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1915 History

1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa

Page Index:

Rueschenberg | ODay | Miller | McLaughlin | Stewart
Thillen | McDonald | C. Larson | M. Larson | Lunn

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JOSEPH RUESCHENBERG

Joseph Rueschenberg Family
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The life history of Joseph Rueschenberg is full of many interesting incidents. A native of Germany, a veteran of two of the greatest wars of modern Europe, a merchant and farmer of Shelby county, Iowa, for more than forty years, his life has been one of ceaseless activity and he is now
justly entitled to a rest from the cares of worldly affairs. He is one of the pioneer settlers of this county and has borne no inconsiderable part in making this county what it is today. He has carried forward to successful completion whatever  he has undertaken, and his business methods have
ever been in strict conformity with the standard ethics of commercial life. He has taken an intelligent interest in the civic life of his adopted country and has earned the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him.

Joseph Rueschenberg, the son of Frank and Theresa (Hense)Rueschenberg, was born January 10, 1841, in Westphalia, Germany. His father was a farmer in Germany and had a small farm of thirty three acres, on which he lived until his death in 1862, his widow passing away two years later. Frank Rueschenberg and wife were the parents of five children: Peter, John, Joseph, Frank and Lazetta. All of the children are deceased now except Joseph and Peter, the latter living on the old homestead in Germany at the advanced age of ninety seven.

Joseph Rueschenberg was given a good common school education in the schools of his native land and after leaving school assisted his father on the farm for one year and then took lip the shoemaking trade. He was apprenticed to a shoe maker for three years and then worked at his trade for
three years in different cities in Germany. He had by this time reached the age when he must serve in the German army, and for the next three years he passed through the military experience which is common to every German youth even to this day. He completed his service, returned home, but within three months his country was engaged in war with Austria and he was again mustered into the army. It was this so called Seven Weeks War of i866 which gave Prussia her independence, the battle of Sadowa which terminated this war, being comparable to the battle of Yorktown in this
country. Four years later the Franco Prussian War opened and Mr. Rueschenberg served his country gallantly and well. It was this war which resulted in the utter defeat of France, the cession of Alsace and Lorraine to Germany, together with the payment of 5,000,000,000 francs as additional indemnity for the expense of the war. It must be a great satisfaction to Mr. Rueschenberg to know that he fought in the two wars which placed his native land where it is today.

After the close of this memorable conflict, Mr. Rueschenberg returned home and resumed his trade as a shoe maker, but wishing to give his children better opportunities than they could get inn their native land, he decided to come to America. He had married in 1867 and in 1874 he severed
all old ties, gathered together his belongings and came to this country with his family. He came direct to Shelby county, Iowa, and settled in Westphalia, his family being the. first to locate in the town. He opened a grocery store and at the same time followed his trade as a shoe maker. He
continued this dual line of activity for three years and then traded his store for a farm of one hundred and twenty acres in the immediate vicinity of the town. He was a successful farmer from the beginning and in the course of time became the possessor of three hundred and twenty acres in
this county and one hundred and sixty acres in South Dakota. He continued farming for seventeen years and then bought a general merchandise store at Westphalia, which he managed for the next thirteen years. He then traded the store for land and retired from active work, although still
maintaining his home in Westphalia.

Mr. Rueschenberg was married October 17, 1867, to Josephine Sasse, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sasse, of Germany. To this union there have been born eleven children: Frank, who married Mary Ruden;

Robert, who married Kate Mumchrad; Joseph, who married Edith Hinrichs; Ernest, who married Nell Corbett; Christenia, the wife of Albert Mages; Bertha, the wife of Frank Gross; Annie, the wife of Frank Mages; Elizabeth, the wife of John Bloom; Clara, single; and two who died in infancy. The mother of these children was horn December 26, 1844, and died March 10, 1914. Mr. Rueschenberg has been a Democrat since coming to this country and has always been interested in local politics. He served for four and a half years as postmaster of Westphalia and was for several years a member of the school board. He was the first secretary of the Westphalia Mutual Fire Insurance Company and was one of the main men to organize the company. He and all his family are loyal members of the Catholic church and contribute liberally of their time and substance to its support.

Mr.Rueschenberg has lived such a life since coming to this county as to win the hearty commendation of every one with whom he has been in any way associated. He has a very extensive acquaintance throughout the county and no man has more loyal friends, a tribute to his sterling integrity and worth as a citizen. It is such men who have brought Shelby county to the front and no one is more justly entitled to be called a representative citizen of this county.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 728 - 730. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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MICHAEL O'DAY

One of the largest, if not the largest, farm in Shelby county owned by a farmer of Irish parentage, is the farm of six hundred and twenty acres owned by Michael O'Day. Starting out as a renter soon after reaching his majority, he has become one of the largest land owners in the
county and has accumulated this large farm solely through his own individual efforts. Year by year has seen him more prosperous, yet he has not neglected to take the time as opportunity presented itself to assist in the material and civic development of his county. Too much credit cannot he
given to a man who acquires such a farm through his own initiative, and the fact that Mr. O'Day retains the good will and respect of his fellow citizens, shows that his success has been well earned.

Michael O'Day, the son of Thomas and _________ (O'Connor) O'Day, was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1867. His father was born in Ireland in 1834, and remained in his native land until he was twenty one years of age. In 1855 he crossed the broad Atlantic and settled in Pennsylvania, where. he farmed until the opening of the Civil War. He enlisted at Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, in 1862, in the cavalry service, and remained at the front until the close of the war. He made a gallant record as a soldier and with his regiment participated in many of the
hardest fought battles of the Civil War. After the close of the war Thomas O'Day returned to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he followed farming pursuits for about a year. In 1866 he came to Shelby county, Iowa, and purchased forty acres of land, part of which was covered with a
good growth of timber. He cleared twenty acres of this tract and then returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained a year. He had married immediately after the close of the war and upon returning to Shelby county, in 1867, he brought his wife and family with him. He had built a log cabin on his forty acres and in this he lived for about fifteen years. As the times grew better he added to his farm and at the time of his death in 1894, was the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good farming land in Grove township. His wife was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, in 1839, and died in Shelby county, Iowa, in 1911.

Michael O'Day is one of ten children born to his parents, six of whom are still living. Michael received his education in the schools of Shelby county, and due to the fact that the schools were hardly organized in his boy hood days, his education was necessarily limited. However, he has been a reader all of his life and today is one of the best informed men of his township, When he was twenty two years of age he started farming for himself by renting eighty acres from his father. Two years later he bought eighty acres in Grove township, and with this as a nucleus, he has
accumulated an estate of six hundred and twenty acres, all of which is in one tract. On this farm he has placed buildings which alone cost him eight thousand dollars. In addition to this he has built several miles of fencing and put in a large amount of drainage. He is one of the largest and
most extensive stock breeders of the county and several car loads of stock are sold from his farm each year. His success has been little short of . remarkable, considering the opportunities he had as a young man.

Mr. O'Day was married in 1902 to Jessie Jenkins, who was born in this township in 1882, and to this union six children have been born, Thomas, Leroy, Maurice, Lorenzo, Hubert and Margrette. All of these children are still living except Lorenzo.

Politically, Mr. O'Day has long been allied with the Republican party, but the affairs of his large farm have been sufficient to occupy all of his attention and he has never felt inclined to act as a candidate for any public office, although his advice on political subjects is frequently
sought by the leaders of his party. He and his family are devout members of the Catholic church to whose support they are generous contributors.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 749 - 751. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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EMIL M. MILLER

The handling of the large grain crop of Shelby county has made it necessary to establish grain elevators in various parts of the county. Some of these elevators are in the hands of companies from outside counties, while others are independent concerns owned by citizens living within the
county. Such a plant is established at Earling, Iowa, and is owned by Emil Miller, one of the keenest young business men of the county. He has been buying and selling grain for~ the past six years and in that time has learned the grain business thoroughly. Emil M. Miller, the son of John
P. and Lena (Berger) Miller, was born November 6, 1883, in Westphalia township, Shelby county, Iowa. His father was a native of Germany, educated in his native land and came to America at the age of twenty one. John P. Miller first located in Cascade county, Iowa, where he rented a farm for five years, after which he moved to Westphalia township, Shelby county, and purchased a farm of eighty acres. He was married in Cascade county, Iowa, to Lena Berger, who was born in this state: In 1911 John P. Miller and his wife moved to Earling, where they are now living a retired
life. Six children were born to John P. Miller and wife: Matthew, who married Gertrude Gross; Lena, deceased; Katherine, the wife of Ulrich Albers; Emil, the subject of this review; Charles, who married Julia Dresen; and Nicholas, who married Agnes Tuffelmeier. Emil M. Miller was
educated in the Catholic school at Earling, and after leaving school he farmed with his father until 1908. In that year he entered the employ of the Wright & McWhinney Company, grain dealers at Earling, and bought grain for them for five years. He had charge of the elevator at Earling and
proved an efficient manager for his employers. However, Mr. Miller wished to engage in business for himself, and on July 27, 1914, he bought the grain elevator of the Loltz brothers, and is now in active charge of his own plant. He is one of the brightest and keenest young business men of
the county and because he has always dealt honestly with his patrons, he has won their confidence and consequently their business.

Politically, Mr. Miller is a loyal Democrat, but the extent of his business interests has so far prevented him from taking an active part in political matters. He is a member of the Catholic church and a generous contributor to its support. Mr. Miller is a young man right at the very
threshold of his career and his success so far indicates a prosperous future for him.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 751 - 752. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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WILLIAM H. McLAUGHLIN

William McLaughlin
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Few farmers in Shelby county, Iowa, have attained greater success in the stock raising business than William H. McLaughlin, of Shelby township. Starting in as a renter in 1892, he has become one of the largest land owners in this township, owning more than five hundred acres of land, and has
also become one of the largest cattle and hog raisers. His barn is one of the largest and finest in the state of Iowa and was built to accommodate his large herds of live stock. He has not only taken an active interest in the material prosperity of the county, but has also served as township
trustee and given his hearty support to every worthy measure advanced for the welfare of his community.

William H. McLaughlin, the son of Charles James and Martha (Campbell) McLaughlin, was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, September 21, 1861. His father was born in the same county in 1832, while his mother was born in Franklin county, Pennsylvania, in 1835. After his marriage, Charles James McLaughlin, with his brother, became interested in the tannery business in Germantown, Pennsylvania, and followed that until 1869. In that year he went west alone on a prospecting trip, intending to purchase a tract of land in some of the western states where good land was to be
secured at a low price. He went directly from Germantown, Pennsylvania, to Lanark, Illinois, and from there to Davenport, Iowa, where he met a party of three men: D. B. Pierce and his son Frank and Nathaniel Lawson.

These four men traveled in a covered wagon and started to drive across the state with a view of securing land in a most favorable location. They traveled nearly across the state and finally came to Shelby county, and the sight which here met their eyes was such that they determined to locate
in this county. Mr. McLaughlin at once bought three hundred and twenty acres of unimproved land and also forty acres additional a little later for which he paid eight dollars an acre, and this same land today is worth more than two hundred dollars an acre. He at once built a house and this
same house is now occupied by his son, William H. Charles James McLaughlin now returned to' his home in Pennsylvania and moved his family to Shelby county, Iowa. He set out an orchard of five acres and was soon raising not only all the fruit he could use but was able to sell a considerable
amount each year. As early as 1872 his trees were bearing and he made an exhibition of his apples at the Silver Creek Fair, winning prizes on several of his exhibits.

Charles James McLaughlin was one of the best known of the early pioneer farmers. Not even the grasshopper scourge could discourage him and, despite the fact that the grasshoppers drove more than half of the pioneers out of the county, he stayed and took advantage of the cheap land which
was placed on the market at that time. When the grasshopper plague~ struck Kansas he and one of his sons drove to that state and bought one hundred and fifty head of cattle. They drove the cattle from the northern boundary of Kansas to Shelby county, Iowa. When they struck the Missouri river at Omaha, they swam the entire herd of one hundred and fifty across the river. It is needless to say that a farmer who would have the courage to buy cattle at such a time would succeed, and when he died, in 1897, his extensive holdings of eighteen hundred and forty acres were sufficient proof that he had been successful. When William H. was a lad of fourteen, he and his brother, Ellsworth, aged eleven, herded a large drove of cattle in the northern part of Westphalia township. During the summers from 1875 to 1879 the two brothers herded their father's cattle there all during the summer, driving them home each fall for the winter season. The wife of Charles James McLaughlin was a worthy helpmate in the new prairie home and no small share of the success which attended her husband should be given to her. Nine children were born to Charles James McLaughlin and wife: John L., Robert, Mrs. Sarah J. Boget, Ephriam, William H., Martha, Ellsworth, Mrs. Laura Ennis, and one who died in infancy. Of these children, John L., Robert, Sarah and Martha are deceased. Robert attended school at Council Bluffs, Iowa, and later at Glenwood, Iowa. He started to teach school in Shelby township In 1870 and was the first teacher in the township. He taught school in his parent's home and used the front room for the school room. He later taught school at Shelby, Iowa. He died in Denver, Colorado, in 1911 Ephriam is a prosperous grocery merchant of Boise, Idaho. Ellsworth is a substantial farmer and real estate agent now living in Canada. Mrs. Laura Ennis, the only one of the daughters living, is now a resident of Denver, Colorado. Charles James McLaughlin and his wife were loyal members of the Methodist Episcopal church and were two of the first six who organized the Methodist church of Shelby. Mrs. McLaughlin died in 1906.

William H. McLaughlin was nine years of age when his parents moved from Pennsylvania to Shelby county, Iowa, and here he has made his home for the past forty five years. He received all of his education in one term, and this was received in the front room of his father's house. When he
reached his majority, he rented two hundred and forty acres of his father's farm and farmed it for three years, then took charge of the home place and, subsequently, bought a portion of it. After his marriage, in 1898, he began to add to his land holdings and now owns five hundred and thirty
two acres of well improved land in Shelby township. He has given particular attention to the raising of registered Shorthorn cattle, although he also handles Poland China hogs and Percheron horses. His barn, which cost him four thousand dollars, is ninety by thirty four feet and has two
wings, thirty eight by fifty six feet This barn is one of the most complete barns for live stock purposes to be found in the state of Iowa. It is probable that there is not a barn on any farm in the state which can shelter as much live stock.

Mr. McLaughlin was married in 1898 to Myrtle Buckley, who was born in Shelby county, Iowa, in 1874. She was a daughter of Harry H. and Maggie (Chestnut) Buckley, natives of Pennsylvania, who located in Lanark county, Illinois, and later settled in Iowa. To this union five children have
been born, three of whom are living and two who died in infancy. Veta, Ralph and Willard are living with their parents, the latter two being twins.

Mr. McLaughlin has been a stanch member of the Republican party and served his party as trustee of Shelby township from 1910 to 1912. He and his family are enthusiastic members of the Methodist Episcopal church and give it their hearty support at all times. Mr. McLaughlin is one of the most highly respected men of his township and a man who has always held the interest of his community at heart.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 752 - 754. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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ANDREW STEWART

Shelby county, Iowa, is proud of the few citizens of Irish ancestry who have made this county their permanent home. The worthy sons of the Emerald Isle have become useful and prosperous citizens because of their thrifty habits and their economical mode of life. Among the citizens of
Irish birth who have honored this county with their residence there is no one who is more deserving of mention in this volume than Andrew Stewart, a prosperous farmer and stockman of Lincoln township. With clearly defined purpose and consecutive effort in the affairs of life he
has attained a due measure of success and in so doing has not forgotten the duties which he owes to his fellow citizens in any way. He has borne his full share of the burdens of the civic welfare of his community and has always stood on the side of good government.

Andrew Stewart, son of James and Anna (Gibson) Stewart, was born in Ireland, July 11, 1871. His father was born in 1811 and his mother in 1833, and lived in their native land many years after their marriage. It was not until the year 1878 that they decided to come to America and when they
came here they settled at once in Jackson township in this county. Here James Stewart purchased land and became a prosperous farmer and at the time of his death in 1906 in Harlan, he was one of the substantial men of the county. Mrs. Stewart died in 1907. James Stewart and wife were the
parents of thirteen children, nine of whom are living in America, Thomas, John J., Joseph Henry, Samuel R., Andrew, George E., Isaiah G., Richard and Sarah. Mrs. McElvain lives in Ireland.

Andrew Stewart was seven years of age when his parents came to the United States and consequently most of his education was received in the schools of Shelby county. Mr. Stewart worked on the home farm until he was twenty-three years of age and then rented land and commenced farming for himself. At the death of his father in 1906 he received eighty acres of his father's estate and a year later purchased two hundred and thirty acres of excellent farming land in Lincoln township. Since acquiring this farm he has built a beautiful home at a cost of five thousand dollars which is one of the most modern in the county. It has every convenience, including electric light and is surrounded by a handsome yard, which adds not a little to the general attractiveness of the home. On his farm he has all of the latest improvements and the best of modern machinery and
equipment so that he is enabled to get the maximum results from his soil. He pays considerable attention to the raising of live stock, handling Poland China hogs, Shorthorn cattle and Coach and Percheron horses. He has won many prizes at fairs with his Poland China hogs and has shipped them
to different parts of the United States for breeding purposes. He is a member of the Shelby County Fine Live Stock Exchange.

Mr. Stewart was married February 28, 1906, to Hannah Belle Stewart, who was born in Jackson county, Iowa, in 1882. He and his wife are earnest members of the Congregationalist church and contribute generously of their means to its support at all times. The Democratic party has claimed
the support of Mr. Stewart but his heavy agricultural interests have prevented him from taking a very active part in political affairs. He has acted well his part in life and while primarily interested in his own individual affairs, he has not been unmindful of the interests of his fellow
citizens and has contributed to the full extent of his ability for their advancement and that of the public welfare. Personally, he is a man of pleasing address, sociably inclined and enjoys a wide acquaintance and a large circle of warm and loyal friends.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 778 - 779. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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BALTHASER THILLEN

A successful farmer and stock raiser of Shelby county, Iowa, is Balthaser Thillen, who is the owner of a large tract of land in Washington and Westphalia townships. He is descended from German parentage, and has inherited those characteristics which have brought success to every German settler in this county. Mr. Thillen started in as a renter and by his own industry and good management has accumulated a farm of two hundred and sixty-four acres within a period of sixteen years, and has paid for it all from the earnings of his land. It will be admitted that a man who
can accomplish this in such a short length of time is deserving of a great deal of credit.

Balthaser Thillen, son of Nicholas and Barbara Thillen, was born May 9, 1874, in Clayton county, Iowa. His parents were both born in Germany. His father worked as a farm hand in France for three years, and in 1855 came to America and located in Dubuque county, Iowa, where he worked for a
short time. He then moved to Elkader, in Clayton county, Iowa, where he. purchased timber land, cleared it and farmed the same until his death, August 27, 1892. Nicholas Thillen was married in Clayton county, Iowa, in 1869, and to this union were born three children, Balthaser, John and
Elizabeth. John died when he was eleven years of age and Elizabeth married Nicholas Miller, and now lives in Clayton county.

Balthaser Thillen received all of his education in the district schools of Clayton county, Iowa, and after leaving school farmed with his father until he was eighteen years of age. At this time his father died and he rented the home farm for three years. In 1896 he went to Shelby county and
located in Lincoln township. He rented land for the first two years after coming to this county, and in 1898 bought one hundred and twenty acres in Washington township, where he lived until 1910. He then purchased one hundred and four acres adjoining Panama, in this county, moved there
and is now living in the town of Panama. He devotes most of his attention to the raising of Chester White and Poland China hogs and has achieved pronounced success in the handling of swine.

Mr. Thillen was married August 31, 1897, at Westphalia, Iowa, to Katherine Stoll, the daughter of Bartol and Crysanthia Stoll, and to this union one daughter, Marie, has been born. Mrs. Thillen's parents were both natives of Germany and came to this country before their marriage, locating at
Peru, Illinois. They were subsequently married in that place, and immediately came to Shelby county, Iowa, and located in Lincoln township, where they rented a farm for a few years. Mr. Stoll then bought eighty acres of land and at the time of his death, in 1905, he was the owner of a.
tract of seven hundred and eighty acres of fine farming land in this county. Mrs. Stoll is still living in Westphalia. Eleven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stoll: Katherine, the wife of Mr. Thillen; Mary, the wife of Peter Willmes; Caroline, the wife of Henry Schomers; Joseph, who
married Margaret Coenen; Louis, who married Cecelia Betshie; Vitus, who is a Catholic priest at Rosemount, Iowa; Agnes and Clara, who are living with their mother, and three, Martin, Cecelia and Jacob, who are deceased.

Politically, Mr. Thillen is a Democrat, and has been active in political affairs, having served as township master eight years and on the council of Panama. He and his family are members of the Catholic church at Panama. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, belonging to the Dunlap
Council at Dunlap, Iowa.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 755 - 756. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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HOPKINS K. McDONALD

The subject of this review is a representative farmer and stock grower of Lincoln township, Shelby county, Iowa, and 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 by study and experimentation has secured the maximum returns from his enterprising efforts in addition to which he also 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, advocating whatever tends to promote the public welfare in any way.

Hopkins K. McDonald, the son of John and Elizabeth (Leighty) McDonald, was born January 27, 1860, in McDonough county, Illinois. His father was born in 1842 in Pennsylvania, and his mother in 1847 in Illinois. John McDonald came to Illinois when a young man and led the life of a
prosperous farmer there, until his death in 1904, his wife passing away two years later. To John McDonald and wife were born seven children, four of whom are living: Hopkins, A. W., Mrs. Belle McFadden and Mrs. Ida Marshall.

Hopkins K. McDonald received a good, common school education in the schools of his home county in Illinois, and assisted his father on the home farm until he reached his .majority. He then began farming for himself in Illinois, and upon his marriage in 1885, came to Shelby county, Iowa, where
he rented two hundred acres of land in Shelby township for two years. Then he bought eighty acres in Douglas township on which he lived three years; then lived two years on a larger farm; then he bought eighty acres two and one-half miles west of Harlan, where he lived a few months, after
which he bought one hundred acres in Lincoln township and in 1894 bought his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres of land in Lincoln township, on which he has made extensive improvements in various ways. He grows all of the crops common to this section of the state and pays due
attention to the raising of a high grade of live stock.

Mr. McDonald was married February 1, 1885, to Alice A. Robertson, who was born November 18, 1866, in McDonough county in the state of Illinois, daughter of Alexander and Parmelia J. (Baughn) Robertson, who lived and died in Illinois, and to this union have been born ten children: One who died in infancy; Mrs. Eva Chipman, whose husband is a farmer of this township; Earl A.; Inez M. Stewart; Myrtle, deceased; Russell; Dale, deceased; Lowell and Everett W.

In politics, Mr. McDonald always has adhered to the Republican party, but has never been an aspirant for any public office, preferring to devote all of his time and energies to his agricultural affairs. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian church and contribute of their means to its support. He is a man of sterling honesty and integrity of character, and because of these characteristics and his genial and unassuming disposition he has made friends wherever he is known. He is regarded as a public spirited man and can always be counted upon to support the right side of any movement involving the moral, educational or social welfare of his fellow citizens.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1354 - 1355. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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CRIST P. LARSON

The attention of the reader is now called to a brief review of the career of Crist P. Larson, a sturdy son of the kingdom of Denmark, who alone and unaided has won for himself an enviable station in life, being considered one of the leading citizens of his community. It is a well authenticated fact that success comes as the result of legitimate and well applied energy, unflagging determination and perseverance in any course of action once definitely decided upon. She is never known to smile upon the idler or dreamer and she never courts the loafer. Only the men who have diligently sought her favor are crowned with her blessings. In tracing the history of the subject of this sketch it is plainly seen that the prosperity which he enjoys has been won by commendable qualities and that his personal worth has gained for him the high esteem in which he is held by all who know him.

Crist P. Larson was born in Denmark in 1878, his father being of the same name, born in 1843. Throughout his life the latter followed the vocation of farming, his death occurring in 1908, as did also that of the mother of the subject, who before her marriage was Stena Christinson. She was
born in 1845 and was the mother of five children. Subject is the only one of the family who has left the native home, the parents being buried there and brothers and sisters still residing in the land of their birth. Crist P. Larson left Denmark when but seventeen years of age and upon his
arrival in America came almost directly to this state, settling in Cass county. Upon reaching here he had but fifty cents in his pocket, a seemingly small sum to form the foundation for future prosperity, but far more valuable than any monetary asset was his correct view of life and his
quiet though sturdy determination to win for himself in the new world not only a competency but also the trust and confidence of those among whom the lines of his life should be laid. In all of this he has succeeded admirably. He began his career by hiring out as a farm laborer at fifteen
dollars the month, eight years of his life being given to this occupation. At the end of that time he felt in position to begin farming on his own account and rented a tract of land in Shelby county, which he farmed for another eight years. He then purchased his first farm, containing one
hundred and sixty acres which, however, he soon disposed of and purchased four hundred and eighty acres in Lincoln township, where he has since made his home. On this farm he has made extensive and varied improvements, meeting with success from the very first of his venture. He is quite an extensive breeder of thoroughbred Hereford, Black Poll and Shorthorn cattle, annually feeding on an average of two hundred head. He has an excellent strain and often has received prizes for his exhibit at the Harlan fairs. He also raises for the market about three hundred head of hogs annually, having a good graded strain.

In 1893 Mr. Larson was united in marriage with Miss Mate Meves, born in Davenport, Iowa, in 1874. To this union were born five children, the eldest of whom, Frank, was killed by lightning in the summer of 1913 while working in the field during a storm. Arthur is assisting his father in the
work and management of the home place and the other children, Sadie, John and Elmer, are also at home. Mr. Larson early identified himself with the Republican party, and has for years been one of its stalwart supporters. His religious affiliation is with the Danish Lutheran church and to the
local society he gives generously of both time and means. His fraternal affiliation he holds with the Modern Woodmen of America. Mr. Larson readily assumes his duties as one of the leading citizens of his community and is ever ready and anxious to give his assistance to any cause having
as its ultimate object the betterment of community life. He is particularly interested in the education of the youth of the locality and has served as school director for his district. In all the walks of life, he has shown himself true to every trust and is in every sense of the word fully worthy of the high regard in which he is held by all who know him, and especially by the friends and neighbors who have known him longest and best.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 1355 - 1357. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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MARTIN JULIUS LARSON

The soil is the basis of all life both animal and vegetable, and the greatest civilizations have arisen from that soil which is the best adapted for human existence. The greatest nations are not found in the Arctic regions, neither do they flourish in the tropics, but the greatest men of the
world live along a narrow belt of latitude in the temperate zone, where there are neither extremes of heat nor cold. The United States is embraced within this favored region and here are found the finest fiber of brain and nerve. A man is more or less a creature of his environment and a man who
is placed in the tropic zone where he needs no shelter, little clothing and no labor in order to provide himself with plenty to eat, never becomes great. Such conditions hold in the Arctic regions, where the extremes of low temperature are such as to inhibit all advance in civilization. No more favored spot in the United States for agricultural purposes is to be found than within the limits of Shelby county, Iowa, and here men and women from every corner of the globe have gathered. Denmark has contributed its quota, and among these worthy men, Martin J. Larson, of Fairview township, holds an honorable place.

Martin J. Larson was born December 24, 1851, in the little kingdom of Denmark. He was given a good education in the schools of his native land and early in life decided to come to America, where better opportunities awaited the young man. In 1872 he left his home for America and on
reaching this country immediately went to Shelby county, Iowa. For the first two years he worked on a farm and then bought a team and broke prairie land for farmers in the county for the next two years. With the money which he saved he bought forty acres in Fairview township, and has since added to it until he is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of excellent farming land. There being running water upon his farm, it is well adapted to stock raising and he realizes the major portion of his profits from the sale of his stock each year. He has a good residence, commodious barns and out buildings which he has built, and has always been particular in keeping his place in good repair. He has out a large orchard with an abundance of different kinds of fruit trees and takes excellent care of his orchard.

Mr. Larson was married in 1875 to Laura Nelson, who was born in Denmark, and to this union have been born twelve children, Louise, Minnie, Nels, Ida, Lena, Lawrence, Marie, Edna, Olga, Clarence, Lillian and Harry. All of these children are still living except Nels, who died at the age of
eighteen, and Harry, who died at the age of nine. Mrs. Larson was the widow of Nels Jesperson, and was the mother of three children by her first marriage, Emma, Carrie and Louise, who died in infancy.

Mr. Larson is a Democrat but has not taken an active part in politics. He and his family are members of the Lutheran church.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 747 - 748. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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JENS CHRISTIANSEN LUNN

It is no small honor to be the editor and publisher of the leading Danish newspaper of the United States, and yet this honor belongs to one of the citizens of Harlan, Iowa. Jens C. Lunn is not only a newspaper man of wide and varied experience but he is also a minister of the Danish Baptist
denomination and still carries on his ministerial duties occasionally in addition to handling the newspaper. The paper, The Yaegteren, is the official organ of the Danish Baptist Conference of America and has a subscription list which extends throughout the world.

Jens Christiansen Lunn, the son of Christian and Maren Dorothy (Larsen) Hausen, was born in 1861 in Denmark. His parents were born in 1826 and 1828, respectively, and lived in their native land until 1884, when they came to America and settled in Shelby county, Iowa. Christian Hausen bought
a farm of eighty acres near Harlan and leased it out until his death, in 1894. His wife passed away in 1905. Christian Hausen and wife were the parents of a large family of children, Hans C., Michael C., Charles C., Vibecca F., Carrie, Jens and two who died in infancy.

Jens C. Lunn was nineteen years of age when he came to this country, and consequently received the most of his education in his native land. However, he wished to follow the ministry and after coming to this country entered the Danish Theological Seminary at Chicago. He graduated from that institution in the spring of 1891 and at once entered the ministry and has been preaching ever since, although he gives the larger part of his time to his newspaper duties.

He became connected with The Yaegteren, as associate editor, in 1897 and became publisher as well as editor on January 1, 1911. This paper is the leading Danish paper of the United States and is controlled by the Danish Baptist churches of America. It was established at Chicago in 1876 and
removed to Harlan in 1897 and it was at that time that Mr. Lunn became connected with it in an editorial capacity. The printing plant has been improved from time to time and is now one of the best equipped printing offices in the state. In 1914 an international typesetting machine was installed and other equipment added, which put the plant in a position to do all kinds of printing. It is one of the important points of interest in Harlan and the people are justly proud of the enterprise.

Mr. Lunn is an able and convincing writer and is well equipped for the manifold duties of his position. Possessing a ready flow of language and an easy and fluent means of expression, he gives a certain literary distinction to everything which passes through his hands. His paper, catering
to the Danish people throughout the country, carries the name of Harlan from coast to coast as well as into foreign lands, and thus is the means of making the name and fame of the city extensively known to the Danish people of this country.

Source: 1915 Past and Present of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 694 - 695. Contributed by: Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

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