father's supervision and start out in life for himself. He engaged in farming as a renter for about six years, during that time acquiring sufficient capital to enable him to purchase land, which he did in 1891. He settled on his farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 35, Warren township, where he continues to reside, his property being one of the best in the vicinity. In addition to his country real estate Mr. Menzel owns a business block in McCallsburg, is a stockholder in the Farmers bank of that town and a director of the Farmers Elevator Company of McCallsburg.
Mr. Menzel was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Johnson, who was born in Denmark, in 1867, coming to the United States with her parents in 1868. Six children have been born of this union : Pearl, Ray, Grace, Ruth, Lela and Fred, all of whom are living at home. The wife and mother passed away in 1902 at the age of thirty-five years. She was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.
Ever since he has been granted the full rights of citizenship Mr. Menzel has cast his ballot with the republican party, and his party fealty has been rewarded by his election to the office of township trustee and presidency of the local school board. He served in the latter capacity for twelve years. He is a man of exceptionally high principles, broad in his views, charitable in his criticisms and just in his opinions. He has been quite successful in his pursuits, acquiring a comfortable competency, but it is the fruit of honest endeavor and close application. His every deed has been above suspicion and as a result he is highly esteemed and honored in the community where the greater part of his life has been passed.
SQUIRE McCONNELL.
Men of industrious habits and of fidelity to principle are worthy of the sincere respect of their associates. Their life from day to day is a valuable incentive to others and it would be impossible to estimate the good that is done in the world through the simple force of example. Squire McConnell, whose name introduces this sketch, should be classed with those here indicated. Born in Indian Creek township, this county, November 17, 1858, he is a son of Alexander and Caroline (Raimer) McConnell, the former of whom was a native of Hancock county, Ohio, and the latter of Pennsylvania. The parents were married in Hancock county, where the mother was living at that time with her parents. About 1855 they came to Story county, Mr. McConnell entering government land in Indian Creek township. He was one of the pioneer settlers of the township and continued upon his farm until late in life, when he removed to Maxwell, being called away in 1896, at the age of sixty-eight years. He was quite successful in his vocation, becoming the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he made