, is proud of her numerous German citizens,
all of whom have been important factors in the upbuilding of this county.
Albert H. Weinke, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Franklin
township, O'Brien county, Iowa, was born in Germany in 1859. His father
was born in 1819 and his mother in 1831, and both of them lived all of
their days in the land of their birth. William and Katherine (Pankie)
Wienke, the parents of Albert H. Weinke, had a family of thirteen children,
only six of whom are living, and of the six children living, Albert
is the only one who has made his home in America. The other five children,
William, Augustus, Julius, Herman and Mrs. Alvira Frederick, live
in their native land of Germany.
Albert H. Weinke received a good common school education in the
schools of his native land and when twenty-two years of age decided to
come to America to seek his fortune. He first settled in Wisconsin and for
984 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
six years worked on a farm in that state. In 1881 he came to O'Brien
county and worked out as a farm laborer for six years, after which he
rented land for a period of seven years, after which he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Franklin township, where he now lives,
and has put extensive improvements upon this tract so that its value has
greatly increased. He keeps his farm to the highest standard of agricultural
excellence and by its general appearance of neatness and prosperity
makes a favorable impression on the passerby. In addition to carrying on
a general system of diversified farming he also engages extensively in the
breeding of live stock, which he finds a profitable source of income.
Mr. Weinke was married in 1888 to Antonie Mell and to this union
have been born six children, William, Henry, Hetty, Anna, Elsie and Edwin
William is living in Dakota and the other five children are still living with
their parents on the farm. Mr. Weinke is an earnest advocate of the principles
of the Republican party, but has never felt inclined to take an active
part in political affairs. He and the members of his family are zealous and
faithful members of the German Lutheran church, to which they give a liberal
support. Personally. Mr. Weinke enjoys a wide popularity for he has taken
an intelligent interest in the welfare of his community and has at all times
given his earnest support to everything tending to advance the welfare of his
fellow men. Courteous and kind to all, broad-minded in his views of men
and events, it is a compliment worthily bestowed to speak of him as one of
the representative citizens of his locality, and he enjoys, to a marked degree,
the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens.
Among the substantial men of Franklin township, O'Brien county, Iowa,
whose labor and influence have given an impetus to the agricultural interests
and general material welfare of the county, there is no one who occupies a
higher place in the esteem of his community than John Protextor, a prosperous
farmer and stock raiser of Franklin township. Connected as he has been
with the history of his county for the past thirty-three years, he has been a
forceful factor in agricultural circles and a leading citizen in all that
concerns the public good.
John Protextor was born in Bremer county, Iowa, in 1867 and is the
son of George and Charlotte (Ehrke) Protextor. George Protextor was
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 985
born in Germany in 1834 and when a young man settled in Illinois and was
employed as a brakeman on the railroad in that state. He enlisted in Company B,
Twelfth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry, at Davis, Illinois, on
September 29, 1864, and served until he was discharged at Washington,
D. C. on June 3, 1865. On coming back to Illinois after the war he continued
to follow the occupation of a brakeman for several years, when he resigned
and went to Bremer county, Iowa. After farming in this county for
three years he bought land in Grundy county, Iowa, and farmed it for ten
years. In 1881 he bought one hundred and twenty acres of prairie land in
Franklin township, O'Brien county, but five years later sold it at a good profit
and moved to Sheldon, where he worked for the Springfield Land Company
and operated a hotel for the next twelve years, and is now living a retired life
at Sibley, Iowa. George Protextor was married in 1858 to Charlotte Ehrke
and to this union have been born twelve children: Charles, deceased; Frank,
deceased; Louise, deceased; George W., a land agent of Sibley, Iowa; Mrs.
Ella Julian, of Rock Rapids, Iowa; William, a farmer of Lake Wilson, Minnesota;
Henry, of Little Rock, Iowa; Mrs. Flora Johnson, of Noble county,
Minnesota; Walter, of Little Rock, Iowa; Daniel, of Minnesota; Christ,
deceased, and John, whose history forms the theme of this narrative.
John Protextor received a good common school education in the schools
of Iowa and remained with his parents until eighteen years of age. He then
worked as a farm hand for three years, after which he rented land and lived
upon it for three years. He then purchased eight acres of land in Lyons (sic)
county, in this state, which he sold two years later and at once invested in
Franklin township, O'Brien county, buying one hundred and sixty acres of
unimproved land for seventeen dollars an acre and has made about eight
thousand dollars worth of improvements on the land since acquiring it. He
has been very successful as a farmer and stock raiser since coming to this
county and has added to his farm from time to time until he now owns three
hundred and sixty acres of land in Franklin township. He is an extensive
raiser of live stock and makes a specialty of good cattle and horses and Duroc
Jersey hogs. He owns a share in the Farmers Elevator at Sanborn and was
the manager of the elevator for two years.
Mr. Protextor was married in 1887 to Anna Getting and to this union
have been born three children: Mrs. Clara Dingel a graduate of the Sanborn
high school; Earl, a graduate of the Sanborn high school and now assisting
his father on the farm, and Emmett, in school. Politically, Mr. Protextor
has always been a Republican, but his heavy agricultural interests
have prevented him from taking an active part in political affairs. He and
986 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
his family are attendants of the Presbyterian church and render it their
hearty support at all times. Mr. Protextor is not only an excellent man,
personally and in business affairs, but in the civic life of his community he
has taken a large interest and gives his support to every movement which
is for the advancement of the educational, moral and social welfare of his citizens.
Among the younger agriculturists of O'Brien county, Iowa, who are
rapidly forging to the front as successful farmers, there is no one who is
more deserving of mention in this volume than Albert Verne Brady, a farmer
and live-stock man of Sanborn. He was born September 9, 1885, in Sanborn,
and is the son of Ezra M. and Clara A. (Roberts) Brady.
Ezra M. Brady was born March 29, 1845. in Hamden, Geauga county,
Ohio, and was one of the early pioneers of O'Brien county, Iowa, coming
to this county in an early day. He was the son of Barney Brady, whose
father was a native of Ireland. Ezra M. Brady came to Iowa in the sixties
and settled in Waterman township, O'Brien county. He was a member of
the board of county supervisors early in the history of the county and later
kept a mercantile establishment at Primghar. He was one of the very few
business men who did not go into bankruptcy during the famous "grasshopper'"
years. He rose to a prominent place in his county and even in the
councils of his state. He was one of the leaders of his party and served two
terms in the General Assembly of Iowa, and was a leader in Republican politics
for many years. He removed from Primghar to Sanborn, where he conducted a
general store for several years. In addition to his mercantile
interests, he was a live stock breeder and shipper. He had large holdings of land,
on which he would place sheep, which he bought in the West. He was the
owner of four hundred and thirty-seven acres in O'Brien county and five
hundred acres in the state of Minnesota at the time of his death. Clara A.
Roberts, the wife of Ezra M. Brady, was born in Filmore county, Minnesota,
June 27, 1859, and was married to Mr. Brady on April 28, 1881, and to this
union there were born five children: Ralph Ray, who died in infancy; Eva
Myrtle, a teacher in the Fort Dodge schools; Albert Verne, whose history is
here presented; Ezra McKlimm, who was born January 1, 1888, and is now
living in Mason City, Iowa, and Lawrence William, who was born June 1,
1897, and is now attending school at Fort Dodge.
Picture of EZRA M. BRADY
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 987
Albert Verne Brady was educated in the schools of Sanborn and graduated
from the high school at that place. He then studied at the business
college at Spencer. Iowa, and later attended the State University of Iowa.
His college education was interrupted by the death of his father on August
26, 1906, when he was called home to take charge of his father's large estate.
He continued in the same general line of farming which his father had found
profitable, the buying and feeding of live stock, and he is a large feeder of
live stock, particularly of sheep, annually feeding from one thousand five
hundred to two thousand head for the markets. He is the owner of two
hundred acres of land, besides having general charge of the extensive
interests of his father.
Mr. Brady was married January 1, 1910, to Margaret King, of Sanborn, the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. H. King, the former being one of the
oldest railroad men in Sanborn, and to this marriage there has been born
one child, Verne, Jr., born June 2, 1913.
Politically, Mr. Brady is a Democrat, but has never held any public
position other than that of being a member of the Sanborn school board.
Fraternally, he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, and
has attained to the thirty-second degree and is also a member of the Mystic
Shrine at Sioux City. He and his wife are attendants of the Presbyterian
church, and contribute liberally of their substance and time to its support.
John J. Delan was born in Norway in 1859 and is the son of John and
Julia Delan. John Delan was born in that country in 1827, married in the
land of his birth and lived there on a farm for several years after his mar-
988 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
riage. In 1869, hoping to better his condition, he brought his family to
America and immediately came overland to Benton county, Iowa, where he
began to homestead a farm. For ten years he followed the vocation of a
farmer in Benton county, and then retired from active life and moved to
O'Brien county, where he lived with his children, Julia and John, until his
death. John Delan and wife were the parents of three children: Mrs. Julia
Axtel, whose husband is a farmer in this county; Ole, deceased, and John
J., whose life history forms the theme of this narrative.
John J. Delan received his elementary education in the schools of his
native land of Norway and although he was only ten years of age when his
parents came to this country he had but little opportunity for schooling in
the region where his parents settled in Iowa. At the age of twelve he began
to work out by the day and continued to work in Benton county, Iowa, at
farm labor until 1887, when he came to O'Brien county and invested his
savings in two hundred acres of prairie land. Two years later he married
and from that time his prosperity has been assured. He has put eight thousand
dollars worth of improvements on his farm since acquiring it and has
made it one of the most productive farms in the township. He is an extensive
breeder of graded stock, including Shorthorn cattle, Poland China hogs
and Norman horses, and, in common with most of the farmers of this locality,
owns a share in the Elevator Company at Sanborn.
Mr. Delan was married in 1889 to Julia Ellingson, and to this union
have been born four children: Elmer, who is assisting his father on the
home farm; Ida, who is a teacher in the schools of Lincoln township, O'Brien
county; John and Clarence, who are still under the parental roof. Mr. Delan
is independent in his politics, believing that the citizen who serves his
country best votes for the best man, irrespective of their politics. He has always
taken a prominent part in all public affairs in his township and county and
for six years was trustee of Franklin township. During his incumbency he
gave eminent satisfaction in the conduct of his office and thereby won the
commendation of all the citizens of his township. He and the members of
his family are zealous adherents of the Methodist Episcopal church and
render to it earnest and faithful support at all times. Mr. Delan has
established a reputation for honorable dealing and just treatment of his fellow
citizens and has never violated the confidence which they have reposed in him.
Quiet and unassuming, he has never been a seeker for public office and only
served in the office of township trustee at the earnest solicitation of his many friends.
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 989
There are some men who win in life's battle by sheer force of personality
and determination and have to make their own way, unaided, from
the bottom of the ladder. On the other hand there are many good men
who must inherit half of this world's goods in order to make them
independent from the beginning of their career. To the former class of
citizens belongs Otto Kirchhof, of Sutherland, Iowa, and who has shown his
ability and integrity in everything which he has undertaken. Thirty years
of his life have been spent in this city and he has never failed to lend his
aid in defending principles affecting the public good. He has ably and
conscientiously served his city as mayor, and in every phase of civic life
he has so ordered his course that he has earned the unqualified endorsement
and support of his fellow citizens.
Otto Kirchhof was born in Germany in 1841 and is the son of Henry
and Fredrica (Peterson) Kirchhof. The father was born in Germany in
1797 and lived the life of a druggist there, dying in 1876. His wife, Fredrica
Peterson, was born in 1815 and died in the land of her birth in 1907.
There were four children born to 'Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kirchhof: Otto,
whose history is here given, the only one to leave his native land for this
country; the other three children are still living in Germany, Mrs. Maud
Schichting, Airs. Louise Peterson and Antone.
Otto Kirchhof received a good common school education in his native
country and at the age of twenty-two decided that he wanted to come to
America. He had heared (sic) about the fortunes which were made in this country
and felt that here was an opportunity which should be investigated. Accordingly,
he came to this country and at once settled in Davenport, Iowa,
where he worked on a farm for three years. He then managed a stone
quarry in Clinton county, Iowa, for a year, after which he went to Grundy
county and farmed for eight years. In 1884 he came to Sutherland and
for the next twenty-one years operated a retail meat market in this city.
In 1905 he disposed of his interest in the meat market and retired from
active life. He now owns a beautiful home in Sutherland and until recently
owned one hundred and forty acres of land in O'Brien county. He is one
of the stockholders of the Farmers Elevator Company of Sutherland.
Mr. Kirchhof was married in 1883 to Bertha Homfeldt and to this
union have been born two children, Frieda, a clerk in the postoffice at
Sutherland, and Antonia, clerking in one of the stores at Sutherland.
990 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
Mr. Kirchhuf has been a stanch Democrat since hecoming a naturalized
citizen in this country and has always taken an active interest in political
affairs. He was mayor of the city of Sutherland for six years and took a
prominent part in bringing the city to its present state of prosperity and all
public improvements were given his hearty support at all times. He and the
members of his family are earnest adherents of the German Lutheran church
and subscribe liberally to the support of that denomination. Fraternally,
he is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. Mr. Kirchhof
has so ordered his life as to command the confidence, respect and esteem
of the citizens of his community and, being a man of honorable business
methods and advocating whatever tends to promote the public welfare, he
has justly earned the title of a representative man in his community.
Among the various business enterprises of the city of Sutherland,
O'Brien county, Iowa, which have been effective in raising the standard of
refinement and education throughout the community, none perhaps are more
deserving of special mention than the firm of printers and publishers whose
name forms the caption to this article. Of John N. Slick, the senior member
of the firm, improvement and progress may well be said to form the
keynote of his character, and he is one of the best known and most influential
citizens of the community. He has not only been interested in advancing
his individual affairs, but his influence has been exerted for the like
benefit of those about him. He has been an industrious man all his life,
striving ever to keep abreast of the times in every respect and. as a result,
every mile post of the years he has passed has found him further advanced
toward the goal of his desires. Associated with him in the business enterprise
in question is his son-in-law, Elmer McFarland, a young men of sterling
principles and great force of character who gives promise of becoming even
a greater power for good in the community as the years pass by.
John N. Slick is a native of the state of Illinois, born in Carroll county
in 1855, the son of Jerry and Elizabeth (Ledy) Slick, the former of whom
was born in Maryland in 1821, engaged in farming in Illinois in 1847 and
there remained until his death in 1910. The mother of the subject was born
in 1822 and in 1901 met instant death in the railroad yards at Lanark,
Illinois. They were the parents of five children, two of whom, George C.
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 991
and Jerome R., have passed into the great beyond. Besides the subject,
there are still living Jerry L. and David A., both located in Illinois.
John N. Slick attended the district schools of Carroll county, Illinois, where
his elementary education was received, and when seventeen years of age
he entered a general merchandise store as clerk, where he remained for
eleven years. After these years of faithful service he saw greater
opportunities for himself elsewhere and severed his connection with his old
employer, coming to Sutherland in i882. Here he engaged in the mercantile
business, which enterprise claimed his time and attention for thirty-one
years. Comparatively recently he disposed of his old established business
and purchased the printing establishment, which now bears his name as
above. In addition to this business Mr. Slick is also interested in a tract
of two hundred and forty acres of land in O'Brien county, on which general
farming and stock raising is carried on.
In 1881 Mr. Slick was united in marriage with Charlotte Lowell, and
to their union have been born three daughters: Grace, the eldest, is Mrs.
Hurless, the wife of a farmer of O'Brien county; Maye is Mrs. Elmer McFarland,
wife of her father's business associate, and Mabel, the youngest
daughter, is attending college at Chicago, Illinois. The family is considered
one of the best of the county, being prominent in the various social, religious
and educational circles, shedding a kindly influence upon all with
whom they come in contact. In politics, Mr. Slick is aligned with the
conservative Republican faction and brings considerable influence to bear upon
his party's affairs. His religious affiliation is with the Christian church,
and to the local oreanization he gives generouslv of time and means to
further the cause. His fraternal affiliation is with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, and in the workings of the local society he takes more than a
passing interest. Mr. Slick is a man whose genial good nature and sterling
qualities have won for him many friends, for he is esteemed as one of the
township's solid and substantial citizens, a man who has been successful in
the formation of a strong character and one whose judgment is much respected.
He is well known throughout the county and enjoys the good will
and confidence of a large circle of friends.
Elmer McFarland, editor and publisher, junior member of the firm in
question, was born in 1885 at Lee Summit, Missouri. He came to Sutherland
when quite a young man and became identified in the mercantile store owned
by Mr. Slick, since when their business interests have been closely allied.
He received his early education in the schools of his native locality, later
attending Drake University, from which he was graduated. In 1910 he
992 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
was united in matrimony with Maye Slick, daughter of John N. Slick, and
to their union has been born a daughter, Charlotte. Mr. McFarland is but
a young man in years, but he has already established a reputation as a
man earnestly desiring the best things of life for himself and the community
as well, and it is safe to predict that as the years pass over his head, bringing
with them still greater opportunities, he will take his place as one of the
strongest and best citizens the county can boast.
The biographer finds it extremely difficult in a brief sketch of any living
citizen to do the subject exact and impartial justice, not perhaps so much for
space or words to set forth the familiar and passing events of his personal
history, as for the want of the perfect and rounded conception of the whole
life which can only be obtained after the life has closed and may be viewed
through the perspective of years. Daily contact with man so familiarizes
us with his virtues that we ordinarily overlook them and are often guilty of
underestimating their possessor. It is not often that true honor, public or
private, comes to a man without basis in character and deeds. Not a few
men live unheralded and almost unknown beyond the narrow limits of the
community in which their lots are cast, yet who have in them, if fortune had
opened to them a wider sphere of life, the elements of character to make
statesmen, public benefactors or financiers of world-wide fame. However,
there is a sure, if lowlier, way to tell the worth of a man, and that is by
the regard in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him in
every relation of life and if the years stamp him with approval in the eyes
of friends and neighbors, he may be regarded as worthy indeed. Throughout
his residence in Paullina, men have come to know what manner of
man Edwin W. McCracken is and the consensus of opinion is that he is a good
citizen in the highest sense of the word and a business man worthy of every confidence.
Edwin McCracken, well known shoe merchant of Paullina, O'Brien
county, Iowa, is a native of Illinois, born in McClain county in 1873, being
the son of William and Nancy (Reaney) McCracken. William McCracken
was a native of Scotland, where his vocation was that of a farmer. He was
eminently successful in the breeding and selling of graded horses also, and
after emigrating to this country he continued to follow his accustomed
vocation. He settled in McClain county, Illinois, where he remained a few
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 993
years and later came to O'Brien county, locating in Baker township. He
had not been a resident of this connty long when his death occurred in
1880. He left his widow, who was born in Pennsylvania in 1857, and at
present resides in Panllina. There were three children in the family, all
sons. Those other than the immediate subject of this sketch are Francis
T., who is located in Worthington, Minnesota, where he is interested in the
real estate business, while William lives in Sioux City, Iowa. He is considerable
of a mechanic, with an inventive turn of mind, and in addition
to numerous smaller devices, has to his credit an excellent gas engine and
also a machine to facilitate the manufacture of cement tiling.
After the death of the father, the subject assumed the burden of responsibility,
remaining on the farm with the mother in Baker township until
he was twenty-six years of age. They were early settlers in that part of
the County and owing to scarcity of fuel, burned straw, hay and corn, in
order to keep themselves sufficiently warm throughout the long winters. This
would be rather an expensive proceeding in this day, but at that time those
products named commanded an extremely small figure in the markets. Corn
sold for nine cents per bushel, the other products in like proportion and eggs
brought but three cents per dozen. After leaving the farm the subject went
to Goldfield, Iowa, and became identified with the drug business at that place,
operating a store there until 1912. During the years of his residence in
Goldfield he had become possessed of an excellent tract of land in the state of
Minnesota and this he traded for the shoe store which he now owns and
operates in Panllina. This business is in a most gratifying condition, Mr.
McCracken carrying a stock worth about seven thousand dollars. He also
owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Baker township, O'Brien
county, where general farming is carried on.
In 1899 Mr. McCracken was united in marriage with Evah Carfield, a
native of Illinois, born in 1880. Their union has been blessed with two
children, Kenneth and Helen, both of whom are at home and attending school.
In politics, Mr. McCracken has always been afiiliated with the Democratic
party and takes more than a passive interest in that party's affairs. He
served Baker township as clerk for a few years and has always been identified
with the party's local affairs. While not a member of any church society, he
is an attendant on the means of grace and interested in all that pertains to
the betterment of the higher life of the community. His fraternal affiliation
is with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. McCracken
is widely known throughout the county and is deservedly popular among
all classes of people by whom he is known.
994 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
When James Watts was perfecting his steam engine, he little dreamed
that the day would come when his invention would be the means of advancing
civilization in a manner which was little short of wonderful. Today,
with the thousands and tens of thousands of railroads which are serving our
country, it is an industry which employs hundreds of thousands of men.
When the first railroad was built across the western plains and San Francisco
was united with New York, it was thought that at last this country
was really bound together. Today there are more miles of railroad in Iowa
than there were in forty-nine states in 1850. Thousands of men in Iowa
today find employment upon one or the other of the great railroad systems
which are in this state.
Anthony William Solon, a passenger conductor on the Chicago, Milwaukee &
St. Paul railroad, was born December 26, 1849, in Carbondale. Pennsylvania.
He is the son of Martin and Anna (Corcoran) Solon, both of
whom were born in Ireland. Martin Solon was born in 1806 and came to
America when he was about thirty years of age and found employment in the
mines of Pennsylvania. There he married and in 1857 came to Iowa and
settled in Allamakee county where he purchased a farm and improved it.
In 1870 he moved to Mason City, where he died in 1893. His wife, Anna
Corcoran, passed away in 1889. To Martin Solon and wife were born seven
children: Anthony W., whose history forms the theme of this narrative;
Mrs. Margaret McDevitt, of Oelwein, Iowa; Martin, of Greenville,
Montana; Mrs. Mary Crowley, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois; Patrick, a railroad man
in the state of Washington; Mrs. Annie Appleton, of Boston, Massachusetts,
and Mrs. Libbie Welch, of Des Moines, Iowa.
Anthony W. Solon received his education in the common schools of
Pennsylvania and Iowa and worked with his father on the farm until he
was twenty-three years of age. He then began to work for the Iowa Central
Railroad. In the spring of 1881 he became an employee of the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad. He was gradually promoted until he became
a passenger conductor in 1889. He then moved to Sanborn and for the past
twenty-four years has had the run from Sanborn to McGregor. Mr. Solon
has investment in the Sanborn State Bank and is a director of that financial
institution. He owns a half section of farm land in Kingsbury county,
South Dakota, and a fine home in Sanborn.
Mr. Solon was married January 28, 1878, in Mason City, Iowa, to
Picture of ANTHONY W. SOLON
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 995
Catharine Farrell, who was horn in Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 29, 1855,
the daughter of William and Catharine (Walsh) Farrell, natives of Cork,
Ireland, and St. John's, Newfoundland, respectively. Her parents moved to
Cerro Gordo county, Iowa, in 1866 and were among the pioneers of that
county. William Farrell had been a sailing master on the sea, and was an
aged man when he came to Iowa and settled with his nine children. Two
sons had preceded the family to Iowa. Mr. Farrell died in 1882. Mr. and
Mrs. Solon have three children: Mrs. Josephine Johnson, who lives in West
Virginia and has two sons, William and Solon; William A., who is cashier
of the Sanborn State Bank, and Eugene, who is assistant cashier in the Sanborn
State Bank. Eugene was born in November, 1887, and was educated
in the Sanborn high school and the Globe Commercial College of St. Paul, Minnesota.
Mr. Solon has been a life-long Democrat, but, owing to the nature of
his work, has never been able to take an active part in politics. He is a
member of the Knights of Columbus and the Order of Railway Conductors.
He and his family are earnest members of the Catholic church and belong
to the St. Cecilia church at Sanborn. Mr. Solon is a man who is highly
respected by everyone who knows him because of his upright life and the
interest which he shows in the various enterprises which affect the welfare
of his city. He is a man of pleasing appearance and has a host of friends
who admire him for his many good qualities.
Tireless energy, keen perception, honesty of purpose, genius for devising
and executing the right thing in the right place and time, are the chief
characteristics of the successful business man whose name heads this article.
Adolph Bock, well known hardware merchant of Paullina, O'Brien county,
Iowa, is deserving of more than passing mention, for he has come into his
present gratifying circumstances wholly through and by his own personal
effort. Born on a foreign soil, he came to this country after attaining
years of maturity, facing conditions wholly different from those to which
he had been accustomed, but, being possessed of a determination to succeed,
he allowed no stone to remain unturned and gradually has nearer and nearer
approached his goal. It would be impossible to enter fully into the struggles
996 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
of his earlier years, or the success of his later manhood, hut suffice it to say
that while putting forth strenuous effort to attain material success, he has
also ever sought to win that greater and more lasting success, the confidence
and liking of his fellow men, and in this latter ambition he has been highly successful.
Adolph Bock was born in Germany in 1845, being the son of John and
Lena (Knutsen) Bock, the former born in 1805 and the latter in 1802, both
natives of Germany, where their entire lives were passed. The father followed
the trade of a brick-maker throughout his life, dying in the year 1870,
while the mother lived until the year 1879. They were the parents of nine
children, all deceased except one half-brother. The subject received his
education under the excellent school system of his native country, and when
twenty-four years of age, in 1869, he emigrated to this country, locating
first in Davenport, Iowa. At that point he passed a few years, working at
various trades, but finding nothing entirely to his liking. He then secured
a position as clerk in a hardware store, where he remained for nine years,
mastering the ins and outs of the business. However, the vocation of farming
strongly appealed to him and after severing his connection with the
hardware company he came to Primghar, near which place he secured land
which he rented and farmed for a time. In this venture he was highly successful
from the first and soon saw his way clear to purchase a tract of land
in Union township, O'Brien county, containing two hundred and forty acres.
In this location he remained for eighteen years, carrying on general farming.
As he advanced in years the thought of being owner and proprietor of a
hardware business recurred to him and he finally saw his great opportunity.
He traded his farm for the business which he now owns and in
which he is highly successful. He carries about eight thousand dollars worth
of stock, owns the building in which his business is located, and has associated
with him his two sons, John and Henry. In addition to his unquestioned honesty
and integrity, Mr. Bock possesses a pleasing and genial manner, which
is a rare asset for one catering to public patronage and which
has borne no small part in his general success.
In 1872 Mr. Bock was united in marriage with Alvine Guhn, also a
native of Germany, born in 1850, and to their union have been born five
children: Alma, the eldest, is Mrs. Gauden and lives in South Dakota; Lulu
(Mrs. Curen) resides in Hawarden, Iowa; the two sons above mentioned
are located in Paullina, and Ella, the youngest daughter, remains in the
paternal home. Politically, Mr. Bock is a Democrat and he holds his fraternal
affiliations with the Free and Accepted Masons and also is a member
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 997
of the Yeomen of America, holding membership in these orders through
the local organizations at Paullina. Mr. Bock's early life story is not
uncommon in our western country and serves as an object lesson to those who
would mount the ladder of success. His beginning was characterized by hard
work and conscientious endeavor, and he owes his rise to no train of fortunate
incidents or fortuitous circumstances, It is the reward of application
of mental qualifications of a high order to the affairs of business, the
combining with keen perceptions of mental activity that enabled him to grasp
the opportunities that presented themselves. This he did with success and.
what is more important, with honor. His integrity has ever been unassailable,
his honor unimpeachable, and he stands today one of the successful
men and representative citizens of his town and county.
It is a well recognized fact that the most powerful influence in shaping
and controlling public life is the press. It reaches a greater number of
people than any other agency and thus has always been and always will be
a most important factor in the moulding of public opinion and, in a definite
sense, shaping the destiny of the nation. The gentleman to a brief review
of whose life the following lines are devoted is prominently connected
with the journalism of western Iowa, and at this time is editor and publisher
of the Paullina Times, one of the most popular papers of O'Brien county,
comparing favorably with the best local sheets in this section of the state
in news, editorial ability and mechanical execution. The county recognizes
in Mr. McBride not only a keen newspaper man, but also a representative
citizen, whose interests in all that affects the general welfare has been of
such a character as to win for him a high place in the confidence and esteem
of the people. In view of the fact that the sheet in question has a weekly
circulation among one thousand subscribers, it is easy to judge the regard
in which the publication, in question is held.
Arthur W. McBride was born in Tama county, Iowa, in 1884, the son
of Frank and Mary (Wood) McBride, the former of whom was born in
Pennsylvania in 1854. For a great many years prior to his death, in 1894,
he was engaged in the insurance business. His widow, and the mother of
the immediate subject, was born in Tama county in 1860, and at present
resides in Traer, Iowa. The subject was the only child born of that union
998 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
and at the age of nineteen he matriculated at Grinnell College, where he took
a course in liberal arts. At the age of twenty-three he was graduated from
the institution in question and went to Sioux City, where he secured employment
with the Journal, one of the leading newspapers, in the capacity
of reporter and assistant editor. Two years later he severed his connection
with the Journal, going to Grinnell, Iowa, where he became manager of one
of the leading publications and there remained until the year 1909, when he
first came to Paullina. Here he purchased the business to which he now so
ably gives his time and attention, and in addition to this he owns his
residence in the best section of the town, said residence occupying a lot and a
half. Mr. McBride was married in 1912 to Ruth Babbitt, and to their union
has been born a son, Arthur, junior.
Mr. McBride, in his publication, voices the principles of the old-line
Republican party, being one of its most stalwart supporters in this section
of the state. His religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church and
he is a member of the ancient order of Freemasonry. As may be expected,
Mr. McBride takes more than a passive interest in the various enterprises
making for the betterment of community life. He is now a trustee of the
public library and always endeavors so to use the peculiar influence which is
his as to broaden the minds and strengthen the convictions of those with
whom he comes in contact, either directly or through his publication. In
his business enterprise, Mr. McBride has made a distinct success, not only
building up a splendid circulation and a large advertising patronage, but
also gaining a wide reputation as an able and versatile writer.
Clearly defined purpose and consecutive effort in the affairs of life will
inevitably result in the attaining of a due measure of success, but in following
out the career of one who has attained success by his own efforts, there
comes into view the intrinsic individuality which made such accomplishment
possible, and thus there is granted an objective incentive and inspiration,
while at the same time there is enkindled a feeling of respect and admiration.
The qualities which have made Mr. Cowan one of the prominent and
successful men of Paullina have also brought him the esteem of his fellow
townsmen, for his career has been one of well directed energy, strong
determination and honorable methods.
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 999
John Cowan is a native of Scotland, that country noted for the sterling
qualities of its people and their strong religious traits. He was born in
1S58, being the son of Francis Cowan, who passed his entire life in his
native country. In 1881, when twenty-three years of age, the subject left his
native home, emigrating to America, where he settled in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
He remained at that place four years, working as a carpenter and in 1884
came to Paullina, where for eight years he followed contracting and building,
and many of the better buildings of the city today owe their worth
and attractiveness to his skill. However, there came a time when he saw still
greater opportimities in the furniture business, and in this he engaged. In
connection with that business he learned the art of embalming and is one of
the foremost funeral directors of this section. In his endeavors he has
attained a pleasing measure of success and also owns the block in which his
business is located.
In 1883 Mr. Cowan was united in marriage with Belle Aitken, a native
of Scotland, whose parents were among the earliest settlers of O'Brien
county. She was born in 1856 and was quite a young girl when, with her
parents, she emigrated to America. Mr. and Mrs. Cowan have a family of
three children, namely: Mary (Mrs. Scott) is the wife of an O'Brien county
farmer; Francis, the son, is associated with the father in his business, and
Evelyn, the younger daughter, still remains at home. The family is identified
with the Presbyterian church, and Mr. Cowan enjoys the distinction of
having served his church as elder for the past twenty-five years and has also
taken an active interest in the various other phases of church work. In
politics he is a Democrat, while his fraternal affiliation is with the
Yeomen of America. He is keenly alive to the various interests of community
life and every enterprise having as its object the advancement of
the social, educational or material side, finds in him a stanch supporter, one,
too, who is willing to put his convictions into execution. At one time Mr.
Cowan served on the school board for fifteen years and is a trustee of the
public library. Mr. Cowan is a man of genial disposition and broad
sympathies which particularly fit him for the exacting duties of his profession,
and some of his warmest friends are those whom he met for the first time
while in the discharge of such duties and through his kindness and
consideration won their confidence and respect for all time. He has always
stood for progressive ideas and wholesome living and, although his life has
been without incident of an unusual nature, it has shown that steady
consecutive endeavor, coupled with honesty of purpose, will accomplish large
results in the end.
1000 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
The gentleman to whom the reader's attention is now directed was not
favored by inherited wealth nor the assistance of influential friends, but in
spite of this, by perseverance, industry and wise economy, he has attained
a comfortable station in life and is well and favorably known throughout
this section, being regarded as a man of sound business principles and
thoroughlv up to date in all that pertains to his chosen vocation. While
primarily advancing his individual interests, he has not neglected his general
duties as a citizen and is, therefore, worthy of the trust and confidence which
he enjoys.
Walter A. Blaesser, well known druggist of Paullina, O'Brien county,
Iowa, is a native of this state, born at Cherokee in 1879, the son of Charles
and Regina (Schmidt) Blaesser, the latter born in 1854 at Hamilton, Wisconsin.
Charles Blaesser, father of the subject, is a native of Germany, born
in 1845, and when twenty-one years of age he left his boyhood home,
emigrating to America. Upon his arrival in this country he decided to remain
in New York City and became apprenticed to the barber trade. There he
remained for some time, later moving to Wisconsin, where for a number of
years he worked at his trade. However, he saw greater opportunities
elsewhere and in 1874 came to Iowa, locating at Cherokee, where he owned and
operated the first barber shop in that place. He remained there for ten
years and in 1884 disposed of his business interests there and took up his
residence at Granville, Iowa, in 1884 and in 1891 moved to Hawarden,
this state, where he became quite a large buyer and shipper of grain and
continued in his business connections in Hawarden until 1898. He associated
his son, W. A., with him in the drug business, and in 1907 he retired from
active business in Cherokee and there he and his wife are passing their
declining years in ease and comfort. They were married in 1879, and to
their union six children were born, three of whom have passed into the
great beyond.
Walter A. Blaesser, the immediate subject of this sketch, received his
early education in the schools of his home neighborhood and when fourteen
years of age he was taken into a drug store in Hawarden as apprentice boy. '
He remained with that firm two years and then became associated with a
drug firm at Cherokee, where he remained two years also. During this
time he had acquired a practical knowledge of the business, but, desiring
to become a graduate pharmacist, he in 1897 entered the Northwestern
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES. IOWA. 1001
School of Pharmacy at Chicago, Illinois, being granted his diploma one year
later. Directly after graduation he returned to Cherokee and purchased the
interests of the drug firm with which he had been associated before attending
college. For nine years he operated this store, when he disposed
of same and came to Paullina where, in partnership with his brother-in-law,
William F. Eshleman, he purchased the business which they have since
carried on. In addition to other lines they carry the Rexall and American
Drug Syndicate goods, under the firm name of Blaesser & Eshleman.
In 1904 Mr. Blaesser was united in marriage with Louise E. Eshleman.
He is aligned with the conservative Republican party and religiously is
identified with the Presbyterian church. His fraternal affiliations are with
the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Blaesser
is a man of genial, thought quiet, disposition who readily makes friends
and retains them. His business is conducted along most approved lines
and he has the confidence of his patrons, a thing most to be desired,
particularly in the business to which he devotes himself.
Anthony J. Braig, identified with the harness manufacturing business
at Paullina, O'Brien county, Iowa, was born in 1870 at Galena, Illinois,
the son of Anthony, Sr., and Katherine (Schultz) Braig. Anthony Braig,
Sr., was a native of Germany, born in 1843. IIn early manhood he emigrated
to this country and settled in Galena, Illinois, in 1865, where he
remained for a number of years engaged in the brewing business. In 1877
he removed to Bellevue, Iowa, and was employed there as a brewer until the
time of his death in 1892. In 1869 he was united in marriage with Katherine
Schultz, who also was a native of Germany, born in 1848 and whose death occurred
in 1908. They were the parents of three children, all of whom are living.
The subject received his schooling at Bellevue and when but thirteen
years of age was apprenticed to the harness trade, remaining in that
connection for six years. At that time he went to Clinton, Iowa, where for
three years he was employed by a saddlery and harness company. He returned
to Bellevue, working at the retail trade for one year and in 1895
came to Paullina, O'Brien county, where for three years he followed his
trade. He then bought out the firm by whom he was employed and at
1002 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
the present time owns a half interest in the business, which has grown in a
most satisfactory manner since he assumed the management of it. He has
more than a local reputation as an expert in his line and is known as a man
of most honorable business methods, worthy of every trust and confidence.
In 1896 Mr. Braig was united in marriage with Josephine Manderschied,
born in 1872 in Jackson, Iowa, and to their union three children were born,
but one of whom, Eugenia, is living. Leo Anthony died when small and another
child died in earliest infancy. Mr. Braig endorses the policy of the
Progressive party and endeavors to keep thoroughly posted on all current
events. Religiously, he is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church
and his fraternal affiliation is with the Knights of Columbus. In every
phase of life's activities in which he has engaged Mr. Braig has been true
to every trust and because of the genuine worth of his character he retains
the sincere regard of all who know him.
In examining the life records of self-made men, it will invariably be
found that indefatigable industry has constituted the basis of their success.
True, there are other elements which enter in and conserve the advancement
of personal interests, — perseverance and mastering of expedients, — but the
foundation of all achievements is earnest, persistent labor. At the outset
of his career, Mr. Knaack recognized this fact, and he did not seek any royal
road to the goal of prosperity and independence, but began to work earnestly
and diligently in order to advance himself, and the result is that he is now
numbered among the progressive, successful and influential business men of
O'Brien county.
G. E. Knaack, the cashier of the German Savings Bank of Hartley,
Iowa, was born October 24, 1876, in Cedar county, Iowa, on a farm. He
is the son of Theodore and Anna (Rohweder) Knaack, both of whom were
natives of Germany. Theodore Knaack was born in 1846 and came to this
country in 1849 with his parents. Anna Rohweder was born in 1854 and
came to America with her parents in 1867. The parents of both families
settled in Scott county, Iowa, when the country was an unbroken prairie
west of Davenport. Theodore Knaack and his wife were married in Davenport
and went to Cedar county, where they made their home. In 1903 they
sold their farm in Cedar county and retired to Luverne, Minnesota, where
they are now living.
Picture of G. E. KNAACK.
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 1003
G E. Knaack was educated in the Durant schools and later took a
course in the Commercial College in Davenport. He then worked on his
father's farm in Cedar county, and engaged in the grain business. Later
he entered a bank at Rake, Iowa, and in 1902 came to Hartley and
commenced as cashier of the German Savings Bank on Thanksgiving day.
The German Savings Bank was organized in November, 1902, with a
capital stock of twenty thousand dollars. It has had a prosperous career
from the date of its organization and is now in a position where it enjoys
the confidence of its patrons to a marked degree. The directors are J. T.
Conn, William T. Voss, C. A. Dutton, G. E. Knaack, John Hebbel, John
Fick, Jochim Leth, Henry Brandt and A. T. Rohweder. The officers are
J. T. Conn, president: William T. Voss, vice-president; G. E. Knaack.
cashier, and H. P. Mousel, assistant cashier. The condition of the bank is
shown by the report which the bank issued March 17. 1914: Resources —
Loans. $368,650.03; overdrafts. $1,955.55; cash on hand and due from
banks, $60,297.61; real estate, banking house furniture and fixtures,
$7,000.00; total. $437,903.19. Liabilities — Capital. S20.000.00; deposits,
$399,402.15; surplus and profits, $14,350.31: rediscount. $4,150.73; total, $437,903.19
In addition to his banking interest, Mr. Knaack is an extensive land
dealer and handles thousands of acres of land annually, in Iowa, Minnesota,
South Dakota and other states. In 1913 he did the largest land business of
any firm in O'Brien county, his business in that year aggregating six hundred
thousand dollars. He has individual holdings in O'Brien county, Iowa, and
in South Dakota and Minnesota. He is also president of the Welcome
State Bank, at Welcome, Minnesota, which was organized in 1913, with a
capital stock of $12,500 and a surplus of $2,500.
Mr. Knaack was married February 19, 1908, to Ada B. Miller, the
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dorr Miller. of Hartley. To this union have
been born two children, Edward, born December 19, 1909, and Helen, born
December 20, 1911.
Politically, Mr. Knaack is a member of the Democratic party and has
always taken an active interest in politics, has been secretary of the county
central committee and on September 24, 1913, was selected chairman of the
O'Brien Democratic committee. He has attended the various state conventions
of his party for the past several years and has a wide acquaintance
among the leading Democrats of his state. While not a member of any
particular church, yet he is a firm believer in the work of the church and is a
liberal supporter of various churches. Fraternally, he is a member of the
1004 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and is a member of the Scottish Rite,
in which he has attained to the thirty-second degree. He is also a member
of the Brotherhood of American Yeomen at Hartley. Mr. Knaack is a self-made
man and has earned every dollar he possesses today by his own business
ability and determination. He is another one of the many examples
of citizens of our county who are descendants of German parents and who
have made a notable success in this county. He is a man who has taken
his part in public affairs and supported every movement which he felt would
benefit his community. Personally, he is a man of pleasing appearance and
easily makes friends wherever he goes.
Perhaps one of the most widely known citizens of O'Brien county, Iowa,
is the honored gentleman whose name forms the caption of this review.
For many years he has bought grain throughout this locality, his business
bringing him into contact with a vast number of citizens of this and surrounding
counties, by all of whom he is held in the highest esteem by reason of his
irreproachable business methods and genuine worth of character. While
primarily seeking his own individual interests, he has been of inestimable
assistance to farmers of this locality in affording them a ready market for their
grain. He has figured prominently in the growth and development of this
favored locality, his interests being identified with its progress, and he has
contributed in a definite measure in his particular sphere of action to the
well-being of the community and to the advancement of its normal and legitimate
growth. Earnest purpose and tireless energy, combined with mature
judgment and everyday common sense, have been among his prominent
characteristics and he has merited the respect and esteem which are accorded
him by all who know him.
Charles C. Cannon was born in 1862 at Philadelphia, Tennessee, a son
of William and Susan (Bogart) Cannon, the former being a native of the
same place, born in 1824. His vocation was that of a farmer, which business
he carried on, on a large scale, owning two thousand acres in his
native state, and in which enterprise he was highly successful. He was a
veteran of the Mexican War and his death occurred at his home in Tennessee
in 1898. In 1856 he was united in marriage with Susan Bogart, who was
born at Athens, Tennessee, in 1836, and she is still living, making her
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 1005
home on the old plantation in Tennessee with her son Arthur. She is the
mother of seven children, three of whom have passed away.
The subject received his elementary education in the schools near his
boyhood home, later attending the University of Tennessee, from which
he was graduated in 1886. Shortly after graduation he came to Paullina,
O'Brien county, where, in company with his brother Robert and John Metcalf,
he engaged in the grain business. In this venture they have been highly
successful, the subject and W. C. Metcalf now owning the entire business.
They buy and ship grain, handling many car loads in the course of a year.
Mr. Cannon is also a shareholder in the Logan Lumber Company of Knoxville,
Tennessee, which company also maintains a branch at Cincinnati, Ohio.
He also serves this institution as its vice-president and is largely concerned
in its management. In addition to these business interests, he also owns
a tract containing five hundred and seventy-six acres, adjoining his old
home in Tennessee, on which he carries on general farming as practiced in
that locality.
In 1896 Mr. Cannon was united in marriage with Grace Jennings, who
was born in Iowa Falls, Iowa, in 1874. To their union have been born
five children, the eldest of whom, William, the only son, is deceased. The
daughters, Susan, Margaret and Catherine, remain with the parents; Mary
died June 24, 1914. The family is well liked, moving in the best social
circles of the town, and are prominent in church and other matters
pertaining to the advancement of the best interests of community life.
Politically. Mr. Cannon gives his support to the Democratic party and is
one of its most stalwart adherents in this section. He had conferred on him
the honor of being a delegate to the national convention of his party at
Denver, Colorado, in 1907 and an amusing coincidence connected therewith,
lay in the fact that his partner, W. C. Metcalf, with whom he is so closely
associated, was in the same year a delegate to the Republican national convention
at Chicago, Illinois. In 1912 Mr. Cannon was elected to represent O'Brien
county in the Legislature. Mr. Cannon possesses considerable
civic pride and has done much to advance the welfare of his home town.
For several years past he has been a school director and takes a keen interest
in all pertaining to the proper education of youth. His religious affiliation
is with the Presbyterian church, being a faithful and consistent member of
same, and to the support of the local society giving liberally of his means.
He is a member of the time-honored order of Freemasonry, evincing a keen
interest in the work of the local society. Endowed by nature with strong
mental powers and possessing the courage and energy to direct his faculties
1006 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
in proper channels, he early became a man of resourceful capacity, as the able
management of his private affairs abundantly testifies. He possesses the
happy faculty of not only making friends but binding them to himself by his
good qualities of head and heart.
Northern Europe has sent to our shores many worthy citizens, men
who have accomplished much for themselves, and in so doing have brought
credit to the community in which they reside. These men who have come
to us from afar, those who have journeyed from the beautiful country of
Norway, essentially a land of industry and thrift, have in most instances
made for themselves enviable positions and acquired for their declining
years a competence. Such a man is the subject of whom we wish to speak
in this article.
Chris Meltvedt, a prominent citizen of Union township, O'Brien county,
was born in the year 1856 in Norway, the son of Knud Meltvedt. This
latter gentleman was born in the year 1828 and the early years of his life
were spent in the land of his nativity. In the year 1853 he was united in
marriage to Ragnild Rovnaas, whose birth occurred in the year 1829.
Throughout his youth Mr. Meltvedt has heard glowing reports of the golden
opportunities which awaited the willing worker in the New World, and
in the year 1866 he was enabled to bring his family across the broad seas
and seek their future amid the broad prairies of our own state of Iowa.
Here, in Marshall county, they established their home, engaging in the
pursuit of agriculture. Here they remained for twenty years, and at the
expiration of this period of energetic labor and proverbial Norwegian thrift,
he was enabled to purchase for himself a tract of land which should fulfill
for the family their former dreams of wealth. In O'Brien county he found
a tract of six hundred and forty acres, a mile east of Paullina, and this
was purchased and a homestead established. The ground was soon broken
and planted, comfortable buildings were erected and other necessary
improvements were made, and here the declining years of Knud Meltvedt were
spent. Six children were born to this worthy couple, one of whom is now
deceased. Martha, now Mrs. Strangland, is a resident of Highland
township; Andrew is a successful farmer of Union township; Einger, now
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 1007
Mrs. Medhus, is a resident of Union township, and Mrs. Henderson, with
whom the mother resides, is also a resident of Union township. The father
was called to his final rest in the year of 1914, having lived far beyond
the alloted span of three score years and ten.
Chris Meltvedt remained with his parents, assisting in the labors of the
farm and accompanying them in their journeyings, until he reached the
age of twenty-eight years. At this time he engaged in the pursuit of
agriculture for himself in Marshall county, Iowa. Shortly afterward he came
to Paullina, O'Brien county, and entered into partnership with Theodore
Wichner in the ownership of a general store, and in this he labored
diligently for the upbuilding of the concern. Here he remained until the year
of 1913, when he retired from active business life and returned to the
homestead of his father east of Paullina. He is now the owner of a
quarter section of well improved and cultivated land and also has an interest in
a two-hundred-and-fifty-acre fruit farm in Idaho.
Mr. Meltvedt was united in marriage, in the year 1884, to Susan Jacobson,
whose birth occurred in Norway in 1867. Seven children came to
brighten their home, now located as follows: Vida (Mrs. Tjossem),
a resident of Chinook, Montana; Kurnel and Silas, both at home, assisting
in the activities and labors of the farm; Clair, clerking in a grocery in
Paullina; Etta, a trained nurse of Boise, Idaho; Madeline and Christopher,
attending school. In the year 1901, however, sorrow came to the family,
for the Grim Reaper called from their midst the faithful wife and mother.
In 1903 Mr. Meltvedt's marriage to Martha Moen, also a native of Norway,
occurred, and she is now his helpmate and the mistress of his home.
The business of Mr. Meltvedt has been marked throughout by unbounded energy,
perseverance in carrying out the plans previously outlined by
him, and unquestioned integrity in all his dealings. One of the substantial,
dependable, conservative citizens of the township, he is held in high esteem
by his fellow citizens. This is evidenced by the fact that for thirteen years
he has been selected by them to serve as a member of the school board of the
locality, a position which he has held with credit to himself and to his
constituents. He has given of his time and energy without stint, being awake
to the progress of the times in educational affairs and deeply interested in
all matters and movements looking toward the higher efficiency and increased
purity of life and thought of the coming generation. Politically, he
is a man of strong principles and firm beliefs, voting for what he conscientiously
believes to be the best interests of the community at large. He
1008 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
is now a strong adherent of the Independent Progressive party. Religiously,
he is an attendent of the Lutheran church and, fraternally, is affiliated
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Paullina, among
whom he is held in high esteem.
The gentleman whose name appears at the head of this article is well
known to many of our readers, heing connected with a thriving butcher shop
in Paullina and a retired farmer of Liberty township. Like so many other
of our representatve business men, he is a native of Germany, having been
born in that country in the year 1876. His father, Peter Ruther, was also
a native of the fatherland and there his youth was spent. In the year
1874 he was married to Tilsie Carson, whose birth occurred in 1843. In the
year 1881 he emigrated with his family to America, making his way directly
to the unbroken fields of western Iowa. Here, in Tama county
he remained for two years, after which he continued his journey,
eventually settling in O'Brien county where he purchased a tract of land in
Union township, and also one in Liberty township. Here he remained for
thirteen years, diligently laboring to cultivate and improve the place which the
family loved to call home. Here the children received their schooling and
wandered in the broad fields, and as they grew to maturity assisted in the
various duties of the place. In the year 1906, however, the father felt
that the years of toil through which he had passed were sufficient and that
he had earned the right to spend the declining years of his life in rest and
quiet. Hence the farm was disposed of and the family was moved to Paullina
and there ensconsed in a comfortable home. Of the three children who
were born to this worthy couple, however, but one, the subject of this sketch,
is now a resident of the county. John W. is now farming in North Dakota,
and Marguret, now Mrs. Schlapkohl, is a resident of South Dakota.
Theodore Ruther remained with his father until twenty-one years of
age and assisted in breaking and cultivating the western fields in O'Brien
county. In the year 1901 was solemnized his marriage to Anna Holm and
soon afterwards he rented a tract of land which he cultivated for a period
of nine years. At the expiration of this time he was enabled to purchase
a tract for himself, and after two years of successful cultivation and
improvement this was disposed of and his capital reinvested in a quarter section
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 1009
of farm land in South Dakota. This farm he still owns, though he retired
from active labor along this line in the year 1907, at which time he took up
his abode in the town of Panllina. In the year 1913, however, he took up
employment in the meat market business of Fernand Helbert, in Paullina.
Mr. Ruther is a firm believer in the principles promulgated by Jefferson
and consistentlv votes the Democratic ticket. He and his wife arc
both members of the German Lutheran church and he is affiliated with the
order of Yeomen.
Mr. Ruther is vet a young man, but in a business way he has accomplished
much, and his keen business acumen and aggresssive methods bear
promise of future success.
Thee reader's attention is now called to a short review of the career of
John T. Jossem, well known grain dealer of Paullina, O'Brien county, Iowa.
Mr. Jossem was born in Marshall county, Iowa, in 1871, being the son of Ole
P. and Julia f. (Norland) Jossem, both natives of Norway, the former
born in 1843 and the latter in 1852. The elder Jossem left his native Norway
upon attaining his majority, emigrating to America, the "land of
promise" for so many ambitious young men of the old world. He came
almost directly to Iowa, locating in Marshall county, where he engaged in
agricultural pursuits. There he remained for a number of years and in 1884
came to O'Brien county, where he located in Dale township. He secured
a tract of five hundred acres of land and this he was engaged in farming
at the time of his death in 1905. He had succeeded along financial lines and
was at the time of his death regarded as one of the leading men of his
locality, his passing being a distinct loss to the community. He was a man
of brain and ingenuity, readily solving many of the problems of pioneer
life. At the time the telephone system above referred to was installed,
sufficient poles to support the wires were not obtainable and the miles of
fencing offered a ready solution to the difficulty, the wires being strung
from house to house along the fence. Ole P. Jossem was the father of
thirteen children, all living at the present time with the exception of one.
In 1895 Mr. Jossem was united in marriage with Altha Haynes, of
Humboldt, Iowa, born in 1877, and to their union have been born three
children, the eldest of whom, their son Clarence, they have had the misfortune
to have removed from them through death. Two other sons, Ray and
1010 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
Howard, remain with their parents. Mr. Jossem's fraternal affiliation is
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in the work of that order
he takes a commendable interest.
This is a Christian nation, and one of the boasts of our country is the
fact that each man can worship his God as he chooses. The Constitution of
the United States guarantees to every one the right to worship as he pleases.
This freedom of worship is one thing which has brought to this country
people from every nation on the face of the globe. It was this freedom of
worship which populated most of the original thirteen colonies, and today
there is no one who questions the wisdom of our forefathers who incorporated
that particular clause concerning religious freedom in the constitution.
Rev. Leonard James Cooper, pastor of St. Cecilia's Catholic church at
Sanborn, Iowa, was born at Davenport, Scott county, Iowa, March 29, 1863,
the son of Michael and Margaret (Ennis) Cooper, natives of Pennsylvania
and Ireland, respectively. The Coopers are an old family and came with
Lord Baltimore to Maryland more than four hundred years ago. Michael
Cooper was born February 20, 1826, and was the son of Leonard Cooper,
who came to Iowa in 1840, and was one of the earliest pioneers of the state.
Michael Cooper married Margaret Ennis on November 24, 1854, who was
born in Ireland February 1, 1834, the daughter of James and Elizabeth
Crawford Ennis. Her parents came from Ireland to Canada and afterward
emigrated to Scott county, Iowa. Michael Cooper died October 14, 1895,
in Rock Rapids, Iowa, where he had moved in the summer of that year.
The other died June 30, 1904, in Flandreau, South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs.
Michael Cooper were the parents of nine children: James H., born
September 16, 1855, deceased; Mary E., born July 2. 1857, deceased; Charles A.,
born March 1, 1859, of Sanger, California; Elizabeth A., born December
8, i860, deceased; Rev. Leonard J., with whom this narrative deals; Mrs.
Margaret P. Higgins, born July 14, 1865, of Sanger, California; Marcella
L., born December 16, 1867, deceased; Thomas A., born June 4, 1871, now
living in Seattle. Washington; Francis, born March 1, 1875, also of Sanger, California.
Father Cooper was reared on a farm in Scott county, Iowa, and was
educated in St. Joseph's College at Dubuque, Iowa, where he remained from
Picture of REV. LEONARD JAMES COOPER.
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 1011
1891 to 1893, after which he spent a year in the Grand Seminary at Montreal,
Canada. He then took the theological course at St. Mary's Seminary, at
Baltimore, where he was in attendance three years and a half. He was
ordained to the priesthood on December 19, 1896, and was first assigned to
the charge of St. Joseph's church, Sioux City, as an assistant to Rev. A.W.
Fowler. Two years later he was transferred to Charter Oak, in Crawford
county, Iowa, where he remained for seven years. The next seven years
he was in charge of the church at Alvord, Lyon county, and came to Sanborn
September 14, 1911, and now has charge of the church at Sanborn, as
well as St. Francis of Assisi, at Primghar. Father Cooper is a man of genial
demeanor and kindly disposition, and, while he is greatly beloved by his own
congregation because of the excellent work he is doing among them, he finds
time to participate in the life of his community. He possesses that simplicity,
purity and humility of character which are the characteristics of the man of
God, and although he has firm convictions, yet his kindly way of expressing
them helps to give them the greater value. He is a kind and courteous
Christian, a worthy follower of him who has been called "the world's first gentleman."
Prominent among the leading and most enterprising young men of Paullina,
O'Brien county, Iowa, is Weston D. Ralston, the popular young postmaster
of that place. While a young man in years, Mr. Ralston's attainments
and accomplishments are such as might well be prized by many men
of a greater number of years. In eveny section are found men who are
born to leadership in the various vocations; men who dominate because
of their superior intelligence, natural endowment and force of character.
It is always profitable to study such lives, weigh their motives and hold
up their achievements as incentives to greater activity and higher excellence
on the part of others. Men endowed with a strong inherent force and
superior ability are those from whom much is expected, as it is they alone
who are naturally fitted to be leaders of men of lesser parts in all movements
pertaining to the advancement of every cause that makes for a more
perfect community or national life. It is gratifying to know that the
sympathies of the subject in question are enlisted on the right side of every vital
question of the day, and it is safe to predict that as the years pass
1012 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
by, bringing to him greater and greater opportunities for good, he will come
to exert an influence far surpassing the bounds of the local community.
Weston D. Ralston is a native of O'Brien county, born in 1889 in Dale
township, the son of John and Margaret (Donaghy) Ralston, both of whom
are natives of Canada and both born in the year 1853. John Ralston first
came to O'Brien county in 1882 and for a few years worked out as a farm
hand. Being faithful and diligent in the discharge of his duties, his
services were always in demand and soon he saw an opportunity for himself
in the purchase of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved
land in Dale township. In this he invested and immediately set about its
improvement, succeeding so well that within a short time he disposed of it
to considerable advantage and again purchased for himself. This time he
purchased two hundred and forty acres in Highland township, which he
also industriously set about improving, carrying on general farming for
a number of years. Success came to him in a most gratifying manner, due
to his unfailing energy and intelligent management, and in 1909 he retired
from active labor, taking up his residence in Paullina. Altogether
he owns four hundred acres of land in this county, the operation of which
he superintends himself. Mr. and Mrs. Ralston are the parents of an
interesting family of four children.
Weston D. Ralston remained under the parental roof until eighteen years
of age, receiving his elementary education in the schools of the neighborhood
and assisting his father in the work about the homestead. When
eighteen years old, he went to Iowa City where he took a course in liberal
arts and at the close of his second term he came to Paullina where he secured
employment as bookkeeper and teller in the Farmers State Bank. In that
capacity he remained for four years and on January 20, 1914, he received
the appointment as postmaster at Paullina, the duties of which office he bids
fair to fill to the satisfaction of everyone. He is in a way to succeed
financially, and already owns part of a tract of one hundred and sixty acres
located in South Dakota.
Mr. Ralston's religious affiliation is with the Presbyterian church and in
the affairs of this society he takes a deep and abiding interest. Politically, he
has always been a Democrat and from the time he attained his majority
he has always been looked upon as one of the most active workers of the
party in this section. His fraternal affiliation is with the Ancient Free
and Accepted Masons. Mr. Ralston possesses civic pride in a marked degree
and is always anxious to render any service which will advance the best
interests of the town and community. At the present time he is acting as
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 1013.
secretary of the Commercial Club of Paullina, which organization has done
much to promote the general welfare of the town. Mr. Ralston possesses
a kindly and genial disposition, readily makes friends and is a very
agreeable companion. He believes in progress in every department of life and in
order to keep himself fully alive to the demands of the time he devotes
considerable time to becoming fully informed on the leading questions before
the public, in all of which he takes a broad and kindly view of men and things.
The tide of immigration has brought to American shores and to the confines
of O'Brien county many types of humanity, but probably no country
has sent to us a greater number of desirable citizens than has the German
empire, the "fatherland" of so many of our fellow men. Almost without exception,
these newcomers have proved to be industrious, thrifty, substantial
citizens, and the subject of this review is a striking example of these characteristics.
Theodore Wiechner was born in the year 1848 in Germany, the son of
Christian B. Wiechner. The father's birth occurred in the year 1817, and
from early manhood, throughout the remainder of his life, he was engaged in
the occupation of shoe making. He was married in the year 1847 and was
the father of two children. The elder was called by the Grim Reaper from
his home in Germany, but the younger, Theodore, grew to manhood in the
home of his birth and learned the vocation of his father, becoming in his
youth an expert shoemaker.
In the year 1871, however, Mr. Wiechner joined the ever-increasing
tide of emmigration and sailed for American shores. He settled in the city
of New York, finding employment in his chosen vocation, and here he labored
for two years. Later he was employed in St. Paul, Minnesota, and in
St. Louis, Missouri, always working as a shoemaker. In the year 1882 one
of the most important steps of his life was taken, for in that year he was
united in marriage to Dora Steen, a native also of Germany whose natal day
was in 1862. From this time forth he had a faithful friend and ally, and
from this time also his prosperity increased. During this same year he
migrated to O'Brien county, Iowa, and opened a shoe repair shop in Paullina.
For ten years he labored diligently, building up a substantial business for
himself, and eventually selling out, realizing thereby enough capital to pur-
1014 O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA.
chase an interest in a general merchandise store of that place. This ventnre
also proved a profitable one, for he labored assiduously and with sound business
judgment to increase the business of the concern, and here he continued
until the year 1911, when it seemed advisable for him to retire from active
labor and spend the remaining years of his life enjoying the comforts which
his earlier years of toil had prepared for his declining years. During the
preceding years his profits had been wisely and judiciously invested, and he is
now a stockholder in the Farmers State Bank of Paullina and owner of a
tract of one hundred fifty acres of good farm land in Union township.
One child, a daughter, Winnie, has come to bless and brighten the lives
of Mr. and Mrs. Wiechner, and she is happily still in the home of her parents.
Politically, Mr. Wiechner is a stanch Republican and consistently votes
that ticket. He and his wife are also faithful members of the German Lutheran clurch.
He is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,
among whom he is highly respected, and is allied with the various movements
which are brought about for the physical and moral betterment of the
community. Quiet and unassuming, he is loved best by those who know him,
and has set a notable example of industry and thrift for the profit of the
coming generation.
Special mention is made of many of the worthy citizens of O'Brien county
within the pages of this book, citizens who have figured in the growth and
development of this favored locality and whose interests have been identified
with its every phase of progress, each contributing in his own particular
way to the well-being of the community in which he resides and to the
advancement of its normal and legitimate growth. Among the number is
he whose name heads this paragraph, one of the most skilled blacksmiths
and automobile repair men in this section of the state.
John A. Hastings is a native of the state of Indiana, born in 1871,
being the son of William and Mary (Matott) Hastings, the former of whom
was born in Scotland in 1845, leaving his native country when quite a young
man. Shortly after his arrival in America he took up his residence in
Michigan, where for a few years he engaged in farming. However, not
being satisfied with his prospects there, he went to Indiana and for ten years
farmed in that state. In 1879 he left Indiana, coming to Iowa and settled in
Summit township, O'Brien county. Here he farmed for two years, when he
O'BRIEN AND OSCEOLA COUNTIES, IOWA. 1015
moved to Primghar and opened up a blacksmith shop. By the time this
shop was well under way he opened up another in Paullina, being the first shop
of that kind in the town mentioned. He was meeting with excellent success
in his new business venture, when the now famous tornado of June 24,
1882, struck the town. At that time his home was at Primghar, though he
later moved to Paullina. In this tornado he was badly injured and lay for
months suffering from broken ribs and limbs, also having his entire
belongings wiped out. While badly crippled at the time he was not permanently
disabled, and as soon as health permitted he again set about his business.
He remained in O'Brien county until 1895, when he moved to Chandler,
Minnesota, where he opened up another blacksmith shop, where he was enjoying
an excellent business at the time of his death in 1905. His widow,
Mary Hatott Hastings, is a native of Pennsylvania, born there in 1852, and
she makes her home at present in Primghar. She is the mother of nine
children, two of whom are dead.
When the subject was eighteen years of age he started out in life for
himself and secured employment in a flour mill at Davenport, Iowa. There
he remained for two years, when he went to Sioux City, Iowa, and worked
for the Silver Horn meat packing plant. In 1895 he severed his connection
with the above named firm and came to Paullina, where he opened up a
blacksmith and machine shop, and to this enterprise he has since devoted his
time and energies, his business at the present time having attained most
gratifying proportions. In addition to this business he is interested in the
Cherokee well-drill manufacturing concern and owns five business lots and
two residence lots, all of them most admirably located. The success which
he enjoys is due solely to his own efforts, keen insight and tireless industry.
There is great demand for such service as he is able to render and he
has prepared himself for the growing use of the motor car and its needs.
Mr. Hastings in 1898 was united in marriage with Nancy Gruver, who
was born in 1874 in Clinton county, Iowa. To their union have been born
two children, Harry and Lois, both of whom are at home with the parents.
Politically, Mr. Hastings is identified with the Progressive party and takes
an intelligent interest in the current issues of the day. He gives loyal
support to the Presbyterian church, with the affairs of which the family is
prominently identified. Mr. Hastings' career, although somewhat strenuous
and to a marked degree progressive and successful, has always been charcterized
by honorable dealings. He is well known throughout the county and is
highly respected by all because of his upright dealings with his fellow men.
JOHN STEINBECK.
JOHN H. FOGLE.
WILLIAM WAGNER.
MICHAEL DENNY.
ALEXANDER GRANT.
ROBERT P. JONES.
LYMAN F. WILSON.
JOHN W. JEPSEN.
OMER L. LIGHTER.
OLE F. OLSON.
EDGAR WRIGHT.
W. D. SHUTTLEWORTH.
GEORGE HAKEMAN.
Among the successful, self-made men of a past century in O'Brien
county, the late George Hakeman occupied a conspicuous place. A distinguished
veteran of the Civil War, he came to this county shortly after its
close, starting in to make his home upon the broad prairies of Highland
township. He arose, in time, to a prominent position in the agricultural and
financial circles of his community. He realized early that there is a purpose
in life, that there is no honor not founded on worth, no respect not found on
accomplishment. With his death, there passed away one of the earliest pioneers
of this county and a man who contributed his full share to the present
prosperous condition of the county. PATRICK J. DOUGHERTY.
This utilitarian age has been especially prolific in men of action, clear-
brained men of high resolve and noble purposes, who give character and
stability to the communities honored by their citizenship, and whose influence
and leadership are easily discernible in the various enterprises that have
added so greatly to the high reputation which O'Brien county enjoys among
her sister counties of this great commonwealth. Conspicuous among this
class of men whose place of residence was in O'Brien county was the progressive
citizen under whose name this article is written, and to a brief outline
of whose career the biographer is herewith pleased to address himself. MARTIN HICKEY.
JOHN J. NEUMAN.
WILLIAM BRAHAN.
PATRICK L. PEISLEY
A well remembered and honored pioneer citizen of Osceola county who
passed to his reward many years ago was Patrick L. Peisley. He was a man
who united those qualities of head and heart which insure success in any field
of endeavor. Born of sturdy Irish parents, he was taught self-reliance,
independence of thought and a sturdy belief in strict adherence to the accepted
rules of life. He served with distinction in the Civil War and after the close
of that struggle came to this county where he became one of the earliest pioneers. ROBERT W. BOYD.
JOHN BLAHAUVIETZ.
The prosperous farmer and stock raiser of O'Brien county, Iowa, whose
career is here briefly portrayed is one of those self-made men who have put
O'Brien county in the front ranks of the agricultural counties of the state of
Iowa. Although he has been in the county only ten years, yet such has been
his life that he has gained the confidence and esteem of the people of his
community. He is justly termed a self-made man and as such his life is one
which may be studied with profit by the young men of the rising generation. ALBERT H. WEINKE.
JOHN PROTEXTOR.
ALBERT V. BRADY
JOHN J. DELAN.
Far-away Norway has furnished but few residents for O'Brien county,
Iowa. Those who have made this county their home have prospered to an
unusual degree. The same spirit still animates the people of that country
which induced them to cross the unknown Atlantic in the year 1000 (sic) to the
bleak coast of northern North America. During the Middle ages the people
of Norway and Sweden were great sea rovers and from the time of the Saxon
invasion in the sixth century the people of Norway have been important
factors in the history of Europe. No more prosperous people are found in
Europe today than are the people of Norway, and the same holds true of those
who have made their homes in O'Brien county. OTTO KIRCHHOF.
SLICK & McFARLAND.
EDWIN W. McCRACKEN.
ANTHONY WILLIAM SOLON.
ADOLPH BOCK
ARTHUR W. McBRIDE.
JOHN COWAN.
WALTER A. BLAESSER.
ANTHONY J. BRAIG.
G. E. KNAACK.
CHARLES C. CANNON.
CHRIS MELTVEDT.
H. THEODORE RUTHER.
JOHN T. JOSSEM.
REV. LEONARD JAMES COOPER.
WESTON D. RALSTON.
THEODORE WIECHNER.
JOHN A. HASTINGS.
