1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa

Page Index:

Sunderland | McGorrisk | Hamdorf | D.M. Wyland | Keeney | Garland | Geiger |
Holcomb | Luecke | Olson | Newhouse | T. Wyland

LORENZO D. SUNDERLAND

    (Lorenzo's portrait)     (Mary's portrait)

LORENZO D. SUNDERLAND, farmer and stock-raiser, Harlan Township, is one of the oldest settlers on the east side of Shelby County. He is a native of Ohio, born in Fayette County, June 24, 1825, and is the son of Francis D. and Permelia (Knight) Sunderland, natives of Virginia, who came to Ohio at an early day. The father died when Lorenzo D. was an infant. At the age of six years he was taken to the home of one Nathan Coffman, with whom he lived until he grew to manhood. March 12, 1849, ho, with several friends, made up a company to go to California. They went to St. Joseph, Missouri, where they organized, and started with mule teams, May 1, 1849. One hundred and four days were consumed in crossing the plains, in which time they encountered storms and Indians, with whom they had considerable trouble. They landed at Auburn, on the north fork of the American River. They started with 104 men, and reorganized twice on the journey, and arrived in California with four teams. Their tent was the second one pitched in that part of the country. On his arrival Mr. Sunderland engaged in mining, which he followed successfully until the next June. He then returned to Ohio by way of the Isthmus of Panama and New York, being the first person to bring gold from California mines to New York. The gold dust was taken to the mint at Philadelphia and coined. Mr. Sunderland still has the receipt from the government for the gold. He remained in Ohio some time after his arrival, and then went to Howard County, Indiana, and purchased 160 acres of land, with the intention of farming it. He was married June 29, 1851, to Miss Mary E. Lucas, a native of Ross County, Ohio, and a daughter of the Rev. Richard and Mary E. (Kirkendall) Lucas, of German descent. After his marriage he sold his farm in Indiana, and removed with his father-in-law's family to Champaign County, Illinois. Here he purchased eighty acres of partially improved land, and resided upon it for one year. In February, 1852, he went to KainsviIle, now Council Bluffs, and then came to Shelby County and entered eighty acres of good land. He built a cabin and made some hay. In the spring of 1854 he removed his family to this place. He afterward entered 240 acres of government land, and has engaged in agricultural pursuits. He now owns a landed estate of 780 acres of improved land in a high state of cultivation. He has also assisted his children to procure homes of their own. Mr. and Mrs. Sunderland are the parents of ten children, of whom eight are still living - Nevada Errett, wife of William H. Errett; Leroy and Leora Sunderland; Nancy Jane Errett, wife of Z. T. Errett; Juliette Bates, wife of Abner Bates; William Sunderland; Lucy Firebaugh, wife of Frank Firebaugh; Belle Westrope, wife of O. D. Westrope; C. N. Sunderland and Ida May Sunderland. Leroy and Leora Sunderland were twins, born June 23, 1855, and both are now dead. Leroy died when he was one and one-half years old, and Leora died when she was seventeen years, eight months and seventeen days old. Mr. Sunderland was the first school director in the county. In 1864 he was elected sheriff, and served one year and a half. He was deputy sheriff for several years. He was one of the promoters of the Agricultural Society, and has been a director since its organization. He is a charter member of the Farmers' Alliance, and was its first vice-president. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., Harlan Lodge, No. 264. His political sympathy is with the Democratic party, having cast his first vote for Lewis Cass. Mr. Sunderland makes a specialty of Pole Angus stock. He now has a herd of thirty- two head, of which six head are full-blooded. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 336-341. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

WILLIAM B. McGORRISK

WILLIAM B. McGORRISK, grain dealer, Harlan, is a native of Illinois, born in La Salle County, October 31, 1857. He is a son of E. J. and Mary McGorrisk. E. J. McGorrisk was born in Ireland, County of Armagh. He came to America when about sixteen years of age, and settled in Montreal, Canada, where he studied medicine and afterward practiced his profession for a time. He went to Galena, Illinois, where he practiced awhile, and then settled in Seneca, Illinois. Here he married Mary, daughter of Jeremiah Grotty, a pioneer of La Salle County, who built the canal from Joliet to Peru, Illinois, and also laid out the town of Seneca. He was a native of Cork, Ireland, and after coming to this country resided in Maryland until he removed to Illinois. Mr. McGorrisk's parents moved to Iowa in 1858, and settled in Des Moines, where the father practiced his profession. William B. passed his youth in this city, attending the public schools, until the death of his mother in 1870. He then went to Seneca, Illinois, and remained there for four years. He then went to Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana, and graduated from this institution in 1882. He had no settled occupation until 1883, when he engaged in the grain business, which he followed successfully for two years in Harlan. At the end of this time he sold out, and was away from Harlan until January, 1889, when he returned and purchased the elevator known as No. 1. Mr. McGorrisk was married September 19, 1887, to Miss Harriet M. Hunt, a daughter of Daniel and Harriet M. Hunt, of Avoca, and a native of Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. McGorrisk are the parents of one child - Anna Hunt McGor- risk. Mr. McGorrisk is a member of the Roman Catholic church. In his political thought and action he is independent. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 341. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

HENRY HAMDORF

HENRY HAMDORF was born in Holstein, Germany, July 1,1848; he is the son of Hans C. and Mary E. Hamdorf. He was reared to farm life and received his education in the common schools of his country; he worked in the manufacturing of cheese and at the cooper's trade. When he was about twenty years of age he came to America, and stopped in Philadelphia for a short time, to look into business in this country, and see if the habits and customs of the American people would suit him well enough to remain here. His investigations proved satisfactory to him, so he engaged in farming for one year in Pennsylvania. He then came to Iowa and located near Davenport, where he farmed for about eight years. He came to Shelby County in 1876, and lived in Fairview Township for four years; then he came to his present home in section 20, Douglas Township. He purchased 200 acres of wild prairie land, which never had any improvement previous to his coming to it; this he has placed under good cultivation and improved, until he has to-day one of the finest farms in the county. He has planted about two acres of grove. He has a good, comfortable house, and barns for stock and grain; he spends his time in farming and stock-raising. Mr. Hamdorf is inclined toward the principles of the Republican party. He was married February 28, 1872, to Mary Vogt, daughter of Max Henry and Anna Vogt. She was born July 9, 1848, in Holstein, Germany, and came to America in 1870. They have nine children - Fritz, Henry, Amial, William, Louie, Ella, Rosa, Laura and Gustav. Mr. and Mrs. Hamdorfwere brought up in the Lutheran church, and their children are being reared in the Methodist Episcopal faith. They had many hardships in their early life in this country, but they labored hard to secure for themselves a home, which they have and are as well situated as any family in the county, and are among the most respected citizens. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 345-346. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

D. M. WYLAND

    (portrait)

D. M. WYLAND. - In these days one hears the cries of specialties and special training; and cries against dissipating one's forces, and scattering one's energies in many directions; and that concentration is necessary to secure success. This may be true, for times have changed; but to prove that in times past a multitude of experiences have been the foundation of a successful life, one needs only to study early history of some of Shelby County's first and best men. If we go back to the Hoosier State, which has furnished some very excellent material to supply new countries, we will find five miles south of Goshen, Elkhart County, at Wyland's Mills, the birthplace of David Madison Wyland, who first saw the light of this world August 21, 1846. If we had wandered up and down and through the race and river for the next fourteen years, we would have had a constant companion in this youth, David, whose time was spent in wading, and swimming, and fishing, and a happy boyhood it must have been; for what is there in a child's paradise except water, and plenty of it? Up to the time David was twelve years old his greatest achievement was spearing a fish, as long as his own body, and perhaps a third as heavy. In the spring of 1860, with his three sisters, Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Goodyear and Mrs. Jarvis, their husbands, and his two brothers, Jasper and Thomas J., he went overland to Coffee County, Kansas, where their father had previously bought some wild land and an improved farm. That year the crop was a failure, and Mr. Goodyear and wife, Jasper W. and D. M. came to Shelby County, Iowa, from which place Jasper and P. M. went back to Indiana before winter. A few years after the other members of the family abandoned Kansas on account of the continued failure of crops, and joined those who had gone to Iowa. In the spring of 1861, the father having disposed of his property in Indiana, his family with several neighbors moved overland to Shelby County, Iowa, with the intention of making it their future home. For two years D. M. lived on the old home farm, section 36, township 80, range 38, now occupied and owned by Jefferson Wyland. During his residence on the farm D. M. developed a constitutional distaste for the occupation. In the winter of 1863 he learned that a school-teacher was wanted at Simoda. Simoda was then as much of a town as Harlan, but is now a part of Harmon Baughn's farm, a mile east of Harlan. One stormy day he saddled Joe, an Indian pony brought from Kansas by his brother Jeff, and started for William McGinness's, near Simoda, who was the subdirector, and who promised him the school, providing that he should first get a certificate. The journey was then continued to the residence of Felix Grundy Clarke, then county superintendent, living on a farm near the present site of Kirkman. Mr. Clarke was found butchering hogs for his winter supply of meat; upon making his errand known, Mr. Wyland was told that there was no time just then for the ceremony of an examination, but if he would tarry through the noon hour his purpose might then be accomplished. While at dinner Mr. Clarke asked him a few questions; he then told him to write out a certificate. Mr. Wyland found a form in a book, and filled out the certificate stating his qualifications to teach all the branches named in the printed form, some of which he confesses to-day never to have studied. The superintendent signed the paper, and Mr. Wyland returned to Mr. McGinness and engaged to teach six months for $25 per month. This was the first money he had ever earned for himself; and he saved more out of his wages than ever afterward, even when working for a higher salary, showing upon how little one could live comfortably at that time. After he had taught about four months, the county treasurer resigned and his brother William was appointed to fill the vacancy. As he was living on the farm, he could not afford to leave it for the small salary paid the county treasurer; with the consent of the school-officers, D. M. turned his school over to one of his lady pupils, who was older, and more experienced than himself, and took charge of the treasurer's office, in the old court-house, on the corner where the city hotel now stands. The labor was light, and the responsibility not great, as the amount of tax was small; but he carried the whole of the money collected on his person during the day, and at night slept on a bunk under the office counter, with the money in a small iron box under his head. At that time there was no hotel, and, in fact, beside the court-house and a small brick school-house, there was only one building in Long's Addition, now the populous part of Harlan. In the fall of 1864 Mr. Wyland went to Iowa City to attend the State University; not having money enough to carry him through the full course, the faculty selected such studies as they thought would be of most practical use to him; he remained there several years, some time in school, and part of the time working on a farm, and for awhile in a hat store. A part of one summer he spent in Council Bluffs, and assessed the city for the city assessor, a former Shelby County man, who was ill at that time. In 1868, while at Iowa City, he received semi-official notice from the board of supervisors, that if he would return to Harlan he would be appointed clerk of the district court, and ex-officio clerk of the board of supervisors- county auditor. Mr. Wyland considered that this was a sad acknowledgement of the scarcity of official timber, when the board had to send to the other border of the State, and then only secure the services of an inexperienced youth. He returned and found the office occupied by a preacher-school-teacher, who had been appointed to fill the vacancy with the understanding that he would resign on the arrival of Mr. Wyland. Terms of court were then few and far between, and little business was transacted when court convened. The preacher-teacher having little to do, with better pay than either teaching or preaching secured, declined to resign for a time. The court was finally called for the trial of a murder case, for which five prominent citizens had been indicted, and to which was called a large part of the residents, as witnesses, jurors, or inter-spectators. The great crowd terrified the clerk, and he resigned, and Mr. Wyland took possession. He held the place until the spring of 1869, when he received a letter from N. P. Dodge, banker and real-estate dealer at Council Bluffs, offering him a position as chief clerk in his office. He resigned his office and engaged with Mr. Dodge, with whom he remained two years, when he resigned and engaged in the real-estate business, first with E. A. Huber, and afterward with Colonel Addison Cochran. Business being dull during the summer of 1872 he was engaged by Mr. Dodge to go to Shelby County and make personal examination of a large list of lands of which he had control as agent for non-resident owners. Mr. Wyland secured Joe, the pony, who it seems was a veritable rnascotte to him, carrying him to success in every business undertaking of importance. Joe had a playful habit of loping along, carrying one as easily and comfortably as though sitting in a rocking-chair, and then suddenly, without apparent cause, jumping six or eight feet to one side, while the rider went straight ahead, when he would stop and look at one, as though innocently wondering why he was spread out on the ground. Mr. Wyland rode over the whole country, visiting every township, and nearly every section of land, making plats and copious field-notes of all the lands in which Mr. Dodge was interested, and many others besides. It occurred to him during his labor that Shelby County would soon be a good place to do a land-office business, and Harlan the place for headquarters. Finishing his work, and reporting to Mr. Dodge, he returned to Harlan, and in the autumn of 1872, with his brother C. J., then county treasurer, he purchased for the munificent sum of $350 the real-estate business of M. H. Adams & Co. To show the difference between the equipment of a land-office then and now, as seen by our people, he gives an inventory of the purchase: One six-quire book containing names and postoffice address of non-resident owners, and lists of their lands for which Adams & Co. were agents; one small pine table; two wooden stools; one wooden bench, and one small coal stove with a big crack through the fire bowl, and a lot of letters piled in a heap under the table, convenient for ready reference to their contents, which gave instructions in regard to the disposition of all the lands which were expected to be sold. The purchase was contained in a lean-to, about 10 x 12 feet, attached to the building south of their present location; this building and the old Harlan House were the only ones on the west side of the square. Mr. Wyland set to work at once to prepare a complete set of abstracts of title to all real estate in the county. He kept at it steadily the greater part of the first year, working sometimes for days and even weeks without being interrupted by a caller on business, or otherwise; but he got the office in good shape to take care of the business that did come after awhile. C. J. and D. M. Wyland did a steadily increasing business for several years; they secured their present business lot and moved to it a small frame building; they thus got a good-sized office, which was furnished with a fire-proof safe, and a so-called burglar-proof cash-box; this, however, was only a small iron box, set in the wood-work inside the safe, and probably could have been removed in two minutes by a professional, and carried away, but the people had confidence in it, and came with money and papers to deposit for safe keeping. The money when received was put in an envelope marked with the owner's name, but no account was kept of it on the books, and when a person came to make a draw, his envelope would be handed to him and he would help himself. Having opened an account with the First National Bank of Chicago, for their own convenience in making remittances to parties for whom they had sold land, the United States revenue collector notified them that they were doing a banking business, and asked them to report the average amount of deposits, to enable him to collect the tax imposed on bankers. They convinced him they were not guilty, but in 1870 they notified their special depositors, and others, that they would receive deposits subject to check, buy and sell exchange, and do a general banking business. In this small way they started the business, now grown to respectable proportions, and known as the Harlan Bank. Mr. D. M. Wyland is a member of the Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 49, Knights Templar; Olivet Chapter, No. 107, R. A. M.; Parian Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M.; Mt. Lebanon Chapter, No. 8, O. E. S.; Mt. Sinai Encampment, No. 106, I. O. O. F.; Harlan Lodge, No. 247, I. O. O. F., and Elkhart Temple, Cedar Rapids. Mr. Wyland was married September 8, 1875, to Miss Belle Keasey, at South Bend, Indiana. Mrs. Wyland is a person of unusual force of character, and uncommon attainments; she is greatly beloved by the poor of Harlan, and does a philanthropic work among them. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 346-351. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

M. T. KEENEY

M. T. KEENEY, of Shelby Township, is one of the early settlers, having come to the county in 1872. He was born in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, December 20, 1844. He is a son of J. N. and Permelia (Tupper) Keeney. The mother is a native of Pennsylvania; her mother came from Connecticut on horseback to Pennsyl- vania when she was eleven years old. Mr. Keeney had three brothers, of whom he was the eldest. When he was two years old his parents moved to Susquehannah County, Pennsylvania, where the father remained until his death. The mother now lives in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. The subject of this sketch was reared a farmer, and received his education in the common schools. During the great rebellion he enlisted; he joined the Fifty-second Pennsylvania Infantry, Company H, March 28, 1864, serving until the close of the war. The regiment was stationed at Morris Island, South Carolina, in front of Charleston, where they were frequently under the fire of the enemy, and where many died of disease. In the spring of 1865 they were moved to North Carolina, and were on a forced march when Lee surrendered. Our subject was honorably discharged at Rolla, North Carolina, and returned to Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. He was married to Miss Julia Reynolds, a native of Susquehanna County, and a daughter of Robert and Matilda (Godwin) Reynolds. In 1868 they removed to Carroll County, Illinois, where they lived until they came to Shelby County, in 1872. The land was then wild prairie, but they have made many improvements. They have a snug house on a sunny slope, surrounded with a fine grove and orchard of eight acres; a good barn and other good buildings, all showing the energy and prosperity of the owner. Mr. and Mrs. Keeney have two children - Edgar N. and Hattie M. Mr. Keeney is a Republican and a member of the G. A. R., Dick Yates Post, No. 364. He has served as junior-vice, and is the present officer. He is a member of the Masonic order of Shelby, and a member and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal church; he first joined the Baptist church when he was fifteen years old; his wife and son are both members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Keeney is one of the representative men of the township, and has done his share in the religions and educational labors; he is honorable in business and has the confidence of all who know him. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 351-352. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

H. J. GARLAND

H. J. GARLAND, agent for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, HarIan, has been a resident of Shelby County since 1882. He is a native of Lawrence, Massachusetts, born November 17, 1849. He is a son of J. H. and Louisa C. Garland, natives of New Hampshire, and of Puritan ancestry. The youth of the subject of this notice was spent in attending school. In 1872 he entered the employ of the Northern New Hampshire Railroad as an assistant agent, and remained with that company for three years. In 1875 he came to Iowa and entered the employ of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad at Marne, Cass County. He was the first agent at that place, and had entire charge of the company's business, acting as ticket, express and freight agent. He filled this position for six years, when he came to Harlan, where he has since attended to the interests of the railroad and United States Express Company. Mr. Garland was married in 1875 to Miss Gara M. Sanborn, a native of New Hampshire. By this union six children have been born, four of whom still survive - Bertha May, Edith Lottie, Harrie Sanborn and Walter Rollins. Gara M. Sanborn, daughter of Thomas and Ansina (Rollins) Sanborn, was born in Canaan, New Hampshire, where her father now resides, her mother having died when she was fifteen years old. Mrs. Garland is a member of the Congregational church. Mr. Garland is a member of the A. F. & A. M., Parian Lodge, No. 321; Olivet Chapter, No. 107, and Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 49. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W., Marne Lodge, No. 118. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 352-353. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

REV. JOHN W. GEIGER

This historical work would not be complete without an extended sketch of one of the foremost preachers in western Iowa, if not of the State. John W. Geiger, pastor of the Congregational church at Harlan, Iowa, first saw the light of day amid the green-clad hills of Pennsylvania, near the city of Reading, November 7, 1850. He is descended from German, English and Welsh forefathers. On the father's side the Geigers were palatine Germans, and the Sands were English. On the mother's side the Wesleys were English, and the Lashes were Welsh. Daniel Wesley, grandson of Solomon Wesley, who emigrated to America, is still living at the age of ninety-five; he is Mr. Geiger's grandfather. At an early day in his childhood Mr. Geiger's parents settled in the city of Reading, where through school-life until his marriage to Miss Sarah E. Hildebrand, in 1868, he continued to reside. The earlier years of his education were passed in the public schools and Ryan's Academy. In 1867 he graduated in the commercial-scientific course from the People's College-an institution of his native city-of brief bat brilliant career. Immediately after his graduation, in keeping with a custom yet in much favor there, he began his theological studies under a private tutor. This work was pursued unremittingly, nearly day and night, for eight years -- a part of the time in connection with the heaviest work of a pastorate. Mr. Geiger preached his first sermon in May, 1868, received his preliminary license in December, 1869, full license in 1871, and was solemnly ordained February 28, 1875. Feeling the need of a better acquaintance with the Greek, Latin and German languages, as soon as his examinations were finished lie set about finding suitable teachers for the study of the same, which his pastorate in the larger cities made it easy to do. In January, 1885, he was called to the pastorate of one of the Des Moines churches, in which city he spent two years and a half of hard work. July 1, 1887, a telegram was sent him from Harlan, asking him to spend the following Sabbath with the Congregational church. This invitation was accepted, and July 11 a unanimous call to this pastorate was extended and duly accepted, and the work began August 10, 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Geiger have had born to them seven daughters. Mr. Geiger is an untiring worker; he is possessed of many sterling inherited qual- ities, and by his own strong force of character he has aroused a deep interest among the members of his congregation, and the regular attendance has been largely increased during Mr. Geiger's pastorate. He is a ready and fluent talker, and when he becomes deeply interested in the subject of his sermons, he is endowed with a power of eloquence and an earnestness of delivery that bespeak for him a very brilliant future in this his chosen calling. Mr. Geiger is a member of Parian Lodge, No. 321, A. F. & A. M.; Olivet Chapter, No. 107, R. A. M., and Mt. Zion Commandery, No. 49, K. T. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 353-354. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

H. C. HOLCOMB

H. C. HOLCOMB came to western Iowa in 1853, arriving at Council Bluffs November 22 of that year. He was born January 23, 1823, in Essex County, New York, and is a son of Oliver and Martha Holcomb, natives of Connecticut. The family were of Scotch descent. The parents were married in Granby, Connecticut, and went to Essex County, New York, in May, 1800. May 10, 1829, the mother passed away. Twenty-three years later, in the same month, the father followed her. Mr. Holcomb was reared in Essex County, New York, and there received in the district schools his education. At the age of twenty he taught his first term of school, and followed this profession for several years, working on the farm during the summers. In 1853 he came to Council Bluffs, and taught school in Pottawattamie and Mills counties until 1857, when he caine to Galland's Grove, Shelby County. In April, 1858, he located at Harlan, and worked at the carpenter's trade until 1861. In April, 1859, he was appointed clerk of the district court, which office he held, except one and a half years, until January 1, 1873. The length of the term this office was held by Mr. Holcomb indicates the ability and faithfulness with which he ful- filled his duties. In September, 1877, he was made deputy clerk under George D. Ross, and held this office until January 1, 1878, when he became clerk, having been elected the October preceding. He filled this office until January 1, 1883. He also acted as auditor for two years, and as county judge one year. Politically Mr. Holcomb is a Republican. His first Presidential vote was for Henry Clay in 1844. He was married November 22, 1862, to Miss Elizabeth A. McCoy, who was born in Warren County, Ohio, February 22, 1830, and came to Council Bluffs in April, 1853. Three Sons were born to them, only one surviving - William O. Mr. Holcomb helped build the first building put up in Harlan. He and Isaac Plum are the only ones left of those pioneers. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 354. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

H. H. LUECKE

H. H. LUECKE, merchant tailor, has been identified with the interests of Shelby County since 1880. He is a native of Lippe-Detmold, Germany, born April 6, 1849. lIe is a son of Louis and Charlotte (Buddie) Luecke. He was educated in the schools of his native country. When he was thirteen years old he went to learn the tailor's trade, serving as an apprentice three years. In addition to his service his father was obliged to pay $50 per year to have his son instructed in this trade. After his apprenticeship was ended he traveled about and worked in various places one year. In 1866 he emigrated with his father's family to America. Two brothers had preceded them. The parents and five sons landed in New York, and started the same day to Cook County, Illinois, where they remained one year. They then came to Benton County, Iowa, and settled in Blairstown, where the father engaged in farming. Afterward the family removed to Nebraska, where the father died in 1881, at the age of sixty-five years. The mother and brothers are still living in Nebraska. After the family settled in Benton County, H. H. Luecke worked at his trade in Belle Plaine for six years; then he went to Carroll, where he worked at his trade until he came to Harlan and opened a tailor shop. This was continued for ten months, when he added a stock of clothing to the tailoring department. The partnership with Mr. Coenan lasted for five years, when Mr. Charles Escher bought Mr. Coenan's interest, and the firm was styled Luecke & Escher. This firm transacted business for two years, when Mr. Luecke purchased his partner's interest and has since continued the business alone. H. H. Luecke carries the largest stock of clothing and furnishing goods in Harlan, and does an extensive business in custom work. He was married in 1871 to Miss Sophia Wohlenberg, a native of Lippe- Detmold, Germany, who came to this country in 1870. By this union four children were born, three of whom survive - Emma, Lyda and Clarence. Mr. Luecke is a member of the I. O. O. F., Harlan Lodge, No. 267. Politically Mr. Luecke affiliates with the Democratic party. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical church. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 354-355. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

NELS OLSON

NELS OLSON was born in the western part of Norway, November 21, 1836; here he spent his early life on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. He is the son of Ole and Martha Nelson. He came to America in 1861, and settled in Grundy County, Illinois, where he resided until 1881; he then came to Shelby County, Iowa, locating on an unimproved farm of 320 acres in section 19, Polk Township, where he has since resided. He has built a beautiful frame-house and barns for grain and stock, and good fencing, making his farm one of the best in the county. He is a man of push and enterprise, as is shown by his surroundings. He takes an active interest in the advancement of educational matters, having served on the board of school directors for two years. He has always supported the Republican ticket until the past two years, when he voted the Union Labor ticket. He is a member of the Farmers' Alliance. He devotes himself to farming. He was married August 19, 1861, to Julia Georgeson, daughter of George and Anna Oleson. She was born in Norway, December 20, 1841, and came to America in 1861. They are the parents of nine children - Ole, George, Mar- tin, Anna (wife of Rasmus Anderson, residing in Douglas Township), Samuel, Severt B., and three deceased. The family are all at home except Anna. They are members of the Lutheran church, and Shelby County has no citizens more highly respected. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 355. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

GEORGE NEWHOUSE

GEORGE NEWHOUSE, a native of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, was born October 25, 1833. He is the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Ream) Newhouse, both natives of Pennsylvania. The subject of this sketch passed his early life in the county of his birth, on a farm, and received his education in the common schools of the country. When he had reached the age of seventeen he came west and located first in Rock Island County, Illinois, where he remained until 1866; he then moved to Washington County, Missouri, where he staid three years; he then returned to Rock Island County, Illinois, where he remained until December, 1874, when he came to Iowa. He settled in Shelby County, Douglas Township, on a partially improved farm of eighty acres. Here he has since made his home, and has made many improvements. Having a beautiful frame residence, with barn for stock and grain, he has planted five acres of grove, and all his business is in a thriving condition. He had to undergo most of the hardships incident to pioneer life; the place of marketing was a distance of twenty-two miles, at the town of Avoca, where they were compelled to carry all their produce and grain. But they bravely faced all of those things and well merit the beautiful and comfortable home they have earned. Mr. Newhouse occupies his time in farming and stock-raising. lie is a Democrat. He was married June 21, 1863, to Aner Thomas, daughter of Charles and Mercy (Sacket) Thomas. She was born in Darke County, Ohio, March 24, 1837. They are the parents of two children - Charlie and Gracie. Mrs. Newhouse is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and they are among Shelby County's most worthy and respected citizens. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 355-356. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

THOMAS J. WYLAND

THOMAS J. WYLAND, the son of Jonathan and Elizabeth Wyland, whose sketch will be found elsewhere in this work, was born in Elkhart County, Indiana, February 1, 1849. He lived there until he was twelve years of age. His education was received in the common schools of Indiana, Kansas and Iowa, with one year in the Tabor (Indiana) high-school. He was brought up to farm life, and has always followed this avocation. When twelve years old, in company with three sisters and two brothers, he moved to Kansas, where they intended to make their home; but our subject remained only one year and a half when he came back to Iowa with his father and one brother, and located on a farm in section 36, Douglas Township, then Jackson Township; here he made his home until he was married. This farm was purchased by his father in 1855 or 1856; he bought it in 1873. He had assisted in placing it under cultivation and in making the many improvements. He drove four yoke of oxen in breaking up the ground the first time it was broken. His first purchase of land was made in 1871, of 120 acres in section 1, Harlan Township, and forty acres in Douglas Township; this he traded for the home place where he now resides. He has since purchased two tracts in Polk Township, of 128 acres and forty-six acres, and a ten-acre tract in Harlan Township. He now owns 343 acres of land in Shelby County. He has done much toward the advancement and improvement of the county, and is one of the live, energetic farmers. He is a Democrat, and held the office of township clerk before the division was made in Jackson Township. He was married April 11, 1870, to Clara Osborn, daughter of J. F. and Eliza Jane (Dunlap) Osborn, natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio. She was born in Wisconsin, October 24, 1849. They are the parents of four children -- Hugh O., Lizzie A., Ralph W. and Mary. Source: 1889 Biographical History of Shelby County, Iowa, pp. 356. Transcribed by Marthann Kohl-Fuhs.

To Page Index --- To Bio Index