citizen, doing everything in his power to promote the general welfare or further the development of the community. He was a valued and helpful member of the local post of the Grand Army of the Republic and when he responded to the last roll call, his funeral was directed and attended by his soldier comrades. His demise occurred on the 8th of June, 1906, and his remains were interred at Marengo. His upright and honorable life won him the esteem and goodwill of all with whom he was associated and he never incurred enmities. He was a man of domestic tastes who found his greatest happiness at the home fireside, and his widow and children cherish the memory of a devoted and loving husband and father. The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist Church, with which the Colsons have long been identified. Mrs. Colson is widely and favorably known throughout the community which has so long been her home, the circle of her friends being almost coextensive with the circle of her acquaintance.
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JOHN KELLY
John Kelly, who is farming on section 11, English township, was born upon the farm where he still resides on the 12th of July, 1862, a son of John and Ann T. (Kelly) Kelly, who, although of the same name, were not related. Both were natives of Ireland but removed to America in the early ‘40s. In 1847 the father went to California and made a fortune there, remaining for five or six years. At the end of that time he went to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where his marriage occurred. He and his wife came to Iowa County, Iowa and settled upon a farm in English township, residing for a number of years in a log cabin. Eventually a better structure was erected and the father made many improvements upon his place, continuing to cultivate the land until called to the great beyond. His wife also passed away upon the homestead. They were the parents of six children: Margaret, the wife of M. Curry, of this county; Michael; John, of this review; Katherine, the wife of T. Donahue, of this county; and two who have passed away.
John Kelly remained under the parental roof during the period of his boyhood and youth and upon reaching maturity, took charge of the operation of the homestead, which he later purchased. He now owns three hundred and eighty-three acres of land on section 11, English Township, and specialized in the raising and feeding of stock, which he finds very profitable. He is not afraid of hard work but plans so as to make his efforts as effective as possible, believing that it is bad to waste energy as to waste money, and his labors yield him a good financial return.
In 1891, Mr. Kelly married Miss Celia Elwood, who was born in Iowa county, a daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Fitzgerald) Elwood, both natives of Ireland, who emigrated to America many years ago. They passed the remainder of their lives in this county and were highly esteemed in the communities in which they resided. Mrs. Kelly is one of a family of nine children and by her marriage has become the mother of eight children, as follows: Katherine M., who is now attending school in Chicago; J.J. at home; Loretta
and Irene, both in high school; Evelyn; Anna; Helen; and one who has passed away.
Mr. Kelly is a democrat and for many years has been a school director. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Roman Catholic Church and are loyal to its teachings. Mr. Kelly has erected fine buildings upon his farm and has made many other improvements which add to its value and attractiveness. He is also a director of the Mutual Telephone Company and a director in the North English Savings Bank. The financial success which he has achieved, however, is not held as high in his estimation as is the respect which his fellowmen accord him.
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LAWSON MAUDLIN
Agricultural interests have an able representative in Lawson Maudlin, who owns two hundred and five acres of fine land in Hartford Township. He was born in Indiana, March 2, 1848, a son of Thomas and Rachel (Townsend) Maudlin, both likewise natives of the Hoosier State. In 1856 the family settled upon a farm in Johnson County, Iowa and the first year their residence was a board shanty. The mother passed away in that county in 1859 and in 1868 the father removed to Iowa County, taking up his residence on a farm in Lincoln Township. He passed away in 1896. He was married a second time and to that union were born ten children, six of whom survive. By his first marriage there were eleven children, of whom four are still living.
Lawson Maudlin remained with his father until he was of age and then began his independent business career. For five years he engaged in breaking the prairie sod and also ran a threshing machine. He still owns a threshing outfit but his old horse-power machine has long since been supplanted by modern steam threshers. He now owns three outfits and from their operation derives therefrom a substantial addition to his income. In 1876 he purchased the farm on section 36, Hartford Township, where he now lives and has made many improvements upon the place in the intervening years. He owns two hundred and five acres of as fine land as any in Iowa County and his labors have yielded him more than a competence. He has specialized to some extent in stock-raising, realizing the fact that Iowa offers unusual opportunities for success in that occupation. He is now living largely retired although he still resides upon his farm.
In 1873 Mr. Maudlin married Miss Drusilla Breneman, who was born in Ohio. Her parents, Christian and Mary (Robinson) Breneman, were also natives of the Buckeye State, where they resided until 1869. In that year the family removed to Iowa and settled upon a farm in Lincoln Township, Iowa County. Subsequently the parents went to Kansas, where the father passed away in 1885, but the mother died in this state in 1898. Seven of their twelve children are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Maudlin have become the parents of six children: Orris J. and Junior C., deceased; Mina May, who is a graduate of the Iowa State University at Iowa City and of the Nebraska State University of Lincoln, and now is engaged in teaching; Lloyd Z., who is farming in this
county; Talmadege Dale, who is farming; and Hazel Fay, who is a graduate of the local high school and is now the wife of Earl Shaw.
Mr. Maudlin is a republican and has served for four years as a township clerk, his continuance in the office being proof of the acceptability of his services. He has also been school director. Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and can be depended upon to further to the extent of their ability the moral advancement of the their community.
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FRANK W. STOVER
Frank W. Stover, who owns and operates one hundred acres of land in English township and two hundred acres in Fillmore Township, was born in the county on the 28th of February, 1861, a son of Hiram and Sara (Harsha) Stover. Both parents were born in Ohio, but in 1849 they came to this county and located upon a farm in Greene Township which the father entered from the government. He built a log cabin which was covered with a clapboard roof and which had a puncheon floor and door and there the family resided for several years. They continued to live on that farm until 1889, when a removal was made to the northern part of the state and there both the father and mother passed away, the former in 1904 and the latter in 1899. Nine of their eleven children survive.
Frank W. Stover remained at home until he was twenty-four years of age, when he was married and began his independent business career, renting the farm which he now owns. He was ambitious to purchase the place and accordingly put aside as much of his income each year as was possible and at length his ambition was realized and he bought the farm which he still operates and which comprises one hundred acres on section 36, English Township, and two hundred acres on section 18, Fillmore township. He has erected a number of fine buildings and otherwise improved his property, which is one of the well developed farms of Iowa County. He makes a specialty of raising Hereford cattle and Chester White hogs and as his stock are of good grades and are in prime condition when sold, he derives good profits from his business. He also raises the usual cereals to some extent and his crops are abundant.
In 1885 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Stover and Miss Capitola Hill, who was born in this county of the marriage of William and Margaret (Thompson) Hill, the former born in Iowa and the latter in Ohio. As a girl the mother removed to Cedar County, Iowa and there her marriage occurred. Subsequently Mr. and Mrs. Hill removed to Iowa County, where they were residing when called by death, the father in 1909 and the mother in 1912. Two of their three children survive. Mrs. Stover received a high-school education and takes a keen interest in the events of the world at large. By her marriage she has become the mother of four children; Bertha E., a graduate of the local high school, who is the wife of Walter Edwards, of Wyoming, Iowa; Ora I., now Mrs. John Wallace, who previous to her marriage taught school; Ralph F., who is married and is farming; and Milo H., a high school student. There are four grandchildren, Frank Edwards, Treva and Donald Wallace, and Glenn F. Stover.
Mr. Stover is a republican but is without aspirations for political preferment. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church and all who know them value highly their good opinion. Mr. Stover holds membership in the Modern Woodmen of America and has many friends in that order.
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MARTIN G. HILL
Martin G. Hill, who is farming in English township, was born in that township on the 5th of May, 1866, a son of W.F. Hill, an account of whose life appears in the sketch of Frank Stover. He remained at home until he attained his majority and then entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. Stover, they assuming charge of the homestead. Subsequently Mr. Hill purchased one hundred and twenty acres of that place, which is located just north of the village limits of North English, and still later he bought one hundred and forty acres of land in Fillmore Township. All of the two hundred and sixty acres which he owns is good land and his farms are well improved and in a high state of cultivation. He follows general agricultural pursuits and also raises stock quite extensively and as he is industrious and practical his land yields him a good income.
Mr. Hill was married in 1890 to Miss Angeline Blaylock, who was born in Cedar County, Iowa, a daughter of John R. and Ellen (Morgan) Blaylock. Her father, a native of Indiana, and her mother, who was born in Ohio, crossed the plains to California in 1849 and remained in the west for some time. Upon their return east they settled in Cedar County, Iowa, where they resided until they removed to this county, where both were living when called by death. Mr. and Mrs. Hill have three children: John W., who is a graduate of the Capital City Commercial College of Des Moines, Iowa; George Byron, at home; and Inez C., who is a high-school student.
Mr. Hill is a republican but has never desired to hold office. Both he and his wife are identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, whose work is furthered by their interest and material support. They have many friends in this county and Mr. Hill is recognized as a representative and progressive agriculturist.
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H. E. GOLDTHWAITE
H.E. Goldthwaite, who is living retired in Marengo, was born in Massachusetts on the 18th of August, 1845, a son of George and Lucy M. (Miller) Goldthwaite, likewise natives of the Bay State, whence they emigrated to this county in 1862. Both have passed away.
H. E. Goldthwaite is the only one now living of a family of three children. He was educated in the common schools and in the Bolton Academy, of which he is an alumnus. He reamed under the parental roof until he was of age and in early manhood taught school for several years. However, in 1867 he was
made deputy recorder and in the following year was appointed recorder, which office he held for two years. He was then engaged in the dry-goods and clothing business for twenty-five years. In 1899 he was again called to a position of trust and honor, being elected county treasurer, and his excellent record in the connection won him reelection. Prior to his service as county treasurer he was appointed government surveyor of Alaska and was for a year in that northern dominion of the United States. In all of his official service he has proved capable and conscientious and his record has at all times been satisfactory to those concerned and creditable to himself. He has accumulated a competence and is spending the evening of his life in honorable retirement.
Mr. Goldthwaite was married in 1869 to Miss Sarah Gardner, who was born in Ohio of the marriage of John L. and Sarah Gardner. The mother died in the Buckeye State, and later the father became a resident of Iowa and operated the first flour mill in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Goldthwaite have seven children; Leila, at home; Mary, who is teaching school; Frank W., assistant cashier of the First National Bank; E. H., a resident of Fort Worth, Texas; Howard B., also residing at that place; Byron, an attorney of Marengo, who is also county and city engineer; and D. W., who is engaged in the lumber business in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
Mr. Goldthwaite is a republican and has voted the ticket of that party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally he is affiliated with Lodge No. 172, A.F. & A.M., and has also taken the chapter degrees. He is the next to the oldest member of the lodge and was for nine years secretary of that body. He has conformed his conduct to high moral standards and has the unqualified respect of his fellow citizens.
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REV. JOHN A. GLENN
Rev. John A. Glenn, pastor of St. Mary’s Catholic Church at Williamsburg, was born in Ottumwa, Iowa on the 24th of July, 1870, a son of Lawrence and Mary (Purcell) Glenn, both natives of Ireland, who emigrated to the United States when a young man and young woman. They were married in Memphis, Tennessee, and became residents of Ottumwa, Iowa some time in the ‘50s. They still reside in that city are are spending their last years in leisure, as they have accumulated a competence and have retired from active life.
Rev. John A. Glenn was educated at St. Benedict’s College in Atchison, Kansas, where he took a classical course, and after leaving that institution spent two years at St. Ambrose College of Davenport for the study of philosophy. Three years more were spent in preparation for the priesthood as a student in St. Mary’s Seminary of Baltimore, Maryland, where he took his theological course. He was ordained on the 21st of June 1902, by Cardinal Gibbons and following his admission to holy orders he taught for three years in St. Ambrose College at Davenport.
Father Glenn was then placed in charge of St. Mary’s parish at Lenox, Iowa, where he remained for about four years, after which he was appointed
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Photo of Rev. John A. Glenn
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pastor of St. Mary’s Church at Mechanicsville, Iowa. After being stationed there for eighteen months, he was made pastor of St. Mary’s Church of Williamsburg, being appointed to this charge on the 14th of May 1911. In the four years that he has been a resident of Williamsburg, he has gained not only the affection of his own people, but the respect of the community at large. He is zealous in his promotion of the interests of the church and under his pastorate the spiritual life of his congregation has been strengthened, while at the same time the temporal affairs of the church have been well managed. He has also found time to aid in movements seeking the moral betterment of the community as a whole and has exerted a strong influence for good in the city.
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GEORGE B. FAAS
George B. Faas, a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Hilton Township, was born in Pilot Township, this county, on the 26th of July, 1866, a son of Gottlieb and Carolina (Miller) Faas, both natives of Germany, who accompanied their respective parents to this county when children. They first located in Wisconsin but in 1865 removed to Pilot township, this county, where the mother died in 1892. The father survived until 1903 and passed away in Woodbury County, Iowa. Twelve of the fourteen children born to their union survive.
George B. Faas attended the common schools in the acquirement of his education and remained under the parental roof until he became of age. He then worked as a farm hand for a year and a half, after which he purchased one hundred and twenty acres of land in Pilot Township and for three years, operated that place. Upon selling it he bought one hundred and twenty acres of the old homestead and lived there for two years, after which he sold it and purchased one hundred and twenty acres in Woodbury County. After five years he sold that property and bought one hundred and eighty acres in Honey Creek Township, this county, where he resided for two years. At the expiration of that time he sold that farm and purchased the place where he now lives, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres on section 37, Hilton Township. He has since added an eighty acre tract and all of his land is in a high state of cultivation. He has erected fine buildings and his property is attractive and valuable. He specializes to a large extent in raising and feeding stock and as he understands this thoroughly, he secures a good price for his animals on the market.
In 1893 Mr. Faas married Miss Elizabeth Voss, who was born in Johnson County, Iowa. Her parents, Charles and Katherine (Whitman) Voss, were both natives of Germany and emigrated to America many years ago. They located in Johnson County, Iowa, but after living there a number of years came to Iowa County and settled upon a farm in Pilot Township, where both passed away. They were the parents of eight children. Mr. and Mrs. Faas have had ten children: Hilda K., deceased; Clarence G., at home; Alfred C and Irwin J., both of whom have passed away; Martha E.; Roy G.; Floyd C.; Mabel R.; Carl B.; and Evart C.
Mr. Faas is a republican and has served acceptably as township trustee and school director, proving an able and conscientious official. Both he and his
wife hold membership in the Presbyterian Church, in the work of which they are much interested. He has gained material success through his activity as a farmer and stock-raiser and has also contributed to the development of the county along those lines, as he is always ready to utilize any new knowledge concerning agriculture or the raising of stock which investigators and experimenters have brought to light.
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CHARLES J. MONAHAN
Charles J. Monahan, a successful farmer of Greene Township, Iowa County, was born on the 14th of March 1874, in this county, of the marriage of John and Mary (Lang) Monahan, natives respectively of Ireland and of New York. Both became residents of Iowa County many years ago, accompanying their respective parents to this county, where they grew to manhood and womanhood. They were married in 1870 and the father devoted his life to farming. To their union were born eight children: John, who resides at Holbrook; Charles J., of this review; James, also a resident of Holbrook; May, the wife of Patrick Hannon; Catherine, who married T.F. O’Neill; Thomas and Michael, both of whom are farming; and Jennie, who makes her home with the subject of this review.
Charles J. Monahan attended the public schools of Iowa County in the pursuit of his education, as did his sister Jennie. As soon as old enough he began assisting his father and brothers on the farm and has continued to follow agricultural pursuits. He is industrious and efficient and is known as an able agriculturist.
Mr. Monahan gives his political support to the Democratic Party at national elections but is independent when local issues are to be decided. He was township assessor from 1907 to 1911 and has held all of the offices on the school board, serving at the present time as secretary of that body. He is a communicant of the Catholic Church, as are the other members of the family, and all high moral endeavor has his support as he realizes the great importance of the maintenance of high standards of ethics.
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JACOB SCHAFBUCH
Jacob Schafbuch has gained more than ordinary success as an agriculturist and has acquired title to seven hundred and sixty-one acres of productive land. He specializes in stock-raising and is known as one of the leading stockmen of Iowa County. A native of Germany, he was born on the 10th of August 1849, and is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Gahring) Schafbuch, both likewise natives of the fatherland. In 1852 they came with their family to America and first settled in the state of New York, whence, after two years, they removed to Dubuque County, Iowa, where the father turned his attention to farming. In 1863 they took up their residence on a farm in Sumner Township, Iowa County,
which the father had purchased, and there they continued to reside during the remainder of their lives. Six of the eight children born to them survive.
Jacob Schafbuch remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age and was then married, after which he located on his present home farm on section 22, Sumner Township. His first farm comprised forty acres, given him by his father, but as the years passed and material prosperity rewarded his labor, he bought additional land and now holds title to seven hundred and sixty-one acres, all of which is improved. Nothing is lacking in the way of equipment that would add to the efficiency of his work, and his residence is commodious and attractive. He gives especial attention to the raising and feeding of stock and has found that occupation very remunerative.
Mr. Schafbuch married Miss Frederika Nitza, who was born July 4, 1849, in Germany. Her father, Conrad Nitza, passed away two weeks after arriving in Buffalo, New York, leaving a widow and daughter, while a little son died the day previous. The mother subsequently married John Gahring, likewise a native of Germany, and they became residents of Iowa County, where both were living when called to the great beyond. To Mr. and Mrs. Schafbuch have been born nine children: John C.; Anna M., the wife of George J. Rathjen; Martha S., who married John M. Rathjen; W.H.; Charles E.; Mary M., who is deceased; Jacob P.; George E. and Harry C.
Mr. Schafbuch is a democrat and has served as school director and road supervisor. He gives his religious allegiance to the Reformed Church, in the work of which he takes a praiseworthy interest. When he started out in life on his own account, he possessed much ambition and determination to succeed but had little capital, and the financial independence which he has gained is the direct result of his careful attention to business, his energy and wise management of his affairs. His business dealings have been open and above board and there has never been any question as to his integrity or honesty.
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C. A. MAINS
C.A. Mains, cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank of Williamsburg, is well known in banking circles in this part of the state and is highly esteemed by his associates. He was born in Crawford County, Iowa, October 22, 1886, of the marriage of Isaiah and Catherine (Adams) Mains, both natives of Perry County, Ohio, where they grew to manhood and womanhood. They were married in that county and shortly afterward came to Iowa, being among the early settlers of Clarke County. Subsequently they removed to Crawford County and for the past decades have resided in Charter Oak. For a number of years Mr. Mains was a postmaster of that place but is now living retired in the enjoyment of a leisure made possible by former labor.
C. A. Mains was reared at home and attended the public schools in the acquirement of an education, graduating from the Charter Oak high school in the class of 1911. In that year he entered the First national Bank of Charter Oak as a bookkeeper and was subsequently made assistant cashier. In 1907 or 1908 he went to Sioux City, where he was for one year connected with the First
National Bank. His next removal was to Fonda, Iowa, and for two years he served as assistant cashier of the First National Bank at that place. For six months after leaving there he was auditor for James F. Toy, of Sioux City, who owned twenty-six banks in Iowa, Nebraska and Dakota. At the end of that time Mr. Mains was appointed state bank examiner and served in that office for one year, after which he resigned to accept a position with the Commercial National Bank and the Commercial Trust & Savings Bank of Cedar Rapids. He became vice president of the Commercial Trust & Savings Bank and held that responsible position for one year. On the 1st of September 1914, he accepted the cashiership of the Citizens Savings Bank of Williamsburg and since that time has to a large extent, directed the policy of the institution. It is one of the best known and most prosperous banks in Iowa County and under his administration its high standard has been maintained and its business has increased in volume. His long experience has given him a wide knowledge concerning methods of procedure and also a thorough understanding of the underlying financial and monetary principles upon which the banking business is based. He is well know among bankers of Iowa and is highly respected because of his ability, excellent judgment and unswerving integrity.
In 1913 Mr. Mains married Miss Pearl Wilson, of Woodbine, Iowa. He is a member of Live Oak Lodge, No. 543, A.F. & A.M., of Charter Oak; and of Fort Dodge, No. 336, B.P.O.E., of Fort Dodge. He also belongs to the Boosters Club of Williamsburg and is one of the foremost in planning new movements to promote the development of the city along commercial and civic lines. He has gained a position of leadership among the financiers of this part of the state and is one of the most prominent and most highly esteemed citizens of Williamsburg.
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ALEXANDER McLENNAN
Alexander McLennan conducts a large real-estate business in Marengo under the name of the McLennan Land Company and is recognized as a far-sighted and aggressive real-estate dealer. He was born in Elmira, Illinois, on the line between Stark and Henry Counties, on the 5th of August 1869, a son of Murdoch and Johanna (Macbeth) McLennan. The parents were natives of Rossshire, Scotland, where they were reared and married and where one child was born to them but it died on the journey across the ocean to America. They located immediately in Stark County, Illinois, where the father found work as a farm hand and subsequently he engaged in agricultural pursuits on his own account. After about eight years, or in 1878, he came to Iowa with his family, taking up his residence in Hilton Township, Iowa County, on a farm on one hundred and sixty acres two miles southeast of Conroy. This place, to which he still holds title, is today one of the finest farms in the county and, in fact, there is no better land in the state. He also owns an eighty acre tract in Pottawattamie County. In 1906 he removed to Marengo where he is now living retired. In 1885 he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife.
Alexander McLennan was reared in his parent’s home and as a boy attended the public schools. Later he entered Highland Park College of Des Moines and there completed his education. On leaving that institution he returned to the farm and gave his time during the summer months to agricultural pursuits, while during the winter for five years he taught school. In 1900 he was elected clerk of the courts of Iowa county and served two years in that capacity, discharging efficiently the duties devolving upon him. On the expiration of his term he returned home and farmed in partnership with his father until 1906, when the latter removed to Marengo. For the following three years Mr. McLennan of this review traveled through western North America from Mexico to Prince Rupert, British Columbia. At the end of that time he returned to Iowa to make his permanent home in this county, being convinced that there was no place that offered better opportunities or greater chances for successful achievement. He located in Marengo and in the fall of 1909 entered the real estate business, in which he continues. He confines his attention chiefly to Iowa farm lands and his practical experience as an agriculturist is of value to him, enabling him to correctly estimate the value of the properties which he handles. He is alert and quick to recognize business opportunities and is up to date and energetic in his methods and it is but natural that the volume of his business should increase from year to year. He negotiates many important realty transfers and his known reliability is proving a large factor in his success.
Mr. McLennan makes his home with his father in Marengo. He votes the republican ticket but his interest in public affairs is purely that of a private citizen, as his business activities do not leave him time for active participation in politics. He is identified with Masonry, belonging to Marengo Lodge, No. 114, A.F. & A.M.; Jerusalem Chapter, No. 72, R.A.M.; and Iowa Consistory, No. 2, A.& A.S.R., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and he also holds membership in Hebron Lodge, I.O.O.F., and the Williamsburg lodge of the Knights of Pythias. He is one of the leaders in commercial circles in Marengo and the confidence which he has gained is fully deserved, as it is the result of his well directed labor in a field for which he is fitted by nature and training.
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M. D. SNAVELY
M. D. Snavely is one of the leading citizens of Ladora, being mayor of that town and also a prominent hardware merchant. His birth occurred in Johnson County, Iowa, on the 12th of May, 1854, and his parents were John and Mary (Green) Snavely, both natives of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. About 1849 they accompanied their respective parents to this state, the father being then about seventeen years of age. Both families settled in Johnson County, where Mr. and Mrs. John Snavely were married, and they established their home upon a farm in that county, where they lived during the remainder of their lives, the father dying on the 29th of May 1914, when eight-two years of age, while the mother passed away eleven years previously when seventy-one years old.
M. D. Snavely was reared upon the homestead and early became familiar with agricultural pursuits. His education was that afforded by the graded
schools of North Liberty, with the addition of one winter’s attendance at the Marengo high school. He removed to Marengo when eighteen years of age and apprenticed himself to his uncle, W. A. Snavely, a well known tinner of that city. After learning the tinner’s trade Mr. Snavely, of this review, continued to follow it in Marengo until 1877, when he went to Fort Dodge, where he worked for nearly two years at his trade. In the spring of 1879 he came to Ladora, where he has since lived, the period of his residence here covering thirty-six years. He established a hardware and implement business and has been very successful as a merchant, the volume of his trade increasing steadily from year to year. He knows the lines which he handles thoroughly and as he carries only goods of high quality and as his prices are moderate it is but natural that his patronage should be large. He also has other interests in the city as he was one of the organizers of the Ladora Savings Bank, of which he is still a director, and the Ladora Lumber & Grain Company, of which he is a stockholder.
On the 21st of September 1877, Mr. Snavely was married to Miss Sarah A. Bailey, of Marengo, and they have become the parents of five children, four of whom survive: Frank LeRoy, who is a hardware and implement dealer of Wellman, Iowa; Mary Edith, at home; Ralph Elmer, who is working for his brother in Wellman; and Helen Bailey, at home.
Mr. Snavely is a stalwart republican in his political affiliations and has served a number of times as a delegate to county and state conventions. He is serving his second term, not consecutively, however, as mayor of Ladora, his first record being so satisfactory to his fellow townsmen that he was again elected to the office. Fraternally he is identified with Sharon Lodge, No. 287, A.F. & A.M., of Victor; and Jerusalem Chapter, No. 72, R.A.M., of Marengo. His wife and children are members of the Presbyterian Church and take commendable interest in furthering its work. He has been an important factor in the business, commercial and financial development of Ladora but has not allowed material considerations to monopolize his time, realizing fully the value of the moral, intellectual and social aspects of life, and has done his share to promote the interests of his community along those lines.
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JOHN RIESS
John Riess, a stock-raiser who owns two hundred and fifty-six acres of good land in English township, was born in Iowa County on the 12th of January, 1861, of the marriage of George M. and Margaret (Biesnecker) Riess, both natives of Germany. In 1857 they came to America and made their way to Iowa County, Iowa, locating upon the farm in English township which is in the possession of their son John. The first residence of the family in the new world was a log cabin with a clapboard roof and a puncheon floor and door, but later when material prosperity had rewarded their labors they erected modern and commodious buildings. The parents continued to reside upon that farm until called by death. To their union were born two children: David, who has passed away; and John, of this review. The latter received his education in the public schools and remained at home with his parents, assuming charge of the opera-
tion of the farm when he became of age. He now owns two hundred and fifty-six acres of land on sections 29, 32 and 20, English Township, and makes a specialty of raising and feeding high grade stock. As he has had much experience in that line of work and understands the principles underlying successful stock-raising, he is rewarded by gratifying financial returns, his stock bringing a good price in the market.
Mr. Riess was married in 1893 to Miss Barbara A. Price, who was born in English township. Her parents were John and Barbara (Bonneter) Price, both natives of Germany, who in 1857 came to America and located in English township, Iowa County, Iowa. Both passed away in this county and their demise was mourned by many friends. To them were born ten children, seven of whom survive. Mr. and Mrs. Riess have four children: Walter H., who is now attending high school at North English; Raymond F.; Mildred and Harold W.
Mr. Riess is a republican and has served as trustee and as a director of the school board. He is at present treasurer of that body and keeps in close touch with the work of the school, seeking always to promote its advancement. He is one of the directors of the Millersburg Savings Bank and is recognized as a man of sound business judgment. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Evangelical church, whose teachings constitute the guiding principles of their lives, and they are highly spoken of in their community.
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JOHN C. CONRAD
John C. Conrad, one of the progressive farmers of Sumner Township, owns and operates one hundred and seventy acres of land and gives especial attention to the raising of stock. He was born upon the farm where he still lives, on the 27th of June 1879, a son of Christian and Mary (Gahring) Conrad, who were natives respectively of Germany and Iowa. The father emigrated to America in 1852 and first settled in Ohio, later removing successively to Johnson County, Iowa and Iowa County, Iowa. He became the owner of a good farm in this county, where he passed away in October 1913. His widow survives and makes her home in Marengo. They were the parents of eight children, three of whom are deceased.
John C. Conrad remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-four years of age and was then married. At that time he purchased eighty acres of the homestead and took up his residence thereon. Later he bought an additional eighty acres tract and subsequently added another ten acres, his holdings now aggregating one hundred and seventy acres. His farm, which is situated on sections 27 and 28, Sumner Township, is well improved and yields him a good income annually. He pays much attention to the raising and feeding of stock, which is a very profitable occupation in this state.
Mr. Conrad married Miss Emma L. Bollenbacher, who was born in Tennessee, a daughter of Jacob and Katherine (Becker) Bollenbacher, the former a native of Germany and the latter of Ohio. The father emigrated to America in his youth and was married in Ohio. He was a minister of the German Reformed church and was engaged in preaching the gospel until his death. His
widow survives and makes her home in Marshall County, Iowa. Mrs. Conrad is one of six children and by her marriage has become the mother of four children: one who died in infancy; Marie Katherine; Irma Esther and Selma Christina.
Mr. Conrad casts his ballot in support of the principles and candidates of the Democratic Party and has served this township ably as assessor. He has also been a member of the school board and at all times takes much interest in matters pertaining to education. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the German Reformed church and their lives bear unimpeachable testimony to the sincerity of their religious faith.
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RICHARD AND CHARLES PLAGMANN
Richard and Charles Plagmann, who are well known and successful farmers of Hilton Township, are both natives of this county, born in Sumner Township. The birth of the former occurred on the 21st of January 1877 and that of the latter on the 1st of March 1878. Their parents, Jochim and Dora (Steffen) Plagmann, were natives of Germany, whence the father emigrated to the United States in 1867 as a young man. The mother accompanied her parents to this country two years later when she was a girl of fifteen years. Upon his arrival in Iowa County, Iowa, the father worked as a farm hand and was so employed until his marriage which occurred in 1875. He then bought one hundred and twenty acres of land in Sumner Township, on which he resided for thirteen years. At the end of that time he purchased another farm, comprising one hundred and sixty acres in Hilton Township, and the family removed to that place, which he continued to operate until his demise, which occurred there on the 12th of June 1907. He also bought a farm on section 20, Hilton Township, which is now operated by his sons Richard and Charles. It originally comprised three hundred and thirty-three acres, but twenty acres have been disposed of. The father was a man of indomitable energy and much business ability and acquired title to seven farms in this county, aggregating eleven hundred and forty-three acres, being one of the most extensive landowners in Iowa County. In his family were the following children: Richard and Charles, of this review; Emil, a resident of Keokuk County, Iowa; Bertha, the wife of H.E. Geiger, living at Conroy; Frank, of Marengo township; G.H., of Hilton township; Minnie, at home; Henry G., of Hilton township; Edward R., at home; Arthur A., of Hilton township; and George, at home.
Richard and Charles Plagmann were educated in the public schools of the county and as boys became familiar with practical methods of agriculture. Upon reaching manhood they, with their brother Emil, bought two hundred and fifty-three acres of land from their father, which they farmed in partnership, but subsequently Richard and Charles bought out the interest of Emil and later purchased an adjoining sixty acres, so that they had three hundred and thirteen acres. They also own one hundred and twenty acres, the original homestead in Sumner Township. They are heavy stock feeders and derive a handsome income from their activity in that line. They have studied carefully the problems of
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animal husbandry and understand the proper feeding and care of stock and are always willing to utilize the discoveries of investigators who are endeavoring to solve the problems that confront stock-raisers. Their farm is one of the best developed places in Iowa County and they have made all of the improvements thereon. They have erected a circular barn, eighty-six feet in diameter, built of hollow blocks, which is said to be the finest barn in the western part of Iowa, and the other buildings are in keeping with this structure. The residence is thoroughly modern and is equipped with hot water heat. They believe that the farmer should have the same comforts and conveniences that the city dweller has and have spared no expense in making their home one of the model country residence of the county.
Both Richard and Charles Plagmann are democrats and take the interest of good citizens in political affairs but do not seek nor desire office. Their mother resides with them and has charge of the work of the house, and they have many friends who enjoy their hospitality. The name of Plagmann has long been held in high respect in this county and Richard and Charles Plagmann are considered two of the most energetic and progressive farmers of this county. Their example is a factor in the growth of the scientific farming and stock-raising in their locality. They are as well known for their honesty and rectitude as for their enterprise and all who have been associated with them, either in business or social relations, hold them in high esteem.
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HON. J. LOCKE WILLIAMS
Hon. J. Locke Williams represented his district in the state assembly and was identified with educational and agricultural interests of Iowa county as he was both a teacher and a farmer. He was born in Washington, Pennsylvania, on the 6th of August 1825, a son of John and Susan (Seehorn) Williams, both lifelong residents of the Keystone State.
In 1850 J. Locke Williams came to Iowa and first located in Johnson County, where he remained for about two years, but late in 1851 he came to Iowa County and entered land two miles from North English. His land was timbered and before bringing it under cultivation it was necessary to clear it, which he did. His home was a log cabin with a an earthen floor, a clapboard roof, a stick chimney and a string latch-a typical pioneer dwelling, in which the conditions of life were those of a frontier district. Upon removing from Pennsylvania to Iowa he made the long journey overland with a covered wagon drawn by a blind team and was on the road for seven weeks. His wife and two children accompanied him, his marriage having occurred in 1846. The family was among the early settlers in this county and he continued to reside upon his farm until his death. As the county became more thickly settled and more prosperous he shared in the general well-being and was able to purchase additional land from time to time. He accumulated two hundred and twenty acres and its cultivation afforded him a good income annually. Although the operation of his farm was no small task, his energy was so great that he devoted the winter months to teaching school for many years and for two years served as county superintendent. He was also
for a long time a member of the school board and his influence was deeply felt in educational circles.
Mr. Williams was married on the 19th of October 1846 to Miss Nancy B. McCracken, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of Henry and Katherine (Oakwood) McCracken, who passed their entire lives in that state. They were the parents of nine children, all of whom are deceased save Mrs. Williams. She is the mother of eleven children, all of whom grew to maturity and eight are still living. There are also forty-three grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Mrs. Williams has now reached the advanced age of ninety-three years and still enjoys good health. She has a wonderful memory, recalling accurately and vividly the happenings of the past. She is honored by all who know her, as is her due, for she has lived not only a long but also a useful life. Following the demise of her husband she sold the old homestead but still owns a good residence.
Mr. Williams was a zealous republican and did all in his power to further the success of that party in his part of the state. In 1865 he was appointed surveyor and held that office until 1872, when he resigned. In 1864 he was made county superintendent and for two years was the incumbent in that position. During the sixteenth general assembly in 1875-6 he represented his district in the legislature and his record as a lawmaker was creditable to him and satisfactory to his constituents. In 1860 and again in 1880 he was census enumerator. In looking after his many interests as farmer, official and teacher he did not ignore the claims of religion and was a consistent member of the Christian church. For several years he also preached for that denomination but never received anything for his services. In the early days he knew everyone living in Iowa County and he aided in the transformation of the wilderness into cultivated farms. At a later period in the history of the county he contributed to the general development and advancement of this locality, winning the respect and goodwill of those who knew him.
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J. L. SWIFT
J. L. Swift, senior member of the firm of Swift & Bryson, attorneys at law of North English, was born at Riverside, Washington County, Iowa, of which county his parents, Henry L. and Sarah E. (Wombacher) Swift, were likewise natives. Edward Swift, the paternal grandfather came to this state from Ireland, and Adam Wombacher, the maternal grandfather also became a pioneer settler of Washington County, emigrating to the United States from Germany. Henry L. Swift was for many years a manufacturer of brick and tile but is not living retired.
J. L. Swift was graduated form the Riverside high school and in the fall of 1900 matriculated in the law department of the State University of Iowa, which conferred upon him the LL B. degree in 1903. He was admitted to the bar and shortly after his graduation established himself in practice at Riverside, where he continued until August 1907. He then came to North English and opened an office, practicing independently until 1912. In that year H. L.
Bryson was admitted to a partnership, the firm name being Swift & Bryson. They have built up an enviable reputation for ability and conscientiousness. Mr. Swift is characterized by vigor of intellect and by the ability to go directly to the crux of the matter.
To the marriage of Mr. Swift and Miss Myrtle Saville, of Riverside, have been born two children, Oral S. and Harold W. Mr. Swift is a member of Triumph Lodge, No. 479, A. F. & A. M. and also belongs to Iowa Consistory, No. 2, A. & A.S.R., of Cedar Rapids, while both he and his wife are identified with North English Chapter, No. 170, O.E.S. Along professional lines he belongs to the Commercial Law League of America and manifests a progressive spirit in his attitude toward the various questions that come up before the legal profession for solution, believing that the law should be kept in close touch with modern life. Since coming to North English he has won a high place in the regard and respect of his fellow citizens and is recognized as an able and forceful attorney.
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GEORGE W. DANSKIN
George W. Danskin is now actively interested in the cultivation of a farm of nine hundred and sixty acres constituting one of the valuable properties of Iowa County. Moreover, he has been an interested witness of the development and progress of the county for many years and relates many interesting incidents of the early days. He was born July 4, 1851, at Ontario, Canada, a son of Gilmour and Janet (Barr) Danskin. Both parents were natives of Scotland and in youth crossed the Atlantic to Canada. Some years following their marriage they removed from Canada to Iowa County, arriving here in 1852. Here the father purchased a farm upon which the family still resides. They took a helpful part in the pioneer development of their section of the state, the father being one of the progressive and enterprising agriculturists of the early days.
George W. Danskin was one of two children and his sister is now deceased. He was reared with the usual experiences of the farm lad who divides his time between the work of the fields and the acquirement of a public school education. He continued to assist in the development of the farm until he attained his majority and in 1891 removed to Marengo, where he lived for about fourteen years. He was actively identified with business interests there, being connected with a brickyard and butcher shop, while he also engaged in shipping stock. His various interests were capably and successfully conducted but in the year 1904 he returned to the old home farm, upon which he now resides. It comprises nine hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land, much of which he has carefully cultivated and brought to a high state of improvement and development. In addition to tilling soil he makes a feature of buying and feeding stock for the market and he is justly accounted one of the foremost farmers and progressive business men of the county.
On the 29th of November 1883, Mr. Danskin wedded Miss Edith Biggar, a daughter of Thomas Biggar, then of South Dakota but now of Marengo, where
he is still living at the ripe old age of seventy-seven years. He is a Methodist minister, having devoted much of his life to the work of the church. His wife also survives and has now reached the age of seventy-five years. To Mr. and Mrs. Danskin have been born seven children. Harry Gilmour, now living on the old homestead, which has been occupied by representatives of four generations, married Emma McKusker and they have one child, Frank. Fred, who was born January 22, 1891, died at the age of twenty years. Ralph was born September 22, 1893. Frank, born November 5, 1895, died in infancy. Carl, born January 28, 1898, is also upon the home farm. Robert was born September 18, 1900. One died in infancy unnamed.
The parents are members of the Methodist church and are people of the highest respectability and worth. Mr. Danskin is a progressive in politics being allied with the forward movement which is seeking to take politics out of the hands of a machine rule and make the ballot the expression of an untrammeled public opinion that will neither favor nor abuse the rights or privileges of any individual but will express absolute justice. A resident of the county for sixty-three years, Mr. Danskin has seen the greater part of its development and progress. He remembers when the Rock Island Railroad was built and also remembers the mail coaches of the early days which traveled over the old state road. He also recollects seeing Texas cattle pass the house, being driven to market in Chicago. During the period of his early boyhood, Iowa County was but sparsely settled and gave little indication of the progress and prosperity to which it would attain. He has noted the steps by which advancement has been made and has borne an active part in promoting its interests through his business activities both in town and country. He is today one of the leading farmers of Iowa County, with extensive holdings and his intelligent management of his business affairs is bringing to him well merited success.
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FRANK F. AHRENS
Among the successful farmers of Hilton Township is Frank F. Ahrens, who resides on section 22. His birth occurred in Ohio On the 12th of November 1871, but his parents, Fred and Henrietta (Hookey) Ahrens, were both natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States in the early ‘50s and the father served for three years in the Union army in the Civil war. The family resided for some time upon a farm in Ohio but eventually removed to Poweshiek County, this state, where the father died and where the mother is still living. They were the parents of twelve children, eight of whom survive.
Frank F. Ahrens received a common-school education but at the age of fifteen years came to Iowa County, where he worked upon a farm for eleven years. At the end of that time he rented land and operated it for three years, carefully husbanding his resources the while, as he was determined to purchase land as soon as possible. At the end of that time he realized his ambition and bought a good farm of one hundred and twenty-one acres on section 22, Hilton township. He immediately took up his residence thereon and has since lived upon his place, which he has brought to a high state of development. He has erected a
number of good buildings and keeps everything in the best of repair. In addition to raising the usual field crops he feeds stock on quite an extensive scale and derives a good profit from both phases of his activity.
In 1900 was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Ahrens and Miss Sophia Wetgen, who was born of the marriage of Gerhardt and Adelheid Wetgen, both likewise natives of the fatherland. The father passed away there but the mother is still living. They were the parents of seven children. To Mr. and Mrs. Ahrens have been born eight children: Henrietta, George H., Anna M., Frank F., Jr., Carl W., John A., Helen B. and one who died in infancy.
Mr. Ahrens is a republican and is now serving his district as school director. Both he and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church, of which he is one of the trustees. Mr. Ahrens is justly ranked among the progressive, able and enterprising farmers of his township and is held in high esteem by all who know him.
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JASPER J. MONNETT
The farm work of Jasper J. Monnett is carefully directed and thus he has become the owner of a valuable property and from it derives a gratifying annual income. He has today one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land on section 21, Troy Township, and one hundred and eighty acres on section 29. He was born November 2, 1851, in Indiana, a son of Jeremiah and Sarah Monnett. In 1860 he was brought to Iowa County by his mother and stepfather, who settled on a farm in York Township. The father died during the infancy of his son, Jasper J., and the mother afterward became the wife of Fordyce Harrington, of Indiana, in August 1859. Mr. Monnett had a sister Mary, who was the wife of B. Brockshus and died in Union County, Iowa, leaving four children.
Jasper J. Monnett acquired his early education in the public schools and afterward pursued a course in the Iowa State University, so that liberal training well qualified him for life’s practical and responsible duties. He has always carried on general agricultural pursuits and is regarded as one of the representative farmers of Troy Township, where he owns three hundred and forty acres of rich and valuable land. He has brought his farm under a high state of cultivation and to it has added many substantial improvements.
On the 27th of October 1891, Mr. Monnett was married to Miss Mary Brown, who was born near Williamsburg, Iowa, May 1, 1860, a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth (Nelson) Brown, both of whom were natives of Ireland, in which country they were reared and married. Becoming residents of Iowa County, they here spent their remaining days, the father passing away March 12, 1887, while his wife survived him for twelve years and died on the 21st of April, 1899. In their family were five children: Eliza, now the wife of Louis Evans, living in Iowa County; Robert C., also of this county; Joseph, who makes his home in Williamsburg; Sarah, the wife of William Smith of Keokuk County; and Mary. To Mr. and Mrs. Monnett have been born five children: Ruth H., whose birth occurred in 1893; Mae E., born in 1895; Wilma F., in 1897; Helen J., in 1899; and Mina Z., in 1901. Mrs. Monnett was at one time a capable
School teacher of Iowa County, teaching from 1877 until 1893. Mr. Monnett also taught school, engaging in that work from 1877 until 1883.
His political allegiance has ever been given to the Republican Party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office. His religious faith is that of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in the work of which he has taken an active personal part, serving for some time as superintendent of the Sunday school. Those who know him esteem him because of his many excellent traits of character, his reliability and enterprise in business, his progressiveness in citizenship and his devotion to the ties of home and friendship.
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MATHIAS WALTER STOVER
With the passing of Mathias Walter Stover, Marengo lost a man who had for many years been prominent in that city. He was the president of the Marengo Savings Bank and owned a thousand acre ranch near Algona, this state, where he raised horses and cattle. A native of Knox County, Ohio, his birth occurred on the 19th of February 1842. His father, George Stover, was born in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia in 1808 and his grandfather, Mathias Stover, was likewise born there although of German descent. The former was a miller and owned mills on the Shenandoah River until about 1820, when he removed to Ohio and about 1858 he became a resident of Iowa. He died in 1860, when ninety years of age.
Mathias Walter Stover divided his time between the work of the farm and the acquirement of an education when a boy and attended the public schools in this state for some time, as he came here with his parents at an early age. In the fall of 1859 he entered Western College, in Linn County, now Leander Clark College of Toledo, Iowa, and there remained until the firing upon Fort Sumter. His sense of patriotism was aroused and, indignant at the attack made upon the nation’s flag, he enlisted in Company K, Second Iowa Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Stone commanding. The winter of 1862-63 was spent in Missouri. He was often under fire and participated in many engagements during his term of service. At the siege of Vicksburg he lost his right arm by a gunshot wound close to the shoulder. In an engagement during the siege of Vicksburg a full company had entered the service in the morning, but at night only thirteen were able to stand and answer roll call. Mr. Stover was sent to the hospital and for about a year was in the invalid corps at Jefferson Barracks, St. Louis, Missouri, being discharged on the 9th of June 1864, when he returned home. He later learned to write with his left hand.
Mr. Stover farmed, shipped stock and taught school until 1868, when he was elected recorder of Iowa County and proved so efficient that he was twice reelected. At the close of his tenure of office he entered the abstract, real-estate, loan and insurance business and in the course of time built up a profitable trade. In 1880 he assisted in organizing the Marengo Savings Bank and was in turn director, vice president and president of that institution, proving a forceful factor in the management of its affairs. His judgment as to an investment was seldom
if ever at fault. He kept a firm grasp upon the routine work of the institution and understood the conditions in the banking world at large. In addition to his connection with the bank he owned a thousand acres of land five miles from Algona, Iowa and his ranch was well stocked with both cattle and horses of a high grade.
On the 19th of February 1866, Mr. Stover was united in marriage with Miss Laura Ricord, a daughter of Edward and Jane (Gilliam) Ricord. Her father was the first permanent white settler in Iowa County, and she was the first white child born within its borders, her birth occurring in Greene Township on the 19th of November 1844. She was given excellent educational advantages as she attended the State University of Iowa. By her marriage she has become the mother of six children: Edward Lee, an attorney of Watertown, South Dakota, who served as a lieutenant in the Spanish-American war; Bruce H. and Albert H., both physicians of Watertown; Roy Walter, who was also a soldier of the Spanish-American war and was serving as sergeant major during the siege of Manila, when he contracted a fever and died October 20, 1898; Ada Laura, who passed away October 29, 1895; and Ralph Emerson whose death occurred on the 30th of June 1890.
Mr. Stover was adherent of the republican party but was never desirous of holding office as his private interest demanded his entire time and attention. His salient characteristics were energy, probity and sound judgment and to their exercise was due his success in life. He passed away October 21, 1892, and his demise was mourned by many loyal friends.
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CHARLES MOORE
Charles Moore, cashier of the Parnell Savings Bank, has, since starting out in the business world, been connected with banking and is today capable, resourceful and progressive. He was born in Parnell, Iowa County, Iowa, his parents being William Wallace and Esther M. (Carter) Moore. He attended the public schools and afterward the North English high school, and when his textbooks were put aside he entered upon active connection with the banking business, becoming assistant cashier of the Parnell Savings Bank on the 7th of November 1904. He occupied that position continuously for about eight and a half years and on the 1st of March 1913, at the death of F. V. Mullin, he succeeded to the cashiership, in which position he still continues, giving his time and attention to the duties of the office and proving a most popular official. He has made a close study of every phase of the banking business and the success of the institution with which he is connected is attributable in considerable measure to his efforts.
In Fillmore Township, Iowa County, on the 1st of January 1905, Mr. Moore was united in marriage to Miss Maude T. Claypool, a daughter of John T. Claypool. He takes little interest in politics aside from exercising his right of franchise, for he is too busy to become an active political worker, yet he is not neglectful of the duties of citizenship and has been a cooperant factor in various projects for the public good. The community knows him as a progressive, wide-awake business man. He has in his possession an old handmade pitchfork,
Which he exhibited at the St. Louis, Chicago and Buffalo expositions and it is conceded to be the oldest pitchfork exhibited in the United States, dating back to the time of Williams Penn.
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LORENZ MISBACH
Lorenz Misbach is perhaps the most venerable citizen in point of years in Iowa County, but there are many men who have traveled a much less distance along the journey of life who fail to maintain equal physical and mental vigor. Life is not to him a retrospect. He is interested still in the questions of the day and in all that pertains to community affairs. He was born in New Bavaria, Germany, April 16, 1823, a son of Michael and Catherine (Elbert) Misbach, who spent their entire lives in Germany. His mother was left an orphan at an early age and when she reached nineteen years was married.
Lorenz Misbach spent his boyhood in Germany and there learned the shoemaker’s trade. He left his father’s home on the 6th of April 1852, and in that year sailed for the new world, leaving Havre on the 20th of April as a passenger on a sailing vessel which, after a voyage of fifty-two days, reached the harbor of New Orleans. From the Crescent City he proceeded up the Mississippi river to St. Louis and then up the Illinois River to Peru, Illinois. On his arrival there he had only four dollars in cash, but he began work at his trade, receiving eight dollars per month and his board, which seemed to him wonderful wages at that time, as in the fatherland he had been paid only a dollar per week. He became an expert workman and subsequently was paid seven dollars per week. In 1853 he and a partner, with a combined capital of seventy-two dollars, went to Chicago and purchased a roll of leather, pegs, lasts and other stock needed and engaged in business on their own account as shoemakers at Hollowayville, Bureau County, Illinois.
On the 17th of November 1854, Mr. Misbach was united in marriage to an American girl, who died December 23, 1863. On the 2d of April 1865, he wedded Mrs. Robert Lockard, a widow, who bore the maiden name of Hannah Cafferty and was born in Bureau County, Illinois, April 7, 1843, a daughter of William and Alzina (Searl) Cafferty, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Ohio. Her grandfather, David Searl, was one of the early settlers of Bureau County, Illinois.
For seventeen years Lorenz Misbach continued to engage actively in business in Hollowayville, Illinois, and in the fall of 1869 came to Iowa County, settling in Sumner Township. He had previously purchased two hundred acres of land in what is now Hilton Township, near where the village of Conroy is located, but traded that for one hundred and sixty acres in Sumner Township. There were no fences upon the place and the only improvement that had been made was a little frame house sixteen by twenty-two feet. Upon that farm Mr. Misbach resided until 1902, when he removed to Williamsburg and retired. He still owns the farm, to which he had added in the meantime until it comprised two hundred and forty acres, constituting one of the nicest farms in Sumner Township.
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To Mr. and Mrs. Misbach have been born nine children, as follows: Lorenz U., a resident of Le Roy, Kansas; Harry, who is engaged in the implement business at Marengo; Joe, a clothing merchant at Algona, Iowa; L.S., a rural mail carrier residing at Williamsburg; J.D., on the old home farm; R. G., also a clothing merchant of Algona; Bessie, who gave her hand in marriage to Elmer Pugh, a merchant of Williamsburg; R.E., a clothing merchant of Williamsburg; and one who died in infancy.
The parents celebrated their golden wedding anniversary April 2, 1915, and the occasion was a most enjoyable one to all who were present. Mr. Misbach was reared a Catholic, but now attends churches of various denominations and contributes to their support. Though past ninety-two years of age, he is yet in good health and his life is an indication that nature is kind to those who abuse not her laws. He receives the veneration and respect which should ever be accorded those well advanced in years, and no history of the county would be complete without mention of him.
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J. D. SHAUL
J. D. Shaul, ex-mayor of Ladora, is successfully engaged in blacksmithing there and is a highly respected citizen. His birth occurred in Seneca County, Ohio, on the 30th of July 1860, his parents being John S. and Nancy E. (Bell) Shaul, both natives of Ohio. They were reared and married in that state but in 1865 came to Iowa and located in Hartford township, this county, where the father engaged in farming until about 1883, when he retired from active life and removed to Williamsburg. He passed away at that place on the 17th of March 1914, when eighty-five years of age, as he was born on the 31st of January 1829. His widow is still living in Williamsburg at the age of seventy-nine, her birth having occurred on the 1st of February, 1836.
J. D. Shaul is indebted to the district schools of Hartford township this county, for his education and he remained upon the home farm until he attained his twenty-first year, when he went to Victor, where he drove a dray for one year. He then apprenticed himself to the blacksmith’s trade in Victor but completed his term of apprenticeship at Ladora. In the spring of 1886 he went to Williamsburg, where he opened a shop, which he conducted for about a decade, but in 1895 he came to Ladora. He has since been engaged in blacksmithing here, with the exception of one year, and has a large patronage, as he has a reputation for doing good work at reasonable prices.
On the 15th of September 1898, Mr. Shaul married Miss Effie May Rosenberger, of Hartford Township, and they have a son, Forrest Rollin, who was born on the 15th of January 1900 and is attending the Ladora high school.
Mr. Shaul is a republican and has taken an active part in local governmental affairs. For one term he was a member of the town council and in 1909 was appointed by that body mayor of Ladora to fill a vacancy. He proved an efficient executive and was subsequently twice elected to the office, serving in all for five years as mayor. For a similar period of time he was a member of the school board and was serving in that capacity at the time of the erection of the
new school building, of which Ladora is justly proud. Both he and his wife are influential members of the Methodist Protestant church, of which he is a trustee. Fraternally his membership relations are with Ladora Lodge, No. 622, I.O.O.F.; Francisca Lodge, No. 406, Daughters of Rebekah; and Ladora Encampment, No. 220. He is quite prominent in the local lodge and has many friends in the organization. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank of Ladora and is one of the substantial and highly esteemed men of his community.
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GILBERT MOITZFIELD
Among the native sons of Iowa County who are still residing here is Gilbert Moitzfield, a well known business man of Ladora. He conducts an up-to-date livery barn and is meeting with gratifying success in his business. He was born in this county on the 18th of March 1868, a son of Wymer and Christina (Deeter) Moitzfield. The father was born in Germany and the mother was a native of Ohio. On emigrating to America, Wymer Moitzfield first located in Illinois, whence he removed to Iowa County, Iowa and settled upon a farm. Both he and his wife passed away in this county. They were the parents of fourteen children, six of whom survive.
Gilbert Moitzfield remained at home until he was forty-four years of age and then came to Ladora and entered the livery business. He has a first class establishment and is fully equipped to meet the demands of the traveling public. He also has a feed barn in connection with his livery business. He gives excellent service and as he is thoroughly reliable and his prices are reasonable, he receives a good income from his business.
Mr. Moitzfield is a republican but has never desired election to public office as a reward for party fealty. He has spent his entire life in this county and the fact that those who have known him from boyhood are his sincerest friends is proof of a well spent life.
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FRED C. HEITMAN
Fred C. Heitman, who owns and operates a quarter section of good land in Sumner Township, is a native of Rock Island County, Illinois, and was born on the 9th of December 1872. His parents, James and Katherine (Kelting) Heitman, were both natives of Germany but in 1866 left the fatherland and emigrated to America. They made their way westward and both located in Illinois, where their marriage was solemnized. In 1873 they took up their residence in Iowa county, Iowa, and here the mother passed away. The father survives and is well known and highly esteemed in this county. They were the parents of ten children, of whom eight are still living.
Fred C. Heitman remained with his parents until he attained his majority and then found work upon a farm, continuing as a hired hand for three years. At the end of that time he was married and began operating rented land. He
carefully saved his money and after five years was enabled to purchase one hundred and twenty acres of land three miles south of Marengo. He lived there for a year, after which he sold that property and purchased the quarter section upon which he now resides. He has made many improvements upon the place and has the land in a high state of cultivation. He specialized, however, in raising and feeding stock and, as he breeds a good grade and understands the importance of proper shelter and feeding, his stock brings a good price upon the market.
Mr. Heitman married Miss Margaret Tromerhauser, who was born in Germany and accompanied her parents to America when eleven years of age. Her mother died in 1905, but the father is still living at the advance age of eighty-three years. All of their four children survive. Mr. and Mrs. Heitman have three children: Lillie E., Lawrence J. and Harold F.
Mr. Heitman is a democrat and has served ably as school director. Both he and his wife are identified with the German Reformed church, of which he is one of the trustees. For some time he was a director of a local creamery and he possesses good business judgment. His personal characteristics are such as inspire confidence and respect and his many friends value highly his good opinion.
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SCHUYLER COLFAX LOVE
Forest Hill Farm, which comprises two hundred acres of good land on section 34 and 27, Greene Township, is owned and operated by Schuyler Colfax Love, who was born upon that farm on the 18th of November 1865. His birthplace was a story and a half house which is still standing upon the farm and which was for many years the family residence. His parents, Benjamin and Anna (Sample) Love, were both natives of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania; and the father’s natal day was the 30th of December 1826, while the mother was born on the 31st of October 1825. They were married in their native county on the 19th of February 1852, and two years later removed to Iowa county, Iowa, where the father entered one hundred and sixty acres of land. He passed away on the 13th of August 1888, and was survived by his widow for many years, her demise occurring on the 16th of November 1904. To their union were born five children: Mary Elizabeth, who became the wife of J. L. Dawson and passed away on the 2d of June 1913; John C., who died on the 2d of November 1864; Flora B., now the wife of John Warey; Anna Wealthy, who married J.A. Shrader; and Schuyler Colfax.
The last named received his education in the district schools and assisted his father with the work of the farm when not busy with his textbooks. After completing his education he continued to aid in the operation of the homestead and on the death of his father he purchased eighty acres of the farm from his mother. He has since added thereto until he now owns a two hundred acre tract on sections 27 and 34, Greene Township, which is known as Forest Hill Farm. He does general farming and is recognized as an energetic and progressive agriculturist.
On Christmas Day, 1907, Mr. Love was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Shrader, a daughter of Joseph and Anna (Groff) Shrader, who were married on the 4th of March, 1869, in Johnson County, Iowa. The birth of Mrs. Love occurred on the 12th of May, 1870, in Green Township, this county, and she has a sister Mary, who was born on the 30th of October, 1877, in this county, and who is now the wife of George Trieschmann. Mrs. And Mrs. Love have no children of their own but have an adopted son, John, who was born on the 10th of March, 1893, and is still residing at home.
Mr. Love is a republican and since 1895 has served acceptably as secretary of the school board. He and his wife are affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, whose work in the community they support. They are highly esteemed and as the years pass their circle of friends widens. Mr. Love has gained a gratifying success as an agriculturist and has also found time to cooperate with movements seeking the public good.
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REV. GEORGE S. FRY
Rev. George S. Fry has devoted the greater part of his life to the work of the ministry and in this connection his influence has never been of a restricted order, for his labors have not been denied their full harvest nor the aftermath. He is now practically living retired near the city limits of Marengo but his influence still remains an active factor for the good in the community in which he lives.
He was born in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, April 22, 1851, his parents being William and Ann (Stoneman) Fry, both of whom were born in England. The father was married three times, his first two wives being sisters. He had nine children, seven of whom were by the mother of George S. Fry. The father was both a minister and farmer and at one time he and John Reed, Sr. were associated in operating a saw in a shipyard at Euclid, Ohio for a number of years. In 1868 he became a resident of Marengo, Iowa where he passed away eighteen years ago. On the occasion of the father’s second visit to England he brought back to America the entire Stoneman family, consisting of father, mother and eleven children. They traveled by way of the Erie Canal to Buffalo, en route to Cleveland, and on one occasion he rescued one of the daughters from the water. It was this daughter, Ann, who afterward became his wife. She died upon the home farm near Marengo when her son, George S., was sixteen years of age. By her marriage she had become the mother of four sons and four daughters; Serenia, who became the wife of Alvin Teeter and died at the age of fifty-four years, leaving six children; Mary, who died at the age of eighteen years; George S., of this review; John, who died at the age of fifty-one; William, a resident farmer of Iowa County, who married Etta Wilson and has eleven children; Margaret Ann, the wife of George Willis, a farmer near Marengo, by whom she has three children; Addie R. of Minneapolis, who became the wife of Orland Jacobs, by whom she had four children and after his death married Max Lutz; and Charles, who died at the age of three years.
At the time of the mother’s death the family was broken up and George S. Fry began earning his living as a farm hand, being employed in that way until
twenty-two years of age. During his youthful days he attended the home schools and, ambitious to acquire an education, he afterward continued his studies in the State University at Iowa City. His liberal educational advantages and his desire to aid his fellowmen led him to enter the ministry as a preacher of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. His first pastoral charge was at Van Horn, Benton County, Iowa, where he remained for six years. He then accepted a call from the church at Charles City, Iowa, where he continued for six years and on the expiration of that period went to Wayne, Henry County, where he continued for four years. The succeeding eight years of his life were spent at Walker, Linn County, as pastor of a church of his denomination, and he was likewise at West Union for two years and at Marengo for two years. He removed to the latter place in order to give his children the benefit of educational advantages offered by the schools of the city. In the meantime he had purchased a farm in Franklin County of one hundred and forty-one acres, owned jointly by himself and his son, George Edward. His life has been a most useful and honorable one, fraught with much good for humanity.
Rev. Fry was united in marriage on the 29th of March, 1877, to Miss Ellen M. Smith, a daughter of John and Naomi (Elliott) Smith. The father was born in England and was a railroad contractor. Mrs. Fry is a native of Maine and by her marriage she became the mother of eight children: Anna N., who was born December 31, 1877, and is the wife of Thomas Blank, of Waterloo, a builder, by whom she has one child; George E., born September 28, 1879, who is an agriculturist by occupation and wedded Miss Florence Elliott, by whom he has two children; Earl J., born September 4, 1881, who is a graduate of three colleges and now an instructor in Queen’s University of Kingston, Ontario; Guy S., born December 16, 1883, living in New York City and superintendent of the publishing house of the Gregg Shorthand System, who married Miss Bertha Zimmerman of Marengo, by whom he has one son; William R., born May 10, 1886 and manager of the Sherwood Manufacturing Company of Syracuse, New York, who wedded Miss Mabel Lynn, by whom he has one child; Sylvia, who was born November 6, 1888, and is at home; Edna B., whose birth occurred May 25, 1891, and who is a graduate of Ames College, having pursued a course in domestic science; and Ruth, who was born March 20, 1894, and is at home. Rev. and Mrs. Fry also have an adopted son, John, who was born June 30, 1902, and whom they took at the age of three weeks.
In his political views Rev. Fry is a prohibitionist, standing by the temperance principles which he has so long advocated and which he has taught both by precept and example. His has been a potent force for good along many lines and his influence has gone out in constantly widening circles.
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GEORGE TROMERSHAUSER
George Tromershauser, who has won merited success as a farmer and stock raiser and now owns two hundred acres of excellent land in Sumner Township, was born in Germany on the 26th of January, 1869, a son of John and Gertrude (Smith) Tromershauser, both likewise natives of the fatherland. In 1883, they
removed with their family to the new world and settled in Iowa County, Iowa, where the father became identified with agricultural pursuits. He is still living in this county and is highly esteemed by all who have been associated with him, but his wife passed away in 1905. They became the parents of five children, of whom four survive.
George Tromershauser remained at home during the period of his minority but upon becoming of age rented a farm. After cultivating leased land for eight years he purchased the farm where he now lives, which comprises two hundred acres of land of section 19, Sumner Township. He has given much thought to the improvement of his place and has greatly increased its value as the years have passed. The buildings are well designed and adequate for the purposed for which they are intended and the work of the farm is made easier by up-to-date machinery and equipment. He gives much attention to the raising and feeding of stock and finds that line of activity very profitable.
On the 25th of February, 1897, occurred the marriage of Mr. Tromershauser and Miss Emma Heitman. Further mention of her parents, James and Katherine Heitman, appears in the sketch of her brother, F. C. Heitman. Mr. and Mrs. Tromershauser have three children: Laura M., who was born on the 29th of August, 1898; Gertrude E., whose birth occurred May 15, 1900; and Tletha Minnie, whose natal day was the 18th of August, 1902.
Mr. Tromershauser is a democrat but has never desired to take an active part in politics. Both he and his wife hold membership in the German Reformed Church, to the work of which they give their moral and material support. His salient characteristics are energy, perseverance and unswerving integrity, and these traits have won him a high place in the regard of his fellowmen.
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F. C. BOWMAN, D. V. S.
The veterinary surgeon occupies an important position in a rural community and Dr. F. C. Bowman, who is residing in Williamsburg, has a large practice in the surrounding country. His birth occurred in Maquoketa, Iowa on the 13th of February, 1884, and his parents were S. H. and Katherine (Edelman) Bowman, natives respectively of Virginia and Pennsylvania. About 1850 they took up their residence in Jackson County, Iowa, and resided upon a farm there until the father retired and removed to Maquoketa. To them were born seven children, all of whom are living, our subject being the fifth in order of birth.
Dr. F. C. Bowman remained at home until he was twenty-one years of age and then entered the Chicago Veterinary College where he remained for three years, graduating therefrom in 1907 with the degree of D.V.S. He began practice in Dixon, Illinois, but did not remain there long, locating in Williamsburg, this county, on the 10th of December, of that year. He has resided here ever since and as his thorough knowledge of his profession and his skill in the application of the principles of veterinary medicine and surgery have become better known, his patronage has increased. He is widely recognized as an able practitioner and is prospering financially.
Dr. Bowman was married in 1909 to Mrs. Estella Spear, a native of this county, who had a son, Nathan, by her first marriage. Dr. and Mrs. Bowman have two children, Clyde and Katherine N.
Dr. Bowman is a democrat and takes a good citizen’s interest in the affairs of government but has never desired to hold office. His wife is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and he is at all times willing to cooperate with organizations seeking the good of the community. He has achieved a gratifying measure of professional and financial success for one of his years and his worth is acknowledged wherever he is known.
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EDWARD F. McDONOUGH
One of the youngest and also one of the most up-to-date and progressive business men of Williamsburg is Edward F. McDonough, proprietor of the leading garage there, and also agent for the Chandler and Reo cars. He was born on the 26th of January, 1894, in Oxford, Iowa, a son of John and Mary A. (Organ) McDonough, natives respectively of Iowa City, Iowa, and of Kentucky. The father engaged in farming in Johnson County for a number of years, but in 1914 came to Williamsburg and, in connection with his son Edward, established the automobile business known as J. McDonough & Son. He remained as head of the firm until his demise, which occurred on the 17th of February, 1915.
Edward F. McDonough completed the course in the public schools and in 1913 went to Kansas City, where he took a course in the Sweeney Automobile School. Upon his return home he removed to Williamsburg with his father and became the junior member of the firm of J. McDonough & Son. Since his father’s death he has been sole proprietor of the garage, which is now conducted under his name. He knows automobiles thoroughly and as he also has much business acumen and is not afraid of taking an advanced step; he has already won a place as one of the ablest men in commercial circles in Williamsburg. As agent for the Chandler and Reo cars he has made an excellent record and in all that he does he is up-to-date and efficient.
Mr. McDonough resides with his mother. His religious faith is that of the Catholic Church. His integrity equals his ability and his genial personality has made him generally popular as well as highly respected.
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HENRY E. GEIGER
The firm of Geiger & Martinson of Conroy has built up a gratifying trade as dealers in hardware and implements and the partners are known as business men of ability and integrity. Mr. Geiger is a native of this county, born on the 23d of April 1879, and is a son of John and Mary (Burgy) Geiger, natives respectively of Germany and Switzerland. They emigrated to America in their young manhood and womanhood and first settled in New York State. Subse-
quently they located in the colony known as the Amana settlement. The father has passed to his reward but the mother is still living at Marengo. All of the eight children born to their union survive.
Henry E. Geiger was given an excellent education and remained at home, assisting with the farm work, until he attained his majority and then rented the homestead, which he operated for fifteen years. At the end of that time he abandoned farming and turned his attention to merchandising, entering the implement and hardware business at Conroy. He is senior member of the firm of Geiger & Martinson, which is well known in local business circles. They carry goods of high grade and as their stock is well selected, their prices moderate and their treatment of customers courteous, they are generously patronized by the people in that part of the county.
In 1903 Mr. Geiger married Miss Bertha Plagmann, a native of Hilton Township and a daughter of Jochim and Dora Plagmann, both natives of Germany, who emigrated to American many years ago. The father has passed away but the mother is still living. They were the parents of eleven children.
Mr. and Mrs. Geiger were both reared in the Lutheran faith and they have remained loyal to its teachings. He is a democrat and while not an office seeker, is never remiss in the duties of citizenship, taking a keen interest in the public welfare. He owns the building in which his store is located and has won a large measure of material prosperity, which is well deserved.
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JOHN SCHULTZ
Among the successful men of Millersburg is John Schultz, who is the proprietor of a furniture store and is also engaged in the undertaking business. A native son of this county, he was born on the 12th of June, 1878, of the marriage of Fred and Mary (Roggentien) Schultz, both natives of Germany, who on coming to America located on the farm in Iowa County, Iowa, where they still reside. All of their seven children are living.
John Schultz received a high-school education and also assisted his father with the work of the farm during the period of his boyhood and youth. When twenty years of age he left home and entered the business world of Millersburg as a furniture dealer and as a funeral director and has since been located there. He is a graduate of the embalming school at Des Moines and understands thoroughly everything connected with the directing of a funeral. His stock of merchandise is well chosen and he seeks at all times to give good value for money received. This policy has enabled him to build up a patronage of gratifying extent and his business yields him good financial returns.
In 1909 occurred the marriage of Mr. Schultz and Miss Anna Ebel, who was born in Chicago, a daughter of John and Ricka Ebel, both natives of Germany, who in 1885 emigrated to American and settled in Chicago. After living there for eighteen years they removed to this county, where they are still residing. Mr. and Mrs. Schultz have two children, Virgil and Vera.
Mr. Schultz gives political allegiance to the Democratic Party and takes a praiseworthy interest in public affairs. Fraternally he holds membership in the
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local lodge of Odd Fellows, in which he has held all of the chairs, and both he and his wife are members of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. Schultz owns the building in which his store is located and also a comfortable residence and is one of the representative business men and citizens of Millersburg, where he has many stanch friends.
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GEORGE MARTIN HEITMANN
George Martin Heitmann, who owns and operates a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Sumner Township, pays particular attention to the raising of stock and is meeting with gratifying success in that connection. He was born in this county on the 6th of January, 1882, and is a son of James and Catherine Heitmann, an account of whose lives appears elsewhere in this work.
George M. Heitmann remained at home until he became of age and then rented a farm, which he operated for eleven years. He saved his money with the aim of purchasing land eventually and now holds title to a quarter section of section 27, Sumner Township, which is well improved. He raises and feeds many head of stock annually and also grows the grains best adapted to the soil and climate of Iowa. He is aggressive and energetic and allows nothing to remain undone that would add to his success as a farmer and stock-raiser.
On the 10th of February, 1909, Mr. Heitmann was married to Miss Rose K. Conrad, a daughter of Christ and Mary Conrad, further mention of whom appears in the sketch of J.C. Conrad. Mr. and Mrs. Heitmann have two children; Glova C., who was born November 14, 1909; and Wilbur C., born February 10, 1912.
Mr. Heitmann is a democrat and consistently supports the candidates of that party at the polls but has never desired to hold office. Both he and his wife belong to the German Reformed Church and the uprightness of their lives has gained them many sincere friends. Although he is yet a young man, Mr. Heitmann has secured a large measure of material prosperity and is accounted one of the successful stock-raisers of his township.
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MRS. HANNAH M. LONG
Mrs. Hannah M. Long is one of the oldest residents of Iowa County, having passed the eighty-eighth milestone on life’s journey. She was born January 9, 1827, in Newark, Ohio, and is still living in Williamsburg, her residence being upon what was once the old homestead farm but now included within the corporation limits of the town. On the 6th of May, 1845, at Newark, Ohio, she gave her hand in marriage to William Long, who was born December 12, 1819, in Columbus, Ohio, a son of William and Margaret Long, the former born July 20, 1744 and the latter in 1750. Both have long since passed away. William Long, Sr, having died in 1824, while his wife’s death occurred in 1789. [William’s mother couldn’t have died 30 years before he was born.]
Mr. and Mrs. William Long, Jr., began their domestic life in Ohio and there resided for nine years, after which they came to Iowa County and settled upon what became known as the old Long homestead, Mr. Long entering one hundred and sixty acres of land from the government, his patent being signed by President Pierce in 1854. For many years he actively and successfully carried on farming, following that pursuit until his death, which occurred in Williamsburg April 14, 1876. In his political views he was a stalwart republican and served for several years as justice of the peace at Williamsburg. His wife taught the first school in Williamsburg and it is said that she brought the first piano to the town. The Indians would often gather around her home to hear her play. She long ago retired from the farm, although the home which she now occupies stands on land which was once within the boundaries of her husband’s farm.
To Mr. and Mrs. William Long were born six children: Mary, who became the wife of John Simmons; Anna, at home; Lilly, the wife of J.M. McDougal; William, deceased; Ida, living in Seattle, Washington; and Albert P., who occupies a part of the old home farm. Mrs. Hannah Long, who is today one of the oldest residents of Iowa County, belongs to the Presbyterian Church. Her entire life has been fraught with good deeds and noble purposes and she commands the respect, goodwill and love of those with whom she has been brought in contact. She has lived to see many notable changes in the county during the years of her residence here and can relate many interesting incidents of the early times.
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ALBERT P. LONG
Albert P. Long was born in Iowa County and indebted to its public-school system for the educational privileges he enjoyed. He now resides upon and manages what is left of the old homestead farm, lying within and also just west of the corporation limits of Williamsburg. His has been an active and useful life and he has gained a substantial measure of success through his well directed agricultural interests. On the 26th of September, 1905, he married Mrs. Minnie A. McCloud, nee Evans.
Her father, David E. Evans, was born in Iowa County in 1847, a son of Evan D. and Jane (Simon) Evans, both of whom were natives of Wales, whence they came to America in 1842. Their marriage was celebrated in Cincinnati, Ohio, the same year and in 1844 they removed to this state, settling in Iowa County, Mr. Evans entering one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Troy Township. They had a family of four children: David; Jane E., who became the wife of Dr. Jones, of De Soto, Missouri; John R., deceased; and William R., who is living in Iowa City, Iowa. In 1872 David Evans was united in marriage to Miss Ida Lyon, who was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1851 and died in Iowa County in 1877. The only child of that marriage was Minnie, now the wife of Albert P. Long. On the 3d of June, 1885, Mr. Evans was again married, his second union being with Mrs. Mary Lyon, a sister-in-law of his first wife. She was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1853 and died in Iowa County in 1909. The children of the second marriage are: Ralph J., a resident of Cush-
ing, Iowa; Roy L., living in North English; Russell H., whose home is in Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Reynold C., deceased. Mr. Evans retired from his farm in 1875 and is now making his home with his daughter, Mrs. A.P.Long. In his political views he has always been a stalwart republican and he served as clerk of the county court from 1880 until 1884. The following year he reentered business circles in Williamsburg as a merchant, continuing active in that line for two years. In 1886 he was elected mayor of Williamsburg and filled that position most creditably for two years. He then became cashier of the Williamsburg Savings Bank, which position he occupied for a short time, and in 1890 he was one of the organizers of the Farmers Savings Bank, of which he served as cashier from the beginning until 1905. He then became one of the organizers of the City Savings Bank and was its cashier from 1905 until 1913. He has thus taken an active part in shaping the business development as well as the political history of his county and has also figured in its moral progress as a consistent and faithful member of the Presbyterian Church. The Evans family has figured most prominently in the county for a very extended period. The father and mother of David Evans had an exciting experience with prairie fire in the year 1845. The fire surrounded them and in order for to get away from the burning prairie grass they climbed trees, but both were so badly burned that they were forced to remain in bed for six months.
Minnie, the daughter of David Evans, was first married on the 18th of October, 1893, when she became the wife of W. H. McCloud, who died July 2, 1899. By her first marriage she had two children: Carlyle E., who was born March 6, 1895; and William B., born June 3, 1898. To Mr. and Mrs. Long have been born two children: Alice V., born September 9, 1906; and Arthur P., July 21, 1908.
Through his entire life Albert P. Long has followed the occupation of farming. He now makes a specialty of dairy farming and for this purpose keeps on hand thirty-five head of full-blooded Jersey cows. His dairy products find a ready sale on the market and bring to him a substantial return. In his political views he has always been a republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and fraternally he is a Mason, belong to Stellapolis Lodge, No. 391, A.F. & A.M. All of the family are members of the Presbyterian church of Williamsburg.
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FRANCIS X. CONROY
Francis X. Conroy, a native of Hilton Township, Iowa County, is engaged in farming the family homestead. He was born on the 15th of December, 1867, and is one of eleven children, whose parents were James and Ellen (Sullivan) Conroy, the former born in Ireland and the latter in Pennsylvania. In 1845, when but sixteen years of age, the father came to America and, making his way to La Salle County, Illinois, took up a homestead there. After residing there for eleven years he removed to Iowa County, Iowa, and settled upon the farm in Hilton Township which our subject now owns. He continued to reside here until his death and his wife, whom he married in Illinois, also passed away here.
Four of their children are deceased, the others being: Dr. E.M., a resident of Ogden, Utah; Dr. H. H., of Ottumwa, Iowa; J.S., of Streator, Illinois; Francis X.; J.C.; and L.V., who are on the home farm; and Mrs. C.R. Broughton, who is residing in Oregon, where her husband is engaged in civil engineering.
Francis X. Conroy received an excellent education and during his youth learned how to cultivate land and care for stock though assisting his father with the work of the homestead. He and his brother John are operating the home place on sections 14 and 23, Hilton Township, and they have as fine a farm as any in that township. It comprises four hundred acres of land, which is well improved and in a high state of cultivation, returning to them a gratifying profit annually. The father of our subject settled upon the place in 1867 and since that time representatives of the family have been prominent in that locality. The village of Conroy was named after the father, which fact testifies to the esteem in which he was held.
Mr. Conroy of this review is a stanch democrat but has been too much occupied with his personal affairs to seek or desire public office. He, as well as the other members of the family, is a communicant of the Catholic Church, the teachings of which he observes, and he holds membership in the church at Marengo. He displays those qualities of energy, good judgment, integrity and public spirit that have always characterized the Conroys and maintains the honor of the family name.
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ALFRED BENDER
Alfred Bender, who is busily engaged in developing and improving his farm on section 29, Dayton Township, and who also has other important business connections, belongs to that class of representative citizens who, while promoting individual interests, contribute also to the general prosperity. He was born April 28, 1873, in the township in which he still makes his home. The father, A.C. Bender, was a native of Germany and when four years of age, was brought by his parents to the new world, the family home being established in Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educated. In that state he was united in marriage to Miss Anna Sheridan and on removing westward to Iowa, settled in Iowa County, where he purchased a farm of eighty acres from a man of the name of Waltz. Taking possession of the property, he at once bent his energies to its further development and improvement and the result of his labors was soon seen in highly cultivated fields, producing excellent crops. He also added substantial improvements to the place and thereon resided until 1899, when he put aside the active work of the farm and removed to Victor, where his remaining days were passed in well earned rest, his death occurring in July 1914, when he had reached the age of sixty-seven years. His wife, who was born in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, and there remained up to the time of her marriage, is still living in Victor at the age of sixty-two years. They had a family of eight children, W.A., Mary, Alfred, John, Joseph, Clarence, Frances and Christina. Of these, Joseph was killed in an accident when sixteen years of age.
Alfred Bender spent the period of his minority upon the old home farm and at the usual age entered the public schools, therein pursuing his education. He also attended the Shenandoah Normal College, pursuing a commercial course. He had excellent business training under the direction of his father and became his associate in different enterprises and undertakings. He lived at home until he reached his majority, at which time he was married and took charge of the old homestead. It was on the 7th of February, 1899, that he wedded Miss Theresa Hurd, of Keokuk County, Iowa, a daughter of J.W. Hurd, a farmer. Mrs. Bender is one of a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters and by her marriage has become the mother of eight children: Albert, who was born April 26, 1900; Harold, born September 12, 1901; Clement, December 22, 1902; Lawrence, September 5, 1904; Marie, September 18, 1906; Francis, August 5, 1908; William, who was born February 9, 1912 and died at the age of two years and six months; and Martha, born April 28, 1914.
Following his marriage Mr. Bender took up his abode upon the farm where he has since lived, situated on section 29, Dayton Township. He has carefully cultivated his fields and cared for his crops and with equal thoroughness and ability has managed his live-stock interests, which he makes a special feature of his place. He raises a good grade of stock and his annual sales return to him a gratifying income. Both he and his father, however, branched out in business life, the former becoming president of the Farmers Savings Bank at Keswick. The father and son were interested in the organization of these banks and Alfred Bender is now a director in the Farmers Lumber Company of Keswick. He recognized opportunities in the business world that others pass heedlessly by. His plans are well formulated and carried forward to successful completion and his energy will permit of no recognition of the word failure. When obstacles and difficulties bar his path they seem to call forth renewed application and enterprise and the years have chronicled substantial success as the result of his efforts.
The family are communicants of the Catholic Church and Mr. Bender is a democrat in his political views. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day and does not hesitate to support a measure in which he believes. In a word he has always been loyal to what he has believed to be right and this has been manifest in his business connections as well as in other relations of life.
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B. H. HAKES
B.H. Hakes, of Williamsburg, who accumulated three hundred and sixty acres of land but has now disposed thereof to his son, is living retired, enjoying the fruit of his former labor. His birth occurred in Peoria County, Illinois on the 1st of February, 1846, and he is a son of William A. and Priscilla (Philips) Hakes, natives of the state of New York, who in 1845 located in Peoria County, Illinois. The father purchased land and to the cultivation of his property devoted his energies until he was called by death. His wife has also passed away. Three of their five children survive.
B.H. Hakes began providing for his own support at the early age of ten years by working upon neighboring farms. In the spring of 1865, when nineteen years of age, he came to Iowa County, Iowa and worked as a farm hand for three years, after which he bought land in Hilton Township, upon which he resided until 1910. He added to his original purchase and became the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of excellent land which he has since sold to his son. Since 1910 he has lived retired and none begrudges him the leisure which he enjoys as it has been most worthily won. While actively engaged in agricultural pursuits he made a specialty of raising hogs and shorthorn cattle of good grade.
In 1867 Mr. Hakes married Miss Elizabeth Ramley, who was born in West Virginia. Her parents, John and Anna (Hodgset) Ramley, were both born in Virginia but in 1855 came to Iowa County, Iowa and located upon a farm which subsequently came into the possession of the father. Both passed away in this county. They were the parents of six children who grew to maturity but only two survive. Mr. and Mrs. Hakes have become the parents of five children, namely: Anna E., the wife of W.W. Lenker of South Dakota; William R., who resides on the homestead; Mary D., who gave her hand in marriage to O.G. Jones of Williamsburg; Charles, deceased; and Cora E., the wife of R. L. Evans of North English.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, Mr. Hakes has supported the Republican Party but has never sought public office in reward for his fealty. Both he and his wife attend the Presbyterian Church and support all measures that have as their object the advancement of the community welfare.
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CHARLES L. HRADEK
An excellent farm on section 15, Pilot Township, pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by its owner, Charles L. Hradek, who was born in Johnson County, Iowa on the 10th of December, 1871, a son of John Hradek, more extended mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
Our subject was educated in the district schools of Pilot township and until his marriage remained at home, assisting his father with the work of the farm. Shortly after his marriage he located upon his present farm, which he had purchased a few months previously, and he has since resided upon that place, which is excellently improved and from which he derives a good financial return. In 1910 he built one of the most modern residences in Pilot Township and the same spirit of progressiveness has led him to equip his place with everything needed for the successful carrying on of agricultural pursuits. He owns one hundred and sixty acres of land and finds that its cultivation leaves him comparatively little time for outside interests. However, he is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank of Williamsburg and in the Swankee Banking Association of Swankee, Washington.
Mr. Hradek was married on the 23d of August, 1898, to Miss Frances F. Elick, a daughter of John Elick, one of the pioneers of Pilot Township. To this marriage have been born three children, James R., John G. and Gladys C.
Mr. Hradek is a democrat and for six years has been a member of the school board. Both he and his wife are devout members of the Roman Catholic Church and do all in their power to widen its influence. They are highly respected by their fellow citizens and have many friends.
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WILLIAM E. EVANS
William E. Evans, or Blacksmith Evans, as he is familiarly called, has passed the eighty-second milestone of life’s journey, but is in vigorous physical health and in mind and spirit is still young. His birth occurred on the 23d of January, 1833, in Rhyddland, North Wales, and he remained in his native land until 1851, when, as a youth of eighteen, he crossed the Atlantic and located at Rome, New York. He was even then an expert blacksmith, for when but thirteen years of age, he could make a shoe, fit it and nail it to the horse’s foot, and he can scarcely remember when first he began to work at the anvil. His skill at his trade made his services in great demand and he soon gained an enviable reputation as an expert workman in big locomotive works at Rome, New York, as in that day locomotives were built largely by hand.
In 1857 Mr. Evans decided to take advantage of the great opportunities offered to young men of industry and energy in the western country and in that year came to Iowa County, Iowa. He purchased land in Troy Township, paying therefore two dollars per acre, but as the county was yet very sparsely settled, he decided that it would not pay him to remain here and returned east. In 1858 he again came to Iowa but again went back east. In 1860 he took up his permanent residence in Iowa County and erected a blacksmith shop in Williamsburg on the lot where now stands the grade school. By that time many new settlers were arriving and breaking the prairie sod preparatory to planting crops. It was hard work getting the land under cultivation and the plows needed frequent sharpening. During the breaking season Mr. Evans was busy both day and night and people came from all over the county to him when they had blacksmith’s work to be done, as he soon gained a reputation for skill at his trade. For the first few years after taking up his residence in this county he spent the winter months in Chicago and there worked in the Chicago & Northwestern Railway shops. In the spring, however, he invariably returned to Williamsburg and was kept busy until the following fall. At length, he also turned his attention to farming and made his home in the county during the winter as well as during the spring, summer and fall. He was very successful as an agriculturist and received good financial returns from his land, his grain and stock bringing high prices on the market. He erected a fine residence on what is know as Blacksmith Evans Hill and for many years his home was the finest in the locality. For fifty-five years he has resided in Williamsburg and during that time has been a forceful factor in the development of the county.
Mr. Evans was married on the 24th of January, 1855, to Miss Ann Williams, of Rome, New York and they became the parents of seven children, two of whom survive: Martha, the wife of T.T. Osborn, of the firm of Osborn & Gallagher; and Annie M., the wife of J.F. Stephens, a farmer residing at the
old home in Williamsburg. The wife and mother passed away on the 13th of December, 1904, when seventy years of age.
Mr. Evans is a stanch republican in politics and twice voted for Abraham Lincoln. He remembers vividly the April day fifty years ago when he saw the body of the martyred president as it was borne through the streets of Chicago on its way to Springfield, where interment took place. Fraternally he belongs to Stellapolis Lodge, No. 391, A.F.& A.M.; Troy Chapter, No 117, R.A.M.; Hebron Lodge, No 148, I.O.O.F.; and Marengo Encampment, No 27. His religious faith is that of the Welsh Congressional Church and he is the oldest member of the local Congregational church. He remembers accurately incidents of pioneer days in Iowa County but finds even more pleasure in keeping in touch with the events of the present day than in recalling the happenings of a half century ago. He is optimistic and progressive in spirit and is at all times ready to do anything within his power to further the advancement of his community. He retains the light-hearted spirit of a boy and the circle of his friends is only limited by the number of his acquaintances.
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GEORGE E. MORSE
George E. Morse is one of the most progressive men in Iowa County and is a leader in both financial and agricultural circles, serving as president of the Ladora Savings Bank and also carrying on stock-raising on an extensive scale. He was born upon the farm in Pilot Township where he now lives, on the 14th of June, 1863, a son of William Edward and Susan A. (Hostetter) Morse. The former was born at Southbridge, Massachusetts, on the 3d of February, 1830, one of five children whose parents were Lovell and Clarissa Morse. In their later years the grandparents of our subject were honored residents of Pilot Township, this county. William Edward Morse emigrated westward and settled at Polo, Illinois, in April 1855, making his home with an uncle there until the following January. At that time he was joined by his father and they made their way to this county, settling near Genoa Bluff, where Williams Edward Morse resided continuously for a period of fifty-three years. He passed away on the 17th of June, 1909, when seventy-nine years, four months and fourteen days old. He was a man of sterling character, enterprising, public-spirited and benevolent, a true Christian gentleman. He was a republican in politics, served as trustee and for several years was a member of the board of supervisors. He was one of the most honored of the pioneer residents of the county and did well his part in developing a new section of country into a prosperous agricultural region. When his first residence was built in Pilot Township, it was necessary to haul the lumber from Iowa City, as there was no timber upon his farm.
George E. Morse gained his education in the district schools of this county and in early youth began assisting his father with the work of the home farm. He continued to remain under the parental roof after attaining his majority and was for a number of years associated with his father in farming, subsequently buying the homestead. As the years have passed he has added to his property and now owns five hundred and twenty acres of excellent land. He is one of
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the heaviest cattle feeders of Iowa County and is at present preparing about fifteen carloads of cattle for the market. He has equipment for carrying on his work in the most efficient manner and seeks to benefit by the experience of others who are also engaged in stock-raising. He has erected a large modern elevator on his farm to facilitate the handling of the thousands of bushels of grain used in feeding his stock and has also installed a power plant for grinding the grain. There are twenty-five thousand square feet of concrete paving in his feeding yards, which are the only yards of the kind in the county. He desires the best in all of his buildings and equipment and has given as much thought to his residence as to the other improvements upon his farm. His home is provided with hot water heat, bath and a private gas plant and water is supplied to the house and to all parts of the farm by gravity from a large tank.
On the 21st of February, 1889, Mr. Morse was united in marriage to Miss Alice D. Morse, of Ontario, Los Angeles County, California. To this marriage have been born six children, five of whom survive: Edith M., the wife of Frank F. Rathjen, a farmer of Sumner Township; Medora J., who married Charles Langlas, who is farming in Sumner Township; Henry G., a student in the State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts at Ames; and Earl W. and Amy L., at home.
Mr. Morse votes the republican ticket, but has been too busy to take an active part in political affairs. He was one of the organizers of the Ladora Savings Bank, of which he has been president since its organization, and the steady growth of the institution is attributable, in large measure, to his close oversight of its operation and his sound financial judgment. He is also a stockholder in the First National Bank of Marengo and in the Millersburg Savings Bank; was one of the organizers of the Iowa County Mutual Telephone Company, of which he is a stockholder, and of the Genoa Bluff Creamery Company, of which he is vice president. He and his family are members of the Congregational Church, whose work profits by their support and cooperation. He has gained financial independence and his work has also been a factor in the advancement of the stock-raising interests of his county, while in financial circles his influence has made for development along conservative lines. There are few men better known in the county than he and there is none who is more highly esteemed or who has the friendship of a greater number of its residents.
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ASA A. HALL
Asa A. Hall, a successful general merchant of Conroy, was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, on the 22nd of December 1858, a son of John W. and Eliza A. (Williams) Hall, both natives of Virginia. They removed as children with their respective parents to Ohio, where their marriage occurred. The father followed agricultural pursuits in Guernsey County and also in Perry County, where he resided upon removing from Guernsey County. In 1867, however, the family removed to Iowa County, Iowa and settled in Greene Township, where the mother passed away in 1890. Two years later the father removed to Washington County, Iowa, where he died in 1895.
Asa A. Hall spent his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and attended the common schools and the Keota high school in the acquirement of an education. Upon reaching years of maturity he decided to follow the occupation to which he had been reared and began farming independently. In 1886 he moved to Kossuth County, Iowa but after four years returned to this county and abandoning farming, located in Williamsburg, where he engaged in the livery business. Upon selling out he became a painter and paper hanger and for a number of years was one of the leading decorators of Williamsburg. In 1911 he arrived in Conroy and purchased the Godfrey & Eldridge store, which he has since conducted. He does a large business annually, his patronage coming from the surrounding country as well as from the village itself.
On the 23d of January 1885, Mr. Hall married Miss Libby Johnson, of Greene township, this county, and they have become the parents of three children: Elsie R., the wife of Arthur Black, a farmer of Honey Creek township, this county; Ethel G., who married Clarence Lortz, of English township, this county; and Lucille A., now Mrs. W.D. Cotton, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Mr. Hall is a republican and while living in Williamsburg served on the city council for two years. He was also city treasurer for six years, from 1905 to 1911. In 1910 he was supervisor of the United States census for the second congressional district. Mr. Hall is well known in Masonic circles in this part of the state, having been district lecturer in the lodge for the past six years, and he still holds his commission. He is a member of Stellapolis Lodge, No. 391, A.F. & A.M., of which he was master for three years, and he also belongs to Troy Chapter, No. 117, R.A.M., and for three terms served as high priest. In his life he embodies the high moral principles that are the basis of the Masonic order and his character commands the respect of those who are associated with him. His energy, business experience and sound judgment insure his continued success as a merchant and in the building up of his business he is also contributing to the commercial growth of Conroy.
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ROBERT S. SCANDRIDGE
Robert S. Scandridge, who is farming one hundred and twenty acres on sections 15 and 16, Sumner Township, was born upon that place on the 1st of January, 1883. His parents James and Sarah (Strawhorn) Scandridge were both natives of Ireland but emigrated to American in the ‘50s. They first located in Pennsylvania but later removed westward and settled in Iowa County, Iowa. The family home was established on the farm where our subject still lives and both parents passed away there. To their union were born eleven children: Jennie, at home; William, who is married and lives in this county; Sarah, the wife of Albert J. Stark, of Wisconsin; Elizabeth, at home, James; Joseph and Thomas, both residing in this county; Anna, the wife of Walter G. Davis, of Williamsburg; Robert S.; and Mary and Agnes, both deceased.
Robert S. Scandridge was reared upon the home farm and in the acquirement of his education attended the local public schools. After he became of age he and his sisters, Elizabeth and Jennie, purchased the home farm, which comprises
one hundred and twenty acres on sections 15 and 16, Sumner Township, and they still reside thereon. They have made a number of improvements and have erected several fine buildings upon the farm, which is in a high state of cultivation. Mr. Scandridge is an energetic and efficient agriculturist and the sale of grain and stock yields him a good annual income.
He is a republican and is serving his second term as township trustee, proving conscientious and able in the discharge of his duties. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic blue lodge at Victor and the York Rite chapter at Marengo, Iowa. He is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Marengo. Both of his sisters are members of the Congregational church and take an active part in its work. For a half century the name of Scandridge has been connected with agricultural pursuits in Sumner Township and Robert S. is successfully carrying on the work which his father began.
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ADAM BEILSTEIN
For a number of years Adam Beilstein was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits in Pilot Township but in 1914 he removed to Williamsburg, where he is now living retired. He is a native of the Keystone state, born in Armstrong County on the 1st of February 1859, a son of Adam and Louisa (Retzlach), both of whom were born in Germany. The father came to the United States in early manhood and the mother accompanied her parents on their emigration to this country when she was but a child. Both Mr. and Mrs. Beilstein became residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, where their marriage occurred. The year 1873 witnessed their migration westward and they located in Pilot Township, this county, where the father bought eighty acres of land. He improved his farm and was residing there at the time of his death, which occurred when he was fifty-three years of age. His wife died when but thirty-seven years old.
Adam Beilstein was brought by his parents to this county when a child and his education was that afforded by the district schools, which he attended when he was not needed to help with the farm work. Although his schooling was somewhat limited he has always read widely and observed keenly and he is now a man well informed on general topics of interest and also has that sound practical wisdom that comes only from experience. Following the demise of his father he and his two sisters continued upon the homestead, which he operated. They owned the place in common until the sisters were married and then Mr. Beilstein purchased their interests and became sole owner. He continued to farm until March 1914, when he turned the place over to his son, Roy A., and removed to Williamsburg, purchasing am modern residence where he is now living retired. While actively engaged in agricultural pursuits, he was energetic and enterprising and the various tasks that peculiarly constitute farming were always done at the proper time and in the most effective way. It was through his hard work and careful management that he was enabled to accumulate a competency and the leisure which he is now enjoying is well deserved.
On the 16th of February, 1887, Mr. Beilstein married Miss Elizabeth Nash, a daughter of John Nash, one of the pioneer settlers of Iowa County, who is now living retired in Williamsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Beilstein have three children: John N., assistant cashier of the Citizens Savings Bank of Williamsburg; Roy A., who is operating the homestead; and Rosa Gertrude, who is a pupil in the eighth grade.
Mr. Beilstein is a democrat and while living in Pilot Township was for two terms assessor. His probity has never been questioned and his personality is such that he has many loyal friends who hold him in warm regard.
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HENRY G. PLAGMANN
Henry G. Plagmann, who is devoting his time and energy to agricultural pursuits on section 18, Hilton Township, was born in Iowa County on the 12th of January 1887, a son of Jochim Plagmann, extended mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. Plagmann of this review was reared and educated in this county and has passed his entire life here, being convinced that no better opportunities can be found elsewhere. He owns one hundred and twenty-nine acres of land on section 18, Hilton Township, which is well improved, and is meeting with gratifying success in his farm work. He was trained to farming and as he profits by experience, seeking always to eliminate unnecessary waste of time, money and energy, he is a factor in the agricultural advancement of his locality.
On the 14th of January 1914, Mr. Plagmann married Miss Ella Hursh, a native of Sussex County, New Jersey and a daughter of B.B. and Ella (Everitt) Hursh, both likewise natives of that state. Her mother died when Mrs. Plagmann was only ten days old and her father married again. They resided in Iowa for a few years but then removed to Canada, where he passed away. In the family were four children, all of whom are living.
Mr. Plagmann is a democrat. He takes the interest in matters affecting the community welfare that is the duty of every citizen under our representative government. The successful conduct of his work as an agriculturist has won him the respect of those who know him.
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MARK FALTONSON
Mark Faltonson, who is farming on section 22, Hilton Township, is a native of the neighboring state of Illinois, born in La Salle County on the 29th of September 1860, of the union of Jones and Julia (Markenson) Faltonson, both natives of Norway. In 1854 they emigrated to America and located in La Salle County, Illinois, whence in 1862 they removed to this county, locating upon a farm in what is now know as Hilton township. Both have passed away, as have two of their eight children.
Mark Faltonson is indebted to the public schools for his education and to his father for his instruction in agricultural pursuits. He remained at home until he was of age and then rented a farm for a year, after which his marriage occurred. He then bought land in the western part of Hilton Township, which he operated for six years, after which he sold it and removed to Nebraska. His residence in that state covered three years and at the end of that time he returned to this county and settled upon the farm on section 22, Hilton Township, which is still his home. He has erected fine buildings thereon and made other improvements, taking great pride in developing and beautifying his place.
Mrs. Faltonson was, in her maidenhood, Miss Ellen Engelbert and is a daughter of Christopher and Helen Engelbert. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Faltonson, as follows: Julius C., now a resident of Benton County, Iowa; Gertrude A., the wife of Russell Spurrier, of this county; Helen M., who gave her hand in marriage to James Mulhern, of Linn County; Marcus W., at home; and Ray and Roy, twins, also at home.
Mr. Faltonson is a loyal worker in the ranks of the republican party, for six years was township trustee and for the last fifteen years has been school director. Fraternally he is identified with Lodge No. 365, I.O.O.F., and his religious nature finds expression in his membership in the Presbyterian Church, to which his wife also belongs. He has made a place for himself in the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens and values their goodwill even more highly than the material prosperity which has rewarded his labor as an agriculturist.
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GEORGE B. McCULLOUGH
In the death of George B. McCullough, which occurred on the 6th of April, 1911, Iowa County lost a representative and valued citizen-a man whose many excellent traits of character endeared him to those who knew him. He was born In Guernsey County, Ohio, February 21, 1853, a son of David and Agnes (Leeper) McCullough. Both parents were married twice. George B. McCullough was a child of his parents’ second marriage and he had one full brother and one sister. On the removal of the family to Iowa, David McCullough entered land from the government, for the district in which they settled was a wild and unimproved region, much of the land being still public property. With characteristic energy he and his children began to improve the place and it was upon that farm that George B. McCullough passed away. His entire life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits and he was a highly respected man because of his activity and enterprise in business, his thorough reliability and many sterling traits which he displayed in his social relations and in citizenship.
On the 6th of April 1898, Mr. McCullough was united in marriage to Miss Alice Weaver, a native of Poweshiek County, Iowa, and a daughter of George S. Weaver, who was a farmer. Mrs. McCullough belonged to a family of twelve children, of whom six passed away in infancy. By her marriage she became the mother of three children: Lila Bell, who was born July 12, 1899; Letha May, born May 6, 1902; and Harry Le Roy, born October 29, 1904.
Mr. McCullough was a most loyal and ardent member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and when he passed away the local lodge conducted the funeral services. Death called him on the thirteenth anniversary of his marriage, he passing away on the 6th of April 1911, at the age of fifty-eight years. He was a loyal citizen, devoted to the best interests of the community and his public spirit found expression in much tangible work for the general good. In his family he was a devoted husband and father, counting it his greatest happiness to minister to the welfare of his wife and children. Wherever he was known he was highly esteemed and most of all where he was best known, and the circle of his friends was an extensive one.
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JAMES T. ZELLER
For forty-one years James T. Zeller has occupied the farm on which he still makes his home in Iowa County not far from Marengo, and with the agricultural development of his section of the state has been closely identified. He was born in Delaware County, Indiana, April 25, 1847, and is a son of Christian and Lana (Roth) Zeller. In their family were three children, two sons and one daughter, all of whom survive. The father was born in Germany and the mother in Pennsylvania and they were married in Indiana. In 1864 they removed westward to Iowa, becoming early residents of this state.
James T. Zeller lived for three years in Illinois before he took up his abode in Iowa in 1867 and in the meantime, when a youth of seventeen years, he enlisted for service in the Civil War in February 1865, joining Company B, One Hundred and Fifty-fourth Illinois Infantry. He was honorably discharged at Nashville, Tennessee, on the 18th of September, for the war was ended and the country no longer needed his military aid.
Mr. Zeller was married in 1868 to Miss Hannah E. Hamilton, a native of Indiana and a daughter of Joseph Hamilton. After the death of her father the mother removed to Iowa but passed away in the succeeding winter. Mrs. Zeller was one of a family of five children and following the death of her parents was reared by an aunt.
As previously stated Mr. Zeller came to Iowa in 1867 and the following year began farming on his own land. Later he removed to the place upon which he now resides and on which he has lived for forty-one years. He has two hundred and fourteen acres of rich and productive land in two farms and his prosperity is the visible evidence of his life of well directed energy and thrift. He has brought his fields under a high state of cultivation and in addition to tilling the crops best adapted to the soil and climate he makes a special feature of raising full blooded stock of all kinds, thus adding materially to his income. His farm presents a neat and attractive appearance and everything about the place is indicative of his careful supervision and progressive methods.
To Mr. and Mrs. Zeller have been born a son and four daughters. Charles, who was born April 29, 1870, is a farmer and operates the old home place. The daughters are: Minnie, who was born December 10, 1871, and is the wife of Wells Myers, a builder of Marengo, by whom she has five children, Carl, Nellie
Clay, Marie and Edna; Anna May, born October 28, 1881, who is the wife of Mike Misel, a farmer living near Williamsburg, by whom she has two children, James and Lawrence; Nellie Rose, born August 20, 1885, who is the wife of Arnold Andies, a farmer of Washington township, and is the mother of one child, Edna Irene; and Eva, born August 1, 1887, who is the wife of Jasper Misel, a farmer of Marengo township, by whom she has four children, Hannah, Emily, Ella and a baby unnamed.
Mr. Zeller maintains pleasant relations with his old army comrades through his membership in the Grand Army Post, No. 233. In politics he has always been a republican since age conferred upon him the right of franchise, and he has filled the office of road supervisor, member of the school board for six years and school treasurer for thirty years. He stands at all times for progress and improvement and has been a helpful factor in promoting various interests that have had to do with the public good. The long years of his residence in Iowa County have won him a place with its pioneer settlers. He has been a witness of the greater part of its development and progress and as the years have gone on he has borne his full share in the tasks which have raised the standards of citizenship and promoted the best interests of the county.
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CLARK MAHANNAH
Clark Mahannah, who throughout his active life engaged in farming, was living retired in North English at the time of his demise. A native of Pennsylvania, his birth occurred on the 9th of August 1829, and his parents, John and Susan (Litzenberg) Mahannah, were natives of Pennsylvania and Maryland respectively. On removing to Ohio they settled on a farm in Knox County, their residence being a log cabin. The mother passed away in that county but the father spent his last days in Iowa County, Iowa.
Clark Mahannah was one of a family of six children, all of whom have passed away. He was reared in Ohio and gained his education in the pioneer schools of that state, where his marriage also occurred. He continued to make his home there until 1857, when he and his wife removed to Keokuk County, Iowa, where he purchased a farm. The family home was maintained in that county until 1891, when Mr. Mahannah put aside the cares of active life and removed to North English, where he lived in honorable retirement from business until 1909. His death, which occurred in that year, was sincerely regretted as he had made many warm friends during his residence in that town. He was laid to rest in the North English cemetery.
Mr. Mahannah chose as his wife Miss Sophia Wier, who was born in New Jersey on the 28th of May 1836, and whose parents were William and Mary (Wack) Wier. They were likewise born in New Jersey and continued to reside there until 1845, when they removed to Ohio. The father passed away in that year and the mother afterward removed to Iowa county, Iowa, where she died at the venerable age of ninety years. Two of their four children survive. Mr. and Mrs. Mahannah had twelve children, namely: C.D., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; W.J., a resident of Lincoln, Nebraska; Emma,
who is the widow of Byron Pettibone and resides with her mother; Susan, the wife of W.P. Dixon of Norfolk, Nebraska; Carrie, who gave her hand in marriage to W.E. Brown of Colfax, Iowa; Charles S., whose home is in Florida; Sarah, the wife of T. M. Clenenger, of Anamosa, Iowa; Elizabeth M., who married C.A. Burt, of Delta; Frank A., of Denver, Colorado; Blanche, the wife of I.E. Mathew of Oskaloosa, Iowa; and Clark and Bessie, both deceased.
Mr. Mahannah was a soldier in the Union army during the Civil war, serving as a member of Company I, Twenty-eighth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, for two years. In the battle of Champion’s Hill on the 16th of May 1863, he was wounded and was compelled to remain in a hospital until August, when he was mustered out. Throughout his entire life he measured up to high standards of citizenship and could be counted upon to further movements of public benefit. He took an active interest in the work of the Christian church, of which he was an influential member and elder, and its various activities felt the impetus of his energy. His wife also holds membership in that church and is active in its work. She owns one hundred and twenty acres of land in Keokuk County and a good residence in North English. Her many excellent traits of character have won her the respect of the community.
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JOSEPH ROBINSON
Among those who have won marked success in the raising of stock is Joseph Robinson, who owns three hundred and eighty-five acres of excellent land in Hartford Township. He was born in England on the 26th of January 1846, of the marriage of James and Martha (Rainbow) Robinson, both likewise natives of that country. In 1852 the family came to the United States and first located in the state of New York, where they remained for four years. In 1856 they emigrated westward and became residents of Iowa City, where they resided until 1865. In that year they removed to Iowa county and located on a farm in Pilot Township, where both parents were residing when called from this life. To their union were born ten children, but four of whom survive.
Joseph Robinson remained at home until he became of age and then purchased eighty acres of land in Pilot Township, which he operated for eighteen years. Upon selling that property he bought two hundred acres in Sumner Township and for eighteen years resided there. He then sold out and bought a part of the farm which he now owns, which comprises three hundred and eighty-five acres on section 25 and 26, Hartford Township. His wife also owns eighty acres on section 26, which is the home farm. Mr. Robinson is living retired, but for many years was one of the active farmers of his township.
Mr. Robinson was married in 1871 to Miss Agnes Bell, a native of Ohio, and they became the parents of four children: W.W., who is now living in Guthrie County, this state; Ora Bell, residing in Marengo; and Lottie Jane and Jane D., deceased. The wife and mother passed away in March 1880 and in March 1881, Mr. Robinson married Miss Martha F. Orin, who was born upon the farm where she still resides. Her parents, John T. and Mary Josephine (Mossoney) Orin, were natives of Germany and France respectively, but became
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residents of Iowa County, Iowa in pioneer days. Both have passed away. To Mr. And Mrs. Robinson were born seven children: Elnora B., the wife of Charles Robinson; Charles H.; Mabel, who married Fred Blair; Mary Frances, the wife of R.O. Merringer; Newton J.; and George A. and Carl H., both deceased.
Mr. Robinson is a republican and has served with ability as township trustee and as school director. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist Protestant church and their influence is always on the side of righteousness and justice. The gratifying measure of success which Mr. Robinson has achieved as a stock raiser is due to his energy, progressiveness and sound judgment, and these same qualities have made his cooperation in movements for the public good of great value.
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N. T. WYANT
N.T. Wyant, who devotes his energies to the operation of one hundred and ninety acres of land in Hilton Township, was born in Iowa County on the 22d of February 1870. His father, Henry Snook Wyant, was born in Seneca County, Ohio, October 30, 1838, and in early life came to this county, where he was married on the 12th of December 1867, to Miss Mary Roxana Betz, also a native of Ohio. They made their home upon a farm in this county throughout the remainder of their lives, the father dying December 11, 1906, and the mother June 17, 1904. During the Civil war Mr. Wyant manifested his patriotism by enlisting in Company B., Sixty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, which regiment was known as Yates’ Sharpshooters. He served under General Rosecrans and took part in the engagements of Corinth, Island No. 10, Atlanta, Georgia and Bentonville, North Carolina. After serving his country faithfully for four years he was honorably discharged and mustered out in 1865. He was converted and joined the Methodist Protestant church at Sumner Center and was a man highly esteemed and honored by all who knew him. At his death, he left two brothers and two sisters, eight children and thirteen grandchildren.
N.T. Wyant remained at home until he became of age and then began working as a hired hand. After turning his attention to other lines of activity he was teamster for a creamery for two years, and at the end of that time he rented land, the operation of which demanded his time and attention for two years. He then purchased thirteen acres in Honey Creek Township, this county, upon which he lived for one year, but at the end of that time he sold that place and bought twenty acres in Cono Township and resided thereon for five years. Upon selling that property he bought eighty acres on section 9, Hilton Township, and later purchased additional land, his holdings now comprising one hundred and ninety acres. It is finely developed and all of the improvements have been made by Mr. Wyant. He pays some attention to the raising of the usual crops but makes a specialty of raising stock and his work returns to him a good annual income.
In 1893, Mr. Wyant was married to Miss Sadie M. Slaymaker, who was born in Ohio and is a daughter of F.A. and Mary (Walter) Slaymaker, both natives
of the Buckeye state. About 1882 the family removed to Iowa and settled upon a farm in Marengo Township, this county, but now make their home in the town of Marengo. Mrs. Wyant is one of a family of four children and by her marriage has become the mother of three children: Perry R.; Olin, a high-school student; and Mary Edna.
Mr. Wyant is a republican and has served as township trustee and as a member of the school board. Fraternally he is identified with lodge No. 148, I.O.O.F., of Marengo, and both he and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder. Although he gives the greater part of his time and attention to his work as a farmer, he also finds opportunity to participate in community affairs and is a citizen who can be depended upon to do his share in promoting the general good.
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JAMES A. CASHMAN
James A. Cashman has met with gratifying success as an agriculturist and now owns two hundred acres of excellent land on section 13, Pilot Township. He was born in LaSalle, Illinois, on the 17th of October 1851, a son of Isaac F. and Sara (Clark) Cashman. The parents removed from Indiana to Illinois and were married in the latter state about two years after arriving there. The father engaged in farming in Bureau County, Illinois, until 1866, when he removed with his family to Iowa County, Iowa, locating on section 14, Pilot Township, where he bought one hundred and eighty acres of land. Subsequently, he and our subject purchased in partnership the farm which the latter now owns, having bought his father’s interest many years ago. In 1885 Isaac F. Cashman retired from active life and removed to Williamsburg, where he was living when he passed away on the 17th of July 1891, at the age of sixty-five years. He became identified with the Masonic order while living in Princeton, Illinois and after removing to Iowa County helped to organize the Millersburg lodge and later the Williamsburg lodge. His political allegiance was given to the Republican Party and he served in various township offices. He was one of the most prominent citizens of his part of the county and his demise was sincerely mourned by many. His widow survived until January 1, 1901, dying in her seventy-ninth year.
James A. Cashman attended the district schools and as soon as he was old enough assisted his father with the farm work, plowing when he was but nine years of age. He was the only son in the family and when a young man of twenty-four years assumed charge of the operation of the eighty acres which he and his father owned in partnership. He also found time, however, to help with the work of the homestead. He is a practical agriculturist and at the same time is up to date and progressive, being willing to utilize the results of investigators whenever it is feasible to do so and he has gained financial independence. He owns two hundred acres of land in one body and is one of the most prosperous farmers of Pilot Township.
In 1879 Mr. Cashman was united in marriage to Miss Emeranda Ferguson, of Pilot Township. Her father, Calvin A. Ferguson, emigrated from Canada
to Iowa County, Iowa in 1861 and the following year located in Pilot Township, where he resided until 1878, when he removed to Woodbury County, where both he and his wife died.
Mr. and Mrs. Cashman have become the parents of ten children, eight of whom are living, namely: Dr. Chester F., a successful physician of Kinross, Iowa; Bertha E., who married Christian M. Kelling, of Hilton Township, this county; Alonzo A., who is living in Saskatchewan, Canada. Jessie A., who gave her hand in marriage to Charles W. Correll, of Thief River Falls, Minnesota; Lela E., now Mrs. G.F.Eggert, of Pilot Township, this county; Letha A., who married Ernest Eggert, of Lincoln Township; and Lillian and Edgar M., both at home.
Mr. Cashman is a republican and has been elected to a number of local offices, his fellow citizens thus giving expression to their confidence in his ability and integrity. Fraternally he is a member of Stellapolis Lodge, No. 391, A.F. & A.M., of Williamsburg, which he and his father were active in organizing, as they had previously joined the lodge at Millersburg. Dr. Chester F. Cashman and Alonzo A. Cashman, sons of our subject, are also members of Stellapolis lodge. Mr. and Mrs. Cashman and their son and daughter who are still at home all belong to the local Methodist Protestant church and take an active part in furthering its work. Our subject is rightly considered one of the foremost men of his township and no movement for the public welfare lacks his hearty cooperation.
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FLOYD BEEMER
Floyd Beemer, who represents a number of well known automobile companies and owns a well equipped garage in Ladora, also holds title to an excellent farm from which he derives a good addition to his income. He was born in Lee County, Illinois, on the 16th of October, 1874, a son of Everett and Julia (Sivey) Beemer. The parents, who were natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio, removed in their young manhood and womanhood to Illinois in the early days of the history of that state and were there married. They continued to reside there until 1875, when they came to Iowa County, Iowa, where the father purchased a farm, which he operated for many years. Both he and his wife were killed at Ladora in 1913, being struck by a Rock Island train. They were the parents of five children, of whom four survive.
Floyd Beemer remained at home until he attained his majority and was then for a year in the employ of the Rock Island Plow Company. At the end of that time he began farming independently and now owns one hundred and twenty acres of excellent land on section 13, Hartford Township, just a mile south of Ladora. The place is well developed and his land yields good crops annually. Much of his time, however, is given to his other interests as he conducts a garage in Ladora and does all kinds of repair work in addition to representing a number of manufacturers of automobiles. He is an enterprising businessman and is meeting with gratifying success in his undertakings.
On the 14th of February, 1899, occurred the marriage of Mr. Beemer and Miss Bertha Maudlin, a daughter of Thomas and Elvira Maudlin, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Beemer is a graduate of the Marengo high school and prior to her marriage taught successfully for three years. To Mr. and Mrs. Beemer have been born the following children: Julia Elvira, Bernice Leola and Gladys Arline.
Mr. Beemer is a loyal republican and believes firmly in the wisdom of the policies of that party. He has filled all of the chairs in Ladora Lodge, No. 622, I.O.O.F., and also in Camp No. 7141, M.W.A. He likewise belongs to the N.T. & B. A. of Des Moines and both he and his wife are identified with the Rebekahs. They have many friends in their community who justly hold them in high esteem.
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JOHN HAACK
John Haack has for many years been actively engaged in farming on section 4, Pilot Township, but his birth occurred in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. His natal day was the 15th of December, 1860, and he is a son of Peter and Catherine (Meyer) Haack, also natives of that province. In 1866 they emigrated with their family to the United States and settled in Moline, Illinois, where the father was employed in a sawmill for four of five years. At the end of that time the family removed to Pilot Township, Iowa County, Iowa, and for a decade the father engaged in farming rented land. In the meantime he purchased a quarter section five miles south of Marengo, in Sumner Township, but he never resided thereon, eventually trading it in on a farm on section 4, Pilot Township, where our subject is now living. The father took up his abode upon that place after it came into his possession and gave his time to its cultivation and to stock raising until about 1896. In that year he retired and removed to Williamsburg, where he is still living at the advanced age of eighty-one years. His wife died in 1914, when seventy-eight years of age.
John Haack was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education in the district schools. He and his brother Frederick, the only children born to his parents, remained at home and farmed the homestead in partnership with their father until 1896, when the father took up his residence in Williamsburg and the brothers then rented the farm, which they operated for five years, at the end of which time Frederick withdrew but for about a year and continued to reside with our subject and give his attention to stock buying. He passed away on the 1st of November 1901. Mr. Haack of this review operated the farm independently after his brother’s retirement from the partnership and now owns two hundred and forty acres of the three hundred and sixty acres which comprises the homestead. However, he farms the entire tract and gives particular attention to the raising and feeding of cattle, a business in which he has been engaged for thirty years. He is feeding about five carloads and is recognized as one of the ablest and most successful stock raisers in Pilot Township.
On the 27th of February, 1901, Mr. Haack married Miss Minnie Arp, of Pilot Township, a daughter of John Arp, one of the early settlers of that township,
where he is still residing. Mr. and Mrs. Haack have six children: Mary C., Alice M., Harry F., Clarence, Raymond and Frederick.
Mr. Haack is a democrat in politics and is rendering able service as a member of the school board. Both he and his wife attend the German Lutheran church, whose work they further in every way possible. His dominant traits are industry, sound judgment and integrity and these have not only led to his success in his chosen occupation but have also gained him the sincere respect of his fellow citizens.
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RAYBERT E. MISBACH
Raybert E. Misbach is a well known representative of mercantile interests in Williamsburg, where he is engaged in the clothing business as a member of the firm of Lewis & Misbach. He was born on the 26th of February, 1885, upon his father’s farm in Sumner Township, where his boyhood days were spent, during which period his time was divided between the work of the fields and the acquirement of a public school education. He supplemented the training received in the rural schools by a course in the Williamsburg high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1904.
Mr. Misbach then started out in the business world, accepting a clerkship in the general store of J. F. Lytle, and later he engaged in the grocery business with Elmer Pugh as a partner. Later he became interested in the clothing business, and for four years he has been a member of the firm of Lewis & Misbach. They are now accorded a liberal patronage and the public regards it a pleasure to trade with them because of their progressive and enterprising methods and the straightforward manner in which they conduct business.
Mr. Misbach was united in marriage to Miss Lottie James, a native, of Iowa County, and they have a daughter, Catherine E. The parents are members of the Congregational church, to which they loyally adhere, and Mr. Misbach belongs to Stellapolis Lodge, No. 391, F. & A. M. He is numbered among the young business men of the county and is classed with those whose enterprise is bringing about present-day progress and prosperity in Williamsburg.
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C. M. HUNZELMAN
C. M. Hunzelman is engaged in the raising of stock on one hundred and sixty acres of land which he owns in Sumner Township and is one of the substantial residents of that locality. He was born in Germany on the 13th of July, 1868, and is a son of John and Sophia (Spearing) Hunzelman, likewise natives of that country. In 1873 the family emigrated to America and made their way to Iowa, where they settled. Both parents died in this county and their passing was regretted by many who had learned to respect and esteem them. They had five children, all of whom survive.
C. M. Hunzelman remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority and acquired his education in the district schools of Iowa County, as he was but five years of age when he accompanied his parents to the United States. Upon attaining man’s estate he began his independent career, farming rented land for seven years, after which he purchased the quarter section on section 14, Sumner Township, where he still resides. He has made many improvements upon his place and derives therefrom a gratifying income. He also owns one hundred and eighty acres in Iowa Township. He makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock and, as he understands that business thoroughly and manages his affairs well, he is meeting with gratifying success therein.
On the 22d of March, 1893, Mr. Hunzelman married Miss Elizabeth Burgy, who was born in Clinton County, Iowa, of the marriage of Henry and Maggie Burgy. Her parents, who were born in Germany, came to America many years ago and are now living in Marengo. Mr. and Mrs. Hunzelman have five children, Harry, Helen, Roy, Ivan and Ethel.
Mr. Hunzelman is a democrat and was elected by his fellow citizens to the office of township trustee, the duties of which he discharged in a highly creditable manner. He has also served as school director and takes much interest in the welfare of the public schools. Fraternally he belongs to the Knights of Pythias and both he and his wife hold membership in the German Reformed church, in which he is one of the elders. His business dealings have always been above reproach and all who have come in contact with him hold him in sincere respect.
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W. O. FAULKNER
W.O. Faulkner, who owns one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Sumner Township, was born in this county on the 27th of April 1866, a son of Thomas and Maria (Gibney) Faulkner. His parents, who were both natives of Ireland, emigrated to America many years ago and located upon a farm in Iowa County, Iowa, where both passed away. Two of their children survive, the sister of our subject being Katherine, the wife of F. Larkins, a resident of Pottawattamie County, Iowa.
W. O. Faulkner began providing for his support when fifteen years of age and for a number of years worked as a farm hand. After operating rented land for several years he was enabled in 1906 to purchase the quarter section on section 13, Sumner Township, which he still owns. He raises the crops best suited to the soil and climate of Iowa and also raises and feeds a large number of stock annually, deriving therefrom a handsome addition to his income.
On the 5th of February, 1891, Mr. Faulkner married Miss Nellie McDonald, who was born in Jackson County, Iowa. Her parents, John and Honora (Ryan) McDonald, were born in Ireland and came to America many years ago, first settling in Illinois, whence they removed successively to Jackson County, Iowa, and Iowa County. Both passed away in this county. They were the parents of fourteen children, eleven of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. Faulkner have three children: Nora M., who was born in December 1894, and is now the
wife of Joe Kegan, of this county; Helen R., who was born July 12, 1898, and is in high school; and Margaret, who was born May 7, 1908.
Mr. Faulkner is a democrat and has served his district acceptably as school director. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and he and his wife are both communicants of the Roman Catholic Church. He is meeting with gratifying success as an agriculturist and his worth as a man has gained him many loyal friends.
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T. A. LANE
T. A. Lane, an attorney of Victor, was born in Canada on the 17th of December, 1863, a son of John and Sarah (Barker) Lane, natives of Ireland and England respectively. In 1823 the father became a resident of New York State and thirteen years later went to Canada, where his marriage occurred. Both he and his wife continued to reside there until called by death. Four of their eight children survive, namely: Jennie, the widow of Allan Craig; T.A., of this review; J.S., who is a professor in a Canadian college; and Miss Effie Lane of Toronto, Canada.
T. A. Lane was reared in Canada but took his college work in the University of Michigan, being an alumnus of that institution of the class of 1893. In the fall of that year he removed to Jackson county, Iowa, where for two years he engaged in the practice of law in that place, but since 1895 he has resided in Victor and has gained a clientage which is representative and important, his ability having become widely known in this county.
In June 1895, Mr. Lane and Miss Boyde Dalzell, of Jackson County, Iowa, were joined in marriage. Her father, M. Dalzell, has passed away but his memory is still cherished by many who were closely associated with him. Mr. and Mrs. Lane have two children, Francis E. and Margaret L. The wife and mother is a member of the Congregational Church, in whose activities she takes a helpful interest, and Mr. Lane cooperates with various movements seeking the welfare of his community. His political belief is that of the Democratic Party. He has not only gained recognition as a successful professional man, but has also made and retained many friends, who value highly his favorable opinion.
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A. F. BAHR
A. F. Bahr, who is operating his excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Hartford Township, is a native of this county, as he was born in Sumner Township, the 31st of December, 1871. He is a son of John and Minnie (Ausmas) Bahr, both natives of Germany, who in the ‘50s emigrated to America. The father served throughout the Civil war as a member of the Twenty-sixth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and received several slight wounds. He was mustered out at Davenport, Iowa, after which he located upon a farm in
Iowa County, where he resided for a number of years. His wife passed away here but he subsequently removed to South Dakota, where he is now living.
A. F. Bahr began his independent career at the age of sixteen years, when he hired out as a farm hand, and a few years later he was able to rent a farm. After operating leased land for about eight years he bought a small place in Sumner Township but five years later sold that farm and bought land in Honey Creek Township, where he lived for five years. At the end of that time he sold out again and purchased the one hundred and twenty acres on section 13, Hartford township, which is his present home farm. There are many excellent improvements upon the place and the soil is rich and productive. He grows the usual crops and also raises and feeds stock, finding that the two phases of his business coordinate well. He has recently purchased another farm in Hartford Township, an improved place of one hundred and forty-seven acres.
In 1894 Mr. Bahr married Miss Ida J. Wyant, a native of Sumner township and a daughter of Henry and Mary (Betz) Wyant, who were born in Ohio and settled in Iowa County, Iowa in the ‘50s. Mr. and Mrs. Bahr have five children, Earl S., Cora May, Elnora Pearl, Ralph Orland and Barbara Inez.
The Republican Party finds in Mr. Bahr a stalwart supporter and he takes a praiseworthy interest in all public affairs. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the Methodist Protestant church and the principles of Christianity guide and control their lives. When he started out in life for himself he possessed no capital save his health, energy and determination to succeed and the material prosperity which is now his is proof of his ability and industry.
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CLAUS SANDERSFELD
Claus Sandersfeld, who has lived in Iowa County for fifty-five years and has been long and actively identified with general agricultural pursuits, owns and operates a well improved farm of three hundred and seventy-five acres on sections 21, 22 and 27, Iowa township. His birth occurred in Oldenburg, Germany, on the 4th of February 1846, his parents being Bernard and Anna (Reuver) Sandersfeld, the former an agriculturist by occupation. In 1860 the family emigrated to the new world and came direct to this county, settling on the place which is now in possession of our subject. To Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Sandersfeld were born seven children, two daughters and five sons, four of whom survive, namely: Fred, Claus, Bernard and John.
Claus Sandersfeld was a youth of fourteen when he came to Iowa County and has remained within its borders continuously since. When twenty-six years of age he started out as an agriculturist on his own account and has followed farming throughout his entire business career, now owning three hundred and seventy-five acres of valuable land on sections 21, 22 and 27, Iowa Township. Success has attended his undertakings, for he utilizes the most practical and modern methods in the conduct of his farming interests and annually gathers good crops which find a ready sale on the market. He is a stockholder in the Iowa Hilton Telephone Company and the York Creamery.
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Claus Sandersfeld
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Mrs. Claus Sandersfeld
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In February 1871, Mr. Sandersfeld was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Busch, her father being Christian Busch, who came to this county from Indiana. To them have been born eleven children, ten of whom survive, as follows: Bernard, a farmer of Iowa township, who wedded Miss Louisa Zahn, now deceased; Christian, who wedded Miss Hannah Maas and is also an agriculturist of Iowa township; Louis, who married Miss Anna Wichman and is likewise engaged in farming in Iowa Township; Anna, who is the the wife of George Steiner, an agriculturist of Iowa township; Henry, also an Iowa County farmer, who married Miss Tillie Maas; George, who wedded Miss Gesina Slemke; Claus, who married Miss Minnie Milke and lives in Osceola, Iowa; Lizzie, who married Martin Kleinmeyer; August and Evelyn, both at home. Mrs. Sandersfeld, who was an excellent wife and mother and a most estimable lady, died on the 8th of May, 1915, and was laid to rest in St. John’s cemetery of the German Evangelical church in Iowa Township.
Politically Mr. Sandersfeld is a stanch republican and is now ably serving in the capacity of road supervisor. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the German Evangelical Lutheran church, of which he has been a trustee for several terms. He has many warm friends, who recognize in him the elements that contribute most to the up building of home and the best interests of the community.
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HENRY C. MOHR
Henry C. Mohr is proprietor of Pleasant Ridge farm, a tract of land of one hundred and seventy-nine acres, rich and arable, situated in Lincoln Township. He works persistently and energetically in the further improvement and development of his property and his labors are bringing to him substantial success.
He was born in De Kalb County, Illinois, January 24, 1875, a son of Christian G. and Wilhelmina (Wisebeck) Mohr, both of whom were natives of Germany, the father born in 1847 and the mother in 1843. Mr. Mohr came to America in early life and for a short time was a resident of De Kalb County, Illinois. It was while he was there residing that his son, Henry C., was born. The father afterward brought the family to Iowa County, Iowa and purchased forty acres of land to which he later added a tract of forty acres. For many years he carefully and successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits but in 1909 sold his farm and now makes his home in Victor, where the mother passed away on the 25th of July, 1905. In their family were five children: Lena, who is the wife of Peter Waline; Frances, who is the wife of Charles Fisher, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; George J., a resident of Victor, Iowa; Henry C., of this review; and Dora at home with her father.
Henry C. Mohr continued under the parental roof until he reached and age of twenty-seven years, during which period he attended the common schools and aided his father in the work of the farm, alternating his time between study and the labors of the fields until his textbooks were permanently put aside. At the age of twenty-seven he purchased a farm in Lincoln Township and has since
given his attention to general agricultural pursuits. His place of one hundred and seventy-nine acres is known as the Pleasant Ridge farm and is appropriately named, for it is a valuable property, conveniently situated near Victor, and upon it are good modern improvements, while the fields have been brought to a high state of cultivation. In addition to his farming interests, Mr. Mohr is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank of Ladora.
On the 5th of March, 1903, Mr. Mohr was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Smith, whose birth occurred in Lincoln Township, this county, on the 21st of November 1885, her parents being Charles and Sophia Ellen Smith. To Mr. and Mrs. Mohr have been born two children: Wilhelmina, whose birth occurred August 7, 1908, and who passed away on the 16th of December of the same year; and Pearl, whose natal day was November 19, 1910.
Mr. Mohr exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the Democratic Party but has no desire for public office. His wife belongs to the German Lutheran church and both are highly esteemed in the community in which they reside, for they possess sterling traits of character that have won them warm regard. Mr. Mohr has been practically a lifelong resident of this county and throughout the entire period has been identified with agricultural interests.
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DAVID R. JONES
David R. Jones, a member of the firm of Jones Brothers, dealers in lumber and coal, at Williamsburg, was born in Hilton Township, this county, on the 9th of February 1879, a son of William T. and Margaret (Richards) Jones, more extended mention of whom is made in the sketch of Ralph E. Jones, which appears elsewhere in this work.
David R. Jones passed his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and entered the public schools at the usual age. He passed from grade to grade and became a student in the high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1898. He was reared to farm work and after putting aside his textbooks, assisted in the operation of the home farm until 1906, when he went to Iowa City and accepted a position in a lumberyard at that place. He was employed there for three years and applied himself assiduously to learning the business in principle and detail. In 1909 he returned to Williamsburg and joined his brother, Ralph E. Jones, in the formation of the firm of Jones Brothers, which purchased the lumberyards of Hughes & Ogle. The business has grown steadily and Jones Brothers is now recognized as one of the leading lumber concerns of this part of the state. They have an enviable reputation for integrity and honorable dealing and as they carry high grade lumber and coal, their patronage is increasing from year to year. The practical experience which David R. Jones gained in the lumber business in Iowa City has proved of the greatest benefit to him since starting out in business on his own account and has been an important factor in the success of the firm.
In 1913 Mr. Jones married Miss Miriam Jones, of Youngstown, Ohio. Both hold membership in the Presbyterian Church and fraternally he is con-
nected with Stellapolis Lodge, No. 391, F. & A. M.; and Troy Chapter, No. 117, R.A. M. His political allegiance is given to the Republican Party and he takes the interest of a good citizen in local governmental affairs. The Boosters Club of Williamsburg finds in him a loyal member and an ardent supporter of its projects for the advancement of the interests of Williamsburg, and it is recognized that in building up his own business, he has also contributed to the commercial development of his city.
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FRED WILLIAM SPOERRY
Fred William Spoerry is a wide-awake and enterprising farmer, owning one hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land in Washington Township, and there, in addition to raising cereals, he is engaged in raising high grade stock and poultry. He was born February 14, 1878, a son of William F. and Caroline (Conrad) Spoerry. The father was a native of Switzerland and, coming to America at the age of seventeen years, settled in Chicago, where he was employed in connection with the big packing houses of that city until after the fire of 1871, when he removed to Davenport. He afterward worked on cattle ranches and ultimately removed from Iowa City to Marengo, where he established a meat market. At the present time, however, he is occupying a farm in this county. His wife, who was born in Germany, came to the United States in her girlhood with her father, who was a wagon maker by trade. After remaining for a time in New York, he brought his family to Iowa, living first in Dubuque, later in Iowa City and then in Marengo. It was after the arrival of the family in the last named place that Caroline Conrad formed the acquaintance of William F. Spoerry, and they were married. They became the parents of six sons and two daughters: Fred William, Henry, John Christian, George Peter, Louise Caroline, Charles Edward, Mary Elizabeth and Adolph Herman.
Fred W. Spoerry acquired his education in the local schools and at twenty-seven years of age he rented a farm of his wife’s grandfather, living thereon for six years. On the expiration of that period he purchased a tract of one hundred and twenty acres in Marengo township, on which he resided for four years, but in the spring of 1915 he sold that place and bought one hundred and twenty acres in Washington Township, where he now lives. As the weeks and months pass on, he carefully tills the soil and improves the property, which he is converting into one of the excellent farms of the district. He raises the crops best adapted to soil and climatic conditions and also makes a specialty of raising Shropshire sheep and White Rock poultry, having won more than local fame in that connection.
On the 8th of February, 1905, Mr. Spoerry was united in marriage to Miss Arminta Misel, of Marengo, a daughter of Joseph and Mary E. (Shriver) Misel. Her father, who devoted his life to farming, has passed away, but the mother still survives at the age of fifty-eight years. In their family were twelve children. Mr. and Mrs. Spoerry have one child, Milford Orlo, born June 1, 1908.
The parents attend the Methodist Episcopal Church and Mr. Spoerry gives his political allegiance to the Democratic Party where national issues are involved but casts an independent local ballot. He belongs to Marengo Lodge, No. 148, I.O.O.F.,
and is most loyal to the teachings of the organization. He has always lived in Iowa County and many substantial traits of character have gained for him a creditable and enviable position in the regard of his fellow townsmen.
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HUGH HARRINGTON
Hugh Harrington, secretary and business manager of the Home Lumber Company of North English, holds an important position in a concern which owns nine lumber yards and is one of the important companies of this section of the state. He was born in York Township, this county, on the 25th of October, 1874, of the marriage of Frank O. and Sarah (Groves) Harrington, the former a native of western New York and the latter of Jefferson County, Pennsylvania. Both came to this state as children with their respective parents, who located on adjoining farms in York township. The parents of the father, however, resided for some time in Johnson County and for one year in Jones County before taking up their permanent resident in Iowa County. After the marriage of the parents of our subject they located upon a farm in York Township, where the father is still residing. The mother passed away in June 1911.
During the forty five years that he has lived upon the homestead Frank O. Harrington has given much of his attention to horticulture and is one of the best known fruit growers in this section of the state. He has about sixty acres of land set to fruit, principally apples and persimmons, being the largest grower of the latter fruit in the state. A branch experimental station of the State Agricultural College at Ames is located upon his farm and he is its superintendent. His standing in horticultural circles in this state is further indicated by the fact that he is treasurer of the Iowa State Horticultural Society. When his father, Orson Harrington, first came to Iowa he rode horseback through the state and then into Nebraska, looking for a favorable location, but found no locality better suited to his purpose than this county and accordingly returned and staked out his claim in York township. The family has been widely and favorably known in the county since that early day.
Hugh Harrington was reared under the parental roof and acquired his education by attending the district schools and by study in the Williams and Benton Business College of Iowa City. Although his general education was limited, he has remedied that deficiency by constant and well chosen reading and has acquired a broad knowledge of current events, and through his extensive business connections has kept informed as to conditions in the commercial and industrial world. He was associated with his father in horticultural work until his twenty-fourth year, but in 1898 he assumed charge of the nursery business in Williamsburg which his father had established some twenty-five years previously. Mr. Harrington of this review operated that nursery upon his own account for six and a half years, after which he sold his interest therein. In September 1904, he became a resident of North English and assumed the management of the Home Lumber Company, which then operated three yards and had a capital stock of twenty-five thousand dollars. Since he became manager of the concern the business has grown remarkably and the company now owns nine yards and has a
capital stock of two hundred thousand dollars. The office of the concern at North English is one of the best equipped lumber offices in the state and has all of the latest labor-saving machines and devices. It is provided with a dictaphone, a writer press and the Burroughs adding machine, and the work of the office is thoroughly systematized. The trade letters of the company which are sent to their thousands of customers and prospective customers are written by Mr. Harrington and are a large factor in securing business. He understands thoroughly the best way to appeal to a prospective customer and the letters are remarkable in that they are so phrased as to avoid stereotyped forms and to attract and hold the attention of the men who receive them.
In 1902 Miss Winifred Sheetz, of Williamsburg, Iowa, became the wife of Mr. Harrington and they have three sons, Dean Leroy, Donald and Russell W. Mr. Harrington is independent in the casting of his ballot and has served as a member of the town board. He is well known in local Masonic circles, belonging to Triumph Lodge, No. 479, A.F. & A.M., of North English; Troy Chapter, No. 117. R.A.M., of Williamsburg; Iowa Consistory, No. 2, A. & A.S.R.; and El Kahir Temple, A.A.O.N.M.S., of Cedar Rapids. He also holds membership in North English Lodge, No. 256, K.P., and his wife is identified with the Order of the Eastern Star. Both govern their lives by the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which they belong. He is one of the representative business men of this part of the state and has manifested progressiveness, administrative ability and the power to work successfully with others, all qualities that are in much demand in the business world. He has been in a large measure responsible for the rapid growth of the Home Lumber Company of which he is secretary and business manager.
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EDWARD BOLAND
Edward Boland was born near Belfast, Ireland, in County Down, July 14, 1841. His father, Edward Boland, Sr., was born in the town of Paisley, Scotland, in 1797 and died in Williamsburg, Iowa County, Iowa, January 13, 1897, at the age of ninety-nine years and two months. He crossed the sea from Scotland to Ireland in 1815. He emigrated to Canada in 1856 and lived there for ten years, then removed to Williamsburg, Iowa County, Iowa in 1866, where he bought land and settled on a farm one mile south of Williamsburg, afterward selling it and moving to the south part of Troy Township. He paid seven dollars and fifty cents per acre for the first land that he bought, which is today renting for eight dollars per acre yearly. Our subject’s mother, Ellen Cargo, was born in County Down, Ireland in 1804. She was of English descent, her ancestors coming from Carlyle, England, in the seventeenth century. She died near Williamsburg, Iowa, February 28, 1889, at the age of eight-four years and eight months. They are both laid to rest in Oak Hill cemetery in Williamsburg. There were born to this union five sons, two of whom are living at the present time. Edward Boland and Charles Boland, one of the extensive farmers of Troy Township.
On the 3d of September, 1863, Edward Boland was united in marriage to Margaret McCann in London, Ontario, Canada. She was born in Middlesex County, Ontario, January 14, 1844. In 1829 her parents came from the north of Ireland to Ontario, where they resided the balance of their lives, both dying at the age of eight-four years, one year apart. They are laid to rest in Exeter cemetery near the shore of Lake Huron, Ontario. They encountered many hardships, literally hewing their home out of the wilderness. Mr. McCann was called out by the government to quell the McKenzie rebellion in 1837. The troops had to follow the blazed trees on foot for over ninety miles, and when the rebellion was over and the leader had escaped to the United States, they were dismissed and sent home on foot, even their old flintlock guns being taken from them.
In the spring of 1857 Edward Boland came west with an older brother, stopping at Monmouth, Illinois. That was when Lincoln, Breckenridge and Douglas were coming to the front in the political world, and in the days of the underground railway, when a good old abolitionist would travel all night with a slave or two in his wagon on the road to freedom or Canada. Hard times came on and the bottom dropped out of the price of live stock and farm produce, and wages dropped so that a farm hand was glad to get a place to stay all winter and work for his board. But one lesson this sixteen year old boy learned was that whatever you do, do it right, not knowing that the neighbor across the road was watching him all summer, how he milked the cows regularly and fed the three hundred head of hogs, while the other man took it easy. When hard times came he came over and when he found the Mr. Boland was going to Canada he offered him twenty-five dollars per month. He says it pays to do right. But homesickness coming on, he returned to Canada and lived there for eleven years, still longing for the far western prairies.
In March 1868, having married, Mr. Boland brought his wife to Williamsburg, Iowa County, Iowa and in April 1868, they lived in Troy Township on a rented farm for a few years. Ten children were born to this union, four of whom have passed to the great beyond. The six left are located as follows: Charles H. Boland, of Webster, Keokuk County, Iowa, a farmer, stock shipper, and real-estate agent; W.W. Boland, of North English, Iowa County, a stock shipper, real-estate dealer and farmer; Mrs. Mary Conn, wife of R. T. Conn, a retired farmer and real-estate agent living at Marengo, Iowa County; R.G. Boland of Webster, Keokuk County, a farmer and stock feeder; George Boland, a farmer on the home place; and Mrs. Ida Brown, wife of Daniel Brown, a farmer and live-stock dealer of English township, Iowa county.
After arriving here in 1868 and getting settled on a rented farm, hardships began to come; hauling corn twelve miles to Marengo and selling it for fifteen cents per bushel; hauling coal from What Cheer, thirty-two miles, and sometimes being gone for three for four days in a storm. But all these inconveniences have passed away, and the farmers of today can make farming a pleasure. The cradle has given way to the reaping machine, and the reaping machine to the self-binder, and the old fourteen inch plow to the sulky or gang plow with five horses, turning over six or seven acres in one day. But the old settlers had a good time. The farm in Troy Township was purchased for fifty dollars per acre and today is worth two hundred dollars per acre.
After becoming a naturalized citizen in 1874, Mr. Boland was elected one of the trustees of Troy Township and served on that board for eight years. In 1894 he was elected assessor but after performing that duty for two years, refused to serve any longer on account of home duties. In 1903 he was chosen by the republican party to represent Iowa County in the state legislature in the thirtieth and thirty-first general assemblies but afterward refused the nomination at the next election on account of farm duties. In 1909 Mr. Boland moved to Williamsburg and was appointed justice of the peace to fill a vacancy; was afterward elected and has been reelected at every election since. Both Mr. and Mrs. Boland are members of the Presbyterian Church and he has been a member of Stellapolis Lodge, No. 391, A.F. & A.M., for thirty-three years and secretary of same for five years.
On September 3, 1913, Mr. and Mrs. Boland celebrated their golden wedding. The following is taken from the Williamsburg Journal-Tribune.
“The golden wedding anniversary of Hon. and Mrs. Edward Boland was observed yesterday at their home in Williamsburg, and the event touched the community at almost every angle. The well known couple has resided here for many years and the throng that called at the Boland home to offer congratulations and good wishes included nearly the whole town and the old neighborhood in which the family formerly lived. The occasion served as a family reunion and all the children and grandchildren gathered at the home. Miss Emma Watkins was the only grandchild that was absent and this was on account of the young woman beginning her term this week as a teacher in the high school at Brooklyn. The dinner was an elaborate affair; there was nothing omitted that would add to its scope or flavor. Rev. T. E. Sherman of the Presbyterian Church was a guest and invoked the divine blessing on the gathering and the following immediate members of the family were present:
“Mr. and Mrs. Richard Watkins and son, Walter; Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Boland of Webster; Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Boland and sons, Wayne and Wilson, of North English; Mr. and Mrs. R.T. Conn, sons, Rex and Russell and daughter Ethel of Marengo; Mr. and Mrs. R.G. Boland of Webster; Mr. and Mrs. George Boland of the old homestead, and Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Brown and daughter, Margaret Mary of North English. The foregoing are the sons, daughters, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Boland. The other relatives present were: Mr. Charles Boland, the well known Troy township farmer, together with his family and children; Mr. and Mrs. S.N. Boland, Mr. and Mrs. C.A. Boland and family of Sigourney; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Boland, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Jones and Irvine Boland.
“Relatives of Mrs. Boland, from Canada, present were: Mrs. Jane Cunningham, Clandeboye, Ontario; Mrs. William Holt and Mrs. Edward Portice, Sarnia, Ontario, all sisters of Mrs. Boland; Mrs. William Holland and son, Horace; Alonzo Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Hall and Mr. and Mrs. A. Mann, London, Ontario; Mrs. Holland and Mrs. Mann are nieces and the Halls are nephews of Mrs. Boland. Mrs. Cunningham was the oldest person in the gathering; she is in her eight-fourth year but entered into the spirit of the occasion with a heart as lightsome as a girl’s.
“A real family gathering surely, and the Boland home never held a merrier throng. It was the wedding spirit multiplied by fifty happy years and all the
tender memories came trooping to add pleasure to the scene. The invitations to the dinner and reception barred the bringing of gifts but the children violated the injunction by presenting the father with a handsome gold chain and Masonic charm and the mother with a handsome gold pin, while the friends of Williamsburg and vicinity presented the couple with two fine gold mounted umbrellas and Mr. Boland with a handsome gold mounted cane.
“The public reception was held in the afternoon from three o’clock till five and from seven in the evening till nine-thirty. This was one continuous throng of friends of well wishers and light refreshments were served the callers. The evening at the home presented a scene not often witnessed; the lawn and porches were a blaze of mellow gold light, filtered through Chinese lanterns and the street in front of the home was banked with automobiles; dozens of North English, Marengo and Conroy cars were present. Short talks were made by Wilson Boland, H.E. Hull, Hon. Edward Boland and Mrs. William Holt, all touching on the event in which the whole community felt a personal and kindly interest.
“Edward Boland was born near Belfast, Ireland, July 14, 1841. In 1856 he came to London, Canada, and on September 3, 1863, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret McCann, a native of Middlesex County, Canada, where she was born January 14, 1844. In 1866 the family moved to Iowa County, Iowa, locating on a farm in Troy Township, which continued to be the home until the old couple moved to Williamsburg a few years ago, the old homestead passing to the control of the youngest son, George.
“No finer people ever lived than are Mr. and Mrs. Boland; they came here in the days of the pioneer and through all these years they have held fast to the many friendships formed. Good, whole-souled, kind-hearted people with hands every ready to help and hearts joyed with the joys of others and easily touched by another’s woe. Their life has been truly happy and here in their advancing years they have the supreme pleasure of seeing their children commanding the respect and esteem of the communities they honor. For forty-five years they have lived here and now in the happy glow that halos their golden wedding anniversary the things most highly prized are the enduring friendships they have enjoyed.
“The Journal-Tribune extends to Mr. and Mrs. Boland its sincerest greetings and wishes them many returns of the anniversary of the event so becomingly celebrated.”
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ROLLIN A. ROSENBERGER
Rollin A. Rosenberger, who was for a long time identified with the agricultural interests in Iowa County, was a native of Seneca County, Ohio, born on the 13th of February, 1852. His father, Rollin S. Rosenberger, was accidentally killed by a tree falling upon him when our subject was an infant. The mother, who was in her maidenhood Miss Sarah A. Baer, subsequently removed to Iowa County, Iowa, with her father, John Baer, locating in Hartford Township. As they arrived about 1854 they were among the early settlers of this part of the state and
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Rollin A. Rosenberger
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found conditions primitive in many respects. The mother remarried, becoming with wife of Nicholas Keim, likewise an early settler of this county.
Rollin A. Rosenberger was an infant when he accompanied his mother on her removal to Hartford Township, this county, and there passed his boyhood and youth. He married before he was twenty years of age and following that event located upon eight acres of land which his guardian, Levi Shedenhelm, had bought for him. He prospered in his work as a farmer and from time to time purchased more land, so that at his demise he owned more than two hundred and thirty acres, which is still in the possession of his widow. He was diligent in the performance of the various tasks connected with the operation of his farm, kept everything in good repair, and the good income which he derived from his land was but the reward of his labor.
On the 8th of February, 1872, Mr. Rosenberger was united in marriage to Miss Samantha Warrington, who removed to this county from Seneca County, Ohio, in 18666, with her foster parents, Daniel and Henrietta (Clay) Reichart, with whom she made her home from the age of four years until her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Rosenberger became then parents of six daughters: Ada, who married George Stoner, of Hartford township; Frances, the wife of William Kensler, also of Hartford township; Mae, who gave her hand in marriage to John Shaull, ex-mayor of Ladora and a blacksmith of that city; Alice, who married Clayton Fuller, of Hartford Township; Addasa, the wife of John Baitinger, of Hartford Township; and Pearl, at home.
Mr. Rosenberger consistently voted the republican ticket was a stanch in his defense of the principles of that party. Although he did not lack a commendable interest in public affairs, he never aspired to office, being content to remain a private citizen. He was a devout member of the Methodist Protestant church, as is his widow and his influence was used in support of measures seeking the moral betterment of his community. All who knew him spoke well of him and his demise, which occurred on the 25th of November, 1908, when he was fifty-six years, nine months and twelve days old, was sincerely regretted by many who had learned to value highly his friendship.
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F. G. BALDWIN
F. G. Baldwin, who owns a good farm on sections 25 and 30, Honey Creek Township, has passed his entire life in this part of Iowa, being born in Iowa County of the 7th of August, 1866. His parents, Moses and Delia G. Brown, were natives of Ohio. The father, who was a farmer by occupation passed away when our subject was but nine years of age. There were four children in the family: Otis; Stella, who married W. E. Wallace, of Cherryvale, Kansas and died on the 19th of March, 1905, leaving five children; F. G.; and Emma.
Our subject was adopted at an early age by a Mr. Baldwin and has since been known by that name. he received his education in the district schools and early became familiar with agricultural work. He has proved very successful as a farmer and owns a fine tract of land on sections 25 and 30, Honey Creek Township. He is also a carpenter and builder and has erected a number of structures
in Iowa County. All that he does is done well and the success which has attended his labors is well deserved.
Mr. Baldwin was married on the 7th of August, 1894, to Miss Emma L. Karth, of Iowa County. Her parents, Henry and Barbara (Walkerman) Karth, were natives respectively of Germany and Pennsylvania. The father was brought to America by his parents when he was nine years of age. On reaching years of maturity he began farming on his own account and was highly esteemed by those who knew him. To him and his wife were born sixteen children, of whom nine daughters and four sons grew to maturity. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have two children: Clyste, whose birth occurred on the 1st of December, 1895; and Ivo, whose birth occurred on the 7th of March, 1898.
Mr. Baldwin gives his political allegiance to the Democratic Party and is now serving as assessor of his township. He is also a school director and takes a keen interest in everything relating to the public welfare. The material prosperity which he enjoys is the result of his industry and good management, as he began with no capital and has had to depend upon his own resources since starting out on his independent career.
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CHARLES H. SMITH
Among the younger stock-raisers of Lincoln Township who are meeting with gratifying success in their chosen occupation is Charles H. Smith. He was born in that township on the 3d of December, 1881, and is a son of Charles and Sophia Ellen Smith, both natives of Germany. They emigrated to America many years ago and settled upon a farm in Iowa Township but later removed to Lincoln Township, where both passed away. They were the parents of four children, namely: Bernhardt, deceased; Charles H., Minnie, who married Henry Mohr; and Dora, the wife of T. Van Hamme.
Charles H. Smith remained at home until after his marriage, which occurred in 1903, and for two years thereafter continued to work for his father. At the end of that time he rented a part of the homestead and following the demise of his father, fell heir to two hundred acres on sections 10 and 11, Lincoln Township. Subsequently he purchased and additional sixty acres on section 9 and all of the two hundred and sixty acres which he owns is well improved. He pays particular attention to raising good grades of stock and receives a gratifying income from his farm.
Mr. Smith married Miss Dora Smith, who although of the same name was not a relative. Her parents, William and Jennie (Younker) Smith, were both born in Germany but have resided in Iowa County, Iowa for many years. During his active life the father followed agricultural pursuits. Mrs. Charles H. Smith is one of a family of thirteen children, seven of whom survive, and by her marriage she has two sons: Carl W., whose birth occurred on the 28th of March, 1904; and Everett L., born May 25, 1907.
Mr. Smith casts his vote in support of the men and measures of the Democratic Party and at all times takes a commendable interest in the general welfare. Both he and his wife belong to the German Lutheran church, in whose teachings
are found the guiding principles of their lives. He has made a number of improvements upon his farm since it came into his possession and in all that he does is energetic and progressive, ranking among the most successful stock-raisers of his township.
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WILLIAM SCANDRIDGE
William Scandridge, who owns an excellent farm in Pilot Township, comprising one hundred acres of land, is giving special attention to the raising of hogs, which he finds a profitable occupation. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on the 2d of February, 1868, a son of James and Sarah Scandridge, further mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work.
William Scandridge remained at home until he was of age and then engaged in work as a farm hand for eleven years. At the end of that time he had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to purchase land in Lincoln Township but after living there a year he traded the place for his present hundred acre farm on the section 6, Pilot township. Although he follows general agricultural pursuits he specializes to some extent in the raising of high grade hogs. His place is well improved and his labors yield him a good income.
On the 10th of February, 1897, Mr. Scandridge was married to Miss Angie E. Shaull, a native of Sumner Township and a daughter of Martin S. and Rebecca Ellen (Rosenberger) Shaull. Both of her parents were born in Ohio but removed to Iowa County, Iowa in pioneer days and are still living in Sumner Township. They are the parents of eleven children, of whom ten survive. Mr. and Mrs. Scandridge have three children: May Anna, who was born on the 31st of December 1898; Orvil William, born February 26, 1902; and Esther Alma, born March 12, 1905.
Mr. Scandridge supports the Republican Party at the polls and as school director did all in his power to further the interests of the public-school system. Both he and his wife hold membership in the Methodist Protestant church and conform their lives to the teachings of that organization. He is respected by those who know him as a man of energy and good judgment and none have ever questioned his probity and integrity.
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RAY SCHUCHERT, D. V. M.
Dr. Ray Schuchert has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Marengo for only a few years but has built up one of the largest practices in this part of the state. He is a native son of this county, born on the 28th of November, 1887, his parents being George and Rebecca (Dodd) Schuchert, natives of Iowa City and of Benton County, this state, respectively. Both the paternal and maternal grandparents of our subject were born in Germany and emigrated to the United States about 1840. His grandfather Schuchert located in Wisconsin, where he and a brother acquired title to a farm which later became
the site of the city of Oshkosh. In 1845 or 1846 he came to Iowa and George Schuchert was born while the family was crossing the Iowa River at Iowa City. The family home was established upon a farm near Luzerne, Benton County, and there the grandfather passed away at the remarkable age of ninety-eight years. The maternal grandfather was also among the pioneer settlers of Benton County, where he was living at the time of his demise.
Shortly after his marriage George Schuchert located upon a farm in this county but after a number of removals, bought the Trueblood farm in Benton County from the original owner of the land. Subsequently he sold all of his land but twenty acres, on which he erected a commodious residence, and he is now living there retired.
Dr. Ray Schuchert spent his boyhood and youth under the parental roof and was graduated from the Belle Plaine high school in 1906. For about three years thereafter he was employed at various occupations in a number of states, traveling from one place to another and working at whatever he could find to do, from school teaching down. He had many and varied experiences and has always felt that those three years were well spent and that they were an education in themselves. In the fall of 1909 he decided to definitely prepare himself for a profession and entered the McKillip Veterinary College of Chicago, where he took a three years’ course, receiving the degree of D.V.M. in 1912. Immediately following his graduation he located in Marengo, where he has since resided and where he met with immediate success in his profession. He has built up a reputation for the successful treatment of the diseases of animals that might well be envied by many an older practitioner, and he derives a handsome income from his professional labors.
On the 22d of October 1912, Dr. Schuchert married Miss Gertrude Huff, of Benton County, and they have a daughter, Marjorie Irene. The Doctor is independent in politics, believing that the need of the country is more and more for a ballot cast without undue regard for party lines. Fraternally he is connected with Hebron Lodge, No. 148, I.O.O.F., and with the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias. He is generally recognized as one of the representative men of the county and is valued not only as a man of expert professional knowledge but also as a citizen whose public spirit prompts him to place the public good before his professional interests.
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AUGUST L. STEFFEN
August L. Steffen, who is farming successfully on section 8, Pilot Township, was born in Sumner Township, this county, on the 4th of June 1885, of the marriage of Adolph J. and Adeline (Fetzer) Steffen. The mother is a native of Iowa County and is a daughter of Michael Fetzer, mention of whom occurs in the Sketch of Edward F. Fetzer. The father was a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany and resided there until he was a lad of twelve years, when he and his father came to this country, his mother having previously passed to her reward. The father and son located in Davenport, Iowa and subsequently removed to Sumner Township, Iowa County, where Adolph J. Steffen grew to manhood.
There his marriage occurred and he became the father of two children: August L.; and Ella H., the wife of Charles Diedrich, a farmer of Lincoln Township, this county. Following his marriage he located in Pilot Township, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1889. His widow subsequently married Philip Holl and continued to reside on a farm in Pilot Township.
August L. Steffen was reared under the parental roof and received his education in the district schools. He assisted his stepfather with the farm work until his marriage, which occurred when he was in his twenty-sixth year. For two years thereafter he operated the home farm for his mother and in 1913 he rented the place, which he is still farming. In all that he does he is timely and energetic and his labors yield him a good return.
On the 22d of February 1911, Mr. Steffen married Miss Lillie Schwertfeger, a daughter of Charles Schwertfeger, a prominent farmer of Pilot Township. Mr. and Mrs. Steffen have a son, Arnold E.
Mr. Steffen is a democrat but has never had time to take an active part in politics. He and his wife are both influential members of the German Reformed church and their lives are forces for good in their community. He is not only very successful as a farmer but is connected with local industrial enterprises as a stockholder of the Genoa Bluff Creamery Company. His entire life has been spent in Iowa County and there is no better proof of his sterling worth than in the fact that those who have known him intimately since boyhood are his stanchest friends.
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JOHN GORSCH
John Gorsch, who owns and operates an excellent farm in Honey Creek township, was born in this county on the 11th of August, 1876, a son of Henry and Augusta (Schultz) Gorsch, both natives of Germany. The father was an engineer by profession and upon emigrating to the United States settled in West Amana, this county, where he resided for eight years. At the end of that time he turned his attention to farming and met with gratifying success in that occupation. He still survives at an advanced age and his wife is also living. To them were born ten sons and three daughters: Louis; John, of this review; Anna A.; Frank and Lizzie, twins; Charles, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Henry and William, twins; Rosa; Andrus; Julius; Albert; and Elsie.
John Gorsch has spent his entire life in this part of Iowa and is convinced that the opportunities offered in this county to the industrious farmer are the equal of those to be found anywhere in the country. He holds title to an excellent farm and derives a good income from its cultivation. He raises both grain and stock and watches the markets carefully so as to sell to the best advantage.
On the 16th of March, 1904, Mr. Gorsch married Miss Minnie Schluter, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schluter of Koszta, this county, where the father is engaged in farming. He and his wife are natives of Germany, as is also their daughter, Mrs. Gorsch. The family came to the United States many years ago and settled in this county on a farm which the father purchased in
Honey Creek Township. Mr. and Mrs. Gorsch have two children: Millie, whose birth occurred on the 7th of July, 1905; and Ernest, born May 10, 1908.
Mr. Gorsch is an adherent of the Democratic Party and supports its candidates at the polls. Both he and his wife belong to the German Reformed church and uphold all efforts for the moral betterment of the community. He has gained a place among the successful and well-to-do farmers of Honey Creek Township, and his personal qualities are such that he has gained many sincere friends.
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WILLIAM MEYER Jr.
William Meyer, Jr., is engaged in general farming in Lincoln Township, where he owns and cultivates one hundred and sixty acres of rich and productive land. He was born in Germany, in February 1876, and there spent the first seventeen years of his life, after which he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world. The father is now living on a farm which adjoins the home of his son and is a well known agriculturist of the community.
William Meyer, Jr., was educated in the schools of Germany and was twenty-six years of age when on the 10th of August, 1902, he was united in marriage to Miss Sophia Mahnke, who was born at Sittensen, Germany, December 19, 1875. Her parents, John and Susana (Schlesselmann) Mahnke, were also natives of Germany, where they spent their entire lives, the father passing away in 1913, which the mother died in 1891. Their daughter, Mrs. Meyer, came alone to the United States in 1902 and made her way to Iowa County. She is the eldest of a family of five children, the others being: Susanna, the wife of John Hoyns, who resides in Germany; Anna, who married Emil Hoeppner, of Davenport, Iowa; Mary, the wife of Henry Heins, a resident farmer of Nebraska; and John, who lives in Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have been born five children: Rudolph, whose natal day was May 18, 1903; George, born August 1, 1904; Emma, November 27, 1907; Adella, November 6, 1910; and Elsie, January 20, 1915.
Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are members of the German Lutheran church and they are well known in the community where they reside, for their various good traits of heart and mind have gained for them the warm regard of those with whom they have come in contact. In his political views Mr. Meyer is a republican but he does not aspire to public office, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his farm work, which is capably conducted and is bringing to him gratifying success.
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ENOCH ENOCHSON.
Enoch Enochson, a farmer of Hilton township, was born in Wisconsin on the 17th of March, 1857, a son of Erick and Julia (Johnson) Enochson, both natives of Norway. In the later '40s they emigrated to this country and located in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin. For thirty years the father was a sailor on
the Great Lakes but eventually removed to Nebraska and took up his residence upon a farm, where he passed away about 1879 when seventy-three years of age.
Enoch Enochson was reared under the parental roof and acquired hid education in the common schools of Wisconsin. When eighteen years old he went to La Salle county, Illinois, and there worked as a farm hand in the employ of one man for five years. At the end of that time he removed to Benton county, Iowa, and was employed there in a similar capacity for a part of two years. On the expiration of that period he went to Nebraska, where he spent five years at farm work. The fall of 1887 witnessed his arrival in this county and in 1890 he purchased the farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Hilton township upon which he has since resided and to the operation of which he has devoted his time and energy. He has met with gratifying success as a farmer and stock-raiser and his capital is increasing from year to year.
On the 30th of December, 1886, Mr. Enochson was married to Miss Catherine Engelbert, a daughter of Christopher Engelbert, further mention of whom is made in the sketch of L. E. Engelbert, which appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Enochson became the parents of four children, three of whom are living: Estella, who gave her hand in marriage to Arthur Jacobs, of Hilton township; Louisa, now Mrs. Leo Smith, of Williamsburg; and Earl, at home. The wife and mother passed away on the 6th of December, 1910.
Mr. Enochson is a republican and at the November election in 1914 was elected a member of the board of county supervisors. He had served as township clerk for six years and for two years as assessor previous to that time and could have held office longer but on account of illness of his wife refused to do so. Fraternally he is well known, belonging to Marengo Lodge, No. 114, F. & A. M.; Jerusalem Chapter, No. 72, R. A. M.; Iowa Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. R.; El Kahir Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Cedar Rapids; Williamsburg Lodge No. 368, I. O. O. F.; Cedar Rapids Lodge, No. 251, B. P. O. E.; and to the local lodge of the Modern Woodmen. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church, in whose teachings he finds the guiding principles of life. He is widely known in Hilton Township and Iowa county and all who have been associated with him hold him in sincere respect.
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WALTER JOHNSON
Walter Johnson, a well known farmer of Cono Township, is a representative of a family that has been prominent in agricultural circles in this county for over three decades. He was born in Knox County, Ohio, on the 10th of November, 1869, a son of J.Q.A. and V.C. (Strong) Johnson. The father was also born in that county on the 15th of December, 1828, upon a farm and continued to reside there until 1852, when he went to California in search of gold. He remained in that state for four years, after which he returned east, and in 1859 he was married to Miss Lydia Murphy, who passed away after seven months of married life. On the 26th of September, 1861, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss V. C. Strong. The family remained in Knox County until 1873, when they removed to Williams County, Ohio, where they continued to reside
until 1882. In April of that year they arrived at Blairstown, Benton County, Iowa and in October 1882, they settled on what has ever since been known as the Johnson homestead, in Cono Township, Iowa County. The father gave his time to the cultivation of the farm, which comprises two hundred and thirty acres, and he was recognized as an energetic and alert agriculturist. He passed away on the 26th of May, 1910, and his demise was sincerely mourned. The death of his widow occurred on the 23rd of November 1911. They were the parents of six children: Lydia; Edwin; Frank, who died when thirteen years old; Walter; Asa, who married Abbie Bigby; and Mina, the wife of McCoy Roby.
Walter Johnson accompanied the family to this county when he was thirteen years of age and has since resided here continuously. He and sister Lydia and brother Edwin reside on the homestead farm in Cono Township and the brother owns two hundred and forty acres adjoining. Our subject has been identified with agricultural pursuits since his boyhood and his methods are at once progressive and practical, which fact insures his continued success in his chosen occupation. He raises grain and also stock and derives a good income from his land.
Mr. Johnson is a republican in politics and has been township trustee. He is always willing to cooperate with others in securing the welfare of this community along material or moral lines, and his public spirit has been a factor in his popularity. He has many warm personal friends and all who know him speak highly of his ability and integrity.
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THOMAS R. WILLIAMS
Thomas R. Williams, a retired farmer of Williamsburg, is one of the leading republicans of this county and has taken an active interest in public affairs. He was born in North Wales on the 9th of July 1861, a son of William and Jane (Thomas) Williams, who in 1869 emigrated to the United States and made their way to this county, settling in Sumner Township. The father purchased land at twenty-five dollars an acre, which was considered an exorbitant price at that time, as land sold in the same locality for seven and eight dollars per acre. He farmed during the remainder of his active life and passed away upon the homestead on the 1st of December 1910. He had survived his wife for fifteen years, as she died on the 19th of June 1895.
Thomas R. Williams was reared at home and as he was but eight years of age when the family came to this county, practically all of his education was acquired in the public schools here. He remained with his parents until he was in his thirtieth year, when his father deeded him a farm of one hundred and forty-two acres in Pilot Township, and he removed to that place, which he operated for four years. As both he and his wife were in poor health they removed to Williamsburg, where they have since lived retired. He derives a good income from his property and is one of the substantial residents of his town. After taking up his abode in Williamsburg he was elected assessor of Troy Township and served acceptably for one term. Subsequently he was a member of the city council and was also mayor of Williamsburg for one term, declining a second
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nomination. In 1912 he was the nominee on the republican ticket for state representative but went down to defeat in the democratic landslide. In 1914 he was importuned to accept the nomination again but refused to make the race, although nomination on the republican ticket was then equivalent to election.
In 1894 Mr. Williams married Miss Maggie M. Jones, of Williamsburg, whose parents came to this county from Oliphant, Pennsylvania, in 1870. Mr. Williams and his wife have traveled a great deal and have thus not only increased their knowledge but have broadened their mental horizon and their conception of things. In 1897 they spent considerable time traveling through Europe and again in 1908 Mr. Williams, with a brother and brother-in-law, made a trip to Europe, visiting many of the most important countries.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Williams belong to the Welsh Calvinistic church, of which he is a deacon. They contribute generously to the support of its work and are always willing to aid in any way possible in extending its influence. Fraternally, Mr. Williams is connected with Stellapolis Lodge, No. 391, A.F. & A.M.; Troy Chapter, No. 117, R.A.M.; and Williamsburg Lodge, No. 368, I.O.O.F. His influence has been strongly felt in public affairs in his county and district and has always been exerted to promote the general welfare. He understands local conditions thoroughly and as he also keeps in touch with the general trend of events in the nation and the world at large and as his judgment is sound, his advice is often sought by the leaders of movements affecting the public good.
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FRANK PARIZEK
Frank Parizek, one of the representative and successful agriculturists of Iowa County, within the borders of which he has now resided for more than a third of a century, makes his home upon an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 16, Pilot Township, and also owns another tract of one hundred and twenty acres.
His birth occurred in Bohemia in December 1840, his parents being Michael and Mary Parizek, both of whom spent their entire lives in that country. He was reared in Bohemia, educated in the government schools and in 1867 wedded Miss Mary Rosinek. In 1871, attracted by the reports which he had heard concerning the opportunities and advantages of the new world, he emigrated to the United States and took up his abode in Johnson County, Iowa. In his native country he had worked as a day laborer and in this state he secured employment as a farm hand. In 1880 he came to Iowa County and purchased eighty acres of land on section 27, Pilot Township, while subsequently he bought an adjoining forty acre tract, cultivating the property with excellent success until about 1894, when he removed to his present home farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 16. He still owns the two properties as has long been numbered among the substantial and enterprising agriculturists of the community. He is also a stockholder in the Williamsburg Savings Bank.
Mr. and Mrs. Parizek have four children, as follows: Carrie, the wife of Thomas Newinda, of Johnson County, Iowa; Frank and Peter, who operate the home farm; and Rosa, who gave her hand in marriage to Herman Smith, of
Lincoln Township, this county. Peter Parizek owns forty acres of land adjoining the home place, and both he and his brother are widely recognized as progressive farmers and representative citizens of Pilot Township.
The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic Church. Mr. Parizek has now passed the seventy-fourth milestone on life’s journey and enjoys the comforts and ease made possible by his well directed industry in former years. The hope that led him to leave his native land and come to the new world has been more than realized, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and has won a gratifying measure of prosperity as well as the regard and esteem of neighbors and friends.
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JOSEPH SCANDRIDGE
Joseph Scandridge, who owns one hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Pilot Township, is giving much attention to stock-raising and finds that occupation very profitable. He was born in this county on the 13th of September, 1882, of the marriage of James and Sarah Scandridge, further mention of whom is made elsewhere in this work.
Joseph Scandridge remained at home until he attained his majority and then worked as a farm hand until 1904, when he purchased his present farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres on sections 7 and 18, Pilot Township. He concentrates his energies largely upon the raising and feeding of stock and is meeting with gratifying success in that occupation. He understands the principles that underlie stock-raising and takes great care to secure the proper housing and feed for his animals, which are of a high grade.
In 1903 Mr. Scandridge married Miss Emma Davis, who was born in this state and is a daughter of Thomas Davis, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this volume. Mr. and Mrs. Scandridge have a son, Lloyd E., who was born on the 31st of May, 1904.
Mr. Scandridge is a republican but has never desired to hold public office, although he manifests a commendable interest in public affairs. His wife belongs to the Methodist Protestant church and takes an active part in its work. Mr. Scandridge is one of the most successful of the younger generation of stock-raisers and his work is characterized by energy and progressiveness, qualities which do much to insure success in any line of endeavor.
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KARL F. MEIER
Karl F. Meier, who follows the occupation of farming and is now filling the office of assessor of Washington township, belongs to that class of substantial citizens that Germany has furnished to the new world. He was born in Baden on the 8th of May, 1863, a son of Frederick and Anna Mary (Buehler) Meier, in whose family were four sons and two daughters. Karl F. Meier was reared in the land of his nativity and early became familiar with farm work, for his
father engaged in the tilling of the soil to the time of his death, which occurred when he was seventy-six years of age. The mother still survives and has now reached the advanced age of eight-six years. Beside the subject of this review, only one other of the family came to America, a sister, Mrs. Christian Eichhorn, of Iowa County.
On attaining his majority Mr. Meier, attracted by the opportunities of the new world, sailed for the United States and made his way direct to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He afterward spent a brief time in St. Paul and in 1885 arrived in Iowa County, then a young man of twenty-two years. He soon afterward became actively identified with farming and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He now lives in Washington Township, where he owns forty acres of land, which he is carefully cultivating so that the fields annually return to him golden harvests as the reward of the care and labor he bestows upon them.
On the 16th of September, 1886, Mr. Meier was united in marriage to Miss Anna Brehm, who was born in Hesse, Germany, and was eighteen years of age when she came to the United States. Mr. and Mrs. Meier are now the parents of six children: Katherine, who was born February 14, 1889, and is the wife of Burt Thomas, a farmer living near Williamsburg, by whom she has two children; Eliza, who was born June 22, 1890, and is the wife of Ed Livingston, a farmer near Williamsburg, by whom she has three children; Charlotte, who was born December 2, 1892, and is the wife of Christian Tranberry, a railroad man of Cedar Rapids, by whom she has one child; Rosa, who was born January 28, 1893, and is the wife of Alvin Coover, living near Marengo; George, who was born July 16, 1894; and Ernestine, born February 3, 1901.
The parents are members of the German Reformed church and adhere loyally to its teachings. Mr. Meier is also a member of Marengo Lodge, No. 148, I.O.O.F. His study of the political questions and conditions of the country has led him to give his support to the Democratic Party, of which he is a stalwart advocate, and he is now serving for the second term as assessor of his township, making a creditable record as a prompt and efficient official.
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JULIUS AND MARTIN DUSTERHOFT
Julius and Martin Dusterhoft, who are carrying on general farming and stock-raising on sections 3 and 10, Hartford Township, were born in that township, the former on the 13th of August, 1872, and the latter on the 25th of August 1876. Their parents, Martin and Rosa (Sibletz) Dusterhoft, were both natives of Germany. The father came to the United States in early manhood and the mother was brought to this country by her parents when she was a child of about seven years, the family home being established in Solon, Johnson County, Iowa. After his arrival in this country Martin Dusterhoft traveled for several years and for two years was engaged in farming in Johnson County. He then took up his residence in Iowa County, where he has resided continuously for forty-two years. For twenty years he lived upon a farm of one hundred and seventy acres, which he purchased soon after arriving in this county, but eventually he sold that place and purchased the farm now owned by his sons, Julius
and Martin. In 1902 he retired from active life and removed to Marengo but at the end of five years took up his residence in Victor, where he is now living at the advanced age of eighty-two years. He still enjoys excellent health, and his vigor of mind and body is unimpaired. His wife passed away in 1910.
Julius and Martin Dusterhoft received their education in the district schools and from the early age of ten years Julius worked as a farm hand, as there were five sons in the family and all were not needed on the home farm. Martin remained under the parental roof and assisted his father. Julius continued to work for others until 1904, when he formed a partnership with his brother Martin and they assumed the management of the homestead of three hundred and twenty acres in Hartford Township and began cultivating that place as renters. In 1911 they purchased the farm, Julius buying the quarter section on section 10 and Martin the one hundred and sixty acres on section 3. The brothers have been very successful and expect to pay off the indebtedness incurred in buying their land in the next two or three years. They are considered to be as progressive and efficient farmers as any in Hartford Township and their industry and thorough knowledge of the principles underlying agriculture insure their continued success.
Both Julius and Martin Dusterhoft give their allegiance to the Democratic Party. Martin is a member of the Modern Woodmen of America and both he and his brother are communicants of the Roman Catholic Church. They are not only highly esteemed as successful farmers and business men but their public spirit and excellent traits of character have gained them the warm regard of those who are associated with them.
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JAMES W. LARMER
James W. Larmer is a self-educated and self-made man and whatever success he has achieved in life is attributable entirely to his earnest and well directed efforts. He now devotes his energies to farming in Honey Creek Township, where he is operating one hundred and twenty acres of land. He has always lived in the middle west. His birth occurred in Adams County, Wisconsin, on the 23d of March, 1853, his parents being David and Margaret (Dale) Larmer. On leaving Wisconsin the father removed to Kansas, where he died in 1891, his wife having previously passed away in Wisconsin, when their son James was but twelve years of age. They had a family of nine children, six sons and three daughters.
James W. Larmer was a lad of sixteen years when he left Wisconsin and made his way to Iowa County. He has since resided in this state and has made his own way in the world unaided. Because of his mother’s death he was early thrown upon his own responsibilities and resources, and he had but limited educational and other advantages, but he has made the most of his opportunities and in the school of experience has learned many valuable lessons. At the age of twenty-seven years he was married and began farming on his own account and is now busily engaged in the cultivation of a farm of one hundred and twenty acres.
Mr. Larmer has been married twice. He first wedded Emma Lumadue and to them were born three daughters: Bertha, now deceased; Alta, the wife of William Brouhard, of Los Angeles, California; and Dawn, who has also passed away. The wife and mother died on the 15th of February, 1896, and for his second wife Mr. Larmer chose Mrs. Nellie Goings, of Iowa County, a daughter of Reuben Dorman, a farmer. By her first marriage she had two children: Randall, who was born February 27, 1896, and is now a farmer living near Belle Plaine, Iowa; and Wesley, who was born June 27, 1898, and is living in this county. The second marriage of Mr. Larmer was celebrated on the 4th of February, 1904, and there is one child by that union, Sidney, who was born February 9, 1906.
Mr. Larmer is a public-spirited citizen who takes a deep interest in the welfare of the community and gives aid to many plans for the general good. He has served as school director and the cause of education finds in him a warm friend. In his political views he is a progressive but he has never been a politician in the usually accepted sense of office seeking, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his chosen life work.
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WARREN CRONBAUGH
Warren Cronbaugh is actively identified with the agricultural interests of Honey Creek Township and is specializing in the raising of Hereford cattle, in which he is meeting with gratifying success. His birth occurred in this county on the 21st of April, 1872, and he is a son of David and Elizabeth A. (Hadley) Cronbaugh, natives respectively of Crawford County, Ohio, and Iowa County, Iowa. The father removed to Iowa from his native state and during his active life followed the occupation of farming. He passed away in 1888, when but forty-six years of age, and his wife is now living with their youngest son. They were the parents of the following children: Warren; May; Ella, who died when nine years old; Josie; William, who died at the age of twenty-two years; Ray; and Myrtle.
Warren Cronbaugh was reared in the county and early became familiar with the various phases of farm work. Since the completion of his education he has concentrated his energies upon agricultural pursuits and now owns a fine farm on section 21, Honey Creek Township. He raises the usual crops but specializes in the breeding of Hereford cattle and has a herd of high grade stock.
On the 9th of October, 1901, Mr. Cronbaugh was united in marriage to Miss Susannah Arter, of Tama County, a daughter of Jacob and Maria (Sparks) Arter. To Mr. and Mrs. Cronbaugh have been born five children: Neta, Lester, Willis, Melvin and Raymond.
Mr. Cronbaugh is a democrat and keeps well informed on the questions and issues before the public. He is a stanch supporter of the public-school system and as school director does all in his power to further the interests of popular education. He finds the automobile of much practical use in his work and also derives much pleasure from motoring. In all that he does he is progressive and up-to-date, seeking to benefit by the latest improvements and discoveries affect-
ing the agriculturist. His personal worth is attested by the fact that those who have known him during his entire life are his stanchest friends and all who have come in contact with him speak of him in terms of respect and esteem.
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J. C. JACOBI
J. C. Jacobi operates three hundred and eighty acres of fine land and is one of the well-to-do farmers of Washington Township. He was born in that township on the 5th of February, 1880, of the marriage of Joseph and Tracy (Frady) Jacobi, both natives of Germany. On emigrating to America they made their way immediately to Iowa, and later the father purchased land in this county. He has continued to follow agricultural pursuits ever since and has now reached the age of sixty-seven years. His wife died in 1914 when sixty-six years old. They were the parents of thirteen children, two of whom have passed away.
J. C. Jacobi gave his father the benefit of his labor until he was twenty-four years of age and then began his independent career as an agriculturist. He operates three hundred and eighty acres of land and owns one hundred and fifteen acres in Iowa County. He feeds stock extensively, shipping to the Chicago markets, and as he is businesslike, progressive and industrious, his farm returns him a good income each year.
On the 21st of February 1906, occurred the marriage of Mr. Jacobi and Miss Ethel Haines, a native of Benton County, and a daughter of Charles and Alice (Burch) Haines, the former of whom is living, but the latter passed away in 1900. Mrs. Jacobi has one sister, Mrs. Sadie Mayhew. Our subject and his wife have two children: Garold, who was born on the 4th of January, 1907; and Audrie, who was born
February 5, 1912.Mr. Jacobi is a republican and is stanch in his advocacy of the principles of that party. Both he and his wife are devout communicants of the Catholic Church and their religious faith is a vital force in their lives. He ranks among the successful and alert young farmers of Washington Township and has many friends who value highly his good opinion.
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JOHN S. FETZER
John S. Fetzer, a native of Iowa County, is farming on section 9, Pilot Township, and is meeting with a gratifying measure of success in his chosen occupation. He was born in Sumner Township on the 18th of November, 1858, a son of Michael Fetzer, a pioneer resident of that township, more extended mention of whom is made in the sketch of Edward F. Fetzer, a brother of our subject.
John S. Fetzer remained at home during the period of his boyhood and youth and when his services were not needed upon the home farm he attended the district schools. By the time that he attained his majority he was thoroughly familiar with all phases of farm work and following his marriage he began operating on his own account the farm where he still resides. At that time it
belonged to his father but at the demise of the latter it came into the possession of our subject. He has added to that tract, which comprises eighty acres, and now owns three hundred acres in his home farm and one hundred and sixty acres in Sumner Township. He follows the best methods of agriculture and as he is forehanded and energetic his land yields him a handsome income yearly.
Mr. Fetzer was married on the 7th of May, 1883, to Miss Mary A. Fetzer, of La Salle County, Illinois. They have become the parents of seven children, of whom five survive: John E., at home; Rosa A., the wife of Clarence Hutchinson, of Guthrie County, Iowa; Verlie E., who married Edward Schafbuch, of Chicago, Illinois; Elizabeth M.H., the wife of Bruno Staelens, of Sumner Township, this county; and Frank G., at home.
Mr. Fetzer is a democrat and for the past eight years has been a member of the board of township trustees. For about twenty years he was on the school board and during that time did much to promote the advancement of the public-school system. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank of Ladora, in the Ladora Lumber & Grain Company and in the Genoa Bluff Creamery company. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Roman Catholic Church. He is one of the substantial men of his county and all who have had dealings with him respect his business ability and his integrity, while his attractive personality has won him many warm friends.
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HENRY W. BURGY
Henry W. Burgy, who is engaged in stock-raising on section 7, Iowa Township, is one of the progressive men of his locality. He was born on the 1st of September, 1874, in Clinton, Iowa, a son of Henry and Margaret Burgy, who for the last decade, have resided in Marengo. The father was born in Switzerland but when four years of age was brought by his parents to this country, the family locating in New York State. Subsequently Henry Burgy, Sr., came to Iowa County as a member of the Amana Society and for many years worked at the carpenter’s trade. For some time he was employed by the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad but the latter part of his life was devoted to farming and he became the owner of two hundred and seventy-seven acres of land.
Henry W. Burgy received a good public-school education and later took a commercial course in the Highland Park College of Des Moines. He was also a student at the State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts at Ames, taking a short course there. For a number of years he farmed in connection with his brother but two years ago he began farming independently. He owns one hundred and sixty acres on section 7, Iowa Township, and gives much attention to the raising of Hereford cattle, having at present a herd of eight-five high grade animals. He also makes a business of raising seed corn and finds no trouble in disposing of the seed as it is well known that he understands the precautions that it is necessary to take to secure dependable seed. In addition to his property in this county he owns, in connection with his brother, seven hundred acres of land in Saskatchewan, Canada.
On the 12th of October, 1914, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Burgy and Miss Jennie Leichenring, a daughter of Oswald Leichenring, a member of the Amana Society. Mr. Burgy is a democrat and has served as road supervisor and as school director, proving an efficient official. His religious faith is that of the German Reformed Lutheran church, in the work of which he manifests a commendable spirit. He owns stock in the Hilton Grain & Lumber Company of Conroy and is interested financially in the Conroy Savings Bank, the Iowa Mutual Telephone Company and the Conroy Improvement & Building Association, of which he is a director. He is thoroughly up-to-date and believes in advancement and development along all lines. Two years ago he erected a residence which is not only large and attractive in appearance but is also provided with all of the modern conveniences and improvements. He has done much to increase the interest in this county in scientific methods of farming and his agricultural methods might be profitably emulated.
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THOMAS STAPLETON
The firm of Stapleton & Stapleton is one of the best known in legal circles in Marengo and the high reputation which it enjoys is due in no small measure to the ability and integrity of Thomas Stapleton, who was born in Bloomington, Illinois, on the 24th of May, 1854. His parents removed to Iowa when he was but fifteen months old and his life has since been passed in this state. His professional work was done in the college of law of the State University of Iowa, from which he received his LL. B. degree. In June 1878, he was admitted to the bar and has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. In February 1879, he located in Iowa City, where he remained until April 1880, when he came to Marengo. For thirty-five years he has been a member of the bar of this place and he has appeared as counsel in most of the important litigation in the courts of this district. The painstaking study which he makes of all of his cases, preparing for every possible contingency, is an important factor in the success which he has gained in court, as the records show that there have been a large percentage of decisions in his favor. He is not only a lawyer of marked ability, but he is also very conscientious and is known for his integrity and high sense of honor. He is a member of the firm of Stapleton & Stapleton, which has the respect both of the bar and of the general public.
On the 27th of January, 1880, Mr. Stapleton was united in marriage with Miss Sabina Rieley, whose birth occurred in Wheeling, West Virginia. They are the parents of three living children: J.E., who is his father’s law partner; Helen, the wife of L.E. Stockdale, of Parsons, Kansas; and Irene, a student at the State University of Iowa. J.C.R., a son, has passed away.
Mr. Stapleton has been very active in democratic circles in the county and state and served as prosecuting attorney of Iowa County from January 1, 1887, to January 1, 1891. In 1896 he was presidential elector on the democratic ticket and in 1902 he was his party’s nominee for judge of the Supreme Court. He is a member of Iowa City Lodge, No. 590, B.P.O.E., and in religious faith is a Catholic. The greater part of his time and attention has always been given to
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his practice and he has represented a number of banks and corporations as attorney and also as director. The success that he has gained is fully deserved as it is the direct result of his ability, thorough training and close application to the matter in hand.
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PHILIP HOLL
Philip Holl, a prosperous farmer residing on section 4, Pilot township, was born in Hessen-Darmstadt, Germany, on the 4th of July, 1864, a son of Ernest F. and Catherine (Holl) Holl. The father was killed in the battle of Sedan four hours before peace was declared and in 1877 the mother, who had two brothers living in the United States, emigrated to this country with her two children and her mother. They located in the Amana settlement in Iowa County, Iowa. Mrs. Holl subsequently married John Waters and they took up their residence on a farm in Iowa Township.
Philip Holl was thirteen years of age when brought to this country and received the latter part of his education in the public schools of Iowa County. Upon reaching mature years he decided to make farming his life work and purchased one hundred and three acres of fine land in Marengo township, where he resided for nine years. At the end of that time he removed to his present farm on section 4, Pilot Township, and has since devoted his energies to its cultivation and improvement. He raises the usual crops and also raises some stock and in both phases of his business is meeting with gratifying success.
On the 17th of March 1915, Mr. Holl married Mrs. Adolph Steffen, who was in her maidenhood Miss Adaline Fetzer and is a daughter of Michael Fetzer, a prominent early settler of Iowa County, more extended mention of whom appears elsewhere in this work. By her first marriage Mrs. Holl has two children: August L. Steffen, a farmer of Pilot Township, this county; and Ella H., the wife of Charles Diedrich, a farmer of Lincoln Township. Following the demise of her first husband Mrs. Holl had entire charge of the estate and proved a very capable business woman, purchasing additional land which increased her holdings to four hundred acres of as fine land as there is in Iowa County.
The Democratic Party finds in Mr. Holl a stalwart supporter and both he and his wife are loyal members of the Lutheran church. He is a capable farmer and is also a public-spirited citizen, being at all times ready to assist in promoting the interests of his community along material and moral lines.
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AUGUST DELLAMUTH
August Dellamuth, who owns two hundred acres of land in Washington Township which he is farming, is a native of that township, born on the 27th of October, 1871, of the marriage of Adam and Doris (Kank) Dellamuth, both natives of Germany. They emigrated to the United States with the Amana Society and resided in the colony of that name in this county for about ten years.
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