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CORNELL
UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY

   
  

BOUGHT WITH THE INCOME
OF THE SAGE ENDOWMENT
FUND GIVEN IN 1891 BY

HENRY WILLIAMS SAGE

 

 

 

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PORTRAIT AND”

4S BIOGRAPHICAL
oom

 

 

 

a all

OF

Dubuque, Jones and Clayton Counties,
* 1OWA, *

Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and

Representative Citizens of the Counties,

Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the

Presidents of the United States.

CHICAGO:
CHAPMAN PUBLISHING CO,
1894,

wD

0800
 
PREFACE.

Pie Se

    
 

SHE greatest of English historians, Macautay, and one of the most brilliant writers of
the present century, has said: “The history of a country is best told in a record of the
lives of its people.’ In conformity with this idea the Porrrart anp BroGRAPHICAL
4 Record of this county has been prepared. Instead of going to musty records, and
taking therefrom dry statistical matter that can be appreciated by but few, our
corps of writers have gone to the people, the men and women who have, by their
enterprise and industry, brought the county to rank second to none among those
comprising this great and noble State, and from their lips have the story of their life
struggles. No more interesting or instructive matter could be presented to an intelli-
gent public. In this volume will be found a record of many whose lives are worthy the
imitation of coming generations. It tells how some, commencing life in poverty, by
industry and economy have accumulated wealth. It tells how others, with limited
advantages for securing an education, have become learned men and women, with an
influence extending throughout the length and breadth of the land. It tells of men who
have risen from the lower walks of life to eminence as-statesmen, and whose names have
become famous. It tells of those in every walk in life who have striven to succeed, and
records how that success has usually crowned their efforts. It tells also of many, very
many, who, not seeking the applause of the world, have pursued “the even tenor of their way,’’ content
to have it said of them as Christ said of the woman performing a deed of mercy—“they have done what
they could.’’ It tells how that many in the pride and strength of young manhood left the plow and the
anvil, the lawyer’s office and the counting-room, left every trade and profession, and at their country’s
call went forth valiantly “to do or die,’’ and how through their efforts the Union was restored and peace
once more reigned in theland. In the life of every man and of every woman is a lesson that should not
be lost upon those who follow after.

Coming generations will appreciate this volume and preserve it as a sacred treasure, from the fact
that it contains so much that would never find its way into public records, and which would otherwise be
inaccessible. Great care has been taken in the compilation of the work and every opportunity possible
given to those represented to insure correctness in what has been written, and the publishers flatter them~-
selves that they give to their readers a work with few errors of consequence. In addition to the biograph
ical sketches, portraits of a number of representative citizens are given.

The faces of some, and biographical sketches of many, will be missed in thisvolume. For this the
publishers are not to blame. Not having a proper conception of the work, some refused to give the
information necessary to compile a sketch, while others were indifferent. Occasionally some member of
the family would oppose the enterprise, and on account of such opposition the support of the interested
one would be withheld. In a few instances men could never be found, though repeated calls were made
at their residence or place of business.

October, 1894. CuHapMANn Pus.isHinc Co.
 
PORTRAITS

AND

~~» BIOGRAPHIES ~--

OF THE

* PRESIDENTS =

OF THE.

UNITED STATES.
 
 
GEORGE WASHINGTON.

HE Father of our Country was born in West-

moreland County, Va., February 22, 1732.

His parents were Augustine and Mary (Ball)
Washington. ‘The family to which he belonged
has not been satisfactorily traced in England.
His great-grandfather, John Washington, emi-
grated to Virginia about 1657, and became a
prosperous planter. He had two sons, Lawrence
and John. ‘The former married Mildred Warner,
and had three children, John, Augustine and
Mildred. Augustine, the father of George, first
married Jane Butler, who bore him four children,
two of whom, Lawrence and Augustine, reached
maturity. Of six children by his second mar-
riage, George was the eldest, the others being
Betty, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and
Mildred.

Augustine Washington, the father of George,
died in 1743, leaving a large landed property.
To his eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an
estate on the Potomac, afterwards known as Mt.
Vernon, and to George he left the parental resi-
dence. George received only such education as
the neighborhood schools afforded, save for a
short time after he left school, when he received
private instruction in mathematics. His spelling
was rather defective. Remarkable stories are
told of his great physical strength and develop-
ment at an early age. He was an acknowledged
leader among his companions, and was early
noted for that nobleness of character, fairness and
veracity which characterized his whole life.

When George was fourteen years old he had a
desire to-go to sea, and a midshipman’s warrant
was secured for him, but through the opposition
of his mother the idea was abandoned, Two

 

years later he was appointed surveyor to the im-
mense estate of Lord Fairfax. In this business
he spent three years in a rough frontier life,
gaining experience which afterwards proved very
essential to him. In 1751, though only nineteen
years of age, he was appointed Adjutant, with the
rank of Major, in the Virginia militia, then being
trained for active service against the French and
Indians. Soon after this he sailed to the West
Indies with his brother Lawrence, who went there
to restore his health. ‘They soon returned, and
in the summer of 1752 Lawrence died, leaving a
large fortune to an infant daughter, who did not
long survive him. On her demise the estate of
Mt. Vernon was given to George.

Upon the arrival of Robert Dinwiddie as Lieu-
tenant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia
was reorganized, and the province divided into
four military districts, of which the northern was
assigned to Washington as Adjutant-General.
Shortly after this a very perilous mission, which
others had refused, was assigned him and ac-
cepted. This was to proceed to the French post
near Lake Erie, in northwestern Pennsylvania.
The distance to be traversed was about six hun-
dred miles. Winter was at hand, and the journey
was to be made without military escort, through
a territory occupied by Indians. The trip was a
perilous one, and several times he nearly lost his
life, but he returned in safety and furnished a full
and useful report of his expedition. A regiment
of three hundred men was raised in Virginia and
put in command of Col. Joshua Fry, and Maj.
Washington was commissioned Lieutenant-Colo-
nel. Active war was then begun against the
French and Indians, in which Washington took
20

a most important part. In the memorable event
of July 9, 1755, known as ‘‘Braddock’s defeat,’’
Washington was almost the only officer of dis-
tinction who escaped from the calamities of the
day with life and honor.

Having been for five years in the military serv-
ice, and having vainly sought promotion in the
royal army, he took advantage of the fall of Ft. Du-
quesne and the expulsion of the French from the
valley of the Ohio to resign his commission. Soon
after he entered the Legislature, where, although
not a leader, he took an active and important
part. January 17, 1759, he married Mrs. Martha
(Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy widow of John
Parke Custis.

When the British Parliament had closed the
port of Boston, the cry went up throughout the
provinces, ‘‘ The cause ot Boston is the cause of
us all!’’? It was then, at the suggestion of Vir-
ginia, that a congress of all the colonies was
called to meet at Philadelphia September 5,
1774, to secure their common liberties, peaceably
if possible. To this congress Col. Washington
was sent asa delegate. On May 10, 1775, the
congress re-assembled, when the hostile inten-
tions of England were plainly apparent. ‘The
battles of Concord and Lexington had been fought,
and among the first acts of this congress was the
election of a commander-in-chief of the Colonial
forces. This high and responsible office was con-
ferred upon Washington, who was still a member
of the congress. He accepted it on June 19, but
upon the express condition that he receive no sal-
ary. He would keep an exact account of ex-
penses, and expect congress to pay them and
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch
to trace the military acts of Washington, to whom
the fortunes and liberties of the people of this
country were so long confided. The war was
conducted by him under every possible disadvan-
tage; and while his forces often met with reverses,
yet he overcame every obstacle, and after seven
years of heroic devotion and matchless skill he
gained liberty for the greatest nation of earth.
On December 23, 1783, Washington, in a parting
address of surpassing beauty, resigned his com-
mission as Commander-in-Chief of the army to the

 

GEORGE WASHINGTON.

Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He
retired immediately to Mt. Vernon and resumed
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning
all connection with public life.

In February, 1789, Washington was unani-
mously elected President, and at the expiration
of his first term he was unanimously re-elected.
At the end of this term many were anxious that he
be re-elected, but he absolutely refused a third
nomination. On March 4, 1797, at the expiration
of his second term as President; he returned to his
home, hoping to pass there his few remaining
years free from the annoyances of public life.
Later in the year, however, his repose seemed
likely to be interrupted by war with France. At
the prospect of such a war he was again urged to
take command of the army, but he chose his sub-
ordinate officers and left them the charge of mat-
ters in the field, which he superintended from his
home. In accepting the command, he made the
reservation that he was not to be in the field until
it was necessary. In the midst of these prepara-
tions his life was suddenly cut off. December 12
he took a severe cold from a ride in the rain,
which, settling in his throat, produced inflamma-
tion, and terminated fatally on the night of the
14th. On the 18th his body was borne with mili-
tary honors to its final resting-place, and interred
in the family vault at Mt. Vernon.

Of the character of Washington it is impossible
to speak but in terms of the highest respect and
admiration. The more we see of the operations
of our government, and the more deeply we feel
the difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common
interest, the more highly we must estimate the
force of his talent and character, which have been
able to challenge the reverence of all parties,
and principles, and nations, and to win a fame as
extended as the limits of the globe, and which we
cannot but believe will be as lasting as the exist-
ence of man.

In person, Washington was unusually tall, erect
and well proportioned, and his muscular strength
was great. His features were of a beausiful sym-
metry. He commanded respect without any ap-
pearance of haughtiness, and was ever serious
without being dull.
 
JOHN ADAMS.

OHN ADAMS, the second President and the
first Vice-President of the United States, was
born in Braintree (now Quincy) Mass., and

about ten miles from Boston, October 19, 1735.
His great-grandfather, Henry Adams, emigrated
from England about 1640, with a family of eight
sons, and settled at Braintree. The parents of
John were John and Susannah (Boylston)
Adams. His father, who was a farmer of limited
means, also engaged in the business of shoe-
making. He gave his eldest son, John, a classical
education at Harvard College. John graduated
in 1755, and at once took charge of the school at
Worcester, Mass. ‘This he found but a ‘‘ school
of affliction,’’ from which he endeavored to gain
relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the
study of law. For this purpose he placed himself
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town.
He had thought seriously of the clerical profes-
sion, but seems to have been turned from this by
what he termed ‘‘ the frightful engines of ecclesi-
astical councils, of diabolical malice, and Calvin-
istic good nature,’’ of the operations of which he
had been a witness in his native town. He was
well fitted for the legal profession, possessing a
clear, sonorous voice, being ready and fluent of
speech, and having quick perceptive powers. He
gradually gained a practice, and in 1764 married
Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, and a
lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his
marriage, in 1765, the attempt at parliamentary
taxation turned him from law to politics. He
took initial steps toward holding a town meeting,
and the resolutions he offered on the subject be-
came very popular throughout the province, and
were adopted word for word by over forty differ-
ent towns. He moved to Boston in 1768, and
became one of the most courageous and promi-
nent advocates of the popular cause, and was
chosen.a member of the General Court (the Leg-
islature) in 1770.

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first dele-

 

gates from Massachusetts to the first Continent-
al Congress, which met in 1774. Here he dis-
tinguished himself by his capacity for business
and for debate, and advocated the movement for
independence against the majority of the mem-
bers. In May, 1776, he moved and carried a res-
olution in Congress that the Colonies should
assume the duties of self-government. He was a
prominent member of the committee of five ap-
pointed June 11 to prepare a declaration of inde-
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson,
but on Adams devolved the task of battling it
through Congress in a three-days debate.

On the day after the Declaration of Independ-
ence was passed, while his soul was yet warm
with the glow of excited feeling, he wrote a letter
to his wife, which, as we read it now, seems to
have been dictated by the spirit of prophecy.
‘“Yesterday,’’ he says, ‘‘the greatest question
was decided that ever was debated in America;
and greater, perhaps, never was or will be de-
cided among men. A resolution was passed
without one dissenting colony, ‘that these United
States are, and of right ought to be, free and in-
dependent states.’ ‘The day is passed. ‘The
Fourth of July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch
in the history of America. I am apt to believe it
will be celebrated by succeeding generations as
the great anniversary festival. It ought to be
commemorated as the day of deliverance by
solemn acts of devotion to Almighty God. It
ought to be solemnized with pomp, shows, games,
sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations
from one end of the continent to the other, from
this time forward forever. You will think me
transported with enthusiasm, but I am not. I
am well aware of the toil and blood and treas-
ure that it will cost to maintain this declaration
and support and defend these States; yet, through
all the gloom, I can see the rays of light and
glory. I can see that the end is worth more than
all the means, and that posterity will triumph,

~
24

although you and I may rue, which I hope we
shall not.’’

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed
a delegate to France, and to co-operate with Ben-
jamin Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then
in Paris, in the endeavor to obtain assistance in
arms and money from the French government.
This was a severe trial to his patriotism, as it
separated him from his home, compelled him to
cross the ocean in winter, and exposed him to
great peril of capture by the British cruisers, who
were seeking him. He left France June 17,
1779. In September of the same year he was
again chosen to go to Paris, and there hold him-
self in readiness to negotiate a treaty of peace and
of commerce with Great Britain, as soon as the
British cabinet might be found willing to listen
to such proposals. He sailed for France in No-
vember, and from there he went to Holland, where
he negotiated important loans and formed im-
portant commercial treaties.

Finally, a treaty of peace with England was
signed, January 21, 1783. There-action from the
excitement, toil and anxiety through which Mr.
Adams had passed threw him into a fever. After
suffering from a continued fever and becoming
feeble and emaciated, he was advised to go to
England to drink the waters of Bath. While in
England, still drooping and desponding, he re-
ceived dispatches from his own government urg-
ing the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health
was delicate, yet he immediately set out, and
through storm, on sea, on horseback and foot, he
made the trip.

February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr.
Adams envoy to the Court of St. James. Here
che met face to face the King of England, who
had so long regarded him asa traitor. As Eng-
land did not condescend to appoint a minister to
the United States, and as Mr. Adams felt that he
was accomplishing but little, he sought permis-
sion to return to his own country, where he ar-
rived in June, 1788.

When Washington was first chosen President,
John Adams, rendered illustrious by his signal
services at home and abroad, was chosen Vice-

 

JOHN ADAMS.

President. Again, at the second election of Wash-
ington as President, Adams was chosen Vice-
President. In 1796, Washington retired from
public life, and Mr. Adams was elected President,
though not without much opposition. Serving
in this office four years, he was succeeded by Mr.
Jefferson, his opponent in politics.

While Mr. Adams was Vice-President the
great French Revolution shook the continent of
Europe, and it was upon this point that he was
at issue with the majority of his countrymen, led
by Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Adams felt no sympathy
with the French people in their struggle, for he
had no confidence in their power of self-govern-
ment, and he utterly abhorred the class of atheist
philosophers who, he claimed, caused it. On the
other hand, Jefferson’s sympathies were strongly
enlisted in behalf of the French people. Hence
originated the alienation between these distin-
tinguished men, and the two powerful parties were
thus soon organized, with Adams at the head of
the one whose sympathies were with England,
and Jefferson leading the other in sympathy with
France.

The Fourth of July, 1826, which completed the
half-century since the signing of the Declaration
of Independence, arrived, and there were but
three of the signers of that immortal instrument
left upon the earth to hail its morning light.
And, as it is well known, on that day two of
these finished their earthly pilgrimage, a coinci-
dence so remarkable as to seem miraculous. For
a few days before Mr. Adams had been rapidly
failing, and on the morning of the Fourth he
found himself too weak to rise from his bed. On
being requested to name a toast for the cus-
tomary celebration of the day, he exclaimed
‘Independence forever!’’ When the day was
ushered in by the ringing of bells and the firing
of cannons, he was asked by one of his attend-
ants if he knew what day it was? He replied,
‘“‘O yes, it is the glorious Fourth of July—God
bless it—God bless you all!’ In the course of
the day he said, ‘‘It is a great and glorious
day.’’ ‘The last words he uttered were, ‘‘ Jeffer-
son survives.’’ But he had, at one o'clock,
resigned his spirit into the hands of his God.
 
THOMAS JEFFERSON.

HOMAS JEFFERSON was born April 2,
1743, at Shadwell, Albemarle County, Va.
His parents were Peter and Jane (Ran-
dolph) Jefferson, the former a native of Wales,
and the latter born in London. ‘To them were
born six daughters and two sons, of whom Thomas
was the elder. When fourteen years of age his
father died. He received a most liberal educa-
tion, having been kept diligently at school from
the time he was five years of age. In 1760 he
entered William and Mary College. Williams-
burg was then the seat of the Colonial court, and
it was the abode of fashionand splendor. Young
Jefferson, who was then seventeen years old, lived
somewhat expensively, keeping fine horses, and
going much into gay society; yet he was ear-
nestly devoted to his studies, and irreproachable in
hi$ morals. In the second year of his college
course, moved by some unexplained impulse, he
discarded his old companions and pursuits, and
often devoted fifteen hours a day to hard study.
He thus attained very high intellectual culture,
and a like excellence in philosophy and the lan-
guages.

Immediately upon leaving college he began the
study of law. For the short time he continued
in the practice of his profession he rose rapidly,
and distinguished himself by his energy and
acuteness as a lawyer. But the times called for
greater action. The policy of England had awak-
ened the spirit of resistance in the American Col-
onies, and the enlarged views which Jefferson had
ever entertained soon led him into active politi-
cal life. In 1769 he was chosen a member of the
Virginia House of Burgesses. In 1772 he mar-

 

ried Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beautiful,
wealthy, and highly accomplished young widow.

In 1775 he was sent to the Colonial Congress,
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he
was placed upon a number of important com-
mittees, and was chairman of the one appointed
for the drawing up of a declaration of independ-
ence. This committee consisted of Thomas Jef-
ferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger
Sherman and Robert R. Livingston. Jefferson,
as chairman, was appointed to draw up the paper.
Franklin and Adams suggested a few verbal
changes before it was submitted to Congress. On
June 28, a few slight changes were made in it by
Congress, and it was passed and signed July 4,
1776.

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to
Patrick Henry as Governor of Virginia. At one
time the British officer Tarleton sent a secret
expedition to Monticello to capture the Governor.
Scarcely five minutes elapsed after the hurried
escape of Mr. Jefferson and his family ere his
mansion was in possession of the British troops.
His wife’s health, never very good, was much
injured by this excitement, and in the summer
of 1782 she died.

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783.
Two years later he was appointed Minister Pleni-
potentiary to France. Returning to the United
States in September, 1789, he became Secretary
of State in Washington’s cabinet. This position
he resigned January 1, 1794. In1797, he was
chosen Vice-President, and four years later was
elected President over Mr. Adams, with Aaron
28 THOMAS JEFFERSON.

Burr as Vice-President. In 1804 he was re-
elected with wonderful unanimity, George Clin-
ton being elected Vice-President.

The early part of Mr. Jefferson’s second ad-
ministration was disturbed by an event which
threatened the tranquillity and peace of the Union;
this was the conspiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated
in the late election to the Vice-Presidency, and
led on by an unprincipled ambition, this extraor-
dinary man formed the plan of a military ex-
pedition into the Spanish territories on our south-
western frontier, for the purpose of forming there
a new republic. This was generally stuipposed
to have been a mere pretext; and although it has
not been generally known what his real plans
were, there is no doubt that they were of a far
more dangerous character.

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term
for which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he de-
termined to retire from politicallife. Fora period
of nearly forty years he had been continually be-
fore the public, and all that time had been em-
ployed in offices of the greatest trust and respon-
sibility. Having thus devoted the best part of
his life to the service of his country, he now felt
desirous of that rest which his declining years re-
quired, and upon the organization of the new ad-
ministration, in March, 1809, he bade farewell for-
ever to public life and retired to Monticello, his
famous country home, which, next to Mt. Vernon,
was the most distinguished residence in the land.

The Fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth an-
niversary of the Declaration of American Inde-
pendence, great preparations were made in every
part of the Union for its celebration as the nation’s
jubilee, and the citizens of Washington, to add to
the solemnity of the occasion, invited Mr. Jeffer-
son, as the framer and one of the few surviving
signers of the Declaration, to participate in their
festivities. But an illness, which had been of
several weeks’ duration and had been continually
increasing, compelled him to decline the invita-
tion.

On the 2d of July the disease under which he
was laboring left him, but in such a reduced
state that his medical attendants entertained no
hope of his, recovery. -From this time he was

 

perfectly sensible that his last hour was at hand.
On the next day, which was Monday, he asked
of those around him the day of the month, and
on being told it was the 3d of July, he ex-
pressed the earnest wish that he might be per-
mitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth anniver-
sary. His prayer was heard—that day whose
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our
land burst upon his eyes, and then they were
closed forever. And what a noble consummation
of a noble life! to die on that day—the birth-
day of a nation—the day which his own name
and his own act had rendered glorious, to die
amidst the rejoicings and festivities of a whole
nation, who looked up to him as the author, un-
der God, of their greatest blessings, was all that
was wanting to fill up the record of his life.

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin-
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors.
Hand in hand they had stood forth, the cham-
pions of freedom; hand in hand, during the dark
and desperate struggle of the Revolution, they
had cheered and animated their desponding coun-
trymen; for half a century they had labored to-
gether for the good of the country, and now hand
in hand they departed. In their lives they had
been united in the same great cause of liberty,
and in their deaths they were not divided.

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes
were light, his hair, originally red, in after life be-
came white and silvery, his complexion was fair,
his forehead broad, and his whole countenance
intelligent and thoughtful. He possessed great
fortitude of mind as well as personal courage, and
his command of temper was such that his oldest
and most intimate friends never recollected to
have seen himinapassion. His manners, though
dignified, were simple and unaffected, and his
hospitality was so unbounded that all found at
his house a ready welcome. In conversation he
was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic, and his
language was remarkably pure and correct. He
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writ-
ings is discernible the care with which he formed
his style upon the best models of antiquity.
 
JAMES MADISON.

AMES MADISON, ‘‘Father of the Consti-
tution,’’ and fourth President of the United
States, was born March 16, 1757, and died

at his home in Virginia June 28, 1836. The
name of James Madison isinseparably connected
with most of the important events in that heroic
period of our country during which the founda-
tions of this great republic were laid. He was
the last of the founders of the Constitution of the
United States to be called to his eternal reward.

The Madison family were among the early emi-
grants to the New World, landing upon the shores
of the Chesapeake but fifteen years after the settle-
ment ofJamestown. The father of James Madison
was an opulent planter, residing upon a very fine
estate called Montpelier, in Orange County, Va.
It was but twenty-five miles from the home of Jef-
ferson at Monticello, and the closest personal and
political attachment existed between these illustri-
ous men from their early youth until death.

The early education of Mr. Madison was con-
ducted mostly at home under a private tutor. At
the age of eighteen he was sent to Princeton Col-
lege, in New Jersey. Here he applied himselfto
study with the most imprudent zeal, allowing him-
self for months but three hours’ sleep out of the
twenty-four. His health thus became so seriously
impaired that he never recovered any vigor of
constitution. He graduated in 1771, with a feeble
body, but with a character of utmost purity, and
a mind highly disciplined and richly stored with
learning, which embellished and gave efficiency
to his subsequent career.

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study
of law and a course of extensive and systematic
reading. ‘This educational course, the spirit of
the times in which he lived, and the society with
which he associated, all combined to inspire him
with a strong love of liberty, and to train him for
his life-work as a statesman.

In the spring of 1776, when twenty-six years of

 

age, he was elected a member of the Virginia Con-
vention to frame the constitution of the State. The

‘next year (1777), he wasa candidate for the Gen-

eral Assembly. He refused to treat the whisky-lov-
ing voters, and consequently lost his election; but
those who had witnessed the talent, energy and
public spirit of the modest young man enlisted
themselves in his behalf, and he was appointed to
the Executive Council.

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison re-
mained member of the Council, and their apprecia-
tion of his intellectual, social and moral worth
contributed not a little to his subsequent eminence.
In the year 1780 he was elected a member of the
Continental Congress. Here he met the most il-
lustrious men in our land, and he was immediately
assigned to one of the most conspicuous positions
among them. For three years he continued in Con-
gress, one of its most active and influential mem-
bers. In 1784, his term having expired, he was
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. -

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no
national government, and no power to form trea-
ties which would be binding, or to enforce law.
There was not any State more prominent than
Virginia in the declaration that an efficient na-
tional government must be formed. In January,
1786, Mr. Madison carried a resolution through
the General Assembly of Virginia, inviting the
other States to appoint commiissioners to meet in
convention at Annapolis to discuss this subject.
Five States only were represented. The conven-
tion, however, issued another call, drawn up by
Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their
delegates to Philadelphia in May, 1787, to draft
a Constitution for the United States, to take the
place of the Confederate League. ‘The delegates
met at the time appointed. Every State but
Rhode Island was represented. George Washing-
32

ton was chosen president of the convention, and the
present Constitution of the United States was then
and there formed. ‘There was, perhaps, no mind
and ho pen more active in framing this immortal
document than the mind and the pen of James
Madison.

The Constitution, adopted by a vote of eighty-one
to seventy-nine, was to be presented to the several
States for acceptance. But grave solicitude was
felt. Should it be rejected, we should be left but a
conglomeration of independent States, with but
little power at home and littlerespect abroad. Mr.
Madison was elected by the convention to draw up
an address to the people of the United States, ex-
pounding the principles of the Constitution, and
urging its adoption. There was great opposition
to it at first, but at length it triumphed over all,
and went into effect in 1789.

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre-
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon became
the avowed leader of the Republican party. While
in New York attending Congress, he met Mrs.
Todd, a young widow of remarkable power of fas-
cination, whom he married. She was in person
and character queenly, and probaby no lady has
thus far occupied so prominent a position in the
very peculiar society which has constituted our
republican court as did Mrs. Madison.

Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration
was chosen President. At this time the encroach-
ments of England had brought us to the verge of
war. British orders in council destroyed our com-
merce, and our flag was exposed to constant insult.
Mr. Madison was a man of peace. Scholarly in
his taste, retiring in his disposition, war had no
charms for him. But the meekest spirit can be
roused. It makes one’s blood boil, even now, to
think of an American ship brought to upon the
ocean by the guns of an English cruiser. A
young lieutenant steps on board and orders the
crew to be paraded before him. With great non-
chalance he selects any number whom he may
please to designate as British subjects, orders them
down the ship’s side into his boat, and places them
on the gundeck of his man-of-war, to fight, by

compulsion, the battles of England. This right

4

 

JAMES MADISON.

of search and impressment no efforts of our Gov-
ernment could induce the British cabinet to re-
linquish.

On the 18th of June, 1812, President Madison
gave his approval to an act of Congress declaring
war against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the
bitter hostility of the Federal party to the war, the
country in general approved; and Mr. Madison,
on the 4th of March, 1813, was re-elected by a
large majority, and entered upon his second term
of office. This is not-the place to describe the
various adventures of this war on the land and on
the water. Our infant navy then laid the found-
ations of its renown in grappling with the most
formidable power which ever swept the seas. The
contest commenced in earnest by the appearance
of a British fleet, early in February, 1813, in
Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole coast
of the United States under blockade.

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as
mediator. America accepted; England refused.
A British force of five thousand men landed on the
banks of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into
Chesapeake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of
Bladensburg, upon Washington.

The straggling little city of Washington was
thrown into consternation. The cannon of the
brief conflict at Bladensburg echoed through the
streets of the metropolis. ‘The whole population
fled from the city. The President, leaving Mrs.
Madison in the White House, with her carriage
drawn up at the door to await his speedy return,
hurried to meet the officers in a council of war.
He met our troops utterly routed, and he could not
go back without danger of being captured. But
few hours elapsed ere the Presidential Mansion,
the Capitol, and all the public buildings in Wash-
ington were in flames.

The war closed after two years of fighting, and
on February 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was
signed at Ghent. On the 4th of March, 1817, his
second term of office expired, and he resigned the
Presidential chair to his friend, James Monroe.
He retired to his beautiful home at Montpelier, and
there passed the remainder of his days. On June
28, 1836, at the age of eighty-five years, he fell
asleep indeath. Mrs, Madison died July 12, 1849.
 
JAMES MONROE.

AMES MONROE, the fifth President of the
United States, was born in Westmoreland
County, Va., April 28, 1758. His early life

was passed at the place of his nativity. His an-
cestors had for many years resided in the province
in which he was born. When he was seventeen
years old, and in process of completing his educa-
tion at William and Mary College, the Colonial
Congress, assembled at Philadelphia to deliberate
upon the unjust and manifold oppressions of Great
Britain, declared the separation of the Colonies,
and promulgated the Declaration of Independence.
Had he been born ten years before, it is highly
probable that he would have been one of the
signers of that celebrated instrument. At this
time he left school and enlisted among the pa-
triots. ’

He joined the army when everything looked
hopeless and gloomy. ‘The number of deserters
increased from day to day. ‘The invading armies
came pouring in, and the Tories not only favored
the cause of the mother country, but disheartened
the new recruits, who were sufficiently terrified
at the prospect of contending with an enemy
whom they had been taught to deem invincible.
To such brave spirits as James Monroe, who went
right onward undismayed through difficulty and
danger, the United States owe their political
emancipation. The young cadet joined the ranks
and espoused the cause of his injured country,
with a firm determination to live or die in her
strife for liberty. Firmly, yet sadly, hesharedin
the melancholy retreat from Harlem Heights
and White Plains, and accompanied the dispirited
army as it fled before its foes through New Jersey.
In four months after the Declaration of Inde-
pendence, the patriots had been beaten in seven
battles. At the battle of Trenton he led the van-
guard, and in the actof charging upon the enemy
he received a wound in the left shoulder.

 

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was
promoted to be captain ofinfantry, and, having re-
covered from his wounds, he rejoined the army.
He, however, receded from the line of promotion
by becoming an officer on the staff of Lord Ster-
ling. During the campaigns of 1777 and 1778, .
in the actions of Brandywine, Germantown and
Monmouth, he continued aide-de-camp; but be-
coming desirous to regain his position in the
army, he exerted himself to collect a regiment for
the Virginia line. This scheme failed, owing to
the exhausted condition of the State. Upon this
failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at
that period Governor, and pursued with consid-
erable ardor the study of common law. He did
not, however, entirely lay aside the knapsack for
the green bag, but on the invasion of the enemy
served as a volunteer during the two years of his
legal pursuits.

In 1782 he was elected from King George
County a member of the Legislature of Virginia,
and by that body he was elevated to a seat in the
Executive Council. He was thus honored with
the confidence of his fellow-citizens at twenty-
three years of age, and having at this early period
displayed some of that ability and aptitude for
legislation which were afterward employed with
unremitting energy for the public good, he was
in the succeeding year chosen a member of the
Congress of the United States.

Deeply as Mr. Monroe felt the imperfections of
the old Confederacy, he was opposed to the new
Constitution, thinking, with many others of the
Republican party, that it gave too much power to
the Central Government, and not enough to the
individual States. Still he retained the esteem
of his friends who were its warm supporters, and
who, notwithstanding his opposition, secured its
adoption. In 1789 he became a member of the
United States Senate, which office he held for
36

four years. Every month the line of distinction
between the two great parties which divided the
nation, the Federal and the Republican, was
growing more distinct. The differences which
now separated them lay in the fact that the Repub-
lican party was in sympathy with France, and
also in favor of such a strict construction of the
Constitution as to give the Central Government as
little power, and the State Governments as much
power, as the Constitution would warrant; while
the Federalists sympathized with England, and
were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con-
stitution, which would give as much power to the
Central Government as that document could pos-
sibly authorize.

Washington was then President. England had
espoused the cause of the Bourbons against the
principles of the French Revolution. All Europe
was drawn into the conflict. We were feeble and
far away. Washington issued a proclamation of
neutrality between these contending powers.
France had helped us in the struggles for our
liberties. All the despotisms of Europe were now
combined to prevent the French from escaping
from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse than that
which we hadendured. Col. Monroe, more mag-
nanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at
whatever hazard, we should help our old allies in
their extremity. It was the impulse of a gener-
ous and noble nature, and Washington, who could
appreciate such a character, showed his calm, se-
rene, almost divine, greatness, by appointing that
very James Monroe who was denouncing the pol-
icy of the Government, as the minister of that
Government to the Republic of France. Mr.
Monroe was welcomed by the National Conven-
tion in France with the most enthusiastic dem-
onstration.

Shortly after his return to this country, Mr.
Monroe was elected Governor of Virginia, and
held the office for three years. He was again
sent to France to co-operate with Chancellor Liv-
ingston in obtaining the vast territory then known
as the province of Louisiana, which France had
but shortly before obtained from Spain. ‘Their
united efforts were successful. For the compara-
tively small sum of fifteen millions of dollars, the

 

 

JAMES MONROE.

entire territory of Orleans and district of Loui-
siana were added to the United States. This was
probably the largest transfer of real estate which
was ever made in all the history of the world.
From France Mr. Monroe went to England to
obtain from that country some recognition of our
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against
those odious impressments of our seamen. But
England was unrelenting. He again returned to
England on the same mission, but could receive
no redress. He returned to his home and was
again chosen Governor of Virginia.’ This he soon
resigned to accept the position of Secretary of
State under Madison. While in this office war
with England was declared, the Secretary of War
resigned, and during these trying times the
duties of the War Department were also put upon
him. He was truly the armor-bearer of President
Madison, and the most efficient business man in
his cabinet. Upon the return of peace he re-
signed the Department of War, but continued in
the office of Secretary of State until the expira-
tion of Mr. Madison’s administration. At the
election held the previous autumn, Mr. Monroe
himself had been chosen President with but little
opposition, and upon March 4, 1817, he was in-
augurated. Four years later he was elected for
a second term.
Among the important measures of his Presi-
dency were the cession of Florida to the United
States, the Missouri Compromise, and the famois
‘Monroe doctrine.’’ This doctrine was enun-
ciated by him in 1823, and was as follows: ‘‘ That
we should consider any attempt on the’'part of
European powers to extend their system to any
portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our
peace and safety,’’ and that ‘‘ we could not view
any interposition for the purpose of oppressing or
controlling American governments or provinces
in any other light than as a manifestation by
European powers of an unfriendly disposition
toward the United States.’’
At the end of his second term, Mr. Monroe re-
tired to his home in Virginia, where he lived un-
til 1830, when he went to New Vork to live with

his son-in-law. In that city he died, on the 4th
of July, 1831.
 

J, 2, Alams
JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the sixth President
of the United States, was born in the rural
home of his honored father, John Adams, in

Quincy, Mass., on the 11th of July, 1767. His
mother, a woman of exalted worth, watched over
his childhood during the almost constant ab-
sence of his father. When but eight years of
age, he stood with his mother on an eminence,
listening to the booming of the great battle on
Bunker’s Hill, and gazing out upon the smoke
and flames billowing up from the conflagration of
Charlestown.

When but eleven years old he took a tearful
adieu of his mother, to sail with his father for Eu-
rope, through a fleet of hostile British cruisers.
The bright, animated boy spent a year and a-half
in Paris, where his father was associated with
Franklin and Lee as Minister Plenipotentiary.
His intelligence attracted the notice of these dis-
tinguished men, and he received from them flat-
tering marks of attention.

John Adams had scarcely returned to this
country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad.
Again John Quincy accompanied his father. At
Paris he applied himself to study with great dil-
igence for six months, and then accompanied his
father to Holland, where he entered first a school
in Amsterdam, then the University at Leyden.
About a year from this time, in 1781, when the
manly boy was but fourteen years of age, he was
selected by Mr. Dana, our Minister to the Rus-
sian court, as his private secretary.

In this school of incessant labor and of ennobl-
ing culture he spent fourteen months, and then
returned to Holland, through Sweden, Denmark,
Hamburg and Bremen. This long journey he
took alone in the winter, when in his sixteenth
year. Again he resumed his studies, under a pri-
vate tutor, at The Hague. Then, in the spring of
1782, he accompanied his father to Paris, travel-
ing leisurely, and forming acquaintances with the
most distinguished men on the continent, examin-

 

ing architectural remains, galleries of paintings,
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he
again became associated with the most illustrious
men of all lands in the contemplation of the
loftiest temporal themes which can engross the
human mind. After a short visit to England he
returned to Paris, and consecrated all his energies
to study until May, 1785, when he returned to
America to finish his education.

Upon leaving Harvard College at the age of
twenty, he studied law for three years. In June,
1794, being then but twenty-seven years of age,
he was appointed by Washington Resident Min-
ister at the Netherlands. Sailing from Boston in
July, he reached London in October, where he
was immediately admitted to the deliberations of
Messrs. Jay & Pinckney, assisting them in nego-
tiating a commercial treaty with Great Britain.
After thus spending a fortnight in London, he
proceeded to The Hague.

In July, 1797, he left The Hague to go to Por-
tugal as Minister Plenipotentiary. On his way ta
Portugal, upon arriving in London, he met with
despatches directing him to the court of Berlin, but
requesting him to remain in London until he
should receive his instructions. While waiting
he was married to an American lady, to whom he
had been previousl:7 engaged—Miss Louisa Cath-
erine Johnson, a daughter of Joshua Johnson,
American Consul in London, and a lady en-
dowed with that beauty and those accomplish-
ments which eminently fitted her to move in the
elevated sphere for which she was destined. He
reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797,
where he remained until July, 1799, when, hav-
ing fulfilled all the purposes of his mission, he so.
licited his recall.

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen
to the Senate of Massachusetts from Boston, and
then was elected Senator of the United States for
six years, from the 4th of March, 1804. His rep-
utation, his ability and his experience placed
40
him immediately among the most prominent and
influential members of that body.

In 1809, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the
Presidential chair, and he immediately nominated
John Quincy Adams Minister to St. Petersburgh.
Resigning his professorship in Harvard Col-
lege, he embarked at Boston in August, 1809.

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense
student. He devoted his attention to the lan-
guage and history of Russia; to the Chinese trade;
to the European system of weights, measures and
coins; to the climate and astronomical observa-
tions; while he kept up a familiar acquaintance
with the Greek and Latin classics. In all the
universities of Europe, a more accomplished
scholar could scarcely be found. All through
life the Bible constituted an important part of his
studies. It was his rule to read five chapters
every day.

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took
the Presidential chair, and immediately appointed
Mr. Adams Secretary of State. ‘Taking leave of
his numerous friends in public and private life in
Europe, he sailed in June, 1819, for the United
States. On the 18th of August, he again crossed
the threshold of his home in Quincy. During the
eight years of Mr. Monroe’s administration, Mr.
Adams continued Secretary of State.

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's
second term of office, new candidates began to be
presented for the Presidency. The friends of Mr.
Adams brought forward his name. It was an
exciting campaign, and party spirit was never
more bitter. T’wo hundred and sixty electoral
votes werecast. Andrew Jackson received ninety-
nine; John Quincy Adams eighty-four; William
H. Crawford forty-one; and Henry Clay thirty-
seven. As there was no choice by the people,
the question went to the House of Representa-
tives. Mr. Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to
Mr. Adams, and he was elected.

The friends of all the disappointed candidates
now combined in a venomous and persistent as-
sault upon Mr. Adams. There is nothing more
disgraceful in the past history of our country than
the abuse which was poured in one uninterrupted
stream upon this high-minded, upright and pa-

 

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS.

triotic man. ‘There never was an administration
more pure in principles, more conscientiously de-
voted to the best interests of the country, than
that of John Quincy Adams; and never, perhaps,
was there an administration more unscrupulously
and outrageously assailed.

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired

from the Presidency, and was succeeded by An-
drew Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected
Vice-President. ‘The slavery question now be-
gan to assume portentous magnitude. Mr. Adams
returned to Quincy and to his studies, which he
pursued with unabated zeal. But he was not
long permitted to remain in retirement. In No-
vember, 1830, he was elected Representative in
Congress. For seventeen years, or until his death,
he occupied the post as Representative, towering
above all his peers, ever ready to do brave battle
for freedom, and winning the title of ‘‘the Old
Man Eloquent.’? Upon taking his seat in the
House, he announced that he should hold him-
self bound to no party. Probably there never
was a member more devoted to his duties. He
was usually the first in his place in the morning,
and the last to leave his seat in the evening.
Not a measure could be brought forward and es-
cape his scrutiny. ‘The battle which Mr. Adams
fought, almost singly, against the pro-slavery
party in the Government was sublime in its
moral daring and heroism. For persisting in
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery,
he was threatened with indictment by the grand:
jury, with expulsion from the House, with assas-
sination; but no threats couldintimidate him, and
his final triumph was complete.

On the 21st of February, 1848, he rose on the
floor of Congress with a paper in his hand, to
address the speaker. Suddenly he fell, again
stricken by paralysis, and was caught in the arms
of those around him. For a time he was sense-
less, as he was conveyed to the sofa in the ro-
tunda. With reviving consciousness, he opened
his eyes, looked calmly around and said ‘‘ This
is the end of earth;’’ then after a moment’s pause
he added, ‘‘I amcontent.’’ These were the last
words of the grand ‘‘Old Man Eloquent.’
 

 
ANDREW JACKSON.

NDREW JACKSON, the seventh President
of the United States, was born in Waxhaw
settlement, N. C., March 15, 1767, a few

days after his father’s death. His parents were
poor emigrants from Ireland, and took up their
abode in Waxhaw settlement, where they lived
in deepest poverty.

Andrew, or Andy, as he was universally called,
grew up a very rough, rude, turbulent boy. His
features were coarse, his form ungainly, and there
was but very little in his character made visible
which was attractive.

When only thirteen years old he joined the
volunteers of Carolina against the British invasion.
In 1781, he and his brother Robert were captured
and imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British
officer ordered him to brush his mud-spattered
boots. ‘‘I am a prisoner of war, not your serv-
ant,’’ was the reply of the dauntless boy.

Andrew supported himselfin various ways, such
as working at the saddler’s trade, teaching school,
and clerking in a general store, until 1784, when
he entered a law office at Salisbury, N.C. He,
however, gave more attention to the wild amuse-
ments of the times than to his studies. In 1788,
he was appointed solicitor for the Western District
of North Carolina, of which Tennessee was then
apart. This involved many long journeys amid
dangers ofevery kind, but Andrew Jackson never
knew fear, and the Indians had no desire to re-
peat a skirmish with ‘‘Sharp Knife.’’

In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman
who supposed herself divorced from her former
husband. Great was the surprise of both parties,
two years later, to find that the conditions of the
divorce had just been definitely settled by the
first husband. ‘The marriage ceremony was per-
formed a second time, but the occurrence was
often used by his enemies to bring Mr. Jackson
into disfavor.

 

In January, 1796, the Territory of Tennessee
then containing nearly eighty thousand inhabi-
tants, the people met in convention at Knoxville
to frame a constitution. Five were sent from
each of the eleven counties. Andrew Jackson
was one of the delegates. The new State was
entitled to but one member in the National House
of Representatives. Andrew Jackson was chosen
that member. Mounting his horse, he rode to
Philadelphia, where Congress then held its ses-
sions, a distance of about eight hundred miles.

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo-
cratic party, and Jefferson was his idol. He ad-
mired Bonaparte, loved France, and hated Eng-
land. As Mr. Jackson took his seat, Gen. Wash-
ington, whose second term of office was then
expiring, delivered his last speech to Congress.
A committee drew up a complimentary address in
reply. Andrew Jackson did not approve of the
address, and was one of the twelve who voted
against it. He was not willing to say that Gen.
Washington’s administration had been ‘‘wise,
firm and patriotic.”

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned
home. Soon after he was chosen Judge of the
Supreme Court of his State, which position he
held for six years.

When the War of 1812 with Great Britain com-
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair.
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there
was an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jack-
son, who would do credit to a commission if one
were conferred upon him. Just at that time Gen.
Jackson offered his services and those of twenty-
five hundred volunteers. His offer was accepted,
and the troops were assembled at Nashville.

As the British were hourly expected to make
an attack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wil-
kinson was in command, he was ordered to de-
ANDREW JACKSON.

44

—_—_

scend the river with fifteen hundred troops to aid
Wilkinson. The expedition reached Natchez,
and after a delay of several weeks there without
accomplishing anything, the men were ordered
back to their homes. But the energy Gen. Jack-
son had displayed, and his entire devotion to the
comfort of his soldiers, won for him golden opin-
ions, and he became the most popular man in the
State. It was in this expedition that his tough-
ness gave him the nickname of “Old Hickory.”’

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip
Col. Thomas Benton for aremark that gentleman
made about his taking part as second in a duel
in which a younger brother of Benton’s was en-
gaged, he received two severe pistol wounds,
While he was lingering upon a bed of suffering,
news came that the Indians, who had combined
under Tecumseh from Florida to the Lakes to ex-
terminate the white settlers, were committing the
most awful ravages. Decisive action became nec-
essary. Gen. Jackson, with his fractured bone
just beginning to heal, his arm in a sling, and
unable to mount his horse without assistance,
gave his amazing energies to the raising of an
army to rendezvous at Fayettesville, Ala.

The Creek Indians had established a strong
fort on one of the bends of the Tallapoosa River,
near the center of Alabama, about fifty miles be-
low Ft. Strother. With an army of two thousand
men, Gen. Jackson traversed the pathless wilder-
ness in a march of elevendays. He reached their
fort, called Tohopeka or Horse-shoe, on the 27th
of March, 1814. ‘The bend of the river enclosed
nearly one hundred acres of tangled forest and
wild ravine. Across the narrow neck the Indians
had constructed a formidable breastwork of logs
and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, with
an ample supply of arms, were assembled.

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly
desperate. Not an Indian would accept quarter.
When bleeding and dying, they would fight those
who endeavored to spare their lives. From ten
in the morning until dark the battleraged. ‘The
carnage was awful and revolting. Some threw
themselves into the river; but the unerring bul-
lets struck their heads as they swam. Nearly
every one of the nine hundred warriors was

 

killed. A few, probably, in the night swam
the river and escaped. ‘This ended the war,

This closing of the Creek War enabled us to
concentrate all our militia upon the British, who
were the allies of the Indians. No man of less
resolute will than Gen. Jackson could have con-
ducted this Indian campaign to so successful an

issue. Immediately he was appointed Major-

General.
Late in August, with an army of two thousand

men on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson went to
Mobile. A British fleet went from Pensacola,
landed a force upon the beach, anchored near the
little fort, and from both ship and shore com-
menced a furious assault. The battle was long
and doubtful. At length one of the ships was
blown up and the rest retired.

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his
little army, he moved his troops to New Orleans,
and the battle of New Orleans, which soon ensued,
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This
won for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name.
Here his troops, which numbered about four
thousand men, won a signal victory over the

British army of about nine thousand. His loss

was but thirteen, while the loss of the British was
twenty-six hundred.

The name of Gen. Jackson soon began to be
mentioned in connection with the Presidency,
but in 1824 he was defeated by Mr. Adams.
He was, however, successful in the election of
1828, and was re-elected for a second term in
1832. In 1829, just before he assumed the reins
of government, he met with the most terrible
affliction of his life in the death of his wife, whom
he had Joved with a devotion which has perhaps
never been surpassed. From the shock of her
death he never recovered,

His administration was one of the most mem-
orable in the annals of our country—applauded
by one party, condemned by the other. No man
had more bitter enemies or warmer friends. At
the expiration of his two terms of office he retired
to the Hermitage, where he died June 8, 1845. The
last years of Mr. Jackson’s life were those of a de-
voted Christian man,
 
MARTIN VAN BUREN.

ARTIN VAN BUREN, the eighth Presi-
dent of the United States, was born at Kin-
derhook, N. Y., December 5, 1782. He

died at the same place, July 24, 1862. His body
rests in the cemetery at Kinderhook. Above itis
a plain granite shaft, fifteen feet high, bearing a
simple inscription about half-way up on one face.
The lot is unfenced, unbordered or unbounded
by shrub or flower.

There is but little in the life of Martin Van
Buren of romantic interest. He fought no battles,
engaged in no wild adventures. Though his life
was stormy in political and intellectual conflicts,
and he gained many signal victories, his days
passed uneventful in those incidents which give
zest to biography. His ancestors, as his name indi-
cates, were of Dutch origin, and were among the
earliest emigrants from Holland to the banks of
the Hudson. His father was a farmer, residing
in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, also
of Dutch lineage, was a woman of superior intel-
ligence and exemplary piety.

He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing
unusual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At
the age of fourteen, he had finished his academic
studies in his native village, and commenced the
study of law. As he had not a collegiate educa-
tion, seven years of study in a law-office were re-
quired of him before he could be admitted to the
Bar. Inspired with a lofty ambition, and con-
scious of his powers; he pursued his studies with
indefatigable industry. After spending six years
in an office in his native village, he went to the city
of New York, and prosecuted his studies for the
seventh year.

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years

 

of age, commenced the practice of law in his na-
tive village. The great conflict between the Federal
and Republican parties was then at its height.
Mr. Van Buren was from the beginning a politi-
cian. He had, perhaps, imbibed that spirit while
listening to the many discussions which had been
carried on in his father’s hotel. He was in cordial
sympathy with Jefferson, and earnestly and elo-
quently espoused the cause of State Rights, though
at that time the Federal party held the supremacy
both iv his town and State.

His success and increasing reputation led him
after six years of practice to remove to Hudson,
the county seat of his county. Here he spent
seven years, constantly gaining strength by con-
tending in the courts with some of the ablest men
who have adorned the Bar of his State.

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr.
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short
years she sank into the grave, a victim of con-
sumption, leaving her husband and four sons to
weep over her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr.
Van Buren was an earnest, successful, assiduous
lawyer. ‘The record of those years is barren in
items of public interest. In 1812, when thirty
years of age, he was chosen to the State Senate,
and gave his strenuous support to Mr. Madison’s
administration. In 1815, he was appointed At-
torney-General, and the next year moved to Al-
bany, the capital of the State.

While he was acknowledged as one of the most
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had
the moral courage to avow that true democracy did
not require that ‘‘universal suffrage’’ which admits
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right
48

of governing the State. In true consistency with
his democratic principles, he contended that, while
the path leading to the privilege of voting should
be open to every man without distinction, no one
should be invested with that sacred prerogative
unless he were in some degree qualified for it by
intelligence, virtue, and some property interests in
the welfare of the State.

In 1821 he was elected a member of the United
States Senate, and in the same year he took a
seat in the convention to revise the Constitution of
his native State. His course in this convention
secured the approval of men of all parties. No
one could doubt the singleness of his endeavors to
promote the interests of all classes in the com-
munity. In the Senate of the United States, he
rose at once to a conspicuous position as an active
and useful legislator. ©

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected
to the Senate. He had been from the beginning
a determined opposer of the administration, adopt-
ing the ‘‘State Rights’’ view in opposition to what
was deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams.

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governor
of the State of New York, and accordingly resigned
his seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the
United States contributed so much towards eject-
ing John Q. Adams from the Presidential chair,
and placing in it Andrew Jackson, as did Martin
Van Buren. Whether entitled to the reputation
or not, he certainly was regarded throughout the
United States as one of the most skillful, sagacious
and cunning of politicians. It was supposed that
no one knew so well as he how to touch the secret
springs of action, how to pull all the wires to
put his machinery in motion, and how to organize
a political army which would secretly and stealth-
ily accomplish the most gigantic results. By these
powers it is said that he outwitted Mr. Adams, Mr.
Clay, and Mr. Webster, and secured results which
‘ew then thought could be accomplished.

When Andrew Jackson was elected President
he appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State.
This position he resigned in 1831, and was im-
mediately appointed Minister to England, where
he went the same autumn, TheSenate, however,

 

MARTIN VAN BUREN.

when it met, refused to ratify the nomination, and
he returned home, apparently untroubled. Later
he was nominated Vice-President in the place of
Calhoun, at the re-election of President Jackson,
and with smiles for all and frowns for none, he
took his place at the head of that Senate which had
refused to confirm his nomination as ambassador.
His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal
of President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated
favorite; and this, probably, more than any other
cause secured his elevation to the chair of the
Chief Executive. On the 2oth of May, 1836, Mr.
Van Buren received the Democratic nomination
to succeed Gen. Jackson as President of the United
States. He was elected by a handsome majority,
to the delight of the retiring President. ‘‘Leaving

“New York out of the canvass,’’ says Mr. Parton,

“the election of Mr. Van Buren to the Presidency
was as much the act of Gen. Jackson as though
the Constitution had conferred upon him the power
to appoint a successor.”’

His administration was filled with exciting
events. The insurrection in Canada, which
threatened to involve this country in war with
England, the agitation of the slavery question,
and finally the great commercial panic which
spread over the country, all were trials of his wis-
dom. ‘he financial distress was attributed to
the management of the Democratic party, and
brought the President into such disfavor that he
failed of re-election, and on the 4th of March,
1841, he retired from the presidency.

With the exception of being nominated for the
Presidency by the ‘‘Free Soil’? Democrats in 1848,
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until
his death. He had ever been a prudent man, of
frugal habits, and, living within his income, had
now fortunately a competence for his declining
years. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, he
still exerted a powerful influence upon the politics
of the country. From this time until his death,
on the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty
years, he resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of
leisure, of culture and wealth, enjoying in a
healthy old age probably far more happiness than
he had before experienced amid the stormy scenes
of his active life.
 
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

ILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, the ninth
President of the United States, was born
at Berkeley, Va., February 9, 1773. His

father, Benjamin Harrison, was in comparatively
opulent circumstances, and was one of the most
distinguished men of his day. He was an inti-
mate friend of George Washington, was early
elected a member of the Continental Congress,
and was conspicuous among the patriots of Vir-
ginia in resisting the encroachments of the British
crown. In the celebrated Congress of 1775, Ben-
jamin Harrison and John Hancock were both
candidates for the office of Speaker.

Mr. Harrison was subsequently chosen Gov-
ernor of Virginia, and was twice re-elected. His
son William Henry, of course, enjoyed in child-
hood all the advantages which wealth and intel-
lectual and cultivated society could give. Hav-
ing received a thorough. common-school educa-
tion, he entered Hampden Sidney College, where
he graduated with honor soon after the death of
his father. He then repaired to Philadelphia to
study medicine under the instructions of Dr. Rush
and the guardianship of Robert Morris, both of
whom were, with his father, signers of the Dec-
laration of Independence.

Upon the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and
notwithstanding the remonstrances of his friends,
he abandoned his medical studies and entered the
army, having obtained a commission as Ensign
from President Washington. He was then but
nineteen years old. From that time he passed
gradually upward in rank until he became aide
to Gen. Wayne, after whose death he resigned
his commission. He was then appointed Secre-
tary of the Northwestern Territory. This Terri-
tory was then entitled to but one member in Con-

 

gress, and Harrison was chosen to fill that position.
In the spring of 1800 the Northwestern Terri-
tory was divided by Congress into two portions.
The eastern portion, comprising the region now
embraced in the State of Ohio, was called ‘‘’The
Territory northwest of the Ohio.’”? ‘The western
portion, which included what is now called Indi-
ana, Illinois and Wisconsin, was called ‘‘the Indi-
ana Territory.’’ William Henry Harrison, then
twenty-seven years of age, was appointed by John
Adams Governor of the Indiana Territory, and
immediately after also Governor of Upper Loui-
siana. He was thus ruler over almost as exten-
sive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe.
He was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and
was invested with powers nearly dictatorial over
the then rapidly increasing white population. The
ability and fidelity with which he discharged
these responsible duties may be inferred from the
fact that he was four times appointed to this
offce—first by John Adams, twice by Thomas
Jefferson, and afterwards by President Madison.
When he began his administration there were
but three white settlements in that almost bound-
less region, now crowded with cities and resound-
ing with all the tumult of wealth and traffic.
One of these settlements was on the Ohio, nearly
opposite Louisville; one at Vincennes, on the
Wabash; and the third was a French settlement.
The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians.
About the year 1806, two extraordinary men,
twin brothers of the Shawnee tribe, rose among
them. One of these was called Tecumseh, or
‘‘the Crouching Panther;’’ the other Olliwa-
checa, or ‘‘the Prophet.’’ Tecumseh was not
only an Indian warrior, but a man of great sagac-
52

ity, far-reaching foresight and indomitable perse-
verance in any enterprise in which he might en-
gage. His brother, the Prophet, was an orator,
who could sway the feelings of the untutored In-
dians as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath
which they dwelt. With an enthusiasm unsur-
passed by Peter the Hermit rousing Europe to the
crusades, he went from tribe to tribe, assuming
that he was specially sent by the Great Spirit.

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to con-
ciliate the Indians, but at last war came, and at
Tippecanoe the Indians were routed with great
slaughter. October 28, 1812, his army began its
march. When near the Prophet’s town, three
Indians of rank made their appearance and in-
quired why Gov. Harrison was approaching them
in so hostile an attitude. After a short confer-
ence, arrangements were made for a meeting the
next day to agree upon terms of peace.

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted
with the Indian character to be deceived by such
protestations. Selecting a favorable spot for his
night’s encampment, he took every precaution
against surprise. His troops were posted ina
hollow square and slept upon their arms. The
wakeful Governor, between three and four o’clock
in the morning, had risen, and was sitting
in conversation with his aides by the embers
of a waning fire. It was a chill, cloudy morning,
with a drizzling rain. In the darkness, the In-
dians had crept as near as possible, and just then,
with a savage yell, rushed, with all the despera-
tion which superstition and passion most highly
inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the
little army. The savages had been amply pro-
vided with guns and ammunition by the English,
and their war-whoop was accompanied by a
shower of bullets.

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as
the light aided the Indians in their aim, and
Gen. Harrison’s troops stood as immovable as
the rocks around them until day dawned, when
they made a simultaneous charge with the bayo-
net and swept everything before them, completely
routing the foe.

Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked
to the utmost. The British, descending from the

 

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON.

Canadas, were of themselves a very formidable
force, but with their savage allies rushing like
wolves from the forest, burning, plundering, scalp-
ing, torturing, the wide frontier was plunged into
a state of consternation which even the most vivid
imagination can but faintly conceive. Gen. Hull
had made an ignominious surrender of his forces at
Detroit. Under these despairing circumstances,
Gov. Harrison was appointed by President Madi-
son Commander-in-Chief of the Northwestern
Army, with orders to retake Detroit and to protect
the frontiers. It would be difficult to place a man
in a situation demanding more energy, sagacity
and courage, but he was found equal to the
position, and nobly and triumphantly did he meet
all the responsibilities.

In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member
of the National House of Representatives, to rep-
resent the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved
an active member, and whenever he spoke it was
with a force of reason and power of eloquence
which arrested the attention of all the members.

In 1819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of
Ohio, and in 1824, asoneof the Presidential Elec-
tors of that State, he gave his vote for Henry
Clay. The same year he was chosen to the Uni-
ted States Senate. In 1836 his friends brought
him forward as a candidate for the Presidency
against Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the
close of Mr. Van Buren’s term, he was re-nom-
inated by his party, and Mr. Harrison was unani-
mously nominated by the Whigs, with John Tyler
for the Vice-Presidency. The contest was very
animated. Gen. Jackson gave all his influence to
prevent Harrison’s election, but his triumph was
signal.

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Web-
ster at its head as Secretary of State, was one of
the most brilliant with which any President had
ever been surrounded. Never were the prospects
of an administration more flattering, or the hopes
of the country more sanguine. In the midst of
these bright and joyous prospects, Gen. Harrison
was seized by a pleurisy-fever, and after a few
days of violent sickness died, on the 4th of April,
just one month after his inauguration as President
of the United States,
 
JOHN TYLER.

OHN TYLER, the tenth President of the
United States, and was born in Charles
City County, Va., March 29,1790. He was

the favored child of affluence and high social po-
sition. At the early age of twelve, John entered
William and Mary College, and graduated with
much honor when but seventeen years old. After
graduating, he devoted himself with great assi-
duity to the study of law, partly with his father
and partly with Edmund Randolph, one of the
most distinguished lawyers of Virginia.

At nineteen years of age, he commenced the
practice of law. His success was rapid and as-
tonishing. It is said that three months had not
elapsed ere there was scarcely a case on the
docket of the court in which he was not retained.
When but twenty-one years of age, he was almost
unanimously elected to a seat in the State Legis-
lature. He connected himself with the Demo-
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures
of Jefferson and Madison. For five successive
years he was elected to the Legislature, receiving
nearly the unanimous vote of his county.

When but twenty-six years of age, he was
elected a Member of Congress. Here he acted ear-
nestly and ably with the Democratic party, oppos-
ing a national bank, internal improvements by
the General Government, and a protective tariff;
advocating a strict construction of the Constitu-
tion and the most careful vigilance over State
rights. His labors in Congress were so arduous
that before the close of his second term he found
it necessary to resign and retire to his estate in
Charles City County to recruit his health. He,
however, soon after consented to take his seat in
the State Legislature, where his influence was
powerful in promoting public works of great
utility. With a reputation thus constantly in-
creasing, he was chosen by a very large majority
of votes Governor of his native State. His ad-
ministration was a signally successful one, and his
popularity secured his re-election,

 

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of
the United States. A portion of the Democratic
party was displeased with Mr. Randolph’s way-
ward course, and brought forward John Tyler as
his opponent, considering him the only man in
Virginia of sufficient popularity to succeed
against the renowned orator of Roanoke. Mr.
Tyler was the victor.

In accordance with his professions, upon tak-
ing his seat in the Senate he joined the ranks of
the opposition. He opposed the tariff, and spoke
against and voted against the bank as unconsti-
tutional; he strenuously opposed all restrictions
upon slavery, resisting all projects of internal im-
provements by the General Government, and
avowed his sympathy with Mr. Calhoun’s view
of nullification; he declared that Gen. Jackson,
by his opposition to the nullifiers, had abandoned
the principles of the Democratic party. Such
was Mr. Tyler’s record in Congress—a record in
perfect accordance with the principles which he
had always avowed.

Returning to Virginia, he resumed the practice
of his profession. There was a split in the Demo-
cratic party. His friends still regarded him as a
true Jeffersonian, gave him a dinner, and show-
ered compliments upon him. He had now at-
tained the age of forty-six, and his career had been
very brilliant. In consequence of his devotion to
public business, his private affairs had fallen into
some disorder, and it was not without satisfac-
tion that he resumed the practice of law, and de-
voted himself to the cultivation of his plantation.
Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, for
the better education of his children, and he again
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia.

By the southern Whigs he was sent to the
national convention at Harrisburg in 1839 to nom-
inate a President. The majority of votes were
given to Gen Harrison, a genuine Whig, much
to the disappointment of the South, which wished
56

for Henry Clay. To conciliate the southern
Whigs and to secure their vote, the convention
then nominated John Tyler for Vice-President.
It was well known that he was not in sympathy
with the Whig party in the North; but the Vice-
President has very little power in the Govern-
ment, his main and almost only duty being to
preside over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it
happened that a Whig President and, in reality,
a Democratic Vice-President were chosen.

In 1841, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice-
President of the United States. In one short
month from that time, President Harrison died,
and Mr. Tyler thus found himself, to his own
surprise and that of the whole nation, an occu-
pant of the Presidential chair. Hastening from
Williamsburg to Washington, on the 6th of
April he was inaugurated to the high and re-
sponsible office. He was placed in a position of
exceeding delicacy and difficulty. All his long
life he had been opposed to the main principles of
the party which had brought him into power.
He had ever been a consistent, honest man, with
an unblemished record. Gen. Harrison had se-
lected a Whig cabinet. Should he retain them,
and thus surround himself with counselors whose
views were antagonistic to his own? or, on the
other hand, should he turn against the party
which had elected him, and select a cabinet in
harmony with himself, and which would oppose
all those views which the Whigs deemed essen-
tial to the public welfare? ‘This was his fearful
dilemma. He invited the cabinet which Presi-
dent Harrison had selected to retain their seats,
and recommended a day of fasting and prayer,
that God would guide and bless us.

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for
the incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United
States. The President, after ten days’ delay, re-
turned it with his veto. He suggested, however,
that he would approve of a bill drawn up upon
such a plan as he proposed. Such a bill was ac-
cordingly prepared, and privately submitted to
him. He gave it his approval. It was passed
without alteration, and he sent it back with his
veto. Here commenced the open rupture. It is
said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas-

 

JOHN TYLER.

ure by a published letter from the Hon. John M.
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who se-
verely touched the pride of the President.

The opposition now exultingly received the
President into their arms. The party which
elected him denounced him bitterly. All the
members of his cabinet, excepting Mr. Webster,
resigned. The Whigs of Congress, both the
Senate and the House, held a meeting and issued
an address to the people of the United States,
proclaiming that all political alliance between the
Whigs and President Tyler was at an end.

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He
appointed a new cabinet of distinguished Whigs
and Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong
party men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary
to resign, forced out by the pressure of his Whig
friends. Thus the four years of Mr. Tyler’s un-
fortunate administration passed sadly away. No
one was satisfied. ‘The land was filled with mur-
murs and vituperation. Whigs and Democrats
alike assailed him. More and more, however, he
brought himself into sympathy with his old
friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his
term he gave his whole influence to the support
of Mr. Polk, the Democratic candidate for his
successor. :

On the 4th of March, 1845, President Tyler re-
tired from the harassments of office, to the regret
of neither party, and probably to his own unspeak-
able relief. The remainder of his days were
passed mainly in the retirement of his beautiful
home—Sherwood Forest, Charles City County,
Va. His first wife, Miss Letitia Christian, died
in Washington in 1842; and in June, 1844,
he was again married, at New Vork, to Miss Julia
Gardiner, a young lady of many personal and
intellectual accomplishments.

When the great Rebellion rose, which the
State Rights and nullifying doctrines of John C.
Calhoun had inaugurated, President Tyler re-
nounced his allegiance to the United States, and
joined the Confederates. He was chosen a mem-
ber of their Congress, and while engaged in
active measures to destroy, by force of arms, the
Government over which he had once presided, he
was taken sick and soon died,
 

(A

Oc
Cre 3 »
JAMES K. POLK.

AMES K. POLK, the eleventh President of
the United States, was born in Mecklenburgh
County, N. C., November 2, 1795. His

parents were Samuel and Jane (Knox) Polk, the
former a son of Col. Thomas Polk, who located
at the above place, as one of the first pioneers, in
1735. In 1806, with his wife and children, and
soon after followed by most of the members of the
Polk family, Samuel Polk emigrated some two or
three hundred miles farther west, to the rich val-
ley of the Duck River. Here, in the midst of the
wilderness, in a region which was subsequently
called Maury County, they erected their log huts
and established their homes. In the hard toil of
a new farm in the wilderness, James K. Polk
spent the early years of his childhood and youth.
His father, adding the pursuit of a surveyor to
that of a farmer, gradually increased in wealth,
until he became one of the leading men of the
region. His mother was a superior woman, of
strong common sense and earnest piety.

Very early in life James developed a taste for
reading, and expressed the strongest desire to ob-
tain a liberal education. His mother’s training
had made him methodical in his habits, had taught
him punctuality and industry, and had inspired
him with lofty principles of morality. His health
was frail, and his father, fearing that he might not
be able to endure a sedentary iife, got a situation
for him behind the counter, hoping to fit him for
commercial pursuits.

This was to James a bitter disappointment. He
had no taste for these duties, and his dally tasks
wereirksome intheextreme. He remained in this
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when,
at his earnest solicitation, his farher removed
him and made arrangements for him to pros-
ecute his studies. Soon after he sent him to Mur-
freesboro Academy. With ardor which could
scarcely be surpassed, he pressed forward in his

 

studies, and in less than two and a-half years, in
the autumn of 1815, entered the sophomore class
in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allow-
ing himself to be absent from a recitation or a
religious service.

Mr. Polk graduated in 1818, with the highest
honors, being deemed the best scholar of his class,
both in mathematics and the classics. He was
then twenty-three years of age. His health was
at this time much impaired by the assiduity with
which he had prosecuted his studies. After a
short season of relaxation, he went to Nashville,
and entered the office of Felix Grundy, to study
law. Here Mr. Polk renewed his acquaintance
with Andrew Jackson, who resided on his planta-
tion, the ‘‘ Hermitage,’’ but a few miles from
Nashville. They had probably been slightly ac-
quainted before.

Mr. Polk’s father was a Jeffersonian Republican
and James K. adhered to the same political faith.
He was a popular public speaker, and was con-
stantly called upon to address the meetings of his
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such
that he was popularly called the Napoleon of the
stump. He was a man of unblemished morals,
genial and courteous in his bearing, and with that
sympathetic nature in the joys and griefs of oth-
ers which gave him hosts of friends. In 1823,
he was elected to the Legislature of Tennessee,
and gave his strong influence toward the election
of his friend, Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of
the United States.

In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah
Childress, of Rutherford County, Tenn. His
bride was altogether worthy of him—a lady of
beauty and culture. In the fall of 1825 Mr. Polk
was chosen a member of Congress, and the satis-
faction he gave his constituents may be inferred
60 JAMES K. POLK.

from the fact, that for fourteen successive years,
or until 1839, he was continued in that office. He
then voluntarily withdrew, only that he might
accept the Gubernatorial chair of Tennessee. In
Congress he was a laborious member, a frequent
and a popular speaker. He was always in his
seat, always courteous, and whenever he spoke
it was always to the point, without any ambitious
rhetorical display.

During five sessions of Congress Mr. Polk was
Speaker of the House. Strong passions were
roused and stormy scenes were witnessed, but he
performed his arduous duties to a very general
satisfaction, and a unanimous vote of thanks to
him was passed by the House as he withdrew on
the 4th of March, 1839.

In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk,
as a candidate for Governor, canvassed the State.
He was elected by a large majority, and on Octo-
ber 14, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville.
In 1841 his term of office expired, and he was
again the candidate of the Democratic party, but
was defeated.

On the 4th of March, 1845, Mr. Polk was in-
augurated President of the United States. The
verdict of the country in favor of the annexation
of Texas exerted its influence upon Congress,
and the last act of the administration of President
Tyler was to affix his signature to a joint resolu-
tion of Congress, passed on the 3d of March, ap-
proving of the annexation of Texas to the Union.
As Mexico still claimed Texas as one of her
provinces, the Mexican Minister, Almonte, im-
mediately demanded his passports and left the
country, declaring the act of the annexation to be
an act hostile to Mexico.

In his first message, President Polk urged that
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be
received into the Union on the same footing with
the other States. In the mean time, Gen. Taylor
was sent with an army into Texas to hold the
country. He was first sent to Nueces, which the
Mexicans said was the western boundary of Tex-
as. ‘Then he was sent nearly two hundred miles
further west, to the Rio Grande, where he erected

‘batteries which commanded the Mexican city of
Matamoras, which was situated on the western

 

banks. The anticipated collision soon took place,
and war was declared against Mexico by President
Polk. ‘The war was pushed forward by his ad-
ministration with great vigor. Gen. Taylor,
whose army was first called one of ‘‘ observation,’’
then of ‘‘occupation,’’ then of ‘‘invasion,’’ was
sent forward to Monterey. The feeble Mexicans
in every encounter were hopelessly slaughtered.
The day of judgment alone can reveal the misery
which this war caused. It was by the ingenuity
of Mr. Polk’s administration that the war was
brought on.

‘To the victors belong the spoils.’’ Mexico
was prostrate before us. Her capital was in our
hands. We now consented to peace upon the
condition that Mexico should surrender to us, in
addition to Texas, all of New Mexico, and all of
Upper and Lower California. This new demand
embraced, exclusive of Texas, eight hundred
thousand square miles. This was an extent of
territory equal to nine States of the size of New
York. ‘Thus slavery was securing eighteen ma-
jestic States to be added to the Union. There
were some Americans who thought it all right;
there were others who thought it all wrong. In
the prosecution of this war we expended twenty
thousand lives and more than $100,000,000. Of
this money $15,000,000 were paid to Mexico.

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired
from office, having served oneterm. ‘he next
day was Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was
inaugurated as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to
the Capitol in the same carriage with Gen. Tay-
lor, and the same evening, with Mrs. Polk, he
commenced his return to Tennessee. He was
then but fifty-four years of age. He had always
been strictly temperate in all his habits, and his
health was good. With an ample fortune, a
choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic
ties of the dearest nature, it seemed as though
long years of tranquillity and happiness were be-
fore him. But the cholera—that fearful scourge
—was then sweeping up the Valley of the Missis-
sippi, and he contracted the disease, dying on the
15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth year of his
age, greatly mourned by his countrymen.
 

ay
ZACHARY TAYLOR.

ACHARY TAYLOR, twelfth President of
the United States, was born on the 24th of
November, 1784, in Orange County, Va.
His father, Col. Taylor, was a Virginian of
note, and a distinguished patriot and soldier of
the Revolution. When Zachary was an infant,
his father, with his wife and two children, emi-
grated to Kentucky, where he settled in the path-
Jess wilderness, a few miles from Louisville. In
this frontier home, away from civilization and all
its refinements, young Zachary could enjoy but
few social and educational advantages. When
six years of age he attended a common school,
and was then regarded as a bright, active boy,
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of
character. He was strong, fearless and self-reli-
ant, and manifested a strong desire to enter the
army to fight the Indians, who were ravaging the
frontiers. ‘There is little to be recorded of the
uneventful years of his childhood on his father’s
large but lonely plantation.

In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for
him a commission as Lieutenant in the United
States army, and he joined the troops which were
stationed at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson.
Soon after this he married Miss Margaret Smith,
a young lady from one of the first families of
Maryland.

Immediately after the declaration of war with
England, in 1812, Capt. Taylor (for he had then
been promoted to that rank) was put in command
of Ft. Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles
above Vincennes. ‘This fort had been built in the
wilderness by Gen. Harrison, on his march te
Tippecanoe. It was one of the first points of at-
tack by the Indians, led by Tecumseh. Its garri-
son consisted of a broken company of infantry,
numbering fifty men, many of whom were sick.

Early in the autumn of 1812, the Indians,
stealthily, and in large nnmbers, moved upon the

 

fort. Their approach was first indicated by the
murder of two soldiers just outside of the stockade.
Capt. Taylor made every possible preparation to
meet the anticipated assault. On the 4th of Sep-
tember, a band of forty painted and plumed sav-
ages came to the fort, waving a white flag, and
informed Capt. Taylor that in the morning their
chief would come to have a talk with him. It
was evident that their object was merely to ascer-
tain the state of things at the fort, and Capt.
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages,
kept them at a distance.

The sun went down; the savages disappeared;
the garrison slept upon their arms. One hour
before midnight the war-whoop burst from a
thousand lips in the forest around, followed by
the discharge of musketry and the rush of the
foe. Every man, sick and well, sprang to his
post. Every man knew that defeat was not
merely death, but, in the case of capture, death by
the most agonizing and prolonged torture. No
pen can describe, no imagination can conceive, the
scenes which ensued. The savages succeeded in
setting fire to one of the block-houses. Until six
o’clock in the morning this awful conflict con-
tinued, when the savages, baffled at every point
and gnashing their teeth with rage, retired.
Capt. Taylor, for this gallant defense, was pro-
moted to the rank of Major by brevet.

Until the close of the war, Maj. Taylor was
placed in such situations that he saw but little
more of active service. He was sent far away
into the depths of the wilderness to Ft. Craw-
ford, on Fox River, which empties into Green
Bay. Here there was little to be done but to
wear away the tedious hours as one best could.
There were no books, no society, no intellectual

stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful years
rolled on. Gradually he rose to the rank of
Colonel. In the Black Hawk War, which re-
64 ZACHARY ‘TAYLOR.

sulted in the capture of that renowned chieftain,
Col. Taylor took a subordinate, but a brave and
efficient, part.

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged
in the defense of the frontiers, in scenes so re-
mote, and in employments so obscure, that his
name was unknown beyond the limits of his own
immediate acquaintance. In the year 1836, he
was sent to Florida to compel the Seminole Indi-
ans to vacate that region, and retire beyond the
Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty had prom-
ised they should do. ‘The services rendered here
secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of
the Government, and as a reward he was ele-
vated to the high rank of Brigadier-General by
brevet, and soon after, in May, 1838, was ap-
pointed to the chief command of the United
States troops in Florida.

After two years of wearisome employment
amidst the everglades of the Peninsula, Gen. Tay-
lor obtained, at his own request, a change of
command, and was stationed over the Department
ofthe Southwest. This field embraced Louisiana,
Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Establishing
his headquarters at Ft. Jessup, in Louisiana, he
removed his family to a plantation which he pur-
chased near Baton Rouge. Here he remained
for five years, buried, as it were, from the world,
but faithfully discharging every duty imposed
upon him.

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the
land between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the
latter river being the boundary of Texas, which
was then claimed by the United States. Soon
the war with Mexico was brought on, and at Palo
Alto and Resaca de la Palma, Gen. Taylor won
brilliant victories over the Mexicans. ‘The rank
of Major-General by brevet was then conferred
upon Gen. Taylor, and his name was received
with enthusiasm almost everywhere in the na-
tion. Then came the battles of Monterey and
Buena Vista, in which he won signal victories
over forces much larger than he commanded.

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena
Vista spread the wildest enthusiasm over the
country. The name of Gen. Taylor was on
every one’s lips. The Whig party decided to

 

take advantage of this wonderful popularity in
bringing forward the unpolished, unlettered, hon-
est soldier as their candidate for the Presidency.
Gen. Taylor was astonished at the announce-
ment, and for a time would not listen to it, de-
claring that he was not at all qualified for such
an office. So little interest had he taken in poli-
tics, that for forty years he had not cast a vote.
It was not without chagrin that several distin-
guished statesmen, who had been long years in
the public service, found their claims set aside in
behalf of one whose name had never been heard
of, save in connection with Palo Alto, Resaca de
la Palma, Monterey and Buena Vista. It is said
that Daniel Webster, in his haste, remarked, ‘‘ It
is a nomination not fit to be made.”’

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nora
fine writer. His friends took possession of him,
and prepared such few communications as it was
needful should be presented to the public. The
popularity of the successful warrior swept the
land. He was triumphantly elected over two
opposing candidates,—Gen. Cass and Ex-Presi-
dent Martin Van Buren. ‘Though he selected an
excellent cabinet, the good old man found himself
in avery uncongenial position, and was at times
sorely perplexed and harassed. His mental suf-
ferings were very severe, and probably tended to
hasten his death. The pro-slavery party was
pushing its claims with tireless energy; expedi-
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba; California
was pleading for admission to the Union, while
slavery stood at the door to bar her out. Gen.
Taylor found the political conflicts in Washington
to be far more trying to the nerves than battles
with Mexicans or Indians.

In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor,
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but
little over a year, took cold, and after a brief
sickness of but little over five days, died, on the
gth of July, 1850. His last words were, ‘‘I am
not afraid to die. I am ready. I have endeav-
ored todo my duty.’’ He died universally re-
spected and beloved. An honest, unpretending
man, he had been steadily growing in the affec-
tions of the people, and the Nation bitterly la-
mented his death.

 

 
 
MILLARD FILLMORE.

ILLARD FILLMORE, thirteenth President
of the United States, was born at Summer
Hill, Cayuga County, N. Y., cn the 7th of
January, 1800. His father was a farmer, and, owing
to misfortune, in humble circumstances. Of his
mother, the daughter of Dr. Abiathar Millard, of
Pittsfield, Mass., it has been said that she pos-
sessed an intellect of a high order, united with
much personal loveliness, sweetness of disposi-
tion, graceful manners and exquisite sensibilities.
She died in 1831, having lived to see her sona
young man of distinguished promise, though she
was not permitted to witness the high dignity
which he finally attained.

In consequence of the secluded home and limited
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender
advantages for education in his early years. The
common schools, which he occasionally attended,
were very imperfect institutions, and books were
scarce and expensive. There was nothing then
in his character to indicate the brilliant career
upon which he was about to enter. He was a
plain farmer’s boy—intelligent, good-looking,
kind-hearted. The sacred iufluences of home
had taught him to revere the Bible, and had laid
the foundations of an upright character. When
fourteen years of age, his father sent him some
hundred miles from home to the then wilds of
Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier.
Near the mill there was a small village, where
some enterprising man had commenced the col-
lection of a village library. This proved an in-
estimable blessing to young Fillmore. His even-
ings were spent in reading. Soon every leisure
moment was occupied with books. His thirst for
knowledge became insatiate, and the selections
which he made were continually more elevating
and instructive. He read history, biography,
oratory, and thus gradually there was enkindled

 

in his heart a desire to be something more than a
mere worker with his hands.

The young clothier had now attained the age
of nineteen years, and was of fine personal appear-
ance and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so hap-
pened that there was a gentleman in the neigh-
borhood of ample pecuniary means and of benev-
olence,—Judge Walter Wood,—who was struck
with the prepossessing appearance of young Fill-
more. He made his acquaintance, and was so
much impressed with his ability and attainments
that he advised him to abandon his trade and de-
vote himself to the study of the law. The young
man replied that he had no means of his own,
no friends to help him, and that his previous edu-
cation had been very imperfect. But Judge Wood
had so much confidence in him that he kindly
offered to take him into his own office, and to
lend him such money as he needed. Most grate-
fully the generous offer was accepted.

There is in many minds a strange delusion
about a collegiate education. A young man is
supposed to be liberally educated if he has gradu-
ated at some college. But many a boy who loi-
ters through university halls and then enters a
law office is by no means as well prepared to
prosecute his legal studies as was Millard Fill-
more when he graduated at the clothing-mill at
the end of four years of manual labor, during
which every leisure moment had been devoted to
intense mental culture.

In 1823, when twenty-three years of age, he
was admitted to the Court of Common Pleas.
He then went to the village of Aurora, and com-
menced the practice of law. In this secluded,
quiet region, his practice, of course, was limited,
and there was no opportunity for a sudden rise in
fortune or in fame. Here, in 1826, he married a
lady of great moral worth, and one capable of
8 MILLARD FILLMORE.

adorning any station she might be called to fill,—
Miss Abigail Powers.

His elevation of character, his untiring industry,
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advo-
cate, gradually attracted attention, and he was
invited to enter into partnership, under highly ad-
vantageous circumstances, with an elder member
of the Bar in Buffalo. Just before removing to
Buffalo, in 1829, he took his seat in the House of
Assembly of the State of New York, as a Repre-
sentative from Erie County. Though he had
never taken a very active part in politics, his vote
and sympathies were with the Whig party. The
State was then Democratic, and he found himself
in a helpless minority in the Legislature; still the
testimony comes from all parties that his courtesy,
ability and integrity won, to a very unusual de-
gree, the respect of his associates.

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a
seat in the United States Congress. He entered
that troubled arena in the most tumultuous hours
of our national history, when the great conflict
respecting the national bank and the removal of
the deposits was raging.

His term of two years closed, and he returned
to his profession, which he pursued with increas-
ing reputation and success. After a lapse of two
years he again became a candidate for Congress;
was re-elected, and took his seat in 1837. His
past experience as a Representative gave him
strength and confidence. ‘The first term of service
in Congress to any man can be but little more
than an introduction. He was now prepared for
active duty. All his energies were brought to
bear upon the public good. Every measure re-
ceived his impress.

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute,
and his popularity filled the State. In the year
1847, when he had attained the age of forty-
seven years, he was elected Comptroller of the
State. His labors at the Bar, in the Legisla-
ture, in Congress and as Comptroller, had given
him very considerable fame. The Whigs were
casting about to find suitable candidates for Presi-
dent and Vice-President at the approaching elec-
tion. Far away on the waters of the Rio Grande,
there was a rough old soldier, who had fought

 

one or two successful battles with the Mexicans,
which had caused his name to be proclaimed in
trumpet-tones all over the land as a candidate for
the presidency. But it was necessary to associate
with him on the same ticket some man of repu-
tation as a statesman.

Under the influence of these considerations, the
names of Zachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore
became the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their
candidates for President and Vice-President. The
Whig ticket was signally triumphant. On the
4th of March, 1849, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated
President, and Millard Fillmore Vice-President,
of the United States.

On the oth of July, 1850, President Taylor,
about one year and four months after his inaugura-
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the
Constitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus be-
came President. He appointed a very able cabi-
net, of which the illustrious Daniel Webster was
Secretary of State; nevertheless, he had serious
difficulties to contend with, since the opposition
had a majority in both Houses. He did all in his
power to conciliate the South; but the pro-slavery
party in the South felt the inadequacy of all
measures of transient conciliation. The popula-
tion of the free States was so rapidly increasing
over that of the slave States, that it was inevitable
that the power of the Government should soon
pass into the hands of the free States. ‘The fa-
mous compromise measures were adopted under
Mr. Fillmore’s administration, and the Japan ex-
pedition was sent out. On the 4th of March,
1853, he, having served one term, retired.

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the
Presidency by the ‘‘Know-Nothing’’ party, but
was beaten by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr.
Fillmore lived in retirement. During the terri-
ble conflict of civil war, he was mostly silent. It
was generally supposed that his sympathies were
rather with those who were endeavoring to over-
throw our institutions. President Fillmore kept
aloof from the conflict, without any cordial words
of cheer to one party or the other. He was thus
forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe old age,
and died in Buffalo, N. Y., March 8, 1874.
 
FRANKLIN PIERCE.

RANKLIN PIERCE, the fourteenth Presi-
dent of the United States, was born in Hills-
borough, N. H., November 23, 1804. His
father was a Revolutionary soldier, who with his
own strong arm hewed out a home in the wilder-
ness. Hewasa man of inflexible integrity, of
strong, though uncultivated, mind, and was an un-
compromising Democrat. ‘The mother of Frank-
lin Pierce was all that a son could desire—an in-
telligent, prudent, affectionate, Christian woman.

Franklin, who was the sixth of eight children,
was a remarkably bright and handsome boy,
generous, warm-hearted and brave. He won
alike the love of old and young. The boys on
the play-ground loved him. His teachers loved
him. ‘The neighbors looked upon him with pride
and affection. He was by instinct a gentleman,
always speaking kind words, and doing kind
deeds, with a peculiar, unstudied tact which
taught him what was agreeable. Without de-
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural
devotion to books, he was a good scholar, and in
body and mind a finely developed boy.

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820,
he entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me.
He was one of che most popular young men in
the college. ‘The purity of his moral character,
the unvarying courtesy of his demeanor, his rank
as a scholar, and genial nature, rendered him a
universal favorite. There was something pe-
culiarly winning in his address, and it was evi-
dently not in the slightest degree studied—it was
the simple outgushing of his own magnanimous
and loving nature.

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin
Pierce commenced the study of law in the office
of Judge Woodbury, one of the most distinguished

 

lawyers of the State, and a man of great private
worth. ‘The eminent social qualities of the young
lawyer, his father’s prominence as a public man,
and the brilliant political career into which Judge
Woodbury was entering, all tended to entice Mr.
Pierce into the fascinating yet perilous path of
political life. With all the ardor of his nature he
espoused the cause of Gen. Jackson for the Presi-
dency. He commenced the practice of law in
Hillsborough, and was soon elected to represent
the town in the State Legislature. Here he
served for four years. ‘The last two years he was
chosen Speaker of the House by a very large
vote.

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was
elected a member of Congress. In 1837, being
then but thirty-three years old, he was elected to
the Senate, taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren
commenced his administration. He was the
youngest member in the Senate. In the year
1834, he married Miss Jane Means Appleton, a
lady of rare beauty and accomplishments, and one
admirably fitted to adorn every station with which
her husband was honored. Of the three sons who
were born to them, all now sleep with their par-
ents in the grave. e

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing
fame and increasing business as a lawyer, took up
his residence in Concord, the capital of New
Hampshire. President Polk, upon his accession
to office, appointed Mr. Pierce Attorney-General
of the United States; but the offer was declined
in consequence of numerous professional engage-
ments at home, and the precarious state of Mrs.
Pierce’s health. He also, about the same time,
declined the nomination for Governor by the
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called
92 FRANKLIN PIERCE,

 

Mr. Pierce into the army. Receiving the appoint-
ment of Brigadier-General, he embarked with a
portion of his troops at Newport, R. I., on the
27th of May, 1847. He took an important part
in this war, proving himself a brave and true sol-
dier.

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his na-
tive State, he was received enthusiastically by the
advocates of the Mexican War, and coldly by his
opponents. He resumed the practice of his pro-
fession, very frequently taking an active part in
political questions, giving his cordial support to
the pro-slavery wing of the Democratic party.
The compromise measures met cordially with his
approval, and he strenuously advocated the en-
forcement of the infamous Fugitive Slave Law,
which so shocked the religious sensibilities of the
North. He thus became distinguished as a
‘‘Northern man with Southern principles.’’ The
strong partisans of slavery in the South conse-
quently regarded him as a man whom they could
safely trust in office to carry out their plans.

On the 12th of June, 1852, the Democratic con-
vention met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate
for the Presidency. For four days they contin-
ued in session, and in thirty-five ballotings no one
had obtained a two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus
far had been thrown for Gen. Pierce. Then the
Virginia delegation brought forward his name.
There were fourteen more ballotings, during which
Gen. Pierce constantly gained strength, until, at
the forty-ninth ballot, he received two hundred
and eighty-two votes, and all other candidates
eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was the Whig can-
didate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with great una-
nimity. , Only four States—Vermont, Massachu-
setts, Kentucky and Tennessee—cast their elec-
toral votes against him. Gen. Franklin Pierce
was therefore inaugurated President of the United
States on the 4th of March, 1853.

His administration proved one of the most
stormy our country had ever experienced. The
controversy between slavery and freedom was
then approaching its culminating point. It be-
came evident that there was to be anirrepressible
conflict between them, and that this nation
could not long exist ‘‘ half slave and half free.’’

 

President Pierce, during the whole of his admin-
istration, did everything he could to conciliate the
South; but it was allin vain. The conflict every
year grew more violent, and threats of the disso-
lution of the Union were borne to the North on
every Southern breeze.

Such was the condition of affairs when Presi-
dent Pierce approached the close of his four-
years term of office. The North had become
thoroughly alienated from him. The anti-slavery
sentiment, goaded by great outrages, had been
rapidly increasing; all the intellectual ability and
social worth of President Pierce were forgotten in
deep reprehension of his administrative acts. The
slaveholders of the South also, unmindful of the
fidelity with which he had advocated those meas-
ures of Government which they approved, and
perhaps feeling that he had rendered himself
so unpopular as no longer to be able to accepta-
bly serve them, ungratefully dropped him, and
nominated James Buchanan to succeed him.

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re-
turned to his home in Concord. His three chil-
dren were all dead, his last surviving child hav-
ing been killed before his eyes in a railroad acci-
dent; and his wife, one of the most estimable and
accomplished of ladies, was rapidly sinking in
consumption. ‘The hour of dreadful gloom soon
came, and he was left alone in the world without
wife or child.

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth which
divided our country into two parties, and two
only, Mr. Pierce remained steadfast in the prin-
ciples which he had always cherished, and gave
his sympathies to that pro-slavery party with
which he had ever been allied. He declined to
do anything, either by voice or pen, to strengthen
the hand of the National Government. He con-
tinued to reside in Concord until the time of his
death, which occurred in October, 1869. He was
one of the most genial and social of men, an hon-.
ored communicant of the Episcopal Church, and
one of the kindest of neighbors. Generous to 4
fault, he contributed liberally toward the allevia-
tion of suffering and want, and many of his

towns-people were often gladdened by his material
bounty.
 

 
JAMES BUCHANAN.

AMES BUCHANAN, the fifteenth President
of the United States, was born in a small
frontier town, at the foot of the eastern ridge

of the Alleghanies, in Franklin County, Pa., on
the 23d of April, 1791. The place where the
humble cabin home stood was called Stony Bat-
ter. His father was a native of the north of Ire-
land, who had emigrated in 1783, with little prop-
etty save his own strong arms. Five years after-
ward he married Elizabeth Spear, the daughter
of arespectable farmer, and, with his young bride,
plunged into the wilderness, staked his claim,
reared his log hut, opened a clearing with his
axe, and settled down there to perform his obscure
part in the drama of life. When James was eight
years of age, his father removed to the village of
Mercersburg, where his son was placed at school,
and commenced a course of study in English,
Latin and Greek. His progress was rapid, and
at the age of fourteen he entered Dickinson Col-
lege, at Carlisle. Here he developed remarkable
talent, and took his stand among the first scholars
in the institution.

In the year :80%, he graduated with the high-
est honors of his class. He was then eighteen
years of age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health,
fond of athletic sports, an unerring shot, and en-
livened with an exuberant flow of animal spirits.
He immediately commenced the study of law in
the city of Lancaster, and was admitted to the
Bar in 1812, when he was but twenty-one years
of age.

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for
ten years he remained a member of the Lower
House. During the vacations of Congress, he

 

occasionally tried some important case. In 1831
he retired altogether from the toils of his profes-
sion, having acquired an ample fortune.

Gen. Jackson, upon his elevation to the Presi-
dency, appointed Mr. Buchanan Minister to Rus-
sia. The duties of his mission he performed
with ability, and gave satisfaction to all parties.
Upon his return, in 1833, he was elected to a seat
in the United States Senate. He there met as
his associates Webster, Clay, Wright and Cal-
houn. He advocated the measures proposed by
President Jackson, of making reprisals against
France to enforce the payment of our claims
against that country, and defended the course of
the President in his unprecedented and wholesale
removal from office of those who were not the
supporters of his administration. Upon this
question he was brought into direct collision with
Henry Clay. He also, with voice and vote, ad-
vocated expunging from the journal of the Senate
the vote of censure against Gen. Jackson for re-
moving the deposits. Earnestly he opposed the
abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia,
and urged the prohibition of the circulation of
anti-slavery documents by the United States
mails. As to petitions on the subject of slavery,
he advocated that they should be respectfully re-
ceived, and that the reply should be returned
that Congress had no power to legislate upon the
subject. ‘‘Congress,’’ said he, ‘‘might as well
undertake to interfere with slavery under a for-
eign government as in any of the States where it
now exists.’’

Upon Mr. Polk’s accession to the Presidency,
Mr. Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as
such took his share of the responsibility in the
76

conduct of the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed
that crossing the Nueces by the American

troops into the disputed territory was not wrong,

but for the Mexicans to cross the Rio Grande
into Texas was a declaration of war. No candid
man can read with pleasure the account of the
course our Government pursued in that movement.

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly
with the party devoted to the perpetuation and
extension of slavery, and brought all the energies
of his mind to bear against the Wilmot Proviso.
He gave his cordial approval to the compromise
measures of 1850, which included the Fugitive
Slave Law. Mr. Pierce, upon his election to the
Presidency, honored Mr. Buchanan with the mis-
sion to England.

In the year 1856, a national Democratic Con-
vention nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presi-
dency. The political conflict was one of the most
severe in which our country has ever engaged.
All the friends of slavery were on one side; all
the advocates of its restriction and final abolition
on the other. Mr. Fremont, the candidate of the
enemies of slavery, received one hundred and
fourteen electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received
one hundred and seventy-four, and was elected.
The popular vote stood 1,340,618 for Fremont,
1,224,750 for Buchanan. On March 4, 1857,
the latter was inaugurated.

Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only
four years were wanting to fill up his three-score
years and ten. His own friends, those with
whom he had been allied in political principles
and action for years, were seeking the destruc-
tion of the Government, that they might rear
upon the ruins of our free institutions a nation
whose corner-stone should be human slavery. In
this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly
bewildered. He could not, with his long-avowed
principles, consistently oppose the State Rights
party in their assumptions. As President of the
United States, bound by his oath faithfully to
administer the laws, he could not, without per-
jury of the grossest kind, unite with those en-
deavoring to overthrow the Republic. He there-
fore did nothing.

The opponents of Mr, Buchanan’s administra-

 

JAMES BUCHANAN.

tion nominated Abraham Lincoln as their stand-
ard-bearer in the next Presidential canvass,
The pro-slavery party declared that if he were
elected and the control of the Government were
thus taken from their hands, they would secede
from the Union, taking with them as they retired
the National ’ Capitol at Washington and the
lion’s share of the territory of the United States,

As the storm increased in violence, the slave-
holders claiming the right to secede, and Mr.
Buchanan avowing that Congress had no power
to prevent it, one of the most pitiable exhibitions
of governmental imbecility was exhibited that the
world has ever seen.
had no power to enforce its laws in any State

which had withdrawn, or which was attempting -

to withdraw, from the Union. ‘This was not the
doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with his hand
upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed: ‘The Union
must and shall be preserved!”’

South Carolina seceded in December, 1860,
nearly three months before the inauguration of
President Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in
listless despair. The rebel flag was raised in
Charleston; Ft. Sumter was besieged; our forts,
navy-yards and arsenals were seized; our depots
of military stores were plundered, and our cus-
tom-houses and post-offices were appropriated by
the rebels.

The energy of the rebels and the imbecility of
our Executive were alike marvelous. The na-
tion looked on in agony, waiting for the slow
weeks to glide away and close the administration,
so terrible in its weakness. At length the long-
looked-for hour of deliverance came, when Abra-
ham Lincoln was to receive the scepter.

The administration of President Buchanan was
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex-
perienced. His best friends can not recall it with
pleasure. And still more deplorable it is for his
fame, that in that dreadful conflict which rolled
its billows of flame and blood over our whole
land, no word came from his lips to indicate his
wish that our country’s banner should triumph
over the flag of the Rebellion. He died at his
Wheatland retreat, June 1, 1868,

He declared that Congress .
 

 

7
ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

dent of the United States, was born in Hardin

County, Ky., February 12, 1809. About
the year 1780, a man by the name of Abraham
Lincoln left Virginia with his family and moved
into the then wilds of Kentucky. Only two years
after this emigration, and while still a young man,
he was working one day ina field, when an Indian
stealthily approached and killed him. His widow
was left in extreme poverty with five little chil-
dren, three boys and two girls. ‘Thomas, the
youngest of the boys, and the father of President
Abraham Lincoln, was four years of age at his
father’s death.

When twenty-eight years old, Thomas Lincoln
built a log cabin, and married Nancy Hanks, the
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky
emigrants, who had also come from Virginia.
Their second child was Abraham Lincoln, the sub-
ject of this sketch. The mother of Abraham was
a noble woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created
to adorn a palace, but doomed to toil and pine, and
die in a hovel. ‘‘ All that I am, or hope to be,’’
exclaimed the grateful son, ‘‘I owe to my angel-
mother.’’ When he was eight years of age, his
father sold his cabin and small farm and moved
to Indiana, where two years later his mother died.

As the years rolled on, the lot of this lowly
family was the usual lot of humanity. There
were joys and griefs, weddings and funerals.
Abraham’s sister Sarah, to whom he was tenderly
attached, was married when a child of but four-
teen years of age, and soon died. ‘The family
was gradually scattered, and Thomas Lincoln
sold out his squatter’s claim in 1830, and emi-
grated to Macon County, Ill.

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years
of age. With vigorous hands he aided his father
in rearing another log cabin, and worked quite
diligently at this until he saw the family com-
fortably settled, and their small lot of enclosed
prairie planted with corn, when he announced to

Pls re LINCOLN,,. the sixteenth Presi-

 

his father his intention to leave home, and to gc
out into the world and seek his fortune. Little
did he or his friends imagine how brilliant that
fortune was to be. He saw the value of educa-
tion and was intensely earnest to improve his
mind to the utmost of his power. Religion he
revered. His morals were pure, and he was un-
contaminated by a single vice.

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired
laborer among the farmers. Then he went to
Springfield, where he was employed in building
a large flat-boat. In this he took a herd of swine,
floated them down the Sangamon to Illinois, and
thence by the Mississippi to New Orleans. What-
ever Abraham Lincoln undertook, he performed
so faithfully as to give great satisfaction to his
employers. In this adventure the latter were
so well pleased, that upon his return they placed
a store and mill under his care.

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk
War, he enlisted and was chosen Captain of a
company. He returned to Sangamon County,
and, although only twenty-three years of age, was
a candidate for the Legislature, but was defeated.
He soon after received from Andrew Jackson the
appointment of Postmaster of New Salem. His
only post-office was his hat. All the letters he
received he carried there, ready to deliver to those
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and
soon made this his business. In 1834 he again
became a candidate for the Legislature and was
elected. Mr. Stuart, of Springfield, advised him
to study law. He walked from New Salem to
Springfield, borrowed of Mr. Stuart a load of
books, carried them back, and began his legal
studies. When the Legislature assembled, he
trudged on foot with his pack on his back one
hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here
it was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839
he removed to Springfield and began the practice
of law. His success with the jury was so great
80 ABRAHAM LINCOLN.

that he was soon engaged in almost every noted
case in the circuit.

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr.
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas on the slavery ques-
tion. In the organization of the Republican party
in Illinois, in 1856, he took an active part, and at
once became one of the leaders in that party.
Mr. Lincoln’s speeches in opposition to Senator
Douglas in the contest in 1858 for a seat in the
Senate, form a most notable part of his history.
The issue was on the slavery question, and he
took the broad ground of the Declaration of In-
dependence, that all men are created equal. Mr.
Lincoln was defeated in this contest, but won a
far higher prize.

The great Republican Convention met at Chi-
cago on the 16th of June, 1860. The delegates
and strangers who crowded the city amounted to
twenty-five thousand. An immense building
called ‘‘ The Wigwam,’’ was reared to accommo-
date the converition. There were eleven candi-
dates for whom votes were thrown. William H.
Seward, a man whose fame asa statesman had
long filled the land, was the most prominent. It
was generally supposed he would be the nomi-
nee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received the
nomination on the third ballot.

Election day came, and Mr. Lincoln received
one hundred and eighty electoral votes out of two
hundred and three cast, and was, therefore, con-
stitutionally elected President of the United States.
The tirade of abuse that was poured upon this
good and merciful man, especially by the slave-
holders, was greater than upon any other man
ever elected to this high position. In February,
1861, Mr. Lincoln started for Washington, stop-
ping in allthe large cities on his way, making
speeches. The whole journey was fraught with
much danger. Many of the Southern States had
already seceded, and several attempts at assassi-
nation were afterward brought to light. A gang
in Baltimore had arranged upon his arrival to
“get up a row,’’ and in the confusion to make
sure of his death with revolvers and hand-gren-
ades. A detective unravelled the plot. A secret
and special train was provided to take him from
Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an unexpected

 

—

hour of the night. The train started at half-pas|
ten, and to prevent any possible communication
on the part of the Secessionists with their Con-
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train
had started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr,
Lincoln reached Washington in safety and was
inaugurated, although great anxiety was felt by
all loyal people.

In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to
other prominent opponents before the convention
he gave important positions; but during no other
administration had the duties devolving upon the
President been so manifold, and the responsibilities
so great, as those which fell to his lot. Knowing
this, and feeling his own weakness and inability
to meet, and in his own strength to cope with,
the difficulties, he learned early to seek Divine
wisdom and guidance in determining his plans,
and Divine comfort in all his trials, both personal
and national. Contrary to his own estimate of
himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the most cour-
ageous of men. He went directly into the rebel
capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, with
no guard but a few sailors. From the time he
had left Springfield, in 1861, however, plans had
been made for his assassination, and he at last
fell a victim to one of them. April 14, 1865, he,
with Gen. Grant, was urgently invited to attend
Ford’s Theatre. It was announced that they
would be present. Gen. Grant, however, left the
city. President Lincoln, feeling, with his char-
acteristic kindliness of heart, that it would be a
disappointment if he should fail them, very 1e-
luctantly consented to go. While listening to
the play, an actor by the name of John Wilkes
Booth entered the box where the President and
family were seated, and fired a bullet into his
brain. He died the next morning at seven
o'clock.

Never before in the history of the world was
a nation plunged into such deep grief by the death
ofits ruler Strong men met in the streets and
wept in speechless anguish. His was a life which
will fitly become a model. His name as the
Savior of his country will live with that of Wash-
ington’s, its Father.
 

CApfinsu f”prrt0n
ANDREW JOHNSON.

NDREW JOHNSON, seventeenth President
of the United States. The early life of An-
drew Johnson contains but the record of pov-

erty, destitution and friendlessness. He was born
December 29, 1808, in Raleigh, N.C. His par-
ents, belonging to the class of ‘‘poor whites’
of the South, were in such circumstances that they
could not confer even the slightest advantages of
education upon their child. When Andrew was
five years of age, his father accidentally lost his
life, while heroically endeavoring to save a friend
from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew
was a ragged boy about the streets, supported by
the labor of his mother, who obtained her living
with her own hands.

He then, having never attended a school one
day, and being unable either to read or wfite, was
apprenticed to a tailor in his native town. <A gen-
tleman was in the habit of going to the tailor’s
shop occasionally, and reading to the boys at
work there. He often read from the speeches of
distinguished British statesmen. Andrew, who
was endowed with a mind of more than ordinary
ability, became much interested in these speeches;
his ambition was roused, and he was inspired with
a strong desire to learn to read.

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet,
and with the assistance of some of his fellow-
workmen learned his letters. He then called upon
the gentleman to borrow the book of speeches.
The owner, pleased with his zeal, not only gave
him the book, but assisted him in learning to com-
bine the letters into words. Under such difficul-
ties he pressed onward laboriously, spending usu-
ally ten or twelve hours at work in the shop, and
then robbing himself of rest and recreation to de-
vote such time as he could to reading.

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at

 

Greenville, where he married a young lady who
possessed some education. Under her instructions
he learned to write and cipher. He became
prominent in the village debating society, anda
favorite with the students of Greenville College.
In 1828, he organized a working man’s party,
which elected him Alderman, and in 1830 elected
him Mayor, which position he held three years.

He now began to take a lively interest in
political affairs, identifying himself with the work-
ing-class, to which he belonged. In 1835, he
was elected a member of the House of Represent-
atives of Tennessee. He was then just twenty-
seven years of age. He became a very active
member of the Legislature, gave his support to
the Democratic party, and in 1840 ‘‘stumped the
State,’’ advocating Martin Van Buren’s claims to
the Presidency, in opposition to those of Gen.
Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much
readiness as a speaker, and extended and increased
his reputation.

In 1841, he was elected State Senator; in 1843,
he was elected a Member of Congress, and by suc-
cessive elections held that important post for ten
years. In1853, he was elected Governor of Tenn-
essee, and was re-elected in 1855. In all these
responsible positions, he discharged his duties
with distinguished ability, and proved himself the
warm friend of the working classes. In 1857, Mr.
Johnson was elected United States Senator.

Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated
the annexation of Texas, stating, however, as his
reason, that he thought this annexation would
probably prove ‘‘to be the gateway out of which
the sable sons of Africa are to pass from bondage
to freedom, and become merged in a population
congenial to themselves.’’ In1850, he also sup-
portedthe compromise measures, the two essen-
84

ANDREW JOHNSON.

 

tial features of which were, that the white people
of the Territories should be permitted to decide
for themselves whether they would enslave the
colored people or not, and that the free States of
the North should return to the South persons who
attempted to escape from slavery.

Mr. Johnson was never ashamed of his lowly
origin: on the contrary, he often took pride in
avowing that he owed his distinction to his own
exertions. ‘‘Sir,’’ said he on the floor of the
Senate, ‘I do not forget that Iam a mechanic;
neither do I forget that Adam was a tailor and
sewed fig-leaves, and that our Savior was the son
of a carpenter.”’

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of 1860,
he was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for
the Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of
the Southern Democracy became apparent, he took
a decided stand in favor of the Union, and held
that ‘‘slavery must be held subordinate to the
Union at whatever cost.’’ He returned to Tenn-
essee, and repeatedly imperiled his own life to
protect the Unionists of that State. Tennessee
having seceded from the Union, President Lincoln,
on March 4, 1862, appointed him Military Gov-
ernor of the State, and he established the most
stringent military rule. His numerous proclama-
tions attracted wide attention. In 1864, he was
elected Vice-President of the United States, and
upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 1865,
became President. In a speech two days later he
said, ‘“The American people must be taught, if
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime
and must be punished; that the Government will
not always bear with its enemies; that it is strong
not only to protect, but to punish. * * ‘The
people must understand that it (treason) is the
blackest of crimes, and will surely be punished.”
Yet his whole administration, the history of which
is so well known, was in utter inconsistency with,
and in the most violent opposition to, the princi-
ples laid down in that speech.

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress, and he
characterized Congress as a new rebellion, and
lawlessly defied it in everything possible to the ut-
most. In the beginning of 1868, on account of

 

“High crimes and misdemeanors,’’ the principal
of which was the removal of Secretary Stanton in
violation of the Tenure of Office Act, articles of
impeachment were preferred against him, and the
trial began March 23.

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three
months. ‘A test article of the impeachment was
at length submitted to the court for itsaction. It
was certain that as the court voted upon that ar-
ticle so would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices
pronounced the President guilty. Asa two-thirds
vote was necessary to his condemnation, he was
pronounced acquitted, notwithstanding the great
majority against him. The change of one vote
from the ot guilty side would have sustained the
impeachment.

The President, for the remainder of his term,
was but little regarded. He continued, though
impotently, his conflict with Congress. His own
party did not think it expedient to renominate
him for the Presidency. The Nation rallied with
enthusiasm, unparalleled since the days of Wash-
ington, around the nameof Gen. Grant. Andrew
Johnson was forgotten. The bullet of the assassin
introduced him to the President’s chair. Not-
withstanding this, never was there presented toa
man a better opportunity to immortalize his name,
and to win the gratitude of a nation. He failed
utterly. He retired to his home in Greenville,
Tenn., taking no very active part in politics until
1875. On January 26, after an exciting struggle,
he was chosen by the Legislature of Tennessee
United States Senator in the Forty-fourth Congess,
and took his seat in that body, at the special ses-
sion convened by President Grant, on the 5th of
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-Presi-
dent made a visit to his daughter’s home, near
Carter Station, Tenn. When he started on his _
journey, he was apparently in his usual vigorous: i
health, but on reaching the residence of his child
the following day, he was stricken with paralysis,
which rendered him unconscious. He rallied oc-
casionally, but finally passed away at 2A. M.,
July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His funeral was
held at Greenville, on the 3d of August, with
every demonstration of respect,
 

Ce 2
ULYSSES S. GRANT.

LYSSES S. GRANT, the eighteenth Presi-
dent of the United States, was born on the
29th of April, 1822, of Christian parents, in

a humble home at Point Pleasant, on the banks
of the Ohio. Shortly after, his father moved to
Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio. In this re-
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses received a common-
school education. At the age of seventeen, in
the year 1839, he entered the Military Academy
at West Point. Here he was regarded as a solid,
sensible young man, of fair ability, and of sturdy,
honest character. He took respectable rank as a
scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated about the
middle in his class, and was sent as Lieutenant of
Infantry to one of the distant military posts in the
Missouri Territory. Two years he passed in these
dreary solitudes, watching the vagabond Indians.

The war with Mexicocame. Lieut. Grant was
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His
first battle was at Palo Alto. There was no
chance here for the exhibition of either skill or
heroism, nor at Resaca de la Palma, his second
battle. At the battle of Monterey, his third en-
gagement, it is said that he performed a signal
service of daring and skillful horsemanship.

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant
returned with his regiment to New York, and
was again sent to one of the military posts on the
frontier. The discovery of gold in California
causing an immense tide of emigration to flow to
the Pacific shores, Capt. Grant was sent with a
battalion to Ft. Dallas, in Oregon, for the protec-
tion of the interests of the immigrants. But life
was wearisome in those wilds, and he resigned
his commission and returned to the States. Hav-
ing married, he entered upon the cultivation of a
small farm near St. Louis, Mo., but haying little

 

skill as a farmer, and finding his toil not re-
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering
into the leather business, with a younger brother
at Galena, Ill. This-wasin the year 1860. As
the tidings of the rebels firing on Ft. Sumter
reached the ears of Capt. Grant in his counting-
room, he said: ‘‘Uncle Sam has educated me
for the army; though I have served him through
one war, I do not feel that I have yet repaid the
debt. I am still ready to discharge my obliga-
tions. I shall therefore buckle on my sword and
see Uncle Sam through this war too.’’

He went into the streets, raised a company of
volunteers, and led them as their Captain to
Springfield, the capital of the State, where their
services were offered to Gov. Yates. The Gov-
ernor, impressed by the zeal and straightforward
executive ability of Capt. Grant, gave him a desk
in his office to assist in the volunteer organiza-
tion that was being formed in the State in behalf
of the Government. On the r5th of June, 1861,
Capt. Grant received a commission as Colonel of
the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Volunteers.
His merits as a West Point graduate, who had
served for fifteen years in the regular army, were
such that he was soon promoted to the rank of
Brigadier-General, and was placed in command at
Cairo. The rebels raised their banner at Padu-
cah, near the mouth of the Tennessee River.
Scarcely had its folds appeared in the breeze ere
Gen. Grant was there. The rebels fled, their
banner fell, and the Stars and Stripes were un-
furled in its stead.

He entered the service with great determina-
tion and immediately began active duty. This
was the, beginning, and until the surrender of
Lee at Richmond he was ever pushing the enemy
88 ULYSSES S. GRANT.

 

with great vigor and effectiveness. At Belmont,
a few days later, he surprised and routed the
rebels, then at Ft. Henry won another victory.
Then came the brilliant fight at Ft. Donelson.
The nation was electrified by the victory, and the
brave leader of the boys in blue was immediately
made a Major-General, and the military district
of Tennessee was assigned to him.

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well
how to secure the results of victory. He imme-
diately pushed on to the enemies’ lines. Then
came the terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing,
Corinth, and the siege of Vicksburg, where Gen.
Pemberton made an unconditional surrender of
the city with over thirty thousand men and one
hundred and seventy-two cannon. The fall of
Vicksburg was by far the most severe blow which
the rebels had thus far encountered, and opened
up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf.

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro-
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown
from his horse, and received severe injuries, from
which he was laid up for months. He then
rushed to the aid of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas
at Chattanooga, and by a wonderful series of
strategic and technical measures put the Union
army in fighting condition. Then followed the
bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout Moun-
tain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels
were routed with great loss. This won for him
unbounded praise in the North. On the ath of
February, 1864, Congress revived the grade of
lieutenant-general, and the rank was conferred
on Gen. Grant. He repaired to Washington to
receive his credentials and enter upon the duties
of his new office.

Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge
of the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed
National troops for an attack upon Richmond,
the nominal capital of the rebellion, and endeavor
there to destroy the rebel armies which would be
promptly assembled from all quarters for its de-
fense. The whole continent seemed to tremble
“under the tramp of these majestic armies, rushing
to the decisive battle-field. Steamers were crowd-
ed with troops. Railway trains were burdened

 

with closely-packed thousands. His plans were
comprehensive, and involved a series of cam-
paigns, which were executed with remarkable
energy and ability, and were consummated at the
surrender of Lee, April 9, 1865.

The war was ended. The Union was saved,
The almost unanimous voice of the nation de-
clared Gen. Grant to be the most prominent in-
strument in its salvation. ‘The eminent services
he had thus ‘rendered the country brought him
conspicuously forward as the Republican candi-
date for the Presidential chair.

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago,
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated
for the Presidency, and at the autumn election
received a majority of the popular vote, and two
hundred and fourteen out of two hundred and
ninety-four electoral votes.

The National Convention of the Republican
party, which met at Philadelphia on the 5th ot
June, 1872, placed Gen. Grant in nomination for
a second term by a unanimous vote. ‘The selec-
tion was emphatically indorsed by the people five
months later, two hundred and ninety-two elect-
oral votes being cast for him.

Soon after the close of his second term, Gen.
Grant started upon his famous trip around the
world. He visited almost every country of the
civilized world, and was everywhere received
with such ovations and demonstrations of respect
and honor, private as well as public and official,
as were never before bestowed upon any citizen
of the United States.

He was the most prominent candidate before
the Republican National Convention in 1880 for
a renomination for President. He went to New
York and embarked in the brokerage business
under the firm name of Grant & Ward. The
latter proved a villain, wrecked Grant’s fortune,
and for larceny was sent to the penitentiary.
The General was attacked with cancer-in the
throat, but suffered in his stoic-like manner, never
complaining. He was re-instated as General of
the Army, and retired by Congress. The cancer
soon finished its deadly work, and July 23, 1885,
the nation went in mourning over the death ot
the illustrious General.
 

Hepa

 

a ytetd
Anh

 
during his life.

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

UTHERFORD B. HAYES, the nineteenth
President of the United States, was born in
Delaware, Ohio, October 4, 1822, almost

three months after the death of his father, Ruther-
ford Hayes. His ancestry on both the paternal and
maternal sides was of the most honorable char-
acter. It can be traced, it is said, as far back as
1280, when Hayes and Rutherford were two
Scottish chieftains, fighting side by side with
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert Bruce. Both
families belonged to the nobility, owned extensive
estates, and had a large following. Misfortune
overtaking the family, George Hayes left Scotland
in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son
George was born in Windsor, and remained there
Daniel Hayes, son of the latter,
married Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of
his marriage until his death in Simsbury, Conn.
Ezekiel, son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was
a manufacturer of scythes at Bradford, Conn.
Rutherford Hayes, son of Ezekiel and grandfather
of President Hayes, was born in New Haven, in
August, 1756. He was a farmer, blacksmith and
tavern-keeper. He emigrated to Vermont at an
unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, where he
established a hotel. Here his son, Rutherford
Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was born.
He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors
emigrated thither from Connecticut, they having
been among the wealthiest and best families of
Norwich. Her ancestry on the male side is
traced back to 1635, to John Birchard, one of the
principal founders of Norwich. Both of her grand-
fathers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War.
The father of President Hayes was an industri-
ous, frugal, yet open-hearted man. He was ofa

 

mechanical turn of mind, and could mend a plow,
knit a stocking, or do almost anything else that
he chose to undertake. He was a member of the
church, active in all the benevolent enterprises
of the town, and conducted his business on Chris-
tian principles. After the close of the War of
1812, for reasons inexplicable to his neighbors, he
resolved to emigrate to Ohio.

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day,
when there were no canals, steamers, or rail-
ways, was a very serious affair. A tour of in-
spection was first made, occupying four months.
Mr. Hayes decided to move to Delaware, where
the family arrived in 1817. He died July 22,
1822, a victim of malarial fever, less than three
months before the birth of the son of whom we
write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore bereavement,
found the support she so much needed in her
brother Sardis, who had been a member of the
household from the day of its departure from
Vermont, and in an orphan girl, whom she had
adopted some time before as an act of charity.

Rutherford was seven years old before he went
toschool. His education, however, was not neg-
lected. He probably learned as much from his
mother and sister as he would have done at
school. His sports were.almost wholly within
doors, his playmates being his sister and her asso- ©
ciates. These circumstances tended, no doubt, to
foster that gentleness of disposition and that del-
icate consideration for the feelings of others which
were marked traits of his character.

His uncle, Sardis Birchard, took the deepest
interest in his education; and as the boy’s health
had improved, and he was making good progress
in his studies, he proposed to send him to college.
His preparation commenced with a tutor at home;
g2

but he was afterwards sent for one year to a pro-
fessor in the Wesleyan University in Middletown,
Conn. He entered Kenyon College in 1838, at
the age of sixteen, and was graduated at the head
of his class in 1842.

Immediately after his graduation he began the
study of law in the office of Thomas Sparrow,
Esq., in Columbus. Finding his opportunities
for study in Columbus somewhat limited, he de-
termined to enter the Law School at Cambridge,
Mass., where he remained two years.

In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he
was admitted to the Bar at Marietta, Ohio, and
shortly afterward went into practice as an at-
torney-at-law with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fre-
mont. Here he remained three years, acquiring
but a limited practice, and apparently unambitious
of distinction in his profession.

In 1849 he moved to Cincinnati, where his am-
bition found a new stimulus. For several years,
however, his progress was slow. Two events
occurring at this period had a powerful influence
upon his subsequent life. One of these was his
marriage with Miss Lucy Ware Webb, daughter
of Dr. James Webb, of Chillicothe;. the other was
his introduction to the Cincinnati Literary Club,
a body embracing among its members such men
as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, Gen. John
Pope, Gov. Edward F. Noyes, and many others
hardly less distinguished in after life. The mar-
riage was a fortunate one in every respect, as
everybody knows. Not one of all the wives of
our Presidents was more universally admired,
reverenced and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and
no one did more than she to reflect honor upon
American womanhood. The LiteraryClub brought
Mr. Hayes into constant association with young
men of high character and noble aims, and lured
him to display the qualities so long hidden by his
bashfulness and modesty.

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge
of the Court of Common Pleas, but he declined to
accept the nomination. Two years later, the of-
fice of City Solicitor becoming vacant, the City
Council elected him for the unexpired term.

In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was
at the zenith of his professional life. His rank at

 

RUTHERFORD B. HAYES.

the Bar was among the first. But the news of
the attack on Ft. Sumter found him eager to
take up arms for the defense of his country.

His military record was bright and illustrious,
In October, 1861, he was made Lieutenant-Colo-
nel, and in August, 1862, promoted Colonel of
the Seventy-ninth Ohio Regiment, but he refused
to leave his old comrades and go among strangers,
Subsequently, however, he was made Colonel of
his old regiment. At the battle of South Moun-
tain he received a wound, and while faint and
bleeding displayed courage and fortitude that
won admiration from all.

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment,
after his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General,
and placed in command of the celebrated Kanawha
division, and for gallant and meritorious services
in the battles of Winchester, Fisher’s Hill and
Cedar Creek, he was promoted Brigadier-General.
He was also breveted Major-General, ‘‘for gallant
and distinguished services during the campaigns
of 1864, in West Virginia.’’ In the course of his
arduous services, four horses were shot from un-
der him, and he was wounded four times.

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress
from the Second Ohio District, which had long
been Democratic. He was not present during the
campaign, and after the election was importuned
to resign his commission in the army; but he f-
nally declared, ‘‘I shall never come to Washing-
ton until I can come by way of Richmond.” He
was re-elected in 1866.

In 1867, Gen. Hayes was elected Governor of
Ohio, over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a popular
Democrat, and in 1869 was re-elected over George
H. Pendleton. He was elected Governor for the
third term in 1875.

In 1876 he was the standard-bearer of the Re-
publican party in the Presidential contest, and
after a hard, long contest was chosen President,
and was inaugurated Monday, March 5, 1877.
He served his full term, not, however, with satis:
faction to his party, but his administration was atl
average one. ‘The remaining years of his life
were passed quietly in his Ohio home, where a
passed away January 17, 1893.
 

CG
JAMES A. GARFIELD.

AMES A. GARFIELD, twentieth President
of the United States, was born November 19,
1831, in the woods of Orange, Cuyahoga
County, Ohio. His parents were Abram and
Eliza (Ballou) Garfield, both of New England
ancestry, and from families well known in the
‘early history of that section of our country, but
who had moved to the Western Reserve, in Ohio,
early in its settlement.

The house in which James A. was born was
not unlike the houses of poor Ohio farmers of
that day. It was about 20 x 30 feet, built of logs,
with the spaces between the logs filled with clay.
His father was a hard-working farmer, and he
soon had his fields cleared, an orchard planted,
and a log barn built. The household comprised
the father and mother and their four children,
Mehetabel, Thomas, Mary and James. In May,
1823, the father died from a cold contracted in
helping to put out a forest fire. At this time
James was about eighteen months old, and
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps,
can tell how much James was indebted to his
brother’s toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty
years succeeding his father’s death. He now
lives in Michigan, and the two sisters live in Solon,
Ohio, near their birthplace.

The early educational advantages young Gar-
field enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the
most of them. He labored at farm work for
others, did carpenter work, chopped wood, or did
anything that would bring in a few dollars to aid
his widowed mother in her struggles to keep the
little family together. Nor was Gen. Garfield
ever ashamed of his origin, and he never forgot
the friends of his struggling childhood, youth and
manhood; neither did they ever forget him.
When in the highest seats of honor, the humblest
friend of his boyhood was as kindly greeted as
ever. ‘The poorest laborer was sure of the sym-
pathy of one who had known all the bitterness of

 

want and the sweetness of bread earned by the
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple,
plain, modest gentleman.

The highest ambition of young Garfield until
he was about sixteen years old was to be cap-
tain of a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious
to go aboard a vessel, but this his mother strongly
opposed. She finally consented to his going to
Cleveland, with the understanding, however, that
he should try to obtain some other kind of em-
ployment. He walked all the way to Cleveland.
This was his first visit tothe city. After making
many applications for work, and trying to get
aboard a lake vessel and not meeting with suc-
cess, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos
Letcher, on the Ohio & Pennsylvania Canal
He remained at this work but a short time, when
he went home, and attended the seminary at
Chester for about three years. He then entered
Hiram and the Eclectic Institute, teaching a few
terms of school in the mean time, and doing other
work. ‘This school was started by the Disciples
of Christ in 1850, of which body he was then a
member. He became janitor and bell-ringer in
order to help pay his way. He then became both
teacher and pupil. Soon ‘‘exhausting Hiram,’’
and needing a higher education, in the fall of 1854
he entered Williams College, from which he grad-
uated in 1856, taking one of the highest honors of
his class. He afterwards returned to Hiram Col-
lege as its President. As above stated, he early
united with the Christian, or Disciples, Church at
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous
member, often preaching in its pulpit and places
where he happened to be.

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage, Novem-
ber 11, 1858, with Miss Lucretia Rudolph, who
proved herself worthy as the wife of one whom
all the world loved. To them were born seven
children, five of whom are still living, four boys
and one girl.
96 JAMES A. GARFIELD.

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in
1856, in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and
three years later he began to speak at county
mass-meetings, and became the favorite speaker
wherever he was. During this year he was
elected to the Ohio Senate. He also began to
study law at Cleveland, and in 1861 was admitted
to the Bar. ‘The great Rebellion broke out in the
early part of this year, and Mr. Garfield at once
resolved to fight as he had talked, and enlisted to
defend the Old Flag. He received his commission
as Lieutenant-Colonel of the Forty-second Regi-
ment of Ohio Infantry August 14, 1861. He
was immediately put into active service, and be-
fore he had ever séen a gun fired in action, was
placed in command of four regiments of infantry
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the
work of driving out of his native State the able
rebel officer, Humphrey Marshall, of Kentucky.
This work was bravely and speedily accomplished,
although against great odds, and President Lin-
coln commissioned him Brigadier-General, Janu-
dry 10, 1862; and ‘‘as he had bee. the youngest
man in the Ohio Senate two years before, so now
he was the youngest General in the army.’’ He
was with Gen. Buell’s army at Shiloh, in its
operations around Corinth and its march through
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of
the general court martial for the trial of Gen.
Fitz-John Porter. He was next ordered to re-
port to Gen. Rosecrans, and was assigned to the
‘* Chief of Staff.’’ The military history of Gen.
Garfield closed with his brilliant services at Chick-
amauga, where he won the rank of Major-General.

Without an effort on his part, Gen. Garfield
was elected to Congress in the fall of 1862, from
the Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of
Ohio had been represented in Congress for sixty
years mainly by two men—Elisha Whittlesey and
Joshua R. Giddings. It was not without a strug-
gle that he resigned his place in the army. At
the time he entered Congress he was the youngest
member in that body. There he remained by
successive re-elections until he was elected Presi-
dent, in 1880. Of his labors in Congress, Senator
Hoar says: ‘‘Since the year 1864 you cannot
think of a question which has been debated in

 

Congress, or discussed before a tribunal of the
American people, in regard to which you will not
find, if you wish instruction, the argument on
one side stated, in almost every instance better
than by anybody else, in some speech made in
the House of Representatives or on the hustings
by Mr. Garfield.”

Upon January 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elect-
ed to the United States Senate, and on the 8th of
June, of the same year, was nominated as the
candidate of his party for President at the great
Chicago Convention. He was elected in the fol-
lowing November, and on March 4, 1881, was
inaugurated. Probably no administration ever
opened its existence under brighter auspices than
that of President Garfield, and every day it grew
in favor with the people. By the rst of July
he had completed all the initiatory and prelimi-
nary work of his administration, and was prepar-
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Will-
iams College. While on his way and at the
depot, in company with Secretary Blaine, a man
stepped behind him, drew a revolver, and fired
directly at his back. The President tottered and
fell, and as he did so the assassin fired a second
shot, the bullet cutting the left coat sleeve of his
victim, but inflicting no further injury. It has
been very truthfully said that this was ‘‘ the shot
that was heard around the world.’’ Never before
in the history of the nation had anything occur-
red which so nearly froze the blood of the people

for the moment as this awful deed. He was

smitten on the brightest, gladdest day of all his
life, at the summit of his power and hope. For
eighty days, all during the hot months of July
and August, he lingered and suffered. He, how-
ever, remained master of himself till the last, and
by his magnificent bearing taught the country
and the world one of the noblest of human les-
sons—how to live grandly in the very clutch of
death. Great in life, he was surpassingly great
in death. He passed serenely away September
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J:, on the very bank of
the ocean, where he had been taken shortly be-
fore. The world wept at his death, as it rarely
ever had dofie on the death of any other great
and noble man.
 

 
CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

HESTER A. ARTHUR, twenty-first Presi-
dent of the United States,.was born in Frank-
lin County, Vt., on the 5th day of October,

1830, and was the eldest of a family of two sons
and five daughters. His father was the Rev. Dr.
William Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who emi-
grated to this country from County Antrim, Ire-
land, in his eighteenth year, and died in 1875, in
Newtonville, near Albany, after a long and suc-
cessful ministry.

Young Arthur was educated at Union College,
Schenectady, where he excelled in all his studies.
After his graduation he taught school in Ver-
mont for two years, and at the expiration of that
time came to New York, with $500 in his pocket,
and entered the office of ex-Judge E. D. Culver
as a student. After being admitted to the Bar, he
formed a partnership with his intimate friend and
room-mate, Henry D. Gardiner, with the inten-
tion of practicing in the West, and for three
months they roamed about in the Western States
in search of an eligible site, but in the end re-
turned to New York, where they hung out their
shingle, and entered upon a successful career al-
most from the start. Gen. Arthur soon after mar-
ried the daughter of Lieut. Herndon, of the
United States Navy, who was lost at sea. Con-
gress voted a gold medal to his widow in recog-
nition of the bravery he displayed on that occa-
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr.
Arthur’s nomination to the Vice-Presidency, leav-
ing two children.

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celeb-
rity in his first great case, the famous Lemmon
suit, brought to recover possession of eight slaves
who had been declared free by Judge Paine, of
the Superior Court of New York City. It was in

 

1852 that Jonathan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to
New York with his slaves, intending to ship them
to Texas, when they were discovered and freed.
The Judge decided that they could not be held by
the owner under the Fugitive Slave Law. A howl
of rage went up from the South, and the Virginia.
Legislature authorized the Attorney-General of
that State to assist in an appeal. William M.
Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed to
represent the people, and they won their case,
which then went to the Supreme Court of the
United States. Charles O’Conor here espoused
the cause of the slaveholders, but he, too, was
beaten by Messrs. Evarts and Arthur, and a long
step was taken toward the emancipation of the
black race.

Another great service was rendered by Gen.
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jen-
nings, a respectable colored woman, was put off
a Fourth Avenue car with violence after she had
paid her fare. Gen. Arthur sued on her behalf,
and secured a verdict of $500 damages. ‘The next
day the company issued an order to admit colored
persons to ride on their cars, and the other car
companies quickly followed their example. Be-
fore that the Sixth Avenue Company ran a few
special cars for colored persons, and the other lines
refused to let them ride at all.

Gen. Arthur was a delegate to the convention
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party.
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of
the Second Brigade of the State of New York,
and Gov. Morgan, of that State, appointed him
Engineer-in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was
made Inspector-General, and soon afterward be-
came Quartermaster-General. In each of these
offices he rendered great service to the Govern-
100

ment during the war. At the end of Gov. Mor-
gan’s term he resumed the practice of law, form-
ing a partnership with Mr. Ransom, and then
Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney of New York,
was added to the firm. ‘The legal practice of this
well-known firm was very large and lucrative,
as each of the gentlemen composing it was an able
lawyer, and possessed a splendid local reputa-
tion, if not, indeed, one of national extent.

Mr. Arthur always took a leading part in State
and city politics. He was appointed Collector of
the Port of New York by President Grant, No-
vember 21, 1872, to succeed Thomas Murphy,
and he held the office until July 20, 1878, when
he was succeeded by Collector Merritt.

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the
famous National Republican Convention held at
Chicago in June, 1880. This was perhaps the
greatest political convention that ever assembled
on the continent. It was composed of the lead-

‘ing politicians of the Republican party, all able
men, and each stood firm and fought vigorously
and with signal tenacity for his respective can-
didate that was before the convention for the
nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield received the
nomination for President, and Gen. Arthur for
Vice-President. The campaign which followed
was one of the most animated known in the his-
tory of our country. Gen. Hancock, the stand-
ard-bearer of the Democratic party, was a popular
man, and his party made a valiant fight for his
election.

Finally the election came, and the country’s
choice was Garfield and Arthur. They were in-
augurated March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-
President. A few months only had passed ere
the newly-chosen President was the victim of the
assassin’s bullet. Then came terrible weeks of
suffering—those moments of anxious suspense,
when the hearts of. all civilized nations were
throbbing in unison, longing for the recovery of
the noble, the good President. The remarkable
patience that he manifested during those hours
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible
suffering man has ever been called upon to en-
dure, was seemingly more than human. It was

 

CHESTER A. ARTHUR.

certainly godlike. During all this period of
deepest anxiety Mr. Arthur’s every move was
watched, and, be it said to his credit, that his every
action displayed only an earnest desire that the
suffering Garfield might recover to serve the re-
mainder of the term he had so auspiciously be-
gun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested in
deed or look of this man, even though the most
honored position in the world was at any moment
likely to fall to him.

At last God in his mercy relieved President
Garfield from further suffering, and the world, as
never before in its history over the death of any
other man, wept at his bier. Then it became the
duty of the Vice-President to assume the respon-
sibilities of the high office, and he took the oath
in New York, September 20, 1881. The position
was an embarrassing one to him, made doubly so
from the fact that all eyes were on him, anxious ,
to know what he would do, what policy he would
pursue, and whom he would select as advisers.
The duties of the office had been greatly neglected
during the President’s long illness, and many im-
portant measures were to be immediately decided
by him; and to still further embarass him he did
not fail to realize under what circumstances he
became President, and knew the feelings of many
on this point. Under these trying circumstances,
President Arthur took the reins of the Govern-
ment in his own hands, and, as embarrassing as
was the condition of affairs, he happily surprised
the nation, acting so wisely that but few criticized
his administration. He served the nation well
and faithfully until the close of his administra-
tion, March 4, 1885, and was a popular candidate
before his party for a second term. His name
was ably presented before the convention at Chi-
cago, and was received with great favor, and
doubtless but for the personal popularity of one
of the opposing candidates, he would have been
selected as the standard-bearer of his party for
another campaign. He retired to private life, car-
rying with him the best wishes of the American
people, whom he had served in a manner satisfac-
tory to them and with credit to himself. One
year later he was called to his final rest.
STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND.

TEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND, the
twenty-second President of the United States,
was born in 1837, in the obscure town of

Caldwell, Essex County, N. J., and ina little
two-and-a-half-story white house, which is still
standing to characteristically mark the humble
birthplace of one of America’s great men, in
striking contrast with the Old World, where all
men high in office must be high in origin and
born in the cradle of wealth. When the subject
of this sketch was three years of age, his father,
who was a Presbyterian minister with a large
family and a small salary, moved, by way of the
Hudson River and Erie Canal, to Fayetteville, N.
Y., in search of an increased income and a larger
field of work. Fayetteville was then the most
straggling of country villages, about five miles
from Pompey Hill, where Governor Seymour
was born.

At the last-mentioned place young Grover com-
menced going to school in the good, old-fashioned
way, and presumably distinguished himself after
the manner of all village boys—in doing the
things he ought not to do. Such is the dis-
tinguishing trait of all geniuses and independent
thinkers. When he arrived at the age of four-
teen years, he had outgrown the capacity of the
village school, and expressed a most emphatic de-
sire to be sent to an academy. To this his fa-
ther decidedly objected. Academies in those
days cost money; besides, his father wanted him
to become self-supporting by the quickest pos-
sible means, and this at that time in Fayetteville
seemed to be a position in a country store, where
his father and the large family on his hands had

 

considerable influence. Grover was to be paid
$50 for his services the first year, and if he proved
trustworthy he was to receive $100 the second
year. Here the lad commenced his career as
salesman, and in two years he had earned so good
a reputation for trustworthiness that his employ-
ers desired to retain him for an indefinite length
of time.

But instead of remaining with this firm in
Fayetteville, he went with the family in their re-
moval to Clinton, where he had an opportunity
of attending a High School. Here he industri-
ously pursued his studies’ until the family re-
moved with him toa point on Black River known
as the ‘‘Holland Patent,’’ a village of five or six
hundred people, fifteen miles north of Utica, N. Y.
At this place his father died, after preaching but
three Sundays. This event broke up the family,
and Grover set out for New York City to accept,
at a small salary, the position of under-teacher
in an asylum for the blind. He taught faithfully
for two years, and although he obtained a good
reputation in this capacity, he concluded that
teaching was not his calling in life, and, revers-
ing the traditional order, he left the city to seek
his fortune, instead of going to the city. He first
thought of Cleveland, Ohio, as there was some
charm in that name for him; but before proceed-
ing to that place he went to Buffalo to ask advice
of his uncle, Lewis F. Allan, a noted stock-
breeder of that place. The latter did not speak
enthusiastically. ‘‘What is it you want to do,
my boy?’’ he asked. ‘‘Well, sir, I want to study
law,’’ was the reply ‘‘Good gracious!’’ remarked
the old gentleman; ‘‘do you, indeed? Whatever
104

put that into your head? How much money
have you got?” ‘‘Well, sir, to tell the truth, I
haven’t got any.”’

After a long consultation, his uncle offered him
a place temporarily as assistant herd-keeper, at
$50 a year, while he could look around. One
day soon afterward he boldly walked into the of-
fice of Rogers, Bowen & Rogers, of Buffalo, and
told them what he wanted. A number of young
men were already engaged in the office, but Gro-
ver’s persistency won, and he was finally per-
mitted to come as an office boy and have the use
of the law library, receiving as wages the sum of
$3 or $4.a week. Out of this he had to pay for his
board and washing. The walk to and from his
uncle’s was a long and rugged one; and although
the first winter was a memorably severe one, his
shoes were out of repair, and as for his overcoat he
had none; yet he was, nevertheless, prompt and
regular. On the first day of his service there, his
senior employer threw down a copy of Black-
stone before him, with a bang that made the dust
fly, saying ‘‘That’s where they all begin.” A
titter ran around the little circle of clerks and
students, as they thought that was enough to
scare young Grover out of his plans; but in due
time he mastered that cumbersome volume.
Then, as ever afterward, however, Mr. Cleve-
land exhibited a talent for executiveness rather
than for chasing principles through all their
metaphysical possibilities. ‘‘Let us quit talking
and go and do it,’’ was practically his motto.

The first public office to which Mr. Cleveland
was elected was that of Sheriff of Erie County,
N. Y., in-which Buffalo is situated; and in such
capacity it fell to his duty to inflict capital punish-
ment upon two criminals. In 1881 he was
elected Mayor of the City of Buffalo, on the
Democratic ticket, with especial reference to bring-
ing about certain reforms in the administration
of the municipal affairs of that city. In this of-
fice, as well as in that of Sheriff, his performance
of duty has generally been considered fair, with
possibly a few exceptions, which were ferreted
out and magnified during his Presidential cam-
paign. As a specimen of his plain language in
a veto message, we quote from one vetoing an

 

STEPHEN GROVER CLEVELAND.

iniquitous street-cleaning contract: ‘This is a
time for plain speech, and my objection to your
action shall be plainly stated. I regard it as the
culmination of a most bare-faced, impudent and
shameless scheme to betray the interests of the
people and to worse than squander the people’s
money.’’ The New York Sum afterward very
highly commended Mr. Cleveland’s administra-
tion as Mayor of Buffalo, and thereupon recom-
mended him for Governor of the Empire State.
To the latter office he was elected in 1882, and
his administration of the affairs of State was
generally satisfactory. ‘The mistakes he made,
if any, were made very public throughout the na-
tion after he was nominated for President of the
United States. For this high office he was
nominated July 11, 1884, by the National Demo-
cratic Convention at Chicago, when other com-
petitors were Thomas F. Bayard, Roswell P.
Flower, Thomas A. Hendricks, Benjamin F.
Butler, Allen G. Thurman, etc.; and he was
elected by the. people, by a majority of about a
thousand, over the brilliant and long-tried Re-
publican statesman, James G. Blaine. President
Cleveland resigned his office as Governor of New
York in January, 1885, in order to prepare for
his duties as the Chief Executive of the United
States, in which capacity his term commenced at
noon on the 4th of March, 1885.

The silver question precipitated a controversy
between those who were in favor of the continu-
ance of silver coinage and those who were op-
posed, Mr. Cleveland answering for the latter,
even before his inauguration.

On June 2, 1886, President Cleveland married
Frances, daughter of his deceased friend and part-
ner, Oscar Folsom, of the Buffalo Bar. Their
union has been blessed by the birth of two daugh-
ters. Inthe campaign of 1888, President Cleve-
land was renominated by his party, but the
Republican candidate, Gen. Benjamin Harrison,
was victorious. In the nominations of 1892
these two candidates for the highest position in
the gift of the people were again pitted against

each other, and in the ensuing election Presideut

Cleveland was victorious by an overwhelming
majority.
 

’

Crniddet
BENJAMIN

President, is the descendant of one of the
historical families of this country. The first
known head of the family was Maj.-Gen. Harrison,
one of Oliver Cromwell's trusted followers and
fighters. In the zenith of Cromwell’s power it be-
came the duty of this Harrison to participate in
the trial of Charles I., aud afterward to sign the
death warrant of the king. He subsequently
paid for this with his life, being hung October 13,
1660. His descendants came to America, and
the next of the family that appears in history is
Benjamin Harrison, of Virginia, great-grandfa-
ther of the subject of this sketch, and after whom
he was named. Benjamin Harrison was a mem-
ber of the Continental Congress during the years
1774, 1775 and 1776, and was one of the original
signers of the Declaration of Independence. He
was three times elected Governor of Virginia.
Gen. William Henry Harrison, the son of the
distinguished patriot of the Revolution, after a
successful career as a soldier during the War of
1812, and with a clean record as Governor of the
Northwestern Territory, was elected President of
the United States in 1840. His career was cut
short by death within one month after his in-
auguration.
President Harrison was born at North Bend,

Bren HARRISON, the twenty-third

 

HARRISON.

Hamilton County, Ohio, August 20, 1833. His
life up to the time of his graduation from Miami
University, at Oxford, Ohio, was the uneventful
one of a country lad of a family of small means.
His father was able to give him a good education,
and nothing more. He became engaged while at
college to the daughter of Dr. Scott, Principal of
a female school at Oxford. After graduating, he
determined to enter upon the study of law. He
went to Cincinnati and there read law for two
years. At the expiration of that time young Har-
rison received the only inheritance of his life—his
aunt, dying, left him a lot valued at $800. He
regarded this legacy as a fortune, and decided to
get married at once, take this money and go to
some Eastern town and begin the practice of law.
He sold his lot, and, with the money in his pocket,
he started out with his young wife to fight for a
place in the world. He decided to go to Indian-
apolis, which was even at that time a town of
promise. He met with slight encouragement at
first, making scarcely anything the first year.
He worked diligently, applying himself closely to
his calling, built up an extensive practice and
took a leading rank in the legal profession.

In 1860, Mr. Harrison was nominated for the
position of Supreme Court Reporter, and then be-
gan his experience as a stump speaker. He can-
108 BENJAMIN

vassed the State thoroughly, and was elected by
a handsome majority. In 1862 he raised the
Seventeenth Indiana Infantry, and was chosen its
Colonel. His regiment was composed of the raw-
est material, but Col. Harrison employed all his
time at first in mastering military tactics and drill-
ing his men, and when he came to move toward
the East with Sherman, his regiment was one of
the best drilled and organized in the army. At
Resaca he especially distinguished himself, and
for his bravery at Peachtree Creek he was made
a Brigadier-General, Gen. Hooker speaking of
him in the most complimentary terms.

During the absence of Gen. Harrison in the
field, the Supreme Court declared the office of
Supreme Court Reporter vacant, and another
person was elected to the position. From the
time of leaving Indiana with his regiment until
the fall of 1864 he had taken no leave of absence,
but having been nominated that year for the same
office, he got a thirty-day leave of absence, and
during that time made a brilliant canvass of the
State, and was elected for anotherterm. He then
started to rejoin Sherman, but on the way was
stricken down with scarlet fever, and after a most
trying attack made his way to the front in time to
participate in the closing incidents of the war.

In 1868 Gen. Harrison declined a re-election
as Reporter, and resumed the practice of law. In
1876 he was acandidate for Governor. Although
defeated, the brilliant campaign he made won for
him a national reputation, and he was much sought
after, especially in the East, to make speeches.
In 1880, as usual, he took an active part in the

‘ campaign, and was elected to the United States
Senate. Here he served for six years, and was
known as one of the ablest men, best lawyers and
strongest debaters in that body. With the ex-
piration of his senatorial term he returned to the
practice of his profession, becoming the head of
one of the strongest firms in the State.

The political campaign of 1888 was one of the
most memorable in the history of our country.
The convention which assembled in Chicago in
June and named Mr. Harrison as the chief st.nd-
ard-bearer of the Republican party was great in
every particular, and on this account, and the at-

HARRISON.

titude it assumed upon the vital questions of the
day, chief among which was the tariff, awoke a
deep interest in the campaign throughout the
nation. Shortly after the nomination, delegations
began to visit Mr. Harrison at Indianapolis, his
home. ‘This movement became popular, and from
all sections of the country societies, clubs and
delegations journeyed thither to pay their re-
spects to the distinguished statesman.

Mr. Harrison spoke daily all through the sum-
mer and autumn to these visiting delegations,
and so varied, masterly, and eloquent were his
speeches that they at once placed him in the fore-
most rank of American orators and statesmen.
Elected by a handsome majority, he served his
country faithfully and well, and in 1892 was nom-
inated for re-election; but the people demanded a
change and he was defeated by his predecessor
in office, Grover Cleveland.

On account of his eloquence as a speaker and
his power as a debater, Gen. Harrison was called
upon at an early age to take part in the dis-
cussion of the great questions that then began to
agitate the country. He was an uncompromising
anti-slavery man, and was matched against some
of the most eminent Democratic speakers of his
State. Noman who felt the touch of his blade
desired to be pitted with him again. With all
his eloquence as an orator he never spoke for ora-
torical effect, but his words always went like bul-
lets to the mark. He is purely American in his
ideas, and is a splendid type of the American
statesman. Gifted with quick perception, a logi-
cal mind anda ready tongue, he is one of the
most distinguished impromptu speakers in the
nation. Many of these speeches sparkled with the
rarest eloquence and contained arguments of great
weight, and many of his terse statements have
already become aphorisms. Original in thought,
precise in logic, terse in statement, yet withal
faultless in eloquence, he is recognized as the
sound statesman and brilliant orator of the day.
During the last days of his administration Presi-
dent Harrison suffered an irreparable loss im the
death of his devoted wife, Caroline (Scott) Har-
rison, a lady of many womanly charms and vir-

 

tues. They were the parents of two children,
 

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Dubuque, Jones and=—=s

3<—— Clayton Counties,

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becomes the duty of the
people of this county to per-
ai -petuate the names of their
{a eed pioneers, to furnish a record
( of their early settlement,
and relate the story of their
progress, The civilization of our
day, the enlightenment of the age
and the duty that men of the pres-
ent time owe to their ancestors, to
themselves and to their posterity,
demand that a record of their lives
and deeds should be made. In bio-
graphical history is found a power
to instruct man by precedent, to
enliven the mental faculties, and
to waft down the river of time a
safe vessel in which the names and actions of the
people who contributed to raise this country from its
primitive state may be preserved. Surely and rapidly
the great and aged men, who in their prime entered
the wilderness and claimed the virgin soil as their
heritage, are passing to their graves. The number re-
maining who can relate the incidents of the first days
of settlement is becoming small indeed, so that an
actual necessity exists for the collection and preser-
vation of events without delay, before all the early
settlers are cut down by the scythe of Time.

To be forgotten has been the great dread of mankind
from remotest ages. All will be forgotten soon enough,
mm spite of their best works and the most earnest
efforts of their friends to perserve the memory of
their lives. —The means employed to prevent oblivion
and to perpetuate their memory has been in propor-
tion to the amount of intelligence they possessed.
Th? pyramids of Egypt were built to perpetuate the
names and deeds of their great rulers. The exhu-
mations made by the archeologists of Egypt from
buried Memphis indicate a desire of those people

   
 

 

to perpetuate the memory of their achievements
The erection of the great obelisks were for the same
purpose. Coming down to a later period, we find the
Greeks and Romans erecting mausoleums and monu-
ments, and carving out statues to chronicle their
great achievements and carry them down the ages.
It is also evident that the Mound-builders, in piling
up their great mounds of earth, had but this idea—
to leave something to show that they had lived. Al
these works, though many of them costly in the ex-
treme, give but a faint idea of the lives and charac-
ters of those whose memory they were intended to
perpetuate, and scarcely anything of the masses of
the people that then lived. The great pyramids and
some of the obelisks remain objects only of curiosity;
the mausoleums, monuments and statues are crum-
bling into dust.

It was left to modern ages to establish an intelli-
gent, undecaying, immutable method of perpetuating
a full history—immutable in that it is almost un-
limited in extent and perpetual in its action; and
this is through the art of printing.

To the present generation, however, we are in-
debted for the introduction of the admirable system
of local biography. By this system every man, thougt
he has not achieved what the world calls’ greatness,
has the means to perpetuate his life, his history,
through the coming ages.

The scythe of Time cuts down all; nothing of the
physical man is left. The monument which his chil-
dren or friends may erect to his memory in the ceme,
tery will crumble into dust and pass away; but his
life, his achievements, the work he has accomplished,
which otherwise would be forgotten, is perpetuated
by a record of this kind.

To preserve the lineaments of our companions we
engrave their portraits, for the same reason we col-
lect the actainable facts of their history. Nor do we
think it necessary, as we speak only truth of them, to
wait until they are dead, or until those who know
them are gone: todo this we are ashamed only to
publish to the world the history of those whose lives
are unworthy of public record.
    

 

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HON. WILLIAM B. ALLISON.
 

   

 

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through the development of its material

resources has Iowa gained a national rep-
utation, but since its organization as a state it has
contributed to our country many of its most emi-
nent.statesmen and gifted men, who, in its admin-
istrative councils, and in both Houses of Congress,
have reflected honor upon and given marked dis-
tinction to our state. What is true in a national
sense is also true as respects the management of
our state affairs, which have been so conducted as
to maintain the honor and integrity of our state
at home and among our sister states.

Among the number of influential men, none are
more widély or favorably known than the subject
of this review, whose long public service in the
House of Representatives and in the Senate has
brought him into a constantly increasing promi-
nence among the people. The events in the life
of a public man are always read with interest, and
this is especially true when, asin the career of
Senator Allison, he has labored to promote the ad-
vancement of the best interests of the people as
he understood those interests. He has a well earned
reputation for industry and activity in the great
bodies of which he has been a conspicuous member.

The ancestors of Senator Allison were of Scotch-
Trish origin. Both of his grandfathers migrated

Hh ON. WILLIAM B. ALLISON. Not alone

to Pennsylvania from the North of Ireland just

after the close of the War of the Revolution, where
his father, John Allison, was born in 1798. That
state was also the birthplace of his mother, who
bore the maiden name of Margaret Williams. In
1824 John Allison, then married, settled in Perry
Township, Wayne County, Ohio, on eighty acres

 

of land, where he built a house of rude logs and
cleared a farm, which was afterwards enlarged to
one hundred and sixty acres.

In this log cabin and on this farm, March 2, 1829,
the subject of this sketch was born. In his early
life he had the advantage of an excellent common-
school education; afterward he spent a year at Al-
legheny (Pa.) College, and another year at Western
Reserve College, then located at Hudson, but now
at Cleveland, Ohio. On leaving college, he read
law at Wooster, Ohio, whence in 1852 he removed
to Ashland and began the practice of law. He con-
tinued thus engaged with reasonable success until
the spring of 1857, when he removed to Dubuque,
Iowa, and here he has since resided. He practiced
law in Dubuque with good success until he entered
the House of Representatives, March 3, 1863, hav-
ing been elected from the Third District of Iowa
in the fall of 1862. During 1861 and 1862 he was
a member of the staff of Governor Kirkwood, and
as such had full authority to raise troops for the
war in the northern part of the state. He com-
plied with the wishes and executed the orders of
the Governor with fidelity and success, raising four
regiments for the field. He was the first to sug-
gest to Governor Kirkwood the importance of call-
ing an extra session of the Legislature to authorize
Iowa soldiers in the field to vote. Since March,
1863, with the exception of the years 1871 and
1873, he has been a member of the House or Sen-
ate. He left the House March 4, 1871, and entered
the Senate March 3, 1873, and when his present
term in the Senate expires, March 4, 1897, he will
have served twenty-four years in that body. At
the beginning of his second term in the House,
118

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

March 3, 1865, he was appointed a member of the
Waysand Means Committee and so continued dur-
ing the remainder of his service in the House, be-
ing one of its most conspicuous members on all
questions relating to tariff, internal taxation and
other questions of a financial character. Some of
the most important legislation of that period bears
the impress of his guiding hand.

Senator Allison always advocated a tariff so ad-
justed as to afford protection to American indus-
tries and American labor, but did not always fol-
low the leaders of the party into what has been
termed extreme protection, and some of his earlier
speeches upon this subject have been criticised by
his party friends and quoted by the opposing party
as hostile to the policy of protection. In 1873 he
entered the Senate, and four years later was placed
on the Finance Committee, and from that time has
taken a prominent part in all financial legislation.
He was chairman of a sub-committee that revised
the laws relating to the administration of the tariff,
and framed the legislation now on our statute
books relating to the collection of duties, and
which was not disturbed in the revision of the
tariff made in 1894. He was chairman of the sub-
committee that framed the Senate substitute for
the Mills bill in 1888, and had charge of the bill
in the Senate.

To currency legislation, and especially the silver
question, Senator Allison devoted considerable at-
tention, and was the author of the law of 1878
which provided for limited coinage of silver on
account of the Government. These suggestions
were brought forward in the form of amendments
to the free coinage bill proposed by Mr. Bland, and
were adopted by both Houses and passed over the
veto of President Hayes. This measure was prob-
ably the most conservative that could have been
passed at that time, and, though much criticised,
has borne the test of time. It remained unchanged
until it gave way for the Sherman act of 1890.
Senator Allison has always been a bimetallist in
the true sense of that word, believing that both
silver and gold, as full legal tender money, are
necessary to the commerce of the world.

In 1888 Senator Allison’s name was brought for-
ward as a prominent candidate for the Presidency

 

and was favorably received. During his entire
service in the Senate, he has been a member of the
important Committee on Appropriations, and for
twelve years, when the Republicans were in the ma-
jority, and up to March, 1893, was chairman of the
committee. Always careful in regard to details,
he favored liberal and fair appropriations for every
essential public purpose, and always held the con-
fidence of his associates respecting these details.
He was twice tendered the position of Secretary of
the Treasury, first by President Garfield in 1881,
and again by President Harrison in 1889. He de-
clined both offers, preferring to remain in the
Senate.

Outside of his official capacity, Mr. Allison is
known and esteemed as a generous, benevolent
man, an agreeable companion, considerate friend
and progressive citizen. Starting in life with noth-
ing but his own energy and ability and upright
character with which to make his way, he has
achieved success beyond most of his fellows and
secured for himself an important place in the his-
tory of his state aud country. Though absorbed
in great national questions, he has never failed to
give full attention to every interest of his state,
and no one ever sought his services from Iowa
that did not find him ready and willing to render
such aid as was in his power.

Mr. Allison has been twice married. In 1855 he
was united with Anna Carter, who was a daughter
of Daniel Carter, Esq., of Ashland, Ohio, and died
in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1859. In 1873 he married
Miss Mary Neally, of Burlington, Iowa, a niece
and adopted daughter of the late Senator Grimes.
She died in 1883. Senator Allison, though in com-
fortable circumstances, has never turned his atten-
tion to money making, as his whole time since he
entered Congress has been absorbed in public and
political affairs.

ees

ENRY HENKELS. It has been truly said
that the prosperity of a community de-
pends upon the individual enterprise and

uprightness of its citizens. In proportion as each
person achieves success will the county and state
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

119

 

 

show a favorable advancement along the lines of
material and commercial progress. The high stand-
ing of Dubuque County and its prominence among
the other counties of the state of lowa may be at-
tributed largely to the energy and progressive
spirit displayed by its residents. As one of its suc-
cessful young agriculturists we present the name
of Henry Henkels, who owns and occupies a fine
farm of three hundred acres situated on section
16, Peru Township.

Our subject was born in Mosalem Township,
Dubuque County, on the 24th of December, 1859.
He isa son of Michael and Catherine (Becker)
Henkels. Michael came to the United States in
1843, landing in New York City; he remained
there a short time looking around, then came to
Dubuque County, Mosalem Township, where he
worked on a flatboat for three years. He lived
economically and saved his earnings, and at the
end of that time he purchased forty acres of wild
land, which he cultivated and sold. He bought
eighty acres more of wild land, which he cultivated,
and had increased to two hundred acres at his de-
mise, June 27, 1883. He was well and favorably
known throughout the county and occupied. the
position of Road Supervisor for four years, that of
Constable for six years, and served his fellow-citi-
zens in the capacity of member of the School Board
for fifteen years and also as Trustee of the Town-
ship.

Mr. Henkels married a most estimable lady,
and to them were born eleven children, as follows:
Catherine, Lambert Henry, (our subject), Nick,
Maggie, Peter, Louise, Aggie, Frank, John and
Mary. To these he gave the best education that
he could procure. He was a member of the Cath-
olic Church, and in politics was an adherent to the
Democratic party, using his right of franchise for
the advancement of every party interest.

Our subject, Henry, worked on the old home-
stead until February 18, 1886, when he was united
in marriage with Miss Anna Wagner. He then
started ont in the world for himself, and his first
attempt was to rent the old homestead, which he
worked for five years. By frugality and good
business management he saved enough money to
purchase forty acres of wild land, which he culti-

 

vated and improved and which he has since in-
creased to three hundred acres. To him and his
wife have been born two children, Nick B. and
Josephine. ‘This estimable couple are members of
the Roman Catholic Church, and in politics Mr.
Henkels is a Democrat and that party finds in bim
a strong adherent. He is always ready to help in
any good cause, and he has represented his fellow-
citizens, who find in him a man of exceptional abil-
ity and worth, as Secretary of the Public Schools
for the past thirteen years, and also as’ Assessor of
the township for four years.

 

KEEEEEEEEEEEELE EEE E EEE EEE EEO

OHN PALMER, a retired farmer, now living

in Dubuque, is numbered among the early

settlers of this county and has witnessed

much of its growth and development. A
native of Christian County, Ky., he was born on
the 3d of August, 1814, and is a son of Edward
Palmer, a native of Virginia, who died in Galena,
Ill, in 1828. The paternal grandfather, James
Palmer, was a native of Virginia, and was de-
scended from English ancestors who located in the
Old Dominion prior to the Revolutionary War.
The mother of our subject, who bore the maiden
name of Rebecca Patton, was also a native of Vir-
ginia, and her death occurred in 1836.

John Palmer, whose name heads this record,
spent the first fourteen years of his life in Ken-
tucky, and then accompanied his father to Galena,
Ill., with a keel boat loaded with provisions; this
was in 1828. He died a few months thercafter.
His educational privileges were meagre, for the
schools of the community were of an inferior
quality. In 1832 he enlisted in the Black Hawk
War and served through that struggle. At the
age of nineteen he began working in the lead
mines of Galena, and carried on business in that
way for a number of years. In 1833 we find him
in Dubuque, where he has since made his home,
one of the oldest residents of the city. During
all these years he has heen interested in lead
120

mining and now owns much valuable mining
property. He also has a rich tract of land of one
hundred and sixty acres just outside the city
limits.

In 1836 Mr. Palmer was united in marriage
with Miss Mary J. Gwyther, who died in 1870,
leaving four children, a son and three daughters,
of whom two are yet living: Edward, now a civil
engineer of South Dakota, and Mrs. Martha E.
Graham, of Hardin County, Iowa. For his second
wife Mr. Palmer chose Mrs. Mary D. Graffort,
widow of John D. Graffort, whom she married in
1843, and who died in 1874. Mrs. Palmer was
born in Greenville, Ill., in 1822, and is a daughter
of H.T. Camp, a native of Georgia, who at an early
day settled in Illinois and thence came to Du-
buque on the 10th of September, 1832. He was
Captain of a company in the Black Hawk War,
served for two terms in the State Legislature

during pionecr days. and was prominently identi-

fied with the early history of this state. He was
born February 27, 1799, and died March 4, 1837.
He was one of the committee who selected the
Jackson Park Cemetery of Dubuque. In politics
he was a stanch Democrat of the Jackson type,
took an active part in political affairs and served
as Sheriff of Bond County, Il., for a number of
years. He was always interested in the work of
public improvement and gave his support to all
enterprises calculated to promote the general wel-
fare. With the Methodist Church he held mem-
bership, and Mrs. Palmer heard the first sermon
ever delivered in Dubuque. Her mother bore the
maiden name of Sarah B. Kirkpatrick, and was of
Scotch descent. She was born in Georgia, and
died in May, 1865. Mr. Camp owned consider-
able property in Dubuque and for a number of
years was engaged in mining.

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Palmer was cele-
brated on the 17th of April, 1878. They reside at
No. 240 Nevada Street, where they have a pleasant
home, surrounded by all the comforts and many
of the luxuries of life. Myr. Palmer has always
been temperate in his habits, fair and honorable in
his dealings and straightforward and upright in
all the relations of life. He has witnessed almost
the entire growth and development of this city

 

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and has always borne his part in the work of ad-
vancement and upbuilding. He holds member-
ship with the Old Settlers’ Association. His well
directed efforts in business and his enterprise and
perseverance gained him the capital which now
enables him to enjoy a well earned rest. In poli-
tics he was an old-line Whig, and a great admirer
of Henry Clay, but is now a Republican.

sis

que’s old settlers and prominent citizens,

who, by his courteous and honorable man-
ners, has merited the high esteem of all with whom
he has been brought in contact. He was born in
Montreal, Canada, January 25,1819. His father,
Aicx Hardie, was a native of Scotland, and located
in Montreal, where he lived until his death, which
occurred in 1830. In religious belief he was a
Presbyterian. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Harriet Enfield, was born in Detford,
England, and spent her last days in Canada.

Mr. Hardie was reared in Montreal until 1832,
when he removed to Kingston, Canada, and in
1834 removed to Buffalo, N. Y. In the fall of
1839, he removed to St. Louis, Mo., and in the
spring of 1840 he went to Springfield, Ill. In 1843
he returned to Montreal and remained until 1846,
when he came to Dubuque and engaged in paint-
ing until 1853, at which time he was appointed
draughtsman in the surveyor’s general office in
Dubuque under Warner Lewis. He was thus em-
ployed for eight years.

The name of Mr. Hardie is inseparably connected
with official life in this community. In 1849 he
was a member of the Board of Alderman from the
Fourth Ward. In 1854-55 he served as represen-
tative to the Sixth General Assembly and in 1860
-61 to the Ninth General Assembly. In 1863 he
was made Secretary of the School Board, and has
since filled that office with credit to himself and
usefulness to those concerned. He was a member
of the Board of Regents of the Iowa State Univer-

tH ON: THOMAS HARDIE is one of Dubu-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

121

 

 

sity in 1877 and 1878, being appointed by Gov-
enor Nebold to fill a vacancy. At this time there
is only one teacher left of the corps of 1863.

In 1840 Mr. Hardie became a member of San-
gamon Lodge No. 6, I. 0. O. F., of Springfield,
and was a member of the Grand Lodge of Illinois
in 1843. He took a prominent part in organizing
the lodges and encampments, and during the three
succeeding years in Canada, whither he had moved.
When he left there he was serving as Deputy
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows of Canada. He
was a charter member of Metropolitan Lodge No.
49, A. F. & A. M., which was established in Du-
buque October 23, 1854,and was its first Secretary.
He was re-elected in 1863, and has since filled that
office. Mr. Hardie cast his first Presidential vote in
Springfield in 1840, supporting Martin Van Buren,
and has since been a member of the Democratic

party.

OOO.

ON. FREDERICK M. KNOLL. In the
anxious and laborious acquisition of an
honorable competence and in the scem-
ingly uneventful career of the business or profes-
sional man there is little to attract the idle or
thoughtless; but fora mind thoroughly awake to
the reality and meaning of human existence there
are noble lessons in the life of a man who, with-
out other means than a clear head, a strong arm
and a true heart, conquers adversity and achieves
success. Such a man is the subject of this sketch,
one of the eminent statesmen that Dubuque Coun-
ty has furnished to the state of Iowa.

The life record of one so prominent will possess
unusual interest for our readers, and especially
for the citizens of Peru Township, where Mr.
Knoll has long made his home. He was born in
Alsace-Lorraine, France, March 8, 1833, and is a
son of John M., and a grandson of Frederick and
Flora Knoll. The grandfather ran away fiom
home and came to America at the time of the
Revolutionary War. On returning to France he

 

entered the service of his country as Captain in
the artillery under Napoleon, and continued thus
engaged until he died, at the age of about fifty-
six, his death resulting from the effects of wounds
received in service. His wife survived him many
years, dying when seventy-six years old.

The father of our subject was First Lieutenant
in the French army, serving in the Forestry De-
partment. Early in the spring of 1848 he took
passage at Havre, and after a voyage of a month
landed in New York. With his wife and three
children he remained in the Empire State engaged
in agricultural pursuits until 1853. In the fall of
that year he came via the lakes and river to Du-
buque County and purchased a claim of about
two hundred acres of wild land. Here he remained
until his death, at the age of seventy-six. He was
an active man in politics and a good citizen.

When thirty-two years old Mr. Knoll married
Miss Catherine Durenberger, a native of Alsace-
Lorraine, who died in Buffalo, N. Y., at the age
of forty-three. She had three children: Freder-
ick M., of this sketch; Mrs. Apfel, living in Los
Angeles; and Louis Knoll, of Howard County,
Ark. The first-named was reared on a farm and
attended the schools of France prior to the age of
fourteen years, when his school days ended. His
entire life has been spent upon a farm except five
years, when he was employed in a general store in
Buffalo, N. Y.

At the age of twenty-one our subject married
Miss Catherine Deckert,a native of Alsace, France,
who died in Dubuque County aged forty years.
The six living children born of this union reside
in Colorado, and all are married with the excep-
tion of the youngest. They are, Eugenia, Jo-
sephine, Albert, Augusta, Minnie and Henry. Fred-
erick and William are deceased. In 1874 Mr.
Knoll married Miss Agnes Stader, a native of
Baden, Germany, who died in Dubuque County at
the age of thirty-four. Her three sons, Edward,
Theodore and Oscar, remain with their father. In
1887 occurred the marriage of Mr. Knoll to
Miss Olga Henisch, who-was born in Berlin, Ger-
many.

Mr. Knoll cast his first Presidential ballot for
James Buchanan and has supported the Democratic
122

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

principles ever since. For ten years he served as
Supervisor, for sixteen years was Assessor, for
thirty-three years filled the position of Justice of
the Peace, and has been active in school work
since 1857. In 1861 he was elected to the Lower
House of the State Legislature, and so efficient
was his service in that capacity that two years
later he was honored with election to the State
Senate. At the expiration of his first term he
was chosen to serve for the ensuing four years
in the same office. While there he served as a
member of many important committees, and as
Chairman of the Committees on Pardons and Peni-
tentiaries. At the time of retiring from the Legis-
lature he was the oldest member of either House.
He was a member of the Committee on Ways and
Means, and in fact served on several of the im-
portant committees. In 1889 he was again elected
to the House, and has served for fourteen years in
the Legislature, his record being that of a fair,
efficient and honorable official. He is Vice-Presi-
dent of the organization known as the Pioneer
Law Makers of Jowa, which was founded in 1886,
and to which no one is eligible unless he served
as a member of the Legislature twenty-five years
ago.

With his wife, Mr. Knoll attends the Lutheran
Church and is a liberal contributor to religious
enterprises. While he owns two hundred acres of
fine farming land, he has had little time to devote
to its cultivation; however, he maintains a general
oversight of the place. He has served as Admin-
istrator of numerous estates, and in other impor-
tant positions his counsel is sought and deferred
to. He has been a stockholder in two banks of
Dubuque, and has other important interests in
this county. His record in both branches of the
Iowa Legislature is unexcelled for honor, spotless
integrity and efficient service. He is 1 thought-
ful reader and possesses a choice and well selected
private library.

Not only in his own political party, but by
those of opposite belief Mr. Knoll is honored
as his merit deserves, and his career is well worthy
the emulation of the young. In financial affairs
he is prudent and cautious, thrifty but not miserly.
One of the most prominent traits of his character

 

is industry. Combined with this are strong com-
mon sense and that kind of moral courage which
people call decision of character. These traits
have raised him to a position of influence and
honor among his fellow-men.

W. WIELAND, M. D., who is engaged in

the practice of medicine and surgery, be-

longs toa profession which exerts a power-
ful influence in a community, and is recognized
as one of the leading members of that profession.
His life has been well and worthily passed, and he
is well worthy of representation in the history of
his adopted county.

The Doctor was born in Switzerland, on the 10th
of March, 1856, and is a son of Francis and Maria
(Truog) Wieland, who were also natives of Swit-
zerland. ‘The father died in that country, but the
mother is still living and now makes her home in
Wisconsin. Dr. Wieland spent the first seven
years of his life in the land of his birth, and then
came with his mother to the New World. They
landed at New York, and thence came direct to
Dubuque, where our subject entered the public
schools. In 1866 he removed with his mother to
Grant County, Wis., where he further pursued his
studies. He also attended the public schools, and
in order to earn a livelihood worked ona farm.
Saving his earnings, he determined to use his
wages in acquiring a better education, for he had
a thirst for knowledge which was yet unquenched.
Accordingly, in 1878, he entered the University
of Wisconsin, in Madison, where for three years he
pursued the scientific course of study. He was an
apt scholar and there gained valuable information.
On leaving the school room he embarked in teach-
ing, which he successfully followed for three years.

On the expiration of that period Dr. Wieland
took up the study of medicine. He had spent
much of his vacations and other leisure hours in
reading medicine and now began a systematic
course of study in the office of Dr. W. L. Duffin,

»
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 123

d

 

of Guttenberg, Lowa, under whose direction he
continued his reading until 1885. In that year he
entered Rush Medical College, Chicago, and after a
three years’ course was graduated in the Class of
88. During the following year he remained in
the dispensary of that college, and in 1889 he
went to Fremont, Waupaca County, Wis., where
he opened an office and engaged in general prac-
tice for one year.

The year 1891 witnessed the return of Dr. Wie-
land to Dubuque, where he has since conducted a
general practice with good success, and from the
public has received a large and lucrative patron-
age. The Doctor is a member of the Dubuque
Medical Society, and at present holds the office of
Vice-President. He is a member of the Iowa
Public Health Association, of which he is the Sec-
ond Vice-President, and in 1892 he was elected
City Physician for one year, to which oflice he was
re-elected in the spring of 1894. He votes with
the Democratic party and keeps well informed on
the issues of the day, both political and otherwise.
He was appointed in February, 1894, a member of
the Pension Board of this district. Socially, he is
connected with the Masonic fraternity. Both in
professional and social circles he is widely and fa-
vorably known, and in thiscommunity the Doctor
has many warm friends.

SP KK Ce

J, ZRA GREGORY, a retired farmer, who
[Do now makes his home in Dubuque, has

through well directed efforts and good
business abilty in former years acquired the com-
petency which now enables him to live in a com-
fortable and casy way without engaging in any
labor. He was born in Vigo County, Ind.,on the
23d of September, 1836, and isa son of C. R. Greg-
ory, a native of New York, who became one of the
early settlers of Vigo County. On leaving the
Empire State, however, he removed to Ohio, and
thence went to Indiana. His last days were spent
in this city, where his death occurred in February,

 

 

1850. His wife bore the maiden name of Rachel
Barnett and was a native of Kentucky. She too
passed away in Dubuque, her death occurring in
1862.

It was during the boyhood of Ezra Gregory
that he was brought by his family to the Hawkeye
State. The parents located upon a farm in Du-
buque County, and there his early life was passed.
He attended the public schools, but his privileges
were somewhat limited owing to various circum-
stances. The father died when Ezra was only
twelve years of age, and as he was the oldest son
in the family of four children much of the farm
work devolved upon his young shoulders, but he
faithfully performed the tasks which fell to him,
true toevery duty. In 1858 he began farming in his
own interest and was successfully engaged in that
business for four years, when, on the 23d of August,
1862, he abandoned the plow for the musket.
Prompted ‘by patriotic impulses he responded to
the country’s call for troopsand joined the boysin
blue of Company H, Twenty-first Iowa Infantry,
under command of Colonel Merrill, of Clayton
County. The troops were sent to Missouri and
there did service for six months, on the expira-
tion of which period they participated in the siege
of Vicksburg under General Grant. Mr. Greg-
ory also took part in the battles of Hartville, Port
Gibson, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge, Span-
ish Fort, Mobile and the siege and capture of Ft.
Blakely. When the war was over and the country
no longer needed his services he was mustered out
at Baton Rouge, La., on the L5th of July, 1865,
and was soon afterwards discharged at Clinton,
Iowa.

Mr. Gregory then returned to his home and again
resumed farming, to which work he devoted his
time and energies until 1890, when he retired.
He is now engaged in no business, save that he
superintends his property interests, for as the years
have passed and his financial resources have been
increased be has made judicious investments in
real estate and is now the owner of considerable
property.

In the autumn of 1858, Mr. Gregory was joined
in wedlock with Miss Elizabeth J. Sloan, daughter
of James and Rhoda (Gilbert) Sloan. In their
124 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

family were the following children: William C.,
now of Dubuque; Carmine, Luella, Frank; Nellie,
now deceased; James and Florence. The parents
and their family reside at No. 220 Nevada Street.
They are highly respected people, and their many
excellencies of character and well spent lives have
gained them a large circle of friends. In his po-
litical views, Mr. Gregory is a pronounced Re-
publican and takes an active interest in the
growth and success of his party.

f= SS}

ILLIAM WATSON, M. D., is a worthy
VA representative of the medical profession
in Dubuque, occupying a prominent
position among those of the fraternity in this lo-
cality. He was born in Yorkshire, England, on
the 14th of May, 1826, and is a son of Joseph and
Ann (Metcalf) Watson. In 1827 the parents emi-
grated with their family to the New World. The
vessel in which they sailed dropped anchor in the
harbor of New York, whence they made their way
to Middletown, Conn. In 1830 they removed to On-
ondaga County, N. Y., where the Doctor was reared
and educated, attending the common schools.
In 1844 he went to Ohio, and spent the succeeding
winter in Huron County. In May of 1845, we find
him in Milwaukee, Wis., but after a brief sojourn
in that place he went to Beloit, Wis., on the Rock
River, where he remained for seven years.

During that time Mr. Watson took up the study
of medicine with Drs. A. and E. L. Clark, after
which he entered Rush Medical College of Chicago,
and in the spring of 1852 began practice at Mc-
Gregor, Iowa, where he remained until the fall of
1853. During the succeeding winter he again at-
tended lectures in Rush Medical College, from
which institution he was graduated in February,
1854. That year also witnessed his arrival in Du-
buque, where he has now for forty years engaged
in general practice as one of the skilled and suc-
cessful physicians of this ‘city.

In October, 1861, Dr. Watson was appointed

 

Surgeon of the Eleventh Iowa Infantry, command-
ed by Col. A. M. Hare, of Muscatine. He then went
to the front, and with the regiment was attached
to the Third Division of the Army of the Tenn-
essee commanded by General McArthur. He saw
service at Jefferson City, at Shiloh and at Corinth,
and was then appointed Assistant Surgeon of the
United States Volunteer Corps, being assigned to
duty at Memphis, Tenn., where he remained busily
employed throughout the Vicksburg campaign. Jn
September, 1863, he was promoted to the rank of
Surgeon and placed in charge of the Jackson Hos-
pital, where he remained until February, 1864,
when he was ordered to report for duty at Louis-
ville, Ky.,and was sent to Rock Island, IIl., as Sur-
geon at the post at that place. On his arrival there
he found fifteen hundred sick Confederate prisoners,
and among them were four hundred and twenty
cases of smallpox, but Dr. Watson was equal to the
emergency and soon had affairs in a good condi-

‘tion. He remained in charge at that post until the

close of the war, when, his services being no longer
needed, he was mustered out, on the 24th of Octo-
ber, 1865, having served for four years and four
days. Although he did not carry a musket his
work was none the less arduous or important, and
he well deserves mention among the brave boys
in blue who defended their country in her hour of
peril.

Dr. Watson at once returned to his home and
family in Dubuque. November 26, 1860, he had
married Miss Lucy Giddings, of Portland, Me.,
who died March 13, 1862, leaving one son, Fred J.,
who is now a teacher in a high school of Chicago.
The Doctor was again married September 14, 1868,
his second union being with Miss Lucy C. Conkey,
of Dubuque.

Immediately after his return from the war, Dr.
Watson resumed practice in Dubuque. The fol-
lowing winter he spent in Bellevue Hospital, of
New York City, but since that time has devoted
his energies to his profession in this place. He is
well known and well established in business, hav-
a large and lucrative practice. He is a member of
the State Medical Society, which was organized in
1850, and served as its President in 1868, the first
year in which it met in DesMoines. He has also
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

125

 

 

been a member of the American Medical Associa-
tion since 1857, and belongs to Lookout Post, G.
A.R. He isa popular gentleman anda valued
citizen, and in the community where he makes his
home is held in high esteem by both young and
old, rich and poor. In politics he is a stanch sup-
porter of the principles of the Republican party.

Gee Se =e

of Dubuque. There are many firms en-

gaged in contracting and building in this
city and among them that of L. Witter & Sons
takes front rank on account of the excellent work
which it turns out. Mr. Witter is a man of ex-
cellent business and executive ability and in his
undertakings has met with success. The record of
his life is as follows: He was born in Heidelberg,
Germany, in the year 1837, and is a son of Ben-
jamin and Elizabeth (Brown) Witter, both of whom
were natives of Germany and there spent their en-
tire lives. The father was a blacksmith by trade.

Mr. Witter whose name heads this record spent
his boyhood days in the Fatherland and acquired
such educational advantages as were afforded by
the district schools, which he attended until fif-
teen years of age. He then began learning the
carpenter’s trade, serving a three years’ appren-
ticeship, during which time he thoroughly mas-
tered the business, becoming an efficient workman.
He followed his chosen occupation in Germany in
1868,and with the hope of bettering his financial
condition he sailed for New York, and when he
had landed on American soil started at once for
Dubuque.

Ere his emigration Mr. Witter was married. In
1866 he was joined in wedlock with Miss Louise
Rowdebush, who died in 1868, leaving two chil-
dren, a son and daughter, Louisa and Cornelius.
On the 6th of May, 1869, Mr. Witter was again
married, his second union being with Miss Mary
Groebe. To them have been born six children,
three sons and three daughters, Louis, William,

] OUIS WITTER is a leading business man

 

Frank, Elizabeth, Annie and Clara. The parents
are consistent and faithful members of St. John’s
Lutheran Church, and are highly respected citi-
zens of thecommunity. Their home is located on
White Street.

When Mr. Witter came to Dubuque, he worked
at his trade in the employ of others for some time,
being thus engaged until 1882, when he began
business in his own interest. He is now a promi-
nent contractor and builder, and the liberal pat-
ronage which he receives yields him a good in-
come. Among the many fine buildings which
stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise are
the home of Charles Hollnagle, the Herman busi-
ness block and many others.

Cornelius Witter, who is the junior member of
the firm, isa thoroughgoing young business man
and an expert mechanic. He was born in Ger-
many in 1868, and during his infancy was brought
by his father to America. He acquired his edu-
cation in the schools of Dubuque and then learned
the carpenter’s trade, becoming very proficient in
that line. To the practical experience and tried
judgment of his father he adds the enterprise and
ambition of a young man, and the combination
therefore makes an excellent firm.

Reso Baa-=-

EV. MARK COONEY is an able educator
and the President of St. Joseph’s Catholic
College, of Dubuque. A native of the

Emerald Isle, he was born in Longford, and in his
native land began his education, there attending
school until 1883. In that year he crossed the
Atlantic to America, making the journey in Sep-
tember, and landing in New York at the close of
the same month. He came at once to Iowa, taking
up his residence in Dubuque, and for one year he
served as pastor of the Catholic Church in Farley,
Dubuque County.

On the expiration of that period Father Cooney
was appointed a professor in St. Joseph’s College,
of Dubuque, in which position he served for four
126

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

years. When that time was passed he was pro-
moted, becoming Vice-President of the college,
and in 1890 he was made President, which posi-
tion he yet fills. This is a school for boys, and
under the able management of Rev. Father Cooney
it has prospered, being now in a thriving condi-
tion. There are at present one hundred and
twenty boys in attendance, and they receive thor-
ough training in all departments. In addition to
the common and intermediate branches they also
teach philosophy and the higher mathematics. Fa-
ther Cooney is recognized asone of the most ener-
getic and competent educators of the state and is
well fitted for the work which he now has in
charge,and St. Joseph’s College under his manage-
ment is meeting with splendid success.

~==7 Oso Bah

EV. CLEMENT JOHANNES, pastor of St.
Mary’s Catholic Church of Dubuque, was
born in Germany in 1835, and is a son of

Bernard and Catherine Johannes. He spent the
first sixteen years of his life in the Fatherland and
in 1854 crossed the Atlantic to America, landing
in New Orleans after a voyage of nine weeks. He
then came up the Mississippi on a steamer to Du-
buque, where he remained until the following
spring. He afterwards went to Louisville, Ky.,
and entered the seminary at that place, there pur-
suing a three years’ course of study. He after-
wards went to Milwaukee, where he remained for
six years, attending St. Francis Seminary of that
city, from which institution he was graduated in
1868.

In the same year Father Johannes was ordained
by Bishop Henni, of Milwaukee, and was sent to
Keokuk, Lowa, to take charge of St. Mary’s con-
gregation, of which he was pastor for fourteen
months. He was then transferred by Bishop Hen-
nessy to West Point, Lee County, Iowa, where the
two succeeding years of his life were passed, and
in 1881 he was placed in charge of St. Mary’s
Catholic Church of Dubuque. The church now

 

has a membership of about five hundred families,
and in 1880 the Sacred Heart Church was set off
from it with a membership of forty-five families,
The house of worship was erected by Father Meis
in 1863. It is an excellent structure with a spire
two hundred and thirty feet in height. Through
the instrumentality of Father Johannes a fine brick
building was erected for a parish school. He also
bas under his supervision St. Mary’s Orphan
Asylum, which was erected with funds left by
Sennes Huegel for that purpose, upon what was
formerly known as the Duncan place.

The pastor of the Sacred Heart Church is now
Father J. Baumann. His early education was ac-
quired in the public schools, after which he at-
tended St. Francis Seminary, of Milwaukee, Wis.,
where he pursued a classical course and studied
philosophy. He was ordained in 1871 by Bishop
Henni and served as assistant pastor in Waterloo,
Towa, in Council Bluffs and in Worthington,
where for three years he had charge of St. Peter’s
Church. He was then connected with St. Joseph
College for three years, and in 1882 he was ap-
pointed pastor of the church of the Sacred Heart,
which position he has since filled. The church,
which was erected in 1888, is a fine edifice and is
170x63 feet in dimensions. The church also owns
other property, including Marquette Hall. It has
now a membership of five hundred and is ina
flourishing condition.

BB bededoehoededogoofoede cfoohoohoede

“Yer

 

{O”

ESSE P. FARLEY, who died May 8, 1894,
was President of the Farley & Loetscher
Manufacturing Company, and was long a
prominent citizen of Dubuque. He was held

in the highest regard throughout the community
and left to his family the priceless heritage of an
untarnished name. A native of Tennessee, he was
born April 2, 1813, and four years later was taken
by his parents to St. Louis. At the age of four-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

127

 

 

teen he started for Galena, Ill., on the steamboat
“Indiana,’’ and when he had arrived at his destina-
tion he began working in the mines as a smelter)
being thus employed until 1833. That year wit-
nessed his arrival in Dubuque. He sought and ob-
tained employment in the grocery and general
store belonging to John Johnson, with whom he
remained for several years.

The business career of Mr. Farley was one of
success. He started out in life with no capital
save a pair of willing hands and a young man’s
bright bope of the future. His sterling worth and
strict integrity soon won him the confidence and
esteem of all with whom he was brought in con-
tact and he became one of the leading merchants
of the city. He first opened a grocery store
and his trade so rapidly increased that after
a few years he was at the head of the whole-
sale -dry-goods firm of Farley, Norris & Co.
He also embarked in other enterprises as his finan-
cial resources increased and was connected with
many leading industries of the city. He was a
member of the wholesale grocery firm of Farley,
James & Co., and of Farley & Christman, whole-
sale dealers in hardware, and Farley, Rouse & Co.,
dealers in heavy machinery. He established all
these-enterprises a few years after locating in Du-
buque and all proved most profitable, so that Mr.
Farley became one of the wealthy citizens of the
community.

In 1850 he established a line of steamboats be-
tween St. Paul and St. Louis, and thereby Dubuque
became the most important city on the Mississippi
between those places. He was also prominently
connected with railroad interests, wishing to pro-
vide better shipping facilities. In the financial
panic of 1857 he lost much of his property, but,
undaunted, set to work to retrieve his lost posses-
sions. After being interested in railroads for a
time he returned to Dubuque and organized the
mammoth sash and door manufacturing concern of

Farley, Loetscher & Co., of which he was the:

heaviest stockholder and president until his death.

Mr. Farley was married in Galena in 1833 to
Miss Mary P. Johnson, daughter of his first part-
ner in Dubuque. She died in 1844 leaving four
children, Charles W., John P., George W. and

 

Francis A. In 1845 he wedded Mary L. Johnson,
a niece of his first wife, and their children are
Harry G., Edwin B., Jesse K., Fred H. and War-
ren C. ,

Mr. Farley was a public-spirited and progressive
citizen and did all in his power to advance the
best interests of this community. On several oc-
casions he served as City Alderman and was also
Mayor for three terms, but he never sought po-
litical preferment, and desired rather to give his
entire time and attention to his business interests
and the enjoyment of the home circle. He was
one of the most faithful and consistent members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he gave the
lot on which the church was built and long served
as Trustee of the church. His life was honorable
and upright in every way and he did much for
the uplifting of humanity. He was a strong ad-
vocate of temperance principles, and vice in every
form was unknown to him. The poor and needy
found in him a benefactor, and those who worked
for him found him a just and honorable employer.
To his friends he was ever faithful and true, and
to his family he was a loving and tender husband
and father. In his death Dubuque lost one of its
best citizens, for a noble life was thus ended. He
became a Republican on the organization of that

party.

OL. C. J. W. SAUNDERS has taken a lead-

ing part in political affairs in Dubuque,

and his career, both public and private, has

been such as to win him the high esteem of all
with whom he has been brought in contact. He
has served as Mayor of the city and has been
otherwise identified with public affairs. He was
born in Germany, August 12, 1852, and is a son
of John Wellington and Magdaline G. (Von
Buchenbach) Saunders, who emigrated to the
United States when our subject was only eleven
years of age. They landed in New York City but
did not tarry long in the metropolis, going thence
to Philadelphia, Pa., where they made a settle-
128 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

ment. In that place Colonel Saunders completed
his education, which was begun in the public
schools of his native land. At the age of twelve
he entered the army as a bugler, becoming a mem-
ber of the Fifth Pennsylvania Infantry under Col-
onel Vest. The regiment was assigned to Sheri-
dan’s Division, and our subject spent most of his
time in service in the Shenandoah Valley in Vir-
ginia, there remaining until the close of the war,
when, in 1865, he was mustered out.

Colonel Saunders at once returned to his home
in Philadelphia, where he began to learn the trade
of a cigar maker, spending eighteen months in
work along that line. In 1866 he enlisted in the
Regular Army, as a member of the Fifth United
States Cavalry, under command of Col. W. H.
Emery,and was sent to the frontier to quell the
Indian troubles. The regiment was ordered to
Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Texas
and Arizona, and with it Mr. Saunders was con-
tinuously in active service until 1872, when he
was honorably discharged.

In the same year, our subject began buying cat-
tle and shipping to different markets from Lower
California to San Diego and San Francisco. His
principal markets were San Francisco, San Diego
and Los Angeles. He continued in that line of
business for ten years, when he became interested
in cattle raising on a ranch in connection with
other parties, this ranch being located in Arizona.
He still owns his ranch in Arizona, being now sole
proprietor, and devotes much of his time and at-
tention to the business interests connected there-
with. He first came to Dubuque in 1866 on a vis-
it, remaining here three months, after which he re-
turned to the army.

A marriage ceremony performed in 1874 united
the destinies of Colonel Saunders and Miss E. M.
Streinz, of Dubuque, daughter of Joseph Streinz,
who was a soldier of the Civil War. To them have
been born nine children, three sons and six daugh-
ters. Their home is located on Couler Avenue,
and is a fine brick residence, beautifully located on
a hill, which commands a fine view of the city and
of the Fathers of Waters, which flows at its base.

Colonel Saunders takes a very prominent part
in political affairs, and isa warm advocate of the

‘Commission of Dubuque County.

 

principles of Democracy. For three terms he
served by appointment on the Soldiers’ Relief
He has been
honored with a number of offices; for two terms
served as Alderman from the Fifth Ward, was
elected Mayor in 1891 and 1892, and for four
years served on Governor Boies’ staff with the
rank of Colonel. Socially, he is a member of the
Masonic and Odd Fellows’ fraternities. In what-
ever office he has been called upon to preside he has
discharged his duties with a promptness and fidel-
ity that have won him high commendation and
gained him the respect of even those opposed to
him politically.

 

KEEEEEEE EE EEE MELE EE EEE EEE EEO

ON. PETER OLINGER is now the chief
executive of Dubuque, having been
elected Mayor of the city in 1894, His

course in Office has already- demonstrated the fact
that his administration will be an able one and
that the best interests of the city will be carefully
looked after. A native of Germany, he was born
in Luxumburg, June 11, 1854, and is a son of
Peter and Mary (Musell) Olinger. In the family
were five sons and a daughter, but only two are
now living, Peter, of this sketch, and one brother,
who resides in Paris, France.

The boyhood days of our subject were spent
under the parental roof and in attendance at the
public schools until fifteen years of age, after
which he gave his time and attention to farming
for two years. In 1871, when a young man of
seventeen, he bade adieu to friends and Fatherland
and sailed for America. When he reached the New
World he came at once to Dubuque, and in this
county worked asa farm hand for eighteen months.
On the expiration of that period he returned to
the city, where he embarked in the livery business.
He erected a new stable, fitted it up in the most
approved style and for fifteen years carried on
operations along that line, meeting with good suc:
cess in his undertakings. He was also engaged in
 

 

CHARLES H. EIGHMEY.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 131

 

 

buying and selling horses, owning the celebrated
horse “Keno F.’’? In 1891 he sold his livery busi-
ness and has since been dealing in horses.

Mr. Olinger was married on the 28th of Decem-
ber, 1877, the lady of his choice being Miss Mag-
gie Whiel, of Dubuque, daughter of Max Whiel.
Both he and his wife are members of St. Mary’s
Catholic Church, and are well known people of
this community. Mr. and Mrs. Olinger have six
sons and one daughter.

Mr. Olinger takes quite a prominent part in po-
litical affairs and keeps well informed on the is-
sues of the day. In 1882 he was called to public
otfice, being elected as Alderman from the Third
Ward for a term of four years. In 1892 he was
again chosen to that position for a term of two
years, and in 1894 he was elected Mayor of the city,
as the candidate of the Democratic party, which
position he is now creditably and acceptably fill-
ing. He came to America in limited circumstances
but was possessed of an enterprise, industry and
deterinination to succeed and has steadily worked
his way upward until he is now numbered among
the substantial as well as among the prominent
citizens of Dubuque.

 

——— itt i
—— Seta Titre >

HARLES NENRY EIGHMRY, of Dubuque,
has since 1870 been connected with the
First National Bank of . this city, and is

now ‘recognized as one of the most successful and |
.He was born in Sara- |

able financiers of this state.
toga County, N. Y., November 23, 1834, and on
the paternal side is of German descent, while
on the maternal side he is of English lineage. His
Grandfather Eightaey was a soldier in the War of
1812, and met his death in battle by a bullet from
a British musket. The father of our subject was
Leamon Eighmey. In 1848 he removed with his
family to the west and cast in his lot with the
early settlers of Dubuque, Iowa, where he engaged
in lead mining, meeting with reasonable success
in his undertakings.

Midst play and work the early boyhood days

2

 

of Charles H. Eighmey were passed. The first
fourteen years of his life were spent in his native
state, and in 1848 he accompanied his parents on
their removal to the west. He entered Cornell Col-
lege, of Mt. Vernon, Iowa, and was later a student
of Mt. Morris Seminary, of Mt. Morris, Ill. When
his literary education was completed he studied
law in the office of ex-Governor Hempstead, was
admitted to the Bar in 1860, and for ten years
successfully practiced his profession, and was a
member of the well known firm of Cooley & Eigh-
mey. In 1870 he became Cashier of the First
National Bank of Dubuque, was afterward Vice-
President, and in 1890 was elected President. ‘This
bank is considered one of the solid financial institu-
tions of the county, and its success is largely due
to his able administration of affairs. He possesses
most excellent business and executive ability, and
his progressive spirit is tempered by foresight and
careful management. The bank was organized in
1864, and now has a capital stock of $200,000.

Mr. Eighmey is also interested in various other
enterprises. He is a stockholder in the Novelty
Iron Works Company, of the Dubuque County
Bank, and of .the First National Bank of Platt-
ville, Wis. He has been President of the Nor-
wegian Plow Company, and also of the Westphal-
Hinds Hardware Company. He has been Presi-

dent of the-Board of Trade, and takes an active

and commendable interest in all enterprises that

-are calculated tu prove of public benefit.

In 1864 Mr. Eighmey led to the marriage altar
Miss Elizabeth J. Stewart, of Dubuque, daughter
of William G. Stewart, President of the Dubuque
County, Bank, and one of the old pioneers of the

-city, and one daughter, Augusta, blesses their
_union.

Their home is a palatial residence, taste-
fully and richly furnished, and the interior finish-
ings are all of hard wood. It is one of the most
beautiful homes of the city and in it Mr. Eighmey
fakes great delight. He cannot do too much to
promote the welfare and enhance the happiness of
his family, and in the home circle he finds great
enjoyment.

Mr. Eighmey is a member and Trustee of the
Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church. The
congregation have arranged to build a fine new
132

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

church edifice, to the erection of which Mr. Kigh-
mey has donated $8,000. He is a strong advocate
of the principles of Republicanism, and though
not a politician in the sense of office seeking, takes
an active interest in all national affairs, as all true
American citizens should do. With the exception
of the office of Deputy Collector of Internal Rev-
enue, he has never held a political position. His
life has been well and worthily spent and it is
with pleasure that we present its record to our
readers,

. s SHE AS oN
SE BESS -

of the Dubuque County Bank, has for

many years been identified with the polit-
ical and business interests of Dubuque, and the
history of this community would be incomplete
without the record of his life. He was born near
Jonesville, in Lee County, Va., July 10, 1813, and
is of Scotch descent. His grandfather, Thomas
Stewart, was a native of Scotland, and soon after
the revolution in Ireland emigrated to America,
where he followed farming. The father of our
subject, William Stewart, was also an agriculturist.
He married Sarah Graham, who was born near
Belfast, Ireland, and was a daughter of Dr. Will-
iam Graham, who with his family emigrated to
America when Mrs. Stewart was a maiden of
eleven summers. In Lee County, Va., the parents
of our subject were married and thence removed
in 1831 to Montgomery County, Mo., where their
last days were spent. The mother’s death occurred
in’ 1834, but the father survived until 1867. In
their family were eight children, two sons and six
daughters, who grew to mature years.

Mr. Stewart of this sketch is the eldest child.
His education was acquired in private schools, and
he was reared on a farm in Virginia, being eigh-
teen years of age when the family moved to Mis-
souri, after which he began agricultural pursuits
in his own interest on moving to Iowa. In 1832
he was employed by the Government to remove

ty ON. WILLIAM G. STEWART, President

 

the Oneida and Seneca Indians from Ohio toa
reservation near where the city of Ft. Scott, Kan.,
now stands. During these earlier years he was al-
ways connected with pioneer life in one form or
another. In October, 1833, he went to Galena,
Ill., and was employed in the mining and smelting
works of that place until the following March,
when he came to Dubuque. His first work at this
place was smelting lead ores and chopping wood.
He then engaged in mining and in farming, but
to the latter occupation devoted the greater part
of his time and attention for many years, becom-
ing the owner of nine hundred acres of valuable
land, which he placed under a high state of culti-
vation, supplying it with all modern accessories
and improvements. It was well improved and
well stocked, and became one of the finest farms
of the county, The well known Stewart Park is
almost in the center of this tract of land and is
a very beautiful park.

Other enterprises also engrossed the time and
attention of Mr. Stewart. He was interested in
the Dubuque Harbor Company, organized for the
purpose of improving the low lands on the river
front, thereby benefiting the city, and with the
same continued his connection until about 1879,
when he sold his interest in the concern. Le be-
came interested in the Illinois Central Railroad
when it was organized to build west of the Mis-
sissippi, and served as one of the Directors of the
company for several years. He was also connected
with the Iowa & Northern Railroad, taking an
active interest in promoting any work of transpor-
tation that would increase the shipping facilities
and thereby add to the usefulness, growth and
prosperity of the city. In 1875 he aided in the
organization of the Dubuque County Bank, was
elected its first President and still holds that posi-
tion. The concern has become one of the leading
banking institutions of the county, owing largely
to the capable management of our subject.

On the 2d of June, 1842, was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Stewart and Miss Caroline Wil-
son, of Dubuque County, daughter of Joseph Wil-
son. To them have been born six children, two
sons and four daughters: Jane, now the wife of
C, H, Eighmey, President of the First National
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

133

 

 

Bank of Dubuque; Louisa, wife of Dr. M. H.
Waples, of this city; Helen E. and Mary A., at
home; William G., Jr., now managing the home
farm; and Robert W., a prominent attorney of
‘Dubuque. Mrs. Stewart, the wife of our subject,
died March 22, 1871.

Mr. Stewart has been prominently connected
with the political history of this community, and
is recognized as one of the leading Democrats of
this part of the state, and though by no means a
politician in the commonly accepted sense of the
term, he has held a number of offices. In 1847 he
was elected Sheriff, being re-elected twice, and was
the first Sheriff of the county after the state was
organized. He was a member of the Board of Su-
pervisors for four years, and in 1856 was elected
State Senator for one term, during which time he
served on several important committees. In 1859
he was elected Treasurer of Dubuque County,
which office he held for twelve years, filling the
position for eight successive years, and then at a
later period for two terms. The promptness and
fidelity with which he has ever discharged his
public duties have won him high commendation
and gained the respect and confidence of his fel-
low-townsmen. His labors have been of much
benefit to his adopted city, and he may well be
numbered among its honored pioneers.

Kors

PEPE EEE EEE bE bee

oO. 2)

PETER STENDEBACH, a real-estate, loan
and insurance agent, doing business at the
northeast corner of Thirteenth and Clay
Streets, is one of the worthy German citizens
of Dubuque, and as he is widely and favorably
known in this community, we take great pleasure
in presenting to our readers this record of his life,
knowing that it will prove of interest to many.
He was born in Nassau, Germany, in 1850, and is
ason of John and Eva (Trumm) Stendebach. The
father was a cooper by trade and followed that

 

business in early life but afterward engaged in
farming. In the family were six children.
Our subject, who is the youngest, was educated

‘in the common schools of his native land, there

pursuing his studies until his sixteenth year. On
leaving school he engaged for three years as a
travelling salesman and thus visited many differ-
ent points in Germany. In 1869 he sailed for the
United States, landing in New York on the 13th
of May. From that place he went to Milwaukee,
Wis., and then visited various points in the zinc
mines of that state. For six months he was em-
ployed in a zinc manufactory, after which he left
the Badger State and came to Iowa, settling first
in Belleville, Jackson County, where he carried on
general farming for atime. In the autumn of
1871, he came to Dubuque, where he spent two
years, and in 1873 he went to Galena, IL., where
he engaged in the manufacture and sale of tomb
stones, there carrying on a marble yard until 1876.

While at that place Mr. Stendebach was united
in marriage with Miss Lissetta, daughter of J. A.
Burrichtter, of Galena. After their marriage they
removed to Burlington, Iowa, where Mr. Stende-
bach made his home until 1882, when he began
operating in the quarries of Louisa County, Iowa,
becoming part owner of the Morning Sun Quarry.
To that work he devoted his time and attention
for about five years, and carried on a successful
business. In the spring of 1887, he came to Du-
buque and has since been engaged in the real-es-
tate, loan and insurance business. He handles
city and farm property and western lands. He
represents a number of fire insurance companies
and is engaged in loaning local capital.

In 1886 Mr. Stendebach lost his wife and two
children, all dying within six weeks. For his sec-
ond wife he chose Miss Mary Jaeger, daughter of
Adam Jaeger, one of the prominent citizens of
Dubuque. Two children of the first marriage are
yet living, namely: John H. and William Dodge.

Mr. Stendebach keeps well informed on the is-
sues of the day, both political and otherwise. He
exercises his right of franchise in support of the
Democracy, and is a warm advocate of its princi-
ples, although he has never had time or inclina-
tion for public office. He has recently erected on
134

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

a sightly spot a beautiful frame residence two
stories in height, which is now his home. He is a
self-made man, who by well directed efforts has
steadily worked his way upward and the success
which has come to him is richly deserved. He is
now doing a good business and derives therefrom
a comfortable income.

o IS 97, [2 SS My R20
> SEES REESE

President of the Key City Fire Insur-
ance Company and holds a similar posi-
tion with the Iowa Mutual Building & Loan Asso-
ciation. Longa prominent resident of Dubuque,
Mr. Voelker at one time served as Mayor of the
city and has long been prominent in public enter-
prises. A native of Hockenheim, he was born in
Baden, August 16, 1850, and his father, Leopold,
who was born in the same village, was a sugar re-
finer. He took part in the Revolution of 1848
with Gen. Franz Sigel and others, after which he
continued to live in the Fatherland only ‘until
1851, when he brought his family to America,
leaving Havre, France, in a sailing-vessel bound
for New York City. He continued on his west-
ward journey until he reached this county, where
he engaged in farming for a time; he later became
a dealer in wood and was thus engaged until he
retired from business to make his home in Du-
buque. His wife, Lena (Storch) Voelker, was born
in Waldorf, Baden, and her father died in the Ger-
man army during the War of 1812 to 1815. Both
of our subject’s parents are members of the Catho-
lic Church, and their three sons and four daugh-
ters are all living and are residents of this city.
When an infant our subject was brought by his
parents to Dubuque, and he attended the Trinity
parochial school until a little over eleven years of
age, when he was obliged to go to work to assistin
his own maintenance. He was first employed in
a chair factory, where he learned the trade and
made himself very useful to the proprietors. At
the age of eighteen he became foreman in the

| | ON. CHRISTIAN ANTON VOELKER is

 

chair department, in which position he continued
for the five succeeding years. In the year 1864
he attempted to join the army, but the quota at the
time being full he was not received. He continued
in his position as foreman therefore until August
1, 1873, when he engaged in general merchandis-
ing in a rented store at No. 1,830 Clay Street,
which he operated for seven years.

In 1879 Mr. Voelker built the fine brick block at
the corner of Thirteenth and Clay Streets, and
there for two years ran his business, later building
the store adjoining, as he needed additional room.
At the same time he was Vice-President and Di-
rector in the Dubuque Fire and Marine Associa-
tion, which he helped to organize, and in 1890 he
founded the Iowa Mutual Building & Loan Asso-
ciation, of which he became President and which
has now about $200,000 invested in first mort-
gages, the largest concern of the kind in the city.
October 19, 1891, our subject organized the Key
City Fire Insurance Company with a capital stock
of $200,000, and of this company he has been
President from the first. At the close of the first
year the company was paying dividends of twenty
per cent. He owns Woodlawn Park, an addi-
tion to Dubuque, which he laid out in company
with Messrs. Kleinsschmidt & Hanover, and subse-
quently bought their interest. Among numerous
other concerns in which he has been interested are
the Concentrating Works, the Citizens’ State
Bank, the German Trust & Savings Bank, and the
Dubuque Street Railway Electric and Power Com-
pany. His fine residence was erected by him on
Seminary Hill and he owns a farm near Brainard,
Minn.

April 15, 1873, in this city, was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Voelker and Josephine Kalfen-
bach, who was born in Milwaukee and reared in
this city. By her he has had four children, Eliza-
beth, Rosa, Christian A., Jr., and Mary. They
are members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in
which our subject has been Treasurer for years,
and he also belongs to the Roman Catholic Pro-
tective Association of Iowa, and the St. Alphonse
Society.

Always an active Democrat, Mr. Voelker is a
member of the County Finance Committee, and in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

135

 

 

1884 was Alternate-at-Large to the Democratic
convention which nominated Grover Cleveland in
Chicago. In April, 1887, Mr. Voelker was elected
Mayor of Dubuque on the people’s ticket, having
a majority of about eight hundred votes over each
of the other parties. He instituted reformatory
measures and had a reliable corps of officials.

1S OK he

pee HORR, M. D., who has had a long and

successful career as a medical practitioner

in Dubuque, has been located here since
August, 1847, being the oldest member of the pro-
fession in this locality. He is Chief of the Medical
Staff of Mercy Hospital and belongs to the Amer-
ican Medical, the State and County and the Cedar
Valley District Medical Societies. Several times
he has been President of the County Association,
of which he was one of the organizers. During
the war he was Post Surgeon at Camp Franklin
and also examined recruits for the regular army
troops, being later for ten years Pension Examiner
in this city. The Doctor is a noted scholar both
in the languages and in many scientific depart-
ments.

Dr. Horr was born in Worthington, Franklin
County, Ohio, September 2, 1817. His paternal
grandfather was a farmer in Massachusetts and re-
moved to Lewis County, N. Y.,in the early days of
its history, when it was known as the Black River
Country, and there he continued in agricultural
pursuits until his death. The Horr family is of
English descent and the name was originally spelt
Hoar, but our subject’s grandfather had the name
changed by the Albany Legislature to its present
spelling. The father of the Doctor bore the name
of Isaac, and his birth occurred in the Bay State,
where he grew to manhood and was married. He
took part in the War of 1812, and five years later
became a resident of Worthington, Ohio, having
removed there from Lewis County, N. Y. He en-
gaged in merchandising, being successful for sev-
eral years, but about 1826 returned to Lewis

 

County, N. Y., where he died one year later, aged
forty-one years. His wife, Nancy Smith, was
born and married in Salem, Mass., and after her
husband’s death in the Empire State returned to
Ohio, where she died when in her sixty-ninth year.
Eight of her ten children grew to maturity, but
only four are now living, our subject and his three
sisters. Leonard was a Captain in the Twenty-
first Iowa Infantry until, his health failing, he re-
tired. His death occurred in this city, where he
had been engaged in the real-estate business.

Dr. Horr until ten years old lived in Ohio, where
he attended Worthington College, of which Bishop
Chase was Principal, and one of his classmates was
Salmon P. Chase, late Chief Justice of the United
States. In 1826 he returned to New York, and on
his father’s death the children were scattered,
being taken by various relatives to bring up.
From his earliest years he was a zealous student,
and often worked by the light of hemlock and
spruce knots. In working on the farm he hurried
to complete his task in order that he might devote
himself to his beloved books. His brother Leonard
was a carpenter and it seemed best that he should
be apprenticed to the same trade. He remained
for six months working for one man, and during
this time had become quite familiar with drafting.
When he returned to the country he made a draw-
ing and superintended the building of a frame
house, this being when he was only fourteen years
of age. His brother engaged with a contractor to
build a large flouring mill in Canada, north of
Kingston, and Asa went with him, werking for
about a year and receiving a man’s wages. Later
with his brother he engaged in contracting and
building in Dundas, Canada, remaining there until
1836, and during this time the ambitious youth
drew the principal plans of buildings which were
put up by the firm.

The first time that the Doctor had thought seri-
ously of entering the medical profession was dur-
ing the cholera epidemic of 1834~35, when several
of his employes contracted the disease, and as there
were no physicians in the locality and he had as-
sisted his mother, who was a good nurse in former
years, he determined to use his best efforts for the
atiicted men. Using the old fashioned remedies
136

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

of smart weed and pennyroyal, with good nurs-
ing he managed to bring the men through all
right and was often afterward annoyed by the
many people who came to him for treatment of va-
rious disorders. In 1836 Mr. Horr went to Ohio
and entered the Worthington Medical College,
from which he was graduated two years later with
the degree of Doctor of Medicine. For two years
subsequently he practiced with Dr. Hyland, of
Fairfield County, and then for six years practiced
in Baltimore, Ohio. In 1846 he graduated from
the medical department of the Western Reserve
University of Cleveland, receiving a degree.

With the intention of going to Galena, Ill., he
visited a brother at Elizabeth, and was there pre-
vailed upon to assist the doctors of the place dur-
ing the epidemic which was prevalent.
year’s time he removed to Dubuque, arriving here
in August, 1847, when this was a village of only
two thousand inhabitants. Dr. Horr builtan office
at the corner of Fifth and Main Streets and has
since conducted an extensive practice, his office
being now at No. 1125 MainStreet. For one year
he was County Physician and is a member of the
Public Health Association of the United States.

In Baltimore, Ohio, Dr. Horr was married in
1841 to Eliza Sherman, a native of Worthington.
She was reared as a member of the Vinal family in
Springfield and died in Dubuque during the war.
Her three children are, Edward W., a merchant of
Blandville, Ky.; Augusta S., Mrs. Hackbusch, who
died in February, 1894; and May H., wife of Charles
G. Sternes, of Waterloo,Iowa. The present wife of
Dr. Horr, Mrs. Ella S. Booth, was born in Galena,
Ill., and presides with true hospitality over her
pleasant home at the corner of Thirteenth and
Main Streets.

The Doctor is a fine botanist, geologist and as-
tronomer. He has made large collections of Ohio
and Iowa plants, has an interesting collection of
geological specimens, and in-1864 erected a private
astronomical observatory and was the first to de-
termine accurately the longitude of Dubuque. A
member of many learned societies, he has been
President of the Iowa Institute of Science and
Arts, andin company with J. M. Bigelow published
a catalogue of the plants of Fairfield County,

After a

 

Ohio. For (fifteen or twenty years Dr. Horr had
charge of the city clock and took the time astro-
nomically. He has the finest medical and chemi-
cal library in this portion of the state, and is an
advocate of phonetic spelling. Forsome years he
has been interested in real estate and owns a num-
ber of pieces of business property, as well as an in-
terest in some coal mines. In politics he is inde-
pendent, and fraternally is a Knight Templar
Mason.

oo BK

HOMAS LOCHNER. The name of this
gentleman is well known throughout Du-
buque County as that of an energetic and

thrifty German resident, who through persever-
ance, industry and judicious management has
gained a fair measure of success. He came to this
country with the hope of improving bis financial
condition, and having become the owner of val-
uable property, has no reason to regret his emigra-
tion. In Peru Township he owns a tract of fine
farming land, upon which he raises cereals. His
place contains all the improvements of modern
times, including the necessary farm machinery and
buildings.

A native of Bavaria, the subject of this sketch
was born December 21, 1829, being a son of Leon-
ard and Barbara Lochner. He grew to manhood
in the land of his birth, receiving a fair education
in its common schools. He was less than twenty
years of age when, on the 26th of February, 1849,
he crossed the Atlantic, seeking a new home in
the New World. After two weeks spent in New
York City he went to Buffalo, N. Y., where he was
employed in various capacities until 1854. Dur-
ing that year he went to Lancaster, N. Y., and
from that place, after a sojourn of six months, he
came to Dubuque, Iowa. Here at different times
he was variously occupied.

In 1870 Mr. Lochner removed to Peru Bottom,
Peru Township, and for ten years cultivated two
hundred and forty acres of rented land. Mean-
time he saved a sufficient amount to enable him to
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

137

 

purchase thirty-five acres, comprising a portion of
his present property. This he has since increased
to seventy acres, and having placed the entire
tract under cultivation, it is now a valuable home-
stead. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic
party, always casting his vote in behalf of party
interests and principles. In religion he isa Cath-
olic.

The marriage of Thomas Lochner occurred in
Lancaster, Erie County, N. Y.,in 1853, uniting
him with Miss Louise Jerge, a native of Bavaria.
Five children complete the family circle, as follows:
Philip; Leonard, who lives in California; Valen-
tine, who is working on the home farm; Christine,
who married John Shields in Dubuque City, and
John, who isalso working on the home farm. The
children were given good educational advantages
and are well informed. The eldest son, Philip,
resided with his parents until he was twenty-one,
and for three years afterward cultivated sixty
acres of rented land in Peru Township. Then
going to Dubuque, he worked in a sawmill one
year, then returned to Sageville and bought seven
and one-half acres of choice land for gardening
purposes. Heisa member of the Catholic Church.
Politically he is-a loyal Democrat, always working
for the advancement of party interests. He has
been called upon to serve his fellow-citizens as
School Director and Justice of the Peace. In 1876
he married Miss Mary Riedel, and to them were
born five children, namely: Clara, Annie, Lizzie,
Katie and Mary.

UGH CORRANCE, one of the old and

| highly respected citizens of Dubuque, car-
ties on business as a dealer in groceries

and provisions at the northwest corner of Thir-
teenth and Jowa Streets. He isa native of Scot-
land, his birth having occurred in the vicinity of
Holytown, in the county of Lanarkshire, November
20, 1839. John Corrance, his father, was a man of
intelligence and a prominent citizen of the com-

 

munity in which he lived. He took quite a promi-
nent part in public affairs and held several govern-
ment commissions. He married Miss Margaret
McNeil, and both he and his estimable wife spent
their entire lives in Scotland.

Hugh Corrance is the youngest in a family of
eight children, six sons and two daughters. Only
three of the number ever came to this country.
One sister, now the wife of A. McAllum, now re-
sides in Dubuque. The gentleman whose name
heads this record received ‘such educational privi-
leges as were afforded by the public schools of his”
native land. In 1863 he bade adieu to the home
and friends of his boyhood, and with a desire to
try his fortune in the New World crossed the briny
deep. This was in 1863. He landed in New York
City and came at once to Dubuque, where he has
since made his home. He sought and obtained
employment as a clerk with the firm of Mulligan &
Hentrager, and later was employed with John
Mehlhop. By industry and economy he secured
some capital, and in 1870 he started in business on
his own account, opening a grocery store in con-
nection with P. P. Saddler, under the firm name of
Saddler & Corrance. This connection was con-
tinued for two years, after which he bought ont
his partner’s interest, and since that time he has
been alone in business. He carries a good stock of
groceries and provisions, and as the result of his
courteous treatment and fair and honest dealing
he has built up a large business.

Mr. Corrance was married March 28, 1866, the
lady of his choice being Miss Anna Saddler, daugh-
ter of P. P. Saddler, his former partner. Their mar-
riage has been blessed with six children, four sons
and two daughters: Mae, now the wife of Dr. J. V.
Conzett; Edith, at home; William S., who assists
his father in the store; John P., who is also clerk-
ing in the store, and Hugh, who is now in school.
They also lost one son, Harry, who died Novem-
ber 20, 1893, in his nineteenth year.

In his social relations, Mr. Corrance is an Odd
Fellow, belonging to Harmony Lodge No. 2, I. O.
O. F. He and his family are all members of the
Second Presbyterian Church, in which he has served
as Elder for sixteen years. He takes a very promi-
nent part in church work and is recognized as one
138

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

of its leading members. Fis life has been well and
worthily passed, and an honorable, upright career
has gained for him high regard. In connection
with his other business interests, he 1s a Director of
the Dubuque Building & Loan Association, and
also of the Smedley Manufacturing Company.
With pleasure we present this record of his life to
our readers, for he is one of the best citizens of
Dubuque. It proved a wise choice when he de-
termined to come to America, for here prosperity
has attended his efforts.

Kare

©. 3 2)
Pb bb bbb bee

(O&O)

Dubuque, the home of many of Iowa’s

leading citizens. Prominent among these
he is recognized, for his name is not only insepar-
ably connected with the history of this community,
but is found on the records of the country in con-
nection with public service. In political and bus-
iness circles he is prominent and the important part
which he has taken in the upbuilding of eastern
Iowa, has numbered him among the founders of
the Hawkeye State.

Mr. Graves was born in Keene, N.H., September
29, 1837, and isason of CalebS. and Eliza Graves.
His early education was obtained in the public
schools of his native town, and at the age of seven-
teen he started out in life for himself, securing a
situation in a bank as clerk and correspondent. He
gave the day to his business duties and in the even-
ing attended school, where by diligent study he
made rapid progress. In 1855 he came west, and
taking up his residence in Dubuque, secured the
position of cashier in the banking house of M.
Mobley & Co. In 1858 the firm became J. K.
Graves & Co., and asuccessful business was carried
on until it was merged into a branch of the State
Bank of Iowa, ef which he was Vice-President and
General Manager. He was alsoa member of the
board of control of the State Bank of Iowa. He

tH ON. JULIUS K. GRAVES is a resident of

 

was one of the principal organizers of the National
State Bank, of which he served as Vice-President
for a time, and was also prominent in organizing the
Commercial National Bank, of which he wasa large
stockholder and a director.

With various other interests has Mr. Graves been
connected. Since 1859 he has been identified with
the Key City Gas Works, and in 1866 built the
plant which supplies the city with light. He is
President, Director and a large stockholder of the
company. In 1868 he was active in the organi-
zation and construction of the Dubuque Street
Railway and was its President for a great many
years.

The official career of Mr. Graves is an honorable
one and forms an important part of his history.
During the early days of the Rebellion he was ap-
pointed by Governor Kirkwood, Post Quartermas-
ter at Camp Franklin, Dubuque, with the rank of
Colonel, and at one time had nearly six thousand
men in camp. In 1866, although the city was
strongly Democratic, he was elected Mayor of Du-
buque on the Republican ticket, and in 1876 was
elected Representative to the State Legislature. He
was appointed Special Commissioner of the Inter-
ior Department by Secretary Harlan, and twice vis-
ited Mexico on the duties of his mission. In 1881
he was elected State Senator and served four years.
He took an active part in the discussion of many
bills and served on several important committees,
including those on municipal corporations and in-
surance. He is a warm advocate of Republican
principles and does all in his power to promote
the interests of his party. In 1870 he was induced
to turn his attention to the construction of a new
railroad from Dubuque to Chicago, which road is
now in successful operation sixty miles down the
river to Clinton. He was President of the Chicago,
Clinton & Dubuque Railway Company, the Chi-
cago, Dubuque & Minnesota Railroad Company,
and the Iowa Pacific, and has been earnest and ac-
tive in every enterprise tending to develop the
interests of this city and vicinity. For a number
of years he has been a member of the Masonic fra-
ternity.

On the 12th of September, 1860, Mr. Graves was
united in marriage with Miss Lucy C. Robinson, of
 

 

 

 

 

 

PAUL TRAUT.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

141

 

 

Salem, Mass. They have five children: Luin
K., J. K., Jr., Sybil, Sara and Marjorie. Theirs is
one of the most pleasant and attractive homes in
Dubuque. It is situated on the bluff and com-
mands the finest view on the Mississippi between
St. Paul and St. Louis.

SS 8

AUL TRAUT is the efficient and popular
PP? Treasurer of Dubuque County. He is num-
bered among the native sons of the city,
where his birth occurred June 27, 1851. His
father, Joseph Traut, was a native of Prussia, and
on emigrating to America in 1846, took up _ his
residence in Dubuque, where he is still living, at
the age of seventy-two. After his arrival here he
was united in marriage with Miss Anna Hilken, a
native of Luxemburg, who is now sixty-eight years
of age.

The gentleman whose name heads this record
spent the days of his boyhood and youth midst
play and work and was reared in the parental
home. His early education, acquired in the public
schools, was supplemented by a commercial course
in the Bayless Business College of Dubuque, after
which he began earning his own livelihood as a
salesman in a store of Klingenberg & Wullweber,
where he remained for some time. He was then
employed as bookkeeper in the wholesale drug
house of E. H. Moore for five years. In 1874 he
embarked in the wholesale whiskey business on
his own account, conducting the same for six years,
when in 1880 he sold out.

In the meantime Mr. Traut was married, having
in 1873 led to the marriage altar Miss Louisa Jae-
ger, a native of Dubuque, and a daughter of Adam
Jaeger, one of the early settlers of this city.
Their union has been blessed with seven children,
three sons and four daughters, namely: Eleanora,
Frank, Louisa Matilda, Mamie, Edward, Verena
and Adam H.

In 1880 Mr. Traut entered upon his official
career, at which time he was elected City Treasurer
of Dubuque on the Democratic ticket for a term
of four years. At each succeeding election he
was chosen his own successor for three terms, a

 

fact which indicates the promptness and fidelity
with which he discharged his duties. In 1889 he
was elected Treasurer of Dubuque County for a
term of two years and has been twice re-elected,
being the present incumbent of that office. In
1884 he aided in organizing the German Trust
and Savings Bank, located on the corner of Thir-
teenth and Clay Streets. John Bell was elected its
President; D. Rhomberg, its Vice-President; and
Paul Traut, Cashier. That position he held for
four years, and in 1894 was elected President of the
bank. He aided in organizing and consolidating
the four breweries of Dubuque and is now Vice-
President of the Dubuque Malting Company. In
the Dubuque Stamping and Enameling Works,
which was formed in 1891, he occupiesa similar po-
sition. He was one of the organizers of the Dubuque
Woodenware and Lumber Company, and is now
serving as one of its directors. As he has found
it possible, he has enlarged his business facilities
and extended his operations until he has become
one of the substantial and leading business men of
the city.

Mr. Traut takes an active interest in everything
pertaining to the welfare and development of Du-
buque, and does all in his power to aid in its pro-
motion and progress. He is now serving as Pres-
ident of the School Board, and the cause of edu-
cation finds in him a stalwart friend, iu whose be-
half he has done effective service. With his fam-
ily he belongs to the Catholic Church. He is a
pleasant, genial gentleman, who is widely known
and has many friends. His life illustrates what
may be accomplished by industry, for he entered
upon his business career as a clerk, but has stead-
ily worked his way upward until he has become
one of the wealthy citizens of his native county.

=< 020 SS

EV. ROGER RYAN, pastor of St. Patrick’s
Catholic Church of Dubuque, is a native
of the Emerald Isle. He was born in that

country, in County Limerick, on the 6th of April,
1848, and his education was acquired in Ireland.
There he remained until twenty-three years of
age, when, in 1866, he crossed the Atlantic to
142

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

America. Here he entered Cape Girardeau Col-
lege of Missouri, in which institution he spent
three years, pursuing a thorough and systematic
course of study, which well fitted him for his
chosen life work.

On the expiration of that period, Rev. Ryan
went to Milwaukee, Wis., where he again spent
some time taking a course of study in St. Francis
Theological Seminary. He was ordained a priest at
Milwaukee the 13th of March, 1869, by Archbishop
Henni. The year 1869 witnessed his arrival in
Dubuque, whither he came to become assistant at
the cathedral. Later, in October, 1869, he was
appointed pastor of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church,
one of the largest and most wealthy churches in
the city, the congregation numbering over two
hundred and fifty families. There isa good house
of worship, together with a nice parsonage, built
in a modern style of architecture and tastefully
and comfortably furnished. It is situated in the
midst of beautiful grounds adorned with all kinds
of flowers and with roses from almost every clime.
Rev. Ryan is a faithful worker in the interest of his
church, untiring in his efforts to promote and up-
build it, and has the confidence and esteem of all
his parishioners.

——§ fo —_

Pay
= {age

ILLIAM J. MORGANS. One of the
beautiful rural abodes of Dubuque
County is known as “Maplehurst.’’ It
is situated amid beautiful surroundings in Du-
buque Township. The residence is a neat and
comfortable house, suggesting by its interior ar-
rangements the refined tastes of the family. The
outbuildings and other improvements are equally
well adapted to their varied uses. Here Mr. Mor-
gans and his amiable wife make their home and
hospitably entertain their hosts of friends who
come thither,
The Morgans family is of Welsh and English
descent, and the immediate progenitors of our sub-

 

ject were of foreign birth. His parents, William
J. and Barbara (Lewis) Morgans, were born in
Wales, but came to this country in childhood. The
father, who was a stone mason by trade, followed
that occupation after coming to the United States.
His death occurred in New Jersey in 1891, at the
age of seventy-seven years. His wife died in
Luzerne County, Pa., June 10, 1848.

The subject of this sketch was born in Luzerne
County, Pa., February 25, 1828, and in youth

learned the trade of a stone mason and stone-

cutter. At the age of sixteen he left home
and began the struggle of life for himself.
Coming directly to Dubuque, he followed his
trade for some time. During the winter of
1856-57 he engaged in mining and was fortunate
enough to strike a valuable lead. He contin-
ued mining until the outbreak of the Civil War,
when, his sympathies aroused in behalf of the Un-
ion cause, he enlisted in the army in October, 1861,
becoming a member of Company E, Fifth Iowa
Cavalry. He was a brave soldier, never shirking
a duty but participating with his company in the
thickest of every fight.

Being honorably discharged at the expiration of
his term of service, Mr. Morgans returned to Du-
buque and resumed his former occupation of a
miner. October 26, 1865, he established domestic
ties, being united in marriage with Miss Pris-
cilla, daughter of Richard and Jane Bonson.
Further mention concerning the family history is
made in the sketch of Richard Bonson, presented
on another page of this volume. The family is
one of prominence and considerable influence, and
the pleasant home occupied by Mr. Morgans is a
part of the old Bonson farm, which she has inher-
ited.

There have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morgans
four children: Richard B., William C., Prisvilla E.
and Samuel S. The children are well educated,
having attended the best schools of Dubuque. Af-
ter his marriage our subject lived in Dubuque and
vicinity for several years, and thence moved to his
present home. Though practically retired from
life’s active duties, he still engages in mining dur-
ing the winter seasons. His private duties have
been so engrossing as to preclude participation in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPH'CAL RECORD.

143

 

 

public affairs, but notwithstanding this he takes a
commendable interest in matters of loca! and gen-
eral importance, and advocates the principles of
the Republican party. With his family he attends
the Methodist Episcopal Church.

one

 

ON. JAMES ROWAN, a capitalist of Du-
tJ buque, who in business circles has long
occupied a leading position, was born on
the En.erald Isle in 1835, and claims Dublin as his
native city. He began his education in that coun-
try. When a- youth of ten years he sailed for
America, landed in New York City and thence
went to Paterson, N. J.. where be learned the
trade of gardening. He there worked at $2 per
month fora time. He received instructions in the
classics from a Presbyterian minister, Rev. Mr. Hon-
bloer, thus adding greatly to his education. For
some time he was employed by Rosswell Colt, then
the owner of the waters of the Passaic River. In
1846 he enlisted with the Columbia, N. Y., Volun-
teers for service in California, under Colonel
Stevenson. He was engaged in duty throughout
the Mexican War, and was then honorably dis-
charged. During his service gold was discovered
in California and he engaged in gold mining on
the American River, being thus employed until
1849, when he returned to New York City. He
then sailed for Dubiin to visit his parents and the
friends of his youth.

After his return to the United States, Mr. Rowan
came to Dubuque and has been prominently con-
nected with its business and leading enterprises.
He purchased land in Dubuque County and began
improving the same, devoting his time and atten-
tion to agricultural pursuits, but owing to wet

seasons this venture did not prove profitable and
he left the farm and returned to the city. Here
he engaged in the grain business, shipping to the
eastern markets and to St. Louis, Mo. In 1852 he
embarked in merchandising in partnership with
Christian Healey, a connection which was contin-

 

ued for two years. He then began dealing in real
estate, handling both city and farm property. In
1856 he became interested in lead mining and
struck a rich lead mine from which he gained a
handsome yield. This he continued to operate
until 1860. The following year he again em-
barked in the grain business, in which he contin-
ued until the close of the war, but he lost quite
heavily on account of there not being sufficient
shelter for his grain along the route. When the
war ended he began dealing and speculating in
real estate, which has been his chief occupation up
to the present time. He is also interested in other
industries in Dubuque. He has met with reverses,
yet with renewed resolution and determination he
has started anew, and as the result of his practical
business methods, his enterprise and perseverance,
he has become one of the substantial citizens of the
community.

Mr. Rowan was married in 1852 to Miss Chris-
tina Healey, a native of Ireland, who during her
early girlhood was brought to America. They
have four children, three daughters and a son, the
latter, Joseph Rowan, being a prominent dry-goods
merchant of Dubuque. The family are all mem-
bers of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

In his political views Mr. Rowan is a Democrat.
In the fall of 1887 he was elected to the Legisla-
ture as Representative from this district and served
on several important committees. He takes an
active part in political affairs and does all in his
power to insure the success of his party.

 

ole

OHN KLEINSCHMIDT, whose name is in-
separably connected with the political and
business history of Dubuque, is now engaged
in dealing in real estate. He is a native of

the city which is still his home, his birth having
here occurred September 9, 1860. His father,
Frederick Kleinschmidt, was a native of Germany,
born in Westphalia, and on emigrating to Ameri-
ca, settled in Dubuque, where he spent his remain-
144

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,

 

 

ing days, his death here occurring in 1891. The
year of his arrival was 1852. His wife was in her
maidenhood Catherine Schleyer.. She was born in
Bavaria, and is still a resident of this city.

We now take up the personal history of our sub-
ject and in so doing present to our readers the life
record of one who is both widely and favorably
known in Dubuque. He attended the publicschools
until twelve years of age, at which time he en-
tered upon his business career as a clerk in his
father’s store. There he remained as an employe
for some time, and later became a partner in the
business, which was then conducted under the firm
style of F. Kleinschmidt & Son. When the junior
partner had acquired a sufficient capital he pur-
chased his father’s interest in the store and carried
on business alone fora number of years. He had
an excellent stock of goods, and as the result of
his fair and honest dealing and courteous treat-
ment of his patrons he secureda liberal patronage,
building up an extensive trade which yielded to
him a handsome income. In 1893 he sold out,
and has since given his time and attention to his
property interests, for as the years have passed and
his financial resources were increased he has made
judicious investments in real estate and now has
much property in this city.

An important event in the life of Mr. Klein-
schmidt occurred in 1886, when was celebrated his
marriage with Miss Matilda Lembeck, a daughter
of Joseph Lembeck, one of the early settlers of
this county. Their union has been blessed with
three children, two sons and a daughter, namely:
John, Carl and Maxalinda. They reside at the
corner of Thirteenth and White Streets, where
they have a pleasant home, supplied with all the
comforts and many of the luxuries of life.

In connection with his other business interests,
Mr. Kleinschmidt was one of the organizers of the
Iowa Mutual Building & Loan Association, and
was Secretary of the same for a time. Socially, he
is a member of the Independent Order of Forres-
ters. He takes an active interest in politics, keeps
well informed on the issues of the day and always
supports the men and measures of the Democracy.
He served efficiently for one term as Alderman
from the Third Ward, being elected to that office

 

in 1887. He has been active in inaugurating the
sewer and water systems of Dubuque, takes an
active interest in all works of public improve-
ment, and does all in his power to advance the
best interests of the community, whereof he is rec-
ognized asa representative and valued citizen.

——=

ICHOLAS P. NICKS, a contractor and
N builder, was born in Dubuque, on the
4th of March, 1858, and has spent his,
entire life in his native city, where he is now widely
and favorably known. The family is of German
origin. ‘The father of our subject, Peter Nicks, is
a native of Luxemburg, Germany. In 1850 he
bade adieu to the friends and home of his earlier.
years and sailed for the New World, taking up his
residence in Dubuque, Iowa, where he has now
made his home for forty-four years. He has now
reached the age of sixty-two and still makes his
home in this city. His wife, who bore the name of
Catherine Kiefer, is also a native of Germany.
Under the parental roof Nicholas P. Nicks was
reared to manhood and in the public schools ac-
quired his literary education. He afterwards pur-
sued a commercial course in the Bayless Business
College of this city, and at the age of seventeen
he began to earn his own livelihood, since which
time he has been dependent on his own resources.
He commenced learning the carpenter’s trade and
after he had mastered the business he worked as a
journeyman for some time. In 1882 he began
business for himself as a contractor and builder
and has carried on operations along that line con-
tinuously since. He isan expert workman, always
faithfully lives up to his part of the contract, and
by fair and honest dealing and courteous treat-
ment of his patrons’ he has succeeded in building
up a good business. Many of the important build-
ings of the city were erected under his supervision,
including the residences of C. L. Lesure, L. Bis-
sell, Nicholas Glab, O. Glab, Thomas Connelly and
Mrs. F. Thomas. He was also the architect and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

145

 

 

builder of the F. M. Hoffman Block, the H. B.
Glover & Co. Block, the Page House, and many
other of the substantial structures of the city.

In 1881 Mr. Nicks was united in marriage with
Miss Mary Frommelt, of Dubuque. They reside at
2279 Jackson Street, and their home has been
blessed by the presence of three children, two sons
and a daughter, namely: Peter, Josephine and
Grover A.

Mr. Nicks takes quite an active interest in po-
litical affairs, keeps well informed on the issues of
the day, and is a stalwart advocate of the men and
measures Of the Democracy. In 1892 he was
elected Alderman of the city from the Fifth Ward,
and for one term efficiently served in that capacity.
He is a public spirited and progressive citizen, in
whom the best interests of the community find a
friend, and all who know him esteem him highly
for his strict integrity and sterling worth. He
and his family are members of the Catholic Church.

SS ee  ——————_ )

HARLES MILLER, deceased, was for many

CY, years one of the well-to-do farmers of Du-

buque County, and at his death his com-

munity was deprived of one of its best residents.

His estate was located on section 23, Jefferson

Township, and bore all the usual improvements

which were necessary to carry on the work in
which its owner was engaged.

Our subject was a native of Russia, and was born
November 30, 1827. In 1853, when deciding to
come to America, he first landed in New York,
whence he made his way directly to this county
in order to join his parents, who had preceded him
to the New World the previous year. Charles be-
ing the eldest of the family, his father gave him
forty acres of wild farming land, trusting to his
ability to cultivate and improve it. He was en-
terprising and energetic, and it was not long be-
fore he produced the largest crop of corn in his
district in proportion to the amount of land de-
voted to that article.

Charles Miller was married June 4, 1852, to Miss
Anna Liza, the daughter of George and Flora
(Snider) Vetter, also natives of Russia. Their

 

union resulted in the birth of ten children, named
respectively: Charles, Mary, Louise, Louis, Henry,
Katie, Martin, Emma, Christineand Edward. The
husband and father was called home May 3, 1884.
His death was asad blow not only to mourning
relatives, but to many friends in whose hearts he
held a warm place.

Mr. Miller was a Christian man in every sense
of the term, and a devoted member of the Con-
gregational ‘Church. In politics he upheld the
policy of the Democratic party. He was a man
honorable in every relation of life, and was highly
regarded by all who knew him or had dealings
with him.

se -—

OHANNA (BAKER) SPECHT. The subject
of this sketch is the widow of John Specht,
Sr., who was born in Byron, Germany, in
1807. He came to the United States, land-
ing in New York City in the year 1832, where he
remained but a short time. He left New York
for Dubuque, Iowa, where he remaincd for five
years, working at his trade, that of a carpen-
ter, and he had the honor of building the first
frame house in Dubuque. From here he removed
to Peru Township, where he took up one thousand
and three hundred acres of land and settled down.
He remained in this place until his death, which
occurred October 24, 1866, when he had reached
the age of fifty-eight years. He left property con-
sisting of one thousand and three hundred acres
of land in Peru Township and lands in Minnesota,
also the only ferry line between Specht’s Ferry,
Potosia and Dubuque. The land was divided
among his family, and the ferry line isnow owned
by his widow.

Jobn Specht, Sr., was the most prominent man
in Peru Township, and was widely known for his
generosity. There were no schools in those days
and he hired a private teacher to educate his chil-
dren, who were named as follows: Edward; Her-
man, deceased; Caline; Werner, deceased; Mary,
Henry and John, Jr.

Johanna Specht, our subject, is a native of Ger-
146

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

many, and was born in Hanover about 1814. She
is the daughter of Fred and Johanna Benson, who
were also natives of Hanover, Germany. To this
union were born two children, Caline Baker Swear
and our subject, Johanna.

John, Jr., the youngest of the children of John
and Johanna Specht, was born in Peru Township,
March 15, 1851, and was united in marriage with
Miss Ida May Roberts, of Dubuque, Iowa, on No-
vember 1, 1883. To them have been born two
children, Sarah Allineand John. Mrs.Specht is the
daughter of Henry and Anna (Bonham) Roberts,
the former born in Iowa, and the latter in Illinois;
they were the parents of seven children. The par-
ents were of Scotch and Welsh ancestry. The father
is dead, and the mother lives in Tacoma, Wash.
Mr. Specht left the parental roof when he had
reached his majority, and having purchased a boat
engaged in business for himself until 1891, when
he sold the boat and became pilot and captain of
his mother’s boat, the “Teal,’’ which runs be-
tween Specht’s Ferry, Potosia and Dubuque. He
resides in Dubuque and is the owner of one hun-
dred and seventy-five acres of choice farm land
and other real estate.

Our subject is the possessor of one hundred and
fifty acres of land, the ferry line and other per-
sonal property, and she lives in the building which
was put up about forty-three yearsago. The home-
stead is called Specht’s Landing. She is an ex-
emplary member of the Presbyterian Church, and
her son John is a member of the Congregational
Church; politically, he is a Republican and an
ardent advocate of the party of reform. He has
never been troubled by aspirations for politi-
cal office, but as a true and loyal citizen, is ever
ready to lend a helping hand in matters of public
enterprise and improvement.

 

 

BIESE SE DES SE BB SESESIESEDESE

ACOB ZOLLICOFFER. This name is familiar
to many of our readers, particularly to those
interested in agriculture, as he who bears it
has for many years been engaged in that oc-

cupation in Dubuque County. His home is in
Dubuque Township, where he owns four hundred

 

and fifty acres of improved land. Having retired
from active work himself, he has given to his sons
the management of the estate, and itis safe to say
that under their capable supervision the value of
the property will be still further enhanced.

The Zollicoffer family is of German origin. The
parents of our subject, George and Elizabeth Zol-
licoffer, were natives of Bavaria, and thence emi-
grated to the United States in 1834, settling in
Alton, Ill, where for two years the father worked
at the trade of wagon-maker. In 1836 he came to
Dubuque and for nine years was similarily em-
ployed, after which, turning his attention to agri-
culture, he purchased four hundred and fifty acres
of unimproved land where our subject now lives.
For some years he was actively engaged in the till-
ing of the soil, after which, retiring from the farm,
he settled in Dubuque and remained a resident of
this city until the death of his wife. From that
time until his demise, in 1873, he made his home
with Jacob.

With the early history of Dubuque County,
George Zollicoffer was intimately identified, being
one of its first settlers as well as one of its fore-
most citizens. He was an excellent type of his
nationality, displaying in the management of his
affairs the energy, frugality and strict integrity
that characterize the Germans. He was highly es-
teemed by all who knew him, and left behind him
a record which his posterity and all others might
emulate to their advantage.

The subject of this sketch was born in Dubuque,
Iowa, March 10, 1839, and is one of six children,
of whom three are now living. At the age of three
years he was taken by his parents to the farm in
Dubuque Township, where he remained until at-
taining his majority. For a time thereafter he was
a student in the city schools. In 1864 he was
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Friend,
who was born in Pennsylvania, the daughter of
John and Elizabeth Friend. Seven children were
given to them, of whom all but one are now
living, namely: George E.; Frank S., who married
Emma Roehl and has one child, Leroy Eugene;
William J., Elizabeth J., Milan A. and Nellie K.
The older children are graduates of the Dubuque
schools and are well informed and intelligent.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRATHICAL RECORD.

147

 

 

Frank S. and William J. rank among the progres-
sive young agriculturists of the county. They have
charge of the estate, and being persevering and
enterprising have already met with success in their
undertaking.

For two years after his marriage our subject
lived in Dubuque, then settled on the old home-
stead. By his practical skill and steady industry
he has been enabled to embellish the farm with vari-
ous improvements, marking it as the property of a
thrifty man. Jn the county where he has always
made his home he is highly esteemed by a large
circle of acquaintances.

+S kB

AMES SWEENEY. Many pleasant homes
may be seen throughout Dubuque County
and some are of more than ordinary beauty,
either in architectural design or surroundings.

Among those in Dubuque Township that are com-
modious and set in the midst of broad fields is the
farm owned and occupied by Mr. Sweeney, which
comprises one hundred and sixty acres. The tract
is well located and bears the improvements usually
made by a man who desires to keep up with the times
and surround himself with the conveniences of
modern rural life. Honest and persistent effort on
his part has been crowned by success, and to-day
he ranks among the prosperous citizens of the
township.

The parents of our subject, Miles and Mary
(Flynn) Sweeney, lived and died in Ireland, where
the father was superintendent of a landlord’s es-
tate during the greater part of his life. They were
honest and industrious people, and reared a family
of twelve children. James was born in County
Mayo, July 20, 1820, and spent the years of youth
and early manhood in the land of his birth, having
no educational advantages. In 1849 he crossed
the ocean and after a voyage of five weeks between
Liverpool and New York landed in the latter city.
From there he went to Geneva, N. Y., where for
five years he was employed by the month.

In September, 1856, Mr. Sweeney married Miss

 

Margaret Nevins, who was born near her husband’s
native home. They have been the parents of twelve
children, of whom ten are living, as follows: Mary,
Miles, Anna, Sarah, William, James, Robert, Charles,
Lizzie and Lucy. After his marriage Mr. Sweeney
settled in the vicinity of his present home. In
1859 he began to operate a rented farm, upon which
he engaged in tilling the soil for ten years. He
then purchased one hundred and sixty acres com-
prising his present homestead. At the time of
purchase this was almost wholly unimproved, and
its present neat appearance is due to the energy of
the owner, who has erected all the buildings, planted
the trees and transformed the property into one of
the most attractive homes of the county.

The principles of the Democratic party receive
the hearty and loyal support of Mr. Sweeney, who,
however, has been too much engrossed in his per-
sonal affairs to take an active part in public mat-
ters. Asa citizen he has been active in every way
and has given liberally to churches and schools,
especially to the Catholic Church, of which he is a
member. He had no one to help him start in life,
but was obliged to make his way in the world as
best he could. That he has succeeded in his worthy
enterprises is shown by a glance at his fine estate.

‘

OHN P. PAGE is the genial and popular pro-
prietor of the Page House of Dubuque. He
was born in the village of Sure, Germany,
on the 26th of July, 1844, and is a son of

Francis and Anna May (Maljet) Page. He was
reared and educated in his native land, and there
remained until twenty-six years of age, and in
1870 with the family crossed the briny deep to the
New World, landing in New York City. They
came at once to Dubuque, where the parents made
a permanent location, here spending their remain-
ing days. Mr. Page of this sketch worked at vari-
ous occupations whereby he might earn an honest
living until 1873, when he entered the Catholic
printing office, where he was employed for three
years. This proved to him a valuable school.
May 2, 1877, Mr. Page was united in marriage
148

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

with Miss Theresa Eizmann, of Dubuque, and to
them have been born eight children, two sons and
six daughters. For a time our subject engaged in
carrying on a restaurant and saloon, but in 1883
he built the Page Hotel, which is a four-story brick
structure, furnished throughout in the latest style.
It is supplied with the latest improvements in the
way of plumbing, the house is heated with steam
and lighted with both gas and electric lights, the
rooms are commodious and airy and there is a
large, light dining-room. The table is always
supplied with the delicacies of the season, and is
kept up in first-class style. The hotel is located
at the corner of Fourth and White Streets and re-
ceives a liberal patronage. The owner always tries
to make his guests feel at case, looks well after
their comforts, and among those who give him
their patronage he has made many warm friends
and agreeable acquaintances, who esteem him high-
ly. In his political views he is a Democrat and
stanchly advocates the principles of that party.
He is now serving his second term as Alderman
from the Second Ward, and is an efficient and
capable officer. He and his family are members of
St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In connection with
his other property Mr. Page owns a farm in Du-
buque County, which is under a high state of cul-
tivation and adds materially to his income. He
began life without means, save a determination to
succeed, but has made the most of his opportuni-
ties and privileges through life and is now the
possessor of a comfortable competence as the re-
‘sult of his well directed efforts.

ede Seb
SSS i —

ACOB MICHEL, a retired merchant of Du.
buque, for some years was connected with
the business interests of this city, but as the
result of a steadfast purpose, careful atten-

tior to details and systematic business methods
he acquired the capital which now enables him to
retire from further labor. We take great pleasure
in presenting to our readers this record of his life.

Mr. Michel is a native of Germany, his birth

 

having occurred in Hesse-Darmstadt on the 12th
of October, 1824. His parents were Johannus and
Catherine (Nonkassar) Michel, and they too were
natives of Germany. Their family numbered six
children, four sons and two daughters. The fa-
ther was a farmer by occupation and followed that
pursuit throughout his entire life. Our subject
attended the public schools of his native land
until his fourteenth year, when his father died,
and a week later his mother passed away. He was
thus left an orphan. After the dcath of his par-
ents he began learning the shoemaker’s trade, serv-
ing a three years’ apprenticeship to the same in
Offenbach. After completing his term of service
he traveled through southern Germany, and in
France and Switzerland, working as a journey-
man, but did not find a place which seemed to him
to offer the attractions and advantages which were
attributed to the New World. This led him to
seck a home in the United States, and in 1847 he
took passage on a westward bound sailing-vessel,
which a few weeks later dropped anchor in the
harbor of New York. He went at once to St.
Louis, Mo., where he spent two years working at
the shoemaker’s trade, and in 1850 he came to Du-
buque, where he has since made his home. Here
he embarked in the manufacture of shoes on his
own account. He began operations on a small
scale, but as time passed his business increased and
he employed a force of twenty-five workmen.
The work was all done by hand until 1859. In
that year Mr. Michel added a stock of ready made
boots and shoes, and as his business increased he
enlarged his facilities until he was at the head of
a lucrative trade. In this line he continued until
1893, when he retired, having in the meantime ac-
quired a comfortable competence. He owns two
good store buildings, which he rents out to other
parties, and in addition has other valuable city
property.

Turning from the public to the private life of
Mr. Michel, we note that in the year 1852 he was
united in marriage with Miss Louisa Krakow, of
Dubuque. To their union were born the follow-
ing children; Katie; Sophia, deceased; F. Will-
iam, who now resides in California; Henry, a well
known attorney of Dubuque; Benjamin, who is
 

 

 

GEORGE W. JONES.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

151

 

 

engaged in the practice of medicine, and Philip,
who isa salesman. In his political views Mr. Michel
is a Republican, and is a member of the Universal-
ist Church. His life has been well and worthily
passed, and all who know him esteem him highly
for his sterling worth. It was a fortunate day for
him when he sailed for America, and his brightest
hopes have been realized. He has found not only
a comfortable home, but has also made many
friends and gained a handsome competence, which
supplies him with all the necessities and many of
the luxuries of life.

EN. GEORGE WALLACE JONES makes
his home in Dubuque, Iowa, but his name
and face are familiar throughout the state,

and his well spent life is one worthy of emulation.
He was born in Vincennes, Ind., April 12, 1804,
and when quite young went to Ste. Genevieve, Mo.
Between the years of ten and eleven he served as
drummer boy in Capt. William Linn’s company,
organized at that city for service in the War of
1812. His education was acquired in Transyl-
vania University of Kentucky, from which he was
graduated in July, 1825.

While in the university, our subject first made
the acquaintance of Henry Clay, who at the re-
quest of the General’s father became the guardian
of the young man. In November, 1823, at Lex-
ington, Ky., he was Sergeant of the body guard to
General Jackson at the time of his first election to
the United States Senate from Tennessee. In
somewhat of royal splendor that statesman made
his first trip to Washington as United States Sena-
tor. His coach was drawn by four blooded horses,
with a negro slave as driver, another negro as
postman anda third on horseback as outrider. He
was escorted into Lexington by tens of thousands
of enthusiastic Kentuckians, who delighted to do
him honor. When tired, he would find recreation
in getting out of his coach and mounting the
horse of the outrider, and it was while so doing
that General Jones became acquainted with him,

3

 

In May, 1824, our subject acted in the same capa-
city on the occasion of the reception tendered
Marquis de La Fayette at Lexington.

His literary studies completed, General Jones
commenced to read law, and was later admitted to
the Bar; he became Clerk of the United States
District Court at Ste. Genevieve, Mo., but im-
paired health forced him to seek a cooler climate.
In 1827 he settled in the lead regions seven miles
from Dubuque, at the celebrated Sinsinawa Mound,
now in Wisconsin, then in what was known as
Michigan Territory. He became a farmer, mer-
chant, miner and smeiter. With others he discov-
ered the Karrick Mine, two miles from the center
of Dubuque.

In the Black Hawk War Gen. George Wallace
Jones served as aide-de-camp to Gen. Henry Dodge,
and was afterward elected Colonel of Militia.
At the termination of the Black Hawk War, he was
waited upon by a committee from Iowa County,
Mich., and importuned to become a candidate
for Colonel of the militia, which he emphatically
declined. He was, however, without his consent
Fun against Capt. William S$. Hamilton, a son of
the celebrated Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of
the United States Treasury, who was killed by
Aaron Burr ina duel. He was commissioned as
Colonel and successor of Gen. Henry Dodge,
whose aide-de-camp he had been through the
Black Hawk War and duly commissioned by Gov-
ernor Porter, of Detroit. A short time afterwards
he was waited upon by a committee, appointed by
a large meeting of citizens, and informed that he
was unanimously recommended to Governor
Porter for the office of Chief Justice of the Court
of Iowa County, the next highest court in the ter-
ritory. He went to the meeting, and after tender-
ing thanks for the honor conferred on him, de-
clined to accept the compliment on the ground
that he already held the most important office in
the county, that he was no lawyer and had more
business to attend to than he could perform. Ad-
dresses were made to him by three personal
friends and able attorneys-at-law, Messrs. Charles
S. Hempsted, Benjamin Mills and John Turney, of
Galena, Ill., and he was urged to accept the recom-
mendation offered him. But he persisted in declin-
152

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ing it; James Murphy was substituted and recom-
mended to Governor Porter for appointment and
a committee was appointed to send the proceed-
ings of the meeting to the Governor of the ter-
ritory. In due time his commission as Chief
Justice was sent to him by the Hon. Stevens T.
Mason, the Secretary of the territory, with an
earnest request that he would accept the office.
Secretary Mason had been a college mate of Mr.
Jones at Transylvania University, in Lexington,
Ky., and so Mr. Jones accepted the appointment.
Mr. Jones continued to fill the office of Chief
Justice until October, 1835, when he was unani-
mously recommended by a very large meeting of
the people as a candidate for Delegate to Congress
from the territory of Michigan. He accepted the
nomination and was elected by a large majority
over his three distinguished competitors, Hon.
Messrs. J. D. Doty, Morgan L. Martin and W. W.
Woodbridge.

In September, 1836, General Jones was again
elected as the first Delegate to Congress from the
new territory of Wisconsin over the Hon. James
D. Doty, of Green Bay, and Thomas P. Burnett,
of Prairie du Chien.

General Jones, under the advice of his life-long

friend, Dr. Lewis F. Linn, afterwards for three _

times U. S. Senator in Congress from Missouri,
was induced to abandon the study of law,
luxurious living and confinement and to follow
his half brother, Gen. Henry Dodge, to the Fever
River lead mines in the then territory of Michi-
gan, now Wisconsin. He had lost his health
whilst reading law, and suffered for two years
with dyspepsia, and nervous and bilious fevers.

General Jones’ father was the Hon. John Rice
Jones, who was born at Malwydd, in Merionth-
shire, Wales. He was graduated at the great Uni-
versity of Oxford, England, where he took three
degrees from the university, viz: A. B. and
M. D. and afterwards L. B., Bachelor of Laws.

He was first married at Brecon,in Wales, to a Miss .

Eliza Powell, by whom he had two children, Rice
and Maria. He practiced Jaw a short time in
London, Great Britain, and then came to Phila-
delphia, Pa., where he became the warm friend
of Benjamin Franklin, Myers, Fisher and other

 

eminent men. He soon emigrated to Louisville,
Ky., where he practiced law and became the law
member of the army of General George Rogers
Clark and followed that great General in his acqui-
sition of the Northwestern Territory. He then
settled in Vincennes, Iowa, and became the first
lawyer at that place. He lost his first wife at
Vincennes; Miss Mary Baryer became his second
wife, by whom he had eight children. His first
son, Rice, was assassinated at Kaskaskia by a Dr.
Dunlap, who immediately fled from the coun-
try and has never been heard of since. John Rice
Jones was a very learned man, understanding per-
fectly the English, Latin, Greek, Welsh, French
and Spanish languages. He was a member of the
convention of Missouri from Washington County
in 1820; he drew the first draft of its Constitu-
tion and was made a Justice of the Supreme Court
of the state and continued to occupy that station
until he died in St. Louis, Mo., on the first day of
February, 1824. He would have been sixty-five
years of age had he lived to the 11th of that
month. General Jones’ mother was born in Pennsyl-
vania and was regarded as a beautiful young lady.
She died at the age of about seventy-two years.
She wasa Spanish, English, French and German
scholar and died a devout Christian at Potosi, Mo.
Three of General Jones’ brothers emigrated to
Texas. The eldest was twice Postmaster General
of Texas under its first President, Gen. Samuel
Houston, who afterwards served as a_ brother
United States Senator with this same George W.
Jones and was a warm personal and _ political
friend. The other two brothers were John and
Augustus, and his two brothers-in-law were, Hon.
John Scott, for ten or twelve years delegate in
Congress from Missouri State and Territory, and
Andrew, one of the Supreme Judges of Arkansas,
who organized that territory in 1819.

It is a singular and extraordinary circumstance
that General Jones has never had one single day’s
sickness since his first six months’ residence at
Sinsinawa Mound in 1827 and he is now in perfect
health, showing the wisdom of following the
medical advice of his devoted friend, Dr. Linn.
He went down the Mississippi River in his own
large skiff, rowed by ten hired men, to whom he
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

153

 

 

paid $4 per month. He went back to Ste. Gene-
vieve, Mo., and married Josephine Gregoire there
on her seventeenth birthday; she departed this life
at Dubuque, on the 29th of April, 1888. They had
nine children born to them, four of whom are still
living. ,

Among his friends General Jones numbered
many of the most prominent men of the country,
including every president from James Monroe
down to and including Cleveland. In 1821 he
was a schoolmate of Jefferson Davis in Transyl-
vania University, and the friendship there formed
lasted until the death of the latter. Afterward
when Davis was Second Lieutenant in the United
States army, he stopped, while en route from Ga-
lena to Ft. Crawford, at Prairie du Chien, and
visited his former schoolmate at Sinsinawa Mound.
He found him living in a log cabin in the midst of
his mines and smelting establishment and tarried
with him several days. At other times he visited
him, both before and after the marriage of Gen-
era] Jones. When he became Secretary of War, he
gave one of the General’s sons a position in the
army as Second Lieutenant in the United States
Cavalry.

When Mr. Davis became President of the South-
ern Confederacy, our subject was in South Amer-
ica, having been appointed minister to Bogota by
President Buchanan. He wrote to his friend ex-
pressing his warm friendship and high regard for
him personally, but added, “Dear Jeff, do not go
to war and attempt to destroy this great Union.”’
The mails were interdicted, and the letter fell into
the hands of his old time friend, William H. Se-
ward. When he returned to the United States af-
ter three years spent in Bogota, the Civil War was
at its height. He was tendered and accepted a
diplomatic dinner by Seward, who ten days after,
when our subject was visiting in New York, had
him arrested and sent to Ft. La Fayette Prison.
One of the first official acts of his friend, E. M.
Stanton, Secretary of War, was to release the Gen-
eral from the prison where he had been confined
sixty-four days. In releasing him, he also told
him that he was blameless, and completely exoner-
ated him from all complicity in the attempt to
overthrow the Government.

 

July 4, 1838, Mr. Jones organized Iowa Terri-
tory, which he named, and aided in securing its
admission into the Union. He enjoys the honor
of having been elected its first United States Sena-
tor. He was a friend of Ulysses S. Grant, whom
he first knew when the war hero wasatanner. He
was a trusted friend of Lewis Cass. In fact, he
knew all of the prominent men of the nation who
were political leaders prior to the war. Fidelity
to his friends has been one of the marked char-
acteristics of his life, for when his confidence and
estecm have once been given, he has always been
faithful and true to the recipient of his regard.
He has been called the godfather of Iowa and
Wisconsin, and throughout the country he is hon-
ored for what he has done in opening up the
northwest and bringing it into prominence. He
is now living quietly in Dubuque and his ninety
years rest lightly upon him.

General Jones was first elected as delegate to
Congress from Michigan Territory in October,
1835, having Hon. James D. Doty, United States
District Judge for Michigan Territory west of Lake
Michigan, and the Hon. Morgan L. Martin, both
of Green Bay, and the Hon. W. W. Woodbridge,
United States District Judge of Detroit, as his
three competitors. Those three gentleman were
afterward elected to Congress from Michigan and
Wisconsin, the latter being elected to the United
States Senate from the state of Michigan as a
Whig from that state.

General Jones served three years as Chief Jus-
tice at Mineral Point in the then territory of
Michigan, now Wisconsin. The Hon. John Quincy
Adams, ex-President of the United States, was a
warm personal friend of General Jones in the
House of Representatives, and Mr. Jones’ brother-
in-law, Hon. John Scott, of Missouri, gave the vote
of the state of Missouri that elected Mr. Adams
President of the United States by the House of
Representatives in February, 1825.

General Jackson as President of the United
States, recognized his young friend Jones as the
Sergeant of his body guard, at Lexington, Ky., in
November, 1823, and never refused to grant him
any favor that he asked as delegate in Congress,
and he accorded to him the honor of naming all the .
154 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

men to fill the offices created for Wisconsin Terri-
tory, the first time such an honor was ever given to
any delegate in Congress, those offices having been
always before given to citizens of the states. Presi-
dent Van Buren conferred the same honor upon
him at the organization of the territory of Towa
two years thereafter, on the 4th of July, 1838. No
such honor was given to any delegate in the United
States before Wisconsin was created, through the
influence of delegate Jones, nor since, and General
Jones gave the name to Wisconsin as he did to
Iowa. Every President of the United States, with
perhaps one exception, was the personal friend of
General Jones since the administration of Presi-
dent Monroe to the present time.

In 1825, whilst a law student under his brother-
in-law, Hon. John Scott, the Hon. James H. Peck
appointed him Clerk of the United States Dis-
trict Court at Ste. Genevieve, Vice Hon. Thomas
Oliver, deceased, although nearly every citizen of
that city had recommended Col. Joseph D. Grafton
for the place, amongst them being his brother-in-
law, Mr. Scott, Gen. Henry Dodge, the Marshal of
the state, afterward General in the Black HawkWar,
delegate and United States Senator from Wiscon-
sin, Hon. Lewis F. Linn, afterward for three terms
a Senator in Congress from Missouri, the Valle
families, his afterward father-in-law, the Judge say-
ing that be witnessed the commencement at Tran-
sylvania University, when young Jones was grad-
uated, and that the office of Clerk would aid him in
his studies of the law and put money in his pocket.

In 1839 President Van Buren voluntarily ap-
pointed Jones Surveyor-General of Wisconsin, at
Dubuque. But on the 4th of July, 1841, Jones
was removed from that position under the admin-
istration of President Tyler, because of his con-
nection with the Celley-Graves duel in February,
1838. He persistently refused the importunities
of his warm friends, Gen. Franklin Pierce, after-
ward President of the United States, and others,
believing, as he said at the time, that his constitu-
ents would object to the same. He twice sug-
gested and demanded a suspension of the duel, but
to no purpose. At the accession of President Polk,
his warm personal friend, whilst the delegate from
Michigan and Wisconsin Territories, as Speaker of

 

the House of Representatives, he restored him to
the office of Surveyor-General, at Dubuque, Iowa,
and in December, 1848, he was elected as Jowa’s
first United States Senator, and in December, 1852,

r he was again re-elected for six years as Senator.

In 1861, whilst United States Minister at Bogota,
United States of Colombia, through his influence
with Gen. T. de Mosquera, he procured the com-
mutation of a Mr. Arangurin, of Venezuela, who
had been condemned to death for his participation
with his opponents in the then Civil War in that
Republic. In like manner he secured the commu-
tation of the sentence of death upon President
Ospena, his brother and his Secretary of Foreign
Relations, Bartolome Calvo. The four were sent
into prison instead of being shot to death. They
returned to their homes and in time died natural
deaths.

On General Jones’ return home from Bogota on
a leave of absence from his mission, he was magnifi-
cently received, on the 27th of July, by the Hon.
Henry L. Stout, as Mayor of Dubuque, and a com-
mittee of reception appointed by a large meeting
of his fellow-citizens, when the Attorney-General
of the state, the Hon. Fred E. Bissell, delivered to.
him an eloquent and pathetic address of welcome
in the presence of several thousand of his fellow-
citizens. Similar addresses were also made to him by
the Hon. Thomas Rogers, Col. William J. Barney,
and each of the captains of four military compan-
ies, who participated in doing him honor.

On the 4th of April, 1894, at the suggestion of
his Excellency, Governor Jackson, to the Legisla-
ture of his state, a splendid ovation was given to
General Jones in the House of Representatives.
He was first met at the depot by the Chairman and
Committee of Reception, and conducted to the
hotel escorted by military companies and a large
number of his fellow-citizens. After partaking of
a delicious dejeuner a la Fourchette, he was again
escorted in like manner to the Capitol, and into
the House of Representatives, when the Lientenant-
Governor, as presiding officer of the two Houses of
the Legislative Assembly in joint convention, de-
livered to him an eloquent oration and reception
address. The President of the joint convention
was followed by the Speaker of the House of Rep-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

155

 

resentatives. He was followed by his Excellency,
Governor Jackson, and he by the Secretary of
State, and he by the President of the Indiana As-
sociation of Iowa. That functionary was followed
by the Hon. George G. Wright, ex-United States
Senator in Congress, and ex-Chief Justice of the
state of Iowa. The Hon. J. K. Graves, ex-State
Senator, followed Hon. Judge Wright in a carefully
prepared sketch of the life and public services of
General Jones, as the organ of public meetings of
the city of Dubuque, held in the city, when it was
resolved that the General should be escorted to
the seat of Government by the Governor’s Greys
and his fellow-citizens. Four of the members of
the Legislature of Iowa who participated in the
elections of General Jones in 1848, and also in
1852 addressed the large assemblage in highly com-
mendatory terms on the occasion. They were suc-
ceeded by the Hon. Daniel F. Miller, a member of
the then House of Representatives, who in an ad-
dress said that he had the honor of serving as a mem-
ber of the House of Representatives as a colleague
of Senator Jones, and knew that he was fully en-
titled to all the honors which were being conferred
upon him.

aS

EV. FREDERICK WILLIAM PAPE. In-
separably associated with the religious
history of New Vienna is the name of the

rector of St. Boniface Church. A gentleman of
the highest culture and loftiest principles, he has
been instrumental not only in promoting the
spiritual welfare of his parishioners, but also in
advancing the religious progress of the commu-
nity. Moreover it has been one of his chief am-
bitions in life to elevate and educate the people,
but especially to aid young men in preparing for
the priesthood and thus give to the people earnest,
well educated and “consecrated Christian leaders.

The biography of a gentleman of so much
prominence will contain for our readers more than
ordinary interest. He is of German birth, the city
of Buern, Westphalia, having been the place of his
nativity, and January 27, 1844, the date of his

 

birth. The family of which he is a member con-
sisted of four sons, and his mother by a previous
marriage also had four sons. Of the latter, one is
a retired farmer of Dyersville, another an exten-
sive agricullurist of New Wine Township, the
third, deceased, and the fourth, Rev. Aloisius Meis,
a prominent Catholic priest. Our subject’s own
brothers are, Herman, a farmer in Carroll County,
Iowa; Henry, an agriculturist of Nebraska, and
Conrad, of whom mention is made on another
page of this volume. The father of this family,
William Pape, came to America with limited
means, but at the time of his death, in 1878, left
a large estate.

In 1851 our subject accompanied his parents to
the United States and with them settled on a half-
section of Government land near New Vienna,
Towa. His early years were spent on the home
farm, and his time was devoted principally to ag-
ricultural work, though 1n the short intervals dur-
ing the winter seasons he was a student in the
neighboring school. This was a primitive build-
ing constructed of logs, and was utilized both as
church and school. In 1858 he entered the em-
ploy of Moreland & Morrissy, merchants at Dyers-
ville, Iowa, and after serving a year’s apprentice-
ship with them, became their clerk, remaining thas
engaged until 1861.

The death of his mother somewhat changed
the course of our subject’s life. The father, dis-
couraged by the loss of his noble and devoted wife,
resolved to retire from active business and to di-
vide his property among the four sons still remain-
ing at home. Frederick W. had promised to re-
main at the old homestead with his parents, but
the death of his mother and the division of the
estate left him free to choose for himself. It had
been with him along cherished dream to travel
and see the world of which he had heard and read
somuch. He was, however, detained a while from
the consummation of his plans by the urgent re-
quest of his half-brother, Rev. Aloisius Meis, then
pastor of St. Boniface Church at Lyons, Iowa, that
he act as assistant teacher in the newly organized
parochial school of that congregation.

After spending a very pleasant year in that oc-
cupation, and Father Meis being now transferred
156

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

 

 

to St. Mary’s Church at Dubuque, our subject, in
company with several friends, started on a tour
of the east. After spending some time in New
York he took passage on a steamer for Cuba,
then went to Matamoras and other places in Mex-
ico; from there he journeyed through Texas and
along the Rio Grande to Bagdad, situated at the
mouth of the river. After a six months’ sojourn,
he returned home via the gulf to New Orleans and
thence by steamer up the Mississippi and Ohio
Rivers to Cincinnati. At last he reached Lyons
again, after an extensive tour that was of ines-
timable value to him in learning the character and
habits of people and the contour of the country.
At Lyons he engaged for a time in the general
mercantile business, which in the year 1867 he sold
to a brother, and settling all his business affairs
prepared to enter the priesthood. Having thor-
oughly studied the subject and after thoughtful
deliberation he resolved to devote the remainder
of his life to the service of God and the welfare of
mankind. To this holy office he had been called
in childhood, and his decision had been strength-
ened by personal experience, and especially by the
wise counsel and good example of his brother, Fa-
ther Meis.

In 1867 our subject commenced his studies at
the University of Notre Dame, Ind., where he spent
one year. He then entered St. Francis Seminary
near Milwaukee, where he completed hisstudies. In
that seminary, March 25, 1874, he was ordained to

the priesthoood by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Henney, and __

was appointed to attend to the spiritual wants of
Catholic settlers scattered over western Iowa. In
that capacity he spent six years, which he looks
back upon as among the most blessed and useful
of his life. The position was by no means a sine-
cure. His duties were arduous and a severe tax
upon his physical constitution. Having no home
he traveled with satchel in hand, securing lodging
and meals at private houses. During this time he
organized and attended the charges at Hamburg,
Shenandoah, Red Oak, Villisca, Malvin, Sidney,
Nodaway, Blumer Settlement, Glenwood and Ne-
ola (all in Fremont and Page Counties), Mt. Car-
mel, Carroll, Rozell, Arcadia, Wall Lake, Odebolt
and Ida Grove, in Ida County. He was the first

 

priest who ever said mass in the county last named.
Churches were built under his direction at Ham-
burg, Shenandoah, Red Oak, Villisca, Carroll, Breda,
Wall Lake, Ida Grove, Odebolt, Blumer Settlement
and Arcadia.

During 1880 Father Pape was called from the
western part of the state to the east and appointed
to the charge at Lansing, Iowa. Six months later
he was sent by the Bishop to Dubuque to form the
congregation in the north part of the city, where
in 1881 the Church of the Sacred Heart was built.
Later the pastor’s residence was erected and the
school organized. Father Pape’s health being
somewhat impaired he desired to be relieved from
his charge in Dubuque, and was thereupon trans-
ferred to his former home in New Vienna. For
twelve years he has had charge of the church at
this place, and meantime has greatly promoted the
welfare of the congregration. In addition to re-
organizing and building up a large and flourishing
school he was instrumental in securing the erection
of the house of worship. This isa commodious stone
structure, one of the finest edifices in the state.
The interior decorations are beautiful and display
the most refined taste on the part of Father Pape,
who 1s one of the best art critics in the state.

New Vienna has been justly named the home of
priests, for from that place sixteen young men
have gone forth into active priesthood, and there
are now ten students preparing for that holy office.
By the Catholics of the state Father Pape is well
known and highly esteemed for his devotion to
duty and superior ability. By the people also,
irrespective of denominational preferences, he is
highly respected as a citizen of broad and noble
spirit and liberal culture.

— Fredo of of Sochochorgs|

AMES KELLY is a representative of the
mercantile interests of Dubuque, being the
senior member of the firm of Kelly & Son,
dealers in books, stationery and periodicals.

They have a well appointed store, equipped with
everything found in a first-class establishment of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

157

 

 

the kind, and carry a large and well assorted stock
of books and stationery, together with all the
latest periodicals. The members of the firm are
pleasant, genial gentlemen, who try earnestly to
please their customers, and by their courteous
treatment and honorable dealing they have won a
liberal patronage.

Mr. Kelly, whose name heads this record, is a
native of the Emerald Isle, and attended the pub-
lic schools of that country until sixteen years of
age. In the spring of 1852 he sailed for the
United States, hoping to find here a home and
fortune. For two years he lived with an uncle
at Lancaster, Pa., and attended the high school.
For two years he engaged in clerking in a general
store owned by the Delaware, Lackawanna &
Western Pennsylvania Railroad Company. On
the expiration of that period he determined to
continue his journey westward, and in accordance
with this resolution came to Dubuque, where for
two years he was employed as a salesman by the
firm of McGuire & Co., dealers in books and sta-
tionery. In 1853 he began business for himself
on a small scale, opening a news stand which he
stocked with periodicals and home newspapers.
He was the first man to establish a news stand in
the state. His business increased with the growth
of the city’s population, and he added a stock of
books and stationery. He is now one of the oldest
news and book dealers, in years of continuous
business, in the state. He counts his customers
by the hundreds, for his courteous treatment al-
ways insures the continuance of patronage when
once obtained. His store is located at No. 747
Main Street, and is 21x70 feet in dimensions.

In 1865 Mr. Kelly was united in marriage with
Miss Katie Fitzpatrick, daughter of John Fitz-
patrick, an old and highly respected citizen of
Dubuque, who came hither in 1840. Unto our sub-
ject and his wife have been born seven children,
five sons and two daughters, namely: three boys
who died when young; Clermont D., who is now
clerking in Chicago; Joseph T., who is now asso-
ciated with his father in business, under the firm
name of James Kelly & Son; and Mary and Isabel,
who are yet at home. Mr. Kelly and his family
are all members of St. Raphael’s Catholic Church.

 

They reside at No. 394 Bluff Street, and their
home is noted for its hospitality, its doors being
ever open for the reception of their many friends.
They are highly esteemed, and with pleasure we
present to our readers this record of their lives.
Mr. Kelly is a self-made man, who entered upon
his business career at an early age in the humble
capacity of a clerk. Thus he labored until he
had acquired a sum sufficient to establish a small
news stand, when he began business for himself.
Steadily has he worked his way upward, and
his resolution, enterprise and perseverance have
brought him well merited success.

= EZ O80 SSR

TT,“ LIAU J. WOOD is a progressive, wide-

4 awake business man of Anamosa, where he
has a finely equipped clothing establish-
ment. He is a native of Ohio, having been born
in Alliance, December 25,1834. His father, Robert
Wood, and his grandfather, Thomas Wood, were
natives of Virginia.

The maiden name of our subject’s mother was
Abigail Gaskill, a native of Ohio. Her father was
a well-to-do farmer of that state and there spent
the remainder of his days in farm pursuits. Grand-
father Nathan Gaskill and his wife were Quakers.
The original of this sketch attended the district
school near his home and taught six terms of
school in Ohio, Indiana and Iowa. He was a
student in Mt. Union College, Ohio, from which
he was graduated with honors with the Class
of ’62.

The next month after leaving college our sub-
ject offered his services to the Union army and
was mustered into Company F, One Hundred and
Fifteenth Ohio Infantry, which was assigned
to the Twenty-third Army Corps. He partici-
pated in the battles of Nashville and Chattanooga,
besides numerous engagements of minor import-
ance. In 1864 he went with his regiment to Lex-
ington, Ky., thence to Knoxville, Tenn., where
they were stationed for a time.

In September, 1865, young Wood was honora-
bly discharged and mustered out of service; he

 

4
158

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

was made chief clerk .at the headquarters of the
Department of Kentucky at Louisville, under Gen.
Jeff C. Davis and Maj.-Gen. John M. Palmer for
one year.
1866, to Miss Jennie N. daughter of David Stewart.
She was a native of Ohio. After his marriage our
subject taught the Fairview (Iowa) school, of
which he was Principal during the winter of
1866-67, and the following year came to Anamosa,
where he formed a partnership with H. T. Curry,
the firm operating under the title of Curry &
Wood. They were the proprietors of a fine mer-
chant tailoring and men’s furnishing establish-
ment, and the following February our subject
‘purchased his partner’s interest in the business,
since which time he has operated with splendid
success alone.

Mr. Wood has always taken a great interest in
the welfare of his community, serving his fellow-
citizens in whatever mannerhe could. For three
years he was a member of the Schvol Board of the
city and the City Council, and at one time was
Vice-President of the Anamosa Water Works, of
which he was one of the stockholders. He also had
an interest in the Anamosa Driving Park Associa-
tion, and in social affairs was active in the Fred
Steel Post No. 4,G. A. R. He attended, as the

‘delegate from his Congressional District, the Grand
Army Encampment in 1890, held at Boston, Mass.
He is a stanch Republican and has served as a
member of the Congressional and County Central
Committees for several years; he always takes an
active part in the political campaign, has fre-
quently been sent out by the central committee as
a campaigner, and in the language of ex-Congress-
man Maj. 8.8. Farwell, has become quite an orator.
He never tires in the good work, believing it to
be the duty of every loyal American to exert his
influence in behalf of the principles of the Repub-
lican party. Mr. Wood is a prominent Mason,
belonging to Anamosa Lodge No. 46, A. F. & A.
M., and Sinai Chapter No. 66, R. A. M., and also
Mt. Olivet Commandery No. 36, K. T., of which he
has served as Eminent Commander two terms.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Wood are devoted members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which they
take an active part, and the former has been Su-

While there he was married May 16,

 

perintendent of the Sunday-school a number of
years. In 1890 Mr. Wood was appointed Post-
master at Anamosa under Harrison, and served the
people faithfully for four years. In this position
he was ably seconded by his wife, who served as
assistant.

OHN JOSEPH LUECK. The residence of this
gentleman is on section 12, Bremen Town-
ship, Delaware County, where for many years
he has been engaged in agricultural work.

The property is well improved, having good fences,
ample farm buildings, the latest machinery and a
large garden plot and orchard. Through care and
cultivation the soil produces the very best results,
and throughout the entire county there is proba-
bly no farm more valuable than this.

The Lueck family is of German origin and the
subject of this sketch was born near Vechta, Olden-
burg, June 15, 1828. His parents, Henry and
Katherine Lueck, natives of the same province,
reared three children, the eldest of, whom, Henry,
died in Bremen Township in 1883; the youngest,
Bernard, became a sailor and died on the ocean
about 1852. Our subject is the second in order of
birth. In January, 1846, the family came to Amer-
ica and after landing in New Orleans proceeded
northward to Cincinnati, Ohio. Soon afterward
they came to Iowa, and settling in Delaware Coun-
ty purchased eighty acres of unimproved land sit-
uated near New Vienna. As time passed by, one
hundred and twenty acres were added to the farm
and substantial improvements were introduced.
The mother died in 1871 and the father about 1825.
The father died in Germany and the mother in
Iowa. They were a worthy couple, industrious and
energetic, and early instilled in the minds of their
sons habits of thrift, honor and self-reliance.

In the excellent schools of his native land our sub-
ject acquired a good German education, and since
coming to America he has gained a thorough knowl-
edge of the English language. Early becoming fa-
miliar with the farm work, he chose agriculture as
his life occupation, and with what success we have
 

BENJAMIN McCLUER, M. D.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

161

 

 

already noted. In 1851 he was united in marriage
with Miss Bernadina Johannes, a native of Ger-
many, who came to this country the year of her
matriage. She had four brothers and one sister, the
latter residing in Bremen Township. ‘The brothers
were: Henry, formerly a resident of Dubuque Coun-
ty, but who died in 1890; Bernard, who came to
America but returned at once to Germany, where
he died; August, who remained in the Fatherland;
and Rev. Father Clemence Johannes, of Dubuque.
Mr. and Mrs. Lueck are the parents of eight chil-
dren, namely: Dina, Clement, Lizzie, Mary, Jose-
phine, Anton, Anna and Catherine. The two sons
have charge of the home farm, and under their care-
ful supervision it fully maintains its reputation as
a highly cultivated estate. The family is held in
high esteem socially and is prominently identified
with the Catholic Church of New Vienna, in the
erection of which Mr. Lueck aided. His political
preferences are with the Democratic party, and he
‘gives the influence of his ballot to its men and
measures. His life illustrates what it is possible for
a man to accomplish, though he may start in busi-
ness without friends or capital. ‘Through perse-
verance and industry he has gained a fair amount
of this world’s goods and an honorable place
among the citizens of Bremen Township.

SS 1

T_) ENJAMIN McCLUER, M. D., is one of
the oldest physicians of Dubuque, but at
this writing is not engaged in active prac-
tice, having retired to private life. He was born
in Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, N. Y., on
the 8th of May, 1824, and is a son of Benjamin
McCluer, a native of Vermont, who followed farm-
ing throughout his life. His death occurred Janu-
ary 24,1832. His father, Joseph, was of Scotch
parentage, being ason of James McCluer, who was
anative of Scotland and the founder of the family
in America. The Doctor’s mother bore the maiden
name of Elizabeth Barber. She was also born in
Vermont and was of Scotch parentage. Her death
occurred January 25, 1844.

Dr. McCluer is the only survivor in the family

 

 

of six children, of whom he was the fourth in
order of birth. His boyhood days were passed in
his native state. His education was acquired in the
public schools and in Genesee Wesleyan Seminary,
at Lima, N. Y., where he pursued his studies for sev-
eral years. With a desire of entering the medical
profession, he began reading along that line in the
office of Dr. William C. Dwight, of Moscow, Liv-
ingston County, N. Y., after which he entered the
medical department of Harvard University. He
also attended one course of lectures in Cleveland,
Ohio, and afterward pursued a third course in Bos-
ton, Mass., being graduated from the Medical De-
partment of Harvard University in March, 1852.
He began practice in Holliston, Middlesex Coun-
ty, Mass., where for four years he made his home.

In 1856 Dr. McCluer came to Dubuque, where
he opened an office, and where he has since made
his home. He was engaged in general practice
until 1861, when he was appointed Surgeon of
the Ninth Iowa Infantry, being commissioned by
Governor Kirkwood, of Iowa, on the 10th of Sep-
tember. He served under General Curtis in Mis-
souri and Arkansas, remaining at the front for two
years, after which he spent eight months at home.
On the 4th of February, 1864, he was commis-
sioned by Abraham Lincoln Assistant Surgeon, U.
S. V., of the Medical Department and assigned to
duty in the hospital at Madison, Ind., where he
remained for nine months, after which he was
placed in charge of a hospital at Louisville, Ky.
September 30, 1864, President Andrew Johnson
commissioned him Surgeon, U.S. V. In February,
1865, he went to the field from the hospital serv-
ice by making personal request of the medical di-
rector at Louisville, Ky., and received orders to
report to Maj.-Gen. J. H. Wilson, by whom he was
detailed upon the staff of Gen. E. M. McCook,
who commanded the First Division of the Cavalry
Corps. On the 22d of April he reached Macon,
Ga., and was placed in charge of the medical de-
partment of that state, in which he remained until
he was relieved from duty, December 15. He was
discharged from the service at Washington, D. C.,
February 29, 1866, having in the meantime at-
tended lectures at Bellevue Medical Hospital in
New York City. When in Georgia, at the request
162 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

of General Wilson, he was brevetted Lieutenant-
Colonel November 17, 1865, an bonor which was
conferred upon him without his solicitation or
knowledge.

In June, 1866, the Doctor returned to Dubuque
and resumed practice, which he continued until
November, 1893. when he retired to private life.
In his political belief he is a Republican, and
maintains a warm interest in party affairs. His
religious connections are with the First Congre-
gational Church of Dubuque. His brother, who
was a prominent attorney of Minnesota and was
on the Bench for a number of years, died sud-
denly in 1893 of heart disease, and the Doctor is
now the only surviving member of the family.
In the line of his profession he was noted for his
skill and ability, and gained an enviable reputa-
tion not only among his patrons, but also in the
medical fraternity. He was faithful to his coun-
try in her hour of peril, and is recognized as one
of the valued citizens of Dubuque.

XQ Xs Se SSR OK SJ
ZiS> we Fras a
PSE I REESE

OHN SAUSER, Jr., one of the old settlers of
Iowa, and a leading farmer residing on sec-
tion 35, Dubuque County, was born July 17,
1837, and is of German descent. His parents,
John and Margaret (Kurt) Sauser, were natives of
Germany, having been born and reared in Lux-
emburg. The father was born July 9, 1808.
They were married in that country and came to
America in 1848, settling in Dubuque County.
Towa was at that time a wild, unbroken territory;
a very few families were scattered over the coun-
ty, the nearest neighbor being from ten to fifteen
miles away. Mr. Sauser purchased a few acres of
land in Cascade Township and immediately began
the arduous task of clearing and preparing it for
a home for himself and family, undergoing hard-
ships and privations that only pioneers of a new
country know anything about.
Here he reared a family of eight children, four of
whom are living. John, our subject; Kate, now
Mrs. Smith; Mary, now Mrs. Koop; and Catherine,

 

the wife of Mr. Knepper. The father is still liv-
ing at the good old age of eighty-six years, and
makes his home with his children. The wife
and mother passed peacefully away April 10, 1872.
Both were members of the Catholic Church.

Our subject was only eleven years of age when
he came to this country with his parents. His
educational advantages were poor, having only
attended school for a short time in Luxemburg
before his parents emigrated to this country, and
after his arrival here other duties presented them-
selves and he was only able to attend school for
three short months. A great deal of his time,
however, was spent in reading, and in this manner
he has kept pace with current events and is well
posted on the issues of the day.

Mr. Sauser remained with his parents until
he was twenty-three years of age, when he
purchased the old homestead from his father, and
about the same time he was married to Miss Eliza-
beth Knapp, a native of Germany, and to them
have been born five children: John, who married

Elizabeth Harhard, and is the father of four chil-

dren; Maggie, the wife of J. P. Streng, living in
Cascade, and the mother of five children; An-
thony, who married Miss Annie Fernes (they re-
side in Cascade and are the parents of two chil-
dren), Helen at Cascade and Mary, who makes her
home in Chicago, Ill. Mrs. Sauser departed this
life April 10, 1873. :

Our subject was married the second time, Jan-
uary 30,1874, to Miss Mary Streng, who was also
a native of Germany, and was born in 1850. They
became the parents of eight children, all living:
Annie, Nicholas, Catherine, John Peter, Michael,
Josephine, George Joseph and Paulus. Mr. Sauser
was again called upon to give up his life’s com-
panion, May 10, 1891. Mrs. Sauser passed to that
better land leaving a large family and: a host of
friends to mourn her loss. The children have all
received good educations.

John Sauser, Jr., has occupied the farm on which
he now resides since 1860. He owns three hundred
and sixty-seven acres of valuable land. The
home farm consists of one hundred and ninety-
five acres all under cultivation and well improved.
A part of the first house still stands, but Mr.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

163

 

Sauser has added to it and-it is now a large and
comfortable home. He has also built good, sub-
stantial barns and outbuildings. He carries on
mixed farming and is very successful, having
made agriculture a life-long study and he is con-
sidered authority on all matters pertaining to that
industry. The Sauser family are all members of
the Catholic Church. In politics our subject is a
Democrat, always supporting the candidates of
that party with his right of franchise. He has oc-
cupied many official positions. For fourteen
years he has served as Trustee of Cascade Town-
ship, and is the present Road Supervisor and has
held that position for six years.

—1Xceo =~

HARLES H. GREGOIRE, a retired produce
dealer of Dubuque, has been in many ways
connected with the growth and develop-

ment of this city, and the record of his life goes to
make up a part of its history, for as an eminent
writer has said, the history of a place is best known
in the lives of its citizens. The gentleman whose
name heads this record was born on the 10th of
June, 1821, in Ste. Genevieve County, Mo., and is of
French descent. His parents, Charles C. and Eu-
lalia (Pratt) Gregoire, were natives of Philadel-
phia, Pa., and Ste. Genevieve, Mo., respectively.
In early life the grandfather of our subject also
crossed the ocean and took up his residence in
Pennsylvania, whence he afterwards came to Mis-
souri. There Charles C.’s death occurred in 1859,
at the age of sixty-three years.

The father of our subject was reared in Pennsyl-
vania and Missouri. He was educated in the district
schools and early in life engaged in milling. That
business he followed until 1836, when he went to
Illinois. The same year he engaged in mining and
smelting in Mineral Point, Wis., where he contin-
ued operations along that line for two years. On
the expiration of that period he returned to Mis-
souri, and for two years was engaged in mining
and smelting in that state. In 1853 he came to
Dubuque with his family, where he died in 1859,

 

atthe old homestead, where his son, Charles H., re-
sides. Our subject, Charles H., during the forty-one
years which have since passed, has been promi-
nently identified with this city’s business interests,
and in this way has aided materially in its growth
and progress.

Mr. Gregoire ran the first steam ferry on the
river at Dubuque, carrying on that business until
1864, when he sold out to the Illinois Central Rail-
road. As his financial resources have increased
he has made judicious and extensive investments
in real estate and now devotes his entire time to
looking after his property interests. Besides his
property in Iowa he now owns two hundred and
eighty-nine acres of good mining land in Missouri.

In November, 1849, Mr. Gregoire was joined in
wedlock with Miss Mary Janis, a native of Ste
Genevieve, Mo., and a daughter of Henry Janis,
who was born in that place, and became one of
the early settlers of that state. Three children
were born of their union, two sons and a daughter,
J. C. and Cyril H., who are prominent business
men of Dubuque, and Ida, who is at home. The
parents are both members of the Catholic Church,
and have a pleasant home on Alpine Street. In
his political views Mr. Gregoire is a pronounced
Democrat, unswerving in his allegiance to the prin-
ples of that party. His life bas been a busy and
useful one and as the result of his well directed
efforts, perseverance, enterprise and good business
ability, he has arisen from an humble position to
one of affluence.

 

KEEP EEE EE EEE MELEE EE EEE EERE NE

ENRY GEHRIG, proprietor and lessee of
the Jefferson House of Dubuque, has the
honor of being one of the native sons of

this city. He was born here April 3, 1864, but is
of Swiss descent. His father, Joseph Gehrig, was
a native of Switzerland, and in 1844 emigrated to
the United States, reaching the harbor of New Or-
leans in June of that year. He remained in the
Crescent City for a few months, and thence came to
Dubuque, where he made his home until 1849,
164

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

Attracted by the discovery of gold in California,
he made an overland trip to the Pacific slope, tak-
ing over six months and three days to reach Sacra-
mento, where he dug the first two cellars in the
city. For three years he was in the west; he was
successful in gold mining and brought back con-
siderable money, and in 1852 returned by way of
the water route to New York City, where he made
his home until 1854, when he again came to Du-
buque. He then erected the Jefferson House, which
at that time was the finest hotel in the state of
Iowa, and conducted the same with good success
up tothe time of his death, which occurred in 1885.
He was recognized as one of the leading and influ-
ential citizens of this community and was ever
ready to aid in the advancement of those enter-
prises calculated to promote the general welfare.
In politics he was a Democrat, and for two terms
acceptably served asa member of ‘the City Council.

In 1852 Joseph Gehrig was united in marriage
with Miss Ursula Kiene,a native of Switzerland,
who died in Dubuque in 1872, leaving six children,
of whom Henry is the fourth in order of birth.
They were, Paul, John, Joseph, Henry, Mary and
Lena. The father of this family was a very suc-
cessful business man, and as the result of his thrift,
enterprise and well directed efforts he accumulated
a large property-and left his family in comfortable
circumstances.

Henry Gehrig, whose name heads this record, was
reared to manhood under the parental roof and
acquired his education in the public schools. He
aided his father in the hotel and on his death be-
came the lessee and assumed control of the Jeffer-
son House, which he has since conducted in a
creditable and profitable manner. It is located on
the corner of Seventh and White Streets and is one
of the best hotels in the city, being complete in all
its appointments and equipped with all modern
conveniences and accessories. The site where the
Jefferson House now stands was an Indian mound,
and it was the place where most celebrations were
held, such as Fourth of July, etc. It was on this
mound where the first man in Dubuque was hung
by a mob. He, however, was given a trial by
Judge Lynch and jury and was found guilty of
killing his partner, they being both old lead miners.

 

In politics Mr. Gehrig is a Democrat but takes no
prominent part in political affairs. Socially he is
connected with the Loyal Legion and the Ancient
Order of United Workmen. Hisentire life has been
passed in Dubuque and he is recognized as one of
its representative and leading young business men.
Our subject was married May 29, 1894, to Miss
Mary Schrup, of Rockdale, daughter of Joseph
Schrup. Mr. Gehrig and his wife are members of
the Catholic Church.

NDREW RAHE is a well known and
wealthy farmer, living in New Wine
Township, Dubuque County, adjoining

the village of New Vienna. Our subject was born
at Munster, Westphalia, in the United Kingdom of
Prussia, in May, 1824. His parents both died
when he was but a child, hence but little can be
learned of them. He was taken by relatives to
bring up and passed his boyhood on the farm, re-
ceiving only a limited education. When he at-
tained his majority, in 1845, he set sail for’ the
New World, and on landing in the United States
first located at Hamilton, Ohio, where he remained
until 1847, in the spring of which year he came
to Jowa, and for a time worked on the mill then
being built by Schimme] Bros., near the presert
site of New Vienna.

In August, 1848, Mr. Rahe was united in wed-
lock with Mrs. Catherine Weekman, a widow, who
was born in Oldenburg, Germany, and came to
America with her parents when a child. In 1843,
with her husband, she made the journey from
Ohio to Iowa, making the trip by ox team. Mrs.
Rahe has one daughter by her first marriage, Mary,
now the wife of Clarence Buchenstete, a wealthy
farmer in Delaware County, of this state.

Directly after his marriage Mr. Rahe located on
the farm where he has ever since resided. Coming
to this county as he did, without means, he early
set about making for himself a competency, and
now aside from the large farm on which he makes
his home he owns several farms in Dubuque and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

165

 

 

Delaware Counties, being one of the wealthiest
residents of this vicinity.

To Mr. and Mrs. Rahe have been born the fol-
lowing children: Clement, who wedded Mary,
daughter of Joseph Schimmel, and is engaged in
farming near Dyersville; Henry, whose wife died,
leaving four children, and who now resides with his
father on the farm; Frank, a farmer of Delaware
County, who wedded Miss Mary Wesell; and Annie,
the wife of Theodore Brockmann, a well known
agriculturist of Delaware County. Our subject
was brought up in the Catholic faith, to which he
still belongs. He uses his right of franchise in
favor of the Democratic party, and both as a busi-
ness man and for his own well known qualities of

true worth is held in the highest respect by one

and all.

|e

Pika

te

the late war, with an honorable record for

bravery and devotion to the cause of his
country, won in some of the hardest fought bat-
tles of the Rebellion, isa very successful business
man of Dyersville, and was born in Geneva,
Switzerland, August 5, 1840. There is something
of a romance connected with the early life of our
subject, his real name being Pasture, but his
father dying when he was a mere lad, his mother
married a man who bore the name of George
Stallard,and he assumed that name. Some time after
their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Stallard went to Eng-
land to live, leaving our subject with an aunt who
afterward came to America, when he was eight
years of age. She settled in Brooklyn, where the
mother of our subject had located some time pre-
vious. Later he went to Oneida County, New
York, but being compelled to fight his own way
through life he soon turned his face toward the
setting sun, and settled at Elgin, Ill, where he
worked at the harness trade. In the year 1856
he removed to Dyersville, where he continued at

1) ANIEL STALLARD, who is a veteran of

 

this occupation till the breaking out of the late
Civil War.

On the 21st day of August, 1862, Daniel Stal-
lard was enrolled in Company F, of the Twenty-
first Lowa Infantry, as a private and was mustered
in at Dubuque. Soon after the regiment was sent
south to Benton Barracks at St. Louis, thence to
Rollo, the same state, and from there to Houston,
Tex., where they spent the winter. The follow-
ing spring they started for Springfield, Mo., to re-
inforce the troops at that place and on the way
participated in the battle of Woods Forks, where
they fought the rebel forces under Marmaduke and
Price. This brave command of nine hundred men
held their lines against the enemy of more than
five thousand, after which they made a forced
march to Lebanon and then a distance of sixty miles
to Houston, Mo., taking them thirty hours. It is
said on good authority that during this march our
subject absolutely -went to sleep as he continued
to march. Soon afterward they started for the
Ozark Mountains, under Brigadier-General David-
son of the Second Brigade, Second Division. We
will not attempt to follow him through all his

-hardships, but next find him at Vicksburg. Later,

at Fort Gibson, he was struck by a piece of
shell in the right arm, while supporting a battery,
but after having his wound dressed, he again took
his place in the ranks, participating in the battles
of Champion Hills, Baker’s Creek, Black River
Bridge and the Siege of Vicksburg. Our subject
was on the Red River expedition and while on
picket duty at St. Charles was taken sick and sent.
to the hospital at that place. Soon afterward he
was granted a furlough home and was discharged
on account of disability, June 16, 1865, at Mound
City.

On his return home Mr. Stallard engaged in the
harness business on his own account, in which
pursuit he has successfully continued ever since.
Two years later he was united in marriage with
Miss Lucy Pimm, who was of English extrac-
tion. Mr. and Mrs. Stallard adopted a son, who
died when eight years of age. Our subject’s aged
mother is now a member of his household. He has
been a life-long Republican in politics and is a
prominent and leading Grand Army man. He
166

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

also belongs to the Knights of Pythias and the
Masonic fraternity, having been Senior Warden
of the latter lodge. He and his wife are active
members of the Episcopal Church at Dyersville.

SiS

OHN FOLEY. This substantial resident of
Anamosa is engaged as a railroad contractor,
and also is the owner of a good farm in Fair-
view Township. He is a native of Ireland,

having been born February 18, 1838. His parents,
Thomas and Mary (Kelly) Foley, were also natives
of the Emerald Isle, the former coming to the
United States when advanced in years.
when emigrating hither, landed in New York City,
whence he made his way into Champaign County,
Ohio, where he attended school for one winter,
and then began working on the Columbus & Cleve-
land Railroad.

In 1856 the subject of this sketch went to Wis-
consin, where he was employed on the La Crosse &
Milwaukee Road, and afterward removed to Water-
town, that state, working for the Chicago & North-
western, and afterward as an employe for the
Janesville & Oshkosh Road. Three years later
young Foley came to Iowa, making his headquar-
ters for a time in Ottumwa in the employ of the
Des Moines Valley Railroad Company, in grading

the road bed. He afterward was engaged by the.

Illinois Central, and located at Waterloo, this
state.

In the year 1860, our subject came to Anamosa,
in the employ of the Milwaukee & St. Paul Road,
laying the track between this city and Sperryville.
After completing this work he went to Benton
County and constructed the road between Cedar
Rapids and Marshalltown for the Northwestern
Road. We next find Mr. Foley in Lanark, IIL,
working for the Milwaukee & St. Paul under Cap-
tain Smith, on that portion of the road lying be-
tween Freeport and Savannah.

March 26, 1864, our subject again came to this
city and was married to Miss Nora Sullivan, of
Anamosa, and the daughter of Michael and Ellen

John, |

 

Sullivan, natives of Ireland. After his marriage’
Mr. Foley was engaged in farm pursuits for two
years, but finding this business did not suit him,
again engaged in railroad work, this time for the
Chicago & Northwestern. In 1867 he worked for
atime on the Rock Island, and the same year laid
the track of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy be-
tween Clinton and Indianola.

In 1870 our subject returned to Anamosa, in-
vesting his surplus money in real estate and car-
ried on general farming for the succeeding three
years. His possessions now aggregate eight hun-
dred acres, five hundred of which are under the
best methods of improvement. His farm is stocked
with fine animals, has an ample supply of build-
ings, including a commodious dwelling and good
barn. In addition to this property Mr. Foley
owns a fine grocery store in Anamosa, which is
carried on by his son, Thomas W.

As has already been seen, our subject is a truly
self-made man. During his childhood he experi-
enced many disadvantages, but not withstanding
discouragements he pushed ahead, and the result
proves the wisdom of his course. He has invested
his money judiciously, has a beautiful home in the
city, and is prepared to spend the declining years
of his life in peace and comfort, surrounded by
many of the luxuries of life. With his good wife,
Mr. Foley is a member of St. Patrick’s Church at
Anamosa, in the faith of which they have trained
their children.

+ SK

EV. JAMES HILL, a prominent pioneer
R preacher who is known all over Dubuque
and adjoining counties, was one of the

early settlers at Cascade, where he now resides. in
a beautiful brick residence situated on the bank of
the Maquoketa River at the northern edge of the
town. He has led a very active life in his Mas-
ter’s service, founded several churches, and in the
early years rode far and near to officiate at fune-
rals and weddings and to hold services at various
points. In the late Civil conflict he was First

badts 3
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

167

 

 

Lieutenant and Chaplain of the Twenty-first Iowa
Infantry and participated in several of the cele-
brated battles during his service.

Rev. Mr. Hill was born at Chedder, Somerset-
shire, England, December 6, 1822. His ancestors
were among the early and respected residents of
that town and his grandfather, William Hill, dur-
ing his entire life, was a boot and shoe manufac-
turer. He was a liberal churchman of the Episco-
pal faith and died when about eighty years of age.
His son, William, who became the father of James
Hill, was a native of the same town, and learned
his father’s business when a young man. He went
into military service as a recruiting officer and
spent about five years in the army, after which he
followed farming until his death, at the age of
sixty-two years. He was a very active worker in
the Methodist denomination, while his wife held
membership with the Episcopal Church. She bore
the maiden name of Sophia Hawkins, and reared a
family of three sons and two daughters, namely:
Frederick, James; Joel H., a minister; Sophia; Mrs.
Muspratt; and Fannie, Mrs. Hooper. Mrs. Hill
lived to attain her seventy-third year. Her father,
George Hawkins, was born in Chedder, and was a
schoolmaster in the Government Church School
up to the time of his death. He was finely edu-
cated, a member of the Episcopal Church and lived
to be seventy years old.

The boyhood of James Hill was passed on a farm
until he had reached his eighteenth year and he
was a regular attendant at the village school. He
then entered a large dry-goods and grocery store,
with which he was connected until twenty-five
years of age, and for a short time clerked ina gen-
eral grocery store in Bristol. There he was mar-
ried and soon made arrangements to come to the
United States. About March 1, 1849, he took pas-
sage in a sailing vessel and was thirty-seven days
on the voyage, as they encountered severe storms.
About the Ist of April he landed in Dubuque and
for a time clerked in a dry-goods store, afterward
becoming First Assistant Postmaster of Dubuque,
holding that place until 1853, when he came to
this county, settling on a farm of two hundred
acres of raw land which he had entered in 1851.
There were few settlers here at that time and they

 

were mainly located along the rivers and creek.
Mr. Hill built a log cabin and later a frame house,
and with energy proceeded to develop his farm.

' Before leaving England he had preached to some

extent, and after coming to this locality he found-
ed a church at Epworth and one at Worthington,
In the former place and at other points be still oc-
casionally preaches, and for five years was the reg-
ular pastor of the Baptist Church at Cascade.

August 22, 1862, our subject enlisted in Com-
pany I, Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, having raised
seventy men of the company himself and served
as First Lieutenant until after the fall of. Vicks-
burg, then being elected Chaplain. At Champion
Hills he was out foraging when he encountered
three rebel pickets, and as he was ina narrow path
and could not turn, he shouted “Ground your
arms,’’ and at the same time, “Forward march,
guards;’’ the men thinking they were taken obey-
ed his order, and Mr. Hill in triumph marched
them off to the camp. He took part in the battles
of Hartsville, Ft. Gibson, Champion Hills, Black
River and the siege of Vicksburg and was muster-
ed out July 10,1865. While Chaplain he held
services continuously, converted many and bap-
tized about forty soldiers. In March, 1893, he
received from the Government a medal for valor
at Champion Hills, Miss., May 16, 1863, in accord-
ance with the act of Congress, approved March 3,
1863, providing for the presentation of medals of
honor to those who distinguished themselves in
action.

Mr. Hill was first married in July, 1848, to
Sylvia Brown, who was born in Nicholston, Devon-
shire, Eugland, and whose death occurred in 1874.
She was a noble Christian woman and a zealous
worker in the Baptist Church. In September, 1874,
Mr. Hill wedded Mrs. Angeline Potter, who was
born in Greencastle, Pa. In 1857 he built the
commodious residence which he still occupies. The
house stands on the site of an Indian village and
burial ground, and several Indian skeletons have
been exhumed in this locality.

A strong Whig until 1856, Mr. Hill has ever since
been a Republican. He was nominated by his
party for Representative and ran seven hundred
votes ahead of his ticket, though he was not clect-
«

168 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ed as the county has a Democratic majority of
twenty-five hundred. At another time he came
within three hundred votes of being elected Coun-
ty Supervisor. He used his influence in getting
the Chicago, Bellevue & Cascade Narrow Gauge
Railroad through here, was a Director, then. Vice-
President and later President of the road, holding
the latter office fcr one year, when the company
sold out to the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul
Railroad. The ministerial labors of Mr. Hill have
been largely gratuitous and he has labored indus-
triously for his own and family’s support.

 

——|

|
GC FS =

aK

 

EORGE MOLLART. The residence of this
gentleman is in Dubuque Township, Du-
buque County, where for a number of

years he has been engaged in agricultural work.
His property is well improved, having good build-
ings and other improvements of a first-class char-
acter. Here he carries on general farm pursuits,
with the assistance of his sons. In former years
he devoted his attention exclusively to mining,
and still foilows this occupation in the winter
months. His present high standing is duc to his
unremitting industry, for when he started out in
life for himself he had no moneyed capital.

The parents of our subject, Ralphand Mary Ann
(Ainsworth) Mollart, were natives of Stafford-
shire, England, where the father followed the
trade of a mechanic. In 1847 he took passage on
a ship at Liverpool, and after an ocean voyage of
six weeks landed at New Orleans. From that city

he traveled on a river steamer up the Mississippi.

to St. Louis, where he sojourned for three weeks.
Then proceeding further northward, he settled at
Durango, Iowa, and became an extensive miner,
being fortunate enough to strike one of the big-
gest leads in that locality. In that town his wife
died, at the age of about forty-six years. He came
to Dubuque about 1864, and here lived in retire-
ment until his death, at the age of fifty-five. In
politics he was identified with the Republican

 

party, and used his influence to forward its inter-
ests. His activity and intelligent enterprise were
potent factors in the advancement of the mining
interests of Iowa.

The‘subject of this sketch was born in Stafford-
shire, England, November 28, 1838, and was one of
six children that grew to years of maturity. At
present only two are living. In early life he was
trained in the mining industry, which he selected
as his occupation upon starting out for himself.
He remained at home until twenty-five years of
age, when he married Miss Ann Warmouth, a na-
tive of Durham, England, and a daughter of John
and Elizabeth Warmouth. There have been born
to them seven children, of whom six are now
living, as follows: Thomas W.; Mary A., wife of
John Miller and mother of two children; Edward
W., Charles A., Edith and Grace.

For several years after his marriage Mr. Mol-
Jart resided at Durango, Iowa, and thence re-
moved to Dubuque about 1868. Here he followed
mining for two years, and then purchased the
farm where he has since made his home. Politi-
cally he uniformly votes the Republican ticket,
and supports with his influence as well as his bal-
lot those candidates who are pledged to the prin-
ciples of the party. His first vote was cast for
Abraham Lincoln. He came to Dubuque County
a poor man, but by honesty and economy has ac-
quired a valuable property, and at the same time
his honorable dealings with all men have won for
him the esteem of his fellow-men.

EORGE MARSHALL occupies a finely im-
( proved farm in Dubuque Township, and
ranks among the highly respected citizens

of Dubuque County, by reason of his intelligence,
sterling character and reliable citizenship. He is
an enterprising farmer, prudently changing his
crops in order to keep up the fertility of the soil,
and devoting the greater amount of his land to
grain, without neglecting other articles of pro-
duce. He raises graded hogs, cattle and horses,
 

 

 

 

DR. NANCY M. HILL.

 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Wi

 

 

and his farm is well supplied with orchards and
groves.

Mr. Marshall was born in Middletown, Pa., July
22, 1850, and is the son of Jacob and Mary Mar-
shall, natives of Germany, who are still living,
making their home on a valuable property located
near the home of our subject. George remained
on the farm until eleven years of age, when he
went to Dubuque and attended school for some
time. He was married November 29, 1875, to
Miss Barbara Schuster, a native of Germany, and
the daughter of Philip and Magdaline (Copemann)
Schuster, also born in the Fatherland, whence they
came to the United States in 1860, locating at
once in this county. They are both deceased, dy-
ing at the respective ages of fifty-one and sixty-
two years.

To our subject and his wife have been born
two children, Jacob and Emily, both at home.
After his marriage Mr. Marshall purchased his
present farm, which includes one hundred and
sixty-two well cultivated acres, where he is en-
gaged in general farming. He is an ardent ad-
mirer of Republican principles, and never fails to
cast a vote in favor of its candidates. He has
served at various times as a member of the School
Board, and is a consistent member of the Congre-
gational Church, with which he has been con-
nected for some time.

Jacob Marshall, the father of our subject, was
born in Wurtemberg, Germany, July 6, 1825, and
was the son of John George and Christiana C.
(Harvey) Marshall, also born in Wurtemberg. The
latter was a baker by trade, and coming to the
United States in 1831, first located in Buffalo,
N. Y., where he worked at his trade, and later
moved to Onio, making his home in the Buckeye
State for eight and one-half years. At the end of
that time he removed to Pennsylvania, where he
died at the age of seventy-five years. His good
wife preceded him to the better land, passing
away when in her sixtieth year.

The father of our subject was one in a family of
three children, and has one sister living, bearing
the name of Christiana. He remained under the
parental roof until reaching his majority, when he
Jearned the silk weaver’s trade, working at it first

4

 

in Pittsburg, Pa. In 1849 he married Miss Mary
Rhinecleaver, who was born in Saxony, and was
the daughter of Jobn and Christian Rhinecleaver,
who came to the United States about 1846, locat-
ing in Pittsburg, Pa., and about 1855 settling in
Monroe, Wis. The mother died in Wisconsin and
the father departed this life in Dubuque County.
Jacob Marshall is well-to-do in this world’s goods,
and with his estimable wife is living retired on a
valuable estate near the home of our subject.

i

 

 

 

 

CA sal

io AS

=D
=D

 

 

 

5

ANCY M. HILL, M. D., who is successfully
engaged in the practice of medicine in
Dubuque, is a worthy representative of

the profession in this city and county. She was
born and reared in West Cambridge, Mass., and is
a daughter of William and Harriet (Swan) Hill,
the former a farmer by occupation. In the com-
mon schools of the home neighborhood she began
her education and later entered Mt. Holyoke Sem-
inary, where she pursued a thorough course of
study. She was one of those brave and unselfish
women who during the war sacrificed home inter-
ests and social pleasures and aided in the care of
those who went forth to the defense of the Union.
As a volunteer she went to the Armory Square
Hospital in Washington, D.C.,and there remained
for three years; her kindly services and ministra-
tions added greatly to the comfort of the wounded
soldiers.

Immediately after the battie of the Wilderness
nearly three hundred wounded soldiers were put
on transports and sent by way of Aquia Creek to
Alexandria, whence they walked to Armory Square
Hospital. By some mistake their papers had not
been forwarded to the officers, and by order of
Secretary Stanton they were refused admission
into the hospital. Dr. Bliss, head surgeon, was
afraid to disobey the orders of Stanton, and rather
than to witness the men suffering in the street he
went home. Not so with Miss Hill. Born with
the high courage that had characterized her Revo-
172 |

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

lutionary ancestors, and too good and brave to
allow such a wrong to be permitted, she opened
the gates and bade the guards turn their backs, as
she intended to bring the wounded men into the
hospital and give them needed attention and suc-
cor. The guards did as requested and the wounded
men followed her into the building, where their
wounds were dressed and given proper attention.
It had been supposed that they were deserters, but
such was not the case, as on the following day
their credentials arrived. Then Miss Hill was
complimented by all for her prompt and noble ac-
tion on behalf of’the wounded men. ,

So successful was Miss Hill in hospital work,
that Dr. Bliss advised her to study medicine, and
acting upon this suggestion she began her profes-
sional readings on returning to her home in Massa-
chusetts. Later she took a course of lectures in
the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, gradu-
ating in 1874. She then received an appointment
in the New England Hospital for women and
children at Roxbury, Mass., where she spent one
and one-half years. From the old Bay State she
came to Dubuque and opened an office on Locust
Street. Since that time she has been successfully
engaged in practice, making a specialty of dis-
eases of women and children. She is a member of
the Dubuque Medical Association, the Cedar Val-
ley Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical So-
ciety and the American Medical Association. A
lady of culture and intelligence, she possesses
broad and liberal views, and in social as well as
professional circles she holds a high position.

Dr. Hill’s sister, Miss Harriet A., resides with
her. She received the rudiments of her education
in the common schools of West Cambridge, Mass.,
and subsequently attended the seminary at Exe-
ter, N. H. For three years she engaged in teach-
ing in her native town, and after the death of her
father came to Dubuque, where she has since re-
sided. A lady of scholarly attainments, she is
prominently connected with the Dubuque Literary
Society and the Daughters of the Revolution.

Dr. Hill is descended from worthy ancestors, the
family baving been founded in America by emi-
grants from Lincolnshire, England, who crossed
the Atlantic in 1630. They were loyal to their

 

new home, and members of the family took an ac-
tive part in the War of the Revolution. The four
great-grandfathers of Dr. Hill participated in the
battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill, a circum-
stance which can be found in but few of the old
American families. Her grandparents, William
and Nancy (Bond) Hill, were both natives of the
old Bay State and were members of the Congrega-
tional Church. Great-grandmother Swan, during
the Revolutionary War, went heroically from her
home and nursed some of the patriots, as well as
the enemy. It was her fortune to cause to be
taken to her house a wounded British officer,
whom she nursed back to health. He had form-
erly been a friend and comrade of General Wash-
ington at the battle of Ft. DuQuesne (popularly
called Braddock’s defeat) and subsequently when
the General came to Cambridge he thanked Mrs.
Swan for her kindly care of his friend.

OHN SCHWEITZER is a noteworthy resi-
dent of Richland Township, who by indefat-
igable industry, perseverance and good
common sense, raised himself from poverty

to affluence, and is to-day one of the wealthy men
of his community, living retired on his valuable
estate on section 18.

Like many of the best residents of Jones Coun-
ty, our subject was born in Switzerland, June 15,
1824, and is theson of Benedict and Anna (Zuter)
Schweitzer, who were also natives of that country,
where the father was a farmer. John, of this
sketch, was the second in order of birth of the pa-
rental family of eight children, all of whom reside
in Germany with the exception of two brothers
and one sister who make their home in Illinois,
Wisconsin and Minnesota.

The original of this sketch attended the com-
mon schools of his native place until reaching his
sixteenth year, when he devoted his attention to-
learning the miller’s and baker’s trade. He fol-
lowed these combined occupations until emigrat-
ing to America in 1850, coming hither on 4 sail-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

173

 

 

ing-vessel which left Havre, France, and arriving -
in New York after a tedious voyage of forty-three
days. Young Schweitzer immediately made his
way to Illinois and in the fall of the year went
via the Isthmus to California. When landing in
the Golden State he found employment in the
mines and for five years searched for the yellow
metal. Although meeting with many ups and
downs his trip was on the whole successful and
after five years he returned by way of New York.

Our subject after his experience in the mines
came to Jones County, this state, where he pur-
chased a quarter-section of land in Richard Town-
ship which bore many good improvements. Here
he engaged in farming and stock-raising and from
time to time added to his acreage until to-day he
is one of the largest landowners in the county,
having in his possession over six hundred broad
and well cultivated acres. Of late years he has
given considerable attention to dairying, milking
from twenty-five to fifty cows. His barns are
large and commodious and everything about the
place shows *the supervision of an intelligent and
enterprising farmer.

In 1862 Johu Schweitzer was married to Miss
Charlotte, daughter of Benedict Yousee, by whom
he became the father of a daughter, Saraphine.
Mrs. Schweitzer departed this life in 1866, and
the lady whom our subject chose for his second
companion was Margaret Boner. ‘To them was
born a family of three children: Charlotte, who is
the wife of John Marugg, a farmer of this county;
Lena, who married Casper Buol; and John W.
The son is a very intelligent and enterprising
young man and since his father retired has charge
of the large estate, which he is conducting in a
satisfactory and profitable manner. The family
occupy a substantial stone residence, which is sur-
rounded by a beautiful lawn and shade and orna-
mental trees.

Mr. Schweitzer is a Democrat in politics, and as
a good citizen should, is earnestly interested in all
that pertains to the township and county. His ca-
reer was begun as a poor boy, for he arrived in
the United States with but $80 in his pocket, but
by energy and perseverance, united with economy
and good business qualifications, he bas become

 

wealthy, and the records show him to be one
of the largest taxpayers in his township. He
is Director in the Monticello Bank, with which be
has been connected for many years and is one of
the moneyed men of his community.

Mr. and Mrs. Schweitzer are devoted members
of the American German Church, where they hold
places of esteem and respect.

—_ys

 

R. KNIGHT is the senior member of the

firm of A. R. Knight & Co., owners of one

of the finest mercantile establishments in
Dubuque. Their jewelry store, located at from
No. 708 to 714 Main Street, would do credit toany
city in this state. It is an elegantly appointed
establishment, in which is displayed a well selected
stock of jewelry, arranged in a most pleasing and
attractive manner, the gold and precious stones
a: d the beautiful diamonds imported direct from
Europe going to make up a fine picture. The
firm makes a specialty of handling solid silver-
ware, manufactured by the most reliable firms, and
handles a large line of optical goods.

Mr. Knight, whose name heads this record, was
born in Wardsborough, Windham County, Vt.,
November 22, 1848, and isason of Isaac and Olive
(Stanley) Knight. His father was for many years
a leather manufacturer of the Green Mountain
State, and there died in 1870. He belonged to one
of the old and prominent New England families
which for many generations had lived in New
England, and furnished leading representatives to
various professions and lines of business.

Our subject is the youngest in a family of
eight children, three sons and five daughters.
His early education, acquired in the district schools,
was supplemented by study in the Leland Semi-
nary, of Townsend, Vt. In 1867 he started west-
ward and made his first location in Chicago, where
he spent six months in the employ of Giles Bros.
& Co., jewelers. In the fall of 1868 he came to
Dubuque and secured a position as a salesman
with E. A, Giles & Co., jewelers, with whom he re-
174

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

mained for ten years. In 1878 he embarked in
business on his own account, forming a partner-
ship with his nephew, Frank Knight. This con-
nection continued for eighteen. months, when he
became sole proprietor of what is now one of the
finest establishments of the kind in the northwest.
His goods are purchased by an expert and he em-
ploys a skilled man for the arrangement of dia-
monds in settings, according to the tastes of his
patrons.

In 1870 Mr. Knight was joined in wedlock with
Miss Fannie Boyer, of Waverly, Iowa, daughter
of John Boyer. They reside at No. 391 Bluff
Street, and have two children, Maud O. and Ar-
thur. Mr. Knight is an affable and genial gentle-
man, of pleasant address, and in social as well as
business circles occupies an enviable position, being
recognized as one of the leading citizens of the
community. He came to the west with no capital,
but was ambitious and enterprising, and he resolved
that his business career should be a successful one;
he therefore made the most of his opportunities
and privileges and steadily worked his way up-
ward. He may truly be called a self-made man
and his example should serve to encourage others
who have to fight life’s battles unaided. In poli-
tics he is a Republican.

eSoege ofe-ofe Hoofoodorge|

UGUST J. MONROE. The name placed
at the head of this sketch is that of a gen-
tleman long and worthily connected with

the legal profession in Monticello, where he is now
living retired. It is difficult to point out the ex-
act traits to which a man owes his success; suffice
it to say that tenacity of purpose, energy and un-
deniable intellectual ability have been Mr. Mon-
roe’s most distinguishing traits, and were, without
doubt, his stepping stones to success.

Our subject was born in Massachusetts, in Will-
iamstown, Berkshire County, October 7, 1810, and
is the son of Ardin Monroe, whose birth also oc-
curred in the Bay State, where he was engaged in
later years asa hatter. The grandfather of our

 

subject, who bore the name of Zabed Monroe, was
of Scotch descent and it is presumed was born in
Scotland.

The maiden name of our subject’s mother was
Miriam Smith, a native of Massachusetts and the
daughter of Nathan Smith. August J. of this
sketch is the only member living of the parental
household comprising seven children. He passed
his boyhood days in New York, whither his par-
ents had removed in 1820, and also there received
a fair education. His father had served as a sol-
dier in the War of 1812, for which he was given a
land warrant.

August J. Monroe removed to Cayuga County,
N. Y., in 1820, and made his home in the town of
Brutus until attaining his majority, when he went
to Pennsylvania. He was elected as the first repre-
sentative to the legislature on the Whig ticket from
the Wilmot District, which was strongly Demo-
cratic. This was in 1849, and the year following
his expiration of office Mr. Monroe was appointed
Prosecuting Attorney of the same district and was
there engaged in the practice of law until 1859,
when, in August of that year, we find him in Jones
County, this state.

Our subject was admitted to the Bar in 1848 at
Wellsborough, Tioga County, Pa., and after locat-
ing in Monticello opened an office and has prac-
ticed in all the courts of the state. He was mar-
ried in 1840 to Miss Adelia Wood, a native of New
York State and the daughter of Stephen and Rebec-
ca (Cole) Wood. Mrs. Monroe was born in Putnam
County, N. Y., where she was engaged in teach-
ing school for many years. Their union has been
blessed by the birth of five sons, namely: August
M., engaged in the harness business in Michigan;
Clarence A., now in Huntsville, Ala.; William M.,
making his home in a village in Fayette Coun-
ty, Iowa; Herman H., residing in Riverside, Cal.
and E. Edward, a citizen of Monticello.

August J. Monroe was appointed Assessor of
Towa by Andrew Johnson ‘in 1867 and while in
Pennsylvania was elected City Attorney on the

Whig ticket when the district contained over one

thousand Democratic majority. He was one of the
charter members of the Odd Fellows’ lodge in this
city and for many years was a member of the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

Union League. Mr. Monroe owns five hundred
acres of valuable land in South Dakota, which is
operated by tenants. He isa generous, liberal man,
kind-hearted and is universally respected in his
community.

HOMAS KELEHER, who is now living a

retired life in the enjoyment of a well

earned competency and is a resident of
Elkader, is a son of the Emerald Isle, coming of
one of those enterprising Irish families who have
accomplished so much in the development and up-
building of Clayton County. He is one of the
honored pioneers of these parts, having settled
within the limits of the county in 1855.

The birth of our subject occurred in Water-
ford County, Ireland, in 1833, and of that country
bis father, Tobias, was also a native. The family
removed to America in 1848, when Thomas Kel-
eber was a lad of fifteen years, and their first lo-
cation was in New York City. The father’s death
occurred in Clayton County. His wife bore the
maiden name of Catherine Mulvey, and both pa-
rents were adherents of the Catholic Church. Mrs,
Keleher died in Clayton County.

Thomas Keleher came to Clayton County in
1855 and soon after settled on a farm in Board-
man Township, where he engaged in agricultural
pursuits, improving and greatly increasing the
value of his property. For about thirty-five years
he continued to operate his farm, which is one of
the most desirable in the township and which is
still in the possession of our subject. The place
comprises two hundred and forty acres of good
land, which is improved with fences, ¢ desirable
residence, barns and outbuildings. In 1891 Mr.
Keleher retired from the active and arduous duties
pertaining to running a farm and since that time
has been a resident of the city.

In 1860 our subject was united in marriage with
Miss Mary Direen, who departed this life on Jan-
uary 19, 1878, leaving four sons and one daugh-
ter, who in order of birth are as follows: Will-
iam, Jeremiah, Frank, Edward and Anna. Thomas

 

175

Keleher married his present wife in 1881. Prior
to this her name was Anna Roach, and by this
union one son and three daughters have been born,
namely: John, Mary, Stella and Chloe. The par-
rents are zealous workers in the Catholic Church,
in the faith of which they are rearing their chil-
dren and they are also giving them the benefits
of a good education.

Thomas Keleher, who is favorably known in
Clayton County, has actively participated in its im-
provement; he has also been industrious and enter-
prising, attending strictly to his own affairs. By
these means he has succeeded in acquiring ample
means for providing himself and family with the
necessities of life. Commencing at the bottom
round of the ladder he worked upward step by
step, and by persevering energy and well directed
efforts acquired his large and valuable property.
In fegard to his politics he is a Democrat, using
his influence and voting for the support of that
party. ‘

att SS

TS ZRA KETCHAM, one of the respected resi-

4 dents and agriculturists of Jones County,
is the owner of a valuable tract of land
situated on section 22, Cass Township. In public
improvements he has always been one of the lead-
ers and in church affairs also his influence has been
ever felt for good.

The father of our subject, John Ketcham, was a
native of New Jersey and in order to obtain a live-
lihood he followed the occupations of blacksmith
and farmer. He was a very industrious and active
man during his life time, and his death occurred
in New Jersey when he had reached the age of
seventy-three years. The family on the maternal
side are of German extraction and have been noted
for their sterling and honorable characteristics.
The maiden name of our subject’s mother was Jen-
nie Burnett, and her birth also occurred in New
Jersey. She lived to attain the extreme old age
of one hundred and one years.

The nativity of Ezra Ketcham occurred in the
year 1816 in Norris County, N. J., and his boy-

 
176

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

hood was passed in his native state, where he re-
ceived common-school advantages up to his fif-
teenth year. About 1838 he removed to Delaware
County, Ohio, and for the next twenty-three years
engaged in farming in that and Hancock Counties.
In 1868 he came to Iowa, and after looking about
to some extent, purchased the farm in Cass Town-
ship which he has since conducted successfully.
He has always been very active and has lived an
out-of-door life with the result that he is strong
and robust though he is now in his seventy-eighth
year. In his habits he has been very temperate and
does not even indulge in tea or coffee. The farm on
which he resides comprises two hundred acres, all
of which is under cultivation and well improved
with good fences, barns and other necessary build-
ings.

In politics Mr. Ketcham is a pronounced Pro-
hibitionist and formerly was active in the ranks of
the Republican party. For a period extending
over forty-five years he has been an Elder in the
Presbyterian Church and his wife is also a mem-
ber of that denomination. While living in Ohio
he was for several years Superintendent of the
Sunday-school and has been very liberal in lend-
ing his assistance in a substantial way to the fur-
thering of religious and benevolent work.

In 1845 Mr. Ketcham was married to Miss Phoebe
Condit, who was born in the state of New Jersey.
To them have been born two sons and a daughter,
Sarah, now the wife of Alvin Ogden, an enter-
prising farmer of this township; Lewis and George,
who are thrifty young business men of the com-
munity. In every relation of life Mr. Ketcham
bas been honorable and just in all his dealings and
bears a high reputation among his friends and
neighbors for his worthy qualities.

NDREW P. GIBBS is an attorney-at-law
of Dubuque. An eminent writer has said
that the history of a place is best told in

the lives of its people. This is especially true if
the lives recorded are of such men as the gentle-
man whose name heads this record, one prominent

 

in public affairs and who has taken a leading part
in promoting the best interests of the community.

Mr. Gibbs was born in Jackson County, Iowa,
on the 25th of October, 1863, and is the eldest in
a family of four children, three sons and a daugh-
ter. Their parents were Thomas and Catherine
(Morris) Gibbs. The father was a native of Ire-

land, born in Queens County, of the Emerald Isle,

and was of English and Irish extraction. When
a young man he came to the United States. He
engaged in merchandising in Pittsburg, Pa., but
later in life carried on a farm. He became a resi-
dent of Jackson County in 1859, and from that
time devoted his energies to agricultural pursuits.
He was well known, possessed many excellencies of
character and gained a large circle of friends in
Jackson County. Wis death there occurred on the
19th of January, 1892. His wife, a most estima-
ble lady, still survives him and is yet living on
the old homestead in Jackson County.

We now take up the personal history of Andrew
P. Gibbs, in whom the citizens of Dubuque Coun-
ty are most especially interested. He spent his
boyhood and youth on his father’s farm, no event
of special importance occurring during that time.
He early became familiar with farm work in all its
departments, and during the winter months at-
tended the district schools, while in the summer
season he aided in the labors of the field. His
education was further acquired by his attendance
at St. Joseph’s College, of Dubuque, and on leay-
ing that institution he pursued a commercial
course in Bayless Business College of this city.
Later he attended Watertown College, of Wiscon-
sin, and then became a student in Notre Dame
University, of Indiana, from which he was gradu-
ated in the English and law course on the 22d of
June, 1888. Thus, by an excellent education, he
was well equipped for the active and responsible
duties of life.

After his graduation Mr. Gibbs came to Du-
buque and did clerical work in the law office of
J. C. Longueville, a prominent attorney of this
city. In the fall of 1888 he was admitted to the
Bar of Iowa by the Supreme Court at Des Moines;
he opened a law office and entered upon the prac-
tice of his chosen profession. He has -already
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

177

 

 

gained distinction at the Bar and has won a
reputation for skill and ability which many an
older practitioner might well envy... In January,
1894, he was elected Secretary of the Dubuque
Board of Trade and is now serving in that capacity.

In October, 1892, was celebrated the marriage of
Mr. Gibbs and Miss Rachel G. Mulkern, the young-
est daughter of the late Hon. M. B. Mulkern. They
are both prominent young people of this commu-
nity who in social circles hold an enviable posi-
tion. Their friends are many, and all who know
them esteem them highly. In his political views
Mr. Gibbs is a Democrat but he has never aspired
to public office, preferring to give his entire time
and attention to his professional business.

Be kg

ON. ISAAC W. BALDWIN. Probably
no citizen of Dubuque County is more
widely known throughout Iowa than the

gentleman named, the present Representative of
his district in the State Senate. His popularity
may be inferred from the fact that, although there
is a Democratic majority of thirty-five hundred in
this district he was elected on the citizens’ non-
partisan ticket with a majority of seventeen. As
editor and proprietor of the Cascade Pioneer he has
exerted a marked influence on the affairs of this
section and has aided in guiding its political des-
tiny as well as in guarding its dearest interests,
materially, socially and morally.

The son of William and Mary (Slichter) Bald-
win, our subject was born in Blair, Waterloo
County, Canada West, January 31,1835. In 1846
he removed with the family to Saginaw, Mich.,
and in 1853 accompanied them to Cascade, Iowa.
His father being a tanner and currier by trade, he
was early trained to a thorough understanding of
that business. After the removal of the family to
Dubuque County, William Baldwin engaged in
farm pursuits and our subject went to Galena, IIL,
where he served as Assistant Postmaster from 1854
to 1866. For a time he was proprietor of the De
Soto Hotel, which, however, did not prove a

 

profitable enterprise. While serving as ‘mine
host’’ he gave the grand farewell entertainment to
Gen. U.S. Grant prior to his departure for Wash-
ington, D.C.,in 1865. This was the society event
of the season, and among the distinguished guests
were Gen. Dick Oglesby, Gen. John A. Logan,
Governor Cullom, Hon. E. B. Washburn, Jesse K.

' Dubois and numerous other state notables.

While a resident of Galena, November 17, 1860,
Mr. Baldwin married Miss Helen, daughter of Col.
A. Eneas Mackay, of the United States army. The
second union of Mr. Baldwin occurred September
23, 1874, when Miss Jean H. McGregor became his
wife. This lady isa daughter of Joseph McGregor,
of Dubuque. :

Upon retiring from the postoffice in Galena
Mr. Baldwin made his home in St. Louis until the
autumn of 1867, when he returned to Cascade and
here he has since resided. For several years he
was connected with Frank May in the liquor bus-
iness and for a twelvemonth managed the Ameri-
can House. In January, 1877, he purchased the
Cascade Pioneer, which he has since edited in an
able manner.

Recently he refitted the printing ollice, putting
in anew Campbell cylinder printing press,a Prouty
job press and a paper cutter. His paper is well
supplied with solid and useful information, as
well as lighter matter, keeping its readers well in-
formed on current topics and the affairs of this
and other countries. One of its interesting fea-
tures is the correspondence from various localities
in the county.

During the war Mr. Baldwin was a loyal sup-
porter of Union principles. His political faith has
always been in sympathy with the tenets of the
Democratic party. For six years he served as
Justive of the Peace in White Water Township.
While in Galena he represented Jo Daviess Coun-
ty in the state conventions from 1856 until 1862,
and was Chairman of the Third Congressional
District in 1866, stumping the locality with Hon.
Thomas J. Turner and opposed by Hon. E. B.
Washburn. In the progress of Cascade he has al-
ways taken an active interest and was the first
Mayor of the city. He was influential in having
the town incorporated, a telephone system estab-
178

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

lished, and in securing the railroad through the
place. In the fall of 1883 he was elected to rep-
resent Dubuque County in the Legislature and
was re-elected on the expiration of his term. He
was present at the dedication of the new capitol
and was a member of the first Legislatare that oc-
cupied it. He introduced numerous important
bills touching the affairs of his constituents, serv-
ing on many committees and participating in de-
bates.

In the fall of 1893 Mr. Baldwin was elected to
the Iowa State Senate for a period of four years,
and is the present incumbent of that office. Among
the bills in which he has been especially interested
‘are those relating to allowing railroads to mort-
gage their property and the formation of his
county into a judicial district with two judges,
forming the Tenth and Nineteenth Judicial Dis-
tricts and the re-organization of our jury system.
He has served asa member of the Committees on
Appropriations, Senatorial and Representative Dis-
tricts, Compensation of Public Officers, Constitu-
tional Amendments and Suffrage, Elections, Cor-
porations and Printing. Socially, he isa prominent
Odd Fellow and Master Workman in the Ancient
Order of United Workmen. He isa man of strong
convictions, which he does not hesitate to express
freely and frankly, and with all the vigor he can
command. He is respected as his merits deserve
by all who are acquainted with his character and
attainments.

RNOLD EGGER, Sr., is a prominent and
WN highly respected citizen of Monticello,
where he is living, retired from the active
pursuits of life. He was formerly one of the
wealthy agriculturists of this county, but of late
years has transferred the business of looking after
his estate to his son, Arnold Egger, Jr., of whom
we will speak later on.

Our subject is a native of Switzerland, his birth
occurring July 21, 1831. He is the son of Jacob
Egger, also a native of Switzerland, where he was
a farmer of modest means. The original of this

 

sketch received a good education in the common
schools of his native land and when a lad of fifteen
years began learning the stone-cutter’s trade. This
he followed in Switzerland until 1854, when, deter-
mining to emigrate to America, he embarked on
the sailor “ Wilfried,’’ which landed him in New
York City, after a voyage of thirty-six days.

After coming to this country young Egger made
his way direct from New York to the World’s Fair
City where he spent several years; his next move
found him in Aurora, Ill, where he was engaged
asa laborer. In 1870, however, he again took up
the line of march and, accompanied by his family,
came to Jones County, where he purchased a tract
of eighty acres in Monticello Township, which he
devoted to general farming purposes, making a
specialty of dairying. Several years later Mr. Eg-
ger became the proprietor of the old Rundle farm
of one hundred and thirty-two acres, making his
landed possessions to number two hundred and
twelve acres; which he placed under the very best
mode of cultivation. He was very successful in
his farm operation and very soon made another
addition to his tract, so that now he owns three
hundred and forty acres, located on section 1, Mon-
ticello Township, and this is one of the finest
estates in the county.

Our subject made his home on the farm until
1890, when, having accumulated a handsome for-
tune and feeling that he had earned a good rest, he
removed into the city of Monticello, where he is
living in the enjoyment of all the comforts of life
in a comfortable home in the northeastern portion
of the city.

Arnold Egger, Sr., and Miss Magdalena Freu-
thordt, also a native of Switzerland, were united in
marriage in 1864. The wife died June 28, 1894,
in this city, where she had many warm friends to
mourn her loss. Her son, Arnold, Jr., is now super-
intending the operation of the home farm and is
engaged extensively in stock-raising, having on
the place some of the finest animals to be seen
within the limits of Jones County. He has from
thirty-six to forty good milch cows and disposes
of the milk to the creamery near his home.

This son of our subject is the recipient of a good
education, supplementing the knowledge gained in
 

JOSEPH SIMONES.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 181

 

 

the district school by a course in Monticello. He
was married in September, 1892, to Miss Carrie,
daughter of William Cline, of Palo Alto County,
this state. To them were born two sons, John and
Fred Grenezer.

Our subject has always been interested in the
progress of education in his district, and for several
years served asa member of the Board. He is also
a stockholder and Treasurer of the Co-operative
Creamery Company in Sand Springs. He is de-
servedly popular, and the prominent position which
he has attained in life has been reached by the force
of his ability, integrity and industry.

OSEPH SIMONES. It is not ease, but effort,
not luck, but labor, that develops character.
There is perhaps no station in life in which
difficulties are not to be met and conquered

before success can be attained. As the skillful
mariner gains his best experience amid storms, so
on the ocean of life it is obstacles and adversities
that develop self-reliance, courage and independ-
ent thought. The expcriences of many men go
to prove that obstacles in the path of progress
may be overcome by perseverance, industry and
energy. ‘These elements in the character of the
late Mr. Simones furnish us with a key to the
success which crowned his efforts. It was through
tireless energy that he achieved prosperity, and
through incorruptible honor that he gained a high
place in the regard of his fellow-citizens. His
death was mourned as a loss to the city of Du-
buque, where for a number of years he had made
his home. But though his labors on earth have
been closed, his character still lives as a model for
others, furnishing an example that posterity may
well study and emulate.

A native of Switzerland, Mr. Simones was born
in Bonaduz, Graubuenden, on the 3d of October,
1846. His parents, John and Anna (Hosang)
Simones, were both natives of the same country,
and there the mother is still living, being now
(1894) eighty-six years old. The father is de-

 

ceased. Our subject attended the best schools in
Switzerland up to his eighteenth year. He re-
mained in that country until he had attained his
majority, but then determined to seek a home
in America, hoping thereby to benefit his financial
condition. In the spring of 1867 he sailed for the
United States and at once took up his residence
in Dubuque.

In 1871 Mr. Simones returned to Switzerland,
and was there united in marriaye with Miss Vic-
toria Bideaux, a native of Switzerland, and a
daughter of Alexis and Eliza (Boul) Bideaux. Her
father was born in France and died in Switzerland
at the age of fifty-two. Her mother, a native of
Switzerland, is living in Bonaduz at the age of
sixty-seven. Mrs. Simones isa lady of refinement
and culture, and is one of the most accomplished
women of Dubuque. In her native land she re-
ceived an excellent education in the French, Ger-
man, Romansch and Italian languages, which Mr.
Simones also spoke fluently. From 1872 to 1878
he was proprietor of the Jefferson House.

Accompanied by his family, Mr. Simones in
the year 1878 left Dubuque for Switzerland.and
remained at his old home for three and one-half
years. Jobn, the eldest son, passed away while
there, and two sons, John and Paul, were born.
In September, 1881, he returned to the United
States and came direct to Dubuque. A few
months later the Iowa Coffin Company was or-
ganized, and he became the largest stockholder
in the enterprise. At the time of his death he
was Secretary and General Manager, and its growth
and progress were due largely to his fine business
and executive ability. He was also Vice-President
and a Director of the Citizens’ State Bank, a Di-
rector of the Key City Fire Insurance Company,
the Dubuque Pressed Brick Company, and the EI]-
gin Silver Plate Company, of Elgin, Ill.

In 1884 Mr. Simones established a large store
on the corner of Sixteenth and Clay Streets, where
he erected a fine three-story brick block with four
stores. There he carried a full line of general dry
goods, clothing, boots and shoes, the business being
now in charge of his widow. He possessed a
dauntless spirit and determined purpose, and car-
ried forward toa successful completion everything
182

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

that he undertook. Thus he became quite wealthy,
accumulating a handsome competency. In his
political views he was a Democrat. He was a
member of the Catholic Church, to which his wife
and family also belong.

To Mr.and Mrs. Simones were born twelve
children, eight of whom are yet, living, namely:
Anthony, Assistant Manager of the Iowa Coffin
Company; Alexis, who is also connected with
that firm; Mary, John, Paul, Joseph and Louis,
who are in school; and Leo, who is at home.
Those deceased are, John, Annie, Leo and Jo-
sephine, the latter of whom died August 7, 1894.
The children have received the best educational
advantages afforded by the schools of Dubuque,
and all of them speak three languages. ‘The fam-

ily resides on Sixteenth Street, where they have a

pleasant home.

The death of Mr. Simones occurred November
17, 1893, and he was deeply mourned by all with
whom he had entertained business or social rela-
tions. His strict integrity and sterling worth
made him one of the most highly respected citi-
zens of the community, and gained for him the
warm regard of all with whom he was brought in
contact.

S. McDERMOTT, dealer in agricultural
implements, is the senior member of the
firm of McDermott & Biggins of Dubuque.

"In this city he was born on the 18th of Septem-

ber, 1834, and is therefore one of its oldest resi-

dents, his parents being among the honored pio-
neer settlers of the county.. His father, -James

McDermott, was a native of Ireland, and on emi-

grating to the United States, took up his residence

in Pottsville, Pa. He was united in marriage with

Priscilla Lendeman, whose father was a French-

man and his mother a German lady. The year

1833 witnessed the arrival of James McDermott in

Dubuque. Here he cngaged in lead mining until

1837, when he removed to Prairie Creek Township

and began farming, which occupation he followed

 

until his death in 1877. He was born July 4, 1804.
He took an active part in public affairs, did all in
his power to promote the growth and upbuilding
of the community, and in politics was a supporter
of the Democratic party. His wife, who was born
in 1812, was called to her final rest in 1883, at the
age of seventy-one years. |

A.S. McDermott has the honor of being the first
male child born in the city of Dubuque. He spent
his boyhood days upon the farm and was early in-
ured to the arduous task of developing wild land.
His educational privileges were limited, but his
training in the fields was by no means meagre.
When he entered upon a_ business career for him-
self it was as a farmer, and to the improvement and
cultivation of his land he devoted his energies un-
til 1854, when he came to Dubuque and learned
the carpenter’s trade. Onthe 5th of June, 1855,
he left this city and went to Rice County, Minn.,
with a squad of men under Gen. James Shields,
who went thither in order to establish a settle-
ment and became the pioneers of that locality.
They founded a trading post and engaged in trad-
ing with the Indians all through the country as
far up as Lake Superior. Mr. McDermott learned
the language of the redmen, with whom he could
converse fiuently in their own tongue. He re-
mained in Minnesota until the fall of 1857, when
we again find him in Dubuque. In the spring of
1864 he went to Montana. On the Ist of March
he left home and crossed the plains to Virginia
City, where he arrived on the 10th of July, 1864.
He was there engaged in gold mining until the 15th
of October of thesame year, when he crossed the
mountains into Idaho and made his way to Idaho
City; there he opened a carpenter shop, carrying
on business along that line fora time. Later he
traveled through Oregon, Washington, California
and British America, and on the 31st of October,
1866, returned to Dubuque. He then resumed
farming, which he carried on until 1881. He was
regarded as one of the leading agriculturists of the
community, a reputation which was sustained by
the neat and thrifty appearance of his place.

Mr. McDermott was married December 21, 1858,
to Miss Margaret McDermott, a native of Ireland.
To them have been born eight children, five sons
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

183

 

 

and three daughters: H. J., who is now living in
St. Paul, Minn.; C. J., also of St. Paul; Ambrose,
of Butte City, Mont.; Gus P. and John A., of Du-
buque; Mary and Maria, at Lome, and a daughter
deceased.

In the spring of 1881, Mr. McDermott formed
a partnership with Hon. James McCann and to-
gether they engaged in the sale-of agricultural
implements until Mr. McCann was elected Sheriff
of Dubuque County. The connection was then
discontinued and Mr. McDermott was alone in
business until 1893, when he was joined by
Thomas F. Biggins. Under the firm style of
McDermott & Biggins they now conduct business
and are enjoying an extensive trade which they
well merit. In 1871 our subject patented the
McDermott Cultivator and has since manufactured
the same. He was one of the organizers of the
McDermott Cultivator Company, and as early as
1868 he had attached a spring to the cultivator
which he patented. He has also issued several
other patents and his inventions are useful and
are now much used. He possesses much genius as
a mechanic and isa man of more than ordinary
ability, who well deserves mention among the best
citizens of Dubuque. Hehas traveled extensively
over this country, especially in the northwest, and
is a well informed man. In politics heisa Demo-
crat. He and his family are members of the
Roman Catholic Church.

| fee em 6 OE 3 we

RED PAHLAS for the past five years has
been retired from active cares, his residence
being at Elkader. The competence which

he has acquired for old age was made by years of
hard and earnest labor, for he was long numbered
among the enterprising and industrious farmers of
Clayton County, and now he is enjoying the fruits
of his former toil surrounded by comforts and
many of the luxuries of life. His success is well
merited as he commenced life as a poor man and
persistently and bravely has fought its battles,
becoming victorious. He has mouey invested in

 

various enterprises and is the owner of considera-
ble land in this vicinity. In all local affairs he has
been interested and active, being especially iden-
tified in securing good roads and educational fa-
cilities.

A native of Germany, the birth of Mr. Pahlas oc-
curred in 1822, and his father, whose Christian
name was Peter, passed his entire life in the Fa-
therland. The boyhood of our subject was passed
in his native land, and in his mother tongue he se-
cured a good education. He continued to reside
in Germany until he was thirty years of age, when
he decided to try his fortunes in the New World;
accordingly in 1852 he bade adieu to the scenes
and friends of his youth and after many weeks on
the briny deep landed at his destination, New
York City. Going to the coal regions of Pennsyl-
vania he settled at Mauch Chunk, Carbon County,
where he was employed in the coal industry for
five years. Learning of the opportunities afforded
in the west to an ambitious and industrious young
man he started for Iowa in 1857, becoming the
owner of land in Clayton County. He improved
and operated a large farm successfully until 1889,
when he found that he had acquired a sufficient
fortune to last him during the remainder of his
years, and he then retired, making his home in
Elkader, where he has a pleasant residence.

In 1852 occurred the marriage of Mr. Pahlas and
Amelia Scholse, a native of Germany, and to them
were born seven children, three of whom are liv-
ing: Henry; Amelia, who is the wife of William
Schulte; and Sarah, who is the wife of John Mil-
ler. The children have all received good school
advantages and have been reared in the faith of
the Lutheran Church, of which their parents are
members. In regard to politics Mr. Pahlas uses
his ballot and influence in support of the Demo-
cratic party. For over forty years Mrs. Pahlas
has been a devoted and faithful helpmate to her
husband along the journey of life, and has ably
seconded his efforts for acquiring a competence, and
in every other way has endeavored to cheer and
aid him. They are both much respected early set-
tlers of Clayton County, in whose welfare they
have always taken great interest and have been
important factors in its growth and progress. Mr,
184

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

Pahlas has endeavored in his life to follow the
teachings of the Golden Rule and has been strictly
exact and just in all his business dealings with his
fellows. He possesses the characteristics which are
so often found in the sturdy Germans, uprightness
of- purpose, thrift and industry in business affairs.
He is truly a self-made man, as when he landed in
America he was ‘almost entirely without capital
and has only arrived at his present condition of
prosperity through years of hard and unwearied
toil.

OOK.

oO ELOS E. LYON, one of the oldest members
at the Dubuque County Bar who is now
successfully engaged in practice in Du-

buque, claims New York as the state of his nativ-

ity. He was born in Cattaraugus County, on the
14th of November, 1832, and comes of one of the
old New England families. His grandfather, Joseph

C. Lyon, was a native of Connecticut, was of Eng-

lish descent and served in the Revolutionary War.

His son, Jonathan H., father of our subject, was

also born in Connecticut, and became one of the

early settlers of Cattaraugus County, N. Y., where
he followed merchandising and manufacturing.

He married Harriet Perkins, a native of the Em-

pire State; she wasa daughter of Caleb Perkins,

who was also one of the heroes of the Revolution
and was descended from an old English family.
We now take up the personal history of D. E,
Lyon, who is both widely and favorably known in
this locality. He is the fifth in order of birth in
the family of six children. His boyhood days
were passed in the county of his nativity, where he
attended the public schools and later he entered
the Buffalo Academy, there prosecuting his studies
for some time. Subsequently he went west and
entered Oberlin College, in which he spent the
three succeeding years of his life. On the expira-
tion of that period he returned to his homein New

York,and was engaged in the commission and mer-

cantile business for five years, during which time

he also studied law, for it had become his deter-

mination to enter the legal profession. He was

 

graduated in the same class with Grover Cleveland,
on the 18th of May, 1858. After being admitted
to the Bar he took a trip through several states and
finally chose Dubuque as the scene of his future
labors, locating in this city in the autumn after
his graduation.

Mr. Lyon here opened a law office on the corner
of Fifth and Main Streets, and has there done busi-
ness for the past thirty-six years. He practices in
all the courts, county, state and federal, and is one
of the oldest members in years of continuous
practice of the Dubuque County Bar.

In 1859 Mr. Lyon married Miss Cecelia A. How-
ard, of Fremont, Ohio, who died in November,
1866, after having had three children. In Janu-
ary, 1868, he was united with Miss Eunice A. Tay-
lor, of Dubuque, and unto them have been born
twochildren. They reside at No. 1005 Bluff Street,
and there have a pleasant home, whose hospitable
doors are ever open to the reception of their many
friends. :

Mr. Lyon is a stanch Republican in politics. He
cast his first Presidential vote for John C. Fremont
and has since been a stalwart supporter of the
principles of the party. Several public offices have
been tendered him but were declined; he has never
entered the political arena for office, preferring
to give his entire attention to his law practice,
which engrosses the greater part of his time. He
is a most able practitioner and his high reputation
is justly deserved.

SSeS

E. BEHRENS, a popular and well known
BR citizen of Dubuque, now engaged in the
practice of law, was born in Preston,
Jackson County, Iowa, May 5, 1872, and is the
son of Charles Behrens, anative of Germany, who
settled in Jackson County at an early day. His
wife bore the maiden name of Sophia Hasse, and
was also a native of Germany.
In the county of his nativity the subject of this
sketch spent the days of his boyhood and _ in its
public schools acquired his early education. He
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 185

 

 

was graduated on the completion of the prescribed
course of study from the Preston High School,
after which he spent one year in the Normal
School of Dixon, Jl. Wishing to enter the legal
profession, in the fall of 1891 he became a student
in the Law Department of the State University of
Towa, at Iowa City, from whichinstitution he was
graduated in the spring of 1893. He was then
admitted to the.Bar, and in August of the same
year he came to Dubuque, where he opened an
office and has since conducted a general law prac-
tice. He is a young attorney but he possesses
good ability, is enterprising and ambitious and
will no doubt steadily work his way upward until
he attains a prominent position at the Dubuque
County Bar. In his political views he is a Demo-
crat. In manner Mr. Behrens is genial and pleas-
ant and the social qualities of his character make
him a favorite with all with whom business or so-
cial relations have brought him in contact.

 

SESE SESE SESE BB IESE FEE SESE

 

HOMAS J. PEAK is one of the pioneers
and representative farmers of Jones Coun-
ty, and is now making his home in Monti-

cello, retired from active labor, and enjoying the
rest he richly deserves after his long years of un-
tiring and persevering labor. He has been a resi-
dent of Iowa since 1837, and suffered the hard-
ships and privations incident to life in an unde-
veloped region, which can only be realized by
those who have passed through similar experi-
ences.

Thomas Peak was born in Jeffries, N. H., Sep-
tember 9, 1813, being a son of Thomas J. Peak, a
farmer and native of Lexington, Mass., and of
English descent. His wife was Bessie (Chaffin)
Peak, who was born in Acton, Mass., and whose
father, Robert Chaffin, was of English ancestry.
This worthy couple became the parents of three
children, of whom our subject was the second in
order of birth, the others being Elizabeth, now a
resident of Peacham, Vt., and Joseph, who for-
merly resided in the same village, but who has

 

passed away. With his parents our subject re-
moved to Peacham, Vt., when in boyhood, and at-
tended the common schools, and subsequently the
academy of the place, until sixteen years of age.
Three years later he went to Boston, and when
twenty years old went on a journey to Canada.

In November, 1836, Thomas J. Peak of this sketch
proceeded as far west as Peoria, Ill., where he re-
mained for about eight months, and the following
year engaged in business at Buffalo Grove, Ill. In
1838 he came to this county, where he entered
eighty acres of land, and to this he added from
time to time, until he possessed.a fine farm of four
hundred acres. For a number of years he carried
on agricultural pursuits in Castle Grove Town-
ship, where he raised cattle; horses and hogs ex-
tensively. For twenty-five years he was one of
the very industrious and thrifty farmers of that
region, after which he removed to this city, start-
ing in the lumber trade, and later, for nearly tén
years, ran a grocery.

In 1839 Mr. Peak was married to Rebecca M.
Beardsley, the ceremony being performed on
Christmas Day. They were the fitst couple mar-
ried in this county, and in order to obtain the
license the groom had to go to Sugar Grove, Cedar
County, sixty-five miles distant, the journey taking
him four days. Mrs. Peak is a daughter of Ben-
ajoh and Elspeth (Grant) Beardsley, the latter be-
ing a distant relative of General Grant. The birth
of Mrs. Peak occurred in Delaware County, N. Y.,
and she has been a devoted and faithful compan-
ion and helpmate to her husband in their long
journey of life together. They have become the
parents of two sons and three daughters, William
Wallace, Frances G., Maria A., Elspeth E. and An-
drew J. William Hogg, a son-in-law, operates a
poultry and egg business in this place; Maria A. be-
came the wife of William Rosa; Elspeth E. married
Edwin Price,a merchant of Rockford, Iowa, and
Andrew J. is now making his home in Osceola.

Mr. Peak has been frequently called upon to
serve in public capacities, having been for two
terms a Collector, Justice of the Peace for six
terms, Supervisor for several years, Assessor of the
township, and for two terms served as a member
of the City Council, having been elected by the
186

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,

 

 

Democratic party, which he supports by his bal-
lot. His first Presidential vote was cast for Mar-
tin Van Buren, and he is an admirer of Grover
Cleveland, having worked for him in the last
election.

SS

OHN DOUGHERTY is one of the natives of
Ireland who have been prominent in the
development and success of Linn County,
where he has resided from its early days. He

owns a good homestead situated on section 7, Buf-
falo Township, and to the improvement of this
property he has devoted the past quarter of a cen-
tury.

The birth of our subject occurred in the north-
ern part of the Emerald Isle in 1836. He isa son
of Michael and Anna Dougherty, who like him
were natives of Ireland, where they passed their
entire lives. The boyhood and youth of our sub-
ject were passed near the place of his birth and he
received such school advantages as the neighbor-
hood afforded until he was fifteen years of age.
He was a great reader and an ambitious young
man and early made up his mind that he would

try his fortunes in America. Accordingly in 1851,
when in his sixteenth year, he took passage on
a sailing-vessel bound for New York City. On
reaching his destination he proceeded to Cam-
bria County, Pa., and secured employment for a
time near Johnstown. As he was possessed of in-
dustrious and persevering qualities,and was ready
to work at whatever came to hand by which he
could make an honest dollar, he managed to lay
aside regularly a small sum, and five years after
landing in the United States a stranger without
any means, he came to Iowa and secured a contract
on railway construction work. In that line of
business he acted as a foreman for some years and
made a good success of his undertakings. During
this time his home was mainly in Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, but he kept his eyes and ears open to op-
portunities, and becoming confident that Jones
County was an ideal location for enterprising
farmers, he came here in 1867 and became the

 

owner of asmall tractofland. To this as the years
have passed he has continually added adjoining
land until his farm now numbers two hundred and
eighty acres. This property, which is very fertile,
is finely adapted for the raising of certain crops
and brings in the owner a steady income, amply
sufficient for the needs of his family; he is also
enabled to lay aside a certain sum for his declin-
ing years. The property is well improved with
good barns and a substantial residence and the
owner takes great pride in keeping everything
about the place in good order.

July 3, 1861, Mr. Dougherty was married in
Cascade, Iowa, to Miss Mary Hayes, who was born
in Ireland. The worthy couple have had born to
them nine children, four sons and five daughters,
who in the order of their birth are as follows:
Maggie, John, Annie, Mary, Barney, Sadie, Tressa,
Grace and James.

Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty were reared in the
faith of the Catholic Church, to which they still
adhere and are regular attendants of the congre-
gation of Buffalo. Politically our subject is a
Democrat and takes great interest in all matters
relating to the affairs of his party. He lives in
Linn County but owns land in Jones County,
where he carries on business.

Hesdodordecforfecfocds ofocboofongs ofoedergoode

©)
"eo

©.
(On

 

T,*% UGENE ANDERSON, a civil engineer and
Hg surveyor of Dubuque, was born in the

city which is still his home, on the 18th
of October, 1857, and is a worthy representative
of one of the pioneer families of this locality. His
father, Alexander Anderson, isa native of Erie
County, Pa., and in 1842 emigrated westward, tak-
ing up his residence in Dubuque, where for some
time he engaged in surveying. Later he embarked
in the lumber business, which he carried on for
some years, but is now living aretired life, resting
in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil.
He has reached the age of seventy-three. He took

 

a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

187

 

 

quite an active part in the upbuilding of the city
in the early days, and did all in his power to pro-
mote its leading enterprises. In 1855 he drafted
amap of the mineral lots of Dubuque, which is
still used as authority on that question. In poli-
tics he isa supporter of the men and measures of
the Republican party. His wife, who bore the
maiden name of Sarah Jane Scott, was a native of
Baltimore, Md., and a daughter of Matthew Scott.

No event of special importance occurred during
the childhood and youth of Eugene Anderson; he
lived quietly at home with his parents until after
he had completed his education in the public
schools of Dubuque, when he went to Golden,
Colo., and entered the State School of Mines at
that place. There he pursued a thorough course
of study and spent two years in the Civil Engineer-
ing Department. After leaving college he was
employed in the west as a civil engineer for twelve
years, when, in 1890, he returned to Dubuque and
opened an office. He is now doing a large busi-
ness as a surveyor and civil engineer, being an ex-
pert in both lines of work. While in the west he
also did considerable prospecting in Colorado,
Idaho and Washington.

In the spring of 1891, Mr. Anderson was mar-
ried to Miss Carrie Parker, of Dubuque, daughter
of Capt. J. W. Parker, who was a native of Ohio,
and a pioneer settler of this city, with the growth
and development of which he was actively identi-
fied during earlier years. He was interested for
many years in steamboating on the Mississippi and
took an active part in all that pertained to the
growth and upbuilding of this locality. He was a
genial and affable gentleman, possessing a kindly
and generous disposition and was well known for
the many acts of charity and benevolence which
he performed. In politics he was a stanch Repub-
lican but never sought office for himself. He was
instrumental in establishing the first water works
in Dubuque, and also aided in the establishment
of the beautiful parks of the city. He married
Eliza McQuigg, a native of New York, and a well
preserved lady of seventy-seven years, who is still
living in Dubuque.

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson now reside at No. 361
Julien Avenue, They holda high position in social

 

circles and have many friends in this community.
In politics Mr. Anderson is a Republican. He is a
member of Oriental Lodge No. 210, K. P., of which
he is Past Chancellor.

E. AUSTIN. Olin has its quota of vigor-

ous, enterprising, thoroughgoing business

men, whose popularity is based both upon
their social qualities and their well known integ-
rity and business activity. None among these are
better liked by those who have business dealings
with them than he of whom we now write. He
is at present carrying on an extensive trade in
lumber, lime, cement, etc.

Mr. Austin was born in Kane County, Ill., June
24, 1852,and is the son of J. C. Austin, whose
birth occurred in Vermont. The latter removed
to Kane County in an early day in its history,
whence he came to thiscounty. He is now residing
in Marion and has attained the age of sixty-seven
years. His father, the grandfather of our subject,
was Edward Austin.

The maiden name of our subject’s mother was
Helen Thurston, born in the state of New York
and the daughter of George H. Thurston. ‘The
original of this sketch was very young when he
was brought by his parents to this county, and his
father settled in Hale Township on a farm. There
F.E. was reared to mature years and acquired his
early education in the schools near his home. When
a lad of sixteen he was sent to the Agricultural
College in Ames, this state, where he was a student
for two years and made great progress in his
studies. After completing his education young
Austin accepted the position of operator for the
Milwaukee Railroad Company, located at Hale,
this county. He remained in their employ for six
successive years, when he returned to the farm and
was employed in its cultivation for the following
two years.

In the year 1889 our subject came to Olin, es-
tablishing his present business, which he has car-
ried on in a very profitable manner; he is regarded
188

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

as among the well-to-do lumber merchants of the
county. In his political relations Mr. Austin is a
believer in Republican principles,and never fails
to cast his vote in favor of its candidates. Social-
ly, he belongs to Lodge No. 242, K. P., of which
le is a charter member.

In 1879 F. E. Austin and Miss Ida L., daughter
of Jacob and Mary J. (Easterly) Lamb, were united
in marriage. ‘The father of Mrs. Austin was born
in Ohio, whence he came to this state in an early
day and located in Jones County. Mrs. Lamb
was also born in the Buckeye State and was the
daughter of Samuel Easterly.

To our subject and his estimable wife there has
been born a daughter, Marie Helen, who is in her
fifth year. Mrs. Austin is a devoted member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church and is ever ready
to aid in social and benevolent work. Our sub-
ject is a man of strong convictions and, as an ear-
nest and public-spirited citizen, commands the re-
gard of all his friends and neighbors.

 

heheh ooo ger
SSS GGG ES

=—<2>

RANK W. COATES is one of the wide
awake and enterprising young business
men of Dubuque, now operating as a real-

estate, loan and insurance agent in this his native
city. He was born July 22, 1870, and is of
English descent. His parents are William and
Frances (Waller) Coates. His father was a native
of England, and when a child of eleven years left
that country and sailed for the New World with
“his family. ‘They landed in New York City, and
at once made their way to Dubuque, becoming
early settlers of this place. Mr. Coates was a
contractor and smelter in the lead mines at Du-
buque. Later he carried on a general store in the
city, doing a good business and deriving there-
from a handsome income. Tis death occurred on
the Ist of February, 1890, and many friends
mourned his loss, for he was a worthy and highly
respected citizen of the community. His wife sur-
vived him only about a year, passing away in
1891.
We now take up the personal history of Frank
W. Coates, who has a wide acquaintance in his na-
tive city. He was educated iu the public schools

 

7
of Dubuque, after which he was employed in vari-
ous lines of business until attaining his twentieth
year, when he embarked in real-estate dealing, as
a partner of Edward W. Duncan, under the firm
name of Duncan & Coates. September 1, 1894,
Mr. Coates bought his partner’s interest and now
operates the business alone. He has an exten-
sive loan, real-estate and insurance business. He
handles both city and farm property, and owns a
considerable amount of city property. He also
represents reliable insurance companies both of
the east and of the west and as a loan agent is also
doing a good business. He possesses business and
executive ability of a high order, is worthily am-
bitious and is practical and progressive. His many
friends hold him in high esteem and with pleasure
we present to our readers this record of his life

work. In politics he isa Republican.

OL |

ILLIAM BRAY, M. D., who is success-
WW fully engaged in the practice of medi-
cine in Dubuque, claims Ohio as the
state of his nativity, his birth having occurred in
Rushsylvania, Logan County, on the 24th of Feb-
ruary, 1859. He is the younger of two living
children whose parents were James D. and Mary
(Laughlin) Bray. The father was a farmer by oc-
cupation and with his family located in Logan
County. Mr. Bray removed with his family to
Washington, Iowa, and lived there till his death,
which occurred September 27, 1885. ‘The widow
is still living on the old homestead in Washington,
Towa, ‘

The Doctor passed the first eight years of his
life in the county of his nativity and then accom-
panied his parents on their removal to Washing-
ton, Washington County, Iowa, where he attended
the public schools until seventeen years of age.
He then entered Washington Academy, where he
pursued his studies for three years. During the
succeeding four years of his life he engaged in
farming, but not desiring to always carry on ag-
ricultural pursuits he determined to fit himself for
some other life work and began reading medicine
with Dr. T. G. Roberts, of Washington, under
whose direction he pursued his studies for four
 

JAMES HOWIE.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

191

 

 

years. During this time he entered the medical
department of the State University in Iowa City,
from which he was graduated in March, 1886.

Soon afterward Dr. Bray took up his residence in
Dubuque, opened an office and has since engaged
in general practice. He formed a partnership with
his brother, Dr. N. Bray, and this connection was
continued for three years, or until 1890, since
which time Dr. Bray has been alone in business.
He now has a well appointed office at No. 864 Lo-
cust Street, and is doing a good business, receiving
from the public a liberal patronage, which he well
deserves. He is a member of the Homeopathic
Medical Association of Iowa, also of the Key City
Medical Association, of which he served as Vice-
President. He also served as Health Officer of
Dubuque for one year.

On the 10th of September, 1891, the Doctor was
united in marriage with Miss Margaret Aster, of
Rock Island, Ill., daughter of John Aster of that
city. Their union has been blessed with one
daughter, Marie J. The Doctor and his wife have
many friends in this community and their many
excellencies of character have gained them the
high regard of all who know them. In politics he
is a Democrat.

 

BES eIxE Se <

AMES HOWIE, President of the Dubuque
Pressed Brick Company, was born near Aber-
deen, Scotland, August 3, 1842, and is a son
of Robert and Barbara (Sandison) Howie,

both of whom were also natives of Aberdeenshire.
The father died there in 1876, at the age of sev-
enty-six years, and the mother spent her last days
in Auchterless. The subject of this sketch was
reared in his native land and received but limited
school privileges, but acquired a good education
by studying at night, and in this way mastered
the English, Hebrew, Latin and Greek languages.

At the age of fifteen Mr. Howie’s school days
ended, and the following year be was apprenticed
to a carpenter, James Mackey, for a term of four
and a-lalf years, having to pay an apprentice fee
of $500. When he had mastered the business, he

5

 

went to Edinburgh and entered the employ of
Beattie & Sons, at Fountain Bridge, the leading
contractors of that city. In 1861 he went to Lon-
don, where he worked until 1869. On the 15th
of August, that year, he sailed for America, land-
ing in New York on the 2d of September. Seven
days later he reached Dubuque, and soon afterward
entered the employ of James McLaren, a promi-
nent contractor of this city, with whom he re-
mained two years. From that time until the
spring of 1877 he was with the Dubuque Lumber
Company, and then began business for himself in
a small frame building.

Commencing with limited means, Mr. Howic has
steadily increased his facilities, and has been very
successful. He has erected many of the leading
structures of the city, including the three-story
brick block owned by the late Richard Waller, a
three-story brick building for Andrew & Tredway,
another three-story brick for William Andrew,
also a three-story stone block, a three-story block
containing three residences between Eighth and
Ninth Streets for A. Tredway, the Third Presby-
terian Church, the Summit Congregational Church,
the Methodist Episcopal Church of Center Grove
Hill, the Congregational Church in Webster City,
the H. L. Stout residence, the Odd Fellows’ Tem-
ple, the plow works and the Ryder-Wallace Com-
pany’s building.

In connection with his work as a contractor and
builder, Mr. Howie has been identified with many
of the leading enterprises of the city, and has ma-
terially aided in the growth and prosperity of this
place. He was one of the organizers of the Du-
buque Pressed Brick Company, and was made its
President. This company was formed in 1892,
and is now successfully engaged in brick manufac-
ture, turning out thirty thousand brick per day
and furnishing employment to some thirty men.
Mr. Howie was also one of the organizers of the
Dubuque Specialty Machine Company. For the
past two years he has been Chairman of the Manu-
facturing Committee of the Board of Trade.

In the old St. Thomas Church of London, in Sep-
tember, 1861, was celebrated the marriage of Mr.
Howie and Miss Roseina Hull, a native of that
city, and a daughter of David Hull. She died in
192 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

Dubuque in 1875, leaving three children, viz.:
James Robert, who is connected with his father in
business, and is now superintending the erection
of a state building in Iowa City, the contract for
the same having been given our subject; David T.,
a contractor and builder of Dubuque; and Roseina,
wife of Oscar Mahon, Treasurer of the freight
office of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Road.

February 23, 1876, Mr. Howie married Matilda
J.. daughter of Philip Alexander, a native of
Maine, and one of the honored pioneers of Du-
buque, who here located in 1837. Mrs. Howie was
the second white child born in Washington Town-
ship. By their marriage were born two children:
Addie $., who is now a studentin the high school;
and Ollie P., who is also conducting her studies in
the home school. Mrs. Howie by a previous mar-
riage had one daughter, Emma, who is now the
wife of Edward Ogle, of New Westminster, B. C.

In 1871 Mr. Howie became a member of the
Christian Church of Dubuque, and from 1873 to
1878 was a minister in that denomination. He is
a pronounced temperance advocate, and lives an
honorable, straightforward and consistent life,
which has gained him the confidence and high re-
gard of all with whom he has been brought into
contact. In Masonic circles he is prominent, be-
ing a thirty-second degree Mason. He _ belongs
to El Kahir Temple of the Mystic Shrine, and is
the present Worshipful Master of Metropolitan
Lodge No. 49, also Past Chancellor of Apollo
Lodge No. 41, K.P. For the past five years he
has been Chaplain of the Fifth Regiment of the
Uniformed Ranks of the Knights of Pythias. He
also belongs to Harmony Lodge No. 2, I. O. O. F.,
Tronwood Camp, M. W. A., and the Ancient Order
of United Workmen. In politics he is a stalwart
Republican, and is a valued and representative
citizen, whose name is inseparably connected with
the history and progress of this community.

SE SSeS *
this sketch is an agriculturist of promi-

nence, who, notwithstanding the reverses
and discouragements that almost invariably attend

aie H. WALKER. The subject of

 

the career of bread-winners throughout the world,
has come boldly to the front, and with the push
and energy characteristic of him, has surmounted
all difficulties. At the present writing he isa pros-
perous farmer and stock-raiser of Dubuque Town-
ship, and is held in the highest esteem by his neigh-
bors and friends in Dubuque County.

Mr. Walker was born in Windham County, Vt,
January 8, 1824, and is the son of Reuben and
Lydia (Miller) Walker, also natives of the Green
Mountain State. The mother died there, and
about 1874 the father came west to Iowa, where
his decease occurred when in his eighty-eighth
year. Grandfather Jonas Walker was a native of
Connecticut and of English descent.

Chester H., of this sketch, was reared on his fa-
ther’s farm, and like all the youths of that period,
attended the district school. The year prior to
attaining his majority he left home and hired out
by the month to farmers in his neighborhood. He
did not continue thus but a short time when he
returned home and remained until his marriage
and the establishment of a home of his own. ‘The
lady to whom he was united November 21, 1853,
was Miss Sarah T. Martin, who was born in War-
ren, R. I., ten miles from Providence. She was
the daughter of Cyril and Sarah (Bowen) Martin,
also natives of Rhode Island, whence they removed
about 1832 to Brattleboro, Vt., and engaged in
farm pursuits. Previous to that time, however,
her father was a sea captain, and his father, James
Martin, was an old ship carpenter, passing his en-
tire life in Rhode Island. Cyril Martin and wife
both departed this life in Vermont, at the respect-
ive ages of seventy-three and sixty-four years.

Mrs. Walker was one of a family of seven chil-
dren, four sons and three daughters, all of whom
are deceased with the exception of the wife of our
subject and Jonathan, who is a farmer near Du-
buque, this state. Mrs. Walker was educated in
an academy in Brattleboro, Vt., and when seven-
teen years of age taught the district school, follow-
ing that vocation until the time of her marriage.

Of the seven children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Walker four are living, as follows: Cyril M., who

‘married Miss Phalia Plimpton and has one daugh-

ter; Sarah E., James B. and Marshall L., who are
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 193

 

 

al home with their parents. They have been given
the best advantages for obtaining an education,
and have attended the splendid schools in Du-
buque. Our subject and his estimable wife are
devoted members of the Congregational Church
of Dubuque, to the support of which they are reg-
ular and liberal contributors. After his marriage
Mr. Walker lived at home for two years, and then
moved to Dubuque, remaining there for the same
length of time. Later he rented a farm near the
city. In 1863 he purchased the tract of land which
he still continues to make his home. It is a fine
estate, and the splendid improvements which it
bears are the direct work of his hands.

In his political relations our subject is a stanch
Republican. He cast his first ballot for William
Henry Harrison, and since the organization of the
Republican party he has voted for its candidates.
He is deeply interested in the welfare of his chil-
dren, and therefore ready to bear a part in all
those movements which will enhance the material,
moral and educational prosperity of the county.
He has succecded well in worldly affairs and is
able to surround his family with all of the coin-
forts and many of the luxuries of life.

—_—

ERB ittt

|

v

Anamosa Penitentiary, is a very popular

and highly respected citizen of that place,
where his marked ability in discharging the duties
of his present responsible position have won him
numerous friends. Mr. Madden is a native of
Pennsylvania, having been born in Newcastle, Feb-
ruary 4, 1845. He is ason of William and Julia
(Steen) Madden, also natives of the Keystone
State. The father died in 1849, when Philander
W. was but four years old.

The subject of this sketch passed his boyhood
days on a farm in Polk County, this state, whither
his mother had removed when he was quite young,
and like all youths of that period he conducted
his studies in the primitive schoolhouse, his dis-
trict being near Des Moines. He was deprived of

| ) HILANDER W. MADDEN, Warden of

 

the care of his father when quite young, and his
mother departed this life when he was a lad of
sixteen years. He continued on the farm one year
after this sad event, and in 1862 became a Union
soldier, enlisting in Company B, Second Battalion
Fifteenth United States Infantry, commanded by
John R. Eddy, under Colonel Porter. His regi-
ment was assigned to the Army of the ‘I'ennessee,
commanded by General Sherman, General Thomas
having charge of the Fourteenth Army Corps.
Young Madden participated in many of the noted
battles of that period, among them being Look-
out Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Buzzard’s Roost,
Kenesaw Mountain, Resaca, Jonesboro, and the
campaign of Atlanta, and in all this time he never
missed a roll call. He received his honorable dis-
charge in March, 1865.

Returning home at the close of the war, our
subject resided on the homestead for a time and
then went to Madison County. He was married

_in 1868 to Miss Abbie Hockett, a native of the

above county and the daughter of John Hockett.
He remained there for two years after that event,
and then took up his abode in Clay County, this
state, where he entered a claim, located upon it
and began the work of improvement. This did
not prove a very profitable investment, however,
for the country was soon infested with grass-
hoppers, which ate up the crops.

In 1881 Mr. Madden was elected Sheriff of Clay
County and moved with his family to the town of
Spencer, which was the county seat, in order to
take full charge of the office. At the expiration
of his term of two years he was re-elected, and
each successive year for twelve years was installed
in that responsible position. Then having been
elected Warden of the Anamosa Penitentiary, he
resigned the Sheriffship and entered upon the du-
ties of the new position in April, 1892. In 1894
he was again elected, and will probably be the
incumbent of the office as long as his inclination
will permit.

To Mr. and Mrs. Madden were born eight chil-
dren, viz.: Charles J., who is Assistant Deputy War-
den; John W., head clerk in a clothing store in
Spencer, this state; Lorena J.. Muray M., Abbie
Lulu, E. Garfield, Philander and Cassius M. In
194

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

social affairs our subject is a prominent Odd Fel-
low, belonging to Spencer Lodge No. 147, and is also
a Knight of Pythias. He stands very high in Grand
Army circles and takes an active part in Spencer
Post No. 124. Mr. Madden is discharging the du-
ties devolving upon him in his present position
with sound judgment and tact, and the people are
well satisfied with his manner of conducting affairs.

HEoe$oofoeke
ngeefoogorge

oof ebooks
Seb od

AMES M. D. JOSLIN, M. D. The publishers
of this Recorp would fail in their purpose of
presenting to their readers an outline of the
best citizens of the county were they to omit

that of Dr. Joslin, who is located in Anamosa, in
and about which city he has an excellent practice.

He was born in the Valley of Anamosa, January 1,

1848, and is the son of Dr. Clark Joslin, one of
the most prominent physicians of this city and
county, where he located in 1837. He was well
educated and his extensive information was not
confined to his vocation, but included all topics of
general interest. He had a large practice extending
over a radius of many miles.

The father of our subject was born in Bricksville,
Cuyahoga County, Ohio, April 2, 1816, and was
the son of John G. Joslin, a native of New York,
who served as a patriot in the War of 1812 under
the command of Gen. William Henry Uarrison.
For the service rendered at that time the grand-
father received a land warrant for one hundred
and sixty acres of land. After peace was declared
he went to Ohio, locating at Bricksville, just six-
teen miles south of Cleveland. In the fall of 1827
John G. Joslin moved to Michigan, remaining in
that state until the summer of 1837, when he sold
his farm and came to Jones County, this state,
where he purchased a large tract of prairie and
timber land. He arrived in this locality with his
family September 22, 1838, having been one month
on the way. His estate was situated in Fairview
Township, four miles southwest of Anamosa. He
was one of the first to settle in that township and

 

 

soon thereafter, with the aid of his son, erected the
only sawmill in the locality. He sat on the first
grand jury ever summoned in the county. The
grandfather departed this life in 1868, greatly
mourned by all who knew him.

Dr. Clark, Joslin, the father of our subject, was
educated in his native state, and after the removal
of the family to Michigan, began the study of med-
icine with Drs. H. Wright and Moses Rider. After
completing his education in that line, he com-
menced practice in that state, whence he came with
his father to this county in 1837, still following
his profession at Fairview. He had the honor and
distinction of being the first regular medical prac-
titioner in the county, and when the city of Ana-
roaosa was laid out he moved to the place and con-
tinued to practice there for over forty years.

The father of Our subject was the first Recorder
of Jones County and in social affairs was a mem-
ber of the Jones County Medical Society. He was
married April 25, 1837, to Miss M. C. Wolcot, a
native of Michigan and the daughter of Almon
Wolcot. She died in 1841, leaving a daughter,
Mary L., who is now the wife of C. H. Bingham.
January 20, 1842, Dr. Clark Joslin chose for his
second wife Elizabeth Hale. She was born in Del-
aware County, N. Y., and became the mother of
five children by her union with Dr. Clark, three of
whom survive, namely: William C., our subject
and Maryann I., the wife of David Ellis. The
father departed this life February 25, 1890, and
was survived by his good wife, who died December
30, 1893.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the
common schools of Anamosa, after which he stud-
ied medicine under the tutelage of his father for
three years. He then entered the College of Phy-
sicians and Surgeons at Keokuk, from which he
was graduated with the Class of 75. Returning to
Anamosa he engaged in general practice and very
soon became well established.

May 6, 1877, Dr. Joslin was united in marriage
with Miss Mary E., daughter of Patrick Sweeny, a
native of Ireland. Mrs. Joslin was born in Al-
lamakee County, this state. To them has been
born a son, Clark Eccles. Socially the Doctor is a
member of Anamosa Lodge No. 40,1. 0, O. F., and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

195

 

 

the encampment. He has passed all the chairs of
the encampment, in which body he takes an act-
ive interest, and has been a member of the City
Council for the past eight years, and is serving his
second year as Examining Surgeon for pensioners.

Dr. Joslin is the proprietor of a good farm in
this county, constituting one hundred and fifty
acres of improved land, which he rents to good ad-
vantage, and has one of the best stone quarries in
the state, situated one and one-half miles west of
Anamosa on Buffalo Creek, which is successfully
operated by James Lawrence under lease, and is
known as the Gem quarry.

SSS

OSEPH K. KAUFMANN, Vice-President of
the James Cushing & Son Company, is one of
the native sons of Dubuque. He was born
in this city March 16, 1858, and has here

spent his entire life, therefure he has become
widely known, and by all with whom he is ac-
quainted he is held in high regard, for his career
has ever been an upright and honorable one. His
father, Joseph Kaufmann, was a native of Switzer-
land, and after his emigration to the New World
took up his residence in Dubuque, where his remain-
ing days were passed. He was a stone mason and
contractor and here obtained his share of the public
work, doing a good business. He married Cather-
ine Mesching, who was also a native of Switzer-
land, but who now makes her home in Dubuque.
In 1885, however, the father of our subject was
called to the home beyond, his death occurring at
the age of fifty-nine. In politics he was a sup-
porter of the men and measures of the Democracy.
All who knew him respected him and he well de-
serves mention in this volume.

In the public schools of Dubuque Joseph K.
Kaufmann was educated, and on leaving the school
room he began his business career as an employe
in the vinegar works of James Cushing, serving as
fireman and later as engineer. Here he learned
the business of manufacturing vinegar, becoming
familiar with the industry in all its departments,
and as he mastered it he was constantly promoted

 

until he became foreman of the works. Upon the
organization of the James Cushing & Son Com-
pany he was made Vice-President of the company,
which position he yet fills. The other officers are
James Cushing, President, and I. J. Cushing, Sec-
retary and Treasurer. They have a large plant,
and as the vinegar which they manufacture is of a
very superior quality it finds a ready sale on the
market and they have an extensive trade through
the western, central and northern states.

Mr. Kaufmann was married on the 16th of Octo-
ber, 1888, to Miss Mamie Marti, who was born in
Lansing, Iowa, and is the daughter of Jacob Marti,
one of the early settlers of that place. Three chil-
dren have been born to them, a son and two
daughters, Hazel, Charlotte and Otto Albert. The
family has a pleasant home at No. 280 West Eagle
Point Avenue, and in social circles the parents
hold an enviable position, and in the community
have many warm fricnds.

Mr. Kaufmann exercises his right of franchise
in support of the Democracy, but has never sought
or desired public office, his time and attention
being wholly engrossed with his business interests.

Socially he is connected with Julien Lodge No.
12,1. 0. O. F., and the Ancient Order of United
Workmen, and also belongs to the American
Schweitzer Club. At the solicitation of his fellow-
townsmen he became a candidate for City Alder-
man on the Democratic ticket in 1894, and was
elected from the Fifth Ward for a term of two
years. He is now serving as Chairman of the Com-
mittee on Streets, and is proving an efficient and
capable member of the City Council. He was just
eighteen years of age when he began his connec-
tion with the vinegar business, and hence his en-
tire business life has been spent in connection with
what is now one of the leading industries of Du-
buque.

= OS

HRISTIAN LOETSCHER is the general
Y, manager of the works of the Farley & Loet-
scher Manufacturing Company, which was
established in 1875 by C. Loetscher, W. R. Clark,
J. Rickerd and A. B. Carlin. They began the
196

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

manufacture of sash, doors and blinds and contin-
ued business here as a partnership until 1877,
when the name was changed to the Farley-Loet-
scher Company. Business was carried on under
this style until 1881, when a re-organization was
effected and duly incorporated under the laws of
the state. The capital stock 1s $200,000, and the
present officers are J. P. Farley, President; C. Loet-
scher, Vice-President and general manager; and C.
M. Peesli, Secretary and Treasurer. They manu.
facture doors, windows, blinds, mouldings and
brackets, do stair and church work and deal in
American and French plate window glass and
building paper. They also make a specialty and
carry on hand a large stock of hardwood fur-
nishings for public buildings, private residences,
churches, banks, etc. They also manufacture spe-
cial designs. The machinery is run by a five
hundred horse power engine, and a force of one
hundred and seventy-five workmen is employed.
Their trade embraces the territory covered by
Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kansas, Ne-
braska, North and South Dakota, and many of the
southern states. They employ two traveling
salesmen, and their business is constantly increas-
ing.

Mr. Loetscher was born in Switzerland August
2, 1850, and was educated in his native country,
attending school until his seventeenth year, when
he emigrated to the United States, locating first in
San Francisco, Cal., where he remained for four
and a-half years. In 1872 he came to Dubuque,
where he engaged in clerking for two years. His
parents were John and Margaret Loetscher. In
the year of his arrival in this city he was united
in marriage with Miss Mary Loetscher, of Iowa,
and to them bave been born nine children. They
are members of the Presbyterian Church, and their
home isa fine brick residence, situated at No. 1015
Lincoln Avenue.

In connection with his other business interests
Mr. Loetscher is Vice-President of the Dubuque
Pressed Brick Company, and also of the Dubuque
Specialty Machine Works. In business he is
straightforward and honorable, and occupies a po-
sition in business circles which might well be en-
vied. He is practical yet progressive, and the

 

success of their large business is due to his untiring
and well directed efforts. He started out in life
for himself without capital save a young man’s
bright hope of the future and a determination to
succeed, but nevertheless he worked his way up-
ward and is now connected with some of the lead-
ing industries of the city. He carries forward to
successful completion whatever he undertakes, and
his perseverance and enterprise have been the im-
portant factors in his prosperous career. In poli-
tics he is a Republican.

OHN KANTLEHNER. Many of Iowa’s most
_enterprising citizens have emigrated to the
United States from Germany, bringing with
them habits of industry, perseverance and
economy. In various occupations and professions
they have gained a competency, or perchance
wealth, while at the same time they have established
for themselves an enviable reputation as citizens.
Dubuque County contains a large number of en-
terprising and highly respected farmers whose an-
cestry extends back through along line of German
forefathers, and in this class we present the name
of John Kantlehner, an agriculturist residing in
Jefferson Township. Born in Wittenburg, Ger-
many, September 17, 1844, our subject is a son of
Jacob and Catherine (Hefner) Kantlehner, the
father being also a native of Wittenburg.

The family came to the United States in 1848,
landing in New York City, where they remained
but a short time when they went to Jefferson Town-
ship, Dubuque County, where the father bought a
farm of one hundred and twenty acres of wild
land. This he cultivated and worked until his
death, which occurred November 7, 1850. In poli-
tics he was a supporter of Republican principles,
but never sought or desired the honors or emolu-
ments of public office, preferring to devote his en-
tire time and attention to his business interests, in
which he met with success. His prosperity was all
due to his enterprise and good business ability and
was therefore well deserved, and although many
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

197

 

 

years have passed since Mr. Kantlehner was called
from this world of trials, his memory is green in
the hearts of all who knew him and bore him in
respect for his many virtues and genuine worth.

Our subject was the youngest” of six children,
who were: Toel, Christine, Jacob, Fred, Charles and
John, our subject. He was but four years of age
when he accompanied his parents to the United
States. He worked on the old homestead for his
mother, saving his earnings, and at the age of
thirty-five he was enabled to buy the old place
from his mother, since which time he has added
fifty acres to his farm, making it one of the finest
in that section of the country. Our subject, like
his father, prefers a quiet life and has refused num-
erous public positions offered him by his fellow-
citizens, who appreciated his sterling worth.

In the year 1880, Mr. Kantlelner married Miss
Lizzie Rinhart, and they are the parents of one
child, a daughter, Clara. They are members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and Mr. Kantlehner
is a Republican in politics, but without the aspira-
tions of the politician, and is content to do his
duty at the polls, being ever ready to lend a help-
ing hand in all matters of public welfare. He is
a man of excellent business and executive ability,
sagacious and farsighted, and at the same time af-
fable and good natured. His good management
has made him eminently successful, while to know
him is to be his firm friend.

 

KEEEEEEEE EE EPIL EEE EEE EEEEIDO

ON. WENDELIN LATTNER, a valued
ty and influential resident of Worthington,

is one of the most substantial and enter-
prising merchants in the place and also owns the
Worthington Creamery. Like many of the best
people in this county our subject is a native of
Germany, having been born in Volkertshousen,
Baden, November 20, 1834, and is the son of Jo-
seph Lattner, also born in the Fatherland, where
he followed the trade of a mason for many years.
* The parental family of our subject included
fourteen children, of whom Wendelin, of this

 

sketch, was the youngest of the three sons who
grew to mature years. The family came to Amer-
ica in 1847 and made location in Zanesville, Ohio.
The father was in the employ of different railroads
until his decease, in 1852. His good wife, formerly
Miss Wieser, is still living, making her home at
Lattnersville, this state, and has attained the ad-
vanced age of eighty-five years.

The subject of this sketch attended school until
removing with his family to this county, securing
his education in the states of New York, Pennsyl-
vania and Ohio, though attending but ashort time
in each place. When old enough to earn his
livelihood, young Lattner began driving a team
for the New York & Erie Railroad Company in the
construction of new roads; he worked his way up
step by step until he occupied the position of civil
engineer of the road, having made this a study
during his leisure hours.

One year prior to attaining his majority our
subject began railroad contracting in company
with his brothers, Paul and Jacob, and from 1854
to 1860 he was engaged with different roads in
laying their tracks. ‘The last work of the kind
was a contract for three miles of track taken from
R. B. Mason on the Dubuque & Pacific Road, now
the Ilinois Central, running through Dubuque,
and that gentleman failing, the brothers were given
a large tract of land for their pay, which they later
laid out into a town which bore the name of Latt-
nersville. Our subject was appointed the first Post-
master of the place in 1861,and that year, in com-
pany with his brothers, he erected a sawmill, and
three years later a woolen mill. This connection
existed until 1872, when it was dissolved, Paul
Lattner taking for his portion the extensive mer-
cantile interest, Jacob the mill, and our subject
retired.

In 1874 Wendelin Lattner came to Worthing-
ton and established his present business, and is re-
garded as one of the largest merchants in Dubuque
County. He also owns and operates the Worth-
ington Creamery, which is carried on on an ex-
tensive scale and is a source of great convenience
to the farmers in this vicinity.

Mr. Lattner is very popular in his community,
and in 1874 was elected to the State Legislature
198 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

on the Democratic ticket, filling the position with
ability and distinction. He was married in 1862
to Miss Magdalen Smith, and to them have been
born eight children. Mary is the wife of L. C.
Gerhart and resides in Chicago, where her husband
is a member of the Board of Trade; Emma is book-
keeper in her father’s store; Lucy is teaching in
the public schools of Dubuqne; Josephine is a sis-
ter in Notre Dame, in Milwaukee, Wis.; Clara is
also engaged in her father’s store; Francis, Ida and
Florence are at home.

Mr. Lattner and family are Catholics in religion.
He is known as a citizen of upright character, en-
ergetic and able in all the duties of life, is highly
respected and commands the esteem and con-
fidence of all who know him.

~==7# 080s

the widow of the late lamented Peter

Fries, who was an enterprising and suc-

cessful agriculturist of Jefferson Township, Du-
buque County, Iowa. He was born December 6,
1814, in Prussia, Germany, and came to the United
States in 1841, landing in New York City, where
he remained but a short time, going almost directly
to New Jersey, in which state he remained for two
years working in a glass factory as a machinist.
He went from here to Baitimore and worked for
four years in a glass factory, also in the capacity
of a machinist. He came to Sherrill’s Mound in
1848 and took up one hundred and sixty acres of
wild land, which he cultivated. By unceasing toil
and close application he reduced this to one of the
finest pieces of farming land in the county. He
built the first hotel at Sherrill’s Mound, which is
now owned and run by his daughter, Mrs. Bern-
‘hard. Here Mr. Fries ran a hotel, store and post-

office until his death.

Mr. Fries was the son of Peter and Elizabeth
Fries, who were both natives of Germany. To
them were born four children: Peter, Nick, Charles
and Barbara. Peter was the first Postmaster of
Sherrill’s Mound and held that position for a pe-

M RS. CATHERINE FRIES, nee Kunkel, is

 

riod of twenty-four years. On the 18th of June,
1842, he was united in marriage with Miss Cathe-
rine Kunkel, in Philadelphia. She was a native of
Germany, and came over alone to marry Mr. Fries,
and to them were born six children, as follows: Ed-
ward, Louise, Mollie, Caroline, Bertha and Peter,
deceased. Mr. Fries departed this life Septem-
ber 3, 1889, and was deeply mourned by all who
knew him and recognized in him his sterling worth.
He was a member of the Roman Catholic Church
and was a firm adherent to its doctrines.

Politically Mr. Fries was astrong Democrat and
an ardent advocate of the party of the people.
During his long residence in Jefferson Township,
he was identified with the promotion of various
public enterprises, and was widely known as a man
of liberal spirit and progressive ideas. A sincere
friend and kind neighbor, ever generous to those
less fortunate than himself, he was one of the most
prominent and popular citizens of Jefferson Town-
ship and possessed the high regard of all who knew
him. At his death he left considerable property,
but his success in life was all due to his own efforts;
he started out empty-handed and steadily worked
his way upward to a position of affluence, over-
coming the difficulties and obstacles in his path hy
untiring labor, perseverance and a strong determi-
nation to succeed.

+= KB

energetic farmer of New Wine Township.

He was born in a httle log cabin on the
farm where he now resides. It was built by his
father in 1846 and is still standing. The birth of
our subject occurred October 14, 1853, in New
Wine Township, Dubuque County, Iowa. His par-
ents, Joseph and Agnes (Meier) Klostermann,
were natives of Oldenburg, Germany. His father
was a seafaring man, and for fifteen years made
his home on the ocean. During that time he vis-
ited nearly every country on the globe; on account
of having to repair his vessel he stopped at thé
Isle of St. Helena and visited the grave of Bona-

UH. KLOSTERMANN is a prosperous and
 

E. R. JACKSON, M. D.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

201

 

 

parte. In the year 1842 he gave up his perilous
occupation and coming to the United States, lo-
cated in Cincinnati, Ohio. While there he engaged
in steam boating on the Ohio River. In 1844 he
came with his family to Iowa and settled in Du-
buque County.. Here he took up the land from
the Government that our subject now occupies. It
being a wild, uncultivated region at that time, he
remained on this farm until his death, which oc-
curred in 1892; his good wife preceded him to
that better land in 1873.

Our subject has five sisters and two brothers
living. Frank J.isa prominent farmer of Delaware
County, and has filled many local offices in that
county, having served as Assessor for a number of
years; he is at present filling the office of Justice
of the Peace. Clemens, the other brother, is also
a farmer of the same township.

Mr. Klostermann has been a life-long agricult-
urist, having been born and reared on the farm
where he now resides. He received a common
school education in the district schools of his lo-
cality. Heremained at home with his parents, and
at the death of his father he received the old
homestead as his share of the estate.

Mr. Klostermann was married May 24, 1881, to
Miss Catherine Boeckenstedt, a daughter of Clem-
ens and Mary Boeckenstedt, of Delaware Coun-
ty. Her mother was born in a wagon while
her parents were moving from Ohio to Iowa, and
is one of three of the original settlers of Dubuque
County now living. Mr. and Mrs, Klostermann
are the parents of five children, Joseph, Anna,
Francis, Abiline and Clara,

Our subject has filled many offices of honor and
trust. He is at present Secretary of the Mutual
Insurance Company, and has held that office since
1889. For one year he served as Secretary of the
Bear Grove Creamery Company of Breeman Town-
ship, Delaware County, Iowa. In 1892 he was
elected Justice of the Peace, and still holds that
Office to the satisfaction of the community. Mr.
Klostermann has a fine farm highly cultivated,
with all the médern*improvements, and is one of
the progressive men of the township. Politically
he is a Democrat, and always votes for-the candi-
date of that party. He has a host of friends who

 

are cordially welcomed to his pleasant home. Heisa
public-spirited man, ever ready to assist in all good
work for the advancement and welfare of the
community in which he lives.

 

TT, DWARD R. JACKSON, M. D., a physician
a and surgeon engaged in practice in Du-

buque, is numbered among the native sons
of Iowa. He was born in Hopkinton, Delaware
County, on the 29th of October, 1848, and is a son
of Leroy and Jerusha M. (Wright) Jackson. The
mother was anative of Connecticut and the father
of Kentucky. He became one of the pioneer set-
tlers of Iowa, having located in Dubuque in 1833.
For seven years he there made his home, after
which, in 1840, he removed to Delaware County.
There he lived for many years, becoming one of
the well known and prominent citizens*of the com-
munity. His death occurred in 1883, but his wife
is still living and makes her home in Hopkinton.
In the family of this worthy couple were eleven
children, nine of whom grew to mature years.
One brother, who was a member of Company K,
Twenty-first lowa Infantry, died during the late
war.

Dr. Jackson is the sixth of the family. He spent
the days of his boyhood and youth in Hopkinton,
being reared to manhood in his parents’ home.
For a time he attended the public schools, and af-
ter having mastered the common branches there
taught, he entered Lenox College, where bis liter-
ary education was completed. He took up the
study of medicine with Dr. R. L. Hill, of Dubuque,
and later entered the College of Medicine and
Surgery in Cincinnati, Ohio, from which institution
he was graduated in the Class of ’74. He then
returned to Dubuque and formed a partnership
with his former preceptor, Dr. Hill, the connection
continuing for a period of seven years.

Wishing to further prosecute his studies in the
line of his chosen life work, Dr. Jackson went to
Philadelphia and entered the Hahnemann Home-
opathic Medical College, from which he was grad-

 

4
202

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

uated in 1881. He then again came to Dubuque,
and has since continued in general practice in this
city, doing a good business, such as is a fitting re-
ward for his skill and expert work. He is an en-
terprising and progressive citizen and in addition
to his practice he is connected with several of the
important manufacturing industries of Dubuque,
thus aiding in the upbuilding and prosperity of
the city.

On the 29th of November, 1881, Dr. Jackson
was united in marriage with Miss Etta J. Hancock,
of Dubuque, daughter of Edwin and Ellen Han-
cock. They have one daughter, Lucile. The Doc-
tor is connected with several societies, holding
membership with the American Institute of Hom-
eopathy, the Western Academy of Homeopathy
and the Hahnemann Association of Iowa. He is
also Vice-President of the Buettell Brothers’ Com-
pany, wholesale dealers in books and stationery. In
polities he is a Republican.

ANFORD A. ATHERTON, General Man-
ager of the Dubuque Omnibus Company,
is a native of the Green Mountain State,

his birth having occurred in Glover, Orleans Coun-
ty, on the 4th of September, 1839. His father,
Sanford Atherton, was also born in that state, was
a physician by profession and died in his thirty-
seventh year. He married Abigail Richardson,
whose death occurred in Glover in 1861. In the
family were only two children, Areannah, who re-
sides in Barton, Vt., and Sanford A., of this sketch.

Our subject spent the first sixteen years of his
life in the county of his nativity, during which
time he attended the district school and the Or-
leans Liberal Institute. He then started out to
fight life’s battle. He began earning his liveli-
hood by working as an engineer and molder in
Keene, N. H., but in 1861, he laid aside business
cares to enter the service of his country, then en-
gaged in Civil War. He joined Company A, Sec-
ond New Hampshire Infantry, known as the
Cheshire Light Guards, was sent to the front and

 

with his regiment was assigned to the Army of the
Potomac under the command of General Hooker.
He took part in the hard fought battle of Bull Run,
the siege of Yorktown and the battle of Williams-
burg, Va., where on account of disability he was
sent to the hospital and while there he was dis-
charged on a surgeon’s certificate, in September,
1862.

Mr. Atherton then returned to Keene, N. H.,
where he remained for two years, after which he
removed to Hinsdale, N. H. Later he set up a
steam mill engine at Arlington, Vt., where he was
engaged in business fora time. It was during his
residence there that he met and married Miss Helen
L. Everest, daughter of Edward Everest, who for
many years engaged in merchandising. They
have two children, a daughter and son, Maylon E.,
who is now the wife of Frank G. Wild, of Brook-
lyn, N. Y., and Allen R., who is with his father.

In 1866 Mr. Atherton came to Dubuque, where
for eighteen months he followed the molder’s trade.
He then engaged in the manufacture of barrels and
other articles made in a cooper shop, built up an
extensive business along that line and to its man-
agement devoted his energies until 1880, when he
sold out. In October, 1880, Mr. Atherton was made
Manager and Treasurer of the Dubuque Omnibus
Company. Its President was John H. Waller, who
held that position until his death, which occurred
in August, 1891, and in February, 1892, J. A.
Early was made President. This company has a
contract for carrying the United States mails from
the postoffice to the various railroads,and are do-
ing a large business, the enterprise proving a pro-
fitable one. They employ about twenty men and
have from forty to forty-five horses. They also
have a fine funeral outfit including ahearse. Their
barn is 70x75 feet and three stories in height, and
has an addition 30x40 feet in the rear.

In politics, Mr. Atherton is a stalwart Republi-
can, and takes a leading part in county and state
politics. Socially, he is connected with various
civic societies, being a member of Dubuque Lodge
No. 3, A. F. & A. M.; Hyde Clark Post No. 78, G.
A. R.; Apollo Lodge No. 41, K. P.; the Ancient
Order of United Workmen; Ironwood Camp, M.
W. A.; and Uniformed Rank of the Knights of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

203

 

 

Pythias. Both Mr. and Mrs. Atherton hold member-
ship with the Congregational Church, and have a
pleasant home located at No. 145 Chestnut Street.
Mr. Atherton is a successful business man and in
life’s battle has come off victorious. As a citizen
he manifests the same loyalty and fidelity to duty
which characterized his career when on southern
battlefields he followed the Old Flag that now
floats triumphantly over an undivided nation.

SSS

AMES MULLIN. The career of this gentle-
man has been marked by enterprise, indus-
try and well directed efforts that have been
rewarded by the accumulation of a consider-

able amount of property and the machinery and
stock necessary for the management of a first-
class farm. Mr. Mullin is one of those Irish-Amer-
ican citizens of whom we have reason to be proud
on account of the example they present of indus-
try, morality and good citizenship. He is at pres-
ent living in Dubuque Township, Dubuque Coun-
ty, and is the proprietor of over two hundred
acres of land.

Mr. Mullin was born in County Derry, Ireland,
in 1818, and is the son of Henry and Ann (Dia-
mand) Mullin, farmers by occupation, who lived
and died in the Emerald Isle. The parental fam-
ily included five children, who, with hardly an ex-
ception, were farmers. The grandfather of our
subject, James Mullin, lived to the remarkable age
of one hundred and twenty years.

The subject of this sketch was reared on his
father’s farm in Ireland, and a year after attain-
ing his majority emigrated to the United States
on the sailing-vessel “Fannie,’’ which landed him
several weeks later in Philadelphia. He remained
there but a short time, however, and then came to
Dubuque County, where he has made his home ever
. Since and is well and favorably known. Mr. Mullin
was recently attacked by a crazy man and re-
. ceived four bullets from his gun, none of which
were of a very serious nature, however.

James Mullin and Miss Mary A. Kingsley were

 

united in marriage in 1876. The lady is a native
of Plymouth, Mass., having been born February
28, 1855, to William and Bridget (Gilloon) Kings-
ley. Her father is still living on the old home
farm, but her mother died many years ago. To
Mr. and Mrs. Mullin were born nine children,
bearing the respective names of Henry, William,
Cornelius, Martha, James, Grace, John, Katie and
Frank. The parents are members in good stand-
ing of the Catholic Church, in the progress of
which they take a great interest. In political af-
fairs Mr. Mullin is a straightforward Democrat,
believing that the principles laid down in the plat-
form of that party are best adapted to the needs
of the nation.

Mr. Mullin’s estate comprises two hundred acres,
embellished with all needful buildings and the
machinery necessary for the successful prosecution
of farm pursuits. He has been a hard worker,
but is now practically retired from active duties
and is enjoying his declining years amid the com-
forts which he provided for in his earlier life.

AX salioxse —-
G— BE|s= —)

 

 

 

 

 

ENRY J. JECKLIN, a young and _ pro-
gressive farmer of Dubuque Township,
Dubuque County, has risen to a position

in agricultural affairs which many might envy.
With his widowed mother, he makes a specialty of
dairy farming, and in that industry is regarded
as one of the most extensive and successful in the
community.

Our subject was born in Switzerland, February
8, 1869, and is a son of John H. and Anna (Engel)
Jecklin, both natives of Switzerland. The father
came to the United States in 1868, and the follow-
ing year was joined in this country by his wife
and four children. After landing in New York
City the family journeyed westward to this coun-
ty and located in Dubuque Township, where the
father was engaged at the trade of a carpenter.
He was fairly well-to-do in this world’s goods and
left at his decease a comfortable estate. His death
204

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

occurred in 1890, at Colfax Springs, at the age of
fifty-six years.

The family continued to reside on the old farm
until 1891, when our subject, having attained his
nineteenth year, took charge of the farm, which
he disposed of that year at a good price and pur-
chased the place where they are at present resid-
ing. The estate comprises two hundred valuable
acres devoted to mixed farming, although he
makes a specialty of dairying. He has on his
place eighty-five milch cows, and with the assist-
ance of his energetic mother has built up a fine
business.

The parental family numbered five children,
viz.: Henry J., of this sketch; Emily and Pauline
. (twins), John and Robert. Though.not an active
politician Mr. Jecklin votes the Democratic ticket
and is a firm adherent of its principles. He is
now nicely situated in life, is building up « good
home and with his mother, brothers and sisters,
has a host of warm personal friends in this com-
munity who are watching him with great interest
and predict for him a still more successful future.

 

AMO, a,
PO —)

 

os
=

ETER DAWSON, a retired farmer who

now makes his home in Dubuque, claims

New York as the state of his nativity.

He was born in West Point in the year 1836, and

is of Irish descent. His parents, Nicholas and

Catherine (Quinn) Dawson, were both natives of

the Emerald Isle, and on crossing the Atlantic to

America, took up their residence in New York,

whence they emigrated to Dubuque at an early
day in the history of this locality.

Our subject was a child of only two summers at
that time. He was reared to manhood under the
parental roof and in the common schools acquired
his education. To his father he gave the benefit
of his services for some time, but at length made a
claim, entering the land from the Government, and
began farming. His land was all wild and uncul-
tivated, not a furrow having been turned or an

 

improvement made thereon, but with characteristic
energy he began its development and in course of
time the once barren tract was made to bloom and
blossom as the rose. He successfully continued
farming for many years, and became the owner of
one of the fine country homes of this county, but
in 1888 he decided to lay aside business cares and
came to Dubuque, where he has since made his
home.

In 1856 Mr. Dawson was united in marriage
with Miss Margaret Carroll,a native of Schuyl-
kill County, Pa., and to them were born eight
children, three sons and five daughters. The
parents are both members of the Catholic Church.
They occupy a pleasant home at No. 592 Cleveland
Street, where they are surrounded by the comforts
of life.

While living on the farm Mr. Dawson took quite
an active interest in the work of public improve-
ment and advancement in the community in which
he lived, and did all in his power to aid in the pro-
motion of educational interests. In politics he is
a Democrat, and warmly advocates the principles
of that party, but has never sought or desired
public office, preferring to give his entire time
and attention to his business interest, in which he
has met with good success. He started out in life
empty-handed but has steadily worked his way
upward, and is now fhe possessor of a comfortable
competence, so that he is enabled to lay aside busi-
ness cares and enjoy the rest which he has so truly,
earned and richly deserves.

 

4H ae

eal

ON F. SLOAN. The farm occupied by
this gentleman is the old family homestead,
and is one of the most valuable tracts of
land in Dubuque County, on account of the

fertility of the soil, the careful tillage it receives,
the system used in its cultivation, and the
various other improvements that mark a first-
Glass estate. The residence, although it has
stood for more than thirty years, is still substan-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

205

 

 

tial, a model rural abode, which is kept in excel-
lent repair and furnished in a manner correspond-
ing with the cultivated tastes of the family.

In Dubuque Township, where he now lives, the
subject of this sketch was born on the 18th of De-
cember, 1851, and is the son of James and Elsie
(Woodson) Sloan. The Sloan family was num-
bered among the earliest settlers of Illinois, with
the early history of which its members were for
years closely identified. Grandfather John Sloan
was the first representative of the family in Illi-
nois, having settled there during the territorial
days. There he continued to reside until his
death, which occurred at the age of seventy-two
years. His wife, Jane, passed away near Dubuque,
also at the age of seventy-two.

Upon coming to Dubuque County, James Sloan
entered the land now occupied by our subject.
Through the exercise of frugality and excellent
judgment he gradually built up a finely improved
farm and accumulated a fair share of this world’s
goods. Here, surrounded by the comforts which
he had gained by unceasing toil, he spent his lat-
ter days retired from the arduous labors of earlier
years. Here, at the age of seventy-two years, he
passed from earth. His widow still lives on the
old homestead, making her home with her son,
John F.

The first marriage of James Sloan united him
with Miss Rhoda Gilbert, who bore him three
children, and died on the home farm. His second
marriage was to Elsie Woodson, a native of Mis-
souri, and daughter of Cheric and Martha A.
Woodson. Five children resulted, from the second
union, three of whom are living. The family res-
idence was fur a number of years the primitive log
cabin which is still standing, but as prosperity
came to the father and he became the possessor of
sufficient means, he erected in 1862 the house
where our subject has since made his home.

To the political questions of the age Mr. Sloan
has given due consideration and advocates the
principles of the Republican party. Asa citizen he
is held in high esteem, as he is law-abiding, enter-
prising and intelligent, and in the social circles
which he frequents he is deservedly popular. He
has much of the spirit of progress and the unflag-

 

ging energy which are moving principles among
the Americans of to-day, and his work as an agri-
culturist is being pushed forward systematically
and successfully.

=e

and successful agriculturist of New Wine

Township, is a German by birth and first
saw the light of day October 15, 1824, in West-
phaiia,Germany. His father, John Henry Goerdt,
was a farmer in the Old Country, living and dying
in his native land. Our subject came to this country
in 1850 and landed in New York, May 24 of the
same year. He remained in that city a short time
and then came west to Wisconsin, where he spent
a few months, but having a number of friends from
the Fatherland in Dubuque County, Iowa, he
decided to try his fortune in that state and came
to New Wine Township. Here he found employ-
ment on the farm of Mr. Steffen, and while there
was married to Miss Barbara Hutater, September
15, 1850. She was of German ancestry but an
American by birth, having been born in Dubuque
County. Mr. and Mrs. Goerdt became the parents
of thirteen children, five of whom are yet living.
Theodore, the oldest, lias a fine large farm of his
own in this county, not far from his father’s home.
Anna is the wife of Frank Karn, a farmer living
near Dyersville; Mary is the wife of August Demer,
and makes her home on a farm near Worthington,
this county; Kittie is single and remains at home;
Joseph is the youngest and is at present looking
after the home farm, taking the greater part of the
management of the place on his own shoulders,
while his father enjoys his well earned rest, after
so many years of toil.

Soon after his marriage our subject purchased
eighty acres of land, which is a part of the farm he
now occupies. He at once set about making a
home for himself and family, in which undertaking
he has admirably succeeded. On his arrival in
this country he had very little means, but by hard
work, industry and economy he has accumulated a

ae GOERDT, a wellknown citizen
206 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

large fortune and has two hundred acres of land,
all in one fine farm. His residence is one of the
best in the township, his barns and outbuildings are
large and substantial; he has stock in abundance
and all the latest and most approved farming im-
plements. When he first came to this county he
had to haul his grain to Dubuque with an ox team
and sold his wheat for thirty-five cents per bushel.
Mr. Goerdt has filled many offices of honor and
trust, serving as School Director for several years,
and he is at present a Trustee in the Catholic Church
of which he is a worthy member. He also held the
Office of President of the Dyersville Creamery one
year. Charles Goerdt, a brother of our subject, is
living in Dyersville at the age of eighty years.

2 ge 63S “o = Ps

A. SMITH, editor and proprietor of the

Dyersville Commercial, one of the leading

weekly papers of the state, was born on the
Rhine, about fifteen miles from the city of Bonn,
Germany, the date of his birth being July 23,
1843. He has one brother, J. S. Smith, who is the
present postmaster of Worthington, Iowa. Jacob
Smith, the father of our subject, was a native of
Germany and was quite an extensive merchant in
his native land. He was the owner of a fine bard-
ware store and also the proprietor of a large luck
factory. In 1853 he emigrated to America and
settled first in Illinois, where he remained eighteen
years. Becoming dissatisfied with the Prairie State,
in 1871 he moved with his family to Iowa and
located on a farm in Delaware County, near Hop-
kinton, where he remained until his death. He
passed peacefully away January 14, 1892. His wife
still survives him and makes her home with her son
J. S. Smith, of Worthington, Lowa.

Our subject was nine years old when his parents
came to the United States. He received his educa-
tion in the country schools of Illinois and later
attended business college in Chicago, and after
coming to Jowa he attended Lenox College at Hop-
kinton. In 1872 he became a teacher. in the public
schools of lowa; five years later he accepted a pos-

 

tion in the Dyersville schools, and for eight years
filled that position with honor and ability. Mr,
Smith retired from the school room in 1885, when
he became the proprietor of the paper he so ably
conducts at the present time. He succeeded M. J.
Farley now of Chicago. Since taking the editorial
chair the paper has been an out-and-out Democratic
publication, non-compromising in its policy, with
no excuse to make for the stand it has taken. People
all know where to find the Commercial politically,
and that it is appreciated is attested by the fact
that it has a larger circulation than any other
weekly paper in Dubuque County. Being con-
nected with the American Press Association it is
enabled to give all the news. The Commercial isa
large eight column paper and has no “patent’’ in-
side; itis all printed in Mr. Smith’s complete steam
printing office.

Our subject was united in marriage January 11,
1875, to Miss Mary M. Limback, a native of Lyons,
Towa, and daughter of C. Limback. This union has
been blessed by the addition of five children,
namely: Genevieve, Laurence, Anna, Frank and
Blanche. All of them can take a hand at setting
type and do other work to push the Commercial to
the front as a county newspaper. Mr. Smith and
his estimable family are all members of the Catholic
Chureh and he is a member of the St. Francis Life
Insurance Company.

pes

 

AMES WOODWARD is a capitalist of Du-
buque and one of its most prominent citizens,
widely known throughout the state. He was
for many years one of the leading business

men of the city and yet owns extensive property
interests here. A native of England, he was born
in Westmore in 1827,and is a son of John and Ida
(Taraday) Woodward, who were also natives of
England. He spent the days of his boyhood and
youth in that country and attended the public
school until sixteen years of age, at which time he
went to London and entered upon his business
career as a salesman in the large house furnishing

dg
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

207

 

 

establishment of Lidde & Wikeman, in whose em-
ploy he remained for four years, when he deter-
mined to seek a home in the west. He was then a
young man of twenty. Believing that better op-
portunities were here afforded than in the older
and more thickly settled countries of Europe, he
crossed the Atlantic and on the 31st of May, 1848,
landed in New York City. He did not tarry long
in the eastern metropolis but at once made his way
to Iowa, locating in Dubuque, where he began
That occupation he followed for a year
and then entered into partnership with his broth-
ers, John and William Woodward, who under the
firm name of Woodward Brothers embarked in
general merchandising. That connection was con-
tinued until the spring of 1850, when they sold
out and the brothers made an overland trip to
California, but James Woodward remained in Du-
buque to care for his mother. His next venture
was in the manufacture of mattresses and bedding.

In 1856 Mr. Woodward formed a partnership
with Valentine Herancourt and embarked in the
furniture business. This connection continued for
some time or until the death of his partner, when
Mr. Woodward became solé proprietor. He after-
ward sold out, however, and on account of failing
health went to England in 1862. For two years
he remained in his native land visiting the scenes
and friends of his youth, and in 1864 returned to
Dubuque, since which time he has devoted his en-
tire attention to his extensive property interests,
owning a large amount of real estate in this city
and elsewhere.

In 1878 Mr. Woodward was united in marriage
with Alice E., daughter of Robert Waller, one of
the pioneer settlers of Dubuque. He built the first
lead furnace of lowa and was actively interested
in the growth and development of this city for
some years, taking an active part in promoting all
worthy enterprises. He too was a native of Eng-
land, and on crossing the Atlantic took up his res-
idence in Missouri, whence he came to Dubuque
County, where his death occurred in 1857.

In his political views Mr. Woodward is a Repub-
lican, but he has never sought or desired political
preferment. He has traveled extensively and has
many times crossed the ocean. In 1872 he again

mining.

 

went to England, where he remained two years;
in 1875 he went abroad and spent one year; the
year 1881 found him en route for the Old World,
where he remained two years, and in 1887 and
1891 he visited his native land. His success in
business seems almost phenomenal, yet it is the re-
sult of well directed efforts, careful attention, good
management and judicious investment. Thus has
he risen from an humble position to one of wealth
and affluence and is now numbered among the
capitalists of Dubuque. His home is a palatial
residence situated in the midst of beautiful grounds
and surroundings on Fremont street.

~§ Glee +See $s

ERNHARD CLAUS, Jr., a prominent ag-
riculturist of Jefferson Township, Du-
buque County, is the eldest son of Bern-

hard and Catharine (Sleighter) Claus, and was
born in Alsace, France, August 8, 1822. Coming
to America, the family embarked on the sailing-
vessel “Osborne,’’ and after a voyage of twenty-
eight days landed in New York City. A short
time afterward they went to Buffalo and there un-
successfully sought work for ten days, after which
they proceeded to Columbus, Olio. Near that city
the father purchased eighty acres of farming land,
which he utilized in the usual way by raising
cereals until he died.

Our subject now having arrived at an account-
able age, and feeling able to “paddle his own
canoe’’ through the world, left for Dubuque, Iowa,
where he secured a position as teamster. He was
thus employed for three years, after which he went
to the Chippewa River in Wisconsin as a surveyor
in the employ of the Government. Three months
later he returned to Dubuque, where he has since
remained.

Mr. Claus invested all of his hard earned savings
in a piece of Iowa’s best farming land, on which
he built one of those old-fashioned log cabins, then
so common, but now seldom seen. His, however,
still stands, and was at one time quite skillfully
and artistically decorated with the horns and skins
208

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

of thirteen deer which he had killed during the
first year that he lived on his farm.

Mr. Claus was married to Effie Fisher April 2,
1850. There were four children by this marriage,
as follows: Margaret, William, George and Will-
heminia, the two daughters being deceased. The
wife and mother died in 1855 and afterward Mr.
Claus married Catherine Sliger. Seven children
blessed their union, namely: Mary, Rosie, Cather-
ine, Carline, Bernhard, Jr., Anna and Creasence.
Our subject owns one hundred and forty-five acres
of the best farming land in this section. He is
very popular and highly esteemed by all who
know him. He built the first Catholic Church in
Jefferson Township and is noted for his liberality.

Politically Mr. Claus is an ardent supporter of
the Democratic party, and on that ticket was
elected School Director, which position he has held
for thirteen years. He also was Trustee for eight
years. He is always to be found in the front rank
of all enterprises tending to benefit the immediate
community and the country at large. He is in-
dustrious and energetic and always honorable in
his dealings with his fellow-men. He is a self-
made man, having carved out his own fortune
and reached his present prosperity entirely through
his own unaided efforts.

<a

=

oe

in Luxemburg, Germany, on the 24th of

February, 1834, and spent the days of his
boyhood in the Fatherland, where he acquired a
good education. When a young man of nineteen
he determined to seek a home beyond the Atlantic,
and bidding good-bye tothe friends of his youth
he emigrated to the New World. He took up his
residence in Dubuque, and in 1856 began clerk-
ing. In that way he earned his livelihood until
1872, when he formed a partnership with Robert
Linehan, under the firm name of Hansen & Line-
han, wholesale dealers in groceries and steamboat

N ICHOLAS HANSEN, deceased, was born

 

supplies. TFhat connection was continued for
many years and the business steadily increased,
yielding to the members of the firm a good income.
Thus operations were continued until the-death of
Mr. Hansen on the 15th of April, 1889, at the age
of fifty-five years.

Mr. Hansen always took an active interest in
public affairs and was a leading and valued citi-
zen of the community, who gave his support to
every worthy enterprise calculated to advance the
general welfare. He possessed good business
ability, and his thrift, perseverance and well di-
rected efforts brought him success. In his political
views he was a Democrat but never sought or de-
sired public office.

On the 10th of December, 1861, Mr. Hansen
was united in marriage with Miss Annie Welter,
a native of Luxemburg, Germany, and a daughter
of Julien Welter, who came to America and died
in Dubuque in 1872. The mother was Elizabeth
Koehl, in her maidenhood; she was also a native of
Germany. To Mr. and Mrs. Hansen were born two
children, a son and daughter: Katie and Peter,
but both are now deceased.

On the 10th of April, 1894, Mrs. Hansen was
again married, becoming the wife of Jacob Wild-
hebar, who was born in Switzerland in 1839, and
spent the days of his boyhood and youth in his
native land. The year 1867 witnessed his arrival
in the New World and saw him located in Du-
buque, where he remained for a year and a-half.
On the expiration of that period, he went to Cali-
fornia in 1868, and, there worked at the carpen-
ter’s trade which he had learned in Switzerland.
Two years were spent on the Pacific slope, after
which he returned to Dubuque, where he was em-
ployed in carpentering until 1875. In that year
he went to the land of the Alps and spent ten
months aniid the scenes of his boyhood and
youth. In 1878 he again visited Europe and his
native land, remaining abroad at that time for
three years. In 1881 he again came to Dubuque.

‘In August, 1891, he again visited Switzerland and

returned in May, 1892, where he has since been
engaged in contracting and building.

In politics, Mr. Wildhebar is a Democrat, but he
takes no active part in political affairs, He and
 

 

 

 

 

 

JOHN R. GOLDTHORP.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

211

 

 

his wife reside at No. 1217 White Street, and are
highly respected citizens of the community. He
and his wife are both members of the Catholic
Church.

a

OHN R. GOLDTHORP has good standing as
a citizen and farmer, and is particularly well
known in Dubuque County, where he has
spent his entire life. He now occupies and
cultivates the family homestead, inherited from
his mother. By close application to farm work,
persevering industry and good judgment in mak-
ing investments, he has increased the value of the
estate and gathered about him the many comforts
pertaining to modern civilization.
is pleasantly situated in Dubuque Township and
bears all the improvements of a model estate.

Born and reared in Dubuque County, the sub-
ject of this sketch is the son of the late John Gold-
thorp, an honored and highly respected pioneer
of the county. The latter was born in Yorkshire,
England, July 27, 1808, and was there reared to
manhood. In 1829, having resolved to seek a
home in the New World, he took passage on the
ship “John Wells’’ and after an uneventful voy-
age landed in Philadelphia. Ir 1832 he came
west to Galena, Ill., where he engaged in mining.
The following year he removed to Blue Mound,
Wis., where he was similarly engaged. ‘The year
1836 witnessed his advent into Dubuque County,
of which he wasa resident continously until his
death.

With such perseverance did Mr. Goldthorp con-
duct his enterprises that, beginning with nothing,
he gradually became the possessor of several hun-
dred acres of fine land. In his labors he was as-
sisted by the wise management, sympathy and pru-
dence of his estimable wife. She was known in
maidenhood as Alice Cocker and was born in Lan-
castershire, England, in August, 1808. Becoming
the wife of John Goldthorp January 1, 1833, she
remained his faithful, devoted helpmate until her
death, which occurred in Dubuque County. Five
children resulted from her union, of whom John

6

The property

 

R. and his sister Sarah still occupy the old home-
stead. The honorable disposition, uprightness
and stability of character, which were prominent
in the life and actions of his father, have been in-
herited by our subject, who is following in the
footsteps of that parent. He is quiet and unas-
suming in demeanor, a man of strictly temperate
habits and sound business qualities. While his
education was limited to common schoo! advan-
tages, he is a thoughtful reader and on all general
topics is very well informed.

Paley can look back over a business career
so successful as his. Fortunate is the boy
who, thrown upon his own resources at an early

PR patey PALEY. Few men so young as Mr.

‘age, has the skill to do and the strength to endure

until he acquires a footing among men; still more
fortunate he who combines with bis business skill
and bodily strength the moral principles and self-
respect that bring with his financial success the
esteem of all who know him. Such were the for-
tunate qualifications of our subject in boyhood
and they have assisted him in attaining, though
still young in years, an enviable position among
the representative citizens of Dubuque Township.

A native of Minnesota, our subject was born
December 11, 1866, and is the son of Adolph and
Sophia Paley, natives respectively of Bremen and
Mecklenberg, Germany, who emigrated to the
United States in 1828 and settled in Minnesota.
He was one of eight children, of whom six are now
living. His educational advantages were most
meagre, in fact the knowledge he has gained is the
result of his tutelage in the school of experience
and observation. Early in life he became self-sup-
porting and was only eleven years of age when he
was one of the main supports of his mother.

At the age of fourteen years-Mr. Paley was as-
sisted by a capitalist in Dubuque to get a start in
the dairy business, thus laying the foundation for
his present large financial interests. Notwith-
standing the fact that he was compelled to
212

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

compete with old established business firms, he
soon gained a solid footing as a reliable and en-
ergetic man. Being a young man of business
ability and progressive ideas, he soon worked
his way to the front, and as the result of his en-
ergy, Paley’s dairy wagons can now be seen all
over the city of Dubuque. On starting in busi-
ness he was of course obliged to incur a heavy
debt, but this was soon paid, and he then began
to accumulate property. He is now the owner of
four hundred acres situated near the corporate
limits of the city of Dubuque.

September 24, 1891, Mr. Paley was united in
matriage with Miss Emma Ernst, who was born
near her present home and has made Dubuque
County her life-long home. She is an accomplished
lady, devoted to the welfare of her husband and
their two daughters, Grace and Rosa. The political
convictions of Mr. Paley are with the Republican
party, and he may always be relied upon to cast
his ballot in support of its men and measures.
However, lic has little time for the consideration of
public affairs, preferring to concentrate his energy
and activity upon his business interests.

 

Os eg] a
6 S<tss 3

AUL LATTNER, now deceased, was for
many years one of the most prosperous
and influential business men of Worthing-

ton. He wasa native of Germany, having been
born in Volketshousen, June 29, 1832, and was the
eldest of three sons born to Joseph and Veronica
Lattner. The father of our subject was likewise a
bative of the Fatherland and was born February
4, 1808, while his good wife was born the same
day and month but in the year 1810.

Joseph Lattner was a mechanic and upon emi-
grating to the New World with his family in
1847, located at Port Jarvis, N. Y., where he was
employed with the railroad force in the construc-
tion of the New York & Erie Road. Three years
later he moved to Zanesville, Ohio, and while
there was contractor for the Lake Shore Road. He
departed this life in 1852, and after his decease

 

his widow and children spent a year in Hamilton,
Ontario, after which they moved to Niagara
Falls, N. Y.

The subject of this sketch, in company with his
brothers Jacob and Wendelin, also followed con-
tracting, building many roads in the west, among
the last work of the kind being a three-mile track
for the Dubuque & Pacific, now. the Illinois Cen-
tral Road, in this county. R. B. Moran, who let
the contract, failed in business and the brothers
were obliged to accept a large amount of land in
payment for their services. In 1860 they laid out
the now thriving town of Lattner’s and opened up
in the mercantile business. The following year
the Lattner brothers erected a steam sawmill in
the place and in 1864 completed the construction
of the woolen mill. The firm was a most prosper-
ous One; the brothers amassed a considerable for-
tune and continued together until 1872, when the
connection was dissolved.

Paul Lattner conducted the mercantile trade in
the above place until 1886, when he disposed of
his.interest, and a year later we find him located
in Worthington, where his younger brother, the
Hon. Wendelin Lattner, was engaged in the mer-
cantile business. Our subject followed farming
near the city for three years after coming here,
and in 1880 opened up a hotel which he carried
on in the most profitable manner until his decease,
which occurred January 14, 1891.

Our subject served for many years as Justice
of the Peace at Lattner’s, and was consequently
known as ’Squire Lattner. He also held the posi-
tion of Postmaster of the above place, and in 1884
was appointed to the same position at Worthing-
ton by President Cleveland. He was Notary Pub-
lic for some time, and in 1875 was brought prom-
inently before the public as a candidate for the
Legislature and was defeated by a very small ma-
jority. He had filled the position of Township
Clerk eight years. He was a citizen always on the
side of every social and moral reform and. none
knew him but to respect and love him. As 4
friend he was stanch and true, and the poor and
distressed found in him a cheerful helper, to whom
no appeal was made in vain.

Paul Lattner was married in Independence,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

213

 

 

Iowa, November 15, 1857, to Miss Amanda Lesher,
a native of Ohio, and of Dutch ancestry. At his
death our subject left a family of fifteen children,
nine sons and six daughters. The eldest, Jacob
F., is editor of the Cedar Rapids Journal; Wend-
line H. is one of the proprietors of the Kansas
City Star; Samuel B. is engaged in the hardware
business in Worthington; Joseph is a tinsmith in
the employ of his brother Samuel; Paul is an en-
gineer at Kansas City; John, George, Peter and
Raymond are at home with their widowed mother.
The eldest daughter, Mary Amanda, is now Sister
Mary Boniface, of the Franciscan Order of Du-
buque; Susan is the wife of P. Vandever, of Dyers-
ville; Clara is Mrs. John Klassen, residing in Gran-
ville, this state, where her husband is engaged in
the hardware business; Ella, Rosa and Anna are at
home. The family occupy a pleasant home in
Worthington, which was built by Mrs. Lattner
after the decease of our subject. .

Samuel B. Lattner, the third son of our subject,
was born at Lattner’s, February 5, 1862, where he
was given a good education. When only twenty
years of age he engaged in the livery business in
Worthington, and continued thus to operate for
three years when he disposed of his stables and
opened up a hardware establishment and has built
upa large and profitable trade. He also handles ag-
ricultural implements and owns a large warehouse
stocked with all kinds of carriages and buggies, to
which branch of business he gives his personal at-
tention. On the death of his honored father he
was appointed Notary Public in his place, and is
+ still the incumbent of the position. He has been
Village Clerk since the incorporation of the place,
and also has been Treasurer of the School Board
for the past five years. Like all of his ancestors
he is a Democrat in politics and a devout member
of the Catholic Church.

Samuel Lattner was married in 1885 to Miss
Mary, daughter of Daniel Gerhart, a retired farmer
of Hopkinton, this state. To them have been born
three daughters, Emma, Laura and Rebecca. This
gentleman occupies one of the finest residences in
the place. It is pleasantly located on an eleva-
tion just south of the business portion of Worth-
ington and commands a good view of the sur-

 

. sents both home and foreign companies.

rounding country. Samuel Lattner has ever borne
his part in the development and upbuilding of his
community and is a prominent and influential
citizen, highly respected throughout this section,
where he has a large circle of friends and acquaint-
ances.

ake

EORGE SALOT, real-estate and insurance
(% agent and abstracter of titles of Dubuque,
was born in Aibre, Departement du Doubs,
France, March 15, 1837. He was educated in
the public schools of his native country and there -
spent the days of his boyhood and youth until
1853, when he bade adieu to home and friends
and sailed for America. He was accompanied by
his mother and when the journey across the At-
lantic was accomplished, landed at New Orleans.
They came at once to the west and located upon
a farm near Dubuque, but agricultural pursuits
were not according to his tastes. In consequence
Mr. Salot engaged in the mercantile business in
the village of Buncombe, Dubuque county, estab-
lishing a general country store, which he carried
on successfully for a period of eleven years. He
then sold out and embarked in the real-estate and
abstract business in Dubuque, associating himself
in the enterprise with A. Cain.
was continued for one year.

In 1869 Mr. Salot entered upon official duties,
having been appointed City Recorder to fill a va-
cancy. The following year he was appointed
Harbor Master, and in 1872 he was appointed
Deputy Sheriff by E. G. Young, thus serving dur-
ing Mr. Young’s term and also under his successor,
Michael Liddy, also under Mr. Ferring. In the
discharge of his public duties he continued until
1882, when he retired from office and again en-
gaged in the real-estate, insurance and abstract
business. He has erected a fine brick block known
as the Salot Block at 715 Clay Street, opposite the
Court House, and in this is located his office. As
a real-estate agent he deals in both city and farm
property. Along the line of insurance he repre-
He also

This connection
214

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

makes loans on farm property in Iowa and has a
complete set of abstract books of Dubuque County.

February 2, 1860, was celebrated the marriage
of Mr. Salot and Miss Catharine Scheibler, of Du-
buque County, a native of Pennsylvania, and a
daughter of William Scheibler. By their union
have been born six children, four sons and two
daughters, namely: George W., now of Chicago;
William H.; Harry F., who assists his father in the
office; Howard B., who attended the high school;
Maggie, now Mrs. C. E. Goux, of Detroit, Mich.;
and Manon B., who is yet in school. The family
is widely and favorably known in the com-
munity and its representatives rank high in the
social circles in which they move. “Mr. Salot is a
self-made man, who started out in life for himself
empty-handed, and his business career and the suc-
cess which he has achieved are entirely due to his
own efforts.

HH DER

OSEPH PLATZ, a well known and highly
respected citizen of Dubuque, claims Ger-
many as the land of his birth. He was born
in Wurtemberg on the 8th of April, 1829,

and is a son of Joseph and Helena (Lippe) Platz.
They were also natives of Germany, and in that
country were reared and married. There the mother
spent her entire life, her death occurring at the
age of sixty-five years. The father survived her
for several years and passed away in Germany at
the age of seventy-three.

No event of special importance occurred during
the childhood of Joseph Platz of this sketch. His
boyhood days were uneventfully passed midst
play and work and in attendance at the public
schools, where he acquired a good education that
fitted him for the practical and responsible duties
of life. When a young man of twenty years he
bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed
for the United States, landing in New Orleans,
from whence he made his way up the Mississippi
River to St. Louis. In that city he remained for
a year, after which he went up the Missouri River
to Ft. Leavenworth, Kan.

The year 1852 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Platz

 

in Dubuque, and with the interests of this place he
has since been identified during the greater part
of the time. For one year he worked at his trade
of stone mason, and then went to New Orleans, re-
turning by steamer to Louisville, Ky., and then to
Dubuque, spending forty-five days on the water,
When he again reached this city he sought and se.
cured work as a stone mason, and to that business
devoted his time and energies until 1861, when he
built a lime kiln at Eagle Point and was engaged
in the manufacture of lime until 1892. He built
up an extensive trade, doing a large and lucrative
business, which yielded to him an excellent income
that now enables him to live retired.

In 1854 Mr. Platz was united in marriage with
Miss Wilhelmina Angelhorn, a native of Baden,
Germany. To them were born two children, Wil-
helmina and Georgie, but both are now deceased.
They reside at No. 1433 Washington Street, where
they havea pleasant home. Mr. Platz has become
the possessor of considerable property and now
spends his time in looking after his real-estate in-
terests, or else in following his own inclinations,
for the handsome competency which he has made
enables him to enjoy a well earned rest. He had
no capital when he came to America, but was in-
dustrious and persevering, and making the most
of his opportunities he has steadily worked his way
upward to prosperity.

=X os0S—-

ALPH SPENSLEY. There are many fine
R farms in Dubuque County which are mon-

umental of the industry and prudence of ;

their owners, and are the center of such agricult-
ural efforts as bring good results in the way of fine
crops and satisfactory incomes. One of these
tracts consists of one hundred and sixty acres in
Dubuque Township, where numerous and substan-
tial buildings have been erected, valuable im-
provements introduced, and various arrangements
made conducive to the comfort of the occupants
and the convenience of their work. The owner

of the place is the subject of this sketch.

In Yorkshire, England, May 8, 1819, Ralph
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

215

 

 

Spensley was born to John and Elizabeth (Ped-
lady) Spensley, the latter of whom died when only
twenty-six years old. In 1831 the father emi-
grated to America, taking passage at Liverpool
and landing at Philadelphia. He was employed
in the coal mines of Pennsylvania until about
1834, when he came west to Iowa and settled in
Dubuque. Here he engaged in mining until 1839,
and then returned to England, where his death oc-
curred. He was a pioneer in the mining industry
in this section and built one of the first lead fur-
naces in the state.

Of two children comprising the parental family
our subject is the only survivor. Heaccompanied
his father to the United States and grew to man-
hood in Dubuque. On establishing domestic ties
he married, July 6, 1841, Miss Rosamund, daugh-
ter of Richard and Alice (Bonson) Spensley, all
natives of Yorkshire. She was a girl of fifteen
when with her parents she emigrated from Eng-
land to America, and coming direct to Dubuque
has made this county her home during much of
the time since. Her parents later removed to
Galena, Ill., where both died, the father at the age
of eighty-eight and the mother aged eighty-three.
Judge Spensley, well and favorably known among
the legal fraternity, and also recognized as one of
the most honored members of the Bench, was her
brother. Mr. and Mrs. Spensley are the parents of
five children, yet living, namely: Richard W., who
is married and has one child; Isabel, wife of C.S.
Butler; Ralph, Jr., who married Miss Mary E.
Stewart, and has one child; Robert V., a resident
of Asberry, Iowa; and John F., who married Miss
Edith A. Fawks, and lives in Dubuque.

After marriage, Mr. Spensley was employed in a
smelter in Galena, IIl., for four years, thence going
to Sinsinawa and engaging in similar work for
seven years. He then retired from the mining
business and bought an unimproved tract of one
hundred and sixty acres, where he has since re-
sided, giving his attention to itsimprovement. In
his political views he was an old-line Whig dur-
ing the existence of that party, aud after its dis-
integration identified himself with the Republicans.
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church
and a generous contributor to its good work. He

 

has shown energy and skill in the affairs of life,
and is deserving of the esteem in which he is held.
He is intelligent, anxious to keep himself well in-
formed and interested in the welfare of the county
where he makes his home.

 

: se
@

known physician and surgeon of Dubuque,

isa native of Germany. He was born in
Saxony on the 2d of July, 1829, and is a son of
Frederick Nitzsche, who was also born in Saxony
and there spent his entire life, as did his wife, who
bore the maiden name of Laura Lau.

In presenting to our readers the life record of
Dr. Nitzsche, we give them the history of one who
is not only prominent in his profession, but is rec-
ognized as one of the valued citizens of the county.
He spent his boyhood days 1n his parents’ home,
no event of special importance occurring during
his youth. The common schools afforded hiin his
early educational privileges, and later he entered
the gymnasium of Meissen, Germany, where he
pursued his studies until eighteen years of age.
The medical profession had for him attractions,
and with the desire to make its practice his life
work, he entered the Medical College of Dresden,
where he earnestly applied himself to gaining a
thorough knowledge of the science of healing. He
faithfully pursued his studies for four years, and
was then graduated in 1861, after which he em-
barked in practice in Saxony, conducting a suc-
cessful business for six years.

With the desire to seek a home and fortune be-
yond the Atlantic, Dr. Nitzsche sailed for America
in 1867, and when the wide expanse of the waters
had been covered by the vessel in which he em-
barked, anchor was dropped iu the harbor of New
York, and he landed on American soil. For two
years he remained in New York City, and thence
removed to Carlstadt, N. J., where he spent one
year. In May, 1870, he came to the west, taking
up his residence in Dubuque, where he was soon
well established in his profession, winning a large

ea R. NITZSCHE, M. D., a well
%

216

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

and lucrative practice as the result of his skilland
ability.

In 1872 the Doctor was united in marriage with
Miss Mina Merkel, and resides at No. 1077 Clay
Street. In 1876 he took a course of lectures at
Rush Medical College, of Chicago, and obtained a
diploma from that institution. He is a member of
the Dubuque Medical Society, and also belongs to
the Julian Medical Society. While in school he
was noted for earnest application to his studies, for
thorough work and undivided attention, and these
qualities have followed him through life, proving
important factors in the success which has attended
his efforts. In public affairs he takes an active
and commendable interest, doing all in his power
to aid in the growth, development and progress of
the city with which he is now identified. He is
held in high esteem, and his friends throughout the
community are many.

em: -é- Se we

OHN TIBEY is a contractor of stone work

and owner of a stone quarry of Dubuque.

He is numbered among the native sons of

this city, for his birth here occurred on the
3d of May, 1862. The family is of Irish lineage.
The father of our subject, Patrick Tibey, was a
native of Ireland, born in Limerick, and in 1850
he sailed for the United States. On landing in
this country he at once came to Dubuque and em-
barked in business asa stone mason. He was united
in marriage with Mary Cavanaugh, who died in
Dubuque in 1887.

In recording the life of John Tibey we present
to our readers the history of one who is both widely
and favorably known in this community. No
event of special importance occurred during his
boyhood ‘and youth, which were quietly passed in
his parents’ home and in attendance at the public
schools, where his education was obtained. When
a young man he learned the stone mason’s trade,
and for two years wasin the employ of Mr. O’Hara,
a prominent and well known contractor of Cedar
Rapids. On attaining his majority he began busi-

 

ness for himself. He opened up a stone quarry in
this city and has since engaged in working the
same. He there obtained an excellent quality of
stone, it being one of the best quarries in Dubuque
County, and from the sale of this product he re-
ceives a good income. He takes contracts for the
laying of foundations and has placed the founda-
tions under many of the finest and most substan-
tial buildings of Dubuque. He also does the other
masonry work on the buildings; he erected the
Auburn school and many other structures in this
city, including a number of notably fine ones. His
work is also first class in all particulars and his ef-
ficiency has been one of the important factors in
winning him the success which has attended his
efforts. He is now, at the head of a good paying
business and is numbered among the substantial
citizens of the community.

January 16, 1889, Mr. Tibey was united in
marriage with Miss Mary Mangner, a native of
Houston, Minn. Their union has been blessed
with a family of three interesting children, a son
and two daughters, namely: John, Mary and Ma-
bel. The parents are both members of the Catholic
Church, and their pleasant home is located at No.
509 Cleveland Avenue. Mr. Tibey has always been
actively identified with the work of public improve-
ment and is a progressive and enterprising citizen
who supports all interests calculated to advance the
general welfare. With the exception of the short
period spent at Cedar Rapids he has always lived
in Dubuque.

 

KEEEEEEEE EE EEE EEE LEE EEE EEE

R. RODOLPHUS CLARK, who was suc-
cessfully engaged in the practice of den-
tistry in Dubuque, claims Massachusetts as

the state of his nativity. He was born in Conway,
Franklin County, on the 16th of February, 1815,
and is a son of Ebenezer Clark, who was born May
28, 1781, made farming his life occupation, and
died in 1832. The grandfather, Deacon Ebenezer
Clark, was of English descent. The mother of our
subject bore the maiden name of Sally Griffith and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

217

 

 

was born in Chatham, Conn., October 16, 1785.
They were married April 15, 1808.

Dr. Rodolphus Clark is the fourth in order of
birth in the family of six children who reached ma-
ture years. The district and private schools of his
native place afforded him his educational privi-
leges. In the usual manner of farmer lads the days
of his boyhood and youth were passed, and on the
death of his father he took charge of the old farm,
which he successfully operated until 1844.

The Doctor was married November 28, 1839,
the lady of his choice being Miss Clarissa D. Rog-
ers, daughter of John Rogers, of Conway, Mass.
By their union were born six children, four
of whom reached mature years. Sarah G. died in
her twenty-fourth year; Aurora B. is now the wife
of Charles H. Arms, of Chicago; Clara E. died at
the age of seventeen; Ada M. isthe wife of Will-
iam P. Bingham, of Dubuque. Mrs. Clark, mother
of the above children, died in Conway, Mass., Oc-
tober 19, 1867, and the Doctor never married
again.

Dr. Clark fitted himself for the practice of den-
tistry by study in an office in Conway, and he there
engaged in practice for the long period of a quarter
of acentury. In 1870 he came to Dubuque, where
he commenced practice in company with his brother,
E. L. Clark. This -connection was continued un-
til 1889, when he withdrew from the firm. Since
that time he has lived retired, enjoying the rest
he has so truly earned and richly deserves. While
in active practice he always kept abreast with the
times in everything connected with his profession,
and his skill and ability were such as to win him
a large business. As his financial resources have
increased he has made judicious investments of his
capital. He is nowa Director of the Dubuque Na-
tional Bank and also in the Beaver Valley Bank of
Parkerburg, lowa. In his political views he is a
Republican, but has had neither time nor inclina-
tion for public office, preferring to devote his en-
ergies entirely to his business interests. He holds
membership with the First Congregational Church,
of which his wife was also a member in Massachu-
setts, in which he has served as a Deacon and Trus-
tee for several years. He takes an active part in
church and benevolent work, is a friend to the

 

poor and needy and delights in doing good. All
who know him esteem him highly for his sterling
worth and the many excellencies of his character,
and his honorable, upright life is one well worthy
of emulation.

——+>$<+—_

EN. CALEB HOSKINS BOOTH, who was
the first Mayor of Dubuque, having been
elected to that position in 1841, is one of

the most noted and also successful men in this por-
tion of the state. He is Assistant Secretary and
Treasurer of the Dubuque and Sioux City Railroad
Company, having been connected with it most of
the time since 1856, Secretary and Treasurer of the
Cedar Fallsand Minnesota Railway Company, and
he helped to organize the Dunleith & Dubuque
Bridge Company in 1868, being now Seerctary of
that company. He is also Secretary and Treasurer of
the Iowa Land & Loan Company, and was general
manager of the Dubuque & Dakota Railroad until
it was sold. His influence and means have been
used in the promotion of many other industries in
this region, and his advice is frequently sought
on important financial matters. Booth’s addition
to this city, originally comprising about fifty-
two acres, was purchased by a company from the
city at a cost of $200,000, and the General subse-
quently bought the encumbrances on the property
and became sole owner, and managed to pay off all of
this large amount and meet all his obligations. Of
this property he has still about thirty-two acres
left, and this he is improving by raising the grade
above high water. The owner of this land gave
the Ice Harbor to the city, and has sold a por-
tion of this tract to the Chicago, Burlington &
Northern Railroad.

General Booth is perhaps most widely known, as
far as his enterprises are concerned, as the inventor
of Booth’s Improved Dredge Pump, which is used
in filling low lands and swamps, and thus redeem-
ing large tracts of land hitherto useless. In the
Engineering News and American Railway Journal
of March 26, 1892, a very minute and complete
description of this pump and system was given.
By means of powerful air and suction pumps built
218 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

in co-operation with the engines on the boat, light
material from the depth of fifty feet can be con-
veyed to the banks. This method has proven very
practical and valuable on rivers like the Upper Mis-
sissippi, where the soft sandy banks are constantly
filling the river bed. When in operation, the
suction pipes lie on the bottom, and tae material
is drawn in and conveyed to the surface to be
dumped at any reasonable distance. The move-
ment and direction of the suction pipe are under
control of the engineer by machinery driven by
the pump shaft. The dredge can be utilized for
removing islands or sand-bars that hinder naviga-
tion, and it is believed it would be useful in gold
hunting, where deposits of the metal are washed
by the mountain streams into the bed of rivers on
a level. It would seem that the dredge, which has
been very successful, would be of great saving in
‘Government operations, and the right to use it
should be owned by the Government.

The paternal grandfather of the General was
John Booth, who was a member of a Quaker fam-
ily. The fatber, Joseph, who was born in the Key-
stone State, was a successful agriculturist, and was
originally of English descent. His death occurred
at the age of forty-two years, and of his seven
children, three sons and four daughters, our sub-
ject is the only survivor. The mother was before
her marriage Martha Hoskins, and she too was of
English ancestry.

The birth of our subject occurred in Chester,
Pa., December 26, 1814. The town was then a
place of only twenty-five hundred inhabitants,
but is now a large manufacturing and ship-build-
ing center. He obtained a good education in the
excellent schools, and in 1836, believing that he
could better his fortune by going west, he came to
Dubuque, and was soon actively interested in its
various industries and the upbuilding of the place.
He was married in May, 1838, to Miss Henriette
Eyre, and they became the parents of two chil-
dren: Anna, who was graduated from the seminary
in Media, Pa., and is now the wife of O. M. Par-
sons, Vice-President of the Goes Lithographing
Company of Chicago; and S. Edward, who wus
educated at a military school mm Tennessee, and
was a prominent young business man in the mill-

 

ing trade. He died in 1877, leaving a wife and
two children. :

General Booth was for years senior partner in
the firm of Booth, Carter & Co., who were engaged
in operating lead mines, and which connection was
dissolved about 1880. Mr. Booth succeeded to
the business and is one of the very few who have
been prosperous in this line. In his many and
varied ventures he has shown good business abil-
ity, excellent judgment and enterprise, and his ef-
forts have almost without exception been blessed
with success. In politics he is a strong supporter
of the Republican party, and in 1872 was elected
to the Legislature and helped to place Allison
again in the Senate. Fraternally our subject is a
Mason of the thirty-third degree.

=X ceo =

RED HENKER is a member of the firm of
Hammel, Henker & Co., proprietors of the
Key City Flouring Mill of Dubuque, and
occupies a leading place in business circles. The
record of his life is as follows: He was born in
Saxony, Germany, on the 12th of July, 1864, and
is a son of August and Sarah Henker, both of
whom were natives of the same country, in which
they have always lived. The mother died in 1889,
but the father still resides in Germany, at the age
of sixty-two years.

The gentleman whose name heads this record
was reared and educated in his native land and
started out in life for himself at the early age of ~
fourteen, at which time he began serving an ap-
prenticeship to the miller’s trade. After his term
of service had expired he continued to work in
Germany as a miller for a number of years. He
was a-young man of twenty when he determined
to seek a home in America. In 1884 he bade
adieu to friends and Fatherland, and the ves-
sel in which he sailed dropped anchor in the har-
bor of New York. His destination was Dubuque,
Iowa, and thither he at once came. Soon after-
ward he sought and secured employment in the
Rockdale Flouring Mill, where he remained for a
 

 

 

 

 

GEORGE FENGLER.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 221

 

 

year, after which he went to South Dakota, spend-
ing two years and a-half in that state.
Mr. Henker then returned to Dubuque, and in

1888 he formed a partnership with August Ham-

mel, They purchased the mill which they now
own, equipped it with fine roller process machinery
and all the latest improvements in their line of trade
and have successfully carried on business in their
line up to the present time. They manufacture a
superior grade of flour, turning out four varieties,
known as the “Key City Roller Mills Best,’’ “Queen
of Iowa,’’ “Miller Clover Leaf Patent’? and
“White Loaf.’ They also manufacture rye, graham
and buckwheat flour, pearl corn meal, coarse meal
and ground feed. The mill has a capacity of one
hundred and fifty barrels daily of a high grade
patent and family flour, and on account of their
superior quality its products find a ready sale on
the market. From its establishment the firm has
enjoyed a good trade and is now doing an exten-
sive business.

Mr. Henker is a wide-awake and enterprising
man, possessed of good business and executive abil-
ity. He is now only about thirty years of age but
is recognized and numbered among the representa-
tive business men of the city. Hecame to Ameri-
ca in limited circumstances and has steadily worked
his way upward, and arguing from the past his fu-
ture will be one of success.

PEE EES <

EORGE FENGLER, owner of the Eagle

Point Lime Works of Dubuque, established
business along this line in 1872, beginning
operations on a very limited scale, but as his trade
increased he enlarged his facilities and in 1888
built his present extensive plant. The capacity is
now two hundred and fifty barrels of lime every
twenty-four hours and employment is furnished to
thirty men. The lime is shipped to Wisconsin,
Minnesota, Dakota and all over Jowa, for the prod-
uct of the works is of a very excellent quality
and therefore an extensive business has been se-

 

cured. Mr. Fengler is conversant with the manu-
facture of lime in allits departments and now has
the largest and finest plant in the state. He also
handles all kinds of cement, hair, brick, etc., used
for building material.

A native of Germany, Mr. Fengler was born
near Breslau in 1841. His father, Ernest Fengler,
on emigrating to America took up his residence in
Dubuque, where he embarked in the ice business
and established the firstmarket garden in this city.
On the breaking out of the late war he and four of
his sons joined the boys.in blue, his name being en-
rolled as a member of Colonel Hecker’s Regiment,
in which he remained throughout the service. He
died in August, 1865, in Evansville, Ind., from the
effects of exposure during his army life. Mrs. Feng-
ler bore the maiden name of Emily Seidel, and was
also a native of Germany. Her death occurred in
Dubuque on the 25th of January, 1882.

George Fengler spent the first nine years of his
life in the Fatherland and then accompanied his
parents on their emigration to America. His educa-
tion was completed under Prof. Charles G. Kretsch-
mer, with whom he studied both German and
English. He went to the defense of the Union
during the late war, enlisting on the 21st of August,
1862, as a member of Company A, Twenty-first

‘Iowa Infantry, under command of Colonel Mer-

rill. The regiment was assigned to the Army of
the Gulf and saw active service in Hartville, Mo.,
Magnolia Hill, the Mississippi campaign, the bat-
tle of Raymond, Miss., and Champion Hills.
The Twenty-first Regiment was a part of the bri-
gade that made the charge at Black River Bridge
and participated in the siege of Vicksburg.
During the battle of Jackson, July 12, 1863, Mr.
Fengler was wounded but refused to leave the
field until after the engagement. He was then
taken to the hospital, and later rejoined his regi-
ment in Louisiana, after which he was sent to
Texas, where the troops captured Ft. Matta Gor-
da and spent the winter in fortifying the coast.
Mr. Fengler took part in the battle of Mobile and
in the siege and capture of Ft. Blakely and
Spanish Fort, after which he was mustered out at
Clinton, Iowa, in August, 1865. He was a loyal
soldier, always found at his post of duty and faith-
222

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

fully defended the Old Flag which now floats so
proudly over the united nation.

Ere leaving for the front Mr. Fengler was mar-
ried, on the 2ist of August, 1861, to Alice M.,
daughter of Ebenezer Curtis, one of the early set-
tlers of Dubuque. Twelve children were born to
them, five daughters and seven sons, namely: Os-
car, a son who died at the age of five years; Mel-
vina, now the wife of Henry L. Gross; Olive, wife
of Herman Mouer; Alice, who is engaged in book-
keeping; Hattie, at home; Octavia, a student in the
high school; Richard, deceased; Edwin, an engi-
neer on the Milwaukee Railroad; George, who has
charge of the cooper shop in his father’s employ;
Leo and Randolph, who are now in school; and
Orin, a boy of five years, who completes the fami-
ly. The children have been given good educa-
tional advantages and are thus fitted for the practi-
cal and responsible duties in life. The family re-
sides at No. 1059 Garfield Avenue.

On his return from the war, Mr. Fengler worked
in a sawmill fora time, and in 1872 embarked in
the lime business, as before stated. In connection
with his other interests he is Vice-President and
Director in the People’s Building & Loan Asso-
ciation, of which he was one of the organizers. He
is one of the leading Republicans of this city, tak-
ing an active interest in the success and growth of
his party. He was appointed United States Sur-
veyor of Customs in 1889 by President Harrison
and served fora term of four years. In 1876 he was
elected a member of the City Council from the Fifth
Ward and served for three years, proving an effi-
cient and capable member of that body. He belongs
to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and to
the Odd Fellows’ Society. His public and private
life are alike above reproach and he manifests the
same loyalty in days of peace as when he followed
the Stars and Stripes on southern battlefields.

th hehehe Se oe

T,\ DWARD BUTLER, an efficient and success-
] Ao ful agriculturist of Dubuque County, is as

fine a representative of that class of Irish-
men who have become thoroughly Americanized

and are in full sympathy with the institutions of

 

 

this country as can be found in eastern Iowa. He
is the owner of a valuable farm in Dubuque Town-
ship, but having retired from active labor, his sons
now have charge of the home place and superin-
tend its cultivation. Without means when he be-
gan his life work, his present property has been
gained through persevering and well directed ef-
forts.

The parents of our subject, James and Bridget
(Gleeson) Butler, were natives of County Kil-
kenny, Ireland, where the mother died. In 1850
the father came to Americaand died at Shullsburg,
Wis., aged sixty-three years. Edward, who is the
only survivor of five children, was born in County
Kilkenny in 1826, and in childhood had very few
advantages, his time being devoted to agricultural
pursuits. Arriving at man’s estate, he resolved to
seek a home across the ocean, and accordingly
sailed from Liverpool in 1847, arriving in New
Orleans after a voyage of nine weeks. From that
city he took a river steamer up the Mississippi as
far as St. Louis, where he stopped for three weeks.

From St. Louis Mr. Butler proceeded to Du-
buque, and in this county he hired out in the har-
vest field by the day and month. It was about
that time that the country was thrown into the
greatest excitement by the discovery of gold in
California, and thousands were seeking the El
Dorado of the New World. He was one of the
number who in 1851 went overland to the Pacific
coast. The trip consumed several months, and was
one long to be remembered for its hardships and
suffering. After having spent eighteen months in
California, Mr. Butler returned via the Isthmus of
Panama and New Orleans to Dubuque.

Shortly after his return from the west our sub-
ject bought an eighty-acre tract in Center Town-
ship, Dubuque County, which he sold one year
later. He then rented a farm near his present
home, and still later bought the valuable property
on which he now lives. As before stated, he has
practically retired from farm work and his land is
tilled by his energetic and industrious sons. He -
is independent in politics, inasmuch as he always

_ votes for the man whom he deems best qualified to

represent the people.
Previous to going to California Mr. Butler was
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

223

 

united in marriage, July 2, 1850, with Miss Eliza-
beth Fisher, a native of Dubuque County, and
daughter of John and Susan Fisher. There have
been born unto them ten children, of whom seven
are living, as follows: Edward, Jr., William, Mary,
Henry, George, Dennis and Aggie. George and
Mary are married, and the former has three chil-
dren, and the latter eight.

 

KEEEEEEEEE EEE E EE EEE EEE EEE NO

OHN BOMACKE, a prosperous general agri-
culturist and horticulturist of Jefferson
Township, Dubuque County, Iowa, was born
in Hanover, Germany, December 4, 1830. He

is the son of Jacob Bomacke, who was a tailor for
the French army during the Revolutionary War
of 1816. Our subject emigrated to the United
States in the year 1845, and landed at Baltimore,
Md., a stranger in a strange land. He remained
but a short time in that city when he mustered up
sufficient courage to venture out in the then wild
west; he left on a canal boat headed for St. Louis,
deciding to make the better or worse of his ven-
ture. St. Louis proving no more satisfactory than
Baltimore, he left for Dubuque, Iowa, but re-
mained here only a short time when he went on
to Jefferson Township, in the same county, there
hiring out toa brother-in-law and receiving a very
small compensation for his services.

It was about this time that the California gold
fever was the predominating topic of the day, and
by carefully saving his hard earned wages, our
subject was enabled to venture with many others
into the “Land of Gold.’’ April 4, 1849, he com-
menced his search for that precious metal, remain-
ing at this occupation until 1852, when he gave
up mining and visited New York City, stopping
there but six days; then returning to Dubuque he
there bought four hundred and eighty acres of
fand. This he improved, but as there was more land
than he could conveniently handle, he disposed of
all except the one hundred and sixty-three acres
on which he now resides.

The marriage of Mr. Bomacke was celebrated

 

May 12,1853, when he took Miss Josephine Wook
for his companion for life. She is the daughter of
one of the oldest settlers in this county. Our sub-
ject and his wife have had the following children:
John, Martha, Mary, Anna, Sarah, Charles H., Max
M., Edward, Clara, Frank and Louis A.

Our subject. was Trustee of Jefferson Township
for ten years, Supervisor for one year and School
Director for one year. He is an ardent member
of the Catholic Church and is noted for his gen-
erosity, as he has donated quite liberally toward
the erection of several churches. In his political
belief, he is a Democrat in National issues, but is
independent in local politics. He has been an in-
cumbent of one or more township offices for over
ten years. In business and public work earnest,
upright, faithful and energetic, our subject has not
only won financial success and gained a compe-
tence, but has secured the universal esteem and
confidence of his fellow-citizens.

ON. DENNIS NELSON COOLEY, de-
Hh ceased, was a man endowed with courage,
endurance, a clear head and a large heart.

He sprang from one of the oldest and best New
England families, dating bis paternal ancestry
back to the advent of the first Scotch Protestants
in this country. His grandfather, Aaron Cooley,
was a Major in the Revolutionary War. His ma-
ternal ancestors were French-English, and were
noted for their courage, manliness and undying
adherence to principle. Sprung from such sturdy
stock, Mr. Cooley began life equipped for its bat-
tles by his priceless inheritance. Left fatherless
at two years of age, his early life was one of pri-
vation, but obstacles were overcome by energy,
and hardships were cheerfully met. The New Eng-
land fireside, hillside and schoolhouse furnished
him his education, and when he began work on
the farm he won from nature her secrets, and
gained for his future, habits of industry, self-reli-
ance and perseverance. Ambitious for a broader
field of action, and cherishing the hope of becom-
224

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ing a lawyer, he worked and gained both time and
money, until 1844 found him equal to the exam-
ination for West Point, an appointment which he
received but declined. He was also ready for
Dartmouth College, with money enough saved to
enter business, and a surplus to buy a private law
library. By working days and studying nights he
fitted himself for his chosen profession, and pre-
vious to his admission to the Bar he held various
positions of trust, early showing those diversified
talents in political life, social and intellectual in-
tercourse, which have marked him already in his
professional and commercial relations. In 1852 he
came to Iowa, then a trackless prairie, and the bat-
tle of life, entered upon among the rugged New
England hills, was then waged on the broad prai-
ries. He won success, not by chance, but because
his plans of action were carried out with wise fore-
sight and unflagging endeavor. He always took
his stand and held it on a political question or a
religious belief, never leaving his position to con-
jecture. His patriotism was ever too ardent to
lend its ear to the voice of mere policy. He wasa
stanch Republican, but conceded to others the rigbt
of opinion. His judgment, strengthened and en-
lightened by close attention to questions of the day,
his love of study, his close application during years
of public trust to questions of finance, legislation,
social and religious life, his ability to logically up-
hold the views which he believed sound, his clear
perception and expression of thought, marked him
as a conversationalist of rare power. His knowl-
edge of men and the world, gained by wide travel
and life filled with opportunities of mingling with
the world’s best minds, together with a personal
magnetism of exceptional strength, made him a
friend of rich and poor alike, and he is mourned
by countless hearts who have been cheered or
helped by his sympathy or bounty.

A lawyer, by birth and profession, Mr. Cooley
attained distinction in the business world as a
capitalist and banker, and in public life as Commis-
sioner to South Carolina, Commissioner of Indian
Affairs and as State Senator for Iowa, being most
prominent politically for many years. In educa-
tional matters one of the foremost men in Iowa,
giving unstintedly of his wealth, he was also a

 

generous giver to the church, and was its repre-
sentative in many positions of power and honor.
A Christian gentleman, peerless in his purity, un-
sullied in his reputation, his daily life adorned his
profession and was without reproach. As a man
of broad, liberal culture, a model representative of
that class of solid and progressive men to which
he pre-eminently belonged, Judge Cooley left be-
hind him a name to be revered, a career to serve
as a model for the many young men whose feet he
has turned into paths of usefulness. In religious
work, in the social world, in business centers and
along educational lines, he is greatly missed, for
he was prominent and helpful in all. His life has
that highest tribute due it, success, because it was
lived for others, because its whole tendency was
for good.

To his family Judge Cooley was idol and ideal.
For his children he devoted himself to the study
of everything that would foster and prosper their
best interests. He called his life well spent and
his duty well done only as he sought to render his
wife and children happy, and to make their lives
of brighter promise and more abundant fulfill-
ment. Were we to build his monument, the base
would be strong and deep, like his life purpose;
no frost could heave it, no tempest move; its shaft
would be like his life, beautiful, white, perfect.

Having spoken of the character of Mr. Cooley,
we wish to add some statistics. He was born in
Lisbon, Grafton County, N. H., November 7, 1825.
His grandfather, Aaron Cooley, who was a Major
in the Revolution, died at the age of ninety-one.
His Grandfather Taylor was employed in the same
war as a wagon boy when fourteen years of age.
He lived in Lisbon, N. H., to the advanced age of
ninety-seven, and was one of the few men who
voted for both Washington and Lincoln. When
fifteen years of age Judge Cooley left home, and
after studying in the Newbury Seminary of Ver-
mont, prepared for college. In 1850 he entered
the office of Hon. H. F. Stoughton, and after
studying law three years, was admitted to the Bar,
in 1854. In Dubuque he practiced as a member of
the firm of Samuels & Cooley; Cooley, Samuels &
Allison; Cooley. Blatchley & Adams and Cooley &
Eighmey. In 1864 he was appointed by President
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

225

 

 

Lincoln Commissioner to South Carolina, and at
the same time acted as special Commissioner to
settle titles and the right to possession of the city
of Charleston. In July, 1865, he was appointed
by President Johnson Commissioner of Indian Af-
fairs, and in September, 1866, resigned, and later
practiced law in Washington for eight years. For
twenty-one years he was President of the First
National Bank of Dubuque, and in 1873 was
elected on the Republican ticket in a Democratic
district as State Senator. The same year he was
appointed Commissioner to the Vienna Exposi-
tion. He was President of the Board of Cornell
College for many years, and was also President of
the Northwestern Agricultural and Mechanical As-
sociation. In September, 1850, he married Miss
Clara Aldrich, a lady of high attainments. They
had fourchildren. Clara became the wife of F. W.
Becker, of Chicago, and graduated at Cornell Col-
lege, Iowa; Minnie E., who was a student at Wel-
lesley and graduated at Vassar College, became the
wife of John F. Douglas, of New York City; Mary,
a Vassar graduate, became the wife of Charles
W. Bassett, of Pittsburg; and Harlan W., who
graduated from Yale College, is now an attor-
ney of Chicago. Judge Cooley passed away on the
13th of November, 1892, in New York City, and
the following address was delivered by Rev. Dr.
Ames, on the 15th of November, at New York:

“Twice I have sustained to Judge Cooley and
his family the relation of pastor. These periods
were separated by a long interval of years, very
critical and momentous years, during which char-
acter was maturing; the results of plans and pur-
poses were manifesting themselves, and life was
reaching its fruitage. The relation both in the pe-
riods and in the intervening interval was more
than official and formal. It involved a close ac-
quaintance with him and his family life. It has,
therefore, been thought appropriate that I should
undertake the responsibility of presenting to you
on this occasion an epitome of his character and
acts.

“ My acquaintance began when the stream of his
fortunes, after passing through straightened banks,
was beginning to widen into success, when the
studies, labors, self-denial and activity of his early

 

professional life were just commencing to reach
their reward in the promise of competence, posi-
tion and future prosperity; when the robust body
was in its ripest vigor and capable of enduring all
the strain which his energy and industry exacted
of it; when the daughters were in their earliest
childhood, the son yet unborn, the mother with
the arduous and responsible duties of parentage
exercising her care, her wisdom and her piety;
when the commencement was being made of that
family home which was thereafter to be the Mecca
toward which hearts and hopes might fondly turn;
and when many, if not the most, of his near rela-
tives were living. Since then, the changes which
are incident to family life, and constitute its
epochs, have occurred; the children are now wives
and husband; the relatives have been called to the
silent land; the home has been bereft, one by one,
of its inmates; the years of invalidism and sickness
have come; the mother sits in the sorrow and grief
of widowhood, and the husband has ceased from
the activities of earth. Finding him one of the
most influential of the laymen of the church over
which I was called to preside, and his family among
the controlling factors of its religious, intellectual,
social and financial life, my acquaintance with him
and them soon ripened into intimate contact and
friendship. From that time until now we have
ever been in mutual touch and correspondence
with each other.

“The first impression which Judge Cooley made
upon the minds of those who came into acquaint-
ance with him was that of his uncommon mental
vigor. He was thorough in whatever he undertook,
and formed his opinions always upon reason and
convictions. Up to the latest period he kept up
with the activities, literary and otherwise, of the
times. He was a critical observer of men, not at
all credulous, shrewd and discriminating, not
easily imposed upon, loving society, nothing of a
recluse, his travels frequent and wide, embracing
not only the various sections of ths, but extend-
ing to other countries as well. He was an enter-
taining companion, agreeable in conversation,
with broad views of men and things, able to con-~
vey his impressions accurately, and capable of
maintaining his opinions by argument. His activ-
226

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ity, industry and ability made him successful in
business. Whatever he touched throve. Any en-
terprise in which he engaged quickly felt his pres-
ence. He abhorred idleness, loved work, exacted
labor of all under his control, and soon put into
the channels of prosperity whatever he associated
himself with. In his profession as a lawyer, cases,
pleas, arguments; in his financial operations,
banks, quarries, mills, farms, stocks; in his church
relations, finances, music, the societies of the con-
gregation, all things were handled with masterly
ability, and were carried to a successful issue under
his skillful and energetic management.

“He was,I think, desirous of fame, eager for
the good opinion of others, and in an entirely le-
gitimate and proper way an aspirant for position.
He filled, therefore, various public offices, in every
one of which he served with credit to himself and
usefulness to others.

“ He received during the Civil War from Presi-
dent Lincoln a commission as Judge in South Car-
olina, with the particular view to the settlement
of claims to cotton, so important a factor at that
time to the operations of the war, a position in
which his legal requirements, his business talents,
his shrewdness in detecting fraud, his fertility of
resource in foiling the efforts of the designing and
hypocritical, were all put into valuable exercise.
He was at one time Secretary of the National Re-
publican Committee. Here his mastery of details,
his habits of order, his systematic exactitude, his
discernment of the currents of popular sentiment,
soon converted what had been a sinecure into a
center of intense zeal, earnestness and work, and
contributed largely to the favorable result that
followed. He was also appointed Commissioner of
Indian Affairs during the administration of Presi-
dent Johnson, and in this office showed the same
foresight, industry and capacity of talent as in
every other responsibility which he was asked to
assume. He was also elected to the State Senate
of Iowa, representing his district with such ability
as to be thought worthy, in the minds of many, of
political preferment still more exaltcd and re-
sponsible.

“ For many years of his later life he was Presi-
dent of the First National Bank of Dubuque, and

 

was engaged in I know not_how many enterprises,
exposing himself, I thought, to the risk of over-
exertion and to the detriment of his health, but
finding that busy employment without which his
mind and body could not be content.

“When his religious life began Iam not aware.
He was an influential office bearer in the church
at my first acquaintance, and continued such
throughout his days. The type of religious char-
acter which he represented was that of active
worker. Judge Cooley’s inclination and efforts
were always toward the practical side of things.
And to the church of which he was a member he
was ever and consistently loyal to the core, and
imbued his children with the same spirit. In
whatever could contribute to its growth or pro-
mote its interests, he took a leading part, and his
impression upon the congregation of Main Street,
Dubuque, has been deep and will be lasting. He
was honored by it with high official position, fill-
ing a place on most of the important committees,
and being prominent always in the work of pulpit
supply, the financial needs of the church, and in
whatever could help its intellectual and social influ-
ence. He was elected a delegate to the General
Conference at a critical juncture in the history of
the church, took an active part in the settlement
of some vexed questions, and was prominent in
the choice of those elected to the Episcopacy. He
was brought in contact with many of the most in-
fluential lay and clerical members of the denomi-
nation, and retained his fellowship and intercourse
with them to the close of his life.

“In his temperament Judge Cooley was very
sympathetic. His emotional nature was strong
and easily aroused. He responded very quickly
to whatever touched his feelings. Very often
during the services of the Sabbath the tears would
trickle down his cheeks, and he was a stimulating
and attentive hearer. His liberality was large and
generous whenever the cause seemed to him
worthy, and while in business matters he was wary
and circumspect, in whatever touched his feelings
he was kind, beneficent and open-handed. He was
a hospitable host, a warm friend, retaining his
friendships tenaciously. His purse was open to
the call of charity, and many have been the boun-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

227

 

 

tiful acts that have brightened clouded pathways
and comforted sorrowing hearts. For years he
has supported a professorship in Cornell College,
Towa, and in all public and private schemes of lib-
erality he has borne a conspicuous place.

“ His family life has been one of ideal tender-
ness, truth and love. Between him and the part-
ner of his joys and sorrows was an identity, a har-
mony, a mutual trust, confidence and devotion
that blended two hearts into one and gave to the
common life the strength, the faith, the purity and
the power of both. His home was indeed a sanc-
tuary into which no breath of division, reserve or
discord penetrated; a holy shrine, sacred and se-
cluded, where the atmosphere was full of peace, of
confidence, of tranyuil bliss and of assured hope.
To his children he was the most devoted, self-sac-
rificing and tenderest of fathers. ‘I'o equip them
for the work and warfare of life, to surround them
with the most favorable conditions and circum-
stances, to furnish them with the most complete
education—traveling to Europe to see if in for-
eign lands were any opportunities beyond what
could be enjoyed here—this was the labor of his
waking hours and the dream of his nights. No
sacrifice was too great to make for their comfort
and happiness, and in all their studies, recreations,
plans for life, inclinations for work, he was their
trusted counsellor, their ready sympathizer.

“The end has not been unexpected by those of
us who have known him well; the only surprise is
that of the strength of vitality, which so long re-
sisted the inroads of disease. For years past it
has been our apprehension that in some of his nu-
merous and exhausting journeys, where body and
mind were stretched to their utmost tension, the
demise would happen in absence from home.
Providence, which presides over our dying as
well as our lives, has chosen more kindly. In the
home of a loving daughter and son-in-law, with
the ever-devoted wife by his side, in the presence
of most of his children, with every comfort which
wealth could secure, affection suggest or skill de-
vise, clasping the hands of all and whispering
words of cheer while bidding tender farewells, he
has crossed the bar, and there was no moaning of
the tide as he passed. He was conscious of the in-

 

evitable and approaching end, and expressed his
readiness to meet it. Acknowledging mistakes
and errors, but confessing that in all he meant to
do the right and be the best that appeared to his
judgment, with trust in the unseen but ever pres-
ent Christ, he has passed away from earth. To
him, with his strong life, the act of dying must
have brought more than usual of natural dread.
But the radiance which in the last hours over-
spread his countenance and lit with golden light
the peaks as the sun went down hehind the curtain
of night, will be to the loved ones who saw it a
blessed memory that shall take away from his de-
parture all gloom and shadow and surround the
chamber of death with a glory that none but
Christ can give, and none can now take away.’’

EORGE SCHMITT, a prosperous and ener-
(YX getic agriculturist of Dubuque County, is
the owner of two hundred and twenty-
nine acres of laud in Center Township. He was
born in Alsace, France, June 17, 1836,and was the
son of John and Mary (Bon Lieu) Schmitt, also
natives of that country, where they received a good
education. The father was a carpenter and cabinet
maker by trade, serving an apprenticeship of sev-
eralyears. After becoming a thoroughly competent
workman he traveled in France, working at his
trade for four or five years, when he was married
and located in a village. He there was similarly
employed until emigrating to the United States in
the fall of 1846.

The parents of our subject owned a comfortable
farm in their native land, where all of their chil-
dren were born, namely: Mary A., the wife of
David Haggard; George, of this sketch; Joseph,
residing in this township, and Magdalena, the wife
of W. Lattner. Mr. and Mrs. Schmitt landed on
American shores after an ocean voyage of sixty-
five days, and after a stay of two months in St.
228

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

Louis made their way to Dubuque, this state.
The father then purchased eighty acres of land in
Center Township, for which he paid $1.20 per acre.
This he placed under good cultivation and made
his home until called hence in 1862. He was a de-
vout member of the Catholic Church and aided
very materially in the building of the first church
in Dubuque. In politics he was a strong Demo-
crat and at all times and on all occasions performed
every duty which he considered his obligation as
an American citizen.

The original of this sketch wasa lad of ten
years when he accompanied his parents to the
United States. With the exception of thirty-five
days when he attended school in this country, his
education was carried on in his native land in the
French tongue. He soon, however, gained a good
knowledge of the English language, which he speaks
altogether now.

Mr. Schmitt remained at home until a year after
attaining his majority, when he was married to
Miss Warriet, daughter of George and Frances
(Gahr) Bahl, and to them were born two sons: Ed-
ward G., who makes his home in Dubuque, and
Frank H., living in Fayette County, this state.
Mrs. Harriett Schmitt departed this life April 4,
1872, and the lady whom our subject chose as his
second wife was Miss Lucy, daughter of Andrew
and Ursuly Joos. Their union resulted in the birth
of nine children, namely: Otto, Mary, August,
Bernard, Adolph, George, Lillie, Emma and an in-
fant, Elvina.

After his first marriage Mr. Schmitt rented a
twenty-acre farm on shares, the seed for planting
and a yoke of oxen being furnished and he was to
receive one-half of the crops. He continued thus
until 1862, when he purchased eighty acres of un-
improved land, which forms a part of his present
beautiful estate in Center Township. He has been
more than ordinarily successful in his ventures,
and from time to time added to his tract until to-
day he is the proud possessor of two hundred and
twenty-nine broad and well cultivated acres.

In his religious faith, our subject follows in the
footsteps of his honored father and is a member of
the Catholic Church, while his good wife worships
with the Presbyterians. He is an ardent admirer of

 

Democratic principles, and when only twenty-four
years old was chosen Clerk of his township, which
position he filled acceptably for eight years. He was
also elected Township Assessor for seventeen years
in succession, and in 1882 was called upon to rep-
resent his county as Supervisor, being the incum-
bent of the office for six years. He faithfully dis-
charged every duty devolving upon him, and as a
public-spirited and progressive citizen, manifests a
deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare of
his community.

== eS

ATTHEW TSCHIRGI, who is now living

a retired life in Dubuque, enjoying a

rest which he has truly earned and richly

deserves, was born in Canton St. Gall, Switzer-

land, in October, 1824. His parents, Matthew and

Agahtha (Capirell) Tschirgi, were both natives of

the same country, and there spent their entire
lives.

In the public schools of Switzerland our subject
was educated, and in his father’s brewery learned
the brewing business, becoming thoroughly famil-
iar with it in all its departments. Having heard
much of the advantages and privileges afforded
young men in the New World, he determined to
test the truth of these reports on attaining his ma-
jority, and in 1845 crossed the ocean to New Or-
leans. He then worked on a steamer in order to
pay his passage to St. Louis, where he worked in a
brewery for two months. He then came up the
Mississippi to Dubuque, and established the first
brewery in the state of Iowa, conducting the same
until 1886, when he laid aside business cares and
retired to private life. He had a large trade, and
although he began operations on a small scale,
steadily increased his facilities to meet the grow-
ing demand.

Mr. Tschirgi was married in Dubuque in 1848,
Miss Catherine Zollicoffer becoming his wife. Her
father, George Zollicoffer, became one of the pio-
neer settlers of Dubuque, of 1834. In their family
were nine children, seven of whom are yet living,
 

HON. JAMES McCANN.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

231

 

 

five sons and two daughters: Matthew, who is
now President of the Dubuque Construction Com-
pany; John, who is Superintendent of the Du-
buque Milling Company; Katie, wife of Frank
Jaeger, a capitalist; Louisa, wife of Jacob Traut,
a merchant of this city; and George, Arnold and
Frank, who are all living in Wyoming. The mother
of this family isa member of the Lutheran Church.

In connection with his other interests, Mr. Tsch-
irgi has dealt to a considerable extent in real es-
tate and erected a great many residences. In
1873 he crossed the water to Vienna, and attended
the Brewers’ Convention, being sent as a delegate
by the United States Brewers’ Association. He
remained abroad for three months, during which
time he visited his old home in Switzerland. He
is now well advanced in years, but yet enjoys
good health, being well preserved both mentally
and physically. In politics he acts independently.

Ow
Doberdoderdocferdoods docdoodonis focooboge

(OYE?

©)
KS)

 

ON. JAMES McCANN, one of the best
known citizens of Dubuque, represents
his district in the State Legislature and
takes a prominent part in public and political af-
fairs, his name being inseparably connected with
the history of this community. He was born in
Treland on the 27th of August, 1840, and is a son
of Patrick McCann, who in 1845 came to America,

landing at New York City, whence he made his | -

way to Dubuque. His death occurred here in 1891,
at the advanced age of eighty-two years. His
wife, who bore the maiden name of Ellen Morgan,
is still living in Dubuque, and is now (1894) sev-
enty-five years of age.

Our subject was a child of only five summers
when with his parents he crossed the ocean and be-
came a resident of Dubuque, where the greater
part of his life has since been passed. He was ed-

7

all for eight years.

 

ucated in the common schools and at the age of
fifteen years began working on his father’s farm,
where was employed until twenty years of age,
but in 1860 he abandoned agricultural pursuits
and made an overland trip to Colorado, in the
hope of more rapidly acquiring wealth in that
state. He there engaged in gold mining for five
years, and for three years and a-half had charge
of the Smith & Parmalee gold mine. In 1865 he
returned to his old home and resumed farming,
which he successfully carried on until 1874. He
then opened an agricultural implement store and
was engaged in business along that linc for seven
years.

The official career of Mr. McCann began in 1881,
when he was elected Sheriff of Dubuque County,
and so ably did he discharge the duties of the of-
fice that he was four times re-elected, serving in
In 1889 he embarked in the
real-estate business, which he conducted for two
years. In 1891 he was elected on the Democratic
ticket to represent Dubuque County in the Twen-
ty-fourth General Assembly of Iowa. Two years
later he was re-elected, and is now serving as
State Representative with credit to himself and sat-

' isfaction to hisconstituents. He received the caucus
| nomination of his party for the office of Speaker
| of the House, but the Republicans being in the

majority he was defeated. He has taken quite a
prominent part in politics, and is recognized as
one of the leaders of the Democracy in Iowa, and is
now Chairman of the Congressional Committee of
the Third Congressional District. In the fall of
1892 he aided in the organization of the Excelsior
Brass Works, and was made President and General
Manager of the same, which position he held until
July 10, 1893, when he sold his interest in the en-
terprise.

On the 22d of February, 1865, occurred the
marriage of Mr. McCann and Miss Catherine A.
Dawson, of Dubuque, daughter of Nicholas Daw-
son, who is numbered among the honored pioneers
of this city in 1837. Mrs. McCann died April 22,
1893, leaving six children, three sons and three
daughters, James A.; Lucy M., who is now engaged
in teaching; Frank N., a contractor of Dubuque; ©
232

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

Charles V., Ruth and Stella. Mr. McCann is a
member of the Catholic Church, and with his
family resides at No. 1573 Main Street.

ELL H. CUSHING, proprietor of the
North Star Livery Stable, and a dealer

in undertaking goods of Dubuque, is a
native of this city, his birth having occurred
on the 29th of May, 1860. His father, James
Cushing, was a native of Massachusetts, and in
an early day came to Dubuque, where he is now
doing business as President of the Northwestern
Vinegar Company. His wife bore the maiden
name of Emma Masterman. The family was early
founded in America, and the grandfather of our
subject, Joshua Cushing, was a native of Massa-
chusetts.

The gentleman whose name heads this record

spent his boyhood days in his native city midst

play and work, and acquired his education in the
public schools. He began his business career in
his father’s employ in the vinegar works, and at
the age of twenty-two became a partner in the en-
terprise which was then carried on under the firm
name of James Cushing & Son. The connection
was continued for two years, after which our sub-
ject withdrew and embarked in the dairy business
on his own account, continuing the same for one
year. In 1885 we find him in Lincoln, Neb.,
where he established vinegar works, conducting
the same for two years, when, on account of ill
health, he sold out and returned to Dubuque.

In November, 1886, Mr. Cushing was once more
at home in his native city, and in December he
began business as proprietor of a livery stable,
which he has profitably conducted up to the pres-
ent time. His business has steadily increased, and
he now keeps on hand seven head of good horses
and a number of fineturnouts. As he always tries
to please his customers, and is straightforward and
honorable in all his dealings, he receives from the
public a liberal patronage which is well deserved.
In 1893 he also opened an undertaking establish-

 

ment, which is well equipped with the best goods
found in that line. He employs an expert under-
taker and owns a fine hearse.

Mr. Cushing was married on the 8th of May,
1884, the lady of his choice being Miss Belle Now-
lin, of Dubuque, daughter of James and Elizabeth
(Merrill) Nowlin, one of the early settlers of this
county. Three children grace their union, a son
and two daughters, Mary E., Mell H. and Martha.
The family has a pleasant home at No. 89 Seven-
teenth Street.

Mr. Cushing exercises his right of franchise in
support of the Republican party, and in the spring
of 1891 he was elected on an independent ticket
as Alderman of the Third Ward, overcoming the
usual Democratic majority of six hundred bya
majority of three hundred and eighty-one. This
fact certainly indicates his personal popularity and
the confidence and high regard reposed in him by
his fellow-townsmen. Socially, he is connected
with Julien Lodge No. 12, I. O. O. F., and with
Apollo Lodge, K. P.

OHN D. BUSH, deceased, was for some years
a well known resident of Dubuque. He was
born in Baltimore, Md., on the 14th of Feb-
ruary, 1802, and came from a noble and aris-
tocratic family of Austria. His father, Henry G.
Bush, was a native of Germany and at an early
day came to America, locating in Baltimore. In
that city the subject of this sketch was reared to
manhood, there making his home until eighteen
years of age when he went to Cincinnati and be-
gan working ina tannery. He had acquired his
education in a private school, where he studied
both English and German. After his removal to
Ohio he followed the tanner’s trade for a time,
but subsequently returned to Baltimore, where he
opened a livery stable and conducted business
along that line until 1833.
With the desire to try his fortune on the broad
prairies beyond the Mississippi, Mr. Bush then
emigrated westward and took up his residence in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

233

 

 

Dubuque, his home being in a log cabin, for the
city was then a mere hamlet and gave little evi-
dence of becoming one of the important commer-
cial centers of the west. Mr. Bush here established
atannery, which he carried on for a time and later
embarked in the pork-packing business, which he
conducted fora number of years, building up a
very extensive trade, which yielded to him an ex-
cellent income and made him one of the substan-
tial citizens of the community. In 1884, having
acquired a handsome competency, he laid aside
business cares and retired to private life.

In 1851 Mr. Bush married Miss Anna Mary
Myers, a native of Chambersburg, Pa., and daugh-
ter of Jobn Myers, who was born in Virginia.
Her mother, who bore the maiden name of Anna
Trout, was also a native of the Keystone State and
died in 1885 at the age of eighty-four years. Mrs.
Bush spent her childhood in Chambersburg and
there acquired her education. She comes of a fam-
ily of English origin which was founded in Vir-
ginia in an early day. Her ancestors there secured
a large tract of land and owned a number of slaves.
Mr. Myers, father of Mrs. Bush, came with his
family to the west in 1851 and took up his resi-
dence in Dubuque but was not long permitted to
enjoy his new home, his death occurring in Octo-
ber of that year. ‘To Mr.and Mrs. Bush were born
nine children, three sons and six daughters: Vir-
ginia E., now the wife of Howard Robinson, of
Cleveland; William F., who is located in Califor-
nia; Charles T.,a photographer of Dubuque; Anna
M., wife of John Utt, of Dyersville; John D., of
Sheridan, Wyo.; Adelia, wife of Benjamin Blanch-
ard, of Dubuque; Birdena E. and Susa Lucile, at
home, and Carrie May, deceased.

Mr. Bush took an active part in public affairs,
and the best interests of the community found in
him a friend. He was ever ready to give his sup-
port and aid to those enterprises calculated to
prove of public benefit and was long regarded asa
valued citizen of the community. In politics he
was a stanch supporter of the Democratic party
and its principles, and on that ticket was twice
elected Mayor of Dubuque and several times was a
member of the City Council. He was a man of
strong personality, firm in support of what he be-

 

lieved to be right, and possessed many excellencies
of character, which gained for him the high regard
of all with whom he was brought in contact. Dur-
ing his business career, as his financial resources

‘increased, he made judicious investments in real

estate and became the possessor of considerable
property. The last two years of his life were spent
in looking after his landed interests. He was a
self-made man, enterprising and industrious, and
his well directed efforts brought him prosperity.
His death occurred August 3, 1886, at the age of
eighty-four, and his loss was deeply mourned.
His widow and her younger children now reside
at No. 925 Julien Avenue. They are prominent
people of the community and well deserve men-
tion in the history of this county.

So >
.——

+

SS TEBE

connected with the business interests of

Dubuque, and is now the senior member
of the firm of Mink & Royce, wholesale dealers in
wood and coal of Dubuque. A native of the Em-
pire State, he was born in Oneida County, Janu-
ary 4, 1835. His parents, F. Valentine and Mary
A. (Yocum) Mink, were both natives of Germany,
and in an early day crossed the Atlantic and took
up their residence in New York.

Under the parental roof Mr. Mink of this sketch
was reared to manhood, and during his childhood
became familiar with all the duties of agricultural
life. He aided his father in the cultivation of the
home farm until twenty-two years of age, when he
left home and went to Pennsylvania. ‘Taking up
his residence in Montgomery County, he there
sought and secured employment in a rolling mill,
where he worked for three years. At the close of
the war he removed to East Dubuque, Ill., where
he made his home for a time and then went to
Wisconsin, settling in Grant County. He there
resumed farming, and for a quarter of a century
carried on agricultural pursuits. His land was
always highly cultivated and well improved, and
the neat appearance of his place indicated to the

FA MINK has since April, 1890, been
234

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

passerby the thrift and enterprise of the owner.
While in Wisconsin he also spent ten years of the
time in carrying on a store in Burton.

The year 1890 witnessed the arrival of Mr.
Mink in Dubuque.
took up his residence in this city, and formed a
partnership with Charles Leason in the line of
general merchandising. At the same time they
also began handling wood. Mr. Mink carried on
the mercantile establishment for two years and
then sold out, but his connection with the wood
and coal business has been continuous, and from
the beginning his trade has constantly increased.
In 1893 he handled four thousand cords of wood.
He has led a busy and useful life, but has yet
found time to faithfully perform his duties of cit-
izenship. He votes with the Democratic party.

The lady who bears the name of Mrs. Mink was
in her maidenhood Catherine Miller. She is a na-
tive of Germany and became the wife of our sub-
ject in 1857. By their union have been born
eight children, four sons and four daughters, but
George F., the second in order of birth, is now de-
ceased. The others are, William V., Elmer E.,
John Henry, Carrie, Minnie, Katie Amelia and
Addie Belle. They reside at No. 988 West Third
Street, where they have a pleasant and comforta-
ble home.

Jt
ur

LBERT GASSER is at the head of one of
oy the leading industries of Dubuque, being
engaged in the manufacture of paving and
building brick. He is one of the worthy citizens
that Germany has furnished to this community.
He was born in that country in 1845, and is a son
of Alois and Kate (Lindaur) Gasser, both of whom
were natives of Germany, and there spent their
entire lives.

In the days of his boyhood and youth the gen-
tleman whose name heads this record attended the
public schools, thus acquiring a good practical
education which fitted him for the duties of life.
When a young man of twenty years he determined

In the month of April he-

 

to seek a home and fortune beyond the Atlan-
tic, and in 1865 sailed for the United States.
The vessel] in which he took passage dropped
anchor in the harbor of New York, and he at
once made his way westward to Chicago, in
which city he remained for a year. On the expir-
ation of that period he came to Dubuque. This
was in 1867. Here he sought employment in the
Rohmberg distillery, with which he was connected
for a year and a-half, when he began working for
the Illinois Central Railroad Company, being em-
ployed in various positions with the road for three
years. In 1871 he entered the employ of the
Chicago, Dubuque & Minnesota, now the Milwau-
kee & ‘St. Paul Railroad Company, and his con-
nection with that road continued for a period of.
fourteen years. He was ever prompt and faithful
in the discharge of his duties, and hence his long
retention in the company’s service. Having in
the meantime acquired some capital, he at length
determined to engage in business for himself, and
in 1884 embarked in the manufacture of brick,
which enterprise he has successfully conducted up
to the present time. He now manufactures both
paving and building brick of a superior quality,
and in consequence receives a liberal patronage.
He now has a capacity of two millon brick per
year, and employment is given to some twenty-
five men. Mr. Gasser furnished the brick used in
the construction of the Dubuque County Court
House, the Norwegian Plow Works, the Bishop
Kennedy Building and many other important
business blocks and fine residences.

On the 17th of April, 1872, was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Gasser and Miss Lizzie Weinecke,
a daughter of Conrad Weinecke, one of the early
settlers of this city. They have a pleasant home
near the corner of Grandview Avenue and Dodge
Street, and their home has been blessed by the
presence of four children, Alois, Mattie, Lulu and
Jessie.

In his political views, Mr. Gasser is indepen-
dent, supporting the candidates whom he thinks
best qualified for office, regardless of party affilia-
tions. In connection with his other interests, he
aided in the organization of the Concentration
Ore Company of Dubuque, and of the East Du-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

235

 

 

buque Smelting Company. He is also a stock-
holder in the Dubuque Casket Company, also in
the Turbine Wheel and Mill Supply Company. He
takes an active interest in the work of public im-
provement and development, and does all in his
power toward forwarding the best interests of the
community, and is recognized as one of the repre-
sentative and valued citizens of Dubuque.

 

KOO
NOSO

OSEPH SCHEMMEL is another of the suc-
cessful and highly esteemed business men of
Dubuque County as well as one of its early
settlers. A native of Prussia, our subject

was born in Munster, Westphalia, December 8,
1826. He is the youngest in a family of six chil-
dren (of which five were boys) born to Theodore
and Elizabeth (Frederick) Schemmel. The father
was a woolen manufacturer and for many years
had a contract for manufacturing blankets for the
Prussian Government. In the year 1833, the peo-
ple in that part of the kingdom heard for the first
time of the great advantages to be found in the
New World, and in that year the father of dur
subject with his family set sail for America, being
the first family to come to this country from that
part of Prussia. After a voyage of more than six
weeks, they landed in Baltimore, from which place
they crossed the Allegheny Mountains by teams to
Pittsburgh, thence came down the Ohio River to
Wheeling and on to Cincinnati, Ohio, finally set-
tling onasmall farm in Mercer County. They there
lived happily together until the mother passed
away in 1838, the father following her a year later.

On the farm above mentioned, Joseph Schemmel
spent his early life in helping to clear the home
farm, at the same time striving to obtain such edu-
cation as was to be had in the primitive schools of
the day. After the death of his parents he went
to Hamilton, Ohio, where his brothers, Henry and
Anthony, had established themselves in the woolen
manufacturing business. Here he remained until
1846, and in April of that year came to Iowa, his
brother Henry having preceded him a year, where

 

he had commenced building a woolen factory on the
site ef the present mill, now owned by Mr. Schem-
mel, not far from the town of New Vieuna, this
county. A partnership was formed under the name
of Schemmel Bros., Henry, Anthony, Chris-
topher and Joseph constituting the firm. This
company built and operated a mill for the: manu-
facture of woolen goods. In the year 1848 a sad
accident occurred which resulted in the death of
Christopher, and in April, 1855, the brother Henry
died.

After various changes from time to time, our
subject purchased the entire plant in 1868, since
which time he has been the sole proprietor. In
1865, he in company with other parties bought the
four mills at Dyersville of which he also became
the sole proprietor in 1887. Since the year 1846,
he has been located in New Wine Township, where
he was for fifteen years Postmaster, the office being
at his mill before the town, New Vienna,was started.
He has been honored by his fellow-citizens with the
gift of the office of Justice of the Peace and also
that of Township Commissioner besides many other
minor positions, the duties of which he conscien-
tiously and faithfully discharged to the satisfaction
of all his constituents. In 1890 he was clected to
a three years’ term on the Board of County Super-
visors. Mr. Schemmel has met with marked suc-
cess in all his financial undertakings, and no man
in Dubuque County is more highly estimated.

Miss Elizabeth Wente, a native of Oldenburg,
Germany, was the chosen life companion of Mr.
Schemmel, the marriage ceremony taking place Au-
gust 17, 1852. This union has been productive of ten
children, seven boys and three girls,a family of
which they are justly proud and which is sketched
as follows: Mary is the wife of Clemens Rahe, one
of the wealthiest farmers in the locality of Dyers-
ville, where they now make their home. Henry is
an eminent stockman at Granville, Iowa. William
is engaged in the grain business at Dyersville; An-
thony is a Catholic priest, educated by his father
for the priesthood at St. Vincent’s College of West-
moreland, Pa., and also at St. Francis’ of Milwaukee,
Wis., and was ordained in July, 1889, after which
he was stationed at St. Mary’s Church at Dubuque.
He now has charge of the church at Bancroft, Iowa,
236

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

Frank is a member of the firm of Schemmel Bros.,
stock dealers of Granville, Iowa. Barnard mar-
ried Miss Mary Ferreng, daughter of Peter Ferreng,
of Dubuque, and is now operating a flour mill at
Dyersville in connection with his brother Joseph.
Clemence and Annie, who are both unmarried, re-
‘side with their brother, Father Anthony Schemmel,
of Bancroft. Joseph, as above stated, is in business
with his brother at Dyersville. Clementina, the
youngest, is a young lady living at home.
Commencing life for himself with no capital but
his own energies, working for $8 per month, he
has a mark that might well be emulated by the ris-
ing generation. Honest to a fault, upright in all
his dealings, such a character the people of this
county point to in the person of Joseph Schemmel.
In politics he is a stanch Democrat.

T,% VAN E. JONES is one of the leading con-
[9 tractors and builders of Dubuque. He oc-

cupies a prominent position in business
circles and is now President of the Dubuque Ore
Concentration Company. A native of Wales, he
was born on a farm in Glamorganshire on the lst
of February, 1842, and is the son of Evan Jones,
who was born in South Wales. He was somewhat
of a poet,as was the lady who became his wife,
Miss Margaret Thomas. He was a proprietor of
the Cardiff Mills and also a veterinary surgeon.
His death occurred in his native land.

Mr. Jones, whose name heads this record, spent
the greater part of his boyhood days in Bristol
and in London, England, and was educated in
Eagle Academy of South Wales, where he attended
school until thirteen years of age. At that time
he started out in life for himself and has since
been dependent upon his own resources, so that
whatever success he has achieved is due entirely
to his own efforts. His life has been a busy and
useful one and has been well spent. When a youth
of fifteen he was apprenticed to learn the carpen-
ter’s trade and served for a term of seven years,
during which time he mastered the business in

 

 

every particular, becoming an expert workman.
He then started out to work his way through the
world and was employed as a journeyman in vari-
ous places, traveling through France, Germany,
Holland and Belgium as well as England. The
New World also attracted him and he determined
to try his fortune beyond the Atlantic. In Sep-
tember, 1865, he sailed for America and when an-
chor was dropped in the harbor of New York, he
landed in that city and soon sought and obtained
a position in Brooklyn. His excellent workman-
ship was soon recognized and he was made super-
intendent in a large contracting establishment,
which position he filled for some time in a most
acceptable manner. Later he went to Albany,
N. Y., but remained there only four months, after
which he removed to Ohio, and spent two years
working at his trade in Youngstown. His next
place of residence was in Allegheny City, Pa.,
where he commenced business for himsclf as a
manufacturer of sash, doors and blinds, forming a
partnership with Messrs. Buchanan, McKinzie &
Logan, under the firm name of the Davis Milling
Company. This connection was continued for
eighteen months, when the factory was destroyed
by fire.

Mr. Jones next went to Springfield, Mass., where
for one year he worked in a paper mull, and in
1869 came to Dubuque, where he worked at his
trade for a number of years. For one year he was
associated in business with J. J. Grigg, under the
firm style of Grigg & Jones, but since that time
has been alone and has conducted business contin-
uously since as a contractor and carpenter. His
fine work may be seen on all sides and many of
the best residences and business blocks of this city
stand as monuments to his thrift and enterprise.

September 1, 1863, Mr. Jones wedded Miss Jane
Tassell, a native of England and a daughter of
James Tassell. To them have been born eleven
children, five sons and six daughters, who in or-
der of birth are as follows: Gomer J., Kate, Mar-
garet, C. John, Lizzie, Amy, Evan, Edward, Bar-
bara, Maud and Harry, all living.

In connection with his business interests already
mentioned, Mr. Jones is at the head of other enter-
prises. He was one of the organizers of the Du-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRATHICAL RECORD.

237

 

 

buque Ore Concentration Company, and is now
serving as its President. He also aided in the or-
ganization of the Dubuque Turbine Wheel Com-
pany, of which he is a stockholder, and is a stock-
holder in the Dubuque Boot and Shoe Company
and the Dubuque Wooden Ware Company. He
carries forward to a successful completion what-
ever he undertakes, undeterred by the difficulties
or obstacles which may arise, and therefore the en-
terprises with which he is connected prove profit-
able investments. His industry, perseverance and
good management have brought him prosperity,
and the handsome competence which he now pos-
‘sesses is the just reward of his labors.
an active part in the work of public improvement
and is numbered among the leading citizens of the
community. Politically he is a Republican.

SS:

ORRANCE DIXON MYERS is a worthy
representative of the business interests of
Dubuque, occupying a prominent place in

commercial circles. He is President of the Dubuque
National Bank, and the senior member of the firm
of Myers, Tice & Co., wholesale dealers in cigars
and tobacco at No. 322 Main Street. He was born
on a farm within six miles of this city, November
8, 1841, and is a son of William and Susan L.
(Shannon) Myers. His father was born August
22, 1807, in New Madrid, Mo., where the paternal
grandfather of our subject had located in 1794,
at which time the territory belonged to Spain and
he purchased the land of a Spanish gentleman.
When William Myers was eighteen years of age
he was employed by the American Fur Company,
John J. Astor being the principal owner. He con-
tinued his connection with it until 1833, with
headquarters at Kansas City, Mo. In 1832 he mar-
ried Susan L. Shannon, daughter of William Shan-
non, a time honored citizen of Missouri. She was
born at St.Genevieve, Mo. In 1833 Mr. Myers came
with his wife to Dubuque County, and embarked in
general merchandising on Main Street. In 1836 he
purchased a farm to which he removed his family,

He takes’

 

and in course of time transformed the wild land into
rich and fertile fields, making the place one of the
desirable farms of Dubuque County. There Mr.
Myers spent his remaining days, his death occurring
January 27,1884. In early life he was a Whig
and afterwards a Democrat. His wife, who was
born October 12, 1812, died in Dubuque, Septem-
ber 14, 1890.

D. D. Myers, whose name heads this record, was
reared amid the wild scenes of the frontier and
with the family shared in the hardships and trials
of pioneer life. He was also early inured to the
arduous task of developing a new farm. His ed-
ucation was commenced in the country schools,
after which he went to Pennsylvania, and in 1856
attended school in Cresson Station. After his re-
turn home he worked on the farm for two years,
In January, 1860, he came to Dubuque, and en-
tered the Treasurer’s office under William G.
Stewart, in whose employ he remained until 1863.
In that year he accepted a position in the master
mechanic’s office of the Dubuque & Sioux City Rail-
road, where he was employed until March, 1867.
In April following he embarked in business on his
own account as a manufacturer of fine cut, chew-
ing and smoking tobacco, as a member of the firm
of Amrington, Myers & Co. That connection con-
tinued until 1870, when the present firm of Myers,
Tice & Co. was formed, as wholesale dealers in to-
bacco. This is the leading firm of the kind in Du-
buque and they do an extensive and constantly
increasing business. They employ ten men upon
the road to represent the house in Iowa, Illinois,
Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Dakota, and from
this section of the country they receive a liberal
patronage, which is well deserved.

With many other business interests Mr. Myers
has also been identified, and his connection there-
with has aided materially in the growth and _ pros-
perity of the city. He was one of the organizers
of the Dubuque National Bank, served as director
for some time and on the retirement of B. B. Rich-
ards succeeded to the presidency, which position
he now fills. He is also a stockholder and director
of the Cascade Bank of Cascade, Iowa, a director
of the German State Bank of Dyersville, Iowa, of
the State Bank of Onawa, Iowa, and a stockholder
238

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

in the Sheldon Bank of Sheldon, Iowa. He was
one of the promoters and directors of the High
Wagon Bridge, spanning the Mississippi at Du-
buque, which has proved of great success, and is
of substantial benefit to the business interests of
the city. For two years he served as President of
the bridge company. He is also a director of the
Dubuque Harness & Saddle Company, of the Fire
& Marine Insurance Company of Dubuque, and of
the City Gas Company.

On the 17th of May, 1865, Mr. Myers married
Miss Matilda Pratt, a native of Missouri, and a
daughter of Rosamond Pratt, of Missouri. They
now have eight children, four sons and four
daughters. Their home is a commodious residence
at No. 1513 Main Street. In his political views
Mr. Myers is a Democrat and he takes an active in-
terest in local, state and national politics. He is
now serving as Chairman of the Demoeratic Cen-
tral Committee. Through the legitimate channels
of business he has achieved a success which has
brought him a handsome competence. He is en-
terprising and industrious, sagacious and far-sight-
ed and these characteristics have been the leading
factors in his success.

Foofoofecde cha cfocfonde cfonfeofeogs fo odocfoeds

©. ©)

merly one of the prominent farmers of
Jones County, is now enjoying the com-
forts of life in retirement from the hard labors by
which he developed one of the finest farms for
which this locality is noted. It comprises two
hundred acres, located on sections 17 and 20,
Wayne Township, and bears all the improvements
which are usually found upon first-class estates.
Mr. Hayes was born in Allegany County, N. Y.,
April 4, 1829, and is the son of Richard Hayes, a
native of Connecticut, being born in the town of
Haddam, near Hartford. He was in early life a
farmer, but afterward engaged in mercantile pur-
suits, and for many years owned a good establish-

| OBERT R. HAYES. This gentleman, for-

 

ment in Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties, N. Y.
He later removed with his family to Michigan,
and died in Hillsdale in 1862. The lady to whom
he was married was known in her maidenhood as
Miss Harriet Bebee. She was also born in Con-
necticut, and was the daughter of Mr. Bebee.
Mrs. Hayes departed this life in Rushford, N. Y.,
after having become the mother of four children.

Our subject was the youngest member of the pa-
rental family, only two of whom are now living,
his brother being Lord W., and is at-present resid-
ing in Wellsville, N. Y. Robert R. passed his
school days in Rushford, attending both the com-
mon and select schools, and when only sixteen
years of age began teaching. Mr. Hayes located
in this county in the year 1863, and was immedi-
ately engaged to teach school, following that oc-
cupation with great success until 1880, when he
abandoned it in order to engage in farm pursuits.
While in his native state he served as County Su-
perintendent of Schools for several terms, during
which time he exerted a marked influence in ad-
vancing the standard of ‘scholarship.

Soon after coming to this county Mr. Hayes pur-
chased a farm in Wayne Township, which he still
owns. He also owns three other good estates in
different parts of the county, and is regarded as
one of the largest land owners and most substan-
tial citizens within its bounds. He is very genial
and social in manners, which make him very. pop-
ular, and his generous and deep interest in all
that concerns the public weal has done much to
promote the prosperity of the community.

Robert R. Hayes was married January 14, 1851,
to Miss Harriet, daughter of Luman and Sophro-
na (Chapin) Annis. Their union has been blessed
by the birth of five children, only one of whom is
deceased, namely, William A., who died June 18,
1892. The other members of the family are John
R., a retired farmer; Ellen, the wife of Homer H.
Meade, whoresides in Woodbury County, this state;
Mary A., who married John C. McBride, a farmer
of Wayne Township; and Hattie, now Mrs. Addi-
son Potter, living in Los Angeles, Cal.

In his political relations Mr. Hayes is a stanch
Republican, and cast bis first vote for John C.
Fremont. His fellow-citizens have recognized his
 

NICHOLAS BRAY, M. D.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

241

 

 

executive ability and placed him on the School
Board, where he rendered valuable service for
many terms. In September, 1893, our subject
moved with his family into Anamosa, where they
occupy a comfortable residence and are numbered
among its best citizens. With his wife he-is an
active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
with which he has been connected for many years.

7X08

and physician of Dubuque, is one of the

worthy citizens that the Buckeye State has
furnished to Iowa. He was born in Bellefontaine,
Logan County, on the Ist of September, 1854, and
isa son of James and Mary (Laughlin) Bray, both
of whom were natives of Ireland. In that coun-
try they were reared and married, and when the
father was twenty-seven years of age he emigrated
with his wife to the New World. His business was
that of a contractor and builder. He was aman of
pronounced views, fearless in support of his opin-
ions, and the cause which he championed always
found in him an able advocate. He _ believed-
strongly in abolition, and in his political views
was a stanch Democrat. He constructed the rail-
road from Cleveland to Cincinnati (now known
as the Big Four), and afterward engaged in farm-
ing in Logan County, Ohio, where he carried on
agricultural pursuits for some years. His last days,
however, were passed in Washington, Iowa, where
his death occurred in 1884.

The Doctor spent a portion of his boyhood in
Logan County, and there acquired a knowledge of
farming and rail-splitting and other labors inci-
dent to the life of an agriculturist. The district
schools afforded him his early educational privi-
leges. He was a studious lad and at the age of
nine years he had finished Ray’s Arithmetic, be-
ing a splendid mathematician. When a youth of
twelve summers he accompanied his parents on
their removal to Washington, Washington Coun-
ty, Iowa, the family locating on a farm, where he
again attended the common schools until eighteen

IN aan BRAY, M. D., oculist, aurist

 

years of age. He.then becamea student in aselect
school in Washington, conducted by Professor Mc-
Kee, a Presbyterian minister who is still living in
that place, being now employed as one of the
teachers in the Washington Academy. At the age
of twenty he entered the new academy in Wash-
ington, where he pursued a classical course of
study for two years. He then went to Buffalo,
N. Y., where he spent one year in the German
College, obtaining a thorough knowledge of the
German language. Returning to Washington
Academy he was graduated with honor from that

-institution in the Class of ’79, his standing in

languages and mathematics being particularly high.

Previous to this time Dr. Bray had engaged in
teaching school for three winters in order to de-
fray his expenses. After his graduation he ac-
cepted a position as Principal of the public schools
in Fidelity, Jersey County, Ill., where he remained
for two years. He then went to St. Louis, and
became a student under Dr. Gregory, of-that city.
In 1881 he began reading medicine with Dr. A.
Bodkin, of Fidelity, Ill., and under his direction
made rapid progress in his studies. During that
time he was nominated for the position of County
Superintendent of Schools of Jersey County, but
was defeated by a very small majority. In 1882
he entered the medical department of the Univer-
sity of Iowa, from which institution he was grad-
uated in 1885. He paid his tuition and all other
expenses with money which he had previously
earned and may therefore truly be called a self-
educated man.

On the 10th of May, 1885, Dr. Bray opened an
office in Dubuque over the Second National Bank,
and embarked in general practice, which he con-
ducted for seven years with marked success. In
1891 and 1892 he took a special course of study
in the Chicago Ophthalmic College, and in May,
18938, began practice as an oculist and aurist. He
has rapidly gained a reputation for skill and ability
along these special lines and is now enjoying a most
excellent business, which yields to him a good in-
come. He is a member of the State Homeopathic
Medical Society of Iowa, and of the American In-
stitute of Homeopathy. Although he began read-
ing as a student of the old school, he now an
242

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

carnest exponent of homeopathy and is one of
the able practitioners in that branch of the profes-
sion in the Hawkeye State. He is now publishing
a volume entitled the “Missing Link,’’ a work on
Materia Medica which will present a single remedy
system and is entirely for use in the profession.
It isa key to the entire system of homeopathy.
In January, 1892, in Chicago he delivered a very
able and interesting lecture on the “Differentia-
tion of the Schools of Medicine.’’

In his political views Dr. Bray is a stalwart
Democrat. He is a genial and affable gentleman

and his pleasant manner and many excellent qual- ~

ities have gained him the confidence and respect
of all with whom he has been brought in contact,
and in the community where he makes his home
his friends are many. :

+k Ke

.

EV. WILLIAM OTIS RUSTON, D.D. The
R powerful influence for good which is ex-
erted by the clergy has been supplemented
by the untiring efforts of the honored pastor of
the First Presbyterian Church of Dubuque. Dr.
Ruston was born in the city of New York on the
6th of December, 1852, and isason of Rev. John
Ruston, a native of England, who came to the
United States in 1841. For forty years he was
connected with the New York City Mission and
was thus engaged at the time of his death in 1886.
The first marriage of Rev. John Ruston occurred
in 1834 and united him with Miss Martha Ed-
wards, who died shortly after their arrival in New
York. In 1850 he married Miss Mary Otis Her-
ring, a native of Massachusetts and of English de-
scent, her ancestors having come to New England
in an early day. There were born of the two mar-
riages six children who reached mature years, and
of that number four are yet living, William Otis
being the youngest. He was reared to manhood
under the parental roof and acquired his educa-
tion in the public schools of New York City and
in the College of the City of New York, from
which he graduated in 1872.
Having decided to enter the ministry, he became

é

 

a student in the Union Theological Seminary of
New York City, graduating from that institution
in the Class of '75. He was ordained October 5,
1875, and accepting his first charge, became pastor
of the Presbyterian Church of Fairmount, N. J.
Later he went to West Union, Iowa, and was pas-
tor of the Bethel Presbyterian Church for nine
years. On the 17th of February, 1886, he came
to Dubuque and has since had charge of the First
Presbyterian Church of this city. The year of his
arrival in this city the degree of Doctor of Divin-
ity was conferred upon him.

On the 5th of October, 1876, Dr. Ruston was
united in marriage with Miss Mary Wood Crater,
daughter of David Crater, Esq., of Fairmount,
N.J. Two children blessed the home, of whom the
elder, Silas O., died in infancy; the younger, John
A., is attending the high school of Dubuque. Dr.
Ruston has served as a Director of Lenox College
since 1886 and has been President of the Board
for the last six years. Since 1882 he has been
stated clerk of the Dubuque Presbytery. In the
cause of education he takes a warm interest and
does all in his power to advance its welfare. He
is now Vice-President of the Board of Directors
of the German Presbyterian Theological School of
the Northwest in Dubuque, and a member of the
Board of Directors of the McCormick Theological
Seminary of Chicago, also a member of the Board
of Aid for Colleges and Academies under the Gen-
eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church. He has
taught many branches in the theological seminary
and has several times been offered the presidency
and professorships in different colleges, but bas in-
variably refused to accept the honor.

In behalf of any enterprise that he believes will
prove of public benefit Dr. Ruston is an untiring
worker. An able and fluent writer, he has con-
tributed many articles to religious papers and pe-
riodicals. Among his published volumes are “A
History of the Presbyterian Church of Fairmount”
and “A History of the Presbytery of Dubuque.”
He is connected with a paper called “Our German
Work,”’ issued in the interest of the German Pres-
byterian Theological Seminary. He has made a
special study of the problem of the evangelization
of the foreigner in our land, particularly those of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

243

 

 

German extraction, and in 1889, as chairman of a
special committee, presented to the General Assem-
bly an exhaustive report on the subject, which
aroused great enthusiasm and has been widely
commented on. As a speaker he is earnest, interest-
ing and eloquent, and his labors have been very
effective during his eight years’ pastorate in Du-
buque. By the people of his own church and of
other denominations he is highly esteemed, and
has made many warm friends in Dubuque.

2B OK 6

ty numbers among her honored citizens

and industrious farmers many sons of
Germany, and to them is due in no small degree
the development of this region. For many years
the subject of this sketch has been identified with
the history and growth of New Wine Township.
He was born July 11, 1839, in Munster, Westphalia,
Germany, and was the son of Henry Kortenkamp,
Sr., who lived and died in his native land. Our
subject learned the trade of brickmaker in the Fa-
therland, at which occupation he worked for some
time. Like all young men of his country he was
obliged to enter the German army and serve as a
soldier; this he did for three and a-half years, par-
ticipating in the war between Prussia and Den-
mark, and undergoing all the hardships and priva-
tions of a soldier’s life.

Mr. Kortenkamp emigrated to America in 1865,
and in the same year settled in Dubuque County
on the farm he now occupies.
limited means when he arrived in this country,
but to-day he is one of the leading and wealthy
farmers of the township. He owns a two hundred
acre farm, well improved and all under a high
state of cultivation.

April 17, 1866, our subject was married to Miss
Josephine Schermer, who was of German ancestry,
but a native of South Carolina. The following chil-
dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Kortenkamp,
Dorothea, deceased; Anthony, Henry, Simon, Ger-
trude, Anna, Josephine, Joseph and August, de-

tH ENRY KORTENKAMP. Dubuque Coun-

He was a man of.

 

ceased. Our subject is a brother of the late Father
Kortenkamp, one of the most able and popular
Catholic priests of Iowa. Under his pastorate the
large church of Dyersville was built, the finest
Catholic Church in the state of Iowa. Father
Kortenkamp was educated for the holy priest-
hood in the Old Country, and came to the United
States in 1859, and to Dubuque in the same year,
and was ordained for the ministry in that city in
1861. He passed away September 14, 1889, soon
after his church was completed. Our subject has
been a Democrat all his life but never aspired to
any political office, being content to remain quietly
at home attending to his farm duties. He has
been very successful: in his agricultural pursuits
and has accumulated a large share of this world’s
goods. In religion Mr. Kortenkamp is a Catholic,
asare allof his family. He is well known and
highly respected in the community in which he
lives.

EO.

HRISTOPHER SCHROMEN is a wide-
VY, awake business man now owner of the
Dubuque Show Case Works. He was born
in the city which is still hishome, August 10, 1869,
and is a son of Nicholas Schromen, a native of
Germany, who on leaving the Fatherland emi-
grated to the New World and became one of the
early settlers of this community. He was united
in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Grossbush, also a
native of Germany, who is now living in Dubuque
at the age of sixty-five years.

No event of special importance occurred during
the childhood of our subject, who spent his boy-
hood days midst play and work and was reared to
manhood under the parental roof. In the public
schools he acquired his education and he is now a
wellinformed man. He entered upon his present
line of business in 1890, at which time he bought
of the estate the business of John Hess for the
manufacture of show cases. Mr. Schromen as-
sumed full control of the business which he has
conducted continuously since. He manufactures
show cases of all kinds and descriptions, and has
244

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

built up a large business, shipping quite exten-
sively to the north and west and to all parts of the
Hawkeye State. He is also engaged in silvering
and re-silvering mirrors, and has furnished some
of the finest mirrors in this city, including the one
in the saloon owned by Arthur O’Malley, which is
the finest in Dubuque. He also furnished another
now used in the cigar store of Charles Donahue.
He is prepared to do all kinds of work along that
line and has already built up a good trade, which
is steadily increasing. His factory is 40x80 feet
and is two stories in height.

On the 21st of June, 1892, was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Schromen and Miss Jane Con-
nelly, a daughter of Owen Connelly of Dubuque.
One child graces their union, a son, Leroy. Both
Mr. and Mrs.- Schromen are members of the Cath-
olic Church, and they have a pleasent home on
Dodge Street. He is also connected with the
Modern Woodmen of America. His entire life has
been passed in Dubuque, and he is now recognized
as one of the substantial and representative young
business men of the city. All who know him es-
teem him highly for his sterling worth and strict
integrity, and he has a large circle of friends and
acquaintances in this community.

pi ae —___——_—F

AMUEL J. SOUTHWELL, a capitalist of
Dubuque, and the owner of zine mines, is
one of the worthy citizens that Ohio has

furnished to this community. He was born in
Cleveland, May 19, 1855, and is of English descent.
His father, John Southwell, was a native of Eng-
land, and crossing the Atlantic to the New World,
settled in Cleveland at an early day. He was
united in marriage with Martha Pepperday, also a
native of England, and they both now reside in
Dubuque. The father established the first cracker
factory west of Chicago, was actively identified
with the business interests of this city for many
years, and became one of the valued citizens of

 

the community. ‘The paternal grandfather of our
subject was John Southwell, and the maternal
grandfather, Willian Pepperday.

Mr. Southwell, whose name heads this record,
when a youth of sixteen entered the employ of
Giles Bros. & Co., to learn the jeweler’s trade.
He began the business on the Ist of May, 1871,
and remained with them foreleven years. He had
soon mastered the business in all its details and
was a trustworthy and faithful employe. He had
the entire respect and confidence of the firm and
remained with them until he was enabled to em-
bark in the business on hisown account. In 1882
he began the manufacture of jewelry and carried
on business along that line until 1889 with good
success. He then abandoned that enterprise and
built the first electric street railway of Dubuque.
He was instrumental in the organization of the
company which constructed the road known as the
Key City Electric Street Railway, and of that
company was elected Superintendent and Secre-
tary. The road was completed in 1889, and was
run under that management fora year when it
was sold out.

Mr. Southwell’s connection with the mining in-
terests began in 1875, and since that time he has
owned a greater or less amount of mining stock.
For several years he was associated in the business
with B. M. Harger. Later he entered into part-
nership with Joseph Trueb, under the firm name
of Trueb, Southwell & Co. The members of this
firm are now largely interested in mining property
and own some extensive and valuable mines, in-
cluding the largest zinc mine in this district, which
yields four bundred tons per month. This rich
deposit brings to the owners a handsome return.

Mr. Southwell was married May 10, 1883, the
lady of his choice being Miss Emma Smith, of Du-
buque, daughter of Joseph Smith, a pioneer settler
of this locality and a veteran of both the Mexican
and Civil Wars. ‘Two children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Southwell, a daughter and son, Mar-
tha Albertha and Miner J. The family reside at
No. 211 Alpine Street and are well known people
in this community, who occupy an enviable posi-
tion in social circles. Mr. Southwell belongs to
several civic societies, holding membership with
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

245

 

 

Metropolitan Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A.M.; Apollo
Lodge No. 41, K. of P.; and Ironwood Camp No.
81, M. W. A., of which he is a charter member.
Politically he is liberal in politics.

pep EEG aretoreteryats aenan

GNATZ SUMMER, a prominent business man
of Dyersville, Dubuque County, is the pro-
prietor of a large carriage and plow manufac-

tory; he also owns an extensive grocery store and is
Alderman of this city. He was born in the Tyrol,
Austria, December 10, 1845, and is the eighth child
in a family of fifteen; whose parents were Frank
Joseph and Barbara (Peter) Summer. The former
was a very prominent and wealthy citizen in his
native land, being engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness and being the owner of a hotel and large
landed estates. Upon the latter were extensive
hunting-grounds, where much of the proprietor’s
time was spent in hunting; he was accidentally
killed at one of these times by the discharge of a
gun.

The subject of this sketch had the advantage of
a good education. At the age of sixteen years he
went to Switzerland to perfect himself in fine paint-
ing. In that country he remained a greater part
of the time until he came to America in 1867,
The succeeding three years he spent in Dubuque,
where he was employed as a painter; then com-
ing to this place, he established himself in the
painting and decorating business. Success was his
from the time he landed in the United States and
be has never regretted his coming to this favored
country, as he has been prosperous in his various
undertakings. Some eighteen years ago he estab-
lished a carriage, wagon and plow factory, which
he has since operated successfully, turning out a
large number of vehicles in the course of the year
and employing a large force of men. In 1889 he
added the extensive store which he has since car-
ried on.

In 1869 Mr. Summer married Miss Gertrude T.
Kortenkamp, who died in 1884. Our subject was
again married, Miss Elizabeth Holscher bemg the

 

lady of his choice. She is the daughter of the late
Henry Holscher, who was one of the wealthiest
men in the locality, and for many years a promi-
nent merchant of this place. This union has been
blessed with four children: Henry, aged seven
years; Harry, four years; Ida, two years of age;
and Kuretta, two wecks old.

Of. our subject’s brothers we find that one,
George, is a large merchant and hotel keeper in his
native land; Leonard is an extensive brewer at
Fair Play, Colo.; Joseph is in the mining business
at the same place; John has a large farm at Steam-
boat Springs, some two hundred miles in the moun-
tains west of Denver, Colo.; Louis is in the liquor
business in Georgetown, Colo.; and Jacob is a
painter at New Vienna, Iowa. They haveall been
very prosperous, and in 1892 Mr. Summer took a
trip to Colorado to visit his brothers there, not
having seen them since he left his native land, and
it is needless to say they had a most happy re-
union.

Aside from Mr. Summer’s extensive business, he
owns valuable property in various localities, in-
cluding a large farm in this state and desirable
real estate in Alexandria,S. Dak. No citizen of this
place is held in higher esteem or is more deserving
of the same. For fifteen years he has been a mem-
ber of the School Board and has been Alder-
man, serving his friends and neighbors to the best
of his ability.

 

SS

RIDOLIN HEER, the senior member of the

BR firm of F. Heer & Son, architects and
builders of Dubuque, claims Switzerland

as the land of his birth, and the date of that event
was July 30, 1834. His father, Andrew Heer, was
also a native of Switzerland. Our subject ac-
quired his literary education in the public schools
of that country, and studied architecture in the
schools of Germany, spending three winters in
Holzminden, where he learned all the principles
of architecture and also became a practical builder.
His father was a prominent contractor of Switzer-
246

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

land, and served as Superintendent of Public Works
from 1797 until 1854.

Mr. Heer of this sketch was therefore reared to
the business which he has made his lite work, and
in his native land was engaged in the construction
of various important buildings. At length he de-
termined to seek a home beyond the Atlantic, and
in 1865 crossed the briny deep to the New World,
landing at New York City, from whence he made
his way to Belleville, Ill. For about a year he re-
mained in that place, and in 1866 went to Chicago,
where he resided until the spring of 1868. He
then came to Dubuque, where he has since made
his home, his time being devoted to contracting
and building. He has been the architect and
builder of various important structures in this
city, including the new Court House recently
erected, St. Joseph’s College and St. Francis’ Con-
vent. During the past fifteen years he has erected
one hundred and ten churches in Iowa, Wisconsin,
Illinois and Minnesota. His skill-and ability have
won him a wide reputation and secured for him
a most extensive and lucrative patronage.

On the 26th of April, 1860, ere leaving the land
of the Alps, Mr. Heer was united in marriage with
Miss Elizabeth Breialer, also a native of Switzer-
land. To them have been born the following
children: Paulina, who is now a student in St.
Francis’ Convent; Fridolin, who studied architec-
ture in Stutgardt, Germany, and is now engaged
in business with his father as a member of the firm
of F. Heer & Son, and Elsie, who completes the
family. The parents are both members of the Cath-
olic Church.

Mr. Heer also belongs to the Swiss American
Club, of which he was one of the organizers, and
in 1866 he aided in organizing the first Swiss
Singers Society of Chicago. He has been a mem-
ber of the Dubuque Sharp Shooters from 1868 un-
til the present time, and is serving on its finance
committee. He takes an active part in the work of
public improvement and development, and gives
his aid to all enterprises calculated to benefit the
community. The best interests always find in him
a friend, and he may well be numbered among the
valued citizens. His life has been a busy and use-
ful one, and on all sides are seen evidences of his

 

handiwork, including many of the notably fine
buildings of the city, among which are the resi-
dences of Mr. Stout and James Levi. He has also
built the greater number of the school houses in
this section of the state, and has done an extensive
business. His own home is a beautiful residence
and there he spends his leisure hours, surrounded
by the comforts and luxuries of life, which he has
acquired through his own labors.

SS

ON. THOMAS 8S. WILSON, who died May
16, 1894, occupied a place at the Bar of
Iowa among its most prominent and in-
fluential members. He was for many years a resi-
dent of Dubuque, and in his death one of her best
citizens passed away. He was born in Steuben-
ville, Ohio, October 13, 1813, and at the age of
nineteen was graduated from Jefferson College,
Pennsylvania, in the Class of 732. After study-
ing law for two years, he was admitted to the
Bar by the Supreme Court of Ohio in the year
1834, and soon afterward began practice with
General Stokely, of Steubenville. Only a lim-
ited period was thus passed, when, contrary to the
advice and wishes of his friends, he determined
to go west, having a brother, Capt. George Wilson,
of the First United States Infantry, under com-
mand of Col. Zachary Taylor at Prairie du Chien.
Mr. Wilson removed there, but in October, 1836,
came to Dubuque, and his connection with the Bar
of this county continued from that time until his
death.

Before leaving Ohio, Mr. Wilson was united in
marriage with Miss Anna Hoge, daughter of David
Hoge, of Steubenville. He was again married in
1864 to Mary Stokely, and has had five children.
In the spring after his arrival in Dubuque his offi-
cial career began, for he was then elected Presi-
dent of the Town Board of Trustees. Iowa was
then a part of Wisconsin Territory, and contained
two counties, Dubuque and Des Moines. He
brought to his law practice thorough preparation
and a broad, classical, as well as a legal education.
_ PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

247

 

 

- He practiced in Dubuque, Mineral Point, Lancas-
ter and Prairie du Chien, until July 4, 1838, and
was engaged in almost every suit up to that time.
In June, 1838, he was sent asa delegate to Con-
gress from the northern counties of Iowa, and at
the same time was appointed by President Van
Buren Judge of the Supreme Court of this state,
an honor conferred unsolicited by him. He was
re-appointed by Presidents Tyler and Polk, and
continued Judge of the Supreme Court until the
year after the admission of Iowa into the Union,
in 1846. While on the Bench it was left to him to
decide whether slavery should or should not exist
in the territory. The south was then in ascendency
in all of the departments of the Government. He
held his commission as Judge from the Govern-
ment, but true to his principles, and undeterred by
a thought of consequences, Judge Wilson gave his
decision that slavery was not allowed in the Hawk-
eye State. This was years before the discussion
of the question in the Supreme Court of the United
States.

When the first Legislature of Jowa met and
went into joint ballot, Judge Wilson came within
one vote of being elected United States Senator.
He presided over the first court ever held in Iowa
Territory, it convening at Prairie la Porte, now
Guttenburg, on the second Monday in November,
1838. He resigned his office as Supreme Judge in
1847, and practiced law in partnership with Platt
Smith and his brother, Hon. D. 8S. Wilson. Dur-
ing this time he was retained on the Dubuque
Claim case, in which the heirs of Julian Dubuque
claimed all the land on which the city now stands,
together with several miles above and below the
city. Had the claimants succeeded in winning,
the pioneers who had braved the hardships and
dangers of frontier life would have been deprived
of their homes or compelled to repurchase them.
The case was lost by the claimants and appealed to
the Supreme Court at Washington. Judge Wilson
and his partner, Mr. Smith, then went to the Capi-
tol City, where ably and earnestly they plead the
case of the settlers, and the decision was in their
favor.

In April, 1852, Mr. Wilson was elected without
opposition as Judge of the District Court, and was

 

continued in that office until January 1, 1863,
serving over twenty years as Judge. He held the
first court in Clayton, Delaware, Allamakee, Jones,
Winneshiek, Black Hawk, Chickasaw, Bremer, Fay-
ette and Clinton Counties, and it is stated on good
authority that he never had ten cases reversed
during all the time he was on the Bench. In 1866
and 1868 he was elected to the State Legislature,
and in the latter year was tendered by the Demo-
cratic members the nomination of United States
Senator, but declined. He evinced a depth of
legal learning which was remarkable, and the
clear, concise and earnest way in which he placed
a case before the jury won him success. He wasa
man of and for the people, sympathetic, kindly
disposed and charitable. He was ever a true friend
and many a one has received aid from him for
which he got nothing and expected nothing in
return. His deeds of kindness were performed in
a quiet and unpretentious manner, for he did not
seek the praise of men, content to know that he
was doing good to others. He took a prominent
part in the history of Iowa and in the history of
the legal profession, and his name deserves a place
in the annals of his country.

among the citizens of Dubuque County as
an agriculturist of Dubuque Township,
was born in Lewis County, N. Y., July 25, 1826,
being a son of Calvin and Roxanna (Bailey)
Scripture. The father, a native of New England,
was born probably in Massachusetts. ‘Thence in
early manhood he removed to New York and fol-
lowed the trade of a blacksmith, also labored in
clearing land. When his son, our subject, was
seven years old he left the Empire State and went
to Canada, where in addition to agricultural pur-
suits he engaged in the manufacture of potash.
After having spent eleven years in Canada, the
senior Mr. Scripture came to Iowa, in August, 1845,
and bought a “squatter’s’’ claim near the present
site of our subject’s residence, Here he was occu-

Caper SCRIPTURE, Jx., well known
248

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

pied as a tiller of the soil for about twenty years,
‘after which, in 1866, he removed to Floyd County,
Iowa, and purchased a small farm and city prop-
erty in Marble Rock.
tically retired from active business cares until sev-
enty-eight years of age, when he passed from earth.
His wife died at our subject’s home, aged fifty-nine
years.

There were ten children in the parental family,
of whom eight attained years of maturity and five
are now living. Our subject, who is the only sur-
viving son, was reared on a farm, remaining at
home until his marriage, although he had worked
for himself for some years prior to that event.
Upon purchasing his present farm he gave his at-
tention to clearing and placing the land under
cultivation, and in conjunction with agricultural
pursuits operated a threshing machine for more
than twenty years. March 3, 1853, he married
Miss Nancy Strohl, a native of Sandusky, Ohio,
and daughter of John and Catherine (Biechler)
Strohl. Her father, who was born in Pennsylva-
nia, died in Dubuque County in 1865, aged sixty
years. Her mother, a native of Ohio, resides with
Mrs. Scripture, aged eighty-eight years. Mrs.
Scripture is one of eight children, of whom three
are now living. She is of German descent, her
grandparents having emigrated to this country
from Germany. Her father was reared in Ohio
and removed thence in 1846 to Iowa, settling in
Dubuque; after three years spent in the city he
removed to the farm where his death occurred.

Previous to her marriage Mrs. Scripture taught
school, meeting with success in that occupation. She
has had eight children, but death has removed from
the household five of its loved members, who died
at the respective ages of two years, ten and fifteen
months, four and thirty years. Those who survive
are Mary A., wife of George Morse and the mother
of five children; Carrie L. and James L., who re-
side with their parents. The children have been
the recipients of excellent educations in the com-
mon schools and colleges, and are refined and cul-
tured.

During the existence of the Whig party Mr.
Scripture adhered to its principles. His first Pres-
idential ballot was cast for Zachary Taylor, and

In that place he lived prac--

4

 

during the campaign of 1856 he supported Gen-

eral Fremont. His fellow-citizens appreciating his
fitness for public office have called upon him to
serve in numerous local offices, in which he has
discharged his duties with efficiency. As Super-
visor he was instrumental in advancing the inter-
ests of his township and promoting its prosperity.
For more than a half-century he has been a member
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has
held official positions. He and his wife have both
served as Superintendent of the Sunday-sehool.

 

 

T,\ DWARD C. HOLT, Postmaster at Ana-
4 mosa, is greatly respected for those quali-

ties of head and heart which have won
for him the esteem and confidence of all with
whom he associates. He is popular in his official
capacity, and is discharging the duties of his posi-
tion with characteristic fidelity and greatly to the
satisfaction of all concerned.

Our subject was born in Ireland January 8,
1832, and when three years old emigrated to New
Brunswick in company with his parents, who
made their home in St. John’s. There he attended
school, and upon completing his education learned
the trade of a stone and brick mason, together
with plastering, under the instruction of Otis
Small, of Bangor, Me.

March 30, 1857, Mr. Holt crossed into the States,
coming, May 30, to Anamosa, which at that time
was asmall town. He immediately found work
at his trade and ere long began contracting, build-
ing stores, dwellings and churches. He was thus
employed until 1893, when, having accumulated a
sufficiency of this world’s goods, he retired from
active business, devoting his time to looking
after his property in the city.

In the spring of 1894 Mr. Holt was appointed
Postmaster of Anamosa, entering-upon the duties
of the office May 9, 1894. He is a stanch Demo-
cratin politics, and has served as Chairman of the
Central Committee. He has always been interested
in educational affairs and for a period of twelve

 
 

WILLIAM P. LARGE.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

251

 

 

years rendered efficient service on the School
Board. Mr. Holt, with his family, occupies a beau-
tiful residence in the city and numbers his friends
among its best residents.

In 1861 Edward C. Holt and Miss Mary A. T.
Sales were united in marriage. The lady was the
daughter of Dr. Nathan G. Sales, who was a prom-
inent physician and politician of this city anda
most praiseworthy citizen. He held the office of
Receiver of Moneys in the land office at Chariton,
Towa, from 1853 to 1856, under the administration
of Franklin Pierce. He departed this life Decem-
ber 24,1892. Mrs. Holt departed this life June
19, 1885, leaving a family of six children, namely:
Tirzah C., Josie A., Harry J., Eddie S., Clara L.
and Nellie. Harry J.assists his father in the post-
office. Mr. Holt built the brick opera house on
the corner of Maine and Garnavillo Streets in
1867, and is still the owner of that property be-
sides much other valuable real estate in the city.

=P I

6)ILLIAM P. LARGE. Prominent among
WW the citizens of Dubuque whose influ-
ence for good in the community will

be felt far into the future, was William P. Large,
deceased. For more than thirty-five years his en-
terprise, his public spirit, his active interest and
- cO-operation in all that tended to the improvement
and development of the city made him a power in
the social, economic, political und religious life of
Dubuque. He was born in Lambertville, Hunter-
don County, N. J., May 4, 1822, and was a son of
Samuel and Sarah (Busenberry) Large. During
his boyhood his parents removed to Morgan

County, Ohio, where he remained until he was -

eighteen years of age. ‘Thence he went to Zanes-
ville and was there engaged in mercantile business
until 1856.

In May of 1844 Mr. Large married Miss Rowena
Guthrie, daughter of Erastus and Achsa (Palmer)
Guthrie, of Morgan County, Ohio, and of this mar-
riage five children survive: Walter, a lawyer in
New York City; Mrs. Alfred Stebbins, of Berkeley,
Cal.; Mrs. J. W. Hiltman, of Chicago; Mrs. Nora

8

 

Hussey and Miss Isabel G. Large, of Dubuque.
The family residence is beautifully located on
‘West Eleventh Street, commanding a fine view of
the city and river.

In the spring of 1856 Mr. Large arrived in Du-
buque and established the business that developed
into W. P. Large & Co., wholesale dealers in boots
and shoes, and is now known as the Large & Ams-
den Co. His conservative methods and careful
management carried him safely through the terrible
financial panic of the following year, when all
around him other firms were obliged to suspend
business, and he gradually built up one of the larg-
est and most successful boot and shoe houses in
the state. In 1879 the firm of Large & Amsden
was formed and this connection continued up to
the time of the death of the senior partner.

Many other enterprises of a public and private
nature occupied the time and attention of Mr.
Large. The Dubuque Board of Trade, the Public
Library and the Young Men’s Christian Associa-
tion always had his active support. He helped
organize the Second National Bank, and was from
the beginning Director and Vice-President of that
institution. He held the same office in the Du-
buque Cattle Company and in the Linwood Cem-
etery Association. In the work of the latter he
felt an especial interest, and it is largely due to his
untiring zeal that Dubuque has so beautiful a “si-
lent city.’’? He projected and was President of the
Eleventh Street Elevated Railroad and was one of
the organizers and a member of the Executive
Board of Finley Hospital. For twenty-five years
he was Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the
Second Presbyterian Church, resigning from that
office only a year before his death. He took no
active part in politics, but was an ardent Repub-
lican and his party always had his stanch and-loyal
support.

During the summer of 1893 Mr. Large seemed
not quite in his usual robust health, and in October
went to Excelsior Springs, Mo., for rest and recup-
eration. This end seemed attained and he was
about to return home when he was taken suddenly
ill November 19 and passed away two days later,
November 21.

He was one of nature’s noblemen, true in every
252

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

relation of life, upright and honorable in every busi-
ness transaction, a kind neighbor, faithful friend
and loving husband and father. When death called
him hence many were the spontaneous tributes paid
to his memory, and both the rich and the poor felt
that they had lost a generous and helpful counselor.
Speaking of him his pastor said: “For the life-
time of a generation he was connected with the
Board of Trustees, his natural force of character
and his consecrated gifts having marked him out
by common consent for all that time as their chair-
man. All of the most active members of the church
say that no one else could be so greatly missed.
His was the first face I saw when I made my way
for the first time to your church door. For his
white hairs I always looked when I ascended the
pulpit steps and held his presence in his appointed
place as in some way a benediction.”’

?

 

KEEEEEEEELEE EME EEE EEE EEE EEO

 

ACOB WEIDENBACHER is head of the ex-
tensive importing and wholesale liquor house
of J. Weidenbacher & Co. of Dyersville, and
a member of the Board of Aldermen of that

place. He was born in Baden, Germany, April 15,
1843, being the eldest of three sons born to August
aud Francisco (Heit) Weidenbacher. Peter is a
contractor at Great Falls, Mont., and Herman
js a resident of Dubuque. When the children were
small death deprived them of their father, and the
mother was left with limited means. Our subject,
being the oldest of the family though only a lad
of thirteen, was obliged to do something for the
immediate support of the others, and his education,
therefore, was limited.

Our subject obtained employment with the Gov-
ernment of his native land to work on fortifica-
tions. This he followed until 1867, when he de-
cided to try his fortune in America. In the fall
of that year an uncle in the United States sent him
money with which to pay his fare and he availed
himself of the opportunity. On his arrival he
worked for some time on the section of the Illinois
Central Railroad at Dyersville, in this way earn-

 

ing money to pay back the sum advanced by his
relative. After this he engaged as a clerk with the
firm of Halscher Bros., with whom he remained
for four years, after which he was for nine years
Street Commissioner of Dyersville. In 1883, hav-
ing saved some money, he engaged in the saloon
business and was successful. In 1890 in company
with the Esch brothers he established the large
wholesale house of which he is the head. He has
just completed two large brick store-rooms, two
stories high, entirely devoted to the wholesale busi-
ness, which is a large and growing one.

Mr. Weidenbacher is a member of the Board of
Aldermen of this city, as before stated, and isa
general favorite in both business and political cir-
cles. In 1868 he wedded Miss Elizabeth Hilket,
who was also born in the Fatherland. They have
had eight children, seven of whom are now living.
Annie, the eldest, is the wife of Charles Shu-
macher, Bertha, August, Elizabeth, Francisco, Mary
and Andrew live at home, and Frank died when
nine years of age. After coming to this country
our subject sent for his widowed mother, who
crossed the Atlantic and has since made her home
with him. He was reared in the Catholic faith, to
which he still adheres, and politically is a Demo-
crat. .

OKO.

EORGE W. SONES. All loyal Americans
(x know that the old soldiers who sacrificed
home comforts, endured hardships and
braved dangers during the days of the Nation’s peril
are deserving of remembrance. ‘The historian can-
not detail the lives spent on the tented field, but he
can mention the chief events by which the gallant
soldier secured victory, too often, alas, at the price
of manly vigor and missing limbs. Were there no
other reasons than his army life, we should be glad
to present to our readers an outline of the history
of Mr. Sones, a retired farmer residing in Ana-
mosa. -
A native of Pennsylvania, our subject was born
in Lycoming County, February 23, 1830, and is
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

253

 

 

the son of Peter and Savilla (Low) Sones, also na-
tives of the Keystone State. The father died when
George W. was only three years of age, and when
old enough George was bound out to learn the car-
penter’s trade. His mother was a second time mar-
ried. When nine years old our subject went to live
with Barnett Rynearson, where he remained until
seventeen years of age and then commenced to
learn the carpenter’s trade.

After completing bis apprenticeship as a carpen-
ter, our subject traveled through his native state
until attaining his twenty-third year, when he was
married to Miss Margaret Lockard, also born near
Hughsville, Lycoming County, Pa., and the daugh-
ter of Alex and Elizabeth Lockard. Soon after
establishing a home of his own Mr. Sones engaged
at his trade a short time, and in May, 1855, came
to this western state, locating in Jones County,
where he purchased property and was employed in
cultivating the soil and at his trade until the out-
break of the late war.

In August, 1862, Mr. Sones enlisted in Company
K, Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry, under Colonel
Byam, of Mt. Vernon, and was assigned to the
Thirteenth Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee.
They were first sent to Vicksburg, where they
participated in the siege and also joined Bank’s
expedition up the Red River. His corps was after-
ward transferred to General Sheridan’s command
and participated in the battles of Winchester,
Cedar Creek, and in the spring of 1864 fought the
engagement at Fisher’s Hill. December 5 of that
year, our subject was honorably discharged on a
surgeon’s certificate and returned home, again en-
gaging in agriculture. Not regaining his health,
however, he went to Colorado, where he spent sev-
eral years. In 1881 he came again to this county,
making his home upon the old farm, where he re-
mained only a twelvemonth and then removed to
the city, leaving the management of his estate to
his enterprising sons.

To our subject and his wife have been born five
children. Calvin O., M. D., is engaged in the prac-
tice of his profession in Panora, this state; Mary
is the wife of William F. White, and makes her
home in Cedar Rapids; Allen O. is living on the
old homestead; Cora died at the age of ten years

 

and four months; Sylvia is the wife of A. J. Bel-
knap, of this city.

In his political relations, Mr. Sones is an ardent
admirer of Republican principles and never fails
to cast a vote in favor of that party’s candidates.
He is a member of Fred Steel Post No. 4, G. A. R.,
and with his good wife belongs to the Methodist
Episcopal Church, with which the former has been
connected since twenty years of age.

OHN W. WAITE, Treasurer of Jones County,
is residing in Anamosa. He is a very pleas-
ant gentleman, whom it is a pleasure to know,
and who has many warm personal friends

throughout the county. He is an active politician
and takes a prominent part in all public affairs re-
laging to the welfare of the community. He is a
fine representative of the native-born citizens of
this county and was born in Oxford Township,
December 23, 1854.

John and Emma (Shipman) Waite, the parents
of our subject, were natives of England, and emi-
grated to the United States after their marriage,
locating in Oxford Township, this county, where
they engaged in farm pursuits. John Waite de-
parted this life in 1879, in Wyoming, Iowa. He
was the son of Robert Waite, also a native of Eng-
land, and a man greatly respected in his commu-
nity. The mother of our subject is still living,
making her home with him in Anamosa.

John W. Waite of this sketch was the youngest
and only survivor of the parental famiiy, and like
all farmer boys prosecuted his primary studies in
the district school. He later formed a partnership
with his father and opened up in business in Wy-
oming, this state, handling a full and complete
line of agricultural implements. ‘They were very
successful in this enterprise and continued together
for a period of ten years under the firm name of
Waite & Son. Mr. Waite was appointed Postmas-
ter at Wyoming, Jowa, under Harrison’s adminis-
tration, serving acceptably for four years.

The subject of this sketch is very popular in his
254

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

community, and in the fall of 1893 was elected
Treasurer of Jones County on the Republican
ticket, assuming the duties of his office January
1 of the following year. He is a successful busi-
ness man, a distinguished citizen, a capable ofiicial
and his life record is such as to commend him to
the respect and esteem of the entire community.

John W. Waite and Miss Janette Inglis were
united in marriage October 19, 1880. The Jady is
the daughter of Robert Inglis, a resident of Hale
Township, this county, where he has a good prop-
erty. To Mr. and Mrs. Waite there have been
born a son and daughter, Robert W. and M. Hazel.
Our subject is a member of Keystone Lodge No.
206,A. F. & A. M., also Wyoming Lodge No. 147,
I. 0.0. F., also the Encampment at that place.
He is also connected with the Knights of Pythias
at Wyoming, in which order he is an active
worker.

Se a

M. HUFFMANN, undertaker and em-

balmer of Dubuque, doing business at

the corner of Fifteenth and Clay Street,
was born in the city which is still bis home, May
28,1857. His father, Matthew Hoffmann, is a na-
tive of Germany, and in early life crossed the At-
lantic to the United States, and took up his res-
idence in Dubuque. He is a man of modest and
retiring habits, yet his sterling worth and strict in-
tegrity have won him high regard. He has now
laid aside business cares and at his pleasant home
in Dubuque is enjoying a rest which he well mer-
its.

Mr. Hoffmaun attended the public schools, and
when his literary education was completed he
learned the trade of cabinet making, working with
several different parties until he had thoroughly
mastered the business and was enabled to begin
work in his own interest. Forming a partnership
with S. Korman in the undertaking business, he
carried on operations along that liue for five years;
the style then used was Hoffmann & Korman.
This partnership lasted for several years, they do-
ing a large undertaking business, but at length

 

Mr. Hoffmann bought out the establishment, and
now devotes his entire time to undertaking and
embalming. He keeps a fine line of caskets and a
good hearse, and all the other accessories that go
to make up a first class establishment of this kind.
He owns his own store building, a fine brick struct-
ure, and the room he occupies is 25x70 feet.

In 1880 Mr. Hoffmann was united in marriage
with Miss Mary Voelker, daughter of Leopold
Voelker, of Dubuque. Mr. Hoffman has a family
of seven children. He and his wife are widely and
favorably known in this community, and have
many warm friends, who esteem them highly on ac-
count of their many excelJencies of character.
Mr. Hoffmann is a member of the Independent Or-
der of Foresters and Ancient Order of United
Workmen and other fraternities. For the past ten
years he has served as Coroner of the county, and
besides the business above mentioned he is con-
nected with other substantial industries of Dubu-
que, including the Dubuque Stamping and Enam-
eling Works. He is President and was one of the
organizers of the Dubuque Casket Company, is
President of the Dubuque Embalming Company,
and is President of the Iowa State Undertakers’
Association, which met in Des Moines May 23, 1894,
He has always lived in Dubuque, and those who
have known him from boyhood are numbered
among his stanchest friends, a fact which indicates
a well spent and honorable life. In politics he is
a Democrat.

——

ON. JAMES CUSHING is President of
the Northwestern Vinegar Works of Du-
buque. It has been said that the study

of biography yields to no subject in point of in-
terest and profit and from the life record of Mr.
Cushing we can learn much that might be largely
and profitably emulated. Mr. Cushing was born
in West Scituate, Mass., August 4, 1830, and was
a son of Joshua and Sallie (Hatch) Cushing. The
father was a native of the Bay State, and was a
speculator and general business man. For a time
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

255

 

 

he engaged in the boot and shoe trade in Illinois,
and later invested his capital in interests in Cairo,
Tll., where he died in 1872.

The gentleman whose name heads this record
spent his boyhood days in La Salle and Putnam
Counties, Ill., to which place his parents had re-
moved in his early childhood. On leaving the
common schools he entered the high school of Mt.
Palatine, and when his education was completed
he entered on his business career as.a dealer in ice.
For some years he was engaged in shipping ice to
different points and enjoyed a successful trade
along that line. In 1859 he came to Dubuque,
where he engaged in handling ice and soon be-
came the leading dealer. Subsequently in 1864
he took Louis Fischer into partnership. This con-
nection has continued until] the present time in
the wholesale department. In 1861 Mr. Cushing
engaged in the manufacture of vinegar on a small
scale, making cider, wine and grain vinegar. He
erected a good brick plant and as his business in-
creased he enlarged his facilities. The superior
quality of vinegar which he turns out is attested
by a liberal patronage, which demands an output
of eighty barrels per day. The plant is supplied
with all the latest improved machinery for the
manufacture of vinegar and is run by steam power.
Travelling salesmen are employed upon the road
and sell to the trade in Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin,
Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska
and Kansas. In the factory about sixteen men
are employed. Sometime since the building in
which the business was located was destroyed by
fire, but with characteristic energy, Mr. Cushing
erected a more substantial structure and enlarged
the capacity of his works. He incorporated the
business under the name of James Cushing, Sons
& Co. The officers of the Northwestern Vinegar
Works are James Cushing, President; Joseph K.
Kaufmann, Vice-President, and I. J. Cushing, Sec-
retary and Treasurer.

Mr. Cushing has been twice married. He first
wedded Miss Emma Masterman, who died leaving
two children, Melzar H., and Sarah, deceased.
For his second wife, Mr. Cushing wedded Miss
Mary A. Schermerhorn, by whom he has three
children, I. J., Charity E. and John G. In relig-

 

ious views he is a member of the Universalist
Church.

In his political .:ews, Mr. Cushing is a stalwart
Republican, and warmly advocates the party’s
principles, doing «ll in his power to promote the
growth and insure its success. In the years 1875
and 1876 he served as Mayor of Dubuque and
proved an efficient and capable officer. He is a
prominent Mason, belonging to Dubuque Lodge
No. 3, A. F. & A. M.; he is also an Odd Fellow, hav-
ing passed all the chairs. His success in business is
the result of earnest application and careful atten-
tion to all details, and is the just reward of his
labors.

2 fa;

TT, \ CCLES W. GAWLEY, M.D. The calling
of a physician is not only one of the most
arduous but one of the most responsible
pursuits in which a man can engage, and he who
attains a high reputation in this calling must ne-
cessarily be endowed with physical endurance,
keen intelligence and excellent judgment. The
subject of this sketch is one whose extensive prac-
tice and high standing in the profession prove
conclusively his mental endowments. He was
born in Ireland in 1850, and is descended from a
long line of prominent physicians.

Our subject attended the schools of his native
place, which were noted for their high standard,
until reaching his twenty-first year, when he deter-
mined to seek his fortune in another country. He
consequently emigrated to Canada and after spend-
ing a few months there crossed into the States. It
was his desire to fit himself for a professional
career. Entering the Medical Department of the
University of Michigan, he spent two years, after
which he went to Detroit and became a student in
the Detroit Medical College, from which institu-
tion he was graduated in 1875. Dr.Gawley then
remained in the City of Straits engaged in prac-
tice for two years,and at the end of that time
came to Iowa, locating at once in Anamosa.

Since coming hither Dr. Gawley has built up an

 

4

_ extensive and growing practice and is often called
256

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

upon to visit patients in adjoining states. He al-
so conducts a sanitarium for the accommodation
of those placed under his care. He is rarely
adapted to his profession by nature and tempera-
ment, possessing, as he does, fine, sympathetic feel-
ings, a high sense of honor, a clear brain, steady
nerve and the other essentials of a true physician.
The Doctor has a fine tibrary of medical works and
a well equipped office.

In 1879 our subject was married to Miss Mamie
C. Coats, of Dubuque. The Doctor, socially, is a
member of the Iowa Union Medical Society and
in 1885 was appointed, during Cleveland’s admin-
istration, Secretary of the Pension Board of Exam-
iners, which position he holds at the present time.
He is a man of practical business talent and fi-
nancial ability, and by judicious investment of his
money has become well-to-do.

OHN S. BELKNAP occupies no unimportant
place among the business men of Anamosa,
where he is engaged in the manufacture of
carriages and wagons and is one of the old-

est in that trade in the city. He is the owner of
valuable property in Anamosa, besides farming
lands in Butler County, this state.

Mr. Belknap was born in Harrison County, Ohio,
July 4, 1828, and is the son of Thomas E. and
Edith (Stoneman) Belknap, the former of whom
was born in Vermont. Thomas Belknap was a
tanner by trade, which he followed during his
early life, but after moving to Harrison County,
Ohio, where he was one of the pioneer settlers, he
took up farm pursuits, which he followed during
the remainder of his life. He served asa soldier
in the late war, belonging to what is known as the
Graybeard Regiment.

John S. Belknap was educated in the common
schools of his native state, and assisted his father
in the tannery until reaching his sixteenth year.
He was then apprenticed to learn the harness-
maker’s trade, which he followed for three years
and in 1850, when coming to this state, he located

 

in Anamosa and began the manufacture of wagons
and carriages. He first formed a partnership with
B. Huggins, operating under the title of Huggins
& Belknap, but a number of years later our sub-
ject sold out his interest to J. E. Griffith and re-
tired from active business, devoting his time to
looking after his varied interests.

In February, 1894, Mr. Belknap bought out Mr.
Griffith, and taking two of his nephews as partners,
John A. and Thomas M. Belknap, again. estab-
lished in business and is now in the enjoyment
of a good trade in the manufacture of carriages,
wagons and harness. In 1854 our subject was mar-
ried to Miss Olive E. Gates, who was born in New
York and is the daughter of J. B. Gates.

Mr. Belknap is an important member of the
local government and for some time was Town
Trustee. He owns a good farm in Butler County,
Iowa, and two business houses in this city which
he rents. He is a member of Anamosa Lodge No.
40,1.0. O. F. With his wife he is a devoted
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in
which he takes an active part. A peaceable and
law-abiding citizen, a kind neighbor and a good
business man, Mr. Belknap receives his due meas-
ure of respect from those about him.

 

KEELER EEEE EEE EEE EEE EEE EE EES

OWARD MARSHALL REMLEY, attor-
ney-at-law residing in Anamosa, was born
in Lewisburg, Greenbrier County, Va.

(now W. Va.), January 17, 1843, the place of his
birth being in the vicinity of the White Sulphur
Springs. The family of which he is a member has
long been identified with the history of that coun-
try. His grandfather, Elias Remley, was born in
Pennsylvania in 1766, and came to Virginia in
1789, becoming a pioneer of Greenbrier County.
Throughout the community he was highly es-
teemed, and his generous hospitality and innate
love of justice were as widely known as his name.
In his family there were five sons and five daugh-
ters, all of whom attained years of maturity and
married, and all lead honorable and useful lives.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

257

 

 

One son was graduated from Princeton College in
1820, and was a minister of the Presbyterian
Church for nearly seventy years.

The father of our subject, Rev. James Remley,
was born in Greenbrier County, Va., in 1811, and
was educated in William and Mary College, Vir-
ginia. For a time he was a law student, but turn-
ing his attention to the ministerial profession, he
was for forty years an honored minister of the
Baptist Church. His death occurred at Iowa City
February 6, 1875. Upon his mother’s side our
subject is descended from the Rev. John Alderson,
who was a Baptist minister in Yorkshire, England,
in 1699. His son, John, was impressed on board
a British man-of-war, and brought to New Jersey.
There he united with the Baptist Church, and was
ordained to the ministry. In 1755 he migrated to
Rockingham County, Va., and in August of the
following year organized the Smith-Lyn ville Creek
Church, which was the third Baptist Church or-
ganized in the Old Dominion.

A son of the above named gentleman, John
Alderson, was born in Bethlehem, N. J., March 5,
1738. In 1775 he was ordained pastor of the
Smith-Lynville Creek Church, but two years later
went to Greenbrier County, Va., where in 1781 he
organized the Greenbrier Baptist Church. In 1845
the Rev. James Remley was pastor of this church,
and two hundred and fifty persons were added to
the membership by baptism. Joseph Alderson, the
son of John Alderson, Jr., was born June 17, 1771,
and died July 24, 1845. His son, George Alder-
son, our subject’s grandfather, was born Novem-
ber 20, 1789, and was an officer in the War of
1812; he served later as a member of the State
Legislature, and became a prominent public man,
numbering among his personal friends the talented
statesman, Henry Clay. He died in 1872, at the
age of eighty-four years.

Jane C., daughter of George Alderson, was born
March 12,1816, and became the wife of James Rem-
ley September 11, 1838. Eight sons and three
daughters were born to them. Lycurgus, the first-
born, and George A., next in order of birth, bravely
laid down their books to take up their muskets in
defense of their country, and gave their lives for
its life. H. M. was the third member of the house-

 

hold. Hon. Milton Remley, the fourth son, is now
a resident of Iowa City. A daughter and two
sons died in youth, and another son just before
graduating from college. The remaining members
of the family are: Mrs. Senator Glass and Miss
Clara Remley, residents of Mason City, Iowa, and
the Rev. F. A. Remley, now of Leipsic, Germany.

During the year 1855, the Rev. James Remley
removed from Virginia to Johnson County, Iowa,
and remained there until he died. H. M., of this
sketch, resided on the home farm until he attained
his majority. The war interfered with his studies,
and after he was twenty-one he earned the money
and unaided paid his way through the last three
years of his college course, graduating as salutato-
rian of his class from the Iowa State University in
1869, and receiving the degree of Bachelor of Arts.
In 1872 he completed the law course in the uni-
versity, and the degree of Bachelor of Laws was
then conferred upon him.

The marriage of Mr. Remley occurred in 1873,
at which time Miss Mary Underwood, of Musca-
tine, Iowa, became his wife. Mrs. Remley is a
direct descendant of the Underwood and Allen
families of Rhode Island, which have been promi-
nent in that state for six generations. She was
graduated in June, 1873, from the Iowa State Uni-
versity with the degree of Bachelor of Arts, and
on the 23d of December following was united in
marriage with Mr. Remley. In 1874 they both re-
ceived the degree of Master of Arts from the State
University. Since their marriage they have been
residents of Anamosa, and have a family of five
sons and five daughters. ‘The eldest, Bertha, was
graduated from the high school in 1894, and is a
young lady of superior culture and intelligence.
Notwithstanding her domestic duties, Mrs. Remley
completed the Chautauqua course, and is an active
member of the Fortnightly Literary Club.

For the past seventeen years Mr. Remley has
been in partnership with T. R. Ercanbrack, and the
law firm of Remley & Ercanbrack is well known
throughout the state. Mr. Remley is interested in
religious work, and is connected with the Baptist
Church. For fifteen years he has been teacher of
a Bible class of about twenty-five members, and is
very successful in Sunday-school work. He was
258

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

the first President of the State Sabbath-school As-
sociation, and has also served as President of the
State Sunday-school Convention. He is a man of
more than ordinary ability, keen in discrimina-
tion, sound in judgment and successful in the
management of the many intricate cases in which
he has served as counsel.

-==j Xess S==-

EORGE SCHINDLER, a wealthy farmer
( and stock-raiser of New Wine Township,
is-a native of Iowa, but of German de-
scent. He was born September 21, 1849, on the
farm where he now resides. His father, George
Schindler, Sr., was a native of Bavaria, Germany,
and followed the occupation of a weaver in his
native land. He emigrated with his family to
America in 1842, and located in Buffalo, N. Y. In
about 1845 he moved to St. Louis, Mo., where he
remained one year, but thinking. he could better
his fortunes by going farther west he decided to
come to Iowa, and in 1846, with several of his
friends, came to Dubuque County, and settled in
New Wine Township. He took up Government
land which at that time wasin a wild, uncultivated
state. He immediately set about cultivating and
improving the same, and in a short time had a
home ready for his family. Like all pioneers of
the western states he first built a small log cabin,
in which he lived comfortably if not elegantly. In
afew years he was enabled to erect a more com-
modious dwelling, and before his death, which oc-
curred in 1888, he had accumulated a large fort-
une and retired from active work, spending eleven
years of his life in Dyersville, where he made
his home after giving up the hard work and ardu-
ous duties of farm life until 1881, when he returned
to the farm. His excellent wife had preceded him
to the better land two years.

Our subject received a common school education -

in the district schools of his vicinity. His whole
life has been spent on the farm where he was born
and reared, making agriculture a life study. He
has also given much attention to stock-raising, and

 

is one of the most successful men in that line in
the country. Mr. Schindler in the last few years
has accumulated quite a large fortune, and is now
the possessor of three hundred and sixty acres of
valuable land, most of which is highly cultivated.

Mr. Schindler was married January 25, 1870, to
Miss Catherine Steger, a daughter of George and
Mary Steger, who were early settlers of Dubuque
County. Mrs. Schindler was born in this county.
Her father departed this life January 19, 1883, but
her mother is still living, and makes her home with
her daughter and our subject. Mr. and Mrs.
Schindler are the parents of three children, Frank
X., Joseph and Mary. They were educated in
Dyersville, and are all at home with their parents.
Our subject has filled many offices of honor and
trust. He was one of the original stockholders in
the creamery of Dyersville, and in 1894 was elected
Superintendent and General Manager of the busi-
ness. He is a man of good business ability and
highly respected in the community in which he
lives. His family occupies a high position in the
social circles of Dyersville and vicinity.

=i] a=

LPHEUS L. POLLARD, M. D. Among

WN the varied and numerous professions in

which men may arise to eminence, there

is not one known to the civilized world that claims

a higher place in the esteem of all than does the

“art of healing.’? The physician is generally con-

ceded to be the family friend, and it isto him that

troubles of every nature may be safely confided.

Such is the experience of our subject, who is a
prominent doctor in Anamosa.

The original of this sketch was born March 3,
1855, in Indianapolis, Ind., and is the son of David
A.and Felicia (Dawkins) Pollard, the parents of
whom were born in Kentucky. He was a farmer
by occupation, and the son of Henry Pollard, of
English and Irish extraction. In the year 1858,
the parents of our subject came to Lowa, when the
latter was only three years of age, and took up
their abode on a tract of land in Boone County.
 

 

 

 

 

RICHARD BONSON

HON.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

261

 

 

This D. A. Pollard placed under excellent tillage,
and is residing upon that purchase to-day, having
made of it one of the finest farms in the county.

Alpheus L. passed his boyhood days in attend-
ing the district school, and during vacations aided
his father in carrying on the work of the farm.
When leaving home, in 1880, he engaged in the
retail lumber business in Boone, carrying on that
line of trade for about nine years, the greater por-
tion of the time in Anamosa. At the end of that
time he disposed of his interest in the business and
began the study of medicine, it having been his
desire and ambition from a boy to follow a profes-
sional career. He began reading medicine with
Dr. T. L. Hazard, of Anamosa, after which he en-
tered the Medical Department of the State Univer-

sity of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he con-_

ducted his studies for two years. He then became
a student in the Iowa State University in Iowa
City, and was graduated from the Medical Depart-
ment in 1893.

After receiving his diploma Dr. Pollard returned
to Anamosa, and has since been engaged in the
successful practice of his profession. The Doctor
was married in 1876 to Miss Amy Gillett, of Boone
County, this state. Our subject in social affairs is
a member of the Eastern District of the Iowa
Homeopathic Association, also of the Iowa State
Homeopathic Association. ‘The Doctor is now the
County Physician, this being his second year as
such.

14 NN

=o

2 —

ON. RICHARD BONSON. On the Ist of
February, 1883, at his beautiful country
home, Burnage Viila, near the city of Du-

buque, there passed away one of Iowa’s noblest
and most venerated citizens. Fora period of al-
most fifty years he had made his home in Dubuque
County, with the history of which his name is in-
timately associated. Coming here in early man-
hood, without other capital than a clear brain,
quick intelligence and willing hands, he worked his
way unaided to a position of influence as a
wealthy, progressive and liberal-spirited citizen.

 

From the record of his life may be gleaned many
lessons worthy of emulation by the young.

Yorkshire, England, was the birthplace of Mr.
Bonson, and October 23, 1814, the date of his
birth. In his native shire he passed uneventfully
the days of boyhood and youth, developing as he
grew to manhood a robust constitution, stalwart
physique and habits of industry and thrift. In
1834 he accompanied his parents, Robert and Mary
(Spensely) Bonson, to America, and settled in Du-
buque, Iowa, in July of that year. During the
voyage up the Mississippi River the mother died
of cholera. The father, a miner by occupation,
erected in 1836, in or near Platteville, Wis., the
first blast furnaces for smelting lead ever built in
the United States. During the same year he erect-
ed two more, one in Wisconsin and the other near
Dubuque.

For nearly fifty years Mr. Bonson was one of
the most prominent and successful miners of Du-
buque County, and also engaged in mercantile
pursuits for a long time. In early days he was a
member of the executive committee that arbi-
trated and settled mining disputes over claims.
While inseparably connected with the mining in-
terests of this section uf the country, he was one
of those public-spirited citizens who believe that
the public welfare demands the attention of every
man. He therefore kept himself intelligently
posted concerning the national issues of the age,
and our Government has had no supporter more
loyal than he. He was frequently elected to serve
in township and county oflices of trust. Nor did
his services end there. The state called upon him
to fill a number of positions of responsibility, and
among these was the office of State Inspector of
Banks, which he filled for years. Twice he was
elected to represent the district in the State Legis-
lature, and in that capacity he was characterized
by the same spirit of loyalty to his constituents
and devotion to the public welfare that had al-
ways been among his most notable traits. As citi-
zen, business man, public friend, father and hus-
band, he was true and faithful to every duty, and
no higher tribute can be paid to any man.

The first marriage of Mr. Bonson, occurring in
1838, united him with Miss Jane Burton, a native
262

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

of Derbyshire, England. ‘This lady died in 1866,
leaving two children, Mrs. Priscilla Morgans and
Mrs. Mary E. Simplot, deceased. Two years later
he was a second time married, choosing as his wife
Mrs. Harriet Pearson, a member of a family long
very prominent in England. She is a daughter of
William and Mary (Griffith) Watts, and was born
in Manchester, England. Her uncle, James Watts,
was Mayor of Manchester during the Queen’s so-
journ in that city many years ago, and the latter
spent one night under his roof, which was the first
time that royalty ever slept beneath the roof of a
commoner.

Burnage Villa is a handsome and commodious
country seat, and in architecture and environ-
ments are all that the most critical taste could de-
sire. Both in exterior and interior arrangements
it shows the oversight of a cultured mind and re-
fined taste. Over the Villa Mrs. Bonson presides
with a gracious hospitality that draws hither a
host of warm friends and acquaintances. With
her are her three children, Robert, William W. and
Annie Watts, the latter an accomplished young
lady. The two sons were educated in the com-
mon schools and the Iowa State University, and
are graduates of Columbia Law School, New York
City. They are now practicing law in the city of
Dubuque, under the firm name of Bonson &
Bonson.

pe COW

— ine

ICHOLAS KAUFFMANN is a well known
contractor and builder of Dubuque, and is

a worthy representative of that sturdy.

class of Germans who are numbered among the
best citizens of this Republic. The sturdy quali-
ties of his German ancestors he has inherited and
has become one of the thrifty and progressive citi-
zens of his adopted land.

Mr. Kauffmann was born in the Grand Duchy
of Luxemburg, August 13, 1836, and is the fourth
in the family of six children whose parents were
Theodore and Ann (Leven) Kauffmann. He has
one sister now living in South Dakota, and four

 

of the children reached mature age. In accord-
ance with the laws of Germany he attended the
public schools until fourteen years of age, and in
the following year he went to France, where he
attended an evening school. During the day he
worked at the carpenter’s trade, serving an ap-
prenticeship to the same, remaining with one em-
ployer seven years. At length he determined to
seek a home and fortune in the New World and in
1860 boarded a westward bound sailing vessel,
which after a long voyage of fifty-two days drop-
ped anchor in the harbor of New York.

Mr. Kauffmann then set foot on American soil
and was soon travelling across the country to the
city which was to be his future home. After
locating in Dubuque he secured work in breaking
land and received for his services $8 per month.
Later he went to Lamont, Jackson County, and
there engaged in farming, but after a time sold his
property and returned to this city. Here on Jan-
uary 18, 1864, he was united in marriage with
Miss Margaret Kieffer, who was born in Luxem-
burg, Germany, March 24, 1839. He wasin the em-
pioy of the Illinois Central Railroad Company,
building bridges, depots, ete., for twenty-one
years, at the end of which time he took a contract
for the erection of the Wurtemburg Seminary.
Since that time he has been successfully engaged
in contracting and building.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kauffmann have been born
eight children, Catherine, who died at the age of
two years; John M., who is now engaged in carpen-
tering; G. F., a merchant of Dubuque; Phyllis M.,
Frank, Catherine, Mary M. and Maggie. In his
political views Mr. Kauffmann is an independent
Democrat, but he has never been an aspirant for offi-
cial honors, preferring to give his entire time and
attention to his business interests, in which he is
meeting with good success. On all sides may be
seen his handiwork, for he is one of the leading
contractors and builders of the city and many of
the most important structures in Dubuque stand
as monuments to his thrift and enterprise. He
has never yet had occasion to regret bis emigra-
tion to America; his hopes of securing a good
home have been realized and he is at the head of
a good business which yields to him an income
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

263

 

 

that supplies him with all the necessaries and many
of the luxuries of life. Mr. Kauffmann was one
of the organizers and founders of the German
Catholic newspaper, Luxemburger Gazette, of Du-
buque.

HESS

OHN TREXLER, the senior member of the
well known firm of J. & A. M. Trexler, gro-
cers of Dubuque, was born in the city which
is still his home in 1856, and is of German

descent. His father, J. B. Trexler, was a native of
Bavaria, Germany. With the desire to try his for-
tune in the New World he crossed the briny deep
to the United States,and made his way to Dubuque
in 1855. He is still living in this city and has
now reached the ripe old age of seventy years.
He was a carpenter and contractor, and for some
time carried on business along that line, but is now
living retired, resting in the enjoyment of the
fruits of his former toil. He was united in mar-
riage with Miss Catherine Eichman, a native of Ba-
varia, Germany, who died in Dubuque in the year
1892.

In the city of his nativity, John Trexler was
reared to manhood, and in the parochial schools
acquired his literary education. He afterwards
pursued a commercial course of study in the Bay-
less Business College of Dubuque, attending that
school at night, while in the day time he was em-
ployed as a clerk. He entered upon his business
career at the early age of twelve years, at which
time he secured a position with the mercantile firm
of N. Eichman & Co. From that time he has made
his own way in the world, and for his success in
life deserves great credit, asit isthe reward of
earnest application, persistent effort and good man-
agement.

Mr. Trexler continued his connection with the
firm above mentioned for some time, or until 1877,
when he embarked in the grocery business on his
own account. He began operations on a small
scale, but increased his stock to meet the growing
demands of his trade, and his facilities were con-
stantly enlarged until he found himself at the head

 

of an extensive business. He was sole proprietor
of the store until 1890, when he admitted to part-
nership his brother, A. M. Trexler, and the busi-
ness has since been carried on under the firm style
of J.& A.M. Trexler.

In 1878 our subject led to the marriage altar
Miss Josephine Schwind, of Dubuque, daughter of
Jacob Schwind, one of the early settlers and mer-
chants of this city. Their union has been blessed
with two children, both sons, Clarence and Lester.
The parents are both members of the Catholic
Church.

In connection with his other business interests,
Mr. Trexler owns a part of the Trexler livery
stable. In politics he is a stalwart supporter of
Democratic principles, and does all in his power
to promote the growth and insure the success
of his party. In 1886 he was elected on the Dem-
ocratic ticket to represent the Third Ward in the
City Council, and so ably did he discharge the du-
ties of that office that he was twice re-elected, serv-
ing in all for six years as an efficient and faithful
member of the Council. He takes an active inter-
est in the work of public improvement, and with-
holds his support from no enterprise that is calcu-
lated to advance the general welfare. His entire
life has been passed in Dubuque, where he is both
widely and favorably known.

PSE OHS <

OSEPH COOK. The annals of Dubuque
County, which contain upon their records
so many worthy citizens and prosperous far-
mers, would be incomplete if the name of

our subject were omitted. He is a man who from
small beginnings has worked his way steadily up-
ward, and by his own unaided efforts and natural
ability attained that success which is only the fort-
une of a few to enjoy. He is a prominent agri-
culturist residing in Jefferson Township, Dubuque
County, Iowa, and was born in Schuylkill County,
Pa., July 15, 1830.

Our subject is the son of Thomas and Jane
(Bennett) Cook. The father was born in Dur-
264

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ham County, England, in the year 1804. Eleven
children came to bless this union, as follows; John,
William, Joseph, Walter, Mary, Robert, Thomas
and Jane (twins), Elizabeth, Richard and Martha.
Thomas Cook came to the United States in the
year 1830 and landed in New York City. Re-
maining there but a short time he went to Penn-
sylvania and about five years later, in 1835, he came
to Dubuque County, Lowa, and engaged in farming
and mining here for four years. In 1839 he re-
moved to Jefferson Township, the same county.
Here he was the superintendent of a lead mine, but
thinking that he could do better he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land and began farming.

Joseph Cook remained at home until he was
twenty years of age, when he ventured out in the
world for himself. He immediately went to the
“land of gold’”’ where he engaged in mining for
that precious metal for four years. He was very
successful in this undertaking and on his return
to Dubuque County purchased the old homestead,
consisting of one hundred and sixty acres which
he has increased to one hundred and eighty acres
of land. The property is under cultivation.

July 14, 1855, Mr. Cook was united in marriage
with Miss Emma Stocks, who was born in England
in 1832. She was the daughter of Jobn and Sarah
(Matthews) Stocks, both of whom were natives of
England. There were four children born to them,
namely: Frazier, John, Ellen and Walter. He has
given hischildren the best educational advantages
possible, thus enabling them to fill any position in
life with honor. He is an attendant at the Method-
ist Episcopal Church and a member of the Repub-
lican party.

©. :
Pb bbbbbiebbtd

(OU RYE»?

_.)
~©)

 

EORGE F. ATKINS is a wholesale and re-
tail dealer in tobacco and smoking sup-
plies in Dubuque, and is doing a good

business, his trade covering a large radius in the
northwest.

 

OBERT KENNEDY, belongs to that no-
ble army of self-made men who have
fought the battles of life bravely. He is

now not only well-to-do financially, but occupies
an enviable position in the estimation of all who
have the honor of his acquaintance, and he is one
of the most prominent and successful agricult-
urists in Washington Township, Dubuque Coun-
ty. Mr. Kennedy is a Pennsylvanian by birth,
having first seen the light of day on the 8th
of June, 1819, in the Keystone State. He is the
son of George and Elizabeth (Farley) Kennedy,
natives of Ireland. They came to the United
States in an early day and settled in Pennsyl-
vania, where he worked as a laborer for some
time; he afterward became a tiller of the soil and
continued in this delightful and health-giving em-
ployment for the remainder of his days.

Our subject was compelled to earn his own liv-
ing when quite young, not having a dollar in his
pocket when he started out. He chose the occupa-
tion of a farmer, and made that his life study.
Naturally intelligent and observing, he was quick
to see and act, always ready to adopt any and
every method that would improve or in any way
assist in the advancement of agriculture. The ed-
ucational advantages of that day were very meager,
schools were few and Robert had very little oppor-
tunity of attending those that were in the vicin-
ity, but still he was enabled to gain a fair knowl-
edge of the English language, and by reading and
study in after years be became a model self-made
man.

At the age of twenty-six our subject became the
husband of Miss Catherine Bachman. They were
united in marriage in 1845, and to them were
born ten children: Byrom, who is married and is
the father of three children; Sarah, Emeline; Ame-
lia, Mrs. Carnels Bradley, who is the mother of
seven children; Alpheus, of Jackson County, who is
the father of two sons; Harriet, who is married
and living at Dunlap, Iowa; Mary and Robert, who
are at home. ‘They have all received a fair educa-
tion, and are members of the United Presbyterian
Church.

In 1855 Mr. Kennedy came with his family to
Jowa and settled in Washington Township; here
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

265

 

 

he purchased forty acres of unimproved land,
which he immediately set about clearing and cul-
' tivating. With the assistance of his good wife,
who was indeed a helpmate to him in his early
struggles for prosperity, he has established a name
and reputation that will live long after he has
passed to his final reward. To the original farm
Mr. Kennedy has added from time to time, until
now he is the owner of two hundred and thirty
broad acres of land in one tract, besides two other
farms, one containing two hundred and twenty
acres, and the other one hundred and eighty-four
acres, and personal property equal in value to
all the land. His land is all under a high state of
cultivation, well stocked with fine horses, cattle
and hogs. He hasea nice residence, large and
commodious barns, and a complete assortment of
all necessary farming implements.

Mr. Kennedy and his excellent wife are exem-
plary members of the United Presbyterian Church,
are active workers in the same, giving liberally to
its support, and are always first to aid in all good
work. Politically he is a solid Republican, after
having voted the Democratic ticket for over forty
years. He has filled the office of Justice of the
Peace in Buncombe for a number of years, serving
the people honestly and well, gaining the respect
of the community, and is numbered among the
prominent and substantial citizens of Dubuque
County, Iowa.

C—_ allo _ —S)
o— AGIOS oO

 

ON. MOSES M. HAM is the popular, effi-
cient and well known Postmaster of Du-
buque. He comes from the far-off state

of Maine, his birth having occurred in York Coun-
ty, of the Pine Tree State, March 23, 1833. His
parents, Dr. L. J. and Mary Ayer Ham, were also
natives of Maine. In that state the subject of this
sketch spent his youth until fourteen years of age,
when he removed with his parents to Erie Coun-
ty, N. Y., the family locating near Buffalo. There
he was reared to manhood and in the public

 

schools he acquired his early education, which was
supplemented by study in Lima Seminary. He
afterwards entered UnionCollege, Schenectady, and
on completing a thorough course of study in that
institution was graduated therefrom in 1855.

Mr. Ham then left home, starting out in life
for himself. He went to Michigan and for two
years was Principal of the school in Jonesville,
Hillsdale County. He then removed to Detroit,
Mich.,and became the editor of the Free Press,
conducting the newspaper business for some years.
In 1863 he removed to Iowa and entered upon a
business career in Dubuque. For many years_he
was interested in the newspaper business in this
city. He became connected with the Herald and
after a time became its proprietor and editor-in-
chicf. He now publishes a daily and also a weekly
edition and his papers have a large circulation.
This 1s the oldest paper in the state, having been
published continually since it was established on
the 11th of May, 1836. Through the columns of
his paper he has done much for the upbuilding and
advancement of this community and has ever been
recognized as one of its valued and representative
citizens.

Mr. Ham was united in marriage with Miss Hellen
M. Tucker and to them were born two children
who are yet living, Clifford D., who is now en-
gaged as manager of the Herald, and Hellen, at
home. After the death of his wife, he married
Miss Rebecca Wells, of one of the oldest and best
known families in Dubuque.

Mr. Ham has taken a very prominent part in
public and political affairs. In 1872 he was a del-
egate at large to the Democratic National Con-
vention at Baltimore. In 1877 he was elected as
State Senator from Dubuque County on the Dem-
ocratic ticket. While thus serving he was on im-
portant committees and labored earnestly for the
best interests of his constituents. In 1876 he
was a delegate to the National Convention which
convened in St. Louis and nominated Samuel J.
Tilden for the presidency. In 1872 he was ap-
pointed a member of the National Democratic Com-
mittee for the state of Lowa, and thus served un-
til 1888. In 1885 he was appointed by President
Cleveland as Postmaster of Dubuque, which posi-
266

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

tion he held for four years, and in 1893, when
President Cleveland was again in the executive
mansion, Mr. Ham was once more placed in charge
of the Postoffice. To its management he gives
his personal supervision, and his able administra-
tion of affairs has won him the confidence and
high commendation of all concerned. He is a true
and faithful citizen, devoted to the best interests
of the community in which he resides, and his
name is inseparably connected with the history of
Dubuque and the political history of the state.

Oo FACIL —o

 

ETER FREY MANN is a leading merchant,
hotel-keeper and a Director in the German
State Bank of Dyersville. He is a native
of Belgium, his birth having occurred January 20,
1841. He is the only son in a family of five chil-
dren born to Nicholas and Morgunta (Henkels)
Freymann. The fatber was a prominent farmer
and dealer in live stock in his nativeland. Being
possessed of an ample fortune, he gave his son the
advantages of a good education, and in 1859 re-
moved with his family to America. He settled
near Dubuque, Iowa, where he became an exten-
sive farmer, engaging in agricultural pursuits un-
til late in life, when he retired from business cares,
making his home in Dubuque, where his death oc-
curred in 1887. His wife died several years be-
fore, and two of our subject’s sisters were also
called to their final rest a number of years pre-
vious. The other sisters are still living near Du-
buque.

In 1872 the subject of this sketch engaged in .

the hotel business in Dubuque, continuing in that
work for two years, after which he settled in this
city. He engaged in the same line of occupation,
that of keeping a hotel, but has also been occupied
in other commercial lines as well, being one of the
proprietors of a leading mercantile house. He was
also one of the incorporators of the German State
Bank, of which he has been one of the Directors
from the first; for six years he was one of the Ald-

 

ermen of Dyersville, and he has also served his fel-
low-citizens as one of the Trustees of the town. In
his business methods, Mr. Freymann is a careful
and conservative man, and by strict attention to his
commercial interest at all times, he has amassed a
good sized fortune, and is one of the foremost citi-
zens of this thriving western city.

Mr. Freymann was brought up in the faith of
the Catholic Church, to which he has ever adhered.
Politically he has been a life-long Democrat, and
personally he is much liked by those who have the
honor of his acquaintance. It was in the year
1868 that Miss Annie Henkles became the wife of
our subject. She is a native of Luxemburg, Ger-
many, but emigrated to this county with her par-
ents when an infant of onlysa few months. Mr.
and Mrs. Freymann have a family of seven chil-
dren: Maggie; Hattie, wife of Conrad Melbert, of
Dyersville; Peter, Jr., who is in his father’s store,
and who completed his education at the Dubuque
Business College; Frank, John, Joseph and Louis,
who are now being educated.

 

ssa

OHN E. BILBROUGH. It is an important
principle in human nature to admire the
artistic and beautiful, not only as represent-
ing scenery, but also personal friends. As

an artist of high character, who has done much to
improve and raise the standard of art work in
photography, we mention the name of Mr. Bil-
brough, whose studio is situated on the southwest
corner of Main and Eighth Streets, Dubuque.

A native of England, our subject was born in
Derby, Derbyshire, February 18, 1840, being the
son of William and Mary (Roland) Bilbrough.
In the schools of Brentwood, in Essex, he gained a
good education, and completed his studies in
Leeds, Yorkshire. In his native land he learned
the art of photography, but did not commence in
business in England. In 1861 he emigrated to
the United States, coming via the Dominion of
Canada, and spending fifteen months in Toronto.
He then crossed to Wisconsin, where he spent
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

267

 

 

three years. Later he made a short sojourn in
Chicago.

The year 1864 witnessed the arrival of Mr. Bil-
brough in Dubuque, where he has since devoted
his entire attention to his art. He occupies com-
modious rooms, which he has fitted up into a first-
class studio supplied with the latest appliances of
photography. In point of yearsof active business,
he is the oldest photographer in the eastern part of
the state, and is both widely and favorably known.
He has an extensive trade, and is prepared to turn
out in fine shape everything from a minette to a
life-size picture finished in pastel, crayon or water
colors. ,

The marriage of Mr. Bilbrough occurred in 1874,
and united him with Miss Julia A. Van Evra, an
accomplished lady then living in Akron, Ohio.
Socially our subject affiliates with the Mosaic
Lodge No. 125, A. F. & A. M., Dubuque Chapter,
R. A. M.,and siloam Commandery No.3, K.T. In
religious belief he is a member of the Episcopal
Church, to which his wife also belongs... They
have a comfortable home on Broadway, to which
are welcomed their hosts of warm personal friends.

 

aa

EV. GEORGE WILLIAM HEER, Rector
of St. Xavier’s Catholic Church at Dyers-
ville, is a Prussian by birth, having been

born in Boke, Westphalia, of that country, on the
25th of April, 1849. He is next to the youngest
in a family of six children born to Lawrence and
Theresa Heer. In 1856 the family came to Amer-
ica, locating at Ft. Madison, Iowa, where his par-
ents lived until their death. Early in life George
applied himself to obtaining an education in the
parochial schools of Ft. Madison, and in the year
1864 we find him diligently pursuing his studies
at the Catholic College in Quincy, II]., where he
remained for two years. At the end of this time
he entered the St. Francis’ Seminary at Milwaukee,
Wis., where his education was completed, and
March 16, 1872, he was ordained by Bishop Henni
and was at once given a charge at St. Peter’s

 

Church, Keokuk, Iowa. He remained there until
January, 1874, when he was transferred to Rich-
mond, Iowa, and in September, 1875, was again
conveyed to Centralia, where he stayed until] 1880.
From the last-named place he was removed to
Worthington, this state, thence lo his permanent
charge at Dyersville, in October, 1889, where he
succeeded Father Anthony Kortenkamp.

The new Church St. Xavier, at the time Father
Heer became its head, was just nearing completion.
It is now said to be the largest and finest church
in the state, having cost $100,000 and has a seat-
ing capacity of fifteen hundred. That Father
Heer was chosen for this responsible charge, speaks
volumes for his ability and integrity. He is fluent
in German, English and Latin, and is a most de-
vout Catholic and able expounder of the faith.
It is not strange that he wins the hearts of the
people with whom he comes in contact, in and
out of the church.

OHN NEWMAN, a member of the firm of J.
Newman & Son, manufacturers of carriages,
buggies and wagons of Dubuque, claims New
York as the state of his nativity, his birth

having occurred in Geneva, October 20, 1832. He
comes of a family of English origin, and his father,
John Newman, was a native of England. His
mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary Miller,
was a native of England.

Mr. Newman, of this sketch, was reared in the
state of his nativity, and acquired his education
in its common schools, after which he started out
in life for himself. He had no capital save a pair
of willing hands anda young man’s bright hope
of the future, so that whatever success he has
achieved is due entirely to his own efforts. He be-
gan learning the carriage making trade, to which
he served a five years’ apprenticeship, becoming
in that time familiar with the business in all its
details. In the spring of 1854,he left the east and
emigrated to Iowa, taking up his residence in Du-
buque, where he began work as a carriage maker in

the employ of A. A. Cooper, of this city. Subse-
268

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

quently he worked for Thomas Connelly, and also
Thomas Armstrong, but at length determined that
his efforts should more directly benefit himself and
in 1877 established a carriage manufactory on his
own account. This he has been conducting con-
tinuously since, and the enterprise has proved to
him a profitable one. Ia 1890 he built his present
fine factory, a structure 114x44 feet and four sto-
ries in-height, in which he manufactures carriages,
buggies and wagons of a very superior quality.
On account of the excellent workmanship which
he turns out he receives a liberal patronage, his
trade having steadily increased from the beginning.
Employment is furnished to a number of men and
the Newman factory has become one of the leading
industries of Dubuque.

In November, 1859, Mr. Newman was united in
marriage with Miss Mary Quinn, a native of the
Emerald Isle. She isa member of the Catholic
Church, and is one of the highly esteemed ladies
of this community. By the union of our subject
and his wife there were born four children, two
sons and two daughters, namely: Charles, Fred-
erick, Mary and Sadie. They reside at No. 16
Booth Street, where they have a pleasant home
supplied with all the comforts and many of the
luxuries of life.

In his political views Mr. Newman is a Repub-
lican. He always votes with that party and keeps
well informed on the issues of the day, but has
never sought or desired public office, preferring to
give his entire time and attention to his business
interests, in which he has met with signal success.
He may truly be called a self-made man, for he de-
serves all the credit which that term implies.

OSEPH J. GRIGG, a contractor and builder
of Dubuque, is a native of England, and was
born in the Parish of Duloe, Cornwall, Eng-
land, on the 8th of February, 1839. His fa-

ther, Robert Grigg, was also a native of that country
and there spent his entire life, his death occurring
at the ripe old age of seventy-seven years. By

time he crossed the Atlantic to America.

 

occupation he was a farmer and followed that pur-
suitas a means of support for himself and family,
His wife, who in her maidenhood was Ann Nichols,
was also born in Cornwall.

Under the parental roof Mr. Grigg of this sketch
was reared to manhood, spending the days of his
boyhood in the usual manner of farmer lads. The
public schools afforded him his educational privi-
leges but his advantages in that direction were
somewhat meagre as during the greater part of the
time his labors were needed in the fields, where he
began work as soon as old enough to follow the
plow. At the age of fifteen he began serving an
apprenticeship to the carpenter’s trade, his term
covering five and a-half years. On the expiration
of that period he went to Plymouth, England,
where he engaged in carpentering for two years,
and then removed to London, where he spent six
years as a carpenter, employed by various parties in
that city.

One of the most important events in the life of
Mr. Grigg occurred in September, 1865, at which
He has
never had occasion to regret the step then taken
for he has here met with success, gaining both a
comfortable competency and a pleasant home, to-
gether with many friends and agreeable acquaint-
ances. On coming to America he made his way at
once to Dubuque, where he worked for two years in
the employ of others; he then began contracting and
building on his own account and has since carried
on operations along that line. That his work has
found favor with the public is shown by the lib-
eral patronage which he now receives. He has
erected some of the most important structures in
the city, including the Klein & Walker Block, the
Conchar residence, the Schriber & Conchar Works,
the Iowa Block, the Boston Dry Goods Block, the
building owned by Dr. Peterson, and many other
of the fine residences and buildings of Dubuque,
together with the seminary at Epworth, Iowa.

Mr. Grigg has been connected with other enter-
prises, including the Dubuque Pressed Brick Com-
pany, of which he was one of the organizers and is
now a stockholder. He is one of the organizers
and stockholders of the Key City Fire Insurance
Company, and in politics he is a supporter of the
 

sy

 

ROBERT BELL.

  

    

ee

 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

271

 

 

Republican party, while socially he is a member
of Harmony Lodge, I. O. O. F., and the Iowa
Legion of Honor. Both he and his wife hold
membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Mrs. Grigg was in her maidenhood Miss Charlotte
Coker, a native of Plymouth, England. Their
marriage was celebrated December 27, 1864, and
has been blessed with six children, twosons and four
daughters, namely: Charlotte, Joseph, Matilda M.,
William H. (deceased), MaudN. and Georgia. They
reside at No.165 Bennett Street. Matilda M. married
Byron Elliott August 1, 1894, and now resides at
No. 60 Cleveland Avenue, Dubuque.

\ SCRE Sem.

OBERT BELL, a wealthy pioneer farmer
R of Dodge Township, Dubuque County, is

residing in his beautiful country home,
two miles north of Worthington. He is a native
of England, having been born in Lincolnshire
December 11, 1828. His mother died when he
was a lad of ten years, and his father being in lim-
ited circumstances he was permitted to attend
school only a short time. When reaching his
twelfth year he began to make his own way in the
world by herding sheep, for which he received the
munificent sum of a penny a day. Prior to this,
however, he had met with an accident by the pre-
mature discharge of a gun which caused him to
lose the use of his right hand.

It was the desire of young Robert to emigrate
to the New World, but it took him eight years to
save asum sufficient to pay his passage hither.
Finally, however, by the strictest economy he ac-
cumulated the needed amount and in 1848 came
to America. He made, his way directly to Iowa,
and on arriving at Dyersville was met by Judge
Dyer, who received him cordially, procured for
him a place to board, and gave him employ-
ment at once. Throughout life he remained a
warm friend of Mr. Bell, who on his return from
California purchased a tract of land from the
Judge. In the fall of 1849 he went to Dubuque
and until the fall of the following year found em-

9

 

ployment in an hotel. He then went down the
river to New Orleans, and in the spring of 1851
was attacked with the California gold fever. With
but fifty cents in his pocket he joined a company
going overland and worked his way to the Golden
State, arriving there after a dangerous journey of
three months.

Mr. Bell at once engaged in placer mining on
the Feather River, meeting with fair success from
the start. This was at a time when provisions
were very high and fifty cents was the ruling
price, no matter whether the article purchased was
flour, bacon, sugar or salt. Strangely enough he
fellin with an Irishman whose name was also Rob-
ert Bell, and forming a partnership they purchased
a claim twenty miles from the Nelson camp, on
which they erected a comfortable cabin. As win-
ter was fast approaching they took some of the
gold dust and went to the nearest supply camp in
order to lay in asufficient quantity of provisions,
but before they could reach their cabin, and while
yet in the mountains, they were overtaken by a
furious snow storm and nearly lost their lives.

Mr. Bell was unlike many of the gold seekers of
California who went there with the expectation of
getting rich in a short time, and when their claim
did not “pan out’’ asmuch as they expected, left
it, although they were making good wages. It
was not so with the man who had formerly worked
fora penny a day,and as long as he averaged
from $2 to $4 per day he was satisfied until he
was positive he could do better elsewhere. He
worked hard during the winter months, often dig-
ging through eight feet of snow, but notwith-
standing these uncomfortable surroundings “he
made $300 that winter, which he concluded was
much better than remaining in town, and spend-
ing what he had previously made as many of the
miners did.

In his quaint and humorous way Mr. Bell tells
of the different schemes he devised in his mining
enterprises to save labor and yet secure every
grain of gold there was in the dirt. The manner
in which he buried the gold dust so that it could
not be found by robbers was entirely original
with him; but to describe all his ventures would
require a volume in itself. Suffice it to say that
272

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

during hisstay in the gold field he saved $3,500,
with which he started back east, via the Isthmus.
Reaching New York in safety he immediately
went to the United States Mint in Philadelphia,
where he had $500 coined, and taking a certificate
for the remainder, started for his native land, it
being his desire to bring his father to America.
On arrival in Scotland it gave him great satisfac-
tion to go to the man for whom he had worked
for a penny a day and exhibit his certificates,
showing that he had made a small fortune in the
five years he had been absent.

Prior to returning to the United States Mr.
Bell spent six months in England and there in 1856
married Miss Jane Mundy, a native of Bradford-
shire. Later, accompanied by his wife, father and
sister, he again crossed the Atlantic, making his
way to Dubuque County, where he has since made
his home and where he is said to have made a
large fortune. He has always been looked upon
as u friend of the poor and needy, to whom he
gives employmentand more substantial aid when
necessary. He recently sold a portion of his
large estate, but retains the most beautiful loca-
tion, on which he has completed the finest resi-
dence and accompanying outbuildings in the
township. His aged father, who is now past ninety
years of age, has always lived with him and is in
the enjoyment of good health. |

Mrs. Jane Bell departed this life February 18,
1882, leaving six children. The eldest son, George,
is engaged in business at Storm Lake, this state;
Thomas Robert is in the agricultural implement
business at Farley; John Mundy is an agricultur-
ist of Delaware County; William E. is also follow-
ing farming pursuits; Edith is the wife of William
Baker, an extensive farmer of Dodge Township;
and Minnie makes her home with her brother in
Storm Lake.

The present wife of Mr. Bell bore the maiden
name of Jane Waite and was born in Jefferson
County, N. Y. Sheis the daughter of E.G. Waite,
a pioneer of Delaware County, this state, where
he still makes his home, although he spends much of
his time with his daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Bell
have one child, Maggie,aged ten years. Our sub-
ject is a Republican in politics, but is in no sense

 

of the term an office-seeker. In religious connec-
tion-he holds membership in the Methodist Epis-

copal Church. He is now spending the evening of

his life in his pleasant home, blessed by the affec-
tion of his family and surrounded by all the com-
forts that money can buy.

 

HARLESI. STILLMAN, a well known con-
tractor and builder of Dubuque, who for
the past three years has carried on busi-

ness in his own interest in this place, is a native
of the Buckeye State. He was born in Erie Coun-
ty, Ohio, July 2, 1854, and is a representative of
one of the pioneer families of that locality, his
father, Albert Stillman, having there located at
an early day. His mother, who bore the maiden
name of Elizabeth Dyer, was a native of New York
and a daughter of John Dyer, a lighthouse keeper
on Marblehead peninsula for many years.

Charles I. Stillman isa self-made man who has
made his own way in life since the early age of
fourteen years, at which time he Jeft home to earn
a livelihood. He learned the carpenter’s trade
and after mastering the business worked as a
journeyman for several years. In 1887 he came
to Dubuque, where he worked for others for four
years, or until 1891. On the expiration of that
period he embarked in business on his own ac-
count, and is now a well known contractor and
builder of the city. He has erected some of the
finest residences of Dubuque, including the homes
of John S. Gauger, James Healey, Miss Julia Lentz,
W. F. Johnson, Ross Brothers, George Fifer,
Charles Van Horn, Del Wade, Frank Dugen,
George Sherman, John McCallum and Charles
Young. ‘Thus on all sides are seen evidences of
his handiwork. He always faithfully performs
his part of a contract and his fair and straight-
forward dealing has gained him the confidence
and high regard of all and won him a liberal pat-
ronage. He now employ twenty-three men in or-
der to meet his contracts.

On the 2d of July, 1884, Mr, Stillman was
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

273

 

 

united in-marriage with Miss Belle Strait, a native
of New York, and a daughter of Col. George F.
Strait, who was also born in the Empire State, but
now resides in Dubuque. Mr. and Mrs. Stillman
have one daughter, Gertrude. Their home is at
No. 645 West Fifth Street, where they have a fine
residence. In politics, Mr. Stillman isa Republican,
and socially is a member of Stark Lodge No. 88,
A. F.& A. M. He deserves great credit for his
success in life, his “earnest efforts, industry and
close application to business being the factors
which have brought him prosperity.

Php heh heehee hebobe

 

oO

RANK MESCHER. A visitér to the home
of this gentleman on section 6, New Wine
Township,Dubuque County, will find many

arrangements made for the proper management of
the farm and for the comfort of the family. The
property consists of eighty-five acres of fine land,
the possession of which proves the energy and
perseverance of Mr. Mescher, for he began for him-
self without financial equipment. Chief among
the buildings on the place is the neat family resi-
dence. Substantial fences, good outbuildings and
other improvements add to the value of the prop-
erty.

Upon this farm, Juve 5, 1849, the subject of our
sketch was born. His parents, Tobias and Marga-
ret Mescher, both natives of Oldenburg, Germany,
sought a home in America in 1845, and settled on
the farm now owned by our subject. Six children
completed the household,namely: Elizabeth, wife
of H. S. Fangeman, who resides near New Vienna;
Henry, who died a few years ago; Margaret, also
deceased; Frank, of this sketch; Clements, now in
Oregon, and Andrew, who lives in New Vienna.
The parents are both deceased, the father dying in
1861 and the mother in 1867.

Upon the home farm the boyhood years of our
subject uneventfully passed by. During the win-
ter months he conned his lessons in the district

 

schools, and in the summer seasons worked on his
father’s estate. Establishing domestic ties, he was
in 1868 united in marriage with Miss Engel Hell-
man, who was born in Dubuque County. Her par-
ents, Henry and Agnes Hellman, were born in
Germany, whence they emigrated to the United
States and settled in Dubuque County. They are
now living near the mill in New Vienpna. Their
family numbered six children, Engel, Andrie,
Mary, Henry, Annie and Lizzie, all residents of
Dubuque County.

The sterling qualities of Mr. Mescher have given
him a high standing among the people of the town-
ship, which has been his life-long home. His indus-
try and well directed efforts have resulted in the
accumulation of property. Financially prospered,
he is enabled to surround his family with the com-
forts and many of the luxuries of life. Our sub-
ject and wife have nine children, viz.: Francis H.,
Andrew, Agatha, John, Heury, Mary, Toney, Anna,
Edah, all at home. The political views of Mr.
Mescher are in accordance with the platform of
the Democratic party, but he is not partisan in his
preferences, giving his influence to all measures
having for their object the promotion of the wel-
fare of the people. In his religious belief he be-
longs to the Catholic Church at New Vienna, to
the support of which he is a regular contributor.

pene SEE retreatment

HARLES STARR BARRE, the popular and
efficient editor of the News-Letter of Dyers-
ville, was born in what was then known

as King’s settlement, in Chenango County, N. Y.,
November 23, 1840. The family of which he is a
worthy descendant was represented in America
as early as 1736. Col. Isaac Barre, the great-grand-
father of our subject, was a soldier in the Revolu-
tionary War, and died in London in 1802. Grand-
father Barre served in the War of 1812.

Matthew C. Barre, father of our subject, was
born in Barre, Mass., but removing in early life to
New York, there engaged in farm pursuits until
his death, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife,
274

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

whose maiden name was Elizabeth Briggs, was a
native of the Empire State and a lady of culture.
In early womanhood she taught in the public
schools of New York, and was successful in that
profession. She passed away at the age of seventy-
nine, one year before her husband’s death.

Upon the home farm our subject was reared to
manhood, attending the public schools of the vi-
cinity, and assisting his futher in the various duties
that fall to the farmer’s lot. Later he entered the
academy at Norwich, N. Y., where he completed
his schooling. Atthe age of seventeen he entered
the office of the Chenango Telegraph, where he
served an apprenticeship of three years to the
printer's trade. Soon after learning his trade he
went south and settled in Raleigh, N. C., and was
employed in that city when the fall of Ft. Sumter
occurred. During the war he was conscripted into
the Confederate army, but by an act of the Con-
federate Congress was exempted from military
duty and made assistant in the office of John
Spellman, Public Printer in the rebel service. This
position he occupied until a short time before the
close of the war, when he was permitted to go
north, just prior to the surrender of General Lee.
He returned to his native town and resumed work
in the office where he had learned the trade.

At the close of the Rebellion, Mr. Barre was
made Assistant Postmaster at Norwich under Har-
mon Bennett, and while filling that position he
married Miss Augusta Hotchkiss, of Smithville,
N. Y. After one year of wedded life, she died,
and some time thereafter our subject came west
and located in Beloit, Wis. There he was em-
ployed as foreman and local editor of the Beloit
Journal, and also served as Deputy Postmaster un-
der F. W. Oakley, of that place. After filling that
position five years, he accepted a place with Booth,
Hinman & Co., as Superintendent of their large
paper house at Beloit. He remained in their office
five years, and then coming to Iowa, located at
Earlville, Delaware County.

May 22, 1878, Mr. Barre married Miss Helen
Richmond, and their union has been blessed by one
child, a son, Arthur Sterling, now fifteen years of
age. In 1881 our subject established the Earlville
Graphic, the first issue of which appeared on the

 

19th of November. It was a flourishing weekly,
and the editor gained the confidence of the com-
munity, but in an unlucky hour the fire fiend de-
stroyed the entire place. He then came to Dyers-
ville and founded the News-Leiter, the first num-
ber of which was issued November 19,1887. The
paper has steadily grown in favor, and is regarded
as the most newsy and spicy weekly in this part of
the state. December 15, 1892, Mr. Barre took
possession of the fine new office he now occupies
in the City Hall building. Politically he is a Re-
publican, but his paper devotes very little atten-
tion to political factions, its mission being to print
the news and please all. Fraternally he isa Chap-
ter Mason and a charter member of the Knights of
Pythias, and stands high in the social circles of
Dyersville.

Se

VERT J. SCHOONOVER, who is en-
pas gaged in general farming and stock-rais-

ing on section 11, Wayne Township, is
one of the practical agriculturists of Jones Coun-
ty. He was born in Franklin County, Ind., on his
father’s farm,in an old log cabin, February 20,
1846. The family on the paternal side is of
Dutch ancestry, they having been residents of
Van Schoonhoven, and the spelling of the name
was originally that of the district which was their
home. Our subject’s grandfather changed the
name to the present style.

Thomas Schoonover, the father of our subject,
was born in Broome County, N. Y., and his wife,
who bore the maiden name of Sarah Jane Wiggins,
was a native of Bath, N. Y. They were married
in Bradford County, Pa., and by their union were
born four children, three sons and one daughter.
Mrs. Schoonover was the daughter of Lawrence
Wiggins, of English descent, and her death oc-
curred August 12, 1894, when she had nearly
reached the age of eighty-five years. ‘The father
was born in 1806, and died on the old homestead
in Wayne Township, April 22, 1890. He re-
moved to Jones County in 1855 from Indiana,
and entered a tract of land on section 14, Wayne
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

275

 

 

Township. The patents which he obtained from the
Government are now in the possession of his son,
the property involved comprising one hundred
and sixty acres, and he was actively engaged in
its cultivation until shortly before his death.

The gentleman of whom this is a brief life his-
tory resided in the county of his birth until about
nine years of age, at that time coming to Iowa.
He received a good common-school education, and
supplemented the same by a course of study in the
Iowa State University of Iowa City, where he was
enrolled in the academic department for three
years. Returning to the farm, he soon secured a
certificate to teach, and for fifteen terms success-
fully conducted schools in Jones County, being
considered an able educator. Since that time he
has devoted his attention to farming, and has been
very fortunate in the management of his affairs.
He has also made a success of raising hogs, and
keeps twenty-five cows, selling milk to the Dia-
mond Creamery. His farm contains within its
boundaries two hundred and eighty acres, besides
which he has a tract of forty acres of timber land.
Running water affords ample means for supplying
the stock, and on the place are good improve-
ments in the shape of barns and outbuildings.
Mr. Schoonover has become the owner of the
Leonard Hitchcock farm, and is rapidly becoming
wealthy by means of his good business methods.

In October, 1883, was celebrated the marriage of
Mr. Schoonover and Carrie, daughter of Charles
R. Applegate. This worthy couple have become
the parents of two daughters, Frances E. and Sadie
C. The parents are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in which they are active work-
ers and in which they are highly esteemed. The
brothers and sisters of Mr. Schoonover are Law-
rence, of Anamosa; George, of Monticello; Cath-
arine E., who married W. R. Richison. They bad
one son, Thomas G. The parents are both de-
ceased.

Fraternally Mr. Schoonover is identified with
the Odd Fellows’ society, being a member of Mon-
ticello Lodge No. 117. He uses his right of fran-
chise in favor of the Republican party, and has
served satisfactorily in township offices. For the
past year he has been an eflicient Justice of the

 

Peace, and was formerly Township Clerk. A gen-
tleman of the most thorough integrity and high
sense of honor, he has long borne a reputation
which might well be envied by any one.

odosfee$oogs —
PE bSI :

San

E WITT CLINTON STEWART, of Du-
buque, who is efficiently serving as mem-
ber of the Board of Supervisors, is a native

of Missouri, his birth having occurred in Montgom-
ery County, that state, on the Ist of March, 1851.
His parents were Thomas C. and Mary A. (Single-
ton) Stewart, the former a native of Virginia, and
the latter of Kentucky. Our subject is the eldest
of the four children yet living, there being two
sisters and a brother younger than himself. The
father was a farmer by occupation, but during the
later years of his life did not follow that pursuit.
In 1852 he came with his family to Dubuque,
where he spent his remaining days, his death oc-
curring in 1885, at the age of sixty-seven years.
His father was William Stewart, of Virginia, and
the family was probably founded in America dur-
ing early Colonial days.

Mr. Stewart, whose name heads this record, dur-
ing his boyhood lived upon his father’s farm and
spent the days of his youth in the manner of chil-
dren similiarly situated. He began his education
in the district schvols, and later attended the pub-
lic schools of this city. He early became familiar
with farm work in all its departments and to his
father he gave the benefitof his services until
March 4, 1873, when he was united in marriage
with Miss Elizabeth Spensley, daughter of John
Spensley, of Dubuque.

After his marriage Mr. Stewart embarked in farm-
ing for himself and was engaged in agricultural
pursuits for some time, meeting with quite good
success in his undertakings. He thus carried on
farming until the fall of 1891, when he left his old
home and came to Dubuque, where he has since
lived. Ele now owns seventy-five acres of rich and
arable land, pleasantly situated four miles from the
heart of the city, and his farm yields to him a good
276

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

income. The home has been blessed by the pres-
ence of three children, Mary E., Margaret E. and
Alice E.

In his political views Mr. Stewart is a Democrat,
and for five years served his township as Assessor,
proving a capable and efficient officer. He was al-
so Township Trustee for three years, and was Treas-
urer of the School District fora period of eight
years. In 1891 he was elected County Supervisor
for a term of two years, and in 1893 was elected
to the same position, which he is now filling in a
creditable manner, discharging his duties with a
promptness and fidelity that has gained him the
respect of his political opponents. Mr. Stewart
takes quite an active interest in civic societies and
isa member of Harmony Lodge No. 2, I. O. O. F.,
of which he was Secretary for two years. He is also
a member of the Modern Woodmen, belonging to
Dubuque Camp No. 984,M. W. A. He is also con-
nected with the Independent Order of Foresters.
He takes a leading part in these various organiza-
tions, and is widely known among his social associ-
ates and business men as a man of sterling worth,
true to duty and faithful in all relations.

4X cso ==

ENRY BOCKENSTEDT, the owner and
occupant of a yaluable farm lying in Du-
buque and Delaware Counties, resides on

section 7, New Wine Township, in the county first-
named. For about half a century he has resided
in this locality, and there are few agriculturists
better known than he. His property is well im-
proved with convenient farm buildings, the fences
are neat and strong, and the machinery of the
most approved manufacture. In fact, it would
need but a cursory glance to give rise to the belief
that Mr. Bockenstedt thoroughly understands his
vocation, and is endowed with good sense and ex-
cellent judgment.

Steinburg, Germany, is our subject’s native
place, and January 30, 1833, the date of his birth.
His parents, also natives of that place, emigrated
to America in 1846,and proceeding direct to Iowa,

 

settled on a farm near New Vienna, Dubuque
County. There were nine children in the family,
six sons and three daughters, named as follows:

Frank, Henry; Clements, who occupies a farm

three miles northwest of our subject’s estate; Ar-
nold, Anton, Annie, Elizabeth; John, deceased,and ~
Mrs. Josephine Kramer, who died at Dyersville in
1888. The surviving children all reside in this
locality.

When the family came to Dubuque County, our
subject was a lad of thirteen years, and here his
life has since been spent. In May, 1859, he mar-
ried Miss Mary Rohenkohl, the ceremony being
performed by Father Ort. ‘The young couple set-
tled on a farm in Delaware County, one mile west
of their present home, but after spending six years
there they returned to the old Bockenstedt home-
stead, where they have lived for the past twenty-
nine years. Mrs. Bockenstedt is a daughter of
John Frederick and Catherine Rohenkohl, natives
of Germany, who came to America in 1833, and
spent twelve years in Ohio. ‘Thence they came to
Dubuque County, where they resided twenty-seven
years. Later they removed to Kansas, and now
reside in Texas. In 1891 they celebrated their
golden wedding, upon which happy occasion they
were the recipients of the congratulations of hosts
of friends. They have had fourteen children, of
whom Mary is the eldest; John is married and
lives in Waterloo, lowa; Frank and Barney make
their home in Dyersville; Henry lives in Kansas
City; Josephine and Clara are married and live in
Texas; Catherine, Elizabeth, Anna, Frances, John,
Frederick and Angeler are deceased.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bockenstedt have been born
nine children, as follows: John, who married Mary
Neuder and makes his home in Delaware County;
Henry, who chose as his wife Miss Annie Farwell,
and lives in Delaware County; Elizabeth, wife of
Joseph Cramer; Tony and Anna, both of whom
died at the age of two years; Clement, Joseph,
Catherine and Monica, who are with their parents.
Mr. Bockenstedt owns two hundred and seventy
acres of land, of which one hundred and sixty are
situated just across the county line in Delaware
County. His political convictions are strongly
with the Democratic party, but while taking an
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

277

 

 

active interest in public affairs he has never been
an aspirant for political honors. He and his wife
are members of Father Pape’s Catholic Church in
New Vienna, to which they have belonged for
several years.

=a SS

ILLIAM B. ALLEN, a prosperous and
extensive farmer of Jones County, is
well known in the community in and

about Monticello Township, where he is highly re-
spected as an industrious and upright citizen. His
good estate lies on section 11, and in addition to
raising the various cereals he devotes a great deal
of his time and attention to breeding fine grades of
stock and to the dairy business.

Our subject is a native of England and was born
in Hampshire, July 25,1851. He is the son of
William Bunce Allen, also a native of the British
Isle, where he followed farming until coming to
the United States. He was married to Miss Susan
Knight, also a native of England, where the father
died April 28, 1887.

William B. of this sketch was the second in or-
der of birth of the parental family of five chil-
dren, two sons and three daughters. Walter
Allen, his eldest brother, is living in Wayne Town-
ship, this county, where he is a prosperous agri-
culturist. Our subject was given a fair education,
and when ready to establish a home of his own
was married to Miss Emily Allen, who although
bearing the same name was not a relative. Mrs.
Allen is the daughter of William and Ann (Clark)
Allen, natives of England, who made the journey
to the United States in 1871. They first located
in the state of Kansas, but are now residing in
Monticello, where they are living retired from
work of any kind. fe

In December, 1873, Mr. Allen set sail from
Liverpool, bound for the New World, and after
landing in New York City made his way directly
to this county, which was his destination. The
wife’s family remained here a short time when
they removed to Osborn County, Kan., on which

 

trip they were accompanied by our subject and his
wife. Young Allen purchased a quarter-section of
land in that state, but the very first yeur his en-
tire crop was destroyed by the grasshoppers. This
experience, although a very expensive one, was
the means of his returning to this county, where
he rented property for a time near Langworthy.
His success from the start was assured and it was
not long before Mr. Allen was enabled to pur-
chase an eighty-acre tract in Scotch Township,
which he improved. Later he sold this farm and
became the proprietor of the Ryan estate, located
near his other purchase, where he carried on gen-
eral farming and dairying for several years.

In 1892 Mr. Ailen bought the property on which
he is now residing, it being previously owned by
Elias Smith. It comprises a quarter-section of choice
land, embellished with a good residence and all the
accompamying outbuildings. The place is especial-
ly noted for the appearance of thrift, which shows
that the owner isa careful manager and under-
stands the best method of conducting his work.

To Mr. and Mrs. Allen there have been born
one son and four daughters, namely: Edith A.,
the wife of Frank Darrow, a farmer in this county;
William J., May E.,Grace E. and Mabel N. With
the exception of the married daughter, they are
all attending school near their home.

ILAS SAMS, who has his family residence
S on section 21, Cass Township, has long
been considered one of the progressive
farmers of Jones County. He cultivates a valu-
able farm, which has many improvements upon it
and bears the marks of his attention and constant
supervision. A native of the Buckeye State, he
was born in Brown County July 25, 1826, and
his early years were passed in that locality.
Edward Sams, the father of our subject, was
also born in Ohio, where he resided until 1842.
At that time he came to Iowa, believing that he
could make a better livelihood in this state, and
for two years his home was in Des Moines County.
278

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

In 1844, after he had prospected_in various parts
of the state, he came to this county and entcred
land in Cass Township, and was the first white
settler in the township. For a number of years
thereafter he was an active worker in sustaining
public enterprises and improvements, and built
the first log schoolhouse erected in the township.
He was an adherent of the Democracy, and in re-
ligious fait belonged to the Church of the United
Brethren. After a life of usefulness and of doing
good to his fellow-men, he died when in his sixty-
third year, and his loss was deeply mourned by
his friends and neighbors. His wife, who was a
native of Ohio, was before her marriage Miss Cas-
sander Edgington. She was a devoted wife and
loving mother, and possessed those womanly qual-
ities which endeared her to all who came within
the range of her influence. She was called from
the shores of time while a resident of Jones Coun-
ty and when nearly eighty years of age. The pa-
ternal grandfather of our subject, Jonas Sams, was
a patriot and soldier in the War of the Revolution.

Until about sixteen years of age Silas Sams at-
tended the district schools of Brown County, Ohio,
and his educational advantages were limited to
such instruction as he there received. In 1842 he
removed to this state with his parents, and lent,
his assistance to his father in managing the bome-
stead farm until he was twenty-five years old.
At that time he started forth to make his own
way in the world, and the energy and persever-
ance with which he sought to make a livelihood
and acquire a fortune have been rewarded in large
measure. Jt is now many years since he became
a general farmer and stock-raiser, and he is at
the present time the owner of two hundred and
twenty acres of arable and valuable land. On his
place he keeps a good grade of stock, and every-
thing pertaining to his farm is modern and well
appointed.

In 1854 Mr. Sams was united in marriage with
Miss Sarah Faust, who was born and passed her
girlhood in Pennsylvania until seven years of
age. She is a daughter of Michael and Maria
(Hippel) Faust, likewise natives of the Keystone
State. To Mr. and Mrs. Sams were born two sons
and a daughter, who are still living. Margaret is

 

the wife of Lorenzo Leek,a farmer of Wayne
Township, Jones County; Charles is a resident of
this county; and Ezra is occupied m carrying on
the home farm in Cass Township.

The first white child born in Cass Township was
Cassie, a sister of Silas Sams. She is now the wife
of Darius Kelly, a prominent citizen of South Da-
kota. In national affairs our subject is a pro-
nounced Republican, using his influence for the
protection of American industries, and in local af-
fairs he is independent, choosing to vote for the
best man regardless of party lines.

ee

EV. F. X. FEUERSTEIN, the efficient pas-

tor of St. Mary’s Church at Cascade, is a

native of Wurtemberg, Germany. He was

born February 22, 1850, and is ason of George

and Josephine (Leaemmle) Feuerstein, also natives

of Germany. They were the parents of two chil-

dren, Antoine, who is in businessin the Old Coun-

try, and our subject. The father was a prominent
business man of Wurtemberg.

Our subject received private instruction from
his local priest and also lessons in a gymnasium at
Ehlingen, where he studied for ten years. After
passing a satisfactory examination there he en-
tered the University of Tubingen, where he re-
mained three years. He then went to Wuerzburg
and studied medicine for a time, and finally en-
tered the Theological Department of the Univer-
sity of Freiburg. Father Feuerstein came to Amer-
ica in 1875, settling in Dubuque, and afterward
studied for two years in Montreal. He was or-
dained at Dubuque in 1877 by Archbishop Hen-
nessy, and was engaged 1n the college at that place
as Professor of Philosophy and Languages for
four years. He speaks seven different languages
fluently.

After four years of unceasing toil in the college,
Father Feuerstein located in Cascade as pastor of
St. Mary’s Church. The congregation at this
place was organized about forty years ago by the
Rev. Mr. Baumgartner, now deceased. Our sub-
 

JAMES McGRATH.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRATHICAL RECORD.

281

 

 

ject was the first resident pastor, the church hav-
ing until this time been supplied by Fathers John
Baumann, George Heer, John Pechong and Father
Echert. When Father Feuerstein first took charge
of the congregation it numbered only eighty-
seven families, but has been steadily increased
until at the present time it numbers one hundred
and twenty-eight families.

When our subject came to Cascade the Congre-
gation worshipped in a plain little church built by
Father Baumgartner. Father Feuerstein soon saw
that with the increasing congregation this would
never do, so he set about raising money to build a
larger and more commodious building. The re-
sult of his endeavors is the fine structure now
standing. It was completed in 1883, and has a
seating capacity of five hundred and eighty. It
has three fine altars and cost when completed
$20,000. He also founded a smali school with only
thirty-three pupils; now there are one hundred
and sixty-two pupils in attendance, and the school
employs four teachers from St. Francis’ Convent.
Rev. Mr. Feuerstein is at present having a fine
brick schoolhouse erected; it is 90x504 feet in di-
mensions, and is two stories high; it willseat four
hundred pupils, and will cost $13,000. The Eng-
lish and German languages will be included in the
course of study. Father Feuerstein is highly re-
spected and is interested in the improvement of
the village in which he lives and the advancement
of education.

& la ms +306 * ~~

AMES McGRATH, Freight Agent for the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at
Dubuque, is one of the oldest railroad em-
ployes in years of continued service west of

Chicago, and is one of the most trustéd and efficient
as well. With large corporations like railroad con-
cerns, no leniency is exercised, and every duty
must be promptly and faithfully performed. His
fidelity to the trusts reposed in him has brought
to Mr. McGrath long retention in the railway serv-

 

ice, and his record is one of which he may well be
proud.

Although of Irish birth, our subject retains no
recollection of the land of his birth, for he was
only nine months old when brought to this coun-
try by his parents, John and Ellen (O’Connell)
McGrath. He was born in County Kilkenney, Au-
gust 16, 1835, and in 1836 the family came to
America, settling at Tomkins Cove, on the Hudson
River, in Rockland County, N. Y. There were
fourteen children in the parental family, nine be-
ing daughters and four sons, of whom our subject
is the eldest born. Thomas, the second son, was
drowned in the Hudson River, July 4, 1848. Dur-
ing the cholera epidemic in 1854, a sister died, Au-
gust 15, a brother August 16, and the mother Au-
gust 18.

In Rockland County, N. Y., our subject passed
the years of early boyhood, and in the common
schools laid the foundation of his education. In
1852 he removed with his family to Chicago, and
in the spring of the following year entered the
employ of the Chicago & Illinois, now the Chicago
& Northwestern Railway Company. Securing a
clerical position in the office of that road, he con-
tinued in that capacity until 1864.

During that year Mr. McGrath went to Winona,
Minn., and for a short time filled the position of
Cashier of the Winona & St. Peter’s Railroad.
Somewhat later he went to Rochester, Minn., and
was there employed as agent for four years. In
1870 he became the agent for the Milwaukee & St.
Paul at Austin, Minn. On the Ist of March, 1882,
he was transferred to Dubuque, being placed in
charge of the Freight and Passenger Departments
of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad.
Two years were thus spent, since which time his
work has been confined exclusively to the Freight
Department. His railroad service covers a period
of forty-one years, and reflects the highest credit
upon his honesty and uprightness.

On the 14th ef April, 1855, occurred the mar-
riage of Mr. McGrath and Miss Ann A. Mathews,
of Chicago, a sister of Thomas Mathews, a promi-
nent real-estate dealer of that city. They have
had ten children: Alice C., who was born April
28, 1856; Ellen, November 26, 1857; Ann, Decem-
282

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ber 16, 1859; Thomas, September 2, 1861; James
Henry, November 28, 1863; John Joseph, Septem-
ber 80, 1865;+Mary, December 31, 1867; Alice,
February 19, 1870; Ann, April 12, 1872; and
Thomas P., March 14, 1874. Six of the family are
deceased, viz.: Ann, who died August 2, 1860;
Alice C., January 15, 1861; Thomas, June 26, 1864;
James Henry, March 25, 1887; Alice, January 4,
1893, and Mary, August 19, 1894. The surviv-
ing members of the household are Ellen, John J.;
Ann, wife of P. Gandolfo; and Thomas P. The
example of the father may well be followed by the
children, and is worthy of emulation by all who
wish to live straightforward and honorable lives.
In religious belief Mr. McGrath and his family are
connected with the Catholic Church. In matters
pertaining to local advancement he takes a warm
interest, and in politics advocates the Democratic
principles.

ETER KIENE, Sr., real-estate, insurance
and loan agent of Dubuque,and President
of the Dubuque Rubber and Belting Com-

pany, is one of the substantial and leading busi-
ness men of this city. Heis a native of Switzer-
land, his birth having occurred near the town of
Chur, on the 15th of December, 1819. His par-
ents were Paul and Doratha (Day) Kiene, also na-
tives of Switzerland. The father was a locksmith
and farmer by occupation. He died in his native
land, and his wife also spent her last days in
Switzerland.

Peter Kiene, Sr., was reared in Switzerland, and
there received meagre educational privileges, for
atan early age he had to begin to earn his own
livelihood. On attaining his majority he sailed
for the United States with the hope of bettering
his financial condition. On the 17th of February,
1840, he left home and traveled on foot five hun-
dred miles to Le Havre de Grace, France, and there
took passage on a vessel which after a voyage of
ninety days dropped anchor in the harbor of New
Orleans. He stopped there only a few days, and
then engaged as a deck hand on a Mississippi

 

River boat, which plied between New Orleans and
St. Louis. Failing to get satisfactory employment,
he went as a deck hand on a steamer to Dubuque,
where he arrived August 15,1840. Here for a
short time he worked at any employment whereby
he might earn an honest living, after which he
engaged in lead mining and smelting, following
that enterprise until 1845. He then opened a
store in Galena, but in 1846 returned to Dubuque,
and rented the old Farmers’ Home, that stood
on the site of the First National Bank. After
keeping that hotel for four years, he sold out and
built Harmony Hall, being its proprietor two
years. In 1852 he embarked in the manufacture
of brick, which he continued for five years. In
1857 he took the agency for several lines of ocean
steamers, and from that his attention was directed
to the insurance business. Later he began deal-
ing in real estate, and to that added a loan agency.
His interests have now become quite extensive,
and he is doing a flourishing business. By close
attention to all details, earnest application and
careful management this desirable result has been
obtained.

As he has found opportunity, Mr. Kiene has
also extended his interests. In 1888 he organized
the Dubuque Belting and Rubber Company and was
one of the organizers of the German State Bank
and of the water works company, of which he is
now President. He was one of the organizers of
the German Benevolent Society, is a charter mem-
ber of Schiller Lodge No. 11,I. O. O. F. (being
the only charter member now living), and has
served as one of its Trustees for the past twenty-
one years. He exercises his right of franchise in
support of the Democracy.

In 1846 Mr. Kiene was united in marriage with
Miss Martha Ragtz, a native of Switzerland. She
died in 1852, leaving four children, three sons
and a daughter, namely: Peter, Richard, Barthole-
mew and Maggie. In 1854 Mr. Kiene was again
married, his second union being with Miss Mary
Huenki, of Dubuque. She is a faithful member of
the Presbyterian Church. By their marriage were
born three sons and two daughters: Henry, Paul,
Emil, Dora and Arnold.

Mr. Kiene has three times visited Europe. He-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

283

 

 

crossed the Atlantic in 1848, 1878 and 1892, visit-
ing many places of interest in the Old World. He
has also traveled considerably in this country, and
the incidents of his journeys which he relates
make him an entertaining conversationalist. He
is a genial, pleasant gentleman, a thoroughgoing
business man, and one of the influential and lead-
ing citizens of Dubuque. The enterprises with
which he has been connected have added materially
to the prosperity of the city, and in this way he
has been prominently identified with its up-
building.

SS

AMUEL H. ENSIGN. In all the broad
expanse of the Hawkeye State there is no
county which affords sustenance to a

greater number of people than this, whose produc-
tive soil, commercial facilities and advanced de-
velopment make it pre-eminently the farmer’s
home. One of its most comfortable and attractive
abodes is that of the subject of this notice, who
occupies a good estate located on section 9, Taylor
Township, Dubuque County.

Our subject is a native of Pennsylvania, having
been born in Erie County, in December, 1835. He
is the fourth child in order of birth of the family
born to Frederick G. and Hulda (Hodgkiss) Ensign,
both of whom were natives of Litchfield County,
Conn. After their marriage they removed to
New York State, where they made their home
for a time and then took up their abode in Penn-
sylvania. Later they came west to the Prairie
State, and after a residence of twenty years
moved to Minnesota, living there for six years
prior to coming to Iowa. They are both now de-
ceased and are buried near the present home of
our subject. The father was eighty-five when he
departed this life, while his good wife,who survived
him many years, lived to be ninety-five years
of age.

Samuel, of this sketch, had very little oppor-
tunity for gaining an education, only attending
school for a short time while his parents resided
in Illinois. He remained at home working on the

_he ships.

 

farm until a year after attaining his majority,
when he began the struggle of life on his own ac-
count, engaging in farm pursuits, which occupation
he has followed through life. He is now the pos-
sessor of one hundred and ninety acres of nicely
improved land, on which he has placed all the latest
improvements and made of it one of the finest
estates in the county.

On the 10th of July, 1861, Mr. Ensign was mar-
ried to Miss Martha Hamblin, daughter of Asel
and Rhoda (Andrews) Hamblin, natives of Con-
necticut. Their union has been blessed by the
birth of four sons and two daughters. Frederick
H., who resides near Farley, this state, married
Gusta Davis; William H. isa minister of the Pres-
byterian Church and is at present holding a charge
at Jesup, this state; he married Miss Anna Greer.
Samuel A., the third son, makes his home at Mar-
cus, this state, and is married to Miss Mary John-
son; Antonette is the wife of Arthur Mitchell,
also of Jesup; Catherine Coles, who is single,
and Charles Franklin are students at the Moody
Institute, in Chicago.

Mr. and Mrs. Ensign are members in good stand-
ing of the Presbyterian Church, with which all
their sons and daughters are also connected. In
politics our subject is a true-blue Republican, be-
lieving that party to be in the right. In addition
to raising the various grains Mr. Ensign makes a
specialty of breeding a fine grade of hogs, which
He exercises excellent judgment in his
calling and has deservedly won the confidence and
esteem of a large circle of friends and well-wishers.

Slee 23256 o ws

EV. F. W. OBERBROEKLING. In re-
R viewing the career of Father Oberbroek-

ling we find in hima remarkable and har-
monious combination of all those qualities that go
to make up a good pastor and priest. He has
been a life-long student, a close observer, self-re-
liant without being rash, honorable in his inter-
course with all, and withal possessing a gentle,
cheerful and dignificd deportment, eminently cal-
284

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

culated to inspire confidence among his parishion-
ers and to command respect among his fellow-citi-
zens.

For more than twenty years Father Oberbroek-
ling has been in charge of the church and school
of the Luxemburg parish, and his labors during
that long period have been crowned with great
success. His congregation numbers many families
in the village and surrounding country, and the
school is also well attended. Soon after coming
to this place he commenced the erection of a new
edifice and under his personal supervision a sub-
stantial brick structure was built, the dedicatory
services being held July 11, 1875.

A native of Prussia, the subject of this notice
was born in Delbrook, Prussia, December 10, 1844.
He is the son of John Henry and Anna Maria
Oberbroekling, both of whom were born in Del-
brook, Prussia, in the year 1801. In the spring of
1856 they sailed for America, and having crossed
the ocean spent a short time in the city of St. Louis,
Mo.,and from that place moved to New Vienna,
Dubuque County, Iowa. Two of their sons, John
and J. H., remained in St. Louis a few months,
then joined their parents here.

Purchasing two hundred acres of land near New
Vienna, the father of our subject commenced its
cultivation, and so successful was he in his labors
that he was afterward enabled to purchase an ad-
joining tract of one hundred and sixty acres. He
was bereaved by the death of his wife March 3,
1876. He continued to reside upon the old home-
stead until his death, which occurred December 26,
1884. They were the parents of eight children,
all of whom were sons,and named as follows:
John Henry, a farmer residing on section 25, Lib-
erty Township, Dubuque County; Joseph and Fer-
dinand, who are agriculturists in New Wine Town-
ship; George, Jodocus Henry, who has charge of
the home farm in New Wine Township; John, now
in Watsonville, Cal., who united with the St.
Francis Order at Quincy, DL, in 1863, and is still
connected with that organization; Gerhard, now
with the Union Trust Company Bank of Chicago;
and Frederick W., of this sketch.

The last-named was a lad of twelve years when
he accompanied the family to America. From boy-

 

hood it was his ambition to become a priest, and
on the 22d of September, 1861, he began his-
studies in St. Francis Solanus College, at Quincy,

iil. After one year in that institution he went to

the St. Francis School in Milwaukee. In that city
he was ordained to the priesthood December 20,
1871. His entire life has been devoted to his
chosen profession, and he has met with more than
ordinary success in increasing the membership and
usefulness of the churches with which he has been
associated. February 22, 1872, he located at Lux-
emburg and took charge of the Holy Trinity
Church. As above stated, he soon secured the
erection of a new edifice, which was dedicated with
appropriate services by Archbishop Hennessy, of

Dubuque.
te Ww

ERDINAND OBERBROCKLING. Men
BR are to be judged by achievement, and it
is always safe to accept results as a proof
of the possessions of the powers and capabilities
which lead up to them. Of the successes in the
agricultural world which have been earned by the
exercise of sound judgment and indomitable en-
ergy, there is no better example in this section of
country than Ferdinand Oberbrockling, who is
the possessor of a fine estate in New Wine Town-
ship, Dubuque County.

Our subject was born in Prussia, March 11,
1881, and remained in his native land until 1856,
when he made the journey to America. The fol-
lowing year we find him located in Dubuque
County, and in 1864, after various removals, he
took up his abode on his present farm and is now
one of the most prosperous farmers in the town-
ship. His landed possessions aggregate over two
hundred acres, and for many years past he has
been prominently before the public as an advanced
agriculturist and stock-raiser.

Mr. Oberbrockling was united in marriage in
1864 to Miss Mary Vonderharr, whose father,
John Vonderharr, was one of the pioneers of New
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

285

 

 

Wine Township, having located here as early as
1847. To our subject and his estimable wife there
have been born eight children, who bear the re-
spective names of John Henry, Mary, Elizabeth,
William, Joseph, John, Sophia and Anna. They
are all at home, and are being given the best ad-
vantages for obtaining an education.

In politics Mr. Oberbrockling is a stalwart Dem-
ocrat and in all public enterprises he takes an
active part and is recognized by all as a first-class
citizen. With his entire family he belongs to the
Catholic Church. A fuller history of the family
will be found in the sketch of our subject’s
brother, Father William Oberbrockling, on another
page in this work.

RANK FISHER, a substantial business
man of Anamosa, is engaged in the manu-
facture and sale of heavy and hght har-

ness, whips, blankets, etc. He was born on a farm
in Reichenau, King’s County, Bohemia, October 8,
1838, and is the son of Wencel and Catherine
(Stepanek) Fisher. In the year 1855, his parents
emigrated to the United States, via Quebec,
whence they came to Buffalo, N. Y. After a short
stay in that city they started for this state, but the
mother dying at Maquoketa, Iowa, Mr. Fisher
went to California in 1890, making his home in
the Golden State until his death, which occurred
in 1893.

The original of this sketch was the eldest in his
parents’ family of eight children, of whom three
now survive. He attended two or three terms of
school after coming to America and learned his
trade of harness-maker at Maquoketa, this state,
with a Mr. James R. Barnes, with whom he re-
mained for three years. After completing his
apprenticeship, young Fisher traveled through the
state working at his trade for several years, and
in 1861 enlisted his services in the Union army,
joining Company H, Thirteenth Iowa Infantry,
commanded by Colonel M. M. Crocker. His regi-
ment was sent to join the Army of the Tennessee,

 

| gressive business men in the city.
_ three-story structure, 52x110 feet in dimensions,

and among the battles in which our subject took
part were Shiloh, Corinth, siege of Vicksburg and
numerous skirmishes through Tennessee. He was
rendered unfit for service and discharged on a sur-
geon’s certificate December 22, 1863.

Returning to Maquoketa when leaving the ser-
vice our subject remained there until the spring
of the following year, when he came to this city
and worked for Roswell Crane; after a short time,
however, Mr. Fisher purchased the interest of
Mr. Crane and formed a partnership with his
uncle, Joseph Stepanek. In 1867 he engaged in
business with H. C. Metcalf, under the firm name
of Fisher & Metcalf,and for eighteen months car-
ried on a thriving trade. Since that time, how-
ever, our subject has operated alone, and is now
the proprietor of a fine establishment and has a
good and profitable business. He is the proprietor
of a seventy-acre farm in Fairview and Jackson
Townships, which is under the management of bis
sons, and is being cultivated in an intelligent and
profitable manner.

Frank Fisher and Miss Mary Wanicheck, of Ma-
quoketa, were married in 1865, and to them have
been granted eleven children: Louis J., Clarence
V., Flora, May, John, Frances K., Henry, George,
M. Willie and Earl. Nellie, the second child, is
deceased.

Our subject is active in all matters of import-
ance in his community and for two terms served
acceptably as a member of the City Council. He
is independent in politics and socially is a work-
ing member of Anamosa Lodge No. 40, I. O. O.
F., with which he has been connected for thirty
years and has passed all the chairs in the order.
He belongs to Fred Steel Post No. 4, G. A. R., in
which he has filled all the honorable positions.

tH SSS +

LFRED STARKS, resident manager of the
A Diamond Creamery, located at Monticello,
is one of the most enterprising and pro-

The plant is a

with accompanying icehouse, storehouse, etc. The
286

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

machinery comprises a forty-horse power engine,

separators and all needful apparatus for making ©

butter, and the company give employment to
thirty men and run eight teams.

Mr. Starks was born in Franklin County, N. Y.,
May 26, 1843, and is the son of H. H. and Nancy
(Cowles) Starks, both of whom were also born in
the Empire State and are now residents of Mon-
ticello. Alfred spent his boyhood and youth in
his native state and Wisconsin and was only sev-
enteen at the time of his parents’ removal to Iowa.

In October, 1861, a few months after Ft.
Sumter had been fired upon, our subject en-
listed in Company E, Twelfth Wisconsin Infantry,
commanded by Col. George E. Bryant. His regi-
ment was assigned to the Army of the Cumber-
‘land, and being sent to the front young Starks
participated in the siege of Vicksburg, Corinth and
Kenesaw Mountain, besides numerous minor en-
gagements. He remained with his regiment dur-
ing the entire period of the war, and when peace
was declared witnessed the Grand Review at
Washington, whence he was afterward ordered to
Louisville, Ky., where he was discharged and was
mustered out at Madison, Wis., in July, 1865.

Returning home at the close of the war, Mr.
Starks remained only a short time when he came
with the family to Monticello, where he was en-
gaged in various lines of business until 1879,
when he entered the employ of the Diamond
Creamery Company. He became thoroughly ac-
quainted with every department of work and in
1892 his industry was rewarded by being placed
in the position of general manager of the concern.
He is a shrewd business man, and not only looks
after the interests of the company in this city, but
has charge of other creameries belonging to the
same company in different parts of Jones, Jackson
and Delaware Counties. The Creamery Company
ship car loads of butter each week to Boston,
where is located their main office, from which city
that article finds its way to all parts of the civil-
ized world. It is packed in tubs, after which it is
placed in erates all ready for shipment. The
creamery is one of the substantial and important
industries of the county and the proprietors make
their residence in the Hub City, leaving Mr. Starks

 

in full charge of the business, which he is so well
competent to transact. The butter manufactured
in Monticello is shipped to Africa, Australia, Rus-
sia, China and to the Pacific Coast in our own
country.

Alfred Starks was married in 1865 to Miss
Martha J. Starks, of Monticello, and. to them
has been granted a family of three children, one
son and two daughters. Our subject socially be-
longs to Burns Lodge No. 176, F. & A. M., and
also to John O. Duer Post No. 173, G. A.R. With
his wife he is a devoted member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, which he has served in the ca-
pacity of Trustee for the past three years. Mr.
Starks is not an active participant in political
affairs, preferring to give his attention to his per-
sonal pursuits. He is greatly respected, as his
merit deserves, by all who are acquainted with his
character and attainments and ranks among the
well-to-do residents of the city.

 

DR IESE SEIS GB IESE IESE SESE

 

in wood, coal and ice, is one of the repre-

sentative and substantial business men of
Dubuque, and in the history of the commercial
interests of: the city he well deserves mention. He
was born in Germany in 1832, and is a son of
Stephen Pier, who on leaving the Fatherland
crossed the Atlantic and spent his last days in
Illinois. His wife bore the maiden name of Eve
Junger.

Mr. Pier of this sketch spent the days of his
boyhood and youth in his native land, and the
public schools afforded him his educational privi-
leges. Hearing much of the opportunities and
advantages afforded in the New World, he re-
solved to seek a home beyond the water, and in
1854 carried out this resolution. He landed at
New Orleans and went at once to Galena, Ill,
where he remained for two years. It was in 1857
that be came to Dubuque, where he has since
made his home. Until 1859 he was engaged in
clerking in a grocery store, but at that time he

x

| ) HILIP PIER, wholesale and retail dealer
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

287

 

 

began business on his own account on the steam-
boat landing, carrying a stock of general steam-

boat supplies, in which he dealt for ten years.

In 1865 he became a wholesale dealer in wood,
and the following year purchased the steamer
“Charlie Rogers,’’ which he ran for a year. He
then became the owner of three wood boats and
did a large wholesale business as a dealer in wood.
In 1870 he added the coal business in connection
with wood, which he still continues. In 1877 he
commenced dealing in ice, in connection with E.
W. Lineban, under the firm name of Linehan &
Pier, which connection was continued for three
years, when Mr. Linehan withdrew and a partner-
ship was formed with Fred Ackerman. Under
the firm style of Pier & Ackerman business was
continued until 1898, when Mr. Ackerman died.
Since then Mr. Pier bought out the interest of Mr.
Ackerman, and is now enjoying an extensive
wholesale and retail trade in wood, coal and ice.
In connection with his other business interests, he
is a stockholder in the Dubuque Concentrated Ore
Company.

Mr. Pier takes quite an active and leading part
in public and political affairs, and is a stanch sup-
porter of the men and measures of the Republican
party. In 1874 he was elected on that ticket a
member of the City Council to represent the Sec-
ond Ward, and thus served for four years as an
efficient and capable officer. In 1876 he was sent
as a delegate tu Des Moines to protest against the
takiug away of the city charter, and again in
1894. He was one of the organizers of the first
Board of Trade, and has since been one of its ac-
tive memhers, and is now serving his second term
as a Director. In the work of publicimprovement
he has always borne his part, and his duties of
citizenship are ever faithfully performed, no trust
reposed in him being slighted. He takes quite an
active interest in civic societies, is a membér of
Julien Lodge No. 12, I. 0. O. F.,is one of its lead-

ing workers and has four times been sent as its .

representative to the Grand Lodge. He holds
membership with Iowa Lodge No. 11, A. O.U. W.,
which he has three times represented in the Grand
Lodge, and also belongs to the Turners’ Society

 

as an honorary member. He and his wife are both
members of the Early Settlers’ Society.

In 1856 Mr. Pier was united in marriage with
Miss Martha Simmons, a native of Galena, IIL,
and,a daughter of John Simmons, one of the pio-
neers of that place. Eleven children have been
born of their union, six sons and five daughters:
Emma, now the wife of Isaac Williams, of De-
catur, Ill.; Philip, Tillie, John, Martha, Lizzie, Al-
bert, Charlie; Florence, wife of Charles Way; Robert
and Harvey, now a student at the college at Mt.
Vernon, Iowa. The family reside at No. 82 Cleve-
land Avenue, where they have a pleasant home
and the household is noted for its hospitality.

8
bh

T ) ICKSON BEATTY. In the annals of Du-
buque County the name of Beatty stands
out in great prominence as belonging to
a family whose members have been very closely
identified with its highest interests since the very
first days of its settlement. Our subject is an in-
fluential pioneer and is President of the Farmers’
and Merchants’ Bank in Cascade, besides having
in his possession an estate comprising over seven
hundred broad and well cultivated acres. With
his family he occupies a large frame residence, lou-
cated one mile northwest of Cascade, which is one
of. the most imposing structures in the county and
is furnished in a style indicating the refined taste
and ample means of its inmates.

Our subject is a native of Ireland, having been
born in County Tyrone, December 17, 1832. His
father, James Beatty, was also born in the above
county, where the family were prominent and
substantial residents. The father was engaged in
cultivating the soil of his native place and was
numbered among the prosperous in his section.
Deciding to try his fortunes in the New World,
he set sail in June, 1844, and after a voyage of
eight weeks and three days, landed on American
soil. His destination being this state, he came
hither immediately and entered three hundred
and eighty acres of land from the Govern-
288

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ment. He was among the first to locate here,
and erecting a small frame house on his prop-
erty lived in that with his family for many years,
in the meantime applying himself industriously to
the task of cultivating his land. Indians roamed
at will about the country, but Mr. Beatty made
friends with them and thus avoided trouble. His
death occurred very suddenly when seventy-one
years of age, resulting from lung fever. He wasa
member of the Baptist Church and aided in the
organization of the congregation in this township
and contributed liberally of his means toward its
support. In politics he was first a Whig and later
a Republican.

The maiden name of our subject’s mother was
Agnes Dixon. She too was born in the Emerald
Isle, and by her union with James Beatty became
the mother of six sons and three daughters, bear-
ing the respective names of Margaret, Sarah A.,
Esther, James, Alexander, David, John, Benja-
min and Dickson. Mrs. Beatty lived to be sixty-
eight years old, and was a devoted member of the
Baptist Church and active in all good works in her
neighborhood. Her father was an Elder in that
congregation and often was called upon to fill the
pulpit.

The original of this sketch came to America
with his parents when a lad of thirteen, in the
meantime having attended school in Ireland. He
remained under the parental roof until attaining
his majority, and proved of great assistance to his
father in clearing and placing under cultivation
their new farm in Dubuque County. Young
Beatty was very fond of hunting and when out
shooting deer he has often counted as many as
fourteen in one drove. He made friends with the
Indians, who on various occasions invited him to
partake of the venison which they had cooked.

Dickson Beatty began the struggle of his life on
his own account when reaching his majority, and
his father giving him a tract of forty acres, he
erected a frame house thereon and the same year
was married to Miss Ann J. Barton, who was born
in Ireland and came to America with her parents
when four years of age. To our subject and his
wife has been born a family of eleven children, of
whom nine are living. They are named _ respcct-

 

ively, Henry, John, Maggie, James D., Lucilius
S. (deceased), Eliza A.,Sarah, Mabel A., George W.
and Fred C., and one died in infancy.

Mr. Beatty although beginning in life with but
forty acres of land, is now the proud possessor of
seven hundred acres, which he devotes to mixed
farming. He makesa specialty, however, of stock-
raising and dairying, having on his place one hun-
dred and fifty head of cattle, besides a number of
fine draft horses.

Our subject was interested in securing the lo-
cation of the Cascade & Bellevue Railroad at this
place and gave liberally of his means toward that
enterprise. He isa man of great intelligence and
force of character and has exerted a marked influ-
ence in the civil and political life of the county.
He was a Director in the Cascade Bank and Presi-
dent of the Farmers’ and Merchants’ Bank in this
city. Mr. Beatty is one of the largest landholders
in this section and attributes his success to hard
work and economy. He has ever taken a deep in-
terest in the welfare of his community and has
borne a prominent part in promoting its rise and
progress.

Our subject and his family are members of the
Baptist Church and are people of consistent Chris-
tian character. Jn politics Mr. Beatty is a stanch
Republican and he has held the office of School Di-
rector for a period of nine years and of President
of the School Board six years. Our subject was
one of the founders of the Cascade Co-operative
Creamery and is now Director and President of
the same.

RANCIS JAEGER is one of the prominent

. ~ business men of Dubuque, and is connected
with many of the principal industries of

the city. He is a member of the firm of Brady,
Ellwanger & Co., also of the D. C. Glasser Tobacco
Company. He possesses an enterprising and pro-
gressive spirit, is wide awake and industrious; by
careful attention to the details of his business and
by well directed efforts he has acquired a com-
 

 

THOMAS F. PHILLIPS.

 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

291

 

 

fortable competence and won a position among
the leading citizens of the community.

Mr. Jaeger was born in Dubuque, July 18, 1842,

-but his parents, Adam and Catherine Jaeger, were
both natives of Darmstadt, Germany. In that
country they were married, and with their two
children they crossed the Atlantic, becoming resi-
dents of this city in 1840. Fora number of years,
Mr. Jaeger engaged in general merchandising and
did a successful business. Both he and his wife
spent their remaining days in this city.

Our subject is the third in order of birth in the
family of six children, two sons and four daugh-
ters. Ile attended the public schools until seven-
teen years of age and then entered his father’s
store, where he served as a salesman for several
years.
of business methods. He embarked in the wholesale
grocery business under the firm name of Brown
& Jaeger. In a few years A. F. Jaeger bought
out Mr. Brown’s interest, the firm name being
changed to F. Jaeger & Co., wholesale liquor dealers.

Subsequently Brady and Ellwanger were taken in- |
to partnership and the firm became Brady, Ell |
On the 1st of March, 1890, he or- |

wanger & Co.
ganized the Dubuque Woodenware and Lumber

Company, with a capital stock of $50,000, the offi- |

cers being Francis Jaeger, President; Adam True-
gel, Vice-President; and Louis H. Brede, Secretary
and Treasurer. This has become one of the solid
industries of Dubuque. Mr. Jaeger continued its
President until March, 1894. At that time the
capital stock was increased and new officers were
elected, J. J. Dunn becoming President, while
Louis Brede was made Secretary and Treasurer.
The company is doing a large business and sells
extensively throughout Lowa, Illinois, Wisconsin,
Minnesota and Arkansas. Mr. Jaeger aided in the
organization, in 1891, of the Turbine Roller Mill
Company, and has since been connected with it
as a stockholder. He is a stockholder in the Iowa
Trust and Savings Bank, and in the Key City Fire
Insurance Company, of which he was one of the
organizers.

In December, 1868, Mr. Jaeger was united in
marriage with Miss Catharine Tschirgi, daughter
of Matthew Tschirgi, an old and much respected

10°

In this way he acquired a good knowledge |

 

citizen of Dubuque. By their union were born
seven children, six sons and a daughter, namely:
Frank M.; Arnold G., who is clerking for the
Glasser Tobacco Company; Millie, Louis, Rudolph,
Fred and Oscar.

In his political views, Mr. Jaeger is a stanch
Democrat. He resides at No. 37 Walnut Street,
where he owns a commodious brick residence, built
in modern style and richly furnished. It is situa-
ted on a beantiful lawn and the grounds are dec-
orated with fine trees and flowers. Mr. Jaeger
has made the most of his opportunities through
life andin business dealing has won success.

 

Pep —

|

HOMAS F. PHILLIPS, of Dubuque, is one
of the worthy county officials now ably
and acceptably filling the position of

Sheriff. He is widely and favorably known in this
community, and with pleasure we present this
record of his life to our readers, knowing that it
will be received with interest by many. He has
the honor of being a native of the Hawkeye State,
for he was born in Jackson County on the 4th of
March, 1857. .

The parents of our subject were James and
Bridget (Hines) Phillips, natives of Ireland, both
of whom emigrated in early life to America, cross-
ing the ocean about 1844. The former spent two
years in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and in 1846 came
to Iowa, where he settled in Jackson County. His
marriage occurred in St. Louis, Mo., in 1847. He
came to Dubuque County in 1866, and settled in ze
Prairie Creek Township. After Thomas F. became
Sheriff he accompanied him to Dubuque. As a
farmer he was prominent in his community, but
for some time prior to his death, in September,
1891, he had lived in retirement from active busi-
ness cares. His wife died in October, 1893.

The subject of this sketch is the fourth in order
of birth in the family of six children. In the usual
manner of farmer lads the days of his boyhood and
youth were passed. As soon as old enough to
handle the plow he began work in the fields, and
292

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

was thus employed during the summer season,
while in the winter months he attended the dis-
trict schools of the neighborhood. Thus he ac-
quired a good practical education, and in the Bay-
less Commercial College of Dubuque he pursued a
business course of study.

When that was completed Mr. Phillips returned
to the farm, and for some time was engaged in
agricultural pursuits and in trading in live stock,
buying and selling hogs and cattle. He met with
good success in that line of business, and con-
tinued to actively engage in the same until 1889,
when he was nominated and elected, on the Demo-
cratic ticket, Sheriff of Dubuque County for a
term of two years. So ably did he discharge the
duties of the office, that on the expiration of his first
term he was re-elected, and in 1893 he was again
chosen for a third term in that office. Thisis now
his fifth year. He is brave and fearless in the dis-
charge of his duties and his promptness and fidel-
ity have led to his long retention in office and
won him the high commendation of the press and
public.

Mr. Phillips takes quite an active interest in
political affairs, and does all in his power to pro-
mote the growth and insure the success of his
party. He owns a good farm and other property
and is now comfortably situated in life, having
through his own industry and good management
become a well-to-do citizen. He is widely known
in this community and has many warm friends,
who esteem him highly for his sterling worth and
strict integrity.

i——-Ste

LONZO HOSFORD. The history of Jones
County would be very incomplete without
the history of this worthy pioneer and en-

terprising farmer. His valuable farm, which is sit-
uated on section 27, Monticello Township, isa val-
uable piece of property and one of the best im-
proved located in the county. The owner has
been engaged in agricultural pursuits in this vi-
cinity for over thirty years, and has long been rec-

 

ognized as one of the founders of the great pros-
perity which has become so notable a feature of
this beautiful farming region.

A native of the Buckeye State, the birth of
Alonzo Hosford took place in the town of Johns-
town, Trumbull County, November 11, 1846. His
parents, Daniel S. and Paulina (Palmer) Hosford,
were both natives of Canon Falls, Conn. The
father, who died November 20, 1893, was born
September 25, 1816, and was one of the wealthy
pioneers of Jones County. He removed to this
community in 1863, buying about one thousand
acres of land, to the improvement of which he de-
voted the remainder of his life. He was of Scotch-
Irish extraction and a son of Solomon Hosford, a
native of New England. The mother of our sub-
ject is the daughter of Lemon Palmer, a native of
Canon Falls, Conn. She was born in 1818 and is
still living, making her home in Monticello.

In a family of eight children, our subject is the
third in order of birth, and all but three of the
family are still living, their names being as follows:
Orlando F., Cecil W., Curtis D. and Florence F.,
now the wife of C. C. Curtis. One brother, Orvil,
was a member of the Sixth Ohio Cavalry during
the late war, and met his death while engaged in
battle for the defense of his native land. The
boyhood of Alonzo Hosford was passed on his fa-
ther’s farm in Trumbull County. His early educa-
tional privileges were such as the district scliools
of the neighborhood afforded, and for a short
time he attended a select school. Upon completing
his studies he engaged in teaching school for a few
terms, and in 1863 removed with his father’s family
to Jones County. Hefound ample opportunity to
exercise his ability and practical knowledge of
farming in the management of the large estate be-
longing to the senior Mr. Hosford, and to him lent
his assistance until his death. When the estate was
divided our subject received as his share four hun-
dred and eighteen acres of the homestead. This
is situated within a half-mile of the thriving city
of Monticello.

The land owned by Mr. Hosford is very arable
and especially adapted to the raising of cattle and
for dairy purposes. The owner always keeps his
place well stocked with cattle and hogs, and every
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

293

 

 

season raises and fattens large numbers of the lat-
ter. From twenty-five to thirty cows are contin-
ually kept, the milk being sold to an adjacent
creamery. The farm is well equipped with sub-
stantial barns and outbuildings in addition toa
pleasant farm house, and everything is kept in a
thrifty manner about the place.
uable barn, 48x148 feet in dimensions, was burned,
and in addition to the loss of the building some
valuable animals and two hundred tons of hay
were also destroyed. The present barn used by
the owner is 48x150 feet in dimensions, and is one
of the best in this region, affording ample room
for the storage of hay and grain, besides giving
shelter to a large number of cattle.

In 1876 Mr. Hosford was united in marriage
with Olive C., daughter of Michael Hofacre. The
parents of Mrs. Hosford were among the early set-
tlers of Jones County, to which they came in 1853
from Ohio. To our worthy subject and his estim-
able wife have been born three sons and two daugh-
ters: Palmer A., Maud E., Orvil C., Stephen F.
and Hazel P. In his political affiliations Mr. Hos-
ford has been a stanch Republican since becoming
a voter, and is a man of public spirit, who believes
in the greatest good for the greatest number.

W. HUTCHINS, who has done conspicu-
ous public service, and is influential in all
things pertaining to the welfare of his
community, is a man of wide experience and more
than ordinary ability asan attorney, standing fore-
most among the representatives of the Bar of
Jones County. Among the attorneys of Wyoming
there is probably no one more in touch than is he
with that wide-awake public spirit which is pro-
moting the welfare of the city along the lines of
general culture. He is endowed in intellect and
gifted in mind, and having traveled extensively
has gained broad information concerning the hab-
its and customs of mankind.
The parents of our subject, Benjamin and Pa-
tience (Tanner) Hutchins, were born in New York,

In 1885 the val- |

 

where the latter remained until death. The father
sometime afterward came west to Iowa and settled
in Jackson County, where he continued to reside
until his demise. N. W. was born in Jefferson
County, N. Y., November 1, 1831, and spent the
years of boyhood and youth in that state, where
after having completed the studies of the common
schools he was astudent in an academy. Even in
early boyhood he cherished a fondness for the
technicalities of the law, and at the age of eighteen
years, having determined to enter the profession,
he entered the office of Moore, Brown & Beach, of
Watertown, N. Y., under whose supervision he ex-
plored the mysteries of Blackstone. In October®
of 1852, he was admitted to the Bar.

In addition to his desire to become an attorney,
Mr. Hutchins had also cherished an ambition to
travel and see the world. An opportunity came
to him to gratify this wish, and he eagerly availed
himself of it. Journeying across the continent he
took passage on a ship bound for Australia and af-
tera tedious voyage reached his destination. There
for eighteen years he made his home, meantime re-
siding in Melbourne and Sydney, and also sojourn-
ing for short periods in other cities. Meantime he
engaged in mining, and met with the usual ups
and downs of a miner’s life, experiencing its re-
verses and hardships as well as its excitements and
successes. It had never, however, been his inten-
tion to establish his permanent home in Australia,
and after a residence of eighteen, years on that
continent he returned to America, which he con-
siders the best country in the world.

On returning to the United States in 1871, Mr.
Ilutchins settled in Jackson County, Iowa, but
soon afterward began the practice of law in La-
Motte, Jackson County, where he continued a num-
ber of years. In 1875 he removed to Wyoming,
Jones County, where he has since conducted a gen-
eral practice in allthe courts. While he has never
been partisan in his opinions, he nevertheless
champions the Democracy at all times and is firm
in his allegiance to his party.

While a resident of Australia, Mr. Hutchins was
united in marriage with Miss Sarah Smith, a na-
tive of that country,and of English parentage.
They have had a family of thirteen children, of
294 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

whom nine are living, all daughters, and named as
follows: Esther Jane, Alice V., Lizzie Jane, Gert-
rude, Laura, Emma, Mary, Pansy Anna and
Grace.

i

I ) AVID M. FINLEY, M. D. Success in any
profession can only be attained through
industry and study, and the good physi-
cian must necessarily be the hardest of workers
and the best of students. Dubuque County is
proud to number among her physicians the one
with whose name we introduce this sketch. His
career presents a remarkable example of what may
be accomplished by assiduous application and un-
remitting toil. With every onward move in the
science to which he has devoted his life he is
familiar, and time has served to broaden his views
and ideas. Dr. Finley is located at Cascade, where
he has an extensive and paying practice.

The subject of this sketch was born in Pike
County, Mo., August 30, 1838, and is the son of
8. W. Finley, a native of North Carolina, which
was also the birthplace of his father, who bore the
name of James Finley. The great-grandfather
was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and the
family is of Scotch-Irish extraction and is well
known among the early settlers of North Carolina.
Grandfather Finley was a tanner by trade, and on
leaving his native state went overland to Missouri,
settling in 1808 in Pike County. There he en-
tered a tract of land from the Government, on
which he erected a log cabin and began the ardu-
ous work of redeeming the land from the wilder-
ness. Indians were very numerous in the neigh-
borhood, and neighbors were few and far between.
For some time the settlers lived in forts in order
to protect themselves against the depredations of
the red men, who on one occasion drove the white
settlers down to St. Charles, where they built a
strong fort. Game was very plentiful, and the
family never lacked for choice meats at all seasons.
The father died there at the age of fifty-five years,

 

He was very prominent in local affairs, and at the
time of his decease was Judge of the Probate
Court. He was a devoted member of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church, and in politics was a Whig
and a strong Abolitionist.

The maiden name of our subject’s mother was
Ann Carroll. She too was a native of North Caro-
lina, and reared a family of six children, namely:
Will, Mary, James, D..M., Jane and Ann. The
wife and mother passed away when only thirty-
three years of age, and the father was a second
time married, becoming the parent of six children
by that union. Mrs. Ann Finley was a devoted
member of the Presbyterian Church and a thor-
ough Christian woman.

David M. Finley was the fourth in order of
birth in the parental family, and was reared on his
father’s farm, and received his primary education
in the district school, taught in the primitive log
schoolhouse with its slab benches, puncheon floor,
old-fashioned fireplace, etc. He remained at home
until attaining his seventeenth year, when he be-
gan clerking in a drug store in Louisiana, Mo.,
and at the same time attended school when the
opportunity presented itself. This state of affairs
continued for three years, when young Finley be-
gan the study of medicine.

In April, 1861, on the outbreak of the Civil War,
our subject answered the first call for volunteers,
and joined Company A, First Missouri Infantry,
serving in the department west of the Mississippi.
During the latter part of the year his regiment
followed Price through the west, spending a great
deal of time on the plains. Mr. Finley participa-
ted in many important engagements, and was mus-
tered out of service April 20, 1866, after having”
been in the army during the entire period of the
war.

When peace was declared, our subject returned
to this state, and after spending some time in Hop-
kinton, went to Chicago and entered Rush Medr-
cal College, from which he was graduated in 1868
with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. He at
once located in Canton, this state, where he was
engaged in practice for three years, and then came
to Cascade, where he is now residing. His prac-
tice increased rapidly each year after arriving bere,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

295

 

 

and his long experience now renders his opinions
and decisions valuable.

Dr. Finley and Miss Anna Hay were married
June 3, 1887. The lady was born in Vicksburg,
Miss. She departed this life two years later,
greatly mourned by all who knew her. In politics
the Doctor is a stanch Republican, believing that
party to be in the right. Socially he is a member
of the Grand Army post at Cascade, and stands
high in Masonic circles, in which he takes great
interest. He is also connected with the Dubuque
County Medical Society.

==4Xcs0 =

DMUND BOOTH. Many are the instances
afforded by the citizens of the United
States of success in the face of great ob-
stacles, and prosperity after battling against heavy
odds. But seldom does it fall to the lot of the
biographical writer to narrate the history of one
who attains prominence in literary and journalis-
tic circles, when so seriously handicapped as is Mr.
Booth. A few years ago people read with the
deepest interest a record of the achievements of
Laura Bridgman, and while our subject was less
unfortunate than she, he has also attained a breadth
of knowledge and local influence of which she
never dreamed. The Eureka, of which he is edi-
tor, is read with interest not alone by the people
of Anamosa, but also by the citizens of the sur-
rounding country. It has a large circulation, and
is a potent factor in advancing all progressive en-
terprises, whether for city or county.

Springfield, Mass., is the birthplace of Mr. Booth,
and August 24, 1810, the date of that event. At
the age of four years he suffered an attack of that
terrible disease, spotted fever, and for a long time
his recovery was despaired of. However, from his
ancestors, who were of English and Scotch lineage,
he had inherited a strong constitution and this en-
abled him to conquer the fever, though not to es-
cape its effects.
and almost wholly deaf.
he was totally deaf.

This it is that makes the life of Mr. Booth so

At the age of eight

It left him blind in the left eye,

 

remarkable. In spite of the loss of hearing, he
continued to be able to speak well, seldom being
misunderstood, unless by those unaccustomed to
his voice. It is with the pen, however, that his
influence has been chiefly wielded. Through boy-
hood he made the most of his opportunities. He
was not discouraged by his great drawbacks, but
determined to do the best possible with his par-
tially limited faculties. At the age of seventeen
he entered the Institution for the Deaf and Dumb
at Hartford, Conn., and after four years of study
was graduated. He was then appointed a tutorin
the school, in which capacity he was employed for
seven years.

Resigning in 1839, Mr. Booth came to Iowa, and
in 1840, in partnership with a brother-in-law, Col.
David Wood, built a house at Dartmouth (now
Anamosa), which was the first frame structure in
the county. In the winter following, Colonel
Wood died. The land on all sides being included
in the mill company’s claim, Mr. Booth moved to
the prairie near Russell, and secured forty acres
for a farm. In 1841 he was elected County Re-
corder, and it is worthy of note that he received
all the votes in three out of four precincts, those
of the fourth (Farm Creek) being given to John
E. Lovejoy. Two years later he was re-clected,
and was also chosen for a third term, but prior to
its expiration resigned, the Legislature .having
amended the law so as to unite the offices of Re-
corder and Treasurer. He was nominated for the
dual office, but declined.

In the spring of 1849, following the tide of emi-
gration to the Pacific Coast, Mr. Booth engaged in
mining in California, where he remained until the
spring of 1854. He then returned and commenced
the cultivation of a farm in Cass Township, Jones
County, meantime making his home in Anamosa.
In 1856 the Hureka was founded by John E. Love-
joy, Mr. Booth not long after becoming editor and
proprietor of the paper. The success of the jour-
nal is due to his able management supplemented
by the services of his son. Advancing years now
prevent him from taking the active part in its
publication he formerly displayed, but age has not
dimmed the vigor of his mind nor impaired his in-
tellect. At an age when the majority of men re.
296

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

tire from active cares, he still retains his business
interests, and in their supervision displays as great
discrimination and forethought as he did a half-
century ago. ‘Truly his life teaches a useful lesson
to every thoughtful student of mankind.

When Mr. Booth came to lowa he had little to
call his own, but though poor, he brought with
him many books, for he has always been very fond
of reading, and the truth of the old adage of Ba-
con that “Reading maketh a wise man,”’ has proved
to be true in his life. In the early days of the
history of Jones County, prior to the establishment
of a Postoffice at Pamaho (one mile west of Rus-
sell) it was his custom to walk to Edinburg, and
afterward to Rome for mail. He always returned
home with his pockets full of papers, for he was a
subscriber to the leading eastern journals. At the
opening of the Civil War, his sympathies were en-
listed on the side of the Government, and while he
was not able to fight on the battlefield, he did
service equally effective through the medium of
his paper. Jones County has had no citizen more
devoted to its welfare than is he, nor anyone who
has contributed so largely to its development
through all the changing years of its history.

ifocendoce Pb
SSS eRiiit

J, HARLES H. MEYER is widely known

throughout Iowa as one of the prominent
business men of Dubuque. He has here
made his home during the greater part of the time
since eight years of age, and has been prominently
identified with public affairs, both commercial and
political. He was born in Alsace, Germany, on
the 13th of November, 1848, and is the second in
a family of three brothers. His parents, Joseph
and Barbara Meyer, were also natives of Germany,
and in 1856 they emigrated with their family to
the United States, landing in New York City,
whence they came directly to Dubuque. The fath-
er here spent his remaining days, his death occur-
ring in1870. His wife survives him and yet makes
her home in this city.
Our subject was a youth of only eight summers

 

when with his parents he crossed the Atlantic,
His boyhood friends have become his business as-
sociates, and they have ever known him to be an
honorable, upright gentleman. His education was
acquired in the public schools and in Bayless Com-
mercial College. He also pursued a course in Ger-
man, and began his business career as a clerk in
the employ of C. S. Keiler, with whom he remained
for six years. He then began railroading with
the Chicago, Dubuque & Minnesota Road as mes-
senger, a position which he filled to the entire sat-
isfaction of the company. Subsequently he was
made bookkeeper in the railroad shops and later
became freight and ticket agent in Dubuque. He
continued with the same road for several years, a
trusted and faithful employe.

Mr. Meyer afterward became interested in the
manufacturing enterprises of Dubuque, and is now
connected with many of its leading industries.
He is Manager of the Dubuque Stamping and
Euamelling Works, which manufactures all kinds
of enamelled steel plates. ‘The firm does all of its
own stamping and enamelling, and have the larg-
est press in America. It was made in Europe ex-
pressly for their works. These are the only enam-
elling works west of the Mississippi except St. Louis.
They turn out a durable and excellent quality of
work and are doing an immense business, which
from the beginning has steadily increased until it
has assumed extensive proportions. A large force
of menis employed. The works were burned in
April, 1893, but were at once rebuilt on an im-
proved plan, and they now have a good substan-
tial brick building supplied with all the latest and
best machinery. Its success is largely due to Mr.
Meyer’s energy and careful supervision.

In 1873 Mr. Meyer was joined in wedlock with
Miss Carrie, daughter of the late William Ruff, of
Dubuque, ahighly respected man, who came to this
city in 1836. Mr.and Mrs. Meyer have one daugh-
ter, Carnie, who is still in school.

In his political views our subject is a Democrat,
and his fellow-townsmen, appreciating his high
worth and ability, have called upon him to serve
in positions of public trust. In 1883 he was elect-
ed County Treasurer, which office he held contin-
uously until 1891, when he declined further hon-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

297

 

 

ors. After his retirement he became Cashier of
the German Trust and Savings Bank of Dubuque,
holding the position for two years, but resigned
in order to take a trip to Europe, where he spent
nine months in visiting Germany, Italy, France,
Austria, Bohemia, Hungary, England, Ireland and
the Netherlands. On his return to the United
States he went, to Southern California, where he
has large interests. He is also connected with other
industries of Dubuque, including the Dubuque
Street Railway, of which he is Secretary. He is
actively interested in everything pertaining to the
development and upbuilding of the community,
and his hearty support and co-operation are given
to all enterprises calculated to prove of public
benefit.

SS

ILLIAM W. HALLER, a wealthy re-
WW tired farmer of Farley, Dubuque Coun-
ty, was born in Harrison County, Va.,
September 12, 1826, and was the second child in a
family of three children born to John and Katie
(Kauffman) Haller, both of whom were natives of
Pennsylvania, and grew to manhood and woman-
hood near Clarksburg, Va., where their parents
had located.

The father of our subject, John Haller, was a
son of Michael Haller, who served in the War of
1812. This last-named gentleman was born in the
Fatherland and came to America at an early day.
Michael T., a brother of the gentleman of whom
we write, became a soldier in the Union cause and
was made Captain of the Home Guards. While in
the service he was killed in Barber County, Va.,
leaving a wife and eight children to mourn his
loss. ‘The sister, Isabel, married a Mr. Hawks,
of Plano, Ill.; she had previously been married to
Joshua Comley, who died, leaving her with five
children. At the youthful age of five years
the father of our subject took him to Vermilion
County, Ill, where that parent died, leaving him
an orphan, the mother having died a short time
before in Virginia. About the year 1835 Mr. Hal-
ler and his sister, who were at the time members

‘

 

of the family of Elijah Hall, removed to south-
western Missouri, where they lived on the frontier
among the Indians. Here he grew to man’s estate,
without any educational advantages whatever, but
being of a studious disposition, he made the best
of the opportunities afforded him, thereby gaining
a wide knowledge of men and affairs.

In 1846 our subject located in Iowa, near
Keokuk, and there it was that he wrote his first
letter, which was to his brother in Virginia. Soon
after coming to Iowa he went on the Mississippi
River, employed as one of the crew, plying
between Dubuque and St. Louis. He continued in
this employment about two years, but thinking he
might better his financial prospects, he left this
business and took up the honorable vocation of a
farmer, locating at Peosta, where he purchased an
uncultivated tract of sixty acres. In the mean-
time Mr. Haller had married Miss Jane Haggard,
whom he had metin the southern part of the state.
Mrs. Haller is a daughter of William Haggard,
who was a minister. After living at Peosta for
some time, our subject, in 1855, sold out his prop-
erty and purchased a tract of eighty acres of fertile
land two and one-half miles north of Farley. Our
subject furnishes a good example of our so-called
self-made men, as is shown by this biographical
record of his life. He has gathered together his
riches by unremitting and well directed toil and
displayed keen common sense, good powers of cal-
culation and excellent business qualifications in
his dealings, which have also always been charac-
terized by strict honesty and fairness.

Mr. Haller, in 1862, although he had a family of
six children dependent on him for support, en-
rolled his name with the comrades of Company F,
Twenty-first Iowa Infantry. Soon after he was
transferred to St. Louis, where he lay sick in the
hospital for six long, weary months. His illness
so disabled him as to unfit him for the hardships
of war and he was honorably discharged and sent
home.

Mr. and Mrs. Haller reared the following chil-
dren: John J., who isa resident of Dubuque; Will-
iam W., Jr., of Frankfort, Kan.; Paulina, wife of
E. W. Glew; Ellen, wife of George Tucker; and
Arthusa, wife of Joseph Glew. ‘he sons are all
298

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

prosperous mechanics, all honor being due to their
father, of whom they learned their trade, and who
commenced the same after locating in this county.
After tenderly and carefully rearing her children,
Mrs. Jane Haller passed quietly away. In 1881
Mr. Haller was a second time married, taking Mrs.
Abbie Booth as his wife; she is a daughter of
R. S. Payne.

In_ his political affiliations our subject is a
stanch Republican, for which party he ever uses
his influence and casts his vote. In social life he
is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity,
and is a genial and whole-souled old gentleman,
who has exerted a good influence in the moral and
social elevation of the community in which he
lives, and has responded generously to all appeals
for help in carrying out plans for public improve-
ment. He now makes his home im the town of
Farley, where he owns a substantial and convenient
residence, having lived here since 1875, and is
passing his declining years quietly amid the com-
forts which he accumulated in early life.

=o

ENRY H. HAGENSICK who has long been

a prominent citizen of Elkader, is Presi-

dent of the Elkader State Bank, and when

the town was incorporated he had the honor of
becoming the first Mayor, which post he held un-
til declining further renomination. Fora period
of fifteen years he also served most successfully as
Township Clerk, and has taken an active part in
all movements calculated to~benefit the general
public and his fellow-townsmen. The birth of our
subject occurred in St. Louis, Mo., May 12, 1854.
His father, J. M. Hagensick was a native of Bava-
ria, who set sail for America in 1854, coming by
way of New Orleans, and thence up the Missis-
sippi to St. Louis. After a short stay in that city
he proceeded to Clayton County, and settling in
Garnavillo, engaged in his trade of blacksmith-
ing for several years. In 1860 he removed to
a point five miles south of Garnavillo, and hav-
ing been appointed Postmaster of Ceres, held that

 

position until the summer of 1894, when he re-
signed on account of poor health. He received
his appointment from Lincoln, and satisfactorily
filled the place for thirty-four years. He still
makes his home in Ceres, being now sixty-eight
years of age. One of the pioneers of Clayton
County, he has been prominent in its upbuilding
and has held many township offices. In polities
he votes with the Democratic party, and person-
ally he isa man of worthy characteristics, being
upright and honorable in all his dealings. His
wife, who was also a native of Bavaria, bore the
maiden name of Margaret Frosch, and her death
occurred in this county in 1861.

Henry H., of this sketch, spent his boyhood in
this county, receiving a good common-school edu-
cation. He was only seven years old when death
deprived him of his loving mother’s care, and ten
years later he started out to make his own way in
the world. He soon found employment with Joe
Eiboeck, who was editor of the Clayton County
Journal, and worked with him in his printing office
for three months, at the end of which time he was
obliged to give up the business, as he found his
health was unable to stand the close confinement
incident to that trade. He was next a clerk with
the firm of F. D. Bayless & Co., with whom he re-
mained until 1877. Being industrious and thrifty
he managed regularly to lay aside a portion of his
earnings, which he carefully saved and was thereby
enabled to purchase a one-half interest in the store
in the last mentioned year. The firm then be-
came known as Bayless & Hagensick, which it has
continued up to the present time. They carry a
full line of drugs and medicines, and fancy and
staple groceries, and have one of the leading stores
in the place, their trade coming from far and near.

In 1875 our subject was married to Miss Jane
Dresser, whose nativity occurred in Allamakee
County, where her father, Calvin Dresser, was one
of the early settlers. Two sons have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Hagensick, Frank D. and Roy,
who are attending school in this city.

In October, 1892, when the Elkader State Bank
was organized, our subject was made President of
the same; D. D. Murphy, Vice-President and H. G.
McGaharen, Cashier. Among the Directors are,
 

 

 

 

GEORGE BARTON.

 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

301

 

 

F. D. Bayless, F. J. Uriell, J. J. Kann, Ole John-
son and P. J. Cain. This bank dues a general
banking business, and is favorably rated among
the similar institutions of the county. In politics
Mr. Hagensick is a stanch Democrat, and frater-
nally is a member of the Elkader Lodge No. 304,
I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 2, K. P., and a charter
member of the Modern Woodmen of America.

 

KEEEPEEEEEE EELS EEE EEE EE EE XD

 

EORGE BARTON. It is the glory of our
country that industrious and capable men
should so abound, not only among the

statesmen and distinguished officials, but also among
those in the ordinary walks of life. They furnish
proofs, if proof be needed, of the ability of the
American citizen to take advantage of every op-
portunity whereby his own interests may be en-
hanced, as well as the prosperity of his fellow-wen.
By inheritance and self-culture, Justice Barton is
the possessor of the noble character and energetic
disposition that almost invariably bring one ma-
terial success.

Referring to the history of the Barton family,
we find that Thomas and Grace (Allen) Barton,
the parents of our subject, were natives of Derby-
shire, England, where the father followed the dual
occupation of farmer and merchant. In 1852 he
came alone to the United States, and later, return-
ing to England, brought his family to America, in
1858. Proceeding westward to Dubuque, Iowa, he
remained a resident of this city, passing his later
years in retirement from active business, until his
death, at the age of eighty-four years. His wife
died in this city when about seventy-nine years old.

There were eight children in the family, of whom
George and two sisters are the only survivors.
He was born in Derbyshire, England, May 4, 1827,
and in boyhood attended school whenever oppor-
tunity was offered. However, his education has
been gained chiefly through self-culture and
thoughtful reading, by which means he has he-
come a wellinformed man. His wife, whom he
married in June, 1848, was born in Derbyshire and

 

bore the maiden name of Frances E. Webster.
Her parents, John and Ann Webster, were also
born in that shire and engaged in farming pur-
suits until their death.

At the time of his marriage, Mr. Barton was
proprietor of a dry-goods store, and for a number
of years engaged in merchandising. In 1862, four
years after his father had brought the other mem-
bers of the family to this country, he followed
them hither, with his wife and three children tak-
ing passage on the “City of Baltimore.’’ They
landed in New York, and from there journeyed
westward to Dubuque, Iowa. Soon after coming
here, they bought the eighty acres of land com-
prising the present homestead.

The union of Judge and Mrs. Barton has re-
sulted in the birth of five children, of whom the
three eldest were born in Derbyshire, England,
and the two youngest in Dubuque County. They
are as follows: John .T.,-who manages the home
farm; Grace E., who is married and has two chil-
dren; Frances E., who died at the age of twenty-
three years; Stephen J., who is married and has
one child; and Harry B., who resides with his par-
ents. In local politics the Judge has been promi-
nent, and while he usually affiliates with the Dem-
ocratic party, he reserves the right to vote for the
best man in local affairs, irrespective of political
ties. The title by which he is familiarly known
was gained through his many years’ service as Jus-
tice of the Peace, of which office he is the present
incumbent. He has filled other local offices with
honor and credit to himself. In religious connec-
tions, he and his family are members of the Meth.
odist Episcopal Church.

ese
NS

ARM HARMS. Among the worthy Ger-
man-American citizens of Jones County
to whose efforts van be traced much of

the progress of this thriving portion of the state,
is this gentleman, who is President of the Clover
Leaf Creamery Company; he has long been an
active agriculturist of Wayne Township. Mr.
Harms was born in Hanover, Germany, December
302

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

21, 1828, being the son of John H. and Anna
Maria (Reanker) Harms. ‘The father was a farmer
and continued to reside in the Old Country until
his death.

Jn the excellent schools of the Fatherland our
subject received a good education and remained a
student until he was fourteen years of age. He
worked on his father’s farm until 1857, when he
made up his mind that he would try his fortunes
in the United States, believing that the New World
afforded better opportunities for a young man
of energetic and industrious disposition. Taking
passage in the sailing-vessel ““Orpheus,’’ he landed
in New York City after forty days passed upon
the briny deep. From the metropolis he proceeded
direct to Madison County, IIl]., where he went to
work on a farm, and while there met and married
Miss Maria Johnston. After this event the young
couple settled upon a farm in the same county,
which was rented by Mr. Harms until 1866. That
year he removed with his family to Jones County
and bought eighty acres of land. He engaged in
general farming and stock-raising and of late years
has been particularly interested in the dairy busi-
ness, in which he has met with good success. As
the years have passed he has extended the boun-
daries of his farm little by little as he could afford
it, until he now owns two hundred and forty acres
of the choicest land to be found in the county.
Besides carrying on strictly legitimate farming in
avery practical method, Mr. Harms has made a
goodly sum from buying,selling and shipping live
stock. On his place are substantial and well fitted
barns and outbuildings, and a deep, never failing
well, wind pump and suitable tanks afford a suffi-
cient water supply for his stock.

One of the principal organizers of the Clover
Leat Creamery Company, and having long been an
advocate of the system, Mr. Harms was eminently
fitted to become President of the enterprise, to
which position he was unanimously elected by the
stockholders. This creamery, which has only re-
cently been formed, bids fair to be one of the sub-
stantial industries of Jones County, and long ex-
perience has demonstrated the fact that creameries
are of great benefit to agriculturists and the com-
munity at large, for they can more easily reach

 

the consumer, and as they handle milk, butter and
cheese in large quantities, are better enabled to
supply the public with standard articles. Mr.
Harms is a member of the Mutual Insurance Com-
pany and is now officiating as its secretary. This
company insures only farm property and numbers
among its patrons the most progressive and care-
ful farmers of this region. In his political faith
Mr. Harms is a stanch supporter of the Democratic
party, and in every way endeavors to fulfill the
obligations of citizenship.

Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Harms, the eldest of whom, Anna M., is the wife
of C. Schatz. Herman is a practical farmer. Tena
became the wife of Adam Scheer, and the two
younger sons, Gerd and John, are also living un-
der the parental roof and assisting their father in
the cultivation of the farm, while Maria is at home
assisting her mother.

SOK SS

HRISTIAN DAVIDSHOEFER, a promi-
nent farmer and agriculturist of Dubuque
County, [owa, was born in Bavaria, Ger-

many, March 7, 1830. He was the son of Christ and
Catherine (Noel) Davidshoefer, both of whom were
natives of Germany. The father was born there
in 1802 and died in 1883, while the mother was
born in 1796 and died in 1879. They emigrated
to America in 1861, and after a long and tedious
voyage landed in New York City. Strangers ina
strange land, they remained here but a short time,
when they left for Jefferson Township, Dubuque
County, Iowa. ‘There were four children born to
them as follows: Christ, Lorene, Barbour and
Kitty L.

The subject of this biography came to the United
States in 1850 to avoid serving his time as a sol-
dier, which is compulsory in Germany, and landed
in the metropolis of the New World with the
modest capital of five cents in his pocket. He re-
mained a short time in New York City and then
left for Buffalo, N. Y., where he resided for six
years, working at his trade of shoemaking. He
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

303

 

 

then left Buffalo for Sherrill’s Mound, Dubuque
County, where he worked for tive years at his
trade. He next settled down in Concord Town-
ship, the same county, where he followed his trade
until the year 1858, when he purchased two hun-
dred and seventy acres of land, which he improved
and cultivated until at present it is hard to find a
better piece of farming land in the township. Mr.
Davidshoefer thinks a great deal of his orchard,
log cabin and a running spring which are located
on his farm.

In 1851 Mr. Davidshoefer was united in mar-
riage with Miss Mary Fryburger, who was born at
Elsas, France, in the year 1834. She was one of
twelve children, her parents also being natives of
France. Mr. and Mrs. Davidshoefer have been
blessed with twelve children, as follows: Mary,
George, Christ, Charles, Louise, Henry, Frank,
Kattie, Lena, Nickie, Racie and Frank.

Our subject is an honorable, straightforward man,
of first-class personal characteristics. He came to
Dubuque County in its infancy and glories in its
advancement and progress. He has battled with
the world alone, but with the help of One who
never fails to make successful an honest effort, he
is to-day one of Dubuque County’s most prosper-
ous citizens. He isa Democrat in politics and has
kept his motto “there is no such word as f[ail.’’

ESTLEY SOUTHWICK. Many of the

finest business blocks and residences of

Olin stand as monuments to the taste,

skill and originality of Mr. Southwick, who has
carried on an extensive business as a contractor
and builder at this place for thirty years. In 1866
he superintended the erection of the first graded
school building here. The edifices in which the
Methodist Episcopal and the United Brethren con-
gregations hold religious services are also his
handiwork. Among the residences that he has
erected are those of Jonathan Easterly, Lute Car-
penter and Dr. J. A. White, and he has also built
a number of the most substantial business blocks

 

of the city, among them the Snyder & Port and
the Dayton Buildings.

Perry County, Ohio, is the birthplace of Mr.
Southwick, and June 28, 1828, his natal day. He
is of direct English descent, his paternal grand-
father, Israel Southwick, having been born in that
country, whence he emigrated to America in an
early day. The maternal grandfather, John -Rod-
man, died in Kentucky when lacking only two
years of having rounded out a full century. Our
subject’s parents, Ezra and Melinda (Rodman)
Southwick, were born in New York, but became
early settlers of Perry County, Ohio, where they
lived upon a farm. In 1853 they removed west
to lowa and settled in Jones County, where they
died, both at the age of seventy-seven years. The
father devoted his attention to agriculture through-
out his entire life. He voted the Democratic
ticket, but did not take an active part in public
affairs.

In boyhood our subject was a resident of Dela-
ware County, Ohio, where his schooling was ob-
tained, and where also he learned the trade of a
carpenter. May 2, 1852, he came to Iowa, and
after working at his trade for a short time in va-
rious places, he settled in Olin, where for thirty
years he has made his home. He isa skilled car-
penter, and has been given the contract for the
erection of numerous public and private buildings
throughout the county. Since attaining his ma-
jority he has always voted the Democratic ticket,
and believes that the principles of this party are
most conducive to the progress of the nation and
the welfare of the people. For some time he has
officiated as Justice of the Peace. In his social
connections he is identified with the Ancient
Landmark Lodge No. 200, F. & A. M., of which he
was one of the charter members.

The first marriage of Mr. Southwick occurred in
1859, at which time he was united with Miss Ruth

‘Marsh, a native of Indiana and daughter of Cyrus

Marsh, one of the old settlers of the Hoosier State.
This lady died in 1879, leaving five children,
named as follows: Edwin, who is a resident of
Maxwell, Iowa; Emory; Laura, wife of George
Payne, of Sabula, Iowa; Charles, who lives in
Olin; and Bert, who is in Nebraska. In Decem-
304

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

ber, 1881, Mr. Southwick was united in marriage
with Miss Deborah A. Shaw, a native of Columbi-
ana County, Ohio. In their religious connections
Mr. Southwick is a Baptist, while his wife holds
membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The family is one of prominence in Olin, and is
influential in the best social circles of the place.
The success which has attended Mr. Southwick’s
efforts is due to his own indefatigable exertions,
as he started in business without capital, and
through good management has gained a fair
amount of this world’s goods.

©. Keay. ©)

EEEEEEEE EE EEEEEE
(© ©)

 

HOMAS KINGSLEY. One of the promi-
nent industries of Cascade, and one which
has also become widely and favorably

known throughout the surrounding country, is
the mill of which Mr. Kingsley is proprietor. The
Cascade Mills, as they are named, contain all the
modern improvements in machinery, including a
complete roller system. The quality of the prod-
ucts is excelled by none, and the reputation of
the mills is established. The success of the enter-
prise is due largely to the proprietor, who since
assuming its management has conducted it upon
strictly business principles.

The Kingsley family is of English origin. Our
subject’s father, John, was born in Abroy, Buck-
inghamshire, and followed the occupation of a
farmer. Jn 1841 he married Miss Mary M. Col-
lins, 4 native of the same shire, and for a number
of years thereafter they continued to reside in
England. Thence in 1857 they emigrated to
America and for three years sojourned in Cleve-
land, Ohio. Coming to Jowa in 1860, they settled
in Cascade Township, Dubuque County, where
they resided upon a farm until their deaths, Mrs.
Kingsley was a member of the Baptist Church at
Worthington, Dubuque County, and in that faith
she passed from earth in November, 1879. Her

 

husband survived her for twenty-seven months,
dying August 18, 1881.

There were born unto John and Mary Kingsley
three sons and one daughter. Thomas, their eld-
est child, was born at Buckinghamshire, England,
on the 19th of July, 1849; Frederick W., next in
order of birth, was born there on the 22d of April,
1852; Charles J. was born in Sussex, May 6, 1854;
Lois was born after the family settled in Cascade
Township, Dubuque County, Towa, her birth oc-
curring in 1860. The subject of this sketch re-
ceived his education in the public schools and at
the age of fifteen became a clerk in the general
dry-goods and grocery store in Cascade. He con-
tinued in a clerical capacity until 1880, making
but two changes in situations during these years.

In 1881 Mr. Kingsley began for himself in the
grocery business, and gradually enlarged his stock
by the purchase of goods suitable to a country
trade, in which he still continues. He became the
proprietor of the Caseade Flouring Mills in the
year 1889, and is conducting a large and suc-
cessful trade. He is a man of energy, excellent
business capacity and scrupulous integrity, and
his prosperity is well deserved. His political be-
lief is in accordance with the principles of the
Republican party, and he is sound in the faith.
From youth he has been an active member of the
Baptist Church, and has officiated as Sunday-
school Superintendent. Socially he holds con-
nection with the Masonic fraternity, the Ancient
Order of United Workmen and the Modern Wooa-
men of America.

December 23, 1873, Mr. Kingsley married Miss
Maggie A., eldest daughter of A. P. Hamil, of
Cascade, Iowa. Her father was born in Tennessee,
and her mother, Mary J., was a native of Ireland.
She was born in Cascade April 18, 1854, and
spent her entire life in this place. From the day
of her marriage to the day of her death she was a
devoted wife, and when she passed away, Novem-
ber 2, 1891, she left besides two daughters and
her husband, a host of warm, personal friends to
mourn her loss. For many years she held mem-
bership in the Baptist Church and was an earnest
teacher in the Sunday-school. Her children are,
Myrta E., who was born June 25, 1876, and Ida
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

305

 

 

M., August 3, 1877. The lady whoon the 5th
of September, 1894, was united in marriage with
Mr. Kingsley bore the maiden name of Ida Me-
lissa Weir, and is the daughter of William and
Melissa Weir, natives respectively of Peterboro,
and Hastings, Canada. Mrs. Kingsley was born in
Monticello, Jones County, Iowa, May 28, 1868,
and continued to reside in that city until her mar-
riage.

SS

EV. JAMES B. ZIGRANG, pastor of St.
Paul’s Catholic Church of Worthington,
was born in the little village of Contern,

in Luxemburg, Germany, October 18, 1850. He
is of French descent, his paternal great-grandfa-
ther having been born in France, but from there
in 1725 went to Luxemburg, where he followed
the blacksmith’s trade. It is said that he manu-
factured the first steel plows made in Germany.
He had one son who was a contractor, and aided
in building the fort of Metz and Strasburg for the
French. Afterward he became very wealthy, and
was one of the most extensive land owners for
many miles around. He was accidentally killed
when forty-six years of age.

Grandfather Zigrang was the eldest of seven
sons, and several of his brothers served as soldiers
in the French army, under Napoleon I.
tinued the business left him by his father, but so
far as we have any record did not meet with
the extraordinary success that attended the latter’s
efforts. In 1856 he came to America and at once
settled in Jackson County, Iowa, where he re-
mained until his decease, May 13, 1872, at the age
of eighty-five years. He was twice married and
had children by both unions. Henry, father of
our subject, was the eldest born, and with his
brother Nicholas, preceded his father to the New
World two years. He came to Jackson County
and settled on a farm.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Nicholas
Zigrang offered his services to the Union, and was
one of the soldiers detailed to take Jeff Davis to
Washington after the capture of that famous Con-

He con- |

 

federate leader. He very nearly got himself into
trouble by offering to give one of his comrades
$10 to shoot Davis. After the establishment of
peace he returned to Iowa and made his home
with relatives, never having married. A half-
brother of the former, John by name, also served
through the war, but returned home at its close,
much broken in health, and although still living,
isan invalid. Another half-brother, John Peter,
went to California many years ago and nothing
further was ever heard of him.

The mother of our subject, whose maiden name
was Catherine Besch, was also born in Luxemburg,
and died July 11, 1878. After her decease the
father made his home with our subject until July
20, 1881, when he passed fromearth. John Besch,
our subject’s maternal uncle, came to America
prior to the Civil War, in which he took an active
part, participating in the march to the sea with
Sherman’s army. Henry Zigrang was a man of
iron will, but with a tender heart. An upright
Christian gentleman, he was greatly beloved by
all, but more especially by the poor, in whom he
always took great interest and in whose behalf he
devoted much of his time and ample means.

Rev. J. B. Zigrang was the eldest of five chil-
dren born to his parents. His sister Susan mar-
ried Nicholas Homan, who, for many years was
“mine host’’ of the American House in Bellevue,
Jackson County, but now resides at Sioux Falls.
Jane was educated in the schools of Milwaukee,
Wis., and taught school for a number of years; she
is now the wife of John Goeders, a clothing mer-
chant of Algona, Iowa. Katie is keeping house for
our subject; Dennie is proprietor of the large ma-
chine shops in Livermore.

Upon his father’s farm our subject grew to ma-
ture years and received his primary education in
the neighboring schools. When seventeen years
old he entered Calvary College in Wisconsin, and
after graduating from the classical course of that
school in ’72, he continued his studies in St. Fran-
cis’ College, Milwaukee. On account of failing
health he was obliged to abandon his studies tem-
porarily, and for a time he taught school in Jack-
son County. When his health warranted, he en-
tered St. John’s Seminary, near St. Cloud, Minn.,
306 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

from which he was graduated in 1877. August
15 of that year he was ordained to the priesthood
and the following October was sent to Hale (now
St. Joseph), Iowa, where he took charge of the
parish, and also preached to five other congrega-
tions. For twelve years he continued thus en-
gaged, during which time he built the church at
Britt, Hancock County, also edifices at Livermore
and Dakota City.

The manifold duties of these positions, requir-
ing, as they did, that Father Zigrang travel over
a wide extent of country, proved too much for
his strength, and the Bishop therefore transferred
him to Worthington in October, 1889. Here he
succeeded Father Heer, an able and popular priest,
who is now rector of the Dyersville Church. Since
cowing to Worthington our subject has organized
a benevolent society for the benefit of the poor
and sick of the parish, and devotes his entire time
to the noble work in which he is engaged. He is
held in high regard, both by his parishioners and
by the citizens of the place, of whatever belief.

 

o> Seis

 

ILLIAM SCHODDE. The life of this
well known citizen of Monticello af-
fords a striking illustration of what

may be accomplished by patience and persever-
ance. On coming to America he had neither
money nor friends, and for a long time he was un-
able to secure employment, but his was nota na-
ture to grow despondent over misfortune. Un-
daunted by the many obstacles with which he was
obliged to contend, he persevered until finally he
gained a justly merited success. In the evening
of his life he is living in retirement from active
business cares, and in his pleasant home is sur-
rounded by all the comforts and many of the lux-
uries of existence. What he is and what he has
may be attributed to his unaided exertions, his
tireless energy and excellent judgment.

The Schodde family is of German origin, and

 

both our subject’s father, William, and his grand-
father, Frederick, were born in that country. The
former followed the occupation of a farmer dur-
ing his active years, and was a man of energetic
nature, though never well-to-do. The subject of
this sketch was reared at home, receiving a prac-
tical education in the common and _ parochial
schools. At the age of fourteen years he was con-
firmed a member of the Lutheran Church, and has
since been a consistent, earnest Christian, as is also
his mother.

When a youth of eighteen years, in 1847, Mr.
Schodde embarked on a sailing-vessel at Bremen,
and after a voyage of eight weeks landed in Bal-
timore. The passengers, however, were quaran-
tined for some time on account of the fact that
there were some cases Of smallpox on board. On
being released he journeyed by rail to Cumber-
land, Pa., thence walked to Pittsburg, and taking
a steamer traveled down the Ohio to Cincinnati,
where he was obliged to remain about ten days on
account of high water. As soon as possible he
boarded a steamer and proceeded down the Ohio
and up the Mississippi to St. Louis, reaching that
city on the 1st of January, 1848. Renting aroom
in a boarding house he at once commenced search
for employment, and after a time secured work at
selling milk, his wages being $8 per month. How-
ever, after a trial of twenty-four hours he was dis-
charged, having carned fifty cents.

Next Mr. Schodde was employed by a Mr. Kra-
mer to drive a team to a stone quarry, receiving
$4 per month. After working for one month he
left the place, his employer having insisted that he
must drink whiskey if he remained with him, and
our subject steadily refused to do so. As money
was very scarce in those days his salary was given
him, not in cash, but in an order on a store. Later
we find him employed by Adam Miller, who lived
upon a farm fourteen miles south of St. Louis and
near Jefferson Barracks. There he was kindly
treated and found a pleasant Christian home, and
in his heart to-day there lingers a delightful mem-
ory of the kindness of this family. Though he
worked hard, yet he enjoyed many hours of relax-
ation from labor. Sunday in that Christian home
was a day of rest, and he was thus given the priv-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

307

 

 

ilege of attending church services, also of being
present at the prayer meetings held at Mr. Miller’s
home or in some neighbor’s house.

After four months with this employer Mr.
Schodde hired out to work for a Mr. Wilson who
owned a sawmill at St. Louis, and also one in
Texas County, Mo. Our subject was sent to the
latter and remained there until the mill was sold,
after which he returned to St. Louis on a raft of
lumber via the Gasconade and Missouri Rivers.
On reaching the city in 1849 he found the cholera
was raging there. He then went to Elkhorn,
Washington County, Ill., and visited his uncle,
Henry Schodde, until the plague had abated.
Then returning to St. Louis he found all kinds of
business dull and work very scarce. Thinking it
might be to his advantage to seek another location
he went by steamer to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he
had an uncle, a plasterer by trade. Under his in-
struction he learned the trade, remaining in the
city until the fall of 1851.

Going again to St. Louis Mr. Schodde still found
it impossible to get work there, so he accepted
a position as fireman on a Missouri River steam-
boat running to Lexington, Mo., and returning
thence to St. Louis. Again he was compelled to
seek a place, and again his efforts were fruitless.
Finally he had but ninety-five cents left in his
possession. It wasa situation dark enough to dis-
courage even the stoutest of hearts, but through
it all he never lost faith in the goodness of God
and believed that in the end all would come right.
He learned that men were wanted in Memphis,
Tenn., for chopping wood, and with the smallsum
left in his possession he secured passage to that
city, working for the cook in order to obtain pro-
visions. Arriving in Memphis he was met with
the same discouraging story. There was no work.
As he could not remain there without money he
worked his passage on a steamer to New Orleans,
only to meet with the same disheartening refusal
on every application for a place.

Going to a boarding house Mr. Schodde pawned
his trunk for board. The following day he crossed
the Mississippi, looking for work on the plan-
tations and also visiting twenty mills in a vain
search for employment. Spending the night on

 

the plantation he returned the next morning with-
out breakfast to New Orleans. Next he went to
the garrison near the city and inquired of the offi-
cials there if he could enter as a soldier in the reg-
ular army, but there met with his usual rejection.
However, the tide of fortune soon turned and at
last he was successful in securing a place in a res-
taurant, where he worked for three months at $15
per month. Later he was employed on a steamer
plying the river between New Orleans and St.
Louis.

Returning to St. Louis, again without money,
Mr. Schodde found work at once at the plasterer’s
trade, and continued thus engaged for some time.
In 1852 he married Miss Louisa, daughter of
Frederick Gruber. Afterward he worked at his
trade in central Illinois and was in the employ
of the Illinois Central Railroad, but the place.
where he lived being unhealthy he removed in the
spring of 1856 to Dubuque, Iowa, where he fol-
lowed his trade. Later he kept a boarding house
in that city for some years. In 1862 he embarked
in the manufacture of vinegar under the firm
name of William Schodde & Co., but disposed of
the enterprise when the tax was placed on alcohol.
Until 1867 he was engaged in the manufacture of
woodenware, and upon selling out that business
he came to Monticello.

Shortly after Mr. Schodde’s arrival in Monti-
cello he embarked in the general mercantile busi-
ness under the firm title of William Schodde &
Co., continuing thus interested for some years,
and after a time purchasing his partner’s interest
in the concern. Success met his efforts; he gained
a lucrative trade extending over a large portion
of the surrounding country, and also gained a rep-
utation as an honest and reliable merchant.

On account of failing health, and alsu with a
desire to visit the scenes of his childhood, Mr.
Schodde crossed the ocean in the year 1871 and
visited the old home in Germany. His mother,
Angie (Barkam) Schodde, who is still living, had
not seen him for twenty-four years and failed to
recognize him when he came to the house. Seeing’
that she did not know him he asked her if she
would let him have something to eat. Soon he
revealed his identity and the surprise and joy of
308

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

the old mother may be more easily imagined than
described. After a visit of six weeks in Germany
he returned to the United States, and the vessel
meeting with an accident near Halifax the passen-
gers were detained for a short time, reaching New
York, however, in safety. On his return to Mon-
ticello Mr. Schodde resumed his mercantile trade,
in which he continued until 1884, and then selling
out retired from active business.

Upon the organization of the German Reformed
Church in Monticello in 1869, Mr. Schodde be-
came one of its charter members and has since
been identified with its progress. It has grown
with great rapidity, especially during late years,
and the congregation now numbers three hundred.
In all his dealings with his fellow-men Mr. Schodde
has endeavored to exemplify the sincerity of his
Christian belief, and his life has been modeled
after the teachings of the Golden Rule. While he
has gained the esteem of all with whom he has had
business or social relations he has also been pros-
pered in material matters and is now the owner of
valuable property, including two store buildings
in Monticello, one hundred and sixty-six acres in
Jones County, one hundred and sixty acres in
Madison County, Neb., and eighty acres in Grundy
County, Iowa. To Mr. and Mrs. Schodde were
born seven children, all living, as follows: Amelia,
William, Augusta, Lucy, George, Charles and Otto.

J. DALBY. For just forty years this

worthy old settler of Jones County has

been identified with its growth and suc-

cess. After his long and useful career of active

labor, he is enjoying the fruits of his toil and is

living retired from care at his pleasant residence

in Olin, Jones County. He is still the owner of

the farm which he formerly cultivated, and posses-

ses an ample competence for the provision of the
necessities and many of the luxuries of life.

The father of our subject was Elijah Dalby, who

was born and reared in Virginia and who was a

son of Joel Dalby, a native of Scotland. Remov-

 

ing to America, for many years he resided in the
Old Dominion, but afterward settled in Ohio and
died in the city of Xenia. About 1858 Elijah
Dalby went to Ohio and became one of the pio-
neers of Athens County. His wife, whose girl-
hood name was Prosena Thompson, was also born
in Virginia, coming from one of the old and re-
spected families of that state. Her father, John
Thompson, was born in England and as a soldier
participated in the Dunbar War, which occurred
prior to the Revolution.

September 8, 1829, A. J. Dalby was born in
Athens County, Ohio, and his boyhood days were
passed in the Buckeye State, where he reccived a
common-school education. In 1854 he came to
the west and at first made a settlement in Hale
Township, of this county, where for a number of
years he met with prosperity in the cultivation and
management of his farm. As the years passed his
possessions were gradually increased and his means
wisely invested. At the present time he owns a
fine farm of four hundred acres; it is nearly all
under cultivation and there are many improve-
ments upon it.

The cause of education has always found in Mr.
Dalby a generous friend and sympathizer, and he
has often assisted in the building of schoolhouses
as well as in their support. He was the founder
and promoter of the large school building which
was erected in Olin, and in company with David
Carpenter aad John Merritt, gave his personal at-
tention to its construction. For about five years
it was operated as a private school, after which it
was sold to the district and has since been used for
a public school. A very active Republican, Mr.
Dalby was for a period of two years Supervisor of
Jones County, and by his fellow-citizens has been
called upon to serve in local township offices quite
frequently. In this capacity he has endeavored
to promote the general good and has creditably
fulfilled the duties devolving upon him. With
his wife he holds membership with the Baptist
Church of this place and is very liberal in sup-
porting denominational and benevolent works.

In March, 1856, Mr. Dalby married Martha
Klise, who was born in Richland County, Ohio,
and by her marriage became the mother of the fol-
  

 

 

 

 

 

JACOB KERPER.

 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

311

 

 

lowing children: James; Ella, wife of F. Glick; Ida,
Mrs. M. C. Gearhardt; John, a resident of eastern
Kansas; Matilda, who resides in Humboldt County,
this state, and is the wife of Fred Southwick; Frank,
of this county; Fred, who is engaged in merchan-
dising in Olin; Erwin and Mervin, who are students,
and Harlan, a schoolboy. The many friends of
the Dalby family always receive a warm and hos-
pitable welcome in their pleasant home and they
have the respect and friendship of all who have
the pleasure of their acquaintance.

= Sp ok cS

ACOB KERPER, a leading and wealthy mer-
chant of New Vienna, was born in the small
village of Welschbillig, near Treir, in the

kingdom of Prussia, August 26, 1848. Since 1879
he has been Postmaster at New Vienna, and since
1875 has been School Treasurer. In the various
enterprises and interests of this locality he has ever
taken a prominent part, and was one of the incor-
porators of the Dyersville German State Bank, of
which he is Vice-President and Director. He isan
example of the American self-made man, one who
is upright and honest in all his dealings. By his
sterling qualities he has won the confidence of all
with whom he has come in contact, and his large
fortune has been made by the exercise of his supe-
rior commercial qualifications, his transactions be-
ing marked by the utmost sincerity and honesty of
purpose. Such a man isa credit to any country or
locality, and it is with pleasure that we record his
history.

Mr. Kerper is the second in the family of five
sons, whose parents were Jolin and Mary (Wertz)
Kerper. Bernard is a leading farmer of Dubuque
County; Mathias is at Granville, Iowa; Michael
died in New Vienna in 1883, at the age of twenty-
nine years, leaving a wife and one child; Antoine
is in the mercantile business at Petersburg, Iowa.
The father of these children was a farmer in his
native land and in 1852 came to America, settling
on a farm on the then almost wild prairie of this
county. He became a leading farmer in the town-

11

 

ship of New Wine, and there both he and his worthy
wife are still making their home.

Our subject grew to mature years much as did
other boys on the western prairies, working on the
farm and attending the district school. When he
had attained his seventeenth year he entered Ep-
worth College, where he continued his studies for
two years, after which we find him fora like period
a teacher in the public schools of the county. He
again returned to school, completing his college
education in 1868. In the fall of the following
year he entered a general storeat Farley, Dubuque
County, as a clerk, remaining as such until 1872,
when he came to New Vienna. In a like capacity
he was employed in astore for two years, but as he
was of ambitious mettle he would not long be con-
tented with a subordinate position.

There are some men fitted to lead and guide
others, and Mr. Kerper is one of this stamp. His
integrity and ability were recognized by his em-
ployer, and as the latter wished to retire from busi-
ness, he sold the entire stock to young Kerper on
time. The latter thus set about making for him-
self a fortune. Being possessed with a strong deter-
mination to succeed, it was not long until he had
the entire debt paid, and since then has made rapid
strides in the financial world. In 1880 he purchased
the site of his present large establishment and
erected the extensive building where he now does
business. ‘The store is, without a doubt, the best
in the county outside of the city of Dubuque, and
would do credit tu even that metropolis.

In the year 1873 Miss Mary Ann Meyer became
the wife of our subject. Mrs. Kerper is the daugh-
ter of George Meyer, for many years a leading
farmer and now living a retired life in this village.
Six living children grace the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Kerper. George, the eldest, was born May 26, 1875,
and was educated at Buffalo, N. Y., where he was
graduated in June, 1892; he is now employed in
his father’s store. Mary Frances died July 1, 1876,
when in infancy; Magdelina, born May 20, 1876,
died September 2, 1878; Mathias, whose birth oc-
curred March 8, 1880, died March 12, 1888; Ber-
nard was born March 4, 1879; Annie Geneva,
January 38, 1882; Agnes Lena. October 2, 1883;
Nicholas Otto, December 16, 1884; Mathias Ed-
312

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. g

 

mund, February 8, 1886; Oscar Joseph, born in
January, 1891, died the following February. In
his political faith our subject isa Democyat. He
is an exemplary member of the Catholic Church
and isa member of the Catholic Mutual Protective
Association. In the Fire & Marine Insurance Com-
pany of Dubuque he is serving as Director.

 

KEEEEEEEEEEEPLE EEE E EEE EEEEDO

 

RANCIS M. HICKS. In the life of this re-
tired farmer of Jones County there is much
for the reader to admire and emulate, and

it affords us pleasure to incorporate in this volume
the main events of his useful and honorable ca-
reer. He was very prosperous in his farming ven-
tures and is now living in Monticello in the en-
joyment of a hard-earned fortune.

Mr. Hicks is a native of New York, and was
born in Rensselaer County, March 23, 1822. His
father, George Hicks, was also born in the same
state and county as was our subject, where he car-
ried on farm pursuits in a profitable manner and
was a prominent figure in all worthy movements.
His wife prior to her marriage was Miss Laura
Carpenter, a native of Massachusetts. Both pa-
rents departed this life while residing in Wayne
County, N. Y.

Francis M., of this sketch, and a sister, Mrs. Hor-
ton, of New York, are the only survivors of the
parental family of seven sons and three daughters,
His boyhood days were passed in attending school
in Wayne County, to which place his father and
mother removed when he was four years of age.
He remained at home until’attaining his sixteenth
year, when he started out to make his own way in
the world. Young Hicks lived in his native state
until 1848, when we find him en route for this
state. His destination being Jones County, he
located in Bowen’s Prairie, in Monticello Town-
ship, four miles northeast of the city, where he
purchased a quarter-section of land, and from that
small start as a foundation he built the magnificent
fortune with which he was afterward blessed.

In 1882 Mr, Hicks removed with his family into

 

this city, where he devotes his time to looking af-
ter his varied interests. His fine estate, comprising
over five hundred broad acres, is occupied by
tenants. In 1847 our subject was married to Miss
Frances A., daughter of Ebenezer and Abby H.
Little, and to them has been granted a family of
nine children, bearing the respective names of
Frank T., Ophelia, Harry H., Ebenezer, Elmer,
Grant S., M. D.; Ernest H.,a lawyer; Laura A. and
Archie G. Harry is a farmer; Grant S., a practic-
ing physician at Tacoma, Wash.; Ernest H., a
prominent attorney in Monticello, and Archie is at
home. The latter is a graduate of the peeien
University at Ann Arbor.

In politics Mr. Hicks is a firm believer in Re-

publican priciples and has served on that ticket as
Sheriff of Jones County. He is a stockholder and
Director in the Monticello Bank and is a man
whose advice and counsel are much sought by
business men.
Our subject during the late war enlisted in 1864
in Company H, Thirty-first Iowa Infantry, Colonel
Jenkins commanding. The regiment was’on gar-
rison and detached duty until the close of the war,
when they were discharged and mustered out.

$ ep § HOKE we

ON. DALLAS D. RORICK, a leading at-
dH torney-at-law, located in Oxford Junc-

tion, Jones County, is widely known as
one of the most prominent, able and influential
citizens of Iowa. A gentleman of superior social
and business attainments, commanding the esteem
and confidence of all who know him, he lias held
various positions of trust and honor and been in-
timately associated with national and local poli-
tics.

Our subject was born in Franklin County, Obio,
June 18, 1846, and is the son of Cornelius H.
Rorick, a native of New Jersey, whence he re-
moved in an early day to the above county in
Ohio. In the year 1858 the father of our subject
came west and madea settlement in Jones County,
where he was numbered among its most extensive
and prosperous farmers. He was always ready to
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

313

 

 

aid in the enterprises and improvements of his
township and vicinity and did his duty as a true
American citizen. A resident of the county for
thirty years, he was an eye-witness of the growth
and permanent advancement of all the prominent
interests of the state. C. H. Rorick departed
this life on his fine estate in February, 1888.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, who
bore the name of G. H. Rorick, was of Scotch de-
scent and was a native of New Jersey. The mother
of Dallas D. was, prior to her marriage, Miss Julia
F, Kimball, born in New Jersey and the daughter
of Dr. David Kimball, of Scotch descent and a
skilled physician of New Jersey.

C. H. Rorick was a Democrat in politics, and in
addition to superintending the operations of his
valuable farm, gave some attention to the prac-
tice of law. Our subject when a lad of seven
years accompanied his parents on their removal to
New Captle, Ind., where he acquired his primary
education. In 1858, however, he came with the
family to this county, soon after which he began
reading law in the office of his honored father. In
1878 he passed the examination and was admitted
to the Bar at Clinton, this state, by Judge W. I.
Hayes, who is now Congressman from the Second
District of Iowa.

Our subject began practicing bis profession in
the town of Wheatland, Clinton County, where he
remained for four years. In the year 1881 he was
elected on the Democratic ticket to represent his
county in the State Legislature, where he rendered
valuable service as a member of various important
committees until 1882, when he resigned his posi-
tion and removed to Miller, Hand County, 8. Dak.,
where he conducted a large practice for twelve
years.

In the summer of 1894 we find Mr. Rorick again
located in this state, this time making his head-
quarters at Oxford Junction, where he enjoys the
distinction of being a popular man with both
the Republicans and the Democrats. Socially he is a
Royal Arch Mason, belonging to Calantha Lodge
No. 22, K. P., Lodge No. 1512, M. W. A. and
Alpha Lodge No. 19, A. O. U. W., the three latter
of South Dakota.

In February, 1865, the Hon. Dallas D. Rorick

 

and Miss Mattie J., daughter of Noah Hammond’
an old settler of Delaware County, Ohio, later a
resident of Jones County, Iowa, were united in
marriage. ‘To them has been born a daughter,
Miss Anna J. Ever genial, courteous, affable, be-
nevolent and sympathetic by nature, his ready
wit and exceptional conversational powers render
him a host whose cordiality and entertainment are
never forgotten by the gucsts who enjoy his hos-
pitality. Upright and honorable in the daily
transactions of life, our subject commands the es-
teem and confidence of his fellow-citizens, and his
attractive home is the scene of many social gath-
erings.

see

ILLIAM G. CONDIT is one of the sub-

WW stantial and enterprising farmers of

Cass Township, Jones County. His

homestead comprises one hundred and sixty acres

of arable and valuable land, which is all under

cultivation and which is located on section 16.

The owner 1s one of the early settlers of the county

and for years has been identified with her develop-
ment and prosperity.

The birth of our subject occurred March 22,
1831, in New Jersey, of which state his father,
Alvin P., was a native. About 1832 he removed
to Delaware County, Ohio, where he followed his
trade as a tanner, and also operated a farm in the
Buckeye State for about a quarter of a century.
In 1856 he decided to try his fortunes further west,
and after thoroughly considering the matter and
prospecting, made a permanent settlement in Cass
Township, Jones County. By purchase he be-
came the owner of fifteen hundred acres of land,
to theimprovement and cultivation of which he
devoted himself until his death, which occurred in
the year 1883. He was greatly interested in pub-
lic improvements and did everything in his power
to promote the welfare and marvelous progress ofs
this region. In his political belief he was a Whig
prior to the formation of the Republican party,
after which event he cast his ballot in favor of the
latter organization and its candidates. He was a
314

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

Deacon in the Congregational Church for many
years. At the time of his death Mr. Condit was
in his cighty-second year; his wife survived him
only about two weeks, her death also taking place
in her eighty-second year. Her-maiden name was
Maria Jacobus, and her birth occurred in Essex
County, N. J., where she grew to womanhood.

William G. Condit, of this sketch, was second in
a family of nine children. His early years were
mainly passed in Ohio, near the village of Sunbury,
where he received common-school advantages.
He assisted his father in caring for the homestead
until seventeen years of age, when he began learn-
ing the blacksmith’s trade. After working at that
occupation for a period of three years, he secured
employment as a machinist, and as such worked
for the next fifteen years almost exclusively. In
1858 he came to Iowa, and for the succeeding seven
years was employed as a machinist by R. S. Gray,
of Peoria, Ill.

It was in 1865 that Mr. Condit became the
owner of his present farm, on which he at once
took up his abode, and for thirty years has given
all of his energies to its development and care.
There are goodimprovements upon the place, and
everything is kept up in a neat and thrifty man-
ner. The home residence, which is pleasant and
commodious, is situated on section 16. On his
broad acres the owner has yearly raised abundant
harvests and he has also been very successful in
raising, feeding and shipping live stock.

Two years after settling upon his farm, or in
1867, was celebrated the marriage of our subject
and Miss Emma Crain, a resident of this county;
of their union five children were born, three
sons and two daughters. One of the daughters is
deceased. The sons, William, Ernest D. and Orin,
are enterprising young farmers of this vicinity,
and Bessie, the only daughter, lives under the
parental roof. The present wife of Mr. Condit, to
whom he was marricd in February, 1892, was
formerly Miss Addie Tarbox, and her girlhood
was passed in Rockford, Ill. Mr. and Mrs. Condit
hold membership with the Congregational Church,
and are considered by their many friends and
neighbors to be most worthy people. In his poli-
tical belief Mr. Condit-isa stanch Republican, and

 

ever holds his own personal interests as secondary
to the good of the general public. His career in
life has been thoroughly honorable and upright,
and his industrious methods have brought him a
good income.

Fe ——

-ON. GEORGE W. LOVELL is a promi-
nent banker and public-spirited citizen of
Monticello and has been actively identi-

fied with the leading industries of Jones County.
On a number of occasions he has served in an
official capacity, discharging his duties to the en-
tire satisfaction of all concerned. In 1871 he was
elected Mayor of this place, and the following
year was re-elected to serve in the same capacity.
The same year he was called upon to fill a vacancy
in the State Senate on account of the resignation of
Judge McKean. Mr. Lovell so well acquitted him-
self that in the following year he was re-elected to
serve for the full term of four years. A man of
rare good judgment and executive ability, he has
had abundant opportunity both in his business
and public life to manifest the same and thus has
won an enviable reputation.

George W. Lovell was born in Windham County,
Vt., December 9,1818, and is the son of Willard
Lovell, a native of the Green Mountain State.
The ancestry can be traced for several generations
and the family is known to be of English descent.
Our subject’s grandfather, Enos, and his great-
grandfather, Michael Lovell, were natives of Massa-
chusetts. The mother of G. W., Zerviah, daughter
of Aaron and Rhoda (Rawson) Taft, was a native
of Massachusetts and of Welsh descent. Five sons
and four daughters blessed the union of the par-
ents of our subject, George W. being the eldest
son.

The early education of our subject was obtained
in the excellent schools of his native state, which
he attended until reaching his seventeenth year.
At that time the family moved to Kalamazoo,
Mich., and engaged in farming: for three years in
that state. He had always made the best of his
school advantages and continued his own educa-

 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

815

 

 

tion, becoming well versed in the common Eng-
lish branches and natural science and devoting
much attention to surveying, geometry and higher
mathematics. In 1838, his father having died,
George W. was left in charge of the home farm in
Michigan, where the family had lived for about
four years, and he continued to operate the home-
stead until coming to the west. In 1844 he was
elected Supervisor and held that office for five
years; in 1852 he was elected to the House of
Representatives, and in 1854 was returned toserve
a second term.

During his service in that capacity, in 1854, the
Hon. Mr. Lovell came to Iowa, taking. up land in
Jones County, a tract of one thousand acres, most
of which is situated in Wayne Township. This
land is particularly adapted for raising stock, and
* accordingly Mr. Lovell became interested in this
branch of business to a great extent, and this is
considered one of the finest stock farms in the
state, as there is abundant pasturage and running
water. At one time our subject was largely en-
gaged in raising sheep and dealing in wool, hav-
ing as high as two thousand head, and was con-
sidered one of the principal wool growers of this
locality.

While living on his farm Mr. Lovell was elected
Supervisor of the township, and in 1870 became a
resident of Monticello, soon after which he en-
gaged in banking, being connected with a private
bank. This institution was organized by L. M.
Carpenter and George W. Lovell, and was one of
the solid financial concerns of the locality. In
1874 this institution was closed, and Mr. Carpen-
ter and Mr. Lovell bought the controlling interest
in the First National Bank of Monticello; later
this was changed to the State Bank of Monticello,

Mr. Carpenter holding his connection with it until

his death. Our subject helped to organize the
Monticello State Bank, of which he is the largest
stockholder and is identified with its interests.
Mr. Lovell is the largest stockholder in the Straw-
berry Point Bank and has been its President ever
since its organization; he is a stockholder and
Director in the State Bank of Waverly, and a
stockholder in the National Bank of the Republic
in Chicago, and half owner of the private bank of

 

G. W. & G. L. Lovell, at Monticello. In his busi-
ness undertakings he has manifested great ability
and has made a success of everything in which he
has been actively interested. He still owns the
fine homestead farm in Kalamazoo County, Mich.,
which comprises three hundred and fifty acres.
Besides many local industries in which Mr. Lovell
has been connected he is largely interested in the
manufacture of paper in Michigan. A very active
worker in the ranks of the Whig party, Hon. Mr.
Lovell, when serving as a representative of the
people, and at all times, has endeavored to forward
the general good, and has warmly seconded all
measures which in his conviction would lead to
that result. At the formation of the Republican
party he cast his lot with that party until 1880,
since which time he has voted with the Democratic
party. He is honorable and upright in all his
dealings with his fellows, and has made a host of
sincere friends wherever he has resided. In 1881
Mr. Lovell built the Lovell House in Monticello;
it is a brick building 50x76, three stories, and
an L 30x54 feet, two stories high, heated by steam
and has all convenience of the water works. ‘This
building, furnished, cost $20,000, and is the finest
hotel in the county.

OHN J. SMITH. This popular and well
known resident of Worthington occupies the
responsible position of Postmaster, and in
discharging the duties which fall upon him

is giving entire satisfaction. He is an intelligent
and valued citizen, takes an active interest in all
things pertaining to the welfare of the communi-
ty and well deserves representation in this volume.

Our subject was born on the banks of the river
Rhine in Germany, the date thereof being June 16,
1850. He is the son of Jacob Smith, a well-to-do
merchant and lock manufacturer in his native land.
The latter emigrated to America with his family in
1853, making his home in Illinois until 1861, when
we find him located on a farm near Worthington, in
Delaware County. There Jacob Smith resided en-
316

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

gaged in the cultivation of the soil until his de-
cease, which occurred in 1892. In both private
and business life he was esteemed a man of honor
and integrity and commanded the confidence of a
host of friends.

The original of this sketch was given a good
common-school education, and being the younger
of two sons remained on the farm with his parents
until the death of his father. His brother, Christ
A. Smith, is the editor and proprietor of the
Dyersville Commercial. John J. Smith since com-
ing to Worthington has built up a fine trade and
is well established in life. He has never married
and his mother makes her home with him.

Our subject still owns his fine estate in Delaware
County, which is complete in all 1ts appointments.
The improvements placed on it are good, the
fields well tilled and the whole forms one of the
most valued farms in the community. While re-
siding in Delaware County Mr. Smith was called
upon to fill many offices of trust, among them be-
ing that of Trustee of North Fork Township. In
January, 1894, he was appointed Postmaster of
Worthington on the Democratic ticket. He is con-
nected with the Catholic Church and his name is
associated with every good work.

tS OK LS

7 ARNARD WENTE. One of the finest
farms in New Wine Township, Dubuque
County, is owned and occupied by our
subject, who is a progressive farmer, adopting such
methods and improvements in his work as would,
if generally followed, make of this county the
garden of the state. His estate comprises two hun-
dred and sixty acres, and of his success he may
truly be proud, for it is evidence of an industrious
and enterprising life, characterized by pe1severance
and good management.

Our subject is a native of Germany, having been
born in Oldenburg, May 9, 1850. His father,
William Wente, was a wagon maker in the Old
Country, and when Barnard was a lad of seven
years came with his family to America, working at

 

4

 

his trade until purchasing the farm in this county
which is now comprised in the landed possessions of
our subject. There the father lived for twenty-
eight years, departing this life in 1886, at the age
of eighty-four years. He came to this country
poor in purse, but being a man of excellent judg-
ment he made wise investments and gained a good
competence thereby, leaving at his decease a large
estate.

The maiden name of our subject’s mother was
Elizabeth Sermer. She is also deceased, passing
away November 21, 1890, when seventy-eight
years of age. Our subject was given very limited
opportunities for gaining an education and spent
his boyhood days on his father’s farm, assisting in
the work thereon. On the estate of which he is
the present owner, Barnard Wente erected a large
brick residence; it is one of the finest structures
in the county and is in a good state of preserva-
tion.

The parental family included two sons and three
daughters, namely: Clemens, now living in New
Virginia; Josephine, now the wife of Conrad Pape,
one of the leading farmers of New Wine Town-
ship, and a brother of the Rev. F. W. Pape, pastor
of the New St. Boniface Catholic Church; Eliza-
beth and Barnardina.

Mr. Wente was married April 28, 1878, to Miss
Gertrude Schneider, who was likewise born in Ger-
many. ‘To them has been granted a family of

six children, Lizzie, Anna, Joseph, Francis, John

and Willie. In his political preference our sub-
ject is an ardent Democrat, and a member in good
standing of the Catholic Church. Thus briefly we
have endeavored to outline the life of one of Du-
buque’s most prominent and wealthy young
farmers.

HARLES CHRISTMAN, of the firm of
Christman & Healey, wholesale and retail
dealers in hardware, is one of the repre-

sentative business men of Dubuque, and is a wide-
awake and progressive citizen. All who know him
esteem him highly for his sterling worth, and it is
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

317

 

 

therefore with pleasure that we present this record
‘of his life to our readers.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Christman -was
born in Tomaqua, Schuylkill County, September
8, 1835, and is of French descent. His parents,
Peter and Margaret (Dietz) Christman, were both
natives of France, and on emigrating to America,
took up their residence in the Keystone State.
Subsequently they came to the west, settling in
Dubuque, where the father died in 1861, at the
age of sixty-three years. His wife long survived
him and was called to her final rest in February,
1892, at the advanced age of ninety-one years.

We now take up the personal history of Charles
Christman, who, with his parents, came to Dubuque
County when a child of two years, and was reared
upon a farm until sixteen years of age. Not wish-
ing to engage in agricultural pursuits throughout
his entire life, he determined to take up some other
work, and as a means of earning a living, began
clerking in Dubuque in the large hardware house
of J. P. Farley & Co., with whom he remained for
many consecutive years a trusted and faithful
employe. During that time he became familiar
with the business in all its departments, so that
when he opened a store of his own he had a prac-

tical knowledge of everything connected there-

with.

It was in 1860 that Mr. Christman formed a_

partnership with Mr. Waller and opened a hard-
ware store under the firm name of Waller & Christ-
man. Thus they did business until 1872, when
Mr. Waller sold out to Jacob Christman, a brother
of our subject, who continued his interest in the
business for three years, the firm name being
changed to J. & C. Christman. On the expiration
of that period they sold out to Healey Brothers,
but two years later, upon the death of E. T. Healey,
in 1882, Mr. Christman bought out the interest of
the deceased partner, and the firm became Christ-
man & Healey. Business has been continued un-
der that style to the present time. They carry
a large and complete stock of hardware and are
now enjoying an extensive trade which yields to
them a good income.

In his political affiliations, Mr. Christman is a
Republican, but he has had neither time nor inclina-

 

tion to seek public office. He isa member of Julien
Lodge No. 12, 1.0.0. F.; he is a thoroughgoing
business man and an affable and genial gentleman,
who has many warm friends throughout the com-
munity. A high degree of success has crowned his
business dealings, and his prosperity is certainly
well merited.

SSS

WIGHT T. SMITH, a worthy representa-
tive of the business interests of Dubuque,
is the efficient and capable Manager of the

Standard Oil Company for the northern part of
the Northern Department of Iowa. He is likewise
Vice-President of the M. M. Walker Company of
Dubuque, wholesale fruit and commission mer-
chants.

Mr. Smith claims Vermont as the state of his na-
tivity, his birth having occurred in Dummerston,
in 1845. He is a son of Loyal and Mary (Walker)
Smith, both of whom were natives of New Eng-
land, and came of families that were early founded
in that locality. By their marriage were born five
children, three sons and two daughters. D. T.
Smith, who is the youngest, acquired his educa-
tion in the public and select schools, and spent the
days of his boyhood and youth in the Green
Mountain State. He was a young man of nine-
teen years when he sought a home in the west,
hoping thereby to benefit his financial condition.
He chose Dubuque as the scene of his future labors,
and in order to provide for his wants, entered the
employ of M. M. Walker, a wholesale fruit and
commission merchant. Fora time he engaged in
clerking, and then went upon the road asa sales-
man, in which capacity he was employed until
1885, when he was admitted to partnership in
the concern, and the firm style was changed to the
M. M. Walker Company, under which name opera-
tions have been carried on continuously since.

Formerly the oil business was conducted under
the style of Consolidated Tank Line, of whieh Mr.
Smith was Manager about ten years. Of the M. M.
Walker Company he was made Vice-President,
while Mr. Walker became President. He now has
318

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

charge of this department of the business for
northern Iowa, and is represented on the road by
six traveling salesmen. The oil houses are located
on the back water of the Mississippi River, where
are large tanks of every description, the plant be-
ing equipped for the storing and shipping of hun-
dreds of barrels of oil.

In 1869 Mr. Smith was united in marriage with
Miss Emogene Boyce, a native of Vermont. They
have a daughter and son, Georgia A. and Dwight
E., who are still under the parental roof. Their
home is pleasantly located at No. 151 Prairie Street,
and in the community they have many friends,
while in social circles they hold an enviable posi-
tion.

Politically Mr. Smith is a stanch Republican,
influential in his party in this city. He keeps well
‘informed on the issues of the day. He gives his
time and attention to his business interests, and in
his undertakings he has met with good success, his
career being a prosperous one. His success is not
due to a fortunate combination of circumstances or
to outside assistance, but is the reward of earnest
application, persistent effort and well directed en-

re oe

" OBERT S. BARNHILL. After many years
devoted to the tilling of the soil,in which
occupation he was more than ordinarily
successful, Mr. Barnhill retired from active agri-
cultural work, and removing witb his family to
Wyoming, Jones County, has since given his at-
tention to a general oversight of his landed inter-
ests and to the enjoyment of the comforts secured
through former years of industry and toil. He is
aman of ability and keen discrimination, careful
in his decisions and reliable in his business trans-
actions, and merits the large degree of success
which has rewarded his efforts.

On the !7th of October, 1831, the subject of
this sketch was born in Marion County, Ind. His
father, Daniel, was a son of William Barnhill,
and was born in Kentucky, from which state he
removed to Ohio, and later went to Indiana.

 

Finally he made permanent settlement in Jones
County, Iowa, with the growth and progress of
which he was identified until his death, at the age
of seventy-two years. His wite, who bore the
maiden name of Elizabeth Speer, was born in Ohio
and died in Jones County, Iowa.

The first twenty years of the life of R. S. Barn-
hill were spent in the Hoosier State. There he
was a student in the district schools and acquired ©
the rudiments of his education, to which he after-
ward added by practical contact with the world.
There also he was trained in a thorough knowl-
edge of agriculture in its varied departments,
and arriving at man’s estate he selected as his vo-
cation that to which he had been reared. Believ-
ing that in the rapidly growing west he would
find opportunities which in Indiana were denied
the agriculturist, he came to Iowa in 1851, and
settled in Clay Township, Jones County. Here
he settled upon a tract of land, which he cleared,
placed under a good state of cultivation and im-
proved with substantial buildings. In 1887 he
retired from active farming work and removed
to Wyoming, where he has since resided. He still
owns one hundred and twenty acres of good land,
all under cultivation and well improved.

The political opinions of Mr. Barnhill bring
him into active sympathy and co-operation with
the Republican party, and while he has never
sought office, he nevertheless takes an active in-
terest in everything pertaining to the public wel-
fare, and is one of the public-spirited citizens of
the county. On the 3d of January, 1856, he was
united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Nichols,
anative of Ohio and daughter of William Nichols.
Their union resulted in the birth of nine chil-
dren, of whom seven are now living. The eldest,
Curtis, 1s an agriculturist residing in Grundy
County, Mo. Edna is the wife of J. W. Strayer,
and lives in Castle Grove Township, Jones Coun-
ty. Robert L., Samuel H. and Leota are with
their father in the Wyoming home. Sadie is the
wife of Thomas Beard, of Wyoming. John A. is
engaged as clerk in a drug store in this place.

The family was deeply bereaved, when, on the
25th of July, 1891, the wife and mother was taken
from their midst. She had ever been devoted to
 

 

 

 

 

JOSEPH BRUNSKILL.
321

 

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

the welfare of her husband and children, and by
her loving and careful ministrations and train-
ing, her sons and daughters were fitted for honor-
able positions in the business and social world.
Mr. Barnhill is a member of the Christian Church,
and is highly regarded by his fellow-citizens. He
served as a private in the late war, enlisting in
1864 in Company K, Twenty-fourth lowa Infan-
try, and served until the close of the war, receiv-
ing an honorable discharge May 19, 1865.

 

<KEEEEEEPEEEEEREEEEE EE EEE EERO

 

OSEPH BRUNSKILL, for many years a well
known business man of Dubuque County,
but now living retired at his home in Du-

buque Township, is one of our English citizens

whose ability and excellent judgment have pro-
moted the prosperity of the country. In youth
he was hampered by poverty, and when leaving
home to seek his fortune he had but two sover-
eigns. From that small beginning he has worked
his way upward with ability and energy, and has
accumulated a sufticient amount of this world’s
goods to surround himself with every comfort in
his declining years.

The parents of our subject, John and Mary
(Reynoldson) Brunskill, spent their entire lives in
Yorkshire, England, where the former died at the
age of fifty-two years, and the latter when eighty.
By occupation he was a miner. Their family con-
sisted of eight children, of whom the only sur-
vivor is Joseph, a native of Yorkshire, born Au-
gust 10, 1810. He was reared in the parental
home and early in life became thoroughly familiar
with mining. March 1, 1833, he married Elizabeth
Woodward, who died in Dubuque Township on
Thanksgiving Day of 1864. She was born in Oc-
tober, 1813, and was fifty-one years old at the
time of her death. Twelve children were born of
this union, of whom the following survive: Will-
iam, Mary A., Margaret, Joseph J., James W. and
David. All married and reared children.

The second marriage of Joseph Brunskill oc-
curred June 20, 1881, uniting him with Mrs. Ann

 

Dayken, a sister of his former wife and a widow of
Joseph Dayken, who was born in England and
died in Dubuque Township aged sixty-two. Mr.
and Mrs. Dayken had thirteen children, of whom
six are now living, viz.: Joseph, James, Lizzie,
Henrietta and Henry (twins), and Alice. With
the exception of Alice, who lives in Ohio, all are
married and have families. Our subject has had
twenty-four grandchildren and two great-grand-
children.

Wishing to emigrate to Amcrica, our subject
borrowed from his father-in-law a sufficient amount
to pay his passage to this country. After a voy-
age of six weeks in the “George Washington”’ he
landed at New York and from there proceeded
via canal and lake to Cleveland, Ohio, thence to
Akron, the same state. For three years he was
employed in chopping wood and asa general la-
borer, and by saving his earnings he was soon able
to repay his father-in-law. On the 24th of June,
1836, he came to Dubuque, and after mining for a
time in the employ of others, took a partner
and started out for himself. In 1845 he put up a
smelter and conducted an extensive business until
1871, when he retired. Shortly afterward he re-
turned to England to visit the scenes and associa-
tions of his youth.

A man of quiet manners and simple courtesy,
unostentatious and retiring, Mr. Brunskill is highly
regarded by the people of Dubuque Township. He
is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, to which his wife also belongs. While he
has never been active in party affairs, he neverthe-

_ less has always cast his ballot for the Republican

party. During his long life he has been honorable
and upright, never wronging a fellow-man, but
exemplifying in his daily intercourse with others
the principles of the Golden Rule.

DAM KRAMER. A goodly number of
the residents of Jones County have won

a competence sufficient to allow them to
retire from the active duties of life, surrounding
themselves with the comforts suited to their declin-
822 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ing years and spend their last days unharassed by
anxiety. Among this number is Adan Kramer,
who is now occupying a pleasant home in Ana-
mosa.

Our subject was born in Franklin County, Ohio,
April 13, 1832, and is the son of Jacob Kramer, a
native of Fairfield County, that state. He in turn
was the son of George Kramer, whose birth oc-
curred in Germany, whence he came when a young
man to America and participated in the Revolu-
tionary War. The maiden name of our subject’s
mother was Elizabeth Barnhart, a native of Alleg-
heny County, Pa., and the daughter of Henry
Barnhart, also a native of the Fatherland.

Adam, of this sketch, was the second in order of
birth of the parental family, including five sons
and three daughters, namely: Henry, Adam,
Joseph, Solomon, Joshua, Louisa, Elizabeth and
Mary. He was reared on his father’s farm in
Franklin County, Ohio, and like all the youths of
that period carried on his studies in the district
school. He remained under the parental roof un-
til attaining his majority, and for the following
eight years worked out on farms of other people.
At the expiration of that time he learned the trade
of a carpenter, which he followed with fair success
for a period of four years.

In 1864 Mr. Kramer decided to try his fortunes
in the farther west, and coming to this state, lo-
cated in Jackson Township, this county, where he
became the proprietor of a quarter-section of farm-
ing land. He was very successful in this venture
and kept adding to his acreage until at one time
he had a vast estate of three hundred and sixty
acres, which formed one of the finest tracts in this
portion of thestate. He placed the entire amount
under cultivation and stocked it with fine breeds
of horses, Polled Angus cattle and Poland-China
hogs.

Adam Kramer and Miss Catherine E. Mann
were united in marriage April 18, 1861. The
lady was born in Delaware County, Ohio, and is
the daughter of Thomas Mann, formerly a resi-
dent of that state. By her union with our sub-
ject there were born seven children, of whom we
make the following mention: Frances F. married
John T. Hamilton; Mina J. is clerking in a store

 

in Cedar Rapids; Florence E. is the wife of Ed-
ward Beem, of Danvers, Il].; Norman F. is engaged
in farming in this county; Cora I., Preston H. and
Buell Vinton are at home.

In political belief our subject 1s a stanch Demo-
crat, believing that party to be in the right. In
March, 1894, he moved to Strawberry Hill, Ana-
mosa, where he still resides. A peaceable, law-
abiding citizen, just to his neighbors and of friendly
spirit, Mr. Kramer is respected by those who know
him and is pointed out as a fine example of the
self-made man.

EE _—————————————

1 ) E VOLSON WEAVER. The following isa
brief sketch of the career of Mr. Weaver,
whose present substantial position has
been reached entirely through his own persever-
ance, and whose life shows what can be accom-
plished by a person with courage and enlightened
views. Formerly one of the substantial farmers
of Fairview Township, he is now living retired in
the city of Anamosa prepared to take life easy.

Our subject was born in Chenango County,
N. Y., February 9, 1832, and is the son of Gen. L.
Weaver, who was appointed general by De Witt
Clinton, Governor of New York. The father was
born in Connecticut, near Stonington, and was the
son of Lodwick Weaver, also born in the Nutmeg
State and of Scotch and English descent.

De Volson, of this sketch, was the youngest of
the parental family, including three sons and five
daughters, of whom only three survive. He re-
mained in his native state until attaining his
twenty-third year, in the meantime attending
first the common, and later the high school at
Pitcher Springs. In the year 1855 he decided to
try his fortunes in this state, and coming hither, lo-
cated on a farm near Fairview, his purchase con-
sisting of a quarter-section. He placed the entire
amount under good tillage, and ten years later dis-
posed of it at $25 per acre. He then bought a
farm on which he made his home until removing
into the city of Anamosa. It comprises a tract
of thirty-eight acres in Fairview Township, which

—,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

323

 

is under an admirable state of cultivation and
classed among the best estates in Jones County.

The lady to whom our subject was married
June 15, 1856, was Miss Nancy Smith, a native of
Courtland County, N. Y., and the daughter of
Cyrus and Catherine Smith. Their union has re-
sulted in the birth of two sons and two daughters.
Hattie became the wife of F. M. Wood, a farmer
of this county; Francis, a graduate of the law de-
partment of the Michigan University, is practicing
his profession in Omaha, Neb.; Fred D. is the
owner of a fruit farm near Cedar Rapids, and
Minnie M. is the wife of W. L. Pope,a resident of
the above city.

Mr. Weaver has always been very popular in his
community, and in 1877 served as deputy under
Sheriff A. J. Byerly. For four years he was Mayor
of Strawberry Hill, and for a period of seven
years was Secretary and Treasurer of Independent
School District. In politics Mr. Weaver is a
stanch Democrat and takes an active interest in
the success of his party. With his wife he isa
devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church
at Strawberry Hill. In 1884, during the Cleve-
land campaign, he was Chairman of the Demo-
cratic Central Committee of this county.

YMAN J. ADAIR, M. D. This honored
member of the medical profession, whose
oftice has been established in Anamosa for

many years, is a native of New York and was born
in Monroe County, November 28, 1840. When
quite young he was taken to Summit County, Ohio,
by his parents, Alfred and Martha (Chamberlain)
Adair. There the father engaged in business for
many years, but during later life engaged in farm-
ing and became the owner of a farm in Summit
County. The paternal grandfather of our subject
bore the name of Andrew Adair and was of Scotch-
Trish ancestry.

The subject of this sketch passed the years of
youth in Summit County, and until reaching his

 

nineteenth year, attended the schools of the neigh-
borhood. He then entered Hiram College, where
he was a student at the outbreak of the late war.
During the early months of the Rebellion, he
offered his services and was mustered into Com-
pany K, Nineteenth Ohio Infantry, commanded by
Col. Samuel Beatty. After his term of three months
had expired, he again enlisted, this time as a mem-
ber of Company H, One Hundred and Fourth Ohio
Infantry, in which he served as Orderly Sergeant
for eighteen months, and was often in command
of hiscompany. He participated in the battles of
Nashville and Franklin, and experienced all the
hardships of the Atlanta campaign. In twenty-
four engagements he took part, some of which were
among the most important battles of the war. At
Columbia, Tenn., he was slightly wounded in the
face. With his company he witnessed the surren-
der of General Johnston, and at the close of hos-
tilities was mustered out June 28, 1865.

Returning to Summit County, Ohio, our subject
taught school at Copley. In 1867, a favorable op-
portunity being presented for the study of med-
icine, he entered the office of Dr. Morse, with whom
he remained for three years, and at the expiration
of that time moved to Manchester, Iowa. A short
time thereafter he entered Rush Medical College
of Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1868
with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. Immedi-
ately after receiving his diploma he returned to
Manchester, where he continued in practice until
1870, the date of his advent into Anamosa. Not
only is his professional reputation in this city one
of the best, but by reason of the faithful discharge
of his duties as a citizen he is looked upon with
great respect by his professional associates and fel-
low-citizens in general.

October 19, 1871, Dr. Adair married Miss Sarah
J., daughter of Giles M. Porter. Mrs. Adair was
born in Hartford, Conn., and is an estimable and
cultured lady. The Doctor is physician at the An-
amosa Penitentiary, which position he has held for
seventeen years. He is local surgeon for the Chi-
cago & Northwestern and the Chicago, Milwaukee
& St. Paul Railroads, and is identified with the
National Association of Railway Surgeons. So-
cially he is connected with the Iowa State Medical
324

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

Society and the American Medical Association.
He belongs to Anamosa Lodge No. 56, F. & A. M.,
and is Past Commander of Fred Steele Post No. 4.
G. A. RB. Politically he is an uncompromising Re-
publican, always taking great, interest in political
matters.

ODAH T. ALEXANDER, editor and pro-
lo prietor of the Jones County Times, is also
the popular Postmaster of Monticello. He
isa man of intelligence, push and enterprise, emi-
nently fitted to the discharge of the duties incum-
bent upon his present position. The Times is one
of the most sensible of the press productions of
the state and its circulation extends over a large
territory.

Our subject was born in Marshall, the county
seat of Calhoun County, Mich., January 4, 1857,
and is the son of Charles and Juliet (Paddock)
Alexander, both of whom lived and died in the
above state. Lodah T. lived in his native state
for the first fourteen years of his life, during
which time he gained the greater part of his edu-
cation. At that early age we find him located in
Clinton, this state, where he was engaged in the

office of the Clinton Age, owned by E. H. Thayer. -

There young Alexander learned the printing busi-
ness in all its departments and remained for a
period of nine years.

Soon after leaving the employ of Mr. Thayer
our subject engaged in the publication of a paper
called the Clinton Daily News, which he handled
with fair success until 1883. That year, selling
his outfit, he came to Monticello and the same
year established the Jones County Times, a six-
column, eight-page paper, devoted to the interests
of the Democratic party. Mr. Alexander is a gen-
tleman of influence in his community and is a
man of erudition and force, eminently fitted to
publish such a journal as the Times, a paper
which has wielded much influence in political,
educational and moral matters. The editorial
policy of the paper is ably managed, and the arti-
cles handle intelligently topics of public import,

 

and in its manner of keeping thoroughly abreast
with the times, and as an advertising medium is
appreciated and known throughout the county.

In 1887 Mr. Alexander was appointed Post-
master of Monticello under President Cleveland
and when the change of administration took place
was removed for political reasons. In the spring
of 1890 he was elected Mayor of the city. and
during his incumbency of the office acquitted him-
self in a most worthy and creditable manner,
Again in 1893, however, he was appointed Post-
master, which position he is still filling.

Our subject was married in 1877 to Miss Emma
McManus, of Cascade, this state, and the daughter
of P. McManus.

== cosc Bs

ILLIAM B. BROCK, M. D., a success-
W ful and prosperous physician and sur-

geon, has resided in Olin since. 1887.
He has an excellent and rapidly increasing prac.
tice in the neighborhood and is well known as an
able, intelligent and energetic citizen, worthy of
confidence and esteem.

Our subject was born in Clayton County, this
state, neat Guttenberg, August 27, 1861, and is
the son of John Brock, a native of Terre Haute,
Ind. The latter when coming west settled near
Guttenberg, where he still resides at the age of
sixty-seven years. He is recognized as one of the
intelligent as well as successful citizens of Clayton
County, and enjoys the confidence of the business
community and commands the esteem of his
neighbors. He married Miss Sarah Crawford, also
a native of Terre Haute, Ind., and a most estima-
ble lady, who has aided him greatly in attaining
his present standing in the community.

William B., of this sketch, spent his boyhood
days upon his father’s farm and received his early
education in the common schools. In 1880 he
entered Upper Iowa University at Fayette, where
he wasa student for two years. When leaving
this institution young Brock began reading medi-
cine under the instruction of Dr. K. T. Purdy, of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

325

 

 

Elkader, this state, remaining in his office for two
summers. During the winter of 1882-83 our sub-
ject took a course of lectures in the State Uni-
versity at Iowa City and soon afterward entered
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Chica-
go, from which he was graduated with the Class
' of ’86, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine.

In the summer of 1887 Dr. Brock located for
practice in Olin. In his medical views he is very
liberal and does not feel bound down to any
school either in theory or practice, although he is
considered a Regular. His services are often called
into requisition as a writer for current medical
publications, and he takes a deep interest in liter-
ary matters in general. The Doctor belongs to
the Iowa State Medical and also the American
Medical Associations. Socially he is connected
with Meridian Lodge No. 225, K. P., of which
he is a charter member. In politics he is a straight-
forward Republican and has represented his party
as delegate to various conventions. In 1892 he
was elected a member of the Town Council, which
office he is still holding and gives perfect satis-
faction in the manner in which he discharges the
duties devolving upon him. ‘

October 14, 1885, Dr. William B. Brock and
Miss Lizzie Selder, a native of West Union, this
state, were united in marriage. Mrs. Brock is the
daughter of William Selder, an old and prominent
resident of Fayette County. To the Doctor and
his wife has been born one son, Victor. Mrs.
Brock is a member in good standing of the
United Brethren Church, and is active in all good
works in her neighborhood.

—=4{Xcs0ok ==

ON. SEWALLS. FARWELL, a very prom-
inent citizen of Monticello, is President
of the Monticello Bank, and has an army

record of which he may well be proud. He took
part in many of the most noted battles of the late
war, serving faithfully for three years, and doing
valiant service in the defense of the flag. On his
return from the south in 1865, he was elected State

 

Senator, being a member of the Eleventh and
Twelfth General Assemblies, and during the term
of General Grant was appointed Assessor of Inter-
nal Revenue for the Second District of Iowa, serv-
ing in that capacity for four years. In 1874 he
was appointed Collector of Internal Revenue and
served six years. This office was located at Daven-
port, and the vast sums collected and turned over
to the Government and accounted for to the per-
fect satisfaction of the people and Treasury offi-
cials. In 1880 new honors were bestowed upon
him, for he was elected to Congress as a Represen-
tative from the Second District, which embraced
Scott, Muscatine, Clinton, Jackson, Cedar and
Jones Counties. In short, he has been very active
in the support of the Republican party, and in po-
litical circles in general, and at all times has had
the welfare of the people closely at heart.

The birth of the Hon. Mr. Farwell occurred
April 26, 1834, in Coshocton County, Ohio, his
parents being Zophar and Betscy (Knight) Far-
well, natives of New Hampshire and New York,
respectively. ‘The paternal grandfather, Absalom
Farwell was a native of New England, and he in
turn was a son of Richard Farwell, the ancestry
being further traced as far back as 1600. Richard
Farwell, won an honorable record as a soldier in
the Revolutionary War. ‘The boyhood of our sub-
ject was passed on his father’s farm, and in com-
pany with his two brothers and two sisters, he at-
tended the district schools. Later he studied for
two years in Keene Academy of Coshocton Coun-
ty, also at Cleveland, and then taught school for
one term in the Buckeye State.

It was in 1852 that Mr. Farwell first came to
Jones County in company with his father and the
other members of the family who located on a
farm two and a-half miles north of Monticello.
There the father devoted himself to general agri-
culture until shortly before his death in 1883, and
the demise of his wife occurred some two years
later. Our subject remained on the homestead
lending his assistance to his father until he had
reached his majority. Then going to Pella, Ma-
rion County, he embarked in general merchandis-
ing,at which he continued for two years, and then
selling out, went to Kansas. He settled in Clay
326

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

County, opposite Kansas City, where he engaged
in the manufacture of lumber, and ran a sawmill
for about two years. In the year 1859 he re-
turned to Iowa, settling on a farm in Jones Coun-
ty, and for three years was one of the successful
farmers of Monticello Township.

In 1862 Mr. Farwell assisted in raising Com-
pany H, of the Thirty-first Regiment, infantry
service, and was made Captain of the company,
being ordered south to join the Army of the Ten-
nessee. Among the engagements in which he par-
ticipated were the following: Chickasaw, Arkan-
sas Post, siege of Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain
and Mission Ridge, Resaca, Atlanta and Jones-
boro; he went in pursuit of General Hood, joining
Sherman’s army, and was in the march to the sea.
After the surrender of Johnson to Sherman at
Raleigh, N. C., he marched with his command to
Washington, D. C., was present in the Grand Re-
view, and was mustered out June 27, 1865.

December 28, 1858, Mr. Farwell married Me-
linda Nesbitt, of Oskaloosa, a daughter of George
Nesbitt, Esq., of Wooster, Ohio, and of their union
have been born five children: Mary, the wife of
H. M. Carpenter; Luna, Mrs. Edward Templeton;
Marcus Z., Cashier of the State Bank of La Junta,
Colo.; and Zelma and Sewall, who are at ‘home.
Mrs. Farwell died December 15, 1891.

When serving as a Representative, Mr. Farwell
took a prominent part in calling the attention of
Congress and the country to the advantages which
would result from the building of the Hennepin
Canal, and made the first speech that was made on
that subject in the House, and helped secure the
first appropriation for its commencement. In the
year 1882 he was unanimously renominated for
Congress, but was defeated in the general election,
owing to the adoption of the Prohibition measures
asa part of the State Constitution, which made his
district as strongly Democratic as it had heretofore
been Republican.

In 1873 Mr. Farwell was made Vice-President
of the Monticello National Bank, which he held
until it was merged into the Monticello State
Bank, and was acting Vice-President until 1891,
at which time he was made President of the insti-
tution, which has always been one of the best

 

financial concerns of the county. When the Dav-
enport & St. Paul Railroad, now a portion of the
Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul system, was pro-
jected in 1874, he was active in securing its pas-
sage through Monticello. For several terms he has
served as a member of the School Board, and has
been President of that body. Formerly he was
President of the Jones County Agricultural and
Mechanical Association.

> Rio eee

YLVESTA FRITSCHE. Noteworthy as a
S self-made man and an able, energetic citi-
zen, is the subject of this biography, who
is a resident of Concord Township, Dubuque
County, Iowa. He believes that perseverance,
backed by a strong will and dauntless courage,
cannot fail to roll, with steady band, the obstacles
from the path of success.

Mr. Fritsche was born in Ostria Lodane, Ger-
many, December 31, 1847. He was the son of
Joseph and Lizzie (Charlotte) Fritsche, who were
natives of the same place. The former was born
there in 1823, and died in 1891. The mother was
born in 1827 and died in 1867. Both died in their
native country. There were nine children born to
this couple, as follows: Joseph, Jr.; Fedel, Tony A.,
Lizzie, Katie, Sophia, Barbour, Clara and Sylvesta.

The subject of this sketch left his “Faterland”’
in 1871, and, after a long trip, landed in New
York City. Remaining in that city only a short
time, he came on to Dubuque, Iowa, where he
worked at his trade as cabinetmaker in a furniture
factory for five years. He then left for Concord
Township, and worked at carpentering until 1889,
when, with his earnings, he purchased one hundred
and twenty acres of land, which, after a short pe-
riod, he increased to one hundred and sixty acres.
A few months since he disposed of forty acres of
well cultivated land at quite a profit.

Mr. Fritsche was married to Miss Lizzie Schomen,
who was born in 1864 and died in 1880. She bore
him three children. He was married the second
time. Miss Annie Mary Idenburger became his
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

327

 

 

companion for life in the year 1886. She was born
at Petersburg, Delaware County, Jowa, in 1860,
and was one of the seven daughters of Joseph and
Mary Idenburger. By this union our subject was
blessed with five children, as follows: Joseph,
Lizzie, Mary, William and Mary Anna.

He is a devoted and useful member of the Cath-
olic Church, and in politics he is a Democrat. He
came to America a poor man, without means of
sustenance beyond what he daily earned. For the
first few years his life was a hard one, filled with
struggles and poverty, but eventually his daunt-
less spirit prevailed, and he now has a compe-
tency. Mr. Fritsche is highly respected and es-
teemed by his friends and neighbors, and has shown
that one may accomplish much by unfailing perse-
verance and the dogged energy which “never gives
up the ship.’’

sts

REN STUART, M.D. The subject of this

OC personal history is a resident within the
borders. of Dubuque County and a re-

spected citizen of Concord Township. He was the
son of Moses and Mary A. (Glew) Stuart. Moses
Stuart, father of our subject, was born in Bangor,
Me., November 11,1811. He was a very promi-
nent man in this county, and was the President of
the School Board for a long period of years. A
zealous member of the Congregational Church and
a stanch Republican, he was always ready to help
in any enterprise pertaining to the promotion of
the public welfare. He gave his children the very
best education to be had in the county. He came
to Dubuque County, Iowa, from Maine in 1837,
and remained there for a few years, then removed
to Elkader, working there at his trade as a carpen-
ter and millwright for three years. He next was
Postmaster at Millville, Iowa, for four years, then
removed to California and remained there for two
years. Returning to Concord Township, he set-
tled on his old homestead of two hundred and
forty acres, which he had increased to three hun-
dred at the time of his demise, September 19, 1878.
The mother was born at Phillipsburg, Pa., January

 

2, 1821, and died November 8, 1885. There were
eleven children born to this couple, as follows:
Adline, Elvira; Oliver W., deceased; Oren, Ellen,
Sumner, Moses, Mary A., Ansel, Alvin and Olive,
deceased.

March 20, 1873, our subject was united in mar-
riage with Miss Minnie Séhoonover, a most esti-
mable lady, who was born at Findlay, Ohio, Octo-
ber 28, 1848. She was one of ten children. This
union was blessed with five children, as follows:
Nellie, Olive, Ray, Elta and Edna.

Dr. Stuart remained at home with his parents
until he arrived at the age of twenty-one years,
when, thinking that he was strong enough to
“paddle his own canoe,’’ he commenced his battle
with the world. He first taught school for five
and a-half months; then he educated himself for a
physician, and he is a most reliable one, having at-
tended the College of Physicians and Surgeons at
Keokuk, Iowa, and also graduated at the Missouri
Medical College at St. Louis, Mo. He has a very
successful practice and is the possessor of one hun-
dred and sixty acres of the best farming land in
the county.

Taken together, Mr. Stuart’s endowments are
such as fit him to occupy a high place in the re-
gard-of the people. Not only is he one of the
most prominent business men in the township, but
he has good and suftlicient reasons to look back
over the annals of his ancestry with a degree of
pride unknown to many.

Dr. Stuart is a Republican in politics, and has
good, practical ideas relative to public affairs. As
an attendant of the Methodist Episcopal Church
he is an earnest and active worker. Possessing a
strong ambition and a high standard of profes-
sional excellency, with the aid and sympathy of a
noble and womanly life companion, he is well
fitted to attain a front rank in his chosen profes-
sion and secure in due time the permanent re-
wards of a successful and honorable career.

+4

H. MARTIN is a member of the firm of
Martin & Strelau, of Dubuque, general
freight and transfer agents and whole-
sale and retail dealers in wood and coal. They are
328

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

now doing a good business and the members of the
firm are numbered among the wide-awake and sub-
stantial business men of thiscommunity. Mr. Mar-
tin was born in New York City in 1854, and is of
Irish descent. His parents, George and Mary (Mur-
dock) Martin, were both natives of the Emerald
Isle. The father was*born in County Down, Ire-
land, and in 1853 crossed the Atlantic to America,
locating in New York. The following year he came
to Dubuque, where his death occurred July 16,
1894, at the age of seventy-seven. His wife is
still living.

Midst play and work the childhood days of our
subject were passed. During his infancy he was
brought by his parents to Dubuque, where he was
reared to manhood. He acquired his education in
the public schools and his first independent effort
‘in life was as a mail carrier, a position which he
filled for some time in this city. He then pur-
chased his father’s freight and transfer line which
he has since successfully conducted, his business
steadily increasing and yielding to him a comfort-
able competence. In 1889 he admitted to partner-
ship Paul E. Strelau, under the firm name of Mar-
tin & Strelau, which connection has since contin-
ued. In the freight and transfer business they em-
ploy some twenty-five men. They also deal in
wood and coal, handling anthracite and bitumin-
ous coal, and oak, maple and pine woods. In this
branch of their business they also enjoy a good
trade, the enterprise proving a profitable one.

December 25, 1881, was celebrated the marriage
of Mr. Martin and Miss Gussie E. Strelau, daugh-
ter of John and Emily (Tanken) Strelau, who were
early settlers of Dubuque. Four children grace
this union, two sons and two daughters, Florence
A., Frederick D., Mabel Harriet and Harrold P.
The parents are both faithful members of the Pres-
byterian Church, and with their family reside at
No. 208 West Fourteenth Strect.

In his political views Mr. Martin isa Republican,
. and though he warmly advocates the principles
of the party, he has had neither time nor inclina-
tion for public office. Socially, he is connected
with Apollo Lodge, K. of P.; and Julien Lodge, I.
O. O. F. His residence in this city covers a period
of forty years, and he has therefore witnessed the

 

greater part of its growth and development, and
has seen the progress and advancement which has
been achieved through the progressive and prac-
tical efforts of such citizens as himself. Mr. Martin
started out to make his own way in the world at

| the early age of thirteen, and has since been cn-

tirely dependent upon his own resources. Steadily
he has worked his way upward, overcoming the
difficulties and obstacles in his path by industry
and perseverance. He may truly be called a self-
made man, and as such we present him to our
readers.

axle
Find

ORTON J. LOOMIS is a dealer in lumber,
brick, tile, cement, etc., in Farley, Dubuque
County, Iowa. He was born in Martins-

burgh, Lewis County, N. Y., in 1831, and emigrat-
ed with his parents to Wisconsin in the year
1842. His parents were Amassa C. and Francis
(Thompson) Loomis, natives of Maine and Massa-
chusetts respectively. The family was originally
of English extraction.

Nine years after going to Wisconsin, Mr. Loomis
of this sketch removed to Dubuque County, where
he has since made his home. When he landed
here and took stock of his possessions he found
he had only ten cents. This was on the Fourth of
July, and he was necessarily unable to celebrate
the day with such patriotic manifestations as was
befitting. The first year after that hespent on the
river, working at whatever he could find to do
in order to obtain a livelihood. He worked by the
month in this county until 1859, when he located
on a farm and engaged in its cultivation until
about the year 1886; he then sold most of his prop-
erty and engaged in his present occupation, in
which he has been very successful. Mr. Loomis
owns quite a large amount of real estate and some
of the best buildings in the town.

In 1854 Miss Ellen Hooper became the wife of
our subject, and of their union were born eight
children who grew to mature years, Amassa, the
 

 

 

 

 

HORACE T. WOODARD.
331

 

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

eldest, was killed in this county; he left a wife
and child; May F. is the wife of E. B. Cat-
ron, of Earlville; John W. is a resident of Farley;
Bennett E. is a stock merchant in the same place;
Elizabeth, deceased, was the wife of W. F. Klaus,
of Earlville; Wellington W. is a liveryman; Frank
H. and George G. complete the family. By a sec-
ond marriage, when Mrs. Ella H., widow of Henry
Edzard and daughter of A. W. Himbaugh became
the wife of our subject, were born two children,
Florence E. and Affal R. Our subject has been a
strong Republican all his life and is proud of the
fact. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church
of Farley, in the work of which he takes an active
part. Our subject is a member of the Knights of
Pythias and is a citizen who has always done the
utmost in his power to advance the prosperity of
this region.

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oO

 

: ORACE T. WOODARD. For many years

the agricultural community of Jones

County had an able and efficient repre-
sentative in the subject of this notice, who settling
in Wyoming Township in 1865, gave his attention
to the tilling of the soil and improving of a farm.
As an agriculturist he was discriminating and in-
dustrious, and by systematic rotation of crops and
proper fertilization of the soil he was enabled to
secure bountiful harvests from his land. At last,
having accumulated a competence, he retired from
farm work, and in March of 1893 came to Wy-
oming, where with his family he occupies a pleas-
ant home.

The Woodard family is of Scotch lineage and
its representatives, as far back as the record is
traced, have been men of upright character and
honorable lives. The paternal grandfather of our
subject was Pliny Woodard, a native of Connecti-
cut and during much of his life a resident of New

12

 

York. The parents of our subject were Augustus
B. and Hannah (Owen) Woodard; the former was
born in Connecticut and the latter in the Empire
State, being a daughter of Abraham Owen. The
father came west and settled in Jones County,
Iowa, where his death occurred in 1889, at the
age of eighty-nine years.

In Oneida County, N. Y., the subject of this
sketch was born on the 19th of July, 1829. His
boyhood years were passed uneventfully, and dur-
ing the vacations from school work he assisted his
father in the cultivation of the home farm. In
1851 he was united in marriage with Miss Ann
Gibson, a native of Canada and a daughter of
Patrick Gibson. In 1865 he came west and settled
in Wyoming Township, Jones County, where as
above stated he carried on a farm until 1893,
meantime improving his land with an adequate
set of buildings, good fences, orchards and gar-
dens. In youth he had learned that success in
agriculture can be gained only through tireless in-
dustry and perseverance, and these qualities he
exercised in the cultivation of his property.

The present wife of our subject, whom he mar-
ried in 1893, bore the maiden name of Julia
Cook, and was born in Ohio. Her parents, Thomas
and Maria (Lyle) Cook, were natives of Pennsyl-
vania, and were old settlers of Ohio. Her mother
came to Iowa in advanced years and died at Wy-
oming at the age of seventy-nine. Her grand-
mother was Sarah Kerr, of Easton, Pa. The Lyle
family originated in Scotland, but was represented
in Pennsylvania at an early period in its settle-
ment, being identified with the history of North-
ampton County. Mr. Woodard has two sons, both
of whom reside in Monona County, Iowa.

Always actively interested in public affairs, our
subject is a pronounced Republican in politics and
both at local and general elections exercises his
elective franchise in favor of the candidates of
that party. His wife holds membership in the
Presbyterian Church and is a worthy Christian.
They are generous in their contributions to char-
itable objects, and in them the distressed and
needy always find a friend. The life of Mr.
Woodard affords an illustration of what may be
accomplished by energy and perseverance, sec-
332

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

onded by sound judgment and good management.
His success is due to his own exertions, as he
started in business without means, and has achieved
prosperity through his indefatigable exertions.

-==7Xosc B=

man and enterprising citizen of Bernard,
is at present extensively engaged in buy-

VY, HARLES F. SMYTH, a prominent business

ing and selling grain, and is also the proprietor of.

a hardware and farming implement store, which
he conducts with success and profit. Heis of
Trish descent, and is the son of John and Margaret
(Henry) Smyth. The father was born in County
Down, Ireland, in 1819. When thirteen years of
age he came to this country with his parents
and settled in Bangor, Me. <A few years later he
embarked in the mercantile business in that city,
carrying a line of general merchandise, dry goods,
boots, shoes, groceries, etc. He followed this occu-
pation for ten years, and at the expiration of that
time sold out and came to Iowa, settling in Prairie
Creek Township, Dubuque County. Here he
bought one hundred and forty acres of wild, un-
cultivated land, and immediately set about clear-
ing and improving it. He built a good house and
barn, which he furnished comfortably, and within
two years he had a nice little home to which he
brought his bride in 1844. He married Miss Mar-
garet Henry, a native of Dubuque County, and to
them were born thirteen children, nineof whom
are living: Henry, John, Anna, George, Charles,
Katie, Celia, Frank and Albert. They all received
a good common-school education, and Katie is a
graduate of Lyons College. She has been a teacher
in the public schools of Iowa for six years, giving
good satisfaction, and is an excellent instructor.

John F. Smyth was a hard working man, indus-
trious and saving. Having been taught in his
youth the necessity of taking care of the pennies,
he lived a frugal but comfortable life, and at the
time of his death he had accumulated a large share
of this world’s goods and left his family well pro-
vided for. He passed peacefully away November

his loss.

 

24, 1886, leaving a large circle of sincere friends,
a loving companion and several children to mourn
His good wife still survives him, and is
living on the old homestead.

Our subject was born May 8, 1889, in this town-
ship; he spent his boyhood days in the old home
on the farm, attending the public school, helping
in seed-time and harvest, and enjoying the free and
happy life of a farmer until in the fall of 1890,
when he went into business for himself at Bernard.
Being a man of good business ability, genial and
social, he has made many warm friends and built
up a trade of which any one might well be proud.
He also owns one hundred acres of land in Prairie
Creek Township, well improved and all in grass,
Mr. Smyth is erecting at the present time a large
new building, which he will use for hardware and
light machinery.

September 7, 1891, Mr. Smyth was united in mar:
riage with Miss Sabina, daughter of Michael Cox,
a retired farmer of Dubuque County. She was
born January 15, 18738. Mr. and Mrs. Smyth are
the parents of two interesting children, Mary,
born August 20, 1892, and Geneva, born February
21,1894. Our subject is a Democrat in tris polit-
ical views, taking an active part in all the coun-
cils of that party. He, with his excellent wife, isa
member of the Catholic Church, and occupies a
high position in the social circle. Mr. Smyth has
been a member of the School Board, and has occu-
pied that position for four years.

Hfoefoedooke Foefordoods
TTT aw ree

A. BARNES, an attorney-at-law, now suc-
cessfully engaged in the practice of the
legal profession in Dubuque, was born in
the city which is still his home, on the 16th of
July, 1861, and is a worthy representative of one
of the prominent families. His father, G. W.
Barnes, was a native of Indiana, and came to this
county during pioneer days. He was united in
marriage with Miss Asenath Smith, who is still
living in Dubuque.
Mr. Barnes, of this sketch, spent the days of his
childhood in his native city, and was educated in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

333

 

 

the common and high schools, being graduated
from the latter in the Class of ’82, when twenty
years of age.
pation or profession which he wished to make his
life work he determined to take up the study of
law, and to this end entered the law department
of the University of Iowa at Iowa City, from
which institution he was graduated after the com-
pletion of a two years’ course.

In 1885 Mr. Barnes was admitted to the Bar
in Dubuque, and soon after began practice in
this place. The following year he entered into
partnership with H. T. McNulty, at that time a
prominent attorney of Dubuque. The connection
continued until the death of Mr. McNulty in 1889,
since which time Mr. Barnes has been alone in
business. He is now engaged in general law prac-
tice and has many clients among the best citizens
of this community. He isa thorough student, a
man of deep research and is rapidly making his
way to the front ranks among his professional
brethren. He carefully weighs all evidence and
his speeches are therefore logical and convincing.

Mr. Barnes was married September 22, 1892, to
Miss Etta M. White, a daughter of W. 8S. White, a
well known merchant of Dubuque. They reside
at No. 1 Platt Street. Mr. Barnes is a member of
Orient Lodge No. 210, K. P., and in his polit-
ical affiliations is a Republican. He takes quite an
active part in political affairs and the growth and
success of his party. A rising young lawyer of
whom the city may well be proud, we take pleas-
ure in presenting the record of his life to our
readers.

n
pte
se

OHN PRESTON, who for over half a century
has been a resident of Jones County, is one
of the wealthy and extensive agriculturists
of Cass Township. His home is on section

4, and his farm comprises three hundred and twenty
acres. He is a native of England, having been
..born near Appleton, Yorkshire, September 29,
1814. His early years were passed in his native
country, and when ten years old,in 1824, he set

Looking about him for some occu-

 

sail for America, and after a long voyage of about
seven weeks landed at his destination, New York
City.

The father of our subject, William Preston,
whose birth likewise occurred in England, married
Ann Powell, and in 1824 came to America. Pro-
ceeding to Ohio, be located in Marion County,
and there his death occurred when he was in his
eighty-sixth year. His wife’s death also occurred
in the Buckeye State when she was eighty-five
years of age.

The subject of this narrative received acommon
school education in Marion County, Ohio, and
there learned the duties and labors of farm work.
About 1840 he concluded to try his fortunes in
the west, and coming to Jones County, wisely de-
cided to cast his lot with the pioneers of this vi-
cinity. In public improvements and school mat-
ters he has always taken an active and leading
part. For five years he served as Supervisor of
Cass Township, and politically is a true blue Re-
publican.

In 1837 John Preston was united in wedlock
with Miss Hannah Peel, the ceremony being per-
formed in Ohio. Mrs. Preston was born in Eng-
land, being a daughter of Samuel Peel, a well-to-
do citizen of that country. Five sons and a
daughter graced the union of thiscouple. William
is now engaged in operating a farm in Kansas;
Theodore and Samuel are agriculturists of Wayne
County, Iowa; Charles and George are practical
young farmers of this township; and Mary Ann,
the only daughter, is the wife of George Walters,
of Anamosa. The faithful wife and mother was
called to her final rest in 1880,and left a wide
circle of sincere friends, who deeply mourned her
loss. Mr. Preston, though well along in years, has
been very temperate in all of his habits, and as a
consequence enjoys good health and is strong and
robust.

In his political affiliations Mr. Preston is a Re-
publican of no uncertain stripe, and is strongly in
favor of the protection of American industries
and workmen. In his business affairs he has been
very successful, and particularly in the raising
and feeding of cattle and hogs, of which he has
large numbers every year upon his farm. His farm
334

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

is conducted in a practical and thrifty manner,
and abundant harvests are reaped each season,
bringing to the owner a good income.
his educational privileges were not of the best in
his early years, he has kept up his extensive read-
ing, and is well posted on what is going on in the
world. He is an interesting conversationalist,
and has many reminiscences of the pioneer days
and experiences in this county.

4X cso

ANIEL HALLAHAN, an able, energetic
| ) and practical agriculturist of extended
experience, has prosperously won his way
upward to assured success, and manages one of
the model farms of Iowa. Beginning some thir-
ty-three years ago upon eighty acres of wild
prairie land he now owns a magnificent homestead
of three hundred and sixty acres, two hundred of
which are located on sections 4 and 9, Prairie
Creek Township, Dubuque County, Iowa. The
land, brought up to a high state of cultivation, is
finely improved with substantial structures, a com-
fortable and commodious residence, barns and out-
buildings. An earnest and intelligent man of up-
right character, Mr. Hallahan has worthily occu-
pied the official position of Township ‘Trustee, and
commands the full esteem and confidence of his
fellow-citizens. Our subject was born in County
Cork, Ireland, in 1822. His parents, John and
Julia Hallahan, were both natives of County Cork,
and were reared, married and died in their early
home. The father was an excellent Irish farmer
and thoroughly understood the tilling of the soil.
He and his good wife lived ‘to serene old age and
were highly respected by all who knew them.
They were Roman Catholics, and brought up their
family of three sons and four daughters in the
faith of their forefathers.

Of the seven children of the parental family,
but two are now living. Two sons came to Amer-
ica, John, who settled in Lincoln, Neb., where he
died August 27,1891, and our subject, Daniel,
who began to follow the plow when he was only

Though

 

eight years of age. He was thirty-two years old
before he finally determined to leave his native
land and try his fortune in America. During his
boyhood he enjoyed the advantages of instruc.
tion in the common schools, attending when he
could be spared from farming duties. In 1854
Mr. Hallahan sailed from Liverpool, bound for
the land of promise beyond the broad Atlantic.
Leaving the Old Country April 1, he was six
weeks upon the Atlantic, encountering terrible
storms, and landing safely in New York, speeded
by cars to Dubuque, Iowa, reaching his destina-
tion May 20. Immediately receiving employment,
he worked steadily for five years upon a farm, and
in 1859 bought eighty acres of his present exten-
sive homestead and began life for himself upon
the unbroken land purchased with his hard-earned
money. His first care was to build a habitable
shelter, and then began the patient cultivation of
the fertile soil, which well repaid its culture.
Neighbors were few and far between in those
early days, and our subject being a single man
experienced loneliness until his marriage in 1865
with Miss Margaret Ragan; she was born in Florida,
but was reared in Jackson County, Iowa.

The parents of Mrs. Hallahan were Dennis and
Mary (Desmond) Ragan, natives of County Cork,
Ireland, but early settlers of Florida, and later
well known residents of Iowa. Our subject and his
estimable wife are the parents of eight children,
who are in the order of their birth as follows:
John, Daniel, Jeremiah, Dennis, Michael, Pat,
Julia and Maggie. The father, mother and chil-
dren are valued members of the Catholic Church
and are ever ready to aid in any worthy enterprise
or good works. They enjoy an extended acquaint-
ance, and are highly respected and esteemed by a
large circle of old-time friends.

Mr. Hallahan, aside from the profitable culture
of the soil, has made a pronounced success of
stock-raising, and upon his extensive farm some
of the best cattle, horses and hogs in this part of
the country are bred. His financial prosperity was
wrought by his own self-reliant efforts and up-
flagging industry, rewarded in these later years.
by a comfortable competence and annual returns
for all investment of time and money expended,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

335

 

Politically, our subject is a sturdy Democrat and
an ardent advocate of the “party of the people.”
As Township Trustee he has materially aided in
the progress of local improvements, and is ac-
tively identified with the best interests of Dubuque
County, with whose upward growth and rapid de-
velopment he became associated more than a score
and a-half of years ago.

==4Xce0ar=-

INOR DAVIS is a retired farmer who is
still living on his old homestead, which
is located on section 8, Wayne Township,

Jones County. He was one of the early settlers”
and has long been an. esteemed resident of this

community, to which he came in 1858. He isa

self-made man, having become well-to-do through

his own industrious and persevering efforts. On

his arrival in Wayne Township he purchased one

hundred and sixty acres. He lived in a slab shanty

and began his business career in a truly primitive

fashion, thé usual hardships and privations of life

ina new country falling largely to his lot.

A native of Connecticut, Minor Davis was born
on afarm in Fairfield County, on February 3, 1822.
His father, Daniel Davis, was born on a farm in the
same county and was of Welsh descent, though his
father, who bore the Christian name of Steven, was,
like him, a native of the Nutmeg State. ‘The wife
of Daniel Davis bore the maiden name of Pamela
Hodge and she also was born in Fairfield County.
By her marriage with Daniel Davis she became the
mother of four children, of whom our subject is
the only son, and the others are in order of birth
as follows: Anna, Julia and Flora.

The first years of Minor Davis passed unevent-
fully in his native county, his time being divided
between assisting his father in his farm work and
in attending the district schools. So well did he
improve his educational facilities that while still
quite young he secured a certificate and taught
school for four terms before leaving the east. On
arriving at a suitable age he married Niss Mary
Ann, daughter of Stephen and Thalia (Leech)

 

Osburn. Soon after this event the young couple
settled upon a farm in New Fairfield Township,
where Mr. Davis conducted a farm until 1858. In
that year he came to the west, and as before men-
tioned, purchased one hundred and sixty acres in
Wayne Township, where he has since made his
home. He has succeeded admirably in carrying
out his plans and enterprises and is one of the sub-
stantial farmers of the county. Much of his time
has been devoted to raising hogs and cattle.

Mr. and Mrs. Davis became the parents of three
sons, the eldest of whom, Stephen D., died at
the age of fourteen years. Charles H., the second
son, is now aresident of Epworth, and Marshall T.
is assisting to carry on the old homestead belong-
ing to his father. The latter in his political faith
is a Republican and in 1860 was elected to the
position of Justice of the Peace, which he held
continuously for fourteen years. He has been
quite active in local politics, being much interested
in the triumph of his party and its principles. Mr.
and Mrs. Davis are very active members of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, to which the former
has lent his support and influence for over forty
years. During this time he has held various offices
in the congregation, having been Class-leader for
thirty-five years. In his personal life Mr. Davis
has ever been most exemplary, honorable and
upright in his dealings with his neighbors. For
his many worthy qualities he has won the respect
and confidence of all with whom he has come in
contact, and the history of the worthy pioneers
and sturdy settlers of this region would be incom-
plete without his life’s history.

 

KEPEEEE PELE EEL EEE EE EEE EEEE EO

A. WHITE, M. D., well known as one of
Olin’s skilled and successful physicians, was
born in Upper Canada, near the city of Chat-
ham, in October, 1840. The family of which
he is an honored representative, originated in Ire-
land, whence his paternal‘ grandfather, James
White, emigrated to America and settled in New
York. This was prior to the War of the Revolu-
336

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

 

 

tion, in which he took an active part in defense
of the Colonies.

The parents of our subject, J. A. and Candace
(Whitzell) White, were natives respectively of
New York and Canada. The mother traced her
lineage to Germany, and was a daughter of John
Whitzell, a Hessian by birth, who during the Rev-
olutionary War fought in the British army and
later settled in Canada, where his death occurred.
J. A. White, Sr., removed from the Empire State
to Canada, where he married and resided some
years thereafter. Later, coming to Iowa, he died
at’ Wyoming when eighty-one years of age.

Of the province of his birth the subject of this
notice retains little recollection, for he was only
five years old when he accompanied his parents to
the States. Settling in Michigan he was a student
in the schools of St. Clair County until sixteen
years of age, and from there removed to Jowa, the
four ensuing years being spentat Maquoketa. The
year 1860 witnessed his settlement in Wyoming,
this state. About that time the Rebellion opened
and heroic men were called upon to fight for the
preservation of the Union. He was one of the
first to respond to his country’s call for help in
the time of need. In 1861 his name was enrolled
as a member of Company E, Eleventh Iowa Infan-
try, commanded by Colonel Hare and assigned to
the army of the Tennessee.

Marching to the front, Company E bore an hon-
orable and valiant part in numerous closely con-
tested engagements. They were at Shiloh, took
part in the siege of Corinth and the battle that
followed, and were present at Iuka and Kenesaw
Mountain. After the siege of Atlanta, in July,
they accompanied General Sherman on the famous
march to the sea, and returning thence through
the Carolinas took part in the battle of Benton-
ville, N. ©. At the close of the war they were
honorably discharged, with a record for valor of
which every member may well be proud.

After the close of the war our subject spent one
year in the literary department of the University
at Iowa City, after which he began the study of
medicine in the oflice of Dr. McGrew, of Wyom-
ing. Later he entered Rush Medical College, Chi-
cago, from which he was graduated in the spring

 

of 1871. He opened an office at Olin and com-
menced a general practice, which he has since con-
ducted with an ever-increasing success. Asa phy-
sician, he is careful in the diagnosis of cases and
skillful in their treatment, and well deserves the
confidence in which he isheld. He takes an ac-
tive interest in everything pertaining to his pro-
fession and in the latest advances and discoveries
in the science of therapeutics, and socially holds
membership in the Iowa Medical Association.

As a veteran of the late war, Dr. White finds
pleasure in the comradeship with other veterans
belonging to Carpenter Post No. 191, G. A. R.
He is a member of Chapter No. 36, and Encamp- |
ment No. 36, K. T. Politically he gives his alleg-
iance to the Republican party, which he frequently
represents as a delegate at local and district con-
ventions. On the 15th of June, 1875, he married
Miss Virginia Herrick, a native of Ohio and a
cultured lady, who is prominent in social circles
and an active worker in the Congregational Church
of Olin. Three daughters and two sons have
blessed their union, namely: John, Candace, Sew-
ard, Virginia and Marjorie.

SSE ES REESE <

AMES PARROTT. Among the citizens of
Jones County who can look with pride onan
honest, industrious and successful past is the
subject of this sketch, who is now living re-

tired in Monticello. He isa native of Ohio, and
was born in Warren County, September 7, 1826.
His parents, Henry and Mary (Price) Parrott, were
born in Maryland and Delaware, and were well-
to-do financially. The father was a prominent
physician, and ranked high in the profession in
Warren County, Ohio, whither he had removed
with his parents, William J. and Matilda Parrott,
when quite young.

The original of this sketch emigrated to Indiana
in 1836, first locating in Franklin County, where
he was engaged in the lumber business. In 1854
he came with his family to this state, and was en-
gaged in general farm pursuits in Dodge Town-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

337

 

 

ship, Dubuque County, until the year 1889, the
date of his advent into this city, where he has
since made his home, and is numbered among its
most substantial and respected citizens. His es-
tate comprises nearly two hundred acres, adorned
with a comfortable house, commodious barns and
all the necessary machinery. This farm is in Du-
buque County. Mr. Parrott owns considerable real
estate in Monticello, including several houses,
which he rents to good advantage.

In 1854 Miss Elizabeth R. Whitelock became the
wife of our subject. She was born in Franklin
County, Ind., and departed this life in 1873, leav-
ing a family of eight children, namely: Charlotte,
Melvin, Mary, Frank; Emma, now deceased; Delia
A., Ada and James C. The second union of Mr.
Parrott took place in 1882, at which time Miss
Sarah A. Calkins became his wife. She died April
22, 1890, and his present wife, to whom he was mar-
ried July 4, 1893, was prior to that event known as
Mrs. Martha Allen, widow of William Allen. Her
maiden name was Miss Shenn, and the state of her
birth West Virginia.

In politics Mr. Parrott is a stanch Democrat, and
is a devoted member of the Baptist Church. He is
one of the best known residents of the city, and is
aman who enjoys the respect and esteem of every-
one with whom he is brought in contact.

——— foefocgooge ad
Sooo odode Feefoofoofer

ILAS MOORE. This gentleman, who is one
of the most prominent general farmers of
‘Taylor Township, Dubuque County, has

spent many years of his worthy life helping to
make the community what it now is by his indus-
try and thrift, and setting an example of what
honesty and perseverance can accomplish. He
was born in Pennsylvania February 9, 1824, and
is the fourth child comprised in the family of John
and Sarah (Powell) Moore, both of whom were
also born in the Keystone State, where the father
died when only thirty-six years of age.

The mother of our subject came west with her
family in 1855, locating on the place where Silas

 

is now living; she made it her home there until
April 16, 1877, when she too passed away, at the
age of seventy-seven years, five months and four-
teen days. After the death of Mr. Moore, the
mother of our subject married a Mr. Magill.

The original of this sketch was given very lim-
ited opportunities for gaining an education, but
improving each hour at school he gained a fair
knowledge of books, and is to-day well informed
on all current topics. His early life was spent on
the farm, and when attaining his majority young
Moore began the struggle of life on his own ac-
count. He was variously employed until 1855,
the date of his coming to this state, when he lo-
cated on his present property. He first engaged
in the hotel business, building his own house, and
carried on the business of “mine host’’ until he
had the misfortune to lose his wife, in 1883, when
he abandoned that business after a successful ca-
reer of twenty-seven years.

Mr. Moore is the proprietor of considerable
property in this county, and has carried on farm-
ing for a number of years. In fact, as he ex-
presses it, he “is a natural farmer.’? He has also
been Notary Public, and since 1857 has repre-
sented several prominent insurance companies.

Silas Moore was married July 8, 1845, to Miss
Eliza Wyant, daughter of Jacob E. and Margaret
(Besore) Wyant, also natives of Pennsylvania.
Their union has been blessed by the birth of
eleven children, of whom three are deceased.
Jobn married Jesse Verguss, and resides in this
county; Jacob became the husband of Lena Wag-
ner, and makes his homein Kansas; Sarah M. mar-
ried John Grafferd and makes her home in Missouri;
Eliza J. is now Mrs. A. McKee, of Rock Rapids,
this state; Frank is a resident of Epworth; Charles,
who married Charlottie Strain, also makes his home
in the above city; Maria Ann is married and lives
in that city, and Fanny W., who is the wife of John
Benger, is a resident of Farley, this state. The
wife and mother departed this life September 17,
1883.

In September, 1889, Mr. Moore married for his
second wife Mary J. Bucknam. In religious mat-
ters he is a member of the Methodist Church. In
politics our subject has been a life-long Democrat,
338

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

and has been an active worker in his party. Al-
though never aspiring to political honors, he has
at various times been elected to positions of prom-
inence and trust within the power of his fellow-
townsmen to bestow.

dodo sooks

iii
sboefoofoog> bbb t

ENRY HOLSCHER, deceased, was for
three years Mayor of Dyersville, Dubuque
County, and at the time of his death left
a large fortune. No family is more favorably
known in this locality than the one of which he
was i member. He was born in Telgte, West-
phalia, Prussia, February 23, 1832. He was the
second in order of birth of a family of four sons.
His father was a farmer in the Fatherland, and as
such our subject was reared, having but a limited
education. In 1853 he came to America, and for
a time worked on the railroad. In 1857 his
brother Bernard also came to the United States,
and though neither had any great amount of
money, they put together what little they pos-
sessed and started a small store in Dyersville.
From this beginning they built up one of the
largest mercantile trades in the county. This they
conducted until the death of our subject, which
occurred February 23, 1883. His brother and
partner survived him until March 6, 1893, when
he was also called to his final rest.. He was Presi-
dent of the German State Bank of this place at
the time of his demise, and, like his brother, left
valuable estates.

For his wife our subject chose Miss Catherine
Schultz, who was also anative of Prussia, and who
still survives. They had ten children, six daugh-
ters and four sons, all of whom are living. Their
record is as follows: Maggie is the wife of Her-
man Goerdt, of this place; Lizzie became the wife
of I. Summer, a prominent business man, and one
of the present Board of Aldermen of Dyersville;
Threaine is the wife of Jacob Reiff, a business
man, and also an alderman of the city; Frank, who
was born February 9, 1868, was educated at Prai-

 

rie du Chien, Wis., and in company with his
brother Bernard conducts the extensive business
that his father built up in his life time. Heis a
popular and rising young business man, and will
make his mark in the world. He married on Oc-
tober 8, 1889, Miss Frances Meis, of Dubuque, by
whom he has one child, a daughter, Leona. Annie,
the fifth of the family, is the wife of John Schelty, a
business man of Dubuque. Bernard, who is next
in order, is a member of the firm of Holscher
Bros., as previously mentioned; Henry is in the
machine business in Dyersville; Katie, Lena and
Theodore are still living with their mother.

For years our subject was thoroughly identified
with all movements tending to benefit the com-
munity in which he made his home; and it was,
therefore, little wonder that when he was cut down
by the hand of death his loss was felt indeed an
irreparable one for the people at large. He wasa
man of true worth and merit, and it was due to
his enterprising, industrious qualities and correct
business methods that he achieved the success
which he obtained in the mercantile field.

©. Vor 2)

Pb bbe bbebbebdebde

LBERT W. HOSFORD, a real estate and
insurance agent of Dubuque, is one of the
worthy citizens that the Buckeye State

has furnished to this community. He was ‘born in
Lorain County, Ohio, June 14, 1839, and is one of
a family of four children, whose parents were Snel
and Elizabeth (Kendigh) Hosford. The father
was a boot and shoe manufacturer, and at an early
day in its history took up his residence in Ohio,
where his death occurred about 1885. His wife
passed away in that state in 1892.

Albert W. Hosford attended the public schools
of his native state until fifteen years of age. He
then left home, and in 1855 came to Dubuque,
where he spent two years. In 1857, however, he
 

 

 

 

 

J. M. HOFACRE.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

341

 

returned to Ohio and entered Oberlin College,
where he pursued a two years’ course of study,
after which he engaged in teaching, following
that profession until 1861. Text books were then
abandoned for the rifle and army service in the
south. Prompted by patriotic impulses, he en-
listed in the First Iowa Cavalry under Col. Fitz-
henry Warren, and the regiment was assigned to
frontier service as a member of the Thirteenth
Army Corps under General Steele. Mr. Hosford
participated’in forty-two engagements. His mer-
itorious and valiant service on the field of battle
won him promotion, and in 1864 he was given
command of his company. He thus served until
February, 1866, when, on the 13th of that month,
he was mustered out at Dubuque. He was always
found at his post of duty, faithful to the trust re-
posed in him, and stood by the Union as one of
its defenders until the Stars and Stripes waved
over a united nation.

After his return home Mr. Hosford was en-
gaged in farming for eight years. In 1866 he was
united in marriage with Miss Sidonia Waller,
daughter of Richard Waller, of Dubuque. To
them has been born a daughter, Ida F., who is now
a student in Epworth Seminary. She was born
while her parents were traveling in Europe. They
also have two other children, Amanda L., at home,
and Richard, who is now attending Oberlin Col-
lege.

Mr. Hosford has been connected with various
business interests in Dubuque. He was for ten
years connected with the Rockdale Mills, of Rock-
dale, Iowa; is President of the Excelsior Brass
Works of Dubuque; is Secretary and Treasurer of
the Dubuque Boot and Shoe Company, and is con-
nected with F. B. Hoffman in the real-estate and
insurance business. He also owns considerable real
estate, handling both city and farm property, and
is a representative of a number of the old and tried
insurance companies. He is now doing a good
business, and his industry, enterprise and persever-
ance have been important factors in his carcer,
winning him a success which is well merited. He
is highly esteemed for his sterling worth and strict
integrity, and has many warm friends and agree-
able acquaintances in this community. He has

 

long been a resident of Dubuque, and is recog-
nized as a public-spirited and progressive citizen,
who manifests an active interest in everything
pertaining to the welfare of the community.

SSS

OSEPH M. HOFACRE. The gentleman
whose honored name appears at the opening
of this sketch is a representative of the men
of energy, ability and enterprise, who have

made Jones County so prominent in the state.
His name is associated with the rise and progress
of agriculture as one who has made a success of
tilling the soil and of improving the stock of the
county by careful breeding. He is engaged in
mixed farming on section 9, Monticello Township,
and has one of the best improved estates within
its bounds.

Our subject was born in this county, June 16,
1855, and is the son of Michael and Rebecca J.
(Clemmer) Hofacre. The father is a native of
Ohio, and was born June 4, 1828, in Stark County.
His parents were George and Elizabeth (Kendall)
Hofacre. The great-grandfather of our subject,
who bore the name of Michael Hofacre, was a na-
tive of Switzerland, and upon coming to America
made location in Maryland.

The father of our subject was the eldest of nine
children born to his parents. Until 1853 he fol-
lowed farm pursuits in Stark County, Ohio. After
coming to Jones County he located on his present

‘fine estate, which comprises three hundred and

fifty-five choice acres of land in Monticello Town-
ship. He has been successful in all his undertak-
ings and is regarded as one of the substantial and
wealthy agriculturists of Jones County, in the
progress of which he has given very material aid.
The parents of our subject were married in 1853.
Mrs. Hofacre was horn in Jreland,and is the daugh-
ter of Jacob Clemmer, also a native of the Emerald
Isle. Her parents reared a family of eleven chil-
dren, of whom three sons and six daughters grew
to mature years.

The subject of this sketch was the eldest of nine
342

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

children. He was reared on his father’s farm, and
like his brothers and sisters, procured his primary
education in the districtschool. Later heattended
a select school in Monticello, and when twenty-
one years of age left home and began the battle of
life on his own account. At that time he pur-
chased the farm belonging to Maj. S. 8. Farwell,
including two hundred acres, which he devoted
mainly to stock and dairying purposes. Soon
afterward he became the proprietor of a tract of
two hundred and ten acres on section 5, Monti-
cello Township, the greater portion of which is
used as pasture land for his extensive stock-rais-
ing interests. On his farm on section 5, he has
about three hundred head of sheep, besides num-
bers of cattle and hogs, which he fattens for the
eastern markets.

In 1877 Joseph M. Hofacre married Miss Maggie
S., daughter of James Reed, of Delaware County,
this state. To them have been granted four sons
and two daughters, namely: Pedro C., Faroe F.,
Bessie R., Mertie E., Joseph Jefferson and James
M. Mr. Hofacre has served acceptably as School
Director of his district for a period of twenty
years. The local affairs of his community and all
enterprises of benefit to that section are sure of
his deepest interest and unswerving devotion, and,
although by no means a partisan, he is a stanch
supporter of the Democratic party. Socially he
belongs to Burns Lodge No. 173, A. F. & A. M.,
and Monticello Chapter No. 42, R. A. M.

 

ICHOLAS REDMOND. The enterprising
N and energetic young agriculturist of Prai-

rie Creek Township whose name heads
this sketch is one of the most promising young
men of Dubuque County. Mr. Redmond is of
Irish descent, possessing the natural wit of the
Irish and the true grit of the American, and is the
son of Thomas Redmond,a native of Ireland, who
emigrated to this country in 1845. He crossed
the Atlantic in a sailing-vessel belonging to Rich-

 

ard Deverex, and was seven weeks and five days
on the water. They met with one very severe
storm on the way which greatly impeded their
progress, driving them back and causing a delay
of three days. He sailed from Wrexford City and
landed in Baltimore, Md., where he spent one week
with some friends. He went from there to Hagers-
town, Md., where he found employment on a farm
at $10 a month and board. He remained in that
locality for two years, and from there he went to
Carroll County, Md., and for six years made his
home among the people of that section. He
worked on a farm for a time, but finally engaged in
the rock quarry business. About this time the
“western fever’’ was raging in thatstate, and Mr.
Redmond, with a number of others afflicted with
the disease, concluded that a change of climate
was necessary to its cure, so he with his friends
came to Iowa and settled in Jackson County.
Being well pleased with the Buckeye State, he de-
termined to make his home there. At first he
bought ten acres of brush land which he immedi-
ately set about clearing. By that time he was so
well pleased with the country that he bought one
hundred and eighty acres more of timber land, a
part of which he cultivated, leaving the remainder
in pasture. In June, 1845, he became the husband
of Miss Bridget Clearey, an orphan, her parents
having died when she was quite young. Miles Red-
mond, the grandfather of our subject, followed
quarrying and boating for a living. He married
Miss Mary Bulger in the Old Country and became
the father of eight children.

Nicholas Redmond, our subject, was born in Garry
Owen, Iowa, December 16,1866. He received a
common-school education, attending the public
schools of his vicinity and assisting his father in
the various duties that fall to the lot of a farmer.
In this way he gained a practical knowledge of
agriculture, of which he is making good use. In
1892 Mr. Redmond purchased the old homestead
of one hundred and eighty acres from his father,
and now, at the age of twenty-eight years, is tak-
ing care of his parents and managing the farm,
having complete control of the business.

The farm is well improved and under a high state
of cultivation. It has a good residence, large and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

3438

 

 

substantial barn and outbuildings, an orchard and
plenty of small fruit. It has eighty-five acres of
corn, oats and hay,and the remainder is in timber
pasture. You will also find a complete assortment of
the latest improved farming implements; the stock
is of the best, consisting of fine horses, cattle and
hogs. In politics our subject is for the party that
is in favor of reform. He isa member of the Cath-
olic Church, and an active worker in the same.
An honest wide-awake citizen, he takes an interest
in all public improvements of the township. He
has the respect and esteem of the community and
numbers his friends by the score.

AMES R. GUTHRIE, M. D., is one of the Pro-
fessors in the State University of Iowa City,
and also conducts a general practice in Du-
buque. He stands high in the medical fra-

ternity, occupying a most enviable position among
his professional brethren, a place to which he has
attained through skill and ability. He has the
honor of being a native of the Hawkeye State,
his birth having occurred in Delaware County
on the 22d of July, 1858. He is the eldest in
in a family of four children, whose parents
were Peter and Jane A. Guthrie. The father is a
native of the North of Ireland, but Scotch blood
also flows in his veins. In early life he crossed
the ocean to the New World and now resides in
Hopkinton, Iowa.

In the usual manner of farmer lads the Doctor
spent the days of his boyhood and youth. As
soon as old enough to bandle the plow he began
work in the fields and soon became familiar with
farm life in all its departments. He worked at
home during the summer months and in the
winter season attended the public school. Being
an apt scholar he soon mastered the common
branches, but not content with such facilities for an
education he entered Lennox College in 1873, and
on the completion of a five years’ course of study
was graduated in the Class of ’78, with the degree

 

of B. S., and three years later the degree of A. M.
was conferred upon him. After graduating he en-
gaged in teaching school, being employed in Scott
County, Iowa, after which he took up the study of
medicine with Professor E. F. Clapp, of Iowa City.
When he bad read medicine for a time under the
direction of that gentleman, he entered the Medi-
cal Department of the State University of Iowa,
from which institution he was graduated in 1884.

Immediately after Dr. Guthrie came to Dubuque,
where he opened an office and began general prac-
tice. His ability receives recognition in his large
practice, which from the beginning has steadily
increased.

Dr. Guthrie was married on the 20th of April,
1893, to Miss Harriet B. Dowdell, of Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, daughter of Edward Dowdell of that place.
In June, 1889, he was elected Professor of Physi-
ology in the Medical Department of the State
University, at Iowa City, which position he has
since acceptably and creditably filled. In March,
1893, he was also elected and is now serving as
Assistant Professor of Obstetrics. In June, 1892,
he was appointed Assistant Surgeon of the First
Regiment of Iowa National Guards, and is still
holding that office. He has a wide acquaintance
throughout the state, and is recognized as one of
the leaders of the medical profession in Iowa.

SSSI CS

OSEPH DUBRAKS, upholsterer, manufact-
urer and dealer in furniture in Dubuque,
claims Wisconsin as the state of his nativity.
He was born in 1857, of the union of John

and May Dubraks. In 1860, when he was a child
of three summers, the family came to Iowa, locat-
ing in Dubuque. Here the father spent his remain-
ing days, his death occurring in 1889. Le was of
German descent. His wife passed away many years
previous. In their family were five children, of
whom Joseph is the youngest.

No event of special importance occurred during
the boyhood and youth of our subject. He was
344

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

educated in the public schools of Dubuque and en-
tered upon his life work as an apprentice to a cab-
inet maker in this city. When his term of service
had expired he entered the employ of the Key
-- City Furniture Company, with which he continued
for a number of years, when his health failing him
he was forced to leave the shop and engage in
work that would take him into the open air. In
consequence he spent the four succeeding years in
work at the carpenter’s trade, and on the expira-
tion of that period, in 1887, he started in the furni-
ture business on his own account and has since car-
ried on operations along that line. His factory and
warerooms, which were erected in 1893, are 438x115
feet in dimensions, and the building is two stories
in height, with a basement. In the factory employ-
ment is furnished to ten men, and an excellent
line of work is turned out. The trade extends
over a radius of one hundred miles in each direc-
tion from Dubuque, and from the beginning the
business has steadily increased until it has become
one of the leading industries of the city.

In the year 1882 Mr. Dubraks was united in mar-
riage to Miss Henrietta Diesel, of Wisconsin. They
are both widely and favorably known in this local-
ity aud have many warm friends. Mr. Dubraks
is a wide-awake and enterprising business man who
started in life empty-handed, but has steadily
worked his way upward. Success was the goal for
which he strove, and with this in view he pushed
steadily forward. That he has prospered is due en-
tirely to his own efforts and he well deserves to be
called a self-made man.

 

BEDESIE DE SESE BB SESE IESE SIE DS

ACOB D. SAUM is now living a retired life
in Olin, Jones County, passing his time
pleasantly in his substantial two-story frame
residence, which is of modern architecture,

and is supplied with every comfort. Mr. Saum
was one of the very early settlers of this county,
and soon after reaching his majority commenced
farming and continued in that vocation during

 

his entire business career. He is still the owner of
the old homestead on which he resided for so many
years and as the result of his years of industrious
toil and unceasing labors has a snug little fortune
which will be sufficient for his needs during the
remainder of his life.

Jacob Saum, the paternal grandfather of the sub-
ject of this sketch, was of German ancestry and
was born in Virginia, though he afterwards re-
moved to Ohio to make his home. In that state
his son, George, was born and was one of the early
settlers and farmers of the Buckeye State. On
arriving at maturity he married Susannah Stingley,
likewise a native of Ohio, and a daughter of Jacob
Stingley. Of their union Jacob D. of this sketch
was born near Williamsport, Warren County, Ind.,
November 23, 1835, and when he was five years
old the family removed to Jones County. For
thirty-three years the mother was a resident of
this locality, at the expiration of which period she
died, in 1873. The father has attained the age of
eighty-one years and is residing in California.

The early education of Jacob D. Saum was lim-
ited to the district schools, but not content with
such advantages he has steadily kept up his pri-
vate studies and reading, and by this means and
experience in the world has become what he is to-
day, a well informed man on general subjects. He
early learned how to carry on a farm and from
the time he was twenty-three years old has been
in business for himself. As the years passed he in-
vested his means in more land until he now finds
himself the owner of three hundred and eighty-
five acres in Rome Township, which 1s considered
one of the most valuable places ofthat section.

In 1859 Mr. Saum married Anna, daughter of
Samuel Flaugher, who was born in Maryland. Her
father removed to Jones County in 1855 and was
one of the worthy old settlers of this portion of
the state. He died at Defiance, Shelby County,
Iowa, in October, 1892. His wife, whose name be-
fore her marriage was Elizabeth Werner, was born
in Maryland and is eighty-one years old. Mr.
and Mrs. Saum are the parents of four children,
two of whom are living, namely: Elva C., wife of
W.S. Weeks, and Mary, who became the wife of
Frank Fisher. Katie, the youngest of the family,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

345

 

 

died in 1866, and Ira, the second of the family,
was called to his final rest on November 10, 1893.
He was reared in Iowa and was a very active and
energetic business man. His sterling integrity
and upright disposition were always manifested in
every relation of life, and he commanded the ut-
most respect of all who knew him. He was fre-
quently called upon to represent his fellow-citizens
in positions of trust and responsibility, and dis-
charged his duties in a manner that was above
question. As a financier he possessed unusual
ability, and being very kindly and charitable by
nature often relieved suffering in a quiet and un-
ostentatious manner, which endeared him to every
one.’ He was married on March 18, 1886, to Miss
Leah Brock, and to them was born one son. ‘The
community in which he dwelt felt that they had
indeed lost a valuable citizen and a true man when
he was stricken by the hand of death, and his
memory is dearly cherished. /

In their religious views Mr. and Mrs. J. D.
Saum are quite liberal and are not connected with
any denomination. Politically our subject is a
very stanch Republican, and is greatly interested
in the success of the party to which le belongs.

 

DWIN SMEDLEY is the President of the
Smedley Manufacturing Company, one of
the leading enterprises of Dubuque. He

was born in Manchester, England, November 22,
1840, and isason of William and Mary (Lowe)
Smedley, both of whom were also natives of Eng-
land. Having emigrated to the United States, the
father died in Michigan, in 1893, at the advanced
age of eighty years, and the mother passed away
in Grand Rapids, Mich., in 1888, at the age of
seventy-five.

Edwin Smedley was reared in his native land
until thirteen years of age, and began his educa-
tion in its public schools. He then accompanied
his parents when they came to the New World,
and with the family took up his residence in Ohio.

 

At the age of sixteen he was apprenticed to the
firm of Barrett & Chapman, of Wooster, Ohio,
manufacturers of engines and heavy machinery,
with whom he remained four years, during which
time he mastered the business in all its details.
Thus was formed his connection with the occupa-
tion which has been his life work and has made
him a substantial citizen.

About the time that his term of apprenticeship
had expired, the war broke out, and Mr. Smedley,
in 1861, responded to the country’s call for troops,
becoming a member of Company E, Fourth Ohio
Infantry, under command of Col. Lorain Andrews.
The regiment was assigned to the Army of West
Virginia. Ere the three months’ term had expired,
it was found that the war would be no holiday
affair, and a call for three years’ troops had been
issued. So Mr. Smedley, faithful to the Union,
re-enlisted in the same company and regiment.
Later, however, he was transferred to Battery A,
of the Fourth United States Artillery, commanded
by Lieutenant Cushing, the brother of Admiral
Cushing. He participated in the battle of Fred-
ericksburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, Get-
tysburg, Malvern Hill, Romney and Winchester,
and in December, 1864, was mustered out at Cold
Harbor, Va.

Immediately after Mr. Smedley returned to his
home in Wooster, Ohio, where he resumed work as
amachinist. During hisapprenticeship, he attended
night school and took a complete course in book-
keeping, mathematics and machine drawing. In
1874 he got out a patent for a locomotive bell
ringer, which is now in use on all the leading rail-
roads in America. He came to Dubuque in 1872,
and soon afterwards accepted the position as
master mechanic on what is now the River Divi-
sion of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Rail-
road, holding the same until the organization of
the National Iron and Brass Works, in 1882. In
connection with Charles Meyer, he embarked in
business under that name, and in that way opera-
tions were carried on until 1890, when the name
was changed to the Smedley Manufacturing Com-
pany. They manufacture all kinds of hydraulic
machinery and apparatus, including the Smedley
steam pumping machinery, the locomotive bell
346

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ringing devices, iron drill pressers, steam engines,
boilers and other machinery. Mr. Smedley has
taken out some eight or ten patents, including that
of the Smedley steam pump and the pressure and
vacuum pumpsfor laboratories. In 1892 he took
out a patent for United States and Canada on the
Smedley vacuum pump, which he is now manufac-
turing, and which is now being sold extensively
throughout the country. The company is doing
a very extensive business, extending throughout
this land, its success being almost unparalleled in
the history of practical mechanics.

At Wooster, Ohio, in 1865, Mr. Smedley married
Miss Lydia Cobb, and three children were born of
their union, of whom the only survivor is Lillian,
wife of Frederick Libby, of Dubuque, conductor
on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad.
The second marriage of Mr. Smedley occurred in
1888, and united him with Miss Catharine Quil-
liam, by whom he has had two daughters, Marie
and Marguerite.

In his political views Mr. Smedley is a Republi-
can, and socially is connected with Dubuque Lodge
No. 3, A. F.& A. M.; the Odd Fellows’ Society and
Hyde Park Post No. 78, G. A. R. His business
career has been one of success, owing to earnest ap-
plication, close attention to all the details of his
business, and well directed efforts. In this way he
has won a handsome competence which now num-
bers him among the substantial citizens of the
community.

tie es

JT,“ DWIN E. SNYDER is one of the promi-
] Ao nent citizens of Olin and one of her enter-

prising and public spirited men. He is
proprietor of the Bank of Olin, which is one of
the solid commercial institutions of Jones County.
In otber local industries he has at various times
been interested and at the present owns an inter-
est in the Olin Brick and Tile Factory in com-

pany with the three other parties, He is also a

 

 

partner of Dr. F. W. Port, owning a half-interest
in a drug store at Olin.

Mr. Snyder was born in Cascade, Dubuque
County, Iowa, January 13, 1860, and is ason of
Michael Snyder,a native of Germany, who was one
of the early settlers of Dubuque County and ac-
tively concerned in its development. He is now
President of the Citizens’ Bank of Grinnell, Iowa,
and is a prominent business man of that enterpris-
ing city. For his wife he married Miss Mary
Birk, who was born in Ohio, and to them were
born four children. The boyhood days of our
subject were passed in his native town, where he
received a public school education and graduated
from the Grinnell High School in 1876. In order
to be better equipped for a commercial career he
took a course of training in the Davenport Busi-
ness College and also learned telegraphy.

It was in 1877 that Mr. Snyder started out to
tu make his own livelihood, at which time he ac-
cepted a position as telegraph operator at El-
dora, in the employ of the Iowa Central Railroad.
For the next few years he occupied a similar posi-
tion as operator and agent at various points, and
for five successive years had charge of the station
at Montezuma. In 1884 he first became interested
in the banking business as Assistant Cashier of the
Citizens Bank of Grinnell, with which institution
his father is now connected in the capacity of Pres-
ident. During the year which followed his accept-
ance of the post of Assistant Cashier he obtained
a thorough knowledge of the banking business, as
he is a very intelligent young man, possessed of an
acute and accurate mind which readily masters and
surmounts difliculties common to those embarking
in this ca]ling. In 1885 he established the Bank
of Olin, of which he is the sole owner. His genial
and affable manner and courteous treatment of his
customers have made him warm friends in this
community, and his reliable, upright and business-
like characteristics have won for him the confi-
dence of the public.

May 3, 1883, Mr. Snyder married Miss Wy-
kel, who was born and grew to womanhood in
Montezuma, Iowa. Her father, George C. Wykel,
is 4 native of Ohio anda well known business man
of Montezuma. To Mr.and Mrs. Snyder has been
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

347

 

 

born a little son, Ralph Edwin. The parents are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of
this place, and with their means and influence sup-
port the various departments of its work.

Mr. Snyder has been for some years quite inter-
ested in civic societies, isa member of the Ancient
Landmark Lodge No. 200, A. F. & A. M., of Olin,
is identified with the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica and with the Iowa Legion of Honor.

C—_ 4)
== Fe)

Or ——)
OP —~)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AJOR V. J. WILLIAMS, wholesale dealer
in agricultural implements, is a success-
ful business man and substantial citizen,

who well deserves representation in the history of
Dubuque. He claims Ohio as the state of his na-
tivity, for his birth occurred in Meigs County, on
February 13, 1832, The Williams family is of
Welsh origin and was founded in America in early
Colonial days by ancestors who emigrated from
Wales and located in New England. The paternal
grandfather of our subject, Benjamin Williams,
was a native of Connecticut, and became one of
the pionecr settlers of the Buckeye State. The
father, B. S. Williams, was a native of Ohio, born
in 1807. His death occurred in February, 1892,
at the ripe old age of eighty-five years. When he
had attained his majority he was joined in wed-
lock with Miss Elizabeth Brown, a native of Athens,
Ohio, and a daughter of William Brown, who was
born in England, of Scotch parentage, and emi-
grated to the Buckeye State during the days of its
early history.

Mr. Williams, whose name heads this notice,
was reared to manhood in the usual manner of
farmer lads, and was educated in the public schools,
which he attended through the winter season,
while in the summer months he aided in the la-
bors of the field. At the age of twenty years he
went to Dubuque and learned the carpenter’s trade,
thus making a start in life for himself. Later he
accepted a position with the Iowa Iron Works of

 

this city, being employed as pattern maker, and in
1858 purchased an interest in the business, with
which he continued his connection for eight years,
or until 1864.

In the meantime, Mr. Williams entered his
country’s service to aid in the defense of the
Union. Hardly bad the smoke of Fort Sumter’s
guns cleared away, when he donned the blue, be-
coming a member of Company I, First Iowa In-
fantry, on the 23d of April, 1861. The regiment
was commanded by Colonel Bates, and joined the
army of General Lyons in Missouri, where they re-
mained four months. THis term having expired,
Mr. Williams was then mustered out, but after-
wards re-enlisted as a member of the Sixth Jowa
Cavalry, and was appointed by Govenor Kirkwood
Captain of Company M. For meritorious services
he was subsequently brevetted Major, which rank he
held until the close of the war. He was always
found at his post of duty, faithful to the task al-
lotted to him and like a valiant soldier followed
the Old Flag until November, 1865, when he was
honorably discharged.

While at home on a furlough, January 4, 1864,
Major Williams was married to Miss Mattie Dean,
a daughter of William Dean, of Fulton, N. Y.
Her death occurred in December, 1877, and she
left four children to mourn her loss, a son and
three daughters, namely: Allie, wife of Edward E.
Freeman; Nellie,wife of John F. Brede; May Louise,
wife of W. F. Willmers, with whom Mr. Williams
makes his home, and Arthur R.

On his return from the army, Major Williams
began dealing in agricultural implements and has
since continued business along that line, being
now connected with the wholesale trade. That he
has followed this pursuit for so long isa testimo-
nial of his success. He has gradually increased his
business to meet the growing trade, and now re-
ceives from the public a very liberal patronage.
In politics he isa stalwart Republican, and in 1869
was appointed by President Grant Postmaster of
Dubuque, which position he filled in a creditable
and acceptable manner for four years. He has
also been honored with other public offices. In
1873, he was elected County Treasurer, and dis-
charged the duties of that office for two terms of
348

PORTRAIT AND BLOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

two yearseach. Socially heisa member of Lodge
No. 125, A. F.& A. M. His public and private
life are alike above reproach and his honorable,
straightforward career has gained him the confi-
dence and esteem of all with whom he has been
brought in contact. Asa private citizen he man-
ifests the same loyalty which he displayed in fol-
lowing the Stars and Stripes on the battlefields of
the south.

ARMON SANDHOUSE. Jones County is

dH indebted to no small extent, for its steady

progress and growth, to the indefatigable

labors of Mr. Sandhouse, who is one of the largest

land holders and wealthiest farmers and stock-

raisers within its bounds. He is thoroughly iden-

tified with the various interests of his township of

Monticello, contributing his efforts to the promo-

tion of its welfare and doing all in his power to
advance its material growth.

Mr. Sandhouse is a native of Germany, having
been born in Hanover, October 28, 1829. He <is
the son of John and Elizabeth (Schafer) Sand-
house, also natives of the Fatherland, where they
were well-to-do farmers. They spent their entire
lives in Germany, dying when advanced in years.
Harmon, of this sketch, attended the model schools
of his country until foufteen years old and re-
mained under the parental roof, working on the
farm, until reaching his majority.

In the year 1858 young Sandhouse determined
to try his fortunes in the New World, and embark-
ing on the steamer “George,’’ landed in New York
City several weeks later. He remained but a short
time in the metropolis when he made his way to
this state, and the first winter chopped one hun-
dred and twenty-five cords of wood. In the spring,
however, he went to work on a farm at $10 per
month, and continued thus to be employed for two
and one-half years. On the expiration of that
time Mr. Sandhouse entered the service of the Du-
buque & Southwestern Railroad Company, work-
ing as section hand for two years. He was then

 

placed at the pumps of the same company on the
Maquoketa River at Monticello, and for two years
did the work of two men.

Leaving the employ of the railroad about this
time we find our subject located in Bowen’s Prai-
rie, where he superintended the operation of Cap-
tain Smith’s farm for a period of three years. He
was then married to Miss Hannah, daughter of
John Crane of this county, and soon after that
event took up his abode on a farm rented from his
former employer. He remained upon this tract,
cultivating it for one year, when he had saved a
sufficient sum of money to enable him to pur-
chase a quarter-section on section 4, Monticello
Township, the greater portion of which was wood-
land. He set about the arduous task of clearing
and placing it under improvement until he made of
it one of the most productive estates in the vicin-
ity. Mr. Sandhouse is now tle proud possessor of
fourteen hundred acres of fine farming lands and
is a fine type of the self made man, for he had no
help either to get to this country or after he came
here. He is one of the largest cattle feeders in the
township, shipping from two to four carloads of
these animals each year, besides hundreds of hogs,
He has also dealt extensively in sheep raising, and
during the year of 1893 sold over two thousand.
The following year he fattened two hundred steers
which were transported to the city markets. Mr.
Sandhouse does not give his undivided attention
to stock- raising, as he devotes hundreds of acres to
general farming and cach year reaps handsome re-
turns from his well cultivated estate. He is sume-
what interested in the dairy business, having on
his place from forty to sixty cows, and disposes of
the milk to the Sand Springs Creamery near his
home.

Our subject is an excellent example of sturdy
enterprise, thrifty habits and persistent industry;
his large possessions attest his success in world-
ly affairs and the improved condition and orderly
appearance of his place furnish equally good evi-
dence of his intelligent-conception of the details
of his vocation, and his progressive spirit in all
that pertains thereto. His barns and outbuildings
are of the best and everything about the farm is
arranged in a most convenient manner, Deep wells .
 

 

 

LECLERE.

GEORGE F
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

351

 

 

supply plenty of water to the stock and the large
barns furnish shelter and room for storing great
quantities of grain.

In 1889 Mr. Sandhouse purchased the farm be-
longing to the Farwell estate, comprising five
hundred and sixty broad acres. On this the family
now make their home, residing in a large, substan-
tial stone house, which is surrounded by a _ beauti-
ful lawn and plenty of shade trees. Mr. and Mrs.
Sandhouse have a family of five children. Adel-
bert, the eldest son, is a farmer living in this coun-
ty; Jennie is the wife of Frank Lubben and makes
her home in Baldwin, Jackson County, this state;
Harry and William are at home assisting their
father in the carrying on of his large estate; and
Cora, the youngest, is also under the parental roof
and assisting her mother.

In politics our subject is a true blue Republican
and greatly interested in the success of his party.
Socially he belongs to the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. Mr. Sandhouse resided in Monticello
five years; he engaged in the butcher’s business
two years, and from 1876 to 1881 bought stock for
Wales & Noyes.

sa

a,
ZA

{————

EORGE F. LeCLERE. The gentleman
whose name introduces this sketch is one
of the wealthy retired farmers residing in

Monticello. He came to Iowa comparatively a poor
man and began farming on a tract of eighty acres
in Dubuque County. He madea specialty of feed-
ing cattle and hogs, and as he prospered invested
his money in real estate, until at one time he was
the owner of over eighteen hundred acres in this
State. He is consequently one of the wealthiest
retired farmers in this portion of Iowa and one of
its largest landowners, notwithstanding he has giv-
en his children considerable property when ready

to settle in life.

Mr. LeClere was born in France, January 14,

13

 

1817, and is the son of George F. and Catherine
(Belea) LeClere, who emigrated to the United
States with their family in the year 1828, landing
in New York. They made their home on a farm
in the woods of Oswego County, which they cleared,
cultivated and lived upon until 1852, when the
father died. Mrs. LeClere survived him until 1872,
when she passed away at the home of her son,G. F.

The subject of this sketch was one in the family
of eleven children born to his parents, only four
of whom are now living. One is in New York,
another in Storm Lake, Iowa, and the third in Du-
buque County. Like his brothers and sisters, he
attended the district school in Oswego County, N.
Y., and remained on his father’s farm until attain-
ing manhood.

In 1841 our subject and Miss Louisa Laude were
united in marriage. The lady was born in France
and was the daughter of James and Margaret
(Bourquin) Laude. Mr. and Mrs. LeClere located
upon a farm in Oswego County, N. Y., where they
lived until 1846, the date of their advent into Du-
buque County, Iowa. Here he became the propri-
etor of eighty acres, which he cultivated in such a
profitable manner that he was soon enabled to en-
large his estate, and continued to add to his pos-
sessions until he became the owner of one of the
largest tracts in the county.

In 1878 Mr. LeClere removed from his farm to
Monticello, where he has since resided in the ease
and luxury which his industry so well deserves.
To their union there have been born eight chil-
dren, of whom four sons and two daughters are
living. Charles. F. 1s in Prairieburg, Iowa; Eliza
C. is the wife of Morris Bebb, and resides in Mon-
ticello; George F. is a farmer and minister of the
Presbyterian Church and makes his home in Texas;
Albert D. is the owner of two hundred and forty
acres of fine farming land in Dubuque Coun-
ty; Henry A. has in his possession three hundred
and twenty acres also lying in Dubuque County;
Lulu is Mrs. Smith; Emily and Susie are deceased.

In politics our subject was in early life a Whig
and cast his first Presidential vote for General Har-
rison. He is now, however, a strong Republican
and takes great interest in the success of his party.
352

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

Religiously he and his wife are devoted members
of the Presbyterian Church, and their whole lives
reflect great credit in that connection.

Ye

 

SAAC S. BIGELOW, M. D.,a physician and
surgeon of Dubuque, was born in Dubuque
County, January 27, 1859. His father, Dr. I.

S. Bigelow, Sr., is a native of Pennsylvania, his
birth having occurred in Westmoreland County of
the Keystone State,on the 11th of June, 1819. In
1839, at Adamsburg, he married Margaret Bugh-
man, and in 1854 they removed to Buncombe, Du-
buque County, Iowa, where they now reside. He
is a son of Dr. Israel J. Bigelow, who was born in
Dummerston, Vt., in 1794, removed to West-
moreland and afterward to Centre County, Pa.,
where he practiced his profession successfully un-
til his death, in 1848. After the death of Grand-
father Bigelow our subject’s father studied and
later practiced medicine with his uncle, Dr. Leb-
beus Bigelow, at Adamsburg, where he remained
until bis removal to Iowa in 1854. He purchased
a farm in Washington Townsbip, Dubuque County,
where he has since resided and continued the prac-
tice of medicine, enjoying for a period of forty
years an extensive practice in Dubuque, Jackson
and Jones Counties. Politically he has always
been a Democrat and has taken a prominent part
in the councils of his party.

The Bigelow family is of English origin, and was
founded in America by John Bigelow, who crossed
the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Water-
town, Mass. His marriage, October 30, 1642, to
Mary Warren, was the first on record in Water-
town. She was the daughter of John and Mar-
_garet Warren, natives of England and founders of
the Warren family in New England. Israel Bigelow
was the great-grandfather of our subject, and his
father was Isaac Bigelow, a native of Vermont.

The Doctor who is now prominently connected
with the interests of Dubuque, passed the days of
his boyhood, until sixteen years of age, in Bun-

 

combe, Iowa, and attended its public schools. [is
early educational privileges were then supple-
mented by study in Lenox Collegiate Institute,
of Delaware County, Iowa, where he remained for
several years. Later, at the age of nineteen, he
took up the study of medicine under Dr. Benjamin
McCluer, with whom he continued his reading for
one year, and when a young man of twenty he
entered Rush Medical College, of Chicago, from
which he was graduated in 1881.

Immediately afterward Dr. Bigelow entered into
practice of his chosen profession, opening an office
in La Motte, Jackson County, Iowa, where he re-
mained for three years, when on account of ill
health he was forced to abandon practice for a time. .
He then pursued a post-graduate course of study
in Rush Medical College for one year, and in 1886
came to Dubuque, where he entered into partner-
ship with Dr. B. McCluer. This connection was
comtinued until April 1, 1892, when it was mutu-
ally dissolved, since which time Dr. Bigelow has
been alone in practice.

Turning from the professional to the private life
of the Doctor we note that on the 29th of Septem-
ber, 1887, he was united in marriage with Miss
May A. Van Duzee, a native of Dubuque, and a
daughter of A. J. Van Duzee, one of the early set-
tlers of this city, who yet makes his home here,
and is now serving as Clerk of the United States
Courts. For many years he has been prominently
identified with the public interests of Dubuque and
is recognized as one of its leading citizens. He
married Emily Perrigo,a native of Lockport, N.

‘Y. The Doctor and his wife reside at No. 1057 Main

Street with their daughter Emily, an only child.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and
his wife belongs to St. John’s Episcopal Church.
He was a delegate to the first reunion of the Bige-
lows of America, held at Worcester, Mass., June 2,
1886. At that meeting steps were taken to com-
pile the genealogy of the family, the Doctor being
one of the contributors to the same.

The Doctor, is connected with various medical
organizations, being a member of the Dubuque
Medical Society, of which he was President for one
year and Secretary for four years, and also belongs
to the Iowa State Medical Society. He isa charter
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

353

 

 

member of the Cedar Valley Medical Society, was
one of the organizers and charter members of the
Iowa Public Health Association, of which he was
the first Secretary, is a member and Secretary of
the Board of United States Pension Examiners,
and is oneof the Board of Physicians for the Home
of the Friendless, at Dubuque. He was also City
Physician in 1891 and 1892. Socially he is con-
nected with Apollo Lodge, K. P., and in politics
isa Democrat. His entire life has been passed in
this county, and his honorable and straightforward
career has gained him not only the confidence and
regard of his friends of early years but also of those
with whom he has since been brought in contact

 

KEEEEPEEEEE EE MELE EE EEE EEE EEO

 

OAH BIGLEY is one of the honored early
settlers of Wayne Township, Jones Coun-
ty, and after an industrious and useful

career is passing his declining years surrounded by
many of the luxuries as well.as the necessities of
life, on his homestead, which has been the scene of
his labors for nearly four decades. The property
is situated on section 21, and he still possesses the
original patents for the land, entered by him in
1854. He may justly be termed one of the founders
of Jones County, for almost since its organization
his record has been interwoven with the county’s
history, and in every possible way he has promoted
its welfare.

A native of the Keystone State, Mr. Bigley was
born in Beaver County, October 2, 1817, being the
son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Harriger) Bigley. His
father, also born in Pennsylvania, for a time devo-
ted his attention to boating on the Ohio River, and
was drowned about 1820. He was a son of Philip
Bigley, who came of an old Pennsylvania family.
The mother of our subject was a daughter of
Michael Harriger, of Pennsylvania nativity. Af-
ter surviving her husband for over half a century
she was called from this life, in 1872. Her son,
Noah, is the youngest in the family of five children,
which comprised three sons and two daughters, and

 

he is the only surviving member of the family cir-
cle. At the time of his father’s death he was only
three years old, and was early obliged to make his
way in the world though he was given the advan-
tages of acommon-school education. He remained
on the farm until he was fifteen years old, when
he decided to take up the trade of a currier, and
afterward worked at that occupation until attain-
ing his majority.

For some years Mr. Bigley gave his attention to
carpenter and contract work, and in 1845 com-
menced carrying out some large building enter-
prises. Jn 1853 he worked on the Toledo & Ohio
Bridge Construction Department, and later con-
tinued in the same line with an Illinois railroad at
La Salle. In 1854 he caine to Jowa, and after mak-
ing thorough investigation in different parts of the
state, wisely decided to settle in this county. In
company with David Reid he entered a tract of eight
hundred acres on section 21. His present farm con-
tains within its boundaries three hundred and
ninety-five acres, a large proportion of which is un-
der cultivation. The farm contains considerable
land valuable for pasturage, and the owner keeps
from twenty-five to thirty cows, selling milk toa
creamery company. He has also been very suc-
cessful in raising hogs, and keeps from fifty to one
hundred each year.

In 1859 a marriage ceremony was performed in
this county by which Mrs. Eleanor Benjamin be-
came the wife of Noah Bigley. This lady was born
in New Hampshire and came with her parents to
this locality. The only son of Mr. and Mrs. Big-
ley, Hannibal A. L., is married and lives upon the
old home farm, in the cultivation of which he has
proved himself to be enterprising and _ practical.
He is a young man of ability, industrious and
thoroughly abreast of the times in all matters re-
lating to agricultural pursuits.

Believing that our public school system is thor-
oughly worthy of the substantial support and in-
fluence of every patriotic citizen, Mr. Bigley has
always been greatly interested in educational af-
fairs, and for twelve years served as Director. Up
to 1854 he was a supporter of the Democracy, but
after the formation of the Republican party he be-
came an adherent of its principles and has since
354

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

cast his ballot, in national elections, for the nomi-
nees and principles sustained by that party, al-
though in local affairs he chooses to use his discre-
tion, regardless of political lines. For a number
of years he served acceptably as Township Trustee,
and though preferring to give his attention strictly
to the duties of his farm, he has nevertheless found
time to sustain public measures tending to advance
the best interests of the community.

=X csols=-

; RADLEY STUART, formerly one of the
most prominent and successful lawyers in
Jones County, is now living retired in
the city of Monticello. He realized the full im-
portance of his calling and added rank and dig-
nity to the profession. Mr. Stuart was born in
Hillsdale, Columbia County, N. Y., October 10,
1814, and was the son of Waitman Stuart, native
of Connecticut, where he carried on the trade of
carpenter and joiner. He in turn was the son of
Albert Stuart, an old Revolutionary soldier of
Scotch descent.

The maiden name of our subject’s mother was
Ruth Ferguson. She was a well educated lady
and a native of the Empire State. Herson Bradley,
of this sketch, was the fourth in order of birth of
her ten children, six sons and four daughters, only
four of whom survive. Our subject was given a
good education in Connecticut, and for nine win-
ters taught school in both New York State and
Iowa.

In the year 1857 Mr. Stuart came to Jones
County, this state, teaching school during the win-
ter months and farming in the summer until 1864,
when he enlisted his services in the Union army,
joining Company D, Ninth Iowa Infantry, under
Colonel Carskaddon, of Marion, this state. The
regiment was ordered to Nashville, Tenn., and from
there went on the Atlanta campaign, taking part
in the battles of Kenesaw Mountain, Resaca, Dal-
las, New Hope Church, ete.

After a service of sixteen months our subject

 

4

 

received his honorable discharge in July, 1865,
and returned home to this city, where he com-
pleted his law studies and engaged in practice. He
was then a young man of unusual ability and soon
won several important cases by reason of his in-
telligence and eloquence. Mr. Stuart was more
than ordinarily successful as a lawyer and gained
an enviable reputation among the fraternity in
this portion of the state. He is now, however, re-
tired, residing in a beautiful home in the city and
surrounded by his family and numerous warm
friends.

Bradley Stuart and Miss Ann Murray were mar-
ried in 1838. They lived happily together until
1885, when Mrs. Stuart departed this life. The
following year our subject married Anna, daugh-
ter of John and Mary Lacy, residents of Dubuque.
To them was born a son, John M., who is living at
home. Mr. Stuart served several terms as a mem-
ber of the City Council and aided in the organi-
zation of the School Teachers’ Association in Jones
County,of which he was made President. In pol-
itics he is a stanch Democrat, casting his first Pres-
idential vote for Van Buren. He is a citizen most
highly respected by the entire community, and
in all the affairs of life he has conducted himself~
creditably and honorably.

— _Sollllexs,_-——-&)
Ga FA 2

 

GIBSON SMITH, M. D. This young

gentleman, who is a successful and _ pros-

perous physician and surgeon residing in
Monticello, has an excellent and rapidly increasing
practice in his neighborhood and is well known as
an able, intelligent and energetic citizen, worthy
of confidence and esteem.

Our subject was born in St. Marys, Perth Coun-
ty, Ontario, Canada, November 7, 1866, and is the
son of Alex Smith, who was a prosperous farmer
of the Dominion. The mother of A. Gibson was
known in her maidenhood as Jennie Taylor. She
was a native of Canada and with her husband
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

355

 

 

continued to make her home there until her de-
cease.

The subject of this sketch enjoyed excellent
educational advantages and attended the schools
in Montreal and New York City until commenc-
ing his medical studies in Magill Medical College,
from which institution he was graduated after
taking the regular course in 1891. He then crossed
the line into New York State and spent eight
months in the Bellevue Hospital, where he ob-
tained valuable experience.

When looking around for asuitable location Dr.
Smith came to Monticello and opened an office,
where he has won the regard of the general public
and is rapidly building up a lucrative practice.
Although earnestly devoted to his profession he
takes interest in the local progress and leading
movements of the city and is proving an impor-
tant factor in its upbuilding. He is considered a
fine surgeon, to which profession he gives special
attention, and in 1894 was appointed a member of
the Board of Pension Examiners.

AMES PARTCH is numbered among the hon-
ored early pioneers of Clayton County, where
he settled when the land was wild and bore
little promise of the great future in store for

it. For a number of years he devoted himself to the
pursuit of agriculture, improving and bringing
under good cultivation a valuable farm. For
nearly forty years his home has been made in
Elkader, and during that time he has been promi-
nently identified with all progressive and public
movements of this place. Coming to Iowa almost
without means, Mr. Partch by reason of his indus-
trious qualities and good financial methods was
soon enabled to acquire a competence, becoming
well-to-do and influential in the history of the
county.

The birth of our subject occurred in the town of
Hinesburgh, Chittenden County, Vt., March 8,
1817, and of that county, his father, James Partch,

 

was also a native. His death occurred in the
Green Mountain State, when his son James was
still an infant, and his wife, who was in her girl-
hood Tamar Hayes, also died in that state when
her son was quite young. The paternal grand-
father, Thomas Partch, was a native of England,
and coming to America, settled in Connecticut in an
early day. The boyhood of our subject was passed
uneventfully in his native state, where he learned
the details of farm work and attended the common
schools. After hecame to his majority he lcarned
the carpenter’s trade, at which he worked for a
time. In 1839 he removed to Pennsylvania, where
he carried on a farrn and also worked at his trade.

It was in 1848 that our subject decided he could
improve his fortunes by going further west, and
he therefore came to the new state of lowa to grow
up with the country. Settling in Clayton County
when but few improvements had been made within
its limits, he successfully carried on a farm until
1856, since which time he has been partially re-
tired from active life, though he still oversees his
farm which is yet in his possession.

In 1839 Mr. Partch married Miss Lucy Barnum,
who was also born in Vermont and is a daughter
of Russel E. Barnum, a prominent man in Ver-
mont. His father, Ebenezer Barnum, did valiant
service in the War of the Revolution. The wife
of Russel E. Barnum was, in her girlhood, Rosanna
Palmer, her birth occurring in Vermont and her
death in Pennsylvania. When eight years old
Mrs. Partch went with her parents to the Key-
stone State, where she received her education. At
a very early day in the history of this county
her father removed with his family here and be-
came one of the pioneers. Both Mr. and Mrs.
Partch have been witnesses of the development
and gradual prosperity which have come to this
section as the result of the efforts of the early set-
tlers. The step-mother of Mrs. Partch, whose name
before her marriage was Deborah Blakesley, was
educated with a view to going to India as a mis-
sionary, but finally became a missionary among
the Indians. She wasa talented woman and started
the first Sunday-school in Clayton County. Mr.
and Mrs. Partch have never had any children of
their own, but their hospitable home has been open
356

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

to many, as they have reared several children, giv-
ing to them their kind and tender love and care.
They are devoted members of the Universalist
Church, and have the warm love and friendship
of all who have had the pleasure of making their
acquaintance. Mr. Partch is known to be a man
who is just and honorable in all his relations with
his fellow-men, and the confidence snd respect of
his townsmen are his in an eminent degree.

—=4Xce0b =

RS. MARY E. LOWRY, one of the best
known residents of Jones County, is the
lady whose name opens this sketch. She

is the widow of Joseph Lowry, and makes her home
at the present time in Olin. Our subject was born
in Genesee County, N. Y., August 26, 1814, and is
the daughter of Jeduthun Seeley, whose birth also
occurred in the Empire State, whence he removed
to Illinois in an early day in the history of that
‘ state, and departed this life in Whiteside County.
He was married to Miss Sarah Gibbs, who was also
born in New York. Mrs. Seeley survived her hus-
band many years, dying after her removal to Olin.

The original of this sketch spent the early years
of her life in her native state, and received her
education in the schools near her home. She ac-
companied her parents on their removal to IIl-
inois in 1835, and three years later was married to
Richard J. Cleveland, a native of Boston, Mass.,
and a graduate of Harvard University. Mr.
Cleveland was the son of Richard J. Cleveland,
Sr., a man of much learning, and his mother bore
the maiden name of Dorcas Hiller. She was like-
wise born in the Bay State and was finely edu-
cated for that period.

Mr. Cleveland was prominent in the early settle-
ment of Whiteside County, Ill.; he was very public-
spirited and took great interest in school matters.
He was a stanch supporter of the Republican party
after its organization, and he was very popular as
a man of wide reading and general research. He
departed this life in Jones County, December 7,

 

1877, greatly mourned by many relatives anda
host of warm friends. To Mr. and Mrs. Cleveland
there were born four children, all deceased.

In 1878 our subject was married to the Rev.
Joseph Lowry, a minister in the Presbyterian
Church, and a native of Ireland. He was educated
in the University of Dublin and the College at
Belfast, and took an active interest in all the
affairs of his native land. Mr. Lowry emigrated
to the United States in 1854, and taking up his
abode in Jones County, this state, in 1878, did

“much toward furthering religious work in this lo-

cality. He organized the first Sunday-school in
the county, and asa minister of the Gospel mani-
fested a deep interest in the noble work in which
he wasengaged. He was a man of education and
refinement, highly respected and esteemed, not
only by his own congregation, but by all who
knew him. He departed this life in January, 1891,
and many were the expressions of condolence
which Mrs. Lowry received. After the first shock
she rallied and set an example of self-sacrifice
which we can only regard as heroic. She owns
valuable property in Olin, and at present occupies
a beautiful residence in the place. She is a lady
of great refinement and intelligence, and enjoys
the friendship of the best people of the county.

3

 

ROF. WILSON S. LEWIS, A. M., bas been
Principal of Epworth Seminary, at Ep-
worth, Dubuque County, since the fall of

1888, at which time he was appointed to fill the
position. He is conducting the school with ability
and with the evident knowledge of what an in-
stitution of this character should be in a commu-
nity. The Epworth Seminary is the only one of
the kind in the state and has made for itself an
enviable reputation as an institution where the
young may receive the best instruction in various
classical, practical and scientific departments.
Professor Lewis is a native of St. Lawrence
County, N. Y., his birth having occurred in the year
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

357

 

 

1857. He is next to the youngest in the family of
nine children born to William H. and Hannah
(Turner) Lewis, natives of Vermont and New
York respectively. In the year 1880 Mr. Lewis
came to the west, having previously received su-
perior educational privileges at the St. Lawrence
University. After coming to Iowa he entered
Cornell College, from which he was graduated in
1889. Three years before this he had studied for
the ministry.

In 1881 Professor Lewis married Ida, daughter
of the Rev. E. Briggs, a member of the Northern
New York Conference. One child graced this
union, the mother dying within twenty months af-
ter her marriage. ‘Three years after the death of
his first wife, our subject was again married, the
lady of his choice being Fanny, daughter of James
McClurg, of Tama, Iowa. Three children have
been born of their union.

During the past six years the attendance of stu-
dents at Epworth Seminary has been more than
doubled. Many valuable improvents have been
made. Three new buildings have been added, the
last of which is a commodious brick structure
utilized for recitation purposes. The institution
exerts a wide influence in eastern Iowa and its
power is felt far beyond the borders of the state
in which it is located.

ray Ne
AN

OHN STIMPSON is one of the practical and
progressive young farmers of Jones County.

He owns a fertileand well improved farm on
section 5, Cass Township, on which is his
pleasant residence. His birth occurred in Hardin
County, Ohio, in 1860, and he is the only son of
Thomas and Eliza (Fletcher) Stimpson, who were
both natives of England. The former came to
Iowa about 1870, and for the past year has been a
resident of Prairieburg, Linn County, Iowa. He

 

has reached the age of sixty years, and is still act-
ive in the business world. His wife is also living
and is in the enjoyment of good health.

During his boyhood years, our subject was a
resident of the county in which his birth occurred,
and there he received his elementary education.
When ten years of age, he came with his parents
to Iowa, and by actual and practical experience was
made familiar with agricultural affairs. He re-
mained at home, giving his assistance to his father
in the management of his farm, until after he had
reached his majority. When in his twenty-fifth
year, he embarked in business on his own account,
and from that time up to the present has met with
good success in his agricultural ventures. The farm
which he owns and operates comprises two hundred
acres of land, which is considered as good as any
in the neighborhood. The owner is industrious
and very active, and brings to bear upon his work
good judgment and common sense. Though he
does not hesitate to use old and established
methods in farm work, he is, nevertheless, in accord
with recent discoveries and improvements, and by
means of agricultural journals keeps posted on
modern systems, which he utilizes as far as prac-
ticable.

In September, 1892, Mr. Stimpson chose for his
companion and helpmate in the journey of life
Miss Anna Specht, whose birth occurred in Ger-
many. Her father, John Specht, is numbered
among the worthy citizens of this county, his home
being in Castle Grove Township. One son has
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stimpson, and he is
known as Thomas, Jr., having been named in
honor of his paternal grandfather. On the pleas-
ant farm residence of our subject his uncle, Samuel
Stimpson, also resides. This gentleman was born
in Rutlandshire, England, October 29, 1821. On
coming to the United States, he was early attracted
to Jones County by the glowing narratives which
came to him, telling of the great fertility and fu-
ture in store for this region. From hisinfancy he
was identified with its development and has been
a leading factor in its prosperity. In 1847 he
married Miss Sarah A. Barrett, and a year later
the young couple landed in New York City,
whence they proceeded to Hardin County, Ohio,
358

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

but soon came tolowa. In his political faith John
Stimpson is a Democrat, and with his ballot sup-
ports the principles and candidates set forth by
his party.

oO.

OHN B. SCHMIDT is one of the sturdy Ger-
man Americans who have heen such important

factors in the upbuilding and general pros- .

perity of Clayton County, and he has al-
ways been found in. the front ranks of all move-

ments which have had for their object the growth ©

and prosperity of this region. His home is now in
Elkader, where he is one of the most influential
citizens. A native of Germany, his birth occurred
in 1834, his father being Frederick Schmidt, who
was also a native of the Fatherland. In 1847 he
crossed the Atlantic to America, and the follow-
ing year made a settlement in this county, where
he became well known, and one of the sterling
pioneers.

J. B. Schmidt was a Jad of only thirteen years
when he left the land of his birth and came with
his parents to the United States. He received a
limited school education, and obtained practical
knowledge of the best methods of carrying on a
farm while living under the parental roof. He
started out in life for himself when still quite
young, conducting a farm on his own account for
some time. Having a desire to engage in com-
mercial pursuits, he in company with his brother,
Wolfgang, erected a brewery in Elkader, and suc-
ceeded in building up a large business. The firm
was known as J. B. Schmidt & Bro., and their
trade was continually increasing, when in 1884
they were compelled to close the business on ac-
count of the legislation prohibiting the manufac-
ture and sale of liquors in the state. The old and
respected father of our subject, passed away on his
farm in 1875, when nearly seventy-five years of
age. Mr. Schmidt from time to time has invested
his money in land, and now devotes his time to
looking after his various property interests. He
has served in the City Council, and has been prom-

 

inent in the promotion of good schools and teach-
ers, and in short in everything which relates to
the good of the public. In politics he is a stanch
Democrat, giving his support and influence to
further the success of that party. ‘

In the year 1859 Mr. Schmidt was united in
marriage in this county to Miss Carrie Hart-
man, whose father was one of the early and hon-
ored settlers of Clayton County. Mrs. Schmidt
passed her girlhood and grew to womanhood in
this county, where she has passed her later years
as well. To our subject and wife three sons and
three daughters have been born, and the family
circle is still unbroken by the hand of death.
John, the eldest of the family, has a well equipped
hardware store and a good trade in Elkader; Rob-
ert is engaged in the milling business; Henry is
attending school; Paulina became the wife of Her-
man Koskoskie, a well-to-do farmer of Boardman
Township; Minna is Mrs. William Kleinbell, her
husband being a hardware merchant of this place;
and Elizabeth completes the family.

2 ee 6 SE ww OP

OSEPH O. LAWRENCE is one of the most
extensive sorghum growers in northern Iowa,
owning one hundred and sixty-five acres
devoted to the raising of sugar cane. He

manufactures the noted Amber Syrup, which he
sells to jobbers throughout the States, and the ma-
chinery which he has adopted for this work is of
the latest and most improved pattern, and his en-
tire plant is being operated in a very profitable
manner. It is located near Monticello, and gives
employment to twenty men

Our subject was born in Coshocton County,
Ohio, November 14, 1850, and is the son of Joseph
C. and Hannah (Coggins) Lawrence. The father
was a prominent farmer in the Buckeye State, and
also carried on a good trade as general merchant.
He made his advent into this state in 1855, loca-
ting in Monticello, where he opened up a general
store, and had the honor of being one of the first
 

 

 

SeeIRLONY

 

 

 

HON. F. D. BAYLESS.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

361

 

 

merchants in the place. He is still living, making
his home at the present time at Eugene City, Ore.,
where he removed in 1884.

Joseph O. was the fifth in order of birth of the
parental family of nine children. As his parents
lived in Monticello when he was old enough to at-
tend school he carried on his studies in this city,
and thus acquired a good knowledge of books. He
was trained to farm pursuits, and early in life be-
gan growing hops, to which he afterward added
that of sugar cane, and has followed the latter in-
dustry for the past twenty years. He manufac-
tures a very fine quality of sorghum, and puts
upon the market each year from twenty to thirty
thousand gallons. Mr. Lawrence gives his entire
time and attention to this business, and is one of
the largest growers and manufacturers of this com-
modity in the state.

Joseph O. Lawrence and Miss Fannie, daughter
of Henry Babbe, were united in marriage in 1878.
To them has been born a family of four children,
all daughters. In politics Mr. Lawrence is a stal-
wart Democrat, and an inflexible adherent of the
principles of that party. He is numbered among
the most substantial and valued citizens of the
community in which he makes his home, and has
served efficiently as a member of the City Council
for some time.

In additon to the enterprise already mentioned,

our subject feeds cattle and hogs, keeping on his-

place about two hundred of the former. He has
added a large silo and prepares the cane for stock
after extracting the juice.

ON. FRANK DAVIS BAYLESS. Among

those who have been residents of Clayton

County since the cluse of the Civil War,

there is perhaps no one who has wielded a greater
influence in its business and political affairs, or has
achieved greater success in business pursuits, than
has the subject of this sketch. He was born in
Pendleton, Madison County, Ind., October 9, 1840,
and with his widowed mother, a younger brother

 

and two younger sisters came to Iowa in 1853,
settling near Postville. There he was a student in
the common school, and commencing at the early
age of fourteen years, he displayed his aptitude
for business asaclerk in general stores in Postville
and Monona.

In 1855 Mr. Bayless emigrated with the family to
Dodge County, Minn., where he assisted in open-
ing and operating a farm. Jn the fall of 1856 he
returned to Indiana and for nearly two years de-
voted his attention closely to study in the. high
school. In 1858 he again went to Minnesota, and
his time until the breaking out of the war was oc-
cupied in farming, teaching school and studying
medicine. Patriotic in spirit and in response to
duty, he promptly enlisted in 1861 in the Second
Minnesota Infantry, and marched to Kentucky to
assist in putting down rebellion and preserving
the integrity of the Union. He served with credit
in the Kentucky and Tennessee campaigns, but
his health being impaired, he was honorably dis-
charged and returned to Minnesota, where he was
happily married in February, 1863, to Miss Har-
riet Dresser.

His health being re-established, Mr. Bayless
could not remain at home in peaceful pursuits
while his comrades were braving the dangers of
the battlefield, and the following winter he re-en-
listed in the Third Minnesota Infantry. Until
March, 1864, he was engaged in the recruiting
service, and with over two hundred recruits, joined
his regiment in Arkansas early in April of the
same year. Soon afterward his knowledge of
medicine and drugs caused his assignment to the
medical department, where he served faithfully
until the close of the war, receiving his final dis-
charge September 21, 1865.

During the winter of 1865-66, Mr. Bayless was
employed as clerk in a drug store at Manterville,
Minn., and in May, 1866, removed with his family
to Towa, settling in Elkader, Clayton County,
where he bought an established drug business,
and where he has since made his home. With the
necessary push and activity of a thorough busi-
ness man, he soon enjoyed a large and lucrative
business, and in time established branch stores at
several points. A feature of these ventures is the
362

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

fact that all his business partners were young men
who had served a long apprenticeship in the home
store, and we may add, that all have been faith-
ful and successful, and are rated of high-credit in
the commercial reports.

Although he has sold some of his business prop-
erty, Mr. Bayless continues the senior member of
three drug firms, and is also the owner of bank
stocks, business and residence buildings for rental
in Elkader, and much property outside, and alto-
gether is recognized as a thoroughly successful
business man. While his prosperity is largely due
to his own unaided exertions, yet he attributes
much of his success to the advice and counsel of
his loyal and good mother, who died at the old
home in Minnesota in 1878. Four sons have been
born of his marriage, of whom the two eldest are
enterprising business men of Waukon, Allamakee
County, Iowa, and the two youngest are at the
£lkader home.

In his youth an Abolitionist opposed to slavery,
Mr. Bayless joined the Republican party upon its
organization, and continued to support its can-
didates and measures until 1872. He then allied
himself with the Democratic party, in which he
has since been a leader and a tireless worker. For
twelve or more years he was Chairman of the
Democratic County Central Committee, and was
noted as a thorough organizer and _ successful
leader. Being a business man, he refused for years
to accept a nomination for a political office, but in
1883 he was prevailed upon to accept a nomina-
tion for State Senator, and being elected and re-
elected four years later, he held the position for a
period of eight years.

In the Iowa Senate the record made by Mr. Bay-
less was that of s statesman of more than ordinary
ability. His career was characterized by such close
attention to business that he soon gained a large
influence, and during his incumbency he was the
author and champion of, or assisted in passing,
some of the most salutary laws on the Iowa stat-
utes. He was a close attendant to committee
work, and for several sessions (though a Demo-
crat and his party in the minority) his worth was
recognized by his being made Chairman of im-
portant committees. He was a member of the El-

 

kader School Board continuously from 1870 until
1894, a period of twenty-four years, during all of
which time he was zealous in educational work
and the improvement of our schools. As a mem-
ber of the Town Council and of the Committee on
Streets and Alleys, he has contributed to the per-
manent improvementof Elkader. His culture and
genial manners have won for him many friends
among the people of the state of Iowa.

 

KEPEEEEEE PEPE MEL EEE ELLE EEE ENO

 

) ENJAMIN N. ARQUITT, well known in

4 Taylor Township, Dubuque County, is re-
siding on section 6, and is operating what
is known as the Farley Stone Quarry. He is pur-
suing a successful career, and his good business
ability and energy have brought about flattering
results. A native of New York, our subject was
born in Syracuse, June 6, 1848, and is the fifth in
order of birth of the family born to Joseph and
Mary (Dinney) Arquitt.

The father of our subject was born in Canada,
and when thirty years of age crossed into the
States and located in New York. Remaining there
for some time, he in 1858 came west to this state
and took up his abode in Dubuque County. Be-
ing a stone-cutter and mason by occupation, he
soon found work at his trade and followed it until
obliged to retire on account of old age. He died
in 1889. His good wife still survives at the ven-
erable age of four score years. She was born in
Cornwall, N. Y., and there met and married Joseph
Arquitt.

Benjamin, of this sketch, accompanied his par-
ents to this state and was reared and educated in
Dubuque. When old enough he learned the stone-
cutter’s trade from his father, which he has fol-
lowed his entire life. He worked for other par-
ties until 1870, when he engaged in business for
himself, and at that time opened up the quarry
which he is still operating, and which is known as
the Farley Quarry. From it our subject has ob-
tained the stone used in the construction of many
of the leading buildings in this county. He is

 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

363

 

 

carrying on a large and constantly increasing bus-
iness and gives employment to from twenty-five
to thirty men.

Benjamin N. Arquitt and Miss Bridget. Murphy
were united in marriage in 1870. The lady was
the daughter of Felix and Ann (Ryan) Murphy,
natives of the Empire State.
Arquitt have been born six children, all of whom
are living and named respectively, Clara, Agnes,
Gertie, Charles, Noel and Winnie. Our subject
and family are all members of the Roman Catholic
Church. In social affairs Mr. Arquitt belongs to
Albert Lodge No. 204, K. P., of Farley, and in
politics he always votes for Democratic candidates.

SSP OK

OSEPH O’NEILL, deceased, had one of the
best appointed estates in Dubuque County, as
wellas one of the largest. He was closely iden-
tified with the interests of the farming com-

munity of Taylor Township, until his death re-
moved a valued citizen and one who had done
much to promote its upbuilding. He was the
possessor of six hundred broad acres located on
section 8, which formed one of the finest farms in
this portion of the state.

The subject of this sketch was born in Nova
Scotia in 1826. His father, who died when Joseph
was quite young, was a wealthy wine merchant
in Nova Scotia and sent our subject when a lad of
six years to live with his grandparents in Ireland.
He remained in that country until reaching his
majority, when he returned to his native home, in
Halifax, and after two years spent there came to
the United States, where he was in the employ of
the Illinois Central Railroad. After a time he
went to Pennsylvania, where he was engaged as a
railroad contractor, and in 1858 bought lands
in Dubuque County, this state. He continued
railroading for seven years longer, however, when
he abandoned that line of business with the inten-
tion of spending the rest of his life on his farm.
He was very ambitious to build up a fortune, and

To Mr. and Mrs. |

 

with the assistance of his good wife succeeded in
accumulating six hundred acres.

The lady to whom our subject was married in
1852 was Miss: Eliza O’Rourke, daughter of Eu-
gene and Elizabeth O’Rourke, natives of Ireland,
where they lived and died. Mrs. O’Neill came to
the United States when seventeen years of age, and
here met and married our subject. Their union
resulted in the birth of fifteen children, seven
of whom are deceased. Those living are Mary
E., wife of John Hinch, of this county; Martin,
who also makes his home here, and who married
Annie McCarty; Daniel, Thomas, Edward, Michael,
Margaret and Johanna. Our subject and his en-
tire family were members of the Roman Catholic
Church.

Although greatly interested in political affairs,
our subject was never an aspirant for office, but
never failed to vote for Democratic candidates.
He was long known as an intelligent and promi-
nent agriculturist and possessed good qualities
as a man,and was loyal and true asacitizen. His
death occurred in 1876.

SSS

8S. DENNIS, the junior member of the

firm of Watters & Dennis, claims IIli-

nois as the state of his nativity, his
birth having occurred in Warren, Jo Daviess Coun-
ty, on the Ist of January, 1862. His parents were
W. V. and Julia (Case) Dennis, both of whom
were natives of New York. The father came to
the west in the 50s, locating in Illinois, where he
engaged in the milling business for three years.
He then came to Dubuque, where he carried on the
same line of business until his death, which oc-
curred in 1871, at the age of forty-two years. [is
wife still survives him and is now living in Du-
buque, at the age of fifty-two.

Mr. Dennis, of this sketch, was reared and edu-
cated in the city which is now his home, his liter-
ary education being acquired in the public schools,
which he attended until seventeen years of age,
f

364

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

when he became a student in the Bayless Business
College, where he spent one year. He then en-
gaged in milling and to that work devoted his
time and attention until 1882, when he formed a
partnership with Thomas Watters in the wholesale
flour and feed business. This connection has since
continued, and the firm of Watters & Dennis is one
of the best known in the city. Its members are both
men of good business ability, wide awake and en-
terprising, and their well directed efforts have won
them a high degree of success.

In October, 1886, Mr. Dennis was married to
Miss Christina Bradley, a native of Dubuque, and
a daughter of Christopher Bradley, who was born
in England and in 1854 crossed the Atlantic, be-
coming a resident of this city. Mr. and Mrs.
Dennis are the parents of two children, a son and
daughter, Clifford and Marjorie. They reside at
No. 235 West Fifth Street.

SEDI GGUS sy ERIE
PSR SSleE ATT =

HOMAS WATTERS, a well known busi-
ness man of Dubuque, and a member of
the firm of Watters & Dennis, wholesale

dealers in flour and feed, was born in this city on
the 20th of October, 1842. His family located
here in an early day and its representatives have
long been prominently identified with the growth
and development of the community. His father,
Thomas Watters, was a native of Yorkshire, Eng-
land, and in 1836 emigrated to America, locating
first in Medina County, Ohio, where he spent one
year. He then resumed his westward journey and
in 1837 became a resident of Dubuque, then a
small town in the territory of Iowa. For some
years he was engaged in farming and milling. He
bought a small corn-cracker at Rockdale and thus
began his career as a miller and also engaged in
mining at Galena. But as the years passed he in-
creased his business facilities and became one of
the substantial citizens of the community. In
public affairs he took quite a prominent part and
was a progressive citizen. He married Ann Sun-

 

ter, a native of Yorkshire, England, who is now
living at Center Grove, at the age of eighty-
eight. Mr. Watters died at the age of sixty-two,
since which time his widow has looked after the
farm, comprising one hundred and twenty acres,
and although now well advanced in years still
manages her business interests.

Thomas Watters is the fourth in order of birth
in the family of five children. He was reared
under the parental roof and was early inured to
the arduous labors of the farm. When he entered
upon his business career it was as a farmer and
miller of Rockdale. In 1878 he built a new mill
at that place and conducted the same successfully
until 1885, when he sold out and embarked in the
wholesale flour and feed business. The firm now
enjoys a large trade, making extensive shipments.

In 1870 Mr. Watters was joined in wedlock with
Miss Mary Case, daughter of Hiram Case, one of the
early settlers of Dubuque. He served as a soldier in
the War of 1812, and died in the autumn of 1888, at
the advanced age of ninety-two years. Our sub-
ject and his wife have a pleasant home at the cor-
ner of Fifth and Broad Streets, and are numbered
among the highly respected people of this com-
munity. In his political views Mr. Watters isa
Republican and warmly advocates the principles
of that party.

—_

ERRY O. BABCOCK occupies the impor-
}P tant position of Sheriff of Jones County,
to which office he was elected on the Re-
publican ticket in the fall of 1875. Mr. Babcock
isa native of New York, having been born in
Chenango County, May 1, 1835. He is the son of
Harry Babcock, also born in the Empire State,
claiming Otsego County as his native place. The
paternal grandfather of our subject, Jonathan Bab-
cock by name, was born in one of the New Eng-
land States, and served as a patriot in the War of
the Revolution.
Mrs. Joanna (Hill) Babcock, the mother of our
ae ae

we, lie

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

365

 

 

subject, was also born in Otsego County, N. Y., and
was the daughter of William Hill, a carpenter by
trade. Perry O., of this sketch, was the fourth in
order of birth of the parental family of eight
children, including five sons and three daughters,
only three of whom are now living. Three sons
served in the late war, two enlisting ina New
York regiment, one of whom was killed in 1863.

The original of this sketch passed the first six-
teen years of his life in his native county, being
trained to farm pursuits, and attending the district
school. He then apprenticed himself to learn the
blacksmith’s trade in Cortland County, and after
mastering the business, in the fall of 1856, came
to this state, residing for three years in Chickasaw
County.

In 1859 Perry O. Babcock made his advent into
Jones County, where he carried on his trade for
some five years. He then established himself in the
livery business, being the proprietor of a first-class
stable, and having a good trade until the fall of
1875. He was then elected Sheriff of the county,
holding the office continuously for six years. At
the expiration of that time he again opened up
alivery stable, and while thus engaged was ap-
pointed Postmaster of Monticello, during Arthur’s
administration.

Upon resigning his position as Postmaster, Mr.
Babcock resumed blacksmithing, and was well
known as an expert in that line throughout this
section. Again, in 1893, however, he received the
election as Sheriff on the Republican ticket, and is
still the incumbent of the responsible position, ful-
filling every detail in a most satisfactory and
highly commendable manner.

July 11, 1859, our subject was married to Miss
Lydia A. Farnum, of Chickasaw County, this
staté, and the daughter of Samuel A. Farnum.
Mrs. Babcock was born in New York State, and by
her union has become the mother of three chil-
dren. Minnie, who married F. W. Buxton, is liv-
ing in Wheatland, this state; Jennie A. is the wife
of W. F. Rohn,and makes her home in Monticello,
and Floy H. is at home with her parents. Mr. Bab-
cock isa member of Monticello Lodge No. 173,
F. & A. M., and belongs to the chapter in that
place, No. 42, R. A. M., also Trinity Commandery

 

No. 16, K. T. He has been the incumbent of the
office of Town Collector, and furnished a bond
for $60,000. Mr. Babcock is a shrewd official and
is valued in his community for his good citizen-
ship and those traits of character that mark him
as an upright man.

SK BS

ACOB WILBUR DOXSEE, attorney-at-law,
is also editor and proprietor of the Monticello
Express, which is one of the leading papers
of Jones County and exercises a marked in-

fluence on the affairs of this section of the state.
Our subject was born in Summit County, Ohio,
January 17, 1857, and is the eldest son of Alfred
R. and Mary (Bennett) Doxsee, both of whom
were also natives of the Buckeye State. The
parents came to Iowa in October, 1863, locating
at Bowen’s Prairie, on a farm which the former
operated for many years, although previous to
settling here he had been a blacksmith. Mr. and
Mrs. Alfred Doxsee are now living at Rolfe, this
state.

Jacob W.,of this sketch, was given the advan-
tages for obtaining a fine education, attending
Lenox College and the Iowa State Agricultural
College, from which he was graduated with the
Class of ’77. He then read law in the office of M.
W. Herrick, of Monticello, and was admitted to
the Bar to practice two years later. He immedi-
ately formed a co-partnership with his former in-
structor, and ‘until 1888 they carried on business
under the style of Herrick & Doxsee.

While engaged in his law practice with Mr.
Herrick, our subject and M. W. Herrick published
a work of which they were the authors, entitled
“Probate Law and Practice.’’ It sold rapidly to
members of the profession, and received speciai
favor in the Law Department of the Iowa State
University, where it is used as a reference book.
The second edition was given the public in 1887
and was published by Callahan & Co., of Chicago,
who were also the printers of the first work.

In December, 1883, the firm of Herrick & Doxsee
purchased the plant of the Monticeilo Hapress,
366

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

which paper was established in 1865. ‘Their con-
nection existed until March, 1888, when our sub-
ject bought his partner’s interest in the paper and
has since edited it alone. The Express is a sound
family paper, well supplied with solid and useful
information and keeps its readers well informed
regarding current topics. Through his columns
Mr. Doxsee supports the Republican party, and his
readers know that whomsoever he supports or dis-
approves, his course is actuated by conscientious
motives and after careful consideration. The
usual amouut of praise and fault-finding have been
measured out to him asan editor, but his character
as a man of honor, integrity and public spirit has
never been questioned.

February 3, 1887, Mr. Doxsee was married to
Miss Jessie, daughter of Dr. Charles and Eliza Faw-
cett, of Salem, Ohio. Their union has been blessed
by the birth of two children, Charles A. and Mary
E. Our subject has been President of the Monti-
cello Electric Company, which he assisted in organ-
izing, and in many other enterprises has aided in
the upbuilding of the city.

ONRAD PAPE, a prominent and influen-
tial farmer of New Wine Township, Du-
buque County, is the possessor of an estate

comprising two hundred and forty acres, and also
owns a fine herd of Holstein cattle. He was born
in Siddinghausen, Westphalia, Germany, January
13, 1838, being the eldest of four sons comprising
the family of William Pape. His mother by a
previous marriage had four children, one of whom,
Rev. Aloisius Meis, became a prominent Catholic
priest and died some years ago. Henry Pape, our
subject’s younger brother, is engaged in agricult-
ural pursuits in Nebraska; Herman, next in order
of birth, is a well-to-do farmer in Carroll County,
this state; Rev. Frederick W., whose sketch ap-
pears on another page, is rector of St. Boniface
Catholic Church of New Vienna.

The father of our subject came to this country

 

with limited means, but being shrewd, far-seeing
and honest, he prospered in whatever he under-
took, and at his death was one of the wealthiest
farmers of the county. His wife died in 1852 and
he survived many years afterward, passing away
in 1878. Conrad received a common-school edu-
cation, but being a thoughtful reader, he has added
to the fund of information gained in the district
school and is now regarded as one of the best in-
formed men in his locality. Like his honored fa-
ther, he is a careful, competent business man, and
is looked upon as a Jeader in all movements in his
community. For thirty years he was a member of
the Board of Education, and has filled most of the
offices within the gift of his fellow-townsmen.

The landed possessions of Mr. Pape are valua-
ble. He is the owner of the old homestead, com-
prising two hundred and forty acres of well tilled
land, upon which his father located in 1850. He
is also the possessor of farming land in Boone
County, Neb., all under the best cultivation, and
from its rental he receives a good income. In
politics he is a stanch Democrat, always loyal to
tbe interests of that party. As the reader will
doubtless conclude, having two brothers and a
son who are priests, he is a Catholic in religious
belief.

In 1863 Mr. Pape and Miss Josephine Wente
were united in marriage. This lady is a daughter
of the late William Wente, an old settler of New
Wine Township, who located there in 1856 and
became one its of wealthy agriculturists. His son,
Barnard Wente, who now resides upon the old
home farm, isregarded as one of the most enter-
prising and intelligent farmers as well as one of
the wealthy citizens of Dubuque County. Mr.
and Mrs. Pape are the parents of ten children,
namely: Elizabeth, wife of Herman Schaffer, a
farmer living in Nebraska; William, a Catholic
priest; Louisa, who married Clements Schwers, a
farmer of New Wine Township; Mary, now Sister
Hedwic, of St. Francis’ Convent in Dubuque; Bar-
nard, Conrad, Frank, Ludwig, Cecilia and Aloisius,
all of whom are with their parents.

Rev. William A. Pape, the eldest son of our
subject, was born October 17, 1865, at New Vienna,
Iowa. When twenty-one years of age he entered
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

the law office of Longueville & Lenahan, it being
his intention to follow the legal profession, but
the studies not being congenial, he abandoned the
work and began to prepare himself for the priest-
hood. In September, 1887, he entered the Sale-
sianum near Milwaukee, Wis., and after studying
for two years and six months in that institution,
finished his course in St. Joseph’s College. In
1891 he was sent to the Sulpician Seminary in
Montreal, Canada, but on account of ill health was
obliged to seek a milder climate, and completed
his studies at St. Meinrad, Ind., March 25, 1894.
Bishop Chatard ordained him to the priesthood at
Indianapolis,and from there he went to New
Vienna, where he served as assistant pastor. He
is now located at Gilbertville, Blackhawk County,
Jowa.

oe

ATRICK HAYES is engaged in general
JP fazming and stock-raising on his large and
well equipped farm on section 7, Cass
Township. Since 1856 he has been numbered
among the agriculturists of Jones County, though
for many years prior to that he was extensively
engaged in railroad contracting in this state, as
well as in other states in the west.

The birth of Patrick Hayes occurred in County
Tipperary. Ireland, in 1845, his parents being Pat-
rick and Johannah (Kain) Hayes, who were also
natives of the Emerald Isle. The father died when
his son and namesake was quite young, and in
1851 the mother came with her family to America.

They arrived in New York City, where they
lived for some years, and finally in 1855 came to
Iowa, making a settlement in Linn County. In
the schools of the neighborhood young Hayes
received his education and engaged in farm work
until twenty-four years of age. At that time he
became an employe of the Chicago, Rock Island &
Pacific Railroad and took contracts for its con-
struction. He was also in the same business in Iowa
and Nebraska for the Burlington & Missouri River
Railroad. Later he received and executed con-

 

367

tracts for construction on the Midland Railroad,
and in these enterprises met with a good degree
of success. Prior to this he spent three years on
the Pacific Coast. His natural tastes, however,
were in the direction of agriculture, and in 1871
he returned to the business, embarking in farming
on his own account in Cass Township, where he
has successfully conducted a farm ever since. His
place of one hundred and eighty acres is nearly
all under cultivation, and abundant harvests are
gathered therefrom each year. The owner raises
a good grade of cattle and hogs and is practical
and progressive in his methods and in the man-
agement of his affairs.

In political matters Mr. Hayes is a Democrat
and has always taken a leading part in public im-
provements and educational work. In religion he
isa Catholic, and with his wife and family isa
regular attendant at the services of his church.
Among his friends and neighbors he is highly
esteemed on account of his industrious life and
habits.

In 1871 occurred the marriage of Mr. Hayes and
Miss Nancy Kairn, the daughter of Michael Kairn.
Mr. and Mrs. Hayes have had a family of four sons
and three daughters, who in order of birth are as
follows: Ellen, Susan, William, Jobn, Frank, Cecelia
and Leo. Their parents are giving them the ben-
efit of a good education whereby to meet the
duties and battles of life and are training them to
become useful citizens.

ns ele
win: Se

ILLIAM I. CHAMBERLAIN is recog-
nized as one of the leading members
of the Jones County Bar. He resides

in Wyoming, where he has engaged in the practice
of law since 1870. Asa Democrat he has taken an
active part in public affairs and is one of the lead-
ers of the party in this section of thestate. Being
a thinker and writer of more than ordinary force,
he is successful not only as an attorney, but also
as editor of the Wyoming Journal, which he has
conducted since 1880.

Our subject was born in Binghamton, Broome
cy

368

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

County, N. Y., March 24, 1846, and is the descend-
ant of English ancestry, but the family has long
been resident of America. Our subject’s paternal
grandfather, Judge William Chamberlain, was a
native of the Empire State and a life-long resident
of Broome County. The parents of our subject,
Park and Mary R. (White) Chamberlain, were born
in New York, and removing west in 1864, settled
in Wyoming, Iowa, where the father died in 1885
at the age of sixty-five years. The mother still
resides in Chicago. She is a daughter of Isaac B.
White, a lumberman by occupation and a resident
of New York. The White family was represented
among those who came to America in the historic
“Mayflower,’? and the ancestors of her mother,
Mary (Vail) White, also crossed the ocean in that
ship. Great-grandfather Thomas White was one
of the soldiers who endured the hardships and pri-
vations accompanying the Revolutionary War,
thus securing freedom from British oppression.

Prior to the age of sixteen years our subject lived
in New York, and in the common schools and a
seminary of that state, his literary education was
gained. At the age of twenty-one years he began
the study of law under the preceptorship of his
uncle, Benjamin White, then a prominent attorney
of Jones County, but now a resident of Texas.
With him he continued his readings of Coke and
Blackstone until 1870, when he was admitted to
the Bar. He at once opened an oflice at Wyoming,
where he has since conducted a general practice in
all the courts. As a lawyer, he is diligent and
careful in the preparation of cases, and skillful in
their management. In addition to the practice of
the law, he also edits the Wyoming Journal, which
he purchased in 1880 and of which he has since
been the proprietor.

In 1875 Mr. Chamberlain was united in marriage

with Miss Lucy Witter, a native of Obio and an
estimable lady, who is prominent in social circles
and active in the work of the Presbyterian Church.
Their family consists of three sons, Park, now a
student in the Iowa State University; William and
Benjamin, who are conducting their studies in the
schools of Wyoming. Socially Mr. Chamberlain
is connected with the Keystone Lodge No. 206, F.
& A. M.,in which he takes an active part. He fa-

 

vors, both personally and through the medium of
the press, all measures calculated to promote the
progress of Wyoming and assist in the develop-
ment of its resources.

SS.

HARLES M. BROWN. The fine farm that
impresses the traveler so favorably on sec-
tion 12, Monticello Township, this county,

belongs to the gentleman whose name opens this
sketch. He is engaged in general farming and
keeps on his place a large number of thorough-
bred hogs, besides a good grade of horses and
cattle.

Mr. Brown was born in Hendricks County, Ind.,
September 26, 1854, and is the son of George W.
and Maria (Conroe) Brown, the former of whom
was also born in the Hoosier State. The year fol-
lowing our subject’s birth he moved to this county
with his family, locating on an estate in Wayne
Township, which he cultivated and lived upon un-
til in 1875, when he returned to Indiana and re-
mained there until 1889.
of Isaac Brown.

The mother of our subject was the daughter of
A. Conroe, and by her union with Mr. Brown be-
came the mother of two children, of whom Charles
M. was the first in order of birth. He was given
as good an education as could be obtained in the
district school, and although deprived of the care
of his mother when quite young, remained on the
home farm until reaching bis seventeenth year. His
work, on leaving the parental roof, for some time
was various.

When ready to establish a home of his own, our
subject was married in 1878 to Miss Henrietta
Stone, daughter of his former employer, and in
1880 he purchased the home farm of Curtis Stone,
his father-in-law. This he resided upon for anum-
ber of years, then became the proprietor of the
Alfred Muller estate. His present possessions ag-
gregate three hundred and forty-five broad acres
of as fine land as can be found in Jones County.
Although not neglecting the raising of grain, Mr.

He was in turn the son
 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

371

 

 

Brown gives the greater part of his time and at-
tention to breeding a fine grade of cattle and hogs,
shipping about two car loads of the former to the
city markets each year, besides those sold for breed-
ing purposes. By the close attention which he has
given to his business, he has made a success of it
and although beginning without means, is now one
of the wealthy agriculturists of the county.

In his political connections our subject is a Re-
publican and he is numbered among the influential
members of that party in Monticello Township.
His fellow-citizens have elected him to various po-
sitions of trust and honor, and he has always served
with credit to himself and satisfaction to all con-
cerned.

The four children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown
bear the respective names of Elsie M., Viola S.,
George C. and Charlie Burton. Mrs. Brown enjoys
the respect and esteem of the entire neighborhood
and is the possessor of many fine traits of char-
acter.

DWARD AUGUSTUS GUILBERT, A. M.,
M.D., LL. D., is not only one of the most
prominent physicians of Dubuque, but is

also a leader in social circles, being especially influ-
ential in the Masonic fraternity. He was born in
Watertown, Jefferson County, N. Y., June 12, 1826.
His paternal grandfather was mortally wounded at
the battle of Waterloo. His father, Samuel H.
Guilbert, was a native of Bath, England, and at
the age of twelve years emigrated to the New
World, landing in Quebec, Canada, whence he
afterwards removed to Watertown, N. Y. In 1836
he became a resident of the then small town of
Chicago, and embarked in the clothing business
on Lake Street. He married Cornelia M. Dewey,
a native of New York, whose ancestors came from
Holland to the United States in 1657.

The Doctor acquired his early education in the
Empire State, and at the age of eleven years became
a member of the junior class in the Black River
Academy of Watertown, N.Y. After the removal
of his parents to the west, he entered a public

14

 

school situated near the corner of State and Jack-
son Streets, Chicago, where he pursued his studies
for a time. He was an apt scholar and made rapid
progress in his studies. The close application to
his work which was then made manifest has been
one Of his chief characteristics in life and has proved
an important factor in his success. At the age of
thirteen he began clerking in his father’s store,
where he was employed during the summer season,
while in the winter months he pursued his studies
in the public schools until seventeen years of age.
At that time his connection with the medical pro-
fession began.

In 1843 Dr. Guilbert began study under the di-
rection of Dr. Daniel Brainard, who was the founder
of Rush Medical College of Chicago. In that in-
stitution he pursued a four years’ course of study
and was graduated therefrom on the 18th of Feb-
ruary, 1847. In the same year he married Miss
Kathieen Somers, a cultured and refined lady, who
was a studentin the famous academy conducted by
Mrs. Emma Willard at Troy, N. Y. Nine children
were born to them, of whom three are yet living,
namely: Robert M. and Guy F., residents of Du-
buque, and Lillian K., wife of E. B. Dakin, who is
connected with the Nashville (Tenn.) Banner.

Dr. Guilbert began the practice of medicine in
Little Fort, now Waukegan, Ill, where he remained
for a few months, and then spent one year in Mil-
waukee, Wis. In the fall of 1848 he went to Ot-
tawa, Ill., where he practiced for two years, and
in 1850 returned to Waukegan, where he spent
one year in investigating homeopathy. Its good
points appealed to him and he subsequently joined
that school of medicine. We next find him in Elgin,
Tll., where he continued the prosecution of his
chosen profession until August, 1856, when he came
to Dubuque and here he has since made his home.
He has, however, often been called to different med-
ical colleges to lecture on various subjects. For four
years, beginning in 1856, he delivered lectures on
obstetrics in the Western Homeopathic College in
Cleveland, Ohio. He aided in the organization of
the St. Louis Homeopathic College, with which he
was connected for two years,and in 1855 and 1856
delivered a course of lectures at the Hahnemann
Medical College of Chicago, previous to which time
372

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL. RECORD.

 

he had dictated the charter for the founding of
that college.
Illinois Homeopathic Medical Society, and of the
Hahnemann Medical Society of Iowa. He has been
a strong advocate of the homeopathic system and
his voice and pen have done much to win for ita
wide recognition. He stands foremost among the
prominent members of the profession in this coun-
try, a skilled and able practitioner, whose merit
has won for him the highest praise. He is now a
member of the Hahnemann Medical Association of
Iowa, which celebrated its twenty-fourth anniver-
sary in May, 1894. He is also a member of the
State Board of Health, being appointed in 1890 by
Governor Boies.

In February, 1863, Dr. Guilbert aided in found-
ing the Union League and served as President of
the state organization and also of the local order,
but it is in connection with the Masonic fraternity
that he is most widely known. In June, 1851, he
became a Master Mason of Union Lodge No. 78,
A. F. & A. M., of Waukegan, Ill, and in 1854 was
elected Master of the lodge in Elgin. From that
time on he has rapidly advanced in the order. He
was elected Master of Dubuque Lodge in 1857,
and has served that lodge in that capacity sixteen
years. He was the organizer of Key City Lodge
No. 151, A. F. & A. M., of which he served as
Master during four years of its existence. He
was elected to the Grand Lodge in the year 1858,
and for two years served as Junior Grand Warden.
In the year 1861 he was elected Senior Grand
Warden, and in 1862 was appointed Deputy Grand
Master. In October of that year he became acting
Grand Master, for his superior entered the army,
and the following year was elected to the office.
He served the Grand Chapter of Iowa as Grand
High Priest in 1871 and 1872, and has held the
various important offices in the local organizations
with which he has been connected. The thirty-
third degree in masonry was conferred upon
him by the celebrated Albert Pike at the triennial
meeting of the Knighis Templar in 1868, at St.
Louis, Mo. His contributions to Masonic literature
have been voluminous, frequent and of great in-
terest to the members of the order. Feeling the
need of a Masonic paper in Iowa he edited and pub-

He was one of the organizers of the |

 

lished the Evergreen, at Dubuque, for three years,
and it was the best edited paper of the northwest,
being an efficient means of promulgating the theory
and practice of true Masonry. He has also held
schools of instruction for the benefit of Masonic
brethren. His literary tastes are of a high order
and had he devoted himself to literary work in
other lines, he would have undoubtedly become
a prominent and widely known writer. He was
Grand Commander in 1874.

Dr. Guilbert has ever manifested a patriotism
and love of country which make him one of the
leading citizens of this commonwealth. During
the war he gave his influence to encourage’ enlist-
ments for the volunteer service, and in the spring
of 1862 was appointed Surgeon of the Board of
Enrollment for the Third Iowa Congressional Dis-
trict. In 1864 he was chosen Captain of Company
A, Forty-sixth Iowa Infantry,in which capacity he
served five months in western Tennessee. After
leaving the army he was re-appointed on the Board
of Enrollment.

In politics the Doctor was a Liberal Republican,
and presided over the first Liberal Republican Con-
vention held in Iowa. In 1874 he was strongly
talked of as the candidate of the party for Gov-
ernor, and would have been nominated had he not
refused the honor. In business dealings he has
ever been honorable and upright; in his profession,
has ever labored for its best interests; in social or-
ganizations, has been an earnest worker. and in con-
tact with his fellow-men, has ever been a courteous
gentleman, devoid of all egotism and ostentation.
Few men will leave behind them a higher charac-
ter, a better reputation or a brighter example of a
pure life than Dr. Edward Augustus Guilbert.

as =

=o

ICHAEL KENNEDY. For about forty
M years the subject of this sketch has been
intimately connected with the growth

and development of Clayton County, as he settled
on a farm in Volga Township in the early days of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 373

 

its history, the land being then but little broken
and there being few settlements within its limits.
For ten years he engaged in improving and cul-
tivating his farm, making it one of the valuable
ones of the township; he never spared his energy
in any direction when he believed it might be di-
rected to the advantage of his place. In 1866 he
retired to some extent from active cares, removing
his family to Elkader, where he resided for three
years.

A native of Ireland, Mr. Kennedy was born in
County Tipperary September 26, 1816, being ason
of Michael and Jude (Stapleton) Kennedy, also
natives of the Emerald Isle. In the schools of his
native land he acquired a good general education
and there continued to make his home for many
years after reaching his majority. In 1844 he car-
ried into effect a resolution which had been grow-
ing within him for some time to seek his fortune
in the United States, and therefore he set forth in
one of the slow sailing-vessels of that period and
in' due course of time arrived in New York City.
Going to Syracuse, N. Y., he made that city his
place of abode for a period of ten years, when in
1854 he departed for the west and for one year
was a resident of Dubuque, this state, after which,
as previously stated, he came to this county.

About 1869 Mr. Kennedy went to Highland
Township and there conducted a farm until 1894,
when he once more retired to make his home in
Elkader. His hard-earned money, which he has
acquired through years of honest and industrious
effort, he has invested mainly in real estate. He
has never regretted the fact that he decided to
cast in his lot with the inhabitants of this favored
region, for his efforts have been blessed with suc-
cess far beyond his expectations, and he has laid
up ample means whereby to spend in comfort his
declining years.

In 1848, while a resident of Syracuse, N. Y., Mr.
Kennedy married Miss Catherine Burke, who was
called from this life in the spring of 1855, leaving
five children to mourn her loss. In the latter part
of 1855 our subject was united in marriage with
Mrs. Mary Mooney, who was a faithful and de-
voted helpmate and companion to her husband for
about thirty-five years. She departed this life on

 

the 7th of August, 1891, leaving many loving
friends, who deeply lamented her loss. In politics
Mr. Kennedy is independent, preferring not to be
bound by party ties but to vote for the man whom
he considers best qualified in every way to carry
out the wishes of the people.

7S Ceo SSes=~

ATRICK H. HALPIN. Among those who
[P occupy positions of public trust in Du-
buque is the gentleman whose name heads
this record. He is serving as Clerk of the District
Court and proves an efficient and trustworthy
officer. He was born December 25, 1849, on the
placid waters of the Atlantic, when his parents,
Michael and Mary (Hehir) Halpin, were en route
for the United States. They landed at New York
and took up their residence in Brooklyn, where
they resided for six years. ‘They then came with
their family to Dubuque, locating in this city in
1856. Here the father died in November, 1884,
but the mother survives him and is yet living in
Dubuque. They became the parents of ten chil-
dren, but only four are living.

Patrick Halpin is the second in order of birth.
He has resided in Dubuque since his sixth year and
in the public and select schools of this city he ac-
quired his education. In 1865, when a youth of
fifteen, he entered upon his business career. He
began to earn his own livelihood as a clerk in the
grocery store of P. T. Bronat, and afterward was
employed by John Dunn. He thus worked until
he had obtained some capital of his own, when in
1868 he embarked in the grocery business for him-
self. He has since conducted operations along
that line in a successful and profitable manner and
yet carries on his store, at the same time attending
to his official duties. His business is located at the
corner of Jones and Locust Streets, where he car-
ries a full stock of staple and fancy groceries. He
is now well established in business, and from the
public receives a liberal patronage which is well
deserved. He earnestly desires to please his cus-
374

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

tomers and in all his dealings is straightforward
and honorable, and in consequence he has gained
the confidence and good will of the community.
In 1890 he was elected Clerk of the District Court
and re-elected in 1892, so that he is now serving
his fourth year in that office.

In 1879 Mr. Halpin was united in marriage with
Miss Mary A., daughter of James Robison, Esq.,of
Dubuque. Unto them nine children were born.
In connection with his other business interests,
Mr. Halpin is a Director in the Dubuque County
Bank, and Director and stockholder of the Excel-
sior Brass Works, of this city. He is a member of
the Catholic Church and also of the executive
committee of the Personal Liberty Association of
Dubuque. In politics he is a stalwart Democrat
and takes an active interest in furthering the cause
of Democracy, doing all in his power to insure the
success of the party.

 

 

©. xaar%s ©)
PEEP EEE ELE LEED EE
On ZOON ~©o

ILLIAM H. SANFORD is one of the
native sons of Jones County and is now
engaged in carrying on a general store

in the small but thrifty village of Amber, Wayne
Township. Tbe Sanford family have been promi-
nent factors in the development of Jones County
and have borne their share in everything relating
to its progress. William Sanford, the paternal
grandfather of our subject, came here as early as
1852 and entered sixteen hundred acres of land
from the Government. The main part of this tract
was located in Wayne Township, near Edenburg,
the old county seat, which is located near the geo-
graphical center of the county. Later in life the
grandfather returned to his former Ohio home,
where his death occurred in 1870. He wasa native
of Vermont and could trace his ancestry back to
1620, when one Thomas Sanford emigrated from
England, making asettlement in Connecticut. One
of his descendants, Oliver Sanford, was a soldier in

 

the war of the Revolution and many in this line
have been noted in public affairs.

The parents of William H., of this sketch, were
Allen and Catherine (Hartman) Sanford, both na-
tives of Ohio. The father was & prosperous farmer,
who came to Jones County in 1854, this being
previous to his marriage, which occurred three years
later. His wife’s father, Tilman Hartman, was the
founder of Amber and a well-to-do business man
who located in this community in 1852. Allen
Sanford was the third of four children and caine to
this county with his father, settling at first on a
farm on section 26. This tract comprised two hun-
dred and forty acres in Wayne Township and was
mainly unimproved. He engaged in general farm-
ing and stock-raising, making a financial success
of his undertakings. His death occurred in 1872
and afterwards his widow removed from the farm
to Amber, buying a store of her brother, Peter
Hartman, which she operated several years,

William H. Sanford was born in Wayne Town-
ship, March 12, 1859, was reared to farm life and
educated in the district schools until he was six-
teen years of age. He then removed to this village
and for ten years was an active grain merchant.
In 1878 he purchased an interest in his mother’s
store and continued its management for about two
years when he became sole proprietor. He carries
a full stock of general merchandise, and being al-
ways thoroughly reliable and upright in his deal-
ings with his customers, receives a large trade. In
addition to this Mr. Sanford is also interested in
other enterprises and assisted in the establishing of
the Amber Creamery in this portion of the county,
and later purchased the one in Jackson Township.
His fine farm, which comprises four hundred acres
and is one of the best in the locality, he now leases
to a tenant, preferring to give his own time to com-
mercial pursuits.

In 1878 Mr. Sanford married Miss Maggie Cook,
of Monticello. She is a daughter of John Cook,
who was a soldier in the late war of the Rebellion,
and was killed at the battle of Atlanta. Ason and
daughter grace the marriage of our subject and his
worthy wife. Jennie, the elder, is still pursuing
her studies and William A. isa schoolboy. Fra-
ternally Mr. Sanford is a member of Anamosa
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

375

 

 

Lodge No. 46, A. F.& A.M. Allen T., a brother
of William H., is a graduate of the Iowa State Uni-
versity and is now pursuing a course of legal study
at Harvard University, being a young man of
marked ability and natural talent. Mr. Sanford
has in connection with his store a cold storage
building for eggs, in which he is doing a large busi-
ness, having at present about thirty-five thousand
dozen now in store.

=A Oe =

Church of the Sacred Heart at Monticello,
is a man of superior education and attain-
ments, highly respected and esteemed, not only by
his own congregation, but by all who enjoy the
pleasure of his acquaintance. Though not of
American birth, he is loyal to the institutions of
our country, and is a progressive, liberal-spirited
citizen, favoring all measures tending toward the
advancement of the people. Since coming to
Monticello he has labored with devotion and un-
wearied fidelity in the interests of the cause at this
place, and his efforts have been rewarded, for the
congregation has increased numerically, and its
spiritual growth has also been quite gratifying.
The subject of this sketch is a young man, hay-
ing been born in 1860. In Ireland, the land of
his birth, he grew to manhood, meantime carrying
on his studies in the parochial schools, and after-
ward entered Mt. Milleran Seminary, where he
remained a short time. His education was com-_
pleted at Carlow College. Thus well equipped for
a successful career in whatever profession he might
enter, he decided to give his life to the holy order
of the priesthood. There was need of workers in
the growing towns in the western and middle
states of our country, so, in 1883, he crossed the
ocean, and on arriving in America, made his way
directly to Dubuque, Iowa, where he was placed
in charge of St. Raphael’s Church. For two years
he labored in that capacity, and afterward for a
few years he held the pastorate of the church at

| oc JOHN McCORMICK, Rector of the

 

Britt, Hancock County, Iowa, at the same time
having charge of adjoining missions. His next
location was in Harper’s Ferry, Allamakee County,
where he preached to large congregations.

In December of 1886 Father McCormick was
appointed pastor of the Church of the Sacred
Heart at Monticello, where he now has a congre-
gation consisting of forty families. The church
is in a flourishing condition, and its harmonious
working proves the skillful oversight of the pas-
tor. He also has charge of the church at Sand
Springs, Delaware County, in which are to be
found representatives of several different nation-
alities, but, notwithstanding this fact, they all
work harmonidusly together. Ever uppermost in
his heart is the welfare and progress of the work
in which he is engaged. Since accepting this po-
sition he has made many improvements in the
church, which indicates a praiseworthy spirit
among the people and earnest effort on the part of
the Rector.

Bk

IRAM ARNOLD, for a number of years
el actively engaged in agricultural pursuits,
at present devotes his attention to the
buying, selling and shipping of stock, in which
line of business he displays great energy, capability
and force of character. Since the close of the war
he has been a resident of Jones County, and during
much of this time has made his home in Wyo-
ming, where he now resides. He is numbered
among the influential citizens of the place, and by
his marked public spirit has enhanced the material
development and growth of the city.

The Empire State has given to Iowa many of
her best citizens,and Mr. Arnold is one of this
class. He was born in Jefferson County, N. Y.,
January 9, 1843, and is of Scotch-Irish descent.
The family has been represented in America for
several generations, and Jacob Arnold, our sub-
ject’s grandfather, himself a native of Jefferson
County, N. Y., was one of the brave men who de-
fended the interests of the Government against
376

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

the encroachments of the British that resulted in
the War of 1812.

The father of our subject, Nathan Arnold, was
born in Jefferson County and was trained to farm-
ing pursuits. In 1850 he removed westward as far
as Illinois, whence in 1854 he came to Jones Coun-
ty, Iowa, and with the early history of this part of
the state his name was closely associated. He took
a prominent part in the opening of roads and
building of schoolhouses, and was instrumental in
securing many improvements of a substantial na-
ture. His death occurred in Rome Township, Sep-
tember 20, 1890, when one of the pioneers of the
county was removed from the scenes of his former
activity. Politically he had been prominent as a
local leader of the Republican party. His wife,
whose maiden name was Nancy Calkin, was born
in Jefferson County, N. Y., and was a daughter
of Seth Calkin, likewise born in that county.
She is still living, and at the age of seventy-six
years (1894), resides in Iowa.

When the family came to Illinois the subject of
this sketch was a lad of seven years, and the rudi-
ments of his education were received in the schools
of Rockford. In 1854 he came to Jones County,
where he grew to manhood. When the war broke
out he was only eighteen years of age, but fired
with the ardor of youth and the patriotic impulses
of a loyal citizen, he enlisted in the defense of the
Old Flag. July 28, 1862, his name was enrolled as
a member of Company K, Twenty-fourth Iowa In-
fantry, which was assigned to the Thirteenth Army
Corps. With his regiment he participated in
several of the most decisive engagements of the
conflict, as well as many battles of lesser note. At
the battle of Sabine Cross Roads he distinguish-
ed himself by carrying ammunition and distrib-
uting it all along the lines, where he was exposed
to the hottest fire of the enemy.

At the close of the Rebellion, with a record as a
brave and gallant soldier, Mr. Arnold was honor-
ably discharged from the service. Coming to
Iowa, he settled on a farm near Wyoming, and for
four years engaged as a tiller of the soil. Since
that time he has been a dealer in stock, which he
buys extensively and ships to the large markets.
In politics he is a Republican, and takes an inter-

-the advanced age of eighty-seven years.

 

est in the success of his party. He is a member of
the City Council and for nine years, beginning in
1878, filled the position of Deputy Sheriff of Jones
County.

The marriage of Mr. Arnold, occurring in 1868,
united him with Miss Armella Newell, who was
born near Towanda, Bradford County, Pa. Her
father, Elisha Newell, removed from Pennsylvania
to Iowa and died in Jones County. Twosons and
one daughter have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ar-
nold, namely: Frederick H.; Letta M., wife of R.
B. Curtis, of Anamosa, Jowa; and Arthur J. In
religious connections the family is identified with
the Methodist Episcopal Church of Wyoming, to
the support of which, as well as all truly benevo-
lent projects, Mr. Arnold is a generous contributor.
Mr. Arnold is also engaged in raising sheep and
furnishes numerous farmers with flocks to keep on
shares.

OHN McCONNON, a highly respected resi-
dent of Monticello, is engaged in the flour
and feed business, having a well stocked es-
tablishment, and follows a line of trade in

which he is making a success. He was born in
Boston, Mass., April 26, 1826, and is the son of
Hugh and Ann (O’Donnell) McConnon, both of
whom were natives of Ireland, and came to the
United States in 1819, locating in Boston. The
father worked as a slater while living in the Hub
City, but after moving to New Hampshire carried
on farm pursuits and there passed his last days.

Mrs. Ann McConnon came to Iowa in company
with our subject in 1854, with whom she made her
home until her decease in Monticello, in 1885, at
Hugh
McConnon was only forty-five at the time of his
death. The parents reared a family of four chil-
dren, May; John, of this sketch; Sarah, the wife of
John Matthews of this city, and Ellen, the wife of
W. H. Proctor, a merchant in Monticello.

The subject of this sketch was given a good
education in Claremont, N. H., after which he
passed his years on his father’s farm, until coming
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

377

 

 

to Iowa in 1854. He at once made his home in
this city, and for eighteen years was teamster for
his brother-in-law, W. H. Proctor. He then opened
a flour and feed store, and since 1879 has been en-
gaged in this line of business and thus commands a
good trade.

John McConnon was married in 1855 to Miss
Sally A., daughter of Alex and Betsey Graham.
Their union has resulted in the birth of three sons
and two daughters, namely: William, an electri-
cian, who makes his home in Albany, N. Y.; John,
who is also an electrician, and is engaged in busi-
ness in New Orleans; Frank, who is a student in
Ames, Iowa; Anna G., the wife of T. F. Beving-
ton of Sioux City, this state, who died in 1883
when twenty-four years of age, and Nellie, who
afterward married her brother-in-law, T. F. Beving-
ton.

In politics Mr. McConnon is strongly in sympa-
thy with the Prohibition party and always votes
that ticket, believing that the day will soon come
when they will elect a President. In religious
affairs he is a devout member of the Catholic
Church.

Se.

OHN F. SCHUMACHER, the genial proprie-
tor of the Garnavillo Hotel, is a native of
Iowa, and was born in Read Township, Clay-
ton County, November 21, 1855. His father,

Henry Schumacher, was born in Hanover, Germany,
December 1, 1821. He learned the trade of a
blacksmith in his native land, and for a number of
years worked at that hard, though honest, labor.
In 1846 he emigrated to America, landing first in
New Orleans, where he remained a short time, but
having friends in Iowa, he came to Read Township
and located on section 15. Here he purchased
two hundred and forty acres of land, and soon had
a comfortable home and as good and well im-
proved a farm as could be found in the township.
For almost twenty years, Henry Schumacher and
his family remained on this farm, but in 1865 he
moved to McGregor, this county, and went in

 

partnership with J. L. Hagensick in the brewery
business. He continued in this occupation for one
year, and then sold out and bought another farm
near Postville, where he remained for a short time.
In 1867 he purchased the brewery at Garnavillo.
Mr. Schumacher was very successful here, and con-
tinued in the business until his death, which oc-
curred in 1881, at the age of sixty-nine years.

Henry Schumacher was married on the 24th
of December, 1852, to Miss Margarethe Hagen-
sick, and by this union there were born ten chil-
dren, seven of whom are living: Mary, the wife
of J. H. Tangeman, who is the proprietor of a first-
class grocery store in Garnavillo; Christopher W.,
who married Rozena Thoma and makes his home
in Garnavillo; John F., our subject; Maggie, Mrs.
Roebken, also of Garnavillo; Amelia, the wife of
William Mohreman, also a resident of the same
place; Henry, Jr., who married Martha Schulte and
lives in Garnavillo, and Bertha, who married Ed-
ward Tangeman, and makes her home on a farm in
Read Township.

Our subject was married February 25, 1880, to
Miss Paulina Brumm, who was born on the 26th
of January, 1860, a daughter of William and
Carolina (Rechow) Brumm, natives of Germany.
They came to America in 1852, and settled in Jef-
ferson Township, this county. The children that
gathered around this fireside were six in number.
Emil, the first in order of their birth, married Miss
Minnie Neiter, and lives in Palo Alto County,
Iowa. Emma, the wife of Fritz Neiter, makes her
home at Spirit Lake, Iowa. Otto, who married
Bertha Sigg in 1880,died May 5, 1886, leaving
a widow and two children. Matilda married
Gustave Ingerson, who lives in Dubuque and is
connected with the Norwegian Plow Works; they
are the parents of four children, Caroline, deceased,
Olga, Freddie and Ralph. Paulina is the wife of
our subject. Willie, who married Emma Mauer, is
a carpenter and makes his home in Dubuque.

Mr. Schumacher took charge of the Garnavillo
Hotel of Garnavillo in 1880, and is doing a very
successful business in that line. He keeps a first-
class hotel, is pleasing in his manners and is popu-
lar with all his guests, well known in the commu-
nity and highly respected by all who have the honor
378

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

of his acquaintance. Mr. and Mrs. Schumacher are
the parents of two boys, Realto, a bright boy of
thirteen, who is a great help to his father in the
hotel business, and Arnold, born May 21, 1885.
Our subject is one of the Trustees of Garnavillo
Township, and has served in that otlice for three
years. Socially, he is a member of Lodge No. 29,
I. O. O. F., alsoa member of the Masonic order and
the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and with
his estimable wife is a member of the Lutheran
Church. In politics he is a Democrat of the old
type, voting for and working in the interest of
that party.

 

KEEEEEEEE EEE MELE EEE EEE EET EDS

 

EORGE STUHLER is one of the prowi-
nent and influential business men of Monti-
cello, and has done his full share toward

the development and improvement of the city
since his residence here. Formerly the proprietor
of a large boot and shoe establishment, he is now
living retired and his business interests are carried
on in a most satisfactory manner by his three sons.
The store isa large double room stocked with every
variety and grade of footwear.

The subject of this sketch was born in Hesse-
Cassel, Germany, April 11, 1822, and is the son of
Frank and Elizabeth (Fogal) Stuhler, also natives
of the Fatherland, where the former was a shoe-
maker by trade, in which business he trained his
sons. George, of this sketch, was one in a family
of five children, and attended the model schools
of his native land until a lad of fourteen years,
when he was apprenticed to learn the trade of a
shoemaker. After working at the business for
three years, he traveled for two years in the villa-
ges and towns surrounding his home.

In 1849, believing that he could better his fort-
unes in the New World, Mr. Stubler embarked on
a vessel which landed him in New York City sev-
eral weeks later. He remained in the metropolis
for ten months, after which he went to Pittsburg,
Pa., and for the following two years prosecuted
his trade in that city. At the expiration of that
time we find Mr. Stuhler in Muscatine, this state,

 

and after a residence there of five years he made
his advent into this city. He immediately opened
a shop and was engaged in the manufacture of
boots and shoes for many years, giving employ-
ment to six or eight men. He soon became recog-
nized as one of the leading business men of the
county, and was probably as well known as any
other merchant within its bounds. The large es-
tablishment over which he presided until 1892 is
well fitted and supplied with a complete line of
carefully chosen footwear, which is unsurpassed
in quality and reasonable in price. The business
is conducted under the style of George Stuhler &
Sons.

In the year 1852, our subject was married to
Miss Catherine Rice of Wittenberg, Germany, who
at the time of her union with Mr. Stuhler was re-
siding in Muscatine, this state. To them have
been born three sons, bearing the respective names
of George W., William and Fred P.

Our subject has always taken a prominent part
in local affairs, and is especially interested in the
cause of education. His fellow-citizens recog-
nizing this fact placed him on the School Board,
where he rendered valuable service for one year.

‘He has been a member of the City Council and in

various ways has aided in the upbuilding of his
community, and although in the seventy-third
year of his age, is still hale and hearty.

 

BRSESESESE SE GB SESE IESE

7 ENJAMIN H. MILLER. There is in the
history of every successful life a lesson
for all; for if a man be industrious, per-
severing and ambitious, he will undoubtedly rise
to prominence in his chosen vocation, whether he

 

4

. start in life with the influence of wealth or handi-

capped by poverty. Among the citizens of Jones
County who have gained positions of prominence
solely through their personal exertions and whose
genial characteristics have gained the esteem of
all, we present the name of B. H. Miller, attorney-
at-law, residing at Olin, and one of the native-born
citizens of the county. 2

Both the maternal and paternal ancestors of our
 

MONROE R. AMSDEN.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

381

 

 

subject were of German extraction, but the fami-
lies have been represented in America since an early
day. His father, Jacob, was the son of Christian
Miller, and was born in Virginia, but at the age of
two years was taken by his parents to Ohio, set-
tling in Fairfield County. There, amid primeval
scenes and privations incident to lifein a new
country, he grew to manhood. As a companion
on life’s journey he selected Mary Keller, anative
of Pennsylvania, who came with her father, Henry
Keller, to Ohio and settled in Fairfield County,
there growing to womanhood. They came to Jones
County in 1844, and here the father died July 16,
1881,aged eighty-one years. The mother is still
living, at the age of ninety-one years.

At the family residence in Rome Township,
Jones County, Iowa, on the 10th of April, 1845,
ason was born who was named Benjamin H. He
grew to manhood on the old homestead, receiving
good educational advantages in the district
schools. Later he was a student in the Lisbon
High School, from which he was graduated in
1861. He then taught afew terms of school, and
saving his earnings, was enabled to embark in the
photograph business, which he continued a short
time. Meantime he commenced the study of law,
and in March, 1875, was admitted to practice at
the Bar in Anamosa. Opening an office in Olin, he
has since carried on a general practice in all the
courts.

In political affairs, as in all matters of general
interest, Mr. Miller keeps thoroughly posted and
affiliates with the Democratic party. As a mem-
ber of the School Board he has assisted in raising
the standard of education and promoting the
grade of scholarship. His fellow-citizens, realizing
his fitness for public office, elected him to the high-
est position within their gift, that of Mayor, in
which capacity he was instrumental in introducing
some needed reforms and promoting the general
welfare of the city. He has also served as Chair-
man of the County Democratic Central Committee.

September 12, 1869, Mr. Miller was united in
marriage with Miss Eva Foreman, a native of Jones
County,to which place her father, Jacob Foreman,
migrated from Illinois in 1844. They have had
six children, and of these five are still living, four

 

sons and one daughter, namely: Merton M., Earl
F., Harry W., Luelle B.and Ruby Adell. Socially
Mr. Miller is popular with all classes, his genial
and courteous manners having won for him the
friendship of his associates. His life is worthy of
emulation by the rising generation, for he started
in his profession with limited means, and through
tireless exertions has become well-to-do. His ex-
ample will doubtless encourage many to greater
efforts for success in life and to noble deeds of
generosity for the public good.

SSS Ea iii.
Serge bebe

ONROE ROSELLE AMSDEN, General
M Manager and Treasurer of the Large &

Amsden Company, wholesale dealers in
boots, shoes and rubbers, is one of the enterprising
and successful merchants of Dubuque. The busi-
ness with which he is connected is among the
oldest industries in the city, having been estab-
lished by the senior partner, William P. Large, in
1856.

Mr. Amsden was born in Belvidere, Ill, on the
12th of April, 1849. His father, Noah C. Ams-
den, was born in Westfield, N. Y., September 6,
1820. His mother, whose maiden name was Sarah
S. Hulbert, was born in Johnstown, N. Y., August
13, 1825. There were seven children, six of whom
were twins. C. M. Amsden, the twin brother of
the subject of this sketch, is General Manager of
the Minneapolis & Northern Elevator Company of
Minneapolis, Minn. In 1856 the family removed
to Dubuque, Iowa. N.C. Amsden engaged in the
commission business, which he continued until
1889, being one of the leading business men of the
early days. He died in Minneapolis, Minn., No-
vember 16, 1891.

Having completed the course of study in the
public schools of Dubuque, M. R. Amsden, in the
summer of 1863, entered the employ of Joseph N.
Waggoner, dealer in books, music and wall paper,
and remained with him seven years. In 1870 he
began business for himself in general merchandis-
382

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ing at Le Mars, Iowa. In August, 1874, he sold
out, and returning to Dubuque, formed business
relations with W. P. Large that continued up to
the death of the latter, which occurred on the 21st
of November, 1893. The first four years he was
employed as traveling salesman, and in July, 1879,
became a partner in the business. Upon the death
of Mr. Large, the Large & Amsden Company was
incorporated without change of interests. This
house has always enjoyed a good patronage in
Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and
South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Mr. Amsden is Director in the First National
Bank of Dubuque, and is connected with other
important industries of the city. He is a wide-
awake, progressive business man, whose well di-
rected efforts and careful management have brought
him a success which is richly deserved. Politi-
cally, he has always been a Republican. He is a
Deacon in the First Congregational Church.

November 8, 1888, Mr. Amsden was united in
marriage with Miss Frank Iowa Hinds, daughter
of Franklin Hinds, who for thirty years was one
of the most successful hardware merchants in the
city. They have one child, a daughter, Donna
Hinds Amsden.

 

Go ACO —~

 

OHN BATES owns and operates a good farm

on section 4, Wayne Township, Jones Coun-

ty. Since he was twenty years of age, for a
period covering over forty years, he has been

a resident of this portion of the state, and has been
identified in everything relating to its develop-
ment and progress. He was born in Fulton Coun-
ty, N. Y., in the town of Oppenheim, April 25,
1833, being a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Wood)
Bates. The former was a native of Fulton County,
while the mother’s birth occurred in Saratoga
County, N. Y. She grew to womanhood in her
native county, and was the daughter of John
Wood, a worthy and respected citizen of that com-
munity. The paternal grandfather of our subject

 

was Jacob Bates; his birth took place in Massachu-
setts and he was of English descent.

In 1853 Thomas Bates decided to try his fort-
unes in the state of Iowa, and accordingly removed
hither with his family. After some prospecting he
determined to settle permanently in Delaware
County, and made his home near Sand Springs; he
came here in 1860, and passed his last years with
his son, John, at his present home. His death oc-
curred in 1874, but his wife preceded him to the
better land about four years. They were the par-
ents of seven children, four sons and three daugh-
ters, and of this number five still survive.

John Bates, the subject of this biographical
sketch, was next to the youngest of his father’s
family, and was reared from boyhood to agricult-
ural pursuits, his time being passed on his father’s
farm in Fulton County until be had nearly at-

_tained his majority. As regards education, he re-

ceived ordinary common-school advantages in the
Empire State, but has never ceased his studies and
extensive reading. “After coming to Iowa he more
seriously devoted his attention to farming and
stock-raising, and was still quite a young man
when he bought his first forty acres of land in
Wayne Township. The boundaries of his home-
stead have been constantly increased until his
property now comprises two hundred and thirty
acres. This is nearly all under constant cultiva-
tion, and the place as it stands is a very desirable
one, as it is exceedingly well equipped with a good
residence, barns and outbuildings. The largest
barn is 40x100 feet in dimensions, the hay mow
having a capacity of one hundred and forty tons.
As the farm is well adapted to dairy purposes, the
owner keeps a number of cows, selling the milk to
the creameries, and from this source derives a good
income.

In 1865 John Bates was united in marriage with
Helen, daughter of John A. and Julia M. Thomp-
son, formerly of Delaware County, N. Y. Mr.and
Mrs. Bates have two sons, Charles E., a thrifty
farmer of Wayne Township, who married Miss
Nettie E., the daughter of William Sutherland, and
Chauncey T., the younger son, who is now living
ou the old homestead and is carrying on its work.
He was born in this county November 4, 1869, and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

is one of the enterprising young agriculturists of
the county. In thespring of 1893 he was married
to Miss Franc, daughter of M. W. Herrick, one of
the leading attorneys of Monticello.

A pronounced Republican, Mr. Bates is greatly
interested in the success of his party, and by his
neighbors and friends several times has been called
upon to serve in local official capacities. For two
terms be fulfilled the duties pertaining to the office
of County Supervisor to the full satisfaction of
all concerned, and was also Township Clerk and
Trustee for several years. In all his business and
general relations with his fellow-citizens he has
endeavored always to carry out his principles of
right and justice, and in this way has made warm
and trusted friends.

mere ni FB ERS,

 

ACOB MILLER. Prominent among the ag-
riculturists of Clayton County, and a gentle-
man who has been successful in the prosecu-
tion of his vocation, is he of whom we write.

Mr. Miller is residing upon his well improved farm
of two hundred and fifty acres on section 5, Farm-
ersburg Township, where he is industriously en-
gaged in his vocation.

Jacob Miller came to this country when he was
but ten years old, and has here resided until the
present time. He was born in Wurtemberg, Ger-
many, September 22,1847. His parents, Jacob and
Mary (Sheifele) Miller, were both natives of the
same place. The father served six years in the
German army, entering in the year 1815, and was
stationed in France. He was married in Germany
and in the year 1855 came to America, locating in
Muskingum County, Ohio, until the year 1857,
when he settled in Giard Township, Clayton
County, Iowa. He wasa shoemaker by calling
and followed that occupation when he first came
to this country; subsequently he located on his
present farm and followed agricultural pursuits.
At that time his farm was all prairie land, but with
a strong heart and wiliing hands he undauntedly
commenced the arduous task of improving it, and
after a few years of toil he saw that his labor was

 

383

not in vain. Both now sleep in the cemetery on
section 3 in this township. There were seven chil-
dren born to them, four of whom are living and
of whom we make the following mention: John
lives in Cherokee County, Iowa; Jacob is our sub-
ject; George resides on the Pacific Coast; Kate
Schaller lives at Storm Lake, lowa; Melchior was
Corporal in the One Hundred and Twenty-second
Ohio Infantry, and John served in the Twenty-
seventh Jowa Infantry; both did gallant service in
the late Civil War and died for the cause they
loved.

Soon after his arrival in this country, our subject
was compelled to goto work and engaged with
afarmer. In the winter and early spring of 1865
he drove a team for the Government at Washing-
ton, D. C., continuing at the same for some time.
He then purchased from his father the old home-
stead, which he has improved wonderfully. In the
year 1885 he erected a fine two-story and base-
ment brick residence at a cost of $2,600, and a
capacious barn 40x70 feet in dimensions which
cost $1,600. Besides his regular agricultural pur-
suits he raises fine thoroughbred horses, cattle
and Poland-China hogs.

Our subject was united in marriage in 1877 with
Miss Elizabeth Helwig, a daughter of Conrad and
Dora Helwig, both of whom are old settlers in
Giard Township. She was born there February
17, 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Miller have seven
children asfollows: Emma, Clara, Grover, Nettie,
Hulda, Ruth and an infant. The children are al-
lowed the very best education and are regular at-
tendants at school.

Mr. Miller is a member of the School Board and
has been Assessor of Farmersburg Township for
the past six years. In politics he isan earnest sup-
porter of Democratic principles.

ee

H. E. SOMMERFELD is the President of
the Dubuque Dye Works of Dubuque. The
record of his life is as follows: He was
born in Prussia on the 12th of July, 1835, and is
ason of Carl Frederick and Julia Sommerfeld,
384

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

both of whom were also natives of Germany. The
father was a manufacturer and also owned consid-
erable land in that country. Under the parental
roof our subject was reared to manhood, the days
of his youth being quietly passed. The public
schools afforded him his educational privileges,
and in accordance with the laws of Germany he
served in the army fora time. In 1859 he came
to America, hoping thereby to benefit his financial
condition. When the briny deep was crossed he
landed in Maine, and from the Pine Tree State
made his way to Ottawa, Canada, where he re-
mained for a year anda-half. On leaving Canada
he went to Chicago, and after residing there for a
time, sought a home in the Hawkeye State. In
Chicago he learned the trade of dying cloth and
he has followed that business through much of
his life.

Mr. Sommerfeld first located in Des Moines, and
there obtained employment in a woolen factory
where he remained for a year. In 1863 he came to
Dubuque and established his present plant, con-
ducting business along that line from that time up
to the present. He is now at the head of the Du-
buque Dye Works, and from a small beginning he
has built up a most extensive business. He turns
out a good grade of work and therefore his trade
has steadily increased.

Mr. Sommerfeld has been three times married.
In 1857 he was joined in wedlock with Miss Wil-
helmina Raabe, a native of Germany, who died
in 1858. The same year he married Albertina
Raabe, sister of his first wife. She died in 1878
leaving five children: Minnie, Ewald, Bertha, Hat-
tie and Adolph. In 1879 Mr. Sommerfeld mar-
ried Louisa Freihofer; she was born in Connecti-
cut. The family reside at No. 668 Iowa Street,
and the parents are consistent members of the
Episcopal Church.

Mr. Sommerfeld also holds membership with the
Ancient Order of United Workmen.
ternity he is a very prominent and active worker,
and he is now serving as Deputy Grand Master of
the Grand Lodge of Iowa, the Odd Fellows’ society,
and Humboldt Encampment, I.O. 0. F. He also be-
longs to the German Sangerbund. In politics he
isa stalwart Republican, warmly advocating the

In that fra-

 

principles of his party. He takes an active interest
in public affairs, and gives his hearty support and
co-operation to those enterprises which are calcu-
lated to benefit the community. It wasa fortunate
day for him when he came to America and he
has never had occasion to regret that he carried
out his determination to emigrate, for in this coun-
try he has been prospered and has worked his way
up from an humble position to one of affluence.

sss

OHN E. KETCHAM for a period extending
over a quarter of a century has been identi-
fied with the development of Cass Township,
Jones County. His residence is located on

section 16, where he has a valuable and well im-
proved farm of some four hundred acres. In local
political affairs and in all progressive movements
which have for their object the betterment of this
region, our subject is actively interested and has
been a leader.

John Ketcham, the father of our subject, was a
native of New Jersey, in which state his son, John
E., was born in 1824, his nativity occurring in
Morris County. His mother’s maiden name was
Joanna Burnett, and she too was born in New Jer-
sey. The early years of our subject were passed
with his parents, and his education was that of the
common schools, which he attended more or less
until about nineteen years of age. He learned the
blacksmith’s trade in Delaware County, Ohio, to
which locality he removed about 1843. For a
period of about twenty years he was employed at
that vocation, and finally, in 1867, came to Iowa.
Since that time, when he located on a farm in Cass
Township, he has given his entire attention to the
cultivation and development of his homestead. He
is a practical and progressive agriculturist, and
has made a good success of his life work. In ad-
dition to general farming he has raised and fed
cattle and live stock quite extensively, and by this
means has also made a considerable fortune. As
the years passed and his resources increased he ex-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

385

 

 

tended the boundaries of his farm until, as before
stated, he is now the proud possessor of four hun-
dred acres. The fences, barns and buildings be-
speak the owner’s careful attention and supervis-
ion of every detail, and the place is truly a model

one.
In 1850 Mr. Ketcham was married in Ohio to

Miss Martha Wheaton, who was born in the Em-
pire State, and is a daughter of Squire Wheaton,
formerly a prominent and leading citizen of Ohio.
To Mr. and Mrs. Ketcham have been born six chil-
dren who still survive, three sons and three daugh-
ters, namely: William, an enterprising farmer of
this township; James and Elmer, who also follow
agricultural pursuits; Emma, Joanna and Hattie.
In local politics Mr. Ketcham has been of late years
independent of party lines, and on questions of
national import deposits his ballot in favor of Re-
publican nominees. He is one of the stanchest
supporters of the party, and isa great advocate of
temperance principles. He has acquired his pros-
perity and fortune by means of his own unassisted
efforts and natural ability, and much credit is due
to him for his honorable and upright career.

RED H. SCHMIDT is a member of the firm
of Schmidt Bros., proprietors of the rolling
mills of Elkader, who have succeeded in

building up a large general and local trade. Our
subject is an enterprising and progressive young
business man, being numbered among the leading
citizens of this thriving town. He is a native of
Clayton County, having been born in Read Town-
ship, in 1863; he has passed his entire life in this
region, and is identified in every respect with its
welfare.

The subject of this narrative is a son of Wolf-
gang and Paulina (Thoma) Schmidt. The father
isa native of Germany, and many years ago left
the Fatherland, coming to America and making a
settlement in Clayton County in the early days of
its history. He owned and improved a good farm

 

in Read Township, and has long been numbered
among the patriotic citizens of his adopted land.
Fred H. received a good common-school education
in the public schvols near his home, and later at-
tended those of Elkader. On commencing the
active duties of life he went into partnership with
his father and uncle, J. B. Schmidt. The firm
name is now Schmidt Bros. & Co., including him-
self, brother Christian and cousin Robert.

In the roller mills in which our subject is inter-
ested may be found the latest improved machinery
used in the trade. The mills are run by water
power and turn out upwards of one hundred and
twenty-five barrels of flour per day. Their repu-
tation is constantly growing and is an enviable
one, as they turn out the best quality of flour,
which is uniformly good. They make a specialty
of three brands, which are known as the “Acme,”’
“Pansy Blossom’’ and “Extra Bakers.’’ Farmers
from all parts of this and adjoining counties bring
their wheat to this mill to be ground, as universal
satisfaction is guaranteed, and the proprietors, who
are courteous and obliging, have their customers’
interests at heart and meet their demands as far
as possible.

The marriage of Mr. Schmidt occurred in 1884,
when Miss Mary Meisner became his bride. She
was a daughter of Edward Meisner, one of the
early settlers of this county. Mrs. Schmidt, who
was educated and grew to womanhood within the
boundaries of Clayton County, was called from
this life in September, 1891, leaving a little son, Er-
win. She was a faithful and consistent member
of the Lutheran Church, to which Mr. Schmidt also
belongs, and was a lady who won the friendship
and love of all who were thrown in contact with
her.

Politically Mr. Schmidt is identified with the
Democratic party, to which he gives his active
support. He comes of sturdy German stock, and
in his own life has manifested many of their char-
acteristics of industry, perseverance and business
sagacity. He has become well-to-do through the
exercise of these qualities, and is rapidly laying
by a snug little fortune, though he has not been
engaged in business for many years. He is aman
of intelligence and wide information, being partic-
386

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ularly devoted to self improvement and study, and
makes a point of keeping thoroughly posted on
the affairs of the day. He numbers many warm
friends in this locality, and not the least among
these are his customers.

een

 

ENRY S. PATTERSON, M. D., who re-
sides in Elkader, is a native son of Clay-
ton County, and is one of her enterprising

and progressive citizens. He has made an earnest
study of his profession and has not allowed his
studies to cease as so many physicians do on leaving
their Alma Mater. Instead he keeps in touch with
the most advanced thought of the medical profes-
_ sion, takes the best journals, and in every way
keeps abreast with the times.

Our subject was born in 1851, being a son of
Wesley and Lucy A. (Shuman) Patterson. The
father was a native of Ohio, his birth having oc-
curred in Wyandotte County, and the year before
the birth of his son, Henry, he concluded to try
his fortupes in the west, accordingly settling in
Clayton County in 1850. His father, John Pat-
terson, was a native of Jreland, who settled in the
Buckeye State in the early part of this century.
Our subject’s mother was born in Pennsylvania,
where she grew to womanhood, later yemoving to
Ohio. Both parents are still living though now
well along in years, their residence being in North
Dakota.

The boyhood of Dr. Patterson was passed in
the county of his nativity, and his early education
was afforded by the public schools. While still
quite young he determined to adopt the medical
profession, and accordingly read and studied un-
der the tutelage of Dr. Bass, of Elkader, who was
one of the pioneer physicians of this locality. In
1885 Dr. Patterson entered the Hahnemann Medi-
cal College at Chicago, from which he graduated
after completing the entire course of study, in
1888. On beginning his practice he located at
Toledo, Iowa, where he remained for two years,

 

pursuing his professional duties in Grundy Cen-
ter for about a year and a-balf and for about eight
months practicing in Waukon, Allamakce County.

It was in April, 1892, that the Doctor came to
Elkader, where he has since conducted a large gen-
eral practice. He is a physician of the Homeo-
pathic school, which he believes to be the best and
most in accord with advanced knowledge. With the
State Homeopathic Society he holds membership,
as well as with the American Institute of home-
opathy. He uses his influence and ballot in favor
of the principles of the Republican party and is a
true patriot and citizen, who holds it a high privi-
lege to do everything in his power to further the
well-being of the people of this fair land.

In December, 1872, Dr. Patterson was married
to Miss Sara E., daughter of J. B. Shelhamer, who
was one of the early settlers of Clayton County.
Two daughters came to bless this union, Alice, and
Susie, who has passed from this life. The Doctor
and his estimable wife are faithful members of
and workers in the Methodist Episcopal Church
and Sunday-school of this place, and their pleas-
ant home is always hospitably open to welcome their
many friends. Dr. Patterson well merits the high
esteem in which he is held by the people of this
section, for he isa man of sterling worth, truth
and justice, whose life is devoted to healing, up-
lifting and blessing those with whom he comes in
contact.

———— Se oGo Googe
— SEPT riie

OSEPH LAMM is one of the enterprising
commercial men of Elkader, being interested
in a number of local industries and business
concerns. He is proprietor of the Elkader

Elevator, the Elkader Creamery, and also runs one
of the large general merchandise stores. In his
various ventures and undertakings he has shown
sagacity and foresight, his efforts having met with
unusual financial success.

Mr. Lamm comes of sturdy German stock and
was born in Erie County, N. Y., in 1849. His
father, Arbagust Lamm, was born in Germany
and came to this country and settled in Erie
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

387

 

County, N. Y.; there he resided for a number of
years, and then proceeded direct to Iowa, making
a settlement in Clayton County, where in course
of time his death occurred.

Joseph Lamm, of this sketch, from his early
years lived on his father’s farm in Wagner Town-
ship, and at the age of thirteen years became a
resident of Elkader, attending the public school
of this place for three years. His opportunities
for obtaining an education were not of the best,
but he improved such as he had, and by further
reading and study supplemented by his experience
and observation in after years, he has become the

well informed and well read man that he now is.

When eighteen years old he began to make his
own way, starting in as a clerk with the firm of
L. Reuther, of Elkader, with whom he remained for
some time. In 1869 he accepted a position as
Deputy Postmaster of Elkader, where he remained
for three and a-half years. He then returned to
his former work as a clerk, later for five years
serving as railway mail clerk.

In 1878 he embarked in business on his own ac-
count in this city, engaging in general merchan-
dising, and this business he has carried on with great
success to the present time. The same year after
starting as a merchant, he also accepted a place as
station agent in Elkader, a position he held until
the year 1892 uninterruptedly, at the same time
supervising his other business. In 1892 Mr. Lamm
built the Elkader Elevator, the business of which
steadily increased until it has become one of the
features of the town. In January, 1894, he also
made a venture in another direction, opening the
creamery of this place which now does a large and
increasing trade. In these various undertakings
Mr. Lamm has been very successful, as he brings
to bear upon everything in which he is interested
his shrewd and accurate judgment.

Mr. Lamm holds membership with Elkader Lodge

‘No. 72, A. F. & A. M., and is also identified with
Chapter No. 41, R. A.M. In politics he sides with
the Republican party, with which he has been con-
nected for many years. In 1880 occurred the mar-
riage of Mr. Lamm and Miss Ella S. Packer, who
passed her girlhood and received her education in
Fayette County, Iowa. The pleasant and hospita-

 

ble home of Mr. and Mrs. Lamm 1s situated on
High Street, where it is their pleasure to often en-
tertain the many friends they have made in this
community. Mr. Lamm occupies an enviable place
in the regard and esteem of his fellow-townsmen,
as he is upright and honorable in his business
transactions, and those who have dealings with
him feel that they can place the most implicit con-
fidence in his carrying out to the letter every con-
tract and agreement he has made.

of ef ofe ahs
SEE

an HOE
Z sSoefoodeog

ON. JOHN S. STACY, ex-County Judge
tH of Jones County and a prominent lawyer
in Anamosa, is a man endowed with keen
intelligence and excellent judgment. He has an ex-
tensive practice and as a private citizen he is highly
esteemed for his public spirit, personal example
and interest in all that is beneficial to the mem-
bers of the community and county at large.

Judge Stacy was born in St. Lawrence County,
N. Y., May 13, 1833, and is the son of Pelatiah
and Jerusha (Tanner) Stacy, the former of whom
was born in Massachusetts in 1792, and departed
this life in 1872. He was the son of Isaac Stacy,
a New Englander of Puritanic stuck. The grand-
father later removed to Cooperstown, N. Y., about
1799, being one of the first to locate in the new
country.

The father of our subject served as a patriot in
the War of 1812. He was a man of great resolu-
tion and force of character and by dint of energy
and prudent management became the possessor of
a comfortable fortune. His wife was of English
and Irish extraction and was the daughter of
Thomas Tanner. Pelatiah Stacy fought as a
soldier in the War of 1812, and in pay for his ser-
vices was given a grant toa tract of land lying in
Poweshiek County, Iowa.

The original of this sketch passed his boyhood
and youth in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where
he worked on his father’s farm and also attended
the district school. When a lad of sixteen years
388

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

he left home, and going to Potsdam entered the
academy and after following the course of study
in that institution for a time, became a student
at Gouverneur Academy. He entered Union
College and was graduated from that institution
in 1857. Young Stacy then taught school for a
time in St. Lawrence and Orange Counties, N. Y.,
and in 1857 he concluded to take the advice of
Horace Greeley given to young men, and came
west.

When leaving his native state our subject first
made his home in Bureau County, IIl., where he
taught schoul for one winter and for a short time
clerked in a country store. In May of the follow-
ing year, he came to Anamosa and in order to
carry out his long cherished plan of following the
profession of a lawyer, entered the office of Hon.
Ezekiel Cutler, a prominent attorney of this city,
and was admitted to the Bar in the fall of 1858.
Mr. Stacy was then taken into partnership with
his former instructor, operating under the firm
name of Cutler & Stacy. This connection existed
until 1862, and was dissolved when the senior
partner went into the army. Our subject con-
tinued the business alone until 1868, when he
formed a partnership with Milton Remley, under
the title of Stacy & Remley, and they continued to-
gether fora period of four years. During that
time Mr. Stacy became interested in a bank in con-
nection with John D. Walworth, and for a decade
was one Of the largest stockholders in the institu-
tion.

In 1870 our subject was chosen the attorney
and one of the directors of the Iowa Midland
Railroad, and took an active part in locating and
constructing the same. In the latter part of the
above year he was made President of the Iowa &
Minnesota Railroad Company, but they were
never able to complete their road on account of the
panic of 1873, when our subject lost heavily.
During the years 1875-76 Mr. Stacy was in Califor-
nia and upon returning to Anamosa resumed his
law practice, to which he has given his undivided
time and attention.

In politics our subject is a true blue Republican,
on which ticket he was elected Judge of Jones
County, this state, in 1861, for a term of two

 

years. In 1864 he was tendered the Senatorship
but declined the honor. On one occasion he was
a popular candidate for Judge of the Circuit Court,
but was defeated by a very small majority. He was
afterward nominated successively for the office of
Senator for the Twenty-fourth District of Iowa
and for Judge of the District Court of the Eigh-
teenth District of Iowa, but owing to the great
disaffection in Republican ranks on account of the
temperance question he was defeated, though in
the first instance leading his party ticket.

In 1862 Judge Stacy was married to Miss Char-
lotte A. Kellogg, a native of St. Albans, Vt. She
is the daughter of Rev. Elias W. Kellogg, and by
her union with our subject has become the mother
of four children. Marian L. is the wife of Dr.
W. B. Skinner, of this city; Edson E. is Secretary
of the Young Men’s Christian Association for the
state of Indiana, with headquarters at Indianapo-
lis, Ind.; he is now in Europe attending a conven-
tion of that body. Bertha S., the second daughter,
is at the head of the art department of Simpson
College at Indianola, this state; and William K.
Kellogg is at home with his parents. Both Judge
and Mrs. Stacy are devoted members of the Con-
gregational Church, with which they have been
connected since 1858.

Spal XSW
SQ 6 BOK we

T,~\ LLZY W. ADAMS, who is now occupying
| Oo the position of County Auditor of Clay-
ton County, has been in the service of the
public since a year after attaining his majority,
his various important positions having been all
held in Clayton County, of which he is a native.
Benjamin Adams, our subject’s father, was born
in West Virginia and came to this region at an
early day, settling in Clayton County in 1850.
Though now in his seventy-second year his home
is still within its boundary, as he resides at Farm-
ersburg. In former years he was very active in
the early settlement and improvement of the
county, and politically has always affiliated with

 

J
 

 

 

 

 

LUTHER NICHOLS.
 

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,

391

 

 

the Democratic party. His wife bore the maiden
name of Nancy White, and she too was born in
West Virginia.

The birth of E. W. Adams occurred in 1859 and
he grew to manhood in this county, obtaining
his education in the public schools of the same.
Reared on a farm, he early learned the duties per-
taining thereto and made such good use of his
educational facilities that at the age of eighteen
years he received a certificate and began his busi-
ness career as a teacher, being successfully engaged
in that occupation for four years.

When only twenty-two years old, Mr. Adams
commenced his public service as Deputy Treasurer
of Clayton County, serving under C. E. Floete for
four years. Next he was made Deputy County
Auditor under John Everall, serving as such for
the six years succeeding. In the fall of 1889 he was
elected County Auditor, for which position he was
well qualified by his former service as deputy,and
this post he is still filling to the entire satisfaction
of his constituents and friends.

September 3, 1883, Mr. Adams was admitted to
the Bar in Elkader, having previously studied and
prepared himself for the profession of law but he
never found an opportunity to engage in practice
since that time, as he has devoted his entire atten-
tion to the duties of his county positions. He takes
an active part in the local work of the Democratic
party, to which he gives his earnest support. So-
cially he is a member of the Ancient Order of
United Workmen and was one of the charter mem-
bers of Lodge No. 319, M. W. A.

On the 3d of December, 1883, was celebrated the
marriage of Mr. Adams and Miss Martha Gilbert,
whose birth occurred in this county, where she
grew to womanhood. Her father, J. L. Gilbert,
was born in the Green Mountain State and was
one of the early settlers and prominent residents
of this county, within the boundaries of which he
is still living at the good old age of seventy-five
years. His wife, who was before her marriage
Eliza Murdock, was born in Ohio and departed this
life in July, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have be-
come the parents ofa bright little daughter, who is
called Blanche. From his earliest years Mr. Adams
has been a witness of the wonderful growth and

15

 

prosperity of Clayton County, in the development

of which he has ever been interested and to the

extent of his ability has lent it his assistance. In

the service of the public he is trusted and true, .
believing that a‘‘public office is a public trust.’’

=X ceo SS =—-

old settlers of Clayton County, who have

contributed to its prosperity is the subject
of this sketch. He is one of the ablest and most
brainy farmers and stock-raisers, and has been
a conspicuous figure in its civic life for many
years. He is ‘the proprietor of one of the largest.
and best equipped farms in Monona Township,
lying on sections 20 and 29, and here he and his
family have one of the best appointed and most
attractive homesin this part of the state.

Mr. Nichols was born in Erie County, N. Y.,
April 1, 1827, and is the son of Clark Nichols,
who was born in 1797 in Rhode Island. The lat-
ter remained in his native state until a year prior
to attaining his majority, when he accompanied
his father’s family on their removal to New York
State. The grandfather of our subject, Reuben
Nichols, was of Scotch descent and when a lad of
fourteen years enlisted as a soldier in the Revolu-

I UTHER NICHOLS. Prominent among the

_tionary War, serving through the entire conflict.

In 1817 he located in Erie County, N. Y., where
he was engaged in farm pursuits and lived to be
seveuty-seven years of age.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name
of Nancy Howell, and was born in Delaware Coun-
ty, N. Y. She was of English descent, and passed
her entire life in the Empire State, dying when in
the seventy-eighth year of her age. She was mar-
ried to Clark Nichols in Erie County, and located
on a farm there, which-they improved and made
their home until their decease. The father was a
Democrat in politics, and he held many local of-
fices. In religious affairs the wife was a consist-
ent member of the Baptist Church.

The parental family of our subject comprised
392

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ten children, all of whom, with the exception of
two, grew to manhood and womanhood, and five
are now living. Luther, of this sketch, was the
eldest of the family, and remained in his native
county until twenty-one years of age, in the mean-
tinfe assisting his father in carrying on his farm
and attending the district school, where he gained
a fair education. The knowledge thus obtained
was later supplemented by a course in the acad-
emy in his native county.

On attaining his majority our subject left home
and went to Tennessee, where he was engaged in
teaching in private schools for seven years. In
1854, however, we find him located in Clayton
County, this state, where he took up a claim of
Government land. On this he erected a log cabin
and kept ‘‘bach’’ until May 9, 1860, when he was
married to Miss Eveline Woodmansee, who was
born in Painesville, Ohio, September 28, 1835.
Her father was Daniel M. Woodmansee, whose birth
occurred in Rhode Island, September, 1800. He
was a ship carpenter by trade, which he followed
with good success during the early part of his life.
He, in turn, was the son of Eleazer Woodmansee,
likewise a native of the above state and of French
descent. The mother of Mrs. Nichols was, in her
maidenhood, Dorothea Scott, and was born Jan-
uary 3, 1809, in Oneida County, N. Y. Her par-
ents reared a family of twelve children, of whom
she was first in order of birth. She remained in
the Empire State until reaching her ninth year,
when she accompanied her father and mother on
their removal to eastern Ohio in 1818, and to
Iowa in 1864. Mrs. Nichols is the recipient of a
fine education and taught school for twenty terms
with good results.

Our subject and his wife made their homein the
log house until their means would admit a more
imposing structure being erected and have spent
all of their married life on this estate. It com-
prises three hundred and sixty acres, all of which
is under an excellent state of cultivation with the
exception of forty acres, which is timbered land.
Its present beautiful appearance and good value
is a standing monument to the qualities which he
has exhibited since boyhood.

To our subject and his good wife there have

 

been born four sons and three daughters. Three
of these children died in infancy. Elbert J. was
born in this county March 14, 1862,and is.a prom-
inent farmer, living in Kossuth County, this state;
Arthur H., born November 20, 1864, is a farmer in
the above county; Alice M., born June 9, 1867, is
the wife of C. O. Fuller, of Kossuth County, where
they have a good farm, and C. Estella is at home.

Mr. Nichols is a pronounced Republican in pol-
itics and for two years held the office of County
Commissioner. He was also President of the Clay-
ton County Agricultural Society for the same
length of time and has held numerous minor posi-
tions. He has always been interested in the cause
of education, and his fellow-townsmen recognizing
this fact placed him on the School Board and each
term re-elected him until he was the incumbent of
the position for a quarter of a century. On his
resignation his son, E. J., succeeded him, and thus
the directorship of his district has been in the fam-
ily for thirty-five years. Our subject, with a Mr.
Scott and others, organized the school districts of
the township and in many ways has advanced the
cause of education in Clayton County.

oFoofeedoode
Shooforge

ttt
nEoodongoegs

HARLES RUEGNITZ is the popular and

VY, efficient Treasurer of Clayton County, his

place of abode being in Elkader. A lead-

ing Democrat, he was elected to his very impor-

tant position on the Democratic ticket in the fall

of 1885, and has been four times re-elected,

which fact plainly shows the confidence which is
reposed in him by the people.

Charles Ruegnitz, Sr., the father of our subject,
was born in Germany, where he remained until
the ’60s, when he crossed the Atlantic and pro-
ceeded to Iowa, becoming a settler in Clayton
County. His wife, Mary (Meder) Ruegnitz, whose
birth also occurred in the Fatherland, died in
Clayton County, where the family had located in
1864.

The subject of this narrative, like his parents,
was born in Germany, his nativity taking place in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

393

 

 

Mecklenburg in 1849. He received a good educa-
tion in his mother tongue and was sixteen years
of age when he set sail for the United States. On

taking up his abode in Clayton County in 1864,

he commenced work at the cooper’s trade which
he had learned in Germany. In 1870 he went to
Omaha, where for a time he was in the employ of
the Union Pacitic Railroad and worked on the
Omaha bridge for one season. He then returned
to Clayton County and took charge of a hoop
factory in the town of Clayton, the proprietors of
the concern which was known as the Northwestern
Hoop Company having their headquarters in
Chicago. In 1882 Mr. Ruegnitz embarked in the
same line of business, becoming a manufacturer on
his own account, and continued in that line at
Clayton for three years, making a fair success of
his enterprise.

Interested in several civic societies, Mr. Rueg-
nitz is acharter member of the Modern Woodmen
of America in the Mystic Camp, at Elkader; he be-
longs to Clayton Lodge No. 143, A. O. U. W., of
which he is also a charter member, and is identi-
fied with the Turners’ society. He has always
been active in the ranks of the Democratic party
and has justified the trust which has been reposed
in him in his capacity of County Treasurer, the
duties of which he has filled to the satisfaction of
all. In the fall of 1892 he was nominated for
State Treasurer on the Democratic ticket but was
defeated. These facts, however, show that he
stands well in the estimation of his party, who
have a number of times chosen him as their lead-
er and he is probably one of the most popular men
in Clayton County, where he numbers hosts of
friends.

In 1872 the subject of this sketch married Miss
Emma Venus, whose birth occurred in Clayton
County, and she here received her education. Her
father, Joseph Venus, one of the early settlers of
Clayton County, was also one of the original
founders of the German Colony at Communia,
and was actively identified with public and school
affairs. His death occurred when he had reached
the ripe old age of eighty years. Mr. and Mrs.
Ruegnitz’s union has been blessed by the birth of
three children, two sons and a daughter, who are

 

still living, their names being as follows: Frede-
rick, Emma and Louis. The parents are faithful
and consistent members of the Lutheran Church,
in the teachings of which they have reared their
children; they have given them the benefits of a
good general education, thus fitting them for the
duties of life. A man of sterling worth and
strict integrity, our subject merits the success he
has attained in life, having carved his own way
and acquired his prominence by these character-
istics.

aN

Ane or

{=

well known business establishments of Wy-

oming is that owned and conducted by
Captain Loomis, who having been proprietor of the
store for about thirty years, enjoys an extended
acquaintance throughout Jones County. He is a
native of Jefferson County, N. Y., and was born on
the 30th of April, 1831. He is of-patriotic lineage,
his paternal grandfather, Aaron Loomis, having
been a soldier in the War of 1812; he died at Sack-
et’s Harbor during service.

The parents of our subject, Milo and Lucy
(Greenly) Loomis, were natives of the Empire
State, and from there removed to Ohio, settling in
Medina County in 1833. Twenty years later, in
1853, they died in that county, the mother’s demise
occurring three weeks after that of the father. She
was a daughter of Timothy Greenly, who died in
Jefferson County, N. Y., at the age of eighty-one.
Of the place of his birth our subject retains no re-
membrance, for he was only two years old when
the family removed westward to Ohio and made
a settlement in Medina County. There he was the
recipient of common school advantages, but early
in life he became self-supporting, and learning the
trade of a shoemaker, was engaged in this work for

(Trl AARON M. LOOMIS. One of the

a time.

Coming west in 1856 our subject settled in Wy-
oming, Iowa, where he followed his trade until the
394

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

 

 

opening of the Civil War. Soon after its outbreak,
in 1862, he enlisted asa member of Company K,
Twenty-fourth Iowa Infantry, his name appearing
on the roll of the company August 13. With his
regiment he participated in the battle of Ft. Gib-
son, the siege and capture of Vicksburg and the
engagements at Sabine Cross Roads, Winchester
and Cedar Creek, also the Red River Expedition.
In 1863, as a reward for signal bravery, he was com-
missioned Captain of his company, in which capac-
ity he served until the close of the war. In the
summer of 1865 he was mustered out of service at
Savannah, Ga.

+ The war ended, Captain Loomis returned to Wy-
oming and embarked in the mercantile business, in
which he has continued to the present time. Asa
business man he is sagacious, far-seeing and ener-
getic, and such has been the reliability of his deal-
ings with all that the utmost confidence is reposed
in him. He is also a stockholder in the Potter
Canning Factory Company, of Wyoming, and is
actively interested in all public improvements.
Socially he holds membership in Wyoming Lodge
No. 147, I. O. O. F. An ardent Republican politi-
cally, he has been elected upon his party ticket to
a number of loval offices, including that of member
of the City Council, in which capacity he has ren-
dered able service. He is interested in educational
matters and has served as a member of the School
Board, and at this writing is Trustee of Lenox Col-
lege, at Hopkinton, Iowa.

In 1852 Captain Loomis married Miss Jennie
Briggs, a native of Ohio, and daughter of Isaiah
Briggs, an old settler of the Buckeye State. Mrs.
Loomis died in 1866, leaving a son and daughter:
Finney B., now living in Ohio, and Jessie, wife of
Dr. C. 8. Shepherd, of Omaha. The present wife
of the Captain, with whom he was united in 1868,
was formerly Miss Alice Spitzer, and was born in
Ohio. Two children bless this union, Mabel and
Milo. They have also lost a son and daughter,
Arthur and Flora. The family is connected with
the Presbyterian Church, and Captain Loomis was
for thirty-seven years Superintendent of the Sun-
day-school, but resigned’ from the office in 1893.
He is a man who numbers as his friends those with
whom commercial or social relations have brought

 

him into contact. His course in life has been such
as to commend him to the regard of the people.
By integrity, energy and perseverance he hag gained
a fair amount of this world’s goods, and while pro-
moting his personal prosperity he has also con-
tributed to the progress, material and moral, of the
city and county where for so many years he has
made his home.

LENN G. WHITE, M. D., one of the lead-
ing young physicians of Elkader, has suc-
ceeded in building up a large and lucra-

tive practice in this place though scarcely two
years have passed since he first opened his office
here. He is a well educated and intelligent young
man, an earnest student who brings to bear upon
his adopted profession a keen and practical mind,
which has been trained in harmony with the best
medical system of the age.

The birth of the Doctor occurred in Clayton
County in 1866; his father, Thomas D. White, was
a uative of the Green Mountain State, his birth
having occurred in Grand Isle. In the early part
of the ’50s he came to the west and settled in this
county, becoming the owner of a good farm, to
which he has given his care and attention for
many years. His wife, formerly -Celinda Clark,
was born in South Hero, Vt., and by her marriage
became the mother of eleven children. The White
family are descendants of an Englishman who lo-
cated in New England during the last century.

The boyhood days of our subject were passed
under the parental roof on the old homestead,
his time being divided between working with
his father on the home farm and in attending the
district school. In order to supplement his pri-
mary studies he entered Lenox College, in Dela-
ware County, Iowa, when sixteen years of age,
and after taking the prescribed course of. four
years was graduated therefrom in 1888. After-
ward he taught school for one year, at the same
time beginning his medical studies, For a period
.PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

395

 

 

of two years he was next a student in the medical
department of the Iowa University, after which
he was enrolled at the Rush Medical College, in
Chicago, there remaining for one year. In order
to obtain practical and actual experience the Doc-
tor practiced for a time at the celebrated Bellevue
Hospital and Medical College, at New York City,
from which he was graduated March 28, 1892.
Returning home, he soon afterward opened his
office, and now numbers many of the best resi-
dents and familics of Elkader as his regular pa-
tients. In order to keep thoroughly in touch
with the best and most advanced thought of the
day in the medical world, he belongs to the Clay-
ton County Medical Society.

Dr. White is genial and affable in manner, and
numbers among his fellow-citizens many true and
devoted friends. As a physician his standing
among his professional brethren is high, and his
success in the future seems assured, as he has al-
ready achieved, an enviable degree of prosperity.
Being much interested in fraternal societies, the
Doctor belongs to Elkader Lodge No. 72, A. F. &
A. M., and in regard to politics deposits his ballot
and uses his influence in support of the Demo-
cratic party.

HH DESH

ICHARD HUMPHRY, a retired farmer
who is now making his home in the vil-
lage of Monona, Clayton County, still
owns a tract of twenty acres of land which is
within the corporate limits of the place. For
about thirty successive years he has made his home
in this county with the exception of two years
when he was in California. For a number of years
he engaged in the cultivation of a fine farm of
two hundred acres in Giard Township, which he
is still the possessor of, now renting the same. In
various local township offices he has acquitted
himself to the satisfaction of all, and numbers a
host of warm friends in this locality, which has
been his home for so many years.
A native of the Emerald Isle, our subject was

 

born in County Limerick, November 25, 1835, be-
ing a son of Richard and Mary (Coffee) Humphry,
natives of Limerick and County Tipperary, re-
spectively. The parents came to America with
their family in 1847, and the father died in Que-
bec aged fifty-seven years. His wife, who sur-
vived him for a number of years, departed this
life in Monona when in her sixty-eighth year. By
her marriage she became the mother of five sons
and two daughters, of whom Richard is the fourth
in order of birth.

A lad of twelve years when he arrived in the
United States, Richard Humphry went to Wiscon-
sin and then to Clayton County in 1852, after a
sojourn of a year and a-half in Canada. Locating
on an unimproved farm in Monona Township, he
engaged in its cultivation for five years in com-
pany with the other members of the family. Later
they divided the farm and in 1859 our subject
started for the Pacific Slope, going across the
plains with ox-lteams by way of Salt Lake City.
Arriving in Placerville, Cal., he there engaged in
mining for three years, and in 1862 returned to
this county by way of the Isthmus of Panama and
New York City. In 1866 Mr. Humphry once
more returned to the Golden State, where he re-
mained for two years and then embarked for home
by the same route. It was then that he took up
his farm of two hundred acres in Giard Township
and settled down to devote his active life to its
cultivation and development. He made a good
farm of the place, greatly increasing its value, and
this old homestead he has never had the heart to
part with, but now leases it to tenants. Fora per-
iod of two years he was engaged in the grain bus-
iness, making shipments to Chicago, Milwaukee
and other points.

In 1867 Mr. Humphry married Honora Looney,
a native of Amboy, Ill., born July 3, 1851. Her
father, John Looney, was a native of Ireland and
one of the early settlers in the Prairie State. Mr.
and Mrs. Humphry have two children, Marian, who
was born in this county June 24, 1868, and Rich-
ard B., whose birth occurred March 22, 1870.
The daughter, who is a fine musician, attended St.
Mary’s Institute of Prairie du Chien, Wis., forsome
time, there receiving a good education. The son
.

‘396

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD,

 

is a graduate from the Law Department of Iowa
State University and is a young man of promise.
For four years Richard Humphry was a Township
Trustee and has also served as School Director.
He is one of the stockholders in the Clayton
County Farmers’ Mutual Insurance Company. In
his political convictions he isa Democrat and a
worker in the cause.

 

RANK GILBERT, Postmaster of Monona,
is well known in this vicinity, and is greatly
respected for those qualities of head and

heart which have won him the esteem and confi-
dence of all with whom he associates. He is pop-
ular in his official capacity and is discharging the
duties of his position with characteristic fidelity,
and greatly to the satisfaction of all concerned.
Mr. Gilbert besides occupying his present respon-
sible position, is a stock and grain merchant and
is classed among the substantial residents of the
place. ‘
The subject of this sketch was born in Rock
County, Wis., November 4, 1851, and is the son of
Lovell R. Gilbert, a native of the Green Mountain
State, whence he removed to Wisconsin when a
young man. At that time he made settlement in
Rock County and engaged in farm pursuits until
his advent into Clayton County, this state, in 1856.
Here he resided until his decease, which sad event
occurred at the age of sixty-one years. He was
very prominent in local affairs, and for many years
held the position of Supervisor of Giard and Read
Townships, this county. At one time he was
nominated on the Democratic ticket for Repre-
sentative and was defeated by only a few votes.
The maiden name of our subject’s mother was
Lydia Burt, a native of Vermont. She met and
married L. R. Gilbert after removing to Wisconsin,
and died when in the forty-fifth year of her age,
leaving a family of six children, of whom Frank
was the eldest but one. His father was three times
married, and he was the offspring of the second

 

union. The latter was a lad of six years when the
family came to Clayton County. He carried on
his primary studies in the district school, after
which he attended for a short time in Monona
village.

Frank of this sketch remained at home until at-
taining his majority, when he began operating a
farm on his own account, and at one time was the
possessor of a good estate. He is now engaged in
buying and shipping grain and stock to the market
in Chicago, which business he finds to be very
profitable. In 1893 Mr. Gilbert was appointed
Postmaster at Monona, the duties of which office -
he is discharging in connection with his other
business.

Our subject was married in 1875 to Miss Sarah
Olmstead, a native of this county, having been
born April 7, 1855. She is the daughter of the
Hon. P. P. and Hannah Olmstead, whose sketch
will be found in full on another page in this vol-
ume. To Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert there have been
born four children, three daughters and one son,
namely: Carrie, assistant to her father in the office,
Parma, Lottie and Page, at home.

In his political relations, Mr. Gilbert is a be-
liever in Democratic principles, which he supports
with his voice and vote. Previous to filling his
present office he was Town Clerk of Monona for a
period of four years. Heis a man of much en-
ergy, tact and business capacity, and his fellow-
townsmen have not failed to recognize his super-
ior merits and qualification, and have thus called
him to responsible offices.

SAAC HAVENS, a retired farmer and capital-
| ist of Elkader, has made his fortune by the

exercise of his qualities of industry and en-
terprise, as when he came to Clayton County
about half a century ago he was almost entirely
without means. His various ventures have almost
always met with success and he has shown himself
to be a good financier and sagacious in his busi-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

397

 

 

ness judgments. In public improvement and
other matters relating to the general good be has
always been active and has used his influence in
the progress and upbuilding of Elkader, where he
makes his home.

A native of the Empire State, Mr. Havens was
born in Steuben County, July 16, 1816, and is a
son of William and Hannah (Hale) Havens. The
father, who was also a native of New York, died
in that state. He was a son of one of the soldiers
of the Revolution, and his family comprised
twelve children, of whom our subject is the fourth
in order of birth. The mother, whose birth oc-
curred in New York State, also passed away there.
The early years of Isaac Havens were passed in
the state of his nativity and his education was
obtained in the common schools.

On reaching his eighteenth year our subject
started out to make his own livelihood, and be-
lieving that he could do this better in the west,
he proceeded as far as Michigan, where he re-
mained for one year. Coming further west, he
arrived in Dubuque March 2, 1837, where he
began mining operations, which he conducted for
several years, meeting with fair success. During
the years of 1841 and 1842 he ran the ferry across
the Mississippi River at Dubuque. It was in 1846
that he landed in Clayton County, where he en-
tered land and commenced devoting himself to
agricultural pursuits, following the same for a
number of years, his efforts being attended with
success. After acquiring considerable property
and an ample competence to last him the remain-
der of his days he retired from active business,
making his home in Elkader, and occupying him-
self in looking after his real-estate and other busi-
ness interests. For two terms Mr. Havens was Ser-
geant-at-Arms in the State Legislature, and in
politics is independent, choosing to reserve his
judgment and give his influence to those whom
he considers best qualified for positions regardless
of party lines. When the First National Bank of
this place was organized he was one of the pro-
moters, becoming a Director in the same, and he also
occupies alike place in one other bank. His opin-
ion and judgment are often consulted by those
who know him; as he has madea success of his own

_ ness.

 

ventures in most instances, therefore his fel-
low-townsmen rely on his judgment in financial
matters. Ever interested in educational affairs,

-he has taken his part in the promotion of the best

interests of the community in that direction and
has upheld the good of the people.

In 1846 in this country, Mr. Havens married
Miss Sarah Wagner, who was born and reared in
Ohio. Her father, John Wagner, was one of the
early settlers and agriculturists of this county
and aman esteemed for his upright and worthy
career. Mr. and Mrs. Havens became the parents
of six children, but two daughters only still survive:
Ella, wife of H. S. Merritt, of Elkader; and Jen-
nie, wife of Thomas Williams, of McGregor.

 

 

(A—_ 4a
G— FC

 

as
=D

Ty

 

ATHEW FITZPATRICK, a lawyer and
leading citizen of Elkader, makes a
specialty of abstract and real-estate busi-

It is now a dozen years since this gentle-
man was admitted to the Bar, but up to this time he
has not been an active practitioner, other pursuits
having occupied his time and attention. He has
succeeded in building up a most enviable reputa-
tion for ability in his profession and for probity
and uprightness of character. In Clayton County
he has acquired a large abstract and real-estate
business, having the only complete set of abstract
books within its limits.

A native of Ohio, the birth of our subject oc-
curred in the city of Cincinnati, May 11,1853. He
is of Irish descent, his parents, Patrick and Cath-
erine (Quinlan) Fitzpatrick, having been reared to
maturity in that land. The father, who is now
about seventy years of age, is a resident of Cox
Creek Township, and is numbered among the
founders of the prosperity of thiscounty. In 1855
he became a farmer in Cox Creek Township, and
was actively engaged in agricultural pursuits un-
til well along in years, during which time he culti-
vated and improved a good farm, which he re-
398

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

claimed from almost a wild state, and upon which
he, with his wife, still resides.

When only an infant Mr. Fitzpatrick was
brought by his parents to this county and here he
grew to manhood. Making the best of his educa-
tional opportunities, which were those of the pub-
lic schools, by private study and industry he
constantly increased his knowledge, and was only
a youth of seventeen when he passed the examina-
tions and secured a certificate to teach. He at
once embarked in that profession, and successfully

taught school in this locality for a period of ten
years. Being ambitious and desiring to rise, he
was not content with this measure of prosperity,
and found time during the intervals of his leisure
to begin the study of law. Having followed a
regular course of study for one year, he then en-
tered the office of W. A. Preston, of this city, and
was admitted to the Bar in 1883.

In the same year Mr. Fitzpatrick was appointed
to the position of Deputy Treasurer of Clayton
County, where he successfully performed the func-
tions pertaining to that position, and so greatly to
the satisfaction of his constituents that in the fall
of 1884 he was elected County Recorder. On the
expiration of his term he was re-elected and yet
again, holding the place for three successive terms,
or six years in all. In 1892 our subject began
making a specialty of abstracting and the examin-
ation of titles, which is a lucrative and growing
business in Clayton County, and is succeeding be-
yond his expectations.

In 1882 our subject was married to Miss Eliza-
beth Connell, a native of Clayton County, within
the limits of which she received her education and

-grew towomanhood. Her father, Patrick Connell,
was one of the pioneers in the locality and took an
active part in its development. <A family of three
daughters and two sons have blessed the union of
Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick, in order as follows:
Mary, Mathew, Ellen, Edward and Caroline. They
are attending the public schools, and it is their
parents’ intention to give them the best educa-
tional advantages in their power. The family are
regular attendants and zealous members of the
Catholic Church of this place. In politics Mr.

Fitzpatrick votes for the candidates set forth by |

 

the Democratic party and is interested in its suc-
cess. He isa man who numbers many friends in
this city and county, both among the brethren of
his profession and in the social and business circles
of the community in which he makes his home.

(=

OHN G. HAGENSICK, who so ably and cap-
ably fills the position of Postmaster at Elka-
der, has been a resident of Clayton County
for about forty years, and almost his entire

life has been connected with the history of this lo-
cality. The birth of our subject occurred in the
Province of Bavaria, Germany, in 1848 and his
boyhood up to the age of seven years was passed
in his native land. At that time with his parents,
J. M. and Margaret Hagensick, he bade adieu to
the scenes of his youth and set sail for the United
States.

Soon after the arrival of the parents in New
York City, they continued their westward journey,
the father buying land and becoming a well-to-do
farmer of Clayton County. His son, our subject,
received good educational advantages, attending
the common schools of the neighborhood, and be-
gan to earn his own livelihood in the service of J.
L. Hagensick,a merchant in the town of Reed,
this county. For one year he remained in that
position, at the end of which time he went to Gar-
navillo, where he worked in the employ of Will-
iam H. Thome.

The next venture of Mr. Hagensick was to go
to Detroit, Mich., where he obtained employment
in the sash and door factory and later in the same
line of business engaged at Port Huron, Mich.
Altogether he followed various occupations in
that state during a period of twelve years, when
he returned to this county, and at Garnavillo em-
barked in business for himself as a cigar manu-
facturer until May, 1881. He then came to this
city, being engaged in the same business until
October, 1893, when he was appointed by Presi-
 

 

 

 

P. P. OLMSTED.

 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

401

 

 

dent Cleveland to be Postmaster at this point, and
as such he has served satisfactorily since.

While residing in Detroit, Mich., Mr. Hagensick
was united in marriage in February, 1877, to Miss
Charlotte Karp. ‘The lady is a native of the Buck-
eye State, and isa daughter of John Karp, for-
merly a business man of Detroit. A son and
daughter have come to bless the home of our sub-
ject and wife, their names being respectively, Mar-
tin G. and Lottie. The family has a pleasant and
commodious home in Elkader and they move in
the best social circles of the place, numbering many
warm friends in the community where they live.

On political questions Mr. Hagensick is a loyal
and devoted adherent to the Democratic party,
with which he has been affiliated since attaining
his majority. In the discharge of the duties per-
taining to his position as Postmaster he 4s cour-
teous and faithful, thereby making friends and de-
serving the praise which is unstintedly bestowed
upon him. Socially he is a member of Elkader
Lodge No. 304, I. O. O. F., also a member of Lodge
No. 110, A. O. U. W.

©. ers
EEE EERE EEE EE EEE

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ON. PHINEAS P. OLMSTED is one of
TH the prominent old settlers of Clayton

County, his home having been for more
than forty years at the place where he still re-
sides. His valuable farm, which comprises three
hundred and thirty-eight acres, is situated on sec-
tions 1, 2, 11 and 12 and has been brought under
cultivation from an uncultivated state by the
present owner.

A native of Franklin County, Vt., our subject
was born near St. Albans and Burlington, March
27,1819. The family is of English descent, and
the great-grandfather of Phineas P., Daniel Olm-
sted, was born in Connecticut, to which state his
ancestors emigrated in 1640 from England. The
next in the line of descent, Nathan, whose birth

 

also occurred in the Nutmeg State, took part in the
War for Independence, along with several of his
brothers.

Timothy Olmsted, the father of our subject, was
born in 1767 in Connecticut and grew to man-
hood on the same farm which had been occupied
for years by his forefathers. About 1800 he re-
moved to Franklin County, Vt., where for the
remainder of his life he engaged in cultivating a
farm. In politics he was a Whig, and he was an
Anti-Mason at the time of the killing of Morgan.
Religiously he was connected with the Congrega-
tional Church, and was a man of sterling upright-
ness and integrity. His wife, Eunice, was born
in New Hampshire in 1780 and was a daugh-
ter of Phineas Page, who was born in Massachu-
setts; he was of English origin, while his wife
was of French descent. Mrs. Olmsted died in
her eighty-sixth year. The father had been pre-
viously married, by his first union having nine
sons and two daughters who grew to maturity,
and by his second having two sons, Phineas P.
and David.

Until twenty years of age Phineas P. Olmsted
continued to make his home with his parents, at-
tending the common schools, and received practi-
cal instruction on his father’s farm in the duties
pertaining to agriculture. Starting for the west
he worked at different points in order to obtain
money to continue his journey, and for a time
was employed at Madison, Wis. From there he
proceeded to Grant County, thence to Prairie du
Chien, in which place he resided until April 1, 1840.
Near Patch Grove, Wis., he taught school for three
months, when he learned that the Government had
commenced building Ft. Atkinson on the Turkey
River, and in company with his brother he went
there to look the country over. This brother and
he soon selected a claim in what is now Monona
Township, and the two were the first to settle with-
in its limits. They built a cabin in July, 1840, and
kept house in primitive fashion, often entertaining
travelers, and also Indians. At that time there
were about two hundred redmen in the township,
who were known as the Whirling Thunder Band.
At one time when the cabin was only partially con-
structed, the brother of our subject was obliged to
402

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

go on business to Wisconsin, and during his~ab-
sence about eight Indians came to beg for food;
young Phineas gave them what he could, for his

supplies were at a low ebb, but it was evident

the redmen were not satisfied, as they kept look-
ing around in all corners for more. Seeing a
knife in the hand of a murderous looking brave
concealed under his blanket, he knew at once that
trouble was brewing; as he had no other weapon
handy, he picked up an axe and spoke in a loud
voice commanding the Indians to begone. After
looking at him for a moment rather to his surprise
they departed, and this was the only time in his
eight years’ of experience with the Indians that he
believed they meant him personal harm.

In the spring of 1841 the brothers sold their
claim and removed to the present site of Monona,
where they each took up land. Phineas P. Olmsted
built a log house, the first one in Monona, and in
1849 with a nephew started the first general store
in the town. The same year a postoffice was es-
tablished here, our subject becoming the first Post-
master, being appointed under Taylor’s adminis-
tration. At the end of three years he resigned,
locating on the place where he now resides and
erected the frame house where he has resided ever
since. At various times he has owned several
farms and has given to his children about three
hundred and thirty acres, still retaining a property
of about the same area.

December 26, 1843, Mr. Olmsted married Han-
nah Rowe, who was born near Albany, N. Y., and
they have had six daughters and two sons to bless
their union. Eunice is deceased, and the others in
order of birth are as follows: Irving D.; Clara, the
wife of Harvey S. Curtis; Hannah, deceased; Esther,
wife of Melvin Davis; Parma, Mrs. Henry Wilson;
Phineas P.; and Sarah, wife of Frank Gilbert.

Mr. Olmsted has served in various official capaci-
ties. In 1841 he was first elected Justice of the
Peace, serving as such for twelve years, and in 1842
he built the first frame house in Monona village, and
in 1860 was made County Supervisor, holding that
place for sixteen years. In 1865 he was elected
on the Republican ticket as County Representa-
tive in the Legislature and he has filled various
minor positions. As an Odd Fellow he belongs

 

to Monona Lodge. He is very proud of the fact
that he has twenty grandchildren and two great-
grandchildren, and is a man whose chief joy in
life has been in his domestic relations.

Sk

J. NEILL. Prominent among the settlers

of Clayton County who have witnessed the

wonderful development the country has

made during the past decade or so, and
who have by honest toil and perseverance suc-
ceeded ‘in acquiring a competency and are now
enabled to enjoy their well earned rest, is the
gentlethan whose name heads this biographical
notice.

Mr. Neill was born September 16, 1840. His
father was Joseph Neill, a native of the Emerald
Isle, who emigrated to America and settled in
New York State for a time, then came to Clayton
County, Iowa, settling in this township. He re-
ceived some land from the Government and on
it built a log cabin; he remained here, improving
the land, until his demise, at the age of sixty-four.
He was a stanch Democrat, and an earnest member
of the Congregational Church, and was a well
known personage in this country. The mother
was also a native of Ireland. She died there when
our subject was yet an infant. The following
children were born to her: Mary J., William and
John, who all attained maturity but are now de-
ceased.

The subject of this sketch was but six years old
when he came to this county. He was reared in
this township and attended the little log school-
house here. He was married June 19, 1866, to Miss
Harriet Wakeman, who is a native of Indiana.
Her parents came from New York State to Indiana,
and from there to this county. She was reared in
this township, and after her marriage with our
subject they settled at their present location.

Out of two hundred and forty acres of land, he
has but twelve that are not cultivated. He isa

.stock raiser as well as a tiller of the soil, and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

403

 

 

wakes a specialty of Poland-China hogs, besides
fine blooded horses and cattle. There were five
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Neill, as follows:
Mabel C., William E., Walter J.. Herbert N. and
Alice E., William now being deceased. The par-
ents are both members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, he being a Trustee of the same. He has
been amember of the School Board for a number
of years, and is also a stockholder in the company
that operates the Farmers’ Creamery, and was for
a time its Director and Vice-President.

Mr. Neill has never asked for any offices of pub-
lic trust, but is always selected by his friends and
neighbors because of his ability. He has a most
excellent wife and she has impressed her intelli-
gence upon her children to a marked degree.
Literally a self-made man, he may with satisfac-
tion review his life of energetic industry, animated
by a courage and determination which have en-
abled him to overcome obstacles and win financial
success and an abundant competence. An upright
man and liberal spirited citizen, he is universally
respected, and enjoys the high regard of many
friends. Politically a Democrat, Mr. Neill is in-
terested in both local and national issues, and in-
telligently posted in all matters tending to the
promotion of the general welfare,and does his full
duty as a true and patriotic American citizen.

 

 

qe ~\ ee oe,
—— 3": F—
“I.3, <o

¢€ 1. er

 

UDGE CHARLES ADDISON DEAN, one of
the old and respected early settlers of Mo-
nona, is proprietor of the Pioneer Drug Store.
He was born in the little town of Champion,

Jefferson County, N. Y., July 6, 1821. His pa-
ternal grandfather, in company with his brother,
came from England and both participated in the
War of the Revolution, the latter being on the
English side, and our subject’s grandfather espous-
ing the cause of the Colonists. He located in Mas-
sachusetts, where he continued to make his home
until summoned by death.

Samuel Dean, the Judge’s father, was born in

 

the Bay State, where he grew to manhood and
soon afterward removed to Jefferson County, N. Y.,
where he was married to Eftie Croul. She was
born in Holland and with her parents settled in
Amsterdam, N. Y., when she was a child. Her
mother lived to be ninety-nine years and eleven
months old, and she also attained a good old age.
In 1827 Samuel Dean removed to Fulton, Oswego
County, N. Y., where he engaged in business until
his death. He was the father of seven children,
one of whom died in infancy, the others growing
to manhood and womanhood.

Judge Dean, who is the second in his father’s
family, was brought up in Jefferson County until
his seventh year, when he removed to Oswego
County and there received a common-school edu-
cation, subsequently attending the Mexico Acad-
emy of that county. When twenty-one years of
age he made a trip to Montreal and Quebec, being
in the latter city at the time of the great fire,
which consumed over forty acres of buildings and
created wide-spread suffering. Returning to White-
hall Mr. Dean engaged in business as a mechanic
for two years, when on account of his father’s
health he returned to the homestead, which he
took charge of and carried on successfully for
about six years.

In the year 1854 as a young man he came west
to grow up with the country and lived in Dubuque
for some time. The following spring he came to
Monona, which has since been his place of resi-
dence. As a member of the firm of Dean, Wells
& Co., he engaged in the general merchandising
business for a number of years, and in 1861 was
appointed Postmaster of the place by President
Lincoln. This position he held continuously until
President Cleveland was elected. In 1867 he was
elected Probate Judge of the county and served
for about two years. He has long been known to
be an uncompromising Republican, and when serv-
ing in an official capacity has manifested much
ability and fidelity to his charge.

In June, 1851, Judge Dean married Lucretia N.
French, who was born in 1830, in Fulton, Oswego
County, N. Y., being of Scotch descent. ‘They
have one daughter, Annie, who is the wife of Frank
D. Hinkley, of Milwaukee, City Grain Inspector.
404

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

They have five children: Lucretia F., Anna D.,
Marie G., Cora C. and Ahira R. Judge Dean is
one of the oldest business men of Monona, having
operated his drug store for many years and hav-
ing previously been engaged in general merchan-
dising. He has ever been courteous to his custom-
ers, and by his upright and honorable business
methods has won their respect and friendship.
Our subject is well known in Masonic circles, being
a member of Clayton Lodge No. 70, A. F. GA. M.,
of Clayton Chapter No. 26, R. A. M., and of Hono-
rious Commandery No. 8, K. T., and in former
years was also connected with other civic socie-
ties.

SS

ORRIS O’DAILY. One of the well im-
M proved farms of Clayton County is that
owned and occupied by Mr. O’Daily and
situated on section 1, of Wagner Township. It
contains all the improvements of a first-class estate,
including a neat residence and substantial barn.
The soil, through careful tillage, has been brought
under excellent cultivation, and the land is sub-
divided by good fences into fields of convenient
size. This place has been the home of the present
owner since the year 1861, when, coming hither, he
purchased eighty acres comprising a portion of the
property now owned by him.

The success which has come to Mr. O’Daily is
due entirely to his own exertions, as he was but
four years of age when orphaned by the death of
his parents, John and Hanorah O’Daily, natives of
the Emerald Isle. He was also a native of that
country, born in County Carry, April 16, 1823.
The family having been poor, he had no educa-
tional advantages in youth, and from early boy-
hood was obliged to earn his own livelihood. Be-
lieving that in the United States he would find
better opportunities than the Old World afforded,
he crossed the Atlantic in 1846, and arriving in
New York, was there variously employed for five
years.

While living in New York Mr. O’Daily was

 

united in marriage, in 1852, with Miss Julia Sulli-
van, like himself a native of Ireland, her birth
having there occurred in 1822. She isthe daugh-
ter of Daniel and Helena (Prenderville) Sullivan,
who died when she was an infant, and therefore
she has little information concerning the genealogy
of the family. She was reared in the home of an
uncle, and came to-.the United States about the
same time as did Mr. O’Daily. The latter was for
some years after his marriage employed at rail-
roading, being thus engaged in Covington, Ky.,
for one year, later in Ohio for the same length of
time, and afterward in Pennsylvania for six
months. Going thence to Chicago, after a short
sojourn in that city he removed to Boscobel, Wis.,
where he remained until 1857.

In the latter year Mr. O’Daily came to Iowa,
and after residing for three years in McGregor,
located upon his present estate in the spring of
1861. His first purchase consisted of eighty acres
for which he paid $2.50 per acre. Afterward he
added a forty-acre tract, paying $15 an acre for
it, and twenty years later he bought a similar
amount, so that he is now the owner of a quarter-
section of improved land. While his attention has
been given principally to farm pursuits, he also
takes a commendable interest in local matters, and
in politics gives his support to the Democratic
party. In religious belief he is a Catholic, and
with his wife holds membership in that church at
Monona.

Six children came to bless the union of Mr. and
Mrs. O’Daily, of whom two are deceased. The eld-
est, Hanorah, who was born in Detroit, Mich., De-
cember 11, 1852, was married in 1879 to Michael
Allen, and they reside in Topeka, Kan. Mr. Allen
is an engineer on the Missouri Pacific Railroad,
running from Kansas City to St. Joseph, Mo.
They have had five children, one of whom died at
our subject’s home, and was buried in Monona.
The eldest son of our subject, John, was born in
Detroit, Mich., December 29, 1856, and is now a
railroad conductor with headquarters at Tacoma,
Wash. Dandy, whose birth occurred December 14,
1858, was killed at Brainerd, Minn., December 2,
1887, having fallen off a car while braking ona
train. Cornelius was born at North McGregor,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

405

 

 

Towa, October 6, 1859, and assists his father in the
management of the home farm. Jeremiah, who
was born in North McGregor, Iowa, May 6, 1861,
is now in the employ of the Western Union Tele-
graph Company at St. Paul, Minn. Morris was
born on the home farm in Wagner Township, Au-
gust 25, 1863, and died of scarlet fever when
eight years of age. None of dhe surviving sons are
married. ‘The family is highly esteemed through-
out this community, and the children, having
been trained in early life for positions of usecful-
ness in the business world, are now known in their
yarious communities as honorable and energetic
citizens.

SD ein ice

RLANDO D. OATHOUT is one of the en-
C) terprising farmers of Monona Township,
Clayton County, his home being on sec-
tion 8. He was born September 2, 1839, in Eaton
Township, Madison County, N. Y., where he re-
ceived his education. From boyhood he was a
great student and came to the west with his par-
ents in 1855. He helped to cultivate the farm on
which his father settled, and in the winter of 1860
began his work as a teacher in this county. Dur-
ing the summer season he assisted his father in the
_ farm work and in the winter taught school until
1871, when he met with a most unfortunate acci-
dent, being thrown off a mowing machine in front
of the blade, which cut off his right hand. Since
that time he has necessarily confined himself to
teaching, having been in charge of graded schools
in Clayton, Luanna, Garnavillo, North McGregor
and Volga City.

The father of our subject was Solomon Hart
Oathout, who was born in 1809 in Madison Coun-
ty, N. Y. In early life he followed his trade of
cabinet-maker, later devoting himself to agricult-
ural pursuits. His ancestors on the paternal side
came from Holland, one of the name in direct de-
scent, Johannes Oathoudt, having settled in the
Mohawk Valley near Albany, N. Y. Following
down the line we find his son was Alexander, his

 

grandson, John, and his great-grandson, Solomon
H., the father of our subject. All of the family
spelled the name as given above untilafter marriage
when the “d’’ was omitted. Grandfather Oathout,
whose birth occurred in the Empire State, was a
soldier in the War of 1812, and Solomon H. was a
Captain of a militia company in his native state.

Our subject’s mother was before her marriage
Eliza Abbott, her birth having occurred April 20,
1811, in Madison County, N. Y.,and her marriage
January 1, 1834. Her father removed to Medina,
Ohio, about 1834, where he made a permanent home
and died. Solomon H. settled in Eaton Township
after his marriage on a farm of one hundred acres,
which he cultivated until 1855. In the spring of
that year he came to this county, making a settle-
ment on the farm now owned by our subject,
which was then all wild land, without fences and
with only an old log house on the premises. He
bought thirty-four acres, paying for the same $340,
and the family occupied the little log cabin until
1871, when they built a frame addition to it and
later erected a new home on the site of the old
one. The father, who was a member of the Con-
gregational Church at Monona, was a Deacon in
the same and a member of the choir. He wasa
well read man, much interested in astronomy and
biography, and during the last years of his life
read the Bible through every year. His death oc-
curred January 8, 1885, and his wife, who sur-
vived him a few years, departed this life October
6, 1890. They were the parents of ten children |
seven of whom are living: Moses W., Orlando D.
George W., Josephine E., Alpha M., Albert C. and
Alice. Henry C. died at about the age of thirty-
seven years, and George W. during the late Civil
War was a member of Company K, First Iowa
Cavalry.

December 28, 1880, O. D. Oathout was married
at Clayton to Mary Ruegnitz, who was born in
Germany. Her father is Carl Ruegnitz, and her
brother Charles is a resident of Elkader. (See
sketch elsewhere in this volume.) Mrs. Oathout
was born September 9, 1858, in Mecklenburg and
was educated in the schools of Clayton. Later she
became a teacher, successfully conducting graded
schools for twelve terms. Our subject and his wife
406

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

have had four children, three of whom are living:
namely: Anna L., Mary E.and Martha. The home
in which they dwell was built in 1872 by our sub-
ject’s father.

Mr. Oathout has always been greatly interested
in educational work and was elected County Su-
perintendent in 1881, serving as such for two
years, and for twelve years was Secretary of the
County Normal Institute and has occupied a sim-
ilar position in the Division Society of Monona.
He and his wife are members of the Congregational
Church of this place, in which he is a Deacon, and
also a worker in the Sunday-school. Politically
he is a Republican. Fraternally, he is a member
of the Grand Lodge of Iowa in the Ancient Order
of United Workmen.

- +See eK

QUIRE WILLIAM N. TUCKER, Justice of

the Peace of Monona, Clayton County, did

most valiant service in the late Civil War,

was ever found faithful in the discharge of what-

ever duties were assigned him, and suffered many

hardships and injuries during his terms of enlist-

ment. He is one of the honored and representa-

tivé citizens of this place, and has been particular-

ly interested in the Grand Army of the Republic,

being a member of Monona Post No. 495, which he

helped to organize and of which he was the first
-‘Qumartermaster.

The Squire was born January 30, 1848, in Cum-
mington, Mass., and froma very early age was
obliged to make his own way in the world. His
father, Alfred Tucker, was a native of Waterwap-
sett, Worredshire, England; his birth occurred in
1801. He was a farmer by occupation. His death
occurred in Windsor,*Mass., when he was still a
young man. His wife, who before her marriage
bore the name of Emily Newell, was of French an-
cestry and a native of Canada. William N. is.the
fourth child in their family of six, comprising four
sons and two daughters. When eight years of age
he went to New York to live with an uncle in

 

Tompkins County, and remained with him ona
farm for several years, there acquiring a practical
knowledge of agricultural duties.

Among the young men who responded with pa-
triotism to the call of their country for devoted sons
to battle in the cause of freedom was Mr. Tucker,
who first enlisted in September, 1861, as a member
of Company C, Seventy-sixth New York Volun-
teers in the infantry service. He was then only
thirteen years of age and remained in this com-
pany until 1862, when he was discharged on ac-
count of disability. The patriotic youth re-enlist-
ed as soon as he had recovered his health, being
placed in Company B, of the Ninth New York
Heavy Artillery, and served until the close of the
war. Among the leading battles in which he took
part are the following: Gaines’ Mill, the second
battie of Bull Run, Sulphur Springs, Cedar Creek,
Petersburg and Richmond. He escaped severe in-
jury in these and numerous other engagements,
but at one time was hit by a spent ball and lay in
the snow for some time without attention, the
effect of which was that he lost the use of bis left
side for seven months. He was first under Gen-
eral Butler, and later with McDowell, Sheridan
and General Mead. He received an honorable dis-
charge near Georgetown, a short distance from
Washington, in 1865 and returned to New York.

In 1868 Mr. Tucker came to Iowa, arriving in
Allamakee County in April. From there he came
to Clayton County, and in 1876 started a harness
shop in this place, a business in which he had pre-
viously been engaged for seven years. Aftera
period of two years his health failed him and he
eventually abandoned the business. In hopes of
recruiting his health he went to the Red River
Valley in Marshall County, Minn., in 1884, where
he engaged in running and operating a farm for
about two years. In 1886, he once more returned
to Monona, but since that time has not been act-
ively engaged in commercial pursuits.

Appreciating his worth and ability the fellow-
citizens of Mr. Tucker in 1894 elected him Justice
of the Peace, and formerly, when in Minnesota,
he served as Township Treasurer. September 5,
1882, occurred his marriage to Clara C. Dauben-
berger, who was born in Rockton, Ill., in 1864 and
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

407

 

 

grew to womanhood in Iowa. Her death occurred
September 16, 1892, and her loss has been truly and
sincerely mourned by her many friends in this lo-
cality. She left one child, a little daughter, Velva
M., who was born July 13, 1885, during her par-
ents’ residence in Marshall County, Minn. In his
political opinions Mr. Tucker is an ardent Repub-
lican and in everything pertaining to the interests
of his party he is greatly interested.

© F< goes ©

REDERICK WILLIAM MOELLERING,
BR a wellknown citizen and successful agri-

culturist of Clayton County, Iowa, was
born on the farm where he now resides, June 27,
1852. He owns a fine farm on section 1, Garna-
villo Township, consisting of two hundred acres
of valuable land. His father, John Henry Moeller-
ing, was anative of Germany, having been born in
Westphalia, Prussia, July 8, 1820. His mother
was Margaret E.(Petering)Moellering, a native of
the same place, and was born July 13, 1814. The
parents of our subject were married in Germany
and emigrated to this country in 1844. They
landed in New Orleans and went from there to
St. Louis, Mo., where they spent the first winter,
and in the spring of 1845 came to Guttenberg,
this county. Soon afterward he bought a forty
acre farm in Jefferson Township, on which he lived
for two years, and then moved to the present farm.
He first bought eighty acres of land here and later
purchased one hundred and twenty more, making
in all two hundred acres. Five children were
given to this couple, all of whom were born in
this country except Eliza, the eldest, who was born
in Germany and came to the United States with
her parents when an infant. She married Louis
Meyer and is now living on a farm in Farmers-
burg Township. She is the mother of five chil-
dren. Mary Ann, who is now Mrs. F. H. Bruns,
resides on section 11, and is the mother of eleven
children; John Henry, who married Mary Walker,
is a prosperous farmer*of Sac County, Iowa; Fred-

 

erick William is our subject, and Maggie became
the wife of John Mohning,a farmer in Lima Coun-
ty, Iowa.

Our subject and Miss Eliza Meyer were united
in marriage December 30, 1886. Mrs. Moellering
is the daughter of William and Hermina (Koster)
Meyer, both natives of Germany. Her mother
came to America when quite young and made her
home for five years with some of her relatives liv-
ing near Dayton, Ohio. She then came to Garna-
villo and married Mr. Meyer. They became the
parents of seven children. Charley, the husband
of Amelia Splies, is a farmer living in Allamakee
County, Iowa. Eliza is the wife of our subject.
Annie, who is now Mrs. Henry Martin, is liv-
ing on a farmin this county. Mary is the wife of
Arthur Behren, a carpenter of Postville, Clayton
County. Minnie, Emma and Elmer are all living
at home. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are both living on
a farm in Garnavillo Township. Our subject and
wife are the parents of three children, Sophia
Maggie, born December 1, 1887; Nora Hermina
born August 1, 1889; and Ruland Henry, born
September 10, 1891.

Mr. and Mrs. Moellering are worthy members of
the Lutheran Church at Garnavillo, and contribute
liberally to the support of the same. Politically
he is a Republican and is a worker in the interests
of that party. He has never aspired to any office
but was elected Supervisor in 1884, and faithfully
served in that capacity for two years. He is a
public-spirited and enterprising citizen, and as
such is highly esteemed throughout the commu-
nity.

 

 

AVID GOLDEN GRIFFITH was born Oc-
tober 17,1845, at Mohawk, Herkimer Coun-
ty, N. Y. His father, Ira Griffith, and

mother, Nancy A. Griffith, nee Golden, were na-
tives of that state. His great-grandfather, James
Eaton, and family, were among the only survivors
of the great Indian massacre of Wyoming, Pa. By
408

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

the death of his mother in 1853 and father in 1859,
David G. was left dependent upon his relatives,
but continued in school until 1861, when on Octo-
ber 25, at the age of sixteen, he enlisted in Com-
pany M, Second New York Artillery. He enlisted
for “three years or during the war,’’ and in No-
vember, 1868, re-enlisted as a veteran and served
continuously until October 15, 1865. His regi-
ment saw severe service in the Army of the Poto-
mac, being attached to the First Brigade of the
First Division, Second Corps (Hancock’s), the fa-
mous Irish Brigade forming a portion of this.
General Miles commanded the division.

The regiment ranks eighth as to the number of
its losses in the war. Of the original Company M
who went out with the regiment, only five return-
ed at the close of the war, Mr. Griffith being one
of the five. Entering the service as a private he
returned with a commission as Second Lieutenant.
Being taken prisoner near Manassas Junction at
the time of its capture by Gen. Stonewall Jackson’s
corps, he with other enlisted men was paroled on
the second Bull Run battlefield, and after three
months at the parole camp at Annapolis, Md., was
exchanged and returned tohisregiment. Heserved
in the battles from Spottsylvania to Petersburg,
where on the night of June 16, 1864, he was
wounded and was sent north for care and treat-
ment. In November of that year he again return-
ed to his company and served through the last
campaigns against General Lee’sarmy. At Burks-
ville Junction, after Lee’s surrender, he command-
ed the guard having in charge the artillery sur-
rendered by General Lee.

On being mustered out October 15, 1865, Lieu-
tenant Griffith lacked two days of being twenty
years old. He soon after entered the office of the
Utica Morning Herald to complete his trade as a
printer, and after working on the Herald and Ob-
server, in April, 1870, came to Iowa, remaining for
a time at what was then called Buffalo Grove, near

Aurora, Buchanan County. Here he was united in ©

marriage December 14, 1870, with Mary A. Car-
penter, a native of Trenton Falls, N. Y., and a
sister of a former comrade and tent mate in the
army who had laid down his life for his country.

After working at his trade at Dubuque and Chi-

 

cago Mr. Griffith in 1872 returned to Dubuque and
accepted a position on the Daily Herald, remaining
there until August 1, 1880, when, having purchased
an interest in the Register at Elkader, he moved to
that place and in company with G. A. Fairfield as-
sumed the control of that newspaper. Under their
management the Register has been made one of the
leading Democratic weekly newspapers of the state,
having a circulation above the average and occu-
pying a building erected especially for its use.
‘January 1, 1893, Mr. Fairfield retired from the
partnership in the Register oflige and was succeeded
by Harry L. Griffith, the only child of Mr. and
Mrs. D. G. Griffith, who was born at Buffalo Grove,
Iowa, October 22, 1872. The junior member of
the firm has received a liberal education in the
schools of Elkader, the University of Wisconsin
and Drexel Institute of Philadelphia, and although
nominalty a partner in the Register, is actually
following his profession as an electrical engineer.
David G. Griffith was Postmaster at Elkader under
President Cleveland’s first administration, making
a popular and obliging official.
ae

Lee <6 Ses ow Os

OHN WEUZEL. An honored position among
the officials and business men of Clayton
County is held by this well known resident
of Grand Meadow Township. He is one of

the German-American citizens, who holding their
native land in affectionate remembrance, are also
most loyally devoted to the interests and institu-
tions of our Government. While promoting his
personal welfare, he has also ad vanced the interests
of town and county, and aids substantially all
measures tending to the improvement of the com-
munity.

A native of Bavaria, Germany, the birthplace of
our subject is the historic village of Weissenstadt,
on the banks of the river Eger. There he was
born December 10, 1834, the youngest son of Adam
and Barbara Welzel. His parents attained ad-
vanced years, and possessing robust constitutions
were never sick until theirlast illness when past
 
 

 

 

 

JOSEPH OBERBROCKLING.

 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

411

 

 

eighty years of age. John has three brothers, Fred,
now deceased, formerly a butcher; Thomas, ashoe-
maker by trade; and Lawrence, who succeeded to
the butcher business long conducted by the father
and is still thus engaged in his native city.

In the village of his birth our subject spent the
days of youth, assisting his father in the meat
market and attending school during the winter
months. In the spring of 1853 he set sail for this
country, and after landing, proceeded at once to
Chicago, where he remained until the following
December. Later he was employed upon a farm
near that city. In the spring of 1854 he went to
Burlington, Iowa, and from there took a trip down
the Mississippi to St. Louis, New Orleans and
Baton Rouge. His early experiences in America
were not encouraging. He came here without
friends or money. In fact,so poor was he that
when he reached Buffalo en route to Chicago, he
was entirely out of money. A man whose acquaint-
ance he had formed and who had confidence in his
honesty, loaned him money enough to take him to
Chicago, and as soon as possible he repaid the
kind friend to whom he was so greatly indebted.

Coming to Clayton County, lowa, in October,
1855, Mr. Welzel worked in a- pork-packing estab-
lishment at Clayton for a time. In the spring of
1857 he and seven others rented the two-thousand
acre farm then owned by Judge Williams. Having
very limited capital with which to conduct the

place, it was not until several years after locating |

there that he was enabled to realize any profit
from his labors. In 1864 he bought his present
farm, situated three miles south of Postville. Em-
barking in general farm work, he continued thus
engaged, meeting meantime with great success un-
til 1890, when he bought a forty-acre tract near
the village of Postville. Here he has since lived,
his son now superintending the old home place.
January 26, 1858, Mr. Welzel married Mrs. Anna
8. Thoma, a widow with one child. She was born
in Weissenstadt, Bavaria, September 1, 1834, and
was a distant relative of the Welzel family. They
are the parents of six children. Fred H., who was
born October 9, 1858, lost his right hand by a gun
shot in boyhood; he is now clerk of the Commer-
cial House at Postville. Conrad, born June 11,
16

 

1863, carries on the old home farm; Louis, born
November 19, 1866, is at home with his father;
Anna, born September 13, 1872, is the wife of G.
Staadt, a druggist of Postville; William was burn
October 24, 1874, and died July 8, 1890; George
was born May 14, 1878, and resides at home. By
her first husband Mrs. Welzel had one son, John
P., who was born April 14,1853. He is known by
the name of Welzel and lives on a farm five miles
south of Postville.

The political views of Mr. Welzel coincide with
the Democratic party. In religious belief he is a
Lutheran. He isa leader among his fellow-men,
being one of the best informed men in the county.
In 1870 he was elected Town Clerk and with the
exception of one year has held the position con-
tinuously since that time. He has officiated as
School Treasurer since October, 1872, and mean-
time has handled many thousands of dollars of
public money without the loss of acent. Since
1875 he has been a Director of the Clayton Coun-
ty Fire & Lightning Company, having charge of
the business of the company in his part of the
county. He also carries on a general fire and tor-
nado insurance business. He is a thoroughgoing,
progressive business man, one whose word may in
every instance be relied upon and whose abilities
have brought him well deserved prominence.

PEEP Shh hhh heehee

 

-

OSEPH OBERBROCKLING, a wealthy,
retired agriculturist of New Wine Town-
ship, Dubuque County, is a native of Prus-
sia, and was born March 31, 1828. He is

one of eight brothers, all of whom are living in
this country. John H.is a wealthy farmer of Lib-
erty Township, Dubuque County; Ferdinand is a
prosperous farmer of New Wine Township;
George and Henry are also engaged in farming in

-
412

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

the same township; John is extensively engaged in
stock-raising in California; Gerhart is now and
has for many years been connected with the Union
National Bank of Chicago; Frederick William,
the youngest of the family, is a prominent Cath-
olic priest, now located at Luxemburg, Iowa.

Our subject received a common-school educa-
tion in Germany and served three years in the
Prussian army, after which he emigrated to Amer-
ica, being the first of the brothers to come to this
country. He arrived here in 1852 and came im-
mediately to Lowa and settled in Dubuque County
on the farm he now occupies. He had very little
means when he first came to the United States, but
by hard work, economy and good management,
he has succeeded far beyond his greatest expecta-
tions, and is now one of the most prosperous and
influential citizens in this section. He commands
the respect of the community in which hé lives,
and is considered as authority in all matters per-
taining to agriculture.

Mr. Oberbrockling was united in marriage in
February, 1859, with Mrs. Elizabeth Donderhor, a
widow with three children. Theodore, her eldest
son, resides on a farm two miles from the old
homestead. Mary married George Oberbrockling,
a brother of our subject. John, the younger son,
married Miss Anna Bergwert, and they with their
four children, Joseph, Mary, Sophia Tillie and
George, reside with our subject. The latter, never
having had any children of his own, has shared
his fortune with his step-children, naturally look-
ing to them for love and sympathy in his declin-
ing years. Mrs. Oberbrockling passed into her
eternal rest May 25, 1881, leaving a bereaved
husband and children and many warm friends to
await the sounding of the last trumpet, when all
the dead shall come forth and they shall see her
again.

Our subject has been a stanch Democrat ever
since he first came to this country. He has never
aspired to any office, although he has served as
School Director for many years. Like all the
members of his family, he is a devoted Catholic,
giving liberally to the church, and also to the
general improvement of his township. For the
last few years he has done very little manual labor,

 

having given up the management of the farm to
his step-son, who takes excellent care of the place
and ministers to his comfort and happiness,

 

OYAL S. WILLIAMS. As one identified
R with the development of Jones County, a
progressive, liberal-spirited citizen, and

for many years an active, influential business man,
we present the name of this well known resident
of Wyoming. He came here in 1859 and since
that time has been intimately connected with many
of the enterprises that have promoted the pros-
perity of the place. Especially has he promoted
the interests of the town by the erection of numer-
ous substantial brick and stone buildings, and al-
though he has retired from business, he still finds

‘sufficient to engage his attention in the supervi-

sion of his important moneyed and real-estate in-
terests.

In noting the parental history of the subject of
this sketch we find that he is theson of Mark and
Polly (Stanton) Williams, natives of Massachu-
setts. The Stanton family is of English origin
and was represented in the Old Bay State early in
its settlement. Mark Williams was a farmer by
occupation and was thus engaged until his death
in New York at the age of sixty-five years. His
wife passed away in Ohio, when ninety-three years
old. Their son, R. S. was born October 1, 1824,
during their residence in Chesterfield, Hampshire
County, Mass. He was a lad of six years when
they removed to New York, and in the public
schools of the home locality he laid the founda-
tion for the excellent education afterward ac-
guired by practical contact with the world.

Starting out in life for himself, Mr. Williams
cleared a farm in Cattaraugus County, N. Y., com-
prising a portion of the Holland Land Reserve.

At the age of twenty he secured a position ina

saw mill located on the Great Valley Creek, a
tributary to the Allegheny River, and for three
years he was interested in the lumber business in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

413

 

 

‘that locality. Next we find him engaged in the
‘brick business in New York, in which line, as in
lumbering, he met with success from the first. In
1854 he removed west to lowa and for five years
was in business in Maquoketa, Jackson County.
In 1859 he came to Wyoming, Jones County,
where he embarked in business as a brick manu-
facturer and at the same time began the erection
of brick buildings, which he rented. The major-
ity of the brick and stone structures now standing
in the city are the result of his energy and pro-
gressive spirit. Atthe present time he owns seven
buildings and also is the owuer of the Commercial
Hotel, which he erected some years ago. To the
brick industry in 1874 he added an extensive lum-
ber trade, and conducted the two enterprises on
an ever enlarging scale unti! 1891, when he sold
out. Since then he has given his attention to the
management of his property interests.

Believing it to be the duty of every citizen to
keep himself posted upon political matters, Mr.
Williams is a thoughtful reader of the current
newspapers and is thoroughly informed regarding
the issues of the age. He gives the support of his
ballot to the principles of the Republican party.
The temperance movement also finds in him a
strong advocate. He is a stockholder in the Na-
tional Bank of Wyoming and in the Potter Can-
ning Factory Company, of which he was one of
the projectors. As an Elder in the Presbyterian
Church, he has for many ycars been interested and
active in religious matters.

In the fall of 1862 Mr. Williams enlisted as a
member of Company K, Twenty-fourth Iowa In-
fantry, commanded by Colonel Wilds and Major
Wright. With his regiment he took an active
part in some of the most important battles of the
Rebellion, including the siege of Vicksburg, the
Red River expedition, and the engagements at Sa-
bine Cross Roads and Pleasant Hill. He was
wounded at Champion Hills and was shot in the
thigh at the battle of Winchester, Va. At the close
of the war, in thesummer of 1865, he was mustered
out at Savannah, Ga., as First Lieutenant of the
company.

In Allegany County, N. Y., October 9, 1844,
occurred the marriage of Mr, Williams and Miss

 

Lucy Baker. This lady wasa native of New York
and daughter of Chauncey Baker, a farmer of that
state. She died in the fall of 1855, leaving a
daughter, Lorilla. The lady who in 1857 became
the wife of our subject was formerly Miss Jennie
Cleveland and was bornin Canada. Twosons and
two daughters have blessed this union, namely:
Adelbert B.,a hardware merchant of Wyoming;
Corinne, wife of Hamilton Douglas, of Atlanta,
Ga.; Carrie C., who married Charles Kimball, of
Anamosa, Iowa; and Royal S., Jr., who is engaged
in the mercantile business at Wyoming.

) REE

’

RS. STEAPHANA (RYPCZYNSKI)
ROUNDS. The subject of this biogra-
phy, who is a widow of J. C. Rounds,

and whose home lies in Marion Township, this
county, and who is well known throughout the
county, is a womau of good business ability; she 1s
of German parentage, her father and mother being
born in Germany. She was born in Snydenville,
Germany, January 16, 1853, and is the daughter
of John and Josephine Rypezynski. They came to
this country in 1873 and were the parents of the
following nine children: Antony, Ursula, Stea-
phana, Louis, Roman, Ambrose, Mary, Lena and
Frank. *

Mr. Rounds was born in Norton Township,
Bristol County, Mass., August 29,1818. He came
with his parents to New York in 1820 and there
received his education. In 1837 he went to Liv-
ingston County, Michigan, where he engaged in
farming until 1844, when he moved to Ogle Coun-
ty, Ill., remaining there until the year 1855, when
he located in Marion Township, Clayton County,
Lowa, where he purchased the homestead of four
hundred and eighty acres on which he lived until
his demise, which occurred February 6, 1892. He
was well known as an extensive farmer and stock
raiser. In the year 1876 he was united in mar-
riage with Miss Steaphana Rypcezynski, our subject,
and they have been blessed with five children, as
414

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

follows: Mary, Frank, George, Louie and: Vincent.
The mother is giving to these children the very
best education; the older ones are now attend-
ing college.

Mr. Rounds was honored with several oftices
of public trust, as Township Assessor, Township
Clerk, Secretary of the School Board, Justice of
the Peace and Supervisor. He also represented
this county in the Legislature of 1874-75.

Mrs. Rounds is a member of the Catholic Church.
She is charitable, kind hearted in the extreme, and
dispenses good words and deeds and fulfills in
truth the command to “rejoice with them that do
rejoice and weep with them that weep.”’

+t SPO he

AMES VARLEY for over forty years was
numbered among the honored residents of
Clayton County, and he was one of its early
settlers, his home being during his last few

years in Elkader, where his death occurred May
11, 1894. Always active in all measures of public
improvement and educational affairs, he held the
friendship and love of all who knew him, and his
death was thought to be a great loss to the com-
munity in which he had so long and honorably
lived.

The birth of James Varley occurred near Wheel-
ing, W. Va., May 6, 1816, and his father, William
Varley, was a native of Maryland. At a very
early day lie removed to the west, making a settle-
ment in Clayton County and building a grist-mill
in Boardman Grove, which mill was one of the
first erected in this region and to it the early set-
tlers came from far and near bringing their corn
and wheat to be ground.

The boyhood of our subject was passed in West
Virginia and there he received his education. In
1850 he came to this county and settled on land
in Pony Hollow, where he successfully conducted
a large farm for nearly forty years, becoming well-
to-do, and then in March, 1888, feeling that he
deserved a rest from his persistent labors, he re-

 

tired from active cares and for the remaining six
years of his life made his home in Elkader. In
politics he voted with the Republican party, and
religiously he was a devoted member of the United
Brethren Church.

October 28, 1869, our subject married Mrs. An-
toinette Shippy, a native of Chautauqua County,
N.Y. She is a daughter of William P. Bush, whose
birth also occurred in the Empire State, and her
mother, formerly Rebecca Hotchkiss, was born in
Portland County of that state. Mrs. Varley passed
her girlhood and received her education in the
Empire State, where she married Zabin Shippy.
Of that union three children were born, Adell,
Adelbert and May. The family removed to Clin-
ton County, Iowa, about 1850 and here the death
of Mr. Shippy occurred in 1864. To Mr.and Mrs.
Varley was born one daughter, Lilly, who is now
the wife of Elzie Cary, of Estherville, this state.
Mrs. Varley still continues to make her home in
Elkader and is interested in the work of the Bap-
tist Church of this place, to which she belongs.
She is held in the highest esteem by those who
have the pleasure of her acquaintance as a lady of
of most excellent and lovable qualities, whose heart
is kind and open to the poor and needy and who
makes it her object in life to smooth the pathway
of her fellows in every possible manner.

a

W. RUSSELL. There are numerous fine
farms in this county which may be com-
pared favorably with any others in the
state as regards production, and also as regards
improvements located upon them. Many of these
places are owned by self-made men—men who
started in the world with nothing but an unlimited

‘amount of energy and perseverance, and who have

succeeded in their chosen profession. As a repre-
sentative of the agricultural class, we take pleasure
in presenting the name of the subject of this
sketch, who lives in the town of Farmersburg,
Clayton County, Iowa. Mr. Russell was born in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

415

 

 

Orange County, Vt., April 7, 1845. His father,
Isaac Russell, was born in New Hampshire, March
17, 1803. September 7, 1827, he married Miss
Nancy Tewksbury, a native of Grafton, N. H.,
who was born there June 20, 1807. After their
marriage they remained in the state of Vermont
until the year 1855, when they made their per-
manent home at Farmersburg, Clayton County,
Iowa. They have both long since passed to their
eternal rest, she dying in the year 1875, and he in
1878. Four children blessed this union, of which
we making the following mention: J. C. Russell
lives at White Plains, N. Y., Rosella Wakeman re-
sides at Wheaton, Ill; G. W. and J. W. are twins,
and the latter now lives at Ogden, Iowa.

G. W. Russell was reared on a farm in Clayton
County, and attended the public schools of the
same. He was married May 16, 1872, to Miss
Anna M. Tapper, a daughter of James and Ellen
(Irwin) Tapper. James Tapper was a native of
England and his wife of Ireland. They were married
in New York City and went to New Orleans, La.,
and subsequently to St. Louis and Fort Atkinson,
(where he assisted in building the fort) and in the
year 1841 settled in Giard Township. He was one
of the earliest settlers in the county and has noted
its rapid growth since his arrival. He died Feb-
ruary 25, 1885, aged seventy-four years. His be-
loved wife survives and lives in Monona. They
were the parents of eight children, seven of
whom are living, and are as follows: Mary, Will-
iam, James, John, Mrs. Hester Egbert, David and
Anna. The parents were both zealous members of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Russell are the parents of
five children, three of whom are still living. Ross
R. was born April 26, 1880; Mamie was born Jan-
uary 13, 1876; David was born August 3, 1882.
Our subject resided for a time on the farm, where
he dealt extensively in grain and the raising of
fine, thoroughbred roadsters and draft horses. He
rents his farm, situated in Wagner Township, con-
sisting of three hundred broad and well cultivated
acres.

He is a member of the Masonic order and has
held several offices in the same. In politics our sub-
ject is a strict and stanch adherent to the principles

“left for Minnesota;

 

of the Republican party. He and his most worthy
wife were early settlers in Clayton County, and
are highly esteemed as citizens of the same. Hav-
ing watched the growth and progress of the coun-
try, and feeling in it all the pride of one who sees
a blank and barren wilderness grow and develop
into a city, they feel that its life and industry are
to itself a credit and honor, and to others a source
of pleasure and pride.

-==4Ros0 as

LE NELSON. Prominent among the farm-
OC) erg of this section of the country who are
prosperous and successful is the subject of
this biography, who ranks high among the repre-
sentative men of the county. He was born in
Norway in 1840, and is the son of Nels and Mar-
garetta (Evans) Anderson, who were both natives
of the same place. They emigrated to this coun-
try in 1862, and landing in New York City, re-
mained there for a short time, when they came to
Clayton County, Iowa, where the father of our
subject worked at farming for two years, and then’
he there purchased a home-
stead on which he lived until his death in 1886.
The mother of our subject died in the year 1884.
There were six children born to them,as follows:
Jaren, Andrews, Even, Ole, Nels and Emma,

Ole Nelson, our subject, came to the United
States in 1861, and landed in Quebec, Canada; he
went immediately to Chicago, and after remaining
there a short time came to Clayton County, Iowa,
where he worked on a farm for six months; he
then answered the call of our “martyred Presi-
dent’’ for volunteers, and enlisted in Company F,
Fifteenth Wisconsin Regiment, and remained in the
war for two years, when he was wounded and hon-
orably discharged. Two months later he enlisted
in Company I, One Hundred and Forty-third Lli-
nois Regiment, and remained for a hundred days.
He held the rank of Corporal in hiscompany. He
came back to Clayton County, where he worked
on a farm for two years, and then following the
416

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

example of his father, went to Minnesota, where he
purchased a homestead, upon which he lived for
six years. Selling out he returned to Clayton
County, and bought forty acres of land, on which
he lived for twenty-two years, selling it in 1893.
He has since erected the finest residence in that
part of the county, and in this he now lives.

Our subject was united in marriage in April,
1871, with Mrs. Julia Gundelfinger. She was the
daughter of Ole and Ingeber Anderson; they were
natives of Norway, and came to the United States
in April, 1868. Both are deceased. Our subject
has been Township Assessor, and is interested in a
creamery at Clearmont Valley. Mr. Nelson may
well have the name of entering the wilderness,
and it has prospered under his skillful hand; in-
stead of the thorn has come up the myrtle, while
the desert has blossomed as abundantly as the rose.
He is a zealous member of the Lutheran Church,
and in politics the Republican party finds in him
an earnest supporter.

AVID JACOBIA. Prominent among the
successful and progressive farmers of Clay-
ton County may be named the subject

of this historical notice. By his enterprise and
scientific research in the direction of his chosen in-
dustry he has given to his work a significance and
beauty of which few deem it capable. He was
born in Columbia County, N. Y., December 1,
1835, and is the son of Frederick and Margin
(Lown) Jacobia, who were both natives of New
York State. Mr. Frederick Jacobia followed the
calling of farming in that county. They were the
parents of eight children, as follows: Loready,
Elizabeth, Almira, John, David, Peter, Harietta
and Marie. The parents were valued members of
the German Reformed Church.

Our subject, at the age of twenty-one, left home
to seek his fortune, and came directly to Clayton
County, Iowa, where he worked at farming for
one year, when he bought a half-interest in a
one hundred and sixty acre farm, on which he

 

worked for a year, when he purchased the entire
estate. He has since increased it, until at present
he is the owner of two hundred and thirty acres
of well cultivated fields.

Mr Jacobia was united in marriage June 14,
1862, with Miss Lavina Baker, a daughter of Si-
mon and Lewise (Farand) Baker, and was born in
Michigan in 1837. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobia are the
parents of four children: Carrie B., Myra, Homer
and Ray. These children are allowed the very
best education attainable in that vicinity.

Mr. Jacobia’s wife is a valued member of the
Congregational Church, devoted and earnest. In
political sentiments he is a Republican, adhering’
to and supporting his party with vim and earnest-
ness. He has been honored by his fellow-citizens
with the office of School Director, serving as such
for many terms, and of Postmaster for fourteen
years. He is a Director of the Postville'Bank, and
has been for the past seven years.

The life of our subject has been mainly devoted
to the welfare of others, and this has left him but
-little time or inclination to devote to the advance-
ment of his own personal interest. This indeed
may be accounted a fault, but the consciousness
that his work has given encouragement to many
aspiring young men and women, and has done
much to incite them to a useful and honorable ca-
reer, must alone be his apology and excuse, while
he trusts that the knowledge acquired and the
good accomplished by him will in the end justify,
with whom he is best known, his life work.

= O80 SS ke=-

RANK W. PORT, M. D., of Olin, is a very
busy man, for in addition to the conduct
of his extensive professional practice, he is

one of the proprietors of a large and finely equip-
ped drug store, where is kept on hand the usual
supply of medicines, besides a complete assortment
of wall paper, paints, oils, etc. He has spent his
entire life in Iowa and is one of its native born
sons. [lis birth occurred in Anamosa, Jones Coun-
ty, August 22, 1858, and he is the eldest of a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

41?

 

 

family of six, the children of William and An-
geline (Lockwood) Port, natives respectively of
England and Indiana.

The father of our subject emigrated to America
in youth and became one of the early settlers of
Jones County, Iowa. For many years he hasbeen
a resident of Anamosa, where he and his wife are
well and favorably known as people of nobility of
character and probity of life. In his younger
years he taught school, and being a well informed
man, he met with good success in that occupation.
For many years he has been engaged in the general
mercantile business in Anamosa, and at the present
time is salesman in a large and well condueted es-
tablishinent in that city.

The Doctor spent the days of boyhood in an un-
eventful manner, obtaining his primary education
in the common schools of Anamosa. While prose-
cuting his studies he was partially self-supporting.
At the age of twenty-three he entered Rush Med-
ical College of Chicago, from which he was gradu-
ated with honors in the Class of ’85. After vis-
iting and looking at numerous places in western
Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, he decided that east-
ern Jowa was the place of all. Immediately after-
ward he opened an office at Olin, and by the skill-
ful manner in which he treated disease soon rose
toa high rank among his professional brethren.
He is now retired from active practice, and those
who have tested his abilities as a physician have
the highest confidence in his skill.

In 1887 Dr. Port formed a partnership with E.
E. Snyder and in 1892 they built their present sub-
stantial brick building as a result of the fire at that
time, which is one of the finest business blocks in
the county. In dimensions it is 38x70 feet, with a
sixteen-foot ceiling, and is constructed of Anamosa
stone and St. Louis pressed brick. In political
matters he is a Republican, believing the princi-
ples of that party to be best adapted to our coun-
try’s needs. However, his personal affairs demand
his attention to the exclusion of public matters.
Socially he is a member of Anamosa Lodge No. 46,
F.& A.M.

The first marriage of Dr. Port occurred Novem-
ber 4, 1885, and united him with Miss Ellen
C. Denison, of Anamosa, Iowa. After her death

 

he married Mrs. Alice Freeman, November 30,
1893. The present Mrs. Port was born in Jones
County and is a daughter of Jasper Dalby. They
occupy a beautiful residence in Olin, and are num-
bered among the well-to-do citizens of the place.
The Doctor is a genial, courteous gentleman, and
deserves the success which has attended him as
physician and business man.

ee

EV. JAMES W. BEATTY, a member of
R the historic Beatty family who located in
° Dubuque County as early as 1845, was for
five years a minister of the Baptist Church. He is
now, however, Cashier in the Farmers’ and Mer-
chants’ Bank in Cascade, and is a man universally
popular and one who has achieved success in life.
He is a native of Jones County, having been born
in Richland Township, February 5, 1850.

Our subject carried on his primary studies in
a district schoolhouse built of logs, and bearing
the most primitive furnishings, and when only
nine years of age entered the Cascade Academy,
where he was a student for about seven years. He
then added to the knowledge gained therein by a
course at Lenox College at Hopkinton, this state,
but was compelled to leave the institution before
graduating on account of failing health.

After completing his education young Beatty be-
gan teaching school, which occupation he followed
with good success for the succeeding five years,
teaching one term in Nodaway County, Mo., and
the remainder of the time in Iowa. During that
time he was granted a license to preach, having
been ordained a minister of the Baptist Church;
he held a charge until 1886 in Missouri, when he
came to Cascade and until 1891 preached for the
congregation here, when he resigned in order to
engage in business.

J. W. Beatty and Miss Edith J. Raffety were
united in marriage June 11, 1878. The lady is a
native of Jones County. Mr.and Mrs. Beatty have
an adopted daughter bearing the name of Mar-
garet Viola. Our subject, in September, 1891, went
418

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

to Grinnell, where he entered the Citizens’ Bank
as bookkeeper; after twelve months he came to
Cascade and aided in the organization of the Far-
mers’ & Merchants’ Bank, of which he was Cashier.
Itis areliable institution with a capital of $27,000
and is doing a good and paying business.

Our subject was Assistant Postmaster in this
place from 1876 to 1882, and for a period of four
years was Postmaster in Cascade. With his good
wife, he is an active worker in the Baptist Congre-
gation,and in politics never fails to cast.a vote for
Republican candidates. For a period of four years
Mr. Beatty served as Town Clerk. He is public
spirited and supports all movements intended for
the benefit of his community. He is well and fav-
orably known and we are therefore pleased t6 pre-
sent his sketch in this volume.

By | We
t= {iio

TT, DWARD FITZPATRICK, a railroad con-
tractor residing at Farley, Dubuque County,
was born in Auglaize County, Ohio, in the
year 1841, and is the fifth in order of birth in a
family of nine children, all of whom grew to ma-
ture years. His parents, Edward and Clarissa ( An-
thony) Fitzpatrick, were natives of Ireland and
New York respectively. The former with a brother,
John, came to America and located in New York
State. The maternal grandfather of our subject,
Nathan Anthony, was born in Vermont, and served
gallantly in the War of 1812, while his father
fought in the Revolutionary War. The An-
thonys came from England to America in an carly
day, where they engaged as fishers and accumu-
lated large fortunes.

Our subject came to Dubuque County in 1860,
where he followed farming several years. At a
later period he followed school teaching for about
ten years, having received a good education in
Obio and at the Epworth schools. He was grad-
uated from the Dubuque Business College and
taught one year in the commercial college at Free-

 

 

port, Ill. In the year 1871 an important event
occurred in the life of Mr. Fitzpatrick when he
was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Fitzgerald.
Of the children born to them but one daughter
yet survives, Emma M. In 1879 our subject en-
gaged in contracting and building, which occu-
pation he has since followed, having filled con-
tracts on the Chicago & Northwestern Road, a
distance of two hundred miles on the Wisconsin
Central, the Milwaukee & St. Paul, and twenty
miles on the Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic in
northern Michigan. He has also contracted for
the Davenport, lowa & Dakota and six miles on
the Winona & Northwestern Road. Going south
he took a contract for laying fifty miles of the
Savannah, Americus & Montgomery Railway in
Georgia, forty miles on the Central of Georgia,
and besides has done considerable work in Iowa
and Nebraska, and on the Illinois Central in Iowa.

Politically, Mr. Fitzpatrick has been generally
identified as a Democrat but cast his vote for Lin-
coln in 1864, and for Grant in 1868, since which time
he has been an active Democrat. Being reared as
a Catholic he has remained such through life. Our

subject is a man of large round-about common
sense and excellent business tact, whose sterling
qualities of head and heart command the respect
of all with whom he has financial dealings and he
has won many sincere friends during the years
Taylor Township his home.

that he has made “

 

ENRY MEYER, whose home isin Elka-
der, is a well known and leading citizen,
who at the present time occupies the po-

sition of Cashier of the First National Bank. A
native of the Empire State, he was born August 3,
1854, and passed his boyhood until his sixth year
in New York City.

Herman Meyer, the father of the subject of this
record, was born in Hanover, Germany, and in
1848 set sail for America. On his arrival he lo-
cated in New York City, where he continued to
 

 

 

 

REV. JOSEPH H. BRINKMANN.

 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRATHICAL RECORD.

421

 

reside until death, June 27, 1885. Our subject’s
mother, who was before her marriage Elizabeth
Schwartz, was, like her husband, born in Leeste,
Hanover, September 27, 1832,and now resides with
her son at Elkader.

Henry Meyer in 1860 went with his grand-
mother to Germany, where he lived until fourteen
years of age, in the meantime receiving a good
education in the schools of the Fatherland. In
1868 he once. more crossed the Atlantic and in
New York City began his active business life as an
errand boy for’ Fred A. Lane, with whom he was
employed for about two years. In 1872 he became
acquainted with Hon. E. H. Williams, who was at
that time President of the Iowa Eastern Rail-
road, and acting upon his suggestion Mr. Meyer
came to Clayton County. He accepted a position
in the engineer corps of the lowa Eastern Railroad
and finally became clerk for W. D. Crook.

In 1877, after five years of faithful service with
the company, our subject was made Superintendent,
of the road between Beulah and Elkader, and as
such acted for five years. July 18, 1883, he ac-
cepted the position of Cashier of the First National
Bank of Elkader, which position he has held for
eleven years, discharging the duties pertaining
thereto with efficiency and promptness. The Pres-
ident of this well known banking institution is
ex-Gov. William Larabee, of Fayette County.

In January, 1889, Henry Meyer was made Sec-
retary of the Clayton County Farmers’ Mutual
Fire and Lightning Insurance Company, organ-
ized by E. Corlett, February 15, 1870, of which
8. H. F. Schoulte is President and John H. Welch
Vice-President. Mr. Meyer is connected with sev-
eral secret societies of Elkader, being Worthy
Master of Elkader Lodge No. 72, A. F. & A. M.;
he is also a member of Harmony Chapter No. 44,
R. A. M.,and Honorious Commandery No. 8, K. T.
In politics he votes in favor of Republican nom-
inees, and is now for the second time Chairman of
the Fourth Congressional District.

October 31, 1877, our subject married Miss Lucy
8. Appleman, who passed her girlhood in Fayette
County, Iowa, and there received her education.
Her father, Gustavus Appleman, was born in the
Nutmeg State and was one of the early settlers of

 

Fayette County. Mrs. Lucy Meyer was called
from this life March 25, 1889, leaving one son and
two daughters, Amie E., Frank A. and Lucy. Mr.
Meyer married his present wife, formerly Miss
Minerva Leach, April 19, 1892. John M. Leach,
the father of Mrs. Meyer, settled at an early day
in this county, from where he enlisted in the
Twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteers,and was County
Auditor fortwo terms. At the time of his death,
September 29, 1893, he was Postmaster at Elka-
der. Our subject bears an enviable reputation for
uprightness and sterling worth, and has a wide
circle of friends and acquaintances who hold him
in favorable regard.

+k

EV. J. H. BRINKMANN is Pastor of St.
Mary’s Catholic Church, of Guttenberg,
and is a faithful shepherd of his flock. A
man of superior intellectual attainments, he is de-
voted to the interests of the church and has done
a good work in this locality. A native of Ohio,
he was born in Cincinnati October 20, 1859, being
a son of Henry and Bernandina (Stonefield)
Brinkmann. His father was a native of Baltimore,
Md., and was called from this life in 1876; the
mother, who is still living in Iowa, was born in
Cincinnati.

Rev. J. H. Brinkmann passed his boyhood in the
city of his birth, where he received a good educa-
tion in the parochial schools. Later he entered
St. Francis’ College at Milwaukee, where he con-
tinued his studies until twenty years of age. Af-
terward he pursued a severe course of study
and discipline at Dubuque, Iowa, and in 1883
went to Montreal, Canada, where he remained for
some time.

It was in 1886 that Rev. J. H. Brinkmann
was ordained at Dubuque, Iowa, and was immedi-
ately appointed assistant to Father A. Korten-
kamp, at Dyersville, Dubuque County, in the
duties of which position he continued faithfully
for three years. While there he was very instru-
mental and active in the building of St. Frances’
422

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

Church, which structure is one of the finest in the
west, having been erected at a cost of $65,000.
He had the superintendence of the entire con-
struction, and it was due in no small measure to
his ability and management that the work was so
successfully accomplished.

The present pastorate of Father Brinkmann
commenced in 1889 and since coming here he has
built up the congregation to a commendable ex-
tent. Under his supervision the fine brick paro-
chial school building of this place was started and
recently finished. A man of wide reading and
general information, he is well qualified to exercise
a large and growing influence over the congrega-
tions which are placed in his charge, for he is de-
‘voted to his’work and is unsparing in his zeal.

 

KEPEEEEE EEE EEE LE EEE EEE EEE EDO

HARLES F. W. SONNKALB. To the en-

Y, ergy and good judgment. of the young
farmers of Clayton County much credit is

due for the prosperous appearance of the estates
and the buildings thereon. While Mr. Sonnkalb
is still a young man, he has already gained a posi-
tion among the industrious agriculturists of Grand
Meadow Township. His entire life has been spent
in this locality and he was born on a farm near
where he now resides, May 14, 1869. He is the
owner of a valuable property consisting of two
hundred and fifty acres, a portion of which has
come to him by inheritance, and the remainder by
purchase. A glance over the farm would convince
the most careless observer that he makes of his vo-
cation both an art and a science, and it is equally
evident that a lady of good judgment and refined
tastes is in charge of the household affairs. °
The father of our subject, Charles F. W. Sonn-
kalb, Sr., was born in Saxony, Germany, in 1825,
and there grew to manhood. Accumulating some
money he emigrated to the Umted States in 1855,
and settled upon a farm near the one now owned
by our subject. He was an industrious, energetic
man, and added to his possessions until he became

 

well-to-do. In 1892, while riding on a load of
straw, he fell from the wagon, receiving injuries
from which he died a month later, aged sixty-seven
years. His wife, Mrs. Loretta Purdy (Range)
Tuttle, was born in Pennsylvania, and was of
Dutch descent. Her first husband, John Tuttle,
was killed in the army during the Civil War, leav-
ing two children, George, a resident of Spirit Lake,
Towa, and Dorcas M., deceased. '

Our subject is his father’s only son, but he has
three sisters, the eldest of whom, Theresa, is married
and lives near Cresco, Iowa; Milda married Jobn
Leui, Trustee of Grand Meadow Township; Bertha,
the youngest of the family, is unmarried and lives
on the farm with her mother. Shelaus, a brother of
our subject’s mother, served four years in the army
during the Rebellion, and was wounded in the
service; surviving the hardships of war he later
fell a victim to consumption, contracted while in
the army.

In the neighboring schools our subject received
a liberal education. After his father’s death he
bought out all the heirs to the estate, excepting his
mother’s interest, which she still owns. In 1892
he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth,
daughter of Jacob Leui, one of the wealthiest
farmers of Grand Meadow Township, to which
place he came from Switzerland. They are the
parents of one child, Nellie Louisa, who was born
in 1893. Mr. Sonnkalb gives his attention closely
to agriculture, and is making a success of his
chosen vocation. In political views he follows in
his father’s footsteps and advocates Republican
principles. Socially he holds membership in the
Ancient Order of United Workmen. 7

 

KEEPEEEEEEEEELEP EEE PETE EEE

 

ILLIAM H. BARTLETT. For twenty-
five years or more this prosperous agri-
culturist of Clayton County has owned

and occupied a highly cultivated farm in Cass
Township. Through his energetic determined ef-
forts the property has been converted into one of
the most valuable estates in the neighborhood.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

423

 

 

The buildings are neat and in a good state of re-
pair, the fences strong and substantial, the garden
well improved and the farm machinery of the
most modern manufacture. All in all, it is a
home of which one might well be proud.

The Bartlett family was one of the earliest to
settle in New England, and but little definite in-
formation can be obtained regarding the gene-
alogy. Our subject’s grandfather, Zadock, and
father, Loton, were both natives of New Hamp-
shire, and the latter served as a soldier in the War
of 1812. The family came west in 1832, as far
as Ohio, and settled in Lorain, near the site of
the present city of Oberlin. There occurred the
death of both the father and mother. The latter,
whose maiden name was Catherine Childs, was
first married to a Mr. Heminway.

Born in New Hampshire November 30, 1825,
our subject was a lad of seven years when he ac-
companied his parents to Ohio, and there he grew
to a sturdy manhood, early gaining a thorough
knowledge of farming, and in the short intervals
between the gathering of the grain and the sow-
ing of the next crop he attended the adjoining
school. His knowledge, however, has been gained
principally thréugh observation and reading. In
1855 he came to Iowa and settled on a tract of
land in Cass Township, two and one-half miles
southwest of his present farm. There he continued
to till the soil until about 1869, when he settled
upon the farm be now occupies.

In 1847 occurred the first marriage of Mr. Bart-
lett. He was then united with Miss Sarah Sturti-
vant, who died February 25, 1870, after having
become the mother of five children. Those now
living are, Emery, a contracting painter of Cedar
Rapids, lowa; Elmer, a farmer living in Delaware
County, Iowa; and Julia, wife of Charles Bemis,
an insurance agent of Britt, Hancock County,
Iowa, On Christmas Day of 1871 Mr. Bartlett
married Sarah F. Connor,a native of Pennsyl-
vania, and a daughter of David Connor, who came
to Delaware County, Iowa, in 1841, and there
died in 1894, aged eighty-one years. Her mother
still survives, and is now (1894) seventy-eight
years old. She has one brother, James, who occu-
pies the old homestead in Delaware County. Mr.

 

Bartlett also has one brother, Nelson, now a re-
tired farmer living near Oberlin, Ohio. Two chil-
dren have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Bartlett, Willie M., who was educated at Upper
Iowa University, at Fayette, Iowa; and Harriet,
who is a student in the district schools.

No one in Cass Township takes a more active
interest in the welfare of the community than
does Mr. Bartlett. Since the organization of the
Republican party he has been a stanch adherent
of its measures and a friend of its principles.
He has served his township as Trustee, and as
School Director has been instrumental in promot-
ing the welfare of the district schools. As a
farmer, he is energetic, efficient and industrious,
and his prosperity is well deserved.

8 oe e- aS. ~~

ILLIAM F. HUNTTING, deceased, was
for thirty-five years one of the promi-
nent business men of McGregor, and

during the last year of his life was a member of
the incorporated firm of the Huntting Elevator
Company of this place, being President, General
Manager and owner of the majority of the stock.
During this time he was interested in the grain
trade, and the annual amount of business of late
years covered many millions. The Huntting Com-
pany were legitimate dealers and not speculators,
and no firm ever had a higher standing in com-
mercial circles for integrity.

The subject of this sketch was born in South-
ampton, L. I., May 7, 1828, and was nearly sixty-
four years old at the time of his death, which oc-
curred April 28, 1892. He received an academic
education in early life, and lived with his father
on a farm until he was about sixteen years of age,
when he entered the store and began a mercantile
career; but a love of travel and adventure was in-
herited in this youth, and for about three years he
followed the sea,and later became one of the
forty-niners during the gold excitement in Cali-
fornia. After a few years, growing tired of life
on the Pacific Coast, he came to McGregor, and in
424

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

1857 once more turned his attention to merchan-
dising. Later he became a member of the firm of
Bassett, Huntting & Co., which in time became so
prosperous as to extend its operations through the
whole northwest. They employed a large num-
ber of men in different parts of this region, as
well as at their elevator at Prairie du Chien and
the home office. A few years ago Mr. Bassett
withdrew, and later Mr. Raynolds, another mem-
ber, sold out his interest. During the long years
in which Mr. Huntting was thus prominent in ex-
tensive business no whisper of wrong was ever
heard against him or his co-partners. He was hon-
orable and upright in his business methods, and
death could have taken few men from this section
whose loss would have been more deeply and gen-
erally mourned.

In 1856 Mr. Huntting married Miss Mary R.
Smith, who died in 1872, leaving five children,
Annie F., Free H., Harry S., Charles E. and Mary
R. In 1876 our subject married Mrs. Charlotte M.
Cory, who had one daughter, Jessie, by her former
marriage; she is now Mrs. W.S. Nott, of Minne-
apolis. The three sons of his first marriage are all
connected with the elevator business, and Annie is
the wife of C..W. Cowles, of this city.

One of the predominating features in the char-
acter of Mr. Huntting was his generosity; to give
and to give liberally was with him almost a pas-
sion, for his object was to uplift and make others
happier and better. In the work of the church he
was a pillar of strength, and he was a regular
attendant of the Congregational Church, whose
Pastor, Rev. C. A. Marshall, preached the funeral
sermon. The applause of the world was to Mr.
Huntting an empty honor, not worthy to be
sought for. Every enterprise looking toward the
improvement of McGregor in any way was heart-
ily aided by his counsel as well as money. He was
public spirited, generous and courteous in his
treatment of all mankind. One of his prominent
qualities was his keen sense of humor, for his con-
versation abounded in flashes of wit and innate
love of fun, and this is a great gift, for it helps to
smooth the rugged pathway of life and is appre-
ciated by all. Into every social circle he entered
he brought sunshine and good cheer, and the ex-

 

tent of the good he has done will never be known,
for he was one whose life was actuated by the sen-
timent, “Let not thy right hand know what thy
left hand doeth.’’

ORO

ENRY ECKART is one of the thrifty,
German-American citizens of Clayton
County who have been so active in its
development from a wild prairie to its present pro-
ductive and wealthy condition. He was actively
engaged in business, carrying on a wagon and car-
riage manufactory for many years, or until he re-
tired in 1888, since which time his home has been
made in the village of Guttenberg.

Henry Eckart was born in Prussia, Germany, in
1830, and there was reared to manhood. His edu-
cation was obtained in the justly noted excellent
schools of Prussia, and after completing his educa-
tion, in accordance with the laws of the Father-
land he entered the German army, serving for
three years as a member of the artillery corps.
Before leaving his native land, he learned the
blacksmith’s trade, which he followed for a short
time, and then determined to seek his fortunes in
America, where he believed would be afforded
wider opportunities for acquiring a livelihood.
After many weeks on the ocean in the slow sailing-
vessel of that period, he safely landed on Christ-
mas Day, 1853. For six months after his arrival
in New York City, our subject remained in the
metropolis, working at various things, and thence
proceeded to Dayton, Ohio, where he worked at
his trade for three years. It was in 1856 that he
first found himself in Guttenberg, where he en-
gaged in his vocation for a year, after which he
started a blacksmith and wagon-making establish-
ment of his own. Commencing business on a
small scale, under his good management it steadily
gained in volume, and in the course of a few years
became one of the leading business concerns of
the place. The uniformly good quality of work
turned out, and the confident reliance in his ability
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

and skill which his customers manifested, enabled
him to become well off and to constantly enlarge
his shop. For many years his vehicles were sold
in all adjoining counties and other parts of Iowa,
his sales even extending into Dakota and other
states. Since he has been retired he has devoted
his time to looking after his property interests, in
which he has considerable money invested, mainly
in town lots.

In 1857 Mr. Eckart married Miss Dora Beneke,
who, like her husband, was born in Germany.
Her parents, Christian and Dorothy (Bort) Bencke,
were among the early settlers in Guttenberg, and
were highly respected for their industrious and
honorablelives. Mr. and Mrs. Eckart are the par-
ents of four sons and three daughters, namely:
Henry C., Pastor of the Catholic Church at Wesley,
Towa; Ida, who is at home; John, Cashier of a
bank at Brush Creek, this state; Gussie, wife of
Frank Walters; Herman J., who isa stenographer
in the employ of the Milwaukee Rolling Mills; Clara
residing with her parents, and Oscar, whois attend-
ing school. Mr. Eckart isa member of the Catholic
Church of Guttenberg. The children received
good educations and enjoy the respect and good
will of the people with whom their lot is cast.
Commencing at the bottom round of the ladder,
Mr. Eckart acquired his fortune unassisted and
entirely through his own business-like qualities.

eb 6 ESE 3 wD

OHN LARSON, Postmaster of the village of

St. Olaf, Clayton County, is much esteemed

in this locality, and possesses the confidence

of all with whom he associates. He is pop-

ular in his official capacity, and is discharging the

duties of the position with characteristic fidelity

and greatly to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Mr. Larson is also part owner of a creamery near

this place, which he rents, and his son Oliver man-

ages the general store which he established in St.
Olaf.

Like many of the best residents of this county,

our subject was born in Norway, the date thereof

425

being April 7, 1841. He is the son of Peter and
Bertha Larson, also natives of that country, where
they were farmers by occupation. The parents
emigrated to the United States in 1849, and after
landing in New York City, made their way di-
rectly to Wisconsin, where they remained for a
short time. In the spring of 1850 we learn that
they came to this county, making settlement in
Farmersburg Township, where Peter Larson en-
tered a tract of wild land, consisting of a quarter-
section, on which he erected a rude log cabin. In
this cabin the family made their home for twelve
months, when a more comfortable structure was
built, in which the father passed away, aged fifty-
nine years. The mother is still living, spending
her time visiting her children.

The parental household consisted of nine chil-
dren, of whom four sons and four daughters are
yet living. John, of this sketch, when old enough
rendered his father very material aid in clearing
and cultivating their new farm in this county, and
remained at home until his marriage, when twenty-
five years old. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Agnetha Christianson, was likewise a na-
tive of Norway, and was the daughter of Hans
and Olena Christianson, who came to this country
in 1858. The mother departed this life after com-
ing to America, but Mr. Christianson is still living
and is in good circumstances.

To our subject and his estimable wife there has
been granted a family of twelve children, of whom
nine are still living: Bertha, Mary, William,
Olver, Louis, Alice, Joseph, Perry and Lawrence.
Soon after his marriage Mr. Larson purchased a
farm in Farmersburg Township, upon which he
made his home for several years, when he rented
the tract and became the proprietor of an estate
located in Hancock County, this state, which he
cultivated with good success for three and one-
half years. At the expiration of this time he dis-
posed of his farm and returned to the old home-
stead, making his residence thereon for a twelve-
month. Then selling out, he invested his means
in two hundred and ninety acres near the village
of St. Olaf, and soon thereafter, forming a part-
nership, engaged in the creamery business. He
still has an interest in this concern, although he

 
426

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

does not gives his time to its operation other than
to have a general superintendence of affairs. The
general store of our subject is in a good location,
and is well patronized by the citizens of St. Olaf.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Larson, together with all
their children, are prominent and efficient mem-
bers of the Lutheran Church. In his political re-
lations our subject is a true blue Republican, cast-
ing his first vote for Abraham Lincoln.

JT, RNEST H. HICKS occupies the position of
No State’s Attorney of Jones County, and is

one of the able native young men of this
county. His home is in Monticello, and in every-
thing connected with the general industries and
interests of the place he is prominently associated.
In the ranks of his profession he has built upa fine
reputation and is making a grand success of his
legal career.

Coming from one of the pioneer families of this
region, who have been noted for their many wor-
thy qualities and ability. E.H. Hicks was born
July 10,1866, in Monticello Township, being a son
of Francis M. and Frances A. (Little) Hicks, whose
biography appears elsewhere in this volume. They
were the parents of ten children, of whom our sub-
ject is the sixth in order of birth. His boyhood
days were passed on his father’s farm, where he
was reared to a life of industry and activity. His
school career commenced in the neighborhood of
his home, and later he entered the Agricultural
College at Ames, Jowa, where he pursued his stud-
ies for two years, after which he was admitted to
the Iowa State University of Iowa City, and grad-
uated from the Law Department of that institu-
tion in 1888; he then opened an office in Rock
Rapids, where he remained one year engaged in
his professional practice. Mr. Hicks then returned
to this county, and in Monticello formed a part-
nership with W. W. Herrick, and under the firm
name of Herrick & Hicks they engaged in general
law practice in all of the courts of thecounty. In

 

a

 

the fall of 1892 Mr. Hicks was elected to his pres-
ent position of County Attorney, assuming charge
of the affairs pertaining thereto on New Year’s
Day, 1892. He was elected on the Republican
ticket by a small majority, and his term will run
for two years. At the time of his election the Re-
publicans of the locality were closely pressed by
the opposite party and their majorities were very
small in consequence. For so young aman Mr.
Hicks has acquired considerable valuable property,
and has certainly been eminently successful as a
lawyer, particularly on cases coming under the
criminal calendar.

In 1891 Mr. Hicks was united in marriage with
Miss Cora E. Farwell, at her home in Chicago.
The lady, who has received a superior education
and is very accomplished, is a daughter of the late
Marcus A. Farwell, one of the prominent citizens of
Chicago. Fraternally our subject holds member-
ship with Burns Lodge No. 73, K. P., and is also
a Mason.

SS

JT, ZEKIEL MOORE, who isa highly respected
4 citizen and general agriculturist pleasant-
ly located on section 2, Jones Township, is
extensively engaged in stock-raising, making im-
ported and full-blooded stock a specialty. He was
born August 22, 1847, in Vicksburg, Miss., and is
a son of William and Sarah A. (Beatty) Moore.
Mrs. Moore is a sister of Dickson Beatty. For
further ancestral history of Mrs. Moore see Mr.
Beatty’s sketch on another page of this volume.

William Moore, the father of our subject, was
a native of Belfast, Ireland, and emigrated to the
United States in his youth. He landed in New
York and went immediately to Vicksburg, Miss.,
where he located and went into business for him-
self. He was married while residing in that city
and remained there for several years, but finally
came to Jowa and settled in Jones County on the
farm where our subject now lives. There was a
small cabin and thirty acres of wild land where
you will now find a magnificent farm, well culti-
vated, abundantly stocked, and first-class improve-

 

a
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

427

 

 

ments. Mr. and Mrs. William Moore were the
parents of five children: William, who lives in
Sioux County, Iowa; Mary Jane, the wife of John
Taylor, of this county; Ezekiel, our subject;
Maggie, and Sarah, deceased, who was the wife of
Richard Croston. The parents were both mem-
bers of the Baptist Church, he being a Deacon in
the church and a prominent man in his day. He
- was a strong Republican in politics and an active
worker in that party. He departed this life in
1863. His excellent wife survived him twenty-
nine years. In 1892 she went to meet her husband
in that better land.

Our subject was only one year of age when his
parents came to Iowa. He spent his boyhood
days on the farm, assisting in the various duties of
that occupation and attending the public schools
of Cascade, where he received a fair education.
He remained at home until he was twenty-three
years of age, when he began life for himself. His
first act of independence was to get married. In
1871 he was united in the holy bonds of matri-

. mony with Miss Annie Fober, a daughter of
Joseph Fober, of Cascade. She was born in
Thompsonville, Conn., in 1852. Their home has
been blessed by the addition of four children:
Merton, Mabel, Willie and Mollie. He has just
completed an addition to the old home and settled
down to the life of an “independent farmer.’’
For the last fifteen years Mr. Moore has been ex-
tensively engaged in raising thoroughbred stock.
He makes a specialty of Short-horn cattle, which
he imported, and Poland-China hogs. The most
of his attention, however, is given to the raising
of hogs, of which he has on hand at the present
time one hundred and twenty-five head of the
pure Poland-China breed. Our subject has been
very successful in this line of business, and ex-
hibits every year at the county fairs, always receiv-
ing first premiums.

In 1885 Mrs. Moore was called away to the
land beyond, leaving a large circle of friends to
mourn her loss. In 1887 Mr. Moore married Miss
Mattie Fober, a sister of his former wife. This
union has been blessed by the birth of three chil-
dren, but they all died in infancy. He and his
estimable wife are both members of the Baptist

 

Church; he holds the office of Deacon and Mrs.
Moore is a teacher in the Sunday-school. Socially
Mr. Moore is a member of the Modern Woodmen,
of Cascade. Politically he is a Republican and
takes an active part in the interest of that party.
Our subject has held many offices of trust, and for
sixteen years has served as Supervisor of the
county. He is also a member of the School Board
at the present time, and has served as such fora
number of years. Mr. Moore is a member of the
American Poland-China Company with headquar-
ters at Cedar Rapids, Mich., and occasionally he
contributes short articles to the county papers.

Ee

HARLES F. SCHOCH. Among the many
industries which have contributed to the
upbuilding and advancement of the thriv-

ing town of Elkader is the carriage and buggy
manufactory of the gentleman whose name heads
this article, who contracts for and carries out fine
work in his line of trade. Thoroughly conversant
with all the details of his business, he oversees his
large and extensive place, turning out carriages of
avery superior quality of workmanship.

A native of the Keystone State, our subject’s
birth occurred in Philadelphia in 1852. Heisa
son of Charles Schoch, who was born in Germany.
In his early manhood he left the Fatherland, and on
landing in the United States continued his journey
westward as far as Clayton County, where he set-
tled, devoting himself to agricultural pursuits un-
til shortly before his death, which occurred in 1893,
when he had reached the age of seventy-one years.
He was one of the fifty industrious German farm-
ers who settled in the colony at Communia, and
to whose exertions much of the wealth and pros-
perity of that region are due. He was a loyal cit-
izen and son of his adopted country, and political-
ly voted with the Democratic party. His wife,
whose maiden name was Rose Yeager, is still liv-
ing, making her residence at Elkader and is now
in her seventy-sixth year.

Charles F. Schoch is to all intents and purposes
428

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

an American, as he was only an infant when his
parents brought him to Clayton County and here
his early years were passed, his time being spent
in giving to his father his assistance in carrying on
the homestead and in attending the district school.
With his father he learned the trade of carriage
making, and to this branch of business has devoted
his mature life. He is master of the trade and he
has succeeded in establishing a reputation for good
work, second to none in this region.

In 1875 the subject of this sketch married Fred-
ericka Suco, of Elk Port. Her father, Fred Suco,
was one of the early pioneers of this county, in
which he still makes his home, having reached the
advanced age of eighty-eight years. The marriage
of Mr. and Mrs. Schoch has been blessed with a
family of three sons and four daughters, as follows:
Rose, Mattie, Ella, Louise, Frederick, William and
Carl, Jr. The children have all been given the best
of school privileges and are being trained for lives
of usefulness and honor. Mr. Schoch is a member
of Union Lodge No. 105, 1. O. O. F.,and is also
identified with the Ancient Order of United Work-
men. Politically he is affiliated with the Demo-
cratic party, to which he gives his zealous support.
Mr. Schoch is widely and favorably known in this
locality, which has been his home during almost
his entire life,and here he numbers among his host
of acquaintances many of the truest and warmest
friends.

war and a leading farmer of Cass Town-
ship, was born in Wurtemberg, Germany>
September 11,1842. His father, F. Conrad Balluff,
was a mechanic by trade, and in 1848 emigrated
to America, settling in Erie County, N. Y., where
he bought a small tract of land. In 1856 he re-
- moved west to Iowa and located upon the farm
now owned by our subject. Here his death occur-
red at the advanced age of ninety-two years in
December, 1893. His wife died in New York State
in 1853.
There were nine children in the parental family,

Ve BALLUFF, a veteran of the late

 

all of whom attained years of maturity, and four
are now living. Margaret is the wife of John
Putz, a farmer and cooper of Elkport, Clayton
County. John P., who died in Clayton County,
in February, 1881, wasa soldier in the Union army,
being a member of Company H, Sixteenth Iowa
Infantry. He participated in a number of the lead-
ing engagements of the Rebellion and accompanied
Sherman on the march to the sea. At Juka he
was taken prisoner and for fifty-nine days was con-
fined in Andersonville. At the expiration of four
years’ service in the army he was honorably dis-
charged. Theresa, who died in 1879, was the wife
of W. Hammer,a farmer of Delaware County.
Hannah died unmarried in 1886. ‘Timothy passed
away in 1868. Josephine married Sebastian Putz
and lives in Warren County, Jowa. Joseph passed
from earth in 1890. Mary Amelia, the wife of
Jacob Miller, lives near York in Delaware County.
When the family emigrated to the United States
our subject was a child of six years. The eight
succeeding years were passed in New York, and
thence he came to Iowain 1856. In the schools of
Strawberry Point he was for some time a student,
and by his fellow-students was given the nick-
name of “Professor’’ on account of the fact that
one day when his teacher was giving instruction
in German he reached a point beyond which he
could not go, and young Balluff made the necessary
explanation for the teacher and other pupils. In
his studies he was keen and quick, and the informa-
tion gained in the common schools has been sup-
plemented by self-culture and close observation.
When the war broke out, Mr. Balluff was culti-
vating the home farm. With the enthusiasm of
youth he was desirous of enlisting at once in his
country’s service, but his father forbade him. How-
ever, in 1864 his name was enrolled as a member
of Company H, Sixteenth Iowa Infantry, and in
that regiment he served until the close of the war.
He accompanied General Sherman on the march to
the sea and participated in the Grand Review at
Washington. He was mustered out at Louisville,

_Ky., and honorably discharged at Davenport, Iowa.

In August, 1866, Mr. Balluff married Miss Mary
Mullen, a native of Hancock County, Ill, and they
have ten daughters and one son, Alma, for-
obey Buissiy\
Missing Page
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

431

 

 

merly a school teacher, is now the wife of Fred
Everet, a farmer of Delaware County. Amelia
married M. J. Everet, also a farmer in Delaware
County. Francis was educated in the Business
Department of Upper Iowa University, and now
aids his father in the management of the farm.
Josephine is a teacher in the public schools. Ger-
trude, Nettie, Jane, Estella, Eva, Georgia and
Susan are with their parents.

After tilling the soil in Clayton and Fayette
Counties, Mr. Balluff in the year 1882 bought the
old homestead, and here he has since resided. As
an agriculturist he is energetic and efficient, and
his place bears evidence of the thrift of the pro-
prietor. The farm buildings are commodious and
substantial, well adapted to their varied uses. He
has given his entire attention to his farm, never
aspiring to public office. However, he is a stanch
Democrat and always supports the enterprises and
measures of his party. Socially he is identified
with the Grand Army of the Republic.

©)
"@)

©. xy

PEE EEE e bebe

” Qe

 

nent practitioner of Monona, Clayton

County, where he has been located for the
past five years. During this time he has suc-
ceeded in building up a fine practice both in this
village and the surrounding territory. He re-
ceived an excellent education both in a literary
and medical sense and has always been a student,
belonging to the various medical organizations,
taking the leading medical journals and in every
way endeavoring to extend his knowledge. He
was born in Farmersburg Township, March 4,
1856, being a son of David L. Renshaw, whose
birth occurred in Uniontown, Fayette County, Pa.
Coming to Iowa he located in Delaware County,
and two years later, about 1857, became a resident

17

] ESLIE L. RENSHAW, M. D., is a promi-

 

of Clayton County, where he located on a farm in
Farmersburg Township, and remained there en-
gaged in general agricultural pursuits about thirty
years. In 1884 he retired from active life to
make his home in Rock Valley, Iowa, where he
still resides. His father, George S., was born in
Virginia, and he in turn was the son of Aaron
Renshaw. The Doctor’s mother, whose maiden
name was Persis Angier, is still living and is a
daughter of Elijah Angier, whose birth occurred
in the Empire State. Mrs. Renshaw was born in
Westport, N. Y., and there received her education,
growing to womanhood.

Dr. Leslie L. Renshaw is one of eleven children,
nine of whom grew to maturity, and all but one
of these still survive. The Doctor, who is the
eldest of the family, attended the district schools
in the neighborhood of his father’s farm, and his
early years were passed in the arduous duties per-
taining to farm life. For a time he taught school
in his home district and then began his medi-
cal studies with Dr. C. H. Hamilton. With him
he continued for about four years and subse-
quently entered the Medical Department of the
State University, from which he was graduated
with the degree of Doctor of Medicine in the
Class of ’80. His first location was in Farmers-
burg, where he successfully engaged in practice for
ten years, after which he removed to Monona and
has since made this his field of work.

In Noveinber, 1883, Dr. Renshaw was married
to Amanda Kinsley, a native of this county and a
daughter of Guy Kinsley, who is well known in
this locality. Four children were born to the
Doctor and his estimable wife, David L., Kins-
ley, Carlton, and Guy, who has been called from
this life.

The Doctor is a member of the Northeastern
Iowa Medical Society and the State Medical So-
ciety, and fraternally belongs to the orders of
Modern Woodmen and United Workmen. A
stanch Republican, he is a worker in the ranks of
his party, is a member of the County Central Com-
mittee and is Chairman of the Township Republi-
can Committee. During the administration of
432

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

President Harrison the Doctor was a member of
the Board of Pension Examiners. He is Vice-
President and Director in the Monona State Bank
and in other worthy enterprises has borne his part.

i Foofoeoode =
am Si 2 ae eeedods =a

UGUSTUS E. AXTELL. The farm owned
and operated by this gentleman consists

of two hundred and five acres situated in —

Cass Township, Clayton County. For more than
thirty years he has made his home in Iowa, having
come to this state in September, 1863, and settled
on his present farm two miles east of Strawberry
Point. Through energy and good management
he has become the possessor of a competence, and
is recognized as one of the well-to-do agricultur-
ists of the county.

A native of Massachusetts, our subject was born
in Berkshire County, September 29,1821. He is
of English descent, his paternal grandfather having
been a native of thatcountry. His father, Daniel
Axtell, was born in Connecticut, removed thence to
Massachusetts, and in 1823 brought his family
west as far as Ohio, settling on the Western Re-
serve, in Lorain County, near the present site of
Oberlin. By trade he was a carpenter, and built
the first frame house in Oberlin. In his com-
munity he was a man of considerable prominence
and held a number of local offices, including that
of Justice of the Peace. His death occurred in
July, 1854.

Our subject’s mother bore the maiden name of
Jane Wellman and was a native of Maine. Her
father, Abram, was a soldier in the Revolutionary
conflict, and also took part in the War of 1812.
The family, it is supposed, descended from Irish
and English ancestry, and was identified with the
early history of New England. Mrs. Jane Axtell
died about 1866. She hada family of fifteen chil-
dren, ten sons and five daughters, of whom all
but one attained years of manhood and woman-
hood. The sons, with the exception of A. E.,
were carpenters by trade. M. Washington in

 

later life became a physician and during the war
was assistant surgeon of an Illinois regiment. Af-
ter the close of the Rebellion he engaged in build-
ing railroads in the west, in which enterprise he
made a fortune; he died in 1893 in Ohio. M. J.
was a member of Company E, One Hundred and
Twenty-eighth Ohio Infantry, and served for two
years; he now lives near Cleveland, Ohio, where
he owns valuable property. Marcus, also a par-
ticipant in the war, died in Illinois. Addison, a
veteran of the late war, resides at Geneva, Ohio.
The other brothers are deceased, as are also the
sisters with the exception of Frances C., wife of
Richard Youman, of Mahaska County, Iowa.

The oldest surviving member of the family is
the subject of this sketch. He was two years of
age when taken by his parents to the frontier of
Ohio, and there he grew to manhood. Several of
his brothers and sisters were educated in Oberlin
College and were teachers. Fora time he worked
at the trade of a carpenter, which his father and
brothers followed, but the occupation did not
suit his taste, so he decided to become an agricult-
urist. With this object in view, in September,
1863, he came to Iowa and settled on the property
where he has since resided.

While a resident of Ohio Mr. Axtell married
Olive Dulmadge, who died April 15, 1858, leav-
ing three children. Maria I., a graduate of Ober-
lin College, taught school for a time; she is now
the wife of Franklin Richardson, a farmer in Cass
Township. Rosa B., also a graduate of Oberlin
and a former teacher, is now the wife of Rees
Davis, an agriculturist. Elbridge K.is a farmer
of Clayton County. The second marriage of Mr.
Axtell also occurred in Ohio, his wife being Mar-
tha A. Bartlett,'a native of New York State. They
have four sons and one daughter living, namely:
E. E., who married Celia Lamphiear, and is a
farmer in North Dakota; Herman A., who mar-
ried Lea Lamphiear, and is engaged in cultivating
his father’s farm; Arthur, who chose as his wife
Miss Alma Scovell, and is also an agriculturist;
Harry J., a farmer in North Dakota; and Manie, a
well educated young lady, who resides witb her
parents.

For nine years Mr. Axtell has been Treasurer of
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

433

 

 

the Clayton County Fire Insurance Company,
of which he is now Vice-President. He is Presi-
dent of the Strawberry Point Creamery, the
largest concern of the kind in the state, and in
this office he has served efficiently for three terms.
For twenty-five years he has been connected with
the Grange. In his political views he is a Demo-
crat, always to be relied upon to support the
measures adopted by that party. His wife is
a member of the Baptist Church, which he at-
tends, though not identified with any denomina-
tion. He is a progressive farmer, quick to avail
himself of every opportunity for increasing the
value of his property, and possesses the force of
character that wins and retains friends.

-
°

‘ oboe er)
SSS

UDGE OLIVER W. CRARY is an old and
honored citizen of Farmersburg Township.
He was born December 21, 1819, in Preston,
Conn.,and is the youngest son of Elisha and
Abigail (Avery) Crary. His father was a native
of New London County, Conn., and was born in
August, 1773; he was a son of Oliver Crary, also
of Connecticut. His mother was of Welsh descent
and was born in 1777. Her parents, Isaac and
Mercy (Williams) Avery, were born in New Lon-
don County, and her father was a Colonel in the
Connecticut Militia. The Crary family were for-
merly from England, and came from Northumber-
land as early as 1660. Veter Crary, the great-
grandfather of our subject, entered land in 1680
in New London County, where the Crarys have
made their home for generations. His parents
made their permanent home in that county and
reared a family of seven children, three of whom
are living: Abbie, widow of Warren Cook, living
in Connecticut; Lucy, the wife of C. 8. Prentice,
who makes her home in Preston, Conn., and Oliver
W., our subject, the youngest of the family.
Judge Crary was born and reared on a farm, re-
ceiving his early education in the district schools
of his childhood’s home, but later attended the

 

Plainfield Academy, where he finished his educa-
tion. While there he prepared himself for a teacher.
He remained at home until twenty-nine years of
age, teaching during the winter months and assist-
ing his father on the farm in summer. He taught
his first school at the early age. of sixteen years.

In 1848 our subject started out to seek a home
in the far west. He with another young man
made the journey in a buggy, going first to New
Haven; from there they went to Poughkeepsie,
then to Albany and through western New York,
continuing their journey westward through Penn-
sylvania and northeastern Ohio. At+this point his
partner became homesick and sold his interest in the
horse and buggy to the Judge and returned to
Connecticut. The Judge, however, being more
plucky, would not turn back but determined to
push forward and find a suitable place to make his
home. He sold the buggy and went on horseback
tolowa. Being convinced that this was the garden
spot of America, he selected the land and laid out
the farm on which he now resides. He went to
Prairie du Chien, and buying a load of lumber,
built a home during the winter, but in the spring
he moved his little board shanty to the site of his
present fine residence. There was not a house in
sight at that time, and the nights were made hid-
eous by the continual howling of wolves and other
wild animals.

In 1849 our subject returned to Connecticut, and
in July of the same year was united in marriage
with Miss Charlotte E. Borrows, a daughter of Seth
and Anna (Stark) Borrows, all natives of Connect-
icut. He brought his bride to share his new home
in the far west, and for five happy years she was
the partner of his joys and sorrows. Then death
came and claimed her for his own. She passed
away in 1864, leaving a husband but no children
to mourn her loss. Judge Crary was married the
second time in April, 1864, to Miss Agnethe Thov
son, a native of Norway, and to them have been
born eleven children, nine of whom are living:
Lucy E., William H., Fredrick, George H., Amy S.,
Alice, John Elisha, Isaac A. and Arthur E.

Ina few years after settling in Iowa our subject
had accumulated ten hundred and forty acres of
wild land, and now has seven hundred and sixty
434

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

acres under a high state of cultivation. In his
early manhood the Judge did all the work of im-
proving his farm. In 1889 he erected the beauti-
ful residence he now occupies. It is the finest
building in the township. Formerly the principal
product of the farm was wheat, but for a number
of years the Judge has given his attention to stock-
raising, and at the present time is extensively en-
gaged in that line of industry. He has a number
of fine horses, imported cattle, sheep and hogs.
Our subject is the oldest settler in Farmersburg
‘Township, and is an excellent farmer, highly te-
spected by all who have the honor of his acquaint-
ance. /

Politically Judge Crary is a Republican, but be-
fore the organization of that party he was a stalwart
Whig. He was elected County Judge in 1857 and
served as such until 1860. In the fall of 1871 he
was elected to the State Senate, serving four years.
He was a member of the Committee on Ways and
Means during the whole of his term. Fraternally
he is a member of the Masonic order at Farmers-
burg. He has always been Secretary of the district
in which he lives.

-==1O8 oes

ENRY DWIGHT SMITH. The following

is a brief sketch of the career of Mr. Smith,

a retired farmer living in Monticello.

His present substantial position has been reached

entirely through his own perseverance, and his

life shows what can be accomplished by a person

with courage and enlightened views. He was born

in Salem, Mass., September 23, 1818,and is the son

of George K. and Mary (Davis) Smith natives re-

spectively of the above place in Massachusetts,
and Bloomfield, N. J.

The father of our subject was a sea captain,
having trade between the United States and Brazil,
which occupation he followed from 1800 to 1812,
and again from 1816 to 1825, when he removed
with his family to Utica, N. Y., and thence, in
1850, came to Dubuque County, this state. In

 

1856 we find him settled in Jones County, this
state, in Monticello Township, where he carried
on farm pursuits,and where his death occurred
May 8, 1868. His good wife departed this life
December 17, 1860. She was the daughter of Cor-
nelius Davis, a resident of Bloomfield, N. J.

Henry D., of this sketch, was the eldest of three
sons and seven daughters born to his parents, of
whom six survive; two died young. He accom-
panied his parents on their removal to Utica, N. Y.,
where he attended the select schools. After com-
pleting his education, he taught two terms of
winter school in that county, spending his sum-
mers on his father’s farm. In the year 1857 he
came west, locating in Bowen’s Prairie, Monti-
cello Township, where he owned and cultivated
a tract of land and lived until the year 1870.
That year he moved onto a quarter-section in
Monticello Township, joining the city on the west,
which was in a wild state; by much hard work on
his part he improved and placed it under excel-
lent tillage, and by a proper rotation of crops
gained a good income from the soil. He, how-
ever, made a specialty of dairy farming, having
on his estate from twenty-five to thirty good
mileh cows, and sold the milk to the creamery.
He was Surveyor of Jones County in 1862-63, and
has been Notary Public from that time to the
present.

Mr. Smith was married, in 1840, to Miss Harriet
Lavancha, daughter of John D. Campbell. She
was born in Paris, N. Y., and by her union with
our subject became the mother of six children, of
whom Harriet Mary died in her twentieth year;
Douglass Henry is a farmer; Laura Campbell is
deceased; Dwight Stewart died July 26, 1889;
and Sarah Louisa married A. L. Seward, and makes
her home in the state of Washington. One son
died in infancy.

Mr. Smith is an ardent Prohibitionist, and was
sent as a delegate of his party to the National
Prohibition Convention at Cincinnati, Ohio, in
1892,and the State Convention held in Des Moines
June 27, 1894. He is Secretary of the Jones
County Institute, and deals occasionally in real
estate, being the possessor of considerable prop-
erty in Monticello. Mrs. Smith departed this life

x
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

435

 

 

August 14, 1890, on the farm near the city. She
was a devoted member of the Congregational
Church, and active in all good_works. He has
been reporter for the signal service of the United
States since 1882. He is very pronounced in all
his views, and his advice is often sought on occa-
sions of great importance. He was a supporter of
the Liberty party in 1844, of the Free-Soil party
in 1848 and 1852, then the Republican until 1872,
and took a mugwump position until 1880, since
which time he has acted with the Prohibitionists.
He attended the meeting at Utica, N. Y., where the
Free-Soil party was born in 1848.

7 AK

OHN ANDEREGG, a retired farmer who now
makes his home in Guttenberg, has been for
over forty years identified with the develop-
ment and progress of Clayton County; when

he first set eyes upon it, 1t was a wild unculti-
vated piece of prairie, sparsely settled and having
but little promise of the great future beforeit. By
his assistance and that of the many worthy pio-
neers who located here in the early 750s, thereafter
devoting their energies to its improvement and
cultivation, it has come to be known as one of the
best and most fertile counties in the sisterhood of
the state.

Samuel Anderegg, father of our subject, was
born in Switzerland, where he lived until after his
marriage, and then started for America, becoming
a resident of Indiana, in which state his death oc-
curred in 1873. His wife, who before her marriage
was Barbara Hoobler, was also a native of Switzer-
land and departed this life in Ohio. Their son,
John, was born June 12, 1824, in the land of the
Alps, and until reaching his majority, resided in
that picturesque and far-famed country. It was
his privilege to receive a good general school edu-
vation, and by his studies as well as from friends

 

he learned of the advantages afforded to the na-
tive and adopted sons of America, and early made
up his mind he would journey to the western part
of the United States. On May 16, 1845, after a
tedious journey on the ocean he landed in New
York City, and from there went to Ohio, where he
continued to reside for eight years. In 1853, as
we have previously related, he became one of the
pioneers of Clayton County, settling on a farm in
Jefferson Township, near where the village of Gut-
tenberg now stands.

August 8, 1862, Mr. Anderegg volunteered
his services in the defense of his adopted country,
donning the blue and enlisting as a member of
Company D, Twenty-seventh lowa Infantry. For
meritorious and valiant service he was promoted
from the ranks to be Second, and subsequently
First Lieutenant. With his regiment he partici-
pated in many important engagements and battles,
among them, Little Rock and Memphis, afterward
being sent on the Red River Expedition. In 1864
he was mustered out at Memphis, Tenn., receiving
an honorable discharge. Returning to Clayton
County he continued for some twenty years longer
to operate his valuable farm, which he carried on
until 1884, when he retired from its arduous duties.
He has just sold his farm of two hundred and ten
acres of good farm land, all of which is under fine
cultivation, and well improved with substantial
farm buildings, fences, etc., to his son, Charles G.

In 1846, the year after his arrival in America,
Mr. Anderegg married Miss Magdalena Menger,
who was a native of Germany. ‘To them were
born five sons and thiee daughters, John, Lizzie,
William, Charles G., Julius, Lydia, Emma and
Herman F. The devoted wife and mother, who
for nearly forty years had been the trusted and
faithful companion and helpmate of Mr. Anderegg,
was called from this life in 1884, leaving many
friends to mourn her loss. The present wife of
our subject was formerly Louise Frieze, and their
marriage was celebrated in 1884. Of this union
has been born one child, Mattie by name.

In public and local affairs, Mr. Anderegg has
always been interested, taking his share, and doing
all in his power to advance the best interests of
the community. The boys in blue have ever oc-
436

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

cupied a warm place in his heart, and heis a char-
ter member and one of the founders of Hasen Deu--
fel Post No. 146,G. A. R. Politically, he votes
with the Republican party.

{Sco

7 H. LUECK. For about forty years the
subject of this record has been a resident
of Guttenberg and active in its business
affairs. A public spirited man, he has done his
share toward the upbuilding and prosperity of the
place in which for some three decades he has suc-
cessfully conducted an extensive and lucrative
trade in lumber and building material, furnishing
supplies in his line for most of the buildings
erected in this town and the adjoining townships.

Mr. Lueck comes of hardy and thrifty Ger-
man stock, to whom, perhaps more than to any
others, is due the condition of prosperity in which
Clayton County finds itself to-day, as they devel-
oped the land from the wild prairie, making fer-
tile farms and founding enterprising villages here
and there. The birth of our subject occurred in Ger-
many in 1824,and his father, B. Lueck, died in
the Fatherland, of which he too was a native.

 

4

The boyhood and youth of our subject were passed _

in Germany, where he received a good education
in his mother tongue. On arriving at a suitable
age, in accordance with the laws of his land, he
entered the German army, where he remained for
six years, and during that time participated in
three battles, doing valiant service.

It was in 1853, when nearly thirty years of
age, that Mr. Lueck decided that he would come
to the United States, believing that the opportu-
nities here afforded for advancement and the ac-
quisition of a fortune were greater than in his own
land. After long weeks spent upon the bosom of

the deep in the slow sailing-vessel of the period,
he arrived at New Orleans, from which he pro- |

ceeded by way of the Mississippi and the Ohio to
Cincinnati, where he remained for about two years.
In 1855 he came to Guttenberg, and worked at

 

various lines of business whereby he could obtain
a livelihood for eleven years. Being very indus-
trious and frugal in his manner of life, he regular-
ly laid aside a portion of his wages, in time
acquiring a neat little sum, which he invested in
the lumber business in 1866, embarking in trade
for himself. Since that time he has steadily ad-
vanced, and now numbers many regular custom-
ers who were won to him by his uniform honesty
and truthfulness and by his unfailing courtesy.
All kinds of lumber used in the construction of
houses, barns, fences, etc., he keeps regularly in
stock, and sells at the lowest market prices.

In 1858 our subject was married to Miss Anna
Eilers, whose birth also occurred in the Fatherland,
and who survived her marriage but two years. The
present wife of our subject, also born in the Father-
land, was before her marriage Miss Mary Albers.
Their union was blessed with eight children, but
only three of the number yet survive. Those liv-
ing are John, Henry and Joseph, and they, with
their parents, are members of, and regular attend-
ants on, the services of the Catholic Church of this
city. Since becoming a naturalized citizen of the
United States, Mr. Lueck has voted for the nom-
inriees of the Democratic party. Like every true
patriot, he is interested in the welfare of the
Government and in the cause of education, and
holds that his own private and personal interests
are secondary to the general and public good.

ENRY OELKE. Among the more promi-
nent citizens well known and respected
in the business circles of Farmersburg,

Clayton County, Iowa, may be found the subject
of this biography, who holds the office of Post-
master, and is also a wealthy merchant of Farmers-
burg. He was born at Hanover, Germany. Sep-
tember 10, 1844. His father, William Oelke, was
a native of the same country, and was born there
February 26, 1818. He followed the trade of a
carpenter for quite a number of years, then later
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

487

 

 

went to farming. He was married at Hanover to
Miss Elizabeth Wilruth, who was born there in
1817. ‘They emigrated to America in the year
1851, and located in Farmersburg Township on
section 16, remaining on it for about six or seven
months, when they removed to Read Township,
where they remained for seven or eight years.
Again moving to Farmersburg Township they pur-
chased a piece of land on section 28, on which
they lived. This land at the time of its purchase
was a wild and uncultivated prairie, but to-day it
may be seen vastly improved and bearing an
abundant harvest. In 1869 they settled in Garna-
villo Township, purchasing there a piece of im-
proved property, on which he resided until about
the year 1880, when he moved to Garnavillo
and remained until his death, which occurred
on the 15th of August, 1888. He was a Demo-
crat in politics, and was well posted on all matters
both of local and national importance. He need
never regret having emigrated to this country,
although at times the prospect seemed dark and
uninviting, for he has with his untiring persever-
ance and hard labor acquired a competency for
his family. ‘They were the parents of four chil-
dren, all of whom are living. They are as follows:
William H.; Henry, our subject; August and Ber-
tha. William H. served his country in the late
war. The father now peacefully sleeps under the
green sod and the weeping willows of Garna-
villo Cemetery.

The subject of this sketch was a mere child when
he came to this country, and remembers nothing
more than the time spent on the ocean, which was
fourteen weeks and three days. He attended the
public schools of Clayton County, and also the
German school at Garnavillo. When twenty-three
years of age he was compelled to seek his fort-
une, and, having been reared on a farm, he de-
cided to follow that vocation. In the spring of
1874, he removed to the village of Garnavillo,
and engaged in teaming and farming there for
thirteen years, when he came to the town of
Farmersburg in the year 1887 and bought out
the merchandise business of H. Knudson; he has
Since remodeled the building and increased the
stock, which now is estimated at from $12,000 to

 

$16,000. He carries a general line of merchandise
and is interested also in a lumber and grain busi-
ness.

In 1867 he was united in marriage with Miss
Eliza B. Schelermann, who is a native of Germany
and came to this country about the year 1852.
Mr. and Mrs. Oelke were the parents of seven chil-
dren, five of whom are living, and are as follows:
Christ, Henry, Edwin, Arnold and Katie. The
parents are both valued members of the Lutheran
Church.

Socially, Mr. Oelke is a member of the Masonic
order and also of the Ancient Order of United
Workmen. In politics he isa stanch Democrat,
and takes an active part in all issues, both local
and national. He was Postmaster during Cleve-
lands’ first term, and was again appointed to that
position in 1893. Mr. Oelke is the Treasurer of
the School Board.

SSS Tea.
sSeedeedoede bebe

AMING OF IOWA. The great-grand-
mother of Judge Oliver W. Crary was a
Brewster and one of her family came west

and settled in Pennsylvania in an early day. In
1832 a descendant of the Brewster family went to
Connecticut to see the oid ancestral home. He told
many wonderful Indian stories to our subject, then
a mere lad, and often amused “grown up’ people
as wellas the children. ‘This Mr. Brewster had been
reared by a Shawnee Indian squaw and was familiar
with the Indian language.

One of the stories related by Mr. Brewster de-
scribed the naming of the state of Iowa. The
story was told him by an old Indian squaw, who
claimed to be a descendant of a French priest and a
beautiful Indian maiden. She told of the early
hunting expeditions of the Spanish, who were ac-
companied by a French priest and the Indians.
The former were looking for gold and the Indians
conducted them through the woods. While pass-
ing along, the whites would frequently cast their
eyes on the ground and their guides would say to
438

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

each other: “See them eye the way.’’ Afterwards
that name was given to the Iowa River, and it was
called ‘“‘Eye the Way’’ for a long time, but it was
finally shortened to Iowa.

They went up into Wisconsin and some of the
party stopped at the mouth of the Wisconsin River
and the remainder went forward to explore. They
were to build fires to indicate the position of the

party, and when the signal indicated that the party .

was returning,a number of canoes loaded with old
men, women and children went to meet them.
When they returned they told how great numbers
of northern Indians had come down upon them,
but upon the approach of the exploring party with
their guns the Indians became frightened and fled
after some were slain. The creek on which the
battle occurred was filled with blood and has since
been known as “Bloody Run.’’ The priest, one
servant and the beautiful young squaw were all
that were saved; the others were all drowned in
ascending the rapids of the river. The French
priest made his permanent home among the Indi-
ans and married the pretty squaw. Mr. Brewster
escaped from the Indians and went to Kaskaskia, IL.

fee + SK tw

AAKEN THORESEN. The Norwegian
residents of the United States are among
the most thrifty and prosperous citizens

of our agricultural communities, and the subject
of this notice is not an exception to the example
furnished by his countrymen. Though his home
has been in America for only about twenty-three
years, he has not only acquired a knowledge of
the English language, but has also gained a fair
idea of the history and present political status of
the nation. In the discharge of his duties as a
citizen he is liberal-spirited and capable, and Clay-
ton County has no citizen more upright than he.

At present a resident of section 11, Wagner
Township, our subject was born in Tolgens, Oster-
dalm, Norway, May 30, 1848. He is the son of
Thore and Oleven (Backen) Thoresen, natives of

 

the same place as himself, and still residents of the
Old Country. He is the next to the youngest of
seven children, of whom the others are, Carrie
and Oleven, who ate still living in Norway;
Thore, who came to this country three years be-
fore our subject, and after residing in Clayton
County, Jowa, for a short time went to Chippewa
County, Minn., where he died; Margaret and
Helena, who reside in Norway; and Annie, who
died-at the age of two years.

Amid the scenes of his birthplace our subject
attained a sturdy manhood, well fitted by nature
and training for a responsible position in the
business world. He established domestic ties on
the 25th of December, 1869, when occurred his
marriage to Miss Carrie Seaman Gielton. They
continued to reside in Norway for two years after
their marriage and then, in the spring of 1871,
bought two tickets for $120 direct to McGregor,
Iowa. ‘Taking passage from the home port, they
crossed the Atlantic and after an uneventful voy-
age landed in Quebec, Canada, on the 5th of June,
1871. The next day they came to McGregor and
from there to Wagner Township, where for three
years Mr. Thoresen worked in the employ of
others. During the first year he occupied a rented
house near Monona, and for the three ensuing

_years resided on section 2, Wagner Township,

where he built a house for his family.

The first purchase made by Mr. Thoresen in
Clayton County consisted of forty acres near the
above-mentioned farm. Cultivating this tract for
four years, he then sold the property to J. J.
Henke. In 1878 he bought forty acres comprising
a portion of his present farm, which at that time

_was heavily timbered. He went to work witha

will and it was not long before the land was
cleared and placed under cultivation. A substan-
tial house was also erected and other improve-
ments added. Seven years after settling here he
bought an adjoining forty-acre tract, afterward an
eighty-acre piece of property and still later added
another eighty-acre tract. At the present time he
is the owner of two hundred and forty acres,
comprising one of the best farms in Wagner
Township. Here he engages in raising the various
cereals and also makes a special feature of raising
 

 
 

 

 

WILLIAM 8S. SCOTT.

 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

441

 

 

good grades of cattle, hogs and other stock. For
the last seven years he has engaged in raising to-
bacco, in which he has been very successful.

The family of Mr. Thoresen consists of seven
children, and they have also lost one child, Peter,
who was born on the home farm August 17, 1881,
and was the youngest of the household circle. The
others are, Ole, who was born in Norway, May 17,
1869; Elena, born January 16, 1871, also in Nor-
way; Tauler, Hilda, Carrie, Samuel and Eli, all of
whom were born in Clayton County. The family
attends the Lutheran Church near the homestead,
of which Mr. and Mrs. Thoresen are members. In
politics he is a stanch Republican, and is always
ready to advocate party principles and measures.

 

SESE SESE SESE BB SRSKSESESESIE

ILLIAM S. SCOTT, a retired farmer of

Monona Township, Clayton County, is

one of the pioneers of this locality,where
he cast his lot just forty years ago. He improved
and cultivated several farms, and has been an ex-
tensive land owner. A native of the Green Moun-
tain State, he was born in Grand Isle County, Oc-
tober 24, 1824, being a son of John Scott. The
latter was born in Spencertown, Columbia County,
N.Y., March 12, 1784, and was a farmer by oceupa-
tion, his death occurring in his seventy-sixth year.
His father, Henry, was born in 1763 in the same
county, and shouldered a musket during the
Revolutionary War, serving under General Sulli-
van. The great-grandfather of W.S. Scott, whose
given name was Cornelius, was likewise born in
the Empire State, and was one of the pioneers of
the locality in which he resided, being of German
and English origin.

On attaining man’s estate, John Scott, the father
of our subject, wedded Sally Cochran, who was
born in Vermont, as was also her father, Thomas
Cochran. The latter, who was of Irish descent,
was a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and his father, Robert, was also a native of Ver-
mont. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs Scott,

 

they started their life together on a farm in Grand
Isle County, where they continued to live until
1846. They then became residents of Clayton
County, where the father continued to live until
his death, August 3, 1861. His wife died in 1850,
and subsequently he was again married. By his
first union he had two children, Selecta and Chris-
tina, both deceased, and by his second marriage he
had six children, who grew to maturity.

William S. Scott remained with his father until
the spring after he had attained his majority, when
he started for Clayton County, Iowa, and walked
from Chicago to Dubuque. His firstsummer in this
locality was spent in Garnavillo Township, where
he worked by the day, receiving seventy-five cents
for his services in the harvest field, and in the winter
received from fifty to seventy-five cents for split-
ting rails: In the fall of 1846 he enlisted in Captain
Parker’s Cavalry, for the Mexican War, and for his
faithful services at that time is now drawing a pen-
sion. On his return he was foreman of construction
on the Ogdensburg Railroad for two years.

July 29, 1848, Mr. Scott married Luana Harvey,
daughter of Hon. David Harvey, who at one time
was a member of the Legislature. Mrs. Scott was
born May 8, 1828, and was the elder of two chil-
dren. She was reared to womanhood on her fath-
er’s farm, receiving an excellent education. At
her death, December 4, 1893, she left two children,
four others having previously passed away. Julia
E. is the wife of A. Ernst, a merchant of Luana,
and they have two children, namely: Minnie, who
is the wife of Eli Bunnell, of Willoughby, Ohio,
and Lloyd Scott, who is at home. John T. was
graduated with high honors from the State Univer-
sity in the Class of ’75. On the 9th of November
following he was drowned at Grant City, Sac
County, Iowa. Had he lived until the 30th of the
same month he would have been twenty-one years
of age. Ida May became the wife of Dr. Thomas M.
Moore, of Willoughby, Ohio. William R. died in
his eleventh year, and two children died in infancy.

The year after our subject’s marriage he located
in Farmersburg Township, where he purchased a
tract of land and devoted himself to its improve-
ment for six years. Fora year and a-half after-
ward he operated the farm and settled the estate
442

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

belonging to his wife’s father. In 1854 he settled
in Monona Township, where he has since remained
and has become a very successful general farmer.
He owned six hundred acres of land, and the town
ol Luana was laid out by him and named in honor
of Mrs. Scott. In company with Luther Nichols,
our subject: organized the school district of this
township. Anactive Republican, he was for twenty-
seven years Township Treasurer, and for ten years
served as Justice of the Peace. For a period of
two years he was a member of the Board of Super-
visors, and has been a Mason since 1854. He still
owns a fine and well improved farm comprising
two hundred and seventy acres, which he rents,
and at present he resides in the village of Luana.
In 1880 he was elected delegate to the General
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

 

f—- 55 E43

passed since Mr. Dunsmoor came to Clay-

ton County and settled upon the property
in Cass Township which he still owns and occu-
pies. He has added to the original acreage, cleared
much of the land and erected the buildings that
meet the eyes of the visitor, At one time his
landed possessions aggregated three hundred acres,
but a portion of this he has sold, still retaining
the ownership of one hundred and eighty well
improved acres. He rents his farm. and of late
years has lived practically retired from active
business cares, though still maintaining a general
oversight of his property.

From the earliest record of the Dunsmoor family
in America we find that the great-grandfather of
our subject, John Dunsmoor, M. D., was born near
Boston, Mass., in 1720 and in early manhood set-
tled on a tract of Government land at Lunenburg,
Mass., where he remained until his death, November
22,1794. His wife, Ruth, died January 5, 1787, at
the age of seventy years. He was a man of quick,
nervous temperament, whose anger was easily
aroused. An incident illustrating his quick tem-

7 \HOMAS DUNSMOOR. Four decades have

 

per has been handed down to the present genera-
tion. One night when visiting a patient he left
his horse unhitched outside the door and on leav-
ing the house found that the animal had started
off. He called to him to stop, but the horse not do-
ing so he drew his gun and shot him dead.

The Lunenburg farm remained in the family
until a few yearsago. The Doctor’s son, Ebenezer,
was born there and spent his entire life upon the
place, dying there August 24, 1827, at the age of
seventy years. Suzannah, wife of Ebenezer, died
in 1840, aged eighty-three. Hannah, a daughter
of Dr. John Dunsmoor, died April 21, 1770, at
the age of fourteen years, and was the first person
buried in the new graveyard at Lunenburg. Our
subject’s father, William, was born on the old’
homestead in 1787 and died November 19, 1836,
aged forty-nine years. His only sister, Sukey, died
unmarried at the age of fifty years. She was quite
wealthy, owning two valuable farms. William
Dunsmoor was one of several brothers, the others
being, Ebenezer, a farmer, who died in Vermont;
Abram, who died in the Green Mountain State;
John, formerly a resident of Grafton, Vt., who
died in Massachusetts; Samuel, an agriculturist,
who died in the old Bay State; Thomas, Captain
of the militia, who died on the old homestead,
September 4, 1853; and Joseph,a farmer, who died
near Boston.

The family of which our subject is a member
consisted of four sons and one daughter that at-
tained years of maturity. The daughter, Parnell,
was born in Massachusetts April 14, 1814, married
Silas Ross, by whom she had three sons and two
daughters, and was the first of the family to come
west, the year 1851 witnessing her arrival in Bu-
chanan County, Iowa. The eldest son, William, was
born in Ludlow, Vt., July 1, 1818, and married
Lucinda Litchfield, a native of Massachusetts, who
died in 1874. They had six children, of whom
five are now living, as follows: Ellen, wife of Dan-
iel Perry, a wealthy resident of Florida; William,
a carpenter; Herbert, a farmer in Clayton County;
Miles, an agriculturist in Delaware County; and
Abby, wife of Martin Sager,a merchant of Lamont,
Towa. William Dunsmoor came west in 1853 and
settled on a farm in Delaware County just across
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

443

 

 

the Clayton County line, where he has since re-
sided. The other living brother of our subject is
Joseph, whose home is on a farm in Delaware
County south of his brother William’s estate.

When the family left Vermont the subject of
this sketch was a child of four years. He was
reared to manhood on the home place in Massa-
chusetts, and was only eight years of age when he
was orphaned by his father’s death. His educa-
tion was such as the common schools afforded, and
to the information there gained he has since added
by self-culture.* On Thanksgiving Day in 1850
he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy L.
Wetherbee, a native of Lunenburg, Mass. She
was but a small child when her father died, and
her mother, whose family name was Hudson, after-
ward became the wife of a Mr. Litchfield.

In May, 1854, our subject came to Iowa and
bought a portion of his present farm, which is lo-
cated in the southwest corner of Clayton County
and directly north of the farms belonging to his
brothers William and Joseph. At the time of
settling here there was not a single neighbor on
the west for a distance of ten miles, and indeed
settlers were comparatively few through all por-
tions of the township. He has lived to witness
the vast improvement of the county and the de-
velopment of its agricultural resources, and to this
he has himself largely contributed. He has gained
wealth through the exercise of energy and pru-
dence, and is one of the most prosperous agricul-
turists of the county.

For seven generations in the Dunsmoor family
there has been one daughter and seven sons, though
not all have attained years of maturity. Our sub-
ject’s family is no exception to the usual rule, for
he has had seven sons and one daughter. At pres-
ent, however, but four sons and the daughter are
living. They are: Charles, a railroad engineer re-
siding at Cherokee, Iowa, who is married and has
six children; Frederick M., born May 26, 1855, who
is married, has five living children and resides at
Strawberry Point; Ellis, who was born in 1858 and
died in infancy; James P., born December 16, 1862,
who was educated at Upper Iowa University, is
married and has two children, and makes his
home at Strawberry Point; Myron W., who was

 

born in 1864 and died at the age of eighteen
months; Orin W., who was born December 5, 1869,
and died in 1877; Mary E., born in 1871, now the
wife of Samuel B. Teesdel, a farmer residing in
Fayette County, Iowa; and Judge T., born August
17, 1878, and educated at Upper Iowa Univer-
sity.

In local affairs Mr. Dunsmoor is quite prominent,
and, as every loyal citizen should, gives his sup-
port to enterprises for the promotion of the inter-
ests of the county and the welfare of the people.
For several years he served as Trustee, and has also
filled the position of School Director. Socially he
is identified with the Masonic fraternity. His wife
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
in which Mr. Dunsmoor is a Trustee.

 

MOS PEARSALL is a retired manufac-
turer and capitalist whose residence is in
McGregor. For a period of about forty

years this gentleman has been identified with the
interests of McGregor, as in the spring of 1856 he
embarked in the livery business in this place, and
later established the carriage works, which have
been among the prominent local industries up to
the present time. By the exercise of his unusually
fine business qualities, Mr. Pearsall, in the legitimate
line of his trade, managed to secure a comfortable
fortune, and has always been known to be a man
of honor and strict integrity.

Amos Pearsall, the father of our subject, was
born in the Empire State and was the son of Henry
Pearsall, who was of Scotch-Irish extraction and
emigrated from England to America; he became one
of the early settlers of New York State, and was
there devoted to agricultural pursuits. Our sub-
ject’s father passed his entire life in the same state
and there his death occurred. His wife, in her
girlhood Clara Nichols, was also of English de-
scent, and was a daughter of John Nichols, both
natives of New York.

A. Pearsall of this narrative was born in Che-
nango County, N. Y., in 1822, and in the public
444

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

schools near his home received his early educa-
tion. He remained under the parental roof until
past his majority, when he determined to try
his fortune in the west. About the year 1847
he came to the west, selling goods for the New
York firm of Emmons & Pearsall, he being the
junior partner. For about five years he was en-
gaged in merchandising in Trumbull County,
Ohio, and thence went to Plattville, Wis., there
continuing to reside until the year 1854. In the
spring of 1856 Mr. Pearsall came to McGregor,
which has been his home ever since. Jn 1871, up
to which time he was in the livery business, he
formed a partnership with a Mr. Holly, under the
firm name of Holly & Co., opening the McGregor
Carriage Works. After some time had passed the
senior partner sold out his interest and the firm
subsequently became A. Pearsall & Son. This firm
built up a fine trade in. this part of the state, and
most of the fine buggies and carriages that traverse
the roads of this and adjoining counties are man-
ufactured by them. Employment was furnished
in this business to a large number of men, and only
the best quality of work was turned out. In the
spring of 1894 the business was sold, and since
that time our subject has been retired. He has
laid by ample means for the remainder of his life,
and may justly enjoy the fruits of his former years
of trial.

A pronounced Republican, Mr. Pearsall has al-
ways been active in promoting the interests of his
party; he is a loyal patriot and a citizen in the best
sense. He is a charter member of Beezer Lodge
No. 187, A. F. & A. M., and also belongs to the
chapter and commandery. Moreover, he holds
membership with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, and though never desirous of public office,
for a number of years was induced to hold the

_ position of County Supervisor, in which he ac-
quitted himself admirably.

In March, 1849, Mr. Pearsall married Miss Amelia
Church, whose birth occurred in the Empire State,
and who is a daughter of Billings Church and
granddaughter of Richard Church, both promi-
nent in the upbuilding of Chenango County, N. Y.
The maiden name of Mrs. Pearsall’s mother was
Nancy Lander, whose birth also occurred in New

 

York. Two sons and two daughters have blessed
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pearsall: George, who
is Vice-President of the State Savings Bank at Des
Moines; Josephine, wife of J. N. Baird, of Me-
Gregor; Charles A. and Clara N., Mrs. C. J. Lewis,
also of this city. In all circles, business, fraternal
and social, Mr. Pearsall has the good-will and the
warm friendship of all who have been thrown in
contact with him in any manner, for he is a man
of good qualities, genial and courteous in his
treatment of his fellow-citizens, and active in what-
ever tends to promote and advante the best inter-
ests of the community.

 

KEEEEEEEEEEEEMEE EEE EEE EEE EEO

 

ness men of Elkport, Iowa, is the junior

partner in the firm of Putz & Costigan.
He well deserves representation in this volume, for
he is an enterprising .and public-spirited young
man, and it is with pleasure that we present to
our readers this record of his life. He was born
August 21,1866, and is the son of John and
Margaret (Balluff) Putz. They are both natives
of Germany, and emigrated to the United States
about 1848, landing first in New York, where
they remained two years.

John Putz, the father of our subject, was a
cooper by trade in his native land and found
employment at that occupation in the city of New
York. In 1850 he determined to seek a home in
the west, and with his family went to Elkader,
Iowa, where he again engaged in the cooper’s
trade. Soon after he bought a farm of eighty
acres of land and engaged in agricultural pur-
suits for three years. He then sold out and came
to Elkport, where he was again engaged as a
cooper for some time. He then bought two hun-
dred acres of land in Elk Township, where he
made his home for fifteen years. He also has
forty acres in Volga Township. He is residing at
present in Elkport, and is the proprietor of a
large cooper shop in that place. He was born in
Germany in 1827, and his wife isa native of the
same place, the year of her birth being 1836. They

ew J. PUTZ, one of the leading busi-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

445

 

are the parents of seven children: John, Mary,
Thresi; Francis J., our subject; Henry, Agnes and
Conrad. *

Our subject received a common-school educa-
tion in the home of his childhood, and at the age
of twenty-one began life for himself. He found
employment as a clerk in a dry-goods store in Elk-
port, where he remained two years. At the end of
that time he went into business for himself, form-
ing a partnership with Mr. Costigan. Since em-
barking in the mercantile business he has met
with flattering success. He is a prominent busi-
ness man of the town, intelligent and enterprising,
and is widely known for his sterling integrity
and upright dealings with customers and employes.

October 1, 1889, occurred the marriage of Francis
J. Putz to Miss Ellen Heiberger. This estimable
lady was born in Dubuque County, Iowa, Novem-
ber 21,1869. She is one of nine children and of
German descent, her parents having been born in
Germany. Our subject and his wife are the happy
parents of three bright and interesting children:
Laurette, Josic and Matilda. He will give them a
thorough education as soon as they become of
suitable age. Mr.and Mrs. Putz are worthy mem-
bers of the Catholic Church, are well respected and
occupy a high position in the social circles of Elk-
port. He is an advocate of the principles of the
Democratic party. He is a genial, popular gentle-
man, has a pleasant family, and is a model and
successful man of affairs, and has by strict integ-
rity and faithful attention to business won the
confidence of all who know him. He is now serv-
ing as Township Clerk.

; UCIUS L. NOBLE, a prominent retired ag-
riculturist of Strawberry Point, was born
in the village of Alabama, in Genesee Coun-

ty, N. Y., July 15, 1882. The family of which he

is a worthy representative originated in England
and was prominent in this country during the

Colonial days. Grandfather Medad Noble was a

shoemaker by trade, and was one of the devoted

patriots who offered their services in the defense of

 

the Colonies during the dark days of the Revolu-
tion. -

J. F. Noble, our subject’s father, was born in
Richmond, N. Y., in 1804, and was a farmer by oc-
cupation. With his family he came west in 1833
and settled in Michigan, where he remained until
1846. He then came to Clayton County, at that
time considered the extreme frontier, and enter-
ing a tract of Government land in Lodomillo
Township, gave his attention to its cultivation
until his death in 1864. His wife,also a native of
the state of New York, bore the maiden name of
Martha Gray, and was born in Livingston County,
being the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier. At
an advanced age she died in 1886, on the old
homestead in Lodomillo Township.

The subject of this sketch was one of three broth-
ers. L.R. is a wealthy retired farmer of Straw-
berry Point, and is a stockholder in the Strawberry
Point Bank. F. G. is living on the old homestead.
Our subject was fourteen years of age when the
family came to Iowa, and soon after he began the
active career of an agriculturist. Commencing the
cultivation of a farm in Lodomillo Township, he
continued thus engaged until 1882, when, having
accumulated a competence, he retired from active
work. He has since resided in Strawberry Point,
but still owns his fine farm of two hundred and
twenty acres, which he rents to reliable tenants.
About twenty-five years ago he received a very
severe fall from a wagon, which produced paraly-
sis, and which has rendered him unable to do
manual labor. His intellect, however, is as keen
as in the days of early manhood, and he retains a
deep interest in everything pertaining to the wel-
fare of his fellow-citizens. He is a stockholder
and Director in the Strawberry Point Bank, and
is recognized as one of the leading men in the
place.

The lady who in 1858 became the wife of our

| subject was Miss Elizabeth E. Kidner, a native of

Ohio and daughter of Amos Kidner, one of the
pioneers of that state. Two daughters have
blessed their union. The elder, Cora A., is a grad-
uate of Lenox College, in Hopkinton, Iowa, and
the wife of E. B. Porter, a merchant of Delhi, this
state. The younger, Emma D., a graduate of
446

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

Upper Iowa University of Fayette, was for many
years a teacher in the public schools, and is now
the wife of R. E. Friars, of Washington.

Since the organization of the Republican party
Mr. Noble has advocated the principles for which
it stands. For several years he officiated as Town-
ship Clerk, but with that exception has held no
public office. He keeps fully informed concerning
the great issues of the age, and, being well posted
upon topics of importance, is an interesting con-
versationalist. His wife and younger daughter
belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
Mrs. Porter is identified with the Baptist denomi-
nation. While he is not a church member, he has
led a strictly moral and upright life, and occupies
a high place in the regard of the people.

Pax |

lage

SS

IEDRICH KREGEL, a prominent citizen
and successful agriculturist located on sec-
tion 14, Garnavillo Township, is a native

of the Buckeye State. He was born September
17, 1832, in Chillicothe, Ohio, and came to lowa
in 1846 with his parents, settling in Garnavillo
Township. He is the son of Gehard and Margaret
(Bruns) Kregel, both natives of Hanovor, Germany.
The father was born in 1790, and the mother in
1797. Our subject’s father was a farmer in the Old
Country, and in 1812 went to the Russian War, in
which he served for three years, driving a team,
hauling provisions and ammunition the first year,
and for the remaining two years carried a musket.
He emigrated to the United States in 1832 and
landed in New York August 3 of the same year,
where he remained a short time.
went to Chillicothe, Ohio, where he remained about
eight months. Leaving there, he, in company with
aman by the name of Hill, went to Mobile, Ala.
He spent two years in that state and while there
helped dig a newcanal. Returning to Ohio, he
made Cincinnati his home for a short time and

From there he.

 

worked in the rolling mills. From there he moved
to New Bremen, Ohio, and engaged in farming
and work on the canal at that place apr ten years.
In 1846 he came to this county, when it was a wild
uncultivated territory, and lived in an old log
cabin about ten years; he then built the residence
in which his son lives. He lived there until the
time of his death, which sad event took place in
1886, his wife having passed away four years be-
fore.

-Gehard Kregel was the father of six children,
two girls and four boys: Margaret, the wife of D.
H. Meyer, of Garnavillo, both deceased; Henry, who
married Mary Petering in 1851, and now lives in
Nebraska City, Neb.; John, who married Lena
Kaiser and is a prosperous farmer on section 14,
this township; Diedrich, our subject; William, who
has been twice married; and Annie, who married
Henry Wilker in 1857, and died in 1860. Her
husband is living in Read Township, this county.
William was first married to Catherine Kregel, and
after her death he married Maggie Meyer; he is
now living in Garnavillo, and has two children,
one boy and one girl.

Our subject was fourteen years of age when his
parents came to Jowa and settled on the farm
where he now resides. July 16, 1856, Mr. Kregel
was united in marriage with Miss Helena Arntjen.
She was a native of Germany, and was born in
Oldenburg, February 18,1833. Her father, Deid-

rich Arntjen, was married twice, she being the

only child by the first marriage. His first wife’s
maiden name was Helena Bruns. He had two chil-
dren by his second wife and they are both living
in Grant County, Wis. Mrs. Kregel’s father and
stepmother both died in Clayton County in 1855
of black cholera. Her own mother died ‘in the Old
Country. Our subject and wife became the par-
ents of nine children. George, the husband of
Clara Anna Petering, lives in Nebraska City, Néb.;
Henry died of consumption in the winter of 1891;
Alvin is living at home; Louisa, who married Au-
gust Tangeman, died at the age of twenty-four
years, leaving one child; Emma married Christian
Schmidt, who is the proprietor of a large flouring
mill at Elkader; Annie is living at home; Matilda
died when but three years of age; Amanda died
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 447

 

 

when one and one-half years old; and Cornelia is
at home.

After his father’s death our subject took charge
of the present farm, which consists of one hundred
and sixty acres of highly cultivated land on sec-
tion 14, Garnavillo Township. He also owns
eighty acres of fine timber land just south of the
farm on which he lives. Mr. Kregel’s educational
advantages were very poor, not having the oppor-
tunity of attending school but one and one-half
years, the rest of his time being spent on the farm.
He is well posted however in the issues of the day
and takes a deep interest in the welfare of the
township and is one of the representative citizens.
He and his excellent wife are both members of the
Lutheran Church. Our subject politically is a be-
liever in and a supporter of the Republican party.

PEPE EEE SEED EE

OC RIES

©)
“@O)

 

ON. JAMES NEWBERRY, editor of the
tH Strawberry Point Press, was born in
; Orange County, N. Y., May 26, 1827
His father, John Newberry, was ason of John, Sr.,
alsoa native of the Empire State, and had a brother
James, who served in the War of 1812. In 1829 he
“removed with his family to Ohio and settled in
Lorain County, where he died in 1851. His wife,
whose maiden name was Sally Fancher, was born
in New London, Conn., and died in Ohio April
19, 1876. :

The subject of this sketch is the third among
five brothers. William, the eldest member of the
family circle, went to Michigan in 1835 and there
engaged in farming. He was a man of considera-
ble prominence in his locality and held a number
of offices of honor and trust. His death occurred
in that state in 1890. Sylvanus,a mechanic by
trade, died in Algiers, La., in 1849. David is en-
gaged in the fruit business at Mt. Dora,Fla. John
still remains on the old Ohio homestead.

From the age of two years until twenty-eight

 

our subject was a resident of the Buckeye State.
In the schools of Norwalk he received an excellent
education that fitted him for successful business
life. Coming to Clayton County, Iowa, in 1855
he settled upon a farm about four miles southeast
of Strawberry Point and there he engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits until 1876. While living on the
farm he filled a number of local offices, among
them being that of Supervisor. In 1868 he was
elected to represent this district in the State Leg-
islature, which responsible position he filled with
efficiency for one term. ;

The marriage of Mr. Newberry occurred in 1852
and united him with Miss Maria H. Westfall, a
native of New York. They are the parents of
three sons and two daughters. The eldest, Byron
W., was born in Ohio, September 1, 1853, and in
1875 was graduated from Upper Iowa Univer-
sity at Fayette. The following year he was grad-
uated from the Law Department of Iowa State
University, and in February, 1877, commenced the
practice of law in Strawberry Point. He has built
up a large practice in which, together with the
real-estate business, he has amassed a fortune. In
1883 he aided in organizing the Strawberry Point
State Bank, of which from the first he has been
Vice-President, and in fact is also acting Presi-
dent, as the gentleman holding that position is
not a resident of the county.

The second son, Frank J., is one of the Profes-
sors in Iowa State University, and is a skillful
physician and a specialist in diseases of the eye, ear
and throat. He has traveled extensively in this
and other countries and isa very able and cult-
ured gentleman. The third son of our subject,
Charles, is a graduate of the Law Department of
the State University and is associated with his
brother in the law and real-estate business. The
elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Newberry is
Mary E., wife of H. M. Kingsley, a business man
residing in Washington, D. C. The younger
daughter, Kate G., is a teacher in the Strawberry
Point schools.

In 1877 Mr. Newberry purchased the Strawberry
Point Press, which he has since published and
which is a leading organ of the Republican party
in this section. He owns a farm consisting of
448

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

nearly four hundred acres which he rents, and also
owns valuable city property. He is the manager

of the Strawberry Point Creamery, the largest in °

the state, and is also connected with other leading
enterprises in this city.

Sea

t

OHN P. BROOKSHIER, a courageous vet-
eran of the Civil War and well known citi-
zen of Clayton County, Iowa, was born in
Clark County, Ky., November 12, 1836.

He is the son of William and Juda (Louis) Brook-
shier, who were also natives of Clark County.
The father was born in 1799 and departed this
life in 1839. The mother of our subject was
born in 1797, and passed away in 1861. They
were the parents of six children, Elizabeth, Cra-
dock, John P. (our subject), Clearcy, Martha and
Mary. ‘The father of our subject was a prominent
farmer of Kentucky, where he made his home un-
til bis death, which was caused by accidental
drowning. The mother of John P. emigrated to
Clayton County, Iowa, where she remained until
her death, making her home with her brother.

Our subject was cast out into the world to “pad-
dle his own canoe’’ at a very early age. He chose
the occupation of farmer, working early and late, in
seed time and harvest, and grew up a thoroughly
practical farmer, well versed in every duty of farm
life. In 1861 he enlisted in Company E, Forty-
first Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers. For two
years he was a brave and faithful soldier, but in
battle he received a serious wound which disabled
him from further duty, and in 1863 was honor-
ably discharged. He then came to Clayton Coun-
ty, Iowa, and purchased a small farm consisting of
forty acres of land, on which he built a log cabin
and settled down to his old occupation of farm-
ing. He has become very successful in this occupa-
tion and now owns two hundred and fifteen acres of
land. He has a fine farm, plenty of stock and all
the latest improved machinery.

December 9, 1863, Mr. Brookshier was united in

 

marriage with Miss Mary Andrews. She was born
in 1837 and was one of twelve children, of whom
William and Ruth Andrews were the parents. The
latter were natives of England and emigrated to
America in 1830. Our subject and wife are the
parents of six children: William, who is Township
Clerk, Carrie B., Minnie, Ida M., Mamie and Stella,
four of whom are deceased. Mr. Brookshier in-
tends giving his two remaining children a first-class
education. He and his estimable wife are valued
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
are ever ready to aid in the good work and relig-
ious enterprises of their denomination. Politically
he is a stanch Republican. He has filled many of-
fices of honor and trust, serving as Constable and
Supervisor for 4 number of years. _ He is very
intelligent and clever and is proud of his old Ken-
tucky home and the scar which he received in the
late Civil War. He has by a life of strict integ-
rity and faithful attention to duty won the con-
fidence of all who know him.

=i ==-

EORGE ALFRED GOODING. Upon sec-
tion 3, Wagner Township, is situated one
of the valuable farms of Clayton County.

It is the property of Mr. Gooding, who, settling
here in 1853, purchased a tract comprising one
hundred and sixty acres of his present farm. To
this he afterward added ninety-eight acres, making
a total acreage of two hundred and fifty-eight.
During the more than forty years covering the
period of his residence in Wagner Township he
has devoted his attention to the raising of cereals
and stock, making a specialty of the latter de-
partment of agriculture, in which he has met with
considerable success.

The Gooding family is of English origin. Our
subject’s father, Josiah Gooding, was born in Play-
ford, near Ipswich, England, and passed the days of
boyhood in the land of his birth. When eighteen
years of age, he crossed the ocean, accompanied
by his brother William and sister Jane. After
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

451

 

 

landing in this country he spent some time in
New York City, where he was employed in driv-
ingadray. While living there, he was united in
marriage, October 12, 1823, with Miss Amelia
Cooper, who was born in Dutchess County, N. Y.,
October 10, 1803. They continued to make their
home in New York until 1832, when they moved
to Ohio and settled in Seneca County. Upon a
farm there his death occurred December 6, 1841.

There were eleven children in the parental fam-
ily, concerning whom the following is noted: The
eldest, Mary, who died in 1886, was the wife
of John Beigh, of Steuben County, Ind.; they
had nine children, seven of whom are living.
George A. is the next in order of birth. William
Henry died in childhood. Sarah Jane, deceased,
was the wife of Michael Bowerman, a resident of
Steuben County, Ind. Catherine is the wife of
Daniel Wyant, of Seneca County, Ohio, and they
have had six children, of whom two sons are now
living. Josiah, an agriculturist of Seneca Coun-
ty, Ohio, married Mary Ann Pettycord, and they
had six children, one of whom is now deceased.
Amelia, whose birth occurred ‘in Seneca County,
Ohio, April 26, 1837, was married in Adrian, Mich.,
to Hiram 8. George, who is deceased. ‘They had
two children: Frank F., of Michigan, and Milo
L., a resident of Idaho. Lydia married Augustus
Hoppas, a farmer of Henry County, Oiio, and
they became the parents of four children, of whom
one is deceased. Elizabeth died when two years
of age. John C., whose wife bore the maiden
name of Amanda Snavely, is engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits in Seneca County, Ohio. The young-
est child in the family died in infancy.

During the residence of the family in New
York, George Alfred Gooding was born in Dutchess
County, December 2, 1827. At the age of five years
he accompanied his parents to Sandusky County,
Ohio, where he grew to manhood upon a farm.
There he was united in marriage with Miss Mary
Sophia, daughter of Moses and Elsie George, na-
tives respectively of Vermont and New York.
Mrs. Mary S. Gooding was born February 15,
1831, and passed away February 24,1894. The
only one of her father’s family now living is
Jane, Mrs. Lyman Sturtevant, who has three chil-

18

 

dren and lives in Brookfield, Linn County, Mo.
By this marriage our subjeet had two children,
viz.: William Henry, who was born December 20,
1850, and assists his father in the cultivation of
the bome farm; and Thomas C., who was born
February 5, 1854, and died December 27, 1862.
In 1853 Mr. Gooding removed from Ohio to
Iowa, and settling in Clayton County, purchased
a portion of his present property in Wagner Town-
ship. As above stated, he is especially interested
in stock, in the raising of which he has met with
more than ordinary success. He has always aided,
so far as possible, all enterprises calculated to pro-
mote the prosperity of his fellow-citizens, and is
a progressive, liberal-spirited man. While not
identified with any denomination, he is a frequent
attendant at the services of the Evangelical Church
that stands near his homestead. Politically, he
advocates the principles of the Republican party,
which he supports by his ballot and influence.

 

RED L. WELLMAN is one of the worthy
BR pioneers of Clayton County, in the devel-

opment and progress of which he has taken
an active part for a period extending over thirty-
five years. He has held many local positions of
trust and honor during this time and is a worker
in the ranks of the Republican party. He is a
liberal and public spirited man, who has furthered
local industries and enterprises and is one of the
prominent men of Monona. He is now engaged
in the coal and wood and flour and feed business,
and is the owner of considerable property in the
village and vicinity.

The subject of this sketch was born in Cattarau-
gus County, N. Y., January 5, 1840, being a son
of Alvah Wellman, likewise a native of the Empire
State and whose ancestors it is supposed were of
English descent and early residents of the New
England States. His father, who bore the Chris-
tian name of Samuel, it is believed was a native
of Vermont, and in his later years he removed
452

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

to New York, where his death occurred. Our sub-
ject’s father was a cabinet maker, furniture dealer
and undertaker, which calling he followed after
his location in Cattaraugus County, where he con-
tinued to make his home until his death, which
occurred when about seventy years of age. His
wife, Abigail (Sherman) Wellman, was also born
and passed her entire life in New York State, of
which her father, Theodore Sherman, was a na-
tive. Fred L., of this sketch, is the eldest in a
family of three sons and two daughters, all of
whom are living. He grew to manhood in his na-
tive place, attending the common schools and the
academy, thus obtaining an excellent education, as
he made the best of his opportunities.

When nineteen years of age Mr. Wellman left
the parental roof and came to Iowa, arriving in
Monona April 7, 1859. Up to this time he had
for several years, during intervals of his school
life, worked at the trade with his father, and after
his arrival in this place he hired out to neighbor-
ing farmers hy the month for some time. He thus
obtained a practical knowledge of agriculture, and
as the pursuit of farming was congenial to him
he decided to become a farmer on his own account.
Accordingly, after his marriage he located on a
place in Monona Township, devoting himself to
its cultivation and improvement exclusively for
many years. His home is still on this farm, which
is not far distant from the village.

July 3, 1863, Mr. Wellman married Alice Reding,
who was born in Indiana and with her parents
came to this locality when only two years of age.
After a happy married life of eleven years the de-
voted wife and mother was called to her final rest;
her death occurred November 3, 1874. ‘The only
son, Lewis, is at home with his father and is a
young man of good education and ability.

Our subject has built up a good reputation as
an honorable and enterprising business man, and
his patronage is constantly increasing. He has in-
vested the proceeds of his business ventures with
good judgment and has realized therefrom a goodly
sum. He owns the Opera Block in Monona and
many other residences and buildings in the place.
In the disposal of his means he is generous and lends
a helping hand to worthy enterprises, churches and

 

benevolencies, He is one of the Directors in the
Monona State Bank and is interested in other local
industries. A strong Republican, he served as
Postmaster for four years with credit to himself
and was Township Trustee for twenty years. He
is a member of the Republican County Board, al-
ways attends the State Conventions and is a vigor-
ous worker in the ranks of his party. Socially he
belongs to Monona Lodge No. 156, I. O. O. F., and
to the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

 

SAHEL CHAPIN, a well known and highly
TA respected citizen of McGregor, is an at-

torney-at-law in this place, and is a man
of wide reading and general information. He has
been engaged in legal work as an active member
of the Bar for nearly a quarter of a century;
and has built up an admirable reputation as a man
of unusual acumen and good judgment on all
matters pertaining to the profession.

Our subject bears the same Christian name as his
father, who was a native of New England, having
been born in Massachusetts. He came to the west
in 1851, making his home in Galena, IIl., and
later removing to Dubuque. He was a minister
in the Baptist Church, having been for four years
pastor of the first Baptist Congregation in Ga-
lena. He then moved to Benton County, Iowa,
locating on a farm, where he remained about six
years. After he came to Dubuque, he was a min-
ister in the First Baptist Church at that place
for ten years, and always took a great interest
in educational matters. He was a stanch Repub-
lican and did campaign work, in company with
Owen Lovejoy, in Illinois. After a long and
useful life he was called from his labors in Free-
port, Ill., in 1892, at the age of eighty-eight years.

The Chapin family were originally from Eng-
land, and early settled in Massachusetts. It is
known that one Samuel Chapin, from which our
subject is a direct descendant, emigrated from
England, locating near the place where Spring-
obey Buissiy\
Missing Page
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

453

 

 

field, Mass., now stands, and there a large statue
modeled by St. Gaudens, the celebrated sculptor,
has been erected to his memory. The paternal
grandfather of our subject was Steven Chapin,
whose birth occurred in the Bay State, and who
was an extensive manufacturer of boots and shoes.
His mother was Catherine (Suthland) Chapin, of
Jamestown, N. Y., and daughter of Judson Suth-
land.

Like his forefathers on the paternal side, Asahel
Chapin, of this sketch, was born in Massachusetts,
Holyoke being the place of his nativity, which
occurred January 13, 1846. When five years old
he was brought to Iowa by his parents, where he
was reared to man’s estate on a farm, receiving
practical experience in agricultural affairs. Until
nineteen years of age his education was mainly
acquired in the district school, but at that time he
entered the State University, at Iowa City, where
he pursued his studies until reaching the junior
year. He then began reading law in the office
of Wilson & Doud, at that time a prominent law
firm of Dubuque, where his father was then located.
After pursuing his legal studies for two years, he
passed the necessary examinations, and in 1872
was admitted to the Bar at Dubuque, where he
began his active career, practicing for one year.

In 1873 Mr. Chapin formed a partnership with
- Platt Smith and H. B. Foulk, under the firm name
of Smith, Foulk & Chapin, which continued as such
for a period of three years. It was in 1875 that
Mr. Chapin came to McGregor and entered into
partnership with J. T. Stoneman. The firm of
Stoneman & Chapin continued in general practice
until] 1880, when it was dissolved, and since that
time, a period of fourteen years, Mr. Chapin has
been conducting business for himself.

Our subject was married in 1877 to Miss Mag-
gie Stoneman. Her father, J. T. Stoneman, was
one of the pioneers and early settlers of McGregor.
To our subject and his wife were born two daugh-
ters, Florence and Esther, and they have a very
pleasant and hospitable home.

As a member of the School Board and in other
effective ways, Mr. Chapin has shown his interest
in educational matters. Socially, be belongs to
Duncan Lodge No. 36, K. P., being a charter

 

member of the same. He uses his right of fran-
chise-in favor of nominees of the Republican
party, and is an earnest and ardent supporter of
the principles set forth by that organization. He
is a man who bears an enviable reputation in this
locality for integrity and uprightness of charac-
ter, and his many friends will be pleased to peruse
the history of so worthy a citizen.

2S EEE

prettiest homes in Edgewood is owned and

occupied by the subject of this sketch,
who is a prominent business man of the place. A
native of New York, he was born in Tompkins
County, March 5, 1839, and is one of twosons, In
fact, so far back as the genealogical record can be
traced, there have been two sons in each genera-
tion. The paternal grandfather, John S. Hunting-
ton, was born in England, whence accompanied by
his brother he emigrated to America and made set-
tlement in New England. His brother, Lewis, went
further west and all trace of him was lost, although
it is believed that C. P. Huntington, the million--
aire railroad man, is one of his descendants.

The parents of our subject, Samuel and Polly
(Higley) Huntington, were natives of Vermont, the
former of whom died when R. S$. was only oneand
one-half years old. He had one brother, John, who
throughout the latter part of his life was engaged
in milling on the Hudson River. ‘There he died in
January, 1885, at the age of ninety years. Hehad
two sons, Walter and Lewis, of whom the latter
came west, but the former continued to reside in
the place of his birth.

During the War of 1812 John S. Huntington
was drafted into the army, but our subject’s ‘father
went asa substitute, serving through the entire
period of the conflict. Subsequently a pension
was applied for, but there was considerable difficul-
ty in proving that Samuel was entitled to the pen-
sion of John S. Huntington. However, when the
facts of the case became fully known, the pension

erie S. HUNTINGTON. One of the
454

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

was granted, and our subject and his brother laid
the warrants on land in Kossuth County, Iowa.

After the death of Samuel Huntington his wid-
ow kept a boarding house in Ithaca, N. Y., from
which and from the rental of her sixty-acre farm
she was enabled to provide for her two children,
R.S. and Darius. When the former was eighteen
years old, she married Charles Hoose and removed
to Ohio, where her remaining years were spent.
The other member of the family, Darius, was long
engaged as an agriculturist, but is now retired from
active business cares and makes his home in Straw-
berry Point. After spending seven yearsin Huron
County, Ohio, our subject in 1862 came to Iowa,
and settled on a farm four miles west of Edgewood.
He continued farming until 1892, when he en-
gaged in the hardware and lumber business in part-
nership with his brother-in-law, C. 8S. Maxson. In
the spring of 1894 the connection was dissolved,
he taking the lumber business, and to this he has
since given his attention.

October 5, 1874, Mr. Huntington married Miss
Barbara, sister of C. 8. Maxson, of whom mention
is elsewhere made. Her father, Ephraim, and grand-
father, Chester, were natives of Virginia, and the
latter was a soldier in the War of 1812. The fam-
ily originated in Germany. In 1834 her father re-

‘moved to Indiana, and thence sixteen years later
came to Iowa, where he established his permanent
home. Mr. and Mrs. Huntington are the parents
of two children, Ora Ray and Daisy Mabel, who are
receiving the best educational advantages afforded
by the schools of Edgewood.

In social affairs Mr. Huntington affiliates with the
Knights of Pythias. Heis aman who, both by pre-
cept and example, advocates habits of strictest tem-
perance. In his dealings with others he is guided by
lofty principles of honor,and his integrity has won
for him the confidence of the people. With his
wife he holds membership in the Methodist Episco-
pal Church. While he is not a partisan in his po-
litical opinion8, believing that every man should
be granted that freedom of opinion and ballot
which he himself exercises, he nevertheless firmly
champions the principles of the Republican party.
He and his family are prominent in the social cir-
cles of Edgewood, and their attractive home is the

 

frequent scene of friendly gatherings of the peo-
ple of the community. They areacultured house-
hold and are deservedly held in high esteem by
all who know them.

———}

H. BRUNS,a prosperous general agricultur-
ist pleasantly located on section 11, Garna-
villo Township, Clayton County, was born

in Hanover, Germany, January 3, 1841. His father
was Herman Bruns, also a native of Hanover, Ger-
many, where he died when our subject was an
infant. His mother’s maiden name was Sophia
Kruser. She was also of German birth, having
been born in Hanover. Three children were born
to them, Minnie, the wife of Casper Worges, a
farmer of Clayton Township, this county; Ckris-
tiana, Mrs. Bierbaum, also of Clayton Township,
but now deceased, and F. H., our subject.

The mother of our subject emigrated to Ameri
ca with her three children in 1843. She first set
tled in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she married John
H. Schroder; she then moved on a farm seven miles
from Cincinnati, and later came to Clayton Coun-
ty, Iowa, in the year 1855. Two children were
born of this union, John H., who is living in Clay-
ton Township, and Henry, who died in Ohio sev-
eral years ago. The parents are both dead.

In 1866 our subject was united in marriage.with

Miss Mary Ann Millering, a daughter of John H.

and Margaret E. Millering, both Germans by birth.
They came to the United States in 1844. The
father departed this life February 27,1894. The
mother is still living and makes her home with her
son William, whose sketch appears on another page
in this volume. ;

Mr. and Mrs. Bruns became the parents of eleven
children. Sophia is the wife of Edward Kregel, a
farmer of this township and also Secretary of the
creamery at Garnavillo; Henry and Maggie are
twins; the former is not married and lives at home.
Maggie married Henry Kaiser and resides in Mon-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

455

 

 

ona, Jowa; Emma, the wife of Fred Meyer, is a
farmer living near Postville, this county; Amealia,
Lucy, George, Rosa, Mahala, Willie and Melvina
complete the list.
single and remain at home with their parents.

Our subject bought his present farm of one hun-
dred and sixty acres in 1871. He has a fine farm,
well cultivated and improved, a new and substan-
tial residence, large and commodious barns and
outbuildings well stocked, and has all the latest
improved farming implements. He and his excel-
lent wife are worthy members of the Lutheran
Church at Garnavillo and give liberally to the sup-
port of the same. Politically he is a Republican
and always votes for the candidates of that party.
He is a man whose entire course of life has been
in every respect honorable, upright and conscien-
tious, and he is justly entitled to the respect of his
associates and the esteem of his friends.

 

C— _ ||, —
at

 

HRISTIANS. MAXSON. The business in-
J, terests of Edgewood have an able and
successful representative in the subject of
this sketch, who conducts an extensive hardware
establishment at this place. He is a native of
Indiana, and was born October 18, 1842, on a farm
near South Bend. The family is of German de-
scent, but has been represented in the United
States for several generations. Grandfather Ches-
ter Maxson was born in Virginia and served as a
soldier in the War of 1812.

Our subject’s father, Ephraim Maxson, was born
in the Old Dominion in 1801, and in 1834 settled
in Indiana, thence in 1850 removed to Iowa, where
he diedin Clayton County in 1858. His wife, whose
maiden name was Mary Smith, was also a na-
tive of Virginia, but thence removed with her par-
ents to Ohio in childhood and later went to Indi-
ana. Her death occurred about 1885. In her fam-
ily there were two sons, our subject and David J.,

The last seven named are still’

 

both valiant soldiers during the Rebellion. The
latter enlisted in Company B, Twenty-first Iowa
Infantry, and in the battle of Black River Bridge
received a wound, from the effects of which he
died. There were also eight daughters in the fam-
ily, of whom only two are now living: Prudence,
wife of Seymour Chapin, a soldier in the Civil
War, and now a resident of Oregon, and Barbara,
wife of R.S. Huntington, the Edgewood lumber
merchant.

Alternating attendance at school with work on
the home farm, our subject grew to manhood.
August 6, 1862, before he was twenty years of age,
he enlisted as a private in Company B, Twenty-
first Iowa Infantry. He served through the entire
period of the war, participating in many hard-
fought battles, among which may be mentioned
the engagements at Hartsville, Grand Gulf, Mag-
nolia Hills, Champion Hills, Black River Bridge,
the siege of Vicksburg, the siege and fall of Span-
ish Fort, Ft. Blakely and Mobile.

From the hardships and perils of war, Mr. Max-
son returned home to resume the quiet pursuits of
civil life. Entering upon the active career of an
agriculturist, he continued thus engaged until the
spring of 1886, when he embarked in the lumber
business at Edgewood, and later added a stock of
hardware. For two years he conducted the enter-
prise in partnership with his brother-in-law, R. S.
Huntington, but the connection was dissolved in
the spring of 1894, our subject taking the hard-
ware business and Mr. Huntington the lumber
trade.

Shortly after retiring from the army, in 1865,
Mr. Maxson married Miss Clara Fisher, and they
became the parents of three children, two of whom
died in infancy. Matilda is the wife of Erastus
Garetson, and lives in Kansas. The wife and
mother passed from earth November 3, 1872. For
his second wife Mr. Maxson married Mrs. Laura
(Busch)Newman, and they had three children: Clara
Belle, Daisy and Lloyd. Mrs. Laura Maxson died
in December, 1887, and our subject was afterward
united in marriage with Miss Effie Robbins. Her
father, William Robbfns, .was a soldier in the
Civil War and held the rank of Lieutenant of the
company to which Mr. Maxson belonged. One
456

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

child has blessed the union of our subject and his
estimable wife, Eva May.

Politically our subject is an unswerving defen-
dant of Republican principles. For nine years he
has officiated as ‘Trustee of the township, and is
now serving his second term as Justice of the
Peace. Socially he is identified with the Grand
Army of the Republic, and takes a genuine pleasure
in recounting the thrilling experiences of war days.
He is also connected with the Knights of Pyth-
ias. His residence is a conveniently arranged and
cozy structure, and is situated in the suburbs of
the village. It is surrounded by ten acres of land
and is one of the most pleasant homes of the town.

 

 

C— _6]|22, ——“
o— ACO

 

 

RTHUR A. SCHMIDT, M.D. The study
of medicine affords to the student in that
science a never-ending source for investi-

gation and experiments. New remedies are being
constantly discovered, steady progress is being made
in surgery and new diseases are presenting them-
selves under varying forms of civilization. In the
noble army of workers in this great field Dr. Schmidt
takes a prominent place. He is a popular young
physician of Garnavillo, Clayton County, and
was born January 22, 1872, in Guttenberg, Iowa,
the son of Dr. Henry and Catherine (Schulte)
Schmidt. His father was born in Breslau, Germany,
February 28,1819. At the age of nine years he
went to Edinburg, where he took a classical course
and afterwards a course of study in Edinburg Med-
ical College. After finishing his education he was
appointed Medical Director in the English army
and went to Australia; he remained there about two
years, then went to San Francisco, Cal. In 1860
he returned to Breslau, his birthplace, to visit his
brother and sister. After a visit of several years
he returned to the United States and located in
Brooklyn, N. Y., where he practiced at his profes-
sion for one year. In the year 1869 he came to
Guttenberg, Iowa, where he made his home for

 

five years, and from there he went to Mankato,
Minn., where he resided for six years. In 1880
he moved to Richmond. Minn., where he spent
the remainder of his days. He died of con-
sumption in 18938. He was known as one of
the best surgeons belonging to the State Medical
Society and was the first Mayor of Richmond for
two years. He also served as Coroner at the same
place for six years. He was married in 1870 to
Miss Catherine Schulte, a daughter of William
Schulte, who died here in 1878. The mother of
our subject is still living at Richmond, Minn. She
was born in March, 1850. She has only one child
and that is oursubject. His maternal grandmother
is still living and resides in this township.

At the age of nine years Dr. Arthur Schmidt en-
tered St. John’s University at Collegeville, Minn.,
where he remained six years. He then spent two
years in the State Normal at St. Cloud, Minn.,
after which he entered the medical department of
the State University at Minneapolis, where he re-
mained one year. He spent the next three years
at the Medical College of Keokuk, Iowa, where he
graduated March 7, 1893. He returned to Rich-
mond, Minn., where he practiced his profession for
the first time. January 20, 1894, he came to Garna-
villo, where he has since made his home. He makes
surgery a specialty and has a large and extensive
practice throughout the county. In his religious
belief he is a Catholic and a member of that church
at Garnavillo. Politically a Democrat, he takes a
deep interest in the success of his party. The Doc-
tor is very popular in the community, and the cir-
cle of his friendship is wide and constantly on the
increase.

and at present Postmaster of Elkport, was
born in Volga Township, Clayton County,
Iowa. He is the son of Maxmillion and Eliza-
beth (Bauer) Zapf, who were natives of Germany.
They sailed from the Old Country in 1864 and
landed in New York, where they remained two

Peias J. ZAPF, a prominent business man,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

457

 

years; they later went to Dayton, Ohio. He found
employment in a stone-quarry, where he occupied
the position of foreman for five years. In 1870 he
emigrated to Kansas and engaged in agricultural
pursuits for one year, but not being satisfied with
that state he returned to Ohio. Shortly after his re-
turn he, with some relatives, decided to seek his fort-
une in Iowa. They located in Clayton County,
where they purchased eighty acres of land on which
they made their home for five years. At the end
of that time he bought one hundred acres of land
in Volga Township and proceeded to make a home
for himself and family. He became a very success-
ful farmer, and soon increased his possessions to
three hundred and sixty-seven acres. He still re-
sides in the same place. He has five children liv-
ingand two dead: Mike, John, deceased, Christ,
Joe, Helena, Louis, deceased, and Frank, our sub-
ject. Mr. Zapf served as School Director for four
years, He isa Catholic in his religious belief, and
a life-long Democrat.

Our subject received a common school education
and remained with his parents until the age of
eighteen, when he started out in the world to
make a living for himself. He first went to work
in a blacksmith shop, where he learned the trade,
and worked at that arduous though honest labor
for eighteen months. He then found a position as
clerk in a store of general merchandise, where he
remained for two years, becoming popular and
gaining the respect of the numerous customers that
patronized the establishment. After that he went
into business for himself. He bought a saloon
and ran it successfully for nine months; he then
sold out and embarked in the mercantile business
with L. E. Zearley as his partner. Everything
went along smoothly for six months, when they
met with a very serious disaster, everything being
destroyed by fire; but being plucky and not easily
discouraged, Mr. Zapf soon went into business
again, and is now the proprietor of one of the
finest stores in Elkport.

The marriage of Mr. Zapf took place September
28, 1892, uniting him with Miss Anna B. Foley.
She wasa native of Iowa and was one of five chil-
dren. Her father and mother were John and
Mary Foley, who now reside in Manchester, Iowa.

 

Mr. and Mrs. Zapf are the happy parents of one
child, a beautiful little boy, John P., who was born
in Elkport, Iowa, May 26, 1894. Our subject was
appointed Postmaster under President Cleveland
in 1893. In religious matters he has not departed
from the faith in which he was brought up, but
like his parents, has ever been a true Catholic.
Politically he is a Democrat, and takes a deep in-
terest in the welfare of that party. For his quali-
ties of integrity and true worth he justly deserves
the high respect in which he is held by one and
all,and with his excellent wife occupies a high po-
sition in the social circle and has secured the uni-
versal esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens.

 

SESE SESE DE GB SESE SESE SESE

OHN H. WELCH, one of Clayton County’s
successful and influential agriculturists, was
born at St. Johns in Lower Canada, Decem-
ber 2, 1835. He is of Irish descent, his pa-

ternal grandfather, Abraham Welch, having been
anative of the North of Ireland. His parents were
Samuel and Elizabeth (Waite) Welch, the former
born in New Hampshire and the latter in Dutchess
County, N. Y. J. H. was one of a family of ten
children; his father died when he was a mere child
and he afterward made his home with his grand-
father. His educational advantages were very lim-
ited, but by observation hesupplemented the infor-
mation gained in schools, and is now a well in-
formed man.

At the age of thirteen years Mr. Welch started
out to make his own way in the world. For a
time he was employed on a farm in the north-
ern part of Vermont, and later worked on the
Vermont Central Railroad, which was then being
built. In the year 1858 he came westward, be-
lieving that this part of the country offered bet-
ter opportunities than the overcrowded east. For
about eight months he sojourned in Dodge Coun-
ty, Wis., where one of his brothers resided. At
the expiration of this time he went to Olmsted
County, Minn., where he remained five years. In
458

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

the spring of 1860 he came to Jowa and purchased
a tract consisting of eighty acres situated in Sperry
Township, Clayton County.

Soon after coming to Iowa Mr. Welch established
ahomeof hisown. October 2,1862,he was united
in marriage with Mrs. Rachel A. (Nichols) Chilson,
and they continucd to make their home upon the
Sperry Township farm until 1877, at which time
they bought a farm in Lodomillo Township.

Spending some years upon that place, they sold it
in 1891 and bought their present farm in Cass
Township. This estate consists of two hundred
acres, upon which have been placed first-class im-
provements, including a set of substantial farm
buildings. The soil is under a high state of culti-
vation, and everything upon the place indicates
the thrift of the owner.

With the local affairs of the township Mr. Welch
has been closely identified since coming to his pres-
ent place, and he was also influential in the locali-
ties where he previously resided. In 1884 he was
elected one of the three supervisors which com-
posed the County Board of Clayton County, and
served for three years in tbat capacity. In 1888
he was again chosen for this office and again served
for a period of, three years. For more than two
years he was Chairman of the Board. He is one
of the stockholders in the Strawberry Point Cream-
ery and has other important interests. Socially he
is a Master Mason and is one of the charter mem-
bers of Mountain Shade Lodge No. 279, of Volga,
of which he was the first Master, having filled that
office three terms. He has also been Master of the
Strawberry Point Lodge two terms.

As above stated, Mr. Welch is one of ten chil-
dren. His oldest brother left home when young
and has never been heard of since. Another broth-
er, Edward D., is a retired farmer living at Volga;
Samuel D. is engaged in the mercantile business at
Zumbro Falls, Minn., and is a veteran of the late
war; Benjamin F. is an agriculturist of Washing-
ton. Mr. and Mrs. Welch have had six sons, as
follows: Oscar, who married Lenora Stonlaker,
and is operating his father’s farm; Rufus R., man-
ager of a creamery near Austin, Minn., who married
Miss Jennie E., daughter of A. O. Kingsley, of
Strawberry Point; John M., who chose as his wife

 

Miss Myrtie Smith and is engaged in farming and
in the creamery business; Frederick A., a graduate
of the Dixon (IIl.) Normal School and a success-
ful teacher; Arthur D., who was educated in the
schools of Strawberry Point and is engaged in

‘teaching; and William H., now attending.school at

Strawberry Point. Mr.and Mrs. Welch also adopt-
ed a child, Ethel Viola, whom they took at the age
of three months, and who is now seven years old.
The family is one of high social standing and is
highly respected throughout this community.

{€or
SS haar

UGUST H. KREGEL, one of the leading
agriculturists and stockmen of Clayton
County, is a native of the county and

well known as the son of an old pioneer. The
prosperity of a place depends in such a great
measure upon the business men who reside there,
that the sketch of a prominent man is at all times
an agreeable thing to read, especially when he has
won success in his chosen line of work.

Our subject was born in Garnavillo Township,
this county, October 18, 1857, and is the son of
John D. Kregel, a native of Germany, having been
born in Hanover in 1825. The elder Mr. Kregel
was a lad of seven years when he was brought by
his parents to America, and made his home for a
time in Ohio. Later they came to Iowa, and after
attaining mature years the father of our subject
purchased a farm in Garnavillo Township. He is
still living and regarded as one of the substantial
residents of Garnavillo Township.

The mother of our subject, whose maiden name
was Helen Kaiser, was also born in the Fatherland,
and is still living at the age of sixty-three years.
By her union with J. D. Kregel she became the
mother of eight children, five of whom survive.
A. H. was the fourth in order of birth, and was
reared in his native township and acquired a good
education in both the German and English lan-
guages.

The original of this sketch remained at home
assisting his father in the cultivation of the old
 

 

 

 

SELDEN CANDEE.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPH'CAL RECORD.

homestead until his marriage, which important
event was celebrated March 22, 1882. The lady
on this occasion was Miss Mary Bonker, also a na-
tive of Clayton County, whose parents were early
settlers in this locality, whither they emigrated
from Germany. They were farmers by occupation
and are both now deceased.

When ready to establish a home of his own Mr.
Kregel made a settlement on the farm which he is
now occupying, and which includes one hundred
and eighty acres of valuable land. He is enter-
prising and progressive, and the first-class build-
ings and various other improvements which he has
placed on his estate is conclusive evidence of his
skill and good judgment. In 1890 Mr. Kregel
completed a fine brick residence at a cost of $2,700,
together with a good barn, which will permit of
the storing of a large amount of grain and shelter
many head of stock.

In politics our subject is a believer in and a
supporter of Republican principles. He is con-
nected by membership with the Lutheran Church,
and is deeply interested in all movements which
promise to advance the material or moral prosper-
ity of the citizens.

“1 Se

ELDEN CANDEE. Probably no one among
the early pioneers is better known in Clay-
ton and adjoining counties than the sub-

ject of this article. From his early years he has
led a very active life; he came west when a young
man, crossing the Mississippi River on ice in 1838.
He made the journey from Toledo to Rock Island
on foot, and in 1849 crossed the plains to Califor-
nia, leaving Galena, Ill, on the Ist of March, and
arriving at his destination September 15. He
walked all the distance from a point two hundred
miles west of the Missouri River. Since the spring
of 1851, with the exception of a few years, he
has been a resident of this county, and has been
greatly interested in the development of this lo-
cality.

Asa Candee, the father of our subject, was born

 

461

in New Haven, Conn., and wasa soldier in the
War of 1812. His father, whose given name
was Giddeon, was also a native of Connecticut,
where the family had resided for several genera-
tions, the founders of the family in the United
States having emigrated in the seventeenth cen-
tury from England. They were patriots and were
devoted to this their adopted land, and Giddeon
Candee carried a musket for seven years in the
War of the Revolution. The wife of Asa Candee
before her marriage was Mary McAlIpin, her birth
having occurred in Scotland. Their union was
celebrated in Oswego County, N. Y., and there
they resided until 1834, when Mrs. Candee died,
during the cholera plague of that year. Soon
afterward Asa Candee removed to Michigan, set-
tling not far from Toledo, Ohio, on wild timber
land. Ie made a permanent home on that tract
of land, which is still in the possession of the fam-
ily, and Selden was the first white man to fell a
tree on that farm. The father and mother were
members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically
he was originally a Democrat, and later a Repub-
lican. 7

Of the thirteen children of Asa and Mary Can-
dee, only six are now living. Alta, Mrs. Wilson,
lives near Toledo, Ohio, and has one son; Ara, who
has three children, resides in Hardin, Clayton
County; George and Hulta were twins, the former
being a resident of Toledo, and the latter, Mrs.
George Cassaday, lives in Luana; Orinda, Mrs.
Siddall, who has five sons, makes her home in Ober-
lin, Ohio; Selden Candee was born December 8,
1816, in Oswego County, N. Y., and received only
a limited education. When twenty years of age
he started to make his own livelihood and to try
his fortunes in the then far west. He proceeded
to Rock Island, working for his board as he went,
as he was entirely without means. In the spring
of 1839 he reached Galena, Ill., where he was en-
gaged in lead mining for the succeeding ten years.

As previously stated, our subject started for the
Pacific Slope in the spring of 1849, and on his ar-
rival there worked for fifteen months in the mines,
obtaining enough money to pay his expenses and
returning by way of Panama. In the spring of
1851 he settled on a farm a mile east of this place,
462

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

where he resided for a year. Later he became in-
terested in building a sawmill on the Yellow
River at Volney, which village he laid out and
named. In 1855 he went to Winona County,
Minn., operating a farm there for two years, and
then returned to the Yellow River, where he pur-
chased six hundred acres of wild land, which he
settled upon and made his home for many years,
greatly improving it and placing good buildings
on the place. In 1877 he became the owner of a
farm in Monona Township, which he also im-
proved, and some eleven years later retired to his
present home. His life has been filled with honest
and industrious toil, and he has literally been a
pioneer all his days. Possessed of a rugged con-
stitution, and having lived an outdoor life, he has
been remarkably healthy, and last year, for the first
time in four decades, required the services of a
physician. When seventy-eight years of age he
painted the roof of his house and blacksmith shop,
and is not content even now to remain in idle-
ness.

In 1859 Mr. Candee married Elenor J. Bowles,
a native of Maryland, of which state her parents,
Thomas C. and Jane (Rodgers) Bowles, were like-
wise natives. The former, who wasa soldier in the
War of 1812, was an early settler in Holmes
County, Ohio, and in 1852 became a resident of
this township, where his death occurred. His wife
was born April 17, 1798, and died April 18, 1884.
Mr. and Mrs. Candee never had any children of
their own, but adopted Jennie, daughter of Joshua
and Lucretia (Bowles) Reese, who were early set-
tlers of McGregor, Iowa, and are both now de-
ceased.

During the war Selden Candee was a member of
the Union League, and one of his brothers, Erdley,
died in the service during the war with Mexico.
Our subject, who has been a Republican since the
organization of the party, has frequently been a
delegate to conventions. In 1860 he was elected
Supervisor of Franklin Township, Allamakee
County, serving as such for about six years, and
later was County Supervisor for one term. In
various other ofticial capacities he has acted, hav-
ing been Road Supervisor, Township Trustee and
Township Treasurer. At one time he was con-

 

nected with the County Fair Association, and
whenever any new undertaking or enterprise has
been started his influence has always been in de-
mand.

ILLIAM SCHULTE, deceased, was born
W March 22, 1808, in Prussia, Germany.

He was reared on a farm and came to
this country in 1837, settling first in St. Louis,
Mo., where he remained for one year. He then
came to Dubuque, Iowa, and made that his home
until 1841, when he rented a farm northeast of
what is now known as the town of Garnavillo.
He remained there two years, after which he pur-
chased the farm on which our subject now lives.
In February, 1841, he bought five hundred acres of
land on sections 24 and 25 for which he paid $1.25
per acre.

November 16, 1840, our subject was united in
marriage with Miss Catherina Strockhoff. She was
born September 26, 1821, and was the daughter of
Werner and Elizabeth (Meyer) Strockhoff. She
was one of eight children and was the seventh in
order of their birth. Mr. and Mrs. Schulte were
the parents of eleven children. S. H. Frank, born
December 5, 1841, married Mary Kann, and isa
farmer living in Clayton County. Sarah Ann, born
April 18, 1843, is the widow of James Uriell.
Edmond, born August 14, 1845, was killed by
a runaway team. Herman, born December 10,
1848, married Kattie Kann, a cousin of his bro-
ther Frank’s wife. He is a prosperous farmer
living in Read Township. Catherine, born April
27, 1851, is the wife of Dr. Henry Schmidt, whose
son’s sketch appears elsewhere in this work. The
sixth and seventh children died in infancy, un-
named. William was born July 24, 1854, he mar-
ried Amelia Pahlas and is living in Farmersburg
Township. Henry was born February 8, 1857; he is
the husband of Louisa Korte, who was born March
21, 1863,and whose parents are living in McGregor,
this county. Her father has been engaged in
farming until recently, but is now living a retired
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

463

 

 

life. Henry has four children, Georgiana, Veron-
ica, Maria and William Leo. John Edward, the
tenth child of our subject, was born December 15,
1859. He married Amanda Boesecker, of Gutten-
berg. They make theirhome in Black Hills, S.
Dak. Julius C. was born May 28, 1862, and died
July 17, 1863. Our subject was a Democrat in
politics and was sixty-nine years old at the time
--of his death, which occurred October 8, 1876. He
and his family were all members of the Roman
Catholic Church.

After our subject’s death Henry Schulte took
charge of the farm, which consists of six hundred
acres, fourhundred of which are under a high state
of cultivation, and the remaining two hundred are
all fine timber land. This was one of the first farms
settled in this township, Clayton County, and was
cleared and improved by our subject, William
Schulte. Henry Schulte and his family are all
members of Father Readler’s Catholic Church, and
like his father he is a strong Democrat in politics.

sate 5

ILLIAM H. DUNNING, the owner of
valuable farming property in Monona
Township, Clayton County, was born
in Ashtabula, Ashtabula County, Ohio, October
25, 1840. Little is known definitely concerning
the genealogical history of the family, other than
that they were of Welsh and English descent. His
father, Vine Dunning, was born in Vermont, re-
moved thence to Ohio, and about 1849 took his
family to Lime Rock County, Wis. Four years
later he settled in Franklin Township, Allamakee
County, Iowa, where his death occurred at the age
of sixty-five years. He was a man of liberal edu-
cation and was anxious that his children should
have every possible advantage; when a school was
opened in the village of Hardin he built a house
there, in which his children lived while attending
the school.
The lady who in 1829 became the wife of Vine
Dunning bore the maiden name of Rebecca Ann

 

Peet, and was born in Massachusetts, November
24, 1809, being of English descent. When a child
she accompanied her parents to New York. At an
advanced age she had the misfortune to fall and
break her hip, and the injury thus received re-
sulted in her death July 9,1891. Her last days
were spent on the old home farm in Franklin
Township. Our subject was one of nine children,
there being five sons and four daughters.

The eldest of the family, F. A., for many years
Trustee of Franklin Township, still occupies the
old homestead there; Juliette C. died unmarried;
Mary E., who was three times married, had but
one child, Frank Hall, now living near Manchester,
Lowa; William H.; Marvin B. isa farmer in Delaware
County; Martha is the wife of G. H. Atwood, of
Northwood, Worth County, Iowa; Edward H. is a
stockman at Luana, Clayton County, Iowa; Harriet
is the wife of Edgar Young, of Dakota; George,
the youngest of the household, is engaged asa
farmer in Gentry County, Mo.

At the time of the removal to Iowa the subject
of this sketch was about thirteen years of age. He
attended the school at Hardin, but with that ex-
ception remained on the home farm assisting his
father until he attained his majority. During the
last year spent at home his father paid him wages.
After working as a farm hand one year he bought
a farm adjoining his father’s place, and to this
new home, in 1862, he brought his bride, Emeline
Jemison, a native of Greene County, Pa. Her
grandfather, John Jemison, was a soldier in the
War of 1812. Her father, David, was born in
Greene County in 1821, and in 1849 came to
Iowa, settling on a farm in Postville Township,
Allamakee County, where his death occurred. The
wife and mother, Sarah (Burge) Jemison, was born
in Pennsylvania and now makes her home at Mt.
Vernon, Iowa.

Mrs. Dunning is the eldest of nine children, of
whom seven were daughters and two sons. The
others are, Isabelle, who married Edward H. Dun-
ning and died at the age of twenty-eight; John,
of Indianola, Warren County, Lowa; Mary, wife
of Edward Henry, a real-estate dealer in Chicago;
Sarah, wife of Lawrence Rosier, of Labette County,
Kan., where he isa merchant; Margaret J., who
464

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

married James Harris,nowa retired farmer of Post-
ville, Iowa; Frances, who married David Eaton at
twenty years of age and died when twenty-five;
Virginia, who died at the age of two and one-half
years; and David, the youngest of the family.

Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Dunning. David Vine was educated at the Upper
Iowa University and is now superintending a
farm in Franklin Township; he married Jane Lytle
and has one child, Roy; Herbert, who is single,
resides with his parents and is connected with a
creamery; Henry married Mattie Pearson, and
they have one child, Harrison. He is tilling the
soil of the farm in Postville Township that his
mother inherited from her father’s estate. The
only daughter, Emma, an accomplished young
lady, has considerable musical ability and has
been given a fine education in that art.

Settling upon their present farm in Monona
Township in 1880, Mr. and Mrs. Dunning have
since made this place their home. By careful
management they have acquired the ownership of
one hundred and ninety-three acres, all of which
is highly cultivated. Politically Mr. Dunning is
a firm Republican; he has advocated the princi-
ples of the party since its organization, but has
never aspired to political honors, preferring to
devote his attention to private enterprises.

i ee 365 ow <4

AJOR JENKINS, a retired agriculturist
and prominent citizen of Guttenberg, for
about half a century has been identified

with the history of Clayton County, and for nearly
that length of time has been actively engaged in op-
erating his farm in Garnavillo Township. He was
one of the pioneers of this locality, to which he
came during the ’40s, and the history of the com-
munity in which he has dwelt so long would
surely be incomplete without the record of his life.

Major Jenkins comes of good New England
stock and is of English descent on the paternal
side. He was born in Windsor County, Vt., Jan-

 

uary 20,1807, being a son of John and Deborah
(Philips) Jenkins. The father was born in Rhode Is-
land and removed to Vermont, where he made his
residence for many years, departing this life at the
age of seventy-eight. His wife was a native of
the Green Mountain State and there she passed
her entire life.

Our subject passed his boyhood in his native
state and there received a common school educa-
tion. After the completion of his studies he
learned the trade of a mason, becoming proficient
in brick and stone work. In 1829 he came as far
west as Michigan, stopping at Prairie Round, where
he remained for a time and then went back to the
old home. On the expiration of two years he
went to Newtown, Ind., there working at his
trade for the four years following, after which
he went to Galena, IIl., where he made his home
for some four years, during which time he con-
tinued his calling as a mason. About 1839 Mr.
Jenkins came to this county and from this
time forward devoted his life to carrying on his
farm. He became a practical and thorough agri-
culturist and his property soon bore evidence of
his ability, for he made many improvements upon
the place.

In 1831 Major Jenkins was married to Miss Emily
Fletcher, of Chester, Vt., and her death occurred
about seventeen years later. She left two children
only one of whom is now living, namely, Chris-
tiana, who lives at home. In 1850 occurred the
marriage of Mr. Jenkins and Jemima Harper, who
was born in the Prairie State and who for forty
years has been her husband’s loving and devoted
helpmate and companion on life’s journey. They
became the parents of five children, who in order
of birth are as follows: Alice, John, Frank, Horace
and Marcia. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being active
workers in the same, and the former has held a
number of offices. He is a self-made man, having
started out in life empty-handed and has made his
way unassisted. At the age of seventeen he left
Boston, sailing on the seas for about two years, and
in that manner obtained the money with which to
complete his education and make a start in life.
Now that he has acquired a competence he can
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

465

 

 

pass the remaining years of his life, feeling that he
has been of service to his fellowmen, has made the
best of his opportunities, has reared his children to
lives of usefulness; and when his journey is com-
pleted he will surely hear the “well done good and
faithful servant’’ of his Master, whom he has so
faithfully followed for so many years.

HARLES BUTTOLPH. The gentleman

whose biographical sketch it is our pur-

pose to give is a retired farmer living
in Monticello. He was born in Rensselaer Coun-
ty, N. Y., February 5, 1824, and is the son of Rev.
Reuben Buttolph, who departed this life at the
home of our subject in Jones County, September
5, 1879, at the age of eighty-three years.

The father of our subject was a native of St.
Armand, Missisquoi County, Canada, and there
his early life was spent in acquiring a good edu-
cation. In 1817, at the age of twenty-two years,
he married Miss Betty Barnes, who was in her
ninety-second year at the time of her decease,
in 1887. The parental household included three
sons and four daughters. One son resides in Ore-
gon, and a son and daughter in the state of Wash-
ington. The father was a prominent member of
the Methodist Church, with which he became con-
nected when nineteen years old. On attaining
his majority, he was ordained for the ministry,
and from that time until the close of his life he
was actively engaged in the good work of preach-
ing the Gospel.

Rev. Reuben Buttolph participated in the War
of 1812, being pressed into the British service. He
was at that time a lad of seventeen years, and
soon after becoming a soldier was taken prisoner
by the American general, Clark, but was exchanged
six months later. Although serving on the side
of the British, his sympathies were strongly in
favor of the Americans.

In the year 1854 the father of our subject emi-
grated to Illinois, where he made his home for

 

three years and then removed to Jones County,
this state, where his decease occurred. After com-
ing hither he devoted his life to the ministry and
wrote more or less for the press. He was the
author of a work entitled the “Millenium,”’ which
had a large sale, and on his death it was found
that he had many other articles ready for pub-
lication. He was the recipient of a very liberal
education for the time in which he lived, and al-
though deprived of the advantages of a college
course, by studying every spare moment he ac-
quired a good understanding of almost every sub-
ject. He possessed a cultured mind and a good
memory, and few men of his day could quote
more Scripture than Mr. Buttolph, who was also
pleasing in his delivery and eloquent of speech.

In 1852 our subject came to Jones County,
Iowa, and in 1858 he purchased eighty acres of
unimproved land in Wayne Township. There he
devoted his attention to general farm work, doing
his best under the various adverse circumstances
that environed him. In 1881 he retired from ac-
tive business cares and moved to Monticello,
where he has since lived in retirement.

SS

APT. GEORGE WHITE, a successful gen-
YY, eral agriculturist of Elk Township, Clay-
ton County, Iowa, was born in Charles
County, Md., February 4, 1827, and is the son of
Joseph and Julia M. (Green) White, also natives of
Maryland. The father of our subject was born in
Baltimore December 5, 1787, and departed this
life December 5, 1842; his mother was born in
Charles County in 1802, and survived her husband
several years, passing away in 1874. Joseph White
was a farmer for a number of years, but afterward
engaged in the general mercantile business in Bal-
timore. To this family were added nine children,
the eldest of whom was George, our subject, after
which came in order of their birth, Catherine,
Julian, Simon, Jane, Joseph, Rachel, Peter and
Beulah.
At the age of sixteen our subject learned the
466

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

mill-wright business, which occupation he followed
for a number of years. He acquired a liberal edu-
cation in the public schools of his native place.
October 24, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, First
Missouri Infantry, in which he served until June
16, 1866, taking part in many a hard fought battle.
In 1866 he was honorably discharged. For meri-
torious services during the siege of Vicksburg he
was promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant,
then First Lieutenant and later Captain. He was
Captain in the Fifty-first Regiment, serving about
five years. He was always found at his post
of duty, and his country found in him an able
defender. When the country no longer needed
his services Captain White returned to Elkport,
where he engaged in the sawmill business, fol-
lowing that occupation for several years. He
then bought eighty acres of land, which he culti-
vated for some time. He sold that and bought
the homestead on which he now lives. At first the
farm consisted of only forty acres, but by hard
work and industry he has been enabled to add to
it, and at the present time he is the possessor of a
fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres of well
cultivated land. He still occupies the first log
cabin that was built on the farm.
. Our subject was united in marriage with Miss
Frances Palmer, November 16, 1854. She was
the daughter of J. G. and Sarah T. Palmer, natives
of Virginia. Mrs. White was born March 6, 1831,
and went to the land beyond, September 26, 1861,
leaving a husband and three daughters, Alice,
Fannie and Martha, to mourn her loss. Mr. White
was married the second time to Miss Mary E. Rid-
_enour, October 17,1867. She was born in Bedford
County, Pa., August 10, 1840, and was one of
eleven children; her parents were George and Mar-
tha K. Ridenour, who were also natives of Penn-
sylvania. By his second wife our subject became
the father of six children, Samuel E., Nettie, Ida,
Peter, Edith and Mark. He will givehischildrena
liberal education. One son and daughtey are already
teachers in the publicschools. He has held a num-
ber of offices of trust, serving as Township Trustee
for a number of years, and has held the office of
Secretary of the School Board for ten years. His
estimable family attend the Methodist Episcopal

 

Church. Our subject exercises his right of fran-
chise in support of the Republican party, of which
he isa warm advocate. He is a pleasant, intelli-
gent man, always faithful to every trust, and
whether in business, official or social life, he is
ever honorable ard upright, worthy of the high
esteem in which he is held.

OW _39)||Ox_ ——
Go AGO —/

EORGE 8. C. SCOTT, a prominent mer-
chant and dealer in queensware, crockery,
etc.,in McGregor, is a native of Arkansas,

born at Arkansas Post, November 26, 1820; he
was reared on the frontier and received his early
education in the private schools of Polk County.
His father, Hon. Andrew Scott, was Judge of the
Supreme Court of the Territory of Arkansas (as it
was long before the time that it was admitted to
the sisterhood of states) and was the first’ Post-
master in Polk County. He was a native of Vir-
ginia and was one of the prominent pioneers of
Arkansas Territory, to which he removed in 1819.
He served in the Legislature of the same territory,
was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention,
and helped draw up the Constitution of the state.
In politics he was a pronounced Whig and a man
of strong personality. Though he had received
only a limited education in his youth he wasa great

student and was largely self educated. He studied ...

for the legal profession in the law office of his
brother, Hon. John Scott, of Ste. Genevieve, Mo.,
and after completing , his course of reading was
admitted to the Bar in Missouri; he was soon
after appointed to the Superior Bench of Arkansas
Territory. For many years he held a leading place
in state and judicial matters, being pronounced in
his views and a man well fitted by nature and
education to become a leader of men and molder
of their opinions. He was calied from this life in
1850. His devoted wife, Eliza (Jones) Scott, who
had previously died, in March, 1835, in Arkansas,
was a sister of the noted general, George W.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

467

 

Jones, of Dubuque, Iowa, and was a lady of many
admirable qualities.

The childhood and youth of G. S. C. Scott were
passed on his father’s farm in Polk County, Ark.,
and he was only fifteen years of age when death
deprived him of his fond mother. He received
his education in the private schools of Polk Coun-
ty and became thoroughly versed in agricultural
affairs. Upon attaining his majority he went to
Clarksville, Ark., and served as Deputy Clerk of
Johuson County under A. M. Ward, who was at
that time Clerk. After remaining in the position
for a time he returned to farm duties, engaging in
this occupation for three years.

For a short time in 1850 our subject clerked in
a general merchandise store at Clarksville, and in
the spring of the same year started for the Pacific
Slope, going overland with ox-teams. Arriving in
California after six months spent on the way, he
proceeded to devote himself to gold mining, at
which he worked for two years with fair success.
Then returning to Clarksville he resumed his
former occupation of clerking, continuing at the
same for a year and a-half.

In the fall of 1856 Mr. Scott came to McGregor,
and in partnership with his brother, H. Clay, en-
gaged in general merchandising under the name
of Scott & Bro. After several years of successful
business together, our subject bought out his
brother’s interest and continued the concern for
several years. He then embarked in the wholesale
crockery and glassware business in 1868, turning
his attention more particularly to the wholesale
trade until 1892. Since the latter date he has also
engaged in retailing quite extensively and is suc-
ceeding fairly in his business undertakings. While
in the wholesale trade, he made sales in Iowa,
Minnesota and Wisconsin, meeting with good suc-
cess.

In February, 1844, occurred the marriage of
Mr. Scott and Jennetta Moore, a native of Mont-
gomery,Ala. Her father, William Moore, was born
in the Old Dominion and became a prominent
planter near Montgomery. Nine children, eight
of whom are living, graced the marriage of Mr. and
Mrs. Scott: Martha, wife of John H. Andrick;
William A., a resident of La Crosse, Wis.; Eugene

 

C., Jacob G., and Homer J., of McGregor; Hattie,
deceased; Elizabeth, Mrs. E. N. Galland, of this
city; Addie Josephine, Mrs. E. L. Fisher, whose
home is in Minneapolis; and Annie M., a book-
keeper in her father’s store.

One of the stanchest and most influential citizens
of McGregor, Mr. Scott has always been esteemed
and highly respected. Fraternally, he holds mem-
bership with Beezer Lodge No. 135, A. F. & A. M.,
of which he is one of the charter members. In poli-
tics he is an active worker in the ranks of the
Prohibition party. In manner he is pleasant and
agreeable, making friends readily, and by his thor-
oughly trustworthy and honorable qualities re-
taining them.

VT, LIAS HALL. Prominentamong the farm-
rH ers of Elk Township, Clayton County,
Iowa, may be mentioned the name of Mr.
Hall, a proficient and progressive agriculturist, and
a man of excellent business ability. He has a
wide circle of acquaintances and business associ-
ates, whose regard he has won by his genial cour-
tesy, upright life and uniform reliability of his
transactions. He engages in agricultural pursuits
upon his pleasantly situated and highly cultivated
farm, consisting of two hundred and forty acres of
valuable land. Asa farmer he is energetic, indus-
trious and efficient and uses good judgment in
the cultivation of his land.

A native of New York, our subject was born in
Warsaw, Wyoming County, July 18, 1820, and is
the son of Samuel and Hannah (Baker) Hall. His
grandparents, Able and Patience (Fargo) Baker,
were natives of Connecticut. The father of our
subject left his home when Elias was quite young,
and he with his mother and only brother went to
live with his grandparents, where they made their
home until the death of her father and mother,
which occurred in the same year, the former in June,
1833, and the latter January 4,1833. After their
death our subject took charge of the farm, his

 

4
468

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

mother and brother making their home with him.
In 1845 Mr. Hall sold the old homestead and em-
igrated to Wisconsin, his mother and brother, Dyer,
going to Onondaga County, N. Y., where they
passed the remainder of their days.

Our subject was united in marriage February
28, 1842, with Miss Louise Andrews, who was born
in Columbia County, N. Y., in 1822, and to this
union were born three children, Alfred, Ernest
and Louise. Mrs. Hall departed this life December
7, 1850, and March 29, 1853, Mr. Hall married
Chloa Andrews; she died April 4, 1855. Our sub-
ject next married Miss Roxana Thayer, February
18, 1857; she is the daughter of Elijah and Betsy
(Merrill) Thayer. Mr. Hall and his present wife
became the parents of four children, three living,
Emma C., wife of William Miller, Nettie and
Dyer. Harriet A. died November 7, 1865, aged
about two years.

Elias Hall moved to Wisconsin in 1845 and
purchased some land which he cultivated and im-
proved. For six years he made his home in the
Badger State and then rented his farm and went
to New York. He spent two years tilling the
soil in that state and then returned to Wisconsin
and took possession of his formerhome. Soon af-
ter his return his wife died; he then sold his farm
and emigrated to Iowa, settling on his present
place in Elk Township. He purchased ninety
acres of wild land and set about clearing and im-
proving the same. He came to lowa traveling all
the way from Wisconsin, not far from Milwaukee,
in a “prairie schooner’’ having all his earthly
possessions with him. The first thing he did upon
his arrival was to cut and haul logs with which to
build a small cabin. Mr. Hall still has some of
the logs which he has preserved as a memorial of his
pioneer life.

Our subject with his family attends the Method-

ist Church of Elkport, and gives liberally to the
support of the same. Politically, he is a stanch
Republican and a local leader of the party. Mr.
Jiall takes an interest in all matters of public im-
portance and is esteemed as a substantial man of
superior business ability and broad intelligence.
He was the first Township Assessor and held that
office for eight years; he served as Road Super-

 

visor for six years, and also as County Supervisor
for six years. He is President of the School
Board, and is School Director and School Treas-
urer. He has given great satisfaction to the com-
munity, where he has a host of old time friends
and acquaintances.

LL
Hd
ee

*

EV. THOMAS ROWE, Rector of St. Mary’s
Catholic Church at Strawberry Point, was
born at Castle Comer, County Kilkenny,

Ireland, June 21, 1854, being the son of Nicholas
Rowe, a wealthy farmer and stockman. On the
family estate, in the parish of Clough, are lo-
cated the most extensive coal fields in all Ireland.
There were eight sons in the family, all of whom
had the advantages of a liberal education, and
three are Catholic priests. Patrick, the eldest, is
at Kimberly, South Africa, in the diamond fields.
The second brother, Michael, a Catholic Curate, has
charge of a Catholic Church near Kilkenny, Ire-
land. William, also a priest, emigrated to Amer-
ica about the year 1874, and is now connected
with St. James’ parochial school in New York City.
John is Justice of the Peace in Clough, Queen’s
County, Ireland, and owns a large estate. Edward
is living on the old homestead at Castle Comer,
where the father died in 1874. James is exten-
sively engaged in the commission business at Dub-
lin. Richard is a commercial traveler in England.
Julia lives on the old homestead with her mother
and brother. Lizzie is married and resides in Ab-
beyleix, Queen’s County, Ireland.

In the parochial schools of Castle Comer our
subject gained the rudiments of his education. In
1865 he entered St. Keiran’s College, of which the
late Very Rev. Edward McDonald, D. D., was
President. He and his brother Michael were
ordained November 11, 1877, by Cardinal Moran,
now Archbishop of Sydney, New South Wales,
Australia. Our subject being ordained for the
diocese of Dubuque, he at once came to this coun-
try, and was made Rector of St. Aidens Church,
obey Buissiy\
Missing Page
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

471

 

 

in West Dubuque, where he remained until 1883.
His pastorate was an eminently successful one, and
by his efforts the large debt hanging over the
church was paid off.

Coming to Strawberry Point in 1883, Father
Rowe was made Rector of St. Mary’s Church,
which was established by Father John Hackett, of
honored memory. Aside from this pastorate, he
has charge of the church at Cox Creek, in Clayton
County, and that at Greeley, Delaware County.
During the years of his pastorate at this place, his
superior ability has resulted in great benefit to the
church. The congregation has increased in num-
bers, and the interest has steadily grown from the
first. A genial and agreeable gentleman, he is
popular, not only with his parishioners, but also
with all the citizens of Strawberry Point and the
surrounding country. He is indefatigable in his
efforts to advance the cause of his church, and is a
tireless laborer for its welfare. His religious duties
require the closest attention on his part, but he
nevertheless finds time to keep himself posted up-
on current events pertaining to the local or
national welfare, and is a law-abiding, patriotic
citizen, cherishing an affection for, and allegiance
to, the country of his adoption.

ess SHE SESS

OHN HAGENSICK. Few of the agricultur-
ists of Clayton County are better known
than the subject of this biographical sketch,
who is a resident of Boardman Township and

is there engaged in cultivating the soil and raising
a good grade of stock. His finely improved farm
contains three hundred and twenty acres, and is
supplied with all the comforts that are to be found
upon any first-class estate. In addition to this
property he also owns a sixty-acre tract, so that
his entire landed possessions aggregate three hun-
dred and eighty acres.

A native of Germany, the subject of this notice
was born on the 27th of April, 1839, being a son
of Christopher and Eva (Beringer) Hagensick, both

19

 

of whom were born in the same province of Ger-
many as himself. The family emigrated to the
United States in 1851 and at once came to Clayton
County, Iowa, where they for a time rented farm
land. Later they took up land from the Govern-
ment. They passed their remaining years on this
place, where the father died at the age of eighty-
four years, and the mother at the age of seventy.
Their children numbered eight, of whom six are
living at the present time.

When the family came to America our subject
was about twelve years old, and he grew to man-
hood upon the home farm amid primeval surround-
ings, for at that time very few improvements had
been made in the now prosperous and well im-
proved county. In 1862 he journeyed westward
to Colorado and also visited other western states
and territories, spending six or seven years in that
portion of the country and being variously em-
ployed in the meantime. Returning from the west
he resumed farm work, at which he has since been
engaged. He was thirty-two years old when he
chose a helpmate and companion, his union being
with Miss Minnie Bedoe, whose parents, Frederick
and Anna Bedoe, were among the early settlers of
Clayton County. Mrs. Bedoe still lives here, but
Mr. Bedoe died in Read Township about two years
ago. There have been born to the union of Mr.
and Mrs. Hagensick six daughters and four sons,
allof whom are living with the exception of the
eldest son, who died at the age of eighteen years.

Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Hagensick pur-
chased from his father the old homestead, upon
which he continued to engage in mixed farming
until about 1884, when he disposed of the proper-
ty and bought three hundred and twenty acres
constituting his present estate. In his business en-
terprises he is keen and sagacious, and in addition
to other landed and moneyed interests is a stock-
holder in a bank. He is well-to-do in this world’s
goods and the prosperity he has gained is richly
deserved, for it has been acquired by his own in-
defatigable exertions, seconded by the counsel and
active co-operation of his estimable wife. He has
never mingled actively in politics, but believes in
the principles of the Democratic party, which he
uniformly supports. With his family he belongs

3
472

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

to the Lutheran Church, the services of which he
regularly attends, and the good works of which he
aids by contributing of his means and time to their
support.

ATHAN SCOFIELD, a retired merchant of
Strawberry Point, was born in Essex Coun-
ty, N. Y., on Lake Champlain, November

6, 1827. The family has been represented in
America for many generations. Our subject’s
great-grandfather, Ebenezer Scofield, was a native
of Connecticut and had a family consisting of nine
sons and four daughters. Among his sons was
Amos, who participated in the War of 1812, and
afterward settling in Saratoga County, N. Y., spent
his remaining years there.

Our subject’s father, Harvey Scofield, was born
in Saratoga County, N. Y., March 16, 1802, and in
early life followed the trade of a wagon-maker.
Later, however, he was extensively engagéd in the
lumber business. In 1837 he removed to Catta-
raugus County, N. Y., and thence in 1865 came to
Iowa, settling at Strawberry Point. Here he died
in 1872 at the age of seventy years. His wife,
who was also his second cousin, bore the maiden
name of Elizabeth Scofield; she passed from earth
‘in January, 1888, aged eighty-one years.

In a family of three sons and five daughters,
our subject was next to the oldest. At present
three of the sisters and the brothers are living.
The eldest, H. H., was appointed Postmaster at
Strawberry Point under the administration of
President Grant and held the office for sixteen
consecutive years; he is still a resident of this
place. George D. is a farmer and lives near Straw-
berry Point. Laura Ann, now living in this vil-
lage, is the widow of Dr. H. N. Sill, who died in
1892. Harriett is single and lives in this city.
Sarah E. is tae wife of William Madison, a retired
agriculturist whose home is in Edgewood, Iowa.

Receiving a fair education in the district schools,
our subject early became self-supporting, and learn-
ing the trade of a carpenter he followed that oc-

versity at Fayette.

 

cupation for about twenty years. In 1852 he re-
moved from New York to Michigan, where he so-
journed two years. From there he went to Rock-
ford, Ill., and thence in 1855 came to Strawberry
Point, Iowa. Until 1873 he followed his trade,
but during that year opened a general store, and
for the fourteen ensuing years he was one of the
most successful and prosperous merchants of the
place. Misfortune, however, came to him. On
the night of November 8, 1887, his store was
burned to the ground with all its contents, entail-
ing a heavy loss. Since that time Mr. Scofield has
not been actively engaged in business, but leads a
quiet and retired life.

In 1858 Mr. Scofield married Miss Harriett,
daughter of Lorin Noble. Her father was born in
New York State in 1802, and there engaged in the
lumber business. In 1854 he came to Iowa and
settled upon a farm in Delaware County. He at-
taincd an advanced age, dying in April, 1893.
His wife, whose maiden name was Fannie Board-
man, was born in Onondaga County, N. Y., and
was a well educated lady. She taught the first
school in the village of Napoli, Cattaraugus Coun-
ty, N. Y. In November, 1887, she passed from
earth aged eighty years. Her family consisted of
four sons and three daughters. Harrison, who fol-
lowed the dual occupation of farmer and merchant,
died in Edgewood, Iowa, in March, 1893. Tim-
othy is a retired agriculturist. Dwight, who dur-
ing the late war enlisted as a soldier in the Twenty-
first Iowa Infantry, died in hospital during his
service. Emily married Martin Richard, a retired
farmer of Brush Creek, Iowa. Horace is engaged
in the stock business in Montana. Susan, now
living in Edgewood, is the widow of Milo Russell.

Mr. and Mrs. Scofield were the parents of three
children. The eldest, Orissa, died of diphtheria in
in 1864 at the age of three years. Neola, who was
born in September, 1865, was united in marriage
in April, 1888, with George Steinhilber, and they
have one child, Ethel. The only son, Fred W.,
was born April 20, 1868, and received an excellent
education, graduating from Upper Iowa Uni-
For some time he was em-
ployed as a bookkeeper, but on the Ist of No-
vember, 1889, went to North Dakota and was ap-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

473

 

 

pointed Deputy Auditor of Ransom County. This
position he was filling at the time he was taken
fatally ill. August 31, 1893, he passedaway. He
was young, and had a bright future before him.
His death was mourned by a host of friends and
was a crushing blow to his devoted parents, whose
pride he was. His musical ability was of a supe-
rior order, and at the time of his demise he was a
member of the First North Dakota Regiment Band.

Politically a Republican, Mr. Scofield has been
chosen to fill many offices of honor and trust. For
six years he has been Justice of the Peace, in which
capacity, as in his other public offices, be bas ren-
dered excellent service. In 1855 he was made a
Mason, and three years afterward became one of

the charter members of the Strawberry Point Lodge, .

of the original members of which he is the only
survivor. For seven years he was Master of the
lodge. He isa Royal Arch Mason and is promi-
nent in the fraternity. In the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows he has filled all the chairs, and has
served several terms in many of the offices. He
is a man who numbers as his friends all with whom
social or business relations have brought him into
contact. The principles of honor and uprightness,
which have ever guided him in his dealings with
his fellow-men, have won for him the confidence of
the people of the town and county.

> EERE

ILO P. CLARK. The name which heads
this sketch is one long and worthily iden-
tified with Wagner Township, and no

history of this immediate vicinity would be com-
plete without a biographical review of the life of
Mr. Clark. From a perusal of this necessarily brief
and incomplete record, it will be seen that from
earliest. youth to the present time his days have not
been uselessly or idly spent. He isa man of more
“than ordinary energy and force of character, and
One much respected in business circles.
Our subject was born in Delaware County, N.
Y., November 30, 1824, and is the son of Joseph

 

A. and Eleanor (Foster) Clark. The father of our
subject was a native of Schenectady County, the
above state, whence he removed when quite young
to Pine Hill. There he was married and spent the
active years of his life in farm pursuits and as a
dealer inlumber. He died aged eighty-three years
in Bennettsville, N. Y.

The paternal grandfather of our subject, Simon
Clark, was born in one of the New England States,
as was also his wife, whose maiden name was Sarah
Allen. They were very worthy and respected peo-
ple and departed this life while residing on Pine
Hill, when past their eightieth year.

“Mrs. Eleanor Clark was born in Cherry Valley,
N.Y., and was the daughter of Nathan and Eleanor
(Wilson) Foster, also born in the Empire State.
She reared a family of thirteen children and died
when in the sixty-eighth year of her age in her
native state.

The subject of this sketch was educated in the

district school near his home, and remained under
the parental roof until attaining his sixteenth year,
when he apprenticed himself to learn the trade of
acarpenter. April 28, 1848, he came to this state
by the water route and followed his trade in Du-
buque for the succeeding two years, when, having
caught the gold fever, he went overland to Cali-
fornia. He remained in the Golden State twelve
months, and not finding things just as he had ex-
pected, returned to his home in this state by way
of the Isthmus of Panama.
' In 1852 Mr. Clark rented what is now his pres-
ent fine estate, and erected there a rude log cabin
in which he lived with his good wife until their
means would permit of their building a more sub-
stantial and commodious structure, which they did
seven years later. In this the family made their
home for five years, when Mr. Clark built his pres-
ent comfortable residence. Our subject has been
an active, hard-working man, devoting much time
to financial matters, and now having achieved suc-
cess, is enjoying life in a most comfortable way.
He and his wife, who has been his companion for
forty-five years, occupy a cozy home where they
are surrounded by many warm friends.

Prior to his trip to California, in 1849, Mr.
Clark was married to Mrs. Mary A. Lundbeck, who
8

474

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, January 24, 1820,
and was the daughter of Jacob and Amie (Loder)
Lundbeck, natives of New Jersey, whence they re-
moved to Ohioina very early day. Byaprevious
marriage our subject’s wife became the mother of
two children, Hannah and Joseph A., both of whom
are married.

To Mr. and Mrs. Clark there have been granted
the following named children: Jacob, Mary and
Seth. ‘The last named married Anna Embertson,
and is living on the old homestead, of which he
has the entire charge. The original of this sketch
since 1861 has voted with the Republican party.
He is very popular with his fellow-townsmen, for
many years was Justice of the Peace, and in fact
has held most of the township offices. Mr. Clark
comes of a family well known in this county, and
he himself has perpetuated the excellent record of
the Clark family. He is a well read and intel-
ligent man, andever since coming here has prac-
ticed medicine.

=e =

ERMAN IHM is engaged in general mer-
chandising in Guttenberg, and is also an
extensive dealer in grain, being owner of

the elevator at this place. Though a native of
Germany, it is over forty years since his lot was
cast in with the inhabitants of this favored land
and in the welfare of this his adopted county he
has taken a prominent part, in every way further-
ing her interests. During the late war he mani-
fested his patriotism by going to the front in de-
fense of the Uniou, winning honors in the service
and. participating in a number of engagements.

A native of Baden, Germany, Mr. Ihm’s birth
occurred in 1831, and his father, whose Christian
name was William, was also born in the Fatherland,
where his death occurred in 1870 at the good old
age of seventy years. Our subject’s mother, who
before her marriage was Walburga Herrmann, also
died in Germany, when her son Herman was still
an infant. The early years of the latter passed un-

 

eventfully and he received a more than ordinarily
good education, as he learned not only his mother
tongue, but acquired a good knowledge of French
and became proficient in the English language.

It was in the year 1852 that Mr. Ihm bade adieu
to his native land, sailing for America. On land-
ing in New York City he spent some time in that
metropolis, from where he proceeded to Belleville,
IL, there remaining for several months. In the
fall of 1854 he came to Iowa, and started in the
hotel business in Guttenberg, to which he devoted
his energies for the succeeding two years. His
next move was to erect a good store building, in
which, when completed, he opened a general mer-
chandise line of goods and the same year began his
dealing in grain. He also shipped cattle to some
extent, for a number of years sending car loads di-
rect to Chicago. These several lines of business
he has continued to follow and he has been blessed
with success owing to his business enterprise and
his thrifty qualities.

In 1861 Mr. Ihm volunteered as a member of
Company K, Seventeenth Missouri Infantry, under
General Sigel, and with his regiment took part in
a number of important battles and engagements.
For merit and strict attention to his duties he was
promoted to be First Lieutenant of his company,
and would have continued in the service until the
close of hostilities had he not been compelled to
resign on account of sickness, for which he received
an honorable discharge in 1862. Returning to
this place our subject resumed his business interests
and ‘in time recovered his health.

Our subject holds membership with several local
societies, being a member of Prairie Laport Lodge
No. 147, A. F. & A. M., of Guttenberg Lodge No.
126,1. O. O. F., and of Jefferson Lodge No. 129, A.
O. U. W. He still shows his patriotism and love
of country by being a member of the Grand Army
of the Republic, having served as the first Com-
mander of the post at this place and at the present
time acting as Adjutant.

In 1867 Mr. Ihm was married to Miss Caroline
Koelitz, whose birth occurred in Germany. Their
marriage has been graced by a family of three sons
and a daughter: Albert, who is now living in St.
Paul, Minn.; Emily, at home, Henrietta, who is the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

475

 

 

wife of William Zimmerman of this city, and Carl.
The family occupy a pleasant and commodious
residence in the city and are received in the best
circles of the town, being classed among its most
influential and popular citizens.

 

KEEP EE EEE EEE EEE EEE EEE REND

ONRAD SCHNEPF, one of Elkport’s most
influential and wide-awake business men
and prominent citizens, is a native of Ger-

many. He was born May 31, 1857, and is the son
of Henry and Magdelene (Deckert) Schnepf. He
is one of four children, three boys and one girl,
two of whom are living, our subject and one
brother. After his father’s death our subject emi-
grated to America with his mother, in 1867, being
only ten years of age at the time. They located
in Dubuque, where they remained for one year.
From there they went to Jefferson Township,
Clayton County, but only remained for a short
time, going next to Guttenberg, where they spent
another year, and at last settled in Elkport in
1869.

Our subject was educated in the public schools
of Elkport, and at the age of fourteen went to
work on a farm and for some time lived an out-
door life, attending to the various duties of a
farmer boy. But tiring of that laborious occupa-
tion Mr. Schnepf returned to Elkport and went to
work in a cigar factory where he learned the
trade. He continued in that employment for
several years and then found a situation as clerk
in a store of general merchandise, Mr. Tiede being
the proprietor. He afterward engaged with Gar-
ber & Son and continued with them until 1880,
when he went into business for himself. He at
first embarked in the furniture and hardware busi-
ness, in which he was very successful, and as his
trade increased he added to his stock agricultural
implements, and now owns one of the largest gen-
eral stores in East Elkport. He is also proprietor
of a large saw miil, it being the only one of the

 

kind in this vicinity, and is doing an extensive
business in that line.

Mr. Schnepf was united in marriage with Miss
Melinda Stiefel, April 25, 1881. She is a daughter
of Christian and Mary (Mueller) Stiefel, and was
born February 9, 1861. Mr. and Mrs. Schnepf were
the parents of six children, five of whom are liv-
ing, namely: Henry, Alma, Lizzie, Arthur and
Elsie. Our subject has twice been burned out
since starting in business; being plucky and ener-
getic he did not become discouraged, but boldly
started out again; by his untiring efforts and good
business management he has attained success as a
merchant and has won the esteem and confidence
of his many patrons, making for himself a host of
true and firm friends.

Politically a -Republican, our subject is inter-

| ested in local advancement, and is numbered

among the leading men and substantial citizens
of East Elkport and vicinity. Mr. and Mrs.
Schnepf attend the Lutheran Church. Mr. Schnepf
is ever ready to take an active part in any busi-
ness undertaking or enterprise that will result
profitably to the development of Elkport, and has
been a prominent factor in the progress of the
city.

OKO.

ERMAN KATSCHKOWSKY, one of the
citizens of prominence, wealth and influ-
ence, whose home is upon a large and

finely equipped farm in Boardman Township, Clay-
ton County, bears the reputation of being one of
the most sagacious, practical and progressive of
the farmers and stockmen of his neighborhood.
He is one of the solid moneyed men of the county,
and rightly attributes his prosperity to close atten-
tion to business, to thrifty and economical man-
agement, and to the judicious methods that have
characterized his manner of conducting agricultural
operations. Although he has resided on his pres-
ent property but a comparatively few years, he
has succeeded in bringing the land under good
476

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

cultivation and has the farm well supplied with
buildings for every needed purpose.

The parents of our subject, Ludwig and Au-
gusta (Taddy) Katschkowsky, were born in Riesen-

kirch, Germany, and emigrated to this country, be-.

coming residents of Lowa and residing in Elkport
until they died. Herman was born in Riesen-
kirch March 22, 1857, and came alone to the United
States, taking passage on a steamer at Bremen and
landing at Baltimore after a voyage of about thir-
teen days. From that city he went direct to Chi-
cago, reaching there with but $8 in his posses-
sion. For four weeks he worked for his board,
and then was employed by the month. Soon,
however, he removed to Beloit, Wis., and near
that place hired out on a farm, receiving $6 per
month in return for his services. One year later
he came to Iowa, being sixteen years old when he
settled in Clayton County. His first employment
was that of “grubbing’’ and clearing the land, and
he also worked in the harvest fields. From Iowa
he went to Missouri, where he spent a year, going
thence to Cincinnati, Ohio, and from there to
Minnesota, where he was also employed in har-
vesting.
and from that city he went to Cleveland, Ohio, to
meet his mother and step-father, who had just
crossed the ocean from their native land. Witha
brother he worked on a farm near Chicago for a
short time, but the following year came back to
Clayton County, where for one season he worked
by the day and month. For eleven years follow-
ing he worked in a brewery in Elkader.

While a resident of Elkader, at the age of
twenty-three years, Mr. Katschkowsky was united
in marriage with Miss Paulina Schmidt, who was
born in Clayton County and is a daughter of J. B.
Schmidt, whose sketch is presented on another
page of this volume. They have had six children,
of whom four are living, all at home, viz.: George,
Fritz, William and Carrie. Our subject continued
to reside in Elkader until 1885, when he removed
to his present property lying in Boardman Town-
ship. The farm consists of two hundred and forty
acres, and as above stated, contains first-class im-
provements. The land is devoted to general farm-
ing, and in connection with the raising of cereals,

The ensuing year found him at Elkader,

 

our subject also makes a specialty of stock-raising,
in which department of agriculture he is meeting
with success. He is a man who is loyally de-
voted to the interests of his adopted country, and
the Union has no citizen more faithful than he.
In political principles he believes in the Democ-
racy, and never fails to cast his ballot at the elec-
tions in support of its candidates. With his fam-
ily he holds membership in the Evangelical Luth-
eran Church.

Ed
AK

USTIN THYNE, a prominent farmer of
AN Sperry Township, Clayton County, Iowa,
is a native of Ireland, having been born
in Milltown-Malbay, County Clare, in the year
1849, and is the son of Austin and Jane (Dixon)
Thyne. There were eleven children in this fam-
ily, five of whom are living, three boys and two
girls. The father of our subject died in the Old
Country at the age of ninety-three, and the mother
emigrated to the United States, where she made
her home until her death, which occurred in the
year 1883. The maternal grandparents of our
subject lived to the good old age of one hundred
and one, and one hundred and two, respectively.
The paternal grandmother lived to be ninety-three
years old.

Our subject emigrated to the United States in
the year 1865, his brother Patrick: and another
brother following five years later. Mr. Thyne
sailed from Queenstown and was twenty days
crossing the ocean; he did not have a very pleas-
ant voyage, as he was sea sick all the way. He
landed in Boston, Mass., where he worked for
about four months on the railroad, when he left
the east and went to Oshkosh, making the journey
in three days and three nights. On his arrival in
Wisconsin he went to work on a farm for a Penn-
sylvania Dutchman. He remained here for about
two months and then came to Iowa, where he now
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

477

 

 

resides. Our subject worked for different parties
for six or seven years. He and Pat O’Laughlan
purchased eighty acres of land in partnership; they
cultivated and improved the same, and in 1875
our subject bought out his partner, and by hard
labor and industry soon had a valuable and pay-
ing farm. :

Mr. Thyne was united in marriage with Miss
Mary Henry, daughter of Alexander and Annie
(Carr) Henry, January 22, 1877. Her parents are
living on a farm about two miles and one-half
from her home. Mr. and Mrs. Thyne are the par-
ents of nine children. Jenny, the oldest, is six-
teen years of age; Annie is fourteen, Austin, twelve;
Willie, ten; Robert, eight; Isabel, six; Emmet, four;
Walter, two, and Grace is the baby. Politically, our
subject is a Democrat, but generally votes for the
best man regardless of politics. In his religious be-
lief he is a Catholic. The two sisters of our subject
reside in Australia. Our subject is loyal and true
to his adopted country, and is ever ready to do his
whole duty as a liberal spirited and progressive
citizen.

Rosca

cg AVID H. TAYLOR. Clayton County has

few farms so attractive to the passer-by as

that owned and occupied by Mr. Taylor.
Situated in the suburbs of Strawberry Point, a
portion of it within the corporate limits of the
town, it possesses all the advantages of city life,
with the conveniences of the country. The resi-
dence is a model of comfort and elegance, modern
in architecture and furnished in a manner indi-
cating the refined tastes of the inmates. The farm
consists of one hundred and ninety acres, contain-
ing all the improvements of a first-class estate and
Operated by tenants, Mr. Taylor having retired
from active business cares.

The father of our subject, Joseph Taylor, was
born in New Hampshire May 7, 1796,and removed
thence to Massachusetts, spending some years in
the vicinity of Boston. At the age of eighteen he

 

went to New York and from there in 1856 came
to Iowa, settling in Fayette County seven miles
west of Strawberry Point. In 1865 he retired from
agricultural work and came to this city, where
he died, January 15, 1874. A man of more than
ordinary ability, he was influential in the commu-
nity and held many local offices. The family ad-
hered to the Presbyterian faith, but late in life he
joined the Congregational Church.

Our subject’s mother, Jane Bennie, was born in
Scotland May 15, 1799. Her father, Archibald
Bennie, was a native of Sterling, Scotland, and
while serving as a soldier in the British army was
sent to America during the Revolution. At the
first opportunity he deserted the British and es-
caped into the territory of the Colonial army,
though so far as known he did not take up arms
against his native land. He turned his attention
to farming, being foratime in the employ of a Mr.
Wadsworth, who was one of the original settlers
of the Genesee Valley in New York. At the close
of the war he returned to Scotland and there mar-
ried. One child had been born of his union at
the time of his second coming to America. This
time he settled in Cortland County, N. Y., where
the greater portion of his remaining years were
spent, although his death occurred in Oswego
County. Mrs. Jane Taylor died in Clayton Coun-
ty April 10, 1872.

Joseph Taylor had but one brother, Charles, who
went to Beloit, Wis., there speculated in real
estate and at the time of his death was well-to-do.
Mrs. Jane Taylor had five brothers, as follows:
David Bennie, a prominent physician, who died in
Allegany County, N. Y.; John, an agriculturist
who died in Oswego County, N. Y.; Archibald and
James, who in youth enlisted in the regular army
to fight the Indians in Florida, but were never
heard of afterward; and William, also a soldier in
the regular army and a recruiting officer during
the Civil War.

In the parental family there were four sons and
one daughter. George D., born June 2, 1826, has
been a life-long agriculturist and now lives in
Preble, Cortland County, N. Y. Eliza J., born Jan-
uary 19, 1829, married John P. Squires in Preble,
N. Y., came west in 1855 and settled in Fay-
478

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ette County, Iowa; Mr. Squires died at his home
near Strawberry Point and his widow is living in
Iowa City with her daughter, who is the wife of
Dr. F. J. Newberry, a professor in Iowa State
University. Hamilton B., born January 5, 1832,
is a graduate of the Albany (N. Y.) State Normal
School; he taught school in New York State and
Indianapolis, Ind., but subsequently went to Min-
nesota, where he introduced into the schools of
that state a new system of books for a New York
house. He became proprietor of a town in that
state, but later came to Iowa and resided upon a
farm in Fayette County for some time. After-
ward he engaged in the agricultural implement
business in Strawberry Point. In 1869 and 1870
he was a member of the State Legislature and was
always prominent in public affairs. In the Con-
gregational Church he served as Deacon and was
also greatly interested in Sunday-school work. In
1866 be married Miss Marian Babcock, a native of
Vermont and daughter of a wealthy farmer of
Fayette County. He died October 9, 1879, leav-
ing one daughter, Jessie E., who, with her mother,
lives in Strawberry Point. Our subject’s brother
John was born June 8, 1834, and received a good
education in Cortland Academy, in Homer, N. Y.
During the gold excitement he went to Pike’s
Peak and is now in the mining business at Butte
City, Mont.

The youngest member of the family circle is the
subject of this sketch, who was born in Cortland
County, N. Y., October 14, 1837. His education
was received in the Cortland Academy of Homer,
N. Y., but his attention was devoted principally
to farm work. In 1856 he came west with his fa-
ther, with whom he was extensively engaged in
the stock business. In 1865 he settled upon the
place where he now lives, and since that year he
has devoted considerable attention to raising stock,
in which he has met with flattering success. He has
been one of the most extensive breeders of Hol-
stein cattle in the state and is a member of the
Holstein Breeding Association of America.

Going to Colorado in 1891, Mr. Taylor spent
two years at Greeley, where he still owns valuable
property. In the spring of 1893 he returned to
his beautiful home in Clayton County, and here

 

he has since lived retired from active work. In

| addition to this property and that in Colorado, he

owns valuable land in Nebraska and Dakota. He
is one of the stockholders in the Strawberry Point
Creamery, the largest concern of the kind in the
state. Politically he supports Republican doctrines,
and socially holds membership with the Masonic
fraternity.

The marriage of Mr. Taylor occurred in 1869
and united him with Mrs. Cora (Eaton) Sherwood,
a native of Vermont and a daughter of Amos
Eaton. Two children bless the union, Jennie
and Park. Their daughter is the wife of Lloyd
Lathrop, and they, with their son Howard, reside
on the home farm. Mrs. Taylor and her daughter
are members of the Baptist Church, which the
others of the family attend. They are highly re-
garded throughout the county and have a large
circle of acquaintances by whom they are held in
the greatest esteem.

 

KEEEEEEEEE EEE MELE EE EEE EEE EEE

 

EORGE H. SCOFIELD. Probably in
the history of the representative business
houses of Strawberry Point no better ex-

ample can be found of the results of energy and

‘well directed efforts than is strikingly illustrated

by the firm of G. H. Scofield & Son. The propri-
etor of this establishment is one of the most suc-
cessful business men of Strawberry Point, and is
the owner of the substantial two-story brick block
in whichare situated his store, a drug establish-
ment and the Postoffice.

Chautauqua County, N. Y., is the birthplace of
our subject, and November 2, 1841, his natal day.
His father, W. W., was born in 1813 in Essex
County, N. Y., and was the son of Azariah Scofield.
a merchant of the Empire State. So far back as
there is any record of the family, they have been
engaged in the mercantile business. W. W. fol-
lowed that occupation in De Wittville, N. Y., un-

til 1859, when he came to Iowa. Three years la-
 

 

 

 

HENRY H. CLARK, M. D.

 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

481

 

 

ter he embarked in the mercantile business in
Strawberry Point, and the succeeding years have
been devoted mainly to that enterprise. For a
time he operated as a druggist, but thishe disposed
of_in 1893, since which time he has lived in retire-
ment. Atthe age of eighty-one he is still living
(1894), but has lost his hearing and is nearly
blind as well.

The mother of our subject, known in maiden-
hood as Maria Ingerson, was a native of the Em-
pire State and an own cousin of her husband.
She had two sons, George H. and N. W., and one
daughter, Martha, who is unmarried and lives in
Strawberry Point. N. W. enlisted as a private
in Company B, Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, and
died in Missouri while in active service. Our sub-
ject received a practical education in the schools
of New York, and in his father’s store was thor-
oughly initiated in the mercantile business. He
was eighteen when the family came to Iowa and
settled in Strawberry Point, where in 1862 he en-
tered the mercantile business with his father. Sub-
sequently he succeeded to the business, and from
1862 to the present time has conducted the lead-
ing store in the place.

Asa citizen, Mr. Scofield has maintained a deep
interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of
the people. ‘The principles of the Democratic
party have been upheld by him since he became a
voter, and upon the party ticket he has been
elected to many positions of honor and responsi-
bility. For two terms he served as a member of
the County Board of Supervisors, a portion of
which time he was Chairman. He is the present
Mayor of Strawberry Point, and since his election
to this office has introduced a number of needed
improvements and reforms calculated to benefit
the town. Asa public official, he is painstaking,
thorough and capable, displaying in all his decis-
ions sound judgment and more than ordinary sa-
gacity. He is the owner of valuable property in
Strawberry Point, and also a farm in Clayton
County. Socially he is a member of the Knights
of Pythias.

The estimable wife of our subject bore the
maiden name of Susan Wing, and was born in
Livingston, Mich., being the daughter of John L.

 

Wing, a shoemaker of that place. They have had
nine children, one of whom died ininfancy. The
others are: Mary O., Harry W., Effie L., Georgia
M., Guy F., Susan E., Bessie E. and William J.
Harry W., who married Mattie Jakway, is the jun-
ior member of the firm of G. H. Scofield & Son,
and is a popular young business man; socially he
is identified with the Masonic fraternity and the
Knights of Pythias. Effie L. is the wife of F. J.
Blake, an attorney of Ft. Dodge, Iowa. ‘The fam-
ily is one of prominence in social circles, and its
members are welcomed guests in the best society
of the county.

 

SSS

ENRY H. CLARK, M. D.,a well known
dH and prominent physician of McGregor,
has been local surgeon for the Chicago,
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad for almost eighteen
years. Though he conducts a large general prac-
tice he is especially qualified in surgical cases, to
which he is often called from distant points. He
was one of the organizers of the State Board of
Health, having been appointed by the Governor.
In this capacity he served for thirteen consecutive
years and acted as President for one term. Also
on the State Board of Medical Examiners he served
from the time of its organization until 1892, when
his term expired.

The members of the Clark family have been
from-early days prominent and influential citizens
in Pennsylvania, where the first representatives
settled on coming from Scotland. Our subject’s
paternal grandfather was James Clark, an attor-
ney-at-law and a leading politician in the Key-
stone State. His son, J. K., the father of our sub-
ject, was born in Pennsylvania and followed the
occupation of farming. In 1852 he went to Illi-
nois, where he made settlement, and continued his
former vocation in Stephenson County. His wife,
Helen (Wolf) Clark, was of German descent, being
482

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

a daughter of John Wolf and a native of Susque-
hanna County.

Dr. H. H. Clark was born in Centre County, Pa.,
October 12, 1843,and spent his boyhood up to the
age of twelve years in that state. Coming west
with his parents to Illinois he there continued his
education in the public schools, supplementing the
same by a course of study at the Rock River Sem-
inary in Mt. Morris. In the fall of 1866 he entered
the Medical Department of the Northwestern
University at Evanston, Ill, from which he was
graduated in 1870, and spent some time acquiring
a practical knowledge of his profession in Mercy
Hospital, Chicago, in the capacity of House Sur-
geon and House Physician.

It was in 1870 that the Doctor came to Mc-
Gregor, where he opened an office and conducted
his large and paying practice. He has always con-
tinued his studies and has taken an active part in
medical matters, being at the present time a mem-
ber of the North Iowa Medical Society, the State
Medical Society, and the American Health Associ-
ation. In 1893 he was elected delegate to the In-
ternational Medical Convention held in the City
of Mexico in that year, and his long trip to that
picturesque and noted metropolis was avery pleas-
ant and profitable one.

In the summer of 1862 Dr. Clark enlisted in
Company G, Ninety-second Illinois Infantry, a
part of the famous Wilder Brigade. He partici-
pated in fifty-two engagements, among which we
mention the important battles of Atlanta, Chick-
amauga and Jonesboro,and he also served through
Sherman’s entire campaign. After three years of

valiant and capable service in defense of the Stars |

and Stripes he was mustered out at Chapel Hill,
N. C., and then returned to his medical: studies,
which had been thus interrupted. In politics he
is a true-blue Republican. Fraternally he is a
Mason, belonging to Beezer Lodge No. 135, A. F.
& A. M., Clayton Chapter No. 27, and Honorius
Commandery No. 8, K. P.

In the fall of 1871, Dr. Clark married Miss Ju-
dith, daughter of Judge Downing Baugh. The
latter was a native of Kentucky and settled
in Jowa at an early day, locating at Mt. Ver-

non. Later he came to McGregor and occupied

 

an influential place in local affairs. He was prom-
inent as a Mason and stood high in the legal pro-
fession. Mrs. Clark’s mother, who was a native of
Ohio, was before her marriage Miss Sophronia
Davis. A family comprising four daughters and
two sons has blessed the union of Dr. and Mirs.
Clark, and the family circle is as yet unbroken.
The two eldest daughters, Alice May and Florence
Lillian, are now students in Northwestern Univer-
sity, al Evanston; Harry H.; Maude Geneva, a
student in the high school; William Clarence and
Ethel Baugh complete the number.

+ SP OI

EV. LAWRENCE F. ROCHE, Pastor of

St. Martin’s Catholic Church of Cascade,

was born in Ireland in 1850. He received

his education in that country and was ordained by
Archbishop Patrick Tealey, of Cashel, Ireland. He
came to America in 1872 and settled in Dubuque.
He was afterward given charge of St. Peter’s
Church at Temple Hill, Jones County, and in
1876 was transferred to St. Anthony’s Church at
Davenport, where he remained five years. Re-
turning to Dubuque at the expiration of that time
our subject took charge of the Cathedral in that
city and continued as its pastor until he came to
Cascade. This congregation was originally attend-
ed by the Rev. Father Predine about fifty years
ago. It was then a small mission and the pastor
only visited them occasionally in order to attend
to their spiritual wants. He was succeeded by Rev.
Father Tracy, who was stationed at Garry Owen.
The Cascade Mission was separated from Garry
Owen and attached to Temple Hill, which was a
flourishing Catholic settlement in an early day as
it is at present. The Rev. Father McGinnis, now
deceased, was pastor of the church at that time.
The building in which they met for worship was a
small brick structure near where the present large
church now stands. Resident priests supplied the
congregation for some time, among whom was
the Rev. George A. Hamilton, who remained with
them for six months; Rev. James Slatterly succeed-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

483

 

 

ed, and in 1860 the Rev. J.O’Connor took charge,
remaining for one year. He was followed by Rev.
James Cunningham, whose death occurred two
years later. Rev. Michael Lynch was then called
and for eleven years he faithfully served the church.
Duritig his pastorate the present commodious build-
ing was erected and also that of St. Martin’s Con-
vent and accompanying schools.

In 1876 Father Lynch was succeeded by the Rev.
Jobn Hennessy, who administered the affairs of
St. Martin’s until 1880. Then Father James P.
Barron occupied the pastorate until June of the
following year, when our subject assumed control.
He has the spiritual welfare of one hundred and
forty families to look after. Since coming to Cas-
cade he has made many valuable improvements in
the church property, among which was the large
chureh tower and the priest’s residence, which was
built at a cost of $5,000, and a school building at
about $1,000. The church proper is a solid stone
structure, nicely furnished, and when completed
cost $16,000. ‘There is a fine school for boys, the
building occupying two lots on Keene Street. The
girls’ school is situated in the Convent of St. Mar-
tin’s and the total scholarship is one hundred and
twenty. Six Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Vir-
gin Mary are employed as teachers and instruct the
pupils in all branches of education. Rev. Father
Roche gives his entire attention to his church
work and is highly respected in the community in
which he lives.

SDB

HOMAS R. ERCANBRACK. Anamosa has
furnished many examples of the success
attendant upon persistent industry, forti-

fied by the intelligence that impels to the improve-
ment of opportunities. Notable in its history is
the fact that many of its professional men have
attained a leading position at the Bar of Jones and
surrounding counties and have become important
factors in the financial circles of the state. Among
those who have contributed to the rapid advance-
ment of the city, and who are well known in the

 

legal profession, may be mentioned the name of
Mr. Ercanbrack, who for many years has engaged
in the practice of law at this place.

The birthplace of our subject is in Ephratah,
Fulton County, N. Y., and August 19, 1832, the
date of his advent into the world. His ancestors
were members of the agricultural communities of
Connecticut and New York. His paternal fore-
fathers inhabited the rich valleys of the Mohawk in
Montgomery County. The ancestors of his mother
were early emigrants from Salisbury, Conn., to
what subsequently became known as Salisbury,
Herkimer County, N. Y. In 1845 the family re-
moved from the last-named place to Byron, Ogle
County, Ill. In youth our subject was the recipi-
ent of excellent advantages, and was a student in
Mt. Morris Seminary, at Mt. Morris, IIl., Beloit
College, at Beloit, Wis., and the Wesleyan Univer-
sity of Connecticut, being graduated from the lat-
ter institution in 1858.

After completing hisstudies, Mr. Ercanbrack was
for ten years engaged as a teacher in the public
schools, and also served one term as Superintend-
ent of Schools of McHenry County, Ill, closing
his career as an educator as Principal of the public
schools at Evanston, Ill. In 1867 he was gradu-
ated from the Law Department of the Iowa State
University, and on the first of the foilowing year
settled at Anamosa, at which place he has been in
continuous practice to the present time as a mem-
ber of the firm of Remley & Ercanbrack. Thor-
oughly grounded in legal technicalities, he is ad-
mirably qualified both by natural gifts and by
training for the successful management of intri-
cate cases, and his success as an attorney is the
well merited result of past labors.

In politics a Republican, Mr. Ercanbrack is less
a politician than a liberal-spirited citizen, but
nevertheless adheres loyally to the principles of
his party. All moral reforms receive his warm
sympathy and co-operation. In religious belief
he is a member of the Methodist Church, and is in-
terested in everything pertaining to the advance-
ment of the cause. For many years he has been
an active member of the Masonic fraternity in all
its branches. He has served as Grand Junior
Warden in the Grand Lodge, Grand High Priest
484

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

in the Grand Chapter, and is now Grand Gener-
alissimo of the Grand Commandery, all of Iowa.
He has also been Grand Patron of the order of the
Eastern Star. These positions make him a mem-
ber of four national Masonic bodies.

December 27, 1865, at Marengo, IIl., Mr. Ercan-
brack was united in marriage with Miss Harriet A.,
daughter of David G. Boyce. Fora score of years
they have resided in the central part of the city of
Anamosa, in one of the most pleasant homes of the
place. Their residence is surrounded by ample and
well kept grounds, and their social relations are of
the most delightful character. For many years
Mrs. Ercanbrack has been an active worker in the
State and National bodies of the Non-Partisan
Woman’s Christian Temperance Union. For five
years she served as Grand Matron of the Eastern
Star, and is one of the principal officers of the na-
tional body of that order.

ERCIVAL W. McCLELLAND, who gave
his services in the defense of our country
during the War of the Rebellion, and who

won honors and distinction in the ranks, is now
engaged in the merchant clothing business at
Monona, Clayton County. He has conducted this
line of business for several years successfully here,
and in his store may be found a well selected
assortment of gentlemen’s furnishing goods and a
full line of the latest ready made clothing. He is
a public spirited citizen who in every way en-
deavors to forward the best interests of the com-
munity in which he makes his home. The boys in
blue have a cherished place in his heart, and he is
a member of the Grand Army.

The birth of our subject occurred in Licking
County, Ohio, October 14, 1846, and his father,
Rev. E. J. McClelland, was a native of Niagara
County, N. Y. He was a faithful and devoted
minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
was called from his labors when still in the prime

 

of life and the height of his usefulness, at the age
of forty-nine years. His father, who was also a
minister, and operated a farm in New York, was
born in that state,and the great-grandfather of
our subject, who was an officer in the British
army, was a native of Scotland. He came to
America during the French and Indian War, and in
one engagement received several wounds, for which
he afterwards was rewarded bya pension. Having
become interested in the Indians, he later engaged
in missionary work among them, and led a very
busy and active life. The mother of Percival W.,
who is still living, though now in her seventieth.
year, was before her marriage Miss Miranda West-
cott. She was born in Erie County, N. Y., and
grew to womanhood in that county, where her
ancestors, who were of English descent, located at
avery early day.

Our subject is the eldest in his parents’ family,
which comprised three children, and is the only
one now living. His boyhood days were passed
in the Buckeye State, where he received his first
schooling. When a youth of twelve years he came
to Iowa, and here was enrolled as a student in
Iowa State University, from which, in due time,
he graduated with the degrees of Bachelor of
Science and Bachelor of Didactics. The date of
this event was 1873, and soon after be commenced
his career as a teacher. In 1874 he came to
Monona, where he served for two years as Prin-
cipal of the school, and for another year occupied
a similar position in the Elkader schools. After-
ward, his reputation as an educator having gained
the good will and confidence of the people, he
was elected by them to the position of Superin-
tendent of the County Schools, and as such he
continued for four years and four months, to the
full satisfaction of his friends and constituents.

About 1882 Mr. MoClelland embarked in a new
line of business, starting the first lumber yard in
Monona. This he carried on successfully for the
succeeding five years, when he sold out the busi-
ness advantageously. He then purchased a farm
adjoining the village where he still resides, and
in.1891 purchased a stock of clothing and men’s
furnishing goods, opening a store in this place.
He has since continued in this line and is meeting
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

485

 

with good success, as his goods are known to be
reliable and just what he represents them to be.
His trade is drawn from the surrounding country
as well as from the immediate village, and though
he has not been long engaged in this branch of
trade, his customers are constantly increasing their
patronage.

Mr. McClelland was first married in 1881, to
Miss Anna M. Winkley, who was born in New
Hampshire, and who died, leaving a little daugh-
ter, Anna E., who is living with her father. Jn
1884 our subject wedded Anna M. Fair, a native
of Monona, Iowa, who departed this life six years
later. Of their two children, Roy, the elder, died
when eight years of age, and the younger, Jean,
is with her father.

In his political relations our subject is a true
Republican, and is greatly interested in the party.
He has served as Justice of the Peace and in minor
offices. A member of Monona Post No. 495,
G. A. R., he was Adjutant for two years. He en-
listed in 1862 in the cavalry service as a private,
and was promoted to be Second Sergeant of his
company. He continued in active service until
the close of the war, taking part in many of the
principal battles and engagements, among ‘them,
Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, Chattanooga, the
siege of Atlanta and Wilson’s great cavalry raid
in 1865, terminating in the capture of Jefferson
Davis, and was given an honorable discharge at
Nashville on the termination of hostilities.

ste

ARK W. LOVETT, a representative gen-
eral agriculturist, successful stock-raiser

and experienced nurseryman of Elk
Township, Clayton County, Iowa, is a native of
Pennsylvania, the date of his birth being June 25,
1817. He is the son of Joshua and Hepzibah
(Paxon) Lovett, who were natives of Pennsyl-
vania; the former was born in the year 1775, and
departed this life in 1846; the latter was born in

 

1777, and followed her husband to the better land
in 1865. They were the parents of nine children,
two of whom are now living: Beulah, Ann, Mercy,
Mary, Joseph, Owen, Mark W.(our subject),Stephen
and Isaac.

Our subject emigrated to Warren County, Ohio,
in 1835, where he remained thirteen years. Hoping
to better his financial condition by going farther
west he left there and came to Clayton County,
Iowa, and settled in Elk Township, where he en-
tered one-half section of land on which he now
resides. He wasa miller by trade in his early life,
which occupation he followed for twenty-one years;
since that time he has been engaged in agricultural
pursuits, and is noted far and wide as one of the
greatest stock breeders of the county. He is also
avery extensive nurseryman, and his word is taken
as authority in everything pertaining to that line
of industry. The old log cabin in which he spent
so many happy years still stands in its old accus-
tomed place on the farm. Mr. Lovett keeps and
cherishes it as a landmark and asa reminder of his
early pioneer life.

Mr. Lovett was united in marriage with Miss
Hannah Appleton, of Greene County, Ohio. She
was born in Bucks County, Pa., November 9,
1814, and was the daughter of Richard and Han-
nah (Moad) Appleton. The former was a native
of Pennsylvania and the latter of New Jersey.
Our subject and wife were the parents of six chil-
dren, four of whom are living: Mercy, Phebe,
Appleton, Mark W., Anna and Hannah. Our sub-
ject does not belong to any ehurch but generally
attends the Quaker meetings in his section. In his
political belief he isa stanch Republican and takes
an active interest in local and national issues, and
is well versed in the vital interests and public af-
fairs of the day; he is widely known and fully com-
mands the esteem of the entire community among
whom his useful years are passed. It is to such
citizens as he that Elk Township owes™the promi-
nent position it occupies as one of the first town-
ships in the county. Mr. Lovett is one of the
wealthy land owners of Clayton County, being the
possessor of eight hundred broad acres, all under
a high state of cultivation. He has a fine apple
orchard, containing about two thousand trees, be-
486

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

 

 

sides all kinds of small fruit in abundance. Our
subject has been elected to many offices of honor
and trust and has served as School Treasurer for
ten years. His course in life has been such as to
win for him the warm friendship of his associates,
and he justly merits the high regard in which he is
held.

OKO.

ICHAEL NEYLAN. Nota little of the
success and prosperity gained by Iowa is
due to her citizens who are of Irish birth

or descent, and who, combining the qualities’ of
cheerful perseverance and -industry characteristic
of their race, with the pluck and determination
possessed by Americans, have succeeded in advanc-
ing their personal welfare and enhancing the ma-
terial progress of the state. Of this class is Mr.
Neylan, a resident farmer of Clayton County, and
the owner and occupant of a well improved farm
in Boardman Township.

In County Clare, Ireland, the subject of this
sketch was born in 1820, being a member of the
family of Francis and Jane (Cusick) Neylan, both
of whom were born in the same county as our
subject, and there remained until death. Michael
grew to manhood amid the scenes of his native
country, and while his educational advantages were
very limited, he managed to acquire a valuable
fund of information as a result of habits of close
observation formed in boyhood. About the time
of the Mexican War he crossed the ocean, secking
a home in our country, and here he has since re-
mained. His home has been in Iowa for forty
years or more, but he hasalso traveled extensively
and visited almost every part of the United States.

For a titme after coming to Iowa, Mr. Neylan
was employed on a railroad, and also followed
other lines of work. Finally he settled down to
the quiet life of a farmer, and to this occupation
he has since devoted his entire attention. His first
purchase consisted of forty acres in Highland
Township, Clayton County, to the cultivation of

 

which he devoted himself assiduously. So suc-
cessful was he in his enterprises that he was soon
enabled to add forty acres to his landed posses-
sions, and afterward twenty acres, and at the pres-
ent time he is the owner of one hundred and sixty
acres.

The lady to whose counsel and active assistance
Mr. Neylan owes not alittle of his success bore
the maiden name of Mary Glynn, and was born in
County Clare, Ireland. ‘Their union has resulted
in the birth of four children, of whom three are
now living, as follows: Ellen, who is married and
has five children; John, also married, and who is
the father of seven children, and Jane, who resides
with her parents. Mr. Neylan has always been
very industrious and persevering, but in his un-
dertakings he was long beset by poverty, and in
securing his land he had much to contend with.
However, he had the pluck necessary to secure
success, and by undaunted energy gradually
worked his way upward to a position of promi-
nence in his community. All that he is, and all
that he has, may be attributed to his indefatigable
exertions, and he is one of the type of men usually
termed self-made. He has never taken an active
part in political affairs, but favors the policy of the
Democratic party, which he supports in national
elections. In local matters, he advocates men
rather than party and gives hisinfluenee to the can-
didates whom he believes will best advance the
interests of the township and county.

es eC

ORNELIUS MORGAN, Postmaster and
Justice of the Peace, is one of the promi-
nent, respected and honored citizens of

which the town of National boasts. He was born
in Vermont, May 23, 1833, and is a self-made man
in all that the word implies; whatever success
he has met with in life is attributable to his own
push and energy, as he has received no legacy
from any source whatever. The parents of our
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

487

 

 

subject were Cornelius and Hannah(Hartwell)Mor-
gan, both of whom were natives of Massachusetts.
After their marriage they moved to Vermont, and
in the year 1836 moved to the state of New York
and located at Parishville, St. Lawrence County,
where they resided until their demise. ‘There were
eight children born to them, seven of whom are
still living. They were earnest members of the
Free Will Baptist Church. The grandfather of
our subject served in the War of 1812 and figured
prominently in the battle of Plattsburg, N. Y.

The subject of this biography was reared ona
farm in St. Lawrence County, N. Y., from the time
he was three years old until he was twenty-three,
when he came to this county and located at
McGregor, which then boasted only a few houses.
Here he followed the trade of a carpenter and con-
tractor, building houses all over the county and
erecting two at Prairie du Chien, Wis. In the
year 1857 he was united in marriage with Miss
Mary R. Hudson, a daughter of Washington and
Roxana (Bagley) Hudson. This family came from
Vermont to this township in the year 1845.

Mr. Morgan enlisted in Company E, Twenty-
seventh Iowa Volunteers, as a private and joined his
regiment in Mississippi. He participated in the fol-
lowing engagements: At the charge and capture
of the rebel Ft. Du Russy, Pleasant Hill, under
General Banks, Kane River, Old Oaks, Lake Chicot,
Ark., under Gen. A. J. Smith; the first day’s fight
at Tupelo and afterward at Old Town Creek; Nash-
ville, under Gen. G. H. Thomas; and after steam-
ing down the Ohio, Tennessee and Mississippi
Rivers to Dauphine Island in Mobile Bay, in the
battle of Fish River and Ft. Blakely. The regi-
ment was discharged at Montgomery, Ala., and
he was transferred to Company E, Twelfth Iowa
Volunteers. He remained with this regiment un-
til January 25, 1866, when he was honorably
discharged. He was wounded by a bayonet at the
charge of Ft. Du Russy, resulting in a running
sore, which was a constant annoyance to him.

Mr. and Mrs. Morgan have five children, as fol-
lows: George L., Hugh B., Lewis D., Stella E. and
James Garfield. Socially he is a member of the
Masonic fraternity, and is a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic.

 

In political belief and

action he is a stanch adherent to the Republican
party. He has been Justice of the Peace for
twenty-four years in a Democratic township; Town-
ship Clerk for twenty years; and a member of the
School Board almost constantly for twenty-four
years. When Harrison was elected President our
subject was appointed Postmaster here and has
since held that position.

_—— =

REGOR McGREGOR, who is a resident of
the town named in honor of his father,
has made this city his home during nearly

his entire life, and has been a much interested
participator in its rapid progress and development.
For over twenty years he has been engaged in the
wholesale hardware trade at this point, and in
connection with this does a considerable retail
business. His trade extends to many points in
Minnesota and Dakota, as well as in the adjacent
parts of Iowa, and he carries a large line of heavy
hardware, his store being thoroughly equipped
with everything usually found ina first-class and
well appointed establishment of the kind.

A native of Wisconsin, our subject was born in
Prairie du Chien in 1845, and is the son of Alex-
ander McGregor,a native of New York State, who
emigrated to the west, becoming a resident of
Prairie du Chien in 1842. The McGregor family
originated in Scotland, and members of it became
residents of the Empire State in an early day.
Our subject’s mother, who died in 1891, at the
advanced age of eighty years, was before her mar-
riage Ann G. Gardner. Alexander McGregor in
1847 came to Clayton County, and in that year
founded and laid out the present town of McGreg-
or, in which be continued to make his home until
summoned by the death angel on December 12,
1858.

The first five years of the subject of this biog-
raphy were passed in the place of his nativity,
when, with his parents, he came to this section
and received his early education. In 1859, soon
after the death of his father, he went to New
488

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

York, where he remained until 1865; while there he
continued his higher studies in Port Edward In-
stitute. In 1865 he returned to McGregor, and
two years later enteréd into partnership with
Joseph McHose, asa member of the firm of J.
McHose & Company, and three years later, in
1872, established his present business, which he
has conducted successfully up to the present time,
being known as one of the progressive and active
business men of the place, to whose prosperity he
has in no small measure contributed.

Ever active in local and public improvements,
our subject has borne his share in promoting the
general good, and though not desirous of public
office, as he has preferred instead to devote his
time to his own business interests, he has never-
theless been prevailed upon by his fellow-citizens
to become Mayor of McGregor, and has for three
terms served in that capacity to the full satisfac-
tion of all concerned. His fellow-townsmen truly
consider it a most fitting and graceful compli-
ment te bestow the highest office of the place
upon the man whose father was the originator and
founder of the town organization. A true and
loyal patriot, Mr. McGregor uses his power of fran-
chise in favor of the Republican party, and in
1878 was elected to represent Clayton County in
the Legislature, and was re-elected in 1880.

O.___ &ors___©)

FREES bbe
cM

“Wer oO

 

7 ERNARD J. O’NEILL, one of Dubuque’s

3 capitalists now extensively engaged in
real-estate dealing, is a native of Coun-
ty Carlow, Ireland, his birth having occurred there
on the 15th of August, 1846. His parents were John
and Mary (Harmon) O’Neill. In Ireland they
were born, reared and married, and there made
their home until 1852, when with their family they
emigrated to the New World and settled in Jeffer-
son Township, Dubuque County. The father was

 

4

 

a farmer by occupation. He died June 11, 1888,
and his wife passed away December 12, 1892.

The gentleman whose name heads this sketch
was achild only six years old when, with the fam-
ily, he came to the New World. They landed in
New York City and thence made their way to Du-
buque, and the father sccured a farm in Jefferson
Township, Dubuque County, upon which our sub-
ject was reared to manhood, early becoming famil-
iar with the arduous duties of farm life. His
education was begun in the district schools of the
neighborhood, after which he attended the public
schools of Dubuque and then engaged in teaching
for two winter seasons. At the age of twenty-one
he embarked in business for himself as a brick
manufacturer in Dubuque, carrying on operations
along that line for thirteen years. At the same
time he was also engaged in the grain business, and
in his undertakings met with most excellent suc-
cess, his business career proving a very profita®le
one.

In the meantime Mr. O’Neill was married, the
lady of his choice being Miss Mary J. Gandolfo, a
native of Dubuque, and a daughter of Dominick
and Catherine (Roche) Gandolfo. Both are now
deceased. Their union was celebrated October 29,
1872, and has been blessed with eight children,
four living as follows, three sons and a daughter,
Harry E., Bernard J., Edith M. and Emmet G.
The parents and children are members of the Cath-
olic Church. Those deceased are Dominick J.
Paul C. and two infants.

In June, 1888, Mr. O’Neill began real-estate
dealing and platted and laid out five additions to
the city, comprising an area of one hundred and
twenty-five acres, all inside the city limits. In
1887 he aided in the organization of the Dubuque
Wagon Bridge Company and secured from the
city « bonus of $25,000. He was made President
of the company and for three years filled that po-
sition. He was one of the organizers of the Du-
buque Board of Trade and is now serving as its
Vice-President. During 1892 it was instrumental
in securing the establishment of five factories in
this city. Mr. O’Neill has always takén an active
part in public affairs and in public improvements,
giving his support to any enterprise calculated to
 
 

 

 

 

WILLIAM GRAHAM.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

491

 

 

promote the general welfare. He deals extensively
in real estate, and during the past three years has
erected sixty houses. For his success in life he
deserves great credit, as it has been achieved
through his own efforts and is the reward of earn-
est labor, capable management and good business
ability. He may truly be called a self-made man.
In politics he isa Republican, but has never sought
office, preferring to give his entire time and atten-
tion to his business interests, in which he has met
with signal success.

SS

ON. WILLIAM GRAHAM, a prominent

attorney-at-law of Dubuque, was born

in the town of Montgomery, in Orange
County, N. Y., March 2, 1831, and is a son of
William and Hannah (Houston) Graham, both
of whom are of Scotch-Irish descent. The fa-
ther was a farmer by occupation, and was a man
of influence in the community where he re-
sided. For several years he held the office of Su-
pervisor of his town, and represented his county
in the Legislature of New York in 1850. He was
also nominated State Senator in 1857, but de-
clined, although his election was certain. He had
previously declined an appointment as Judge of
the Court of Common Pleas, tendered him by
Governur Bouck, and afterward declined to ac-
cept a nomination for Congress.

In the family of William and Hannah Graham
were nine children, five sons and four daughters,
of whom seven are yet living at this writing in the
summer of 1894. One brother, Henry B., a soldier in
the One Hundred and Twenty-seventh New York
Volunteers, died in the late war. Rev. James R.
Graham, D. D., has been pastor of the First Pres-
byterian Church of Winchester, Va., since 1851,
and was Moderator of the General Assembly of
the Presbyterian Church South in 1894. William
Graham was the fifth in order of birth. No event
of special importance occurred during his boyhood
and youth, which were quietly passed in his par-
ents’ home. He prepared for college in Montgom-

20

 

ery Academy, in his native county, and then en-
tered Union College, of which Dr. Eliphalet Nott
was then President. He was graduated therefrom
in 1851, after which he taught for a time in the
Poughkeepsie Collegiate Institute. Wishing to
make the practice of law his life work, he then en-
tered the oftice of Judge John J. Monell, of New-
burg, N. Y., and after a thorough and systematic
course of reading was admitted to the Bar in Brook-
lyn, N. Y., in January, 1856.

Mr. Graham sought a home in the west, believ-
ing that the opportunities afforded ambitious
young men were better beyond the Mississippi
than in the older and more thickly settled states
of the east. Accordingly he left home, and in
1856 took up his residence in Bellevue, Jackson
County, Iowa, where he began practice as partner
of the late Hon. John B. Booth. He soon built
up an extensive business, and there continued
until the fall of 1867, when, wishing fora larger
field of operations, he came to Dubuque, and for
some years was associated with Hon. William Mills,
now deceased. Afterward for seventeen years he
was in partnership with M. M. Cady, and since
that time has been alone in practice.

June 16, 1858, Mr. Graham married Miss Har-
riet, daughter of Hon. Malbone Watson, who was
for ten years a Judge of the Supreme Court of
New York. She wasa member of the Presbyte-
rian Church from the age of fourteen, and her sin-
cere and earnest Christian character won her the
love and esteem of all. She was a faithful worker
in church and Sunday-school, and the poor, the
needy and distressed found in her a friend. Ever
kind hearted, sympathetic and true, she was re-
spected by all. Her death occurred suddenly at
Catskill, N. Y., March 13, 1894, and she was widely
and deeply mourned by friends throughout the
country. She left four children, namely: Will-
jam, who now resides in Tacoma, Wash., and is
an Elder in the Presbyterian Church there; Mal-
bone W.; Henry L., Vice-President of the Haney
& Campbell Manufacturing Company, of Dubuque;
and Helen, at home. Rev. Malbone W. Graham,
who was graduated from Princeton College in the
Class of ’89, was a professor in Lenox College, in
Towa, for two years. Then he returned to Prince-
492

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ton, and was graduated from Princeton Theologi-
cal Seminary in the Class of ’94. He recently
went to Bogota, South America, to take charge of
the educational work of the Presbyterian Board
of Missions in Colombia.

In politics Mr. Graham is a pronounced Demo-
crat, and has been honored with various offices.
He served as City Attorney in 1873, was nominated
for Judge of the Supreme Court in 1876, was ap-
pointed United States District Attorney in 1886
for a term of four years, succeeding Maj. De Witt
C. Cramm. For four years he was President of
the Board of Education at Bellevue, and while re-
siding in that town officiated as Mayor. In Jack-
son County, in 1867, he was nominated for State
Senator, but declined to accept the nomination.
He has long held membership with the First Pres-
byterian Church, of which he is a ruling Elder.
His public and private life are alike above re-
proach, and his honorable and straightforward
career has gained him the confidence and good
will of all with whom he has been brought in
contact.

have passed since the eyes of this venerable
resident of Wyoming first opened to the light.
During his long and eventful life he bas wit-
nessed the remarkable development of our coun-
try, and has himself contributed to its progress.
His travels have included a large portion of the
continent between the Atlantic and the Pacific,
and by habits of close observation and by prac-
tical contact with the world he has gained a
breadth of information that renders him an enter-
taining conversationalist and a genial companion.
A pioneer of Iowa, Mr. Dewitt came to this
state as early as 1842, but did not settle in Jones
County until 1855. He is a native of New Jersey
and was born in Warren County October 2, 1813,
being the descendant of French ancestors, who
were early settlers in New Jersey. In that state

Vie DEWITT. More than four score years

 

were born his parents, Paul and Elizabeth Dewitt,
as well as both grandfathers, Peter Dewitt and
Abraham Dewitt. The father removed to Ohio
many years after his marriage, and there engaged
in agricultural work until bis death, at the age of
eighty-two. He was a highly respected citizen
of his locality,and was a Democrat in his political
views.

In the schools of the home district the subject
of this sketch gained a practical knowledge of the
“three Rs,’’ but the information he possesses has
been mainly self-acquired. Hisschooling was mea-
gre, but not so his education in the practical de-
tails of farm work. He was trained to that voca-
tion, and naturally selected it for his life calling
when starting out for himself. In 1842 he came
to Iowa, and for two years sojourned in Van
Buren County, whence in 1844 he removed to the
city of Dubuque, there spending six years. Cali-
fornia was then attracting thousands of fortune-
seekers from the east, and he was one of the num-
ber who in 1852 sought the Pacific Coast for the
purpose of mining. Crossing the Isthmus of Pan-
ama, he sailed upon the ocean to California, where
for two and one-half years he engaged as a miner,

On his return to Iowa Mr. Dewitt settled in
Jones County, and entered a tract of land in Clay
Township, where he cleared and improved a valu-
able farm. This he sold in 1877, and purchased
a farm in Scotch Grove, where he resided until
moving to Wyoming. In 1887 he retired from
active farming cares and came to Wyoming, but
still retains possession of his farm of two hundred
and forty acres, which he rents. The property is
well improved, the soil under good cultivation,
and the buildings neat and substantial. With no
capital to start with, he has been prospered beyond
his expectations, and is now recognized as one
of the well-to-do men of the county. He has
never been partisan in his political preferences,
but gives his influence to the Democratic party.
He is a man of temperate habits, which doubtless
accounts for his vigorous health notwithstanding
his advanced years.

In Ohio, in 1855, Mr. Dewitt was united in
marriage with Miss Elizabeth Longshore, a native
of the Buckeye State, and daughter of Warner
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

493

 

 

Longshore. They have had eight children, six
sons and two daughters, viz.: William, an agri-
culturist of Woodbury County, Iowa; George,
who lives in the same place; James, who is em-
ployed as a bookkeeper in a business house of
Monticello; Albert, also residing in Monticello;
Clinton, at present living in Nebraska; Frederick,
who isin school at Hopkinton; Melvina C., wife
of James Griswold, of Jones County; and Alice,
who married J. M. Davis, of Sabula, Iowa. Mr.
and Mrs. Dewitt are faithful members of the Pres-
byterian Church of Wyoming.

Roedoedorberdoedeohoods hoodeehoege oodeofe of

©.
oO

~)
“@)

 

HOMAS HENDERSON STUDEBAKER is
one of the most prominent citizens of Clay-
ton County, being editor of the North

Iowa Times, of McGregor. As a politician he has
taken an active part, being greatly interested in
the workings of the Democratic party and has
been a delegate to various conventions of the same.

The birth of Mr. Studebaker occurred in Musca-
tine, Iowa, September 20, 1854. In the spring of
the same year his father, Harmon W. Studebaker,
who was a native of Adams County, Pa., came to
the west, making a location at Muscatine. He is
still living, being robust and strong, though he has
reached the advanced age of eighty-three years
and is nowa resident of McGregor. The paternal
grandfather, Jacob, was born in the Keystone State
and was the son of Wireman Studebaker, a native
of Germany, who emigrated to America, settling
in Pennsylvania at an early day. The wife of Har-
mon W. bore the maiden name of Mary Gardner.
Her birth occurred in Huntingdon County, Pa.,
and she departed this life in 1891, at the age of
sixty-seven years. The Gardner family originated
in England and the ancestors of the American
branch were early settlers in the Keystone State,

 

our subject’s maternal grandfather bearing the
Christian name of Joseph.

When only an infant Thomas Studebaker was
brought by his parents to Mallory Township, Clay-
ton County, where his father settled on a farm to
which he devoted himself for many years. The
lad obtained a practical knowledge of agricultural
pursuits and received a fair education in the dis-
trict schools. At the age of twenty he entered
Western College, at Toledo, Iowa, and graduated
from the scientific course in 1882, He was am-
bitious, though poor, and was determined to have
a good education, even if obliged to make his
own way through college. Fora time after his
graduation he worked on the homestead, after
which he taught school for two years in the coun-
ty. In 1885 he entered the railway service on
the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, continuing in
the service until 1889, when he resigned.

It was in August, 1889, that Mr. Studebaker con-
cluded to adopt another line of business, and
therefore purchased the Times, which he has ably
conducted since. It has an actnal circulation of
over sixteen hundred copies, and yearly numbers
many more among its regular subscribers. The office
is thoroughly equipped with modern type, presses,
etc., and the genial proprietor is ready at all times
to do job printing and other work in the best pos-
sible manner. The editorials which appear from
time to time in the paper are well and carefully
written, showing careful thought and good judg-
ment.

June 29, 1882, Mr. Studebaker was married to
Miss Mary Doreas. ‘The lady isa native of Cedar
County, Iowa, and her father, John Dorcas, was
one of the prominent early settlers of that lo-
cality. To our subject and his estimable wife two
sons and a little daughter have been born, as fol-
lows: Lulu, Claude and Ward. ‘The parents are
faithful and consistent members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and have a pleasant home in
the city.

Fraternally our subject belongs to Itasca Lodge
No. 111, I. O. O. F., Duncan Lodge 136, K. P., and
Bellwood Camp No. 5, Modern Woodmen. In
June, 1892, he was appointed by Governor Boies
as a delegate to the Nicaragua Canal Convention,
494

PORTRAIT AND BLOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

held in St Louis, and the same year was a delegate
toa convention held at New Orleans. As pre-
viously stated he is a stanch Democrat, having
taken active part in county, state and national
politics. In August, 1894, he was appointed Post-
master at McGregor, which position he now holds.

 

 

KEPPEL REDE EEE EEE EE EEE EEE DO

REDERICK AULWES. For a period of
thirty-five years this worthy citizen of
Guttenberg was successfully engaged in

agricultural pursuits in Clayton County, and after
so many years of arduous toil is now passing his
declining days surrounded by all the necessities
and many of the luxuries of life, which he has
earned by the hardest work and surely deserves.

Frederick Aulwes was born and reared in Ger-
many, his birth taking place July 2, 1813. He re-
ceived a good common-school education in the
justly famed schools of that land, and early learned
the duties of carrying on a farm. He isa son of
Frank and Elizabeth Aulwes, who were respected
and well-to-do farmers in Germany.

In the year 1837 Frederick Aulwes said good-bye
to his Fatherland and many friends, setting sail
for America in one of the old-fashioned unsea-
worthy vessels which at that time plied the Atlan-
tic. Landing at New Orleans, he thence proceeded
up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers until he ar-
rived in the Buckeye State, of which he was a resi-
dent for the succeeding eight years.

It was in the year 1845 that Mr. Aulwes found
himself on the soil of Clayton County, whither he
had proceeded with the intention of taking up
land. As this seemed to be a favorable place for
the pursuit of farming, he purchased a tract of
land and devoted himself assiduously to its culti-
vation for many years. He placed many improve-
ments on his farm, and as his resources increased
extended the boundaries of the same. He erected
good buildings, put up fences, and in other prac-
tical ways increased the value of his property,

 

which yields him an abundant income as a re-
ward for the care and labor he bestows upon it.
He still owns four hundred acres of good and well
improved land, which is considered as desirable a
piece of property as may be found in this portion
of the county. ;

In April, 1837, a marriage ceremony was per-
formed by which Miss Charlotte Seabing became
the wife of Mr. Aulwes. The lady, like her hus-
band, was born in Germany, where she grew to
womanhood and received her education. To them
was born a family of eleven children, four of
whom have departed this life. Those living areas
follows: Charlotte, Fred A., Henry, John, Louise,
(wife of Carl Westfall) Lewis and George. The
children have been given good educational ad-
vantages, and have become leading and well-to-do
citizens of the places in which they make their
home. Mr. Aulwes uses his right of franchise in
favor of the nominees of the Republican party
and is a man who is well informed on general and
local affairs, in which he has always taken great
interest. He has never seen reason to regret his
removal to the United States, for though he has
been an industrious worker all his life, his efforts
have been rewarded with success, and he has ob-
tained a good living for himself and his large fam-
ily. He is therefore a loyal son of his adopted
county, and has trained his children to love and
respect her institutions, and to uphold her laws
and liberty.

tH SS 1H

ACOB CLARK. The following sketch is of
one of the best known men of Marion Town-
ship, Clayton County, who has lived here

nearly all his life, and is identified with the various
interests of the neighborhood. He is at present
residing upon the old homestead, which he pur-
chased in 1883. It contains two hundred and three
acres of valuable land, which he is cultivating ina
most profitable manner; he is regarded as one of
the enterprising agriculturists of the county.

Our subject was born in this county, December
30, 1854, and is the son of Milo P. Clark, whose
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

495

 

 

history will appear in full on another page in this
volume. Young Jacob remained under the parental
- roof until 1881, when he left home, and going to
North Dakota purchased a quarter-section of land
in addition to renting four hundred and eighty
acres in partnership with a friend. They worked
together for twelve months, when our subject dis-
posed of his landed interests in that state and re-
turned to the old homestead. A year later he
purchased an adjoining farm. As before stated it
isa tract comprising over two hundred acres, em-
bellished with all the suitable farm buidings and a
comfortable residence. The fields are well tilled
and each year yield a good return for the care ex-
pended upon them.

Jacob Clark was married in 1876 to Miss Caro-
line Larson, a native of Iowa County, Wis., her
birth occurring June 10, 1854. Her parents were
Jacob and Johanna Larson, natives of Norway,
whence they emigrated to the United States. They
are now making their home in or near Avoca,
Wis., where they are engaged in farming.

To our subject and his estimable wife there have
been born the following named children: Arthur
J., Roy A., Warren A., Joseph A. and Millie F.
Mr. Clark has been the recipient of many offices of
honor within the power of his fellow-citizens to
bestow, and has served as Road Supervisor, School
Director and Township Trustee, of which position
he is still the incumbent, and while living in Dakota
was elected Justice of the Peace of his community,
but refused to qualify, as his private interests occu-
pied his entire attention. In religious affairs he
worships with the United Brethren Church and is
active in all good works in his community. The
political relations of our subject are in accord with
the principles of the Republican party, for whose
candidates he at all times casts his vote.

 

me BE

OREN OLSEN. Genial manners and strict
integrity of purpose are traits of character
that always make a man popular through-

out the community in which he resides, and cer-
tainly such has proved to be the case in the history

 

of Mr. Olsen, who is numbered among the most
popular citizens of Wagner Township, this county.
He is a successful agriculturist, and like many men
who have risen to prominence he commenced at
the bottom of the ladder and has climbed solely
by his own perseverance and industry.

Our subject was born in Norway, April 1, 1823,
and is the son of Ole Sorenson and Clara Masdater.
The father died in the above country, and the lat-
ter came to the United States many years after our
subject located here, and departed this life at his
home when in her seventy-second year.

The parental household included five children,
of whom three are yet living. Soren remained at
home until 1843, when, in April of that year, he
boarded a vessel whose destination was America
and landed here eight weeks later. It being his
determination to locate in Iowa young Olsen came
at once to this county, after which he went to
Wisconsin, where he was employed for two and
one-balf years on a farm in Rock County. Later,
in 1846, he entered the employ of the Government
at the Winnebago Agency, and for four years was
stationed at Ft. Atkinson.

‘Upon returning to this state in 1850, our subject
purchased his present farm of two hundred and
forty acres, which was then in its wild state. Here
he performed much pioneer labor and zealously
aided in developing this portion of the county. He
is possessed of those advanced ideas and progress-
ive principles regarding agriculture which inva-
riably lead to success when attended by the strict
integrity and will power that characterize him.

In June, 1850, Soren Olsen and Miss Isabella
Nelson, who was also born in Norway, were united
in marriage. She came to the United States in
company with her parents and located in Wiscon-
sin, where they died. By her union with our sub-
ject Mrs. Olsen became the mother of five chil-
dren, one of whom died when three years of
age. The eldest of the family, Anna, is married
and has six children; Clare is also married and is
likewise the mother of a family of six; Ole S. is
married and the father of three children; Nellie
has four children. .

When first locating in this county our subject
and his family made their home in a log cabin,
496

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

occupying it for six years. Tle has been very
successful in all his undertakings and is now liv-
ing in a comfortable residence surrounded by all
of life’s comforts. In politics he never fails to cast
a vote for the Republican candidates, and in re-
ligious affairs isa regular attendant at the Luth-
eran Church, with which body he has been con-
nected for mapy years.

=o =

ing retired, making his residence in Gut-

tenberg, isone of the thrifty and industri-
ous German-American citizens of Clayton County,
to whom in a large measure is due the development
and subsequent prosperity of this region. He has
borne his share in the work of improvement and
in public affairs, being a loyal and patriotic son of
his adopted country.

The father of our subject, Henry Schroeder, was
born in Germany, where he grew to manhood and
married Margaret Wilke, also born in the Father-
land. Their son Rudolph is a native of Hanover,
Germany, where his birth occurred November 5,
1818, and his early years were spent under the
parental roof, his time being mainly passed until
arriving at his majority in obtaining a good pub-
lic school education.

At the age of twenty-three years Mr. Schroeder
set sail for America, his destination being New
Orleans. On arriving in the Crescent City he
continued his journey up the Mississippi and
thence went up the Ohio River to Cincinnati, where
he remained engaged in various occupations for
several years. In 1855 he came to Iowa, making
a settlement in Jefferson Township, where he im-
proved and cultivated a good farm. He was en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits for nearly thirty
years in Clayton County, becoming well to do and
laying up ample means with which to pass his de-
clining days, surrounded by the necessities and
many of the luxuries of life. During his active

oer SCHROEDER, who is now liv-

 

career he was very industrious and persevering,
managing his farm and business affairs with good
ability and being always strictly honest and trust-
worthy in all his dealings with his fellow-men.
He is now retired, having sold his farm.

On the 3d of July, 1844, Mr. Schroeder was
united in marriage with Mena Kruse, who, like her
husband, was born in Hanover, Germany; of the
fourteen children who came to bless their mar-
riage, all but two still survive. Of those living
there are eight sons and four daughters, their
names in order of their birth being as follows:
Margaret, Sophia, John, Rudolph, Jr., Mary; Fred,
who is a farmer; -Harmon, who also follows agri-
cultural pursuits; Louis, George, who lives in Da-
cotah; Ade, Mena and August. Sophia is the wife
of Fred Kreger, a resident of Dacotah; Rudolph
lives in Garnavillo; Margaret, the eldest daughter,
became the wife of Herman Wolke, their home
being in Jefferson Township, this county. The
parents are members of the Lutheran Church, in the
faith of which they have reared their children.
In politics our subject supports the Democratic
party. He isa worthy man of sterling qualities,
who merits the high esteem in which he is held by
those who know him best.

 

é {foebocSocds GOVGD) detected 2
SS ei.

JT,“ DWARD CHARLES EHRHARDT. The
subject of this sketch, although not a na-
tive of Iowa, has spent almost his entire
life in this state, and is recognized as one of the
foremost agriculturists of Clayton County. He
is engaged in general farming pursuitsin Boardman
Township, where he owns and operates two hun-
dred and fifteen acres of highly cultivated land,
bearing all the improvements of a first-class farm.
Still on the sunny side of life, he has already
gained considerable success, and by good manage-
ment in the conduct of his affairs, and by exercis-
ing prudence in his personal expenditures, he has
become known as a capable and efficient farmer.

The parents of our subject, Johann and Henri-

 
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

497

 

 

etta (Kaiser) Ehrhardt, were of German birth,
born in the kingdom of Prussia. The father
came to the United States about 1853, and for a
time resided in New York, where he met and mar-
ried Miss Kaiser, their wedding being solemnized
at the bride’s home near Rochester, N. Y. They
settled upon a farm, but about 1859 disposed of
the property and came west to Iowa, making the
journey by rail to Prairie du Chien, Wis. His first
purchase consisted of one hundred and forty-one
acres of wholly unimproved land, to the cultiva-
tion of which it was necessary to give the closest
attention fora number of years. For two years
the family lived in a log cabin, but later a more
substantial house was built, containing needed
comforts. Later this place was sold and three hun-
dred and twenty acres bought. The latter purchase,
like the first, consisted of land in almost the pri-
meval condition of nature, and one of the first
tasks of the father was the erection of a frame
building, which still stands on the original site of
its erection.

As the years went by, Mr. Ehrhardt, Sr., con-
tinued to add to his original purchase, buying one
hundred and twenty acres and other valuable
property still later. At the present time the
family owns over eleven hundred acres, the most
of which is under cultivation and bears excellent
improvements. That he is a man of energy and
judgment will be judged when it is stated that on
reaching New York he had but fifty cents. Such
has been his industry that he is now well-to-do,
able to spend his declining years in ease and in re-
‘tirement. He is now visiting the scenes of his
‘boyhood in Germany. His wife died in 1885,
aged fifty-two years.

Of the cight children in the family five are now
living and all are farmers by occupation. E.
Charles was born in New York, February 26, 1857,
and coming to Iowa in early childhood passed the
years of youth in the locality of his present resi-
dence. He remained at home until June of 1884,
at which time he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter
of Christ and Mary Brockman,.old settlers of
Clayton County. ‘There have been born to them
five children, of whom four are yet living, as fol-
lows: George C., Carl R., Frederick J. and Edward

 

H., all of whom were born on the farm where Mr.
Ehrhardt still lives.

For four years previous to his marriage our sub-
ject cultivated this farm, working for his father,
but after his marriage he bought the place and has
since made it his home. To the original tract he
has added thirty-two acres, his possessions now
aggregating two hundred and fifteen acres. Not
only is he successful in the conduct of his personal
affairs, but his abilities adapt him for the efficient
discharge of public duties, and he has been elected
to numerous local offices. In 1892 he was elected
Township Trustee, and is still filling the position.
His first Presidential ballot was cast for General
Hancock, and he has since continued to support
the candidates of the Democratic party. In edu-
cational matters he is interested and has served as
School Director of his district. With his family
he attends the Lutheran Church. Both of his pa-
rents and those of Mrs. Ehrhardt were identified
with the early history of Clayton County, the lat-
ter having come here early in the ’40s and settled
in Farmersburg Township, where they still reside.
Both families are highly esteemed among the citi-
zens of the county where for so many years they
have made their home.

-==1ROs oe r=

OHN LARKIN was a prominent member of
the Clayton County Bar and occupied an
enviable position in the respect of mem-
bers of the profession as well as his fellow-

citizens in general. For many years a resident of
Elkader, bis death occurred in that city July 16,
1893, and was mourned as a public loss. Always
active in local improvements and movements of
progress, he was considered one of the leading
men of the state, where he conducted a large and
successful practice. A native of Illinois, he was
born in Jo Daviess County in 1840, and was a son
of William and Rebecca Larkin. His father was
one of the early settlers of Wisconsin, where he
made settlement prior to the admission of the
- 498

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

state into the Union. He improved a valuable
farm, where he continued to reside until he was
called from this life. His wife, who has reached
the advanced age of eighty years, is still living on
the old homestead in Wisconsin.

The boyhood years of John Larkin were passed
on his father’s farm, where he received a practical
training in every department of agriculture, and
his early education was obtained in the public
schools. Subsequently he continued his studies
in Sinsinawa College, at Sinsinawa, Wis., from
which he was graduated, receiving the degree of
Bachelor of Arts. Afterward he took up the
study of law, and after completing the required
course of reading, was graduated from a law
school in New York City. In 1875 he came to
Elkader and entered into partnership with Judge
Samuel Murdock, a leading attorney of this city,
and the connection continued for seven years,
during which time the firm became well and fav-
orably known throughout Clayton County. Sub-
sequently the partnership was dissolved by mutual
consent, and Mr. Larkin continued in practice
alone, conducting a constantly increasing business
and numbering among his clients many of the
prominent citizens of Clayton County. In poli-
tics he used his influence and deposited his ballot
in favor of the nominees of the Democracy.

September 17, 1865, Mr. Larkin was united in
marriage with Miss Mary Uriell, whose birth oc-
curred in Clayton County. Her father, Patrick
Uriell, was one of the pioneer settlers of Read
Township, having come to this section of the
state about 1840 and taking an active part in its
upbuilding and improvement. The mother of
Mrs. Larkin was, before her marriage, Miss Mary
Brazell. The girlhood of the former was passed in
this, the county of her birth. She received a good
education in St. Joseph’s Academy, Dubuque. Ten
children came to bless the home of our subject and
his estimable wife, named in the order of birth as
follows: Margaret, Mary, Elmer, William, Frank,
Gertrude, James, Mattie, Bernard and Harry. Mr.
Larkin was a member of the Catholic Church, to
which his wife also belongs, and in that faith the
children were reared. They are well known in
this town, being numbered among her best peo-

 

ple, and have always taken a leading part in local
social affairs. They have a pleasant home and
take great delight in opening its hospitable doors
for the entertainment of their many friends.

$e HOKE we

| " EV. FREDERICK WILLIAM PAPE. In-
separably associated with the religious his-
tory of New Vienna is the name of the
rector of St. Boniface Church. A gentleman of
the highest culture and loftiest principles, he has
been instrumental not only in promoting the spir-
itual welfare of his parishioners, but also in ad-
vancing the religious progress of the community.
Moreover it has been one of his chief ambitions in
life to elevate and educate the people, but especi-
ally to aid young men in preparing for the priest-
hood, and thus give to the people earnest, well
educated and consecrated Christian leaders.

The biography of a gentleman of so much prom-
inence will contain for our readers more than or-
dinary interest. He is of German birth, the city
of Buern, Westphalia, having been the place of his
nativity, and January 27, 1844, the date of his
birth. The family of which he is a member con-
sisted of four sons, and his mother by a previous
marriage also had four sons. Of the latter, one
is a retired farmer of Dyersville, another an exten-.
sive agriculturist of New Wine Township, the
third deceased, and the fourth, Rev. Aloisius Meis,.
a prominent Catholic priest. Our subject’s own
brothers are, Herman,‘a farmer in Carroll County,
Iowa; Henry, an agriculturist of Nebraska, and
Conrad, of whom mention is made on another page
of this volume. The father of this family, William
Pape, came to America with limited means, but at
the time of his death, in 1878, left a large estate.

In 1851 our subject accompanied his parents to
the United States, and with them scttled on a half
section of Government land near New Vienna,
Iowa. His early years were spent on the home
farm, and his time was devoted principally to
agricultural work, though in the short intervals
during the winter seasons he was a student in the
    
     

   

 

 

   

 

 
   

=7/ Soe

 

St Bontrace, New Vienna Lowa. FOw. Pape,

“
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

501

 

 

neighboring school. This was a primitive build-
ing constructed of logs, and was utilized both as
church and school. In 1858 he entered the em-
ploy of Moreland & Morrissy, merchants at Dyers-
ville, Jowa, and after serving a year’s apprentice-
ship with them became their clerk, remaining thus
engaged until 1861.

The death of his mother somewhat changed the
course of our subject’s life. The father, discour-
aged by the loss of his noble and devoted wife, re-
solved to retire from active business and to divide
his property among the four sons still remaining
at home. Frederick W. had promised to remain at
the old homestead with his parents, but the death
of his mother and the division of the estate left
him free to choose for himself. It had been with
him a long cherished dream to travel and see the
world of which he had heard and read so much.
He was, however, detained for a while from the
consummation of his plans by the urgent request
of his half-brother, Rev. Aloisius Meis, then pastor
of St. Boniface Church at Lyons, Iowa, that he act
as assistant teacher in the newly organized paro-
chial school of that congregation.

After spending a very pleasant year in that oc-
cupation, and Father Meis being now transferred

to St. Mary’s Church at Dubuque, our subject in,

company with several friends started on a tour of
the east. After spending some time in New York
he took passage on a steamer for Cuba, thence went
to Matamoras and other places in Mexico, from
there through Texas and journeyed along the Rio
Grande to Bagdad, situated at the mouth of the
river. After a six months’ sojourn, he returned
home via the gulf to New Orleans, and thence by
steamer up the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to Cin-
cinnati. At last he reached Lyons again, after an
extensive tour that was of inestimable value to
him in learning the character and habits of people
and the contour of the country. At Lyons he en-
gaged for a time in the general mercantile busi-
ness, which in 1867 he sold toa brother, and set-
tling all his business affairs prepared to enter the
priesthood. Having thoroughly studied the sub-
ject, and after thoughtful deliberation he resolved
to devote the remainder of his life to the service
of God and the welfare of mankind. To this holy

 

office he had been called in childhood, and his de-
cision had been strengthened by personal experi-
ence, and especially by the wise counsel and good
example of his brother, Father Meis.

In 1867 our subject commenced his studies at
the University of Notre Dame, Ind., where he
spent one year. He then entered St. Francis Sem-
ingry near Milwaukee, Wis., where he completed
his studies. In that seminary,on the 25th of
March, 1874, he was ordained to the priesthood by
the Rt. Rev. Bishop Henney, and was appointed to

attend to the spiritual wants of Catholic settlers

scattered over western Iowa. In that capacity he
spent six years, which he looks back upon as
among the most blessed and useful of his life. ‘The
position was by no means a sinecure. His duties
were arduous and a severe tax ‘upon his physical
constitution, Having no home, he traveled with
satchel in hand, securing lodging and meals at pri-
vate houses. During this time he organized and
attended the charges at Hamburg, Shenandoah,
Red Oak, Villisca, Malvin, Sidney, Nodaway,
Blumer Settlement, Glenwood and Neola (all in
Fremont and Page Counties); Mt. Carmel, Car-
roll, Rozell, Arcadia, Wall Lake, Odebolt and Ida
Grove, in Ida County. He was the first priest who
ever said mass in the county last named. Churches
were built under his direction at Hamburg, Shen-
andoah, Red Oak, Villisca, Carroll, Breda, Wall
Lake, Ida Grove, Odebolt, Blumer Settlement and
Arcadia.

During 1880 Father Pape was called from the
western part of the state to the east, and appointed
to the charge at Lansing. Six months later he was
sent by the Bishop to Dubuque to form the con-
gregation in the northern partof the city, where, in
1881, the Church of the Sacred Heart was built.
Later, the pastor’s residence was erected and the
school organized. Father Pape’s health being
somewhat impaired, he desired to be relieved from
his charge in Dubuque, and was thereupon trans-
ferred to his former home in New Vienna. For
twelve years he has had charge of the church at
this place, and meantime has greatly promoted the
welfare of the congregation. In addition to reor-
ganizing and building up a large and flourishing
school, he was instrumental in securing the erec-
502

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

tion of the house of worship. This is a commodi-
ous stone structure, one of the finest edifices in the
state. The interior decorations are beautiful, and
display the most refined taste on the part of
Father Pape, who is one of the best art critics in
the state.

New Vienna has been justly named the home of
priests, for from that place sixteen young men
have gone forth into active priesthood, and there
are now ten students preparing for that holy office.
By the Catholics of the state Father Pape is well
known and highly esteemed for his devotion to
duty and superier ability. By the people also, ir-
respective of denominational preferences, he is
highly respected as a citizen of broad and noble
spirit and liberal culture.

 

ssa

ON. SAMUEL MURDOCK, of Elkader,
td has been for more than half a century a
conspicuous personage in the history of
Iowa, as the first lawyer of Clayton County, the
first Judge of the Tenth Judicial District, and on
account of the very prominent place he has ever
occupied in the political and social affairs of this
region. Self-made and self-educated, he deserves
the admiration of all, and has certainly made the
best of such opportunities as came in his way. He
is an orator and writer of no small ability, being
well posted on history, astronomy, geology, arche-
ology and other branches of science and litera-
ture. In 1845 Mr. Murdock was elected a member
of the Territorial Legislature of Iowa, and re-
mained in that body until Iowa was admitted as a
state. In 1855 he was elected to the position of
Judge of the Tenth Judicial District, and held the
first courts in several of the ten counties then
comprised within the district. Though in early
life he was a Democrat, he assisted in the forma-
tion of the Republican party, and has ever since
been one of its stalwart workers.
The parents of our subject were of Scotch an-

 

cestry, but were born in County Armagh, Ire-
land. They emigrated to America in 1812, set-
tling near Pittsburg, Pa., where their son Samuel
was born, March 13,1817. Ten years later the
family removed to Cleveland, Ohio, and finally
located on a farm near the city, in the town of
Rockport. Here it was that the boy passed the
remainder of his youth. His schooling was ob-
tained principally in the neighborhood, although
he later attended a two years’ term in a Cleveland
academy. After arriving at his majority he taught
several terms of school in Ohio. In his younger
years he became acquainted with the Hon. Reu-
ben Wood, at that time one of the Supreme Judges
of the state, and who afterwards became Governor.
With his family the lad lived for several years,
and is indebted to the worthy Judge for many of
his early lessons in ‘history and law. In the fall
of 1841 he left Ohio, going by way of the lakes
to Chicago, and thence proceeded across Illinois
on foot, sometimes riding for a few miles on wag-
ons drawn by oxen. When he reached Rock River
he followed it down to Rock Island, and then
crossed the Mississippi to the then small village of
Davenport. ‘After resting for a few days to re-
cruit his strength, he started on foot to Iowa City,
proceeding the main part of the way on an Indian
trail. As that place had been fixed as the future
capital of Iowa, the young man determined to
make his abode there, and was soon pursuing his
studies in the law office of Bates & Harrison.
When a few months had elapsed he went into the
office of the Hon. Gilman Folsome, and in 1842 he
was admitted to the Bar of Johnson County,
which then numbered only the firms of Bates &
Harrison, Reagan & Clark, Patterson & Carlton,
and Gilman Folsome, H. D. Lee and a Mr. Calkins,
all of whom were able and brilliant lawyers,
Before finally locating, Mr. Murdock went to
Dubuque with letters of introduction to some of
her principal citizens, and while there learned for
the first time of the rich prairies of Clayton Coun-
ty. Starting overland, he arrived at what is now
Garnavillo August 9, 1843, and being much im-
pressed with the natural beauty of this locality,
staked a claim one mile south of the town. This
farm he cultivated for nearly forty years, and for-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

503

 

 

merly it was considered the model farm of the
state. On account of the many pine, spruce and
fir trees which he planted around his home, the
place was known as Evergreen Farm. For years
the owner has been considered one of the best hor-
ticulturists in Iowa, and has written extensively
on the subject. During his long residence on his
farm, Mr. Murdock still kept up his law practice,
and, with few exceptions, has heen present, acting
in one capacity or another at every term of court
held in his county for over halfacentury, making
for himself a most remarkable record.

In 1845 Judge Murdock married Miss Louisa
Patch, who came to this county from New York in
1837. She is a woman of marked force of charac-
ter and strong mental ability. Two daughters are
all that now remain to them of their family of six
children. The eldest daughter, Ellen, a brilliant
woman, died some years ago while preparing her-
self for a physician. The next daughter, Marion,
and her friend, the Rev. Florence Buck, are at
present pastors of Unity Church in Cleveland,
Ohio. Rev. Marion Murdock is a graduate of the
Boston School of Oratory and of the Meadville
(Pa.) Theological School. She has also spent some
time in Manchester, New College, England, she
and the Rev. Florence Buck being the first ladies
admitted to this college. Miss Murdock is said to
be the first woman in America to receive the de-
gree of Bachelor of Divinity. She was at onetime
Professor of Mathematics and Oratory in the State
University at Madison, Wis. Asa public speaker
she has few equals. During her stay in England
she was received with enthusiasm whenever she
occupied pulpit or platform. The younger daugh-
ter, Amelia, like her sister, is devoted to learning
and literature, being proficient in several lan-
guages, and is a graduate of the Chicago Kinder-
garten College.

After serving for three years in the Legislature,
Judge Murdock was elected School Fund Commis-
sioner, in 1848, for this county, and held the office
for four years, during which time he sold most of
the school lands, consisting of section 16, and the
county’s portion of the five hundred thousand
acres allotted to her for school purposes. As he
was allowed large discretion in the sale of these

 

valuable lands, he took great care to see that they
were purchased by actual settlers, and oftentimes
the proceeds of such sales, amounting to several
thousand dollars, were kept by him in his house in
a potato bin in the cellar for safety. While he was
Judge of the District he traveled great distances
on horseback, often accompanied by a number of
lawyers, and the reminiscences of these trips form
the theme of many a pleasing and laughable story
among those who still survive. In the fall of 1863
the Judge visited the army in the southern states
as a war correspondent of several Iowa news-
papers, and a year later returned to the south to
resume his writing for northern journals on the
events transpiring. This it was that first brought
him into prominence as a writer, as many of his
articles were models of patriotism and genius.
During his long professional career the Judge has
been a very successful lawyer, having a state wide
reputation as such, and has been employed on one
side or the other of most of the important cases in
this part of Iowa. In 1864 he presented the case of
the Hon. James Andrews, of Columbia, Tenn., to
President Lincoln. His client appealed from a
sentence of the military court which condemned
him to imprisonment for the killing of a Union
soldier belonging to a Michigan regiment. The
President gave his earnest attention to the argu-
ment of Judge Murdock, with the result that the
sentence was reversed and Mr. Andrews set at lib-
erty.

In the summer of 1869 he unearthed the “Ha-
gerty Massacre,’’ one of the most cruel murders of
modern times. Through his efforts five dead bodies
were brought to light, after they had been hidden
away for over eight months in different localities,
and then he prosecuted the murderer, who was
sentenced to the penitentiary. In 1878, in con-
nection with W. A. Benton, Judge Murdock
planned the capture of the notorious Jim Uncer, a
bank robber, and had him brought from Illinois to
this county, where he was tried and sent to the
penitentiary.

When a member of the Thirteenth General As-
sembly of Iowa, in 1869, Judge Murdock distin-
guished himself asa lawyer and speaker by his
strong discourse in opposition to the repeal of the
504

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

death penalty for murder, in which he said that
this move would be an advertisement inviting all
the villains of the country to come to Iowa, where,
without fear, they could rob and murder with im-
punity, and not only that, but the infliction of the
death penalty would only be transferred from
an organized and legal court to the mob element,
and time has proved his judgment to have been
correct. He has been an ardent friend of the Irish
cause, and his speeches before the different Coun-
ty Land Leagues have displayed a thorough knowl-
edge of Irish history, and have been copied in
papers and scattered broadcast throughout the un-
happy Emerald Isle, as well as in all parts of this
land.

In 1876 the Governor of Iowa chose our subject
to fill the State Department of Anthropology at
the Centennial, and although he received short no-
tice, he collected and shipped to the Exposition
wonderful specimens of prehistoric man, and
though the exhibit was small, he received very
high praise for this work. Two years later he
published in the papers articles on the subject of
prehistoric man, which were models of research
and science, and which brought forth a host of
criticisms from pulpit and press, the most liberal
sustaining him, while others sought to confute his
arguments, yet to-day the learned and scientific
world are strictly in accord with his views. In
1859 he published “Sketches of thie Public Men of
Iowa Before She Became a State,’’ among these
being the first three Governors. As a miscellane-
ous writer on most important scientific and other
subjects he bears a reputation for clearness and
logical composition, and recently his articles on
evolution, which appeared in the Elkader Argus,
showed a thorough knowledge of nature’s works
and laws, which made them eagerly sought after
and read with the deepest interest. In 1893 his
able arguments on the silver question attracted
wide attention.

A natural orator, Judge Murdock’s eulogy on
the death of Gen. Ulysses S. Grant is conceded
by good judges to be one of the finest pieces of
English composition ever delivered in the state,
and he received the most sincere thanks of Mrs.
Grant and her family for his tribute to the great

 

military hero. Whenever the old settlers of the
county gather at their annual reunion he is the
orator of the occasion, and each speech is said by
them to be his masterpiece. The beautiful poems
which have been published in the county papers
from time to time composed by our subject are
noted for their pathos and elegance of diction.

By all who know him the Judge is highly es-
teemed for his noble qualities of mind and heart,
and though now well along in years, he is still
possessed of the vigor and enthusiasm of a man in
middle life.

yl We
== {ge

law of Dubuque, is a native of the Green
Mountain State, born in Putney, Wind-

ham County, in 1830. He is of a New England
family, the members of which for several genera-
tions resided principally in the valley of the Con-
necticut River. On his father’s side he is of Scotch-
Irish descent. James Crawford, his grandfather’s
grandfather, emigrated from the North of Ire-
land about the year 1730 and settled in Tolland
County, Conn. His paternal grandfather, The-
ophilus Crawford, was born in Connecticut, but
when a young boy removed with his father, James
Crawford and family, to Windham County, Vt.,
settling first in the town of Westminster and
afterward removing to Putney. The father, James
Crawford, was a soldier of the Revolution, having
joined Washington’s army when in camp at Cam-
bridge, Mass., just after the battle of Bunker Hill.
The father of our subject, James Crawford, son
of Theophilus, was born in Vermont and removed
to Iowa in 1838, becuming one of the pioneers of
Dubuque County, where his death occurred in
1846. He married Tirzah White, a native of Ver-
mont, and a daughter of Hon. Phineas White,
of Putney, Vt., who was one of the Judges of
the Supreme Court and a member of Congress.

) HINEAS W. CRAWFORD, attorney-at-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

505

 

 

The White family is of English origin, and John
White, who was the first American ancestor, lo-
cated in Boston in 1630. He assisted in laying
out, and was one of the original proprietors of
the towns of Hartford and Middletown, Conn., and
he and other members of the family were impor-
tant factors in the early development of New Eng-
land. It will thus be seen that our subject is a
representative of prominent families, whose lives
form part of the history of a region that has
ever been prominent in American annals.

Our subject spent his early boyhood years in
Vermont and attended its public schools. He was
a lad of nine summers when in 1839 he came
with the other members of his family to the ter-
ritory of Iowa, settling in Dubuque. His father,
James Crawford, was a lawyer and formed a part-
nership with Hon. Timothy Davis, under the firm
name of Davis & Crawford. This became one of
the leading law firms of the territory, and the
connection was continued until the death of Mr.
Crawford in 1846, at the age of forty-eight years.
He took a leading part in the development and
upbuilding of Dubuque County, and was an influ-
ential citizen, whose death was deeply mourned in
the community. In politics he was a supporter of
the Whig party.

P. W. Crawford prepared for college in Du-
buque, and then entered Illinois College, in Jack-
sonville, IIL, where he pursued the studies of the
preparatory course for a year and a-half. He then
took the regular four years’ college course, being
graduated in the Class of ’49 with the degree of
A.B. Immediately after his return home he be-
gan reading law in the office of Davis & Bissell,
who were at that time leading attorneys of Du-
buque. In 1851 he was admitted to the Bar, and
since that time has been successfully engaged in
general law practice. His abilities, both natural
and acquired, have well fitted him for his chosen
profession. He is an earnest scholar,a man of
deep research, and at the Bar is a logical, eloquent
and convincing speaker. In connection with his
law practice, he has also dealt extensively in real
estate.

In December, 1852, our subject married Miss
Harriet Connell, the daughter of George W. Con-

 

nell, who was one of the early settlers of Dubuque.
She is a member of the Universalist Church, and
has been to her husband a faithful companion
and helpmate. By their marriage were born two
sons and five daughters, namely: Ellen, wife of
Arthur McArthur, of Indianapolis; Julia, who
married W. H. Tomlinson, of Dubuque; Belle, wife
of I. C. Chamberlain, of Dubuque; F.J., who is Sec-
retary of the Haney Campbell Manufacturing Com-
pany; Gertrude, a teacher in the public schools of
this city; Genevieve, who is at home; and Horace
G., whois now in Minneapolis. Mr. and Mrs. Craw-
ford have a beautiful residence in the midst of
lovely surroundings at No. 154 Walnut Street,
and occupy a prominent position in social circles.

In 1854 Mr. Crawford was elected City Recorder
on the Democratic ticket, and was three times re-
elected. He was a member of the old Washing-
ton Guard of Dubuque for a number of years
before the Civil War, and in bis veins flows the
blood of four Revolutionary soldiers, his four
great-grandfathers having been soldiers in the
War for Independence. James Crawford, before
mentioned, served under Washington; Mr. John-
son, of New Hampshire, served under General
Stark; Ensign Nehemiah Stevens, of Plainfield,
Conn., was in a Connecticut regiment; and Enoch
White, of South Hadley, Mass., was Lieutenant in
a Massachusetis regiment.

With such examples before him, and knowing
the loyal spirit of Mr. Crawford, it does not seem
strange that in 1861 he responded to the call to
arms and entered the service as Second Lieutenant
of Company A, Third Iowa Infantry, under com-
mand of Capt. R. G. Herron and Col. N. G. Will-
iams, of Dubuque. The regiment was first sent
to Missouri, where it did service until February,
1862, when it went to Tennessee. In the mean-
time our subject was made First Lieutenant. At
the battle of Shiloh he was wounded, but refused
to leave the field. He participated in the advance
on Corinth, in the battles of Blue Mills and Mon-
roe, Mo., Shiloh, Hatchie Bridge, the siege of Vicks-
burg, and many other actions. In the spring of
1864 he took part in the Red River campaign,
under General Banks, and on the 19th of June,
his term of three years having expired, he was
506

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

honorably discharged. In September following,
however, he was appointed a Captain in the Fourth
United States Veteran Volunteers, commanded by
General Hancock, and generally known as the
“Hancock Corps.’’ While in this command he
served for a time in the Shenandoah Valley, Va. He
commanded the guard at the United States Naval
Arsenal in Washington, at the execution of Mrs.
Surratt and others for complicity in the murder of
President Lincoln. During the winter of 1865-66
he commanded the garrison at Tod Barracks, Co-
lumbus, Ohio, and in May, 1866, was mustered
out and returned to his old home.

Since the close of the war Mr. Crawford has
taken a great interest in the National Guard of
Jowa, and for two years was Captain of Company
A (Dubuque Rifles) of the Fourth Regiment,
I. N.G., and subsequently was elected Lieutenant-
Colonel of the regiment, serving as such three
years, from which he derives his title of Colonel,
by which he is best known through the state.

The following year after returning home from
the army Mr. Crawford resumed law practice, and
in the same year was appointed Deputy United
States Marshal for the Northern District of Iowa,
serving thus for three years. In the fall of 1870
he took a contract for the building of several
miles of the Dubuque & Bellevue Railroad, and
on its completion resumed the real-estate and law
business. In March, 1873, he went to Kansas as
Assistant Attorney for the Missouri, Kansas, &
Texas Railroad, and had charge of the Texas, Kan-
sas and Indian Territory business of that company
for two years. In 1875 he returned to Dubuque
and engaged in the real-estate and loan business
with Arthur McCann, under the firm name of Mc-
Cann & Crawford. In 1881 the partnership was
dissolved by mutual consent, and since that time
Mr, Crawford has been alone. In 1881 he was
elected Alderman from the Fourth Ward, serving
six consecutive years, and in 1890 he was again

‘chosen for that oftice, and was re-elected in 1892
and 1894. In politics he is a Republican, has
served as Chairman of the County Central Com-
mittee, and has been a delegate to various state
conventions.

In the work of public improvement Mr, Craw-

 

ford has ever taken a prominent part. In 1886
he offered a resolution in the City Council re-
questing the Mayor to call a public meeting for
the concentrated action of the business men of
the city toward the building of a bridge across
the Mississippi River, and drew up the ordinance
appropriating $25,000 by the city to the enter-
prise, which was a splendid success. He was one
of the promoters of the Bridge Company, and the
structure was completed at a cost of $130,000.
He was one of the projectors of the present ice
harbor of Dubuque, and was active in securing
from Congress an appropriation for carrying out
the improvement. The city owes not a little of
its prosperity and progress to his earnest efforts in
its behalf, and his name is inseparably connected
with its history. He is also quite prominent in
civic societies, holding membership with Metro-
politan Lodge, A. F. & A. M.; Harmony Lodge
No. 2, I. O. O. F.; Apollo Lodge, K. P.; and
Hyde Clark Post No. 78, G. A. R., of which he is
now (1894) Commander.

+ ale: 6 86K “oe we

AMES WALTER HEUSTIS, M. D.,a promi-
nent oculist and aurist, now living in Du-
buque, is a native of the Bay State, born in
Boston onthe 4th of April, 1859. He is a

member of a pioneer family of New England,
which was founded in America by Aristides Heus-
tis, the great-grandfather of our subject, who emi-
grated from Holland and took up his residence in
Vermont prior to the Revolutionary War. He
married Prudence Baxter, and their son Simon be-
came the grandfather of the Doctor.

James F. Heustis, father of our subject, was born
in Westmoreland, N. H., in 1825, and now resides
in Boston. He married Elizabeth Cushing Barrett,
a native of Boston, and a daughter of Thomas and
Hannah Newell (Harrod) Barrett, the former born
in Newburyport, Mass., and the latter in Lunen-

‘burg, Mass. Her mother is still living, though
NX PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 507

now (1894) ninety-four years of age. She is a
daughter of Noah Harrod, who was a soldier in
the Revolutionary War. The founders of that
family in America were of English birth and crossed
the ocean during early Colonial days. Thus it will
be seen that the Doctor is a scion of two old New
England families of prominence and respectability.

The boyhood days of Dr. Heustis were passed in
his native city and he attended its public schools
until seventeen years of age, at which time he was
graduated from the English High School of Bos-
ton. Being thus prepared for a collegiate course
he afterward attended Adams Academy at Quincy
and the Thayer Academy of South Braintree,
Mass. In 1879, having determined to become a
physician, he entered the medical department of
Harvard College, from which he was graduated in
1884. In June of the same year he went to Eu-
rope and studied in Berlin, Zurich, Heidelberg,
Vienna, London and Bristol. He remained abroad
for twenty-six months, during which time he de-
voted his attention to the study of diseases of the
eye, ear, nose and throat. In 1886 he went to
Pittsburg, where he opened an office and engaged
in practice until April, 1891.

In May of the latter year Doctor Heustis came
to Dubuque, where he has since conducted a large
and successful practice, making a specialty of the
treatment of the eye, ear, nose and throat. He is
an expert oculist and aurist, and has gained a
prominence in that line, not only in this state but
also throughout the country. In everything per-
taining to the advancement of the profession he
is interested, and holds membership in the Cedar
Falls Medical Society of Iowa and the American
Medical Association. He served for a time as Eye
and Ear Surgeon at the Pittsburg Free Dispensary,
and in 1882 served as house officer of the Massa-
chusetts Charitable Eye and Ear Infirmary. He
isnow an eye expert of the United States Board
of Pension Examiners, which position he accept-
ed in 1893, holds the same position with the
United States Accident Insurance Company, and
is physician and surgeon of the Actors’ Fund
Association.

In civic societies the Doctor takes considerable
interest, and is a member of Mosaic Lodge No..

 

125, F. & A. M.; of Apollo Lodge No. 41, K. P.;
Harmony Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of the Sons of
the Revolution. In politics he is a pronounced
Republican, unswerving in his allegiance to the
party. October 3, 1894, he was united in marriage
with Miss Bertha Donna Pere Lincoln, of Wash-
ington, D.C. His wide reputation in the line of
his profession has made his name familiar through-
out the country, especially in scientific circles, and
we are pleased to present to our readers the record
of his life.

SS =—=—=>=

ITTLE PETERSON. The results of in-
IK dustry and unflagging perseverance are
shown in the life of this gentleman, who
owns and occupies one of the valuable farms of
Clayton County.’ His property is situated in Ma-
rion Township and consists of two hundred and
five acres of fertile Jand, which under his skillful
management yields abundant harvests. He has
made all the improvements, which are of a sub-
stantial order. His strict honesty and unswerving
integrity are as well known as his name, and he
enjoys an enviable reputation for his great hospi-
tality and charitable spirit.

Some of the best citizens of the United States
are natives of Sweden and have emigrated to this
country, bringing with them habits of industry,
probity and perseverance. Such a one is the sub-
ject of this sketch, who was born in that portion
of Scandinavia known as Norway, hisnatal day
being January 15, 1829. His parents, also natives
of that country, bore the names of Peter and Mag-
gie (Ehling) Peterson, and lived and died in the
land of their birth.

During the year 1853 Kittle Peterson, then a
young man of twenty-four years crossed the At-
lantic in a sailing-vessel, and landing in the United
States, remained for ashort time in New York. He
then proceeded westward, and arriving in Wiscon-
sin was there employed on a farm for six months.
The year 1854 marked his arrival in Clayton
508

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

County, Iowa, where for three years he was en-
gaged in operating a rented property in Marion
Township. Meanwhile, by exercising frugality
and good management, he was enabled at the ex-
piration of the three years to purchase one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land. The property was
unimproved, and before cultivating the soil he
built a house for his family. He then began the
improvement of the property, and gradually suc-
ceeded in bringing the soil under good cultivation.
From time to time, as able, he added to his origi-
nal purchase and now owns two hundred and five
acres of well improved land.

Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are the parents of six
children, whose names are Annie, Kennallie, Ollie,
Henry, Petrina and Mary. The children are re-
ceiving the best educational advantages the dis-
trict affords, and will be prepared for honorable
and useful positions in the world. In hisreligious
connections Mr. Peterson is identified with the
Lutheran Church, the religion of his forefathers.
He has never been actively identified with party
affairs, but nevertheless is a firm supporter of Re-
publican principles, which he always supports at
the polls. He is a pleasant, companionable gen-
tleman, kind to those in need and accommodating
as afriend and neighbor, and it is safe to say that
there are few who stand as high as he in the esti-
tion of the people.

Kars _@)

PEELE EEE b aS
©)

Ow
oO

 

OHN C. MAEHL, a prominent citizen and
successful agriculturist located on section 6,
of Read Township, Clayton County, Iowa,
is a German by birth, having been born in

Pommern, Germany, February 3, 1858. His pa-
rents, John and Maria (Kamberg) Maehl, were also
natives of Germany. They emigrated to America
in 1870, landing first in New York, but came di-

 

rect to Clayton County and settled in Read
Township, where they still make their home. The
children which clustered around the parental
hearth were six in number John C. is our sub-
ject; Christian, born in 1860, now lives in South
Dakota, engaged in the saloon business; Fredrica,
born in 1865, still makes her home with her pa-
rents; Carolina, the wife of Reinold Eggert, of
Sioux Falls, §. Dak., was born in 1868; Charles,
born in 1872, is now living on the farm witb his
father; and William, born in 1875, resides in South
Dakota.

Our subject came to America with his parents in
1870. He was educated in the common schools
of the Old Country and was reared on a farm.
Mr. Maehl bought forty acres of land in Volga
Township, this county, which he cultivated for
three years, and in the fall of 1885 he purchased
one hundred and eighty acres of his present farm,
forty acres of which are in the adjoining township
of Boardman.

Mr. Maehl was united in marriage February 10,
1883, with Catherina Wilks, the eldest daughter
of Henry Wilks, a prominent farmer of section 4,
Read Township. Mrs. Maehl was born in Farm-
ersburg Township, January 14, 1865. Her pa-
rents came from Germany and landed in Balti-
more, going from there to St. Louis, Mo., where
they remained for some time, but finally came to
Towa and settled in Clayton County. Mr. Wilks
owns a fine farm of three hundred and fifty acres
of land all under cultivation. Our subject and
wife are the parents of five children: Louisa, born
March 14, 1883; Emma, born June 26, 1885; Alma,
born December 4, 1887; Elfreida, born May 6,
1890; and John, born August 27, 1892; all are
living at home and are bright, interesting chil-
dren.

Politically Mr. Maehl is a Democrat, and has al-
ways voted that ticket since becoming a citizen of
the United States. He and his estimable wife are
valued members of the Lutheran Church at Clay-
ton Centre and are always ready to assist in any
benevolent work and lend a helping hand to the
needy. He is one of the Trustees of Read Town-
ship, and has served in that office for three years.
He is always faithful to every trust, and whether

ALN
PORTRAIT AND

BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

509

‘

 

 

in business, Official or social life, he is ever an
honorable, upright man, worthy of the high es-
teem in which he is held.

== 08S

EV. FREDERICK W. SEIFERT. No
name is more widely known and respected
in Clayton County than that of the pres-

ent Pastor of the German Lutheran Church at
Clayton Centre. He was born in Brunswick, Ger-
many, March 16, 1831, and is the son of Traugott
G. and Rebecka (Rekau) Seifert, both natives of
Druesen, Germany. They were married in their
native land and became the parents of four chil-
dren: Charley, Conrad, Henry and Frederick W.,
our subject, he being the only one of the family
to leave his native land and come to America to
make his home. His parents and three brothers
all remained in the Fatherland. In 1858 our
subject cmigrated to the United States and came
direct to Elkport, this county, remaining there
one year. He then came to Clayton Centre and
took charge of the church at that place. For
thirty-four years he has occupied the pulpit of
that place, all these years faithfully serving God
and the people to the best of his ability.

Our subject and Miss Catherine Ruckdaeshel
were united in marriage January 12, 1866. She
was born in Germany in 1847, and came with her
parents to this country in 1854 and located in
this county. They reside in Clayton Centre at
the present time and are numbered among its best
citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Seifert are the parents of
eleven children: Ernst, deceased; Annie, the wife
of R. Seaman, residing in Lincoln, Neb.; Louisa,
Mrs. William Fuelling, of Farmersburg, this
county; Mary, Amelia, Sophia, Fred, Otto, Laura,
Katie and Ernst. The eight last named are living
athome. The church of which our subject is pas-
tor numbers about fifty members in good standing.

Politically Mr. Seifert is a Democrat but gives
very little attention to politics, having his whole

21

 

soul in the church work. Rev. Mr. Seifert is
a man of excellent judgment and sound, common
sense. Among his fellow-citizens he is highly es-
teemed asa man of noble principles, unflinching
integrity and generosity of heart, and these qual-
ities have won for him the confidence of the people
with whom he associates. In addition to his pas-
torate at Clayton Centre he also preaches at Farm-
ersburg and Elkader. Since commencing preach-
ing he has baptized one thousand nine hundred
and eighty one children. He has also confirmed
seven hundred and fifteen children. He has also
married five hundred couples and has preached the
funerals of five hundred and thirty people. He
is a charter member of Bismarck Lodge No. 110,
and is one of the United Workmen of Elkader.

Ls SS SS. LIS see:
oS Shes SS] IEE a

the history of Clayton County from an

early period of its settlement. Coming
here in 1852 he located in Sperry Township, and
began the task of clearing and improving a famn.
He had but little means, but he had health,
strength, ambition to succeed, and the natural tal-
ents to do so, together with an amiable, helpful
wife, to assist him in the upbuilding of a home.
Working diligently, he succeeded in placing his
land under cultivation, and became the owner of
a valuable farming property. There he resided
until 1894, when, having erected an elegant and
spacious residence in Volga, he came to this vil-
lage, and here hopes to spend his declining years
in pleasant retirement from life’s active cares.

Mr. Woods is of foreign birth and parentage.
His father and mother, Robert and Alice (Lenton)
Woods, resided in England throughout their entire
lives, the former dying in Huntingdonshire at the
age of ninety-three, and the latter when sixty years
old. Charles was born in that shire on the Ist of
February, 1830, and was one of eleven children,
of whom the only survivor besides himself is a
brother in Niagara County, N. Y. The early

VY, HARLES WOODS has been identified with
‘

510

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

childhood years of our subject were passed upon
the home farm in England, but at the age of ten
years he removed with the family to town, where
his father became proprietor of a tavern. He re-
mained at home until eighteen years of age, when
he came to the United States alone. On the Ist of
September, 1848, he took passage at London on a
sailing-vessel, and after a voyage of five and one-
half wecks landed in New York. The voyage
was a dangerous one, on account of ocean storms,
and on reaching the harbor the passengers were
not permitted to land for several days on account
of the fact that there was considerable sickness on
board ship.

From New York City Mr. Woods proceeded di-
rect to Niagara County, and was employed at
Lockport for three and one-half years, after which
he came to Iowa and settled in Clayton County.
About thirty-seven years ago he was united in
marriage with Miss Emma, daughter of Davidand
Ann (Bidwell) Thulbon. About one year prior
to her marriage she accompanied her parents from
Huntingdonshire, England, to the United States,
and the family after spending one and one-half
years in Lockport, N. Y., came to Clayton County.
In England Mr. Thulbon was employed as a brewer,
and worked for one firm for twenty-one years,
never losing a day from his work. He died when
about fifty-five years of age. His widow after-
ward married William Crain and is still living,
now (1894) eighty-seven years old. Notwith-
standing her advanced age she is in fair health
and retains her mental faculties unimpaired.

To Mr. and Mrs. Woods were born two sons,
one of whom died at the age of twenty-four years.
The only surviving child is Warner Thulbon,.who
assists his father in the management of his exten-
sive landed interests. He is married and has one
daughter. Our subject bought his first land, a
tract of forty acres, about two years after his mar-
riage. Such was the success of his efforts that he
was enabled to add to his property until his pos-
sessions now aggregrate three hundred and forty-
seven acres. He also owns considerable realty in
stock and produce, and all his property is unen-
cumbered.

In national issues Mr. Woods is a Republican,

 

but in local matters he votes for the best man
rather than the party. While not at present iden-
tified with any denomination, he formerly be-
longed to the Episcopal Church, in which faith he
was reared. He usually attends the services of
the Methodist Church at Volga.

 

= SHE

EORGE HABERKORN. Prominent among
( the citizens of Dubuque County who have
materially contributed to its prosperity
and assisted in its agricultural development is the
subject of this sketch. He is one of the successful
farmers and stock-raisers of Jefferson Township, and
is the proprietor of a large and well equipped farm,
being at the present time the owner of two hundred
and forty acres. This valuable estate has been
gained through industry, good management and
perseverance on the part of himself and wife.
Like many of the best residents of. Iowa, our
subject is a native of Germany. He was born in
Babaron August 13, 1827, and is the son of Adam
and Eve (Renbener) Haberkorn, who spent their
entire lives in the Fatherland. He passed the
years of boyhood and youth in .the place of his
birth, where he was the recipient of fair educa-
tional advantages. When seventeen years of age
he determined to try his fortune in the New
World, of which he had often heard the most
glowing accounts from those who had crossed the
ocean. Leaving his native land on the sailing-vessel
‘“‘Schiller,’’? he was landed in Baltimore a few weeks
later. After onenightin that city he immediately
proceeded westward and finally reached Dubuque
County, where he secured employment as a farm
laborer. For four years he was in the employ of
a Mr. Steigers, after which he worked for Mr.
Sherrill and later was with Mr. Leonard for three
years.
While working for others Mr. Haberkorn was
economical, and saving his earnings, was enabled
to enter a quarter-section from the Government.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

511

 

 

This tract he improved and to it he added as he
was able until he increased its boundaries to two
hundred and forty acres. Here he has since made
his home, engaged in general farm work. In all
his labors he has had the efficient co-operation of
his estimable wife, with whom he was united in
marriage October 4, 1852. Mrs. Haberkorn bore
the maiden name of Theresia Lang, and by her
marriage has had ten children. namely: Mary,
Adolph, Julia, Rose, George, Joseph, John, Aloys,
Theresia and Frank.

The first brewery in Jefferson Township was
built and operated by Mr. Haberkorn. With that
exception he has devoted ‘his entire time to the
management of his estate and is considered one of
the most enterprising agriculturists of the locality.
He looks with pride on the old log cabin that
marked his introduction into Iowa and declares
he has been a Democrat and a Catholic ever since
that time. Although often petitioned to accept
public office he has steadily refused to do so, pre-
ferring to concentrate his attention upon his per-
sonal affairs.

oo BKC |

F. McNAMARA, Supervisor of Dubuque
M County, is one of those progressive, wide-

awake farmers who find both pleasure
and profit in cultivating the soil, and by means of
dignity and ability tend to raise the standard of
their chosen occupation. His possessions aggre-
gate five hundred and forty acres on section 27,
Table Mound Township, and they form one of
the most valuable and highly cultivated tracts in
the county.

Our subject was born in the city of Dubuque,
August 17, 1840, and is the son of John McNa-
mara, a native of Ireland, who came to America
when a lad of seventeen years. The latter was
born June 24, 1804, and prior to his emigration
had received a fair education in the public schools
near his home. In 1835 he lovated in Dubuque,
where he worked in the lead mines by the day for

 

a time, after which he engaged in business for him-
self for twelve years. At the end of that time
John McNamara purchased four hundred acres of
land in Table Mound Township, which he placed
under admirable tillage and resided upon until
1874, when, having accumulated a handsome fort-
une, he retired and moved to the city of Dubuque.
He was well and favorably known throughout the
county, and departed this life April 6, 1880, greatly
mourned by all who knew him. His brother, Mi-
chael McNamara, was a civil engineer and fora
time was inspector of arms and ammunition in the
army, and served under General Jackson for five
years.

The maiden name of our subject’s mother was
Bridget Gearon, of French descent. Her father
served as a Colonelin the Frencharmy. Mrs. Mc-
Namara was born in Ireland, and when fifteen
years of age was orphaned and emigrated with
friends to America. She made her home fora
time in Troy, N. Y., after which she came to Du-
buque, and in 1839 was married to John McNa-
She departed this life in 1861 at the age of
fifty years.

The parental family of our subject comprised
one daughter and three sons, of whom M. F. was
the eldest. John, born in 1841, died at the age of
twenty years; Catherine, born in 1843, became the
wife of James Boland, of Dubuque, and James E.
was born in July, 1845, and died May 21, 1891.
M. F. received his primary education in the schools
of Dubuque, and also attended in Table Mound
Township. He afterward carried on his studies in
Bully’s College, in Dubuque, from which institu-
tion he was graduated in 1873. ‘The year prior to
receiving bis diploma, however, he opened a grain
and commission business with M. Brown, and con-
tinued to operate with him for four years. Atthat
time our subject disposed of his interest in the
business and moved to Parsons, Kan., where he
engaged in the same business and at the same time
owned a half-interest in a steam flouring mill in
that city. He remained there until the spring of
1881, when he returned to Dubuque and located
on the old homestead, having previously purchased
the property from the rest of the heirs. He has
since carried on the business of a general farmer,

mara,
512

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

giving special attention to raising of fine grades
of stock, and has on his estate some of the finest
and most valuable animals to be found in the
county.

Mr. McNamara cast his first Presidential vote
for Abraham Lincoln, and continued to vote the
straight Republican ticket until an effort was made
to nominate Grant for the third term, since which
time he has cast his ballot for Democratic candi-
dates. He has been the recipient of various offices
of trust within the power of his fellow-townsmen
to bestow, and for three terms was Clerk of his
township and is now serving his second term as
County Supervisor. .

October 6, 1876, our subject and Miss Bell Arm-
strong were united in marriage. The lady was
born in Nebraska City, Neb., in October, 1858.
Her grandfather served as a patriot in the Revo-
lutionary War, and made his home where is now
the city of Cincinnati, before there was any indi-
cation of its reaching its future greatness in num-
bers. To Mr. and Mrs. McNamara there have been
born three sons and five daughters, bearing the
respective names of Estella K., born in 1878, who
is attending school in Dubuque; John A., born in
1879; Jennie, in 1882; Lorena, in 1883; Lettitia B.,
in 1885; Willard F., in 1886; Leona, in 1888, and
Michael F., in 1890. Mr. McNamara is a devout
member of the Catholic Church, in the faith of
which he is rearing his children.

 

 

EWIS J. C. ZIEGENFUS, of Anamosa, oc-
cupies the responsible position of engineer
for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad

Company, running between Anamosa and Clinton.
He is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Dauphin
County, in the village of Hummelstown, February
13, 1842. For several generations the family has
been represented in the Keystone State, and in
Northampton County, Grandfather George Zieg-
enfus was born, of Dutch descent. The father of
our subject, who was born in Northampton Coun-

 

ty, followed the trade of a blacksmith in Penn-
sylvania, whence in 1850 he removed to Iowa and
located at Lisbon, Linn County, where he made
his home until 1884. He moved to Anamosa in
1894, and shortly afterward his death occurred.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Rebecca
Wissor, was a descendant of French ancestors, and
died more than thirty years ago.

The only survivor of the family is the subject
of this sketch. He was a child of eight years when
brought to Iowa by his parents, and his first school-
ing was received in Lisbon, after which he attended
Cornell College at Mt. Vernon for two years. At
the outbreak of the Civil War he joined Company
K, First Iowa Infantry, under Colonel Bates of
Dubuque. Te was one of the first to respond to
the call for troops, his enlistment being in April,
1861. At the expiration of his term of three
months he returned home, but afterward again en-
listed, this time as a member of Company F, Thir-
teenth Iowa Infantry, commanded by Colonel
Crocker. His regiment was assigned tothe Army
of the Tennessee, and he participated in the battles
of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, the siege of Vicks-
burg and the Atlanta campaign. At Nashville,
Tenn., he was honorably discharged in November,
1864. ‘

Returning to Lisbon, Mr. Ziegenfus remained
there but a short time, and then went to Clinton,
this state, where he entered the employ of the
Northwestern Road as fireman on an engine. He
was promoted to the position of engineer in 1867,
and in that capacity has been running between
Clinton and this city since 1884. For the past
twenty-six. years he has occupied his present re-
sponsible place, and is now one of the oldest en-
gineers on the road. In the Brotherhood of Loco-
motive Engineers he isa prominent and influential
worker, and was sent as delegate to the bi-ennial In-
ternational Convention of Locomotive Engineers,
which convened at St. Paul, Minn., in 1894. For
the past fifteen years he has been a member of the
General Committee of Adjustment of the Brother-
hood of the Northwest System, and for one decade
was Chairman of the committee. He was one of
the organizers of the Brotherhood on the North-
western Road. When the convention was held in
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

518

 

 

St. Paul he was elected Vice-President of the
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers’ Mutual
Life and Accident Insurance Association, which is
located at Cleveland, Obio, and has a membership
of thirty-five thousand and five hundred. This
concern has paid over $2,000,000 in losses to its
members, has gained their confidence through
strict reliability of business transactions, and is in
a very flourishing financial condition.

Socially, Mr. Ziegenfus is a member of Keystone
Lodge No. 45, A. F. & A. M., Keystone Chapter, R.
A. M., at Clinton, and Fred Steele Post, G. A. R.,
at Anamosa. June 27, 1868, he was united in
marriage with Miss Mary J., daughter of Jacob
Arbuthnot, of Benton County,Iowa. Their unién
has resulted in the birth of three sons and four
daughters, as follows: L. Albert, who resides in
Clinton; Leone M., T. May, Rachel A., Paul H.,
David G. and Ruth.

s iebodosbes eked
SSS ae. adobe

ILLIAM MONLUX. The agricultural
regions of America have given a foot-
hold to many a poor young man who,

by reason of his determination to succeed, his in-
dustrious habits and quick appreciation of favor-
able circumstances, has overtaken Dame Fortune.
One of this class, residing in Wagner Township, is
the gentleman above named, who is the owner of
two hundred and eighty acres of valuable farming
land upon which he is living practically retired
from the arduous duties of life.

Our subject is a native of Ohio, having been
born in Delaware, December 6, 1833. He is the
son of Ezra and Susanna (Wagner) Monlux and
the grandson of William and Margaret (Drum)
Monlux, natives of Virginia, where also the father
of our subject was born. The latter was an infant
when the family removed to Ohio and there his
parents died at an advanced age.

Ezra Monlux was reared to mature years in the
Buckeye State, where he was later married to Miss

 

Wagner. The couple in 1855 emigrated to Iowa,
making the journey overland with teams, and first
located in Waguer Township, where the father pur-
chased two hundred and forty acres of land and
erected thereon, for the immediate accommodation
of his family, a rude log cabin. This gave way
two or three years later to a more commodious
and substantial dwelling place, where the parents
spent the remaining years of their lives. Ezra
Monlux was very active in public affairs and was
popular with all who knew him. For many years
he was County Supervisor, and afterward Justice
of the Peace, discharging the duties of each posi-
tion in a most satisfactory manner. In politics he
voted with the Democratic party until 1860, when
he thought he had reason to change his views and
ever after was a stanch Republican. He was a
liberal supporter of all worthy causes and gave
liberally of his means in behalf of churches and
schools in his township.

The mother of our subject was a native of Penn-
sylvania and was the daughter of John and Esther
(Scheinior) Wagner, also born in the Keystone
State. John Wagner came to Iowa as early as
1846, locating upon the section of land which was
afterward named in his honor. He was a man of
vast experience and held in high esteem by his
fellow-citizens, who often consulted him upon
affairs of importance, whether of a public or private
nature. He lived to the remarkable age of ninety
years and passed away while in the state of Ne-
braska. His good wife preceded him to the better
land, dying in Iowa when in her seventieth year.

The parental family of our subject included
eight children, seven of whom are still living.
William, together with several of his brothers, ren-
dered valuable service to their country during the
late war, serving in the ranks. On the maternal
side of the house our subject is of German extrac-
tion, while the Monluxes were of French descent.

The original of this sketch conducted his studies
at home, never being given the opportunity to at-
tend the schools of the neighborhood, and when
old enough to do so aided his father in carrying
on the home farm. He remained under the par-
ental roof until reaching his twenty-eighth year,
when he was married to Miss Priscilla Forney, a
514

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

 

 

native of Monroe, Wis. and the daughter of
Joseph and Julia (Pierance) Forney, who were
born in Kentucky. The father of Mrs. Monlux
was a blacksmith by trade, and both of her parents
died when she was only four years of age.
To Mr.and Mrs. Monlux there has been granted
a family of seven children, all of whom are living
with one exception, and bear the respective names
of Carrie, Laura M., Mary E., Charles W., Delos D.,
William M. and Katie A. Soon after his marriage
our subject purchased one hundred and twenty
acres of land, which forms a portion of his present
valuable estate, and since that time has occupied
a leading place among the stock breeders of Iowa.
Our subject is a man of much decision of char-
acter and intelligent and pronounced views on all
subjects, particularly in the matter of politics, act-
ing with the Republican party. He has filled nearly
all the township offices and for a period of ten
years was Justice of the Peace. In August, 1862,
Mr. Monlux enlisted in Company D, Twenty-first
Iowa Infantry, under Captain Boardman. With
his regiment he was sent to the front and _ partici-
pated in many of the hard-fought battles of the
war. May 22,1863, he was severely wounded and
later, at the battle of Vicksburg, was compelled to
take a leave of absence and was confined for over
_ seven months in the hospital. He was Color Bearer
of his regiment and served faithfully and well until
receiving his honorable discharge. His brothers
John, George and Ezra also fought as soldiers dur-
ing that period. ,

eFeefoofee$s
SESH

co ——————
Soebeedoege

B. STEWART is now officiating as
Chief Clerk of the United States Rail-
way Mail Service at Dubuque. He is
one of the systematic, efficient men in the serv-
ice and has done much to perfect it in all depart-
ments where his jurisdiction extends. As he has a
wide acquaintance among the people of the city
and county, we feel assured that the record of his

 

life will prove of interest to many of our readers.

A native of the Keystone State, Mr. Stewart
was born in Mercer County on the 29th of March,
1842, and is a son of John and Bathiah (Waddle)
Stewart. The father followed the occupation of
a farmer, and was also for a time proprietor of a
hotel. In 1844 he left the east and with his fam-
ily moved to Washington, Iowa. From that place
in 1849 he removed to Cedar Rapids, where he
spent his remaining days, his death occurring in
1890 at the age of ninety years. His wife passed
away in Cedar Rapids in November, 1891. They
had a family of nine children, five sons and four
daughters, but only four of the number are now
living.

The youngest member of the family circle is
the subject of this sketch. He was a child of two
years when with his parents he came to the Hawk-
eye State. The public schools afforded him but
meager educational privileges, and he entered upon
his business career as clerk in a country store, be-
ing thus employed for a number of years. He be-
gan business asa grain dealerin Tama City, and
there he continued for several years. In March,
1869, he entered the railway service, running on
the road from Cedar Rapids to Vinton, Iowa. In
this capacity he was employed for a term of seven
years; at the expiration of the time he came to
Dubuque, having been transferred to the Illinois
Central Railroad, running between Dubuque and
Sioux City and three years later to the route between
Dubuque and Chicago. In December, 1889, he
was made chief clerk, with headquarters in this
city. He has about eighty men under his super-
vision and in their management displays excel-
lent ability. The acceptable manner in which he
discharges his duties has won him high commen-
dation and made him a trusted employe in the
service.

In 1869 Mr. Stewart was united in marriage
with Miss Ida Wheeler, daughter of C. A. Wheeler,
a resident of Mt. Vernon, Iowa. ‘This estimable
lady continued the devoted helpmate of her hus-
band until her death, which occurred on the 26th
of April, 1893. She left two children, namely:
Charles J., who is a bookkeeper in the Dubuque
County Bank, and Clara Louise, a maiden of ten
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

515

 

 

summers, who is now attending school. Mr. Stew-
art is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church,
and is an honorable, upright gentleman, whose
many excellencies of character have gained him
high regard and led to his long retention in the
mail service.

OHN HARTWICK. Prominent among the
practical and progressive farmers and enter-
prising citizens of Clayton County is the
subject of this biography. Hisindustry, per-

severance and energy are as well known as his
name, and it is largely through their exercise that
he has become the possessor of the finest residence
in Giard Township. The house is 32x40 feet in
dimensions, with an L 32x22 feet, and is not only
commodious, but conveniently arranged as well.
Born September 29, 1840, he is a native of Hesse-
Cassel, Germany, where were also born his parents,
Conrad and Elizabeth (Schneider) Hartwick.

The father of our subject, Conrad Hartwick, was
a farmer by occupation. In 1847 he emigrated to
America and came at once to Iowa, where he set-
tled in Giard Township, Clayton County. Here
he purchased a partly improved farm on section
27, and to its cultivation and improvement he gave
his attention until his death, which occurred July
27,1890. His wife died in May, 1875. In relig-
ious faith both were valued members of the Ger-
man Methodist Church. When the family left Ger-
many John was a child of six years, and after a
journey of seven weeks on the ocean, he reached
America. He was educated in the public schools
of Giard Township, and remained on a farm until
attaining man’s estate, when he took charge of the
home place. At his father’s death he received the
entire estate of one thousand acres of well culti-
vated land, over six hundred acres of which he
now has under cultivation.

In 1865 Mr. Hartwick was united in marriage
with Miss Christina B. Arnold, the daughter of
Fred Arnold, one of the early settlers of Clayton

 

County. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Hartwick has
been blessed by the birth of three children. The
eldest, Matilda, is the wife of William A. Mayer,
of Giard Township, and they have three chil-
dren, Otto, Gilbert and Clifton; Clara, the younger
daughter of the family, married Rev. George Wes-
sel,a minister of the German Methodist Church,
now located at Dubuque, Iowa; they are the par-
ents of one child, Lorena. The only son is named
Theodore; he is a graduate of the Bayless Business
College, and a young man of superior education
and ability.

In religious connections Mr. Hartwick and his
family are identified with the German Methodist
Church, in which he has served as Steward. He is
especially interested in the work of the Sunday-
school and has served as its Superintendent. For
the past twenty-five years he has voted the straight
Republican ticket. In local affairs he is a man of
prominence and has served as Constable of the
township, alsoin other offices. He is Treasurer of the
Giard Creamery Company, and for a time was one
of its Directors. His energy and perseverance have
brought to him the success he so richly merits, and
in fact, he deserves the credit of winning much from
little. His labors are meeting with a well earned
meed of praise and he is counted among the repre-
sentative citizens of the county.

SS RSE

  

ACOB REIFF, an active business man and
one of the city fathers of Dyersville, Du-
buque County, was born in the kingdom of
Prussia, February 7, 1859. He is the son of

Jobn and Elizabeth (Enrich) Reiff, the former a
potter by occupation. He died when our subject
was but twelve years of age, after which his mother
was again married, becoming the wife of Peter
Mater. Our subject was the second child in a
family of five, and in 1870 came to America with
his mother and stepfather, who located in Dubuque,
in which city he attended school for some time,
516

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

after which he worked on a farm for a number of
years. He next entered the employ of Holscher
Bros., asa clerk, and February 10, 1885, mar-
ried the daughter of Henry, senior member of the
firm, who was one of the wealthiest citizens of the
community. Mrs. Reiff bore the Christian name of
Theressa, and to her has been born four children,
two sons and two daughters, Mamie, Clara, Albert
and William.

Our subject engaged in business for himself and
has been quite successful in his efforts. He is
practical, sagacious and far-seeing, these qualities
joined with his industry having brought him large
returns. He was reared in the faith of the Catho-
lic Church, of which he is a member, and belongs
to the Mutual Benefit Association connected with
the church. He is one of the present Board of
Aldermen of Dyersville, and deposits his ballot in
favor of the nominees and principles of the Demo.
cratic party.

tH DSS

HILIP FOELL, whose sketch we now have

[PP the pleasure of presenting, was born of

German parents. He grew to man’s estate

in this, his native county, and commenced at an

early age to cultivate the soil and learn the princi-

ples of successful farming. His education was lim-

ited, but natural ability and a fondness for knowl-

edge can more than atone for the lack of what is
commonly called “schooling.’’

Our subject was born March 21, 1844, in Du-
buque County, and is the son of Christian and
Elizabeth (Spalerys) Foell, both of whom were
natives of the Fatherland. The former was born
near Stuttgart, on his father’s farm, where he re-
mained until attaining his majority, when, as is
the custom of his country, he was compelled to go
into the army, serving as a soldier for a period of
twelve years. On returning home at the expira-
tion of that time he began working in a grist mill
and followed the business of a miller for eight
years.

In 1830 Christian Foell decided to emigrate to
America, and engaging passage on a vessel for

 

himself and family, arrived in this country after a
dangerous voyage of three months, during which
time they nearly starved to death, as the provis-
ions on the boat gave out before reaching port.
The family remained in the metropolis for two
days, when they made their way directly to this
county, where Christian Foell took up a quarter-
section of Government land, to which he later
added another one hundred and sixty acres. This
last tract, however, he gave to his brother-in-law,
He built the first sod house in this section and
there the family made their home for seven or eight
years, when they moved into a log house 17x20
feet in dimensions. In 1852 this rude structure
gave way to a hewed log cabin, in which the elder
Mr. Foell resided until his decease, at the advanced
age of eighty-five years. He was very successful
in his ventures in the New World and left to his
family a fine estate. Like most of the early set-
tlers he had to put up with numerous inconveni-
ences, but finally made good headway, and rapidly
gained a competence and friends. Indians and
wild game often annoyed the pioneers, although
the numerous animals about their home enabled
them to supply the family with fresh meats. For
four years they lived without bread and three
years had not the luxury of potatoes. Christian
Foell was a devoted member of the Presbyterian
Church and a true Christian gentleman. He was
a stanch Democrat politically and was recognized
as one of the county’s best citizens. The mother
of our subject also passed away on the old farm
at the age of seventy-six years.

The parental family numbered twelve children,
only five of whom are now living. Philip, of this
sketch, was educated in the district school of that
day and was married in 1865 to Miss Elizabeth
Conrad, who was born in Prussia, and emigrated
to the United States nearly forty-nine years ago.
For a period of ten years she lived in Chicago
with her parents, when they came to this county;
both are now deceased, dying at the respective
ages of seventy-seven and forty-eight years. They
bore the names of John and Elizabeth Conrad,
and were also natives of the Fatherland.

To Mr. and Mrs. Foell has been granted a fam-
ily of eight children, only one of whom is deceased.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

517

 

 

‘Those living are Elizabeth, George, Louis, Adam,
John, Peter and Louisa. After his marriage our
subject rented land for a twelvemonth, after which
he moved to East Dubuque, where he engaged to
work for a transfer and ferry line. A year later
we find him in Dubuque occupied in handling farm
machinery. This business not proving as success-
ful as he had anticipated, he soon abandoned it,
and purchasing a wagon and team was engaged in
the transfer business for four years and also in
operating a steara thresher through the farming
district. He has made the latter his business much
of the time for a period of thirty-seven years and
has thus a wide acquaintance throughout Dubuque
and surrounding counties.

In 1870 Mr. Foell bought a farm of five acres,
which he later sold and became the proprietor of
a tract of one hundred and twenty acres. This he
cultivated for three and one-half years, when, hav-
ing met with an accident, he was obliged to aban-
don farm life for a time, and moved into Sher-
ritt’s Mound, where he ran a saloon and meat mar-
ket. At the expiration of four years he came to
his present place, which be purchased in 1894, and
now devotes his time and attention to its cultiva-
tion. He favors improvements of every kind, con-
tributing liberally to the advancement of the same,
and has held many of the local offices. In relig-
ious affairs he is a devoted member of the Presby-
terian Churcb.

ES

ENRY WIEGAND. The prosperity of

Iowa cannot be attributed entirely to the

efforts of her native-born sons, for much

has been accomplished by those of foreign birth
who have sought a home in America. England
has contributed of its thrift, France of its economy,
Germany of its perseverance, and Norway and
Sweden of their patient industry. Among the na-
tives of Germany who have gained a competence
in the United States and have here attained inde-
pendence and prosperity may be mentioned the
name of Henry Wiegand, a prominent farmer of

 

Clayton County, residing on section 31, Mendon
Township.

The parents of our subject, John and Catherine
(Halwig) Wiegand, were born, reared and, married
in Hessen, Germany, where they died when ad-
vanced in years. In the same province, March 22,
1818, occurred the birth of the subject of this no-
tice, who was the eldest member of the family. He
had one brother and two sisters, namely: John, who
married Lizzie Snyder and died in Germany at the
age of fifty years; Christina, Mrs. William Prunt,
who died in Germany, and Trelia, Mrs. John
Peters, who died in her native land.

The boyhood years of our subject were unevent-
fully passed in the land of his birth, and there,
March 22, 1847, he was united in marriage with
Miss Catherine, daughter of Conrad and Martha
Helwig, both of whom spent their entire lives in
Germany. Mrs. Wiegand was one of five children,
the others being named as follows: John, who died
in boyhood; Elizabeth, who married Conrad Butts,
and who both died in Germany; Gertrude, Mrs.
Conrad Sharp, who is deceased; Jolin, who mar-
ried Elizabeth Smith and came to America, where
both he and his wife died.

Ten years after his marriage Mr. Wiegand came
to America, landing in New York in 1857, and
thence proceeded direct to Iowa, where for nine
months he sojourned at McGregor, Clayton Coun-
ty. He then rented asmall farm in Clayton Town-
ship, on which he lived for six months. His first
purchase was that of twenty acres, located in the
vicinity of his present property. Afterward he
sold the place and bought one hundred and sixty
acres, on which he has since engaged in general farm
pursuits. He also bought six acres on section 35,
Giard Township, and carried ona country hotel in
addition to his farm work, but after conducting
the enterprise a short time, he sold the place. He
raises corn, oats and general farm products, and

‘also devotes considerable attention to the stock

business, having a number of cattle and hogs on
the place.

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Wiegand consists of
five children. John, who is unmarried, is a ma-
chinist by trade, and formerly was proprietor of
the Helwig Machine Shop at McGregor, but after
518

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

being thus engaged for two years, the shop burned
down; he then went to Chicago, where for four
years he was in the employ of C. H. McCormick &
Co. Since 1890 he has resided in Montana, where
he isengineerina malt house. Elizabeth, who was
born March 16, 1850, lives with her parents; Con-
rad married Augusta Heilman, and operates a farm
on section 35, Giard Township; Louis and Henry
are at home. The family attends the Methodist
Church at Giard, in which Mr. and Mrs. Wiegand
are active members. In politics he gives the in-
fluence of his ballot to the cause of the Republican
party. He is devoted to the interests of his adopted
country, and Clayton County has no citizen more
loyal than he.

EVI R. BROWNE. Taylor Township, Du-
buque County, isa rich agricultural center,
and the men who conduct its farming in-

terests are enterprising, self-reliant and shrewd.
Occupying an important place among these is the
subject of our sketch, who is the possessor of five
hundred broad acres on section 14.

Like a number of the best residents of this
county, our subject was born in Maine, October
24, 1830, and is the fourth in order of birth of the

family born to Samuel and Elizabeth (Wardrell)

Browne. ‘The father of our subject was a native
of Massachusetts, whence he accompanied his par-
ents when a mere boy to the Pine Tree State. Later
in life he became a prominent and wealthy lum-
berman, and spent the remaining years of his life
in that state, dying in 1874. His good wife wasa
native of Maine, and survived her husband several
years, departing this life in 1882.

When attaining his majority our subject went
to West Point, where he completed his education,
receiving his diploma after attending the institu-
tion at that place for four years. He was a class-
mate of G. W. C. Lee, son of Gen. Robert E. Lee,
who was Superintendent of the school. Previous
to this, however, he had pursued his studies in the

 

various academies of his native state. He is thus
finely educated, and as such is regarded by his
fellow-townsmen.

When ready to embark in life for himself, Mr.
Browne made a tour of the west, and finding a
suitable location in Iowa, took up his, abode in
this county in 1856, on a tract of land uear his
present estate. He taught school for some time
after coming here, and for a period of five years
held the responsible position of Principal of the
Epworth schools. Previous to this, however, he
worked out on farms for a time, receiving the
magnificent sum of $10 per month for his services,
in the same township where is now located his
valuable farm.

Mr. Browne is considered one of the rich and
substantial citizens of the township, and is still
ably managing his agricultural interests. He is
in the enjoyment of good health, and says if he
had to live his life over, he would pursue the
same course. He has fulfilled all the duties of
good citizenship with the exception that he has
never married. He has always adhered to the
doctrines of the Presbyterian Church, with which
he has been connected for many years, and is an
active worker in the congregation near his home.
In political affairs he is a strong Republican, al-
though in local elections he votes for the man
who in his judgment will best fill the office. He
has served frequently on the School Board as Di-
rector and Treasurer, and has interested himself
much in educational matters.

tee —— = é- x = =o —— Os

art preservative was limited to the stylus

and parchment, and the engrossed records,
secured only as the result of greatest exertions,
were stored away in places where they were acces-
sible to but few. When, however, the printing
press was invented, a wonderful transformation
was wrought, and the results have been visible’ in

VY, HARLES H. MONGER. For centuries the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

519

 

 

the marvellous improvements of modern times.
There is nothing which furnishes a better exponent
of the progress achieved by the present age than
the newspaper of to-day, with its chronicle of
events from far-distant lands, with its items of
local interest, its review of questions of public im-
port, and its influence in moulding the sentiment
of the people.

To him whose life has been passed in advancing
these important interests, whose career has been
that of an honest, intelligent, efficient newspaper
man, the world owes a debt of gratitude ‘that
money cannot repay. Such an one is Charles H.
Monger, who is well known, not only in Anamosa,
but throughout this section of the state as well.
For twenty years he has been editor and proprie-
tor of the Anamosa Journal, and is still at the
head of this popular paper, which is a welcomed
guest in many homes of Jones County.

The subject of this sketch was born in the vil-
lage of New Market, near the city of Toronto,
Canada on the 20th of October, 1849. In early
childhood he was for a time a resident of the city
of London in the Canadian Dominion. In 1857
he came with his parents to Iowa. In 1860 the

_family settled in Cedar Rapids, and thence re-
moved to Independence, this state, where his fa-
ther, John Monger, an attorney by profession, died
during the year 1866. Charles H. received his
education less in the school room than in the print-
ing office, and as it has been often said that the
school of experience is the one in which the most
valuable lessons may be learned, it was perhaps
through the early years spent in hard work that he
gained the habits of industry and energy that
have been prominent among his characteristics.

The life work of Mr. Monger has been that of an
editor. For several years he was city editor of the
Dubuque Herald, and for six months filled the
position of editor and part proprietor of the Hven-
ing Freeman of Peoria, Ill. His name, however, is
connected principally with the Anamosa Journal,
with which, as before stated, he has been connected
for twenty years. ‘To this paper the best years of
his active life have been devoted, and in its suc-
cess he has reaped his richest reward. Aside from
his editorial duties he has found his chief recrea-

 

tion in the society of his family, to whom he is de-
voted. In 1874 he was united in marriage with
Miss Katie L., second daughter of Hon. S. P. Adams,
of Dubuque, and their family consists of two sons
and five daughters.

tS PK

HE GARNAVILLO SENTINEL. One of
the newly established papers of Clayton
County, which is rapidly winning its way
to a front rank among the journals of this part of
the state, is the Garnavillo Sentinel, an independ-
ent, non-partisan weekly, devoted to the general
interests of the people in this section. It is a six-
column paper, containing interesting social items
and short, crisp editorials. Through its columns
the business men of the town also find a medium
of communication with the people.

The initial number of the paper was issued on
the 14th of December, 1893, and since that time it
has been rapidly gaining the favor of the public
by its fearless and candid treatment of the ques-
tions of the age. In this respect it differs from
other country papers. The typographical appear-
ance of the paper is neat and attractive, and in
every way it proves the ability of its editors.
There is no doubt that as the years pass by it will
wield an ever-increasing influence in the com-
munity and become a power for good throughout
the county.

The editors are among the youngest of their
profession. The senior editor, Oscar E. Maurer,
was sixteen years of age on the 22d of January,
1894, but notwithstanding his youth he is filling
with efficiency and success the responsible position
of editor-in-chief and foreman of the large job-
bing rooms. W. Irving Maurer, the junior mem-
ber of the firm, is fifteen years of age and to him
is given charge of the press room; he also does
most of the typographical work on the paper.

The boys are the sons of Prof. Jacques D.
Maurer, who for many years has been the Principal
of the Garnavillo High School. He was born in
520

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

New Bremen, Ohio, September 5, 1852, and at the
age of four years accompanied his parents to Clay-
ton County, Iowa, where he received a good edu-
cation in the common schools and afterward was
graduated from Briggs’ Academy. In 1871 he
began teaching, and continuing in that profession
for the succeeding twenty-three years, is now
recognized as one of the most influential and suc-
cessful instructors in the county. In 1877 he
married Miss Loretta E. Wirkler, and they have
four children, Oscar E., W. Irving, Norma and
Lloyd. The elder sons were graduated from the
Garnavillo High School June 15, 1894, and are
young men of superior ability, whose prospects
for future prominence and success are the bright-
est.

|e

Find

a

EV. GEORG HEINRICH FUEHR, Pastor
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of

St. Sebald, Clayton County, was born in:

Muenchen, kingdom of: Bavaria, September 13,
1838. Orphaned at the age of three years, he was
at four years taken into the home of his maternal
relatives, Leonhard and Wilhelmina Rosenbauer,
who tenderly cared for him, training him to hab-
its of usefulness and maintaining the deepest inter-
est in his physical and spiritual growth. Before
he was five, he entered a school at Aufkirchen,
and there remained until fourteen.

Christened in the Lutheran Church, our subject
was confirmed by Rev. Mr. Aufsberg on Palm Sun-
' day, 1852. After his confirmation he learned his
foster father’s trade, an occupation for which he
had no natural inclination, but which he learned
in obedience to the fourth commandment. From
childhood he was devoted to books, and often un-
til after the midnight hour was engaged in read-
ing religious and historical works. At that time
all were obliged to spend eight years at a school
of apprenticeship, and for the four years following

 

to attend the Sunday-school. The scholars were
obliged to write a letter toa friend who wanted
to emigrate to America, and try to influence him
against it. Among all his schoolmates he was
most successful, and his pastor urged him to con-
tinue his studies, doubtless recognizing in him
talents of a superior nature. His foster parents
were willing that he should study for a teacher,
but, in addition to the fact that they could ill
afford the expense, he had no desire to enter that
profession.

Through acquaintance with some whose opinions
were similar to his own, and especially through the
influence of an honest Lutheran pastor who lived
near Aufkirchen, the attention of our subject was

-called to missionary work among those who had

never heard of the Gospel. He was then but
eighteen years of age. Shortly afterward he heard
from a company who were working for home mis-
sions, at the head of which was the well known
Father W. Loehe. At first the youth had a pref-
erence for foreign missionary work, but as the
time was approaching when he was obliged to
enter military service, he saw no way to prepare
himself in any institution, and therefore decided
to enter the home mission field; in order to se-
cure the consummation of his plans he was obliged
to make arrangements to be released from his term
of service in the army.

From March 2, 1860, until 1866 the young man
was wearing a uniform. He was pleased with a
soldier’s life, though he was in active service but
one and one-half years. At the expiration of that
time he was relieved from active duty, but was

‘subject to call upon the breaking out of war. In

February, 1863, with the consent of his foster
parents, he entered the mission house at Neuend-
ettelsau, Bavaria, to prepare himself for the service

- of the Lutheran Church. His studies were con-

tinued until the middle of April, 1866, with only
five weeks’ vacation ina year. He passed credit-
able and satisfactory examinations, as evinced by
his certificate.

June 16, 1866, Rev. Mr. Fuehr took passage on
the steamer “Bremen.’’ The voyage was very
stormy, which did not seem a good omen for his
service in the church in America. July 2 he ar-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

521

 

 

rived with his intended wife in New York. The
first 4th of July in this country he celebrated at
his uncle’s home in Philadelphia. The next day
he started for Toledo, Ohio, and not being ac-
customed to American ways he found the journey
a very expensive one. Rev. I. Deindoerfer, now
President of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of
Jowa, was the one who received the candidates for
the service from Germany, and by him our subject
was entertained. At Berea, near Cleveland, Ohio,
he was given his first assignment. ‘This was but a
small congregation, numbering on New Year’s,
1866, but fifteen heads of families. July 15, 1866,
the young pastor was ordained by Rev. IJ. Dein-
doerfer, and August 10 following he married Miss
Christina Guthmann. His pastorate was successful
and in a short time the membership had increased
four fold.

After four years of happy married life, Rev.
Mr. Fuehr was bereaved by the death of his wife.
Two children had preceded her in death. In
1870 he was again married, choosing for his wife
Philippina Elizabetha Schaaf, daughter of Michael
and Elizabetha Schaaf, of Berea. They have had
four sons and three daughters; two of the latter
are deceased.

After several years in this country Rev. Mr.
Fuehr decided to become a citizen of the United
States,and took out the first papers in Cleveland.
He was treated as a Prussian citizen, because the
officers could not understand that in Germany there
was a kingdom of Bavaria still in existence. In
1876 he took out the second papers in Clayton
County. After having spent nine years with his
first congregation, in August, 1875, he accepted a
call to St. Sebald Church, in Clayton County, and
here he has held the pastorate since the middle of
September, 1875. In 1878 some of the members
established another congregation five miles away.

St. Sebald congregation, in Sperry Township,
Clayton County, is one of the oldest congrega-
tions of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Iowa.
t was organized either in 1853 or the spring of
1854, under the care of I. Deindoerfer, before this
synod was organized, which was August 24, 1854.
The congregation now numbers over five hundred.
From 1857 until 1874 it was the seat of a priests’

 

seminary. In politics Mr. Fuehr is independent,
and although in elections he usually votes the
Democratic ticket, he is nota partisan, and has
expressed the wish that a new patriotic party
would start from the two old parties and include
the better element of the old.

Through his studies and manner of conducting
his service for over twenty-eight years, God has
with an all-wise providence arranged that Rev.
Mr. Fuehr should become a homeopathic physician.
During his studies in the Old Country he be-
came acquainted with the science; on locating in
Berea, finding that the doctors there were not
competent and the people needed the services of
a good physician, he continued his studies still
further. Years ago a law was passed in Iowa pro-
hibiting persons from practicing medicine until
five years in the state and thoroughly efficient; to
such were granted state licenses. One of these he
secured, not with an intention to practice the
profession, but in order that he might be of assist-
ance in cases of sickness in his own parish. Since
accepting this pastorate there have been two epi-
demics, one of scarlet fever and diphtheria in
1876, the other of diphtheria in 1891; at both
times his sound medical advice and spiritual coun-
sel made him an invaluable assistant in the stricken
families.

a cal os a

LE JOHNSON, who is well known and
honored in this portion of the county, is
distinguished as being one of the most en-

terprising farmers and extensive landholders of
Wagner Township. He is the owner and occu-
pant of five hundred acres of land, and is classed
among those who make of agriculture both an art
and a science.

Our subject was born in Norway, January 8,
1838, and is the son of Ole and Lena (Benson)
Johnson, also natives of the same country. The
parents emigrated to the United States in 1849,
embarking from Bremen, and were on the ocean
four weeks and two days. On landing in Quebec,
they at once made their way into the States, stop-
ping first in the then hamlet of Chicago. From
522

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

that place they made their way to Rock County,
Wis., where they remained for a year, after which
they made their advent into this county. Here
Ole Johnson, Sr., purchased forty acres of wild
land, upon which he erected a log cabin 16x20
feet in dimensions, wherein the family made their
home for about sixteen years. At the expiration
of that time, the father sold this tract and moved
to another farm, and the year following, 1861, built
thereon a commodious and substantial residence.
There the good wife and mother passed away when
in the sixty-second year of her age. Ole Johnson,
Sr., lived to be seventy-eight years old, when he
was also called hence. He was very successful as
an agriculturist, and at his decease left an estate
comprising two hundred and thirty acres which
bore many valuable improvements, and was well
stocked with good grades of cattle and machinery.

Our subject was one in a family of six children,
three sons and one daughter of whom are yet liv-
ing. He was reared on the home farm, aiding his
father very materially in accumulating his wealth,
and in the meantime had acquired a good educa-
tion in the schools of the district. When ready to
establish a home of his own he was married, at the
age of thirty-two years, to Miss Anna Wall, who
was born in Wagner Township, this county, and
was the daughter of Ole and Emma Wall. The
latter were also natives of Norway, whence they
emigrated to America in the year 1850, and lived
in this state until their death when advanced in
years.

To our subject and his estimable wife have been
born the following named children: Otto, Lena,
Octavius, Henry, Emma, Johanna, Ruth, Beattie,
Benjamin, Rudolph, Nettie and Ruth, deceased.
Mr. Johnson remained upon the home farm for
about twelve years after his marriage, and on the
expiration of that time we find that he located on
a tract of two hundred acres, which is included in
his present valuable estate of five hundred acres,
He is an ambitious, wide-awake man, whose capa-
bilities, industry and methodical business habits
have been the making of him and given him good
financial standing in the community.

Our subject, together with his father, has voted
with the Republican party since its organization.

 

He has ever manifested a deep interest in the wel-
fare of his township, and has been called upon at
various times to hold most of the offices of respon-
sibility and trust. He is a true Christian gentle-
man and a devoted member and regular attendant
at the Lutheran Church.

The paternal grandparents of our subject were
Join and Mary Johnson, natives of Norway, in
which country they passed their entire lives. They
were farmers by occupation, as were also most of
the ancestors of Mr. Johason.

tS Googe o$e $e of-e$s ofe;
TT + .——

AMES CARTER. Jones County contains

many valuable farms and one of these, pleas-

antly situated on section 16, Jackson Town-

ship, is the home of Mr. Carter. The prop-
erty consists of two hundred and forty acres which
at the time of purchase by the present owner was
wholly unimproved; through the exercise of in-
dustry, perseverance and good management on
his part, they have been placed under good culti-
vation and are now very productive. The build-
ings are such as may be found upon every first-
class farm. They are substantial and conveniently
arranged. The barn, one of the best in the neigh-
borhood, is 130x40 feet in dimensions and has a
capacity of two hundred tons of hay.

England is the birthplace of Mr. Carter and
Gloucester his native shire. There he was born in
1832 to the union of Daniel and Mary Martha Car-
ter, natives of England, who spent their entire
livesin that land. The family not being well-to-do
the educational advantages enjoyed by our subject
were ineager, his time being devoted principally
to the maintenance of the family. As he grew to
manhood and heard on every hand favorable re-
ports of the opportunities offered by the United
States to the energetic young men of other lands,
he decided to seek his fortune here. Accordingly
about 1854 he took passage for America, and land-
ing in New York, proceeded directly west to Illi-
nois, where he spent two years.

In 1857 Mr. Carter came to Iowa, at which time
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

he took the contract to build seven miles of Air-
line Railroad in Jones County. The venture, how-
ever, like many other bubbles blown by over-con-
fident speculators, proved a failure, and the road
was never built. The next move made by Mr. Car-
ter was the purchase of farming land in Jackson
Township, and establishing his permanent home
here, he has since been engaged in general farming
pursuits. He has given some attention to public
affairs and takes an intelligent interest in com-
mendable enterprises. His political faith is that
of the Democratic party. In educational matters
he is also interested, realizing that the future of
our country depends upon the intelligence and
public spirit of those who are now students in the
common schools. For several years he has been
Director in the schools of this district.

The lady who since December 27, 1859, has been
the efficient helpmate of Mr. Carter was formerly
Miss Rhoda J. Benadom. She is the daughter of
William and Mary A. (Ebright) Benadom, natives
of Ohio, and early settlers of Jones County,
Iowa. ‘Twosons and five daughters have come to
bless this household. They are: William, who lives
near the city of Olin; Nathan E., who is with his
parents; Mary, wife of C. E. Blaney; Ida, who
married Charles D. Stivers; Melissa, wife of Simeon
Ballou; Barbara A., now Mrs. C. E. Gordon, and
Rosa F., who is with her parents. The family is
one of social prominence in the township and its
members are respected wherever known.

H. F. SCHOULTE, a wealthy farmer and

stock-raiser of Clayton County, Iowa, was

born in Dubuque County, Iowa, December
5, 1841. His father was a native of Germany and
served asa Guard in the Prussian army for two
years. The father emigrated to this country in
the year 1838 and settled in Dubuque, Iowa, work-
ing there as a day laborer until 1842, when he re-
moved to Garnavillo Township, and engaged ‘in
the improvement of land until his demise. His

 

523

wife still survives and resides on the old home-
stead. There were eleven children born to this
couple, nine of whom were boys, and two girls,
four of the boys dying before they reached the
age of maturity.

Our subject was the eldest child in the family.
He was reared in Garnavillo Township and was
educated in the district schools there, and then
attended the college at Sinsinawa, Wis. In 1871
he came to Farmersburg Township and lived for a
short time in a little frame house. He settled upon
three hundred and fifteen acres of land and culti-
vated the great majority of it, and since that time
he has constantly been accumulating more, until
at present he has over one thousand acres of broad
and well cultivated fields. In the year 1874
he erected a fine, capacious granary, the dimen-
sions of which are 24x34 feet, with a capacity of
five thousand bushels, and it is at this writing
filled to overflowing with a fine crop of winter
wheat. His property was greatly improved by the
erection of a beautiful eleven-room residence,
which is equipped with all of the modern improve-
ments. His orchard, which covers three acres, is
not to be forgotten. One reason of his great suc-
cess is that he individually superintends all of the
work on his farm, although he employs four hired
hands.

Our subject was united in marriage with Miss
Mary Kann, daughter of Henry Kann, who is a
prominent citizen of Guttenberg. Mrs. Schoulte
isa most estimable lady, and was born in Clayton
County, Iowa. She is one of thirteen children,
twelve of whom are still living, and eleven of whom
are recorded in the Iowa Book of Records, which
was exhibited in the Iowa State Building at the
World’s Fair. Ghose living are as follows: Henry,
Katie, Philomena, William, May, Frank, Lucy,
Oliver, Pelonia, Grace, Hilda and August C. Our
subject and his worthy wife are valued members
of the Catholie Church, and have shown them-
selves friends of educational advancement by giv-
ing to their children every possible opportunity to
improve themselves and thus prepare them to oc-
cupy with honor any work, public or private, to
which they may be called.

The people of Farmersburg Township have
524

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

shown their respect and esteem for Mr. Schoulte by
giving to him offices of public trust, as School
Director for two years, Secretary of the District,
Commissioner of the Elkader Stone Bridge (which
was erected at the cost of $16,000), Road Super-
visor, Assessor for four years, Treasurer of the
Clayton County Agriculture Society for three
years and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.
He is one of the incorporators and also a member
of the Old Settiers’ Association of Clayton Coun-
ty, and is the President of the Clayton County
Fire and Lightning Mutual Insurance Company.
His life has been worthily spent and his character
isa noble one. The history of this community
would be incomplete without his sketch, and we
gladly present this record of his life work to our
readers.

Cae Kare _.Q)

Heefochorge Soefooberde obo efoofoede eGeefeegooge
oO

wer ~O)

 

L. ORRICK is Secretary and Treasurer
W of the John Mehlhop, Son & Co., one

of the leading business firms of Du-
buque, owners of a large wholesale grocery house.
Our subject is a native of Maryland, having been
born in Blaine County, that state, on the 2d of
July, 1844. He is the second in a family of six
children, whose parents were John and Lydia
(Wells) Orrick. The father was a physician and
there practiced his profession for many years.

Mr. Orrick of this sketch acquired his early edu-
cation in the public schools and later in private
schools. Believing that the west furnished better
opportunities for ambitious young men, he emi-
grated to Wisconsin, locating at Stevens Point,
where he was employed in a lumber yard and in a
general store for some time. Later he took charge
of John W. Robinson’s lumber business at Conants,
Wis., there remaining in charge for three years.
He abandoned that position in order to enter his

 

country’s service, for a spirit of patriotism burned
within him and he donned the blue, joining Com-
pany B, of the Forty-seventh Wisconsin Infantry,
commanded by Colonel Lowell. With his regi-
ment he was sent to the south, first to Nashville,
Tenn., and afterwards to Alabama. He did gar-
rison duty in different parts of the south until af-
ter the close of the war, when, in 1865, he was
honorably discharged.

Mr. Orrick then came to Dubuque and accepted
a position as bookkeeper with Allen Young, a
druggist, in whose employ he remained for two
years. In February, 1869, he became a_book-
keeper for J. Mehlhop, a wholesale grocer, and was
thus employed until 1874, when he was admitted
to partnership in the business. The firm name
was then changed to John Mehlhop, Son & Co.
In July, 1890, a stock company was incorporated
with John Mehlhop as President; H. H. Meblhop,
Vice-President; and William L. Orrick, Secretary
and4reasurer. This company is now doing a large
and constantly increasing business and is repre-
sented on the road by a traveling salesman in the
states of Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota.
This business was established in 1853 by Mr. Mehl-
hop. They now occupy a large building, 43 x 113
feet, ten stories in height, and carry a large line
of staple and fancy groceries, teas, coffees and
sundries. During the long existence of this busi-
ness the firm has ever enjoyed a reputation for
uniform reliability, promptness and accuracy and
honorable business conduct. In the house gome
eighteen experienced clerks are employed.

In October, 1877, Mr. Orrick was united in mar-
riage with Miss Florence Clark, daughter of Capt.
W. L. Clark, of Buffalo, Scott County, Iowa.
The lady had been previously married, and by her
first husband had oneson, William Wells. By the
second union has been born a son, Harry R.

Mr. Orrick is descended from honored ancestry.
His grandfather, John Cornwall Orrick, was of
Scotch descent. His grandmother was a Mrs.
Kirk, and her father was a soldier in the War of the
Revolution. In his political views our subject
is a Democrat, and socially is connected with
Metropolitan Lodge No. 49, A. F. & A. M., also
with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

525

 

 

“is a gentleman of superior attainments and close
attention to business, and careful management has
made him one of the leading merchants of his
adopted city.

deeb Lochecdecde ofocdochocbechendoegoefe

“QP

 

{” “@)

OHN DRISCOLL, an influential citizen,
prosperous general agriculturist, successful
stock-raiser and well known breeder of fine
Hereford cattle has for over a quarter of a

century been a continuous resident of his finely
cultivated homestead, pleasantly located upon sec-
tion 31, Prairie Creek Township, Dubuque Coun-
ty, Iowa. Mr. Driscoll isa native of New York
City, and was born in 1840. His father, Dennis
Driscoll, was a farmer of County Cork, Ireland,
and having wedded Miss Margaret Crowley, also
a native of County Cork, emigrated with his
wife to America soon after their marriage. Safely
landing in New York City, Dennis Driscoll after a
brief time spent in the metropolis of the Empire
State went to New Orleans, where he worked for
five years, occupied mostly in loading vessels. In
1846 he came with his family by the Mississippi
River to Dubuque and located in Jackson Coun-
ty, buying land at the Government price of $1.25
per acre. He was one of the earliest settlers of
the county, and found a plentiful supply of wild
game and venison for the use of the table. The
humble log house completed, the family entered
into the rude experiences of the dwellers on the
frontiers of civilization.

Dennis Driscoll was an ambitious and energetic
man and toiled unweariedly in the improvement
of the four hundred acres which he had purchased.
He broke the land with ox-teams, and was at times
obliged to go with the same slow conveyance to
far off Dubuque and Belleville for certain necessa-
ries of daily use. The father of our subject has
followed the pursuit of agriculture all his life, and
is now living in Jackson County with ason. His
remembrances of early days are entertaining and

22

 

find many a delighted listener. He was well ac-
quainted with the leading chief of the Indians,
who frequently made him social and friendly
visits and who were for some time his nearest
neighbors. A strong and unusually healthy man,
vigorous in mind and body, he has never used
medicine except when he had a severe attack of
yellow fever. His wife, a most excellent woman,
passed away in 1880. She was a devout member
of the Catholic Church and became the mother of
nine children, of whom six are yet living. Father
Driscoll is now four-score years, and only when he
and his wife were both stricken in New Orleans
with the terrible scourge, yellow fever, has he ever
been ill. Like his wife he is a Catholic and a
most excellent man, and has made his way in the
world by his own self-reliant industry.

Our subject was the eldest of the brothers and
sisters and has, since he came to Jowa with his par-
ents at six years of age, been a constant resi-
dent of the state. Walking three miles each way
through the storms of winter he gained an educa-
tion in the primitive schools of the neighborhood,
and as soon as he was old enough assisted upon his
father’s farm. Having attained to manhood he
located in 1867 upon his present homestead of two
hundred and forty acres, which with the exception
of about twenty-five acres was all wild prairie
land, but which in these past years Mr. Driscoll
has cleared of underbrush and highly improved.
Our subject was married in 1867 to Ellen DeLong,
of County Cork, Ireland, and a daughter of Jere-
miah and Ellen (Donovan) DeLong, both natives
of the Emerald Isle. Emigrating to America in
1854, they made their home with their family in
Iowa, where the mother died in 1885, the father
surviving until 1889. Mr.and Mrs. Driscoll have
been blessed by the birth of nine children: Den-
nis S., Jeremiah M., William F., Catherine Joseph-
ine, John P., Hannah T., Ella T., deceased, Daniel
J. and Margaret. The surviving sons and daugh-
ters trained up into habits of thrifty industry and
well educated in the home schools, will in the
coming years undoubtedly all occupy positions of
usefulness and worthily conduct themselves in
their career in life. Our subject and his estimable
wife and family are in religious affiliation Catho-
526

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

lics and aid in the good works and enterprises of
that denomination.

Mr. Driscoll has, been prospered and aside from
his valuable homestead owns forty acres of excel-
ient land in Jones County, and also has sixty-four
acres in Jackson County. He is at present largely
interested in the dairy business and raises and has
on hand some of the finest Hereford cattle in
Towa. He is also a breeder of Norman horses,
has handled very fine animals, and stables a num-
ber of thoroughbreds. Beginning without much
capital, our subject has thus achieved most sub-
stantial financial results. Politically he isa sturdy
Democrat and has held with efficient ability vari-
ous offices of trust. Since 1888 he has been a
School Director, earnestly aiding in the upward
progress of educational advancement. In 1890
Mr. Driscoll was elected Trustee of Prairie Creek
Township, and has fur some time been Adminis-
trator of Estates. An able and intelligent citizen,
faithfully doing the official work entrusted to his
care and in all matters upright and true, our sub-
ject has won the esteem and high regard of the
entire community of his township and Dubuque
County.

Se

ILAS ROBBINS is aself-made man, one of
the well-to-do farmers of Fairview Town-
ship, Jones County. His substantial and

pleasant residence is situated on section 31 and its
doors are always hospitably opened for the enter-
tainment of his many friends and neighbors. For
nearly his entire life our subject has been a resi-
dent of this county and with its development and
history has been identified prominently.

A native of the Empire State, Mr. Robbins was
born in Chenango County in 1845, and lived in
that locality for the first four years of his child-
hood. Heis son of George and Lucy A. (Brown)
Robbins, who were both born in New York. The
father removed to the westin 1850 and became
one of the early settlers of Jones County, where he

 

passed his remaining days. He died while still
in the prime of life, being only forty-two years
of age August 19, 1865. Politically he was a
Democrat and was always prominent in public af-
fairs. His wife is still living, making her home
with our subject and has now attained the age
of seventy-five years. The paternal grandfather
of Silas Robbins, bore the Christian name of Will-
iam and during his life time he was a respected
citizen of Chenango County, N. Y., where he set-
tled in his early years.

Our subject received a common school education
in this county and remained with his parents un-
tilhe was nineteen years old, at which time his
father’s death occurred. Since that time he has
made his own livelihood and has principally fol-
lowed farming. His place comprises one hundred
and sixty acres and many substantial improve-
ments have been made upon the farm by the pres-
ent owner. Heis engaged in general farming and
stock-raising and has reached his present condition
of prosperity by the exercise of his natural char-
acteristics of industry and perseverance in all un-
dertakings. He was only ten years old when he
began the difficult task of breaking prairie and by
actual experience has become thoroughly familiar
with every detail of farm work.

In the year 1868 Mr. Robbins was united in mar-
riage with Miss Mary E. Dumont, who was born
in Geneva, N. Y., and isa daughter of Waldron
Dumont. Mrs. Robbins, who was a faithful help-
mate and companion to her husband, departed this
life, leaving a son and three daughters to mourn
her loss. Cora, the eldest daughter, is the wife of
C. E. Garretson, of this county; Cara A. is Mrs.
G. A. Peet and her home is also in this county.
George and Lulu, who live at home, complete
this family.

Mrs. Lucy Robbins, the mother of our subject,
was one of the pioneer women of this section, and
experienced the hardshipsand privations which so
commonly fell to the lot of early settlers: in an
undeveloped region. She was the daughter of
Joseph B. Brown, a valiant soldier in the War of
the Revolution. Her parents gave her good edu-
cational advantages in New York, her native state,
and as good teachers were very scarce in the early
: PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

527

 

 

days of Jones County, she was persuaded to take
charge of a school which she taught for several
terms. Her narratives of early occurrences in this
county are full of interest and are very entertain-
ing. After a very active and useful life she is
quietly passing her declining years comforted and
cared for by her children and grandchildren.

In regard to politics our subject is a stalwart
Democrat and is strongly in favor of the measures
advocated by his party. He is considered by his
friends and neighbors a very honorable and indus-
trious man and bears a high reputation for verac-
ity and faithfulness to his duties.

> E BD <

EORGE G. PERRY, who is engaged in the

retail grocery business in Dubuque, is a

native of Boston, Mass., born November 1,

1858, and isason of Gilbert and Caroline (Knapp)
Perry, who were also natives of the Bay State. In
1856 the parents, accompanied by their family,
emigrated westward, locating in Dubuque, where
they are now living retired. Their family num-
bered five children, three sons and two daughters,
of whom our subject is the eldest. He wasachild
of only three summers when he was brought to
the west. In the public schools of this city he ac-
quired his literary education, and in Bayless Busi-
ness College pursued a commercial course of study.
He then entered upon his business career asa clerk,
being employed from 1870 until 1873 by the firm
of Cay & Winters. He also spent a short time in
the employ of B. Glad. Having as the result of
industry, economy and perseverance acquired some
capital he embarked in business for himself in
1873, opening a grocery store in connection with
M. M. Standish, under the firm style of Standish
& Perry. Operations were carried on under that
name until 1883, when Mr. Standish withdrew,

being succeeded by W.R. Perry,a younger brother.

of our subject, and the firm name was changed to
George W. Perry & Bro. The store was for eleven

 

years at the corner of Sixth and Main Streets and
is now centrally and pleasantly located at the cor-
ner of Main and Eighth Streets. The store room is
20x113 feet in dimensions, and in connection with
this there is a large ware room. The basement
under both stores is used in the business and the
firm has a well established trade, which is con-
stantly increasing. They make a specialty of teas
and coffees and carry a large and complete stock
of staple and fancy groceries and fine Minnesota
flour. The members of the firm are pleasant, gen-
ial gentlemen, possessed of good business and ex-
ecutive ability, and their prosperity is well de-
served.

Mr. Perry, of this sketch, in connection with his
other interests, is a Director in the Dubuque
County Bank. In politics he is a stalwart Repub-
lican who warmly advocates the principles of his
party, and for seven years he has been Chairman
of the Republican County Committee. Socially,
he is connected with Apollo Lodge, K. P., and is a
member of the Congregational Church. In_busi-
ness and social circles he is highly esteemed for
his sterling worth and upright life, and.it is with
pleasure that we present this record to our readers,
knowing that it will be received with interest by

“many.

EV. ROBERT POWERS, a well known and
public-spirited resident of Anamosa, is a
man of education and refinement, highly

respected and esteemed, not only by his own con-
gregation, but by all who know him, and he has
ever manifested a deep interest in the noble work
in which he is engaged, that of pastor of St. Pat-
rick’s Catholic Church.

Our subject was born in Ireland and pursued his
studies diligently in many of the famous institu-
tions of that country. In 1877 he decided to come
to America, and crossing the Atlantic, made his
way to this western state, locating in Dubuque,
where he attended St. Joseph’s College and was
528

also a student in the Cathedral in that city. In
1884 he came to Anamosa, where he was placed
in charge of the congregation of St. Patrick’s
Church. The many expensive improvements that
have been made indicate a praiseworthy spirit
among the people, and earnest and persistent effort
on the part of the pastor. Father Powers is a be-
liever in America and Americans, and advocates
their attendance at the polls.

Pay |

—— > —.

SOLAN

oa
Ss

EV. M. S. MURPHY is the popular and
faithful pastor of the congregation of
Emaculate Conception of Castle Grove

Township, Jones County. The fine farming re-

gion which lies in this portion of the county is
superior-to any in this part of Iowa, and conse-
quently the inhabitants thereof are prosperous and
happy. In addition to this they are very indus;
trious, persevering and frugal,and have such qual-
ities of heart as have led them to give very active
and earnest support to their pastor and his work.

The birth of Father Murphy occurred in Charles-
ville, Ireland, and he is the son of William and
Maggie (Ryan) Murphy. Tke parents have never
come to America but are still livingin the Old
Country. The boyhood of our subject was passed
in his native place, where he received a good vil-
lage school education. He was noted for his stu-
dious habits from an early age, and made the very
best of such'advantages as he possessed. His parents
noting these qualities determined, that he should
have a college education, and to that end bent
every effort. The result was that the bright, intel-
ligent boy was enrolled as a student in Colman’s
College, where after pursuing the required course
of instruction he was graduated with honor in 1881.
The following year he bade adieu to the friends of
his childhood and set sail for America, landing in
‘New York City. From there he proceeded to

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

Dubuque, Iowa, where he remained during the fall
and was soon ordained to the priesthood by Bishop
Hennessey, of that city and diocese.

On commencing his ministry Father Murphy was
first placed in charge of the congregation at Ne-
vada, Story County, this state, after which he was
sent to Colo to superintend the spiritual welfare
of a flock in that vicinity. In 1886 he came to
Castle Grove Township, where he was warmly re-
ceived by his present congregation and with them
has been enabled to do a good work. Under his
jurisdiction the various departments of church ac-
tivity in this region has been greatly increased and
in 1890 a fine brick school house was erected for
the benefit of the parishioners, who have ably sec-
onded the efforts of the pastor in their behalf. He
is a young man of unusual talent and promise,
who, judging by what he has accomplished in the
past, is bound to become a great power for good in
the future.

OKO...

LONZO H. HOUSE, a rising and enterpris-
ing young business man of Dyersville, Du-
buque County, is a member of the business

firm of Stuber & House, butchers and stockmen.
He is a native son of the county, having been
born on a farm near this village, September 8,
1868. His parents, Joseph and Sophia House, were
both natives of England, emigrating to this coun-
try about 1860,and locating in this neighborhood.
Our subject is the younger of two children, his
sister Addie being the wife of F. J. Green, living
near Dyersville.

Young House was educated in the common
schools of Dyersville, and while still quite young
took a great dislike to lifeon the farm. He there-
fore became a clerk in Dyersville and later learned
the business he is now following. In 1887 he
bought an interest ina good paying business. He
later took in as a member of the firm his present
partner, and together they have succeeded in
building up a large and paying trade. In addi-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

529

 

tion to doing a general meat market business they
are engaged extensively in buying and shipping
stock. .

The subject of this sketch is a prominent mem-
ber of the Knights of Pythias and is a strong Re-
publican politically, as was his father before him.
The latter is still living, though retired from the
active cares and duties incident to the life of a
farmer, and is making his home in Dyersville. Up
‘to the present time our subject has led a life of
single blessedness, but is very popular in social
circles. He is justly considered to be one of the
bright young commercial men of this community,
one who is destined to make his mark in business
circles.

A. MANHART. Among the large
number of thorough and practical bus-
iness men of which Dubuque boasts
our subject is known as being one of the foremost
and influential. Hewas born in Mosalem Town-
ship, Dubuque County, March 14, 1861, and isa
son of Joseph and Angeline (Haberstacker) Man-
hart. His father was a native of Switzerland,
born May 12, 1820, and came to the United States
in 1852. When he first arrived in this country
‘he landed in New York City but stayed there
only a short time when he left for what was then
“the west,’’ St. Louis. Witbin a few miles of that
city he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of
choice improved land, which he worked for two
years and then sold. He then removed to Du-
buque and bought a home and engaged at his
trade, that of a carpenter. This he continued for
three years when he traded his home for one hun-
. dred and sixty acres of farm land, on which he
has made his home ever since. He has meantime
prospered and has increased the size of the farm to
two hundred acres.
To him and his estimable wife were born six
children, as follows: Gertrude, Joseph, our subject,

Bertha, Angeline, and Lena deceased. He gave

 

his children the best education that he was able
and always did right well that which he believed to
be his duty. He is a Roman Catholic.

Our subject lived with his parents until 1878,
when he started out to encounter the trials, hard-
ships and joys of this world for himself. He en-
gaged himself to a farmer and worked with him
for eight months, when he left that position and
went to work for another farmer, doing grubbing
and carpentering, remaining in this position for
five years, but finally left to goto Minnesota,
where, as in his native state, he engaged in farm-
ing and carpentering. He remained there for two
years when he came back to Dubuque, Iowa; by
close economy and good business methods he has
saved enough money to make himself indepen-
dent and to educate himself at the Bayless Busi-
ness College. He bought a saloon, which he ran
successfully, and later sold it at a large profit;
he bought a grocery and hotel which he ran for
eleven years, when he sold them, also at a large
profit and erected the handsome Hotel Paris, of
which he is one of the proprietors. He is also in
the wholesale cigar and liquor business, and being
a good business manager, honest and reliable, he

conducts the business he is connected with so

as to be of profit financially and also place him
high in the esteem of all who know him.

W. A. Manhart was united in marriage with
Miss Lena Noel, and they have been blessed with -
the birth of one child, a bright little girl, Maudie,
who is four years old. He is a member of the Ro-
man Catholic Church and is an independent moter,
casting his ballot where he believes it will,do the
most good for the community. ro retain

Mpeg Foal |
ete

ESOS0lBet = i a

se bade

kV giite

RANCIS X. BULLINGER,.a:distinguished

BR and wealthy citizer of: (Dyersville, was

born in the province of Bavaria,! Ger-

many, December 3, 1833, and.isione of a:family iof

four children, two boys) and ‘two! girls, ‘born to

Michael and Lydia Bullinger, The father -of this
530

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

gentleman was a well-to-do farmer and possessed
a goodly fortune, therefore his son, Francis, had
all the advantages of a thorough and expedient
education. Before he had reached his eighteenth
year he had mastered German, French and Latin,
and had graduated from the gymnasium.

Soon after, or in 1852, our subject left his na-
tive land and friends to seek a home in the New
World, of which he had heard much, bringing with
him his portion of the estate left by his father.
Directly after landing in America Mr. Bullinger
went to Milwaukee, where he at once entered upon
a course of study at St. Francis College. At the
expiration of a year’s time, he accepted a position
in the postoffice, but having prepared himself for
the vocation ofa teacher he soon entered upon his
duties as such. For seven years he followed this
profession very successfully in the schools of Wis-
consin and Jowa. Fora short period in the early
’°60s he was engaged in the mercantile business
at Dyersville, which place has since been his home.
Our subject, by a judicious investment of his
money in real estate, has accumulated a large
amount of property and also owns one of the
finest brick residences in the city. He has served
his fellow-citizens in the capacity of Justice of the
Peace and Notary Public for the past eight years,
and was instrumental in organizing the St. Francis
Mutual Aid Association in the village of Dyers-
ville. Of this institution he was chosen the first

. President, filling this important office for five
-years,
-1-JMr. Bullinger was reared in the Catholic Church
‘dhd has always, been a warm advocate of the prin-
ciples of the Democratic party. In the year 1859,
he married Miss Mary Borcthanretette, a native
of Oldenburg, Germany, who, when a child, came
to America with her parents. This worthy and
amiable lady is the daughter of Frank Borcthan-
retette, a prosperous farmer of New Wine Town-
ship. ‘To Mr. and Mrs. Bullinger have been born
hfolun childyén jtwo sons and two daughters. John isa
«harness-maker ini Jutap, lowa,and Joseph isa musie
teacher:in Dixon,'I1]. Lydia is a popular teacher
‘dns ithe” public sehools, while Annie is now being
oeducated.: -It is-‘unmecessary to state that our sub-
«jectis-a cultured gentleman, giving his children

 

every opportunity to acquire a liberal education.
For his sterling qualities he is a highly esteemed
and influential citizen of his town, and for many
years has been identified with the school interests,
serving on the Board of Directors for a long
time. A man of brilliant parts and of schol-
arly and unimpeachable record, our subject is the
possessor of a mind unusually well disciplined, and
he has the satisfaction of knowing that he has
made the best of his opportunities.

= ceoar=-

RS. ANNA (BRAKE) FRIEDEN. The
lady whose honored name introduces this
sketch is one of whom the biographer

esteems it a privilege to write, and deserves more
extended praise than the feeble pen of the writer
can indite. She is one of the most wealthy resi-
dents of Clayton County, owning at the present
time over one thousand acres of valuable farming
land, which is under the management of her intel-
ligent and capable step-son.

The subject of this sketch is a native of Switzer-
land, and was born across the water November
5, 1835. She is the daughter of Joshua and Cath-
erine (Shirard) Brake, also natives of Switzerland,
where they were well-to-do people. Mrs. Frieden
was the youngest but one in her parents’ family
of eight children, her brothers and sisters bearing
the respective names of Jacob, John Ulrich, Peter,
Andrew, Samuel, Joshua and Katie. They were
members of the Apostles’ Church, and in his polit-
ical relations Mr. Brake was a Democrat after com-
ing to the United States.

Benedict Frieden, the deceased husband of our
subject, was born in Switzerland June 6, 1827, and
emigrated to the United States in 1848. He landed
in New York City, where he remained for a short
time, and then made his way to Monroe County,
Ohio, where he followed farm pursuits for two
years. At the expiration of that time Mr. Frieden
came to Marion Township, Clayton County, pur-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

5381

 

 

chasing within its bounds one hundred acres of
land, which he cultivated in such a profitable man-
ner that he soon increased his acreage to nearly
one thousand acres. He was a man of prominence
in his neighborhood. After a useful life he died,
lamented by his family and a host of warm friends,
December 3, 1893, in the sixty-sixth year of his
age.

Benedict Frieden was married in 1849 to Miss
Annie Baumgardner, and by her became the father
of the following named nine children: Fred, John,
Samuel, Eliza, Mary Ann, Frank, Joseph, Benja-
min and Annie. The wife and mother departed
this life in 1870, and the lady to whom Mr. Frieden
was married two years later bore the maiden name
of Magdalene Garber. They were blessed by the
birth of one daughter, born February 16, 1875,
who bore the name of Salome. Mrs. Magda-
lene Frieden died in 1886, and in 1891 Mr. Frieden
married our subject. So universally esteemed is
she, and so well known, that these few lines will
find many interested readers.

1K

\ DWARD BROWN, a prominent stock dealer
of Bernard, an influential citizen and well
known Trustee of Prairie Creek Township,

Dubuque County, has from his earliest youth been
intimately associated with the local growth and
history of both Jackson and Dubuque Counties
and is highly esteemed as an energetic, able and
intelligent man, faithful in official duty and of
sterling integrity of character.

Our subject is a native of New York City and
was born April 10, 1850. His parents, John and
Johanna (Harrington) Brown, were born in Coun-
ty Kerry, Ireland, and are yet living, hale and
hearty. The father was bred a farmer in the Old
Country and first emigrated to America in 1840.
Returning to Ireland be made but a brief stay in
the Emerald Isle and was soon again upon his way
to the United States, where he found ready em-

 

ployment with a railroad corporation at Norwich,
Conn. After a number of years he came to the
west and engaged in sub-contracting, and finally
located in Butler Township, Jackson County, Iowa,
where he bought a homestead and farmed for
some length of time. Finally disposing of this
property Father Brown purchased land in White
Water, Dubuque County, but for the past six years
has lived in Cascade, in the same county.

The venerable father and mother, now aged re-
spectively seventy-eight and seventy-four years,
came to America rich in youth, ambition and en-
ergy but with very little capital to invest. To-
day they own five hundred acres of valuable land
and in’ the evening of their lives enjoy a well
earned competence. Both Mr. and Mrs. John
Brown are devoted members of the Catholic
Church and liberally assist in the extension of its
good work. Of their family of nine children, four
sons and four daughters yet survive. Our subject,
Edward Brown, was reared upon his father’s farm
until he was ten years old, and went a long dis-
tance to the rude log schoolhouse where he received
a primary education. He remained with his par-
ents until twenty-seven years of age; he then
began buying stock for William Ryan of Dubuque,
and since 1880 has spent considerable of his time
in traveling through the counties of Jackson and
Dubuque, mainly engaged in the stock business for
himself. For four years, from 1882, he entered in-
to mercantile pursuits, handling dry goods and
merchandise in Bernard, but although successful
in this enterprise he preferred his former occupa-
tion and returned to stock-buying again, in which
he has since profitably continued. —

Mr. Brown was married June 21, 1885, to Miss
Jane Seery, of Jones County, Iowa, and a daughter
of John Seery, a prominent farmer of Jones Coun-
ty. Our subject and his estimable wife have been
blessed with the birth of one child, a son, Frank,
a promising little lad. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are
widely known and command the respect and
esteem of a large circle of friends. Since arriv-
ing at his majority our subject has been closely
identified with many of the leading enterprises of
his part of the state, and established a creamery at
Bernard. He has given intelligent and faithful
532

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

service upon the grand jury and, in 1891 was
elected Trustee of the township. Financially he
has been prospered, and aside from other interests
owns one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land
upon section 28, Prairie Creek Township. Politi-
cally Mr. Brown is an ardent Democrat and has
ably represented his constituents at various county
and state conventions. A man of independent
thought and action, straightforward in business
transactions and firm in his convictions of right,
our subject has won the confidence and high re-
gard of all who know him; he occupies a position
of influence and is a most important factor in the
upward growth of his home locality.

 

KEEEEPE EE EEE MEE EEE EEE E EE EEO

 

Bennett House of Dubuque, is a well

known citizen and has many warm friends
in this community,so that we feel assured that the
record of his life will prove of interest to our read-
ers. He claims Ireland as his native land, his birth
having occurred in that country March 1, 1828.
His parents, Patrick and Mary (Gerty) Bennett,
were also born on the Emerald Isle, and on leav-
ing that country crossed the briny deep to the
New World.

Mr. Bennett of this sketch spent his first eighteen
years in Ireland, and then emigrated to America,
landing in New York on the Ist of August, 1846.
He did not tarry long, however, in that place, but
made his way to Boston, where he remained for
five years engaged in the butchering business in
that city and in Brighton. With the hope of bet-
tering his financial condition further west he re-
moved, to Indiana in 1851, and took up his resi-
dence in New Albany, where he engaged in farm-
ing. With the capital he had acquired he pur-
chased one hundred acres of good farming land ad-
joining the city limits of that place and there de-
voted his time and attention to agricultural pur-
suits. He placed his land under a high state of

" ICHARD BENNETT S&n., proprietor of the

 

cultivation and the well tilled fields were made to
yield him a golden tribute in return for the care
and labor he bestowed upon them.

We next find Mr. Bennett in Springfield, Ky.,
where he embarked in the retail grocery trade, car-
rying on business along that line until after the
cholera epidemic, when he sought a home in the
north. In Chicago he opened a grocery store and
there did business for two years. On the expira-
tion of this period he came to Dubuque and es-
tablished himself in the hotel business. In 1881
he built the present Bennett House, a good hotel
containing thirty-three rooms and supplied with
all modern conveniences. It is well conducted
and has found favor with the public.

In 1850 Mr. Bennett was united in marriage with
Miss Hannah Delebar, a native of County Cork,
Ireland. She died about 1865, leaving one daugh-
ter. In 1866 Mr. Bennett was again married, his
second union being with Miss May O’Conner.
They are now the parents of five children, three
sons and two daughters. Mr. Bennett is an affable
and genial gentleman, well suited to the business
in which he is now engaged, and in his undertak-
ings is meeting with success.

 

UIDO BECK, a member of the firm of Beck
(% & Heer, architects and civil engineers of
Dubuque, is a native of Germany, born
on the 25th of January, 1853. His father, Severn
Beck, was a professor in the schools of Hohenzol-
lern, Germany, and was a very learned man, pos-
sessed of high literary tastes, of broad, cultured
mind and a strong personality. His death occurred
in Germany in 1860, at the age of, sixty-seven
years. The mother of our subject bore the maiden
name of Caroline Koeberle. She long survived
her husband and was called to the home beyond in
1886.

Mr. Beck, whose name heads this record, was
reared in the Fatherland and acquired a good ed-
ucation; he attended the technical high school of
Stuttgart, from which institution he was graduated
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

at the age of twenty-five, having learned in that
time the trade of stone cutting and architectural
design, thoroughly mastering the business. In 1882
he determined to seek a home in America, and
crossed the ocean to New York, from whence he
made his way direct to Rock Island, Ill. There he
spent the three succeeding years of his life, during
which time he draughted a map of the city, show-
ing a plat of the city sewer and water pipe system
and gas mains. ‘This map is to-day in use as au-
thority and the plan and design of it have been

and worked
nent archi-
iness on his
17, when he

This con-
3ss is carried
Ieer. They
1e fine busi-
r, including
Stanfenfeld

‘e altar Miss
vecurred the
893, he was
an &S g with Miss
w have one
> both mem-
3k is a mem-
ies good bus-
s and enter-
ave brought
able dealing
zh regard of
contact.

all appointed

vod local pat-

State Dental

his profess-

ters was born

January 9,1861. Huis paternal granatather, George
Walters, was born in Baden, Germany, and left his

 

533

native land, coming to America in the spring of
1847. On landing at his destination, New York
City, he at once proceeded westward, arriving in
Sandusky, Ohio, in 1849. In that city his wife,
whose maiden name was Elizabeth Barbain, also a
native of Baden, departed this life in 1854.

Peter Walters, the father of the subject of this
sketch, was a native of the Fatherland, his birth
having occurred in Baden, July 13, 1833, and with
his parents he crossed the briny deep when a
youth of fifteen years, becoming a resident of San-
dusky, Ohio, and later removing to Iowa. At the
present time he is a furniture dealer in McGregor,
having met with success in his business enterprises.
He is the originator and instructor of the famous
Walters family band, comprising Peter Walters,
John A. Walters, the subject of this narrative,
William Walters, who is a professional cornetist,
now traveling in the band, which is with Cook &
Whitby’s Circus; Tillie and Matilda, who are cele-
brated vocalists, and Hannah E. The Walters
band has gained a wide and favorable reputation,
and has played and traveled for a number of
years on the excursion boats which ply the Missis-
sippi River, and also in St. Louis, and all of the-
river towns between there and St. Paul, Minn.
Our subject’s mother, who was the second wife of
Peter Walters, was formerly Mary Reiss, and she
is still living.

The early years of our subject were passed in
this the city of his birth, where he received a good
public school education. In 1879, when only eigh-
teen years of age, he began the study of dentistry
in the Iowa State University, where he spent three
years, after which he graduated in the Class of ’82,
with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery. In
1881 he began his practice in this city, and has suc-
cessfully conducted the same up to the present
time. He is thoroughly versed in all kinds of
dental work, making a specialty of crown and
bridge work, and paying particular attention to
the proper fitting and construction of sets of teeth.
His pleasant office is well supplied with a large as-
sortment of tools and instruments used in his prac-
tice, and he has the latest improvements used by
the profession.

In 1885 the Doctor married Miss Matilda Berg-
532 PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

service upon the grand jury and, in 1891 was
elected Trustee of the township. Financially he
has been prospered, and aside from other interests
owns one hundred and sixty acres of valuable land
upon section 28, Prairie Creek Township. Politi-
cally Mr. Brown is an ardent Democrat and has
ably represented his constituents at various county
and state conventions. A man of independent
thought and action, straightforward in business
transactions and firm in his convictions of right,
our subject has won the confidence and high re-
gard of all who know him; he occupies a position
of influence and is a most important factor in the
upward growth of his home locality.

 

KEPPEL EE EEE MEE EEE EE EE EEE EDO

 

ICHARD BENNETT S&z., proprietor of the
R Bennett House of Dubuque, is a well
known citizen and has many warm friends
in this community,so that we feel assured that the
record of his life will prove of interest to our read-
ers. He claims Ireland as his native land, his birth
having occurred in that country March 1, 1828.
His parents, Patrick and Mary (Gerty) Bennett,
were also born on the Emerald Isle, and on leav-
ing that country crossed the briny deep to the
New World.

Mr. Bennett of this sketch spent his first eighteen
years in Ireland, and then emigrated to America,
landing in New York on the Ist of August, 1846.
He did not tarry long, however, in that place, but
made his way to Boston, where he remained for
five years engaged in the butchering business in
that city and in Brighton. With the hope of bet-
tering his financial condition further west he re-
moved to Indiana in 1851, and took up his resi-
dence in New Albany, where he engaged in farm-
ing. With the capital he had acquired he pur-
chased one hundred acres of good farming land ad-
joining the city limits of that place and there de-
voted his time and attention to agricultural pur-
suits. He placed his land under a high state of

 

cultivation and the well tilled fields were made to
yield him a golden tribute in return for the care
and labor he bestowed upon them.

We next find Mr. Bennett in Springfield, Ky.,
where he embarked in the retail grocery trade, car-
rying on business along that line until after the
cholera epidemic, when he sought a home in the
north. In Chicago he opened a grocery store and
there did business for two years. On the expira-
tion of this period he came to Dubuque and es-
tablished himself -in.the .hotel business. _In 1881
he built t
containin;
all mode
and has f¢

In 1850
Miss Han:
Treland.
ter. In 1
second w
They are
sons and |
and genia
in which !
ings is me

Please paste in book.

UI
xe
D
on the 25:
Beck, was
lern, Gern
sessed of
mind and
in Germa
years. T!
name of
her husba1
1886.

Mr. Be
reared in
ucation; he attended the technical high school of
Stuttgart, from which institution he was graduated

page 532, Biographical Record.

Correction to sketch of Guido Beck,
Jn 1887 Mr. Beck formed a partnership with Martin Heer, a well

known and capable architect, the firm name being Guido Beck and

 

Martin Heer, their business having extended into the States of Iowa,

Tllinois, Wisconsin, and elsewhere.

In religious matters Mr. and Mrs. Beck belong to the Roman Cath-

Gk Déenhacdcla MathaAwal

Vee ads ae eel eee “nee Sea

Ree aE.

TORS. ee ear En, = Mae
534

a

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

man, of this city, and to them have been born one
son and two daughters, Marguerette, Marie and
Frederick. Fraternally he is identified with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and with the
Knights of Pythias. Politically, he votes in favor
of the Democratic party. Being very musically
inclined, he has made a study of the art, and is
now the leader of the band before mentioned.

+See

ENRY G. McGAHAREN. Among the
to enterprising and active young business
men of Elkader is the gentleman whose

name heads this sketch and who now occupies the
responsible position of Cashier in the Elkader State
Bank. He is well educated and well informed on
general topics, and having a mathematical turn of

mind is just the man to fill the place which was.

unanimously tendered him by the Directors and
Officials of this institution. His trustworthy and
honorable principles, in addition to his other qual-
ifications, have won for him this -place of honor
and responsibility.

One of the native sons of lowa, our subject was
born in Fayette County in 1864. He comes from
a long lived family, his father, M. M., having lived

to attain the age of ninety-one years, and his
mother, who was in her girlhood Rosa Sheridan, is
still living at the age of four-score years. M. M.
McGaharen was a native of the Emerald Isle, and
on coming to the United States settled in Iowa,
being one of the pioneers of Fayette County, where
he followed agricultural pursuits with good suc-
cess until well along in years, his death occurring
in February, 1893. In politics he was a pro-
nounced Democrat, and was always active and in-
terested in all public improvement and in school
affairs. His wife was likewise born in Ireland.

The early years of Henry G. were passed in
Fayette County, and he acquired a good knowledge
of agricultural pursuits on the old homestead, giv-
ing his assistance to his father in operating the

 

farm. He pursued his studies in the common
schools of the neighborhood, after which it was
his privilege to attend the Decorah Institute,
which is located at Decorah, Winneshiek County,
this state, where he continued his studies for three
years. In 1887 he began his business career by
clerking in the drug store operated by Bayless &
Hagensick. During this time he studied to be-
come a pharmacist, and secured a diploma from
the State Board of Pharmacy on the completion
of a required course and after passing a strict ex-
amination. The same year he took charge of the
Elkader Drug Company of this place, which posi-
tion he held until October, 1892. The State Bank
of Elkader was then organized and he was offered
the position of Cashier, which he accepted, having
keld the post up to the present time. Being a
young man of great ability, he has shown himself
to be fully capable of discharging the duties of
this position, and by his genial and affable manner
makes many friends and customers for the bank.
His home is in this city, where he is received in
the best social circles. ‘Though a young man, he
has considerable general business experience and
manifests great sagacity and good judgment in
dealing with financial matters.

ese 6 SE 3. we &

OHN SCHMALFELD, a prominent farmer

and a breeder of cattle and hogs in Clay-

ton County, makes his home on section 17,

Farmetsburg Township. He was born on
the 14th of March, 1817, in Mecklenberg, Ger-
many, and was reared to manhood in that coun-
try. He is the son of John and Eliza (Neimann)
Schmalfeld, both of whom were natives of Ger-
many and never removed from the Fatherland.
The father of our subject was a tiller of the soil
in that country, and he also served in the Ger-
man army for four years. The parents are both
deceased. There were eight children born to this
couple, only three of whom survive: John, our
PORTRAIT AND: BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

535

 

subject; Joachim, who is living at the age of
seventy-seven years; and Christopher, aged seven-
ty-five years.

The subject of this biography came to this coun-
try in the year 1852, and after being on the water

for fifty-three days landed iu the city of New Or-:

leans, and subsequently came to Iowa and settled
in Clayton County. Not one of his old neigh-
bors that were here upon his arrival are now liv-
ing. The territory into which he moved was
then nothing more than a dense wilderness, but
in the forty-two years that he has resided here he
has seen the great change that the state of Iowa
has undergone. He was, as were the great ma-
jority of the people at that time, quite poor, and
lived in-a “straw-thatched hut,’’ but by ceaseless
labor he has acquired an estate consisting of one
hundred and ninety acres of land, one hundred
and forty of which are now under cultivation.

On Christmas Day, 1852, Mr. Schmalfeld was
united in marriage with Miss Mary Wendt, a
daughter of Joachim and Anna (Kohn) Wendt,
both of whom are natives of Germany, as was also
the daughter. Five children blessed this union,
only one of whom is now living. He is named
Jobn after his father, and was born April 10,
1861. He was reared on the farm in this town-
ship and attended the district school here as well
as the one at McGregor, and thus had the advan-
tage of both a German and an English education.
The parents were both members of the Lutheran
Church.

Mr. Schmalfeld was married the second time.
Miss Lizzie Henning became his companion for
life. Her parents were both natives of Germany,
and her mother’s maiden name was Katie Schulte.
The daughter was born in this county on the 28th

of February, 1868, and was educated in a Ger-

man and English school. She is the mother of
two children, one of whom is deceased. The one
living is Arno John Christopher. The mother is
an earnest worker in the Lutheran Church.

Mr. Schmalfeld is considered upright and hon-
orable in all of his dealings with his fellow-men, is
straightforward and true-hearted, and is moral in
the truest degree. He is a Democrat in politics,
is apt and logical in his views relative to public

 

matters, and is looked upon as one of the solid
men of Clayton County. He is one whose enter-
prise is a boon to any city, in that he prevents it
from becoming indifferent to those improvements
which are the pivot wheel about which advance-
ment revolves. He is hearty and hale, and enjoys
life at the age of four-score years.

CO— solo, —©
o— Folly 2

 

ICHOLAS HOFER. Of the citizens of
N Marion Township, Clayton County, few
are known so well, and none more favor-
ably, than the subject of this sketch, who has re-
sided here since 1858. During this long period he
has made many warm friends who hold him in the
highest esteem for his integrity of character and
genial disposition. He is pre-eminently a self-
made man and is now residing on an estate com-
prising one hundred and ninety-five well culti-
vated acres.

Our subject, like many of the best residents of
this township, was born in Switzerland in the year
1846. He is the son of Samuel and Magdalene
(Baumgardner) Hofer, who were al8o natives of
that country. Nicholas, accompanied by his mother,
came to America in 1858, landing in New York ’.
City, where they remained for a short time and
then made their way to this western state and lo-
cated in Marion Township, with whose interests
they have been identified since that time. Young
Nicholas first purchased a tract of forty acres and
began his career as an independent farmer. He
has met with more than ordinary success in the
prosecution of his calling and has now a finely
improved homestead of nearly two hundred acres.
He is now taking the world easy, and though he
still has his farm under his management, does little
work himself and is living in peace and content-
ment, enjoying the fruits of his earlier labors.

Mr. Hofer was married, in 1865, to Miss Lizzie
Sutter, who was also a native of Switzerland and
536

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

was born in 1851. By her union with our subject
there were born twelve children, namely: Pauline,
John, Louisa, Bertha, Rosa, Samuel, Lena, Fred-
die, Benjamin, Mary, Leodia and Annie. They
are all being given the advantages of a good
education, and are bright and intelligent in the
extreme. Mr. Hofer is a member of the Dunkard
Church, and is identified with the Democratic
party in politics.

The father of our subject departed this life in
his native land. He was a man greatly respected
in his neighborhood and was a true Christian gen-
tleman. He was the father of two children besides
our subject, Benjamin and Magdalene.

 

KEREEELEEEEEPELE EEE EEE EE EEO

OSEPH SCHNEIDER. Prominent among the
citizens of Clayton County who have re-
ceived at the hands of the people a recog-

nition of their sterling worth and ability is the
subject of this biographical sketch. He is a self-
made man in every respect and has held numer-
our positions of trust and honor during the years
that are past and gone. The parents of our sub-
ject were Mick and Rena (Baumgardner) Schnei-
der, natives of Switzerland. They never emi-
grated from their native land. Five children
were born to them, Joseph, John, Jacob, Wolrick
and Mary.

Joseph Schneider was born in Switzerland, Jan-
uary 6, 1827. He was married there in 1860 to
Miss Mary Pfarrer, a daughter of Nicholas and
Mary (Marti) Pfarrer, who were both natives of
Switzerland. Mrs. Schneider was born at the
same place in 1838. The following children have
blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schneider,
Josie, Rachel, George S., Rosa, Louisa, Louie, Fred
and Celcia.

Our subject emigrated to America in the year
1855, and after a long voyage landed in New York
City, where he remained for a short time, when he
came to Clayton County, Iowa, where he and his
two brothers purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land, on which they worked for six years,
when our subject sold his interest and bought

 

forty acres. This he cultivated for six years and
then disposed of it and purchased one hundred
and fifty acres of his present homestead, on which
he now resides. He has since increased it to eight
hundred and ninety acres. ,

Mr. Schneider was School Director of this town-
ship for five years. He is a member of the Dunk-
ard Church and is a helpful and earnest citizen,
interested in the advancement of public affairs.
In politics he is a solid Democrat, and votes his
party ticket with a firm belief in the correctness
of its policy.

This in brief is an outline sketch of one of
Clayton County’s highly respected citizens. He
came here when the county was in its early in-
fancy, and has seen it grow to its present propor-
tions. Its success and prosperity are in a great
measure due to such men, who like Mr. Schneider
have an abiding faith in the future development
of this great state, and who are not slow to urge
and assist in every possible manner the advance-
ment of its interests by inviting capital, enterprise
and emigration to find a home within the borders
of Clayton County.

J. A. MUELLER, a prominent and wealthy

physician and surgeon of Dyersville, was

born in Luxemburg, Germany, September
8, 1844. He is a son of John Gregor and A. Mary
Mueller. The father was an extensive farmer,
as well as one of the wealthiest citizens of his lo-
cality, therefore our subject was reared in ease and
affluence, having no cares upon his young mind,
save those pertaining to his school life. His edu-
cation was of the most liberal kind, having been
obtained in the leading schools of his native
place, and at a more subsequent period he was sent
to Namur, in Belgium, where he prosecuted his
studies for a time. He then returned to his home,
where his literary education was completed in his
seventeenth year. Not content with this, he
tinally concluded to take a course in physiology,
after which he took up his medical studies in Ger-
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD

many and France, graduating in medical science
at the early age of twenty-four years.

After spending some time in travel through the
different parts of Europe, Mr. Mueller came to the
United States in June of 1868, where he soon
after commenced the practice of his chosen profes-
sion at Luxemburg, in thiscounty. There he met
with marked success and built up a lucrative prac-
tice,'but in 1875, wishing to enlarge his field, he
removed to New Vienna, in this county, where his
fame as a successful practitioner spread far and
near. Our subject remained here until 1889, dur-
ing which time he took a post-graduate course at
the Rush Medical College at Chicago, as well as
graduating from the full college course in March,
1886. - In 1889 he removed his place of residence
to Dyersville, where he has since continued his
large and constantly increasing practice.

In 1869 Dr. Mueller was united in marriage with
Miss Theresa Wernke, who was born in this coun-
ty, but was of German descent. To them were born
eight children, five of whom are now living. J.
A. G., who is the eldest, was born August 3, 1871,
at Luxemburg, in this county. His early educa-
tion was received in the public schools of Du-
buque County and at Prairie du Chien, Wis. He
later took a commercial course at Bayless College
in Dubuque.
Medical Department of Iowa University at Iowa
City, graduating March 9, 1892. At the end of
this time the Doctor formed a partnership with-his
father for the practice of his profession under the
name of N. J. A. Mueller & Son, and is a rising
young practitioner. The other children are young-
er, and are now being educated.

Dr. Mueller, Sr., isa member of three medical
associations, namely, the Dubuque County, the
Cedar Valley and the Iowa State American Medi-
cal Associations. He is also Examiner for the Ro-
man Catholic Mutual Protection Association, and
is a prominent member of the Catholic Church
and a zealous worker in that faith. Politically he
is a member of the Democracy. The son is a mem-
ber of the Dubuque County, Cedar Valley and the
Iowa State Associations with his father, and is also
counected with the Catholic Church, and casts his
vote for the candidates of the Democratic party.

In the fall of 1889 he entered the.

 

537

These gentlemen are progressive citizens of their
town and county, influential in all matters con-
nected with public interests, and enjoy the es-
teem of all with whom they are connected in busi-
ness, as well as the affectionate regard of their
more intimate associates, and they are deserving

of all the good fortune that may be allotted to
them.

tory of its own, although in appearance it

may seem to possess little to distinguish it
from others, the reader will take interest in learn-
ing the details of the business career and private
incidents connected with our subject. Formerly a
prominent farmer of Clayton County, he is now a
resident of Monona, where his attention is devoted
to looking after his varied interests. He is a stock-
holder in the Monona State Bank anda man of
influence in this village.

A native of the Fatherland, our subject was
born in Werdau, Saxony, October 25, 1834, to Carl
F. and Fredricke (Pope) Hupfer, natives of Sax-
ony. His father was a cloth-maker by trade,
which he followed throughout his active life; he
died at the advanced age of eighty-five. His wife
passed away when eighty-two years old. They
were the parents of nine children, eight of whom
attained mature years. Frank, who was fifth in
order of birth, remained under the parental roof
until attaining his fourteenth year, when he left
home to learn the furrier’s trade. He was thus
engaged for four years, after which he determined
to try his fortunes in New York. Accordingly
embarking on a ship, he landed at Philadelphia
after a voyage of eight weeks, and thence made
his way to Chicago and afterward to La Porte,
Ind. For five years he worked at his trade in the
last-named place, and also in the meantime engaged

Bey HUPFER. As every life has a his-

at other vocations whereby he might earn a liveli-

hood.

Later going to Wisconsin, Mr. Hupfer made his
home in Grant County for five years, where he
was drafted into the United States service. In
538

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

1863 he came to Clayton County, Iowa, and set-
tled in Monona Township. Here he was engaged
in agricultural pursuits until 1889, meantime im-
proving and cultivating his estate, which he
transformed into one of the most attractive and
productive in the township. He was very suc-
cessful in this occupation, and making good in-
vestments with his money, was enabled to retire in
1889, when he moved with his family to Monona.
In this place they have a very pleasant home and
move in the best circles of society.

November 6, 1855, Mr. Hupfer married Miss
Elizabeth Heinz, a native of Bavaria, Germ&ny,
and a most estimable lady. By her union with
our subject there were born nine children, two
daughters and seven sons, namely: Frances S., wife
of John Langendorfer; Mary E., who married
John Barnhard; Charles F., Henry A., George P.,
Edward L., Arthur E., Nelson H.and Frank B. At
one time Mr. Hupfer owned five hundred and
twenty acres of land, but when his children estab-
lished homes of their own he gave each one a
farm, which greatly reduced his acreage. He is
active in all good works in the village and is a de-
voted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Since coming to America he has voted the Repub-
lican ticket. He arrived in America without
means, but by courage and a determination to suc-
ceed he has accumulated a handsome competence
and is classed among the well-to-do residents of
Monona.

1a

OHN GIBSON, of Monticello, is a manufac-
turer of tile and brick of all descriptions and

a dealer in lumber, having a sawmill in con-
nection with his other enterprises. He is an in-
fluential citizen, a stanch Republican and is active
in leading movements for the upbuilding and good
of the community. The birth of our subject oc-
curred in Indiana County, Pa., April 10, 1829, his
parents being Joseph and Margaret (Sloan) Gibson.
His paternal grandfather, Lewis Gibson, was of
Scotch-Irish extraction, while his mother’s father,

 

John Sloan, was a soldier, doing valiant service in
the Black Hawk War.

Joseph Gibson, our subject’s father, was born in
Indiana County, Pa., and was a farmer by occupa-
tiou. In 1851 he removed with his family to Jones
County, settling ona tract of land in Scotch Grove
Township, where he engaged in general agricul-
tural pursuits until his death, which occurred the
year after this arrival here. His wife was called
from this life in 1866 at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. McGee, of Carroll County, Iowa. She was
the mother of three daughters and one son, two of
whom are living, our subject and one sister.

The education of young Gibson was obtained in
the schools of the Keystone State, and for two years
he pursued his studies in Ft. Wayne, Ind. Subse-
quently he taught for a like period of time;
then coming to Monticello, engaged in business as
a dealer in live stock and grain for a number of
years. In 1880 he embarked in the manufacture
of drain tile and brick. During the summer sea-

| son he operates his sawmill extensively, and the

capacity of his tile factory is from six to twelve
thousand per day. His local trade is very exten-
sive and the surplus products are shipped to differ-
ent points in this and adjoining counties. The
machinery is run by a thirty horse-power engine and
Mr. Gibson employs the most modern machinery
in use in the manufacture of tile and brick and also
for turning out lumber of various descriptions.
Employment is given to from eight to ten men con-
stantly, and it is the intention of the proprietor to
further enlarge the business and use the steam heat-
ing and drying process in his lumber rooms.

In 1856 our subject married Elizabeth Clark, a
native of Pennsylvania and daughter of Nathan
Clark. Five children have been born of this un-
ion: Margaret H., wife of John Bascher, a druggist
of this place; Aseneth M., wife of Clark Mudge, a
dry-goods merchant of Marion, Iowa; Luella J., a
teacher in Hopkinton College; Elizabeth, a gradu-

ate in music and a teacher in Pennsylvania, and

Ida F.,a member of the faculty of a college in
North Carolina.

Mr. and Mrs. Gibson are members of the First
Presbyterian Church and their children are con-
nected with the same denomination. For sixteen
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

539

 

 

years our subject has served as one of the Ruling
Elders in the church in which he is a very active
worker. He has served officially as a Trustee and
Member of the City Council to the satisfaction of
his friends and neighbors, and in all his relations,
whether financial or social, he has merited the es-
teem and sincere respect of all to an eminent de-
gree.

C— _ 6), —*)
oO FEI —)

 

 

 

H. WIEGMANN, a farmer on section 26,

in Farmersburg Township, Clayton Coun-

ty, is noteworthy as a pioneer, having
experienced the obstacles, the alternate hopes
and fears, the discouragements and hardships that
confront the early settler of a new country. Not
only is Mr. Wiegmann dauntless, prompt and act-
ive, but he is well fitted to stand with those who la-
bored so long and earnestly for the settlement ofa
country which to-day isall beauty, peace and pros-
perity. The average citizen of to-day who is sur-
rounded on every hand by not only the necessities

but the refinements of life, is too apt to forget

those now gone before, who endured privation and
almost penury for the benefit of posterity.

Mr. Wiegmann was born in Prussia, Germany,
March 5,1846. His father, J. H. Wiegmann, was
a native of Prussia, Germany, and emigrated to
Clayton County in 1854, remaining here until his
demise, which occurred in his seventy-eighth year.
The mother, Anna (Greiman) Wiegmann, was also
a German by birth. She still survives and keeps
house for our subject. Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Wieg-
mann were blessed with two children, our subject
being the eldest.

C. H. Wiegmann was eight years old when
he came to this country, and he received the very
best common school education that the little log
schoolhouse in Garnavillo Township was capable
of giving. He pre-empted a tract of land which
was somewhat improved and took the first steps
toward raising a crop of grain for himself. He op-
erated thus for a number of years with quite success-

 

y

ful results and has accumulated four hundred and
thirty acres of land, three hundred and forty being
prairie land and ninety covered with timber. He
makes a business of renting his farms.

For years he has been Trustee of Farmersburg
Township. No man stands higher in the estima-
tion of the inhabitants of this township than does
he, and the record of his good deeds placed upon
the pages of the printed volume will prove a
grander monument to his memory than “sculp-
tured marble or storied urn.’’ In all matters of
interest to the general public of his locality, our
subject is accounted a public-spirited citizen, ever
ready to do his part in the promotion of enterprise
and educational advancement. Passing his ma-
ture years among friends of a life time, Mr. Wieg-
mann receives the confidence of all who know him,
and is esteemed for his sterling integrity of char-
acter and thorough business efficiency. In the
progress of township and county he has not been
an uninterested spectator, but a prime factor, and

his name is one of the most prominent among the

farmers of Clayton County.
Wiegmann is a stanch Republican.

Politically, Mr.

SSeS SS

ENRY VULLGRAFF, who is a_ practical
and progressive agriculturist and one of
the popular citizens of Read Township,

Clayton County, resides on section 9, and isa
native of Germany. He was born in Mecklenburg
June 20, 1825, and is theson of William and Zema
Vullgraff. They were the parents of six children:
Henry, our subject; Fritz, who came to this coun-
try with his brother Henry and lived in Farmers-
burg Township, this county, dying about 1870;
Sophia, Rickoff, Mary and Catherine. The last
four named still make their home in Germany.
The parents of our subject never left the Father-
land, but spent their entire lives on a farm
in that country; both passed away in the same
year, 1874.

In 1852 our subject emigrated to this country,
landing in New Orleans, and as he knew a few peo-
540

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

ple in Clayton County, he decided to come here.
He bought one hundred and twenty acres of wild
land and immediately set about clearing and culti-
vating the same. In a short time he purchased
eighty acres more and now has a fine farm of two
hundred acres all well stocked and improved. In
the year 1859 Mr. Vullgraff was married to Miss
Dorris Henning. She wasa native of Germany
and came to America alone in 1854, her parents
having died in their native land some time before.
Mrs. Vullgraff was one of four children. ‘Two of
her brothers came to thiscountry. Henry is living
on a farm in Nebraska, and John is in Garnavillo
Township, this county. George, her youngest
brother, is still in Germany.

Our subject and his wife are the parents of
five children, three boys and two girls. Henry
married Miss Brooks and is living on a farm in
Farmersburg Township. ‘[hey have one child
living and two dead. William married Mary
Drends and they make their home in Farmersburg,
this county. Charley, who is not married, lives at
home and assists his father on the farm. Lena,
the wife of F. W. Vogt, lives on section 16, Read
Township. Louisa is now Mrs. Fritz Teues, also
of Read Township. Mr. Vullgraff has held many
oftices of honor and trust. He filled the office of
Supervisor for one year and served as School Di-
rector for the same length of time. Mr. and Mrs.
Vullgraff have long been members of the Lutheran
Church at Clayton Centre. He has always voted
the Democratic ticket, and is widely known as a
liberal spirited man, generous and ever ready to
do his full share in all matters of general welfare.

$e 3 OOK ~~)

T. KENNEDY isa dealer in wholesale

and retail drugs, books and stationery

in McGregor, and is one of the leading

business men of the place. He has ever been in-

terested and active in all local public affairs, and

isa man of wide reading and information, which

he has extended by his frequent and lengthy
journeys in different parts of the northwest.

The paternal ancestors of Mr. Kennedy were

 

natives of Scotland, who settled in New England
at an early day. His father, John Kennedy, was
born in Erie County, Pa., and followed agricul-
tural pursuits in order to obtain a livelihood.
His wife, Eliza(Deitz)Kennedy, was also born in
the Keystone State and is still living, her home
being in Erie County, Pa., she having attained the
good old age of eighty-two years.

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Kennedy of this
sketch was born in Erie County in 1836, and
passed his early years on his father’s farm, becom-
ing thoroughly acquainted by actual experience
with the workings of the same. His primary edu-
cation was obtained in the common schools, which
was supplemented by further study in the academy
of his native county.

In 1861 Mr. Kennedy came to Iowa, settling the
same year in McGregor, and at the expiration of
about one year commenced clerking in a drug store,
where he laid the foundation of his knowledge as
a pharmacist. He became thoroughly conversant
with the business during his clerkship of three years
and this has been of great use to him in his later
years. In the spring of 1864, on account of poor
health, he went across the plains on horseback to
Montana, traveling in that state and the other
northwestern states, Utah, Idaho and Colorado.
This trip proved of great benefit to him, and at
the same time expanded and widened his knowl-
edge of men and the beauties of nature.

On bis return to this city our subject entered in-
to partnership with S. J. Case & Co., and together
they continued in business for about one year, al
the end of which time their connection was dis-
solved by mutualagreement. Fortwo years there-
after, O. M. Buck was a partner of Mr. Kennedy,
after which time he carried on his business alone
until the spring of 1894. His trade is extensive
and continually increasing, and he keeps a full
line of wholesale and retail drugs, stationery, books,
wall paper, etc. ‘The present partner of Mr. Ken-
nedy is his son-in-law, and the name of the firm is
now M. T. Kennedy & Co.

In 1864 Mr. Kennedy married Miss Louisa Bowen.
She is a native of the Bay State, and is a daughter
of Liberty Bowen. Two daughters were born to
this couple, the elder of whom, Mabel E, is the
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

541

 

 

wife of C. W. Bliss, an,enterprising young business
man of this place, and the partner of Mr. Kennedy;
the other, Grace E., is a well educated young lady
and lives with her parents.

In religious belief our subject and his wife are
Methodists, holding membership with the Method-
ist Episcopal Church of McGregor, in which they
are active and efficient workers. Mr. Kennedy is
a member of Beezer Lodge No. 137, A. F. & A. M.,
of Clayton Chapter/No. 108, R. A. M., and Honor-
ious Commandery No. 8, K.T. Prominent in the
ranks of the Democratic party, he has often been
solicited to serve in a public capacity but has al-
ways declined, preferring to tend strictly to his
business interests; nevertheless he has twice been
prevailed upon to serve as Mayor of the city, in
which capacity he acquitted himself most commend-
ably.

= SS

OHN A. McLAUGHLIN is one of the promi-
nent and well-to-do farmers of Castle Grove
Township, his postoffice being Monticello.
His history has been during his entire life

interwoven with that of Jones County, for here
his birth occurred June 138, 1845, and, with the
exception of a few terms when he was away at col-
lege, he has rarely been outside the county limits.
He comes from one of the worthy pioneer families
who were the founders of the prosperity which has
come in so great a measure to this region. His
parents, James and Mary (Hill) McLaughlin, were
both natives of Ireland, who, when in childhood,
came to the United States. Their marriage was
solemnized in New York State, and in 1837 they
came to Jones County, locating on a piece of land
in Wayne Township, which is now the property of
the Hon. George W. Lovell. At that early day
there were few neighbors and no schools or other
advantages.

The family later removed to Castle Grove
Township, where the father entered a tract of land
from the Government, and from time to time, as

23 :

 

his resources increased, extended the boundaries
of his farm, until, at the time of his death, which
occurred in 1873, he owned a valuable farm com-
prising five hundred acres. The faithful wifeand
mother, who had truly been a helpmate in every
sense of the word to her industrious husband, sur-
vived him many years, passing from this life in
1892. By her marriage she became the mother of
three sons and three daughters, namely, Anna,
Elizabeth, Michael, James W., John A., and Mary
J., who died at the age of seven years.

John A. McLaughlin is the fourth in order of
birth of the surviving children of his parents.
He received a good district school education, and
afterwards attended the Hopkinton (now Lenox)
College, located at Hopkinton, Iowa. In 1863 he
went to Wisconsin, where he passed six months
in college work, and on leaving there prosecuted
his studies for two terms in the excellent Notre
Dame University of South Bend, Ind. Later he
returned to Lenox College, being a student there
for two terms more. ‘Thus equipped for the prac-
tical duties of life with a good foundation of gen-
eral knowledge and information, the young man
returned tothe old homestead and began in earnest
to make his own way. In his boyhood he had
been familiar from actual practice with general
farin duties, and now began paying special atten-
tion to stock raising and dairy farming. From
forty to fifty cows were daily milked, the prod-
uct being sold to neighboring creameries, and
from this source a steady and reliable income was
derived. The first purchase by our subject was
one hundred and sixty acres of land in this town-
ship. He has pushed his business enterprises suc-
cessfully, and as his means accumulated invested
in more land, and has continued in this policy
until he now finds himself the fortunate possessor
of eight hundred acres of valuable land, most of
which is under high cultivation. The buildings
on the farm are substantial and well kept. There
are two large barns,a fine residence and attractive
surroundings, and everything about the place
gives evidence of the careful supervision of the
owner.

In 1877 Mr. McLaughlin married Miss Allie
Downer, of Jones County, who was born and
542

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

reared within its limits. Her father, the late Hor-
ace Downer, was one of the early settlers and pio-
neers of this locality. To Mr. and Mrs. Mc-
Laughlin have been born six sons and a daughter,
whose names are as follows: Frank J., William,
John, Rollo, Clarence, Minnie and Eugene. In his
political faith our subject is a thorough-going Re-
publican, having given that party his support
since he was first able to vote. He has never
sought nor desired public office.

== otoe==

AMUEL BENNINGTON is a prominent cit-
izen, leading agriculturist and stock raiser,
of Sperry Township, Clayton County, Iowa;

he is interested in the handling of blooded stock,
and for many years has been intimately associated
with the progressive interests of his locality. Mr.
Bennington is an Englishman by birth, and was
born in Huntingdonshire February 21, 1834, and
is the son of. William and Ann (Richens) Ben-
nington. The father of our subject kept a public
house or hotel in England, and died while Samuel
was quite young. Our subject was reared and ed-
ucated in England and emigrated to the United
States, sailing from ‘London, and landing in New
York May 1, 1853. He went immediately to Lock-
port, N. Y., where he remained for two years;
from there he came to Clayton County, Iowa,
traveling by rail to Galena, Ill., and by stage the
rest of the way, and settled in Sperry Township
on his present farm.

Our subject was married in England at the early
age of nineteen to Miss Esther Bidwell, a daugh-
ter of Thomas and Lizzie Bidwell, and was one of
eight children. Mrs. Bennington departed this
life April 7, 1881. Her mother is still living and
is ninety-four years of age. Mr. Bennington sailed
from London on Good Friday, but came very near
losing his young wife. She with a cousin, who
had also just been married, nearly missed the ship
on which their husbands had preceded them to
make the final arrangements for their voyage.
They had to be conveyed to the vessel in a small

 

boat, and were able to join their husbands, and all
parties were made happy. Our subject is one of
nine children, six of whom are living, three girls
and three boys, one brother and two sisters having
died in their native land. Mr. and Mrs. Benning-
ton are the parents of five children, three boys
and two girls. Charles, the eldest, is married, and
still lives on the farm with his father. Esther
Griffeth married and lives near Cedar Rapids;
William Bidwell, single, is at home; Samuel, also
single, is at home. All three of the boys and one
sister, Annie Elizabeth, make their home with
their father, helping him manage his large and
flourishing farm. Some time during the first year
of Mr. Bennington’s residence in Clayton County
he bought forty acres of land, and soon after pur-
chased eighty acres more, on which his fine resi-
dence now stands. He has added little by little to
his property, until he now owns over one thou-
sand acres of the best land in the state of Iowa.
Mr. Bennington was very unfortunate in the
beginning of his Iowa career. In the second year
of bis residence in Clayton County, on July 2,
1855, he lost his entire crop of wheat by a heavy
hailstorm, which was one-half mile in width and
several miles in length, extending as far down as
Dubuque, destroying everything in its path. The
next year there was no crop raised to speak of, as
the most of his seed grain was destroyed by over-
heating in his storehouse. In the ’60s Mr; Ben-
nington sold wheat for thirty-five cents a bushel
in Volga City, but thinks he is just as well satis-
fied with free trade as butchered tariff. Mr. Ben-
nington’s first house was built of “slabs,’’ and he
and his family lived in it happily for years, but as
he became more prosperous he soon erected the
fine and handsome residence he now occupies.
For fifteen years our subject has been exten-
sively engaged in the raising of full-blooded
stock, making a specialty of imported horses and
cattle, although he has a large number of sheep
and hogs. He is doing his utmost to raise the
standard of stock in Iowa, and in order to accom-
plish this he has paid enormous prices for bulls
and stud horses. All the grain raised on his broad
acres is used in feeding his stock, and he is gener-

ally obliged to buy in order to fatten his animals,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

543

 

 

‘Mr. Bennington is the most extensive farmer and

ee

stock-raiser in this part of Iowa. He is highly es-
teemed by his neighbors, and is well and favora-
bly known throughout the United States, and his
advice is frequently sought after regarding mat-
ters both of farming and stock-raising. In poli-
tics our subject is a. Republican, but always votes
for the best man regardless of party, and in his
religious belief is a Methodist.

Mr. Bennington is one of the wealthiest land-
owners of Iowa, and his prosperity is due to his
enterprise and good business ability, and is, there-
fore, well deserved. He is, and has long been, ac-
tively interested in the needed improvements and
enterprises of his locality, and, as one of the most
influential men in this part of the county, is
wgrthy of the confidence and esteem rendered him
by the entire community, among whom he has
passed so many busy years.

He docdorde Soehocdoode onheroegeofeofeofoade

 

©” “@)

EPHANIAH KIDDER. Perhaps no resi-

dent of Dubuque County has shown a

greater degree of enterprise in the affairs

of the world, than the subject of this sketch, who

is now the proprietor of six hundred broad acres

in Taylor Township. He makes his home at Ep-

worth and the energy of his character is not mani-

fested solely for his personal aggrandizement, but

has been displayed in advancing education, and in
promulgating the cause of Christianity.

Our subject was born in Pittston, Me., December
12, 1822, and is the youngest of the family of chil-
dren born to Joseph and Elizabeth A. (Brown)
Kidder. The father was a native of Massachusetts,
but reared to man’s estate in New Hampshire, and
after removing to Maine, made his home in Pitts-
ton for fifty-five years, dying when in his eighty-
fifth year. By trade he was a carpenter. His
good wife was a native of the Pine Tree State, and

 

died when our subject was only two years of age.

Zephaniah Kidder had very limited advantages
for obtaining an education; he was not permitted
to attend school during the regular hours, bat
bravely carried on his studies at night, and in this
manner gained a fair business education. He re-
mained with his father until attaining his major-
ity, when he began the struggles of life on his own
account. Being desirous of gaining further knowl-
edge he again went to school, but his studies were
cut short soon afterward by the burning of the
building, at which time he was wounded in the
left hand, and as a result of his injury, was laid
up for four months. At the end of that time he
secured work, but was soon obliged to abandon it
on account of being stricken with typhus fever,
which disabled him for several. months. After
fully recovering from this illness he found employ-
ment in a cotton factory in Waltham, Mass., and
after a service of nine months was promoted to be
overseer of his department, which position he held
for three and one half years.

In the year 1849 Mr. Kidder followed the tide
of emigration to California, and on arriving en-
tered the mines, where he worked until appointed
Superintendent of a water company, and when
leaving the state four years later, was receiving $8
per day for his services. In 1853 Mr. Kidder came
to Towa and made location on the farm which is
still in his possession. It was not his idea to make
a permanent home in this state when coming here,
but so great was his success that he would have
been very unwise had he not done so. His es-
tate comprises six hundred valuable acres in Du-
buque County, which by much hard labor he has
placed under excellent tillage, until it is now one
of the finest farms in this section.

Mr. Kidder was married in 1859 to Miss Annie,
daughter of James and Miranda (Kennard) John-
son, natives of Baltimore, Md. Their union has
resulted in the birth of seven children, two of
whom are deceased. Those living are, the Rev.
James J., who married Miss Lena Middleton and is
living in Fairbanks, this state; Zephaniah, Jr.,
makes his home in Epworth, and married Miss Sa-
die Fay; Lillie M., the next in order of birth, is like
her oldest brother, a graduate of Mt. Vernon Col-
544

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

lege, and is the wife of Eugene H. Smith; George
O. is a student in the above institution, and Will-
iam H. is carrying on his studies in a school at
Cedar Falls, this state. The wife and mother de-
parted this life in 1878, greatly beloved and
mourned by all who had the pleasure of her ac-
quaintance.

Religiously Mr. Kidder is a devoted member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is
a Trustee. He is very liberal in contributing to
its support, and recognized as among its most val-
ued members. Socially, he belongs to Lodge No.
84, A. F. & A. M., and in politics is a straightfor-
ward Republican with Prohibition tendencies.

ep

cB. McGONIGLE makes his home in El-
M kader, and is prominent in the ranks of
the Democratic party. By the votes of
the people he was elected in 1890 to his present
position of trust and honor as Deputy County
,Clerk of Clayton County. He numbers a host of
warm personal friends, and by his energetic and
business-like manner convinces all who have the
pleasure of meeting him that he is amply qualified
to discharge the duties pertaining to his post. A
native of Clayton County, he was born in Monona,
September 23, 1870, and though a young man, has
already acquired a good reputation as a sagacious
and far-sighted man of business and a financier.
The father of our subject, whose Christian name
is Charles L., was born in the Keystone State, and
in early manhood came to the west, becoming one
of the pioneers and prominent in the growth of
Clayton County. He is a stanch Democrat, an
active worker in the ranks of the party, and at the
present time is serving as a representative to the
Legislature from this county. His wife, formerly
Helen Barnes, was born in Indiana, being a daugh-
ter of Isaac Barnes, a native of the Empire State,
and one of the early settlers of Clayton County.
The boyhood of him whose name heads this rec-

 

ord was passed at his birthplace, where he received
the advantages of the good public schools. He has
always made the most of his opportunities in an
educational way, and by his private reading has
acquired a good fund of general information. His
father, who has long been a public man, was ap-
pointed te the position of Postmaster of Monona
in 1884 by President Cleveland, and with him our
subject commenced his business life, serving as
Deputy Postmaster, a place he occupied for two
years. In 1890 he was appointed Deputy County
Clerk, to serve under M. P. Dunn, and has proved
himself worthy of the honor and trust thus re-
posed in him. It is needless to say that he, like
his father, is an ardent Democrat, for he is widely
known as one of the leading young men of the
locality in the community where he resides. Be-
ing genial and affable in manner, he numbers a
large circle of friends and acquaintances, and
though still so young, his keen eye to business
and energetic disposition commend him highly to
the shrewd and enterprising citizens of Elkader
and surrounding towns. His pleasant face and
beaming smile are familiar to all who frequent the
courthouse, and he is a universal favorite.

SS =

E. MAGUIRE, M. D., who now devotes his

time and energies to the practice of medi-

cine in Dubuque, is one of the younger mem-

bers of the medical fraternity, but possesses
skill and ambition, which will no doubt win him
a place among the leading physicians of this local-
ity. He was born in East Dubuque, Ill, on the Ist
of June, 1870, and is a son of Thomas Maguire, a
native of Ireland, who bade adieu to the Emerald
Isle, and crossed the Atlantic to America. He
took up his residence in East Dubuque in an early
day, and is still engaged in merchandising in that
place, one of its representative and well known
citizens. The mother of the Doctor bore the
maiden name of Ellen Grath. She isa native of
Racine, Wis., and a daughter of Peter Grath, one
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

545

 

 

 

of the honored pioneers of Jo Daviess County, Ill.

The Doctor spent the days of his boyhood and
youth in his native city, being reared in his par-
ents’ home, and completed his literary education
by his graduation from the high school of Dubuque
in 1886. Previous to this time he had taken a
business course of study in the Bayless Commer-
cial College of Dubuque, from which he was grad-
uated in 1882. He was an apt scholar and his
studious disposition and earnest application have
made him a well informed man.

In 1890, Doctor Maguire, with the view of fit-
ting himself for his life work, entered the Medical
Department of Iowa State University of Iowa
City, and was graduated from that institution in
the spring of 1893. In the summer of the same
year he opened an office in Dubuque, where he has
since conducted a general practice in medicine and
surgery. He is now doing a successful business,
and has the regard of not only his patrons, but
also the members of the profession. He has also
spent some time in the Chicago Polyclinic School,
and is a member of the Dubuque Medical Society.
He exercises his right of franchise in support of
the Democratic party.

ray Ne"

Find

—}

OHN A. CRAWFORD, one of the honored
old settlers of Jones County, was a promi-
nent factor in the foundation of her present
prosperity, and for years has been a resident

on section 27, Cass Township. In addition to
general farming he makes a specialty of raising
and feeding stock, in which branch he has been
very successful. He comes from a line of honest,
industrious men and true patriots. His paternal
grandfather, Alexander Crawford, left his native
country, Scotland, and settled in America soon
after the war of the Revolution, and his descend-
ants in the United States have been noted for their
honorable and distinguished careers.

Alexander Crawford, Jr., our subject’s father,

 

was born in Virginia, and at a very early day set-
tled in Mercer County, Pa. Subsequently he re-
moved to Ohio, in 1806 went to Illinois, and
afterward, still continuing westward, located in
Jones County, Iowa. He was a successful farmer,
and his death occurred on his homestead in Cass
Township when he was seventy-five years of age.
Prior to the war he was a very strong Abolition-
ist, and after the formation of the Republican
party became its stanch ally. He was a soldier in
the War of 1812, and was always on the side of
freedom and equal rights. His wife who was be-
fore her marriage Rachel Kidd, was of Scotch pa-
rentage and a native of Pennsylvania. Her death
occurred in 1844 in Illinois.

J. A. Crawford was born in Mercer County, Pa.,
in 1825, and in that locality passed his boyhood.
When ten years old he went with his parents to
Ohio, where he became initiated in farming duties,
and there received a common school education. On
arriving at maturity he commenced to operate a
farm on his own account in DeKalb County, Ill.,
and there remained until 1856. In the year last
mentioned he came to this county and purchased
a farm. His valuable place on section 27, Cass
Township, 1s particularly adapted for general farm-
ing and stock-raising purposes. At the present
time two hundred head of cattle are being fed and
cared for on his farm, and to this branch of farm
work he gives his most interested attention. His
pleasant and substantial two-story brick residence
is nicely located in a convenient part of his farm,
and the grounds and trees surrounding it make
the place a very desirable one. Good stables,
barns and other farm buildings are on the prop-
erty, and everything is kept up in a ship-shape
manner.

In 1849 Mr. Crawford was married to Miss
Eunice, daughter of Benjamin Leonard, of Penn-
sylvania, in which state the lady was born and
reared. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have a family
comprising three daughters and one son, namely:
Emma, Jessie, Letta and John A. Jr. The parents
gave their children good educational advantages
and practical training, which have been of great
value to them in their life battles, and have re-
sulted in their becoming good and useful citizens
546

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

of the communities in which they make their
dwelling place.

Mr. Crawford is very liberal and advanced in
his ideas, and is not bound by ties of party poli-
tics, but prefers instead to use his own discretion
and judgment, on all affairs relating to the welfare
of his home and neighborhood, as well as national
matters, He is well read and well informed, and
keeps abreast of the times.

$e: HOKE

RS. ABBIE BURGE, nee ANDREWS.
Among the women of Dubuque County
who deserve more than a passing notice
at the hands of ,the biographer for their sterling
worth and integrity in. battling the trials of life
since their loved companions have passed to the
home beyond, and who have been successful, is the
lady whose name heads this biographical notice,
now residing in Concord Township, Dubuque
County, Iowa. She was born in Hardin County,
Ohio, in 1851, and is the widow of Clement H.
Burge, who was born in the state of Ohio, May 2,
1842. His demise occurred at Cottage Hill, Iowa,
and was caused by a wound received in the War
of the Rebellion.

The late Clement Burge had been reared to prin-
ciples of patriotism, and when the rebellion of the
southern states began to assume formidable pro-
portions, he promptly laid aside his farming im-
plements to provide himself with the accouterments
of war. He enlisted in Company F, Thirteenth
Ohio Regiment. This regiment did gallant service
during the war, as will be seen in the records of
the Adjutant-General of Ohio. Mr. Burge re-
mained with this company until he was wounded
at the battle of Murfreesboro, and then, after three
long years of courageous fighting, he was honor-
ably discharged.

Mr. Burge was united in marriage in Hardin
County, Ohio, with Miss Abbie Andrews, March
31,1866. She is the daughter of Louis and Mary

 

(Couglin) Andrews. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrews
were born nine children, as follows: Elizabeth,
Phoebe, Isaac, Samuel, Mary, Sarah, Lavinia, Abbie
and Louis.

In 1871 our subject and her husband moved to
Cottage Hill, Dubuque County, Iowa, where Mr.
Burge purchased forty acres of wild and unculti-
vated land, which by unceasing toil he increased
to one hundred and five acres and which was at
the time of his death well under cultivation. Mr.
and Mrs. Burge were blessed with six children, as
follows: Florence, James, Sophia, Martin, Ida and
Hattie. The father was possessed of many gener-
ous qualities, and was always ready and willing to
encourage every worthy enterprise. His domestic
life was one of happiness, and the hospitality of
his httle home amid the pines was well known.
He was politically a Republican, and ably served
for four years as School Director. Like his im-
mediate progenitors, he was a member of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church.

== oe S-

AGOBERT A. GEHRIG, Cashier of the
German State Bank and Mayor of Dyers-
ville, was born in Switzerland in 1852.
When only three years of age he was brought to
America by his parents, Andreas and Dora Geh-
rig, who located at Dubuque, where our subject
received a liberal education in the public schools.
He partially supported himself by working after
school hours for C. E. Kleis. At an early age, he laid
the foundation of the splendid success of his after
life, for he formed habits of industry and strict at-
tention to business.

Our subject’s parents were likewise natives of
Switzerland. In 1877 Mr. Gehrig of this sketch
entered the City Treasurer’s Office as Deputy and
after remaining there for one year became Deputy
County Treasurer under James Harragan. His ad-
vent into politics was sudden, and his natural apti-
tude for political campaigning, as wel! as his gen-
eral popularity, has made his way easy and upward.
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 547

 

 

He was later elected City Treasurer, in which ca-
pacity he served for two terms. For five years he
acceptably filled the position of Deputy Sheriff,
which place he resigned in order to accept a po-
sition as Cashier of the German State Bank in
Dyersville at the earnest request of its directors.
Under his management the bank has been a phe-
nomenal success. It has a capital of $25,000; its
' deposits amount to $185,000 and its loans aggre-
gate $175,000. In short, no safer financial insti-
tution can be found, as it is on a solid basis.

In the spring of 1893, Mr. Gehrig was elected
Mayor of Dyersville, in which capacity he is now
serving. He is noted for doing everything well
that he undertakes, and he is very popular with the
mass of citizens. He is an equal partner in the
dry-goods and grocery firm of P. Freymann & Co.,
of this place, which concern has a large and lucra-
‘tive business.

In the year 1875, Mr. Gehrig wedded Miss
Frances Kistler, daughter of one of Dubuque’s old-
est and most highly esteemed citizens. Our sub-
ject las a beautiful home, surrounded by all that
can make life pleasant, and thoroughly understands
how to enjoy the worldly goods which he has ac-
quired by diligent and unremitting labor.

ARK B. SHERMAN. Among the pioneers
of Clayton County who have accumulat-
ed largely of this world’s goods through

their indomitable energy, and who are now enabled
- to retire from the active labors of life and spend
their declining years in the enjoyment of a well
earned competency, is the gentleman whose name
introduces this sketch, and who is a member of the
family that has given our country some of its most
eminent statesmen. He came to this county in
1844, and since that time has been closely connect-
ed with the progress of Farmersburg Township.
His home is now in National.

The family history in this country begins with

 

the arrival of Edmund Sherman, who left Dedham,
Essex County, England, in 1634, and came to
America accompanied by his three sons, Edmund,
Samuel and John. ‘The early representatives of
the family in New England were employed in get-
ting out ship timber for the Government. Our
subject’s great-grandfather, Ephraim Sberman, was
born in 1700 and died July 9,1775. His wife,
Sarah Willard, whose birth occurred in 1708, was
the first white child born in Grafton, Mass. Grand-
father Aaron Sherman was born August 25, 1748,
and was a graduate of Harvard College at Cam-
bridge, Mass. His son, Elijah, was born in Grafton,
Mass., September 19, 1776, and in 1801 married
Miss Sallie Batchelor, who was born in 1777 at
Sutton, Worcester County, Mass. She died Janu-
ary 29, 1845, and he passed away June 28, 1862.
They were the parents of nine children, of whom
the only survivors are Mark B. and Mrs. Maria
Musson, of Champaign, Ill.

In Walpole, N. H., the subject of this sketch was
born February 7,1816. He wassix yearsold when
in 1822 the family removed to New York, and in
Essex County he passed his boyhood years. Be-
fore he was sixteen he began in life for himself,
and learning the trade of a boot and shoe maker
he was thus engaged forsome time. May 26, 1842,
he married Melissa, daughter of David and Sybil
(Adams) Clark, natives of Vermont. Her grand-
father was drowned when her father was only
eleven years old, and the latter, early obliged to
become self-supporting, learned the trade of a boat
builder and architect. He was a soldier in the
War of 1812. For many years he lived in Addi-
son, Vt.,and thence in 1832 went to New York,
settling in Essex County, where he and his wife
died. ‘Their family numbered six daughters and
three sons, of whom one son and three daughters
are now living. Mrs. Sherman was born in Addi-
son County, Vt., September 13, 1822.

After his marriage our subject settled in the
town of Lewis, Essex County, N. Y., where he was
employed at his trade. In 1844 he came west and
purchased land in Farmersburg Township, Clayton
County. The property was then wholly unim-
proved. He put up, at an expense of seventy-five
cents, a log pole house, but a year later, in 1845,
548

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

erected a more substantial residence, which is still
standing and in good repair. After living in that
home for twenty-one years, he erected the house
where he now resides. He and his wife enjoy the
distinction of being the oldest surviving settlers
of Farmersburg Township, and certainly no one
in the community is more highly esteemed than
they.

In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Sherman were six
children, and four are now living, namely: Julia
Adelaide, who married Dr. P. D.St. John, of Wich-
ita, Kan., and has two children; Dr. E. Amelia
and Althea R., who are with their parents, and
Mark R., who married Mary Celia Lull, and lives
in Chicago. Emma Maria, who married Elihu F.
Chase, became the mother of six children, and both
she and her husband are now deceased. The
daughters and son have been the recipients of the
most thorough educational advantages. Mrs. St.
John graduated from the Fayette (Iowa) Semin-
ary, Oberlin College, and the Medical Department
of the State University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.
She spent one year in the Woman’s Medical Col-
lege of Philadelphia and is now practicing her pro-
fession in Wichita, Kan. Dr. E. Amelia Sherman
is a graduate of the classical course of Oberlin Col-
lege, and studied medicine at the Woman’s Medi-
cal College, Philadelphia. She also spent one year
in the Woman’s Hospital at Boston, Mass., and was
graduated from the Medical Department of Michi-
gan State University. Althea R.,a graduate of
Oberlin College in the classical course, studied art
in New York and Chicago, and is now superintend-
ent of drawing in the public schools of Tacoma,
Wash. Mark R. was a student in the high schools
of Chicago, spent four years in Oberlin College
and for two years took a classical course at Ann
Arbor, Mich., and graduated, afterward taking a
law course there. For one year he was in the law
office of Judge Cheever, of Ann Arbor, also prac-
ticed at Terre Haute, Ind., one year, and is now a
member of a prominent law firm of Chicago. The
sixth child, a daughter, Sibyl Melissa Sherman,
died when about four years of age. In politics
our subject is a stanch Republican, which, in fact,
has been the political faith of all of that name. In
‘local matters he has exerted a remarkable influence

| buildings.

 

and has been one to whom his fellow-citizens have
always looked for counsel. He has served as .Jus-
tice of the Peace and in other township offices, but
as arule has preferred to give his attention to
personal matters rather than public affairs.

,

 

KEEEEEEEEEEEEMEE EEE LE EEE EERO

 

Taylor Township, Dubuque County, was

for many years engaged in railroading,
and is now living on his beautiful two hundred
and forty-acre farm, adjacent to the village. Mr.
Cunningham was born in King’s County, Ireland,
in 1834, and resided in his native land until he
had reached the age of eighteen years when he
emigrated to America. He first located at Johns-
town, Pa., where he resided until 1858, being
engaged in work for the railroad. In the last
mentioned year he came to Dubuque County, lo-
cating in Farley. He had secured contracts .to
build the Dubuque Southwestern Railroad which
he completed and afterward became roadmaster,
superintending the construction of bridges and
He remained with this firm until 1879,
when he engaged with the Chicago, Northwestern
Railroad, for whom he contracted and built fully
fifteen hundred miles of road in Illinois, Iowa,
Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming. He continued
actively engaged with that company until the
year 1888, when he retired.

In 1860 Mr. Cunningham was joined in the
bonds of matrimony with Clara Andrews of Jones
County, Iowa, by whom he had had four children,
all of whom are still living. Fred L., Frank,
Annie M., wife of Nicholas P. Mathews, of Du-
buque and Joseph. The eldest son, Fred, became
a partner with his father in the contracts which
the latter took during the last years he was in
business, and in the summer of 1892 became super-
intendent for all the track-laying on the World’s
Fair grounds, in Chicago. After the death of
Mrs. Cunningham, our subject married Miss

Pee F. CUNNINGHAM of Farley,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

549

 

 

 

Catherine H. Fitzgerald, of Farley. They are the
parents of seven children, only three of whom are
living: Mary, Kittie and Fitz R.

When our subject came to America, a brother,
John, accompanied him. The latter is a resident
of Chicago at the present time. His two sisters,
Maria and Ann, live in Des Moines, the former be-
ing the wife of John Fleming, and his youngest
sister, Kate, is now deceased. Politically, Mr.
Cunningham is a stanch Democrat, and has served
for one term as Supervisor of Dubuque County,
being one of three officials in that capacity. Since
January, 1892, he has served as a Chairman of the
Board. Religiously, our subject is a member of
the Roman Catholic Church.

ssa

OEL LANTZ. There is in the business
world one kind of men who can successfully
combat many disadvantages and trials and
come boldly to the front. It is this sort of

men, with superior intelligence and force of charac-
ter, that seem somehow to transform a poor begin-
ning into the most flattering end. To this class
belongs Joel Lantz, a man who by shrewdness of
judgment and good management has risen to an
honorable position in life.

Our subject was born in Clayton County, this
state, in 1852, and is the son of Christ and Sophia
(Meyer) Lantz, natives of Switzerland. The par-
ents emigrated to America in the year 1850, land-
ing in New York City and for the following two
years made their home in that state. Then coming
to Iowa they located in this county, the father in
the meantime following his trade of cigar manu-
facturer. In addition to this business he superin-
tended the operations of the estate on which the
family made their home for two years. Mr. Lantz
then purchased another tract of land, and moving
his family upon it occupied it but a short time
when he sold out and went to Indiana, where he
is still living and is in the possession of a good
income from his agricultural pursuits. His family
comprises the following named children: Christ,
Sophia, Lizzie, Bertha and Joel, our subject.

The original of this sketch was deprived by

 

death of the care of his mother when an infant of
six months. He remained in the home in which
he was adopted until attaining his fifteenth year.
Then starting out in life on his own responsibility
he worked as a farm hand for ten years; when he
had accumulated a sufficient sum of money, he
purchased one hundred and sixty-five acres of
choice farming land, the extent of which he soon
increased to two hundred and ninety acres, his
possessions at the present time. He has abundantly
shown his good judgment in the accumulation of
his estate, which is well supplied with improve-
ments which make life in the country enjoyable
and add to the value of the property.

Joel Lantz was united in marriage with Miss
Eliza Frieden, a lady who is a native of this
county and is the daughter of Benedict and An-
nie (Baumgardner) Frieden, formerly wealthy
residents here. Mr. and Mrs. Lantz have be-
come the parents of three children, bearing the
respective names of Willie, John and Celia. They
are being given the best advantages for obtaining
an education by their worthy parents, who will
also train them to fill honored positions in life.

Mr. Lantz is a stanch member of the Democratic
party, understands well the political issues of the
day and firmly believes that he is right in his
judgment regarding them. In religious affairs he
belongs to the Dunkard Church.

Sa

ARS WITTLESON. In recalling the labors
Lo which have made of Clayton County a re-

gion noted for its agricultural resources,
we feel a glow of admiration for all who bore
apart in the scenes of early days. One of the
early settlers of Marion Township is the worthy
gentleman above named, who has abundantly shown
his industry and good judgment by the accumula-
tion of a valuable estate, well supplied with im-
provements. He possesses the hospitable spirit and
cordial manners which belong to natives of Nor-
way, and which are also distinguishing character-
istics of pioneers in any section of the country.
Honorable in his dealings, well informed regard-
ing topics of general interest and able to relate
550

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

many interesting events in connection with the
early settlement of the township, his reputation is
excellent and his companionship desirable.

The birth of our subject occurred in Norway in
1827. He is the son of Whitley Henderson and
Guniel Larson, also natives of that country, where
they spent their entire lives. The father was a
farmer and stock raiser and well-to-do regard-
ing the worldly affairs of this life. Our subject
was one in a family of sixteen children, and emi-
grated to the United States in the year 1852,
landing in New York City. From the metropo-
lis he made his way to Milwaukee, Wis., and
after remaining there a short time went to Rock
County, the same state, where he was employed for
the two years following in working on railroads.
At the expiration of that time we find our subject
en route for this county and on arriving here he
made a purchase of a quarter-section of good land
in Marion Township. To this original tract he
added until his estate amounted to three hundred
and thirty-seven acres, all of which has been re-
claimed by Mr. Wittleson from its primitive con-
dition. The farm machinery in that day was of
the rudest build and the first chimneys were of
sod, built on the outside of the log houses; all
cooking was done in an open fireplace, except in
rare instances.

Lars Wittleson was married in 1854 to Miss
Annie Larson, who was also born in Norway in
the year 1817. She was the daughter of Lars and
Guniel Larson, and by her union with our subject
has become the mother of a son, Whitley L. Wit-
tleson. In politics our subject is a decided Re-
publican. He is very popular among his fellow-
countrymen in this locality and 1s of a peaceable,
kind and obliging disposition and has never had a
lawsuit in his life.

ma BB

RED COOK is one of the popular and
widely known officials of Clayton County,
as he occupies the important position of

Sheriff of the county, to which post he was elected
in the fall of 1893. He declared himself as an Inde-
pendent condidate and was endorsed by the Repub-

 

 

licans in Convention. He has always taken an ac-
tive part in political and local affairs and received
a majority of one thousand six hundred and ‘sev-
enty-four votes, one of the largest ever polled in
the county, which goes to show his personal and
wide spread popularity. Heis discharging the du-
ties of this position with efficiency and marked
ability and in a manner well worthy of a patriotic
citizen. His pleasant home is situated in Elkader
where he has resided for one year. His home has
been in Garnavillo for more than twenty years.

A native of. the Buckeye State, Mr. Cook’s birth
occurred in 1846,in Chillicothe, and during his
early years fate seemed to deal hardly with him for
he was deprived by death of his parents when
he was two years of age. His boyhood days were
passed in Ohio and Kentucky, and at the age of
ten years he came to the Hawkeye State with his
sister, settling in Ft. Madison, Lee County, where
he received the advantages of a public school edu-
cation. When nineteen years old he left that city
and. started out to battle with the world for a liwe-
libhood. He commenced his career by learning the
blacksmith’s trade, and in the spring of 1865 first
set foot in Clayton County. His apprenticeship
was served at Guttenberg, where he remained un-
til 1870.

About that time he removed to Garnavillo where
he embarked in the farm implement business in
partnership with Fred Harberg, the firm name be-
ing Cook & Harberg. For anumber of years he
did a successful business in that place continuing
in the same line until the fall of 1893 when he was
elected to be Sheriff of Clayton County. In addi-
tion to the sale of implements they manufactured
wagons and carriages.

In the year 1869 our subject was married to
Miss Clara §. Cooley, who was born and grew to
womanhood in this county. Her father, A. S.
Cooley was one of the pioneers of this locality
having located within the limits of the county
as early as 1839; he was also one of the leading
farmers of Garnavillo Township, for many years.
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cook has been
blessed with two sons: Lee F. and George W.

Mr. Cook is active in several fraternities belong-
ing to Garnavillo Lodge No. 90, A. F. & A..M.,
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

551

 

 

Garnavillo Lodge No. 29,1. O. O. F. and to the An-
cient Order of United Workmen of the same place.
For nearly thirty years Mr. Cook has been a resi-
dent of Clayton County, during which time he has
ever shown his interest in a practical way in the
upbuilding and progress of the locality. Demo-
cratic in politics, he prefers to owe allegiance to that
party, but holds himself free to vote for the men
or measures of any, regardless of party lines. He
.is a man of good education and pursues a varied
course of reading thus keeping himself well in-
formed on the leading topics of the day. From
his early years he has had to “paddle his own ca-
noe’? and though he has met with many obstacles
and discouragements on the journey of life, which
might well have discouraged him, he has bravely
and courageously met and overcome them, seem-
ing to acquire new strength for further conflict at
the same time. Few men havea better reputation
in, this locality for honorable and upright methods
and he truly deserves the high esteem in which
he is held by those who know him best.

==

ON. WILLIAM T. SHAW. One of the
most striking examples of industry and
perseverance crowned by fortune is to be

found in the life of this honored resident of
‘Anamosa. With the history of this now prosper-
ous city he has been identified from a period so
early in its settlement that it consisted of merely
a few houses and stores on “four corners,’’ on
the banks of the Wapsipinicon River, when he
came hither. Probably nocitizen has contributed
more largely to the progress of the place than has
he, and his name is inseparably associated with
the development of its material and commercial
interests.

.. The events that have marked the life of a man
of such prominence will be perused with interest
by his friends in Jones and other counties. He
- wasborn in Steuben, Washington County, Me.,
September 22, 1822, and is the son of William
Nicholas and Nancy D. (Stevens) Shaw. The
family is distinguished for patriotism and un-

 

swerving loyalty to the Government. His pater-
nal grandfather was a prominent officer in the Co-
lonial army during the Revolutionary War, serv-
ing for a time as aide-de-camp to General Knox.
In 1780 he was promoted to the rank of Captain
of Artillery, in which capacity he served until the
war ended.

The subject of this sketch was a student in the
common schools of Steuben and later attended the
Wesleyan Seminary at Readfield for several years.
He was a young man of nineteen years when he
started for the west, and stopping in Indiana, he
was for one year employed as teacher in a private
school at Greencastle. Thence he crossed the Ohio
into Kentucky and was engaged in teaching in
Harrodsburg until the Mexican War broke out.
In 1848 he visited Arkansas and the Indian Terri-
tory, becoming familiar with the customs of the
Cherokees, Chovtaws and other Indian tribes.

In 1849, when the entire country was thrown
into the greatest excitement over the discovery of
gold in California, Mr. Shaw was one of the

‘many ambitious and venturesome gold-seekers who

sought the Pacific Coast. There he engaged in
mining for two years, but in 1851 he returned as
far eastward as Anamosa, then a straggling and
unimportant hamlet. A year later he went back
to California, making the journey by the over-
land route. With the money there gained, he re-
turned to Anamosa in 1854 and began to specu-
late in real estate. In his enterprises he displayed
pluck, foresight and sagacity, and he was naturally
rewarded with success. Perhaps in no other way
did he more largely enhance the development of
the city than by the building of the Dubuque &
Southwestern Railroad from Farley to Anamosa,
in which work he was engaged at the time of the
Civil War. The Iowa Midland Railroad, running
from Clinton to Anamosa, became a reality solely
through his unwearied efforts. Anumber of brick
blocks also stand as monuments to his enterprise.
For some years he has devoted his attention to
banking, and the banking firm of which he is a
member, that of Shaw, Schoonover & Co., is a re-
liable institution, whose affairs are conducted upon
a solid financial basis.

A record of the life of Mr. Shaw would be in-
552

PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

 

 

complete were not conspicuous mention made of
his military career. In 1846, at the opening of
the Mexican War, he enlisted as a private in the
Second Kentucky Infantry, in which he remained
until the close of the conflict, retiring as a non-
commissioned officer. Among the engagements
in which he participated was that of Buena Vista,
where both his Colonel and Lieutenant-Colonel
were killed. On the 24th of October, 1861, he
was commissioned Colonel of the Fourteenth lowa
Infantry, which became a part of the Second Bri-
gade, Third Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. The
regiment suffered heavy losses at Pittsburg Land-
ing, after which, for a time, it was composed of
the “Iron Brigade,’’ the Eighth, Twelfth and Four-
teenth Iowa, and the Fifty-eighth Illinois Regi-
ments. No better equipped or braver regiment
went out from Iowa than the Fourteenth, nor was
there any officer more valiant or daring than
Colonel Shaw. For a time he commanded the
Third Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps, and
at the expiration of his term of service, October
29, 1864, he received high praise from Major-Gen.
A. J. Smith, who alluded to his courage, patriotism
and skill in the warmest terms. When about to
leave the Division which he had so bravely com-
manded, the oflicers presented him with a beautiful
sword and scabbard, which, as may be imagined,
he prizes very highly. The patriotic spirit he dis-
played was emulated by other members of the fam-
ily; one of his cousins, Robert G. Shaw, who com-
manded the First Colored Regiment, was killed at
Ft. Wagner.

A leader in military tactics, Mr. Shaw was also
recognized as eminently qualified for public office,
and was therefore chosen to represent his county
in the State Legislature. His record in that body
was one of which he may well be proud, and his
ability made him one of the leading members of
the Lower House. With advancing years he is less
prominently connected with business and political
affairs than when in life’s prime, but still retains
his interest in everything pertaining to the wel-
fare of the city and the progress of the people.
He has one of the most beautiful residences in
Anamosa. It is a commodious brick structure
situated in the suburbs on a rise of ground and

 

surrounded on three sides by native forest trees.
He has been three times married. His first wife,
with whom he was united in 1854, was Miss Helen
A. Crane, of Jones County; she died in 1865, af-
ter having become the mother of two children,
one of whom survives her. His second wife, whose
maiden name was Retta Harmon, died one year
after marriage. He was afterward united with
Mrs. Elizabeth Higby, of Kalamazoo County, Mich.

 

BESEBE IESE SE BB DEDEDE SE SESE

RLANDO B. RUNDLE, is one of the most
eminent dentists in the state; not only
has he been honored by the success with

which he has met in his profession, but for his ex-
cellent record as a civic officer, and for the part he
has always taken in the cause of education and
other interests tending to advance the material
prosperity of the county.

Mr. Rundle was born in this county upon a
farm, April 20, 1851. He is the son of Nicholas
Rundle, a native of England, who when young,
emigrated to Quebec, Canada, and came to the
States a year after reaching his majority. He mar-
ried Mrs. Mary Burdick, of Apple River, IIL, the
widow of Miner M. Burdick. In 1850 the parents
located in Scottstown, this county, where Nicholas
Rundle carried on his trade of blacksmith in con-
nection with his farm which he had purchased in
Monticello Township. This comprised one hun-
dred and sixty acres, which his sons aided him in
placing under good tillage when they were old
enough, and there the father made his home until
a short time before his decease, which occurred at
Apple River, Ill., December 27, 1863, when ona
visit to that place. His good wife is still living,
making her home with her children. Mr. Rundle
has two sisters living, Mrs. Mary Orr and Mrs.
Julia C. Coyle, both of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Lo-
deska A. Clark died at Harvard, Neb., in 1887.

Orlando B., of thissketch was the fourth of the
family of six children, having three sisters, one half-
brother, Joseph A. Burdick, and one half-sister, Mrs.
Adaline P. Mellette. Our subject gained his first
PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD.

553

 

 

knowledge in the district school. Later he went to
school in Monticello and, his father dying when he
was thirteen years of age, he remained at home car-
ing for his widowed mother until attaining mature
years. After deciding to follow a professional ca-
reer he left home and began the study of den-
tistry. He established himself in Monticello and
has been engaged in the practice of his profession
ever since. He has been very successful financially,
and has shown himself to be a business man of
more than ordinary ability.

Mr. Rundle owns two good farms of 160 acres
each, which are now operated by tenants, besides
a fine, $8,000 brick residence in which his family
reside in this city. In May, 1875, he was married
to Miss Jennie, daughter of Solomon and Mar-
garet Manley, prominent citizens of Mineral Point,
Wis. In politics Mr. Rundle is a stanch Republi-
can, and in 1894 was elected on that ticket as
Mayor of the city. Socially he is a member of
Monticello Lodge No. 117, I. O. O. F., and a char-
ter member of Wide Awake Encampment No.

 

140. He was a charter member of Monticello
Lodge No. 43, A. O. U. W., in which he was Master
Workman for six consecutive years. The Doctor
is connected with Ivy Lodge No. 87, K. P., and in
all. these various orders takes a prominent part.
He is an active member of the Iowa State Dental
Association, also one of the founders of the East-
ern Iowa Dental Association, and is now Secretary
of the latter, having been Treasurer for two terms.

Our subject is the possessor of considerable val-
uable real estate, and his success in life is attributed
to his energy and indomitable perseverance, and
those qualities which give him the “strength to
dare.”’

Our subject’s family comprises nine living chil-
dren, seven daughters and two sons, all at home:
The eldest, Bessie M., is eighteen years of age; the
second, Jessie M., seventeen; Lillie E., sixteen;
Daisie V., eleven; Grace E., nine; Hattie H., seven;
Harrison N., five; Orlando S., three, and Margaret
J., one.

 
 
 
   

A

Adair, L. J.,M.D........ oe B23

 

Alexander, L. T.......6.2.6..B24
Allen, W. B.........- avieieteinrelad.
Allison, Hon. W. B -«117
Amsden, M.R... . ».-d8l
Anderegg, John..
Anderson, Eugene. .
Arnold, Hiram... 3
Arquitt, B.N....... - 362
Arthur, Chester A .
Atherton,S.A..
Atkins, G. F........
Aulwes, Frederick. .
Austin, F. E...
Axtell, A. E...... sajeta (ei we ee 432

 

   
 
 
    
   

 

  

Babcock, P. O...-
Baldwin, Hon. I. W.
Balluff, Victor.....---
Barnes, G. A....+e
Barnhill, R. S..esseeeeeeees B18

 

ie Se ie INDEX. “S 2 =

) By a Sadeitslaite todolast todos tctole Sect Sedlostostodadadtostoste Stostoitostodtedtostoito Bc odtntatestdtes see

 

   
  
  
 
   
     
  
 

Barre, C. 8... .eesceeeens eee. 273
Bartlett, W. H.........4.....422
Barton, George.............. 301 4
Bates, John........ eae e. B82
Bayless, Hon. F. D....... +361

Beatty, Dickson......
Beatty, Rev. J. W..

Beck, Guido........ +532
Behrens, F. E...... eae 184
Belknap, J.5S...... esisvefoie wee 256
Bell, Robert.........000.--e05

Bennett, Richard, Sr. .
Bennington, Samuel......
Bigelow, I.8.,M.D.......
Bigley, Noah...... ae
Bilbrough, J. E...........
Bockenstedt, Henry.........276
Bomacke, John.......... é
Bonson, Hon. Richard...
Booth, Edmund........
Booth, Gen. C. H....... on
Bray, Nicholas, M.D........
Bray, William, M. D..
Brinkmann, Rey. J. H
Brock, W. B., M. D.
Brookshier, J. P...

Brown, C. M... ...........+.-368
Brown, Edward..... peeceee DOL
Browne, L. R.... . 618
Bruns, F.H........ ~ 454
Brunskill, Joseph. . - 321
Buchanan, James. -- 75

Bullinger, F. X.... ace
Burge, Mrs. Abbie... «++ 646
Bush J. Deveesscee scence eae e2I2

 

Butler, Edward......
Buttolph, Charles............46

 

Candee, Selden.............. 461
Carter, James...
Chamberlain, W.I
Chapin, Asahel....
Christman, Charles.
Clark, H.H., M.D...

  
   
 
  
 

Clark, Jacob.... 494
Clark, M. P..... AT3
Clark, Rodolphus.. +. -216
Claus, Bernhard, Jr..........207
Cleveland, S. Grover......... 103
Coates, F. W.........- + 188
Condit, W.G........... veneveBl8

Cook, Fred......... serorieraniet 550
Cook, Jouephs,; ane
Cooley, Hon. D.N
Cooney, Rev. Mark..........125
Corrance, Hugh
Crary, Judge O. W. c
Crawford, J. A.s.ceee cece es O45
Crawford, P. W...
Cunningham, P. F..
Cushing, Hon. James...
Cushing M.4H..........

 

 

 

 
  

 

  

        

D
Dalby, A. J......... sviavoceishege 308
Davidshoefer, Christian. ....302
Davis, Minor........ceeeeee 335
Dawson, Peter..... eneenieewela 204
Dean, Judge C, A........06. 403
Dennis, W.S.

    

Dunning, W.H... 463,
Dunsmoor, Thomas.........

  

E
Eckart. Henry........0....+ 424
Egger, Arnold, Sr... . 178
Ebrhardat, E. C.. -496
Eighmey, C. H.. +131
Ensign, 8. H.... 283
Ercanbrack, T. R............ 483
F
Farley, J. P........cseees «126

Farwell, Hon. 8. S.vscvvseeynd2d
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

  
 

556 INDEX.

Fengler, George...... Heer, Rev. G. W.. «+267 Kidder, Zephaniah. . Miller, B. A......... avisteisie sie B08
Feuerstein, Rev. F. X. ae Henkels, Henry. «. LIS Kiene, Peter, Sr... Miller, Charles.........+ oo 145
Fillmore, Millard............ Henker, Fred........ soba dceebvien 218 Kingsley, Thomas.......:..,.304 | | Miller, Jacob... -38:
Finley, D.M.,M.D.......... 294 Heustis, J. W., M. D.........506 Kleinschmidt, John.......... 143 Mink, Adam... 7.

Fisher, Frank * Hicks, E. H........ Klostermann, F. H.......... Moellering, F. W. 407
Fitzpatrick, Edward.... Hicks, F. M.. Knight, A. Ru... cece eee eens 173 Mollart, George....... Biases 168

Fitzpatrick, Mathew...
Foell, Philip........
Foley, John.........
Freymann, Peter... es
Frieden, Mrs. Anna........ 530
Fries, Mrs. Catherine........ 198
Fritsche, Sylvesta... ‘
Fuehr, Rev. G. H..........-.520

  
 
 

G

Garfield, James A.......06.. 95
Garnavillo Sentinel The. ...519
Gasser, Albert...... sacececs 234
Gawley, E. W.,M.D......

Gehrig, D.A......

  
  
 
 
 
  
  

Gehrig, Henry.. ooo 163
Gibbs, A. P......+ 176
Gibson, John..... ++» 38
Gilbert, Frank... 00 B96
Goerdt, Theodor. ..........-.205
Goldthorp, J. R.......+.+ wee P11
Gooding, G. A.....-. ee oe ALB
Graham, Hon. William......491
Grant, Ulysses S.....-+++++- 87
Graves, Hon. J. K........- +138
Gregoire, C. H

Gregory, Ezra..

Grigg, J.J. ces ccec ee ee ene coe 288
Guilbert, E. A., M. D.
-Guthrie, J. R., M.D....

 
   
 

H
Haberkorn, George..... o. -510
Hagensick, H. H..........++ 295
Hagensick, John..........+-+ 471
Hagensick, J.G.... +. 398

Hall, Elias......-.-
Hallahan, Daniel. . ea
Haller, W. Wo... cence nee 297
Halpin, P. H.....sseeeeeeeee 373
Ham, Hon. M.M... 265
Hansen, Nicholas.......-.+..208
Hardie, Hon. Thomas........120
Harms, Harm.....0..2+.. .-801
Harrison, Benjamin.........107
Harrison, William Henry.... 51

 

  
 
 

Hartwick, John.........+++.515
Havens, Isaac......- aoe e eee O96
Hayes, Patrick...... + 367

 
  

Hayes, Rutherford B + 91
Hayes, R.R....-. --238
Heer, Fridolin...+ysrereece ee245

 

Hill, Nancy M., M. D.. oes
Hill, Rev. James........ ooo 166
Hofacre, J. M........65. ...341
Hofer, Nicholas...
Hoffmann, M. M....
Holscher, Henry....
Holt, E.C...
Horr, Asa, M.D...
Hosford, Alonzo........

 
  
 
 
 
 

House; Ax: Hevwissieneesaadieed
Howie, James....... ne
Humphry, Richard....... «B95
Huntington, R.S....
Huntting, W. F..
Hupfer, Frank..

 

I

Ihm, Herman...... eaiotivsieaaieskdd
J

Jackson, Andrew..........-+ 43

Jackson, E. R., M. D.
Jacobia, David..
Jaeger, Francis. or
Jecklin, H. J... .ccce eee e eee 208
Jelferson, Thomas........ oe QT
Jenkins, Major...........+..-464
Johannes, Rev. Clements. » 126
Jobnson, Andrew

seen e e201

  

 

 

  

Johuson, Ole.....
Jones, E. E........

Jones, Gen. G. W ai
Joslin, J.M.D.,M.D......... 194
K
Kantlehner, John............ 196
Katschkowsky, Herman.....475
Kauffmann, Nicholas...... + 262
Kaufmann, J. K +195
Keleher, Thomas............175
Kelly, James....... «156
Kennedy, Michael........... 372

Kennedy, M. T............. 540
Kennedy, Robert. es
Kerper, Jacob.......... siege OU
Ketcham, Ezra..............175
Ketcham, J. EB... cece eee 1 S84

 

 

Knoll, Hon. F. M........
Kortenkamp, Henry...

  

Kramer, Adam........
Kregel, A. H..........
Kregel, Diedrich.........-...
L
Lamm, Joseph.........+..++: 386
Lantz, Joel......... Si aieveie sais

   
  
 
    
 
 

Large, W.P..
Larkin, John..
Larson, John..
Lattner, Hon. Wendelin. oe LD
Lattner, Paul..........++
Lawrence, J. O.
LeClere, G. F..... ai
Lewis, Prof. W.S............30
Lincoln, Abraham...
Lochner, Thomas. .
Loetscher, Christian.

Loomis, N.J.....+ «
Lovell, Hon. G. W...
Lovett, M. W.....0..65

  

Lowry, Mrs. Mary E......... 356
Lueck, B. H......... a
Lueck, J. J...

Lyon, D. E.......64. seus 184

 

 

M
Madden, P. W...... were eee vee LOB
Madison, James......... esos Sl
Maeh},J.C......... :
Maguire, J. E., M.D........ edd
Manhart, W A.....6.. 6.60. 529
Marshall, George. . -. 168

 
   

Martin, M. H.....
Maxson, C.S...
McCann, Hon. James........231
McClelland, P. W............ 484
McCluer, Benjamin, M. D....161
McConnon, John........
McCormick, Rev. John..
McDermott, A.8........0+. 182
McGaharen, H. G..
McGonigle, McB....
McGrath, James.............281
McGregor, Gregor......
McLaughlin, J. A....
McNamara, M. F..
Mescher, Frank. .
Meyer, C. H......
Meyer, Henry..........

Michel, Jacob......-+0e0000. 148

   

  
 
  
 

 

 
  
 
   
 
 

Monger, C. H..
Monlux, William..
Monroe, A. J...
Monroe, James.
Moore, E. J......
Moore, Silas... .
Morgan, Cornehus. . A
Morgans, W.J.....eseeeerese

 

Mueller, N.J.A....- ashore «536

Mullin, James...... eas

Murdock, Hon. Samuel.

Murphy, Rev. M.5..... a

Myers, D. D...... Ber octs +. 237
N

Naming of Iowa..

 
 
 
  
 
 

Nelson, Bheiincinsnisansighecs lls
Newberry, Hon. James. .'....447
Newman, Jobn...... «267
Neylan, Michael. .

Nichols, Luther.... 391
Nicks, N. P........ aes 144
Nitzsche, F. R., M. D. . 215
Noble, L. L...... seee nec ee AMD

'

Oathout, O. D..... ce. ee eee 5 0405
Oberbrockling, Ferdinand ..284
Oberbrockling, Joseph......411
Oberbroekling, Rev. F. W...283
O’Daily, Morris. :

  

Oelke, Henry....... - 436
_ Olmsted, Hon. P. P........-- 401
Olinger, Hon. Peter..........128
Olsen, Soren...... on «495

  
 

O’Neill, B. J... - A488
O'Neill, Joseph.. . 863
Orrick, W. L..........- eee |

Page, J. P..ccsseseceee epee AT

Fe reir 2%

+211

 
 
  
 

Paley, Frank...
Palmer, John...
Pape, Conrad...
Pape, Rev. F. W.
Partch, James....
 

 

 

  
 
 

 

  

   
 
 

 
  
 

 

 
  

 

INDEX. 557
Patterson, H.S.,M. D.......386 Spensley, Ralph.........-+ e214
Stacy, Hon. J.S...

Saunders, Col. C. J. W. , Stallard, Daniel..

Sauser, John, Jr....... suiwevs 162 Starks, Alfred...........0. 06 Ww

Schemmel, Joseph....... 0 0285 Stendebach, J. P,.......---.6 133
Phillips, T. F....... 291 Schindler, George. Stewart, D. C...... +275
Pier, Philip. 5 Schmalfeld, John.... Stewart, Hon. W. G. 132
Pierce, Franklin. 71 Schmidt, A.A ,M.D. Stewart, W. B... 514
Platz, Joseph...........606: 214 | Schmidt, F. He... eee eee Stillman CO. Lcssosneverciees 272 | Waite, J. W.....eeeee eee 2533
Polk, James K........0-64- .59 | Schmidt, J.B...... Stimpson, Jobn..... ssiesgeseed 357 | Walker, C. H.
Pollard, A. L.,M.D.... .258 | Schmitt, George..... Stuart, Bradley. . .354 | Walters, J. A.,D. D.S.....
Port, F. W., M. D...... lB Schneider, Joseph .. Stuart, Oren, M. D. B27 Washington, George........

 
 
 

 
 

Powers, Rev. Robert.

Preston, John....... é
Puta Bs Ia asivwiccseiaiprtevecvheinsninees

R

Rahe, Andrew....... .....-. 164
Redmond, Nicholas.......... 342
Reiff, Jacob ...... 515
Remley, H. M....... 256
Renshaw, L. L., M. D........481
Robbins, Silas...........66.0+ 526
Roche, Rev. L. F............

 

Rorick, Hon. D. D a
Rounds, Mrs. Steaphana....413
Rowan, Hon. James....
Rowe, Rev. Thomas.......... 468
Ruegnitz, Charles............

 

Ruston, Rev. W. O
Ryan, Rev. Roger..

  

Salot, George...
Sams, Silas. ....
Sandhouse, Harmon hiacaevaneteis B18

 

 

Schnepf, Conrad...
Schoch, C. Fu... ... ec ee eee
Schodde, William...........306
Schoonover, A. J....
Schoulte, 8. H. F..
Schroeder, Rudolph. as
Schromen, Christopher... ...243
Schulte, William............. 462
Schumacher, J. F...

  
 
  
  
  
 
   
     
 
 

Schweitzer, John.... .172
Scofield, G. H.... ~ 478
Scofield, Nathan............4 A472
SCOttGiIS.G. cs sesserucesersowrares 466
Scotty Wa Siciirniniccnereresecene

Scripture, Calvin, Jr
Seifert, Rev. F. W.... :
Shaw, Hon. W.T.............58
Sherman, M.B..........-.-05

Simones, Joseph. .
Sloan, J. F........
Smedley, Edwin. .
Smith, A. G., M.D... . eee

 
  
 

Sones, G. W........ce ee eee ee 252
Sonnkalb, C. F. W
Southwell, S. J..
Southwick, Westley. .
Specht, Mrs. Johanna....... 145

 
   

 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

Studebaker, T. H. 493
Stuhler, George.......----+ 378
Summer, lenatz.........-. ee 245
Sweeney, James.........+.-- 147
T
Taylor, D. H.........66 2.2477
Taylor, Zachary. ....... ... 63
Thoresen, Haaken. 438
Thyne, Austin... - 476
Tibey, John...........- itera 216
Traut, Paul...........eeees 141
Trexler, John... 263
Tschirgi, Matthew.. 228
Tucker, W.N..... -- 406
Tyler, Jobn......- sia leereon eevee 85
Vv

Van Buren, Martin ......... 47
Varley, James. 2

Voelker, Hon. C. A...... vee LBA
Vullgraff, Henry.........-.++ 539

 

Watson, William, M. D...... 124
Watters, Thomas...
Weaver, DeVolson..

   
  
   
   
 
 
  

Weidenbacher, Jacob. 252
Welch, J. H..... wis laicioasis 457
Wellman, I’. L........ ~ 451
Welzel, John... 408
Wente, Barnard. . -. 316
White, Capt. George. «465
White, G. G., M. D.........- 394
White, J. A., M.D.........-. 335

Wiegand, Henry.
Wiegmann, C. H.
Wieland, F. W.,M. D. s
Williams, R.S.....-...000. 0 412
Williams, Maj V.J.........- BAT
Wilson, Hon.T 8.
Witter, Louis...
Wittleson, Lars.

 
 
    

—=—— PORTRAITS.

 

 

Adams, John. ..........0e0eee oe
Adams, John Q. . 38
Allison, Hon. W. B.......-.4 116
Amsden, M. R........---+. 5+:
Arthur, Chester A.

Barton, George. ....+.-+-+-- Q
Bayless, Hon. F. D.......+... 360
Bell, Robert....----++ - 270

   

Bonson, Hon. Richard..
Bray, Nicholas, M.D...
Brinkmann, Rev. J. H...--.. 420
Brunskill, Joseph.

 

 
 

Buchanan, James
Candee, Selden. 460
480

Clark, H. H...--

Cleveland, S. Grover........ 102
Eighmey, C. H..........-.6+-
Fengler, George........
Fillmore, Millard.. ...

Garfield, James A...

  
 
  
 
 
 

Guilbert, E. A., M.D.
Harrison, Benjamin
Harrison, W. H............-+
Hayes, Rutherford B...

Hill, Nancy M., M. D..
Hofacre, J. M.....
Howie, James.

 

 

Jackson, Andrew..........-- 42
Jackson, E.R..M.D ........ 200
Jefferson, Thomas..
Johnson, Andrew.
Jones, Gen. G. W.
Kerper, Jacob...

Le Clere, G. F.....
Lincoln, Abraham..
Madison, James.. ..
McCann, Hon. James........ 230
McCluer, Benjamin, M.D....
McGrath, James...

Monroe, James...
Nichols, Luther.

 

 
 

  
 

 
  
 

Z
Zapf, F.J...... ieee eon «=. 456
Ziegenfus, L. J. C.....-.00-. 512
Zigrang, Rev. J.B...... oe B05
Zollicoffer, Jacob..........+- 146
Oberbrockling, Joseph...... 410
Olmsted, Hon. P. P. - 400
Phillips, T. F..... 290
Pierce, Frankiin............. 70
Polk, Je Kisses noweeiienies inverseosts 58
Scott, W.S..... ~ 40
Simones, Joseph..... -. 180
St. Boniface Church 499
Taylor, Zachary............. 62

Traut, Paul...
Tyler, Jobn....
Van Buren, Martin...... ..
Washington, George. a
Woodard, H. T...........2-65

 

 
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