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HISTORY   OF 

BOONE  COUNTY 

IOWA 

ILLUSTRATED 


VOLUME 


CHICAGO 

PIONEER  PUBLISHING  COMPANY 

1914 


■fHE  NEW  YORK 
LIBRARY 

#u4505 

ASTOR,   LENOX  AND 

TILDtN  FOUNDATIONS 

R  1915  L 


'„  ^<"'*' 


.5^°': 


BIOGRAPHICAL 


HON.   CHARLES  JOHN   ALFRED  ERICSON. 

America  is  often  spoken  of  as  the  land  of  opportunity.  That  it  is  so  is  a 
fact  which  finds  proof  in  the  history  of  such  men  as  the  Hon.  Charles  John 
Alfred  Ericson,  men  whose  privileges  in  early  life  were  limited,  but  who  found 
in  the  conditions  of  the  new  world  the  chance  to  work  upward.  While  success 
came  to  Mr.  Ericson  in  large  measure,  the  attainment  of  wealth  was  never  the 
ultimate  aim  of  his  life  and  as  he  prospered  he  gave  freely  of  his  means  for 
the  benefit  of  his  fellowmen,  for  the  upbuilding  of  schools  and  the  dissemination 
of  knowledge  in  various  other  ways.  Few  have  recognized  more  fully  the  duties 
and  obligations  of  the  individual  toward  his  fellows,  and  the  news  of  his  demise 
carried  with  it  a  sense  of  personal  bereavement  to  the  great  majority  of  his 
fellow  citizens  in  Boone  county  and  among  his  colleagues  in  the  state  senate. 

Mr.  Ericson  was  born  March  8,  1840,  in  Sodra  \T  parish,  near  Vimmerbi, 
province  of  Calmar,  Sweden.  His  father,  Erik  Nilson,  was  born  August  2,  1804, 
and  his  wife,  Catherine  Clemetson  Nilson,  was  born  October  9,  1803.  They 
had  three  children:  Nils  P.  Peterson,  who  was  born  in  1825  and  who,  learning 
the  paper  manufacturer's  trade,  adopted  the  name  of  his  employer  as  was  the 
custom  of  that  time:  Gustaf  Adolf,  born  in  1829;  and  Charles  John  Alfred,  born 
March  8,  1840.  The  father  was  a  farmer  and  freeholder  in  his  native  province, 
where  he  remained  until  1852,  when  he  came  with  his  family  to  the  new  world, 
settling  near  Moline,  Illinois,  where  he  engaged  in  farming  and  fishing,  as  he  had 
done  in  Sweden.     Subsequently  he  removed  to  Webster  county,  Iowa. 

Charles  John  Alfred  Ericson  was  a  youth  of  twelve  years  when  the  family 
came  to  the  United  States  and  his  education,  begim  in  Sweden,  was  continued 
in  the  public  schools  of  Rock  Island  county,  Illinois.  It  was  in  1845  that  the 
first  Swedish  immigrants  left  Calmar  for  the  new  world,  and  in  1849  S.  P.  Sven- 
son,  an  uncle  of  Mr.  Ericson,  became  a  resident  of  New  Sweden,  Jefiferson 
county,  Iowa.  The  following  year  another  uncle,  O.  Clemetson,  took  up  his 
abode  at  Andover,  Henry  county,  Illinois,  and  both  wrote  glowing  accounts  of 
the  opportunities  on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic.  The  father,  Erik  Nilson,  was  further 
induced  to  come  to  America  by  the  reports  sent  back  by  his  two  sons,  Gustaf  A. 
and  N.  P.,  who  had  settled  near  Moline.  As  stated  heretofore,  the  father  with 
his  family  made  the  long  voyage,  bidding  adieu  to  home  and  friends  on  the  4th 
of  April,  1852.  They  crossed  the  Atlantic  in  one  of  the  oldtime  ships,  on  which 
were   one   hundred   and   fifty    immigrants.      They   were    to   pay   twenty    dollars 


6  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

passage  for  each  member  of  the  party  and  furnish  their  own  food.  The  fresh 
water  was  carried  in  huge  wooden  casks  and  every  morning  about  a  iiuart  was 
measured  out  to  each  person.  They  came  in  sight  of  New  York  on  the  19th  of 
July.  One  of  the  first  experiences  of  Mr.  Ericson  was  getting  lost  in  New  York. 
He  and  his  father,  with  others  from  the  ship,  started  out  to  see  the  city.  At 
length,  attracted  by  the  music  of  a  brass  band,  they  followed  on  and  on.  thinking 
to  remember  the  turning  points  in  their  course  by  certain  signs,  such  as  a  lion 
and  gilded  clock,  but  they  found  that  they  could  not  make  their  way  back  to  the 
ship  and  wandered  around  for  hours.  At  length  a  kind-hearted  man,  understand- 
ing something  of  their  dilemma,  led  them  to  one  who  could  speak  their  language 
and  within  fifteen  minutes  they  had  been  escorted  back  to  their  ship — tired  and 
weary,  for  they  had  walked  miles  in  linsey-woolsey  clothing  on  a  hot  July  day 
without  anything  to  eat.  The  next  morning  the  family  proceeded  up  the  Hudson 
river  to  Albany  and  thence  went  by  rail  to  Bufl:'alo,  where  they  boarded  a 
steamer  bound  for  Dunkirk.  From  that  point  they  continued  by  rail  on  to 
Chicago  and  by  a  canal-boat  went  to  Peru,  Illinois,  where  they  hired  teams  to 
take  them  to  Andover,  twenty  miles  from  Rock  Island,  where  they  found  the 
first  Swedish  settlement.  The  trip,  especially  across  the  country,  was  a  very  hard 
one  and  it  was  not  until  the  ist  of  August.  1852,  that  they  reached  their  destina- 
tion near  Moline,  joining  there  the  two  elder  brothers  of  Charles  J.  A.  Ericson. 

For  a  few  years  thereafter  the  last  named  worked  for  his  brothers  and  relates 
that  his  first  lesson  in  English  was  to  repeat,  when  sent  on  an  errand  to  a  neigh- 
bor, "Mr.  Ericson  sent  me  here  to  get  your  spade."  He  was  afterward  taught  to 
drive  three  yoke  of  oxen  to  a  breaking-plow  and  for  two  seasons  he  operated  a 
ferry-boat  across  Rock  river  and  also  worked  on  a  farm.  He  was  afterward 
employed  to  run  a  stationary  engine  in  a  sawmill  and  flour  mill  and  still  later 
clerked  in  a  store  in  Altona,  Illinois.  A  brother,  who  had  previously  removed  to 
this  state,  advised  him  to  come  to  Iowa,  which  advice  he  followed.  He  was  at 
that  time  in  possession  of  about  four  hundred  dollars  saved  from  his  earnings, 
and  this  he  invested  in  a  stock  of  general  merchandise,  which  he  opened  at 
Mineral  Ridge,  Boone  county.  The  wholesale  merchants  with  whom  he  first 
dealt,  unasked  by  him,  offered  him  credit,  recognizing  in  his  face  the  stamp  of 
honesty,  which  was  current  coin  with  him  throughout  life.  In  time  his  busi- 
ness at  Mineral  Ridge  grew  and  further  activities  were  manifest  in  service  as  post- 
master at  that  town.  In  1870  he  removed  to  Boone  and  for  some  time  continued 
merchandising,  building  up  the  largest  business  at  that  time  in  the  county.  In 
1872  he  assisted  in  organizing  the  First  National  Bank  of  Boone,  of  which  he  was 
elected  vice  president,  and  upon  closing  out  his  store  in  1875,  he  became  cashier 
of  the  bank,  which  surrendered  its  charter  and  was  reorganized  as  the  City  Bank 
of  Roone  in  1878.  Later  he  succeeded  to  the  presidency  of  the  institution  and 
so  continued  until  his  death.  He  deserved  great  credit  for  what  he  accomplished 
in  a  business  way.  On  one  occasion  he  said,  "What  little  success  I  have  attained 
I  attribute  to  three  things ;  first,  honest  and  fair  dealings  with  every  man ;  second, 
refraining  from  speculations  and  investments  in  outside  enterprises,  but  attend- 
ing strictly  to  my  own  business  :  and,  third,  making  my  word  as  good  as  my  bond." 
These  rules  which  he  laid  down  for  himself  were  strictly  adhered  to  and  no  one 
ever  questioned  the  integrity  of  his  motives  and  on  no  occasion  did  he  ever  attempt 
to  over-reach  another  in  a  business  transaction.     His  prosperity  was  the  direct 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  7 

and  merited  reward  of  liis  labors,  and  his  entire  business  career  proved  the  fact 
that  success  and  an  honored  name  may  be  won  simuUaneously. 

Aside  from  his  lousiness,  there  were  many  interesting  features  in  the  life 
■  record  of  ^Mr.  Ericson.  He  was  married  twice.  In  1858  he  wedded  Miss 
Matilda  Nelson,  and  they  became  parents  of  two  daughters,  Alice  and  Lorena. 
In  1873  he  \tas  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Nellie  Linderblood,  who  died  in  1899. 
He  had  pleasant  fraternal  relations  with  his  brother  Masons,  holding  member- 
ship in  Mount  Olive  Lodge,  No.  79,  A.  F.  &  A.  M. ;  Tuscan  Chapter,  R.  A.  M.; 
and  Excalibur  Commandery,  No.  13,  K.  T. ;  in  all  of  which  he  held  prominent 
offices,  serving  as  treasurer  of  the  Commandery  from  the  early  period  of  his 
residence  in  lioone  until  his  death. 

It  was  his  i)olitical  career  that  perhaps  won  Mr.  Ericson  widest  fame,  yet  who 
can  say  upon  what  line  his  life  reached  out  in  greatest  helpfulness,  for  he  assisted 
many  philanthropic  and  public  projects,  was  a  friend  to  the  poor  and  needy  and 
gave  hearty  cooperation  to  many  plans  and  projects  for  the  public  good. 

The  first  office  which  ^Ir.  Ericson  held  was  that  of  i^ostmaster  of  Mineral 
Ridge,  and  he  also  served  in  other  local  jjositions,  including  that  of  road  super- 
visor, school  director,  school  treasurer  and  township  clerk.  After  his  removal 
to  Boone  he  was  elected  to  represent  his  ward  in  the  city  council,  was  elected  for 
several  terms  to  the  office  of  city  treasurer  and  was  president  and  treasurer  of 
the  school  board. 

In  1871  higher  political  honors  came  to  him  in  his  election  on  the  republican 
ticket  to  the  fourteenth  general  assemblw  in  which  he  served  during  the  regular 
session  and  through  one  extra  session,  which  was  called  in  1873  to  revise  the  code. 
Twentv-four  vears  later,  while  a  member  of  the  senate,  he  also  rendered  aid  in 
code  revision.  In  1895  he  was  elected  senator,  serving  through  six  regular  sessions 
and  one  extra  session.  He  did  important  committee  work  as  a  member  of  the 
ways  and  means  committee  and  as  chairman  of  the  committee  on  claims  in  the 
twentv-sixth  and  twent)-seventh  general  assemblies.  He  was  later  made  chair- 
man of  the  committee  on  public  libraries  and  in  the  thirty-second  general  assembly 
he  was  chairman  of  constitutional  amendments  and  suffrage.  During  the  last 
three  sessions  he  served  on  the  committee  on  banks.  Many  tangible  evidences 
of  his  public  spirit  may  be  cited.  It  was  he  who  introduced  and  secured  the 
passage  of  the  bill,  whereby  corporations  are  taxed  twenty-five  dollars  for  the 
first  thousand  of  capital  stock  and  an  additional  dollar  for  each  one  thousand 
thereafter;  not,  however,  to  exceed  three  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  for  any  one 
corporation.  In  the  twenty-seventh  general  assembly  he  introduced  a  bill  reduc- 
ing the  interest  on  state  warrants  from  six  to  five  per  cent.  His  efforts,  however, 
concentrated  largely  upon  the  development  and  support  of  the  historical  depart- 
ment, public  libraries  and  the  Agricultural  College  through  legislative  enactment. 
He  introduced  the  bill  for  the  establishment  of  good  roads,  becoming  a  pioneer 
in  inaugurating  that  movement.  Twice  he  introduced  bills  for  the  protection  of 
birds,  their  nests  and  eggs.  W.  C.  Hayward,  secretary  of  state,  said :  "During 
three  of  the  five  sessions  that  I  served  in  the  state  senate,  Hon.  C.  J.  A.  Ericson 
was  a  member  of  that  body.  We  were  both  members  of  the  ways  and  means  com- 
mittee, and  both  lived,  during  the  session,  at  the  Savery  Hotel  and  I  then  had  an 
opportunity  of  becoming  quite  well  acquainted  with  him.  He  was  a  large  man 
in  every  way,  physically  and  intellectually.     He  was  of  fine  appearance  and  of 


8  HIST(3RY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

the  most  kindly  disposition.  He  took  a  special  interest  in  educational  affairs 
and  was  a  firm  and  steadfast  friend  of  our  educational  institutions.  He  was  a 
careful  and  considerate  man,  one  of  whom  it  could  be  said  that  he  was  'safe  and 
sane';  at  the  same  time  he  was  in  every  sense  of  the  word  'progressive'  and  an  " 
advocate  and  supporter  of  all  progressive  measures  along  reasonable  lines.  He 
was  mild  and  pleasant  in  manner,  but,  at  the  same  time,  firm  and  unyielding  in 
support  of  what  he  deemed  to  be  right.  A  splendid,  big  strong  man.  It  was  a 
distinct  loss  to  the  state  he  loved  so  well  when  he  passed  away."  Warren  Garst 
wrote  of  Mr.  Ericson:  "My  people  moved  to  Boone  in  June  of  1866.  Almost 
from  the  first  the  name  of  Mr.  Ericson  became  a  household  word  on  account  of 
the  prominent  position  he  held  in  that  community.  It  was  not  strange,  therefore, 
when  I  became  associated  with  him  in  a  legislative  way  I  should  remember  the 
earlier  impressions  I  had  received  in  the  community  in  which  we  then  lived.  I 
found  Senator  Ericson  to  be  a  powerful  force  in  all  remedial  legislation ;  always 
throwing  his  influence  and  vote  to  any  cause  he  thought  to  be  for  the  betterment 
of  society.  He  was  especially  active  and  exceedingly  fortunate  in  formulating 
plans  to  increase  the  revenues  of  the  state  from  sources  that  would  not  be  burden- 
some and  at  the  same  time  would  be  greatly  remunerative.  As  I  remember  it, 
under  the  old  law  any  incorporation  organizing  in  Iowa  was  required  to  pay  a  mere 
nominal  fee  into  the  coffers  of  the  state.  Senator  Ericson  introduced  a  bill  that 
changed  this  and  we  now  have  had  instances  where  very  large  corporations  have 
paid  many  thousands  of  dollars  in  single  fees. 

"He  also  introduced  and  secured  its  passage  through  the  senate,  a  bill  to  ta.x 
corporations  through  an  annual  fee.  Senator  Ericson  figured  that  if  his  bill 
became  a  law  it  would  add  to  the  revenues  of  the  state  from  one  hundred  and 
fifty  thousand  dollars  to  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  dollars  annually.  It  is 
not  my  purpose  to  go  into  the  discussion  of  this  proposition  as  to  its  justice  or 
fairness,  but  I  was  then  and  am  now  in  thorough  smypathy  and  accord  with 
Senator  Ericson's  position. 

''While  Senator  Ericson  was  seeking  every  way  to  secure  additional  revenues 
for  the  state,  through  any  of  the  then  established  means,  he  was  liberal  with  sug- 
gestions as  to  distribution.  He  was  anxious  to  see  the  great  agricultural  school 
at  Ames  become  one  of  the  leading  institutions  of  this  character,  not  only  in  this 
country,  but  in  the  world.  His  success  along  this  line  is  best  attested  by  what 
this  great  institution  is  doing  and  is.  He  always  had  a  great  interest  in  the  history 
of  the  state,  and  perhaps  it  is  more  due  to  him  and  his  untiring  energy  than  to 
that  of  any  other  man  that  we  have  the  magnificent  Historical  building,  which 
is  an  asset  of  state-wide  importance,  for  it  seems  to  me  that  no  man,  woman  or 
child  can  visit  this  elegant  structure  without  having  a  greater  pride  and  a  greater 
love  for  this  great  state.  I  have  no  disposition  to  go  into  detail  as  to  Senator 
Ericson's  legislative  experience.  I  am  indeed  glad  to  have  the  opportunity  to 
say  to  the  people  of  Iowa  that,  while  there  have  been  men  who  have  perhaps  been 
more  conspicuous,  there  has  been  no  man  who  has  done  more  along  material  and 
ethical  lines  than  the  Senator  from  Boone."  Again  we  c|uote,  this  time  from  the 
Iowa  Library  Quarterly :  "He  was  deeply  interested  in  the  work  of  the  Iowa 
Library  .Association,  having  served  as  vice  president  of  that  body,  and  repeatedly 
on  legislative  committees,  attending  the  annual  meetings  regularly.  His  pres- 
ence will  be  greatly  missed,  as  well  as  his  advice  and  counsel.     Senator  Ericson 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  9 

was  a  man  of  gentle  character,  with  strong  friendships  and  deep  convictions. 
His  place  is  not  likely  to  be  filled  again  in  the  library  circles  of  the  state  or  in 
the  hearts  of  those  whose  friendship  he  had  gained." 

One  of  Mr.  Ericson's  most  generous  gifts  to  Boone  was  what  is  known  as 
the  Ericson  Library,  erected  and  equipped  at  a  cost  of  ten  thousand  seven 
hundred  dollars.  On  the  occasion  of  its  dedication  Judge  Horace  E.  Deemer 
said :  "It  is  a  proud  day  for  Boone,  and  a  pleasant  one,  I  know,  for  the  generous 
donor  who  has  built  a  monument  to  himself  which  will  outlive  any  mere  creation 
of  the  builder's  art,  chiseled  simply  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  a  name.  Within 
the  past  few  years  at  least  three  generous  and  loyal  men  within  the  boundaries 
of  this  state  have  made  large  contributions  for  the  building  and  founding  of 
public  libraries;  and  it  is  my  deliberate  judgment  that  they  have  made  the  best 
possible  use  of  their  money.  That  the  communities  to  which  they  have  been 
given  fully  appreciate  the  generosity,  I  have  no  shadow  of  doubt ;  and  that  the 
people  of  this  little  city  of  Boone  are  filled  with  gratitude  to  their  honored  fellow 
citizen,  Senator  Ericson,  is  so  plainly  evident  that  it  scarcely  needs  mention.  I 
am  not  so  sure,  however,  that  any  of  these  men  fully  appreciate  the  value  and 
the  full  significance  of  his  generosity.  In  this  building  rich  and  poor  alike  may 
meet  the  best  and  greatest  thinkers  of  the  age.  \\'ealth  gives  no  advantage,  and 
social  position  counts  for  nothing.  No  matter  how  poor  the  boy  or  girl,  no 
matter  how  thinly  clad,  no  matter  though  the  prosperous  of  their  own  town  or 
time  will  not  recog<iize  them  on  the  street,  no  matter  though  they  are  excluded 
from  the  so-called  best  society,  here  they  shall  not  pine  for  companionship  or 
society.  Here  Milton  will  tell  of  Paradise,  Shakespeare  open  all  the  flood  gates 
of  the  imagination,  Franklin  give  forth  his  practical  advice,  Bryant  sing  of 
nature's  beauties,  Darwin  and  Huxley  elucidate  their  theories,  Proctor  search 
the  skies  and  Thackeray  forget  his  snobbery.  Here  one  may  select  his  own 
associates  from  among  the  greatest  thinkers  and  actors  and  writers  the  world 
has  ever  known.  He  may  meet  the  most  eminent  statesmen  and  scientists,  poets, 
and  philosophers  of  all  time.  As  said  by  another,  'He  that  loveth  a  book  will 
never  want  a  faithful  friend,  a  wholesome  counsellor,  a  cheerful  companion,  and 
an  effectual  comforter.'  But  better  than  all,  here,  perhaps,  may  some  spark  set 
fire  the  smouldering  fumes  of  genius,  and  a  flame  go  forth  that  will  illuminate 
for  all  time  the  pages  of  our  western  literature." 

Mr.  Ericson  always  displayed  the  highest  sense  of  honor  in  politics  as  well 
as  in  business  and  other  relations  of  life  and  would  never  deviate  from  any 
course  which  he  believed  to  be  right.  In  July,  1903,  he  was  appointed  chairman 
of  the  Scandinavian  Relief  Committee  to  assist  the  famine  stricken  districts  of 
northern  Scandinavia,  and  his  success  in  raising  funds  for  this  purpose  is  indi- 
cated in  an  excerpts  from  a  letter  written  by  Governor  A.  B.  Cummins :  "The 
success  of  the  plan  must  be  credited,  in  a  large  measure,  to  your  patriotic  and 
intelligent  labors.  For  this  work,  and  in  behalf  of  sufi^ering  humanity,  I 
thank  you.'' 

In  IQ04  Senator  Ericson  was  appointed  a  member  of  the  Iowa  Commission 
for  the  Louisiana  Purchase  Centennial  Exposition  and  as  such  had  charge  of  the 
dairy  and  apiary  department,  which  was  splendidly  managed,  not  only  as  regards 
its  exhibition,  but  also  its  finances.  He  came  to  be  one  of  Iowa's  most  honored, 
representative  and  distinguished  men.     Where  he  was  best  known,  however,  he 


10  HISTORY  OF  ROONE  COUNTY 

was  most  loved  and  the  regard  entertained  for  him  in  his  home  town  is  indicated 
in  a  speech  delivered  on  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  his  settlement  in  Boone 
county,  when  a  bancjuet  was  tendered  him  by  his  friends,  on  which  occasion 
C.  S.  Mason  said :  "Men  often  criticise  :  sometimes  they  flatter.  Avoiding  both, 
'tis  my  desire  to  speak  the  truth,  for  he  who  even  roughly  paints  a  i^icture,  using 
brush,  or  pen,  or  lips,  should  first  of  all  paint  true.  In  such  a  spirit  I  approach 
the  pleasing  task  I  have  undertaken,  and.  happily,  in  this  case  there  is  little 
incentive  to  over-state  the  facts  or  over-paint  the  picture,  for  in  the  life  and 
character  and  record  of  our  friend,  the  truth  is  an  all-sufficient  eulogy.  Should 
I  say  he  is  a  king  of  finance,  you  would  not  believe  me ;  should  I  report  him 
possessing,  far  above  his  fellows,  the  qualities  of  great  statesmanship.  1  wunld 
not  believe  myself  ;  or,  should  1  picture  him  possessed  of  genius,  he  would  i^er- 
haps  laugh  me  to  scorn  :  but  when  I  say  that  in  finance  he  is  w-ise  and  just  and 
withal  merciful,  I  am  saying  that  which  I  suppose  you  now  believe:  and  when 
I  say  that  he  has  brought  to  the  performance  of  his  public  duties  the  same  test 
of  high  manhood  and  good  intentions  that  has  guided  him  in  business  affairs.  I 
am  saying  that  which  I  believe  will  meet  the  approval  of  his  conscience  and  win 
for  me  the  smile  of  approbation. 

"Is  this  man  wise?    I  know  of  no  better  test  than  to  apply  the  record.     Born 
in  a  humble  home  across  the  sea,  he  left  when  young  the  confines  of  the  old  world 
that  he  might   stand   upon   the   shores   of   the   new,   where,   looking  out   upon   a 
splendid  age,  in  a  splendid  republic,  he  might  search  for  a  place  where  he  could 
struggle  and  perhaps  achieve.      Fate  or   some   subtle  influence  that   we  cannot 
explain,  led  him  to  locate  near  this  vicinity,  and  for  fifty  years  he  has  gone  in 
and  out  among,  and  been  one  of  the  people  of  this  community.     I  think  it  fair 
to  estimate  that  in  all  those  years  he  has  averaged  ten  business  transactions  daily : 
one  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  business  transactions   with   his   neighbors   and 
the  people  among  whom  he  lives,  and  if  about  a  single  one  there  is  a  taint,  or 
even  a  suspicion  of  dishonesty,  then  has  my  information  been  at  fault.     Surely 
such  a  business  record  as  this  is  one  of  which  he  or  any  man  may  well  be  pniud. 
Not  only  has  he  gained  high  reputation  for  business  honesty,  but  in  a  larger  way 
he  has  achieved  success  in  that  he  has  succeeded  first  in  winning  the  kind  regards, 
and  in  more  recent  years,  the  loving  esteem  of  a  great  majority  of  the  better  class 
of  people  among  whom  he  lives.     To  such  an  extent  is  this  true,  that  the  people 
have  delighted  to  place  upon  him  political  honors  and  have  asked  of  him  the 
performance  of  important  political  duties.    Not  only  has  he  gained  a  high  reputa- 
tion for  business  honesty,  and  gained  the  respect  of  the  people  in  all  the  other 
matters  of  which  I  speak,  but  during  these  years  he  has  been  gathering  together 
in  an  enterprising  way  and  without  in  the  least  injuring  others,  that   which  we 
believe  to  be  a  sufficient  competency  which  has  enabled  him  not  only  to  meet 
generously  the  many,  many  re(juirements  made  upon  men  of  reasonable  wealth, 
but  has  enabled  him  in  more  recent  years  to  do  those  things  which  he  hopes,  and 
which  we  believe,  will  redound  to  the  benefit  of  this  and  other  communities  for 
many  years  to  come.     Surely  such  a  record  as  I  have  briefly,  and  I  trust,  truth- 
fully described,  needs  little  comment. 

"Is  our  friend  kind  beyond  the  average  man?  Upon  this  point  I  have  testi- 
mony, and  first  I  will  place  upon  the  stand  yourselves,  and  ask  if.  in  the  few  or 
many  years  you  have  known  him,  there  has  not  been  some  one.  perhaps  many. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  11 

occasions,  when,  by  kind  words  or  some  kindly  act,  he  has  won  the  atTection  of 
your  heart  and  gained  the  confidence  of  your  understanding.  There  are  many 
witnesses  I  should  like  to  call  whom  I  cannot  secure,  for  many  of  them  are 
resting  under  the  infirmities  of  old  age  and  living  quietly  in  their  declining  years 
in  the  homes  and  upon  the  farms  that  the  kindness  of  our  friend  has  helped  to 
secure,  while  many  more  have  finished  their  work  and  made  their  records  and  have 
gone  home  to  their  reward  and  rest  within  their  graves  in  different  portions  of 
this  country  ;  and,  as  I  cannot  present  to  you  their  testimony,  permit  me  briefly 
to  call  attention  to  it  second  hand.  First  and  last  and  at  different  times,  and  not 
by  design,  but  accidentally  or  in  a  casual  way,  I  have  heard  from  the  lips  of  at 
least  twenty  dififerent  men,  the  story  of  the  help  they  have  received  from  our 
kind  friend.  Some  have  spoken  of  these  obligations  without  any  show  of  senti- 
ment, while  others  have  shown  upon  their  faces  that  there  was  within  them  the 
spirit  of  gratitude.  If,  in  a  casvial  way  and  without  design.  I  have  heard  from 
the  lips  of  twenty  men  of  the  assistance  they  have  received  from  our  kind  friend, 
is  it  not  fair  to  presume  that  there  are  in  this  vicinity,  living  and  dead,  hundreds 
who,  could  they  speak  to  us,  would  add  to  the  volume  of  our  testimony?  Permit 
me  to  take  the  stand  myself.  Some  years  ago  our  country  was  swept  by  a 
financial  tornado,  the  worst  financial  panic  I  have  e\  er  known  :  great  business 
houses  tottered  and  some  fell ;  and,  while  the  general  business  interests  of  the 
country  were  to  some  extent  palsied,  the  fierceness  of  the  storm  centered  upon 
those  engaged  in  banking  business,  for  everywhere  men  seemed  to  have  lost  con- 
fidence in  banks  and  in  each  other :  hundreds  of  millions  of  dollars  of  deposits 
were  drawn  from  banks  and  hid  away  in  stockings  and  in  safety  deposit  vaults, 
and  everywhere  the  depositors  in  banks  were  watching  for  the  least  sign  of 
danger,  that  they  might  ijuickly  pounce  upon  the  banks  that  held  their  deposits  and 
bring  to  them  temporary  disaster,  if  not  destruction.  At  such  a  time  as  this,  the 
business  firm  of  which  I  am  a  member  needed  funds.  I  spoke  to  a  banker  of  this 
town  about  it,  and  quickly,  almost  fiercely,  got  his  refusal.  A  little  later  I  saw 
our  friend  and  spoke  briefly  of  our  needs  and  said,  T  guess  I  will  have  to  ask  you 
for  some  money.'  He  said,  'How  much?'  I  replied  that  temporarily  two  or  three 
thousand  dollars  would  answer.  Drawing  a  long  breath  that  was  mighty  near 
a  sigh,  and  speaking  in  a  tone  of  almost  pleading,  he  said,  'Keep  it  as  near  two 
thousand  as  you  can.'  Any  man  can  assist  another  when  it  is  in  his  regular  line 
of  business  and  for  his  profit  to  do  so.  There  are  here  and  there  some,  perhaps 
in  the  aggregate  many,  who,  upon  some  occasion,  will  assist  their  fellowmen  even 
though  the  element  of  profit  does  not  attach  to  the  transaction ;  but  there  are 
mighty  few  men  in  all  the  world,  nor  have  there  ever  been,  nor  will  there  be  in 
all  the  years  to  come  those  who,  in  time  of  storm  and  stress  and  danger,  will 
weaken  their  own  position  that  they  may  extend  a  helping  hand  to  a  business 
acquaintance.  I  presume  the  transaction  I  speak  of  was  forgotten  by  our  friend 
within  an  hour,  for  he  had  other  important  matters  on  his  mind ;  but  I  did  not 
so  soon  forget,  nor  have  I  yet  forgotten,  nor  will  I  forget  during  all  the  years 
that  are  spared  me,  for  I  thought  then,  and  it  seems  to  me  now,  it  was  a  bright 
spot  in  the  midst  of  surrounding  gloom,  and  an  oasis  in  the  desert  of  human 
selfishness. 

"I  have  a  grandson  who  bears  my   name.     I   hope  through   him   the  name 
may  be  continued ;  yes,  in  a  broader  sense,  I  hope  through  him  the  family  name 


12  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

I  bear,  and  which  is  now  held  by  so  few  living  representatives,  may  be  carried 
into  future  generations  where  possibly  it  may  become  an  honored  name  among 
the  people ;  so  I  feel  for  that  boy  great  interest,  and  I  would  make  for  him  great 
sacrifices,  if  thereby  I  could  surround  him  with  the  influence  and  furnish  him 
that  training  which  would  secure  for  him  in  future  years  the  qualities  of  good 
citizenship,  and  I  have  often  thought,  and  think  today,  that  if,  among  all  the 
men  I  know  or  have  ever  known,  east  or  west,  I  was  obliged  to  select  the  one 
man  of  all  others  whose  traits  of  character,  of  mind  and  heart  and  brain,  and 
whose  every  quality,  good  and  bad,  the  boy  must  emulate  and  at  last  attain  to, 
my  choice  would  fall  on  our  kind  friend.  Surely  no  higher  words  of  praise 
than  that  can  I  bestow. 

"A  pebble  tossed  upon  the  placid  surface  of  a  lake  creates  a  ripple  that 
broadens,  widens,  extends  until  it  is  said  there  is  a  ripple  on  the  other  shore. 
A  man's  good  deeds  live  after  him,  broadening,  widening,  extending,  losing 
perhaps  their  identity,  but  working  in  harmony  with  other  good  influences — 
working  on  and  on  and  on,  and  who  shall  say  that  these  good  influences  will 
not  continue  to  do  their  office  in  the  world  until  the  end  of  time? 

"Our  friend  has  led  a  clean  and  manly  and  useful  life,  worthy  the  emulation 
of  young  men ;  and,  in  more  recent  years,  he  has  been  able  to  set  in  motion 
good  influences  which  he  hopes,  and  we  believe  will  work  for  the  civilization 
and  the  improvement  of  mankind  when  he  shall  have  passed  away :  and  who 
shall  say  that  the  good  influences  he  hath  thus  set  in  motion  will  not  continue 
in  some  way,  working  on  and  on  until  the  records  of  time  shall  cease?" 

Many  were  the  words  of  praise  written  of  him  when  death  called  him,  for 
all  felt  that  a  good  man  had  passed  on,  lea\ing  behind  a  memory  that  is 
enshrined  in  the  hearts  of  all  who  were  his  associates.  He  was  broad  minded 
and  liberal,  loved  his  adopted  country  and  yet  never  lost  his  interest  in  those 
who  came  from  his  native  land  and  to  many  of  Scandinavian  birth  he  proved  a 
most  helpful  friend.  In  his  later  years  he  greatly  enjoyed  traveling,  and  his 
success  gave  him  opportunity  to  indulge  his  taste  along  that  line.  He  had  but 
recently  returned  from  a  trip  abroad  when  he  was  stricken  with  the  illness  that 
terminated  in  death  in  1910.  He  was  an  active  member  of  the  Presbyterian 
church,  in  which  he  served  as  treasurer  and  trustee  for  three  decades.  There 
was  no  occasion  on  which  he  seemed  to  fall  short  of  the  highest  standards. 
Notwithstanding  the  fact  that  his  school  privileges  were  very  limited,  he  was  a 
well  informed  man,  for  he  learned  life's  lessons  in  the  school  of  experience, 
read  broadly,  thought  deeply"  and  listened  attentively.  He  early  made  it  his 
habit  to  associate  with  those  from  whom  he  could  learn.  In  business  he  was 
guided  by  the  old  adage  that,  honesty  is  the  best  policy,  but  there  were  still 
higher  principles  manifest  in  his  character  and  these  sprang  from  an  understand- 
ing of  the  obligations  of  man  toward  his  fellowmen  and  toward  his  Creator. 
One  of  his  biographers  spoke  of  his  career  as  that  "of  one  whose  Christian 
character  has  made  the  world  better:  one  who  enjoyed  the  esteem  and  love  of 
all  who  knew  him."  One  of  his  pastors  wrote :  "I  have  always  honored  him 
as  a  lover  of  our  Savior  and  a  friend  of  man,  and  have  always  rejoiced  when 
word  came  of  some  new  benefaction  which  his  generosity  had  provided  in  the 
way  of  school  and  library  endowment ;  and  his  memory  will  always  be  one  of 
my  precious  possessions.     He   was  a  great  help  and   inspiration   to  me  in  my 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  13 

work — never  obtrusive  with  counsel  or  critical  in  his  judgments,  but  quietly 
helpful  in  every  undertaking  for  the  advancement  of  the  work  of  our  church." 
Still  another  wrote  of  him :  "Loyal  to  his  friends  and  to  his  city,  he  never 
had  a  thought  that  his  large  and  growing  competence  made  any  chasm  between 
him  and  his  poorest  acquaintance.  He  was  a  man  to  all  men,  honorable,  con- 
siderate and  cordial." 


SAM   M.   STERRETT. 


Among  the  retired  citizens  of  Boone  who  well  merit  the  rest  which  has  come 
to  them  is  Sam  M.  Sterrett,  who  for  many  years  was  actively  engaged  in  farm- 
ing and  is  still  the  owner  of  valuable  farm  property  in  the  county.  He  resides, 
however,  at  1328  Harrison  street  in  Boone  and  there,  surrounded  by  many  of 
the  comforts  and  luxuries  of  life,  he  is  spending  the  evening  of  his  days  in 
quiet  and  well  earned  rest.  He  arrived  here  in  October.  1865,  having  driven 
across  the  country  from  Tippecanoe  county,  Indiana,  where  his  birth  occurred 
October  14,  1835.  His  parents  were  Robert  and  Margaret  (Montgomery)  Ster- 
rett.  The  former  was  bom  in  the  north  of  Ireland,  of  Scotch  parentage.  His 
mother  came  to  America  with  her  youngest  son  and  youngest  daughter,  both  of 
whom  are  now  deceased,  and  made  her  way  to  Indiana,  her  death  occurring 
in  Tippecanoe  county,  that  state.  Robert  Sterrett,  crossing  the  Atlantic  to  the 
new  world,  passed  away  in  Tippecanoe  county,  Indiana,  at  a  comparatively  early 
age,  dying  in  1837,  while  his  wife  survived  him  only  until  1841  or  1842.  She  was 
born  in  Wayne  county,  Indiana,  and  at  her  death  left  four  children,  while  one 
had  passed  away  previously. 

Sam  .M.  Sterrett  is  the  only  one  now  living  of  the  two  sons  and  two  daugh- 
ters who  reached  adult  age  and  is  the  only  one  who  ever  came  to  Iowa.  His 
brother  Rev.  Alexander  Sterrett  was  a  Presbyterian  minister  at  Evansville, 
Indiana,  also  in  Kentucky  and  for  many  years  at  Terre  Haute,  Indiana.  Finally 
he  went  to  Kansas,  where  he  engaged  in  missionary  work,  organizing  churches 
at  Wyandotte  and  several  other  places.  He  finally  passed  away  at  Wyandotte, 
now  Kansas  City,  Kansas,  in  1888.  He  had  become  the  owner  of  considerable 
land  in  that  state,  comprising  two  sections  in  Clay  county.  Elizabeth  Sterrett, 
sister  of  S.  M.  Sterrett,  was  twice  married  and  by  her  first  marriage  left  a  son, 
William  Shurtz,  who  is  now  a  property  owner  of  Boone.  The  children  of  her 
second  marriage  are  deceased.  One  of  the  sons,  George  R.  Simpson,  was  a 
prominent  educator  of  Minnesota  and  died  at  the  age  of  thirty-five  years.  Jane 
Sterrett  became  the  wife  of  Matthew  Stranahan  but  died  a  few  months  later. 

Sam  M.  Sterrett  was  educated  in  the  public  schools.  Being  left  an  orphan 
at  an  early  age,  he  resided  with  an  uncle  and  with  others  through  the  period 
of  his  boyhood  and  youth,  but  early  in  life  started  out  to  make  his  own  living. 
At  length  he  rented  a  farm,  which  he  cultivated  until  1865. 

While  on  a  visit  in  Boone  county  in  1858  Mr.  Sterrett  was  married  to  Miss 
Mary  Jane  Dawkins,  a  native  of  Kentucky,  who  later  went  to  Indiana  and  finally 
came  to  Iowa.  She  died  in  January,  1869,  upon  the  home  farm  in  Dodge  town- 
ship, at  the  age  of  twenty-nine  years,  leaving  three  children :  Jennie,  now  the 


14  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

wife  of  John  Hannum,  of  Boone;  Celestia  Anna,  the  wife  of  the  Rev.  A.  T. 
Carpenter,  a  Methodist  P2piscopal  minister,  who  is  now  preaching  near  Winni- 
peg, in  Manitoba,  Canada ;  and  Margaret,  who  is  the  wife  of  John  Boucher,  a 
farmer  residing  near  Hastings,  Colorado.  In  1870  Mr.  Sterrett  was  again  mar- 
ried, his  second  vmion  being  with  Miss  Winnie  Baker,  who  was  bom  in  Clay 
county,  Indiana,  in  July,  185 1,  a  daughter  of  Joel  and  Ollie  Baker,  who  came 
from  Indiana  in  the  fall  of  1851  and  settled  in  Boone  county,  where  they  have 
since  resided.  To  the  second  marriage  of  Mr.  Sterrett  there  have  been  born 
ten  children:  Docia,  the  wife  of  Herman  Stotts,  of  Minnesota;  Mav.  the  wife 
of  Arthur  Stotts,  residing  on  her  father's  farm  in  Dodge  township ;  Robert 
Leroy,  w^ho  died  at  the  age  of  eight  years ;  Eva,  the  wife  of  Harry  Wiley,  living 
in  Boone;  Mabel,  the  wife  of  Frank  Anderson,  a  resident  of  Boone;  Clara,  the 
wife  of  Alvin  Bowman,  a  farmer  living  near  Boone ;  Iowa  Belle,  the  wife  of 
Arthur  Doran,  who  follows  farming  near  Boone;  Alexander,  who  married 
Miss  Nellie  Nyberg  and  formerly  engaged  in  railroading  but  is  now  engaged  in 
truck  farming;  Lillian,  who  is  attending  Simpson  College;  and  Irene,  also  a 
student  in  that  school.     All  of  these  children  have  taught  school. 

Mr.  Sterrett  has  been  very  successful  in  his  business  affairs,  ranking  for 
many  years  as  a  leading  and  prosperous  agriculturist  of  his  county.  His  home- 
stead, which  he  still  owns,  is  a  farm  of  two  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  rich 
and  productive  land,  five  miles  north  of  the  corporation  limits  of  Boone.  He 
was  also  the  owner  of  another  tract  of  two  hundred  acres,  which  he  sold  recently. 
It  was  in  the  winter  following  his  arrival  in  October,  1865,  that  he  purchased 
the  home  place  and  from  that  time  until  his  retirement  he  was  an  active  factor  in 
the  agricultural  development  of  the  community.  Having  now  put  aside  the  work 
of  the  fields,  he  is  enjoying  a  well  earned  rest,  having  purchased  and  remodeled 
his  present  comfortable  home  at  No.  1328  Harrison  street  in  Boone. 

Politically  Mr.  Sterrett  was  a  democrat,  but  a  change  in  his  views  led  him  to 
support  the  republican  party  and  he  now  votes  the  prohibition  ticket,  for  he  has 
always  been  a  stanch  advocate  of  its  doctrines  and  believes  the  liquor  question 
to  be  one  of  the  paramount  issues  before  the  people  today.  He  belongs  to  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  Boone,  as  do  the  others  of  his  family,  and  his  life 
has  been  guided  by  its  teachings,  thus  making  him  one  of  the  men  of  the  county 
most  worthy  of  respect,  confidence  and  good-will. 


GEORGE  W.  CROOKS. 

George  W.  Crooks  was  for  many  years  actively  connected  with  the  pro- 
fession that  has  important  bearing  upon  the  stability,  prosperity  and  welfare 
of  every  community.  A  mind  naturally  analytical  and  logical  in  its  trend  has 
given  him  force  in  the  trial  of -litigated  interests  intrusted  to  his  care,  and  his 
name  figures  prominently  in  connection  w'ith  the  court  records.  He  was  born 
in  Clay  county,  Indiana,  on  the  22d  of  July,  1836,  and  is  a  son  of  Jacob  and 
Hannah  (Croy)  Crooks,  both  of  whom  were  of  German  lineage.  His  ancestors 
in  the  paternal  line  established  homes  in  Ohio  and  Kentucky.  Jacob  Crooks 
served  his  country  as  a  soldier  in  the  War  of  1812,  and  in  days  of  peace  devoted 


GEORGE  W.  CROOKS 


IPUh 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  17 

his  attention  largely  to  the  cultivation  of  the  fields.  In  1845  he  left  Indiana 
for  Iowa,  establishing  his  home  in  this  state  when  it  was  still  under  territorial 
rule.  He  tirst  made  settlement  near  I'"airfield.  in  Jefferson  county,  but  in  the 
spring  of  1847  came  to  Boone  county,  where  he  entered  land  from  the  govern- 
ment, securing  a  claim  a  few  miles  south  of  Boone.  With  characteristic  energy 
he  began  the  development  of  the  place,  turning  the  first  furrows  and  making 
the  first  improvements  upon  this  land.  There  he  made  his  home  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  in  1853,  while  his  wife  surxived  until   1882. 

George  W.  Crooks  was  a  lad  of  but  nine  summers  when  the  family  arrived 
in  Iowa,  and  his  youth  was  spent  in  Hhe  usual  manner  of  lads  who  are  reared 
upon  the  frontier.  He  early  became  familiar  with  the  best  methods  of  breaking 
the  sod,  cultivating  the  fields  and  caring  for  the  crops,  and  to  the  farm  work 
he  gave  his  attention  until  1855,  when  he  removed  to  Boonesboro,  since  which 
time  he  has  made  his  home  either  in  that  town  or  in  the  city  of  Boone,  save  for 
a  period  of  two  years,  which  he  spent  in  Madrid,  Iowa.  In  1856  he  began 
working  in  a  flour  and  sawmill  and  was  thus  employed  until  he  joined  the 
army. 

Mr.  Crooks  made  preparations  for  haxing  a  home  of  his  own  in  his  marriage 
in  i860  to  Miss  Rebecca  Nutt.  The  following  year  the  Civil  war  was  begun 
and,  his  patriotic  spirit  being  thoroughly  aroused,  he  offered  his  services  to  the 
government  and  was  commissioned  first  lieutenant,  with  power  to  enlist  a  com- 
I^any.  He  assisted  in  raising  Company  D.  Tenth  Iowa  Regiment,  and  left 
Boone  county  for  the  rendezvous  in  August,  iS6r,  but  on  account  of  ill  health 
he  was  disqualified  to  be  regularly  mustered  in  the  United  States  service.  His 
brother,  W.  C.  Crooks,  who  also  joined  the  army,  was  killed  in  the  battle  of 
Shiloh  and  the  Grand  Army  post  in  Boone  was  named  in  his  honor.  It  was  a 
sore  disappointment  to  George  W.  Crooks  that  he  could  not  go  to  the  front; 
but  in  every  possible  way  he  rendered  aid  to  the  Union  cause  at  home  and  never 
wavered  in  his  loyalty  to  the  federal  government  in  the  slightest  degree.  In 
June,  1863,  he  was  appointed  sheriff  of  Boone  county,  and  filled  that  position 
until  January,  1874,  when,  at  the  end  of  about  eleven  years,  he  retired  from 
the  office  with  the  confidence  and  good-will  of  all,  having  made  an  excellent 
record  by  his  fidelity,  loyalty  and  fearlessness  in  that  position. 

Mr.  Crooks  had  previously  taken  up  the  study  of  law  and  after  careful  prepa- 
ration for  the  bar  was  admitted  at  the  December  term  of  the  district  court,  in 
1873,  >-ipon  examination  before  the  Hon.  D.  D.  Chase,  who  was  then  judge  of 
the  district  court.  In  the  following  January  he  formed  a  partnership  with 
I.  N.  Kidder,  with  whom  he  was  associated  until  1882.  The  following  year  he 
entered  into  partnership  relations  with  R.  F.  Jordan,  with  whom  he  practiced 
continuously  until  i8gi.  Through  the  two  succeeding  years  he  did  not  engage 
in  active  practice,  but  in  1893  formed  a  partnership  with  the  Hon.  J.  J.  Snell 
that  was  maintained  for  a  number  of  years.  He  was  the  second  attorney  in 
Boone  county,  and  continued  in  active  practice  until  1908,  when  he  retired. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crooks  were  born  two  sons :  John  S.,  now  mayor  of 
Boone;  and  W.  H.,  who  is  engaged  in  the  abstract  business.  The  wife  and 
mother  passed  away  November  27,  1909,  and  her  death  was  deeply  regretted 
by  many  friends  who  esteemed  her  highly  for  her  many  excellent  traits  of  heart 
and  mind.     In  his  political  views  Mr.  Crooks  has  always  been  a  stalwart  demo- 


18  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

crat,  and  for  one  term  lie  represented  his  district  in  the  state  legislature.  Fra- 
ternally he  is  a  Mason  and  has  been  most  loyal  to  the  teachings  of  the  craft, 
exemplifying  in  his  life  its  beneficent  spirit.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the 
Methodist  church.  Ere  he  retired  from  active  practice  a  biographer  wrote  of 
him: 

"He  has  long  occupied  a  foremost  position  in  the  foremost  rank  of  the 
legal  practitioners  of  Boone  county.  His  life  has  been  one  of  untiring  activity 
and  has  been  crowned  with  a  big  degree  of  success,  yet  he  is  not  less  esteemed 
as  a  citizen  than  as  a  lawyer,  and  his  kindly  impulses  and  charming  cordiality 
of  manner  have  rendered  him  exceedingly  popular  among  all  classes.  The 
favorable  judgment  which  the  world  passed  upon  him  in  his  early  years  has 
never  been  set  aside  nor  in  any  degree  modified.  It  has,  on  the  contrary,  been 
emphasized  by  his  careful  conduct  of  important  litigation,  his  candor  and 
fairness  in  the  presentation  of  cases,  his  zeal  and  earnestness  as  an  advocate 
and  the  generous  conunendation  he  has  received  from  his  contemporaries,  who 
unite  in  bearing  testimony  to  his  superior  mind  and  high  character." 

Mr.  Crooks  is  now  in  the  seventy-eighth  year  of  his  age,  but  well  preserved 
for  one  of  his  years,  and  though  the  snow  of  winter  is  upon  his  head,  the  flow- 
ers of  spring  are  in  his  heart.  He  keeps  in  touch  with  the  trend  of  modern 
thought  and  progress  and  no  history  of  Boone  county  would  be  complete  with- 
out extended  reference  to  him,  because  of  his  long  residence  here  and  the  impor- 
tant part  which  he  has  played  in  the  public  life  of  the  community. 


EDGAR  R.  WILLIAMS. 

Edgar  R.  Williams,  one  of  the  former  owners  and  editors  of  the  Ogden 
Reporter,  published  at  Ogden,  Boone  county,  was  born  south  of  this  city  on 
the  isth  of  June,  1873,  his  parents  being  John  T.  S.  and  Jane  (Thomas)  Wil- 
liams, the  former  a  native  of  Canada  and  the  latter  of  Wisconsin.  They  became 
pioneer  residents  of  Boone  county  as  is  indicated  in  the  sketch  of  John  T.  S. 
Williams  on  another  page  of  this  volume. 

Edgar  R.  Williams  was  reared  and  educated  in  this  county  and  is  indebted 
to  the  public-school  system  for  the  opportunities  which  he  received  for  intel- 
lectual progress.  During  the  periods  of  vacation  he  worked  in  the  fields  and 
early  became  familiar  with  all  the  duties  of  farm  life,  continuing  to  assist  his 
father  in  the  various  branches  of  farm  work  until  he  reached  the  age  of  twenty 
years.  Thinking  to  find  other  pursuits  more  congenial  than  the  farm  work, 
he  began  learning  the  printer's  trade  in  the  office  which  he  later  owned.  He  was 
there  employed  for  about  eight  years  and  mastered  the  business  in  principle 
and  detail.  He  was  afterward  employed  in  various  other  places  and  in  1904 
purchased  the  Ogden  Reporter,  while  later  he  admitted  Mr.  Carl  Lund  to  a 
partnership.  They  operated  the  plant  continuously  for  a  number  of  years  and 
made  the  Reporter  an  interesting  paper,  with  a  good  patronage  in  both  the  cir- 
culation and  advertising  departments.  They  followed  the  methods  of  modern 
journalism,  and  the  success  of  the  paper  was  a  natural  result  of  their  close 
application  and  unfaltering  energy. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  19 

Mr.  Williams  was  married  in  September,  1902,  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Thompson, 
a  daugliter  of  William  and  Tillie  (Latimer)  Thompson,  residents  of  Greene 
county,  Iowa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  had  one  child,  Thelma,  who  died  in  1903 
in  infancy.  The  family  residence  is  a  comfortable  home  at  the  corner  of  First 
and  Walnut  streets  in  Ogden.  Mr.  Williams  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias 
lodge  in  Boone,  and  his  wife  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  church.  His  politi- 
cal support  is  given  to  the  republican  party,  and  he  made  his  paper  one  of  the 
organs  in  its  support,  but  he  does  not  seek  nor  desire  office,  preferring  to  con- 
centrate his  energies  upon  other  interests  and  duties.  He  has  become  widely 
known  through  his  activity  in  the  newspaper  field  and  enjoys  the  confidence 
and  good  will  of  the  general  public. 


L.  D.  HENRY. 


Great  credit  is  due  L.  D.  Henry  for  what  he  has  achieved  in  life.  He  began 
his  career  in  a  comparatively  humble  capacity  and  today  is  one  of  the  leading 
financiers  of  Boone  county,  conducting  a  private  bank  at  Beaver  and  also  being 
interested  in  a  number  of  other  enterprises  of  a  similar  nature.  Moreover,  Mr. 
Henry  is  ever  ready  to  indorse  and  support  valuable  measures  which  make  for 
material  expansion,  moral  improvement  and  intellectual  attainment.  He  was 
born  in  Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  April  13,  1864,  and  is  a  son  of  Zimri  and 
Emeline  (Brown)  Henry,  the  former  a  native  of  Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  and 
the  latter  of  Pennsylvania,  of  German  descent.  The  father  followed  farming 
throughout  life  in  Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  with  the  exception  of  the  last  few 
years  of  his  life,  during  which  he  conducted  a  hotel  at  Kinsman.  He  died  in 
1908,  his  widow  surviving  him  until  October,  191 1. 

L.  D.  Henry  was  reared  and  educated  in  Kinsman  and  attended  the  academy 
there.  He  has  always  been  proud  of  the  fact  that  he  was  a  schoolmate  of 
Garence  S.  Darrow,  the  noted  Chicago  attorney,  and  he  had  as  his  teacher 
Mary  Darrow,  who  was  noted  as  an  educator  and  connected  with  the  Chicago 
schools,  but  is  now  deceased.  After  completing  his  education  Mr.  Henry  turned 
his  attention  to  railroading,  becoming  a  brakeman  for  the  Lake  Shore  &  Michigan 
Southern  Railroad.  In  two  and  one-half  years  he  was  promoted  to  the  position 
of  conductor  and  remained  with  that  system  until  1889,  when  he  made  his  way 
to  Savanna,  Illinois,  becoming  conductor  for  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul 
Railroad,  with  his  headquarters  in  that  city.  In  1893  he  was  transferred  to 
Perry,  Iowa,  and  for  twelve  years,  or  until  1905,  ran  a  train  out  of  there.  Meet- 
ing with  an  accident  which  cost  him  his  right  leg,  his  company  then  made  him 
live  stock  agent  of  his  district,  in  which  capacity  he  was  charged  with  settling 
claims  for  the  traffic  department.  He  held  that  position  for  two  years  and, 
being  an  observant  man,  able  to  judge  of  conditions  and  opportunities,  per- 
ceived that  a  bank  in  Beaver  would  be  a  most  profitable  investment.  He,  there- 
fore, came  to  that  city  and  with  E.  D.  Carter  organized  the  Beaver  Savings 
Bank.  The  original  capital  was  ten  thousand  dollars  and  the  institution  was  a 
success  from  the  beginning.  Its  prosperous  condition  is  largely  due  to  the  initia- 
tive of  Mr.  Henry,  who  has  proved  himself  a  financier  of  no  mean  ability.     The 


20  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

bank  was  under  state  charter  until  April  i,  191 2,  when  it  was  reorganized,  Mr. 
Henry  acquiring  the  interests  of  the  other  stockholders  and  transforming  the 
corporation  into  a  pri\ate  bank.  It  is  now  known  as  the  Beaver  Bank  and  its 
capital  and  surplus  exceed  fifteen  thousand  dollars.  Mr.  Henry  is  sole  owner  and 
his  daughter  Mabel  is  assistant  cashier.  "  They  have  over  sixty-six  thousand 
dollars  in  deposits  and  well  merit  the  confidence  placed  in  them.  /Mthough  Mr. 
Henry  is  progressive  and  ever  ready  to  lend  a  helping  hand  in  promoting  the 
industrial  enterprises  and  in  assisting  agricultural  ventures,  his  foremost  con- 
sideration is  the  safety  of  his  depositors.  He  has  always  displayed  marked  energy 
and  determination  in  his  business  affairs  and  has  made  good  use  of  opportunities 
as  they  [iresented  themselves  and  has  even  created  them  where  none  existed. 
He  has  overcome  difficulties  by  persistent,  energetic  and  honorable  effort.  He  is 
a  man  of  unerring  accuracy  in  judgment  and  of  a  caution  in  business  transac- 
tions which,  though  it  protects  the  bank  from  loss,  does  not  hinder  its  develop- 
ment. In  short,  he  knows  whom  and  what  to  trust.  He  owns  the  two-story 
block  in  w  hicli  the  bank  is  located,  it  being  erected  by  him  in  1907. 

On  Aiay  31.  1886,  Mr.  Henry  married  Miss  Bertha  L.  Fellows,  a  daughter 
of  Har\e}-  and  Reuhama  ( Johnson )  Fellows,  natives  of  the  Keystone  state, 
where  they  always  made  their  home.  Her  mother  was  the  first  white  child  born 
in  Warren  county,  Pennsylvania.  Her  father  died  in  1887  and  her  mother  in 
June,  1905.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henry  had  three  children:  Mabel  A.,  born  February 
21,  1888,  assistant  cashier  of  the  Beaver  Bank;  Carl  H.,  who  was  born  February 
20,  1895,  and  died  in  December,  1897;  and  Margaret  Lucille,  born  January  3, 
1900,  who  is  attending  school  in  Grand  Junction. 

Mr.  Henry  has  other  important  interests,  being  a  stockholder  and  treasurer 
of  the  Farmers  Cooperative  Company  of  Beaver,  and  he  also  owns  a  block  of 
shares  in  the  Peoples  National  Bank  at  Perry.  Since  1888  he  has  been  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Order  of  Railway  Conductors  and  was  secretary  of  the  general  board 
of  adjustment  for  the  Milwaukee  system  for  ten  years.  He  is  a  charter  mem- 
ber uf  the  American  Nobles  of  Perry.  Politically  he  is  a  republican  and  was  a 
member  of  the  city  council  in  Perry.  Since  coming  to  Beaver  this  town  has  been 
incorporated  and  he  has  since  served  as  councilman,  giving  the  city  the  benefit 
of  his  business  ability  besides  supporting  a  number  of  measures  which  have 
Ijeen  of  great  benefit  to  the  community.  He  and  his  family  are  ATethodists  and 
de\-out  in  their  religious  professions.  While  he  has  attained  success,  he  is  a 
man  who  is  considerate  of  the  interests  of  others  and  always  ready  to  make 
sacrifices  in  order  to  promote  the  public  welfare.  He  has  proved  himself  a  use- 
ful and  valuable  citizen  and  enjoys  in  full  measure  the  respect,  esteem  and  con- 
fidence of  all  who  ha\'e  come  in  contact  with  him. 


J.  B.  McHOSE. 

J.  B.  McHose  is  one  of  the  citizens  of  Boone  county  whom  she  may  well 
honor,  for  his  life  in  all  of  its  dilTerent  phases  has  been  such  as  measures  up  to 
the  highest  standards  of  manhood  and  citizenship.  In  business  he  has  been 
industrious,  energetic  and   rclialile,   in  ]iublic  office  loyal,  patriotic  and  capable. 


J.  B.  McHOSE 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  23 

anil  those  who  have  met  him  in  social  relations  count  his  friendship  as  some- 
thing worth  while.  A  native  of  Iowa,  Mr.  McHose  was  born  in  the  city  of 
Davenport — then  a  town  of  little  importance — August  25,  1849,  his  parents 
being  Samuel  and  Mary  ( Dillin )  McHose.  He  is  descended  from  Scotch. 
German  and  English  ancestry  of  pre-Revolutionary  times,  and  from  the  mingled 
l)lood  of  the  three  races  have  come  some  of  his  strong  and  sturdy  characteristics. 
His  father  and  grandfather  were  brick  makers.  In  pioneer  times  the  parents 
became  residents  of  Iowa,  but  the  mother  passed  away  March  22,  1863,  in 
(jcneseo,  Illinois.  In  the  family  were  eight  children:  J.  B.,  of  this  review; 
William  E.,  now  deceased ;  Isabelle,  the  wife  of  F.  Smock  of  San  Diego,  Cali- 
fornia;  Samuel  M.,  living  in  Nevada,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Dora  Neil,  whose  home  is  in 
Seattle,  Washington;  Mrs.  Mary  Stuart,  a  resident  of  Lewiston,  Montana,* 
Joseph,  deceased ;  and  George,  deceased.  Losing  his  first  wife,  the  father,  who 
has  just  passed  away  at  the  age  of  ninety-one  at  Grinnell,  Iowa,  married  again, 
his  second  union  being  with  Fannie  Nye.  Unto  them  were  born  three  children : 
Arthur,  of  Boone;  Charles,  a  resident  of  Maxwell,  Iowa;  and  Harry,  of 
Montana. 

J.  B.  McHose  spent  the  days  of  his  boyhood  and  youth  in  his  parents'  home 
and  early  began  work  in  his  father's  brickyard.  His  educational  opportunities 
were  those  accorded  by  the  public  schools.  At  twenty  years  of  age  he  left  the 
partntal  roof  and  started  out  in  the  business  world  independently,  becoming 
connected  with  the  manufacture  of  bri9k;^nd:^tso;  during  the  winters  taking  up 
the  profession  of  teaching,  for  which,  he  was  yvelliiualified  through  a  high-school 
education.  At  length  he  began  the  study  of  law  and  graduated  from  the  Wash- 
ington University  of  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  with.the  class  of  1874.  He  then  located 
for  practice  in  Story  county.  Iowa,  where  he  f€tnaiJied  for  four  years,  but  at  the 
end  of  that  time  abandoned  his  profession  and  again  turnetl  his  attention  to 
the  manufacture  of  clay  products.  In  1889  he  came  to  Boone  and  established  the 
Boone  Clay  Works,  manufacturing  brick,  drain  tile  and  other  clay  wares, 
which  he  conducted  for  about  twenty-two  years  with  splendid  success,  enjoying 
a  growing  and  gratifying  business,  from  which  he  retired  in  1910.  He  has  also 
for  twenty-eight  years  been  the  owner  of  a  large  farm  in  Iowa  and  is  deeply 
interested  in  agricultural  and  horticultural  affairs.  In  connection  with  his  large 
clay  manufacturing  interests  he  also  did  business  as  a  paving  contractor,  and  in 
the  city  of  IJoone  as  well  as  other  places  are  numerous  evidences  of  his  activity 
in  the  construction  of  substantial  buildings  and  business  blocks.  He  likewise 
won  success  as  a  beekeeper,  devoting  considerable  attention  to  the  raising  and 
care  of  these  insects. 

Mr.  McHose  has  an  excellent  public  record.  Since  attaining  his  majority 
he  has  given  stalwart  support  to  the  republican  party,  keeping  well-informed  on 
the  questions  of  the  day  and  taking  active  part  in  promoting  the  principles  in 
which  he  believes,  as  a  campaign  speaker  and  also  as  chairman  of  the  republican 
county  central  committee.  For  several  years  he  served  as  a  member  of  the  city 
coimcil  of  Boone,  exercising  his  official  prerogatives  in  support  of  all  measures 
which  he  deemed  of  value  and  worth  in  promoting  the  city's  best  interests.  He 
took  a  leading  part  in  inaugurating  a  number  of  modern  civic  improvements.  It 
was  during  his  term  as  councilman  that  the  first  paving  was  done  and  that  twenty- 
four  miles  of  sewer  were  laid.     The  latter  project  was  the  cause  of  one  of  the 


24  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

greatest  controversies  in  the  city's  history,  but  time  has  proven  its  wisdom.  In 
November,  uji2,  Mr.  McHose  was  elected  to  represent  his  district  in  the  state 
legislature  and  took  active  part  in  its  councils.  He  was  placed  upon  its  most 
important  committees,  such  as  judiciary,  ways  and  means,  mines  and  mining, 
insurance,  and  some  half  dozen  others.  He  at  all  times  sought  the  welfare  of 
the  public  rather  than  party  interests  or  personal  aggrandizement,  and  he  was 
the  father  of  a  bill  designed  to  put  private  banks  in  Iowa  under  state  supervision. 
He  studied  closely  the  legislative  problems  and  lived  up  to  the  platform  upon 
w^hich  he  was  elected — "belief  in  the  strictest  fidelity  and  accountability  of  public 
officers,  rigid  economy  and  honesty  in  public  atYairs,  laws  for  the  protection  of 
the  weak  against  the  strong  and  the  education  of  the  young  for  the  industries 
and  business  interests  of  the  state."  He  believes  thoroughly  in  progressive 
republicanism. 

On  the  i6th  of  March,  1876,  Mr.  McHose  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Ella  Hamor,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  and  they  own  and  occupy  a  fine  brick 
residence  in  Boone,  built  of  brick  which  he  manufactured.  ]\Ir.  McHose  also 
has  other  valuable  property  and  at  the  present  time  is  living  retired,  giving  his 
attention  to  the  supervision  of  his  farming  and  other  interests.  He  is  identified 
with  various  societies  and  organizations,  which  indicate  him  to  be  a  broad- 
minded,  progressive  man.  He  has  membership  in  the  National  Geographical 
Society,  the  State  Historical  Society  and  the  State  Horticultural  Society.  In 
Masonry  he  has  attained  the  thirty-second  degree,  belongs  to  the  Mystic  Shrine. 
the  Eastern  Star  and  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  For  several  years  he  served 
as  president  of  the  State  Brick  and  Tile  Makers"  Association.  He  deserves 
much  credit  for  what  he  has  accomplished  in  that  he  started  out  in  life  empty 
handed  and  has  worked  his  way  steadily  upward.  He  began  in  brick  manufac- 
turing before  he  attained  his  majority  with  a  capital  of  less  than  fifty  dollars. 
His  knowledge  of  legal  principles  was  the  foundation  of  much  of  his  success  in 
business  and  his  valuable  public  service  in  office. 


JUDGE  DAVID  R.  HINDMAN. 

A  history  of  the  bench  and  bar  of  the  eleventh  judicial  district  of  Iowa  would 
be  incomplete  and  unsatisfactory  were  there  failure  to  make  prominent  reference 
to  Judge  David  R.  Hindman,  of  Boone,  who  for  eleven  years  sat  upon  the  bench 
and  for  an  extended  period  was  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  able  and  eminent 
lawyers  practicing  in  his  section  of  the  state.  It  is  not  the  province  of  biography 
to  give  voice  to  a  man's  modest  estimate  of  himself  and  his  accomplishments, 
but  rather  to  judge  the  record  establishing  his  position  by  the  consensus  of  public 
opinion  on  the  part  of  his  fellowmen.  Judged  by  that  standard,  too  much  can- 
not be  said  in  praise  of  David  R.  Hindman,  for  all  who  knew  him  were  glad  and 
proud  to  call  him  friend,  recognizing  his  honorable  manhood,  his  lofty  pur- 
poses and  his  well  spent  life.  In  a  profession  where  advancement  depends  entirely 
upon  individual  effort  and  merit  he  made  steady  progress  and  his  course  ever 
reflected  credit  and  honor  upon  his  chosen  calling. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  25 

Judge  Hindman  was  a  native  of  Otsego  county,  New  York,  born  on  the 
loth  of  May,  1834,  and  was,  therefore,  almost  seventy-four  years  of  age  when 
he  passed  away  at  his  home  in  Boone  on  the  17th  of  April,  1908.  The  greater 
part  of  his  youth  was  spent  in  Oneida  county.  New  York,  and  he  supplemented 
public-school  instruction  by  study  in  the  Whitestown  (N.  Y.)  Seminary.  He 
afterward  entered  for  professional  training  the  Clinton  Law  School  and, 
having  completed  his  preparation  for  the  bar,  he  removed  to  Portage  City, 
Wisconsin,  in  i860,  and  for  some  time  engaged  in  active  practice  there.  How- 
ever, following  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  he  joined  the  army,  enlisting  first 
in  response  to  the  call  for  three  months'  troops  and  afterward  reenlisting  as  a 
private  of  the  Nineteenth  Wisconsin  Infantry.  He  rose  from  the  ranks  through 
successive  promotions  to  the  captaincy  of  the  company  and  was  beloved  by  those 
who  served  under  him.  He  never  asked  the  troops  to  go  where  he  would  not 
lead. 

With  the  close  of  the  war  Judge  Hindman  returned  to  Wisconsin  and  the  fol- 
lowing year  came  to  Boonesboro  and  to  Boone  in  1875,  where  he  opened  an  office 
and  entered  upon  the  active  practice  of  his  profession.  His  ability  won  almost 
immediate  recognition.  He  displayed  comprehensive  knowledge  of  the  law  and 
notable  skill  in  applying  legal  princi]jles  to  the  points  at  issue.  His  ability  gained 
for  him  ajipointment  to  fill  out  the  unexpired  term  of  Judge  Mericle  of  the 
eleventh  judicial  district  in  1 888.  He  was  then  elected  and  afterward  reelected, 
retiring  from  the  bench  in  1899.  He  could  have  remained  for  a  longer  term  of 
years  in  that  judicial  position,  had  he  so  desired,  for  he  had  "won  golden  opin- 
ions from  all  sorts  of  people"  by  the  fairness,  equity  and  impartiality  of  his 
decisions.     Of  him  it  has  been  written: 

"Judge  Hindman  was  without  a  peer  among  the  district  judges  in  the  state 
of  Iowa  and  he  established  a  record  with  the  state  supreme  court — his  decisions 
were  scarcely  ever  reversed  by  that  body — which  indicated  that  Air.  Hindman 
was  well  read  in  the  profession.  Of  late  years  he  maintained  an  office  in  Boone 
and  enjoyed  a  very  good  practice. 

"From  the  start  of  his  professional  life  D.  R.  Flindman  made  friends  of  all. 
Eminently  successful  in  a  financial  way.  he  leaves  a  far  greater  legacy,  the  good- 
will of  the  community.  Throughout  his  long  life  crowned  with  deeds  of  use- 
fulness his  upright  character  and  noble  manhood  stood  out  prominently.  As 
a  judge  of  the  district  court,  as  a  practicing  attorney,  in  any  of  his  business 
dealing  or  in  his  social  life  he  was  the  same — afifable,  with  a  kind  word  for  all, 
never  saying  anything  but  good  of  his  fellowmen.  His  disposition  was  most 
genial  and  his  views  of  life  were  of  the  most  optimistic.  He  often  expressed 
the  desire  to  depart  this  life  suddenly — without  suffering — and  his  wish  was 
gratified  by  an  all-wise  Creator.  One  of  the  interesting  traits  of  his  life  was  his 
fondness  for  young  people  and  when  in  their  company  he  seemed  contented 
and  happy.  He  always  held  a  charitable  estimate  of  everybody's  character  and 
his  death  is,  indeed,  a  sad  blow  to  Boone  and  this  community  where  he  was  so 
well  and  favorably  known.  Everywhere  among  his  friends  of  the  legal  profes- 
sion nothing  but  words  of  praise  are  heard  for  him.  All  unite  in  paying  a 
tribute  to  this  well  spent  life." 

It  was  in  1866  that  Judge  Hindman  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Jennie 
E.  Ritchey,  who  was  born   near  Lafayette,  Tippecanoe  county,   Indiana.     Her 


26  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

father,  a  farmer  by  occupation,  died  in  the  early  '70s,  and  her  mother  and  sister 
afterward  came  to  make  their  home  with  Judge  and  Mrs.  Hindman,  Mrs.  Ritchey 
here  passing  away  in  1897,  in  the  eighty-sixth  year  of  her  age.  Her  daughter, 
Miss  Mary  A.  Ritchey,  still  resides  with  .Mrs.  Hindman.  Judge  and  Mrs.  Hind- 
man  had  no  children,  but  he  is  still  survived  by  four  sisters,  all  of  whom  are 
living  at  Syracuse,  New  York.  Judge  Hindman  was  a  prominent  Mason  and 
attained  the  Knight  Templar  degree  of  the  York  Rite,  exemplifying  at  all  times 
in  his  life  the  beneficent  spirit  of  the  craft.  He  wore  with  pride  the  little  bronze 
button,  which  showed  him  to  be  a  member  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic, 
and  he  always  maintained  the  deepest  interest  in  those  with  whom  he  had  served 
when  wearing  the  nation's  blue  uniform.  He  was  interested  in  the  armory  and 
in  the  hospital  and  in  other  public  affairs  of  his  city  and  cooperated  in  all  move- 
ments for  the  general  good.  At  the  same  time  he  was  devoted  to  his  profession 
and,  while  his  allegiance  to  his  clients'  interests  was  proverbial,  he  never  forgot 
that  he  owed  a  still  greater  fidelity  to  the  majesty  of  the  law.  Death  came  to 
him  suddenly  and  after  an  illness  of  but  six  hours  he  passed  away.  A  fitting 
tribute  was  paid  to  his  memory  by  Hon.  R.  F.  Dale,  who  said : 

"It  seems  meet  and  proper  that  the  members  of  this  bar  should  pause  for 
a  time  this  afternoon  and  cast  anchor  to  the  rushing  turmoils  of  life  and  give 
our  thoughts  in  contemplation  of  the  virtuous  dead — to  stand  at  the  tomb  and 
allow  our  eyes  to  take  glimpses  of  eternity  and  enjoy  in  anticipation  the  rest  which 
awaits  us  at  the  close  of  this  life.  Surely,  we  must  be  much  benefited  thereby, 
become  better  men,  gather  more  potency  to  clasp  virtue  and  entrench  ourselves 
more  strongly  against  vice. 

"On  occasions  like  this  does  not  the  query  arise,  is  the  grave  the  end?  We 
know  the  body  submits  to  decay  but  we  are  also  told  that  there  will  come  a  time 
when  a  voice  shall  command  the  seas  and  the  graves  to  give  up  their  dead  and 
meet  the  spirit  somewhere  which  shall  descend  there  to  be  reunited.  The  stroke 
of  death  only  expands  life. 

"Of  the  life  of  our  departed  brother,  in  this. world  of  discontent  and  rest- 
lessness, no  one  need  speak,  it  is  an  open  book  upon  each  page  of  which  is  ex- 
pressed a  noble  mind,  kind  heart,  generous  spirit  and  heroic  dealings.  D.  R. 
Hindman  lived  his  allotted  time  and  from  our  acquaintance  and  observations 
with  and  of  him  we  could  see  him  meeting  his  duties  courageously  and  manfully 
and  at  all  times  with  kindness  and  due  thought  of  the  rights  of  others:  he 
always  met  the  combinations  of  former  ages  intelligently  and-  strove  to  apply 
them  to  the  demands  as  they  now  exist.  While  our  brother  is  not  visible  to  the 
natural  eye,  yet  those  who  read  history  aright  say  he  is  not  dead. 

"These  ceremonies  combined  with  the  influence  of  the  life  lived  by  the  tenant 
of  the  grave  enrich  our  minds,  assist  in  forming  our  judgments ;  our  hearts  are 
softened  and  if  rightfully  studied  our  lives  are  directed  and  controlled  thereby. 
Honor,  ability  and  dignity  were  attributes  possessed  by  our  departed  brother. 
"He  was  a  student  of  human  nature,  thus  gaining  knowledge  of  the  world  in 
its  noblest  sense  :  always  taking  a  broad  and  liberal  view  of  human  conduct :  never 
seeking  for  matter  for  condemnation  but  rather  for  matter  of  approval ;  always 
excuses  for  the  erring  and  charity  for  weakness.  He  understood  weakness  as 
well  as  strength  :  vice  as  well  as  virtue.  His  power  and  qualifications  for  a  law- 
yer, jurist,  neighbor  and   friend  were  based  upon  his  knowledge  gained   from 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  27 

such  study.  His  colossal  kindness  and  hospitality  made  him  one  whom  we  were 
always  glad  to  meet.  Those  who  knew  him  longest  respected  and  loved  him 
most.  No  better  recommendations  can  man  desire  or  possess.  His  life  here 
gives  the  lie  to  that  old  and  unwarranted  idea,  entertained  by  many  and  ex- 
pressed by  some,  'No  lawyer  can  be  honest.'  His  word  was  his  bond,  his  bond 
a  verity.  We  cannot  change  his  condition  but  his  life  and  influence  are  our 
heritage.  , 

"What  more  can  be  said.  Let  us  emulate  his  kindness  and  good-will  exhibited 
toward  the  members  of  his  chosen  profession  and  thereby  lessen  the  bitter  feel- 
ings and  animosities  that  are  prone  to  enter  into  our  dealings  together.  Judge 
Hindman  asked  only  for  his  client  that  to  which  he  believed  him  entitled,  let 
us  follow  his  example." 


GEORGE  W.   NELSON. 

George  W.  Nelson  is  to  be  numbered  among  the  enterprising  younger  busi- 
ness men  of  Boone,  where  he  now  is  the  owner  of  the  Boone  Bottling  Works, 
a  prosperous  establishment  the  ownership  of  which  he  acquired  only  about  a 
year  ago.  Mr.  Nelson  was  born  in  Boone,  September  7,  1877,  and  is  a  son  of 
Andrew  and  Ellen  Nelson,  natives  of  Sweden.  They  came  to  America  soon 
after  their  marriage,  settling  in  Rockford,  Illinois.  In  that  city  they  remained 
for  a  time,  the  father  following  the  trade  of  tailor.  In  1868  they  came  to  Boone, 
Andrew  Nelson  becoming  one  of  the  earlier  settlers  of  that  city.  He  was  the 
first  tailor  of  Boone,  working  for  his  brother,  John  T.,  who  came  to  that  city 
about  the  same  time.  He  continued  in  that  association  for  a  number  of  years 
and  then  retired,  passing  away  June  17,  191 2.  His  widow  survived  him  until 
May  27,  1913.  The  father  was  one  of  the  organizers  and  a  trustee  of  the 
Swedish  Mission  church,  of  which  both  he  and  his  wife  were  members.  He  was 
a  republican  and  stanchly  upheld  the  principles  of  that  party.  To  him  and  his 
wife  were  born  the  following  children :  Oscar  A.,  of  Boone ;  Theodore  E.,  who  is 
a  business  man  of  that  city ;  Charles,  who  passed  away  at  the  age  of  fifteen ; 
George  W.,  of  this  review ;  and  three  who  died  in  infancy. 

George  W.  Nelson  attended  the  public  schools  of  Boone  until  fifl,:en  years 
of  age,  receiving  his  first  instruction  under  a  Mrs.  Joseph  Whittaker.  After 
laying  aside  his  text-books  he  became  a  clerk  in  the  shoe  store  of  C.  A.  McCune, 
*so  remaining  until  Mr.  McCune  sold  out  his  interest  to  Oscar  A.  Nelson  and 
George  W.  Nelson.  Mr.  Nelson  of  this  review  a  few  years  later  sold  out  to 
his  brother  and  bought  the  Westerberg  Bottling  Works,  changing  the  name 
to  the  Boone  Bottling  Works.  Although  Mr.  Nelson  has  conducted  this  business 
only  a  short  time,  he  has  already  laid  the  foundations  of  a  decided  success.  There 
is  great  credit  due  him  for  what  he  has  achieved,  as  his  success  has  come  to 
him  entirely  through  his  own  efforts. 

On  May  3.  191 1,  Mr.  Nelson  married  Miss  Theresa  A.  Anderson,  of  Min- 
neapolis, Minnesota,  a  daughter  of  Gustave  A.  .Anderson.  Mr,  and  Mrs.  Nel- 
son reside  in  a  handsome  home  at  No.  427  South  Boone  street,  where  they  often 
entertain  their  manv  friends.    They  are  members  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church 


28  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

and  interested  in  its  work.  Politically  Mr.  Nelson  preserves  independence,  giving 
his  vote  to  the  candidates  whom  he  considers  best  fitted  for  the  office  irrespective 
of  party  affiliation.  Fraternally  he  is  a  member  of  the  Benevolent  Pro- 
tective Order  of  Elks  and  popular  in  that  organization.  He  is  a  public-spirited 
citizen  who  promotes  enterprise  wherever  and  whenever  possible  and  who  in  a 
quiet  way  has  done  his  share  for  the  development  of  his  city. 


BERNHART  PAUL  HOLST. 

When  we  contemplate  the  career  of  those  who  turn  the  tide  of  adversity  in 
early  life  to  successful  ends,  we  are  induced  to  regard  with  more  than  ordinary 
admiration  their  character  and  perseverance.  Probably  there  is  in  the  central 
part  of  the  United  States  no  one  who  has  greater  claim  to  a  biographical  sketch 
in  this  work  than  Bernhart  Paul  Hoist,  both  from  the  interest  shown  in  the 
general  upbuilding  of  educational  institutions  and  for  his  long  contact  with  the 
development  of  Boone  county  and  the  state  of  Iowa.  His  life  offers  so  much 
encouragement  to  those  who  are  at  the  commencement  of  their  business  and 
professional  career,  all  of  which  is  so  laudable  and  exemplary,  that  the  writer 
is  inspired  by  many  incidents  of  importance  associated  with  him  and  his  educa- 
tional and  professional  work  and  business  enterprises. 

He  is  descended  from  German  parentage,  his  forefathers  having  resided 
for  many  generations  in  the  regions  made  famous  by  the  imperial  contests  of 
Napoleon  and  the  wars  for  Polish  independence.  Though  these  eventful  times 
■were  witnessed  in  different  sections  of  Germany,  the  former  refers  to  Lauen- 
turg,  the  home  of  his  paternal  ancestors,  and  the  latter  to  Posen,  the  seat  of  his 
maternal  progenitors.  In  both  provinces  were  formidable  parties  that  joined  in 
the  revolution  of  thought  and  action  against  the  continuance  of  ancient  imperial 
regimes,  and  with  these  were  associated  the  families  of  whom  the  subject  of  this 
sketch  is  a  scion. 

The  earliest  history  of  the  paternal  ancestors  may  be  traced  to  the  village  of 
Kulpin,  in  Lauenburg,  northern  Germany,  which  was  a  famous  stronghold  of 
a  warlike  clan  of  Teutons  in  the  eleventh  century.  This  village  was  long  a 
fortified  point  of  strategy,  but  became  a  local  center  of  trade  and  quiet  home  life 
under  the  civilizing  influences  of  the  reformation,  which  made  this  portion  of 
Europe  a  stronghold  of  Protestantism  and  the  modern  educational  arts. 

At  Kulpin,  in  1800,  we  find  Christian  Ludvvig  Hoist,  grandfather  of  the 
subject  of  this  sketch,  the  manager  of  the  large  estate  of  Kul]Mn,  which  was 
highly  developed  in  fertility  and  jjroductiveness  under  his  management  for  a 
quarter  of  a  century.  This  estate,  though  now  greatly  decreased  in  area  by 
reason  of  transfers  and  subdivisions,  was  still  a  valuable  and  extensive  posses- 
sion in  1913,  when  it  was  visited  by  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  but  its  ownership 
and  management  had  passed  into  the  possession  of  others. 

Heinrich  Ludwig  Hoist,  the  father  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  was  born 
in  the  beautiful  lake-village  of  Ratzeburg,  about  three  miles  from  Kulpin,  on 
April  17,  1817,  and  died  at  Pilot  Mound,  Iowa,  September  if>,  1885.  He  was 
the  son  of  Christian  Ludwig  Hoist,  who  died  while  the  son  was  still  in  infancy, 


Uae^y^^<^^^^A/ii:' 


"-"'^'4/- 


THE  NEW  YORK 
[PUBLIC  LIBRARY 


ASTOR     L- 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  31 

and  his  mother  subsequently  married  a  school  teacher  at  Ratzeburg.  Under  the 
careful  and  sympathetic  instruction  of  his  stepfather  he  obtained  the  benefits  of 
a  practical  education  and  afterward  learned  the  trade  of  a  cooper.  He  was 
an  able  thinker  on  theological  and  economical  questions,  a  lover  of  good  books, 
and  took  considerable  interest  in  traveling.  After  visiting  many  cities  of  the 
German  Confederation,  he  traveled  in  Switzerland,  Austria,  France  and  Russia, 
and  in  1842  settled  in  Samotschyn,  Germany,  where  he  founded  and  developed 
a  successfid  business  as  a  cooper. 

On  June  15,  1843,  H.  L.  Hoist,  the  father  of  Bernhart  Paul  Hoist,  married 
Eniilie  Leopoldina  Buchholz  at  Samotschyn.  She  was  born  at  Obersitzko,  a 
picturesque  town  on  the  Warthe  river,  in  Posen,  April  20,  1820.  Her  father. 
Wilhelm  Gotthold  Buchholz,  was  a  prominent  citizen  and  successful  druggist 
at  her  native  town,  and  her  mother  was  Dorothea  Caroline  Hirsekorn.  It  was 
the  ambition  of  her  parents  to  give  her  and  her  only  sister,  Amelia  Wilhelmina, 
a  good  education,  which  hope  was  realized  in  the  kindergarten  and  public 
schools  of  Obersitzko,  and  subsequently  both  were  taught  music  and  fine  handi- 
work in  a  real-schule,  or  manual  school.  Her  only  brother,  Edward,  was  lib- 
erally educated  and  became  a  successful  pliarmacist. 

The  family  resided  in  Germany  about  three  years  after  their  marriage, 
embarking  from  Bremen,  October  12,  1846,  with  the  view  of  founding  a  home 
in  Australia,  and  landing  at  Port  Adelaide,  March  18,  1847.  ^t  "''^  ''^  noticed 
that  the  tri])  on  the  ocean  re(|uire(l  over  five  months,  a  fact  due  to  the  tardy 
progress  tuade  by  sail  ships,  and  while  on  the  Atlantic  ocean,  off  Cape  Blanco, 
Africa,  October  29,  1846,  their  first  born  son,  Wilhelm  Hoist,  died.  For  seven 
months  the  familv  resided  in  Adelaide,  one  of  the  finest  cities  in  Australia,  after 
which  they  resided  at  different  times  at  Lobethal,  Hoft'nungsthal,  Hoclikirch, 
and  on  a  farm  near  Lindock  \'alley.  In  the  meantime  H.  L.  Hoist  was  either 
occupied  in  farming  or  interested  in  gold  mining,  and  after  a  residence  of  twenty 
years  in  Australia,  about  equal  portions  of  the  time  in  the  colonies  of  Victoria 
and  South  Australia,  they  decided  to  emigrate  to  the  United  States.  On  AprU 
3,  1867,  they  set  sail  from  Melbourne  for  London,  England,  which  place  they 
reached  in  July,  and  after  spending  some  time  in  that  city  and  Liverpool  they  took 
a  steamboat  for  New  York,  reaching  Castle  Garden  on  August  3,  1867.  Five 
davs  later  they  came  to  Boone,  Iowa,  and  soon  after  purchased  a  farm  of  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres  located  twelve  miles  northwest  of  the  court  house,  in 
Pilot  Mound  township,  and  a  half  mile  west  of  Pilot  Mound,  the  highest  eleva- 
tion in  Boone  county. 

This  farm  was  the  home  of  Bernhart  Paul  Hoist,  the  subject  of  this  sketch, 
during  his  boyhood  years.  He  is  the  youngest  of  the  family,  which  consisted  of 
four  boys  and  three  girls.  They  are  named  in  order  of  age  as  follows :  Wilhelm 
(1845-46)  ;  Ludwig  Heinrich  (1847)  ;  Philip  Hermann  (1850-57)  ;  Mary  Louise 
(1853-1914);  Augusta  Johanna  (1856);  Emilie  Caroline  (1858-72);  and  Bern- 
hart Paul  (1861).  Wilhelm  died  oft'  Cape  Blanco,  Africa.  October  29,  1846; 
Philip  Hermann  died  at  Lobethal,  South  Australia,  March  20,  1857;  and  Emilie 
Caroline  died  at  Pilot  Mound,  Iowa,  January  i,  1872.  Ludwig  Heinrich  chose 
to  remain  in  Australia,  where  he  acquired  success  as  a  teacher  and  supervisor  in 
the  public  schools.  Mary  Louise  married  Julius  Amme  in  1882,  and  Augusta 
Johanna  married  Joseph  Adamson  in  1883 ;  the  latter  resides  in  Boone  county. 


32  ■         HISTORY  OF  ROONE  COUNTY 

Bernhart  Paul  Hoist  was  born  September  i8.  1861,  in  Hochkirch,  in  the 
Australian  colony  of  Victoria,  now  the  state  of  Victoria,  and  since  1867  has 
resided  in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  which  state  is  yet  his  home  and  for  which  he 
has  ever  had  strong  love.  He  was  reared  amid  refining  influences,  the  best 
that  were  possible  under  pioneer  conditions,  and  early  developed  the  traits  of 
character  which  led  to  a  strong  manhood.  In  the  home  and  public  schools  he 
secured  his  early  education,  after  which  he  had  the  benefits  of  academic  and 
collegiate  work.  From  early  infancy  he  enjoyed  the  benefits  that  come  from 
learning  to  use  several  modern  languages,  and  in  his  educational  research  at- 
tained more  than  mediocre  proficiency  in  German  history  and  literature.  He  was 
granted  his  first  teacher's  certificate  by  J-  H.  Chambers,  county  superintendent 
of  Boone  county  schools,  in  1883,  when  he  began  teaching  in  the  public  schools. 
Being  popular  among  his  associates  and  indefatigable  as  an  organizer,  he  gave 
hearty  and  efficient  support  in  the  maintenance  of  debating  societies,  institutes, 
Sunday  schools  and  other  organizations  intended  to  benefit  and  improve  moral 
and  social  conditions.  In  the  spring  of  1884  he,  in  company  with  two  other 
young  men,  Samuel  and  Andrew  Adamson,  drove  a  team  to  Logan  county, 
Nebraska,  where  he  served  in  surveying  government  lands  and  in  the  meantime 
completed  title  under  the  exemption  law  to  a  quarter  section  of  public  land. 
Subsequently  he  drove  on  the  California  trail  across  the  plains  to  the  foothills 
of  the  Rocky  mountains,  and  in  the  autumn  of  that  year  returned  to  Boone 
county  to  resume  teaching  in  the  public  schools. 

On  September  15,  1887,  Mr.  Hoist  married  Ella  Roose,  Rev.  Abram  Miller 
of  the  Lutheran  church  of  Georgetown  solemnizing  the  marriage  at  the  home  of 
the  bride's  parents,  near  Moultrie,  Ohio.  Mrs.  Hoist  was  bom  in  Columbiana 
county,  Ohio,  January  26,  1867,  and  was  the  youngest  of  four  children,  having  one 
sister  and  two  brothers.  Her  parents,  Michael  Roose,  born  February  14,  1826, 
and  Rachael  Myers  Roose,  born  February  16,  1832,  are  of  German  parentage 
and  descended  from  early  settlers  of  Pennsylvania.  They  resided  in  the  natural 
gas  and  oil  belt  near  Alliance,  Ohio,  where  they  owned  a  productive  fruit  and 
dairy  farm.  Three  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hoist,  two  sons  and 
a  daughter.  The  elder  son,  Bertram  Paul,  was  born  February  22,  1889.  He 
graduated  from  the  Boone  high  school  in  1908,  from  Drake  University  in  1913, 
and  from  the  University  of  Chicago  in  1914,  obtaining  the  A.  M.  degree  at  the 
latter  institution.  The  daughter,  Blanche  Alcott,  was  born  in  Boone,  Iowa, 
January  2,  1894:  she  graduated  from  the  Boone  high  school  in  191 1  and  from 
St.  Katharine's  Academy  at  Davenport,  Iowa,  in  1914.  She  has  also  studied 
at  Drake  University  and  other  institutions.  The  younger  son,  Emil  Roose. 
was  born  January  21,  1904,  and  since  his  sixth  year  has  attended  the  public 
schools  of  Pilot  Mound  and  Boone, 

Ella  Roose  Hoist,  wife  of  the  subject  of  this  sketch,  died  January  31,  1904, 
at  Boone.  This  loss  and  the  death  of  his  mother  on  March  5,  1908,  are  the  most 
impressive  of  the  sad  events  which  we  record  in  this  sketch. 

No  compendium  such  as  the  province  of  this  work  defines  in  its  essential 
limitations  will  serve  to  offer  fit  memorial  to  the  life  and  accomplishments  of 
Bernhart  Paul  Hoist,  the  honored  subject  of  this  sketch — a  man  remarkable  in 
the  breadth  of  his  wisdom,  in  his  indomitable  perseverance,  his  strong  indi- 
viduality, and  \et  one  whose  whole  esoteric  phase,  being  an  open  scroll,  invites 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  3a 

the  closest  scrutiny.  True,  his  have  been  "massive  deeds  and  great"  in  one 
sense,  and  yet  his  entire  life  accomplishments  but  represent  the  result  of  the  fit 
utilization  of  the  innate  talent  which  is  his,  and  the  directing  of  his  efforts  in 
those  lines  where  mature  judgment  and  rare  discrimination  lead  the  way.  There 
is  in  him  a  weight  of  character,  a  native  sagacity,  a  far-seeing  judgment  and 
a  fidelity  of  purpose  that  commands  the  respect  of  all.  A  man  of  indefatigable 
enterprise  and  fertility  of  resource,  he  has  carved  his  name  deejjly  on  the  record 
of  the  educational,  political,  commercial  and  professional  history  of  the  state, 
which,  owes  much  of  its  advancement  to  his  efforts,  especially  along  educational 
lines.  Being  one  of  the  most  capable  and  successful  educators  of  the  state, 
he  caused  the  schools  of  Boone  county  to  make  rapid  progress  and  induced  a 
higher  sentiment  for  professional  enterprise  in  teachers'  institutes  and  public 
school  courses. 

It  may  be  said  that  throughout  his  entire  life  he  has  been  connected  with 
educational  work,  and  that  he  turned  to  good  account  much  of  the  time  that 
too  many  men  fail  to  utilize.  In  his  professional  work  he  has  been  as  persevering 
to  enlarge  his  own  usefulness  and  that  of  his  learners  as  he  has  ever  been  dili- 
gent in  his -business  enterprises,  and  it  may  be  said  that  he  has  been  equally 
successful  in  both  lines.  In  1889,  at  the  age  of  twenty-eight  years,  he  was. 
elected  county  superintendent  of  schools  of  Beone  county  in  which  capacity  he 
remained  for  ten  years.  No  one  in  the  county  ever  filled  the  same  position 
for  as  long  a  period,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  anyone  else  in  the  state  has  been  more 
highly  complimented  through  popular  suftVage  than  he.  It  is  suggestive  of  more 
than  ordinary  popularity  and  ability  when  we  note  that  he  was  nominated  on. 
the  Democratic  ticket  while  Boone  county  is  strongly  Republican,  and  yet  he 
was  elected,  receiving  a  vote  about  five  hundred  more  than  the  strength  of  his 
partv.  In  1891,  when  reelected,  he  received  a  vote  of  one  thousand  more  than 
his  party,  and  in  1893,  his  vote  was  about  eleven  hundred  more  than  that  cast 
for  his  ticket.  In  1895,  when  the  opposition  party  had  an  average  majority  of 
thirteen  hundred  votes  for  its  candidates  he  was  given  a  safe  indorsement  for 
a  fourth  term  and  afterward  was  elected  for  the  fifth  time,  each  term  being 
for  two  vears.  In  1899,  while  conducting  an  institute  at  Boone  where  about 
three  hundred  and  thirty  teachers  were  in  attendance,  he  was  notified  that 
the  Democratic  state  convention  had  nominated  him  for  superintendent  of  public 
instruction  by  acclamation,  and  shortly  after  he  was  tendered  a  general  public 
ovation  by  the  teachers  and  citizens  of  Boone.  Though  defeated  in  the  state 
election,  he  turned  the  compliment  of  the  nomination  to  good  account  by  deliv- 
ering addresses  in  many  of  the  cities  of  the  state  and  extending  his  acquaintance 
among  [niblic  men. 

Professor  Hoist  is  known  as  an  institute  instructor  and  lecturer,  having  been 
appointed  on  the  corps  of  teachers  for  more  than  twenty-five  Iowa  institutes 
held  in  different  counties.  Among  his  most  popular  addresses  are  those  entitled 
Educational  Foundations,  Fundamentals,  Three  Great  Evils  of  the  Age,  and 
I  am  Fearfully  and  Wonderfully  Made.  His  popularity  as  a  conductor  of 
institutes  is  evidenced  by  the  following  memorial  presented  to  him  in  1895  by 
the  teachers  of  Boone  county : 

"Whereas:  The  sixth  session  of  the  Boone  County  Normal  Institute  under 
voiir  direction  is  now  drawing  to  a  close,  and   in  view  of  the   fact  that  these 


34  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

sessions  have  been  the  most  earnest  and  enthusiastic  ever  held  in  the  county,  the 
courses  of  study  being  the  most  systematic  and  complete  ever  issued,  the 
instruction  in  them  able  and  conscientious  and  the  manner  of  conducting  them 
competent  and  energetic ; 

"In  grateful  recognition  whereof :  We,  the  teachers  of  Boone  county,  tender 
you  our  sincere  thanks  for  the  watchful  interest  with  which  you  have  ever 
guarded  our  educational  affairs,  and  the  firm  and  yet  courteous  manner  in 
which  you  have  ever  dealt  with  both  teachers  and  patrons  of  our  schools;  and 
we  do  hereby  recommend  you  to  the  school  public,  not  only  as  an  educator  of 
profound  ability,  but  as  a  gentleman  of  thoroughly  Christian  character. 

''Furthermore :  We,  the  undersigned  members  of  the  Boone  County  Normal 
Institute  of  1895,  as  a  testimonial  of  our  high  personal  regard,  and  as  an  evi- 
dence of  our  appreciation  of  the  able  manner  in  which  you  have  discharged  the 
important  duties  of  your  office,  present  you  with  this  gold  watch  and  chain,  and 
hope  that  you  may  long  enjoy  positions  of  usefulness  among  your  fellowmen." 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  has  been  not  only  influential  in  the  higher  councils 
of  educational  meetings,  but  has  held  a  number  of  official  positions  and  served  on 
important  legislative  committees.  In  1892  at  Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa,  he  was  chosen 
the  first  vice-president  of  the  Iowa  State  Teachers'  Association.  He  was  quite 
a  young  man  when  thus  honored,*  but  he  capably  filled  the  position  and  in  1893 
was  elected  president  of  the  County  Superintendents'  and  Normal  Department 
while  in  session  at  Des  Moines.  His  indefatigable  efforts  in  promoting  organiza- 
tion had  the  desired  effect  and  gave  Iowa  the  largest  meeting  ever  held  up  to  that 
time  by  county  superintendents.  The  Iowa  Normal  Monthly,  published  at 
Dubuque,  Iowa,  said  of  him : 

"He  is  master  in  effecting  organization  and  system.  He  brings  harmony  and 
a  gladdening  spirit  into  the  work.  Under  his  efficient  management  ever}'  line  of 
school  work  has  been  awakened  and  broadened.  He  has  organized  a  teachers' 
library  and  a  hundred  for  the  public  schools  with  over  two  thousand  five  hundred 
volumes.  His  systematic  plans  for  conducting  teachers'  meetings  and  county 
institutes  make  them  at  once  profitable  and  popular.  In  his  office  are  kept  the 
most  accurate  and  systematic  records  of  supervision  and  gradation. 

"He  is  an  able  writer  and  natural  speaker.  The  past  year  he  delivered  about 
forty  lectures  before  institutes  and  conventions.  While  he  takes  delight  in  this 
line  of  work,  he  is  constantly  guarding  the  schools  in  his  charge.  Their  upbuild- 
ing and  successful  advancement  have  been  his  constant  desire.  One  of  Iowa's 
greatest  educators,  Dr.  W.  H.  Beardshear,  fittingly  says  of  him :  T  can  speak 
■of  him  and  his  work  in  the  most  commendable  terms.'  " 

In  speaking  of  his  public  life  and  work  it  may  be  fitting  to  mention  briefly 
the  confidence  in  which  he  is  held  by  those  that  know  him  best.  This  applies 
not  only  to  his  public  service,  but  is  true  also  of  his  business  and  social  life. 
When  but  twenty-one  years  of  age  he  was  nominated  for  justice  of  the  peace 
in  Pilot  Mound  township  by  a  class  of  citizens  who  wanted  to  bring  a  young  man 
and  efficiency  to  that  office  at  a  time  when  the  town  of  Pilot  Mound  was  in  its 
infancy.  It  is  needless  to  say  that  he  was  elected  and  that  he  served  his  con- 
stituents with  ability.  After  retiring  from  the  county  superintendency  in  1901 
he  was  chosen  a  member  of  the  city  council  of  Boone  by  the  citizens  of  the  fifth 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  35 

ward  who   favor  public   improvements,  and  was  elected   for  consecutive   terms 
aggregating  a  total  of  thirteen  years,  the  longest  in  the  history  of  the  city. 

He  is  closely  identified  v/ith  many  local  enterprises  and  for  many  years  was  on 
the  board  of  directors  of  the  Boone  Commercial  Association,  serving  as  the  presi- 
dent of  this  organization  for  the  year  of  191 1-1912.  It  was  during  this  period  that 
the  Fairview  Addition  to  Boone,  the  new  two  hundred  thousand  dollar  high 
school,  the  Swedish  Old  Folks  Home,  the  larger  city  waterworks  and  other  enter- 
prises were  promoted  by  the  business  interests  of  Boone,  and  of  which  he  was 
an  advocate. 

He  is  indebted  largely  to  himself  for  what  he  is  and  for  what  he  has  achieved, 
but  above  all  he  attributes  his  success  to  the  watchful  care  and  constant  encour- 
agement of  his  parents.  From  his  father,  a  man  strongly  devoted  to  the  religious 
teachings  and  moral  practices  of  the  Lutheran  church,  he  obtained  a  fine  collec- 
tion of  works  in  the  German,  and  to  him  also  is  he  indebted  for  support  in 
attending  for  two  years  a  school  where  he  studied  modern  languages  and  the 
sciences.  From  this  work  as  a'  nucleus,  he  broadened  his  mind  by  constant  study 
and  practical  application,  taking,  while  engaged  in  school  supervision,  advantage 
of  university  extension  courses  of  study  and  in  1899  was  awarded  on  an  exam- 
ination the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts  by  the  Western  University,  in  Illinois. 

While  at  the  farm  home  during  his  youth  he  began  to  take  interest  in  read- 
ing the  works  of  great  authors,  such  as  Schiller,  Bryant,  Holmes,  Whittier, 
Goethe,  Bancroft,  Shakespeare  and  Dickens,  and  from  each  he  drew  inspira- 
tion characteristic  of  the  writer.  He  was  particularly  fond  of  sketches  drawn 
from  Eulenspiegel  and  the  Nibelungenlied.  Being  interested  in  literary  work, 
he  began  to  find  pleasure  in  writing  as  a  local  correspondent  for  county  news- 
papers, and  prepared  numerous  essays  on  literary  topics  to  be  read  before 
schools  and  lyceums.  In  1890  he  began  publishing  the  Boone  County  Teacher, 
a  monthly  educational  journal,  which  he  issued  for  ten  years  and  made  it  a 
helpful  means  of  furthering  pedagogical  work.  In  1893  he  read  an  able  paper 
on  Demands  of  the  County  Superintendency  before  the  County  Superintend- 
ents' and  Normal  Department  at  Des  Moines,  and  subsequently  delivered  many 
addresses  relating  to  educational  topics  before  institutes  and  teachers'  meet- 
ings. While  county  superintendent  of  I'oone  county  he  also  published  annu- 
ally the  Graded  Four  Years'  Institute  Course  of  Study,  which  was  issued 
regularly  for  ten  years. 

The  finest  literary  work  of  Professor  Hoist,  however,  is  "The  Teachers'  and 
Pupils'  Cyclopaedia."  He  began  work  on  it  in  1898,  when  he  was  in  the  county 
superintendency,  writing  biographical  sketches  and  articles  on  scientific  subjects, 
such  as  would  not  lose  interest  and  value  by  the  lapse  of  time.  In  the  early 
part  of  1900  he  employed  typewriters  and  shorthand  reporters  with  the  view 
of  completing  the  work  on  the  manuscript  and  making  it  ready  for  the  com- 
positors, working  from  early  morning  until  nine  o'clock  at  night  about  two 
years  in  collating  and  revising  it.  The  work  was  finally  published  in  its  com- 
plete fomi  in  February,  1902,  when  it  was  issued  in  three  large  volumes  con- 
taining two  thousand  two  hundred  and  six  pages  and  about  one  thousand  five 
hundred  illustrations. 


36  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Ten  editions  of  "The  Teachers'  and  Pupils'  Cyclopaedia"  were  issued  with 
various  revisions  from  the  first  set  of  plates.  However,  the  publication  was 
thoroughly  revised  and  enlarged  to  seven  volumes  in  1912,  when  it  embraced 
about  four  thousand  double-column  pages  and  was  called  "The  New  Teachers' 
and  Pupils'  Cyclopaedia."  About  two  hundred  and  fifty  thousand  sets  of  this 
reference  work  have  been  sold  in  the  United  States,  Canada,  Alaska  and  Hawaii, 
placing  it  in  the  highest  rank  of  useful  American  literary  products. 

"The  New  Teachers'  and  Pupils'  Cyclopaedia"  is  written  in  a  beautiful, 
narrative  style,  and  is  a  valuable  treatise  and  dictionary  of  geography,  his- 
tory, mytholog}',  discoveries,  inventions  and  educational  progress.  It  treats 
the  literature  of  all  countries  and  peoples ;  reviews  the  resources  and  political 
conditions  of  all  lands :  presents  the  biographies  of  all  noted  persons  both  living 
and  dead ;  and  discusses  the  arts  and  sciences  in  their  working  and  application. 
It  has  already  found  its  way  into  hundreds  of  homes  and  school  libraries,  and 
is  justly  regarded  one  of  the  finest  and  most  utilitarian  American  products 
now  on  the  book  market. 

The  writings  of  Bernhart  Paul  Hoist,  besides  outlines,  addresses,  essays  and 
books  of  reference,  include  a  large  number  of  verses  and  poetical  compositions. 
These  products,  including  a  number  of  translations,  were  written  at  times  of 
rest,  or  as  change  in  occupation  permitted,  being  influenced,  of  course,  by  the 
inspirations  which  then  impress  the  writer,  such  as  the  native  fancy  or  the 
scenes  and  experiences  while  traveling  in  America  or  abroad.  In  1913  these 
writings  were  collected  and  published  in  a  volume  under  the  title  "Poems  of 
Friendship  and  Other  Poems."  By  permission  of  the  author  we  publish  the 
following,  verses  which  are  classed  among  the  Poems  of  Power: 

SUCCESS 

It  means  a  cross  for  faithful  hands  to  carry. 

In  contest  fierce,  and  with  tireless  brain  : 
It  means  that  weary  limbs  must  never  tarry. 

When  right  demands  that  we  should  try  again. 

Al  morn  may  beauty  roses  bloom  in  glory, 

.\t  noon  may  shrink  and  wither  stem  and  leaf, 

At  night  may  all  the  world  seem  cold  and  hoary. 
And  should  this  the  spirit  vex  and  grieve? 

You  cringe  because  your  hands  are  bleeding. 

And  seek  a  new  and  untried  field  for  luck. 
And  soon  release  your  grip,  when  yon  shouUl  be  heeding 

The  fact  that  true  success  depends  on  ])luck. 

If  you  despair  when  days  are  clear  and  cloudless. 

And  dream  that   dreadful  storms  are  raging  overhead. 

An  awful  ghost  will  rise  before  you  shroudless, 
.And  all  your  early  hopes  will  soon  be  dead. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  37 

Success  will  surely  come  with  time  and  labor, 

If  we  our  aims  will  carry  far  and  high, 
For  we  can  win  the  plaudits  of  our  neighbor. 

And  reach  the  goal  by  perseverance  bye  and  bye. 

Nature,  life,  love  and  friendship  are  favorite  themes  for  verses  by  this  author. 
He  is  at  his  best  when  writing  on  these  and  kindred  topics.  The  writer  is 
pleased  to  quote  the  following  selection  which  is  classed  with  his  Poems  of 
Friendship : 

FRIENDS 

Should  some  one  speak  unkindly  of  your  friend. 
With  earnest  mien,  you  must  his  worth  defend ; 
Though  all  the  world  should  at  your  true  friend  chide. 
Hold  to  his  hand  and  stand  close  by  his  side — 
For  this  we  know :  a  true  and  trusty  heart 
Of  happy  life  is  an  essential  part. 

Heaven  will  in  its  gentle  kindness  give 
True  friends  to  those  who  truly  act  and  live, 
But  those  that  fail  trustworthy  friends  to  prize 
At  length  are  severed  from  these  holy  ties — 
And  finally,  o'erwhelmed  by  doubt  and  fear, 
Are  borne  by  strangers  on  their  rustic  bier. 

Should  storms  betide  and  all  your  fortune  rend, 
You  still  are  rich  if  you  possess  a  friend. 
But  if  you  win  vast  fortune  and  renown. 
Or  even  wear  a  sceptered,  kingly  crown. 
And  have  no  friends,  no  trusty  friends  in  need. 
You  still  are  poor,  ah !  very  poor,  indeed ! 

Though  born  in  the  antipodes,  we  think  few  Americans  have  touched  more 
closely  the  spirit  of  democracy  or  treated  with  greater  fervor  the  liberty  and 
independence  which  is  ours.  Of  this  we  have  an  admirable  example  in  the 
following  lines  classed  with  his  Poems  of  Sentiment : 

LIBERTY 

Written  after  visiting  New  York  Harbor 

Hail  to  the  woman   with  the  torch  of   fire. 

Standing   on    Bedloe's    Isle   the   world    to   guide! 

Beacon  to  pilgrims  of  worthy  sire. 
Guide  to  the  homeless!  Far  and  wide 

Has  thy  mighty  welcome  blazed  its  way 


38  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

To  all  earth's  tired  as  well  as  me, 
And  now  I   see  the  break  of  better  day, 
The  dawn  of  freedom  and  of  liberty ! 

Unlike  the  brazen  Rhodes  of  Grecian  lore, 

With  mighty  limbs  from  land  to  land  ; 
She  stands  upon  the  eastern  sea-washed  shore. 

The  emblem  of  the  free  in  heart  and  hand ! 
Her  face  is  glad  with  Music  of  the  Spheres, 

Her  eyes  as  stars  in  glowing  beauty  shine, 
She  lights  the  path  to  peace  in  future  years. 

She  progress  gives  to  me  and  all  of  mine! 

Long  centuries  had  pressed  upon  the  poor, 

Had  made  them  dead  to  joy  and  faith  and  fear ; 
They  could  not  hope  to  see  an  open  door, 

So  pressed  with  pain,  could  scarcely  shed  a  tear : 
The  Tragedy  of  Time  caused  head  to  bow. 

The  Wheel  of  Labor  made  the  back  to  bend ; 
Profaned  and  robbed,  what  could  they  do,  and  how  ? 

What  shores  to  them  would  friendly  welcome  send? 

The  masters  and  the  lords  of  royal  blood 

With  monstrous  mandates  crushed  the  living  soul. 

And  ground  man  down  with  burdens  and  tlie  flood 
Of  wars.     And,  as  the  years  and  ages  roll, 

Refused  to  right  the  base  perfidious  wrongs 

That  dwarf  and   stun  the  much-bewildered  brain — 

But,  hark !     I  hear  the  welcome,  new-born  song 
And  see  the  torch  of  liberty  again ! 

Glides  now  the  ship  to  anchor  in  the  bay — 

Soon  will  I  tread  the  shore  of  my  adopted  land 
And  breathe  a  purer  spirit,  blessed  day. 

As  I  step  on  the  far-enchanted  strand ! 
This  heritage  is  nature's  noblest  gift 

To  man,  and  to  the  multitudes  that  come, 
As  well  as  all  who  long  have  been  adrift. 

And  rest  at  last  to  make  this  land  their  home. 

Hail  to  the  'cvoman  zvitli  the  torch  of  fire. 

Statiding  on  Bedloe's  Isle  the  zvorld  to  guide! 
Beacon  to  pilgrims  of  zvorthy  sire, 

Guide  to  the  homeless!    Far  and  zvide 
Has  th\  iniyhtv  welcome  biased  the  tvay 

To  all  earth's  tired  as  tvell  as  me. 
And  nozv  I  see  the  break  of  better  day. 

The  daivn  of  freedom  and  of  liberty! 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  39 

From  1867  until  February,  1900,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  resided  on  the 
family  homestead  immediately  south  of  the  town  of  Pilot  Mound,  a  tract  of 
one  hundred  and  seventy  acres  that  is  now  a  part  of  the  town,  and  in  the 
latter  year  removed  to  the  city  of  Boone,  where  he  is  still  a  resident.  He  is  the 
owner  of  several  large  tracts  of  land,  has  a  fine  home  in  the  city,  and  holds 
material  interests  in  The  Hoist  Publishing  Company,  a  concern  devoted  to  the 
publication  of  his  books.  In  irjio  he  completed  building  the  Hotel  Hoist,  Boone's 
popular  hostelry,  and  equipped  it  with  all  the  modern  improvements.  He  is  a 
stockholder  and  official  in  the  Boone  .State  Bank,  in  the  Boone  National  Bank 
and  in  other  large  banking  and  commercial  enterprises. 

The  subject  of  this  sketch  is  a  reader  and  has  a  fine  library  of  more  than 
five  thousand  volumes,  including  books  printed  in  the  English,  German,  Swed- 
ish and  other  languages.  In  his  work  he  has  exemplified  the  spirit  of  education 
ajjproved  by  Sidney  Smith,  who  said:  "The  real  object  of  education  is  to  give 
children  resources  that  will  endure  as  long  as  life  endures;  habits  that  will 
ameliorate,  not  destroy  ;  occupation  that  will  render  sickness  tolerable,  solitude 
pleasant,  age  venerable,  life  more  dignified  and  useful,  and  death  less  terrible." 
He  is  a  man  of  distinct  and  forceful  individuality,  his  influence  has  ever  been  on 
the  side  of  progress  and  public  improvement  and  Boone  county  has  reason  to  be 
proud  that  she  can  number  him  among  her  citizens. 


ISAAC  GAGE  OSGOOD. 

Isaac  Gage  Osgood,  who  is  one  of  the  proprietors  of  the  O.  &  D.  Motor 
Company,  has  in  a  short  time  become  one  of  the  prosperous  business  men  of 
Boone.  His  firm  are  agents  for  the  Yale,  DeLuxe,  M.  &  M.  and  Eagle  motor- 
cycles and  they  also  deal  in  bicycles  and  cycle  accessories  besides  doing  various 
kinds  of  repairing.  The  business  is  located  at  No.  809  Allen  street  and  the  firm 
enjoys  a  most  profitable  trade. 

'Mr.  Osgood  was  born  in  Alarseilles,  La  Salle  county,  Illinois,  June  10,  1875, 
and  is  a  son  of  Simon  T.  and  Louise  L.  (Gage)  Osgood.  The  paternal  grand- 
parents are  Luther  P.  and  Catherine  (Toll)  Osgood,  natives  of  Oneida  county, 
New  York.  The  grandfather,  who  is  a  farmer  by  occupation,  removed  to  the 
middle  west  about  sixty-two  years  ago,  locating  in  La  Salle  county,  and  there 
he  yet  resides. 

Isaac  G.  Osgood  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  La  Salle  county  and 
the  Des  Moines  College  of  Des  Moines,  Iowa.  He  attended  school  until  about 
twenty  years  of  age  but  as  a  boy  worked  in  a  lumberyard  and  grain  elevator 
for  his  father.  He  subsequently  started  farming  on  his  grandfather's  property, 
which  comprised  four  hundred  and  twenty  acres,  and  there  remained  for  five 
years,  when  the  land  was  sold  and  our  subject  engaged  with  his  father  and 
brother,  Beman  F.,  in  the  manufacturing  and  lumber  business,  the  firm  being 
known  as  S.  T.  Osgood  &  Son.  They  were  also  at  the  head  of  the  Marseilles 
Harrow  Company.  At  the  end  of  four  years  Isaac  G.  Osgood  acquired  title 
to  a  farm  east  of  La  Salle,  Illinois,  which  he  improved  and  cultivated  until  1912, 
when  he  sold  out  and  came  to   Boone,   Iowa.     Here  he  has  since  become  the 


40  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

head  of  the  O.  &  D.  Motor  Company  and  in  this  short  time  has  demonstrated 
his  ability  as  a  business  man. 

On  December  15,  1897,  Mr.  Osgood  married  Miss  Lottie  E.  Drackley.  of 
La  Salle  county,  Illinois,  and  they  have  five  children :  Lenore,  Herbert  M.,  Ade- 
laide L.,  Simon  T.  and  Charlotte  L.  Mr.  Osgood  is  a  republican  but  has  never 
sought  public  office,  although  he  is  well  informed  upon  all  public  questions 
and  stanchly  supports  his  party.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church  and  interested  in  its  work.  Although  he  has  resided  in  Boone  but  two 
years,  he  already  has  established  a  reputation  which  ranks  him  with  the  suc- 
cessful men  of  that  city,  and  it  may  be  safely  prophesied  that  his  business  afi^airs 
will  grow  in  scope  and  importance  as  the  years  pass  by. 


JUDSON  REYNOLDS  CRARY. 

ludson  Reynolds  Crary  was  a  man  whom  to  know  was  to  respect  and  honor. 
Life  was  ever  to  him  purposeful.  Each  day  brought  its  opportunities  that  were 
well  improved  and,  while  his  opportunities  were  not  exceptional,  he,  through 
his  own  efforts,  reached  a  position  of  broad  intelligence  as  well  as  of  business 
enterprise,  resulting  in  a  well  rounded  success.  As  the  years  went  on  he  became 
more  and  more  strongly  endeared  to  the  people  of  Boone  and  the  surroimding 
country  and  since  he  has  passed  away  his  memory  is  cherished  and  revered  by  all 
who  knew  him  and  remains  to  them  as  a  blessed  benediction. 

Mr.  Crary  was  born  on  the  27th  of  August,  1837,  at  Pierrepont,  St.  Lawrence 
county,  New  York,  and  lived  there  until  nineteen  years  of  age.  After  teaching 
one  term  in  a  country  school  in  Potsdam  township,  St.  Lawrence  county,  he, 
with  not  over  ten  dollars  in  his  pocket  and  a  letter  of  recommendation  from  a 
judge,  for  whom  he  had  written  while  working  his  way  through  the  academy, 
arrived  in  Chicago  and  from  1856  to  1867  was  employed  as  an  accountant 
except  for  a  number  of  months,  when  he  served  with  the  Chicago  Board  of 
Trade  Battery  at  Cairo,  Illinois.  This  battery  was  the  first  volunteer  regiment 
to  leave  Chicago.  He  was  honorably  discharged  from  the  same,  for  fever  had 
rendered  further  service  fatal.  In  1865  he  was  joined  by  his  brother  M.  S. 
Crary,  who  remained  with  him  for  two  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period 
they  came  to  Boone,  arriving  in  1867.  In  a  partnership  relation,  which  was, 
formed  on  the  29th  of  April,  1S67,  they  embarked  in  the  general  hardware  and 
implement  business  and  their  trade  constantly  grew  and  developed  until  it  became 
one  of  the  largest  of  the  kind  in  the  state.  The  brothers  continued  together  under 
the  firm  style  of  Crary  Brothers  until  December  16,  1909,  when  they  disposed 
of  their  interests.  There  were  still  many  features  of  their  business  to  close  up, 
however,  and  they  were  yet  engaged  in  that  work  when  J.  R.  Crary  became  ill — 
an  illness  from  which  he  never  recovered. 

On  the  27th  of  October,  1867,  Mr.  Crary  was  married,  in  Livonia,  New  York, 
to  Miss  Jessie  West,  and  brought  his  bride  to  their  new  home  in  Boone  They 
had  one  of  the  finest  homes  in  the  community,  and  it  was  ever  the  abode  of  a  warm 
hearted  and  generous  hospitality.     Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crary  became  the  parents  of 


J.  K.   CRAKV 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  43 

three  children:   Bessie;  Dr.  A.  W. ;  and  Mrs.  Ruth  Stevenson,  who  has  a  little  son, 
Dean  Stevenson. 

Mr.  Crary  was  a  member  of  the  Universalist  church,  and  his  life  was  ever 
upright  and  honorable  in  all  its  relations.  He  constantly  endeavored  to  do 
what  he  believed  to  be  right,  and  his  integrity  and  honor  were  never  called  into 
question.  After  attending  the  district  schools  in  his  early  youth  and  select  schools 
for  a  brief  period  he  was  graduated  from  the  St.  Lawrence  Academy  at  Potsdam, 
which  completed  his  school  training,  yet,  throughout  his  life  he  remained  a 
student,  not  only  of  books  but  of  the  signs  of  the  times.  He  became  a  well 
educated,  scholarly  man.  He  possessed  a  notably  retentive  memory,  read  broadly 
and  thought  deeply.  His  reading  covered  a  wide  range,  and  he  became  the 
possessor  of  a  very  extensive  and  well  selected  library.  He  was  especially 
fond  of  poetry  and  improved  many  a  moment  by  picking  up  a  volume  and  re- 
reading one  of  his  favorite  poems.  It  was  an  easy  matter  for  him  to  express 
himself  in  light  verse  and  sometimes  he  gave  himself  to  the  task  of  writing 
poetry  of  a  more  serious  or  classical  nature.  He  enjoyed  the  study  of  genealogy, 
and  he  also  spent  many  a  pleasant  hour  in  the  cultivation  of  roses  and  in  the 
pursuit  of  photography.  Whatever  he  undertook  was  done  with  thoroughness. 
He  enjoyed  art,  drama  and  music  and  read  so  broadly  and  studied  so  thoroughly 
along  these  lines  that  he  was  well  qualified  for  advanced  criticism.  He  loved 
nature  in  every  phase,  especially  trees  and  flowers,  and  took  great  interest  in 
working  among  them.  He  enjoyed  travel  and  brought  to  new  scenes  the  interest 
and  enthusiasm  of  youth.  His  interest  centered  in  his  family  and  those  who 
came  to  know  him  saw  that  beneath  the  calm,  slightly  stern  exterior  there  was  an 
unceasing  fund  of  geniality.  He  was  in  sympathy  with  the  young  in  their  pleas- 
ures, and  he  had  an  unusually  wide  range  of  information  concerning  games  and 
athletic  spQrts.  He  was  equally  well  versed  upon  the  current  topics  of  the  day, 
and  he  could  converse  as  readily  with  young  people  as  with  old,  holding  at  all 
times  their  interest  and  attention.  In  the  family  circle,  reaching  out  to  brothers, 
sisters,  nephews  and  nieces,  he  was  always  a  favorite.  They  came  to  him  for 
advice  and  assistance,  which  at  all  times  were  freely  given.  He  held  friendship 
inviolable.  There  were  in  him  those  qualities  which  drew  him  strongly  to  those 
with  whom  he  came  in  contact  and  his  associates  constantly  found  unexplored 
depths  in  his  nature,  resulting  from  a  comprehensive  fund  of  information  and  a 
broad,  keen  sympathy  with  life  in  all  of  its  higher  purposes,  activities  and  atti- 
tudes, which  rendered  association  with  him  a  constant  pleasure  and  intellectual 
and  moral  uplift. 


ARCHIE  WEST  CRARY,  M.  D. 

The  tendency  of  the  age  is  towards  specialization  and  those  who  attain  the 
highest  degree  of  proficiency  are  the  men  who,  after  familiarizing  themselves 
with  the  broad  general  principles  of  a  calling  or  profession,  concentrate  their 
energies  upon  a  particular  line  and  thus  gain  notable  skill  in  one  field.  This 
practice  Dr.  Archie  West  Crary  has  followed  and  is  today  well  known  by  reason 
of  his  special  work  in  ophthalmology,  otolog\'  and  laryngology  at  Boone.     He 


44  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

was  bom  April  i8,  1876.  in  the  city  in  which  he  still  makes  his  home,  his  parents 
being  J.  R.  and  Jessie  (West)  Crary.  The  family  comes  of  Scotch-Irish  ancestrj' 
and  was  founded  in  America  about  one  hundred  years  prior  to  the  Revolutionary 
war.  In  the  struggle  for  independence  was  Colonel  Archibald  Crary,  after  whom 
Dr.  Crary  is  named. 

After  mastering  the  branches  of  learning  taught  in  the  public  schools  Dr. 
A.  W.  Crary  entered  Cornell  College  and  won  the  Bachelor  of  Science  degree 
upon  graduation  with  the  class  of  1897.  The  following  year  he  enlisted  for 
service  in  the  Spanish-American  war,  becoming  a  private  of  Company  I,  of  the 
Fifty-second  Iowa  Infantry  X'olunteers.  He  continued  in  connection  with  the  mili- 
tary organization  of  the  state  and  in  19 10  was  elected  to  the  rank  of  first  lieutenant 
of  the  Fifty-sixth  Regiment  of  the  Iowa  National  Guard.  In  the  meantime  he 
continued  his  studies  in  preparation  for  a  professional  career  and  upon  the 
completion  of  a  medical  course  in  the  State  University  of  Iowa  won  his  M.  D. 
degree  in  1906.  During  the  last  two  years  of  his  medical  course  he  acted  as 
clinical  assistant  in  the  State  University  Hospital  for  twenty  hours  a  week  and 
after  graduation  was  appointed  to  a  position  upon  the  facultv  of  the  State 
University,  with  the  title  of  clinical  assistant  in  ophthalmology,  rhinolog}-  and 
laryngology  and  occupied  this  position  for  one  year,  meanwhile  assisting 
Dr.  L.  W.  Dean,  ex-president  of  the  state  medical  association,  in  his  work 
at  the_  \'inton  School  of  the  Blind  and  in  all  his  operative  work.  In  1907  he 
received  the  degree  of  Master  of  Science  and  in  1908  a  special  degree  in 
ophthalmology,  otology  and  laryngology.  Since  his  graduation  in  1906  he  has 
continued  in  the  practice  of  medicine  and  in  his  special  field  has  shown  marked 
efficiency. 

On  the  22d  of  June,  1910,  Dr.  Crary  was  united  in  marriage  in  Emmetsburg, 
Iowa,  to  Miss  Ida  May  Johnson,  who  was  republican  candidate  for  county 
superintendent  of  schools  of  Palo  Alto  county  in  1909.  Their  home  and  grounds 
at  the  corner  of  Fourth  and  Linn  streets  are  a  monument  to  the  artistic  tastes 
of  Dr.  Crary's  father,  and  there  they  gladly  entertain  all  true  friends  and 
neighbors.  The  Doctor  is  well  known  in  fraternal  circles,  belonging  to  the 
Knights  of  Pythias,  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  the  Masons. 


JOSIAH  B.  PATTERSON. 

Josiah  B.  Patterson,  proprietor  of  a  well  appointed  and  well  stocked  grocery 
store  in  Boone,  conducted  under  the  name  of  the  Patterson  Grocery  Company, 
has  for  more  than  a  half  century  been  identified  with  business  and  public  inter- 
ests in  this  section  of  the  state.  He  arrived  in  the  county  in  1856,  locating  at 
Belle  Point,  in  the  northeastern  corner  of  Douglas  township,  upon  a  farm  which 
his  father  had  purchased  in  1854.  Since  that  time  the  family  name  has  figured 
in  connection  with  events  of  public  importance  and  with  the  material  develop- 
ment of  the  community. 

Josiah  B.  Patterson  was  born  in  Morgan  county,  Ohio,  August  28,  1842, 
a  son  of  William  and  Sarah  (Cadwallader)  Patterson.  The  father's  birth  oc- 
curred in  Harrison  cotinty,  Ohio,  November  20.  1819.    He  was  a  son  of  Jeremiah 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  45 

Patterson,  of  North  Carolina,  and  a  grandson  of  Captain  William  Patterson, 
who  was  a  Scotchman  by  parentage,  although  born  in  the  north  of  Ireland.  He 
became  a  sea  captain,  devoting  his  entire  life  to  that  calling.  Jeremiah  Patter- 
son made  farming  his  life  work.  He  removed  from  North  Carolina  to  Ohio 
and  his  death  occurred  in  the  latter  state.  His  son,  William  Patterson,  born 
and  reared  in  Harrison  county,  Ohio,  brought  his  family  to  Iowa  in  1856  and 
settled  upon  a  farm  which  he  had  previously  purchased  in  1854.  With  character- 
istic energy  he  began  the  development  and  cultivation  of  his  land,  which  he 
converted  into  richly  tilled  fields,  making  his  home  thereon  until  his  death.  He 
was  reared  in  the  faith  of  the  Society  of  Friends  but  afterward  joined  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  church.  His  wife  was  a  native  of  Belmont  county,  Ohio, 
born  February  27,  1821,  and  her  death  occurred  in  Boone  county,  July  12,  1906. 
She  was  a  daughter  of  David  Cadwallader,  a  native  of  North  Carolina,  although 
his  father  was  a  native  of  W'ales  and  the  founder  of  the  family  in  the  new 
world.  It  was  in  r^Iorgan  county,  Ohio,  in  October,  1841,  that  William  Patter- 
son and  Sarah  Cadwallader  were  united  in  marriage.  They  became  the  parents 
of  four  children,  of  whom  Josiah  B.  and  two  sisters  are  yet  living,  these  being: 
Mrs.  Rachel  Reichenbach,  the  wife  of  Frederick  Reichenbach,  a  resident  of 
Colfax  township;  and  Mrs.  Edith  Johnson,  a  widow,  also  residing  in  Colfax 
township.  The  other  sister  was  Mrs.  Sarah  \'outrees,  who  was  the  wife  of 
George  V'outrees  and  who  died  in  December.  1910. 

Josiah  Ij.  Patterson  spent  the  first  fourteen  years  of  his  life  in  his  native 
state  and  then  accompanied  his  parents  to  Iowa.  His  educational  opportunities 
were  somewhat  limited,  but  his  training  at  farm  labor  was  not  meager.  At  the 
Lime  of  the  Civil  war,  however,  he  put  aside  all  business  interests  and  personal 
considerations  in  order  to  respond  to  the  country's  call  for  aid,  enlisting  on  the 
nth  of  August,  1862,  as  a  member  of  Company  D,  Thirty-second  Iowa  Infan- 
trv,  w  ith  which  he  remained  until  mustered  out  on  the  24th  of  August,  1865.  He 
participated  in  a  number  of  hotly  contested  engagements,  but  was  never  wounded, 
although  he  was  often  in  the  thickest  of  the  fight. 

When  the  war  was  over  Mr.  Patterson  returned  to  Boone  county  and  re- 
sumed farming,  in  which  he  engaged  until  1888.  He  was  then  appointed  deputy 
sheriff  under  Samuel  Zenor,  and  the  following  year  was  elected  to  the  oiifice 
of  sheriff,  in  which  position  he  served  for  two  terms,  or  four  years,  retiring  from 
that  position  on  the  ist  of  January,  1894.  He  was  again  called  to  public  office  in 
1897  when  appointed  postmaster  of  Boonesboro,  in  which  position  he  continued 
until  1902,  In  January  of  the  latter  year  he  was  again  made  deputy  sheritif  and 
continued  in  that  position  for  five  years.  Since  September,  1908,  he  has  been 
interested  in  the  grocerv  trade  and  has  divided  his  attention  between  his  com- 
mercial and  agricultural  interests,  for  he  still  supervises  his  farm.  He  has  an 
attractive  store  in  which  he  carries  a  large  and  well  selected  line  of  staple  and 
fancy  groceries,  and  his  success  has  placed  him  with  the  leading  merchants  of 
the  city. 

In  March,  1862,  Mr.  Patterson  was  united  in  marriage,  when  but  nineteen 
and  a  half  years  of  age,  to  Miss  Mary  Hull,  who  was  born  in  Licking  county, 
Ohio,  and  when  eight  years  of  age  came  to  Boone  county  with  her  father's  fam- 
ily. This  was  in  the  year  1852.  She  was  a  daughter  of  Uriah  and  Rachel 
(Sigler)    Hull,   residents   of   Licking  county,   where   they   resided   until   coming 


46  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

west  to  Iowa.  The  mother  died  in  1875  and  the  father  passed  away  in  li 
when  nearly  ninety  years  of  age.  Their  daughter,  Mrs.  Patterson,  was  called 
to  her  final  rest  November  27,  1907,  and  her  death  was  deeply  regretted  by 
many  friends  as  well  as  by  her  immediate  family.  By  her  marriage  she  had  be- 
come the  mother  of  seven  children,  all  of  whom  survive.  Charles  H.,  is  operat- 
ing the  home  farm  near  Luther,  Boone  county.  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Jenkins  is  living 
in  Denver,  Colorado.  Emma  is  at  home.  Wilkie  C.  is  a  jeweler  of  Aurora,  Illi- 
nois. Webb  is  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  in  Boonesboro.  Sarah  and 
Gertrude  are  at  home,  and  the  latter  is  employed  in  the  Boone  postoffice. 

Politically  Mr.  Patterson  has  always  been  a  stalwart  republican.  He  has 
filled  nearly  all  of  the  township  and  other  local  offices,  and  the  record  which  he 
has  made  as  a  public  officer  is  a  creditable  one,  being  characterized  at  all  times 
by  promptness,  fidelity  and  loyalty.  Socially  he  is  connected  with  the  Benevol- 
ent Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  also  a  member 
of  J.  G.  Miller  Post,  No.  69,  G.  A.  R.,  and  is  as  true  and  loyal  to  his  country 
today  as  when  he  followed  the  old  flag  upon  the  battlefields  of  the  south.  The 
success  which  had  come  to  him  in  a  business  way  is  the  direct  and  merited 
reward  of  his  own  labors.  Starting  out  in  life  with  little  capital,  he  has  worked 
his  way  upward,  and  his  energy  and  enterprise  place  him  among  the  substantial 
citizens  of  his  adopted  county. 


LLOYD  A.  TILLSON. 


Lloyd  A.  Tillson,  of  Boone,  is  a  member  of  the  well  known  plumbing  and 
heating  firm  of  T.  E.  Nelson  &  Company.  He  is  the  outside  representative  for 
this  business  and  has  done  much  toward  establishing  it  upon  a  profitable  basis. 
He  was  born  in  Boone,  November  4,  1880,  and  is  a  son  of  Josiah  P.  Tillson, 
who  was  born  in  Otsego,  New  York. 

Lloyd  A.  Tillson  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Boone,  graduating 
with  the  class  of  1898.  He  received  his  first  lessons  under  Miss  Adelaide  Skliba 
and  graduated  from  high  school  under  Professor  Miller.  He  then  for  two  years 
pursued  a  course  of  mechanical  engineering  in  the  Iowa  State  College  at  Ames. 
At  the  end  of  that  time  he  entered  the  employ  of  Sutherin  &  Company,  working 
for  four  years  in  their  plumbing  shop,  and  there  he  laid  the  foundation  for  the 
valuable  knowledge  which  he  now  uses  in  promoting  his  own  interests.  In  1905 
he  became  connected  with  C.  B.  Sherman  in  the  plumbing  business,  the  head- 
quarters of  the  firm  being  at  No.  618  Story  street,  and  he  continued  in  that 
partnership  until  1908,  selling  his  interest  to  Mr.  Sherman  in  that  year  and 
establishing  business  alone  at  No.  1009  Story  street.  He  there  remained  for  two 
years,  disposing  of  his  interests  at  the  end  of  that  time  and  acquiring  a  half  share 
in  the  firm  of  T.  E.  Nelson  &  Company.  Mr.  Tillson  has  since  given  his  sole 
attention  toward  the  upbuilding  of  the  business,  and  the  firm  enjoys  the  highest 
reputation,  being  engaged  in  sanitary  plumbing  and  the  installation  of  steam 
and  hot  water  heating.  Not  only  is  he  an  expert  in  his  particular  trade  but  an 
excellent  business  man,  the  success  of  the  firm  being  founded  upon  efficiency, 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  47 

thoroughness   and   honesty.     The   honorable   principles   which   influence   all    his 
actions  have  become  the  policy  of  the  tirm. 

On  June  7,  1905,  Mr.  Tillson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Florence  Stokes, 
of  Boone,  her  parents  being  Isaac  and  Margaret  (Kennedy)  Stokes.  They  have 
three  children :  Robert  Lloyd  and  Howard  Dow,  twins ;  and  Jack  Edwin.  Mr. 
Tillson  stands  high  in  his  community  as  a  business  man  and  citizen,  being  ever 
ready  to  promote  enterprises  which  will  prove  of  value  to  the  city.  Although 
he  is  not  jxilitically  active,  he  is  public-spirited  and  is  conceded  to  be  a  factor  in 
the  development  of  his  community  and  county. 


JOHN  JENSEN. 


John  Jensen,  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  the  ^^'illiam  Bakley  farm  in 
Amaqua  township,  comprising  a  tract  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  sec- 
tion 35,  was  born  in  Denmark,  October  7,  1865,  and  is  a  son  of  Andres  and 
Sina  Jensen,  who  were  also  natives  of  that  country.  The  father  made  farming 
his  life  work  and  has  always  continued  a  resident  of  Denmark,  where  he  is  now 
living  retired,  making  his  home  with  a  daughter.  His  wife  passed  away  in 
1898. 

John  Jensen  spent  his  youthful  days  in  his  native  country  and  pursued  his 
education  in  its  public  schools.  His  opportunities  in  that  direction  were  some- 
what meager,  however,  for  when  thirteen  years  of  age  he  left  home  to  earn 
his  own  living  as  a  farm  hand.  He  was  thus  employed  until  1889,  or  until  he 
was  twenty-four  years  of  age,  when  he  bade  adieu  to  friends  and  native  land 
and  sought  a  home  in  the  new  world.  Landing  on  American  shores,  he  pushed 
his  way  into  the  interior  of  the  country,  settling  at  Ogden,  Boone  county,  where 
he  began  work  as  a  farm  hand,  being  thus  employed  for  four  years.  Desiring 
that  his  labors  should  more  directly  benefit  himself,  he  then  rented  the  Earl  farm 
in  Beaver  township,  which  he  operated  for  a  year.  He  next  rented  the  William 
Bakley  farm  in  Amaqua  township  and  has  since  operated  it,  covering  a  period 
of  nineteen  years.  He  is  now  cultivating  only  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres, 
which  tract  is  situated  on  section  35.  At  a  former  date,  however,  he  engaged 
more  largely  in  this  work.  He  has  extended  the  scope  of  his  activities  in  other 
directions,  for  in  October,  1913,  he  joined  William  Bakley  in  the  conduct  of  a 
grain  and  coal  business  in  Ogden  under  the  firm  style  of  Jensen  &  Company, 
in  which  connection  he  has  already  built  up  a  big  trade. 

On  the  30th  of  November,  1889,  Mr.  Jensen  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mary  Christensen,  a  daughter  of  Mels  and  Catherina  (Jensen)  Christensen,  who 
were  natives  of  Denmark.  The  father  followed  farming  in  his  native  country, 
where  he  is  still  living.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jensen  have  been  born  four  children : 
Clarence,  thirteen  years  of  age ;  Roy  and  Floyd,  twins,  aged  eleven ;  and  Free- 
man, aged  seven.  The  religious  faith  of  the  family  is  that  of  the  Lutheran 
church,  to  which  they  are  most  loyal,  and  the  political  belief  of  Mr.  Jensen  is 
that  of  the  republican  party,  for  he  feels  that  its  platform  contains  the  best  ele- 
ments of  good  government.  He  is  today  a  loyal  and  patriotic  American  citizen, 
having  the  same  attachment  for  the  land  of  his  adoption  as  those  who  have  been 


48  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

born  under  the  stars  and  stripes.  He  has  never  regretted  his  determination  to 
come  to  the  new  world,  for  here  he  has  found  good  opportunities,  which  he 
has  improved,  and  is  today  one  of  the  substantial  citizens  of  Ogden  and  Amaqua 
township. 


J.  R.  WHITAKER. 


J.  R.  Whitaker,  a  prominent  representative  of  the  Boone  county  bar,  holding 
at  all  times  to  high  ideals  in  his  profession,  was  born  in  Philadelphia,  Pennsyl- 
vania, June  3,  1852,  his  parents  being  Charles  and  Catherine  (Ripka)  Whitaker, 
who  were  also  natives  of  the  Keystone  state.  The  father  was  born  in  the  year 
1820  and  following  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  offered  his  services  to  the 
government,  becoming  colonel  of  the  Twenty-eighth  Regiment  of  Wisconsin 
\'olunteers,  with  which  he  served  throughout  the  period  of  hostilities.  When  he 
left  Philadelphia  to  establish  his  home  in  the  middle  west,  he  settled  in  Waukesha 
county,  Wisconsin,  and  there  resided  until  1866,  when  he  brought  his  family  to 
Iowa,  settling  first  in  Boonesboro.  Subsequently  he  removed  to  Boone,  where 
he  engaged  in  the  hardware  business,  and  in  1868  he  removed  to  a  farm  in 
Hamilton  county,  which  remained  his  place  of  residence  until  1881.  He  then 
established  his  home  in  Ames,  Iowa,  where  he  continued  to  reside  until  called 
to  his  final  rest  in  December,  1892.  He  was  twice  married,  his  first  wife  being 
Catherine  Ripka,  by  whom  he  had  eight  children:  Catherine,  J.  R.,  J.  M.,  Sarah, 
Amelia  and  Agnes,  all  of  whom  are  yet  living;  and  Lavinia  and  Ellen,  deceased. 
The  wife  and  mother  passed  away  in  1862,  and  Mr.  Whitaker  afterward  married 
Margaret  Hill,  whose  death  occurred  in  Hamilton  county,  Iowa,  in  December, 
1894.    There  were  several  children  by  that  marriage. 

Judge  Whitaker  was  a  youth  of  fourteen  years  when  the  family  came  to  Iowa, 
where  for  forty-eight  years  he  has  now  made  his  home.  His  youth  was  largely 
passed  upon  his  father's  farm,  and  he  supplemented  his  public  school  education 
by  study  in  the  Iowa  State  College,  from  which  he  graduated  in  1874.  In  1871, 
he  was  admitted  to  the  bar,  for  he  had  determined  upon  the  practice  of  law  as 
a  life  work  and  had  thoroughly  qualified  himself  for  the  profession  by  preliminary 
reading.  In  187S  he  opened  a  law  office  in  Boone  in  partnership  with  John  A. 
Hull,  Sr.,  the  association  continuing  for  five  years,  during  which  time  Judge 
WHiitaker  made  substantial  progress  in  a  profession  where  advancement  is  pro- 
verbially slow.  At  the  end  of  that  time,  or  in  1883,  he  was  elected  city  attorney 
and  the  following  year  was  again  called  to  public  office,  being  elected  mayor  of 
Boone.  He  discharged  the  duties  of  that  position  with  promptness  and  capa- 
bility for  two  years  and  in  1885  was  elected  to  the  office  of  county  attorney,  in 
which  he  continued  through  reelection  for  three  terms.  Judicial  honors  were 
conferred  upon  him  in  1898,  when  he  was  elected  district  judge.  He  took  his 
seat  upon  the  bench,  and  his  decisions,  strictly  fair  and  impartial,  brought  to 
him  high  commendation  from  his  professional  associates  and  the  general  public. 
At  the  close  of  his  first  term  he  was  again  his  party's  nominee  and  was  reelected. 
On  his  retirement  from  the  bench  he  resumed  the  private  practice  of  law,  and 
his  clientage  is  now  large  and  distinctively   representative.     His  name  is  asso- 


J.  K.   WIIITAKKK 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  51 

ciated  with  the  most  important  litigated  interests  that  have  been  tried  in  the 
courts  of  the  district  for  more  than  thirty-five  years,  and  his  pronounced  ability 
has  won  for  him  his  judicial  honors  and  his  gratifying  success  as  a  lawyer. 

On  the  5th  of  July,  1884,  Mr.  Whitaker  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Elizabeth  Tallman,  a  native  of  New  York,  and  they  have  become  the  parents  of 
three  children :  Benjamin  T.,  who  is  now  a  physician  of  Boone ;  Genevieve,  who 
died  in  1887;  and  James  R.,  at  home.  The  family  attend  the  Presbyterian  church, 
and  Mr.  Whitaker  holds  membership  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  His  political 
allegiance  is  always  given  to  the  republican  party,  and  in  oiifice  he  has  given 
indisputable  proof  of  his  public-spirited  devotion  to  the  general  good. 


BENJAMIN  B.  WILEY. 

Few  business  men  of  Boone  are  better  or  more  favorably  known  than  Ben- 
jamin B.  Wiley,  the  manager  of  the  Arie  Opera  House.  Not  only  is  Mr.  Wiley 
achieving  individual  success  in  that  position,  but  he  is  rendering  a  service  to 
the  general  public  of  his  city  by  pro\iding  amusement  and  entertainment  to  its 
people. 

He  was  born  in  Waterloo,  Iowa,  on  January  15,  1864,  and  is  a  son  of  Tobias 
Wile,  a  native  of  Stuttgart,  Wurtemberg,  Germany.  The  father  was  an  officer 
in  the  German  army  and  participated  in  the  great  war  against  France.  His 
birth  occurred  about  1824  and  he  received  an  excellent  education,  entering  upon 
military  life  before  he  was  married.  He  held  commissioned  rank  for  six  years. 
At  the  end  of  that  time  he  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  New  York,  whence  he  made 
his  way  to  Cincinnati.  Not  too  proud  to  earn  an  honest  dollar  by  any  means 
that  were  honorable  and  taking  advantage  of  opportunities  as  they  presented 
themselves,  he  peddled  goods  in  that  city  in  order  to  procure  a  living.  He  mar- 
ried Miss  Julia  Rosenstock,  a  native  of  Alsace-Lorraine,  who  emigrated  to  the 
United  States  at  the  age  of  eighteen,  leaving  behind  her  her  parents,  who  both 
died  in  Alsace.  From  Cincinnati  the  father  went  after  his  marriage  to  Waterloo, 
Iowa,  where  he  bought  and  sold  stock.  He  often  drove  overland  to  Chicago  in 
the  pursuit  of  this  business.  Later  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  clothing  trade 
in  Waterloo  and  conducted  a  store  with  great  success  for  a  number  of  years.  The 
last  years  of  his  life  he  lived  in  retirement  and  died  in  i88g,  in  Waterloo,  his 
widow  surviving  him  but  three  months.  His  burial  took  place  in  Dubuque. 
The  parents  of  our  subject  had  the  following  children:  Moses,  a  capitalist  of 
Warrensburg,  who  married  a  Miss  Roberts ;  Sarah,  who  is  now  Mrs.  Edward 
Hopkins  of  Duluth ;  Louis,  of  Minneapolis,  who  is  engaged  in  business  in  that 
city ;  Max  R.,  of  Chicago ;  Benjamin  B.,  of  this  review ;  Fanny,  who  is  Mrs.  I.  B. 
Myers  of  Memphis,  Tennessee ;  Mayme ;  Sophia ;  and  Hattie.  The  last  three 
make  their  home  in  Chicago. 

Benjamin  B.  Wiley  attendeii  the  public  schools  of  Waterloo  till  he  was 
fourteen  years  of  age.  At  that  early  age  he  took  upon  himself  the  responsibilities 
of  life,  becoming  an  employe  of  M.  Hellman,  a  clothing  merchant  of  Omaha,  for 
whom  he  clerked  for  ten  years.  He  spent  two  years  at  Yankton,  South  Dakota, 
for  the  same  company  and  for  three  years  was  located  at  Grand  Island.    At  the 


52  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

end  of  that  time,  in  August,  1901,  Mr.  Wiley  with  three  of  his  sisters  came  to 
Boone  and  opened  a  racquet  store.  Subsequently  Mr.  Wiley  assumed  the  man- 
agement of  the  old  Phipps  Opera  House  of  Boone,  and  it  may  be  mentioned 
in  this  connection  that  while  in  Omaha  he  acted  as  treasurer  of  Boyd's  Opera 
House  there,  fulfilling  the  duties  of  this  office  during  the  evenings.  In  Boone 
he  subsequently  became  a  partner  of  James  J.  Kirby  in  the  management  of 
the  opera  house  and  the  bill-posting  business  and  successfully  continued  so  for 
seven  or  eight  years.  The  partnership  was  then  dissolved  and  during  this  time 
the  old  opera  house  was  remodeled  and  the  name  changed  to  the  Arie  Opera 
House,  the  building  having  been  bought  by  B.  Arie.  Upon  Mr.  Kirby  leaving 
the  firm  Mr.  Wiley  assumed  entire  charge  and  management,  and  he  has  since 
successfully  conducted  the  establishment.  He  is  well  versed  in  all  the  details 
connected  with  the  business  and  has  proven  himself  an  efficient  manager  and  a 
farsighted  business  man. 

In  November,  1899,  Mr.  Wiley  married  Miss  Edith  Foster,  who  was  born  in 
Boone  in  1881  and  is  a  daughter  of  William  and  Matilda  Foster.  To  this  union 
the  following  children  were  born :  Max,  thirteen  years  of  age ;  Harold,  who  is 
eleven;  Julia,  nine;  Benjamin  B.,  Jr.,  six;  and  Marjorie,  aged  four.  The  family 
reside  at  1324  Green  street  and  occupy  one  of  the  largest  and  most  handsome 
homes  in  Boone.  Mr.  Wiley  has  always  been  an  ardent  democrat  and  cast  his 
first  vote  for  Grover  Cleveland.  Locally,  however,  he  is  independent  in  his 
support  of  candidates  and  even  in  national  politics  he  rather  prefers  to  follow 
his  own  judgment  nowadays.  Mr.  Wiley  is  a  public-spirited  citizen  and  has 
contributed  much  toward  the  growth  and  development  of  his  city,  being  ever 
ready  to  give  financial  and  moral  support  to  all  those  measures  which  promise 
to  be  of  value  to  the  city  and  its  inhabitants. 


WILLIAM  D.  KRUSE. 


William  D.  Kruse,  a  prosperous  and  enterprising  young  citizen  of  Boone 
county,  is  a  factor  in  financial  circles  as  assistant  cashier  of  the  Ogden  State  Bank, 
which  position  he  has  held  for  the  past  five  years.  He  is  a  worthy  native  son  of 
this  county,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Ogden  on  the  28th  of  August,  1887. 
His  parents,  Hans  and  Catherine  (Retus)  Kruse,  were  both  born  in  Schleswig, 
Germany.  The  father  took  up  his  abode  among  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Boone 
county,  Iowa,  in  the  early  '60s,  and  here  devoted  his  attention  to  general  agri- 
cultural pursuits  throughout  his  active  business  career,  winning  gratifying  suc- 
cess in  his  undertakings  and  becoming  the  owner  of  considerable  property.  He 
passed  away  on  the  25th  of  April,  191 1,  and  the  community  mourned  the  loss  of 
one  of  its  substantial  and  esteemed  citizens.  His  widow  survives  and  is  also 
widely  and  favorably  known. 

William  D.  Kruse,  reared  and  educated  in  the  county  of  his  nativity,  was  a 
youth  of  twelve  years  when  in  1899  his  parents  established  their  home  in  Ogden, 
where  he  attended  school  for  four  years.  Subsequently  he  spent  six  years  as 
clerk  in  a  grocery  store  and  on  the  expiration  of  that  period  was  made  assistant 
cashier  in  the  Ogden  State  Bank,  in  which  capacity  he  has  served  for  the  past 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  53 

five  years.  He  is  a  stockholder  in  the  institution  and  as  an  able  and  courteous 
official  has  contributed  materially  to  its  continued  growth  and  success.  Mr. 
Kruse  likewise  handles  fire  and  life  insurance  and  deals  in  real  estate  to  some 
extent.  He  owns  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  valuable  land  in  Amaqua  town- 
ship, this  county. 

On  the  15th  of  February,  191 1,  Mr.  Kruse  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Grace  Gustlin,  a  daughter  of  John  Gustlin,  a  resident  of  Callender,  Webster 
county,  Iowa.  Our  subject  and  his  wife  have  one  child.  Vivian,  who  is  about  two 
years  of  age. 

Mr.  Kruse  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  democracy  and  now  acts  as 
treasurer  of  Ogden,  proving  an  efficient  incumbent  in  that  important  position. 
He  also  serves  as  treasurer  of  the  Boone  County  Fair  Association  and  is  widely 
recognized  as  a  loyal  and  public-spirited  citizen  who  has  the  best  interests  of 
his  community  at  heart.  His  religious  views  are  in  accord  with  those  of  the 
Lutheran  and  Methodist  churches.  He  is  a  young  man  of  strong  and  estimable 
character  and  highly  respected  by  all  who  know  him. 


JAMES  JOHNSTONE. 


There  is  much  credit  due  James  Johnstone  for  what  he  has  achieved  because 
he  began  his  career  in  a  comparatively  humble  position  and  today  owns  a  pros- 
perous bakery  in  Boone,  being  numbered  among  the  substantial  business  men  of 
the  city.  He  was  born  in  Inverness,  Scotland,  December  26,  1868,  and  is  a  son 
of  James  and  Margaret  (Ross)  Johnstone.  The  grandfather,  James  Johnstone, 
was  a  butcher  and  drover  and  a  successful  man  in  that  line  of  business  in  his 
day.  He  died  in  the  little  town  of  Petty,  near  Inverness,  Scotland.  The  father, 
who  was  born  about  1843,  after  attending  the  public  schools,  worked  as  a  drover 
and  butcher.  He  drove  cattle  through  all  that  section  of  Scotland  and  located  in 
Inverness,  where  he  was  married  and  carried  on  business  for  several  years.  He 
then  moved  to  the  little  town  of  Ballintore.  where  he  now  resides,  the  town  being 
located  on  the  Scotch  coast,  north  of  Inverness.  He  ships  live  stock  to  the 
London  markets  by  the  boat  route  and  is  a  substantial  business  man  of  his  little 
city.  His  wife  died  in  1898.  She  was  a  strict  Presbyterian,  to  which  faith  her 
husband  also  gives  his  allegiance.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children : 
Margaret,  who  is  married  and  resides  on  a  farm  near  Aberdeen;  William,  of 
Perth,  Scotland,  who  is  also  married  and  is  employed  as  an  engineer  on  the  High- 
land Railroad:  Janet,  of  Tain,  Scotland,  who  married  James  Sangster,  a  con- 
tractor; James,  our  subject:  Christina,  who  is  married,  her  husband  following 
carpentering  in  Aberdeen,  Scotland :  Alexander,  a  drover  of  Ballintore ;  John,  a 
carpenter  of  Boone,  Iowa ;  George,  a  hotel-keeper  of  Johannesburg,  South 
Africa,  who  is  married  and  served  with  the  scouts  in  the  British  army  during  the 
Boer  war;  and  David,  of  Ballintore,  Scotland. 

James  Johnstone  of  this  review  passed  his  boyhood  in  Inverness  and  Ballintore, 
both  romantic  and  historic  old  towns  of  Scotland.  There  he  attended  the  public 
schools,  receiving  thorough  instruction  until  fourteen  years  of  age,  when  he 
was  apprenticed  to  the  baker's  trade  in  Inverness,  serving  for  four  years.     After 


54  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

having  completed  his  indenture  he  set  sail  from  Glasgow  for  New  York,  where 
he  arrived  in  May,  iSSC).  After  a  short  stay  he  removed  to  Boston,  where  he 
was  employed  at  his  trade  for  three  years,  and  then  went  to  Chicago  after  having 
visited  various  states.  He  spent  the  years  1892,  1893  and  1894  in  Chicago  and  then 
proceeded  to  Des  Aloines,  Iowa,  where  he  had  charge  of  the  S.  B.  Carton  bakery 
for  a  time.  This  was  the  largest  establishment  of  its  kind  there  in  those  days. 
Mr.  Johnstone  next  came  to  Boone,  finding  employment  with  the  Perrine  bakery 
for  about  three  years.  At  the  end  of  that  period  he  started  in  the  same  business 
mdependently  in  the  old  Crary  building,  on  the  site  of  the  present  garage  and 
removed  from  there  one  and  one-half  years  ago  to  his  present  place,  his  estab- 
lishment turning  out  a  grade  of  goods  which  is  eagerly  demanded  by  a  large  list 
of  customers.  Mr.  Johnstone  is  a  thoroughly  up-to-date  business  man,  having 
equipped  his  plant  with  modern  machinery  and  using  the  most  sanitary  methods 
in  the  manufacture  of  his  goods.  He  enjoys  a  high  reputation  for  fairness— 
a  reputation  which  is  merited. 

In  May.  1895,  James  Johnstone  married  Miss  Alice  Reed,  of  Rose  Hill.  Iowa, 
a  daughter  of  William  Reed.  They  have  three  sons,  Horatio,  William  and  George. 
The  parents  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church  and  politically  Mr.  John- 
stone is  a  stanch  republican,  ever  upholding  the  issues  and  candidates  of  his 
party.  He  is  thoroughly  well  informed  upon  all  public  ciuestions  and  particularly 
interested  in  those  affecting  his  city  and  county.  He  has  been  a  prime  mover  ii* 
promoting  a  number  of  valuable  measures  which  have  turned  out  beneficially 
for  the  city  and  stands  in  the  front  ranks  with  those  men  who  have  at  heart  the 
progress  of  the  community.  He  is  esteemed  and  respected  by  all  who  know  him 
m  a  business  or  social  way  and  is  well  entitled  to  the  confidence  and  trust  with 
which  he  is  met  on  all  sides. 


NATHAN  E.  GOLDTHWAIT. 

Nathan  E.  Goldthwait  was  born  in  Mendon,  Worcester  county,  Massachusetts, 
December  29,  1827.  At  the  age  of  eight  years  he  moved  with  his  parents  to 
Uxbridge,  Massachusetts,  where  he  attended  the  common  public  schools  until 
the  age  of  seventeen.  At  that  time  his  ambition  led  him  to  seek  a  college  educa- 
tion, depending  on  his  own  resources  to  win  his  way.  For  two  years  he  attended 
in  succession  the  Worcester  and  Uxbridge  Academies  of  his  native  state.  He  en- 
tered Brown  University  in  .September,  1848,  and  graduated  in  June,  1852.  He 
was  at  once  appointed  a  teacher  in  the  Worcester  (Mass.)  Academy,  where  he 
remained  two  years.  In  the  years  1854  and  1855  he  was  principal  (the  last 
principal)  of  the  Uxbridge  Academy  and  also  the  first  principal  of  the  Uxbridge 
high  school. 

Early  in  1856  the  western  fever  took  him  to  Wisconsin,  where  he  became 
president  of  the  Wisconsin  Female  College  at  Fox  Lake,  now  transferred  to 
Milwaukee  and  one  of  the  best  ladies'  colleges  of  our  country.  Before  coming 
west  he  was  appointed  president  of  Wayland  University,  of  Beaver  Dam.  Wis- 
consin. This  he  declined  and  took  the  position  at  Fox  Lake  subsequently.  In 
November,  1868,  he  came  to  Boone,  Iowa,  as  first  superintendent  and  organizer 


9f .  <^.  ^^2C7a<^ 


THE  NEW  YO:.:- 
PUBLIC  LIBRARY 


;vSTOR.   LE.NOX 
TILDE N   FOUNDATlONt 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  57 

of  the  graded  schools  of  the  city.  Previous  to  this  time  only  a  common  district 
school  kept  by  Mr.  Ford  had  been  maintained  in  the  city.  Soon  after  arriving  in 
Boone  he  bought  fifteen  hundred  acres  of  prairie  land  at  from  three  to  five  dollars 
per  acre.  While  engaged  in  his  profession  he  improved  a  part  and  sold  a  part 
of  the  land.  Although  retaining  his  residence  in  Boone,  he  was  elected  professor 
of  mathematics  in  Des  Moines  College,  but  in  the  year  1886,  on  January  i,  he 
Vkfith  Clinton  Tcmlinson,  as  partner  and  business  manager,  bought  of  Means  & 
Downing  the  Boone  Republican,  then  a  weekly  paper  of  good  reputation  in  the 
county  and  state.  Since  that  time  he  has  been  engaged  in  the  newspaper  business 
and  in  managing  his  real  estate.  About  the  year  1906  he  sold  the  Daily  News 
to  his  son  Stephen  and  assisted  him  in  establishing  the  Boone  News-Republican 
after  buying  out  a  rival  daily.  The  News-Republican  now  has  a  new  office  build- 
ing and  press  as  fine  as  any  in  a  town  of  fifteen  thousand  people  in  this  state. 

On  the  25th  of  April,  1845,  ^^^-  Goldthwait  united  with  the  Baptist  Church 
of  North  Uxbridge,  Massachusetts,  and  has  been  a  loyal  member  of  the  denomi- 
nation since.  On  August  25,  1852,  he  was  united  in  marriage  with  Mary  A. 
Thayer,  also  of  Uxbridge,  Massachusetts.  On  January  12,  1914,  the  wife  of 
more  than  sixty-one  years  departed  this  life.  The  burial  occurred  on  Wednesday, 
January  14,  1914.  The  casket  adorned  with  her  favorite  flowers  and  containing 
the  sacred  relics,  rests  in  beautiful  Linwood  Park. 


NELSON  M.  WHITEHILL,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Nelson  M.  Whitehill,  a  successful  physician  and  surgeon  of  Boone,  has 
here  followed  his  profession  continuously  for  the  past  decade  and  is  accorded  an 
extensive  practice.  His  birth  occurred  in  Green  Mountain,  Marshall  county, 
Iowa,  on  the  13th  of  October.  1870.  his  parents  being  William  H.  and  Margaret 
J.  (Gibson)  Whitehill,  natives  of  \'irginia.  The  father,  who  devoted  his  atten- 
tion to  agricultural  pursuits  throughout  his  active  business  career,  passed  away 
on  the  3d  of  March,  1908.  The  mother  survives,  however,  making  her  home  at 
State  Center,  Iowa.  They  were  the  parents  of  four  children,  as  follows : 
Nelson  M.,  of  this  review  ;  William  J.,  who  acts  as  cashier  of  the  Dobbin  & 
Whitson  Bank  of  State  Center,  Iowa ;  Benjamin  C,  residing  in  Saskatchewan, 
Canada ;  and  Anna  Belle,  the  wife  of  L.  J.  Rice,  a  druggist  of  Hubbard,  Iowa. 

Nelson  M.  Whitehill  pursued  a  high-school  course,  subsequently  followed 
the  profession  of  teaching  for  two  years  and  then  for  three  years  attended  Grin- 
nell  College  of  Grinnell,  Iowa.  Having  determined  upon  the  practice  of  medicine 
as  a  life  work,  he  entered  Rush  Medical  College  of  Chicago  for  professional 
training  and  in  1897  was  graduated  from  that  institution  with  the  degree  of 
M.  D.  During  the  next  seven  years  he  practiced  at  Garwin,  Tama  county,  this 
state,  and  in  1904  came  to  Boone,  which  city  has  since  remained  the  scene  of  his 
professional  labors.  He  is  careful  in  the  diagnosis  of  a  case  and  has  been  very 
successful  in  the  administration  of  remedial  agencies,  bringing  back  health  and 
happiness  to  many  of  his  patients. 

On  the  25th  of  December,  1897,  Dr.  Whitehill  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Miss 
Mary  L.  Brown,  a  native  of  Iowa,  by  whom  he  has  two  children,  Marguerite 


58  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

and  Charlotte.  He  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  now  holds  the  office  of  county 
coroner.  He  has  been  a  member  of  the  school  board  for  three  years,  thus 
evincing  his  interest  in  educational  matters.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the 
Presbyterian  church,  and  he  serves  as  president  of  the  board  of  directors  of  the 
Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Masons 
and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  has  those  personal  qualities  which  make  for 
popularity  and  has  gained  many  friends  outside  of  professional  circles. 


F.  H.  GRAVES. 


F.  H.  Graves  of  Madrid  is  to  be  numbered  among  the  successful  bankers  of 
Iowa,  having  been  a  valuable  factor  in  the  upbuilding  of  the  Farmers  Savings 
Bank  of  Madrid,  of  which  he  now  serves  as  cashier.  The  high  reputation  for 
solidity  which  this  institution  enjoys  is  largely  due  to  the  circumspect  efforts 
of  its  able  manager,  Mr.  Graves.  He  was  born  in  Belle  Point,  Douglas  town- 
ship, Boone  county,  July  2,  1867.  His  parents  were  Henry  M.  and  Caroline 
(Hull)  Graves,  the  former  born  in  Clay  county,  Indiana,  April  i,  1840,  and  the 
latter  a  native  of  Missouri.  The  Graves  family  were  among  the  pioneers  of 
Boone  county,  and  the  father  is  yet  residing  in  Madrid.  The  mother,  however, 
died  in  that  town  in  1904.  She  came  with  her  parents  to  this  county  by  the 
overland  route  when  but  six  months  of  age,  in  1846,  the  family  settling  at  Belle 
Point.  There  were  no  railroads  at  that  time  and  the  stage  station  was  at  their 
place.  Aroimd  them  still  stretched  unbroken  prairie  in  all  directions.  The 
marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Graves  took  place  in  this  county,  and  they  became  the 
parents  of  four  children,  of  whom  two  are  living:  F.  H.,  of  this  review:  and 
H.  C,  also  residing  in  Madrid. 

F.  H.  Graves  was  reared  in  Boone  county  and  in  the  acquirement  of  his 
fundamental  education  attended  the  common  schools.  He  subsequently  im- 
proved his  opportunities  by  attending  the  Iowa  State  College  at  Ames,  from  which 
he  was  graduated  in  1887.  His  business  activities  have  been  confined  to  Boone 
county  with  the  exception  of  one  year,  during  which  he  was  engaged  in  com- 
mercial pursuits  in  Des  Moines.  For  eleven  years  Mr.  Graves  conducted  a  drug 
store  in  Madrid  and  earned  during  that  time  the  reputation  of  being  an  up-to- 
date,  successful,  aggressive  and  honest  business  man.  In  1901  he  was  chosen 
assistant  cashier  of  the  Madrid  State  Bank  and  in  1908,  upon  the  reorganization 
of  the  Farmers  Savings  Bank  of  Madrid,  he  became  its  cashier.  He  occupies 
that  position  at  present  and  has  proven  himself  a  shrewd,  able  and  progressive 
banker.  He  thoroughly  understands  the  world's  mart  of  finance  and  readily 
makes  use  of  those  legitimate  opportunities  which  present  themselves  in  order 
to  further  the  interests  of  his  institution.  He  is  a  man  of  rare  executive  ability, 
yet  he  has  the  capacity  of  handling  a  lot  of  detail  and  is  ever  ready  to  embrace 
suggestions  which  might  prove  of  value  to  the  growth  of  the  bank.  However, 
Mr.  Graves  is  very  conservative  in  regard  to  the  investment  of  the  funds  of  the 
bank  and  is  exceedingly  careful  of  his  depositor's  interests.  On  the  other  hand, 
he  is  ever  ready  to  extend  credit  to  new  industry  and  enterprise  if  he  can  be 
convinced  of  the  solid  foundation  of  such  new  ventures.     In  that  manner  he  has 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  59 

contributed  to  the  growth  of  his  city  by  means  of  his  bank.  His  gift  of  keen 
observation  and  his  understanding  of  human  nature  are  also  valuable  factors  in 
his  success.  The  bank  of  which  he  is  now  at  the  head  was  organized  in  1904 
as  a  private  firm  by  Schooler  &  Son  of  Des  Moines.  The  capital  and  surplus 
amounts  to  thirty  thousand  dollars  at  present,  and  their  field  extends  to  all 
departments  of  general  banking. 

In  1888  Mr.  Graves  married  Miss  Frederica  Schaal,  who  was  born  in  Polk 
county,  Iowa,  July  19,  1868.  There  she  attended  the  common  schools  and  grew 
to  womanhood.  She  taught  school  in  Polk  county  and  afterward  attended  the 
Iowa  State  College.  Her  parents,  Adam  and  Miriam  (Leighty)  Schaal,  were 
honored  pioneers  of  Polk  county,  where  they  settled  in  185 1.  The  father  was 
born  in  Wurttemberg,  Germany,  and  passed  away  in  the  county  which  had  been 
so  long  his  home  in  December,  1912.  The  mother,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania, 
died  while  visiting  in  the  state  of  Colorado.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schaal  had  eleven 
children :  W.  J.,  of  Polk  county ;  Mrs.  Mary  Rogers,  of  Grand  Junction,  Colo- 
rado; F.  A.,  of  .Seattle,  Washington;  Mrs.  Frederica  Graves;  Mrs.  W.  C.  Arie, 
of  San  Francisco,  California;  Mrs.  R.  M.  Harvey,  of  Perry,  Iowa;  D.  P.,  of 
Sheldahl,  Iowa ;  C.  D..  of  Beach,  North  Dakota ;  E.  A.,  of  Polk  county ;  R.  B., 
of  Des  Moines,  Iowa*  and  Mrs.  Roy  Johnson,  of  Alleman,  Iowa.  All  were  born 
in  Polk  county. 

F.  H.  Graves  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  progressive  party.  He  believes  in  the 
ideals  and  ideas  of  this  organization  and  eagerly  advocates  their  adoption.  He 
has  been  a  member  of  the  town  council  of  Madrid,  serving  with  distinction,  and 
for  one  term  has  held  the  office  of  town  clerk.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  Madrid.  Fraternally  Mr.  Graves  is 
a  member  of  Star  Lodge,  No.  115,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  has  held  all  the  offices  in 
the  same.  He  also  belongs  to  Tuscan  Chapter,  R.  A.  M.,  of  Boone ;  El  Kader 
Commandery  of  Boone;  and  Za-ga-zig  Temple,  A.  A.  O.  N.  M.  S.,  of  Des  Moines. 
He  is  a  member  of  Madrid  Lodge,  No.  433,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  of  Madrid  and  Camp 
No.  2426,  M.  W.  A.,  of  that  city.  Mr.  Graves  owns  a  handsome  home  where 
both  he  and  his  wife  extend  warm-hearted  hospitality  to  their  many  friends.  He 
is  considered  one  of  the  most  substantial  citizens  of  his  community,  and  it 
redounds  to  his  credit  that  he  has  won  a  prominent  place  among  his  fellowmen 
through  his  own  efforts.  Interested  in  all  measures  and  movements  of  public 
welfare,  he  has  been  a  great  factor  for  good,  and  his  life's  actions  have  not 
only  brought  him  individual  prosperity  but  have  influenced  the  growth  of  his 
community  and  county. 


JOHN  M.  KNAPP.  D.  D.  S. 

Dentistry  may  be  said  to  be  almost  unique  among  occupations,  as  it  is  at  once 
a  profession,  a  trade  and  a  business.  Such  being  the  case,  it  follows  that  in  order 
to  attain  the  highest  success  in  it  one  must  be  thoroughly  conversant  with  the 
theory  of  the  art,  must  be  expert  with  the  many  tools  and  appliances  incidental 
to  the  practice  of  modern  dentistry  and  must  possess  business  qualifications  ade- 
quate to  dealing  with  the  financial  side  of  the  profession.     In  all  of  these  par- 


60  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

ticulars,  Dr.  John  M.  Knapp  is  well  qualified  and  therefore  has  attained  prestige 
among  the  able  representatives  of  dentistry  in  Boone  county.  He  has  followed 
the  profession  in  Boone  for  the  past  six  years  and  is  a  young  practitioner  of 
undoubted  skill  and  ability.  His  birth  occurred  in  Vinton,  Benton  county,  Iowa, 
on  the  1 6th  of  April,  1885,  his  parents  being  George  Redmond  and  Dora  (Den- 
man)  Knapp,  the  former  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  the  latter  of  Iowa.  To 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  G.  R."  Knapp  were  born  six  children,  as  follows:  Grace,  who  gave 
her  hand  in  marriage  to  E.  M.  Gunther,  of  Boone,  Iowa ;  George  E.,  a  resident  of 
Washington,  D.  C. :  Elsie,  deceased ;  Anna,  who  is  the  wife  of  Russell  Shreeves, 
of  Keystone,  Iowa ;  John  M.,  of  this  review  ;  and  Esther,  at  home. 

John  M.  Knapp  was  graduated  from  the  \'inton  high  school  in  1904  and 
subsequently  worked  for  a  short  time  in  his  father's  office.  He  also  spent  a  brief 
period  as  deputy  recorder  and  later  entered  the  dental  department  of  the  State 
University  of  Iowa  at  Iowa  City,  being  graduated  therefrom  in  1908.  It  was 
his  intention  to  locate  for  practice  in  the  West,  but  he  first  visited  his  sister  in 
Boone  and  was  so  attracted  by  the  town  and  its  opportunities  that  he  bought  out 
Dr.  T.  B.  Hollenbeck  and  has  remained  there  continuously  since.  The  wisdom 
of  his  choice  of  a  location  is  indicated  in  the  large  and  lucrative  practice  which 
is  accorded  him,  for  his  skill  is  widely  recognized  and'  constantly  called  in 
requisition. 

On  the  7th  of  June,  191 1,  Dr.  Knapp  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Belle 
Ray,  a  native  of  Benton,  Iowa.  He  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  supports  the 
Presbyterian  church,  while  fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Masons  and  the 
Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  In  both  professional  and  social  circles 
of  his  community  he  is  popular  and  highly  respected. 


HENRY  D.  H.A.GGE. 


Henry  D.  Hagge  represents  important  commercial  interests  in  Beaver  as 
manager  of  the  grain  business  owned  by  the  Quaker  Oats  Company.  He  was 
born  in  Amaqua  township,  Boone  county,  June  5,  1877,  and  is  a  son  of  Claus 
and  Margaret  (Hensen)  Hagge,  the  former  a  native  of  Germany  and  the  latter 
of  Jackson  county,  Iowa.  The  father  emigrated  to  America  in  his  young  man- 
hood and  after  residing  elsewhere  for  a  short  time  came  to  Boone  county, 
where  he  at  first  rented  land  but  shortly  afterward  bought  a  farm  in  Amaqua 
township.  This  he  improved  and  operated  until  1893,  when  he  retired  to  Ogden. 
His  energy,  however,  would  not  let  him  rest  and  later  he  engaged  in  the  lumber 
and  grain  business  until  1903.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  still  residents  of 
Ogden  and  are  enjoying  a  comfortable  competence. 

Henry  D.  Hagge  was  reared  and  educated  in  the  district  and  public  schools 
of  Ogden.  For  si.x  summers  he  worked  as  a  farm  hand  and  attended  school 
during  the  winter  season.  In  the  spring  of  1899  he  came  to  Beaver  and  had 
charge  of  the  lumber  and  grain  business  of  his  father  until  1902. 
From  July  of  that  year  until  January  I,  1906,  Mr.  Hagge  was  con- 
nected with  Nylander  Brothers  &  Williams,  at  Ogden,  who  were  implement  and 
grain  dealers.     On  the  latter  date  he  embarked  in  the  grain  and  live-stock  busi- 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  61 

ness  independently  in  Ogden,  associating  with  him  Claus  Tarns,  the  firm  becom- 
ing Tams  &  Hagge.  This  association  continued  until  1910.  On  March  i  of  that 
year  Mr.  Hagge  came  to  Beaver,  accepting  the  position  of  manager  of  the  Wells 
Hord  Grain  Company,  in  which  capacity  he  has  since  remained  although  the 
ownership  of  the  concern  has  passed  to  the  Quaker  Oats  Company  of  Chicago. 
Mr.  Hagge  has  proven  himself  an  able  business  man  and  enjoys  the  full  con- 
fidence of  the  officers  at  headquarters.  His  business  ability  is  readily  recognized 
in  Beaver  and  he  is  considered  one  of  the  most  shrewd  grain  dealers.  Mr. 
Hagge  has  succeeded  because  he  combined  with  business  ability  a  policy  which 
stamps  him  as  a  man  of  the  highest  character.  His  methods  have  always  been 
fair  and  square  and  his  word  is  as  good  as  his  bond. 

On  October  15,  1902,  Mr.  Hagge  married  Miss  Emma  Reimers,  a  daughter 
of  John  and  Botilda  (Thompson)  Reimers,  who  were  Boone  county  pioneers. 
Her  father  throughout  life  followed  agricultural  pursuits  and  on  one  property 
resided  for  thirty-two  years.  He  passed  away  December  18,  1907.  His  widow 
now  lives  in  Ogden.  ]\Ir.  and  Mrs.  Hagge  have  two  children:  Carl  W.,  who  is 
nine  years  of  age;  and  Irene  L.,  aged  six. 

Mr.  Hagge  has  always  taken  a  deep  interest  in  the  progress  and  growth  of 
Beaver  and  stands  high  in  the  regard  of  his  fellow  citizens.  He  is  the  present 
mayor  and  has  served  in  that  capacity  for  three  years,  giving  his  community 
a  busmesslike  and  satisfactory  administration.  He  is  a  democrat  and  his  religious 
faith  is  that  of  the  Lutheran  church.  Mr.  Hagge  must  be  considered  a  vital 
force  in  the  growth  and  upbuilding  of  Beaver,  upon. the  development  of  which 
city  he  has  had  a  most  beneficial  influence. 


JOHN  A.  PETERSON. 


John  A.  Peterson  has  since  1903  been  an  equal  partner  with  Charles  Rosen 
in  the  firm  of  Charles  Rosen  &  Company  of  Ogden,  with  which  establishment  he 
first  became  identified  as  an  employe  a  quarter  of  a  century  ago.  They  carry  an 
enormous  stock  of  harness  and  horse  goods  and  a  full  line  of  shoes.  Mr.  Peter- 
son was  born  in  Sweden  on  the  nth  of  October,  1867,  his  parents  being  Peter 
A.  and  Christine  Johnson,  who  are  also  natives  of  that  country.  The  father, 
a  farmer  by  occupation,  is  now  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  in  the  interests 
of  the  government.  He  has  reached  the  age  of  seventy-six  years,  while  his 
wife  is  seventy-four  years  old. 

John  A.  Peterson  was  reared  and  educated  in  the  land  of  his  nativity  and 
there  followed  farming  in  association  with  his  father  until  1887.  When  a  young 
man  of  twenty  years  he  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  United  States  and  came  direct 
to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  entering  the  service  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Rail- 
way at  Ogden  and  being  thus  employed  for  two  years.  In  December  1889 
he  secured  a  position  with  the  harness  firm  of  Goetzman  &  Company  and  learned 
the  trade,  finding  the  business  so  much  to  his  liking  that  he  has  remained  con- 
tmuously  identified  therewith  to  the  present  time.  The  establishment  later  came 
mto  possession  of  Charles  Rosen,  and  on  the  2d  of  January,  1903,  Mr.  Peterson 
became  an  equal  partner  in  the  concern,  which  has  since  been  known  as  Charles 


62  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Rosen  &  Company.  They  carry  a  very  extensive  stock  of  harness  and  horse 
goods  as  well  as  a  complete  line  of  shoes  and  enjoy  a  liberal  and  lucrative  patron- 
age that  has  made  the  enterprise  most  profitable.  Mr.  Peterson  owns  a  handsome 
residence  in  the  eastern  part  of  Ogden  and  also  has  a  fine  orchard  of  two  acres. 
On  the  17th  of  April,  1893,  Mr.  Peterson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Anna  Anderson,  a  daughter  of  E.  M.  and  Emma  Jonson,  natives  of  Sweden, 
where  the  father  is  engaged  in  business  as  a  butcher.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peterson 
have  four  children,  namely:  Ruth,  who  is  nineteen  years  of  age;  Paul,  eighteen 
years  old;  and  Werner  Linne  and  David  C.  A.,  who  are  fourteen  and  twelve 
years  of  age  respectively.  Mr.  Peterson  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  pro- 
gressive party,  while  his  religious  faith  is  indicated  by  his  membership  in  the 
Swedish  Mission.  The  hope  that  led  him  to  leave  his  native  land  and  seek  a 
home  in  America  has  been  more  than  realized.  He  found  the  opportunities  he 
sought, — which,  by  the  way,  are  always  open  to  the  ambitious,  energetic  man, — 
and  making  the  best  of  these  he  has  steadily  worked  his  way  upward.  He  pos- 
sesses the  resolution,  perseverance  and  reliability  so  characteristic  of  his  nation, 
and  his  name  is  now  enrolled  among  the  best  citizens  of  Boone  county. 


JOHN  T.  S.  WILLIAMS. 

John  T.  S.  Williams,  -one  of  the  leading  and  respected  citizens  of  Boone 
county,  where  he  has  resided  continuously  for  the  past  forty-five  years,  has 
since  1907  lived  retired  in  Ogden.  He  has  reached  the  ripe  old  age  of  seventy- 
nine  years,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Canada  on  the  31st  of  August,  1835. 
His  parents  were  the  Rev.  Ebenezer  and  Margaret  (Sheriff)  Williams,  the 
former  a  native  of  Wales  and  the  latter  of  Scotland. 

In  1869,  when  a  young  man  of  thirty-four  years,  John  T.  S.  Williams  came 
to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  from  Wisconsin,  purchasing  land  in  Beaver  township 
which  he  improved  and  cultivated  until  1879.  He  was  then  elected  county 
treasurer  and  filled  the  office  with  credit  for  two  years,  on  the  expiration  of 
which  period  he  embarked  in  the  general  mercantile  business  at  Ogden,  conduct- 
ing an  enterprise  of  that  character  for  six  years.  Subsequently  he  again 
devoted  his  attention  to  farming  for  a  year  but  at  the  end  of  that  time  returned 
to  Ogden,  where  he  was  successfully  engaged  in  the  implement  business  until 
1893.  In  that  year  he  was  appointed  postmaster  under  President  Cleveland  and 
for  four  years  ably  discharged  the  duties  devolving  upon  him  in  that  connec- 
tion. Afterward  he  embarked  in  the  real-estate  business  and  was  thus  success- 
fully engaged  until  1907,  since  which  time  he  has  lived  retired.  He  owns  a 
handsome  residence  in  Ogden  and  also  has  considerable  farm  property. 

On  the  20th  of  October,  1858,  Mr.  Williams  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Jane  Thomas,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Mary  (Bowden)  Thomas,  who  were 
natives  of  England.  Unto  our  subject  and  his  wife  were  born  seven  children, 
as  follows:  G.  K.,  who  operates  his  father's  farm  in  Boone  county;  Charles  H., 
'  also  an  agriculturist  of  this  county ;  Charlotte  J.,  the  wife  of  J.  A.  Nylander, 
who  is  living  retired;  Lilly  S.,  who  passed  away  on  the  20th  of  October,  1909; 
Laura  M.,  the  wife  of  C.  L.  Thomas;  Edgar  R.,  who  is  the  editor  of  the  Ogden 


MR.   AM)   MRS.  ,I()11X   T.   S.   WILLIAMS 


!| 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  65 

Reporter ;  and  Amy  F.,  the  wife  of  J.  C.  Davis,  who  is  dean  of  Marquette  Uni- 
versity in  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  Williams  is  a  democrat  in  his  political  views  and  for  a  number  of  years 
abl_\  served  as  clerk  of  Beaver  township,  which  he  organized.  The  cause  of 
education  has  ever  found  in  him  a  stalwart  champion  and  has  benefited  by  his 
labors  on  the  school  board,  of  which  he  long  served  as  secretary.  His  religious 
faith  is  that  of  the  Methodist  church.  He  is  an  honored  pioneer  of  his  com- 
munity and  has  not  only  witnessed  its  growth  but  has  earnestly  aided  in  the 
work  of  development  and  upbuilding.  The  circle  of  his  friends  is  almost  coex- 
tensive with  the  circle  of  his  acquaintances,  for  his  life  has  ever  been  such  as 
to  win  for  him  the  esteem  and  regard  of  all  with  whom  he  has  come  in  contact. 


JOHN  B.  MATHERS. 


Although  John  B.  Mathers  is  one  of  the  youngest  business  men  of  Boone  he 
must  be  numbered  among  the  most  successful  in  the  industrial  circles  of  the 
city.  He  is  the  senior  member  of  the  contracting  and  building  firm  of  Mathers 
&  Addison,  who  conduct  a  most  profitable  and  growing  business  in  Ijoone,  where 
Mr.  Mathers  has  now  resided  for  about  eight  years.  He  was  born  in  the  town 
of  Linlithgow,  Scotland.  December  2^],  1882,  and  is  a  son  of  James  and  Ann 
(Baxter)  Mathers.  The  grandfather,  Robert  Mathers,  was  a  native  of  Inverness- 
shire,  Scotland.  He  was  a  brewer  and  distiller  and  did  an  extensive  Ijusiness 
in  his  native  district.  His  death  occurred  in  1904,  at  the  age  of  eighty-one  years. 
Me  was  twice  married  and  was  the  father  of  the  following  children  :  David ;  Nell, 
of  Edinburgh.  Scotland;  Elizabeth,  of  Glasgow:  Mary,  of  Boness :  James,  the 
father  of  our  subject;  and  Alexander,  of  Glasgow. 

James  Mather  was  born  in  Fettercairn,  Inverness-shire,  Scotland,  about  the 
year  1856.  His  education  was  a  meager  one  and  he  early  began  work  in  his 
father's  brewery  and  distillery.  Later  he  succeeded  him  in  business,  carrying  on 
the  same  in  his  native  district  for  a  number  of  years.  About  1878  he  went  to 
Middleton,  County  Cork,  Ireland,  and  has  since  been  employed  as  a  brewer  and 
distiller  by  the  Cork  Distillery  Company.  His  wife  is  also  living  and  both  are 
members  of  the  Episcopal  church  of  Ireland.  In  their  family  were  the  follow- 
ing children ;  Robert,  who  died  in  infancy ;  Robert,  second  of  the  name,  who 
also  died  when  young;  Margaret, Who  died  in  infancy;  John  B.,  of  this  review; 
David,  of  Middleton,  Ireland ;  Agnes,  who  married  James  Hendry,  of  Lynn, 
Massachusetts ;  Nell,  of  Newport,  Rhode  Island ;  Annite,  of  Palmetto  Bluiif.  South 
Carolina ;  and  Mary,  of  Lynn.  Massachusetts. 

John  B.  Mathers  attended  the  parochial  schools  of  Middleton,  Ireland,  for 
five  years  and  then  studied  under  the  Christian  Brothers  of  the  same  place  until 
seventeen.  After  completing  his  education  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  Cork 
Distillery  Company,  remaining  with  that  concern  for  one  year.  He  then  crossed 
to  Polmont,  Scotland,  where  he  learned  the  carpenter's  trade,  at  which  he  worked 
for  six  years.  His  next  move  brought  him  to  the  new  world,  when  he  sailed 
from  Glasgow  on  the  steamer  Caledonia  and  landed  in  New  York  in  March, 
1906.     His  present  partner.  Thomas  Addison,  accompanied  him  to  the  eastern 


66  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

metropolis  and  they  worked  in  New  York  for  five  months  and  subsequently  in 
Newark,  New  Jersey,  for  five  months.  Mr.  Mathers  then  came  to  Boone,  accept- 
ing a  position  with  Frank  Henry,  a  contractor,  with  whom  he  remained  for  three 
years,  Mr.  Addison  being  in  the  same  employ.  At  the  end  of  that  time  both 
returned  to  Scotland  but  after  five  months  came  back  to  Boone  and  founded  the 
firm  of  Mathers  &  Addison.  They  have  since  been  very  successful  as  contractors 
and  have  been  entrusted  with  the  building  of  numerous  homes  in  the  city  and 
vicinity.  Mr.  Mathers  is  a  reliable  workman  of  no  mean  business  ability  and 
enjoys  in  his  commimity  a  reputation  which  places  him  among  the  substantial 
business  men  of  Boone. 

He  was  married  here  Jtme  21,  1912,  to  Miss  Mary  Chalmers,  a  native  of 
Boone  and  a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Margaret  (Gillespie)  Chalmers,  and  to  this 
union  was  born  a  son,  James.  They  reside  at  No.  1015  West  Fourth  street,  in  a 
comfortable  home,  where  they  often  entertain  their  friends. 

Fraternally  Mr.  Mathers  is  a  member  of  the  Masons  and  the  C)dd  Fellows, 
having  joined  the  former  by  becoming  affiliated  with  the  St.  John  Lodge  of 
Polmont,  Scotland.  His  membership  with  the  Odd  Fellows  is  in  Boone  Lodge, 
No.  79.  Politically  he  is  a  republican,  believing  in  the  policies  of  that  party  and 
supporting  its  measures  and  candidates  at  the  polls.  He  is  a  progressive  man  of 
new  ideas  and  can  always  be  found  in  the  front  ranks  of  those  who  inaugurate 
new  movements  in  order  to  develop  the  city  and  contribute  to  its  bettennent  and 
growth. 


S.  PARKER  CLARK. 


S.  Parker  Clark,  a  popular  and  esteemed  young  citizen  of  Ogden.  has  for 
the  past  six  years  been  identified  with  the  Ogden  State  Bank  in  the  capacity  of 
cashier.  He  is  numbered  among  the  worthy  native  sons  of  Boone  cotinty,  his 
birth  having  occurred  in  Ogden  in  November,  1881.  His  parents.  Dr.  Orson 
and  Lucy  Emma  ( Sylvester )  Clark,  took  up  their  abode  among  the  pioneer 
residents  of  Boone  county  in  1869.  A  sketch  of  the  father  appears  on  another 
page  of  this  work. 

S.  Parker  Clark  was  reared  and  educated  in  the  place  of  his  nativity  and 
following  his  graduation  from  the  public  schools  entered  Drake  L^niversity  at 
Des  Moines,  where  he  completed  the  pharmaceutical  course  in  1902.  Return- 
ing to  Ogden,  he  there  worked  in  a  drug  store  for  six  years,  on  the  expiration 
of  which  period  he  purchased  the  business  and  continued  its  conduct  until  1908. 
In  that  year  he  disposed  of  the  store  and  accepted  the  position  of  cashier  in  the 
Ogden  State  Bank,  in  which  capacity  he  has  remained  continuously  since,  mak- 
ing a  highly  creditable  and  commendable  record  and  enjoying  an  enviable  repu- 
tation in  financial  circles.     He  is  likewise  a  stockholder  in  the  institution. 

In  March,  1904,  Mr.  Clark  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Grace  Upton, 
a  daughter  of  Harley  and  Ruth  (Bamun)  Upton,  who  were  pioneer  settlers  of 
Boone  county  and  have  passed  away.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark  have  one  daughter, 
Ruth  Louise,  who  is  six  years  of  age. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  67 

Politically  Mr.  Clark  is  a  republican,  while  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the 
Congregational  church.  He  is  a  worthy  exemplar  of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and 
also  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  In  the  community  where  practically  his 
entire  life  has  been  spent  he  has  a  circle  of  friends  which  is  almost  coextensive 
with  the  circle  of  his  acquaintances. 


THOMAS  ADDISON. 


Thomas  Addison  is  a  worthy  representative  of  that  sturdy  race  of  Scotch 
people  who  have  contributed  so  much  toward  the  development  and  prosperity 
of  this  country.  He  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Mathers  &  Addison,  carpenters 
and  contractors  of  Boone,  Iowa,  and  is  widely  recognized  as  a  shrewd  and  able 
business  man  and  an  expert  in  his  line  of  work.  He  was  born  in  the  town  of 
Linlithgow,  Linlithgowshire,  Scotland,  September  22,  1882,  and  is  a  son  of 
Abram  and  Margaret  (Bryce)  Addison,  while  his  paternal  grandparents  were 
William  and  Margaret  Addison.  The  grandfather,  who  was  a  farmer  by  occu- 
pation, respected  and  esteemed  in  his  neighborhood,  died  in  Linlithgow  about 
1890,  at  the  age  of  eighty-four  years.  His  wife  passed  away  a  year  later,  being 
then  eighty-two.  Both  were  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church  and  devout 
in  their  religious  professions.  Their  children  were:  Abram,  the  father  of  our 
subject ;  John,  a  resident  of  Scotland,  who  follows  farming  and  auctioneering 
and  who  has  been  twice  married ;  William,  who  is  married  and  follows  agricul- 
tural pursuits  in  his  native  land ;  George,  a  banker  of  Dalmellington.  Scotland, 
who  is  married ;  Annie,  deceased,  and  Thomas,  who  is  engaged  in  the  insurance 
business  in  Edinburgh. 

Abram  Addison  attended  the  public  schools  in  Scotland  and  after  completing 
his  education  assisted  his  father  with  the  work  on  the  home  farm.  He  remained 
there  until  married,  when  he  took  up  agricultural  pursuits  on  his  own  account. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  still  live  in  Linlithgow  and  the  fomier  is  active  in  the 
affairs  of  his  native  city.  They  are  devoted  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church 
and  stanch  supporters  of  that  denomination.  Their  children  were:  William,  a 
farmer  of  Linlithgow,  Scotland;  John,  who  follows  the  same  occupation  in  his 
native  country ;  Abram,  a  butcher  of  Linlithgow  ;  James,  who  is  engaged  in  farm- 
ing in  his  native  country ;  Thomas,  of  this  review  :  George,  who  follows  farm- 
ing in  Scotland  ;  Margaret,  Agnes  and  Sarah,  all  at  home :  Manuel,  who  is  now 
studying  draughtsmanship  in  Nobel's  Explosive  Works  in  Scotland ;  Minnie  and 
Stevenson  Heather,  both  at  home :  Tina,  who  died  at  the  age  of  seventeen  ;  and 
twins  who  died  in  infancy. 

Thomas  Addison  passed  his  boyhood  and  youth  on  the  home  farm,  attending 
public  school  until  seventeen  years  of  age.  He  then  apprenticed  himself  to 
the  carpenter's  trade  in  Polmont,  Scotland,  serving  for  five  years  with  William 
Walker,  for  whom  he  afterward  worked  as  journeyman  for  four  years.  He  then 
joined  John  B.  Mathers,  his  present  partner,  in  coming  to  America  and  they 
landed  in  New  York  from  the  ship  Caledonia.  Mr.  .A.ddison  found  employment 
in  that  city  and  in  Newark.  New  Jersey,  remaining  there  for  ten  months,  but 
in  1907  came  to  Boone,  Iowa,  and  accepted  a  position  with  Frank  Henry,  a  con- 


68  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

tractor,  with  whom  he  remained  for  three  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  paid 
a  five  months'  visit  to  his  home  in  Scotland  and  upon  his  return  to  Boone  entered 
into  partnership  with  Mr.  Mathers,  estabHshing  the  firm  of  Mathers  &  Addison, 
which  has  flourished  ever  since.  Not  only  is  Mr.  Addison  an  expert  workman 
but  he  is  a  thoroughly  up-to-date  business  man.  He  is  careful  in  executing  con- 
tracts entrusted  to  him  and  has  been  given  a  number  of  important  contracts  on 
account  of  the  high  reputation  which  he  enjoys.  His  honorable  principles  have 
become  the  foundation  of  the  business  policy  which  he  pursues  and  he  enjoys 
in  full  measure  the  confidence  of  the  public. 

On  August  17,  1912,  Mr.  Addison  was  married  in  Boston,  Massachusetts,  to 
Miss  Jean  C.  Brown,  who  was  born  in  Linlithgow,  Scotland,  a  daughter  of 
James  and  Jean  (Craig)  Brown.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Addison  have  one  child,  Jean 
C.  They  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church  and  fraternally  Mr.  Addison 
belongs  to  Boone  Lodge,  No.  79,  L  O.  O.  F.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Masonic 
order,  having  joined  one  of  the  oldest  lodges  in  Scotland,  the  Ancient  Brazen 
Lodge,  No.  17,  F.  &  A.  M.  Politically  he  is  a  republican,  fully  conversant  with 
the  issues  of  the  day  and  thoroughly  in  accord  with  the  aims  of  his  party.  How- 
ever, he  is  not  an  active  politician  although  he  is  ever  ready  to  give  his  support 
to  public  enterprises  which  have  for  their  purpose  the  material,  moral  and  intel- 
lectual growth  of  the  city.  He  has  become  a  useful  and  valuable  American 
citizen  and  by  his  activities  has  contributed  toward  the  prosperity  of  Boone  and 
Boone  countv. 


ORSON  CLARK,  M.  D. 


Dr.  Orson  Clark,  the  period  of  whose  residence  in  Ogden  covers  forty-five 
years,  was  long  an  active  and  successful  representative  of  the  medical  fraternity 
here  but  is  now  spending  the  evening  of  life  in  well  earned  retirement.  His  birth 
occurred  in  Wyoming  county,  New  York,  on  the  21st  of  April,  1844,  his  parents 
being  Samuel  and  Anna  (Bryant)  Clark,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Ver- 
mont. The  father,  an  agriculturist  by  occupation,  devoted  his  attention  to  the 
operation  of  a  farm  in  New  York  during  his  active  business  career  and  passed 
away  in  the  spring  of  1870. 

Orson  Clark  was  reared  and  educated  in  the  Empire  state  and  on  completing 
his  public-school  work  entered  a  medical  university  of  Buffalo,  winning  the 
degree  of  M.  D.  in  1866.  He  located  for  practice  in  Wisconsin  and  followed  his 
profession  in  that  state  for  three  years,  on  the  expiration  of  which  period  he  came 
to  Ogden,  Boone  County,  Iowa,  where  he  has  remained  continuously  to  the  pres- 
ent time.  The  house  in  which  he  now  resides  was  erected  by  him  in  1870.  As  a 
physician  and  surgeon  he  enjoyed  a  large  and  lucrative  practice  that  was 
accorded  him  in  recognition  of  his  professional  skill  and  ability.  He  has  retired 
from  active  practice,  however,  and  is  now  enjoying  a  well  merited  rest.  In 
financial  circles  he  still  remains  a  prominent  factor  as  vice  president  of  the 
Ogden  State  Bank. 

In  1868  Dr.  Clark  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Lucy  Emma  Sylvester,  a 
daughter  of  Caleb  and  Johanna  (Whitney)  Sylvester,  both  of  whom  were  born 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  69 

in  Maine.  Unto  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Clark  were  born  six  children,  as  follows :  Herbert 
S.,  an  agriculturist  of  Boone  county ;  Dr.  C.  B.  Clark,  who  serves  as  postmaster 
at  Ogden ;  Dr.  O.  W.  Clark,  a  banker  of  Ogden ;  Louise,  whose  demise  occurred 
in  February,  1902 ;  Anna  B.,  the  wife  of  W.  D.  Miller,  of  Ogden ;  and  S. 
Parker,  who  acts  as  cashier  of  the  Ogden  State  Bank. 

In  his  political  views  Dr.  Clark  is  independent,  always  considering  the  capa- 
bility and  fitness  of  a  candidate  rather  than  his  party  affiliation.  He  has  served 
as  county  coroner  and  was  a  member  of  the  first  council  of  Ogden.  His  religious 
faith  is  that  of  the  Congregational  church.  He  enjoys  a  wide  and  favorable 
acquaintance  in  both  professional  and  social  circles  of  Boone  county  and  is 
highly  esteemed  as  one  of  its  representative  citizens. 


H.   D.  LUCAS. 


H.  D.  Lucas,  a  native  son  of  Boone  county  who  has  spent  his  entire  life  within 
its  borders,  is  activelv  and  successfully  identified  with  business  interests  of 
Madrid  as  the  junior  member  of  the  firm  of  Hutton  &  Lucas,  dealers  in  shelf 
and  heavy  hardware  and  also  proprietors  of  a  plumbing  and  heating  establish- 
ment. His  birth  occurred  at  Belle  Point,  Douglas  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa, 
on  the  15th  of  October,  1872,  his  parents  being  Corydon  L.  and  Nancy  (Sturdi- 
vant)  Lucas.  An  extended  sketch  of  the  father  appears  on  another  page  of 
this  work. 

In  the  acquirement  of  an  education  H.  D.  Lucas  attended  the  common  schools, 
completing  his  studies  in  the  public  schools  of  Madrid.  The  family  home  had 
been  established  in  that  town  in  1883.  Our  subject  there  conducted  a  meat 
market  for  a  period  of  four  years,  from  1902  until  1906,  and  in  the  latter  year 
embarked  in  the  hardware  business,  being  now  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Hutton 
&  Lucas,  who  are  dealers  in  shelf  and  heavy  hardware  and  also  conduct  a  plumb- 
ing and  heating  establishment.  In  this  connection  he  has  won  a  gratifying  meas- 
ure of  success,  being  accorded  a  liberal  patronage  and  enjoying  an  enviable  repu- 
tation as  a  business  man  of  ability,  enterprise  and  sound  judgment.  He  owns  a 
half  interest  in  the  firm  and  has  an  attractive  and  well  appointed  home  in  Madrid, 
while  his  wife  is  the  owner  of  a  tract  of  fifty-four  acres  of  land  in  Douglas  town- 
ship, comprising  a  portion  of  the  old  Luther  homestead. 

On  the  17th  of  May,  1899,  in  Madrid,  Iowa,  Mr.  Lucas  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Carrie  Luther,  who  was  born  in  Douglas  township,  Boone  county, 
Iowa,  on  the  23d  of  May,  1878,  her  parents  being  Milden  and  Mary  (Hull) 
Luther.  The  father's  birth  occurred  in  Clay  county.  Indiana,  on  the  22d  of 
March,  1840,  while  the  mother  was  born  in  Putnam  county,  Indiana,  on  the  25th 
of  December,  1841.  The  maternal  grandparents  of  Mrs.  Lucas  took  up  their 
abode  among  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Iowa,  locating  in  Jefiferson  county  in  1842. 
Her  parents  came  overland  to  Boone  county  in  1849  and  were  among  the  early 
residents  here.  They  remained  on  a  farm  until  1908  but  during  the  past  six 
years  have  lived  retired  at  Madrid  in  a  commodious  and  comfortable  home. 
They  became  the  parents  of  seven  children,  four  of  whom  still  survive,  as  fol- 
lows:    Mrs.  Lillie  L.  Williams,  who  was  born  on  the  loth  of  December,  1862, 


70  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

and  is  now  a  resident  of  Madrid;  Mrs.  Ella  Farr,  born  January  28,  1866,  and 
living  in  Madrid;  Mrs.  Zylpha  A.  Hutton,  also  of  Madrid,  who  was  born  on 
the  15th  of  March,  1868;  and  Mrs.  Carrie  Lucas.  All  the  above  named  were  born 
and  reared  in  Douglas  township,  this  county.  Mrs.  Lucas,  who  has  spent  her 
entire  life  within  the  borders  of  Boone  county,  acquired  her  education  in  the 
common  schools  and  completed  her  studies  in  the  public  schools  of  Madrid.  By 
her  marriage  she  has  become  the  mother  of  two  children,  namely:  Dott,  who  was 
born  in  Madrid  on  the  8th  of  April,  1900,  and  is  now  attending  school  there; 
and  Vaughn,  whose  birth  occurred  in  Madrid  on  the  29th  of  October,  1908. 

!Mr.  Lucas  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  democracy,  while  his  religious 
faith  is  indicated  by  his  membership  in  the  Christian  church  of  NLadrid.  Fra- 
ternally he  is  identified  with  the  Masons,  belonging  to  Star  Lodge,  No.  115, 
of  Madrid,  and  he  is  likewise  connected  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America, 
being  at  present  venerable  consul  of  Mizpah  Camp  in  Madrid.  Both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Lucas  enjoy  an  extensive  and  favorable  acquaintance  throughout  the  com- 
munity and  the  hospitality  of  the  best  homes  is  freely  accorded  them. 


SWAYNE  A.  BENGTSON. 

Swayne  A.  Bengtson.  who  now  lives  in  well  earned  retirement  in  Madrid  after 
a  successful  career  as  a  farmer  and  an  implement  dealer  and  also  in  connection 
with  the  milling  business,  still  owns  important  interests  in  this  city  and  is  vice 
president  of  the  Farmers  Savings  Bank.  Many  public  honors  have  come  to 
Mr.  Bengtson  from  his  city  and  county ;  for  five  years  he  served  as  the  county 
treasurer,  w-hile  for  seven  terms  he  was  city  clerk  of  Madrid,  for  three  terms  an 
alderman  and  for  two  terms  the  mayor.  Swayne  A.  Bengtson  was  born  in 
Sweden,  Alay  i,  1861,  and  when  about  nine  years  of  age  came  with  his  parents  to 
America  in  1870,  the  family  locating  in  Madrid  on  August  ist  of  that  year.  He 
has  ever  since  been  a  resident  of  this  community.  Mr.  Bengtson  is  a  son  of  S.  G. 
and  Carolina  Bengtson,  natives  of  Sweden,  both  of  whom  died  in  Madrid,  the  for- 
mer on  November  8,  1904,  and  the  latter  October  i,  1897.  They  had  the.  fol- 
lowing children:  Mrs.  Christina  C.  Swanson,  of  Madrid;  J.  G.,  who  died  in  this 
city;  Swayne  A.,  of  this  review;  Mrs.  Hulda  Larson,  who  also  passed  away  in 
Madrid;  Anna  Lovisa,  who  passed  away  in  Oakland,  Nebraska,  the  wife  of  Rev. 
J.  M.  Olson :  and  Mrs.  Linda  Otto,  an  adopted  daughter  who  died  in  Garden 
township.  The  four  elder  children  were  born  in  Sweden  and  the  two  younger 
ones  in  Boone  county. 

Swayne  A.  Bengtson  began  his  education  in  his  native  country  and  com- 
pleted his  school  work  in  Madrid.  He  located  with  his  parents  on  a  farm  two 
miles  northwest  of  Madrid  in  1870,  but  in  1873  they  moved  into  the  town.  The 
father  was  a  tailor  by  trade  and  was  successful  in  this  occupation.  Swayne  A. 
Bengtson,  his  brother  and  a  sister,  for  thirteen  years  operated  a  farm,  being  so 
engaged  until  1887,  their  efforts  being  rewarded  with  most  gratifying  results. 
In  that  year  he  and  his  brother  turned  their  attention  to  the  implement  business 
when  the  firm  of  Johnson,  Bengtson  &  Company  came  into  being.  Air.  Johnson 
continued  as  senior  member  for  about  two  years,  at  the  end  of  which  time  the 


SWAYXK   A.  BKXUT.SOX  AND  FAMILY 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  73 

brothers  purchased  his  interest  in  the  business.  The  business  was  continued  under 
the  name  of  Bengtson  Brothers,  but  in  the  fall  of  1892  Mr.  Bengtson's  brother 
died.  S.  A.  Bengtson  continued  the  business  under  the  name  of  S.  A.  Bengtson 
&  Company,  his  father  being  the  company,  until  the  fall  of  1899,  when  he  sold 
out,  interesting  himself  in  the  iMadrid  Alilling  Company,  of  which  he  served 
as  secretary,  treasurer  and  general  manager  until  November  1,  1901.  In  his 
business  transactions  Mr.  Bengtson  showed  rare  executive  ability,  and  by  reason 
of  this  quality  and  his  fair  methods  he  attained  prosperity.  He  still  owns  a  fourth 
interest  in  the  Madrid  Milling  Company.  In  1901  he  was  elected  treasurer  of 
Boone  county  and  on  January  i,  1902,  assumed  the  duties  of  the  office.  He 
continued  in  this  position  for  live  years,  serving  an  extra  year  on  account  of  the 
biennial  election  law  going  into  force  during  his  term.  Air.  Bengtson  made  an 
excellent  record  as  treasurer  of  Boone  county.  He  administrated  the  affairs  of 
his  office  with  the  greatest  care  and  gave  the  best  that  was  in  him  to  the  public's 
affairs.  He  earned  the  highest  commendation  for  his  efficient  work  and  well 
merited  all  ihe  praise  given  him,  for  Boone  county's  financial  affairs  prospered 
under  his  administration. 

On  July  2,  1896,  Mr.  Bengtson  married,  in  Madrid,  Miss  Ida  F.  Carlson, 
who  was  born  in  Sweden  on  April  8,  1863.  She  came  to  ^America  in  1887  after 
having  received  a  thorough  education  in  her  native  land.  Her  first  home  was  in 
Omaha,  Nebraska.  Her  parents,  Carl  Johann  and  Sarah  Maria  (Vikstronij 
Nilsson,  were  born  in  Sweden,  the  former  March  14,  1824,  and  the  latter  Decem- 
ber 8,  1S21.  They  died  in  their  native  land,  the  father  March  8,  1891,  and  the 
mother  November  8,  1905.  In  their  family  were  four  daughters  and  two  sons : 
Rev.  Carl  Vilhelm,  born  June  11,  1850,  who  resides  at  Taraboda,  Sweden;  Augusta 
Carolina,  born  January  14,  1853,  who  also  remained  in  her  native  land;  Hannah 
Sofia,  born  April  13,  1855,  of  Seattle,  Washington;  Lars  Gustav,  born  March 
9,  1857,  one  of  the  earlier  merchants  of  Madrid;  Mrs.  Sarah  Ulrika  Sundberg, 
born  July  2."/,  1859,  and  residing  in  Sweden;  and  Mrs.  Bengtson,  the  youngest  of 
the  family  and  the  wife  of  our  subject.  All  the  children  were  reared  and  edu- 
cated in  Sweden.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bengtson  had  the  following  children :  Vladimir 
Gustav  Gideon,  born  in  Madrid,  August  17,  1897,  who  is  attending  high  school 
in  this  city;  Olga  Vendela  Maria,  born  at  Madrid,  March  6,  1901,  who  died  in 
Boone,  Iowa,  May  14,  1902;  and  Linnia  Hortense,  born  in  Boone,  December  7, 
1904,  who  is  attending  public  school  in  Madrid. 

Mr.  Bengtson  is  a  most  public-spirited  man,  thoroughly  conversant  with 
political  and  public  issues  of  the  day  and  particularly  interested  in  local  govern- 
mental affairs.  He  is  ever  ready  to  give  support  to  valuable  enterprises  of  a 
public  nature,  and  his  commimity  and  county  have  benefited  by  his  activity.  He 
served  for  seven  terms  as  city  clerk  of  Madrid  and  for  three  temis  as  alderman 
of  the  city  and  in  these  offices  made  such  excellent  records  that  the  people  chose 
him  as  mayor  of  the  city.  For  two  terms  Mr.  Bengtson  served  as  the  executive 
and  under  his  stimulating  influence  many  important  improvements  were  made — 
improvements  which  have  been  of  the  greatest  benefit  to  Madrid  Mr.  Bengtson 
is  still  interested  in  the  Madrid  Milling  Company  and  also  stands  high  in  the 
financial  world  of  Boone  county,  having  been  a  director  and  vice  president  of 
the  Farmers  Savings  Bank  of  Madrid  for  a  number  of  years.  He  has  other 
property  interests  and  is  considered  one  of  the  most  substantial  citizens  of  his 


74  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

conmuinity.  IJoth  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bengtson  are  members  of  the  Swedish  Free  Mis- 
sion church  and  in  this  connection  it  may  be  mentioned  that  his  father  was  one 
of  the  founders  of  this  organization.  Mr.  Bengston  has  held  all  the  offices  in  his 
church  and  has  always  been  sincerely  devoted  to  its  work.  He  has  many  friends 
in  Madrid  who  hold  him  in  the  highest  regard  not  only  for  what  he  has  achieved 
in  life  but  for  those  qualities  of  mind  and  character  which  have  made  it  possible 
for  him  to  reach  the  position  which  he  now^  holds  in  the  community. 


ARTHUR  FINNEGAN. 


Arthur  Finnegan,  who  now  li\es  retired  in  Boone,  is  one  of  the  city's  most 
venerated  residents,  having  been  for  many  years  connected  with  the  railroad  serv- 
ice. He  now  lives  retired  at  No.  1310  Seventh  street,  passing  his  declining 
years  in  comfortable  surroundings  and  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  competency  to  which 
he  is  entitled  by  reason  of  long  years  of  arduous,  faithful  and  trustworthy  labor. 
He  selected  Boone  as  his  residence  forty-eight  years  ago,  coming  here  in  1866, 
and  is  therefore  to  be  considered  one  of  the  pioneers  of  the  city,  for  there  were 
but  the  beginnings  of  a  village  when  he  arrived.  Not  only  has  he  watched  the 
onward  march  of  civilization  in  his  district,  but  he  has  been  a  factor  in  its 
growth  and  has  made  many  valuable  contributions  toward  its  development  in  the 
many  years  in  which  he  has  made  his  home  here. 

Mr.  Finnegan  is  a  native  son  of  the  Emerald  isle,  his  birth  having  occurred 
in  County  Monaghan,  August  15,  i!~i38.  his  parents  being  James  and  Rose 
(Halligan)  Finnegan.  The  father  was  a  miller  by  trade  and  also  a  millwright. 
He  died  in  Ireland  when  his  son  Arthur  was  about  five  years  of  age.  After  her 
husband's  death  the  widow  brought  her  seven  children  to  America,  her  mother 
later  joining  her  and  passing  away  in  Fairfield,  New  York,  at  the  most  extraor- 
dinarv  age  of  one  hundred  and  fourteen  years.  Mother  and  children  landed  in 
Toronto  in  1843,  '^"'^  there  the  former  remained  for  the  rest  of  her  life,  passing 
away  in  that  city  from  the  effects  of  a  fall  at  the  age  of  ninety-six.  She  bore 
her  husband  the  following  children :  Margaret,  the  wife  of  John  Ellward ;  Mrs. 
Mary  Baxter,  deceased ;  Phillip,  deceased :  Catherine  and  Arthur,  twins,  the 
former  living  in  Rochester,  New  York  :  Alice,  of  Rochester ;  and  Bridget,  who  is 
also  a  resident  of  that  city. 

Arthur  Finnegan  was  about  tive  years  of  age  when  his  father  died  and  early 
was  indentured  to  the  latter's  trade.  In  Toronto  he  learned  carriage  painting 
and  subsequently  was  connected  with  the  Toronto  Iron  Works  for  four  years. 
This  was  in  his  early  boyhood,  and  when  but  seventeen  he  went  to  Bufifalo,  New 
York,  where  he  worked  a*;  machinist  for  nine  months.  He  then  made  his  way 
to  .New  Orleans,  where  he  continued  along  the  same  line,  his  sojourn  in  that 
citv  being  shortly  before  the  Civil  war  broke  out.  Leaving  there,  lie  returned  to 
Toronto,  where  he  accepted  work  on  the  Crand  Trunk  Railway  as  a  machinist 
foreman  at  Port  Sarnia  on  the  St.  Clair  river.  However,  illness  overtook  him 
and  after  recovering  he  became  a  fireman  on  the  Grand  Trunk  Railway,  con- 
tinuing in  that  occupation  for  eighteen  months.  He  then  received  a  run  as  an 
engineer  on   the  same  line.     Relinquishing  this   position,   he  made  his  way  to 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  75 

Chicago,  Illinois,  where  he  arrived  in  18O4,  finding  employment  in  the  Northwest- 
ern railway  shops  for  one  year.  During  that  time  he  was  setting  up  engines  for 
the  Iowa  division.  On  April  i6th,  1866.  he  was  given  charge  of  an  engine  and 
located  in  Boone,  which  place  was  the  beginning  of  his  run  for  forty-five  years. 
Tried  and  true  and  trustworthy  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  he  stood  high  in 
the  estimation  of  the  officials  of  the  road  and  was  often  commissioned  to  under- 
take confidential  trusts.  Prominent  men  of  the  world  would  particularly  request 
that  he  should  be  put  in  charge  of  shipments  of  large  sums  of  money,  as  it 
was  generally  known  that  he  was  most  cautious  and  would  willingly  sacrifice 
life  in  order  to  protect  the  interests  of  those  who  had  confidence  in  him.  During 
his  long  period  as  an  engineer  he  never  had  an  accident — a  record  which  is  most 
remarkable  and  earned  him  the  highest  commendation.  When  he  came  to  Boone 
it  was  a  village  of  a  few  straggling  houses,  but  he  recognized  its  opportunities 
and  foresaw  its  future  and  as  his  means  permitted  bought  lots,  gradually  acquir- 
ing much  property  and  building  on  many  of  them.  He  also  owns  valuable  farm 
land  in  Iowa. 

On  April  24,  1865,  at  Mount  Clemens,  Michigan,  Mr.  Finnegan  married  Miss 
Mary  McCafifery,  of  Mount  Clemens,  a  daughter  of  Dennis  McCaflfery.  To  this 
union  six  children  have  been  born:  Edward  D.,  Arthur  J.  and  Robert  L.,  of 
Boone;  Mary  E.,  deceased;  George  Marion,  deceased:  and  Phillip  Adelbert, 
of  Peoria,  Illinois. 

On  account  of  his  long  and  faithful  service  .Mr.  Finnegan  was  placed  on  the 
pension  roll  of  the  Northwestern  Railway,  April  1,  191 1,  and  now  lives  in  the 
enjoyment  of  a  most  comfortable  income,  being  one  of  the  most  highly  esteemed 
and  respected  citizens  of  Hoone,  where  he  has  many  friends.  Indeed  there  are 
few  who  know  him,  if  any,  who  are  not  his  friends.  He  and  his  family  are 
devout  members  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church,  and  fraternally  Mr.  Finnegan 
is  a  member  of  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers.  Politically  he  is  a 
democrat,  stanchly  supporting  that  party  and  thoroughly  in  sympathy  with  its 
principles.  He  is  a  useful,  patriotic,  public-spirited  citizen  who  has  always  placed 
public  interests  above  his  own  and  w  ho  has  been  more  loyal  to  outside  obligation? 
than  even  to  his  own  welfare.  He  is  a  kindly,  courteous,  afifable  gentleman  whom 
it  is  an  honor  to  know  and  who  has  brought  sunshine  into  many  lives  bv  his  pleas- 
ing, kindly,  oliliging  ways  and  his  sympathetic  personality. 


CARL  H.  ANDER.SON. 


Carl  H.  Anderson  is  associated  with  his  brother,  Clarence  R.  Anderson,  in  the 
conduct  of  a  general  mercantile  establishment  at  Ogden  and  has  won  gratifying 
and  merited  success  in  this  connection.  His  birth  occurred  in  Marcx'  township, 
Boone  county,  Iowa,  on  the  ist  of  January,  1874,  his  parents  being  Charles  and 
Sarah  (Carlson)  Anderson,  who  are  mentioned  at  greater  length  on  another  page 
of  this  work  in  connection  with  the  sketch  of  Clarence  R.  Anderson. 

Carl  H.  Anderson  was  reared  and  educated  in  this  county,  pursuing  his 
studies  in  the  district  schools.  He  remained  on  the  home  farm  with  his  parents 
until  twenty-five  years  of  age  and  then  came  to  Ogden,  where  he  was  employed 


76  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

as  clerk  for  three  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  went  to  JBoone  and 
there  clerked  for  a  year  in  the  service  of  H.  T.  Cook,  a  clothing  merchant.  Sub- 
sequently he  returned  to  Ogden  and  embarked  in  the  mercantile  business  on  his 
own  account,  having  thus  remained  a  factor  in  commercial  circles  of  the  town 
to  the  present  time.  In  August,  1913,  he  was  joined  by  his  brother,  Clarence  R. 
Anderson,  and  the  firm  has  since  been  known  as  Anderson  Brothers.  They 
erected  a  modern  two-story  brick  building  on  the  main  street  and  occupy  nearly 
all  of  the  structure,  carrying  an  extensive  stock  of  merchandise.  A  liberal  patron- 
age is  accorded  them,  for  they  have  won  an  enviable  reputation  as  reliable,  up- 
to-date  merchants  and  enjoy  the  confidence  of  the  public  in  unusual  degree. 

In  October,  1901,  Mr.  Anderson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Hannah 
Bergstrom,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Hannah  Bergstrom,  natives  of  Sweden,  who 
emigrated  to  America  and  located  in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  1868.  The  father 
operated  a  farm  here  until  about  191 1  and  has  since  lived  retired  in  Ogden.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Anderson  have  six  children,  as  follows:  Luella,  eleven  years  old; 
Bessemer  and  Donald,  who  are  nine  and  seven  years  of  age  respectively ;  Melvin, 
five  years  old ;  Helen,  who  is  four  years  old :  and  Russell,  two  years  of  age.  Mr. 
Anderson  is  a  republican  in  his  political  views,  while  his  religious  faith  is  indi- 
cated by  his  membership  in  the  Swedish  Mission.  He  has  always  remained  within 
the  borders  of  Boone  county  and  that  his  life  has  ever  been  upright  and  honor- 
able is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  the  associates  of  his  boyhood  and  youth  are 
still  numbered  among  his  stanch  friends  and  admirers. 


WILLIAM  H.  GALLUP. 

William  H.  Gallup  was  for  nearly  fifty  years  connected  with  newspapers  in 
Boone  and  other  counties  of  the  state  as  owner,  editor  and  publisher,  and  in  every 
instance  the  papers  while  under  his  control  increased  in  their  volume  of  business, 
in  their  influence  and  in  their  general  tone  of  reliability.  Keeping  in  touch  with 
progressive  methods,  he  has  never  catered  to  the  sensationalism  or  in  any  way 
adopted  the  ideas  of  the  "yellow"  sheet.  His  influence  has  always  been  on  the 
side  of  advancement  and  improvement  and, he  gained  for  his  papers  the  same 
high  regard  which  is  entertained  for  him  as  a  man. 

A  native  of  New  York,  Mr.  Gallup  was  born  at  Summit,  Schoharie  county, 
May  17,  1840.  a  son  of  Nathan  and  Pamelia  (Baird)  Gallup,  who  were  natives 
of  Connecticut  and  of  New  Jersey  respectively.  The  father,  who  made  farming 
his  life  work,  died  in  Summit,  and  the  mother  has  also  passed  away.  In  their 
family  were  eight  children,  Nathan,  Silas,  Abigail,  Samuel,  Margaret,  Bedent  B., 
John  B.  and  William  H.,  all  having  passed  away  but  William,  the  subject  of  this 
sketch. 

William  H.  Gallup  was  fourteen  years  of  age  when  his  father  sold  the  old 
home  farm  in  Schoharie  county.  In  his  youthful  days  he  attended  the  district 
schools  and  afterward  pursued  a  course  in  a  seminary.  He  also  taught  school 
during  the  winter  months  and  at  nineteen  years  of  age  he  took  up  the  study  of 
law,  being  graduated  from  the  New  York  State  and  National  Law  School,  located 
at  Poughkeepsie,  New  York,  on  the  ist  of  August,  i860.     He  was  admitted  to 


WILLIA.M    H.   (iALLUP 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  79 

the  bar  at  Newburgh,  New  York,  in  the  following  September  and  spent  the  suc- 
ceeding winter  in  the  law  office  of  Hon.  S.  L.  Mayham  at  North  Blenheim. 
On  the  1st  of  April,  1861,  he  came  to  the  middle  west,  settling  first  at  Marshall- 
town,  Iowa,  on  the  nth  of  May,  1861,  six  days  before  he  was  twenty-one,  where 
he  practiced  his  profession  for  a  short  time.  He  then  purchased  a  newspaper, 
the  Marshall  County  Times,  and  has  since  been  identified  the  greater  part  of 
his  life  with  journalistic  interests.  He  continued  as  editor  and  proprietor  of  that 
paper  from  October,  1861,  until  April,  1862.  In  May  of  the  succeeding  year 
he  again  became  editor  and  sole  proprietor  of  the  Marshall  County  Times  and 
so  remained  until  September,  1864.  A  few  weeks  in  1862,  after  the  capture  of 
Fort  Donelson  by  General  Grant,  which  was  one  of  the  first  substantial  Union 
victories  in  our  great  Civil  war,  he  published  the  Daily  Marshal  Times,  a  four 
column  folio,  in  order  to  give  the  news  of  Grant's  maneu\ers,  which  culminated 
in  the  battle  of  Shiloh.  While  in  Marshalltown  he-  took  an  active  part  in  the 
aiTairs  of  the  county  and  city,  and  was  one  of  the  two  or  three  who  kept  at  work 
securing  subscribers  to  make  the  place  an  incorporated  town,  thus  laying  the 
foundations  for  the  beautiful  city  that  it  is  today.  At  the  first  republican  caucus 
for  the  nomination  of  officers  for  the  newly  incorporated  town,  he  found  him- 
self to  his  total  surprise  the  nominee  for  mayor  when  the  ballots  were  counted  out. 
Removing  to  Boonesboro  in  December,  1864.  he  estabUslied  the  Boonesboro 
Index,  the  first  number  appearing  on  February  i,  1865,  and  which  for  six  months 
was  the  only  paper  published  in  Boone  county.  In  the  latter  part  of  1865,  Mr. 
Gallup  removed  the  Index  office  from  Bonesboro  to  the  new  town  of  Boone 
and  continued  its  publication  until  September,  1867,  when  he  sold  the  plant  to 
L.  M.  Holt,  who  changed  the  name  to  The  Montana  Standard.  Boone  had  pre- 
viously adopted  the  name  of  IMontana  for  the  purpose  of  getting  a  postoffice, 
there  already  being  one  postoffice  in  the  state  by  the  name  of  Boone  and  this 
making  a  different  name  necessary. 

Mr.  Gallup's  last  official  appearance  as  a  lawyer  was  his  election  to  the  office 
of  city  attorney  of  Montana  in  March,  1868,  but  which  office  he  deemed  it  advis- 
able to  resign  in  a  few  weeks,  because  it  became  to  his  financial  interest  to  resvime 
the  publication  of  the  Standard,  which  he  continued  until  September,  1869. 
In  May,  1870,  he  purchased  the  Nevada  Aegis,  renamed  it  Nevada  Representa- 
tive and  continued  as  its  sole  editor  and  proprietor  until  September,  1882,  or 
for  over  twelve  years.  In  1875  he  was  elected  state  senator  from  the  thirty-first 
senatorial  district,  composed  of  the  counties  of  Boone  and  Story,  and  served 
in  the  sixteenth  and  seventeenth  general  assemblies,  his  term  covering  the  years 
of  1876,  1877,  1878  and  1879.  While  in  the  senate,  he  took  an  active  part  in 
the  daily  routine  of  business,  was  always  present  at  the  opening  of  the  daily  ses- 
sions, avoided  set  speeches  made  for  political  effect  and  never  dodged  a  roll 
call  on  any  question.  He  had  the  rare  distinction  of  introducing  one  bill  which 
was  read  twice  and  then  upon  his  motion  the  rules  were  suspended,  the  bill  read 
a  third  time  and  put  upon  its  final  passage  and  passed,  without  a  dissenting  vote 
upon  any  of  the  roll  calls,  his  word  being  accepted  by  all  parties  as  to  its  truth- 
fulness and  accuracy.  At  the  first  inauguration  of  Governor  Gear  he  was  chair- 
man of  the  joint  legislative  committee  which  arranged  the  inaugural  ceremonies. 
He  was  also  author  of  senate  file  67,  in  the  sixteenth  general  assembly,  which 
became  a  law  and  allowed  counties,  townships  and  municipalities  to  vote  a  tax 


so  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

of  five  percent,  payable  half  in  one  year  and  half  in  the  succeeding  year,  to  aid 
in  the  building  of  railroads,  which  the  state  so  much  needed  for  its  development 
in  those  days.  After  disposing  of  the  Nevada  Representative  by  redistricting  in 
18S2,  he  was  engaged  for  about  two  years  in  the  book,  news  and  stationery  busi- 
ness in  Nevada,  and  also  for  about  two  years  owned  and  conducted  a  banking 
business  at  Cambridge,  Story  county.  But  in  1887  the  newspaper  fever  again 
got  control  of  him,  and  he  purchased  the  Perry  Chief  in  December  of  that  year, 
which  he  published  as  editor  and  proprietor  until  May,  1892,  when  he  became  part 
owner  of  the  Boone  Republican,  remaining  so  until  November,  1896,  and  as  sole 
owner  until  October,  1897.  He  was  also  editor  and  part  proprietor  of  the  Daily 
Boone  Republican  from  April,  1896,  until  November,  1896.  He  was  editor  and 
proprietor  of  the  Monthly  Boone  Review  and  Advertiser  from  February,  1899, 
until  March,  1900,  and  in  January.  1902,  he  became  editor  and  sole  owner  of 
the  Weekly  Boone  Standard  for  the  third  time,  which  paper  he  continued  to  pub- 
lish until  June,  1908.  Few  men  of  the  state  can  boast  of  so  long  and  continued 
a  newspaper  career.  He  has  had  much  to  do  with  shaping  the  journalistic  policy 
of  the  state.  He  made  his  papers  both  the  mirror  and  molder  of  public  opinion 
and  his  editorials  were  always  fair  and  liberal  to  all. 

Mr.  Gallup  was  united  in  marriage  on  the  26th  of  August,  1862,  in  Sununit, 
New  York,  to  Miss  Albina  Dyer,  a  native  of  Schoharie  county,  who  lost  her  father 
in  her  early  girlhood,  while  her  mother  now  lives  in  California  at  the  advanced 
age  of  eighty-eight  years.  The  wedding  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gallup  was  celebrated 
at  six  o'clock  in  the  morning,  on  which  occasion  there  were  present  three  invited 
couples  beside  the  immediate  families.  After  the  morning  breakfast,  the  four 
couples  drove  to  Howe's  cave,  about  ten  miles  distant,  where,  in  charge  of  an 
experienced  guide,  they  made  a  four  mile  trip  on  foot  into  the  interior  of  the 
cave.  After  a  few  weeks  spent  in  New  York,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gallup  came  to 
their  home  in  the  west.  As  the  years  went  by  six  children  were  added  to  the 
household:  Chester,  who  died  in  childhood;  Frankie,  the  wife  of  James  Hamil- 
ton, of  Sioux  City,  Iowa ;  William,  who  passed  away  in  boyhood ;  Lucy,  who  died 
in  infancy;  Fred  H.,  who  is  captain  of  Company  F,  of  the  Third  Field  Artillery, 
now  located  at  Fort  iMyer,  Virginia ;  and  James,  owner  of  a  prosperous  job 
printing  establishment  in  Boone. 

Mr.  Gallup  is  a  republican  and  has  held  a  number  of  local  offices.  His  fra- 
ternal relations  connect  him  with  the  Masons  and  his  religious  faith  with  the 
Methodist  church.  His  life  has  been  honorable,  his  actions  manly  and  sincere, 
and  there  is  no  citizen  in  Boone  county  more  worthy  of  high  regard. 


CARL   CLAUSSEN. 


Carl  Claussen,  a  well  known  young  business  man  of  Ogden,  is  a  member 
of  the  firm  of  Hagge  &  Claussen,  automobile  dealers  and  also  proprietors  of  a  gen- 
eral repair  shop.  He  is  a  native  son  of  Boone  county,  having  been  born  in 
.-\mac|ua  township  on  the  5th  of  May,  1883.  His  parents.  Thomas  and  Margaret 
(Jones)   Claussen.  were  born  in  Germany.     The  father,  who  followed  farming 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  81 

in  that  country,  emigrated  to  the  United  States  when  twenty  years  of  age  and 
made  his  way  direct  to  this  county  but  a  short  time  later  removed  to  Wyoming, 
where  he  resided  for  a  year  and  a  half.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he 
returned  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  purchasing  and  improving  a  farm  in  Amaqua 
township  which  he  operated  successfully  until  1900.  He  has  lived  retired  in 
Ogden  during  the  past  fourteen  years  and  is  widely  recognized  as  a  substantial, 
representative  and  esteemed  citizen  of  the  community. 

Carl  Claussen  was  reared  and  educated  in  this  county,  pursuing  his  studies 
in  the  district  schools.  He  remained  on  the  farm  with  his  parents  until  sixteen 
years  of  age,  when  the  family  home  was  established  in  Ogden.  Subsequently  he 
entered  Highland  Park  College  of  Des  Moines  and  later  pursued  a  special  course 
in  mechanical  engineering  in  the  Iowa  State  College  of  Agriculture  and  Mechan- 
ical Arts  at  Ames.  He  then  went  to  Minneapolis,  Minnesota,  and  for  eight 
months  was  engaged  in  railroad  work,  while  during  the  next  year  and  a  half 
he  followed  farming  near  Spokane,  Washington.  After  returning  to  Ogden  he 
operated  the  municipal  electric  light  plant  for  three  years.  On  the  ist  of  Febru- 
ary, 191 3,  he  embarked  in  business  in  partnership  with  H.  J.  Hagge  as  a  dealer 
in  automobiles,  the  firm  name  being  Hagge  &  Claussen.  They  handle  Buick  cars 
exclusively  and  also  carry  on  a  general  repair  business.  Success  has  attended 
the  venture,  for  the  partners  are  young  men  of  splendid  business  ability,  enter- 
prise and  enthusiasm.    Their  garage  is  a  one-story  brick  structure  of  double  width. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Claussen  is  a  democrat  while  his  religious  faith  is 
that  of  the  German  Lutheran  church.  He  has  cooperated  in  many  movements 
for  the  general  good,  has  ever  cast  his  influence  on  the  side  of  improvement  and 
has  advocated  high  ideals  of  manhood  and  citizenship. 


J.  AUGUST  CARLSON. 

J.  August  Carlson  is  one  of  those  sturdy  Swedish-Americans  who  have  found 
in  this  country  the  opportunities  which  lead  to  success.  He  is  the  owner  of  the 
Belmont  stock  farm  in  Marcy  township,  which  enjoys  a  reputation  that  extends 
far  and  wide  over  the  state.  He  also  owns  two  hundred  and  forty  acres  on  sec- 
tion 22,  Amaqua  township.  He  was  born  in  Sweden,  May  10,  1858,  and  is  a  son 
of  J.  P.  and  Christina  Carlson,  natives  of  Sweden.  There  the  mother  died  in 
1868.  The  father  subsequently  came  to  America,  locating  in  De  Kalb,  Illinois,  in 
1870.  In  the  fall  of  the  same  year  he  came  to  Moingona,  Boone  county.  He 
was  a  carpenter  by  trade  and  for  two  years  continued  in  that  line  of  occupation, 
after  which  he  retired,  making  his  home  with  S.  .M.  Kollin,  until  his  death  in  1878. 

J.  August  Carlson  attended  the  schools  of  his  native  country  and  as  a  boy 
of  twelve  years  came  with  his  father  to  America.  He  again  took  up  his  lessons 
here,  completing  his  education  in  the  English  schools.  He  began  his  career  as  a 
farm  hand  and  it  is  interesting  to  note  that  he  has  worked  and  lived  on  section  4 
in  Marcy  township  for  thirty-nine  years.  He  continued  in  the  employ  of  others 
until  1883,  removing  in  that  year  onto  the  farm  which  he  had  acquired  in  1881 
and  which  comprises  one  hundred  and  three  acres  on  section  4,  Marcy  township. 


82  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

He  immediately  gave  his  sole  attention  to  the  improvement  of  his  property  and 
has  ever  since  continued  on  the  same  place.  His  farm  is  known  as  the  Belmont 
stock  farm,  and  Mr.  Carlson  has  become  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  pro- 
ficient stockraisers  and  dealers  in  his  section  of  the  state.  He  has  taken  more 
premiums  and  prizes  on  stock  than  any  other  man  in  Boone  county.  Close 
application,  thrift,  industry  and  judicious  management  have  been  the  factors  in 
his  success.  He  also  owns  two  hundred  and  forty  acres  on  section  22,  Amaqua 
township,  which  are  highly  improved  and  net  him  a  considerable  income.  He 
gives  particular  attention  to  Duroc  Jersey  hogs,  and  Percheron  horses  and  short- 
horn cattle  and  has  taken  a  number  of  prizes  on  this  stock. 

In  February,  1883,  Mr.  Carlson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ida  C.  Wie- 
big,  a  daughter  of  Jonas  and  Maria  (Danielson)  Wiebig,  natives  of  Sweden, 
where  the  mother  died  in  1872.  The  father  came  to  America  in  1889  and  located 
in  Clinton.  Iowa,  but  after  a  short  time  came  to  Boone  county,  where  he  gave  his 
attention  to  farming  for  awhile.  He  then  removed  to  Nebraska,  taking  up  a 
claim  in  that  state,  and  there  he  died  in  1901.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carlson  became 
parents  of  eight  children  as  follows:  Henry  W.,  Albert  J.,  Arthur  W.,  Elmer  A., 
Raymond  F.,  Alice  C,  Clarence  E.  and  Carl  J.  Mr.  Carlson  served  as  trustee 
of  Marcy  township  for  twelve  years  and  is  now  treasurer  of  the  school  board, 
manifesting  thereby  his  deep  interest  in  the  cause  of  education.  Politically  he  is 
a  republican,  and  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Swedish  Mission  church.  Most 
of  his  attention  is  given  to  his  important  stock-raising  and  farming  interests,  yet 
he  is  always  ready  to  concern  himself  about  public  questions  and  to  give  ma- 
terial and  moral  support  to  movements  which  promote  growth  and  advancement. 
Fraternally  he  is  a  member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  very  popu- 
lar in  this  lodge.  Great  credit  is  due  him  for  what  he  has  achieved,  for  he 
came  to  this  country  empty-handed  and  has  attained  a  substantial  position  among 
the  residents  of  Boone  county. 


JOHN  A.  MENTON. 

Since  1902  John  A.  Menton  has  been  connected  with  the  publication  of  the 
Boone  County  Democrat  in  partnership  with  John  R.  Herron.  He  makes  his 
home  in  the  city  of  Boone,  where  he  is  both  widely  and  favorably  known.  His 
birth  occurred  in  North  Easton,  Massachusetts,  February  25,  1867,  his  parents 
being  John  and  Johannah  (Leary)  Menton,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Ire- 
land. The  mother  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  Canada  in  her  girlhood  days.  The 
father  went  from  Ireland  to  Birmingham,  England,  here  he  remained  for  about 
twelve  years  and  then  came  to  the  United  States,  settling  in  Massachusetts.  It 
was  there  that  they  were  married,  and  in  the  spring  of  1867  they  removed  west- 
ward to  Boone  county,  where  for  many  years  the  father  followed  the  occupa- 
tion of  farming.  He  afterward  lived  retired  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in 
the  year  1905.  His  wife  survived  him  for  about  eight  years,  passing  away  in 
1913.  In  their  family  were  nine  children  as  follows:  Julia,  the  wife  of  T.  J. 
O'Conncll,  a  resident  of  Boone;  Dennis,  deceased;  Daniel,  also  living  in  Boone; 
John  A. ;  Kate,  the  wife  of  D.  P.  Ivis,  of  this  county ;  Nellie,  at  home ;  T.  P., 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  8$ 

a  resident  of  Boone ;  W.  F.,  living  in  Santa  Ana,  California ;  and  Edward  J.^ 
of  Boone. 

John  A.  Mentqn  left  the  farm  in  his  youthful  days  and  supplemented  the 
education  which  he  had  previously  acquired  in  the  public  schools  by  study  in  the 
Western  Normal  College.  He  then  went  to  the  west  for  his  health,  spending  twO' 
years  in  Colorado,  and  upon  his  return  to  Iowa,  he  engaged  in  teaching  school, 
successfully  following  that  profession  for  ten  years.  During  that  period  he  took 
up  the  study  of  law  and  was  admitted  to  the  bar  in  1899.  He  afterward  practiced 
in  Boone  and  in  lola,  Kansas,  and  when  he  again  returned  to  Boone  once  more 
became  an  instructor  in  the  public  schools.  He  also  acted  as  a  salesman  and 
afterward  resumed  the  practice  of  law.  In  1902  he*  entered  the  newspaper  field 
in  partnership  with  John  R.  Herron,  and  the  connection  has  since  been  main- 
tained. They  are  owners  and  publishers  of  the  Boone  County  Democrat,  which 
has  a  good  circulation,  and  is,  therefore,  an  excellent  advertising  medium. 

On  the  28th  of  April,  1909,  Mr.  Menton  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ida 
V.  Engel,  who  passed  away  eleven  months  later.  His  political  allegiance  is- 
given  to  the  democratic  party,  and  for  twelve  years  he  was  chairman  of  the 
democratic  central  committee  of  Boone  county.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the 
Catholic  church.  Much  of  his  life  has  been  spent  in  this  section  of  the  state, 
where  he  is  now  widely  known,  and  he  has  won  many  friends  during  the  long 
period  of  his  residence  here. 


WILBUR   H.   KEIGLEY. 

Wilbur  H.  Keigley,  the  president  and  general  manager  of  the  W.  H.  Keigley 
Land  Company  of  Madrid,  is  at  the  head  of  a  well  established  real-estate  and  loaa 
business  in  the  city  and  also  buys  and  sells  land  in  northern  Iowa  and  southern 
Minnesota.  Boone  county  is  proud  to  number  him  among  her  native  sons. 
His  birth  occurred  in  Douglas  township  on  the  4th  of  July.  1868,  his  parents 
being  William  Jacob  and  Elizabeth  ( Throckmorton )  Keigley,  the  former  born 
in  Pennsylvania  in  1824  and  the  latter  in  Green  county,  that  state,  in  the  same 
year.  William  Jacob  Keigley  was  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Boone  county, 
making  the  o\trland  journey  to  this  state.  He  located  on  a  farm  in  Douglas 
township  and  devoted  his  attention  to  the  work  of  the  fields  throughout  his 
active  career.  His  demise  occurred  in  Madrid,  Iowa,  on  the  31st  of  December, 
1905,  while  his  wife  passed  away  in  that  city  on  the  27th  of  April,  1904,  the  com- 
munity thus  losing  two  of  its  respected  early  residents. 

They  were  the  parents  of  eight  children,  as  follows :  William,  a  native  of 
Pennsylvania,  who  passed  away  in  that  state :  John  Warren,  who  died  in  Boone, 
Iowa,  in  December,  1913;  Wilbur  H.,  of  this  review:  Clayton  C,  a  resident  of 
Crowley,  Louisiana :  Theo  H.,  who  makes  his  home  in  Colfax  township,  Boone 
county,  Iowa;  Lionel  F.,  living  in  Ames,  Iowa;  Robert  M.,  who  passed  away  in 
Madrid,  this  state :  and  Mrs.  Emmerah  E.  Sutherland,  who  is  a  resident  of 
Garden  township.  The  two  eldest  children  were  born  in  Pennsylvania  and  the 
younger  ones  in  Douglas  township,  this  county.  All  the  surviving  members  of 
the  family  were  reared  in  Boone  county. 


84  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Wilbur  H.  Keigley,  whose  entire  life  has  been  spent  within  the  borders  of  his 
native  county,  attended  the  common  schools  in  the  acquirement  of  an  education 
and  is  a  graduate  of  the  Madrid  high  school.  He  gave  his  attention  to  general 
agricultural  pursuits  until  1885  and  subsequently  engaged  in  various  kinds  of 
business  in  Madrid,  eventually  becoming  identified  with  real-estate  interests.  He 
is  now  the  president  and  general  manager  of  the  W.  H.  Keigley  Land  Company 
of  Madrid,  conducting  a  general  real-estate  business  locally  and  also  buying  and 
selling  land  in  northern  Iowa  and  southern  Minnesota.  Success  has  attended  his 
undertakings  in  gratifying  degree  and  he  is  now  numbered  among  the  prosperous 
and  representative  business  men  of  the  county.  He  owns  a  commodious  and 
attractive  residence  in  Madfid  and  also  has  property  in  Minnesota. 

In  1890  Mr.  Keigley  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Arab  Belle  Holcomb,  a 
native  of  Illinois  and  a  daughter  of  Milo  and  Caroline  Holcomb,  who  established 
their  home  in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  1878.  The  father  passed  away  in  Wood- 
ward, this  state,  while  the  mother's  demise  occurred  at  Aladrid.  Their  six  sur- 
viving children  are  as  follows:  Mrs.  Mattie  Moore,  of  Manitou,  Oklahoma; 
Mrs.  Carrie  L.  Woods,  who  is  a  resident  of  Fort  Madison,  Iowa ;  Charles,  living 
in  Madrid,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Wilbur  H.  Keigley;  Frank,  of  Pocahontas  coimty,  Iowa; 
and  Mrs.  Blanche  Rhodes,  of  Woodward,  Iowa.  ]\Ir.  and  Mrs.  Keigley  have  two 
children,  namely:  Alilo  W.,  who  was  bom  January  13,  1897;  and  Marvel  E., 
whose  birth  occurred  December  27,  1902.  Both  are  natives  of  Madrid  and  attend 
the  public  schools  of  that  city.  ■ 

In  politics  Mr.  Keigley  is  a  stanch  democrat  and  his  fellow  townsmen,  recog- 
nizing his  worth  and  ability,  have  chosen  him  for  various  positions  of  public 
trust.  He  has  held  numerous  local  offices  in  Madrid,  has  acted  as  city  marshal 
and  as  constable  in  Douglas  township.  He  served  as  deputy  sheriff  of  Boone 
county  under  the  administration  of  George  Garner  and  was  the  democratic  pre- 
cinct chairman  for  a  number  of  years.  Mr.  Keigley  attends  the  services  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  church  in  Madrid  and  is  fraternally  identified  with  the 
Masons,  belonging  to  Star  Lodge,  No.  115,  of  Madrid,  and  Tuscan  Chapter,  No. 
31,  R.  A.  M.,  of  Boone.  He  is  likewise  connected  with  the  Modern  Woodmen 
of  America  at  Madrid.  He  has  always  lived  in  Boone  county  and  the  fact  that 
many  of  his  stanchest  friends  are  numbered  among  those  who  have  known  him 
from  his  boyhood  to  the  present  time  is  an  indication  of  an  upright  and  well 
spent  life.  He  manifests  sterling  qualities  not  only  in  his  business  activities  but 
also  in  his  social  and  citizenship  relations  and  is  justly  accounted  one  of  the 
valued  residents  of  the  community. 


MRS.  NETTIE  McINTOSH  WAHL. 

One  of  the  beautiful  homes  of  Boone  is  that  owned  and  occupied  by  Mrs. 
Nettie  Mcintosh  Wahl  at  the  corner  of  Sixth  and  Wood  streets.  She  is  most 
widely  and  favorably  known  in  this  city  and  throughout  the  county,  where  she 
tias  many  friends.  She  was  born  in  Indiana  in  1851,  a  daughter  of  William  and 
Fmily  W.  (Parker)  Mcintosh,  the  former  a  native  of  Indiana  and  the  latter  of 
Kentuckv.     Mrs.  Wahl  was  but  six  weeks  old  when  her  parents  removed  with 


WILLIAM    Mc;L\TUs;lI 


MRS.  WILLIAM  McINTOSH 


jPu. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  89 

the  family  to  Iowa.  She  is  a  sister  of  James  Whitcomb  Mcintosh,  mention  of 
whom  appears  elsewhere  in  this  volume.  Spending  her  girlhood  days  under 
the  parental  roof,  she  was  reared  and  educated  in  Boonesboro  and  also  attended 
a  Sisters'  school  at  Ottumwa,  Iowa,  when  seventeen  years  of  age. 

Later  she  engaged  in  teaching  school  in  Boone  county  for  twelve  or  more 
terms  and  proved  very  capable  in  that  direction,  imparting  clearly  and  readily 
to  others  the  knowledge  that  she  had  acquired.  She  taught  at  Glenwood,  Iowa, 
in  the  School  for  Feeble-minded  for  ten  years  and  was  very  successful  in  her 
work  with  that  unfortunate  class,  her  patience  and  ready  sympathy  enabling 
her  to  accomplish  results  that  few  others  could  have  accomplished.  She  then 
returned  to  Boonesboro  to  care  for  her  mother  and  sister  until  the  death  of  the 
former.  The  sister.  Miss  Mary  Frances  Mcintosh,  now  makes  her  home  with 
Mrs.  Wahl.  The  latter  is  a  member  of  the  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolu- 
tion, holding  membership  in  Deshon  Chapter  of  Boone,  and  her  name  is  also  on 
the  membership  roll  of  the  Order  of  the  Eastern  Star  of  Boone.  Most  of  her 
life  has  been  devoted  to  charitable  work  and  she  has  done  great  good  in  the 
world.  She  is  liberal  in  her  religious  views,  attending  various  churches,  con- 
tributing to  their  support  and  giving  generously  to  many  worthy  objects  whereby 
the  interests  of  the  individual  and  the  community  are  promoted. 


PEDER  T.  SAVERAID. 


Peder  J.  Saveraid  is  one  of  those  sturdy  Norwegian-Americans  who  have 
found  in  this  country  the  opportunities  which  they  sought,  .\lthough  yet  f|uite  a 
young  man,  he  is  at  the  head  of  the  Boone  Creamery  Company,  an  important 
concern  in  the  commercial  life  of  the  city  and  of  particular  significance  in  regard 
to  agricultural  development.  Mr.  Saveraid  has  largely  established  the  high  repu- 
tation which  the  products  of  his  creamery  company  enjoy,  their  principal  out- 
put being  Saveraid's  special  pure  creamery  butter.  They  are  located  at  No.  1003 
Eighth  st-eet  in  Boone  and  there  can  be  found  an  up-to-date,  sanitary  plant 
which  might  serve  as  a  model  to  other  establishments  of  a  similar  nature.  Its 
success  is  'argely  attributable  to  Mr.  Saveraid.  who  is  a  man  of  great  experience 
in  his  line  of  business. 

He  was  born  in  Norway,  September  15,  1876,  and  is  a  son  of  John  and  .Anna 
( Holland)  Saveraid  and  a  grandson  of  Peder  Saveraid,  who  served  in  the  Nor- 
wegian army.  .After  having  attended  the  common  schools  the  grandfather 
learned  shipbuilding,  later  owning  his  own  yard.  Business  conditions  in  his  par- 
ticular line,  however,  turned  from  bad  to  worse  and  he  was  therefore  forced  to 
relinquish  this  enteqirise  and  went  to  sea.  Success  came  to  him  in  this  connec- 
tion and  he  eventually  became  the  owner  of  six  vessels  and  was  captain  of  one 
of  them.  He  died  in  Norway.  In  his  family  were  ten  children.  Late  in  life 
he  owned  a  farm  and  his  son  John,  the  father  of  our  subject,  passed  his  boy- 
hood there,  early  becoming  acquainted  with  agricultural  pursuits.  He  enjoyed 
a  common-school  education  and  remained  in  his  native  land  until  1881,  when  he 
brought  his  family  to  the  United  States,  being  impressed  with  the  opportunities 
of  which  he  had  heard  in  regard  to  this  country.     He  sailed  from  Bergen  to 

Vol.  n— 5 


90  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

New  York  and  from  that  city  made  his  way  directly  to  Story  City,  Iowa,  where  he 
now  lives  retired.  He  is  a  member  of  the  synod  and  has  always  taken  an  active 
part  in  the  religious  affairs  of  his  community.  His  wife  died  in  Story  City  in 
1885,  and  subsequently  he  married  Miss  Bertha  Stoll.  By  his  first  marriage  he 
had  the  following  children:  Peder,  deceased;  Anna,  the  widow  of  H.  H. 
Falland ;  Samuel,  of  Story  City:  Mrs.  Lena  Olson,  of  Minnesota;  Sebert,  of 
Boone;  Margaret,  who  died  at  the  age  of  sixteen;  Mrs.  Hannah  Ritland,  of 
Huxley,  Iowa;  John,  deceased;  Peder,  the  second  of  the  name  and  the  subject 
of  this  review ;  and  Ross,  of  Lake  Mills,  Iowa. 

Peder  J.  Saveraid  was  but  five  years  old  when  his  parents  brought  him  to  the 
United  States.  He  attended  the  public  schools  in  Story  City  until  fifteen,  and 
until  twenty-one  worked  as  a  farm  hand,  receiving  about  eighty  cents  per  day.  At 
the  early  age  of  eleven  years,  however,  he  had  become  self-supporting,  perform- 
ing such  duties  as  were  commensurate  with  his  age  until  leaving  school,  when  he 
gave  his  entire  attention  to  farming.  On  attaining  his  majority  he  became  con- 
nected with  the  creamery  business  in  Huxley,  where  for  fourteen  years  was 
engaged  in  that  line.  At  the  end  of  that  time,  in  1912,  he  invested  his  savings  in 
his  present  plant,  which  he  has  since  so  successfully  conducted.  Great  credit  is 
due  Mr.  Saveraid  for  what  he  has  achieved,  as  he  has  gained  his  success  entirely 
through  his  own  efforts.  He  is  today  considered  one  of  the  most  successful 
business  men  of  Boone  and  contributes  toward  the  reputation  of  the  city  by 
turning  out  a  creamery  product  which  is  an  honor  to  the  state.  Naturally  his  en- 
terprise has  had  a  beneficial  influence  ui)on  dairy  conditions  and  he  therefore  must 
be  considered  a  factor  in  the  dairy  development  of  Iowa. 

On  June  11,  1902,  Mr.  Saveraid  married  Miss  Josie  Saveraid,  a  daughter  of 
John  and  Elizabeth  Saveraid,  who  were  natives  of  Norway,  their  daughter, 
however,  being  bom  here.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Saveraid  of  this  review-  have  five 
children:  .Arthur  J.,  attending  school;  and  J.  O.,  Elizabeth,  Walter  P.  and 
Palmer  J. 

The  parents  are  members  of  the  Norwegian  Lutheran  churcli  and  deeply 
devoted  to  its  service.  Politically  Mr.  Saveraid  is  a  republican,  thoroughly  in 
sympathy  with  the  aims  of  his  party,  whose  candidates  he  stanchly  supports.  He 
is  an  aggressive  young  man  of  the  modern  school  of  American  business  and  has 
made  a  record  for  himself  which  well  entitles  him  to  be  ranked  with  the  useful 
citizens  of  Boone.  While  he  has  achieved  individual  success,  he  has  always 
been  considerate  of  the  interests  of  others  and  never  loses  sight  of  the  com- 
munity welfare,  to  the  betterment  of  which  he  willingly  and  readily  contributes 
liis  share  and  more  than  his  share. 


JOHN  WALTER  JORDAN. 

Although  one  of  the  younger  representatives  of  the  Boone  county  bar,  the 
comparative  youth  of  John  Walter  Jordan  seems  to  be  no  detriment,  as  he  has 
already  gained  a  position  as  a  representative  of  the  legal  profession  that  many 
an  older  lawyer  might  well  envy.  He  has  his  B.  L.  degree  from  the  State  Univer- 
sity and  has  practiced  continuously  since   190".     He  was  born   in   Boone,   Mav 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  91 

24,  1883,  and  is  still  a  resident  of  the  county  seat.  His  parents  were  Richard 
and  Martha  (Lynch)  Jordan,  both  natives  of  New  York.  His  grandparents 
on  the  paternal  side  were  John  and  Anna  (Connolly)  Jordan,  natives  of  Ireland, 
and  on  coming  to  the  new  world  in  the  autumn  of  1856,  they  settled  at  Dixon; 
Lee  county,  Illinois,  where  they  remained  for  ten  years.  The  year  1866  wit- 
nessed their  arrival  in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  at  which  time  they  took  up  their 
abode  upon  a  farm  and  there  spent  their  remaining  days.  Their  son,  Richard 
F.  Jordan,  father  of  John  Walter  Jordan,  was  born  in  Glens  Falls,  New  York, 
on  the  19th  of  March,  1856,  and  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  was  taken  by  his 
parents  to  Illinois.  He  was  one  of  five  children,  the  others  being,  Mary,  Maurice, 
Alice  and  Edward  C.  Richard  F.  Jordan  was  educated  in  the  country  schools 
and  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years  entered  the  Iowa  State  College  at  Ames,  from 
which  he  was  graduated  with  valedictorian  honors  in  the  class  of  1877.  He  then 
entered  a  law  school  at  Des  Moines  and  on  the  7th  of  June.  1879,  was  admitted  to 
the  bar.  Returning  to  Boone,  he  here  entered  upon  the  practice  of  his  chosen 
profession  and  was  associated  with  various  partners,  the  firm  style  being  suc- 
cessively, Ramsey  &  Jordan,  Crooks  &  Jordan,  Jordan  &  Brockett,  and  Jordan  & 
Goodykoontz.  He  also  practiced  alone  for  a  time  and  throughout  the  entire 
period  of  his  connection  with  the  Boone  county  bar  ranked  high  as  one  of  the 
leading  lawyers  of  his  section  of  the  state. 

While  a  law  student  in  Des  Moines,  Richard  F.  Jordan  formed  the  acquaint- 
ance of  Miss  Martha  L.  Lynch  and  their  friendship  ripening  into  love,  they  were 
married  on  the  23d  of  May,  1882.  Four  children  were  born  to  them:  John 
Walter,  of  this  review;  Richard  Frank,  of  Chicago;  and  Helen  and  flara.  at 
home.  Mr.  Jordan  lost  his  life  as  a  result  of  injuries  sustained  in  a  fire  Sep- 
temljer  3,  1901.  A  stable  on  his  premises  burned  and  in  an  endeavor  to  rescue 
a  favorite  driving  horse  from  the  flames,  he  received  injuries  from  which  he 
died  two  days  later.  He  was  beloved  by  all  who  knew  him,  and  thus  it  was  that 
his  death  was  the  occasion  of  deep  and  widespread  regret.  He  took  an  active 
part  in  civic  affairs  at  all  times,  doing  everything  in  his  power  to  promote  public 
progress,  and  his  efforts  resulted  for  good  along  many  lines.  He  served  as  a 
member  of  the  school  board,  was  city  solicitor,  and  president  of  the  board  of 
trustees  of  the  public  library.  He  was  also  president  of  the  Business  Men's  Asso- 
ciation and  was  active  in  formulating  its  policy  for  the  promotion  of  the  best 
interests  of  the  city.  Frequently  he  was  called  upon  to  deliver  public  addresses 
and  on  such  occasions  he  was  always  given  the  closest  attention.  While  in  national 
affairs  he  was  a  democrat,  he  cast  a  non-partisan  vote  at  local  elections.  His 
fraternal  relations  were  with  the  Elks,  and  his  religious  faith  was  that  of  the 
Catholic  church.  His  widow  survives  him  and  makes  her  home  in  Boone,  where 
she  has  an  extensive  circle  of  friends. 

Reared  in  his  native  city,  John  Walter  Jordan  attended  the  public  schools  and 
in  1900  entered  the  Iowa  State  College,  from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the 
class  of  1904,  completing  the  course  which  gave  him  the  Bachelor  of  Science 
degree.  He  next  entered  the  Iowa  State  University  at  Iowa  City,  where  he  pur- 
sued his  law  course  and  won  his  Bachelor  of  Laws  degree  in  IQ07.  In  the  fall 
of  the  same  year  he  opened  an  office  in  Boone  for  the  practice  of  his  chosen 
profession.  On  the  ist  of  September,  1913,  he  formed  a  partnership  with  S.  R. 
Dyer  and  Walter  R.  Dyer,  under  the  firm  style  of  Dyer,  Jordan  &  Dyer.     His 


92  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

name  figures  in  connection  with  many  important  litigated  interests,  and  his  abil- 
ity is  growing  through  the  exercise  of  his  powers  and  through  his  continued 
reading,  study  and  investigation.  Jrle  analyzes  his  cases  most  carefully  and  is 
seldom  if  ever  at  fault  in  the  application  of  a  legal  principle. 

Mr.  Jordan  was  reared  to  the  Catholic  faith,  to  which  he  still  adheres,  and  he 
belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Columbus  and  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks. 
His  political  support  is  given  the  democratic  party. 


A.  R.   WESTERBERG. 


A.  R.  Westerberg,  who  in  1899  established  the  Madrid  Electric  Lighting  & 
Power  Company  in  association  with  his  father,  is  still  the  manager  of  the  elec- 
tric plant  in  Madrid,  which  is  conceded  to  be  one  of  the  best  lighted  towns  of 
its  size  in  the  state.  He  has  spent  his  entire  life  within  the  borders  of  Boone 
county,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Garden  township  on  the  6th  of  July,  1876. 

The  parents,  A.  P.  Westerberg  and  Mrs.  Emma  Lundahl  Anderson  Wester- 
berg, were  both  natives  of  Sweden,  the  former  born  in  Skaraborg,  Westergot- 
land,  on  the  17th  of  July,  1840,  and  confirmed  in  the  Lutheran  church  in  1856. 
When  a  young  man  of  twenty-six  years  he  emigrated  to  the  United  States, 
locating  in  Boone,  Iowa,  on  the  9th  of  October,  1866.  He  entered  the  bridge- 
building  department  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railway  and  continued  with 
the  corporation  for  nine  years.  Having  carefully  saved  his  earnings,  he  then 
bought  a  tract  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  in  Garden  township,  where  he 
successfully  carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits,  extending  the  boundaries 
of  his  farm  by  additional  purchase  until  it  embraced  two  hundred  acres  of  valu- 
able land.  His  last  years  were  spent  in  Madrid,  Iowa,  where  he  passed  away  on 
the  22d  of  September,  1909.  The  period  of  his  residence  in  Boone  county  cov- 
ered more  than  four  decades,  and  he  was  widely  recognized  as  one  of  its  substan- 
tial and  esteemed  citizens.  The  demise  of  his  wife  occurred  on  tlie  old  home 
farm  in  Garden  township,  and  subsequently  he  was  again  married,  his  second 
union  being  with  Mrs.  Christina  Westland,  by  whom  he  had  one  child,  Lester 
Roosevelt  Westerberg,  who  is  a  resident  of  Madrid.  Unto  him  and  his  first  wife 
were  born  eight  children,  as  follows:  Mrs.  Maude  Anderson  Westerberg 
Sundberg,  living  in  Garden  township ;  A.  R.,  of  this  review ;  Mrs.  Ethel  Wester- 
strom,  of  Madrid,  Iowa ;  Frank,  who  is  a  resident  of  Boone,  Iowa ;  Mrs.  Esther 
Krantz  of  Madrid;  Edwin,  living  in  Longmont,  Colorado;  Mrs.  Blanche 
Peterson,  who  makes  her  home  in  Garden  township ;  and  Zylph,  deceased.  The 
above  named  were  all  born  and  reared  in  Garden  township. 

A.  R.  Westerberg  grew  to  manhood  on  the  home  farm  and  attended  the 
common  schools  in  the  acquirement  of  an  education.  Being  mechanically  inclined, 
he  was  given  an  opportunity  to  develop  this  talent  in  successfully  controlling  a 
threshing  outfit  in  the  neighborhood  Subsequently  he  applied  himself  to  the 
study  of  electricity  and  mastered  the  science  through  his  own  efforts.  In  1899 
in  association  with  his  father  he  established  the  Madrid  Electric  Lighting  & 
Power  Company  of  Madrid,  in  the  conduct  of  which  A.  P.  Westerberg  took  a 
deep  and  active  interest  during  the  remainder  of  his  life,  living  to  see  the  plant 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  93 

one  of  the  best  equipped  in  central  Iowa.  In  191 2  the  local  plant  was  abandoned, 
and  our  subject  has  since  secured  the  power  from  Boone,  where  it  is  furnished 
by  the  Iowa  Railway  &  Light  Company.  This  has  given  universal  satisfaction 
and  Mr.  Westerberg  has  realized  his  ambition  in  making  Madrid  one  of  the 
best  lighted  towns  of  its  size  in  the  state.  He  acts  as  manager  of  the  plant  and 
is  one  of  its  heaviest  stockholders.  He  owns  an  attractive  and  commodious  * 
residence  in  Madrid  and  has  long  been  numbered  among  the  prosperous,  enter- 
prising and  representative  citizens  of  the  community. 

On  the  5th  of  April,  1900,  Mr.  Westerberg  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Emma  Grace  Krantz,  who  was  born  in  Garden  township,  this  county,  on  the  28th 
of  .April,  1875,  her  parents  being  John  and  Mary  Krantz,  the  former  a  native 
of  Sweden.  They  were  among  the  earlier  settlers  of  Boone  county,  and  here 
Mrs.  Westerberg  grew  to  womanhood  and  acquired  her  education  in  the  common 
schools.  John  Krantz  passed  away  in  Garden  township,  but  his  widow  survives, 
making  her  home  in  Madrid.  They  had  three  children,  namely :  C.  L.,  who  was 
born  on  the  29th  of  June,  1873,  and  resides  in  Madrid;  Mrs.  A.  R.  Westerberg; 
and  G.  A.  J.  Krantz,  of  Madrid.  All  were  born  and  reared  in  Garden  township. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Westerberg  have  one  son,  Edgar  Richard  Quinton  Westerberg,  who 
was  born  on  the  23d  of  November,  1903,  and  is  now  a  public-school  student  at 
Madrid. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Westerberg  is  a  stanch  republican.  His  religious 
faith  is  indicated  by  his  membership  in  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church  of  Madrid, 
to  which  his  wife  also  belongs.  He  is  a  man  of  good  business  ability,  of  exem- 
plary habits  and  upright  character,  is  worthy  the  trust  of  his  fellowmen  and 
fully  merits  the  good-will  which  is  uniformly  extended  him. 


T.  T.  MAHONEY. 


T.  T-  Mahoney,  a  well  known  representative  of  the  legal  fraternity  in  Boone 
county,  has  been  engaged  in  active  practice  at  Boone  since  1901  and  is  now  a 
partner  of  William  W.  Goodykoontz.  He  is  numbered  among  the  worthy  native 
sons  of  this  county,  his  birth  having  here  occurred  on  the  i6th  of  October,  1876. 
His  parents,  Timothy  and  Mary  (Hickey)  Mahoney.  were  both  born  in  Ireland. 
When  still  but  a  child  the  father  was  brought  to  the  United  States  and  taken  to 
Wisconsin.  In  1867  he  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  and  has  here  remained 
throughout  the  intervening  forty-seven  years.  He  devoted  his  attention  to  gen- 
eral agricultural  pursuits  during  his  active  business  career  but  is  now  living 
retired  in  the  enjoyment  of  well  earned  ease.  Mr.  Mahoney  has  held  some 
minor  township  offices  and  also  served  as  alderman  in  Boone,  ever  proving  an 
efficient  and  faithful  public  servant.  He  is  well  known  and  highly  esteemed 
throughout  the  community,  having  won  the  friendship  and  regard  of  all  with 
whom  he  has  been  associated  during  the  long  years  of  his  residence  here.  Unto 
him  and  his  wife  were  born  the  following  children:  two  who  died  in  infancy; 
William,  who  is  a  resident  of  Casper,  Wyoming;  Frank  and  George,  both  of 
whom  are  deceased;  Edwin,  a  resident  of  Boone,  Iowa;  Joseph   H.,   living  in 


94  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Des  Moines ;  Dora,  who  is  the  wife  of  P.  M.  Reilly,  of  Boone ;  Mary,  who  gave 
her  hand  in  marriage  to  A.  E.  Murphy,  of  Boone ;  and  T.  J.,  of  this  review. 

The  last  named  acquired  his  early  education  in  the  district  schools  and  subse- 
quently continued  his  studies  in  the  Iowa  State  College  at  Ames,  being  graduated 
from  that  institution  in  1896.  He  next  took  up  the  study  of  law  at  Des  Moines, 
winning  the  degree  of  LL.  B.  in  igoi.  In  that  year  he  came  to  Boone  and  for 
twelve  months  practiced  his  profession  in  partnership  with  M.  K.  Ramsey.  He  is 
now  associated  with  William  W.  Goodykoontz  and  is  recognized  as  an  attor- 
ney of  power  and  ability,  being  accorded  an  extensive  and  gratifying  clientage. 
The  zeal  with  which  he  has  devoted  his  energies  to  his  profession,  the  careful 
regard  evinced  for  the  interests  of  his  clients  and  an  assiduous  and  unrelaxing 
attention  to  all  the  details  of  his  cases,  have  brought  him  a  large  business  and 
made  him  very  successful  in  its  conduct.  In  April,  1898,  he  enlisted  for  service 
in  the  Spanish-American  war  as  a  member  of  Company  I,  Fifty-second  Iowa 
Volunteer  Infantry,  and  on  October  30th  of  the  same  year  was  mustered  out  as 
corporal.  He  is  now  judge  advocate  of  the  First  Iowa  Brigade  of  the  National 
Guard. 

On  the  30th  of  June,  1913,  Mr.  Mahoney  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Josephine  Patton,  a  native  of  Emmetsburg,  Iowa.  He  gives  his  political  allegiance 
to  the  democracy  and  is  a  devout  communicant  of  the  Catholic  church,  while 
fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Knights  of  Columbus  and  the  Benevolent 
Protective  Order  of  Elks.  His  genial  qualities,  his  social  disposition  and  his 
sterling  worth  have  gained  him  many  friends  in  this  community,  and  the  high 
regard  in  which  he  is  held  merits  his  classification  with  the  representative  and 
esteemed  citizens  of  his  native  county. 


JOHN   LUNDAHL. 


John  Lundahl,  who  now  lives  practically  retired  in  Madrid,  was  for  many 
years  a  most  successful  agriculturist  of  Boone  county.  He  was  bom  in  Swe- 
den, March  11,  1852,  and  in  1865  came  to  America,  with  his  parents.  Andrew 
and  Johanna  Lundahl,  the  family  selecting  Swede  Point  (now  Madrid)  for  their 
first  habitat.  The  first  winter  they  spent  in  Douglas  township,  returning  to 
Madrid  in  the  spring.  There  they  lived  one  year  and  then  removed  to  the  farm 
of  John  Anderson,  where  they  spent  a  number  of  years  in  the  cultivation  of  the 
soil.  At  the  end  of  that  time  they  were  able  to  purchase  a  farm  in  Douglas 
township,  which  yielded  them  rich  returns  and  which  they  managed  for  some 
time.  Mr.  Lundhal  of  this  review  resided  there  until  the  death  of  the  father. 
His  parents  were  natives  of  Sweden.  The  mother  was  born  January  7,  1829, 
and  died  in  Madrid  at  the  age  of  seventy-seven  years.  May  10,  1906.  After  the 
death  of  her  husband  in  Douglas  township,  Mrs.  Lundahl  kept  the  family  to- 
gether and  with  the  aid  of  the  older  sons  successfully  continued  in  the  culti- 
vation of  the  home  farm.  She  had  six  children,  as  follows :  Airs.  Westerberg, 
now  deceased;  John,  of  this  review;  Frederick,  born  in  1854,  deceased; 
Frank,  a  resident  of  Canada :  Victor,  of  Garden  township,  this  county :  and  Mrs. 
Amanda  C.  Johnson,  born  February  10,  1868,  who  is  residing  in  Madrid.     Mrs. 


■y, 

r 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  97 

Johnson  is  a  native  of  Boone  county,  but  the  other  members  of  the  family  were 
all  born  in  Sweden. 

John  Lundahl  continued  agricultural  pursuits  until  April  i,  1911,  when  he 
and  his  wife  removed  to  Madrid  to  occupy  their  handsome  dwelling  in  that 
city.  The  first  business  block  of  the  town  stood  on  the  site  where  their  home 
is  now  located,  and  in  it  a  store  was  conducted  by  a  man  named  Hornbeck.  Mr. 
Lundahl  still  owns  two  hundred  acres  of  highly  improved  and  choice  land  in 
Garden  township,  eighty  of  which  are  located  on  section  29,  forty  on  section  30 
and  eighty  on  section  20.  To  the  cultivation  of  this  farm,  purchased  by  him 
in  1876,  he  gave  his  attention  for  many  years  and  it  is  today  recog^nized  as  one 
of  the  most  desirable  in  its  region.  Mr.  Lundahl  always  followed  the  most 
modern  methods  and  cultivated  his  fields  with  a  view  toward  soil  preservation. 
He  succeeded  because  he  was  careful  and  untiring  and  because  he  always  applied 
great  intelligence  to  his  work. 

On  May  i,  1878,  John  Lundahl  was  married,  in  Douglas  township,  to 
Josephine  Johnson,  who  was  born  August  2,  1855,  in  Sweden.  Her  parents 
came  to  America  in  1868  and  located  in  De  Soto,  Dallas  county,  Iowa.  Her 
father,  A.  P.  Johnson,  a  native  of  Sweden,  was  for  a  time  connected  with  rail- 
road work  in  De  Soto.  In  1873  he  and  his  family  located  on  a  fami  in  Gar- 
den township,  which  he  had  purchased  three  years  before.  He  died  in  that 
township  in  1907,  highly  respected  by  all  who  knew  him.  His  wife,  Mrs. 
Sophia  (Johnson)  Johnson,  also  a  native  of  Sweden,  now  resides  in  Madrid. 
She  bore  her  husband  eight  children :  Mrs.  Josephine  Lundahl ;  John,  of  Des 
Moines ;  Aaron,  deceased ;  Swante,  deceased ;  August,  of  Garden  township ; 
Matilda,  of  Madrid;  Jennie,  deceased;  and  Oscar,  residing  in  Madrid.  Some 
of  the  children  were  born  in  Sweden  and  the  remainder  in  Boone  county,  where 
all  were  reared. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lundahl  had  five  children,  all  born  in  Garden  township: 
Esther,  whose  birth  occurred  March  19,  1879,  and  who  died  in  Garden  township; 
Harry  Edwin,  born  November  9,  1881,  who  resides  on  the  home  farm  in  Gar- 
den township;  Mrs.  Mabel  M.  Benson,  born  August  11,  1884,  who  lives  at  Still- 
water, Minnesota,  her  husband  being  chaplain  at  the  state  penitentiary  of  that 
place;  Maude  Matilda,  who  was  born  March  10,  1888,  and  died  at  the  age  of 
sixteen  months;  and  Carl,  whose  birth  occurred  August  30,  1890,  now  a  member 
of  the  firm  of  Johnson  &  Lundahl  of  Madrid,  who  are  engaged  in  the  buying 
and  selling  of  grain  and  coal.  .-Ml  the  children  attended  the  common  schools, 
the  youngest  son  being  a  graduate  of  the  Madrid  high  school.  Harry  attended 
Augustana  College  of  Rock  Island,  Illinois,  for  two  years.  Mrs.  Mabel  Ben- 
son is  highly  proficient  in  music  and  took  one  year's  instruction  in  that  art  at 
Jewell  Junction  and  one  year  in  the  Conservatory  of  Music  of  Drake  University 
at  Des  Moines. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lundahl  are  members  of  St.  John's  Lutheran  church  of  Madrid, 
of  which  he  was  trustee  and  has  been  a  deacon  for  a  number  of  years.  They 
are  deeply  interested  in  church  work  and  carry  out  their  Christian  ideas  in 
their  everyday  life.  Both  are  enterprising  citizens,  desirous  and  willing  to 
assume  their  share  in  any  worthy  public  enterprise.  Politically  Mr.  Lundahl  is 
a  republican  and  for  a  number  of  years  was  trustee  of  Garden  township.  For 
twelve  vears  he  has  been  a  school  director,  having  always  taken  an  interest  in 


98  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

the  cause  of  education.  He  has  traveled  extensively,  having  visited  Mexico  and 
other  countries.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lundahl  are  highly  esteemed  and 
respected  in  Madrid,  where  they  have  many  friends  and  are  ranked  among  the 
foremost  citizens  of  Boone  county.  Mr.  Lundahl  is  entitled  to  the  honor  of 
being  called  a  self-made  man,  having  built  up  his  fortune  without  any  outside 
help.  The  respect  which  is  paid  him  is  well  merited  and  the  prosperity  which 
has  come  to  him  is  due  him  in  recognition  of  his  unfaltering  efforts. 


HORACE  THOMAS  COOK. 

Horace  Thomas  Cook  is  the  oldest  representative  of  mercantile  interests  in 
Boone  in  years  of  continuous  connection  with  business.  The  spirit  of  enter- 
prise and  progress  has  ever  dominated  him  in  all  that  he  has  undertaken,  and 
he  has  built  up  a  business  of  large  and  gratifying  proportions.  He  was  born  in 
Boonesboro,  Iowa,  May  21,  1868,  a  son  of  Lorenzo  Dow  and  Belle  (Thomas) 
Cook,  the  former  a  native  of  Illinois  and  the  latter  of  Indiana.  In  the  year 
1854  the  father  arrived' in  Boone  county  and  began  clerking  for  his  father-in-law, 
Shallum  Thomas,  who  settled  in  Boonesboro  in  1852.  After  a  few  years  he 
became  a  partner  in  the  store  and  later  took  over  the  business,  subsequent  to 
which  time  he  admitted  two  partners.  The  firm  name  was  then  L.  D.  Cook  & 
Company.  Mr.  Cook  afterward  purchased  a  business  in  Boone  in  1878  and  con- 
ducted the  two  stores.  About  1880  he  purchased  the  interest  of  his  two  part- 
ners and  in  1883  he  retired  from  business.  His  interests  had  been  carefully 
managed,  and  his  energy  and  determination  enabled  him  to  overcome  all  difficul- 
ties and  obstacles  and  work  his  way  steadily  upward  to  success.  Mr.  Cook 
departed  this  life  in  December,  1886,  having  for  ten  years  survived  his  wife,  who 
died  in  June,  1876.  Unto  them  were  born  three  children:  Nora  and  Grace,  both 
of  whom  died  in  infancy ;  and  Horace  Thomas.  Following  the  death  of  his  first 
wife  the  father  was  married,  in  1878,  to  Qara  Benjamin,  and  unto  them  was 
born  a  daughter,  Clara  Belle,  now  the  wife  of  Dr.  Heinenan,  of  Colorado.  Mrs. 
Lorenzo  D.  Cook-Leonard  is  a  resident  of  California. 

Horace  T.  Cook,  reared  in  his  native  county,  attended  school  until  sixteen 
years  of  age  and  then  entered  business  life  in  connection  with  the  trade  of  book- 
binding. At  a  later  date  he  entered  into  active  connection  with  the  clothing  busi- 
ness as  an  employe  of  the  firm  of  Wallace  &  Johnson.  This  was  in  1888  and  he 
continued  in  that  house  for  seven  and  a  half  years.  In  1897  he  established  a  busi- 
ness on  his  own  account  in  connection  with  James  T.  Regan,  the  partnership  con- 
tinuing for  nine  months  under  the  firm  style  of  Cook  &  Regan.  At  the  end  of 
that  time  Mr.  Cook  purchased  the  business,  which  has  since  been  carried  on 
under  the  name  of  H.  T.  Cook.  He  carries  a  large  and  well  selected  line  of  men's 
clothing  and  furnishings  and  is  today  the  oldest  representative  in  the  mercantile 
line  in  Boone.  His  store  is  well  appointed,  his  stock  large  and  attractive,  and 
his  progressive  methods  have  placed  him  among  the  leading  and  successful 
merchants  of  his  part  of  the  state.  The  location  of  the  store  would  ordinarily 
insure  good  business,  but  the  personality  of  the  owner  and  his  methods  accord- 
ing to  the  general  opinion  have  been  the  salient  features  in  his  growing  success. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  99 

He  has  made  it  his  purpose  to  serve  each  customer  in  such  a  way  as  to  secure 
his  continued  patronage  and  friendship  and  the  same  treatment  is  carried  out 
by  those  in  his  employ  in  the  conduct  of  all  business  transactions.  Mr.  Cook  is 
outspoken  and  always  to  the  point,  qualities  which  are  admired  by  those  who 
have  regard  for  truth  and  abhor  anything  that  even  approaches  hypocrisy  or 
dissimulation  in  the  slightest  degree. 

C)n  the  23d  of  September,  1890,  Mr.  Cook  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Harriet  M.  Shulters,  a  native  of  Boone,  and  they  became  parents  of  four  chil- 
dren :  Margaret,  deceased ;  Lucille,  twin  to  Margaret,  who  has  also  passed  away ; 
Caryl  Clare,  born  in  July,  1894;  and  Horace  Dow,  whose  birth  occurred  in  May, 
1899.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Cook  is  a  stalwart  republican  and  keeps  well 
informed  on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day.  He  belongs  to  the  Masonic 
order  and  to  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks,  and  his  religious  faith  is 
that  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  These  associations  indicate  much  of  the  prin- 
ciples that  govern  his  conduct  and  have  made  him  a  man  whom  to  know  is  to 
respect  and  honor.  He  has  a  wide  and  favorable  acquaintance  in  his  native 
county,  and  the  fact  that  many  of  his  stanchest  friends  are  those  who  have  known 
him  from  his  boyhood  indicates  that  his  life  has  been  an  honorable  and  upright 


HENRY  MAAS. 


Henry  Maas  was  one  of  the  very  successful  German  American  agriculturists 
of  Boone  county,  Iowa.  For  many  years  he  cultivated  a  profitable  farm  near 
Ogden  which  is  now  in  possession  of  his  widow.  Mr.  Maas  combined  German 
patience  and  thoroughness  with  American  aggressiveness  and  by  following  mod- 
ern and  up-to-date  methods  and  giving  close  attention  to  all  tasks  at  hand  gained 
success.  He  was  born  in  Germany  and  early  in  life  crossed  the  Atlantic  to 
America.  In  1871  he  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  and  purchased  land  which  he 
operated  until  his  death.  He  transformed  the  wild  prairie  into  richly  bearing 
fields,  and  the  appearance  of  his  farm  buildings  betrayed  his  careful  attention  to 
the  smallest  detail  of  operation.  He  was  ever  ready  to  embrace  the  latest  ideas 
and  the  most  modern  machinery  could  be  found  upon  his  place.  He  was  rewarded 
by  rich  annual  harvests  and  as  time  passed  he  became  one  of  the  substantial 
farmers  of  his  neighborhood. 

In  1871  Mr.  Maas  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Margaret  Ehlers,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Ehlers,  also  natives  of  Germany.  The  father  con- 
cluded his  days  in  the  fatherland,  and  after  his  death  his  widow  came  to  America 
and  made  her  home  with  her  daughter  until  she  passed  to  her  reward  in  1901. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Maas  had  twelve  children,  Catherina,  Johanna,  Henry,  Charles, 
Herman,  Margaret,  Lena,  Marie,  Edward  and  William.  Two  daughters  Emma 
and  Annie,  died  in  infancy.  For  the  past  nine  years  Mrs.  Maas  has  made  her 
home  in  Ogden,  although  she  still  owns  the  homestead.  She  resides  in  a  fine 
modern  brick  residence  in  Ogden  and  is  highly  esteemed  and  respected  in  that 
city,  where  she  has  many  friends. 


7()4.^u.:> 


100  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Mr.  Maas  was  a  member  of  the  German  Lutheran  church.  He  was  interested 
in  all  worthy  public  projects  and  took  a  deep  pride  in  the  civic  advancement  of 
his  section.  He  not  only  gained  individual  success  but  by  his  labors  contributed 
toward  raising  agricultural  standards  and  was  a  factor  in  raising  Iowa  to  the 
position  of  the  most  prosperous  agricultural  state  in  the  Union.  Mr.  Maas  died 
in  1894,  his  demise  causing  sincere  mourning  to  his  many  friends.  He  left  his 
family  in  most  comfortable  circumstances,  but  their  greatest  heritage  is  the 
memory  of  his  untarnished  and  honorable  life. 


GEORGE  WALKER. 


George  Walker  is  now  living  retired  in  a  pleasant  home  at  No.  714  Fifth 
street  in  Boone  but  in  former  years  was  closely  and  prominently  connected 
with  agricultural  activity  in  Boone  coimty.  He  has  passed  the  seventy-seventh 
milestone  on  life's  journey,  his  birth  having  occurred  near  Edinburgh,  Scotland, 
on  the  loth  of  February,  1837.  His  forefathers  had  there  resided  for  genera- 
tions and  were  salt  makers,  many  representatives  of  the  name  residing  at  Mus- 
selburgh and  Inverness.  The  paternal  grandparents,  George  and  Isabelle  (Juere) 
Walker,  and  the  parents,  James  and  Margaret  (Gregg)  Walker,  all  died  in 
Scotland.  The  mother  of  George  Walker  came  of  a  family  noted  for  longevity 
and  she  reached  the  remarkable  old  age  of  ninety-seven  years.  Her  children 
were:  Isabelle,  who  becaine  the  wife  of  Robert  Grundy  and  died  in  Scotland; 
Jane,  who  married  Angus  McMillan  and  died  in  Scotland ;  George,  of  this 
review:  Janet,  who  became  the  wife  of  David  Howie  and  died  in  Scotland; 
Tames,  who  passed  away  in  the  same  country ;  Alison,  who  married  Cornelius 
Yourston,  who  for  thirty-nine  years  was  sealer  of  weights  and  measures  in 
Edinburgh ;  Helen,  now  living  in  Scotland :  and  Margaret,  who  became  the  wife 
of  John  Blythe  and  died  in  Boone  county. 

George  Walker  attended  the  home  schools  of  Cockenzie,  pursuing  his  studies 
there  until  he  reached  the  age  of  twelve  years,  when  he  began  work  in  the 
salt  and  coal  mines.  The  village  was  located  on  the  coast  and  vessels  would 
stop  there  to  coal.  Mr.  Walker  and  others  boys  would  haul  coal  and  salt  to 
the  ships.  At  seventeen  years  of  age  he  left  home  and  went  to  Lanarkshire, 
near  Glasgow,  where  he  was  employed  in  the  coal  mines  for  four  years.  He 
then  returned  home  and  worked  in  that  locality  for  a  time.  He  ne.xt  went  to 
Midlothian,  the  region  made  famous  by  Sir  Walter  Scott's  romantic  and  pathetic 
story  of  The  Heart  of  Midlothian.  In  1868  he  sailed  for  the  United  States  as  a 
passenger  on  the  steamship  Hibernia  and  landed  at  New  York  on  the  4th  of 
lulv-  He  made  the  voyage  alone,  leaving  his  wife  and  three  children  in  Scot- 
land until  he  could  prepare  a  home  for  them  in  the  new  world. 

Mr.  Walker  made  his  way  to  Sharon,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  began  work  in 
the  mines.  He  there  continued  until  1874  and  in  the  meantime  was  joined  by 
his  wife  and  children.  In  the  year  mentioned  he  traveled  westward  to  Rock 
Springs,  Wyoming,  where  he  spent  a  part  of  three  years.  On  the  expiration  of 
that  period  he  settled  in  Marcy  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa,  where  he  pur- 
chased eighty  acres  of  land  and  followed  farming  until  about   1910.     He  added 


CiKOlillK   WALKKR 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  103 

to  his  property,  becoming  owner  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  acres  which  he  still 
owns  and  upon  which  he  erected  a  new  house  and  also  built  a  substantial  barn 
and  other  outbuildings  for  the  shelter  of  grain  and  stock.  Year  by  year  he  care- 
fully tilled  his  fields  and  his  labors  brought  good  harvests.  At  lengfth,  with  a 
comfortable  competence  acquired  from  his  well  directed  efforts,  he  retired  from 
business  life  and  established  his  home  in  Boone,  where  he  now  resides. 

It  was  in  Scotland  on  the  i6th  of  January,  1864,  that  Mr.  Walker  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss  Margaret  Grundy,  of  that  land,  a  daughter  of  Robert  and 
Agnes  (VVishart)  Grundy,  in  whose  family  were  eleven  children.  Unto  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Walker  have  been  born  twelve  children :  Agnes,  now  the  wife  of  Francis 
Muck,  of  Alinnesota :  Margaret,  who  was  graduated  at  Independence,  Iowa,  and 
is  now  a  trained  nurse:  Euphemia,  who  died  in  infancy:  James  C.,  who  married 
Minnie  Linerod  and  is  a  practicing  physician  of  Boone;  Robert  and  George, 
who  have  jjassed  away ;  Walter,  who  married  Carrie  Counter  and  is  living  in 
Sioux  City,  Iowa;  Robina,  the  wife  of  John  Peacock,  o.f  Boone:  Isabelle,  the 
wife  of  John  Wright,  of  Boone:  John,  living  in  Minnesota;  Allie,  who  married 
John  B.  Donaldson,  of  Minnesota  :  and  William,  who  married  Clara  Stewart  and 
resides  upon  the  home  farm. 

The  parents  are  members  of  the  Baptist  church,  in  the  work  of  which  they 
have  taken  active  and  helpful  interest,  Mr.  Walker,  serving  as  one  of  the  dea- 
cons for  many  years.  His  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  republican  party 
and  he  is  a  stalwart  advocate  of  its  principles.  He  has  never  had 'occasion  to 
regret  his  determination  to  come  to  the  new  world.  His  youth  was  a  period  of 
earnest  and  unremitting  toil  in  his  native  land  and,  believing  that  he  might  have 
better  opportunities  on  this  side  the  Atlantic,  he  came  to  the  United  States. 
Nor  has  he  been  disappointed  in  his  hopes.  Gradually  he  has  worked  his  way 
upward  here,  finding  that  in  America  "labor  is  king."  His  business  enterprise, 
his  unfaltering  diligence  and  his  honorable  dealing  have  been  the  salient  fea- 
tures in  his  growing  success,  making  him  at  length  one  of  the  substantial  resi- 
dents of  Boone  county. 


SIXTEN  T.  ANDERSON. 

Sixten  T.  Anderson  is  a  member  of  the  mercantile  firm  of  Hagge  (^-  Ander- 
son of  Beaver  and  also  serves  as  postmaster  of  the  town,  having  held  that  posi- 
tion for  the  past  decade.  His  birth  occurred  in  Norrkoping,  Sweden,  on  the 
23d  of  January,  1875,  his  parents  being  Gus  and  Christina  Anderson,  who  are 
likewise  natives  of  that  country.  They  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  i88t. 
locating  in  Ogden.  this  county,  where  Gus  Anderson  worked  in  the  emi:)loy  of  the 
Chicago  (Jt  Northwestern  Railway  for  some  time.  Subsequently  he  cultivated 
rented  land  for  a  time  and  later  purchased  a  farm  in  Union  township,  which  he 
operated  during  the  remainder  of  his  active  business  career.  He  now  lives 
retired  in  Bouton,  Dallas  county,  this  state,  enjoying  the  fruits  of  his  former 
toil  in  well  earned  ease. 

Sixten  T.  Anderson,  who  was  a  little  lad  of  six  years  when  he  accompanied 
his  parents  on   their  emigration   to  the   new    world,  acquired   his   education    in 


104  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Boone  county.  After  leaving  the  Ogden  liigh  school  he  was  employed  as  a  clerk 
by  D.  Nebbe  of  Ogden  for  a  period  of  eight  years  and  in  1902  came  to  Beaver. 
Here  he  embarked  in  the  mercantile  business  in  partnership  with  his  father-in- 
law,  Claus  Hagge,  and  has  remained  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Hagge  &  Ander- 
son to  the  present  time.  The  concern  carries  an  extensive  and  well  selected 
stock  of  goods  at  reasonable  prices  and  is  accorded  a  gratifying  patronage, 
both  the  members  being  widely  recognized  as  enterprising,  progressive  and  reli- 
able merchants  and  capable  business  men.  Mr.  Anderson  owns  a  third  interest  in 
a  quarter  section  of  land  in  Beaver  township  and  is  a  stockholder  in  the  Farmers 
Cooperative  Company  and  the  Grocers  Wholesale  Company  of  Des  Moines, 
Iowa. 

In  Jime,  igo2,  Mr.  Anderson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Hagge, 
her  parents  being  Claus  and  Margaret  (Hensen)  Hagge,  of  whom  more  extended 
mention  is  made  in  connection  with  the  sketch  of  Henry  D.  Hagge,  brother 
of  Mrs.  Anderson.  Mr.  Anderson  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  is  now  making 
a  creditable  record  as  a  member  of  the  town  council.  He  has  likewise  served 
as  secretary  of  the  school  board  and  for  two  years  held  the  office  of  mayor, 
his  administration  being  characterized  by  valuable  measures  of  reform  and 
improvement.  For  the  past  ten  years  he  has  acted  as  postmaster  of  Beaver, 
satisfactorily  discharging  the  duties  devolving  upon  him  in  that  capacity.  The 
period  of  his  residence  in  Boone  county  covers  a  third  of  a  century  and  he  has 
long  been  'numbered  among  its  respected,  representative  and  public-spirited 
citizens. 


EVAN  H.  JENKINS. 


Evan  H.  Jenkins,  who  has  been  a  leading  resident  of  Ogden  for  the  past 
twenty-two  years,  is  a  prominent  factor  in  financial  circles  as  president  of  the 
Farmers  State  Bank,  which  was  organized  in  June,  1910.  His  birth  occurred 
in  Lee  county,  Iowa,  on  the  2d  of  January,  1852,  his  parents  being  W.  H.  C. 
and  Mary  A.  (Cassel)  Jenkins,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Ohio.  They  came 
to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  1854,  purchasing  land  in  Marcy  township  which  the 
father  improved  and  cultivated  during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  I'.oth  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  W.  H.  C.  Jenkins  are  deceased. 

Evan  H.  Jenkins  was  reared  and  educated  in  this  county,  pursuing  his  studies 
in  a  log  schoolhouse.  He  remained  under  the  parental  roof  until  he  had  attained 
his  majority  and  subsequently  purchased  and  improved  a  farm  of  one  hundred 
and  sixty  acres  in  Beaver  township,  devoting  his  attention  to  its  operation  until 
1892.  As  his  financial  resources  increased,  owing  to  his  untiring  industry  and 
capable  management,  he  augmented  his  property  holdings  by  additional  purchase 
and  now  owns  six  hundred  and  seventy  acres  of  rich  and  productive  land,  one 
hundred  and  ninety  acres  thereof  lying  in  Greene  county.  In  1892  he  put  aside 
the  active  work  of  the  fields  and  took  up  his  abode  in  Ogden,  where  he  has 
remained  continuously  since  and  where  he  owbs  a  magnificent  home.  In  June, 
1910,  the  Farmers  State  Bank  was  organized  and  he  became  a  stockholder,  direc- 
tor and  president  of  the  institution,  the  afifairs  of  which  he  has  since  guided  most 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  105 

ably  and  well.  He  is  likewise  a  stockholder  in  the  City  State  Bank  of  Ogden 
and  well  deserves  a  place  among  the  leading  and  representative  citizens  of  the 
county. 

In  March,  1878,  Mr.  Jenkins  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Elizabeth 
McCarthy,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Catherine  (Hoffman)  McCarthy,  who  were 
natives  of  Canada  and  Indiana  respectively.  The  parents  became  pioneer  resi- 
dents of  this  county,  taking  up  their  abode  in  Boonesboro,  where  Mr.  McCar- 
thy devoted  his  attention  to  mercantile  pursuits.  Both  he  and  his  wife  have 
passed  away.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jenkins  are  the  parents  of  four  children,  as  follows : 
Lura,  who  is  the  wife  of  C.  E.  Swain  and  resides  in  Malvern,  Iowa;  Laura  B., 
the  wife  of  D.  E.  Peck,  of  Berlin,  Germany ;  Roy  E.,  who  operates  his  father's 
farm  in  Beaver  township;  and  Eva  E.,  who  is  a  high-school  teacher  at  Denison, 
Iowa. 

In  politics  Mr.  Jenkins  is  a  stanch  republican  and  he  has  done  able  service  as 
a  member  of  the  town  council  and  also  on  the  school  board.  He  is  a  charter  mem- 
ber of  the  local  lodge  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  joining  the 
organization  in  1873.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Congregational  church. 
His  life  has  ever  measured  up  to  a  high  standard  of  manhood  and  honorable 
purpose  and  the  years  have  brought  him  a  circle  of  friends  almost  coextensive 
with  the  circle  of  his  acquaintances. 


WILLIAM  WARD  GOODYKOONTZ. 

Boone  county  numbers  William  Ward  Goodykoontz  among  its  native  sons,  his 
birth  having  occurred  within  its  borders  on  the  18th  of  August,  1872,  his  par- 
ents being  Daniel  F.  and  Mary  Elizabeth  (Moore)  Goodykoontz,  the  former 
a  native  of  Indiana  and  the  latter  of  Pennsylvania.  The  father  came  to  Iowa 
about  the  year  1855,  settling  in  Allamakee  county  when  it  was  largely  an  unde- 
veloped district.  In  1886  he  removed  to  Boone  and  became  one  of  the  pioneer 
merchants  of  the  city,  opening  a  drug  store.  He  built  the  first  brick  block  in 
Boone  and  has  contributed  to  the  improvement  and  progress  of  this  section  in 
many  ways.  At  the  time  of  the  Civil  war  he  responded  to  the  country's  call 
for  aid,  enlisting  as  a  member  of  Company  B,  Twelfth  Iowa  Infantry,  with 
which  he  was  on  active  duty  throughout  the  period  of  hostilities,  participating  in 
many  engagements  which  led  up  to  the  final  victory  that  crowned  the  Union 
arms.  In  igo6  he  was  called  upon  to  mourn  the  loss  of  his  wife,  who  died  on  the 
6th  of  January,  of  that  year.  In  their  family  were  two  children,  but  they  lost 
their  second  child  in  infancy. 

William  Ward  Goodykoontz  attended  the  public  schools  and  passed  through 
consecutive  grades  until  graduated  from  the  high  school  on  the  28th  of  May, 
1890.  He  afterward  went  to  Ann  Arbor,  Michigan,  where  he  entered  the  State 
University,  there  pursuing  a  collegiate  course,  where,  in  1895,  he  was  graduated 
on  the  completion  of  the  law  course.  He  afterward  returned  to  Boone,  where  he 
opened  an  office  and  has  since  practiced. 

On  the  31st  of  December,  1900,  Mr.  Goodykoontz  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Florence  S.  Streeter,  a  native  of  Blackhawk  county,  Iowa,  who  formerly 


106  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

engaged  in  teaching  in  the  schools  of  Boone.  In  their  family  are  three  children : 
Elizabeth  G.,  who  was  born  October  4,  iyo2 ;  Mary  \\ .,  October  25,  1904;  and 
Uaniel  Edward,  October  31,  1907.  1  he  lannly  attend  the  Presbyterian  church. 
The  parents  are  well  known  socially,  and  the  hospitality  of  their  home  is  greatly 
enjoyed  by  their  many  friends.  Air.  Goodykoontz  is  a  member  of  the  Knights  of 
Pythias,  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Benevolent  Protective 
Order  of  Elks.  His  political  allegiance  has  been  given  to  the  republican  party 
since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise,  and  his  fellow  townsmen 
have  several  times  called  him  to  public  office,  and  his  record  as  mayor  of  the 
city,  as  city  attorney  and  as  legislator  is  a  most  commendable  one.  He  served  as 
a  member  of  the  city  council  before  being  made  chief  executive  of  Boone  and 
his  understanding  of  the  needs  of  the  city  made  him  a  splendid  municipal  officer. 
In  1908  he  was  called  to  represent  his  district  in  the  state  legislature,  of  which 
he  was  a  member  for  four  years.  He  proved  an  able  working  member  on  the 
floor  of  the  house,  connected  with  much  important  constructive  legislation  and 
serving  on  a  number  of  the  leading  committees.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Com- 
mercial Association  and  in  this  connection  works  effectively  and  earnestly  for 
the  advancement  of  the  interests  of  Boone. 


G.  H.  GETTY. 


In  connection  with  public  affairs  of  his  community  G.  H.  Getty  has  been  very 
active  and  at  the  present  time  he  is  serving  for  the  second  term  as  county  audi- 
tor, in  which  connection  he  has  made  a  splendid  record  as  a  painstaking  and 
trustworthy  official.  He  was  born  in  Washington  county.  New  York,  November 
25,  1870,  and  is  a  son  of  James  H.  and  Sarah  E.  (Williamson)  Getty,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  New  York  and  in  1877  came  to  Iowa.  They  settled  on  a 
farm  in  Beaver  township,  Boone  county,  and  in  connection  with  de\eloping  the 
fields  and  cultivating  the  crops  best  adapted  to  soil  and  climate  Mr.  Getty  engaged 
in  the  raising  of  blooded  Holstein  cattle,  winning  substantial  success  in  the  con- 
duct of  his  business  interests.  Unto  him  and  his  wife  were  born  five  children : 
G.  H.,  of  this  review;  Estella.  the  wife  of  James  Boomer,  of  Greene  county, 
Iowa ;  James  A.  and  Nettie  E.,  both  of  whom  are  now  deceased :  and  Guy  W., 
living  in  Meade  county,  South  Dakota. 

G.  H.  Getty  was  a  lad  of  but  six  years  when  the  family  came  to  Iowa  and 
upon  the  home  farm  in  Beaver  township  he  was  reared,  early  becoming  familiar 
with  all  the  duties  and  labors  that  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  agriculturist.  He  attended 
the  ])ublic  schools  and  when  eighteen  years  of  age  took  up  the  profession  of 
teaching.  He  was  not  satisfied,  however,  with  the  education  that  he  had  thus 
far  acquired  and  he  grasped  eagerly  every  opportunity  that  would  enable  him 
to  broaden  his  knowledge  and  thus  prepare  for  the  higher  responsibilities  of  life. 
He  at  length  entered  the  Greene  County  Normal  School,  from  which  he  was 
graduated,  afterward  taking  a  special  course  in  bookkeeping,  commercial 
branches  and  in  law.  He  followed  the  profession  of  teaching  for  twenty  years 
and  at  the  same  time  managed  a  farm  and  engaged  in  raising  thoroughbred  stock 
in  Beaver  township.    It  is  a  widely  recognized  fact  that  he  is  a  man  of  undaunted 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  107 

energy  and  that  diligence  and  determination  are  among  his  chief  characteristics. 
Even  important  agricultural  and  professional  duties  did  not  seem  to  fully  mo- 
nopolize his  time,  for  he  was  able  also  to  faithfully  perform  the  duties  of  various 
township  offices.  He  served  as  road  supervisor  and  township  clerk  and  was  twice 
a  candidate  for  superintendent  of  schools — in  1899  and  again  in  1908.  Failing 
of  the  nomination  at  the  primaries,  however,  he  showed  nothing  of  a  disgruntled 
spirit,  but  actively  set  to  work  to  elect  the  man  who  was  nominated.  This  is 
certainly  an  indication  of  his  broad  mind  and  public  spirit.  In  1908  he  was  offered 
and  accepted  the  position  of  deputy  county  auditor  and  during  his  two  years 
incumbency  in  that  position  he  thoroughly  acquainted  himself  with  all  of  the 
intricate  details  of  the  work  involved.  He  displayed  thoroughness,  patience  and 
accuracy,  and  his  ability  was  recognized  by  all  who  knew  aught  of  the  workings 
and  management  of  the  office.  In  19 10  his  party  sought  him  to  become  a  candi- 
date for  the  position  of  county  auditor  and  he  was  elected.  Indorsement  of  his 
first  term  service  came  in  1912,  when  he  was  reelected  by  an  overwhelming  major- 
ity, a  deserved  honor  conferred  upon  him  by  the  citizens  of  Boone  county,  irre- 
spective of  party  ties.  He  is  now  the  present  incumbent  and  his  record  is  most 
satisfactory  to  the  people  of  the  community. 

On  the  isth  of  March,  1893,  Mr.  Getty  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Emma 
M.  Hayer,  a  native  of  Boone  county,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  six  children: 
Sarah  Nettie  and  Lillian  Elizabeth,  who  are  attending  high  school ;  a  son  who  died 
in  infancy;  Donald  Hiram;  Mildred  Frances;  and  Everett  Benjamin. 

The  family  attend  the  Baptist  church,  in  which  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Getty  hold  mem- 
bership. He  is  also  identitied  with  various  fraternal  organizations  and  exem- 
plifies in  his  life  the  beneficient  spirit  upon  which  these  have  been  founded. 
In  politics  he  is  a  republican,  always  well  versed  concerning  the  important  issues 
and  questions  of  the  day,  and  he  has  become  a  recognized  leader  in  party  ranks 
in  Boone  county.  Almost  his  entire  life  has  been  passed  in  this  county  and  his 
worth  and  ability  are  recognized  and  attested  by  his  fellow  townsmen,  his  circle 
of  friends  being  an  extensive  one. 


LINCOLN  McCASKEY. 

Lincoln  McCaskey,  owning  and  operating  a  well  improved  farm  of  eighty 
acres  on  section  20,  Yell  township,  has  been  a  resident  of  Boone  county  through- 
out practically  his  entire  life  or  for  more  than  a  half  century.  His  birth  occurred 
in  Indiana  on  the  ist  of  April.  1861,  his  parents  being  Harrison  and  Elsie  (Ritter) 
.McCaskey,  the  former  a  native  of  Ohio  and  the  latter  of  Pennsylvania.  They 
came  to  this  county  in  1863,  the  father  purchasing  and  improving  a  farm  in  Yell 
township  which  he  operated  throughout  the  remainder  of  his  active  business 
career.  The  last  few  years  of  his  life  were  spent  in  honorable  retirement  at 
Ogden,  where  he  passed  away  in  September,  1900.  His  demise  was  the  occa- 
sion of  deep  and  widespread  regret  in  the  community  which  had  been  his  home 
for  thirty-seven  years.  His  widow,  who  is  seventy-six  years  of  age,  still  makes 
lier  home  in  Ogden,  where  she  is  well  known  and  highly  esteemed. 


108  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Lincoln  McCaskey,  who  was  but  two  years  old  when  brought  to  Boone  county 
by  his  parents,  attended  the  district  schools  in  the  acquirement  of  an  education 
and  remained  at  home  until  he  had  attained  his  majority.  When  twenty-one 
years  of  age  he  began  the  cultivation  of  a  rented  tract  of  land  but  at  the  end  of 
two  years  bought  property  of  his  own,  purchasing  eighty  acres  on  section  20, 
■^'ell  township,  which  he  improved  and  which  he  has  operated  continuously  to  the 
present  time.  His  undertakings  as  an  agriculturist  have  been  attended  with 
gratifying  success,  the  well  tilled  fields  annually  paying  tribute  to  his  care  and 
labor  in  bounteous  harvests. 

On  the  25th  of  March,  1884,  Mr.  McCaskey  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Miss 
Mary  J.  Pugsley,  a  daughter  of  Wyman  and  Margaret  (Reading)  Pugsley,  the 
former  a  native  of  New  York  and  the  latter  of  Germany.  Mr.  Pugsley  removed 
to  Minnesota  in  an  early  day  and  in  1865  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Civil  war  as 
a  member  of  the  First  Minnesota  Regiment,  remaining  with  that  command  for 
six  months  or  until  the  cessation  of  hostilities  between  the  North  and  the  South. 
After  returning  to  Minnesota  he  followed  farming  in  that  state  for  a  short  time 
and  then  came  to  Boone  county.  Iowa,  purchasing  the  property  which  is  now  in 
possession  of  our  subject.  Subsequently  he  bought  another  tract  of  land  and  con- 
tinued its  cultivation  throughout  the  remainder  of  his  life  with  the  exception  of 
a  year  spent  in  Kansas  and  another  year  or  two  in  New  York.  His  demise  oc- 
curred in  this  county  on  the  20th  of  August,  1902,  when  he  had  attained  the  age 
of  sixty-seven  years.  Mrs.  Pugsley,  who  survives  her  husband,  is  seventy-seven 
years  of  age  and  still  resides  on  the  old  home  place.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McCaskey 
have  live  children,  namely :  _  Bessie,  Devillo,  Maude,  Wilma  and  Gertrude.  All 
are  still  under  the  parental  roof. 

Mr.  McCaskev  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  is  now- 
holding  the  office  of  assessor  in  Yell  township.  He  has,  moreover,  promoted 
the  interests  of  the  cause  of  education  as  a  school  director.  Having  spent  prac- 
tically his  entire  life  within  Boone  county's  borders,  he  has  become  widely 
acquainted  here,  while  his  genial  disposition  has  made  for  him  a  circle  of  warm 
friends  which  is  almost  coextensive  with  the  circle  of  his  acquaintances.  He 
possesses,  moreover,  those  sterling  traits  of  character  which  in  every  land  and 
clime  win  coniidence,  respect  and  good-will,  and  by  the  consensus  of  public 
opinion  he  is  accorded  a  prominent  place  among  the  valued  citizens  of  his 
communitv. 


FREEMAN  L.  PAINE. 


Freeman  L.  Paine,  who  now  lives  retired  in  Boone  in  the  enjoyment  of  a 
well  earned  rest,  was  for  many  years  a  conductor  of  the  Northwestern  Rail- 
road Company  and  has  made  his  residence  in  Boone  since  1880.  He  owns  a 
handsome  home  at  1219  Story  street,  where  he  is  surrounded  with  all  of  the 
comforts  of  life.  He  was  born  September  20,  1842,  near  Erie,  Pennsylvania,  and 
is  a  son  of  Eddy  Brown  and  Sally  (Holmes)  Paine,  the  father  born  in  Provi- 
dence, Rhode  Island,  in  1796,  and  the  mother  in  Albany,  New  York.  When  a 
young  man  the  father  went  to  Albion,  New  York,  where  he  was  married  to  Sally 


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HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  111 

Holmes,  and  there  he  engaged  in  farming  and  dairying  for  a  time.  About  1848 
he  removed  to  Belvidere,  Illinois,  where  he  continued  along  that  line  of  business. 
He  was  prominent  in  Belvidere  and  for  niany  years  was  connected  with  the  Baptist 
church,  of  which  he  was  a  deacon  for  four  decades.  He  died  there  in  1868,  but 
his  wife  passed  away  in  Waverly,  Iowa,  while  on  a  visit  to  her  daughter  Mrs. 
James  Moss,  her  death  occurring  in  1858,  when  she  was  quite  a  young  woman. 
In  their  family  were  the  following  children :  Frank,  Harry  F.  and  Ezra  H.,  all  of 
whom  died  in  Belvidere;  Albert  E.,  who  died  in  San  Francisco;  Freeman  L.,  the 
only  member  of  the  family  of  eight  now  surviving;  Anna  M.,  who  died  when 
quite  young ;  Marietta,  deceased ;  and  Adelia,  who  married  James  Moss  and 
passed  away  in  Waverly,  Iowa. 

Freeman  L.  Paine  passed  his  boyhood  and  young  manhood  in  Belvidere,  at- 
tending the  public  schools  of  that  city.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  removed  to 
Chicago,  Illinois,  finding  employment  with  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  on  a  pas- 
senger train.  He  soon  demonstrated  his  ability  and  was  promoted  to  the  position 
of  passenger  conductor.  About  1880  he  was  conductor  of  a  freight  for  a  few 
months,  but  subsequently  became  a  passenger  conductor  on  the  Northwestern,  a 
position  which  he  held  until  about  five  years  ago,  when  he  retired  on  a  pension. 
Many  were  the  celebrated  personages  whom  he  carried  on  his  train,  among  them 
being  President  Arthur,  President  Cleveland  and  his  young  bride  and  also  Presi- 
dent McKinley.  With  him  have  traveled  many  noted  men  of  all  walks  of  life, 
including  MacKay,  the  millionaire,  and  Senator  Clark,  of  Montana  fame.  Mr. 
Paine  has  made  his  home  in  Boone  since  1880  and  is  numbered  among  the  city's 
most  respected  residents. 

On  January  29,  1873,  our  subject  was  married,  at  Paxton,  Ford  county.  Illi- 
nois, to  Miss  Augusta  Dudley  Carlisle,  of  that  city.  She  was  born  in  Yonkers, 
New  York.  January  29,  1853,  and  when  less  than  a  year  old  removed  with  her 
parents  to  lUoominglon.  Illinois.  When  she  was  eight  years  of  age  the  family 
located  in  Toledo,  Ohio,  where  she  attended  the  Ursuline  Convent  until  the  age 
of  seventeen.  Pier  father,  Thomas  Carlisle,  died  when  she  was  only  twelve  years 
of  age,  at  which  time  he  was  superintendent  of  military  roads  in  Kentucky,  where 
his  tleath  occurred.  Afterward  his  widow  and  children  located  in  Paxton,  Illi- 
nois, and  there  Mrs.  Paine  began  teaching  school  at  the  age  of  seventeen.  She 
is  one  of  the  organizers  and  the  first  regent  of  De  Shon  Chapter  of  the  Daugh- 
ters of  the  .\merican  Revolution  at  Boone,  having  five  Revolutionary  ancestors. 
Her  father  was  torn  in  Salem,  Massachusetts,  in  1819,  and  was  a  son  of  Rev. 
Thomas  Carlisle,  rector  of  .St.  Peter's  church  of  that  place.  The  latter's  wife  was 
Eleanor  Forrester,  a  daughter  of  Simon  and  Rachel  (Hawthorne)  Forrester. 
Mrs.  Paine  is  also  a  member  of  the  Connecticut  Society  of  Mayflower  Descend- 
ants, her  direct  ancestor  being  Elder  William  Brewster.  Her  five  Revolutionary 
ancestors  were  Captain  Danjel  De  Shon,  General  Gurdon  Saltonstall  and  his  son 
Major  Saltonstall,  Captain  Simon  Forrester  and  Captain  Daniel  Hawthorne. 
The  mother  of  .Mrs.  Paine  before  her  marriage  was  Miss  Augusta  Coit  De  Shon, 
who  was  born  in  New  London,  Connecticut,  and  comes  of  an  old  and  distin- 
guished French  family.  The  first  American  ancestor,  Daniel  De  Shon,  came  from 
France  shortly  after  the  revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nantes,  settling  in  Rhode 
Island.     His  children  became  pioneers  of   Connecticut.     Mr.   Paine   is   also  of 

Revolutionary  stock  on  his  mother's  side,  being  descended  from  Captain  Ezra 
Vol    n— fi 


112  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Holmes.     He  is  a  relative  of  Thomas  Paine  and  is  descended  from  Roger  Wil- 
liams through  the  latter's  daughter  Mercy. 

Mr.  Paine  was  reared  in  the  Baptist  church  and  his  wife  adheres  to  the  Protes- 
tant Episcopal  denomination.  She  has  always  deeply  interested  herself  in  religious 
work  and  gives  much  of  her  time  and  thought  to  that  object.  Mr.  Paine  partici- 
pates in  many  movements  which  are  undertaken  for  the  betterment  of  the  city 
and  is  interested  in  measures  which  have  for  their  purpose  general  development. 
He  has  always  been  a  republican  and  is  thoroughly  in  sympathy  with  the  aims 
and  purposes  of  that  organization. 


CARL  A.  ALSIN. 


Carl  A.  Alsin,  who  is  a  native  of  Boone  county,  his  birth  having  occurred  in 
Garden  township  on  February  26,  1872,  is  very  successful  in  the  conduct  of  a 
profitable  livery  business.  His  barn,  only  recently  built,  is  modern  in  every 
respect  and  his  equipment  conforms  to  the  same  standard.  Carl  A.  Alsin  is  a 
son  of  John  and  Margaret  (Olson)  Alsin.  both  natives  of  Sweden,  who  passed 
away  in  Madrid.  They  came  to  America  in  1864  and  settled  at  Swede  Point, 
now  Madrid.  They  resided  for  a  short  time  in  the  town  but  then  purchased  a 
farm  in  Garden  township,  to  the  cultivation  of  which  the  father  gave  his  sole 
attention.  He  was  an  energetic  and  industrious  man  who  always  followed  the 
latest  methods,  and  it  is  therefore  natural  that  he  succeeded  in  accumulating  a 
competence.  Both  he  and  his  wife  subsequently  retired  to  Madrid,  where  they 
spent  the  remainder  of  their  lives.  They  had  seven  children :  Mrs.  Coleman,  of 
Omaha,  Nebraska ;  John,  a  resident  of  Boone :  Peter,  who  also  resides  there ; 
Mrs.  Clara  Peterson,  deceased ;  Mrs.  Hulda  Newman,  of  Garden  township ; 
Mrs.  Anna  Orth,  of  Denver,  Colorado :  and  Carl  A.,  of  this  review.  The  five 
elder  children  were  born  in  Sweden  and  the  younger  are  natives  of  Garden 
township. 

Carl  A.  Alsin  has  always  been  a  resident  of  Boone  covmty.  In  the  acquire- 
ment of  his  education  he  attended  the  common  schools  and  subsequently  assisted 
his  father  in  the  work  on  the  homestead.  He  then  learned  the  trade  of  harness 
making  in  Madrid  and  followed  this  occupation  for  three  years.  The  next 
year  he  resided  in  Omaha,  Nebraska,  being  connected  with  the  painter's  trade. 
On  the  4th  of  May,  1910.  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  livery  business  in  Madrid 
and  so  successful  were  his  efTorts  that  in  May,  1912,  he  decided  to  build  his  pres- 
ent up-to-date  barn,  which  is  one  of  the  best  to  be  found  in  this  part  of  the  state. 
Mr.  Alsin  not  only  maintains  a  sales  stable  but  also  boards  horses  and  has  one 
of  the  roomiest  and  most  substantially  built  feed  sheds  in  Boone  county.  He 
also  maintains  an  automobile  service  and  derives  a  gratifying  income  from  this 
business  departure. 

On  February  21,  1894,  Mr.  .Alsin  married  Miss  Helma  Hultman,  who  was 
born  in  Sweden,  July  4,  1872.  She  came  to  America  with  her  parents  in  1885, 
the  familv  selecting  Madrid  as  their  home.  Both  her  father  and  mother  were 
natives  of  the  northern  kingdom  and  died  in  Madrid.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alsin  had 
two  sons:     Martin,  born  February  18,  1895,  who  attended  the  common  schools 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  113 

and  is  at  present  holding  the  position  of  clerk  in  the  Kinsey  general  mercantile 
store  in  Madrid;  and  Floyd  N.,  born  April  15,  1898,  attending  the  Madrid  high 
school.  Mrs.  Alsin  passed  away  in  Colfax  township  on  July  9,  1909.  On  Feb- 
ruary 8,  191 1,  Mr.  Alsin  was  again  married,  his  second  union  being  with  Miss 
Nellie  Westerstrom.  a  native  of  Rockford.  Illinois,  where  she  was  born  June  5, 
1876.  Her  parents  were  natives  of  Sweden,  and  her  father  is  now  residing  in 
Madrid,  while  the  mother  has  passed  away.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Westerstrom  were 
the  parents  of  si.x  children. 

Mr.  Alsin  is  a  republican.  His  business  interests  demand  his  whole  attention, 
and  he  has  found  no  time  to  actively  enter  the  political  arena,  although  he  is 
ever  ready  to  give  his  support  to  worthy  public  enterprises.  He  owns  his  home 
and  also  has  other  realty  interests  in  Madrid,  including  two  vacant  lots  and  a 
fourth  of  a  Ijlock  in  the  business  part  of  the  city,  whereon  his  business  is  con- 
ducted. He  is  an  able  business  man,  attentive  to  his  customers  and  untiring  in 
his  efforts  to  please  them.  He  has  succeeded  because  he  centers  his  whole  being 
upon  his  business  affairs.  Socially  he  is  well  liked,  and  he  has  many  friends  in 
Madrid  and  Boone  county. 


ALBERT  T.  WOLF. 


Albert  J.  Wolf  is  one  of  the  substantial  agriculturists  of  Pilot  Mound  town- 
ship, Boone  county,  having  also  followed  teaching  for  some  time  and  having 
rendered  services  to  his  country  in  the  Spanish-American  war.  He  was  born 
in  Pilot  Mound  township  in  August,  187 1,  and  is  a  son  of  Henry  and  Minnie 
(Frey)  Wolf,  natives  of  Germany,  the  father  being  one  of  the  first  settlers  of 
Boone  county,  acquiring  land  in  Pilot  Mound  township  which  he  improved  and 
cultivated  until  1909,  when  he  retired,  taking  up  his  residence  in  Boone.  There 
he  and  his  wife  now  spend  the  evening  of  life  among  the  comforts  and  con- 
veniences which  are  theirs  by  right  of  many  years  of  arduous  labor. 

Albert  J.  Wolf  was  reared  and  educated  in  Pilot  Mound  township,  com- 
pleting his  schooling  at  Highland  Park  College  of  Des  Moines.  He  then  taught 
for  four  years  and  subse(|uently  enlisted  in  Company  I  for  service  in  the  Spanish- 
American  war,  wearing  the  military  uniform  of  his  nation  for  four  months. 
After  being  discharged  he  came  to  Pilot  Mound  township,  buying  the  Pilot 
Mound  Moniter,  a  weekly  newspaper,  which  he  successfully  edited  and  pub- 
lished for  five  years.  He  then  removed  to  his  father's  farm  on  section  31,  Pilot 
township,  and  has  operated  the  same  ever  since,  receiving  large  annual  harvests 
in  remuneration  for  his  well  directed  labors.  He  follows  the  most  progressive 
and  up-to-date  methods  and  has  made  many  improvements  since  taking  charge. 

In  June,  1900,  Mr.  Wolf  married  Miss  E.  Louise  Stark,  a  daughter  of  Williain 
and  Olive  Stark,  natives  of  Boone  county,  who  are  living  at  Pilot  Mound,  the 
father  being  an  old-time  resident  of  that  locality.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wolf  have 
three  children,  Theodore  F.,  Archidean  and  Winston. 

Mr.  Wolf  is  a  trustee  and  secretary  of  the  board  of  the  Farmers  Cooperative 
Company  of  Pilot  Mound  and  at  present  serves  as  clerk  of  his  township,  having 
recently  been  reelected.     Fraternally  he  is  a  member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen 


114  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  ; 

of  America,  the  Masonic  lodge  and  the  Spanish-American  War  Veterans  Asso- 
ciation, while  politically  he  affiliates  with  the  republican  party.  His  religious 
faith  is  that  of  the  Baptist  church,  and  he  takes  an  interest  in  church  work  as 
well  as  in  all  other  movements  initiated  for  the  betterment  of  humanity  along 
material,  moral  and  intellectual  lines. 


CHARLES  OTIS. 


Charles  Otis  is  one  of  the  active  .business  men  of  Boone,  conducting  an 
extensive  lumberyard,  of  which  he  has  been  sole  proprietor  since  1906.  He  is 
also  the  owner  of  excellent  farming  property  and  in  all  of  his  business  dealings 
displays  an  energy  that  enables  him  to  overcome  obstacles  and  difficulties  and 
work  his  way  steadily  upward.  He  was  born  in  Michigan,  July  17,  1874,  and  is 
a  son  of  Henry  H.  and  Mary  L.  (Bascom)  Otis.  The  father,  who  passed  away 
May  17,  191 3,  was  for  a  long  period  an  honored  resident  of  Iowa.  He  was  born 
June  21,  1838,  in  Ashtabula  county,  Ohio,  and  was  a  son  of  Robert  Otis,  a  native 
of  New  York,  and  a  grandson  of  John  Otis,  who  became  an  early  resident  of  the 
Empire  state  and  removed  thence  to  Ohio,  but  afterward  became  a  resident  of 
northwestern  Pennsylvania,  where  his  death  occurred  in  1846.  He  served  as  a 
soldier  of  the  Revolutionary  war.  The  family  is  of  Scotch-Irish  lineage.  Robert 
Otis,  grandfather  of  our  subject,  removed  from  New  York  to  Ashtabula  county, 
Ohio,  in  1830,  and  in  1876  went  with  his  son  Henry  to  Iowa,  where  he  died  in 
October,  1894,  when  in  his  eighty-fifth  year.  His  wife,  Mrs.  Lucy  Otis,  was  a 
native  of  Connecticut  and  a  daughter  of  Charles  Richards,  who  was  of  English 
descent,  and  for  many  years  resided  in  central  New  York,  where  he  cultivated 
a  farm  and  operated  a  distillery.  He  died  in  1858,  while  his  wife,  Abigail  Manly, 
passed  away  at  the  age  of  seventy-six  years.  Their  daughter,  Mrs.  Robert  Otisi 
died  in  Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  in  1884  at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years. 

Henry  H.  Otis  supplemented  a  public  school  training  by  study  in  the  Western 
Reserve  Seminary  at  West  Farmington,  Ohio,  and  following  the  outbreak  of  the 
Civil  war  joined  the  Union  army,  May  29,  1862,  as  a  member  of  Company  B, 
Eighty-seventh  Regiment  of  Ohio  Volunteers.  Six  months  later  he  was  trans- 
ferred to  the  Thirteenth  Ohio  Infantry  and  at  Harpers  Ferry,  September  12, 
1862,  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  captain.  Five  months  later,  by  special  per- 
mission of  Governor  Tod,  he  was  transferred  to  the  western  army  as  a  member 
of  the  Thirteenth  Ohio  Regiment.  He  fought  in  the  battles  of  Harpers  Ferry, 
Antietam,  Stone  River  and  others,  and  was  honorably  discharged  January  i,  1864. 

After  the  close  of  the  war  Henry  H.  Otis  engaged  in  the  insurance  business 
and  later  became  a  commercial  traveler,  and  subsequently  began  farming  in 
Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  where  he  remained  fnom  the  spring  of  1866  until  1872. 
He  next  conducted  a  hotel  and  livery  barn  in  Kent  county,  Michigan,  and  in 
1876  established  his  home  in  Harrison  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa.  Three 
years  later  he  removed  to  a  farm  in  Des  Moines  township.  In  later  years  he 
concentrated  his  energies  largely  upon  the  dairy  business,  in  which  he  met  with 
substantial  success.    He  was  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  lodge  at  Boone, 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  115 

and  belonged  also  to  Jerusalem  Lodge  No.  13,  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Hartford,  Ohio, 
to  the  Druids  and  to  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  He  was  married 
November  16,  1867,  to  Mary  L.  Bascom,  a  daughter  of  Horatio  and  Caroline 
( Newell)  Bascom,  natives  of  Kentucky.  Henry  Otis  passed  away  May  17, 
1913,  and  his  widow  now  resides  in  Davenport,  Iowa.  They  were  parents  of 
four  children:  Caroline  N.,  living  in  Davenport;  Lucy  R.,  the  wife  of  George 
M.  Chapin,  of  Miles  City,  Montana ;  Charles ;  and  Frank,  of  Boone. 

Charles  Otis  spent  his  youthful  days  under  the  parental  roof  with  the  usual 
experiences  that  come  to  the  farm  lad  reared  in  moderate  financial  circum- 
stances. He  attended  the  public  schools  and  worked  upon  the  home  farm  until 
twenty-four  years  of  age.  He  then  turned  his  attention  to  commercial  pursuits, 
becoming  connected  with  the  lumber  trade.  In  the  meantime,  however,  he  had 
volunteered  for  service  in  the  Spanish-American  war  as  a  member  of  Company 
I,  Fifty-second  Infantry,  and  as  first  sergeant  remained  with  his  command  until 
it  was  mustered  out  in  October,  1898. 

After  his  return  home,  Mr.  Otis  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  and  was 
associated  with  a  partner  from  1899  until  1906.  He  then  purchased  the  interest 
of  his  partner  and  has  since  been  alone,  having  a  substantial  business  which 
brings  to  him  an  excellent  financial  return.  His  methods  are  such  as  will  bear 
close  investigation  and  scrutiny,  and  as  the  years  have  gone  by  his  honorable 
dealing,  his  enterprising  policy  and  his  determination  have  been  the  sources  of 
his  splendid  success.  In  addition  to  his  lumber  business,  which  is  growing  in 
volume  and  importance  year  by  year,  he  has  important  farming  interests,  includ- 
ing a  three  hundred  acre  tract  of  land,  together  with  one  hundred  acres  in  other 
tracts.  He  carries  on  general  farming  and  stock-raising  and  both  branches  of  his 
business  are  gratifying  sources  of  income. 

.  Mr.  Otis  was  married  on  the  4th  of  May,  1899,  to  Miss  Mary  C.  Zimbelman, 
a  native  of  Boone  county,  and  unto  them  have  been  bom  two  children :  Louise, 
born  on  the  6th  of  April,  1901  ;  and  Warren  F.,  born  August  30,  igo2.  The 
religious  faith  of  the  family  is  that  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  while  fraternally 
Mr.  Otis  is  connected  with  the  Masons.  His  political  belief  is  that  of  the  republi- 
can party,  but  he  does  not  seek  nor  desire  office,  although  never  remiss  in  the 
duties  of  citizenship.  He  is  interested  in  all  that  pertains  to  public  progress 
and  delights  in  what  is  being  accomplished  to  make  Boone  a  more  progressive, 
more  enterprising  and  better  city,  being  especially  helpful  in  his  relations  to  all 
those  things  which  are  a  matter  of  civic  virtue  and  civic  pride. 


SCOTT  E.  TUCKER. 


Scott  E.  Tucker  has  been  actively  identified  with  business  interests  of  Boone 
for  the  past  two  decades  as  a  successful  grocery  merchant.  His  entire  life  has 
been  spent  in  Boone  and  Boone  county,  his  birth  having  here  occurred  September 
2,  1874.  His  parents,  Charles  and  Emma  (Norton)  Tucker,  both  natives  of 
New  York,  came  to  Boone,  Iowa,  in  1865.  The  father  was  identified  with 
educational  interests  for  many  years,  teaching  in  the  district  and  city  schools 
and  winning  an  enviable  reputation  in  this  connection.     He  is  now  living  prac- 


116  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

tically  retired  and  enjoys  a  wide  and  favorable  acquaintance  througliout  the 
community  which  has  remained  his  home  for  almost  a  half  century.  The  mother 
was  called  to  her  final  rest  on  the  28th  of  September,  1908.  Our  subject  has 
one  sister,  Gracia  E.,  who  is  now  serving  as  county  superintendent  of  schools 
for  the  second  term. 

Scott  E.  Tucker  attended  the  district  schools  in  the  acquirement  of  an  edu- 
cation and  when  a  young  man  of  about  twenty  years,  in  August,  1894,  embarked 
in  the  grocery  business  at  Boone,  where  he  has  been  thus  identihed  with  mer- 
cantile interests  to  the  present  time.  For  about  three  years  he  was  associated 
with  Dr.  Fred  Webb,  now  of  Macon,  Georgia,  and  subsequently  conducted  busi- 
ness in  partnership  with  his  brother  for  about  seven  years.  Since  1906,  however 
he  has  been  alone  and  has  been  accorded  an  extensive  and  gratifying  patronage, 
for  he  carries  a  large  and  well  selected  line  of  staple  and  fancy  groceries  and 
has  won  an  unassailable  reputation  for  reliability  and  straightforward  dealing. 
In  May,  191 1,  he  opened  another  store  at  No.  1639  Fifth  street,  which  is  also 
popular  and  well  patronized. 

On  the  7th  of  August,  1906,  Mr.  Tucker  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Edna  Hathaway,  a  native  of  Ohio,  by  whom  he  has  two  children :  Elizabeth 
Ann,  whose  natal  day  was  September  20,  1907;  and  Scott  E.  Tucker,  Jr.,  born 
March  12,  1914.  Mr.  Tucker  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican 
party.  He  is  known  to  all  his  friends  and  acquaintances  as  a  man  of  generous 
impulses,  of  kindly  spirit  and  genial  disposition,  while  in  business  circles  he  is 
recognized  as  an  enterprising  and  prosperous  merchant. 


CARL  C.  OLSON. 


Carl  C.  Olson,  who  takes  his  place  among  the  progressive  business  men  of 
Boone,  has  also  participated  in  the  public  life  of  his  county,  having  served  as 
recorder  for  two  terms.  He  is  now  half  owner  in  The  Hawkeye  Laundry  Com- 
pany, and  efficiently  conducts  the  business  along  up-to-date  and  sanitary  lines. 
He  was  born  in  Sweden,  October  30,  1863,  and  is  a  son  of  Carl  O.  and  Carrie 
(Mattson)  Johnson,  and  grandson  of  John  Person.  The  grandfather  and  father 
both  served  in  the  Swedish  army  and  followed  farming  in  their  native  land.  The 
latter  was  educated  there  in  the  common  schools  but  in  1868  emigrated  to  the 
United  States  with  his  family,  consisting  of  wife  and  four  children,  in  order 
to  profit  by  the  opportunities  awaiting  in  this  country.  They  made  their  way 
direct  to  Denison,  Iowa,  where  they  remained  for  a  few  months,  and  then  came 
to  Boone  county,  locating  upon  eighty  acres  of  land  four  miles  southeast  of 
Ogden.  The  father  developed  this  farm  but  in  the  fall  of  1895  removed  to  Col- 
orado, disposing  of  his  Boone  county  interests.  He  purchased  one  hundred  and 
twenty  acres  in  Bent  county,  that  state,  residing  there  until  his  death  January  9, 
1914.  He  was  born  March  6,  1833,  and  his  first  wife,  who  died  in  1886,  was  born 
in  1834.  Both  were  devout  adherents  of  the  Lutheran  church,  taking  much 
interest  in  its  work.  For  his  second  wife  the  father  married  Miss  Lizzie  Lybeck, 
who  was  born  in  Boone  county.  By  his  first  marriage  he  had  the  following  chil- 
dren: John,  who  died  in  1868;  Carl  C,  of  this  review;  Eric  and  Matilda,  both 


VAUL  C.   OLSON 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  119 

of  whom  died  when  young  ;  August  and  Emric,  residents  of  Bent  county,  Colorado ; 
Julia,  who  died  in  infancy;  Amanda,  of  Trinidad,  Colorado;  and  Aurora,  who 
died  in  Colorado,  in  1896,  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years.  There  were  no  children 
born  to  the  father's  second  union. 

Carl  C.  Olson  was  about  live  years  of  age  when  he  came  with  his  parents 
to  the  United  States.  He  attended  the  schools  of  Boone  county,  and  among  his 
teachers  were  James  Swayne  and  Isabelle  Jenkins,  who  is  now  Mrs.  Bricker,  of 
Boone.  Leaving  school  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  he  made  his  way  to  Omaha,  where 
he  worked  in  a  barbwire  factory.  There  an  unfortunate  accident  befell  him, 
for  he  lost  his  right  hand  in  a  machine.  However,  he  did  not  lose  courage  and 
decided  to  choose  another  road  to  fortune.  For  live  years  or  for  nine  terms 
he  attended  the  Augustana  College  at  Rock  Island,  Illinois,  and  in  1891  began 
teaching  in  Marcy  township,  where  he  remained  for  several  years.  He  was 
connected  with  parochial  and  public  schools,  teaching  in  all  thirteeen  terms  in 
Boone  county.  After  giving  up  his  work  as  an  instructor  of  the  young  he  was  in 
1898  elected  as  recorder  of  Boone  county  and  served  for  two  terms,  having  also 
served  as  deputy  recorder  under  J.  S.  Halliday.  After  he  retired  from  office  he 
took  up  the  fire  and  life  insurance  business  in  Boone,  successfully  continuing 
along  that  line  for  two  years.  He  then  bought  a  half  interest  in  The  Hawkeye 
Laundry  Company,  his  partner  at  that  time  being  Ralph  Duckwood.  In  1909  he 
formed  a  partnership  with  G.  W.  Griest,  an  association  which  has  since  been  most 
profitably  maintained.  Not  only  has  Mr.  Olson  proven  himself  an  efficient  teacher 
and  a  faithful  official  but  he  has  become  one  of  the  successful  business  men  of 
his  city,  ever  taking  an  active  part  in  all  such  enterprises  which  will  increase  the 
prestige  of  the  community  or  promote  its  growth. 

On  October  10,  lyio,  Carl  C.  Olson  married  Theresa  Brannberg,  a  native  of 
Boone  county.  They  have  one  son,  Carl  Arnold,  who  was  born  on  July  4,  191 1. 
They  are  devout  members  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church,  Mr.  Olson  having 
been  a  deacon  for  several  years.  He  formerly  was  Sunday  school  superintend- 
ent and  is  still  the  leader  of  the  choir,  but  owing  to  pressing  business  he  had  to 
give  up  the  former  position.  Mr.  Olson  is  thoroughly  conversant  with  the 
political  issues  of  the  day  and  was  formerly  quite  active  in  the  republican 
party.  He  and  his  wife  have  many  friends  in  Boone  and  stand  high  in  the  esti- 
mation of  their  fellow  citizens.  There  is  great  credit  due  Mr.  Olson  for  what  he 
has  achieved  in  spite  of  the  severe  handicap  which  befell  him  when  he  was 
but  a  bov.  Howe\  er,  determination  conquered  and  by  sheer  force  of  character, 
industry  and  honesty  he  has  won  for  himself  an  enviable  place  in  his  com- 
munity. 


C.  J.  CEDERQUIST. 


C.  D.  Cederquist  is  one  of  the  successful  lawyers  of  Boone  county,  prac- 
ticing in  Madrid.  Mr.  Cederquist  was  born  in  Titusville,  Pennsylvania,  Sep- 
tember 28,  1874,  a  son  of  L.  J.  and  Tekla  G.  Cederquist,  natives  of  Sweden, 
who  now  reside  in  Titusville,  Pennsylvania.  They  had  nine  children,  as  fol- 
lows: Mrs.  C.  T.  Carlson,  Mrs.  J.  A.  Holmberg,  C.  J..  L.  A.,  O.  W.,  Mrs.  Ed. 


120  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Johnson,  A.  E.,  M.  O.  and  E.  R.     All  these  children  were  born  and  reared  in 
Titusville  and  received  their  public-school  education  in  that  city. 

C.  J.  Cederquist  remained  there  until  eighteen  years  of  age,  rounding  out 
his  earlier  education  by  a  high-school  course  which  he  completed  with  gradua- 
tion. He  then  pursued  a  scientific  course  at  Augustana  College  at  Rock  Island, 
Illinois,  graduating  in  1895,  and  in  1900  received  his  law  degree  from  Drake 
University  of  Des  Moines.  For  one  year  he  was  engaged  in  the  practice  of 
his  profession  in  that  city  but  then  removed  to  Boone,  where  he  continued  until 
January,  1910.  At  that  time  he  located  in  Madrid  and  is  now  associated  with 
Mr.  Harpel  of  Boone,  the  firm  name  being  Harpel  &  Cederquist.  They  main- 
tain offices  both  in  Boone  and  Madrid  and  are  admitted  for  practice  in  all  the 
courts. 

In  1907  Mr.  Cederquist  married  in  Boone,  Iowa,  Miss  Clara  Bork,  who  was 
born  in  Peoples  township,  Boone  county.  There  her  father,  Gustav  Bork,  died, 
the  family  subsequently  removing  to  Boone,  where  the  children  attended  school. 
Mrs.  Carolina  Bork,  who  was  born  in  Sweden,  still  resides  there.  Her  four 
children  were  born  in  Peoples  township.  They  are:  Mary,  of  Boone;  E.  G., 
of  Peoples  township;  Levi  M.,  of  Boone;  and  Mrs.  Clara  Cederquist.  The  last 
named  bore  her  husband  two  children :  Esther,  born  in  Boone :  and  Dena,  a  na- 
tive of  Madrid. 

Mr.  Cederquist  is  a  republican  and  deeply  interested  in  the  welfare  of  his 
party.  He  is  thoroughly  conversant  with  the  leading  issues  and  questions  of 
the  day  and  is  an  influential  factor  in  local  public  afifairs.  For  two  terms,  from 
1906  to  1910,  he  was  county  attorney  for  Boone  county  and  in  1912  was  elected 
mayor  of  Madrid.  As  a  lawyer  Mr.  Cederquist  stands  high  in  the  estimation 
of  his  professional  brethren  and  the  general  public.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are 
members  of  the  .Swedish  Lutheran  church  of  Boone,  the  work  of  which  they 
helpfully  sustain. 


LOUIS  F.  FEHLEISEN. 

Louis  F.  Fehleisen  has  important  lumber  interests  at  three  places  in  Iowa, 
making  his  headquarters,  however,  at  Boone,  where  he  is  well  established  in 
business.  He  is  notably  prompt,  energetic  and  reliable,  and  he  possesses  in  large 
measure  the  substantial  quality  of  common  sense,  the  lack  of  which  is  often  the 
element  that  brings  disaster  or  failure  in  business  afl:'airs.  From  a  compara- 
tively humble  position  in  the  business  world,  he  has  worked  his  way  steadily 
upward,  making  his  efforts  count  for  the  utmost  and  using  his  time  and  talents 
to  the  best  advantage.  He  was  born  in  Jasper  county,  Iowa,  May  12.  1859,  and 
is  a  son  of  William  T.  and  Catherine  (Ludwick)  Fehleisen,  the  former  a  native 
of  Germany  and  the  latter  of  Indiana.  The  father  came  to  America  when 
about  ten  years  of  age  and  conducted  business  first  as  a  carpenter  and  after- 
ward as  a  contractor.  For  many  years  he  resided  in  Newton,  Iowa,  and  he 
passed  away  in  September,  1910,  having  for  three  years  survived  his  wife,  who 
died  in  1907.  They  were  the  parents  of  five  children:  George  W..  living  in 
Madrid,  this  state;  Bertha,  whose  home  is  in  Newton,  Iowa;  Louis  F. ;  Hester, 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  121 

the  wife  of  J.  A.  McCalment,  of  Tarkio,  Missouri ;  and  Esther,  who  died  in 
infancy. 

Louis  F.  Fehleisen  has  been  an  active  factor  in  business  circles  since  reach- 
ing the  age  of  sixteen  years.  He  entered  the  employ  of  his  father  at  that  time 
and  remained  with  him  until  he  attained  his  majority.  Thinking  that  he  needed 
further  educational  training,  particularly  along  lines  that  would  better  equip 
him  for  the  conduct  of  business,  he  went  to  Quincy,  Illinois,  where  he  entered 
the  Gem  City  Commercial  College,  there  pursuing  the  full  commercial  course, 
after  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1881.  Later  he  followed  the 
carpenter's  trade  for  a  year  and  on  the  expiration  of  that  period  entered  a  bank 
in  Marshalltown,  Iowa,  where  he  remained  for  three  months.  He  next  went  to. 
Des  Moines,  where  he  engaged  in  the  lumber  business,  and  afterward  was  con- 
nected with  the  lumber  trade  in  the  northwestern  part  of  the  state.  In  the  spring 
of  1888  he  came  to  Boone  and  with  his  brother  established  the  Boone  Lumber 
Company.  In  1897,  he  opened  a  yard  on  Tenth  and  Marshall  streets.  The 
business  has  prospered  from  the  beginning  and  as  a  result  of  his  capable  man- 
agement, his  enterprise  and  determination,  Mr.  Fehleisen  is  now  at  the  head 
of  an  extensive  and  profitable  business,  which  also  includes  yards  at  Ogden  and 
at  Berkley,  Iowa.  Today  the  business  is  conducted  under  the  firm  style  of 
Fehleisen-Rosacker  Lumber  Company.  He  has  never  heedlessly  passed  by  the 
opportunities  which  surround  all,  but  has  worked  persistently  and  energetically 
in  order  to  win  the  advancement  that  is  the  goal  of  all  who  enter  business  circles. 

On  the  1st  of  October,  1884,  Mr.  Fehleisen  was  married  to  Miss  Sophie 
Achtemeier,  a  native  of  Wisconsin,  and  to  them  have  been  born  six  children : 
Bertha  Carrie,  the  wife  of  R.  L.  Martin,  of  Boone ;  Minnie  Catherine,  at  home ; 
Vera  Elizabeth ;  Bessie  Lulie ;  Elmer  E.,  who  is  associated  with  his  father  in 
business;  and  Ruth  Edna.  Mr.  Fehleisen  votes  with  the  republican  party  and  is 
■well  informed  concerning  the  vital  questions  and  issues  of  the  day,  but  has 
never  been  an  aspirant  for  public  office.  The  religious  faith  of  the  family  is 
that  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  to  which  they  loyally  adhere,  taking  active 
interest  in  its  work  and  contributing  liberally  to  its  support.  In  social  circles 
the  family  is  widely  and  favorably  known,  and  the  hospitality  of  the  best  homes 
of  the  city  is  cordially  extended  to  them. 


C.  OSCAR  HANSON. 


C.  Oscar  Hanson,  a  successful  and  representative  merchant  of  Beaver, 
handles  a  complete  line  of  hardware,  harness  and  farm  implements  and  also 
deals  in  automobiles.  His  birth  occurred  in  Bureau  county,  Illinois,  in  July, 
1865,  his  parents  being  John  and  Matilda  Hanson,  natives  of  Sweden,  who 
emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  an  early  day,  locating  in  California.  In  that 
state  the  father  prospected  for  gold  for  some  time  and  subsequently  removed  to 
Illinois,  where  he  purchased  land  and  carried  on  farming  for  several  years.  On 
the  expiration  of  that  period  he  returned  to  Sweden  but  at  the  end  of  a  year 
came  back  to  this  country  and  took  up  his  abode  in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  here 
purchasing  a  tract  of  land  which  he  cultivated  until   1894.     He  is  now  eighty- 


122  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

three  years  of  age  and  has  Hved  retired  in  Boone  during  the  past  two  decades. 
His  wife  has  attained  the  age  of  seventy-six  years.  They  are  well  known  and 
highly  esteemed  throughout  the  community  and  have  many   friends  here. 

C.  Oscar  Hanson  was  reared  and  educated  in  Boone  county  and  when  four- 
teen years  of  age  began  learning  the  blacksmith's  trade,  working  at  that  occupa- 
tion at  intervals  through  a  period  of  twenty-eight  years.  He  spent  two  years 
on  the  road  as  a  representative  of  the  International  Harvester  Company  and  for 
si-x  years  was  engaged  in  the  hardware  and  implement  business  at  Boone  in 
association  with  his  brother,  while  for  a  year  and  a  half  he  conducted  an  enter- 
prise of  that  character  alone.  In  October,  1913,  he  came  to  Beaver  and  pur- 
chased the  hardware  establishment  which  he  is  now  conducting.  He  handles 
a  complete  line  of  hardware,  harness  and  farm  implements  and  is  also  a  dealer 
in  Detroit  and  Jackson  automobiles.  Mr.  Hanson  bought  the  two-story  steel 
structure  in  which  his  business  is  carried  on  and  has  erected  an  addition  thereto, 
occupying  the  building  in  its  entirety.  An  extensive  patronage  is  accorded 
him,  and  he  enjoys  an  unassailable  reputation  for  reliability  and  integrity  that 
is  indeed  well  merited. 

In  June,  1S93,  Air.  Hanson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Edith  Kaatz,  a 
daughter  of  August  and  Minnie  Kaatz,  who  were  natives  of  Germany  and  emi- 
grated to  the  United  States  in  an  early  day.  The  father  followed  farming  in 
Alinnesota  until  the  time  of  his  demise  in  November,  1912.  The  mother  now 
makes  her  home  with  our  subject.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hanson  have  been  born 
six  children,  as  follows:  Alarjorie,  who  is  fifteen  years  of  age;  Opal,  who  is 
thirteen  years  old ;  Leona  and  Francis,  who  are  nine  and  seven  years  of  age 
respectively;  Aniford,  who  died  in  November,  1896;  and  Dorothy,  who  passed 
away  in  September,  1903. 

Since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise  Mr.  Hanson  has  given 
his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the 
Lutheran  church,  while  fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Modern  Woodmen 
of  America,  the  Homesteaders,  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  is  a  man  of  marked  enterprise,  positive  character 
and  strict  integrity,  and  he  has  ever  been  greatly  interested  in  the  growth  and 
]3rosperity  of  his  community.  His  life  is  exemplary  in  many  respects  and  he 
has  the  esteem  of  all  his  friends  and  the  confidence  of  those  who  have  had  busi- 
ness relations  with  him. 


JOHN  W.  MORGAN. 


John  W.  Morgan,  who  passed  away  in  Ogden  on  the  20th  of  October,  1913, 
had  been  a  resident  of  Boone  county  for  more  than  four  decades  and  was  long 
numbered  among  its  active  and  successful  agriculturists.  His  birth  occurred  in 
England  on  the  20th  of  August,  1851,  his  parents  being  William  and  Rebecca 
Morgan,  who  were  likewise  natives  of  that  country.  The  father,  a  carpenter  by 
trade,  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  an  early  day  and  located  in  Illinois,  where 
he  purchased  land  and  turned  his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits.  The  remainder 
of  his  life  was  spent  in  the  Prairie  state. 


o 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  125 

John  W.  Morgan  was  reared  and  educated  in  Illinois  and  after  putting  aside 
his  text-books  took  up  farming.  When  twenty-one  years  of  age  he  came  to  Boone 
county,  Iowa,  purchasing  and  improving  a  tract  of  land  in  Peoples  township,  where 
he  carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  with  gratifying  success  during  the 
remainder  of  his  active  business  career.  In  1903  he  took  up  his  abode  in  Ogden, 
there  living  in  honorable  retirement  until  called  to  his  final  rest.  He  died  on  the 
20th  of  October,  1913,  after  an  illness  of  five  weeks,  and  the  community  thus  lost 
one  of  its  prosperous,  representative  and  respected  citizens. 

In  December,  1874,  Air.  Morgan  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Miss  Margaret  Mil- 
ler, a  daughter  of  John  and  Sarah  (Miller)  Miller,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
York  county,  Pennsylvania.  The  father,  a  shoemaker  by  trade,  came  to  Boone 
county,  Iowa,  in  1866,  here  purchasing  land  and  engaging  in  farming  during  the 
remainder  of  his  life.  His  demise  occurred  on  the  2d  of  December,  1897,  while 
his  wife  passed  away  on  the  27th  of  August,  1896.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morgan 
were  born  twelve  children,  as  follows:  Charles,  who  is  identified  with  the  tele- 
phone company  in  Ogden ;  Albert,  a  resident  of  Ogden ;  Frank,  who  follows  farm- 
ing in  Boone  county ;  Harry,  who  makes  his  home  in  O^den ;  John,  who  conducts 
a  moving  picture  theatre  in  Ogden ;  Myrtle,  who  is  the  wife  of  George  Heaps, 
Jr.,  of  Boone,  Iowa;  Ray,  a  barber  of  Ogden;  Arthur,  who  is  at  home;  Josephine, 
the  wife  of  V.  E.  Soderquist,  who  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Bass  &  Soderquist, 
clothing  merchants  of  Ogden;  Wilbur,  a  high-school  student;  Edith,  who  is  also 
attending  the  high  school;  and  Elmer,  who  was  accidentally  killed  by  a  train  on 
the  27th  of  March,  1905. 

Mr.  Morgan  exercised  his  right  of  franchise  in  support  of  the  men  and 
measures  of  the  democracy,  believing  firmly  in  the  principles  of  that  party.  Fra- 
ternally he  was  identified  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  while  his 
religious  faith  was  that  of  the  Methodist  .church.  His  life  was  upright  and  hon- 
orable in  all  relations,  and  he  enjoyed  the  friendship  and  esteem  of  those  who 
knew  him.  Mrs.  Morgan,  who  has  now  lived  in  Boone  county  for  a  period  of 
forty-eight  years,  also  has  an  extensive  and  favorable  acquaintance  within  its 
borders. 


ELIAS  J.   CARTWRIGHT. 

Elias  J.  Cartwright  is  now  occupying  a  beautiful  and  attractive  home  at 
No.  503  Clinton  street.  He  was  formerly  closely  identified  with  agricultural 
interests  in  Boone  county  and  is  still  the  owner  of  valuable  farm  property, 
from  which  he  derives  a  substantial  annual  income.  He  was  born  in  Coles 
county,  Illinois,  November  10,  1852,  and  is  a  son  of  Robert  N.  and  Sarah  (Dyer) 
Cartwright,  the  former  a  native  of  Indiana  and  the  latter  of  Illinois.  The 
father  made  farming  his  life  work  and  in  1853  came  to  Boone  county,  settling 
on  a  farm  in  Worth  township.  There  he  devoted  his  energy  to  general  agricul- 
tural pursuits  for  many  years  with  growing  success,  but  in  191 1  sold  that  prop- 
erty and  removed  to  Boone,  where  he  is  now  living  retired  in  the  enjoyment  of 
the  fruits  of  his  former  toil.  In  1913  he  was  called  upon  to  mourn  the  loss 
of  his  wife,  who  died  on  the  17th  of  June  of  that  year.    They  were  the  parents  of 


126  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

twelve  children:  Sarah,  who  died  in  infancy;  Elias  J.;  Susan,  the  wife  of  Virgil 
Boone,  of  Worth  township;  Katherine,  the  wife  of  F.  O.  Lockard  of  Boone; 
John  W.,  living  in  Payette,  Idaho;  Albert  N.,  of  Rockford,  Washington;  Andrew 
J.,  whose  home  is  in  Spokane,  Washington;  Clarence  A.,  also  living  in  Rock- 
ford;  Charles  W.,  of  California;  Grant  R.  and  Harvey  G.,  both  deceased;  and 
Daniel  J.,  who  is  located  at  Seneca,  South  Dakota. 

In  the  spring  after  attaining  his  majority,  Elias  J.  Cartwright  left  home.  He 
had  been  reared  as  a  farm  lad,  working  in  the  fields  through  the  sunnner  months 
and  attending  the  public  schools  in  the  winter  seasons.  Desiring  to  start  out 
independently,  he  went  to  California,  where  he  engaged  in  ranching  for  about 
three  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period,  however,  he  returned  to  Boone 
county,  where  he  made  investment  in  eighty  acres  of  land,  which  he  at  once 
began  to  cultivate  and  improve.  As  the  years  passed  on  he  added  to  this  tract 
from  time  to  time  until  his  holdings  embraced  three  hundred  acres  or  more  in 
Colfax  township.  He  carefully  tilled  the  fields,  bringing  the  farm  to  a  high, 
state  of  cultivation,  and  annually  he  gathered  rich  harvests  which  made  his 
work  very  profitable.  He  had  secured  a  handsome  competence,  when,  in  1910, 
he  retired  from  active  business  life  and  removed  to  Boone,  purchasing  his  pres- 
ent attractive  home  at  No.  503  Clinton  street. 

On  the  6th  of  June,  1876,  Mr.  Cartwright  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Sarah  Morgan,  a  native  of  Illinois,  who  came  to  Boone  county  in  her  child- 
hood. Four  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Cartwright:  Robert  A., 
who  is  upon  the  home  farm;  Walter  W.,  also  living  in  Colfax  township;  Lulen 
Cleo,  deceased ;  and  Linn  Dorwin,  a  resident  of  Fowler,  Colorado. 

Mr.  Cartwright  votes  with  the  republican  party  and  has  supported  its  prin- 
ciples since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise.  In  1910  he  was 
elected  to  the  office  of  supervisor  and  in  19 12  was  reelected.  For  twenty  years 
he  has  been  a  trustee  of  Colfax  township  and  no  higher  testimonial  to  his  ability 
could  be  given  than  the  fact  that  he  has  so  long  been  retained  in  this  office. 
He  belongs  to  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen  and  to  the  Christian 
church — associations  which  indicate  much  of  the  nature  of  the  rules  which 
govern  his  actions  and  control  him  in  all  of  his  relations  with  his  fellowmen. 
He  deserves  much  credit  for  what  he  has  accomplished,  for  he  started  out  in 
life  empty-handed  and  has  worked  his  way  upward  through  the  force  of  his 
character  and  his  native  and  acquired  ability.  His  life  record  indicates  what 
may  be  accomplished  when  energy  and  determination  point  the  way. 


DAVID  J.  CONN. 


David  J.  Conn,  conducting  a  growing  business  as  a  railroad  grading  con- 
tractor, his  home  being  in  Boone,  his  native  city,  was  born  on  the  17th  of  Sep- 
tember, 1877,  his  parents  being  Hugh  and  Sarah  J.  (McMechan)  Conn,  Ijoth  of 
whom  were  natives  of  Ireland  and  were  of  Scotch-Irish  descent.  The  father 
crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  new  world  in  1865  and  the  following  year  made  his 
way  to  Boone,  where  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  Northwestern  Railroad  Com- 
pany.    Tt  was  on  the  ist  of  January,  1868,  that  the  mother  started  for  the  new 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  127 

world.  Hugh  Conn  is  today  engaged  in  the  coal  and  feed  business  in  Boone 
under  the  firm  style  of  Conn  &  Son,  and  theirs  is  one  of  the  well  known  busi- 
ness interests  of  the  city.  The  family  numbered  four  children,  three  daugh- 
ters and  a  son:  Grace,  now  the  wife  of  Ernest  Leatham  and  a  resident  of 
Memphis,  Tennessee;  Margaret,  the  wife  of  Dr.  C.  A.  Rhoades  of  Boone;  David 
J.,  of  this  review ;  and  Elsie,  who  has  departed  this  life. 

At  the  usual  age  David  J.  Conn  began  his  education,  which  he  continued  in 
the  public  schools  of  Boone,  passing  through  consecutive  grades  until  graduated 
from  the  high  school  with  the  class  of  1896.  At  the  time  of  the  Spanish- Ameri- 
can war  he  volunteered  for  active  duty  as  a  member  of  Company  I,  Fifty-second 
Iowa  Infantry.  After  being  discharged  from  the  army  he  entered  into  business 
with  his  father  as  a  dealer  in  ice,  but  has  since  changed  his  occupation,  being  now 
engaged  in  taking  and  executing  contracts  for  railroad  grading.  In  this  connec- 
tion he  has  built  up  a  business  of  good  proportions  and  is  leading  a  busy,  active 
and  useful  life.  He  does  not  seek  to  figure  prominently  in  any  public  connec- 
tions, but  he  belongs  to  that  class  of  substantial  citizens  whose  very  industry 
and  devotion  to  daily  duty  constitute  them  worthy  and  valued  residents  of  their 
community. 

On  the  18th  of  October,  1906,  Mr.  Conn  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Pearl 
L.  Patterson,  a  native  of  Boone,  and  to  them  has  been  born  a  son,  Richard  J.  H., 
whose  birth  occurred  September  16,  IQ08.  Mr.  Conn  votes  with  the  republican 
party  and  is  interested  in  all  matters  relating  to  the  general  welfare.  The 
religious  faith  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Conn  is  that  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  to  the 
work  of  which  they  contribute  both  of  time  and  means.  They  have  been  life- 
long residents  of  Boone  and  have  an  extensive  circle  of  warm  friends  here — 
many  who  have  known  them  from  childhood  as  well  as  those  whose  acquaintance 
they  have  formed  in  later  years.  Mr.  Conn  has  been  a  witness  of  all  the  changes 
which  have  occurred  in  Boone  and  this  section  of  the  state  for  thirty-seven  years, 
has  rejoiced  in  what  has  been  accomplished  and  in  various  ways  has  aided  the 
work  of  further  progress  and  development. 


J.  C.  PETERSEN. 


J.  C.  Petersen  is  a  well  known  clothing  merchant  of  Boone,  where  he  is  con- 
ducting business  under  the  name  of  the  J.  C.  Petersen  Company.  Under  his 
guidance  the  business  has  grown  to  gratifying  proportions  and  is  regarded  as  one 
of  the  leading  commercial  enterprises  of  the  city.  Mr.  Petersen  is  a  native  of 
Germany,  born  April  9,  1868,  and  is  a  son  of  Marcus  and  Anna  (Hub)  Petersen, 
who  were  also  natives  of  the  same  country.  The  father  still  lives  in  Germany, 
but  the  mother  is  deceased.  In  their  family  were  four  children:  J.  C,  of  this 
review  ;   Anna  ;    Mathena  ;   and    Marcus. 

J.  C.  Petersen  spent  the  first  sixteen  years  of  his  life  in  his  native  land 
and  during  that  period  attended  its  public  schools.  At  length,  bidding  adieu  to 
friends  and  native  country,  he  sailed  from  Hamburg  to  New  York  in  October, 
1884,  and  after  a  brief  stay  in  the  eastern  metropolis  made  his  way  westward  to 
Iowa.     In  this  state  he  turned  his  attention  to  farming  and  while  thus  employed 


128  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

attended  school  in  the  winter  seasons  for  three  months,  thus  supplementing  the 
knowledge  that  he  had  gained  in  the  fatherland  and  acquiring  a  greater  freedom 
in  the  use  of  the  English  language.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  came 
to  Boone  and  has  since  been  identified  with  its  commercial  interests.  He  first 
accepted  a  clerkship  in  a  clothing  store,  in  which  he  remained  until  1893.  During 
that  period  he  carefully  saved  his  earnings  until  his  industry  and  economy  had 
brought  him  a  sufficient  sum  to  enable  him  to  engage  in  business  on  his  own 
account.  He  then  organized  the  firm  of  Petersen  iS:  Samson  and  the  business  was 
continued  in  that  connection  until  the  nth  of  July,  1897,  when  the  junior  part- 
ner died.  The  senior  member  of  the  firm  then  carried  on  the  business  under  his 
own  name  until  1902,  when  he  formed  a  stock  company  known  as  the  ].  C. 
Petersen  Company,  admitting  three  employes,  F.  O.  Schmidt,  Emanuel  Cuther 
and  Andrew  Anderson,  to  a  partnership  and  thus  rewarding  them  for  their 
faithful  and  loyal  service.  They  have  a  large  and  well  appointed  store,  carry 
an  attractive  line  of  clothing  and  men"s  furnishings  and  as  the  years  have  gone 
by  they  have  increased  their  business  as  the  result  of  their  honorable  methods 
their  enterprising  spirit  and  their  close  application.  The  brick  building  occupied 
by  the  J.  C.  Petersen  Company  is  the  property  of  the  senior  member  of  the  firm, 
who  owns  other  real  estate  in  the  city,  which  constitutes  the  tangible  evidence  of 
his  life  of  well  directed  energy  and  thrift.  He  also  conducts  a  similar  store 
in  Fort  Dodge. 

On  the  5th  of  May,  1889,  Mr.  Petersen  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Anna 
Ick,  a  native  of  Germany,  and  they  have  become  parents  of  six  children,  Marv, 
Anna,  Marcus,  Albert,  Harry  and  Christ.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Petersen  is 
a  democrat,  but  has  never  sought  nor  desired  political  ofiice.  He  has  served, 
however,  as  a  member  of  the  school  board,  and  the  cause  of  education  finds  in 
him  a  stalwart  friend.  He  belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity,  holds  membership 
with  the  Improved  Order  of  Red  Men  and  his  religious  faith  is  evidenced  in 
his  membership  in  the  German  Lutheran  church.  To  all  these  organizations  he 
is  most  loyal,  and  it  is  a  well  known  fact  that  Mr.  Petersen  is  ever  faithful  to  a 
trust  reposed  in  him  whether  of  a  public  or  a  private  nature.  He  deserves  much 
credit  for  what  he  has  accomplished,  for  he  came  to  America  empty-handed 
when  a  youth  of  sixteen  and  has  worked  his  way  steadily  upward  to  his  present 
position  of  affluence.  His  business  methods  are  such  as  neither  seek  nor  require 
disguise,  and  in  every  relation  of  life  he  has  commanded  the  good-will  and  con- 
fidence of  his  fellow  men. 


JACOB  M.  CARLSON. 


Since  1908,  Jacob  M.  Carlson  has  been  the  county  supervisor  for  Douglas 
township.  He  rendered  such  distinguished  service  in  his  first  term  that  he  was 
reelected  and  is  now  closing  his  second  term  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  his 
constituency.  Mr.  Carlson  was  connected  with  various  business  interests  in 
Madrid,  particularly  the  grain  and  mercantile  business.  He  now,  however,  gives 
most  of  his  attention  to  his  official  position.  His  parents  were  Carl  J.  and  Bertha 
(Nelson)   Johnson-Carlson,  natives  of  Sweden,  who  both  died  in  that  country, 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  129 

« 
the  former  reaching  the  venerable  age  of  ninety-three  years.     They  had  seven 
children :  Adolph,  Nels,  Mrs.  Anna  Schenader,  Peter  and  Charles,  of  Hamilton 
county,  Iowa ;  Gustav,  of  South  Dakota ;  and  Jacob  M.,  of  this  review.    All  were 
born  and  educated  in  Sweden. 

Jacob  M.  Carlson  was  born  in  Ostergotland,  Sweden,  November  9,  1858. 
He  came  to  America  when  about  twenty  years  of  age,  in  1878,  and  located  at 
Swede  Point,  Boone  county,  Iowa.  For  six  months  he  worked  as  a  farm  hand 
in  Garden  township  and  then  accepted  a  position  as  clerk  in  the  general  mer- 
chandise business  of  William  Johnson,  of  Madrid,  with  whom  he  continued  for 
two  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  was  employed  for  a  year  by  M.  J.  Sellen. 
Having  gained  in  experience  and  having  mastered  the  language,  he  then  engaged 
in  the  grocery  business  in  partnership  with  George  W.  Briggs,  under  the  firm 
name  of  Briggs  &  Carlson,  but  sold  out  to  Mr.  Briggs  in  1885.  In  that  year  he 
entered  the  service  of  Crary  Brothers  of  Boone,  for  whom  he  conducted  a  hard- 
ware store  in  Madrid.  In  1887  Mr.  Carlson  purchased  what  is  now  known  as  the 
Watt  Webb  farm  in  Douglas  township  and  operated  this  farm.  He  bought  and 
sold  grain  at  the  same  time,  making  his  business  headquarters  at  Wheeler's 
switch.  He  secured  from  the  railroad  a  flag  station  at  this  place,  which  greatly 
facilitated  the  shipping  end  of  the  business,  and  also  bought  grain  for  the  McFar- 
land  Elevator  Company,  thus  continuing  for  three  years.  He  then  sold  his  farm 
to  Fred  Johnson  and  removed  to  Madrid,  where  in  1892,  with  John  A.  Johnson, 
he  entered  the  mercantile  business.  They  built  in  conjunction  the  brick  block 
where  Johnson  &  Johnson  have  their  present  general  merchandise  business. 
Upon  the  dissolution  of  the  partnership  Mr.  Johnson  retained  the  store  building 
and  Mr.  Carlson  received  the  stock  of  goods.  Buying  the  Crary  Brothers"  brick 
building,  he  removed  his  goods  there  and  successfully  conducted  his  store  until 
1908,  when  he  sold  his  stock  to  E.  O.  Kinsey,  who  at  present  is  at  the  head  of 
that  business.  In  all  his  undertakings  Mr.  Carlson  proved  himself  an  able  and 
honest  merchant.  He  was  successful  because  he  had  executive  ability,  a  capacity 
for  detail  and  because  the  underlying  qualities  of  his  character  are  above 
reproach.  In  November,  1908,  Mr.  Carlson  was  elected  to  the  county  board  of 
supervisors  and  now  his  second  term  of  office  is  drawing  to  its  close.  He  has 
always  championed  the  people's  interests  and  has  secured  many  advantages  for 
his  constituency. 

On  December  19,  1880,  Jacob  M.  Carlson  was  married  at  Swede  Point 
(Madrid)  to  Miss  Tilda  Sell,  who  was  born  in  Sweden,  August  2,  1862.  She 
came  with  her  parents  to  America  in  1870,  the  family  locating  in  Rockford,  Illi- 
nois. Her  father,  C.  G.  Sell,  was  also  a  native  of  Sweden  and  was  a  carpenter 
by  trade.  He  came  to  Boone  county  in  1871  and  located  on  a  farm  west  of 
Madrid,  passing  away  in  that  city.  February  9,  1899.  Mrs.  Carlson's  mother, 
Johanna  (Johnson)  Sell,  was  born  in  Sweden  and  died  in  Madrid  in  July,  1913. 
They  had  seven  children,  of  whom  three  are  living,  namely :  Mrs.  Tilda  Carlson ; 
Mrs.  Hulda  Hoover,  of  Madrid ;  and  Mrs.  Nellie  Erickson,  also  of  that  city. 
The  four  eldest,  Sophia,  Carolina,  Louise  and  Charles,  are  deceased.  All  were 
born  in  Sweden  with  the  exception  of  Mrs.  Erickson.  who  is  a  native  of  Boone 
county.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carlson  have  five  children,  who  were  born  in  Madrid 
and  reared  there.  They  all  graduated  from  the  Madrid  high  school.  They  are: 
E.  C,  now  a  traveling  salesman  for  the  Washburn-Crosby  Milling  Company  of 


130  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

* 

Minneapolis,  residing  in  Madrid;  Harry  Robert,  born  February  8,  18.4,  who  is 
engaged  in  the  general  merchandise  business  in  Madrid ;  Clarence,  born  October 
2,  18.S6,  assistant  cashier  in  the  Farmers  Savings  Bank  of  Madrid;  William 
Arthur,  liorn  May  5,  i88g,  a  clerk  in  E.  Hancock's  clothing  store  in  Madrid;  and 
Anna  Sell  Dora,  born  December  19,  1891,  who  resides  with  her  parents. 

Jacob  M.  Carlson  is  a  republican  and  loyal  to  the  standards  of  that  party. 
He  has  been  a  member  of  the  town  council  of  Madrid,  rendering  valuable^  serv- 
ice, and  as  county  supervisor  continues  his  record  as  an  efficient  official.  Mrs. 
Carlson  is  a  member  of  the  Swedish  Mission  church  of  Madrid,  while  Mr.  Carl- 
son belongs  to  Star  Lodge,  No.  115,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  the  local  lodges  of  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America.  He  has  held  various  fraternal  oflices.  Mr.  Carlson 
owns  several  tracts  of  real  estate  in  Douglass  township  and  has  personal  and 
business  property  in  Madrid.  He  has  acquired  a  competency  because  he  is  indus- 
trious, energetic  and  thrifty.  His  well  furnished  home  is  the  meeting  place 
of  his  many  friends,  who  often  enjoy  the  hospitality  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carlson. 


JAMES  H.  NOYES,  M.  D. 

The  life  record  of  Dr.  James  H.  Noyes  spans  seventy-nine  years  and  it 
is  hoped  by  his  many  friends  that  it  will  continue  for  many  years  to  come,  for 
he  is  one  of  Boone  county's  most  valued  and  respected  citizens.  For  a  half 
century  he  engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine,  from  which  at  the  present  time 
he  has  practically  retired.  However,  he  is  president  of  the  Ogden  State  Bank 
and  is  a  stockholder  in  other  business  enterprises.  There  is  an  old  age  which 
grows  stronger  and  brighter  mentally  and  morally  as  the  years  go  by  and  gives 
out  of  its  rich  store  of  wisdom  and  experience  for  the  benefit  of  others.  Such  is 
the  record  of  Dr.  Noyes  of  Ogden.  A  native  of  Massachusetts,  he  was  born  in 
Gardner,  July  20,  1835,  and  is  a  son  of  Henry  J.  and  Jane  L.  (Gates)  Noyes, 
also  natives  of  Massachusetts.  The  father  was  a  chair  manufacturer  in  that 
state  and  there  passed  away  in  1872,  his  wife  surviving  him  until  1879. 

Dr.  Noyes  pursued  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native 
city  and  afterward  entered  Appleton  Academy  at  New  Ipswich,  New  Hamp- 
shire, where  he  remained  three  and  one-half  years.  He  next  became  a  student 
in  Burr  Seminary  in  Vermont,  where  he  pursued  a  short  course.  Later  he 
took  up  the  study  of  medicine,  to  which  he  devoted  four  years,  completing  his 
medical  course  at  Columbia  College,  New  York,  where  he  was  graduated  with 
the  class  of  i860.  He  then  began  practice  at  Nashua,  New  Hampshire,  where 
he  remained  until  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war,  when,  on  the  Gth  of  May,  1861, 
he  joined  the  Sixth  New  Hampshire  Volunteer  Infantry,  of  which  he  was  com- 
missioned assistant  surgeon.  He  went  to  Washington  and  was  attached  to  the 
Army  of  the  Potomac,  serving  under  Generals  Burnside,  McClellan  and  Grant. 
He  was  advanced  to  the  position  of  surgeon  of  the  Sixth  New  Hampshire,  with 
which  he  was  on  active  duty  until  after  the  close  of  hostilities,  or  for  about  five 
years.     He  was  in  practically  all  of  the  engagements  in  which  his  command  par- 


ME8.  .lAilE.S   II.   XOYES 


09^      ■-^'WV 


# 


DK.  JAMKS   H.  NOYES 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  135 

ticipated,  including  the  first  and  second  battles  of  Bull  Run;  Roanoke  Island; 
Camden,  North  Carolina;  Vicksburg,  Mississippi;  the  siege  of  Petersburg  and 
others,  being  present  at  the  time  of  the  surrender  of  General  Lee  at  Appomattox. 

It  was  in  December,  1865,  that  Dr.  Noyes  came  to  Iowa  settling  first  in  Cedar 
county,  where  he  engaged  in  practice  until  1867.  He  then  came  to  Ogden,  Boone 
county,  where  he  practiced  for  many  years,  devoting  a  half  century  of  his  life 
to  his  chosen  calling  before  he  retired  from  professional  activity.  He  was  the 
first  physician  to  arrive  in  Ogden  and  is  the  oldest  living  practitioner  in  his  part 
of  the  state.  On  the  establishment  of  the  Eleanor  Moore  Hospital  at  Boone 
he  became  one  of  the  trustees  and  has  so  continued  to  the  present  time.  While 
in  active  practice  he  always  kept  in  touch  with  the  advanced  thought  of  the  day, 
reading  broadly,  thinking  deeply  and  utilizing  his  knowledge  in  a  splendid  effort 
to  alleviate  human  suffering  and  restore  health.  That  his  efforts  were  attended 
with  a  gratifying  measure  of  success  is  indicated  in  the  large  practice  which  was 
always  accorded  him  up  to  the  time  of  his  retirement.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
Boone  County  Medical  Society,  of  which  he  has  served  as  president,  has  also 
been  president  of  the  Boone  District  Medical  Society,  comprising  several  coun- 
ties, and  is  a  member  of  the  Iowa  State  Medical  Society  and  the  American  Medi- 
cal Association. 

In  addition  to  his  practice  Dr.  Noyes  became  interested  in  business  affairs 
of  Ogden  and  is  now  president  of  the  Ogden  State  Bank,  which  was  reorganized 
from  a  private  bank  into  a  state  institution  in  1899,  since  which  time  Dr.  Noyes 
has  been  connected  with  it.  The  other  officers  are :  Orson  Clark,  vice  president ; 
S.  P.  Clark,  cashier;  and  W.  D.  Kruse,  assistant  cashier.  The  bank  is  capitalized 
for  twenty-five  thousand  dollars.  The  company  owns  the  building  which  it  occu- 
pies, which  is  of  the  very  latest  type  of  bank  construction,  splendidly  equipped 
with  furnishings,  vaults,  safety  deposit  boxes,  etc.  This  is  the  oldest  state  bank 
in  the  county  and  its  patronage  is  well  merited.  Dr.  Noyes  is  also  a  stockholder 
of  the  Boone  Brick  &  Tile  Company,  is  interested  in  business  property  in  Ogden 
and  owns  several  farms  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state,  all  of  which  he  has 
improved.  He  has  a  country  home  in  Hancock  county,  Iowa,  which  is  one  of 
the  best  developed  in  the  county  and  well  stocked  with  horses  and  cattle  of  high 
grade. 

On  the  31st  of  May,  1S66,  Dr.  Noyes  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah 
F.  Stone,  a  daughter  of  Naham  and  Caroline  M.  (Graves)  Stone,  natives  of  New 
Hampshire.  Three  children  were  born  unto  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Noyes:  Mary  S.,  now 
the  wife  of  William  R.  Shurtz,  of  Boone;  Josiah  G.,  who  died  in  1870;  and 
Helen,  who  died  in  infancy.  The  wife  and  mother  passed  away  February  27, 
1913,  after  an  illness  of  but  two  days. 

Dr.  Noyes  has  taken  a  very  active,  prominent  and  helpful  part  in  public 
affairs.  He  served  as  mayor  of  Ogden  for  nearly  twenty  years.  After  a  three 
months'  incumbency  of  another  in  that  position  he  was  called  to  the  office,  and 
no  higher  testimonial  of  his  capability,  fidelity  and  trustworthiness  can  be  given 
than  the  fact  that  he  was  again  and  again  reelected  to  the  position.  For  nearly 
twenty  years  he  has  been  pension  examiner,  holding  the  office  at  the  present  time. 
He  gave  to  the  city  a  beautiful  clock,  which  is  placed  on  the  Ogden  State  Bank 
building.  .Many  tangible  evidences  of  his  public  spirit  may  be  cited,  indicating 
his  deep  interest  in  the  general  welfare.     He  is  the  only  living  charter  member 


136  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

now  connected  with  Rhodes  Lodge,  No.  303,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  which  at  the  present 
writing  has  a  membership  of  eighty.  He  is  also  connected  with  the  Eastern  Star 
and  with  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Repubhc.  None  has  been  more  active  in 
support  of  j\Iasonry  in  Boone  county  than  Dr.  Noyes,  who  was  master  and  sec- 
retary of  his  lodge  for  nearly  twenty  years,  a  record  of  which  he  has  every  reason 
to  be  proud,  for  it  indicates  his  exemplification  of  the  high  principles  of  the  fra- 
ternity, a  fraternity  which  is  based  upon  mutual  helpfulness  and  brotherly  kind- 
ness. He  believes  firmly  in  the  principles  of  the  order  and  has  done  everything 
in  his  power  to  secure  their  adoption.  He  is  frequently  called  upon  to  deliver 
addresses  on  the  occasion  of  Memorial  Day  celebrations  and  upon  other  public 
occasions.  His  political  allegiance  has  always  been  given  to  the  republican 
party  since  its  organization.  He  attained  the  right  of  franchise  about  the  time 
the  party  sprang  into  existence  and  he  has  been  an  interested  witness  of  its  prog- 
ress and  the  manner  in  which  vital  political  situations  have  been  handled. 

His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Methodist  church.  He  was  a  member  of  the 
first  board  of  trustees  and  was  thus  active  in  the  building  of  the  church.  Mrs. 
Noyes  was,  too,  a  faithful  and  active  member  of  the  Methodist  church  and  was 
long  a  teacher  in  the  Sunday  school.  Before  her  marriage  she  was  a  teacher  in 
the  public  schools,  for  which  vocation  she  was  fitted  in  Washington,  D.  C.  Like 
her  husband,  her  interests  were  broad  and  her  activities  helpful.  She  manifested 
special  interest  in  connection  with  the  welfare  of  children  and  furthered  many 
progressive  movements  along  that  line.  At  the  time  of  her  death  she  was  presi- 
dent of  the  Glenwood  Cemetery  Association,  which  position  she  had  occupied 
fifteen  or  more  years.  At  all  times  she  was  a  most  womanly  woman,  beloved 
and  respected  by  all  who  knew  her,  so  that  her  death  was  the  occasion  of  deep 
and  widespread  regret.  Dr.  Noyes  shared  in  her  interests  in  the  various  move- 
ments for  the  benefit  of  mankind.  A  review  of  his  life  displays  many  char- 
acteristics worthy  of  emulation,  not  the  least  of  which  has  been  his  unfaltering 
loyalty  to  the  best  interests  of  his  community,  his  close  conformity  to  a  high  stand- 
ard of  professional  ethics  and  his  personal  integrity  and  honor.  No  man  enjoys 
more  fully  or  merits  more  sincerely  the  regard  and  good-will  of  all  with  whom 
he  has  come  in  contact. 


JAMES  WHITCOMB  McINTOSH. 

An  active,  busy  and  useful  life  has  brought  James  W'hitcomb  Mcintosh  to 
a  point  where  he  can  put  aside  active  business  cares  and  live  retired  in  the 
enjoyment  of  the  fruits  of  his  former  toil.  Gradually  he  has  advanced  step  by 
step,  connected  at  dift'erent  times  with  commercial  and  industrial  interests  and 
also  with  official  duties  in  behalf  of  the  county.  He  was  born  in  Putnam  county. 
Indiana,  December  30,  1844,  and  is  a  son  of  William  and  Emily  (Parker)  Mcin- 
tosh. The  mother  was  a  native  of  Oldham  county,  Kentucky,  while  the  father 
was  born  in  Harrison  county,  Indiana.  He  made  farming  his  life  work  and 
in  pioneer  days  came  to  Iowa,  settling  just  west  of  Boone  in  October,  iS^i. 
He  found  here  a  little  village  with  but  limited  business  activity,  and  he  lived  to 
see  notable  changes  as  the  years  went  on.     He  was  at  all  times  deeply  interested 


I 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  137 

in  the  welfare  and  upbuilding  of  the  community  and  to  the  extent  of  his  oppor- 
tunities cooperated  in  the  work  of  public  progress.  He  had  for  forty-four 
years  been  a  resident  of  Boone  when  he  passed  away  in  1895.  His  wife,  sur- 
viving him  for  a  decade,  died  in  1905.  In  their  family  were  five  children: 
Alma,  who  is  now  the  widow  of  Wright  Harris  and  makes  her  home  in  Auburn, 
Nebraska ;  James  Whitcomb,  of  this  review :  Mary  Francis,  who  is  living  in 
Boone;  Clinton  DeWitt,  who  died  in  early  manhood;  and  Nancy  E.,  a  resident 
of  Boone  county. 

James  W.  Mcintosh  was  but  seven  years  of  age  when  brought  by  his  parents 
to  Iowa  and  has  since  lived  in  Boone  county,  with  the  interests  of  which  he 
has  been  thoroughly  identified  as  time  has  passed  on.  In  his  youth  he  was  sur- 
rounded by  the  conditions  and  environments  of  pioneer  life.  He  pursued  his 
early  education  in  the  district  schools  and  afterward  spent  a  year  and  a  half 
as  a  student  in  Oskaloosa  College  at  Oskaloosa.  Iowa.  He  next  entered  Bryant 
&  Stratton's  Business  College  at  Chicago,  there  pursuing  a  commercial  course, 
after  which  he  returned  to  Boone  and  for  some  time  was  connected  with  mer- 
cantile interests.  For  three  years  he  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  and  sub- 
sequently became  associated  with  the  lumber  trade,  remaining  as  manager  of 
the  Farmer  Lumber  Company  for  about  three  years.  He  was  then  called  to 
public  office  in  his  appointment  to  the  position  of  deputy  auditor,  in  which 
capacity  he  served  for  six  years.  He  next  engaged  in  the  grain  business,  buying 
and  shipping  with  the  McFarlin  Grain  Company  of  Des  Moines  for  sixteen 
years,  and  during  that  time  he  also  spent  three  years  as  agent  for  the  Des 
Moines  &  Northern  Railroad  Company.  He  ever  displayed  close  applica- 
tion, unfaltering  energy  and  determination,  and  those  qualities  constituted  the 
salient  features  in  the  attainment  of  the  success  which  now  enables  him  to  live 
retired  and  enjoy  the  comforts  of  life  without   further  recourse  to  labor. 

On  the  9th  of  May,  1867,  Air.  Mcintosh  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Josephine  Ketchum,  a  daughter 'of  Daniel  C.  and  Cordelia  (Cummings)  Ket- 
chum.  who  were  natives  of  Massachusetts  and  in  1864  arrived  in  Boone.  The 
father  was  a  watchmaker  and  jeweler  by  trade  and  conducted  business  along 
those  lines  in  this  city.  His  life's  labors  were  ended  in  death  on  the  24th  of 
December,  1909,  and  his  wife  jiassed  away  in  April,  1906.  Their  daughter, 
Mrs.  Mcintosh,  was  their  only  child,  and  by  her  marriage  she  has  become  the 
mother  of  four  children ;  Emily  Cordelia,  who  died  in  childhood ;  Maud,  the 
wife  of  S.  A.  Boone,  living  in  the  city  of  Boone;  Sibyl,  wdio  also  passed  away 
in  childhood ;  and  James  Lawrence,  a  resident  of  Oklahoma  City. 

.Mr.  Mcintosh  has  long  given  his  unfaltering  poHtical  support  to  the  demo- 
cratic party,  and  has  served  as  a  member  of  the  city  council,  exercising  his 
official  prerogatives  in  support  of  many  measures  for  the  general  good.  He 
belongs  to  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  has  filled  all  of  the  offices  in  the  local 
lodge,  while  in  his  life  he  exemplifies  the  beneficient  spirit  of  the  craft.  An 
interesting  point  in  the  life  record  of  Mr.  Mcintosh  is  the  fact  that  in  1854  he 
was  called  upon  to  read  the  Declaration  of  Independence  at  the  4th  of  July 
celebration  and  again,  a  half  century  later,  he  was  called  upon  for  the  same 
service  in  connection  with  the  pioneer  celebration.  He  is  today  one  of  the  oldest 
residents  of  Boone  county  in  years  of  continuous  connection  therewith,  hav- 
ing for  sixty-three  years  made  his  home  in  this  county.     His  life,  ever  honor- 


138  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

able  and  upright  in  its  purposes  and  manly  and  sincere  in  action,  has  won  for 
him  the  high  regard  of  young  and  old,  rich  and  poor.  He  is  an  authority  upon 
many  matters  connected  with  the  early  history  of  the  county,  and  events  of 
which  others  know  only  by  hearsay  he  has  witnessed.  He  has  lived  to  see 
remarkable  changes,  as  the  district  has  become  thickly  settled  by  a  prosperous 
and  contented  people,  who  have  converted  wild  land  into  productive  farms  or 
established  enterprising  commercial  and  industrial  interests,  that  have  resulted 
in  the  upbuilding  of  growing  and  progressive  towns  and  cities. 


WILLIAM  PAULSON. 


An  e.xcellent  farm  of  one  hundred  acres  on  section  i6,  Amaqua  township,  is 
the  property  of  William  Paulson  and  the  improvements  found  thereon  are  evi- 
dences of  his  life  of  well  directed  energy  and  thrift.  Today  his  is  one  of  the 
finest  improved  farms  in  the  county.  He  has  always  lived  in  this  section  of  the 
state,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Boone,  January  20,  1875.  His  p^irents,  Georo-e 
and  Anna  (Cook)  Paulson,  were  natives  of  Germany  and  on  coming  to  America 
established  their  home  in  Boone  about  the  year  1871.  The  father  engaged  in 
teaming  and  also  worked  in  the  brewery  for  some  time,  but  afterward  turned 
his  attention  to  general  agricultural  pursuits,  renting  a  tract  of  land  whereon 
he  engaged  in  farming.  He  operated  his  first  place  until  1887  and  then  pur- 
chased one  hundred  and  fifty  acres  in  Amaqua  township.  Prosperity  attended 
him  in  this  venture  and  as  his  financial  resources  increased  he  added  to  his 
property  from  time  to  time  until  he  now  owns  two  hundred  and  ninety  acres  on 
sections  9  and  16.  He  improved  this  place  in  notable  manner,  erecting  two  sets 
of  buildings,  adding  all  modern  equipments  and  securing  the  latest  improved 
machinery  to  facilitate  the  work  of  the  fields.  He  continued  to  operate  the  farm 
until  1904,  when  he  lost  his  wife  in  death,  and  then  retired.  He  is  still  residing 
on  the  old  home  place  with  his  son  at  the  age  of  si.xty-nine  years.  His  wife  was 
sixty-three  years  of  age  when  she  passed  away. 

William  Paulson  was  reared  and  educated  in  Amaqua  township,  the  public 
schools  affording  him  his  educational  privileges.  His  training  at  farm  work 
was  thorough  and  brought  to  him  a  knowledge  of  the  value  of  industry,  economy 
and  determination.  He  remained  with  his  parents  until  he  reached  the  age  of 
twenty-three  years  and  then  purchased  his  present  farm,  becoming  owner  of 
one  hundred  acres  on  section  16,  Amaqua  township.  With  characteristic  energy 
he  took  up  the  task  of  developing  the  place  and  today  has  one  of  the  finest 
improved  farms  in  the  county.  His  home  is  an  attractive  residence,  commodious 
and  of  modern  style  of  architecture.  There  are  good  buildings  for  the  shelter 
of  grain  and  stock,  and  everything  about  the  place  indicates  his  careful  super- 
vision and  progressive  methods.  Stock-raising  is  a  leading  feature  of  his  place, 
and  he  makes  a  specialty  of  handling  thoroughbred  Hereford  cattle,  Belgian 
horses  and  Chester  White  hogs. 

In  September,  18(97,  Mr.  Paulson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Anna  Biel- 
feldt,  a  daughter  of  Henning  and  Catherine  (Peters)  Bielfeldt,  who  were  natives 
of  Germany  and  on  coming  to  America  in  1866  settled  in  Clinton,  Iowa.     The 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  139 

following  year  they  removed  to  Boone  county,  where  Mr.  Bielfeldt  purchased  land 
in  Amaqua  township,  which  he  improved  and  cultivated  until  1898.  He  then 
retired  from  active  farm  life  and  established  his  home  in  Ogden,  where  he  resided 
until  his  death,  which  occurred  March  27,  1908,  when  he  was  sixty-eight  years 
of  age.  His  widow  survives  and  now  makes  her  home  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Paulson 
at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years.  Three  children  have  been  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Paulson:  Edward,  sixteen  years  of  age;  and  Wesley  and  Leslie,  twins,  aged 
fourteen. 

The  religious  faith  of  the  family  is  that  of  the  German  Lutheran  church  and 
they  are  interested  in  all  that  tends  to  promote  the  moral  as  well  as  the  material 
progress  of  the  community.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Paulson  is  an  earnest  repub- 
lican, well  versed  on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day,  and  he  is  now  serving  for 
his  fourth  term,  or  eight  years,  as  assessor  of  Amaqua  township,  the  duties  of 
which  he  has  ever  discharged  with  promptness  and  fidelity,  his  official  career 
reflecting  credit  upon  himself  and  proving  entirely  satisfactory  to  his  constituents. 
As  one  of  the  native  sons  of  Boone  county  he  is  well  known,  having  spent  his 
entire  life,  covering  thirty-nine  years,  within  its  borders. 


JOHN  HENRY  EADE. 


John  Henry  Eade,  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the  Boone  Blank  Book  Com- 
pany, is  thus  closely  associated  with  one  of  the  important  business  enterprises 
of  Boone.  Moreover,  he  is  a  recognized  leader  in  the  ranks  of  the  republican 
party  and  has  been  called  to  several  local  offices,  the  duties  of  which  he  has  dis- 
charged with  promptness  and  fidelity.  He  was  born  in  Linden,  Iowa  county, 
Wisconsin,  October  29,  1865,  and  is  a  son  of  Nicholas  and  Josephine  (Heath- 
cock)  Eade,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  England.  The  father  came  to 
America  as  a  young  man  of  eighteen  years,  devoting  his  life  to  the  occupation 
of  mining  gold.  He  traveled  all  over  the  United  States,  British  Columbia  and 
South  America  in  that  connection.  In  1875  he  came  to  Boone  county,  and  his 
last  days  were  spent  in  Ogden,  Iowa,  where  he  passed  away  on  the  ist  of  June, 
1886.  His  widow  survives  and  now  makes  her  home  in  Des  Moines.  They  were 
the  parents  of  five  children,  two  daughters  and  three  sons:  Ida  M.,  who  is 
with  her  mother  in  Des  Moines ;  John  Henry,  of  this  review ;  Mary  A.,  the 
wife  of  C.  |.  Engleen,  also  of  Des  Moines;  Joseph  W.,  deceased;  and  William 
J.,  whose  home  is  in  Newark,  Ohio. 

John  Henry  Eade  completed  his  education  in  the  high  school  at  Ogden, 
Iowa,  when  eighteen  years  of  age.  He  was  a  lad  of  nine  years  when  brought 
by  his  parents  to  Iowa  and  has  since  made  his  home  in  this  state.  He  was  en- 
gaged in  mercantile  lines  for  about  nine  years  after  putting  aside  his  text-books 
and  then  entered  the  field  of  real  estate  and  insurance,  in  which  he  spent  about 
three  years.  He  next  became  deputy  clerk  of  the  district  court,  which  office  he 
filled  for  three  years,  and  on  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  was  elected  in  1900 
clerk  of  the  court  for  a  term  of  four  years.  He  proved  prompt,  capable  and 
efficient  in  the  position  and  retired  from  the  office  as  he  had  entered  it — with 
the  confidence  and  good-will   of   all  concerned.      He   was   afterward  connected 


140  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

with  the  Boone  Blank  Book  Company  for  five  years  and  then  opened  a  book  store, 
in  which  he  spent  a  year  and  a  half.  He  then  merged  his  interests  into  the 
business  of  the  Boone  Blank  Book  Company  and  has  since  then  been  identified 
with  that  corporation,  acting  as  manager,  secretary  and  treasurer.  In  these  con- 
nections he  is  largely  controlling  the  interests  of  the  business  and  is  giving  proof 
of  his  capability  to  meet  and  manage  complex  conditions  and  coordinate  forces 
into  a  unified  and  resultant  whole. 

Air.  Eade  has  been  married  twice.  On  the  13th  of  August,  1S90,  he  wedded 
Harriett  R.  Burnside,  and  after  a  happy  married  life 'of  about  eight  years  she 
passed  away  July  13,  1898,  leaving  a  daughter,  Lilah,  who  is  now  the  wife  of 
E.  T.  Beiser,  of  Boone.  On  the  29th  of  July,  1904,  Mr.  Eade  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Lulu  B.  ^^'agner,  a  native  of  Crawford  county,  Iowa.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Eade  hold  membership  in  the  Methodist  church,  and  he  belongs  also  to  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  lodge.  He  has  voted  with  the  republican  party  since  age  con- 
ferred upon  him  the  right  of  franchise  and  is  thoroughly  conversant  with  the  prin- 
cipal features  which  divide  the  great  political  organizations.  He  is  never  remiss 
in  the  duties  of  citizenship,  whether  of  a  local  or  national  character,  and  during 
his  residence  in  Boone  has  contributed  to  various  movements  and  measures  which 
have  been  of  notable  worth  and  value  as  factors  in  the  upbuilding  of  the  city. 


P.  D.  GRAY. 


P.  D.  Gray,  a  leading  and  prosperous  citizen  of  Boone  countv.  has  here 
resided  for  more  than  four  decades  and  is  now  living  retired  in  Beaver.  His 
birth  occurred  in  Maryland  on  the  27th  of  June,  1843,  'lis  parents  being  Peter 
and  Elizabeth  (Chester)  Gray,  who  were  likewise  natives  of  that  state.  The 
father,  who  devoted  his  attention  to  general  agricultural  pursuits  in  ^Maryland 
throughout  his  active  business  career,  passed  away  in  that  state  in  1881.  The 
mother  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  the  year  1852. 

P.  D.  Gray  was  reared  and  educated  in  the  state  of  his  nativity  and  was  a 
young  man  of  nineteen  when  on  the  22d  of  August,  1862,  he  enlisted  for  service 
in  the  Civil  war  as  a  member  of  Company  F,  Third  Maryland  Infantrv,  con- 
tinuing with  that  command  until  the  cessation  of  hostilities  between  the  north 
and  the  south.  For  a  period  of  seven  and  a  half  months  he  was  held  a  prisoner 
at  Danville,  Virginia. 

After  returning  to  Maryland  Mr.  Gray  there  worked  as  a  blacksmith  for 
two  years  and  on  the  expiration  of  that  period  removed  to  Ogle  county,  Illinois, 
where  he  worked  at  his  trade  for  a  short  time.  Subsequently  he  w-as  there 
employed  as  a  farm  hand  for  three  years  and  then  followed  farming  on  his 
own  account  for  one  year.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  made  his  way  to  Iowa, 
locating  in  Story  county,  where  he  was  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  for  one 
year  and  then  came  to  Boone  county.  Here  he  continued  in  the  service  of  the 
Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railway  for  about  seven  years  and  afterward  again 
turned  his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits,  purchasing  land  at  six  dollars  per 
acre.  He  followed  farming  successfully  for  about  eleven  years  and  was  then 
obliged  to  abandon  the  work  of  the  fields  because  of  impaired  health,  taking  up 


MK.   AND   MRS.   P.   D.  GRAY 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  143 

his  abode  in  Beaver,  where  he  has  resided  continuously  since  and  where  he 
owns  considerable  property.  He  is  now  spending  the  evening  of  life  in  honor- 
able retirement,  having  accumulated  a  comfortable  competence  during  former 
years  of  toil. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1868,  Mr.  Gray  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Miss  Mary 
E.  Bowers,  a  daughter  of  David  and  Nancy  A.  (Reynold)  Bowers,  who  were 
natives  of  Maryland.  The  father,  who  spent  his  entire  life  in  that  state,  passed 
away  in  1868,  while  the  mother  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  July,  1902,  when 
ninety-two  years  of  age.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gray  became  the  parents  of  twelve 
children,  as  follows:  Orphia  J.,  who  is  the  wife  of  C.  S.  Powers,  of  Moulton, 
Iowa;  Edward  E.,  a  resident  of  Bruno.  Minnesota;  John  H.,  living  in  Ohio; 
N.  Anna,  who  is  the  wife  of  John  Sifrit.  of  Beaver,  this  county ;  Charles,  who 
makes  his  home  in  California;  Frank  L.,  whose  demise  occurred  in  1878;  Daniel 
A.,  a  resident  of  Des  Moines,  Iowa;  Cynthia  A.,  twin  sister  of  Daniel,  who  is 
the  wife  of  Calvin  Shadle,  a  farmer  of  Boone  county;  Mary  E.,  who  gave  her 
hand  in  marriage  to  George  Stubbs,  of  Ogden,  Iowa ;  Blaine  E. ;  Arthur  W., 
at  home;  and  Elsie  M.,  the  wife  of  Fred  Harten,  a  farmer  of  Boone  county. 

Mr.  Gray  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  his  fellow  townsmen,  recognizing 
his  worth  and  ability,  have  chosen  him  for  ])ositions  of  public  trust.  He  has 
held  the  offices  of  notary  public,  justice  of  the  peace,  trustee,  assessor  and  road 
supervisor  of  Amaqua  township  and  in  these  various  connections  has  discharged 
his  duties  capably  and  commendably.  lie  likewise  served  as  postmaster  for  two 
terms,  proving  an  efficient  and  po])ular  incumbent  in  the  position.  Mr.  Gray 
is  identified  fraternally  with  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen  and  still 
maintains  pleasant  relations  with  his  old  army  comrades  through  his  membership 
in  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Meth- 
odist church.  He  has  always  been  interested  in  the  development  of  the  com- 
munity and  has  supported  all  movements  calculated  to  advance  the  welfare  of 
its  citizens.  His  practical  ideas  and  progressive  methods,  as  manifested  in  the 
discharge  of  his  duties  in  both  public  and  private  life,  no  less  than  his  sterling 
qualities  of  character,  have  won  him  the  esteem  and  high  regard  of  many. 


CHARLES  H.  WILLIAMS. 

Charles  H.  Williams  is  not  only  a  successful  agriculturist  of  Marcy  town- 
ship, but  for  a  number  of  years  was  connected  with  business  affairs,  dealing 
in  grain,  live  stock  and  implements  in  Ogden.  He  was  born  in  Wisconsin  on 
July  13,  1861,  and  is  a  son  of  John  T.  S.  and  Jane  Williams,  who  are  mentioned 
elsewhere  in  this  work. 

Mr.  Williams  of  this  review  attended  school  in  Wisconsin,  completing  his 
education  in  Boone  county.  He  remained  on  his  father's  farm  until  the  latter 
engaged  in  the  mercantile  business,  when  Charles  Williams  became  a  clerk  for 
him.  continuing  so  for  about  eight  months.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  went  to 
Mitchell,  South  Dakota,  where  he  remained  a  year,  after  which  he  returned, 
farming  the  old  home  place  in  association  with  his  brother.  He  then  moved 
onto  eighty  acres  which  his  father  gave  him  and  which  are  situated  on  section 


144  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

i8,  Marcy  township.  He  gave  his  sole  attention  to  improving  this  place  and  has 
operated  the  same  ever  since,  having  transformed  it  into  one  of  the  most  lucra- 
tive agricultural  properties  of  the  neighborhood.  In  1904  he  engaged  in  the 
implement,  grain  and  live-stock  business  in  Ogden  in  partnership  with  Nylander 
Brothers,  the  firm  being  known  as  Nylander  Brothers  &  Williams.  They  con- 
tinued for  about  eight  years,  when  they  liquidated  their  business.  Mr.  Wil- 
liams has  since  given  his  sole  time  to  his  farm,  which  stands  as  evidence  of 
his  incessant  industry  and  his  enterprise.  He  today  not  only  enjoys  the  dis- 
tinction of  owning  one  of  the  most  profitable  farms  of  Marcy  township,  but 
he  must  be  numbered  among  those  men  who  are  forces  in  the  development  of 
their  district. 

On  September  9,  1S85,  Charles  H.  Williams  married  Miss  Delia  Bennett, 
a  daughter  of  John  and  Nanny  (Crase)  Bennett,  natives  of  England.  The 
parents  came  to  America  many  years  ago  and  in  the  '40s  located  in  Wisconsin. 
During  the  gold  excitement  Mr.  Bennett  made  for  the  Golden  state  and  during 
the  wild  years  of  the  gold  fever  was  killed  there.  His  widow  survived  him 
many  years,  passing  away  August  i.  1907.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  have  three 
children:  Olive  M.,  the  wife  of  Al  Berglund,  residents  of  Boone;  Lillian 
Fern,  aged  fifteen ;  and  Margaret  L.,  who  is  thirteen.  Mr.  Williams  has  always 
taken  a  laudable  interest  in  educational  matters  and  at  present  is  president  of 
the  school  board.  His  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  democratic  party,  and 
his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Methodist  church.  Along  agricultural  lines  he 
specializes  in  cattle-raising  and  markets  about  a  carload  of  cattle  yearly.  He 
is  a  valuable  and  useful  citizen  and  has  contributed  his  full  share  toward  that 
development  which  has  brought  prosperity  to  Iowa. 


OTTO  HILE. 


Boone  has  been  signally  favored  in  the  class  of  men  who  have  occupied  her 
ofiices,  for  on  the  whole  they  have  been  public-spirited  citizens,  loyal  to  the  inter- 
ests intrusted  to  their  care  and  faithful  in  the  discharge  of  their  duties.  To  this 
class  belongs  Otto  Hile,  who  is  now  serving  for  the  ninth  year  as  city  clerk. 
having  made  a  splendid  record  in  the  position.  He  was  born  at  Cedar  Rapids, 
Iowa,  August  23,  1864,  and  is  a  son  of  Henry  and  Barbara  (Otterbein)  Hile. 
The  father  became  one  of  the  pioneer  grocers  of  Boone,  to  which  city  he  removed 
in  the  fall  of  1865.  For  a  considerable  period  he  was  connected  with  commercial 
activity  here  and  was  regarded  as  one  of  the  progressive  and  representative 
business  men.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  now  deceased.  In  their  family  were 
but  two  children,  the  daughter  being  Miss  Kate  Hile,  of  Boone. 

The  son.  Otto  Hile,  was  a  pupil  in  the  public  schools  of  Boone,  where  he  has 
made  his  home  from  infancy.  He  also  pursued  a  business  course  at  Burlington, 
Iowa,  and  upon  his  return  joined  his  father  in  the  grocery  business,  remaining 
with  him  until  the  father's  death.  Otto  Hile  afterward  continued  the  business 
alone  until  April,  1898.  Subsequently  he  was  connected  with  other  mercantile 
lines  as  salesman  until  1905,  when  he  was  appointed  city  clerk  by  the  city  council 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  145 

and   has   since  continued   in  that  position,  making  a  most  creditable  record   in 
the  office. 

In  July,  1896,  Mr.  Hile  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Emma  Coleman,  a 
native  of  Omaha,  Nebraska,  and  to  them  have  been  born  two  children,  Ruth  and 
Frances.  Mr.  Hile  is  independent  in  his  political  views,  supporting  men  and 
measures  rather  than  party  and  voting  as  his  judgment  dictates  without  regard 
to  partv  ties.  There  is  an  interesting  military  chapter  in  his  life  record,  for  in 
1886  he  joined  the  Iowa  National  Guard,  with  which  he  was  connected  until 
after  the  Spanish-American  war.  OfTering  his  services  to  his  countr>'  for  active 
duty  in  the  war  with  Spain,  he  was  mustered  in  on  the  26th  of  April,  1898,  as 
major  of  the  Fifty-second  Iowa  \'olunteer  Infantry,  and  remained  with  that 
command  until  mustered  out  in  the  following  October.  Mr.  Hile's  life  has  at  all 
time  been  honorable  and  upright,  commanding  for  him  the  confidence  and  good- 
will of  all  with  whom  he  has  been  brought  in  contact.  No  higher  testimonial 
of  his  capability  in  office  could  be  given  than  the  fact  that  he  has  been  so  long 
retained  in  this  position.  He  is  systematic  and  methodical  in  the  work  of  the 
office,  prompt  and  painstaking,  and  his  loyalty  to  the  best  interests  of  the  com- 
munity both  as  an  office-holder  and  as  a  private  citizen  is  widely  recognized. 


H.  RAY  AKERS. 


H.  Ray  Akers  is  one  of  the  younger  generation  of  shrewd  and  able  business 
men  of  Ogden,  Iowa,  where  he  represents  the  W.  F.  Priebe  Company,  who  are 
engaged  in  the  poultry,  butter,  egg  and  cream  business,  the  firm  maintaining 
headquarters  in  Chicago.  Mr.  Akers  is  the  Ogden  manager  and  as  such  is 
widely  and  favorably  known  in  business  and  agricultural  circles.  He  is  a  native 
of  Ogden,  born  August  i,  1883,  and  a  son  of  E.  E.  and  Emma  (Enfield)  Akers. 
The  father  was  born  in  Fulton  county,  Pennsylvania,  April  11,  1858,  and  was  a 
son  of  Charles  and  Margaret  (Hill)  Akers,  also  natives  of  the  Keystone  state. 
Charles  Akers  followed  agricultural  pursuits  in  Pennsylvania  and  upon  coming 
to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  1868  bought  land  which  he  cultivated  throughout 
the  remainder  of  his  life.  His  wife  had  passed  away  before  he  left  their  native 
state. 

Their  son  E.  E.  Akers  was  but  ten  years  of  age  when  his  parents  removed  to 
Boone  county  and  was  therefore  principally  educated  in  Iowa.  Upon  leaving 
school  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  painting  and  paper-hanging  trade,  which  he 
followed  during  practically  all  of  his  life,  with  the  exception  of  two  years  in 
which  he  was  engaged  in  farming  in  Hancock  county,  where  he  owned  property. 
Mr.  Akers  died  November  27,  1905,  when  but  forty-seven  years  of  age,  his  demise 
causing  sincere  sorrow  to  his  many  friends.  On  April  11,  1882,  he  was  married 
to  Miss  Emma  Enfield,  a  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Harriett  (Vanarsdale)  Enfield, 
who  were  born  in  Indiana  and  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  1861.  There 
Mr.  Enfield  acquired  title  to  land  which  he  operated  until  his  death.  His  wife 
has  also  passed  away.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  E.  E.  Akers  had  seven  children:  H.  Ray; 
Mabel,  deceased;  Ethel,  who  married  Frank  Taggart,  of  Spokane,  Washington; 
and  Bessie,  Edith,  Carl  and  Merle,  all  at  home.     The  father  gave  his  political 


146  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  in  his  religious  faith  was  a  Methodist. 
He  gave  his  hearty  support  to  public  enterj^rises  and  always  took  an  interest  in 
the  upbuilding  of  his  community. 

H.  Ray  Akers  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof  and  in  the  acquirement 
of  his  education  attended  the  public  schools,  graduating  from  the  Ogden  high 
school  with  the  class  of  1902.  He  then  learned  the  trade  of  a  painter  and 
paper-hanger  with  his  father  and  successfully  continued  in  that  line  of  business 
until  igi2,  when  he  accepted  the  position  of  manager  for  the  W.  F.  Priebe  Com- 
pany of  Chicago.  This  firm  is  extensively  engaged  in  the  poultry,  butter,  egg 
and  cream  business  and  Mr.  Akers  occupies  an  important  position  in  business 
circles  of  Ogden,  where  he  has  entire  charge  of  the  affairs  of  his  firm.  Their 
business  is  entirely  wholesale. 

On  April  23,  1906,  Mr.  Al;.ers  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Esther  Daniel- 
son,  a  daughter  of  Charles  and  Hulda  Danielson,  who  were  born  in  Sweden 
and  upon  coming  to  America  located  in  Boone  county,  Iowa.  In  an  early  day 
her  father  was  engaged  in  farming  in  Cass  township,  operating  land  until  his 
recent  retirement  from  active  labor,  when  he  removed  to  Aladrid.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Akers  have  two  children:  Maxine,  aged  six  years;  and  Kenneth,  aged 
four. 

Mr.  Akers  gives  his  political  support  to  the  same  party  as  did  his  father, 
being  a  stanch  republican.  However,  he  is  not  an  office  seeker  but  gives  his 
undivided  attention  to  his  business  affairs,  although  he  takes  a  lively  interest 
in  public  enterprises  and  is  ever  ready  to  materially  support  measures  which 
will  prove  of  benefit  to  his  community.  By  his  business  activities  he  has"  stimu- 
lated trade  and  he  has  made  himself  a  valuable  factor  in  commercial  life  of 
Ogden.  His  religious  adherence  is  given  to  the  Methodist  church  and  he  is 
interested  in  its  work  and  in  its  various  branches  of  activity.  Yet  a  young  man, 
Mr.  Akers  has  already  made  for  himself  a  substantial  position  in  life  and  con- 
tinued success  may  be  safely  prophesied  for  him. 


BENJAMIN   M.   DAWKINS. 

Benjamin  M.  Dawkins,  now  in  his  eightieth  year,  is  living  retired  in  Boone, 
residing  in  the  home  of  L.  \\'.  Johnson  on  Twenty-second  street.  Always  a  resi- 
dent of  the  middle  west,  he  has  lived  to  witness  remarkable  changes,  for  in  the 
period  of  his  boyhood  Indians  were  not  far  from  his  home  and  there  were  great 
stretches  of  uncut  forests  and  unbroken  prairies  throughout  the  middle  Missis- 
sippi valley. 

Mr.  Dawkins  was  born  in  Oldham  county,  Kentucky,  January  26.  1835.  a 
son  of  Johnson  and  Mary  (Ransdell)  Dawkins.  The  grandfather,  William 
Dawkins,  was  from  Virginia  and  removed  to  Henry  county,  Kentucky,  where 
Johnson  Dawkins  spent  the  period  of  his  youth.  In  1854  he  removed  to  Tippe- 
canoe county,  Indiana,  and  in  the  fall  of  1856  arrived  in  Boonesboro,  Iowa.  At 
that  time  there  was  only  one  building  in  what  is  now  the  city  of  Boone.  He 
had  purchased  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  near  Ridgeport  in  Dodge  town- 
ship and  upon  that  place  established  his  family  in   1856.     His  wife  had  died  in 


BENJAMIN  M.  DAWKINS 


J 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  149 

Kentucky,  but  he  brought  with  him  his  two  sons  and  two  daughters,  these  being 
Mrs.  Felicia  Dorcas  Pollard,  Mary  J.,  Thomas  and  Benjamin  M.  The  last 
named  is  the  only  one  now  living.  Other  sons  and  daughters  of  the  family 
were :  John  R.,  who  died  in  early  manhood ;  Lucy  ;  and  Elizabeth.  The  father 
afterward  spent  some  time  in  Madison  county,  Iowa,  and  died  in  Boone  county 
in  August,  1879,  his  funeral  services  being  held  on  the  6th  of  that  month.  He 
was  a  farmer  and  stockman  who  successfully  conducted  business.  He  also 
improved  land  in  Madison  county  and  was  a  well  known  and  highly  respected 
citizen. 

Benjamin  M.  Dawkins  was  reared  in  Kentucky  and  in  Indiana,  to  which 
state  the  family  removed  during  his  early  boyhood.  He  attended  school  in  both 
Indiana  and  in  Iowa.  Reared  upon  the  frontier,  he  also  had  the  experiences  of 
pioneer  life  in  this  state.  He  assisted  in  the  arduous  task  of  developing  a  new 
farm  and  continued  to  engage  in  general  agricultural  pursuits  until  about  1S75. 
He  then  established  a  drug  store  at  Ridgeport,  which  he  conducted  with  gnnv- 
ing  success  for  twenty-eight  years,  or  until  1903,  when  he  sold  out  and  has  since 
lived  practically  retired.  His  was  a  well  apijointed  store  and  his  honorable  deal- 
ing won  for  him  a  liberal  patronage  that  made  his  income  a  gratifying  one.  He 
now  has  some  coal  interests  in  Colorado  and  at  different  times  has  owned  small 
farms  in  this  section  of  the  state. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Dawkins  is  a  democrat,  giving  stalwart  support 
to  that  ])arty  since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise.  He  served  for 
four  years,  from  1868  until  1872,  as  sujiervisor  of  Boone  and  has  also  been 
township  trustee.  He  belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  Ridgeport 
and  is  well  known  in  the  county  where  he  has  so  long  made  his  home.  There 
have  been  no  spectacular  events  in  bis  life  history,  but  faithful  perfomiance  of 
duty  and  diligence  in  business  have  gained  him  a  comfortable  competency  and 
he  is  now  able  to  live  retired,  enjoying  the  fruits  of  his  former  toil. 


THOMAS  J.  BURDICK. 

Thomas  J.  Burdick,  a  representative  of  industrial  interests  in  Beaver,  is 
engaged  in  business  as  a  wagon  maker  and  has  long  been  numbered  among  the 
substantial  and  esteemed  citizens  of  the  community.  His  birth  occurred  in  New 
York  on  the  isth  of  January,  1838,  his  parents  being  Thomas  E.  and  Susan 
(Dibble)  Burdick,  who  were  likewise  natives  of  the  Empire  state.  The  father 
who  devoted  his  attention  to  general  agricultural  pursuits  throughout  his  active 
business  career,  passed  away  in  New  York,  in  1842,  at  the  age  of  forty-seven 
years.    The  mother  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  1898. 

In  the  acquirement  of  an  education  Thomas  J.  Burdick  attended  the  schools 
of  New  York,  Pennsylvania  and  Illinois.  He  left  the  state  of  his  nativity  when 
twelve  years  of  age  and  as  soon  as  he  became  old  enough  turned  his  attention  to 
agricultural  pursuits,  operating  a  farm  in  Illinois  for  a  number  of  years.  In 
that  state  he  likewise  worked  at  the  wagon  maker's  trade.  He  came  to  Boone 
county,  Iowa,  in  1875,  purchasing  a  farm  in  Amaqua  township  which  he  operated 
successfully  until   1892.     In  that  year  he  removed  to  Glidden,  Carroll   county. 


150  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

and  was  there  engaged  in  business  as  a  wagon  maker  until  1909,  when  he  re- 
turned to  Boone  county  and  purchased  property  at  Beaver.  Here  he  has  con- 
tinued as  a  wagon  maker  to  the  present  time,  enjoying  an  extensive  patronage 
in  that  connection  which  is  accorded  him  in  recognition  of  his  splendid  work- 
manship and  reliable  business  methods.  He  still  owns  an  eighty-acre  tract  in 
Amacjua  township. 

Mr.  Burdick  has  been  married  twice.  In  1863  he  wedded  Miss  Helen  Hin- 
man,  who  was  a  daughter  of  Stephen  Hinman  and  passed  away  after  two  weeks' 
illness,  in  1865.  Two  years  later  he  was  again  married,  his  second  union  being 
with  Mrs.  Elizabeth  (C'happel)  Hinman,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Mar>'  Chappel. 
Unto  them  was  born  one  child,  Mary  H.,  who  is  the  wife  of  George  Tuttle,  an 
agriculturist  of  Boone  county. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Burdick  is  a  republican,  loyally  supporting  the  men 
and  measures  of  that  party.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Presbyterian 
church.  He  has  now  passed  the  seventy-sixth  milestone  on  life's  journey  and 
enjoys  the  respect  and  veneration  which  .should  ever  be  accorded  one  who  has 
traveled  thus  far  on  this  earthly  pilgrimage  and  whose  career  has  been  at  all 
times  upright  and  honorable. 


G.  A.  SANDBERG. 


G.  A.  Sandberg  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  conduct  of  a  blacksmith  shop 
and  the  manufacture  of  wagons  in  Madrid.  Although  his  early  educational 
opportunities  were  limited,  he  is  a  well  informed  man,  as  he  has  been  a  lifelong 
student,  and  today  he  is  conversant  with  all  issues  and  questions  that  affect  the 
welfare  of  the  nation.  Mr.  Sandberg  is  a  close  observer  and  has  derived  much 
of  his  knowledge  from  travel.  He  also  studies  all  public  questions  intelligently 
and  cannot  be  confused  on  any  of  the  political  and  moral  controversies  that  arise. 
Moreover,  Mr.  Sandberg  is  a  most  successful  business  man  who  combines  the 
sturdy  qualities  of  his  native  race  with  the  aggressiveness  of  the  American 
business  man. 

G.  A.  Sandberg  was  born  in  Sweden,  October  13,  1853,  and  received  his 
schooling  in  that  country.  His  parents  were  Carl  F.  and  Louisa  Catharina 
Sandberg,  natives  of  Sweden,  who  are  now  deceased.  They  had  the  following 
children,  all  born  in  Sweden :  G.  A.,  of  this  review ;  Mrs.  Sophia  Anderson ; 
Bernard,  a  resident  of  Des  Moines,  Iowa :  Mrs.  Matilda  Lock,  also  of  that  city ; 
Mrs.  Emily  Reiberg  and  Andrew,  both  of  Sweden ;  John,  deceased ;  Mrs.  Bertha 
Falk,  who  also  resides  in  her  native  land ;  and  Werner,  a  blacksmith  of  Des 
Moines. 

Perceiving  the  opportunities  which  were  awaiting  young  men  on  this  side  of 
the  Atlantic,  Mr.  Sandberg  crossed  the  ocean,  landing  in  Canada,  January  i, 
1873.  Thence  he  crossed  the  border  into  the  United  States  at  Port  Huron  and 
from  there  went  to  Marquette,  Michigan,  where  he  worked  for  one  year.  He 
then  removed  to  Dubuque,  Iowa,  where  he  was  employed  by  the  Thomas  Con- 
nolly Company  and  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad.  He  next  made  his  way  to 
Fayette  county,  Iowa,  where  he  engaged  in   farm  work,  but  subsequently  went 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  151 

to  Webster  City,  where  he  was  employed  on  the  Hamilton  county  courthouse.  He 
then  did  some  work  on  the  Crooked  Creek  Railway  running  out  of  Lehigh  and 
subsequently  was  engaged  in  coal  mining  at  that  place.  Coming  to  Boone  county 
he  worked  for  a  time  in  a  brickyard  at  Boone  but  in  1879  returned  to  Hamilton 
county,  where  he  continued  work  along  the  same  line.  He  was  employed  in 
Webster  and  Boone  counties  up  to  September  26,  1882,  when  he  began  to  devote 
himself  entirely  to  his  trade  of  blacksmithing  and  woodworking  in  Madrid,  of 
which  city  he  has  been  a  resident  since.  He  left  his  native  land  on  account  of 
the  unsatisfactory  labor  conditions,  receiving  many  times  but  twenty-five  cents 
a  day  for  his  work.  By  industry,  economy  and  perseverance  he  has  built  up  one 
of  the  most  successful  blacksmithing  and  wagon  manufacturing  establishments 
in  Boone  county.  In  1883  he  formed  a  partnership  with  Rudolph  Schoonover 
and  they  have  since  been  most  successful  in  their  business  transactions.  The  shop 
is  one  of  the  best  equipped  in  the  county,  and  in  order  to  give  an  idea  as  to  the 
extent  of  their  business  it  may  be  stated  here  that  in  the  thirty-one  years  since- 
the  firm  has  been  established,  on  an  average  of  seven  hundred  plows  have  been 
sharpened  annually  in  their  shop.  A  ton  of  horseshoes  is  used  annually  and  quite 
a  number  of  top  buggies  and  spring  wagons  are  manufactured.  The  honorable 
methods  which  Mr.  Sandberg  follows  in  all  his  transactions  have  been  the  founda- 
tion of  his  success  and  he  enjoys  today  the  utmost  confidence  of  his  patrons  and 
the  people  of  Madrid.  Prosperity  has  come  to  him  because  he  has  been  untiring 
in  his  efforts  and  because  he  has  managed  his  business  affairs  circumspectly,  tak- 
ing advantage  of  opportunities  as  they  offered  themselves. 

In  1901,  after  an  absence  of  over  a  quarter  of  a  century,  Mr.  Sandberg 
returned  to  his  native  land  for  a  visit.  He  has  used  these  opportunities  of  travel 
for  observation  and  education  and  is  today  considered  one  of  the  best  informed 
men  upon  all  public  questions  in  Madrid.  He  was  first  attracted  to  that  city 
and  became  aware  of  its  possibilities  as  a  favorable  location  while  on  a  visit  to 
his  uncle.  Mason  Anderson,  in  1882.  Not  only  does  Mr.  Sandberg  speak 
Swedish  but  he  also  is  proficient  in  French  and  German,  which  was  of  decided 
advantage  to  him  as  the  first  person  he  met  in  Madrid  was  one  with  whom  he 
could  make  himself  understood  only  in  the  French  tongue.  Mr.  Sandberg  is 
equally  well  versed  in  English  and  he  has  therefore  the  advantage  of  drawing 
his  information  from  four  nationalities,  being  able  to  acquaint  himself  with  their 
views  and  progress  by  reading  in  their  own  languages.  Mr.  Sandberg  is  an 
expert  at  his  trade  and  this  has  been  one  of  the  causes  of  his  success.  When  he 
arrived  in  Madrid  this  was  his  greatest  asset,  for  his  cash  capital  was  but  small. 
He  experienced  sickness  and  other  drawbacks  and  obstacles,  hindrances  which 
would  have  discouraged  many  a  stout  heart,  but  he  never  lost  sight  of  the  goal 
and  moved  onward,  and  the  years  have  brought  him  the  reward  for  his  indomitable 
energy  and  incessant  labor. 

On  October  28,  1885.  G.  A.  Sandberg  married  Miss  Abigail  Fread,  who  was 
born  in  La  Salle  county,  Illinois,  April  27,  1856.  Both  her  parents  died  in  Illi- 
nois and  Mrs.  Sandberg  came  to  Boone  county  in  1881.  She  was  one  of  ten 
children,  as  follows :  Albert,  Absalom,  Philip,  James  and  Mrs.  Louis  Luther, 
all  of  Illinois;  Mrs.  Ellen  Bagwell,  of  California;  Mrs.  Abigail  Sandberg;  Mrs. 
Eva  Story,  also  of  the  Golden  state;  Mary  and  Angle,  both  of  Illinois.  The 
only  child  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sandberg  died  in  infancy. 


152  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Politically  G.  A.  Sandberg  is  independent,  preferring  to  follow  his  own 
judgment  in  the  support  of  measures  and  candidates.  He  has  taken  a  deep 
interest  in  all  public  questions  and  in  private  capacity  does  everything  in  his 
power  to  further  the  general  welfare.  The  progress  and  growth  of  Madrid  has 
been  stimulated  by  his  business  activities  and  by  his  personal  participation  in 
many  measures  that  have  proven  of  the  greatest  benefit  to  the  community. 
Fraternally  he  is  a  member  of  Star  Lodge,  No.  115,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Madrid, 
and  Mrs.  Sandberg  belongs  to  the  Eastern  Star,  Yeomen  and  Rebekah  lodges. 
They  own  a  handsome  modern  home  in  that  city  where  they  entertain  their  many 
friends.  ]\Ir.  Sandberg  is  very  popular  and  stands  high  in  the  community  not 
only  because  of  his  financial  success  but  because  he  embodies  those  qualities  of 
character  which  typify  honorable  manhood  and  loyalty  to  all  tasks  and  obliga- 
tions imposed  upon  him. 


ALBERT  B.  DEERING,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Albert  B.  Deering  is  one  of  the  successful  physicians  of  Boone,  interested 
in  all  that  pertains  to  his  profession  and  which  renders  his.  service  of  greater 
usefulness  and  value  to  his  fellowmen.  His  reading  has  been  wide  and  his  broad 
study  has  enabled  him  to  cope  with  many  of  the  intricate  and  complex  problems 
that  continually  confront  the  physician.  He  was  born  in  Moingona,  Boone 
county,  July  2'/,  1874,  a  son  of  Alpheus  A.  and  Martha  (Clift )  Deering,  natives 
of  Maine  and  of  Veniiont  respectively.  The  former  died  December  3,  1910,  but 
the  mother  survives  and  now  makes  her  home  in  San  Diego,  California.  On 
leaving  New  England,  they  became  residents  of  the  middle  west,  settling  in 
Boone  county  in  1868.  The  father  engaged  in  the  practice  of  medicine  at  JNIoin- 
gona  for  several  years  and  then  came  to  Boone,  where  he  followed  his  profession 
until  his  demise.  He  ranked  high  as  a  physician  and  surgeon  and  something  of 
his  standing  among  his  professional  brethren  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  he  was 
made  secretary  of  the  State  Medical  Society.  He  was  also  district  surgeon  for 
the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad.  Interested  in  affairs  pertaining  to  public 
progress,  he  did  everything  in  his  power  to  promote  advancement  along  material, 
intellectual,  social  and  moral  lines.  He  served  as  a  member  of  the  school  board 
and  at  one  time  was  also  postmaster  of  Boone.  To  him  and  his  wife  were  born 
four  children :  Charles  C,  who  is  now  living  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa ;  Albert  B. ; 
Judson  W.,  who  is  a  civil  engineer,  residing  at  San  Diego,  California ;  and  Elsie, 
the  wife  of  Percy  McDowell  of  Palo  Alto,  California. 

Liberal  educational  opportunities  were  accorded  Dr.  Albert  B.  Deering,  who 
was  a  student  in  the  Iowa  State  College  at  Ames  and  afterward  attended  the 
Iowa  State  University  at  Iowa  City,  spending  one  year  as  a  student  in  its  medical 
school.  He  then  entered  the  medical  department  of  the  Northwestern  Uni- 
versity at  Chicago  and  was  graduated  therefrom  with  the  class  of  1898.  He 
almost  immediately  afterward  volunteered  for  service  in  the  medical  department 
of  the  Forty-ninth  Iowa  Infantry,  with  which  he  was  connected  for  a  year  and 
then  returned  to  Boone,  where  he  has  since  practiced.     He  is  district  surgeon  for 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  153 

the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad  and  local  surgeon  for  the  Iowa  Railway 
Light  Company. 

On  the  i8th  of  December,  1901,  Dr.  Deering  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
jean  Miller,  a  native  of  Wyoming,  and  their  children  were  diree  in  number: 
Albert  B.,  who  was  born  April  7,  1905 ;  David  Miller,  born  January  29,  1907 ; 
and  Jean,  who  was  born  October  18,  1909,  and  passed  away  on  the  29th  of  July, 
191 1.  Dr.  Deering  is  independent  in  politics.  Fraternally  he  is  an  Elk  and  in 
religious  faith  a  Presbyterian.  He  possesses  a  broad  humanitarian  spirit,  and 
the  calls  of  his  fellowmen  make  strong  demand  upon  his  sympathy.  He  is  inter- 
ested in  everything  that  tends  to  a  broader  and  more  accurate  knowledge  of  the 
laws  concerning  the  preservation  and  restoration  of  health,  and  by  broad  reading 
he  is  constantly  adding  to  the  information  which  he  has  already  accjuired  and 
which  enables  him  to  successfully  cope  with  many  professional  problems. 


JOHN  W".  THOMPSON. 

John  W.  Thompson  is  a  business  veteran  of  Ogden,  Iowa,  where  he  was  for 
many  years  connected  with  the  publishing  business  as  editor  and  owner  of  the 
Boone  County  Messenger.  Since  191 1  he  has  lived  retired  in  the  enjoyment  of 
a  well  earned  competency.  He  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  September  9,  1833, 
and  is  a  son  of  James  and  Jane  (Park)  Thompson,  the  father  a  native  of  Mary- 
land and  the  mother  of  Pennsylvania.  James  Thompson  followed  agricultural 
pursuits  and  also  was  active  in  mercantile  life.  At  an  early  day  in  the  history 
of  Iowa  he  came  to  Greene  county,  where  he  bought  land,  but  he  passed  away 
shortly  after  his  arrival  there.  The  mother  died  in  Cedar  Rapids,  whence  the 
family  subsequently  came  to  Boone  county. 

John  W.  Thompson  was  reared  and  educated  in  Pennsylvania,  finishing  his 
course  at  a  private  school  in  that  state.  In  1852  he  went  with  the  family  to 
Cedar  Rapids,  Iowa,  the  trip  being  made  by  boat  from  Pittsburgh  to  Muscatine. 
They  then  drove  to  Cedar  Rapids,  where  the  father  made  entry  for  land,  and 
our  subject  well  remembers  when  he  plowed  corn  on  the  tract  where  West  Cedar 
Rapids  now  stands.  Mr.  Thompson  of  this  review  fanned  there  for  about 
two  years  but  in  1866  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  where  he  purchased  land 
to  the  extent  of  eighty-nine  acres.  This  tract  he  improved  and  operated  until 
1881,  acting  during  the  winter  months  as  principal  of  the  schools  of  Moingona 
for  some  time.  As  a  school  teacher  as  well  as  a  farmer  he  was  successful  and 
earned  the  respect  and  esteem  of  his  friends  and  neighbors.  Upon  coming  to 
Ogden  Mr.  Thompson  engaged  in  the  newspaper  business,  organizing  the  Boone 
County  Messenger.  This  paper  he  conducted  for  about  twenty  years.  Its  edi- 
torial policy  was  always  clean-cut,  while  particular  attention  was  given  to  the 
setting  forth  of  local  happenings.  Mr.  Thompson  not  only  proved  himself  an 
able  editor  but  he  was  a  successful  business  manager.  His  circulation  list  in- 
creased year  by  year,  and  his  advertising  patronage  gained  in  volume  and  quality. 
When  he  retired  from  the  newspaper  business  in  191I  he  had  built  up  a  valuable 
organ  in  the  country  press  of  the  state.  Mr.  Thompson  has  now  passed  his 
eightieth  year,  yet  he  is  very  active  and  interested  in  the  growth  and  development 


154  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

of  his  city  and  section,  to  which  he  contributed  so  much  in  his  newspaper 
■career. 

On  September  12,  1854,  John  W.  Thompson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mary  Rogers,  a  daughter  of  Henry  and  Frances  (Bixby)  Rogers,  natives  of  Penn- 
sylvania, who  went  to  Linn  county,  Iowa,  during  pioneer  days.  There  the  father 
engaged  in  farming,  operating  land  in  that  section  for  the  remainder  of  his  life. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thompson  became  the  parents  of  seven  children :  Mattie  E.,  who 
jnarried  S.  J.  Elliott  and  they  reside  in  Beaver,  Boone  county ;  Clara,  who  is 
teaching  school  in  St.  Paul,  Minnesota,  and  for  fourteen  years  was  principal  of 
the  Ogden  schools ;  May,  the  wife  of  Edward  Freeman,  a  passenger  conductor 
•on  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad;  Anna,  who  married  Dr.  Bradshaw, 
a  dentist  of  Ogden ;  Etta,  the  wife  of  C.  F.  Weaver,  a  newspaper  man  of  Ames, 
iy  whom  she  has  nine  children;  Wiley  J.,  who  passed  away  in  1865,  at  the  age 
of  two  years ;  and  one  who  died  in  infancy.  Mrs.  Thompson's  death  occurred 
in  1872  and  on  January  20,  1906,  Mr.  Thompson  married  Mrs.  Euretta  S. 
Brooks,  daughter  of  Joel  and  Betsy  (Hill)  Clark  and  the  widow  of  Harvey 
Brooks.  The  latter  was  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war  and  a  pioneer  of  Boone  county, 
where  he  passed  away  July  27,  1902. 

Mr.  Thompson  has  always  given  his  support  to  the  democratic  party  and 
stanchly  believes  in  the  principles  and  platform  of  that  organization.  He  has 
ever  interested  himself  in  public  affairs  and  for  a  number  of  years  served  as 
township  clerk.  His  religion  is  that  of  the  Methodist  church.  Much  credit  is 
due  Mr.  Thompson  not  only  for  his  accomplishments  in  his  own  behalf,  but  for 
the  service  which  he  rendered  his  community  in  his  semi-public  position  as  editor 
and  owner  of  the  Boone  County  Messenger.  He  has  ever  given  his  influence 
toward  promoting  improvements  and  has  taken  his  part  in  bringing  to  Ogden 
.and  Boone  county  the  conveniences  and  comforts  of  modern  civilization. 


ANDREW  G.  ANDERSON. 

Andrew  G.  Anderson  is  engaged  in  the  plumbing  business  in  Boone,  where  for 
twelve  years  he  has  conducted  his  present  establishment,  enjoying  growing  suc- 
cess as  time  has  passed  on.  He  was  born  in  Sweden,  July  26,  1867,  and  is  a 
■son  of  John  and  Sarah  Anderson,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  that  country, 
where  the  mother  still  resides,  while  the  father  has  passed  away.  He  was  a 
sailor,  devoting  his  life  to  that  calling. 

Andrew  G.  Anderson  was  one  of  a  family  of  six  children.  The  days  of  his 
boyhood  and  youth  were  spent  in  his  native  land,  and  his  education  was  acquired 
in  its  schools.  Hearing  favorable  reports  concerning  the  new  world  and  its 
opportunities,  he  determined  to  try  his  fortune  on  this  side  the  Atlantic  and, 
bidding  adieu  to  friends  and  relatives,  he  left  Sweden  on  the  4th  of  September, 
1887.  H  did  not  tarry  upon  the  eastern  coast,  but  with  Boone  county  as  his 
destination  made  his  way  at  once  into  the  interior  of  the  country,  reaching  Moin- 
gona  in  October.  His  financial  condition  rendered  it  imperative  that  he  seek 
immediate  employment  and  for  one  month  he  worked  for  the  Northwestern 
T^ailroad  Company,  while  later  he  spent  thirty  days  in  the  coal  mines.     He  then 


AM)Ki;\\     <i.    ANDKRSON 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  159 

went  to  Omaha,  Nebraska,  where  he  secured  a  position  in  connection  with  the 
city  waterworks  in  September,  1888.  After  a  few  months  spent  in  that  connec- 
tion he  made  his  way  to  Chicago  and  afterward  returned  to  Boone,  where  he 
entered  the  employ  of  Mr.  Crary  in  the  plumbing  and  hardware  business.  He 
remained  in  that  connection  from  1889  until  May  16,  1902,  when  he  established 
a  plumbing  shop  of  his  own.  In  1907  he  purchased  a  fine  brick  building  and 
has  today  the  leading  establishment  in  his  line  in  this  city.  He  thoroughly  under- 
stands the  trade,  does  expert  work  and  by  reasonable  prices,  honorable  dealing 
and  enterprising  methods  has  gained  a  most  liberal  and  gratifying  patronage. 

In  1893  Mr.  Anderson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  W.  Berglund, 
a  native  of  Boone  county,  and  to  them  have  been  born  eight  children,  as  follows : 
Walter  Leroy,  born  December  24,  1893;  Freddie  Raymond,  born  July  29,  1895; 
Erive  Paul,  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  25th  of  December,  1898;  Pearl  Chris- 
tine and  Earl  Robert,  twins,  born  June  7,  1900;  Sara  Josephine,  whose  natal 
day  was  May  26,  1903;  Ruth  Marion,  born  May  23,  1906;  and  William  Clyde, 
born  September  16,  1909. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Anderson  is  independent,  voting  for  the  candidate 
whom  he  thinks  most  capable  rather  than  for  party.  He  belongs  to  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Loyal  Order  of  Moose,  and  in  those 
societies  has  many  friends  He  has  recently  returned  from  a  trip  to  his  old 
home,  having  spent  ten  weeks  in  his  native  land.  He  has  never  had  occasion 
to  regret  his  determination  to  come  to  America,  for  on  this  side  the  Atlantic  he 
found  the  opportunities  which  he  sought  and  in  their  improvement  has  worked 
his  way  steadily  upward.  His  has  been  a  busy  and  useful  life,  and  his  record 
shows  what  may  be  accomplished  when  industry  is  one  of  the  salient  traits  of 
character. 


\MLLIAM  A.  WEST. 


William  A.  West,  chief  of  the  fire  department,  was  born  Ji.ily  6,  1868,  in 
Boone,  where  he  still  makes  his  home.  He  was  the  fifth  in  order  of  birth  in  a 
family  of  six  children,  whose  parents  were  David  A.  and  Margaret  (Conley) 
West,  the  former  a  native  of  Canada  and  the  latter  of  St.  John,  New  Brunswick. 
It  was  about  the  year  1865  that  David  West  brought  his  family  to  Boone,  where 
he  engaged  in  ditching,  working  oxen  in  that  connection.  He  afterward  engaged 
in  the  laundry  business  in  Boone  until  1890,  when  his  life's  labors  were  ended 
in  death.  His  widow  survives  and  yet  makes  her  home  in  Boone.  Among  their 
children  were  four  who  died  in  infancy,  while  those  who  survive  are  Willianr 
and  Clayton,  the  latter  a  resident  of  Perry,  Iowa. 

The  public  schools  of  his  native  city  afforded  William  A.  West  his  educa- 
tional opportunities  and  in  his  initial  step  in  business  circles,  he  joined  his  father, 
vho  was  then  engaged  in  the  laundry  business,  and  with  whom  he  continued 
until  the  father's  death.  He  then  carried  on  the  business  alone  until  his  estab- 
lishment was  destroyed  by  fire  in  the  year  1900.  It  was  in  1903  that  the  fire  de- 
partment of  Boone  was  organized  and  six  months  later  Mr.  West  was  made 
captain  of  the  hose  department.     In  1908  he  was  made  chief  of  the  fire  depart- 


160  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

ment  and  has  since  acted  in  that  capacity.  He  has  raised  the  department  to  a 
high  standard  of  efficiency  and  has  the  loyal  service  and  indorsement  of  the  men 
who  are  under  him. , 

On  the  7th  of  November,  1892,  Mr.  West  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Jessie  McAllister,  a  native  of  Des  Moines,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  two 
children,  James  and  Gladys,  but  both  are  now  deceased.  The  parents  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Christian  church  and  in  its  work  are  interested  and  active.  Mr.  West 
has  always  resided  in  Boone,  and  his  cordial  relations  with  many  of  his  fellow 
townsmen  indicate  an  upright,  honorable  life,  worthy  the  regard  of  those  with 
whom  business  or  social  relations  have  brought  him  in  contact. 


BURT  U.  HUNTLEY. 


Burt  M.  Huntley,  who  is  engaged  in  buying  and  shipping  grain  at  Boone,  was 
born  in  De  Kalb,  Illinois,  on  the  i6th  of  December,  1869.  His  parents  were 
Fernando  C.  and  Louisa  K.  (Wright)  Huntley,  the  former  a  native  of  Illinois 
and  the  latter  of  Ohio.  The  father  engaged  in  the  grain,  lumber  and  live  stock 
business  and  in  1870  came  to  Boone  county,  settling  in  Ogden,  where  he  con- 
tinued to  reside  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  January,  1901.  His  wife 
survived  him  for  thirteen  years  and  was  called  to  her  final  rest  on  the  ifith  of 
February,  1914.  Her  last  days  were  spent  in  the  home  of  her  son,  B.  M. 
Huntley.  Her  remains,  however,  were  interred  at  Ogden,  the  Rev.  S.  Muneke 
of  the  Presbyterian  church  having  charge  of  the  services.  She  was  born  in 
Tallmadge,  Summit  county,  Ohio,  and  came  of  good  old  Puritan  stock.  In  her 
girlhood  days  the  family  removed  to  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  when  she  was  still 
quite  young  a  further  removal  was  made  to  De  Kalb.  Illinois.  Both  parents 
died  w'ithin  five  days  after  their  removal  to  the  west,  the  father's  death  occurring 
in  the  south  while  he  was  serving  as  a  soldier  of  the  Civil  war.  The  daughter 
afterward  returned  to  Ohio  and  attended  school  at  Tallmadge  and  at  Oberlin. 
She  subsequently  engaged  in  teaching  for  a  time  near  the  latter  city,  after  which 
she  returned  to  De  Kalb,  Illinois,  where  she  taught  for  one  year  in  the  graded 
schools.  It  was  on  the  21st  of  November,  1865,  that  she  gave  her  hand  in 
marriage  to  Fernando  C.  Huntley,  and  they  continued  to  reside  in  De  Kalb  until 
July  27,  1870,  when  they  went  with  their  little  family  to  Ogden,  Iowa.  They 
were  among  the  early  residents  of  the  locality  and  ever  shared  in  the  work  of 
development  and  improvement.  The  Huntleys  united  with  the  Congregational 
church  and  were  active  in  every  line  of  church  work,  while  Mrs.  Huntley's  rare 
musical  gifts  were  of  much  value  to  the  choir.  She  was  also  very  active  in 
church,  Sunday-school  and  missionary  work  and,  indeed,  was  well  known  along 
every  line  of  Christian  service.  She  possessed  a  charitable  disposition,  a  brave 
and  courageous  spirit  and  notable  nobility  of  character.  She  was  ever  a  most 
gracious,  cordial  and  kindly  hostess,  and  her  friends  were  indeed  many.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Huntley  were  born  five  children :  Mabel,  now  the  wife  of  George  H. 
Rogers,  living  in  Ames,  Iowa ;  Burt  M. ;  Frances  Elva,  now  in  Portland.  Oregon ; 
Ralph  \y..  now  at  Cheyenne  Wells,  Colorado;  and  Lillian,  who  passed  awav  at 
the  age  of  three  years. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  161 

In  taking  up  the  personal  history  of  Burt  M.  Huntley,  we  present  to  our 
readers  the  life  record  of  one  who  is  widely  and  favorably  known  in  Boone  and 
throughout  the  surrounding  country,  for  since  attaining  manhood  he  has  been 
closely  associated  with  business  alTairs  along  various  lines.  He  was  cashier 
of  the  Bank  of  Ogden  for  seven  years  and  was  then  elected  to  the  office  of 
county  treasurer,  in  which  he  served  for  two  terms,  or  four  years,  as  his  efficiency 
won  him  reelection,  and  also  for  six  months  by  appointment.  He  was  a  most 
careful  custodian  of  the  public  funds  and  discharged  his  duties  with  a  prompt- 
ness and  fidelity  that  left  nothing  to  be  desired.  After  retiring  from  the  office 
he  became  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  Boone-Brick-Tile  Company,  of  which  he 
remained  as  manager  for  seven  years,  wisely  directing  the  interests  of  that 
constantly  growing  business.  He  then  built  an  elevator  at  Boone  and  has  since 
been  engaged  in  buying  and  shipping  grain.  Soon  after  embarking  in  that  busi- 
ness he  admitted  C.  Williams  to  a  partnership.  Their  interests  have  developed 
steadily  along  substantial  and  gratifying  lines,  and  their  business  is  an  important 
one  to  the  community,  inasmuch  as  it  furnishes  a  market  for  local  grain  pro- 
ducers, while  at  the  same  time  their  annual  sales  to  the  city  grain  markets  bring 
to  them  a  substantial  annual  income. 

On  the  20th  of  September,  1893,  Air.  Huntley  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Bessie  G.  Phillips,  a  native  of  Jones  county,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  three 
children:  Marjorie  Louise,  born  July  19,  1895;  Helen  Elizabeth.  April  7,  1902; 
and  liurt  Phillips,  August  10,  1910.  The  parents  hold  membership  in  the  Con- 
gregational church  and  are  interested  and  active  in  its  work,  doing  all  in  their 
power  to  promote  its  growth  and  extend  its  influence. 

Mr.  Huntley  votes  with  the  republican  party  and  is  a  loyal  and  public- 
spirited  citizen,  cooperating  heartily  in  many  movements  contributing  to  the 
general  good.  In  Masonry  he  has  attained  high  rank,  holding  membership  with 
the  lodge,  chapter,  commandery  and  the  Mystic  Shrine,  and  at  all  times  he  is 
faithful  to  the  teachings  of  the  craft,  which  has  at  its  basic  principle  the  truth 
of  mutual  kindness  and  brotherhood.  Mr.  Huntley  was  less  than  a  year  old  when 
the  family  came  to  Boone  county  and  has  since  resided  within  its  borders,  his 
record  at  all  times  commending  him  to  the  confidence,  good-will  and  high  regard 
of  those  with  whom  he  has  been  brought  in  contact. 


OSCAR  J.  LINDGREN. 

Oscar  J.  Lindgren  is  a  representative  and  enterprising  agriculturist  of  Yell 
township,  residing  on  section  20,  where  he  owns  seventy-nine  acres  of  rich  and 
productive  land.  His  birth  occurred  in  Sweden  on  the  30th  of  April,  1870,  his 
parents  being  Storm  and  Johanna  Lindgren,  likewise  natives  of  that  country. 
The  father,  a  shoemaker  by  trade,  still  works  at  that  occupation  in  Sweden,  but 
the  mother  passed  away  in  1873. 

Oscar  J.  Lindgren  was  reared  and  educated  in  his  native  land  and  also  learned 
the  shoemaker's  trade,  working  at  that  occupation  until  he  had  attained  his 
majority.  When  twenty-one  years  of  age,  desiring  to  take  advantage  of  the 
opportunities  aft'orded  by  the  new  world,  he  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  L^nited 


162  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

States  and  came  direct  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  beiug  here  employed  as  a  farm 
hand  for  some  time.  Subsequently  he  cultivated  a  tract  of  rented  land  in  Peoples 
township  for  six  years  and  for  three  years  operated  a  rented  place  in  Beaver 
township.  Having  accumulated  sufficient  capital  to  enable  him  to  purchase 
property  of  his  own,  he  came  into  possession  of  seventy-nine  acres  of  land  on 
section  20,  Yell  township,  on  the  ist  of  Alarch,  1909,  and  has  since  devoted  his 
time  and  energies  to  its  operation.  He  has  made  substantial  improvements  on 
the  property  and  annually  gathers  rich  crops  which  find  a  ready  sale  on  the 
market. 

On  the  7th  of  September,  1904,  Mr.  Lindgren  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Hulda  Nelson,  a  daughter  of  Nels  and  Anna  Nelson,  both  of  whom  were  natives 
of  Sweden.  The  father,  a  blacksmith  by  trade,  died  in  that  country  in  1884,  while 
the  mother  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  August,  1901.  IMr.  and  Mrs.  Lindgren 
are  the  parents  of  five  children,  namely :  Wallace,  Walter,  Edna,  Earl  and  Pearl. 

Mr.  Lindgren  exercises  his  right  of  franchise  in  sitpport  of  the  men  and 
measures  of  the  republican  party  and  is  now  ably  serving  in  the  capacity  of 
school  director.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Lutheran  church.  The  hope 
that  led  him  to  leave  his  native  land  and  seek  a  home  in  the  new  world  has  been 
more  than  realized,  for  here  he  found  the  opportunities  which  he  sought  and  in 
their  wise  utilization  has  won  a  place  among  the  substantial  and  esteemed  citizens 
of  his  community. 


C.  O.  ERICKSON. 


C.  O.  Erickson  is  one  of  the  prominent  members  of  the  Swedish  colony  in 
Madrid.  Combined  in  him  are  the  sturdy  qualities  of  his  native  race  with  the 
business  ability  and  aggressive  tendencies  of  the  American  character.  He  is  at 
present  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Erickson  Brothers,  who  are  engaged  in  stone 
and  cement  work  and  who  are  very  prosperous  in  their  commercial  affairs.  In 
their  plant  at  Madrid  are  manufactured  work  blocks,  posts,  columns  and  many 
other  stone  and  cement  ornaments  and  building  materials. 

Mr.  Erickson  was  born  in  Sweden  in  1874  and  is  a  son  of  Eric  and  Louise 
(Nelson)  Anderson,  natives  of  Sweden  and  still  residents  of  that  country.  Of 
their  children,  two  died  in  infancy  and  the  remaining  are :  C.  O..  of  this  review ; 
Franz,  who  is  connected  with  his  older  brother  in  the  management  of  the  firm 
of  Erickson  Brothers;  Axel,  of  Minneapolis;  Mrs.  Hilda  Olson,  of  Washington; 
Mrs.  Hannah  Peterson,  of  Sweden ;  Mrs.  Hilma  Carlson,  of  Washington ;  and 
Mary,  Ida  and  Alice,  of  Sweden. 

C.  O.  Erickson  spent  his  boyhood  under  the  care  of  his  parents,  who  early 
instilled  into  him  a  proper  valuation  of  the  qualities  of  thrift,  industry  and 
energ)'.  In  the  acquirement  of  his  education  he  attended  country  school.  When 
a  young  man  of  nineteen  he  became  more  and  more  convinced  that  the  oppor- 
tunities which  his  native  country  held  out  to  him  did  not  permit  him  to  gain 
that  independence  which  he  desired.  He  therefore  turned  his  eyes  to  the 
western  hemisphere  and  in  1893  came  to  America.  He  settled  in  Madrid,  Iowa, 
and  there  he  has  since  been  engaged  in  mason  and  cement  work.     He  is  very 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  •       163 

successful  as  a  contractor  and  has  handled  some  important  deals.  He  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  firm  of  Erickson  Brothers,  his  partner  being  his  brother  Franz,  and  they 
execute  stone  and  cement  work.  Mr.  Erickson  enjoys  a  high  reputation  in 
business  circles  and  has  reached  financial  independence  through  his  own  etforts, 
so  that  he  may  truly  be  styled  a  self-made  man.  He  is  highly  esteemed  by 
all  who  know  him  and  in  financial  and  commercial  circles  enjoys  the  greatest 
confidence. 

In  1898,  C.  O.  Erickson  married  Miss  Nellie  Sell,  who  was  born  in  Douglas 
township  in  August,  1873.  Her  parents  were  C.  G.  and  Johanna  (Johnson) 
Sell,  natives  of  Sweden,  who  in  1871  came  to  Douglas  township  and  settled 
on  a  farm  west  of  Madrid.  The  father  was  a  prosperous,  up-to-date  agricul- 
turist and  after  a  long  and  successful  career  passed  away  in  Madrid,  February 
9,  1898.  His  widow  survived  him  until  July,  1913.  Of  their  seven  children  the 
six  older  were  born  in  Sweden  and  the  youngest  in  Boone  county.  Four — 
Sophia,  Carolina,  Louise  and  Charles — are  deceased.  The  living  are :  Tilda, 
who  married  Jacob  M.  Carlson,  supervisor  of  Boone  county,  residing  in  Madrid; 
Mrs.  Hulda  Hoover,  also  of  that  city ;  and  Mrs.  Nellie  Erickson.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Erickson  have  two  children:  Roy,  born  in  1900,  who  is  attending  public  school; 
and  Harold,  whose  birth  occurred  in  1909. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Erickson  are  members  of  the  Swedish  Mission  church.  Politi- 
cally he  is  a  republican  but  he  has  never  been  connected  with  public  affairs, 
preferring  to  fulfill  his  citizen's  duties  privately.  He  is  interested  in  the  growth 
and  progress  of  his  city  and  gives  valuable  support  to  enterprises  which  are 
undertaken  in  the  interests  of  the  general  welfare.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Erickson 
reside  in  a  handsome  home  which  they  make  a  hospitable  meeting  place  for  their 
many  friends.  Success  has  come  to  him  in  answer  to  his  ambition  and  initiative, 
and  the  prosperity  which  he  enjoys  is  merited  by  years  of  close  application  and 
incessant  industry. 


FRANK  E.  HANNUM. 


Frank  E.  Hannum,  manager  of  the  Farmers  Elevator  at  Boone,  is  well  known 
throughout  the  county  in  which  practically  his  entire  life  has  been  spent.  His 
birth  occurred  in  Zanesville,  Ohio,  on  the  23d  of  February,  1864,  his  parents 
being  William  P.  and  Elizabeth  A.  (Gibbons)  Hannvmi,  the  former  a  native  of 
Pennsylvania  and  the  latter  of  Ohio.  In  the  spring  of  1865  the  family  home  was 
established  in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  and  here  the  father  followed  farming  through- 
out his  active  business  career.  His  demise  occurred  on  the  31st  of  October, 
1891,  while  his  wife  was  called  to  her  final  rest  on  the  nth  of  January,  1914, 
the  community  thus  losing  two  of  its  substantial  and  esteemed  residents  They 
were  the  parents  of  seven  children,  as  follows:  George,  serving  as  deputy  sheriff 
of  Boone  county;  Margaret,  at  home;  Mary,  who  is  the  wife  of  H.  J.  Pollard, 
of  Boone ;  John,  residing  in  Boone,  who  is  employed  as  conductor  on  the  Chicago 
&  Northwestern  Railway ;  Alva,  a  carpenter  living  in  Boone ;  Frank ;  and  Effie, 
who  is  the  wife  of  John  D.  Goode,  of  Dodge  township. 


164  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Frank  E.  Haiinum  attended  the  public  schools  of  Boone  in  the  acciuirement 
of  an  education  and  after  putting  aside  his  text-books  devoted  his  attention  to 
agricultural  pursuits.  Subsequently  he  embarked  in  business  as  a  contractor 
and  builder  and  later  took  charge  of  the  Farmers  Elevator  at  Boone,  which 
he  has  managed  in  a  capable,  efficient  and  commendable  manner  to  the  present 
time. 

In  January,  1899,  Mr.  Hannum  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Eva  L. 
Mosgrove,  a  native  of  Boone  county,  by  whom  he  has  four  children,  as  fol- 
lows, Bessie,  Rollin  M.,  Raymond  R.  and  Ruth  E.  All  are  with  their  parents  in 
Boone.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Hannum  is  a  republican,  while  his  religious 
faith  is  that  of  the  Methodist  church,  of  which  he  is  a  liberal  supporter. 
Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Woodmen  of  the  World,  the  Ancient  Order 
of  United  Workmen,  the  Improved  Order  of  Redmen  and  the  subordinate  lodge 
and  encampment  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  Both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Hannum  have  an  e.xtensive  acc)uaintance  in  this  county  and  enjoy  the 
regard  and  esteem  of  a  large  circle  of  warm  friends. 


JOHN  McCREA  BRAINARD. 

.SIo  history  of  Boone  county  would  be  complete  without  extended  reference 
to  lohn  McCrea  Brainard,  now  one  of  the  venerable  residents  of  the  city  of 
Boone,  having  passed  the  seventy-eighth  milestone  on  life's  journey.  Through 
much  of  this  period  he  has  been  a  resident  of  Iowa,  where  for  more  than  a 
half  century  he  was  connected  with  the  profession  of  teaching  and  with  journal- 
ism, becoming  widely  known  in  the  field  of  newspaper  publication. 

.Mr.  J]rainard  was  born  in  Blairsville,  Indiana  county,  Pennsylvania,  on  the 
30th  of  March,  1836,  and  comes  of  English  ancestry,  tracing  the  line  back  to 
Daniel  Brainard,  who,  when  but  eight  years  of  age,  crossed  the  Atlantic  from 
England  and  found  a  home  in  Hartford,  Connecticut,  in  1640.  Two  years 
later  he  became  a  citizen  of  and  large  landholder  in  Haddam,  Connecticut,  and 
he  aided  in  the  substantial  development  of  the  section  of  the  colony  in  which  he 
lived.  He  passed  away  in  Haddam,  April  i,  171 5.  His  family  numbered  seven 
sons  and  a  daughter.  The  paternal  grandparents  of  John  McCrea  Brainard 
were  Isaac  and  Alice  (Brainard)  Brainard,  who  though  of  the  same  name  wer€ 
not  relatives.  Their  son,  Martin  Brainard,  was  born  at  Randolph,  Vermont, 
June  20,  1796,  and  completed  a  course  of  study  in  Dartmouth  College  by  gradu- 
ation with  the  class  of  181 7.  He  then  entered  upon  the  study  of  law,  was  admitted 
to  the  bar  at  Utica,  New  York,  and  afterward  practiced  his  profession  in 
Rochester  and  Buffalo,  New  York,  in  Pennsylvania  and  in  Wisconsin.  In  the 
autumn  of  1875  he  removed  with  his  family  to  St.  Augustine,  Florida,  and  was 
laid  to  rest  in  the  old  Huguenot  cemetery  there.  His  wife  bore  the  maiden 
name  of  Agnes  Moorhead,  but  was  usually  known  by  her  pet  name  of  Nancy. 
She  was  born  near  Blairsville,  Pennsylvania,  March  13,  1813,  a  daughter  of 
Samuel  and  Martha  (Bell)  Moorhead,  and  on  the  6th  of  November,  1830, 
she  gave  her  hand  in  marriage  to  Martin  Brainard,  whom  she  survived  for  a 
decade,    passing   away    in    St.    Augustine,    Florida,    December    14,    1893.       The 


JOHN   M.  BRAIXARD 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  167 

ancestral  record  in  the  maternal  line  speaks  of  Mrs.  Brainard  as  a  woman  of 
more  than  usual  education  for  those  days,  who  was  possessed  of  a  tenacious  mem- 
ory and  a  capacity  for  ready  and  pertinent  quotation,  generally  recognized  among 
her  acquaintances.  Her  ancestry  was  Scotch-Irish,  immigrating  in  the  early 
part  of  the  eighteenth  or  latter  part  of  the  seventeenth  centur)-,  via  Baltimore,  and 
settling  in  the  rich  Cumberland  valley,  Franklin  county,  Pennsylvania,  near 
Chambersburg.  Her  grandfather,  Samuel  Moorhead,  of  Westmoreland  county, 
Pennsylvania,  married  Agnes,  daughter  of  Samuel  Craig,  also  of  Scotch-Irish 
stock,  who  was  a  soldier  of  the  Revolutionary  war  and  lost  his  life  in  the  line 
of  duty,  being  killed  by  the  Indian  allies  of  the  British  while  crossing  Ches- 
nut  Ridge  on  his  way  to  Fort  Ligonier,  in  the  same  county.  The  intermarriages 
of  the  Moorhead  families  were  almost  without  exceptions  with  persons  of 
Scotch-Irish  descent;  and  this  was  also  true  to  a  considerable  extent  on  the 
Brainard  side  of  the  house,  the  first — Daniel— having  married  a  Scotch  las- 
sie, Hannah  Spencer,  and  Scotch  names  appear  frequently  in  the  list  of  brides 
in  later  generations. 

John   McCrea   Brainard   was   the    fourth   in   order   of   birth   in   a    family   of 
thirteen  children.    The  three  older  sons  died  in  early  childhood,  while  the  remain- 
ing ten  children  reached  adult  age.     The  subject  of  this  sketch  began  his  edu- 
cation under  the  teaching  of   his  parents,  who  instructed  him  to   some  extent 
in  the  Latin  language,  in  addition  to  those  branches  which  today  constitute  the 
public   school   curriculum.     He  was  afterward   sent   to   th,e   public   schools   and 
in   the   autumn   of    1851    enrolled   in   the   preparatory   academy   at   Eldersridge, 
Pennsylvania,  being  at  that  time  fifteen  years  of  age.     In  that  school  he  pre- 
pared  for  the  junior  year  at  Jefferson  College,   teaching  school   in   the  winter 
and  attending  the  five  months'  terms  at  the  academy.     In  the  spring  of  1853  the 
family  removed  from  Pennsylvania  to   Beloit,  Wisconsin,  where  John  McCrea 
Brainard  continued  his  education  as  a  student  at  the  college  at  that  place,  but 
only   remained   until   fall,   when  he   returned   to   Pennsylvania,   where  he   alter- 
nately studied  in  the  academy  and  taught  school  until  the  spring  of  1856.     With 
the  completion  of  his  academic  course  he  decided  to  establish  his  home  in  the 
West.      Before   taking   up   his   abode    in    the   Mississippi   valley,    however,    Mr. 
Brainard  was  married  to  Miss  Martha  Vale  Wilson,  a  daughter  of  Sanford  and 
Letitia   (Clark)   Wilson,  of  Westmoreland  county,  Pennsylvania.     The  wedding 
was  celebrated  March   18,   1856,  in  Callensburg,   Clarion  county,   Pennsylvania. 
The  bride's  mother  was  a  cousin  of  Governor  James  Clark,  the  third  and  last 
territorial  governor  of   Iowa,  who  shortly   after  the  close  of   his   official   term 
died  of  cholera  and  was  laid  to  rest  in   Burlington.     Mr.   and   Mrs.   Brainard 
became  the  parents  of  seven  children:     Justin,  born   May  9,   1858,  at  Charles 
City,   Iowa,  married  Gladys  J.   Calonkey,   September  4,    1884,  and   is  now   liv- 
ing in   Florida;  Walter   L.,   born   March    12,    1S60,  at   Clear   Lake,   Iowa,   was 
married  June  20,  1886,  to  Lizzie  A.  Shackleton,  and  died  September  23,  1887; 
Frank  S.,  born  February  18,  1862,  at  Clear  Lake,  Iowa,  is  a  resident  of  Boone, 
Iowa;  Elmer  E.,  born  January  31,  1864,  at  Nevada,  Iowa,  was  married  at  Elka- 
der,  Iowa,  January  2,   1889,  to  Fannie  E.  Woodward  and  makes  his  home  in 
Williston,  North  Dakota;  Mabel  Alice,  born  December  24,  1865,  in  Nevada,  Iowa, 
is  the  widow  of  Dr.  J.  T.  Coveny  and  they  resided  in  Oscaloosa,  Iowa,  until 
the   Doctor's   death;   Emma   Vale,   born   May   23,    1871,    in    Boone,    Iowa,    was 


168  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

married  February   17,   1896,  to   Stillman  Pearson,  and   resides  in   Aurora,   Illi- 
nois.    She  had  a  twin  brother  who  died  a  few  days  after  their  birth. 

Almost  immediately  after  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brainard  started  for 
the  middle  west,  and  on  the  21st  of  July,  1856,  they  arrived  in  Floyd  county, 
Iowa,  becoming  residents  of  Charles  City.  In  the  autumn  of  that  year  Mr. 
Brainard  accepted  the  position  of  teacher  in  the  public  schools  of  Charles  City, 
with  which  he  was  connected  for  a  year.  He  was  afterward  in  the  employ 
of  the  bank  of  Ferguson  &  Eastman,  was  in  the  store  of  Ferguson  &  Stanley 
and  was  connected  with  the  county  offices.  In  1858  he  removed  from  Charles 
City  to  Mason  City,  where  he  engaged  in  teaching  through  the  succeeding  year 
and  in  the  autumn  of  1859  accepted  a  school  at  Clear  Lake,  where  he  taught 
through  the  ensuing  winter.  During  his  residence  there  he  began  newspaper 
publication,  entering  into  partnership  with  Silan  Noyes  in  the  establishment  of 
the  first  newspaper  at  that  place,  known  as  the  Clear  Lake  Independent.  Since 
then  Mr.  Brainard  has  been  almost  continuously  connected  with  journalism. 
He  was  at  that  time  twenty-three  years  of  age.  The  following  year  the  Inde- 
pendent suspended,  and  the  office  was  removed  to  New  Amsterdam,  Hancock 
county,  where  Mr,  Brainard  published  the  paper  during  a  portion  of  the  year 
i86t.  Times  became  very  hard  with  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war,  however, 
and  again  he  discontinued  his  paper  and  turned  his  attention  to  merchandising 
m  Clear  Lake,  still  in  partnership  with  Mr.  Noyes,  but  misfortune  attended 
this  venture,  owing  to  the  fact  that  many  to  whom  they  had  extended  credit 
went  to  the  war  and  lost  their  lives  on  the  field  of  battle,  so  that  the  accounts 
could  not  be  collected. 

In  the  summer  of  1863  Mr.  Brainard  removed  to  Nevada,  Story  county, 
where  he  purchased  the  Reveille  from  George  Schoonover,  which  he  rechris- 
tened  The  Story  County  Aegis.  After  five  years  spent  in  Nevada  he  purchased 
the  interest  of  John  Chapman  in  the  Council  Bluffs  Nonpareil,  which  he  edited 
during  a  part  of  1868  and  1869.  He  next  purchased  the  Boone  Standard,  and 
from  that  time  forward  was  connected  with  journalistic,  business  and  public 
interests  in  Boone,  where  three  years  before  he  had  attended  the  first  sale  of 
lots.  The  Standard  was  published  without  missing  an  issue  for  nearly  a  third 
of  a  century,  or  until  January  i,  1902,  when,  because  of  advancing  years  and 
of  changed  conditions  in  the  field  of  newspaper  publication,  Mr.  Brainard 
retired.  A  contemporary  biographer  has  said  in  this  connection:  "While 
Brainard's  modest  little  'Standard'  was  always  readable  from  the  first  line  to 
the  last,  the  propitious  days  for  a  weekly  in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  had  'faded 
into  the  azure  of  the  past.'  Some  men  of  his  years,  when  compelled  by  the 
logic  of  their  environments  to  give  up  a  line  of  business  and  retire  to  a  life 
wholly  private,  become  soured  and  misanthropic,  imagining  that  they  have  been 
ill-used,  that  'republics  are  ungrateful'  and  all  that  sort  of  thing.  Not  so  was 
it  with  John  M.  Brainard.  He  saw  that  the  days  of  the  country  weekly  had 
passed  away  never  to  return,  and  he  accepted  the  situation  cheerfully  without 
a  word  of  complaint,  turning  his  attention  to  other  fields  of  usefulness. 

"The  writer  has  known  Mr.  Brainard  intimately  and  well  for  nearly  forty 
years,  and  it  is  a  pleasure  to  bear  testimony  to  his  many  excellent  qualities  of 
head  and  heart.  As  a  writer  for  the  press  he  was  one  of  the  first  among  those 
who  came  as  pioneers  into  northwestern  Iowa  prior  to   i860.     His  paper  was 


I 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  169 

a  clean  piece  of  writing  and  printing.  No  parent  ever  felt  any  hesitancy  in 
having  it  come  into  the  home.  It  always  contained  much  aside  from  the  news 
of  the  day  that  was  in  the  highest  degree  instructive.  Even  now  old  settlers 
speak  in  most  cordial  terms  of  what  John  Brainard's  paper  was  a  quarter  of  a 
century  ago.  A  complete  file  of  that  most  excellent  journal  is  in  tlie  State 
Historical  Library  at  Des  Moines." 

Mr.  Brainard  has  several  times  been  called  to  public  office,  although  never 
a  politician  in  the  sense  of  office  seeking.  In  1862  he  was  elected  to  fill  a  vacancy 
from  the  sixth  district  of  Iowa  in  the  state  board  of  education,  but  on  the  24th 
of  March,  1864,  this  board  was  abolished  by  act  of  the  general  assembly.  On 
the  14th  of  February,  1873,  he  received  from  President  Grant  the  commission 
that  made  him  postmaster  of  Boone  and  in  1877-80  he  was  a  member  of  the 
Boone  school  board.  In  1886  he  was  elected  to  the  city  council  and  there  lab- 
ored earnestly  and  effectively  to  advance  the  welfare  of  the  city.  In  1893, 
when  it  was  decided  to  build  a  general  sewer  system,  he  was  largely  instru- 
mental in  securing  as  its  advisory  engineer  in  this  work,  the  distinguished 
Colonel  George  E.  Waring,  whose  plans  were  substantially  adopted.  In  1881-82 
Mr.  Brainard  was  active  in  promoting  the  St.  Louis,  Des  Moines  &  Northern 
Railway,  from  Boone  to  Des  Moines,  now  a  part  of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee 
&  St.  Paul  system.  He  was  also  one  of  the  foremost  factors  in  establishing 
and  promoting  the  public  library,  which  is  a  monument  to  his  interest  in 
the  general  welfare.  He  remains  today  one  of  the  valued  and  honored  residents 
of  Boone,  the  growth  and  development  of  which  he  has  witnessed  for  forty- 
five  years,  taking  most  active  and  helpful  part  in  all  the  work  of  progress 
and  improvement.  There  are  few  more  thoroughly  informed  concerning  the 
history  of  this  section  of  the  state,  and  his  labors  have  been  effective  and  far- 
reaching,  not  only  for  the  material  advancement,  but  also  in  behalf  of  the  intel- 
lectual and  moral  progress  of  the  district. 


ISAAC  E.  ROBINSON. 

Isaac  E.  Robinson  was  not  only  a  successful  agriculturist  of  Greene  county 
but  there  is  also  honor  due  him  for  his  long  and  faithful  service  in  the  Civil 
war.  In  his  farming  he  always  followed  progressive  and  up-to-date  methods 
and  established  valuable  agricultural  standards  in  this  state. 

Mr.  Robinson  was  born  near  Utica,  New  York,  October  11,  1836,  a  son  of 
E.  and  Catherine  (Bushman)  Robinson,  natives  of  New  York.  The  father, 
who  was  also  a  farmer,  decided  upon  a  settlement  in  the  middle  west,  where 
he  expected  to  find  better  opportunities  for  advancement.  He  therefore  made 
his  way  to  Illinois,  going  to  that  state  in  the  early  days  of  its  history  and  enter- 
ing land  in  Carroll  county,  to  the  cultivation  of  which  he  devoted  the  remainder 
of  his  days.  He  was  successful  in  his  chosen  occupation  and  esteemed  and 
respected  by  all  who  knew  him.  He  died  in  1884  and  was  survived  by  his 
widow  for  two  years,  the  mother  passing  away  in  1886. 

Isaac  E.  Robinson  was  reared  on  the  home  farm  and  received  his  education 
in  the  schools  of   Illinois.     In   September,    1861,  his   patriotism   prompted  him 


170  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

to  enlist  in  Company  B,  Seventh  Illinois  Cavalry,  and  for  three  years  he  served  on 
the  battlefields  of  the  south  during  the  greatest  civil  war  of  our  history.  He 
performed  his  duties  faithfully  and  gallantly  defended  the  Union.  After  his 
term  of  enlistment  had  expired  he  was  honorably  discharged  and  returned  to 
Illinois,  in  which  state  he  farmed  until  18S4,  when  he  removed  to  Greene  county, 
Iowa,  acquiring  land  which  he  operated  until  his  death.  His  demise  occurred 
May  30,  1904,  when  he  was  nearing  his  sixty-eighth  birthday.  He  always  fol- 
lowed the  most  approved  methods  of  farming  and  was  industrious  and  tireless 
in  his  efforts  to  transform  the  wild  prairie  land  into  rich,  bearing  fields.  His 
buildings  were  in  the  best  of  repair  and  modern  machinery  was  installed  upon 
his  farm  to  increase  the  yield  of  his  acres. 

On  September  3,  1874,  Mr.  Robinson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Flora 
Davis,  a  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Catherine  (Hallet)  Davis,  natives  of  Wayne 
countv,  New  York.  Her  father  was  a  stonemason  by  trade  and  in  1835  took 
up  his  residence  in  Illinois,  where  he  continued  in  this  occupation  until  his 
death,  January  5,  1881.  His  widow  survived  him  until  February  27,  1897.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Robinson  had  eight  children :  Ella,  who  married  William  Tilley,  of 
Incline,  this  state;  Pearl,  the  wife  of  T.  C.  McWhinney,  of  Odell,  Iowa; 
Leonard,  a  farmer  in  South  Dakota;  Marion,  who  conducts  a  blacksmith  shop 
at  Boone;  Lillian,  whose  husband,  W.  H.  Fister,  farms  in  South  Dakota:  Myra, 
the  wife  of  Guy  Hoover,  of  Boone,  Iowa;  Isaac  L.,  a  coal  miner  residing  in 
Boone;  and  Leroy  G.,  who  passed  away  September   15,   1881. 

After  Mr.  Robinson's  death  his  widow  made  her  home  with  her  children 
for  some  time  but  two  years  ago  she  came  to  Ogden,  where  she  bought  a  hand- 
some home  about  a  block  from  the  main  street.  She  has  won  many  friends  in 
this  city,  who  esteem  her  for  her  kindness  of  heart  and  high  qualities  of  char- 
acter.    She  is  a  member  of  the  Christian  church. 


NOAH  HARDING. 


Noah  Harding,  now  living  retired  in  Boone  at  the  age  of  nearly  eighty- 
eight  years,  is  the  oldest  pensioner  of  the  Iowa  division  of  the  Northwestern 
Railway.  He  was  a  faithful  and  trustworthy  employe  of  that  company,  stand- 
ing high  in  the  esteem  of  his  superior  officers,  and  he  is  highly  respected  by  all 
with  whom  he  has  come  in  contact.  He  now  makes  his  home  with  a  daughter, 
Mrs.  D.  C.  Crandell,  at  No.  515  Green  street,  Boone,  and  receives  that  respect 
which  is  due  to  one  of  his  age  who  has  done  well  life's  work. 

;\Ir.  Harding  was  born  September  11,  1826,  on  a  farm  in  Rush  county, 
Indiana,  his  parents  being  Jesse  and  Hannah  (Burkett)  Harding,  the  former 
a  native  of  Ohio  and  the  latter  of  South  Carolina,  of  German  ancestry.  His 
paternal  grandfather  was  Fade  Harding,  who  served  for  seven  years  under 
Washington  in  the  war  for  independence.  When  our  subject  was  only  three 
or  four  years  old  the  family,  then  consisting  of  the  father,  mother  and  three 
children,  removed  to  Boone  county,  Indiana,  the  trip  being  made  with  two 
horses  and  a  wagon.  There  the  father  took  up  a  claim  of  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  twelve  miles  from  Indianapolis  and  made  his  home  thereon  until 
his  son  Noah  was  eighteen  years  of  age,  when  he  removed  to  St.  Joseph  county, 


IJ^I 

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jjx^^^^^^^B 

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NOAH   lIAKDlNti  AMI  (ih'KAT-UKANDSON 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  173 

that  state,  there  acquiring  title  to  a  farm  of  similar  size,  which  he  cultivated 
for  two  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  sold  out  antl  returned  to  Boone 
county,  but  subsequently  went  to  Hamilton  county,  Indiana,  and  took  up  a 
claim  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  the  Miami  Reserve,  where  he  and 
his  son  Noah  hewed  the  logs  and  erected  a  house.  The  Indians  were  still  liv- 
ing in  that  locality.  The  father  spent  his  last  days  at  the  home  of  our  sub- 
ject in  Boone  county,  where  he  passed  away  at  the  age  of  ninety-two  years. 
His  wife  also  died  here,  at  the  age  of  seventy.  In  their  family  were  the 
following  children :  Noah,  of  this  review ;  Lavina,  who  married  Joseph  Emler 
and  is  now  deceased;  Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  John  Doty,  of  Boone  county;  Nancy, 
who  married  James  Larkins  and  died  in  Oklahoma;  and  Susan,  who  wedded 
John  Larkins  and  died  in  the  same  state. 

In   early  life   Noah   Harding  .learned   the  carpenter's   trade   and   worked   at 
this  occupation  successfully,  building  mills,  houses,  barns  and  other  structures. 
In  1853  he  removed  to  Story  county,  Iowa,  and  on  his  way  there  remained  one 
night  with  the  soldiers  at  Fort  Dodge.     He  then  took  the  trail  to  Boonesboro, 
looking  over  the  land  in  order  to  select'a  homestead.     He  settled  on  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty-four  acres  where  Story  City  now  stands  and  subsequently  served 
as   its  second  postmaster  and  was   the  first  county   supervisor   from   Lafayette 
and   Howard   townships.     He  built   the   first   schoolhouse  and   the   first   church 
there,  and  also  erected  the   first  railroad  bridge  in  hjs  township.     During  the 
war  he  operated  a  mill  between   Collegetown  and  Ontario,  and  also  drilled   a 
company  which  was  sent  to  the  front.     He  assisted  in  the  erection  of  a  mill  at 
Marshalltown  in  the  spring  of  1S63  and  September  15,  1863,  began  to  fell  and 
prepare  timber  for  Walker  &  Blair,  contractors,  who  were  building  the  North- 
western Railway  from  that  point.    Air.  Harding  and  a  Mr.  Dye,  now  deceased, 
had  the  contract   for  building  the  bridge  between   Nevada  and   Harding  creek, 
which   was   named   in   honor   of  our   subject.      Mr.    Harding  assisted   in   build- 
ing the  first  railroad  bridge  across  the  Des  Moines  river  at  Moingona,  having 
taken  over  the  sub-contract  from  Walker  &  Blair,  and  is  the  only  survivor  of 
the  first  i^arty  which  crossed  that  river  on  a  locomotive,  the  others  being  W.  W. 
Walker  and  John  I.  Blair.     In   February,   1873,  he  was  appointed  foreman  of 
the   Northwest'ern   shops    at   Boone,   which   position   he   filled    for    twenty-nine 
years,  retiring  on  a  pension  in  February,  1902.     He  was  the  second  man  in  the 
city  to  be  retired  by  his  company  under  the  pension  system.     As  a  railroad  man 
Mr.  Harding  enjoyed  the  full  confidence  of  all  who  came  in  contact  with  him 
and  proved  himself  trustworthy  and  faithful.     He  was  just  and  exacting,  but  he 
also  was   kind,  sympathetic   and   ever   ready   to   help  those   who   were   in   need 
of  his  services.     For  over  twenty  years  he  was  assistant  fire  chief  in   Boone, 
and  even  when  an  old  man  it  was  a  question  whether  there  were  many  on  the 
force  who  could  outrun  him.    He  was  always  first  on  duty,  day  or  night,  summer 
or   winter.       He  saw   the   town   developed    from   a   small    settlement    of   three 
houses  until  it  is  today  one  of  the  flourishing  cities  of  the  state,  and  not  only 
did  he  watch  the  onward  march  of  civilization,  but  he  contributed  to  develop- 
ment and   in  many  ways  was  instrumental  in  making  possible  the  prosperous 
conditions  which  now  prevail  here. 

On   March    i,    1847,   Mr.   Harding  married   Miss   Elizabeth   Anderson,   who 
died  in  Indiana  in  1852,  having  borne  her  husband  three  children:     Mary  Ellen, 


174  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

who  married  D.  C.  Crandell,  of  Boone;  Robert,  who  died  in  young  man- 
hood, in  Texas;  and  Ann  EHza,  who  died  in  infancy.  In  1853  Mr.  Harding 
married  Miss  Nancy  Anderson,  a  sister  of  his  first  wife  and  a  daughter  of  Robert 
and  Catherine  (Crum)  Anderson.  By  this  union  were  born  the  following  chil- 
dren: Alinerva,  who  married  Edward  Fisk,  now  of  Boone;  Christina,  the  wife 
of  Walter  Shropshire,  of  Omaha,  Nebraska ;  Daniel,  who  died  in  Oklahoma ; 
and  Frances,  who  married  Frank  Saunders,  of  Olympia,  Washington.  Mrs. 
Nancy  Harding  died  in  Ontario,  Iowa,  and  Mr.  Harding  now  makes  his  home 
with  his  daughter  at  No.  515  Green  street.  He  is  revered  by  all  who  know 
him,  and  the  city  of  Boone  honors  in  him  a  pioneer  who  came  to  this  state 
when  primitive  conditions  yet  prevailed.  He  is  stll  active  in  mind  and  body 
and  takes  a  lively  interest  in  all  issues  and  questions  of  the  day. 

Mr.  Harding  is  a  lifelong  democrat  and  was  appointed  postmaster  of  Story 
City  by  President  Buchanan,  serving  in  that  position  for  eight  years.  He  is  a 
true  Christian,  yet  does  not  belong  to  any  particular  denomination,  although 
he  always  has  attended  church  and  has  given  his  support  to  various  religious 
institutions.  For  years  he  was  a  member  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows,  but  after  the  Civil  war  only  seven  members  of  the  lodge  returned  and 
the  local  organization  was  given  up. 


GEORGE  E.  SLAUGHTER. 

George  E.  Slaughter  is  engaged  in  the  feed  and  cereal  business  at  Boone, 
where,  in  1912,  he  entered  into  partnership  with  E.  B.  Cordell,  which  partner- 
ship is  still  maintained.  There  are  no  spectacular  phases  in  his  life  history ; 
it  is -a  record  of  a  man  who  early  recognized  the  value  of  industry  and  who, 
through  the  years  of  his  manhood,  has  diligently  and  persistently  labored  for 
success.  He  was  born  in  Ogle  county,  Illinois,  July  31,  1874,  and  is  a  son  of 
Joseph  H.  and  Susan  (Cooley)  Slaughter,  the  former  a  native  of  Illinois  and  the 
latter  of  Iowa.  The  father  made  farming  his  life  work  and  in  the  year  1877 
removed  with  his  family  to  Iowa,  but  afterward  went  to  Nebraska,  where  he 
spent  two  years.  He  then  returned  to  this  state,  settling  in  Ames,  where  he 
lived  for  about  six  years,  after  which  he  returned  to  Illinois,  where  he  still 
makes  his  home.  In  1897  he  was  called  upon  to  mourn  the  loss  of  his  wife,  who 
passed  away  on  the  loth  of  January  of  that  year.  In  their  family  were  six 
children:  George;  Mazy,  the  wife  of  James  Elder,  living  in  Coeur  d'Alene, 
Idaho ;  Guy,  who  is  located  at  White  Salmon,  Washington ;  Floss ;  Leah,  the  wife 
of  Roy  Musselman  of  Ogle  county,  Illinois;  and  Harvey  L.,  also  a  resident  of 
Ogle  county. 

When  thirteen  years  of  age,  George  E.  Slaughter  started  out  to  make  his  own 
way  in  the  world  and  for  several  years  was  employed  at  farm  labor  in  Boone 
county.  His  education  was  such  as  the  public  schools  afforded.  He  continued  to 
engage  in  farming  until  after  his  mother's  death,  when  he  turned  his  attention  to 
railroad  work,  becoming  a  fireman.  Later  he  entered  the  machine  shop  of  the 
railway  company  and  was  identified  with  industrial  activity  as  a  representative 
of  the  railroad  for  a  number  of  years.     On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  175 

resumed  farming,  to  which  he  devoted  about  six  years  in  Boone  county,  bringing 
his  land  to  a  high  state  of  cultivation.  At  length,  however,  he  established  his 
home  in  Boone  and  entered  the  feed  and  cereal  business  as  a  partner  of  E.  B. 
Cordell  under  the  firm  style  of  Cordell  &  Slaughter,  which  relation  has  been 
maintained  since  1912.  They  are  accorded  a  liberal  patronage,  and  public  opinion 
places  them  among  those  whose  business  methods  are  above  everything  that 
savors  of  deception  or  underhanded  dealing. 

On  the  2d  of  March,  1898,  Mr.  Slaughter  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Hilda  May  Carlson,  a  native  of  Sweden,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  two 
children:  Ethel  May,  whose  birth  occurred  January  6,  1899;  and  Lawrence 
Edward,  who  was  born  on  the  22d  of  April,  1901.  The  religious  faith  of  the 
family  is  that  of  the  Baptist  church.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Slaughter  are  loyal  to  its 
teachings  and  are  much  interested  in  its  growth  and  development.  Fraternally 
he  is  connected  with  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen  and  also  with  the 
Degree  of  Honor,  while  his  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  republican  party, 
which  he  has  supported  since  reaching  adult  years.  His  life  has  been  a  busy 
one,  and  gradually  he  has  advanced  step  by  step,  his  industry,  close  application 
and  determination  winning  for  him  the  success  that  now  crowns  his  efforts. 


WILLIAM  H.  BERGER. 

William  H.  Berger,  who  carries  on  general  agricultural  pursuits,  now  owns 
and  oi^erates  a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  29,  Amaqua 
township.  The  appearance  of  the  place  indicates  his  practical  and  progressive 
spirit.  The  fields  give  promise  of  good  harvests,  buildings  are  kept  in  repair 
and  all  work  is  done  on  time,  there  being  no  needless  delay  or  waste  of  energy. 
Mr.  Berger  is  a  native  of  Kankakee  county,  Illinois.  He  was  born  December 
16,  1880,  of  the  marriage  of  Gustav  and  Louise  (Appel)  Berger,  who  were 
natives  of  Germany.  In  early  life  the  father  and  mother  came  to  the  United 
States  with  their  respective  parents,  and  Gustav  Berger  worked  upon  the  home 
farm  for  his  father  until  he  had  attained  his  majority,  when  he  started  out  in 
life  on  his  own  account.  He  took  up  the  occupation  to  which  he  had  been 
reared  and  for  a  time  cultivated  rented  land,  but  eventually  saved  enough  money 
to  enable  him  to  purchase  property.  He  then  bought  a  farm  in  Kankakee 
county,  Illinois,  and  has  since  owned  and  operated  it.  He  also  owns  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty  acres  on  section  20,  Amaqua  township,  Boone  county. 

His  son,  William  H.  Berger,  whose  name  introduces  this  review,  was  reared 
and  educated  in  Kankakee  and  La  Salle  counties,  Illinois,  and  remained  with 
his  parents  until  twenty-three  years  of  age,  when  he  started  an  independent  busi- 
ness career  by  renting  land  in  Kankakee  county.  He  operated  that  farm  for  two 
years  and  then  came  to  Boone  county,  where  he  cultivated  his  father's  farm 
in  Amaqua  township  for  seven  years.  He  next  purchased  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres,  constituting  his  present  farm  on  section  29,  Amaqua  township,  lying 
just  across  the  road  from  his  father's  place.  This  is  splendidly  improved  and 
was  formerly  the  property  of  C.  H.  Last,  of  Beaver.  Since  making  the  pur- 
chase Mr.  Berger  has  concentrated  his  energies  upon   its   further   development 


176  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

with  good  results.  Timely  spring  planting  and  careful  cultivation  result  in  the 
production  of  good  harvests,  and  for  his  crops  he  finds  a  ready  sale  on  the 
market.    He  is  also  a  stockholder  in  the  Beaver  Cooperative  Company  of  Beaver. 

Mr.  Berger  was  married  in  February,  1906,  to  Miss  Rose  Guhl,  a  daughter 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Michael  Guhl,  who  were  natives  of  Germany  and  became  pioneer 
settlers  of  Kankakee  county,  Illinois.  Mr.  Guhl  is  a  mason  and  still  follows  that 
trade  at  Bonfield,  Illinois.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Berger  became  parents  of  two  children : 
Luella  F.,  now  six  years  of  age;  and  Bonita,  who  died  September  5,  1913,  at 
the  age  of  three  years.  The  religious  faith  of  the  parents  is  that  of  the  German 
Lutheran  church,  while  the  political  belief  of  Mr.  Berger  is  that  of  the  republican 
party.  He  is  now  serving  his  third  year  as  trustee  of  his  township  and  cooperates 
in  many  movements  relative  to  the  welfare  and  upbuilding  of  the  community. 
He  is  yet  a  young  man  and  in  the  careful  conduct  of  his  business  affairs  has 
already  achieved  a  success  which  many  an  older  man  might  well  envy. 


THOMAS  L.  JONES. 


Since  1892  Thomas  L.  Jones  has  been  identified  with  business  interests  in 
Boone  and  since  1896  has  concentrated  his  efforts  upon  real-estate  dealing.  He 
has  been  agent  for  many  property  interests  here  and  has  negotiated  many  im- 
portant realty  transfers.  In  all  that  he  does  he  is  actuated  by  a  spirit  of  enter- 
prise that  enables  him  to  overcome  difficulties  and  obstacles  and  work  his  way 
steadily  upward  to  success. 

Iowa  claims  Mr.  Jones  as  a  native  son,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Story 
county,  November  18,  1866,  his  parents  being  Richard  and  Henrietta  (Ross) 
Jones,  who  were  married  on  the  20th  of  May,  i860.  The  father  is  a  native  of 
Wayne  county,  Indiana,  while  the  mother's  birth  occurred  in  Porter  county,  that 
state.  Richard  Jones  came  to  Iowa  in  1855,  settling  in  Johnson  county,  where' 
he  lived  for  a  year,  and  then  removed  to  Story  county,  where  he  carried  on 
general  farming,  bringing  his  fields  to  a  high  state  of  cultivation  and  developing 
a  splendid  property.  Year  after  year  he  raised  good  crops  and  in  due  time  had 
acquired  a  handsome  competence,  which  enabled  him  to  put  aside  further  busi- 
ness cares,  so  that  he  is  now  living  retired.  He  has  made  his  home  in  Boone 
county  since  1892.  He  was  a  soldier  of  the  Civil  war,  responding  to  the 
country's  call  for  troops  on  the  29th  of  July,  1862,  when  he  joined  Company  A 
of  the  Twenty-third  Iowa  Infantry,  of  which  he  was  made  second  corporal. 
On  the  17th  of  May,  1863,  he  was  wounded  in  the  battle  of  Black  River  Bridge, 
Mississippi.  In  June,  18(14,  'le  was  made  first  sergeant  and  with  that  rank 
served  until  the  close  of  the  war,  when  he  was  mustered  out  July  26,  1865,  at 
Harrisburg,  Texas.  His  was  a  creditable  military  record,  covering  three  years 
of  active  service,  in  which  he  participated  in  a  number  of  hotly  contested  engage- 
ments. He  was  honoralily  discharged  at  Davenport,  Iowa,  August  11,  1865,  but 
he  still  maintains  pleasant  relations  with  his  old  army  comrades  through  his 
membership  in  the  Grand  .\rmy  of  the  Republic.  To  him  and  his  wife  were  born 
four  children:  Thomas  L. ;  Edward  W.,  whose  home  is  in  Crookston,  Minne- 
sota ;  James   F.,   who  studied  medicine  and  engaged  in  practice   in  Arizona  to 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  177 

the  time  of  his  death  on  the  12th  of  March,  1909:  and  \\'ilbur  G.,  who  is  travel- 
ing auditor  for  the  Rothschilds  of  Chicago. 

Thomas  L.  Jones  was  reared  in  the  usual  manner  of  farm  lads  who  spend 
their  time  and  youth  in  the  middle  west.  From  the  time  of  early  spring  planting 
he  would  assist  in  the  work  of  the  fields  and  was  thus  engaged  until  after  crops 
were  harvested  in  the  autumn.  The  winter  seasons  were  devoted  to  the  acquire- 
ment of  an  education  and  in  1890  he  took  up  the  profession  of  school  teaching, 
being  then  a  young  man  of  twenty-four  years.  He  proved  capable  in  imparting 
readily  and  clearly  to  others  the  knowledge  that  he  had  acquired,  and  the  schools 
under  his  control  made  substantial  progress.  The  summer  seasons  were  devoted 
to  farm  work.  In  1892  he  removed  to  Boone  and  in  1893  he  established  a  music 
store,  which  he  conducted  successfully  until  1896.  He  then  turned  his  attention 
to  the  real-estate  and  loan  business,  handling  property  both  for  himself  and 
others  and  making  loans  on  farm  lands.  He  has  become  widely  and  favorably 
known  in  this  connection  and  he  is  thoroughly  informed  concerning  realty  values 
and  knows  exactly  the  property  that  is  upon  the  market. 

On  the  27th  of  April,  i8go,  Mr.  Jones  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Bertha 
A.  Jones,  a  native  of  Indiana,  and  to  them  have  been  born  three  children ; 
Bernice  R.,  whose  natal  day  was  March  11,  1891  ;  Ethel  L.,  born  May  29,  1892: 
and  Edith  L.,  born  on  the  30th  of  March,  1894.  The  family  occupies  an  enviable 
position  in  the  social  circles  of  the  city,  the  hospitality  of  the  best  homes  being 
freely  accorded  all  of  the  representatives  of  the  Jones  household.  The  religious 
faith  of  the  family  is  that  of  the  Christian  church,  and  Mr.  Jones  also  holds 
membership  in  the  Royal  Arcanum  and  the  Woodmen  of  the  World.  His  political 
support  is  given  the  democratic  party  and  upon  its  ticket  he  has  been  elected  to 
several  offices.  He  served  for  four  years  as  city  assessor,  has  also  been  city 
clerk  and  for  three  years  was  a  member  of  the  city  council,  during  which  period 
he  exercised  his  official  prerogatives  in  support  of  many  progressive  public  move- 
ments and  needed  reforms  and  improvements.  He  has  at  all  times  been  loyal  to 
the  best  interests  of  the  community,  and  his  worth  both  as  a  man  and  citizen  is 
widely  recognized. 


MRS.  SARAH  ADELLA  KOUHNS. 

The  highest  esteem  and  greatest  respect  is  given  on  all  sides  to  Mrs.  Sarah 
Adella  Kouhns,  who  for  many  years  has  been  an  honored  resident  of  Ogden. 
Iowa.  Mrs.  Kouhns  was  born  in  Ohio  in  September,  1852,  a  daughter  of  William 
and  Lucinda  (Robinson)  Hassenpflug,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  The  father  was 
a  carriage  maker  by  trade  and  at  an  early  day  went  to  Ohio,  where  he  engaged  in 
farming,  operating  land  for  the  remainder  of  his  life  in  that  state.  He  died 
in  i860,  being  survived  by  his  widow  until  1904. 

Sarah  A.  Hassenpflug  was  reared  and  educated  in  Ohio,  where  she  subse- 
quently turned  her  knowledge  to  good  account  by  teaching  school  for  some  time. 
In  1868  she  married  A.  Kouhns,  now  deceased,  and  since  1871  she  has  lived  in 
Boone  county.  For  the  past  fifteen  years  she  has  been  a  resident  of  Ogden. 
Mrs.  Kouhns  had  five  children :     Laura,  who  married  A.  E.  Yarges,  who  farms 


178  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

in  Nebraska ;  Lucy,  the  wife  of  Al.  Treloar,  a  farmer  in  Boone  county ;  Ruben, 
who  follows  the  same  line  of  occupation  in  this  county ;  Margaret,  who  died  in 
1904 ;  and  Alontie,  who  died  in  infancy. 

Mr.  Kouhns  was  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  but  his  widow  has  sold  the 
farm  and  has  her  money  invested  in  other  profitable  ventures.  She  owns  a 
handsome  home  in  Ogden,  where  she  has  many  friends.  Mrs.  Kouhns  gives  her 
adherence  to  the  Baptist  church,  in  the  work  of  which  she  takes  a  deep  and  help- 
ful interest. 


OSCAR  OAKLEAF. 


Oscar  Oakleaf,  whose  record  furnishes  an  excellent  illustration  of  the  power 
of  industry  and  perseverance  in  the  attainment  of  success,  came  to  America 
in  early  inanhood  and  has  worked  his  way  steadily  upward  to  a  position  of  influ- 
ence and  affluence  in  his  community,  being  now  the  president  of  the  Madrid 
State  Bank,  one  of  the  solid  financial  institutions  of  Iowa.  H'is  birth  occurred 
in  Sweden  in  1858,  his  parents  being  J.  P.  and  Annie  (Peterson)  Oakleaf, 
who  spent  their  entire  lives  in  that  country.  Their  children  were  nine  in  num- 
ber, as  follows :  three  who  died  in  infancy ;  Oscar,  of  this  review ;  Carl,  still 
residing  in  Sweden;  Gust,  who  makes  his  home  in  Minnesota;  Mrs.  Emma 
Swanson,  of  Madrid;  Mrs.  Hannah  Peterson,  also  living  in  Madrid;  and  Mrs. 
Martha  Hallblad,  who  resides  in  Minnesota.     All  were  born  in  Sweden. 

Oscar  Oakleaf  spent  the  first  twenty-one  years  of  his  life  in  the  land  of  his 
nativity  and  in  1879  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  United  States,  locating  at  Mar- 
shalltown,  Marshall  county,  Iowa,  where  he  secured  employment  as  a  farm 
laborer.  In  1881  he  came  to  what  is  now  Madrid  and  entered  the  service  of 
William  Johnson  as  a  clerk,  remaining  in  his  employ  for  nine  years  and  nine 
months.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period,  in  1891,  he  secured  a  position  with 
the  A.  T.  Davis  Milling  Company  of  Madrid  and  continued  with  the  concern 
for  about  a  year,  later  becoming  financially  interested  in  the  same.  He  also 
became  interested  in  the  Citizens  State  Bank  of  Madrid,  which  was  located  on 
the  present  site  of  the  Madrid  State  Bank.  In  that  institution  he  rose  steadily 
from  one  position  to  the  next  highest,  serving  successively  as  bookkeeper,  assis- 
tant cashier,  cashier,  and  president,  and  proving  his  ability  and  worth  in  each 
capacity.  The  Madrid  State  Bank  conducts  a  general  banking  business  and 
enjoys  a  reputation  as  one  of  the  safe  and  conservative  financial  institutions  of 
Iowa.  It  has  a  capital  of  twenty-five  thousand  dollars  and  a  surplus  of  twenty- 
five  thousand  dollars — a  fact  which  bespeaks  the  able  management  and  care- 
ful direction  of  its  chief  executive  officer.  The  bank  is  modernly  equipped, 
has  safety  deposit  boxes  and  is  the  depository  for  the  United  States  postal  sav- 
ings funds.  Mr.  Oakleaf  is  one  of  the  heaviest  stockholders  of  the  Madrid 
State  Bank,  owns  an  attractive  home  in  Madrid,  and  also  has  a  valuable  and 
modernly  improved  farm  of  one  hundred  and  thirty-seven  acres  in  Douglas 
township. 

In  1895  Mr.  Oakleaf  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Clara  Anderson,  who 
was  born  in  Madrid  in   1864,  her  parents  being  Peter  and  Melinda  Anderson, 


I 


OSCAR  OAKLEAP 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  181 

both  of  whom  are  deceased.  They  were  among  the  early  settlers  of  Boone 
county  and  it  was  here  that  Mrs.  Oakleaf  grew  to  womanhood  and  attended 
the  public  schools.  By  her  marriage  she  has  become  the  mother  of  two  chil- 
dren: A.  Ruben,  who  was  born  July  19,  1897,  and  is  now  a  high  school  stu- 
dent in  Madrid;  and  Gladys  H.,  who  was  born  March  26,  1899,  and  also  attends 
school  in  Madrid.     Both  are  natives  of  that  city. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Oakleaf  is  a  stanch  republican  and  for  the  past 
fifteen  years  has  ably  served  as  school  treasurer  of  Madrid.  Both  he  and  his 
wife  are  devoted  and  consistent  members  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church  in 
Madrid.  The  period  of  his  residence  in  this  county  covers  a  third  of  a  century, 
and  he  enjoys  an  extensive  acquaintance  within  its  borders.  Coming  to  the 
new  world  in  the  hope  of  bettering  his  financial  condition,  he  found  the  oppor- 
tunities which  he  sought  and  in  their  wise  utilization  has  won  both  prosperity 
and  friendly  respect. 


AXEL  E.  SKORTMAN. 

Axel  E.  Skortman  has  been  a  resident  of  Madrid  for  nearly  a  half  century 
and  throughout  practically  his  entire  life.  He  is  successfully  engaged  in  busi- 
ness as  a  merchant,  owning  a  half  interest  in  a  stock  of  implements.  His  birth 
occurred  in  Sweden  on  the  5th  of  November,  1864,  his  parents  being  August 
and  Carolina  (Anderson)  Skortman,  who  were  likewise  natives  of  that  country, 
the  former  born  in  1838  and  the  latter  ^n  1842.  In  the  summer  of  1865  the 
family  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  United  States  and  settled  at  Madrid,  Boone 
county,  Iowa,  where  August  Skortman  worked  at  the  tailor's  trade  for  three 
years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  turned  his  attention  to  general  agri- 
cultural pursuits  in  Douglas  township  and  in  1874  took  up  his  abode  on  a  farm 
in  section  24,  Garden  township,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life,  passing 
away  in  1902.  He  paid  but  four  dollars  per  acre  for  his  first  farm  and  the 
land  has  since  steadily  increased  in  value  until  it  is  now  worth  two  hundred 
dollars  an  acre.  In  his  demise  the  community  lost  one  of  its  substantial,  esteemed 
and  representative  citizens.  His  widow,  who  still  survives,  now  makes  her  home 
in  Slater,  Story  county,  this  state. 

They  were  the  parents  of  ten  children,  including  the  following  named : 
Axel  E.,  of  this  review;  Mrs.  Anna  Cross,  who  is  a  resident  of  Sac  City,  Iowa; 
Charles,  living  in  Slater,  Iowa ;  Emil,  who  makes  his  home  in  Minnesota ;  Mrs. 
Nellie  Swanson,  of  Story  county,  Iowa ;  Minnie,  who  is  married  and  resides  in 
Garden  township,  this  county;  Mrs.  Selma  Peterson,  also  of  Garden  township; 
and  Edward,  who  passed  away  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years.  All  were  born 
in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  with  the  exception  of  our  subject,  and  all  were  reared 
and  educated  here,  attending  the  early  schools  of  the  county. 

Axel  E.  Skortman  grew  to  manhood  in  Madrid  and,  as  above  stated,  has 
always  remained  a  resident  of  the  town.  Success  has  attended  his  undertakings 
in  the  business  world  until  he  is  now  numbered  among  the  prosperous  and  repre- 
sentative citizens  of  his  community,  owning  a  valuable  and  well  improved  farm 
of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Madison  township,  Polk  county,  and  also  a 


182  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

half  interest  in  a  stock  of  implements  in  Madrid.  He  likewise  owns  an  attractive 
and  well  appointed  home  in  Madrid  and  is  one  of  the  best  liked  and  most 
enterprising  residents  of  the  town. 

On  the  7th  of  March,  1888,  Mr.  Skortman  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Dora  Cross,  who  was  born  in  Madison  township,  Polk  county,  Iowa,  on  the 
5th  of  May,  1868,  her  parents  being  Homer  and  Samantha  (Scheidler)  Cross, 
natives  of  Ohio  and  Indiana  respectively.  The  took  up  their  abode  in  Garden 
township  on  coming  to  this  county  and  are  now  residents  of  Madrid.  Their 
two  daughters  are  as  follows :  Mrs.  Dora  Skortman,  who  grew  to  womanhood 
in  this  country  and  has  always  remained  a  resident  here;  and  Mrs.  Ina  Ed- 
wards, a  native  of  Garden  township,  this  county,  who  now  resides  in  Des 
Moines,  Iowa.  Our  subject  and  his  wife  have  one  daughter,  Mrs.  Violet 
Kinsey,  who  was  born  in  Madison  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa,  on  the  i5lh 
of  March,  1892,  and  grew  to  womanhood  in  Polk  county.  She  pursued  a  high- 
school  course  in  Madrid  and  was  married  in  that  town. 

Mr.  Skortman  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  has  done  valuable  service  as  a 
member  of  the  town  council  of  Madrid.  His  religious  faith  is  indicated  by  his 
membership  in  the  Christian  church  of  Madrid,  to  which  his  wife  also  belongs. 
and  fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Masons,  belonging  to  Star  Lodge,  No. 
115,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Madrid.  He  is  likewise  connected  with  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias  of  Madrid  and  the  Yeomen. 
By  nature  he  is  social  and  genial  and  he  has  many  attractive  qualities  which 
have  won  him  a  circle  of  warm  friends. 


VIRGIL  O.  HOLCOMB. 

Virgil  O.  Holcomb  is  actively  engaged  in  the  real-estate  and  insurance  busi- 
ness in  Boone  and  has  won  a  gratifying  measure  of  success  in  this  connection. 
His  birth  occurred  in  Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  on  the  8th  of  March,  1866,  his  par- 
ents being  Charles  and  Louisa  (Wilbur)  Holcomb,  both  of  whom  were  natives 
of  Connecticut.  In  1869  the  family  home  was  established  in  Boone  county, 
Iowa,  the  father  here  devoting  his  attention  to  general  agricultural  pursuits 
throughout  his  active  business  career.  He  now  resides  in  the  town  of  Boone  and 
is  well  known  and  esteemed  throughout  the  community  which  has  been  his 
home  for  a  period  of  forty-five  years.  The  demise  of  his  wife  occurred  in 
.-\ugust,  1909.  They  had  two  children:  Virgil  O..  of  this  review;  and  Frank 
who  is  deceased. 

Virgil  O.  Holcomb  supplemented  his  preliminary  education  by  a  high-school 
course  and  also  attended  Highland  Park  College  of  Des  Moines.  Returning 
to  the  home  farm,  he  was  busily  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  during  the 
summer  seasons,  while  in  the  winter  months  he  followed  the  profession  of 
teaching.  He  was  chosen  a  member  of  the  board  of  supervisors  and  ably  served 
in  that  capacity  for  six  years,  on  the  expiration  of  which  period  he  embarked 
in  the  real-estate  and  insurance  business  at  Boone,  with  which  he  has  been  con- 
tinuously identified  to  the  present  time.     He  has  kept   well   informed  concern- 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  183 

ing  property  values  and  has  therefore  been  enabled  to  negotiate  important  realty 
transfers  beneficial  alike  to  his  clients  and  to  himself. 

On  the  2d  of  August,  1892,  Mr.  Holcomb  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Miss 
Mary  Wylie,  a  native  of  Boone  county,  by  whom  he  has  three  children,  namely, 
Caroline  J.,  Curtis  F.  and  Richard  Franklin.  In  politics  Mr.  Holcomb  is  inde- 
pendent, supporting  men  and  measures  rather  than  party.  Fraternally  he  is 
identified  with  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen,  and  his  religious  faith 
is  that  of  the  Methodist  church.  In  civic  as  well  as  business  affairs  Mr.  Holcomb 
is  enterprising  and  progressive  and  is  always  ready  to  accord  his  support  and 
cooperation  to  every  movement  the  adoption  of  which  he  feels  will  redound  to 
the  benefit  of  the  majority.  He  has  resided  within  the  borders  of  Boone  county 
since  three  years  of  age  and  enjoys  a  very  extensive  and  favorable  acquaintance 
here. 


WILLARD  FOSTER. 


Willard  Foster  may  truly  be  called  a  self-made  man,  for  the  success  which 
has  come  to  him  has  been  won  entirely  through  his  own  efforts.  He  started  out 
to  make  his  way  in  the  world  when  a  lad  of  but  thirteen  years  and  since  that 
time  has  led  a  busy  life,  his  growing  effectiveness  and  usefulness  in  business 
circles  finding  tangible  evidence  in  his  property  holdings,  consisting  of  an  attract- 
ive home  and  a  large  feed  and  coal  yard.  He  was  born  in  Story  county,  Novem- 
ber 4,  1856,  and  is  a  son  of  John  R.  and  Elizabeth  (Jackson)  Foster,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  Indiana.  They  came  to  Iowa  in  1852,  taking  up  their 
abode  in  Story  county,  where  the  father  followed  farming  until  i860.  Follow- 
ing the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  he  immediately  responded  to  the  country's 
call  for  troops,  feeling  this  to  be  his  paramount  duty.  With  his  command  he 
went  to  the  front  and  was  among  those  who  laid  down  their  lives  on  the  altar 
of  their  country,  his  death  occurring  while  he  was  serving  as  a  soldier.  His  wife 
had  previously  passed  away  and  thus  their  three  children  were  orphaned.  The 
daughter,  Suzanna,  is  now  the  wife  C.  P.  Meredith,  a  resident  of  Clark  Fork, 
Idaho.  The  elder  son  is  Willard,  and  the  youngest  of  the  family  was  Thomas, 
who  died  in  childhood. 

When  his  father  went  to  the  army  Willard  Foster  went  to  live  with  his 
grandparents,  with  whom  he  remained  through  much  of  the  period  of  his  youth. 
He  continued  with  them  through  winter  seasons,  while  in  the  summer  months  he 
earned  his  own  living  by  working  at  farm  labor  from  the  age  of  thirteen  years. 
When  crops  were  harvested  in  the  late  autumn  he  would  return  to  the  home 
of  his  grandfather  and  spend  the  winter  season  in  attending  school.  It  will 
thus  be  seen  that  he  had  no  special  advantages  or  opportunities  at  the  outset 
of  his  career,  being  forced  to  enter  so  early  upon  the  task  of  earning  a  livelihood. 
When  twenty-one  years  of  age  he  was  married  and  located  upon  a  farm  in 
Boone  county.  After  renting  land  for  about  three  years,  during  which  time 
he  lived  most  economically,  he  invested  his  earnings  in  an  eighty  acre  tract. 
After  cultivating  that  property  for  a  time  he  sold  out  and  bought  one  hundred 
acres.     Later  he  rented  his  farm  and  removed  to  Boone,  where  he  became  an 


184  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

employe  in  the  shops  of  the  Northwestern  Railroad  Company,  there  spending 
three  years.  He  was  afterward  in  the  street  car  service  for  ten  years  and  later 
was  elected  township  constable,  to  which  position  he  was  reelected  at  the  close 
of  his  first  term.  Ere  he  retired  from  that  position  he  was  elected  sheriff  of  the 
county  and  filled  the  office  most  acceptably  for  five  years,  discharging  his  duties 
without  fear  or  favor.  He  next  purchased  a  feed  and  coal  business  on  Tenth 
street  and  has  thus  been  identified  with  commercial  interests  in  the  city  to  the 
present  time.  Evidence  of  his  success  is  seen  in  his  fine  home,  which  is  one 
of  the  modern  residences  of  Boone,  situated  at  the  corner  of  Sixth  and  Harri- 
son streets.  It  is  attractively  furnished  and,  moreover,  is  the  abode  of  a  warm- 
hearted hospitality,  which  makes  it  the  center  of  a  cultured  society  circle. 

On  the  15th  of  July,  1877,  Mr.  Foster  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary 
A.  Moyer,  and  unto  them  has  been  born  a  daughter,  Bertha,  who  is  now  the 
wife  of  W.  H.  McLain,  of  Emmetsburg,  Iowa.  The  religious  faith  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Foster  is  that  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  and  his  fraternal 
i-elations  are  with  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen.  He  votes  with  the 
republican  party,  and  it  was  upon  this  ticket  that  he  was  elected  to  office.  He 
has  never  been  remiss  in  the  duties  of  citizenship,  while  in  business  he  has  never 
failed  to  show  that  enterprising  spirit  and  unfaltering  determination  which 
overcome  obstacles  and  advance  steadily  toward  success.  He  certainly  deserves 
much  credit  for  what  he  has  accomplished,  inasmuch  as  he  started  out  for  him- 
self at  a  very  early  age  and  has  been  dependent  entirely  upon  his  own  resources 
from  that  time  to  the  present. 


L.  D.  NORRIS. 


The  late  L.  D.  Norris  was  one  of  the  best  known  and  most  beloved  citizens 
of  Madrid  and  Boone  counties.  He  was  born  in  Brown  township.  \'inton 
county,  Ohio,  on  February  7,  1847,  and  died  in  South  Dakota,  February  27, 
1909,  at  the  age  of  sixty-two  years.  His  parents  were  Daniel  Johnson  and 
Martha  (Coe)  Norris,  the  former  born  in  New  Hampshire,  March  6,  1816,  and 
the  latter  in  Connecticut  in  1818.  The  father  died  in  Arkansas  in  1896  and  the 
mother  in  Nebraska  in  1881.  They  were  among  the  pioneers  of  Iowa,  having 
come  overland  in  1854.  They  first  located  at  Salem  in  Henry  county.  The 
father  was  a  school  teacher  in  that  place  and  for  a  number  of  years  followed 
the  profession  in  Iowa.  From  Henry  county  the  family  removed  to  Nevada, 
Iowa,  when  this  territory  was  as  yet  all  prairie  and  there  were  but  a  few  log 
cabins  in  Nevada.  Thence  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norris  and  family  went  to  Monroe, 
Jasper  county,  where  they  remained  for  two  winters  during  the  war,  in  1862 
and  1863,  and  from  there  they  made  their  way  to  Dallas  county,  coming  in 
1864  to  Boone  county.  Members  of  the  family  have  made  their  home  in  this 
county  since.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norris,  Sr.,  had  four  sons  and  one  daughter.  The 
latter  was  Mrs.  C.  H.  Hayes,  who  died  in  Arkansas.  The  sons  were:  L.  D., 
of  this  review;  Jacob  Chester,  born  February  i,  1851,  who  resides  in  Madrid; 
H.  R.,  who  lives  in  Oakwood,  Oklahoma;  and  Johnson,  who  died  in  infancy. 
The  three  eldest  children  were  born  in  Vinton  county,  Ohio,  H.  R.  Norris  in 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  185 

Salem,  Iowa,  and  the  youngest  in  Nevada,  this  state.  All  were  reared  and 
educated  in  Iowa. 

L.  D.  Norris  of  this  review  married  in  Boone  county,  March  13,  1870,  Miss 
Elizabeth  Hubby,  who  was  born  m  Cass  township,  Jones  county,  Iowa,  May 
24,  1852.  Her  parents  settled  there  in  1851,  entering  land.  In  1867  the  Hubby 
family  came  to  Boone  county,  and  here  her  father  resided  until  his  death.  Her 
parents  were  John  and  Hannah  (Jones)  Hubby,  natives  of  Canada,  the  former 
having  been  born  in  the  Dominion  in  1800.  He  died  near  Madrid  in  1879,  hav- 
ing survived  his  wife  but  a  short  time,  the  latter  passing  away  September  4, 
1878.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hubby  were  born  thirteen  children,  of  whom  seven  are 
living:  Mrs.  Lois  Kelley-McCapes,  residing  in  California;  John,  of  Lynch, 
Nebraska;  Mrs.  Helen  Wagner,  of  Des  Moines;  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Norris;  Mrs. 
Harriett  Williams,  of  Boone  county ;  Mrs.  Clara  Huffman,  of  Douglas  town- 
ship ;  and  George,  a  resident  of  Boone  county. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Norris  became  the  parents  of  eight  children,  all  of  whom  are 
living.  They  are:  Mrs.  Lillian  Mills,  born  January  7.  1871,  of  Madrid;  Mrs. 
Hannah  Johnson,  born  December  i,  1872,  of  Des  Moines;  Edward  C,  born 
February  18,  1875,  of  Minnesota;  George  H.,  whose  birth  occurred  March  12, 
1877,  and  who  is  a  resident  of  South  Dakota;  Mrs.  Dollie  Stinehouse,  born  July 
31,  1879,  and  residing  in  Madrid,  Iowa;  Edith,  born  in  1881,  who  is  teaching 
school  in  Madrid;  Mrs.  Bessie  Harleen,  born  May  22,  1884,  residing  near 
Madrid ;  and  Duroc,  born  February  5,  1888,  who  makes  his  home  with  his 
mother.  All  these  children  were  reared  in  Madrid  and  received  their  education 
in  the  public  schools  of  that  city.  The  daughters  have  all  followed  the  pro- 
fession of  teaching  and  the  second  son  was  also  engaged  along  that  line. 

Mr.  Morris  was  a  republican  but  he  never  entered  public  life,  although 
he  was  deeply  interested  in  the  welfare  of  his  nation  and  the  progress  of  his 
locality.  He  was  a  member  of  the  Christian  church  of  Madrid,  to  which  the  widow 
yet  belongs.  All  members  of  the  family  with  the  exception  of  one  brother 
own  claims  in  South  Dakota  and  secured  the  same  by  locating  on  them  and  im- 
proving them.  Mr.  Norris  stood  high  in  the  estimation  of  his  fellowmen,  who 
appreciated  in  him  a  man  of  character  and  one  who  was  always  ready  to  extend 
a  helping  hand  to  those  in  need.  His  memory  is  venerated  by  all  who  knew  him. 
Not  only  did  he  leave  his  family  a  competence  but  an  honored  name — a  name 
which  stood  for  truthfulness  in  friendship,  loyalty  in  citizenship  and  the  faithful 
discharge  of  all  obligations  of  life. 


WILLIAM  H.  AIRHART. 

William  H.  Airhart  is  well  known  in  Boone  as  proprietor  of  The  Regal, 
which  is  recognized  to  be  the  best  equipped  billiard  parlor  in  the  state  of  Iowa. 
His  birth  occurred  in  Ogle  county,  Illinois,  on  the  i6th  of  August,  1859,  his 
parents  being  David  and  Jane  (Taylor)  Airhart,  both  of  whom  were  natives 
of  Pennsylvania.  They  came  to  Iowa  in  1865,  locating  in  Story  county,  where 
the  father  devoted  his  attention  to  general  agricultural  pursuits.  In  1896  he 
came  to  Boone  and  here  both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  David  .'\irhart  spent  the  remainder 


186  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

of  tncir  lives  in  honorable  retirement.  Their  children  were  as  follows:  Rose: 
Clara  and  Andrew,  both  of  whom  are  deceased:  William  H.,  of  this  review; 
George,  a  resident  of  Whittemore,  Iowa ;  Fred,  living  in  Des  Moines ;  Vione, 
the  wife  of  R.  Ballard,  of  Story  county,  this  state ;  Julia,  who  is  the  wife  of 
William  Bell  of  Boone  county;  Edward,  residing  in  Boone;  and  Cora. 

When  twenty  years  of  age  William  H.  Airhart  began  farming  in  Story 
county,  being  thus  actively  engaged  until  March,  1887,  when  he  came  to  Boone. 
Here  he  entered  the  train  service  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railway,  con- 
tinuing with  that  corporation  for  a  period  of  about  fifteen  years.  In  1901  he 
embarked  in  the  feed  and  coal  business  but  at  the  end  of  about  three  years  again 
turned  his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits,  following  farming  for  five  years. 
Subsequently  he  conducted  a  coal  and  feed  store  in  Boone  for  another  period 
of  three  years  and  then  spent  a  year  in  California.  Returning  to  Boone,  he 
opened  a  select  billiard  parlor  known  as  The  Regal,  which  has  been  pronounced 
by  experts  to  be  the  best  equipped  parlor  of  its  kind  in  the  state. 

Mr.  Airhart  has  been  twice  married.  On  the  8th  of  August,  1880,  he  wedded 
Miss  Olive  Corey,  by  whom  he  had  three  children,  namely :  Edward,  who  is 
a  resident  of  Boone  county ;  and  Harry  and  Maude,  both  deceased.  The  wife 
and  mother  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  1896  and  in  September,  1898,  Mr. 
Airhart  was  again  married,  his  second  union  being  with  Miss  Carrie  Low,  a 
native  of  Pennsylvania. 

Mr.  Airhart  is  a  socialist  in  his  political  views  and  has  served  as  a  member 
of  the  city  council.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Christian  church,  while 
fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Improved  Order  of  Redmen.  He  is  widely 
recognized  as  a  substantial  and  representative  citizen  of  Boone  county  and  is 
popular  by  reason  of  his  genial  and  social  qualities  which,  combined  with  his 
genuine  personal  worth,  have  won  him  the  high  regard  of  all  with  whom  he  has 
come  in  contact. 


WILHELM  DOERDER. 

For  over  four  years  Wilhelm  Doerder  has  lived  retired  in  Boone  after  a  suc- 
cessful agricultural  career  in  Jackson  township.  He  resides  in  a  handsome  home 
at  No.  1818  Boone  street,  which  is  his  property  and  where  he  is  surrounded  by 
the  comforts  of  life,  to  which  he  is  entitled  because  of  his  many  years  of  arduous 
and  successful  labor.  He  was  born  in  the  province  of  Silesia,  Germany,  April 
2,  1849,  a'lfl  is  a  son  of  Karl  and  Ernestina  (Sanger)  Doerder,  natives  of  that 
province.  The  father  was  a  cloth  weaver  and  died  in  his  native  land  about  1900, 
at  the  age  of  sixty-seven  years.  His  wife  attained  the  age  of  sixty-four.  In 
their  family  were  ten  children,  eight  of  whom  died  during  their  youth,  the  only 
living  sister  of  our  subject  being  Mrs.  Hannah  Bittner,  who  resides  in  Germany. 

Wilhelm  Doerder  received  his  education  in  Silesia,  laying  aside  his  text- 
books when  about  fourteen  years  of  age.  He  then  worked  for  farmers  living 
in  his  neighborhood  and  also  found  employment  in  the  coal  mines.  Being  im- 
pressed with  the  opportunities  awaiting  a  young  man  in  the  new  world,  he  came 
to  the  United   States   in    1876,   sailing  from   Rotterdam   to  London  and  thence 


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MR.  AND  MRS.  WILHELM  DOEEDER 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  189 

traveling  to  Liverpool,  where  he  took  the  steamship  Abyssinia  to  New  York. 
On  a  later  trip  this  boat  went  to  the  bottom  of  the  ocean.  When  Mr.  Doerder 
began  his  voyage  to  America  he  had  little  more  than  the  necessary  traveling 
expenses.  After  arriving  in  New  York  he  made  his  way  to  Nebraska,  settling 
in  Lancaster  coimty.  where  there  was  a  friend  living  from  the  old  country.  The 
first  summer  he  engaged  in  farm  work,  remaining  with  the  friend  during  the 
winter,  and  in  the  spring  joined  a  party  of  gold  seekers  who  were  bound  for 
the  Black  Hills  of  South  Dakota.  He  with  five  other  men  walked  all  the  way 
from  Nebraska  to  the  Black  Hills,  and  many  times  they  awoke  in  the  morning 
to  find  themselves  covered  with  snow.  Mr.  Doerder  had  no  blankets  and  traded 
a  knife  to  an  Indian  for  a  buffalo  robe.  There  he  remained  only  one  month, 
at  the  end  of  which  time  he  returned  east,  walking  the  whole  distance  to  Boone 
county,  where  he  worked  in  the  Canfield  coal  mine  in  Logan.  He  then  was 
employed  for  a,  few  months  in  the  Herman  Brewery  and  subsequently  became 
a  section  hand  on  the  Northwestern  Railroad.  Toward  the  end  of  the  summer 
he  traveled  over  the  country  with  one  Henry  Bowman,  selling  goods.  He  then 
worked  in  Jackson  township  on  the  farm  of  Mrs.  John  Adix,  a  widow,  whom  he 
married  in  1879.  Mr.  Doerder  successfully  cultivated  this  farm  until  he  retired 
four  years  ago,  moving  to  Boone  on  November  10,  1909.  He  always  followed 
the  most  modern  methods  and  became  prosperous  in  his  farming  pursuits. 

On  April  26,  1879,  Mr.  Doerder  married  Mrs.  John  Adix,  who  before  her 
marriage  was  Miss  Hannah  Goetsch.  She  was  born  in  Pomerania,  Germany, 
and  died  Aiiril  fi,  1914,  at  the  age  of  seventy-six  years.  She  Jjore  her  husband 
the  following  children :  Albert,  who  is  in  charge  of  the  hom'e  farm  in  Jack- 
son township  and  who  married  Rosie  Linniger,  by  whom  he  has  one  son,  Law- 
rence ;  and  Paulina,  who  married  Lee  Koepenhaver,  residing  near  Jordon.  By 
her  first  marriage  Mrs.  Doerder  had  five  children :  Charles,  of  Jackson  town- 
ship ;  William,  also  a  resident  of  that  township ;  John,  who  makes  his  home  in 
Harrison  township ;  Kate,  who  married  John  Murken,  of  Harrison  township ; 
and  Ida,  the  wife  of  Joseph  F.  Gutt  of  lioone.  Mr.  Doerder  enjoys  the  full  con- 
fidence of  all  those  who  know  him  and  is  well  entitled  to  the  respect  and  esteem 
which  he  receives  on  all  sides  because  of  his  manly  qualities  of  character  and 
the  success  which  he  has  achieved  in  life. 


CHARLES  E.  ROGERS. 

Charles  E.  Rogers,  senior  member  of  the  firm  of  Rogers  &  Dodge  of  Boone, 
is  profitably  engaged  in  the  auto  repair  and  general  machinery  business  and 
enjoys  a  reputation  as  one  of  the  most  substantial  business  men  of  the  city.  He 
was  born  January  6,  1875,  at  Fort  Dodge,  Cooper  township,  Webster  county, 
Iowa,  his  parents  being  George  W.  and  Emma  R.  (Wood)  Rogers.  The  paternal 
grandfather,  Daniel  Rogers,  was  born  in  England,  near  the  Wales  line,  and  was 
a  farmer  by  occupation.  He  came  to  the  United  States  with  his  wife  and  three 
children,  the  family  landing  in  New  York,  whence  they  went  to  Baltimore,  making 
their  home  near  that  city  for  about  ten  years.  They  subsequently  located  on  a 
farm  near  Wheeling,  West  Virginia,  where  the  grandfather  remained  until  his 


190  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

death  in  1896,  at  the  age  of  ninety-three  years.  His  wife,  Elizabeth  Rogers, 
attained  the  remarkable  age  of  one  hundred  and  three  years,  passing  away  at  the 
home  of  her  son  John  in  Minneapolis,  Minnesota.  In  their  family  were  the  fol- 
lowing children:  Mary,  who  married  John  Hirschberger  and  resides  at  Elk 
Garden,  West  \'irginia,  at  the  age  of  eighty-three ;  George  W.,  the  father  of 
our  subject;  Sarah,  who  married  John  Glidden  and  lives  at  Cherokee,  Iowa, 
at  the  age  of  seventy-one ;  Elizabeth,  who  died  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years ; 
James,  of  Portland,  Oregon,  who  married  Lucy  Johnson ;  John,  of  Minneapolis, 
Minnesota;  Benjamin,  of  Pipeston,  Mfnnesota;  David,  of  Minneapolis;  and 
Lucy,  who  married  John  Bailey,  their  residence  being  Elk  Gardens,  West 
Virginia. 

George  W.  Rogers,  who  was  born  in  England  in  1839,  came  with  his  parents 
to  the  United  States  when  ten  years  old.  He  attended  the  common  schools  of 
his  native  country  and  America,  but  his  educational  advantages  were  limited  by 
circumstances  and  the  conditions  of  the  time.  He  earned  his  first  wages  as  a 
driver  of  a  supply  team  in  Wheeling,  West  X'irginia,  delivering  goods  to  points 
within  a  radius  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  to  two  hundred  miles  from  that  city. 
In  April,  1861,  he  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Company  H.  Eleventh  West  \'irginia 
Volunteer  Heavy  Artillery,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war,  being  veteran- 
ized after  eighteen  months.  He  held  the  rank  of  chief  gunner  at  the  time  of  his 
discharge  and  after  the  war  was  over  became  a  bridge  builder  for  the  Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad  Company.  In  1866  he  removed  to  Fort  Dodge,  Iowa,  home- 
steading  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Cooper  township  and  proving  up  his 
claim.  However,  he  never  developed  the  land  but  for  two  years  engaged  in 
the  cigar  business  at  Fort  Dodge.  He  then  turned  his  attention  to  the  coal  busi- 
ness there  until  1907,  but  now  lives  retired  at  Marshalltown,  Iowa.  The  father 
has  been  a  lifelong  republican,  stanchly  upholding  the  principles  of  that  party. 
Although  prominent  in  his  community,  he  has  never  sought  office,  preferring 
to  work  for  the  good  of  his  fellowmen  as  a  private  citizen.  Both  he  and  his 
wife  attend  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  They  had  the  following  children: 
Qiarles  E.,  of  this  review  ;  Gertrude,  who  died  at  the  age  of  nine  years ;  Nettie,. 
■  who  was  three  years  old  when  she  passed  away  ;  Henry,  who  died  in  infancy ; 
William  G.,  a  resident  of  Superior.  Wisconsin,  who  married  Mary  Dyson ; 
Ellen  C,  who  married  Charles  Wolcott  and  resides  in  New  Hampshire :  and 
Edith  I.,  the  wife  of  Melvin  Wooley,  of  Ceylon,  Minnesota. 

Charles  E.  Rogers  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  Fort  Dodge,  which  he 
attended  until  sixteen  years  of  age.  He  entered  upon  his  business  career  in 
the  employ  of  the  Northwestern  Railway,  remaining  with  that  company  for  some 
time.  He  was  then  for  six  months  a  seaman  on  the  Great  Lakes,  being  subse- 
quently promoted  to  the  position  of  mate  on  the  sailing  vessel  Driver,  a  schooner 
going  out  of  Sheboygan,  Wisconsin.  After  this  he  was  connected  with  a  machine 
shop  in  Sheboygan  and  subsequently  held  similar  positions  in  Des  Moines,  various 
places  in  Minnesota  and  in  other  parts  of  the  country.  In  September.  1912,  he 
became  independent  by  opening  his  present  repair  shop  as  a  member  of  the 
firm  of  Rogers  &  Dodge.  He  shortly  after  bought  out  his  partner  but  again  be- 
came associated  with  Mr.  Dodge  in  February.  1914.  They  do  a  general  repair 
business  and  enjoy  a  high  reputation  for  excellent  workmanship.  Moreover, 
both  are  business  men  of  no  mean  qualifications  and  enjoy  the  confidence  and 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  191 

respect  of  all  those  who  have  transactions  with  them.  Good  work  at  fair  prices 
has  been  their  motto  and  they  have  gained  a  large  patronage  by  adhering  to  this 
policy. 

On  June  21,  1905,  Mr.  Rogers  married  Miss  Ellen  Taylor  of  Des  Moines, 
a  daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Kavanaugh)  Taylor.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rogers 
have  two  sons :  Gilbert  T.,  born  October  26,  1907 ;  and  William  Charles,  July 
16,  1910.  The  parents  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church  and  Mr. 
Rogers  gives  his  adherence  to  the  republican  party.  He  is  interested  in  all 
movements  undertaken  to  promote  the  growth  of  the  city  and  readily  gives 
his  support  toward  material  and  moral  advancement.  Although  he  has  not  lived 
in  Boone  many  years,  he  has  already  made  many  friends  who  esteem  him  as 
an  earnest,  conscientious  and  progressive  business  man  and  citizen. 


MATHIAS   I.  REILLY. 


One  of  the  important  business  enterprises  of  Boone  is  that  which  is  incor- 
porated and  conducted  under  the  name  of  the  Leader  Grocery  &  Market  Com- 
pany, in  which  Mathias  J.  Reilly  is  the  senior  partner.  His  name  has  long  been 
a  familiar  one  in  the  trade  circles  of  the  city  and  stands  as  a  synonym  for  pro- 
gressive methods,  his  establishment  largely  setting  the  standard  for  activity  in 
other  business  houses  of  Boone. 

Mr.  Reilly  was  born  in  Utica,  New  York,  April  5,  1859,  and  is  a  son  of 
Lawrence  and  Bridget  Reilly,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Ireland.  It  was  in 
the  year  1848  that  the  father  bade  adieu  to  friends  and  native  land  and  sailed 
for  the  new  world.  He  established  his  home  in  Utica,  New  York,  where  he 
was  well  known  as  a  railroad  man  for  a  number  of  years.  In  1869  he  arrived 
in  Iowa  and  for  a  year  thereafter  engaged  in  railroading.  Subsequently  he 
turned  his  attention  to  farming,  which  he  followed  for  several  years,  being  thus 
engaged  to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1887.  His  wife  survived 
him  for  many  years  and  passed  away  on  the  19th  of  March,  1905. 

Mathias  J.  Reilly  was  reared  on  the  old  home  farm  and  at  the  age  of  twenty- 
one  was  still  upon  his  father's  place  in  Harrison  township.  Upon  the  solicita- 
tion of  Mr.  Schroeder,  however,  he  left  the  farm  and  entered  the  Schroeder 
meat  market  at  Boone.  This  was  about  1880.  He  remained  in  that  employ  for 
three  years  and  in  1883  embarked  in  business  on  his  own  account  as  proprietor 
of  a  meat  market,  in  which  he  had  L.  D.  Sparks  as  a  partner,  their  interests 
being  conducted  under  the  firm  name  of  Sparks  &  Reilly.  At  length  Mr.  Reilly 
sold  out  to  Mr.  Sparks  and  entered  the  T.  P.  Rogers  grocery,  with  which  he  con- 
tinued for  about  a  year.  He  next  sold  out  and  later  entered  into  partnership 
with  A.  S.  Tarrow.  In  1891.  however,  he  purchased  the  business  of  his  partner 
and  for  about  twenty-one  years  was  alone,  but  in  January,  1912,  he  incorporated 
the  business  under  the  name  of  the  Leader  Grocery  &  Market  Company.  In 
this  undertaking  he  is  associated  with  .Severt  Teasdahl,  Charles  Rafferty,  Cleo 
Elliott,  Ed  Ray  and  his  daughter  Marie.  The  business  is  now  an  extensive  one 
and  is  growing  year  by  year.    A  large  and  well  selected  line  of  staple  and  fancy 


192  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

groceries  is  carried,  and  equal  excellence  is  maintained  in  the  market.      This 
insures  a  liberal  patronage,  and  the  success  of  the  house  is  very  gratifying. 

In  January,  1S84,  Mr.  Reilly  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Hamilton, 
a  native  of  Clinton  county,  Iowa,  and  unto  them  have  been  bom  five  children ; 
Grace;  Leo,  who  died  in  childhood;  Marie;  Leonard;  and  John.  The  relig- 
ious faith  of  the  family  is  that  of  the  Catholic  church,  to  which  Mr.  Reilly  loyally 
adheres.  He  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Columbus  and  also  holds  membership 
with  the  Yeomen,  the  Workmen  and  the  Woodmen.  His  political  support  is 
given  the  republican  party  and  for  four  years  he  served  as  a  member  of  the  city 
council.  Diligence  and  determination  have  been  among  his  salient  characteristics 
and  have  been  manifest  with  equal  result  in  behalf  of  the  general  welfare  and  in 
advancing  his  individual  success. 


L.   W.  ADIX. 


For  many  years  L.  W.  Adix  successfully  followed  farming  in  Yell  town- 
ship, Boone  county,  but  he  now  lives  retired  in  the  city  of  Boone  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  a  competency  which  he  has  well  earned.  He  was  born  in  Mecklenburg- 
Schwerin,  Germany,  March  4,  1833,  and  is  now  in  the  eighty-second  year  of 
his  age.  He  is  a  son  of  John  Jacob  and  Friedericka  Elizabeth  (Schmidt)  Adix, 
both  natives  of  Mecklenburg.  The  father  was  a  wagonmaker  by  trade  and 
established  himself  independently  in  that  line  of  business.  He  died  in  1842,  at 
the  age  of  forty-five  years,  his  widow  surviving  him  until  her  death,  which 
occurred  when  she  was  seventy-two  years  of  age.  Of  their  children  two  died 
in  infancy,  the  others  being:  Sophia,  who  married  in  Germany  and  subse- 
quently came  to  the  United  States,  locating  in  Austin  county,  Texas,  where 
she  passed  away;  Mary,  who  married  Gottlieb  Days,  residing  in  Dane  county, 
Wisconsin ;  Dora,  who  married  Daniel  Fitzgerald,  of  Boone,  both  having  passed 
away ;  L.  W.,  of  this  review ;  and  Frank,  who  resided  in  Boone  county  for  many 
years  and  died  here. 

L.  W.  Adix  was  but  nine  years  of  age  when  his  father  died.  He  attended 
school  until  fourteen  and  then  learned  the  trade  of  marble  worker  in  Mecklen- 
burg. At  the  father's  death  the  mother  was  left  with  six  children  and 
our  subject  greatly  assisted  her  in  rearing  the  family.  In  1854  they  decided  to 
emigrate  to  America  and  sailed  from  Hamburg,  Germany,  to  New  York  on  a 
sailing  vessel,  the  voyage  taking  nine  weeks.  They  at  first  lived  in  Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin,  for  a  short  time  and  then  removed  to  Madison,  that  state,  Mr.  Adix 
turning  his  hand  to  any  honest  labor  which  he  could  find  to  do.  In  October, 
1865,  the  family  arrived  in  Boone.  Iowa,  where  he  established  himself  as  a 
builder  and  contractor  of  houses,  engaging  in  that  business  for  about  three  years. 
He  then  married  and  in  1869  bought  a  farm  in  Yell  township,  comprising  eighty 
acres.  He  set  himself  immediately  to  the  work  of  placing  this  land  under  cul- 
tivation and  so  prospered  in  his  afi'airs  that  he  subsequently  added  one  tract  of 
forty  and  another  of  eighty  acres  to  his  holdings.  There  he  farmed  for  thirty 
years,  bringing  his  fields  to  a  high  state  of  productivity  and  erecting  substan- 
tial and  modern  buildings.     He  was  a  leader  in  agricultural  pursuits  there  and 


V. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  195 

largely  contributed  toward  the  development  of  his  section.  In  1900  he  retired 
from  active  life  and  removed  to  Boone  to  enjoy  a  well  earned  competency. 

In  Madison,  Wisconsin,  Mr.  Adix  married  Miss  Fredericka  Krogman,  who 
was  born  in  Mecklenburg-Schwerin,  Germany,  November  13,  1841.  She  was 
thirteen  years  of  age  when  she  came  with  her  parents  to  the  United  States  and 
grew  to  womanhood  in  Madison.  Her  father,  Louis  Krogman,  was  a  shepherd 
in  Germany,  where  he  married  Louisa  Schmidt.  He  was  a  man  well  along  in 
years  when  he  emigrated  to  America  and  his  death  occurred  in  Madison,  Wis- 
consin. He  and  his  wife  had  the  following  children:  Minnie,  who  married 
Levi  Carp  and  died  in  Madison;  Christian,  who  was  also  married  and  died 
near  that  city;  and  Mrs.  Adix.  The  children  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adix  are: 
Bertha,  the  widow  of  William  Wolf,  of  Yell  township;  Louis,  who  married 
Rosetta  Phipps  and  resides  near  Ogden ;  Lizzie,  the  wife  of  Marion  McCoskey, 
of  Marietta,  Minnesota;  Minnie,  the  wife  of  Joseph  Wagner,  of  Marietta;  Frank, 
of  Boone,  who  married  Lizzie  Reinhart ;  and  Albert,  who  married  Katrina 
Kampf  and  resides  in  Boone. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Adix  are  both  devout  members  of  the  Lutheran  church. 
Politically  the  former  has  always  supi)orted  the  democratic  party  but  has  never 
aspired  to  public  office.  He  and  his  wife  reside  in  a  handsome  home  at  No.  151 1 
Boone  street,  Boone,  and  there  they  often  entertain  their  many  friends.  Both 
are  highly  esteemed  by  all  who  know  them  and  are  venerated. asi  early  pioneers 
who  came  to  Iowa  when  civilization  was  yet  in  its  infancy  and  both  contributed 
largely  toward  that  development  by  which  the  present  prosperous  conditions 
have  become  a  realitv. 


WILLIAM  S.  GRAY. 


William  S.  Gray  enjoys  an  extensive  patronage  as  a  hardware  merchant  of 
Ogden  and  has  won  an  enviable  reputation  as  a  straightforwawl  and  reliable 
business  man.  His  birth  occurred  in  Tipton,  Cedar  county,  Iowa,  on  the  21st 
of  September,  1875,  his  parents  being  Alex  and  Ann  (Shearer)  Gray,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  Scotland.  They  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  the 
'40s.  Alex  Gray,  who  was  a  miller  by  trade,  followed  that  occupation  for  some 
time  or  until  he  removed  to  Johnson  county,  Iowa,  where  he  devoted  his  attention 
to  agricultural  pursuits  for  nine  years.  In  1893  ^^  came  to  Boone  county,  this 
state,  and  purchased  a  tract  of  land  which  he  cultivated  during  the  remainder  of 
his  life.  In  his  demise,  which  occurred  on  the  i6th  of  December,  1904,  the 
community  lost  one  of  its  substantial  and  esteemed  citizens.  His  widow  sur- 
vives. 

William  S.  Gray  was  reared  and  educated  in  Johnson  and  Boone  counties 
of  Iowa,  remaining  under  the  parental  roof  until  he  had  attained  his  majority. 
He  then  pursued  a  course  of  study  in  a  commercial  college  of  Omaha  and  was 
subsequently  employed  as  a  traveling  salesman  for  five  years.  On  the  expira- 
tion of  that  period  he  went  to  Oklahoma  and  for  three  years  carried  on  business 
as  a  plumber  of  Enid.  The  next  two  years  were  spent  as  a  traveling  salesman 
and  then  he  came  to  Ogden,  Iowa,  here  embarking  in  the  hardware  business  in 


196  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

partnership  with  A.  G.  Howe.  Subsequently  he  purchased  his  partner's  interest 
and  has  since  continued  in  business  alone.  He  carries  a  large  stock  of  shelf 
and  heavy  hardware  and  is  accorded  a  liberal  and  well  merited  patronage.  He 
owns  the  double-store  building  of  two  stories  in  which  the  business  is  con- 
ducted and  is  widely  recognized  as  one  of  tlie  prosperous,  enterprising  and  repre- 
sentative merchants  of  the  county. 

On  the  1st  of  June,  1912,  Mr.  Gray  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ailene 
Famham,  a  daughter  of  N.  H.  and  Eleanor  (Gardner)  Farnham,  who  were 
pioneer  settlers  of  Wisconsin.  The  father  now  makes  his  home  in  Idaho,  but  the 
mother  passed  away  in  1906.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gray  have  one  child.  Elaine  F.,  who 
is  a  year  old. 


GEORGE   H.   LAWTON. 

George  H.  Lawton  has  lived  in  Boone  county  for  fifty-eight  years  and  is  the 
owner  of  a  well  improved  farm  of  eighty  acres  on  section  20,  Yell  township. 
His  birth  occurred  in  Elizabethtown,  Ohio,  on  the  loth  of  September,  1852, 
his  parents  being  Alfred  and  Jane  ( Stewart)  Lawton,  who  were  natives  of 
New  York  and  Ohio  respectively.  The  father,  a  blacksmith  by  trade,  con- 
ducted a  shop  in  Ohio  until  1856  and  then,  because  of  impaired  health,  came 
west  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  purchasing  a  farm  in  Marcy  township.  He  im- 
proved the  property  and  began  its  operation,  also  conducting  a  blacksmith  shop 
on  the  farm  for  six  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  disposed  of  the 
place  and  bought  one  hundred  and  tw^enty  acres  of  land  in  Yell  township,  part 
of  which  is  now  In  possession  of  our  subject.  He  likewise  improved  the  latter 
tract  and  was  busily  engaged  in  its  operation  for  many  years  or  until  he  put 
aside  the  active  work  of  the  fields  and  took  up  his  abode  in  Ogden,  where  he 
lived  retired  until  his  death  in  October,  1896.  The  period  of  his  residence  in 
this  county  covered  four  decades  and  he  had  gained  enviable  recognition  as  one 
of  its  substantial  agriculturists  and  esteemed  citizens.  The  demise  of  his  wife 
occurred  in  October,  1890. 

George  H.  Lawton,  who  was  but  four  years  of  age  when  he  came  to  this 
county  with  his  parents,  attended  the  district  schools  in  the  acquirement  of  an 
education.  When  twenty-four  years  of  age  he  purchased  eighty  acres  of  the 
home  farm,  on  section  20,  Yell  township,  and  has  since  devoted  his  time  and 
energies  to  its  further  cultivation  and  improvement  with  the  exception  of  a 
period  of  five  years  spent  as  the  proprietor  of  a  meat  market  in  Boone.  As 
progressive  ideas  have  guided  him  in  his  work,  and  industry  has  been  the  force 
which  has  put  them  into  constant  practice,  it  is  but  in  the  natural  course  of 
events  that  Mr.  Lawton  should  be  accounted  one  of  the  prosperous  farmers  of 
the  community. 

On  the  5th  of  April,  1881.  Mr.  Lawton  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Rosa 
Wilkins,  her  parents  being  George  and  Sarah  A.  (Osmer)  Wilkins,  both  of  whom 
were  natives  of  England.  They  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  1867,  locating 
in  Sterling,  Illinois,  where  Mr.  Wilkins  followed  farming  until  1880,  when  he 
came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa.     Here  he  operated  a  farm  for  two  years  and  on 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  197 

tne  expiration  of  that  period  returned  to  Illinois,  purchasing  a  tract  of  land  near 
Sterling  which  he  cultivated  during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  His  demise  occurred 
on  the  7th  of  March,  1909,  while  his  wife  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  November, 
1912.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lawton  were  born  eight  children,  as  follows:  Oscar, 
who  passed  away  in  1882;  Henry  Owen,  whose  demise  occurred  in  1884;  Pearl, 
who  died  in  the  year  1892;  Anna  Mabel,  who  passed  away  in  1894;  one  who  died 
in  infancy,  in  January,  1897;  George  A.,  a  Methodist  minister  of  Evanston,  Illi- 
nois ;  Edgar,  at  home ;  and  Olive,  who  is  attending  school  at  Ogden. 

In  politics  Mr.  Lawton  has  always  been  a  stanch  republican.  The  cause  of 
education  has  ever  found  in  him  a  stalwart  champion  and  for  five  years  he  served 
as  secretary  of  the  school  board.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Methodist 
church.  His  entire  career  has  been  characterized  by  high  ideals  and  noble  prin- 
ciples and  in  every  relation  of  life  his  record  has  ever  measured  up  to  a  high 
standard  of  honorable  manhood. 


REV.  CARL  E.  JIPP. 


For  many  years  the  late  Rev.  Carl  E.  Jipp  was  in  charge  of  the  German  Luth- 
eran church  at  Ogden  and  his  Christian  activities  were  of  untold  value  to  the 
many  who  came  under  his  teachings  and  instructions.  He  was  born  in  Ger- 
many, August  15,  1864,  a  son  of  Christian  and  Sophia  (Hammerich)  Jipp,  both 
natives  of  the  fatherland.  Christian  Jipp  passed  away  in  his  native  land,  and 
his  wife  subsequently  came  to  America,  making  her  home  at  Wilton,  Iowa,  where 
she  resided  with  her  son  until  her  death. 

Carl  E.  Jipp  was  reared  and  educated  in  Germany,  leaving  his  native  land 
at  the  age  of  fourteen  and  crossing  the  ocean  to  America.  He  located  at  Wil- 
ton, Iowa,  where  he  had  relatives,  and  there  he  remained  until  twenty-one  years 
of  age.  He  then  entered  Concordia  College  at  Springfield,  Illinois,  and  studied 
for  the  ministry.  He  graduated  from  that  institution  with  the  class  of  1893  ^"d 
then  received  a  call  to  Coon  Rapids,  Iowa,  where  he  remained  for  a  year.  At 
the  end  of  that  period  a  pulpit  at  Ogden  was  offered  him,  and  he  accepted  the 
charge  of  the  German  Lutheran  church  at  this  city.  He  continued  in  this  charge 
for  about  seventeen  years,  or  until  his  death.  His  influence  upon  the  community 
was  a  decided  factor  in  the  upbuilding  of  religion  and  morality  in  his  city.  Rev. 
Jipp  not  only  preached  Christianity  but  all  his  actions  were  permeated  by  Chris- 
tian principles.  He  entertained  deep  love  for  his  fellowmen  and  he  was  ever 
ready  to  hold  out  a  helpful  hand  to  those  who  struggled  on  life's  pathway.  Many 
were  the  ones  who  received  encouragement  from  him  and  who  under  his  stimu- 
lating guidance  took  on  new  hope  and  succeeded  in  overcoming  life's  serious 
struggles.  His  friends  in  Ogden — friends  not  only  of  his  faith  but  adhering  to 
other  religions — were  many  and  all  entertained  for  him  the  highest  regard  and 
veneration.  When  he  died  July  15,  191 1,  sorrow  entered  into  many  homes  of  his 
city,  for  all  who  knew  him  realized  that  they  had  lost  a  true  friend. 

On  May  23,  1894,  Rev.  Jipp  was  united  in  marriage  to  Lena  A.  Nanke,  a 
daughter  of  Gustaf  and  Ernestina  (Neuman)  Nanke,  natives  of  Germany,  who 
at  an  early  day  settled  in  Keokuk  county.  Iowa,  where  the  father  successfully 


198  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

followed  agricultural  pursuits  during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  died  in 
lyoo,  having  survived  his  wife  for  twenty-one  years,  the  latter  passing  away  in 
1879.  Rev.  and  Mrs.  Jipp  had  nine  children  :  Frieda ;  Marie ;  Carl ;  Lena ;  Walter ; 
Alma;  Luella;  Louise;  and  Ernest,  who  died  in  1896. 

Rev.  Jipp  was  not  only  interested  in  the  spiritual  welfare  of  his  charges  but 
always  concerned  himself  in  the  material  development  of  Ogden  and  would 
readily  give  liis  support  to  measures  which  had  for  their  purpose  the  advance- 
ment of  the  city.  His  political  allegiance  was  given  the  democratic  party.  Mrs. 
Jipp,  who  survives  him,  owns  a  handsome  residence  in  Ogden  and  a  valuable 
farm  in  Osceola  county,  Iowa.  She  has  many  friends  in  her  city,  who  esteem 
in  her  a  lady  of  the  highest  womanly  qualities  of  character. 


HENRY  SCHROEDER. 


Henry  Schroeder  is  proprietor  of  a  large  grocery  store  and  meat  market  in 
Boone.  Watchful  of  all  indications  pointing  to  success,  he  has  so  conducted  his 
affairs  that  substantial  returns  have  accrued  and  he  is  now  one  of  the  prosperous 
merchants  of  the  city.  His  birth  occurred  in  Schleswig-Holstein,  Germany, 
September  17,  1847,  'I's  parents  being  Henry  and  Katrina  (Lentz)  Schroe- 
der, who  were  also  natives  of  that  country.  When  nineteen  years  of  age  Henry 
Schroeder  of  this  review  left  Germany  in  company  with  his  brother  Andrew 
Schroeder,  then  seventeen  years  of  age,  and  sailed  for  the  new  world  in  1867. 
Later  the  parents  of  our  subject  also  crossed  the  Atlantic  and  came  to  Iowa, 
settling  at  Wheatland,  Qinton  county,  where  their  two  sons  had  preceded  them. 
The  father  was  a  farmer  by  occupation,  devoting  his  entire  life  to  the  work  of 
tilling  the  fields.  Unto  him  and  his  wife  were  born  six  children:  John,  de- 
ceased; Hans,  who  died  in  Britt,  Iowa,  February  8,  1914;  Adolph,  who  was  a 
fireman  on  the  Northwestern  Railroad  and  was  killed  in  an  accident  in  1882, 
leaving  a  widow  and  five  children,  residents  of  Boone ;  Victoria  Elizabeth,  the 
wife  of  Peter  Umland,  of  Fort  Dodge,  Iowa ;  Henry,  of  this  review  :  and  Andrew, 
who  is  living  at  Rushmore,  Minnesota. 

When  Henry  and  Andrew  Schroeder  reached  the  new  world  their  combined 
cash  capital  consisted  of  but  eleven  cents.  It  had  taken  them  seven  weeks  and 
five  days  to  cross  the  ocean,  so  slow  was  the  sailing  vessel  on  which  they  were 
passengers.  Their  financial  condition  rendered  immediate  employment  a  neces- 
sity and  they  hired  out  to  a  dairy  farmer  of  New  Jersey,  working  for  ten  dollars 
per  month.  (  )n  leaving  the  east  Henry  Schroeder  made  his  way  to  Wheat- 
land. Iowa,  covering  the  distance  on  foot  from  Davenport,  thirty  miles  away. 
An  uncle,  .Andrew  Lentz,  lived  in  W^heatland,  where  he  was  proprietor  of  a 
brick  and  tile  works.  Mr.  Schroeder  joined  his  uncle  and  afterward  telegraphed 
for  his  brother  in  New  York,  who  finally  arrived  upon  the  scene.  Mr.  Schroeder 
was  somewhat  handicapped  after  coming  to  this  state,  for  his  health  gave  way 
and  he  was  ill  for  five  weeks.  As  soon  as  possible,  however,  he  began  work  as  a 
farm  hand.  It  was  in  the  following  spring  that  the  father  arrived  and  a  year 
later  sent  for  the  others  of  the  family.  In  the  fall  of  1869  Henry  Schroeder 
came   to   Roone  county,   where  he  located  upon   a   farm,   where   he   lived   until 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  199 

1871.  He  rented  eighty  acres  of  land  for  a  year,  his  brother  Adolph  and  his 
wife  taking  up  their  abode  with  him,  the  lady  managing  the  affairs  of  the  house- 
hold. 

On  the  14th  of  August,  1871,  Mr.  Schroeder  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
VVilhelmina  Brugerman,  who  was  a  native  of  Germany  and  came  to  the  United 
States  in  1869.  In  the  year  of  his  marriage  Mr.  Schroeder  left  the  farm  and 
removed  to  Boone,  where  he  spent  one  year  in  the  brewery  of  J.  E.  Herman. 
He  then  embarked  in  the  butchering  business  on  his  own  account  and  after- 
ward added  a  stock  of  groceries.  He  now  has  one  of  the  leading  establish- 
ments in  this  city,  conducting  a  large  and  growing  trade.  Many  of  his  patrons, 
have  been  with  him  through  all  the  intervening  years,  a  fact  which  indicates 
his  honorable  business  dealing  and  his  enterprising  methods. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Schroeder  have  been  born  six  children :  Andrew,  who  is. 
now  engaged  in  business  with  his  father ;  Henry,  who  is  conducting  a  wholesale 
liquor  house  in  Boone;  Laura,  the  wife  of  J.  P.  Dougherty,  of  Colorado;  Mary, 
at  home;  John,  who  died  in  September,  1901  ;  and  Katrina,  at  home.  The  family 
is  well  known  in  Boone,  where  they  have  an  extensive  circle  of  warm  friends. 
Their  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  German  Lutheran  church  and  aside  from  his 
membership  therein  Mr.  Schroeder  is  also  connected  with  the  Woodmen  of  the 
World  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  Politically  he  is  a  democrat 
and  has  served  on  the  city  council.  He  stands  for  all  that  tends  to  promote  the 
progress  and  upbuilding  of  the  city  and  has  given  active  support  and  financial 
aid  to  many  movements  that  have  greatly  furthered  the  interests  of  Boone.  He 
is  today  one  of  the  older  merchants  of  Boone  and  is  justly  accounted  one  of  the 
self-made  men.  His  life  history  proves  that  enterprise  and  determination  are 
a  sure  foundation  upon  which  to  build  prosperity,  for  those  are  the  qualities, 
which  he  has  employed  in  advancing  toward  his  present  enviable  position  as  a 
business  man. 


C.  H.  LAST. 


C.  H.  Last,  who  was  actively  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  in  Boone 
county  for  a  number  of  years,  has  lived  retired  in  Beaver  since  the  spring  of 
1913.  His  birth  occurred  in  England  on  the  i6th  of  August,  1872,  his  parents 
being  Richard  J.  and  Rebecca  (Garnham)  Last,  who  were  likewise  natives  of 
that  country.  The  father,  who  followed  farming  in  England  throughout  his 
entire  business  career,  passed  away  in  that  country  in  1884.  The  demise  of  the 
mother  occurred  in  the  year  1913. 

C.  H.  Last  was  reared  and  educated  in  his  native  land  and  when  twelve 
years  of  age  left  the  parental  roof  to  live  with  an  uncle.  He  worked  in  a  store 
in  England  for  one  year.  In  1890,  when  a  young  man  of  seventeen,  he  crossed 
the  .Atlantic  to  the  United  States,  locating  in  Champaign  county,  Illinois,  where 
for  two  years  he  was  employed  as  farm  hand.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period 
he  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  and  here  continued  as  a  farm  hand  for  one- 
vear.  He  then  rented  a  tract  of  land  in  Amaqua  township  and  cultivated  the  same 
for  eight  years,    at    the    end  of    which    time    he    purchased    one    hundred    and' 


200  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

sixty  acres  in  the  same  township  and  began  the  improvement  of  the  property. 
The  operation  of  that  tract  claimed  his  attention  for  a  number  of  years,  and 
he  annually  gathered  rich  harvests  which  found  a  ready  sale  on  the  market.  In 
the  spring  of  1913,  having  accumulated  a  comfortable  competence,  he  put  aside 
the  active  work  of  the  fields,  disposed  of  his  farm  and  took  up  his  abode  in 
Beaver,  where  he  purchased  an  attractive  residence  and  has  since  lived  in  hon- 
orable retirement. 

In  November,  1895,  Mr.  Last  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Miss  Mary  Bakely, 
a  daughter  of  Paul  and  Catherine  (Agnew)  Bakely,  both  of  whom  were  natives 
of  Germany.  They  emigrated  to  the  United  States  and  located  in  Ohio,  where 
Mr.  Bakely  was  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  until  1872.  In  that  year  he 
came  to  this  county  and  purchased  and  improved  a  tract  of  land  which  he  cul- 
tivated until  his  death  in  November,  1901.  His  widow  has  attained  the  age 
of  eighty-one  years  and  resides  in  Beaver,  this  county.  Mr.  Last  is  a  republi- 
can in  politics  and  a  Methodist  in  religious  faith.  Both  he  and  his  wife  enjoy 
an  extensive  and  favorable  acquaintance  in  the  community  and  well  merit  the 
regard  and  esteem  which  are  uniformly  accorded  them. 


THOMAS  SPARKS. 


Thomas  Sparks  was  one  of  Boone  county's  pioneers,  settling  permanently  in 
Boonesboro  in  1852.  From  that  year  until  his  death  he  continuously  resided  in 
this  neighborhood,  passing  away  in  August,  1909,  in  his  ninety-fourth  year. 
He  had  taken  up  his  residence  in  the  city  of  Boone  several  years  before  his 
death,  his  widow  now  making  her  home  at  No.  116  Benton  street. 

Mr.  Sparks  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  near  Brownsville,  December  2^,  181 5, 
and  as  a  boy  of  ten  years  removed  with  his  parents  to  Tuscarawas  county, 
where  his  father  was  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  a  farm.  When  about 
twenty  years  of  age  Mr.  Sparks  of  this  review  returned  to  his  mother's 
people  in  Pennsylvania,  where  he  completed  his  education  and  also  taught  school. 
Later  he  took  up  the  same  profession  in  Iowa,  in  Pottawattamie  county.  He 
made  his  first  trip  to  Boone  county  in  1847  or  184B  and  entered  eighty  acres  of 
land  but  did  not  remain  at  that  time.  In  1852  he  married  in  Pennsylvania 
and  subsequently  located  six  miles  south  of  Boone  in  Worth  township,  this  farm 
remaining  his  home  until  the  fall  of  1903.  The  original  homestead  comprised 
eighty  acres,  and  he  also  owned  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  timber,  and 
later  bought  another  eighty  acres,  his  total  holdings  consisting  of  two  hundred 
and  eighty  acres.  When  Mr.  Sparks  arrived  here  his  land  was  raw  prairie,  but 
he  set  himself  to  its  cultivation  and  as  the  years  passed  developed  one  of  the 
most  valuable  farms  in  his  neighborhood.  He  had  given  considerable  attention 
to  surveying  and  was  elected  the  first  county  surveyor  of  Boone  county,  laying 
out  Boonesboro.  From  1903  until  his  death  he  resided  at  No.  621  Tenth  street, 
Boone,  and  there  passed  away. 

On  March  15.  1852,  Thomas  Sparks  married,  in  Fayette  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania, Miss  Esther  Ann  Dunn,  a  native  of  that  state,  who  was  born  November 
9,   1828.     She  accompanied  her  husi^and  on  the  trip  to  Iowa,  the  journey  being 


THOMAS  SI'AUKS 


MRS.  THOMAS  SPARKS 


'HE  NE' 


it 

t 
I 

ft 

V 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  205 

made  by  way  of  the  Ohio  and  Mississippi  rivers  and  by  ox  teams  from  Keokuk. 
Their  first  home  in  Worth  township  was  a  log  cabin,  and  later  Mr.  Sparks 
there  built  one  of  the  first  frame  houses,  the  entire  building  being  constructed 
of  native  walnut.  In  their  family  were  the  following  children.  L.  D.,  of  Boone; 
F.  C,  a  widower  and  also  a  resident  of  this  city,  his  daughter  Gladys  making  her 
home  at  Ames ;  Asenath  D.,  who  is  the  widow  of  Lewis  Fisher,  Jr.,  and  has  two 
children;  John  C,  an  engineer  of  the  Northwestern  Railroad  for  years  and  a 
resident  of  Boone,  who  has  one  son ;  Mrs.  Nettie  J.  Hitsman,  who  lives  near 
Luther,  Boone  county,  and  has  two  children;  Robert,  a  railroad  employe  who 
makes  his  headquarters  in  Kansas  City ;  Playford,  of  Boone,  who  has  been  twice 
married  and  has  two  children  by  his  first  union;  Frank,  who  died  as  a  soldier 
in  Manila  during  the  Spanish-American  war  and  left  a  widow  and  a  child, 
the  former  now  also  deceased :  Eugene  V.,  who  was  a  ranchman  of  Colorado, 
where  he  passed  away,  leaving  a  widow ;  and  two  who  died  in  infancy. 

Mr.  Sparks  was  a  stanch  whig  but  later  voted  the  democratic  and  subse- 
quently the  republican  ticket.  He  lived  to  the  ripe  old  age  of  ninety-three  years 
and  in  him  the  city  of  Boone  mourned  one  of  the  veteran  pioneers  of  this 
district. 

His  widow  sold  one  of  the  farms  after  his  death  and  bought  a  home  at  No. 
ii6  Benton  street,  where  she  now  resides.  There  her  son,  F.  C.  Sparks,  also 
lives.  He  was  born  February  ii,  1854,  and  married  Miss  Anna  Likely,  who 
died  in  1900,  leaving  one  daughter.  Mrs.  F.  C.  Sparks'  parents  were  among  the 
early  settlers  near  Fort  Madison,  Iowa.  Mrs.  Thomas  Sparks  and  her  son 
are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  the  former  having  been  con- 
nected with  that  organization  since  she  was  fifteen  years  of  age.  She  first 
attended  services  at  the  Brown  schoolhouse  and  later  at  the  Boone  schoolhouse 
near  their  home.  She  also  was  a  member  of  a  class  at  the  Gildey  school,  then 
attending  services  at  the  College  Chapel  church  and  later  at  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church  at  Luther  but  now  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church  of  Boone.  She  is  now  nearing  her  eighty-sixth  birthday,  yet  she  is 
energetic  and  agile  and  still  participates  in  many  of  the  activities  of  life. 


LEWIS  BOONE. 


Lewis  Boone,  a  representative  of  the  family  in  whose  honor  the  c'ounty  of 
Boone  was  named,  was  born  in  Worth  township,  this  county,  on  the  nth  of 
October,  1861.  His  parents,  Tyler  and  Mary  (Nutt)  Boone,  were  both  natives 
of.  Putnam  county,  Indiana,  and  took  up  their  abode  among  the  earliest  settlers 
of  Boone  county,  Iowa.  The  family  came  overland  to  this  county  from  Indiana, 
its  representatives  settling  in  Worth  township  and  also  in  Des  Moines  town- 
ship. Tyler  Boone,  the  father  of  our  subject,  still  resides  in  Worth  township, 
but  the  mother  there  passed  away  in  1903.  Their  children  are  five  in  number, 
as  follows :  Lewis,  of  this  review :  Philip,  who  is  a  resident  of  Athberton, 
Montana:  Mrs.  Julia  Luther,  living  in  Sioux  City,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Eva  Burlingame, 
who  makes  her  home  in  Madrid.  Iowa ;  Mrs.  Minnie  Hull,  of  Worth  township. 
All  were  born  and  reared  in  Worth  township,  this  county. 


206  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Lewis  Boone  grew  to  manhood  in  his  native  county  and  attended  the  com- 
mon schools  in  the  acquirement  of  an  education.  He  was  actively  engaged 
in  general  agricultural  pursuits  until  1902,  when  he  came  to  Madrid  and  for  the 
past  twelve  years  has   there  been   employed  as  a   laborer. 

In  Worth  township  Mr.  Boone  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Eliza- 
beth Dyer,  a  native  of  Coles  county.  Illinois,  and  a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Nancy 
Dyer,  who  took  up  their  abode  among  the  earliest  settlers  of  Boone  county, 
Iowa,  locating  in  Worth  township,  where  they  spent  the  remainder  of  their 
lives.  They  had  twelve  children,  five  of  whom  survive,  namely :  Mrs.  Anna 
Hurley,  of  Greene  county,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Boone;  Mrs.  Vina  Huffman,  a 
resident  of  Worth  township :  Lawrence,  living  in  Colfax  township ;  and  Matthew, 
of  Worth  township.  All  were  reared  in  this  county.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Boone  have 
two  sons:  William,  who  was  born  June  17,  1885,  and  resides  with  his  parents 
in  Madrid;  and  Roe,  born  December  14,  i8go.  who  is  a  resident  of  Dnbuque 
county,  Iowa.     Both  were  born,  reared  and  educated  in  Worth  township. 

Mr.  Boone  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  has  ably 
served  as  a  member  of  the  school  board  in  Worth  township.  He  is  identified 
fraternally  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  at  Madrid,  and  both  he 
and  his  wife  are  devoted  members  of  the  Christian  church  of  Worth  township. 
Mr.  Boone  has  spent  his  entire  life  within  the  borders  of  this  county  and 
enjoys  an  extensive  acquaintance  here.  His  family  is  directly  descended  from 
Daniel  Boone  and  was  represented  among  the  pioneer  settlers  of  both  Indiana 
and  Iowa. 


HORACE  C.  PAYNE. 


Horace  C.  Payne  is  a  partner  in  a  large  and  profitable  livery  business  of 
Boone,  conducted  under  the  name  of  Payne  Brothers.  He  was  born  in  tHis 
city  in  July,  1876,  a  son  of  Samuel  Payne,  of  whom  mention  is  made  on  another 
page  of  this  work.  The  public  schools  afforded  him  his  early  educational  jiriv- 
ileges,  and  he  afterward  attended  a  business  college.  He  then  embarked  in 
merchandising  and  subsequently  learned  the  jeweler's  trade,  which  he  followed 
for  six  years.  Then,  on  account  of  ill  health,  he  turned  his  attention  to  the 
buying  and  selling  of  horses,  handling  only  those  of  high  grade.  A  mare  which 
he  sold  for  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  was  three  years  later  sold  to  the 
Vanderbilts,  together  with  three  others  as  a  four-in-hand  team,  for  fiftv  thou- 
sand dollars.  In  1903  Horace  C.  Payne  purchased  a  third  interest  in  a  livery 
business  iii  connection  with  his  father  and  brother.  He  is  now  in  line  for  the 
position  of  government  buyer  of  horses  and  mules  for  the  army.  The  livery 
stable  conducted  by  Payne  Brothers  is  a  large  and  well  equipped  one  and  they 
own  a  number  of  excellent  horses  and  a  fine  line  of  carriages.  They  make  it 
their  purpose  to  please  their  patrons,  and  their  business  has  now  reached  large 
and  gratifying  proportions. 

On  the  22d  of  April,  1901,  Mr.  Payne  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Rose 
M.  Parkin,  a  native  of  Indiana,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  two  children  : 
William  P.,  born  April  5,  1902;  and  Josephine,  born  in  November,  1908.     Mr. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  207 

Payne  votes  with  the  democratic  party  and  keeps  well  informed  on  the  ques- 
tions and  issues  of  the  day,  but  does  not  seek  nor  desire  office.  Fraternally 
he  is  an  Elk,  and  he  also  belongs  to  the  Yeomen,  while  his  religious  belief  is 
that  of  the  Episcopal  church.  He  has  many  friends  in  this  city,  where  his 
entire  life  has  been  passed  and  where  the  genuine  worth  of  his  character  has 
won  recognition  in  the  loyal  regard  of  many  with  whom  he  has  been  brought 
in  contact. 


OSCAR  WILLIAM  WESTERSTROM. 

Oscar  William  Westerstrom  is  a  successful  stone,  brick  and  cement  contractor 
of  Madrid.  He  is  a  native  of  Boone  county,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Elk 
Rapids,  May  21,  1876.  His  parents  were  Gustav  William  and  Johanna  Sophia 
(Sell)  Westerstrom,  the  former  born  in  Sweden,  July  5.  1839,  and  the  latter  in 
the  same  country  June  22,  1849.  The  father  is  living  in  Madrid,  but  his  wife 
passed  away  in  that  city  on  March  30,  1896.  Their  marriage  took  place  in  Rock- 
ford,  Illinois,  in  1869  and  six  children  were  born  to  them:  Anna  Olivia,  who  was 
born  February  12,  1870,  and  died  in  Madrid,  January  6,  1891  ;  Mrs.  Emma  Sophia 
Hultman,  born  March  18,  1872,  of  Madrid:  Mrs.  Nellie  Ottilia  Alsin,  born  April 
5,  1874,  the  wife  of  Carl  A.  Alsin;  Oscar  William,  of  this  review;  Henry  Martin, 
born  August  26,  1879,  who  died  in  1880;  and  Henry  lilmer,  born  on  May  8,  1882, 
residing  in  Madrid.  The  three  eldest  children  were  born  in  Rockford,  Illinois, 
and  the  younger  ones  in  Boone  county,  where  all  were  reared  and  educated. 

Oscar  William  Westerstrom  attended  the  public  schools  of  Madrid.  His 
father  was  a  mason,  and  he  applied  himself  to  the  same  trade,  learning  the  busi- 
ness under  the  direction  of  the  father.  Mr.  Westerstrom  is  at  present  a  most 
successful  stone,  brick  and  cement  contractor  of  Madrid,  his  services  being  in 
great  demand.  He  is  an  able  business  man  and  highly  efficient  in  his  line  of  work. 
He  enjoys  the  confidence  of  all  who  have  business  transactions  with  him  because 
of  his  fair  and  honest  methods. 

On  August  23,  1899,  Mr.  Westerstrom  married  Miss  Ethel  Westerberg,  who 
was  born  in  Garden  township,  Boone  county,  March  i,  1878.  She  is  a  daughter 
of  A.  P.  and  Emma  Lundahl  Anderson  Westerberg,  who  were  natives  of  Sweden, 
the  former  born  in  Westergotland  on  the  17th  of  July,  1840.  When  sixteen  years 
old  he  was  confirmed  in  the  Lutheran  church,  and  when  a  young  man  of  twenty- 
six  he  emigrated  to  the  United  States,  locating  in  Boone,  Iowa,  in  1866.  He  first 
was  connected  with  the  bridge-building  department  of  the  Chicago  &  North- 
western Railway,  continuing  with  that  corporation  for  nine  years.  He  then 
bought  a  tract  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  in  Garden  township,  where  he 
successfully  followed  agricultural  pursuits,  gradually  extending  his  farm  until  it 
embraced  two  hundred  acres.  He  passed  away  in. Madrid  on  the  22d  of  Sep- 
tember, i90(;,  highly  esteemed  and  respected  by  his  fellow  citizens.  His  wife  died 
on  the  old  home  farm  in  Garden  township  and  he  subsequently  married  Mrs. 
Christina  Westland,  who  bore  him  a  son,  Lester  Roosevelt  Westerberg,  a  resi- 
dent of  Madrid.  By  his  first  union  he  had  eight  children:  Mrs.  Maude  Sund- 
berg,  who  resides  in  Garden  township;  A.  R.  Westerberg,  a  prominent  resident 


208  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

of  Madrid;  Mrs.  Ethel  Westerstrom;  Frank,  a  resident  of  Boone;  Mrs.  Esther 
Krantz,  of  Madrid;  Edwin,  of  Longmont,  Colorado;  Mrs.  Blanche  Peterson, 
who  makes  her  home  in  Garden  township ;  and  Zylph,  deceased.  All  these  chil- 
dren were  born  and  reared  in  Garden  township. 

Air.  and  Mrs.  Westerstrom  have  two  children:  Edna  Gertrude,  born  August 
14,  1900;  and  Russell  William  Theodore,  born  February  16,  1906.  Both  are  at- 
tending the  public  schools  of  Madrid.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Westerstrom  are  members 
of  St.  John's  Lutheran  church,  to  which  they  give  their  moral  and  material  sup- 
port. They  live  in  a  handsomely  furnished  home  in  Madrid,  besides  which  Mr. 
Westerstrom  owns  valuable  personal  property.  Politically  he  is  a  republican,  well 
conversant  with  the  public  issues  of  the  day,  although  he  has  never  cared  to  enter 
the  political  arena.  He  has  many  friends  in  Madrid,  enjoys  the  highest  reputation 
in  business  circles  and  socially  is  very  popular. 


I 


PETER  T.  NELSON. 


Peter  T.  Nelson,  a  resident  of  Boone  for  the  past  forty-five  years,  has  been 
actively  engaged  in  the  lumber  business  here  for  three  decades  and  is  now  at 
the  head  of  the  well  known  firm  of  P.  T.  Nelson  &  Sons.  His  birth  occurred 
in  Sweden  on  the  28th  of  March,  1845,  his  parents  being  Thorkel  and  Ellen 
(Peterson)  Nelson,  who  were  likewise  natives  of  that  country  and  have  passed 
away.  To  them  were  born  six  children,  as  follows :  Nelse,  Andrew  T.  and  Olaf . 
all  of  whom  are  deceased;  Peter  T.,  of  this  review;  John  T.,  a  resident  of  Los 
Angeles,  California ;  and  Hans  T.,  living  in  Boone,  Iowa. 

Peter  T.  Nelson  became  identified  with  the  milling  business  when  a  youth 
of  sixteen  and  was  thus  engaged  until  he  had  attained  the  age  of  twenty-three. 
In  1869  he  emigrated  to  the  United  States  and  took  up  his  abode  in  Boone,  Iowa, 
being  here  employed  at  railroad  work  for  three  years.  Subsequently  he  spent 
twelve  years  at  the  tailor's  trade  and  on  the  expiration  of  that  period  embarked 
in  the  lumber  business,  in  which  he  has  been  engaged  continuously  and  success- 
fully since.  He  purchased  an  interest  in  the  Farrow  Lumber  Company  and  in 
1905  bought  out  his  associates  and  admitted  his  two  sons,  Emil  L.  and  Alfred 
E.,  to  a  partnership.  The  firm  has  since  conducted  business  under  the  style  of 
P.  T.  Nelson  &  Sons  and  is  a  successful  enterprise,  its  members  being  widely 
recognized  as  men  of  excellent  executive  ability,  sound  judgment  and  unas- 
sailable integrity. 

On  the  26th  of  November.  1872,  Mr.  Nelson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Lizzie  Norlin,  who  passed  away  in  1893  and  who  bore  him  six  children,  namely: 
Charles  and  Edward,  both  of  whom  are  deceased ;  Emil  L.  and  Alfred  E.,  who 
are  associated  with  their  father  in  business;  Nellie,  the  wife  of  A.  F.  Nelson, 
of  Boone;  and  Arthur,  who  has  passed  away.  On  the  6th  of  January,  1897,  Mr. 
Nelson  was  again  married,  his  second  union  being  with  Miss  Augusta  Gustafson. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Nelson  is  independent,  supporting  men  and  measures 
rather  than  party.  He  has  never  sought  nor  desired  the  honors  and  emoluments 
of  ofl[ice,  preferring  to  devote  his  entire  attention  to  his  business  interests,  which 
have  brought  him  well  merited  prosperity.     He  is  now  the  only  surviving  or- 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  209 

ganizer  of  the  Swedish  Mission  church  and  still  resides  on  the  same  lot  where 
he  was  first  married  more  than  four  decades  ago.  Coming  to  the  new  world 
in  early  manhood,  he  eagerly  availed  himself  of  the  opportunities  here  afforded 
and  worked  his  way  steadily  upward  to  a  foremost  place  among  the  substantial 
and  respected  citizens  of  Boone  county. 


RICHARD  F.  SMALLEY. 

Richard  F.  Smalley,  who  has  lived  retired  in  Boone  for  the  past  seven  years, 
was  busily  engaged  in  the  pursuits  of  farming  and  stock-raising  in  this  county 
throughout  his  active  business  career  and  still  owns  a  quarter  section  of  land  in 
Jackson  township.  His  birth  occurred  in  Illinois  on  the  i6th  of  December,  1841, 
his  parents  being  Edward  and  Susan  (Wiley)  Smalley,  natives  of  Ohio.  They 
came  to  Iowa  in  1854  but  a  short  time  later  removed  to  Minnesota.  In  1867, 
liowever,  they  returned  to  Boone  county  and  the  following  year  Mr.  Smalley 
here  purchased  a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres.  To  him  and  his  wife 
were  born  eight  children,  as  follows :  Sarah  Ann,  who  is  the  widow  of  Duane 
Bentley  and  resides  in  Boone ;  Thomas  J.,  a  resident  of  Des  Moines  township, 
Boone  county;  Richard  F.,  of  this  review;  Mary  E.,  who  is  deceased,  as  is  also 
her  husband,  Hosea  Bullard  of  Winneshiek  county ;  Malinda,  the  wife  of  Charles 
W.  Mix,  of  Sumner,  Iowa ;  Catherine,  who  gave  her  hand  in  marriage  to  T.  J. 
Murphy,  of  Norman,  Oklahoma;  Harriet  E.,  who  is  the  widow  of  Harvey 
Casteel  and  resides  in  Dodge  township,  this  county ;  and  William,  of  Jackson 
township,  this  county. 

Richard  F.  Smalley  devoted  his  attention  to  agriculture  throughout  his  active 
business  career,  following  the  pursuits  of  farming  and  stock-raising  with  excel- 
lent success.  In  1907  he  removed  to  Boone,  purchasing  a  residence  at  No.  2129 
Story  street,  where  he  has  since  lived  retired  in  well  earned  ease.  He  still 
owns  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  valuable  and  productive  land  in  Jackson 
township  and  has  long  been  numbered  among  the  prosperous  and  representative 
citizens  of  the  community. 

On  the  23d  of  March,  1868,  Mr.  Smalley  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Ellen  E.  Bentley,  her  parents  being  Thomas  and  Paulina  (Churchill)  Bentley. 
the  former  a  native  of  New  York  and  the  latter  of  Vermont.  In  their  family 
were  thirteen  children,  namely:  Allison  D.  and  Levina  P.,  both  of  whom  are 
deceased;  Marcus  L.,  a  resident  of  Boone;  Layton  B.,  also  living  in  Boone; 
Adelia  M.,  who  is  the  widow  of  H.  J.  Ehrhart  and  resides  in  Boone ;  Edward  J., 
of  Marshalltown ;  Mrs.  Ellen  Smalley ;  George  W.,  who  is  deceased ;  Charles  A., 
residing  in  Boone;  Gardner  A.,  who  makes  his  home  in  Webster  City,  Iowa; 
Elmer,  residing  in  Fraser,  Iowa;  Frank,  of  Webster  City,  this  state;  and  Mary, 
the  wife  of  William  Smalley,  of  Jackson  township,  Boone  coimty. 

iMr.  and  Mrs.  Smalley  have  six  children :  Albert  R.,  who  is  a  resident  of 
Jackson  township,  this  county;  Emma  L.,  the  wife  of  L.  O.  Hutson  of  Jackson 
township;  Nellie  M.,  who  gave  her  hand  in  marriage  to  Arthur  Carlson,  of  San- 
born county.  South  Dakota ;  Alfred  F.,  who  is  a  carpenter  by  trade ;  Tibbie  E., 
the  wife  of  James  McDonald  of  Sanborn  county,  South  Dakota;  and  Katie  V.,  at 


210  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

home.  In  politics  Mr.  Smalley  is  a  prohibitionist,  stanchly  advocating  the  prin- 
ciples set  forth  by  this  party.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Free  Methodist 
church.  Earnest  effort  and  intelligently  directed  labor  constituted  the  salient 
features  of  his  business  career,  while  his  life  has  been  governed  by  high  prin- 
ciples that  have  gained  for  him  the  respect  and  good-will  of  his  fellowmen. 


ROBERT  REYNOLDSON. 

Robert  Reynoldson  has  lived  retired  in  Boone  for  the  past  eight  years  after 
a  successful  career  as  a  farmer  and  stock-raiser  in  Des  Moines  township.  He 
was  bom  in  Cambridgeshire,  England,  November  ii,  1845,  ^"d  is  a  son  of  Robert 
and  Mary  (West)  Reynoldson,  who  crossed  the  Atlantic  in  1857,  locating  in 
Canada.  They  came  to  Boone  county  in  November,  1865,  but  in  1872-3  removed 
to  Boone  county,  Nebraska,  where  the  father  homesteaded  land  and  where  the 
parents  resided  until  their  deaths.  He  passed  away  in  the  '80s,  aged  eighty- 
five  years,  and  his  wife  died  when  she  was  about  sixty  years  old.  They  were 
members  of  the  Church  of  England  and  devout  adherents  of  that  faith.  Of 
their  twelve  children  eleven  were  born  in  England  and  the  youngest  in  Canada. 
All  those  who  lived  to  maturity  attained  substantial  positions  in  life,  four  sons 
now  making  their  home  in  Nebraska.  Four  daughters  are  also  living,  and  they 
quite  frequently  visit  their  oldest  brother,  the  subject  of  this  review. 

Robert  Reynoldson  enjoyed  but  limited  educational  advantages  in  England 
but  nevertheless  has  been  successful  in  life  and  there  can  be  counted  no  failure 
against  him.  He  has  always  been  honest,  determined  and  industrious  and  has 
never  undertaken  anything  that  he  has  not  brought  to  a  successful  conclusion. 
He  came  to  Boone  county  in  November,  1865,  and  for  about  four  years  was 
employed  in  the  McFadden  mill  at  Boonesboro.  He  then  operated  a  ditching 
machine  and  in  that  way  laid  the  foundation  for  a  small  fortune  which  enabled 
him  in  1876  to  buy  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  three  miles  south  of 
Boone.  This  property  was  known  as  the  Jones  farm,  Mr.  Jones  having  entered 
it  from  the  government,  and  Mr.  Reynoldson  still  has  the  patent.  He  later 
added  to  his  land  and  now  owns  about  four  hundred  acres  which  are  worth  at 
least  two  hundred  dollars  per  acre.  A  quarter  section  of  this  land  he  bought 
at  prices  ranging  between  thirty-five  and  seventy  dollars.  He  followed  farming 
and  stock-raising  for  many  years,  giving  particular  attention  to  fine  horses  and 
mules,  and  later  also  fed  cattle  and  hogs  for  the  market.  He  was  always  pro- 
gressive in  his  farming  and  success  came  to  him  in  remuneration  for  his  unceas- 
ing efforts. 

On  January  I,  1872,  Mr.  Reynoldson  married  Miss  Olive  Jones,  who  was 
born  in  Hardin  county,  Ohio,  in  July,  1842,  and  is  a  daughter  of  Jesse  Jones, 
who  with  his  family  came  to  Boone  county  in  1853,  settling  in  Des  Moines  town- 
ship. There  Mrs.  Jones  passed  away,  her  husband  dying  in  Story  county,  hav- 
ing reached  an  age  of  more  than  eighty  years.  There  were  six  children  in  the 
Jones  family  and  Mrs.  Reynoldson  still  has  two  brothers  and  one  sister  living 
in  Story  county.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Reynoldson  are  the  parents  of  five  sons  and 
one  daughter,  as  follows :     Fred,   who  cultivates  a   farm   four  miles   north  of 


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HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  213 

Boone  and  who  married  Clara  Hoffman,  by  whom  he  has  one  son,  Harold ; 
Jesse,  who  left  the  parental  roof  at  the  age  of  seventeen  and  is  now  engaged  in 
the  real-estate  business  in  Montana,  owning  a  considerable  amount  of  land  and 
also  engaging  in  the  cattle  business :  Mary,  who  married  Joseph  Kemmer,  a 
farmer  of  Jackson  township,  residing  near  Erickson,  by  whom  she  has  four 
daughters  and  one  son,  Leone,  Irene,  Minnie,  Lulu  and  Loren  L. ;  and  Edward 
an  agriculturist  of  Dodge  township,  who  married  Miss  Hattie  Good,  a  daughter 
of  George  Good,  by  whom  he  has  four  sons,  Cleo,  Howard,  Robert  and  Glenn  ; 
JameSj  who  operates  one  of  his  father's  farms  two  miles  from  Boone,  and  who 
married  Miss  Lulu  Parker;  and  Charles,  who  married  Elizabeth  Radcliffe  and 
resides  on  the  home  farm. 

Robert  Reynoldson  is  a  democrat  and  has  always  taken  an  active  part  in  the 
progress  and  advancement  of  his  county.  His  wife  attends  the  Christian  church, 
and  both  have  derived  much  pleasure  from  traveling,  having  crossed  the  conti- 
nent and  spent  some  time  in  California.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Reynolds  and  family 
are  highly  respected  by  all  who  know  them  and  are  nxunbered  among  the  sub- 
stantial citizens  of  Boone  who  have  made  valuable  contributions  to  the  material, 
moral  and  intellectual  development  of  this  part  of  the  state. 


HENRY  EHLERS.  "i 

:  fi 

Henry  Ehlers  has  continuously  conducted  business  as  a  general  merchant  of 
Ogden  for  the  past  twenty-three  years  and  is  w^ell  known  as  a  prosperous,  enter- 
prising and  representative  citizen  of  Boone  county.  His  birth  occurred  in  Yell 
township,  this  county,  in  June,  1870,  his  parents  being  Jacob  and  Margaret 
(Thomson)  Ehlers,  the  former  a  native  of  Hamburg  and  the  latter  of  Holstein, 
Germany.  They  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  a  very  early  day  and  took 
up  their  abode  in  Clinton  county,  Iowa.  In  1863  Jacob  Ehlers  enlisted  for  serv- 
ice in  the  Civil  war  and  after  the  cessation  of  hostilities  between  the  north  and 
the  south  returned  to  Clinton  county,  where  he  operated  a  farm  until  1869.  In 
that  year  he  came  to  Boone  county  and  here  purchased  and  improved  a  tract  of 
land  which  he  cultivated  throughout  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  was  acci- 
dentally killed  by  a  falling  tree  in  1878.  His  wife  survived  him  for  a  number 
Of  years,  passing  away  in  1892. 

Henry  Ehlers  was  reared  in  the  county  of  his  nativity  and  attended  the  dis- 
trict schools  in  the  acquirement  of  an  education.  When  eighteen  years  of  age 
he  left  the  home  farm  and  came  to  Ogden,  where  he  was  employed  as  a  clerk 
until  1891.  In  that  year  he  embarked  in  business  as  a  general  merchant  in  asso- 
ciation with  Charles  Remiers,  the  firm  of  Ehlers  &  Remiers  being  continued  until 
April,  1910,  when  our  subject  purchased  his  partner's  interest  and  has  since  been 
alone.  He  carries  a  large  stock  of  general  merchandise,  occupying  two  floors  and 
basement.  A  liberal  patronage  is  accorded  him,  for  he  displays  an  attractive  and 
excellent  line  of  goods  at  reasonable  prices  and  enjoys  an  unassailable  reputation 
for  integrity  and  fair  dealing. 

In  November,  1897,  M^.  Ehlers  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Margaret 
Lorenzen,  a  daughter  of  Fedder  and  Phoebe  (Clausen)  Lorenzen,  both  of  whom 


214  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

were  natives  of  Germany.  They  became  pioneer  settlers  of  Boone  county,  and 
the  mother  is  still  living  here,  but  the  father  has  passed  away.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Ehlers  have  four  children,  as  follows:  Otto,  fifteen  years  of  age;  Alma,  who 
is  twelve  years  old ;  and  Carl  and  Dorothy,  who  are  eleven  and  six  years  of  age 
respectively. 

Mr.  Ehlers  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  now  serves  as  a  member  of  the  city 
council,  while  for  six  years  he  has  done  valuable  work  on  the  school  board.  His 
religious  faith  is  indicated  by  his  membership  in  the  German  Lutheran  church. 
His  entire  life  has  been  spent  within  the  borders  of  Boone  county,  and  he  is 
well  known  as  a  successful  merchant  and  esteemed  citizen. 


LEROY  D.  SPARKS. 


Leroy  U.  Sparks  long  occupied  a  creditable  position  in  the  business  circles  of 
J.oone,  where  for  a  quarter  of  a  century  he  conducted  a  meat  market.  He  is  now 
occupying  an  attractive  home,  which  stands  in  the  midst  of  a  farm  of  thirty-five 
acres  within  the  corporation  limits  of  the  city.  A  native  of  Boone  county,  he  was 
born  February  9,  1853,  a  son  of  Thomas  and  Esther  (Dunn)  Sparks,  both  of  whom 
were  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  but  were  reared  upon  Ohio  farms.  The  father 
came  to  Iowa  in  1846  when  many  evidences  of  pioneer  life  were  still  to  be  seen 
here.  He  then  returned  to  the  east  and  was  married  in  Pennsylvania,  he  and  his 
wife  coming  to  Boone  in  1852.  They  settled  upon  a  farm,  the  father  devoting  his 
entire  life  to  general  agricultural  pursuits.  He  was  very  active  in  public  con- 
nections and  was  the  first  county  surveyor  of  Boone  county.  He  also  held  a  num- 
ber of  township  offices  and  labored  effectively  and  earnestly  for  the  welfare  and 
upbuilding  of  the  community.  He  died  August  20,  1910,  after  a  residence  of 
more  than  a  half  century  in  this  state,  during  which  period  he  had  won  the  high 
respect  and  good-will  of  those  with  whom  he  had  been  associated.  His  widow 
still  lives  in  Boone  at  the  ripe  old  age  of  eighty-five  years.  In  their  family  were 
twelve  children  :  Leroy  D. ;  Fremont,  living  in  Boone  ;  E.  \'..  who  is  now  deceased  ; 
Asenith,  who  is  the  widow  of  Lewis  Fisher  and  makes  her  home  in  San  Francisco, 
California;  James  G.,  a  resident  of  Los  Angeles,  California;  John  C,  of  Boone; 
Nettie,  the  wife  of  Joseph  Hitsman  of  Luther,  Iowa;  a  son  who  died  in  infancy; 
Belle,  who  also  died  in  infancy ;  Frank,  deceased ;  Robert,  living  in  Kansas  City,' 
Missouri  ;■  and  Playford,  of  Boone. 

Leroy  D.  Sparks  has  spent  his  entire  life  in  the  county  of  his  nativity  and 
at  seventeen  years  of  age  took  up  the  profession  of  teaching,  which  he  followed 
for  three  terms.  He  afterward  carried  on  farming  for  twelve  years  and  then 
established  his  home  in  Boone,  where  he  opened  a  meat  market,  which  he  con- 
ducted for  a  quarter  of  a  century.  He  always  carried  a  good  line  of  meats,  made 
every  possible  effort  to  please  his  patrons  and  for  many  years  enjoyed  an  excel- 
lent trade  that  brought  him  a  substantial,  gratifying  and  well  earned  profit.  He 
has  now  retired  from  the  meat  business  and  lives  upon  his  farm,  which  is  splen- 
didly improved,  his  being  one  of  the  attractive  homes  in  the  city. 

On  the  30th  of  September,  1874,  Mr.  Sparks  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Luella  Stevens,  a  native  of  Iowa  and  a  daughter  of  Jacob  and  I.ucretia  (Brown) 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  215 

Stevens,  natives  of  Pennsylvania  and  of  Vermont  respectively.  In  1865  they 
came  to  Boone  and  the  father,  a  butcher  by  trade,  was  connected  with  the  meat 
business  in  this  city.  He  died  December  21,  1902,  while  his  wife  passed  away 
January  8,  1894.  In  their  family  were  six  children:  Mrs.  Sparks;  Ida,  the 
wife  of  John  Kail ;  George,  of  Boone ;  Mary  and  Jacob,  who  have  passed  away ; 
and  Daisy,  the  wife  of  William  Stange,  of  Chicago.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sparks 
have  been  born  six  children :  George  B.  and  James  G.,  both  of  Boone ;  Ralph 
Leroy  and  Gertrude  L.,  at  home;  Mary  Alma,  the  wife  of  Chester  Gonse,  of 
\'alley  Junction ;  and  Harry  Stevens,  at  home. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Sparks  is  independent,  voting  for  men  and  meas- 
ures rather  than  for  party.  He  has  filled  township  offices,  including  those  of 
assessor  and  township  clerk.  Fraternally  he  is  a  Mason  and  also  holds  member- 
ship with  the  Woodmen  of  the  World.  For  more  than  sixty  years  he  has  been 
an  interested  witness  of  the  changes  which  have  occurred  in  Boone  county, 
has  seen  its  growth  and  development  and  has  aided  in  its  progress.  That  his  has 
been  a  well  spent  life  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  many  of  his  stanchest  friends 
are  those  who  have  known  him  from  his  boyhood  to  the  present  time. 


WILLIAM  B.  SCHOOLER. 

William  B.  Schooler  has  since  April,  1913,  conducted  a  furniture  and  under- 
taking establishment  in  Ogden,  in  partnership  with  A.  G.  Howe,  and  in  this 
connection  has  won  an  enviable  reputation  and  a  well  merited  measure  of  suc- 
cess. His  birth  occurred  in  Dallas  county,  Iowa,  in  November,  1879,  his  parents 
being  Wesley  Taylor  and  Alice  (Stevens)  Schooler,  the  former  a  native  of 
Alissouri  and  the  latter  of  Indiana.  Wesley  T.  Schooler  came  to  Boone  county, 
Iowa,  in  1859  and  here  carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  until  1880. 
In  that  year  he  took  up  his  abode  in  Madrid  and  embarked  in  the  hotel  busi- 
ness, while  subsequently  he  became  engaged  in  the  implement  business,  con- 
ducting an  enterprise  of  that  character  for  about  twelve  years.  He  was  also  a 
blacksmith  by  trade.  iS.t  the  time  of  his  retirement  he  removed  to  Marshall 
county,  Iowa,  but  at  the  end  of  four  years  returned  to  Madrid,  where  he  made 
his  home  until  1909.  For  the  past  five  years  he  and  his  wife  have  lived  in 
Oregon. 

William  B.  Schooler  obtained  his  education  at  Madrid  and  after  putting 
aside  his  text-books  secured  a  clerkship  in  a  furniture  store.  He  likewise  famil- 
iarized himself  with  the  undertaking  business  and  was  identified  therewith 
as  an  employe  for  a  period  of  nine  years.  In  April,  1913,  he  came  to  Ogden. 
Boone  county,  and  embarked  in  the  furniture  and  undertaking  business  in  part- 
nership with  A.  G.  Howe,  who  has  remained  his  associate  to  the  present  time. 
Their  stock  is  extensive  and  their  patronage  liberal,  for  they  are  widely  recog- 
nized as  merchants  and  business  men  of  ability  and  integrity  who  are  well 
worthy  of  support. 

On  the  15th  of  June.  1907,  Mr.  Schooler  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
■'Xnna  Caylor,  a  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Ellen  (Rowley)  Caylor,  who  were  born 
in  Ohio  and  Wisconsin  respectively.     Mr.  Schooler  gives  his  political  allegiance 


216  HISTORY  OF  I'.OONE  COUxN'TY 

to  the  republican  party,  while  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Baptist  church. 
Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Masons,  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows,  the  Yeomen  and  the  Maccabees.  His  salient  characteristics  are  such 
as  have  gained  for  him  the  friendly  regard  and  good-will  of  all  with  whom  he 
has  been  associated  through  either  business  or  social  relations,  and  he  is  well 
entitled  to  a  foremost  place  among  the  representative  and  respected  residents 
of  (3gden  and  Boone  county. 


N.  T.  A.  CALSON. 


N.  T.  A.  Calson  has  been  actively  engaged  in  business  as  a  general  merchant 
of  Pilot  Mound  for  the  past  three  decades  and  is  now  the  senior  member  of  the 
firm  of  Calson  &  Son.  His  birth  occurred  in  Sweden  in  October,  1855,  his  parents 
being  C.  J.  and  Annalena  (Nelson)  Calson,  who  were  likewise  natives  of  that 
country.  They  crossed  theAtlantic  to  the  United  States  in  1864  and  first  located 
in  New  "^'ork,  there  remaining  for  four  months,  while  subsequently  they  resided 
in  Illinois  for  a  year  and  a  half.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  they  came  to 
Iowa  and  for  one  year  made  their  home  in  Webster  county,  then  taking  up  their 
abode  in  Boone  county  in  1866.  C.  J.  Calson  purchased  eighty  acres  of  land  in 
Pilot  Mound  township,  improxed  the  property  and  devoted  his  attention  to  its 
operation  throughout  the  remainder  of  his  active  business  career.  His  demise 
occurred  at  Pilot  Mound  in  March,  191 1,  after  a  residence  of  forty-five  years  in 
P.oone  county,  and  the  community  mourned  the  loss  of  one  of  its  substantial  and 
esteemed  citizens.  For  almost  four  decades  he  had  survived  his  wife,  who  was 
called  to  her  final  rest  in  August,  1871. 

N.  I.  A.  Calson  began  his  education  in  the  schools  of  his  native  land  and 
continued  his  studies  in  Boone  county,  being  nine  years  of  age  when  he  accom- 
panied his  parents  on  their  emigration  to  the  new  world.  He  remained  at  home 
until  a  youth  of  fourteen  and  then  secured  employment  as  a  farm  hand,  being 
thus  engaged  for  a  number  of  years.  In  1879  lie  rented  a  tract  of  land  in  Pilot 
Mound  township  and  after  cultivating  the  same  for  five  years  came  to  the  town 
of  Pilot  Mound,  where  he  embarked  in  the  mercantile  business,  in  which  he  has 
been  continuously  engaged  to  the  present  time.  In  191 1  he  erected  a  new  and 
modern  store  building,  fifty  by  eighty  feet,  on  the  main  street.  Mr.  Calson 
occupies  lx)th  the  one  story  and  basement  and  carries  a  very  extensive  and  well 
selected  stock  of  goods,  enjoying  a  most  gratifying  patronage  by  reason  of  his 
straightforward  business  methods,  reasonable  prices  and  earnest  desire  to  please 
his  customers.  He  is  now  associated  in  business  with  his  son  under  the  firm  style 
of  Calson  &  Son.  He  owns  farming  property  in  Douglas  township  and  also  a 
commodious  residence  in  Pilot  Mound  and  is  widely  recognized  as  one  of  the 
prosperous  and  representative  citizens  of  the  county. 

In  the  fall  of  1886  Mr.  Calson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Amelia  F. 
Zunkel,  a  daughter  of  Ferdinand  and  Margaret  (Eppinger)  Zunkel,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  Germany.  They  took  up  their  abode  among  the  pioneer 
settlers  of  Boone  county,  Iowa,  and  here  Mr.  Zunkel  carried  on  agricultural 
pursuits   for  many  years.     His   demise  occurred  on  the  20th  of   March,    1876, 


N.   J.   A.   CALSOX    AND    FA.MILY 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  219 

while  his  wife  passed  away  on  the  19th  of  January,  1896.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Calson 
have  one  son,  Leonard  C,  who  was  born  October  3,  1888,  and  is  now  engaged  in 
the  mercantile  business  with  his  father.  He  wedded  Miss  Belva  Adams  and  has 
one  child,  Russell  A.,  who  is  in  his  first  year. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Calson  is  a  stanch  republican.  He  served  in  the 
capacity  of  township  clerk  for  about  twelve  years  and  has  also  done  resultant 
work  as  a  member  of  the  town  council.  He  has  been  a  resident  of  this  county 
for  nearly  a  half  century  and  has  gained  the  esteem  of  all  with  whom  he  has  come 
in  contact  because  of  his  upright  and  honorable  principles  and  also  by  reason  of 
the  straightforward  methods  he  ever  follows. 


HENRY  LEWIS  DAVIS. 

Henry  Lewis  Davis,  a  respected  citizen  and  representative  agriculturist  of 
Boone  county,  was  born  in  Harrison  county,  Ohio,  on  the  9th  of  October,  1850, 
a  son  of  Lewis  and  Mary  Ann  (Ames)  Davis,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
Pennsylvania.  They  took  up  their  abode  in  Muscatine  county,  Iowa,  on  the 
6th  of  October,  1854,  and  in  June,  1855,  came  to  Boone  county,  the  father 
entering  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land  in  Colfax  township.  Later 
disposing  of  this  property,  he  bought  a  tract  of  eighty  acres  in  Worth  town- 
ship and  subsequently  extended  the  boundaries  of  his  faxm  by  additional  pur- 
chase until  it  embraced  more  than  three  hundred  acres:'  He  continued  to  reside 
thereon  throughout  the  remainder  of  his  life,  passing  away  on  the  25th  of  May, 
1892,  while  his  wife  was  called  to  her  final  rest  on  the.' 26th  of  February,  1900. 
Mr.  Davis  held  the  office  of  county  coroner  for  two  terrris  and  also  served  in 
minor  township  positions,  making  a  creditable  and  commendable  record  as  a 
public  official.  The  period  of  his  residence  in  this  county  covered  thirty-seven 
years,  and  he  gained  an  extensive  and  favorable  acquaintance  within  its  bor- 
ders. To  him  and  his  wife  were  born  thirteen  children,  as  follows :  Margaret 
Ann.  who  is  deceased ;  James  A.,  who  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Pleasant  Hill, 
Louisiana,  in  1864;  Sarah  Ellen,  deceased;  Cyrus  M.,  an  old  soldier  who  makes 
his  home  in  Luther,  Iowa;  Jesse,  living  in  Boone;  Elizabeth  J.,  who  is  the 
wife  of  Charles  Fleming  of  Arkansas ;  iMary  Maria,  who  is  the  widow  of  John 
Nutt  and  resides  in  Boone;  Henry  Lewis,  of  this  review;  Catherine  A.,  the 
wife  of  S.  T.  Steelsmith,  of  Troy,  Idaho;  George  A.,  of  Worth  township; 
Keziah  M.,  who  is  the  widow  of  Nimrod  Rule  and  lives  in  Boone ;  Abraham 
L.,  of  Fort  Dodge;  and  Abbie  Amanda,  who  is  the  wife  of  Albert  Nutt,  of 
Boone. 

Henry  Lewis  Davis,  who  was  a  little  lad  of  five  years  when  his  parents  set- 
tled in  this  county,  remained  on  the  home  farm  until  twenty-five  years  of  age 
and  then  made  his  way  to  California,  following  farming  in  San  Luis  Obispo. 
At  the  end  of  a  year  he  returned  to  Boone  county  and  purchased  a  tract  of 
ninety-nine  acres  adjoining  the  old  homestead.  He  eventually  disposed  of  the 
property  which  he  had  acquired  and  at  the  present  time  owns  one  hundred  and 
thirty-nine  acres  comprising  a  part  of  the  home  place.  During  the  last  few 
years  he  has  devoted  his  time  and  energies  to  both  farming  and  stock-raising. 


220  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

making  a  specialty  of  shorthorn  cattle.  His  undertakings  as  an  agriculturist 
have  been  attended  with  gratifying  and  well  deserved  measure  of  success,  and 
he  enjoys  an  enviable  reputation  as  one  of  the  prosperous  and  esteemed  citizens 
of  his  community. 

On  the  23d  of  August,  1876,  Mr.  Davis  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ara- 
bell  C.  Cross,  a  native  of  Boone  county  and  a  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Maria 
(Keigley)  Cross,  both  of  whom  were  born  in  Greene  county,  Pennsylvania. 
They  came  to  this  county  about  1855,  and  here  the  father  turned  his  attention 
to  agricultural  pursuits.  He  passed  away  in  May,  1907,  while  the  mother  was 
called  to  her  final  rest  in  April,  1900.  They  had  two  children :  Mrs.  Henry 
L.  Davis;  and  Sarah  E.,  who  is  the  wife  of  Robert  McMillen,  of  Indianola, 
Iowa.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davis  have  been  born  four  children,  as  follows: 
Alta  E.,  who  is  the  wife  of  E.  C.  Payne,  of  Worth  township ;  Clara  Belle,  who 
who  is  the  widow  of  Saul  Dyer  and  resides  in  Boone ;  James  Leroy,  of  Beaver 
township,  Boone  county ;  and  a  daughter  who  died  in  infancy. 

Mr.  Davis  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party,  has  served 
in  the  capacity  of  supervisor  for  two  terms  and  has  also  acted  as  township 
assessor  and  trustee,  ever  discharging  his  public  duties  in  a  most  satisfactory 
manner.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows, the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen,  while 
his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  which  receives  his  sup- 
port. As  a  citizen  he  is  public-spirited  and  whatever  tends  to  promote  the  best 
interests  of  the  community  receives  his  indorsement  and  hearty  cooperation.  He 
has  spent  most  of  his  life  in  this  county  and  is  therefore  widely  and  favorably 
known,  commanding  the  high  regard  of  all  with  whom  he  has  been  associated. 


TAMES   B.  McELROY. 


James  B.  McElroy  is  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  a  farm  of  three  hundred 
and  twenty  acres  on  sections  11  and  15,  Beaver  township,  and  the  attractive 
appearance  of  the  place  indicates  his  careful  supervision.  His  birth  occurred  in 
that  township,  June  6,  1875,  his  parents  being  John  and  Alargaret  (McCoy) 
McEIroy,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  New  York.  The  father  came  to  Iowa 
in  1868  and  engaged  in  railroading  for  some  time.  Later  he  purchased  land  in 
Beaver  township  and  began  the  development  and  improvement  of  a  farm,  which 
he  continued  to  operate  throughout  his  remaining  days,  his  death  occurring  in 
1907.     His  widow  survives  and  resides  upon  the  old  homestead. 

James  B.  McElroy  was  reared  in  Beaver  township  and  pursued  his  educa- 
tion in  the  district  schools  and  in  the  ]niblic  schools  of  Ogden.  He  early  became 
familiar  with  the  best  methods  of  tilling  the  soil  and  caring  for  the  crops  and 
remained  at  home  with  his  parents  until  1911,  when  he  rented  his  father-in- 
law's  place,  situated  on  sections  11  and  15.  Beaver  township,  and  comprising 
three  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land.  Thereon  he  is  now  engaged  in  general 
farming  and  good  results  attend  his  labors,  for  his  methods  are  practical  and 
progressive.  He  owns  an  interest  in  the  home  place  on  section  29  and  also 
owns  land  in  Canada.     He  is  meeting  with  prosperity  in  his  undertakings,  and 


I 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  221 

the  analyzation  of  his  Hfe  record  shows  that  his  progress  is  the  result  of  close 
application,  persistent  energy  and  soi^nd  judgment. 

On  the  27th  of  February,  191 1,  Mr.  McElroy  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Margaret  Vaughn  a  daughter  of  Dennis  and  Mary  (Mahoney)  Vaughn, 
who  at  an  early  period  in  the  development  of  this  section  of  the  state  came  to 
Iowa.  The  father  was  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war,  and  following  its  close  he 
engaged  in  farming  in  Beaver  township  throughout  the  remainder  of  his  days. 

The  religious  faith  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  McElroy  is  that  of  the  Catholic  church. 
For  eight  years  he  has  served  as  one  of  the  trustees  in  his  township  and  is 
interested  in  all  affairs  of  public  moment.  He  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the 
Democratic  party  and  keeps  well  informed  on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the 
day.  He  has  served  as  school  director,  but  he  prefers  to  concentrate  his  energies 
upon  his  business  affairs.  He  is  now  a  stockholder  in  the  Farmers  Cooperative 
Company  of  Berkley,  Iowa.  In  addition  to  developing  his  tields  he  feeds  several 
carloads  of  cattle  per  year,  and  this  branch  of  his  business  is  proving  to  him  a 
profitable  source  of  income.  He  has  a  wide  acquaintance  in  Boone  county, 
where  he  has  always  made  his  home  and  where  he  has  ever  stood  for  all  that  is 
progressive  in  the  agricultural  life  of  the  community. 


ALBERT  G.  HOWE. 


Albert  G.  Howe  is  engaged  in  business  at  Ogden  as  a  member  of  the  firm  of 
Schooler  &  Howe,  conducting  a  well  appointed  and  liberally  patronized  furniture 
and  undertaking  establishment.  His  birth  occurred  at  Independence,  Kansas, 
on  the  1  ith  of  January,  1880,  his  parents  being  James  M.  and  Ellen  M.  (Carlisle) 
Howe.  The  father  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  an  early  day  and  here  de- 
voted his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits  for  some  time,  subsequently  removing 
to  Kansas,  where  he  operated  a  farm  until  1881.  In  that  year  he  returned  to 
Ogden,  this  county,  and  was  here  engaged  in  the  draying  business  for  some  time, 
while  later  he  embarked  in  the  mercantile  business,  conducting  an  establishment 
of  that  character  successfully  until  1899.  Since  disposing  of  his  interests  he  has 
lived  retired  in  Ogden,  enjoying  the  fruits  of  his  former  activity  in  well  earned 
ease.  He  has  attained  the  age  of  seventy-three  years  and  is  a  highly  esteemed 
and  respected  citizen  of  his  community.  During  the  period  of  the  Civil  war  he 
served  for  four  years  as  a  member  of  Company  B,  Eighth  Illinois  Cavalry,  mak- 
ing a  creditable  record  as  a  brave  and  loyal  defender  of  the  Union.  The  demise 
of  his  wife  occurred  on  the  12th  of  October,  1912. 

Albert  G.  Howe  was  reared  and  educated  in  this  county,  attending  the  public 
schools  of  Ogden.  He  afterward  worked  in  his  father's  store  for  some  time  and 
subsequently  went  to  Berkley,  Boone  county,  where  he  was  engaged  in  the  mer- 
cantile business  for  one  year.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  returned  to 
Ogden  and  embarked  in  the  hardware  business  in  association  with  W.  S.  Gray, 
to  whom  he  sold  out  at  the  end  of  three  years.  He  was  next  engaged  in  the 
mercantile  business  in  Ogden  until  September,  19 12,  and  then  gave  his  attention 
to  real-estate  interests  until  April,  1913.  In  that  month  he  entered  into  partner- 
ship with  William  B.  Schooler  for  the  conduct  of  the  furniture  and  undertaking 


222  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

establishment  which  they  have  since  continued  under  the  firm  style  of  Schooler 
&  Howe.  They  carry  an  extensive  stock  and  are  accorded  a  large  patronage 
which  attests  the  satisfaction  of  those  with  whom  they  have  dealings. 

On  the  1st  of  January,  1902,  Mr.  Howe  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Bertha  Webb,  a  daughter  of  Q.  O.  and  Erispa  (Mace)  Webb,  pioneer  settlers 
of  Boone  county,  who  now  reside  in  Ogden.  The  father  here  devoted  his  atten- 
tion to  general  agricultural  pursuits  for  a  number  of  years  but  has  lived  retired 
since  1907.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Howe  have  two  children,  Lucile  F.  and  Yera  R.,  who 
are  eight  and  five  years  of  age  respectively. 

Mr.  Howe  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  has  ably  served  as  a  member  of 
the  city  council  for  five  years.  He  is  identified  fraternally  with  the  Masons 
and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the 
Methodist  church.  He  is  widely  recognized  as  a  young  man  of  enterprise,  ability 
and  worth  and  enjoys  an  extensive  and  favorable  acquaintance  throughout  the 
county  in  which  practically  his  entire  life  has  been  spent. 


A.  P.  LUNDVALL. 


For  over  fifteen  years  A.  P.  Lundvall  has  been  engaged  in  the  general  mer- 
chandise business  in  Boxholm.  carrying  a  most  complete  and  up-to-date  stock 
and  following  business  policies  which  rank  him  as  one  of  the  progressive  mer- 
chants of  the  county.  Mr.  Lundvall  has  secured  an  extensive  and  profitable 
patronage  for  his  business,  his  customers  coming  to  him  from  a  large  adjoin- 
ing territory.  He  has  succeeded  because  his  business  is  built  upon  fair  and  ' 
honest  methods,  because  he  contents  himself  with  a  reasonable  profit  and  because 
he  is  ever  ready  to  oblige  a  customer  if  possible.  Mr.  Lundvall  was  born  in 
Sweden  on  March  9,  i860,  and  is  a  son  of  J.  P.  and  Christina  Lundvall,  natives 
of  that  country.  During  his  active  life  the  father  was  the  superintendent  of  a 
large  woolen  mill  in  Sweden,  which  country  has  always  remained  his  home  and 
where  he  is  still  living  at  the  age  of  ninety-two  years,  his  wife  dying  in  1907. 

A.  P.  Lundvall  was  reared  and  educated  in  his  native  land  and  after  com- 
pleting his  studies  accepted  a  position  in  the  office  of  the  woolen  mills  with  which 
his  father  was  connected.  In  1881,  at  the  age  of  twenty-one,  he  came  to  America, 
locating  at  first  in  New  Britain,  Connecticut,  where  for  three  years  he  worked 
for  the  American  Hosiery  Company.  Being  impressed  by  the  stories  which 
he  had  heard  of  the  opportunities  that  were  awaiting  an  aggressive  young  man 
in  the  middle  west,  he  then  made  his  way  to  Dayton,  Webster  county,  Iowa, 
where  he  arrived  in  the  spring  of  1884,  accepting  a  position  in  the  general 
store  of  Burnquist  Brothers.  There  he  continued  as  an  employe  until  1889,  in 
which  year  he  became  a  partner  in  the  firm,  with  which  he  remained  as  manager 
until  1895,  when  his  partner  died.  .-Kt  that  time  the  business  was  sold,  but  Mr. 
Lundvall  again  entered  mercantile  life,  allying  himself  with  new  partners  and 
founding  the  firm  of  Lundvall,  Swanson  &  Johnson.  He  continued  in  this 
establishment  until  1899,  when  he  sold  his  interest  and  went  to  Fort  Dodge, 
Iowa,   where   he   worked   for   the   Larson   Dry   Goods   Company    for   one  year. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  223 

He  then  returned  to  Dayton  and  for  three  months  was  connected  with  the  firm 
of  C.  V.  Peterson.  In  April,  1900,  he  came  to  Boxholm,  Boone  county,  where 
he  bought  the  first  town  lot  and  built  the  first  business  building,  engaging  in 
merchandising.  He  has  ever  since  been  at  the  head  of  this  business  and  now 
carries  a  most  complete  stock  adequate  to  the  most  exacting  demands  of  his 
customers.  His  trade  is  extensive  and  covers  a  large  territory.  The  success 
of  the  business  must  be  entirely  attributed  to  Mr.  Lundvall,  who  is  able,  shrewd, 
honest  and  thoroughly  up-to-date  as  regards  merchandising  methods. 

In  June,  1892,  A.  P.  Lundvall  married  Miss  Emily  Erickson,  a  daughter 
of  Eric  and  Betsy  Erickson,  natives  of  Sweden,  who  located  in  Webster  county 
in  the  early  days  of  its  history.  There  the  father  cultivated  land  until  his  death, 
his  widow  now  making  her  home  with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lundvall,  who  have  six 
children,  as  follows :  June,  who  is  employed  in  her  father's  store ;  and  Eve- 
lyn, Lloyd,  Reynold,  Mildred  and  Ralph. 

Mr.  Lundvall  has  other  important  interests,  being  a  stockholder  in  the 
Farmers  Savings  Bank  of  Boxholm,  and  the  Farmers  Elevator  Company. 
He  is  always  interested  in  the  cause  of  education  and  at  present 
serves  as  school  director  of  his  district.  Politically  he  is  a  republican,  loyal 
to  his  party,  and  for  seven  years  served  as  postmaster  of  Boxholm.  resign- 
ing in  favor  of  John  Hocke,  who  at  that  time  was  conducting  a  harness  shop 
in  this  city.  Fraternally  Mr.  Lundvall  belongs  to  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America,  and  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church.  By 
his  activities  he  has  largely  contributed  toward  making  possible  the  prosperous 
conditions  that  now  prevail  in  Boone  county  and  in  particular  has  been  one  of 
the  factors  in  the  upbuilding  of  Boxholm,  of  which  town  he  is  now  one  of  the 
foremost  representatives  of  commercial  interests. 


JACOB  SCHIERHOLZ. 


Jacob  Schierholz,  a  representative  agriculturist  of  Boone  county  who  has 
resided  here  for  a  period  of  forty-five  years,  is  the  owner  of  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  of  valuable  land  on  sections  8  and  6,  Yell  township.  His  birth  occurred 
in  Germany  on  the  27th  of  February,  1851,  his  parents  being  Peter  and  Catherine 
(Frahm)  Schierholz,  who  were  likewise  natives  of  that  country.  The  father, 
who  devoted  his  attention  to  farming  in  Germany  throughout  his  entire  business 
career,  there  passed  away  in  1854,  while  the  mother  was  called  to  her  final  rest  on 
the  9th  of  June,  1894. 

Jacob  Schierholz  spent  the  first  eighteen  years  of  his  life  in  the  fatherland 
and  there  pursued  his  education  but  continued  his  studies  in  the  United  States 
after  the  age  of  twenty.  On  the  27th  of  February,  1869,  he  set  sail  for  the  new 
world  and  on  reaching  American  shores  made  his  way  to  Clinton  county,  Iowa, 
where  he  worked  for  others  until  December  of  that  year.  He  then  came  to  Boone 
county  and  was  here  employed  as  a  farm  hand  for  seven  years,  while  subsequently 
he  cultivated  rented  land  for  one  year.  In  1872  he  purchased  forty  acres  of  his 
present  farm  in  Yell  township  and  began  the  improvement  of  the  property.  As 
his  financial  resources  increased,  owing  to  his  untiring  industry  and  capable  man- 


224  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

agement,  he  extended  the  boundaries  of  his  place  by  additional  purchase  until 
it  now  embraces  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  valuable  land,  eighty  acres  thereof 
lying  in  section  8  and  the  remaining  eighty  in  section  6.  Alert,  energetic  and 
industrious,  he  has  met  with  success  in  his  undertakings,  practicing  the  rotation 
of  crops  and  cultivating  his  farm  after  the  most  approved  methods  of  modern 
agriculture. 

On  the  20th  of  September,  i88o,  Mr.  Schierholz  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Frances  McKune,  a  daughter  of  Edward  and  Minerva  B.  (Hastings) 
McKune,  the  former  a  native  of  Great  Bend,  Pennsylvania,  and  the  latter  of  New 
York.  Edward  McKune  removed  to  Illinois  at  an  early  day  and  in  August,  1862, 
enlisted  for  service  in  the  Civil  war  from  Dixon,  that  state,  joining  Company  E, 
Seventy-fifth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry.  He  was  killed  in  October  of  the  same 
year,  in  the  first  battle  at  Perryville,  Kentucky,  thus  laying  down  his  life  on  the 
altar  of  his  country.  The  demise  of  his  wife  occurred  in  December,  1890.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Schierholz  are  the  parents  of  eleven  children,  as  follows:  Emily,  who 
gave  her  hand  in  marriage  to  Charles  N.  Frost,  of  Lee  Center.  Illinois ;  Catherine 
E.,  the  wife  of  William  Kruse;  Peter,  at  home;  Jacob  E.,  who  is  a  resident  of 
Beaver,  Boone  county;  Frances  M.,  the  wife  of  Fred  Drew,  of  Perry,  Iowa;  Har- 
riett A.,  who  is  the  wife  of  Everett  Hull,  of  Ogden,  Iowa;  Albert  H.,  also  living 
in  Ogden,  this  state;  Lurena  E.,  who  is  the  wife  of  Mason  Pugh,  a  miner  of  Yell 
township ;  and  Mabel,  Wilhelm  and  Loue,  all  of  whom  are  still  under  the  parental 
roof. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Schierholz  is  a  stanch  republican,  loyally  supporting 
the  men  and  measures  of  that  party  at  the  polls.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the 
United  Brethren  church.  His  many  excellent  traits  of  character  have  won  him 
an  extensive  circle  of  friends  and  he  is  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  throughout 
the  community  in  which  the  greater  part  of  his  life  has  been  spent. 


JOHN  RUNDBERG. 


John  Rundberg,  of  Ogden,  Iowa,  was  a  typical  representative  of  that  sturdy 
race  of  northern  Europe  which  has  furnished  so  many  valuable  citizens  to  the 
United  States.  He  was  born  in  Sweden  and  found  in  this  country  opportuni- 
ties which  he  turned  by  his  energy  and  industry  into  material  success.  Mr. 
Rundberg  was  born  August  19,  1834,  a  son  of  Andrew  Rundberg.  The  father, 
also  of  Swedish  birth  and  a  wagonmaker  by  trade,  was  likewise  engaged  in 
blacksmithing.  He  stood  high  in  the  estimation  of  his  community  and  served 
for  some  time  in  the  responsible  position  of  overseer  of  the  poor,  having  charge 
of  the  poor  farm  of  his  district.  The  parents  never  came  to  America,  the 
father  dying  in  his  native  land  in  1846  and  the  mother  surviving  him  for  about 
thirty  years. 

John  Rundberg  had  to  earn  his  own  livelihood  upon  the  death  of  his  father, 
at  which  time  he  was  only  twelve  years  of  age.  He  found  employment  at  the 
munificent  sum  of  eight  cents  a  day  and  afterward  learned  the  carpenter's 
trade   and  also  that   of  cabinet-maker,   completing  his  apprenticeship   when  he 


JOHN  nrxUBERG 


r" 


F  u  ij  i 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  227 

was  eighteen  years  of  age,  a  fact  which  speaks  well  for  his  deep  and  serious 
purpose. 

Mr.  Rundberg  continued  in  the  pursuit  of  his  trade  until  1868  in  his  native 
country,  coming  in  that  year  to  America  and  locating  in  New  York.  In  Septem- 
ber he  invented  a  threshing  machine  separator,  giving  thereby  evidence  of  the 
fertility  of  his  mind  and  the  close  attention  which  he  paid  to  mechanical  details, 
for  which  he  had  a  particular  talent.  Later  Mr.  Rundberg  decided  upon  a 
removal  to  the  West  and  went  to  Stockholm,  Wisconsin,  where  for  a  short  time 
he  continued  to  pursue  his  trade.  Hie  then  came  to  Boone,  Iowa,  the  year  of 
his  arrival  being  1869.  He  followed  his  trade  in  a  furniture  factory  in  Boone 
county  for  one  and  one-half  years,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  decided  upon 
a  change  of  residence,  selecting  Moingona,  where  he  established  himself  in  the 
furniture  business  in  partnership  with  Samuel  Morgan.  They  remained  in  this 
connection  for  about  nine  months  and  in  the  fall  of  1874  Mr.  Rundberg  came 
to  Ogden  and  founded  a  furniture  and  undertaking  business,  of  which  he  was 
the  head  until  1904,  when  the  store  was  destroyed  by  fire.  He  rebuilt  but  retired 
from  the  business,  his  son,  however,  carrying  a  stock  of  furniture  and  continu- 
ing the  activities  of  his  father.  Mr.  Rundberg  was  successful  because  he  had 
a  thorough  knowledge  of  the  furniture  business  and  because  he  possessed  good 
business  ability.  Fair  methods  always  prevailed  in  his  establishment,  and  his 
reputation  for  the  honest  treatment  of  his  customers  gained  for  him  an  exten- 
sive trade. 

Mr.  Rundberg  was  twice  married.  His  first  union  was,  with  Miss  Johanna 
Rundberg,  a  native  of  Sweden,  who  passed  away  December  10,  1877.  On  Jan- 
uary 5,  1879,  he  married  Hannah  Rustan,  a  daughter  of  Gustav  and  Caro- 
line Rustan,  natives  of  Sweden.  The  father  was  a  carpenter  by  trade  but 
also  followed  agricultural  pursuits.  He  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  America  and 
located  in  Webster  county,  Iowa,  at  an  early  day.  There  he  was  for  many  years 
successful  as  an  agriculturist,  gaining  a  competency  which  permitted  him  to 
retire  in  the  later  years  of  his  life,  when  he  moved  to  Des  Moines.  That  city 
remained  his  residence  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  September,  1910.  His 
wife  had  preceded  him  to  the  Great  Beyond  in  1900.  To  the  first  union  of 
Mr.  Rundberg  were  born  five  children:  Augusta,  the  wife  of  Charles  Rosen, 
a  harness  dealer  of  Ogden,  Iowa;  David;  John  H. ;  Emma;  and  Philip  E.,  who 
is  now  conducting  the  furniture  and  undertaking  business  established  by  his 
father.  To  the  second  marriage  also  five  children  were  born,  Jennie,  Charles, 
Martin,  Bessie  and  Anna  H. 

Mr.  Rundberg  gave  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and 
although  he  shunned  publicity  and  never  sought  public  office,  was  always  inter- 
ested in  the  development  and  advancement  of  his  city  and  county.  He  gave 
material  and  moral  support  to  worthy  public  enterprises  and  as  a  successful 
business  man  stood  in  the  front  ranks  with  those  men  who  considered  no  eiTort 
too  great  in  order  to  promote  the  welfare  of  their  city.  In  later  years  Mr. 
Rundberg  did  not  enjoy  the  best  of  health  and  after  an  illness  of  two  years  he 
passed  away  on  December  14,  1913,  in  his  eightieth  year.  He  was  venerated 
by  all  the  citizens  of  Ogden  as  a  pioneer  and  one  of  the  early  business  men  of 
the  city.  He  was  esteemed  not  so  much  for  what  he  had  accomplished  as  for 
the  high  qualities  of  his  character.     Mrs.  Rundberg,  who  survives  him,  owns 

Vol.  II— 1  1 


228  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

the  building  in  which  the  furniture  and  undertaking  business  is  now  conducted, 
and  resides  in  a  handsome  home  which  stands  in  grounds  that  comprise  four 
acres  of  land.  She  is  well  and  favorably  known  in  Ogden,  where  she  has  many 
friends  who  esteem  her  highly  on  account  of  her  womanly  qualities  of  character. 


FRANCIS  MARION  BOLLE. 

Francis  ]\Iarion  Bolle,  who  was  born  in  Douglas  township,  Boone  county. 
May  i8,  1866,  has  always  been  a  resident  of  the  county.  After  completing 
his  common-school  education  he  turned  his  attention  to  farming  and  has  been 
quite  successful  in  this  occupation.  His  parents,  Louis  and  Elizabeth  (Jenkins) 
Bolle,  were  among  the  pioneers  of  Boone  county,  making  the  overland  trip 
to  Swede  Point  in  1851.  The  father  became  the  owner  of  what  now  is  known 
as  the  Samuel  Bryant  farm  and  which  is  adjacent  to  Madrid  and  was  success- 
ful as  a  farmer.  He  was  born  in  Germany,  June  23,  1831,  and  died  in  Madrid, 
February  18,  1909.  His  wife,  a  native  of  Indiana,  is  residing  in  that  city. 
In  their  family  were  six  children,  all  of  whom  were  born  and  reared  in  Douglas 
township.  They  are:  Josiah,  of  North  Dakota;  William,  of  Perry,  Iowa;  Mrs. 
Mary  Jane  Eversole  of  Kansas ;  Francis  Marion  of  this  review ;  Henry  Scott 
of  North  Dakota;  and  Mrs.  Hattie  Edith  Biggs,  of  Irvington,  Kossuth  county, 
Iowa. 

Francis  Marion  Bolle  owns  a  farm  comprising  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres 
of  choice  land  on  sections  27  and  28,  Garden  township.  He  has  always  followed 
the  most  up-to-date  methods  and  by  his  labors  has  substantially  contributed 
toward  the  agricultural  development  of  Boone  county.  His  land  is  planted  to  the 
most  suitable  cereals  and  by  incessant  labor  and  judicious  management  he  has 
secured  a  competency.  He  resides  in  a  pleasant  and  handsome  home  which  is 
the  hospitable  meeting  place  of  the  many  friends  he  and  his  wife  have  made  in 
Boone  county. 

On  January  29,  1895,  Mr.  Bolle  married  Miss  ^Martha  Ann  Hamnian,  who 
was  born  in  Polk  county,  July  8,  1870.  She  came  to  Douglas  township  with  her 
parents  in  1875.  Her  father,  Amos  Hamman,  was  bom  in  Vermilion  county, 
Indiana,  March  16,  1839.  He  enlisted  for  service  with  the  Union  army  in  the 
Civil  war  and  after  a  gallant  record  was  honorably  discharged.  Subsequently 
he  came  to  Iowa  and  located  in  Polk  county,  south  of  Maxwell,  where  he  operated 
a  farm  for  a  number  of  years.  He  is  now  residing  in  a  comfortable  home  in 
Madrid.  He  comes  of  an  old  American  family  and  several  of  his  direct  ancestors 
were  soldiers  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  The  mother  of  Mrs.  Bolle,  Susaima 
Jane  (Butler)  Hamman,  was  born  in  Illinois,  October  2,  1843,  ^"d  died  in 
Garden  township,  July  10,  191 1.  She  bore  her  husband  five  children,  all  of 
whom  are  living:  Mrs.  Martha  Ann  Bolle,  born  July  8,  1870;  George  Franklin, 
born  September  6,  1872,  of  Madrid:  Milo  Gideon,  born  January  29,  1874,  of 
Nebraska;  Zoe  May,  who  was  born  August  15,  1879,  and  is  cashier  of  the 
Madrid  State  Bank;  and  John  Jacob,  whose  birth  occurred  October  4,  1881,  and 
who  resides  in  South  Dakota.  The  three  eldest  children  are  natives  of  Polk 
county  and  the  two  younger  were  born  in  Boone  county,  where  all  were  reared. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  229 

The  Hammans  are  accounted  among  the  most  successful  and  prominent  families 
of  their  neighborhood. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bolle  have  one  daughter,  Laura  ]\Iay.  born  June  15,  igoo,  who 
is  attending  school.  They  stand  high  in  the  esteem  of  their  community  and 
enjoy  the  respect  of  all  who  know  them.  Mr.  Bolle  has  many  friends  in  Douglas 
township  who  have  known  him  from  his  early  youth  and  are  appreciative  of  his 
high  qualities  of  character.  Mr.  Bolle  is  public-spirited,  although  he  has  never 
actively  entered  politics.  He  is  a  republican  and  in  full  accord  with  the  principles 
of  that  party.  He  supports  all  community  enterprises  of  value  and  has  done 
more  than  liis  share  in  promoting  the  general  welfare. 


ERNEST  C.  E.  CARLSON. 

The  name  of  Ernest  C.  E.  Carlson  figures  prominently  in  connection  with 
commercial  activity  in  Boone,  where  he  is  now  conducting  business  as  a  partner 
in  the  firm  of  S.  A.  Nelson  &  Company.  He  is  a  self-made  man  and  his  life  record 
should  serve  as  a  source  of  inspiration  and  encouragement  to  others,  showing 
what  may  be  accomplished  when  ambition  points  out  the  way  and  when  energy 
and  determination  lead  to  the  goal  of  success.  He  was  born  in  Sweden,  March 
28,  1864,  and  is  a  son  of  Charles  J.  and  Anna  Sophia  (Carlson)  Carlson,  who 
were  also  natives  of  that  country.  In  the  year  1885  they  crossed  the  Atlantic 
to  the  new  world,  and  the  father  continued  farming  in  America  until  called  to  his 
final  rest  on  the  22d  of  April,  1912.  His  widow  survived  until  the  20th  of  May, 
1913.  In  their  family  were  two  children:  Ernest  C.  E. ;  and  Caroline,  now  the 
wife  of  Charles  Olson,  of  Boone. 

Ernest  C.  E.  Carlson  pursued  his  early  education  in  the  public  and  high  schools 
of  Sweden.  He  was  a  young  man  of  about  twenty-one  years  when  the  family 
came  to  the  United  States,  and  after  arriving  on  this  side  the  Atlantic  he  devoted 
some  time  to  general  agricultural  pursuits.  In  1889  he  accepted  a  clerkship  in  the 
grocery  store  of  A.  T.  Davis  and  later  purchased  the  business,  which  he  con- 
ducted alone  until  i8go,  when  he  consolidated  his  interests  with  those  of  C.  V. 
Nelson  and  Alfred  Zandell,  the  business  being  then  conducted  under  the  firm 
style  of  Nelson,  Zandell,  Carlson  &  Company.  Two  years  later  Mr.  Carlson  dis- 
posed of  his  interest  to  his  partners  and  devoted  the  succeeding  year  to  the 
improvement  of  his  education.  Lie  then  purchased  another  store,  which  he  con- 
ducted under  the  firm  name  of  Carlson  &  Company  until  1894.  He  then  joined 
forces  with  Alfred  Recksen  and  S.  A.  Nelson.  In  1897  he  was  appointed  deputy 
treasurer  of  the  county  and  served  for  four  years.  Within  that  period  Alfred 
Recksen  retired  from  the  company  and  the  business  has  since  been  conducted 
under  the  firm  name  of  S.  A.  Nelson  &  Company,  Mr.  Carlson  remaining  as  one 
of  the  partners.  They  carry  a  large  and  well  selected  stock  of  general  mer- 
chandise, and  the  neat  and  attractive  arrangement  of  their  store  and  their  reason- 
able prices  have  secured  for  them  a  liberal  and  well  merited  patronage,  which  is 
increasing  year  by  year. 

On  the  28th  of  May,  1890,  Mr.  Carlson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Hannah 
Peterson,  a  native  of  Sweden,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  eig-ht  children : 


230  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Harold  E.,  born  August  13,  1891  ;  Walter  A.,  born  February  2^,  1893;  Dora  E., 
July  24,  1S97;  Gerhard  M.,  February  15,  1900;  Eldon  L.,  February  i,  1903;  Eve- 
line J.,  April  4,  1906;  and  Bernadine  I..  January  23,  191 1.  A  daughter,  Ruth  E., 
passed  away  June  29,  1906. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Carlson  is  an  earnest  republican  but  does  not 
seek  nor  desire  office,  preferring  to  concentrate  his  energies  and  efforts  along 
other  lines.  He  is  the  president  of  the  Swedish  Mutual  Insurance  Company  and 
secretary  of  the  Swedish  Old  People's  Home.  He  belongs  to  the  Swedish' Mis- 
sion and  is  an  elder  of  his  church.  He  takes  an  active  and  helpful  interest  in 
the  moral  progress  of  the  community  and  his  influence  is  always  on  the  side  of 
right,  reform,  truth  and  justice.  In  his  business  career  he  has  gone  upon  the 
principle  that  a  good  name  is  rather  to  be  chosen  than  great  riches,  and  he  has 
never  sacrificed  honorable  dealing  to  a  desire  for  gain. 


IRA  D.  JOHNSON. 


In  the  death  of  Ira  D.  Johnson  on  the  20th  of  September,  1898,  Boone 
mourned  the  loss  of  one  of  her  valued  and  representative  citizens,  for  his  life 
exemplified  the  many  sterling  traits  of  manhood  which  in  every  land  and  clime 
awaken  confidence  and  regard.  He  was  born  in  Lawrence  county,  ^Missouri, 
August  12,  1870,  and  completed  a  high-school  course  at  Henrietta,  Texas.  He 
also  attended  a  business  college  at  Jacksonville,  Illinois,  and  thus  qualified  for 
onerous  and  responsible  duties  in  later  life.  In  the  fall  of  1890  he  came  to 
Boone  and  entered  into  partnership  with  his  father,  the  late  W.  D.  Johnson, 
in  the  coal  business  under  the  firm  name  of  W.  D.  Johnson  &  Company.  He 
devoted  practically  his  entire  attention  to  the  coal  trade  and  in  that  connection 
a  big  business  was  built  up.  He  was  also  a  stockholder  in  the  Security  Sav- 
ings Bank,  and  his  contemporaries  and  colleagues  in  business  circles  knew  him 
to  be  a"  thoroughly  reliable  and  enterprising  man. 

On  the  29th  of  October,  1890,  in  Illinois,  Mr.  Johnson  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Mary  E.  Johnson,  a  daughter  of  James  and  Martha  (Adkins) 
Johnson,  who  were  natives  of  Mason  county,  Illinois.  James  Johnson  was  a 
member  of  Company  .M,  Second  Illinois  Cavalry  at  the  time  of  the  Civil  war, 
enlisting  in  1862  and  serving  for  three  years.  He  became  a  commissioned  officer, 
holding  the  rank  of  second  lieutenant  when  nuislered  out  of  the  service.  By 
occupation  he  was  a  farmer,  devoting  his  entire  life  to  general  agricultural  pur- 
suits. The  cause  of  temperance  found  in  him  a  stalwart  advocate  and  earnest 
worker,  and  his  life  was  actuated  by  many  high  and  manly  principles.  His 
family  numbered  nine  children,  all  of  whom  are  yet  living.  Two  of  the  sons 
are  residents  of  Boone  county — F.  H.,  making  his  home  in  the  city  of  Boone, 
while  Edgar  resides  near  Ogden.  To  Air.  and  Mrs.  Ira  D.  Johnson  were  born 
three  children:  William  D.,  who  remains  at  home  and  is  an  automobile  sales- 
man ;  Lucile,  who  is  attending  Northwestern  University  at  Evanston,  Illinois, 
and  Ethel  Lorraine,  who  died  when  a  baby. 

Politically  Mr.  Johnson  was  a  republican,  although  reared  in  the  faith  of 
the   democratic   party,   to   which   his    father   gave   his   support.      Fraternally   he 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  231 

was  connected  with  Boonesboro  Lodge,  No.  324,  K.  P.,  and  his  widow  is  a 
member  of  the  Pythian  Sisters.  He  died  at  the  very  early  age  of  twenty-eight 
years,  and  the  news  of  his  demise  was  a  shock  to  the  entire  community.  He 
left  behind  him  many  friends,  and  his  heritage  to  his  family  was  not  only  a  good 
property,  but  also  that  good  name  which  is  rather  to  be  chosen  than  great  riches. 
In  action  he  was  manly  and  sincere,  in  spirit  kindly,  and  one  of  his  more  pro- 
nounced characteristics  was  his  devotion  to  his  family. 


HENRY  C.  SPURRIER. 

Henry  C.  Spurrier  is  the  owner  of  one  of  the  most  highly  improved  farms 
in  Boone  county,  comprising  two  hundred  acres  on  sections  5  and  4,  Yell  town- 
ship. His  birth  occurred  in  Illinois  in  September,  1850,  his  parents  being 
Francis  M.  and  Rebecca  (Argo)  Spurrier,  the  former  a  native  of  Kentucky  and 
the  latter  of  Ohio.  Francis  M.  Spurrier  removed  to  Illinois  with  his  parents 
in  1830  and  carired  on  farming  in  that  state  until  1856,  when  he  drove  across 
the  country  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  and  here  began  the  cultivation  of  rented 
land.  In  September,  1862,  he  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Civil  war  as  a  mem- 
ber of  Company  D,  Thirty-second  Iowa  \'olunteer  Infantry,  continuing  with 
that  command  until  February,  1865,  when  he  was  wounded  and  received  his 
discharge.  He  returned  to  this  county  and  carried  on  general  agricultural  pur- 
suits here  throughout  the  remainder  of  his  active  business  career,  while  the  last 
years  of  his  life  were  spent  in  honorable  retirement  at  Ogden,  where  he  passed 
away  in  November,  191 2.  The  period  of  his  residence  in  Boone  county  cov- 
ered fifty-six  years  and  in  his  demise  the  community  lost  one  of  its  esteemed 
and  representative  citizens.  He  had  long  survived  his  wife,  who  died  in  Illi- 
nois in  February,  1856. 

Henry  C.  Spurrier,  who  was  a  little  lad  of  si.\  years  when  he  came  to  this 
county  with  his  father,  acquired  his  education  in  Yell  township  and  remained 
on  the  home  farm  until  twenty-six  years  of  age.  He  then  started  out  as  an 
agriculturist  on  his  own  account,  purchasing  seventy  acres  of  land  which  he 
improved  and  subsequently  sold.  Later  he  bought  a  tract  of  two  hundred 
acres  on  sections  5  and  4.  Yell  township,  which  has  since  remained  in  his  pos- 
session and  which  he  has  improved  to  such  an  extent  that  it  is  now  one  of  the 
best  equipped  farms  in  the  entire  county,  and  in  its  operation  he  has  won  a 
measure  of  success  that  has  gained  him  recognition  among  the  substantial  and 
leading  agriculturists  of  his  community.  In  connection  with  the  cultivation  of 
cereals  he  also  keeps  thoroughbred  stock,  feeding  a  carload  of  cattle  annually. 
He  likewise  owns  property  in  Canada. 

In  August,  1881,  Mr.  Spurrier  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Alice  Hainey, 
her  parents  being  Jackson  and  Nancy  (Russell)  Hainey,  who  were  natives  of 
Kentucky  and  Tennessee  respectively.  The  father  removed  to  Kansas  in  an 
early  day  and  successfully  carried  on  farming  in  that  state  for  many  years. 
His  demise  occurred  in  1900,  in  the  Sunflower  state,  where  his  widow  still  makes 
her  home.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Spurrier  have  been  born  six  children,  as  fol- 
lows:     Eva,  who  is  at  home;  Blanche,  the  wife  of  Charles  Tonsfeldt,  an  ^gricul- 


232  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

turist   of    Yell    township;    Ethel,   at   home;    Howard,    who   makes    his    home    in 
Canada ;  .jMaude,  whose  demise  occurred  in  1901 ;  and  Orson,  at  home. 

Air.  Spurrier  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  has  served  as  trustee  of  Yell 
township  for  twelve  years,  making  a  creditable  record  in  that  connection.  His 
religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Baptist  church.  He  has  resided  in  this  county  for 
fifty-eight  years  and  has  become  widely  and  favorably  known  within  its  bor- 
ders. His  life  is  exemplary  in  all  respects  and  he  has  ever  supported  those  inter- 
ests which  are  calculated  to  uplift  and  benefit  humanity,  while  his  own  high 
moral  principles  are  deserving  of  warm  commendation. 


JOHN  W.  \'AN  ZANDT. 

John  \\'.  \'an  Zandt,  a  well  known  and  respected  citizen  of  Madrid,  is  a  prom- 
inent factor  in  financial  circles  as  president  of  the  Farmers  Savings  Bank.  His 
birth  occurred  in  Highland  county,  Ohio,  on  the  nth  of  July,  1843.  h's  parents 
being  Joshua  and  Alary  Ann  (Thayer)  \'an  Zandt,  the  former  born  in  \'irginia 
on  the  2d  of  February,  1818,  and  the  latter  in  \'ermont  in  1822.  In  1850  the 
family  home  was  established  in  Kendall  county,  Illinois,  and  Joshua  Van  Zandt 
there  resided  until  called  to  his  final  rest  in  May,  1899.  His  wife  passed  away  in 
1891.  They  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Mrs.  Martha  Smith, 
who  is  deceased ;  Mrs.  Jane  Andrews,  who  has  also  passed  awa}' ;  John  W..  of 
this  review ;  George  W.,  who  resides  on  the  old  home  farm  in  Kendall  county, 
Illinois ;  Mrs.  Mary  Falkenberg,  living  at  Minooka,  Illinois :  Frank,  who  makes 
his  home  in  Eureka,  California;  and  Mrs.  Hulda  Falkenberg,  of  Joliet.  Illinois. 
The  three  eldest  children  were  born  in  Ohio  and  the  younger  members  of  the 
family  in  Illinois. 

John  W.  Van  Zandt,  who  was  a  little  lad  of  five  years  when  taken  by  his 
parents  to  Kendall  county,  Illinois,  there  attended  the  common  schools  and  early 
in  life  turned  his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits.  In  May,  1864,  he  enlisted 
for  one  hunrired  days'  service  as  a  member  of  Company  H,  One  Hundred  and 
Thirty-eighth  Illinois  \'olunteer  Infantry,  but  remained  with  the  Union  troops 
about  six  months,  being  detailed  to  guard  railroad  property  in  Missouri  and 
adjoining  states.  He  participated  in  several  skirmishes  and  was  honorably  dis- 
charged at  Springfield  in  November,  1864. 

In  1879  Mr.  Van  Zandt  brought  his  family  to  Garden  township,  Boone 
county,  Iowa,  and  for  a  number  of  years  'Successfully  cultivated  one  of  the  valu- 
able and  productive  farms  of  the  district,  winning  a  gratifying  measure  of  pros- 
perity in  his  undertakings.  At  the  present  time  he  serves  as  president  of  the 
Farmers  Savings  Bank  of  Madrid,  of  which  institution  he  is  one  of  the  heaviest 
stockholders  and  the  continued  growth  and  success  of  which  is  largely  attributa- 
ble to  his  able  management  and  direction.  He  owns  a  handsome  and  well 
appointed  residence  in  Madrid  and  is  widely  recognized  as  one  of  the  prosperous 
and  leading  citizens  of  the  community. 

On  the  I2th  of  May,  1866,  Mr.  \'an  Zandt  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Addie  Kennison,  who  was  born  in  \'ermont  on  the  19th  of  November,  1848,  her 
parents  being  Henry  and   Arvilla    (Smith)    Kennison,  likewise  natives   of   that 


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HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  235 

state.  The  father  passed  away  in  Wihnington,  IlHnois,  in  1857,  while  the  mother's 
demise  also  occurred  in  Will  county,  that  state.  Their  children  were  as  follows : 
Delos,  who  is  deceased ;  Mrs.  Sarah  Mason,  who  is  a  resident  of  Madrid,  Iowa ; 
Mrs.  Evaline  Frise,  also  of  Madrid,  Iowa ;  Frank,  who  passed  away  in  Kossuth 
county,  Iowa;  J.  S.,  who  was  born  on  the  4th  of  September,  1845,  ^"d  resides  in 
Madrid,  Iowa ;  Mrs.  Susan  Copp,  deceased ;  and  Mrs.  Addie  Van  Zandt.  The 
above  named  were  born  in  \'ermont  and  reared  in  Illinois.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Van  Zandt  have  been  born  five  children,  four  of  whom  still  survive.  William  H., 
whose  birth  occurred  on  the  nth  of  October,  1867.  was  a  graduate  of  the  Iowa 
Agricultural  College  and  was  employed  as  postal  clerk  on  the  Milwaukee  road 
from  ]\Iarion  to  Council  Bluffs.  He  passed  away  on  the  7th  of  July,  1908.  Mrs. 
Nettie  M.  Stor)-,  who  was  born  on  the  20th  of  June,  i86g,  is  a  resident  of  Ames, 
Iowa.  E.  G.,  whose  natal  day  was  December  19,  1872,  has  been  a  postal  carrier 
in  Des  Moines  for  the  past  fourteen  years.  Mrs.  Cora  Valline,  who  was  born 
September  9,  1876,  resides  in  Boone,  Iowa,  her  husband  being  a  locomotive  en- 
gineer in  the  employ  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railway.  Joshua,  bom 
April  24,  1890,  is  a  graduate  of  the  Madrid  high  school  and  the  Capital  City 
Commercial  College  of  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  and  is  now  in  the  employ  of  Davidson 
Brothers  of  Des  Moines.  All  except  the  last  named,  who  is  a  native  of  Garden 
township,  this  county,  were  born  in  Illinois. 

Mr.  Van  Zandt  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  has:  always  been  interested  and 
active  in  the  work  of  the  party  in  his  home  commuoity,'i  He  has  held  all  of  the 
township  offices  and  ably  served  as  assessor  of  Garden  township  for  many  years, 
while  at  the  present  time  he  acts  as  assessor  of  the  city  of  Madrid.  He  serves 
on  the  school  board  of  Garden  township  and  for  the  past  eighteen  years  has  been 
a  valued  member  of  the  Madrid  board  of  education.  His  cooperation  and  sup- 
port can  ever  be  counted  upon  to  further  any  movement  or  measure  instituted 
to  promote  the  general  welfare  and  he  is  widely  recognized  as  a  most  loyal,  public- 
spirited  and  progressive  citizen.  He  is  identified  with  the  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic  as  a  member  of  John  Filmer  Post,  No.  347,  of  Madrid,  of  which  he 
has  long  been  quartermaster,  and  for  one  year  served  as  its  commander.  His 
wife  is  a  devoted  and  consistent  member  of  the  Madrid  Christian  church.  Both 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Van  Zandt  are  widely  and  favorably  known  throughout  the 
county,  having  gained  many  friends  during  the  long  period  of  their  residence 
here. 


LEWIS  SAVITS. 


In  giving  an  account  of  the  more  prominent  agriculturists  of  Boone  county 
and  particularly  Beaver  township,  Lewis  Savits  cannot  be  overlooked.  Mr. 
Savits,  a  native  of  Boone  county,  owns  eighty  acres  on  section  15  and  eighty 
acres  on  section  21.  besides  eighty  ,^cres  on  section  10,  which  he  bought  in  igoo 
and  which  was  the  first  land  that  he  cultivated  as  an  independent  farmer.  He 
was  born  in  Amaqua  township,  December  5,  1872,  and  is  a  son  of  George  and 
Elizabeth  (Gunder)  Savits,  the  former  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  the  latter 
of  Illinois.     They  came  to  Boone  county  about  1862,  the  father  acquiring  title 


236  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

to  forty  acres  of  land  in  Yell  township.  He  farmed  successfully  until  1882. 
Jn  1886  he  removed  to  Ogden,  which  remained  his  home  until  his  death  in  1902. 
His  widow  resides  in  Ogden. 

Lewis  Savits  was  reared  and  educated  in  Boone  county,  attending  the  dis- 
trict schools.  Early  he  began  his  career  as  a  farmer  and  remained  in  the  employ 
of  others  until  1892,  in  which  year  he  rented  land  in  Beaver  township,  in  the 
cultivation  of  which  he  was  so  successful  that  in  1900  he  was  enabled  to  acquire 
eighty  acres  on  section  10.  He  immediately  took  the  task  in  hand  of  improv- 
ing the  land  and  has  since  devoted  himself  to  this  occupation  with  the  excep- 
tion of  fourteen  months  spent  in  Colorado.  Air.  Savits  is  an  up-to-date  and 
modern  farmer  and  follows  most  progressive  methods  in  the  operation  of  his 
farm.  There  can  be  found  a  complete  and  well  repaired  set  of  buildings,  which 
in  conjunction  with  his  well  tilled  fields,  indicate  his  careful  management  and 
his  incessant  industry.  As  his  means  increased  Mr.  Savits  acquired  title  to 
eighty  acres  of  land  on  section  15  and  eighty  acres  on  section  21.  He  not  only 
follows  general  agricultural  pursuits  but  excels  as  a  stock-raiser  and  annually 
markets  three  or  four  carloads  of  stock.  Moreover,  Mr.  Savits  is  a  stockholder 
in  the  Farmers'  Cooperative  Company  of  Beaver. 

On  December  8,  1896,  he  married  Sadie  Vaughn,  a  daughter  of  Patrick  and 
Lena  (Horton)  Vaughn,  the  former  born  in  Ireland  and  the  latter  in  New 
\ork.  The  parents  came  to  Boone  county  during  pioneer  days,  and  here  the 
father  successfully  devoted  himself  to  agricultural  labors.  For  a  short  time  he 
was  also  connected  with  railroad  construction  work.  He  bought  eighty  acres 
on  section  15,  Beaver  township,  and  this  is  the  same  land  which  our  subject 
now  owns  and  operates.  Mr.  Vaughn  had  it  under  cultivation  for  forty-three 
years  and  there  remained  until  his  death  in  August.  igo8.  His  wife  died  in 
February,  1910.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Savits  have  two  children:  George  Patrick  Leo, 
fifteen  years  of  age:  and  Lina  Eloise,  who  is  two  years  old. 

Mr.  Savits  has  not  only  attained  individual  success  but  has  been  a  force  in 
the  agricultural  development  of  his  section.  He  has  always  interested  himself 
in  public  questions  and  is  at  present  one  of  the  township  trustees,  having  served 
in  that  position  for  six  years  to  the  benefit  of  the  township,  whose  interests  he 
promotes  in  every  way.  Politically  he  is  a  republican  and  thoroughly  conversant 
with  the  aspirations  of  his  party,  its  ideals  and  its  principles.  He  gives  his 
adherence  to  the  Catholic  faith  and  is  interested  in  religious  life  as  well  as  in 
all  other  efforts  tending  to  improve  the  moral  life  of  man.  Both  he  and  his 
wife  are  favorably  and  well  known  in  Beaver  township,  where  they  have  many 
friends. 


H.  EDMOND  FRY. 


H.  Edmond  Fry,  a  practitioner  at  the  Boone  county  bar  since  1902,  con- 
nected in  his  professional  work  with  Judge  John  L.  Stevens  until  19 14,  but  since 
that  time  alone,  has  his  offices  in  the  Boone  National  Bank  building  and  is 
accorded  a  large  and  distinctly  representative  clientage.  He  was  born  Septem- 
ber 13,  1870,  in  the  county  which  is  still  his  place  of  residence  and  is  a  son  of 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  237 

Henry  Fry,  who  is  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  volume.  His  entire  life  thus 
far  has  been  passed  in  Boone  county  and  from  the  Boone  high  school  he  was 
graduated  with  the  class  of  1889.  He  afterward  attended  Cornell  College  for 
about  one  year  and  subsequently  entered  the  State  University,  pursuing  a  par- 
tial course  in  the  law  school  of  that  institution.  He  then  continued  the  study  of 
law  in  the  office  and  under  the  direction  of  J.  J.  Snell,  a  prominent  attorney, 
until  qualified  for  admission  to  practice.  He  passed  the  required  examination 
in  1901  and  entered  upon  the  active  work  of  the  profession  in  1902.  However, 
this  was  by  no  means  his  initial  step  in  business  life,  nor  was  his  educational 
course  a  continuous  one.  Reared  upon  the  home  farm,  he  had  early  become 
familiar  with  the  duties  and  labors  incident  to  the  development  of  the  fields  and 
was  active  in  their  cultivation  until  twenty  years  of  age,  when  he  became  a 
teacher  in  the  schools  of  Boone  county.  He  afterward  became  a  stenographer 
and  typist  and  later  was  made  accountant  for  the  Building  &  Savings  Associa- 
tion and  subsequently  occupied  the  position  of  bookkeeper  and  teller  in  the  First 
National  Bank  of  Boone  for  about  two  years.  He  next  entered  the  State  Uni- 
versity at  Iowa  City  and  as  mentioned  above,  returned  to  Boone  for  the  further 
study  of  law,  in  which  he  continued  until  his  admission  to  the  bar.  He  began 
practice  in  1902  with  Judge  John  L.  Stevens,  and  this  association  was  main- 
tained until  1914,  since  which  time  Mr.  Fry  has  been  alone  in  the  general  prac- 
tice of  law.  He  has  won  for  himself  a  creditable  position  in  a  calling  where 
advancement  depends  entirely  upon  broad  knowledge  and  individual  merit. 

In  January,  1913,  Mr.  Fry  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Elsa  C.  Odel, 
of  Red  Oak,  Iowa,  a  daughter  of  H.  F.  Odel,  a  pioneer  of  the  state  and  a  promi- 
nent retired  farmer  and  real-estate  man.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Fry  hold  membership 
in  the  Methodist  church,  and  in  fraternal  circles  his  connection  is  with  the 
Masons  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  has  been  somewhat  active  in  public 
affairs,  serving  as  city  solicitor  for  two  terms,  or  from  1905  until  1909.  He  is 
now  a  candidate  for  district  judge  of  the  eleventh  judicial  district  on  the  non- 
partisan ticket,  and  should  he  be  elected  there  is  no  doubt  that  he  will  make 
an  excellent  presiding  officer  over  the  courts.  He  has  been  well  informed  con- 
cerning the  principles  of  jurisprudence,  and  an  analytical  mind  enables  him  to 
readily  recognize  the  relation  between  the  fact,  the  evidence  and  the  law  applicable 
thereto. 


CHARLES  R.  MORGAN. 

Charles  R.  Morgan,  a  well  known  and  representative  citizen  of  Ogden,  is  a 
lineman  in  the  service  of  the  Marcy  Mutual  Telephone  Company  and  has  also 
been  engaged  in  auctioneering  for  the  past  seven  years.  His  birth  occurred 
in  Peoples  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa,  on  the  13th  of  December,  1875,  his 
parents  being  John  W.  and  Margaret  (Miller)  Morgan.  A  sketch  of  the  father, 
who  passed  away  in  Ogden  on  the  20th  of  October,  19 13,  appears  on  another 
page  of  this  work. 

Charles  R.  Morgan  acquired  his  early  education  in  the  district  schools  of  his 
native  county  and  also  attended  public  school  in  Ogden.     He  remained  under 


238  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

the  parental  roof  until  eighteen  years  of  age  and  then  went  to  Ames,  where 
he  attended  the  Iowa  State  College  of  Agriculture  until  graduated  from  that 
institution  with  the  class  of  1898.  Subsequently  he  made  his  way  to  Jefferson, 
Green  county,  this  state,  and  there  worked  in  a  creamery  for  a  year  and  a  half. 
On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  rented  a  tract  of  land  and  after  cultivating 
the  property  for  two  years  entered  the  service  of  the  Bell  Telephone  Company, 
with  which  he  continued  for  five  years.  He  next  spent  two  years  as  lineman 
with  the  Boone  County  Telephone  Company  and  five  years  later  became  con- 
nected with  the  Marcy  Mutual  Telephone  Company,  by  which  he  has  been 
retained  to  the  present  time.  For  the  past  seven  years  he  has  also  devoted  con- 
siderable attention  to  auctioneering  and  in  that  connection  has  won  an  enviable 
reputation  that  has  caused  his  services  to  be  frequently  sought. 

On  the  14th  of  January,  1903,  Mr.  Morgan  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
JVIinnie  Linderman,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Phoebe  (Cook)  Linderman,  who 
were  natives  of  Germany  and  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  an  early  day. 
They  settled  first  in  Harrison  county,  Iowa,  and  subsequently  came  to  Boone 
county,  Mr.  Linderman  here  following  farming  for  a  period  of  fourteen  years. 
He  now  makes  his  home  with  our  subject,  his  wife  having  passed  away  in 
1903.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morgan  are  the  parents  of  four  children,  as  follows : 
Carroll,  eight  years  of  age ;  Gerald,  who  is  seven  years  old ;  and  Earl  and  Helen, 
who  are  six  and  four  years  of  age  respectively.  Mr.  Morgan  gives  his  political 
allegiance  to  the  democracy  and  in  religious  faith  is  a  Methodist.  He  is  also  a 
worthy  exemplar  of  the  Masonic  fraternity.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Morgan  enjoy 
a  wide  and  favorable  acquaintance  in  the  community  where  they  reside,  and  the 
hospitality  of  the  best  homes  is  cordially  extended  to  them. 


ALLEN  T.   SILVER. 


Allen  T.  Silver,  who  for  the  past  twenty-eight  years  has  resided  at  Boone, 
is  a  retired  farmer,  now  residing  at  the  home  of  George  W.  McBride  at  1606 
Carroll  street.  He  is  widely  known  and  highly  respected,  for  his  life  has  been 
a  busy  and  useful  one  in  every  relation.  He  proved  himself  a  loyal  soldier 
during  the  Civil  war,  has  made  a  capable  public  officer  and  is  known  as  a  reliable 
business  man.  At  the  present  time,  however,  he  is  enjoying  a  rest  which  he 
has  truly  earned  and  richly  deserves.  He  was  born  at  Franklin,  Warren  county, 
Ohio,  April  25,  1827,  and  has,  therefore,  passed  the  eighty-seventh  milestone  on 
life's  journey.  He  is  a  son  of  James  and  Mercy  (Mullin)  Silver.  The  grand- 
father removed  with  his  family  to  Warren  county,  Ohio,  in  1805  and  there  fol- 
lowed the  occupation  of  farming,  spending  his  remaining  days  in  that  locality. 
He  was  twice  married  and  by  his  first  wife  had  two  children  and  by  the  second 
ten.  The  father,  a  native  of  New  Jersey,  was  but  five  years  of  age  when  he 
went  with  his  parents  to  Warren  county,  Ohio,  and  in  183 1  he  removed  with 
his  family  to  Henry  county,  Indiana.  He  engaged  in  merchandising  at  West 
Liberty  and  when  the  new  National  road  was  built  removed  to  Knightstown. 
where  he  engaged  in  business  for  a  number  of  years.  Subsequently  he  took  up 
his  abode  upon  a  farm  in  Rush  county,  Indiana,  but  his  later  years  were  spent  at 


ALLKN   T.   SILVER   AM)  GKKAT-UHANDSON 


I    -. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  241 

Knightstown,  where  he  died  in  1864.  He  was  active  in  politics  and  at  one  time 
was  a  candidate  for  the  state  legislature.  His  religious  faith  was  that  of  the 
Society  of  Friends,  or  Quakers.  He  married  Mercy  Mullin,  who  was  born  in 
New  Jersey,  December  31,  1799,  a  daughter  of  Isaac  Mullin,  who  removed  to 
Warren  county,  Ohio,  about  the  same  time  the  Silver  family  established  their 
home  there.  He  became  an  extensive  farmer  of  that  district.  His  father  also 
went  to  Ohio  and  died  near  Springboro,  Warren  county.  He  was  a  native  of 
Ireland.     Mrs.  Mercy  (Mullin)   Silver  passed  away  in  1855. 

Allen  T.  Silver  has  reached  a  more  advanced  age  than  any  other  member  of 
his  family.  He  is  the  eldest  of  six  children  and  only  one  other  is  now  living, 
Isaac,  who  resides  near  Indianapolis  and  is  seventy-eight  years  of  age.  For  a 
quarter  of  a  century  Allen  T.  Silver  was  a  resident  of  Indiana,  the  family  home 
being  established  there  when  he  was  Vnit  four  years  of  age.  It  was  a  frontier 
region  in  which  they  settled,  and  he  experienced  the  usual  privations  and  hard- 
ships of  pioneer  life.  His  education  was  acquired  in  the  old-time  subscription 
schools,  for  the  public-school  system  had  not  then  been  organized  in  his  locality. 
There  he  engaged  in  farming  until  1853,  when  he  removed  to  F>oonesboro,  Roone 
county,  Iowa.  However,  he  had  previously  attended  lot  sales  here  in  185 1.  For 
some  time  after  taking  up  his  abode  in  the  county  he  engaged  in  clerking  and 
in  1856  he  went  to  Ridgeport,  where  he  conducted  merchandising  on  his  own 
account  for  two  years.  Later  he  was  again  in  the  same  line  of  business  for  short 
periods.  At  length  he  purchased  a  farm  just  north' ef- ffee  city  and  operated  it 
until  his  removal  to  Boone,  where  he  engaged  in  stock-buying,  conducting 
business  very  successfully. 

On  the  15th  of  April,  1855,  in  Dodge  township,  Mr.'  Silver  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Sophia  Friedley,  a  native  of  Indiana  and  a  daughter  of  Daniel 
Friedley.  She  came  to  Boone  with  her  brother  Henry  Friedley,  a  pioneer  of 
this  county,  who  arrived  in  1850.  He  spent  his  later  years  near  Tacoma,  Wash- 
ington, and  there  passed  away  in  December,  1913,  at  the  age  of  almost  eighty 
years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Silver  had  no  children  of  their  own  but  adopted  George 
W.  McBride  when  he  was  but  thirteen  months  old.  He  had  lost  his  mother, 
and  they  took  him  into  their  family  as  a  son,  rearing  and  educating  him.  He  is 
a  machinist  by  trade  and  is  in  the  employ  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Rail- 
road Company.  He  married  Miss  Lena  Pohl,  and  to  them  have  been  born  three 
children,  Leone  and  Ella  and  Alice,  twins.  Ella  was  married  and  has  one  son, 
Richard  Lamonte  Noland.  The  death  of  Mrs.  Silver  occurred  in  September, 
1902,  and  Mr.  Silver  now  makes  his  home  with  his  fosterson,  Mr.  McBride. 
His  wife  was  a  consistent  member  of  the  United  Brethren  church  and  had  a 
large  circle  of  warm  friends  in  this  county. 

In  public  affairs  Mr.  Silver  has  always  taken  a  keen  interest.  He  acted  as 
enrolling  officer  during  the  Civil  war  in  Dodge  and  Harrison  townships,  Boone 
county,  being  appointed  to  that  position  in  1863.  In  the  following  year  he  en- 
listed as  a  member  of  Company  K,  Thirteen  Iowa  Infantry,  with  which  he 
served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  is  now  a  member  of  the  Grand  Army 
post  at  Boone  and  thus  maintains  pleasant  relations  with  those  who  were  his 
comrades  in  arms.  Politically  he  was  originally  a  whig,  but  on  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  republican  party  he  joined  its  ranks  and  has  since  been  one  of  its 
stalwart  advocates.     He  served  as  supervisor  of  his  township,  as  township  trus- 


242  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

tee,  as  justice  of  the  peace  and  postmaster.  He  acted  as  deputy  postmaster  at 
Boonesboro  for  a  year  and  later  was  postmaster  at  Ridgeport.  He  has  likewise 
been  school  director  and  at  all  times  he  has  been  a  helpful  factor  in  promoting 
public  progress.  In  former  years  he  served  as  a  trustee  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal church  and  assisted  in  building  the  house  of  worship  for  that  denomina- 
tion at  Ridgeport.  His  life  has  been  well  and  worthily  spent,  and  he  is  today 
one  of  the  most  venerable  of  Boone's  citizens,  receiving  the  honor  and  respect 
which  should  ever  be  accorded  those  of  advanced  years,  whose  lives  have  been 
guided  by  manly  principles.  Six  decades  have  come  and  gone  since  he  arrived 
in  this  county,  so  that  he  has  been  a  witness  of  much  of  the  growth  and  develop- 
ment of  this  part  of  the  state.  He  has  seen  many  remarkable  changes  and  can 
tell  many  interesting  stories  of  the  early  days. 


BENJAMIN  F.  ROBERTS. 

Boone  county  lost  one  of  its  valued  and  representative  citizens  when  Benja- 
min F.  Roberts  passed  away  on  the  22c\  of  May,  1899,  for  he  had  been  a  resi- 
dent of  Harrison  townshi])  from  1837.  He  came  to  Iowa  from  New  York, 
having  been  born  in  Jefferson  county,  the  Empire  state,  in  1830.  His  parents 
were  Dr.  Hugh  and  Betsy  (  Burdick )  Roberts,  who  were  also  natives  of  New 
York,  where  they  spent  their  entire  lives.  They  were  of  Quaker  faith  and  the 
father  was  a  practicing  physician,  who  also  owned  and  supervised  a  farm. 

Benjamin  F.  Roberts  was  reared  in  his  native  county,  where  he  learned  the 
wagon-maker's  trade,  following  that  pursuit  in  the  east  until  1857,  when  he 
removed  westward  to  Boone  county  and  began  farming  in  what  was  then  Jack- 
son, but  is  now  Harrison  township.  In  his  work  he  met  with  a  large  meas- 
ure of  success.  He  kept  in  touch  with  the  advanced  methods  of  farming, 
brought  his  land  to  a  high  state  of  cultivation,  and  as  improved  machinery  was 
placed  upon  the  market,  he  became  a  purchaser  thereof  and  thus  facilitated 
his  farm  work.  His  place  ever  presented  a  neat  and  attractive  appearance, 
and  the  result  of  his  labors  was  the  attainment  of  a  gratifying  competence. 

In  Jefferson  county.  New  York,  on  the  24th  of  August,  1854,  Mr.  Roberts 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Houghton,  who  was  born  in  Jefferson 
county,  New  York,  September  6,  1835,  a  daughter  of  Elijah  and  Harriet  (Dop- 
king)' Houghton,  who  were  natives  of  Massachusetts  and  New  York  respectively 
and  were  farming  people.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Roberts  became  the  parents  of  two 
daughters.  Harriet  Estella  is  the  wife  of  J.  R.  .McNaughton,  a  farmer  living 
at  Cedar  Rapids,  Linn  county,  Iowa,  and  they  have  four  children:  Mrs.  Ollie 
Delany ;  Mrs.  Lillian  Privett ;  Earl,  of  Des  Moines :  and  Benjamin  F.,  a  student 
in  the  Art  Institute  of  Chicago.  Emma  was  married  July  31,  1884  to  William 
F.  Boggs,  who  was  for  many  years  a  hardware  merchant  of  Streator,  Illinois, 
and  for  five  years  conducted  business  at  Story,  Iowa.  He  has  followed  farm- 
ing in  Boone  county,  operating  the  Roberts  farm  in  Harrison  township.  He 
was  born  July  10,  1854,  in  Clarion  county,  Pennsylvania,  and  in  1857  was  taken 
to  Illinois  by  his  parents,  Robert  M.  and  Isabella  May  (Baumgardner)  Boggs. 
They  remained  in  Illinois  until  1873,  when  they  removed  to  Plainview,  Nebraska, 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  243 

where  they  resided  until  they  passed  away.  William  F.  Boggs  attended  the  high 
school.  He  afterward  entered  the  hardware  business  and  in  1889  formed  a 
partnership  at  Streator,  Illinois,  becoming  a  member  of  the  firm  of  McFeely, 
Boggs  &  Company.  In  1905  Mr.  Boggs  withdrew  from  that  firm  and  removed 
from  Streator  to  Story,  Iowa,  where  he  engaged  in  the  hardware  business  for 
five  years.  On  the  5th  of  May,  1910,  he  arrived  in  Boone,  where  he  has  since 
made  his  home,  and  is  today  one  of  the  valued  and  respected  residents  of  this 
city.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Boggs  have  one  son,  Sidney  R.,  who  is  a  graduate  of  the 
Boone  high  school  of  the  class  of  1914.  Mr.  Boggs  served  for  five  years  as 
a  member  of  the  state  militia  of  Illinois.  His  political  allegiance  is  given  to 
the  republican  party,  and  while  in  Streator  he  served  as  a  member  of  the  board 
of  education  for  nine  years.  He  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows,  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  the  Knights  of  the  Globe.  Since 
1884  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  he  is  inter- 
ested in  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association. 

In  his  political  views  Benjamin  F.  Roberts  was  a  stalwart  republican,  sup- 
porting the  party  from  its  organization,  until  his  demise.  He  was  a  man  of 
progressive  views  and  ideas.  He  helped  to  build  the  first  agricultural  college, 
at  Ames,  donating  liberally  to  the  institution  and  attending  in  1859  the  first 
])icnic  on  the  campus,  together  with  Mrs.  Roberts,  who  also  attended  the  last 
one,  held  in  1909.  While  fifteen  years  have  come  and  gone  since  Mr.  Roberts 
passed  away,  he  is  yet  remembered  by  many  citizens  of  Harrison  township  and 
other  sections  of  the  county,  who  esteemed  him  highly  because  of  his  many 
excellent  traits  of  character,  his  public-spirited  devotion  to  the  general  good  and 
his  loyalty  in  friendship. 


ANTON  L.  CHALLBERG. 

Anton  L.  Challberg  is  a  member  of  one  of  the  best  known  families  of 
Beaver  township.  There  he  owns  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  on  section  36, 
all  of  which  is  highly  improved,  annually  bringing  him  rich  harvests.  Mr. 
Challberg  is  a  native  of  Boone  county,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Marcy  town- 
ship in  February,  1873.  His  parents,  Nels  P.  and  Lena  (Olson)  Challberg, 
were  natives  of  Sweden.  On  his  arrival  in  America  the  father  located  in  Dixon, 
Illinois,  in  1853.  He  was  a  mason  and  worked  at  that  trade  for  some  time, 
remaining  in  Dixon  until  his  removal  to  Minnesota,  where  he  bought  land,  oper- 
ating the  same  for  about  thirteen  years  or  until  1868.  That  year  marks  his 
arrival  in  Boone  county.  He  became  the  owner  of  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  of  land  in  Swede  Lane,  Marcy  township,  which  he  improved  and  cultivated 
for  the  remainder  of  his  life,  being  so  successful  that  he  was  enabled  to  grad- 
ually acquire  six  hundred  and  twenty  acres  in  Marcy  and  Beaver  townships. 
The  father  died  in  September,  1878,  and  the  mother  in  January,  1909.  During 
the  later  years  of  her  life  she  made  her  home  with  her  son  Anton.  In  the  fam- 
ily were  ten  children,  five  of  whom  are  now  deceased.  Those  living  are :  John, 
a  resident  of  Fort  Dodge;  Emma,  the  wife  of  N.  M.  Peterson,  an  agriculturist 


244  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

of  .Marcy  township;  Charles,  a  successful  contractor  residing  in  California; 
Minton  L.,  who  farms  on  the  old  homestead  in  Alarcy  township ;  and  Anton  L. 

The  last  named  was  reared  and  educated  in  Marcy  township,  attending  the 
Marcy  Center  school.  It  may  be  of  interest  to  note  here  that  this  school  was 
destroyed  by  the  cyclone  of  1882.  Mr.  Challberg  early  devoted  himself  to 
agricultural  pursuits,  thoroughly  acquainting  himself  with  the  details  of  the 
work  and  acquiring  the  knowledge  necessary  for  the  successful  conduct  of  a  farm. 
He  remained  with  his  widowed  mother  on  the  home  farm  until  igoi,  when  the 
land  was  divided  and  he  came  into  possession  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres 
situated  on  section  36,  Beaver  township.  He  has  since  improved  his  place 
wonderfully,  and  there  his  mother  lived  with  him  until  her  death,  having  the 
love  and  tender  care  of  her  son.  Mr.  Challberg  has  remained  on  this  place 
continuously  with  the  exception  of  two  years,  during  which  time  he  was  engaged 
in  the  coal  and  feed  business  in  Fort  Dodge. 

He  is  at  present  assessor  of  Beaver  township  and  has  served  in  that  office 
to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  all  concerned  for  five  years.  He  is  a  stockholder 
and  director  in  the  Farmers  Savings  Bank  of  Berkley.  Boone  county,  and  has 
proved  himself  a  valuable  member  of  the  board  in  giving  suggestions  in  regard 
to  the  business  management  of  the  bank.  Politically  he  is  a  republican,  inter- 
ested in  the  welfare  of  his  party,  yet  not  an  active  politician.  He  is  ever  ready 
to  give  his  support  to  worthy  public  enterprises  and  aids  in  all  movements  under- 
taken to  improve  his  township.  He  belongs  to  the  Swedish  Alission  church  and 
carries  his  Christian  principles  into  his  everyday  life.  Mr.  Challberg  has  many 
friends  in  Marcy  and  Beaver  townships  and  all  who  know  him  speak  highly  of 
him. 


ERASTUS  R.  IRVING. 


Forty-seven  years  have  come  and  gone  since  Erastus  R.  Irving  took  up  his 
abode  in  Boone  county  and  since  1857  he  has  been  a  resident  of  Iowa.  Through 
the  past  seven  years  he  has  lived  in  the  city  of  Boone,  having  retired  from  active 
business  life.  For  many  years,  however,  he  was  extensively  and  successfully 
engaged  in  general  agricultural  pursuits  and  is  still  the  owner  of  valuable  farm 
property  in  Colfax  and  Jackson  townships.  His  birth  occurred  in  Washington 
county.  New  York,  November  i,  1830,  his  parents  being  Adam  and  Roby 
(English)  Irving,  the  latter  a  lineal  descendant  of  Stephen  English,  a  May- 
flower passenger.  The  father  of  Mrs.  Irving  was  Luke  English,  a  soldier  of 
the  Revolutionar)'  war,  who  participated  in  a  number  of  the  hotly  contested 
engagements  which  brought  independence  to  the  colonies  and  was  present  at  the 
surrender  of  General  Burgoyne.  His  daughter  Roby  was  born  in  Connecticut 
and  in  early  womanhood  gave  her  hand  in  marriage  to  Adam  Irving,  who 
became  the  founder  of  the  Irving  family  of  which  Erastus  R.  Irving  is  a  repre- 
sentative. Adam  Irving  was  born  in  northern  England,  at  Carlisle,  and  he  had 
a  brother  who  fought  under  the  Duke  of  Wellington  in  the  battle  of  Water- 
loo, in  which  he  was  slightly  wounded.  Adam  Irving  was  a  tailor  by  trade 
and  came  to  America  as  an  English  soldier  at  the  time  of  the  War  of   1812. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  245 

Liking  the  country,  he  decided  to  remain  and  settled  in  New  York  state,  where 
he  was  married  and  resided  for  some  time.  In  later  life  he  removed  to  the  west 
and  spent  his  last  days  in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  where  he  passed  away  about 
thirty  years  ago  at  the  age  of  eighty-three.  He  had  long  survived  his  wife, 
who  passed  away  at  the  comparatively  early  age  of  thirty-nine  years.  They 
were  the  parents  of  six  children. 

Erastus  R.  Irving  is  the  only  one  now  living,  the  last  of  the  others  having 
died  in  1913,  at  the  age  of  eighty-seven.  All  reached  a  good  old  age.  One  was 
a  twin  brother  of  Erastus  R.  Irving  and  died  in  1901.  The  youngest  brother, 
George,  came  to  Boone  county  in  1866  in  company  with  Erastus  and  here  fol- 
lowed farming  for  many  years.  At  his  death  he  left  a  family  of  five  children, 
four  daughters  and  one  son. 

In  taking  up  the  personal  history  of  Erastus  R.  Irving  we  present  to  our 
readers  the  life  record  of  one  who  has  long  been  widely  and  favorably  known 
in  Boone  county.  He  spent  the  period  of  his  boyhood  and  youth  in  the  east, 
pursuing  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  New  York  and  in  1854  he  removed 
westward  to  Illinois,  settling  in  Boone  county,  where  he  conducted  a  store.  In 
1857  he  went  to  Mankato,  Minnesota,  where  he  entered  a  quarter  section  of 
land  and  proved  up  his  claim.  This  he  sold  some  years  later  and  invested  the 
proceeds  in  Boone  county  property.  He  now  owns  three  hundred  and  twenty 
acres  of  land  lying  largely  in  Colfax  township,  with  eighty  acres  in  Jackson 
township.  The  farm  is  worth  at  least  two  hundred  dollars  per  acre.  Upon 
it  are  fine  improvements  and  all  modern  accessories  and  conveniences  of  the 
model  farm  of  the  twentieth  century.  Farming,  however,  has  not  always  occu- 
pied the  time  and  attention  of  Mr.  Irving.  In  early  manhood  he  engaged  in 
teaching  school  in  Benton  county,  Iowa.  Following  his  marriage,  which  was 
celebrated  in  November,  1858,  he  and  his  wife  located  upon  a  rented  farm  in 
Boone  county,  Illinois,  where  they  remained  for  two  years.  Upon  coming  to 
Iowa  they  settled  in  Benton  county,  and  through  the  succeeding  winter  Mr. 
Irving  engaged  in  teaching  school.  Later  he  again  went  to  Minnesota,  where 
he  carried  on  farming  through  the  summer  months,  but  in  the  autumn  again 
went  to  Boone  county.  Illinois.  There  he  carried  on  farming  until  1865,  when 
he  again  sought  a  home  in  Iowa.  In  the  spring  of  1866  he  purchased  ninety 
acres  of  land  on  section  i,  Worth  township,  Boone  county,  and  began  the 
development  of  a  farm.  The  land  was  in  its  primitive  condition  and  destitute 
of  all  improvements,  but  with  characteristic  energy  he  began  its  development. 
After  two  years  he  sold  that  property  and  invested  in  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  on  section  7,  Colfax  township.  This,  too,  was  unbroken  prairie  when  it 
came  into  his  possession,  but  his  labors  soon  wrought  a  marked  transforma- 
tion in  the  appearance  of  the  place.  In  atldition  to  tilling  his  fields  he  set  out 
a  large  orchard  and  planted  a  walnut  grove.  Later  he  purchased  another  farm 
and  again  began  its  development  with  the  same  characteristic  energy  that  has 
always  marked  his  life  work.  He  built  good  barns  and  outbuildings  upon  the 
place  and  continued  to  till  the  soil  until  he  retired  from  active  business  life. 
His  labors  were  crowned  with  a  substantial  measure  of  success,  for  his  work 
was  intelligently  directed  and  he  acquired,  therefore,  a  handsome  income. 

It  was  in  November,  1838,  in  Boone  county,  Illinois,  that  Mr.  Irving  wedded 
Miss  Nancy  M.  Burton,  who  was  born  in  Dutchess  county,  New  York,  March 


246  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

27,  1835,  a  daughter,  of  John  and  Elizabeth  (  Stuart)  Burton,  who  in  the  fall 
of  1838  went  west  to  Boone  county,  Illinois,  where  they  spent  their  remaining 
days.  iMr.  Burton  passed  away  when  more  than  eighty  years  of  age,  and  his 
wife  died  when  about  seventy-one  years  of  age.  Mrs.  Irving  had  three  sisters 
and  four  brothers,  of  whom  three  brothers  and  one  sister  are  living.  Two  of 
the  brothers  are  now  in  Iowa  and  one  in  New  York,  while  the  sister  is  a  resi- 
dent of  Wisconsin.  Mrs.  Irving  spent  her  girlhood  days  in  Illinois,  remaining 
there  until  her  marriage,  which  occurred  when  she  was  about  twenty-four 
jears  of  age.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Irving  were  born  two  daughters,  who  have 
passed  away,  the  daughter  Myra  dying  in  early  childhood,  while  Edna  E.  became 
the  wife  of  Dr.  O.  F.  Beckett,  of  Boone,  and  died  in  May,  1913,  at  the  age  of 
forty-three  years.  They  were  at  that  time  residents  of  Hiawatha,  Kansas,  and 
.at  her  death  Mrs.  Beckett  left  a  son  and  daughter.  George  B.  Irving,  the 
only  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Erastus  Irving,  resides  at  home  and  is  the  owner 
of  an  excellent  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Colfax  township.  He 
wedded  Mary  Brown,  and  they  have  one  daughter. 

In  public  affairs  Mr.  Irving  has  taken  a  deep  and  active  interest.  He  served 
his  'township  as  justice  of  the  peace  and  as  town  clerk,  and  his  duties  have 
■ever  been  promptly  and  faithfully  discharged.  He  cast  his  first  presidential 
ballot  for  Franklin  Pierce  and  in  1856  supported  John  C.  Fremont,  since  which 
time  he  has  always  voted  for  the  presidential  can-didates  of  the  republicarr 
party  save  on  one  occasion  when  he  supported  Cleveland.  He  has  frequently 
been  a  delegate  to  party  conventions.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  have  contributed 'generously  to  its  support 
and  taken  an  active  interest  in  its  wprk.  A  contemporary  biographer  has  said 
of  him:  "Mr.  Irving  is  a  citizen  of  worth,  who  has  cooperated  in  many  move- 
ments for  the  general  good.  His  life  record  is  a  creditable  and  honorable  one, 
and  the  success  he  has  achieved  has  come  to  him  as  the  direct  result  of  his 
energy  and  capable  management.  When  he  started  out  in  life  he  had  no  influ- 
ential friends  to  assist  him  and  no  inheritance  upon  which  to  depend,  but  with 
strong  purpose  and  laudable  ambition  he  has  worked  his  way  steadily  upward 
to  the  plane  of  affluence.''  He  is  now  living  retired  at  the  age  of  eighty-three 
years,  and  the  rest  which  has  come  to  him  is  well  earned. 


MOSES  H.  DONELSON. 

Moses  H.  Donelson,  one  of  the  prosperous  citizens  of  Ogden  and  Boone 
county,  justly  ranks  with  the  leading  business  men  of  his  part  of  the  state  and 
"has  done  much  to  win  for  Iowa  its  splendid  and  enviable  reputation  as  one  of  the 
chief  agricultural  centers  of  the  entire  country.  He  has  been  closely  connected 
with  farming  and  stock-raising  and  is  now  the  owner  of  five  hundred  and  twenty 
acres  of  rich  and  valuable  land.  A  native  of  New  Jersey,  he  was  born  in  Salem 
county,  on  the  14th  of  November,  1844,  and  is  a  son  of  Henry  and  Ann  Eliza- 
beth (Atkinson)  Donelson,  the  former  a  native  of  the  north  of  Ireland  and  the 
latter  of  New  Jersey.  In  1830  the  father  came  to  America,  settling  in  Phila- 
delphia, where  he  remained  for  twelve  years  in  the  employ  of  one  man.     During 


IpUBL: 

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v; 


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MKS.  MOSES  H.  DONELSOX 


MOSES  H.  nONELSON 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  251 

that  time  he  managed  to  save  seven  hundred  dollars  of  his  earnings,  but  was 
cheated  out  of  this.  He  then  went  to  New  Jersey,  where  he  remained  until 
December,  1863,  when  he  removed  to  Illinois.  In  the  latter  state  he  purchased  a 
farm  and  with  characteristic  energy  began  its  cultivation  and  development.  In 
course  of  time  his  fields  were  bringing  forth  splendid  crops  and  many  improve- 
ments were  added  to  his  place.  Upon  that  farm  he  spent  his  remaining  days, 
his  death  occurring  February  11,  1874,  when  he  was  sixty-two  years  of  age.  His 
wife  passed  away  at  the  age  of  eighty-two. 

Moses  H.  Donelson  was  reared  and  educated  in  New  Jersey,  but  his  oppor- 
tunities for  acquiring  an  education  were  exceedingly  limited,  as  he  never  went 
to  school  after  reaching  the  age  of  ten  years.  However,  experience  has  taught 
him  many  valuable  lessons  and  he  is  today  a  well  informed  man  with  a  good 
business  education  and  possesses  the  ability  which  many  a  college-bred  man  lacks. 
When  a  little  lad  of  but  ten  years  he  began  working  as  a  farm  hand  and  was  thus 
employed  until  1868,  when  he  determined  to  engage  in  farming  independently 
and  rented  a  tract  of  land  in  Illinois.  He  operated  that  place  for  a  year.  In 
September,  1869,  he  removed  to  Boone  county,  driving  across  the  country  from 
Illinois.  He  purcliased  eighty  acres  of  land,  now  in  Peoples  township,  going  in 
debt  for  the  amount.  This  land  he  improved,  adding  many  modern  equipments 
and  also  extending  the  boundaries  of  the  farm  from  time  to  time  until  it  now 
comprises  five  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  rich  and  productive  land.  The 
work  of  development  has  been  carried  forward  year  by  year,  and  his  place 
is  now  one  of  the  best  improved  farms  of  the  county.  Upon  it  he  has  raised 
thousands  of  bushels  of  com,  but  has  never  sold  an  entire  load  during  his  farm- 
ing experience,  feeding  it  all  to  his  stock.  He  has  been  a  most  successful  feeder 
and  stock  dealer,  feeding  on  an  average  two  carloads  of  steers  each  year  and 
from  one  hundred  to  three  hundred  head  of  hogs.  He  operated  this  place  until 
December,  1913,  when  he  retired  and  removed  to  Ogden,  'purchasing  a  com- 
fortable home  that  he  now  occupies.  In  all  of  his  business  affairs  he  has  dis- 
played sound  judgment  and  keen  discrimination,  and  thus  his  success  has  been 
honorably  and  worthily  won.  For  twenty-five  years  he  was  statistical  corre-' 
spondent  for  the  agricultural  department  at  Washington  and  had  three  assistants 
under  him  in  the  county. 

On  the  1st  of  October,  1868,  Mr.  Donelson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Tollitha  C.  Cameron,  a  daughter  of  James  and  Elizabeth  (Harrell)  Cameron, 
both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Kentucky.  The  father  was  a  farmer  and  went 
to  Illinois  at  an  early  day,  there  securing  a  tract  of  land  upon  which  he  carried 
on  general  agricultural  pursuits  until  the  evening  of  his  life.  He  passed  away  at 
the  advanced  age  of  eighty-nine  years,  having  long  survived  his  wife,  who  died 
in  August,  1874.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Donelson  were  born  three  children:  James 
II.,  a  farmer  of  Beaver  township;  Welcome  B.,  who  is  operating  the  home  farm; 
and  William  C,  who  is  manufacturing  spring  bolsters  for  all  makes  of  wagons 
at  Chariton,  Iowa. 

Mr.  Donelson  served  as  one  of  the  trustees  of  Peoples  township  and  was  also 
school  director  for  nine  years.  Politically  he  is  a  republican  and  ever  keeps 
well  informed  on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day,  so  that  he  is  able  to  sup- 
port his  position  by  intelligent  argument.  He  attends  various  churches  and  his 
influence  is  on  the  side  of  reform,  progress  and  improvement.     Energy  has  been 

Vol.    11—12 


252  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

the  guiding  spirit  of  his  Hfe,  and  his  industry  has  never  faUered.  From  a  com- 
paratively humble  position  in  the  business  world  he  worked  his  way  steadily  up- 
ward, and  in  the  course  of  years  he  became  the  owner  of  one  of  the  large  and 
valuable  farms  of  the  county.  His  business  judgment  is  sound  and  his  sagacitv 
keen,  and  his  careful  management  of  his  affairs  has  been  the  salient  element  in 
his  success  which  now  ranks  him  with  the  men  of  affluence  in  Ogden. 


EMANUEL  LAWBAUGH. 

Emanuel  Lawbaugh  is  one  of  the  most  highly  respected  and  esteemed  citi- 
zens of  Madrid.  He  has  been  an  active  factor  in  the  growth  of  the  city,  having 
platted  and  laid  out  an  addition  to  the  town  of  Madrid  known  as  Lawbaugh's 
Addition.  He  still  owns  much  valuable  realty  in  Madrid  and  also  has  interests 
in  Des  Moines.  Mr.  Lawbaugh,  moreover,  has  been  mayor  of  Madrid  for  six 
terms — terms  which  have  been  replete  with  growth  and  accomplishment.  He 
has  recently  been  reelected  to  the  office.  Mr.  Lawbaugh  was  born  at  Mount 
Eaton,  Wayne  county,  Ohio,  June  14,  1837.  His  parents  w^ere  John  and  Mar- 
garet (Shoup)  Lawbaugh,  the  former  born  in  1799  and  the  latter  April  4,  1804, 
in  Pennsylvania.  They  died  in  Geneseo,  Illinois,  the  father  July  22,  1872,  and 
the  mother  November  11,  1886.  Their  marriage  took  place  in  Tuscarawas 
county,  Ohio,  January  6,  1823.  In  their  family  were  the  following  children: 
William,  born  October  10,  1823,  who  died  February  17,  1896;  John  J.,  whose 
birth  occurred  April  25,  1825,  and  who  died  May  7,  1888;  Lucy  A.,  who  was 
born  January  12,  1827,  and  died  September  4,  1902;  Jacob,  born  October  10, 
1828,  who  passed  away  on  the  3d  of  July,  ic>io;  Eliza,  who  was  born  May  6, 
1831,  and  died  December  12,  1886;  George,  born  March  4,  1833,  who  is  a  resi- 
dent of  Salem,  Oregon;  Henry,  born  February  26,  1835,  who  died  February 
21,  1904;  Emanuel,  of  this  review;  Elizabeth,  born  May  9,  1839,  of  Geneseo, 
•Illinois;  Peter,  born  February  18,  1841,  who  died  May  18,  1842;  and  Josiah  R., 
born  June  10,  1843,  who  died  January  13,  1912.  The  seven  oldest  members 
of  this  family  were  born  in  Tuscarawas  covmty  and  the  four  younger  in  Wayne 
county. 

Emanuel  Lawbaugh  removed  with  his  parents  to  Henry  countv,  Illinois,  in 
1854,  the  family  settling  on  a  farm.  Two  brothers  had  preceded  the  other  mem- 
bers of  the  family  and  there  they  all  gave  their  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits 
for  some  time.  Emanuel  Lawbaugh  then  learned  the  trade  of  stone  mason, 
which  he  followed  during  the  summer  months.  In  the  meantime  he  qualified 
for  teaching  school  and  subsequently  followed  that  profession  for  nine  winters  in 
Illinois.  He  still  has  the  first  certificate  permitting  him  to  teach  school  in  his 
possession — a  manuscript  of  which  but  few  are  extant  in  these  days.  His  first 
teacher's  certificate,  a  first  grade  one,  was  issued  in  1857  and  later  he  obtained 
others  of  like  grade.  After  having  married  in  1865  he  engaged  in  the  lum- 
ber business  with  his  brothers,  their  headquarters  being  in  Geneseo,  Illinois,  and 
there  he  was  very  successful  in  business  for  a  number  of  vears.  Since  com- 
ing to  Madrid  in  1889  he  has  platted  and  allotted  an  addition  to  the  town  which 
is  known  as  tlie  Lawbaugh  Addition.     He  still  retains  a  number  of  lots  in  this 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  253 

tract.  Mr.  Lawbaugh  also  has  interests  in  Des  Moines  and  is  numbered  among 
the  substantial  residents  of  Madrid.  For  six  terms  he  has  been  mayor  of 
Madrid  and  while  occupying  the  executive  chair  has  given  the  city  a  business- 
like and  most  beneficial  administration.  He  is  the  present  mayor  of  Madrid, 
having  been  elected  in  1914  for  the  seventh  time.  He  acceptably  filled  the  office 
of  justice  of  the  peace  and  school  director  nine  years  before  coming  to  Iowa. 

On  April  6,  1865,  Mr.  Lawbaugh  married  Miss  Elizabeth  Lord,  who  was 
born  in  Toronto,  Canada,  April  11,  1841.  In  1843  the  family  removed  to  Cleve- 
land. Ohio,  and  there  remained  until  1856,  when  they  went  to  Davenport, 
Iowa.  Her  father  died  in  that  city  in  1862.  He  was  James  Lord,  a  native  of 
London,  England,  a  highly  educated  man  who  for  a  number  of  years  held  a 
position  with  the  British  government.  Her  mother,  Belinda  (Hurd)  Lord,  a 
native  of  Canada,  died  in  Geneseo,  Illinois,  in  1864.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lord  had 
four  children,  of  whom  Mrs.  Lawbaugh,  who  is  the  youngest  in  the  family,  is 
the  only  one  surviving.  The  others  were :  Emma,  who  died  in  Oregon ;  Fannie,  who 
passed  away  in  Newton,  Iowa;  and  Esli,  who  entered  the  Union  army  and 
has  never  since  been  heard  of.  Mrs.  Lawbaugh  in  the  acquirement  of  her 
education  attended  the  common  schools  in  Cleveland,  Ohio,  and  Davenport, 
Iowa.  She  bore  her  husband  four  children:  Charles  Sumner,  born  August 
13,  1866,  who  received  a  business  education  and  is  now  residing  in  Cedar  Rapids; 
Horace  Benton,  born  March  12,  1869,  who  died  in  Atkinson,  Illinois,  August  18, 
1881  ;  Mary  .Margaret,  born  August  14  1871,  who  passed  away  August  15,  1881 ; 
Morris  Hale,  born  June  30.  1874,  who  resides  in  Manning,  Iowa.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Lawbaugh  have  four  grandchildren,  a  daughter  born  to  their  son  Charles 
and  a  son  and  two  daughters  born  to  Morris  H.  Lawbaugh. 

Mr.  Lawbaugh  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  progressive  wing  of  the  republican 
party.  Lie  has  always  taken  a  deep  interest  in  public  affairs  and  is  well  informed 
upon  all  questions  that  affect  his  community,  his  county,  his  state  and  the  nation. 
It  is  interesting  to  note  in  this  connection  that  he  voted  for  Lincoln  both  times 
and  that  his  father  and  live  of  his  brothers  attended  the  same  polling  place  at  Lin- 
coln's second  election — a  father  and  six  sons  voting  for  Lincoln.  The  two  sons 
of  Mr.  Lawbaugh  are  members  of  Star  Lodge,  No.  115,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Madrid, 
and  Mr.  Lawbaugh  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Baptist  church  of  ( leneseo, 
111.  He  owns  a  handsome,  modernly  equipped  home  in  Madrid  and  is  the 
proud  owner  of  one  of  the  choicest  libraries  in  the  community.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Lawbaugh  stand  high  in  the  esteem  of  the  community  and  enjoy  a  respect  which 
is  well  merited  by  their  high  qualities  of  character. 


WESLEY  B.  SHERMAN. 

Wesley  B.  Sherman,  manufacturer  and  dealer  in  confectionery  at  No.  1005 
West  Third  street  in  Boone,  is  a  wideawake  and  alert  business  man,  who  has  ad- 
vanced to  his  present  position  through  his  intelligently  directed  effort.  He  was 
born  near  Peoria,  Illinois,  in  1845,  a  son  of  D.  H.  and  Sarah  (Gifford)  Sher- 
man, both  of  whom  were  natives  of  New  Jersey,  in  which  state  they  were  reared 
and  married.     In  the  early  '30s  they  removed  westward  to  Illinois,  casting  in 


254  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

their  lot  with  the  pioneer  settlers  of  that  state.  The  father  followed  farming 
for  many  years  and  spent  his  last  days  in  Boone,  Iowa,  where  he  departed  this 
life  in  the  early  '90s,  when  in  his  ninetieth  year,  having  long  survived  his  wife, 
who  died  in  Illinois  at  about  the  age  of  forty-five  years.  They  were  members 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  were  people  of  the  highest  respectability. 

Wesley  B.  Sherman  was  reared  in  his  native  state,  where  he  made  his  home 
until  eighteen  years  of  age.  The  Civi.l  war  was  then  in  progress,  and  his  spirit 
of  patriotism  was  aroused  by  the  continued  attempt  of  the  south  to  overthrow 
the  Union.  He,  therefore,  enlisted  at  Chicago  in  1864  as  a  member  of  Com- 
panv  F,  Ninth  Illinois  Cavalry,  with  which  he  served  until  October,  1865.  He 
spent  twenty  months  in  the  south,  attached  to  the  Sixteenth  Army  Corps,  and 
saw  some  active,  arduous  duty,  but  he  never  faltered  whether  in  the  thickest 
of  the  fight  or  stationed  on  the  lonely  picket  line. 

Following  his  return  from  the  army  Mr.  Sherman  went  to  Kossuth  county, 
Iowa,  intending  to  secure  a  homestead  there.  Later,  however,  he  removed  to 
Boonesboro  and  has  since  resided  much  of  the  time  in  Boone  county,  although 
at  difl:'erent  periods  he  has  gone  elsewhere.  He  engaged  in  brick  manufacture 
and  made  brick  for  the  west  wing  of  the  Iowa  State  Agricultural  College  at 
Ames.  Several  years  were  devoted  to  that  business,  in  which  he  won  sub- 
stantial success,  but  his  health  failed  and  he  was  obliged  to  give  up  manual  labor. 
He  then  opened  a  barber  shop  in  Boonesboro  about  1875  and  conducted  it  for 
several  years.  On  selling  out  he  turned  his  attention  to  the  restaurant  business, 
which  he  conducted  for  a  few  years,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  sold  out  and 
opened  a  grocery  store,  in  which  he  continued  for  an  extended  period,  being 
the  head  of  the  firm  of  W.  B.  Sherman  &  Company.  On  selling  his  interest  in 
that  business  about  four  years  ago  he  purchased  the  Candy  Kitchen  of  Mr. 
Eggenberger  and  now  continues  in  this  line  of  business,  manufacturing  candy 
and  ice  cream,  which  he  sells  both  wholesale  and  retail.  He  employs  four  or 
five  people  and  sells  and  delivers  locally  to  many  customers.  His  business  has  now 
reached  large  and  gratifying  proportions  and  is  bringing  to  him  a  substantial 
annual  income. 

Mr.  Sherman  was  married,  in  Hamilton  county  in  1882  to  ^liss  Emma 
Swanson,  who  for  years  made  her  home  in  Boone.  Her  parents  were  residents 
of  Hamilton  county.  The  death  of  Mrs.  Sherman  occurred  in  1903.  and  she 
was  survived  by  four  daughters :  Edith,  who  is  now  the  wife  of  W.  D.  Craw- 
ford of  Boone,  by  whom  she  has  a  daughter,  Bernadine;  and  Carry,  Emma 
and  Marie,  all  at  home.  The  family  residence  is  at  West  Boone,  and  Mr.  Sher- 
man and  his  daughters  are  widely  and  favorably  known.  Politically  he  is  a 
democrat  and  has  filled  various  local  offices,  to  which  he  has  been  called  by 
the  vote  of  his  fellow  townsmen,  who  have  recognized  his  ability  and  wish 
to  profit  by  the  benefit  of  his  service  in  office.  He  has  twice  been  a  member  of 
the  city  council  of  Boonesboro  and  served  in  that  capacity  in  Boone  for  one 
term.  Three  times  has  he  resigned  from  that  position,  once  because  of  ill 
health,  once  because  of  removal  to  another  city  and  the  third  time  that  he 
might  accept  the  position  of  postmaster,  to  which  he  was  called  during  President 
Cleveland's  second  term.  He  acted  in  that  position  for  three  and  a  half  years 
and  then  resigned  in  favor  of  J.  B.  Patterson.  Fraternally  Mr.  Sherman  is  an 
Odd  Fellow  and  a  Knight  of  Pythias.     He  also  belongs  to  J.  G.  Miller   Post, 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  255 

G.  A.  R.,  of  Boonesboro,  and  in  these  organizations  he  has  gained  many  friends 
by  reason  of  his  personal  worth  and  his  loyaUy  to  the  objects  for  which  the 
societies  stand- 


EDWARD  W.  HARRISON. 

In  the  death  of  Edward  W.  Harrison,  Boone  county  lost  a  citizen  worthy  of 
the  high  regard  in  which  he  was  uniformly  held.  His  life  conformed  to  the 
high  standards  of  Masonry  and  of  citizenship  in  every  regard,  and  the  fact 
that  he  was  for  thirty  years  in  the  employ  of  one  corporation  is  indicative 
of  his  fidelity  and  capability  in  business.  He  was  called  to  his  final  rest  Septem- 
ber II,  191 3,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Liver- 
pool, England,  February  14,  1838.  His  parents  were  William  R.  and  Lizzie 
(Simcock)  Harrison.  The  father  was  engaged  in  shipbuilding,  devoting  his 
life  to  industrial  activity.  The  mother  died  in  England,  but  about  1848  the 
father  sailed  for  the  new  world,  accompanied  by  his  son  Edward.  At  length 
they  reached  New  York  harbor  and  for  a  period  remained  in  the  eastern 
metropolis,  but  later  made  their  way  to  Chicago,  where  Edward  W.  Harrison  was 
reared  and  learned  the  carpenter's  trade.  He  led  a  busy,  active  and  useful 
life,  devoting  his  time  and  energies  to  work  at  his  trade  save  for  the  period 
when  patriotism  o'ertopped  every  other  interest  in  his  life  and  he  offered  his 
services  to  the  government  in  defense  of  the  Union  cause.  It  was  in  1861  that 
he  enlisted  as  a  member  of  Company  G,  Eighteenth  United  States  Infantry,  with 
which  he  sened  for  three  years,  doing  active  duty  on  many  a  hotly  contested 
battlefield.  So  strenuous  was  his  service  that  it  undermined  his  health  and 
to  his  army  experience  could  be  traced  his  invalid  condition  during  the  last 
twenty  years  of  his  life. 

When  the  war  was  over  Mr.  Harrison  returned  to  his  home  with  a  most 
creditable  military  record.  Soon  afterward  he  left  Illinois  and  came  to  Iowa, 
from  which  time  forward  he  was  in  the  employ  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern 
Railroad  Company,  remaining  with  that  corporation  for  thirty  years  or  more. 
He  was  a  foreman  in  the  carpenter  shop  and  discharged  his  duties  in  a  most 
capable  and  satisfactory  manner.  He  seemed  to  know  just  how  to  direct  the 
labors  of  men  so  as  to  produce  the  best  results,  yet  he  was  never  a  machine 
taskmaster. 

On  the  13th  of  July,  1878,  at  Boone,  Mr.  Harrison  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Eliza  J.  West,  who  was  born  at  Farmington,  Van  Buren  county,  Iowa,  a 
daughter  of  James  and  Lucetta  West.  They  were  pioneers  of  this  state,  and 
Mr.  West  made  merchandising  his  life  work.  Both  are  now  deceased.  Mrs. 
Harrison  was  reared  in  Iowa  and  in  early  womanhood  began  learning  the 
millinery  trade,  being  employed  in  a  wholesale  house  in  Des  Moines  for  a 
number  of  years  prior  to  her  marriage.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harrison  was  born 
a  son,  Ridgby  William,  who  is  employed  as  a  bookkeeper. 

Mr.  Harrison  gave  his  political  indorsement  to  the  republican  party  and  kept 
well  informed  concerning  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day.  He  wore  with 
considerable  pride  the  little  bronze  button  that  indicated  him  a  member  of  the 


256  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  his  affiliation  being  with  W.  C.  Crooks  Post  of 
Boone.  He  was  also  a  Mason  and  exemplified  in  his  life  the  beneficent  spirit 
of  the  craft.  He  attended  and  supported  the  Baptist  church,  to  which  Mrs. 
Harrison  belongs.  When  death  called  him  on  the  iith  of  September,  1913, 
he  was  laid  to  rest  with  Masonic  rites,  his  funeral  being  very  largely  attended  by 
his  brethren  of  that  order.  He  never  sought  to  figure  prominently  in  any 
public  connection,  but  he  did  seek  to  do  his  duty  day  by  day  and  his  example 
in  that  respect  is  well  worthy  of  emulation,  his  straightforward  and  upright 
course  winning  for  him  the  respect  of  all  with  whom  he  came  in  contact. 


PETER  CASSEL. 


Although  Peter  Cassel  now  lives  practically  retired,  he  still  holds  a  foremost 
place  in  the  banking  world  of  Madrid  as  vice  president  of  the  Madrid  State  Bank. 
For  twenty  years  he  was  successfully  engaged  in  the  drug  business  in  that  town 
and  by  his  honorable  methods  and  high  ([ualities  of  character  he  won  many  friends 
in  his  community. 

Mr.  Cassel  is  a  native  of  Madrid,  born  July  9,  1859.  There  he  grew  to  man- 
hood and  he  has  since  remained  a  resident  of  is  native  city.  He  is  a  son  of 
Qiarles  John  and  Ulricka  (Dalander)  Cassel,  both  of  whom  passed  away  in 
Madrid,  the  former  in  1902  and  the  latter  in  1894.  The  father  was  born  in 
1821.  The  mother  arrived  in  Douglas  township  in  iS^fi  and  was  here  one  of  the 
earliest  families  in  Boone  county.  The  paternal  grandfather  of  our  subject, 
Peter  Cassel,  after  coming  to  this  country  settled  near  Fairfield,  Jeflr'erson 
county,  Iowa,  and  was  one  of  the  sturdy  frontiersmen  of  this  state.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Charles  J.  Cassel  had  nine  children,  of  whom  eight  are  living.  The  one 
deceased  is  Mrs.  Matilda  Oakleaf .  The  living  ones  are :  jMrs.  Olive  Anderson, 
residing  in  Nebraska ;  Clara,  also  of  that  state ;  Mrs.  Johanna  Johnson,  of 
Garden  township ;  Mrs.  Mary  Peterson,  of  Geneseo,  Illinois ;  Manda,  of  Madrid ; 
John,  also  of  Madrid ;  C.  W.,  of  the  same  city ;  and  Peter,  of  this  review,  who 
is  the  second  son  in  the  family.  All  were  born  and  reared  in  Madrid  and  attended 
its  common  schools. 

Peter  Cassel  was  reared  on  his  father's  farm  and  attended  the  more  primitive 
schools  of  early  days  in  the  neighborhood.  Upon  leaving  the  homestead  he  began 
his  independent  career  as  a  clerk  in  a  general  store  in  Madrid,  changing  his 
position  subsequently  to  one  in  a  drug  store,  in  which  connection  he  remained  for 
several  years,  becoming  thoroughly  actiuainted  with  the  business.  At  the  end 
of  that  time  he  established  himself  in  the  drug  business  and  for  twenty  years 
conducted  one  of  the  most  successful  establisliments  in  the  city.  His  store  was 
modern  and  up-to-date  and  he  always  saw  that  particular  attention  was  given  to 
the  prescription  department.  He  carried  the  usual  sundries  and  derived  a  grati- 
fying income  from  the  various  departments  of  the  establishment.  His  success 
was  entirely  due  to  his  business  ability,  his  fair  methods  and  the  particular  atten- 
tion which  he  paid  to  his  customers.  In  1908  Mr.  Cassel  retired  from  active  com- 
mercial pursuits  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  competence  more  than  sufficient  to  meet 
his  expenditures.     He  now  gives  almost   his  entire  attention   to  finance,   being 


MR.   AM>    MUS.    I'KTKK   ('ASSEL 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  259 

one  of  the  largest  stockholders  of  the  Madrid  State  Bank,  of  which  he  is  vice 
president.  He  was  one  of  the  incorporators  of  this  institution  and  has  been  an 
official  of  the  same  since  its  organization.  Mr.  Cassel  is  also  vice  president  of 
the  Peoples'  Telephone  Company. 

On  the  3d  of  September,  1890,  Mr.  Cassel  married  Anna  Elizabeth  Hopkins, 
who  was  born  in  Douglas  township,  June  17,  1862.  She  has  always  been  a  resi- 
dent of  her  native  township,  where  she  attended  school  and  grew  to  womanhood. 
Her  parents,  John  F.  and  Lydia  (Bates)  Hopkins,  came  to  Boone  county  in  1854 
and  both  resided  here  until  their  death.  The  father  was  born  in  Marion  county, 
Ohio,  October  4,  1821,  and  passed  away  on  his  homestead  near  Madrid,  April 
19,  1909.  He  enjoyed  a  wide  reputation  as  one  of  the  most  successful  breeders 
of  pure  blooded  stock  in  Boone  county.  Mrs.  Hopkins  was  born  in  the  same 
county  as  her  husband,  January  10,  1835,  and  died  on  the  home  farm  near 
Madrid,  August  10,  1901.  Their  marriage  occurred  in  Marion  county,  Ohio, 
April  22,  1852,  and  of  their  five  children  four  are  living:  Mrs.  Eva  J.  Aldrich, 
born  in  Marion  county,  Ohio,  December  23,  1853,  who  is  now  residing  in  Bison, 
South  Dakota;  Mrs.  Elsie  Nance,  born  January  i,  1859,  a  resident  of  Madrid; 
Mrs.  Anna  Elizabeth  Cassel;  and  Mrs.  N.  H.  Yearnshaw,  born  April  22,  1865, 
residing  in  Madrid.  Robert  John  Hopkins,  the  only  son,  who  was  born  April 
26,  1856,  died  December  6,  1893.  Except  the  eldest  daughter,  all  these  children 
were  born  in  Madrid  and  were  reared  and  married  here.  Robert  John  Hopkins 
was  a  graduate  of  the  Iowa  Agricultural  School  at  Ames  with  the  class  of  1881. 
He  was  elected  clerk  of  the  courts  of  Boone  county  for  two  terms.  On  Novem- 
ber 28,*  1886,  he  married  Miss  Abbie  M.  P>ater,  of  Clarence,  Iowa,  who  died  in 
Madrid  on  the  old  Hopkins  farm.  July  11,  1892.  By  her  he  had  two  children: 
Helen  Lydia,  born  November  12,  1889,  a  teacher  of  science  in  Sigourney,  Iowa; 
and  Robert  Frater,  who  died  at  the  age  of  two  weeks  and  three  days. 

Mr.  Cassel  is  a  stanch  republican.  For  a  number  of  years  he  was  a  member 
of  the  city  council  of  ^Madrid,  and  aided  in  furthering  a  number  of  valuable 
measures.  He  and  his  wife  attend  the  services  of  the  iNIethodist  Episcopal 
church  and  are  devoted  to  its  work.  He  is  a  member  of  Star  Lodge,  No.  115, 
A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Madrid,  and  Tuscan  Chapter  and  the  Commandery  at  Boone, 
as  well  as  Za-Ga-Zig  Temple  of  the  Mystic  Shrine  at  Des  Moines.  He  also  belongs 
to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  Besides  a  handsome  home,  ]Mr. 
Cassel  owns  other  personal  property.  Success  has  come  to  him  in  answer  to 
ambition  and  his  career  is  proof  of  the  fact  that  industry  and  energy  will  win 
recognition.  Madrid  is  the  better  for  his  activities  and  he  has  borne  his  share 
in  the  growth  and  upbuilding  of  that  city. 


G.  K.  WILLIAMS. 


G.  K.  Williams  is  to  be  accounted  one  of  the  most  substantial  farmers  of 
Boone  county,  owning  one  hundred  and  fifteen  acres  on  section  13,  Beaver 
township.  He  has  achieved  local  fame  as  stock-raiser,  giving  particular  atten- 
tion to  Shropshire  sheep  and  Duroc  Jersey  hogs.  The  magnitude  of  his  farm 
operations  is  indicated  in  the  fact  that  he  always  keeps  about  fifteen  head  of 


260  HISTORY  OF  BOOXE  COUNTY 

horses.  G.  K.  Williams  was  born  in  Wisconsin  in  January,  1861,  and  is  a 
son  of  John  T.  S.  and  Jane  Williams,  more  extensive  mention  of  whom  is  made 
in  another  part  of  this  work. 

G.  K.  Williams  was  reared  and  educated  in  Wisconsin  and  Boone  county, 
Iowa.  He  grew  up  under  the  care  of  his  parents,  and  when  they  left  the  farm 
he  remained  to  take  full  charge.  He  has  operated  the  same  ever  since.  Mr. 
Williams  has  one  hundred  and  fifteen  acres  in  his  home  place,  which  lies  entirely 
on  section  13,  Beaver  township.  His  buildings  are  substantial  and  kept  well  in 
repair,  and  he  has  installed  the  most  modern  farm  equipment  and  machinery  in 
order  to  facilitate  labor.  He  gives  particular  attention  to  stock-raising  and  has 
attained  a  wide  reputation  as  a  breeder  of  Shropshire  sheep  and  Duroc  Jersey 
hogs.  He  also  farms  in  connection  with  the  homestead  two  hundred  acres 
adjoining  his  farm  on  the  south.  "* 

On  February  3,  1897,  G.  K.  Williams  married  Miss  Margaret  Rockwell,  a 
daughter  of  James  L.  and  ]\Iary  E.  (Tattersall)  Rockwell,  natives  of  Xew  York. 
The  father  was  a  blacksmith  by  trade  and  early  in  life  went  to  Minnesota,  where 
he  remained  until  the  war  broke  out.  He  enlisted  and  ser\-ed  for  one  year  in 
a  ^linnesota  regiment,  being  sent  home  at  the  end  of  that  period  on  account 
of  disability.  He  now  makes  his  home  with  his  children,  his  wife  having  died  in 
June,  1880.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  are  the  parents  of  Helen  J.,  John  L.  and 
James  T.  S.  Williams,  who  are  respectively  fifteen,  fourteen  and  six  years  of 
age. 

For  several  terms  ^Ir.  Williams  has  served  as  township  trustee  of  Beaver 
township  and  has  proven  himself  in  that  office  and  along  many  other*  lines  a 
progressive  and  loyal  citizen.  He  is  interested  in  moral  and  intellectual  develop- 
ment as  much  as  in  material  achievement,  and,  while  he  has  earned  a  competency, 
he  has  been  an  important  factor  in  the  development  of  his  section,  particularly 
along  agricultural  lines.  His  political  belief  is  that  of  the  democratic  part}', 
and  he  is  loyal  in  his  support  of  its  measures  and  candidates.  He  is  a 
man  who  practices  Christianity.  Mr.  Williams  has  many  friends  in  Beaver  town- 
ship and  well  merits  the  esteem  and  confidence  which  he  enjoys. 


ANDREW  JOHN  MUNN. " 

About  the  year  1867  Andrew  John  Munn  became  a  resident  of  Boone, 
where  he  continued  to  make  his  home  until  called  to  his  final  rest  on  the  20th  of 
January,  1900.  He  was  a  native  of  Oneida  county.  New  York,  born  in  the  vil- 
lage of  Whitesboro,  February  25,  1840,  his  parents  being  James  and  Abigail 
(Patterson)  Munn,  who  were  married  in  that  county.  The  father  was  of  Eng- 
lish lineage,  while  the  mother  came  of  Irish  parentage.  In  their  family  were 
three  children,  all  of  whom  are  now  deceased. 

Andrew  John  ^lunn,  who  was  the  eldest,  was  reared  at  the  place  of  his  nativ- 
ity and  attended  its  public  schools.  \Mien  a  young  man  he  resolved  to  try  his 
fortune  in  the  middle  west.  Thinking  to  find  better  business  opportunities 
in  the  Mississippi  valley,  he  made  his  way  to  Boone  county,  Illinois,  in  company 
with  his  parents  and  two  brothers.     They  were  farming  people  and  the  father 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  261 

carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  there  until  his  death,  which  occurred 
May  i6,  1862,  when  he  was  forty-four  years  of  age.  The  mother  afterward 
journeyed  farther  west  and  after  spending  a  number  of  years  in  Boone  passed 
away  at  the  home  of  her  son  Andrew  on  the  17th  of  December,  1888,  when 
she  was  seventy  years  of  age.  The  brothers  of  Andrew  J.  Munn  were  Wesley 
J.  and  Aaron  W.  The  latter  was  a  railroad  man,  connected  with  the  Chicago 
&  Northwestern  for  many  years,  and  he  passed  away  in  Boone,  August  18,  1913. 
Wesley  J.  Munn  was  born  at  Waterloo,  New  York,  in  1846,  and  while  acting  as 
conductor  on  a  train  which  was  wrecked,  he  met  his  death  at  Crescent,  Iowa,  Sep- 
tember I,  1883. 

Andrew  J.  Munn  spent  his  boyhood  and  youth  in  the  Empire  state  and  there 
on  the  18th  of  September,  1861,  was  married  to  .Miss  Sarah  Carr,  who  was  born 
in  Oneida  county.  New  York,  December  5,  1844.  Her  parents  were  Ralph 
and  Mary  (Lawrence)  Carr,  the  former  a  native  of  England  and  the  latter 
of  the  state  of  New  York,  where  they  were  married.  The  mother  died  there 
when  a  comparatively  young  woman  and  the  father  passed  away  in  Creston, 
Iowa,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years.  He  had  married  again.  For  a  long 
period  he  was  in  the  employ  of  the  Chicago,  Burlington  &  Quincy  Railroad. 
His  people  were  of  the  Episcopalian  faith,  while  his  wife's  people  were  of  the 
Baptist  faith.  Mrs.  Munn  was  one  of  six  children,  of  whom  two  sisters  are 
living:  Mrs.  F"annie  Able,  of  Boone;  and  Mrs.  James  Walbran,  of  Osceola 
county,  Iowa.  The  others  of  the  family  have  passed  away.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Munn 
became  the  parents  of  four  children:  James  W. ;  Mary,  the  wife  of  J.  H. 
Richenberg,  of  Boone;  Fanny,  at  home;  and  Arthur,  a  member  of  the  firm  of 
J.  H.  Richenberg  &  Company. 

After  removing  to  Boone  .Mr.  Munn  acted  as  check  clerk  in  the  freight 
house  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad  Company  for  many  years  and 
was  regarded  as  a  most  reliable  business  man,  always  true  and  loyal  to  the 
interests  which  he  represented.  He  served  as  alderman  of  Boone  and  was  always 
interested  in  projects  for  the  benefit  of  the  public.  He  became  one  of  the  char- 
ter members  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  camp  at  Boone  and  was  most  loyal 
to  the  teachings  of  that  organization.  Many  sterling  traits  of  character  gained 
him  warm  friendship  and  high  regard,  and  wherever  known  he  enjoyed  the 
respect  and  good-will  of  those  with  whom  he  was  brought  in  contact. 


JAMES  WELLS  MUNN. 

James  Wells  Munn,  the  eldest  son  of  Andrew  John  Munn,  was  born  October 
27,  1862,  near  Belvidere,  Illinois,  and  was  therefore  a  little  lad  of  five  years 
when,  in  1867,  he  accompanied  his  parents  to  Boone,  Iowa.  Here  at  the  usual 
age  he  became  a  pupil  in  the  public  schools  and  passed  through  consecutive 
grades  until  he  reached  the  age  of  seventeen  years,  when  he  started  out  in  the 
business  world,  beginning  work  in  the  freight  department  of  the  Chicago  & 
Northwestern  Railroad  Company  at  Boone.  When  nineteen  years  of  age  he 
went  to  Council  Bluffs  and  later  to  Omaha,  Nebraska,  where  he  was  employed 
on  the   Elkhorn  branch  of  the  Chicago  &   Northwestern   Railroad.     He   spent 


262  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

several  years  there  and  in  1904  removed  to  Chicago,  where  he  was  appointed 
to  a  position  in  the  office  of  the  general  passenger  agent  of  the  Chicago  & 
Northwestern.     He  acted  as  chief  clerk  until   1912,  when  he  was  made  assis-  _ 

tant  general  passenger  agent,  which  office  was  created  at  that  time.     No  higher  I 

testimonial  of  his  capability  and  fidelity  can  be  given  than  the  fact  that  through-  f 

out  his  entire  business  life  he  was  retained  in  the  service  of  a  single  corporation. 

in  1883  James  Munn  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Nettie  Strong  of 
Boone,  who  died  in  1906.  There  were  four  children  born  of  that  union,  two 
of  whom,  Maurice  Andrew  and  James  Wells,  Jr.,  survive.  The  former  is  an 
art  student  in  Chicago,  while  the  latter  is  attending  high  school.  Two  of  the 
children  died  at  the  ages  of  five  and  three  years  respectively. 

The  death  of  Mr.  .Munn  occurred  on  the  13th  of  March,  1914.  and  he  was 
laid  to  rest  at  Omaha,  Nebraska.  In  Masonry  he  attained  high  rank,  becom- 
ing a  Knight  Templar,  and  he  was  also  a  member  of  the  Eastern  Star  at  Chi- 
cago. He  likewise  belonged  to  the  Royal  Arcanum  of  Omaha,  and  he  always 
attended  and  supported  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  In  the  death  of  her 
husband  and  son  Mrs.  Andrew  J.  Munn  has  suffered  a  great  bereavement, 
for  both  were  men  of  high  principles  and  noble  purposes,  greatly  esteemed  by 
all  who  knew  them  and  at  all  times  worthy  of  the  highest  regard. 


ALBERT  W.  ADIX. 


Albert  W.  Adix  is  successfully  established  as  carpenter  and  contractor  in 
Boone,  also  owning  valuable  real  estate  and  deriving  a  gratifying  income  from 
his  activities  as  a  builder.  He  was  born  September  29,  1877,  on  the  home 
farm  in  Yell  township,  Boone  county,  and  is  a  son  of  Lewis  W.  and  Fredericka 
(Krogman)  Adix,  natives  of  Mecklenburg-Schwerin.  Germany,  the  former  born 
March  4,  1833,  and  the  latter  November  13,  1841.  Extended  mention  of  them 
is  made  in  another  part  of  this  work. 

Albert  W.  Adix  attended  the  public  schools  of  his  neighborhood,  including 
the  Hickory  Grove  school,  laying  aside  his  text-books  at  the  age  of  eighteen. 
Before  that  time  he  had  already  busied  himself  on  the  homestead,  but  now 
devoted  his  entire  attention  to  agricultural  work,  assisting  his  father  with  the 
operation  of  the  farm.  He  subsequently  bought  this  property  and  continued 
to  work  it  until  Septeinber,  1912,  when  he  removed  to  Boone,  becoming  man- 
ager of  the  Adix  Hotel  and  continuing  in  that  capacity  for  about  two  years. 
He  then  rented  the  hotel  and  gave  his  attention  to  the  carpentering  and  con- 
tracting business,  having  been  very  successful  along  that  line  since.  In  partner- 
ship with  his  brother,  Frank  D.,  he  owns  eighteen  lots  in  the  city  and  both  are 
now  engaged  in  a  number  of  important  transactions  which  will  contribute  to  the 
growth  and  development  of  their  city. 

On  July  10,  1907,  in  Chicago,  Illinois,  -Mr.  Adix  married  Miss  Katy  Kumpf, 
-who  was  born  in  Boone,  March  31,  1886,  and  attended  the  schools  here  from 
six  until  thirteen  years  of  age.  She  is  a  daughter  of  George  and  Jennie  (Henie) 
Kumpf,  both  living,  the  former  a  fanner  of  Minnesota.  Mrs.  Adix  is  a  German 
Lutheran,  having  been  confirmed  in  that  church,  and  attends  the  local  services 


> 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  265 

of  that  organization.  In  their  family  are  three  children:  Harold  Albert,  born 
August  31,  1908;  Rosetta  Katy,  born  February  22,  1910;  and  Laverne,  born 
May  3,  191 2.  Mr.  Adix  is  a  democrat  and  is  thoroughly  conversant  with  the 
issues  and  questions  of  the  day.  He  is  ever  interested  in  anything  that  per- 
tains to  the  general  advancement  and  is  a  useful  citizen,  who  in  a  large  measure 
enjoys  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all  those  who  know  him. 


OSCAR  JOHNSON. 


Oscar  Johnson,  a  well  known  merchant  of  Ogden,  is  successfully  engaged 
in  business  as  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Johnson  Brothers  &  Bailey,  who  conduct 
the  only  exclusive  grocery  store  in  the  town.  His  birth  occurred  in  Moingona, 
Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  October,  1873,  his  parents  being  Charles  E.  and  Bessie 
Johnson,  both  of  whom  are  natives  of  Sweden.  The  father  emigrated  to  the 
United  States  in  1866  and  made  his  way  direct  to  this  county,  locating  at  Min- 
eral Ridge,  where  he  was  employed  on  the  railroad  until  1873.  In  that  year 
he  bought  a  tract  of  eighty  acres  on  Alarcy  township  and  began  improving  the 
property,  while  subsequently  he  extended  the  boundaries  of  his  farm  by  addi- 
tional purchase  until  it  embraced  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  valuable 
and  productive  land.  He  devoted  his  attention  to  general  agricultural  pursuits 
with  gratifying  success  until  1909,  when  he  put  aside  the  active  work  of  the 
fields  and  erected  a  handsome  residence  in  Ogden,  where  he  has  since  lived 
in  honorable  retirement.  The  period  of  his  residence  in  this  county  covers 
nearly  a  half  century  and  he  is  widely  recognized  as  one  of  its  substantial  and 
esteemed  citizens.  To  him  and  his  wife  were  born  eleven  children,  five  of  whom 
still  survive,  namely :     Robert,  David  E.,  Oscar,  Harry  and  Ellen. 

Oscar  Johnson  acquired  his  early  education  in  his  native  town  and  subse- 
quently pursued  a  commercial  course  in  the  Highland  Park  College  of  Des 
Moines.  He  then  came  to  Ogden  and  here  clerked  in  diiTerent  stores  for  some 
time.  In  1904  he  embarked  in  business  as  a  general  merchant  on  his  own  account 
and  at  the  end  of  six  years  opened  a  bakery  and  grocery  establishment  in  part- 
nership with  his  brother  Harry.  In  1912  they  admitted  H.  L.  Bailey  to  the 
firm,  which  has  since  been  known  as  Johnson  Brothers  &  Bailey,  proprietors 
of  the  only  exclusive  grocery  store  in  Ogden.  They  carry  a  large  and  well 
selected  stock  of  staple  and  fancy  groceries  and  are  accorded  an  extensive 
patronage,  enjoying  an  enviable  reputation  as  reliable,  enterprising  and  up-to- 
date  merchants. 

In  March,  1901,  Mr.  Johnson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Nellie  Ogren, 
a  daughter  of  A.  G.  and  Anna  Ogren,  who  were  natives  of  Sweden.  They 
emigrated  to  America  in  an  early  day  and  took  up  their  abode  in  Geneseo,  Illi- 
nois. The  father,  a  tailor  by  trade,  subsequently  came  to  Boone,  Iowa, 
and  was  here  engaged  in  business  as  a  tailor  for. a  few  years.  The  last  years  of 
his  life  were  spent  in  Ogden,  where  he  passed  away  in  1898,  while  his  wife  was 
•called  to  her  final  rest  in  1884.  .Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  have  one  child,  Beulah 
A.,  who  is  ten  years  of  age. 


266  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

In  politics  Air.  Johnson  is  a  progressive,  advocating  the  principles  set  forth 
by  Theodore  Roosevelt  at  the  time  of  the  birth  of  the  party.  He  now  serves  as 
secretary  of  the  local  school  board  and  the  cause  of  education  has  ever  found 
in  him  a  stalwart  champion.  In  religious  faith  he  is  a  Methodist.  He  enjoys  an 
extensive  and  favorable  acquaintance  in  the  county  in  which  his  entire  life  has 
been  spent  and  has  long  been  numbered  among  its  prosperous  and  representative 
citizens. 


HUGO  E.  SANDEN. 


Hugo  E.  Sanden,  formerly  a  partner  in  the  Schwene  Hardware  Com])any 
of  Ogden,  belongs  to  that  class  of  men  known  as  self-made,  for  he  had  no  special 
advantages  at  the  outset  of  his  career  and  no  capital  to  aid  him  when  he  started 
out  in  business  on  his  own  account.  He  has  worked  persistently  and  energetically 
and  at  all  times  has  kept  in  mind  the  old  adage  that  honesty  is  the  best  policy. 

Mr.  Sanden  was  born  in  Marshall  county,  Kansas,  September  25,  1879,  and 
is  a  son  of  the  Rev.  P.  J-  and  Amelia  (Aurell)  Sanden,  who  were  natives  of 
Sweden.  Crossing  the  Atlantic  to  the  new  world  in  1865,  the  father  made  his 
way  to  Chicago,  where  he  was  employed  in  a  furniture  factory.  Later  he 
removed  to  Minnesota,  where  he  took  up  a  homestead  claim,  and  while  in  that  state 
he  also  taught  school  for  some  time.  He  afterward  went  to  Paxton,  Illinois, 
where  he  entered  the  Theological  Seminary  and  was  graduated  therefrom. 
Having  thus  qualified  for  the  work  of  the  ministry,  he  received  and  accepted 
a  call  from  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church  at  Chariton,  Iowa,  where  he  con- 
tinued as  pastor  for  four  or  five  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  went 
to  Kansas,  where  he  purchased  land  which  he  cultivated  for  ten  years.  During 
that  time  he  also  engaged  in  preaching,  his  salary  being  but  fifty  dollars  per 
year.  While  there  he  was  ordained  and  was  elected  a  missionary,  after  which 
he  organized  churches  in  Missouri,  working  there  for  moral  development  and 
progress  at  the  time  that  Jesse  James  was  carrying  on  his  reign  of  lawlessness 
and  violence.  At  a  subsequent  date  Mr.  Sanden  went  to  Marshall  county,  Kan- 
sas, where  he  purchased  a  farm,  which  he  operated  for  nine  years,  and  at  the  same 
time  continued  to  preach  on  Sundays.  In  the  fall  of  1887  he  went  to  Porter, 
Indiana,  where  he  engaged  in  the  work  of  the  ministry  until  April  8,  1891. 
At  that  date  he  came  to  Ogden,  Boone  county,  and  for  six  and  a  half  years 
engaged  in  preaching  in  Swede  valley  in  Marcy  township.  On  the  expiration 
of  that  period  he  retired  from  the  active  work  of  the  ministry  and  also  to  some 
extent  from  business  afl'airs,  removing  to  Texas,  where  he  purchased  fifteen 
acres  of  land.  He  only  remained  in  the  southwest  for  two  years,  however, 
after  which  he  returned  to  this  state,  settling  at  Spencer,  Iowa,  where  he 
engaged  in  preaching  for  four  years.  He  then  retired  permanently  and  removed 
to  Moingona,  Iowa,  where  he  resided  until  his  death,  which  occurred  on  the 
9th  of  May,  191 1.  His  life  was  well  worthy  of  emulation,  for  his  influence 
was  ever  on  the  side  of  right,  progress,  justice  and  truth,  and  his  teaching  bore 
good  fruits  among  those  with  whom  he  was  associated.  His  widow  survives 
him  and  yet  makes  her  home  in  Ogden. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  267 

Hugo  E.  Sanden  acquired  his  education  in  various  places  according  to  the 
removals  of  his  parents.  He  afterward  went  to  .Moline,  Illinois,  where  he  was 
employed  in  a  furniture  factory  for  some  time  and  on  the  17th  of  March,  1902, 
he  came  to  Ogden,  where  he  has  since  made  his  home.  Here  he  sought  and 
obtained  employment  in  the  hardware  store  of  William  Schwene,  his  salary 
being  five  dollars  per  month  at  first.  He  remained  with  William  Schwene  for 
three  and  a  half  years  and  then  went  upon  the  road  as  a  traveling  salesman 
for  the  Majestic  Manufacturing  Company  of  St.  Louis,  continuing  in  that  con- 
nection for  a  year.  He  afterward  returned  to  Ogden  and  purchased  an  interest 
in  the  Schwene  Hardware  Company,  the  partners  thereof  at  that  time  being  Mr. 
Sanden,  Charles  Lindholm  and  William  Schwene.  Some  time  later  the  last 
named  was  killed  and  was  succeeded  by  his  brother,  John  P.,  who  took  his  inter- 
est in  the  store.  Mr.  Sanden  was  manager  of  the  business  until  they  sold  out 
recently. 

On  the  24th  of  October,  1909,  IMr.  Sanden  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Dora  Clark  of  Perry,  Iowa,  a  daughter  of  Elmer  T.  and  Mattie  (Miller)  Clark, 
the  former  a  native  of  Ohio,  whence  he  came  to  Iowa,  settling  in  Jones  county 
at  an  early  day  in  the  period  of  its  development.  Later  he  removed  to  Ogden 
and  subsequently  began  farming  in  Union  township,  Boone  county,  owning  and 
operating  his  place  until  191 1,  when  he  retired  and  removed  to  Perry.  His  wife 
also  survives. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sanden  are  well  known  in  Ogden  and  have  an  extensive  circle 
of  warm  friends  which  insures  to  them  the  hospitality  of  the  best  homes  of  the 
city.  Mr.  Sanden  belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Pythias  lodge,  gives  his  political 
allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  attends  the  Congregational  church.  He 
is  always  found  with  those  movements  and  measures  which  are  indorsed  by 
public  opinion  as  worthy  of  support.  In  manner  he  is  genial,  courteous  and 
social,  and  those  qualities  have  won  for  him  personal  popularity. 


JOHN  HERRON. 


In  a  history  of  the  early  settlers,  whose  efforts  have  been  factors  in  the  sub- 
stantial development  of  Boone  county,  it  is  well  that  mention  be  made  of  John 
Herron,  who  arrived  in  the  spring  of  1860  and  for  many  years  was  identified 
with  the  agricultural  interests  of  this  section  of  the  state.  Later  he  promoted  and 
developed  the  Farmers  Mutual  Insurance  Company,  and  his  activities  were  ever 
of  a  character  that  contributed  to  public  progress  and  prosperity  as  well  as  to  indi- 
vidual success,  making  him  a  citizen  of  worth  to  the  community.  He  was  born 
in  Carroll  county,  Ohio,  March  24,  1825,  a  son  of  Thomas  and  Ruth  (Davy) 
Herron.  The  father,  who  was  a  farmer,  represented  an  old  Ohio  family  of 
Irish  lineage.  His  father  came  from  Ireland  and  settled  in  Pennsylvania,  whence 
he  afterward  removed  to  Ohio,  becoming  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  that  state. 
Thomas  Herron  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  where  he  remained  until  about  twenty 
years  of  age.  Later  he  took  up  the  profession  of  teaching  in  Ohio  and  while  in 
that  state  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ruth  Davy,  who  was  also  a  repre- 
sentative of  an  old  family  there.     He  afterward  followed  farming  in  the  Buck- 


268  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

eye  state  until  1845,  when  death  claimed  him.  His  widow  survived  and  passed 
away  during  the  period  of  the  Civil  war.  In  their  family  were  eight  children, 
but  only  one  is  now  living,  a  daughter,  who  resides  at  Magnolia,  Carroll  county, 
Ohio,  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-six  years  years. 

)ohn  Herron  was  reared  to  the  occupation  of  farming  and  during  much  of 
his  life  followed  the  work  of  the  fields  in  Ohio  and  in  Iowa.  He  was  married 
in  Tuscarawas  county,  Ohio,  on  the  ist  of  January,  1850,  to  Miss  Miranda  A. 
KoUar,  who  was  born  in  Tuscarawas  county  in  1831,  a  daughter  of  Michael  and 
Catherine  (McCrary)  Kollar,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Pennsylvania,  but 
were  married  in  Ohio.  Her  maternal  grandfather  was  from  Ireland  and  mar- 
ried a  lady  of  Pennsylvania-Dutch  stock.  Michael  Kollar  was  a  blacksmith  by 
trade  and  followed  that  pursuit  until  his  death,  which  occurred  when  his  daugh- 
ter, Mrs.  Herron,  was  an  infant  of  but  a  few  months. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Herron  began  their  domestic  life  in  Ohio,  but  after  about  ten 
years  removed  to  Iowa,  arriving  in  the  spring  of  i860.  They  settled  on  a  farm 
a  mile  east  of  Boone,  in  Des  Moines  township,  Boone  county,  having  traded 
their  Ohio  property  for  unimproved  land  in  this  state.  They  resided  for  a  time 
in  Boone  while  improving  the  farm  by  erecting  buildings,  but  in  the  spring  of 
1861  took  up  their  abode  upon  that  place  and  there  remained  until  Mr.  Herron 
retired  from  active  farm  life  and  returned  to  Boone  in  1882.  Soon  afterward 
he  began  formulating  plans  that  resulted  in  the  organization  of  the  Farmers 
Mutual  Insurance  Company  of  Boone  and  for  sixteen  years  devoted  his  time 
and  energies  to  the  establishment  and  upbuilding  of  the  business,  securing  many 
subscribers  and  making  the  company  one  of  strength  and  financial  solidity.  At 
length  he  retired  from  active  business  life  and  spent  his  remaining  days  in  the 
enjoyment  of  a  comfortable  competence,  which  had  come  to  him  as  a  result  of 
his  carefully  directed  business  affairs  in  former  years. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Herron  were  born  six  children,  four  being  born  in  Ohio 
and  two  in  Boone  county.  Five  of  the  number  reached  adult  age.  Thomas  S.,  the 
eldest,  was  one  of  the  oldest  engineers  on  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad 
when  he  left  that  service.  He  died  December  22,  1909,  at  the  age  of  fifty- 
nine  years,  having  for  only  about  six  months  survived  his  wife,  who  in  her  maid- 
enhood was  Sarah  Gillette  and  who  passed  away  on  the  13th  of  May,  1909. 
Isaac  A.,  was  employed  as  an  engineer  on  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  before 
he  went  west  in  1881.  He  assisted  in  building  the  Oregon  Short  Line  and  was 
an  engineer  on  that  road  for  a  long  period,  but  now  resides  on  a  ranch  near  Glens 
Ferry,  Idaho,  and  is  recognized  as  a  prominent  and  influential  business  man 
there.  He  operated  the  water  system  at  that  place  and  has  otherwise  been  con- 
nected with  public  interests.  He  was  married  in  Idaho  and  has  four  children: 
John,  who  is  now  a  member  of  the  United  States  navy;  Thomas,  a  fireman  on 
the  Oregon  Short  Fine,  residing  at  Pocatello,  Idaho ;  Leota,  a  teacher ;  and  Isaac 
Elmore,  a  fireman  now  residing  at  Lincoln,  Nebraska.  Salina  Isabelle  was  mar- 
ried in  1875  to  Marion  Boyd,  a  harness  maker  and  farmer  who  died  in  1880.  They 
had  a  daughter,  Edith  Ethel,  who  is  now  the  wife  of  Edgar  Houser,  a  policeman 
of  Boone.  They  have  one  daughter,  Mary  Isabelle  Houser.  Mrs.  Houser's  first 
husband  was  Robert  Lithcow  and  they  had  one  son,  Marion  B.  Lithcow,  who  was 
twelve  years  of  age  on  the  9th  of  February,  1914.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Marion  Boyd 
had  two  sons,  Warren  M.  and  Thomas  Marion,  who  died  in  infancy.    IMargaret, 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUXTY  269 

the  fourth  member  of  the  Herron  family,  is  the  wife  of  Marcellus  Smith,  a  resi- 
dent of  Royal,  Clay  county,  Iowa,  where  he  is  engaged  in  the  real-estate  business. 
They  have  three  children:  Mrs.  Lottie  Chessley,  of  Spencer,  Iowa;  John,  living  at 
Royal,  Iowa ;  and  Xora,  of  Boone.  James  A.,  is  a  farmer  near  Ogden,  Boone 
county,  and  married  Mrs.  Hannah  Cook.    Ruth  died  at  the  age  of  four  years. 

Politically  Mr.  Herron  was  a  stalwart  republican,  giving  unfaltering  sup- 
port to  that  party  and  its  principles.  He  served  for  many  years  as  county  assessor, 
and  the  record  which  he  made  in  office  was  highly  creditable.  He  was  entitled  to 
wear  the  Grand  Army  button  by  reason  of  his  service  as  a  member  of  Company  D, 
Thirty-second  Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry,  with  W'hich  he  remained  for  nineteen 
months.  He  was  afterward  a  hospital  nurse  until  the  close  of  the  war.  In  later 
years  he  joined  the  Grand  Army  Post,  while  his  wife  became  a  member  of  the 
Women's  Relief  Corps.  His  religious  faith  was  that  of  the  Presbyterian  church, 
and  its  principles  were  the  actuating  spirit  in  his  life,  making  him  a  man  whom  to 
know  was  to  respect  and  honor.  He  remained  a  resident  of  this  part  of  the  state 
from  the  spring  of  i860  until  he  passed  away,  on  the  30th  of  September,  1899,  and 
throughout  that  period  his  many  good  traits  of  character  gained  for  him  an  ex- 
tended circle  of  warm  friends. 


JOHN   F.   SCHWENE. 


John  F.  Schwene  was  successfully  engaged  in  business  at  Ogden  as  a  member 
of  the  Schwene  Hardware  Company,  for  six  years,  or  until  April,  1914,  his 
partners  in  the  enterprise  w-ere  Hugo  E.  Sanden  and  Charles  G.  Lindholm. 
Mr.  Schwene  has  now  retired  from  business,  having  sold  out  to  C.  E.  Cook  and 
Charles  G.  Lindholm,  the  firm  being  known  as  Cook  &  Lindholm.  The  birth  of 
Mr.  Schwene  occurred  in  Clinton  county,  Iowa,  on  the  nth  of  September, 
1872,  his  parents  being  Chris  and  Phoebe  (Heldt)  Schwene,  both  of  whom  are 
natives  of  Germany.  They  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  an  early  day  and 
took  up  their  abode  in  Clinton  county,  this  state.  The  father,  a  carpenter  by 
trade,  there  worked  at  that  occupation  for  some  time  and  afterward  came  to 
Boone  county,  here  cultivating  a  rented  tract  of  land  for  a  time.  Subsequently 
he  purchased  and  improved  a  farm  which  he  operated  continuously  and  success- 
fully until  1912,  when  he  put  aside  the  active  work  of  the  fields  and  removed 
to  Ogden,  where  he  has  since  lived  in  honorable  retirement.  Both  he  and  his 
wife  enjoy  an  extensive  and  favorable  acquaintance  throughout  the  community, 
being  widely  recognized  as  people  of  genuine  personal  worth. 

John  F.  Schw-ene  was  reared  and  educated  in  Clinton  and  Boone  counties, 
being  nine  years  of  age  when  the  family  home  was  established  in  the  latter 
county.  He  lived  with  his  parents  on  the  home  place  until  the  time  of  his 
marriage,  when  his  father  and  mother  removed  to  Ogden,  but  he  continued  on 
the  farm  for  four  years  longer.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  also  took 
up  his  abode  in  Ogden  and  for  one  year  was  engaged  in  the  wagon  business.  It 
was  at  the  end  of  that  time  that  he  became  identified  with  the  Schwene  Hard- 
ware Company,  purchasing  the  interest  of  his  brother,  who  had  been  accidentally 
killed.     His  associates  in  the  enterprise  were  Hugo  E.  Sanden  and  Charles  G. 


270  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Lindholm.  They  were  accorded  a  libera!  and  well  merited  patronage  and  always 
carried  an  extensive  stock  of  shelf  and  heavy  hardware,  occupying  two  floors 
and  basement.  Cook  &  Lindhohn  are  now  the  owners  of  the  business.  In 
the  conduct  of  his  business  interests  Mr.  Schwene  displayed  unusual  executive 
ability  and  keen  discernment,  and  prosperity  came  to  him  in  gratifying  measure. 

Mr.  Schwene  has  been  married  twice.  On  the  27th  of  February,  1902,  he 
wedded  Miss  Theresa  W'rede,  by  whom  he  had  a  son,  Carl,  who  is  now  nine 
years  of  age.  The  wife  and  mother  passed  away  on  the  9th  of  December,  1906, 
after  a  short  illness.  On  the  27th  of  February,  1912,  Mr.  Schwene  was  again 
married,  his  second  union  being  with  Miss  Lizzie  Boderius,  who  died  on  the 
loth  of  June,  1913,  after  a  four  days'  illness. 

Mr.  Schwene  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party,  while 
his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  German  Lutheran  church.  He  is  well  known  and 
has  many  friends  throughout  the  community  and,  being  greatly  interested  in  its 
general  welfare,  he  takes  an  active  part  in  all  measures  of  reform  and  progress. 


EBER  N.  GARVIX. 


Many  substantial  evidences  of  the  enterprise,  laudable  ambition  and  the 
handiwork  of  Eber  X.  Garvin  are  seen  in  good  buildings  of  Ogden  and  the  sur- 
rounding country,  for  during  an  extended  period  he  was  connected  with  building 
operations  and  did  important  work  as  a  contractor.  At  length,  with  the  gratify- 
ing success  which  was  the  merited  reward  of  his  labors,  he  retired  and  is  not 
connected  with  business  enterprises  to  any  active  extent  at  the  present.  He  was 
born  in  Caledonia  county,  \^ermont.  May  25,  1845,  and  is  a  son  of  Allen  and  Elsie 
(Powers)  Garvin.  His  father  was  a  native  of  New  Hampshire,  while  the 
mother's  birth  occurred  in  \'ermont.  She  represents  one  of  the  oldest  New 
England  families,  it  being  possible  to  trace  the  ancestrv'  back  to  the  !\Iayflower. 
Allen  Garvin  followed  farming  in  \'ermont  for  many  years,  but  before  entering 
into  active  connection  with  agricultural  interests  he  engaged  in  freighting  by 
team  across  the  country  from  Boston.  In  1S74  he  came  to  Boone  county,  where 
he  resided  for  five  years,  or  until  1879,  when  he  removed  to  Guthrie  county, 
Iowa.  There  he  made  his  home  with  his  son  until  1886,  when  he  returned  to 
Boone  county  to  live  with  his  son  Eber,  with  whom  he  continued  until  his  death, 
which  occurred  May  17,  1888,  when  he  was  eighty-six  years  of  age.  For  a  few 
years  he  had  survived  his  wife,  who  died  on  the  23d  of  August,  1885. 

Eber  N.  Garvin  was  a  resident  of  the  Green  Mountain  state  to  the  age  of  ten 
years  and  during  that  period  began  his  education  in  the  public  schools.  He  then 
went  to  Wisconsin,  where  he  continued  his  studies  and  in  which  state  he  re- 
mained until  1873.  In  the  meantime  his  patriotic  spirit  was  aroused  by  tlie 
continued  attempt  of  the  south  to  overthrow  the  Union  and  on  the  29th  of 
August,  1864,  when  but  nineteen  years  of  age,  he  enlisted  for  service  at  the  front 
as  a  member  of  Company  C,  Forty-third  Wisconsin  Infantrj',  with  which  he 
was  on  duty  for  one  year,  or  until  after  the  close  of  the  war. 

When  mustered  out  Mr.  Garvin  returned  to  Wisconsin,  where  he  engaged  in 
farming  until  1873.    He  then  came  to  Iowa,  settling  in  Osceola  county,  where  he 


KBKR  N.  GARVIN 


,^.RY 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  273 

secured  a  homestead,  upon  which  he  resided  for  a  year  and  a  half  before  coming 
to  Ogden,  Boone  county.  Following  his  removal  he  engaged  in  teaming  for  a 
few  years'  or  until  1881  and  then  began  working  at  his  trade,  that  of  carpenter 
and  builder.  In  Ogden  he  erected  for  his  residence  one  of  the  model  homes  in 
the  northeastern  part  of  the  town,  and  he  has  built  many  good  dwellings  in  his 
part  of  the  county.  Thoroughness  has  ever  characterized  his  workmanship, 
and  he  has  paid  due  heed  to  both  utility  and  beauty  in  construction. 

On  the  I2th  of  November,  1868,  Mr.  Garvin  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Orphia  A.  Potts,  a  daughter  of  Samuel  A.  and  Lydia  (Tillotson)  Potts,  the 
former  a  minister  of  the  Gospel,  devoting  much  of  his  life  to  the  preaching  of 
Christian  doctrines.  He  died  in  1880  and  for  almost  a  quarter  of  a  century  was 
survived  by  his  wife,  who  passed  away  in  the  spring  of  191 3,  at  the  age  of 
ninety-three  years. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Garvin  have  been  born  five  children:  Mary,  the  wife  of 
Samuel  Dana,  residing  in  Boone;  Orland  D.,  who  died  in  November,  1904; 
Myrtle,  the  wife  of  George  Anderson,  a  resident  of  South  Dakota;  Roscoe, 
residing  at  home;  and  John,  who  is  in  Boone.  The  wife  and  mother  passed 
away  in  September,  1903,  after  a  brief  illness,  and  her  death  was  deeply  regretted 
by  all  who  knew  her. 

Mr.  Garvin  votes  with  the  republican  party,  which  he  has  supported  since 
age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise,  but  he  has  never  sought  office 
as  a  reward  for  party  fealty.  He  belongs  to  Buford  Post,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Ogden, 
and  he  thus  maintains  a  close  and  pleasant  relation  with  those  who  wore  the  blue 
while  he,  too,  was  a  soldier  upon  the  tented  fields  of  the  south.  He  has  always 
been  as  loyal  to  his  country  in  times  of  peace  as  in  times  of  war  and  has  the 
deepest  attachment  for  the  nation's  starry  banner. 


CHARLES  FRANKLIN  METCALF. 

Charles  Franklin  Metcalf,  who  owns  a  substantial  home  in  Madrid,  of  which 
city  he  has  been  a  resident  for  many  years,  is  at  present  street  commissioner. 
He  is  respected  and  esteemed  by  all  who  know  him  and  stands  high  in  the 
community.  Born  in  Jefferson  county,  Indiana,  March  20,  1857,  he  is  a  son 
of  Charles  and  Sophia  ( Hardenbrook)  Metcalf,  the  former  a  native  of  Kentucky 
and  the  latter  of  Madison,  Indiana.  The  father  died  in  the  Hoosier  state  in 
1S75.  the  .Metcalf  family  having  removed  from  Kentucky  to  Indiana.  Mrs.  Met- 
calf 'who  was  born  in  ^841,  now  resides  in  Marshalltown,  Iowa.  They  had  two 
children,  of  whom  Charles  Franklin  of  this  review  is  the  elder.  His  sister, 
Mrs.  Flora  Vancleave,  who  was  born  in  Jefferson  county,  Indiana,  died  in  Salina, 

Kansas.  .       o^     ,        1  1     j 

Charles  F.  Metcalf  came  with  his  parents  to  Iowa  in  1867  by  the  overland 
route  the  family  locating  on  a  farm  near  Minburn  in  Dallas  county.  While 
he  gave  some  attention  to  farming,  he  also  devoted  a  number  of  years  to  the 
livery  business,  in  which  he  was  successful,  and  also  undertook  threshing  for 
other  farmers.  The  father  had  purchased  a  farm  near  Minburn,  but  in  1872 
the  son  returned  to  Indiana,  where  he  was  engaged  in  logging  for  about  three 


ml    11—13 


274  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

years.  In  1875  he  again  came  to  Iowa  and  has  since  continuously  resided  in  this 
state.  He  and  his  wife  own  a  well  furnished  home  in  Madrid,  provided  with 
every  convenience.  Mrs.  Metcalf  enjoys  a  statewide  reputation  for  her  excellent 
cooking  and  the  large  number  of  people  who  are  entertained  at  the  Metcalf  home 
and  partake  of  her  table  attest  to  her  popularity  and  ability.  Both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Metcalf  are  industrious  people  and  have  acquired  a  position  of  financial 
independence  by  quietly  persevering  in  their  pursuits.  They  have  secured  a 
competency  through  their  own  efforts  by  following  the  long  established  motto 
of  doing  well  everything  they  undertake  to  do.  They  have  acquired  a  host  of 
friends,  all  of  whom  appreciate  them  for  their  high  qualities  of  character. 

On  March  15,  1882,  Mr.  Metcalf  was  married  in  Minburn,  Iowa,  to  Miss 
Mahala  Minerva  Harmon,  who  was  born  in  Canada,  November  7,  1863,  but 
removed  to  Illinois  with  her  mother  when  a  child  of  two  years,  in  1865,  settle- 
ment being  made  at  Somonauk.  Her  parents  were  Elias  and  Anna  Maria  (Lamb- 
kin) Harmon,  the  former  born  near  Montreal,  Canada,  May  6,  1830,  and  the 
latter  December  28,  1834.  The  father  died  June  26,  1869,  his  widow  surviving 
him  for  many  years.  Her  death  occurred  in  North  Dakota,  October  10,  1912. 
In  their  family  were  the  following  children :  Matilda  Jane,  who  was  born 
January  7,  1856,  and  died  March  7,  i860;  Mrs.  Mary  Hannah  .Shaffer,  born 
August  17,  1837,  now  a  resident  of  Joliet,  Illinois;  John  Sylvester,  born  August 
4,  1859,  who  makes  his  home  in  Boston,  Massachusetts;  Mrs.  Delilah  Jane 
States,  born  June  15,  1861,  who  resides  in  Crosby,  North  Dakota;  Mrs.  Charles 
Franklin  Metcalf;  Josiah  Brien,  born  September  10,  1865,  who  resides  at 
Pocahontas,  Iowa ;  and  Mrs.  Ida  Lilly  Stodbraker,  who  was  born  November 
20,  1867,  and  lives  in  Chicago,  Illinois. 

Of  the  five  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Metcalf  the  two  oldest  are  natives 
of  Dallas  county  and  the  three  younger  of  Boone  county.  They  are :  Mrs.  Mabel 
Holliday,  born  February  6,  1884,  residing  in  Polk  county;  Harry  S.,  whose  birth 
occurred  November  10,  1886,  and  who  resides  in  Madrid;  Mrs.  Grace  Slade,  born 
December  28,  1888,  of  Omaha,  Nebraska  ;  Maude,  born  October  5,  1889,  a  school 
teacher  of  Polk  county;  and  Cyrus,  who  was  born  February  18,  1894,  and  is  em- 
ployed as  a  bridge  worker  in  Iowa  by  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Rail- 
way. These  children  were  reared  in  Boone  county,  all  receiving  a  common-school 
education,  while  Maude  Metcalf  graduated  from  the  Madrid  high  school.  Politic- 
ally Mr.  Metcalf  is  a  republican.  He  has  always  taken  a  lively  interest  in  the 
progress  of  his  city  and  is  at  present  efficiently  serving  as  street  commissioner  of 
Madrid. 


JOSEPH  SAUNDERS. 


With  the  death  of  Joseph  Saunders  on  ( )ctober  16,  1907,  there  passed  from 
Boone  county  history  a  veteran  pioneer  who  for  almost  fifty-four  years  had  been 
a  resident  of  that  county  and  who  had  made  valuable  contribution  to  its  growth 
and  advancement.  At  the  time  of  his  demise  he  resided  in  Worth  township, 
where  he  was  widely  and  favorably  known  and  highly  esteemed  by  young  and 
old.     He  was  a  veteran  of  the  Mexican  war  and  is  therefore  entitled  to  great 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  275 

honor,  for  he  was  one  of  those  who  took  up  the  cause  of  the  flag  in  those 
critical  days  and  who  helped  to  secure  to  the  United  States  a  vast  territory 
where  now  reside  millions  of  its  contented  citizens. 

Mr.  Saunders  was  born  in  Tennessee,  July  i,  1827,  and  after  the  death  of 
his  father  accompanied  his  mother  to  Putnam  county,  Indiana,  being  then  but 
five  years  of  age.  There  he  grew  to  young  manhood.  He  was  reared  mostly  in 
the  home  of  his  grandmother,  Mrs.  Summers,  who  resided  in  Putnam  county,  but 
later  made  his  home  for  several  years  with  a  Mr.  Simpson,  with  whom  he 
remained  until  the  time  of  his  enlistment.  He  spent  one  year  in  rafting  logs 
down  the  Mississippi  river  and  then  enlisted  at  the  age  of  nineteen,  serving 
with  honor  and  distinction  in  the  Mexican  war.  Returning  to  Indiana  he  attended 
school  for  a  year  and  in  1850  crossed  the  plains  to  California,  where  he  was 
engaged  for  four  years  in  mining. 

In  1854  Mr.  Saunders  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Susan  Mcintosh, 
an  aunt  of  James  Whitcomb  ]\IcIntosh,  in  connection  with  whom  extended 
mention  is  made  of  the  Mcintosh  family  on  other  pages  of  this  work.  Mrs. 
Saunders,  who  now  makes  her  home  in  Boone  with  a  daughter,  Mrs.  Irving 
M.  L'Hommedieu,  was  born  in  Putnam  county.  Indiana,  September  17,  1833, 
and  is  a  daughter  of  George  and  Elizabeth  (Boone)  Mcintosh.  She  visited  a 
brother  and  other  relatives  in  Boone  county  in  1853  and  upon  her  return  to 
Indiana  married  Mr.  Saunders.  Her  ancestors  Ixith  in  the  paternal  and  maternal 
lines  were  Revolutionary  patriots,  and  their  descendants  are  all  eligible  to  mem- 
bership in  the  Sons  and  Daughters  of  the  American  Revolution. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Saunders  came  to  Boone  in  1854,  settling  on  a  farm  in  Worth 
township  which  for  more  than  fifty-three  years  remained  their  home.  Settlers 
in  those  early  days  were  few  and  far  between,  and  they  were  among  the  sturdy 
pioneers  who  braved  the  dangers  of  the  wild  and  underwent  the  hardships 
of  frontier  life.  Mr.  Saunders  closely  applied  himself  to  breaking  his  land 
and  bringing  it  under  cultivation  and  as  the  years  passed  his  labors  were 
crowned  with  success.  Buildings  sprang  up  on  his  farm,  and  it  became  one  of 
the  most  valuable  in  the  neighborhood.  Upon  it  he  erected  a  comfortable  home 
ivhich  was  renowned  throughout  the  vicinity  for  its  hospitality.  Mr.  Saunders 
was  a  man  of  unswerving  integrity  and  fidelity  to  duty,  which  characteristics  he 
displayed  as  a  soldier,  as  a  citizen,  as  a  husband  and  as  a  father.  He  was 
aways  a  kind  and  considerate  friend  and  neighbor.  He  led  a  strenuous  life 
which  brought  him  prosperity  and  which  was  useful  in  the  advancement  of  his 
section. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Saunders  became  the  parents  of  ten  children :  George  D.,  of 
Rockford,  Washington  :  W.  A.,  of  Los  Angeles,  California  :  Grant,  of  Douglas 
township,  Boone  county;  Ivan,  of  Luther;  Lucy  A.,  the  wife  of  Alvin  Graves  of 
Des  Moines;  Bessie  Viola,  who  married  French  Luther;  Permelia,  the  wife 
of  W.  H.  Crooks,  who  is  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  work :  Melinda  L.,  the  wife 
of  Irving  M.  L'Hommedieu  of  Boone ;  Emmett,  who  died  in  infancy ;  and 
Commodore  Perry,  who  passed  away  at  the  age  of  eighteen. 

Mr.  Saunders  died  October  16,  1907,  after  having  passed  his  eightieth  birth- 
day. A  large  concourse  of  sorrowing  relatives  and  friends  attended  his  funeral, 
and  many  beautiful  floral  tributes  were  laid  upon  his  casket.  The  services  were 
conducted  by  Rev.  Longbrake,  of  the  LTniversalist  church,  of  which  Mr.  Saunders 


276  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

was  a  member  and  to  which  his  widow  still  belongs.  The  memory  of  Mr. 
Saunders  still  lives  with  all  who  knew  him  and  who  respected  him  for  what  he 
achieved  in  life  and  the  qualities  of  his  character  which  made  possible  his 
success. 


S.  C.  BARRETT. 


For  about  a  quarter  of  a  century  S.  C.  Barrett  has  lived  retired  in  Boone 
after  a  successful  agricultural  career.  He  still  owns  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
of  land  on  sections  9  and  16,  Colfax  township,  deriving  a  gratifying  income  from 
this  source. 

Mr.  Barrett  was  born  in  Jefferson  county,  New  York,  January  8,  1853,  '^  son  of 
Enos  and  Louisa  (Bellinger)  Barrett,  who  came  to  Boone  county  in  1855,  set- 
tling on  a  farm  in  Worth  township  three  miles  south  of  Boone,  this  property  beiog 
now  owned  by  F.  W.  Fitch.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Enos  Barrett  after  years  of  success- 
ful farm  labor  retired  to  Boone  about  twenty  years  ago  and  there  they  resided 
until  their  deaths,  the  father  passing  away  October  11,  1896,  at  the  age  of  eighty- 
four,  and  the  mother  December  22,  1891,  aged  seventy-three.  Enos  Barrett  was 
born  in  Vermont,  and  his  marriage  occurred  in  New  York.  He  was  a  millwright 
by  trade  and  built  mills  in  the  east  and  also  the  first  grist  mill  at  Boone,  the  order 
being  given  by  a  Mr.  Hoover.  He  afterward  gave  his  attention  to  farming  and 
was  successful  along  that  line.  After  taking  up  his  residence  in  Boone  he  served  as 
councilman.  Both  he  and  his  wife  were  members  of  the  Methodist  church,  and 
fraternally  the  former  was  a  Mason.  In  their  family  were  the  following  chil- 
dren:  George  W.,  who  served  for  four  years  in  the  Civil  war;  Isaac  L.,  of  Boone; 
Mrs.  Malinda  E.  Rogers,  a  widow,  who  also  resides  in  this  city ;  John  R.,  of  Ida 
Grove;  a  son  who  died  in  infancy;  Mrs.  Carr,  who  passed  away  in  South  Dakota; 
Ellen  A.,  who  died  in  Boone  in  April,  1909;  Enos,  who  died  when  (|uite  young; 
and  S.  C,  whose  name  heads  this  sketch. 

S.  C.  Barrett  was  reared  and  educated  in  Boone  county,  graduating  from 
the  lioone  high  school  under  Principal  N.  E.  Goldthwaite.  He  was  married  in 
1877  and  subsequently  located  on  a  farm  in  Worth  township  but  four  years  later 
purchased  land  in  Colfax  township,  near  Luther,  where  he  remained  for  some 
time.  In  1902  he  acquired  title  to  a  farm  which  he  still  owns  and  which  is  easily 
worth  two  hundred  to  two  hundred  and  twenty-five  dollars  an  acre.  He  brought 
his  fields  to  a  high  state  of  productivity  and  erected  a  number  of  substantial 
buildings,  improving  his  property  in  many  ways,  so  that  it  is  now  one  of  the 
most  valuable  in  that  neighborhood.  Land  prices  now  being  about  two  hundred 
dollars  per  acre,  it  is  interesting  to  note  that  Mr.  Barrett  acquired  his  first  acreage 
at  the  rate  of  about  fourteen  dollars  per  acre. 

In  1877  S.  C.  Barrett  married  Miss  Mary  E.  Boyd,  who  was  born  April  24, 
1857,  in  Clinton  county,  Iowa,  near  Lyons,  and  is  a  daughter  of  James  and  Mary 
(Sloan)  Boyd,  who  removed  to  Boone  county  in  1869,  locating  in  Colfax  town- 
ship, where  the  father  purchased  one  thousand  acres  of  land,  paying  between 
seven  and  ten  dollars  per  acre.  This  is  now  worth  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars 
per  acre,  the  extraordinary  advance  in  price  being  evidence  of  the  progress  which 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  277 

has  been  made  in  this  part  of  the  state.  Byron  Boyd,  a  brother  of  Mrs.  Barrett, 
now  lives  in  the  old  Boyd  home,  and  two  other  brothers,  George  and  John,  also 
reside  in  Colfax  township.  Marion  Boyd,  another  member  of  the  family,  died 
on  the  home  farm,  leaving  a  widow. 

S.  C.  Barrett  is  a  republican  and  has  always  been  loyal  to  the  principles  of 
his  party.  He  served  as  constable  in  Colfax  township  in  1892  and  1893  and  for 
about  ten  years  was  a  justice  of  the  peace  in  Boone  county,  part  of  the  time  in 
Colfax  township  and  part  in  Boone.  Fraternally  he  is  a  charter  member  of  Boone 
Lodge,  No.  492,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  Mrs.  Barrett  belonging  to  the  Rebekah  degree.  Both 
have  contributed  to  the  advancement  of  the  city  and  county,  being  ranked  among 
the  most  esteemed  and  respected  residents  of  Boone,  where  they  have  many 
friends. 


CHRIS  E.  CHRISTENSEN. 

Chris  E.  Christensen,  who  owns  a  valuable  farm  of  ninety-four  acres  on  sec- 
tion 12,  Beaver  township,  is  a  native  of  Denmark,  that  little  kingdom  of  north- 
ern Europe  which  is  so  justly  famous  for  its  farm  achievements,  and  it  seems 
that  he  has  brought  with  him  a  goodly  amount  of  that  agricultural  talent  which 
is  conceded  to  be  a  gift  of  his  race.  He  was  born  in  March,  1878,  and  is  a  son  of 
Enevold  and  Carrie  (Jensen)  Christensen,  Danish  people.  The  father  followed 
agriculture  in  his  native  land  and  there  farmed  until  he  passed  away  m  1885.    The 

mother  died  in  1890.  •      >    •      u- 

Chris  E.  Christensen  enjoyed  the  educational  advantages  provided  in  his 
native  land  and  there  for  a  time  worked  as  bookkeeper  for  a  creamery  company. 
He  held  this  position  in  Denmark  for  three  years,  learning  valuable  business 
methods  and  becoming  acquainted  with  the  industry  which  is  the  greatest  of  that 
country  In  1904  Mr.  Christensen  emigrated  to  America  and  located  m  Wiscon- 
sin there  remaining  for  three  months.  He  then  went  to  Winnebago  county, 
Iowa  for  a  short  time  and  subsequently  to  Missouri,  where  for  five  months  he 
hired  out  as  a  farm  hand.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  made  his  entrance  into 
Boone  county,  continuing  in  the  same  occupation  for  six  months.  Being  m- 
dustrious  and  thrifty,  he  had  bv  that  time  acquired  the  means  which  enabled  him 
to  rent  a  farm  in  Marcy  township  which  he  operated  for  six  years.  He  then 
bought  ninety-four  acres  on  section  12,  Beaver  township,  and  he  has  improved 
this  tract  to  such  an  extent  that  it  is  now  considered  one  of  the  most  valuable 
properties  of  his  district.  Mr.  Christensen  is  thoroughly  imbued  with  modem 
ideas  regarding  farming  and  is  ever  ready  to  adopt  new  methods  in  order  to 
increase  the  yield  of  his  acres  and  to  raise  the  standard  of  his  output. 

On  March  i,  191 1.  Chris  E.  Christensen  married  Ellen  G.  Rockwell,  daughter 
of  James  L.  and  Marv  E.  (Tattersall)  Rockwell,  natives  of  New  York.  The 
father  followed  the  blacksmith's  trade  and  worked  in  Minnesota  until  the  Civil 
war  broke  out,  when  he  enlisted  for  one  year's  service  with  a  Minnesota  regi- 
ment He  was  sent  home  at  the  end  of  that  time  with  an  honorable  discharge 
which  was  given  him  on  account  of  disability.  He  now  makes  his  home  with  his 
children.     His  wife  died  in  June,  1880. 


278  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Christensen  have  a  son,  Paul  R.,  two  years  of  age.  Mr. 
Christensen  is  a  stockholder  in  the  Independent  Harvester  Company  of  Piano, 
Illinois,  and  always  a  leader  in  modern  agricultural  thought.  He  has  done 
much  toward  stimulating  interest  in  his  section  and  has  introduced  standards 
which  have  been  adopted  by  others.  He  is  a  stock-raiser,  giving  particular  atten- 
tion to  cattle,  and  feeds  about  one  car  load  a  year.  He  gives  his  allegiance  to 
the  Methodist  church  and  enjoys  the  high  esteem  of  the  community.  Mr.  Christ- 
ensen is  a  patriotic  and  public-spirited  man,  although  he  is  not  politically  active. 
He  has  thoroughly  conformed  himself  to  American  ideas  and  combines  the 
thorough  knowledge  which  he  acquired  in  his  native  country  with  the  aggressive 
spirit  of  the  successful  American  business  man. 


BENJAMIN   WILLIAMS. 

One  of  the  earliest  pioneers  of  Douglas  township  and  one  to  whose  memory 
high  honor  is  still  paid  by  all  who  knew  him  was  Benjamin  Williams,  who 
located  at  Elk  Rapids  in  the  spring  of  1S47.  He  was  a  frontiersman  of  the 
sturdy  type  who  unflinchingly  took  upon  his  shoulders  the  hardest  work  and  who 
carried  to  success  all  undertakings  which  he  began.  He  was  one  of  the  trail 
blazers  for  the  civilization  that  came  in  his  wake  and  that  made  Iowa  the 
prosperous  state  which  it  is  today — the  civilization  that  brought  comfort,  educa- 
tion and  untold  opportunities  to  those  who  came  after  the  pioneer  era.  As 
regards  the  early  history  of  Boone  county,  a  niche  of  honor  has  to  be  con- 
ceded to  Benjamin  Williams. 

Mr.  Williams  was  born  in  Preble  county,  Ohio,  in  1817  and  while  yet  a 
small  boy  moved  overland  with  his  parents  to  Putnam  county,  Indiana,  which 
remained  his  home  until  his  early  manhood.  There  he  married  Elsa  Ann  Strong, 
the  young  couple  afterward  removing  to  Illinois.  In  the  fall  of  1846  he  came 
by  the  overland  route  to  Iowa  and  in  the  spring  of  1847  located  at  Elk  Rapids, 
Douglas  township.  His  wife  died  not  long  afterward,  having  borne  him  six 
children:  Mrs.  Sarah  Risler,  deceased;  John,  deceased:  Spencer,  a  Union  sol- 
dier who  died  during  the  great  conflict  between  the  North  and  the  South ;  Mar- 
garet, of  Colorado;  Henry,  deceased;  and  Isaac,  also  residing  in  Colorado. 
Subsequently  Mr.  Williams  returned  to  Indiana,  where  he  married  America 
Mcintosh,  who  died  after  four  years  of  wedded  life,  at  Elk  Rapids,  Iowa,  leav- 
ing three  children :  Mrs.  Mary  Westbrook,  of  Terre  Haute,  Indiana  :  Joseph, 
deceased;  and  George,  of  Colorado.  On  September  13,  1857,  Mr.  Williams  con- 
tracted another  union,  marrying  in  Worth  township.  Boone  county,  Mrs.  Eliza- 
bel:h  Goodrich,  who  was  born  in  Putnam  county,  Indiana,  August  10,  1832. 
There  she  grew  to  womanhood.  Her  first  husband  was  Perry  Goodrich,  who  was 
bom  in  Vigo  county,  Indiana,  and  died  near  Bowling  Green,  that  state,  at  the 
early  age  of  thirty-three  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Goodrich  had  three  children. 
Daniel  B.  resides  in  Terre  Haute,  Indiana.  Mrs.  Julia  Harvey,  born  in  Putnam 
county,  Indiana,  March  20,  1853,  died  in  Boone,  Iowa,  August  22,  1912.  In 
1868  she  married  William  M.  Harvey,  by  whom  she  had  four  children:  Nellie 
E.  Harvey,  of  Boone,  one  of  the  most  successful  teachers  of  this  county ;  Wil- 


an.  AM)   MKS.  BKXJAMIN   WILLIAMS 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  281 

Ham  H.  Harvey,  of  Des  Moines;  Ernest  Harvey,  who  died  Marcii  8,  1897;  and 
Mrs.  Pearl  McNeil,  of  Boone,  Iowa.  Mary,  the  youngest  child  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Goodrich,  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  had  ten  children,  of  whom 
five  died  quite  young.  The  other  five  were :  Hannah,  who  passed  away  at  the 
age  of  fourteen  ;  .Sc|uire  B.,  born  May  13,  i860,  who  died  at  Madrid,  April  14, 
1912;  W.  H.,  who  was  born  March  7,  1863,  and  is  a  successful  live-stock  buyer 
in  Madrid;  Perry  O.,  of  Des  Moines;  and  Mrs.  Alice  A.  Wells,  who  was  bom 
December  i,  1866,  and  died  in  Madrid,  July  19,  1897.  She  married  Charles  E. 
Wells,  October  17,  1884.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wells  had  three  sons:  Emory,  born 
in  February,  1886,  who  was  educated  in  the  Madrid  public  schools  and  then 
served  four  years  in  the  United  States  navy,  now  residing  at  Woodward,  Iowa; 
Vaughn  H.,  born  March  4,  1889,  of  Woodward:  and  Gail,  born  June  25,  1895, 
who  is  attending  school  at  Washington,  D.  C.  For  many  years  these  children 
received  the  loving  care  of  their  grandmother,  Mrs.  Benjamin  Williams,  and 
being  particularly  near  her  heart,  it  is  but  fitting  and  proper  that  their  names 
should  be  embodied  in  this  review. 

When  Mr.  Williams  came  to  Iowa  no  railroads  traversed  the  prairies.  Des 
Moines  was  a  hamlet  of  log  huts,  and  Boone  county  was  a  wilderness.  No 
mill,  no  store,  no  shop,  no  church,  no  .schoolhouse  could  be  found  within  a  hun- 
dred miles.  The  nearest  trading  points  were  Iowa  City  and  Keokuk.  From 
these  facts  it  is  not  difficult  to  deduce  what  obstacles  confronted  the  young 
pioneer  from  Indiana.  That  he  conquered  and  that  he  won  a  livelihood  and 
competence  is  to  be  ascribed  to  his  perseverance,  his  industry  and  his  sturdiness 
of  character.  As  the  years  rolled  by  his  material  resources  increased,  and  his 
thriftiness  bore  fruit.  Moreover,  he  established  himself  in  the  esteem  and 
respect  of  his  fellow  citizens,  who  looked  up  to  him  in  admiration  and  turned  to 
him  for  advice  and  counsel,  .\lthough  he  was  a  forceful  man,  he  was  tender- 
hearted and  ever  ready  to  extend  a  helping  hand  to  those  who  were  struggling 
with  adverse  circumstances  or  who  had  fallen  by  the  wayside.  Mr.  Williams 
was  a  democrat  and  loyal  to  his  political  profession.  He  was  a  member  of  the 
Baptist  church,  to  which  Mrs.  Williams  also  gives  her  adherence.  He  stood 
high  in  his  church  and  his  community  and  by  his  honorable  conduct  refiected 
honor  upon  his  section.  The  betterment  of  individual  and  community  was 
nearest  his  heart,  and  every  act  he  undertdok  he  considered  conscientiously, 
judging  it  from  the  standpoint  in  which  it  would  be  seen  by  his  contemporaries. 
He  was  successful  and  secured  a  competency  because  he  put  his  heart  in  his 
work  and  because  he  followed  honorable  methods.  His  death  was  a  severe  blow 
not  only  to  his  immediate  family  but  to  all  who  knew  him,  and  his  memory  is 
kept  alive  because  of  the  influence  which  his  strong  personality  exerted  upon 
the  growth  of  his  part  of  the  state.  Gathered  to  his  fathers  in  the  flesh,  his 
spirit  lives  in  the  progressive  works  of  the  present  generation,  the  accomplish- 
ment of  which  was  made  possible  by  his  pioneer  labors. 

Mrs.  Williams  is  passing  her  declining  years  in  a  handsome  home  in  Madrid. 
"Aunt  Betty,"  as  she  is  familiarly  called,  is  a  favorite  with  all  and  a  welcome 
visitor  to  all  the  homes  of  the  community.  She  has  the  brave  spirit  of  her 
famous  ancestor,  Daniel  Boone,  her  maiden  name  being  Boone  and  she  being  a 
direct  descendant  of  the  great  pioneer,  and  this  courage  has  enabled  her  to 
worthily  perform  the  duties  that  have  fallen  to  her  lot  in  a  long  life  filled  with 


282  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

helpful  activity.  The  respect  and  tenderness  shown  her  by  friends  and  relatives 
are  hers  by  right,  and  it  can  be  truthfully  said  that  by  her  sunny  disposition 
she  has  dispelled  more  gathering  clouds  than  any  other  individual  in  the 
community. 


EMMET  R.  GONDER. 


Emmet  R.  Gonder,  engaged  in  general  farming  on  section  19,  Beaver  town- 
ship, has  charge  of  the  old  homestead  of  the  Gonder  family  and  also  cultivates 
an  adjoining  forty  acres  which  he  owns.  He  is  yet  a  young  man  and  has  already 
achieved  success  that  many  might  well  envy.  He  is  busily  employed  in  operating 
two  hundred  and  ten  acres  of  rich  and  productive  land,  and  the  results  obtained 
are  gratifying. 

In  May,  1881,  in  Illinois,  occurred  the  i)irth  of  Emmet  R.  Gonder,  his  parents 
being  William  and  Ellen  Jane  ( Shaw )  Gonder,  who  were  natives  of  Ohio.  The 
father  came  to  Illinois  at  an  early  day  and  in  connection  with  farming  engaged 
in  teaching  school.  His  time  was  thus  spent  until  1884.  when  he  removed  to 
Boone  county  and  purchased  a  tract  of  land  in  Beaver  township,  which  he 
developed  and  improved,  making  his  home  thereon  until  1912.  He  then  retired 
from  active  farm  life  and  removed  to  Grand  Junction,  where  he  and  his  wife 
now  reside.  He  long  occupied  a  creditable  place  in  agricultural  circles  of  this 
county  and  is  today  classed  among  the  worthy  and  representative  citizens  of 
Grand  Junction. 

Emmet  R.  Gonder  was  about  two  years  of  age  when  his  parents  came  to 
Iowa,  and  in  consequence  he  attended  the  public  schools  of  Boone  county. 
Advanced  educational  opportunities  were  accorded  him,  however,  and  he  spent 
some  time  as  a  student  in  the  State  College  at  Ames,  Iowa,  in  the  Des  Moines 
College.  Des  Moines,  and  in  the  Capital  City  Commercial  College  of  Des  Moines. 
He  then  took  up  the  profession  of  teaching,  which  he  followed  for  three  years, 
having  charge  of  the  commercial  department  of  the  Iowa  Business  College  at 
Des  Moines.  He  afterward  accepted  a  position  with  the  Goldman-Cobacker 
Company,  clothing  merchants,  being  in  charge  of  the  credit  department  for  three 
years.  Because  of  failing  health  he  returned  to  the  farm,  of  which  he  took 
charge,  and  he  has  since  conducted  and  operated  it  in  addition  to  forty  acres 
of  his  own,  which  adjoins  this  place,  on  section  19,  Beaver  township.  He  is 
energetic,  industrious,  alert  and  enterprising  and  carries  forward  to  successful 
completion  whatever  he  undertakes.  The  farm  is  well  improved,  and  in  addi- 
tion to  cultivating  the  fields  he  makes  a  specialty  of  the  raising  of  pure-blooded 
Duroc  Jersey  hogs.  He  is  also  a  stockholder  in  the  Beaver  Cooperative  Com- 
pany of  Beaver,  Iowa,  and  is  interested  in  a  threshing  outfit.  The  farm  which 
he  controls  comprises  two  hundred  and  ten  acres,  and  he  is  leading  a  busy,  useful 
and  active  life. 

On  the  30th  of  December,  191 1,  Mr.  Gonder  was  married  to  Miss  Josephine 
A.  Treloar,  a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Margaret  (Kendall)  Treloar,  the  former 
a  native  of  Wisconsin  and  the  latter  of  Des  Moines.  The  father  was  a  Baptist 
minister  and  at  an  early  day  in  the  development  of  Boone  county  took  up  his 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  283 

abode  within  its  borders  and  here  engaged  in  preaching  for  three  years.  He 
is  now  living  in  Houston,  Texas,  and  is  still  actively  engaged  in  the  work 
of  the  ministry.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gonder  have  one  child,  Mildred  Alice,  who  is 
a  year  old.  The  parents  hold  membership  in  the  Baptist  church,  and  Mr.  Gonder 
gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  progressive  party.  He  is  serving  for  the 
second  year  as  township  clerk,  but  has  never  been  ambitious  in  the  line  of  office 
holding,  preferring  to  concentrate  his  energies  upon  his  business  affairs,  which, 
capably  managed,  have  brought  to  him  a  substantial  measure  of  success. 


GEORGE  BRUNTON. 


The  name  of  Brunton  has  long  been  a  synonym  for  business  activity  and  for 
individual  honor  in  Boone.  George  Brunton  was  born  in  this  city,  August  7, 
1882,  a  son  of  Robert  D.  and  Mary  (Marshall)  Brunton,  of  whom  mention  is 
made  on  another  page  of  this  volume.  Spending  his  youthful  days  under  the 
parental  roof,  the  son  attended  the  public  and  high  schools  and  in  1899  made  his 
initial  step  in  the  business  world  in  connection  with  journalism.  He  secured  a 
position  as  reporter  on  the  Daily  New's,  which  paper  afterward  purchased  the 
Evening  Republican.  The  two  were  consolidated  under  the  name  of  the  News 
Republican,  which  has  been  most  liberally  patronized.  Entering  the  office  in  a 
humble  capacity,  George  Brunton  has  steadily  worked  his  way  upward  until  he 
is  now  manager  of  the  paper  and  handles  practically  all  of  the  business  connected 
with  its  management  and  publication  as  well  as  its  advertising.  In  fact,  he  looks 
after  the  many  divisions  and  details  of  the  work  and  in  its  control  displays  sound 
judgment  and  enterprise.  When  first  he  entered  the  newspaper  business  he  was 
the  one  especially  recommended  by  the  superintendent  of  schools  as  ready  to 
occupy  a  business  position,  and  he  has  proven  worthy  of  the  good  words  which 
were  then  spoken  of  him.  He  keeps  in  touch  with  the  advancement  that  char- 
acterizes modern  journalism,  and  during  the  state  Grand  Army  encampment  he 
alone  reported  the  entire  affair,  his  account  thereof  being  creditable  to  himself 
as  a  journalist  and  highly  pleasing  to  the  blue  clad  veterans. 

Mr.  Brunton  is  well  known  socially  and  fraternally.  He  is  a  life  member 
of  the  Eks  lodge,  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  No.  324,  and  of  the  Poca- 
hontas Lodge,  I.  O.  R.  M.  His  name  is  also  on  the  membership  roll  of  the  Coun- 
try Club,  and  he  is  serving  as  one  of  its  directors.  He  is  likewise  a  member  of 
the  board  of  directors  of  the  Boone  Commercial  Association  and  is  chairman 
of  its  publicity  committee.  Mr.  Brunton  is  also  a  director  of  the  Boone  Chau- 
tauqua Association.  His  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  republican  party,  and 
his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  F'resbyterian  church.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the 
Methodist  Brotherhood.  His  interest  in  moral  progress  is  deep  and  his  labors 
along  that  line  effective.  He  has  always  been  fond  of  clean  sport  and  is  inter- 
ested in  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  He  is  known  throughout  Boone 
as  the  school  boy's  friend,  always  standing  up  for  the  unfortunate  erring  boys 
and  assisting  them  to  obtain  an  education  and  gain  a  start  in  the  world.  He 
believes  that  many  youthful  misdemeanors  are  due  to  environment  or  thoughtless- 
ness and  that  every  boy  should  be  given  his  chance  to  prove  the  character  that  is 


284  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

within  him  and  that  may  be  developed.  The  general  opinion  of  Mr.  Brunton 
can  best  be  expressed  in  the  words  of  a  prominent  business  man  of  Boone,  who 
said :  "Whatever  George  says  he  will  do  he  does  and  does  exceedingly  well."  He 
is  an  expert  with  the  kodak  and  has  a  most  attractive  collection  of  pictures 
taken  on  his  travels.  Not  to  know  George  Brunton  in  Boone  is  to  argue  oneself 
unknown.  He  is  entirely  free  from  ostentation  or  display,  but  it  is  not  the 
distinctive  and  specific  office  of  biography  to  give  voice  to  a  man's  modest  esti- 
mate of  himself  and  his  accomplishments,  but  rather  to  leave  the  perpetual  record 
establishing  his  position  by  the  consensus  of  public  opinion  and,  judged  in  this 
way,  George'  Brunton  may  well  be  termed  one  of  the  foremost  men  of  Boone  and 
there  are,  indeed,  few  if  any  who  are  better  liked  by  colleagues  and  contemporaries. 


WILLIAM  R.  DYER. 


William  R.  Dyer,  who  was  identified  with  agricultural  pursuits  in  Boone 
county  throughout  his  active  business  career,  has  lived  retired  in  Boone  since 
1901  and  is  widely  recognized  as  an  esteemed  and  representative  citizen  of  the 
community.  His  birth  occurred  in  Coles  county,  Illinois,  on  the  5th  of  December, 
1844,  his  parents  being  William  and  Elizabeth  (Cartwright)  Dyer,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  Indiana.  They  came  to  Boone  county,  this  state,  in 
November,  1853,  locating  in  Worth  township,  where  the  father  devoted  his 
attention  to  farming.  He  died  in  Boone  on  the  18th  of  December,  1890,  and 
the  community  thus  lost  one  of  its  substantial  and  respected  citizens.  His  wife 
was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  the  year  1897.  They  became  the  parents  of  seven 
children,  as  follows:  Andrew  J.,  who  is  deceased;  William  R.,  of  this  review; 
Sarah,  who  is  the  widow  of  J.  H.  Hoffman  and  resides  in  Boone;  Reddick  J., 
who  has  passed  away ;  Zimri  P.,  living  in  Paskenta,  California ;  John,  of  Worth 
township,  Boone  county ;  and  Clara  E.,  who  is  the  wife  of  John  Jennings,  of 
Oklahoma. 

William  R.  Dyer  was  in  his  eighteenth  year  when  he  enlisted  for  service  in 
the  Civil  war  on  the  nth  of  August,  1862,  as  a  member  of  Company  D,  Thirty- 
second  Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry,  with  which  command  he  remained  for  three 
years  and  twenty-four  days.  He  was  mustered  out  at  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  and 
honorably  discharged  on  the  4th  of  September,  1865,  returning  home  with  a 
most  creditable  military  record.  General  agricultural  pursuits  claimed  his  atten- 
tion throughout  his  entire  business  career  and  he  still  owns  a  valuable  tract  of 
land  comprising  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  this  county.  In  1901  he  put 
aside  the  active  work  of  the  fields  and  purchased  a  residence  in  Boone,  where  he 
has  since  lived  in  honorable  retirement,  spending  the  evening  of  life  in  comfort 
and  ease. 

On  the  i8th  of  February,  i86g.  Mr.  Dyer  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Almina  Doran,  a  native  of  Ohio  and  a  daughter  of  George  and  Lydia  (Steel- 
smith)  Doran,  who  were  born  in  Pennsylvania  and  came  to  Boone  coimty, 
Iowa,  in  the  '50s,  locating  on  a  farm  in  Des  Moines  township.  Both  have 
passed  away.  Their  children  were  six  in  number,  as  follows:  Sarah,  who  is 
deceased ;   Mrs.   Almina   Dyer ;   George,   who   has  also   passed   away ;   Angeline, 


MR.  AND   MRS.   WILLIA.M    R.   DYER 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  287 

who  is  the  wife  of  George  Bennett  and  resides  in  Oregon;  James,  deceased; 
and  Julia,  the  wife  of  George  Millard  of  Des  Moines  township,  this  county. 
George  Doran  was  twice  married,  his  first  union  being  with  Maria  Cobb,  by 
whom  he  had  two  children :  Thomas  B. ;  and  Andrew  J.,  a  resident  of  Prescott, 
Arizona.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dyer  were  born  thirteen  children,  as  follows: 
Arthur  G.,  who  is  a  resident  of  San  Diego,  California;  Doran,  who  died  in 
infancy :  Zimri,  who  has  passed  away ;  Adelbert,  living  in  Prescott,  Arizona ; 
Alta,  at  home ;  Ruth,  a  high-school  principal  in  Scranton,  Iowa ;  Daisy,  who  is 
engaged  in  the  profession  of  teaching ;  Paul,  living  in  Colfax  township,  this 
county ;  Arizona,  the  wife  of  Elmer  Smalley,  of  Jackson  township,  Boone 
county;  George  M.,  deceased;  John,  living  in  Colfax  township,  this  county;  and 
Morton  and  Lydia,  both  of  whom  are  deceased. 

Mr.  Dyer  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  has  been 
chosen  to  serve  in  all  the  township  offices,  his  worth  and  ability  being  uniformly 
recognized.  From  i8So  until  1885  he  did  able  service  as  a  member  of  the  board 
of  supervisors.  He  belongs  to  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  and  was  a 
member  of  the  Soldiers  Relief  Commission.  He  is  also  a  devoted  member  of  the 
Methodist  church.  Mr.  Dyer  has  many  friends  in  the  community  where  he  has 
resided  for  more  than  six  decades,  and  his  excellent  traits  of  character  have 
gained  for  him  the  respect  and  regard  of  his  fellowmen. 


CHARLES  G.  LINDHOLM. 

Charles  G.  Lindholni,  gradually  working  his  way  upward  in  the  business  world, 
was  for  a  time  partner  in  the  Schwene  Hardware  Company  of  Ogden,  which  he 
and  C.  E.  Cook  bought  out  April  i,  1914,  the  firm  now  being  Cook  &  Lindholm. 
Theirs  is  a  large  establishment,  occupying  two  floors  and  basement  of  one  of  the 
leading  business  blocks  of  the  city.  Boone  county  is  indebted  in  considerable 
measure  for  its  upbuilding  and  prosperity  to  its  Swedish  American  citizens,  to 
which  class  belongs  Charles  G.  Lindholm,  who  was  born  in  Sweden,  June  28, 
1868.  He  is  a  son  of  Louis  and  Sophia  (Erickson)  Lindholm,  both  of  whom  were 
natives  of  Sweden.  The  father  was  a  cabinet-maker  by  trade  and  in  early  life 
came  to  America.  He  did  not  tarry  on  the  eastern  coast,  but  made  his  way  at 
once  into  the  interior  of  the  country,  settling  at  Boone  in  the  spring  of  1869. 
There  he  worked  at  his  trade  for  about  a  year,  on  the  expiration  of  which  period 
he  removed  to  Ogden,  where  he  resumed  work  as  a  cabinet-maker,  being  thus 
engaged  throughout  the  remainder  of  his  days.  He  passed  away  in  1878.  His 
widow  survives  and  yet  makes  her  home  in  Ogden. 

It  was  in  the  city  where  he  is  now  located  that  Charles  G.  Lindholm  was 
reared  and  educated,  being  indebted  to  its  public-school  system  for  the  educa- 
tional opportunities  which  he  enjoyed.  When  the  period  of  his  youth  had  passed 
he  entered  a  hardware  store  and  there  learned  the  tinner's  and  plumber's  trades. 
He  worked  in  that  way  for  about  fifteen  years  and  then  purchased  a  third  interest 
in  the  Schwene  Hardware  Company,  his  partners  being  H.  E.  Sanden  and  John 
F.  Schwene.  He  and  C.  E.  Cook  now  own  the  company.  They  have  one  of  the 
large  stores  of  this  kind  in  the  county,  carrying  an  extensive  stock  which  is  dis- 


288  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

played  on  two  floors  and  in  the  basement  of  a  good  business  block  built  in  Ogden. 
Here  can  be  found  everything  in  the  line  of  tinware  and  shelf  and  heavy  hardware 
and  their  sales  reach  a  gratifying  figure  annually. 

In  June,  1898,  Mr.  Lindholm  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Susie  Lindblom, 
a  daughter  of  Louis  and  Martha  (Seestromj  Lindblom,  who  were  natives  of 
Sweden  and  pioneer  settlers  of  Boone  county.  The  father  was  a  hoisting  engi- 
neer during  most  of  his  life  in  the  coal  mines  and  death  called  him  in  1910,  his 
widow  surviving  him  until  191 1.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lindholm  have  been  born 
the  following  children :  Lester,  Fern,  Wendel,  Carl,  Thora,  Rosalie  and  Ethel. 

Mr.  Lindholm  has  served  on  the  school  board,  and  the  cause  of  education  finds 
in  him  a  stalwart  friend.  His  political  indorsement  is  given  to  the  republican 
party  and  wide  reading  keeps  him  in  touch  with  the  advanced  political  thought 
of  the  day.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Masonic  lodge  and  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran 
church,  associations  which  indicate  much  of  the  nature  of  the  interests  which  gov- 
ern his  life  and  control  him  in  his  relations  with  his  fellowmen. 


JUDGE  SAMUEL  McBIRNIE. 

Judge  Samuel  McBirnie,  justice  of  the  peace  at  Boone,  has  occupied  his 
present  official  position  for  fifteen  years  and  throughout  the  entire  period  his 
opinions  have  been  characterized  by  a  fairness  and  impartiality  that  are  seldom 
questioned.  A  native  of  Belfast,  Ireland,  he  was  born  on  the  5th  of  April,  1834, 
but  when  five  years  of  age  was  taken  to  Scotland  by  his  parents,  David  and  Sarah 
McBirnie.  The  father  was  employed  on  the  docks  in  connection  with  outgoing 
vessels.  His  position  did  not  bring  him  any  great  income  and  when  but  eight 
years  of  age  Samuel  McBirnie  went  to  work  in  the  coal  mines  with  his  sister.  He 
continued  in  active  connection  with  that  business  until  1894.  About  1864  he 
crossed  the  Atlantic  to  America  and  subsequently  worked  in  the  mines  in  Penn- 
sylvania, Ohio  and  in  Boone.  After  coming  to  Iowa  he  finally  leased  coal  lands, 
which  he  operated  on  his  own  account  for  a  number  of  years.  He  then  turned 
his  attention  to  the  insurance  business  and  about  the  same  time  was  elected  justice 
of  the  peace,  which  office  he  has  held  for  fifteen  consecutive  years.  Never  have 
any  of  his  decisions  been  reversed,  and  his  impartial  judgments  have  been  the 
secret  of  his  long  continuance  in  the  office. 

Judge  McBirnie  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Marguerite  Miller,  a  native  of 
Scotland,  who  came  to  the  new  world  about  a  year  after  his  arrival.  They  were 
married  near  Dunfermline.  Scotland,  and  to  them  were  born  eleven  children,  of 
whom  only  two  are  living.  William,  who  is  engaged  in  mining;  and  Robert,  who 
is  a  conductor  on  the  Northwestern  Railroad. 

In  his  political  views  Judge  McBirnie  is  a  stalwart  republican  and  keeps  well 
informed  on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day.  He  served  as  a  memlier  of  the 
city  council  from  the  fifth  ward  for  four  years.  He  was  also  townshiii  trustee 
for  six  years  and  was  road  supervisor  for  a  similar  period.  In  the  discharge  of 
his  official  duties  he  has  ever  been  found  prompt  and  faithful  and  the  highest  testi- 
monial of  his  ability  and  loyalty  is  found  in  his  reelections.  More  than  sixty 
years  ago  he  joined  the  Masons  in  Scotland  and  he  now  holds  membership  in 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  289 

Mount  Olive  Lodge,  No.  79,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.  He  also  joined  the  Latter  Day  Saints 
church  in  Scotland,  an  organization  which  has  as  its  motto  "Mind  your  own 
business,"  and  to  this  rule  Judge  McBirnie  has  strictly  adhered.  A  business  man 
of  Uoone  who  has  known  him  for  more  than  thirty  years  says  of  him  :  "He  is 
the  soul  of  honor  and  the  most  truthful  man  in  Boone."  He  has  now  reached 
the  advanced  age  of  eighty  years  and  he  receives  the  veneration  and  respect  which 
should  ever  be  accorded  those  who  have  come  into  the  evening  of  life  and  whose 
past  record  is  one  of  personal  and  public  honor. 


EDGAR  FRIEDLEY. 


For  a  number  of  years  Edgar  Friedley  was  successfully  engaged  in  agricul- 
tural labor  but  since  1908  has  been  located  in  Boone,  where  he  raises  berries  and 
small  nursery  plants  on  a  seven-acre  tract,  also  acting  as  rural  mail  carrier. 

Mr.  Friedley  was  born  in  Dodge  township,  Boone  county.  May  4,  1869,  and 
is  a  son  of  Henry  and  Mary  D.  (Coe)  Friedley,  the  former  born  February  18, 
1834,  in  Clark  county,  Indiana.  When  yet  an  infant  he  accompanied  his  parents 
to  Clay  county,  that  state,  and  at  the  age  of  twelve  was  left  an  orphan.  When 
si.xteen  years  of  age  he  came  to  Boone  county  with  W.  L.  Defore.  He  turned 
his  attention  to  farm  work  and  augmented  his  earnings  by  rail  splitting.  Being 
industrious  and  thrifty,  he  accumulated  the  means  to  purchase  land  and  subse- 
quently engaged  in  farming  independently.  Later  he  was  engaged  in  the  nursery 
business  and  so  continued  until  1903,  «hen  he  retired  and  went  to  Puyallup, 
Washington,  where  he  made  his  home  with  his  son  John  S.  During  the  early 
days  he  served  as  a  frontier  guard  in  the  Indian  troubles.  He  gave  his  allegiance 
to  the  republican  party,  and  his  religious  faith  was  that  of  the  Methodist  church. 
He  died  December  4,  1913.  His  wife,  Mary  D.  Coe,  whom  he  married  on  August 
26,  1858,  was  born  August  20,  1840,  on  a  farm  near  Columbus,  Ohio.  She  came 
to  Boone  county  with  her  parents  in  1856  and  lived  on  the  home  farm  until  her 
marriage.  She  died  on  her  husband's  farm  on  April  11,  1898.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Henry  Friedley  were  the  parents  of  five  children :  John  S.,  who  graduated  from 
Ames  and  Valparaiso  Colleges  and  is  now  living  in  Puyallup,  Washington,  being 
successful  as  a  fruit  farmer ;  Florence  S.,  the  wife  of  John  B.  Condon,  a  retired 
agriculturist  of  Boone  count\' :  Clara,  who  died  in  1893  ■  I^a,  the  wife  of  C.  T. 
Burke,  a  real-estate  dealer  of  Tacoma ;  and  Edgar. 

The  last  named  was  reared  on  his  father's  farm  in  Dodge  township  and 
assisted  in  the  labors  on  the  homestead  until  May  15,  1889,  when  he  married.  He 
then  farmed  independently  and  successfully  followed  agricultural  pursuits  uniil 
the  fall  of  1908,  when  he  sold  his  farm  and  removed  to  Denver,  which  he  made 
his  home  for  nine  months.  At  the  end  of  that  period  he  returned  to  Boone,  which 
is  now  his  home.  From  1889  until  1902  he  farmed  as  renter,  taking  over  in  the 
latter  year  his  father's  farm,  which  he  successfully  cultivated  until  he  disposed 
of  the  same  in  1908.  Upon  his  return  to  Boone  from  the  western  state  he  pur- 
chased a  tract  of  seven  acres  adjoining  the  northern  part  of  the  city,  and  there 
he  raises  berries  and  small  nursery  plants.  He  is  also  acting  as  rural  mail  carrier. 
He  is  well  known  in  Boone  vicinity  and  highly  respected  by  all  who  know  him. 


290  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

On  May  15,  1889,  Edgar  Friedley  married  Miss  Irene  Pollard,  who  was  born 
in  Boone  county  on  November  3,  1868.  Her  parents,  David  and  Felicia 
(Dawkins)  Pollard,  have  both  passed  away.  To  them  were  born  eleven  children, 
five  sons  and  six  daughters,  of  whom  one  daughter  is  deceased.  Nearly  all  the 
members  of  the  family  now  reside  in  Boone.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Friedley  have  three 
children:  Minnie,  born  April  8,  1890,  who  married  in  1908  S.  E.  Bass,  a  farmer 
of  Boone  county;  Henry  A.,  born  June  2^,  1896,  attending  the  high  school  at 
Boone;  and  Sadiebelle,  born  October  10,  1903,  attending  Lowell  school  in  Boone. 
Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Friedley  take  a  laudable  interest  in  the  progress  of  their  com- 
munity and  are  valued  and  much  respected  residents  of  their  township  and 
county. 


JOHN   K.   HAWBAKER. 

General  agricultural  interests  of  Beaver  township  find  a  worthy  representa- 
tive in  John  K.  Hawbaker,  who  is  living  on  section  19.  He  started  out  in  life  as 
a  farm  hand  and  is  today  the  owner  of  an  attractive  and  valuable  place  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty-five  acres,  on  which  are  seen  all  modern  impro\ements  and 
equipments.  Pennsylvania  claims  him  as  a  native  son,  his  birth  having  occurred 
in  that  state,  April  19,  1869.  His  parents  were  David  and  Sarah  (Kokanour) 
Hawbaker,  who  were  natives  of  Pennsylvania  and  in  the  year  1875  removed 
westward  to  Dallas  county,  Iowa,  where  the  father  purchased  forty  acres  of 
land.  Later  he  sold  that  property  anci  bought  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres. 
To  this  he  added  from  time  to  time  as  his  financial  resources  increased  until  he 
was  the  owner  of  two  hundred  and  forty  acres,  which  he  improved  and  upon 
which  he  made  his  home  until  his  death  in  May,  1892.  He  was  then  but  forty- 
four  years  of  age.  His  wife,  however,  had  passed  away  previously,  dying  in  the 
year  1883,  at  the  age  of  thirty-three  years. 

John  K.  Hawbaker  was  a  little  lad  of  about  six  years  when  the  family  arrived 
in  Iowa,  and  in  Dallas  county  he  was  reared  and  educated.  Wl.ile  he  continued 
to  make  his  home  under  the  parental  roof  until  he  could  purchase  a  farm  of  his 
own  he  was  employed  at  farm  labor  between  the  ages  of  fourteen  and  twenty 
years,  and  it  was  his  industry,  close  application  and  determination  in  that  con- 
nection that  brought  to  him  the  capital  that  eventually  enaijled  him  to  purchase 
property.  He  became  the  owner  of  eighty  acres  in  Dallas  county,  developed  and 
improved  it  and  continued  thereon  for  eleven  years.  He  then  sold  that  prop- 
erty and  removed  to  Webster  county,  where  in  \goo  he  purchased  eighty  acres. 
This  he  developed  for  three  years  and  then  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  where 
he  ])urchased  one  hundred  and  twenty-five  acres  on  section  19,  Beaver  township. 
He  set  about  improving  the  property  and  has  since  given  his  time  and  energies 
to  its  further  cultivation,  transfomiing  it  into  one  of  the  best  imi)ro\ed  places  in 
the  countv.  His  farm  forms  a  most  attractive  feature  in  the  landscape.  It  is 
divided  into  fields  of  convenient  size  by  well  kept  fences,  the  buildings  are  always 
in  excellent  re])air  and  the  early  spring  planting  gives  promise  of  abundant  har- 
vests— a  promise  that  is  realized  because  of  the  practical  and  progressive  methods 
which  are  followed. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  291 

On  the  14th  of  February,  1892,  Mr.  Hawbaker  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Carrie  B.  Merical,  a  daughter  of  Henry  S.  and  Mary  (Becker)  Merical, 
who  were  natives  of  Indiana  and  Illinois  respectively.  In  early  life  the  father 
came  with  his  parents  to  Iowa,  being  but  seven  years  of  age  when  they  settled  in 
Dallas  county.  Following  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  he  attempted  to  enlist 
for  service  in  the  Union  army,  but  was  rejected  on  account  of  his  youth.  His 
hope  for  military  service  being  thus  frustrated,  he  turned  his  attention  to  farm- 
ing in  Dallas  county  and  has  since  cultivated  and  improved  his  land,  which  is 
now  very  valuable  and  productive.  He  has  reached  the  age  of  sixty-nine  years, 
while  his  wife  is  sixty-si.x  years  of  age. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hawbaker  have  been  born  four  children :  Lenora  and 
Leona,  twins,  twenty-one  years  of  age,  the  former  now  the  wife  of  Melvin  Blan- 
shan,  a  farmer  of  Greene  county,  Iowa,  while  the  latter  is  the  wife  of  George 
Hoefle,  a  farmer  of  Beaver  township ;  Vern  Ray,  nineteen  years  of  age,  who  is  at 
home;  and  John  Benjamin,  three  years  of  age. 

Mr.  Hawbaker  is  serving  the  second  year  of  a  first  term  as  trustee  of  Beaver 
township,  and  he  gives  his  political  support  to  the  democratic  party.  He  belongs 
to  the  Baptist  church  and  to  the  Modern  Woodmen  camp.  He  neglects  none  of 
his  duties  in  any  of  these  particulars  and  at  the  same  time  remains  an  active^ 
energetic  and  successful  business  man.  He  now  feeds  a  load  of  cattle  every 
year,  and  his  live-stock  interests  are  an  important  feature  of  his  business.  In 
addition  to  his  farm  in  Boone  county  he  .owns  seventy  acres  just  across  the  road 
in  Greene  county  and  is  a  stockholder  and  director  in  the  Beaver  Cooperative 
Company  of  Beaver  and  a  stockholder  in  the  Farmers  Savings  Bank  of  Berkley. 
What  he  undertakes  he  carries  forward  to  successful  completion,  finding  that 
there  are  no  difficulties  and  obstacles  which  cannot  be  overcome  by  persistent, 
earnest  effort. 


FRED  M.  PAYNE. 


Fred  M.  Payne  is  engaged  in  the  livery  business  at  Boone,  a  member  of  the 
firm  of  Payne  P)rotliers.  He  was  born  in  this  county  December  17,  1S70,  and  is 
a  son  of  Samuel  and  Elizabeth  (  Hoyt )  Payne,  the  former  a  native  of  Indiana 
and  the  latter  of  Ohio.  They  came  to  Boone  in  1850,  casting  in  their  lot  with 
pioneer  residents  of  this  part  of  the  state.  In  1900  the  father  built  the  finest 
livery  barn  of  Boone  and  his  sons  became  associated  with  him  in  the  ownership 
and  conduct  of  the  business.  He  died  in  October,  191 3,  and  in  his  death  the 
community  lost  a  representative  and  valued  citizen.  To  him  and  his  wife  were 
born  six  children :  Delia,  now  deceased :  Fred  M. ;  Frank,  a  stockman  living  in 
South  Dakota;  Horace  C,  who  is  in  partnership  with  his  brother  Fred;  Grace; 
and  Howard,  who  is  associated  in  l:)usiness  with  his  brother  Frank. 

Fred  M.  Payne  has  spent  his  entire  life  in  this  county  and  is  widely  known. 
In  the  pursuit  of  his  education  he  passed  through  consecutive  grades  in  the 
public  schools  until  he  became  a  high-school  student.  He  was  afterward  engaged 
in  mercantile  lines  with  his  father  and  eventually  became  a  partner  of  his  father 
and  brother  in  the  livery  business,  with  which  he  is  now  connected.    They  have  a 


292  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

splendidly  equipped  barn,  own  a  number  of  horses  of  good  stock  and  a  full  line 
of  modern  vehicles.  Their  patronage  is  extensive  because  their  business  methods 
are  honorable  and  because  they  ever  earnestly  desire  to  please  their  patrons. 

Mr.  Payne  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Lytha  Hauser,  a  native  of  Boone, 
on  the  loth  of  May.  1895.  Theirs  is  a  hospitable  home,  whose  good  cheer  is 
enjoyed  by  their  many  friends.  "Sir.  Payne  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the 
democratic  party,  but  does  not  seek  nor  desire  office,  preferring  alwavs  to  con- 
centrate his  energies  upon  his  business  aiifairs,  which  are  capably  directed.  He 
is  energetic  and  enterprising  and  as  the  years  go  by  he  is  becoming  more  and 
more  firmly  established  as  a  substantial  and  representative  citizen  of  Boone. 


ARTHUR  T.  JOHNSON. 

Arthur  T.  Johnson,  of  Madrid,  has  been  connected  with  the  general  mer- 
chandise and  restaurant  business  but  is  now  mostly  engaged  in  looking  after  his 
extensive  personal  and  business  properties.  Although  quite  a  young  man,  he  has 
already  achieved  reniarkable  success.  He  was  born  in  Madrid,  June  29,  1880, 
and  has  always  been  a  resident  of  that  city.. 

His  parents  were  William  and  Anna  ( Johnson )  Johnson,  natives  of  Sweden, 
the  former  born  June  I,  1839,  and  the  latter  December  12,  1853.  In  August, 
1852,  the  father  came  to  America  and  made  his  home  in  New  York  and  Pennsyl- 
vania for  some  time.  From  the  latter  state  he  made  his  way  westward  to  Illi- 
nois and  when  the  gold  fever  was  at  its  height  made  the  overland  journey  to 
California  in  1859  with  three  other  young  men.  Arriving  in  the  Golden  state, 
he  at  first  rented  land  which  he  later  bought.  In  1870  lie  retraced  his  steps  and 
located  in  Polk  county,  Iowa.  In  1874  he  sold  out  there  and  removed  to  Madrid, 
where  he  successfully  engaged  in  general  merchandising  for  twentv-nine  years. 
Not  only  was  he  one  of  the  most  substantial  citizens  of  the  community  but  also 
one  of  the  most  public-spirited  business  men  always  giving  his  support  to  such 
measures  as  promised  of  Ijenefit  to  the  city.  He  died  in  Madrid,  April  29,  1902. 
His  wife  came  to  America  when  about  twelve  years  old,  in  1865,  her  family  locat- 
ing at  Swede  Point.  Her  parents  were  the  first  passengers  to  arrive  in  Boone 
by  the  way  of  the  Northwestern  Railway.  She  was  married  to  William  Johnson 
in  Boone  county,  July  7.  1871,  and  is  now  residing  with  her  son,  Arthur  T.  The 
old  family  home,  where  the  parents  first  located,  is  still  standing  near  Elk  Rapids. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Johnson  had  nine  children,  of  whom  Arthur  T.  of  this  review  is 
the  only  one  now  surviving. 

Arthur  T.  Johnson  received  excellent  educational  advantages,  graduating 
from  the  Madrid  high  school  with  the  class  of  1898  and  subsequently  attending 
the  Capital  City  Commercial  College  of  Des  Moines.  He  then  engaged  in  gen- 
eral merchandising  in  Madrid,  which  city  has  been  his  home  continuously  with 
the  exception  of  three  years,  during  which  he  homesteaded  in  South  Dakota. 
After  giving  up  his  general  store  he  conducted  a  restaurant  in  Madrid  until 
January  10,  1914.  when  he  disposed  of  the  establishment.  He  is  now  devoting 
his  time  to  his  many  personal  and  business  properties.  He  is  a  thoroughly  up-to- 
date  American  business  man,  shrewd  and  capable,  yet  always  considerate  of  the 


WILLIA.M  .JOHXSOX 


.MKS.   WILLIAM   .lOllXSON 


f — 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  297 

interests  of  others.  He  is  in  sympathy  with  all  movements  undertaken  for  trade 
extension  and  the  upbuilding  of  industries  and  can  always  be  found  in  the 
front  ranks  of  those  men  who  have  at  heart  the  welfare  of  the  community. 

On  August  12,  191 3,  Mr.  Johnson  married  Miss  Hattie  C.  Johnson,  who  was 
born  in  Sweden,  January  30,  1882,  and  in  that  year  she  was  brought  by  her  par- 
ents, Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Johnson,  to  America,  the  family  settling  in  Des  Moines, 
Iowa.  She  attended  the  graded  schools  of  that  city  and  subsequently  the  East 
high  school.  Her  mother  died  in  Des  Moines,  but  her  father  is  now  residing 
in  Madrid.  Of  their  five  children  three  are  living:  Mrs.  Jerda  Davidson,  of 
Canada;  INIrs.  Artliur  T.  Johnson;  and  Hulda,  a  stenographer,  who  is  a  resi- 
dent of  Des  Moines. 

Politically  Mr.  Johnson  is  a  republican,  devoted  to  the  interests  of  his  party. 
He  has  never  cared  to  enter  the  political  arena  but  is  a  loyal  and  patriotic  citizen 
and  in  a  private  way  furthers  many  public  interests.  He  stands  high  in  the 
Masonic  order,  being  a  member  of  Star  Lodge,  No.  115,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of 
Madrid,  the  chapter  and  commandery  of  Boone  and  Za-Ga-Zig  Temple  of  the 
Mystic  Shrine  of  Des  Moines.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows  at  Madrid.  Mr.  Johnson  owns  various  business  properties  and  is 
one  of  Madrid's  substantial  citizens.  By  furthering  his  private  interests  he  has 
become  a  factor  in  the  general  growth  of  the  city.  He  has  many  friends  in 
Madrid  and  is  esteemed  and  respected  by  all  who  know  him  and  most  respected 
by  those  who  know  him  most  intimately  and  are  appreciative  of  his  high  qualities 
of  mind  and  character. 


M.  M.  SHAW,  M.  D. 


Dr.  M.  M.  Shaw  has  been  located  in  Madrid  since  1904  and  is  one  of  the 
successful  ]ihysicians  of  the  city.  His  practice  is  extensive  and  the  confidence 
reposed  in  him  is  well  merited  because  of  his  thorough  knowledge  and  the  par- 
ticular attention  which  he  gives  each  individual  case.  In  a  minor  way  Dr.  Shaw 
also  acts  as  a  surgeon.  He  was  born  in  Monroe,  Jasper  county,  Iowa,  June  17, 
1875,  and  his  grandfather,  Thomas  Lowrey  Shaw,  was  one  of  the  pioneers  of 
that  county.  His  father,  William  Hamilton  Shaw,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania, 
August  16,  1836,  and  came  with  his  parents  to  Jasper  county  in  1867,  the  family 
locating  near  Monroe.  His  wife,  Sarah  E.  McKnight,  was  a  native  of  Marysville, 
Pennsylvania,  boni  September  26,  1841.  She  is  still  residing  in  Monroe.  She 
bore  her  husband  five  children:  Mrs.  Laura  E.  Gloyd,  of  Monroe;  Thomas  G., 
of  Hamburg,  Iowa  :  Lillian,  an  employe  in  the  pension  department  at  Washing- 
ton, D.  C. ;  Dr.  M.  M.,  of  this  review;  and  Arthur,  a  resident  of  Des  Moines. 
Mrs.  Gloyd  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  but  the  four  younger  members  of  the 
family  are  natives  of  Jasper  county,  Iowa. 

In  1881  Dr.  Shaw  moved  with  his  parents  to  Calhoun  county,  Iowa,  locating 
on  a  farm  near  Rockwell  City.  He  received  his  common-school  education  in 
Jasper  and  Calhoun  counties,  subsequently  attending  high  school.  He  completed 
two  years'  collegiate  work  at  Tarkio  College  of  Tarkio,  Missouri,  and  studied 
medicine  for  four  years  at  Drake  L^niversity  in  Des  Moines,  graduating  in  1904. 

Tol.    11—14 


298  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Locating  in  Madrid,  he  lias  since  been  very  successful,  having  a  large  town 
and  country  practice.  He  has  remained  a  student  and  keeps  well  informed  in 
regard  to  the  latest  discoveries  and  methods  which  constantly  come  to  the  fore  in 
this  country  and  Europe.  He  is  most  careful  in  diagnosis,  but  after  mapping  out 
the  treatment  applicable  to  each  case  is  exacting  and  decisive,  instilling  conti- 
dence  in  those  who  come  under  his  care.  In  fact,  his  personality  is  an  important 
part  of  his  success,  for  he  combines  strength  with  kindness. 

On  the  22d  of  February,  1910,  Dr.  Shaw  married  Miss  Lois  E.  Stover,  who 
was  bom  in  Cass  township,  Boone  county,  February  14,  1882,  and  was  gradu- 
ated from  the  Madrid  high  school,  growing  to  womanhood  in  that  city.  She  is 
a  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Mary  M.  (Messmore)  Stover,  of  whom  extended  men- 
tion is  made  elsewhere  in  this  work.  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Shaw  have  two  children: 
Eldon,  born  March  26,  191 1  ;  and  Margaret,  born  October  14,  1912. 

Politically  the  Doctor  is  a  republican  and  has  always  been  interested  in  the 
success  of  his  party.  He  has  been  health  officer  of  Madrid  and  during  his  term 
greatly  improved  the  efficiency  of  his  department.  Mrs.  Shaw  is  a  member  of 
the  Christian  church  and  he  belongs  to  the  United  Presbyterian  organization.  He 
is  a  member  of  Star  Lodge,  No.  115,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  also  holds  membership 
in  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  owns  some  property  in  Madrid,  but  gives  prac- 
tically his  entire  attention  to  his  professional  interests.  He  is  ever  ready  to  hold 
out  a  helping  hand  to  those  afflicted  and  in  the  execution  of  his  medical  work  is 
swayed  by  his  kindly  and  humane  nature. 


W.  D.  JOHNSON. 


The  history  of  the  development  of  this  section  of  the  state  would  be  incom- 
plete and  unsatisfactory  were  there  failure  to  make  reference  to  W.  D.  Johnson, 
for  many  years  a  prominent  business  man  and  highly  respected  citizen  of  Boone. 
It  has  been  said  of  him  that  he  lived  a  good  life  and  was  ever  a  friend  to  those  in 
need  or  distress.  He  had  reached  the  age  of  seventy-seven  years  when  called  to 
his  final  rest  on  the  31st  of  October,  1910,  for  his  birth  occurred  in  Tennessee, 
March  15,  1833.  The  period  of  his  boyhood  and  youth  was  largely  passed  near 
Chandlerville,  Illinois,  he  being  about  a  year  old  when  his  parents  established 
their  home  in  that  locality.  In  his  boyhood  he  attended  the  public  schools,  which, 
however,  were  of  rather  a  rudimentary  character.  His  parents,  John  and  Rosa 
(Adkins)  Johnson,  were  botli  natives  of  Tennessee,  where  the  father  followed 
fanning  until  1833,  when  he  took  his  family  to  Illinois.  The  district  in  which  he 
settled  was  a  frontier  region  and  in  his  young  manhood  he  was  noted  as  a  hunter 
and  trapper,  his  adventurous  and  tireless  spirit  finding  vent  in  pursuit  of  the 
abundant  game  then  found  in  all  the  states  bordering  the  Mississippi.  The  usual 
experiences  of  frontier  life  fell  to  him  and  to  his  family,  w^hich  numbered  four- 
teen children,  seven  sons  and  seven  daughters. 

W.  D.  Johnson  was  the  eldest  son  and  third  child  and  much  of  the  farm 
work  devolved  upon  him  up  to  the  time  when  he  reached  the  age  of  seventeen 
years.  He  then  left  home  to  make  his  own  way  in  the  world.  It  was  in  1854  that 
he  started  from  St.  Joseph,  Missouri,  to  Salt  Lake  City  to  assist  in  driving  a 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  299 

flock  of  sheep  and  was  away  from  home  on  that  trip  until  the  spring  of  1856. 
There  were  many  hardships  and  difficulties  to  be  encountered,  for  on  the  entire 
trip  there  was  no  one  to  be  seen,  save  as  they  occasionally  met  a  government 
wagon  train  or  gold  seeker's  outfit.  In  1859  Mr.  Johnson  again  started  for  the 
west,  this  time  with  a  train  of  wagons  drawn  by  oxen,  their  destination  being  the 
mining  regions  of  Pike's  Peak.  Again  Mr.  Johnson  penetrated  into  the  western 
wilderness,  when,  in  i860,  he  had  charge  of  a  train  of  five  hundred  wagons  with 
fifteen  hundred  people  in  the  party.  With  that  caravan  the  long  and  tiresome 
journey  to  Oregon  was  accomplished  and  en  route  they  had  several  encounters 
with  the  Indians.  In  crossing  the  Wind  River  mountains  a  party  of  Sioux  In- 
dians attacked  the  train  and  an  engagement  followed  which  continued  for  twenty- 
four  hours.  A  great  deal  of  stock  belonging  to  the  wagon  train  was  run  off  by 
the  Indians,  who  drove  the  cattle  to  a  flat-topped  mountain  nearby,  and  as  there 
was  an  urgent  need  of  recovering  the  property,  Mr.  Johnson  called  for  volunteers 
to  aid  him  in  making  the  attempt.  Only  thirty-six  men  responded  to  the  call  and 
when,  at  length,  the  mountain  was  reached  and  they  saw  the  Indians,  all  but  one 
of  the  men  deserted  Mr.  Johnson  and  fled.  Of  course,  under  the  circumstances, 
there  was  nothing  to  do  but  to  join  in  the  retreat.  Two  other  Indian  attacks  oc- 
curred before  the  five  months'  journey  was  completed,  but  at  length  they  reached 
their  destination  with  the  loss  of  only  four  men. 

Mr.  Johnson  passed  the  winter  of  i860  in  Oregon  and  the  following  spring 
made  his  way  to  the  mining  regions  around  Placerville,  Washington,  where  he 
worked  with  varying  success  for  about  six  years.  In  1866  he  again  went  to 
Illinois  and  not  long  after  began  buying  cattle  in  southwestern  Missouri,  which 
he  drove  to  the  Illinois  markets.  The  business  proved  profitable,  and  he  continued 
therein  for  a  number  of  years.  In  1871  he  went  to  Texas,  where  he  engaged 
in  buying  and  selling  cattle  in  partnership  with  W.  B.  Warsham  of  Hen- 
rietta, Texas,  making  his  home  in  Cooke  county.  In  the  years  following 
he  extended  his  operations  through  a  number  of  counties  until  1881,  when  he 
removed  to  Hale  county  and  there,  in  partnership  with  J.  M.  Morrison,  pur- 
chased a  ranch  of  eighty-seven  thousand  acres,  stocked  with  a  herd  of  three 
thousand  cattle.  In  1883  they  exchanged  half  of  the  land  with  C.  C.  Slaughter 
in  return  for  ten  thousand  head  of  cattle,  and  in  1890  they  sold  the  remainder 
of  their  land  to  Mr.  Slaughter.  Mr.  Johnson  then  took  his  share  of  cattle 
and  drove  them  to  Swisher  and  Castro  counties,  where  he  had  about  five  thous- 
and head  upon  the  range  until  the  year  1900.  He  then  disposed  of  both  his 
land  and  cattle  in  Texas  and  came  to  Boone  county  to  live  with  his  daughter- 
in-law,  Mrs.  Mary  E.  Johnson.  In  the  meantime,  or  in  1882,  he  had  become 
financially  interested  in  the  Logan  &  Canfield  coal  mining  business  and  from  that 
time  until  his  death  he  was  president  of  the  W.  D.  Johnson  &  Company  Coal 
Company.  He  was  also  connected  with  other  important  business  enterprises  of 
Boone,  including  the  Boone  Brick  Tile  &  Paving  Company,  the  Boone  National 
Bank  and  the  Security  Savings  Bank.  He  was  a  man  of  sound  judgment  and 
unfaltering  energj',  carrying  forward  to  successful  completion  whatever  he 
undertook. 

Mr.  Johnson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Eliza  A.  Warsham,  a  native  of 
Missouri,  who  died  in   1875,  leaving  a  son,  Ira  D.  Johnson,  who  married  and 


300  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

removed  to  Boone.    There  he  passed  away  in  1898,  leaving  two  children,  William 
D.  and  Lucile. 

The  death  of  W.  D.  Johnson  occurred,  as  previously  stated,  in  1910  and  was 
a  matter  of  deep  regret  to  all  who  knew  him.  One  of  the  local  papers  said: 
"In  disposition  Mr.  Johnson  was  firm  but  kind.  With  relatives  and  members 
of  his  home  he  was  generous,  amiable,  never  speaking  a  word  to  wound  the 
feelings  of  his  intimates.  To  every  relative  and  personal  friend  he  was  generous 
to  a  fault.  To  the  idle  and  vagrant  he  gave  no  sympathy.  He  was  a  man  of  wise 
public  spirit,  bestowing  his  time  and  wealth  upon  only  the  most  worthy  enter- 
prises. The  unfortunate  and  needy  had  no  better  friend."  No  better  estimate 
of  a  man's  character  can  be  given  than  the  opinion  of  his  fellow  townsmen 
who  have  had  excellent  opportunity  to  judge  him.  Mr.  Johnson  received  and 
merited  the  high  regard  of  those  with  whom  he  came  in  contact,  and  his  many 
good  qualities  were  widely  recognized  and  warmly  commended. 


ROBERT  DOUGLAS  BRUNTON. 

Robert  Douglas  Brunton,  who  passed  away  on  the  26th  of  March,  1906,  was 
a  citizen  who  had  many  warm  personal  friends  in  Boone  and,  therefore,  his 
death  was  the  occasion  of  deep  and  widespread  regret.  His  history  is  that 
of  a  man  who  worked  his  way  upward  by  persistent  purpose  and  honorable 
efifort  until  he  became  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading  representatives  of  the 
coal  industry  in  his  section  of  the  state.  He  was  born  in  Fordle,  Scotland,  on 
the  9th  of  October,  1842,  a  son  of  William  and  Janet  (Douglas)  Brunton,  who 
spent  their  entire  lives  in  the  land  of  hills  and  heather.  In  their  family  were 
four  sons,  two  of  whom  died  in  infancy,  while  two  came  to  the  new  world, 
one  of  them  being  still  living. 

Robert  D.  Brunton  spent  the  period  of  his  minority  in  his  native  land  and 
in  1864  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  America,  making  his  way  to  Hubbard,  Ohio. 
He  afterward  went  to  Pennsylvania  and  was  employed  in  the  coal  mines  of  the 
two  states.  He  later  came  to  Boone,  arriving  in  July,  1875,  from  which  time 
until  his  death  he  was  connected  with  the  coal  industry,  largely  as  superintendent 
of  mines.  During  the  last  six  years  of  his  life  he  was  less  active.  He  was, 
however,  one  of  the  best  known  practical  coal  men  in  this  section  of  the  state, 
becoming  recognized  as  an  expert  in  operating  coal  lands  and  thereby  winning 
most  gratifying  success.  In  business  he  was  honest,  faithful  and  efficient,  and 
he  left  a  comfortable  competence  and  home  to  his  family. 

On  the  2d  of  January,  1865,  Mr.  Brunton  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mary  Marshall,  of  Bedford,  Pennsylvania,  a  daughter  of  Robert  and  .Agnes 
(Gardner)  Marshall.  Her  father  was  also  engaged  as  superintendent  of  mines. 
Following  his  demise  his  widow  married  again.  There  were  seven  children  of  the 
first  marriage  and  four  by  the  second,  of  whom  six  are  yet  living.  To  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Brunton  were  born  ten  children :  William,  who  is  engaged  in  the  insurance 
business  in  West  Boone;  Agnes,  the  wife  of  Reid  Duckworth,  assistant  cashier 
of  the  City  Trust  Savings  Bank  of  Boone ;  Robert,  living  in  California  ;  Joseph, 
of  Boone ;  John,  who  has  departed  this  life ;   George,  who  is  mentioned  else- 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  301 

where  in  this  volume ;  EHzabeth,  a  teacher,  now  living  at  home ;  Alexander, 
of  Colorado ;  James,  of  Boone ;  and  Ruth,  deceased. 

In  his  religious  faith  Mr.  Brunton  was  a  Presbyterian  and  in  his  life  exem- 
plified his  Christian  belief.  He  also  belonged  to  the  Masonic  fraternity,  the 
Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  the  last 
named  attended  his  funeral  in  a  body.  Many  words  of  deep  appreciation  of  his 
character  and  of  his  worth  were  spoken  by  those  who  knew  him.  He  enjoyed 
the  high  regard  of  all  with  whom  he  came  in  contact,  and  his  well  spent  life  not 
only  proved  what  may  be  accomplished  in  a  business  way  but  also  gave  indi- 
cation of  the  fact  that  success  and  an  honored  name  may  be  won  simultaneously. 


E.  B.  CORDELL. 


Modern  business  enterprise  finds  a  capable  exponent  in  E.  B.  Cordell,  who 
is  engaged  in  the  sale  and  manufacture  of  feed  and  cereals  in  Boone,  where  he 
established  his  present  business  in  1910.  This  he  has  since  successfully  con- 
ducted, and  his  enterprising  methods  have  resulted  in  making  it  a  successful 
undertaking.  Mr.  Cordell  was  born  in  Crawford  county,  Ohio,  April  8,  1870,  a 
son  of  J.  L.  and  Agnes  Ellen  (Grubb)  Cordell,  the  former  a  native  of  Virginia 
and  the  latter  of  Pennsylvania.  The  father  made  farming  his  life  occupation  and 
in  the  year  1881,  after  residing  for  a  number  of  years  in  Ohio,  he  journeyed 
westward  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  where  he  secured  a  farm,  cultivating  and 
improving  it  until  his  death,  which  occurred  on  the  31st  of  October,  1913.  He 
was  not  only  an  enterprising  agriculturist  but  was  also  a  citizen  whose  progressive 
spirit  found  expression  in  hearty  aid  of  many  movements  for  the  general  good. 
He  filled  the  office  of  supervisor  and  in  other  ways  was  connected  with  the 
public  welfare.  He  died  October  31,  1913,  having  for  a  little  more  than  a  year 
survived  his  wife,  who  passed  away  on  the  26th  of  September,  1912.  In  their 
family  were  three  children ;  J.  Lavergne,  now  deceased ;  Bertha  D.,  living  in 
Boone ;  and  E.  B. 

The  last  named  was  reared  to  farm  life  and  had  the  usual  experiences  that 
fall  to  the  lot  of  the  boy  who  works  in  the  fields  through  the  summer  months  and 
attends  the  public  schools  in  the  winter  seasons.  He  remained  upon  the  farm 
with  his  father  until  the  time  of  his  marriage  and  then  started  out  independently, 
purchasing  eighty  acres  of  land,  which  he  cultivated  and  improved  for  eight 
years,  bringing  his  fields  under  a  high  state  of  cultivation.  He  then  sold  out  and 
for  eight  years  thereafter  was  a  mail  carrier  in  this  county.  In  1910  he  entered 
commercial  circles  by  establishing  the  cereal  business  in  which  he  is  now  engaged. 
He  is  now  senior  partner  of  the  firm  of  Cordell  &  Slaughter  and  their  business 
is  a  growing  one. 

On  the  2ist  of  February,  1894,  Mr.  Cordell  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Eleanore  Rogers,  a  native  of  Ohio,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  four  children : 
Watha  E.,  who  was  born  September  19,  1895,  and  is  now  attending  business  col- 
lege in  Cedar  Rapids ;  George  Roger,  who  was  born  June  24,  1900,  and  is  at 
home ;  Ivaloo  May,  who  was  born  October  28,  1902 ;  and  Agnes  Eleanore.  on 
the  28th  of  October,  1912. 


302  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Mr.  Cordell  has  a  military  chapter  in  his  life  record,  for  through  eight  years 
he  was  a  member  of  the  Iowa  National  Guard  and  at  the  time  of  the  Spanish- 
American  war  he  volunteered  for  active  service  with  Company  I,  Fifty-second 
Iowa  Infantry,  with  which  he  served  as  quarter  master  sergeant.  He  votes  with 
the  republican  party  and  is  conversant  with  the  vital  political  questions  of  the 
day.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Methodist  church,  to  the  teachings  of 
which  he  is  loyal.  His  has  been  a  busy  and  useful  life  and  energy  and  close 
application  have  been  the  salient  features  in  winning  for  him  the  measure  of 
success  which  he  now  enjoys,  making  him  one  of  the  substantial  residents  of 
Boone. 


GEORGE  W.  CRANK. 


Since  1870  George  W.  Crank  has  been  engaged  in  the  jewelry  business  in 
Madrid  and  is  the  oldest  living  jeweler  in  Boone  county.  He  also  is  an  impor- 
tant manufacturer  in  this  line  and  moreover  is  a  maker  of  high  grade  violins. 
He  is  the  patentee  and  sole  manufacturer  of  Lens  Eye  Pins,  a  violin  device 
which  enables  the  maker  to  see  the  placing  of  the  sound  post  in  the  instrument. 
There  is  a  great  demand  for  this  valuable  invention  in  all  parts  of  the  world 
and  Mr.  Crank  makes  consignments  thereof  to  the  most  distant  places  where 
violin  manufacture  flourishes.  He  also  manufactures  tool  supplies  of  various 
kinds.  In  his  plant  all  kinds  of  metals  are  engraved  and  repair  work  of  the 
most  diversified  character   is  efliciently   done. 

George  W.  Crank  was  born  in  Maysville,  Dekalb  county,  Missouri,  May  5, 
1853.  His  parents  were  Alfred  and  Margaret  (Henson)  Crank,  the  former  a 
native  of  Kentucky  and  the  latter  of  Ohio.  The  former  died  in  Polk  City, 
aged  seventy-three,  and  the  latter  also  passed  away  at  that  place.  Alfred  Crank 
and  his  son  Joseph,  a  brother  of  our  subject,  were  both  Union  soldiers  during 
the  Rebellion.  The  paternal  grandfather  of  George  W.  Crank  was  an  Indian 
fighter  of  some  repute  who  was  with  Boone  in  Kentucky.  Mr.  Crank  is  yet  in 
possession  of  a  bullet  ladle  v\'hich  was  used  by  his  grandfather,  Joseph  Crank, 
while  he  was  fighting  with  Boone.  The  grandparents  were  Kentucky  pioneers. 
The  Historical  Society  of  Madrid  is  indebted  to  Mr.  Crank  for  many  interesting 
relics.  In  1910  he  divided  pieces  of  the  old  Lincoln  flag  pole  among  the 
people,  which  are  treasured  by  them  as  valuable  souvenirs.  This  old  flag  pole, 
one  hundred  feet  high,  was  erected  in  i860  and  known  as  the  Lincoln  flag  pole. 
Fifty  years  afterwards,  or  in  1910.  Mr.  Crank  excavated  the  base  of  it,  which 
was  eight  feet  in  length,  and  cutting  it  into  small  pieces,  carefully  labeled  each 
one.  Many  portions  were  divided  among  Madrid  people  and  a  large  piece  of  the 
historic  wood  can  be  seen  at  the  Madrid  Historical  Society's  museum  at  Madrid. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alfred  Crank  had  the  following  children :  Mrs.  Catharine 
Thompson,  deceased,  who  was  born  in  Ohio ;  Joseph,  above  mentioned  as  a 
Civil  war  veteran,  born  in  Missouri,  who  died  in  Arkansas ;  Mrs.  Maria  Thomp- 
son, deceased :  John  William,  who  died  at  the  age  of  five  months ;  George  W.,  of 
this  review ;  and  Floyd  M.,  of  Muskogee,  Oklahoma.     The  male  members  of 


MR.  AND  :\1RS.  GEORGE  W.  CRANK 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  305 

the  family  were  for  generations  cabinet-makers  by  profession,  and  they  made 
the  spinning  wheels  for  the  pioneers  of  this  section. 

George  W.  Crank  came  to  Boone  county  with  his  parents  in  1862,  when  about 
nine  years  of  age,  and  they  located  near  the  High  Bridge  postoffice  at  Swede 
Point.  They  made  their  home  on  a  farm,  but  afterward  the  father  sold  this 
property  and  removed  to  Polk  City.  George  W.  Crank  learned  his  trade  in  Des 
Moines,  Iowa,  and  in  1870  engaged  independently  in  the  jewelry  business  in 
Madrid,  being  today  the  oldest  jeweler  in  Boone  county.  His  education  was 
acquired  in  the  common  and  district  schools,  and  he  was  graduated  from  the 
Polk  City  schools.  Today  Mr.  Crank  owns  one  of  the  most  important  jewelry 
manufacturing  establishments  in  central  Iowa,  which  comprises  the  making  of 
high  grade  violins.  He  is  particularly  interested  in  the  latter  branch  of  his 
business  and  turns  out  an  instrument  which  has  earned  the  highest  praise  of 
most  competent  judges.  He  receives  an  additional  income  as  the  patentee  and 
sole  manufacturer  of  the  Lens  Eye  Pins  above  mentioned.  Mr.  Crank  is  at 
the  head  of  a  business  institution  which  has  been  of  great  value  to  the  growth 
and  development  of  Madrid  and  lioone  county,  and  while  he  has  acquired  a 
private  fortune,  he  has  been  a  great  factor  in  paving  the  way  for  the  progress 
and  the  prosperous  conditions  which  now  prevail  in  his  part  of  the  state. 

In  March,  1873,  Mr.  Crank  married  at  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  Miss  Catherine 
Kirsher,  who  was  born  near  Polk  City,  in  Polk  county,  March  2-j,  1855.  She 
was  a  resident  of  that  county  until  her  marriage  and  there  attended  the  public 
schools.  Her  parents,  Peter  and  Caroline  (Harmon)  Kirsher,  were  pioneers  of 
Polk  county,  having  made  their  way  overland  from  the  east.  Both  father  and 
mother  were  born  in  Germany  and  died  in  Polk  county.  In  the  Kirsher  family 
were  eleven  children:  Joseph,  residing  near  Helena,  Montana;  Caroline,  de- 
ceased ;  Peter,  who  also  makes  his  home  near  Helena :  Anthony,  a  resident  of 
Des  Moines ;  Jacob,  occupying  the  old  home  farm  near  Polk  City ;  Frank,  who 
resides  near  Van  Meter,  Iowa ;  Mrs.  Mary  Pontius,  of  Des  Moines ;  Adam, 
deceased ;  Mrs.  Crank ;  and  Elizabeth  and  Thomas,  residing  on  the  home  farm. 
The  three  eldest  of  these  children  were  born  in  Pennsylvania  and  the  remainder 
in  Polk  county,  where  all  were  reared.  Of  the  eight  children  born  to  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Crank  seven  are  living:  Charles  M.,  born  September  10,  1874,  a  resident 
of  Woodward,  Iowa ;  Mrs.  S.  Elizabeth  Adams,  of  Madrid,  born  March  23, 
1877;  Mary  A.,  born  April  18.  1879.  residing  with  her  parents;  Mrs.  Idaletta 
Grimm,  born  May  20,  1881,  and  residing  at  Woodward;  Ira  D.,  of  Woodward, 
who  was  born  March  18,  1886;  Carrie  A.,  whose  birth  occurred  February  9, 
i8go,  and  who  is  teaching  school  in  Madrid:  and  George  F.,  born  November  12, 
i8<;5,  a  graduate  of  the  Madrid  high  school  with  the  class  of  1914.  Fay  C, 
who  was  born  October  4.  1898,  died  at  the  age  of  three  months.  The  older 
children  were  born  at  Polk  City  and  the  two  younger  ones  in  Madrid.  All  com- 
pleted the  course  of  study  in  the  Madrid  high  school. 

Mr.  Crank  formerly  gave  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  but  for  the 
last  seven  years  has  been  in  accord  with  the  socialist  organizatian.  He  sin- 
cerely believes  in  a  fairer  disvision  of  labor  and  capital  and  is  in  favor  of  a  great 
many  measures  which  will  bring  about  a  faster  development  of  the  human  race 
to  an  ideal  state.  He  served  for  one  term  as  mayor  of  Madrid,  giving  the  city 
a  businesslike  administration  replete  with  valuable  improvements,  and   for  one 


306  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

term  was  a  member  of  the  city  council.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the 
Christian  church.  Since  June  17,  1883,  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows  lodge  of  Madrid,  and  the  high  esteem  in  which  he  is 
held  in  that  organization  is  evident  in  the  fact  that  he  has  occupied  all  of  the 
chairs.  Mr.  Crank  is  a  man  who  is  most  sincerely  interested  in  the  uplift  of 
his  fellow  citizens  and  who  is  ever  ready  to  assist  the  distressed  and  needy. 
Progressive  enterprises  of  a  public  nature  find  in  him  a  warm  champion,  and  he 
leaves  no  stone  unturned  in  his  efforts  to  bring  about  better  living  conditions 
and  a  greater  happiness  to  mankind.  While  he  has  attained  individual  success, 
he  has  been  consiclerate  of  his  neighbors,  friends  and  fellowmen,  and  his  career 
is  not  strewn  with  the  wreck  of  other  fortunes.  He  is  highly  respected  for  what 
he  is  and  for  the  achievements  of  his  mind  and  industry. 


JOHN  WILLIAM  ISAACSON. 

The  attractiveness  of  Boone  county  as  a  place  of  residence  is  indicated  in  the 
fact  that  many  of  her  native  sons  have  remained  within  her  borders,  recognizing 
the  fact  that  the  opportunities  she  offers  them  are  equal  to  those  found  else- 
where in  the  country.  In  fact,  Iowa  leads  in  various  regards.  It  is  one  of  the 
best  agricultural  states  of  this  great  Union  and  it  is  in  the  lead  as  to  its  public 
schools. 

Mr.  Isaacson  was  born  in  Boone  county,  March  4,  1868.  His  parents,  Alex- 
ander and  Margaret  E.  (Bergquist)  Isaacson,  had  made  an  overland  trip  from 
Andover,  Illinois,  to  this  state  in  1866,  settling  in  Garden  township,  Boone 
county,  on  the  17th  of  May  of  that  year.  Both  parents  were  nati\es  of  Sweden. 
The  father,  who  was  born  July  7,  1831,  crossed  the  Atlantic  in  1859.  He  was 
married  in  Illinois  on  the  8th  of  April,  1862,  to  Margaret  E.  Bergquist,  who  was 
born  in  Sweden,  July  25,  1840,  and  came  to  the  United  States  in  1857.  Alex- 
ander Isaacson  was  naturalized  in  1864  and  remained  a  loyal  citizen  of  his 
adopted  land  to  the  time  of  his  demise.  On  coming  to  the  new  world  he  settled 
in  Illinois  and  for  some  time  resided  at  Andover,  Henry  county,  that  state.  In 
1866  he  drove  across  the  country  to  Garden  Prairie,  in  Garden  township  this 
county,  and  there  made  his  home  on  the  north  one  half  of  northwest  quarter  of 
section  15,  township  82,  range  25,  until  186S.  when  he  went  with  his  fainily  to  a 
farm  near  Sheldahl,  the  west  one  half  of  the  southwest  quarter  of  section  25, 
township  82,  range  25,  where  they  remained  until  1889.  In  that  year  they  took 
up  their  abode  upon  a  farm  in  Colfax  township,  the  northeast  t|uarter  of  section 
34,  township  83,  range  25,  where  the  succeeding  decade  was  passed,  and  in  1899 
the  parents  went  to  Madrid,  where  their  remaining  days  were  spent,  the  father's 
death  occurring  October  16,  191 1.  For  about  three  years  he  had  survived  his 
wife,  who  died  on  the  17th  of  November,  i(;o8.  They  were  early  settlers  of 
Illinois  and  likewise  of  Boone  county  and  were  numbered  among  the  substantial 
and  highly  respected  people  of  their  community.  In  their  family  were  five  chil- 
dren, three  daughters  and  two  sons,  namely :  Mrs.  Amelia  Kinland,  who  was  born 
April  14,  1863,  and  died  at  Newkirk,  Oklahoma,  in  1902;  Francis  A.,  born 
November  15,   1865,  and  now  living  in  Madrid:  John  William,  of  this  review: 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  30T 

Anna  L.,  who  died  in  infancy;  and  Airs.  Ida  O.  Johnson,  who  was  born  Septem- 
ber 20,  1875,  and  was  married  in  Boone  county  in  1897,  her  death  occurring  in 
July  of  the  following  year.  The  two  eldest  children  were  born  in  Illinois  and 
the  younger  members  of  the  family  in  Boone  county.  All,  however,  were  reared 
in  this  county  and  attended  the  country  schools  of  the  community  in  which  they 
made  their  home. 

John  William  Isaacson  has  always  been  a  resident  of  Boone  county  and  was 
reared  in  the  usual  manner  of  farm  lads,  early  becoming  familiar  with  the  duties 
and  labors  that  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  agriculturist.  After  attaining  his  majority  he 
continued  to  engage  in  farming,  but  in  1899  left  the  farm  and  removed  to  Madrid, 
where  for  some  time  he  was  engaged  in  the  hardware  business.  He  owns  good 
business  property  in  the  city,  including  the  brick  blocks  in  which  the  hardware: 
business  of  A.  Yocum  is  conducted.  He  is  also  the  owner  of  a  well  improved  one 
hundred  and  twenty  acre  farm  in  Colfax  township  and  good  residence  property 
in  Madrid. 

Mr.  Isaacson  is  pleasantly  situated  in  his  home  life.  He  was  married  in  this^ 
county  in  1906  to  Miss  Anna  Matilda  Alsin,  who  was  born  in  Fairfield,  Jefferson 
county,  Iowa,  and  came  to  Boone  county  in  childhood.  Here  she  was  reared  to 
womanhood  and  has  since  made  her  home.  Her  father,  P.  A.  Alsin,  was  one  of 
the  pioneer  settlers  of  Garden  township. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Isaacson  is  a  republican  and  is  thoroughly  informed 
concerning  party  questions  and  issues,  but  does  not  seek  nor  desire  office,  pre- 
ferring to  concentrate  his  energies  upon  his  business  affairs.  He  is  today  sur- 
rounded by  most  of  the  comforts  of  life  as  the  result  of  his  careful  management 
and  intelligently  directed  business  activity.  He  forms  his  plans  carefully,  is 
determined  in  their  execution,  and  as  the  years  have  gone  by  he  has  won  that 
success  which  is  the  legitimate  reward  of  earnest,  persistent  effort. 


W.  D.  MILLER. 


W.  D.  Miller  is  actively  identified  with  journalistic  interests  in  Boone  county 
as  editor  and  publisher  of  the  Ogden  Reporter,  which  he  purchased  in  February, 
1914.  His  birth  occurred  in  New  Market,  Shenandoah  county,  Virginia,  on  the 
4th  of  September,  1878,  his  ])arents  being  John  and  Elizabeth  (Louderback) 
Miller,  who  were  likewise  natives  of  that  state.  The  father,  a  harness  maker 
by  trade,  followed  tliat  occupation  in  \irginia  throughout  his  active  business- 
career.  His  demise  occurred  in  January,  1901,  and  his  widow  now  resides  in 
Washington,  D.  C. 

W.  D.  Miller  was  reared  and  educated  in  the  place  of  his  nativity  and  when 
nineteen  years  of  age  made  his  way  westward  to  Illinois,  remaining  in  that  state 
for  two  years.  In  1901  he  came  to  Iowa,  locating  in  Eldora,  Hardin  county, 
where  he  learned  telegraphy  in  the  service  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Rail- 
way Company.  In  1903  he  came  to  Ogden,  Boone  county,  and  here  remained 
in  the  employ  of  the  Minneapolis  &  St.  Louis  Railway  as  agent  for  three  years. 
On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  removed  to  California  and  later  to  Okla- 
homa, where  he  resided  until  1907,  when  he  returned  to  Ogden,  having  here  re- 


308  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

mained  continuously  since.  On  February  i,  1914,  he  purchased  the  Ogden 
Reporter  and  is  now  devoting  his  attention  to  his  duties  as  editor  and  publisher. 
The  sheet  has  a  large  subscription  and  advertising  patronage  and  its  columns 
are  devoted  to  the  dissemination  of  local  and  general  news,  while  its  editorial 
policy  is  such  as  has  won  for  it  enthusiastic  support. 

On  the  25th  of  December,  1907,  Air.  Miller  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Anna  Belle  Clark,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  Orson  and  Emma  (Sylvester)  Clark  and  a 
sister  of  S.  Parker  Clark,  a  sketch  of  whom  appears  on  another  page  of  this 
work.  Her  father  also  receives  extended  mention  in  another  part  of  this  volume. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Miller  have  one  child,  Virginia,  who  is  three  years  of  age. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Miller  is  a  progressive,  stanchly  advocating  the 
principles  set  forth  by  Theodore  Roosevelt  at  the  time  of  the  birth  of  the  party. 
His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Congregational  church,  while  fraternally  he  is 
identified  with  the  Masons.  He  is  a  man  well  liked  and  highly  esteemed,  and  his 
efforts  contribute  substantially  to  the  upbuilding  and  promotion  of  the  interests 
of  his  community. 


JAMES  M.  WHITE. 


James  M.  White,  who  died  in  Ogden  in  July.  1901.  was  long  and  actively 
identified  with  industrial  interests  as  a  carpenter  of  that  place,  and  enjoyed  an 
enviable  reputation  as  a  substantial  and  respected  citizen.  His  birth  occurred 
in  Pennsylvania  on  the  29th  of  December,  1849,  his  parents  being  Lewis  and 
Elva  White,  who  were  likewise  natives  of  the  Keystone  state.  The  father, 
an  agriculturalist  by  occupation,  removed  to  Illinois  in  an  early  day  and  there 
followed  farming  during  the  remainder  of  his  life. 

James  M.  White  was  reared  and  educated  in  Illinois  and  in  early  life  learned 
the  carpenter's  trade,  working  at  that  occupation  in  the  Prairie  state  for  some 
time.  After  coming  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  he  engaged  in  farming  for  four 
vears,  but  on  the  expiration  of  that  period  took  up  his  abode  in  Ogden  and 
again  began  work  at  his  trade.  During  the  remainder  of  his  life  he  engaged 
in  carpentering  and  in  that  connection  won  a  gratifying  measure  of  success. 
for  he  was  a  skilled  and  reliable  workman.  He  died  in  July,  1901,  when  in 
the  fifty-second  year  of  his  age,  and  his  demise  came  as  a  great  blow  not  only 
to  his  immediate  family,  but  also  to  an  extensive  circle  of  friends. 

In  December.  1870,  Mr.  White  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Miss  Mary  More- 
head  a  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Mary  A.  (Hollis)  Morehead,  both  of  whom 
were  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  The  father  removed  to  Illinois  in  an  early 
day  and  carried  on  agricultural  pursuits  in  that  state  until  called  to  his  final 
rest  on  the  24th  of  September.  1894.  The  demise  of  the  mother  occurred 
September  22.  1874.  Unto  j\Ir.  and  Mrs.  White  were  born  ten  children,  as 
follows:  Lewis  E.,  who  is  a  resident  of  Perry,  Iowa;  Charles  J.,  living  in 
Ogden ;  May,  who  is  the  wife  of  Isaac  Dixon,  of  Ames,  Iowa ;  Eva.  who  gave 
her  hand  in  marriage  to  Henry  Jones,  an  agriculturist  of  Boone  county ;  Belle, 
the  wife  of  Frank  Morgan,  who  follows  farming  in  Boone  county;  Arthur, 
a  barber  of  Ogden;  Sylva,  who  died  in  1903;  John  W.,  living  in  Ogden;  Ray- 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  311 

mond,  a   resident  of   Boone,   Iowa ;  and  Albert,  who  died   when  but  one  year 
old. 

Mr.  White  was  a  democrat  in  politics  and  cast  his  ballot  in  support  of  the 
men  and  measures  of  that  party.  He  served  as  a  member  of  the  school  board 
for  four  years.  His  religious  faith  was  that  of  the  Methodist  church,  while 
fraternally  he  was  identified  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  Mrs. 
White,  who  yet  survives  her  husband,  is  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  in 
Ogden,  where  she  still  makes  her  home. 


J.   HENRY   GONDER. 


An  excellent  farm  of  one  hundred  and  si.xty  acres  on  sections  17  and  18, 
Beaver  township,  pays  tribute  to  the  care  and  cultivation  of  J.  Henry  Gonder,  a 
wide-awake,  alert  and  energetic  business  man,  who  belongs  to  that  class  which- 
have  won  for  Iowa  her  well  earned  and  well  merited  reputation  of  being  one  of 
the  leading  agricultural  states  of  the  Union.  He  was  born  in  McLean  county, 
Illinois,  February  18,  1857,  and  is  a  son  of  Daniel  and  Mary  Ann  (Leeding) 
Gonder,  the  former  a  native  of  Ohio  and  the  latter  of  England.  In  the  year 
1856  the  father  went  to  Illinois,  purchasing  land  in  McLean  county,  upon  which 
he  settled  and  which  he  continued  to  cultivate  until  1884.  He  then  went  to 
Greene  county,  Iowa,  where  he  purchased  a  farm  and  also  bought  across  the  line 
in  Boone  county,  operating  his  land  until  1900,  when  he  retired  and  took  up  his 
abode  in  Rippey,  Greene  county,  where  he  resided  until  the  death  of  his  wife, 
which  occurred  in  May,  191 2.  He  is  now  making  his  home  with  his  son  William 
in  Grand  Junction,  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-eight  years.  He  is  a  veteran 
of  the  Mexican  war  and  has  ever  been  as  true  and  loyal  to  his  country  as  when 
he  followed  the  stars  and  stripes  into  the  land  of  the  Montezumas. 

J.  Henry  Gonder  was  reared  in  McLean  county,  Illinois,  where  he  pursued  a 
public-school  education.  Practical  experience  in  farm  work  prepared  him  for 
the  duties  which  he  afterward  undertook  in  managing  a  farm  of  his  own.  He 
remained  at  home  until  he  was  married  and  then  came  to  Boone  county,  purchas- 
ing one  hundred  and  twenty-five  acres  of  land  on  section  19,  Beaver  township. 
This  he  improved  and  operated  for  seventeen  years,  but,  thinking  his  home  too 
far  distant  from  a  school,  he  disposed  of  that  place  and  purchased  his  present  fine 
farm  6f  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  sections  17  and  18,  Beaver  township. 
To  the  further  development  and  cultivation  of  this  property  he  has  since  given 
his  attention.  His  work  is  persistently  and  energetically  done,  and  his  labors  are 
guided  by  intelligent  direction.  In  addition  to  his  farming  interests  Mr.  Gonder 
is  a  stockholder  in  the  Beaver  Cooperative  Company  at  Beaver,  Iowa,  and  is  also 
interested  in  a  threshing  outfit.  Thus  he  is  broadening  his  business  connections 
and  adding  to  his  success. 

On  the  17th  of  January,  1884,  Mr.  Gonder  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Etta  Carter,  a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Sarah  (McNaught)  Carter,  who  were 
natives  of  Illinois,  the  father  following  farming  in  McLean  county  all  of  his 
life.  He  passed  away  in  June,  1876,  at  the  age  of  thirty-five  years  and  is  sur- 
vived bv  his  wife,  who    is  living  in   Lexington,   Illinois,  at  the    age  of  sixty- 


312"  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

seven.  Mrs.  Gonder  was  born  in  McLean  county,  Illinois,  in  December,  1865, 
and  by  her  marriage  she  has  become  the  mother  of  seven  children :  Mabel,  the 
wife  of  O.  B.  Lofstedt,  a  resident  of  Grand  Junction;  Myrtle,  the  wife  of  M.  J. 
Rinker,  a  farmer  of  Beaver  township ;  Lertnie,  the  wife  of  Harry  Clark,  a  resi- 
dent farmer  of  Amaqua  township ;  and  Mary,  Henrietta,  Daniel  R.  and  Velda, 
all  at  home. 

Mr.  Gonder  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  for  two 
terms  served  as  trustee  of  Beaver  township.  He  has  also  been  constable  of  the 
township  for  twenty  years,  and  he  discharges  his  official  duties  with  promptness 
and  fidelity.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  the  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Yeomen. 
His  long  residence  in  this  section  of  the  state  has  made  him  widely  known,  and 
his  substantial  qualities  have  gained  him  high  and  enduring  regard. 


WILLIAM  E.  VAN  METER. 

William  E.  Van  Meter,  who  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  real-estate  business 
in  Ogden,  where  he  opened  his  office  in  191 3,  was  born  in  Illinois  on  the  31st 
of  August,  1879,  a  son  of  John  and  Eliza  ( Saunders)  Van  Meter,  the  fonner  a 
native  of  New  Jersey  and  the  latter  of  Illinois.  In  early  life  John  Van  Meter 
removed  westward  to  Illinois,  where  he  resided  until  1881,  when  he  brought  his 
family  to  Boone  county,  where  he  secured  a  tract  of  land  and  carried  on  farming 
for  six  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  established  his  home  in  Ogden 
and  was  engaged  in  teaming  until  the  year  1894  when  he  went  into  the  ice  busi- 
ness so  continuing  for  eight  years,  his  son  William  E.  being  his  partner  during 
the  last  four  years  of  that  period  or  from  1898  to  1902.  He  still  makes  his  home 
in  Ogden  but  is  now  retired  from  active  business,  enjoying  a  well  earned  rest 
and  the  fruits  of  his  former  toil. 

William  E.  Van  Meter  was  a  little  lad  of  but  two  years  when  brought  by  his 
parents  to  Boone  county,  where  he  has  since  made  his  home.  His  education  was 
acquired  in  the  schools  of  Ogden  and  he  engaged  in  teaming  until  he  joined 
his  father  in  the  ice  business.  He  was  admitted  to  a  partnership  and  the  relation 
between  them  was  maintained  until  1902.  In  that  year  William  E.  \'an  Meter 
removed  to  Eraser,  where  he  engaged  in  the  dray  and  sand  business,  shipping 
sand  extensively.  There  he  made  his  home  until  1908,  when  he  purchased  a  farm 
near  Pilot  Mound,  which  he  operated  for  two  years.  On  selling  out  he  pur- 
chased a  merry-go-round  and  operated  it  upon  the  road  until  September,  1913, 
when  he  returned  to  Ogden  and  purchased  a  nice  home.  Here  he  has  since 
engaged  in  the  real-estate  business  in  partnership  with  E.  L.  Merriam.  They , 
now  have  a  large  clientage  and  are  handling  much  important  property.  Mr.  Van 
Meter  has  acquainted  himself  with  property  upon  the  market  and  is  also  thor- 
oughly informed  concerning  realty  values.  He  is  thus  able  to  select  for  the 
purchaser  what  he  desires  and  negotiate  sales  for  those  who  wish  to  dispose  of 
property.     His  business  is  growing  along  substantial  lines. 

On  the  29th  of  May,  1901,  Mr.  Van  Meter  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Ethel  Baker,  a  daughter  of  Andrew  and  Maria  J.  (Brown)  Baker,  who  were 
natives  of  Indiana.     The  father  was  a  farmer  and  came  to  Boone  county  about 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  313 

1880.  He  had  served  his  country  as  a  soldier  in  the  Civil  war  for  four  years, 
being  a  member  of  an  Indiana  regiment.  After  coming  to  Iowa  he  purchased  a 
farm,  which  he  cultivated  until  1902.  He  then  put  aside  the  more  active  work 
of  the  fields  and  removed  to  Ogden,  where  he  resided  until  1906.  He  then  went 
to  Guymon,  Oklahoma,  where  he  passed  away  on  the  ist  of  April,  1907,  at  the 
age  of  sixty-four  years.  His  wife  survived  him  until  March  20,  191 1,  and  was 
also  sixty-four  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  her  demise.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Van 
Meter  have  been  born  two  children,  Earl  and  Geneva,  aged  eleven  and  nine 
years  respectively. 

Mr.  Van  Meter  was  a  member  of  the  city  council  while  at  Pilot  Mound.  He 
has  always  given  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  keeps  well 
informed  on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day.  Fraternally  he  is  connected 
with  the  Masons  and  with  the  Odd  Fellows,  and  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the 
Methodist  church.  In  his  church  and  fraternal  relations  are  indicated  the  rules 
which  govern  his  conduct  and  guide  him  in  all  of  his  connections  with  his  fellow- 
men.  His  life  has  been  well  spent  and  whatever  success  he  has  achieved  is  the 
result  of  his  intelligently  directed  effort  and  energy,  bringing  him  to  a  place 
among  the  representative  men  of  Ogden. 


JOHN   R.   HERRON. 


The  present  populous  city  of  Boone  contained  only  two  houses  at  the  time 
of  the  arrival  of  the  Herron  family  in  Iowa.  They  became  pioneer  residents  of 
Boone  county,  and  it  was  upon  the  old  family  homestead  in  Des  Moines  town- 
ship that  John  R.  Herron  was  born  on  the  19th  of  March,  1874.  He  is  a  son  of 
Richard  and  Sabina  (Payton)  Herron,  the  former  a  native  of  Ireland  and  the 
latter  of  Canada.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Richard  Herron,  Sr.,  was  likewise 
born  on  the  Emerald  isle  and  after  crossing  the  briny  deep  to  the  new  world  he 
settled  in  Canada,  where  he  devoted  his  life  to  general  agricultural  pursuits.  He 
wedded  Mary  Henneberry  and  they  became  the  parents  of  four  children,  three 
sons  and  a  daughter:  Richard;  Mary,  who  became  the  wife  of  T.  McDermott, 
of  Eagle  Grove,  Iowa ;  William,  of  Missouri  Valley,  Iowa :  and  John,  who  has 
departed  this  life. 

It  was  in  1847  that  Richard  Herron,  Jr.,  became  a  resident  of  Stratford, 
Ontario,  where  he  resided  for  eighteen  years,  or  until  1865.  He  then  married 
Sabina,  a  daughter  of  Patrick  Payton,  who  was  born  in  Ireland,  but  in  the  '30s 
established  his  home  in  Canada,  where  his  remaining  days  were  passed.  White 
residing  in  Canada  Mr.  Herron  followed  farming,  but  in  1865  left  that  country 
for  Iowa.  After  spending  two  months  in  Cedar  Rapids,  he  removed  to  Boone, 
at  which  time  the  railroad  extended  only  to  Nevada.  The  family  remained  in  the 
little  hamlet  until  1869  and  then  took  up  their  abode  upon  a  farm  in  Des  Moines 
township,  three  and  a  half  miles  southeast  of  the  city.  There  they  remained  until 
the  spring  of  1886,  when  they  left  the  farm  and  returned  to  Boone,  where  Mr. 
Herron  is  now.  living  retired.  His  wife  passed  away  in  January,  1907.  They 
had  but  two  children  and  the  elder,  Mary,  died  in  infancy. 


314  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

The  son,  John  R.  Herron,  whose  name  introduces  this  record,  was  a  pupil  in 
the  country  and  city  schools  until  sixteen  years  of  age,  when  he  began  learning 
the  printing  business  in  the  office  of  The  Boone  County  Democrat.  He  has  been 
continuously  connected  with  this  paper  since  the  ist  of  January,  1899,  when  he 
purchased  a  half  interest  in  the  business,  his  partner  being  M.  Miller,  who  sold  out 
a  year  and  a  half  later.  For  a  year  Mr.  Herron  was  associated  in  the  ownership 
and  publication  of  the  Democrat  with  J.  B.  Barnett,  who  disposed  of  his  interest 
to  W.  F.  Menton,  and  in  1903  the  latter  sold  out  to  his  brother,  John  F.  Menton, 
who  is  now  Mr.  Herron's  partner.  The  paper  is  published  under  the  incorpora- 
tion of  the  Democrat  Publishing  Company,  and  a  progressive  policy  marks  the 
Democrat,  making  it  a  very  readable,  entertaining  and  instructive  paper. 

On  the  20th  of  October.  1903,  Mr.  Herron  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mary  Jordan,  a  native  of  Boone  county,  and  they  have  become  parents  of  five 
children :  Emmet,  Edward,  Mncent.  Margaret  and  Francis.  In  politics  Mr. 
Herron  is  a  democrat  and  has  filled  the  office  of  chairman  of  the  country  central 
committee.  He  is  well  known  in  fraternal  circles,  holding  membership  with  the 
Knights  of  Columbus,  the  Yeomen  and  the  Mystic  Workers,  and  he  is  also  a 
communicant  of  the  Catholic  church.  He  is  both  widely  and  favorably  known 
in  this  county,  where  his  entire  life  has  been  passed  and  where  he  has  ever  been 
an  interested  witness  of  the  events  that  shape  its  progress  and  promote  its  wel- 
fare. 


HARVEY  H.  RINKER. 


Harvey  H.  Rinker  has  iinproved  two  excellent  farms  in  Boone  county  and  is 
now  the  owner  of  two  hundred  acres  of  rich,  arable  and  productive  land  on  sec- 
tions 16  and  19,  Beaver  township.  This  is  the  visible  evidence  of  a  life  of  well 
directed  energy  and  thrift.  He  had  no  assistance  from  his  parents  and  whatever 
success  he  has  achieved  is  attributable  entirely  to  his  own  labors.  The  measure 
of  his  industry  has  been  the  measure  of  his  prosperity,  and  the  former  is  indi- 
cated in  the  fact  that  he  is  accounted  one  of  the  substantial  agriculturists  of  his 
community.  He  was  born  in  Virginia,  August  i.  1866,  a  son  of  John  and  Sarah 
(Hoover)  Rinker,  who  were  also  natives  of  the  Old  Dominion.  The  father,  who 
was  a  farmer  by  occupation,  removed  to  Illinois  with  his  family  and  there 
engaged  in  farming,  being  identified  with  agricultural  interests  in  that  state  until 
1895,  when  he  came  to  Iowa,  settling  in  Boone  county.  In  connection  with  his 
son  he  purchased  two  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  land  on  section  16,  Beaver 
township,  and  to  its  further  development  and  improvement  devoted  his  remain- 
ing days.  He  enlisted  for  service  with  the  Confederates  and  was  at  the  front 
throughout  the  Civil  war.  Honest  in  his  opinions  and  firm  in  his  convictions,  he 
did  not  deviate  from  a  course  which  he  believed  to  be  right.  He  died  February  3, 
1910,  at  the  age  of  sixty-nine  years  and  is  survived  by  his  widow,  who  is  living 
upon  the  old  home  place  at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years. 

Harvey  H.  Rinker  spent  his  youthful  days  under  the  parental  roof,  with  the 
usual  advantages  of  a  public-school  education  and  good  home  training.  On 
attaining  his  majority  he  began  farming  on  his  own  account,  and  his  practical 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  315 

experience  in  assisting  his  father  now  proved  of  much  value  to  him.  He  rented 
land  in  McLean  county,  Illinois,  which  he  cultivated  for  three  years,  and  then 
came  to  Boone  county,  arriving  three  years  before  his  parents.  He  purchased 
,  what  became  known  as  the  Rinker  farm,  owned  jointly  by  himself  and  father, 
and  operated  this  land  on  section  i6,  Beaver  township,  for  eighteen  years.  He 
then  rented  the  place  to  his  brother  and  purchased  the  farm  upon  which  he  now 
resides,  comprising  eighty  acres  of  land  on  section  19,  Beaver  township.  He  has  im- 
proved this  place  wonderfully  as  well  as  his  other  farm  and  now  owns  two  hundred 
acres  of  splendidly  improved  land.  He  had  no  financial  assistance  from  his 
parents  but  started  out  in  the  business  world  on  his  own  account  empty- 
handed  and  gradually  worked  his  way  upward.  He  has  ever  been  watchful  of 
the  details  pointing  to  success,  has  worked  earnestly  and  persistently,  and  his 
methods  have  been  of  a  most  practical  character.  He  has  studied  the  question 
of  crop  rotation  and  understands  the  best  time  for  planting  and  the  best  methods 
of  enriching  the  soil.  He  has  thus  been  able  to  gather  good  harvests  and  is  now 
one  of  the  substantial  farmers  of  the  community.  In  addition  to  tilling  his  fields 
he  is  engaged  extensively  in  stock-raising,  feeding  two  carloads  of  cattle,  one  car- 
load of  sheep  and  one  carload  of  hogs  each  year.  He  is  also  a  stockholder  in 
the  Beaver  Cooperative  Company  of  Beaver. 

On  the  nth  of  February,  1892,  Mr.  Rinker  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Anna  L.  Rogers,  a  daughter  of  Lucius  and  Eunice  (Freeman)  Rogers,  the  former 
a  native  of  Michigan  and  the  latter  of  Illinois.  Her  father  was  a  veteran  of  the 
Civil  war,  having  enlisted  from  Illinois  with  the  boys  in  blue,  with  whom  he 
served  until  the  close  of  hostilities.  After  the  war  he  began  farming  and  con- 
tinued the  cultivation  of  a  tract  of  land  in  Illinois  until  1892,  when  he  came  to 
Iowa,  settling  in  Guthrie  county.  There  he  carried  on  general  agricultural  pur- 
suits throughout  the  remainder  of  his  days,  owning  four  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
of  land.  He  died  in  September,  1913,  while  his  wife  is  now  living  in  Jefferson, 
Iowa. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Rinker  have  been  born  four  children,  Emmet,  Perry,  Eunice 
and  Catherine.  The  family  attend  the  Baptist  church,  of  which  both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Rinker  are  members.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Rinker  is  independent, 
supporting  men  and  measures  rather  than  party.  He  is  never  remiss  in  the  duties 
of  cuizenship  and  aids  in  advancing  many  public  interests  that  have  proven  of 
worth  to  township  and  county. 


CLARENCE  R.  ANDERSON. 

Clarence  R.  Anderson  is  a  member  of  the  mercantile  firm  of  Anderson  Broth- 
ers at  Ogden.  They  follow  progressive  methods,  are  energetic  and  in  their  close 
application,  keen  business  sagacity  and  unfaltering  industry  is  found  the  secret 
of  their  growing  success.  Clarence  R.  Anderson  was  born  in  Ogden  on  the  5th  of 
August,  1891,  and  is,  therefore,  yet  a  young  man.  but  the  position  to  which 
he  has  attained  is  one  which  would  be  creditable  to  a  man  of  twice  his  years. 
His  parents,  Charles  and  Sarah  (Carlson)  Anderson,  were  natives  of  Sweden. 
Crossing  the  Atlantic  to  the  new  world,  Charles  Anderson  established  his  home 


316  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

in  Illinois  in  the  '60s,  but  after  remaining  there  for  a  brief  period  came  to  Boone 
county,  where  he  purchased  a  tract  of  land  and  improved  a  good  farm  in  Marcy 
township.  He  continued  its  cultivation  year  after  year  with  gratifying  success  in 
the  production  of  the  cereals  best  adapted  to  soil  and  climate.  His  methods  were 
at  once  practical  and  progressive  and  resulted  in  good  crops,  for  which  he  found 
a  ready  sale.  He  was  thus  engaged  until  1904,  when  he  retired  and  removed  to 
Ogden,  where  he  spent  his  remaining  days  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  well  earned  and 
well  merited  rest.  His  death  occurred  September  17,  1912,  while  his  wife  sur- 
vived him  only  until  the  26th  of  February,  1913. 

Clarence  R.  Anderson,  reared  in  Ogden,  pursued  his  education  in  its  public 
schools  and  when  his  text-books  were  put  aside  he  secured  a  clerkship  in  a  gen- 
eral store,  owned  by  his  brother.  In  the  summer  of  1913,  they  erected  a  modern 
two-story  business  block  and  are  now  engaged  successfully  in  general  merchandis- 
ing under  the  firm  style  of  ^Anderson  Brothers.  They  carry  a  large  and  carefully 
selected  line  of  goods,  and  their  stock  is  attractive  both  in  quality  and  price. 
They  make  earnest  effort  to  please  their  patrons,  are  prompt,  faithful  and  at  all 
times  thoroughly  reliable  and  honorable  in  their  dealing.  Clarence  R.  Anderson 
is  also  a  stockholder  in  the  Ogden  State  Bank  and  is  recognized  as  one  of  the 
rising  young  business  men  of  the  city.  His  political  views  accord  with  the  prin- 
ciples of  the  progressive  party,  and  he  is  not  afraid  to  announce  his  opinions,  yet 
is  never  bitterly  aggressive.  His  religious  faith  is  indicated  by  his  membership 
in  the  Swedish  Mission.  Well  known  in  Boone,  he  has  many  sterling  traits  of 
character,  that  have  gained  for  him  high  personal  regard. 


B.  ARIE. 

B.  Arie,  agent  at  Boone  for  the  Anheuser-Busch  Brewing  Association  of 
St.  Louis,  and  prominently  associated  with  the  building  industry  in  this  city, 
was  born  in  Brody,  Austria-Hungary,  in  1847.  His  educational  opportunities 
were  those  afforded  by  the  common  schools  of  his  native  land,  and  in  1876  he 
entered  the  Roumanian  army,  his  country  being  allied  with  the  Russians  at  that 
period.  He  participated  in  the  Russian  and  Roumanian  wars  of  1877-8,  and  dur- 
ing that  period  he  lost  the  sight  of  his  left  eye. 

Hoping  to  find  better  business  opportunities  in  the  new  world  than  he  believed 
he  could  secure  in  the  old,  Mr.  Arie  came  to  the  United  States  in  1881,  land- 
ing at  Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  remained  for  a  short  time.  He 
then  went  to  Omaha,  Nebraska,  where  he  engaged  in  the  bottling  business,  but 
he  did  not  meet  with  the  profit  that  he  had  anticipated  in  that  connection,  and 
he  left  Omaha  in  1882,  removing  to  Boone,  where  he  established  bottling  works. 
He  continued  in  the  business  here  until  1894,  and  from  that  time  to  the  pres- 
ent he  has  been  connected  with  the  Anheuser-Busch  Brewing  Association  of 
St.  Louis  as  its  agent  and  representative  in  Boone.  This  does  not  cover  the 
extent  of  his  business  activity,  however,  for  he  has  been  largely  associated  with 
the  building  industry  at  Boone,  where  he  has  erected  many  fine  structures  that 
are  a  monument  to  his  spirit  of  enterprise  and  are  a  credit  to  the  city.  These 
include  the  Opera  House  block  and  the  Arie  building.     He  was  the  builder  of  the 


B.  ARIE 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  319 

Arie  Hotel  at  Madrid,  Iowa,  and  he  has  also  been  the  builder  of  three  build- 
ings which  he  has  given  to  his  three  grandchildren — Ruth,  Janette  and  Ethel — 
and  these  three  buildings  are  named  the  Virginia,  the  Ethel  and  the  Helen. 

Mr.  Arie  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Eva  Abrams,  and  they  became  the 
parents  of  three  children,  but  two  have  passed  away,  the  other  being  O.  B..  who 
is  now  engaged  in  the  real-estate  business  in  Boone.  Mr.  Arie  has  never  had 
occasion  to  regret  his  determination  to  come  to  the  new  world,  for  here  he 
fomid  the  opportunities  which  he  sought  and,  working  his  way  steadily  upward, 
has  reached  a  position  among  the  most  substantial  business  men  of  Boone.  Not 
all  days  in  his  career  have  been  equally  bright.  At  times  he  has  seen  the  clouds 
of  business  disaster  gathering,  but  even  then  he  has  not  lost  heart  and  courage. 
He  has  ever  recognized  the  fact  that  industry  wins,  and  his  intelligently  directed 
effort  has  at  length  won  reward  in  the  attainment  of  a  handsome  competence. 


HON.  JOHN  S.  CROOKS. 

Hon.  John  S.  Crooks  is  serving  for  the  second  term  as  mayor  of  Boone.  His 
life  record  stands  in  contradistinction  to  the  old  adage  that  a  prophet  is  never 
without  honor  save  in  his  own  country,  for  in  the  city  of  his  birth  John  S.  Crooks 
has  attained  a  position  as  a  foremost  citizen  and  has  wielded  a  wide  influence  in 
public  affairs.  He  was  born  May  29,  1865,  and  is  a  son  of  George  \\\  and 
Rebecca  (Nutt)  Crooks,  of  whom  mention  is  made  on  another  page  of  this 
volume.  Reared  under  the  parental  roof,  he  passed  through  consecutive  grades 
in  the  public  schools  and  became  a  high-school  inipil.  His  initial  step  in  the 
business  world  was  made  in  connection  with  railroad  work,  to  which  he  devoted 
a  year.  He  afterward  spent  ten  years  in  the  abstract  business  and  for  fifteen 
years  was  secretary  of  a  loan  company,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  closed  out 
his  interests  in  that  connection.  Later  he  engaged  in  the  real-estate  and  insur- 
ance business,  and  at  the  present  writing  he  is  concentrating  his  efforts  largely 
upon  his  official  duties,  for  his  fellow  townsmen,  appreciative  of  his  worth  and 
ability,  elected  him  to  the  office  of  mayor  in  March,  191 1,  and  he  served  so  credit- 
ably during  his  first  term  of  two  years  that  he  was  reelected  in  March,  1913, 
and  is  now  the  incumbent  in  the  position.  He  has  made  an  excellent  record, 
characterized  by  many  needed  reforms  and  improvements,  and  his  course  has 
been  thoroughly  public-spirited  at  all  times. 

Mr.  Crooks  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Luella  M-.  Parks,  a  native  of 
Boone  county,  and  unto  them  have  been  born  a  son  and  daughter:  George  \V.,  now 
a  resident  farmer  of  Boone  county :  and  Mildred,  who  is  attending  the  State  Col- 
lege. Mr.  Crooks  votes  with  the  democratic  party  and  has  indorsed  its  prin- 
ciples since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise.  He  is  popular  in 
several  fraternal  organizations,  having  membership  with  the  Masons,  the  Elks 
and  the  Royal  Arcanum.  His  religious  belief  is  that  of  the  Methodist  church, 
and  these  connections  indicate  the  rules  which  govern  his  conduct  and  guide  him 
in  all  of  his  relations  with  his  fellowmen.  The  name  of  Crooks  has  been  an 
honored  one  in  Boone  county  since  his  uncle  John  M.  Crooks  became  one  of  the 
early  settlers  of  the  county  in  1846.     In  all  the  intervening  years  to  the  present 


320  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

representatives  of  the  name  have  sought  the  improvement  and  upbuilding  of  this 
section,  and  the  work  begun  by  his  grandfather  and  carried  on  by  his  father  is 
now  being  continued  by  John  S.  Crooks,  whose  record  as  mayor  is,  indeed, 
creditable. 


ISAAC  STOVER. 


Isaac  Stover,  who  now  lives  retired  in  Madrid  after  a  long  and  successful 
business  career  which  not  only  brought  him  prosperity  but  had  its  effect  upon 
the  development  of  his  county,  belongs  to  one  of  the  oldest  families  of  his  locality. 
Moreover,  there  is  great  credit  due  him  for  the  gallant  service  which  he  rendered 
his  country  in  the  Civil  war.  He  was  born  near  Alamo,  Montgomery  county, 
Indiana,  September  19,  1842,  and  is  a  son  of  Joseph  and  Lydia  (Rinker)  Stover, 
natives  of  Tennessee.  The  father  was  born  in  1806  and  died  in  Madrid,  Iowa, 
August  14,  1884,  while  the  mother's  death  occurred  in  Dallas  county,  Iowa,  in 
February,  1880.  The  family  removed  to  Dallas  county,  locating  on  a  farm,  where 
they  remained  until  1856,  when  they  came  to  Madrid.  Joseph  Stover  was  one  of 
the  pioneer  sawmill  men  of  Boone  county  establishing  an  enterprise  of  that  kind 
in  1856.  He  and  his  wife  had  eleven  children,  of  whom  six  are  living.  The 
family  comprised  in  all :  William,  deceased ;  Mrs.  Melinda  Wheeler,  who  also 
has  passed  away ;  Samuel,  deceased ;  Mrs.  Lucinda  Rutherford,  deceased ;  Mrs. 
Mary  Wood,  a  resident  of  Nebraska ;  Elizabeth,  who  died  in  infancv ;  Isaac ; 
George  W.,  residing  in  Idaho ;  Henderson,  who  makes  his  home  in  Washington ; 
Joseph  M.,  residing  in  Dallas  county,  Iowa ;  and  Mrs.  Sarah  Hoop,  a  resident  of 
Douglas  township.    All  were  born  in  Indiana. 

Isaac  Stover  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Union  army  from  Swede's  Point  when 
about  nineteen  years  of  age,  on  the  ist  of  August,  1861,  joining  Company  D, 
Tenth  Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry.  His  first  term  of  enlistment  ended  January  i, 
1864,  but  he  reenlisted  and  served  until  August  15,  1865,  when  he  returned  to 
his  private  affairs  in  Madrid,  engaging  in  the  sawmill  business.  Mr.  Stover  has 
to  his  credit  a  most  honorable  military  record  which  entitles  him  to  distinction. 
He  participated  in  numerous  engagements,  including  that  at  Island  No.  10,  New 
Madrid,  Pittsburg  Landing  and  the  two  sieges  of  Corinth.  He  was  with  Grant 
in  the  Western  Army  and  at  Jackson,  Champion's  Hill  and  the  siege  of  Vicksburg. 
He  was  one  of  the  heroes  of  Sherman's  celebrated  march  to  the  sea,  being  a 
participant  thereof  during  the  entire  trip.  At  the  close  of  the  war  he  was  among 
that  proud  throng  which  constituted  the  Grand  Review. 

Besides  his  milling  interests,  Mr.  Stover  was  active  in  agricultural  operations 
in  Cass  township,  where  he  still  owns  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  on  section 
27,  which  is  highly  improved  and  bear  rich  harvests.  He  has  always  followed 
the  most  modern  methods  and  deserves  credit  as  a  leader  in  the  farm  develop- 
ment of  Iowa.  Because  of  his  incessant  labors,  his  business  ability  and  his  thrift, 
he  has  become  one  of  the  substantial  men  of  his  locality.  He  now  lives  retired 
in  Madrid,  passing  the  evening  of  life  amid  comfortable  surroundings. 

On  the  8th  of  October,  1865,  the  marriage  of  Isaac  Stover  and  Mary  M.  Mess- 
more  was  celebrated.     She  was  born  in  Washington  county,  Iowa,  August   17, 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  321 

1847,  and  in  1848  was  brought  by  her  parents,  Adam  and  Sarah  J.  (Wilhams) 
Messmore,  to  Boone  county,  of  which  the  family  has  ever  since  been  residents. 
The  father  and  mother  were  among  the  pioneers  here  and  the  former  operated 
one  of  the  first  flour  mills  along  the  Boone  river.  He  was  born  in  Pennsylvania, 
August  17,  1820,  and  died  in  Moingona,  Iowa,  January  24,  1881.  For  three 
months  he  served  in  the  Union  army.  His  wife  was  born  in  Indiana,  March  9, 
1820,  and  died  in  Boone,  June  11,  1901.  In  their  family  were  the  following  chil- 
dren: Mrs.  Stover;  Mrs.  Kate  Capron,  of  Des  Moines;  Henry,  deceased;  Hiram, 
a  resident  of  Geneva,  Nebraska;  ]\Irs.  Elizabeth  Grosvenor,  deceased;  Frank,  of 
Council  Bluffs,  Iowa ;  Mrs.  Ada  Steward,  of  South  Dakota ;  Edward ;  Mrs.  May 
Boswell,  of  South  Dakota  ;  Mrs.  Susie  Kairns ;  Ellsworth  ;  and  John.  These  chil- 
dren were  born  in  Hamilton,  Webster  and  Boone  counties  and  all  reared  in  this 
county. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stover  became  the  parents  of  the  following:  Clarence  J.,  born 
October  24,  1866,  who  died  September  20,  1868;  Edward  A.,  born  ]\Iarch  9,  1869, 
now  a  resident  of  Tingley,  Iowa;  Albert  R.,  whose  birth  occurred  August  13, 
1872,  and  who  resides  in  Manzanola,  Colorado;  Lillian,  who  was  born  February 
15,  1874,  and  died  February  3,  1881  ;  Rev.  John  A.,  born  October  16,  1876;  and 
Mrs.  Lois  E.  Shaw,  born  February  14,  1882,  a  resident  of  Madrid.  All  the  chil- 
dren were  born  in  Boone  county.  Rev.  John  A.  Stover  was  the  first  graduate  of 
the  Madrid  high  school  and  at  present  is  a  minister  of  the  Christian  church  at 
Frankfort,  Indiana. 

Isaac  Stover  is  a  democrat  and  has  always  taken  a  vital  interest  in  local  affairs. 
He  served  as  township  clerk  and  assessor  in  Cass  township  and  also  held  various 
school  offices,  recognizing  fully  the  value  of  improved  methods  of  education. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  church  of  Madrid.  He  is  a 
member  of  Star  Lodge,  No.  115,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Madrid,  and  has  held  all  the 
offices  in  the  local  organization.  He  is  deeply  interested  in  Masonic  work  and 
practices  the  principles  of  the  brotherhood  in  his  everyday  life.  He  is  acknowl- 
edged to  be  one  of  the  best  posted  Masons  in  the  community.  He  is  also  a  mem- 
ber of  J.  Filmer  Post,  No.  347,  G.  A.  R.,  where  he  meets  his  comrades  of  old  and 
keeps  awake  in  him  the  spirit  which  prompted  him  once  to  stand  up  in  defense 
of  the  flag  against  the  aggression  of  the  South.  Mr.  Stover  would  make  an  ideal 
citizen  of  any  community,  for  he  always  places  the  public  welfare  above  private 
gain.  He  is  admired  and  respected  for  what  he  has  achieved  and  for  what  he  is. 
His  patriotism  and  his  noble  and  manly  qualities  of  character  have  been  the  key 
to  that  position  which  he  now  holds  in  the  affection  of  all  who  know  him. 


ALEX  FYFE. 


Alex  Fyfe,  known  to  his  many  friends  as  "Sandy,"  is  a  prosperous  merchant 
of  Ogden,  where  he  has  conducted  a  flour  and  feed  store  for  the  past  ten  years. 
His  birth  occurred  in  Scotland  on  the  30th  of  January,  1848,  his  parents  being 
William  and  Jane  (Henderson)  Fyfe,  likewise  natives  of  that  country.  The 
father,  a  coal  miner  in  Scotland,  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  the  fall  of 
1865  and  took  up  his  abode  in  Pennsylvania,  where  he  continued  as  a  coal  miner 


322  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

for  two  years.  In  1868  he  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  and  here  purchased  and 
improved  a  farm  near  Moingona,  being  actively  engaged  in  its  operation  and  also 
continuing  work  as  a  coal  miner  throughout  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  passed 
away  on  the  14th  of  January,  1889,  when  seventy-seven  years  of  age,  the  com- 
munity thus  losing  one  of  its  substantial  and  respected  citizens.  His  wife  was 
called  to  her  final  rest  on  the  23d  of  August,  1897. 

Alex  Fyfe  acquired  his  education  in  the  schools  of  his  native  land  and  was  a 
youth  of  seventeen  when  he  accompanied  his  parents  on  their  emigration  to  the 
new  world.  For  a  period  of  twenty  years  he  worked  as  a  coal  miner  at  Moingona 
in  the  winter  seasons,  while  during  the  summer  months  he  farmed  the  home 
place.  In  November,  1904,  he  took  up  his  abode  in  Ogden  and  embarked  in  the 
flour  and  feed  business,  having  conducted  an  establishment  of  that  character 
throughout  the  intervening  decade.  An  extensive  patronage  is  accorded  him,  and 
he  enjoys  an  enviable  reputation  as  an  enterprising  and  reliable  merchant.  He 
owns  his  place  of  business  and  also  six  lots  in  the  main  business  section  of  Ogden. 

In  1881  Mr.  Fyfe  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Anna  Hightshoe,  by  whom 
he  has  four  children,  as  follows :  Samuel,  a  brakeman  in  the  service  of  the  Chi- 
cago, Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railway,  who  resides  at  Perry,  Iowa ;  Alex,  who  is 
engaged  in  business  as  a  butcher  of  Perry ;  Ernest,  of  Perry,  who  is  an  engineer 
in  the  employ  of  the  Chicago,  Milwaukee  &  St.  Paul  Railway ;  and  William,  who 
is  a  butcher  residing  in  Perry. 

Mr.  Fyfe  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  was  reared 
in  the  faith  of  the  United  Presbyterian  church.  He  is  a  worthy  exemplar  of  the 
Masonic  fraternity,  belonging  to  the  blue  lodge,  the  chapter,  the  commandery, 
the  Mystic  shrine  and  the  Eastern  Star,  He  is  likewise  identified  with  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Rebekahs.  The  period  of  his  residence  in 
Boone  county  covers  about  a  half  century,  and  he  is  widely  and  favorably  known 
within  its  borders,  having  won  many  friends  who  esteem  him  for  his  good  qual- 
ities and  upright,  honorable  life. 


JOHN  A.  HALEEN. 


Among  the  business  concerns  of  Boone  the  firm  of  Anderson  &  Haleen,  who 
are  engaged  in  blacksmithing  and  carriage  manufacturing,  take  a  prominent  place. 
The  firm  has  built  up  a  reputation  for  punctuality,  reliability  and  high  class  work 
which  reflects  honor  upon  those  who  conduct  the  business.  Mr.  Haleen  is  the 
junior  partner  in  the  concern  and  not  only  is  he  efficient  as  a  workman,  but  he  is  a 
shrewd  and  able  business  man  who  combines  the  sturdy  qualities  of  his  native 
race  with  American  aggressiveness  in  promoting  his  interests.  A  large  number  of 
satisfied  customers  is  proof  of  the  success  of  this  firm. 

Mr.  Haleen  was  born  in  Sweden,  June  29,  1866,  and  is  a  son  of  Gustav  Ander- 
son and  Catherine  (Johnson)  Haleen,  the  former  a  farmer  throughout  life.  The 
father  is  now  seventy-eight  years  of  age,  while  the  mother  died  when  seventy 
years  old.  In  their  family  were  the  following  children ;  John  A.,  of  this  review ; 
Anna,  of  Sweden;  Victor,  of  Boone,  Iowa  ;  Sanna,  of  Webster  City.  Iowa  ;  Gustav, 
a  farmer  of  Boone ;  Marie,  of  Boone ;  and  Tachlay,  also  of  Boone. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  323 

The  educational  advantages  of  John  A.  Haleen  were  meager.  He  entered 
school  at  the  age  of  seven  but  at  that  time  had  only  one  term  of  instruction  and 
although  he  later  was  permitted  to  attend  for  two  more  terms  most  of  his  time 
during  his  boyhood  and  youth  was  taken  up  by  work  on  the  home  farm.  Being 
impressed  with  the  opportmiities  which  were  awaiting  willing  young  hands  in 
this  country  he  decided  when  twenty-one  years  of  age  to  emigrate  to  the  United 
States  and  sailed  from  Guttenberg  to  New  York,  whence  he  made  his  way  to 
Pocahontas,  Iowa.  There  he  engaged  at  his  trade,  doing  blacksmith  work,  which 
he  had  learned  in  his  native  country.  In  the  spring  of  1893  he  left  Pocahontas 
for  Roc'kford,  Illinois,  to  work  as  a  blacksmith  in  the  Scandia  Plow  factory. 
However,  he  remained  there  but  a  few  months,  going  in  August,  1893,  to  Web- 
ster City,  where  he  worked  for  four  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time,  in  1897,  he 
came  to  Boone  and  was  for  over  seven  years  in  the  employ  of  Thompson  &  Peter- 
son. The  desire  to  see  the  place  of  his  birth  influenced  him  to  pay  a  visit  to 
Sweden  and  he  spent  five  months  in  his  native  land.  He  and  Mr.  Anderson 
formed  their  present  partnership,  February  i,  1913.  bringing  into  life  the  firm  of 
Anderson  &  Haleen.  They  are  engaged  in  blacksmith  work  and  carriage  manu- 
facturing and  do  an  extensive  and  profitable  business.  They  are  obliging  to  their 
customers,  their  workmanship  is  superior,  and  they  can  be  relied  upon  in  every 
detail  of  the  work.  As  business  men  they  enjoy  a  high  reputation,  and  while 
they  own  a  prosperous  business,  they  have  contributed  I)y  this  means  toward  the 
general  prosperity  of  the  city  in  which  they  reside. 

In  December,  1896,  Mr.  Haleen  married  Miss  Larvida  Benson,  vi-hose  father 
and  mother  are  both  dead.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Haleen  have  the  following  children, 
Allan,  Helmer,  Esther,  Ruth  and  Arthur.  The  parents  are  members  of  the  Swed- 
ish Lutheran  church  and  are  loyal  and  devoted  to  its  creed.  They  take  part  in 
the  various  phases  of  church  life  and  give  their  moral  and  material  support  to  its 
work.  Mr.  Haleen  is  a  republican,  supporting  the  candidates  and  measures  of 
that  party.  Personally  he  is  averse  to  accepting  public  office  but  in  a  private  way 
has  done  much  toward  promoting  trade  and  industrial  prosperity  in  Boone. 
Fraternally  he  is  a  Modern  Woodman  and  popular  in  this  order.  He  is  well 
liked  by  all  who  know  him  because  of  the  genuine  qualities  of  his  character,  and 
he  has  manv  friends  in  Boone. 


F.  G.  LIERMAN. 


F.  G.  Lierman,  an  enterprising  and  successful  young  business  man  of  Ogden, 
there  conducts  a  first-class  meat  market  in  association  with  his  father.  He 
is  numbered  among  the  worthy  native  sons  of  Boone  county,  his  birth  having 
occurred  at  Moingona  on  the  17th  of  November,  1882.  His  parents  were  Fred 
and  Mary  (Hamilton)  Lierman,  the  former  a  native  of  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  and 
the  latter  of  West  Virginia.  Fred  Lierman,  who  came  to  this  county  in  1874, 
was  a  butcher  by  trade  and  also  worked  in  the  coal  mines  for  two  years.  He 
removed  to  Ames,  Story  county,  where  he  worked  in  a  butcher  shop  for  several 
years,  subsequently  returning  to  Moingona  and  there  engaging  in  business  as  a 
butcher  from  1879  until  1882.     In  the  latter  year  he  met  with  an  accident  which 


324  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

occasioned  the  loss  of  his  left  leg  and  therefore  went  to  Boone,  where  he  worked 
in  a  butcher  shop  until  1885.  In  that  year  he  again  embarked  in  business  on 
his  own  account  and  some  time  later  removed  to  Lehigh,  Webster  county,  Iowa, 
where  he  carried  on  a  coal  and  butcher  business  for  eighteen  years.  In  Sep- 
tember, 1913,  he  came  to  Ogden  and  has  here  since  conducted  a  first-class  meat 
market  in  association  with  our  subject,  having  built  up  an  extensive  and  gratify- 
ing patronage.  During  the  period  of  the  Civil  war  he  served  for  a  short  time  as 
a  member  of  Company  G,  Se\enth  Missouri  \'olunteer  Infantry.  For  nearly  a 
quarter  of  a  century  he  has  survived  his  wife,  who  was  called  to  her  final  rest  on 
the  5th  of  March,  1891. 

F.  G.  Liernian  acquired  his  education  in  Boone  and  since  putting  aside 
his  text-books  has  been  associated  with  his  father  during  the  greater  part  of  the 
time.  At  Lehigh  he  worked  in  the  coal  mines.  In  September,  1913,  he  and  his 
father  opened  a  meat  market  in  Ogden,  where  they  have  conducted  a  success- 
ful establishment  of  this  character  to  the  present  time.  Mr.  Lierman  is  recognized 
as  a  young  man  of  good  business  ability  and  sound  judgment  and  is  numbered 
among  the  representative  and  progressive  citizens  of  the  community. 

On  the  I2th  of  April,  191 1,  Mr.  Lierman  was  united  in  marriage  to  ]\Iiss 
Dorothy  Rosacker,  her  father  being  M.  Rosacker,  a  pioneer  lumber  merchant  of 
Ogden.  In  religious  faith  Mr.  Lierman  is  a  Catholic.  He  also  belongs  to  the 
United  Mine  Workers.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  well  known  in  this  county 
and  the  circle  of  their  friends  is  almost  coextensive  with  the  circle  of  their 
acquaintances. 


ERNEST  C.  BROWN,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Ernest  C.  Brown  has  successfully  followed  the  profession  of  medicine 
and  surgery  in  Madrid  for  more  than  two  decades  and  has  built  up  a  practice 
which  is  one  of  the  most  extensive  in  central  Iowa.  His  birth  occurred  at 
A'erona,  Oneida  county,  New  York,  on  the  24th  of  August,  1867,  his  parents 
being  Calvin  and  Mary  Jane  (  Morton )  Brown.  The  father  was  one  of  those 
highly  respectable  farmers  who,  while  their  holdings  are  not  large,  take  a  very 
high  rank  in  community  life  by  reason  of  thrift,  probity  and  general  sterling 
qualities.  He  owned  a  small  fann  near  A'erona,  New  ^'ork,  on  which  he  lived 
for  nearly  a  half  century,  rearing  and  educating  his  large  family.  At  the  time 
of  his  death,  in  September,  1896,  he  was  one  of  Oneida  county's  oldest  residents, 
and  his  portrait  and  sketch  of  life  appear  in  the  Oneida  county  history,  published 
that  year.  From  the  standpoint  of  ability,  he  was  prepared  by  nature  for  a 
broader  field  of  action.  He  gave  considerable  attention  to  fruit-growing,  gaining 
a  state-wide  reputation  for  the  excellent  varieties  of  pears,  apples  and  grapes 
which  he  produced.  He  figured  prominently  in  the  agricultural  and  horticul- 
tural societies  of  both  county  and  state.  Subsequently  he  became  identified  with 
the  dairy  business  and  won  gratifying  success  in  that  connection,  at  one  time 
owning  what  was  called  the  Banner  Dairy, 

His  wife,  the  mother  of  the  Doctor,  was  a  daughter  of  Samuel  Morton,  of 
Rome,  New  York,  a  descendant  of  the  Mortons  who  figured  so  prominently  in 


DK.   ERNKST   C.  BliUWN   AM)   FAMILY 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  327 

the  history  of  New  England  and  in  the  line  of  descent  from  Sir  George  Morton, 
who  fitted  out  the  Mayflower  for  its  famous  voyage  but  who,  through  the  intrigue 
of  the  British,  was  arrested  and  not  allowed  to  sail  with  the  expedition  he  had 
formed.  The  Mortons,  however,  came  to  Massachusetts  in  the  following  year 
in  the  "Speedwell."  The  Browns  were  also  from  the  best  old  New  England 
stock,  coming  from  Connecticut  to  New  York  in  1796  and  locating  on  a  farm 
near  Rome,  N.  Y.,  which  has  ever  since  remained  in  the  family.  The  ancestry 
of  Dr.  Brown  in  the  maternal  line  and  on  the  side  of  his  grandmother  Brovi'n, 
who  was  a  Talcott,  can  be  traced  well  back  into  the  early  English  history — the 
Mortons  to  William  the  Conqueror  and  the  Talcotts  to  the  Earl  of  Warwick. 
The  paternal  grandfather  of  our  subject  held  the  rank  of  captain  in  the  War  of 
1812,  while  his  greatgrandfather  in  the  maternal  line  was  with  Ethan  Allen  in 
his  Revolutionary  exploits. 

Ernest  C.  Brown  acquired  his  earlier  education  in  the  common  school  of  his 
native  county  and  subsequently  attended  the  Rome  Free  Academy  for  two 
winters,  working  on  his  father's  farm  during  the  summer  months.  When  twenty- 
one  years  of  age  he  left  the  old  homestead  and  entered  the  Fort  Edward  Col- 
legiate Institute  at  T'ort  Edward,  New  York,  pursuing  a  classical  course  in  that 
institution.  In  the  fall  of  i8go  he  took  up  the  study  of  medicine  in  the  University 
of  Michigan  Homeopathic  Medical  College  at  Ann  Arbor,  being  graduated  with 
the  degree  of  M.  D.  in  June,  1893.  In  the  following  August  he  came  to  Iowa 
and  at  once  began  the  practice  of  his  profession,  being  J  associated  for  a  few 
months  with  Dr.  Martin,  the  leading  homeopathist  of  Boone.  In  October,  1893, 
he  opened  an  office  in  Madrid,  where  he  has  remained  continuously  since  and  has 
met  with  exceptional  success,  now  enjoying  a  practice  whiich  is  one  of  the  most 
extensive  in  central  Iowa.  In  the  spring  of  1898  he  pursued  post-graduate  work 
in  a  special  line  of  his  profession.  He  is  a  member  of  the  American  Institute 
of  Homeopathy  and  the  Hahnemann  Medical  Association  of  Iowa,  and  acts  as 
examining  physician  for  several  ilfe  insurance  companies.  Prosperity  has  come 
to  him  in  merited  and  gratifying  degree  and  he  owns  an  attractive  and  well 
appointed  home  in  Madrid. 

On  the  20th  of  June,  1900,  at  IMadrid,  Iowa,  Dr.  Brown  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Florence  Mason,  who  was  born  in  Kendall  county,  Illinois,  on  the  12th 
of  F'ebruary,  1S79,  her  parents  being  George  and  Sarah  Ann  (  Kennison)  Mason, 
the  former  born  in  LaSalle  county.  Illinois,  February  19,  1839,  and  the  latter  in 
Vermont,  July  17,  1843.  In  1884  the  parents  established  their  home  in  Wash- 
ington county,  Iowa,  whence  they  came  to  Madrid,  Boone  county,  in  1895.  Mrs. 
Brown  attended  the  common  and  high  schools  in  Washington,  Iowa,  and  also 
had  special  training  in  elocution  and  oratory  at  Drake  University  of  Des  Moines. 
Her  parents  still  survive,  residing  in  a  commodious  and  attractive  home  at  Madrid. 
Unto  them  were  born  the  following  children :  Mrs.  J.  H.  Mayer,  who  is  a 
resident  of  Garden  township ;  E.  G.  Mason,  of  Washington,  Iowa ;  L.  E.  Mason 
of  Slater;  Delbert,  who  is  deceased;  and  Mrs.  Florence  Brown.  All  were  born 
in  Illinois,  in  which  state  the  Mason  family  resided  for  about  twenty-eight  years. 
Dr.  and  Mrs.  Brown  have  four  children,  namely :  \'ictoria  Grace,  who  was  born 
on  the  I2th  of  April,  1901  ;  Gertrude  Bernice,  whose  birth  occurred  June  i, 
1903  ;  Albert  Mason,  whose  natal  day  was  January  27,  1905  ;  and  Kenneth  Ross, 


328  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

born  October  6,   1907.     All  are  natives  of   Madrid  and  are  now  attending  the 
public  schools  of  that  city. 

Dr.  Brown  tirst  exercised  his  right  of  franchise  in  support  of  Grover  Cleve- 
land and  David  B.  Hill  in  the  memorable  New  York  contest  of  1888,  traveling 
over  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  to  cast  his  ballot.  He  has  always  remained  a 
loyal  adherent  of  the  democracy  and  on  two  different  occasions  was  the  candi- 
date of  his  party  for  the  ofiice  of  county  coroner.  His  religious  faith  is  indi- 
cated by  his  membership  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  Aladrid,  to  which 
his  wife  also  belongs,  she  being  active  aijd  prominent  in  the  musical  and  auxiliary 
societies  of  that  church.  Loyal  in  friendship,  devoted  to  the  ties  of  home  and 
family  and  maintaining  a  high  standard  of  conduct  in  all  the  relations  of  life, 
Dr.  Brown  is  well  worthy  the  esteem  in  which  he  is  unifomily  held.  He  is 
generous  in  his  support  of  every  noble  and  good  cause. 


JAMES  F.  RICHEY. 

James  F.  Richey,  who  after  a  long  and  successful  career  as  an  agriculturist 
in  Dayton  township,  Webster  county,  now  lives  retired  in  Boone,  is  one  of  the 
city's  most  substantial  citizens.  He  was  born  in  Wayne  county,  near  Wooster, 
Ohio,  November  7,  1845,  and  is  a  son  of  Gasper  T.  and  Martha  (Richard) 
Richey.  The  paternal  grandfather  removed  from  Pennsylvania  to  Ohio,  becom- 
ing one  of  the  pioneers  of  that  state.  He  died  in  Webster  county,  Iowa.  In  his 
family  were  the  following  sons :  James,  who  located  in  Webster  county,  where 
he  died ;  John,  who  passed  away  in  \^'ayne  county,  Ohio ;  Gasper  T.,  father  of 
our  subject:  and  Samuel,  whose  death  occurred  in  Sheldon  county,  Indiana. 
There  were  also  nine  daughters  in  this  family. 

Caspar  T.  Richey  was  educated  in  the  schools  of  \\'estnioreland  county, 
Pennsylvania,  and  there  he  married,  removing  subsequently  to  Wayne  county, 
Ohio.  He  was  a  miller  by  trade  and  owned  and  ran  grist  mills,  sawmils  and  oil 
mills,  pressing  oil  from  pumpkin  seeds.  Being  impressed  with  the  opportunities 
of  the  middle  west  he  moved  to  Webster  county,  Iowa,  locating  in  Dayton  town- 
ship, November  9,  1854.  He  had  come  to  Iowa  the  previous  year  and  entered 
twenty-three  hundred  acres  of  land  in  Webster  and  Polk  counties  upon  which 
he  and  his  family  located  in  1854.  They  drove  from  Ohio  by  team  and  arrived  at 
their  new  home  after  a  long  and  arduous  journey.  The  father  soon  became  one 
of  the  foremost  men  of  Webster  county  and  was  i)rominent  in  political  affairs. 
Conditions  were  still  of  the  most  primitive  nature  when  the  family  located  there 
and  many  were  the  dangers  which  Caspar  T.  Richey  underwent,  his  life  being 
threatened  several  times.  The  mail  service  was  very  unsatisfactory  and  in  his 
connnunity  only  one  paper  was  read,  the  copy  circulating  among  various  families. 
He  served  for  ten  years  as  justice  of  the  peace  and  also  was  a  member  of  the 
board  of  county  supervisors.  During  the  first  year  he  succeeded  in  improving 
half  a  section  of  his  land,  erecting  fences  thereon  and  transforming  the  wild 
prairie  into  bearing  fields.  When  he  died  he  left  large  holdings  which  he  had 
accumulated  with  the  idea  of  giving  the  land  to  his  cliildren.  His  home  was  built 
of  round,  unhewn  logs  and  was  fourteen  by  eighteen  feet  in  size  and  one  story  in 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  329' 

height.  At  that  time  droves  of  elk,  deer  and  wild  hogs  were  still  plentiful.  The 
father  died  April  9,  1882,  at  the  age  of  seventy-nine  years,  and  found  his  last 
resting  place  in  Linn  cemetery,  Boone  county.  He  was  a  stanch  democrat  and 
his  religious  faith  was  that  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  to  which  his  wife 
also  belonged.  She  died  about  ten  years  later,  in  1892,  at  the  age  of  eighty-four 
years.  In  their  family  were  the  following  children ;  Alargaret,  who  is  now  Mrs. 
Cyrus  Burnett,  of  Dayton,  Iowa ;  Mary  J.,  who  married  J.  R.  Lyon  and  died  in 
Fort  Dodge;  Priscilla,  the  deceased  wife  of  Levi  Emerson,  of  Stratford,  Iowa; 
Henrietta,  who  married  A.  R.  Daughenbaugh  of  Des  Moines;  Gasper,  who  mar- 
ried Hattie  Lyon  and  died  in  \\'ebster  county ;  James  F.,  of  this  review  ;  and 
Sylvester,  who  married  Angeline  ]\Iahon  and  died  in  Dayton. 

James  F.  Richey  attended  school  conducted  in  the  old  log  schoolhouses  of  his 
native  township  whenever  time  and  cirrumstances  permitted,  his  educational 
advantages  being  very  limited,  though  he  continued  to  attend  school  for  a  short 
time  each  year  until  he  was  eighteen.  He  remembers  that  in  the  early  days  there 
was  not  a  house  within  ten  miles  of  his  father's  homestead  and  church  was  held 
in  a  schoolhouse  at  Des  Moines  at  a  time  when  there  were  but  few  houses  in  Fort 
Dodge.  Indians  were  still  plentiful  and  our  subject's  brothers  in  1856  partic- 
ipated in  a  campaign  against  the  hostile  savages.  Mr.  Richey  helped  his  fathef 
in  the  development  of  the  farm  and  they  built  the  largest  barn  in  Webster  county 
at  that  time.  They  raised  large  quantities  of  grain  and  even  supplied  their  neigh- 
bors with  seed.  Mr.  Richey  remained  on  the  homestead  until  after  his  marriage 
and  subsequently  located  on  a  farm  of  three  hundred  and  eighty-five  acres  which 
was  given  him  by  his  father.  The  house  and  barns  were  kept  in  the  best  of 
condition  and  he  received  a  handsome  income  from  his  agricultural  interests.  He 
bought  three  hundred  and  seventy-four  and  one-half  acres  in  partnership  with 
M.  J.  Carlson,  of  Pilot  Mound,  this  land  being  underlaid  with  coal.  It  is  situated 
in  Douglas  township,  Boone  county.  After  many  years  of  successful  labor  Mr. 
Richey  left  his  farm  in  1888  and  removed  to  Pilot  Mound,  Boone  county,  where 
he  engaged  in  buying  and  selling  live  stock,  but  in  1893  he  came  to  Boone,  where 
he  now  lives  retired  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  gratifying  competency. 

On  October  11,  1868,  James  F.  Richey  married  Miss  Louisa  Baker,  who  was 
born  near  Terre  Haute,  in  Clay  county,  Indiana,  November  9,  1846,  and  received 
her  education  in  the  common  schools  of  Dodge  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa. 
She  is  a  daughter  of  Joel  and  Olive  (Mitchell)  Baker.  Her  father  was  born  in 
Kentucky  and  after  his  marriage  there  removed  to  Clay  county,  Indiana,  but  in 
185 1  he  came  to  Iowa,  locating  on  wild  prairie  land  in  Dodge  township,  Boone 
county,  his  holdings  comprising  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres.  He  later  sold  out 
and  acquired  three  hundred  acres  of  land  east  of  Ridgeport,  Dodge  township, 
Webster  county.  He  died  there  in  1889,  at  the  age  of  sixty-eight  years,  his  wife 
passing  away  April  11,  1914.  Both  were  buried  in  the  Mineral  Ridge  cemetery. 
They  were  devoted  members  of  the  Baptist  church.  When  Mrs.  Baker  died  she 
had  forty-eight  grandchildren  and  one  hundred  and  forty-two  great-grandchil- 
dren. Her  children  were :  Julia,  who  married  Giles  Strode,  of  Butler  county, 
Kansas;  Louisa,  the  wife  of  our  subject;  Sarah,  who  married  E.  J.  Ray,  of 
Boone ;  Mary,  the  wife  of  J.  W.  Cole,  of  Dodge  township,  Webster  county ; 
Winnie,  who  is  now  Mrs.  Samuel  Sterrett  of  Boone;  Annie,  the  wife  of  J.  B. 
Price,  of  Ridgeport ;  Martha,  who  married  David  Cole  and  resides  near  Ridge- 


330  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

port ;  John,  who  died  at  the  age  of  fourteen  years ;  Priscilla,  the  wife  of  Charles 
Ray,  of  Armour,  South  Dakota ;  EHzabeth,  the  wife  of  Herman  Lindmark,  resid- 
ing near  Ridgeport ;  George,  of  Fort  Cobb,  Oklahoma :  and  Elias,  who  married 
Luella  Stotts  and  resides  near  Stanhope,  Iowa. 

Mr.  Richey  is  a  stanch  democrat  and  thoroughly  in  accord  with  the  aims  of 
his  party.  He  gave  his  first  vote  for  president  to  General  AlcClellan.  Both  he 
and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Baptist  church  of  Boone  and  Mr.  Richey  taught 
ni  the  Sunday  school  while  residing  in  Pilot  Mound.  He  has  ever  been  inter- 
ested in  the  intellectual  and  moral  upbuilding  of  the  people  and  has  contributed 
toward  that  end.  He  is  respected  and  esteemed  by  his  fellowmen  because  of  his 
high  qualities  of  character  and  because  he  is  a  useful,  loyal  and  patriotic  citizen. 


J.   G.   LUC.\S. 


J.  G.  Lucas  enjoys  a  high  reputation  among  the  newspaper  men  of  Iowa  as 
owner  and  editor  of  the  Register-Xews  of  ^ladrid,  a  paper  which  through 
his  incessant  labors  has  become  one  of  the  foremost  country  publications  of  the 
state.  Mr.  Lucas  is  a  son  of  Cory  don  L.  and  Xancy  ( Sturdivant)  Lucas, 
the  former  the  well  known  real-estate  man  and  historical  authority  of  !\Iadrid, 
also  the  first  mayor  of  the  town. 

J.  G.  Lucas  was  born  at  Belle  Point,  Boone  county,  Iowa,  January  8,  1879. 
There  he  passed  his  boyhood  and  attended  the  common  schools.  He  has  always 
been  a  resident  of  this  county.  While  yet  young  he  became  interested  in  the  pub- 
lishing business  in  Madrid,  and  he  has  followed  this  occupation  all  his  life.  In 
December,  1904,  he  acquired  the  Register-News  and  he  has  since  equipped  his 
plant  so  completely  and  modernly  that  it  stands  second  to  none  in  the  state.  Mr. 
Lucas  is  an  enthusiastic  newspaper  man.  In  his  editorials,  which  are  clear  cut 
and  forceful,  he  sets  forth  views  which  have  had  a  decidedly  beneficial  influ- 
ence upon  the  growth  of  his  city,  and  his  paper  has  been  of  the  greatest  educa- 
tional value  in  the  community.  His  news  columns  comprise  extensive  accounts 
of  local  happenings  and  include  a  record  of  the  nation's  and  world's  events.  It 
is  but  natural  that  a  paper  of  this  character  has  increased  in  circulation  from 
year  to  year  and  that  its  advertising  patronage  has  likewise  grown.  The  Regis- 
ter-Xews is  today  considered  one  of  the  most  valuable  publications  to  those  who 
desire  to  reach  an  extensive  and  representative  public.  In  connection  with  his 
newspaper  Mr.  Lucas  also  maintains  a  high-class  printing  plant,  turning  out 
artistic  and  up-to-date  work  punctually  and  at  a  most  reasonable  price. 

In  1904,  J'.  G.  Lucas  married  in  Madrid  Miss  Maude  Halsy,  a  native  of 
Boone  county,  where  she  attended  the  common  schools,  completing  her  educa- 
tion in  the  Madrid  high  school.  She  grew  to  womanhood  here  and  has  ever  since 
remained  a  resident  of  this  county.  Her  parents  are  C.  W.  and  Catharine 
(Purkhiser)  Halsy  and  they  have  five  children:  Clyde,  of  Des  Moines;  Mrs. 
Maude  Lucas ;  Mrs.  D.  E.  Crawford,  of  Des  Moines ;  Lee,  of  Madrid ;  and  Mrs. 
William  Valline,  who  also  resides  at  the  capital.  All  these  children  were  born 
and  reached  maturity  in  P.oone  county.     Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lucas  are  the  parents  of 


MR,  AND  MRS.  J.  G.  LUCAS 


PUB' 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  333 

Max,  Catharine,  Lillian  and  Robert  L.  Lucas,  who  were  born  in  Madrid,  where 
they  pursue  their  education. 

Mr.  Lucas  is  a  republican  and  has  always  taken  a  deep  interest  in  the  wel- 
fare of  his  party.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Christian  church. 
He  is  well  known  in  fraternal  circles,  being  a  member  of  Star  Lodge,  No.  115, 
A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  and  the  Odd  Fellows  lodge  of  Madrid.  Yet  a  young  man,  he  has 
already  achieved  a  decided  success,  a  success  which  not  only  means  individual 
prosperity  but  which  stands  for  patriotic  and  public-spirited  citizenship.  As  a 
man  and  through  the  influence  of  his  paper  he  has  largely  contributed  toward  the 
growth  and  progress  of  Madrid  and  Boone  county,  and  his  efforts  in  this  respect 
have  proven  a  factor  in  the  increasing  prosperity  of  his  section  and  the  moral 
and  intellectual  upbuilding  of  his  town. 


JOHN  M.  ANDERSON. 

John  M.  Anderson  is  a  representative  business  man  of  Boone,  being  the  senior 
partner  in  the  firm  of  Anderson  &  Haleen,  who  are  engaged  in  general  blacksmith- 
ing,  repair  work  and  the  manufacture  of  wagons  and  carriages.  Mr.  Anderson 
was  born  November  30,  1866,  in  Sweden.  He  is  a  son  o-f  Anders  and  Johanna 
Anderson  and  a  grandson  of  Peter  Anderson.  The  latter  followed  farming 
throughout  life  in  his  native  country,  where  he  passed  awayi  In  earlier  years  he 
served  in  the  Swedish  army.  He  had  the  following  children:  John;  Swan; 
Christine ;  Annie ;  Mattie  ;  and  Anders,  the  father  of  our  subject.  The  last  named 
also  followed  farming  throughout  life  and  died  in  Sweden  in  September,  1869. 
His  widow  subsequently  married  John  Johnson,  who  died  two  years  later.  In 
1887  she  and  two  of  her  sons,  Andrew  and  Emit,  sailed  from  Gottenborg,  Sweden, 
to  New  York  and  thence  made  their  way  to  Boone  county,  where  her  two  daugh- 
ters, Josephine  and  Annie,  had  preceded  them.  In  Boone,  Mrs.  Johnson  married 
John  Aim,  who  is  also  deceased.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Anders  Anderson  the  fol- 
lowing children  were  born :  Matilda,  who  married  John  Anderson  and  died  in 
Sweden  in  1909;  Josephine,  who  married  in  Princeton,  Illinois,  and  is  now  a 
widow  residing  in  Boone :  Annie,  who  married  Augus  Alt,  of  Boone ;  John  M. 
of"  this  review ;  Andrew,  of  Chicago,  who  married  Matilda  Wenstrom ;  and  Emil, 
who  died  in  Fort  Dodge,  Iowa.  By  the  subseijuent  marriages  of  the  rriother  no 
children  were  born. 

John  M.  Anderson  attended  the  public  sch(x>ls  in  Sweden  until  fourteen  years 
of  age  and  then  spent  three  years  in  a  military  institution.  He  came  to  the  United 
States  in  1888,  one  year  after  his  mother's  arrival  here.  He  located  in  Boone 
and  worked  for  the  Northwestern  Railway  as  bridge  foreman.  Then  he  learned 
blacksmithing  and  wagon  making  in  the  employ  of  Thompson  &  Peterson,  with 
whom  he  remained  for  eighteen  years,  gaining  valuable  experience  of  a  practical 
kind  and  also  thoroughly  acquainting  himself  with  the  business  end  in  connection 
with  such  an  enterprise.  In  February,  1913,  he  formed  a  partnership  with  Mr. 
Haleen  in  the  establishment  of  the  firm  of  Anderson  &  Haleen,  who  are  now 
doing  an  extensive  and  most  profitable  business.     They  are  known  as  reliable, 


334  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUXTY 

punctual  and  trustworthy,  and  it  may  be  said  that  no  piece  of  work  ever  leaves 
their  shops  unless  it  is  of  the  very  best  workmanship. 

In  October,  1893,  Mr.  Anderson  married,  in  Boone,  Miss  Annie  Edling,  of 
Dayton,  Iowa,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Christina  Edling.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Anderson  the  following  children  were  born :  Clarence,  who  is  an  electrician  in 
the  emplov  of  a  coal  mine  in  Ogden ;  Fred,  a  lineman  on  the  interurban  road, 
residing  at  home;  Esther,  at  home:  Harold,  now  six  years  old;  Mary,  deceased; 
and  Oscar.  The  parents  are  members  of  the  Christian  church  and  helpfully 
interested  in  its  work,  while  politically  Air.  Anderson  is  independent,  giving  his 
support  to  the  candidates  whom  he  considers  best  fitted  for  the  office  to  which 
they  aspire,  irrespective  of  party  affiliation.  Fraternally  he  is  a  Modern  Wood- 
man, a  Domestic  Worker  of  the  World  and  a  member  of  the  Loyal  Order  of 
Moose.  He  is  a  distinct  factor  in  the  development  of  Boone  and  has  contributed 
to  its  growth  by  pursuing  his  private  affairs.  He  is  ever  ready  to  give  his  sup- 
port to  public  enterprise  and  can  be  found  in  the  front  ranks  of  those  men  who 
have  at  heart  the  welfare  and  betterment  of  the  citv. 


JOSEPH    A.    SIFRIT. 


Joseph  A.  Sifrit.  who  for  twenty-nine  years  has  made  his  home  on  his  present 
farm  on  section  7.  Beaver  township,  was  born  in  Woodford  county,  Illinois,  in 
May,  1855,  a  son  of  Alichael  and  Susanna  (Xewland)  Sifrit,  both  of  whom  were 
natives  of  Ohio.  On  leaving  that  state  they  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  185 1, 
but  only  remained  for  about  a  year,  removing  at  the  end  of  that  time  to  Woodford 
county,  Illinois,  where  the  father  purchased  land  and  operated  his  farm  until 
1869.  He  then  sold  out  and  went  to  Coles  county,  Illinois,  and  afterward  became 
a  resident  of  Cumberland  county,  that  state,  where  he  carried  on  general  agri- 
cultural pursuits  until  1874.  He  then  returned  to  Boone  county,  where  he/ car- 
ried on  farming  for  some  time.  Later  he  retired  and  made  his  home  with  his 
children  throughout  his  remaining  days,  death  calling  him  on  the  28th  of  May, 
1906.    He  had  long  survived  his  wife,  who  passed  away  on  the  21st  of  April,  1882. 

Joseph  A.  Sifrit  was  reared  and  educated  in  Illinois  and  remained  with  his 
parents,  or  made  his  home  with  them,  until  twenty-four  years  of  age.  In  the 
meantime  he  earned  his  living  by  working  as  a  farm  hand  in  the  employ  of  others, 
but  he  was  ambitious  to  improve  his  own  financial  condition  and  began  renting 
land  in  Dallas  county.  This  he  operated  for  a  number  of  years,  or  until  1885, 
when  he  purchased  his  present  farm  of  eighty  acres  on  section  7,  Beaver  town- 
ship. This  he  also  set  about  improving  and  has  operated  the  place  continuously 
since.  It  is  not  difficult  to  conjecture  what  manner  of  man  Mr.  Sifrit  is  when  we 
notice  his  place  and  see  its  well  kept  appearance.  The  fields  give  promise  of 
abundant  harvests,  and  everything  about  the  farm  is  kept  in  good  condition.  He 
also  owns  forty  acres  of  land  on  section  19,  Beaver  township,  and  his  wife  is 
the  owner  of  eighty  acres  in  Dallas  county. 

On  the  28th  of  February,  1881,  Mr.  Sifrit  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
]\Iary  E.  Halley,  a  daughter  of  George  W.  and  Christina  (Staley)  Halley,  who 
were  natives  of  Ohio  and  on  coming  to  Iowa  cast  in  their  lot  with  the  pioneer 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  335 

settlers  of  Jackson  county  in  1853.  There  the  father  engaged  in  the  practice  of 
veterinary  surgery  until  1871,  when  he  renio\ed  to  Dallas  county,  where  he  con- 
tinued to  practice  until  his  death.  He  was  accidentally  killed  by  being  thrown 
from  a  cart  while  breaking  a  colt,  his  neck  being  broken.  This  was  in  September, 
1907.  For  more  than  ten  years  he  had  survived  his  wife,  who  passed  away 
December  28,  1896.  To  Air.  and  Mrs.  Sifrit  was  born  a  child,  who  died  in 
infancy  in  1882. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Sifrit  is  a  prohibitionist,  for  he  believes  that  the 
question  of  the  sale  and  manufacture  of  alcoholic  liquors  is  one  of  the  most 
important  before  the  country  today.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Baptist 
church,  and  his  life  exemplifies  many  high  and  honorable  principles.  He  is 
esteemed  wherever  known  and  most  of  all  where  he  is  best  known. 


CHARLES  ROSEN. 


In  the  business  world  Charles  Rosen  has  worked  his  way  upward  step  by  step, 
his  ability  increasing  through  the  exercise  of  effort,  and  although  he  started  out 
empty-handed,  he  is  now  at  the  head  of  a  profitable  and  growing  harness  business 
conducted  under  the  firm  name  of  Charles  Rosen  &  Company.  He  was  born  in 
Sweden  on  the  17th  of  November,  1851,  a  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carl  Carlson,  who 
were  also  natives  of  that  country  and  never  came  to  America.  The  father  was  a 
farmer  by  occupation.  In  1870  Charles  Rosen  and  his  two  brothers  came  to  the 
United  States,  Charles  making  his  way  to  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  where  he  remained 
for  a  brief  period.  He  then  went  to  Lost  Grove,  this  state,  where  he  was  em- 
ployed as  a  farm  hand  for  six  months.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he 
removed  to  Boone,  Iowa,  and  entered  the  employ  of  Oscar  Nelson  in  the  harness 
business,  remaining  with  him  for  six  months.  His  employer  then  went  into  bank- 
ruptcy, leaving  Mr.  Rosen  stranded.  He  then  entered  another  harness  shop, 
where  he  was  to  receive  a  salary  of  six  dollars  per  month.  However,  he  was 
raised  one  dollar  for  the  first  month  and  another  dollar  for  the  second  month,  his 
salary  then  remaining  eight  dollars  per  month  for  some  time.  Eventually,  how- 
ever, he  was  paid  fifty  dollars  after  he  had  learned  his  trade.  On  leaving  Boone 
he  came  to  Ogden,  where  he  had  charge  of  a  harness  business  from  1875  until 
1897,  when  his  employer  died.  He  then  purchased  the  stock  and  has  since  con- 
ducted the  store,  making  it  one  of  the  important  commercial  enterprises  of  the 
state.  On  the  2d  of  Januarv-,  1903,  he  admitted  John  A.  Peterson  to  a  partner- 
ship under  the  firm  name  of  Charles  Rosen  &  Company.  They  carry  an  extensive 
line  of  harness  and  horse  goods  and  a  complete  line  of  shoes.  Theirs  is  the  only 
business  of  the  kind  in  Ogden,  and  their  trade  is  growing  month  by  month.  They 
draw  their  patronage  from  a  wide  surrounding  territory,  and  their  sales  now 
reach  a  gratifying  annual  figure. 

In  1878  Mr.  Rosen  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Augusta  Rundberg,  a 
daughter  of  John  Rundberg,  a  native  of  Sweden  and  a  pioneer  of  Boone  county, 
who  is  now  deceased.  Unto  Air.  and  Mrs.  Rosen  have  been  born  four  children: 
Lillian  E.,  who  has  passed  away;  Walter  M.,  cashier  of  the  City  State  Bank  of 
Ogden;  and  Edna  and  Clarence,  at  home.     Mr.  Rosen  owns  a  fine  residence  in 


336  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

the  eastern  part  of  the  town,  and  the  spirit  of  hospitality  there  reigns  supreme. 
He  votes  with  the  repubhcan  party,  and  upon  its  ticket  has  been  elected  to  some 
local  offices.  For  nine  years  he  served  as  a  member  of  the  city  council  and  exer- 
cised his  official  prerogatives  in  support  of  many  measures  for  the  general  good, 
seeking  to  promote  matters  of  reform,  progress  and  improvement  in  his  city. 
For  an  extended  period  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  school  board,  and  the  cause 
of  education  has  found  in  him  a  stalwart  champion.  His  religious  faith  is  that 
of  the  Swedish  Mission,  and  high  and  honorable  principles  actuate  him  in  all  of 
his  relations  with  his  fellowmen.  Upon  the  sure  and  safe  foundation  of  integrity 
in  business  he  has  builded  his  success,  and  those  who  have  known  him  and 
watched  his  career  speak  of  him  in  terms  of  high  regard. 


HARRY  LUCAS  TILLSON. 

Harry  Lucas  Tillson,  who  for  a  number  of  years  has  been  engaged  in  the 
electrical  supply  business  in  Boone  and  who  is  an  electrical  contractor,  is  a  native 
son  of  this  city,  where  he  was  born  February  22,  1883.  He  is  a  son  of  Josiah  P. 
and  Olive  ( Lucas )  Tillson,  the  former  born  in  Otsego,  New  York.  Their  son, 
Harry  L.,  attended  the  schools  of  Boone  until  1899,  spending  the  last  three  years 
in  high  school  under  the  direction  of  Professor  George  L  Miller.  He  subse- 
quently entered  the  Iowa  State  College  at  Ames,  where  he  took  a  course  in  elec- 
trical engineering,  graduating  with  the  class  of  1903.  He  then  returned  to  Boone, 
where  he  remained  until  bis  remo\al  to  the  Kansas  oil  fields,  where  he  was  pro- 
fessionally employed  for  a  year  and  a  half.  He  next  became  a  member  of  the 
stafif  of  the  Boone  Electric  Company,  continuing  with  this  concern  for  one  and  a 
half  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  established  himself  independently  as  an 
electrical  contractor  and  also  as  a  dealer  in  electrical  supplies. 

On  July  10,  1905';  Mr.  Tillson  married  Miss  Alice  Nelson  of  Boone,  a  daugh- 
ter of  George  C.  and  Adelia  (Hibbard)  Nelson.  Politically  Mr.  Tillson  is  a 
republican  but  is  not  active  in  public  affairs,  although  he  is  ever  ready  to  support 
valuable  enterprises  which  promise  to  improve  conditions  in  his  community.  He 
is  a  member  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  also  belongs  to  the 
encampment  of  that  organization. 


H.  T.  HAGGE. 


H.  J.  Hagge  is  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Hagge  &  Claussen,  of  Ogden,  dealers 
in  automobiles,  who  also  conduct  a  general  repair  business  and  are  accorded  a 
liberal  patronage  in  both  connections.  His  birth  occurred  in  Yell  township. 
Boone  county,  Iowa,  on  the  3d  of  November,  1888,  his  parents  being  Hans  and 
Catherina  (Keuhl)  Hagge,  both  of  whom  are  natives  of  Germany.  The  father 
emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  an  early  day,  first  spending  a  short  time  in  Wis- 
consin and  later  coming  to  this  county.  He  purchased  and  improved  a  farm  in 
Yell  township,  carrying  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  successfully  until   191 1, 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  337 

when  he  put  aside  the  active  work  of  the  fields  and  took  up  his  abode  in  Ogden, 
where  he  has  since  lived  retired.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  well  known  and  highly 
esteemed  throughout  the  community,  and  the  hospitality  of  the  best  homes  is 
cordially  extended  them. 

H.  J.  Hagge  acquired  his  early  education  in  the  district  schools  of  this  county 
and  continued  his  studies  in  the  public  schools  of  Ogden,  while  subsequently  he 
pursued  a  course  in  the  Capital  City  Commercial  College  of  Des  Moines.  After 
putting  aside  his  text-books  he  cultivated  rented  land  for  three  years  and  then 
took  up  his  abode  in  Ogden,  where  he  worked  for  a  short  time.  On  the  ist  of 
February,  1913,  in  partnership  with  Carl  Claussen,  he  embarked  in  the  automo- 
bile business,  having  since  handled  Buick  cars  exclusively  and  also  conducting  a 
general  repair  business  under  the  firm  style  of  Hagge  &  Claussen.  They  own 
their  garage,  which  is  a  single-story  brick  building  of  double  width.  Mr.  Hagge 
has  won  gratifying  success  in  this  connection  and  also  owns  a  farm  of  eighty 
acres  in  Yell  township  which  owes  its  excellent  improvements  to  his  personal 
efl'orts. 

Since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise  Mr.  Hagge  has  supported 
the  men  and  measures  of  the  republican  party.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the 
German  Lutheran  church.  He  has  spent  his  entire  life  within  the  borders  of  his 
native  county  and  is  a  popular  young  man  who  has  won  and  retained  an  extensive 
circle  of  friends. 


SIDNEY  R.  DYER. 


Sidney  R.  Dyer,  a  leading  and  successful  representative  of  the  legal  fraternity 
in  Boone  county,  has  now  practiced  his  profession  in  the  town  of  Boone  contin- 
uously fot  more  than  four  decades  and  has  been  accorded  an  extensive  and  grati- 
fying clientage.  His  birth  occurred  in  Lockport,  New  York,  on  the  28th  of 
December,  1845,  h's  parents  being  John  and  Sarah  A.   (Webb)   Dyer. 

Sidney  R.  Dyer  acquired  his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Fulton, 
Illinois,  and  also  attended  a  military  academy  there.  In  July,  1862,  when  in  his 
seventeenth  year,  he  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Civil  war,  becoming  a  member 
of  Company  F,  Ninety-third  Illinois  Infantry,  and  remaining  with  that  command 
until  mustered  out  in  1865.  Subsequently  he  pursued  the  course  of  study  in  the 
Northern  Soldiers'  College  and  in  1870  took  up  the  study  of  law  in  the  office 
of  W.  E.  Leffingwell,  of  Lyons,  Iowa.  He  was  admitted  to  the  Clinton  county 
bar  in  1872  and  engaged  in  practice  for  a  short  time  at  Fulton,  Illinois,  but  in 
November  of  that  year  he  opened  an  office  in  Boone,  where  he  has  remained 
continuously  since.  A  liberal  and  lucrative  clientage  has  been  accorded  him. 
He  is  remarkable  among  lawyers  for  the  wide  research  and  provident  care  with 
which  he  prepares  his  cases.  At  no  time  has  his  reading  ever  been  confined  to 
the  limitation  of  the  questions  at  issue.  It  has  gone  beyond  and  compassed  every 
contingency  and  provided  not  alone  for  the  expected,  but  for  the  unexpected, 
which  happens  in  the  courts  quite  as  frequently  as  out  of  them. 

As  a  companion  and  helpmate  on  the  journey  of  life  Mr.  Dyer  chose  Miss 
Jennie  L.  Mofif'att,  a  daughter  of  Charles  A.  and  Charlotte  (Bascom)  MofTatt,  both 


338  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

of  whom  were  born  in  New  York.     Our  subject  and  his  wife  had  two  sons,  Dr. 
John  S.,  deceased,  and  Walter  R. 

Mr.  Dyer  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  for  two 
terms  held  the  office  of  mayor  in  Boone,  his  administration  being  characterized 
by  many  measures  of  reform  and  progress.  He  is  a  stanch  champion  of  the 
cause  of  education  and  has  done  valuable  service  as  a  member  of  the  school 
board.  He  belongs  to  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  and  is  identified  fra- 
ternally with  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  During  the  many  years 
in  which  Mr.  Dyer  has  practiced  his  profession  in  Boone  his  success  has  been 
uniformly  pronounced,  while  his  long  residence  in  the  community,  together  with 
his  sterling  integrity  and  personality,  has  won  for  him  a  large  number  of 
friends. 


SQUIRE  B.  WILLIAMS. 

There  was  no  more  beloved  citizen  in  Aladrid,  Iowa,  than  Squire  B.  Wil- 
liams, who  was  highly  respected  and  esteemed  as  a  friend,  as  a  citizen,  as  a 
merchant,  banker  and  official.  For  a  number  of  years  Mr.  Williams  was  most 
.successfully  engaged  in  the  grain  business  and  from  1909  until  his  demise  also 
served  as  cashier  of  the  Madrid  State  Bank.  Under  Cleveland  he  was  post- 
master of  Madrid  and  discharged  his  duties  in  a  highly  creditable  way.  Mr. 
Williams  was  one  of  the  best  informed  men  of  his  community,  conversant 
with  the  leading  issues  and  questions  of  the  day  and  always  ready  to  give  his 
support  to  valuable  public  enterprises.  He  was  a  man  of  energy  and  deter- 
mination and  by  persistent  and  honorable  efforts  mounted  the  ladder  to  success. 

Squire  B.  W^illiams  was  born  in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  May  13,  1S60,  on  what 
is  now  known  as  the  John  Dalander  farm,  near  Elk  Rapids,  and  was  a  son  of 
Benjamin  and  Elizabeth  Williams,  pioneer  residents  of  this  county,  who  are 
mentioned  at  length  in  another  part  of  this  work.  Benjamin  Williams  was 
a  native  of  Ohio  who  had  moved  to  Indiana,  where  he  was  educated  and  grew 
to  manhood.  In  1847  he  came  to  Iowa,  settling  in  Boone  county,  and  here  he 
resided  until  his  death  in  February,  1884,  at  the  age  of  sixty-six  years.  Eliza- 
beth Williams,  who  sur\ives  him,  also  came  to  Boone  county  at  an  early  day 
in  its  history. 

Squire  B.  \\'illiams  was  reared  under  the  parental  roof,  receiving  a  common 
.school  education  in  the  neighborhood  of  the  father's  farm  and  early  assisting  his 
parents  in  their  agricultural  labors.  He  remained  with  them  until  twenty 
years  of  age,  when  he  came  to  Madrid  and  engaged  in  the  livery  business,  in 
-which  he  was  successful  for  about  four  years.  Disposing  of  his  interests  in 
that  line,  he  then  formed  a  partnership  with  the  late  G.  A.  Young  and  they 
■conducted  a  meat  business  for  about  a  year.  At  that  time  he  was  appointed 
postmaster  of  Madrid  by  President  Cleveland,  and  filled  the  position  for  one 
term,  giving  great  satisfaction  to  the  patrons  of  the  office.  He  subsequently 
.became  local  manager  of  the  .McFarland  Grain  Company,  and  in  that  position 
came  in  touch  with  the  most  important  agricultural  interests  of  the  section, 
.earning  the   high   regard  of   his   employers.     He   remained   with   this   firm    for 


SQUIKE  B.   WILLIAM.- 


,<»■  • 


JIKS.   SC^riKE   I!.   WILLIAMS 


\       -ri  m:     V  ■  "  ■     ■■'O^v 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  343 

twelve  years.  In  August,  1900,  he  purchased  from  C.  S.  Lavvbaugh  an  established 
grain  business,  which  he  successfully  conducted  until  his  demise.  Mr.  Wil- 
liams was  a  shrewd  and  able  business  man,  thoroughly  honest  in  all  his  methods, 
and  in  great  measure  he  enjoyed  the  confidence  of  those  who  had  business 
transactions  with  him.  His  ability  was  recognized  and  by  it  he  built  up  a 
commercial  institution  which  brought  him  a  large  competence.  He  made  a 
number  of  profitable  and  judicious  investments,  including  stock  purchases  in 
the  Madrid  State  Bank.  In  1909,  when  a  vacancy  occurred  in  the  cashiership, 
Mr.  Williams  was  elected  to  that  position,  and  ably  managed  the  affairs  of  this 
bank  until  his  death,  supervising  at  the  same  time  his  grain  interests.  As  a 
banker  Mr.  Williams  proved  himself  most  able.  While  he  was  connected  offi- 
cially with  the  institution  the  bank  increased  in  stability,  and  its  resources  grew 
rapidly.  His  advice  was  frequently  sought  by  investors,  and  the  depositors  of 
the  institution  found  in  him  a  valuable  friend.  He  was  careful  in  the  invest- 
ments of  the  bank,  and  his  foremost  consideration  was  always  the  interest  of 
the  depositors. 

On  September  29,  1883,  Mr.  Williams  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Blanche 
Bilsland,  of  Madrid,  who  ably  assisted  him  in  his  many  enterprises  and  was  his 
worthy  helpmate.  During  his  last  illness  she  cared  for  him  with  all  the  love 
conceivable  and  provided  him  with  every  imaginable  comfort.  Mrs.  Williams 
was  born  in  Douglas  township,  Boone  county,  on  September  2,  1861.  Here  she 
grew  to  womanhood,  attending  the  common  schools  and  the  Boone  high  school 
for  one  year.  Her  parents,  John  and  Eliza  (Wagner)  Bilsland,  were  natives 
of  Indiana  and  Illinois  respectively,  the  former  born  in  Fountain  county,  April 
7,  1 83 1,  and  the  latter  in  Iroquois  county,  March  27,  1837.  The  mother  died  in 
Madrid,  January  25,  1896.  Mr.  Bilsland  still  resides  in  a  handsome  home  in 
•Madrid,  Mrs.  Williams,  his  daughter,  making  her  home  with  him.  The  father 
came  overland  to  Iowa  in  1853,  and  settled  at  Swede  Point,  now  Madrid.  Soon 
after  his  arrival  he  acquired  a  large  tract  of  land  in  northern  Douglas  town- 
ship. This  was  in  the  year  1856.  He  then  returned  to  Indiana,  bringing  his 
bride  to  the  newly  established  home  in  Iowa.  They  were  pioneers  indeed,  as 
at  that  time  nearly  all  the  vast  expanse  surrounding  Madrid  was  unbroken 
land  and  settlements  were  sparse.  Markets  were  at  a  great  distance  and  fron- 
tier conditions  pre\ailed  generally.  By  perseverance  and  close  application  Mr. 
Bilsland,  however,  overcame  these  difficulties  and  rose  to  a  position  of  sub- 
stance among  his  fellow  citizens.  The  father  of  Mr.  Bilsland  was  born  on  the 
Atlantic  ocean  when  the  grandparents  were  emigrating  to  America.  The  family 
first  located  in  Pennsylvania  and  several  members  participated  in  the  War  of  1812. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bilsland  retired  to  Madrid  in  1873,  yet  the  former  continued  to 
direct  his  farm  operations  until  1897.    Mrs.  Williams  was  their  only  child. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Williams  had  two  daughters,  both  born  in  Madrid:    Mrs.  Edna< 

Boone  Parsons,  born  March  6,  1886,  who  attended  the  Madrid  high  school,  but 

left   before   graduating   and    who   graduated    from    the   oratory    department   of 

Drake  University  in    1905  ;  and  Dorothy  B.,  born  September   14,   1898,  who  is 

attending  school  in  Madrid.     Mrs.  Parsons  is  a  very  effective  orator  and  recited 

at   the   Boone   County    Pioneers'   Semi-Centennial.   held   at    Ames   in    1904,   the 

Declaration  of  Independence,  earning  high  praise  because  of  the  effective  recital 

of  the  famous  document.     She  married  in  191 1   Benjamin  F.  Parsons,  a  gradu- 
voi.  n— 10 


344  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

ate  electrical  engineer  of  Iowa  State  College,  and  they  now  reside  in  Portland, 
Oregon.     They  have  one  son,  Carter  Franklin  Parsons,  born  January  5,   1914. 

Squire  B.  Williams  was  an  ardent  democrat.  His  first  vote  was  cast  for 
Cleveland  in  1884,  while  the  first  vote  of  Mr.  Bilsland  was  given  Franklin 
Pierce.  Mr.  Williams  was  honored  with  election  to  public  office  and  for  two 
years  served  as  city  treastirer.  He  was  always  ready  to  lend  valuable  aid  in  the 
way  of  enabling  his  community  to  realize  some  aspects  of  its  higher  self.  His 
material  aid  was  ever  forthcoming.  He  was  a  courteous,  afifable,  approachable 
gentleman,  a  man  of  sympathies  who  was  ever  ready  to  do  a  kindness  to  those 
in  need  of  his  services.  Both  he  and  Mr.  Bilsland  were  members  of  Star  Lodge, 
No.  115,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Madrid.  He  belonged  to  the  Christian  church,  of 
which  Mrs.  Williams  is  a  member,  and  always  took  a  deep  interest  in  its  work. 
He  was  particularly  effective  as  a  member  of  the  choir,  possessing  an  excellent 
voice,  and  Mrs.  Williams  still  sings  with  that  organization.  She  now  looks 
after  the  extensive  interests  left  by  her  husband,  and  has  proven  herself  a  most 
able  manager  of  important  afifairs.  She  is  a  charter  member  of  Occidental 
Chapter,  O.  E.  S.,  of  Madrid,  and  at  present  is  grand  warder  of  the  state  of 
Iowa  in  the  organization.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  \\"illiams  were  always  among 
the  most  progressive  citizens,  and  it  might  be  of  interest  to  note  here  that  they 
introduced  the  first  telephone  to  their  community  and  that  the  first  gasoline 
stove  found  a  place  in  their  home. 

Mr.  Williams  was  one  of  the  very  best  types  of  Iowa's  native  sons  and  he 
reflected  honor  upon  his  state  and  county  by  his  honorable  activities.  Squire 
B.  Williams  died  on  April  14,  1912,  at  the  age  of  fifty-one  years,  eleven  months 
and  one  day.  His  demise  caused  sincere  sorrow  throughout  the  communitv. 
and  in  many  homes  his  loss  was  felt  as  a  personal  one.  As  a  friend  he  was 
faithful  and  true,  as  a  citizen  loyal  to  his  community  and  countv  and  as  a 
father  and  husband  he  proved  his  noble  manhood.  His  memory  will  live  for 
many  years,  and  his  record  is  such  that  it  should  spur  on  the  young  men  of  today 
to  gain  an  honorable  position  and  financial  independence  by  following  his  worthy 
precepts. 


ALBERT  T.  SUNDELL. 

Albert  T.  Sundell,  who  has  remained  a  resident  of  Grant  township  from  his 
birth  to  the  present  time,  devotes  his  attention  to  the  operation  of  the  home  farm 
of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  20  and  also  makes  a  specialty  of  stock- 
raising.  He  was  born  on  the  8th  of  June,  1877,  ^  son  of  Gust  and  Emily  (Berg- 
man) Sundell,  both  of  whom  are  natives  of  Sweden.  The  father  crossed  the 
Atlantic  to  the  United  States  in  the  '60s  and  located  in  Keokuk,  Iowa,  where  he 
helped  to  build  the  canal,  assisting  in  its  construction  for  six  years.  On  the 
expiration  of  that  period  he  came  to  Boone  county  and  purchased  a  tract  of 
land  in  Grant  township  which  he  improved  and  operated  continuously  and  suc- 
cessfully until  1900,  when  he  put  aside  the  active  work  of  the  fields  and  removed 
to  Pilot  Mound,  where  he  has  since  lived  retired.     He  has  now  reached  the  age 


MR.  AND  MRS.  JOHN  BILSLAND 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  347 

of  seventy  years  and  is  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  throughout  the  com- 
munity. 

Albert  T.  Sundell  was  reared  in  Grant  township,  where  he  acquired  his  edu- 
cation, also  attending  the  short  course  at  Iowa  State  College  at  Ames  for  three 
years.  After  attaining  his  majority  he  took  charge  of  the  home  farm,  compris- 
ing one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  20,  Grant  township,  and  has  since 
operated  the  same  with  excellent  results.  The  property  wall  eventually  come 
into  his  possession,  for  he  is  the  only  child  of  his  parents.  In  connection  with 
the  tilling  of  the  soil  he  makes  a  specialty  of  the  raising  of  Duroc  Jersey  hogs 
and  Hereford  cattle  and  also  of  buying  stock.  He  is  also  a  stockholder  in  the 
Farmers  Elevator  Company  of  Boxholm  and  is  widely  recognized  as  a  progres- 
sive and  enterprising  citizen  of  his  native  county. 

In  May,  1900,  Mr.  Svmdell  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Julia  Lundblad,  a 
daughter  of  Alfred  and  Sophia  Lundblad,  who  are  natives  of  Sweden  and  emi- 
grated to  America  at  an  early  day.  The  father,  one  of  the  earliest  pioneers  of 
Boone  county,  still  lives  on  his  farm  in  Pilot  Alound  township,  and  the  mother  also 
yet  survives.  Unto  Mr.  and  Airs.  Sundell  have  been  born  six  children,  as  follows: 
Clarence  ;  Cloyd  ;  \iola  ;  Herman,  who  died  in  1908  ;  .Mildred  ;  and  Laura. 

In  politics  Mr.  Sundell  is  a  republican,  loyally  supporting  the  principles  and 
candidates  of  that  party.  He  has  served  as  trustee  of  Grant  township  and  has 
been  a  member  of  the  school  board  since  reaching  his  majority  or  for  a  period 
of  sixteen  years,  ever  discharging  his  official  duties  in  a  capable  and  commend- 
able manner.  He  is  identified  fraternally  with  the  Modern  Woo<l©1en  of  America, 
and  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Lutheran  church.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sun- 
dell are  held  in  high  esteem  throughout  the  community  and  have  an  extensive 
circle  of  warm  friends,  while  the  hospitality  of  the  best  homes  is  freely  accorded 
them. 


JOHN  S.  GASTON. 


With  Boone  as  a  railway  center,  naturally  a  considerable  proportion  of  its 
citizens  are  connected  with  the  railway  service,  among  whom  are  those  whose 
efficiency  has  been  acknowledged  in  promotion  by  the  railway  corporation  which 
they  serve.  One  of  these  is  John  S.  Gaston,  a  passenger  conductor  on  the  North- 
western between  Boone  and  Omaha.  He  has  been  a  conductor  since  1890,  while 
his  connection  with  railroad  work  dates  from  1883,  more  than  three  decades  ago. 
His  first  position  was  that  of  brakeman,  while  later  he  became  freight  conduc- 
tor, and  in  1904  was  made  passenger  conductor.  He  was  born  upon  a  farm 
near  Traer,  Tama  county,  Iowa,  on  the  3d  of  January,  1859  a  son  of  Hugh  Ford 
Gaston,  a  native  of  Muskingum  county,  Ohio,  born  in  August,  1810.  While 
still  a  resident  of  the  Buckeye  state  he  married  Elizabeth  Stokes,  of  Wells- 
ville,  Ohio,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Martha  (Van  Tilberg)  Stokes.  On  leaving 
his  native  state  Hugh  Ford  Gaston  removed  to  Iowa  with  his  wife  and  child, 
settling  in  Tama  county.  The  journey  was  made  by  wagon  and  they  crossed 
the  Mississippi  river  at  Muscatine.  Pioneer  conditions  existed  in  the  state,  where 
the  work  of  progress  and  improvement  had  scarcely  been  begun.     They  settled 


348  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

among  the  Indians  in  Tama  county  and  the  father  purchased  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  of  government  land  at  a  dollar  and  a  quarter  per  acre.  His  farm  was 
situated  in  Perry  township  and  was  mostly  prairie  land.  He  later  acquired  an  ad- 
joining tract  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  for  which  he  gave  a  team  of 
oxen.  This  was  virgin  soil,  and  with  characteristic  energy  he  began  to  turn  the  sod 
and  prepare  the  place  for  cultivation.  He  built  a  house  of  logs  and  it  was  in 
that  pioneer  cabin  that  John  S.  Gaston  was  born.  Later  the  primitive  home  was 
replaced  by  a  frame  dwelling  and  this  in  turn  gave  way  before  a  thoroughly 
modern  two-story  frame  residence  containing  ten  rooms — one  of  the  attractive 
modern  homes  of  the  twentieth  century.  About  fifteen  years  ago  Mr.  Gaston 
retired  from  active  life  and  removed  to  Traer,  where  he  is  still  living — active,  hale 
and  hearty  and  possessing  a  most  retentive  memory.  He  is  one  of  the  honored 
pioneer  settlers  of  his  part  of  the  state  and  has  ever  been  acknowledged  a  citi- 
zen of  worth.  He  was  one  of  the  builders  of  the  Congregational  church,  and 
he  has  always  given  stalwart  support  to  the  republican  party.  His  wife  also 
survives  and  is  now  eighty- four  years  of  age.  Theirs  is  the  remarkable  record 
of  having  been  married  sixty-six  years  and  having  never  been  separated  for  a 
single  day.  In  their  family  were  the  following  children :  Etta,  at  home ;  James, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  forty-one  years;  John  S. ;  Ella,  now  the  wife  of  Professor 
O.  P.  Berber  of  Cornell,  Iowa ;  Alattie,  who  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years ; 
Willis,  living  at  Reinbeck,  Iowa ;  Wallace,  who  makes  his  home  at  Traer ;  Den- 
ver Dayton,  at  home :  and  Zay,  the  wife  of  George  Franzenberg  of  Tacoma, 
\\'nshington. 

Born  and  reared  on  the  old  home  farm.  John  S.  Gaston  was  a  pupil  in  the 
public  schools  of  Traer  between  the  ages  of  five  and  fifteen  years.  With  the 
family  he  shared  in  the  usual  experiences,  hardships  and  privations  of  pioneer 
life,  at  a  time  when  Waterloo  was  the  nearest  town  to  the  Gaston  homestead. 
The  entire  country  was  new  and  the  land  unbroken,  and  there  was  no  railroad 
until  the  Burlington,  Cedar  Rapids  &  Northern  was  built  through  Traer.  Even 
in  his  boyhood  days  Mr.  Gaston  was  deeply  interested  in  the  development  and 
progress  of  the  district.  After  leaving  the  public  schools  he  continued  his  edu- 
cation at  the  Tilford  Academy  in  ^^inton,  Iowa,  and  also  spent  a  year  at  Cor- 
nell College  in  Mount  Vernon.  When  about  eighteen  years  of  age  he  finished 
his  studies  and  later  remained  upon  the  home  farm  until  he  attained  his  major- 
ity. About  1882  or  1883  he  came  to  Boone  and  soon  afterward  entered  the  employ 
of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railway  Company  in  the  capacity  of  brakeman. 
After  serving  in  that  way  for  two  years  he  was  called  home  to  take  charge  of 
the  farm,  for  his  father  had  been  elected  county  treasurer  of  Tama  county  and 
needed  the  assistance  of  his  son  in  the  work  of  the  fields  that  he  might  be  thus 
relieved  to  take  charge  of  the  duties  of  his  official  position.  In  1887  John  S. 
Gaston  returned  to  Boone  and  once  more  entered  the  employ  of  the  Northwestern 
as  brakeman,  continuing  as  such  until  the  ist  of  June,  1890,  when  he  was  pro- 
moted to  freight  conductor,  his  run  being  between  Boone  and  Council  Bluffs. 
He  acted  in  that  capacity  until  1904.  when,  on  the  24th  of  December,  he  was  pro- 
moted to  the  position  of  passenger  conductor,  still  running  between  Boone  and 
Council  Bluffs.  He  has  since  served  as  passenger  conductor  and  is  a  popular 
official  of  the  road  because  of  his  unfailing  courtesy  and  obliging  manner  and 
his  ready  and  willing  assistance  to  the  many  patrons  of  the  road. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  349 

On  the  22d  of  November,  1888,  in  Traer,  Iowa,  the  Rev.  Bingham  pronounced 
the  words  that  made  John  S.  Gaston  and  Miss  Helena  Schroeder  husband  and 
wife.  Mrs.  Gaston  was  born  in  Marne,  Holstein,  Germany,  June  19,  1865,  and 
was  brought  to  the  United  States  when  ja.  year  old  by  her  parents,  who  located 
in  Davenport,  Iowa.  When  she  was  five  years  of  age  they  went  to  Toledo, 
Tama  county,  and  when  she  became  a  maiden  of  twelve  summers  a  removal 
was  made  to  Traer,  Iowa,  where  she  continued  her  education  in  the  public 
school.  Her  father,  Peter  Schroeder,  was  educated  in  Germany  and  served  for 
three  years  in  the  German  army.  He  afterward  learned  and  followed  the  mason's 
trade  in  his  native  country,  but,  thinking  that  he  might  have  better  opportunities 
in  the  new  world,  he  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  United  States,  as  previously 
stated,  accompanied  by  his  wife  and  two  children.  He  was  the  only  one  of  that 
branch  of  the  Schroeder  family  to  come  to  America.  He  followed  the  mason's 
trade  for  a  time  after  reaching  the  new  world,  but  ultimately  turned  his  attention 
to  other  pursuits  and  is  now  a  retired  farmer  living  in  Davenport.  Unto  him 
and  his  wife  were  born  the  following  children:  Mrs.  Gaston;  Charles,  who 
makes  his  home  in  Spencer,  Iowa;  William,  deceased;  Henry,  a  practicing  physi- 
cian of  Braymer,  Missouri;  Peter,  a  physician  of  Davenport,  Iowa;  and  Emma, 
the  wife  of  Charles  Anderson,  of  Peoria,  Illinois. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gaston  have  been  born  three  children.  Mildred,  born 
November  18,  1889,  in  Boone,  attended  the  public  schools  until  graduated  with 
the  class  of  1908.  She  then  pursued  a  four  years'  course  in  Ames  College,  tak- 
ing domestic  science,  and  for  a  year  and  a  half  she  was  a  teacher  at  Ida  Grove. 
On  the  iith  of  February,  1914,  she  became  the  wife  of  John  .M.  Gould  and 
resides  in  Cleburne,  Texas.  Mary  Elizabeth,  born  November  13,  1894,  was 
graduated  from  the  Boone  high  school  with  the  class  of  1913  and  is  now  a 
teacher  in  the  Ericson  school  of  Boone  county.  Donald  S.,  born  April  17,  1899, 
is  a  high-school  pupil  in  Boone.  The  record  of  the  children  indicates  the  inter- 
est of  the  parents  in  education  and  their  efforts  to  give  their  daughters  and  son 
excellent  advantages  along  that  line.  In  politics  Mr.  Gaston  is  a  stalwart  repub- 
lican, believing  firmly  in  the  principles  of  the  party.  He  belongs  to  the  Brother- 
hood of  Railway  Trainmen  and  to  Boone  Lodge,  No.  79,  F.  &  A.  M.  He  and 
his  family  are  consistent  and  faithful  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and 
they  occupy  a  pleasant  home  at  No.  204  Tama  street,  which  Mr.  Gaston  purchased 
eight  years  ago.  Fidelity  to  duty  is  one  of  his  strong  characteristics ;  his  ability 
has  developed  through  efifort  and  his  energy  and  industry  have  made  him  one 
of  the  trustworthy  representatives  of  railway  activity  in  Boone. 


JOHN  REED  BOYD. 


John  Reed  Boyd  is  a  prosperous  farmer  residing  on  section  17,  Colfax  town- 
ship, where  he  successfully  cultivates  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land,  which 
he  owns.  His  birth  occurred  in  Elk  River  township,  Clinton  county,  Iowa,  on 
the  2d  day  of  December,  1853.  His  father,  James  Boyd,  was  a  native  of  Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania,  and  there  grew  to  manhood.  His  marriage  occurred  in 
Clinton   county,   Iowa,   his   wife  being  in  her  maidenhood   Miss   Mary   Sloane. 


350  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

They  later  came  to  Boone  count}-.  The  father  passed  away  in  Colfax  township 
after  he  had  reached  the  Psalmist's  allotted  age  of  man,  his  death  occurring  when 
he  was  seventy-two  years  old.  His  political  support  was  given  to  the  democratic 
party,  and  he  was  a  man  of  splendicj.  qualities  of  character  and  enjoyed  the 
esteem  of  his  community.  His  wife  passed  away  on  the  homestead,  and  both 
are  buried  in  Clarke  cemetery.  To  them  were  born  the  following  children: 
George  J.;  Thomas  S. ;  Martha  W.,  now  deceased,  who  married  Norman  Hurd; 
Marion  and  David,  who  have  passed  away :  John  Reed,  of  this  review ;  Mary 
E.,  now  Mrs.  Smith  Barret,  of  Boone;  Ethel  A.,  deceased,  who  married  Harry 
Myers ;  and  James  B.,  of  Colfax. 

John  Reed  Boyd  remained  in  Clinton  county,  Iowa,  until  he  was  sixteen 
years  of  age,  and  his  energies  were  devoted  to  the  acquiring  of  an  education  in 
the  public  schools  and  the  assisting  in  the  work  of  cultivating  the  home  farm. 
In  1869  he  accompanied  his  father  to  Boone  county,  locating  on  a  tract  of  land 
in  Colfax  township.  The  father  was  at  one  time  the  owner  of  nine  hundred 
acres,  which  he  later  divided  among  his  children.  Our  subject  continued  his 
education  in  Colfax  township,  putting  aside  his  text-books  at  the  age  of  nineteen. 
For  a  few  years  thereafter  he  remained  at  home,  aiding  his  father  in  the  tilling 
of  the  soil.  In  1875  his  marriage  occurred,  and  for  thirteen  years  subsequently 
he  made  his  home  upon  his  father's  land.  In  the  fall  of  1892  he  built  his  present 
residence.  He  has  proven  himself  an  efficient  agriculturist  and  reaps  bountiful 
harvests  as  the  reward  of  his  labor. 

In  1875  Mr.  Boyd  married  Miss  Ella  Hull,  a  daughter  of  Samuel  A.  and 
Rachel  (Prother)  Hull.  The  following  children  were  born  to  our  subject  and 
his  wife:  Minnie  May,  the  wife  of  Charles  Cromwell  of  Madrid;  Samuel  R., 
at  home;  Ernest  W.,  also  at  home;  Byron  J.,  of  Colfax  township;  Alpha  C,  who 
married  Tillie  Legvold,  of  Colfax;  Harry  E.,  who  passed  away  at  sixteen;  and 
Lee  J.  and  Leah  Irene,  twins. 

Mrs.  Boyd  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  Mr.  Boyd  gives 
his  political  allegiance  to  the  democratic  party  and  has  served  for  some  time  as 
a  school  director,  always  manifesting  a  praiseworthy  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the 
public  schools  of  his  district.  He  has  carried  the  same  spirit  into  all  the  relations 
of  life  and  in  consequence  holds  the  respect  of  his   fellowmen. 


FRANK  D.  ADIX. 


Frank  D.  Adix,  who  is  engaged  in  the  carpentering  and  contracting  business 
in  Boone  in  partnership  with  his  brother  A.  W.,  is  numbered  among  that  city's 
shrewd  and  able  business  men.  He  is  a  son  of  Lewis  W.  and  Fredericka  (Krog- 
man)  Adix.  natives  of  Germany,  who  are  mentioned  in  another  part  of  this  work 
and  who  are  numbered  among  the  pioneer  residents  of  Boone  county. 

Frank  D.  Adix  was  born  on  the  home  farm  in  Yell  township,  March- 12,  1875, 
and  when  old  enough  entered  the  district  schools  of  the  neighborhood,  continuing 
his  lessons  in  the  Hickory  Grove  school  during  the  winter  months  until  he  was 
twenty-one  years  of  age.  During  this  time,  how-ever,  he  gave  much  attention 
to  agricultural  pursuits,  acr|uainting  himself   thoroughly   with  the  best  methods 


MR.  AND  MRS.  PRANK  D.  ADIX 


THE  NEW  YORK 
PUBLIC  LIBRARY 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  353 

under  the  able  direction  of  his  father.  He  so  continued  until  twenty-two  years 
of  age  and  then,  in  partnership  with  his  brother  Albert  W.,  acquired  the  title 
to  the  homestead,  which  they  operated  as  partners  until  the  spring  of  1913,  when 
Mr.  Adix  of  this  review  removed  to  Boone  in  order  to  give  the  best  of  care  to 
his  aged  parents.  He  is  now  engaged  in  the  contracting  business  in  Boone  and  in 
partnership  with  his  brother  has  executed  a  number  of  important  contracts.  He 
is  shrewd  and  able,  up-to-date  and  thoroughly  honest  in  all  his  methods,  having 
gained  a  high  reputation  among  the  builders  of  Boone  county.  In  partnership 
with  his  brother  he  owns  eighteen  lots  in  Barnett's  addition  in  the  fifth  ward  of 
the  city  of  Boone. 

On  March  20,  1907,  Mr.  Adix  was  imited  in  marriage,  in  Ogden,  Iowa,  to 
Miss  Elizabeth  Rinehart,  a  daughter  of  William  P.  and  Phoebe  (Bressler) 
Rinehart.  Mr.  Adix  takes  a  lasting  interest  in  the  social  and  material  progress 
of  his  coinmunity.  He  gives  readily  to  charitable  causes  and,  although  not  a 
member  of  any  church,  often  attends  religious  services.  He  is  a  democrat,  loy- 
ally supporting  that  party  at  the  polls,  although  he  is  not  an  office-seeker. 


WILLIAM   H.  CHANCE. 

William  H.  Chance,  of  Boone,  Iowa,  is  a  partner  in  the  firm  of  T.  H.  Chance 
&  Son,  who  conduct  a  large  and  profitable  machine  shop.m  that  city.  He  is  one 
of  the  younger  business  men  of  Boone  county,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Angus, 
this  county,  March  14,  1884.  He  is  a  son  of  Tillman  and  Jennie  (Davis)  Chance, 
the  latter  a  native  of  Boone  county.  The  father  was  born  in  Adel,'' Dallas  county, 
Iowa,  about  sixty  years  ago.  He  spent  his  boyhood  and  youth  in  Dallas  county, 
there  attending  the  public  schools.  In  his  earlier  life  he  assisted  in  farm  labor 
but  subsequently  became  an  engineer  in  the  gold  mines  of  Colorado  and  upon  his 
return  from  the  western  state  established  himself  as  a  stationary  engineer  in 
Angus  in  1880.  He  now  deals  in  farm  lands,  besides  being  interested  in  the  firm 
with  wdiich  son  is  connected.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Chance  are  members  of  the 
Christian  church  and  the  former  is  fraternally  a  Knight  of  Pythias  and  a  Mason. 
He  votes  independently,  preferring  to  follow  his  own  judgment  in  giving  sup- 
port to  the  various  candidates.  Previous  to  his  marriage  to  Jennie  Davis,  Mr. 
Chance  was  wedded  to  a  Miss  Garoutte,  who  bore  him  two  children :  Zilla ;  and 
Clifford  A.,  of  Ralston,  Iowa,  who  married  Jessie  Le  Compte,  by  whom  he  has 
one  child,  Eloise.  To  his  second  marriage  the  following  children  were  born : 
William  H.,  of  this  review;  Myrtle,  who  now  resides  with  her  parents  and  who 
is  the  widow  of  James  McCart,  by  whom  she  has  one  child,  Grace;  Josephine, 
the  wife  of  R.  A.  Timmins  and  the  mother  of  Audrey  Timmins :  Emma,  who  is 
Mrs.  Frank  Burris  of  Des  Moines ;  Lena,  who  married  Richard  Harrison  and 
resides  in  Des  Moines :  and  Linnie,  at  home. 

William  IT.  Chance  was  but  a  year  old  when  his  parents  removed  from  Angus 
to  Fishville,  Iowa.  There  they  remained  about  a  year  and  then  proceeded  to  Van 
Meter,  which  was  the  family  home  for  about  four  years.  The  next  two  years 
were  spent  in  Victoria,  British  Columbia,  whence  the  family  returned  for  one 
year  to  Van  IMeter,  thence  going  to  Eraser,  Iowa,  where  they  domiciled  for  thir- 


354  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

teen  years.  William  H.  Chance  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Fraser  and 
Ogden.  He  completed  his  lessons  in  the  latter  place  at  the  age  of  sixteen  and 
then  became  a  fireman  for  the  Boone  Coal  &  Mining  Company  at  Fraser,  holding 
that  position  for  two  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  was  promoted  engineer 
and  for  six  years  acted  in  that  capacity.  He  then  was  given  charge  of  an  engine 
in  the  Ogden  mines  for  one  year  and  for  the  next  two  years  was  employed  as 
master  merchanic.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  came  to  Boone,  becoming 
part  owner  of  the  machine  shop  which  is  operated  under  the  firm  name  of  T.  H. 
Chance  &  Son.  Mr.  Chance  is  not  only  an  expert  machinist  but  an  able  business 
man  and  has  done  much  toward  establishing  the  reputation  of  his  firm.  They 
now  do  an  extensive  business  and  are  numbered  among  the  prosperous  concerns 
of  his  city. 

In  June,  1905,  in  Fraser,  William  H.  Chance  married  Miss  Bessie  Grylls,  who 
was  born  in  Angus  in  September,  1883,  and  is  a  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Mar- 
garet (Williams)  Grylls  of  Fraser.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Chance  have  two  children: 
Clifford  Howard,  who  was  born  February  27,  1907 ;  and  Raymond  Samuel,  born 
March  25,  1909.  Mr.  Chance  votes  independently,  not  submitting  to  any  party 
dictation.  Fraternally  he  belongs  to  the  Loyal  Order  of  Moose,  the  Independent 
Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  National  Association  of  Steam  Engineers.  Mr. 
Chance  has  not  only  built  up  an  individual  success  but  has  been  a  factor  in  the 
growth  and  development  of  his  community.  He  is  every  ready  to  give  his  sup- 
port to  measures  which  are  undertaken  to  extend  the  trade  interests  of  his  city 
and  also  takes  a  lively  interest  in  the  moral  and  intellectual  upbuilding  of  the 
people.  He  receives  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  all  who  know  him  and  is 
worthy  of  the  trust  which  is  placed  in  him. 


PETER  A.  STARK. 


Peter  A.  Stark,  who  was  born  in  Sweden,  January  16,  1863,  is  a  representa- 
tive of  that  race  which  has  contributed  so  much  toward  the  general  development 
of  this  country  in  various  sections  of  the  United  States.  He  combines  in  his 
character  the  sturdy  qualities  of  his  nation  with  the  aggressiveness  and  the 
shrew^dness  of  the  American  merchant.  He  is  engaged  in  the  hardware  and  im- 
plement business  in  Boxholm,  Boone  county,  and  has  been  very  successful 
in  the  conduct  of  his  affairs.  His  parents  were  Peter  and  Matilda  (Larson) 
Stark,  natives  of  Sweden,  the  former  a  carpenter  by  trade.  He  was  engaged  in 
that  occupation  in  his  native  land  until  1868,  when  he  and  his  family  came  to 
America,  locating  in  Hardin  township,  Webster  county,  Iowa,  where  the  father 
found  employment  in  a  sawmill,  remaining  there  until  1879,  when  he  removed  to 
Grant  township,  Boone  county,  where  he  had  previously  bought  land  which  he 
transformed  into  richly  bearing  fields,  operating  this  property  for  many  years. 
He  had  bought  this  farm  while  yet  a  resident  of  Hardin  township,  Webster 
county,  in  1872,  but  took  up  its  cultivation  about  seven  years  later,  when  he 
moved  thereon.  This  farm  consisted  of  eighty  acres  and  was  located  on  section 
16.  Mr.  Stark  finally  retired  from  active  labor  with  a  fair  competency  and 
moved  to  Boxholm,  where  he  lived  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  the  spring 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  355 

of  1909,  at  the  age  of  seventy-six  years.  His  widow  is  a  resident  of  Boxholm 
and  is  now  in  her  seventy-fifth  year. 

Peter  A.  Stark  was  five  years  of  age  when  his  parents  came  to  America  and 
received  his  education  in  Webster  county,  Iowa.  He  remained  on  the  home  farm 
until  he  had  reached  his  majority  and  then  bought  land  on  section  16,  Grant 
township,  which  he  improved  and  cultivated  for  nine  years.  Upon  selling  out 
he  came  to  Boxholm,  engaging  in  the  hardware  and  farm  implement  business, 
and  has  ever  since  given  his  attention  to  this  line  of  work.  He  carries  a  large 
stock  and  enjoys  a  profitable  trade,  his  store  being  the  only  one  of  its  kind  in 
the  neighborhood.  He  owns  his  own  business  building  and  also  holds  title  to  his 
residence. 

In  June,  1888,  Mr.  Stark  married  Miss  Rose  Johnson,  a  daughter  of  Swan 
and  Margaret  (Englund)  Johnson,  natives  of  Sweden,  who  upon  coming  to 
America  located  in  Grant  township,  where  the  father  followed  farming  and 
also  acted  as  engineer.  His  property  was  located  on  section  3,  Grant  township, 
and  there  he  continued  until  iSgo,  when  he  retired  and  moved  to  Dayton,  where 
he  gave  some  attention  to  auctioneering  and  the  real-estate  business.  He  died 
in  that  city  in  February,  1912,  and  his  widow  is  still  residing  there.  Mr.  and 
■Mrs.  Stark  are  the  parents  of  four  children:  Swan  A.,  twenty-four  years  of 
age,  who  is  engaged  in  farming  in  Missouri ;  Alice,  who  is  twenty-one  years  of 
age  and  who  married  Oscar  T.  Wilen,  who  is  employed  in  his  father-in-law's 
store;  Ernest  Bryan,  sixteen  years  of  age;  and  Virgil  J.,  aged  ten. 

Mr.  Stark  also  owns  a  hardware  and  implement  business  in  Harcourt,  Web- 
ster county,  which  is  in  a  most  prosperous  condition.  He  is  a  stockholder  in 
the  Farmers  State  Bank  of  Boxholm  and  at  present  is  a  member  of  the  town 
council.  For  twelve  years  he  served  as  trustee  of  Grant  township  and  also 
held  the  office  of  assessor.  In  his  various 'public  connections  he  has  always  proven 
himself  a  man  of  trustworthiness  and  faithfulness,  placing  the  general  welfare 
above  his  private  interests.  His  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  democratic 
party,  and  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Methodist  church.  Fraternally  he  is  a 
meml:)er  of  the  Masonic  lodge,  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Modern  Woodmen 
of  America.  .Mr.  Stark  has  many  friends  in  Boxholm  and  stands  high  in  the  esti- 
mation of  all  who  know  him. 


JAMES  W.  LAMB. 


Tames  W.  Lamb,  a  retired  hotel  proprietor,  has  been  a  resident  of  Boone  for 
thirty  years  and  of  the  county  for  forty-four  years.  He  has  an  extensive  acquaint- 
ance in  this  part  of  the  state,  and  he  has  had  considerable  influence  in  shaping  pub- 
lic affairs.  He  was  born  near  Terre  Haute,  Indiana,  on  the  1st  of  April,  1836. 
His  paternal  grandfather  was  a  pioneer  of  Kentucky  and  died  in  that  state.  His 
father,  William  Lamb,  was  born  in  North  Carolina  in  1804  but  when  four  years  of 
age  was  taken  by  his  parents  to  Kentucky,  where  he  was  reared.  He  there  mar- 
ried Rachel  Ashcroft  and  afterward  removed  to  Indiana,  where  he  lived  until  his 
removal  to  Illinois,  his  death  occurring  in  Jo  Daviess  county  of  the  latter  state 


356  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

wlicn  he  was  in  his  seventy-sixth  year.  His  wife  passed  away  when  sixty-five 
years  of  age.  They  had  a  family  of  nine  children,  all  of  whom  have  now  passed 
away  with  the  exception  of  James  W.  and  John  R.,  the  latter  a  resident  of  Hanover, 
Illinois. 

lames  W.  Lamb  was  but  four  years  of  age  when  the  family  removed  from 
Indiana  to  Schuyler  county,  Illinois,  where  they  lived  for  four  years  and  then  took 
.up  their  abode  near  Freeport,  that  state,  where  he  was  reared  to  manhood.  The 
country  was  new  and  pioneer  conditions  existed  on  all  sides.  He  remembers  see- 
ing herds  of  deer  and  elk  where  now  stands  the  flourishing  city  of  Freeport. 
He  was  educated  in  one  of  the  old-time  log  schoolhouses  with  its  hewed  log 
benches  and  big  fireplace  occupying  one  end  of  the  room.  Methods  of  instruc- 
.tion  were  as  primitive  as  the  building  and  it  was  at  a  time  when  every  school 
teacher  heeded  the  injunction  concerning  "Spare  the  rod  and  spoil  the  child."  In 
his  youth  Mr.  Lamb  worked  upon  the  home  farm  and  as  he  advanced  in  years  and 
strength  assisted  more  and  more  largely  in  the  labor  of  the  fields.  After  a  time 
the  father  purchased  a  farm  in  Jo  Daviess  county,  just  across  the  line  from  their 
•old  home. 

In  1856  James  W.  Lamb  was  married  in  ]\IcDonough  county,  Illinois,  to 
Miss  Deborah  Ann  De  Camp,  of  that  county,  a  daughter  of  Joel  and  Matilda 
(Bridge)  De  Camp.  The  young  couple  began  their  domestic  life  upon  an  Illinois 
farm  and  in  May,  1870,  they  removed  to  Iowa,  settling  at  Ogden,  where  Mr. 
Lamb  conducted  a  meat  market  which  was  the  first  in  the  town.  At  the  end  of 
three  years  he  purchased  a  farm  in  Yell  township  and  thereon  made  his  home  for 
.seven  years,  upon  the  expiration  of  which  period  he  went  to  Rolfe,  Iowa,  where 
he  was  engaged  in  the  live-stock  and  banking  business  for  five  years.  He  then 
came  to  Boone  and  embarked  in  the  hotel  business,  conducting  the  City  Hotel 
for  twenty-seven  years,  since  which  time  he  has  lived  retired.  His  business  atifairs 
have  at  all  times  been  carefully  and  wisely  directed  and  his  energy  and  careful 
iuanagement  have  brought  to  him  a  success  which  now  enables  him  to  live  retired. 

\\  bile  living  in  Yell  township  Mr.  Lamb  was  called  upon  to  mourn  the  loss 
of  his  first  wife,  who  passed  away  there  in  1877.  He  afterward  wedded  Susie 
Fogel,  in  Phillipsburg,  Kansas.  She  died  in  Boone  in  1896  and  on  the  24th  of 
April,  1901,  Air.  Lamb  wedded  Mrs.  ]\Iargaret  Totten,  who  was  born  in  Park- 
■ersburg.  West  Virginia,  October  21,  1849,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Lucy 
(Maddox)  Davis,  who  were  natives  of  West  Virginia  and  were  descended  from 
New  England  ancestry.  The  latter  was  a  daughter  of  one  of  the  soldiers  of  the 
Revolutionary  war.  .Vllen  Davis,  the  paternal  grandfather,  was  a  large  slave 
holder  in  Virginia.  During  the  early  period  in  the  history  of  that  state  he  owned 
and  operated  a  ferry  at  Harpers  Ferry.  .Margaret  Davis,  daughter  of  William 
•and  Lucy  (Maddox)  Davis,  was  but  five  years  of  age  when  she  accompanied  her 
parents  to  Jasper  county,  Iowa,  where  she  was  reared  to  womanhood.  In 
that  county  she  first  married  Phillip  Totten,  a  native  of  Ohio  and  a  butcher  by 
trade.  He  died  in  Hot  Springs,  Arkansas.  They  became  the  parents  of  three 
children :  Alvin,  a  merchant  of  Turtle  Lake,  North  Dakota ;  Anna,  the  wife  of 
Asby  Perry,  of  Atkinson,  Nebraska;  and  William,  of  Fort  Leavenworth,  Kansas. 
By  his  first  marriage  Mr.  Lamb  had  two  children,  who  are  yet  living,  Alzina  and 
Julia.  The  former  is  the  widow  of  David  Reading  and  has  three  children.  Lew-is, 
Nellie  and  Ethel.    Julia  is  the  wife  of  George  Rittgers,  of  Paton,  Iowa,  and  their 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  357 

children    are    Glenn,    Bessie,    Gertrude,    Lloyd    and    Floyd,    twins,    iMarvel    and 
Homer. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lamb  are  members  of  the  First  Methodist  Episcopal  church. 
In  politics  he  was  a  republican  for  a  number  of  years  after  casting  his  first  presi- 
dential ballot  for  Fremont.  For  some  years  past,  however,  he  has  been  active  in 
the  prohibition  party  and  for  a  long  period  has  been  county  chairman.  In  the 
early  days  of  his  residence  here  he  served  as  deputy  sheriff  and  has  also  been 
constable,  supervisor  and  school  director.  Fraternally,  he  is  connected  with 
the  Odd  Fellows,  being  a  charter  member  of  Rolfe  Lodge,  No.  94.  Energy  and 
industry  constitute  the  basis  of  the  success  which  he  has  achieved.  He  early 
realized  that  these  qualities  are  indispensable  in  winning  business  advancement  and 
his  close  application  and  diligence  have  placed  him  in  a  position  among  the  men 
of  affluence  in  his  adopted  county,  where  he  is  also  widely  and  favorably  known 
by  reason  of  many  attractive  social  qualities. 


GUST  BROD. 


For  an  extended  period  Gust  Brod  was  connected  with  general  agricultural 
pursuits  in  Boone  county,  but  on  the  ist  of  March,  1914,  retired,  taking  up  his 
abode  at  Bo.xholm,  where  he  is  now  living.  He  is  serving  as  one  of  the  trustees 
of  Grant  township  and  is  financially  interested  in  business  enterprises,  the  active 
management  of  which,  however,  he  leaves  to  others,  while  he  is  enjoying  a  well 
earned  and  well  merited  rest.  He  was  born  in  Germany,  August  17,  1859,  and 
is  a  son  of  August  and  Mary  Brod,  who  were  also  natives  of  that  country.  The 
father  learned  and  followed  the  weaver's  trade  in  Germany,  and  in  1872  crossed 
the  Atlantic  to  America,  making  his  way  at  once  to  Boone  county,  where  he 
took  up  his  abode  in  Grant  township,  purchasing  sixty  acres  of  land  which  was 
largely  wild  and  undeveloped.  This  he  improved,  carrying  on  the  farm  work 
to  the  time  of  his  death,  which  occurred  in  February,  1893.  His  wife  passed 
away  December  25,  1901.  They  had  long  been  numbered  among  the  worthy 
residents  of  Boone  county,  enjoying  the  warm  regard  of  all  with  whom  they  had 
been  brought  in  contact. 

Gust  Brod  was  reared  in  the  fatherland  to  the  age  of  thirteen  years  and  pur- 
sued his  education  in  the  schools  of  that  country  until  the  emigration  to  the  new 
world,  after  which  he  continued  his  studies  in  public  schools  of  Iowa.  He 
remained  with  his  parents  until  twenty-four  years  of  age  and  then  started  out 
in  life  on  his  own  account,  purchasing  eighty  acres  of  land  in  Grant  township, 
which  he  improved.  Subsequently  he  purchased  his  father's  original  tract  of 
sixty  acres,  so  that  his  farm  then  comprised  one  hundred  and  forty  acres,  lying 
on  sections  26  and  27,  Grant  township.  Year  by  year  he  carefully  cultivated 
the  place,  bringing  the  fields  under  a  high  state  of  development,  and  year  by 
year  he  gathered  good  crops  as  the  reward  of  his  care  and  labor.  The  wise 
management  of  his  business  affairs  and  the  practical  progressive  methods 
which  he  followed  in  developing  and  cultivating  his  farm  brought  him  a 
most  gratifying  and  substantial  measure  of  success,  enabling  him  to  put 
aside  further  business  cares,  so  that  on  the  ist  of  March,  1914,  he  retired  from 


358  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

farm  life  and  removed  to  Boxholm,  where  he  now  resides.  He  is  a  stockholder 
in  the  Farmers  State  Bank  of  Boxholm  and  also  a  stockholder  and  director  of  the 
Farmers  Elevator  Company. 

On  Christmas  day  of  1884,  Mr.  Brod  was  married  to  Miss  Cora  D.  Muench, 
a  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Catherine  (Bubb)  Muench,  who  were  natives  of  Pennsyl- 
vania. The  father  was  a  mason  by  trade  and  at  an  early  day  made  his  way  to 
Illinois,  where  he  remained  until  1881,  when  he  removed  with  his  family  to 
Boone  county,  Iowa,  purchasing  land  in  Grant  township  which  he  carefully  tilled 
and  developed  for  many  years,  winning  success  in  his  undertaking.  He  then 
retired  from  active  business  life  and  removed  to  Pilot  Mound,  where  he  made 
his  home  until  his  death,  which  occurred  on  the  23d  of  December,  1907.  His 
widow  survives  and  is  yet  living  at  Pilot  Mound.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brod 
have  been  born  six  children :  Alvin  E.,  Lillian,  Nellie,  Ruby,  Gladys  and  Myrtle. 
Mrs.  Brod  was  born  in  Mount  Morris  township.  Ogle  county,  Illinois,  December 
5,  1866. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Brod  is  a  republican  and  is  serving  as  one  of  the 
trustees  of  Grant  township,  a  position  which  he  has  ably  filled  through  the  past 
ten  years.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Evangelical  Association.  He  belongs 
to  that  class  of  self-made  men  whose  success  is  the  logical  outcome  of  their  un- 
faltering energy  and  close  application. 


CAPTAIN  WILLIAM  DAVIS  TEMPLIN. 

Captain  William  Davis  Templin,  an  honored  veteran  of  the  Civil  war,  resid- 
ing at  No.  904  Marion  street,  was  born  October  22,  1832,  in  Delaware  county, 
Indiana,  a  son  of  Dr.  Isaiah  and  Elizabeth  (Clevenger)  Templin.  The  father 
was  a  medical  practitioner  in  Indiana  and  in  1851  removed  westward  to  Oska- 
loosa,  Iowa,  where  he  practiced  until  his  death  in  1866.  He  was  born  in  Hills- 
boro,  Ohio,  and  his  wife  was  a  native  of  Clinton  county,  that  state.  Her  people, 
however,  came  from  Virginia,  while  the  Templin  family  were  from  Kentucky, 
the  grandfather.  Robert  Templin.  there  making  his  home  prior  to  going  to  Indiana. 
The  religious  faith  of  the  family  is  that  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  Unto  Dr. 
and  Mrs.  Isaiah  Templin  there  were  born  six  sons  and  two  daughters,  of  whom 
three  sons  and  one  daughter  are  yet  living:  William  Davis;  Cyril,  a  resident  of 
Hoskins,  Nebraska;  James,  of  lola,  Kansas;  and  Mrs  Serena  J.  Cline,  of 
Oklahoma. 

\Mien  twelve  years  of  age  Captain  William  D.  Templin,  who  was  the  second 
in  order  of  liirth  in  his  father's  family,  went  to  Piatt  county,  Illinois,  where  he 
remained  until  1855.  He  then  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  establishing  his  home 
here  prior  to  the  Civil  war.  He  at  first  engaged  in  farming  and  also  conducted 
business  as  a  stationary  engineer.  After  the  war  and  until  a  recent  date,  when 
he  retired,  he  was  in  the  pension  claim  service  and  was  also  justice  of  the  peace 
for  fourteen  years. 

Captain  Templin  proved  his  loyalty  to  his  country  by  enlisting  in  1861  as  a 
member  of  Company  D,  Tenth  Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry,  with  which  he  served 
for  six  months  as  a  private.     He  was  then  elected  second  lieutenant,  in  1862 


CAPTAIN   WILLIAM  D.  TEMPLIN 


n^ 


h-- 


P-'^.^LIC  Li^h^HY 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  361 

returned  home  and  in  one  day  raised  Company  D,  of  the  Thirty-second  Iowa 
Infantry,  numbering  one  hundred  and  ten  men,  seventeen  of  whom  are  still 
living.  A  reunion  is  annually  held  on  the  nth  of  August,  the  date  of  their 
enlistment.  Mr.  Templin  went  to  the  front  as  first  lieutenant  of  that  company 
and  during  most  of  the  time  commanded  the  company.  He  served  from  the  12th 
of  August,  1861,  until  the  30th  of  March,  1865,  and  participated  in  many  hotly 
contested  engagements.  He  was  wounded  at  Yellow  Bayou,  Louisiana,  in  the 
famous  Red  River  campaign,  which  caused  the  loss  of  his  left  limb,  the  other  leg 
being  broken  by  a  shot.  He  never  suffered  from  illness,  however,  throughout  the 
long  period  of  his  connection  with  the  army.  It  was  meet  that  he  should  be  given 
a  government  position,  so  ably  and  faithfully  had  he  served  his  country  and  so 
great  was  the  sacrifice  which  he  made  for  the  Union  cause  in  losing  his  leg. 

On  the  I2th  of  December,  1858,  at  Boone,  Captain  Templin  was  married  to 
Miss  Catherine  Olson,  whose  people  came  to  this  county  about  1856.  Two  of  her 
brothers  are  still  living:  William,  a  resident  of  Des  Moines;  and  John,  who  is  in 
Oklahoma.  Mrs.  Templin  died  October  6,  1891,  at  the  age  of  fifty-six  years,  and 
of  her  seven  children  four  daughters  and  one  son  survive.  In  order  of  birth  the 
children  were  as  follows:  Ida  M.,  now  the  wife  of  W.  R.  Vernon,  of  Julesburg, 
Colorado;  Mellie,  the  wife  of  Jacob  Odendeahl,  of  Des  Moines;  Edward  E.,  of 
Redfield,  South  Dakota,  who  is  a  farmer  and  married  Mabel  Jays ;  Annie,  the 
wife  of  J.  A.  Benson,  of  Sheldon,  Iowa ;  Jessie  M.,  at  home ;  Emma,  who  was 
the  wife  of  G.  William  Rinehart  and  died  February'  2^,  1889;  and  Willie,  who 
died  in  infancy.  ■  'V-'Mcjt 

Captain  Templin  is  a  member  of  J.  G.  Miller  Post,  No.  67,  G.  A.  R.,  of 
which  he  was  the  first  commander,  and  since  that  time  he  has  held  various  other 
offices  in  the  organization,  tor  the  past  ten  years  he  has  acted  as  quartermaster. 
At  one  time  he  belonged  to  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  His  religious 
faith  is  that  of  the  Alethodist  Episcopal  church.  Captain  Templin  is  widely 
known  in  this  county,  where  he  has  now  made  his  home  for  fifty-nine  years. 
He  has  not  only  been  an  interested  witness  of  the  great  changes  which  have 
occurred  but  has  taken  an  active  and  helpful  part  in  promoting  them,  and  his 
influence  and  aid  have  ever  been  on  the  side  of  progress  and  improvement.  He 
has  now  passed  the  eighty-first  milestone  on  life's  journey  and  his  is  a  creditable 
record,  not  the  least  important  feature  of  which  has  been  his  life-long  fidelity  to 
his  country  and  her  best  interests,  his  spirit  of  patriotism  being  one  of  his 
predominant  characteristics. 


CLINTON  STAPLES  MASON. 

A  merchant  may  do  much  to  promote  the  growth  of  his  community  and  may 
serve  it  in  many  ways  if  he  be  energetic  enough  to  make  use  of  the  opportunities 
that  present  themselves.  Such  a  merchant  was  Clinton  Staples  Mason,  who 
with  his  brother,  Charles  T.  Mason,  for  many  years  conducted  a  general  dry- 
goods  store  at  Boone  under  the  name  of  Mason  Brothers.  No  firm  in  this 
section  of  the  state  enjoyed  a  higher  reputation  than  Mason  Brothers,  as  their 
stock  of  goods  was  always  up-to-date  and  varied.     It  was  also,  first  of  all,  of 


362  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

excellent  quality,  for  the  brothers  made  it  the  basic  principle  of  business  that 
full  value  should  be  given  for  value  received.  Our  subject  was  born  in  Tamvvorth, 
New  Hampshire,  on  the  28th  of  October,  1843,  ^  son  of  Larkin  D.  and  Catherine 
(Staples)  Mason.  The  father  was  prominent  in  public  affairs  in  his  section  of  the 
state,  being  active  in  politics,  a  merchant  and  a  judge.  He  was  also  a  landowner 
and  gave  his  personal  attention  to  the  operation  of  his  farm.  He  was  twice 
married,  two  children  being  born  to  the  first  union  and  ten  to  the  second.  Of 
the  children  born  to  the  last  marriage,  two,  our  subject  and  his  brother  Charles 
T.,  came  to  Boone  county. 

Clinton  S.  Mason  received  the  advantages  of  a  high-school  education  in  his 
native  state  and  there  secured  his  first  business  experience.  He  was  for  two 
years  a  clerk  for  William  H.  Bailey,  a  merchant  of  Littleton,  New  Hampshire, 
and  he  was  subsequently  employed  for  a  similar  length  of  time  by  C.  H.  Dearborn 
at  Center  Harbor,  New  Hampshire.  He  had  heard  much  concerning  the  advan- 
tages of  the  \\'est  and  made  his  w^ay  to  Chicago,  where  he  started  a  grocery  store, 
conducting  the  same  for  one  year.  He  then  disposed  of  this  property  and  with 
his  brother,  Charles  T.  Mason,  went  to  Moingona,  Iowa,  then  a  thriving  mining 
town.  The  brothers  engaged  in  a  mercantile  enterprise  at  that  place  for  five 
years.  They  kept  a  general  stock  of  merchandise,  meeting  the  varied  needs  of 
the  community.  At  the  end  of  that  time,  as  the  mines  were  being  abandoned,  our 
subject  and  his  brother  saw  that  Moingona  no  longer  oft'ered  the  same  oppor- 
tunities for  commercial  success.  They  recognized  that  Boone  was  a  town  with 
a  future  and  opened  a  retail  dry-goods  store  in  this  city.  With  their  usual  fore- 
sight they  secured  the  best  location  in  the  city  at  the  beginning  and  for  thirty-five 
years  carried  on  a  flourishing  retail  business  at  that  point.  Their  name  was  known 
throughout  this  section  of  the  state,  and  their  trade  came  from  a  wide  extent  of 
territory.  It  was  not  alone  the  excellence  of  their  goods  that  attracted  custom 
but  also  the  willingness  to  serve  that  was  the  actuating  spirit  of  the  house.  They 
builded  upon  the  principle  of  absolute  honesty  in  all  their  dealings,  and  the  wisdom 
of  their  policy  was  shown  by  the  fact  that  for  thirty-five  years  they  held  a  place 
of  supremacy  in  their  line.  Both  Mr.  Mason  and  his  brother,  Charles  T.,  invested 
in  land,  thus  becoming  still  further  identified  with  the  interests  of  Boone  county. 
Both  are  now  living  practically  retired,  enjoying  a  rest  which  is  well  deser\ed. 
as  for  many  years  they  contributed  much  to  the  prosperity  of  their  city  and 
county. 

Mr.  Mason  married  Mrs.  Annette  Curry  Noyes,  widow  of  Captain  Samuel  B. 
Noyes,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  four  children.  Arthur  Larkin  was  born 
in  1873  ''^"d  died  in  1874.  Howard  Curry  Mason  was  born  on  the  3d  of  Septem- 
ber, 1875,  and  passed  away  on  the  7th  of  September,  1912.  He  left  a  widow, 
Mrs.  Lilian  T.  Mason,  and  three  children,  all  of  whom  reside  in  Winchester, 
Massachusetts.  The  children  are  :  Annette  E. ;  Clinton  Staples,  Jr. ;  and  Frances 
Bell,  II.  I'"rances  Bell  Mason,  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  26th  of  June,  1877, 
is  an  alumna  of  Wellesley  College  and  of  the  Pratt  Institute  of  Brooklyn.  She 
is  now  a  teacher  of  art  in  St.  Louis.  Catherine  Staples  was  born  on  the  6th  of 
November,  1879,  and  has  been  twice  married,  her  first  husband  being  Harold 
J.  Copeland,  who  met  death  in  an  accident.  His  widow  later  marrie4_Professor 
Robert  H.  Fernald,  of  the  mechanical  engineering  department  of  the  University 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  363 

of  Pennsylvania.     Two  children  have  been  born  to  this  marriage,  Merritt  Cald- 
well and  Frances  Mason. 

Mr.  Alason  of  this  review  is  a  repnblican  in  politics,  believing  that  the  policies 
of  that  party  are  for  the  good  of  the  country.  He  is  one  of  the  most  gifted  orators 
of  this  section  of  the  state  and  has  delivered  some  memorable  addresses  both  on 
political  issues  and  on  other  topics.  He  attends  the  Presbyterian  church  and 
contributes  to  its  support.  His  life  has  been  one  of  imusual  openness  and  candor 
and  none  has  ever  questioned  his  integrity.  He  is  today  enjoying  the  ease  which 
his  former  years  of  strenuous  activity  made  possible  and  is  secure  in  the  esteem 
and  good-will  of  his   fellow  citizens. 


JOSEPH  E.  REUTTER. 


Joseph  E.  Rentier  has  long  been  actively  and  successfully  identified  with 
agricultural  interests  of  Boone  county,  owning  and  operating  a  well  improved 
farm  comprising  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  27,  Grant  township.  He 
is  likewise  a  factor  in.  financial  circles  as  president  of  the  Farmers  State  Bank 
of  Boxholm.  His  birth  occurred  in  Henry  county,  Illinois,  in  February,  1870, 
his  parents  being  Jacob  and  Hannah  (Metzger)  Reutter,  natives  of  Wurtemberg, 
(iermany.  In  1866  they  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  United  States  and  took  up 
their  aljode  in  Henry  county,  Illinois,  where  the  father  followed  farming  for 
five  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  jieriod  he  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa, 
purchasing  and  improving  a  tract  of  land  in  Grant  township  and  continuing 
its  cultivation  for  a  number  of  years.  Eventually  he  put  aside  the  active  work 
of  the  fields,  having  acquired  a  comfortable  competence  that  obviated  the  neces- 
sity of  further  toil.  He  made  several  trips  to  Germany  and  spent  the  winter 
seasons  in  California.  His  demise  occurred  in  September,  1910,  while  his  wife 
was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  .\pril,  1905. 

Joseph  E.  Reutter  was  reared  and  educated  in  Grant  township,  this  county, 
continuing  under  the  parental  roof  until  he  had  attained  his  majority.  Subse- 
quently he  cultivated  rented  land  for  about  six  years  and  at  the  end  of  that  time 
bought  a  tract  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  27,  Grant  township, 
which  he  at  once  began  improving  and  which  he  has  operated  continuously  since 
with  the  exception  of  three  years  spent  as  cashier  of  the  Farmers  Bank.  His 
property  is  now  under  a  high  state  of  cultivation,  returning  bounteous  harvests  as 
a  result  of  the  care  and  labor  bestowed  upon  it.  Mr.  Reutter  also  occupies  a 
prominent  position  in  financial  circles  as  president  of  the  Farmers  State  Bank 
of  I'.oxholm  and  is  likewise  a  stockholder  and  director  of  the  Farmers  Elevator 
Company  of  that  town. 

In  November,  1898,  Mr.  Reutter  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Minerva 
Muench.  a  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Catherine  (Bubb)  .Muench,  who  were  natives 
of  Peimsylvania.  The  father  was  a  mason  by  trade  and  at  an  early  day  made 
his  way  to  Illinois,  where  he  remained  until  1881,  when  he  removed  with  his 
family  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  purchasing  land  in  Grant  township  which  he  care- 
fully tilled  and  developed  for  many  years,  winning  success  in  his  undertaking. 
He  then  retired  from  active  business  life  and  removed  to  Pilot  Mound,  where 


364  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

he  made  his  home  until  his  death,  whicli  occurred  on  the  23d  of  December,  1907. 
His  widow  still  survives  and  is  yet  living  at  Pilot  Mound.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Rentier  have  been  born  four  children,  namely :  Ralph,  Clarence,  Elliott  and  Mabel. 
In  his  political  views  Mr.  Reutter  is  a  progressive,  stanchly  advocating  the 
principles  set  forth  by  Theodore  Roosevelt  at  the  time  of  the  birth  of  the  new 
party.  He  is  at  present  serving  in  the  capacity  of  township  clerk  and  has  ably 
discharged  the  duties  devolving  upon  him  in  that  connection  for  sixteen  years.  His 
religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Evangelical  Association.  Having  resided  in  Boone 
county  throughout  practically  his  entire  life,  he  is  well  and  favorably  known  here 
and  his  record  is  such  as  commends  him  to  the  respect  and  good-will  of  all  with 
whom  he  is  associated. 


JOHN  NELSON  ROSS. 

John  Nelson  Ross,  who  follows  farming  on  section  13,  Des  Moines  township, 
was  born  in  Champaign  county,  Ohio,  November  15,  1848.  His  paternal  grand- 
father, John  William  Ross,  was  a  native  of  Scotland  but  decided  to  establish  his 
home  in  the  new  world  and  spent  his  last  days  either  in  Pennsylvania  or  Ohio. 
His  son,  John  Williamson  Ross,  father  of  John  Nelson  Ross,  was  born  in  Ohio, 
near  Cincinnati,  following  the  removal  of  his  parents  from  Pennsylvania.  The 
grandparents  of  our  subject  were  among  the  early  settlers  of  Ohio  and  members 
of  the  family  fought  in  the  Indian  wars,  while  one  Captain  John  Ross  was  a 
soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  John  W.  Ross  developed  a  farm  in  the  north- 
ern part  of  Champaign  county,  Ohio,  where  he  had  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres 
of  land.  All  around  him  were  Indians  and  wild  animals  haunted  the  forests, 
while  wild  game  of  all  kinds  was  plentiful.  With  a  comrade,  Sol.  Remley,  he 
left  Cincinnati  and  on  horseback  made  his  way  northward  to  Champaign  county, 
where  they  purchased  and  and  built  log  houses  upon  their  farms,  which  adjoined. 
Mr.  Ross  then  returned  to  Cincinnati,  where  he  was  married,  after  which  he  took 
his  bride  to  the  home  which  he  had  prepared.  Remley  also  did  the  same,  and  they 
reared  their  families  in  Champaign  county.  Unto  Mr.  and  .Mrs.  Ross  were  born 
twelve  children,  of  whom  our  subject  was  the  sixth  in  order  in  birth.  Eight  of 
the  children  are  still  living,  the  youngest  being  fifty-six  years  of  age.  The  oldest, 
Marcellus  D.,  was  a  member  of  the  First  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  from  1861 
until  1865  and  was  wounded  in  the  leg  at  the  battle  of  Chickamauga,  while  serv- 
ing under  General  Rosecrans.  The  mother  of  our  subject  bore  the  maiden  name 
of  Christina  Wambaugh  and  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania. 

On  the  old  family  homestead  in  Champaign  county,  Ohio,  John  N.  Ross  was 
reared  and  in  the  pursuit  of  his  education  he  attended  the  public  schools  and  also 
a  normal  school  in  St.  Paris,  Ohio.  He  continued  his  education  after  arriving 
in  Iowa  and  was  graduated  from  the  Boone  County  Normal  School  with  the 
class  of  1889  under  Superintendent  Ashton.  When  twenty  years  of  age  he  began 
teaching  in  the  rural  schools  of  the  Buckeye  state.  In  1870  he  remo\-ed  to  lioone, 
Iowa,  where  he  began  teaching  under  Superintendent  L.  W.  Fisk  and  was  actively 
identified  with  the  educational  interests  of  the  city  until  1894.  Within  that  period, 
about  the  year  1890,  he  was  a  candidate  for  the  position  of  county  superintend- 


.\IK.  AMI   .Ml;s.  .KilIX    X.   KOSS 


u.. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  367 

ent  of  schools.  For  the  past  twenty-five  years  he  has  written  for  the  local  papers, 
thus  further  identifying  himself  with  the  life  of  the  community. 

In  1872,  in  Boone  county,  Mr.  Ross  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Esther 
Ann  Smith,  a  daughter  of  Charles  H.  and  Margaret  Rebecca  (Paxton)  Smith, 
who  were  early  settlers  of  Coshocton  county,  Ohio.  The  Paxtons  came  from 
Ireland.  In  1854  Mr.  Smith  removed  with  his  family  by  wagon  to  the  west,  set- 
tling in  Boone  county.  Following  his  marriage  Mr.  Ross  settled  upon  a  farm 
but  continued  to  engage  in  school  teaching.  Through  the  summer  months  he 
would  cultivate  his  farm  until  his  boys  were  old  enough  to  work,  after  which  he 
taught  through  both  the  summer  and  winter  months.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Ross 
were  born  seven  children:  Euphemia,  now  the  wife  of  J.  W.  Cutler  of  Boone 
county;  Charles  H.,  who  married  Laura  Bass  and  is  living  on  the  home  farm; 
John  W.,  who  married  Maggie  Otterbein  and  is  residing  in  Boone;  Walter  C, 
who  married  Grace  Bass  and  is  living  in  Estherville,  Iowa ;  Francis  Mahlon,  who 
married  Ada  Wilson  and  lives  in  Des  .Moines  township,  Boone  county ;  Mabel  E., 
the  wife  of  R.  J.  Stark  of  Grant  township,  Boone  county;  and  Otto  Glenn,  who 
married  Bessie  May  Pardee  and  lives  in  Des  Moines  township,  Boone  county. 

John  N.  Ross  and  family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church, 
identified  with  Bethel  Chapel.  Mr.  Ross  has  been  very  active  in  church  work  for 
a  long  period,  having  been  class  leader  and  a  teacher  of  the  Bible  class.  He 
has  been  lifelong  republican  since  casting  his  first  presidential  vote  for  U.  S. 
Grant,  and  for  sixteen  years  he  has  filled  the  office  of  assessor.  Fraternally  he 
is  a  Woodman  of  the  World,  having  been  connected  with  the  camp  for  sixteen 
years.  His  interests  are  broad  and  varied,  and  his  is  a  well  rounded  character 
because  of  the  nature  of  his  activities,  which  have  recognized  not  only  his  oppor- 
tunities for  attaining  success  but  also  his  obligations  in  citizenship  and  his  duties 
to  his  fellowmen. 


LOUIS  GOEPPINGER. 


For  many  years  Louis  Goeppinger  has  in  various  ways  participated  in  the 
development  of  Boone,  of  which  city  he  is  a  pioneer.  Here  he  founded  what  is 
now  the  oldest  saddlery  firm  in  the  state  and  also  participated  in  other  enterprises 
which  contributed  to  the  upbuilding  of  the  city.  Mr.  Goeppinger  was  born  in 
Reutlingen.  Wurtemberg,  Germany,  on  the  9th  of  June,  1829,  and  was  the  second 
child  of  Johannes  and  Katharine  (Ammer)  Goeppinger.  During  the  period  of 
his  boyhood  he  acquired  a  good  education  in  the  schools  of  Germany  and  then 
took  up  the  tanner's  trade,  an  occupation  that  had  been  followed  by  his  ancestors 
for  more  than  three  centuries. 

The  reports  which  he  heard  concerning  the  opportunities  of  the  new  world, 
however,  attracted  him  to  America  and  in  the  spring  of  1849,  accompanied  by 
his  brother  Frederick,  he  sailed  for  the  United  States,  landing  at  New  York 
on  the  19th  of  April,  after  forty-nine  days  spent  as  a  passenger  upon  the  sailing 
vessel  Luconia.  This  length  of  time  for  the  crossing  was  in  marked  contrast  to 
the  voyage  which  he  made  in  1896,  when  he  returned  on  a  visit  to  his  old  home 

in  Germany,  taking  passage  on  the  Columbia,  of  the  Hamburg-American  line, 

Vol.  n.— 1 7 


368  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

which  made  the  trip  in  six  days.  On  first  coming  to  America  Louis  Goeppinger 
made  his  way  to  Dauphin,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  remained  for  six  months,  and 
then  went  to  Allegheny  City,  that  state,  where  he  followed  his  trade  for  some 
time.  He  carefully  saved  his  earnings  until  economy  and  industry  had  brought 
him  sufficient  capital  to  enable  him  to  embark  in  business  on  his  own  account.  He 
then  went  to  Malvern,  Ohio,  where  he  opened  a  tannery,  which  he  conducted  suc- 
cessfully until  1866.  He  then  disposed  of  his  plant  at  that  place  and  removed  to 
Boone,  Iowa,  where  he  opened  a  leather  store  in  a  modest  frame  building  with 
a  small  stock  of  goods,  conducting  the  business  under  the  style  of  L.  &  H. 
Goeppinger,  which  name  has  ever  since  been  used.  This  is  the  oldest  saddlery 
firm  in  the  state  and  its  business  has  been  one  of  growing  importance,  bringing 
to  the  owners  a  most  gratifying  return.  Mr.  Goeppinger  is  one  of  the  pioneer 
residents  of  Boone  and  when  he  arrived  here  he  could  buy  land  at  his  own  price. 
The  town  was  very  small  and  for  hundred  of  miles  around  and  to  the  west  there 
stretched  a  vast  sea  of  billowy  green — the  waving  prairie  grasses.  He  saw  lots 
sold  on  Story  street,  now  the  principal  business  thoroughfare  of  Boone,  at  two 
hundred  and  twenty-five  dollars  each,  while  today  some  of  the  same  lots  would 
bring  ten  thousand  dollars.  From  the  time  of  his  arrival  he  took  active  and 
helpful  part  in  the  development  and  upbuilding  of  the  city  and  for  many  years 
figured  as  one  of  its  most  prominent  business  men.  He  was  one  of  the  first 
stockholders  in  the  City  Bank  and  for  many  years  was  its  vice  president  and 
later  president.  His  firm  built  the  first  three-front,  substantial  business  block 
on  Story  street,  and  he  was  otherwise  connected  with  the  improvement  of  real 
estate.  He  also  aided  in  building  the  German  Lutheran  church  and  for  many 
years  has  been  one  of  its  consistent  and  helpful  members.  On  April  i,  1912,  he 
was  elected  city  trustee. 

It  was  on  the  19th  of  July,  1857,  at  Malvern,  Ohio,  that  Louis  Goeppinger 
was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Catharine  LeBeau,  who  was  born  at  that  place 
February  10,  1840,  a  daughter  of  Charles  LeBeau,  a  native  of  Landau,  Germany, 
who,  emigrating  to  Ohio,  there  carried  on  the  cooper's  trade  until  his  death  at  the 
age  of  seventy-five  years.  Mr.  Goeppinger  was  for  many  years  a  member  of  the 
school  board  of  Boone,  and  the  cause  of  education  always  found  in  him  a  friend. 
To  his  children  he  gave  good  opportunities  in  that  direction. 

John  L.  Goeppinger,  their  son,  is  today  at  the  head  of  the  saddlery  business 
in  Boone.  He  is  a  man  of  strong  purpose,  alert  and  energetic,  and  his  success 
has  come  to  him  as  the  merited  reward  of  intelligently  directed  efifort.  He  was 
born  in  Malvern,  Ohio,  June  5,  1862,  and  removed  with  his  parents  to  Boone, 
being  graduated  from  the  Boone  high  school  at  the  age  of  nineteen  years.  He 
was  the  only  male  member  of  the  first  class  to  complete  the  course.  He  after- 
ward became  a  student  in  Duflf's  College  at  Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania,  and  was 
graduated  therefrom  in  188 1.  He  next  entered  into  active  connection  with  the 
wholesale  leather  and  saddlery  business  which  was  established  by  his  father  and 
uncle  and  with  which  he  has  since  been  coimected.  This  is  today  one  of  the  most 
important  business  enterprises  of  the  city  and  under  the  guidance  of  John  L. 
Goeppinger  it  has  grown  and  developed  to  its  present  extensive  and  profitable 
proportions.  It  is  true  that  he  entered  upon  a  business  already  established,  but 
in  conducting  this  he  has  met  the  changing  conditions  of  the  times  and  proven 
his  ability  to  cope  with  the  problems  that  a  different  age  has  brought.     He,  too, 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  369 

has  become  an  active  factor  in  financial  circles.  He  was  one  of  the  organizers 
of  the  Security  Savings  Bank,  of  which  he  remains  a  director,  and  he  was  one  of 
the  organizers  of  the  City  Trust  &  Savings  Bank,  of  which  he  is  also  a  director. 
He  owns  large  real-estate  interests,  including  both  farm  land  and  city  prop- 
erty, and  in  all  of  his  business  affairs  he  displays  sound  judgment,  unfaltering 
energy  and  marked  persistency  of  purpose.  His  life  has  ever  been  one  of 
usefulness  and  well  directed  activity.  In  company  with  his  father  and  others, 
constituting  a  party  of  six,  he  went  to  Wurtemberg,  Germany,  and  other  parts 
of  Europe.     This  proved  a  most  delightful  experience  in  his  life. 

On  the  24th  of  June,  1896,  John  L.  Goeppinger  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Ella  Groetzinger,  a  daughter  of  Julius  and  Elizabeth  (Shauwecker)  Groetz- 
inger,  the  wedding  being  celebrated  at  Allegheny  City,  Pennsylvania.  Her  father 
was  a  native  of  Reutlingen,  Germany,  born  February  6,  183 1,  and  is  still  living. 
Her  mother,  born  July  31,  1837,  at  Columbiana,  Ohio,  died  March  29,  1890,  at  the 
age  of  about  fifty-three.  John  L.  Goeppinger's  marriage  has  been  blessed 
with  the  birth  of  five  children:  Julius  Louis,  born  May  9,  1898;  Alfred  Henry, 
born  December  25,  1899;  Katharine  Louise,  born  January  2,  1902;  Helen  Eliza- 
beth, born  March  8.  1908;  and  Walter  William,  born  September  11,  191 1.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Goeppinger  are  members  of  the  Evangelical  Lutheran  church.  They 
take  a  very  active  and  prominent  part  in  the  church  work.  Mr.  Goeppinger  gives 
his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  but  has  found  little  time  to  fill 
public  office  and,  in  fact,  has  always  preferred  to  leave  that  duty  to  others.  In 
matters  of  citizenship,  however,  he  is  never  remiss  and  has  cooperated  largely 
in  many  measures  relating  to  the  public  good.  He  has  served  as  one  of  the  trus- 
tees of  the  Public  Library,  for  ten  years  has  been  a  member  of  the  school  board 
and  for  two  terms  was  its  president.  Few  men  have  done  as  much  to  advance 
the  interests  of  education  in  Boone.  His  life  has,  indeed,  been  fruitful  of  good 
along  many  lines  and  all  who  know  him  entertain  for  him  the  highest  regard  by 
reason  of  what  he  has  accomplished  and  the  honorable  methods  which  he  has 
pursued  in  every  relation  of  life. 


GEORGE  DANIEL  THROCKMORTON. 

George  Daniel  Throckmorton,  owning  and  operating  a  good  farm  of  eighty 
acres  on  section  19,  Jackson  township,  was  born  on  the  22d  of  May,  1862,  in 
the  town  of  Waynesburg,  Greene  county,  Pennsylvania,  which  county  was  the 
home  of  the  family  for  many  years.  There  his  father,  Daniel  Throckmorton, 
was  born  in  181 7  and  on  reaching  manhood  engaged  in  farming  in  that  county 
until  1869,  when  he  brought  his  family  to  Iowa,  locating  upon  a  farm  of  one 
hundred  and  twenty  acres  in  Douglas  township,  Boone  county.  He  was  not  long 
permitted  to  enjoy  his  new  home,  however,  for  he  passed  away  in  1872.  He 
was  a  faithful  member  of  the  .Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  a  democrat  in  poli- 
tics. While  a  resident  of  the  Keystone  state  he  held  several  county  offices. 
In  early  life  he  married  Nancy  Ely,  a  native  of  Washington  county,  Pennsylvania, 
who  is  still  living  at  the  advanced  age  of  ninety-four  years  and  now  makes  her 
home  in   Luther.     They  had   seven   children,   namely:    Jonas   E.,   who  married 


370"  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Emeline  Sellers  and  who  is  a  resident  of  Sumner  county,  Kansas ;  Joseph,  who 
married  Lizzie  Myers  and  died  in  Boone  county;  Caroline,  the  wife  of  Oliver 
Patterson  of  Colfax  township,  this  county;  James,  who  died  in  infancy;  Lizzie, 
who  first  married  Hartford  Moss  and  after  his  death  wedded  John  Elliott  and 
lives  in  Luther;  Charles  H.,  who  married  Lois  Worbas  and  makes  his  home  in 
Guthrie ;  and  George  Daniel,  whose  name  introduces  this  sketch. 

George  Daniel  Throckmorton  was  only  about  six  years  of  age  when  the  family 
removed  to  Boone  county,  and  in  Douglas  township  he  grew  to  manhood.  He 
attended  the  public  schools  near  his  home,  but  at  the  age  of  seventeen  laid  aside 
his  text-books  in  order  to  give  his  entire  attention  to  the  cultivation  of  the  home 
farm,  as  his  father  had  <Jied  when  he  was  only  ten  years  old.  He  was  married 
January  ii,  1887,  to  Miss  Viola  May  Roderick,  by  whom  he  has  two  children: 
Eva  M.,  now  the  wife  of  George  L.  Adix,  of  Jackson  township;  and  Forest  Cecil, 
who  was  born  September  20,  1893,  and  is  at  home.  For  two  years  after  his 
marriage  Mr.  Throckmorton  resided  upon  the  old  family  homestead,  but  at  the 
end  of  that  time  removed  to  his  present  place  on  section  19,  Jackson  township, 
where  he  is  successfully  operating  eighty  acres.  The  republican  party  finds  in 
Mr.  Throckmorton  a  stanch  supporter  of  its  principles,  and  his  wife  is  a  member 
of  the  Christian  church. 


JOHN  A.  BURNSIDE. 


The  late  John  A.  Burnside,  father  of  Arthur  M.  Burnside  of  Boone,  was  for 
a  number  of  years  a  resident  of  this  state,  although  he  spent  his  youth  and  earlier 
life  in  Ohio  and  also  closed  his  career  in  that  state.  He  was  born  in  Muskingum 
county,  Ohio,  in  December,  1845,  and  was  a  son  of  Christopher  and  Ann  J. 
(Miller)  Burnside,  both  of  Scotch  extraction,  although  they  were  natives  of 
the  north  of  Ireland,  whence  they  came  as  young  people  to  America.  Their  mar- 
riage took  place  in  Zanesville,  Ohio.  Christopher  Burnside  followed  agricultural 
pursuits  and  both  parents  resided  there  until  their  demise. 

John  A.  Burnside  was  the  eldest  of  three  sons  and  one  daughter,  all  of  whom 
are  deceased.  He  was  reared  and  educated  in  Muskingum  county  and  after 
marrying  there  went,  in  1869,  to  Ames,  Iowa.  Two  years  later  he  removed  to 
Mills  county,  which  was  his  home  for  four  years.  He  then  returned  to  Ohio, 
which  state  remained  his  residence  until  he  passed  away  on  September  14,  1883, 
near  Adamsville,  Muskingum  county.  In  1885  Mrs.  Burnside  returned  to  Iowa, 
locating  on  a  farm  near  Ogden.  which  was  her  home  until  1898.  When  her  son, 
A.  M.  Burnside,  was  elected  auditor  of  Boone  county  she  removed  to  Boone  and 
has  since  made  her  home  with  him. 

In  March,  1869,  John  A.  Burnside  married  Aliss  Alargaret  P.  Smyth,  who 
was  born  near  Zanesville.  Ohio,  a  daughter  of  George  and  Mary  (Lee)  Smyth, 
the  former  of  Scotch-Irish  extraction,  born  in  the  north  of  Ireland.  Mrs.  Smyth 
was  of  the  same  stock,  but  a  native  of  Pennsylvania.  Both  parents  died  in  Ohio. 
In  their  family  were  eleven  children,  of  whom  two  daughters  besides  Mrs.  Burn- 
side are  now  living.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burnside  were  the  parents  of  one  son  and 
three  daughters :    Arthur  M..  who  is  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  work ;  Mrs.  J. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  371 

J.  McGregor,  of  South  Dakota,  who  has  two  children,  John  Lowell  and  Margaret 
M. ;  Mrs.  E.  E.  Beatty,  who  resides  near  Grand  Junction,  Iowa,  and  has  one  son, 
Homer  Burnside ;  and  Mrs.  Webb  Patterson,  of  West  Boone,  who  is  the  mother 
of  one  daughter,  Mary  Priscilla. 

John  A.  Burnside  always  gave  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party.  He 
served  as  a  member  of  the  Home  Guards  and  held  various  offices  in  the  localities 
in  which  he  resided.  His  religious  faith  was  that  of  the  Presbyterian  church, 
and  he  always  attended  its  services.  Mrs.  Burnside  is  a  member  of  the  Metho- 
dist Episcopal  church  of  Boone  and  interested  in  its  work.  She  belongs  to  the 
Hawthorne  Club  and  the  Women's  Christian  Temperance  Union.  She  is  one  of 
the  best  beloved  women  of  Boone,  in  the  moral,  intellectual  and  religious  progress 
of  which  city  she  has  taken  a  helpful  interest. 


SAMUEL  S.  POWERS. 

Agricultural  interests  find  a  worthy  representative  in  Samuel  S.  Powers,  who 
owns  three  valuable  farms,  one  comprising  one  hundred  and  sixty-four  acres  on 
section  i8,  Beaver  township,  while  the  second  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
is  a  part  of  the  old  home  place  on  section  28,  Amaqua  township.  His  third  prop- 
erty, upon  which  he  now  resides,  is  an  excellent  farm  of  two  hundred  and  eighty 
acres,  lying  on  sections  28  and  33,  Amaqua  township.  This  is  one  of  the  best 
improved  places  of  the  county  and  forms  a  most  attractive  feature  in  the  land- 
scape. Mr.  Powers  well  deserves  the  reputation  which  he  has  earned  of  being  a 
leading  farmer  of  this  section  of  the  state.  He  was  born  June  11,  1855,  in  Illi- 
nois, his  parents  being  William  and  .Susan  (Cline)  Powers,  the  former  a  native 
of  Pennsylvania  and  the  latter  of  Washington  county,  Maryland.  The  father 
was  reared  in  Maryland  and  there  learned  the  miller's  trade,  which  he  followed 
through  the  period  of  his  boyhood  and  early  manhood.  In  1854  he  went  to 
Illinois  and  purchased  land  in  Carroll  county,  that  state,  and  also  in  Ogle  county. 
He  improved  his  property  and  resided  thereon  until  1875,  when  he  came  to  Boone 
county  and  made  investment  in  five  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Amaqua  township. 
This  he  also  developed,  bringing  his  fields  to  a  high  state  of  cultivation,  and  he 
continued  to  operate  his  land  for  a  long  period.  Finally,  however,  content  with 
the  success  that  he  had  already  achieved,  he  retired  from  active  life  and  removed 
to  Beaver,  where  he  resided  until  the  death  of  his  wife  in  1900.  He  afterward 
made  his  home  among  his  children  until  hi^  own  demise,  which  occurred  in  1903. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Powers  were  people  of  the  highest  respectability  and  enjoyed  the 
warm  regard  and  enduring  friendship  of  many  with  whom  they  came  in  contact. 

Samuel  S.  Powers  was  reared  and  educated  in  Illinois  and  remained  with 
his  parents  upon  the  home  farm  until  he  reached  the  age  of  twenty-six  years. 
His  boyhood  was  devoted  to  the  acquirement  of  a  public-school  education  and 
to  the  work  of  the  fields,  for  at  an  early  age  he  began  assisting  his  father  in  farm 
work.  His  training  was  of  a  practical  kind,  that  brought  him  the  experience 
that  has  constituted  the  broad  and  substantial  foundation  upon  which  he  has 
built  his  later  success.  Leaving  home  at  the  age  of  twenty-six  years,  he  purchased 
two  hundred  and  eighty  acres  of  land  on  sections  28  and  33,  Amaqua  township. 


372  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

and  began  the  further  development  of  the  farm  which  is  now  his  home.  The 
result  of  his  labors  is  seen  in  the  excellent  appearance  of  the  place,  for  he  has 
today  one  of  the  finest  improved  farms  in  the  county.  Laudable  ambition  has  ever 
actuated  him  in  his  business  career,  and  from  time  to  time  he  has  added  to 
his  holdings,  which  now  include  one  hundred  and  sixty-four  acres  on  section 
i8,  Beaver  township,  and  a  quarter  section  in  Amaqua  township,  which  is  a  part 
of  the  old  homestead.  He  raises  full-blooded  Chester  White  hogs  and  red  polled 
Durham  cattle,  and  his  live  stock  interests  are  an  important  and  profitable  branch 
of  his  business. 

In  January.  1882,  Mr.  Powers  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Susan  K.  Gil- 
bert, a  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Elizabeth  (Hardnock)  Gilbert,  who  were  natives 
of  Washington  county,  Maryland.  The  father  went  to  Ogle  county,  Illinois, 
at  an  early  day  and  there  engaged  in  farming,  securing  land  which  he  cultivated 
throughout  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  passed  away  Alarch  25,  1905.  and  his 
wife  died  on  the  24th  of  December,  1907.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Powers  had  a  family 
of  six  children :  Albert  L.,  who  died  on  the  7th  of  December.  1884 ;  Samuel  .\., 
who  is  operating  his  father's  farm  in  Beaver  township ;  Elmer  G..  who  is  culti- 
vating one  of  his  father's  farms  in  Amaqua  township ;  and  Walter  W.,  Lizzie 
and  Daniel  I.,  all  at  home.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Powers  is  an  earnest 
republican.  He  has  never  sought  nor  desired  office,  however,  but  has  preferred  to 
concentrate  his  energies  upon  business  affairs.  He  has  acted  as  school  director 
in  his  township,  and  the  cause  of  education  and  of  religion  find  in  him  a  stalwart 
champion.  He  belongs  to  the  Brethren  church,  of  which  he  is  treasurer,  and 
he  is  president  of  the  Cemetery  Association.  He  is  regarded  as  a  public-spirited 
citizen,  and  his  influence  is  always  on  the  side  of  progress,  reform  and  improve- 
ment. 


AMAZIAH  M.  SHAEFFER. 

Among  the  veterans  of  the  Civil  war  residing  in  Boone  county  is  Amaziah  M. 
Shaeffer,  who  is  also  numbered  among  the  early  settlers  of  this  section  of  the 
state.  He  has  been  active  along  many  lines  of  life  which  have  contributed  to 
the  public  welfare  as  well  as  to  individual  success.  For  many  years  he  held 
political  office,  and  he  has  been  equally  active  in  church  work  so  that  his  labors 
have  been  far-reaching  and  beneficial.  He  has  been  a  resident  of  Iowa  since  1855, 
at  which  time  he  settled  in  Boonesboro,  and  he  was  born  in  White  county,  In- 
diana, near  Delphi,  January  26,  1843.  His  paternal  grandfather,  John  Shaeft'er, 
was  a  native  of  Germany,  it  is  believed.  However,  in  early  life  he  lived  in  Penn- 
sylvania and  thence  removed  to  Ohio.  He  served  as  a  soldier  in  the  Mexican 
war  and  died  in  White  county,  Indiana.  His  son,  Peter  Shaeffer,  was  born  in 
Pennsylvania  and  when  quite  young  was  taken  by  his  parents  to  Muskingum 
county,  Ohio,  where  he  lived  to  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  and  then  removed  to 
White  county,  Indiana.  He  wedded  Nancy  .Merriman  and  in  1855  they  left  the 
Hoosier  state  for  Iowa,  settling  in  Boone  county,  where  the  father  died  at  the  age 
of  fifty-seven  years.     He  had  long  survived  his  wife,  who  passed  away  in  this 


MK.   AMI   .MKS.   AMAZIAH    M.  .SHAEFKKR 


TH'- 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  375 

county  at  the  age  of  thirty-three  years.  He  married  again,  his  second  wife  being 
Martha  Price,  who  passed  away  in  West,  Iowa.  Seven  children  were  born  to 
Peter  Shaeffer,  as  follows :  John  R.,  who  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Civil  war 
with  the  Forty-sixth  Indiana  Volunteer  Infantry  and  was  killed  at  the  battle  of 
Champion's  Hill ;  Tillmann  H.,  a  resident  of  Hotchkiss,  Colorado ;  Amaziah  M. ; 
Jasper,  living  in  Oklahoma ;  Newton,  whose  home  is  in  Marshalltown,  Iowa ;  Wil- 
liam, deceased ;  and  George  W.,  who  makes  his  home  in  Fraser,  this  county. 

Amaziah  AI.  Shaeffer  was  reared  to  the  age  of  twelve  years  in  the  place  of 
his  nativity  and  then  became  a  resident  of  Iowa.  He  is  indebted  to  the  public- 
school  systems  of  Indiana  and  of  this  state  for  the  educational  privileges  he 
enjoyed.  On  the  28th  of  February,  1862,  he  enlisted  in  Boonesboro  as  a  Union 
soldier,  becoming  a  private  of  Company  K,  Sixteenth  Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry, 
for  three  years,  or  during  the  war.  On  the  i8th  of  March,  1864,  he  veteranized 
and  was  honorably  discharged  at  Goldsboro,  North  Carolina,  on  the  28th  of 
March,  1865.  His  first  captain,  Michael  Zetter,  was  killed  at  Shiloh.  His  next 
captain  was  Jesse  Lucas,  Alexander  Weingardner  being  first  lieutenant,  while 
Colonel  Alexander  Chambers  commanded  the  regiment.  Mr.  Shaeffer  partici- 
pated in  many  of  the  most  important  battles  of  the  war,  including  the  engagement 
at  Shiloh,  the  siege  of  Corinth,  the  battle  of  luka,  the  siege  of  Vicksburg,  the 
Meridian  raid,  the  battles  of  Kenesaw  Mountain,  Nicajack  Creek,  Chattahooche 
river,  Atlanta,  and  the  celebrated  march  to  the  sea  under  Sherman.  Later  he  was 
on  detached  duty  for  a  time  in  a  hospital  at  Atlanta  and  afterward  participated 
in  the  battles  of  Savannah,  Pocataligp,  Cambechee  river,  Orangeburg,  North 
Edisto  river,  Fayetteville  and  Bentoriyille.  He  then  proceeded  to  Goldsboro  with 
his  command  and  was  there  honorably  discharged. 

Following  his  return  home  Mr.  Shaeffer  recuperated  and  then  took  up  active 
farm  work,  purchasing  eighty  acres  of  land  in  Hamilton  county,  Iowa,  where 
he  lived  for  two  years.  He  then  came  to  Boone  county,  settling  in  Dodge  town- 
ship, where  he  purchased  two  hundred  and  forty  acres.  There  he  carried  on 
farming  for  sixteen  years,  after  which  he  sold  that  property  and  invested  in  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres,  upon  which  he  lived  for  seven  years.  Later  he  disposed 
of  that  farm  and  bought  eighty  acres  a  mile  east  of  Boone,  which  he  improved. 
In  igo6  he  once  more  sold  out  and,  retiring  from  active  farm  life,  took  up  his 
residence  in  Boone,  where  he  now  makes  his  home.  He  has  greatly  improved 
all  of  these  different  properties  and  has  thus  added  to  the  agricultural  progress 
of  the  county.  He  now  owns  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  in  Potter 
county.  South  Dakota.  His  life  has  been  a  busy,  useful  and  active  one,  and  his 
labors  have  brought  to  him  a  measure  of  success  which  now  numbers  him  among 
the  men  of  affluence  in  his  section  of  the  state. 

Mr.  Shaeffer  was  married  in  Boone  county,  December  31,  1865,  to  Miss 
Dorothy  Getzman,  of  this  county,  a  daughter  of  Barnhart  and  Mary  Getzman. 
Six  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Shaeffer  as  follows:  Leora  M.,  who 
died  in  September,  1878,  when  twelve  years  of  age:  Lafayette  M.,  who  passed 
away  in  July,  1878,  at  the  age  of  ten;  Samuel  R.,  whose  death  occurred  in  1898 
when  he  was  twenty  years  of  age;  Maggie  L.,  who  married  George  Shafer  and 
who  departed  this  life  in  1910;  Elsie  who  became  the  wife  of  William  Phipps  of 
Idaho ;  and  Russell  G.,  who  married  Juanita  Sifford  and  lives  at  New  Hartford, 
Iowa. 


376  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Mr.  Shaeffer  belongs  to  C.  \V.  Crooks  Post,  No.  329,  G.  A.  R.,  of  which  he  is 
the  present  commander,  and  through  his  association  therewith  he  keeps  in  close 
touch  with  many  of  his  old  army  comrades.  He  is  also  a  member  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  church.  High  and  honorable  principles  have  guided  him  in  all 
life's  relations,  molding  his  character  and  making  him  a  man  worthy  the  high 
regard  and  confidence  of  all  with  whom  he  has  come  in  contact.  While  living  in 
Dodge  township  he  held  office  almost  continuously,  serving  as  road  supervisor, 
as  constable,  justice  of  the  peace  and  school  director,  and  in  all  these  positions 
he  discharged  his  duties  with  prouiptness  and  fidelity.  He  has  also  been  town- 
ship trustee  and  as  such  managed  well  the  interests  committed  to  his  care.  He 
has  been  equally  active  in  the  church,  serving  as  steward  and  as  chairman  of  the 
building  committee  during  the  erection  of  the  Bethel  church,  to  which  he  was  a 
generous  contributor.  He  possesses  an  even  disposition  and  kindly  spirit  and 
has  been  very  popular  among  his  fellow  townsmen.  He  was  considered  one 
of  the  best  farmers  and  stock-raisers  in  this  section  of  the  state  and  did  much  to 
promote  agricultural  activity  and  to  raise  the  standards  of  farming.  His  life 
has  indeed  been  one  of  far-reaching  influence  and  benefit  and  has  won  for  him 
a  good  name,  which  is  rather  to  be  chosen  than  great  riches.  Nevertheless  he 
has  gained  a  substantial  measure  of  this  world's  goods,  and  his  record  proves 
that  success  and  an  honored  name  may  be  won  simultaneously. 


LLEWELLYN  V.  HARPEL. 

Llewellyn  V.  Harpel  is  one  of  the  most  successful  lawyers  of  Boone,  being 
a  member  of  the  firm  of  Harpel  &  Cederquist.  who  do  a  very  legal  business. 
Mr.  Harpel  was  born  near  East  Liberty,  Logan  county.  Ohio,  and  is  a  son  of 
George  and  Minerva  (Vernon)  Harpel,  the  latter  a  lineal  descendant  of  a  Mr. 
\'ernon  who  was  one  of  the  eleven  Friends  who  came  over  to  this  country  with 
William  Penn.  The  paternal  grandfather.  George  C.  Harpel.  was  born  in 
northern  Germany  and  was  brought  by  his  parents  to  America  when  but  one 
year  old,  the  family  locating  in  Pennsylvania.  They  later  removed  to  Carroll 
county,  Ohio,  where  the  late  George  Harpel,  father  of  our  subject,  was  born. 
The  latter  served  three  years  and  eight  months  in  the  Civil  war  in  an  Ohio  regi- 
ment. He  married  in  1866,  locating  first  in  Logan  county.  Ohio,  and  in  1870 
removed  to  Polk  county.  Iowa,  where  he  operated  a  farm  until  about  four  years 
before  his  death  in  1908,  having  removed  to  Boone  in  1004.  He  was  loyal  to  the 
democratic  party  and  was  quite  influential  in  its  local  councils  in  Polk  county. 

Llewellyn  \'.  Harpel  spent  his  early  boyhood  on  a  farm  in  Polk  county,  near 
Sheldahl.  He  subsequently  pursued  a  scientific  course  at  the  Iowa  State  Col- 
lege, graduating  as  a  Bachelor  of  Science  in  1887.  He  studied  law  at  Drake 
University  of  Des  Moines  and  in  1890  was  admitted  to  the  bar.  He  at  first 
entered  the  law  offices  of  Kauffman  &  Guernsey,  attorneys  in  Des  Moines,  and 
did  office  work  for  them  as  clerk  and  stenographer  until  January  i,  1891,  gaining 
valuable  experience  while  so  engaged.  He  then  entered  the  office  of  John 
Shortley  of  Perry,  Iowa,  working  on  a  salary  basis  for  eighteen  months,  and 
formed  at  the  end  of  that  period  a  partnership  with  Mr.  Shortley,  under  the  firm 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  377 

name  of  Shortley  &  Harpel.  On  June  i,  1903,  Mr.  Harpel  moved  to  Boone, 
succeeding  Charles  Whitaker  in  the  firm  of  Whitaker  &  Cederquist.  Later  M.  C. 
Creighton  of  Madrid  was  taken  into  the  firm,  the  latter  having  charge  of  the 
branch  ofiice  at  that  city.  Upon  his  decease  Mr.  Cederquist  took  charge  of  the 
Madrid  office,  the  firm  now  being  Harpel  &  Cederquist.  Mr.  Harpel  has  all 
the  qualities  of  which  a  lawyer  may  be  proud.  He  has  a  clear,  logical  mind  and 
an  excellent  memory,  using  both  to  advantage  in  presenting  his  arguments  be- 
fore court  and  jury.  He  has  handled  a  number  of  important  cases  and  has 
concluded  most  of  them  to  the  satisfaction  of  his  clients.  He  moreover  enjoys 
a  high  reputation  as  a  counselor  and  is  frequently  called  in  consultation  in  regard 
to  difficult  legal  problems. 

On  July  20,  1892,  Llewellyn  V.  Harpel  married  Miss  Kate  Stevens,  extended 
mention  of  whom  follows.  They  have  one  son.  Gates  Harpel.  who  is 
a  senior  in  the  Iowa  State  College.  Mr.  Harpel  of  this  review  is  a  Master 
Mason  and  was  the  first  master  of  the  lodge  at  Boone  to  serve  in  the  Champlain 
Memorial  Alasonic  Temple.  He  is  a  Chapter  Mason  and  a  Knight  Templar  and 
also  is  a  member  of  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks,  the  Knights  of 
Pythias,  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  the  Woodmen  of  the  World, 
being  very  popular  in  all  of  these  organizations.  For  about  twelve  years  he  was 
a  democrat  and  within  that  period  served  as  city  solicitor  of  Perry.  He  then 
gav£  his  allegiance  to  republicanism  for  about  ten  years  and  is  now  affiliated 
with  the  progressive  party,  being  thoroughly  in  accord  with  the  aims  of  that 
organization.  He  is  a  valuable,  useful  citizen  who  participates  in  all  the  move- 
ments which  are  undertaken  in  order  to  advance  the  interests  of  Boone  city  and 
Boone  county. 


KATE  STEVENS  HARPEL,  M.  D. 

Mrs.  Kate  Stevens  Harpel,  the  wife  of  Llewellyn  V.  Harpel,  who  is  mentioned 
in  the  preceding  sketch,  is  successfully  engaged  in  medical  practice  in  Boone. 
She  was  born  near  Springfield,  in  McHenry  county,  Illinois,  on  October  22,  1867, 
and  is  a  daughter  of  Asher  M.  and  Johanna  (Chesley)  Stevens.  Her  paternal 
grandmother,  who  in  her  maidenhood  was  Miss  Julia  Kellogg,  was  a  granddaughter 
of  an  officer  of  the  American  Revolution  and  a  member  of  the  Kellogg  family 
whose  history  in  both  this  country  and  Great  Britain  has  been  so  well  written. 

■Mrs.  Harpel  of  this  review  was  but  six  months  of  age  when  her  family 
removed  to  Cerro  Gordo  county,  Iowa,  later  settling  on  a  farm  in  Owen  township, 
which  is  still  owned  by  members  of  the  family.  Her  mother  died  in  1878,  leaving 
seven  children,  the  youngest  of  whom  was  three  years  old.  Kate,  with  an  older 
sister,  did  the  housework  for  the  family,  attending  at  the  same  time  the  district 
school.  At  the  age  of  fifteen  she  went  to  Mason  City  for  the  purpose  of  attending 
high  school,  by  permission  of  her  family,  but  without  means  or  assistance  except 
that  she  had  a  place  where  she  could  work  for  her  board  and  expenses.  Despite 
this  outside  work  she  covered  a  double  course  in  two  years,  graduating  within 
that  period  from  a  four  years'  course  and  at  the  head  of  her  class.  She  was 
immediately  offered  a  position  in  the  Mason  City  public  schools  and  taught  fifth 


378  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

grade  pupils  until  1887,  when  she  entered  the  Iowa  State  College,  having  saved 
the  means  to  defray  one  year's  expenses  from  her  teaching.  The  other  three 
years  of  her  college  course  were  cared  for  by  what  she  was  able  to  earn  while 
teaching  during  the  winters  and  by  service  as  assistant  college  librarian.  In  1890 
she  received  the  degree  of  Bachelor  of  Letters,  ranking  second  in  a  class  of  forty- 
four.  The  college  commencement  being  held  in  November,  she  taught  the  balance 
of  the  school  year  in  the  Marshalltown  public  schools  and  the  next  year  acted  as 
principal  of  the  Webster  City  high  school. 

In  Ti-dy,  1892,  Miss  Stevens  was  united  in  marriage  to  Llewellyn  V.  Harpel, 
an  attorney  at  law,  and  they  lived  in  Perry  for  eleven  years,  then  removing  to 
Boone,  their  present  home.  Her  only  son.  Gates,  was  born  in  1893.  During 
her  residence  in  Perry  she  filled  for  six  months  a  vacancy  as  high-school  teacher 
and  served  for  three  years  by  popular  election  on  the  board  of  education,  assisting 
in  organizing  the  Wednesday  Study  Club,  which  is  still  in  existence.  Having 
received  a  doctor's  degree  from  the  medical  department  of  Drake  University, 
where  she  was  matriculated,  she  began  the  regular  practice  of  medicine  in  1903 
and  has  ever  since  been  very  successful  as  a  physician.  She  is  careful  in  diagnosis 
and  has  made  few  mistakes,  if  any.  Many  are  those  who  have  come  to  her  and 
who  have  found  relief  by  reason  of  her  treatments.  To  her  professional  and  home 
duties  she  has  also  added  church  work  in  the  Universalist  church  and  Sunday 
school  and  club  work,  being  an  organizer  of  the  Outlook  Club  and  serving  for  two 
years  as  its  president.  She  is  moreover  active  in  the  Political  Equality  Club,  the 
Civic  League  and  the  Iowa  Women's  Medical  Association  and  is  a  past  com- 
mander of  the  Ladies  of  the  Maccabees  and  a  past  worthy  matron  of  the  Eastern 
Star.  Mrs.  Harpel  has  been  of  utmost  value  to  her  community,  being  a  leader 
in  all  movements  which  are  undertaken  for  the  betterment  of  mankind.  She 
is  a  noble  representative  of  American  womanhood,  and  although  she  is  active 
in  so  many  public  and  semi-public  capacities,  she  has  not  lost  a  particle  of  that 
sweet  womanhood  of  which  we  all  are  so  proud. 


E.  PETER  DALANDER. 

E.  Peter  Dalander  is  a  native  of  Madrid  and  comes  of  an  old  pioneer  family 
of  Boone  county  which  settled  here  in  1846  on  land  where  Madrid  now  stands. 
Mr.  Dalander  has  worthily  carried  forward  the  family  traditions  and  stands 
high  in  the  estimation  of  his  fellow  citizens.  Since  1903  he  has  served  as  post- 
master, discharging  his  duties  to  the  greatest  satisfaction  of  the  patrons  of  the 
office. 

Mr.  Dalander  was  born  July  10,  1864,  and  has  always  been  a  resident  of 
Madrid.  His  grandmother,  Anna  Dalander,  secured  the  first  deed  to  land  in 
Boone  county  and  the  instrument  is  now  preserved  in  the  archives  of  the  Madrid 
Historical  Society.  His  parents  were  Eric  and  Eva  E.  (Swanson)  Dalander, 
both  natives  of  Sweden,  the  former  born  in  1814  and  the  latter  in  1836.  The 
father  died  in  Madrid,  January  29,  1893.  He  emigrated  to  America  in  1846 
and  immediately  located  upon  a  farm  which  is  now  the  site  of   Madrid.     The 


E.  PETER   DALAXDER 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  381 

mother  came  with  her  foster  parents  to  America  in  1846  and  the  family  also 
located  in  Boone  county. 

In  the  Dalander  family  were  the  following  children,  all  born  and  reared  in 
Douglas  township:  John,  a  son  of  the  father's  first  marriage,  residing  in 
Kansas;  Mrs.  Anna  M.  Nelson,  of  Madrid;  Mrs.  Clara  Jacobson,  deceased; 
Mrs.  A.  M.  Sundberg,  oi.  Madrid ;  S.  A.,  also  of  that  city ;  Dr.  C.  A.  Dalander, 
who  was  born  July  11,  1869,  and  died  in  Des  Moines,  April  12,  1906;  Z.  W., 
born  January  20,  1872,  residing  in  Madrid ;  Minnie  M.,  born  January  19,  1876, 
residing  with  her  mother;  Clara,  who  died  in  infancy;  and  E.  Peter,  of  this 
review. 

The  father  entered  land  and  at  first  followed  farming,  but  later  engaged  in 
the  milling  business  in  Madrid,  operating  the  first  steam  mill  in  that  part  of  the 
country.  Subsequently  the  family  returned  to  the  farm  and  the  subject  of  this 
review  there  remained  with  his  parents  until  he  was  twenty-one  years  of  age. 
He  received  his  earlier  education  in  the  public  schools,  rounding  out  his  funda- 
mental knowledge  with  a  two  years'  academic  course.  After  leaving  the  home- 
stead he  clerked  in  a  drug  store  for  some  time  and  then  conducted  a  similar 
establishment  of  his  own  for  ten  years,  being  very  successful  along  that  line.  In 
1903  he  was  appointed  postmaster  of  Madrid  and  he  has  since  held  that  position. 
He  makes  an  excellent  public  servant  and  is  popular  with  all  who  have  transac- 
tions with  his  office. 

Mr.  Dalander,  in  1892,  married  Miss  Alma  L',  Anderson,  who  was  born  in 
Douglas  township,  June  4,  1866.  There  she  wasreafecl  and  she  has  remained 
a  resident  of  Douglas  township  ever  since.  Her  father,  John  Anderson,  came 
to  the  township  in  the  same  party  in  which  Mr.  Dalander's  parents  arrived.  He 
at  first  worked  in  Des  Moines  in  order  to  secure  sufficient  capital  to  purchase 
a  farm.  For  his  second  wife  he  married  Carolina  Nelson.  Both  were  born  in 
Sweden  and  died  in  Madrid.  The  father  was  a  very  successful  farmer  and  stood 
high  among  his  fellow  citizens.  He  was  supervisor  of  Boone  county  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  and  for  twenty  years  served  as  assessor  of  Douglas  township.  By 
a  former  marriage  he  had  five  children  and  by  the  second  union  there  were 
eight.  All  the  thirteen  children  of  Mr.  Anderson  were  reared  in  Douglas  town- 
ship. 

Mrs.  Dalander  received,  in  addition  to  a  common-school  education,  musical 
training  in  Kansas,  continuing  her  studies  along  that  line  in  Shenandoah,  Iowa. 
She  is  a  proficient  artist  and  well  accjuainted  with  musical  lore.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Dalander  have  four  children,  three  daughters  and  a  son :  Martin  S.,  who  was 
born  May  15,  1894,  and  after  graduating  from  the  Madrid  high  school  took  one 
year's  work  in  the  Midwestern  Academy  of  Music,  being  at  present  in  attendance 
at  the  Capital  City  Commercial  College  of  Des  Moines ;  Edna  E.,  born  in  April, 
1898,  who  is  attending  high  school  in  Madrid ;  Helen,  born  in  August,  1903 ; 
and  Ruth,  born  August  27,  1908. 

Mr.  Dalander  is  an  adherent  of  the  republican  party  and  has  ever  been 
loyal  to  the  standards  and  principles  of  that  organization.  He  is  deeply  inter- 
ested in  the  cause  of  education  and  for  fifteen  years  has  done  valuable  service 
as  member  of  the  local  school  board.  Both  he  and  his  wife  belong  to  the  Swedish 
Lutheran  church  of  Madrid,  to  which  they  give  their  material  and  moral  support. 
Mr.  Dalander  is  a  well  informed  man  who  forms  valuable  opinions  on  all  matters 


382  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

of  public  importance.  His  support  is  eagerly  sought  and  he  is  ever  ready  to 
promote  worthy  enterprises  of  any  kind.  As  a  citizen  he  is  of  great  value  to 
Madrid  and  Boone  county,  considering  no  exertion  on  his  part  too  great  in  order 
to  promote  progress.  As  an  official  he  is  courteous,  affable,  approachable  and 
obliging. 


NATHANIEL  NOLAND. 

Nathaniel  Noland,  deceased,  was  for  a  considerable  period  a  well  known 
farmer  of  Boone  county.  He  was  born  in  Highland  county,  Ohio,  seventy-five 
years  ago,  a  son  of  Benjamin  and  Elizabeth  (Staley)  Noland,  who  reared  a  large 
family.  The  father  was  a  fanner  by  occupation  and  spent  his  last  days  in  Iowa, 
whither  he  removed  with  his  family  during  the  childhood  of  his  son  Nathaniel. 

The  family  home  was  established  in  Dallas  county  and  later  a  removal  was 
made  to  Boone  county.  In  this  state  Nathaniel  Noland  was  reared  to  manhood, 
sharing  with  the  family  in  the  usual  experiences,  hardships  and  privations  of 
pioneer  life.  His  education  was  obtained  in  one  of  the  oldtime  log  schoolhouses 
when  the  methods  of  instruction  were  very  primitive  as  compared  with  the  ad- 
vanced educational  standards  of  the  present  day.  School  was  held  for  only  about 
three  months  in  a  year  and  throughout  the  remainder  of  the  time  Nathaniel 
Noland  worked  upon  the  home  farm,  early  becoming  famiilar  with  all  the  duties 
and  labors  incident  to  the  cultivation  of  the  soil  and  the  development  of  the  crops. 

As  a  young  man  Nathaniel  Noland  heard  and  answered  the  country's  call 
for  men,  enlisting  in  Company  D,  Tenth  Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry  at  Boone  in 
1861.  He  served  throughout  the  war,  participating  in  many  battles  and  going 
with  Sherman  on  the  march  to  the  sea.  At  the  close  of  the  war  in  1865  he 
received  his  honorable  discharge  and  returned  to  the  life  of  a  civilian. 

On  the  15th  of  March,  1866,  in  Peoples  township,  Mr.  Noland  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss  Angeline  Peoples.  Her  ancestor,  John  Peoples,  was  brought 
to  the  United  States  in  childhood  by  his  parents,  the  family  home  being  estab- 
lished in  Pennsylvania  near  Brownsville,  where  the  grandfather  of  Mrs.  Noland 
engaged  in  farming.  John  Peoples  was  quite  old,  being  nearly  eighty  years 
of  age,  when  he  sought  a  new  home  in  Coshocton  county,  Ohio,  where  he  lived 
with  his  son  William  until  the  time  of  his  death.  He  married  Henrietta  Jones, 
a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  in  which  state  she  died,  leaving  a  large  family.  Their 
son,  David  Peoples,  born  in  Pennsylvania,  was  educated  in  the  district  schools 
and  married  Lavina  Peart,  of  New  Jersey,  a  daughter  of  Thomas  and  Mary 
(Fisher)  Peart.  Lavina  (Peart)  Peoples  died  in  September,  1886,  at  the  age 
of  seventy-eight  years.  The  children  of  that  family  were ;  Melvina,  who  became 
the  wife  of  Jesse  Vernon  and  is  deceased ;  Mary,  who  became  the  wife  of  Levi 
Colvin  and  has  passed  away ;  Amanda,  who  married  William  Tarr  and  is  de- 
ceased ;  William,  who  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Pleasant  Hill,  Louisiana,  during 
the  Civil  war;  Henrietta,  who  became  the  wife  of  Enos  Rhodes  and  has  passed 
away:  Angeline,  who  married  Nathaniel  Noland;  Sarah  E.,  the  wife  of  John  W. 
Kirby  of  Boone;  Ann  Eliza,  the  wife  of  Luke  Becket  of  Spencer,  Iowa;  and 
Rachel  C,  who  married  Miles  Becket  and  is  also  deceased. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  383 

Following  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nathaniel  Noland  settled  on  a  prairie 
farm  in  Peoples  township.  He  became  the  owner  of  a  tract  of  eighty  acres, 
which  he  brought  to  a  high  state  of  cultivation,  carefully  tilling  the  soil  as  the 
years  passed  on.  He  died  May  9,  1886,  and  was  laid  to  rest  in  a  cemetery  in 
Peoples  township. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Noland  were  born  six  children :  Hallie  L.,  now  the  wife 
of  C.  A.  Steelsmith;  William,  who  died  in  childhood;  Levi  C. ;  Fred  P.,  who  has 
departed  this  life;  Clyde,  a  practicing  physician  in  Ogden,  Iowa;  and  Retta,  at 
home.  The  death  of  the  husband  and  father  occurred  May  9,  1886,  and  he  was 
laid  to  rest  in  a  cemetery  in  Peoples  township.  His  political  support  was  given 
to  the  republican  party,  but,  while  interested  in  the  welfare  of  the  community, 
he  never  desired  public  office.  He  sought  the  moral  progress  of  the  community 
as  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  His  many  sterling  traits  of 
character  endeared  him  to  all  who  knew  him,  and  his  upright  life  left  to  his  family 
a  memory  that  is  cherished  and  which  serves  as  an  inspiration  and  a  benediction 
to  those  who  knew  him. 


AXEL  WESTEEN. 


Among  the  prosperous  financial  institutions  of  Boone  county  is  the  Farmers 
Savings  Bank  of  Boxholm,  of  which  Axel  Westeen  is  the  cashier.  Much  of  the 
success  of  this  enterprise  is  due  to  his  initiative  and  able  management,  and 
he  is  conceded  to  be  one  of  the  best  informed  men  in  the  county  on  financial 
matters,  particularly  as  regards  local  conditions.  Mr.  Westeen  was  born  in 
Webster  county,  Iowa,  in  March,  1870,  and  is  a  son  of  Olaf  and  Carrie  (Olson) 
Westeen,  natives  of  Sweden,  who  came  to  America  in  18R8  and  located  in  Webster 
county,  where  the  father  was  engaged  in  farming  until  1882.  He  then  came 
to  Boone  county  and  bought  land  in  Grant  township  which  he  successfully  oper- 
ated until  1904,  when  he  retired  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  competence  and  moved 
to  Pilot  Mound,  where  he  now  resides  at  the  age  of  eighty-three  years,  his  wife 
having  passed  away  in  April,  1913. 

Axel  Westeen  was  reared  and  educated  in  Webster  and  Boone  counties  and 
after  completing  his  lessons  worked  on  his  father's  farm  and  then  learned  the 
blacksmith's  trade,  conducting  a  shop  and  hardware  store.  For  ten  years  he 
conducted  an  establishment  of  this  kind  on  the  farm  and  for  fifteen  years  acted 
as  postmaster,  this  being  before  the  town  of  Boxholm  had  come  into  existence. 
Subsequently  he  entered  the  hardware  business  exclusively,  conducting  a  store 
of  that  kind  for  eight  years,  and  then  went  to  Boone,  where  for  two  years  he  was 
employed  by  the  Wheelock  Hardware  Company.  In  1910  Mr.  Westeen  returned 
to  Boxholm,  acquiring  an  interest  in  the  Farmers  Bank,  which  was  then  a  private 
concern  owned  by  J.  H.  Roberts.  In  1910  the  bank  was  reorganized  as  the 
Farmers  Savings  Bank,  the  capital  stock  being  ten  thousand  dollars.  The  present 
officers  are:  J.  H.  Roberts,  president;  O.  L.  Lidvall,  vice  president;  and  Axel 
Westeen,  cashier.  The  directors  include:  .M.  J.  Lundvall,  J.  H.  Roberts,  Alf. 
Sundberg,  Axel  Westeen  and  O.  L.  Lidvall.  Mr.  Westeen  is  proving  himself  an 
able  financier  and  in  the  last  few  years  has  done  much  toward  increasing  the 


384  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

business  of  the  bank.  He  is  careful  and  cautious  as  regards  investments,  and 
yet  he  is  always  ready  to  extend  credit  when  suitable  security  is  forthcoming. 
Hi?  advice  is  frequently  sought  upon  matters  relating  to  financial  transactions, 
and  he  is  ever  ready  and  willing  to  accommodate  those  who  seek  his  opinion. 

On  June  6,  1894,  Mr.  Westeen  married  Miss  Nettie  Sundberg,  a  daughter  of 
Olaf  and  Anna  Sundberg,  natives  of  Sweden,  who  located  in  Boone  county 
in  1866,  Mr.  Sundberg  engaging  in  farming  and  coal  mining.  He  died  in  1884, 
but  his  widow  yet  resides  on  the  Sundberg  home  farm  in  Grant  township.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Westeen  have  five  children,  Florence  Edith,  LeRoy  J.,  Earl,  Gladys 
and  Dorothy,  who  are  respectively  eighteen,  sixteen,  thirteen,  eight  and  three 
years  of  age. 

Mr.  Westeen  has  always  taken  a  helpful  part  in  all  movements  tending  toward 
the  improvement  of  his  town  and  county.  He  is  a  democrat  and  loyal  to  the 
principles  of  his  party.  He  has  served  as  justice  of  the  peace  and  at  present 
fills  the  position  of  town  clerk  of  Boxholm.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the 
Swedish  Alission  church,  and  fraternally  he  is  connected  with  the  local  lodges  of 
the  Masonic  order  and  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  Mr.  Westeen  is  one 
of  the  popular  business  men  of  Boxholm  and  in  the  social  and  business  life  of 
that  town  has  many  warm  friends. 


DESKIN  W.  CROUCH. 

For  a  number  of  years  Deskin  W.  Crouch  has  been  engaged  in  farming  in 
Pilot  Mound  township,  owning  a  valuable  property  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres. 
He  was  born  in  Missouri,  October  12,  1873,  and  is  a  son  of  Samuel  and  Catherine 
(Gulick)  Crouch,  natives  of  Ohio.  The  parents  went  with  their  respective  fam- 
ilies to  Illinois  when  children,  and  the  father  was  reared  and  educated  in  that 
state,  where  he  subsequently  married.  In  1867  he  and  his  wife  went  to  Missouri, 
where  he  bought  land  which  he  improved  and  operated  until  1894.  In  that  year 
he  sold  out  and  returned  to  Illinois,  farming  until  he  retired  to  Champaign,  where 
he  resided  until  his  death,  March  13,  1909.     His  widow  is  now  living  in  Indiana. 

Deskin  W.  Crouch  was  reared  and  educated  in  Missouri,  remaining  upon  his 
father's  farm  until  he  reached  his  majority.  His  parents  then  removed  to  Illinois, 
where  he  and  his  father  farmed  together  for  two  years,  at  the  end  of  which  time 
Mr.  Crouch,  of  this  review,  followed  agricultural  pursuits  in  that  state  inde- 
pendently for  one  year.  He  then  came  to  Boone  county,  where  he  rented  land  for 
a  similar  period,  and  subsequently  acquired  title  to  two  hundred  acres  on  section 
31,  Pilot  Mound  township.  He  has  since,  however,  sold  forty  acres  of  this  tract. 
His  farm  is  in  a  good  state  of  cultivation  and  its  buildings  are  kept  in  excellent 
repair,  the  appearance  of  the  property  betraying  the  prosperity  of  the  owner. 

On  September  27,  1900,  Mr.  Crouch  married  Miss  Minnie  M.  Campbell,  a 
daughter  of  James  and  Sarah  (Cook)  Campbell,  who  were  born  in  Ohio.  The 
father  was  a  fanner  by  occupation  and  early  in  life  went  to  Illinois,  where 
he  purchased  land  near  Champaign,  in  the  operation  of  which  he  passed  the 
remainder  of  his  life.  He  die'd  in  1901,  his  wife  having  preceded  him  to  the 
Great  Beyond  in  1884.     Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crouch  were  the  parents  of  four  children, 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  385 

of  whom  one  died  in  infancy.    The  others  are  James  Robert,  Roy  C.  and  Marvin 
M.,  who  are  twelve,  eight  and  six  years  of  age  respectively. 

Air.  Crouch  is  interested  in  commercial  as  well  as  agricultural  affairs,  being  a 
stockholder  and  director  of  the  Pilot  Alound  Savings  Bank  and  also  holding  stock 
in  the  Farmers  Cooperative  Company  of  Pilot  Mound.  His  religion  is  that  of 
the  Presbyterian  faith,  and  politically  he  is  a  republican.  He  has  served  for  ten 
years  as  township  trustee  and  still  occupies  that  office,  having  done  valuable  work 
in  promoting  the  development  and  advancement  of  his  immediate  locality  and 
Boone  county. 


GEORGE  LEWIS  ADIX. 

George  Lewis  Adix,  proprietor  of  the  Alfalfadale  Farm  of  eighty  acres  on 
section  22,  Jackson  township,  has  spent  practically  his  entire  life  in  that  township, 
where  he  was  born  and  reared.  His  father,  Franz  Adix,  was  a  native  of  Germany 
and  was  only  three  years  old  when  his  father  died.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  Franz 
Adix  came  to  the  United  States  with  his  brother,  L.  W.  Adix,  and  for  many 
years  was  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  Boone  county.  Here  he  was  married 
to  Miss  Hannah  Bauman  of  Boone,  a  daughter  of  Henry  Bauman,  and  they  be- 
came the  parents  of  ten  children,  namely :  Henry,  who  was  born  November  17, 
1875,  and  was  accidentally  killed  in  a  runaway  April  21,  1908;  William  of  Novato, 
California,  who  was  born  June  12,  1877,  and  married  Ethel  Hoffman;  Mary,  who 
was  born  November  24,  1878,  and  is  now  the  wife  of  Allen  Purdie  of  Boone; 
Francis,  who  was  born  February  25,  1880;  George  Lewis,  of  this  review,  who  was 
born  September  7,  1882;  John,  born  February  24,  1884;  Hannah,  December  28, 
1886;  Elmer,  February  i,  1889;  Dora,  October  12,  1892;  and  Hazel,  July  3, 
1894.  The  father,  who  was  an  earnest  and  consistent  member  of  the  German 
Lutheran  church,  died  on  his  farm  in  Jackson  township,  March  8,  1908,  highly 
esteemed  by  all  who  knew  him,  while  the  mother  passed  away  May  13,  1903. 
They  were  laid  to  rest  side  by  side  in  the  Lynwood  cemetery. 

George  L.  Adix  spent  his  boyhood  and  youth  on  the  home  farm  in  Jackson 
township  and  remained  with  his  parents  until  his  marriage.  He  attended  the 
public  schools,  and  it  was  the  intention  of  his  parents  to  send  him  to  college  and 
to  fit  him  for  the  dental  profession.  At  the  age  of  nineteen,  however,  he  gave 
up  that  idea  and  has  since  devoted  his  attention  principally  to  agricultural  pur- 
suits. At  the  age  of  twenty-one  he  spent  one  year  in  California,  visiting  relatives 
the  greater  part  of  the  time,  and  then  went  to  Minnesota,  where  he  had  charge 
of  land  belonging  to  his  father,  who  gave  him  power  of  attorney  to  administer 
his  property.  After  the  death  of  the  father  he  was  appointed  administrator  of 
the  estate,  which  he  ably  managed.  It  was  after  his  marriage  that  he  located  upon 
his  present  farm,  which  he  purchased  from  Frank  Nygren  in  191 1.  This  place 
is  beautifully  located  six  and  one-half  miles  east  of  Boone  and  three  miles  from 
Jordan.  Since  it  came  into  his  possession  he  has  made  improvements  thereon, 
and  it  is  today  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation.  Mr.  Adix  is  a  pioneer  in  the  raising 
of  alfalfa  in  this  locality  and  has  become  quite  an  extensive  stock-raiser,  making 
a  specialty  of  thoroughbred  Chester  White  hogs.     He  now  has  upon  his  place 


386  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

over  one  hundred  and  sixty  head  of  hogs,  which  he  feeds  largely  on  alfalfa.  He 
also  has  given  considerable  attention  to  the  raising  of  Rhode  Island  Red  poultry. 
He  is  one  of  the  most  progressive  and  up-to-date  young  farmers  of  Boone  county 
and  undoubtedly  will  meet  with  excellent  success  in  his  undertakings. 

On  the  2ist  of  February,  191 1,  Mr.  Adix  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Eva 
Myrtle  Throckmorton  of  Jackson  township,  a  daughter  of  George  and  Viola 
(Roderick)  Throckmorton.  She  was  born  near  Madrid,  Boone  county,  and 
received  her  literary  education  in  the  public  schools.  She  has  given  considerable 
attention  to  the  study  of  music,  pursuing  that  art  at  Simpson  College  for  some 
time.  After  leaving  school  she  taught  the  piano  for  two  years.  She  is  now 
organist  in  the  Prairie  Center  church,  and  has  taught  a  class  in  the  Prairie  Center 
Sunday  school  for  ten  years.  However,  she  holds  membership  in  the  Christian 
church  at  Boone.  Through  her  etTorts  and  those  of  the  class  enough  money 
was  raised  to  i)uy  a  piano  for  the  Sunday  school.  Since  attaining  his  majority 
Mr.  .^dix  has  affiliated  with  the  republican  party  and  on  that  ticket  was  elected 
township  clerk  in  1912  for  a  term  of  two  years,  being  now  a  candidate  for  re- 
election in  1914.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Yeomen  and  is  regarded  as  one  of  tlie 
leading  citizens  of  the  communitv. 


JONATHAN  BUECHLER. 

Jonathan  Buechler  is  living  practically  retired,  his  home  being  at  Ridgeport, 
in  fJodge  township,  where  he  has  remained  since  1858,  in  which  year  he  built 
the  house  that  he  now  occupies.  He  arrived  in  Boone  county  two  years  before 
and  has  lived  at  or  near  the  village  continuously  since,  covering  almost  sixty 
years.  In  the  early  days  he  engaged  in  merchandising  for  about  a  year  and 
then  traded  his  store  for  his  farm,  .^.t  one  time  between  the  years  1870  and 
1875  h'^  was  the  owner  of  about  one  thousand  acres  of  land,  but  lost  heavily 
through  going  security  for  friends  and  being  forced  to  pay  security  debts. 
However,  he  has  never  lost  the  respect  of  his  fellow  townsmen,  and  the  high 
regard  in  which  he  is  uniformly  held  is  a  testimonial  of  the  integrity  and  honor 
of  his  life.  He  was  born  in  Pine  Grove  township,  Schuylkill  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania, in  1831.  a  son  of  Henry  and  Abigail  (Dollinger)  Buechler.  The  maternal 
grandfather,  John  Dollinger,  was  a  Revolutionary  soldier,  serving  for  seven 
years  in  that  long  conflict  which  brought  independence  to  the  American  people. 
Henry  Buechler  was  but  three  days  the  senior  of  his  wife.  The  latter  was  born 
on  shipboard  and  the  former  in  Schuylkill  county,  Pennsylvania,  June  10,  1791. 
Mr.  Buechler  spent  his  last  days  in  Wayne  county,  Iowa,  where  he  departed  this 
life  March  14,  1872,  at  the  age  of  almost  eighty-one  years.  His  wife,  whose 
natal  day  vvas  June  13,  1791,  passed  away  at  the  age  of  sixty-five  years.  He  was 
a  Lutheran  in  religious  faith,  while  Mrs.  Buechler  was  a  believer  in  the  Presby- 
terian doctrines. 

In  their  family  were  ten  children,  of  whom  Jonathan  Buechler  was  the  ninth 
in  order  of  birth  and  is  the  only  one  now  living.  In  1844  the  family  removed 
to  Tippecanoe  county.  Indiana,  and  the  father  purchased  a  farm  on  Sugar  creek, 
two  miles  from  Americus.     He  was  a  man  of  considerable  wealth  for  those  davs 


.MK.  AND  MRS.  JONATHAN  BUECHLKIi 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  389 

and  Jonathan  Buechler  had  some  opportunities,  therefore,  which  were  denied 
other  lads  of  the  period.  He  attended  school  in  Germantown  after  beginning 
his  education  and  the  schools  of  Preble  county,  Ohio.  Subsequently  he  engaged 
in  teaching  in  Indiana,  having  charge  of  a  subscription  school,  his  remuneration 
being  sixty  dollars  per  quarter,  and  he  boarded  himself.  He  taught  for  two  terms 
and  for  two  years  he  engaged  in  farming  in  Indiana  along  the  Wabash  river, 
raising  one  hundred  and  ten  bushels  of  corn  to  the  acre.  The  soil  was  compara- 
tively new  to  cultivation  and  responded  readily  to  the  care  and  labor  bestowed 
upon  it. 

In  September,  1853,  Mr.  Buechler  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Martha 
Ann  Miller,  a  daughter  of  Rew  David  Miller,  who  in  1854  came  to  Boone  county 
and  purchased  five  hundred  acres  of  land,  largely  covered  with  timber,  at  two  and 
a  half  to  three  and  a  half  dollars  per  acre.  'Mrs.  Buechler  departed  this  life 
August  II,  1889,  when  fifty-five  years  of  age,  and  was  survived  by  ten  children. 
Those  still  living  are:  Mary,  now  the  wife  of  James  Martin,  a  lawyer  of  Fort 
Dodge,  Iowa;  Emma,  the  wife  of  Henry  Ferguson  of  Boone;  Eva,  the  wife  of 
Clell  Jennings  of  Dodge  township;  Lizzie,  the  wife  of  Frank  Peterson,  a  farmer 
of  Dodge  township  ;  George,  a  prominent  and  successful  farmer  living  near  Ridge- 
port  :  and  Charles,  who  for  forty-eight  terms  engaged  in  teaching  school  and  is 
now  a  painter  and  paper  hanger  of  Boone.  He  is  married  and  has  two  living 
children.  .'Vfter  having  lost  his  first  wife  Mr.  Buechler  wedded  Mrs.  Nancy 
Stotts,  nee  Vernon,  on  Thanksgiving  day,  the  26th  of  November,  1891.  She 
was  born  in  Muskingum  county,  Ohio,  a  daughter  of  Allen  and  Elizabeth  (Hague) 
Vernon,  the  latter  of  Quaker  parentage,  while  the  former  was  of  English  birth. 
Both  died  when  Mrs.  Buechler  was  a  young  child.  She  was  married  in  Ohio  to 
Chistal  Stotts,  and  they  removed  to  Boone  county  about  1856,  since  which  time 
she  has  made  her  home  within  its  borders.  Mr.  Stotts  was  a  farmer  and  owned 
a  good  tract  of  land  in  Dodge  township,  where  he  made  his  home  until  his 
death  in  1884.  Unto  him  and  his  wife  were  born  six  children,  of  whom  four  sons 
and  one  daughter  are  yet  living,  namely:  Frank.  Eddie,  Oscar,  Mrs.  Anetta 
Garrett  and  John. 

It  was  in  1853  that  Jonathan  Buechler  came  to  Iowa.  He  settled  at  Ben- 
nington, on  the  Iowa  river,  and  there  engaged  in  selling  goods  for  a  year  or  two. 
In  1854  he  came  to  Boone  county,  where  he  entered  government  land,  which  he 
improved,  making  his  home  thereon  for  a  few  years.  He  afterward  traded  for 
another  tract  and  a  farm  in  Indiana  and  ultimately  traded  that  property  for  a 
store  at  Ridgeport,  where  he  carried  on  commercial  pursuits  for  several  years 
At  different  times  he  has  made  many  deals  for  various  properties  and  in  placing 
his  investments  has  displayed  sound  judgment.  He  has  dealt  quite  extensively 
in  farm,  town  and  city  property  and  has  also  given  supervision  to  the  cultivation 
and  improvement  of  his  land.  He  is  by  trade  a  fine  stone  and  brick  mason  and  has 
assisted  in  the  erection  of  many  business  blocks  and  other  buildings  at  Boone 
and  elsewhere  in  the  county.  He  has  aided  in  the  erection  of  eighteen  different 
churches  and  also  the  county  farm  buildings.  His  life  has  been  one  of  intense 
and  well  directed  activity,  and  the  years  have  brought  him  a  success  which  is 
very  gratifying. 

Politically  Mr.   Buechler  was  reared  in  the  democratic  faith,  but  has  voted 

the  republican  ticket  since  the  Civil  war.     He  was  in  hearty  sympathy  with  the 
Vol.  n.-i8 


390  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Union  cause  and  the  governmental  policy  and  three  times  he  volunteered  his 
services,  but  did  not  get  to  enlist,  twice  on  account  of  the  company  being  filled 
and  once  because  of  an  injury  which  he  had  sustained  in  his  foot  in  his  youth. 
Socially  Mr.  Buechler  is  a  Mason,  belonging  to  Boone  Lodge  No.  79,  A.  F. 
&  A.  M.,  which  he  joined  in  1867.  He  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Free- 
will Baptist  church  at  Ridgeport.  He  has  served  as  notary  public  and  as  justice 
of  the  peace,  and  he  was  deputy  postmaster  under  Allen  T.  Silver  and  others 
for  several  years  at  Ridgeport,  but  the  postoffice  there  was  discontinued  July 
I,  1913.  He  has  also  been  deputy  sherifif.  Mr.  Buechler  recalls  the  Indian  days 
and  many  thrilling  adventures  during  his  travels  over  many  parts  of  Iowa  and 
other  states.  While  returning  from  Indiana  to  Iowa  with  a  large  amount  of  gold, 
he  and  a  companion  were  held  up  near  Marengo,  Iowa,  by  four  robbers.  The 
two  men  were  put  to  bed  on  the  floor,  each  between  two  of  the  robbers,  but  at  a 
preconcerted  signal  they  fought  their  way  out,  mounted  their  horses  and  made 
their  escape.  They  had  managed  to  retain  their  arms,  his  companion  having 
a  revolver,  while  Mr.  Buechler  had  a  bowie  knife.  Other  incidents  almost  as 
exciting  featured  in  his  life  in  the  early  days,  but  he  has  lived  to  see  many  changes, 
as  law  and  order  have  been  established  and  as  the  work  of  civilization  and  develop- 
ment has  been  carried  forward,  and  as  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  the  county 
he  well  deserves  mention  in  this  volume. 


ELMER  CROUTHAMEL. 

• 

Elmer  Crouthamel.  who  owns  and  successfully  operates  a  fine  farm  of  three 
hundred  and  twenty  acres  in  Dodge  township,  has  spent  his  entire  life  in  Boone 
county,  with  the  exception  of  one  year  de\oted  to  farming  in  Plymouth  county, 
this  state.  He  was  born  on  the  27th  of  June,  1872,  on  the  old  family  homestead 
on  section  32,  Dodge  township,  and  is  a  son  of  Jonas  and  Elizabeth  (Yost) 
Crouthamel,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Bucks  county,  Pennsylvania,  the 
father  born  in  Bedminster  township  in  1833  and  the  mother  in  Hilltown  township. 
The  parents  were  married  in  1S57  and  to  them  were  born  three  sons  and  one 
daughter:  Isaiah  and  Remantus,  both  residents  of  Boone;  Elmer,  of  this  review; 
and  Elniina,  the  wife  of  Polas  Hoeke,  a  farmer  of  Palo  Alto  county,  Iowa.  Dur- 
ing his  boyhood  the  father  learned  the  stonemason's  trade,  which  he  followed 
continuously  until  coming  to  this  county  in  1866,  when  he  turned  his  attention 
to  farming.  He  has  lived  here  continuously  since,  with  the  exception  of  one 
year  spent  in  Illinois.     He  survives  his  wife,  who  died  on  the  4th  of  April.  1914. 

Upon  the  home  farm  Elmer  Crouthamel  early  became  familiar  with  all  the 
labors  which  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  agriculturist  and  pursued  his  studies  in 
the  schools  of  the  neighborhood.  Since  old  enough  to  be  of  any  assistance  in  the 
operation  of  the  farm  he  has  engaged  in  agricultural  pursuits  and  is  today 
the  owner  of  an  excellent  and  well  improved  farm  of  three  hundred  and  twenty 
acres.  He  was  married  on  the  6th  of  August,  1900,  to  Miss  Stazy  Lestine,  a 
daughter  of  John  and  Josie  (Warak)  Lestine,  farming  people  of  Dodge  township. 
Five  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crouthamel.  namely :   Lee,  now  thirteen 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  391 

years  of  age ;  Walter,  eleven ;  Mae,  five ;  and  Harry,  two.     These  are  all  living, 
while  Howard,  twin  brother  of  Harry,  died  in  infancy. 

Mr.  Crouthamel  is  a  member  of  the  Yeomen  lodge  of  Boone  and  by  his 
ballot  supports  the  men  and  measures  of  the  democratic  party,  taking  a  very 
active  and  commendable  interest  in  public  affairs.  For  two  terms  he  has  served 
as  school  director,  and  he  never  withholds  his  support  from  any  enterprise  which 
he  believes  will  advance  the  welfare  of  his  community. 


WILLIAM  H.\RVEY  FOSTER. 

William  Harvey  Foster,  deceased,  was  a  soldier  of  the  Civil  war  and  a 
respected  citizen  of  Boone.  For  many  years  he  was  a  trustworthy  engineer  on 
the  Northwestern  Railway,  having  practically  spent  all  his  life  in  connection  with 
railway  service.  He  was  born  in  Zanesville,  Muskingum  county,  Ohio,  July  17, 
1836,  and  was  a  son  of  Jonathan  and  Elizabeth  Foster.  Jonathan  Foster, 
who  was  born  in  Maryland,  was  a  well-to-do  farmer,  also  dealing  extensively  in 
stock.  He  moved  his  family  to  Ohio  and  later  to  Indiana,  where  they  settled  on 
a  farm  north  of  Millersburg,  and  there  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life,  dying 
at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years  in  the  faith  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church. 
The  mother  died  before  the  family  removed  to  Indiana,  in  Ohio,  and  the  father 
subsequently  married  a  widow,  Mrs.  Johnson,  whose  maiden  name  was  Self.  The 
second  Mrs.  Foster  died  in  Indiana.  Sherman,  a  stepson  of  Jonathan  Foster, 
served  four  years  in  the  Civil  war  and  died  in  the  soldiers'  home  in  Indiana.  By 
his  first  marriage  the  father  had  the  following  children :  Sarah,  who  married  John 
Matthews  and  died  in  Indiana,  near  Leesburg;  William  Harvey,  of  this  review; 
Martha,  the  widow  of  John  Harriman ;  Phoebe,  who  became  Mrs.  Fisher  Fry 
and  died  in  Ligonier.  Indiana;  Thompson,  who  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-four; 
and  Willis,  who  married  and  died  in  Indiana. 

William  Harvey  Foster  was  educated  in  the  country  schools  and  subsequently 
followed  farming.  In  February,  1865,  he  enlisted  in  the  One  Hundred  and  Fifty- 
second  Indiana  Volunteer  Infantry,  joining  Company  D,  of  which  Captain  Smith 
was  at  the  head,  as  a  private.  He  served  until  the  close  of  the  war.  On  Novem- 
ber 2,  1865,  he  married  Miss  Matilda  Jane  Tomlinson,  and  they  came  to  Boone  in 
January,  1866.  This  community  then  had  but  si-x  houses,  and  the  Northwestern 
Railway  was  completed  west  only  as  far  as  Woodbine.  Mr.  Foster  bought  a  farm 
close  by  and  lived  thereon  for  one  year.  He  then  entered  the  shops  of  the  North- 
western Railway  as  engine  cleaner  and  subsequently  became  fireman  and  engineer. 
He  had  the  run  between  Boone  and  Moingona  and  also  ran  a  pusher  engine  which 
helped  the  trains  over  the  hills.  He  died  on  October  18,  1897,  and  was  buried 
in  Linwood  cemetery. 

He  was  an  active  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  one  of  the 
founders  and  lifelong  friends  of  the  Young  Men's  Christian  Association.  Fra- 
ternally he  belonged  to  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers  and  was  a 
member  of  the  Independent  Order  of  C)dd  Fellows.  His  political  adherence  was 
given  to  the  republican  party. 


392  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Foster  were  born  the  following  children.  Ida,  who  is  Mrs. 
Herbert  Cronk,  of  Chicago,  was  born  in  Boone  county  and  educated  in  the  city 
of  Boone.  She  taught  school  there  and  subsequently  celebrated  her  wedding  in 
that  city.  Later  she  removed  to  Clinton,  Iowa,  where  her  husband  was  a  passenger 
conductor  on  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railway,  having  the  run  between 
Clinton  and  Chicago.  She  now  conducts  Foster's  Restaurant  at  No.  221  South 
Wabash  avenue,  Chicago,  and  is  manager  of  the  Woman's  Athletic  Club,  which  has 
its  building  at  No.  606  South  Michigan  avenue  in  Chicago.  She  is  prominently 
engaged  in  uplift  work  and  interested  in  all  vital  social  questions.  She  has  no 
children.  Melvin,  who  was  a  fireman  with  the  Northwestern  Railway,  died  at  the 
age  of  twenty-two.  Lulu  married  Charles  Pendarvis  of  Boone.  Edith  married 
Benjamin  B.  Wiley,  who  is  extensively  mentioned  in  another  part  of  this  work. 
Harvey  Norman  died  in  infancy.  Olive  resides  in  Watertown,  Illinois.  'Mrs. 
Foster,  the  mother  of  these  children,  was  born  on  a  farm  in  Noble  county,  Indiana, 
May  13,  1844.  She  attended  the  country  schools  and  was  reared  among  strangers, 
as  her  mother  had  died  when  she  was  quite  young.  Her  father,  Andrew  Tom- 
linson,  was  a  native  of  Maryland,  and  her  mother  before  her  marriage  was  Miss 
Julia  Banner,  also  a  native  of  the  Old  Line  state.  The  father  was  a  carpenter 
and  he  subsequently  followed  that  trade  in  Indiana,  whither  the  family  had 
removed.  He  later  went  to  Missouri,  where  he  died  at  the  age  of  seventy-five, 
his  wife  having  passed  away  in  Indiana  when  seventy  years  of  age.  In  their 
family  were  the  following  children :  William,  of  Topeka,  Indiana ;  Silas,  who  was 
drowned  in  the  Mississippi  river  when  on  his  way  from  New  Orleans  on  a  trans- 
port which  was  sunk  during  the  war ;  Henry,  who  lost  his  life  in  the  battle  of 
Baton  Rouge  on  the  day  when  he  was  twenty  years  old ;  and  Mrs.  Foster. 

Mr.  Foster's  memory  is  still  with  his  many  friends  in  Boone,  all  of  whom    ■ 
regarded  him  affectionately  because  of   the  genuine  qualities  of  his  character. 
He  was  a  kindly,  courteous  gentleman  of  the  old  school  who  readily  made  friends 
and  who  eagerly  participated  in  all  matters  pertaining  to  the  public  welfare,  and  * 
he  was  ever  ready  in  peace  and  war  to  make  sacrifices  in  order  to  render  service 
to  his  country  or  raise  humanity  to  a  higher  plane. 


FRED  WAHL  GOETZMAN. 

One  of  the  well-to-do  farmers  of  Dodge  township  is  Fred  Wahl  Goetzman, 
living  in  section  35,  where  he  owns  and  cultivates  eighty  acres  of  good  land. 
Boone  county  numbers  him  among  her  native  sons,  his  birth  having  occurred  here 
on  the  5th  of  September,  1866.  His  parents  were  Henry  and  Harriet  (Lamb) 
Cioetzman.  The  father  came  with  his  parents  from  Germany  to  Ohio  in  1853, 
and  the  family  made  their  way  at  once  to  Iowa,  establishing  their  home  in  Des 
Moines  township,  Boone  county,  where  Henry  Goetzman,  after  attaining  his 
majority,  made  arrangements  for  having  a  home  of  his  own  through  his  marriage 
to  Miss  Harriet  Lamb,  a  native  of  Ohio.  He  secured  a  farm,  on  which  they 
began  their  domestic  life,  and  for  many  years  he  was  closely  associated  with 
agricultural  interests,  devoting  his  attention  to  the  work  of  the  farm  until  1904, 
when  death  ended  his  labors.    His  widow  survives  and  is  now  living  in  Boone. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  393 

Fred  W.  Goetzman  acquired  a  common  school  education,  and  his  youthful 
experiences  were  those  which  usually  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  farm  lad.  He  worked 
in  the  fields  through  the  summer  months  and  when  he  started  out  in  life  on  his 
own  account  he  continued  in  the  same  pursuit.  He  is  today  the  owner  of  a  good 
farm  of  eighty  acres  situated  on  section  35,  Dodge  township.  The  soil  is  arable 
and  has  been  brought  by  him  to  a  high  state  of  cultivation.  In  addition  to  pro- 
ducing the  crops  best  adapted  to  climatic  conditions  he  makes  a  specialty  of  raising 
shorthorn  cattle  and  thus  adds  materially  to  his  income.  A  glance  at  his  place 
shows  that  he  is  a  progressive,  practical  farmer  and  that  he  keeps  up  with  the 
times  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  he  is  the  owner  of  an  automobile. 

On  the  20th  of  September,  1893,  Mr.  Goetzman  was  married  to  Miss  Luella 
Merkel,  a  daughter  of  Conrad  and  Margaret  Merkel,  who  came  from  Ohio  to 
Iowa  and  cast  in  their  lot  with  the  settlers  of  Des  Moines  township,  where  the 
father  followed  farming  throughout  his  remaining  days.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Goetzman  have  been  born  two  children,  Frederick  Earl  and  Harriet  Margaret. 
Mr.  Goetzman  gives  his  political  support  to  the  democratic  party  and  has  served 
for  two  terms  as  school  director.  He  is  not  a  member  of  any  church  but  attempts 
to  follow  the  Golden  Rule  and  his  friends  attest  the  fact  that  he  is  the  possessor 
of  many  sterling  traits  of  character. 


ISIDOR  WEIGEL. 


Isidor  Weigel,  deceased,  was  for  a  number  of  years  one  of  the  most  prosper- 
ous farmers  and  highly  esteemed  citizens  of  Harrison  township,  his  home  being 
on  section  27.  He  was  born  in  Schlesien,  Germany,  November  25,  1843,  ^"d" 
there  passed  the  days  of  his  boyhood  and  youth,  coming  alone  to  the  United 
States  in  1869.  Locating  first  in  Illinois,  he  was  there  employed  as  a  laborer  for 
three  years  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  purchased  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres 
in  Livingston  county,  that  state,  to  the  cultivation  and  improvement  of  which 
he  devoted  his  energies  for  some  time. 

In  1872  Mr.  Weigel  married  Miss  Theresa  Mueller,  who  died  in  1881,  and 
of  .the  six  children  born  to  them  two  are  also  deceased.  The  others  are:  Theresa, 
the  wife  of  Fred  Reinsch,  a  farmer  of  Harrison  township ;  Max,  who  married 
Callie  Knight  and  follows  farming  in  Harrison  township ;  Helena,  the  wife  of 
Joseph  McCoy,  also  a  farmer  of  Harrison  township;  and  Alfred,  who  is  engaged 
in  farming  in  Story  county,  Iowa.  Mr.  Weigel  was  again  married  November  8, 
1881,  his  second  union  being  with  Christina  Eisner,  a  daughter  of  Frank  Eisner. 
The  children  born  of  this  union  were:  Isidor,  who  was  drowned  in  1885,  at  the 
age  of  two  and  a  half  years;  Rudolph,  who  is  homesteading  in  Alberta,  Canada; 
Christina,  the  wife  of  William  Smith,  who  is  an  engineer  on  the  Illinois  Central 
Railroad,  residing  in  Council  Blufi^s,  Iowa ;  Philomina,  Ernest,  Rheinhart  and 
Isidor,  all  at  home ;  and  Adelaide,  who  is  attending  school  in  Cedar  Rapids. 

It  was  in  1883  that  Mr.  Weigel  brought  his  family  to  Boone  county,  Iowa, 
and  located  on  the  farm  now  owned  by  his  widow.  This  place  comprises  four 
hundred  and  eighty  acres  on  section  27,  Harrison  township,  and  is  in  a  high  state 
of  cultivation  and  well  improved  with  excellent  buildings.     Mr.  Weigel  was  a 


394  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

most  progressive  farmer,  and,  being  also  an  able  business  man,  he  met  with 
remarkable  success  in  his  undertakings.  Eighty  acres  of  the  home  farm  Fred 
Reinsch  now  rents  and  Alfred  Weigel  rents  fifty-eight  and  a  half  acres  and  owns 
one  hundred  acres  in  Story  county.  Mr.  Weigel  was  independent  in  politics, 
voting  for  the  man  he  deemed  best  qualified  for  office  regardless  of  party  ties. 
He  held  membership  in  the  Catholic  church,  'to  which  his  family  also  belong,  and 
they  stand  high  in  the  community  where  they  reside. 


E.  S.  THORNGREN. 


E.  S.  Thorngren  is  one  of  the  most  active  and  substantial  men  of  Boxholm, 
Boone  county,  conducting  not  only  a  large  and  profitable  lumber  business,  but 
also  holding  title  to  extensive  farm  property  and  being  connected  with  banking 
interests.  Moreover,  Mr.  Thorngren  has  always  participated  in  movements  for 
the  upbuilding  and  betterment  of  the  county  and  is  today  connected  with  a  num- 
ber of  public  and  semi-public  institutions  which  contribute  greatly  toward  the 
advancement  of  the  county.  He  was  born  in  Grant  township,  Boone  county, 
March  24,  1882,  and  is  a  son  of  J.  O.  and  Josephine  (Chingren)  Thorngren, 
natives  of  Sweden.  The  father  came  to  America  with  his  parents  and  subse- 
quently engaged  in  farming  in  Grant  township,  where  he  followed  this  occupa- 
tion for  many  years.  Upon  his  removal  to  Pilot  Mound  he  turned  his  attention 
to  the  lumber,  live-stock  and  grain  business,  continuing  so  for  about  twenty 
years  with  ever  increasing  success.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  removed  to 
Minneapolis  but  subsequently  returned  to  one  of  his  farms  near  Boone,  where  he 
lived  until  his  death,  which  occurred  on  March  29,  1912.  His  widow  is  now 
living  in  Boxholm. 

E.  S.  Thorngren  was  reared  and  educated  in  Grant  township  and  Pilot  Mound, 
completing  his  lessons  by  attending  Humboldt  College  and  the  Simpson  Business 
College  at  Indianola.  In  1903  he  came  to  Boxholm  and  engaged  in  the  lumber 
business  and  has  ever  since  continued  therein.  He  also  handles  building  material 
and  his  business  transactions  are  important  and  extend  over  a  considerable 
territory.  Moreover,  Mr.  Thorngren  actively  manages  a  two  hundred  and  thir- 
teen acre  farm  in  Grant  township,  from  which  he  derives  a  gratifying  income. 
He  is  also  a  stockholder  and  director  in  the  Farmers  State  Bank  of  Boxholm 
and  the  proprietor  of  the  Willow  Grove  Stock  Farm.  He  was  instrumental 
in  organizing  the  Farmers  Elevator  Company  of  Boxholm  and  is  a  stockholder 
therein.  Besides  all  of  these  interests  he  owns  two  farms,  one  of  eighty  acres 
and  another  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Oklahoma.  Mr.  Thorngren  is  a 
typical  representative  of  the  successful  young  American  business  man  and  has 
attained  to  prosperity  because  of  his  far-sightedness,  his  determination,  his 
industry,  his  honesty  and  his  close  application.  He  has  made  use  of  opportun- 
ities as  they  presented  themselves  and  it  may  be  even  said  of  him  that  he  created 
opportunities  where  there  were  none  before.  While  building  his  own  fortune  he 
has  been  an  important  factor  in  the  growth  and  development  of  his  section  of 
the  state,  to  the  advancement  of  which  he  has  made  valuable  contributions. 


E.  S.  THOKNGKEN 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  397 

On  June  lO,  1904,  Mr.  Thorngren  married  Miss  Lillian  Carlson,  a  daughter 
of  J.  P.  and  Jennie  (Loving)  Carlson,  natives  of  Sweden,  who  settled  in  Boone 
county  in  1883.  The  father  turned  his  attention  to  farming  in  Pilot  Mound 
township  and  there  he  is  still  operating  a  farm.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thorngren  were 
the  parents  of  three  children:  Francis  M.,  aged  eight;  J.  Loran,  who  is  six 
years  of  age ;  and  Ruth  C,  who  died  April  20,  1914,  at  the  age  of  three  and  one- 
half  years. 

Mr  Thorngren  has  always  taken  a  deep  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  com- 
munity, warmly  championing  the  cause  of  education.  He  is  president  of  the 
Boxholm  school  board  and  in  that  connection  has  been  instrumental  in  greatly 
improving  the  educational  system  prevailing  in  his  city.  He  also  serves  as 
president  of  the  Commercial  Association  of  Boxholm,  allying  himself  with  those 
men  who  are  ever  willing  to  make  sacrifices  in  order  to  promote  industrial  and 
commercial  growth.  He  is  secretary  of  the  Grant  Township  Mutual  Telephone 
Company  and  has  been  for  some  time  the  republican  committeeman  for  Grant 
township  and  a  member  of  the  town  council.  In  1912  Mr.  Thorngren  was  the 
republican  nominee  for  representative  from  the  nfty-third  district  but  was  de- 
feated by  J.  B.  McHose,  of  Boone,  by  less  than  one  hundred  votes.  He  has 
always  been  loyal  to  the  republican  party,  upholding  its  principles  and  candi- 
dates. His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  IMethodist  church,  and  he  gives  material 
and  moral  support  to  its  growth.  Mr.  Thorngren  is  a  public-spirited  citizen,  a 
successful  business  man  and  a  leader  in  all  movements  for  moral  and  intellectual 
advancement.  He  reflects  honor  and  credit  upon  the  community  and  stands  high 
in  the  estimation  of  all  who  know  him. 


FREDERICK  GEORGE  WESTRIP. 

Frederick  George  Westrip  is  the  oldest  yardmaster  in  years  of  continuous 
service  in  connection  with  the  Northwestern  Railway  system.  He  has  for  thir- 
teen years  occupied  his  present  position  and  has  been  connected  with  various 
departments  of  the  company's  service  for  forty  years.  He  acted  as  yardmaster 
at  Council  Bluffs  for  twehe  years  and  investigation  into  his  history  shows  him 
to  be  one  of  the  most  faithful  and  reliable  men  in  the  company's  employ.  He 
enjoys  to  the  fullest  extent  the  confidence  of  those  under  whom  he  serves 
and  his  record  might  well  serve  as  an  example  to  others.  He  was  born  November 
24,  1858,  in  the  pineries  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  miles  north  of  Detroit, 
Michigan,  a  son  of  George  Frederick  and  Hannah  (Cook)  Westrip,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  England,  born  near  London.  The  mother  was  a  daughter 
of  Henry  Cook  and  for  many  years  was  a  resident  of  Iowa,  where  she  ultimately 
passed  away.  The  marriage  of  the  parents  was  celebrated  in  England,  and  one 
child  was  born  to  them  ere  they  crossed  the  -Atlantic  to  the  new  world  and 
settled  in  Michigan,  where  the  father  followed  farming,  having  eighty  acres  of 
land.  Following  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  he  enlisted  for  service  in  a 
Michigan  regiment  and  lost  his  life  in  the  blowing  up  of  a  transport  on  the 
Mississippi  river.     His  widow  afterward  became  the  wife  of  John  Baker.     By 


398  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

her  first  marriage  she  had  three  children:  John,  of  Council  Bluffs;  Frederick 
George,  of  this  review ;  and  William,  also  of  Council  Bluffs. 

Following  the  removal  of  the  family  to  this  state  Frederick  George  Westrip 
became  a  student  in  the  schools  of  Council  Bluffs,  but  was  entirely  thrown  upon 
his  own  resources  and  since  his  youthful  days  has  depended  altogether  upon  his 
labors  for  his  success  and  his  opportunities.  He  could  only  attend  school  at 
intervals  and  his  educational  advantages  were  therefore  limited.  He  went  to 
live  with  an  uncle,  Henry  Cook,  with  whom  he  remained  for  three  years  and 
then  started  out  in  life  on  his  own  account.  No  matter  what  success  he  has 
achieved,  it  is  attributable  entirely  to  his  own  efforts,  and  his  example  shows 
what  may  be  accomplished  when  determination  and  energy  point  out  the  way. 

On  the  i6th  of  April,  1878,  Mr.  Westrip  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mary  E.  Kalert,  who  was  born  in  Burlington,  Iowa,  and  attended  the  public 
schools.  She  is  a  daughter  of  Andrew  and  Selina  ( Pattison )  Kalert  and  a 
granddaughter  of  Robert   Pattison,  who  named  the  city  of   Burlington. 

Mr.  Westrip's  railroad  career  began  when  he  was  fourteen  years  of  age. 
He  acted  as  a  brakeman  and  switchman  in  Council  Bluffs  and  at  Dunlap,  Iowa, 
and  afterward  became  connected  with  yard  work  at  Council  Bluffs.  He  rose 
to  the  position  of  conductor  on  a  freight  train  running  between  Council  Bluffs 
and  Dunlap  and  subsequently  was  promoted  to  the  position  of  locomotive  fire- 
man. A  year  later  he  was  made  yardmaster  and  has  since  continued  to  act 
in  that  capacity,  spending  twelve  years  as  yardmaster  at  Council  Bluffs  and  then 
coming  to  Boone  in  the  same  capacity  for  the  Northwestern  Railroad  Company. 
He  has  here  remained  for  thirteen  years,  and  his  work  has  given  the  utmost 
satisfaction  to  those  interested.  He  is  the  oldest  yardmaster  on  the  Northwestern 
system,  is  most  faithful  and  reliable  and  thoroughly  understands  every  feature 
of  the  work  intrusted  to  him. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Westrip  were  born  six  children:  Gertrude,  who  died  in 
infancy;  George,  who  has  also  passed  away;  Mabel,  a  trained  nurse  making  her 
home  with  her  parents ;  William,  of  Chicago ;  Gladys  and  Frederick,  both  at 
home.  Mr.  Westrip  holds  membership  with  the  .\ncient  Order  of  United 
Workmen  and  with  the  Maccabees  and  his  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the 
republican  party,  but  the  honors  and  emoluments  of  office  have  had  no  attraction 
for  him,  as  he  has  always  preferred  to  concentrate  his  energies  upon  the  duties 
which  have  devolved  upon  him  in  business.  His  record  is  indeed  commendable, 
and  all  who  know  aught  of  his  service  speak  of  him  in  terms  of  high  regard. 


WALTER  JAMES  OLIVER. 

Walter  James  Oliver  owns  and  occupies  an  attractive  home  at  No.  307  West 
Fourth  street,  where  he  has  resided  for  the  past  seven  years.  He  is  now  living 
retired,  enjoying  a  well  earned  rest,  the  fruits  of  his  former  toil  supplying  him 
with  all  of  the  comforts  and  some  of  the  luxuries  of  life.  He  first  came  to  Iowa 
in  1876  and  has  since  lived  in  this  state,  save  for  a  period  of  five  years. 

Mr.  Oliver  was  born  in  Sussex,  England,  in  1851  and  in  1854  was  brought 
to  America  by  his  grandparents,  having  been  left  an  orphan  in  his  infancy  by 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  399 

the  death  of  his  parents,  Thomas  and  Rachel  (Butcher)  Oliver.  His  grandfather, 
Joel  Oliver,  was  a  brick  maker  in  England  and  after  coming  to  the  new  world 
followed  the  same  pursuit  in  Griggsville,  Pike  county,  Illinois,  where  he  was 
closely  identified  with  industrial  activity  for  many  years.  He  died  there  at  the 
very  advanced  age  of  ninety-six  years,  and  his  wife  survived  to  the  age  of  ninety- 
eight.  It  will  thus  be  seen  that  Walter  James  Oliver  comes  from  a  family  noted 
for  longevity.  He  is  an  only  child  and  was  reared  by  his  grandparents.  Passing 
through  consecutive  grades  in  the  public  schools,  he  eventually  reached  the  high, 
school  and  afterward  attended  the  Gem  City  Business  College  at  Quincy,  Illinois. 
From  early  youth  he  was  more  or  less  familiar  with  the  trade  of  brick  making,, 
in  which  his  grandfather  engaged,  and  eventually  he  became  foreman  in  a  brick- 
making  plant,  continuing  in  that  line  of  business  until  he  came  to  Iowa  in  1876. 
In  that  year  he  settled  upon  a  farm  in  Taylor  county,  where  he  carried  on  gen- 
eral agricultural  pursuits  for  twenty-two  years.  In  1898,  however,  he  removed 
to  Nodaway  county,  Missouri,  where  he  purchased  land  and  followed  farming 
and  stock-breeding  near  Guilford  for  five  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that 
period  he  came  to  Boone,  where  he  has  now  lived  for  the  past  decade.  Here 
he  is  engaged  in  the  raising  of  fancy  chickens  and  rabbits  and  thus  his  time  is 
occupied,  for  indolence  and  idleness  are  utterly  foreign  to  his  nature  and  he 
could  not  content  himself  without  some  interests  and  activities.  He  also  gives 
supervision  to  three  farms  in  Dodge  township,  Boone  county,  and  also  to  a  farm 
property  in  Greene  county. 

Mr.  Oliver  was  married  in  Pana,  Christan  county,  Illinois,  to  Miss  Mary  A. 
Powell,  a  native  of  Sussex,  England,  who  died  in  Iowa  in  1893,  leaving  three 
sons  and  two  daughters,  all  of  whom  are  yet  living,  are  married  and  are  connected 
with  agricultural  interests.  One  daughter  is  now  in  Taylor  county,  near  Len- 
nox and  the  three  sons  are  in  Nodaway  county,  Missouri.  For  his  second  wife 
Mr.  Oliver  chose  Mrs.  Charlotte  Swigert,  nee  Bibler,  and  their  marriage  was 
celebrated  in  Boone.  Mrs.  Oliver  was  born  in  Crawford  county,  Ohio,  in  Octo- 
ber, 1852.  and  was  one  of  a  family  of  nine  children.  Two  of  her  brothers  are 
now  residents  of  Hamilton  county,  Iowa.  Her  parents,  David  and  Rachel  (Eich- 
elberger)  Bibler.  were  natives  of  Ohio  and  spent  four  years  in  Illinois,  near 
Peoria.  Tiiey  afterward  went  to  Hamilton  county.  Iowa,  in  1858,  settling  near 
Webster  City,  where  they  made  their  home  until  late  in  life.  The  father  always 
followed  farming  and  was  quite  successful,  capably  managing  his  business  affairs 
so  that  substantial  results  were  achieved.  He  died  in  Don  Palos,  California,  at 
the  age  of  seventy-nine  years,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  1818,  and  his  wife, 
afterward  returning  to  Ohio,  passed  away  in  that  state  in  1900,  also  at  the  age 
of  seventy-nine.  They  were  Methodists  in  religious  faith  and  were  earnest  Chris- 
tian people. 

Their  daughter  Charlotte  was  married  in  1880  to  Anderson  Swigert,  who  was 
horn  in  Ohio  and  came  to  Boone  county  in  1858.  He  resided  in  Dodge  township, 
where  he  engaged  in  blacksmithing.  and  he  also  was  a  cattle  buyer  at  Ridgeport. 
He  first  married  Miss  Mary  Magdalene  Winklepleck,  also  of  Ohio,  in  which 
state  the  wedding  was  celebrated,  and  she  passed  away  in  Ridgeport,  leaving  five 
children,  of  whom  four  are  yet  living.  The  death  of  Anderson  Swigert  occurred 
in  1896  when  he  had  reached  the  age  of  seventy-three  years.  By  his  marriage  to- 
Charlotte  Bibler  there  were  born  five  children,  of  whom  four  yet  survive,  the 


400  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

eldest  daughter  being  now  a  resident  of  Kenosha,  Wisconsin,  while  three  of  the 
family  are  in  Boone  county.  Mrs.  Oliver  gave  to  each  of  her  children  a  farm, 
and  all  are  now  successful.  Mrs.  Oliver  has  eight  grandchildren,  while  Mr.  Oliver 
has  twelve  grandchildren. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Oliver  is  a  stalwart  republican  and  regards  it  the 
duty,  as  well  as  the  privilege,  of  every  true  American  citizen  to  support  his  views 
upon  public  questions  in  the  exercise  of  his  right  of  franchise.  Both  he  and  his 
wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  In  1906  he  erected  an 
attractive  residence  at  No.  307  West  Fourth  street,  where  they  are  now  most 
pleasantly  located.  They  have  many  friends  in  this  county  and  sterling  traits  of 
character  have  gained  them  warm  regard  among  all  with  whom  they  have  been 
brought  in  contact. 


ANDERSON  SWIGERT. 

Long  residence  in  Boone  county  makes  it  imperative  that  the  life  record  of 
Anderson  Swigert  find  a  place  upon  the  pages  of  the  county's  history,  for  he  was 
closely  associated  with  business  activity  and  with  the  upbuilding  of  this  section 
for  many  years,  coming  here  in  pioneer  times.  He  was  born  in  Tuscarawas 
county,  Ohio,  September  22,  1823,  a  son  of  Elisha  Swigert,  who  was  a  cattle 
drover.  The  four  sons  and  two  daughters  of  the  family  were  left  orphans  when 
Anderson  Swigert  was  but  nine  years  of  age,  and  he  was  thus  forced  to  start 
out  in  life  on  his  own  account.  His  educational  privileges  were  indeed  meager, 
and  save  for  a  few  months  spent  in  a  private  school  as  a  child  he  had  no  educa- 
tional training  save  that  which  was  self-acquired  in  the  school  of  experience. 
He  mastered  the  rudimentary  branches  of  learning  and  as  the  years  went  on 
added  to  his  knowledge  through  life's  lessons.  He  served  seven  years  as  an 
apprentice  to  a  blacksmith  and  in  1848  started  in  business  on  his  own  account 
in  the  town  of  Chili,  Ohio,  where  he  won  a  fair  measure  of  success.  He  added 
to  his  blacksmithing  a  foundry  business  and  also  conducted  a  hotel  until  1856. 

He  then  brought  his  family  to  Iowa,  settling  at  Ridgeport,  Boone  county,  where 
he  continued  in  the  business  of  blacksmithing  and  hotel  keeping.  He  likewise 
invested  in  farm  property  and  gave  personal  supervision  to  the  operation  of  his 
farm  and  to  his  stock-raising  and  feeding  interests.  His  time  was  devoted  to 
these  various  lines  until  1873,  when  he  gave  up  other  business  and  for  a  time 
devoted  his  undivided  attention  to  his  farm  and  live  stock,  continuing  along  that 
line  until  18S3.  when  he  retired.  A  substantial  measure  of  success  has  rewarded 
his  efforts.  In  all  of  his  business  career  he  displayed  unfaltering  energ>\  industry 
and  determination  and  carried  forward  to  successful  completion  whatever  he 
undertook.  In  all  of  his  dealings  he  was  thoroughly  reliable  and  won  an  unas- 
sailable reputation  for  his  business  integrity. 

On  the  15th  of  November,  1848,  .Mr.  Swigert  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Magdalene  Winklepleck,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  eight  children,  of  whom 
four  are  still  living:  Madill,  a  resident  of  Nebraska:  George  A.,  who  makes  his 
home  in  Kansas :  Frank :  and  Mrs.  Cordelia  Sturtz,  of  Boone,  Iowa.  The  wife 
and  mother  passed  away  in  1875  ''^"d  on  the  22d  of  May,  1880,  Mr.  Swigert  was 


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HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  403 

again  married,  his  second  union  being  with  Charlotte  Bibler,  of  Hamilton  county, 
Iowa.  Unto  this  marriage  were  born  five  children,  of  whom  Blacksen  died  at 
the  age  of  fifteen  years,  the  others  being:  Mrs.  Effie  A.  Davis,  of  Kenosha,  Wis- 
consin ;  C.  J.,  a  resident  of  Boxholm,  Iowa ;  Mrs.  Cassie  A.  Davis,  living  in 
Boone ;  and  Mrs.  Belle  L.  Wells,  whose  home  is  near  Paton,  Iowa. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Swigert  was  always  an  earnest  republican  from 
the  organization  of  the  party  but  never  sought  nor  desired  office  of  any  kind,  pre- 
ferring to  concentrate  his  undivided  attention  and  energy  upon  his  business,  which' 
he  conducted  so  capably  that  substantial  success  resulted.  He  was  one  of  the 
promoters  and  builders  of  Boone  county,  taking  an  active  interest  in  many  pro- 
jects for  its  upbuilding  and  development.  Throughout  the  pioneer  days  he  proved 
himself  a  friend  of  the  early  settlers  and  was  ever  ready  to  assist  the  poor  and 
needy.  He  was  widely  known  not  only  in  Boone  but  throughout  adjoining  coun- 
ties and  was  highly  respected  by  all.  He  passed  away  in  1896  and  in  his  death 
the  community  lost  one  of  its  worthy  and  honored  pioneers — a  man  whose  life 
was  not  spectacular  in  the  slightest  degree  and  who  did 'not  seek  to  figure  promi- 
nently in  any  public  connection,  but  who  through  the  sterling  worth  of  his  char- 
acter won  and  enjoyed  the  friendship  and  regard  of  those  with  whom  he  was 
brought  in  contact. 


FRANK  A.  SNYDER. 


Frank  A.  Snyder,  a  progressive  and  representative  agriculturist  of  Boone 
county,  residing  on  section  27,  Grant  township,  is  the  owner  of  one  hundred  and 
twenty  acres  of  rich  and  productive  land.  His  birth  occurred  in  Chicago,  Illi- 
nois, on  the  8th  of  September,  1857,  his  parents  being  Andrew  and  Magdelina 
(Hagge)  Snyder,  the  former  a  native  of  France  and  the  latter  of  Pennsylvania. 
Andrew  Snyder  was  brought  to  the  United  States  by  his  parents  when  but  three 
years  of  age,  the  family  home  being  established  near  Buffalo,  New  York,  and 
subsequently  near  Chicago,  Illinois.  He  learned  the  blacksmith's  trade  in  the 
western  metropolis  and  for  a  number  of  years  was  there  engaged  as  a  black- 
smith and  expert  horseshoer.  Later  he  removed  to  North"  Northfield,  Illinois, 
and  afterward  took  up  his  abode  in  Deerfield,  that  state.  For  a  period  of  ten 
years  he  followed  farming  near  Des  Plaines,  Illinois.  His  demise  occurred  in 
1909,  but  his  widow  still  survives  at  the  age  of  eighty  years,  making  her  home 
in  Deerfield,  Illinois. 

Frank  A.  Snyder  was  reared  and  educated  in  the  state  of  his  nativity  and 
after  putting  aside  his  text-books  worked  as  a  farm  hand  in  Illinois  for  some 
time.  In  the  spring  of  1890  he  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  and  began  the 
cultivation  of  rented  land.  Two  years  later,  however,  he  purchased  one  hundred 
and  twenty  acres  on  section  27,  Grant  township,  and  undertook  the  improvement 
of  the  property,  which  he  has  operated  continuously  and  successfully  to  the  present 
time.  His  wife  raises,  thoroughbred  White  Leghorn  Rose  Comb  chickens  and 
ships  eggs  to  Minnesota,  Dakota,  Missouri,  Nebraska,  Iowa  and  Illinois.  She 
also  raises  White  Holland  turkeys,  Pekin  ducks  and  Emden  geese,  and  all  of 


404  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

her  poultry  is  white.  Mr.  Snyder,  in  connection  with  the  cultivation  of  cereals, 
raises  shorthorn  cattle  and  Chester  White  hogs.  He  is  a  stockholder  in  the 
Fanners  Elevator  Company  of  Boxholm  and  the  Mutual  Telephone  Company 
and  has  long  enjoyed  an  enviable  reputation  as  one  of  the  enterprising  and  pro- 
gressive citizens  of  his  community. 

On  the  1 8th  of  December,  1889,  Mr.  Snyder  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Annie  Bleimehl,  a  daughter  of  Peter  and  Maria  Bleimehl,  natives  of  Germany, 
who  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  the  '40s  and  took  up  their  abode  in  Chicago, 
Illinois.  The  father,  who  was  a  blacksmith  by  trade,  later  removed  to  Wheeling, 
Illinois,  where  he  conducted  a  shop  for  six  years  and  then  went  to  Deerfield,  that 
state,  there  spending  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  passed  away  in  1879,  while 
his  wife,  surviving  him  for  three  decades,  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  1909. 
Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Snyder  have  been  born  eight  children,  namely:  Raymond; 
Laura;  Harvey;  Alda ;  Alvin ;  Elmer;  Irving,  who  died  in  1895;  and  Lucille, 
whose  demise  occurred  in  191 2. 

Mr.  Snyder  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  serves 
as  justice  of  Grant  township,  having  discharged  the  duties  of  that  office  in  a 
highly  satisfactory  and  commendable  manner  for  a  period  of  ten  years.  He  has 
likewise  acted  as  secretary  of  the  school  board  for  a  number  of  years,  and  the 
cause  of  education  has  ever  found  in  him  a  stalwart  champion.  His  religious 
faith  is  that  of  the  Evangelical  Association,  in  the  work  of  which  he  takes  an 
active  and  helpful  interest.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Snyder  are  well  and  favorably 
known  in  Boone  county  and  have  a  circle  of  friends  which  is  almost  coextensive 
with  the  circle  of  their  acquaintances. 


ISAAC  D.  MUENCH. 


Isaac  D.  Muench,  who  now  lives  retired  in  Pilot  Mound,  Iowa,  has  not  only 
been  a  factor  in  the  agricultural  development  of  his  state,  but  has  to  his  credit 
a  war  record  of  which  he  well  may  be  proud.  He  was  born  in  Dauphin  county, 
Pennsylvania,  May  28,  1846,  and  is  a  son  of  Jacob  D.  and  Solma  (Myers) 
Muench,  both  natives  of  that  county.  The  father  was  a  shoemaker  by  trade,  but 
throughout  the  greater  part  of  his  life  followed  farming.  He  died  in  Pennsyl- 
vania in  1845.     His  wife  survived  him  until  1884. 

Isaac  D.  Muench  was  reared  and  educated  in  Dauphin  and  Snyder  counties, 
Pennsylvania,  attending  the  academy  in  the  latter  county.  He  then  completed 
a  business  college  course  at  Harrisburg.  At  the  early  age  of  eighteen  years  he 
enlisted  in  Company  A.  Two  Hundred  and  Eighth  Pennsylvania  Volunteer  In- 
fantry and  served  for  ten  months,  or  until  the  close  of  the  war.  He  subsequently 
taught  school  in  Pennsylvania  for  several  terms  and  also  clerked  in  various 
stores  and  mercantile  concerns.  The  next  six  years  and  eight  months  were  spent 
in  railroad  service.  In  1880  Mr.  Muench  came  to  Boone  county,  and  here  he 
bought  land  in  Pilot  Mound  township.  He  gave  his  undivided  attention  to  the 
cultivation  of  the  same,  and  his  became  one  of  the  most  profitable  farms  of  the 
neighborhood.  He  continued  its  operation  until  1901,  when  he  removed  to  Pilot 
Mound,  where  he  now  lives. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  405 

In  1877  Mr.  Muench  married  Kate  Martin,  a  daughter  of  Edward  and  Bar- 
bara (Remery)  Martin,  natives  of  Maryland.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Muench  became 
parents  of  seven  children :  Daniel,  who  died  in  1895 ;  George  C,  who  is  in  the 
United  States  mail  service  in  Los  Angeles ;  Virgil  O.,  a  physician  who  practices 
in  Nichols,  Iowa ;  Sallie,  who  died  in  infancy ;  Robert  S.,  a  traveling  salesman  of 
Cedar  Rapids;  Grace,  who  died  in  infancy;  and  Harvey,  a  farmer  of  Boone 
county.  Mr.  Muench  has  always  interested  himself  in  public  questions  and  has 
helpfully  cooperated  in  promoting  the  growth  and  development  of  his  district. 
He  is  now  assessor  of  Pilot  Mound  and  has  also  been  secretary  of  the  school 
board  for  ten  years. 

He  is  a  member  of  the  Evangelical  church  and  thoroughly  devoted  to  its  work. 
Politically  he  is  a  stanch  advocate  of  the  prohibition  party.  He  takes  deep  inter- 
est in  the  moral  and  intellectual  upbuilding  of  humanity  and  is  ever  ready  to 
support  movements  which  will  make  for  better  manhood  and  sweeter  woman- 
hood. ' 


FREDERICK  E.  WELSH,  M.  D. 

A  well  known  and  prominent  representative  of  the  medical  profession  in 
Boone  is  Dr.  Frederick  E.  Welsh,  and  his  life  stands  in  contradistinction  to  the 
old  adage  that  a  prophet  is  never  without  honor  save  in  his  own  country,  for  he 
is  a  native  son  of  Boone  and  in  the  city  where  the  greater  part  of  his  life  has 
been  passed  he  is  accorded  a  liberal  practice,  and  by  the  consensus  of  public 
opinion  is  named  as  one  of  the  leading  physicians  of  his  part  of  the  state.  His 
natal  day  was  December   11,   1874. 

His  father,  George  H.  Welsh,  was  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of  this  county 
and  established  one  of  the  early  drug  stores  of  Boone.  He  was  born  in  Norfolk 
county,  Canada  West,  in  1842,  and  in  1851,  when  a  lad  of  about  nine  years,  ac- 
companied his  parents  on  their  removal  across  the  border  and  into  Ogle  county, 
Illinois.  After  some  time  he  became  a  resident  of  Hamilton  county,  Iowa.  In 
his  youth  he  learned  the  printer's  trade,  which  he  followed  for  a  number  of  years, 
hut  when  the  differences  between  the  north  and  the  south  involved  the  country 
in  civil  war,  he  put  aside  all  business  and  personal  considerations  and  offered  his 
aid  to  the  government,  enlisting  in  the  Thirty-second  Iowa  Infantry,  with  which 
he  served  for  three  years.  Following  his  return  home  he  again  resumed  active 
connection  with  the  printing  business  and  for  some  time  was  one  of  the  proprie- 
tors of  the  Marshall  County  Times.  He  applied  himself  so  closely  and  arduously 
to  the  management  of  his  business  that  his  health  became  impaired,  necessitating 
a  change  of  occupation,  and  in  1867  he  removed  to  Boone,  where  he  established 
a  drug  store,  of  which  he  was  proprietor  throughout  his  remaining  days.  On 
the  7th  of  October,  i86g,  he  wedded  Miss  Helen  Francis  Hartwell,  a  native  of 
Rockford,  Illinois.  His  death  occurred  on  the  nth  of  September,  191 1,  and  his 
widow,  still  surviving,  now  makes  her  home  in  Boone.  In  their  family  were  five 
children,  George  H.,  who  was  born  November  27,  1872,  and  was  American  agent 
for  the  Singer  Sewing  Machine  Company  in  the  City  of  Mexico,  obtained  a  con- 
cession permitting  the  building  of  a  railroad,  which  he  and  his  partner  built  to 


406  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY' 

a  distance  of  one  hundred  and  eighty  miles.  His  death  occurred  in  the  City  of 
-Mexico  July  15,  1909.  Frederick  E.  is  the  next  of  the  family.  Charles  Aldrich, 
born  February  25,  1881,  was  a  graduate  engineer  of  the  Iowa  State  College  and 
became  a  prominent  building  and  contracting  engineer.  He  was  identified  with  the 
Louisiana  Purchase  Exposition  at  St.  Louis,  having  taken  a  contract  in  connection 
with  the  building  of  the  Cascades  and  other  important  structures  on  the  exposition 
grounds.  He  was  also  identified  with  the  extension  of  the  Northwestern  Elevated 
Railroad  in  Chicago  through  the  north  shore  suburbs.  He  died  March  14,  1907. 
Marguerite,  the  next  of  the  family,  is  at  home.  Helen  is  the  wife  of  Albert 
Wieland,  manager  of  the  Bettendorf  Car  &  Axle  Company,  of  Davenport. 

Reared  in  his  native  city,  Dr.  Welsh  passed  through  consecutive  grades  in 
the  public  schools  until  graduated  from  the  Boone  high  school  with  the  class  of 
1892.  He  afterward  entered  Drake  University  at  Des  Moines,  there  spending  a 
year,  and  subsequently  became  a  student  in  the  Northwestern  University  at  Evan- 
ston,  which  he  attended  for  four  years  and  was  then  graduated.  He  next  en- 
tered the  State  University  at  Iowa  City,  in  which  he  pursued  the  medical  course, 
and  later  he  entered  the  medical  department  of  the  Northwestern  University  in 
Chicago,  from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1903.  In  the  meantime 
he  had  had  some  practical  experience  in  medical  and  surgical  work.  On  the  26th 
of  April,  1898,  Dr.  Welsh  enlisted  as  a  private  in  Company  I,  Fifty-second  Iowa 
Infantry  at  Boone  and  spent  one  month  in  Des  Moines.  The  regiment  immediately 
entered  the  United  States  service  and  Dr.  Welsh  was  made  a  corporal.  He  was 
then  transferred  to  the  hospital  staff  as  hospital  private  and  later  was  advanced 
through  the  successive  grades  to  lance  acting  hospital  steward,  lance  hospital  stew- 
ard, acting  hospital  steward  and  finally  became  hospital  steward,  in  charge  of  the 
Second  Division.  Third  Corps  and  the  Ambulance  Division,  which  made  him  an 
ofticer  on  the  colonel's  staff.  As  he  had  not  then  graduated  in  medicine,  he  could 
not  be  advanced  farther.  Owing  to  illness,  he  was  the  last  man  of  his  regiment 
to  be  mustered  out,  leaving  the  army  thirty  days  after  the  other  members  of  the 
regiment. 

Following  his  graduation  from  the  Northwestern  University  Medical  School, 
where  he  had  completed  his  preparation  for  medical  practice,  Dr.  Welsh  went  to 
Rutland,  where  he  practiced  for  eight  years,  and  in  191 1  he  returned  to  Boone, 
where  he  opened  an  office  and  has  since  engaged  in  practice.  He  is  well  versed 
not  only  in  the  major,  but  also  in  the  minor  points  of  his  profession.  He  makes 
a  specialty  of  children's  diseases  and  has  become  recognized  as  an  authority  on 
the  same.  He  is  a  coming  leader  among  the  physicians  of  this  section  of  the  state 
because  of  the  thorough  study  which  he  gives  each  individual  case.  His  diagnosis 
is  most  careful,  and  he  is  seldom  if  ever  at  fault  in  anticipating  the  outcome  of 
disease.  He  employs  the  most  modern  methods  in  his  practice  and  at  all  times 
keeps  in  touch  with  the  advanced  thought  and  progress  of  the  profession.  His 
practice  is  large  and  gratifying  and  in  addition,  he  has  various  other  busmess 
interests.  He  is  now  proprietor  of  the  Welsh  drug  store,  the  pioneer  establish- 
ment of  the  kind  in  Boone,  has  been  a  director  of  the  Rutland  State  Savings  Bank 
for  the  la.st  nine  years,  is  ex-president  of  the  Rutland  Rolling  Mills  Corporation, 
resigning  when  he  removed  to  Boone,  and  is  a  director  of  the  Rutland  Cooperative 
Creamery  Association.  He  manifests  keen  sagacity  and  enterprise  in  relation 
to  business  affairs  as  well  as  professional  interests,  and  because  of  the  extent 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  407 

and  importance  of  his  activities  has  come  to  be  recognized  as  one  of  the  leading 
citizens  of  this  section  of  the  state. 

On  the  22d  of  December,  igo2.  Dr.  Welsh  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Cleve  Edna  Squires,  a  native  of  Marshalltown,  Iowa,  and  a  daughter  of  Henry 
W.  and  Emma  (Andrews)  Squires.  Her  father,  who  is  now  living  retired  in 
Ames,  Iowa,  was  formerly  a  contractor  and  builder  and  erected  some  of  the 
largest  churches,  business  houses  and  private  residences  of  his  day  throughout 
central  Iowa.  Unto  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Welsh  have  been  born  a  daughter,  Cleve 
Squires,  born  June  6,  1904,  and  a  son,  Frederick  Edwin,  Jr.,  born  on  the  14th 
of  October,  1910. 

Dr.  Welsh  gives  his  political  indorsement  to  the  republican  party  by  his  sup- 
port at  the  polls  of  all  of  its  candidates  and  its  measures,  but  he  does  not  desire 
public  ofifice  for  himself.  He  is  a  Master  Mason,  and  also  belongs  to  the  Eastern 
Star  chapter.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Woodmen  of  the  World  and  the  Wood- 
man Circle,  while  since  his  college  days  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  Delta  Tau 
Delta  fraternity,  having  joined  the  chapter  at  Northwestern  University.  His 
religious  belief  is  that  of  the  Episcopalian  church  and  to  its  teachings  he  is  faith- 
ful. In  all  the  relations  of  life  Dr.  Welsh  has  been  found  progressive  and  loyal. 
He  stands  for  all  that  is  best  in  community  affairs  and  in  the  national  life  as  well, 
and  can  justly  be  termed  a  typical  American  citizen,  alert  and  enterprising,  ready 
to  meet  any  emergency  of  life  with  the  confidence  and  courage  that  come  from 
a  right  conception  of  things  and  an  habitual  regard  for  what  is  best  in  the  exer- 
cise of  human  activities. 


THOMAS  PAGE. 


Since  the  fall  of  1910  Thomas  Page  has  made  his  home  in  Luther,  where  he 
is  now  living  retired.  ha\ing,  previous  to  this  time,  devoted  his  attention  largely 
to  agricultural  pursuits.  His  early  home  was  in  Ohio,  for  he  was  born  in  Clin- 
ton county,  that  state,  June  30,  1837,  his  parents  being  Wesley  and  Matilda  (Cris- 
pen)  Page.  His  father,  who  was  also  a  farmer  by  occupation,  died  when  a  young 
man  and  was  long  survived  by  his  widow,  who  was  about  seventy  years  old  at 
the  time  of  her  death,  which  occurred  in  Clinton  county,  Ohio.  They  were  mar- 
ried in  that  state,  though  he  was  a  native  of  \'irginia  and  she  of  Pennsylvania. 
After  her  husband's  death  she  spent  some  two  or  three  years  in  Illinois,  but 
finally  returned  to  Ohio.  In  their  family  were  six  children,  five  sons  and  one 
daughter,  our  subject  being  the  next  to  the  oldest.  The  others  were:  Mason, 
who  is  still  a  resident  of  Ohio;  Silas,  twin  of  Thomas,  the  former  now  deceased; 
William  and  Lucinda,  also  twins,  both  of  whom  are  deceased;  and  Wesley,  a 
retired  farmer  living  in  Luther,  Iowa. 

Thomas  Page  spent  his  early  life  in  Ohio  and  received  a  good  practical  educa- 
tion in  the  common  schools  of  that  state.  At  an  early  age,  however,  he  began 
earning  his  own  livelihood  and  started  out  in  life  for  himself  empty  handed.  In 
the  fall  of  1861  he  left  his  native  state  and  removed  to  Sangamon  county,  Illi- 
nois, where  he  had  a  brother  and  sister  residing,  but  on  the  ist  of  March,  1864, 
he  became  a  resident  of  Boone  county,  Iowa.     At  that  time  the  city  of  Boone 


408  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

was  the  terminus  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad.  His  brother  Wesley 
had  located  here  the  year  previous.  Thomas  Page  located  on  the  Peterson  place 
in  Worth  township,  being  then  in  the  employ  of  J.  H.  Norton  for  about  one 
year.  The  following  two  years  he  worked  for  John  Jennings,  at  the  end  of  which 
time  he  was  married  and  rented  a  farm,  which  he  operated  for  the  same  length 
of  time.  He  then  purchased  forty  acres  of  land  one  mile  north  of  the  present 
site  of  Luther  from  L.  and  H.  Goeppinger.  There  was  a  house  standing  upon 
the  land,  iiut  otherwise  it  was  unimproved,  and  to  its  cultivation  and  develop- 
ment he  at  once  turned  his  attention.  Subsequently  he  traded  that  property  to 
Philip  Hull  for  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  three  miles  east  of  Worth,  in  what 
is  now  Colfax  township.  He  also  improved  that  farm,  which  he  finally  traded 
for  a  place  of  one  hundred  and  eleven  acres  in  Des  Moines  township.  It  is 
today  one  of  the  best  improved  and  most  productive  tracts  in  the  locality  and  to 
its  cultivation  Mr.  Page  devoted  his  attention  until  1910,  when  he  retired  from 
active  labor  and  removed  to  Luther.  Here  he  has  built  a  good  comfortable  resi- 
dence and  also  has  twenty  acres  of  land  which  he  rents.  At  one  time  he  owned 
considerable  property,  but  has  disposed  of  much  of  this,  feeling  that  he  is  entitled 
to  a  well  earned  rest.  He  followed  general  farming,  and  the  success  which  at- 
tended his  efforts  was  due  entirely  to  his  own  careful  management  and  industrious 
habits. 

In  the  fall  of  1866  Mr.  Page  was  married  in  this  county  to  Miss  Alice  Boone, 
a  daughter  of  William  Myrtle  Boone,  a  prominent  pioneer  of  this  county  whose 
sketch  appears  elsewhere  in  this  work.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Page  are  now  well 
advanced  in  life,  she  having  reached  the  age  of  seventy-two  years,  while  he  is 
seventy-seven.  Of  their  three  children,  William,  who  is  a  farmer  by  occupation, 
resides  near  the  Des  Moines  river  in  Worth  township.  He  married  Miss  May 
Thompson  and  has  a  large  family,  including  two  daughters  who  are  married 
and  three  sons  and  two  daughters  who  are  single.  Bertha,  the  second  child  of  our 
subject,  is  at  home.     V.  A.  is  a  farmer  by  occupation. 

In  early  life  Mr.  Page  was  a  member  of  the  Home  Guards  in  Ohio  and  since 
attaining  his  majority  has  always  affiliated  with  the  republican  party,  but  has 
never  accepted  office.  At  one  time  he  was  a  member  of  the  New  Light  or  Chris- 
tian church  and  still  favors  that  denomination.  He  is  a  man  of  upright  char- 
acter, whose  life  has  been  such  as  to  gain  him  the  confidence  and  high  regard  of 
those  with  whom  he  has  been  brought  in  contact. 


CORYDON  L.  LUCAS. 


Corydon  L.  Lucas,  of  Madrid,  Iowa,  is  very  successfully  engaged  in  the 
real-estate  and  insurance  business ;  but  he  is  of  greater  importance  to  his  com- 
munity than  a  merely  well-to-do  man,  for  he  has  been  connected  with  many 
public-spirited  enterprises.  He  was  instrumental  in  organizing  the  Madrid  His- 
torical Society  and  has  always  taken  the  deepest  and  most  helpful  interest  in  pre- 
serving valuable  records  to  posterity.  Mr.  Lucas  moreover  served  as  the  first 
mayor  of  Madrid,  was  the  postmaster  of  the  community  under  Cleveland  and 
has  now  been  for  twelve  years  a  justice  of  the  peace.     He  also  acts  as  notary. 


•^. 


/^ 


fORYDOX  L.  LUCAS 


MKS.  COKYDOX  L.  LUCAS 


THE  NEW 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  413 

Corydon  L.  Lucas  was  born  in  Putnam  county,  Indiana,  November  19,  1838, 
a  son  of  Hiram  and  Susan  ( Payne)  Lucas.  The  father  was  born  in  Estill  county, 
Kentucky,  April  9,  1815,  and  in  1834  made  his  way  over  land  to  Indiana,  whence 
he  came  with  the  family  to  Boone  county,  arriving  here  October  8,  1853,  where 
the  town  of  Madrid  now  stands.  At  this  early  period  there  were  but  two  houses 
in  Madrid,  surrounded  by  unbroken  prairie,  and  but  one  set  of  farm  buildings 
could  be  found  between  Madrid  and  Belle  Point.  This  farm  was  located  along 
the  Des  Moines  road.  The  town  of  Boonesboro  had  been  laid  out  but  two  years 
previously  and  settlements  were  sparse  and  far  between.  The  father  won  an 
honorable  place  in  his  community  and  acquired  a  competence.  He  died  at 
Grayson  Station,  October  4,  1906.  His  wife,  Susan  (Payne)  Lucas,  was  born 
in  Spencer  county,  Kentucky,  February  6,  1819.  Her  parents  made  their  way  to 
Indiana  in  1834,  and  in  that  state  Hiram  Lucas  and  Susan  Payne  were  married 
in  1835.  She  came  with  her  husband  to  Boone  county  in  1853.  The  Payne 
family  were  originally  Virginians  and  were  among  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Ken- 
tucky. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lucas  were  the  parents  of  eleven  children:  William  H., 
who  died  in  North  Dakota ;  Corydon  L.,  of  this  review  ;  H.  M.,  residing  at  Woon- 
socket.  South  Dakota ;  Mrs.  Nancy  Mace,  of  Oklahoma  City ;  P.  J.,  of  Boone 
county,  Iowa;  Mary  A.,  of  Ames,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Ellen  Zenor,  who  died  in  191 1  ; 
Anna,  deceased ;  Mrs.  Matilda  Williams,  of  Worth  township ;  Zylpha  J.,  resid- 
ing at  Ames;  and  Florence,  who  died  in  December,  1913.  The  seven  older  chil- 
dren were  born  in  Putnam  county,  Indiana,  and  the  younger  ones  in  Boone 
county. 

Corydon  L.  Lucas  remained  in  Indiana  until  1853,  coming  with  the  family  to 
Boone  county  and  arriving  on  the  site  of  Madrid  in  October  of  that  year.  There 
they  remained  over  night,  continuing  the  next  day  northward  and  locating  where 
Grayson  now  stands.  The  township  is  now  called  W^orth.  The  Lucas  family 
were  among  the  pioneers  of  Boone  county  and  experienced  all  the  hardships  of 
primitive  frontier  life.  Mr.  Lucas  attended  the  early  common  schools  and  sub- 
sequently taught  for  some  time  in  the  county.  He  always  has  taken  a  deep  interest 
in  historical  records  of  his  community,  which  he  has  carefully  preserved,  and  his 
collections  and  the  deductions  made  therefrom  are  so  important  that  the  publishers 
of  this  work  have  intrusted  him  with  the  compilation  of  two  important  chapters. 
His  wide  acquaintance  and  extensive  reading  well  qualify  him  for  this  under- 
taking. 

In  1862  Mr.  Lucas  moved  from  Grayson  to  Belle  Point,  where  he  located  on 
a  farm  which  he  improved  and  developed  until  he  retired  from  agricultural  labors 
in  1883  and  took  up  his  abode  in  Madrid.  He  embarked  in  the  real-estate  business 
and  has  since  given  his  attention  to  this  line  of  work,  also  acting  as  notary  and 
doing  a  considerable  business  in  insurance  and  collections.  He  is  considered  one 
of  the  best  judges  as  regards  local  realty  and  his  straightforward,  honest  methods 
have  won  him  a  large  clientele.  Mr.  Lucas  purchased  the  Anderson  Addition  to 
Madrid,  consisting  of  thirty-five  lots,  all  of  which  he  has  sold  but  one  lot.  He 
was  the  prime  mover  in  organizing  the  Madrid  Historical  Society,  which  has  the 
honor  of  being  the  pioneer  society  of  its  kind  in  this  part  of  the  state.  Mr.  Lucas 
has  one  of  the  finest  and  largest  collections  of  relics,  documents,  mound  curios, 
elk  horns  and  other  interesting  objects  that  are  to  be  found  in  any  county.  It  con- 
tains the  first  land  deed  in  Boone  county.  There  are  also  stone  hatchets,  peace 
Vol.   n— I'j 


414  HISTORY  OF  DOONE  COUNTY 

pipes,  early  firearms  and  swords,  and  he  preserves  a  broad-hatchet  which  blazed 
the  first  road  into  Boone  county.  He  also  preserves  an  inscribed  tablet  referring 
to  Lieutenant  R.  S.  Granger  and  bearing  the  date  of  December  lo,  1845. 

On  February  9.  1862,  Mr.  Lucas  married  in  Douglas  township,  Boone  county, 
Iowa,  Aliss  Nancy  Sturdivant,  who  was  born  in  Clay  county,  Indiana,  March  17, 
1839.  She  came  by  the  overland  route  to  Boone  county  in  185 1,  the  family  settling 
on  a  farm  in  what  is  now  Douglas  township.  Her  father,  John  Sturdivant,  was 
born  in  North  Carolina  in  1790  and  died  in  Douglas  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa, 
July  6,  1866.  He  was  among  Boone  county's  pioneers.  Her  mother,  Mary 
(Green)  Sturdivant,  born  in  North  Carolina,  died  in  Douglas  township  in  1889, 
aged  ninety-four  years.  The  parents  were  married  in  their  native  state  and  in 
1830  made  removal  to  Indiana.  In  their  family  were  eight  children :  Rainey, 
deceased ;  Mrs.  Dora  Cagle,  deceased ;  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Jenkins,  deceased ;  Mrs. 
Melinda  Payne,  deceased;  Mrs.  Diana  Cunningham,  who  died  in  Worth  township; 
H.  C.  who  passed  away  in  Boone  county;  John,  who  died  in  Madrid;  and  Mrs. 
Nancy  Lucas,  who  is  the  only  member  of  the  family  to  survive.  The  three  eldest 
in  this  family  were  born  in  North  Carolina  and  the  younger  members  in  Clay 
county,  Indiana. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lucas  have  had  four  children:  Pandora,  who  was  born  Novem- 
ber 12,  1862,  and  died  January  29,  1869;  John,  who  was  born  September  2,  1869, 
a  successful  real-estate  dealer,  rice  farmer  and  lumberman  of  Arkansas  county, 
Arkansas;  H.  D.,  born  October  15,  1872;  and  J.  G.,  born  January  8,  1879,  of 
whom  further  mention  is  made  in  another  part  of  this  work.  These  children 
were  born,  reared  and  educated  in  Douglas  township,  Boone  county.  John  Lucas 
was  for  three  years  editor  of  the  Madrid  Register  and  then  spent  a  year  with  the 
Platte  County  Argus  of  Missouri.  Returning  to  Iowa,  he  remained  in  this  state 
until  March  17,  1903,  and  then  removed  to  Arkansas  county,  Arkansas,  where 
he  is  at  present  successfully  engaged  as  realty  dealer  and  also  follows  rice  farm- 
ing and  is  engaged  in  the  lumber  business.  H.  D.  Lucas  attended  the  common 
and  public  schools  of  Madrid  and  is  engaged  in  the  hardware  business  here.  J.  G., 
who  is  further  mentioned  elsewhere,  is  the  editor  of  the  Register-News  of  Madrid. 

Corydon  L.  Lucas  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  democratic  party  and  has  always 
supported  this  organization  and  taken  a  deep  interest  in  its  progress.  His  counsel 
in  local  afifairs  is  highly  valued,  and  he  has  been  an  influential  leader  in  many 
movements  that  have  proven  of  value  to  his  community.  He  was  the  first  mayor 
of  Madrid  and  during  his  administration  laid  the  plans  for  the  continued 
prosperitv  that  has  prevailed  in  his  community.  Under  the  second  Cleveland 
administration  he  was  postmaster  of  his  city  and  earned  during  that  time  the  high 
encomiums  of  all  who  had  to  transact  business  with  the  postoffice.  For  twelve 
years  he  has  served  as  justice  of  the  peace  and  his  fairness  and  impartiality  is 
readily  recognized.  Mr.  Lucas  is  a  man  of  high  ideals,  always  actively  interested 
in  all  things  that  affect  the  material,  intellectual,  moral  and  religious  improvement 
of  Madrid  and  Boone  county.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Christian  church  and  de- 
voted to  its  work.  His  handsomely  furnished  home  in  Madrid  is  a  hospitable 
meeting  place  for  his  many  friends.  Besides  his  many  other  interests  he  owns 
two  citv  lots  and  also  holds  title  to  three  hundred  acres  of  land  in  Missouri.  H'e 
has  secured  a  place  of  trust  among  his  fellows  on  account  of  his  faithfulness  to 
all  tasks  imposed  upon  him,  and  he  is  beloved  by  all  because  of  his  genial  and 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  415 

pleasant  disposition,  which  expresses  itself  in  the  helpfulness  which  he  is  ever 
ready  to  extend  to  all  those  who  find  themselves  in  situations  where  a  lifting  hand 
is  welcome  or  needed. 


GEORGE  H.  ZIMBELMAN. 

Among  those  who  have  been  active  in  promoting  the  business  development 
and  material  upbuilding  of  Boone  is  numbered  George  H.  Zimbelman,  whose 
efforts  have  largely  been  of  a  character  that  has  contributed  to  public  prosperity 
as  well  as  to  individual  success.  What  he  has  undertaken  he  has  carried  forward 
to  completion,  and  as  the  years  have  gone  on  he  has  demonstrated  his  ability  to 
cope  with  perplexing  business  problems  and  legitimately  turn  them  to  his  own 
advantage. 

Mr.  Zimbelman  is  numbered  among  the  pioneer  residents  of  Boone,  the  family 
home  being  established  here  in  1856.  He  was  then  a  little  child  of  scarcely  three 
years,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Zanesville,  Ohio,  August  8,  1853.  He  is  a 
son  of  John  and  Magdalene  (Stanger)  Zimbelman,  both  of  whom  were  born  in 
the  year  1817,  the  former  in  Switzerland  and  the  latter  in  Alsace.  John  Zimbel- 
man crossed  the  broad  Atlantic  to  the  new  world  in  1832  and  five  years  later  was 
married  in  Ohio.  He  first  visited  Iowa  in  1855,  entering  a  tract  of  government 
land  in  Fort  Dodge,  and  in  the  spring  of  1856  brought  his  family  to  this  state. 
They  journeyed  by  boat  to  Keokuk  and  thence  by  teams  (their  own  veliicles 
which  they  had  brought  with  them  on  the  boat)  to  Boonesboro,  then  a  village  of 
two  hundred  and  fifty  inhabitants.  The  date  of  their  arrival  was  April  24,  1856. 
Subsequently  Mr.  Zimbelman  erected  a  house  on  the  present  site  of  the  Gospel 
Tabernacle,  being  obliged  to  haul  the  lime  from  Webster  City,  Iowa,  by  wagon. 
He  eventually  acquired  two  hundred  and  nine  acres  of  land  just  west  of  Boone. 
He  was  a  shoemaker  by  trade  but  after  coming  to  this  state  took  possession  of  a 
brewery  in  Boonesboro,  which  he  conducted  for  some  time.  In  1878  two  of  his 
sons,  Lafe  and  Alfred,  took  over  the  brewing  business  and  the  father  then  re- 
tired, spending  his  remaining  days  in  the  enjoyment  of  rest  from  further  labor. 
He, passed  away  December  16,  1890,  and  for  fifteen  years  was  survived  by  his 
wife,  who  died  on  the  3d  of  January,  igo6.  In  their  family  were  ten  children : 
Catherine,  who  died  in  infancy;  Jacob  L.,  deceased;  Lafayette,  long  a  prominent 
lumber  dealer  of  Boone,  but  now  of  Los  Angeles;  William,  deceased;  Louise,  of 
Boone;  Albert,  deceased;  Rovena,  the  wife  of  John  R.  Patterson  of  Boone; 
George  H.;  Charles,  deceased;  and  Alfred,  living  in  Los  Angeles,  California. 

George  H.  Zimbelman  spent  his  youthful  days  in  Boone  and  attended  the 
public  schools  until  he  entered  upon  business  activity.  For  two  years  he  was 
associated  with  his  father,  but  in  1875,  when  twenty-two  years  of  age,  went  to 
Ogden,  Iowa,  where  for  two  years  he  was  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  with 
O.  J.  Halliday.  He  then  sold  out  to  his  partner  and  embarked  in  the  grocery 
business  in  connection  with  his  brother-in-law,  Mr.  Patterson.  They  conducted 
their  store  for  about  two  years,  and  in  1880  Mr.  Zimbelman  started  for  Colorado, 
driving  a  mule  team  from  Boone  to  Leadville.  He  then  began  freighting  between 
Como  and  Leadville  and  in  the  fall  of  the  same  year  drove  the  same  team  back 


416  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

to  Boone.  In  the  party  with  which  he  traveled  were  Samuel  Johnson,  now  de- 
ceased, O.  J.  Halliday  and  James  Paxton.  Following  his  return  Mr.  Zimbelman 
again  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  as  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Halliday,  Ellis 
&  Company  and  was  thus  connected  until  1892,  when  he  sold  out.  At  that  time, 
associated  with  others  of  the  family,  he  began  operating  in  the  coal  fields,  sinking 
a  shaft  on  his  own  property.  For  fifteen  years  he  continued  to  engage  in  the 
mining  of  coal  and  then  leased  his  land,  so  that  he  is  now  living  retired. 

Mr.  Zimbelman  has  always  given  his  political  support  to  the  democratic  party 
but  does  not  seek  nor  desire  office,  having  always  preferred  to  give  his  undivided 
attention  to  his  business  affairs.  He  has  a  wide  acquaintance  in  this  county, 
where  practically  his  entire  life  has  been  spent,  and  he  has  been  an  interested  wit- 
ness of  the  changes  which  have  occurred,  bringing  about  its  present  condition  of 
modern  development  and  progress. 


JOHN  B.  STROUSE. 


John  B.  Strouse,  who  throughout  life  has  always  made  the  best  use  of  his 
advantages  and  is  now  able  to  lay  aside  all  business  cares  and  live  retired  in 
Luther,  was  born  in  Terre  Haute,  Indiana,  June  3,  1837.  His  father  was  John 
Strouse,  who  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  of  German  parentage  and  was  left  an 
orphan  at  an  early  age.  When  young  he  removed  to  Ohio  and  was  there  mar- 
ried to  Miss  Mary  Reed,  by  whom  he  had  six  children,  but  four  of  these  died  in 
early  life.  The  others  are:  Alpheus.  who  is  living  in  Dakota;  and  John  B.,  of 
this  review.  The  mother  was  born  and  reared  in  Ohio.  Soon  after  their  mar- 
riage the  parents  removed  to  Terre  Haute,  Indiana,  and  subsequently  made  their 
home  at  another  place  in  that  state.  Later  they  became  residents  of  Milford,  Illi- 
nois, but  spent  their  last  days  in  Iowa,  the  father  dying  in  Pocahontas  county  at 
the  age  of  eighty-three  years,  and  the  mother  passing  away  at  the  home  of  our 
subject  at  the  age  of  eighty-six. 

John  B.  Strouse  was  five  years  old  when  the  family  left  his  native  town,  but 
they  remained  residents  of  Indiana  until  he  was  seven,  at  which  time  they  re- 
moved to  Milford,  Illinois.  There  he  pursued  his  studies  in  a  schoolhouse  built 
of  hewed  logs  with  slab  seats  for  benches.  His  educational  advantages  were 
meager,  owing  to  the  pioneer  conditions  of  the  county  at  that  time,  but  he  pur- 
sued his  studies  until  about  twenty  years  of  age  and  at  the  same  time  assisted  in 
the  work  of  the  home  farm.  He  then  started  out  to  make  his  own  way  in  the 
world  by  working  for  neighboring  farmers.  He  was  married  in  Milford,  Illinois, 
March  i.  1863,  to  Miss  Cynthia  Jane  Peed,  of  Salty  Mound,  Indiana,  and  they 
became  parents  of  eight  children.  Lee,  the  eldest,  has  been  twice  married,  his 
first  wife  being  Annie  Ramsay.  He  is  a  graduate  of  the  Cincinnati  Eclectic  Medi- 
cal College  and  is  now  engaged  in  the  practice  of  his  chosen  profession  at  Cov- 
ington, Kentucky.  Mary  is  the  wife  of  Benjamin  Jennings  of  Gove,  Kansas.  John 
married  Emma  Likely  and  lives  in  Thornton.  Iowa.  .Montgomery  is  a  resident 
of  Los  Angeles,  California.  Frank  died  in  infancy.  Noah  married  Emma  Barker 
and  lives  in  Boone  county.  Ann  is  a  resident  of  Des  Moines.  Wilbur  died  in 
infancy. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  417 

In  1865  Mr.  Strouse  came  to  Iowa  and  located  on  his  father's  farm  near 
Drakeville  in  Davis  county,  where  he  spent  a  year  and  a  half.  He  then  removed 
to  Macon  county,  Missouri,  but  after  residing  there  for  a  short  time  returned  to 
Drakeville  and  one  year  later  became  a  resident  of  Warren  county,  Iowa,  where 
the  following  year  was  passed.  Eight  years  were  then  spent  in  Pocahontas 
county  and  in  1877  he  became  a  resident  of  Boone  county.  In  his  farming  opera- 
tions here  he  met  with  most  excellent  success  and  became  the  owner  of  a  well 
improved  place  of  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres  in  Garden  township,  which 
he  sold  four  years  ago.  He  continued  to  carry  on  farming  until  April,  1900, 
when  he  removed  to  Luther  and  has  since  lived  retired.  Here  his  wife  died 
April,  lyii,  and  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  Clarke  cemetery.  She  was  a  devout 
Christian  lady  and  was  loved  and  revered  by  all  who  knew  her.  Mr.  Strouse 
has  ever  been  devoted  to  his  family  and  has  given  his  children  an  excellent  start 
in  life,  not  only  dividing  his  farm  of  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres  among 
them,  but  also  giving  them  many  thousands  of  dollars.  On  starting  out  in  life 
for  himself  he  was  in  limited  circumstances,  but  he  steadily  worked  his  way  up- 
ward and  by  industry,  enterprise  and  good  management  became  one  of  the  pros- 
perous citizens  of  his  community. 


FRANK  PEPPER. 


Farming  interests  have  claimed  the  attention  of  Frank  Pepper  since  he  started 
out  in  life  for  himself,  and  he  today  owns  an  excellent  farm  of  three  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  on  section  34,  Harrison  township,  and  also  one  hundred  and  seventy 
acres  in  Jackson  township,  all  of  which  property  he  has  acquired  through  his 
own  unaided  efforts.  A  native  of  Iowa,  he  was  born  in  Marshall  county,  on  the 
i6th  of  October,  1857,  and  is  a  son  of  S.  M.  and  Mary  (  Stalling)  Pepper.  His 
mother  is  now  deceased,  but  his  father  is  still  living  and  resides  on  the  old  home- 
stead in  Jackson  township.  He  is  a  native  of  Connecticut,  but  was  reared  in 
Pennsylvania  and  from  that  state  came  to  Iowa  in  1852,  settling  in  Marshall 
county.  He  removed,  however,  to  Boone  county  when  the  railroad  was  first 
built  in  this  locality,  in  1865.  Having  learned  the  carpenter's  trade,  he  followed 
that  occupation  here  for  five  years,  but,  as  times  were  hard  and  there  was  not 
much  to  do  along  that  line,  he  turned  his  attention  to  farming  in  1870  and  is 
still  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  land  in  Jackson  township.  In  his  family  are 
four  children,  namely:  Frank,  of  this  review;  William,  who  is  engaged  in  farm- 
ing in  Story  county,  Iowa ;  Arlie,  the  wife  of  George  Brooks,  a  farmer  of  Clay 
county ;  and  Edward,  who  makes  his  home  in  Des  Moines. 

During  his  boyhood  and  youth  Frank  Pepper  had  the  advantages  of  a  com- 
mon-school education  and  under  his  father's  direction  gained  his  knowledge  of 
farming.  For  six  years  after  his  marriage  he  operated  rented  land,  but  in  1892 
purchased  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  34,  Harrison  township,  for 
twenty-six  dollars  per  acre.  He  subsequently  bought  a  forty  acre  tract  at  the 
same  price  and  later  added  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  to  his  farm,  paying  for 
the  last  sixty-five  dollars  per  acre.     This  is  also  in  Harrison  township,  but  at 


418  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

the  present  time  he  also  owns  one  hundred  and  seventy  acres  in  Jackson  town- 
ship, for  which  he  paid  one  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  per  acre. 

On  the  20th  of  January,  1885,  Mr.  Pepper  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mary  Diggins,  a  daughter  of  Patrick  and  Mary  (Reagan)  Diggins,  who  were 
farming  people,  living  near  Ontario,  Story  county,  Iowa,  but  are  both  now  de- 
ceased. In  the  Diggins  family  were  the  following  children :  William,  who  is  still 
engaged  in  farming  in  Story  county;  Mary,  the  wife  of  our  subject;  Julia,  the 
wife  of  Charles  McKenna,  a  farmer  of  Jackson  township,  Boone  county;  James, 
a  farmer  of  Harrison  township;  and  Kate,  the  wife  of  William  Keller,  a  farmer 
of  Harrison  township.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pepper  have  seven  sons,  as  follows :  Fred, 
who  assists  in  the  operation  of  his  father's  farm  in  Jackson  township ;  William 
and  Raymond,  both  at  home ;  Frank,  who  married  Hazel  York  and  with  his 
brother  Fred  operates  the  farm  in  Jackson  township ;  and  James,  Dewey  and 
Edward,  all  at  home.  The  mother  and  children  attend  the  Catholic  church, 
but  Mr.  Pepper  is  not  identified  with  any  religious  organization.  Although  he 
was  reared  a  democrat,  he  has  affiliated  with  the  republican  party  since  the  McKin- 
ley  administration  and  has  taken  quite  an  active  interest  in  public  affairs.  He 
served  as  school  director  for  several  terms  and  has  always  given  his  support 
to  those  enterprises  which  he  deems  calculated  to  promote  the  moral  or  material 
welfare  of  his  community.  In  his  farming  operations  he  has  met  with  most 
excellent  success,  and  this  has  all  been  due  to  his  enterprise,  progressive  methods 
and  untiring  industry. 


WALLACE  G.  LAIDLEY,  M.   D. 

Dr.  Wallace  G.  Laidley  has  been  a  medical  practitioner  of  Pilot  Mound  for 
the  past  eight  years  and  enjoys  a  reputation  as  an  able  and  successful  repre- 
sentative of  the  profession  in  this  county.  His  birth  occurred  in  Kingston, 
Canada,  on  the  23d  of  January,  1876,  his  parents  being  William  H.  and  Mary  D. 
(Gilmour)  I,aidley,  who  were  likewise  natives  of  that  country.  The  father, 
who  followed  general  agricultural  pursuits  in  Canada  throughout  his  active 
business  career,  passed  away  on  the  9th  of  November,  1901.  The  mother  sur- 
vives, however,  and  yet  makes  her  home  in  Canada.  Their  children  are  seven 
in  number,  namely :  Oswald,  Maude,  Florence,  Addie,  Wallace  G..  Douglas  and 
Kenneth. 

Wallace  G.  Laidley  was  reared  to  manhood  in  his  native  country  and  attended 
the  public  schools  in  the  acquirement  of  an  education.  Desiring  to  prepare  for 
a  professional  career,  he  entered  the  medical  department  of  Queens  University 
at  Kingston,  Canada,  and  was  graduated  from  that  institution  with  the  class 
of  April,  1906.  He  then  came  direct  to  Pilot  Mound,  Boone  county,  Iowa,  and 
has  here  followed  his  profession  continuously  to  the  present  time,  being  ac- 
corded an  extensive  and  gratifying  practice.  He  has  demonstrated  his  skill  and 
ability  in  the  successful  treatment  of  many  difficult  cases  and  ever  keeps  abreast 
with  the  most  advanced  methods  of  his  profession  through  membership  in  the 
Boone  County  Medical  Society,  the  Iowa  State  Medical  Society  and  the  Ameri- 
can Medical  Association. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  421 

On  the  30th  of  June,  1909,  Dr.  Laidley  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mae 
Mather,  a  daughter  of  Irving  C.  and  Lillie  (Caldwell)  Mather,  who  were  na- 
tives of  Iowa  and  Indiana  respectively.  Irving  C.  Mather  came  to  Boone  county 
in  an  early  day  and  embarked  in  the  real-estate  and  insurance  business,  being 
successfully  identified  therewith  until  he  passed  away  on  the  20th  of  December, 
1900.  To  him  and  his  wife,  who  survives  and  resides  in  Boone,  were  born  two 
children :  Mrs.  Mae  Laidley ;  and  Guy  C,  who  is  a  resident  of  Sheldahl,  Iowa. 
Dr.  Laidley  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  is  a  Metho- 
dist in  religious  faith.  Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  the  Masons,  the  East- 
ern Star,  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America  and  the  Royal  Neighbors.  He  is  most  conscientious  in  the  performance 
of  his  professional  duties  and  in  every  relation  of  life  is  actuated  by  high  and 
lionorable  principles. 


WALTER  H.  CANIER. 


From  early  boyhood  Walter  H.  Canier  has  been  connected  with  the  shoe 
trade,  and  since  1886  has  conducted  a  store  in  Boone.  His  success  in  this  con- 
nection is  enviable  and  has  come  entirely  through  his  persistency  of  purpose,  his 
close  application  and  his  wide-awake,  alert  business  methods.  Iowa  numbers  him 
among  her  native  sons,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Washington  county  on  the 
26th  of  April,  1863,  his  parents  being  David  and  Sarah  E.  (Clark)  Canier,  both 
of  whom  were  natives  of  Ohio.  In  the  early  '50s  they  arrived  in  Iowa,  becoming 
pioneer  residents  of  this  state.  They  settled  on  a  farm  in  Washington  county, 
comprising  two  hundred  acres  of  wild  and  unimproved  land.  It  had  been  taken 
up  as  a  claim  from  the  government  by  another  and  was  purchased  by  David 
Canier,  who  inmiediately  began  its  cultivation  and  improvement,  converting  it 
into  a  fine  farm,  which  is  still  in  possession  of  the  family.  He  continued  to 
reside  upon  that  place  until  his  death,  and  his  wife  also  passed  away  there.  They 
were  the  parents  of  a  daughter  and  two  sons:  Eugenia  M.,  the  wife  of  Ezra  H. 
Smith  of  Washington  county ;  Orlando  S.,  who  is  living  in  Long  Beach,  Cali- 
fornia ;  and  Walter  H. 

The  last  named,  at  the  age  of  twelve  years,  left  the  farm  as  a  result  of  an 
injury  sustained  in  a  cyclone,  in  which  he  was  carried  a  quarter  of  a  mile  by  the 
storm.  This  rendered  him  unqualified  for  the  arduous  work  of  the  fields,  and  he 
sought  employment  in  other  directions.  After  five  years  spent  in  a  shoe  store 
at  Washington,  Iowa,  he  came  to  Boone  and  has  been  constantly  in  the  shoe  busi- 
ness from  that  time  to  the  present.  In  1886  he  embarked  in  business  on  his  own 
account  and  is  now  a  partner  in  the  firm  of  Canier  Brothers  &  Herman,  Mr.  Her- 
man having  been  admitted  to  the  firm  in  1889.  The  business  has  been  in  con- 
tinuous existence  for  a  quarter  of  a  century  and  is  today  one  of  the  old  established 
houses  of  the  city.  They  carry  a  large  and  well  selected  line  of  boots  and 
shoes,  both  high  grade  and  medium  priced,  and  their  stock  is  always  adequate 
to  the  demands  of  the  public,  while  their  straightforward  and  honorable  busi- 
ness policy  commends  them  to  the  further  support  of  old  patrons  and  brings  them 
manv  new  ones. 


422  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

On  the  14th  of  August,  1892,  Mr.  Canier  was  united  in  marriage  to  Delia 
M.  Broughton,  a  native  of  Indiana,  who  was  reared,  however,  in  Bremer 
county,  Iowa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Canier  have  had  no  children  of  their  own,  but  have 
reared  seven  children,  of  whom  one,  Ivadelle,  the  wife  of  Richard  H.  Sturges  of 
Los  Angeles,  California,  was  born  of  Mrs.  Canier"s  first  marriage,  when  she  was 
Mrs.  Rogers. 

When  age  conferred  upon  Mr.  Canier  the  right  of  franchise  he  indorsed  the 
principles  of  the  republican  party  and  has  never  seen  reason  to  change  his  views. 
He  always  votes  for  its  men  and  measures,  for  he  belie\es  that  the  party  platform 
contains  the  best  elements  of  good  government,  yet  he  never  seeks  office  as  a 
reward  for  party  fealty.  He  is  in  hearty  sympathy  with  the  teachings  and  tenets 
of  the  Masonic  lodge,  to  which  he  belongs,  and  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the 
Presbyterian  church.  He  stands  stanchly  in  support  of  all  that  pertains  to  the 
social,  moral  and  intellectual  welfare  of  his  community  and  is  justly  accoimted 
one  of  its  most  worthy  citizens. 


GEORGE  H.  STANGER,  M.  D. 

Dr.  George  H.  Stanger  is  a  well  known  and  successfid  physician  and  surgeon 
of  Boone,  where  he  has  practiced  his  profession  continuously  for  the  past  twenty- 
two  years.  His  birth  occurred  in  Louisa  county,  Iowa,  on  the  i8th  of  February, 
1866,  his  parents  being  George  and  Margaret  (  Suitte)  Stanger,  the  former  a 
native  of  Germany  and  the  latter  of  Cambridge,  Ohio.  The  father,  who  in 
1856  took  up  his  abode  in  Louisa  county,  Iowa,  was  engaged  in  the  business  of 
carpentering  and  contracting  throughout  his  active  career.  He  passed  away  in 
Valley,  Nebraska,  on  the  ist  of  January,  1913,  while  the  demise  of  his  wife 
there  occurred  on  the  31st  of  December,  1912.  L'nto  them  were  born  seven 
children,  as  follows:  Sarah  Belle,  who  was  born  on  the  sth  of  June,  1857.  and 
died  in  1902;  Mary  Virginia,  who  is  the  wife  of  C.  V.  Crooks,  of  Omaha, 
Nebraska:  Carrie  E.,  who  gave  her  hand  in  marriage  to  J.  W.  Johnston,  of 
Ayrshire,  Iowa;  Georgiana,  deceased;  George  H.,  of  this  review:  John  S.,  an 
agriculturist  residing  in  Webster  City,  Iowa ;  Ima  (irace,  the  wife  of  J.  S.  Ken- 
nedy, of  Valley.  Nebraska. 

George  H.  Stanger  acquired  his  early  education  in  the  district  schools  at 
Boone  and  when  twenty-three  years  of  age  entered  the  State  University  of  Iowa 
at  Iowa  City.  Having  determined  upon  the  practice  of  medicine  as  a  life  work, 
he  took  up  the  study  of  that  profession  in  the  College  of  Physicians  and  Surgeons 
at  Chicago,  which  institution  conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  M.  D.  on  the 
31st  of  March,  1892.  He  at  once  opened  an  office  in  Boone,  Iowa,  and  that  city 
has  remained  the  scene  of  his  professional  labors  throughout  the  intervening 
twenty-two  years.  An  extensive  and  lucrative  practice  has  been  accorded  him, 
and  he  has  won  a  merited  reputation  as  an  able  physician. 

On  the  27th  of  June,  1900,  Dr.  Stanger  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Katharine  Champlin,  a  daughter  of  Frank  and  Lavinia  (York)  Champlin,  who 
took  up  their  abode  among  the  early  settlers  of  Boone,  this  state.  The  Doctor 
gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  democracy  and  is  identified  fraternally  with 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  423 

the  Masons,  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  are  freely  accorded  the  hospitality  of  many  homes  and  their 
genuine  personal  worth  has  gained  for  them  the  warm  and  enduring  regard  and 
friendship  of  all. 


PAUL  R.  DYER. 


Paul  R.  Dyer,  a  farmer  of  Colfax  township,  was  born  January  i8,  1882, 
on  a  farm  in  that  township,  now  the  property  of  J.  J.  McKone.  He  is  a 
son  of  William  R.  Dyer,  a  sketch  of  whom  appears  elsewhere  in  this  work.  He 
received  his  education  in  the  common  schools,  his  first  teacher  being  Miss  Amelia 
Walker  and  his  last  John  Menton.  His  schooling  was  completed  at  the  age  of 
eighteen  years  and  he  remained  upon  the  home  farm,  assisting  in  its  cultivation, 
until  after  his  marriage,  which  occurred  in  lyoi.  He  then  operated  the  home- 
stead, consisting  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  9,  Colfax  township, 
until  three  years  ago,  when  he  Ijought  his  present  property,  a  valuable  eighty 
acre  farm  located  on  section  15,  Colfax  township.  He  has  made  many  improve- 
ments upon  the  place  since  it  came  into  his  possession  and  his  knowledge  of 
soils  and  proper  methods  of  carrying  on  the  work  of  the  farm  enables  him  to 
raise  abundant  crops,  which  bring  him  gratifying  financial  returns. 

On  the  i6th  of  October,  1901,  ]\Ir.  Dyer  was  married  to  Miss  Minnie  J. 
Derks,  a  daughter  of  Peter  Derks.  To  this  union  three  children  were  born, 
two  of  whom  died  unnamed  and  Robert  J.  died  in  infancy.  The  parents  are 
members  of  the  Christian  Alliance  church  of  Boone  and  are  actively  interested 
in  its  work.  Mr.  Dyer  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party, 
feeling  that  he  can  thus  best  promote  the  interests  of  good  government.  He  has 
served  for  three  years  as  secretary  of  the  local  school  board,  doing  all  in  his 
power  to  advance  the  welfare  of  the  public  schools. 


WILLIAM  MYRTLE  BOONE. 

William  Myrtle  Boone,  deceased,  was  a  representative  of  a  very  old  and 
prominent  family  of  this  county.  He  was  born  in  Kentucky  and  was  a  great- 
grandson  of  Squire  Boone,  a  brother  of  the  noted  hunter,  Daniel  Boone,  of 
Kentucky  fame.  During  his  boyhood  William  M.  Boone  accompanied  his  parents 
on  their  removal  to  Indiana,  the  family  locating  in  Putnam  county,  but  in  May, 
1852,  they  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  where  the  father.  Squire  Boone,  spent 
the  remainder  of  his  life  in  Worth  township.  He  donated  the  land  for  the  Squire 
Boone  cemetery  on  section  14,  that  township,  and  took  a  very  active  and  promi- 
nent part  in  public  affairs.  He  was  a  stanch  abolitionist  and  later  never  wavered 
in  his  support  of  the  republican  party.  He  died  in  1878  at  the  ripe  old  age  of 
eighty-five  years,  honored  and  respected  by  all  who  knew  him. 

William  M.  Boone  grew  to  inanhood  in  Indiana  and  there  married,  in  1841, 
Miss  Nancy  Parker,  also  a  native  of  Kentucky,  who  had  accompanied  her  father 


424  HISTORY  OF  ROONE  COUNTY 

on  his  removal  to  Indiana  during  her  girlhood.  She  died  in  Boone  county,  Iowa, 
January  i,  1896,  at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years,  ten  months  and  sixteen  days. 
At  one  time  she  was  a  member  of  the  Christian  church.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Boone 
were  born  nine  children:  Mrs.  Alice  Page,  a  resident  of  Luther,  Iowa;  Edward, 
deceased;  Jesse  P.,  of  Luther;  Squire,  who  died  in  infancy;  Virgil,  a  farmer  of 
Worth  township;  Mrs.  Matilda  Page,  of  Luther;  Laura,  deceased;  Oliver  Perry; 
and  one  who  died  in  infancy. 

Throughout  his  active  life  Mr.  Boone  followed  farming,  and  he  became 
prominently  identified  with  public  affairs,  serving  in  several  local  offices.  His 
political  support  was  given  the  republican  party  and  in  religious  affairs  he  fav- 
ored the  Universalist  church.  He  died  on  the  loth  of  July,  191 1,  when  over 
eighty-nine  years  of  age.  He  was  one  of  a  large  family  of  children,  but  only 
two  are- now  living,  these  being:  Tyler  Boone,  who  resides  with  his  daughter, 
Mrs.  Hull  of  Douglas  township ;  and  Betty,  a  resident  of  Madrid,  Iowa. 


PHILLIP  GARTLAND. 

Phillip  Gartland  now  lives  retired  at  No.  728  Burton  street,  Boone,  after  a 
life  of  arduous  labor,  which  brought  him  a  competency.  He  was  born  in  Ireland, 
in  what  is  called  the  "Gap  of  the  North,"  in  the  town  of  Carrickmacross,  where 
the  five  counties  of  Louth,  Meath,  Cavan,  Armagh  and  Monaghan  meet.  His 
date  of  birth  was  January  6,  1835,  and  his  birthplace  was  just  over  the  line  in 
Monaghan  county.  He  is  a  son  of  Peter  and  Ann  (Corrigan)  Gartland,  natives 
of  County  Monaghan.  and  a  grandson  of  Patrick  Gartland,  who  was  born  and 
lived  all  his  life  in  County  Monaghan.  Peter  Gartland  followed  farming  all 
his  life.  He  removed  from  Monaghan  to  County  Clare  and  died  there  about  1850 
at  the  age  of  sixty-seven  years.  His  wife,  Ann,  was  a  daughter  of  John  and 
Nancy  (Murphy)  Corrigan.  farming  people.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peter  Gartland 
were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  John,  who  died  in  Ireland  when 
young;  Mary,  who  died  in  infancy;  Phillip,  of  this  review;  Daniel,  who  emi- 
grated to  America  at  the  age  of  twenty ;  and  George  and  Peter,  who  died  in 
infancy. 

Daniel  Ciartland,  the  aforementioned,  was  joined  in  this  country  by  his 
brother  Phillip  after  the  latter  had  reached  American  shores.  Both  went  through 
the  Irish  famine  in  the  years  1847  and  1848,  when  the  United  States  sent  the  first 
ship  of  corn  to  the  suffering  Erin,  and  it  is  a  curious  incident  that  this  ship  while 
making  for  Ireland  met  two  vessels  going  to  Liverpool,  which  were  loaded  with 
the  best  the  island  could  produce,  the  goods  being  consigned  to  the  absent  land- 
lords. On  June  i,  1861,  Daniel  Gartland  enlisted  in  Jonesboro  as  a  private  in 
Company  D,  Third  Vermont  \'olunteer  Infantry,  and  served  until  November  24, 
1862,  when  he  was  discharged  on  account  of  disability.  He  was  captured  in 
the  seven  days'  battle  of  the  Wilderness  and  was  placed  in  the  famous  Ander- 
sonville  ])rison.  being  paroled  at  the  end  of  three  months.  He  then  went  to 
Connecticut,  where  he  worked  in  a  hoe  factory  and  later  moved  to  Wilkesbarre, 
Pennsvlvania,  where  he  again  enlisted  on  August  i,   1864,  as  a  private  in  Com- 


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HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  427 

pany  F,  I-^ifth  Pennsylvania  Cavalry,  and  was  killed  October  7,   1864,  in  front 
of  Petersburg. 

Phillip  Gartland  attended  the  schools  of  his  native  land  until  seventeen  years 
of  age,  engaging  at  odd  times  in  farm  labor.  In  1854,  when  nineteen  years  of 
age,  he  went  to  England,  working  in  a  blast  furnace  at  Durham.  Having  heard 
of  the  advantageous  conditions  existing  in  America  he  on  June  30,  1863,  left 
Liverpool  for  New  York,  sailing  on  a  steamship  of  the  Cunard  line.  After 
arriving  on  American  shores  he  made  his  way  to  Connecticut,  where  he  found 
work  in  hoe  factories  at  Naugatuck  and  Seymour,  making  bayonets  for  the  sol- 
diers at  the  front.  He  removed  to  Wilkesbarre,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  worked 
in  the  anthracite  coal  mines  for  a  time  but  later  returned  to  Connecticut.  There 
on  October  9,  1864,  he  was  married  to  Miss  Ann  Hughes,  of  Seymour,  Con- 
necticut, the  ceremony  taking  place  at  Derby,  that  state.  They  subsequently  re- 
moved to  Hubbard,  Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  where  he  was  engaged  in  coal 
mining  until  1867.  In  May  of  that  year  he  with  his  wife  and  one  child  came  to 
Moingona,  Boone  county.  He  continued  to  mine  coal  there  until  1893  and  also 
took  an  active  part  in  the  public  life  of  the  municipality,  serving  for  one  term  as 
township  clerk.  For  eight  years  he  was  secretary  of  the  school  board  and  from 
1877  until  1891  held  the  position  of  justice  of  the  peace,  discharging  his  duties 
fairly  and  impartially.  He  also  served  as  treasurer  and  recorder  several  times. 
In  1892  Mr.  Gartland  went  to  Seymour,  Wayne;  coimty,  Iowa,  continuing  in 
coal  mining  and  then  removed  to  Marceline,  Missouri,  wjiere  he  mined  until  1896. 
In  that  year  he  came  to  Boone,  where  he  also  followed  mining  but  later  was 
employed  by  the  Northwestern  Railroad  Company  in  the  round  house.  After 
many  years'  labor  Mr.  Gartland  retired  in  1909,  having  acquired  a  comfortable 
competency  by  thrift  and  industry. 

At  Derby,  Connecticut,  Mr.  Gartland  married  on  October  9,  1864,  Miss  .\nn 
Hughes,  of  Seymour,  Connecticut,  a  daughter  of  Edward  and  Ann  (Murphy) 
Hughes.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gartland  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children : 
Ann,  who  was  born  in  Hubbard,  Ohio,  married  William  Hughes,  and  they  now 
live  in  Grinnell,  Iowa.  Daniel,  who  was  born  in  Moingona,  Iowa,  died  while 
young.  Edward  was  born  in  Moingona,  Boone  county,  March  13,  1870.  He  at- 
tended ])ublic  school  until  eight  and  a  half  years  of  age,  then  went  to  work  with 
his  father  in  the  mines,  so  continuing  until  twenty  years  of  age.  Part  of  the  time 
he  drove  the  mules  but  as  the  years  passed  became  a  full  fledged  miner.  He 
spent  much  of  his  time  in  mining  in  Wyoming.  Missouri  and  Illinois  and  took  up 
his  permanent  residence  in  Boone  in  1894,  where  he  established  himself  as  a 
wholesale  and  retail  liquor  dealer.  He  was  at  first  located  in  the  Wells  house 
but  afterward  removed  to  715  Allen  street,  where  he  remained  fourteen  years. 
He  then  changed  his  location  to  281  Island  street,  buying  the  property  and  build- 
ing the  structure  which  now  stands  there.  His  present  place  of  business  is  loi  |  j 
Story  street  and  is  known  as  the  Bain  block.  Politically  he  is  a  democrat,  taking 
an  active  part  in  the  progress  of  his  city,  and  fraternally  is  a  member  of  the 
Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  Mary  Catherine  was  born  in  Moingona, 
Iowa,  and  married  P.  J.  Moffett,  and  they  now  reside  in  Denver.  Sarah,  a  native 
of  Moingona,  remains  at  home.  Susie,  who  was  also  born  in  that  city,  mar- 
ried William  Gartland  and  they  make  their  home  with  our  subject.  Elizabeth 
Jane,  who  was  born  in  Moingona,  graduated  with  the  class  of  1901  and  is  now 


428  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

teaching  in  the  public  schools  of  Chicago,  after  having  taught  in  Boone  county  for 
four  years.  Agnes  Frances,  the  next  in  order  of  birth,  was  born  in  Moingona 
and  is  a  graduate  of  the  Boone  parochial  school.  Phillip  B.,  born  in  Moingona, 
also  graduated  from  the  Boone  parochial  school  and  then  joined  a  surveying 
party  of  the  Northwestern  railroad,  being  now  engaged  in  that  work  in  the  west. 
Mrs.  Gartland  died  in  Boone,  April  i,  191 1,  and  is  buried  in  this  ctty.  She  was 
a  devout  member  of  the  Sacred  Heart  church  and  generous  in  her  contributions 
to  that  institution. 

Mr.  Gartland  is  a  stanch  democrat  and  thoroughly  devoted  to  the  interests  of 
his  party.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Sacred  Heart  church,  the  services  of  which 
he  regularly  attends.  He  enjoys  in  large  measure  the  esteem  and  respect  of 
his  fellowmen  and  can  look  back  upon  his  life  record  with  pride,  for  all  that  he 
has  achieved  he  has  secured  through  his  own  efforts.  He  is  now  in  his  eightieth 
year  and  yet  takes  an  active  interest  in  life's  affairs. 


JOHN  A.  HULL. 


The  name  of  Hull  has  figured  conspicuously  in  connection  with  the  history 
of  the  bar  of  Boone  county  for  many  years,  and  the  record  of  him  whose  name 
introduces  this  review  adds  new  luster  thereto.  He  began  practice  in  1894  and 
has  advanced  gradually  as  he  has  given  proof  of  his  ability  to  cope  with  the 
intricate  and  complex  problems  of  law. 

His  birth  occurred  in  Boonesboro,  Iowa,  on  the  26th  of  March,  1871.  and 
he  is  descended  from  Scotch,  Welsh  and  German  ancestry.  The  first  of  the 
family,  of  whom  there  is  accurate  record,  was  Uriah,  and  his  wife's  name  was 
Isabelle.  He  was  a  soldier  in  the  Revolutionary  war  from  Virginia,  and  his 
state  afterward  gave  him  a  land  warrant  in  payment  for  his  services  and  he 
located  in  Rockingham  county,  \irginia,  on  a  high  plateau.  He  owned  the 
largest  of  three  small  prairies  there,  which  the  mountaineers  called  respectively, 
bull  pasture,  cow  pasture  and  calf  pasture,  but  about  1808  or  1809  he  found 
settlers  crowding  him  and  sold  his  farm  and  moved  further  west,  settling  on 
the  present  site  of  Newark,  Ohio,  where  his  sons  cut. the  first  trees.  The  journey 
to  Ohio  from  Virginia,  was  made  without  wagon  or  cart  and  without  either 
path  or  guide.  The  grandfather  of  our  subject,  the  Rev.  Samuel  Hull,  was  a 
son  of  this  pioneer  settler  in  the  mountains  of  Virginia  and  of  Licking  county. 
Ohio.  Two  brothers  of  Rev.  Samuel  Hull,  Dr.  James  and  George  Hull,  the 
latter  born  in  1779,  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  1849,  and  another  brother, 
Uriah,  born  in  1800,  came  in  1851.  Numerous  descendants  of  these  brothers  are 
still  residents  of  this  section.  John  A.  Hull,  father  of  John  A.  Hull,  Jr.,  was 
born  in  Terre  Haute,  Vigo  county,  Indiana,  in  the  year  1831  and  pursued  his 
education  in  the  public  schools  and  in  Asbury  University  at  Greencastle,  Indiana. 
Taking  up  the  study  of  law,  he  was  admitted  to  the  bar  and  engaged  in  the 
practice  of  his  profession  at  Madison,  Tennessee.  He  had  read  law  for 
four  months  at  Terre  Haute  with  Colonel  R.  N.  Thompson.  His  uncles,  above 
mentioned,  having  ventured  into  Boone  county  a  few  years  before,  John  A. 
Hull,  Sr.,  joined  them  in  1854  and  established  a  law  office  in  Boonesboro.     He 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  429 

rose  to  prominence  as  a  representative  of  the  bar  and  for  many  years  ranked 
with  the  distinguished  lawyers  of  his  section  of  the  state.  His  death  occurred 
June  12,  1888.  His  wife,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Margaret  Emeline 
Wear,  was  born  in  Madisonville,  Tennessee,  and  died  on  the  15th  of  August, 
1907,  surviving  her  husband  for  ahiiost  twenty  years.  They  were  the  parents 
of  eight  children:  Alice,  now  the  widow  of  Henry  H.  Leib  of  Boone;  Mary  E., 
the  widow  of  R.  M.  Hughes,  also  of  Boone;. Mrs.  Lillian  C.  Hostetter,  deceased; 
Nannie  M.,  the  wife  of  Charles  W.  Barnes  of  Boone;  Thirza,  who  became  the 
wife  of  C.  H.  Bowen  and  has  passed  away;  John  A.,  of  this  review;  and  Samuel 
and  Frank,  who  died  in  infancy. 

John  A.  Hull  has  spent  his  entire  life  in  Boone  county,  save  for  the  period 
when  he  was  pursuing  his  education  elsewhere.  At  seventeen  years  of  age  he 
entered  Simpson  College  at  Indianola,  Iowa,  and  his  literary  training  served 
as  an  excellent  foundation  upon  which  to  build  the  superstructure  of  his  pro- 
fessional knowledge.  After  four  years  devoted  to  classical  work  he  entered 
the  law  department  of  the  University  of  Iowa  and  was  graduated  with  the  class 
of  1894.  He  then  began  practice  in  Boone,  where  he  has  now  remained  for 
twenty  years,  and  throughout  this  period  he  has  been  accorded  a  liberal  practice 
which  has  grown  both  in  volume  and  importance  as  time  has  passed  on.  It  is 
well  known  that  he  prepares  his  cases  with  thoroughness  and  care  and  that  he 
manifests  the  most  conscientious  zeal  in  protecting  the  interests  of  his  clients, 
yet  he  never  forgets  that  he  owes  a  still  higher  allegiance  to  the  majesty  of 
the  law. 

On  the  7th  of  September,  1904,  Mr.  Hull  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
(iladys  Sigworth,  a  daughter  of  Dr.  H.  W.  Sigworth,  of  Anamosa,  Iowa.  They 
have  become  parents  of  three  children :  Thirza,  born  October  9,  1905 ;  John  A., 
born  April  18,  1907;  and  Dwight  Sigworth,  born  August  15,  1912.  In  his 
political  views  Mr.  Hull  is  a  democrat,  always  stanchly  supporting  the  principles 
of  the  party,  yet  never  active  in  seeking  office  for  himself.  Fraternally  he  is 
connected  with  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  He  is  well  known  in 
Boone  county,  and  the  fact  that  many  of  his  warmest  friends  are  those  who 
have  known  him  from  his  boyhood  to  the  present  time  is  an  indication  that 
his  life  has  been  well  spent.  He  has  made  good  use  of  his  talents  and  oppor- 
tunities and  is  today  one  of  the  prominent  lawyers  and  highly  respected  citizens 
of  his  native  county.- 


JOHN  CHARLES  POHL. 

John  Charles  Pohl  is  the  owner  of  a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
in  Dodge  township  but  leases  most  of  his  land.  He  is  well  known  throughout 
Boone  county,  where  he  has  made  his  home  continuously  since  1872.  He  was 
not  yet  four  years  of  age  when  brought  to  this  county  by  his  parents,  his  birth 
having  occurred  in  Milwaukee,  Wisconsin,  on  the  6th  of  November,  1868.  His 
parents  were  Fred  and  Wilhelmina  (Motts)  Pohl,  the  former  a  native  of  Berlin, 
Germany,  and  the  latter  of  Steifelbaden,  of  the  same  country.  In  their  family 
were  nine  children,  four  sons  and  five  daughters.     Leaving  their  native  land  the 


430  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

parents  sailed  for  America  with  their  family  and  established  their  home  in 
Milwaukee,  Wisconsin,  where  they  remained  for  a  brief  period  and  then  came 
to  Iowa,  settling  in  Boone  county  in  1872,  the  father  securing  an  eighty-acre 
tract  of  land  in  Jackson  township. 

Upon  the  homestead  farm  in  this  county  John  C.  Pohl  was  reared  with  the 
usual  experiences  that  fall  to  the  farm  lad,  his  time  being  divided  between  the 
work  of  the  school-room,  the  pleasures  of  the  playground  and  the  duties  assigned 
him  in  connection  with  the  cultivation  of  the  fields. 

On  the  25th  of  July,  1900,  Mr.  Pohl  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Julia 
Tatman,  a  native  of  Pocahontas  county,  Iowa,  and  they  have  five  children : 
Grant,  Frances,  Fern,  Marion  and  Ethel. 

The  family  home  is  situated  on  section  34,  Dodge  township,  where  Mr.  Pohl 
owns  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land,  but  he  does  not  farm  at  all  owing  to 
ill  health  and  rents  most  of  the  place.  However,  he  raises  both  shorthorn  cattle 
and  Belgian  horses,  and  his  live-stock  interests  are  an  important  source  of 
revenue  to  him.  He  drives  an  automobile  and  has  many  substantial  improve- 
ments upon  his  place,  which  indicates  his  prosperity  and  the  success  which  he 
has  made  in  managing  his  business  affairs.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the 
Methodist  church,  and  his  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  republican  party. 
His  long  residence  in  the  county  has  made  him  widely  known,  for  he  has  lived 
in  this  section  of  the  state  for  forty-two  years  and  has  therefore  been  a  witness 
of  many  of  the  changes  which  have  occurred  and  of  the  growth  and  develop- 
ment which  have  brought  the  county  to  its  present  advanced  state  of  progress. 


HON.  JUSTIN  R.  DORAN. 

Hon.  Justin  R.  Doran  is  not  only  one  of  the  foremost,  if  not  the  foremost, 
representative  of  agricultural  interests  in  Beaver  townsliija,  but  was  also  for 
many  years  in  the  state  legislature  and  in  that  connection  did  valual^le  work  in 
promoting  constructive  measures  which  were  of  great  benefit  to  the  slate  in 
general  and  his  constituency  in  ]iarticular.  There  is  great  credit  due  Mr.  Doran 
for  what  he  has  achieved,  as  he  has  attained  the  substantial  position  which  he 
now  occupies  entirely  through"  his  own  efforts. 

He  was  born  in  Niagara  county.  New  York,  August  8,  1850,  and  is  a  son  of 
Patrick  and  Catherine  (  Keeley )  Doran,  both  natives  of  County  Carlow,  Ireland. 
The  father  in  early  life  operated  a  flour  mill  in  the  Emerald  isle.  He  and  his 
wife  came  to  America  on  lioard  the  slii])  Richard  Cobden.  and  they  experienced 
the  most  perilous  passage,  the  boat  almost  being  wrecked.  They  landed  in 
New  York,  February  i,  i84<).  and  thence  went  by  packet  boat  by  way  of  the 
Plrie  canal  to  Reynolds  Basin,  in  Niagara  county.  New  York,  where  they  made 
their  home  for  four  years.  Being  attracted  by  the  promising  west,  they  then 
removed  to  Ottawa.  Illinois,  where  the  father  worked  as  a  farm  hand  for  a  few 
vears.  Their  next  change  of  residence  brought  them  to  Livingston  county,  in 
the  same  state,  and  there  Mr.  Doran  bought  a  farm,  to  the  cultivation  of  which 
he  devoted  himself  until  his  death,  which  occurred  on  November  25,  1863.  His 
wife  passed  awav  in  La  Salle  county,  Illinois,  about  ten  \'ears  previously,  .Vugust 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  431 

-5'  1^55-  They  were  the  parents  of  eight  children :  Edward,  a  well-to-do  farmer 
of  Polk  county,  Iowa;  Ellen,  the  widow  of  C.  Harvey,  residing  in  Grand  Junc- 
tion, Iowa;  Miss  Mary,  also  of  that  city;  Thomas  H.,  a  lumber  dealer  and  stock- 
raiser  of  Burwell,  Nebraska ;  Justin  R. ;  John,  who  farms  near  Bradshaw, 
Nebraska;  and  two  who  died  in  infancy. 

Justin  R.  Doran  was  left  an  orphan  when  fifteen  years  of  age  and  at  that 
period  embarked  upon  an  independent  career,  earning  his  living  by  doing  chores 
while  attending  school  in  Livingston  county.  Having  completed  his  education, 
he  hired  out  as  a  farm  hand  for  some  time  and  after  having  gained  \aluable 
experience  operated  the  old  homestead  in  partnership  with  his  brothers  until 
1874.  In  1872,  however,  he  and  a  brother  purchased  a  corn  threshing  outfit, 
and  they  operated  the  same  in  Benton  county,  Iowa,  until  July  of  the  same  year, 
when  they  returned  to  Illinois.  At  the  end  of  that  time  Mr.  Doran  sold  the 
home  place  and  then  removed  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  where  he  acquired  three 
hundred  and  seventy  acres  of  his  present  farm,  situated  on  section  5,  Beaver 
township.  He  was  the  first  settler  on  the  four  sections  which  formed  the  school 
district  No.  3  and  has  added  to  his  holdings  from  time  to  time  until  he  now  holds 
title  to  three  thousand  acres  of  the  best  improved  land  to  be  found  in  the  neigh- 
borhood. Nearly  all  of  the  farm  is  located  in  Beaver  township.  Judicious 
management,  incessant  labor  and  modern  and  up-to-date  methods  have  been  the 
means  by  which  Mr.  Doran  has  attained  prosperity.  His  place  is  in  a  most 
excellent  condition,  and  his  buildings  are  substantial  and  modernly  equipped. 
Mr.  Doran  has  always  been  a  leader  in  agricultural  afi'airs  and  has  greatly  con- 
tributed toward  raising  the  farming  standards  of  his  section.  He  has  l^ieen  one 
of  those  men  who  have  been  successfully  copied  by  others  and  who  have  been 
the  backbone  of  the  agricultural  prosperity  of  the  state. 

Mr.  Doran  married  Miss  Olive  F.  Blanshan,  a  daughter  of  Jacob  and  Maria 
Blanshan,  natives  of  Auburn,  New  York.  The  parents  removed  to  Wisconsin 
in  1848  and  resided  in  that  state  until  1874,  when  they  came  to  Iowa.  In 
Wisconsin  and  this  state  the  father  followed  agricultural  labors  throughout  his 
life.  He  was  prominent  politically,  serving  in  the  Wisconsin  state  legislature, 
and  was  also  a  member  of  the  board  of  county  supervisors  for  a  number  of 
years.  He  died  in  1890,  and  his  wife  passed  away  in  February,  1902.  To 
-Mr.  and  Mrs.  Doran  thirteen  children  were  horn:  Lester  G. ;  Alfred  T.,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  one  year;  Alexander  R. ;  Eugene  B. ;  Benjamin  B. ;  Oliver  E. ; 
Lucia  S.;  Maud  H. ;  Laut  H. ;  Mamie  C.;  Milo  T. :  Daisy  E. :  and  John  Keeley, 
who  died  at  the  age  of  two  and  one-half  years. 

Mr.  Doran  has  always  given  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  has 
been  a  most  prominent  factor  in  its  affairs  in  the  state.  He  is  not  onlv  a  leader 
in  agricultural  matters,  but  deeply  interested  in  cither  fields  of  progress.  He 
was  a  state  legislator  for  four  long  sessions  and  two  short  ones  and  during  this 
time  was  one  of  the  foremost  men  in  the  assembly  in  committee  rooms  as  well 
as  upon  the  floor.  His  views  of  life  are  those  of  a  broad-minded  man,  who  has 
delved  deeji  into  the  questions  of  vital  importance  and  who  has  proven  himself 
a  master  of  those  afl:'airs  which  make  up  life's  experiences.  For  many  years  lie 
has  served  as  trustee  of  Beaver  township  and  in  this  capacity  has  exerted  an 
influence  as  important  to  his  township  as  his  services  were  to  the  state.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  Masonic  lodge  at  Grand  Junction  and  belongs  to  the  lodge  of 


432  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  at  Ogden.  He  has  been  adjuster  of 
the  Boone  County  Farmers  2^Iutual  Insurance  Company  for  six  years,  acting 
in  that  capacity  for  all  the  territory  west  of  the  Des  Moines  river  in  Boone 
and  adjoining  counties.  Mr.  Doran  is  a  courteous,  affable  and  approachable 
gentleman,  ever  ready  to  do  a  kindness  to  those  who  need  his  services.  He  has 
many  friends  in  Boone  county  in  business,  social  and  political  circles.  He  is  con- 
versant with  the  leading  issues  and  questions  of  the  day  and  all  affairs  which 
particularly  affect  his  locality.  As  a  citizen  he  stands  high,  as  an  agriculturist 
he  is  a  leader  and  as  a  man  he  is  respected  highly  for  what  he  has  achieved  and 
the  principles  which  have  guided  his  conduct. 


W.  BRITTAIN. 


Beautiful  "Fairview"  is  the  home  of  J.  W.  Brittain.  The  place  is  situated  in 
Dodge  township,  and  the  home  stands  upon  a  knoll,  commanding  a  splendid  view 
of  the  surrounding  country.  In  fact,  one  can  look  for  miles  over  the  district 
and  take  in  the  details  of  the  farm  of  two  hundred  and  sixty  acres,  which,  devoted 
to  the  raising  of  crops  and  stock,  is  one  of  the  best  improved  properties  of  Boone 
county.  Here  Mr.  Brittain  resides,  carefully  controlling  his  business  interests, 
and  his  success  is  the  result  of  close  application,  sound  judgment  and  unfalter- 
ing enterprise. 

A  native  of  Pennsylvania,  J.  W.  Brittain  was  born  in  Lucerne  county.  De- 
cember 29,  184S,  a  son  of  Jacob  and  Cassandra  (Myers)  Brittain.  The  father 
was  of  English  descent  and  was  a  son  of  Joseph  Brittain,  who  was  reared  upon 
Long  Island,  where  his  father  had  settled  on  coming  from  England  to  the  new 
W'Orld.  Jacob  Brittain.  who  was  born  December  27,  1813,  passed  away  on  the 
3d  of  Januar\-.  1871.  His  wife,  who  was  born  in  1818,  survived  him  for  over 
twenty-two  years,  dying  in  ^larch,  1893. 

J.  W.  Brittain  was  reared  in  the  Keystone  state  and  when  a  young  man  of 
twenty-five  years  came,  in  1873,  to  Boone  county  upon  a  visit  to  his  uncle.  He 
did  not  remain  at  that  time  but  after  two  years  returned  and  for  ten  years  was 
a  member  of  his  uncle's  family.  Upon  the  death  of  his  uncle  he  purchased  the 
farm  and  has  since  made  his  home  thereon-  He  is  now  the  owner  of  two  hun- 
dred and  sixty  acres  of  rich  and^valuable  land  that  responds  readily  to  the  care 
and  labor  he  bestows  upon  it.  He  is  regarded  as  a  successful  agriculturist  and 
stock-raiser.  His  methods  of  tilling  the  soil -and  caring  for  the  crops  are  pro- 
gressive, and  he  keeps  on  hand  high  grades  of  stock,  for  which  he  finds  a  ready 
sale  upon  the  market.  His  farm  is  one  of  the  most  pleasing  and  attractive  feat- 
ures in  the  landscape,  and  his  home  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  in  his  section 
of  the  county.  It  is  large  and  commodious,  built  in  modem  style  of  architecture, 
is  tastefully  furnished  and,  moreover,  is  a  most  hospitable  one,  so  that  it  is  a 
favorite  resort  with  the  many  friends  of  the  family. 

In  1882  Mr.  Brittain  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Elnora  A.  Gibbons,  who 
was  bom  in  Boone  county  in  1859.  Her  parents  were  John  H.  and  Sarah  A. 
r Moore)  Gibbons,  the  former  a  native  of  Ohio  and  the  latter  of  Pennsylvania. 
They  removed  westward  to   Boone  county  in    1855,  and   four  years  later  their 


I 


> 
o 


> 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  435 

daughter  Elnora  was  born.  Two  children  were  born  unto  Mr.  and  Mrs^  Brit- 
Jin  but  bo  h  died  in  early  childhood  during  an  epidemic  of  diphtheria.  Mr.  and 
Mrs'  B  ittan  are  widely 'and  favorably  known  and  have  a  large  arcle  of  warm 
Wends  For  fifteen  years  Mr.  Brittain  filled  the  office  o  township  trustee  h: 
onrcontinuance  m  that  position  indicating  his  capabilty  and  fidehty.  For 
alo' t"orty-one  years  he  has  lived  in  this  county  and  has  a  w,de  acquaintance. 
He  is  accounted'a  worthy  representati^.e  of  the  best  class  of  cit.ens  and  ,s  a 
recognized  leader  in  agricultural  progress. 


WALLACE  FARLEY. 

With  the  business  interests  of  Boone  county  Wallace  Farley  of  Ogden  has 
bee  1  sely  associated.  He  is  now  one  of  the  stockholders  and  vice  p^eside^t 
of  the  City  State  Bank,  and  he  has  made  extensive  ^^^^'^T ZsfjTl 
and  in  commercial  paper.  He  was  born  m  Canada,  March  4,  1848,  and  is  a 
son  o  Pe"r  V  and  Elizabeth  (CannifE)  Farley,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
t^e  same  country.  The  father  arrived  in  this  county  in  1870  and  engaged  ,n 
fa  mTng  winning  substantial  success  through  his  well  directed  labors.  He  had 
corTe  to  Iowa  a  number  of  years  before,  removing  from  Illinois  to  this  stat 
111866  He  took  an  active  part  in  public  affairs  and  was  a  member  of  the 
board  of  supervisors.     His  death  occurred  in  1892.  while  his  wife  passed  away 

°"  Waltce^Vfri:;' wl?Lred  and  educated   m  the  public  schools  of   Illinois 
and  If  Iowa,  com  leting  his  studies  at  Mount  Vernon,  this  ^'a-     He  then  c:am 
to  Boone  county,  where  he  engaged  in  farming  for  six  year  .  and  m  the  fdl  of 
1875  he  established  his  home  in  Ogden,  where  he  opened  a  l^niberyard.  a  ha  d 
ware  and  implement  store  and  also  engaged  in  the  gram  ^V---   J    -^  ^  'J 
along  those  lines  for  five  years  and  for  two  years  he  handled  -tie  and  da  t 
in  real  estate     He  is  a  man  of  determined  purpose,  carrying  forward  to  success 
ulTompe U^n  whatever  he  undertakes,  and  in  business  affairs  he  has  brooked 
no     b'a'cles   that  could  be  overcome  by   determined    Pers;.;ent   and  honora 
effort      In   1884  he  erected  a  building  and  organized  the  Crty  Bank,  which  he 
conducted  for  ttenty-three  years  as  a  private  banking  "-t'tution^  He    hen    o  d 
most  of  his  stock,  the  bank  was  reorganized  as  a  state  bank  and  Mr.  Farle>  wa 
Zsen  vice  president.     The  institution  is  today  called  the  City  State  Bank  o 
Ogden      It  is  in  a  flourishing  condition  and  its  success  is  due  in  large  measure 
to  ttrenterprising  and  substantial  measures  established  by  Mr.  Farley  m  con- 
necln  with  its  conduct.       As  the  years  have  passed  on  he  has  embraced  his 
oppor  un  ty  for  investment  in  real  estate  and  has  extensive  property  holdings^ 
He  has  also  conducted  a  bond  brokerage  business  and  is  himself  the  owner  of 

much  valuable  paper.  •         .     a/t-       t  .iio    A    Rridp-e- 

In  Tune    1869,  Mr.  Farley  was  united  m  marriage  to  Miss  Julia  A^  Bridge 
man.  a  daughte;  of   Benjamin  and  Lucy  A.   Bridgeman,  natives  of   Ohio  and 
Ton  er   settlers   of    Boone   county,   Iowa,   where   they    followed   farming.     The 
?lth  r  passed  away  in   1906.  having  for  a  number  of  years  survived  his  wife, 


Vol.      71—2  0 


436  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

who  died  in  California  about  1880.     Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Farley  were  born  two 
children:  Elizabeth  C,  at  home;  and  Edith  M.,  who  died  in  January,  191 3. 

Mr.  Farley,  interested  in  the  public  welfare,  has  served  as  a  member  of  the 
city  council  and  also  on  the  school  board.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  the 
Masons,  and  he  also  wears  the  little  bronze  button  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic,  for  he  enlisted  in  1864  as  a  member  of  Company  B,  One  Hundred  and 
Forty-second  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  served  until  the  close  of  the  war. 
His  political  faith  has  always  been  that  of  the  republican  party,  and  his  religious 
belief  that  of  the  Methodist  church.  Sterling  traits  of  manhood  and  citizenship 
have  long  been  exemplified  in  his  life,  and  he  is  well  known  in  Boone  county, 
where  he  has  now  made  his  home  for  more  than  four  decades. 


PATRICK  H.  JUDGE. 


Patrick  H.  Judge  is  the  owner  of  a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres, 
on  which  he  resides,  situated  on  section  14,  Des  Moines  township.  He  is 
numbered  among  the  extensive  landowaiers  of  this  part  of  the  state,  his  posses- 
sions aggregating  four  farms,  three  of  which  are  situated  in  Des  Moines  town- 
ship, this  county,  and  one  in  Story  county,  Iowa.  His  investments  have  always 
been  judiciously  made,  and  his  sound  judgment  finds  expression  in  his  purchase 
of  valuable  property. 

Mr.  Judge  was  born  in  Troy,  New  York.  March  14.  1853,  and  comes  of 
Irish  ancestry,  his  paternal  grandparents  being  James  and  Ann  (Hill)  Judge, 
natives  of  the  green  isle  of  Erin.  James  Judge,  father  of  our  subject,  was  born 
in  County  Roscommon,  Ireland,  in  1829,  acquired  his  education  there  and  when 
eighteen  years  of  age  came  to  the  United  States.  He  was  employed  at  difTereiU 
places  in  the  state  of  New  York,  working  as  a  farm  hand  at  three  and  four 
dollars  per  month,  but  his  industry  and  worth  became  recognized  and  won  him 
advancement.  He  was  married  in  Troy,  New  York,  to  Miss  Bridget  Kelly 
who  was  bom  in  County  Galway,  Ireland,  a  daughter  of  Patrick  and  Bridget 
(Mooney)  Kelly.  James  Judge's  people  were  well-to-do,  owning  one  hundred 
acres  of  land,  which  is  a  large  estate  for  Ireland.  The  brothers  of  Mrs.  Judge, 
finely  educated  men,  taught  school  in  Ireland  and  ranked  high  in  educational 
circles.  Two  of  her  brothers,  James  and  John,  came  to  the  United  States,  and 
their  sister  Bridget  followed  their  example,  giving  her  hand  in  marriage  in 
Troy,  New  York,  to  James  Judge.  They  conducted  a  grocery  store  in  Troy 
for  a  time  but  the  family  removed  to  Janesville,  Wisconsin,  where  a  house  and 
lot  was  purchased.  There,  however,  Mr.  Judge  became  ill  with  fever  and  ague, 
a  disease  very  common  at  that  time,  and  left  Janesville  for  Monroe,  Wisconsin. 
In  1872  he  removed  to  Iowa,  settling  in  Colfax  township,  Boone  county,  where 
he  passed  away  on  the  i6th  of  December,  1907,  his  remains  being  interred  m 
Boone.  His  political  indorsement  was  given  to  the  democratic  party.  His  wife 
passed  away  August  11,  1901.     She  was  a  member  of  Sacred  Heart  church. 

Patrick  H.  Judge  was  but  two  years  of  age  when  the  removal  was  made 
from  New  York  to  Janesville,  Wisconsin,  where  the  family  remained  for  four 
years  and  then  went  to  Green  county,  that  state,  settling  near  Monroe.     There 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  437 

Patrick  H.  Judge  was  sent  to  the  public  schools,  and  later  he  completed  his 
education  in  Dane  county,  Wisconsin.  He  worked  upon  his  father's  farm  from 
boyhood  until  he  attained  his  majority.  In  1872  the  family  came  to  Iowa,  reach- 
ing Boone  county  on  the  loth  of  May.  All  the  members  of  the  family  made  the 
journey  with  three  teams  and  wagons,  and  three  of  them  drove  three  cows  from 
their  Wisconsin  home  to  this  state.  The  family  residence  was  established  upon 
a  farm  in  Colfax  township,  the  father  purchasing  eighty  acres  of  land,  to  which 
he  added  by  subsequent  purchase.  In  the  work  of  tilling  the  soil  Patrick  H. 
Judge  bore  his  part  but  left  home  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  years  and  went  to 
work  for  a  dairyman,  Thomas  Barrett,  of  Franklin  township,  Story  county,  with 
whom  he  remained  nine  months  as  an  employe  in  ]\Ir.  Barrett's  cheese  factory. 
He  afterward  spent  some  time  at  home,  building  fences,  etc.,  thus  allowing  his 
younger  brothers  to  attend  school  by  relieving  them  of  the  necessity  of  aiding  in 
the  fann  work.  Later  he  was  emplowed  at  Ames  College  in  1876,  working  under 
Professor  Morrow,  who  was  engaged  in  experimental  agricultural  work.  Mr. 
Judge's  father  then  gave  him  a  team  and  in  1877,  boarding  at  home,  he  began 
the  cultivation  of  a  forty-acre  tract  of  land  which  he  leased  from  Dan  Clark,  of 
Story  county.  Mr.  Judge  farmed  that  place  until  the  following  fall  and  sold  his 
corn  at  twelve  cents  per  bushel  after  giving  Mr.  Clark  one-half  of  the  yield  as 
rental  for  the  place.  He  spent  a  suinmer  in  Grundy  county,  where  he  was 
employed  by  a  German  named  Franken,  receiving  a  dollar  and  a  half  per  day. 
From  his  earnings  he  saved  nearly  one  hundred  dollars.  He  had  previously 
invested  in  a  forty-acre  tract  of  railroad  land  in  Colfax  township,  Boone  county, 
and  purchasing  stock,  he  put  them  on  that  tract.  He  invested  his  money  in 
hogs  at  a  dollar  and  a  quarter  per  hundred  pounds,  fattened  them  and  sold 
them  for  five  dollars  per  hundred.  The  money  which  he  thus  earned  he  invested 
in  another  forty-acre  tract  near  his  original  purchase  and  in  1879  he  added  still 
another  forty  acres.  Thus  gradually  he  increased  his  holdings,  for  as  he  gained 
sufiicient  capital  he  made  other  purchases,  his  investments  being  most  judicious. 

In  1890  Mr.  Judge  was  married  to  Miss  Catherine  Coleman,  a  native  of 
Wayne  township,  Monroe  county,  Iowa,  born  September  y.  1867.  Her  parents 
were  Joseph  and  Bridget  ( Finnell )  Coleman,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
Ireland,  the  former  born  in  County  Tipperary  and  the  latter  in  County  Clare. 
They  came  to  the  United  States  in  early  life,  landing  in  New  York,  and  were 
married  in  Wisconsin.  They  afterward  settled  in  Dubuque  and  thence  went 
to  St.  Louis,  where  they  lived  for  nine  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period 
they  returned  to  Iowa,  settling  in  Monroe  county  upon  a  farm  of  four  hundred 
acres  which  the  father  purchased.  He  died  January  i,  1900,  at  the  age  of 
seventy-five  years,  and  his  wife  passed  away  in  1901,  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
six  years. 

Following  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judge  had  begun  their  domestic  life 
upon  a  farm  in  Colfax  township,  where  he  owned  a  half  section,  but  since  then 
he  has  disposed  of  that  property.  In  March,  1902,  he  removed  to  his  present 
farm.  He  had  built  a  fine  home  upon  the  place  in  Colfax  township,  and  he  has 
his  present  property  well  improved.  The  home  place  comprises  one  hundred 
and  sixty  acres  on  section  14,  Des  Moines  township,  and  his  holdings  include  two 
other  farms  in  the  same  township  and  one  in  Story  county,  from  which  he  derives 
a  gratifying  annual  income. 


438  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judge  have  been  born  four  children:  Joseph,  who  was 
born  August  9,  1891 ;  James  Francis,  born  December  3,  1892;  John  W.,  Sep- 
tember I,  1896;  and  Henry  A.,  October  7,  1898.  The  family  is  well  known,  and 
Mr.  Judge  ranks  with  the  representative  agriculturists  of  the  county.  He  has 
been  the  architect  of  his  own  fortunes  and  has  builded  wisely  and  well.  Industry 
has  been  the  keynote  of  his  success.  He  has  labored  long  and  diligently,  his 
efforts  intelligently  directed,  and  as  a  result  of  his  perseverance  and  determina- 
tion he  ranks  now  with  the  representative  and  prosperous  fanners  of  the  county. 


OSMAN  L.  CLAPP. 


Osman  L.  Clapp,  an  engineer  on  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern,  connected 
with  the  passenger  service  between  Boone  and  Omaha  for  the  past  sixteen  years, 
has  been  continuously  in  the  employ  of  the  corporation  which  he  now  represents 
since  the  8th  of  August,  1876,  at  which  time  he  became  a  switchman  under 
S.  L.  Moore,  then  yardmaster.  Gradually  he  has  worked  his  way  upward, 
and  his  fidelity  to  duty  is  recognized  by  the  company,  as  is  plainly  indicated 
in  his  long  retention  in  the  service.  He  was  born  at  Fitchburg,  Dane  county, 
Wisconsin,  March  31,  1857,  and  was  the  fourth  in  order  of  birth  in  a  family  of 
nine  children,  six  of  whom  are  yet  living.  He  was  reared  upon  a  farm,  with  the 
usual  experiences  of  the  farm  lad.  His  parents  were  George  W.  and  Sally 
(Black)  Clapp,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Onondaga  county.  New  York. 
They  were  born,  reared  and  married  near  Geneva,  that  state,  their  wedding 
being  celebrated  in  1850.  Soon  afterward  they  removed  westward  to  Wisconsin 
and  began  their  domestic  life  upon  the  farm  which  Mr.  Clapp  had  entered  from 
the  government  in  1848.  With  characteristic  energy  he  began  to  develop  his 
fields  and  there  resided  until  called  to  the  home  beyond.  The  father  died 
December  31.  igoo.  at  the  age  of  seventy-seven  years,  and  the  mother  was  seventy- 
six  years  of  age  when  she  passed  away  in  1907.  Both  were  of  English  descent. 
At  the  time  of  the  Civil  war  George  W.  Clapp  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Union 
army,  but  illness  prevented  him  from  going  to  the  front. 

It  was  upon  the  old  homestead  farm  in  Wisconsin  that  Osman  L.  Clapp  was 
reared.  He  early  became  familiar  with  the  duties  and  labors  that  fall  to  the  lot 
of  the  agriculturist  and,  while  working  in  the  fields  through  the  summer  months, 
he  devoted  the  winter  seasons  to  the  acquirement  of  a  public-school  education. 
He  favored  mechanical  rather  than  agricultural  pursuits,  however,  and  when  a 
youth  of  nineteen  years  entered  railway  service  as  a  switchman  in  the  employ  of 
the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  at  Boone.  Later  he  became  connected  with  the 
yard  service  and  afterward  entered  the  locomotive  engineering  department  and 
for  the  past  thirty-one  years  has  been  an  engineer,  acting  in  that  capacity  on 
freight  trains  for  some  time,  while  for  the  past  sixteen  years  he  has  been  an 
engineer  in  the  passenger  service.  There  has  never  been  an  accident  to  his  train 
when  the  fault  was  his.  He  is  most  careful  and  painstaking,  recognizing  how 
important  is  the  duty  that  devolves  upon  him,  and  his  worth  and  fidelity  are 
recognized  by  the  company  which  he  represents. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  439 

■Mr.  Clapp  has  been  married  twice.  He  first  wedded  Miss  Mary  Warner, 
who  was  born  in  Warren  county,  Pennsylvania,  and  during  her  infancy  was 
brought  to  Boone  by  her  parents.  Three  children  were  born  of  that  union. 
Arthur  L.,  who  is  a  graduate  of  the  State  College  at  Ames,  is  now  roadmaster 
of  the  Southern  Illinois  division  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad,  with 
headquarters  at  Pekin,  Illinois.  He  married  Emma  Skinner  and  has  a  daughter, 
Lajene.  Mary  Ruth,  the  second  member  of  the  family,  is  a  noted  violinist  and 
pianist  of  Urbana,  Illinois,  where  she  has  charge  of  the  music  in  the  public 
schools.  She  had  previously  traveled  for  a  year  in  connection  with  the  Lyceum 
Bureau.  She  is  a  graduate  of  the  American  Conservatory  of  Music,  in  which 
she  won  a  gold  medal  and  made  the  highest  record.  Charlotte  is  head  saleslady 
in  the  millinery  department  of  a  large  store  in  Des  Moines.  The  wife  and  mother 
passed  away  October  i,  1910,  when  almost  fifty  years  of  age.  She  was  a  member 
of  the  Presbyterian  church,  in  which  faith  the  children  were  reared.  For  his 
second  wife  Mr.  Clapp  chose  Mrs.  Rachel  J.  Williams,  nee  Ballou.  She  was 
born  in  Missouri  and  prior  to  her  present  marriage  had  lived  in  Pottawattamie 
county,  Iowa,  where  she  still  owns  a  farm. 

Politically  Mr.  Clapp  was  reared  a  democrat,  but  now  votes  independently, 
supporting  men  and  measures  rather  than  party  ties.  He  is  connected  with  the 
Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers,  and  his  wife  is  a  member  of  its  ladies' 
auxiliary.  They  reside  at  No.  526  Benton  street,  in  an  attractive  home  which  he 
has  remodeled  and  improved,  and  in  Boone,  where  he  has  long  resided,  they  have 
an  extensive  circle  of  warm  friends. 


ORVILLE  M.  THATCHER. 

Orville  M.  Thatcher,  the  well  known  cashier  of  the  Luther  Savings  Bank 
and  one  of  the  most  progressive  young  business  men  of  the  town,  was  born  in 
Grant  township,  Dallas  county,  Iowa,  and  spent  his  early  life  upon  a  farm.  His 
father,  M.  H.  Thatcher,  was  born  in  Clinton  county,  C)hio,  and  came  to  Iowa 
in  1867,  settling  on  a  farm  in  Dallas  county,  where  he  is  now  living  retired. 
In  connection  with  general  farming  he  was  at  one  time  extensively  interested  in 
stock-raising  and  in  business  affairs  prospered  until  he  is  now  regarded  as  one 
of  the  well-to-do  men  of  his  community.  He  was  one  of  the  defender.s  of  the 
Union  during  the  Civil  war.  His  wife  is  also  a  native  of  Clinton  county,  Ohio, 
and  is  still  living.  They  had  seven  children,  namely:  Frances,  now  the  wife  of 
J.  T.  Thatcher,  a  resident  of  Kansas;  Silas  J.,  of  Altoona,  Iowa;  Harriet,  the 
wife  of  O.  M.  Coate  of  Orange,  California;  Virginia,  the  wife  of  A.  B.  Coate 
of  Des  Moines,  Iowa;  Martha,  at  home;  Catherine,  the  wife  of  O.  B.  Price, 
of  Dallas  county;  and  Orville  M.,  of  this  review. 

(!)rville  M.  Thatcher  received  good  educational  advantages,  first  attending 
the  public  schools  and  later  the  schools  of  Des  Moines  and  Dixon,  Illinois,  where 
he  pursued  a  college  course  and  was  graduated  in  1903.  He  then  entered  the 
private  banking  house  of  W.  J.  Stewart  of  Grimes,  Iowa,  as  assistant  cashier, 
remaining  there  one  year.  In  July,  1904,  he  came  to  Luther  as  cashier  of  the 
Luther  Savings  Bank,  which  he  and  his  father,  M.  H.  Thatcher,  organized  at 


440  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

that  time.  His  father  is  now  president  of  the  institution,  while  Oscar  Oakleaf 
of  Madrid,  is  the  vice  president,  with  our  subject  as  cashier  and  Charles  Goodrich 
assistant  cashier.  This  is  one  of  the  safe,  conservative  financial  institutions  of 
the  county,  and  those  at  its  head  are  reliable  and  enterprising  business  men. 

Orville  AI.  Thatcher  was  married  on  the  26th  of  June,  kjoj,  to  Miss  Lillid 
Eckersley,  who  was  born  in  Iroquois  county,  Illinois,  a  daughter  of  Henry  H. 
and  Harriet  (Hunt)  Eckersley.  Her  father  was  born,  reared  and  educated  in 
Philadelphia,  Pennsylvania,  and  in  early  life  learned  the  machinist's  trade. 
During  the  Civil  war  he  entered  the  service  and  for  four  years  was  connected 
with  the  marines.  During  a  terrible  storm  he  was  saved  from  a  watery  grave 
by  the  ship  Sabine.  On  leaving  the  east  he  removed  to  Chicago  and  later  to  a 
farm  in  Grundy  county,  Illinois,  and  from  there  to  Iroquois  county,  the  same 
state,  but  now  makes  his  home  in  Wright  county,  Iowa.  His  wife  died  in  Illinois. 
In  their  family  were  eight  children,  namely:  Sadie,  who  is  now  a  school  teacher 
in  Iroquois  county,  Illinois;  .Anna,  the  wife  of  John  Lovelace  of  that  county; 
Cornelia ;  Harry,  a  resident  of  Iroquois  county ;  William  and  Thomas,  both  of 
Wright  county,  Iowa;  John,  of  Iroquois  county,  Illinois:  and  Lillie,  the  wife  of 
our  subject.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thatcher  have  two  children,  Wilbur  Clayton  and 
Orville  Donald.  The  parents  hold  membership  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church,  in  the  work  of  which  they  take  a  very  active  interest,  Mr.  Thatcher 
serving  at  the  present  time  as  superintendent  of  the  Sunday  school.  He  is 
republican  in  politics,  and  takes  a  commendable  interest  in  public  afTairs,  never 
withholding  his  support  from  any  enterprise  which  he  believes  calculated  to  pro- 
mote the  moral  or  material  welfare  of  his  community. 


C.  H.  RECKSEEN. 


C.  H.  Reckseen  is  well  known  in  business  circles  of  Madrid  as  manager  of 
the  Rex  Lumber  Company,  owning  one  of  the  best  equipped  lumber  yards  in 
central  Iowa.  His  birth  occurred  in  Sweden  in  1876,  his  parents  being  Swan  and 
Christina  Peterson,  likewise  natives  of  that  country.  In  1888  the  family  emigrated 
to  the  United  States,  coming  directly  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  and  taking  up  their 
abode  on  a  farm  in  Colfax  township.  The  parents  now  reside  in  a  new  and 
modern  home  at  Madrid  and  are  among  the  well  known  and  highly  esteemed 
people  of  the  community.  Unto  them  were  born  eleven  children,  as  follows: 
Alfred,  who  is  a  resident  of  High  Bridge,  Iowa ;  Mrs.  Anna  Clay,  living  in  Des 
Moines.  Iowa ;  Lina,  who  is  deceased ;  Maria,  who  has  also  passed  away ;  John 
Albert,  who  makes  his  home  with  his  parents  in  Madrid ;  Edwin,  a  resident  of 
Colfax  township ;  Matilda,  who  is  living  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa ;  C.  H.,  of  this  re- 
view ;  Mrs.  Maria  Young,  of  Colorado  Springs.  Colorado ;  Mrs.  Hulda  Olson,  of 
Chicago,  Illinois ;  Mrs.  Oscar  Anderson,  living  in  Colfax  township.  All  the  above 
named  were  natives  of  Sweden. 

C.  H.  Reckseen,  who  was  a  youth  of  twelve  years  when  he  accompanied  his 
parents  on  their  emigration  to  the  new  world,  acquired  his  education  in  the  com- 
mon schools  and  also  pursued  a  course  of  study  in  the  Capital  City  Commercial 
College  at  Des  Moines.  Iowa.     He  was  subsequently  employed  as  a  bookkeeper 


C.  H.  KEI'KSEEN 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  "  443 

for  one  year  and  in  1900  became  identified  with  the  lumber  business,  in  which 
he  has  remained  continuously  since.  He  spent  six  years  at  Des  Moines  and  two 
years  in  Denver,  Colorado,  and  for  the  past  six  years  has  acted  as  manager  of 
the  Rex  Lumber  Company  of  Madrid,  Iowa,  conducting  one  of  the  finest  equipped 
lumber  yards  to  be  found  in  the  central  part  of  the  state.  Mr.  Reckseen  is  widely 
recognized  as  a  man  of  excellent  business  ability,  sound  judgment  and  scrupulous 
integrity,  and  his  efforts  have  contributed  in  no  uncertain  degree  to  the  con- 
tinued prosperity  of  the  concern  with  which  he  is  connected.  He  is  a  heavy 
stockholder  in  the  Rex  Lumber  Company,  owns  an  attractively  appointed  home  in 
Madrid  and  is  numbered  among  the  substantial  and  representative  citizens  of  the 
county. 

In  1906  Mr.  Reckseen  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Emelia  Timan,  who  was 
born  in  Sweden  in  1880,  her  parents  being  Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  J.  Timan,  likewise 
natives  of  that  country.  They  emigrated  to  the  United  States  and  established  their 
home  at  Laurens,  Pocahontas  county,  Iowa,  where  the  father  turned  his  atten- 
tion to  agricultural  pursuits.  He  is  now  a  resident  of  Madrid,  this  state,  but  the 
mother  passed  away  in  Laurens.  LTnto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  C.  J-  Timan  were  born  five\ 
children,  namely:  Adolph,  who  is  a  resident  of  Laurens,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Anna  Berg- 
ling,  of  St.  James,  Minnesota ;  Hulda,  living  in  Denver,  Colorado ;  Mrs.  Emelia 
Reckseen ;  and  Carl,  who  is  a  resident  of  Hayfield,  Iowa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Reckseen 
have  one  son,  Harold  Timan,  who  was  born  in  Denver,  Colorado,  on  the  6th  of 
October,  1907,  and  is  now  a  public-school  student  of  Madrid. 

Mr.  Reckseen  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  a  prominent  factor  in  the  local 
ranks  of  the  party,  being  now  a  republican  committeeman  of  Douglas  township. 
He  is  likewise  the  president  of  the  board  of  education  of  Madrid  and  in  this 
connection  has  made  a  highly  commendable  and  creditable  record.  He  is  a  man  of 
strongly  marked  character  who  has  come  to  be  recognized  as  a  forceful  element 
in  the  community  and  his  sterling  personal  traits  of  character  have  won  him  the 
high  regard  and  confidence  of  all  with  whom  he  has  been  associated. 


EDWARD   H.   WANE. 


Edward  H.  Wane,  a  well  known  farmer  and  stock-raiser,  ownhig  and 
operating  a  good  farm  of  one  hundred  and  thirty-two  acres  on  the  state  road 
in  Worth  township,  was  born  on  the  old  Wane  homestead  in  Des  Moines  town- 
ship, this  county,  February  18,  1862.  He  is  a  brother  of  J.  W.  Wane,  in  whose 
sketch  extended  mention  is  made  of  the  family.  Reared  in  Des  Moines  town- 
ship, he  is  indebted  to  its  public  schools  for  the  educational  privileges  he  enjoyed 
during  his  boyhood  and  youth.  On  leaving  the  home  farm  he  was  connected  for 
two  years  with  the  conduct  of  a  grocery  store  at  Boone,  being  in  partnership 
with  his  brother,  but  the  greater  part  of  his  life  has  been  devoted  to  farming. 
He  purchased  his  present  place,  known  as  the  old  George  W.  Rrown  farm,  on 
section  11,  Worth  township,  and  has  since  erected  a  good  residence,  barn  and 
other  outbuildings,  and  in  connection  with  the  cultivation  of  the  land  he  devotes 
considerable  attention  to  the  raising  of  graded  stock. 


444  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Mr.  Wane  was  married  in  this  county  to  Miss  Lenora  Brown,  who  was  bom 
August  29,  1867.  Her  father,  George  W.  Brown,  was  a  native  of  England, 
born  in  Norfolk  county,  ^March  22,  1820,  and  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years  went 
to  Canada  with  his  mother  and  three  sisters,  but  shortly  after  their  arrival  there 
he  settled  in  Watertown,  New  York.  In  1837  he  began  learning  the  saddler's 
trade,  which  he  continued  to  follow  until  1849,  when  he  removed  to  Antwerp 
and  engaged  in  business  for  himself  for  five  years.  He  was  a  self-educated,  as 
well  as  a  self-made  man  and  became  a  great  leader  and  student.  In  1855  he 
came  to  Iowa,  locating  in  Worth  township,  Boone  county,  where  he  converted 
an  old  schoolhouse  into  a  residence.  This  building  is  still  standing  upon  the 
farm,  and  many  of  the  early  residents  of  the  neighborhood  were  educated  there. 
Mr.  Brown  was  married  January  2,  1844,  to  Miss  Sophia  L.  Fluno,  of  New  York, 
and  to  them  were  born  ten  children,  namely :  Mary,  the  wife  of  C.  T.  Norton ; 
Harriett,  the  wife  of  Frank  Woosley ;  Charles  B.,  a  resident  of  Boone,  Iowa; 
Jane,  the  wife  of  J.  H.  Pilcher ;  George;  Frank;  Clarence;  and  Lenora,  the 
wife  of  our  subject.  A  son,  William,  was  accidentally  shot  in  September,  1876, 
and  one  child  died  in  infancy.  Mr.  Brown  passed  away  August  29,  1906,  and 
his  wife  died  five  months  later,  on  the  19th  of  January,  1907.  She  was  born 
July  3,  1826,  in  the  Empire  state.  Beside  their  children,  they  left  thirty-six 
grandchildren  and  sixteen  great-grandchildren.  Mr.  Brown  was  a  member  of 
the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  I'ellows  and  was  a  man  highly  esteemed  by  all 
who  knew  him. 

Eight  children  blessed  the  union  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wane,  all  of  whom  were 
born  in  this  county,  namely :  Mrs.  Opal  McCaskey,  who  was  born  March  3, 
1890,  and  has  one  daughter,  Alice  Loraine ;  Mrs.  Ruth  Marie  Hannum,  born 
January  21,  1892;  Mabel  May,  born  April  29,  1894;  John  Howard,  July  18,  1896; 
Alice  Louise,  November  9,  1903;  Florence  Avis,  September  11,  1905;  Loran 
Brown,  August  11,  1908;  and  James  Edward,  June  13,  1912.  In  his  religious 
views  Mr.  Wane  is  liberal,  and  in  politics  he  is  a  republican.  He  has  served  as 
township  trustee,  but  has  never  cared  for  the  honors  or  emoluments  of  public 
office,  preferring  to  devote  his  time  and  energies  to  his  business  affairs.  He  is, 
however,  public-spirited  and  cooperates  in  all  movements  which  he  believes  will 
prove  a  benefit  to  his  community. 


HUGH  A.  CHAMBERS. 

On  the  roster  of  county  officials  in  Boone  county  appears  the  name  of  Hugh 
A.  Chambers,  who  is  making  a  creditable  record  in  the  capacity  of  surveyor.  His 
birth  occurred  in  Columbus,  Indiana,  on  the  5th  of  August,  1873,  'I's  parents 
being  G.  S.  and  Amelia  (Murphy)  Chambers,  who  are  natives  of  North  Carolina 
and  Indiana  respectively.  In  1879  the  family  home  was  established  in  Boone 
county,  Iowa,  and  here  the  father  embarked  in  the  grocery  business,  also  following 
farming  near  Madrid.  Subsequently  he  was  engaged  in  the  machinery  business 
at  Des  Moines  but  at  the  present  time  is  living  retired  in  California  with  his  wife. 

Hugh  A.  Chambers,  an  only  child,  pursued  a  high-school  course  in  Des  Moines 
and  also  spent  two  years  as  a  student  in  the  Iowa  State  College  of  Agriculture  and 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  445 

Mechanical  Arts  at  Ames,  where  he  received  his  training  as  a  civil  engineer. 
In  1895  he  was  graduated  from  the  University  of  Michigan  at  Ann  Arbor  and 
then  was  connected  with  government  work  on  Lake  Superior  for  a  short  time. 
Later  he  was  in  the  service  of  the  King  Bridge  Company  at  Cleveland,  Ohio, 
and  afterward  went  to  Cripple  Creek,  Colorado,  where  he  remained  for  a  year 
and  a  half.  Subsequently  he  spent  about  a  year  as  civil  engineer  with  the  Denver 
&  Rio  Grande  Railway  and  other  roads  until  1900.  In  that  year  he  came  to 
Boone  and  entered  the  service  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railway.  Several 
years  ago  he  was  elected  county  surveyor  and  in  that  capacity  he  is  now  ably 
serving,  discharging  his  important  duties  in  a  highly  commendable  and  efficient 
manner.  His  fraternal  relations  are  with  the  Masons,  the  Benevolent  Protective 
Order  of  Elks  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  He  is  an  energetic,  useful  and  worthy 
resident  of  the  county,  and  in  all  the  relations  of  life  he  has  been  true  to  high 
and  honorable  standards. 


CHARLES  E.  MUENCH. 

After  a  long  life  devoted  to  agricultural  labors  Charles  E.  Muench  now 
lives  in  Pilot  Mound  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  comfortable  competence.  He  was 
born  in  Dauphin  county,  Pennsylvania,  December  29,  1844,  and  is  a  son  of 
Jacob  D.  and  Solma  (Myers)  Muench,  natives  of  Dauphin  county.  Although 
the  father  was  a  shoemaker  by  trade,  he  gave  his  attention  mostly  to  farming 
and  followed  that  occupation  in  Pennsylvania  until  his  death  in  1845.  His  widow 
survived  him  until  1884. 

Charles  E.  Muench  was  reared  and  educated  in  Dauphin  county  and  remained 
with  his  mother  on  the  home  farm  until  he  reached  his  majority.  He  then 
engaged  independently  in  agricultural  pursuits,  remaining  in  Pennsylvania  for 
six  years.  Llowever,  he  did  not  attain  the  desired  success  and,  perceiving  the 
opportunities  of  the  middle  west,  decided  to  remove  there.  When  he  left  he 
had  just  enough  means  to  take  him  to  Illinois.  There  he  arrived  in  1871  and 
farmed  for  eight  years.  He  then  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  where  he  rented 
the  John  L.  Good  farm  for  one  year  and  then  bought  eighty  acres  in  Grant 
township,  applying  himself  to  the  cultivation  of  this  tract.  Prosperity  was  the 
outcome  of  his  close  application  here.  He  subsequently  was  able  to  acquire  an 
adjoining  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  and  later  added  forty  acres,  so  that  his 
farm  comprised  two  hundred  and  forty  acres.  He  always  followed  the  most 
modern  and  improved  methods  and  brought  his  land  to  a  high  state  of  cultiva- 
tion. His  buildings  were  kept  in  good  repair,  and  the  latest  equipment  and 
machinery  could  be  found  upon  his  farm.  As  time  passed  on  his  fortune  increased, 
and  in  1902  he  was  able  to  retire  and  moved  to  Pilot  Mound,  where  he  bought 
a  handsome  home  on  two  acres  of  land.  He  has  recently  acquired  another  resi- 
dence adjoining  the  one  which  is  his  home  and  which  also  is  surrounded  by  two 
acres  of  ground. 

On  the  13th  of  March,  1864,  Mr.  Muench  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Elizabeth  Schrefiler,  a  daughter  of  Harry  and  Catherine  (Saltzer)  Schreffler, 
who  were  born  in  Dauphin  county,  Pennsylvania.     The  father  followed  farming 


446  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

ill  his  native  state,  where  he  died  in  1854,  his  widow  surviving  him  until  1864. 
Mrs.  Muench  was  born  in  Dauphin  county,  April  3,  1845.  She  bore  her  husband 
ten  children,  as  follows :  Ida.  Harry,  Mary,  Catherine ;  Charles,  who  died  in 
1901;  George,  Garfield,  Edna,  Delia  and  Rose.  Mr.  Muench  served  for  fifteen 
years  as  trustee  of  Grant  township  and  always  gave  his  support  to  progressive 
measures  while  a  resident  thereof.  After  coming  to  Pilot  Mound  he  was  elected 
mayor  of  the  town  and  served  as  executive  for  two  years.  He  also  served  as 
a  member  of  the  city  council  for  seven  years.  He  is  a  stockholder  in  the  Farmers 
Elevator  Company  of  Pilot  Mound  and  fraternally  is  connected  with  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  of  which  he  has  been  a  member  for  forty-six 
years.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  German  Reformed  church,  and  politically, 
he  is  a  republican.  He  stands  high  in  the  respect  and  esteem  of  his  fellow  citizens 
and  well  merits  the  confidence  which  is  placed  in  him. 


CHARLES  H.  SEILING. 

Charles  H.  Selling,  who  is  to  be  numliered  among  the  substantial  business 
men  of  Boone,  is  engaged  in  this  city  in  the  wholesale  lic|Uor  business  and  also 
is  the  special  representative  for  the  Pabst  Brewing  Company  of  Milwaukee.  In 
the  discharge  of  his  business  affairs  he  has  actjuired  a  reputation  for  honesty 
and  fair  dealing  which  is  enviable  and  has  built  u]i  an  extensive  business  because 
of  these  qualities. 

Mr.  Seiling  was  born  in  Boone,  August  3,  1870,  and  is  a  son  of  Frederick 
and  Minnie  (Granson)  Seiling,  natives  of  Germany,  the  former  born  in  Hanover. 
He  was  a  tailor  by  trade  and  followed  that  occu]jation  in  his  native  land  and 
after  coming  to  the  United  States.  His  education  was  meager  and  after  arriving 
in  this  country  as  a  young  man  he  made  his  way  to  Rochelle,  Illinois,  where  he 
worked  at  tailoring,  and  thence  to  Wheatland.  Iowa.  Twice  he  endeavored  to 
enlist  for  service  in  the  Civil  war  init  broke  his  leg  upon  one  occasion  and  met 
with  a  serious  accident  at  the  next  time  before  reaching  his  place  of  destination. 
He  came  to  Boone  in  the  fall  of  18(16  and  conducted  a  tailor  shop  until  his 
death  on  November  14,  1893.  His  political  allegiance  was  given  to  the  demo- 
cratic party,  and  he  was  a  member  of  the  German  Lutheran  church.  His  widow, 
who  also  holds  membership  in  that  church,  still  resides  in  Boone,  making  her 
home  with  her  son  Otto.  Her  father,  Christopher  Granson,  participated  in  the 
Civil  war  and  died  in  Boone  at  the  age  of  ninety  years.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Seiling, 
Sr.,  were  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Louis  A.,  who  is  married  and 
resides  in  Schaller,  Iowa;  Henry,  of  Boone,  who  married  Miss  Margaret  Curtis, 
of  Kansas ;  Frederick,  deceased ;  Edward  H.,  who  died  in  Spokane,  Washington, 
March  9,  1909,  and  who  was  the  founder  of  the  business  now  owned  by  our 
subject ;  Charles  H.,  of  this  review ;  Otto,  of  Boone ;  John  H.,  who  died  in  Boone 
in  February,  1912;  and  Kate,  who  died  at  the  age  of  four  years.  Edward  H. 
Seiling  was  twice  married  and  had  one  daughter,  Marie,  by  his  first  wife,  a  Miss 
Reese.  The  daughter,  a  resident  of  Spokane,  received  an  excellent  education, 
being  a  graduate  of  Vassar  College. 


CHARLES  H.  SI-;iLING 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  449 

Charles  H.  Selling  of  this  review  attended  the  Boone  public  schools  until 
fourteen  years  of  age,  working  for  the  following  nine  years  as  a  tinner  and 
coppersmith  in  the  shops  of  the  Northwestern  Railway.  He  then  removed  with 
his  brother,  Louis  A.,  to  Oklahoma,  where  they  took  up  a  claim  of  one  hundred 
and  sixty  acres  of  land,  building  a  store  there  which  they  operated  from  the 
spring  of  1893  until  the  fall  of  1895.  At  the  end  of  that  period  Mr.  Selling  of 
this  review  returned  to  Boone,  entering  the  employ  of  his  brother,  Edward  H., 
in  the  business  which  our  subject  now  owns.  The  firm  is  located  at  Ninth  and 
Keeler  streets.  Mr.  Selling  took  over  his  brother's  interest  in  February,  1912, 
after  the  latter's  death.  He  has  since  been  very  successful  in  the  conduct  of  his 
business  and  is  numbered  among  the  substantial  residents  of  Boone. 

On  October  10,  1899,  Mr.  Selling  married  in  Ogden,  Iowa,  Miss  Anna  Matz, 
of  that  city,  a  daughter  of  Hans  and  Margaret  Matz.  They  have  one  son,  Fred- 
erick Otto,  who  was  born  in  Boone,  November  11,  1902.  Mr.  Selling  was 
baptized  in  the  Lutheran  church  and  has  ever  since  been  loyal  to  its  tenets.  He 
is  a  stanch  democrat,  thoroughly  in  accord  with  the  aims  of  that  party,  whose 
candidates  he  supports  at  the  polls.  Fraternally  he  is  a  member  of  Central  Lodge, 
No.  73,  Knights  of  Pythias.  In  a  (juiet  way  he  has  contributed  much  toward 
the  progress  of  Boone  and  in  all  his  relations  of  life  has  ever  shown  himself 
tnistworthy,  faithful  and  dependable. 


CHARLES  M.  VAN  GORDER. 

Charles  M.  Van  Gorder  has  since  1884  been  continuously  a  resident  of  Boone 
and  for  the  past  twenty  years  has  been  a  regular  passenger  conductor  on  the 
Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad.  He  was  born  in  Elmira,  Chemung  county. 
New  York,  in  1855,  a  son  of  Henry  and  Harriet  (Murray)  Van  Gorder.  The 
paternal  grandfather,  John  Van  Gorder,  was  the  founder  of  the  family  in  /America, 
coming  to  the  new  world  from  his  native  land  of  Holland.  The  father,  a  native 
of  Chemung  county,  followed  farming  throughout  his  active  life,  save  for  the 
period  in  which  he  put  aside  all  business  and  personal  considerations  to  serve 
as  a  soldier  in  the  Civil  war,  becoming  a  member  of  the  One  Hundred  and  Forty- 
first  New  York  Regiment,  with  which  he  was  on  active  duty  on  many  a  hotly 
contested  battlefield.  He  died  in  December,  1910,  at  the  ripe  old  age  of  eighty- 
four  years.  His  wife  was  born  and  reared  in  Elmira,  New  York,  and  was  of 
Scotch  lineage.  She  was  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church  and  had  many  excel- 
lent qualities.  In  the  family  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henry  Van  Gorder  were  three 
daughters  and  four  sons,  and  with  the  exception  of  one  son  all  are  yet  living. 

Charles  M.  Van  Gorder  s]:)ent  his  youthful  days  in  his  native  county  and 
attended  the  public  schools.  At  twenty  years  of  age  he  made  his  way  westward 
to  Boone,  where  he  followed  farming  for  several  years,  or  until  1882.  He  then 
went  upon  the  railroad  as  a  brakeman  and  in  1884  was  advanced  to  the  position 
of  freight  conductor,  in  which  capacity  he  continued  until  1893,  when  he  was 
made  a  passenger  conductor  on  the  western  division  of  the  Chicago  &  North- 
western Railroad.    He  has  since  acted  in  that  capacity  and  the  record  is  a  credit- 


450  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

able  one  as  is  indicated  by  the  fact  that  for  ahnost  a  third  of  a  century  he  has 
been  retained  in  the  employ  of  this  corporation. 

Mr.  Van  Gorder  has  been  married  twice.  In  Audubon  county,  Iowa,  he 
wedded  Miss  Alice  Frederick,  and  they  became  parents  of  one  child.  On  the 
22(1  of  August,  191 1,  in  Urbana,  Illinois,  Mr.  Van  Gorder  married  Mrs.  Evalyn 
Gustafson,  nee  Pike,  who  was  born  in  Warren  county,  New  York,  as  were  her 
parents  and  grandparents.  Her  father,  Richard  Pike,  is  still  living  in  New  York. 
The  family,  of  English  and  Scotch  descent,  have  always  been  Episcopalians  in 
religious  faith.  By  her  former  marriage  Mrs.  Van  Gorder  had  a  son,  C.  Le  Roy 
Gustafson,  who  is  a  graduate  of  the  Illinois  State  University  and  now  an  architect 
of  Urbana,  Illinois.  The  mother  came  to  Boone  in  1879.  Her  iirst  husband  was 
also  with  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  as  a  trainman  and  was  killed  in  1905. 

Politically  Mr.  Van  Gorder  is  a  republican  and,  although  he  never  seeks  nor 
desires  office,  he  is  always  interested  in  political  questions  and  measures.  He  is 
well  known  in  Masonic  circles,  having  been  initiated  into  the  order  in  Carroll 
county,  Iowa,  as  a  member  of  Mount  Olive  Lodge,  No.  79,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.  He 
also  belongs  to  the  chapter  of  Boone,  to  the  commandery  of  Jefferson,  to  the 
consistory  of  Clinton,  Iowa,  and  the  Mystic  Shrine  at  Des  Moines.  Mrs.  Van 
Gorder  is  a  member  of  the  Eastern  Star  chapter  at  Urbana  and  of  the  White 
Shrine  of  Champaign,  and  her  son  is  a  member  of  the  blue  lodge  of  Boone  and 
the  chapter  and  commandery  of  Champaign,  Illinois.  Mr.  Van  Gorder  is  likewise 
connected  with  the  Order  of  Railway  Conductors  at  Boone.  Mrs.  Van  Gorder 
belongs  to  the  Episcopal  church  and  is  a  hiember  of  several  ladies'  auxiliary 
societies.  In  191 1  they  erected  an  attractive  home  at  No.  604  Linn  street,  Boone, 
of  which  Mrs.  Van  Gorder's  son  was  the  architect. 


JAMES  CHARLES  JUDGE. 

James  Charles  Judge  is  one  of  the  most  prosperous  of  Boone  county's  farmers, 
being  the  owner  of  four  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  fertile  land,  his  home 
being  on  section  23,  Colfax  township.  He  also  holds  title  to  an  additional  two 
hundred  acres  in  this  county,  one  hundred  and  twenty  of  which  are  in  Des  Moines 
township.  He  was  born  in  Monroe  county,  Wisconsin,  near  the  town  of  Albany, 
on  the  24th  of  Septemlier,  1861,  his  parents  being  James  and  Bridget  (Kelley) 
Judge,  extended  mention  of  whom  is  made  in  the  sketch  of  Ralph  Judge  of  Des 
Moines  township.  The  Kelleys  came  to  the  United  States  at  about  the  same  time 
as  James  Judge  and  located  for  a  time  in  New  York.  An  uncle  of  our  subject, 
John  Kelley,  went  to  New  Orleans,  where  he  engaged  in  business  and  where  his 
death  occurred  about  1865.  James  Kelley,  brother  of  John,  lived  for  a  time  in 
Madison,  Wisconsin,  where  he  conducted  a  fuel  business  for  several  years,  but 
later  removed  to  Milwaukee,  where  he  passed  away  in   1913. 

James  Charles  Judge  was  but  ten  years  of  age  when  the   family  came  to 
Boone   county.     His   primary    education    had    been   acquired    in    Green    countv 
Wisconsin,  and  he  became  a  pupil  in  the  Colfa.x  township  schools  of  this  county. 
At  the  age  of  eighteen  his  formal  schooling  was  over  and  he  devoted  his  time  to 
the  work  of  the  farm.     When  twenty-one  he  left  his  father's  home  and  began 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  451 

his  independent  career.  He  purchased  eighty  acres  on  section  23,  Colfax  town- 
ship, on  which  he  built  a  small  house  on  the  site  of  his  present  commodious 
dwelling.  He  has  successfully  carried  on  general  farming  and  stock-raising 
until  he  is  now  one  of  the  large  landowners  of  the  county.  His  prosperity  has 
not  been  due  to  chance  but  to  his  own  foresight  and  wise  management,  and  the 
competence  which  he  enjoys  affords  added  satisfaction  because  so  well  earned. 

On  the  17th  of  October,  1893,  Mr.  Judge  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Maggie  Coleman,  who  was  born  March  24,  1862,  at  St.  Louis,  and  received  her 
education  in  Monroe  county,  Iowa,  whither  her  father,  Joseph  Coleman,  took 
his  family  when  she  was  but  three  or  four  years  of  age.  Mr.  Coleman  was  a 
native  of  County  Tipperary,  Ireland.  The  children  born  to  the  union  of  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Judge  are:  William  H.,  whose  birth  occurred  September  6,  1894; 
Charles  L.,  born  March  2,  1896;  James  E.,  August  16,  1898;  Theresa  L.,  June 
17,  1900;  Richard  C,  June  2,  1903;  and  Emmet  C,  March  25,  1907. 

The  parents  are  members  of  the  St.  Cecelia  Roman  Catholic  church  at  Ames, 
Iowa.  Mr.  Judge  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  democratic  party  and  has 
held  a  number  of  township  offices.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Knights  of  Columbus. 
His  life  has  been  a  distinct  asset  to  Boone  county  and  his  just  reward  is  the 
sincere  esteem  of  all  who  know  him. 


THOMAS  E.  MEANS. 


Twenty-five  years  have  come  and  gone  since  Thomas  E.  Means  took  up  his 
abode  in  Boone  and  for  twenty-four  years  of  that  time  he  has  been  engaged  in 
the  real-estate,  abstract,  loan  and  insurance  business.  He  joined  his  brother  Wil- 
liam B.  Means  in  the  conduct  of  a  Inisiness  of  that  character,  and  they  have  since 
been  associated  under  the  firni  name  of  Means  Brothers.  It  is  not  difficult  to 
determine  the  secret  of  their  success,  for  close  application  and  energy  have  e\er 
guided  them  in  all  of  their  business  relations. 

Thomas  E.  Means  was  born  near  Paris,  Illinois,  in  April,  1865,  and  is  a  son 
of  John  C.  and  Margaret  (Shelledy)  Means.  His  father  was  a  pioneer  of  Edgar 
county,  Illinois,  where  he  arrived  in  1823,  at  the  age  of  six  years,  in  company 
with  his  parents,  William  aiid  Susan  (Seal)  Means,  who  removed  from 
Ohio  to  Illinois.  William  Means,  however,  was  a  native  of  Staunton,  Virginia, 
and  lived  in  South  Carolina  for  some  time  before  going  to  Ohio.  In  the  last 
named  state  he  remained  until  1823  and  then  went  to  Illinois  when  his  son  John 
C.  was  a  little  lad  of  si.x  summers.  The  death  of  William  Means  occurred  in 
1848.  Under  the  parental  roof  John  C.  Means  spent  his  boyhood  and  j'outh. 
He  was  about  eighty  years  of  age  ere  death  called  him  in  1897.  He  married 
Margeret  Shelledy,  who  was  born  near  West  Union,  Adams  county,  r)hio.  a 
daughter  of  G.  B.  Shelledy,  who  was  a  pioneer  lawyer  and  a  contemporary  of 
Abraham  Lincoln.  Some  correspondence  which  passed  between  the  two  in- 
cludes a  letter  from  Mr.  Lincoln  to  Mr.  Shelledy,  which  is  now  in  the  curator's 
department  of  the  state  capitol  at  Des  Moines.  Mr.  Shelledy  died  about  1846, 
when  a  comparatively  young  man.  His  daughter  Margaret  reached  the  ripe  old 
age  of  seventy  years,  passing  away  in  March,  1897.     She  and  all  the  members  of 


452  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

the  family  were  Presbyterians  in  religious  faith,  and  her  belief  found  expression 
in  the  beauty  of  her  life  and  in  the  kindly  spirit  manifest  toward  those  with  whom 
she  was  associated. 

Thomas  E.  Means  was  the  ninth  in  order  of  birth  in  a  family  of  ten  children, 
of  whom  eight  are  yet  living.  There  were  also  two  cousins  who  were  reared  by 
his  parents,  and  all  the  others  of  the  household  remained  at  or  near  the  old 
Illinois  home.  Thomas  E.  Means  spent  his  youthful  days  in  Edgar  county, 
Illinois,  and  in  the  acquirement  of  his  education  attended  the  high  school  at  Paris, 
from  which  he  was  graduated.  In  early  manhood  he  engaged  in  teaching  for  some 
months  and  then  went  to  Boone,  Iowa,  since  which  time  he  has  been  engaged 
in  abstract  work  and  in  his  present  business.  He  joined  his  brother  William 
B.  Means  in  1893,  and  under  the  firm  style  of  Means  Brothers  they  have  since 
conducted  an  abstract,  loan,  real-estate  and  insurance  business. 

In  1893  Mr.  Means  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Agnes  Kennedy,  a  native 
of  Hendricks  county,  Indiana,  and  a  daughter  of  Dr.  L.  H.  Kennedy,  who  was  a 
surgeon  in  Benjamin  Harrison's  regiment  of  Indiana  troops  and  served 
throughout  the  Civil  war.  He  lived  and  died  in  Indiana.  Mrs.  Means  acquired  a 
high-school  education  there  and  taught  for  some  time  before  her  marriage  at  Dan- 
ville, Indiana,  proving  very  capable  in  imparting  readily  and  clearly  to  others 
the  knowledge  that  she  had  acquired.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Means  are  now  parents  of 
two  daughters,  Margaret  and  Mary  Frances,  both  of  whom  are  attending  high 
school.  In  politics  Mr.  Means  is  a  republican,  yet  without  ambition  for  office. 
He  has  membership  relations  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  with  the  Royal 
Arcanum. 


J.  C.  BERTON. 


J.  C.  Berton  is  a  factor  in  journalistic  circles  of  Boone  comity  as  editor  of  the 
Pilot  Mound  Monitor,  which  he  purchased  in  April,  1913,  and  in  which  connec- 
tion he  has  since  developed  an  up-to-date  and  well  equipped  printing  plant.  His 
iiirth  occurred  in  Vermont  on  the  6th  of  February,  1880,  his  parents  being 
William  and  Ellen  (Campbell)  Berton,  likewise  natives  of  that  state.  The 
father  served  with  the  Union  army  throughout  the  entire  period  of  the  Civil  war 
and  was  subsequently  an  officer  for  twenty  years.  The  grandfather  of  our  sub- 
ject likewise  served  as  an  army  officer,  and  the  military  record  of  the  family  is 
a  most  creditable  one. 

J.  C.  Berton  was  reared  and  educated  in  the  state  of  his  nativity  and  when^ 
fourteen  years  of  age  learned  the  printer's  trade,  with  which  he  has  been  identi- 
fied continuously  to  the  present  time.  In  April,  1913,  he  came  to  Pilot  Mound, 
Iowa,  and  purchased  the  Pilot  Mound  Monitor,  which  he  has  since  published. 
The  paper  has  five  hundred  subscribers  and  a  large  advertising  patronage,  and  is 
a  bright,  newsy  sheet  devoted  to  the  dissemination  of  information  of  general 
interest.  Mr.  Berton  has  installed  a  new  plant,  and  has  made  it  modern  in 
every  particular. 

In  January,  1908,  Mr.  Berton  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Edna  F.  Gerdom, 
her  parents  being  Charles  and  Ophelia  Gerdom,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.     Our 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  453 

subject  and  his  wife  have  two  children,  Clifford  and  Ellwood,  the  former  three 
years  of  age  and  the  latter  one  year  old.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Berton  is  a 
republican.  He  is  a  young  man  of  enterprise,  ambition  and  energy,  and  in 
furthering  his  own  prosperity  is  also  contributing  to  the  upbuilding  of  his  com- 
munity in  appreciable  degree. 


JAMES  F.  CONDON. 


James  F.  Condon  is  an  enterprising  and  progressive  citizen  of  the  village 
of  Ridgeport,  where  since  1902  he  has  engaged  in  general  merchandising.  He 
has  also  held  the  office  of  postmaster  there  and  at  different  times  has  filled  other 
positions,  in  which  he  has  proven  his  loyalty  as  a  citizen  and  his  devotion  to  the 
public  welfare.  He  was  born  January  22,  1854,  in  Clark  county,  Illinois,  his 
parents  being  Henry  and  Eliza  (Dixon)  Condon.  The  father,  a  native  of  Ohio, 
was  born  January  25,  1822,  and  his  life  record  covered  seventy-one  years,  his 
death  occurring  in  Boone  county  in  1893.  His  wife,  who  was  born  July  14,  1825, 
passed  away  in  Boone  county  September  7,  1893.  In  their  family  were  eleven 
children,  of  whom  six  sons  are  still  living,  all  of  whom  are  residents  of  Boone 
county  with  the  exception  of  one  who  makes  his  home  in  Ottumwa,  Iowa. 

James  F.  Condon  spent  his  youthful  day?  upon  the  home  farm,  with  the 
usual  experiences  that  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  farm  lad.  He  was  quite  young  when 
the  parents  came  with  their  family  to  Boone  county,  so  that  he  was  here  reared, 
and  the  public  schools  afforded  him  his  educational  privileges.  After  attaining 
his  majority  he  took  up  the  occupation  to  which  he  had  been  reared  and  which 
he  followed  continuously  until  1902.  He  then  turned  his  attention  to  general 
merchandising  at  Ridgeport,  where  he  has  a  good  business.  He  carries  a  well 
selected  line  of  goods,  and  his  reliable  methods  and  earnest  desire  to  please  his 
patrons  have  been  the  chief  features  in  his  growing  success. 

Mr.  Condon  has  been  married  twice.  He  first  wedded  Christina  Anderson, 
who  was  born  in  Sweden  in  i860  and  died  in  Boone  county  in  April,  1908.  She 
was  a  daughter  of  Martin  and  Bretta  Anderson.  The  father  died  in  Sweden 
and  the  mother  afterward  brought  her  daughter  Christina  to  the  new  world  and 
passed  away  in  September,  1913.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Condon  were  born  se\  en 
children.  Martin,  born  in  1880,  was  married  in  1907  to  Daisy  York,  by  whom 
he  has  two  children,  Harry  and  Glidie.  He  is  engaged  in  farming  in  Kossuth 
county.  Zora,  the  second  of  the  family,  was  born  in  1883.  Katherine,  born  in 
18S5,  became  the  wife  of  Lewis  Anderson,  a  miner  of  Des  Moines.  Iowa,  in 
1910,  and  they  have  one  daughter.  Annabel.  The  fourth  member  of  the  family, 
Annabel,  was  born  in  1890  and  becanre  the  wife  of  Archibald  Jennings.  Lloyd, 
born  in  1893,  Izivine,  born  in  1897,  and  Cuma,  born  in  1902,  are  all  at  home. 
Mr.  Condon  was  married  a  second  time  in  November,  1909,  when  Mrs.  W.  I.. 
Kelly,  nee  Frances  Redpath,  became  his  wife. 

Mr.  Condon  has  always  been  interested  in  the  political  questions  and  issues 
of  the  day,  giving  his  support  to  the  democratic  party  where  matters  of  national 
importance  are  involved  but  casting  an  independent  local  ballot.  He  held  the 
office  of  postmaster  at  Ridgeport,  has  been  township  clerk  and  justice  of  the 


454  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

peace  and  for  twelve  years  was  school  treasurer.  He  has  made  an  excellent 
record  in  public  office,  being  always  loyal  to  the  trust  reposed  in  him.  His  has 
been  an  honorable,  active  and  well  spent  life,  and  he  has  an  extensive  circle  of 
friends  in  Ridgeport  and  throughout  Boone  county,  where  he  has  now  long  made 
his  home  and  where  he  is  widely  and  favorably  known. 


GEORGE  LAFFERTY. 


More  than  a  half  century  has  come  and  gone  since  the  tocsin  of  war  sounded 
and  President  Lincoln  issued  his  first  call  for  troops  to  defend  the  Union.  Before 
the  war  had  progressed  to  any  great  extent  George  Laliferty  was  among  the 
nunil)er  who  offered  their  services  at  the  front,  joining  the  Fifth  Wisconsin 
r.attery,  of  which  he  was  made  first  lieutenant.  He  was  then  a  comparatively 
young  man.  Today  he  has  almost  reached  the  eightieth  milestone  on  life's  jour- 
ney, his  birth  having  occurred  at  Danville,  Illinois,  November  20,  1834.  His 
parents  were  James  and  Ann  (Kinney)  LaiTerty  and  his  paternal  grandfather 
was  Patrick  Lafferty,  who  came  from  Ireland  in  early  manhood.  He  was  left 
an  orphan  and  from  that  time  forward  was  dependent  upon  his  own  resources. 
He  first  settled  in  Pennsylvania,  where  he  followed  farm  work.  He  was  mar- 
ried in  that  state  or  in  New  York  and  later  removed  to  Danville,  Illinois,  where 
he  followed  farming  until  the  latter  portion  of  his  life,  his  death  occurring  when 
he  was  eighty  years  of  age.     His  children  were  James  and  Daniel. 

James  Laiferty  was  born  in  Dayton,  Ohio,  and  there  spent  the  period  of  his 
boyhood  and  youth.  When  twenty-one  years  of  age  he  went  to  Danville,  Illinois, 
with  his  father.  He  became  a  farmer  and  stone-cutter  and  followed  those  pur- 
suits as  a  life  work.  Following  his  marriage  he  came  to  Iowa  and  his  last  days 
were  passed  in  Woodward.  Dallas  county,  where  he  died  in  December,  1893,  at 
the  age  of  eighty-seven  years,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  1806.  His  children 
were  as  follows:  J.  Russell,  now  deceased;  George;  Sarah,  who  died  in  child- 
hood; Emma,  the  wife  of  A.  C.  Smith,  of  Woodward.  Iowa;  Mary;  Ellen,  who 
has  passed  away ;  and  William,  deceased. 

George  Lafferty  spent  the  first  nine  years  of  his  life  in  Danville,  at  the  end 
of  which  time  the  father  went  with  "his  family  to  Monroe,  Green  county,  Wis- 
consin. His  educational  privileges  were  very  meager  and  he  had  opportunity  to 
attend  school  for  only  six  months  altogether  and  that  period  spent  in  one  of  the 
old  time  log  school  houses.  His  father  had  forty  acres  of  land  in  timber  which 
had  to  be  cleared  away  ere  plowing  could  be  done  and  George  Lafferty  assisted 
in  the  arduous  task  of  cutting  old  trees,  burning  the  brush  and  grubbing  up  the 
stumps.  He  was  busily  employed  in  assisting  his  father  until  after  the  outbreak 
of  the  Civil  war,  when,  in  August,  1861,  he  responded  to  the  country's  call  for 
troops,  enlisting  in  Green  county,  Wisconsin.  He  was  mustered  in  the  follow- 
ing October,  went  to  the  front  and  joined  the  command  at  New  Madrid  or 
Island  No.  10,  under  General  Pope.  He  assisted  in  manning  the  forts  of  New 
Madrid  and  was  in  that  section  of  the  country  until  after  the  evacuation  of 
Corinth,  following  the  siege.  Later  under  General  J.  C.  Davis  he  went  to  reen- 
force  General  Buell,  commanding  the  army  of  the  Cumberland.     Later  he  par- 


.MK.   AND    MKS.  (i  KOIJli  K   LAFFKHTY 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  457 

ticipated  in  the  battle  of  Perryville  and  of  Stone  River  and  was  in  the  campaign 
through  to  Chickamauga.  He  also  participated  in  the  battles  at  Missionary  Ridge, 
Rocky  Face  Ridge,  Resaca,  Rome,  Georgia,  Peach  Tree  Creek,  the  hotly  con- 
tested battle  of  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  the  siege  of  Atlanta.  He  was  likewise  in 
the  engagement  at  Jonesboro  and  went  in  the  Georgia  campaign  to  Savannah, 
where  he  aided  in  besieging  that  city.  There  he  was  honorably  discharged.  De- 
cember 25,  1864,  after  more  than  three  years  devoted  to  the  most  strenuous 
and  arduous  military  service. 

Mr.  Lafferty  returned  to  his  old  home  in  Wisconsin,  but  came  almost  imme- 
diately afterward  to  Iowa,  reaching  Boonesboro  on  the  loth  of  September,  1865, 
accompanied  by  his  wife  and  one  child.  He  had  learned  the  cabinet-maker's 
trade  at  Monroe,  Wisconsin,  and  in  Boone  he  worked  at  his  trade  until  1870, 
when  he  took  up  carpentering,  which  he  followed  continuously  until  his  retire- 
ment about  a  year  ago.  He  was  closely  identified  with  building  operations  in 
this  city  and  was  accorded  a  large  patronage.  He  still  enjoys  good  health,  being 
a  hale  and  hearty  man  for  one  of  his  years. 

In  Monroe,  Wisconsin,  Mr.  Lafferty  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah 
Sutterlee,  a  daughter  of  William  E.  Sutterlee,  who  was  born  December  20,  181 2, 
and  died  September  25,  1877.  ■^I''-  ''"d  Mrs.  Lafferty  have  but  one  child,  Mamie, 
now  Mrs.  John  Doran,  of  York,  Nebraska.  Mrs.  Lafferty  is  a  member  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  church.  Mr.  Lafferty  belongs  to  McCook  Post,  G.  A.  R., 
and  thus  maintains  pleasant  relations  with  his  old  army  comrades  and  recounts 
with  them  interesting  events  which  occurred  upon  the  battlefields  of  the  south. 
In  politics  he  is  a  stanch  republican,  having  supported  the  men  and  measures  in 
the  party  since  its  organization.  He  erected  his  present  home  in  1893  on  an  acre 
and  a  quarter  of  ground  at  the  corner  of  Tenth  and  Division  streets.  He  is  now 
one  of  the  venerable  residents  of  Boone  and  well  merits  the  high  regard  enter- 
tained for  him.  His  life  history  has  connected  him  closely  with  the  city  and  its 
upbuilding  through  almost  a  half  century. 


FRANK  A.  HALL. 


Frank  A.  Hall,  a  representative  and  enterprising  citizen  of  Boone  county, 
is  the  owner  of  a  productive  farm  of  ninety  acres  on  sections  15  and  22,  Grant 
township,  which  he  purchased  in  1894  and  has  operated  continuously  through- 
out the  intervening  two  decades.  His  birth  occurred  in  Sweden  on  the  i6th 
of  September,  1861,  his  parents  being  Gabriel  and  Angeliza  (Anderson)  Hall, 
who  were  likewise  natives  of  that  country.  They  emigrated  to  the  United 
States  and  took  up  their  abode  in  Boone  county.  Iowa,  in  August,  1870,  the 
father  purchasing  land  in  Grant  township  and  cultivating  it  for  some  time. 
Subsequently  he  bought  and  improved  a  tract  of  one  hundred  and  twenty 
acres  on  sections  10  and  15,  Grant  township,  and  operated  the  same  success- 
fully throughout  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  passed  away  in  December,  1907. 
while  the  demise  of  his  wife  occurred  in  August,  1896.  Gabriel  Hall  had  been 
a  resident  of  this  county  for  a  period  of  thirty-seven  years  and  enjoyed  an 
enviable  reputation  as  one  of  its  prosperous  agriculturists  and  esteemed  citizens. 


Vnl.         n— 21 


458  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Frank  A.  Hall,  who  was  a  lad  of  nine  years  when  he  accompanied  his 
parents  on  their  emigration  to  the  new  world,  acquired  his  education  in  Grant 
township  and  remained  at  home  until  he  had  attained  his  majority.  He  then 
learned  the  trades  of  carpentering  and  plastering  and  worked  at  those  occupa- 
tions for  some  time.  Subsequently  he  turned  his  attention  to  agricultural  pur- 
suits, cultivating  rented  land  for  three  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period, 
in  1894,  he  purchased  a  tract  of  ninety  acres  on  sections  15  and  22,  Grant  town- 
ship, where  he  has  remained  continuously  since,  his  residence  being  on  section 
22.  He  has  improved  the  farm  until  it  is  now  a  \aluable  and  highly  productive 
property  and  yields  him  a  gratifying  annual  income.  Mr.  Hall  is  likewise  a 
stockholder,  director  and  the  president  of  the  Farmers  Elevator  Company,  a 
stockholder  in  the  Farmers  State  Bank  of  Boxholm  and  chairman  of  the  Farmers 
Institute  of  that  town. 

Mr.  Hall  has  been  married  twice.  In  the  spring  of  1890  he  wedded  Miss 
Johanna  Lundberg,  by  whom  he  had  one  son,  Gilbert  E.,  who  is  now  twenty- 
two  years  of  age.  The  wife  and  mother  passed  away  in  August,  1893,  and  on 
December  23,  1894,  Mr. -Hall  was  again  married,  his  second  union  being  with 
Miss  Mary  G.  Carlstrom,  a  daughter  of  C.  M.  and  Catherine  Carlstrom,  who 
were  born  in  Sweden  and  are  still  residents  of  that  country.  Our  subject  and 
his  wife  have  eight  children,  as  follows:  Francis  M.,  Floyd  M.,  Fred,  Clarence, 
Levina,  Ruby,  May  and  Allen. 

In  the  exercise  of  his  right  of  franchise  Mr.  Hall  supports  the  men  and 
measures  of  the  republican  party.  He  is  now  serving  as  trustee  and  has  acted 
in  that  capacity  for  five  years,  while  for  eight  years  he  ably  discharged  the 
duties  of  school  treasurer  and  for  four  years  held  the  position  of  assessor.  He 
is  identified  fraternally  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America,  and  his  religious 
faith  is  that  of  the  Lutheran  church.  Mr.  Hall  has  lived  in  Boone  county  for 
forty-four  years  and  during  that  time  has  risen  to  a  high  place  in  the  ranks  of 
progressive  agriculturists  and  useful  citizens. 


JOHN  W.  WEIKEL. 


John  \\  .  Weikel,  a  merchant  and  grain  dealer,  conducting  business  at.Jordon 
Station,  was  born  in  Preble  county,  Ohio,  near  Camden,  in  November,  1866,  a 
son  of  Joseph  and  Eliza  (Huffman)  \\"eikel.  His  paternal  grandfather,  Jacob 
Weikel,  was  a  native  of  Pennsylvania  and  in  early  life  removed  to  Ohio,  se'ttling 
in  Butler  county.  There  he  took  up  land  which  is  still  owned  by  his  son  Jacob. 
The  grandparents  died  in  the  Buckeye  state,  and  they  are  survived  by  "seven 
children,  their  sons  John  and  Joseph  having  passed  away.  The  former  went 
with  his  father  to  Preble  county,  Ohio,  and  purchased  a  farm  in  1865.  He 
married  Miss  Leiter  and  continued  a  resident  of  that  countv  until  his  death. 
Samuel,  who  married  a  Kentucky  girl,  is  living  in  Montgomery,  Indiana,  at  the 
advanced  age  of  eighty-seven  years.  Eva  married  Henry  Brill,  who  is  living  in 
Preble  county  at  the  age  of  eighty-seven.  Susan,  the  widow  of  John  Smith,  is 
also  living  in  Preble  county.     Mrs.  Kate  Kerns  is  a  resident  of  the  same  county. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  459 

Jacob,  who  married  Martha  Skenk,  is  upon  the  home  farm.  Daniel  is  living 
retired  in  Middletown,  Ohio.     Lydia  is  the  wife  of  John  Bailey. 

Joseph  Weikel  was  born  on  the  old  homestead  farm  in  the  Buckeye  state, 
December  30,  1831,  and  attended  the  common  schools  there.  He  was  employed 
at  farm  labor  throughout  the  summer  months  and  when  twenty-one  years  of  age 
began  work  at  the  mason's  trade  in  connection  with  his  brother-in-law  Mr.  Brill. 
He  followed  that  trade  for  five  years.  In  1858  he  was  married  and  removed  to 
Madison  county,  Alabama,  where  he  carried  on  farming  for  an  extended  period. 
In  1879  he  became  a  resident  of  Champaign  county,  Illinois,  settling  in  Champaign 
township,  where  he  purchased  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land.  His  wife 
died  there  March  26,  1880,  and  in  1895  .Mr.  Weikel  came  to  Jordon,  Boone 
county,  where  he  joined  his  son  John  W.  in  the  establishment  and  conduct  of 
a  stock,  grain  and  lumber  business,  in  which  he  continued  up  to  the  time  of  his 
death,  which  occurred  April  5,  1905.  He  was  active  in  the  affairs  of  the  com- 
munity, and  his  influence  was  always  on  the  side  or  progress  and  improvement. 
His  political  allegiance  was  given  to  the  democratic  party.  The  family  num- 
bered seven  children :  Lizzie,  the  wife  of  Charles  Brill  of  Preble  county,  Ohio ; 
Annie,  who  is  living  in  Danville,  Illinois;  John  W. ;  Lewis  W.,  a  farmer  of  Hamil- 
ton county,  Nebraska,  who  married  Hattie  E.  Weikel ;  Frank,  a  resident  of 
Boone ;  Edward,  twin  brother  of  Frank  and  a  resident  of  Helper,  Utah,  who  mar- 
ried Jennie  Williams,  who  died  leaving  two  children,  Ethel  and  Mabel,  the  for- 
mer now  residing  with  her  uncle  John;  and  Marvin,  who  died  in  1880. 

John  W.  Weikel  was  a  pupil  in  the  public  schools  of  his  native  county  and  of 
Madison  county,  Alabama,  and  also  attended  a  private  school  in  Champaign 
countv,  Illinois.  When  but  nine  or  ten  years  of  age  he  began  work  upon  the 
farm,  following  the  plow  almost  as  soon  as  old  enough  to  reach  the  plow  handles. 
He  received  his  first  wages  when  sixteen  years  of  age  for  digging  a  ditch,  his 
salary  being  sixteen  dollars  per  month,  and  he  paid  seven  dollars  for  boots  in 
which  to  do  the  work.  He  was  employed  in  that  way  for  a  short  time  and  then 
went  to  Nebraska,  where  he  secured  work  in  Hamilton  county  upon  the  farm  of 
his  uncle,  who  paid  him  eighteen  dollars  per  month  for  nine  months  out  of  the 
year.  He  spent  six  years  in  that  way  and  then  returned  to  Champaign  county, 
Illinois,  settling  at  Staley  Station,  where  he  secured  a  position  with  B.  P.  Staley 
in  the  grain  and  lumber  business.  In  1895  he  came  to  Jordon,  Boone  county,  and 
in  connection  with  his  father  and  Mr.  Staley  established  the  merchandising  and 
grain  business,  of  which  he  is  now  sole  proprietor.  From  boyhood  he  has  led  a 
most  industrious  life,  and  the  success  he  has  acquired  is  attributable  entirely  to 
his  own  efforts.  In  the  spring  of  1899  the  business  was  destroyed  by  fire,  and 
Mr.  Weikel  afterward  built  his  present  place.  When  his  father  died  his  interest 
was  purchased  by  F.  G.  Brohling,  but  after  two  years  John  W.  A\'eikel  bought 
out  his  partner  and  is  now  sole  owner  of  the  business,  which  has  reached  large 
and  gratifying  proportions.  At  the  time  of  the  fire  he  lost  everything  he  had 
save  his  home.  Undeterred  by  this  deplorable  circumstance,  he  resolutely  set  to 
work  to  retrieve  his  possessions,  and  the  result  is  seen  in  his  present  prosperity. 

On  the  1st  of  August,  1901,  Mr.  Weikel  was  married  to  Miss  Dorothy  Fitz- 
gerald of  Jackson  township,  Boone  county,  a  daughter  of  Daniel  and  Dorothy 
Fitzgerald.  They  have  one  child,  lone  Margaret.  Mr.  Weikel  is  an  independ- 
ent voter,  nor  is  he  identified  through  membership  with  any  church  or  fraternal 


460  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

organization.  He  follows  an  independent  course,  nor  has  he  the  least  wish  to 
dictate  to  others  what  they  should  do.  Those  who  have  met  him  in  business 
relations  find  him  trustworthy  as  well  as  enterprising,  and  his  example  in  this 
regard  is,  indeed,  worthy  of  emulation.  What  he  has  accomplished  represents 
the  fit  utilization  of  his  innate  powers  and  talents,  and  his  life  history  indicates 
that  success  and  an  honored  name  may  be  won  simultaneously. 


FRANK  P.  MOYERS. 


Frank  P.  Moyers  now  lives  retired  in  a  comfortable  home  at  No.  221  Tama 
street,  Boone,  having  after  many  years  of  arduous  labor  along  agricultural 
lines  acquired  a  competency  which  enables  him  to  pass  the  remainder  of  his 
days  amidst  the  comforts  and  conveniences  of  life.  He  came  to  Boone  county 
in  i860  and  has  ever  since  made  it  his  home. 

Mr.  Moyers  was  born  in  Putnam  county,  Indiana,  September  14,  1855,  and 
is  a  son  of  H.  L.  and  Elizabeth  (Clark)  Moyers,  who  became  residents  of 
Boone  county  in  i860.  The  father  followed  agricultural  pursuits  throughout 
his  life,  passing  away  in  1904,  at  the  age  of  sixty-nine.  He  was  a  stanch  democrat, 
prominent  in  the  public  life  of  his  neighborhood.  His  religion  was  that  of  the 
Christian  church.  He  was  born  in  Virginia,  subsequently  coming  to  Indiana, 
where  he  arrived  when  a  child,  his  parents  becoming  at  that  time  settlers  of 
Putnam  county.  The  paternal  grandfather  of  our  subject  was  Cary  Moyers 
and  his  wife  before  her  marriage  was  Susan  Lockett,  both  members  of  Virginia 
families.  H.  L.  Moyers  was  one  of  their  six  children,  of  whom  two  are  yet 
living:  Mrs.  Frances  Zenor,  who  resides  near  Ontario;  and  A.  T.  Moyers, 
of  Madrid,  Boone  county.  Elizabeth  (Clark)  Moyers  was  also  a  native  of 
Indiana  and  was  a  daughter  of  the  Rev.  John  A.  Clark,  who  later  in  life  paid 
extended  visits  to  Boone  county.  She  was  an  only  daughter,  but  there  were 
four  brothers  in  the  family,  Perry,  Martin,  Silas  and  James.  She  died  in 
Boone  county  in  1895,  at  the  age  of  sixty-two  years.  She  was  a  Baptist  in 
her  religious  faith,  and  her  father  was  a  minister  of  that  denomination.  She 
bore  her  husband  seven  children,  of  whom  the  subject  of  this  review  is  the 
eldest  and  of  whom  four  are  yet  living.  Those  beside  our  subject  are:  John 
A.,  an  agriculturist  of  Luther,  Boone  county ;  A.  E.,  of  Tabor,  Iowa,  who 
followed  farming  for  a  number  of  years  but  is  now  traveling;  and  Mrs.  Zelda 
Kinsley,  who  resides  near  St.  Cloud,  Minnesota. 

Frank  P.  Moyers  was  but  five  years  of  age  when  he  came  with  his  parents 
to  Boone  county.  Here  he  attended  the  public  schools  and  early  in  life  began 
to  assist  his  father  with  the  farm  work.  Later  he  took  up  stock  buying  and 
shipping  and  was  so  engaged  for  about  twenty  years.  In  March,  1906,  he 
removed  to  Boone,  where  he  now  lives  retired,  enjoying  the  comforts  of  life. 
He  still  owns  two  farms  which  are  highly  improved  and  include  his  father's 
homestead,  the  original  patent  being  signed  by  President  Franklin  Pierce.  He 
also  has  a  government  patent  for  the  other  farm,  which  was  granted  to  a  man  by 
the  name  of  Dyer. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  461 

In  1879  Mr.  Moyers  married  Miss  Mary  J.  Johnson,  who  was  born  in 
Warren  county,  Illinois,  in  1858,  and  is  a  daughter  of  Peter  and  Cynthia  Shelton 
(Johnson)  Johnson,  both  of  whom  died  in  Kansas,  the  father  on  December  19, 
1897,  at  the  age  of  seventy-one,  and  the  mother  in  1905.  The  former  was  a 
native  of  Stockholm,  Sweden,  and  he  and  his  wife  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa, 
in  1868,  locating  in  Colfax  township,  near  Luther.  In  1871  they  removed  to 
Republic  county,  Kansas,  and  there  resided  until  their  deaths.  The  father 
was  a  member  of  the  state  church  in  Sweden  and  the  mother  was  a  Campbellite. 
The  latter  had  been  previously  married  and  had  three  children  by  her  first 
union  and  five  by  the  second.  The  brother  and  sisters  of  Mrs.  Moyers  are: 
Mrs.  Clara  Emma  Taylor,  of  the  state  of  Washington;  Mrs.  Ella  A.  Edwards, 
of  Republic  county,  Kansas;  Mrs.  Frances  Lowell,  who  resides  near  Belleville, 
Kansas ;  and  Joseph  H.,  who  is  engaged  in  the  automobile  business  in  Beatrice, 
Nebraska.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Moyers  have  two  children:  Lenora,  who  married 
A.  E.  Smith,  residing  near  Luther,  by  whom  she  has  one  son,  Francis;  and 
Arlie  Frances,  at  home,  who  is  a  graduate  of  the  Boone  high  school  and  also 
received  a  degree  in  music  from  Drake  University  of  Des  Moines. 

Mr.  Moyers  is  a  democrat  and  thoroughly  conversant  with  the  questions 
and  issues  of  the  day.  He  has  contributed  toward  the  development  of  Boone 
county  and  has  done  valuable  work,  particularly  in  raising  agricultural  stand- 
ards. Mrs.  Moyers  is  a  Presbyterian,  devoted  to  her  church  and  a  member 
of  the  Ladies'  Aid  Society. 


THEODORE  L.  ASHFORD. 

Theodore  L.  Ashford  has  been  president  of  the  Boone  State  Bank  of  Boone 
since  its  organization  in  February,  191 1.  His  identification  with  banking,  how- 
ever, continues  for  a  much  longer  period,  as  he  had  previously  served  as  cashier 
of  the  Boone  National  Bank  from  its  organization  in  1904.  His  residence  in  the 
county  covers  a  period  of  twenty-one  years,  for  on  the  ist  of  March,  1893.  he 
arrived  in  Boone  and  throughout  the  intervening  period  has  been  identified  with 
industrial  and  financial  interests. 

Mr.  Ashford  was  born  in  Columbiana  county,  Ohio,  October  8,  1869.  and  is  a 
son  of  Oliver  G.  and  Josephine  (Lones)  Ashford.  The  Ashford  family  is  of 
English  origin  and  of  Quaker  stock,  coming  from  the  old  world  with  William 
Penn  and  establishing  their  home  in  Pennsylvania.  The  ancestry  of  the  Lones 
family  can  be  traced  back  directly  to  Roger  Williams.  Oliver  G.  Ashford,  whd 
was  an  Ohio  farmer,  came  to  Iowa  about  1874,  settling  near  Nevada,  Story 
county.  There  he  purchased  land  and  continued  the  development  and  improve- 
ment of  his  farm  until  he  retired  from  active  life  about  1886,  taking  up  his 
abode  in  Nevada.  There  he  served  as  county  sheriflf  of  Story  county,  and  fol- 
lowing the  close  of  his  term  of  office  he  spent  his  remaining  days  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  well  earned  rest,  passing  away  in  .August.  1904.  at  the  age  of  fifty-eight 
years.  He  was  a  stanch  republican  in  his  political  views  and  filled  various  town- 
ship offices,  the  duties  of  which  he  discharged  in  a  capable  manner.  He  was  a 
very  active   and   public-spirited  man,   doing  much  to   further  the   welfare  and 


462  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

progress  of  the  community  in  which  he  made  his  home.  His  widow,  who  was 
born  in  Pennsylvania,  still  survives  and  now  resides  in  Seattle,  Washington,  at 
the  age  of  sixty-six  years.  The  family  numbered  seven  children,  of  whom  one 
son  is  deceased,  while  six  are  yet  living. 

Theodore  L.  Ashford  is  the  only  one  who  resides  in  Boone  county.  He  was 
reared  in  Story  county,  where  the. family  located  when  he  was  about  six  years 
of  age.  In  the  public  schools  there  he  acquired  his  education.  He  is  a  thor- 
oughly self-made  man,  for  he  had  neither  wealth  nor  influential  friends  to  aid 
him  at  the  outset  of  his  business  career.  In  early  manhood  he  engaged  in 
teaching  for  one  term  and  when  in  his  twenty-fourth  year  he  came  to  Boone, 
arriving  in  this  city  on  the  ist  of  March,  1893.  At  that  time  he  entered  the 
employ  of  an  abstract  firm  and  engaged  in^that  line  of  business  until  1900.  He 
next  entered  the  service  of  the  Security  Savings  Bank,  with  which  he  was  asso- 
ciated for  four  years.  His  initial  connection  with  the  banking  business  was  in 
a  humble  capacity,  but  gradually  he  worked  his  way  upward  and  upon  the  organ- 
ization of  the  Boone  National  Bank  he  was  elected  its  cashier  and  so  continued 
until  he  was  called  to  the  presidency  of  the  Boone  State  Bank  when  it  was  organ- 
ized in  February,  igii.  In  fact,  he  was  one  of  the  promoters  of  the  latter  institu- 
tion and  has  been  a  moving  spirit  in  its  subsequent  success.  His  efforts  have  been 
highly  satisfactory  in  promoting  the  progress  of  the  bank,  which  is  now  regarded 
as  one  of  the  safe,  substantial  institutions  of  the  county.  It  is  conducted  along 
very  progressive  lines,  and  the  interests  of  the  depositors  are  most  carefully 
safeguarded. 

In  Boone  Mr.  Ashford  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Corinna  Harkness  of 
Humboldt,  Iowa,  her  parents  being  jjioneer  settlers  of  this  state  and  natives  of 
Pennsylvania.  Mrs.  Ashford  was  born  in  Humboldt  and  by  her  marriage  has 
become  the  mother  of  one  son,  Theodore  Harkness,  born  at  Boone  in  February, 
1905.  The  family  attend  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  they  reside  in  an 
attractive  home  at  No.  1009  Third  street.  Politically  Mr.  Ashford  is  a  republican 
and  for  years  took  an  active  part  in  political  work,  serving  in  some  of  the  city 
offices,  including  that  of  treasurer.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  the  Masons 
and  in  the  order  has  attained  the  Knight  Templar  degree.  He  is  also  a  member 
of  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks.  The  motive  springs  of  his  conduct 
are  found  in  high  and  honorable  principles  and  laudable  ambition.  Starting  out 
in  life  empty  handed,  he  has  utilized  each  opportunity  that  has  come  to  him, 
and  step  by  step  he  has  worked  his  way  upward,  his  orderly  progression  bringing 
him  at  length  to  his  present  responsible  position  as  a  representative  of  financial 
interests  in  Boone  countv. 


DEWEY  CLARKE  HARMON. 

No  history  of  Boone  county  would  be  complete  without  extended  reference 
to  Dewey  Clarke  Harmon,  who  now  follows  farming  near  Jordan  in  Jackson 
county  township  and  who  from  pioneer  times  has  been  connected  with  this 
county  and  its  development.  He  is  today  the  oldest  resident  of  Jackson  town- 
ship in  years  of  continuous  connection  therewith,  and  in   1857  he  plowed  the 


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HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  465 

tract  of  land  upon  which  the  city  of  Boone  now  stands,  using  oxen  for  this 
purpose.  He  has  lived  to  witness  the  growth  of  a  prosperous  city,  containing 
several  thousand  inhabitants,  while  the  work  of  progress  and  development  has 
been  carried  on  along  equally  important  lines  in  other  sections  of  the  county. 

Mr.  Harmon  is  a  native  of  Ohio,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Lorain  county, 
October  7,  1844.  His  father,  William  B.  Harmon,  was  born  in  the  state  of 
Vermont  at  the  foot  of  the  Green  mountains,  on  the  28th  of  January,  1814.  He 
was  a  son  of  Horatio  Harmon  and  a  grandson  of  Nehemiah  Harmon,  who  was 
born  in  New  England  and  there  spent  his  entire  life,  following  the  occupation 
of  farming.  His  descendant,  Seliah  Harmon,  who  lived  and  died  in  Vermont, 
married  Rhoda  Dewey,  and  these  Deweys  were  of  the  same  family  as  Admiral 
Dewey.  It  was  through  that  line  of  descent  that  the  subject  of  this  review 
received  his  first  name.  Horatio  Harmon,  the  grandfather  of  Dewey  Clarke 
Harmon,  on  leaving  New  England,  made  his  way  to  Lorain  county,  Ohio,  where 
he  cast  in  his  lot  with  the  early  settlers  and  there  followed  farming,  continuing 
his  residence  in  that  county  until  he  was  called  to  his  final  rest.  He  married 
Lucy  Clarke,  daughter  of  William  and  Elizabeth  (Smith)  Clarke,  and  their 
children  were  as  follows.  Mary  Ann,  born  October  4,  181 1,  became  the  wife 
of  a  Mr.  Dudley  and  after  his  death  married  William  Powell.  They  removed 
to  Wisconsin  and  she  lacked  but  a  month  of  being  one  hundred  years  of  age  at 
the  time  of  her  demise.  William  B.  Harmon,  father  of  our  subject,  was  the 
second  of  the  family.  Lucy,  born  March  19,  1816,  became  the  wife  of  a  Mr. 
Jones.  Harriet  L.,  born  August  3,  1818,  married  Chester  Smith  and  died  near 
Charlotte,  Michigan.  Horace  C,  born  January  26,  1822,  removed  to  Ohio,  where 
his  remaining  days  were  passed.  Elvira,  born  February  6,  1825,  became  Mrs. 
Bryant  and  died  in  Ohio.  Elmira,  her  twin  sister,  married  Silas  Francisco,  the 
marriage  taking  place  in  Ohio,  and  later  they  removed  to  Boone  county,  but 
subsequently  went  to  Nebraska,  her  death  occurring  near  Lincoln.  Lafayette, 
who  was  born  July  21,  1827,  married  Miss  Catherine  Barnes,  who  died  at  Rippey, 
Greene  county,  Iowa.  Isaac  C,  born  October  29,  1831,  is  living  at  Mackey,  in 
Harrison  township. 

William  B.  Harmon,  father  of  Dewey  Clarke  Harmon,  accompanied  his 
parents  on  their  removal  from  New  England  to  Ohio.  He  married  Caroline 
Sage,  who  was  born  near  Oswego,  New  York,  and  came  of  the  same  family  as 
Russell  Sage.  It  was  in  the  year  1854  that  William  B.  Harmon  removed  with 
his  family  from  Ohio  to  Boone  county,  where  he  purchased  two  hundred  acres 
of  government  land.  It  was  virgin  prairie,  not  a  furrow  having  been  turned 
nor  an  improvement  made  upon  the  place,  but,  determined  to  have  a  good  home 
here,  he  at  once  began  the  development  of  the  farm  and  soon  there  was  a  notable 
change  in  the  appearance  of  his  land,  for  the  tract  was  transformed  into  pro- 
ductive fields.  At  the  time  of  his  arrival  there  was  no  house  nearer  than  Boone. 
The  first  home  of  the  family  was  a  log  cabin,  fourteen  by  sixteen  feet,  containing 
but  one  room.  After  the  first  winter  an  addition  eight  by  sixteen  feet  was  built 
on  the  north  end.  This  primitive  dwelling  was  afterward  replaced  by  a  frame 
residence  which  still  stands. 

The  father  died  July  6,  1871,  and  was  buried  in  Linwood  cemetery  at  Boone. 
His  political  views  were  in  accord  with  the  principles  of  the  republican  party 
from  its  organization,  although  all  of  his  brothers  were  democrats.     He  was  a 


466  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

devout  member  of  the  Universalist  church  in  Boone,  and  the  saHent  traits  of 
his  character  were  such  as  commanded  for  him  high  respect  and  regard.  His 
wife  died  on  the  old  homestead  September  8,  1874,  and  was  laid  to  rest  by  the 
side  of  her  husband.  She,  too,  was  a  consistent  Christian,  holding  membership 
in  the  Universalist  church.  The  children  of  this  marriage  were  eight  in  number. 
Emma  Elvira,  who  was  born  in  Lorain  county,  Ohio,  became  the  wife  of  John- 
Slocum  and  died  in  Boone  county  in  1897  at  the  age  of  fifty-six  years.  Lucy 
Marilla,  born  August  12,  1842,  was  married  January  i,  i860,  to  Samuel  Coe  and 
died  in  Boone,  October  17,  1907.  Dewey  is  the  third  of  the  family.  Albert 
Washington,  born  March  28,  1846,  married  Julia  Sage  and  now  resides  in 
Marion,  Ohio.  Francis  Delano,  born  in  Lorain  county,  Ohio,  near  Oberlin,  on 
the  1st  of  June,  1849,  was  educated  in  the  Boone  county  schools,  being  five 
years  of  age  when  his  parents  removed  to  this  county.  He  left  school  at  the 
age  of  eighteen  and  afterward  assisted  in  the  further  development  and  improve- 
ment of  the  home  farm  until  his  father  died.  He  was  married  July  27,  1876, 
to  Miss  Rosie  E.  Smith,  of  Boone,  a  daughter  of  Edward  and  Mary  (Walden) 
Smith.  Following  his  marriage  he  settled  on  a  farm  in  Jackson  township  adjoin- 
ing the  old  home  place  and  later  purchased  eighty  acres  in  Jackson  township.  He 
then  removed  to  a  small  farm  near  Boone  and  afterward  established  his  home 
in  Calhoun  county  on  the  lOth  of  October,  1909,  settling  in  the  town  of  Rinard, 
where  he  engaged  in  general  merchandising  as  a  partner  of  A.  J.  Shower.  In 
March,  1910,  he  withdrew  from  that  connection  and  has  since  engaged  in  the 
buying  and  shipping  of  stock  at  Rinard,  where  he  is  recognized  as  a  leading, 
active  and  influential  business  man  and  citizen.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Christian 
church  and  in  politics  is  a  progressive  republican,  while  fraternally  he  is  con- 
nected with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  He  had  two  children,  Grace 
and  Daisy  B.,  but  both  are  now  deceased.  Harriet  Loretto,  the  sixth  member 
of  the  family  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  William  B.  Harmon,  was  born  April  11,  1852, 
and  on  the  nth  of  April,  1883,  became  the  wife  of  Adelbert  Smith.  They  estab- 
lished their  home  in  Charlotte.  Michigan,  where  she  passed  away.  Wesley,  born 
in  April,  1856,  died  in  Boone  in  childhood.  Willis  Briggs,  born  November  19, 
1 86 1,  removed  to  Michigan  and  afterward  to  Texas.  He  has  made  carpentering 
and  building  his  life  work.  He  was  first  married  in  Ohio  and  after  losing  his 
first  wife  was  married  in  Texas. 

Dewey  Clarke  Harmon  was  a  youth  of  ten  years  when  the  family  came  to 
Boone.  He  well  remembers  the  journey,  which  was  made  in  covered  wagons 
drawn  by  horses.  They  were  more  than  four  weeks  along  the  way  and  crossed 
,the  Mississippi  river  at  Rock  Island — the  boat  which  took  them  across  being  the 
first  steamboat  that  Dewey  C.  Harmon  and  his  brother  were  ever  on.  After  the 
family  home  was  established  in  this  county  he  was  sent  to  the  public  schools  in 
Jackson  township,  but  was  the  only  help  his  father  had  and  necessity  made  it 
imperative  that  he  remain  at  home  much  of  the  time  in  order  to  assist  in  the 
development  of  the  fields.  It  was  only  a  few  years  after  the  arrival  of  the 
family  in  this  county  that  he  plowed  the  land  with  ox  teams  upon  which  Boone 
now  stands.  He  worked  for  ten  cents  per  day  in  pioneer  times  and  drove  an 
ox  team  in  hauling  saw  logs  for  twenty-five  cents  per  day.  In  the  employ  of 
Dr.  Mosier  of  Boone  he  received  a  wage  of  two  dollars  and  a  half  per  month. 
His  youth  was  largely  a  period  of  earnest  and  unremitting  toil,  and  industry  has 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  467 

been  the  basis  of  his  success.  There  are  few  important  points  connected  with 
the  history  of  the  county  with  which  he  is  not  famiHar  and  facts  which  others 
know  only  by  hearsay  have  concerned  incidents  which  he  has  witnessed  and  in 
which  he  has  participated. 

On  the  4th  of  April,  1876,  Mr.  Harmon  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Lydia 
Ingalls  Thompson,  the  marriage  ceremony  being  performed  in  Jackson  township 
by  the  Rev.  Boggs,  a  minister  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  Her  parents 
were  Thomas  Ingalls  and  Lydia  Phillips  (Brown)  Thompson.  Mrs.  Harmon 
was  born  in  Marblehead,  Essex  county,  Massachusetts,  April  4,  1852,  and  is  one 
of  five  children,  the  others  being:  Charles  Edmund,  who  married  Augusta 
Behling  and  is  a  resident  farmer  of  Jackson  township ;  Thomas  Ingalls,  also 
living  in  Jackson  township ;  Fremont,  deceased ;  and  \\' illiam  Henry.who  resides 
near  Altoona,  Kansas.  Charles  Thompson,  the  paternal  grandfather  of  Mrs. 
Harmon,  was  likewise  a  native  of  Marblehead,  Massachusetts,  and  was  a  son 
of  John  Thompson,  who  served  in  the  Revolutionary  war.  He  and  his  wife 
Margaret  reared  a  family  which  included  Charles  Thompson,  who,  possessing 
the  military  spirit  of  his  father,  defended  the  United  States  in  the  second  war 
with  England.  He  married  Betsey  Ingalls  and  their  son,  Thomas  Ingalls,  became 
the  father  of  Mrs.  Harmon.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harmon  have  been  born  three 
children:  May  Lois,  who  was  born  in  July,  1877,  ^"^  died  in  December,  1878; 
Rosa  Frances,  who  was  born  December  15.  1878.  and  after  completing  her 
education  in  the  public  schools  became  the  wife  of  Frank  £.  Johnson  of  Jackson 
township,  by  whom  she  has  one  son,  Walter  Harmon ;  and  Lydia  Caroline,  who 
was  born  October  11.  1883,  and  married  Simon  Frances  Mygren,  now  of  Boone, 
by  whom  she  had  one  child.  Harmon  F.,  who  died  in  infancy. 

In  political  views  Mr.  Harmon  is  a  republican,  thoroughly  in  sympathy  with 
the  principles  of  the  party.  He  became  a  supporter  of  the  party  in  its  early 
history,  casting  his  first  vote  for  Abraham  Lincoln.  He  has  held  minor  township 
offices,  but  has  never  been  a  politician  in  the  usually  accepted  sense  of  the  term, 
although  he  is  never  remiss  in  the  duties  of  citizenship  and  cooperates  in  all 
movements  for  the  public  good.  He  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Universalist 
church,  and  in  that  organization  and  throughout  the  entire  community  they  have 
many  friends. 


FRED  A.  CASOTTI. 


Fred  A.  Casotti  is  the  present  postmaster  at  Fraser,  where  he  is  also  engaged 
in  the  manufacture  of  candies.  He  is  a  young  business  man,  energetic  and  enter- 
prising, and  is  building  up  a  good  trade.  He  was  born  March  9.  1884,  in  Monteric- 
co,  Reggio-Emilia,  Italy,  and  acquired  a  common-school  education  in  that  land 
while  spending  his  boyhood  days  in  the  home  of  his  parents,  Joachin  and  Margaret 
(Ferrari)  Casotti,  who  are  farming  people  and  still  reside  in  Italy.  In  their 
family  were  four  sons  and  four  daughters. 

Fred  A.  Casotti  spent  the  first  seventeen  years  of  his  life  in  his  native  country 
and  then,  hoping  to  have  better  business  opportunities  in  the  new  world,  sailed 
for  the  United  States  in   1901,  making  his  way  direct  to  Fraser,  where  he  has 


468  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

since  made  his  home.  He  first  engaged  in  mining  coal  and  was  thus  employed 
for  seven  years.  He  then  purchased  a  candy  kitchen  and  building  from  Peter 
Sinclair,  this  step  being  made  possible  by  the  fact  that  he  had  carefully  saved  his 
earnings  in  his  former  connection,  and  since  igo8  he  has  thus  carried  on  business 
on  his  own  account.  He  manufactures  high  grade  candies,  and  his  business 
is  reaching  extensive  and  gratifying  proportions,  indicating  his  careful  manage- 
ment and  business  enterprise,  as  well  as  the  excellence  of  his  product. 

On  the  19th  of  January,  1913,  Mr.  Casotti  was  appointed  postmaster  of  Fraser 
by  President  Taft.  At  the  time  of  his  appointment  he  was  serving  as  treasurer 
of  the  municipality.  In  politics  he  is  independent,  voting  rather  as  his  judgment 
dictates  instead  of  according  to  party  ties.  He  belongs  to  the  Catholic  church, 
and  he  holds  membership  with  the  Improved  Order  of  Red  Men  at  Fraser.  He  is 
also  a  member  of  the  National  Travelers'  Benefit  Association  of  Des  Moines, 
Iowa.  He  has  never  had  occasion  to  regret  his  determination  to  come  to  the 
new  world,  for  here  he  has  found  the  opportunities  which  he  has  sought,  and  in 
this  connection  he  has  gradually  worked  his  way  upward.  He  may  truly  be  called 
a  self-made  man,  and  he  deserves  much  credit  for  what  he  has  accomplished.  He 
is  still  a  young  man  and  undoubtedly  the  future  has  in  store  for  him  still  larger 
successes. 


PHILIP  H.  EX't-RSOLL. 

1 

Philip  H.  Eversoll  is  the  owner  of  one  .hundred  acres  of  choice  land  in  Cass 
township,  his  farm  being  situated  on  section' 9.  He  does  not  personally  cultivate 
the  fields,  but  leases  his  land  and  derives  therefrom  a  substantial  annual  income. 
He  is  a  native  of  Illinois,  born  April  18,  1861.  His  father,  Joshua  Eversoll, 
was  born  in  Delaware  county,  Ohio,  and  in  1865  brought  his  family  to  Boone 
countv.  Iowa,  settling  upon  a  farm  in  Cass  township.  He  had  first  visited  the 
township  in  1854,  making  the  overland  trip,  after  which  he  returned  to  Illinois, 
where  he  continued  to  reside  for  eleven  years  longer.  He  was  one  of  the  first 
school  teachers  not  only  of  Cass  township  but  of  Boone  county.  In  early  man- 
hood he  wedded  Melissa  Benjamin,  who  was  also  a  native  of  Ohio,  the  wedding 
being  celebrated  at  Elk  Rapids,  Boone  county,  the  ceremony  being  performed 
by  a  Mr.  Wheeler,  who  was  one  of  the  pioneer  justices  of  the  peace  of  the 
county.  Following  their  marriage  they  took  up  their  abode  in  Illinois  and  then 
in  1865  returned  to  Boone  county,  where  they  continued  to  make  their  home 
until  called  to  their  final  rest.  In  their  family  were  four  sons:  Silas  A.,  who 
is  now  living  in  Taney  county,  Missouri;  Philip  H.,  of  this  review;  Marion  E., 
whose  home  is  in  Cass  township ;  and  A.  W.,  who  is  living  in  Arkansas.  The 
youngest  was  born  in  Cass  township,  the  three  others  in  Illinois.  All.  however, 
were  reared  in  this  county  and  attended  the  common  schools  of  the  community. 
The  family  was  established  in  Boone  county  in  pioneer  times,  shared  in  the 
hardships  of  pioneer  life  and  in  the  work  of  progress  and  development  repre- 
sentatives of  the  name  have  borne  their  full  part. 

Philip  H.  Eversoll  was  but  four  years  of  age  when  his  parents  came  to  Iowa, 
and  upon  the  home  farm  in  Cass  township  he  was  reared  amid  the  usual  experi- 


9 


PHILIP  H.  EVERSOLL 


MKS.  PHILIP  H.   i;\  KKSOLJ. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  473 

ences  that  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  farm  lad.  When  a  young  man  he  learned  the 
carpenter's  trade  and  followed  it  until  about  thirty  years  of  age.  He  afterward 
concentrated  his  energies  upon  agricultural  pursuits  and  carefully  and  wisely 
developed  and  cultivated  his  farm.  He  has  now  turned  over  the  active  work  to 
others  and  from  his  tract  of  one  hundred  acres  of  choice  land  on  section  9,  Cass 
township,  he  derives  a  substantial  annual  rental.  He  still  lives  on  the  old  home 
place  and  has  a  well  furnished  and  attractive  residence.  In  it  is  to  be  found  an 
interesting  old  relic  in  the  form  of  a  razor  that  was  purchased  by  his  grandfather 
at  Harper's  Ferry  in  1805  and  which  is  still  used  by  Philip  H.  Eversoll. 

In  Cass  township,  on  the  ist  of  January,  1889,  Mr.  Eversoll  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Cordelia  Powell,  who  was  born  in  Cass  township,  April  4,  1870, 
and  was  reared  to  womanhood  there.  She  attended  the  public  schools  and  has 
always  been  a  resident  of  this  county,  representing  one  of  its  old  pioneer  families, 
her  parents  being  J.  W.  and  Nancy  A.  (Meeker)  Powell,  in  whose  family  were 
five  children,  four  of  wMiom  are  yet  living.  Cora,  the  eldest,  has  passed  away. 
The  others  are:  Mrs.  Dora  Lane,  now  residing  in  Nebraska;  Mrs.  Eversoll; 
Dow.  who  is  located  in  Spokane,  Washington;  and  Mrs.  Luella  Johnson,  now 
of  Lincoln,  Nebraska.  All  of  the  children  were  Ijorn,,  reared  and  educated  in 
Cass  township. 

In  politics  Mr.  Eversoll  is  a  republican  and  has  served  as  constable  of  Cass 
township,  but  otherwise  has  never  sought  nor  desired  public  office,  preferring 
to  concentrate  his  attention  upon  his  business  alTairs.  For  almost  a  half  century 
he  has  lived  in  this  county  and  has  been  an  interested  witness  of  its  progress  and 
development,  watching  the  changes  which  have  brought  it  from  pioneer  condi- 
tions to  its  present  state  of  prosperity  and  progress. 


FRED  \V.  FITCH. 


Fred  W.  Fitch  is  prominently  connected,  as  the  head  of  the  F.  W.  Fitch  Com- 
pany, with  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  important  productive  industries  of 
Boone.  None  question  his  ability,  for  this  has  been  demonstrated  in  the  estab- 
lishment and  promotion  of  the  business  of  which  he  is  the  head.  He  is  a  man 
of  determined  purpose,  forceful  and  resourceful,  and  he  carries  forw^ard  to 
successful  completion  whatever  he  undertakes. 

His  birth  occurred  in  Webster  county,  Iowa,  in  1870,  his  father  being  Dr. 
L.  H.  C.  Fitch,  a  pioneer  physician  of  Iowa,  who  was  born  in  Massachusetts  and 
was  a  son  of  Lucius  Fitch,  the  founder  of  the  town  of  Fitchburg  in  that  state. 
It  was  there  that  Dr.  Fitch  was  born  in  1808.  and  in  that  city  he  was  reared  and 
educated.  He  practiced  medicine  throughout  his  entire  life  after  qualifying  for 
the  profession,  and  about  1845  he  came  to  Boone  county,  casting  in  his  lot  with 
its  pioneer  settlers.  He  had  previously  arrived  in  the  state  in  the  '30s.  He  was 
one  of  the  first  to  engage  in  the  practice  of  medicine  in  Boone  county.  While 
living  in  Benton  county  there  occurred  the  birth  of  his  son  John.  This  was  at 
a  period  long  before  the  admission  of  the  state  to  the  union  or  even  before  the 
organization  of  the  territory  of  Iowa,  which  was  then  a  part  of  the  territory  of 
Wisconsin.     After  coming  to  Boone  county  Dr.  Fitch  resided  near  Ridgeport 


474  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

from  1845  until  1872  and  his  practice  extended  over  Webster  and  Boone  counties. 
He  had  diplomas  from  three  medical  colleges,  one  homeopathic  and  two  regular 
schools.  Moreover,  he  was  a  widely  read  man  on  general  topics  as  well  as  upon 
questions  of  professional  interest.  He  followed  his  profession  at  a  time  when  to 
do  so  required  much  personal  self-sacrifice,  as  the  pioneer  physician  was  forced 
to  take  long  rides  through  summer  sun  and  winter  cold  over  roads  which  w^ere 
frequently  almost  impassable  because  of  the  heavy  rains  in  spring  and  the  deep, 
snow's  in  the  winter.  On  leaving  this  county  in  1872  he  went  to  Springfield, 
South  Dakota,  where  he  engaged  in  farming  and  remained  until  1876,  but  he 
suiTered  heavy  lasses  there,  owing  to  the  grasshopper  plague,  whereby  his  crops 
were  destroyed.  The  family,  including  his  wife  and  six  children,  the  eldest  then 
ten  years  of  age,  drove  back  to  Boonesboro,  while  Dr.  Fitch  went  to  California, 
hoping  to  retrieve  his  lost  possessions  in  that  state.  He  died  in  Sacramento  three 
years  later — in  1879.  His  widow  remained  a  resident  of  Boonesboro  until  her 
demise,  which  occurred  August  16,  1910,  when  she  was  seventy-five  years  of  age. 
She  was  Dr.  Fitch's  second  wife.  He  was  first  married  in  the  east  and  had  two 
sons  and  two  daughters  by  that  union.  John,  now  seventy-six  years  of  age  and 
a  resident  of  Wichita,  Kansas,  was  for  many  years  a  teacher  and  later  became 
a  farmer.  Ed,  now  more  than  seventy  years  of  age,  is  living  upon  the  old  home- 
stead near  Springfield,  South  Dakota.  Julia  resides  at  Paso  Robles  or  Hot 
Springs,  California.     Mrs.  Harriet  Buck  is  a  resident  of  San  Jose,  California. 

It  was  on  the  22d  of  November,  1849,  in  Benton  county,  that  Dr.  Fitch  wedded 
Miss  Mary  E.  Epperson,  who  was  born  in  Montgomery  county,  Indiana,  May 
'9'  1835-  They  became  the  parents  of  thirteen  children,  of  whom  one  died 
in  infancy,  and  of  the  twelve  who  reached  adult  age  six  are  still  living:  Mrs. 
Luella  L.  Ells,  of  Platte,  South  Dakota ;  James  F.,  a  farmer  residing  in  South 
Dakota;  W.  W.,  a  contractor  living  in  Des  Moines;  Albert  W.,  a  resident  farmer 
of  Nebraska ;  Allie,  who  follows  farming  in  Boone  county,  Iowa ;  and  Fred  W. 

The  last  named  was  the  eleventh  in  order  of  birth  in  the  family.  From  eight 
years  of  age  he  has  largely  been  dependent  upon  his  own  resources,  and  at  the  age 
of  fifteen  he  took  upon  himself  the  responsibility  of  providing  for  his  mother's 
support,  which  he  did  for  many  years.  During  the  first  five  years  after  he 
started  out  he  worked  for  his  board  and  clothing  and  later  was  paid  a  wage  of 
eleven  dollars  per  month.  During  the  winter  seasons  he  would  attend  the 
public  schools  and  in  the  summer  months  worked  at  farm  labor  until  nineteen 
years  of  age.  He  then  learned  the  barber's  trade  in  Boone  and  followed  it  until 
thirty  years  of  age,  during  which  period  he  carefully  saved  his  earnings  until 
he  had  a  sum  sufficient  to  enable  him  to  embark  in  business  on  his  own  account 
on  a  small  scale. 

He  began  the  manufacture  of  toilet  articles  and  preparations  and  is  now 
widely  known  for  the  variety  as  well  as  for  the  excellence  of  the  products  which 
he  manufactures.  Among  these  are  the  Fitch  Ideal  Dandruff  Remover  and  the 
Fitch  Ideal  Shampoo  Soap.  The  Fitch  Ideal  Shampoo  Soap  and  Tonique  Superbe, 
a  hair  dressing,  were  both  awarded  the  gold  medal  and  grand  prize  at  the  Paris 
Exposition  in  191 1,  and  at  the  London  Exposition  in  1913.  He  is  known  also  for 
his  various  facial  creams,  including  vanishing  creams.  Ideal  Cold  Cream.  Toilet 
Finishing  Cream  and  others.  He  manufactures  various  kinds  of  toilet  waters, 
"each  a  gem  of  the  perfumer's  art,"  and  among  his  important  and  popular  products 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  475 

are  his  perfumes  which  include  fifteen  different  varieties  known  as  Apple  Blos- 
som, Aviation,  Debut,  Florella,  Golden  Girl,  Irillis,  Lilac  Royal,  Love's  Joy,  May 
Bouquet,  Meadow  Pink,  Princess  Grand,  Rainbow,  Rose  Adore,  Valley  Lily  and 
Violet.  Recently  he  has  put  some  new  articles  upon  the  market,  including  Cocoa 
Butter  Cream,  rouge  and  face  powder.  In  1900  Mr.  Fitch  began  to  sell  his 
products  to  the  wholesale  trade,  and  the  business  has  grown  with  gratifying  rapid- 
ity. During  the  past  five  years  he  has  occupied  his  present  building,  which  is 
forty-five  by  one  hundred  feet,  three  stories  in  height  and  basement.  There 
are  about  thirty  people  employed  in  the  factory,  together  with  fifteen  traveling 
representatives,  who  cover  the  United  States  thoroughly  in  the  interests  of  the 
trade  and  also  sell  in  other  parts  of  the  world.  The  company  manufactures  thirty 
articles  under  its  own  name  besides  manufacturing  such  goods  as  creams,  per- 
fumes and  toilet  waters,  etc.,  for  other  firms,  labeled  with  their  respective  names. 
During  the  past  fourteen  years  he  has  devoted  his  entire  attention  to  the  develop- 
ment and  upbuilding  of  this  business.  His  first  trip  as  a  salesman  was  made  in 
the  fall  of  1900  and  thus  he  took  the  initial  step  in  the  spread  and  growth  of  the 
business  which  has  now  assumed  extensive  proportions.  He  has  practically  bor- 
rowed no  capital,  has  always  discounted  his  bills  by  making  payment  before  due 
and  has  carried  his  interests  on  along  progressive  lines,  making  his  one  of  the 
important  industries  of  the  city.  His  sales  now  amount  to  about  two  hundred 
thousand  dollars  per  year.  The  sale  of  the  dandrulY  cure  exceeds  more  than  twice 
all  other  preparations  for  the  barber  trade.  In  addition  to  his  manufacturing 
interests,  Mr.  Fitch  is  a  director  in  the  Boone  National  Bank  and  has  stock  in 
the  Monarch  Manufacturing  Company  and  the  Boone  Brick,  Tile  &  Paving  Com- 
pany. He  is  also  connected  with  the  Peace  River  Land  and  Development  Com- 
pany, owners  of  land  in  Florida  and  elsewhere. 

Mr.  Fitch  was  married  in  Boone  to  Miss  Lettie  Williams,  who  has  resided 
in  this  city  for  the  past  quarter  of  a  century  or  more.  They  have  four  children : 
Gail,  sixteen  years  of  age,  attending  the  high  school ;  and  Mildred,  Lois  and 
Lucius,  all  in  school.  Politically  Mr.  Fitch  is  a  republican,  and  socially  he  is  con- 
nected with  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks, 
while  both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Eastern  Star.  They  are  likewise 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  are  interested  in  many  of  those 
plans  and  projects  which  feature  most  largely  in  the  upbuilding  and  progress  of  the 
city.  Mr.  Fitch  is  a  man  of  intense  business  energy,  as  evidenced  in  the  fact 
that  he  has  developed  his  present  business  to  its  extensive  proportions  in  the 
last  fourteen  years.  What  he  undertakes  he  accomplishes,  and  as  the  years  go 
by  he  is  becoming  more  and  more  strongly  felt  as  a  potent  factor  in  the  progress 
and  prosperity  of  Boone. 


WILLIAM  BRADFORD  MEANS. 

Prominent  among  the  energetic,  farsighted  and  successful  business  men  of 
Boone  is  William  Bradford  Means,  who  is  conducting  a  real-estate,  loan,  abstract 
and  insurance  business  under  the  firm  style  of  Means  Brothers,  with  offices  in 
the  Mason  building.     The  firm  was  organized  in  1893  ^"d  through  the  interven- 


476  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

ing  years  to  the  present  has  conducted  a  gradually  increasing  business,  its  client- 
age being  now  an  extensive  and  gratifying  one.  William  B.  Means  is  thoroughly 
conversant  with  the  realty  that  is  upon  the  market  and  has  negotiated  many  im- 
portant property  transfers. 

A  native  of  Blinois,  he  was  born  near  Paris,  on  the  5th  of  February,  1846, 
and  is  a  son  of  John  C.  Means,  W'ho  was  a  farmer  of  Blinois  and  a  prominent 
man  of  affairs  in  Edgar  county,  where  he  filled  the  office  of  sheriff  and  had  other 
important  connections  with  the  public  interests.  In  politics  he  was  a  stanch 
republican. 

No  event  of  special  importance  occurred  to  vary  the  routine  of  farm  life  for 
William  B.  Means  in  his  boyhood.  He  appreciated  the  value  of  a  liberal  educa- 
tion and  entered  Miami  University,  from  which  he  was  graduated  in  the  class  of 
1869.  A  year  later,  when  a  young  man  of  about  twenty-four  years,  he  came  to 
Iowa  and  settled  in  Boonesboro.  Having  taken  up  the  study  of  law,  he  was 
admitted  to  the  bar  and  in  the  succeeding  year  entered  into  partnership  with 
William  R.  Lawrence,  who  later  was  United  States  district  judge  at  Muskogee, 
Oklahoma.  Although  Mr.  Lawrence  was  also  a  lawyer,  their  partnership  was 
not  formed  for  the  practice  of  law  but  for  the  conduct  of  the  Boone  County 
Advocate,  the  name  of  which  paper  they  afterward  changed  to  the  Boone  County 
Republican,  while  at  the  present  time  it  is  known  as  the  News-Republican.  The 
partnership  with  ]\Ir.  Lawrence  was  continued  for  a  brief  period  and  Mr.  Means 
then  became  sole  proprietor  of  the  paper.  For  a  time,  however,  he  was  in  part- 
nership with  Andrew  J.  Downing  in  the  publication  of  the  paper,  with  which  he 
was  continuously  associated  for  fourteen  years.  In  the  meantime  he  had  become 
connected  with  the  real-estate,  loan,  abstract  and  insurance  business,  and  in  1893 
he  was  joined  by  his  brother  Thomas  E.  ]\Ieans  in  a  partnership  that  has  since 
existed  under  the  firm  style  of  Means  Brothers.  They  now  have  a  large  client- 
age and  their  business  in  its  various  departments  is  proving  very  profitable.  Mr. 
Means  is  regarded  as  an  expert  valuator  of  property  and  is  familiar  with  every 
pha.se  of  the  real-estate  business,  knowing  exactly  what  is  upon  the  market  and 
at  what  price  it  can  probably  be  obtained. 

At  different  times  Mr.  J^Ieans  has  divided  his  time  with  political  duties.  In 
1891  he  became  postmaster  of  Boone  under  President  Harrison  and  filled  that 
position  for  four  years.  He  was  then  reappointed  by  President  McKinley  for  a 
term  of  four  years  and  again  by  President  Roosevelt,  thus  continuing  to  serve 
until  January,  1906,  or  for  a  period  of  twelve  years  and  three  months.  He 
systematized  the  work  of  the  office,  placing  it  upon  a  thoroughly  business  basis, 
and  the  promptness  and  fidelity  with  which  he  cared  for  the  interests  of  the  public 
made  him  a  most  efficient  officer  in  that  connection.  He  voted  with  the  republican 
party  until  1912,  when  he  supported  Roosevelt. 

In  1872  Mr.  Means  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Helen  C.  Dennison,  a  na- 
tive of  Ohio  and  a  daughter  of  N.  W.  Dennison,  an  early  and  prominent  lawver  of 
Boonesboro,  who  was  also  an  editor  and  early  newspaper  man  here.  He  came 
to  this  section  of  the  state  in  the  early  '50s  and,  while  he  engaged  in  the  practice 
of  law,  he  also  devoted  a  number  of  years  to  journalistic  interests.  He  died 
before  the  war,  at  the  comparatively  early  age  of  thirty-six  years,  and  the  com- 
munity mourned  the  loss  of  one  who  had  come  to  be  looked  upon  as  a  most 
progressive  and  representative  citizen.     Mrs.  Means  was  the  onlv  daughter  in  a 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  477 

family  of  three  children,  and  both  of  her  brothers  died  in  early  life,  one  passing 
away  in  infancy.  The  death  of  Mrs.  Means  occurred  in  Boone  county  in  1905. 
She  was  a  consistent  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  to  which  her  husband 
also  belongs.  She  is  survived  by  two  sons  and  two  daughters,  while  one  child  of 
the  family  has  passed  away.  Those  still  living  are:  John  C,  who  is  in  charge 
of  the  money  order  department  of  the  postoffice  at  Boone ;  I\Irs.  G.  M.  Wood- 
ruff, of  Mason  City,  Iowa ;  William  Edgar,  also  in  the  postoffice ;  and  Mary  L.,  the 
wife  of  E.  I.  Hannum  of  Boone,  who  is  a  member  of  the  dry-goods  firm  of  J.  H. 
Rickenberg  &  Company.  Mr.  Means  has  eight  grandchildren.  Today  he  is  well 
known  and  under  the  firm  name  of  Means  Brothers  is  conducting  a  profitable 
business,  which  has  gained  him  recognition  as  one  of  the  leading  and  representa- 
tive business  men  of  the  county. 


CHARLES  T.  T.  MASON. 

Charles  T.  T.  Mason  needs  no  introduction  to  the  readers  of  this  volume, 
for  since  his  youthful  days  he  has  been  identified  with  commercial  interests  in 
Boone  county.  Although  now  living  retired,  he  was  for  many  years  a  member 
of  the  firm  of  Mason  Brothers,  a  name  synonymous  with  business  activity,  enter- 
prise and  integrity  in  this  part  of  the  state.  He  was  a  young  man  of  twenty-two 
years  when  he  arrived  in  Iowa  in  the  year  i868.  His  birth  occurred  at  Tamworth, 
New  Hampshire,  May  31,  1846,  and  his  boyhood  and  youth  were  there  passed. 
His  educational  opportunities  were  those  accorded  in  the  public  schools,  and  his 
home  training  was  of  a  nature  that  also  assisted  in  qualifying  him  for  active 
duties  in  later  life.  In  1868  he  came  to  the  west  and  while  en  route  visited  the 
convention  at  which  General  Grant  was  nominated  for  the  presidency.  His  early 
lousiness  training  was  received  in  his  father's  store,  in  which  he  became  familiar 
with  progressive  methods  of  merchandising,  and  throughout  his  entire  career 
he  kept  in  touch  with  the  trend  of  commercial  activity  in  modern  times. 

Mr.  Mason  first  started  in  business  at  Moingona  and  in  1873  arrived  in 
Boone.  The  firm  of  Mason  Brothers  was  organized,  his  partner  being  Clinton 
S.  Mason,  and  under  the  original  firm  name  they  continued  in  active  business  in 
Boone  until  September,  1910,  when  they  sold  out.  They  erected  the  Mason 
building  at  the  corner  of  Eighth  and  Story  streets,  also  the  building  for  whole- 
sale purposes  now  occupied  by  the  Iowa  Dry  Goods  Company,  save  the  first 
floor,  which  is  utilized  by  other  tenants.  This  is  situated  on  Story,  between  Eighth 
and  Ninth  streets.  While  at  different  times  the  business  has  been  of  more  varied 
scope,  the  brothers  continued  most  of  the  time  in  the  dry-goods  line  and  built 
up  an  extensive  trade  in  that  connection.  They  were  constantly  obliged  to  in- 
crease their  stock  to  meet  the  growing  demands  of  their  patronage.  Everything 
that  the  market  produced  in  the  way  of  dry  goods  was  to  be  had  in  their  estab- 
lishment, representing  the  latest  colors,  designs  and  materials.  Thus  ready  to 
serve  the  public,  they  were  accorded  an  extensive  trade  and  year  after  year  their 
growing  business  brought  them  substantial  returns.  Of  late  years  Charles  T. 
T.  Mason  has  lived  largely  retired  but  has  devoted  the  necessary  attention  to 
the  management  of  his  business  affairs  and  investments. 


478  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Jn  January,  1891,  was  celebrated  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Mason  and  Miss  Alice 
M.  Coleman  of  Boone,  who  was  born  in  1857  and  died  in  April,  1894,  at  the 
comparatively  early  age  of  thirty-seven  years.  She  was  the  daughter  of  Joseph 
Coleman,  a  pioneer  of  this  section  of  the  state.  Later  he  removed  westward  to 
California,  where  he  resided  for  a  number  of  years,  but  finally  returned  to  Boone, 
where  his  death  occurred  when  he  was  about  ninety  years  of  age.  He  came  to 
Iowa  from  Michigan,  but  was  originally  from  New  York,  while  his  wife  was 
a  native  of  New  England.  They  had  but  one  son,  who  died  while  serving  as  a 
soldier  in  the  Federal  army  during  the  Civil  war.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mason  became 
parents  of  one  son,  who  passed  away  in  infancy. 

In  politics  Mr.  Mason  has  always  been  a  stanch  republican,  giving  unfaltering 
support  to  the  men  and  measures  of  the  party,  yet  refusing  office  for  himself. 
His  wife  held  membership  in  the  Episcopal  church,  and  he  has  always  contributed 
liberally  to  its  support.  F"or  the  past  nineteen  years,  or  since  1895,  he  has  taken 
an  active  interest  in  the  improvement  of  Linwood  Park  Cemetery.  Moreover,  he 
is  a  public-spirited  citizen  who  has  assisted  in  many  projects  for  the  general 
good.  He  is  intensely  interested  in  the  substantial  growth  and  improvement  of 
city  and  county,  and  his  work  along  that  line  has  been  effective,  far-reaching  and 
beneficial.  Few  if  any  in  Boone  county  are  more  widely  known  than  Charles 
T.  T.  Mason  and  the  record  which  he  has  made  as  business  man  and  citizen 
places  him  among  the  foremost  residents  of  this  part  of  the  state. 


lAMES  E.  ARNOLD. 


James  E.  Arnold  was  one  of  the  veterans  of  the  Civil  war  and  an  early  set- 
tler of  Boone  county,  identified  with  its  development  during  an  early  epoch  in 
its  history.  He  was  called  to  his  final  rest  in  1896,  and  the  county  thereby  lost 
one  of  its  representative  and  valued  citizens.  He  was  born  in  Knox  county,  Ohio, 
February  29,  1844,  a  son  of  Elias  and  Malinda  (Armentrout)  Arnold,  both  of 
whom  spent  their  entire  lives  in  the  Buckeye  state.  Their  children  were  Daniel, 
Rhoda,  Mary,  James  E.,  George  and  John. 

-At  the  place  of  his  nativity  James  E.  .-Vrnold  was  reared  to  manhood  with 
the  usual  experiences  of  the  lad  of  that  locality  and  period.  He  attended  the 
public  schools  there  and  when  a  young  man  came  to  Iowa,  entering  the  employ 
of  his  brother  Daniel,  who  was  then  following  farming  in  Jasper  county.  With 
the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war,  however,  James  E.  Arnold  put  aside  all  business 
and  personal  considerations  to  gi\e  tangible  evidence  of  his  patriotism  and  loyalty 
to  his  conntr)-.  He  enlisted  as  a  member  of  Company  F,  First  Iowa  Cavalry 
serving  under  General  Custer.  He  was  with  the  Union  troops  until  the  close 
of  the  war  and  returned  home  with  a  most  creditable  military  record. 

Several  years  later  Mr.  Arnold  again  went  to  Ohio  and  was  married  in  Co- 
shocton county  in  1869  to  Miss  Mary  E.  Hagans,  of  that  county,  a  daughter  of 
Alexanrler  and  Fann_\'  (Anthony)  Hagans.  both  of  whom  represented  old  Penn- 
sylvania families,  her  mother  being  of  Pennsylvania-Dutch  descent.  The  Arnolds, 
however,  were  of  Irish  lineage.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alexander  Hagans  were  born 
fifteen  children:     Uriah,  who  was  horn  October  30.  1850,  and  is  now  deceased: 


I 


JAMES  E.  ARNOLD 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  481 

Mrs.  Arnold;  Ben  F.,  who  was  born  November  22,  1854,  and  has  passed  away; 
Isaac,  who  was  born  October  12,  1855,  and  is  deceased;  Martha  Jane,  born  March 
18,  1857;  James  Breckenridge  and  James  Buchanan,  twins,  born  August  13,  1858, 
the  latter  now  deceased,  while  the  former  is  living  in  Ohio ;  Anna,  who  was  born 
December  9,  1859,  and  has  passed  away;  David  A.,  who  was  born  July  20,  1861, 
and  is  a  resident  of  Ohio;  Jacob,  who  was  born  March  27,  1863,  and  is 
deceased;  Charles  M.,  who  was  born  April  4,  1868,  and  became  a  minister  but 
died  in  Ohio;  Katie,  who  was  born  March  2,  1870,  and  makes  her  home  in  the 
Buckeye  state;  Tenie  L.,  who  was  born  June  2,  1872,  and  is  living  in  Toledo, 
Ohio;  Thomas,  who  was  born  April  11,  1876,  and  is  also  a  resident  of  Ohio;  and 
Emma,  also  residing  in  Ohio. 

Of  this  family  Mrs.  Arnold  was  the  second  in  order  of  birth.  She  was  born 
in  Coshocton  county,  Ohio,  March  8,  1852,  and  was  educated  in  the  public  schools. 
Following  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arnold  came  to  Boone  county,  settling 
upon  an  one  hundred  and  sixty  acre  tract  of  land  on  section  8,  Jackson  town- 
ship. It  was  following  his  marriage  that  Mr.  Arnold  attended  college  at  New- 
ton, Iowa,  and  for  five  or  six  years  he  engaged  in  teaching  school  in  Ohio  and 
Iowa.  The  greater  part  of  his  life,  however,  was  devoted  to  general  agricultural 
pursuits,  and  he  brought  his  land  under  a  high  state  of  cultivation,  transforming 
it  into  a  productive  and  valuable  farm  which  he  carefully  tilled  year  after  year 
and  as  a  result  thereof  gathered  good  harvests. 

To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arnold  were  born  four  children:  Alma  A.,  now  the  wife  of 
Arthur  Wills  of  Jackson  township;  Merritt  }..  who  married  Teresa  Welch  and 
lives  in  Ogden,  Iowa;  Paul  R.,  at  home;  and  Emma  A.,  the  wife  of  Clarence 
Mott,  of  Heaver  township.  The  family  circle  was  broken  by  the  hand  of  death 
when  in  1896  Mr.  Arnold  passed  away  on  the  old  homestead  farm.  He  gave  his 
political  indorsement  to  the  repuiilican  party  and  was  a  firm  Ijeliever  in  its  prin- 
ciples although  never  an  aspirant  for  office.  He  held  membership  in  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  church,  and  his  life  was  guided  by  its  teachings,  so  that  at  his 
death  he  left  to  his  family  not  only  a  comfortable  competence  but  also  the  price- 
less heritage  of  an  untarnished  name.  He  was  always  as  loyal  to  the  duties  of 
citizenship  in  times  of  peace  as  when  he  followed  the  old  flag  upon  southern  bat- 
tlefields, and  as  an  early  settler  of  the  county  he  lived  to  witness  a  remarkable 
development  and  at  all  times  bore  his  part  in  the  work  of  general  advancement 
and  improvement. 


TOHN  T.   GILDEA. 


John  T.  Gildea,  the  well  known  postmaster  and  general  merchant  of  Luther, 
has  throughout  his  life  been  a  resident  of  Boone  county,  for  he  was  born  in 
Worth  township  on  the  9th  of  September,  1863,  a  son  of  Thomas  J.  and  Elizabeth 
(Nutt)  Gildea.  The  father  was  a  native  of  Kentucky  and  on  leaving  that  state 
came  to  Iowa  in  1855,  locating  in  Worth  township,  Boone  county,  where  he 
secured  land  and  followed  farming  until  the  Civil  war.  Feeling  that  his  country 
needed  his  services,  he  entered  the  army  as  a  member  of  Company  H,  Forty-fourth 
Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry.     Returning  to  this  state,  he  died  in  Davenport  in  the 


vtii.   11—22 


482  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

fall  of  1864.  His  widow  survived  him  many  years,  passing  away  February  5, 
1914,  when  seventy-four  years  of  age.  In  their  family  were  the  following  chil- 
dren: Mrs.  Sarah  Davis,  a  resident  of  Worth  township;  Philip,  who  is  living 
in  Worth  township,  two  miles  north  of  Luther;  Robert,  a  resident  of  Luther; 
John  T.,  of  this  review;  L.  F.,  who  is  engaged  in  the  transfer  business  in  Boone; 
and  William  T.,  a  farmer  of  Worth  township. 

John  T.  Gildea  attended  the  common  schools  of  this  county  during  his  boy- 
hood and  youth  and  at  an  early  age  commenced  farming,  to  which  occupation 
he  devoted  his  attention  until  his  removal  to  Luther  in  the  fall  of  1906.  when  he 
embarked  in  business  as  a  general  merchant.  He  still  owns  his  farm  in  Worth 
township,  however,  but  at  the  present  time  his  attention  is  given  to  mercantile 
pursuits.  Since  the  ist  of  September,  1912,  he  has  also  served  as  postmaster  of 
Luther  and  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  enterprising  business  men  of  his 
part  of  the  county.  He  married  Miss  Rachel  A.  Hoffman,  also  a  native  of 
Boone  county.  Four  children  have  been  born  to  them,  namely :  Mary  Mae,  now 
the  wife  of  James  Kenser,  of  Luther;  Grace  G..  at  home:  William  Blaine,  who 
is  attending  the  high  school  in  Boone ;  and  Noah  Lee,  at  home. 

Mr.  Gildea's  political  support  has  ever  been  given  to  the  republican  party, 
and  he  has  been  called  upon  to  serve  as  councilman  and  now  is  school  treasurer. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  hold  membership  in  the  Luther  Methodist  church,  and 
socially  he  is  connected  with  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen  at  Boone 
and  the  Odd  Fellow  and  Rebekah  lodges  of  Luther,  Mrs.  Gildea  also  belonging 
to  the  last  named.  They  are  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  citizens  of  the  com- 
munity who  merit  the  confidence  so  freely  accorded  them. 


ALONZO  J.  BARKLEY. 

An  attractive  residence  erected  in  1893  at  No.  326  Boone  street  is  the  home 
of  Alonzo  J.  Barkley,  who  at  diiTerent  times  has  been  connected  with  the  real- 
estate,  telephone  and  banking  business  at  Boone.  His  activities  have  been  of  a 
character  w-hich  has  contributed  to  public  progress  and  prosperity,  as  well  as  to 
individual  success.  He  retired  from  the  presidency  of  the  Boone  County  Bank  on 
the  loth  of  February,  191 1,  after  twenty-seven  years'  labor  at  the  head  of  that 
institution. 

Mr.  Barkley  is  a  representative  of  one  of  the  pioneer  families  of  the  state  and 
was  born  in  Linn  county,  Iowa,  March  27,  1842,  his  parents  being  James  Newton 
and  Lydia  (Hobson)  Barkley,  natives  of  Mrginia  and  of  North  Carolina  re- 
spectively. In  his  youthful  days  the  father  accompanied  his  parents  to  Kentucky 
and  afterward  to  Lawrence  county,  Indiana,  and  as  soon  as  he  attained  his 
majority  they  came  to  low-a  and  took  up  a  claim  in  Linn  county  in  1841.  While  a 
carpenter  by  trade,  he  also  engaged  to  some  extent  in  farming.  He  continued 
a  resident  of  Linn  county  until  1856,  when  he  removed  with  his  family  to  Boone 
county,  settling  on  land  in  Dodge  township,  about  eight  miles  from  Boonesboro,  on 
the  then  unbroken  prairie,  whose  rich  black  sod  soon  began  to  answer  his  daily 
prayer  for  bread.  He  joined  the  ranks  of  the  republican  party  when  it  required 
courage  to  announce  one's  political  convictions  along  that  line.    His  religious  faith 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  483 

was  that  of  the  Methodist  church  and  in  tliat  behef  he  passed  away  April  6, 
1866.  It  was  at  Bedford,  Indiana,  that  he  married  Aliss  Hobson,  who  was  a 
Quaker  as  were  her  ancestors.  She  passed  away  in  1887  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
four  years,  enjoying  to  the  fullest  degree  the  love  of  her  children  and  the  con- 
fidence and  high  regard  of  all  who  knew  her.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barkley  were 
l)orn  the  following  named:  Mary,  deceased;  A.  J.;  Harriet  M.,  the  widow  of 
Eugene  Favre;  Levina  ;  Linzy,  who  has  passed  away;  Mazzini  C. ;  and  Henry, 
deceased. 

A  contemporary  biographer  has  written  :  "The  boy  Alonzo  derived  his  primary 
education  chiefly  through  contact  with  nature  and  from  the  Bible,  interpreted  at 
his  mother's  knee,  and  illustrated  by  applications  to  the  moral  questions  which 
arise  in  the  progress  of  a  young  life."  The  school  house  at  Ridgeport  was  seven 
miles  from  his  home  and  thus  it  was  impossible  for  him  to  pursue  his  studies 
there.  The  winter  months  were  largely  spent  in  the  woods,  making  rails  and 
]iosts,  which  he  hauled  with  ox  teams  to  the  farm.  In  1861,  however,  he  divided 
his  time  between  chopping  cord  wood,  farming  and  attending  school  at  Boones- 
boro.  In  the  spring  he  concentrated  his  energies  upon  the  farm  work,  while 
his  father  spent  his  time  in  building  pioneer  homes  for  new  arrivals.  As  he 
went  into  the  fields  Alonzo  Barkley  would  carry  with  him  a  principle  in  grammar 
or  a  problem  in  mathematics  for  study  along  the  way.  He  mastered  everything 
thoroughly  and,  while  he  practically  had  none  of  the  training  of  the  schoolroom, 
he  began  to  show  a  knowledge  superior  to  that  of  many  vk'hose  opportunities  were 
far  greater  than  his  own.  As  he  followed  the  plow  his  mind  was  taken  up  with 
questions  that  developed  in  him  the  habit  of  thinking  clearly  and  of  arriving  at 
correct  deductions.  Each  lesson  of  his  life  has  been  thoroughly  learned.  At 
times  experience  has  been  to  him  a  hard  taskmaster,  but  he  has  never  faltered 
in  the  face  of  duty,  whether  in  the  performance  of  a  task  for  his  own  benefit  or 
in  the  broader  field  of  duty  toward  city  and  country. 

He  was  but  twenty  years  of  age  when  he  enlisted  on  the  nth  of  August,  1862, 
as  a  member  of  Company  D,  Thirty-second  Iowa  \'olunteer  Infantry.  The 
regiment  was  organized  at  Camp  Franklin,  Dubuque,  and  a  detach- 
ment of  four  companies — A,  F,  G  and  D — commanded  by  Major  G.  A. 
Eberhart,  went  to  Cape  Girardeau  and  spent  the  fall,  winter  and  succeeding 
.spring  months  in  southern  Missouri,  building  fortifications  for  the  Cape  and  at 
Bloomfield.  This  detachment  assisted  in  defeating  Marmaduke's  army  at  Cape 
Girardeau  and  driving  it  into  Arkansas,  returning  in  time  to  accompany  General 
Davidson's  cavalry  division  on  its  famous  five-hundred-mile  march  through 
Missouri  and  Arkansas  to  Little  Rock,  where  Price's  army  was  defeated  and 
driven  out.  Speaking  of  Mr.  Bjirkley's  military  experience  another  writer  has 
said:  "Mr.  Barkley  was  one  of  the  si.xty  men  that  went  up  the  river  from 
Clarendon  to  Searcy  and  burned  the  pontoon  Ijridge  across  the  Little  Red  river 
after  a  portion  of  Marmaduke's  army  had  crossed.  These  sixty  men  captured  two 
small  steamers,  'The  Tom  Sugg'  and  'Kaskaskia,'  and  returned  to  Clarendon,  one- 
third  of  their  number  having  been  killed  or  wounded  before  their  return  to  the 
command.  He  also  took  part  in  the  fight  at  Bayou  Metoe,  where  one  of  his  com- 
pany was  killed  and  two  severely  wounded." 

The  regiment  was  reunited  at  Vicksburg  and  in  the  spring  of  1864  joined  in 
Banks'  Red  River  expedition.    It  participated  in  the  skirmishes  and  battles  of  that 


484  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

disastrous  campaign  until  Pleasant  Hill  was  reached  on  April  8,  1864.  The  next 
day  a  fierce  conflict  raged  and  Shaw's  brigade,  in  which  was  Colonel  Scott's 
Thirty-second  Iowa  Infantry,  held  the  center  until  nightfall,  when  it  was  sur- 
rounded and  obliged  to  cut  its  way  out,  losing  more  men  in  killed  and  wounded 
than  did  any  other  regiment  in  that  engagement.  Diligent  inquiry  and  a  hasty 
examination  in  the  darkness  soon  disclosed  the  result  of  that  day's  battle  and  the 
condition  of  the  survivors.  Mr.  Barkley's  wound  was  bleeding  so  profusely  that 
he  went  in  search  of  surgical  aid  where  prompt  attention  might  stanch  the  flow 
of  blood  and  possibly  save  his  life.  At  the  headquarters  of  General  Banks  he 
was  given  the  necessary  attention  and  the  services  of  Surgeon  Sanger,  the  dis- 
tinguished medical  director  of  the  Nineteenth  Army  Corps.  The  right  shoulder 
was  then  unjointed  and  from  the  torn  and  mangled  arm  below  the  shattered  bone 
was  cut  out  and  removed.  Long  before  daylight  Banks  had  left  his  dead  unburied 
on  the  field  and  the  wounded  to  be  captured  and  held  as  prisoners  of  war  for 
three  months,  when  the  survivors,  whose  wounds  forever  unfitted  them  for  mili- 
tary service,  were  taken  on  boats  and  paroled  by  said  Surgeon  Sanger  and  sent 
to  New  Orleans.  In  order  to  escape  the  yellow  fever  they  were  sent  up  to  Mem- 
phis, Tennessee,  and  in  December,  1864,  while  still  a  paroled  prisoner,  Mr. 
Barkley  was  discharged  and  arrived  at  his  father's  farm  house  on  Christmas  Day 
without  notice,  making  a  happy  holiday   for  all. 

Life's  experiences  were  teaching  Mr.  Barkley  the  value  of  education  and, 
anxious  to  advance  along  that  line,  he  entered  Cornell  College  at  Mount  Vernon, 
Iowa,  in  March,  1865,  and  remained  until  the  death  of  his  father  in  April,  1866. 
Returning  home,  still  carrying  his  wounded  arm  in  a  sling,  he  engaged  in  herding 
cattle.  In  the  fall  of  that  year  he  was  made  the  republican  nominee  for  county 
recorder,  to  which  office  he  was  chosen  at  the  regular  election  in  November, 
entering  upon  the  duties  of  the  position  in  January,  1867.  He  was  reelected  in 
1868  and  while  acting  in  that  capacity  he  compiled  a  set  of  abstract  books  covering 
all  lands  in  Boone  county,  doing  the  labor  in  what  otherwise  would  have  been 
"leisure  hours"  and  devising  his  own  system.  Although  he  had  never  before  seen 
a  set  of  abstract  records,  he  succeeded  in  making  as  complete  a  set  as  any  in  Iowa. 
On  his  retirement  from  the  position  of  recorder  he  entered  the  real-estate  and 
abstract  business,  becoming  agent  for  the  Iowa  Railroad  Land  Company  and 
the  Blair  Town  Lot  &  Land  Company,  and  represented  large  tracts  in  central  Iowa 
held  by  non-resident  landowners  on  his  own  account  until  1882,  when  he  sold 
out.  He  was  connected  with  telephone  development,  his  initial  step  in  this  direc- 
tion being  made  in  i88g,  later  constructing  lines  from  Boone  to  Ames,  Madrid, 
Ogden  and  Dayton.  In  1891  he  organized  the  Boone  County  Telephone 
Company  and  established  a  telephone  exchange.  He  remained  at  the  head  of  the 
business  until  1892,  when  he  sold  out  to  the  Bell  system. 

In  the  meantime  he  had  become  active  in  financial  circles  as  one  of  the 
promoters  and  organizers  of  the  Boone  County  Bank  in  February,  1884.  He 
was  elected  its  first  vice  president  with  R.  J.  Hiatt  as  president  and  Oscar  Schleiter 
as  cashier.  With  the  withdrawal  of  his  associate  officers  after  five  years,  the 
bank  was  reorganized  with  Mr.  Barkley  as  president,  directing  its  affairs  success- 
fully until  the  loth  of  February,  191 1,  when  he  sold  his  stock  and  retired.  Under 
his  guidance  the  progressive  policy  of  the  bank  was  tempered  by  a  safe  conserva- 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  485 

tism,  and  the  success  of  the  institution  was  built  upon  the  enterprise,  sound 
judgment  and  honorable  methods  of  the  president. 

It  is  almost  impossible  for  a  man  who  has  been  as  active  in  business  as  Mr. 
Barkley  not  to  be  closely  associated  with  affairs  of  public  moment.  He 
becomes  a  vital  force  in  the  community  and  his  influence  has  much  to  do  with 
shaping  public  policy.  Thus  it  has  been  with  Mr.  Barkley,  who  has  twice  repre- 
sented his  ward  in  the  city  council  and  who  in  1899  was  chosen  to  represent  his 
district  in  the  twenty-eighth  general  assembly.  After  serving  for  two  years, 
indorsement  of  his  first  term  came  in  his  reelection.  During  the  first  term  he 
was  a  member  of  the  library  committee  and  assisted  in  preparing  the  bill  creating 
the  Iowa  library  commission,  which  became  a  law  and  has  proven  to  be  of  much 
worth  by  advancing  library  development  in  this  state.  During  the  second  term  he 
was  a  member  of  the  committee  on  appropriations,  also  on  the  ways  and  means 
committee  and  other  important  committees  and  was  advanced  to  the  chairmanship 
of  the  library  committee.  His  bill  became  a  law  consolidating  the  traveling  library 
with  the  Iowa  library  commission  and  the  appropriation  for  the  former  was  largely 
increased.  He  has  closely  studied  questions  of  public  moment,  and  his  indorse- 
ment of  any  measure  arises  from  the  fact  that  he  has  firm  belief  in  its  effectiveness 
as  a  factor  for  general  good. 

Mr.  Barkley  was  united  in  marriage  November  6,  1866,  in  Boone  county  to 
Miss  Henrietta  Trickey,  who  died  in  1889.  About  two  years  later,  on  the  28th 
of  July,  1891,  he  was  married  in  Ainsworth,  Nebraska,  to  Miss  Flora  Spencer, 
who  for  a  number  of  years  was  a  successful  educator  in  Waukon,  her  former 
home,  and  in  the  high  school  of  Boone,  Iowa.  Theirs  is  a  beautiful  home, 
attractive  by  reason  of  its  warm-hearted  hospitality  which  is  greatly  enjoyed  by 
their  many  friends. 

Mr.  Barkley  has  always  been  deeply  interested  in  the  cause  of  education  and 
served  for  a  number  of  years  as  one  of  the  trustees  of  Cornell  College.  He  is 
prominent  in  Masonic  circles,  holding  membership  in  the  lodge,  chapter  and 
comniandery  and  the  Mystic  Shrine,  and  for  several  terms  he  was  master  of  the 
lodge.  He  wears  the  little  bronze  button  that  proclaims  his  membership  with  the 
Grand  Army  of  the  Republic,  and  is  a  member  of  J.  G.  Miller  Post.  He  has 
many  social  qualities  which  render  him  popular.  He  is  ever  ready  to  listen  to 
the  arguments  of  others,  but  when  once  determined  that  his  course  is  right, 
nothing  can  swerve  him  therefrom.  It  is  said  that  the  domestic  animals  about 
his  place  know  him  for  their  friend  and  that  children  love  him.  These  things  are 
indicative  of  a  warm  heart  and  kindly  nature. 


JOSEPH  FRANKLIN  WHEELER. 

Among  those  to  whom  success  has  come  as  the  result  of  diligence  and  intelli- 
gently directed  effort  is  Joseph  Franklin  Wheeler,  who  is  now  living  retired, 
although  he  still  occupies  the  home  farm  on  section  14,  Harrison  township.  A 
native  of  Maine,  he  was  born  on  the  4th  of  March,  1845,  ^  son  of  Joseph  and 
Elmira  (Langster)  Wheeler,  who  in  the  year  1877  arrived  in  Boone  county, 
where  they  lived  for  a  number  of  years.     Both  are  now  deceased. 


486  HISTORY  OF  i^OONE  COUNTY 

Joseph  F.  Wheeler  passed  his  boyhood  days  in  the  Pine  Tree  state,  being 
about  twenty  years  of  age  when  he  went  west  to  Illinois,  where  he  was  employed 
as  a  farm  hand  for  about  two  years.  He  enlisted  at  Dixon,  Illinois,  as  a 
member  of  Company  G,  Fifteenth  Illinois  Infantry,  with  which  he  served  for 
seven  and  one-half  months.  Following  the  close  of  his  military  service  he  re- 
turned to  Illinois,  where  he  remained  for  a  year,  when  on  account  of  ill  health 
he  returned  to  New  England,  establishing  his  home  in  Penobscot  county,  Maine, 
where  he  lived  for  six  years.  In  1877  be  came  to  Boone  county,  where  he  has 
now  made  his  home  for  thirty-seven  years,  and  throughout  this  period  has  been 
identified  with  agricultural  interests.  He  has  worked  hard,  earning  his  success 
by  the  sweat  of  his  brow,  and  as  the  years  have  passed  by  he  has  advanced  steadily 
step  by  step  until  he  is  now  numbered  among  the  men  of  affluence  in  Harrison 
township. 

On  the  15th  of  March,  1875,  Mr.  Wheeler  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Elizabeth  Gates,  a  daughter  of  Abel  anfl  Catherine  (McFadden)  Gates.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Wheeler  have  four  children:  Joseph  F.,  who  married  Carrie  Stoll  and 
follows  farming  in  Harrison  township ;  \\'illiam  Arthur,  living  in  Scotia,  Cali- 
fornia ;  Ella  I.,  the  wife  of  Charles  Allen,  who  follows  farming  near  Stanhope, 
Iowa  ;  and  Mary  Agnes,  the  wife  of  Irving  Ross,  a  resident  farmer  of  this  state 
living  near  Ogden. 

With  an  automobile  it  is  not  difficult  for  Mr.  Wheeler  and  his  wife  to  reach 
the  city  and  even  more  remote  points,  and  the  fact  that  he  is  now  living  retired 
enables  him  to  enjoy  motor  trips  through  the  country.  In  politics  he  is  a  republi- 
can but  without  ambition  for  office.  He  belongs  to  the  Methodist  church,  and 
his  fraternal  relations  are  with  E.  L.  Sheldahl  Post,  No.  439,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Story 
City,  by  which  means  he  maintains  pleasant  relations  with  his  old  army  comrades 
who  wore  the  lilue  uniform  during  the  darkest  hours  in  the  country's  history. 
He  is  today  as  true  and  loyal  to  the  government  as  when  in  times  of  war  he 
followed  the  old  flag  upon  the  battlefields  of  the  south. 


JOHN  R.  BUTTOLPH. 


John  R.  Buttolph  is  one  of  the  prosperous  agriculturists  of  Pilot  Mound  town- 
ship, Boone  county,  where  he  owns  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land,  the 
operation  of  which  is  now  largely  under  the  management  of  his  son.  Mr.  But- 
tolph is  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war,  rendering  at  the  time  of  stress  valuable  service 
to  his  country  He  was  born  in  Lorain  county,  Ohio.  August  18,  1841,  and  is  a 
son  of  George  and  Dorothy  (Clark)  Buttolph,  the  former  born  in  Massachu- 
setts and  the  latter  in  Maine.  The  father  was  a  farmer  and  came  to  Linn  county, 
Iowa,  in  1854,  where  he  remained  until  1857,  when  he  removed  to  Boone 
county,  where  he  acquired  land  and  operated  the  same  until  1861.  He  then  re- 
moved to  Polk  county,  where  he  farmed  until  1864,  when  he  returned  to  Boone 
county,  here  continuing  in  his  life  occupation  until  his  death  in  1873.  His  widow 
survived  him  until  March  19,  1895. 

John  R.  Buttolph  was  reared  and  educated  in  Linn  and  Boone  counties  and  in 
June,  1861,  enlisted  in  the  Second  Iowa  Battery,  serving  until  tlie  close  of  the  war. 


JOHN  K.  BUTTOLPH  AND  FAMILY 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  489 

He  was  wounded  twice  at  Vicksburg  and  could  always  be  found  at  the 
most  dangerous  places  when  defending  the  Union.  After  peace  was  reestablished 
he  returned  to  Boone  county  and  operated  rented  land  for  several  years,  at  the 
end  of  which  time  he  purchased  his  present  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
on  section  32,  Pilot  Mound  township.  He  closely  applied  himself  to  bringing  his 
land  under  cultivation  and  improving  his  property  and  in  the  course  of  years  has 
met  with  gratifying  success,  now  owning  one  of  the  most  valuable  farms  of  his 
neighborhood. 

On  the  24th  of  December,  1865,  Mr.  Buttolph  married  Miss  Sarah  Myers,  a 
daughter  of  Jacob  and  Annie  (Keppel)  Myers,  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  The 
father  was  a  farmer  and  operated  land  in  Ohio  until  1854,  when  he  removed  to 
Boone  county,  acquiring  property  in  Pilot  Mound  township,  which  he  improved 
until  his  death  in  1887.  His  wife  had  died  the  previous  year.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Buttolph  have  three  children :  Ada  C,  who  married  S.  A.  Elliott,  a  resident  of 
Centerville;  Ida  S.,  the  wife  of  R.  W.  Casey,  a  lumber  dealer  of  C)gden ;  and  John 
F.,  who  operates  his  father's  farm  and  resides  with  his  parents.  He  was  mar- 
ried February  14,  igoo,  to  Miss  Hannah  Clausson,  a  daughter  of  Lewis  and 
Anna  S.  (Hanson)  Clausson,  natives  of  Denmark,  who  emigrated  to  America 
and  settled  in  Boone  county  at  an  early  day  in  its  history.  Her  father  farmed 
for  many  years  and  subsetiuently  engaged  in  the  harness  business  in  Pilot  Mound, 
where  he  resided  until  his  death  August  8,  191 2.  John  F.  Buttolph  has  five  chil- 
dren, Ora  D.,  Leni  L.,  Loren  D.,  Milan  D.  and  Franklin  D.-  Their  father  is  at 
present  assessor  of  his  township  and  has  served  for  four  years.  During  the 
Spanish-American  war  he  enlisted  in  Company  I,  Fifty-second  Iowa  Regiment, 
giving  thereby  evidence  of  his  patriotic  spirit.  ; 

John  R.  Buttolph  served  as  assessor  for  twenty  years,  as  township  clerk  for 
five  years  and  as  trustee  for  about  eight  years.  Politically  he  is  a  republican, 
giving  his  support  to  that  party  which  took  up  the  cause  of  the  Union  at  the  time 
of  the  great  conflict  between  the  north  and  south.  Hs  is  a  member  of  the  Grand 
Army  of  the  Republic  and  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows.  Although 
he  is  not  a  member  of  any  specific  church,  he  attends  the  services  of  all  and 
readily  contributes  to  those  institutions  and  organizations  which  have  for  their 
purpose  the  betterment  of  humanity.  He  has  made  valuable  contributions  to 
the  development  of  his  district  and  is  highly  respected  and  esteemed  by  all  who 
know  him  for  what  he  has  accomplished  and  the  qualities  of  his  character  which 
have  made  possible  his  success. 


THOMAS  E.  TOMLINSON. 

Thomas  E.  Tomlinson,  a  popular  restaurant  proprietor  of  Pilot  Mound,  is 
a  well  known  and  enterprising  young  business  man  of  the  town.  He  is  numbered 
among  the  worthy  native  sons  of  Boone  county,  his  birth  having  occurred  in 
Pilot  Mound  on  the  15th  of  December.  1892.  His  parents,  Thomas  and  Maggie 
(Bishop)  Tomlinson,  were  both  born  in  this  sate.  The  mother,  a  pioneer  resident 
of  Boone  county,  is  now  fifty-one  years  of  age  and  has  won  an  extensive  ac- 
quaintance and  many  friends  in  the  community.     A  sketch  of  her  father,  who 


490  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

is  now  living  retired  in  Pilot  Mound  at  the  age  of  eighty-nine  years,  appears  on 
another  page  of  this  work. 

Thomas  E.  Tomlinson  was  reared  and  educated  in  this  county,  attending  the 
public  schools  of  Pilot  Mound.  After  putting  aside  his  text-books  he  worked  in  a 
cement  tile  factory  for  three  years  and  then  learned  the  barber's  trade,  being 
thus  engaged  for  about  one  year.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  became 
proprietor  of  a  restaurant  in  Pilot  Mound  and  has  thus  been  engaged  in  business 
to  the  present  time.  It  is  liberally  patronized  by  a  desirable  class  of  people  and 
Mr.  Tomlinson  is  meeting  with  well  merited  success  in  this  connection.  On  the 
9th  of  February,  1914,  the  restaurant  was  destroyed  by  fire,  but  its  proprietor  is 
now  erecting  a  cement  and  brick  building  on  the  main  street  in  which  to  continue 
the  business. 

Mr.  Tomlinson  makes  his  home  with  his  mother  in  Pilot  Mound.  He  is  the 
oldest  of  three  children,  the  others  being  Gertrude,  an  embalmer  and  undertaker 
of  Boone ;  and  Clyde,  at  home.  The  family  residence  is  an  attractive  abode  on 
Main  street.  Airs.  Maggie  Tomlinson  is  a  devoted  and  consistent  member  of 
the  Methodist  church,  exemplifying  its  teachings  in  her  daily  life.  Thomas  E. 
Tomlinson  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  is  identified  fraternally  with  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America.  He  enjoys  an  extensive  acquaintance  in  his  home  com- 
munity and  has  many  friends  who  esteem  him  as  a  young  man  of  enterprise, 
ability  and  promise. 


ARTHUR  M.  BURNSIDE. 

Arthur  M.  Burnside,  of  Boone.  Boone  county,  not  only  rendered  conspicuous 
service  to  the  public  as  auditor  of  his  county  but  also  was  for  a  number  of  years 
intimately  connected  with  financial  afifairs  as  assistant  cashier  of  the  Boone  Na- 
tional Bank,  which  office  he  held  until  March  i,  1914.  He  was  born  in  Ames, 
Iowa,  December  14,  i86g,  and  is  a  son  of  John  A.  and  Margaret  P.  (Smyth) 
Burnside,  who  are  mentioned  at  length  on  another  page  of  this  work. 

Arthur  M.  Burnside  was  reared  in  Iowa  and  Ohio,  in  which  latter  state  he 
spent  seven  or  eight  years.  He  received  a  good  public-school  education,  com- 
pleting his  schooling  with  a  business  course  at  Des  Moines.  He  afterward 
remained  for  some  time  on  his  mother's  farm  and  also  taught  school  in  Boone 
county  for  several  years.  In  1S98  he  was  elected  county  auditor  and  so  well  did 
he  fulfill  his  duties  that  in  1901  he  was  reelected,  serving  in  all  two  terms.  In 
1905  Mr.  Burnside  turned  his  attention  to  banking,  becoming  assistant  cashier 
of  the  Boone  National  Bank.  His  activities  in  this  connection  have  been  a  factor 
in  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  this  financial  institution,  with  which  he  remained 
until  March  i,  1914.  Mr.  Burnside  is  an  able  and  shrewd  business  man  and  par- 
ticularly well  informed  upon  all  banking  and  financial  matters.  He  enjoys  in  full 
measure  the  confidence  of  the  general  public  and  stands  high  in  the  commercial 
and  social  life  of  his  community. 

On  the  5th  of  October,  1905,  in  Wooster,  Ohio,  .Arthur  M.  Burnside  married 
Miss  Jennie  M.  Funk,  a  native  of  Iowa  and  a  daughter  of  I.  N.  Funk,  formerly 
of  Chariton,  Lucas  county.    Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burnside  have  one  son,  John  Newton, 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  491 

who  is  seven  years  of  age  and  has  just  entered  school.  Politically  Mr.  Burnside 
is  a  republican,  ever  in  accord  with  the  principles  of  his  party.  He  is  conversant 
with  all  the  issues  of  the  day  and  interested  in  the  progress  and  welfare  of  his 
city  and  section,  ever  ready  to  give  material  and  moral  support  to  valuable  enter- 
prises. Fraternally  he  is  a  member  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows 
and  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  being  connected  with  the  local  lodges  of  Boone.  He 
attends  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  takes  part  in  its  religious  and  charita- 
ble work.  Mr.  Burnside  is  numbered  among  the  substantial  citizens  of  Boone, 
having  attained  this  position  entirely  through  his  own  efforts.  He  is  esteemed 
for  what  he  has  achieved  and  those  qualities  of  his  character  which  have  made 
possible  his  success. 


JAMES  BROWN. 


Farming  interests  have  claimed  the  attention  of  James  Brown  since  reaching 
man's  estate,  and  he  is  today  numbered  among  the  leading  agriculturists  of  Jack- 
son township,  his  home  being  on  section  27.  He  was  born  in  Woodsfield,  Monroe 
county,  Ohio,  November  13,  1844,  and  on  both  the  paternal  and  maternal  sides 
is  of  Irish  extraction.  His  paternal  great-grandfather,  Josias  Brown,  came  to 
this  country  from  Ireland  at  an  early  day  and  died  in  Virginia.  His  son,  Alex- 
ander Brown,  resided  in  Ohio  county.  West  Virginia,  for  some  years  and  then 
removed  with  his  family  in  181 5  to  Monroe  county,  Ohio,  settling  in  what  is  now 
Summit  township,  along  Sunfish  creek,  where  he  owned  large  tracts  of  land 
entered  from  the  government.  There  he  spent  his  remaining  days.  He  first 
married  a  Miss  McCoy,  and  after  her  death  he  wedded  Elizabeth  Whitam.  He 
reared  a  large  family  in  which  were  nine  sons  and  several  daughters. 

The  oldest  of  these  was  Josias  Brown,  father  of  our  subject.  He  was  born 
in  Ohio  county,  West  Virginia,  in  1803  and  throughout  life  followed  the  occupa- 
tion of  farming,  his  last  days  being  spent  in  Boone  county,  Iowa.  He  wedded 
Mary  Daly,  whose  ancestors  also  came  from  the  Emerald  isle  and  settled  in 
X'irginia.  They,  too,  removed  to  Monroe  county,  Ohio,  and  made  their  home  on 
Wills  creek,  twelve  miles  from  the  Brown  homestead.  John  Daly,  our  suljject's 
maternal  grandfather,  was  a  hunter  and  trapper  in  Ohio  at  a  very  early  day  and 
was  an  expert  at  that  business.  He  frequently  made  trips  to  Wheeling,  West 
Virginia,  to  sell  his  furs,  and  he  manufactured  many  of  the  shoes  and  other 
articles  of  clothing  worn  by  the  family  from  the  hides  of  the  animals  which  he 
trapped.  His  daughter,  Mrs.  Brown,  died  in  Boone  county  at  the  age  of  ninety 
years,  having  been  born  in  1808.  She  was  the  mother  of  the  following  children: 
Benjamin  W.,  a  farmer,  who  died  in  West  X'irginia ;  Joseph  O.,  who  died  in 
infancy;  Nancy,  the  wife  of  William  Smytii  of  Des  Moines,  Iowa;  Ruth,  who 
married  Samuel  Hunter  and  died  in  Manning,  Iowa;  Maria,  the  wife  of  .\nthony 
Hunter,  of  Monroe  county,  Ohio;  Josias,  who  makes  his  home  on  section  26, 
Jackson  township,  this  county;  John  D.,  who  served  in  the  One  Hundred  and 
Sixteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry  during  the  Civil  war  and  died  in  Salem,  Kan- 
sas ;  James,  of  this  review ;  Wilbur  F.,  a  resident  of  Boone ;  Absalom,  who  died 


492  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

at  the  age  of  twelve  3-ears ;  Mary  A.,  who  died  in  infancy;  and  \'incent,  who  is 
living  retired  in  Boone,  Iowa. 

During  his  boyhood  James  Brown  pursued  his  education  in  an  old-fashioned 
log  schoolhouse  near  his  home  and  as  opportunity  aft'orded  continued  to  attend 
school  until  the  age  of  twenty-one  years,  after  which  he  engaged  in  teaching  for 
two  terms  in  Monroe  county,  Ohio.  It  was  in  1869  that  he  accompanied  his 
brother,  Wilbur  F.  Brown,  on  his  removal  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  and  here  he 
has  since  made  his  home,  his  time  and  attention  being  devoted  to  agricultural 
pursuits.  After  his  marriage  he  located  upon  his  present  farm,  on  section  27, 
Jackson  township,  and  to  its  further  improvement  and  cultivation  he  has  since 
devoted  his  energies.     He  had  purchased  the  land  on  first  coming  to  Iowa. 

On  the  2d  of  May,  1886,  Mr.  Brown  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mrs.  Juliette 
(Brilev)  Fezler.  widow  of  H.  N.  Fezler  and  a  daughter  of  Elisha  and  Mary 
(Foster)  Briley.  They  hold  membership  in  the  Prairie  Center  Methodist  Epis- 
copal church  and  are  devout  Christian  people  who  are  held  in  the  highest  esteem 
by  all  who  know  them.  Mr.  Brown  is  serving  as  trustee  of  his  church  and  sub- 
stantially aided  in  the  building  of  its  house  of  worship.  His  political  support 
is  given  to  the  republican  party,  and  he  served  as  justice  of  the  peace  for  one 
term.  He  is  well  known  throughout  the  community  and  is  regarded  as  one  of 
its  leading  citizens. 


WTLLIAAl  STORRIER. 


William  Storrier,  who  now  lives  retired  at  No.  1128  Boone  street  in  Boone, 
Iowa,  was  for  thirty-seven  years  foreman  of  the  car  department  of  the  North- 
western Railway  here,  always  discharging  his  duties  faithfully  and  to  the  general 
satisfaction  of  his  superior  officers.  He  was  born  at  Forfar,  Forfarshire.  Scot- 
land, in  1833.  and  is  now  in  his  eighty-first  year.  His  parents  were  Charles  and 
Jessie  (Cowgill)  Storrier,  the  former  a  laborer  who  spent  all  his  life  in  his  native 
land,  in  Forfar,  where  he  died  at  the  age  of  sixty-five.  Both  parents  were  mem- 
bers of  the  Presbyterian  church.  Their  children,  besides  our  subject,  were :  David, 
James  and  Andrew,  who  died  in  Scotland ;  Charles,  who  still  makes  his  home 
there ;  and  several  who  died  in  infancy. 

William  Storrier  was  educated  in  the  public  schools,  laying  aside  his  text- 
books when  about  sixteen  years  of  age.  He  then  did  railroad  work  on  the  Cale- 
donia Railroad  from  Glasgow  to  Aberdeen  for  twelve  years  and  subsequently  was 
foreman  of  the  passenger  department  for  a  similar  period.  He  was  married  in 
1855  and  in  June.  1866.  left  his  native  heath  and  landed  in  New  York  on  July 
4th,  participating  for  the  first  time  in  the  joyous  demonstrations  of  Independence 
Day.  He  came  to  America  with  his  wife  and  five  children  and  they  made  their 
way  direct  to  Fulton,  Illinois,  where  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  Northwestern 
Railroad,  being  in  charge  of  the  railroad  woodyard  there.  At  the  end  of  four 
months  he  was  sent  by  the  company  to  Boone  to  take  charge  of  the  car  depart- 
ment, and  he  remained  in  the  employ  of  the  company  here  until  he  reached  the 
age  limit  of  seventy  years,  when  he  retired  and  is  now  enjoying  the  comforts  of 
life,  to  which  he  is  well  entitled  by  long  years  of  faithful  labor. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  495 

On  April  8,  1855,  Mr.  Storrier  married  in  Forfar,  Scotland,  Miss  Margaret 
Taylor  of  that  city,  a  daughter  of  William  Taylor.  To  this  union  were  born  the 
following  children :  Mary,  now  a  resident  of  Omaha,  Nebraska,  and  the  widow 
of  George  Harriman,  who  was  killed  in  a  railroad  accident ;  James,  who  is  mar- 
ried and  resides  in  Council  Bluffs ;  Mina,  the  widow  of  Thomas  Hunter,  of  Den- 
ver, Colorado ;  William,  deceased ;  and  Jessie,  who  resdes  at  home. 

Mr.  Storrier  and  his  wife  are  devout  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  to 
which  they  make  generous  contributions.  He  has  been  a  lifelong  republican  and 
is  thoroughly  in  accord  with  the  aims  of  that  party.  He  also  has  in  past  years 
earned  quite  a  reputation  as  a  performer  on  the  violin,  having  studied  that  art  in 
Scotland  and  played  in  an  orchestra.  Mr.  Storrier  has  always  been  ready  to 
promote  public  enterprise  and  has  contributed  toward  the  development  of  his 
city  and  county.  He  has  many  friends  in  Boone  and  all  are  agreed  as  to  his  high 
qualities  of  character. 


SCOTT  A.  NORTON. 


Scott  A.  Norton,  a  retired  farmer  and  railroad  man  living  at  No.  123  Tama 
street,  Boone,  Iowa,  was  born  on  the  12th  of  October,  1846,  in  Lebanon,  New 
York,  and  comes  of  a  good  old  New  England  family.  His  paternal  grandfather 
was  Andrew  Norton,  a  native  of  Massachusetts,  where  his  ancestors  located  at 
a  very  early  day.  The  Nortons  were  well  known  for  their  patriotism  and  honor 
and  participated  in  the  country's  struggle  for  independence.  Joseph  A.  Norton, 
our  subject's  father,  was  born  in  Massachusetts,  but  was  quite  small  when  he 
accompanied  his  parents  on  their  removal  to  Madison  county,  New  York,  where 
he  grew  to  manhood  and  was  married  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Hoppin.  She  was  born 
in  that  county  and  belonged  to  an  old  and  highly  esteemed  New  York  family. 
Upon  leaving  the  Empire  state  Joseph  A.  Norton  removed  to  Sangamon  county, 
Illinois,  and  made  his  home  in  Chatham  until  our  subject  was  eighteen  years 
of  age  and  then  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa.  He  died  in  Worth  township,  this 
County,  in  1865  at  the  age  of  sixty-two  years,  and  his  wife  passed  away  here 
in  the  spring  of  1887.  They  had  eleven  children,  six  sons  and  five  daughters,  of 
whom  two  sons  served  in  the  Civil  war,  these  being  Talcott  and  Freeman,  who 
were  both  members  of  the  Third  Illinois  Cavalry. 

Scott  A.  Norton  was  nine  years  of  age  when  he  left  his  native  state  and 
removed  with  the  family  to  Chatham,  Sangamon  county,  Illinois.  There  he 
attended  the  public  schools  and  early  became  familiar  with  agricultural  pursuits 
while  assisting  his  father  on  the  farm.  In  connection  with  general  farming  the 
father  engaged  in  the  raising  of  sheep.  Removing  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  they" 
secured  a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Worth  township  and  later  ex- 
tended its  boundaries  until  it  comprised  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres.  Our 
subject  continued  to  assist  in  its  cultivation  until  twenty-three  years  of  age,  when 
he  entered  the  railroad  service  of  the  Northwestern  as  brakeman,  running  between 
Boone  and  Council  Bluffs.  Shortly  afterward,  however,  he  returned  to  the 
farm  but  in  1879  became  a  railroad  fireman  and  remained  in  the  service  of  the 


496  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

company  for  about  thirty-one  years,  being  pensioned  five  years  ago.     He  is  now 
living  retired  in   Boone  and  is  enjoying  a  well  earned  rest. 

In  this  city  on  the  5th  of  January,  1873,  Mr.  Norton  married  Miss  Mattie 
Ballard,  a  native  of  Hamilton  county,  Iowa,  and  a  daughter  of  John  and  Martha 
(.Murphy)  Ballard.  Nine  children  blessed  this  union,  namely  :  John,  an  engineer 
on  the  Northwestern  who  married  Coralie  Paine  and  lives  in  Boone ;  Dana,  who 
married  and  died  in  Texas;  Robert,  a  resident  of  Boone;  Bessie,  the  wife  of  Dan- 
iel Fitzgerald  of  Boone ;  Emma  and  Lola,  both  trained  nurses ;  Grace,  who  is 
teaching  in  the  public  schools  of  Boone ;  Isabelle,  the  wife  of  Roy  Wiltamuth,  and 
Richard  O.,  an  engineer  on  the  Northwestern.  The  mother  is  a  faithful  member 
of  the  Seventh  Day  Adventist  church,  but  Mr.  Norton  is  not  connected  with 
any  religious  organization.  For  the  last  few  years  he  has  been  a  socialist  in 
politics.  He  is  a  man  of  earnest  convictions  who  is  not  afraid  to  stand  by  what 
he  believes  to  be  right  and  in  so  doing  commands  the  respect  of  all  who  know 
him. 


JOHN  T.  ALBAN. 


John  T.  Alban,  the  period  of  whose  residence  in  Boone  county  covers  nearly 
a  half  century,  is  now  living  retired  in  Pilot  .^lound  and  is  widely  recognized  as 
one  of  the  prominent  and  respected  citizens  of  the  community.  His  birth  occurred 
in  England  in  March,  1840,  his  parents  being  Thomas  and  Margaret  Alban, 
likewise  natives  of  that  country.  The  father,  an  agriculturist  by  occupation, 
emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  an  early  day,  locating  in  Michigan,  where  lie 
operated  a  farm  for  four  years  and  then  passed  away  in  1853.  The  demise  of 
his  wife  occurred  the  following  year. 

John  T.  Alban  acquired  his  education  largely  in  Michigan.  In  1861,  when 
a  young  man  of  twenty-one  years,  he  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Union  army  as 
a  member  of  Company  F,  Second  Illinois  Cavalry,  remaining  with  that  command 
for  four  years  and  five  months  and  making  a  highly  creditable  military  record. 
After  the  war  he  took  up  his  abode  in  Lyons,  Clinton  county,  Iowa,  securing 
employment  as  engineer  in  a  sawmill.  In  1867  he  came  to  Boone  county  and 
here  operated  a  sawmill  for  three  years,  on  the  expiration  of  which  period  he 
purchased  a  tract  of  land  in  Pilot  Mound  township.  He  at  once  began  clearing 
and  improving  the  property  and  continued  its  operation  successfully  until  i8g2, 
when  he  took  up  his  abode  in  Pilot  Mound  and  for  six  years  was  engaged  in  the 
grain  business.  For  the  past  sixteen  years  he  has  lived  retired,  enjoying  the 
fruits  of  his  former  toil  in  well  earned  ease. 

In  November,  1868,  Mr.  Alban  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Mrs.  Mary  Scott, 
nee  Petty,  a  daughter  of  Zacharia  and  Lucinda  (Runyan)  Petty,  who  were 
natives  of  Indiana  and  became  pioneer  settlers  of  this  county.  Mr.  Petty,  who 
carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  here  for  many  years,  passed  away  in 
1866,  while  his  wife  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  1889.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alban 
became  the  parents  of  five  children,  as  follows:  Hattie,  who  passed  away  on 
the  5th  of  September,  1908 ;  W.  C,  a  resident  of  Des  Moines,  Iowa ;  Roy,  who 
makes  his  home  in  Boone;  Arthur,  of  Pilot  Mound;  and  Harry  L.,  of  Mitchell, 
South  Dakota.     The  demise  of  the  wife  and  mother  occurred  on  September  5, 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  497 

1Q07,  at  the  end  of  a  year's  illness.  Mr.  Alban  enjoys  a  wide  acquaintance  in 
the  community  which  has  so  long  been  his  home,  and  his  strongly  marked  char- 
acteristics are  such  as  commend  him  to  the  trust  and  friendship  of  his  fellowmen. 


DR.  EDWARD  L.  MERRIAM. 

Dr.  Edward  L.  Merriam  has  been  successfully  engaged  in  practice  as  a  veter- 
inary surgeon  of  Ogden  for  more  than  two  decades  and  since  1902  has  also  de- 
voted his  attention  to  the  real-estate  business  in  association  with  William  E.  Van 
Meter.  His  birth  occurred  in  Leavenworth  county,  Kansas,  on  the  22d  of 
March,  1859,  his  parents  being  Alva  and  Julia  A.  (Douglas)  Merriam,  the  for- 
mer born  in  Summit  county,  Ohio,  on  the  7th  of  August,  1825,  and  the  latter 
in  New  Haven  county,  Connecticut,  on  the  2d  of  October,  1827.  Alva  Merriam, 
a  carpenter  by  trade,  removed  to  Kossuth  county,  Iowa,  in  1866  and  there  gave 
his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits  until  1873,  when  he  abandoned  Fiis  prop- 
erty because  of  the  grasshoppers  and  went  to  Wmneshiek  county.  There  he  fol- 
lowed farming  until  1879  and  during  the  remainder  of  his  life  he  was  engaged  in 
agricultural  pursuits  in  South  Dakota,  passing  away  near  Tripp,  Hutchinson 
county,  that  state,  on  the  i8th  of  March,  1888.  The  demise  of  his  wife  occurred 
in  Wisconsin  in  February,  1890. 

Edward  L.  Merriam  was  reared  and  educated  in  Kossuth  and  Winneshiek 
counties  of  Iowa  and  when  seventeen  years  of  age  went  to  Illinois,  where  he  was 
employed  as  a  farm  hand  for  some  time.  Subsequently  he  spent  a  year  in  the 
employ  of  the  Henney  Buggy  Company  in  Freeport,  Illinois,  and  then  removed 
to  South  Dakota,  where  he  followed  farming  for  a  time.  He  afterward  spent 
three  years  on  the  road  as  a  traveling  salesman  and  in  1888  went  to  Nebraska, 
where  he  carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  for  four  years.  On  the  17th 
of  February,  1892,  he  came  to  Ogden,  Iowa,  and  throughout  the  intervening 
twenty-two  years  has  been  successfully  engaged  in  practice  as  a  veterinary  sur- 
geon, being  accorded  a  large  patronage.  In  1902  he  also  embarked  in  the  real- 
estate  business  and  has  since  successfully  carried  on  his  interests  in  this  connec- 
tion in  partnership  with  William  E.  Van  Meter. 

On  the  19th  of  January,  1880,  Dr.  Merriam  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Miss 
Mary  E.  Van  Meter,  a  daughter  of  Chrineyonce  and  Linda  (Emmons)  Van  Meter, 
natives  of  New  Jersey.  The  father,  a  miller  by  trade,  removed  to  Illinois  in  an 
early  day  and  throughout  the  remainder  of  his  life  devoted  his  attention  to  gen- 
eral agricultural  pursuits  in  Lee  and  Whiteside  counties.  He  passed  away  in 
1898,  but  the  mother  still  survives  and  now  makes  her  home  in  Ogden.  Iowa. 
L^nto  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Merriam  have  been  born  twelve  children,  as  follows :  Stella 
M..  who  is  the  wife  of  George  Sparks  and  resides  in  Boone  county,  this  state; 
Emma  G.,  the  wife  of  Andrew  Baker,  of  Boone,  Iowa;  Wilbur  A.,  who  follows 
farming  near  Mitchell,  South  Dakota ;  Edward  J.,  a  resident  of  Ogden,  Iowa ; 
Emery  R.,  Melvin  E..  Ethel  T.,  Ortiz  W.,  Deltha  L.,  Mildred  U.  and  Isabelle  G., 
all  of  whom  are  still  under  the  parental  roof ;  and  one  who  died  in  infancy. 

Dr.  Merriam  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  is  now 
serving  for  the  third  term  as  justice  of  the  peace,  in  which  connection  he  has 


498  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

made  a  highly  commendable  record.  He  has  likewise  held  the  office  of  constable. 
His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Free  Methodist  church  and  he  exemplifies  its 
teachings  in  his  daily  life.  His  life  has  been  well  spent  and  those  who  know  him 
entertain  for  him  warm  regard  by  reason  of  the  fact  that  he  has  made  good  use 
of  his  opportunities  and  has  always  been  fair  and  honorable  in  his  relations  with 
his  fellowmen. 


PETER  D.  SWICK. 


Peter  D.  Swick,  editor  and  proprietor  of  the  Independent,  a  weekly  paper  pub- 
lished at  Boone,  was  born  on  the  14th  of  December,  1847,  in  the  town  of  Bennets- 
ville,  Schuyler  county,  New  York.  The  Swick  family  was  founded  in  America 
by  two  brothers  who  came  here  from  Ciermany  in  the  seventeenth  century  and 
settled  in  New  Jersey,  wliere  one  was  killed  in  a  mill.  The  other  became  the 
father  o'f  sixteen  sons.  Our  subject's  paternal  grandfather,  John  Swick,  was 
born  in  New  Jersey,  but  when  a  young  man  removed  to  New  York  and  later 
became  a  resident  of  Palatine,  Illinois,  where  he  died  in  1864  at  about  the  age 
of  seventy  years.  He  married  Sarah  Van  Valkenberg,  who  was  of  Dutch  descent. 
Their  son,  Charles  W.,  was  the  father  of  our  subject.  He  was  born  in  New  York 
and  died  at  Dundee,  Illinois,  in  1904  at  the  age  of  seventy-seven  years.  His 
wife,  the  mother  of  our  subject,  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Hermia  R.  Garrison. 
She  was  also  a  native  of  New  York,  and  her  death  occurred  in  Dundee,  Illinois, 
in  1907,  when  she  had  reached  the  ripe  old  age  of  eighty-two  years.  In  the 
family  were  nine  children. 

His  father  being  a  farmer,  Peter  D.  Swick  was  reared  to  agricultural  pur- 
suits. He  was  only  six  years  of  age  when  the  family  removed  to  Palatine,  Cook 
county,  Illinois,  and  there  he  acquired  his  education  in  the  public  schools,  being 
graduated  as  he  says  by  running  away  at  the  age  of  sixteen  to  enter  the  army 
during  the  Civil  war.  At  the  age  of  foiirteen  he  tried  to  enlist,  having  at  that 
time  several  cousins  and  uncles  at  the  front,  but  was  rejected.  The  following 
year  he  was  again  refused,  but  in  March,  1864,  he  succeeded  in  entering  the 
service  as  a  private  of  Battery  H,  First  Illinois  Light  Artillery.  He  joined  his 
command  at  Kenesaw  ]\Iountain  and  only  si.xteen  hours  after  arriving  at  the 
front  participated  in  battle.  He  took  active  part  in  the  siege  of  Atlanta  and  on 
the  22d  of  July,  1864,  when,  with  a  loss  of  fourteen,  the  battery  was  captured 
nine  men  were  sent  to  Andersonville  prison,  where  they  were  incarcerated 
for  ten  months.  At  Jonesboro  his  command  assisted  in  capturing  the  railroad 
over  which  the  Confederates  got  their  supplies.  They  were  with  Sherman  on  the 
march  from  Atlanta  to  the  sea  and  went  from  Savannah  to  Raleigh,  North  Car- 
olina, where  Johnston  surrendered  to  Sherman,  and  when  hostilities  ceased  Mr. 
Swick  returned  to  Springfield,  Illinois,  where  he  was  discharged,  June  14,  1865. 

For  a  time  thereafter  he  worked  with  his  father  at  the  carpenter's  trade  and 
then  began  learning  printing  at  Dundee,  Illinois,  in  the  office  of  the  Dundee  Star, 
where  he  was  employed  for  a  year  or  two.  He  was  next  connected  with  the 
Northwood  Pioneer,  which  was  the  first  newspaper  started  in  Worth  county, 
Iowa.     Leaving  Northwood   in    1875.   he   went  to  Oskaloosa,   Iowa,   where   he 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  499 

worked  at  his  trade,  and  from  there  to  Loviha,  this  state,  where  he  established 
the  Loviha  Gazette,  conducting  that  paper  for  two  years.  Subsequently  he  pur- 
chased the  Iowa  National  at  Newton  and  was  in  charge  of  that  paper  for  several 
years,  after  which  he  removed  to  Colfax,  Iowa,  where,  in  connection  with  H.  W. 
Robinson,  he  was  publisher  of  the  Clipper  for  some  time.  For  seven  years  he 
was  with  the  G.  A.  R.  Advocate  at  Des  Moines,  and  after  leaving  that  office  re- 
mained in  that  city  for  six  years  longer.  It  was  in  1896  that  he  came  to  Boone, 
where  he  was  employed  first  as  job  printer,  then  as  reporter  on  the  Daily  News 
and  later  as  city  editor  for  two  years.  In  connection  with  C.  W.  Alexander  he 
then  founded  the  Independent,  the  first  issue  appearing  July  8,  1899.  It  is  a  six 
column  quarto  and  from  the  beginning  has  been  devoted  to  the  labor  interests. 
Of  the  many  editors  who  were  publishing  papers  in  Iowa  when  Mr.  Swick  took 
charge  of  the  Northwood  Pioneer,  only  two  are  now  in  active  service,  these  being 
Tommy  Rodgers  of  the  Newton  Record,  and  .^Ir.  Swick  of  the  Independent. 

On  the  17th  of  October,  1869,  in  Dundee,  Illinois,  was  celebrated  the  mar- 
riage of  Mr.  Swick  and  Miss  Amanda  Mitchell,  of  that  place,  a  daughter  of  Joseph 
and  Jeanette  (  Walker)  Mitchell.  The  children  of  this  union  were:  Ella,  who  died 
in  childhood ;  Maude,  the  wife  of  D.  W.  Kelley  of  Newton,  Iowa :  and  Bert  D., 
who  was  born  in  Colfax,  Iowa,  January  3,  1884,  and  is  now  in  partnership  with 
his  father  as  proprietor  of  the  Independent.  He  was  educated  in  the  public 
schools  of  Des  Moines  and  Boone  and  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years  entered  the 
office  of  his  father  as  a  printer's  devil.  Socially  he  is  a  member  of  the  ]mpro\ed 
Order  of  Red  Men  and  the  Mystic  Workers,  while  the  father  belongs  to  the  Im- 
proved Order  of  Red  Men;  W.  C.  Crooks  Post,  No.  329,  G.  A.  R.,  of  Boone; 
and  Mount  Olive  Lodge  No.  79,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  this  city.  He  joined  the  latter 
fraternity  in  1873,  becoming  a  member  of  Northern  Light  Lodge,  No.  266,  A.  F. 
&  A.  M.,  at  Northwood.  .As  a  newspaper  man  he  is  widely  known  throughout 
the  state,  and  as  a  soldier  and  citizen  justly  deserves  the  high  esteem  in  which 
he  is  held  by  all.  For  more  than  fifteen  years  he  has  taken  an  active  part  in 
labor  afi^airs  and  is  a  stanch  supporter  of  the  socialist  party.  On  that  ticket  he 
has  run  for  coroner,  a  incnil)er  of  the  city  council,  mayor  and  congressman  from 
the  tenth  district. 


CHARLES  OSCAR  \'ALLINE. 

For  the  past  twenty-five  years  Charles  Oscar  \'alline  has  been  conducting  a 
general  blacksmith  and  machine  ship  in  Luther  and  is  regarded  as  one  of  the  lead- 
ing business  men  of  his  community.  Like  many  of  the  most  enterprising  citizens 
of  Iowa  he  is  a  Scandinavian  by  birth,  having  been  born  in  the  province  of  West- 
moling,  Sweden,  March  21,  1850.  In  1880  his  parents,  G.  W.  and  Ase  (  Eric's- 
daughter)  Valline,  left  that  country  and  came  to  America,  arriving  in  Ogden, 
Iowa,  on  the  27th  of  May  of  that  year.  The  father  was  a  carpenter  bv  trade,  but 
after  coming  to  this  country  devoted  his  attention  to  farming.  He  died  on  the 
nth  of  December,  1909,  at  the  age  of  eighty-five  years,  and  the  mother  passed 
away  August  27,  1910,  at  the  age  of  seventy-nine. 


500  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Charles  Oscar  Valline  was  their  only  child.  He  was  reared  and  educated  in 
the  land  of  his  nativity,  remaining  there  until  thirty  years  of  age.  His  educational 
advantages,  however,  were  quite  meager,  but  being  ambitious  to  learn  he  attended 
night  school  for  a  time.  Before  leaving  Sweden  he  was  married  in  1874  to  Miss 
E.  M.  Valline,  who  although  of  the  same  name,  was  not  a  relative.  They  have 
become  the  parents  of  three  sons.  Charles  Oscar,  an  engineer  on  the  Chicago  & 
Northwestern  Railroad,  residing  at  Boone,  is  married  and  has  three  sons  living 
and  one  daughter,  deceased.  H.  N.,  who  conducts  a  shop  on  the  college  campus 
at  Ames,  is  married  and  has  two  sons.  William  O.,  who  is  also  married,  is  a 
photographer  by  profession  and  makes  his  home  in  Des  Moines,  but  is  now  travel- 
ing on  account  of  ill  health. 

Mr.  Valline  was  thirty  years  of  age  when  he  emigrated  to  the  new  world  and 
took  up  his  residence  in  Ogden,  Iowa,  where  he  engaged  in  the  blacksmith  busi- 
ness for  about  ten  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  removed  to  Luther,  where 
he  has  since  carried  on  business  as  a  general  blacksmith  and  machinist.  He  also 
conducts  the  only  hotel  in  the  town  and  being  an  enterprising  and  progressive 
business  man,  has  met  with  well  deserved  success  in  his  undertaking.  His  fellow 
citizens,  recognizing  his  worth  and  ability,  have  called  upon  him  to  serve  in  public 
oftice,  and  he  is  now  a  member  of  the  village  council.  His  political  support  is 
given  to  the  republican  party,  and  he  is  a  consistent  member  of  the  Swedish  Lu- 
theran church. 


HENRY  C.  PAYNE. 


After  a  useful  and  well  spent  life  Henry  C.  Payne  is  practically  living  retired 
upon  his  valuable  farm  on  section  2,  Worth  township,  where  he  has  now  resided 
for  sixty-three  years.  He  was  born  in  Clay  county,  Indiana,  September  18,  1834, 
a  son  of  George  and  Nancy  (Stigler)  Payne.  The  father,  who  was  a  native  of 
Virginia,  died  in  February,  1844,  leaving  a  widow  and  five  sons,  of  whom  James 
Robert  served  in  the  Civil  war.  With  the  exception  of  our  subject  all  are  now 
deceased.  The  mother  was  born  in  Shelby  county,  Kentucky,  in  1808,  and  passed 
away  in  1892. 

The  first  seventeen  years  of  his  life  Henry  C.  Payne  spent  in  his  native  state, 
and  there  he  was  educated  in  much  the  usual  manner  of  boys  of  that  day.  In 
1851,  however,  he  accompanied  his  mother  and  stepfather,  David  Parker,  on 
their  removal  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  where  Mr.  Parker  bought  the  farm  now 
owned  by  our  subject  from  a  Mr.  Kinney,  paying  four  dollars  an  acre.  At  that 
time  the  place  was  entirely  unimiiroved  and  in  the  work  of  development  Mr.  Payne 
bore  his  share.  After  the  death  of  Mr.  Parker  in  August,  1861,  our  subject  took 
charge  of  the  place  and  continued  its  operation  until  he  retired  from  active  labor, 
leaving  it  to  the  cultivation  of  his  son.  He  purchased  the  interests  of  the  other 
heirs  and  still  owns  the  old  homestead,  consisting  of  one  hundred  and  forty-eight 
acres,  upon  which  he  has  made  most  of  the  improvements.  His  fine  residence 
was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1907  hut  has  since  been  rebuilt  and  is  up-to-date  in  all 
its  appointments.    Thoroughly  understanding  his  chosen  occupation,  he  met  with 


UH.  AND  MRS.  IIKXRV  C.  PAVXE 


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HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY.  503 

success  and  became  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  progressive  farmers  of  his 
community. 

In  1861  Mr.  Payne  married  Miss  Ellen  Myers,  who  died  on  the  3d  of  June, 
1907,  at  the  age  of  sixty-seven  years.  She,  too,  was  born  in  Clay  county,  Indiana, 
and  accompanied  her  parents  on  their  removal  to  this  county  in  the  spring  of 
1857.  Her  youngest  brother  was  a  soldier  of  the  Civil  war  and  other  members 
of  the  family  are  still  residents  of  Boone.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Payne  were  born 
ten  children,  of  whom  three  sons  and  four  daughters  are  still  living :  Mrs.  Hattie 
Downs,  of  Waterloo,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Emma  Wane,  a  resident  of  Boone;  Mrs.  Mary 
Fallon,  of  Sioux  City,  Iowa;  Miss  Cora,  now  clerking  in  a  store  at  Sioux  City; 
Walter,  who  married  Miss  Hallie  Hull,  a  daughter  of  the  late  George  Hull,  and 
is  now  operating  the  home  farm;  Edward,  a  farmer  and  stock  buyer,  who  is 
married  and  resides  in  Worth  township,  Boone  county  :  and  Harry,  who  is  also 
a  farmer  and  stock  buyer  living  near  Luther.  He,  too,  is  married.  There  are 
four  grandchildren. 

In  his  religious  views  Mr.  Payne  is  liberal  and  in  politics  is  independent.  He 
has  ser\ed  in  several  local  offices  but  has  never  cared  for  official  honors,  pre- 
ferring to  devote  his  entire  time  and  attention  to  his  business  affairs.  Having 
met  with  success  as  a  farmer  he  is  now  able  to  lay  aside  all  business  cares  and 
spend  his  last  days  in  ease  and  retirement  During  his  long  residence  in  this 
county  he  has  become  widely  and  favorably  known  and  has  a  host  of  warm 
friends. 


ARTHUR   ALBAN. 


Arthur  Alban,  the  present  mayor  of  Pilot  Mound,  was  born  in  this  county  on 
the  30th  of  December,  1875,  ^  son  of  John  T.  and  Mary  AlbarT.  He  assisted  his 
father  in  the  work  of  the  home  farm  until  the  family  home  was  established  in 
Pilot  Mound,  in  1892.  In  the  year  1900,  in  association  with  his  brother  Harry, 
he  embarked  in  business  as  proprietor  of  a  meat  market  in  the  town,  remaining 
thus  engaged  for  eight  years.  At  the  end  of  that  time  the  brothers  disposed  of 
their  interests  in  this  connection,  but  two  years  later  Arthur  Alban  again  pur- 
chased the  business,  conducting  the  same  alone  for  a  few  years.  On  the 
1st  of  December,  1913,  he  sold  out  and  has  since  devoted  his  attention  to  the 
buying  of  stock.  Keen  discernment,  sound  judgment  and  enterprise  have  char- 
acterizei!  him  in  all  of  his  undertakings,  which  have  been  attended  with  a  grati- 
fying measure  of  success. 

In  May,  1902,  Mr.  Alban  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Hilma  Carlson,  her 
parents  being  John  and  Clara  (  Hammerbeck)  Carlson,  natives  of  Sweden  who 
emigrated  to  America  in  an  early  day  and  located  in  Marcy  township,  Boone 
county,  Iowa.  Mr.  Carlson,  who  carried  on  farming  here  for  many  years,  has 
now  attained  the  age  of  seventy-nine  and  is  living  retired  in  North  Dakota  with 
his  son.  His  wife  passed  away  in  June,  1909.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Arthur 
Alban  have  been  born  seven  children,  namely :  Leslie  E.,  whose  demise  occurred 
on  the  1st  of  March,  1903;  Lola,  Weldon  and  Lenore,  who  are  ten,  eight  and 
Vol  n— 2t 


504  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

seven  years  of  age  respectively;  Ferrill,  five  years  old;  Marvin,  who  is  three 
years  of  age;  and  Verlin,  who  died  August  30,  1913. 

Mr.  Alban  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  has  been  honored  by  election  to 
the  office  of  mayor  in  Pilot  Mound,  in  which  capacity  he  is  now  serving,  giving 
the  town  a  most  satisfactory  and  commendable  administration.  He  has  like- 
wise been  a  member  of  the  town  council  and  has  done  able  service  in  the  inter- 
ests of  the  cause  of  education  as  a  school  director.  Fraternally  he  is  identified 
with  the  Masons,  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  the  Modern  Woodmen 
of  America  and  the  Royal  Neighbors,  while  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the 
Methodist  church.  His  ideals  of  citizenship  are  high  and  in  the  relations  of  life 
which  are  of  a  more  strictly  social  character  he  has  displayed  qualities  which 
have  rendered  him  popular  wherever  he  is  known. 


GEORGE    E.    STEVENS. 

George  E.  Stevens  is  spoken  of  as  one  of  the  giants  of  the  Northwestern. 
A  man  six  feet  in  height  and  weighing  three  hundred  and  twenty-five  pounds, 
he  is  as  big  in  spirit  and  interests  as  his  stature — good-natured,  kindly  and  genial. 
These  are  the  qualities  which  have  made  him  popular  and  gained  him  favor 
among  all  with  whom  he  has  come  in  contact.  His  identification  with  the  rail- 
way service  covers  a  period  of  twenty-eight  years,  and  for  eighteen  years  of  this 
time  he  has  been  a  freight  engineer. 

Ohio  claims  Mr.  Stevens  as  a  native  son,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Toledo 
on  the  19th  of  January,  1864,  but  during  his  infancy  he  was  brought  to  Iowa 
by  his  parents,  Jacob  and  Lucretia  (Brown)  Stevens.  The  father  was  born  in 
Greencastle,  Pennsylvania,  May  26,  1835,  and  spent  his  youth  in  that  locality 
not  far  from  Pittsburgh.  He  learned  the  butchering  trade  with  his  father  and 
with  him  engaged  in  business  as  a  cattle  drover  and  butcher.  They  removed 
westward  to  Wooster,  Ohio,  where  they  continued  in  the  same  business,  and 
later  went  to  Toledo.  As  previously  stated,  Jacob  Stevens  lirought  his  family  to 
Iowa  about  1865,  and  his  death  occurred  in  Boone,  December  21,  1901,  when  he 
had  reached  the  age  of  si.xty-seven  years.  For  about  seven  years  lie  had  survived 
his  wife,  who  passed  away  in  1894.  They  were  people  of  the  iiighest  respecta- 
i)ility  and  during  the  period  of  their  residence  in  this  countv  gained  the  warm 
regard  of  many  friends.  John  Stevens,  the  grandfather  of  George  E.  Stevens, 
passed  away  in  Boone  at  the  very  venerable  age  of  eighty-seven  years.  Unto 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jacob  Stevens  were  born  the  following  children  :  Luella,  the  wife 
of  L.  D.  Sparks  of  Boone;  Ida,  now  Mrs.  J.  L.  Kail  of  Chicago:  George  E., 
Jacob,  deceased ;  Mrs.  Mary  Manning,  who  has  also  passed  away ;  and  Daisy, 
the  wife  of  W.  J.  Stangy  of  Chicago. 

Reared  in  the  city  where  he  still  makes  his  home,  George  E.  Stevens  attended 
the  public  schools  to  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  when  he  secured  employment  in 
a  butcher  shop.  His  father  was  the  first  butcher  in  Boone  and  furnished  the 
Northwestern  Railroad  Company  with  meat  at  the  time  of  the  building  of  the 
road  from  State  Center  to  JeflFerson.  He  would  go  into  Missouri  with  iiis  part- 
ner, Mr.   Mackey,  and  drive  cattle  from  that  state  to   Boone,   where  he  would 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  505 

butcher  and  sell  to  the  railroad  company  and  to  the  general  public.  After  work- 
ing for  a  time  George  E.  Stevens,  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  was  sent  to 
Hillsdale  College  in  Michigan,  where  he  continued  his  studies  for  a  year,  pursuing 
a  business  course.  He  entered  the  employ  of  the  railroad  company  as  a  fireman, 
making  his  first  trip  with  Conductor  Albert  Bolitho  between  Boone  and  Missouri 
Valley.  His  fidelity  and  industry  won  him  recognition,  and  after  ten  years  he 
was  promoted  to  the  position  of  engineer,  having  acted  in  this  capacity  in  con- 
nection with  the  freight  service  for  eighteen  years. 

On  the  26th  of  May,  1886,  in  Boone,  Mr.  Stevens  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Mary  E.  O'Conner,  who  was  born  in  Clinton  county,  Iowa,  March  17, 
1865,  and  was  educated  in  the  convent  school  at  Alliance,  Iowa.  Her  parents 
were  Patrick  and  Catherine  (Flynn)  O'Conner,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of 
Ireland,  but  were  married  in  Quebec,  Canada.  They  afterward  came  to  the 
United  States,  settling  in  Clinton  county,  Iowa.  Her  father  engaged  in  the 
operation  of  sawmills  and  was  thus  actively  identified  with  industrial  interests 
in  this  state.  He  died  in  Boone  in  1887,  and  his  wife  passed  away  in  the  same 
city  in  1883.  Their  daughter  Mrs.  Stevens  is  a  member  of  the  Sacred  Heart 
church,  thus  holding  to  the  religious  faith  in  which  she  was  reared. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stevens  have  been  born  eight  children:  Mary  L.,  now 
deceased ;  Sadie  R. ;  Josephine,  deceased ;  Charles  Le  Gora,  who  is  a  brakeman 
on  a  passenger  train  of  the  Northwestern;  Ida  May,  at  home;  George  Herbert; 
Jacob  Leslie;  and  Margaret  Helen. 

Mr.  Stevens  belongs  to  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers.  His  polit- 
ical indorsement  is  given  to  the  republican  party,  which  he  has  always  sup- 
ported since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  rights  of  franchise  and  citizenship. 
He  has  been  practically  a  lifelong  resident  of  Boone,  where  he  is  both  widely 
and  favorably  known,  and  that  his  has  been  a  well  spent  life  is  indicated  in  the 
fact  that  many  who  have  known  him  from  His  youth  to  the  present  are  num- 
bered among  his  stanchest  friends. 


NORTON  BENJAMIN  BRUNNING. 

A  valuable  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  10,  Colfax  town- 
ship, is  the  property  of  Norton  Benjamin  Brunning  and  its  neat  appearance 
testifies  to  his  ability  as  an  agriculturist.  His  birth  occurred  in  Sherbrooke, 
Canada,  on  the  ist  of  August,  1846,  but  most  of  his  life  was  passed  in  this 
country,  as  he  was  taken  to  Glover,  Orleans  county,  \'erniont,  at  the  age  of  five. 
The  family  home  was  maintained  there  for  six  years,  after  which  a  removal 
was  made  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  the  family  arriving  here  in  1857.  They  settled 
on  the  present  site  of  Boone  and  remained  there  until  i860.  The  father,  Ben- 
jamin Brunning,  was  born  in  England,  but  came  to  the  United  States  at  the  age 
of  fifteen  with  his  mother  and  brothers  and  sisters.  His  father.  John  Brunning, 
also  a  native  of  England,  passed  away  on  the  voyage  to  the  new  world.  He 
married  Mary  Howe,  a  native  of  England,  and  they  had  seven  children,  of  whom 
i'.enjamin  is  the  oldest.  One  son,  William,  was  a  soldier  in  the  Civil  war  and 
now  lives  in  retirement  at  Barton,  Vermont,  having  reached  the  age  of  seventy- 


506  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

four  years.  The  mother  of  our  subject  was  in  her  maidenhood  Electa  Sophia 
Norton.  She  was  born  in  Glover,  Vermont,  in  1824,  a  daughter  of  Nathan  and 
Rachel  (Atwood)  Norton,  and  passed  away  in  Elmira,  New  York,  on  the  30th 
of  May,  1888.  The  father  later  married  Miss  Lavinia  Wetmore.  He  is  still 
living  at  the  venerable  age  of  ninety-three  years,  making  his  home  at  Mansfield, 
Pennsylvania.  His  education  was  acquired  almost  entirely  at  home,  as  he  never 
attended  school  but  three  days  in  his  life,  but  he  studied  at  night  under  the 
direction  of  his  wife  and  became  a  well  informed  man.  During  his  active  life 
he  was  a  Universalist  minister  and  held  charges  in  many  parts  of  the  country. 
In  his  family  were  the  following  children :  Randall,  who  died  in  the  Civil  war 
while  serving  in  the  Fourth  New  York  Regfulars,  having  been  wounded  in  the 
battle  of  the  Wilderness ;  Norton  Benjamin,  of  this  review ;  and  Maria,  now  Mrs. 
Adelbert  McCullum. 

Norton  B.  Brunning  was  educated  in  Vermont,  Iowa  and  Wisconsin.  While 
living  in  the  last  named  state  he  enlisted,  on  the  18th  of  .March,  1865,  in  Com- 
pany G,  Fifty-first  Wisconsin  Volunteer  Infantry,  under  Captain  Tuttle  and 
Colonel  West.  At  the  end  of  the  war  he  received  his  honorable  discharge  and 
removed  to  Lake  county,  Illinois,  where  his  marriage  occurred.  In  1869  he  came 
again  to  Boone  county  and  here  rented  land  for  thirty  years,  at  the  end  of  which 
time  he  purchased  the  farm  on  which  he  now  resides.  He  has  met  with  many 
misfortunes  as  for  instance  when  his  team  was  killed  by  lightning,  but  has  never 
allowed  himself  to  become  discouraged  and  his  perseverance  has  brought  him  to 
prosperity. 

On  the  25th  of  December,  1868,  Mr.  Brunning  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Nellie  Murrie,  of  Lake  county,  Illinois,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Jane 
Murrie.  Mrs.  Brunning  died  on  the  17th  of  July,  1905,  mourned  by  many 
friends.  Of  the  seven  children  born  of  this  union  five  died  in  infancy,  the  others 
being  Mrs.  Nellie  May  Coil,  who  lives  on  a  farm  in  Minnesota  and  has  three 
children,  Everett  R.,  Ralph  W.  and  Otis  Murrie;  and  Randall  W.,  who  married 
Pearl  Brown  and  also  has  three  children,  Orville  Norton,  Harold  L.  and  Ben- 
jamin E. 

Mr.  Brunning  is  a  member  of  the  Napier  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  which 
he  helped  to  build  and  of  which  he  served  as  trustee  for  some  years.  He  has  been 
a  leader  in  township  affairs  and  has  been  particularly  interested  in  the  cause  of 
education,  having  served  on  the  school  board.  He  gives  his  political  allegiance 
to  the  republican  party,  and  keeps  alive  the  memories  of  the  days  of  the  Civil 
war  through  his  membership  in  Post  No.  40,  G.  A.  R.,  located  at  Ames. 


EMANUEL  B.  LEBO. 


Emanuel  B.  Lebo  is  a  retired  farmer  of  Boone  county,  owning  eighty 
acres  of  land  on  section  14,  Des  Moines  township,  from  which  he  derives  a 
substantial  annual  income.  He  was  born  December  14,  1845,  o"  t^e  old  Bitter- 
man  farm,  in  Dauphin  county,  Pennsylvania.  His  paternal  grandfather,  Peter 
Lebo,  was  born  in  France  and  the  name  was  originally  spelled  Lebeau.  On  coming 
to  the  United  States  he  settled  in  Pennsylvania.     For  his  first  wife  he  wedded 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  >  507 

Miss  Shive.  They  afterward  secured  a  legal  separation,  and  he  married  again 
in  Montour  county,  Pennsylvania,  where  his  last  days  were  spent.  Throughout 
the  entire  period  of  his  residence  in  Pennsylvania  he  followed  the  occupation 
of  farming.  The  grandmother  of  Emanuel  B.  Lebo  was  married  a  second  time, 
becoming  the  wife  of  John  Turner,  who  was  a  soldier  of  the  Revolutionary  war. 
She  died  in  Dauphin  county,  Pennsylvania,  at  the  home  of  her  son,  John  Wash- 
ington, the  father  of  Emanuel  B.  Lebo,  who  was  the  only  child  by  her  first  mar- 
riage. 

John  \V.  Lebo  was  born  in  .Midland  township,  Dauphin  county,  Pennsylvania. 
When  he  was  three  years  of  age  his  father  married  again,  and  he  was  reared 
by  Daniel  Bitterman,  an  uncle.  He  acquired  a  good  education  and  taught  the 
first  free  school  in  Miflin  township,  giving  instruction  in  both  English  and  Ger- 
man. He  was  also  an  expert  mathematician.  He  married  Miss  Barbara  Bodiger, 
a  native  of  Upper  Paxton  township,  Dauphin  county,  and  a  daughter  of  John 
Bodiger.  Following  their  marriage  they  established  a  permanent  home  in 
Miflin  township.  Mr.  Lebo  became  a  well-to-do  farmer  and  died  upon  the  old 
homestead,  at  the  age  of  seventy-five  years,  while  his  wife  passed  away  when 
seventy-seven  years  of  age.  They  were  Lutherans  in  religious  faith,  and  Mr. 
Lebo  was  a  democrat  in  his  political  views.  He  held  several  minor  offices.  In 
their  family  were  seven  children :  Mary,  deceased ;  Sarah  Jane,  who  became  the 
wife  of  Ellis  W.  Ford  of  Harrisburg,  Pennsylvania;  Daniel  M..  who  was  mar- 
ried twice  and  lived  and  died  at  Port  Royal,  Pennsylvania ;  Jeremiah,  who 
wedded  Emma  Bressler  and  died  in  Elizabethville,  Dauphin  county,  Pennsyl- 
vania; Emanuel  B.;  Cornelius,  who  is  married  and  makes  his  home  in  Dauphin 
county ;  and  Jonathan,  who  died  upon  the  home  farm. 

Emanuel  B.  Lebo  lived  upon  various  farms  in  Dauphin  county  and  worked 
through  the  summer  months  as  a  farm  hand,  while  in  the  winter  months  he 
attended  school.  He  started  to  earn  his  living  when  but  eight  years  of  age  and 
was  paid  only  five  cents  per  day.  Later  his  wages  were  advanced  to  eight  cents 
and  eventually  to  twenty  cents,  and  he  cradled  grain  for  fifty  cents  a  day.  In 
1863  he  began  learning  the  trade  of  a  carriage  painter  in  Berrysburg,  Dauphin 
county,  being  then  about  seventeen  or  eighteen  years  of  age.  He  served  a  three 
years'  apprenticeship,  after  which  he  worked  as  a  journeyman  in  Dauphin,  Sny- 
der, Perry,  Juaniata  and  Northumberland  counties  of  Pennsylvania.  In  1884  he 
came  to  the  west,  settling  in  Boone,  where  he  worked  at  his  trade  as  a  contractor 
for  six  years.  He  then  purchased  a  farm,  which  he  cultivated  for  twenty  years, 
after  which  he  removed  to  his  present  home  in  Boone  and  retired.  He  is  now 
enjoying  the  fruits  of  his  former  toil  and  his  rest  has  been  truly  earned  and  is 
richly  deserved. 

Mr.  Lebo  was  married  in  Augustaville,  Northumberland  county,  Pennsylvania, 
November  16,  1871,  to  Miss  Sarah  Elizabeth  Martz,  who  was  born  in  Stone 
Valley,  Northumberland  county,  a  daughter  of  Isaac  and  Mary  (Emerick) 
Martz.  The  father  was  a  farmer  by  occupation  and  at  diiiferent  times  filled  local 
offices.  He  lost  his  right  arm  in  the  Civil  war  through  the  shot  of  a  sharpshooter, 
at  which  time  he  was  on  his  way  for  water  for  sick  comrades.  He  was  an  ardent 
Lutheran  and  a  very  earnest  and  enthusiastic  worker  in  the  church.  Selling  his 
farm  in  Pennsylvania,  he  removed  to  Edmunds  county,  .South  Dakota,  but  did 
not   remain   long  and   came  thence  to   Boone,   where   his   remaining  days  were 


508  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

passed.  He  died  at  the  age  of  seventy  years  and  his  wife  also  reached  the  age 
of  three  score  years  and  ten.  In  their  family  were  four  children :  Lucy,  who 
became  the  wife  of  Samuel  Zimmerman  and  died  in  Aberdeen,  South  Dakota ; 
Mrs.  Lebo :  Frank,  residing  in  Los  Angeles,  California ;  and  Maggie,  the  wife  of 
S.  Zimmerman  of  Boone. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lebo  became  the  parents  of  the  following  children:  Alberta 
May,  who  became  the  wife  of  J.  Anderson  and  is  now  deceased;  Anna  L.,  the 
wife  of  Andrew  Anderson;  John  E.,  who  married  Maud  Reese  and  is  an  engi- 
neer on  the  Northwestern ;  Gordon  Ellis,  of  Boone,  who  married  Kate  Shicker ; 
Elizabeth,  a  photographer  of  Boone ;  William  Martz,  who  is  living  on  the  home 
farm  and  who  married  Fay  Cutter ;  and  Edwin  C.  and  Everett  B.,  twins,  the 
former  of  whom  is  now  deceased.  The  latter  married  Tillie  Dyer  and  they 
reside  in  Boone.  For  thirty  years  Emanuel  B.  Lebo  has  made  his  home  in  this 
county,  where  he  has  a  wide  acquaintance.  He  has  been  identified  with  both 
industrial  and  agricultural  pursuits,  and  while  he  is  now  living  retired  is  still 
the  owner  of  a  good  farm,  and  whatever  success  he  has  achieved  in  life  is  attribu- 
table entirely  to  his  own  efforts. 


JOHN  E.  BISHOP. 

John  E.  Bishop  is  one  of  Boone  county's  venerable  citizens,  having  reached 
the  age  of  eighty-nine  years.  Looking  back  over  the  past  he  has  little  to  regret 
and  looking  forward  to  the  future  has  nothing  to  fear,  for  his  life  has  been  an 
honorable  and  upright  one  and  in  business  affairs  he  has  never  been  known  to 
take  advantage  of  the  necessities  of  his  fellowmen.  His  birth  occurred  in  Zanes- 
field,  Ohio,  August  i6,  1825,  his  parents  being  John  and  Nancy  (Seegar)  Bishop, 
the  former  a  native  of  V'irginia  and  the  latter  of  Baltimore,  Maryland.  The 
father  was  a  millwright  by  trade  and  in  early  life  went  to  Ohio,  where  he  was 
employed  at  his  trade,  erecting  a  large  number  of  mills  on  the  Mad  river.  He 
spent  the  remainder  of  his  days  there  and  passed  away  in  1836.  His  wife  died 
in  1835. 

John  E.  Bishop  was  reared  and  educated  in  Ohio,  but  his  school  privileges 
were  somewhat  limited  and  the  most  valuable  lessons  of  life  which  he  has  learned 
have  been  gained  in  the  school  of  experience.  He  was  but  twelve  years  of  age 
when  he  started  to  learn  the  tailor's  trade,  which  hi  followed  until  he  reached 
the  age  of  twenty-one  years.  His  health  then  became  impaired  and,  thinking 
that  outdoor  life  might  prove  beneficial,  he  turned  his  attention  to  farming  and 
cultivated  a  farm  in  that  locality  for  about  four  years.  In  1854  he  removed  to 
Polk  county,  Iowa,  where  he  purchased  a  tract  of  land,  which  he  continued  to 
cultivate  for  a  decade. 

During  the  period  of  the  Civil  war  Mr.  Bishop  enlisted  in  1864  as  a  member 
of  Company  H,  Forty-fourth  Volunteer  Infantry,  with  which  he  served  for  one 
hundred  days.  In  the  fall  of  1864  he  returned  to  Ohio,  where  he  remained  for 
one  year.  While  living  there  his  wife  became  ill  and  passed  away  in  1865.  Mr. 
Bishop  then  returned  to  Polk  county,  Iowa,  where  he  carried  on  general  agri- 
cultural pursuits  for  three  years  and  then  went  to  Webster  county,  Iowa.    There 


JOHN  E.  BISHOP 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  511 

he  bought  and  improved  land,  of  which  he  was  the  owner  for  ten  years.  He  next 
removed  to  Pilot  Mound,  where  he  conducted  a  lumber  business,  shipping  in  the 
tirst  lumber  that  was  ever  used  in  this  county.  He  continued  successfully  in  that 
business  until  1896,  when  he  retired  and  has  since  spent  his  remaining  days  in 
the  enjoyment  of  well  earned  rest.  He  is  still  a  hale  and  hearty  man  of  eighty- 
nine  years,  being  remarkably  well  preserved  for  one  of  his  age. 

In  1847  Mr.  Bishop  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Eliza  A.  Bower,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Joseph  and  Harriet  Bower,  and  to  them  have  been  born  seven  children,  three 
of  whom  have  passed  away,  while  those  still  living  are:  Nancy,  the  wife  of  Lewis 
Stoughton,  a  resident  of  Trinidad,  Colo. ;  Clara,  the  widow  of  N.  C.  Petty,  who 
died  on  the  15th  of  January,  1909;  Maggie,  the  wife  of  Martin  Tomlinson,  a  resi- 
dent of  Pilot  Mound;  and  John,  a  farmer  of  northern  Minnesota.  In  1865  the 
wife  and  mother  passed  away  and  the  following  year  rMr.  Bishop  married  Mrs. 
Lucinda  Harvey,  a  widow,  whose  first  husband  was  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war. 
The  children  born  of  this  marriage  were  four  in  number,  one  of  whom  is  now 
deceased,  the  living  being:  Annis,  the  wife  of  M.  M.  Davis,  a  resident  farmer  of 
North  Dakota ;  Minnie,  the  wife  of  Henry  J.  Lundblad,  a  farmer  living  near 
Laurens,  Iowa;  and  Frank  Baker,  of  St.  Paul,  Minnesota.  The  second  wife  of 
Mr.  Bishop  passed  away  in  1902,  after  a  long  and  lingering  illness. 

Politically  Mr.  Bishop  is  a  republican,  having  supported  the  party  since  its 
organization.  He  was  serving  as  one  of  the  judges  of  election  when  President 
Lincoln  was  chosen  as  the  chief  executive  of  the  nation.  His  religious  faith 
:s  that  of  the  Methodist  church  and  to  its  teachings  he  has  ever  been  loyal.  Mr. 
liishop  is  still  quite  well  preserved  for  a  man  of  his  years  and  makes  his  home 
with  his  daughter  Mrs.  Clara  Petty.  There  have  been  no  spectacular  phases  in 
his  entire  career,  but  the  faithful  performance  of  his  daily  duties  has  made  his 
a  record  well  worthy  of  emulation.  He  has  ever  enjoyed  the  good-will  and  con- 
fidence of  those  with  whom  he  has  been  associated  and  as  time  has  passed  on  he 
has  become  more  and  more  firmly  entrenched  in  the  esteem  and  respect  of  those 
with  whom  business  and  social  relations  have  brought  him  in  contact. 


MARQUIS  MICHELSON   SMITH. 

Marquis  Michelson  Smith,  a  progressive  and  up-to-date  business  man  con- 
ducting a  general  store  at  Mackey,  Iowa,  was  born  in  Germany  on  the  nth  of 
June,  1861,  and  is  a  son  of  Michael  Anderson  and  Maria  (Gerberson)  Smith. 
The  parents  spent  their  entire  lives  in  the  fatherland  and  both  are  now  deceased. 

Marquis  M.  Smith  was  reared  and  educated  in  Germany  but  at  the  age  of 
seventeen  years  went  to  Denmark,  where  the  following  three  years  were  passed. 
It  was  in  1 88 1  that  he  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  United  States,  determined  to 
try  his  fortune  in  this  country.  Locating  in  Davenport,  Iowa,  he  followed  the 
painter's  trade  there  for  a  short  time  and  then  removed  to  Des  Moines,  where 
three  years  were  passed.  The  following  two  years  were  spent  in  Story  City  and 
at  the  end  of  that  time  he  came  to  Boone  county.  In  1887  he  opened  a  general 
store  in  Mackey  and  has  since  carried  on  business  here,  having  built  up  an  excel- 


512  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

lent  trade  in  the  meantime.  His  stock  is  large  and  well  selected  and  in  the 
delivery  of  his  goods  he  uses  an  auto  truck. 

Mr.  Smith  was  married  on  the  23d  of  October,  1885,  to  Miss  Christina  Chris- 
tianson,  a  daughter  of  Thomas  Peterson,  and  they  have  become  the  parents  of 
the  following  children:  William,  who  married  Christina  Weigel  and  is  now 
employed  as  an  engineer  on  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad  with  headquarters  at 
Council  Bluffs;  Harry,  who  married  Beatrice  York  and  is  engaged  in  farming 
in  Harrison  township ;  Mamie,  who  is  teaching  school  in  that  township ;  and 
Andrew,  who  assists  his  father  in  the  store  and  resides  at  home. 

For  sixteen  years  Mr.  Smith  served  as  postmaster  of  Mackey  but  the  office 
was  discontinued  in  1905.  He  is  an  earnest  member  of  the  Methodist  church 
and  belongs  to  the  Danish  Brotherhood  and  Modern  Woodmen  Lodge,  No.  7803, 
of  Mackey,  of  which  he  is  now  clerk.  His  success  in  life  is  due  to  his  own  untir- 
ing efforts,  sound  judgment  and  reliable  dealing,  and  besides  his  store  he  today 
owns  forty  acres  of  improved  land.  Always  courteous  and  accommodating,  he 
has  made  many  friends  during  his  residence  in  this  county  and  both  as  a  business 
man  and  citizen  stands  deservedly  high  in  the  estimation  of  his  fellow  citizens. 


GEORGE    HENRY    STEVENS. 

The  life  record  of  George  Henry  Stevens  is  interwoven  with  the  history  of 
Boone,  where  he  has  been  a  resident  for  half  a  century,  becoming  well  known  as 
a  carpenter,  builder  and  architect.  He  has  now  passed  the  eighty-first  milestone 
on  life's  journey,  having  been  born  in  Almond,  Allegany  county.  New  York, 
June  8,  1833. 

His  paternal  grandfather,  Phineas  Stevens,  was  descended  from  Henry  Stev- 
ens, who  was  a  son  of  Nickolas  Stevens,  an  officer  under  Cromwell,  and  who  came 
to  this  country  in  1678,  settling  at  Stonington,  Connecticut.  Phineas  Stevens  was 
the  first  white  child  born  at  Almond,  New  York.  His  son,  Levi  Stevens,  the 
father  of  the  subject  of  this  review,  was  also  a  native  of  Almond  and  married 
Jemima  Dyke.  She  was  a  descendant  of  Captain  Nathaniel  Dyke,  a  native  of 
Connecticut,  who  was  educated  at  Yale  and  who  served  in  the  Revolution,  being  an 
officer  in  the  American  army.  He  was  on  the  staff  of  General  Warren  at  Boston 
and  later  was  on  the  staff  of  General  Washington.  The  Stevens,  McHenry  and 
Dyke  families  were  among  the  early  settlers  of  .Allegany  county,  New  York.  Levi 
Stevens  followed  the  occupations  of  farming  and  of  carpentering.  His  political 
indorsement  was  given  to  the  whig  party,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  were  Univer- 
salists  in  religious  faith.  Her  death  occurred  in  .Mlegany  county  in  1847,  when 
she  was  nearly  fifty  years  of  age.  They  were  the  parents  of  eleven  children : 
Harriet,  who  became  the  wife  of  Lester  Ely  and  died  in  Nebraska  at  the  advanced 
age  of  eighty-six  years ;  James,  of  Rochester,  New  York,  now  deceased,  who 
married  Georgie  Annie  Allen  and  after  her  death  wedded  Ophelia  Goff ;  Robert, 
who  married  a  Miss  Stoddard  and  located  in  Rochester,  New  York,  but  died  in 
Detroit,  Michigan ;  Ann,  who  became  the  wife  of  William  Wilcox  and  died  in 
Dunkirk,  New  York;  William,  who  also  passed  away  in  the  Empire  state;  Jack- 
son, who  makes  his  home  in  Hamilton,  Illinois ;  Martin,  who  died  in  childhood ; 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  513 

George  Henry,  of  this  review;  Asher,  who  with  his  brother  Martin  was  burned 
to  death  in  a  fire  that  destroyed  their  old  home  in  New  York ;  Llewllyn,  who  was 
a  soldier  in  an  Illinois  regiment  during  the  Civil  war ;  and  Lucien,  who  also  served 
in  the  Civil  war  and  is  now  in  the  National  Soldiers'  Home  at  Danville. 

In  his  youthful  days  George  Henry  Stevens  attended  the  subscription  schools 
to  the  age  of  eighteen  years.  He  was  reared  upon  the  home  farm  and  when  a 
youth  of  fifteen  began  learning  the  carpenter's  trade,  which  he  made  his  life 
work.  On  the  20th  of  December,  1858,  when  a  young  man  of  twenty-five  years, 
he  married  Emily  Thankful  McHenry,  a  daughter  of  James  and  Abigail  (Vin- 
cent) McHenry.  Mrs.  Stevens  was  born  October  12,  1836,  in  Almond,  New 
York,  and  attended  school  there  and  also  an  academy  at  Alfred,  New  York.  She 
then  began  teaching  at  the  age  of  twenty  years  in  the  country  schools  and  was 
thus  employed  to  the  time  of  her  marriage. 

Her  father,  a  son  of  Captain  John  McHenry  of  the  Revolution,  made  farming 
his  life  work  and  always  continued  a  resident  of  the  Empire  state.  By  his  first 
marriage  he  had  four  children.  Benjamin,  who  was  born  November  13.  1813, 
married  Julia  Hall  and  lived  in  Allegany  county.  New  York,  to  an  old  age,  after 
which  he  removed  to  Denison,  Iowa,  where  his  last  days  were  passed.  Josiah 
McHenry,  born  August  15,  1815,  married  Minerva  Green  and  spent  his  entire 
life  in  Allegany  county,  New  York,  where  he  engaged  in  the  hotel  business. 
Priscilla,  born  July  13,  1817,  became  the  wife  of  James  Chase  in  1838.  They 
went  as  far  west  as  Nauvoo,  Illinois,  with  the  Mormons,  after  which  Mrs.  Chase 
was  taken  back  to  New  York  state  by  her  brother  Josiah  and  never  returned, 
her  husband  afterward  going  to  England  as  a  Mormon  missionary.  Roswell, 
born  November  24,  18 19,  married  Sarah  Cofifee  and  they  removed  to  Rock  county, 
Wisconsin,  becoming  pioneer  settlers  of  that  locality,  in  which  they  spent  their 
remaining  days.  Having  lost  his  first  wife,  James  McHenry  married,  in  1821, 
Miss  Abigail  Vincent,  and  their  children  were  as  follows :  James  Vincent,  born 
October  16,  1822,  married  Dency  Teft  and  settled  in  Rock  county,  Wisconsin,  and 
afterward  went  to  Denison,  Iowa,  where  his  death  occurred.  Elizabeth,  born 
January  9,  1825,  became  the  wife  of  Thomas  Cottrell  and  died  in  Allegany  county, 
•  New  York.  Richard  Charles,  born  April  10,  1826,  married  Adeline  Peck,  and  they 
remained  residents  of  Allegany  county  until  called  to  their  final  rest.  Amelia, 
born  October  16,  1828,  became  the  wife  of 'Milo  Wigant,  an  attorney,  who  removed 
westward  to  Helena,  Arkansas,  and  finally  became  a  resident  of  Oregon,  where 
both  passed  away.  Morris,  born  July  29,  183 1,  removed  to  Crawford  county. 
Iowa,  where  he  wedded  Mary  L.  Comfort.  He  served  as  first  county  surveyor 
and  continued  in  office  until  his  death  in  1911.  Mary  Eleanor,  born  October  31, 
1833,  became  the  wife  of  William  Coon  and  settled  in  Crawford  county,  Iowa, 
where  her  death  occurred.  Mrs.  Stevens  is  the  next  of  the  family.  Abigail,  born 
July  II,  1839,  became  the  wife  of  Paul  M.  Green  and  they  removed  to  Rock 
county,  Wisconsin,  where  they  spent  the  remainder  of  their  lives.  For  his  third 
wife  James  McHenry  chose  Sarah  Alexander  and  they  had  one  child,  William 
Alexander,  who  was  born  March  6,  1841.  He  married  Miss  Mary  Sears,  and  he 
served  as  a  soldier  in  the  Eighth  Illinois  Cavalry  during  the  Civil  war.  He 
afterward  settled  in  Denison,  Iowa. 

Following  the  marriage  of  George  Henry  Stevens  and  Emily  Thankful  Mc- 
Henry they  began  their  domestic  life  in  the  east,  but  in  1865  came  to  Iowa,  influ- 


r,U  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

ericed  l)y  the  fact  that  Mrs.  Stevens  had  two  brothers  at  Denison,  Crawford  county. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stevens  intended  joining  them  there  and  proceeded  by  train  as 
far  as  Nevada,  which  was  then  the  terminus  of  the  railroad.  They  then  took 
the  stage  for  Denison,  but  found  the  country  so  wild  and  undeveloped  that  they 
returned  to  Boonesboro,  which  was  then  a  village  of  promise,  later  establishing 
their  home  at  the  corner  of  Eighth  and  Benton  streets,  Boone,  where  Mr.  Stevens 
built  a  dwelling.  He  acquired  a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  in  Craw- 
ford county,  which  he  developed  but  eventually  sold.  After  his  removal  to  the 
west,  however,  he  continued  to  follow  his  trade  and  as  an  architect  and  builder 
became  well  known  in  this  county,  erecting  many  of  the  early  substantial  resi- 
dences of  Boone  and  the  surrounding  country,  while  the  Phipps  Hotel,  one  of  the 
first  hostelries  of  Boone,  was  a  monument  to  his  skill  and  enterprise  as  a  builder. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stevens  have  a  daughter,  Marie  Burr,  who  was  born  in  New 
York,  January  i,  1861,  was  educated  in  the  public  schools  of  Boone  and  was 
graduated  from  the  high  school  with  the  class  of  1879.  On  the  2d  of  October. 
1879,  she  became  the  wife  of  John  H.  Boggs  Frampton,  by  whom  she  had  five 
children :  George  Elliott,  a  brakeman  on  a  passenger  train  on  the  Chicago  & 
.Xorthwestern,  who  married  Rosalee  Forbes;  Arthur  Vincent,  an  electrician  of 
Boone,  who  wedded  Mary  Smith ;  Mary  Emily,  who  was  a  graduate  of  the 
Boone  high  school  and  attended  Simpson  College  for  two  years,  but  passed  away 
November  2^,  191 1,  at  the  age  of  twenty-six  years;  Walter  John,  a  passenger 
brakeman  residing  at  home ;  and  Harris  Burr,  who  is  attending  school  at  Iowa 
City.  The  father  of  these  children,  John  Harris  Boggs  Frampton,  is  next  to  the 
oldest  engineer  in  point  of  service  on  the  Western  Iowa  division  of  the  Chicago  & 
Northwestern  Railway.  When  Mrs.  McKinley  was  taken  ill  on  a  tour  over  the 
country  with  the  President  Mr.  Frampton  was  chosen  as  the  one  to  haul  the  train 
from  Omaha  to  Boone  and  was  highly  complimented  for  the  manner  in  which 
he  performed  this  service  by  the  president,  who  noted  his  extreme  carefulness. 

Mr.  Stevens  cast  his  first  presidential  ballot  for  John  C.  Fremont  in  1856  and 
has  since  been  a  stalwart  supporter  of  the  republican  party  but  has  never  sought 
nor  desired  office.  He  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church,  and  their  many  good  qualities  have  gained  for  them  the  high  regard, 
confidence  and  good-will  of  all  who  know  them.  No  history  of  Boone  county 
would  be  complete  without  reference  to  them,  for  they  have  been  actively  iden- 
tified with  its  upbuilding  and  progress  through  five  decades. 


MARK  C.  JONES,  M.  D. 

Dr.  Mark  C.  Jones,  a  physician  and  surgeon  of  established  reputation  and 
recognized  skill,  has  practiced  his  profession  in  Boone  for  the  past  five  years 
with  gratifying  results.  His  birth  occurred  in  McLean  county,  Illinois,  on  the 
24th  of  September,  1871,  his  parents  being  Nelson  and  Eliza  A.  (White)  Jones, 
the  former  a  native  of  Ohio  and  the  latter  of  Indiana.  Both  have  passed  away. 
Throughout  his  active  business  career  Nelson  Jones  devoted  his  attention  to 
general  agricultural  pursuits.  To  him  and  his  wife  were  born  five  children, 
as  follows:     Ward  B.,  who  is  a  resident  of  McLean  county,  Illinois;  Lattie  G., 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  517 

also  living  in  McLean  county,  Illinois ;  Anna,  who  is  the  wife  of  S.  R.  Hilts, 
of  Bloomington,   Illinois;  Elmetta,  at  home;  and   Mark  C,  of  this  review. 

The  last  named  supplemented  his  early  education  by  a  course  of  study  in 
the  Illinois  State  Normal  University  at  Normal,  and  subsequently  attended 
Kastman  College  of  Poughkeepsie,  New  York.  He  afterward  spent  three  years 
in  the  Third  National  Bank  of  Bloomington  and  then  took  up  the  study  of  medi- 
cine in  St.  Louis  University,  which  institution  conferred  upon  him  the  degree 
of  M.  D.  in  1898.  Dr.  Jones  first  located  for  practice  in  Illinois,  but  after  a 
short  period  removed  to  Indiana,  where  he  followed  his  profession  successfully 
for  ten  years.  In  igii  he  came  to  Boone,  Iowa,  where  he  has  remained  to 
the  present  time,  building  up  a  gratifying  and  remunerative  practice. 

On  the  2 1  St  of  September,  1898,  Dr.  Jones  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Harriett  White,  a  native  of  Illinois,  by  whom  he  has  three  children,  as  follows: 
Margaret,  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  4th  of  June,  1900;  Robert  N.,  who  was 
born   June   2,    1903;   and   Grace   Virginia,   whose   natal   daiy   was   December  21, 

1907- 

In  his  political  views  Dr.  Jones  is  a  progressive,  advocating  the  principles 

set  forth  by  Theodore  Roosevelt  at  the  time  of  the  birth  of  the  party.     He  is 

a  worthy  exemplar  of  the  Masonic  fraternity,  while  his  religious  faith  is  that 

of  the    Presbyterian  church.     His  acquaintance  is  wide,  and  he  has  a  host  of 

friends,  whose  high  regard  he  has  gained  through  his  professional  ability,  his 

deference  to  the  opinions  of  others,  his  genial  manner  and  unfailing  courtesy. 


GOTHARD    HEEDWELL. 

Boone  county  has  drawn  its  quota  of  citizens  from  various  sections,  not  only 
of  this  country,  but  of  the  globe.  Among  those  who  have  come  from  Sweden  is 
Gothard  Heedwell,  who  since  1907  has  had  charge  of  the  county  farm.  He  was 
born  in  .Sweden  in  1861  and  his  first  name  was  takgn  from  the  famous  Gothard 
tunnel  through  the  Alps.  His  father  was  a  graduate  of  an  agricultural  college 
and  became  manager  of  a  large  estate.  At  lengfth  he  determined  to  try  his  for- 
tune in  America  and  crossed  the  Atlantic  with  his  family,  making  his  way  to 
Boone  county,  Iowa,  at  which  time  he  settled  in  Marcy  township.  He  began  work 
in  the  mines,  as  did  his  son  Gothard,  and  they  were  thus  employed  for  thirteen 
years,  or  until  able  to  purchase  a  farm.  The  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Eric  Heed- 
well,  still  reside  upon  the  old  homestead  in  Marcy  township  and  are  well  known 
and  representative  agricultural  people. 

Gothard  Heedwell  had  a  common-school  education  such  as  he  could  secure 
at  that  early  day.  He  was  but  six  years  of  age  when  the  family  came  to  the  new 
world  and  was  quite  young  when  he  started  out  to  earn  his  own  living,  for  his 
parents  were  in  limited  financial  circumstances  and  needed  his  assistance,  for  he 
was  the  eldest  in  a  family  of  five  children,  the  others  being  daughters.  Ellen,  his 
eldest  sister,  became  the  wife  of  Eric  Anderson  and  now  resides  upon  a  farm 
near  Boone.  Selma  married  J.  E.  Sandereen,  who  is  farming  in  Kansas.  Lydia 
is  the  wife  of  the  Rev.  J.  A.  Edlund,  pastor  of  a  Lutheran  church  in  Idaho.  Olma 
died  of  measles  at  an  early  age. 


518  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Gothard  Heedwell  spent  his  youth  largely  in  this  county  and,  as  previously 
stated,  began  to  earn  his  own  living  when  quite  young,  working  with  his  father 
in  the  mines.  In  1893  he  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ellen  Aspengren,  whose 
parents  and  family  still  reside  in  Sweden,  the  daughter  coming  alone  to  the  United 
States.  For  twelve  years  prior  to  1907  Mr.  Heedwell  spent  much  of  his  time 
on  the  Pacific  coast,  employed  on  various  fruit  ranches.  During  the  last  period 
of  his  residence  in  that  section  of  the  country  he  had  charge  of  a  ranch  of  four 
hundred  and  twenty  acres  near  San  Jose,  California,  which  was  the  property  of 
W.  W.  Montague.  Since  1907  he  has  had  charge  of  the  county  farm  of  Boone 
county,  comprising  two  hundred  and  thirty-six  acres,  and  has  most  capably,  ably 
and  wisely  directed  its  cultivation  and  management.  He  has  succeeded  in  reducing 
the  expense  of  its  operation  to  a  minimum.  At  the  present  time  the  inmates 
number  thirty-three  insane  and  thirty-one  paupers,  and  by  reason  of  what  is 
raised  upon  the  farm  the  average  cost  of  meals  per  individual  has  been  reduced 
to  four  and  a  half  cents — a  great  saving  to  the  taxpayers  of  the  county. 

Mr.  Heedwell  is  a  republican  in  his  political  views  and  stanchly  advocates  the 
principles  of  his  party.  He  belongs  to  the  Modern  Woodmen  Camp  at  Ogden. 
Iowa,  and  he  attends  the  Lutheran  church,  although  he  does  not  hold  membership 
with  any  denomination.  He  has  many  of  the  sterling  characteristics  of  the  sons 
of  Sweden  and  has  become  thoroughly  imbued  with  the  spirit  of  enterprise  char- 
acteristic of  the  new  world.  He  has  made  good  use  of  his  time  and  opportunities 
on  this  side  of  the  Atlantic  and  whatever  prosperity  has  come  to  him  is  well 
deserved. 


DE  WITT  C.  WILEY. 


De  Witt  C.  Wiley  has  for  more  than  two  decades  represented  the  Minneapolis 
&  St.  Louis  Railway  as  agent  at  Pilot  Mound  and  is  a  highly  esteemed  and  pro- 
gressive citizen  of  the  town.  His  birth  occurred  near  Rochester,  in  Wayne  county, 
New  York,  on  the  7th  of  December,  1855,  his  parents  being  Alex  and  Lucy  Wiley, 
who  were  likewise  natives  of  the  Empire  state.  The  father  followed  general 
agricultural  pursuits  in  New  York  for  many  years  but  subsequently  removed  to 
Michigan,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life,  passing  away  on  the  20th  of 
April,  1889.    The  mother  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  1897. 

De  Witt  C.  Wiley  was  reared  and  educated  in  the  state  of  his  nativity  and 
afterward  made  his  way  to  Wisconsin,  where  he  learned  telegraphy  and  entered 
the  service  of  the  Wabash  Railroad  Company,  continuing  with  the  corporation 
from  1882  until  1893.  I"  t^ie  latter  year  he  came  to  Pilot  Mound,  Boone  county, 
Iowa,  and  accepted  a  position  as  agent  with  the  Minneapolis  &  St.  Louis  Railway, 
in  which  capacity  he  has  ably  served  throughout  the  intervening  twenty-one  years, 
discharging  his  duties  in  a  highly  satisfactory  manner. 

On  the  nth  of  April,  1883,  Mr.  Wiley  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mrs.  Anna 
(Derry)  Parker,  who  was  born  in  Illiopolis,  Illinois,  in  September,  1858,  her  par- 
ents being  M.  H.  and  Harriet  (Dickerson)  Derry,  the  former  a  native  of  West 
Virginia  and  the  latter  of  Illinois.  Mr.  Derry  was  a  railroad  man  and  made  his 
home  at  Illiopolis,  Illinois,  until  his  death  in  November,  1897,  while  the  demise 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  519 

of  his  wife  occurred  in  August,  1907.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wiley  has  been  born 
one  child,  Ruby  B.,  now  seventeen  years  of  age,  who  is  attending  school.  Mrs. 
Wiley  has  been  twice  married  and  by  her  first  husband  had  a  son  and  daughter : 
Fanny  E.,  who  died  on  the  6th  of  February,  1889,  when  eight  years  of  age,  and 
J.  C.  Parker,  who  is  a  practicing  dentist  of  Rockwell  City,  Iowa. 

Mr.  Wiley  supports  the  prohibition  party  at  the  polls,  believing  that  the  liquor 
trartic  is  one  of  the  worst  evils  with  which  this  country  has  to  contend.  He  has 
served  as  a  member  of  the  town  council  and  did  creditable  work  in  that  connec- 
tion. His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Methodist  church,  while  fraternally  he  is 
identified  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  He  has  a  wide  circle  of 
acquaintances  throughout  the  community  and  is  best  liked  where  he  is  best 
known — a  fact  indicative  of  qualities  of  character  that  are  commendable,  ever 
commanding  respect  and  regard. 


THEODORE  A.  ADAMS. 

For  twenty-two  years  Theodore  A.  Adams  has  been  a  passenger  engineer  on 
the  Northwestern  railroad,  having  ever  discharged  his  duties  with  circumspection 
and  faithfulness.  He  now  resides  in  a  pretty  home  at  No.  229  Cedar  street, 
Boone.  He  was  born  January  30,  1858,  in  Monroe  county,  Wisconsin,  and  is  a 
son  of  Nathaniel  and  Matilda  (Curry)  Adams.  The  father  was  born  in  New 
England.  He  served  in  the  Thirty-sixth  Wisconsin  Volunteer  Infantry  as  a 
private  and  was  killed  in  the  battle  of  Petersburg.  Matilda  Curry  was  a  daughter 
of  Riley  Curry,  who  was  born  in  Ireland  and  upon  coming  to  the  United  States 
settled  near  Perry,  Iowa,  where  he  followed  agricultural  pursuits.  Mrs.  Adams 
subsequent  to  her  first  husband's  death  married  Andrew  J.  Hutson.  She  was  a 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  died  in  Perry,  Iowa.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  -Adams  had  four  children:  John  H.,  of  Valley  Junction,  Iowa,  who  married 
twice;  Maria,  who  married  John  Cameron  of  Des  Moines,  Iowa;  Theodore  A., 
of  this  review;  and  Frank,  of  Valley  Junction,  Iowa. 

Theodore  A.  Adams  spent  the  first  years  of  his  life  in  Wisconsin,  attending 
school  in  the  little  village  of  Ripon,  that  state.  After  his  father's  death  the  family 
removed  to  Iowa,  and  he  completed  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Grand  Junc- 
tion. He  entered  upon  the  duties  of  life  by  assisting  his  stepfather  and  the  lat- 
ter's  brother,  who  were  engaged  in  building  operations  and  in  moving  houses. 
After  leaving  home  Mr.  Adams  hrst  worked  for  a  Mr.  Hughes  on  a  farm  five 
miles  north  of  Beaver,  Iowa,  being  at  that  time  about  eighteen  years  of  age  and 
receiving  in  remuneration  for  his  services  eighteen  dollars  per  month  and  board. 
There  he  remained  for  a  year  and  then  worked  for  his  brother  John,  who  con- 
ducted a  livery  stable  at  Grand  Junction,  remaining  for  about  two  years.  .\t 
the  end  of  that  time  he  first  took  up  railroad  work,  becoming  a  brakeman  on  the 
Rock  Island  railroad  on  February  20,  1878.  His  run  was  from  Grand  function 
to  Fort  Dodge,  and  there  he  continued  until  October  17,  1879,  when  he  became 
brakeman  on  the  Northwestern  between  Boone  and  Belle  Plaine.  holding  that 
position  until  the  fall  of  1880.  He  next  was  fireman  for  the  same  company  for 
two  years  and  in  January,   1883,  was  promoted  to  engineer,  his  run  being  in 


520  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Iowa  between  the  .Missouri  and  Mississippi  rivers.  For  the  last  twelve  years 
Mr.  Adams  has  had  the  passenger  run  between  Boone  and  Omaha.  He  has 
shown  himself  capable  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties  and  stands  high  in  the  esti- 
mation of  his  superior  officers.  Many  are  those  who  know  him  in  Boone,  and  he 
also  has  many  acquaintances  among  the  passengers  who  travel  regularly  on  his 
run  and  who  esteem  him  as  a  reliable,  trustworthy  official. 

On  Alay  12,  iSjg,  Mr.  Adams  married  in  Grand  Junction.  Iowa.  Miss  Mary 
Luce,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Elizabeth  Luce,  the  former  a  carpenter  by  trade. 
To  this  union  were  born  six  children.  Frank,  of  Grand  Jnuction,  Iowa,  was  born 
March  15,  1880.  He  is  a  graduate  of  the  Boone  schools  and  is  now  a  conductor 
on  the  Nortiiwestern  railroad,  making  his  home  with  our  subject.  He  is  promi- 
nent in  Masonry,  having  become  a  Shriner  at  the  age  of  twenty-one  and  being 
at  that  time  one  of  the  youngest  in  the  state.  Etta  May,  who  was  born  in  Perry^ 
Iowa,  September  16,  1882,  is  now  Mrs.  Edward  Painter,  of  Leadville,  Colorado. 
Ollie,  who  was  born  in  Boone,  February  i,  1885,  married  R.  W.  Weaver  and 
they  are  now  living  in  Des  Moines.  Cleo.  who  was  born  in  Boone,  April  4.  1893, 
is  clerk  to  the  foreman  at  the  round  house  of  the  Chicago  and  Northwestern 
railroad  and  resides  at  home.  Charles  is  deceased  and  another  died  in  infancy. 
Airs.  Adams  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  the  services  of  which  her 
husband  also  attends.  The  latter  is  politically  independent,  preferring  to  follow 
his  own  judgment  in  giving  his  support  to  such  candidates  as  he  considers  best 
fitted  for  the  position  to  which  they  aspire,  irrespective  of  party  lines.  Frater- 
nally he  belongs  to  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers  and  is  popular  in 
that  organization.  He  has  many  friends  in  Boone,  all  of  whom  speak  of  him 
in  the  highest  terms  of  appreciation. 


lOHN  R.  BOONE. 


John  R.  Boone  is  now  living  retired,  making  his  home  with  his  son  .S.  .\. 
Boone,  in  the  city  which  bears  the  family  name.  He  has  been  a  resident  of  this 
part  of  the  state  for  many  years  and  is  widely  and  favorably  known.  He  was 
born  February  29,  1S36,  near  Fredericksburg.  Wayne  county.  Ohio,  and  has 
passed  the  seventy-eighth  milestone  on  life's  journey,  his  parents  being  Samuel 
and  Susan  (Davidson)  Boone.  His  paternal  grandfather,  James  Boone,  was  a 
native  of  Pennsylvania,  born  near  Philadelphia,  and  he  devoted  much  of  his  life 
to  teaching  mathematics.  He  passed  away  in  1783  and  was  buried  in  the  Friends 
cemetery,  between  Brandywine  and  Philadelphia.  Throughout  his  entire  life  he 
had  been  identified  with  the  Society  of  Friends,  or  Quakers.  His  son  Samuel 
Boone  was  also  born  in  the  vicinity  of  Philadelphia.  His  mother  died  at  his  birth 
and  by  his  father's  death' he  was  left  an  orphan  when  but  three  years  of  age.  He 
then  went  to  live  in  the  home  of  his  aunt.  Mrs.  Leash,  in  Westmoreland  county. 
Pennsylvania,  and  throughout  his  entire  life  he  followed  farming.  In  1802  he 
removed  to  Wayne  county,  Ohio,  where  he  lived  for  three  years,  at  the  end  of 
which  time  he  secured  timber  land  in  Holmes  county.  Ohio.  This  he  cleared  and 
developed,  making  his  home  there  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1847.  when 
he  was  sixty-seven  years  of  age.     His  religious  faith  was  that  of  the  Presbyterian 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  521 

church,  and  his  political  belief  was  that  of  the  democratic  party.  His  wife  died 
in  Holmes  county  in  i86S,  at  the  age  of  seventy-eight  years,  passing  away  in  the 
faith  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  of  which  she  was  a  devoted  member. 

John  R.  Boone  was  one  of  a  family  of  eleven  children.  He  was  educated  in 
the  academy  at  Haysville,  Ohio,  and  in  a  college  at  Canonsburg,  Pennsylvania, 
completing  his  course  in  the  latter  institution  when  twenty-six  years  of  age.  In 
the  meantime,  however,  when  a  youth  of  sixteen,  he  had  begun  teaching  in  the 
schools  of  Holmes  county,  Ohio,  devoting  four  years  to  that  profession  there. 
In  fact,  for  several  years  he  continued  to  teach  and  attend  school  alternately. 
After  leaving  Holmes  county  he  took  charge  of  a  school  in  Ashland  county,  Ohio, 
where  he  continued  teaching  for  a  year  and  a  half.  He  also  engaged  in  the  dry- 
goods  business  at  Jeromesville,  Ohio,  where  he  conducted  his  store  for  more 
than  two  years,  and  on  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  came  to  Iowa,  making  his 
way  to  Independence,  where  he  took  charge  of  the  county  schools,  directing  edu- 
cational activity  in  the  county  from  1864  until  1882.  He  also  engaged  in  farming 
in  the  county  for  eight  years  of  that  period.  He  eventually  located  in  Independ- 
ence, where  he  entered  upon  the  practice  of  law,  which  he  followed  until  1882, 
when  he  removed  to  Angola,  Steuben  county,  Indiana,  where  he  conducted  a 
creamery  business  for  seven  years,  or  until  1889.  He  then  sold  out  and  removed 
to  Chicago,  where  he  engaged  in  the  real-estate  business.  He  was  clerk  in  the 
office  of  Carter  Harrison,  Sr.,  who  was  then  revenue  collector,  Mr.  Boone  occupy- 
ing that  position  from  i88y  until  1894,  when  he  came  to  the  city  which  bears  his 
name.    Here  he  has  lived  retired. 

Mr.  Boone  was  married  in  Wayne  county,  Ohio,  to  Miss  Nancy  J.  Wilson,  a 
daughter  of  Squire  Wilson.  Mrs.  Boone  passed  away  in  this  city  March  16,  1914. 
and  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  Boone  cemetery.  She  was  a  devoted  member  of  the 
Christian  church  and  possessed  many  excellent  traits  of  heart  and  mind.  Mr. 
I'.oone  also  belongs  to  the  Christian  church,  with  which  he  united  in  1863,  and 
his  life  has  ever  been  conducted  in  harmony  with  its  principles.  In  politics  he  is 
a  stanch  democrat  and  in  matters  of  citizenship  has  displayed  a  progressive 
spirit,  cooperating  with  many  movements  for  public  progress  in  the  different  locali- 
ties in  which  he  has  made  his  home.  His  has  been  a  well  spent  life,  and  in  the 
evening  of  his  days  he  receives  the  respect  and  veneration  which  should  ever  be 
accorded  one  of  his  years  whose  record  is  honorable. 

To  Air.  and  Mrs.  Boone  were  born  three  children.  The  eldest,  Clinton  T.,  a 
resident  of  Casper,  Wyoming,  married  Catherine  Boyd  of  Columbus,  Ohio.  The 
daughter  Minnie  S.,  died  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years.  The  yoimger  son.  Samuel 
A.,  was  born  in  Independence,  Iowa,  February  3,  1869,  and  was  reared  to  man- 
hood in  Angola,  Indiana,  where  he  pursued  his  education  in  the  public  schools  to 
the  age  of  seventeen  years,  when  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  Baltimore  &  Ohio 
Railroad  at  Newark.  Ohio,  as  fireman  on  an  engine.  Later,  in  1892,  he  went  to 
Chicago,  where  he  resided  until  December.  1893,  and  during  that  period  was  em- 
ployed as  a  fireman  on  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern.  He  next  came  to  Boone, 
w  here  he  was  made  an  engineer  and  has  since  been  identified  with  railway  inter- 
ests, occupying  an  enviable  and  well  earned  reputation  in  this  connection.  He 
has  been  chairn-ian  of  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Firemen  and  Enginemen 
for  fourteen  years  and  still  occupies  that  position.  On  the  20th  of  October,  1896, 
Samuel   Boone  was  married  to   Miss   Maud  Clinton   Mcintosh,  who  was  born 


522  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

In  Boone  and  was  educated  in  the  public  schools,  being  graduated  from  high 
school  at  the  age  of  eighteen.  She  next  entered  Drake  University  at  Des  Moines, 
where  she  pursued  a  course  in  painting,  and  for  ten  years  she  has  successfully 
engaged  in  teaching  painting.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Samuel  I'oone  have  been  born 
two  children:  Louise,  who  died  in  infancy;  and  Donald  A.,  who  was  born  June 
22,  1900,  and  attends  the  Boone  high  school.  In  his  political  views  the  father 
is  a  democrat  and  fraternally  is  connected  with  the  Masons.  His  wife  is  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Eastern  Star,  in  which  she  has  held  office.  Mr.  Boone  and  his  family 
hold  membership  in  the  Christian  church  and  are  highly  esteemed  in  the  city 
where  thev  have  now  resided  for  more  than  twenty  years. 


TOHN  L.  GOOD. 


John  L.  Good,  who  since  1903  has  made  his  home  in  ISoone,  but  for  thirt\- 
five  years  previously  had  been  a  resident  of  the  county,  was  born  in  Gratz,  Dau- 
phin county,  Pennsylvania,  April  9,  1845,  a  son  of  Daniel  and  Margaret  (Reedy) 
Good,  who  were  also  natives  of  the  Keystone  state.  The  father  was  a  tanner  by 
trade,  but  in  his  later  years  followed  farming.  Unto  him  and  his  wife  were  born 
ten  children :  Jeremiah,  who  died  in  Boone ;  Sarah,  who  was  the  wife  of  Samuel 
Schoffstall  and  has  passed  away :  Catherine,  the  widow  of  J.  P.  Stein  of  Dau- 
phin county,  Pennsylvania :  Daniel  and  Mary,  also  residents  of  the  Keystone 
state:  John  L. :  Emma,  the  wife  of  J.  A.  Umholtz,  deceased;  Amelia,  the  wife 
of  F.  Boyer  of  Pennsylvania ;  Henry,  a  resident  of  Tremont,  Pennsylvania ;  and 
George,  who  died  in  infancy. 

Through  the  period  of  his  boyhood  and  youth  John  L.  Good  attended  the 
public  schools  and  remained  at  home  until  after  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war, 
when  his  patriotic  spirit  prompted  his  enlistment  and  he  became  a  private  of 
Com]jany  I,  One  Hundred  and  Seventy-seventh  Pennsylvania  Infantry,  with 
which  he  served  for  nine  months  in  the  Army  of  the  Potomac.  His  command 
was  stationed  at  Deep  Creek.  \'irginia,  at  the  time  of  the  Confederate  invasion 
of  Pennsylvania  in  1863  and  was  sent  by  rail  to  Frederick,  Maryland,  whence 
they  marched  to  the  battlefield  of  Gettysburg,  arriving  there  on  the  e\ening  of 
July  3d.  During  the  night  the  rebel  forces  retreated  and  on  the  morning  of  the 
4th  Mr.  Good's  command  was  sent  on  a  forced  march  to  Harpers  Ferry  to  cut 
off  the  retreat.  On  the  3th  of  .\ugust,  1863,  they  were  discharged  at  Harris- 
burg,  Pennsylvania,  as  the  term  of  nine  months  for  which  they  had  enlisted  had 
expired.  Mr.  Good  then  reenlisted,  becoming  corporal  of  Company  H,  Two 
Himdred  and  Tenth  Pennsylvania  Infantry,  which  was  also  a  part  of  the  Amiy 
of  the  Potomac.  He  participated  in  a  number  of  skirmishes  and  the  battles  of 
Deep  Creek.  Dabney  Mills,  Hatchies  Run  and  Gravel  Run,  and  during  the  latter 
engagement  was  wounded  by  a  gimshot  through  the  thigh  on  the  31st  day  of 
March,  1865.  Being  thus  disabled,  he  was  sent  to  the  hospital,  where  he  remained 
until  discharged  from  service  on  the  30th  day  of  May,  1865,  at  the  United  States 
General  Hospital  at  Chester,  Pennsylvania.  His  grandfather,  Leonard  Reedy, 
served  in  the  War  of  1812. 


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HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  525 

Following  his  return  home  from  the  war  Mr.  Good  attended  school  for  a  time 
and  later  engaged  in  teaching  for  about  a  year,  or  until  after  his  marriage,  which 
occurred  in  1867.  He  subsequently  clerked  in  a  store  for  about  two  years,  but 
in  April,  i86»j,  he  came  west,  having  resigned  his  position  in  the  store  upon  the 
advice  of  his  physician.  He  made  his  way  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  settling  at 
I'ilot  Mound.  There  he  engaged  in  farming  and  stock-raising  and  for  many  years 
carefully  tilled  his  fields  and  raised  his  stock,  both  branches  of  his  business  prov- 
ing profitable.  His  aflfairs  were  conducted  along  most  practical  and  progressive 
lines,  and  his  energy  and  determination  brought  to  him  the  success  which  now 
enables  liim  to  live  retired.  He  is  still  the  owner  of  the  old  homestead  in  Grant 
township  but  moved  to  Boone  in  1903  and  in  1904  erected  a  fine  residence  at 
No.  103  East  Seventh  street,  where  he  has  since  lived,  being  one  of  the  worthy 
citizens  of  Boone. 

On  the  17th  of  January,  1867,  Mr.  Good  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Cas- 
siah  Schreffler,  a  native  of  Dauphin  county,  Pennsylvania,  who  died  January 
4,  iqio,  at  the  age  of  sixty-one  years.  Nine  children  w^re  born  of  that  marriage : 
Annie  M.,  the  wife  of  Henry  Dockey,  of  Pilot  Mount ;  Hattie  A.,  deceased ;  Dan- 
iel and  Grant,  who  are  residents  of  Ogden,  this  county;  Minnie  E..,  the  wife  of 
Henry  Wolf  of  Fort  Dodge;  Mary  E.,  deceased;  Katie  D.,  the  deceased  wife  of 
Orlando  Zunkel;  a  son  who  died  in  infancy;  and  Lucile  Mae,  at  home. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Good  is  a  republican,  and  for  six  years  he  served 
as  a  member  of  the  board  of  county  supervisors.  For  two  terms  he  represented 
his  district  in  the  state  legislature,  where  he  gave  close  consideration  to  the  vital 
questions  which  came  up  for  settlement.  He  belongs  to  the  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic,  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Independent  (Irder  of  Odd  Fellows. 
and  his  religions  faith  is  manifest  in  his  membership  in  the  Presbyterian  church. 
His  salient  qualities  are  such  as  are  worthy  of  respect.  X'arious  tangible  evidences 
of  his  progressiveness  in  citizenship  may  be  cited,  and  none  has  ever  questioned 
the  integrity  of  his  motives  in  office.  In  business  aflfairs,  too,  he  is  thoroughly 
reliable,  and  his  intelligently  directed  efforts  have  brought  to  him  the  measure  of 
success  which  now  enables  him  to  live  retired. 


WILSON   ABRAHAM. 


With  the  development  of  the  west  Wilson  Abraham  is  thoroughly  familiar, 
for  at  an  early  day  he  was  engaged  in  freighting  across  the  plains  and  was  iden- 
tified with  the  agricultural  development  of  Boone  county,  but  is  now  living  retired 
in  Luther,  enjoying  the  rest  which  should  always  follow  a  useful  and  well  spent 
life. 

He  was  born  near  Ottawa,  in  Carleton  county,  Canada,  December  30,  1843, 
and  is  a  son  of  James  Abraham,  who  was  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  from  that 
country  emigrated  to  Canada  at  an  early  day,  making  the  trip  across  the  Atlantic 
with  his  uncle  John  T.  Rutledge.  He  had  received  a  good  common-school  educa- 
tion and  for  some  years  was  engaged  in  lumbering  on  the  Ottawa  river.  He  was 
married  in  Carleton  county  to  Miss  Maria  Wilson,  who  was  born  on  the  Atlantic, 
April  23,  1822.  and  was  reared  and  educated  in  Canada.    Her  parents  were  George 


526  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

B.  and  Alice  ( Cassidy )  Wilson.  Her  father  was  a  well  educated  man  and  was 
not  only  engaged  in  farming  but  also  conducted  a  store  and  followed  the  lumber 
business  for  some  years.  He  was  twice  married  and  died  in  Canada.  James 
Abraham,  father  of  our  subject,  brought  his  family  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in 
1866,  and  located  upon  a  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Colfax  township. 
This  was  all  wild  land,  but  to  its  improvement  and  cultivation  he  at  once  turned 
his  attention  and  made  his  home  thereon  until  his  death,  which  occurred  on  the 
6th  of  August,  1887.  His  wife  long  survived  him,  passing  away  in  Luther, 
March  3,  1907.  Their  children  were  as  follows:  John,  who  married  Lizzie  Noble, 
became  a  resident  of  Chicago  in  1862,  but  a  few  years  later  removed  to  Shawano 
county,  Wisconsin.  Sarah  A.  became  the  wife  of  James  Stringer  of  Bruce  county, 
Canada,  where  her  death  occurred.  Wilson  is  the  next  in  order  of  birth.  Maggie 
is  the  wife  of  W.  H.  H.  Scott  of  Colorado.  Mary  A.  is  the  wife  of  John  W. 
Leland  of  Montana.  Belle  is  the  widow  of  J.  W.  Murray,  who  was  a  judge  in 
Montana  for  many  years  prior  to  his  death.  He  was  a  boyhood  friend  of  Senator 
Clark,  and  they  were  in  business  together  until  1885.  George  B.  was  born  in 
Huron  county,  Ontario,  Canada,  and  was  educated  in  the  schools  there  and  in 
Boone  county.  He  is  a  prominent  republican  and  is  now  serving  as  mayor  ot 
Luther.  Jane  B.  is  the  wife  of  S.  1!.  Payne  of  Jordon,  Iowa.  Angeline  is  the  wife 
of  C.  A.  Shade  of  Winterset,  Iowa.  Lizzie  is  the  widow  of  G.  A.  Martin  and  a 
resident  of  Luther. 

Wilson  Abraham  grew  to  manhood  in  Huron  county,  Ontario,  Canada,  where 
he  pursued  his  education  in  the  common  schools  and  continued  to  reside  until 
the  removal  of  the  family  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  1866.  He  aided  his  father  in 
breaking  the  land  and  cultivating  the  home  farm  here  and  for  three  years,  between 
1868  and  1872,  engaged  in  freighting  for  the  United  States  government  in  Colo- 
rado, Montana  and  Wyoming.  His  train  was  supplied  with  an  escort  of  United 
States  troops  and  was  attacked  by  the  Indians  on  Crazy  Woman's  Creek,  but  the 
trouble  was  peacefully  settled.  Returning  to  Boone  county  in  1872,  he  resumed 
farming  and  continued  to  operate  the  old  home  place  until  1900,  when  he  removed 
to  Luther  and  has  since  lived  retired  from  active  labor.  By  his  ballot  he  supports 
the  men  and  measures  of  the  republican  party,  and  he  is  an  earnest  and  consistent 
member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church. 


JAMES  MONROE  HILTS. 

For  a  third  of  a  century  James  Monroe  Hilts  has  been  identified  with  the 
agricultural  interests  of  Boone  county  and  now  owns  a  good  farm  in  Harrison 
township.  He  is  a  native  of  the  Empire  state,  for  he  was  born  in  Oneida  county, 
New  York,  September  7,  1841,  and  is  a  son  of  Joseph  and  Mary  (Ladd)  Hilts, 
also  natives  of  New  York,  the  former  born  in  Herkimer  county  and  the  latter 
near  Boonville.  He  traces  his  ancestry  back  to  Revolutionary  stock,  for  members 
of  the  family  served  in  both  the  war  for  independence  and  the  War  of  1812.  It 
was  his  desire  to  enter  the  army  during  the  Civil  war  but  ill  health  prevented  this. 
He  has,  however,  manifested  his  patriotism  in  many  ways.  In  1847  he  was  taken 
by  his  parents  to  St.   Charles,  Illinois,  near   which  city  his  parents  engaged   in 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  527 

farming.  Both  parents  died  in  that  state.  Their  children  were :  James  Madison, 
a  twin  brother  of  James  Alonroe  and  a  resident  of  La  Grande,  Oregon ;  Frank, 
of  Boone,  Iowa;  and  Lewis  R.,  of  South  Dakota. 

James  AL  Hilts  was  only  six  years  of  age  when  the  family  left  New  York 
and  removed  to  Illinois,  where  he  grew  to  manhood,  assisting  his  father  in  the 
operation  of  the  home  farm.  From  that  state  he  went  to  Kansas  and  in  1881 
came  to  Iowa,  since  which  time  he  has  been  a  resident  of  Boone  county.  He 
follows  general  farming  and  today  owns  a  well  improved  place  of  eighty  acres 
in  Harrison  township,  to  the  cultivation  and  improvement  of  which  he  devotes 
his  entire  attention.  He  is  a  progressive  farmer,  keeping  up-to-date  in  methods 
of  agriculture,  and  is  the  owner  of  an  automobile. 

On  the  i8th  of  March,  1874,  Mr.  Hilts  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Ida 
-\.  Grover.  a  daughter  of  Justin  L.  and  Altana  (Ward)  Grover,  both  of  whom  are 
now  deceased.  The  father  was  a  soldier  of  the  Civil  war  and  passed  away  in  the 
hospital  at  Kingston,  South  Carolina.  Mr.  Hilts  has  never  taken  a  very  active  nor 
prominent  part  in  public  aflairs  but  by  his  ballot  supjjorts  the  men  and  measures 
of  the  republican  party,  casting  his  first  vote  for  Abraham  Lincoln.  He  is  promi- 
nently identified  with  the  Masonic  fraternity,  having  joined  Unity  Lodge,  No.  48, 
A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  St.  Charles  in  1862.  He  demitted  to  Mount  Olive  Lodge,  No. 
79,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  in  Boone  in  1883  and  today  is  also  connected  with  the  chapter 
and  conimandery  at  that  place.  During  his  long  residence  here  he  has  made  a 
host  of  warm  friends  and  is  highly  esteemed  by  all  who  know  him. 


MERRITT  B.  JONES. 

Merritt  B.  Jones  is  successfully  engaged  in  draying  and  the  livery  business  and 
also  deals  to  some  extent  in  horses.  He  was  born  in  Jackson  township,  Boone 
county,  on  a  farm  which  is  now  owned  by  H.  A.  Cobb,  on  May  10,  1880,  and  is 
a  son  of  Lewis  and  Louise  (Sawyer)  Jones.  The  father  was  born  in  Ohio,  where 
he  lived  until  seven  years  of  age,  when  he  was  brought  to  Porter  county,  Indiana, 
where  he  attended  the  public  schools.  His  early  life  was  spent  upon  a  farm  in 
that  state,  and  he  subsequently  married  in  Indiana,  where  he  and  his  family 
remained  until  1870,  when  they  removed  with  their  two  children  to  Iowa.  They 
located  on  a  farm  near  Gilbert,  Story  county,  where  they  remained  for  three  years. 
At  the  end  of  that  time  they  went  on  to  a  tract  of  land  comprising  one  hundred 
and  sixty  acres  in  Jackson  township,  and  there  they  resided  for  eight  or  ten 
years,  the  father  bending  his  energies  to  agricultural  development.  He  then 
bought  a  farm  in  Franklin  township.  Story  county,  just  over  the  line  from  Jack- 
son township,  Boone  county,  and  there  he  continued  to  reside  until  January  18, 
1908,  when  he  passed  away.  He  was  buried  in  Ontario  cemetery  in  Boone  county. 
The  mother,  who  is  a  devout  member  of  the  Christian  church,  survives  him  and 
makes  her  home  with  her  children.  Mr.  Jones  did  not  belong  to  any  particular 
church  but  was  always  eager  to  contribute  to  church  work  and  the  different 
organizations,  being  thoroughly  in  sympathy  with  their  efforts.  In  their  family 
were  the  following  children :  Leah,  who  married  Dr.  C.  \V.  Johnson  of  Des 
Moines;  Bertha,  who  is  now  Mrs.  T.  L.  Jones  of  Boone;  Flavius  S.,  of  Story 


528  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

county,  who  farms  on  the  home  place ;  Merritt  B.,  of  this  review ;  and  Mabel,  who 
died  at  the  age  of  three. 

Merritt  B.  Jones  was  educated  in  the  country  schools  near  his  father's  farm 
and  those  of  Boone  city.  He  rounded  out  his  learning  and  prepared  himself 
for  business  life  by  taking  a  course  at  the  Capital  City  Business  College,  com- 
pleting his  studies  there  at  the  age  of  twenty-one.  Until  nineteen  years  of  age 
he  assisted  his  father  on  the  home  farm,  but  when  he  had  reached  his  majority 
he  went  to  the  Dakotas,  where  he  worked  for  farmers,  later  having  charge  of  a 
real-estate  office  at  Tower  City,  Cass  county,  North  Dakota.  After  his  marriage 
Mr.  Jones  established  his  home  in  Boone,  accepting  a  position  with  the  Boone 
Cereal  Mill,  with  which  firm  he  remained  until  its  affairs  were  liquidated.  He 
then  joined  the  Boone  police  force  under  Mayor  Goodykoontz,  remaining  for 
eleven  months  in  a  minor  position,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  was  made  city 
marshal  under  Mayor  Forrow.  At  the  following  election  Mr.  Wiles  was  elected 
mayor,  Mr.  Jones  continuing  under  him  as  city  marshal.  Subsequently  he  estab- 
lished himself  in  the  livery  business  and  now  gives  his  sole  attention  to  this  enter- 
prise. He  is  a  courteous  and  obliging  man  and  has  built  up  a  profitable  business 
along  honorable  principles.  Such  success  as  has  been  his  is  well  merited  and  is 
the  outcome  of  determination,  industry,  honesty  and  close  application. 

On  February  lo,  1904,  Mr.  Jones  married  Miss  Jessie  Hull,  a  daughter  of 
J.  M.  and  Susan  (Redmond)  Hull.  She  is  one  of  four  children  born  to  her 
parents  and  is  widely  and  favorably  known  in  Boone  as  a  lady  of  womanly  qual- 
ities of  character.  Mr.  Jones  is  a  republican  and  thoroughly  devoted  to  his  party. 
He  has  taken  a  laudable  part  in  the  progress  of  Boone  and  is  ever  ready  to  sup- 
port new  enterprises  which  promise  to  be  of  value  to  the  community.  He  has 
many  friends,  all  of  whom  esteem  and  respect  him  for  what  he  is  and  what  he 
has  achieved. 


JOHN  PAULSON. 


John  Paulson  is  engaged  in  general  farming  on  sections  15  and  16,  Amaqua 
township,  where  he  owns  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land.  He  also 
carries  on  stock-raising  and  has  other  business  interests  which  rank  him  as  one 
of  the  representative  and  valued  citizens  of  his  community.  He  was  born  in 
Germany,  January  2,  1871,  and  is  a  son  of  George  and  Anna  (Cook)  Paulson. 
The  parents  were  likewise  natives  of  the  fatherland  and  in  1871  they  sailed  for 
the  new  world,  making  Boone  county,  Iowa,  their  destination.  After  a  few  years 
spent  at  teaming  and  in  the  brewery  business,  the  father  rented  a  tract  of  land, 
which  he  cultivated  until  1887.  He  then  purchased  one  hundred  and  fifty  acres 
in  Amaqua  township  and  as  his  financial  resources  increased  added  to  his  property 
until  within  the  borders  of  his  farm  are  comprised  two  hundred  and  ninety  acres. 
He  carefully  and  successfully  operated  his  land  until  1904,  when,  following  the 
death  of  his  wife,  he  retired. 

John  Paulson  was  but  a  few  months  old  when  his  parents  sailed  for  the  new 
world,  and  he  has  since  lived  in  Boone  county.  He  was  reared  upon  the  old  home- 
stead farm  in  Amaqua  township  and  pursued  his  education  in  the  public  schools. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  529 

He  remained  with  his  parents  until  he  reached  his  majority  and  then  started  out 
independently  in  business  life  by  renting  land.  During  the  three  years  in  which 
he  cultivated  leased  property  he  carefully  saved  his  earnings  and  at  the  end  of 
that  time  was  able  to  purchase  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  i6,  while 
later  he  bought  an  adjoining  tract  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  sections  15 
and  16,  Amaqua  township.  He  at  once  began  to  further  develop  the  fields  and 
improve  the  property  by  adding  all  modern  equipments  and  accessories  found  upon 
the  model  farm  of  the  twentieth  century.  He  has  good  buildings,  well  kept  fences 
and  the  latest  improved  farm  machinery  to  facilitate  the  work  of  the  fields. 
Moreover,  he  makes  stock-raising  the  principal  feature  of  his  place,  handling 
shorthorn  cattle,  Percheron  and  Belgian  horses  and  Poland  China  hogs.  His  stock- 
raising  interests  have  brought  to  him  a  gratifying  financial  return.  He  is  also  a 
stockholder  and  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Beaver  Cooperative  Company  of 
Beaver. 

On  the  8th  of  March,  1896,  Mr.  Paulson  was  married  to  Miss  Katie  Maas, 
a  daughter  of  Henry  and  Magretta  Maas,  who  were  natives  of  Germany  and 
settled  in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  at  an  early  period  in  its  development.  Here  the 
father  engaged  in  farming,  operating  land  in  Amaqua  township  throughout  his 
remaining  days.  His  widow  survives  him  and  now  makes  her  home  in  Ogden. 
Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Paulson  have  been  born  eight  children:  Harry,  Arthur,  Ray, 
Rudolph,  Lloyd,  Bernadine,  Luverne  and  Clarence. 

Politically  Mr.  Paulson  is  a  republican,  having  given  stalwart  support  to  the 
party  since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  franchise.  He  is  now  serving  for 
the  sixth  year  as  trustee  of  his  township  and  in  all  public  relations  is  loyal  to  the 
best  interests  of  the  community,  standing  for  progress  and  improvement  along 
many  lines.  His  religious  belief  is  that  of  the  German  Lutheran  church,  and  he  is 
as  interested  in  the  moral  development  of  the  community  as  in  its  material 
progress. 


AXEL  HENDERSON. 


Axel  Henderson  is  the  cashier  of  the  Farmers  State  Bank  of  Boxholm,  Boone 
county,  also  serving  for  some  time  as  county  treasurer.  He  is  recognized  as  an 
able  financier  and  banker  and  in  full  measure  receives  the  confidence  and  trust 
of  all  who  have  business  transactions  with  him.  He  was  born  in  Sweden  on 
April  29,  1875,  a  son  of  Andrew  and  Emma  (Hagberg)  Henderson,  natives  of 
that  country.  The  father  was  a  shoemaker  by  trade  and  upon  coming  to  America 
located  in  Moingona,  Boone  county,  where  he  followed  his  vocation  until  1886, 
when  he  removed  to  Pilot  Mound.  There  both  he  and  his  wife  still  reside,  the 
former  at  the  age  of  seventy-eight  and  the  latter  at  the  age  of  seventy-three. 

Axel  Henderson  was  only  five  years  of  age  when  he  came  with  his  parents 
to  America  and  was  reared  and  educated  in  Boone  county.  After  laying  aside 
his  text-books  he  accepted  a  position  as  clerk  with  N.  J.  A.  Calson,  continuing 
with  that  gentleman  for  about  five  years.  He  then  engaged  in  the  real-estate 
and  insurance  business  for  about  a  year,  after  which  he  became  a  bookkeeper  in 
the  Pilot   Mound  Bank,  where  he  was  employed  until   1901,  when  he  came  to 


530  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Boxholm.  He  was  chosen  cashier  of  the  Farmers  Bank,  which  position  he  hel4 
until  1907,  in  which  year  he  was  appointed  county  treasurer  of  Boone  county 
to  fill  a  vacancy.  At  the  end  of  his  term  he  became  a  candidate  and  was  elected 
to  the  office,  faithfully  discharging  his  duties  until  191 1,  when  the  agriculturists 
of  Boxholm  organized  the  Farmers  State  Bank  with  a  capital  of  twenty-five 
thousand  dollars,  Mr.  Henderson  accepting  the, position  of  cashier.  He  has  ever 
since  held  the  cashiership  of  this  bank  and  has  been  able  to  extend  its  business 
and  prestige  to  a  remarkable  degree.  He  holds  stock  in  the  institution  and  is 
therefore  personally  interested.  In  1910  a  modern,  two-story  brick  building  was 
erected,  equipped  with  all  the  latest  banking  devices.  They  now  have  one  hundred 
and  fifteen  thousand  dollars  on  deposit  and  their  surplus  is  reaching  two  thousand 
dollars.  The  present  officers  are :  J.  E.  Reutter,  president ;  Carl  Will,  vice  presi- 
dent; and  Axel  Henderson,  cashier;  while  the  directors  are  J.  E.  Reutter,  E.  S. 
Thorngren,  Carl  Will,  F.  E.  Carlson  and  C.  J.  Swanson. 

On  February  24,  1909,  Mr.  Henderson  married  Miss  Esther  Thorngren.  a 
daughter  of  J.  O.  and  Josephine  (Chingren)  Thorngren,  who  came  to  America 
in  1866,  the  father  engaging  in  farming  in  Grant  township,  Boone  county,  where 
he  remained  until  1886,  when  he  settled  in  Pilot  Mound,  where  for  many  years 
he  was  very  successful  in  the  grain,  live-stock  and  lumber  business.  He  so  con- 
tinued until  1905,  when  he  retired  and  moved  to  Minneapolis,  but  the  climate  of 
that  city  proved  too  severe  and  he  soon  returned  to  Boone  county,  taking  up  his 
residence  upon  one  of  his  farms  near  Pilot  Mound,  where  he  made  his  home 
until  his  death  on  February  29,  1912.  Mrs.  Thorngren  is  now  making  her  home 
with  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Henderson. 

Mr.  Henderson  has  served  as  town  clerk  of  Pilot  .Mound  and  since  becoming 
a  resident  of  Boxholm  has  always  taken  a  deep  interest  in  the  progress  of  this 
town.  Politically  he  is  a  republican,  and  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Swedish 
Mission  church.  He  is  popular  in  fraternal  circles,  being  a  member  of  the  Modern 
Woodmen  of  America  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  There  is  much  that  is  com- 
mendable in  the  career  of  Mr.  Henderson — a  career  which  might  serve  as  an 
example  to  a  younger  generation  in  demonstrating  what  may  be  achieved  when 
ambition  and  determination  lead  the  way. 


JOHN  ELLSWORTH  RICHARDS. 

John  Ellsworth  Richards  is  a  well  known  farmer  and  stockman  of  Boone 
county.  He  owns  and  cultivates  a  fine  farm  of  two  hundred  and  eighty  acres 
situated  on  section  9.  Harrison  township,  and  in  addition  has  other  property, 
including  a  forty  acre  tract  of  land  on  section  8  and  a  tract  of  eighty  acres  on 
section  15.  Forty-six  years  have  come  and  gone  since  he  arrived  in  the  neigh- 
borhood in  which  he  still  resides.  He  made  his  way  to  this  state  from  Ohio 
and  two  years  after  arriving  in  Boone  county  he  returned  to  Ohio  for  a  short 
time.  He  is  a  native  of  that  state  and  was  born  in  Logan  county  on  the  27th 
of  August,  1849,  his  parents  being  Thomas  and  Naomi  fStanfield)  Richards. 
He  cannot  remember  his  father,  and  his  mother  died  when  he  was  but  seven 
years  of  age.     From  earlv  youth  he  has  been  dependent  upon  his  own  resources 


JOHN    K.   KKHAKU.S  AM)    FAMILY 


.RY 


ATIONB 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  533 

and  may  truly  be  called  a  self-made  man,  for  he  has  been  both  the  architect  and 
the  builder  of  his  own  fortunes.  For  two  years  in  Ohio  and  one  year  in  Boone 
county  he  was  in  the  employ  of  James  G.  Elliott,  with  whom  he  came  to  this 
state,  settling  on  section  i6.  Harrison  township.  Mr.  Richards  was  in  the  employ 
of  others  until  he  reached  the  age  of  twenty-six  years.  In  1873  he  purchased 
forty  acres  on  section  4,  Harrison  township,  which  he  sold  about  five  years 
ago  and  bought  forty  acres  on  section  8.  In  1880  he  purchased  a  part  of  his 
present  place,  where  he  has  resided  since  the  following  spring,  and  he  has  added 
to  his  possessions  until  his  holdings  now  aggregate  four  hundred  acres  of  rich 
and  valuable  land.  He  has  always  followed  general  farming  and  stock-raising, 
his  cattle  and  hogs  being  high  grade  and  finding  ready  sale  on  the  market.  He 
IS  a  thoroughly  self-made  man.  He  early  recognized  the  eternal  principle  that 
industry  wins,  and  industry  became  the  beacon-light  of  his  life.  He  started  out 
with  practically  no  educational  advantages  to  aid  him  and  with  no  money  but 
has  worked  persistently  and  energetically  as  the  years  have  gone  by  and  is  today 
one  of  the  substantial  farmers  of  the  county,  possessing  a  very  gratifying  compe- 
tence. 

In  the  fall  of  1875  '■^^''-  Richards  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Amanda 
Dixon,  who  was  born  in  St.  Lawrence  county.  New  York,  September  27,  1859, 
a  daughter  of  John  and  Mary  (Geddes)  Dixon,  who  came  to  Boone  county  in 
1867.  locating  on  section  4,  Harrison  township.  For  many  years  they  were 
well  known  pioneer  residents  of  this  section  of  fhe  state,  but  the  mother  passed 
away  in  1898,  at  the  age  of  seventy-six  years.  The  father  has  now  reached  the 
age  of  eighty-seven  years  and  spends  the  greater  part  of  his  time  with  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Richards  and  also  a  part  of  his  time  in  Boone.  He  was  born  in  Ireland 
and  was  brought  to  America  in  infancy,  being  reared  in  New  York.  He  followed 
farming  successfully  until  1880,  when  he  retired  and  removed  to  Boone.  He 
has  suffered  three  paralytic  strokes.  Mrs.  Richards  has  one  sister,  Mrs.  Mary 
Taylor,  the  wife  of  George  Taylor,  of  Boone,  who  is  a  painter  for  the  Chicago 
&  Northwestern  Railroad,  occupying  a  good  position  in  charge  of  different  crews 
for  the  company.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Richards  lost  one  child,  who  died  in  infancy. 
Their  other  children  are  as  follows :  Henry  Austin  resides  in  Bear  Creek,  Boone 
county,  where  he  follows  the  occupation  of  farming.  He  married  Miss  Agnes 
Morgan  and  to  them  were  born  five  children,  Jessie,  Raymond,  Mildred,  Lucia  and 
an  infant,  deceased.  Terressa  is  the  wife  of  Robert  McVicker,  who  is  residing 
in  Boone  township,  about  six  miles  north  of  Boone,  and  they  have  one  son, 
X'irgil.  Charles  married  Miss  Mildred  Carlson,  a  daughter  of  John  A.  Carlson, 
mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  volume,  and  they  have  one  son,  Chester.  Nettie  is 
the  wife  of  Thomas  Flynn.  who  resides  upon  one  of  her  father's  farms,  and  they 
have  a  daughter,  Geneva.  liert.  a  resident  farmer  of  Harrison  township,  married 
Miss  Mabel  Smalley,  a  daughter  of  William  Smalley.  of  Jackson  township,  and 
their  four  children  are  Opal,  Donald,  Beatrice  and  George.  Myrtle  is  the  wife 
of  William  Craven,  a  resident  farmer  of  Harrison  township,  and  they  have  a 
daughter,  Virginia.  Harry,  twenty-two  years  of  age.  and  Verna.  the  youngest, 
complete  the  family. 

Mr.  Richards  has  resided  upon  his  present  home  farm  since  i88r  and  its 
excellent  appearance  is  largely  due  to  his  unfaltering  energy,  perseverance  and 
high  ideals.     He  is  known  as  a  representative  farmer  and  stock-raiser,  and  his 


534  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

success  is  well  merited.  He  and  his  wife  spent  the  first  four  years  of  their 
married  life  in  a  frame  shanty  on  the  forty  acres  he  had  purchased  on  section  4, 
Harrison  township.  The  second  year  he  put  in  a  new  floor  and  built  a  new 
roof,  and  he  then  rented  his  father-in-law's  place  on  the  same  section.  They 
suffered  many  hardships  and  difficulties  in  those  early  days  but  as  the  years 
passed  on  industry  and  determination  won  for  them  success  and  they  are  today 
numbered  among  the  people  of  affluence  in  Harrison  township.  Politically 
Mr.  Richards  is  a  stalwart  republican  but  has  never  accepted  office.  His  wife 
is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  but  Mr.  Richards  was  reared  in 
the  faith  of  the  Society  of  Friends,  or  Quakers.  His  father  was  •born  in  Wales 
and  on  emigrating  to  America  in  his  youth  settled  in  Kentucky.  Afterward, 
however,  he  went  to  Pennsylvania  and  later  to  Ohio  with  a  colony  of  Quakers. 
It  was  in  the  last  named  state  that  John  E.  Richards  was  born  and  there  lived 
until  he  came  to  Iowa,  where  he  has  continuously  made  his  home  for  more  than 
forty-five  years.  He  has  therefore  witnessed  the  greater  part  of  the  development 
and  upbuilding  of  this  section  and  has  borne  his  full  share  in  the  work  of  public 
progress,  especially  along  agricultural  lines. 


JOSEPH  ARTHUR  JUDGE. 

Joseph  .-Vrthur  Judge,  proprietor  of  the  farm  known  as  W'oodlawn,  on  sec- 
tions II  and  14,  Colfax  township,  is  one  of  the  most  progressive  and  successful 
agriculturists  of  Boone  county,  owning  and  operating  three  hundred  and  nineteen 
acres  of  valuable  and  highly  cultivated  land.  He  was  born  in  Green  county,  Wis- 
consin, September  24,  1867,  a  son  of  James  and  Bridget  (Kelley)  Judge,  of  whom 
extended  mention  is  made  in  the  sketch  of  Patrick  H.  Judge,  on  another  page  of 
this  work. 

At  the  age  of  five  years  our  subject  was  brought  by  his  ])arents  to  Boone 
county,  and  here  he  attended  the  Jones  school,  just  across  the  line  in  Story  county, 
taught  by  Miss  Ellen  Harlow.  Later  he  continued  his  studies  in  Colfax  township 
and  at  the  age  of  twenty  years  entered  Highland  Park  College  at  Des  Moines. 
The  home  school  in  Colfax  township  was  taught  by  Richard  F.  Jordan,  who  later 
became  a  lawyer.  For  some  time  Mr.  Judge  taught  school  during  the  winter 
months  in  Garden  township,  first  under  Superintendent  George  .A.shton.  He  con- 
tinued to  follow  that  occupation  for  five  or  six  terms  at  different  times.  .At  inter- 
vals in  the  meantime  he  attended  Highland  Park  College  and  ojierated  the  home 
farm  in  partnership  with  his  brother  John. 

On  the  nth  of  April,  1893,  Mr.  Judge  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Susan 
Creed,  who  was  born  in  Colfax  township,  this  county,  March  31,  1869,  and  was 
educated  in  the  public  schools  here  and  at  a  convent  in  Carroll.  Iowa.  At  the  age 
of  eighteen  she,  too,  commenced  teaching  school  in  Harrison  township  and  taught 
until  her  marriage.  Her  father,  Thomas  Creed,  was  a  native  of  County  Tip- 
perary,  Ireland,  and  on  his  emigration  to  .America  settled  in  Boston,  Massachusetts, 
where  he  married  Miss  Margaret  Ryan,  who  was  born  in  County  Limerick,  Ire- 
land, and  came  to  the  L^nited  States  when  a  young  lady,  landing  in  Boston.  She 
was  left  fatherless  at  the  early  age  of  three  years.     From  Boston  Mr.   Creed 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  535- 

removed  to  Chicago,  Illinois,  and  in  1864  settled  near  Dixon,  that  state,  where  he 
engaged  in  farming  on  rented  land  for  a  time.  In  1867  he  took  up  his  residence 
in  Story  county,  Iowa,  coming  to  this  locality  with  the  Jordan  and  Price  families, 
the  former  locating  in  Colfax  township,  Boone  county,  and  the  latter  in  Story 
county.  After  residing  in  Story  county  for  a  time  Mr.  Creed  purchased  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  land  in  Colfax  township,  Boone  county,  and  made  his 
home  thereon  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  May,  191 1.  He  was  a  devout 
member  of  the  Sacred  Heart  church  and  was  buried  in  a  Catholic  cemetery. 
Politically  he  was  a  democrat.  His  wife  had  passed  away  January  5,  1901,  at  the 
age  of  eighty  years.  Their  children  were :  John  P.,  deceased,  who  was  an  engi- 
neer on  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad ;  Thomas  Francis,  who  is  yardmaster  for  the 
Northwestern  Railroad  at  Valley  Springs,  Illinois,  and  who  married  Ella  Conners  ; 
Margaret,  the  wife  of  Emory  Scott,  of  Kansas  City,  Missouri;  Mary  Ellen  and 
William  J.,  both  at  home ;  and  Susan,  now  Mrs.  Judge. 

After  his  marriage  our  subject  located  on  the  old  Judge  farm  but  after  living 
there  for  a  short  time  removed  to  a  farm  on  section  24,  Colfax  township,  where 
he  resided  until  igoi.  Selling  that  place  to  a  Mr.  Shedd,  he  settled  on  his  present 
farm,  which  he  has  since  greatly  improved,  erecting  thereon  a  beautiful  new- 
residence  in  191 1,  besides  numerous  outbuildings  for  the  shelter  of  grain  and 
stock.  He  makes  a  specialty  of  raising  shorthorn  cattle  and  has  a  reputation  as 
one  of  the  successful  stock-raisers  of  the  county.  He  is  a  representative  farmer 
of  today,  enterprising,  progressive  and  industrious,  and  the  success  which  he  has 
achieved  in  life  is  due  entirely  to  his  own  efforts. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Judge  have  nine  children:  John  Raymond,  born  January  18, 
1894;  Walter  Thomas,  March  i,  1896;  Joseph  J.,  August  27,  1898;  Marie  Mar- 
garet, November  10,  1900;  Cecelia  Agnes,  December  7,  1902;  Anna  Bernadine, 
June  2,  1905;  Francis  Edward,  June  20,  1907;  Catherine  Theresa,  November  i, 
1909;  and  Bernard  Ambrose,  November  28,  1912. 

Mr.  Judge  and  his  family  are  members  of  the  St.  Cecelia  Catholic  church  at 
Ames,  and  he  has  served  on  the  advisory  board.  He  never  falters  in  his  allegi- 
ance to  the  democratic  party,  and  has  been  honored  by  local  office,  serving  as 
treasurer  of  the  school  board.  He  is  a  member  of  Leo  Council,  No.  814,  K.  C.,. 
at  Boone  and  is  one  of  the  prominent  citizens  of  his  community. 


WESLEY  A.  SWANSON. 

Wesley  A.  Swanson  is  a  representative  farmer  of  Grant  township,  living  on 
section  20.  He  was  born  in  Webster  county,  Iowa,  December  i,  1872,  and  his 
name  indicates  his  Swedish  descent,  his  parents  being  John  and  Sarah  Swanson. 
both  natives  of  Sweden.  They  came  to  America  about  the  year  1870  and  estab- 
lished their  home  in  Webster  county,  Iowa,  where  they  lived  for  several  years.  In 
1874  they  became  residents  of  Grant  township,  Boone  county,  where  the  father 
rented  land  for  two  years.  During  that  period  he  carefully  saved  his  earnings, 
with  the  hopes  of  later  purchasing  a  farm  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  was  enabled 
to  invest  in  forty  acres  of  land  on  section  6,  Grant  township.  As  his  financial 
resources  increased  he  extended  the  boundaries  of  his  place  until  he  is  now  the 


536  HISTORY  OF  IJOONE  COUXTY 

owner  of  two  hundred  and  eighty  acres  of  valuable  land,  which  he  has  developed, 
l^ringing  his  fields  to  a  high  state  of  cultivation. 

Wesley  A.  Swanson  was  reared  and  educated  in  this  county,  having  the  usual 
experiences  of  the  farm  lad.  He  remained  with  his  parents  until  he  attained  his 
majority  and  then,  ambitious  to  engage'in  business  on  his  own  account,  he  rented 
a  farm  and  has  since  carried  on  general  agricultural  pursuits.  He  is  now  operating 
one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  belonging  to  his  father-in-law,  and  he  also  owns 
eightv  acres  lying  partly  on  section  19  and  partly  on  section  20,  Grant  township. 
His  father-m-law's  place  is  also  on  section  20.  Mr.  Swanson  has  brought  the 
farm  to  a  high  state  of  cultivation  and  his  methods  are  very  practical,  with  the 
result  that  good  crops  are  annually  produced.  Everything  about  the  place  presents 
a  neat  and  attractive  appearance,  and  his  work  is  productive  of  good  results. 
In  addition  to  raising  the  crops  best  adapted  to  soil  and  climate,  he  is  also  engaged, 
in  raising  shorthorn  cattle  and  Duroc  Jersey  hogs.  Mr.  Swanson  is  also  a  stock- 
holder and  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Farmers  Elevator  Company  of  Boxholm  and 
is  also  a  stockholder  in  the  Farmers  State  Bank  of  lioxholm. 

On  the  26th  of  March,  1806,  Mr.  Swanson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Lorena  Wilson,  a  daughter  of  Olaf  and  Anna  Wilson,  who  were  natives  of  Sweden 
and  pioneer  settlers  of  Boone  count}-,  where  they  followed  farming  for  many 
years.  They  are  now  living  retired  in  Dayton,  Iowa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Swanson 
arc  the  parents  of  seven  children,  namely  :  Gladvs,  Agnes,  Lloyd.  Harold,  Francis, 
Everett  and  Leverne.  The  familv  attend  the  Lutheran  church,  which  fact  indi- 
cates the  religious  faith  of  the  parents.  Mr.  Swanson  gives  his  political  support 
to  the  republican  ]iarty  and  is  serving  as  one  of  the  trustees  of  his  township,  hav- 
ing filled  the  office  for  two  years.  This  is  the  only  position  he  has  sought,  however, 
as  he  has  always  desired  rather  to  give  his  attention  to  business  afifairs,  and  in 
the  management  of  his  farming  and  stock-raising  interests  he  has  met  with  cred- 
itable and  substantial  success. 


LEMLTEL  ARTHUR  BASSETT.  M.  D. 

Dr.  Lemuel  Arthur  Rassett  enjoys  recognition  as  one  of  the  able  and  success- 
ful medical  practitioners  of  Boone,  where  he  has  followed  his  profession  con- 
tinuously for  the  past  eighteen  years.  His  birth  occurred  in  Oneida,  Kno.x 
county,  Illinois,  on  the  22d  of  December,  1867,  his  parents  being  George  A.  and 
Emma  (Huggins)  Bassett,  likewise  natives  of  the  IVairie  state.  The  father,  who 
followed  both  farming  and  milling,  resided  in  Taylor  county,  Iowa,  for  a  period 
of  seventeen  years  and  there  erected  a  mill  valued  at  twenty-four  thousand 
dollars.  The  last  years  of  his  life  were  spent  in  Oregon,  where  he  passed  away 
in  1909.  His  widow  survives  and  makes  her  home  in  that  state.  Unto  them 
were  born  the  following  children :  Lemuel  A.,  of  this  review  ;  Sandford,  who  is 
a  resident  of  Mil!  City,  Oregon ;  Edward,  also  living  in  Oregon  ;  Brainard,  who 
makes  his  home  in  Taylor  count)-.  Iowa ;  Mabel,  who  is  the  wife  of  Frank 
Turner,  of  Independence.  <  )regon  ;  and  Fred,  likewise  of  Oregon. 

Lemuel  A.  Bassett  remained  on  the  hoi-ne  farm  in  Taylor  county,  Iowa,  for 
three  years  or  until  he  was  a  young  man  of  twenty,  when  the  family  home  was 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  539 

established  in  Reece,  Kansas.  He  spent  three  years  as  a  student  in  the  Southern 
Kansas  Academy  at  Eureka  and  subsequently  made  his  way  to  Knoxville,  Illi- 
nois. In  preparation  for  the  practice  of  his  chosen  profession  he  pursued  a 
course  of  study  in  Rush  Medical  College  of  Chicago,  from  which  institution  he 
was  graduated  at  the  end  of  three  years  or  in  1896.  On  the  23d  of  June  of  that 
year  he  came  to  Boone,  Iowa,  where  he  has  practiced  as  a  physician  and  surgeon 
throughout  the  intervening  eighteen  years  with  gratifying  success.  He  has 
proven  his  ability  in  the  successful  treatment  of  innumerable  cases,  ably  coping 
with  the  intricate  problems  which  continually  confront  the  physician  in  his  efforts 
to  restore  health  and  prolong  life.  Dr.  Bassett  is  a  hospital  director  and  enjoys 
an  enviable  reputation  among  his  professional  brethren. 

On  the  19th  of  September,  1894,  was  celebrated  the  marriage  of  Dr.  Bassett 
and  Miss  Alice  B.  Brown,  a  native  of  Illinois.  In  his  political  views  the  Doctor 
is  independent,  supporting  men  and  measures  rather  than  party.  His  religious 
faith  is  that  of  the  Presbyterian  church.  A  man  of  high  and  pure  ideals,  he  is 
well  fitted  to  fill  the  intimate  place  which  is  naturally  that  of  a  family  physician 
in  any  community,  and  in  all  relations  of  life,  whether  private  or  professional, 
he  has  been  found  a  citizen  of  genuine  worth. 


GEORGE  L.  BROWN. 


.-\s  vice  president  and  superintendent  of  the  Monarch  Manufacturing  Corpora- 
tion of  Boone,  George  L.  Brown  represents  important  industrial  interests  in  his 
city.  The  success  of  his  firm,  which  is  now  operating  on  a  most  profitable  basis, 
is  largely  due  to  his  initiative  and  the  great  amount  of  experience  which  he  has 
in  this  line  of  work.  They  not  only  act  as  engineers,  designers  and  machinists 
but  are  also  manufacturers  of  hardware  specialties  and  stamping  dies  and  engage 
in  electro-plating  and  finishing.  Their  connections  are  extensive,  and  they  do 
business  all  over  the  United  States.  Mr.  Brown  was  born  in  Lockport.  New 
York,  July  31,  1868,  and  is  a  son  of  George  R.  and  Ellen  (  Poyfair)  Brown,  the 
former  born  in  County  Armagh,  north  Ireland.  He  came  to  the  United  States 
shortly  before  the  Civil  war  and  was  a  miller  by  occupation,  following  this  trade 
in  Lockport,  New  York,  where  he  passed  away.  His  wife  was  born  in  that  city 
and  was  a  daughter  of  Jeremiah  and  Ellen  (Flynn)  Poyfair.  Her  paternal 
grandfather.  Jeremiah  Poyfair,  was  a  native  of  France  who  emigrated  to  America 
as  a  young  man.  P)y  occupation  he  was  a  shi])  carpenter.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George 
R.  Brown  became  the  parents  of  the  following  children :  Emma,  who  married 
Charles  Parker  of  St.  Albans,  Vermont ;  Ella,  the  widow  of  William  Few,  of  Fort 
Niagara :  and  George  L..  of  this  review. 

The  last  named  received  his  education  in  the  public  and  high  schools  of  Lock- 
port,  New  York,  laying  aside  his  text-books  at  the  age  of  sixteen,  when  he  was 
apprenticed  to  the  machinist's  trade,  serving  his  indenture  with  Jackson  &  Church 
in  Saginaw,  Michigan.  He  was  connected  with  that  firm  for  four  years  and  then 
went  to  Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania,  where  he  followed  his  occupation  in  the  employ 
of  the  Jones  &  Laughlin  Company.  He  subsequently  followed  his  trade  in  many 
parts  of  the  United  States,  finally  arriving  in  Niagara  Falls,  where  he  became 


540  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

assistant  master  mechanic  of  the  Niagara  Falls  Power  Company.  He  continued 
as  such  for  seven  and  a  half  years  and  then  removed  to  Sioux  City,  Iowa,  where 
for  three  and  a  half  years  he  held  the  position  of  superintendent  of  the  Novelty 
Manufacturing  Company.  He  then  was  for  one  year  assistant  master  mechanic 
of  the  Sioux  Service  Company  and  for  the  next  three  or  four  years  acted  as  chief 
engineer  of  the  Cudahy  Packing  Company  of  that  city.  Having  acquired  the 
means  and  a  large  and  valuable  experience,  he  then  decided  to  embark  in  a  busi- 
ness in  which  he  would  be  financially  interested  and  bought  stock  in  the  Monarch 
Manufacturing  Corporation,  of  which  he  was  made  vice  president  and  superin- 
tendent. Their  plant  was  built  in  1913  under  the  supervision  of  Mr.  Brown  and 
Mr.  Sears.  Although  they  have  been  established  but  a  short  time,  their  trade  is 
already  extensive  and  they  enjoy  the  highest  reputation.  .Much  of  their  sudden 
success  must  be  ascribed  to  Mr.  Brown,  who  is  a  master  in  his  line  of  work  and 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  every  phase  of  it.  He  is  a  competent  man,  and  all 
those  who  have  business  transactions  with  his  firm  realize  that  their  business  is 
handled  in  a  competent  way. 

On  April  26,  1892,  Mr.  Brown  married  in  Washington,  D.  C,  Miss  Minnie 

E.  Marr,  who  was  born  in  East  Tawas,  Michigan,  and  is  a  daughter  of  Benjamin 

F.  Marr.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Brown  have  three  children:  Howard  L.,  Helen  M.  and 
George  N.  Although  Mr.  Brown  has  been  a  resident  of  Boone  for  only  a  short 
time,  he  has  already  found  occasion  to  participate  in  movements  for  the  general 
welfare  of  his  city  and  has  given  examples  of  his  public  spirit.  While  he  is 
mainly  a  business  man  and  most  of  his  attention  is  naturally  devoted  to  his 
private  interests  and  to  the  growth  of  his  factory,  he  never  neglects  his  duties  as 
a  citizen,  fully  realizing  that  it  is  obligatory  upon  any  business  man  to  be  thor- 
oughly conversant  with  the  issues  and  questions  of  the  day.  He  has  already 
made  many  friends  in  Boone  who  esteem  him  as  a  man  of  high  qualities  of  char- 
acter. By  the  establishment  of  the  Monarch  Manufacturing  Corporation  a  valua- 
ble addition  has  been  made  to  the  industrial  enterprises  of  Boone  county  which 
will  have  its  efifect  upon  the  general  condition  of  its  people  and  will  add  to  the 
county's  prosperity. 


C.  A.  NOLAND,  M.  D. 


Dr.  C.  A.  Noland.  an  able  and  successful  representative  of  the  medical  frater- 
nity of  Boone  county,  follows  his  profession  in  Ogden.  He  is  numbered  among 
the  worthy  native  sons  of  this  county,  his  birth  having  here  occurred  on  the  13th 
of  October,  1875.  His  parents.  Nathaniel  and  Angeline  (Peoples)  Noland,  were 
natives  of  Pennsylvania.  They  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  an  early  day, 
the  mother  taking  up  her  abode  here  in  1848.  Nathaniel  Noland  devoted  his 
attention  to  agricultural  pursuits  throughout  his  active  business  career  with  grati- 
fying success.  During  the  period  of  the  Civil  war  he  served  for  four  years  as  a 
member  of  Company  D,  Thirty-second  Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry,  making  a  credit- 
able record  as  a  stanch  and  fearless  defender  of  the  Union,  When  he  passed 
away,  in  1885,  the  community  mourned  the  loss  of  one  of  its  respected  early 
settlers  and  representative  citizens.    Mrs.  Noland,  who  still  survives  her  husband. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  541 

is  also  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  here,  the  period  of  her  residence  in  Boone 
county  now  covering  two-thirds  of  a  century. 

C.  A.  Noland  was  reared  and  educated  in  this  county,  completing  his  course 
in  the  Boone  high  school  by  graduation  with  the  class  of  1895.  Subsequently  he 
was  employed  as  a  stenographer  for  some  time  and  later  went  to  Nevada,  Story 
county,  Iowa,  where  for  two  years  he  worked  in  a  wholesale  butter,  egg  and  poultry 
establishment.  Having  determined  upon  a  professional  career,  he  then  entered  the 
medical  department  of  the  State  University  of  Iowa  at  Iowa  City,  which  institution 
conferred  upon  him  the  degree  of  M.  D.  in  1905.  Locating  for  practice  in  Ogden, 
he  here  followed  his  profession  successfully  for  two  years  and  then  devoted  one 
year  to  a  hospital  course  at  St.  Anthony's  Hospital  of  Denver.  Since  returning 
to  (3gden  he  has  remained  here  continuously  to  the  present  time,  enjoying  a 
large  and  lucrative  practice  which  is  accorded  him  in  recognition  of  his  unques- 
tioned skill  and  ability.  He  also  conducts  a  hospital  in  the  city  and  his  labors  in 
this  connection  have  been  attended  with  splendid  results.  With  the  onward  march 
of  the  profession  he  keeps  in  close  touch  through  his  membership  in  the  American 
Medical  Association,  the  Iowa  State  Medical  Society  and  the  Boone  County 
Medical  Society. 

In  November,  1909,  Dr.  Noland  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Alvina  Hagge, 
a  daughter  of  Claus  and  Margaret  (Hensen)  Hagge.  Her  father  was  born  in 
Germany  and  became  a  pioneer  settler  of  this  county,  now  residing  in  Ogden. 
Her  mother  is  a  native  of  Jackson  county,  Iowa.  Our  subject  and  his  wife  have 
three  children:  Fred  A.,  Helen  L.,  and  Gordon  N.,  who  are  four  years,  three  years 
and  one  month  of  age  respectively. 

In  his  political  views  Dr.  Noland  is  a  stanch  republican.  The  cause  of  educa- 
tion has  ever  found  in  him  a  stalwart  champion  and  he  is  doing  valuable  service 
as  a  member  of  the  school  board.  He  is  a  Methodist  in  religious  faith  and  a 
worthy  exemplar  of  the  Masonic  fraternity.  His  professional  duties  have  brought 
him  into  close  relation  with  many  households  and  in  all  he  commands  the  high 
regard  and  love  of  those  to  whom  he  has  ministered. 


JOHN  C.  HINMAN. 


John  C.  Hinman,  an  enterprising  and  successful  young  business  man  of  Pilot 
Mound,  is  the  proprietor  of  the  only  meat  market  in  town.  His  birth  occurred  in 
i*ilot  Mound  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa,  on  the  17th  of  August,  1892,  his 
parents  being  George  H.  and  Emma  (Showers)  Hinman,  who  are  also  natives 
of  this  county.  The  paternal  grandparents  of  our  subject  were  born  in  Ohio  and 
came  to  Boone  county  in  an  early  day,  taking  up  their  abode  here  before  the  advent 
of  railroads.  The  grandfather  followed  farming  in  this  county  throughout  the 
remainder  of  his  life,  passing  away  in  September,  1913,  at  the  age  of  seventy-six 
years.  His  wife  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  January,  1905,  the  community 
thus  losing  two  of  its  esteemed  pioneer  residents.  George  H.  Hinman,  father  of 
John  C.  Hinman,  has  devoted  his  attention  to  general  agricultural  pursuits  in 
Boone  county  during  his  entire  business  career  and  still  carries  on  farming  in 
Pilot  Mound  township,  having  resided  on  his  present  place  for  the  past  fourteen 


542  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

years.  He  is  well  known  and  highly  esteemed  throughout  the  community  as  a 
substantial  agriculturist  and  representative  citizen.  iVIr.  and  Mrs.  George  H.  Hin- 
nian  have  five  children,  namely :  John  C,  Glenn,  Roy,  Guy  and  Mabel. 

John  C.  Hinman  was  reared  and  educated  in  his  native  county,  beginning 
his  studies  in  the  district  schools  and  subsequently  attending  the  Pilot  Alound 
high  school  for  four  years  or  until  graduated  therefrom  in  1910.  After  putting 
aside  his  text-books  he  secured  employment  in  a  meat  market,  learning  the 
butcher's  trade.  In  December,  1913,  he  purchased  a  market  in  Pilot  Alound  and 
has  since  conducted  the  same  successfully,  being  accorded  an  extensive  patronage 

Mr.  Himnan  exercises  his  right  of  franchise  in  support  of  the  men  and 
measures  of  the  republican  party,  believing  tirmly  in  its  principles.  Fraternally 
he  is  identified  with  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  He  is  popular  in  the 
community  where  he  has  always  resided  and  has  a  large  circle  of  warm  friends 
here. 


CARL  PETER. 


Carl  Peter  has  now  put  aside  the  more  active  duties  of  farm  life  and  is  living 
practically  retired  but  still  resides  upon  his  fine  home  farm  of  eighty  acres,  situ- 
ated on  section  10,  Harrison  township.  He  likewise  owns  another  eighty-acre 
tract  in  the  southwest  quarter  of  the  same  section,  and  still  another  eighty  acres 
on  section  11.  He  is  today  numbered  among  the  substantial  citizens  of  the  county 
notwithstanding  the  fact  that  he  started  out  in  life  practically  empty-handed.  He 
has  been  a  resident  of  Lioone  county  for  almost  four  decades,  arriving  here  in 
i<S75  from  Illinois,  where  he  had  lived  since  1858,  the  year  of  his  emigration  from 
Germany. 

Mr.  Peter  was  born  in  Prussia  on  the  27th  of  December,  1850,  a  son  of  Ernest 
and  Johanna  Peter,  who  came  to  the  United  States  in  1858,  bringing  with  them 
their  sons,  Fritz  and  Carl.  At  that  time  they  settled  in  Cook  county.  Illinois, 
where  the  father  engaged  in  gardening  as  a  laborer.  He  lived  in  that  locality  for 
some  years  and  then  removed  to  a  place  south  of  Chicago,  where  he  continued 
until  1875.  While  the  family  resided  in  Illinois  a  daughter  was  born.  In  the 
year  mentioned  the  family  removed  to  Boone  county,  the  father  establishing  his 
home  in  Harrison  township,  v^'here  he  purchased  a  farm  and  resided  until  his 
death,  which  occurred  when  he  had  reached  the  age  of  seventy-three  years,  eight 
months  and  fourteen  days.  His  widow  survived  him  for  about  three  years  and 
was  also  seventy-three  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  her  demise.  Their  elder  son. 
Fritz,  is  now  a  resident  farmer  of  Harrison  township.  The  daughter,  Mrs.  Alma 
Krug,  is  now  a  widow,  residing  near  Boone. 

Carl  Peter  was  a  lad  of  but  seven  years  of  age  when  he  accompanied  his 
parents  to  the  new  world  and  was  reared  in  Cook  county,  Illinois.  He  accompa- 
nied his  parents  to  Iowa  and  was  employed  in  Boone  by  a  Mr.  Herman  and  others 
for  several  months.  He  then  located  upon  the  farm  where  he  now  resides  and 
where  he  has  lived  for  almost  forty  years.  He  brought  his  fields  to  a  high  state 
of  cultivation,  following  practical  and  progressive  methods  in  the  production  of 
the  cereals  best  adapted  to  the  soil  and  climate. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  543 

In  1881  Mr.  Peter  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Julia  Klider,  who  was  born 
December  8,  1862,  near  Hausfeldt,  Germany,  and  came  to  this  country  in  1875. 
She,  too,  in  that  year  became  a  resident  of  Boone  county,  living  near  the  city  of 
15oone.  She  is  a  niece  of  the  late  John  Herman,  a  sketch  of  whom  appears  else- 
where in  this  volume.  She  resided  near  Boone  until  her  marriage  and  then  went 
10  her  husband's  home  in  Harrison  township.  She  passed  away  January  12,  1912, 
leaving  three  sons  and  a  daughter  beside  her  husband  to  mourn  her  loss.  Fred, 
the  eldest  son,  a  resident  of  Harrison  township,  married  Leda  Lininger  and  has 
two  children.  George  operates  the  home  farm.  Emma  and  Otto  are  also  with 
their  father. 

Mr.  Peter  has  made  excellent  improvements  upon  the  home  place,  supplying 
it  with  all  of  the  accessories  and  conveniences  of  a  model  farm  of  the  twentieth 
century.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Peter  is  a  democrat  and  has  served  as  road 
boss  and  in  other  local  offices.  He  has  frequently  acted  as  school  director,  and 
he  is  a  member  of  the  German  Lutheran  church  of  Harrison  township,  which 
indicates  his  interest  in  the  moral  progress  of  the  community.  His  has  been  a 
well  spent  life,  and  during  the  forty  years  of  his  residence  in  Boone  county  he 
has  ever  enjoyed  and  received  the  respect,  confidence  and  good-will  of  his  fellow 
townsmen. 


REED  C.  WILSON. 


Reed  C.  Wilson  controls  and  owns  Wilson's  Baggage  and  Transfer  and  Stor- 
age, a  prosperous  business  enterprise  of  Boone.  In  the  upbuilding  of  this  estab- 
lishment he  has  proven  himself  a  farsighted  and  capable  man  who  has  recognized 
opportunities  and  has  used  them  in  promoting  his  interests.  His  office  is  located 
at  No.  823  Story  street,  and  it  may  be  truthfully  said  that  it  is  one  of  the  liveliest 
places  in  town.  Mr.  Wilson  specializes  in  packing,  shipping  and  moving  house- 
hold goods,  pianos  and  safes  as  well  as  theatre  baggage  and  does  any  kind  of 
transfer  business  which  comes  within  the  scope  of  his  activities.  He  is  a  thor- 
oughly modern  and  up-to-date  man  and  has  succeeded  because  he  has  applied 
himself  closely  to  his  interests,  because  he  gives  personal  attention  to  all  matters 
intrusted  to  him,  because  of  his  punctuality  and  because  of  the  fairness  and  honesty 
which  influence  all  his  transactions.  Mr.  Wilson  was  born  in  Independence. 
Iowa,  August  26,  1872,  and  is  a  son  of  William  P.  and  Mary  Flora  ( Van  Niman) 
Wilson.     His  paternal  grandfather  was  Clinton  Wilson. 

Reed  C.  Wilson  became  a  resident  of  Boone  at  the  age  of  six  years,  and  there 
he  attended  the  public  schools  until  fourteen.  He  then  worked  on  a  farm  until 
sixteen  and,  returning  to  Boone,  engaged  in  the  teaming  business  with  his  father 
until  June  12,  1903.  On  that  day  his  father  lost  his  life,  being  killed  by  a  train, 
and  Mr.  Wilson  of  this  review  succeeded  to  the  business.  He  has  greatly  enlarged 
the  same,  having  had  but  one  team  when  lie  took  charge,  while  he  now  employs 
seven  teams.  His  drays  are  well  built,  capacious  and  modern.  He  has  ample 
storing  facilities  and  is  renowned  all  over  the  town  and  countryside  for  the  care- 
fulness with  which  he  handles  goods  in  moving.     His  lousiness  ability  is  also  well 


544  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

recognized  and  in  the  course  of  years  he  has  taken  rank  among  the  substantial 
citizens  of  Boone. 

On  November  15,  1903,  Mr.  Wilson  married  Miss  Vinnie  Hartman,  a  native 
of  Boone  and  a  daughter  of  Perry-  and  Almira  Des  Moines  (\'ernon)  Hartman. 
To  this  union  two  children  have  been  born,  Walter  R.  and  Maurice  William.  Mr. 
Wilson  was  reared  in  the  Christian  church  but  is  at  present  not  a  member  of  any 
particular  denomination.  However,  he  is  a  man  of  Christian  principles  and  gives 
his  support  to  all  movements  undertaken  in  order  to  improve  the  moral  tone  of 
humanity.  He  is  a  republican,  interested  in  his  party  yet  not  an  office  seeker. 
Fraternally  he  belongs  to  Boone  Lodge,  No.  324,  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and 
the  Elks  Lodge.  No.  563.  Mr,  Wilson  is  one  of  the  useful  and  successful  citizens 
of  Boone  and  by  promoting  his  private  enterprise  has  contributed  toward  the 
growth  of  his  city. 


ANDREW  MONGUS  ANDERSON. 

Andrew  Mongus  Anderson,  who  was  born  on  the  farm  in  Douglas  township 
which  he  now  owns  and  occupies,  belongs  to  one  of  the  early  pioneer  families 
of  Boone  county.  His  birth  occurred  March  23,  1857,  and  he  is  a  son  of  .-Vndrew 
Peter  and  Melinda  (Johnson;  Anderson,  natives  of  Sweden,  the  former  born 
January  15,  1828,  and  the  latter  June  29,  1835.  The  father  came  to  America 
in  1846  and  after  many  years  of  successful  agricultural  labors  died  in  Douglas 
township,  September  20,  1895.  The  mother  emigrated  to  America  in  185 1  and 
died  in  Madrid,  November  20,  1904.  They  had  twelve  children,  as  follows: 
Andrew  .Mongus,  of  this  review-;  Mrs.  Mary  Anderson,  born  January  3,  1859, 
who  makes  her  home  with  her  brother  Andrew  on  the  home  farm  in  Douglas 
township;  John  Peter,  who  was  born  October  10,  i860,  and  resides  in  Garden 
township;  Greta  Elizabeth,  born  April  23,  1S62,  who  married  C.  M.  Anderson 
and  died  January  6,  1891 ;  Mte,  Oscar  Oakleaf,  who  was  born  September  4,  1864, 
and  is  now  a  resident  of  Madrid;  Carl  Gustav,  who  was  born  December  12, 
1866.  and  died  February  26,  1910;  Swen  Albert,  whose  birth  occurred  October 
9,  1868,  and  who  died  October .8,  1897;  Joseph  Edward,  born  March  22,  1870, 
a  resident  of  Garden  township;  Samuel,  born  October  2,  1872,  of  Madrid;  an 
fnfant.  born  February  26,  1875,  deceased;  Malinda,  born  December  29,  1875;  and 
Ida  Christina,  who  was  born  ^March  24,  1877,  and  died  in  1905.  All  of  this 
family  were  born  and  reared  in  Douglas  township.  Mrs.  Mary  Anderson,  who 
resides  with  our  subject,  had  two  children,  but  one,  born  July  12,  1893,  died  in 
infancy.  The  other,  L.  F.,  born  .\ugust  2,  1894,  is  attending  school  in  Madrid. 
At  her  death  Greta  Elizabeth  Anderson  left  one  daughter,  Esther  Elizabeth,  who 
is  now  the  wife  of  Vidus  Swansen  of  Madrid  and  has  two  sons,  Loren,  born 
April  7,  1912;  and  Carl,  born  February  10,  1914- 

Mr.  Anderson  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party.  Both  he  and 
his  sister  are  members  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church  of  Madrid.  His  valuable 
farm  comprises  two  hundred  and  twenty-two  acres  of  choice  land  on  section  26, 
Douglas  township,  and  includes  the  old  Anderson  homestead.  He  has  always 
followed  the  most   modern   agricultural   methods,   having  up-to-date   equipment 


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HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  549 

upon  his  land  and  having  erected  a  large  number  of  barns  and  sheds,  all  of 
which  are  substantially  built  and  kept  in  good  repair.  One  of  the  earliest  build- 
ings in  Boone  county  is  to  be  found  on  this  farm.  Mr.  Anderson's  home  is 
conveniently  arranged  and  equipped  with  modern  comforts.  Besides  giving 
attention  to  general  farming  he  has  for  many  years  been  identified  with  the 
raising  of  pure  blooded  shorthorn  cattle  and  has  met  with  success  along  this 
line,  being  a  leader  in  the  movement  to  bring  this  stock  to  the  highest  perfection. 
In  that  way  he  has  not  only  acquired  individual  prosperity  but  has  largely  con- 
tributed toward  promoting  the  stock  interests  of  the  state.  All  who  know  him 
speak  highly  uf  Mr.  Anderson,  recognizing  in  him  a  thoroughly  progressive  and 
public-spirited  citizen.  Such  success  as  has  come  to  him  has  been  the  reward 
of  years  of  efficient  labor  and  judicious  management.  There  is  no  man  to  be 
found  in  Boone  county  who  more  justly  merits  prosperity. 


OSCAR  A.  NELSON. 


Oscar  A.  Nelson,  who  controls  most  of  the  stock  of  the  McCune  Shoe  Company 
of  Boone,  is  one  of  the  city's  most  successful  merchants,  serving  at  present  as 
secretary  and  treasurer  of  this  firm.  He  was  born  in  Rockford,  Illinois,  Novem- 
ber 3.  1S68,  and  is  a  son  of  Andrew  and  Elna  (Anderson)  Nelson.  The  paternal 
grandfather  was  Nels  Torkelson.  whose  wife  died  when  the  father  of  our  subject 
was  in  his  infancy.  The  grandfather,  a  widower,  came  to  the  United  States,  land- 
ing in  New  York,  whither  his  son  Andrew  had  preceded  him  one  year  before, 
locating  shortly  afterward  in  Rockford,  Illinois.  In  1868  Andrew  Nelson  came  to 
Montana  City,  as  it  was  then  called — now  Boone — and  there  he  was  joined  by  his 
father  and  his  four  other  children.  The  grandfather  was  a  tailor  by  trade  and 
already  well  along  in  years  when  he  came  to  this  country.  After  locating  in  Boone 
he  followed  his  trade  to  some  extent  and  died  there  in  1880. 

Andrew  Nelson  learned  the  trade  of  a  tailor  in  Sweden,  where  he  attended  the 
common  schools  in  the  acquirement  of  an  education.  He  remained  throughout 
his  life  in  the  tailoring  business  and  died  July  17,  1912.  He  married  in  Sweden 
Miss  Elna  Anderson,  who  came  to  the  United  States  with  him  and  who  passed 
away  in  Boone,  May  27,  191 3.  All  of  their  children  were  born  in  this  country. 
The  parents  were  members  of  the  Swedish  Evangelical  Mission  church,  of  which 
the  father  was  a  charter  member  and  in  which  he  served  as  deacon  and  trustee. 
He  was  an  adherent  of  the  republican  party  until  a  few  years  prior  to  his  death, 
when  he  became  an  independent,  giving  his  support  to  such  candidates  as  he 
considered  best  adapted  for  the  office  to  which  they  aspired  without  regard  to  party 
dictates. 

Oscar  A.  Nelson  attended  the  public  schools  of  Boone  until  fifteen  years  of 
age,  completing  his  education  by  two  years'  attendance  in  high  school.  He  en- 
tered upon  his  business  career  as  clerk  in  the  book  store  of  F.  A.  Bolt,  later 
accepting  a  position  in  a  grocery  store  which  was  conducted  by  G.  F.  Miller. 
After  severing  this  connection  he  entered  the  shoe  store  of  C.  A.  McCune,  the 
business  being  incorporated  in  1890  as  the  McCune  Shoe  Company.  At  that 
time  Mr.  Nelson  acquired  stock  in  the  concern,  continuing  as  clerk  therein,  and 


Vnl      II— 2  N 


550  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

was  made  vice  president  of  the  company,  serving  as  such  until  1900.  He  then 
was  elected  president,  in  which  capacity  he  continued  until  1907,  when  he  acquired 
the  controlling  interest  in  the  firm  and  has  since  served  as  secretary-treasurer. 
The  McCune  Shoe  Company  conduct  a  prosperous  retail  business  at  No.  721 
Story  street  and  enjoy  a  high  reputation  for  carrying  a  most  reliable  and  up-to- 
date  stock.  The  success  of  the  firm  is  largely  due  to  the  methods  and  policy 
instituted  by  Oscar  A.  Nelson,  its  secretary-treasurer,  who  is  considered  one  of 
the  most  shrewd  and  able  business  men  in  the  town.  Personally  he  is  courteous 
and  afifable,  having  attracted  many  customers  to  his  store  by  his  pleasing  person- 
ality. 

On  August  12,  1896,  Mr.  Nelson  married  Miss  Agnes  G.  Zandell  of  Boone,  a 
daughter  of  Alfred  and  Ida  (Blomberg)  Zandell.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nelson  have  two 
children :  Eloise  G.  and  Myron  A.  The  parents  are  devout  members  of  the 
Swedish  Evangelical  Mission,  in  which  the  father  has  served  as  a  trustee  for  ten 
years.  Politically  he  is  a  member  of  the  progressive  party,  completely  in  sympathy 
with  the  ideals  which  that  party  has  set  out  to  realize.  Mr.  Nelson  has  ever  been 
interested  in  educational  matters  and  served  on  the  town  board  of  education  for 
six  years,  rendering  valuable  help  in  making  possible  the  erection  of  a  beautiful 
new  schoolhouse,  which  was  opened  in  January,  1914,  and  is  one  of  the  most 
practical,  sanitarj'  and  best  equipped  in  the  state.  Mr.  Nelson  is  a  public-spirited 
and  patriotic  citizen  who  by  his  activities  has  contributed  toward  the  development 
of  his  city  and  who  is  ever  ready  to  sacrifice  personal  interest  in  order  to  pro- 
mote community  welfare.  He  is  justly  entitled  to  the  predicate  of  self-made  man, 
for  he  has  succeeded  through  his  own  efforts  only,  efforts  which  have  been  based 
upon  ambition,  industry,  determination  and  honesty. 


J.  A.  CARLSON. 


J.  A.  Carlson  is  a  farmer  and  stock-raiser  residing  on  section  34,  Harrison 
township,  where  he  owns  a  fine  farm  of  two  hundred  acres.  Its  present  splendid 
condition  is  due  to  his  efforts,  as  when  it  came  into  his  possession  it  was  raw 
prairie.  Mr.  Carlson  was  born  in  the  province  of  Jonkoping  Liin,  Sweden,  April 
12,  1845,  a  son  of  Carl  Frederick  and  Anna  Greta  (Johnson)  Carlson,  both  of 
whom  spent  their  entire  lives  in  Sweden.  They  were  members  of  the  Lutheran 
church  and  were  highly  respected  farming  people.  Our  subject  was  one  of  a 
family  of  eight  children,  of  whom  one  brother  and  three  sisters  came  to  America. 
Charley  J.  and  Josephine,  a  widow,  are  both  residents  of  Chicago. 

J.  A.  Carlson  was  reared  on  the  home  farm  in  Sweden  but  came  to  America 
in  1868,  when  a  young  man  of  about  twenty-three  years.  He  had  no  capital  and 
began  life  in  this  country  as  a  farm  hand,  working  by  the  month  in  Princeton,  Illi- 
nois. .  He  was  industrious  and  saved  his  wages  and  when  he  removed  to  Shelby 
county,  Iowa,  he  had  about  five  hundred  dollars  in  money.  He  then  rented  land 
on  shares  for  two  and  one-half  years  and  as  he  was  a  careful  agriculturist  his 
labors  were  rewarded  by  gratifying  financial  returns.  In  1876  he  came  to  Boone 
county,  Iowa,  and  bought  eighty  acres  of  land  at  twelve  dollars  and  a  half  per 
acre.     In  the  years  intervening  since  that  time  he  has  added  to  his  holdings  until 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  551 

he  now  has  title  to  two  hundred  acres  of  land  in  this  county  and  also  owns  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Sanborn,  South  Dakota,  which  is  operated  by  his  son. 

Mr.  Carlson  was  married  at  Princeton,  Illinois,  in  1873,  to  Miss  Hannah  Sam- 
uelson,  who  was  born  in  1853  in  Sweden  and  came  with  a  sister  to  America  when 
about  twelve  years  of  age.  Her  brother-in-law  and  sister,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Charles 
Johnson,  are  now  living  in  honorable  retirement  at  Boone.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Carlson  were  born  nine  children :  Emma  is  now  the  wife  of  Samuel  Clark,  a 
farmer  residing  near  Riceville,  Iowa,  and  each  has  a  child  by  a  former  union. 
Laura  is  the  wife  of  Ernest  Johnson,  who  operates  a  part  of  our  subject's  farm 
on  section  28,  Harrison  township ;  Eva  is  the  wife  of  W.  H.  Wheeler,  a  sketch  of 
whom  appears  elsewhere  in  this  work.  Nellie  resides  at  home.  Millie  is  the  wife 
of  Charles  Richards,  of  Harrison  township,  and  they  have  one  son.  Oscar  de- 
parted this  life  at  the  early  age  of  twenty-seven,  leaving  a  widow,  who  was  before 
her  marriage  Grace  Johnson.  Artie,  a  resident  of  South  Dakota,  married  Nellie 
Smalley,  a  daughter  of  R.  F.  Smalley,  whose  sketch  appears  elsewhere  in  this 
work.    Lester  and  Reuben,  who  complete  the  family,  are  at  home. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carlson  are  members  of  the  Swedish  Mission  church  of  Boone 
and  follow  its  precepts  in  their  daily  lives.  Mr.  Carlson  gives  his  political  alle- 
giance to  the  republican  party  and  has  acceptably  served  in  school  and  road  offices. 
He  is  a  loyal  citizen  of  his  adopted  country  as  he  has  here  found  opportunities 
which  he  has  utilized  and  which  have  led  him  to  success  and  prosperity. 


OLAF  W.  TORN  ELL. 


Olaf  \V.  Tornell,  a  leading  and  prominent  citizen  of  Pilot  Mound,  has  been 
successfully  engaged  in  the  hardware  and  implement  business  for  the  past  twenty- 
two  years  and  is  the  proprietor  of  the  only  establishment  of  its  kind  in  the  town. 
His  birth  occurred  in  Sweden  on  the  24th  of  May,  i860,  his  parents  being  Olaf 
and  Carrie  (Olson)  Tornell,  who  were  likewise  natrves  of  that  country.  They 
crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  United  States  in  1865,  locating  in  Webster  county, 
Iowa,  and  a  year  later  in  Boone  county,  the  father  purchasing  sixty  acres  of  land 
on  the  present  site  of  the  town  of  Pilot  Mound.  He  improved  the  property  and 
operated  it  successfully  until  1881,  when  he  subdivided  the  tract  into  lots  and  laid 
out  the  town  of  Pilot  Mound.  Here  he  continued  to  reside  until  his  death,  which 
occurred  in  July,  1895.  The  period  of  his  residence  in  this  county  covered  nearly 
three  decades  and  in  his  passing  the  community  lost  one  of  its  respected  and 
valued  citizens.    His  wife  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  the  year  1902. 

Olaf  W.  Tornell,  who  was  a  little  lad  of  five  years  when  he  accompanied  his 
parents  on  their  emigration  to  the  new  world,  acquired  his  education  in  the  schools 
of  Webster  and  Boone  counties  and  remained  on  the  home  farm  until  seventeen 
years  of  age.  Subsequently  he  worked  for  three  years  as  a  farm  hand  in  Marshall 
county,  Iowa,  and  oh  the  expiration  of  that  period  located  on  a  tract  of  land  which 
he  had  purchased  in  association  with  his  father.  He  improved  the  property  and 
was  busily  engaged  in  its  operation  for  a  period  of  nine  years,  then  going  to 
Cowrie,  Webster  county,  where  for  two  years  he  was  employed  in  a  grain  and 
implement  store.     In  the  fall  of  1892  he  came  to  Pilot  Mound  and  embarked  in 


552  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

the  hardware  and  implement  business  on  his  own  account,  having  conducted  an 
estabhshment  of  that  character  continuously  and  successfully  since.  On  the  9th 
of  February,  1914,  his  store  was  completely  destroyed  by  a  disastrous  fire  which 
also  demolished  the  places  of  business  of  several  other  merchants  of  the  town. 
Mr.  Tornell  is  now  rebuildmg  his  establishment.  He  is  the  only  hardware  mer- 
chant of  Pilot  Mound  and  is  accorded  an  extensive  and  gratifying  patronage.  He 
is  a  factor  in  financial  circles  as  vice  president  and  a  stockholder  of  the  Pilot 
Mound  Savings  Bank  and  likewise  holds  stock  in  the  Leonard  Hi-Oven  Range 
Company  of  Cedar  Rapids. 

On  the  3d  of  March,  1890,  Mr.  Tornell  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Au- 
gusta Youngren,  a  daughter  of  Gustaf  and  Mary  Youngren,  who  were  natives  of 
Sweden  and  emigrated  to  America  about  1865.  The  father  followed  farming  in 
Webster  county,  Iowa,  for  a  number  of  years  and  subsequently  came  to  Boone 
county,  where  he  spent  the  remainder  of  his  life.  The  mother  is  still  living. 
Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Tornell  have  been  born  eight  children,  as  follows:  Ruth  and 
Bernice,  who  are  college  students  in  Des  Moines ;  Ward,  Delia,  Clifford  and  Roger, 
all  of  whom  are  attending  school ;  and  Vernon  and  Blanche,  both  of  whom  died 
in  infancy. 

Mr.  Tornell  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  has  served 
his  fellow  townsmen  as  a  member  of  the  town  coimcil  and  also  in  the  mayor's 
chair,  making  a  highly  commendable  record  in  both  connections.  His  fraternal 
relations  are  with  the  Masons  and  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows,  and  his 
wife  is  a  devoted  and  consistent  member  of  the  Swedish  Mission  church.  He  is 
highly  esteemed  in  the  community,  where  he  has  ever  manifested  the  strictest 
integrity  in  his  business  transactions  and  has  contributed  his  share  in  promoting 
development  and  progress. 


LEVI  C.  NOLAND. 


Levi  C.  Noland,  who  is  engaged  in  tin,  furnace  and  sheet  metal  work  in  Boone, 
Iowa,  conducts  a  store  at  No.  605  Story  street  and  is  one  of  that  city's  successful 
business  men.  He  was  born  in  Peoples  township,  Boone  county,  on  the  Noland 
family  homestead,  on  May  16,  1872,  and  there  attended  the  public  schools  until 
sixteen  years  of  age.  He  is  a  son  of  Nathaniel  and  Angeline  Noland,  the  former 
a  farmer  of  Peoples  township.  Their  son,  Levi  C.  Noland,  spent  his  boyhood 
upon  the  parental  farm,  turning  his  attention  to  agricultural  work  after  leaving 
school.  When  he  was  seventeen  the  parents  removed  to  Boonesboro,  where  their 
son  improved  his  education  by  attending  the  high  school.  At  the  age  of  twenty- 
one  he  entered  the  employ  of  Mellor  Brothers  as  an  apprentice,  completing  his 
term  under  H.  T.  Mallery.  At  the  end  of  that  time  he  had  gained  wide  experi- 
ence in  his  field  and  subsequently  worked  for  three  years  as  journeyman.  In 
1899  he  established  himself  independently  in  Boone  and  has  since  most  success- 
fully conducted  his  business  there.  He  has  done  practically  all  of  the  work  in 
connection  with  his  trade  on  the  principal  buildings  of  his  city  and  enjoys  the 
highest  reputation  for  integrity  and  efficiency.  Mr.  Noland  makes  a  specialty 
of  furnace  work,  and  his  services  along  that  line  are  eagerly  sought.     He  is  an 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  553 

experienced  man  and  in  the  installation  of  new  equipment  and  in  repairing  always 
gives  satisfaction  to  his  patrons. 

On  March  22,  1896,  Levi  C.  Noland  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Anna 
( 'luard  of  Boone,  formerly  of  New  York.  They  have  four  children  :  Otho  Guard, 
who  is  seventeen  years  of  age  and  attending  high  school ;  Angeline  Leone,  four- 
teen years  of  age,  who  is  attending  school ;  Homer  Eugene,  who  is  twelve ;  and 
Bessie.  Mr.  Noland  has  few  outside  interests  beside  his  business,  finding  his 
greatest  happiness  at  his  own  fireside.  Although  he  is  not  politically  active,  he  is 
sincerely  interested  in  the  growth  of  his  city  and  ever  ready  to  give  support  to 
movements  which  have  for  their  purpose  the  material,  moral  and  intellectual 
upbuilding  of  his  community  and  county.  Both  he  and  his  wife  stand  high  in  the 
estimation  and  respect  of  their  fellow  citizens,  among  whom  they  have  many 
friends  who  are  sincerely  devoted  to  them. 


W.  P.  LINN. 


W.  P.  Linn  has  held  the  office  of  postmaster  in  Pilot  Mound  for  five  years  but 
has  recently  resigned  that  position  and  as  soon  as  his  successor  is  appointed  will 
again  turn  his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits,  with  which  he  was  formerly 
identified  for  many  years.  He  has  spent  his  entire  life  within  the  borders  of 
Boone  county,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Pilot  Mound  township  on  the  14th  of 
July,  1855.  His  parents,  Gust  and  Catherine  (  Lundbladj  Linn,  were  natives  of 
Sweden  who  on  emigrating  to  the  United  States  in  1852  came  directly  to  Boone 
county,  Iowa.  The  father,  a  carpenter  by  trade,  here  worked  at  his  occupation 
for  some  time  at  twenty-five  cents  per  day.  Subsequently  he  purchased  land  in 
Pilot  Mound  township,  improved  the  property  and  there  carried  on  general  agri- 
cultural pursuits  throughout  the  remainder  of  his  life.  .\t  the  time  of  the  Civil 
war  he  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Union  army  as  a  member  of  Company  D,  Thir- 
ty-second Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry,  remaining  with  that  command  for  about  two 
years.  He  underwent  all  of  the  dangers  and  exposure  of  warfare  and  for  four- 
teen months  was  held  a  prisoner  at  Tyler,  Texas.  His  demise  occurred  on  the  9th 
of  October,  1897,  after  a  residence  of  forty-five  years  in  this  county,  and  was 
the  occasion  of  deep  and  widespread  regret.  On  the  15th  of  January,  1912,  his 
wife  was  called  to  her  final  rest. 

W.  P.  Linn  attended  the  district  schools  of  this  county  in  the  acquirement  of 
an  education  and  remained  on  the  home  farm  with  his  parents  until  twenty-two 
years  of  age.  Subsequently  he  cultivated  rented  land  for  three  years  and  on  the 
expiration  of  that  period  purchased  eighty  acres  of  the  old  homestead  in  Pilot 
Mound  township.  He  improved  the  property  and  afterward  bought  an  additional 
tract  of  seventy-eight  acres,  while  later  he  purchased  forty  acres  more.  General 
agricultural  pursuits  claimed  his  time  and  energies  until  1908.  when  he  disposed 
of  his  property  and  came  to  Pilot  Mound,  where  he  was  appointed  postmaster  and 
has  capably  served  in  that  capacity  continuously  since.  He  has  recently  resigned 
the  office,  however,  and  intends  to  begin  farming  again  as  soon  as  his  successor 
is  appointed. 


554  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

On  the  loth  of  March,  1880,  Mr.  Linn  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Flor- 
ence Wilson,  a  daughter  of  Simon  and  Elizabeth  (Ball)  Wilson,  both  of  whom 
were  natives  of  England.  They  took  up  their  abode  among  the  pioneer  settlers 
of  Boone  county,  Iowa,  and  here  the  father  devoted  iiis  attention  to  farming 
throughout  the  remainder  of  his  life,  passing  away  in  October,  1865.  His  wife, 
•surviving  him  for  more  than  four  decades,  was  called  to  her  final  rest  on  the  29th 
of  January,  1906.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Linn  have  been  born  seven  children,  as 
follows:  Robert  R.,  who  is  employed  by  the  John  Deere  Plow  Company  of  Des 
Moines,  Iowa;  Floyd  S.,  who  is  in  the  service  of  the  Randall  Lumber  Company 
and  also  resides  in  Des  Moines;  Alva  C.  and  Guy  G.,  both  of  whom  follow  farm- 
ing in  Pilot  Alound  township;  Ivy  F.,  at  home;  and  two  who  died  in  infancy. 

Mr.  Linn  has  always  exercised  his  right  of  franchise  in  the  interests  of  the 
republican  party  and  for  fourteen  years  acted  as  a  trustee  of  Pilot  Alound  town- 
ship, while  he  has  also  done  able  service  as  a  member  of  the  town  council  and  as 
a  school  director.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Methodist  church.  Through 
his  enterprise  he  has  won  financial  success  and  through  his  fidelity  to  upright 
principles  he  has  commanded  the  respect  and  confidence  of  his  fellowmen. 


WILLIAM  G.  CROWE. 


William  G.  Crowe  is  one  of  Boone's  successful  business  men,  being  connected 
with  a  profitable  and  growing  enterprise  of  this  city — a  well  appointed  garage — in 
the  conduct  of  which  he  is  proving  that  success  is  the  result  of  close  application, 
sound  judgment  and  unfaltering  enterprise.  He  is  a  son  of  William  Crowe,  who 
for  a  considerable  period  has  been  closely  connected  with  the  development  of  the 
coal  fields  of  this  part  of  the  state.  The  son  has  found  an  excellent  example  in 
the  father's  business  career,  for  William  Crowe,  Sr.,  is  a  self-made  man,  whose 
industry  and  determination  have  constituted  the  foundation  upon  which  he  has 
builded  his  prosperity.  A  native  of  Scotland,  he  was  born  on  the  17th  of  Feb- 
ruary, 1847,  of  the  marriage  of  Garvin  and  Margaret  (Bullock)  Crowe.  His 
paternal  grandfather,  William  Crowe,  lived  to  be  more  than  ninety  years  of  age. 
Garvin  Crowe  was  always  a  resident  of  Scotland  and  after  a  connection  with  a 
bleaching  factory  in  his  early  manhood  turned  his  attention  to  farming.  His 
death  occurred  in  1898,  when  he  reached  the  age  of  seventy  years.  His  widow 
died  in  1899.  at  the  age  of  seventy-three  years.  Both  were  Presbyterians  in 
religious  faith  and  exemplified  in  their  lives  the  Christian  teachings  of  the  church. 
Garvin  Crowe  also  enjoyed  a  most  creditable  reputation  for  activity  and  reli- 
ability in  business  and  for  fidelity  in  friendship.  His  wife  was  a  daughter  of 
William  Bullock,  a  weaver  by  trade,  who  followed  that  pursuit  for  a  number  of 
years  and  afterward  conducted  a  coal  yard.  He  married  Elizabeth  Davidson, 
who  passed  away  at  the  age  of  sixty-five  years,  while  his  death  occurred  at  the 
age  of  seventy. 

William  Crowe,  father  of  William  G.  Crowe,  was  one  of  a  family  of  three 
sons  and  three  daughters.  He  remained  a  resident  of  the  land  of  hills  and  heather 
until  he  reached  the  age  of  nineteen  years,  when,  in  1866,  he  left  the  village  of 
Larkhall  and  sailed  for  the  United  States.     After  a  residence  of  three  years  in 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  555 

Pennsylvania  he  went  to  Illinois,  but  three  years  later  returned  to  the  former 
state.  After  a  short  time,  however,  he  went  to  Ohio  and  in  1871  he  was  there 
wedded  to  Miss  Elizabeth  Marshal!  of  Hubbard,  Trumbull  county.  The  year  1876 
witnessed  their  arrival  in  Boone  and  from  that  time  to  the  present  Mr.  Crowe 
has  been  prominently  associated  with  its  business  interests,  especially  in  the 
development  of  the  coal  fields  of  this  portion  of  the  state.  For  a  time  he  engaged 
in  coal  mining  at  Ames  and  later  became  a  factor  in  the  development  of  the  coal 
trade  of  Boone.  After  a  partnership  of  eighteen  years  George  Rogers  sold  his 
interest  in  the  business  to  John  Marshall,  who  was  a  partner  of  Mr.  Crowe  until 
his  death  in  November,  1899.  Mr.  Crowe  then  settled  up  the  business  and  on 
the  6th  of  March,  1900,  he  organized  the  Crowe  Coal  Mining  Company,  of  which 
he  became  president  and  general  manager,  with  James  Crowe  as  vice  president 
and  secretary  and  Garvin  Crowe  as  treasurer.  The  company  developed  the  mines 
in  Des  Moines  township,  and  the  business  has  grown  to  large  and  profitable 
proportions.  In  fact,  Mr.  Crowe  has  employed  more  men  than  any  other  person 
interested  in  coal  mining  in  his  time  in  Boone.  His  keen  discernment  has  enabled 
him  to  readily  discriminate  between  the  essential  and  the  non-essential  in  carrying 
on  his  business  and,  utilizing  the  former,  he  has  won  a  very  gratifying  measure 
of  success.  He  has  kept  in  touch  with  modern  improvements  in  the  methods  of 
taking  the  coal  from  the  mines  and  also  in  its  distribution,  and  whatever  he  has 
attempted  he  has  accomplished  by  reason  of  his  firm  purpose  and  unfaltering 
energy. 

The  cause  of  education  has  ever  found  in  William  Crowe,  Sr.,  a  stalwart 
champion  and  for  many  years  he  has  served  on  the  school  board.  He  has  like- 
wise been  a  member  of  the  city  council,  exercising  his  official  prerogatives  in 
support  of  various  measures  for  the  genera!  good.  He  is  an  exemplary  repre- 
sentative of  the  Masonic  fraternity  and  the  Ancient  Order  of  United  Workmen. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  are  devoted  members  of  the  Baptist  church.  In  1888  he 
returned  for  a  visit  to  his  native  land,  which  he  had  not  seen  in  more  than  twenty- 
two  years.    Writing  of  William  Crowe  a  contemporary  biographer  said : 

"F"ew  men  are  more  prominent  or  more  widely  known  in  the  enterprising  city 
of  Boone  than  Mr.  Crowe.  In  business  afifairs  ^Ir.  Crowe  is  energetic,  prompt 
and  notably  reliable.  Tireless  energy,  keen  perception,  honesty  of  purpose,  a 
genius  for  devising  and  executing  the  right  thing  at  the  right  time,  joined  to 
every-day  common  sense,  guided  by  resistless  will  power,  are  the  chief  charac- 
teristics of  the  man.  Justice  has  ever  been  maintained  in  his  relations  to  patrons 
and  employes,  and  many  of  those  who  began  with  him  at  the  commencement  of 
his  career  are  still  in  his  service.  He  has  not  been  slow  to  assist  and  encourage 
others  who  have  left  his  employ  to  enter  business  for  themselves  and  in  return 
he  naturally  has  the  loyal  support  of  all  the  employes  of  the  house.  He  has  been 
watchful  of  all  the  details  of  his  business  and  of  all  indications  pointing  toward 
prosperity,  and  from  the  beginning  had  an  abiding  faith  in  the  ultimate  success  of 
his  enterprise.  He  has  gained  wealth,  yet  it  was  not  alone  the  goal  for  which 
he  was  striving,  and  he  belongs  to  that  class  of  representative  American  citizens 
who  promote  the  general  prosperity  while  advancing  individual  interests." 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crowe  were  born  twelve  children  :  Agnes,  who  became  the 
wife  of  Leslie  M.  Strong;  Margaret,  the  wife  of  George  Johnson;  Mary,  the  wife 
of  Oscar  E.   Anderson;  Christine;  Anna  E.,  who  on  the   i8th  of  June,   1902, 


556  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

became  the  wife  of  J.  B.  Bergstrom  of  Fargo,  North  Dakota;  May;  WilHam  G. ; 
George  Roger;  Robert  E. ;  Harry  James;  Lester  \'erne;  and  Glenn,  who  died  in 
infancy. 

WilHam  G.  Crowe,  whose  name  introduces  this  review,  was  born  January  3, 
1884,  upon  the  old  homestead,  which  is  situated  in  the  west  end  of  the  city,  in 
which  he  still  resides.  He  attended  the  public  schools  of  his  native  town,  com- 
pleting his  education  with  two  years  of  high  school  at  the  age  of  sixteen.  He 
then  entered  upon  his  active  career,  becoming  an  employe  in  the  clothing  store 
of  Mr.  McNeil.  There  he  remained  two  years  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  attended 
for  one  year  the  Capital  City  Commercial  College  in  Des  Moines.  Upon  his 
return  he  entered  the  offices  of  the  Crowe  Coal  Mining  Company,  working  for 
his  father  for  three  years,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  became  bookkeeper  for 
Fenton  &  Company,  a  well  known  grocery  firm  of  Boone.  His  activities  with 
this  firm  were  terminated  after  two  years,  on  the  expiration  of  which  period 
he  established  himself  in  business  independently,  buying  the  garage  of  Williams 
&  Stockslager.  Mr.  Crowe  has  since  been  in  charge  of  this  business  and  enjoys 
a  most  profitable  trade.  He  has  won  many  new  customers  by  carefully  attending 
to  their  wants,  is  punctual  and  obliging  and  has  shown  himself  in  many  ways  an 
excellent  business  man.  He  has  one  of  the  best  establishments  of  its  kind  in 
this  part  of  the  state,  and  its  success  is  largely  due  to  the  up-to-date  methods 
and  the  honest  policy  which  are  prevailing  in  the  business. 

On  July  26,  1907,  William  G.  Crowe  married  Miss  Lora  Jenkins,  a  daughter 
of  Lee  and  Adelaide  (Saunders)  Jenkins.  Mr.  Crowe  is  one  of  the  popular 
young  men  of  Boone,  respected  and  esteemed  by  all  who  know  him.  He  is 
connected  with  a  number  of  fraternal  organizations,  particularly  the  Masons, 
in  which  he  holds  high  rank.  In  that  order  he  is  a  Shriner  and  also  belongs  to 
the  Eastern  Star.  Moreover,  Mr.  Crowe  is  a  member  of  the  Benevolent  Pro- 
tective Order  of  Elks,  the  Knights  of  Pythias  and  the  Modern  Woodmen  of 
America.  Success  has  come  to  him  in  response  to  an  ambition  which  could 
not  be  deterred  by  any  obstacles  or  hindrances,  and  his  career  is  again  proof  of 
the  fact  that  industry,  determination,  honesty  and  thrift  will  win  the  way  to 
prosperity. 


MAXSON  W.  GRIFFEE. 

Maxson  W.  Griffee  is  today  the  oldest  potter  in  Boone  county  in  years  of 
continuous  connection  with  the  business.  About  1863  he  established  a  pottery  in 
Boonesboro  and  began  the  manufacture  of  stoneware.  In  this  business  he  con- 
tinued until  1899,  when  he  retired  and  is  now  giving  his  attention  merely  to  the 
supervision  of  his  property  interests.  He  was  born  February  22,  1843,  in  Cadiz, 
Henry  county,  Indiana,  his  parents  being  Adam  and  Ruth  .\nnie  (Dooley)  Grif- 
fee, the  former  a  native  of  Wales  and  the  latter  of  Ohio.  The  father,  a  miller 
by  trade,  came  to  the  United  States  in  early  life  and  established  his  home  in 
Cadiz,  Indiana.  He  was  married  in  that  state  and  there  made  his  home  until 
1855,  when  he  removed  with  his  family  to  Boone,  working  in  the  flour  mill  of 
George  Hoover  for  some  time.     He  was  connected  with  milling  in  Polk  county. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  559 

Iowa,'  at  tlie  time  of  his  death,  although  he  still  made  his  home  in  Boone  county. 
His  religious  faith  was  that  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  his  political 
belief  that  of  the  republican  party.  To  him  and  his  wife  were  born  the  following 
children:  Keziah,  who  became  the  wife  of  James  Gaskell  and  died  in  Boone; 
Maxson  W. ;  Ellen,  the  wife  of  Michael  Hayes,  a  resident  of  Denver,  Colorado ; 
Allie,  who  married  Lizzie  Henshaw,  of  Boone  county :  Rachel,  the  wife  of 
Jasper  Moreland,  of  South  Dakota ;  Mrs.  Mary  Parsons,  of  Omaha ;  and  Charles, 
who  is  living  in  Ralston,  Iowa. 

Maxson  W.  Griffee  is  a  self-educated  as  well  as  a  self-made  man,  having 
opportunity  to  attend  school  for  only  three  months.  He  has  learned  many  les- 
sons, hoW'Cver,  through  business  experience  and  observation.  When  but  twelve 
years  of  age  he  went  to  work  in  a  pottery  at  Boone  and  followed  that  pursuit 
for  twenty  years.  He  began  grinding  clay  in  the  Kelcey  pottery  and  applied 
himself  with  much  diligence  and  mastered  the  business  so  thoroughly  that  he 
won  rapid  advancement  and  gained  a  thorough  and  practical  knowledge  of  the 
trade.  At  twenty  years  of  age  he  built  a  pottery  in  Boone  and  began  the  manu- 
facture of  all  kinds  of  stoneware.  The  enterprise  prospered  from  the  beginning 
and  later,  or  about  1870,  he  built  a  second  pottery  in  Boone.  He  became  the 
largest  dealer  in  the  county  and  his  shipments  went  to  all  parts  of  the  United 
States.  Gradually  as  he  met  success  he  ecjuipped  his  plant  with  the  latest  im- 
proved machinery,  also  improved  the  grade  of  pottery  manufactured  and  through 
the  excellence  of  his  outinit,  as  well  as  his  honorable  tlealings.  increased  his  trade 
to  extensive  proportions.  He  retired  from  active  business,  selling  his  plant  in 
1899,  since  which  time  he  has  given  his  attention  to  his  property  interests.  He 
has  built  a  number  of  residences  and  other  buildings  in  Boone  and  now  owns 
valuable  real  estate. 

On  the  1st  of  February,  1868,  Mr.  Griffee  was  married  to  Miss  Martha  Buff- 
kin,  of  Indiana,  a  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Catherine  Buffkin.  Mrs.  Griffee 
passed  away  in  Boonesboro  in  1882,  and  on  the  27th  of  September,  1883,  he 
married  Julia  A.  Wilbur,  who  was  born  in  Trumbull  county,  Ohio,  February  i, 
1843.  She  acquired  her  education  in  the  common  schools  of  Farmington,  Ohio, 
and  at  eighteen  years  of  age  began  teaching  in  Trumbull  county,  which  profes- 
sion she  followed  for  three  years.  She  then  engaged  in  dressmaking  and  in 
1867  came  to  Boone,  where  she  lived  with  her  brother  Dwight,  a  coal  operator. 

Mrs.  Griffee  is  a  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Clarinda  (  Colburn )  Wilbur,  who 
were  natives  of  Connecticut.  The  father  was  born  May  26,  1807,  and  after  his 
marriage  removed  to  Ohio.  In  his  younger  days  he  was  a  miller,  farmer  and 
gardener.  In  1869  he  came  to  Boone,  where  he  passed  away  on  the  loth  of  June, 
1883.  His  wife  held  membership  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  Unto 
them  were  born  the  following  named.  Dwight,  the  eldest,  bom  in  Ohio,  July 
19,  1839,  was  married  there  to  Edna  Lyman  and  both  died  in  Los  Angeles. 
Orlando,  born  November  25,  1841,  died  in  Ohio,  January  10.  1866.  Mrs.  Griffee 
is  the  next  of  the  family.  Louise  R.,  born  February  12,  1845,  was  married  in 
1864  to  Charles  Holcomb  and  died  August  26,  1910,  while  on  a  visit  in  Wood- 
ville,  Ohio.  Jonathan,  born  October  10,  1846,  was  married  March  25,  1869.  to 
Hattie  Thompson  and  died  in  Los  Angeles.  David  C,  born  May  15,  1848.  was 
married  January   13,    1870,  to  Esther  Minor,  of  Ohio,  who  died   in   Marshall- 


560  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

town,  Iowa,  January  25,  1905.  Andrew,  born  September  10,  1851,  was  married 
November  12,  1874,  to  Hattie  Dempster  and  lives  in  Santa  Barbara,  California. 
Curtis  E.,  born  December  15,  1854,  was  married  January  13,  1876,  to  Stella  Tyler 
and  died  in  Denver,  Colorado,  December  14,  1905. 

Mr.  Griilfee  had  one  child  by  his  first  marriage,  Isaac,  who  was  born  Sep- 
tember 17,  1873.  He  was  married  January  16,  1907,  to  Edna  Satterlee  and  they 
have  one  son,  Cleo  M.  Mr.  Griffee  tends  to  spiritualism  in  religious  belief  and 
to  socialism  in  political  faith.  His  wife  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church  and  is  identified  with  its  Missionary  Society  and  Aid  Society.  They  are 
both  well  known  in  this  county,  where  they  have  long  resided  and  where  Mr. 
Griflfee  won  a  place  among  the  representative  business  men,  being  for  a  long 
period  connected  with  one  of  the  most  important  productive  industries  of  the 
county. 


WILLIAM  H.  NELSON. 

Through  enterprising  methods,  William  H.  Nelson  has  built  up  a  good  busi- 
ness in  the  marble  and  granite  monument  trade  at  Boone.  Determination  and 
energy  have  constituted  the  salient  features  of  his  success,  bringing  him  to  a 
position  where  the  consensus  of  public  opinion  places  him  among  the  foremost 
and  representative  business  men  of  his  city.  His  parents  are  Benjamin  R.  and 
Nancy  (Forsythe)  Nelson.  The  paternal  grandfather,  Benjamin  Nelson,  born 
at  Redstone,  Pennsylvania,  in  1786,  served  throughout  the  War  of  1812  in  the 
Second  Ohio  Militia  and  when  his  military  duties  were  over  took  up  the  occupa- 
tion of  farming,  which  he  made  his  life  work,  passing  away  in  Ohio. 

The  father  was  born  December  21,  1830,  in  Harrison  county.  Ohio,  where 
he  learned  and  followed  the  blacksmith's  trade.  He  was  afterward  employed  on 
the  national  turnpike  in  shoeing  government  horses.  With  the  outbreak  of  the 
Civil  war  his  patriotic  spirit  was  aroused  and  he  enlisted  at  Zanesville,  Ohio,  in 
the  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-second  Ohio  Infantry,  with  which  he  served, 
throughout  the  war,  being  advanced  from  the  ranks  to  the  position  of  corporal. 
Twice  he  was  wounded,  and  because  of  his  injuries  he  was  honorably  discharged 
on  the  Qth  of  June,  1865.  In  April,  1866,  he  removed  to  Cambridge,  Ohio,  and 
was  made  gatekeeper  on  the  national  turnpike,  continuing  in  that  position  until 
1872,  when  he  went  to  Zanesville.  He  was  afterward  at  St.  Clairsville  and  finally 
returned  to  Cambridge,  where  he  passed  away  May  22,  1890.  On  the  ist  of  April, 
1851,  Benjamin  R.  Nelson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Nancy  Forsythe,  a 
daughter  of  Thomas  Forsythe,  who  was  born  in  Ireland,  March  14,  1808,  and 
passed  away  on  the  30th  of  April,  1881.  He  was  but  three  years  of  age  when 
brought  to  the  new  world  and  after  living  in  Pennsylvania  for  a  number  of  years 
became  a  resident  of  Ohio  in  1837  and  there  engaged  in  the  dry-goods  business. 
He  was  married  February  2,  1832,  and  it  was  his  daughter  Nancy  who  became 
the  wife  of  Benjamin  R.  Nelson.  Of  this  marriage  there  were  born  eight  chil- 
dren:  Thomas  Forsythe,  who  was  born  March  31,  1852,  and  is  now  in  Washing- 
ton, D.  C. :  Mary  Jane,  who  was  born  March  25,  1854,  and  is  the  wife  of  Levi  D. 
Anker  of  Cambridge,  Ohio;  William  H.,  of  this  review,  born  March  i,  1857;  John 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  561 

Anderson,  who  was  born  November  25,  1859,  and  is  living  in  Cambridge,  Ohio; 
Clara  Margaret,  who  was  born  October  24,  1862,  and  is  the  wife  of  Robert  Rick- 
ard  of  Goldtield,  Iowa;  James  McFarland,  who  was  born  September  12,  1868, 
and  is  living  in  Cleveland,  Ohio;  Anna  Belle,  who  was  born  February  17,  1871, 
and  is  the  wife  of  Charles  Carnes  of  Cambridge,  Ohio,  and  Bertha  Rosella,  who 
was  born  May  21,  1873,  and  is  with  her  mother  in  Cambridge. 

William  H.  Nelson  acquired  his  early  education  in  the  country  schools  and 
also  continued  his  studies  in  Cambridge  and  in  the  St.  Clairsville  (Ohio)  high 
school.  He  was  connected  with  the  optical  business  in  Chicago  from  1876  until 
1S78  and  on  the  expiration  of  that  period  went  to  Des  Moines.  He  afterward 
engaged  in  the  abstract  business  in  various  places  in  Iowa,  including  Des  Moines, 
Indianola  and  Nevada.  Subsequently  he  removed  to  Cedar  Rapids  and  there 
began  the  publication  of  Nelson's  Railway  Guide,  which  is  now  known  as  Rus- 
sell's Railway  Guide.  At  a  later  period  he  went  to  Marshalltown,  where  he  was 
engaged  in  the  oil  business  for  thirteen  years.  He  likewise  became  prominent  in 
local  politics  and  during  his  residence  there  served  as  a  member  of  the  city  coun- 
cil for  several  terms  and  also  as  justice  of  the  peace.  In  fact,  he  w-as  one  of  the 
leading  and  influential  residents  of  that  locality. 

When  Mr.  Nelson  had  disposed  of  his  interests  at  Marshalltown  he  turned  his 
attention  to  farming,  but  after  a  year  entered  the  hotel  business  at  Gilbert,  Iowa, 
whence  he  went  to  Ames  and  from  that  point  came  to  Boone.  This  was  in  the 
year  1905  and  for  a  brief  period  he  conducted  a  hotel  in  this  city.  He  then  sold 
out  and  is  now  engaged  in  the  marble  monument  business  in  Boone,  in  which  he 
has  been  accorded  a  liberal  patronage.  He  devotes  his  entire  attention  to  this 
business  and  for  the  products  of  his  shop  finds  a  ready  sale.  His  enterprise  is 
unfaltering  and  his  energy  places  him  among  those  who  are  most  active  and  pro- 
gressive in  the  business  circles  of  the  city. 

Mr.  Nelson  was  married  in  Gilbert,  Iowa,  to  Miss  Sarah  Elizabeth  Mac- 
Farlane,  who  was  born  July  30,  1856,  in  Princeton,  New  York,  a  daughter  of 
John  Alexander  and  Mary  Jean  (Hannay)  MacFarlane,  natives  of  Scotland.  The 
great-grandfather  of  Mrs.  Nelson  was  Parian  MacP'arlane,  who  was  one  of  the 
last  chiefs  of  the  celebrated  MacFarlane  clan  of  the  Scotch  highlands.  He  was 
born  in  Scotland  in  1769  and  passed  away  August  12,  1814.  The  grandfather, 
John  MacFarlane,  born  May  19,  1796,  left  his  native  Scotland  to  become  a  resi- 
dent of  the  new  world  and  passed  away  in  the  state  of  New  York  in  1867.  The 
father,  John  Alexander  MacFarlane,  arrived  in  the  United  States  in  his  youth- 
ful days  and  during  the  period  of  the  Civil  war,  from  1861  to  1865,  was  on 
active  duty  with  the  Thirteenth  New  York  Heavy  Artillery.  He  made  farming 
his  life  occupation  and  thus  provided  for  his  family  of  eight  children,  of  whom 
four  are  yet  living.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nelson  have  been  born  five  children  ;  Alice 
M.,  born  May  28,  1882;  John  Archibald,  born  November  20,  1883;  Anna  Rich- 
mond, who  was  born  May  18,  1888,  and  passed  away  July  24.  1893;  Ethelyn 
Marie,  who  was  born  September  28,  1890;  and  Ruth  MacFarlane,  born  Janu- 
ary 16,  1894. 

The  family  attend  the  Presbyterian  church,  in  which  the  parents  hold  mem- 
bership. Mr.  Nelson  is  also  a  Mason,  an  Odd  Fellow,  a  Knight  of  Pythias  and 
a  Modern  Woodman,  and  he  belongs  to  the  grand  lodge  of  I.  O.  O.  F.  of  Des 
Moines.     His  wife  is  a  past  president  of  the  Rebekah  assembly  of  the  state  of 


562  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Iowa  and  a  past  grand  chief  of  the  Pythian  Sisters  of  Iowa.  In  his  political 
views  Mr.  Nelson  is  a  stalwart  republican,  but  the  honors  and  emoluments  of 
office  have  no  attraction  for  him.  He  is  a  man  of  notable  energy  in  business 
affairs,  of  fidelity  in  friendship  and  of  trustworthiness  in  every  relation  of  life. 
Wherever  known  he  is  held  in  high  esteem  and  most  of  all  where  he  is  best 
known. 


PERRY  HARTMAN. 


Perry  Hartman,  blacksmith  and  wagon  builder  of  Boone,  is  to  be  numbered 
among  the  prosperous  business  men  of  this  city.  He  was  born  in  Oneco  town- 
ship, Stephenson  county,  Illinois,  January  20,  1856,  and  is  a  son  of  Jacob  and 
Elizabeth  (Marden)  Hartman,  the  Marden  family  originally  coming  from  the 
state  of  Delaware.  Jacob  Hartman  was  born  in  Lehigh  county,  near  Allentown, 
Pennsylvania,  on  a  farm,  and  began  his  career  as  a  farm  laborer.  His  educational 
advantages  were  limited,  but  he  improved  himself  by  private  study  and  observa- 
tion. He  married,  in  Lehigh  county,  Miss  Elizabeth  Marden,  and  they  then 
moved  to  Union  county,  where  he  plied  his  trades  of  carpenter  and  shoemaker. 
About  1840  he  removed  with  his  wife  and  three  children  to  Illinois.  They  made 
the  journey  by  way  of  canal  to  Pittsburgh  and  thence  entrained  for  Chicago,  going 
by  wagon  to  Stephenson  county.  There  the  father  bought  a  tract  of  land  near 
the  village  of  Oneco,  which  was  then  according  to  general  opinion  to  become  the 
county  seat.  He  believed  in  its  future  and  invested  whatever  money  he  had  in 
lots  there.  During  all  this  time  he  followed  his  trade  as  carpenter,  and  it  may 
be  mentioned  at  this  instance  that  the  only  power  which  he  had  for  turning  the 
lathe  was  by  foot.  Many  of  the  old-fashioned  high  post  beds  were  manufactured 
by  him.  In  the  spring  of  1869  he  removed  to  Boone,  turning  his  attention  to 
farming.  Several  of  his  sons  located  in  the  northern  part  of  Iowa,  where  they 
homesteaded. 

Mr.  and  Airs.  Hartman  gave  their  allegiance  to  the  German  Reformed  church, 
in  which  particularly  the  mother  was  very  active.  The  father  was  a  democrat 
and  stanchly  supported  that  party.  In  their  family  were  the  following  children : 
Amanda,  the  widow  of  Jesse  Shull  of  Boone;  Helen,  who  married  Joseph  Stevick 
and  who  is  deceased;  Henry  of  Boone,  an  old  soldier  who  first  married  Leah  Walt- 
ers and  second  Miss  Bowman ;  Wilson,  of  Spencer.  Iowa,  who  also  served  in  the 
war  and  who  married  Amelia  Runkle  of  Stephenson  county,  Illinois ;  Ella,  de- 
ceased;  Eliza,  who  is  Mrs.  Albert  Scott,  of  Des  Moines;  Albert,  from  whom  no 
word  has  been  received  for  the  last  fourteen  years ;  Perry,  of  this  review ;  and 
Emma,  who  married  Frank  Ackman  of  Denver,  Colorado. 

Perry  Hartman  acquired  his  education  in  the  schools  of  Oneco  township, 
Stephenson  county,  Illinois,  and  Boone,  receiving  his  last  lessons  under  Professor 
Wallace.  He  completed  his  education  at  the  age  of  fifteen.  He  earned  his  first 
money  by  helping  the  sheep  shearers  employed  by  Thomas  Bowen  of  Green  county, 
Wisconsin,  Mr.  Hartman  catching  and  holding  the  sheep  until  the  men  would  take 
them  from  him  in  order  to  wash  them  before  shearing  operations  were  begun. 
At  the  age  of  seventeen  he  took  up  the  blacksmithing  trade  with  James  Douglas 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  563 

Kirkpatrick  of  Spencer,  Iowa.  His  apprenticeship  lasted  three  years,  and  he 
then  worked  as  a  journeyman  for  George  Ward  of  Spencer,  for  one  year.  Return- 
ing to  Boone,  he  entered  the  employ  of  Jack  Nipps  and  subsequently  the  wagon 
shop  of  Hayes  &  Johnson,  remaining  with  the  latter  firm  for  sixteen  months. 
At  the  end  of  that  time  he  removed  to  Alta,  Iowa,  where  he  remained  for  four 
years.  In  Carroll,  Iowa,  Mr.  Hartman  conducted  a  furniture  business  which  he 
bought  from  his  old  teacher,  Mr.  Woodring,  and  whom  he  first  met  again  upon 
this  occasion.  He  then  returned  to  Boone,  where  he  engaged  in  business  inde- 
pendently, establishing  himself  in  the  fifth  ward,  and  there  he  has  now  been  en- 
gaged in  business  for  fifteen  years.  He  built  his  present  shop  about  four  years 
ago  and  at  that  time  took  in  as  a  partner  Frank  G.  Peterson.  He  is  now  at  the 
iiead  of  a  profitable  and  extensive  business,  and  his  reputation  as  a  man  of  affairs 
is  well  established.  Success  has  attended  the  efforts  of  Mr.  Hartman  because  he 
has  always  acted  with  determination  and  has  never  lagged  in  industry  in  pur- 
suing his  projects. 

On  January  20,  1879,  Perry  Hartman  married  Miss  Almira  Des  Moines  \'er- 
non  of  Boone,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Carolina  (Lambert)  Vernon,  the  former 
deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hartman  have  the  following  children.  Perry  Vernon 
married  Margaret  Drennan  and  they  have  four  children:  Perry,  Harold,  Clifford 
and  Margaret  Rose.  \'innie  is  the  wife  of  R.  C.  Wilson,  who  is  the  head  of  the 
Wilson  transfer  business  in  Boone,  and  they  have  two  children,  Walter  R.  and 
Maurice  William.  Ethel,  the  next  in  order  of  birth,  married  George  Lawson,  of 
Hoone,  an  engineer  by  profession.  Alice,  who  graduated  from  the  Boone  high 
school,  studied  music  in  Drake  University  and  is  now  superintendent  of  music 
for  the  Boone  schools,  is  at  home.  Ina  is  the  wife  of  J.  H.  Murray,  and  they 
reside  in  Kansas  City,  Missouri.  Mr.  Hartman  has  ever  been  true  to  the  faith 
of  the  German  Reform  church,  in  which  he  was  baptized.  Politically  he  is  a 
republican  and  thoroughly  conversant  with  the  aims  of  his  party,  always  ready 
to  support  its  measures  and  candidates.  He  is  particularly  interested  in  local 
affairs  and  has  ofttimes  given  his  support  to  valuable  measures,  although  he  is 
not  an  active  politician.  Fraternally  he  is  popular  in  the  Independent  Order  of 
Odd  Fellows  and  the  Knights  of  Pythias.  Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Hartman  and 
their  friends  are  highly  esteemed  and  respected  in  Boone  as  people  of  worth  and 
substance.  They  are  useful  citizens  and  have  contributed  to  the  material,  moral 
and  intellectual  growth  of  their  city  and  county. 


SCHUYLER  J.  WHEELER. 

Schuyler  J.  Wheeler  is  one  of  the  extensive  landowners  of  Boone  county,  own- 
ing fourteen  hundred  acres  in  Harrison  township.  His  residence  in  this  county 
covers  a  quarter  of  a  century,  as  he  arrived  here  on  the  31st  of  March,  1888.  With 
the  exception  of  a  quarter  section  which  he  inherited  he  has  acquired  his  large 
holdings  by  his  own  exertions  and  good  business  judgement.  He  was  born  in 
Benton  county,  Missouri,  on  the  13th  of  November,  1862,  a  son  of  Commodore 
P.  and  Eytchie  (West)  Wheeler,  who  were  early  settlers  in  Missouri,  having 
removed  to  that  state  from  Indiana.     The  father  carried  on  farming  and  stock- 


564  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

raising  and  was  known  as  an  enterprising  agriculturist  and  public-spirited  citizen. 
His  birth  occurred  in  Wyoming  county,  New  York,  where  his  father  conducted 
a  tannery.  Both  the  father  and  mother  of  our  subject  passed  away  many  years 
ago.  There  were  eight  children  born  to  their  union,  all  of  whom  are  living, 
although  Schuyler  J.  is  the  only  one  who  is  a  resident  of  Boone  county. 

The  subject  of  this  review  was  reared  in  Missouri  and  after  leaving  the  public 
schools  he  attended  college  at  Sedalia.  The  formal  training  of  schools,  however, 
was  not  his  only  education,  as  he  learned  much  of  agriculture  and  stock-raising 
through  assisting  his  father  upon  the  home  farm.  Upon  reaching  manhood  he 
put  his  training  to  practical  use  and  has  successfully  followed  general  farming 
and  stock-raising.  He  has  shipped  cattle  and  hogs  quite  extensively  and  has  now 
one  hundred  head  registered  Aberdeen  Angus  cattle.  He  is  known  throughout 
the  county  as  a  breeder  of  registered  stock  and  also  raises  a  good  grade  of  Duroc 
Jersey  hogs.  Part  of  his  present  farm  was  entered  in  1855  by  his  grandfather, 
Schuyler  Wheeler,  a  resident  of  the  vicinity  of  Fort  Wayne,  Indiana,  who,  how- 
ever, never  lived  on  the  property.  Most  of  the  many  improvements  on  the  farm 
have  been  made  by  our  subject,  who  is  an  excellent  farmer  and  understands  how 
to  co-ordinate  the  various  branches  of  agriculture  so  that  a  maximum  profit  is 
secured.  As  suctess  has  come  to  him  he  has  invested  in  more  land  until  he  is  now 
the  owner  of  fourteen  hundred  acres  in  Harrison  township. 

Mr.  Wheeler  was  married  in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  1908,  to  Miss  Eva  Carl- 
son, a  native  of  this  county  and  a  daughter  of  John  A.  Carlson,  a  farmer  and  early 
settler  of  Harrison  township.  Mrs.  Wheeler  attended  normal  school  at  Boone  and 
for  some  years  was  a  teacher  in  this  county.  By  her  marriage  she  has  I^ecome 
the  mother  of  a  son,  Waldo  Francis,  whose  birth  occurred  on  the  8th  of  August, 
1912. 

The  family  are  liberal  in  their  religious  views,  emphasizing  the  necessity  of 
justice  and  brotherly  kindness  and  feeling  that  matters  of  creed  and  dogma  are 
of  little  moment.  Mr.  Wheeler  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  democratic 
party  and  is  an  intelligent  student  of  public  affairs.  He  has  done  much  to  aid 
in  the  agricultural  development  of  the  county  and  has  also  won  the  respect  of 
his  fellowmen  by  reason  of  his  upright  life  and  manly  principles  of  conduct. 


D.  A.  BURKHART. 


Boone  county  numbers  D.  A.  Burkhart  among  her  native  sons  and  those  who 
know  him — and  he  has  a  wide  acquaintance — entertain  for  him  warm  regard  and 
friendship.  He  is  now  engaged  in  general  farming,  cultivating  a  quarter  section 
of  land  in  the  township  in  which  he  was  born  on  the  2d  of  September,  1875. 

The  usual  experiences  of  a  farm  lad  fell  to  the  lot  of  D.  A.  Burkhart,  who 
spent  his  boyhood  and  youth  in  Peoples  township,  where  he  still  makes  his  home. 
He  early  learned  lessons  of  industry,  for  at  an  early  age  he  began  to  work  in  the 
fields  and  throughout  his  life  he  has  followed  farming  and  stock-raising.  He 
is  today  busily  engaged  in  the  further  development  and  cultivation  of  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty  acres  of  land  situated  on  section  14,  Peoples  township,  and  in 
addition  to  cultivating  the  cereals  best  adapted  to  soil  and  climate  he  is  engaged 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  565 

in  raising  graded  stock,  meeting  with  a  fair  measure  of  success  in  this  under- 
taking. 

On  the  24th  of  December,  1902,  Mr.  Durkhart  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Luella  Loretta  Pentico,  who  was  born  in  Prairie  City,  Jasper  county,  Iowa,  on 
the  22d  of  November,  1882.  Her  father,  Emanuel  Pentico,  was  born  in  Westover, 
Cleveland  county,  Pennsylvania,  January  21,  1854,  and  when  a  youth  of  seventeen 
years,  or  in  1871,  came  to  the  middle  west,  settling  in  Iowa.  He  was  married  in 
Jasper  county,  this  state,  on  the  20th  of  March,  1879,  the  lady  of  his  choice  being 
Miss  Mary  Wiggins,  who  was  born  in  Prairie  City,  Jasper  county,  November  4, 
1858.  The  parents  removed  to  Boone  county  in  1890.  The  parents  of  Mrs.  Pen- 
tico were  among  the  early  settlers  of  Jasper  county.  The  children  of  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Pentico  were:  Lucy,  deceased;  Frank,  a  resident  of  Peoples  township; 
Mrs.  Burkhart,  wife  of  the  subject  of  this  review;  Mrs.  Etta  Olson,  whose  home 
is  in  Regent,  North  Dakota;  Orville,  of  Cylinder,  Iowa;  and  Mrs.  Myrtle  Sparks, 
of  Marcy  township. 

Mrs.  Burkhart  was  reared  to  womanhood  in  her  native  county  and  attended 
the  public  schools  near  her  father's  home.  By  her  marriage  she  has  become  the 
mother  of  one  son,  Raymond  LeRoy,  who  was  born  April  i,  1904,  and  is  attending 
school  near  his  parents'  home.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Burkhart  is  a  republi- 
can, voting  for  the  men  and  measures  of  the  party  yet  never  seeking  office  as  a 
reward  for  party  fealty.  He  has  been  an  active,  energetic  man,  carefully  direct- 
ing his  business  affairs,  and  he  is  well  known  as  one  of  the  pioneer  settlers  of 
Peoples  township,  his  life  being  in  every  respect  worthy  of  the  regard  which  is 
accorded  him. 


SAMUEL  SUNDBERG. 

Samuel  Sundberg  belongs  to  the  younger  generation  of  successful  farmers  of 
Boone  county,  owning  eighty-five  acres  of  choice  land  on  section  18,  Garden 
township,  splendidly  improved  with  a  modern  set  of  substantial  buildings.  He 
not  only  follows  general  farming  but  gives  much  attention  to  stock-raising  and 
keeps  a  high  grade  of  live  stock  on  his  farm.  His  parents,  J.  H.  and  Anna  L. 
(Peterson)  Sundberg,  were  natives  of  Sweden.  The  father  emigrated  to  the 
United  States  in  1870,  being  joined  the  following  year  by  his  wife  and  children 
in  the  new  world.  They  resided  in  Chicago  until  1878,  when  they  came  to  Boone 
county,  Iowa,  locating  at  Madrid.  After  one  year's  residence  here  they  removed 
to  Polk  county  but  later  returned  to  Madrid.  The  mother  died  August  20,  1891, 
the  father  surviving  her  until  April  9,  1908.  They  had  five  children:  Andrew 
M.,  a  successful  furniture  dealer  of  Madrid :  Mrs.  ^latilda  Lundahl,  who  also 
resides  in  that  city;  Oscar,  of  Madrid;  Samuel,  of  this  review;  and  Anna,  who 
makes  her  home  in  Madrid.  The  three  eldest  children  were  born  in  Sweden  and 
the  younger  ones  in  Chicago. 

Samuel  Sundberg  was  born  in  Chicago,  Illinois,  June  26.  1871,  and  remained 
in  that  city  until  the  fall  of  1878,  when  the  family  removed  to  Madrid  remaining 
there  for  one  year.  They  then  made  their  home  in  Polk  county,  until  1896.  In 
1900  Samuel  Sundberg  purchased  a  farm  in  Garden  township,  Boone  county,  com- 


566  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

prising  eighty-tive  acres  on  section  18.  He  has  since  made  it  his  home  and  has 
been  very  successful  in  his  agricultural  endeavors.  His  improvements  are  modern 
and  up-to-date  and  the  latest  machinery  can  be  found  upon  the  premises.  Mr. 
Sundberg  gives  particular  attention  to  stock-raising  and  keeps  a  high  grade  of 
animals  on  his  place.  In  the  course  of  years  he  has  become  one  of  the  substantial 
agriculturists  of  his  neighborhood. 

On  September  z"],  1893,  Mr.  Sundberg  married  Miss  Maude  Westerberg,  who 
was  born  in  Marshalltown,  Iowa,  January  12,  1872,  and  came  with  her  parents  to 
Garden  township,  where  she  grew  to  womanhood.  She  is  a  daughter  of  A.  P.  and 
Emma  (Lundahlj  Anderson  Westerberg,  natives  of  Sweden.  The  father  was 
born  in  Skarabing,  Westergotland,  on  the  17th  of  July,  1840,  and  when  a  young 
man  of  twenty-six  emigrated  to  the  United  States,  locating  in  Boone,  Iowa,  Octo- 
ber 9,  1866.  For  nine  years  he  was  connected  with  the  bridge-building  depart- 
ment of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railway.  He  thtn  bought  a  tract  of  land  of 
one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  in  Garden  township,  subsequently  extending  the 
boundaries  of  his  farm  until  it  embraced  two  hundred  acres.  He  became  a  sub- 
stantial agriculturist  and  was  highly  esteemed  by  all  who  knew  him.  He  died  in 
Madrid,  September  22,  i<P9.  His  first  wife  having  passed  away  on  the  Wester- 
berg farm  in  Garden  township,  he  subsequently  married  Mrs.  Christina  Westland. 
By  his  first  wife  he  had  eight  children:  Mrs.  Maude  Sundberg;  A.  R.,  manager 
of  the  Madrid  Electric  Lighting  iS:  Power  Company;  Mrs.  Ethel  Westerstrom,  of 
Madrid ;  Frank,  who  resides  in  lioone ;  Mrs.  Esther  Krantz,  of  Madrid ;  Edwin, 
of  Longmont,  Colorado;  Mrs.  Blanche  Peterson,  of  Garden  township;  and  Zylph, 
deceased.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sundberg  have  one  son,  Carl  Milton,  born  in  Garden 
township,  February  18.  i8q8.  He  attended  the  district  schools,  completing  his 
grade  work  in  19 14. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sundlierg  are  members  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church  of 
Madrid,  which  they  attend  regularly.  Politically  he  is  a  republican  and  for  a  num- 
ber of  years  has  been  a  member  of  the  board  of  education  in  Garden  township, 
having  served  as  treasurer  of  the  board  for  some  time.  He  has  not  only  attained 
to  individual  prosperity  but  has  lieen  an  important  factor  in  the  general  agricul- 
tural development,  ha\  ing  always  taken  a  deep  interest  in  these  matters.  The  high 
standing  which  he  enjoys  among  farmers  and  stock-raisers  is  evident  from  the 
fact  that  he  at  present  serves  as  president  of  the  Farmers  Institute  of  ^tadrid, 
and  in  the  past  he  has  filled  the  oHices  of  secretary  and  treasurer  of  this  institu- 
tion. Mr.  Sundberg  has  many  friends  in  Garden  township  and  Madrid — friends 
of  long  years'  standing  who  recognize  in  him  a  man  of  character  whose  success 
has  been  based  upon  iionorable  endeavor. 


JAMES  BARCLAY. 


Tames  Barclay,  who  resides  upon  a  well  improved  farm  of  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  on  section  i}^.  Garden  township,  is  one  of  the  most  successful  agri- 
culturists of  Boone  county.  Besides  this  farm  he  owns  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  of  choice  land  on  sections  10  and  15.    He  not  only  follows  general  farming 


> 


V. 


L 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  569 

but  makes  a  specialty  of  raising  Holstein  cattle  and  has  been  particularly  suc- 
cessful as  a  stock-raiser. 

Mr.  Barclay  was  born  in  Carroll  county,  Ohio,  June  24,  1839,  and  there 
attended  the  common  schools  and  grew  to  manhood.  From  early  life  he  has 
followed  farming.  His  parents  were  Joseph  and  Jeanette  (Noble)  Barclay, 
both  natives  of  Scotland,  the  former  born  January  14,  1788,  and  the  latter  in 
Inverness,  August  15,  1801.  The  father  died  in  Ohio,  March  11,  1848,  and  the 
mother  in  the  same  state,  December  19,  1866. 

In  their  family  were  eleven  children,  as  follows :  Mena  Ann,  who  was  born 
March  26,  1824,  and  died  in  Wisconsin;  Alexander,  who  was  born  December 
16,  1825,  and  was  drowned  in  the  Wisconsin  river,  June  30,  1852;  Elizabeth, 
who  was  born  September  2,  1827,  and  died  March  30,  1848;  John,  whose  birth 
occurred  August  11,  1829,  and  who  has  also  passed  away;  Mrs.  James  Salzman, 
who  was  born  July  31,  1831,  and  is  now  residing  in  Carrollton,  Ohio;  Mrs.  Mary 
Peterson,  who  was  born  January  31,  1833,  and  died  in  June,  1913;  Angus,  who 
was  born  October  7,  1834,  and  resides  in  Richland  county,  Wisconsin;  Joseph, 
who  was  born  August  7,  1836,  and  died  March  18,  1848;  James,  of  this  review; 
and  Sarah  and  Margaret,  twins,  born  May  16,  1840.  Margaret  died  in  October 
of  that  year,  and  Sarah,  who  is  now  Mrs.  .Marshall,  resides  in  Richland  Center, 
Wisconsin.     All  of  these  children  were  born  in  Ohio. 

In  July,  1S62,  James  Barclay  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Union  army,  joining 
Company  A,  One  Hundred  and  Fifteenth  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  He  was 
mustered  out  in  June,  1865.  He  served  with  General  George  H.  Thomas'  corps 
and  participated  in  the  battle  of  Nashville  and  the  Tennessee  campaign.  One  of 
his  brothers  was  also  a  Union  soldier,  under  the  command  of  General  Macpherson, 
whose  death  he  witnessed  before  Atlanta. 

.\fter  his  discharge  James  Barclay  returned  to  Ohio,  thence  making  his  way 
to  Wisconsin,  where  he  remained  two  months.  In  1865  he  came  to  Boone,  Iowa, 
anfl  purchased  forty  acres  of  coal  lands  west  of  the  city,  establishing  what  was 
known  as  Barclay's  Coal  Bank,  one  of  the  first  in  Boone  county.  He  continued 
in  its  operation  and  management  until  1867,  when  he  came  to  Garden  township 
and  purchased  eighty  acres  of  choice  land  on  sections  10  and  15,  later  adding 
eighty  acres.  He  improved  this  farm,  erected  substantial  buildings  and  in  the 
course  of  years  made  it  one  of  the  most  valuable  farms  in  the  township.  In  igo8 
he  purchased  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  ^^  and  located  on  it.  This 
farm  is  also  modernly  improved  and  yields  him  rich  returns.  It  is  here  that 
Mr.  Barclay  now  makes  his  home. 

On  December  26,  1866,  James  Barclay  married  Rebecca  Hover,  who  was 
horn  in  Wayne  county,  Ohio,  March  4,  1844,  and  died  in  Garden  township, 
November  18,  1913.  Her  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  Hoyer,  both  of  whom 
are  now  deceased,  came  overland  to  Boone  county  at  an  early  day  and  were 
among  the  pioneer  families.  They  had  the  following  children :  Isaac,  who  is 
residing  in  Boone,  Iowa,  at  the  age  of  eighty  years ;  twins,  born  December  22, 
1831,  one  of  whom  died  in  infancy,  while  the  other,  Mrs.  Maria  Homan,  passed 
away  April  12,  1902;  John,  who  was  born  January  22,  1837,  and  died  July  18, 
1904;  George,  who  was  born  February  22,  1839,  and  is  a  resident  of  Boone; 
Peter,  deceased ;  Mrs.  Lucy  Dillon,  who  is  residing  in  Nebraska ;  and  Mrs.  James 
Barclay,  the  youngest  in  the  family. 

Tol.   n— 28 


570  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barclay  had  five  children :  .Mrs.  Salemma  Hazen,  residing  in 
Madrid,  Towa ;  Charles,  of  Garden  township ;  Bertha,  residing  with  her  father ; 
Angus,  who  makes  his  home  on  the  Garden  township  farm ;  and  Mrs.  Fern 
Swanson,  who  died  March  17,  1907. 

Mr.  Barclay  is  a  republican  and  for  a  number  of  years  has  been  school 
director  of  Garden  township.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Congregational  church, 
to  which  his  wife  also  belonged.  Success  has  come  to  him  on  account  of  his 
industry,  energy  and  thrift  and  he  is  esteemed  and  respected  for  what  he  has 
attained  and  those  qualities  of  his  character  which  have  made  possible  his 
prosperity.  Mr.  Barclay  is  a  representative  farmer  of  Boone  county  and  the 
agricultural  development  of  this  section  of  the  state  is  largely  to  be  attributed 
to  the  initiative  of  such  men  as  he. 


WILLIAM  WILSON. 


William  Wilson  is  an  honored  veteran  of  the  Civil  war  and  is  also  one  of  the 
extensive  landowners  of  Boone  county,  having  added  to  his  possessions  from  time 
to  time  until  they  now  aggregate  more  than  seven  hundred  acres.  A  native  of 
England,  he  was  born  in  Suffolk  county  on  the  21st  of  February,  1S41,  and  was 
thirteen  years  of  age  when  he  came  to  the  new  world  with  his  parents,  Simon 
and  Elizabeth  (Ball)  Wilson,  who  were  also  natives  of  Suffolk  county  as  was 
the  paternal  grandfather,  Samuel  Wilson.  In  fact,  the  ancestors  lived  there  for 
several  generations.  On  coming  to  the  new  world,  the  family  spent  some  months 
in  Pennsylvania  and  then  made  their  way  westward  to  Iowa,  settling  in  Boone 
county,  where  William  Wilson  has  since  resided.  His  father  passed  away  in  1865 
at  the  age  of  fifty  years  and  the  mother  died  at  Pilot  Mound  in  February,  1906, 
having  survived  her  husband  for  more  than  forty  years.  She  was  eighty-three 
at  the  time  of  her  demise.  Simon  Wilson  had  been  twice  married.  He  first  wed- 
ded Miss  Bayes,  of  Suffolk  county.  England,  and  unto  them  was  born  a  daugh- 
ter, Annie,  who  became  the  wife  of  E.  T.  Mills  and  died  at  Pilot  Mound  a  number 
of  years  ago.  By  the  second  marriage  there  were  nine  children,  of  whom  Wil- 
liam Wilson  is  the  eldest,  the  others  being:  Elizabeth,  who  became  the  wife  of 
William  K.  Carson  and  passed  away  at  Pilot  Mound ;  Samuel,  who  is  engaged  in 
the  lumber  business  at  Oakdale,  California;  Sarah,  who  was  but  sixteen  years  of 
age  at  the  time  of  her  death ;  Mary,  who  passed  away  a  number  of  years  ago  in 
Boone,  leaving  a  husband  and  children;  Mrs.  Alice  Showers,  of  Fraser;  Mrs^ 
Florence  Linn,  residing  at  Pilot  Mound;  Simon,  a  resident  farmer  of  Boone 
county ;  and  Mrs.  Nancy  Starks,  who  died  in  Nebraska  in  1892. 

William  Wilson  was  only  about  thirteen  years  of  age  when  the  family  came 
to  Iowa.  Boone  county  was  then  a  frontier  district  and  his  educational  oppor- 
tunities were  somewhat  limited,  but  in  the  school  of  experience  he  has  learned 
many  valuable  lessons  which  have  made  him  an  enterprising  and  successful  busi- 
ness man.  Through  the  period  of  his  youth  he  worked  with  his  father  upon  the 
home  farm  and  in  1S62,  when  a  young  man  of  twenty-one  years,  he  enlisted  in 
a  military  organization  known  as  the  Northern  Border  Brigade.  He  served  with 
that  command  through  the  remainder  of  the  year  1862  and  a  portion  of  the  year 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  571 

1863,  protecting  the  northern  border  of  Iowa  from  the  Indians  who  were  trouble- 
some along  the  Minnesota  border.  Trouble  being  ended  there,  the  men  of  this 
organization  offered  their  services  to  the  Federal  government  for  active  duty  in 
the  south,  but  as  there  was  no  call  at  that  time  for  a  cavalry  regiment  from  Iowa, 
the  members  generally  enlisted  in  other  regiments,  Mr.  Wilson  going  to  the  front 
with  Company  F,  Thirteenth  Iowa  V'olunteer  Infantry,  with  which  he  served  until 
the  close  of  the  war,  when  he  was  mustered  out  at  Washington,  D.  C.  Returning 
from  the  war,  he  purchased  a  tract  of  eighty  acres  of  land  in  Boone  county  and 
gradually  acquired  more,  adding  to  his  possessions  from  time  to  time  as  his  finan- 
cial resources  increased  until  he  is  now  the  owner  of  seven  hundred  and  seventy- 
five  acres.  His  property  interests  yield  to  him  a  most  gratifying  annual  income, 
and  he  is  today  one  of  the  most  substantial  citizens  of  the  county.  In  his  business 
affairs  his  judgment  has  at  all  times  been  sound,  and  he  seems  to  readily  recognize 
the  possibilities  and  opportunities  for  the  attainment  of  success.  Gradually  he  has 
worked  his  way  upward  and  the  most  envious  cannot  grudge  him  his  prosperity, 
so  honorably  has  it  been  gained  and  so  worthily  used. 

In  1866  Mr.  Wilson  was  married  to  Miss  Nancy  Richardson,  a  daughter  of 
Joseph  and  Mary  Richardson,  who  passed  away  six  years  later  at  the  age  of 
twenty-eight.  In  1873  he  wedded  Miss  Catherine  Fallein,  who  was  born  in  Swe- 
den, August  7,  1832,  and  was  brought  to  America  when  five  years  of  age.  The 
family  home  was  established  in  Boone  county,  where  she  acquired  her  education 
and  has  always  since  resided.  Her  parents  were  Lawrence  and  Annie  Fallein, 
both  of  whom  passed  away  in  Boone  county  at  the  ages  of  eighty-seven  and  ninety 
years  respectively.  Their  children  were:  Lewis,  living  at  Stratford;  Jonas,  now 
deceased;  Mrs.  Anna  Aldrich,  a  resident  of  California;  and  Mrs.  Wilson. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilson  have  been  born  eleven  children  and  they  are  very 
fortunate  in  that  the  family  circle  yet  remains  unbroken  by  the  hand  of  death. 
Joseph  Arthur,  the  eldest,  born  September  24,  1874,  was  married  April  14,  1897, 
to  Miss  Elizabeth  Hannann  and  they  had  one  child  who  died  in  infancy.  Mabel, 
born  August  29,  1875,  was  married  September  12,  1894,  to  C.  L.  Pollard  and  they 
had  four  children,  Florence,  deceased,  Claude,  Theodore  and  Theresa.  Henry 
Lewis,  born  January  28,  1877,  was  married  February  20,  1901,  to  Ellen  Cole,  and 
their  children  are  Raymond,  Gladys,  Meryl  and  Eleanor.  William  Richard,  born 
March  15,  1878,  was  married  March  14,  1900.  to  Emma  Cole,  and  they  had  three 
children :  Roy  and  Marie,  still  living,  and  a  son  who  died  in  infancy.  Florence 
Elizabeth,  born  December  10,  1879,  became  the  wife  of  William  Wallace  on  the 
22d  of  March,  1899.  They  now  reside  in  Mitchell  county,  Iowa,  and  their  chil- 
dren are  Lloyd,  Glenn  Wilson  and  Ruth.  Jennie  Lucinda,  deceased,  was  born 
December  18,  1881,  and  became  the  wife  of  V.  E.  Hannann  on  the  17th  of  Novem- 
ber, 1902.  Their  children  were  Amy,  Fay,  Feme  and  George.  David  Clarence, 
born  November  22,  1883,  is  a  blacksmith  at  Mineral  Ridge  and  was  married  August 
8,  1906,  to  Barbara  McNain,  by  whom  he  has  three  children,  Emily,  Ernest  and 
Virgil.  Frank  Leroy,  born  March  19,  1885,  was  married  March  10,  1909,  to 
Jennie  Lindmark,  and  they  have  a  daughter,  V^ivian.  Walter  Raymond,  born 
July  II,  1887,  was  married  August  6,  1913,  to  Bessie  Norich,  a  native  of  Russia. 
Esther  Catherine,  born  December  18,  1889,  became  the  wife  of  Ralph  N.  Buech- 
ler  on  the  2d  of  December,  1908,  and  they  have  two  children:  Catherine  and 
Helen.     Elsie   Sophia,  born    March    15,    1892,  became   the   wife  of   Charles   A. 


572  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Buechler,  April  26,  191 1.     All  the  sons  and  sons-in-law  are  farmers  of  Boone 
county,  save  those  whose  occupation  is  otherwise  mentioned. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wilson  are  members  of  the  Baptist  church  and  have  reared 
their  family  in  that  faith.  In  national  politics  he  is  a  stanch  democrat,  but  at 
local  elections  casts  an  independent  ballot.  For  eight  years  he  served  as  town- 
ship trustee,  but  has  never  been  a  politician  in  the  sense  of  office  seeking,  pre- 
ferring to  concentrate  his  energies  upon  his  business  affairs.  Proof  of  his  cap- 
able management  of  his  business  activities  is  found  in  his  splendid  success,  mak- 
ing him  one  of  the  representative  farmers  of  the  county. 


ALFRED  B.  WADE. 


Alfred  B.  Wade,  who  belongs  to  one  of  the  oldest  and  most  prominent  fami- 
lies of  Boone  county  and  is  a  prosperous  and  well-to-do  agriculturist,  was  born 
in  what  is  now  Peoples  township,  January  12,  1857.  His  parents  were  Wash- 
ington and  Lucy  (Bass)  Wade,  the  former  born  in  Medina  county,  Ohio,  in  1818, 
and  the  latter  in  Pennsylvania  in  1825.  The  father  died  in  Woodward,  Iowa, 
in  iyo4,  and  the  mother  in  the  same  city  in  1906.  They  settled  in  Peoples  town- 
ship at  the  early  days,  having  come  overland  from  Illinois,  where  they  had  re- 
sided for  one  year.  They  were  among  the  pioneers  of  this  county  and  made  their 
first  home  on  a  farm  in  Cass  township.  There  were  but  few  settlers  at  that 
time  and  wild  game  was  yet  abundant,  until  the  severe  winter  of  1857.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Washington  Wade  were  the  parents  of  eleven  children:  J.  B.,  of  Nebraska; 
Mrs.  Josephine  Miller,  deceased;  Mrs.  Alice  Calonkey,  of  Woodward;  Mrs.  Jen- 
nie Bettis,  of  Denver,  Colorado ;  Alfred  B.,  of  this  review ;  and  Albert,  twin 
brother  of  our  subject,  who  died  at  the  age  of  nine  months ;  Ella,  residing  in 
Woodward;  Mrs.  Hattie  Hughes,  of  Belle  Plaine,  Iowa;  William  M.,  of  Wood- 
ward :  Mrs.  Minnie  Callahan,  also  of  that  city ;  and  Albertus,  of  Woodward. 
The  three  eldest  were  born  in  Michigan,  the  fourth  in  Illinois  and  the  younger 
ones  in  Boone  county,  where  all  of  them  were  reared  and  attended  the  common 
schools. 

Alfred  B.  Wade  attended  the  schools  of  Peoples  township  and  grew  to  man- 
hood upon  his  father's  farm,  early  becoming  acquainted  with  thoroughly  efficient 
methods  of  farming  and  stock-raising.  He  was  the  first  white  child  born  in 
Peoples  township  and  grew  up  among  conditions  which  were  yet  primitive  in 
the  extreme  and  fraught  with  dangers  and  hardships.  He  followed  fanning 
in  his  native  township  and  eventually  purchased  one  hundred  and  thirty-five  acres 
of  choice  land  adjacent  to  his  first  farm  and  immediately  north  of  the  business 
part  of  Woodward.  Thereon  he  has  since  continued  to  reside  and  has  erected  a 
modern,  well  furnished  home.  In  addition  to  this  place  he  owns  two  hundred 
and  forty  acres  on  section  11,  Peoples  township,  improved  with  two  sets  of  build- 
ings. Mr.  Wade  raises  a  high  grade  of  live  stock  and  besides  looking  after  his 
farming  interests  acts  as  manager  of  the  Farmers  Cooperative  Company  of  Wood- 
ward, showing  excellent  lousiness  ability  in  the  discharge  of  his  duties.  He  has 
prospered  because  of  his  determination,  industry,  honesty  and  energy. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  573 

On  October  4,  1882,  Alfred  B.  Wade  was  married  at  Boonesboro,  Boone 
county,  to  Miss  Hattie  Taylor,  who  was  born  in  Illinois,  August  22,  1859.  She 
came  to  Iowa  with  her  parents  in  the  fall  of  1871,  the  family  locating  in  Peoples 
township,  where  the  father,  William  Taylor,  followed  farming  until  his  death. 
Her  mother,  Mrs.  Mary  E.  (Kinkner)  Taylor,  now  makes  her  home  with  Mrs. 
Wade.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Taylor  were  the  parents  of  six  children:  Mrs.  Hattie 
Wade;  Joseph,  of  Ogden,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Elva  Aliller,  of  Rhodes,  Iowa;  Fred,  of 
Ogden,  this  state;  Mrs.  Rosa  Giles,  of  Long  Beach,  California;  and  Mrs.  Lida 
Egan,  of  Woodward.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wade  had  three  sons  and  one  daughter,  all 
of  whom  were  born  in  Peoples  township.  They  were :  Bruce  Wilfred,  a  resi- 
dent of  Peoples  township;  Glenn,  deceased;  Boyd,  who  assists  his  father  in  his 
farming  and  business  interests;  and  Marie,  attending  the  high  school  in  Wood- 
ward. 

Mr.  Wade  is  a  progressive,  public-spirited  citizen,  always  interested  in  meas- 
ures undertaken  for  the  benefit  of  his  community  and  county.  He  served  as  a 
member  of  the  school  board  in  Peoples  township  and  has  been  a  township  trustee 
in  Dallas  county.  Fraternally  he  and  his  two  sons  are  members  of  Woodward 
Lodge,  No.  460,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  Mrs.  Wade  holds  membership  in  the  Christian 
church  of  Woodward.  He  has  participated  in  the  agricultural  development  of 
Boone  county  and  has  been  an  important  factor  in  its  general  development,  ever 
ready  to  contribute  his  share  and  more  than  his  share  to  the  advancement  and 
upbuilding  of  his  district. 


J.  BENJAMIN  FRISE. 


J.  Benjamin  Frise  has  been  an  important  factor  in  the  agricultural  development 
of  Boone  county,  owning  eighty  acres  of  choice  land  on  section  22,  Garden  town- 
ship, which  farm  is  highly  improved,  bespeaking  by  its  appearance  the  efficient 
methods  which  are  employed  in  its  cultivation.  Mr.  Frise  was  born  in  Kendall 
county,  Illinois,  December  18,  1864,  and  when  ten  years  of  age  came  with  his 
parents  to  Boone  county  in  1874,  the  family  locating  on  the  farm  where  he  still 
resides.  His  parents  were  John  and  Evalina  f  Kennisecn)  Frise,  the  former  born 
in  Prince  Edward  Island,  October  2Q,  1835,  and  the  latter  a  native  of  Vermont. 
The  father  moved  to  Illinois  in  1842  and  in  1874  came  to  Boone  county,  settling 
in  (larden  township,  where  his  wife  died.     He  now  resides  in  Madrid. 

In  their  family  were  the  following  children :  Ida  Arvilla,  who  was  born  August 
23,  1859,  and  died  on  October  17,  i86g;  William  H.,  who  was  born  February 
2,  1861,  and  passed  away  April  16,  1863;  Mrs.  Ella  Lundahl,  who  was  born  No- 
vember 26,  1862,  and  is  now  a  resident  of  Garden  township;  J,  Benjamin,  of  this 
review;  Charles,  who  was  born  January  9,  1866,  and  lives  in  Arizona;  Minnie 
M.,  who  was  born  March  12,  1868,  and  died  March  7,  1871  ;  Harry,  who  was  born 
-September  29,  1872,  and  resides  at  Sheridan,  Wyoming;  Mrs.  Grace  Carlson,  who 
was  born  December  17,  1873,  and  lives  in  Story  county.  Iowa;  Roy,  who  was 
born  April  23,  1876,  and  died  September  4  of  the  same  year;  Mrs.  Irene  Carlson, 
who  was  born  August  25,  1878,  and  makes  her  home  in  Canby,  Minnesota;  Mrs. 
Lulu  Bullington,  who  was  born  December  25,   1879,  and  lives  in   Madrid;  and 


574  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Blanche,  who  was  born  December  2,  1884,  and  also  resides  in  Madrid.  The  four 
eldest  children  were  born  in  Illinois  and  the  remainder  in  Boone  county. 

J.  Benjamin  Frise  attended  school  in  Illinois  and  Garden  township,  this 
county.  He  early  began  to  assist  his  father  with  the  work  on  the  homestead 
farm,  becoming  thoroughly  versed  in  efficient  agricultural  methods.  His  eighty- 
acre  farm  on  section  22,  Garden  township,  is  one  of  the  most  profitable  in  the 
neighborhood  and  there  Mr.  Frise  follows  the  most  modern  and  up-to-date  meth- 
ods. His  buildings  are  kept  in  good  repair  and  his  land  is  planted  to  the  most 
suitable  cereals  and  vegetables.  His  years  of  labor  have  brought  him  prosperity 
and  he  ranks  today  with  the  substantial  citizens  of  Garden  township. 

In  1889  Mr.  Frise  was  married  in  Boone  county  to  Miss  Tillie  Soderlund, 
who  was  born  in  Madrid,  January  i,  1868.  There  she  attended  school  and  grew 
to  womanhood,  having  ever  remained  a  resident  of  that  locality.  Her  parents, 
Jonas  and  Bertha  Soderlund,  were  natives  of  Sweden.  Her  father  died  in  Gar- 
den township  in  1882.  He  was  married  in  Wisconsin  and  had  eight  children,  six 
sons  and  two  daughters :  Lewis,  of  Garden  township,  cultivating  the  Soderlund 
family  homestead;  E.  J.,  of  Madrid;  C.  J.,  also  a  resident  cf  that  city;  Hanson, 
who  died  November  21,  1913;  Andrew,  of  Slater,  Iowa;  Mrs.  J.  Benjamin  Frise; 
Mrs.  Mary  Alsin,  who  died  in  Slater,  Iowa ;  and  William,  who  died  in  infancy. 
The  five  eldest  children  were  born  in  Wisconsin  and  the  younger  ones  in  Garden 
township,  this  county,  where  all  were  reared.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Frise  three 
daughters  were  born:  Ethel  May,  who  was  born  May  2,  1890,  and  resides  with 
her  father;  Stella,  who  was  born  in  1892,  and  is  also  at  home;  and  Mrs.  Ruby 
Frisk.  All  were  born  on  the  old  homestead  in  Garden  township  and  attended 
the  common  schools  in  the  neighborhood.  Mrs.  Frisk  was  also  a  high-school 
student  at  Slater.  The  mother  died  in  Garden  township,  sincerely  mourned 
by  her  many  friends,  who  recognized  in  her  a  woman  of  rare  'qualities. 

Mr.  Frise  gives  his  vote  to  the  republican  party.  For  a  number  of  years  he 
served  as  clerk  of  Garden  township  and  for  fifteen  years  has  been  a  member  of 
the  school  board.  He  belongs  to  the  Congregational  church,  attending  in  Gar- 
den Prairie,  and  is  a  member  of  the  Modem  Woodmen  of  America  at  Slater. 
He  has  always  taken  a  deep  interest  in  public  afi^airs  and  has  done  much  toward 
promoting  progress  and  advancement.  He  stands  high  in  the  community,  receiv- 
ing the  esteem  and  respect  of  all  who  know  him. 


CHARLES  TUCKER. 


Charles  Tucker,  of  Boone,  Iowa,  is  not  only  an  honored  veteran  of  the  Civil 
war,  having  participated  in  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  but  he  gave  for  many  years 
his  efforts  to  teaching  and  those  who  came  under  his  instruction  profited  by  his 
lessons  and  went  forth  from  him  as  valuable  members  of  society.  He  is  now 
in  his  seventy-fourth  year  and  can  look  back  with  pride  upon  a  career  which  has 
been  of  great  usefulness  to  his  country  and  particularly  his  county  and  nearer 
neighborhood.  At  present  he  is  engaged  in  the  grocery  business  at  1019  Story 
street,  Boone,  and  enjoys  a  gratifying  trade  because  he  is  always  courteous  and 
obliging  to  his  customers  and  follows  honorable  and  straightforward  methods. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  575 

Mr.  Tucker  was  born  on  a  farm  September  6,  1840,  in  the  town  of  Greenwich, 
Washington  county,  New  York,  his  paternal  ancestors  coming  originally  from 
England.  Three  brothers,  the  original  forbears  of  the  Tucker  family  in  America, 
settled  in  this  country  before  1776,  one  choosing  Rhode  Island  as  his  residence, 
another  making  his  home  in  Connecticut  and  the  third  in  Virginia.  Simeon 
Tucker,  grandfather  of  Charles  Tucker,  participated  in  the  war  of  Revolution. 
He  and  his  wife  died  in  Rhode  Island  and  were  buried  on  their  farm  near  Caro- 
lina Mills.  Samuel  Tucker,  the  father,  was  born  on  the  homestead  there  and  was 
one  of  eight  children.  He  received  a  common-school  education  and  when  a  young 
man  went  to  Washington  county,  New  York,  where  he  bought  a  farm.  He  mar- 
ried Betsy  Coon,  a  daughter  of  Charles  Coon,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  died  on 
the  old  farm  near  Cossayuna,  New  York.  They  were  Quakers  originally  but  later 
attended  the  Baptist  church. 

Their  family  consisted  of  eight  children,  six  sons  and  two  daughters :  Frank- 
lin, Lydia  Ann,  Harriet,  Henry  C.  and  Horace  are  deceased,  leaving  William 
Penn,  Charles  and  Simeon  now  living. 

Charles  Tucker  attended  the  public  schools  and  academy  of  Greenwich  and 
subsequently  the  Fort  Edward  Seminary.  He  then  returned  to  the  Greenwich 
Academy  to  prepare  for  entering  college  at  Schenectady,  but  the  Civil  war  broke 
out  and  after  several  calls  for  volunteers  had  been  issued,  he  enlisted  in  August, 
1862,  as  a  private  in  Company  A,  One  Hundred  and  Twenty-third  New  York 
Volunteer  Infantry,  his  term  being  for  three  years.  He  was  under  Captain  A.  T. 
Mason  and  Colonel  A.  L.  McDougall,  and  his  regiment  was  assigned  to  the  First 
Brigade  of  the  First  Division  of  the  Twelfth  Army  Corps  under  General  H.  W. 
Slocum.  In  the  fall  after  he  had  enlisted  he  was  taken  sick  at  Loudoun  Val- 
ley, Virginia,  and  was  afterward  taken  to  Harpers  Ferry  and  placed  in  the  hos- 
pital. There  he  remained  until  March,  1863,  many  times  being  near  the  point  of 
death.  At  one  time  he  had  just  written  a  letter  home  asking  for  some  money, 
when  the  doctor  came  to  his  cot  and  he  asked  him  what  the  verdict  was.  As 
the  assurances  of  the  physician  were  not  very  encouraging,  Mr.  Tucker  recalled 
his  letter  and  wrote  another  one  asking  to  be  taken  home.  The  father  sent  the 
family  doctor  for  him.  He  remained  at  home  until  the  ist  of  June,  when  he 
rejoined  his  regiment  about  twenty  miles  above  Washington.  They  became  part 
of  the  main  army  and  he  participated  in  the  battle  of  Gettysburg,  after  which 
they  went  to  Bristow  Station,  \'irginia.  The  army  was  then  reorganized  and 
Mr.  Tucker's  regiment  with  the  Eleventh  and  Twelfth  Corps  was  ordered  to  join 
Sherman.  He  then  did  general  duty  in  patrolling  the  Louisville  &  Nashville  Rail- 
road, being  detached  from  his  regiment,  but  afterward  joined  his  command  and 
participated  in  the  battles  of  Chattanooga,  Resaca  and  New  Hope  Church,  Col- 
onel .McDougall  being  killed  in  the  last  engagement.  He  was  also  at  Marietta, 
Kenesaw  Mountain,  Peach  Tree  Creek  and  Atlanta.  There  he  remained  until 
the  fall  of  1864,  when  he  went  with  Sherman  to  the  sea  and  afterward  marched 
through  the  Carolinas  to  Washington  and  took  part  in  the  grand  review.  He 
was  mustered  out  in  June,  1865,  receiving  his  discharge  in  Albany,  New  York. 
He  returned  home  and  there  spent  the  summer.  In  the  winter  he  took  up  school 
teaching  in  Greenwich,  ha\ing  already  been  engaged  in  that  line  of  work  before 
he  joined  the  army.  In  the  spring  of  1866  Mr.  Tucker  made  his  way  to  Jo  Daviess 
county,  Illinois,  on  a  visit  and  thence  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  which  at  that 


576  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

time  was  the  end  of  the  railroad.  In  the  summer  of  that  year  he  solicited  insur- 
ance and  also  sold  shrubbery.  He  then  began  teaching  in  Des  Moines  township, 
continuing  so  for  four  terms  and  remaining  a  teacher  for  about  twelve  years 
in  all,  the  last  live  of  which  were  spent  in  the  schools  of  Boone.  For  four  years 
of  this  time  he  was  principal  of  the  grammar  school  and  the  fifth  year  he  acted 
as  principal  of  the  Boone  school.  At  one  time  he  was  a  candidate  for  the  office 
of  county  superintendent  of  schools,  but  was  defeated.  Mr.  Tucker  has  always 
given  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  is  still  true  to  those  political 
colors.  For  thirty  years  he  has  been  a  member  of  the  Universalist  church  and 
has  been  president  of  the  board  for  the  last  ten  or  twelve  years.  Fraternally 
he  is  a  Mason  and  has  been  a  member  of  that  order  since  1868. 

In  August,  1871,  Mr.  Tucker  was  married,  in  Madrid,  Iowa, -to  Miss  Emma 
A.  Norton,  of  Boone,  a  daughter  of  Andrew  S.  and  Elizabeth  (Hoppin)  Norton, 
and  to  this  union  were  born  two  children.  Grace  E.,  a  graduate  of  the  Boone 
high  school,  has  engaged  in  teaching  and  for  five  years  has  served  as  county  super- 
intendent of  schools  here ;  Scott  Emory  received  his  education  in  Boone  and  at 
the  age  of  nineteen  entered  his  father's  store  as  a  clerk.  He  at  first  acted  as 
delivery  boy  but  is  now  a  member  of  the  firm.  Mrs.  Tucker  died  in  Boone, 
September  28,  1908,  her  dedth  causing  sincere  regret  among  her  many  friends. 
Mr.  Tucker  is  highly  respected  and  esteemed  by  all  who  know  him  and  stands 
high  as  a  citizen  of  Boone  county. 


DAVID  H.  LATHAM. 


David  H.  Latham  is  a  farmer  living  near  the  southern  line  of  Boone,  in  Des 
Aloines  township,  where  he  owns  a  tract  of  ten  acres.  He  was  born  in  that  town- 
ship. April  2().  1855,  his  parents  being  Labron  and  Mary  (Parker)  Latham.  The 
father's  birth  occurred  in  the  state  of  Indiana  in  1824  and  he  there  spent  his  boy- 
hood. He  acquired  a  common-school  education  and  when  a  young  man  moved 
with  his  parents  to  Iowa.  Throughout  his  entire  life  he  followed  the  occupation 
of  farming  and  became  a  well  known  figure  in  agricultural  circles  in  Boone 
county.  F'ollowing  his  demise  his  widow  became  the  wife  of  Michael  Myers 
and  died  in  Boone  county  in  i8q2  at  the  age  of  fifty-eight  years.  Both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Labron  Latham  were  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  his 
political  endorsement  was  given  to  the  republican  party.  In  the  family  were 
three  children.  John  W.,  who  married  Miss  Sarah  Doty,  was  a  business  man  of 
( )maha,  in  which  city  he  passed  away.  David  is  the  second.  Alice  M.  is  now 
Mrs.  Thornton  of  Los  Angeles,  California.  By  the  mother's  second  marriage 
there  were  two  children:  Charles  R.,  now  living  in  Seattle,  Washington:  and 
Belle,  the  w^fe  of  C.  A.  Ingersoll,  of  Boone. 

Reared  under  the  parental  roof,  David  H.  Latham  pursued  his  education  in 
the  public  schools  of  Boone,  his  first  teacher  being  a  Miss  Wood,  while  his 
last  teacher  was  John  M.  Reynolds.  He  left  school  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years 
and  the  lessons  which  he  has  since  learned  are  those  which  we  master  in  the 
school  of  experience.  He  started  out  in  life  as  a  farm  hand,  working  on  the 
home  farm  and  for  others.     On  the  25th  of  September,  1878,  he  was  united  in 


ilR. 


AND  MRS.  DAVID  11.  LATHAM 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  579- 

marriage  to  Miss  Mary  F.  Wayne,  who  was  born  in  Des  Moines  township,  Boone 
county,  June  ii,  1858.  She,  too,  was  educated  in  the  public  schools,  her  first 
teacher  being  Henry  Lucas  and  her  last  teacher  Professor  Charles  Tucker.  Mrs. 
Latham  is  a  daughter  of  John  M.  and  Caroline  (Hull)  Wayne  and  her  maternal 
grandfather  was  James  Hull  of  Worth  township. 

At  the  time  of  their  marriage  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Latham  began  their  domestic 
life  in  Des  Moines  township,  where  they  have  since  lived.  His  present  farm  was 
left  him  by  his  mother,  his  father  having  preempted  forty  acres  of  land  in  1854,, 
of  which  this  is  a  part.  Mr.  Latham  erected  his  present  place  of  residence  in 
1894  in  what  was  then  a  meadow.  He  has  made  many  improvements  and  today 
has  a  most  commodioiis,  comfortable  and  attractive  residence  in  the  midst  of 
pleasant  surroundings.  Here  he  has  reared  his  family  of  four  children.  Grace 
Blanch,  the  eldest,  is  now  in  Des  Moines.  Lulu  May  is  the  wife  of  W.  H.  Mor- 
rison, of  Boone.  Orville  Ray,  superintendent  of  schools  at  Pomeroy,  pursued 
his  education  in  the  public  schools  of  Boone  and  in  the  University  of  Iowa.  He 
was  graduated  when  twenty-one  years  of  age  and  the  same  year  began  teaching 
at  Coggon,  Iowa,  where  he  remained  for  a  year.  He  next  went  to  Pomeroy  as 
principal.  He  was  married  June  5,  1913,  to  Miss  Helen  Fern  Walter,  of  Iowa 
City.  Esther  Fay,  the  youngest  member  of  the  family,  was  graduated  in  June, 
1913,  from  the  Boone  high  school  and  for  a  time  taught  in  the  Fourth  ward 
school  of  this  city. 

Mr.  Latham  was  reared  in  the  faith  of  the  Methodist  E,'piscopal  church.  His 
political  belief  is  that  of  the  republican  party  and  he  regards  it  the  duty,  as  well 
as  the  privilege  of  the  American  citizen  to  exercise  his  right  of  franchise.  His 
popularity  among  his  fellowmen  has  its  root  in  the  fact  that  he  is  always  con- 
siderate of  the  opinions  of  others,  is  always  straightforward  and  reliable  in  busi- 
ness and  loyal  in  friendship. 


SEBASTIAN  MACKEY. 

Sebastian  Mackey,  deceased,  was  for  many  years  prominently  identified  with 
the  agricultural  interests  of  Boone  county  and  at  his  death  the  communitv  real- 
ized that  it  had  lost  a  valued  and  useful  citizen.  He  was  born  in  Pickaway  county, 
Ohio,  in  November,  1827,  and  in  1845  accompanied  his  parents  on  their  removal 
to  Piatt  county,  Illinois,  where  he  grew  to  manhood  upon  a  farm.  His  parents, 
Joseph  and  Catherine  (Cole)  Mackey,  made  their  home  in  that  state  until  called 
from  this  life.  His  father  was  a  native  of  New  Jersey,  and  the  family  was  of 
Irish  and  Dutch  lineage.  Mr.  Mackey  had  two  sisters,  one  of  whom  still  resides 
in  Mansfield.  Illinois,  at  an  advanced  age. 

While  still  a  resident  of  Piatt  county,  Illinois,  Mr.  Mackey  was  married,  Sep- 
tember II,  1853,  to  Miss  Susan  Kerr,  who  was  born  in  Franklin  county,  Ohio,. 
in  1832,  her  parents  being  John  A.  and  Mary  Polly  (Peterson)  Kerr,  who  were 
originally  from  Pennsylvania  and  of  Dutch  descent.  They  removed  to  Piatt 
county  in  1838  and  there  Mrs.  Mackey  passed  her  girlhood.  She  has  one  sister 
living.  Mrs.  Carrie  Adams,  who  is  ten  years  her  junior  and  is  a  resident  of  Craw- 
ford, Nebraska.     The  children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mackey  are  as  follows: 


580  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Marcellus,  who  was  an  extensive  cattleman  of  Frontier  county,  Nebraska,  died  in 
the  fall  of  1913,  leaving  a  widow  and  four  sons  and  one  daughter,  who  are  all 
grown.  Lenora,  the  next  of  the  family,  is  the  wife  of  Andrew  C.  Johnson,  a 
farmer  of  Harrison  township, 'and  they  have  three  daughters.  Martha  is  the  wife 
of  August  Stoll,  a  farmer  living  near  Ontario,  Story  county,  Iowa,  and  they 
have  seven  daughters.  Sebastian,  Jr.,  a  carpenter  and  contractor,  is  married  and 
has  two  sons :  Edgar,  who  owns  and  operates  land  in  both  Dodge  and  Des  Moines 
townships,  is  married  and  has  one  daughter,  but  his  wife  is  now  deceased.  John, 
who  lives  near  the  old  homestead  in  Harrison  township,  is  married  and  has  two 
sons  and  one  daughter.  George,  also  a  farmer  of  Harrison  township,  is  married 
and  has  two  sons. 

Coming  to  Boone  county  in  1854,  Mr.  Mackey  purchased  a  farm  in  Jackson 
township  and  a  year  later  brought  his  family  to  this  locality.  In  1856,  however, 
he  removed  to  section  22,  Harrison  township,  where  he  made  his  home  until  his 
death  on  the  8th  of  June,  191 1.  In  his  farming  operations  he  met  with  most  ex- 
cellent success  and  became  the  owner  of  four  hundred  and  eighty  acres  of  very 
valuable  and  well  improved  land.  In  connection  with  farming  he  carried  on  his 
stock  business,  probably  handling  more  stock  than  any  other  man  in  the  county. 
He  bought,  raised  and  fed  for  the  market  large  herds  of  cattle.  He  was  one 
of  the  most  prominent  men  of  his  community  and  Mackey's  Grove,  now  known 
as  Mackey,  was  named  in  his  honor.  On  first  coming  to  this  locality  he  built  a 
house  from  lumber  hauled  from  the  sawmill  at  Mil  ford  on  the  Des  Moines  river, 
and  he  was  actively  identified  with  the  early  development  and  improvement  of 
this  locality.  His  political  support  was  given  the  democratic  party,  and  he  served 
as  trustee  and  in  various  township  offices.  He  was  an  honored  member  of  the 
Masonic  fraternity  and  was  a  man  whom  to  know  was  to  honor. 


JOHN  MACKEY. 


John  Mackey,  who  is  today  successfully  operating  his  fine  farm  of  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty  acres  on  section  22,  Harrison  township,  together  with  the  home 
property  of  one  hundred  and  si.xty  acres,  was  born  on  the  old  homestead,  Novem- 
ber 20,  1867,  and  is  a  son  of  Sebastian  Mackey,  of  whom  mention  is  made  on 
another  page  of  this  volume.  Reared  upon  the  old  homestead,  he  early  became 
familiar  with  all  the  duties  that  fall  to  the  lot  of  the  agriculturist  and  is  today 
regarded  as  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  his  community.  His  literary  educa- 
tion was  obtained  in  the  public  schools  and  since  laying  aside  his  text-books  he 
has  given  his  entire  time  and  attention  to  general  farming  and  stock-raising  and 
is  today  operating  three  hundred  and  twenty  acres,  including  the  farm  on  which 
he  was  reared. 

Mr.  Mackey  was  married  in  1893  to  Miss  Aggie  Marsden,  a  native  of  Penn- 
sylvania tmd  a  daughter  of  John  and  Margaret  Marsden,  who  now  make  their 
home  at  Gilbert  Station,  Story  county,  Iowa.  For  many  years,  however,  her 
father  owned  and  cultivated  land  in  Boone  county.  He  has  now  reached  the 
advanced  age  of  ninety  years,  while  his  wife  is  eighty-two  years  of  age.  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Mackey  have  three  children,  namely,  James  H.,  Maggie  C.  and  Clark  I. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  581 

Since  attaining  his  majority  Mr.  Mackey  has  affiliated  with  the  repubhcan 
party  and  takes  quite  an  active  and  commendable  interest  in  public  affairs.  Fra- 
ternally he  is  a  member  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America  and  is  a  man  hon- 
ored and  esteemed  by  all  who  know  him. 


GEORGE  MACKEY. 


George  Mackey,  a  brother  of  John  Mackey,  follows  farming  on  section  3,  Har- 
rison township,  where  he  owns  a  well  cultivated  and  highly  improved  place  of 
one  hundred  fifty-one  and  a  half  acres.  He  was  born  in  this  county  July  19,  1873, 
and  received  a  good  common-school  education.  On  the  3d  of  January,  1900,  he 
married  Miss  Jennie  Kennedy,  a  daughter  of  William  James  and  Ellen  (Manion) 
Kennedy,  now  residing  at  Grand  Junction,  Iowa.  The  children  born  of  this  union 
are  Glen  Roosevelt  and  Samuel  Kerr,  both  attending  school. 

Since  1907  Mr.  Mackey  has  resided  upon  his  present  place  and  to  its  cultiva- 
tion and  improvement  has  devoted  his  undivided  attention.  In  politics  he  is  a 
progressive  republican,  and  he  has  most  ably  filled  the  office  of  school  director  for 
two  terms.  He  has  never,  however,  given  much  attention  to  political  afl:'airs,  pre- 
ferring to  devote  his  entire  time  to  the  oi)cration  of  his  farm,  and  its  neat  and 
thrifty  appearance  indicates  to  the  passerby  that  he  thoroughly  understands  the 
occupation  which  he  follows. 


ISAAC  C.  HARMON. 


Isaac  C.  Harmon,  who  for  almost  sixty  years  has  been  a  resident  of  I'.oone 
county,  was  born  in  Richland  county,  Ohio,  October  25,  1832,  and  is  a  son  of 
Horatio  and  Lucy  (Clark)  Harmon,  who  in  1818  removed  from  Vermont  to 
Richland  county,  Ohio,  where  they  spent  the  remainder  of  their  lives.  In  their 
family  were  eight  children,  but  Isaac  C.  is  now  the  only  one  living.  In  the  fall 
of  1854  he  came  to  Iowa  and  after  spending  a  short  time  in  Polk  county  became 
a  resident  of  Boone  county  in  the  spring  of  1855.  Here  he  commenced  herding 
cattle  for  Sebastian  Mackey  and  has  since  been  connected  with  the  Mackev  family. 
He  is  widely  and  favorably  known  in  the  locality  where  he  resides  and  has  many 
warm   friends   in   Harrison   township. 


JEFFERSON  D.  GILDEA. 


Jefferson  D.  Gildea,  who  deserves  mention  in  this  volume  as  one  of  the  hon- 
ored soldiers  of  the  Civil  war  and  a  representative  citizen  of  Boone  county,  now 
makes  his  home  on  section  27,  Worth  township,  where  he  has  resided  for  the  past 
fifty  years.  Here  he  owns  a  valuable  and  well  improved  farm  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty  acres  and  also  has  another  tract  of  forty  acres  on  section  22  of  the 


582  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

same  township,  and  forty  in  section  29,  and  he  is  successfully  engaged  in  general 
farming  and  stock  raising.  He  was  born  in  Louisville,  Kentucky,  April  20,  1840, 
his  parents  being  Thomas  B.  and  Mary  (Boyd)  Gildea.  His  father  was  a  native 
of  England  and  was  a  young  man  when  he  emigrated  to  America.  His  paternal 
grandfather,  Captain  James  Gildea,  followed  the  sea  and  was  commander  of  a 
vessel.  He  was  born  in  Ireland  and  married  an  English  lady,  after  which  he  made 
his  home  in  England  for  some  years.  Coming  to  America,  he  secured  a  farm 
in  Harrison  county,  Indiana,  but  he  continued  to  follow  the  sea  and  was  eventually 
captured  by  pirates  and  put  to  death.  His  widow  afterward  married  John  Zenor, 
and  they  located  on  the  farm  in  Harrison  county,  Indiana,  continuing  to  make 
their  home  there  throughout  the  remainder  of  their  lives. 

James  Gildea,  a  son  by  the  first  marriage,  and  the  uncle  of  our  subject,  came 
to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  the  early  '50s  and  secured  the  land  in  Worth  town- 
ship now  occupied  by  Jefferson  D.  Gildea.  The  uncle  remained  here  until  his 
death,  an  honored  and  highly  esteemed  citizen  of  the  community.  I'rior  to  com- 
ing to  this  state  he  had  been  engaged  in  the  mercantile  business  in  Bowling  Green, 
Indiana,  in  partnership  with  Robert  Wingate,  who  also  came  to  Boone  and  at 
one  time  owned  the  site  of  the  northwestern  part  of  that  city,  it  being  still  known 
as  VVingate's  addition. 

Thomas  B.  Gildea,  father  of  our  subject,  accompanied  the  family  on  their 
emigration  to  America  and  after  living  in  Indiana  for  some  years  came  to  Boone 
county,  Iowa,  locating  in  section  22,  Worth  township,  where  he  secured  one  hun- 
dred and  twenty  acres  of  land.  He  later  bought  eighty  acres  on  section  29  and 
continued  to  make  his  home  here  until  he  passed  away  at  the  age  of  about  seventy- 
three  years.  At  the  age  of  sixteen  years  he  became  connected  with  the  boating 
business  on  the  Ohio  river  and  eventually  became  captain  of  a  vessel  which  he 
owned.  He  continued  to  follow  the  river  until  his  removal  to  Iowa,  when  he 
turned  his  attention  to  farming  in  Boone  county.  In  Indiana  he  was  a  member 
of  the  United  Brethren  church,  but  here  joined  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church. 
He  was  also  identified  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  served 
as  trustee  of  Worth  township  for  many  years.  His  wife,  who  also  held  member- 
ship in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  was  a  native  of  Ohio  and  survived  him 
for  twelve  years.  They  had  five  children,  of  whom  three  died  in  infancy,  those 
now  surviving  being  Jefferson  D.,  of  this  review;  and  Susan,  the  wife  of  Jacob 
Hoffman,  of  Boone.  The  father  was  twice  married,  his  first  wife  being  Susan 
Lloyd,  by  whom  he  had  one  son,  Thomas  J.,  the  father  of  John  T.  Gildea,  whose 
sketch  appears  elsewhere  in  this  volume. 

Jefferson  D.  Gildea  was  in  his  fourteenth  year  when  the  family  came  to  Boone 
county,  Iowa.  He  attended  the  subscription  schools  during  the  winter  months. 
while  throughout  the  summer  he  aided  in  the  work  of  the  home  farm  until  his 
marriage.  He  then  built  a  house  upon  that  farm,  but  eventually  became  the 
owner  of  the  home  of  his  uncle,  as  previously  stated.  He  has  followed  farming 
with  marked  success  and  has  devoted  considerable  attention  to  stock  raising. 

Mr.  Gildea  was  married  May  3,  1863,  to  Miss  Sarah  Doran,  who  died  on  the 
20th  of  May,  igo6,  at  the  age  of  fifty-nine  years.  She  was  born  in  Ohio,  but  in 
the  early  '50s  was  brought  to  this  county  by  her  parents,  George  and  Lydia  Doran. 
She  has  three  sisters  living,  namely :  Mrs.  George  Millard  and  Mrs.  William  R. 
Dyer,  of   Boone;  and   Mrs.  George  Bennett,  of  Oregon.     She  also  had  a  half 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  583 

brother,  Andrew  Doran,  who  now  resides  on  the  western  coast.  Of  the  eight 
children  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Gildea,  seven  are  Hving,  while  Charles,  died  at  the 
age  of  nineteen  years.  Teresa  became  the  wife  of  Nathan  Burlingame,  formerly 
a  railroad  engineer  who  is  now  engaged  in  farming  in  Worth  township,  and  they 
have  one  child,  Merrill.  Carrie  is  the  wife  of  J.  E.  Hoffman,  a  farmer,  and  they 
have  six  children :  .Mabel,  the  wife  of  Charles  Elliott  of  Boone ;  Clarence,  oper- 
ating our  subject's  farm ;  Mrs.  Iva  Yeager,  of  Colfax  township ;  lona  and  Ross, 
at  home ;  and  Mrs.  Daisy  Killion,  of  Worth  township.  Mary,  the  third  daughter 
of  our  subject,  is  the'wife  of  Tyler  Hoffman  of  Luther,  who  carries  on  business 
as  a  liveryman  and  farmer.  They  have  four  children,  Archie  C,  William  C, 
Opal  and  Harold.  Anna  and  Rosa  are  both  at  home.  Charles  was  the  next  in 
order  of  birth.  Ella  is  the  wife  of  Philip  Hoffman,  a  farmer  living  in  Clear  Lake, 
Iowa.  John  H.  is  engaged  in  farming  on  section  22,  Worth  township.  He  mar- 
ried Daisy  Boone,  daughter  of  \'irgil  Boone,  and  they  have  one  son,  Harry,  aged 
nine  years. 

During  the  dark  days  of  the  Civil  war  Mr.  Gildea  felt  that  his  country  needed 
his  services  and  in  October,  1861,  he  enlisted  in  Company  D,  Sixteenth  Iowa  Vol- 
unteer Infantry  and  was  mustered  in  the  following  December.  He  served  under 
General  Sherman  for  nine  months  and  was  then  discharged  on  account  of  dis- 
ability and  returned  home.  His  discharge  papers  were  lost,  however,  and 
owing  to  that  fact  he  was  afterward  drafted  (a  most  peculiar  and  unusual  cir- 
cumstance) and  then  became  a  member  of  Company  D,  Thirteenth  Iowa  Volun- 
teer Infantry.  At  Goldsboro,  North  Carolina,  he  met  his  old  regiment  and  went 
with  them  to  Washington,  D.  C,  where  lie  participated  in  the  grand  review  at 
the  close  of  the  war.  He  is  today  an  honored  member  of  the  Grand  .\rmy  of  the 
Republic  i)ost  at  Madrid,  Iowa.  By  his  ballot  he  supports  the  men  and  measures 
of  the  republican  party  and  he  is  an  earnest  member  of  the  Methodist  church,  to 
which  his  wife  also  belonged. 


LEONARD  E.  JOHNSON. 

Leonard  E,  Johnson  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  elevator  business  in  Madrid 
and  also  handles  Iowa  and  Illinois  hard  and  soft  coal.  He  was  born  in  Sweden, 
September  16,  1864,  and  was  brought  to  America  by  his  parents,  C.  E.  and  Louisa 
(Bergreen)  Johnson,  in  1865,  the  family  at  first  locating  in  Illinois,  where  they 
remained  for  six  months.  They  then  removed  to  Des  ]Moines,  Iowa,  where 
they  made  their  home  for  a  similar  length  of  time.  At  the  end  of  that  period 
they  came  to  Swede  point,  Boone  county,  and  settled  in  Douglas  township  in 
1866,  where  they  remained  until  1876.  when  the  father  purchased  land  in  (larden 
township,  where  he  successfully  followed  agricultural  pursuits  until  1893.  The 
parents  were  both  born  in  Sweden,  the  father  July  20,  1829,  and  the  mother  Jan- 
uary 5,  1827.  The  father  died  in  Madrid,  November  28,  1902,  after  a  long  and 
successful  career  in  this  country.  There  his  widow  is  still  residing.  Of  their 
four  sons  two  are  living :  Albert  W.,  residing  in  Omaha,  Nebraska ;  and  Leon- 
ard E.,  of  this  review.  Carl  H.  and  Edward  T.  both  died  in  infancy.  The  three 
elder  children  were  born  in  Sweden,  but  Edward  T.  was  a  native  of  Boone  county. 


584  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Tbe>'  attended  the  tzrYvex  schools  of  the  county,  receiving  most  of  their  edaca- 
tion  in  the  Elk  Rapids  school 

Leonz-td  E.  Johnson  followed  agricultural  pursuits  in  early  life.  With  the 
exception  of  about  three  years,  which  he  spent  in  the  Dakotas,  he  has  been  a  con- 
tinuous resident  of  Boone  county.  Upon  his  return  to  this  state  he  followed  vari- 
ous trades,  being  emplojed  for  five  3-ears  in  an  implenaent  store  in  iladrid.  From 
1910  to  1912  he  was  connected  with  the  elevator  in  that  city  and  in  1912  he  pur- 
chased the  pTOptrty  in  partnership  with  Carl  Lundahl  and  is  at  present  success- 
fully er^^ed  in  the  elevator  business.  Thej-  buy  and  sell  grain  and  also  deal  in 
Iowa  and  Illinois  coal  and  seeds.  Mr.  Johnson  has  proved  himself  a  most  able 
business  man  and  has  been  stKxessful  because  he  is  up-to-date  in  his  methods  and 
always  treats  his  customers  with  the  greatest  fairness  and  liberality.  He  has 
gained  the  confidence  of  all  who  have  had  business  connections  with  him  and  his 
name  stands  high  in  commercial  and  financial  circles. 

In  18^  Leonard  E.  Johnson  married  ^liss  Amanda  C.  Lundahl,  who  was  bom 
in  Douglas  township,  February  10,  1S68.  There  she  attended  school  and  grew 
to  womanhood.  Both  her  parents,  Andrew  and  Johanna  Lundahl,  passed  away 
in  Boooe  cr>unty.  The>-  were  natives  of  Sweden  and  came  to  America  in  1865, 
locating  on  a  Douglas  township  farm.  Thej-  were  among  the  pioneer  settlers  and 
the  family  was  one  of  the  most  highly  esteemed  in  the  township.  The  father  was 
iDOst  successful  in  his  agricultural  work  and  was  considered  a  leader  in  instituting 
njodern  methods  and  trjing  out  new  ideas  in  farming.  Mr.  and  ilrs.  Lundahl  had 
six  children,  as  follows :  Mrs.  Westerberg,  deceased ;  John  C,  residing  in  iladrid ; 
Frederick,  deceased ;  Frank,  who  resides  in  Canada ;  \'ictor,  of  Garden  township ; 
and  Mrs.  Leonard  E.  Johnson.  Mrs.  Johnson  was  bora  in  Boone  county  but  her 
brothers  and  sisters  were  natives  of  Sweden. 

Mr.  Johnson  gives  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party.  He  was  cierk  of 
Douglas  township  from  April  15.  i;/>7,  until  he  resigned  the  office  in  Januarj-,  1914, 
and  discharged  his  duties  to  the  great  satisfaction  of  all  concerned.  Both  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Jcfcison  are  memt>ers  of  St.  John's  Swedish  Lutheran  church  of  iladrid, 
of  which  the  former  has  been  deacon  for  many  years.  He  is  one  of  the  substan- 
tial citizens  of  iladrid  and  enjojs  the  high  esteem  and  respect  of  the  community. 


WILLIAil  R.  MATT. 


Winiam  R.  -ilatt,  a  prominent  real-estate  dealer  of  Boone,  was  born  in  Col- 
umbiana county,  Ohio,  on  the  6th  of  ilarch,  1855,  a  son  of  Francis  Silas  and  Mary 
Matt.  His  early  boyhood  was  passed  in  bis  native  state,  but  when  he  was  eight 
years  of  age  bis  parents  broo^it  him  to  Wisconsin,  locating  near  Fond  du  I-ac. 

That  "  r as  then  ;- -  '  and  the  father  located  on  new  land.    William  R. 

ilatt  '-  -  school  u  ^  or  sixteen  years  of  age,  enjoying  the  usual 

edticat jonai  opportunities  of  the  time  and  region.  The  family  then  nvwed  to  Boone 
j.^-.--  .„;  ;_.-  -.^,^  ^  ^j^^  month  of  ilarch.  Seulemem  was  made  on  a  farm 
ir.  -J,  where  the  father  purchased  a  half  section.     He  has  since 

added  to  it  until  be  holds  title  to  two  htmdred  and  forty  acres  of  fertile  land. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  585 

The  home  farm  was  wild  land,  and  our  subject  helped  to  break  the  sjround  and 
to  care  for  the  crops  when  the  soil  had  been  prepared  for  planting  and  cultivation. 
This  region  then  abounded  in  game  and  our  subject  spent  much  of  his 
spare  time  hunting  prairie  chickens,  deer  and  wolves.  He  remained  at  home 
until  he  was  tweniy-two  years  of  age  and  then  purchased  one  hundred  and 
twenty  acres  of  land  near  Story  City,  Iowa.  His  newly  acquired  farm  was 
unbroken  land,  but  he  was  undaunted  by  this  and  began  its  improvement  imiuedi- 
ately.  He  built  a  small  shanty,  which  remaincil  his  home  lor  some  time.  He  did 
all  of  the  work  of  the  farm  and  also  the  work  of  the  house  himself,  and  so  efficient 
was  he  that  prosperity  came  to  him.  lie  retained  ownership  of  the  farm  for 
eleven  years,  during  which  period  his  marriage  occurred.  He  returned  to  Boone 
in  1888  and  here  engaged  in  butchering.  He  was  later  for  a  time  in  the  implement 
business  anil  subsequently  l-onducted  a  livery  and  feed  concern  and  coal  and  wood 
yard.  Previous  to  this  he  had  been  appointed  policeman  by  Mayor  P.  Wells, 
serving  for  a  year  and  a  half.  Inir  the  past  twenty-six  years  he  has  been  con- 
nected with  the  city  fire  tlepartment,  being  one  of  the  oldest  volunteer  members 
thereof  in  point  of  length  of  service. 

Mr.  Matt  was  married  in  iS>^j  to  Miss  Christine  Hansen,  a  native  of  Denmark, 
who  was  brought  to  the  L'nited  States  by  her  parents  when  she  was  eight  years 
of  age.  Si.x  children  have  been  born  to  the  union  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Matt  as  fol- 
lows: Emma,  a  graduate  of  a  parochial  school,  formerly  a  teacher  in  Pmiouc  and 
Ham])ton,  for  two  years  principal  in  Hampton  and  now  a  teacher  in  the  high 
school  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity  at  Lincoln;  Jennie,  who  was  a  teacher  in  the 
Boone  county  schools,  but  is  now  a  Sister  of  Charity  in  Chicago;  .Mice,  a  graduate 
of  Sacred  Heart  school  and  for  some  time  a  stenographer  in  Boone,  who  marrieil 
Paul  Kelley,  a  conductor  of  the  Xortliwestern  Railroad;  .Mary,  educated  in  a  local 
school  conducted  by  the  sisters,  and  now  a  stcnograiihcr  employed  by  Means 
Brothers  of  Boone;  Katharine,  for  a  number  of  years  a  teacher  in  Boone  couiUy ; 
and  William,  at  school.  Mr.  Matt  is  a  member  of  the  Sacrcil  He;irt  church  and 
belongs  to  the  Knights  of  Columbus.  He  is  a  dciuocrat,  stanchly  upholding  the 
principles  of  that  party  and  invariably  giving  it  his  sujiport  at  the  polls.  He  has 
proven  himself  thoroughly  reliable,  whether  in  the  city's  service  as  a  part  of  her 
defense  against  the  ravages  of  tire,  or  in  the  capacity  of  a  man  of  business,  or  as 
a  private  citizen,  and  as  his  titling  reward  he  ciijiiys  t!ie  contidetue  anil  respect 
of  all  who  know  him. 


FRANCIS  S!I..\S  M.\TT. 

The  late  Francis  Silas  Matt  is  still  well  remembered  by  the  old-time  residents 
of  Boone,  in  which  city  he  passed  away  in  iSSS  and  of  which  he  became  a  resident 
in  1868.  He  was  born  in  Baden,  Cicriuany,  in  1804  and  early  learned  the  shoe- 
maker's trade,  which  he  followed  in  the  army  for  sixteen  years,  being  a  company 
shocniaker.  He  was  married  in  tieriuany  in  1845  and  in  184(1  set  sail  for  the 
United  States  in  order  to  profit  by  the  opportunities  which  he  expected  ti)  tiiul  in 
this  country,  lie  was  not  disajipointed.  lie  landed  in  New  York,  the  sailing 
vessel  on   which  he  had  made  the  triji  being  forty   days   in  crossing  the  ocean, 


586  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

ha\ing  encountered  a  heavy  storm.  The  family  located  at  first  in  Bufifalo,  New 
York,  and  there  he  followed  his  trade  for  two  years,  then  went  to  Hanover  town- 
ship. Columbiana  county,  where  he  conducted  a  shop  and  made  shoes  for  the 
farming  people  and  also  for  the  men  who  worked  on  the  canal.  In  1864  Mr.  Matt 
continued  on  his  westward  course,  going  to  Fond  du  Lac  county,  Wisconsin, 
where  he  joinetl  the  father  of  his  wife.  On  March  12,  1868,  he  came  to  Boone 
and  bought  a  farm  comprising  half  a  section  of  land,  and  there  he  lived  until  1888. 
He  was  a  devout  member  of  the  Catholic  church  and  was  eighty-four  years  of 
age  at  the  time  of  his  death. 

His  wife,  who  was  also  born  in  Germany  and  whose  birthday  was  April  15. 
1824,  was  a  daughter  of  Robert  Denz,  a  German  hotel  keeper  in  the  fatherland, 
who  emigrated  to  America,  his  wife  and  family  following  him  after  he  had  been 
in  this  country  one  year,  arriving  here  in  1846.  He  was  a  squire  and  road  inspector 
while  in  the  fatherland  besides  having  been  successfully  engaged  in  hotel  work. 
Both  he  and  his  wife  died  in  Wisconsin.  Mrs.  Matt  in  the  acquirement  of  her 
education  attended  a  French  school,  as  did  her  brothers  and  sisters.  In  her  par- 
ents' family  were  the  following  children:  Sylvester,  who  died  in  Alton,  Illinois; 
Mrs.  Mary  Matt ;  Adolph,  who  was  a  prominent  resident  of  Alton,  Illinois ;  Bertha, 
who  died  in  Cherokee,  Iowa ;  Lizzie,  deceased,  of  Fond  du  Lac ;  and  Robert,  who 
still  resides  on  the  home  farm  in  Wisconsin.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Matt  had  the  follow- 
ing children :  Fred  Arnold,  a  soldier  of  the  Civil  war,  who  died  in  Boone,  leaving 
a  widow  who  now  resides  in  that  city ;  George,  of  Knox  county,  Nebraska,  who 
is  married  ;  Joseph,  of  Sacramento,  California  :  Frank  of  Chicago,  Illinois  ;  William 
R..  who  married  Christine  Hansen  and  who  is  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  work  ; 
Charles,  deceased;  James,  at  home;  and  Mary,  who  is  Mrs.  John  Hughberger, 
residing  in  California. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Matt  were  respected  and  esteemed  residents  of  Boone,  the 
former  participating  in  many  of  the  movements  which  were  inaugurated  in  order 
to  advance  the  interests  of  the  city.  Although  he  passed  away  twenty-five  years 
ago.  his  memory  still  lingers  with  those  who  knew  him  and  who  knew  of  him 
nothing  but  good.  He  was  kind,  obliging,  approachable  and  courteous  and 
wherever  he  resided  won  the  friendship  of  all  those  who  came  within  the  circle 
of  his  acquaintance. 


CARL   FRITZ  HENNING. 

Carl  Fritz  Henning  is  now  engaged  in  the  bakery,  grocery  and  delicatessen 
business  at  No.  1004  Story  street,  Boone,  enjoying  a  large  and  profitable  trade. 
He  is  one  of  the  old  and  respected  citizens  of  this  city,  where  he  has  resided  since 
1865.  He  was  born  in  Ahrensbock,  Germany,  and  was  brought  to  America  when 
but  seven  weeks  old.  His  birth  occurred  March  14,  1865,  his  parents  Ijeing 
Henry  Rudolph  and  Anna  Catherina  Dorothea  (Meins)  Henning,  the  former 
born  in  Borghorst,  Germany,  October  13,  1837.  The  father  attended  school  in 
his  native  land  until  fourteen  years  of  age  and  then  learned  the  baker's  trade. 
Emigrating  to  the  United  States  with  his  wife  and  family  in  1865,  he  made  the 
journey  by  sailing  vessel  from  Hamburg  to  New  "N'ork  and  from  the  latter  place 


MR.  AXI)  MRS.  HKXRV  R.  HEXXING 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  589 

came  directly  to  Davenport.  Iowa.  At  that  time  one  had  to  pay  a  toll  in  order 
to  cross  the  bridge  over  the  IMississippi  river  and  as  their  money  was  exhausted 
a  difficulty  confronted  the  family,  from  which  they  were  saved  by  a  kind  old 
lady,  who  paid  their  fee  so  that  they  could  cross.  After  a  three  months'  stay 
in  Davenport  the  family  came  to  Boone,  where  the  father  opened  a  bakery  of 
his  own.  He  had  first  tried  to  find  employment  in  the  mines  but  failed.  He 
walked  to  Davenport  to  seek  work,  but,  being  unsuccessful,  returned  to  Boone, 
where  he  began  business  as  a  baker,  arching  over  his  first  brick  and  clay  oven 
with  saplings  which  he  cut.  His  bakery  was  located  on  what  is  now  Keeler 
street  and  he  was  confronted  with  many  difticulties  before  he  could  launch  his 
business.  He  had  no  money  and  at  the  store  of  Mr.  Udall  tried  to  obtain  tlour 
on  credit  but  was  refused.  A  gentleman,  however,  went  his  security  for  five 
sacks  upon  hearing  his  story.  The  returning  soldiers  bought  his  bread  and 
Mr.  Henning  was  able  to  pay  Mr.  Udell  for  the  flour  the  very  next  day. 
Succeeding  in  business,  he  enlarged  his  plant  as  his  means  permitted  and  subse- 
quently bought  property  on  Eighth  street,  next  to  where  the  \'irginia  Theater 
is  now  located,  thereon  erecting  his  shop.  The  soldiers  used  to  entrain  there 
for  their  destination  and  \lr.  Henning  would  provide  them  with  pies  and  coffee 
which  his  wife  would  sell  to  them  on  the  trains.  Mr.  Henning  died  August  i/, 
1900,  and  was  buried  in  Boone.  He  was  a  member  of  the  German  Lutheran 
church,  of  which  he  was  one  of  the  founders  with  the  Hermans  and  Goeppingers. 
He  gave  his  allegiance  to  the  democratic  party  and  was  stanch  in  his  support  of 
that  organization.  His  wife,  also  a  devout  Lutheran,  died  at  the  age  of  seventy- 
six  years,  in  September,  1913.  In  their  family  were  seven  children,  five  of  whom 
passed  away  when  quite  young,  while  Henry  William  Adolph,  who  was  born 
May  II,  1870,  died  in  May,  1900. 

Carl  Fritz  Henning  attended  German  schools  of  Boone  from  his  fifth  year, 
subsequently  entering  the  English  public  schools,  where  he  continued  his  educa- 
tion for  two  years,  passing  into  the  higher  grades.  The  school  of  which  he  was 
a  pupil  was  standing  on  the  site  of  the  present  city  hall  and  at  that  time  the 
principal  was  Charles  Tucker,  who  now  conducts  a  grocery  store  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  street  from  where  Mr.  Henning's  establishment  is  located.  After 
he  laid  aside  his  text-books,  Mr.  Henning  became  an  employe  in  the  dry-goods 
store  of  William  F.  Wilson  and  suljsequently  worked  for  Mr.  Hollymain,  who  was 
then  at  the  head  of  the  firm  of  \\'orcester  &  Hollymain.  Mr:  Henning  gained 
much  valuable  knowledge  and  remained  with  this  firm  until  his  father  needed 
him  in  the  conduct  of  the  grocery  and  bakery.  He  continued  in  his  father's  store 
until  the  latter  retired  and  then  accepted  a  position  as  salesman  in  the  establish- 
ment which  is  now  conducted  under  the  name  of  the  J.  C.  Petersen  Company.  He 
remained  with  this  concern  for  a  few  years,  when  his  health  failed  and  he  occu- 
pied for  one  and  a  half  years  the  position  of  circulating  manager  for  the 
Evening  Republican.  He  subsequently  held  a  position  in  the  clothing  store  of 
Mr.  Olmstead.  In  the  fall  of  1908  he  was  elected  clerk  of  the  courts  of  Boone 
county  and  re-elected  in  19 10,  serving  two  terms  and  discharging  his  duties  to 
the  great  satisfaction  of  all  concerned.  On  December  6,  1913,  he  opened  his 
present  grocery  and  bakery  at  No.  1004  Story  street  and  although  the  establish- 
ment has  been  in  existence  only  a  short  time,  he  already  enjoys  a  large  patronage. 
Mr.   Henning  is  justly  entitled  to  the  success  which  has  come  to  him,   for  he 


590  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

is  a  thoroughly  able  business  man  and  conducts  his  enterprise  with  the  utmost 
fairness  toward  his  customers. 

On  the  5th  of  August,  1894,  Mr.  Henning  was  married  in  Boone  to  Miss 
Mina  Kaul,  the  ceremony  being  performed  by  Rev.  Gunder,  and  to  them  the 
following  children  were  born ;  Dinnie  Dorothea  Wilhelmina,  who  was  born  Sep- 
tember 7,  1S96,  and  attended  the  public  and  high  schools;  Marie  Martha  Eliza- 
beth, born  December  30,  1900,  attending  school;  and  Henry  Rudolph  Adolph, 
born  May  9,  1903,  also  attending  school.  Mrs.  Henning  was  born  in  Neumunster, 
Germany,  January  27,  1873.  a"d  was  educated  in  the  schools  there.  She  was 
nineteen  years  of  age  when  she  came  with  her  brother  Henry  to  the  new  world 
and  located  in  Chicago,  Illinois.  Her  father,  Peter  Kaul,  is  a  carpenter  in  fine 
wood  and  still  lives  in  Germany  at  the  age  of  seventy-seven  years.  Her  mother, 
who  before  her  marriage  was  Anna  Harris,  died  in  Germany  in  1888  at  the  age 
of  fifty  years,  and  three  years  later  the  father  married  Miss  Anna  Rathge. 

Mr.  Henning  has  always  participated  in  the  progress  and  development  of  his 
city,  to  which  he  has  contributed  in  a  quiet  way.  He  is  not  a  politician  in  the 
ordinarily  accepted  sense  of  the  word  but  is  loyal  to  his  party  and  to  the  public 
interests.  He  has  been  much  interested  in  bird  life  and  has  collected  a  number 
of  specimens  which  are  now  on  exhibition  in  the  iloone  library.  There  is  much 
that  is  connnendable  in  his  career  and  such  success  as  has  come  to  him  is  well 
merited. 


WILLIAM  P.  BURKHART. 

The  student  of  history  cannot  carry  his  investigations  far  into  the  records  of 
this  county  without  learning  that  the  Burkhart  family  was  early  established  in 
Peoples  township  and  it  was  there  that  William  I'.  Burkhart  was  born  on  the 
[/th  of  .\pril.  1863,  on  the  section  where  he  now  lives.  His  father.  Paul  I'.urk- 
hart,  was  born  in  Butler  county,  Pennsylvania,  and  on  removing  to  the  west  cast 
in  his  lot  with  the  early  settlers  of  Boone  county,  where  he  followed  farming  until 
the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war.  He  then  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Second  Iowa 
Battery,  went  to  the  front  and  died  at  Memphis,  Tennessee,  in  1864,  while  doing 
active  duty  for  the  Union.  His  wife,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Amanda 
McDonald,  was  born  in  Michigan  and,  surviving  her  husband,  now  resides  in 
Boone,  Iowa.  In  their  family  were  two  children:  Mrs.  Maria  Rebecca  Cunning- 
ham, who  was  born  in  Polk  county,  Iowa,  in  i860,  and  is  now  residing  in  Van 
Meter,  this  state;  and  William  P.,  of  this  review.  Both  were  reared  in  Peoples 
township,  where  the  Burkhart  family  settled  when  the  work  of  progress  and  de- 
\elopment  seemed  scarcely  begun  in  this  part  of  the  state. 

William  P.  Burkhart  was  reared  in  Peoples  township  and  like  most  lads  of 
the  period  pursued  his  education  in  the  district  schools  near  his  home,  no  event 
of  special  importance  occurring  to  vary  the  routine  of  farm  and  school  life  for 
him  in  his  youthful  days.  Since  then  with  the  exception  of  a  period  of  three 
years  he  has  engaged  in  farming  and  stock-raising  on  his  own  account. 

Mr.  Burkhart  made  arrangements  for  having  a  home  of  his  own  througli  his 
marriage  in  Roone  county  on  the  29th  of  March.  1888.  to  Miss  Nellie  Miller,  who 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  591 

was  born  in  La  Grange  county,  Indiana,  May  24,  1868,  and  in  1885  came  to  Iowa 
with  her  parents,  who  settled  in  Peoples  township.  Her  father,  David  Miller, 
was  a  native  of  Ohio,  born  January  4,  1831,  and  he  is  now  residing  in  Wood- 
ward at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-three  years.  His  wife,  who  bore  the  maiden 
name  of  Asenath  Day,  was  born  in  Ohio,  December  31,  1843,  but  died  in  Wood- 
ward, January  31,  1 90 1,  a  little  over  fifty-eight  years  of  age.  There  were  seven 
children  in  the  Miller  family,  all  of  whom  are  living,  as  follows:  Frank,  who  was 
born  in  September,  1862,  and  resides  in  Indiana;  Mrs.  Rose  Taylor,  born  July  13, 
1864,  a  resident  of  Woodward ;  Charles,  who  was  born  January  3,  1866,  and  makes 
his  home  in  Texas;  Mrs.  Burkhart  of  this  review;  Mrs.  Ida  Stiles,  who  was  born 
December  26,  1871,  and  is  now  residing  in  Runnells,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Flora  Albaugh, 
whose  birth  occurred  in  December,  1874,  and  who  makes  her  home  in  Cedar 
Rapids;  and  Clyde,  who  was  born  (Jctober  18,  1884,  and  is  a  resident  of  .\lli- 
ance,  Nebraska. 

The  marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burkhart  has  been  blessed  with  three  children. 
Gaylord  Roy,  born  June  6,  1889,  attended  the  common  schools  of  the  neighbor- 
hood and  afterward  entered  Highland  Park  Business  College  of  Des  Moines.  He 
is  now  residing  on  the  old  family  homestead  in  Peoples  township.  Lola  Fay, 
born  December  i,  1894,  attended  the  common  schools,  was  for  a  year  a  pupil  in 
the  Woodward  high  school  and  is  now  engaged  in  teaching  in  Peoples  town- 
ship. William  Ralph  was  born  April  17,  1904,  and  is  still  in  school.  All  of  the 
children  were  born  upon  the  home  farm  in  Peoples  township.  This  farm  is  a 
tract  of  one  hundred  and  eighty  acres  of  choice  land  on  section  12,  in  addition 
to  which  Mr.  Burkhart  owns  eight  acres  on  section  11,  of  the  same  township,  and 
upon  this  place  are  two  sets  of  good  buildings  and  other  improvements,  none  of 
the  accessories  of  the  model  farm  of  the  twentieth  century  being  lacking.  Mr. 
Burkhart  raises  high  grades  of  stock,  and  his  farm  presents  a  neat  and  thrifty 
appearance,  indicating  his  careful  supervision  and  his  practical  and  progressive 
methods.  He  is  determined  and  energetic,  and  his  well  formulated  plans  are 
promptly  and  successfully  executed,  so  that  as  the  years  have  gone  by  he  has 
acquired  a  gratifying  competence.  His  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  repub- 
lican party,  but  he  has  never  sought  nor  desired  public  office.  He  has  served, 
however,  as  school  director  and  is  interested  in  various  projects  and  measures 
which  tend  to  promote  the  welfare  of  the  county  and  advance  its  interests  in 
many  ways. 


J.  P.  CARREL. 


J.  P.  Carrel,  actively  engaged  in  the  produce  business  in  Woodward  since  1909, 
was  born  in  Peoples  township,  Boone  county.  May  29,  1881.  His  father,  James 
William  Carrel,  was  a  native  of  Decatur  county,  Iowa,  born  on  the  8th  of  Fei)- 
ruary,  1852,  and  in  i860  he  was  brought  by  his  parents  to  Boone  county,  the  fam- 
ily being  among  the  early  settlers  of  this  part  of  the  state.  Here  he  was  reared 
and  educated,  becoming  actively  identified  with  agricultural  interests.  He  mar- 
ried Catharine  Nason,  who  was  born  in  New  York,  April  8,  1853,  a  daughter  of 
John  and  Catharine  Nason,  v.ho  in   1853  left  the  east  and  made  their  way  west- 


592  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

ward  to  Iowa,  settling  in  Council  Bluffs,  where  they  cast  in  their  lot  with  the 
pioneers  who  were  the  founders  and  promoters  of  the  then  little  city. 

It  was  in  Boone  county,  in  1875,  that  James  William  Carrel  wedded  Catharine 
Nason,  and  they  became  the  parents  of  eight  children,  the  first  two  being  born  in 
Cass  township  and  the  others  in  Peoples  township,  upon  the  family  homestead 
which  the  father  there  established.  In  order  of  birth  they  are  as  follows ;  Mrs. 
Mary  Nelson,  who  was  born  June  14,  1876,  and  is  residing  in  Boone,  Iowa;  Wil- 
liam Edward,  who  was  born  September  28,  1877,  and  is  living  on  the  old  home 
farm  in  Peoples  township ;  Everett,  who  was  born  May  17,  1879,  and  is  now  a  resi- 
dent of  Mankato,  Minnesota;  J.  P.,  of  this  review;  Nellie,  who  was  born  May  18, 
1884,  and  is  residing  with  her  mother  in  Woodward;  Mrs.  Grace  Guthrie,  who  was 
born  May  16,  1886,  and  is  also  a  resident  of  Woodward;  Grover,  who  was  born 
December  19,  1888,  and  is  living  in  Peoples  township;  and  Eugene,  who  was  born 
November  5,  1892,  and  is  a  resident  of  Woodward.  The  Carrel  family  have  a 
well  improved  farm  in  Peoples  township,  which  is  the  property  of  the  mother. 
From  an  early  day  the  family  has  been  widely  and  favorably  known  in  this  sec- 
tion of  the  state.  They  stand  for  all  that  is  progressive  not  only  along  agricul- 
tural lines,  but  in  those  fields  of  activity  which  promote  culture,  intellectual, 
esthetic  and  moral  progress. 

Spending  his  boyhood  days  under  the  parental  roof,  J.  P.  Carrel  attended 
the  public  schools  near  the  old  home  and  through  the  summer  months  aided  in 
the  work  of  the  fields.  After  his  text-books  were  put  aside  he  concentrated  his 
energies  upon  farming  and  stock-raising,  in  which  he  engaged  until  the  fall  of 
1907,  when  at  the  age  of  twenty-six-  years  he  remo\ed  to  Woodward,  where  he 
conducted  a  draying  business  for  two  years.  In  1909  he  turned  his  attention  to 
the  produce  business  and  is  now  extensively  engaged  in  handling  general  pro- 
duce, including  butter,  eggs,  cream,  poultry,  etc.  He  has  built  up  a  good  business 
at  Woodward,  his  establishment  furnishing  an  excellent  market  for  the  producers 
of  his  section  of  the  county,  and  his  trade  is  now  extensive. 

In  his  native  county,  on  the  4th  of  February,  1903,  Mr.  Carrel  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Vickroy,  who  was  born  in  Dallas  county,  Iowa,  Febru- 
ary II,  1882,  and  was  reared  to  womanhood  in  this  community.  She  attended 
the  common  schools  while  spending  her  girlhood  days  in  the  home  of  her  pa- 
rents, Charles  and  Elizabeth  (Walters)  Vickroy,  both  of  whom  were  natives 
of  Woodward.  In  their  family  were  the  following  named;  Joseph,  now  a  resi- 
dent of  Peoples  township;  Edward,  living  in  Montana;  Mrs.  Kate  Barger,  of 
Kansas  City,  Missouri ;  Mrs.  Carrel  of  this  review ;  Mrs.  Lottie  SHannon,  of 
Woodward ;  and  George,  who  also  makes  his  home  in  Woodward. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Carrel  has  been  born  a  daughter,  Kathryn  Eloise,  whose 
natal  day  was  November  13,  1904,  and  who  is  now  a  pupil  in  the  public  schools 
of  Woodward.  In  his  political  views  Mr.  Carrel  is  a  democrat,  earnest  in  his 
support  of  the  party  yet  not  an  office  seeker.  His  wife  is  a  member  of  the  Meth- 
odist Episcopal  church,  and  he  belongs  to  Woodward  Lodge,  No.  460,  I.  O.  O.  F., 
and  the  Modern  Woodmen  Camp  of  Woodward,  while  both  he  and  his  wife  are 
connected  with  the  ladies  auxiliary  of  the  latter,  known  as  the  Royal  Neighbors. 
From  pioneer  times  the  Carrel  family  has  been  represented  in  this  section  of  the 
state,  following  the  arri\al  of  the  grandfather,  I'hilip  Carrel,  in  Boone  countw 
and  since  that  time  re;)resentatives  of  the  name  have  taken  an  active  and  hel[>ful 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  593 

part  in  the  work  of  progress  and  improvement.  They  have  always  cooperated  in 
measures  and  movements  that  have  been  features  in  advancing  the  welfare  of  the 
community  along  many  lines,  and  the  name  of  Carrel  is  now  a  synonym  for  pro- 
gressive and  honorable  citizenship  throughout  Boone  county. 


JOHN  J.  CALLAHAN. 


John  J.  Callahan  has  held  for  several  years  a  position  of  trust  with  the  Wood- 
ward Creamery  Company  of  Woodward,  Iowa,  and  is  also  engaged  in  buying  and 
selling  real  estate.  He,  moreover,  has  improved  several  lots  and  also  owns  a 
valuable  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  in  Winnebago  county,  it  being  under 
high  cultivation  and  improved  with  substantial  buildings. 

Mr.  Callahan  was  born  in  Morgan  county,  Illinois,  August  i,  1864,  and  when 
but  five  weeks  of  age  removed  with  his  family  to  Missouri.  His  parents  were 
Edward  and  Jane  (  Woodrow)  Callahan,  the  former  born  in  Scotland.  The  father 
was  a  coal  miner  and  engaged  in  that  work  in  Missouri  until  1867,  when  the  fam- 
ily came  to  Boonesboro,  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  the  same  year  in  which  the  North- 
western railroad  was  completed  to  Boone,  and  have  been  residents  of  this  locality 
ever  since.  They  removed  to  where  the  present  Boone  viaduct  is  now  located,  and 
in  i86y  we  find  the  family  settled  in  Peoples  township,  the  parents  being  num- 
bered among  the  most  highly  respected  residents  of  the  neighborhood.  The  parents 
both  died  in  that  township,  the  mother  passing  away  January  5,  191 1.  To  them 
were  born  six  children,  as  follows:  Mrs.  Belle  Ottaway,  residing  in  Kiowa  county, 
Kansas;  John  J.,  of  this  review;  Mrs.  Jean  Lemaster,  of  Peoples  township;  Ed- 
ward W.,  residing  in  Woodward ;  and  Allen  and  May,  both  deceased.  The  three 
youngest  were  born  in  Peoples  township  and  all  were  reared  there  and  attended 
the  common  schools. 

John  J.  Callahan  had  limited  educational  opportunities,  his  parents  being  in 
stringent  circumstances.  He  early  turned  his  attention  to  farm  w^ork  and  stock- 
raising,  being  employed  by  others  at  the  beginning  of  his  business  career.  His  first 
earnings  for  half  a  month's  work  tbtaled  six  dollars  and  twenty-five  cents  and 
Mr.  Callahan  relates  how  he  secured  the  greatest  benefit  from  that  sum  by  divid- 
ing it  with  those  at  home.  He  was  happy  in  being  able  to  send  something  to  his 
parents  and  the  kindness  of  heart  which  prompted  that  act  has  ever  since  re- 
mained his  heritage.  From  1893  until  1902  he  followed  farming  in  Peoples 
township,  also  giving  considerable  attention  to  stock-raising.  He  then  spent  five 
years  on  a  farm  in  North  Dakota  and  the  next  three  years  engaged  in  mining  in 
western  Idaho.  He  has  traveled  extensively  and  on  three  occasions  has  made  the 
trip  to  the  Pacific  coast.  He  also  has  traversed  this  country  from  Canada  to  the 
gulf.  Mr.  Callahan  is  now  numbered  among  the  substantial  residents  of  Wood- 
ward and  there  is  none  who  grudges  him  his  prosperity,  for  it  has  been  won  entirely 
by  his  own  efiforts. 

On  March  i,  1893,  Mr.  Callahan  w^ts  married  in  Woodward,  Iowa,  to  Miss 
Minnie  E.  Wade,  who  was  born  in  Peoples  township,  July  14,  1866.  Her  father, 
Washington  Wade,  was  one  of  the  pioneers  of  Cass  township  (now  Peoples  town- 
ship), of  whom  extended  mention  is  made  in  connection  with  the  sketch  of  A.  B. 


594  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Wade.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Callahan  have  one  daughter,  Winifred  Imogene,  who  was 
born  on  the  old  Callahan  homestead  in  Peoples  township,  June  27,  1896,  and  is 
now  attending  the  Woodward  high  school. 

Since  191 1  the  family  have  been  residents  of  Woodward,  having  returned 
from  Idaho  in  that  year,  and  Mr.  Callahan  now  holds  a  position  with  the  Wood- 
ward Creamery  Company.  He  also  deals  in  real  estate  and  has  negotiated  some 
profitable  deals.  He  derives  a  gratifying  addition  to  his  income  from  one  hundred 
and  sixty  acres  of  land  which  he  owns  in  Winnebago  county.  The  family  reside 
in  a  handsome  home  in  Woodward  and  have  many  friends  in  that  city.  Politically 
Mr.  Callahan  is  a  democrat  and  fraternally  a  member  of  Woodward  Lodge,  No. 
460,  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  is  a  useful  citizen,  a  true  and  faithful  friend,  a  reliable  busi- 
ness man  and  a  patriotic  American  and  has  made  a  record  which  reflects  honor 
upon  him. 


CAPTAIN  MARION  BROOKS. 

Not  only  is  Captain  Marion  Brooks  one  of  the  most  prosperous  landowners  of 
Peoples  township,  Boone  county,  but  he  has  participated  in  the  public  life  of  his 
district,  having  represented  Boone  county  in  the  state  legislature.  Moreover,  he 
has  to  his  credit  a  military  record  which  reflects  great  honor  upon  him.  He  was 
born  in  Whiteside  county,  Illinois,  February  8,  1842,  and  is  a  son  of  Alphonso  and 
Eliza  Brooks,  natives  of  Ne^v  York,  both  of  whom  passed  away  in  Peoples  town- 
ship, the  former  having  attained  the  age  of  sixty  years.  In  their  family  were 
five  children,  as  follows:  Franklin,  of  Whiteside  county,  Illinois;  Mrs'.  Alice 
Shulters,  of  Boone,  Iowa ;  Marion,  of  this  review ;  .Mrs.  Elma  Parks,  of  Boone 
county;  and  Harriet,  who  died  at  the  age  of  eight  years.  .\11  were  born  in  White- 
side county,  Illinois. 

There  Captain  Brooks  grew  to  manhood,  attending  the  common  schools  and 
subsequently  following  farming.  He  enlisted  in  the  Union  army  at  Spring  Hill, 
Illinois,  September  20,  1861.  As  the  Illinois  regiments  were  complete  at  that 
time  the  members  of  his  company  were  placed  under  the  command  of  fames 
Lane  and  were  sent  to  Fort  Leavenworth,  Kansas.  Lane  was  securing  men  for 
an  expedition  to  New  Mexico  and  there  were  about  fifteen  hundred  in  his  band. 
They  proceeded  as  far  as  Fort  Riley,  where  they  were  disbanded.  Captain  Brooks' 
company  returning  to  Fort  Leavenworth.  Colonel  Martin  of  that  place  was  then 
organizing  the  Eighth  Kansas  Regiment,  and  the  company  joined  it.  This  regi- 
ment was  part  of  the  Army  of  the  Cumberland  and  also  of  the  Central  Army 
and  was  at  different  times  under  the  commands  of  Generals  Sherman,  Grant  and 
Thomas.  Captain  Brooks  was  present  at  the  battles  of  Corinth  and  Chickamauga 
and  in  eastern  Tennessee,  participated  in  the  fighting  at  Strawberry  Plain  and 
Knoxville.  His  term  of  enlistment  having  expired,  he  again  joined  the  army 
and  saw  active  service  at  Kenesaw  Mountain  and  Atlanta.  After  the  battles 
around  Atlanta,  he  was  sent  to  Nashville  under  the  command  of  General  Stanley. 
His  company  was  then  ordered  to  San  .\ntonio,  Texas,  where  the  Captain  was 
honorably  discharged  in  February,  1866.     He  commanded  his  company  from  the 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  595 

first,  although  he  did  not  receive  his  commission  until  after  he  had  served  about 
five  months. 

After  the  was  he  returned  to  the  pursuits  of  private  life  in  Illinois  but  came 
overland  to  Boone  county  March  7,  1867,  and  settled  on  section  16,  Peoples  town- 
ship, acquiring  land  which  he  developed  into  a  richly  bearing  farm.  He  has  ever 
since  given  his  attention  to  general  agricultural  pursuits  and  stock-raising  and  has 
been  one  of  the  most  successful  auctioneers  of  his  part  of  the  state.  He  now  owns 
five  hundred  acres  of  choice  land,  upon  which  four  sets  of  buildings  are  found. 
Such  success  as  has  come  to  him  is  well  merited,  for  he  has  attained  prosperity 
entirely  through  his  own  efforts. 

On  -March  23,  1864.  in  Whiteside  county,  Illinois,  Captain  Brooks  married 
.Miss  Louisa  Matson,  who  was  born  in  Illinois,  January  4,  1844,  and  attended  the 
schools  in  that  state,  where  she  grew  to  womanhood.  Her  parents  died  while  she 
was  yet  quite  young.  Captain  and  Mrs.  Brooks  became  the  parents  of  five 
children,  as  follows:  Mrs.  Grant,  of  Rolfe,  Iowa;  C.  W.,  of  Wilton,  North 
Dakota;  .Mrs.  Myrtle  McFarland,  of  Peoples  township;  Bradford  M.,  also  of 
that  township;  and  Mrs.  Loretta  River,  deceased.  All  were  born  and  reared  in 
Peoples  township. 

The  Captain  has  always  been  a  stanch  adherent  of  the  republican  party,  thor- 
oughly believing  in  its  principles  and  ideals  and  loyally  supporting  its  candidates. 
He  served  as  state  representative  of  Boone  county  in  the  twenty-fourth  and 
twenty-fifth  general  assemblies,  ably  taking  care  of  the  interests  of  his  constituents 
and  participating  in  important  legislation  which  affected  not  only  his  district  but 
the  whole  state.  He  has  also  held  several  minor  offices  in  Peoples  township. 
Mrs.  Brooks  is  a  member  of  the  Baptist  church,  while  her  husband  is  connected 
w  ith  the  Masons,  being  enrolled  among  the  members  of  F'eaceful  Lodge,  No.  454, 
A.  F.  &  .\.  M.,  !if  Woodward.  The  Captain  is  one  of  the  most  highly  respected 
and  esteemed  residents  of  his  community  and  has  many  friends,  all  of  whom  speak 
most  highly  in  regard  to  his  achievements  and  those  qualities  of  his  character 
which  have  made  possible  his  success. 


WILLIAM    H.    RAYBOURN. 

William  H.  Raybourn  early  became  identified  with  the  development  and  pros- 
perity of  Boone  county  and  was  for  many  years  regarded  as  one  of  the  leading 
farmers  of  Cass  township,  but  is  now  practically  living  retired  in  Woodward.  He 
was  born  in  Kentucky  on  the  17th  of  October,  1837,  and  is  a  son  of  John  and 
Mary  (Mathias)  Raybourn,  also  natives  of  that  state.  In  1838  the  family  removed 
to  Indiana  and  settled  in  Marion  county,  where  they  made  their  home  until  1852, 
which  year  witnessed  their  arrival  in  Iowa.  The  journey  was  made  across  the 
country  by  wagon  and  they  settled  in  Albia,  Monroe  county,  where  the  father 
died  in  1853.  Shortly  afterward,  in  the  same  year,  the  mother  and  children 
removed  to  Polk  county,  this  state,  and  she  purchased  a  tract  of  forty  acres  near 
Madrid,  which  our  subject  cultivated  for  some  time.  In  1857  they  came  to  Boone 
county,  and  here  he  secured  a  quarter  section  of  land  on  section  6,  Cass  township. 
At  that  time  the  majority  of  the  settlers  were  living  along  the  Des  Moines  river 


596  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

and  conditions  in  this  locality  were  still  very  primitive.  In  connection  with  gen- 
eral farming  Mr.  Raybourn  of  this  review  gave  considerable  attention  to  the 
raising  of  stock,  and  as  time  passed  he  prospered  in  his  undertakings  and  became 
one  of  the  well-to-do  men  of  his  community.  After  his  children  were  grown  he 
sold  his  farm  and  purchased  a  home  in  Madrid,  where  he  resided  for  three 
years,  and  at  the  end  of  that  time  disposed  of  his  property  there  and  removed 
to  Woodward.  Here  he  has  a  nice  residence,  well  furnished,  and  is  surrounded 
by  all  the  comforts  of  life. 

Mr.  Raybourn's  mother  died  in  Indiana  and  of  the  ten  children  in  the  family 
only  two  now  survive.  Eight  were  born  in  Kentucky  and  two  in  Indiana.  In 
order  of  birth  they  were  as  follows:  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Stoops,  David,  Mrs.  Mary 
Ann  Bevans,  Theodore,  Mrs.  Catharine  Jennings,  Mrs.  Melinda  Watt  and  Mrs. 
Amanda  Wright,  all  deceased;  William  H.,  of  this  review;  Mrs.  Eliza  Jane 
Brockston,  deceased;  and  Mrs.  .Missouri  Copeland,  who  resides  in  Illinois. 

William  H.  Raybourn  was  married  in  Polk  county,  Iowa,  in  1857,  to  Miss 
Lydia  M.  Harvey,  a  native  of  Indiana,  who  died  in  Woodward  in  icpg.  Her 
parents  were  Henderson  and  Sarah  (Rinker)  Harvey,  who  died  in  Marcy  town- 
ship, this  county.  Her  father  was  a  native  of  Scotland.  Mr.  and  !Mrs.  Raybourn 
became  parents  of  five  children,  namely:  Francis  M.,  now  a  resident  of  Colorado; 
Mrs.  Sarah  Isabelle  Adams,  of  Pilot  Mount,  Iowa ;  and  Harvey  H.,  Joseph  and 
Charles,  all  three  of  California. 

Mr.  Raybourn  is  an  earnest  and  consistent  member  of  the  Christian  church, 
to  which  his  wife  also  belonged.  His  political  support  is  given  the  republican 
party,  and  he  served  as  road  supervisor  in  Cass  township,  but  has  never  taken  a 
very  active  part  in  public  affairs,  preferring  to  give  his  undivided  attention  to  his 
business  interests.  He  is  an  upright,  reliable  business  man  and  in  every  relation 
of  life  has  been  found  true  to  any  trust  reposed  in  him. 


ARCH  OVIATT. 


Arch  Oviatt  carries  on  agricultural  pursuits  on  section  7,  Cass  township, 
where  he  owns  a  good  farm  of  three  hundred  and  twenty-four  acres.  Its  neat 
and  thrifty  appearance  plainly  indicates  that  he  thoroughly  understands  the 
occupation  which  he  follows  and  is  a  man  of  good  business  and  executive  ability. 

Mr.  Oviatt  was  born  in  Cass  township,  December  23,  1867,  and  is  a  son  of 
Andrew  and  Eunice  (Williams)  Oviatt.  The  father,  who  was  a  native  of 
Massachusetts,  came  to  this  county  in  1856  and  established  a  home,  having  made 
preparations  for  his  family  to  join  him  here  in  1858.  His  wife  and  two  eldest 
sons  started  for  Iowa  but  on  the  way  westward  the  eldest  son,  Coral,  and  our 
subject's  paternal  grandmother,  who  was  also  in  the  party,  died.  The  father 
passed  away  on  the  old  home  farm  in  Cass  township  in  September,  1893,  and 
the  mother,  whose  birth  occurred  in  Painesville,  Ohio,  died  here  in  1902.  Of 
their  nine  children  six  are  still  living  and  in  order  of  birth  they  are  as  follows : 
Coral,  who  died  as  previously  stated ;  Horace  A.,  who  was  born  September  30, 
1858,  and  now  lives  in  Madrid,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Henrietta  Marsh,  a  resident  of 
Chicago,  Illinois ;  Mrs.  Eva  Graves,  of  Cass  township,  this  county ;  Arch,  of  this 


AKCH  OVIATT  AM)  FAMILY 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  599 

review ;  Caroline,  who  died  at  the  age  of  seven  years ;  Nettie,  who  died  at  the 
age  of  four;  Martha,  who  makes  her  home  in  Woodward,  Iowa;  and  Hugh,  of 
Cass  township.  With  the  exception  of  the  two  oldest,  who  were  born  in  Ohio, 
the  children  are  natives  of  Cass  township. 

Here  Arch  Oviatt  grew  to  manhood,  in  the  meantime  acquiring  a  good 
practical  education  in  the  common  schools  and  gaining  an  excellent  knowledge 
of  farming  and  stock-raising  while  assisting  his  father  on  the  farm.  Since 
starting  out  in  life  for  himself  he  has  met  with  success  and  is  now  the  owner 
of  a  fine  place  of  three  hundred  and  twenty-four  acres  improved  with  splendid 
buildings.  He  has  placed  his  land  under  excellent  cultivation  and  raises  the. 
cereals  best  adapted  to  the  soil  and  climate.  In  connection  with  general  farming, 
he  has  given  considerable  attention  to  the  raising  of  a  good  grade  of  stock,  which 
branch  of  his  business  has  also  proved  profitable. 

Mr.  Oviatt  was  married  in  Whiteside  county,  Illinois,  in  1896,  to  Miss  Mary 
Marschand,  who  was  born  in  that  county,  February  2S,  1871.  and  was  there 
reared  and  educated.  Her  parents  were  John  and  .Mary  (  W'ilger)  Marschand, 
the  former  a  native  of  France  and  the  latter  of  Germany.  The  mother  died  in 
Illinois.  Their  children  were :  Peter,  who  is  still  a  resident  of  that  state ;  Maggie, 
deceased;  Mary,  now  Mrs.  Oviatt;  and  John,  of  Illinois.  The  eldest  child  was 
born  in  Germany  but  the  birth  of  the  others  occurred  in  Illinois,  in  which  state 
they  were  reared.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Oviatt  have  three  children,  all  born  in  Cass 
township,  as  follows:  L.  D.,  born  September  29,  189S;  E.  C,  January  15,  1902; 
and  M.  M.,  born  June  24,  1906.  They  are  still  under  the  parental  roof  and  are 
attending  the  common  schools  of  the  neighborhood.  Mrs.  Oviatt  is  a  devout 
member  of  the  Catholic  church,  and  in  politics  Mr.  Oviatt  is  independent,  sup- 
porting the  men  whom  he  believes  qualified  to  fill  the  offices  regardless  of 
party  ties. 


ADAM    F.    BURRELL. 


Adam  F.  Burrell,  deceased,  was  a  representative  of  an  old  and  prominent 
family  of  Boone  county.  His  early  home  was  in  the  east,  for  he  was  born  in 
New  York,  April  8,  1841,  a  son  of  Alexander  and  Cynthia  (Baker)  Burrell. 
(An  extended  mention  of  this  family  is  made  in  the  sketch  of  Walter  E.  Burrell 
on  another  page  of  this  volume.)  On  removing  westward  in  1842  the  family 
first  settled  in  Michigan,  but  a  year  later  became  residents  of  Illinois  and  in 
1857  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa. 

In  this  county  Adam  F.  Burrell  grew  to  manhood  and  was  married  to  Miss 
Mary  Young,  who  was  born  in  Port  Byron,  Illinois,  March  23,  1841,  and  died 
in  Peoples  township,  this  county,  July  9,  1904.  After  their  marriage  they  had 
located  upon  a  farm  in  that  township  and  there  reared  their  seven  children,  pro- 
viding them  with  good  educational  advantages.  In  order  of  birth  they  are  as 
follows :  Walter  Clark,  who  is  now  a  resident  of  Idaho ;  Earl  Grant,  who  in 
connection  with  his  youngest  brother  cultivates  a  farm  of  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres  in  Cass  township ;  Clarence  Albert,  a  resident  of  Fairview,  Okla- 
homa ;  Mrs.  Delia  M.  Morello,  a  resident  of  Cass  township ;  Charles  G.,  who 


600  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

resides  iii  Lass  township  and  is  now  the  nominee  of  the  republican  party  for 
the  oiSce  of  county  recorder  of  Boone  county ;  Everett  Lemley,  who  makes 
his  home  in  Colorado;  and  Harvey  Lester,  who  is  in  partnership  with  his 
brother  Earl  Grant  in  the  operation  of  a  farm  in  Cass  township.  They  are  very 
progressive  and  up-to-date  farmers  and  have  been  remarkably  successful  in  the 
raising  of  high-grade  stock.  The  children  were  all  given  good  educational 
advantages,  attending  the  common  schools  of  the  district  in  which  they  lived. 
The  father  was  regarded  as  one  of  the  most  enterprising  farmers  of  his  locality 
and  was  a  man  who  commanded  the  respect  and  esteem  of  all  who  knew  him. 
In  politics  he  was  a  republican 


A.    MARION   HARLOW. 

A.  Marion  Harlow  is  a  self-made  man  to  whom  is  due  great  credit  for  what  he 
has  accomplished.  Some  one  has  said  of  him:  "He  is  a  splendid  man,  large  in 
stature  and  just  as  broad-minded."  He  was  born  in  Cass  township,  this  county, 
on  the  23d  of  September,  1863,  and  has  always  resided  here  with  the  exception 
of  a  brief  period  spent  in  Nebraska. 

His  father,  Abner  Harlow,  was  born  in  Saratoga  county,  New  York,  on  June  4, 
1834,  and  is  residing  on  the  old  Harlow  homestead  near  Woodward,  Iowa.  He 
wedded  Mary  E.  Waldo,  who  was  born  in  Madison  county,  Ohio,  April  12,  1840, 
and  died  in  Cass  township,  January  14,  1905.  The  Harlow  family  came  to  Boone 
county  at  an  early  day,  arriving  on  the  26th  of  October,  1854,  and  thus  for  six 
decades  Abner  Harlow  has  resided  in  this  part  of  the  state.  He  was  married  in 
this  county  and  reared  his  family  in  Cass  township.  There  were  ten  children 
born  unto  him  and  his  wife,  nine  sons  and  a  daughter,  of  whom  four  are  living. 
The  record  of  the  family  is  as  follows;  William  Holmes,  the  eldest,  died  at  the 
age  of  four  and  a  half  years.  Mrs.  Ella  Staker  died  in  1906.  Samuel  D.  died  at 
the  age  of  six  weeks.  Abner  Lycurgus  died  in  igo/.  A.  M.  is  the  next  younger. 
Orin  died  at  the  age  of  twenty-two  years.  Oscar  died  at  the  age  of  eighteen 
\ears.  Charles  D.,  born  July  10,  1872,  is  residing  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa.  George  is 
a  resident  of  St.  James,  Minnesota.  Jacob,  born  June  15,  1877,  is  residing  on  the 
old  home  farm  in  Cass  township.  All  were  born  and  reared  in  Cass  township. 
They  were  among  the  early  settlers  here,  and  the  family  has  been  prominent  and 
successful.  The  old  frame  house  which  was  the  original  home  of  the  family  was 
supplanted  in  1876  by  a  substantial  brick  residence,  the  only  brick  dwelling  in  their 
part  of  the  county. 

A.  M.  Harlow  had  the  usual  experiences  of  the  farm  boy.  He  was  trained  to 
habits  of  industry  and  economy  and  these  have  constituted  the  basic  element  in 
his  success.  He  was  married  in  Nebraska  December  24,  1890,  to  Miss  Genevieve 
Grandell,  who  was  born  in  Wisconsin  and  died  at  Henningford.  Nebraska. 
April  30,  i8()3.  Unto  them  was  born  a  daughter.  Mrs.  Winnie  White,  whose 
birth  occurrefl  in  a  sod  house  in  Nebraska  on  the  5th  of  May,  1892,  and  who  is 
now  residing  in  Cass  township.  Mr.  Harlow  was  again  married  November  24, 
1899.  when  Miss  Mary  Shultz  became  his  wife.  She  was  born  in  Germany. 
November  28,   1875,  and  came  to  America  with  her  parents,  Gottlieb  and  Mary 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  601 

Ann  (Anton)  Shultz,  who  were  also  natives  of  Germany,  the  former  born 
!May  I,  1836,  and  the  latter  in  1846.  Mr.  Shultz  died  in  North  Dakota,  Janu- 
ary 14,  u;i4,  and  his  widow  is  still  living  in  that  state.  In  the  Shultz  family 
were  six  children,  who  survive  and  all  of  whom  were  born  in  Germany,  namely : 
Mrs.  Lena  Weilhus,  of  Illinois;  Herman,  who  is  living  in  North  Dakota;  August, 
a  resident  of  Canada;  Mrs.  Minnie  John,  who  makes  her  home  in  North  Dakota; 
Mrs.  Laura  Lee,  of  Canada;  and  Mrs.  Harlow,  the  wife  of  the  subject  of  this 
review. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harlow  became  the  parents  of  five  children,  all  of  whom  were 
bom  in  Cass  township  and  whose  names  follow :  Ella,  born  June  28,  1901 ; 
Olive,  born  December  28,  1902;  Laura,  January  25,  1904;  and  Abner  Marvin 
and  Abbie  May,  twins,  born  July  25,  1907.  Abner  died  at  the  age  of  one  week. 
They  were  all  born  in  the  same  community  in  which  the  father  spent  his  youth 
and  are  attending  the  schools  of  the  neighborhood. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Harlow  is  a  democrat  and  keeps  well  informed 
on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day.  He  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the 
Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  Woodward  and  are  interested  in  its  work  and 
the  adoption  of  its  principles.  He  has  led  the  life  of  a  busy,  energetic  man  and 
is  now  the  owner  of  two  hundred  and  five  acres  of  choice  land  on  section  28 
besides  ten  acres  of  land  on  section  29,  Cass  township,  whereon  he  has  placed 
many  modern  improvements.  He  and  his  wife  deserve  much  credit  for  what 
they  have  accomplished.  He  has  won  his  competency  entirely  through  his  own 
efforts  and  that,  too,  in  tlie  face  of  difficulties  that  would  discourage  the  aver- 
age man.  They  are  giving  their  children  every  possible  advantage.  Their 
home  is  pleasantly,  comfortably  and  attractively  furnished,  and  they  surround 
their  children  with  the  best  literature.  They  are  broad  and  liberal-minded  jieople 
and  are  public-spirited,  as  is  manifest  in  their  active  and  helpful  interest  in 
many  movements  for  the  general  good.  In  addition  to  developing  and  cultivating 
his  farm  Mr.  Harlow  raises  all  kinds  of  live  stock  of  good  grades  and  has  won 
success  in  that  undertaking. 


WILLIAM    LEMASTER. 

William  Lemaster,  who  was  born  in  Marion  county.  Indiana,  NovemJier  23, 
1853,  is  one  of  the  well  known  agriculturists  of  Cass  township,  Boone  county. 
where  he  owns  a  valuable  farm.  He  has  attained  to  prosperity  entirely  through 
his  own  eiiforts  and  much  credit  is  due  him  for  what  he  has  achieved  in  life, 
for  he  liegan  his  career  in  comparatively  humble  circumstances.  He  is  a  son  of 
Abram  and  Ann  (Smock)  Lemaster,  the  former  born  in  Kentucky,  C)ctober  13, 
1818,  and  the  latter  in  Mercer  county,  that  state.  May  8,  1822.  The  family  set- 
tled on  a  farm  in  Cass  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa,  May  3,  1837,  having  left 
Indiana  on  March  31st  of  that  year.  Here  the  father  followed  farming  and 
stock-raising  beginning  under  the  most  trying  conditions  which  were  then  yet 
existing.  Settlements  were  few  at  that  time,  their  nearest  neighbors  being 
located  at  Elk  Rapids,  and  numerous  bands  of  Indians  were  yet  seen.  Thev 
traded   in  that  city  and  Des  Moines,  and  many   were  the  dangers   which   con- 


602  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

fronted  them  on  their  trips  to  market.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Abram  Lemaster  were  the 
parents  of  eight  children:  Newton,  deceased;  Mrs.  Martha  Ellen  Haney,  of 
Perry,  Iowa;  William,  of  this  review;  Simon,  a  resident  of  Woodward;  George, 
of  Dallas  county,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Emma  Cole,  of  Woodward;  Frank,  who  resides 
in  Peoples  township ;  and  Mrs.  Addie  Dickinson,  of  Woodward.  The  five  oldest 
children  were  born  in  Indiana  and  the  others  in  Cass  township,  this  county. 
The  father  died  in  Woodward,  March  12,  1906,  and  the  mother  in  the  same 
city,  July  30,  1900. 

William  Lemaster  was  but  three  years  of  age  when  he  removed  with  his 
parents  to  Cass  township.  There  he  attended  the  common  schools  and  subse- 
quently devoted  his  attention  to  farming  and  stock-raising,  always  following 
modern  and  up-to-date  methods.  He  today  owns  a  farm  of  one  hundred  and 
thirteen  and  a  fourth  acres  on  section  18,  all  of  the  land  being  under  high  cul- 
tivation and  yielding  him  rich  annual  returns.  His  buildings  are  kept  in  repair 
and  the  general  appearance  of  the  property  gives  evidence  of  the  prosperity  of 
its  owner. 

On  December  13,  1877,  in  Marcy  township,  Boone  county,  Mr.  Lemaster 
married  Miss  Mary  Ann  Tembey,  who  was  born  in  Wisconsin,  March  12,  1859. 
Her  parents,  William  and  Emily  Tembey,  both  natives  of  England,  were  pioneers 
in  Wisconsin.  They  subsequently  removed  to  Boone  county,  where  the  father 
followed  farming.  He  was  born  January  i,  1832,  and  now  resides  in  Ames, 
Iowa,  but  his  wife  passed  away  in  that  city  in  1908.  In  their  family  were  nine 
children,  of  whom  six  are  living,  as  follows:  Henry,  of  North  Dakota;  Hattie, 
of  Ames,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Mary  Ann  Lemaster;  Mrs.  Eliza  Mellor,  of  Ames; 
William,  of  Perry;  and  Richard,  of  Ames.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lemaster  have  six 
children,  all  of  whom  were  born  in  Cass  township  excepting  the  oldest,  who 
was  born  in  Peoples  township,  and  they  attended  the  common  schools.  They 
are:  Mrs.  Luella  Belle  Halley,  of  Dallas  county;  W.  Floyd,  of  Cass  township; 
Edith,  residing  with  her  parents;  R.  J.,  of  Cass  township;  Mrs.  Emily  Lincoln, 
also  of  that  township ;  and  John  Harold. 

Mr.  Lemaster  is  a  republican  and  has  served  as  trustee  of  Cass  township, 
as  road  supervisor  and  as  a  member  of  the  district  school  board.  His  wife 
belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  in  the  work  of  which- she  is  deeply 
interested.  Both  have  many  friends  and  are  highly  respected  and  esteemed 
by  all  who  know  them  as  worthy  and  substantial  people  who  have  assisted  in 
carrying  forward  the  development  of  Cass  township  and  Boone  countv. 


PETER  M.  SAMBERG. 

Peter  M.  Samberg,  of  Boone,  is  the  oldest  citizen  of  the  county,  being  now 
in  his  ninety-third  year.  He  was  born  in  Sweden  on  the  7th  of  July,  1821.  His 
father,  Johan  Tapper,  became  a  soldier  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years  and  fought 
against  Germany  in  1812.  He  served  in  the  army  for  thirty-two  years  and  when 
not  connected  therewith  he  followed  the  tailor's  trade.  He  married  Katrina 
Johnson,  also  a  native  of  Sweden,  and  both  died  in  that  country,  the  mother 
passing  away  when  her  son  Peter  was  but  six  years  of  age.     The  family  were 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  603 

quite  poor  and  when  a  child  Peter  M.  Samberg  would  frequently  beg.  The 
father's  use  of  intoxicants  deprived  the  family  of  much  of  their  rightful  income. 
On  one  occasion  when  the  mother  was  crying  because  there  was  no  bread  in 
the  house,  Peter  M.  Samberg  ran  to  a  stone  in  the  yard,  under  which  he  had 
hidden  the  pennies  that  had  been  given  him,  and  brought  them  to  his  mother,  who 
purchased  with  them  two  loaves  of  bread,  thus  relieving  the  immediate  hunger 
of  the  family.    The  mother  left  six  small  children  at  her  death. 

Peter  M.  Samberg  never  had  the  opportunity  of  attending  school.  He  and 
a  brother  tramped  through  the  country  and  he  earned  his  first  money — six  shil- 
lings— by  working  at  the  tailor's  trade.  He  served  a  three  years'  apprenticeship 
at  that  trade  and  at  sixteen  years  of  age  went  to  work  in  a  paper  mill  to  learn  the 
trade,  spending  three  years  in  that  way.  He  was  employed  for  a  year  at  a  salary 
of  twenty  crowns  and  he  had  to  get  up  at  three  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  go  to 
work.  The  second  year  his  wage  was  advanced  to  thirty  crowns.  Though  many 
hardships  and  difficulties  were  his  through  the  period  of  his  boyhood,  youth  and 
early  manhood,  he  ad\anced  steadily  but  surely  and  when  twenty-six  years  of 
age  was  foreman  of  a  farm. 

When  thirty  years  of  age  Mr.  Samberg  was  married  to  Miss  W'ilhelmina  Sam- 
uelson.  For  three  years  thereafter  they  remained  in  Sweden  and  in  October, 
1854,  they  left  their  native  land  for  the  United  States,  landing  at  Xew  York, 
wiience  they  made  their  way  to  Chicago  and  on  to  St.  Charles,  Illinois,  where 
Mr.  Samberg  obtained  work  on  a  farm.  Again  disaster  overtook  him  in  the 
loss  of  his  wife,  who  died  in  October  of  the  same  year. 

Mr.  Samberg  continued  farming  for  a  time  and  afterward  worked  at  the 
months  he  did  mason  work  as  a  contractor.  His  home  was  upon  a  farm  of  one 
mason's  trade.  I-ater  he  went  to  Red  Wing,  Minnesota,  where  in  the  summer 
hundred  and  sixty  acres,  which  he  cultivated  and  developed  for  fourteen  years. 
He  then  sold  that  property  and  on  the  i6th  of  October,  1869,  arrived  in  Boone 
county,  settling  in  Marcy  township,  where  he  purchased  a  farm  of  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty  acres.  His  attention  w^as  given  to  its  further  development  and 
improvement  until  1872,  when  he  went  to  Chicago.  In  the  previous  fall  the 
most  disastrous  fire  had  wiped  out  a  large  portion  of  the  city  and  artisan  labor 
was  in  great  demand.  ]\Ir.  Samberg  worked  as  a  mason  foreman  at  seven  dol- 
lars per  day,  being  an  expert  at  his  trade.  In  1877  he  returned  to  Iowa  and 
established  his  home  in  Boone,  but  still  owns  the  farm  and  also  several  prop- 
erties in  the  town,  from  which  he  derives  a  gratifying  annual  income.  Some 
time  after  his  return  to  the  county  he  began  the  manufacture  of  a  liniment  which 
became  famous,  having  great  healing  jjroperties,  and  he  conducted  that  business 
for  a  considerable  period. 

Mr.  Samberg  is  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  war.  His  first  military  training  was 
received  in  Sweden,  for  he  was  a  soldier  in  the  Swedish  army  for  ten  years  and 
was  well  versed  in  the  methods  of  warfare.  His  early  experience  made  him 
very  valuable  during  his  connection  with  the  Union  army.  In  1861  he  enlisted 
for  active  duty,  becoming  a  member  of  Company  D,  Third  Minnesota  \'olunteer 
Infantry,  which  was  assigned  to  the  Western  Army.  He  served  first  under 
Colonel  Lester,  who  surrendered  at  Murfreesboro.  After  being  held  prisoners 
for  forty-eight  hours  the  members  of  the  regiment  were  exchanged.  Mr.  Sam- 
berg: fousfht  against  the  Indians  in  Minnesota  for  a  time  in  1862.     He  continued 


604  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

in  the  army  until  November  14,  1864,  when  he  was  honorably  discharged  in 
Arkansas  and  returned  to  his  home.  He  twice  took  command  of  his  company 
during  the  war  when  superior  officers  were  disabled.  It  was  before  he  went  to 
the  front  that  he  began  the  manufacture  of  liniment  and  he  had  considerable 
knowledge  of  the  remedial  properties  of  other  medicines.  He  frequently  min- 
istered to  his  wounded  comrades  and  was  offered  the  position  of  regimental 
surgeon,  but  refused  to  accept  because  he  could  not  speak  good  English  and 
believed  that  this  would  hamper  him  in  the  work. 

For  his  second  wife  Mr.  Saniberg  chose  Augusta  Johnson,  who  died  in 
Mount  Pleasant,  Iowa,  leaving  five  children,  Charles,  James.  Wilhelmina,  Nellie 
and  Matilda.  For  his  third  wife  Mr.  Samberg  married  Carrie  Samuelson,  who 
died  in  Ogden,  this  county.  On  the  6th  of  June,  1904,  he  wedded  Mrs.  Jennie 
Johnson,  the  widow  of  Swan  Johnson.  She  was  born  in  Sweden,  came  to  the 
United  States  at  six  years  of  age  and  lived  with  her  parents  in  Brooklyn. 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Samberg  were  reared  in  the  faith  of  the  Lutheran  church 
and  he  has  always  been  a  great  reader  of  the  Bible.  For  sixteen  years  he  was 
a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  was  local  preacher  for  a  num- 
ber of  years.  His  political  allegiance  was  given  to  the  greenback  party  for  a 
long  time.  He  once  voted  the  republican  ticket  when  Lincoln  was  candidate  for 
the  presidency  and  in  later  years  he  has  been  a  populist.  His  life,  actuated  by 
high  and  honorable  principles,  has  made  his  record  one  over  which  he  can  look 
back  without  regret.  Without  any  advantages  in  his  youth,  he  has  made  good 
use  of  his  time  and  opportunities  and  he  is  today  one  of  the  venerable  citizens  of 
Boone  county,  respected  by  all.  His  age,  perhaps,  exceeds  that  of  any  other 
resident  of  the  county,  and  his  life  record  covers  a  period  of  history  remark- 
able for  many  achievements.  For  sixty  years  he  has  lived  on  this  side  the  water 
and  for  forty-five  years  has  been  a  resident  of  Boone  coimty. 


THEODORE    BALDLTS. 

Theodore  Baldus  is  the  owner  of  one  hundred  acres  of  land  on  section  25, 
Harrison  township,  Boone  countv,  and  also  four  hundred  acres  in  Story  county. 
Iowa,  located  on  section  36,  Lafayette  township.  He  is  a  native  of  Germany, 
his  birth  having  occurred  in  the  duchy  of  Nassau  on  the  14th  of  November,  1836, 
and  his  parents  being  Christian  and  Elizabeth  (Schlaughter )  Baldus.  The 
mother  passed  away  when  our  subject  was  a  small  boy  and  the  father  came  to 
America  in  1852,  locating  in  Cook  county,  Illinois,  twenty  miles  from  Chicago. 
He  later  came  to  Iowa  and  made  his  home  in  Story  count\-  with  his  son  Theo- 
dore. There  his  death  occurred  in  1878  when  he  was  past  eighty  years  of  age. 
Six  children  were  born  to  Christian  and  Elizabeth  Baldus.  but  our  subject  is 
the  only  one  now  living  and  is  the  youngest  of  the  family.  Two  of  his  brothers 
had  preceded  him  and  the  father  to  America. 

Theodore  Baldus  arrived  in  Story  county,  Iowa,  in  1853,  having  made  the 
trip  from  Illinois  by  wagon  drawn  by  oxen.  He  had  but  little  capital  and  it  was 
necessary  for  him  to  buy  his  first  land  on  time,  paying  forty  per  cent  interest 
on  the  deferred  |)aynients.     The  purchase  price  was  a  dollar  and  a  quarter  per 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  605 

acre.  There  was  little  in  the  undeveloped  prairie  region  of  that  time  to  indicate 
that  in  fifty  years  it  would  be  the  prosperous  agricultural  section  that  it  is  today. 
Mr.  Baldus'  first  purchase  consisted  of  eighty  acres  in  Lafayette  township,  Story 
county,  where  he  now  owns  four  hundred  acres,  and  he  made  his  home  there 
until  1890,  when  he  removed  to  his  present  place  in  Harrison  township,  Hoone 
county.  The  farm  was  but  slightly  improved  when  it  came  into  his  possession 
but  he  has  since  made  it  one  of  the  most  highly  developed  agricultural  properties 
of  the  county.  In  1901  he  built  his  present  fine  residence  and  in  11)13  he  erected 
a  large  barn.  He  has  followed  general  farming  and  stock-raising,  finding  the 
fattening  of  hogs  for  the  market  especially  profitable.  He  has  a  fine  orchard 
and  a  grove  of  shade  trees  on  his  place  and  this  greatly  increases  its  attractive- 
ness. 

Mr.  Baldus  has  a  very  creditable  military  record  and  is  entitled  to  honor  as 
one  of  the  defenders  of  the  Union  in  the  crisis  of  the  '60s.  From  i860  to  1865 
he  was  in  the  Rocky  mountains,  where  he  engaged  in  mining  for  some  time, 
and  also  served  in  the  regular  army.  He  enlisted  in  the  Third  Colorado  Cavalry 
and  served  for  nine  months  in  the  Civil  war  toward  the  close  of  the  conflict. 
Previously  he  had  been  detailed  to  protect  the  stages  and  emigrant  trains  cross- 
ing to  the  far  west. 

Mr.  Haklus  was  united  in  marriage  at  Ames,  Iowa,  in  1867,  to  Miss  Christina 
Born,  a  native  of  Illinois,  of  German  ancestry.  Her  parents  settled  in  Polk 
county,  Iowa,  at  an  early  date  in  the  history  of  this  state  i)ut  later  removed  to 
Ames  and  l)ecame  the  owners  of  a  farm.  East  Ames  has  grown  up  on  the  site 
of  their  homestead.  Mr.  Born  passed  away  at  his  old  home  some  thirty  years 
ago  and  Mrs.  Born  died  at  our  subject's  home  in  1897,  at  the  age  of  seventy-six. 
He  was  a  farmer  and  won  success  in  his  chosen  vocation.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Baldus 
t)ecame  the  parents  of  ten  children,  of  whom  six  are  living,  as  follows:  John, 
of  Story  county,  who  has  eight  children;  Walter,  who  has  six  children;  Carl, 
also  a  resident  of  Story  county,  who  has  five  children ;  Leo,  at  home ;  Mrs. 
Peter  Worth,  of  Story  county,  who  has  eight  -children ;  and  Mrs.  Frank  Rickerl, 
of  South  Dakota.    Our  subject  and  his  wife  have  twenty-five  grandchildren. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Baldus  are  members  of  St.  Peter's  Catholic  church  of  Lafay- 
ette townshi]5.  .Story  county,  and  politically  ]\Ir.  Baldus  is  an  adherent  of  the 
democratic  party.  Although  not  a  native  of  this  country,  he  has  become  thor- 
oughly imbued  with  its  spirit  and  is  a  loyal  supporter  of  its  institutions.  His 
sterling  worth  of  character  has  won  for  him  the  respect  of  the  community. 


CHARLES  M.  CRANK. 

Charles  M.  Crank  is  connected  with  business  interests  of  Woodward,  Iowa, 
where  he  conducts  a  jewelry  store,  and  also  handles  violins,  chinaware, 
cut  glass  and  similar  articles.  As  a  merchant  he  enjoys  the  highest  reputation 
and  his  customers  are  many  and  of  the  best  class  of  citizens.  He  was  born  in 
Polk  City,  Polk  county,  Iowa,  September  10,  1874,  a  son  of  George  W.  and 
Catherine  (Kirscher)  Crank,  prominent  residents  of  Madrid,  who  are  luen- 
tioned  elsewhere  in  this  work.     He  attended  the  public  schools  and  after  coming- 


606  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

with  his  parents  to  Madrid  on  May  17,  i8gi,  completed  his  education  here.  He 
subsequently  learned  the  jeweler's  trade  under  his  father,  the  latter  being  one 
of  the  most  renowned  and  successful  men  along  that  line  in  the  state.  On  De- 
cember 7,  1896,  he  began  business  for  himself  in  Woodward,  where  he  has 
continued  to  the  present  day.  When  he  began  business  on  his  own  account 
his  sole  capital  consisted  of  two  dollars  and  a  half,  but  by  strong  determination, 
honesty  and  industry  he  has  succeeded  in  building  up  a  trade  which  is  a  credit 
to  his  efforts.  He  now  carries  one  of  the  best  selected  and  most  complete  jewelry 
stocks  to  be  found  in  Dallas  county,  having  also  a  large  trade  from  Boone  county. 
He  does  efficient  work  at  most  reasonable  prices. 

On  March  17.  1897.  '"  Polk  City,  Iowa,  Mr.  Crank  married  Miss  Ada  M. 
Richards,  who  was  born  in  Des  Moines,  January  17,  1873.  She  attended  the 
public  schools  there  and  also  took  a  course  at  Simpson  College,  Indianola.  Her 
father.  Rollin  Richards,  was  a  soldier  in  the  Union  army  during  the  Civil  war. 
being  a  member  of  the  Sixty-fifth  Illinois  Volunteer  Infantry.  Her  mother  is 
now  residing  in  Polk  City.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Crank  have  become  the  parents  of  five 
children,  all  born  in  Woodward:  Viva,  whose  birth  occurred  December  29, 
1897;  \'elma.  born  on  March  13,  1899:  one  who  died  in  infancy:  Julia  Marie, 
born  July  3,  1906;  and  Charles  Dean,  born  October  8,  1908.  The  children  are 
attending  the  public  school  in  \\'oodward. 

Mr.  Crank  has  always  given  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  from 
191 1  to  1913  served  as  mayor  of  Woodward,  promoting  a  number  of  valuable 
measures  which  have  been  of  great  benefit  to  the  city.  He  is  a  member  of  the 
board  of  education  and  both  he  and  his  wife  belong  to  the  Church  of  Christ. 
Fraternally  he  is  identified  with  Woodward  Lodge,  No.  460,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  the 
Modern  Woodmen  of  America.  The  family  resides  in  a  handsome  home  in 
Woodward,  where  they  receive  their  many  friends,  being  popular  in  society. 
Mr.  Crank  has  always  interested  himself  in  any  forward  movement  and  has 
often  contributed  to  worthy  enterprises.  He  is  a  self-made  man  and  has  every 
reason  to  be  proud  of  his  success.- 


HENRY  KNIGHT. 


Henry  Knight  owns  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  good  land  on  tlie  east- 
ern part  of  section  21,  Harrison  township,  and  has  here  resided  since  1910.  He 
had  previously  spent  twenty-nine  years  upon  a  farm  on  the  western  part  of  the 
same  section.  At  the  present  writing  he  is  not  actively  engaged  in  the  work  of 
the  fields  but  rents  his  land  to  his  son  and  son-in-law  and  lives  retired  in  the  enjoy- 
ment of  a  rest  which  he  has  truly  earned  and  richly  deserves.  He  was  born  in 
Lincolnshire,  England,  November  10,  185:).,  and  when  twelve  weeks  old  was 
brought  by  his  parents  to  the  United  States.  He  is  a  son  of  Daniel  and  Emma 
(Dimery)  Knight,  both  of  whom  are  now  deceased.  Their  children  were  as 
follows:  Rosina.  now  the  wife  of  Ed  Eckley,  residing  in  Boone;  Pauline,  who 
married  S.  E.  Smith,  a  resident  of  Sac  county,  Iowa;  Ellen,  the  wife  of  J.  A. 
Johnston,  living  near  Stanhope:  Daniel,  who  married  Martha  Ritter  and  makes 
his  home  near  Stanhope;  Henry,  of  this  review ;  Bertha,  the  wife  of  Greeley 


HENRY  KNIGHT  AND  FAMILY 


HISTORY  OF  BOOXE  COUNTY  •  609 

Ritter,  a  resident  of  Boone ;  John,  who  is  engaged  in  the  real-estate  business  in 
Chamberlain,  South  Dakota ;  Seth,  who  married  Amanda  Pratt  and  resides  in 
.Dodge  township,  this  county ;  and  Viola,  the  wife  of  Ben  Pollard,  of  Boone. 
On  coming  to  the  new  world  the  parents  settled  first  in  Wisconsin,  where  they 
remained  for  three  years,  and  then  went  to  Missouri,  afterward  coming  to  Boone 
county,  Iowa,  where  the  family  home  was  established. 

Henry  Knight  of  this  review  was  then  a  little  lad  of  but  four  years,  and  he 
has  since  lived  in  Boone  county,  so  that  he  has  now  witnessed  its  growth  and 
development  for  six  years  more  than  a  half  century.  He  is  indebted  to  the  public- 
school  system  for  the  educational  privileges  which  he  enjoyed  and  his  home  train- 
ing was  that  of  the  farm,  with  the  usual  experiences  that  fall  to  the  lot  of  the 
farmer  lad.  He  never  sought  to  change  his  occupation,  realizing  the  fact  that 
the  rich  soil  of  Iowa  afforded  good  opportunities  to  the  agriculturist.  In  time 
he  became  the  owner  of  a  farm  on  section  21,  Harrison  township,  and  occupied 
that  place  for  almost  three  decades.  He  then  removed  to  his  present  place  on 
the  same  section,  having  here  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  rich  and  productive 
land.  At  the  present  time,  however,  he  leaves  its  cultivation  and  management 
to  his  son  and  son-in-law  who  rent  the  place  from  him. 

It  was  on  the  14th  of  September,  1876,  that  Mr.  Knight  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Lizzie  Bronkar,  a  daughter  of  Louis  and  Mary  (Gibbons)  Bronkar. 
Mrs.  Knight  was  born  in  Zanesville,  Ohio.  Her  father  died  in  early  manhood 
and  the  mother  afterward  removed  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  1866,  settling  in 
Dodge  township.  Her  children  by  her  first  marriage  were  four  in  number:  Sarah, 
the  wife  of  James  Gibbons,  of  Boone;  Mrs.  Lizzie  Knight;  Clara,  who  married 
Lyman  Sayles,  a  resident  of  Jackson,  Minnesota ;  and  Samuel  Gladen,  deceased. 
After  losing  her  first  husband  Mrs.  Bronkar  became  the  wife  of  J.  K.  Tumble- 
son,  but  both  are  now  deceased.  Mr.  and  Airs.  Knight  have  a  family  of  five 
children:  Nellie,  the  wife  of  Ole  Johnson,  who  follows  farming  in  Harrison 
township ;  Millie,  who  married  Roscoe  Nelson,  a  resident  farmer  of  Harrison 
township;  Edward,  who  married  Eldora  Wheeler  and  is  operating  the  home 
farm;  Mabel,  the  wife  of  Fred  Pollard;  and  Hazel,  at  home. 

Mr.  Knight  has  provided  a  most  comfortable  home  for  his  family  and  his  suc- 
cess enables  him  to  give  them  not  only  the  necessities  but  also  some  of  the 
luxuries  of  life.  He  owns  an  automobile  and  says  that  he  regrets  he  did  not 
get  one  years  ago.  The  family  attend  the  Methodist  church.  Politically  Mr. 
Knight  is  a  democrat  and  for  fourteen  years  filled  the  office  of  township  trustee 
of  Harrison  township.  He  has  also  served  as  school  director  and  believes  in 
having  good  schools,  recognizing  how  important  wise  instruction  is  as  a  prep- 
aration for  the  later  responsibilities  and  duties  of  life. 


WILLIAM    M.   WADE. 


William  M.  Wade  is  one  of  the  [niblic-spirited  and  substantial  residents  of 
Woodward,  where  he  is  successfully  engaged  in  the  insurance  business,  also 
giving  considerable  time  to  the  development  of  a  valuable  farm  of  three  hundred 
and  six  acres  which  he  owns  in  Emmet  county.    Great  credit  is  due  him  for  what 


Vol.    n— 2  8 


610  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

he  has  achieved,  for  all  that  he  is  and  has  today  has  been  won  through  his  own 
efforts. 

Mr.  Wade  was  born  in  Peoples  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa,  April  3,  1864, 
a  son  of  Washington  and  Lucy  (  Bass)  Wade.  The  father  was  born  in  Medina 
county.  (  )hio,  in  1818,  and  the  mother  in  Pennsylvania  in  1825.  Both  died  in 
Woodward,  Iowa,  in  1904  and  igo6  respectively.  They  were  among  the  earliest 
pioneers  of  Boone  county,  having  made  their  way  overland  in  1853  from  Illinois. 
They  located  in  Cass  township  when  that  section  was  sparsely  settled.  They 
had  eleven  children:  J.  B.,  of  Nebraska;  Mrs.  Josephine  Miller,  deceased;  Mrs. 
Alice  Calonkey,  of  Woodward;  Mrs.  Jennie  Bettis,  of  Denver,  Colorado;  Alfred 
B.  and  Albert,  twins,  the  former  a  farmer  of  Peoples  township  and  the  latter 
deceased,  having  passed  away  at  the  age  of  nine  months ;  Ella,  a  resident  of 
Woodward;  Mrs.  Hattie  Hughes,  of  Belle  Plaine,  Iowa;  William  M.,  of  this 
review ;  Mrs.  Minnie  Callahan,  of  Woodward  :  and  .\lbertus,  also  a  resident  of 
Woodward. 

William  M.  Wade  attended  the  common  schools  of  Peoples  township  and 
the  Woodward  public  schools.  He  then  taught  in  the  schools  of  the  neighbor- 
hood for  nine  terms  and  later  engaged  in  educational  work  in  Lake  View,  Sac 
county,  for  some  time.  Subsequently  he  was  a  tra\eling  insurance  writer,  but  in 
December,  1903,  became  the  local  representati\e  of  various  well  known  insur- 
ance companies.  He  also  became  interested  in  the  furniture  and  undertaking 
business  in  Woodward  in  that  year.  He  has  continued  his  insurange  agency 
and  also  gives  much  attention  to  the  de\elopment  of  his  farm  in  Emmet  county, 
which  is  improved  with  a  set  of  modern  buildings. 

On  October  15.  1891,  at  Woodward,  Iowa,  Mr.  Wade  married  R/Iiss  Hattie 
M.  Smith,  who  was  born  in  De  Kalb  county,  Illinois,  October  15,  1866.  Her  par- 
ents, O.  W.  and  Esther  J.  (  Stillwell )  Smith,  came  to  Boone  county  in  1871, 
locating  in  Cass  township,  but  now  a  part  of  Peoples  township.  They  were  num- 
bered among  the  successful  people  of  the  communit)'.  The  father,  who  was  born 
in  \'erniont  in  1839.  died  January  17.  1881,  and  his  widow  is  now  residing  in 
Spokane,  Washington.  In  their  family  were  five  children:  Mrs.  Wade,  the 
wife  of  our  subject;  A.  Le  Roy,  born  July  20,  1870,  who  is  residing  in  Chehalis, 
Washington;  Mrs.  Addie  Craft,  born  December  4,  1873.  of  Woodward;  Floyd, 
who  died  in  infancy;  and  Mrs.  Olive  Duffy,  born  February  28,  1881,  whose  hus- 
band is  city  clerk  of  Spokane.  The  oldest  child  was  born  in  Illinois  and  the 
others  in  Peoples  township,  where  all  were  reared.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wade  have 
one  son,  J.  Lester,  who  was  born  in  Lake  View,  Sac  county,  Iowa,  April  11, 
1897,  and  is  attending  high  school  in  Woodward.  The  family  reside  in  a  hand- 
some and  nicely  appointed  home  in  that  city.  Mrs.  Wade  is  one  of  a  class  of 
ten  women,  who  as  girls  attended  the  Oak  Grove  school  in  Cass  township  and 
who  had  a  reunion  at  the  home  of  Mrs.  Wade  in  1914,  their  old  school-teacher, 
A,  C.  Smith,  a  prominent  resident  of  Woodward,  participating  in  the  celebration. 
Prior  to  her  marriage  she  taught  school  for  six  years. 

Mr.  Wade  is  a  democrat  and  has  always  taken  an  interest  in  the  success  of 
his  party,  being  influential  in  its  local  councils.  He  is  at  present  the  democratic 
nominee  for  representative  from  Dallas  county  and  has  an  excellent  chance  of 
realizing  his  ambition.  He  has  a  large  number  of  friends  and  admirers  who  are 
going  to  support  him  because  they  are  convinced  of  his  thorough  honesty  and 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  611 

of  his  trustworthiness  and  faithfulness.  Many  of  these  are  not  even  of  his  own 
party  hut  belong  to  other  political  organizations.  Mrs.  Wade  is  a  member  of  the 
Congregational  church  of  Lake  View,  Iowa,  and  has  always  taken  a  deep  interest 
in  religious  work.  Her  husband  has  been  a  member  of  the  town  council  of 
Woodward  and  also  has  served  on  the  board  of  education.  Fraternally  he  is  a 
member  of  Woodward  Lodge,  No.  460,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and  also  belongs  to  the 
Knights  of  Pythias  of  that  city.  Such  success  as  has  come  to  him  is  well  merited, 
for  it  is  the  outcome  of  his  own  efforts. 


GEORGE   W.    NOLAND. 

George  \\.  Noland,  who  owns  a  valuable  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  in  Cass  township,  was  born  in  that  township  on  section  2j,  August  4,  1852, 
and  is  now  the  oldest  living  native  son  of  his  township.  He  is  a  son  of  William 
and  Rachel  (Bennett)  Noland,  the  father  born  in  Pike  county,  Ohio,  February 
29,  1822,  and  the  mother  in  Highland  county,  Ohio,  March  13,  1823.  They  came 
to  Iowa  in  1850,  the  family  making  the  trip  by  boat  to  Keokuk  and  thence  over- 
land to  Cass  township  where  Mr.  Noland  located  on  section  27.  There  he  fol- 
lowed farming  and  stock-raising.  He  was  the  first  justice  of  the  peace  in  Cass 
township  and  performed  the  first  marriage  ceremony  in  that  part  of  Boone 
county.  In  1865  he  became  a  member  of  the  Thirteenth  Iowa  Regiment  and 
died  in  the  service  at  Newbern,  North  Carolina.  His  wife  died  in  Cass  town- 
ship June  20,  1886.  Their  marriage  took  place  in  Ohio,  September  2,  1842,  and 
in  their  family  were  ten  children:  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Jane  Dickerson.  born  July  2, 
1843;  Mary,  deceased,  born  January  6,  1845;  Albert  C,  who  was  born  November 
16,  1846,  and  who  died  at  Huntsville,  Alabama,  as  a  member  of  Company  D, 
Thirteenth  Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry:  John  W.,  born  April  25.  1848,  of  Cali- 
fornia; James  M.,  born  October  26.  1850,  a  prominent  agriculturist,  mayor  of 
Woodward  and  president  of  the  board  of  education;  George  W.,  of  this  review; 
Mrs.  Margaret  Ellen  Newell,  jjorn  January  26,  1856,  of  Woodward;  F.  S.,  born 
October  3,  1859,  of  Modesto,  California;  Joshua,  born  July  31,  1861,  of 
Alberta,  Canada;  and  Nathaniel,  born  July  28,  1864,  of  the  same  city. 

George  W.  Noland  attended  the  early  schools  of  Cass  township,  including 
the  Eversole  school.  He  subsequently  followed  farming  and  stock-raising  and 
has  so  continued  to  the  present  time.  He  owns  a  valuable  farm  of  one  hundred 
and  sixty  acres,  all  of  which  is  under  high  cultivation.  His  buildings  are  sub- 
stantial and  modernly  appointed,  and  his  home  is  conveniently  arranged  and  well 
equipped.  He  has  been  successful  because  he  has  always  been  industrious  and 
energetic,  carrying  out  the  plans  which  he  has  made. 

On  the  2d  of  November,  1876,  .Mr.  Noland  was  married  in  Cass  township 
to  Miss  Sarah  J.  Carrel,  who  was  born  in  Marcy  township.  May  6.  1856,  and  grew 
to  womanhood  in  this  county,  of  which  she  has  always  remained  a  resident. 
Her  parents  were  John  and  Amanda  (Lamb)  Carrel,  the  former  born  near 
Bowling  Green,  Clay  county,  Indiana,  December  4,  1833,  and  the  latter  in  Ohio, 
November  17,  1834.  His  parents  came  to  Iowa  in  1842,  first  settling  in  Jefferson 
county,  but  in    1843   removed  to  Wapello  county  and   in    1848  came  to   Boone 


612  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

county,  making  their  home  in  Douglas  township.  The  father  died  in  Madrid, 
Iowa,  May  17,  igo8,  and  the  mother  in  Cass  township.  In  their  family  were 
nine  children.  William,  born  March  29,  1853,  a  resident  of  Missouri;  Mrs. 
Mary  Kirk,  born  Octoljer  24,  1S54.  of  Kansas;  Sarah  J.,  the  wife  of  our  subject; 
George,  who  was  born  November  17,  1858,  a  resident  of  Woodward;  David, 
born  November  26,  i860,  of  Missouri;  Albert  and  Mrs.  Alice  Davidson,  twins, 
born  April  18,  1865,  the  former  residing  in  Fort  Dodge  and  the  latter  in  Des 
Moines;  Mrs.  Minnie  Lucas,  born  January  21,  1871,  who  died  in  Madrid,  Iowa, 
June  16,  1906;  and  one  who  died  in  infancy.  All  these  children  were  born  and 
reared  in  Boone  county,  in  Marcy,  Peoples  and  Cass  townships  respectively. 
To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Noland  were  born  six  children:  Mrs.  Delia  M.  Swisher,  whose 
birth  occurred  October  2"],  1877,  and  who  resides  in  Cass  township;  William  E., 
born  May  22,  1870,  of  Iowa;  Scott  E.,  born  February  10,  1882.  of  jMadrid,  this 
state;  Harry,  born  April  22,  1885,  who  died  July  17,  1891  ;  Ray  W.,  who  was 
born  September  17  1887,  a  resident  of  Winona,  Minnesota;  and  Clifford  C, 
born  .Vugust  24,  1893,  of  Cass  townshi]:). 

Politically  Mr.  Noland  is  an  adherent  of  the  republican  party  and  is  true  to 
its  standards.  Both  he  and  his  wife  are  memljers  of  the  Liberty  Methodist 
Episcopal  church  of  Cass  township.  They  are  highly  respected  and  esteemed, 
ha\ing  many  friends  in  Boone  county,  to  the  development  of  which  lioth  have 
contributed  along  various  lines. 


CONSTANTINUS  POULOS. 

Constantinus  Poulos  was  born  in  Tripolis,  (ireece,  on  the  21st  of  May,  1881. 
His  father  is  Athanasus  Anognostopulos,  the  surname  having  been  abljreviated 
by  our  subject  and  his  brother  to  Poulos.  The  father  is  a  nati\e  of  Tripolis 
and  has  spent  his  entire  life  there,  devoting  his  active  years  to  agricultural  pur- 
suits. He  is  still  living  at  the  advanced  age  of  eighty-five.  The  motiier,  who 
was  in  her  maidenhood  Evangelia  Bosilakopulos,  is  also  a  nati\e  of  Tripolis  and 
is  now  seventy-two  years  of  age.  She  is  the  mother  of  nine  children,  as  fol- 
lows: George,  of  Perea,  Greece;  Alexander,  of  Boone;  John,  at  home;  Demet- 
rius, at  home  ;  Leonidas,  of  Siou.x  City,  Iowa  ;  Theodore,  of  Boone  ;  Constantinus, 
of  this  review ;  Vasiliki,  at  home ;  and  Antonious,  of  Boone.  The  paternal 
grandfather  of  our  subject  was  John  Anognostopulos,  who  lived  and  died  on  the 
homestead  in  Greeoe. 

Constantinus  Poulos  spent  his  boyhood  and  youth  in  his  native  land,  his 
education  being  obtained  in  the  public  schools  of  Tripolis  and  Perea,  whither  he 
went  at  the  age  of  thirteen  years.  Two  brothers,  George  and  Demetrius,  had 
preceded  him  to  that  city  and  were  there  engaged  in  the  grocery  business.  Our 
subject  entered  their  store  as  a  clerk  and  attended  school  as  well.  He  was  thus 
employed  for  about  six  years,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  set  sail  for  the  United 
States,  landing  in  the  new  world  in  April,  1901.  He  joined  his  brothers  .-Vlex- 
ander  and  Theodore  in  Chicago,  they  being  employed  in  the  Pullman  Car  Works, 
and  he  also  obtained  employment  there,  remaining  for  ten  months.  He  spoke 
no  English  at  the  time  of  his  arrival,  but  applied  himself  diligently  to  the  mastery 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  613 

of  the  language  and  soon  had  quite  a  good  command  of  English.  He  next 
removed  to  Sioux  City,  Iowa,  where  he  learned  candy  making.  His  ambition 
from  the  start  was  to  enter  business  on  his  own  account,  and  saving  his  money 
carefully  he  invested  the  same  in  a  candy  establishment.  At  the  end  of  two 
years,  or  in  1904.  he  came  to  Boone  and  here  opened  what  is  now  known  as 
the  Boone  Candy  Store,  later  acquiring  a  restaurant,  which  he  still  conducts, 
under  the  name  of  the  Little  Savoy,  in  conjunction  with  his  candy  kitchen  in 
Boone,  another  in  Sioux  City  and  four  in  his  native  land,  two  being  located  in 
Tripolis  and  two  in  Perea.  He  understands  thoroughly  the  making  of  high 
class  confectionery  and  his  business  methods  are  efficient  and  thoroughly  hon- 
orable. The  quality  of  his  product  and  the  courteous  attention  given  customers 
have  been  leading  factors  in  securing  his  success. 

When  the  Balkan  war  broke  out  Mr.  Poulos'  patriotic  spirit  demanded  that 
he  oii'er  his  service  to  his  country.  He  accordingly  turned  over  the  manage- 
ment of  his  business  to  his  brothers  and  departed  for  the  seat  of  war,  enlisting  in 
the  Eleventh  Regiment.  He  was  on  the  firing  line  for  five  months  and  partici- 
l)ated  in  many  hard  fought  battles  and  skirmishes,  receiving  a  bullet  wound  at 
the  battle  of  Jonina.  When  peace  was  declared  he  returned  to  the  United  States, 
bringing  with  him  his  niece  Stella  and  his  sister-in-law.  Airs.  Leonidas  Poulos. 
Since  then  he  has  devoted  his  time  to  the  management  of  his  various  business 
undertakings.  He  is  a  member  of  the  Greek  Orthodox  church  and  is  faithful 
to  his  religious  belief.  The  fact  that  he  has  been  able  to  overcome  the  difficulty 
of  a  strange  language  and  to  win  prosperity  in  a  foreign  land  in  a  comparatively 
few  years  speaks  much  for  his  ability  to  adapt  himself  to  varying  conditions 
and  for  his  energy  and  business  sagacity. 


SIMON   HOMESLEY. 

Simon  Homesley,  who  is  engaged  in  the  operation  of  a  fine  farm  of  eighty 
acres  in  Cass  township,  was  born  on  the  12th  of  February,  1866,  in  Washington 
county,  Arkansas,  his  parents  being  Sydney  M.  and  Nancy  (Sanders)  Homesley. 
The  father  was  a  soldier  in  the  Union  army  during  the  Civil  war  and  never  fully 
recovered  from  the  eti'ects  of  the  hardships  endured  while  in  the  service.  He 
died  in  Arkansas  in  187S,  and  his  wife,  who  was  born  in  Washington  county, 
that  state,  is  also  deceased.  In  their  family  were  five  children,  of  whom  four 
are  still  living,  namely:  Simon  and  Stephen,  twins,  the  latter  still  a  resident  of 
Washington  county,  Arkansas;  Mrs.  Lulu  Fitch,  deceased;  Mrs.  Frances  Thur- 
man,  a  resident  of  Temple,  Texas ;  and  John,  of  Washington  county,  Arkansas, 
which   was  the  birthplace  of  all  the  children. 

Simon  Homesley  passed  his  boyhood  and  youth  in  much  the  usual  manner 
of  farm  bovs,  early  becoming  familiar  with  agricultural  pursuits  and  pursuing 
his  studies  in  the  common  schools.  Throughout  his  active  business  life  he  has 
followed  farming  and  stock-raising  and  on  coming  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in 
1890  located  on  section  ifS,  Cass  township,  where  he  is  now  engaged  in  the  culti- 
vation of  cightv  acres  of  highly  cultivated  and  productive  land.     His  place  is 


614  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

well  improved,  and  his  home  is  supplied  with  all  the  comforts  of  life.  Here  he 
has  met  with  success  and  is  now  enjoying  a  comfortable  competence. 

Mr.  Homesley  was  married  in  Washington  county,  Arkansas,  February  lo, 
1889,  to  Miss  Carrie  Alice  Carrel,  who  was  born  in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  Janu- 
ary 19,  1872,  and  here  grew  to  womanhood,  attending  the  common  schools. 
Her  parents,  Philip  and  Elizabeth  (Kirk)  Carrel,  were  among  the  early  settlers 
of  Boone  county.  Her  father  was  born  in  Indiana,  March  z"],  1827,  and  died 
in  Woodson  county,  Kansas,  on  the  ist  of  January,  1903,  while  her  mother  was 
born  in  eastern  Tennessee,  March  24,  1830,  and  passed  away  in  Boone  county, 
Iowa,  January  13,  1894.  They  were  married  on  the  9th  of  July,  1846,  and 
came  to  Boone  county  in  1853,  locating  in  Cass  township.  Their  family  con- 
sisted of  eleven  children,  of  whom  eight  are  still  living,  as  follows :  Mrs.  Sarah 
Ann  Tollivar,  who  died  at  the  age  of  twenty  years ;  John  Wesley,  who  is  also 
deceased ;  William,  who  is  deceased ;  Mrs.  Mary  Elizabeth  Eversole,  who  is  now 
a  resident  of  California ;  Samuel  J.,  who  lives  in  Livermore,  Iowa ;  Asa,  who 
resides  in  Madrid,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Emily  Oviatt,  who  also  lives  in  Madrid;  Jacob 
M.,  who  makes  his  home  in  Hibbing,  .Minnesota;  Charles  H.,  who  lives  in 
Fresno,  California ;  Theodore,  who  resides  in  Algona,  Iowa ;  and  Carrie  Alice, 
now  the  wife  of  the  subject  of  this  review. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Homesley  have  two  children..  Theodore  Troy,  born  in  Wash- 
ington county.  Arkansas,  October  6,  1890,  is  now  engaged  in  the  cultivation  of  a 
farm  in  Cass  township  near  the  home  of  his  parents.  He  was  married  in  Sonora, 
Arkansas,  February  14.  1912.  to  Florence  Davis,  who  was  born,  reared  and 
educated  in  Henderson  county,  Kentucky,  and  is  especially  proficient  in  music. 
Beulah  May,  born  in  Cass  township,  this  county.  May  26,  1904,  is  attending 
the  common  schools.  Mrs.  Homesley  and  her  children  hold  membership  in  the 
Liberty  Methodist  Episcopal  church  of  Cass  township,  and  the  family  is  one  of 
prominence  in  the  community.  Mr.  Homesley  affiliates  with  the  democratic 
party  and  has  held  school  offices  in  his  township  as  well  as  served  as  road  com- 
missioner. He  is  one  of  the  representati\e  men  of  the  community  and  a  most 
highly  esteemed  citizen. 


i  THEODORE   H.   KETGLEY. 

Theodore  H.  Keigley  is  a  farmer  and  stock-raiser  and  is  the  owner  of  a  finely 
improved  farm  of  two  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  land  situated  on  section  20, 
Colfax  township.  He  was  born  in  this  county,  .August  17.  1856,  and  is  a  son 
of  W.  J.  and  Elizabeth  (Throckmorton)  Keigley.  The  father  was  born  on  the 
1 2th  of  Tune,  1824,  in  Greene  county,  Pennsylvania,  of  German  descent,  his  father 
being  a  native  of  the  fatherland.  The  latter  was  a  farmer  and  spent  his  last 
years  in  Boone  county,  where  he  passed  away.  The  mother  was  born  Novem- 
ber 27,  1824,  in  Greene  county,  Pennsylvania,  where  her  marriage  occurred. 
Her  parents  were  likewise  natives  of  the  Keystone  state.  W.  J.  Keigley  engaged 
in  farming  in  Boone  county  for  a  number  of  years  and  then  became  the  owner 
of  a  mercantile  enterprise  at  Madrid,  .\fter  ten  or  twelve  years  spent  as  a 
merchant  he   retired  and  enjoyed  a  well  earned  leisure  until  his  death,  which 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  615 

occurred  on  December  29,  1904.  His  widow  preceded  him  in  death  over  a  year, 
passing  away  April  2^,  1903.  Both  were  members  of  the  Methodist  church  and 
were  known  as  two  of  the  most  upright  citizens  of  the  county.  Mr.  Keigley 
would  have  taken  part  in  the  Civil  war  but  that  he  was  taken  ill  at  Davenport 
and  so  was  unable  to  serve.  He  and  his  wife  were  the  parents  of  seven  sons 
and  one  daughter,  of  whom  the  following  grew  to  maturity:  Warren,  who 
passed  away  in  the  fall  of  1913  at  Boone;  Clayton,  who  is  the  owner  of  a  planta- 
tion at  Crowley,  Louisiana ;  Theodore  H.,  of  this  review ;  L.  F.,  who  is  engaged 
in  business  in  Ames.  Iowa;  Robert  M.,  who  died  in  Madrid,  Iowa,  in  September, 
1903,  at  the  age  of  forty-four  years ;  Emma  E.,  the  wife  of  Andrew  E.  Suther- 
land, a  farmer  residing  near  Madrid ;  and  Wilbur  H.,  who  is  engaged  in  the 
real-estate  business  in  Madrid. 

Theodore  H.  Keigley  was  reared  in  Boone  county  and  here  attended  the 
public  schools.  He  has  always  followed  farming  as  an  occupation  and  has 
reaped  bounteous  harvests  due  to  his  knowledge  of  the  best  methods  of  agricul- 
ture and  his  energy  in  carrying  on  the  work  of  the  farm. 

On  the  1 2th  of  October.  1879,  ^f-  Keigley  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Janet  Gunder,  whose  birth  occurred  November  18,  i860,  in  Whiteside  county, 
Illinois,  near  Sterling.  Her  mother  passed  away  when  she  was  but  an  infant 
and  her  father  later  re-married.  She  came  with  her  father  and  stepmother  to 
Boone  county  when  but  a  child,  the  family  settling  in  Colfax  township,  where 
the  father  became  known  as  a  citizen  of  worth.  Mrs.  Keigley's  two  brothers 
are  G.  B.,  of  Polk  county.  Missouri ;  and  John  A.,  of  Montour,  Iowa.  By  her  mar- 
riage she  became  the  mother  of  the  following  children :  Roland  A.,  a  business 
man  of  Luther,  married  Miss  Hallie  Luther,  a  daughter  of  M.  H.  Luther,  a 
farmer  of  that  locality,  and  they  have  one  child.  Harlan.  Alta  E.  is  the  wife  of 
Walter  L.  Lundahl.  of  Garden  township ;  and  Bert  L.,  the  youngest  of  the  fam- 
ily, is  at  home.    William  T..  the  third  in  order  of  birth,  died  in  infancy. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Keigley  are  members  of  the  Congregational  church  of  Garden 
Prairie.  He  has  always  supported  the  democratic  party  at  the  polls,  and  he  has 
served  his  township  in  various  official  capacities,  giving  entire  satisfaction  to  his 
constituents.  His  public-spirited  activities  as  a  citizen  and  his  worth  as  a  man 
have  gained  for  him  the  respect  of  the  community. 


W.  M.  PEOPLES. 


W.  M.  Peoples  is  a  representative  of  one  of  the  old  pioneer  families  of  Boone 
county  and  was  born  upon  a  farm  in  the  township  which  bears  the  family  name, 
his  natal  day  being  December  17.  1861.  His  father.  W.  M.  Peoples,  was  a  native 
of  Pennsylvania,  born  near  Brownsville,  but  in  youth  he  came  to  the  middle 
west  and  at  the  time  of  the  Civil  war  enlisted  from  Boone  county  in  the  Union 
army,  becoming  a  member  of  Company  D,  Thirty-second  Iowa  Volunteer  In- 
fantry. He  was  killed  at  Pleasant  Hill.  Louisiana.  April  8.  1864.  He  left  a 
widow  and  an  only  son.  The  former.  Mrs.  Catharine  ( Miller)  Peoples,  was 
born  in  La  Grange  county,  Indiana,  but  now  resides  in  Woodward,  Iowa. 


616  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

The  only  child,  \Y  ..M.  Peoples,  was  reared  to  manhood  in  Boone  county 
and  is  indebted  to  its  public  school  system  for  the  educational  privileges  which 
he  enjoyed.  With  the  exception  of  eight  years  spent  in  conducting  a  meat 
market  in  Woodward  he  has  always  followed  farming  and  stock-raising.  It 
was  this  occupation  to  which  he  was  reared,  and  he  has  manifested  unfaltering 
energy  and  determination  in  the  management  and  improvement  of  his  place. 

In  Boone  county  in  1S83  Mr.  Peoples  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Clara 
J.  Woods,  who  was  born  in  Adams  county,  Ohio,  March  28,  1862,  and  in  1865 
was  brought  to  this  county  by  her  parents,  Joseph  and  Ellen  (Lawson)  Woods. 
Her  father,  also  a  native  of  Ohio,  was  born  in  April,  1S34,  and  her  mother's 
birth  occurred  in  that  state  August  27,  1837.  From  the  time  of  his  arrival  in 
this  county  as  an  early  settler  Joseph  Woods  continued  to  make  his  home  in  this 
part  of  the  state  until  called  to  his  final  rest,  his  death  occurring  in  Woodward, 
August  2,  1906.  His  wife,  who  survives,  now  resides  in  Los  Angeles,  California. 
In  their  family  were  si.x  children,  of  whom  five  are  living,  namely :  James  H., 
a  resident  of  Waterloo,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Peoples,  wife  of  the  subject  of  this  review; 
Mrs.  Ida  Greenhiser,  of  Los  Angeles;  John,  who  makes  his  home  in  California; 
and  Charlie,  also  of  Waterloo,  Iowa.  One  daughter,  Ella,  who  was  the  fourth 
in  order  of  birth,  has  passed  away.  The  three  eldest  children  of  the  family  were 
born  in  Ohio  and  the  younger  three  in  Douglas  township,  Boone  county,  where 
all  were  reared. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peoples  have  been  born  three  children,  but  they  lost  their 
eldest,  Ray,  who  was  born  November  19,  1889,  and  passed  away  at  Havre,  Mon- 
tana, July  2~,  1913.  William,  born  in  Clinton  county,  Iowa,  June  5,  1893,  and 
Catharine,  born  April  29,  1895,  are  with  their  parents  upon  the  home  farm. 
They  have  attended  the  common  schools  of  the  neighborhood  and  the  public 
schools  of  Woodward.  The  Peoples'  farm  is  a  tract  of  land  of  one  hundred  and 
sixty  acres,  situated  on  section  36,  Peoples  township.  There  are  good  improve- 
ments upon  the  place,  including  a  modern  residence,  well  furnished,  and  sub- 
stantial outbuildings  for  the  shelter  of  grain  and  stock.  Mr.  Peoples  carries  on 
general  agricultural  pursuits  and  also  raises  a  good  grade  of  live  stock.  The  farm 
presents  a  neat  and  attractive  appearance,  and  that  his  methods  are  both  practical 
and  progressive  is  indicated  in  the  success  which  has  come  to  him.  In  politics 
he  is  independent,  voting  as  his  judgment  dictates  rather  than  for  party.  Fra- 
ternally he  is  connected  with  Peaceful  Lodge,  No.  454,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Wood- 
ward, and  endeavors  to  exemplify  in  his  life  the  beneficent  spirit  of  the  craft. 


SAMUEL  LOGAN  MOORE. 

Samuel  Logan  Moore  has  justly  won  the  proud  American  title  of  "a  self- 
made  man."  Energy  and  industry  have  been  the  crowning  points  in  his  career, 
and  his  intelligently  directed  efl:'ort  has  carried  him  steadily  forward  to  the  goal 
of  success.  He  is  today  a  prominent  figure  in  financial  circles  not  only  in 
Boone,  Ijut  elsewhere  in  this  and  surrounding  counties.  Pennsylvania  claims  him 
as  a  native  son,  his  birth  having  occurred  in  Canonsburg,  that  state,  on  the  6th  of 
April,    1845,   his   parents   being   William   and   Eleanore    (Hughes)    Moore,  both 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  619 

of  whom  were  natives  of  Pennsylvania.  The  father  made  farming  his  hfe 
work  and  thus  provided  for  the  support  of  the  family.  Removing  to  the  middle 
west,  he  passed  away  in  Macoupin,  Illinois,  in  1864.  The  mother  afterward 
came  to  Boone  with  her  son  Samuel,  and  her  last  days  were  spent  in  this  section 
of  the  state.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Moore  were  born  ten  children,  of  whom  S.  L. 
was  the  sixth  in  order  of  birth.  Only  four  of  the  number  are  now  living:  Rebecca, 
the  wife  of  Henry  Hill  of  Boone :  Thomas  B.,  living  in  Des  Moines ;  and  Belle, 
the  wife  of  W.  H.  Jayne,  also  of  Des  Moines. 

Samuel  Logan  Moore  is  the  other  member  of  the  family  and,  like  his  brothers 
and  sisters,  he  spent  his  youthful  days  upon  the  home  farm  in  Illinois,  attending 
the  public  schools  in  the  winter  seasons  and  devoting  his  attention  to  the  work 
of  the  tields  through  the  summer  months.  He  was  but  sixteen  years  of  age 
when  he  offered  his  services  to  the  government,  enlisting  as  a  member  of  Com- 
pany F,  Seventh  Illinois  Infantry  on  the  25th  of  April,  1861,  when  the  smoke 
of  Fort  Sumter's  guns  had  scarcely  cleared  away.  He  served  throughout  the  war 
going  to  the  front  with  his  command  and  participating  in  many  of  the  most  hotly 
contested  battles.  He  was  honorably  discharged  at  Louisville,  Kentucky.  He 
was  mustered  out  at  Springfield,  Illinois,  in  June,  1865,  with  the  rank  of  orderly 
sergeant,  being  a  youth  just  out  of  his  'teens,  although  he  had  had  much  experi- 
ence in  connection  with  military  life,  experience  of  the  most  arduous  kind. 

After  the  close  of  the  war  Mr.  Moore  returned  to  the  north  and  was  em- 
ployed in  a  warehouse  at  Bunker  Hill,  Illinois,  until  1866,  and  the  following 
year  he  came  with  his  mother  to  Boone  and  entered  upon  railroad  work  as  a 
switchman  in  the  service  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railway  Company.  He 
was  employed  in  that  capacity  and  as  yardmaster  for  eighteen  years,  or  until 
about  1S85,  when  he  entered  banking  circles,  and  has  since  been  prominently 
identified  with  financial  interests  in  his  county.  Gradually  in  this  connection  he 
has  worked  his  way  upward.  He  organized  the  First  National  Bank  and  has 
continuously  been  its  president.  He  has  also  become  an  officer  and  stockholder 
in  seven  other  Iowa  banks,  being  connected  with  the  Security  Savings  Bank 
of  Boone  and  with  six  country  banks.  He  is  likewise  identified  with  three  Okla- 
homa banks  and  one  in  North  Dakota.  At  the  time  he  organized  the  First 
National  there  were  two  banks  in  Boone,  one  of  which  was  a  private  institution. 
He  is  also  president  of  the  Boone  Blank  Book  Company,  is  interested  in  the 
Spurrier  Lumber  Company,  the  Brick  &  Tile  Company,  and  in  other  industrial 
and  manufacturing  enterprises.  He  is  a  large  landowner  in  Iowa,  Minnesota, 
North  Dakota,  Montana  and  Oklahoma.  His  worth  is  well  known,  his  enter- 
prise is  unfaltering,  and  at  all  times  he  most  carefully  safeguards  tiie  interests 
of  his  patrons  by  tempering  progressiveness  with  a  wise  conservatism. 

Mr.  Moore  is  well  known  in  fraternal  circles,  holding  membership  with  the 
Masonic  lodge  and  the  Eastern  Star,  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and 
the  Rebekah  degree.  He  also  wears  the  little  bronze  button  that  indicates  him  a 
member  of  the  Grand  Army  of  the  Republic  and  through  that  organization  he 
maintains  close  and  cordial  relations  with  those  who  wore  the  nation's  blue 
uniform  when  he,  too,  was  fighting  for  the  supremacy  of  the  flag  and  cause 
it  represented.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  his 
life,  honorable  and  upright  in  all  of  its  purposes  and  principles,  has  given  him 
high  standing  in  both  business  and  social  circles.    Mr.  Moore  greatly  enjoys  travel 


620  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

and  has  crossed  the  ocean  eight  times,  traveling  around  the  world  four  times, 
lie  is  modest  in  demeanor  and  assumes  no  special  credit  for  what  he  has  accom- 
plished, but  the  office  of  biography  is  not  to  give  voice  to  a  man's  modest  estimate 
of  himself  and  his  accomplishments  but  rather  to  leave  the  perpetual  record 
establishing  his  position  by  the  consensus  of  opinion  on  the  part  of  his  fellowmen, 
and  judged  in  this  way  Mr.  Moore  ranks  as  a  leading  citizen  of  Iowa,  for  the 
extent  and  importance  of  his  business  atifairs  have  impressed  his  name  indelibly 
upon  the  material  development  of  the  state,  while  his  support  of  progressive 
measures  along  other  lines  has  shown  him  to  be  a  man  of  broad  public  spirit 
whose  fidelity  to  the  best  interests  of  the  community  is  unquestioned. 


ANTON    E.    CHECK. 


.\nton  E.  Check  has  been  a  lifelong  resident  of  Boone  county,  and  the  con- 
census of  public  opinion  concerning  him  is  altogether  favorable.  He  represents 
a  family  that  has  always  stood  for  that  which  is  best  and  highest  in  citizenshi]i 
and  noblest  in  conduct,  and  the  family  name  in  business  circles  is  a  synonym 
for  integrity  as  well  as  enterprise.  Anton  E.  Check  was  born  about  a  mile  east 
of  Madrid  on  the  15th  of  .September,  1868,  a  son  of  John  and  Hannah  (  Pearson) 
Check,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Sweden,  the  former  born  January  lo. 
1840,  and  the  latter  on  the  31st  of  .\ugust,  1841.  Mr.  Check  still  resides  in 
Madrid,  but  the  mother  passed  away  there  .A.i)ril  10,  1904.  In  their  family  were 
three  sons  as  follows :  .\.xel,  who  died  in  Moro.  Minnesota :  Anton  E. ;  and 
J.  W.,  who  now  makes  his  home  in  Moro.  The  eldest  of  the  three  was  born 
m  Sweden  and  the  two  younger  in  Ciarden  township,  where  all  were  reared. 

Anton  E.  Check  spent  his  youthful  days  under  the  parental  roof  and  divided 
his  time  between  the  work  of  the  fields,  the  duties  of  the  schoolroom  and  the 
pleasures  of  the  playground.  When  his  parents  brought  their  family  to  the 
new  world  they  settled  upon  the  farm  where  Anton  Check  now  resides,  and  he 
has  been  a  representative  of  agricultural  interests  in  this  section  of  the  state 
throughout  his  life. 

Mr.  Check  was  married  in  Cardui  township,  .May  21.  [890,  to  Miss  Matilda 
Johnson,  who  was  born  in  Keokuk,  Iowa,  August  6,  1873,  the  family  having 
come  from  Sweden  in  1872,  at  whicli  time  they  established  their  home  in  Keokuk, 
there  remaining  until  1882,  when  they  came  to  Garden  township,  settling  upon  a 
farm,  which  has  since  been  in  possession  of  the  family.  The  father,  J.  A.  John- 
son was  born  in  Sweden  as  was  the  mother,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of 
Minnie  Anderson.  Both  are  still  residents  of  Garden  township.  In  their  family 
were  six  children,  five  of  whom  survive :  Mrs.  Check,  of  this  review  ;  Mrs.  Anna 
Hegberg,  living  in  Minnesota  ;  Eric,  whose  home  is  in  Garden  township ;  Ed.  also 
residing  in  Garden  township;  Mrs.  Jennie  Ward,  who  has  passed  away;  and 
Mrs.  Esther  Enquist,  also  of  Garden  township.  The  four  eldest  children  were 
born  in  Keokuk,  Iowa,  and  the  younger  members  of  the  faniilv  in  Garden  town- 
ship. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Check  have  become  the  parents  of  four  children,  all  born  in 
Garden  township,  namely:     .\rthur.  horn  July  28,   1891  ;  Blanche,  born  Septem- 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  621 

ber  9,  1892;  Lloyd,  March  15,  1900;  and  Ada,  April  20,  1908.  All  are  now 
students  of  the  public  schools  of  this  locality.  The  family  residence  is  situated 
in  the  midst  of  an  excellent  farm  of  two  hundred  acres  of  choice  land  on  sec- 
tion 21,  Garden  township,  where  are  many  modern  improvements,  including  all 
of  the  accessories  and  conveniences  known  to  the  model  farm  of  the  twentieth 
century.  Mr.  Check  also  owns  one  hundred  and  ten  acres  on  section  34,  of  the 
same  township,  which  is  a  well  developed  property.  He  has  an  attractive  home, 
tastefully  furnished,  and  in  the  management  of  his  farm  he  has  won  success 
and  secured  a  comfortable  competence.  He  has  large  herds  of  live  stock  of 
good  grades,  and  in  his  business  management  he  displays  the  sagacity  and  enter- 
prise which  enable  him  to  triumph  over  all  difficulties  or  obstacles. 

His  political  allegiance  is  given  to  the  republican  party,  and  his  religious 
faith  is  that  of  the  Congregational  church,  his  membership  being  with  the  organi- 
zation of  that  denomination  at  Garden  Prairie.  A  resident  of  the  county  for 
forty-six  years,  he  has  witnessed  much  of  its  progress  and  development  and 
rejoices  in  what  has  been  achieved  in  the  way  of  advancing  civilization.  His  aid 
may  be  counted  upon  in  movements  for  the  general  good,  and  in  the  community 
where  he  lives  he  has  come  to  be  regarded  as  a  most  reliable  and  enterprising 
citizen. 


STEPHEN   DOUGLAS   STURTZ. 

Among  Boone  county's  native  sons  is  numbered  Stephen  Douglas  Sturtz,  who 
is  now  engaged  in  the  occupation  of  farming  in  Dodge  township,  having  a  well 
developed  tract  of  land,  from  which  he  derives  a  gratifying  annual  income.  He 
wa.s  born  November  3,  i860,  and  is  a  son  of  J.  M.  and  Caroline  (Goetzman) 
Sturtz.  His  father  was  Tjorn  January  9,  1833.  in  Muskingum  county,  Ohio,  and 
comes  of  German  ancestry.  In  the  place  of  his  nativity  he  was  reared  and  when 
a  young  man  of  twenty  years  he  came  to  Boone  coimty.  in  1853.  Here  he 
engaged  in  farming  and  the  tract  of  land  upon  which  he  first  settled  remained 
his  place  of  residence  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  Chicago,  at  the  home 
of  his  daughter.  Mrs.  William  Paulson,  on  the  2d  of  August,  191 1.  He  had 
devoted  his  entire  life  to  farming  and  stock-raising  up  to  the  time  of  his  retire- 
ment from  active  business  and  was  numbered  among  the  leading  agriculturists 
of  Boone  county.  His  political  support  was  given  the  democratic  party  and  he 
attended  the  Lutheran  church.  He  was  strong  in  his  honor  and  his  good  name 
and  sterling  traits  of  character  endeared  him  to  those  with  whom  he  came  in 
contact.  In  August,  1854.  he  married  Caroline  Goetzman.  who  was  l)orn  Sep- 
tember 12,  1836,  in  Alsace-Lorraine.  In  her  girlhood  she  came  with  her  jiarents 
to  America,  the  familv  home  being  established  in  C)hio.  In  1833  ^'i*-'  became  a 
resident  of  Boone  countv.  where  she -remained  until  her  death,  which  occurred 
on  the  home  farm  in  July.  1909. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sturtz  were  the  parents  of  seven  children.  William  A.,  born 
in  1837,  is  now  a  retired  farmer  and  stock-buyer,  residing  in  Boone.  Stephen  D. 
is  the  next  of  the  family.  George,  born  in  1866.  is  engaged  in  the  real-estate 
business  in  Sioux  City.  Iowa.     .A.nn  D..  born  in   1871.  is  the  wife  of  William 


622  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Paulson,  a  resident  of  Chicago.  James,  born  in  iS/cS,  is  engaged  in  farming  in 
Boone  county.  They  were  also  the  parents  of  two  other  children,  who  died  in 
infancy. 

Stephen  Douglas  Sturtz  was  horn  and  reared  in  this  county  and  liuring  his 
youthful  days  he  divided  his  time  between  attendance  at  the  public  schools  and 
the  work  of  the  fields.  He  continued  to  assist  his  father  upon  the  home  farm 
until  1884,  when  he  was  married  and  purchased  a  tract  of  land.  He  then  began 
farming  and  stock-raising  on  his  own  account  and  has  since  followed  that  pur- 
suit, residing  continuously  in  Dodge  township  with  the  exception  of  eight  years, 
when  he  was  a  resident  of  Boone.  He  owns  about  three  hundred  and  fifty 
acres,  which  he  has  brought  to  a  high  state  of  cultivation  and  to  which  he  has 
added  many  modern  improvements  and  equipments.  The  success  which  has 
crowned  his  efforts  is  well  merited  and  indicates  what  may  be  accomplished 
when  ambition  and  energy  point  out  the  way. 

On  the  24th  of  September,  1884,  Mr.  Sturtz  was  married  to  Miss  Cordelia 
Swigert,  a  daughter  of  Anderson  and  Mary  (Winklepleck)  Swigert,  who  were 
married  in  Ohio.  They  had  a  family  of  eight  children,  of  whom  four  survive, 
Madill,  George  A.,  Frank  and  Cordelia.  The  last  named  was  born  on  the  12th 
of  June,  1866,  in  Boone  county,  where  she  was  reared  and  educated.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Sturtz  became  the  parents  of  five  children,  three  of  whom  are  living. 
Beatrice,  who  was  born  in  1887,  is  a  graduate  of  the  Ijoone  high  school.  In  1908 
she  became  the  wife  of  A.  V.  Dalberg,  a  chemist  in  a  beet  sugar  mill  at  Sterling, 
Colorado.  They  have  two  children,  Helen  and  James.  Horace,  born  in  1889, 
was  graduated  from  the  high  school  of  Boone  and  married  Leam  Williams. 
He  died  January  7,  1913,  as  the  result  of  an  accident.  Geneva,  born  in  i8gi, 
and  Herschel  D.,  born  in  1898,  are  at  home  with  their  parents.  Clayton  B.  died 
in  infancy. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Sturtz  are  members  of  the  Presliyterian  church  and  are  loyal 
to  their  professions.  He  has  never  held  political  office  (Outside  of  township  posi- 
tions and  is  rather  independent  in  his  political  views.  Throughout  his  emire 
life,  covering  a  period  of  about  fifty-four  years,  he  has  lived  in  Boone  county 
and  has  been  an  interested  witness  of  all  the  changes  which  have  occurred, 
wrought  by  time  and  man.  He  has  lived  to  see  the  pioneer  homes  upon  the 
farms  of  this  county  replaced  by  commodious,  substantial  residences,  while  the 
work  of  agricultural  development  has  been  carried  forward  until  Boone  ranks 
with  the  leading  counties  of  the  state  in  the  productiveness  of  its  soil  and  in  the 
amount  of  harvests  produced  on  a  given  area. 


TAMES  M.  NOLAND. 


James  M.  Noland  is  one  of  the  most  substantial  landowners  of  Boone  county, 
holding  title  to  seven  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  choice  land  on  sections  19.  20, 
21  and  29,  Cass  township.  Moreover,  he  has  always  participated  in  public 
affairs  and  has  proven  himself  a  useful  citizen,  serving  at  present  as  mayor  of 
Woodward  and  president  of  the  hoard  of  education. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  623 

He  was  born  in  Highland  county,  Ohio,  April  26,  1850,  and  is  a  son  of 
William  and  Rachel  (  Bennett )  Xoland.  the  former  born  in  Pike  county,  Ohio, 
in  February,  1822,  and  the  latter  in  Highland  county,  that  state,  March  13,  1823. 
They  came  overland  to  Iowa  on  the  26th  of  October,  1850,  when  our  subject  was 
but  a  few  months  old.  The  trip  was  made  by  boat  to  Keokuk,  Iowa,  whence  they 
proceeded  to  Cass  township,  this  county,  locating  on  section  27.  There  the  father 
followed  farming  and  stock-raising.  In  1865  he  enlisted  from  Boone  county  for 
service  in  the  Union  army  with  the  Thirteenth  Iowa  Regiment  and  died  at  New- 
bern,  North  Carolina,  being  buried  in  that  place.  His  wife  passed  away  in  Cass 
township,  June  20,  1886.  They  were  married  in  Highland  county,  Ohio,  September 
2,  1842,  and  became  the  parents  of  ten  children,  as  follows:  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Jane 
Dickerson,  who  was  born  July  2,  1843;  Mary,  born  January  6,  1845.  deceased; 
Albert  C,  who  was  born  November  16,  1846,  and  died  at  Huntsville.  Alabama, 
while  a  member  of  Company  D,  Thirteenth  Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry,  and  is 
buried  at  that  place;  John  W.,  who  was  born  April  25,  1848,  and  is  residing  in 
California;  James  M.,  of  this  review;  George  W.,  who  was  born  August  4,  1852, 
and  lives  in  Cass  township;  Mrs.  Margaret  Ellen  Newell,  who  was  born  Janu- 
ary 26,  1856,  and  resides  in  Woodward;  F.  S.,  born  October  3,  1859,  of  Modesto, 
California;  Joshua  Marion,  Ijorn  July  31,  1861,  of  Alberta,  Canada;  and  Nathan- 
iel, born  July  28,  1864,  of  Alberta,  Canada.  The  elder  children  were  born  in 
Highland  county,  Ohio,  and  the  five  younger  in  Cass  township,  this  county, 
where  all  were  reared.  When  they  came  here  pioneer  conditions  yet  prevailed 
and  the  family  endured  all  the  privations  and  hardships  incident  to  pioneer  life. 

James  M.  Noland  removed  with  his  parents  to  Cass  township  and  there 
attended  the  common  schools,  subsequently  taking  up  farming  and  stock-raising. 
He  has  been  very  successful,  now  owing  today  seven  hundred  and  sixty  acres 
of  choice  land  on  sections  19,  20,  21  and  29,  Cass  township,  improved  with  three 
sets  of  buildings.  He  has  always  followed  most  modern  and  up-to-date  methods 
and  by  close  application  and  industry  has  attained  to  prosperity.  He  now  resides 
in  Woodward  but  still  supervises  the  operation  of  his  farms  in  Cass  township. 

On  November  9,  1883,  Mr.  Noland  was  married  in  Cass  township,  Boone 
county,  to  Miss  Emma  Vernon,  who  was  born  in  that  township,  March  28,  1861. 
Her  parents  were  Joseph  B.  and  Persosia  (Gregg)  \'ernon,  the  former  born  near 
Pittsburg,  Pennsylvania,  February  23,  1828,  and  the  latter  in  Virginia,  June  30, 
1832.  They  were  among  the  earliest  settlers  of  Boone  county,  having  come  over- 
land from  Pennsylvania  to  Illinois  and  thence  to  Iowa  in  a  covered  wagon. 
The  father  served  in  the  Union  army,  enlisting  from  Boone  county.  He  died 
in  Cass  township,  October  i.  1879,  and  was  survived  by  his  wife  until  August  21, 
1882,  the  latter  also  dying  in  Cass  township.  In  their  family  were  the  following 
children:  Oliver  C,  born  June  20,  1853,  now  a  resident  of  Kansas;  Mrs.  Laura 
Mowrer,  born  September  25,  1854,  of  Perry,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Mary  L.  Bernard, 
born  February  29,  1856,  who  died  November  29,  1901  ;  Mrs.  Ella  P.  Ramsey, 
born  April  10,  1859,  of  Cass  township;  Mrs.  Emma  Noland;  Charles  K.,  born 
July  30,  1864,  of  Cass  township;  Morris  T.,  born  .March  8,  1868,  of  Fresno, 
California;  and  Mrs.  Lucy  A.  AUshouse,  born  January  5,  1871,  of  Perry,  Iowa. 
Two  sons  died  in  infancy.  The  two  eldest  childfen  were  born  in  Pennsylvania, 
the  third  in  Illinois  and  the  younger  ones  in  Cass  township.  Here  Mrs.  Noland 
attended  the  common  schools  and  grew  to  womanhood.     She  and  her  husband 


624  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

became  the  parents  of  five  children,  all  of  whom  were  born  in  Cass  township: 
Ralph  E.,  born  August  29,  1884,  of  Cass  township;  Mrs.  Lucy  A.  Grant,  born 
November  10,  1885,  of  Peoples  township;  Morris  K..  born  August  26  1887,  of 
Cass  township;  Mrs.  Lillie  E.  Wade,  born  August  18,  1889,  of  Cass  township: 
and  Flossie  Ma}',  who  was  born  October  19,  1898,  and  is  residing  with  her  jiar- 
ents  in  Woodward,  attending  the  high  school.  There  are  seven  grandchildren 
Ralph  has  two  children:  Emmet,  who  makes  his  home  with  his  father  in  Cass 
township,  and  Jennie  May,  residing  with  her  grandparents.  Wilbur,  Kenneth 
and  Doyle  are  children  of  Mrs.  Grant;  and  Orlee  and  Winifred  are  daughters  of 
Morris  K.  Noland. 

James  M.  Noland  has  always  given  his  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and 
for  a  number  of  years  was  trustee  of  Cass  township.  At  present  he  is  serving 
as  mayor  of  Woodward,  giving  the  city  a  businesslike  administration.  He  is 
president  of  the  board  of  education,  having  ever  taken  a  deep  interest  in  that 
cause,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  belong  to  the  .Methodist  Episcopal  church  of 
Woodward.  Fraternally  he  is  a  member  of  Peaceful  Lodge,  No.  454,  A.  F.  & 
A.  .M.,  and  Woodward  Lodge,  No.  460,  L  O.  O.  F.  There  is  much  that  is  admira- 
ble in  his  career,  which  may  serve  as  an  example  to  the  young  men  of  today, 
demonstrating  that  high  qualities  of  character  are  the  fundamentals  upon  which 
is  built  a  successful  life. 


SAMUEL  BERT  PAYNE. 

A  well  improved  farm  of  eighty  acres  on  section  28,  Jackson  township,  pays 
tribute  to  the  labors  of  Samuel  Bert  Payne,  who  has  made  his  home  thereon  for 
over  a  third  of  a  century.  He  is  a  native  of  Indiana,  born  in  Clay  county,  that 
state,  July  20,  1854,  and  is  a  son  of  James  Robert  Payne,  whose  birth  occurred 
in  Cumberland,  Maryland,  in  1830.  His  mother,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of 
Mary  M.  Devore,  was  born  in  Ohio  and  reared  near  Findlay,  that  state.  In 
their  family  were  eight  children.  James  Robert  Payne  came  with  a  colony  to 
this  locality,  and  he  became  prominently  identified  with  its  development  and 
upbuilding,  serving  as  supervisor  of  his  township  for  a  time.  Our  subject's 
grandfather,  Benjamin  C.  Payne,  was  also  one  of  this  colony  and  for  some 
time  conducted  a  store  in  Boone,  besides  owning  and  operating  a  farm.  Our 
subject  is  today  the  only  one  living  in  this  county  who  came  with  the  colonv 
at  that  time.     His  paternal  great-grandfather  was  a  native  of  England. 

It  was  on  the  5th  of  November,  1854,  when  Samuel  Bert  Payne  was  only 
a  few  months  old,  that  he  was  brought  to  this  county  by  his  parents,  the  trip 
being  made  in  wagons.  He  here  passed  the  days  of  his  boyhood  and  youth, 
attending  school  in  Des  Moines  township  in  the  second  schoolhouse  built  in 
Boone  county.  His  first  teacher  was  Jonathan  Kellogg.  He  continued  his 
education  at  intervals  until  he  attained  his  majority  and  in  the  meantime  ac- 
quired an  excellent  knowledge  of  agricultural  pursuits  by  aiding  his  father  in 
the  work  of  the  home  farm.  On  the  12th  of  September,  1880,  he  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss  Jennie  B.  Abraham  of  Boone  county,  who  was  born  in 
Canada  and  is  a  daughter  of  James  and  Maria  (Wilson)  Abraham.     Her  father 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  625 

was  a  native  of  Ireland,  and  her  mother  was  born  on  the  ocean  while  the  family 
were  enroute  to  the  new  world.  It  was  in  1866  that  the  Abrahams  came  to  Boone 
county  and  settled  in  Colfax  township. 

Since  1880  Mr.  Payne  has  made  his  home  upon  his  present  farm  and  has 
erected  all  of  the  buildings  now  found  thereon.  It  was  wild  land  when  it  came 
into  his  possession,  but  the  improvements  that  he  has  made  have  been  substantial 
and  it  today  ranks  among  the  best  cultivated  and  most  desirable  farms  of  the 
locality.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Payne  have  two  children,  Walter  Scott  and  Allie  W. 
The  wife  and  mother  is  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  and  the 
family  stand  high  in  the  community  where  they  reside.  In  politics  Mr.  Payne 
is  a  republican,  and  he  has  filled  several  local  offices  in  a  most  creditable  manner. 


CHARLES  K.  VERXOX. 

Charles  K.  Vernon  owns  a  valuable  farm  of  one  hundred  and  ten  acres  of 
choice  land  on  section  16,  Cass  township,  having  upon  his  property  two  sets  of 
buildings.  He  has  not  only  contributed  toward  agricultural  development,  but  has 
taken  an  active  interest  in  public  affairs  and  has  served  in  several  official  posi- 
tions. He  was  born  on  the  Vernon  homestead  in  Cass  township,  July  30,  1864, 
and  there  attended  school  and  grew  to  manhood,  early  taking  up  farming  and 
stock  raising.  He  is  a  son  of  Joseph  B.  and  I'ersosia  (Gregg)  Vernon,  the  former 
born  near  Pittsburgh,  Pennsylvania,  February  23,  1828,  and  the  latter  in  the 
state  of  Virginia,  Jime  30,  1832.  The  parents  were  among  the  early  settlers  of 
Boone  county,  having  come  to  the  county  from  Illinois,  whither  they  had  made 
their  way  overland  from  Pennsylvania.  The  father  was  a  soldier  in  the  Union 
army,  enlisting  from  Boone  county.  He  died  in  Cass  township,  October  i,  187^, 
his  widow  surviving  him  until  .\ugust  21,  1882,  also  passing  away  in  Cass  town- 
ship. In  their  family  were  the  following  children:  Oliver  C,  of  Kansas;  Mrs. 
Laura  Movvrer,  of  Perry,  Iowa ;  Mrs.  Mary  L.  Bernard,  who  died  November 
29,  igoi  ;  Mrs.  Ella  P.  Ramsey,  of  Cass  township ;  Mrs.  James  M.  Noland,  of 
Woodward;  Charles  K.,  our  subject;  Morris  T.,  of  Fresno,  California,  and  Mrs. 
Lucy  A.  AUshouse,  of  Perry,  Iowa. 

Mr.  Vernon  of  this  review  has  followed  agricultural  pursuits  for  many  vcars 
and  now  owns  a  proi)erty  comprising  one  hundred  and  ten  acres  in  Cass  town- 
ship. He  has  always  followed  the  latest  and  best  methods  and  has  installed 
modern  machinery  upon  his  farm.  His  fields  are  in  a  high  state  of  cultivation, 
and  lie  has  made  many  improvements  which  have  enhanced  the  value  of  his  prop- 
erty. He  is  competent,  industrious  and  energetic  and  such  success  as  has  come  to 
him  is  well  merited. 

On  the  2ist  of  February,  1884,  Mr.  Vernon  married  in  Cass  township  Miss 
Carrie  B.  Swisher,  who  was  born  in  Worth  township,  this  county,  January  2, 
1868,  attending  the  common  schools  there.  Her  parents  were  George  and  Emma 
(McMichels)  Swisher,  the  former  born  in  West  Virginia,  May  6,  1842,  and  the 
latter  near  Burlington,  Iowa,  March  5,  1848.  The  father  died  in  Cass  township 
February    2,    1913,    being   survived   by    his    widow,    who    resides   on   the    home 


626  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

farm  where  she  and  her  husband  settled  in  iS8o.  Mrs.  Swisher  remembers 
the  time  when  the  cows  were  herded  where  the  city  of  Boone  now  stands.  In 
their  family  were  five  children:  Carrie  B.,  the  wife  of  our  subject;  Mrs.  Mollie 
Parsal,  born  January  5.  1870,  of  Dallas  county,  Iowa;  B.  M.,  who  was  born  May 
14,  187.1,  and  also  resides  in  that  county;  George,  Jr.,  who  was  born  March  5, 
1874,  and  resides  in  Cass  township,  and  J.  V.,  whose  birth  occurred  October  28, 
1877,  and  who  makes  his  home  on  the  Swisher  homestead  in  Cass  township.  Mr 
and  Mrs.  Vernon  were  the  parents  of  four  children:  Mrs.  Belva  K.  James,  who 
was  born  July  7,  1888,  was  married  February  12,  1905,  and  is  now  residing  in 
Peoples  township.  She  has  one  daughter,  Pauline  Alice,  who  was  born  February 
21,  1913.  The  second  in  the  Vernon  family  is  Mrs.  Catharine  M.  Lemaster,  born 
August  8,  1891,  who  was  married  February  16,  1910,  and  resides  on  the  old  home 
farm  in  Cass  township;  Lucy,  born  October  2^.  1892,  died  December  12,  1892; 
Helen  G.,  whose  birth  occurred  March  28,  1897,  resides  with  her  parents.  These 
children  were  born  and  reared  in  Cass  township  and  in  the  acquirement  of  their 
education  attended  the  Liberty  school. 

Politically  Charles  K.  Vernon  is  a  democrat  and  has  always  taken  a  laudable 
interest  in  the  progress  of  his  township  and  county.  He  has  served  as  road  super- 
visor and  has  been  a  member  of  the  school  board  of  Cass  township,  taking  an 
intelligent  interest  in  the  cause  of  education.  He  and  his  family  are  members  of 
the  Liberty  ^lethodist  Episcopal  church.  He  has  many  friends  in  Cass  township 
and  is  highly  esteemed  and  respected  by  all  who  know  him  and  most  respected 
bv  those  who  know  him  best. 


OLAF  A.  NEWMAN. 


C^laf  A.  Newman  is  recognized  as  one  of  the  most  successful  farmers  living 
in  the  vicinity  of  [Madrid.  Starting  out  in  life  empty-handed,  he  has  worked 
his  way  upward,  ever  realizing  that  industry  is  a  force  that  will  conquer  almost 
any  difficulty  and  surmount  almost  any  obstacle.  He  was  born  in  Sweden, 
May  10,  1855,  and  came  to  America  with  his  parents  in  1868,  the  family  home 
being  established  at  Swede's  Point,  Boone  county.  His  father,  Olaf  Newman,  Sr., 
was  born  in  Sweden  in  1825,  and  died  in  Madrid,  Iowa.  The  mother,  who  bore 
the  maiden  name  of  Carrie  Marie  Pearson,  was  also  born  in  Sweden  and  makes 
her  home  in  Madrid.  In  their  family  were  three  children:  Olaf.  whose  name 
introduces  this  record;  Peter  T.,  who  was  born  in  Sweden,  May  5,  1858,  and  is 
now  residing  in  Garden  township;  and  S^rah,  who  was  born  in  1865  and  died 
in  1868  while  the  family  were  crossing,  the  ocean,  into  the  depths  of  which  her 
remains  were  lowered. 

The  father  was  a  farmer  and  Olaf  A.  Newman  was  carefully  trained  in  the 
work  of  the  fields,  remaining  with  his  parents  until  he  reached  his  majority. 
He  then  began  learning  the  carpenter's  trade,  which  he  followed  for  a  number 
of  years.  His  attention,  however,  is  now  concentrated  upon  agricultural  pursuits, 
and  he  is  the  owner  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  choice  land  on  section  24, 
Garden  township,  which  is  well  improved,  and  eighty  acres  on  section  25,  Garden 


to 


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^^^^^Hj^^^^K^^h^^^^^^^^H 

ippl 

Z^ 

HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  629 

township.  He  likewise  has  eighty  acres  on  section  35  and  an  adjoining  tract  of 
twenty  acres,  while  in  Dallas  county  he  has  eighty-five  acres  of  coal  land.  His 
investments  have  been  judiciously  made  and  his  property  holdings  are  valuable, 
returning  to  him  a  gratifying  annual  income.  He  has  developed  the  land  which 
he  has  purchased,  has  placed  many  improvements  upon  it  and  is  now  the  owner 
of  valuable  property. 

In  Garden  township,  on  the  2yth  of  April,  1891,  Mr.  Newman  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss  Hulda  Alsin,  who  was  born  in  Sweden,  August  7,  1863. 
Her  parents  were  among  the  earlier  settlers  of  Garden  township.  Unto  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Newman  were  born  three  children:  Ivan,  who  was  born  July  3,  1892,  in 
(iarden  township  and  passed  away  on  the  23d  of  September,  1897;  Mabel  Victoria, 
who  was  born  August  22,  1893,  and  died  October  24,  1894 ;  and  Oliver,  who  was 
born  Uecember  I,  1896,  and  is  now  a  high-school  pupil  in  Slater  and  assists  his 
father  in  the  care  of  the  farm. 

The  Newman  home  is  a  well  furnished  and  attractive  residence.  There  is 
an  air  of  thrift,  comfort  and  prosperity  which  pervades  the  place,  and  hospitality 
also  reigns  supreme  there.  Mr.  Newman  deserves  much  credit  for  what  he  has 
accomplished.  He  was  a  youth  of  thirteen  years  when  he  came  with  his  parents 
to  the  new  world.  It  was  not  long  afterward  that  he  started  out  in  business  on 
his  own  account  and  from  that  time  to  the  present  he  has  made  industry  the 
beacon  light  of  his  life,  for  he  recognized  the  eternal  principle  that  industry  wins. 


.  MARION    I'.    RAMSEY. 

Along  the  line  of  agricultural  activity  Marion  P.  Ramsey  has  made  continuous 
progress  since  starting  out  in  life  on  his  own  account.  He  makes  his  home  in 
Cass  township,  where  he  has  resided  the  greater  part  of  the  time  since  the  spring 
of  1879.  He  is  a  native  of  Des  Moines  town.ship,  born  on  the  27th  of  June,  1857. 
His  father,  John  Ramsey,  was  a  native  of  Green  township,  Harrison  county, 
Ohio,  born  March  13,  1832.  After  arriving  at  years  of  maturity  he  married 
Esther  Ann  Paxton,  who  was  also  born  in  (ircen  township,  Harrison  county, 
her  natal  day  being  January  13,  1834. 

In  an  early  day  the  family  removed  westward  to  Illinois  and  in  1853  arrived 
in  Boone  county,  Iowa,  settling  near  Boonesboro.  They  were  among  the  early 
residents  of  this  section  of  the  state  and  took  an  active  part  in  promoting  progress 
and  development  along  various  lines.  For  almost  six  decades  the  father  con- 
tinued to  make  his  home  in  Boone  county,  his  death  occurring  in  Worth  town- 
ship on  the  26th  of  February,  191 1.  For  about  five  years  he  had  survived  his 
wife,  who  died  in  Woodward,  Iowa,  July  25,  1906.  Both  had  attained  an 
advanced  age,  the  mother  being  seventy-two  at  the  time  of  her  demise,  while  the 
father  was  in  his  seventy-ninth  year.  In  their  family  were  five  children,  namely : 
George,  who  was  born  December  18,  1853,  and  died  five  days  later;  Mrs.  Margaret 
Hemm,  who  was  born  July  7,  1855,  and  is  now  a  resident  of  Woodward,  Iowa; 
Marion  P.,  of  this  review;  S.  A.,  who  was  born  November  4,  i860,  and  is  now 
residing  in  Woodward ;  and  C.  E.,  who  was  born  November  22,  1864,  and  makes 
his  home  in  Woodward.     All  were  born  and  reared  in  Boone  county,  and  the 

Vol  n— 29 


630  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

family  has  been  widely  and  favorably  known  in  this  section  of  the  state   for 
sixty-one  years. 

Marion  1'.  Ramsey  spent  his  boyhood  and  youtli  in  the  n^ual  manner  of  farm 
lads.  In  his  youthful  days  he  attended  the  public  schools  in  order  to  acquire  an 
education  that  would  qualify  him  for  life's  practical  and  responsible  duties. 
When  his  text-books  were  put  aside  he  concentrated  his  energies  upon  farm  work, 
taking  up  his  abode  in  Cass  township  in  the  spring  of  1879,  ^"^  with  the  excep- 
tion of  a  decade  spent  in  the  Sunflower  state,  where  he  carried  on  general  farming, 
he  has  since  made  his  home  in  Cass  township,  where  he  now  resides,  owning 
and  cultivating  one  hundred  and  fourteen  acres  of  choice  land  on  section  17. 
His  place  is  well  improved,  and  his  home  is  modern  and  attractively  furnished. 
There  are  good  barns  and  outbuildings  for  the  shelter  of  grain  and  stock,  and 
the  latest  makes  of  farm  machinery  facilitate  the  work  of  the  fields.  In  addition 
to  raising  various  cereals  Mr.  Ramsey  is  also  engaged  in  raising  a  good  grade 
of  Poland  China  hogs,  and  this  branch  of  his  business  is  bringing  him  substan- 
tial returns.  His  work  has  been  crowned  with  a  gratifying  measure  of  success 
that  makes  him  now  the  possessor  of  a  comfortable  competence. 

In  Cass  township,  on  the  loth  of  November,  1880.  Mr.  Ramsey  was  united 
in  marriage  to  Miss  Ella  Persosia  Vernon,  who  was  born  in  Cass  township, 
April  to,  1859,  and  was  here  reared  to  womanhood,  her  parents  being  among 
the  pioneer  settlers  of  the  township.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  RaJmsey  have  been 
born  three  children.  Harry  \'..  who  was  born  August  3,  18S2,  and  attended  the 
common  schools  and  high  school  at  Perry,  is  now  interested  in  the  drainage  busi- 
ness at  Owatonna,  Minnesota.  Marion  Earl,  born  in  Kansas,  July  23,  1888.  is 
residing  with  his  parents  upon  the  home  farm.  Mrs.  Esther  Fay  Kirtley,  Imrn 
Ma\-  23,  1893,  is  a  resident  of  Peoples  townshi]). 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Ramsey  has  always  been  a  democrat  since  he 
became  a  voter,  and  he  keeps  well  informed  on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the 
dav.  He  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  .Methodist  Episcopal  church  at  Cass 
township,  and  their  lives  conform  to  their  professions.  -Ml  who  know  them 
esteem  them  fur  their  genuine  worth,  and  they  have  a  circle  of  friends  in  Bonne 
couiUy  almost  coextensive  with  the  circle  of  tluir  ac(|uaintanccs. 


GEORGE  C.  THOMAS. 

George  C.  Thomas,  deceased,  was  one  of  the  most  esteemed  and  respected 
residents  of  Woodward.  He  was  born  in  Canada,  June  8,  1850.  and  was  a  son 
of  George  C.  and  Elizabeth  (  Strowbridge)  Thomas.  His  father  died  in  Arkan- 
sas and  his  mother  in  Woodward,  Iowa.  In  their  family  were  four  sons  and 
two  daughters:  John,  a  resident  of  Kansas;  Harvey,  now  residing  in  Des 
Moines:  Richard:  George  C.  of  this  review;  .Anna,  who  died  at  the  age  of 
eighteen;  and  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Blake,  of  Chicago.  Illinois.  All  of  these  children 
were  born  in  Canada. 

George  C.  Thomas,  Jr.,  moved  with  his  parents  to  Dallas  county,  Iowa,  the 
family  locating  on  a  farm.  There  he  grew  to  manhood  and  suhsetinently  became 
one  of  the  first  business  men  of  Woodward,  conducting  a  restaurant  with  increas- 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  631 

ing  success  for  a  number  of  years.  He  was  actively  engaged  in  business  until 
shortly  before  his  death,  which  occurred  in  Woodward,  October  29,  1905,  causing 
sincere  sorrow  among  his  many  friends. 

On  February  25,  1890,  Mr.  Thomas  was  married  in  Woodward  to  Miss  Dora 
Nance,  who  was  born  in  Peoples  township,  Boone  county,  September  23,  1866, 
and  has  been  a  continuous  resident  of  this  locality  with  the  exception  of  a  short 
time  which  she  spent  at  Ames.  Her  parents,  L.  M.  and  Harriet  M.  (Horn- 
buckle)  Nance,  were  among  the  pioneers  of  Boone  county.  Her  father  was 
born  in  Green  county,  Kentucky,  May  18,  1827,  and  died  in  Woodward.  Iowa, 
May  28,  1897.  On  leaving  his  native  state  he  removed  to  Petersburg,  Menard 
county,  Illinois,  and  in  1855  he  and  his  family  came  overland  to  Boone  county, 
Iowa,  arriving  in  what  is  now  Peoples  township  in  August  of  that  year.  He 
secured  his  first  forty  acres  of  raw  prairie  land  for  two  hundred  dollars.  At 
that  time  the  country  was  very  sparsely  settled  and  his  nearest  markets  were 
at  Marshalltown  and  Oskaloosa.  The  famous  Indian  chief,  John  Green,  as  well 
as  members  of  his  tribe,  was  a  frequent  visitor  at  the  Nance  home  and  was 
always  welcome.  In  this  county,  March  8,  1855,  Mr.  Nance  married  Miss  Har- 
riet M.  Hornbuckle,  who  was  born  in  Petersburg,  Illinois,  June  20,  1832,  and 
died  at  Woodward,  Iowa,  June  2,  1912,  in  her  eightieth  year.  Her  parents  were 
among  Boone  county's  pioneers,  her  father  having  settled  here  in  1853.  He 
named  the  first  postoiifice  in  this  part  of  the  country,  giving  it  the  name  of  Prairie 
Hill,  and  he  also  operated  the  first  sawmill  on  the  Des  Moines  river  at  Elk 
Rapids.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nance  were  born  five  children,  all  of  whom  received 
good  educational  advantages  in  the  public  schools  of  Boone.  They  were :  Mrs. 
M.  E.  Storms,  born  December  24,  1855,  now  a  resident  of  Woodward;  Thomas 
F.,  born  June  20,  1858,  whose  home  is  in  Madrid;  Mary  Lydia,  deceased,  who 
was  born  December  29,  1861  ;  Dora,  now  Mrs.  Thomas ;  and  Mrs.  L.  E.  Clark, 
who  was  born  January  8,  1873,  and  resides  in  Des  Moines. 

Mrs.  Thomas  was  educated  in  the  common  schools  of  her  neighborhood, 
particularly  in  the  Oak  Grove  school  of  Peoples  township.  In  April,  1914,  there 
were  gathered  at  the  home  of  Mrs.  Wade  in  Woodward  a  class  of  ten  women, 
including  Mrs.  Thomas,  who  attended  that  school,  and  their  old  school  teacher, 
A.  C.  Smith,  now  a  prominent  resident  of  Woodward,  participated  in  the  cele- 
bration. To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Thomas  was  born  one  son,  George  Wayne,  whose 
birth  occurred  in  Woodward,  September  i,  1892.  He  attended  the  jjublic  schools 
there  until  fourteen  years  of  age,  when  the  family  removed  to  Ames,  where  for 
four  years  he  attended  high  school.  He  is  at  present  holding  a  responsible 
position  with  the  electric  light  and  power  plant  at   Woodward. 

Mr.  Thomas  was  a  member  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  his  widow 
also  adheres  to  that  faith.  He  was  sincere  in  his  professions  and  was  the 
teacher  of  a  Bible  class  for  fifteen  years.  Politically  he  was  a  democrat  and 
fraternally  a  member  of  Woodward  Lodge,  No.  460,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  belonging  to- 
the  famous  I.  O.  O.  F.  drill  team  of  Woodward,  which  attended  the  Baltimore 
conclave  of  that  lodge  and  won  the  championship  not  only  of  Iowa  and  the  nation, 
but  of  the  world.  Mr.  Thomas  died  October  29,  njo^.  at  the  comparatively 
early  age  of  fifty-five  years.  He  had  many  friends  in  Woodward  and  Boone 
county  among  the  business  men,  among  the  agriculturists,  among  political  leader^ 
and  more  especially  among  his  lodge  brothers.     All  turned  out  to  do  honor  to 


632  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

his  memory  on  the  occasion  of  his  funeral.  In  a  quiet  and  modest  way  he  con- 
tributed toward  development  and  advancement  and  he  has  left  Woodward  and 
his  county  the  better  for  his  having  lived.  His  widow  now  resides  with  her  son 
in  a  well  furnished  home  in  Woodward  and  she  also  owns  a  well  appointed 
residence  in  Ames.  All  who  know  her  esteem  her  for  her  high  qualities  of 
character,  and  she  is  ever  ready  to  extend  a  helping  hand  to  those  who  are  less 
fortunate  or  who  find  themselves  in  afifliction  or  need. 


GEORGE  W.  MOUGIN. 

George  W.  Mougin,  one  of  the  leading  farmers  of  Cass  township,  was  born 
in  Jo  Daviess  county,  Illinois,  February  14,  1862,  and  on  the  paternal  side  is  of 
French  descent,  his  father,  grandfather  and  great-grandfather  having  come  to 
this  country  from  France  at  an  early  day.  Landing  at  New  Orleans,  they  pro- 
ceeded up  the  Mississippi  and  finally  located  at  Grand  Prairie,  Illinois,  on  the 
Mississippi  river,  where  they  began  the  improvement  of  a  farm.  Learning  of 
the  richness  of  the  lead  mines  near  Galena,  Illinois,  the  family  later  removed  to 
that  part  of  the  country  and  located  on  a  farm  which  is  still  in  possession  of 
some  of  its  members.  The  father  of  our  subject.  Augustus  Mougin,  was  born  in 
France  and  died  in  Cass  township,  this  county.  May  19.  1912,  having  located 
here  on  the  loth  of  April,  1902.  The  mother,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of 
Catharine  Gammon,  was  born  in  Ohio  and  died  in  Madrid,  Iowa.  November  26, 
1908.  She  often  related  an  experience  of  her  girlhood  when  the  treacherous 
waters  of  the  Missouri  river  wrought  terrible  havoc.  The  family  were  residing 
upon  a  farm  situated  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  and  the  stream,  swollen  by  floods, 
not  only  carried  away  the  house  and  destroyed  the  crops  but  also  literally  washed 
away  the  farm.  She  became  the  mother  of  the  following  children,  of  whom  nine 
are  still  living:  Mrs.  Josephine  White,  who  died  January  3,  1914:  John,  who 
died  in  infancy ;  R.  N.,  of  Seattle.  Washington ;  I.  N.,  a  resident  of  Couer  d'Alene, 
Idaho;  Mrs.  Mary  L.  Sherrard,  of  Jo  Daviess  county,  Illinois;  Albert  P.,  of 
Peoria,  Illinois ;  George  W.,  of  this  review ;  James  Russell,  of  Los  Angeles,  Cali- 
fornia; Mrs.  Rosa  Glenn,  deceased;  William  Edward,  who  resides  on  the  old 
home  farm  in  Jo  Daviess  county,  Illinois ;  A.  E.,  a  resident  of  Elizabeth,  Illinois ; 
Mrs.  Sena  Schubert,  of  Dubuque,  Iowa ;  Charles,  who  died  in  infancy ;  and  Flora, 
who  also  died  in  infancy. 

Like  the  other  members  of  his  father's  family  George  W.  Mougin  was 
reared  in  Jo  Daviess  county,  Illinois,  and  is  indebted  to  the  public  schools  for 
the  educational  privileges  he  enjoyed  during  his  youth.  On  leaving  his  native 
state  in  1880  he  went  to  Sioux  City,  Iowa,  where  he  spent  two  years,  and  then 
removed  to  Cass  township,  Boone  county,  where  he  has  since  made  his  home 
with  the  exception  of  two  years  spent  in  conducting  a  livery  business  in  Madrid. 
He  is  now  the  owner  of  an  excellent  farm  of  one  hundred  and  eighty-five 
acres  on  sections  9  and  18,  Cass  township,  which  is  supplied  with  two  sets  of 
good  buildings,  and  in  the  cultivation  of  his  land  Mr.  Mougin  has  met  with 
most  excellent  success.  He  is  now  enjoying  a  comfortable  competence  and  has 
a  pleasant  home. 


HISTORY  OF  P.OONE  COUNTY  633 

At  Madrid,  Iowa,  on  the  28th  of  November,  1883.  was  celebrated  the  marriage 
of  Mr.  Mougin  and  ^liss  Fannie  D.  Halsey,  who  was  born  in  McLean  county, 
Illinois,  March  14,  1863,  but  was  only  two  years  of  age  when  in  1865  she  accom- 
panied her  parents  on  their  removal  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  the  family  locating 
on  a  farm  in  Cass  township,  where  she  now  resides.  Her  father,  John  Halsey, 
died  in  that  township,  and  her  mother,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Mary 
Rutledge  and  was  born  in  Mcl-ean  county,  Illinois,  passed  away  at  Madrid. 
She  was  a  member  of  the  famous  Rutledge  family  of  the  Prairie  state.  To  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Halsey  were  born  nine  children.  There  are  four  children  in  the  family 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Mougin :  Gus,  who  was  born  August  30,  1884,  and  resides  in 
Cass  township;  Mrs.  Mary  Catharine  Graves,  who  was  born  September  15, 
1886,  and  lives  in  the  same  township;  Flora,  who  died  in  infancy;  and  Otis  H., 
who  was  born  January  4,  1895,  and  assists  his  father  in  the  operation  of  the 
home  farm.  The  children  were  all  born  in  Cass  township  and  were  given  good 
educational  advantages,  attending  the  common  schools,  the  two  eldest  also  gradu- 
ating from  the  Madrid  high  school. 

By  his  ballot  Mr.  Mougin  supports  the  men  and  measures  of  the  republican 
jjarty,  and  he  has  taken  quite  a  prominent  and  influential  part  in  local  politics, 
filling  all  of  the  township  offices.  For  the  past  four  years  he  has  been  township 
clerk.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  Woodward  Lodge,  No.  460,  I.  O.  O.  F., 
of  Woodward,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  belong  to  the  Rebekahs  at  the  same 
place.  They  stand  high  in  the  community  where  they  reside  and  are  quite  promi- 
nent socially. 


HENRY  P.  CALONKEY. 

Henry  P.  Calonkey,  a  self-made  and  highly  respected  man  who  has  worked 
his  way  upward  through  his  own  efforts  and  merit  to  his  present  position  of 
material  success  and  his  enviable  place  in  the  regard  of  his  fellow  townsmen 
of  Woodward,  was  born  in  Jo  Daviess  county,  Illinois,  January  i,  1848,  his 
parents  being  C.  and  Julia  (Bonitelle)  Calonkey.  The  father,  who  was  born 
in  France  in  1821,  lived  for  a  long  period  in  Illinois  and  in  1869  came  with 
his  younger  children  to  Boone  county,  settling  in  Boonesboro.  The  family  trav- 
eled by  rail  save  the  subject  of  this  review,  who  drove  across  the  country.  After 
taking  up  his  abode  in  Boonesboro,  Mr.  Calonkey  followed  the  carpenter's  trade 
and  also  engaged  in  teaming  for  several  years.  In  Illinois  he  lost  his  first  wife. 
There  were  four  children  of  that  marriage,  of  whom  two  died  in  infancy,  the 
others  being:  Henry  P.,  of  this  review:  and  Mrs.  Catharine  Rotden,  who  is  now 
a  resident  of  Jo  Daviess  county,  Illinois.  The  father  married  again  and  by  the 
second  union  there  were  born :  Mrs.  Hattie  Drover,  living  in  McAlester,  Okla- 
homa, Mrs.  Gladys  Brainerd,  whose  home  is  in  Florida;  and  Mrs.  Emma  White- 
lock,  of  Huntington,  Indiana.  All  of  the  children  were  born  in  Illinois,  and 
the  older  ones  attended  the  public  schools  of  that  state,  while  the  younger  mem- 
bers of  the  family  were  educated  in  Boone.  The  father  was  for  many  years  a 
resident  of  Iowa,  his  death  occurring  in  June,   1913. 


634  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Henry  P.  Calonkey  spent  the  period  of  his  minority  in  Ilhnois,  being  twenty- 
one  years  of  age  when  the  removal  was  made  to  Iowa,  at  which  time  he  drove 
a  team  from  the  old  home  in  Jo  Daviess  county  to  Boone.  Three  years  after 
his  arrival  here,  or  in  1872,  he  married  Alice  Wade,  who  was  born  in  Michigan, 
February  25,  1853,  and  came  with  her  parents  as  they  traveled  across  the  country 
to  Boone  county.  They  cast  in  their  lot  with  the  early  settlers  of  Cass  township, 
and  their  daughter  there  attended  the  common  schools.  The  father,  Washington 
Wade,  was  born  in  Medina  county,  Ohio,  April  17,  1818,  lived  for  a  time  in 
Michigan  and  after  coming  to  Iowa  continued  to  make  his  home  in  this  state 
until  his  death,  which  occurred  in  Woodward,  December  4,  1904.  His  wife, 
who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Lucy  Bass,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  December 
24,  1825,  and  died  in  Woodward,  November  6,  190^.  The  three  eldest  of  the 
children  of  this  union  were  born  in  Michigan,  the  fourth  in  Illinois  and 
the  younger  members  of  the  family  in  Boone  county,  and  with  the  exception 
of  two  all  are  yet  living.  The  record  is  as  follows:  J.  B.,  whose  birth  occurred 
March  15.  1849,  and  who  resides  in  Nebraska;  Mrs.  Josephine  Miller,  who  was 
born  June  i,  1851,  and  passed  away  on  the  14th  of  June,  1874;  Mrs.  Alice 
Calonkey;  Mrs.  Jennie  Bettis,  who  was  born  December  15,  1854,  and  resides 
in  Denver,  Colorado;  A.  B.,  born  January  12,  1857,  who  resides  in  Woodward, 
Iowa;  Albert,  twin  of  A.  B.,  who  died  when  nine  months  old;  Ella,  who  is  a 
resident  of  Woodward,  Iowa ;  Mrs.  Hattie  Hughes,  born  January  14,  1863, 
who  makes  her  home  in  Belle  Plaine,  Iowa;  William,  who  makes  his  home 
in  Woodward,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Minnie  Callahan,  who  was  born  July  14,  1866,  and 
resides  in  Woodward;  and  .Mbertus.  whose  birth  occurred  June  30,  1869.  and 
who  is  a  resident  of  Woodward,  Iowa. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Calonkey  have  become  the  parents  of  five  children  and  the 
family  circle  yet  remains  unbroken  by  the  hand  of  death.  The  children  are 
as  follows:  A.  I'...  born  December  27,  1872,  who  is  engaged  in  the  creamery 
business  at  Woodward  in  association  with  his  father,  under  the  firm  name  of 
H.  P.  Calonkey  &  Son;  Mrs.  Lucy  Houghton,  who  was  born  September  .31.  1877, 
and  is  a  resident  of  Portersville,  California ;  Clyde,  whose  birth  occurred  May 
12,  1880,  and  who  is  a  resident  of  Dallas  county,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Olive  Gray,  born 
March  18,  1886,  who  makes  her  home  in  Chicago,  Illinois;  Josephine,  who  was 
born  May  31,  1888.  and  is  now  teaching  in  the  high  school  at  Rock  Rapids. 
Iowa.  The  last  named  was  graduated  from  Aines  College  in  igio  and  subse- 
quently taught  school  in  California  for  one  year,  while  later  she  followed  her 
profession  in  Dallas  Center  for  two  years.  All  are  natives  of  Boone  county. 
Mr.  and  Mrs.  Calonkey  began  their  domestic  life  upon  a  farm  but  in  1893 
removed  to  Woodward,  where  he  has  since  been  identified  with  the  banking 
and  the  creamery  business.  His  has  been  an  active  life,  crowned  with  a  sub- 
stantial measure  of  success  as  the  direct  result  of  his  industry  and  diligence. 
He  has  secured  a  liberal  patronage  by  methods  which  neither  seek  nor  require 
disguise,  and  his  labors  have  put  him  in  possession  of  a  comfortable  competence. 
Mr.  Calonkey  is  today  president  and  one  of  the  directors  of  the  Woodward 
State  Bank,  a  strong  financial  institution  based  upon  modern  methods  of  banking 
and  conducted  according  to  the  strictest  business  ethics.  In  addition  he  owns 
eighty  acres  of  good   farm   land   on  section    12,   Peoples  township,   from   which 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  635 

he   derives    a    substantial   annual    income,    and    his    town    property    includes   an 
attractive  home  in  Woodward  which  is  tastefully  and  artistically  furnished. 

Mr.  Calonkey  belongs  to  Woodward  Lodge,  No.  460,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  as  do  both 
of  his  sons,  and  was  a  member  of  the  famous  World's  Champion  Degree  Stafif, 
a  history  of  which  is  given  elsewhere  in  this  work.  His  wife  belongs  to 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  In  politics  he  is  a  democrat,  prominent  in  the 
party,  and  has  been  called  to  fill  a  number  of  offices.  He  has  served  as  constable 
and  as  township  trustee  and  since  taking  up  his  abode  in  Woodward  has  been 
a  member  of  the  city  council  and  mayor,  exercising  his  official  prerogatives  in 
support  of  many  progressive  movements.  He  has  been  a  school  director  in 
Woodward  and  also  before  removing  to  the  city,  and  the  cause  of  education 
finds  in  him  a  stalwart  champion.  He  is  a  recognized  leader  in  public  affairs 
and  has  done  much  in  molding  public  thought  and  action  in  his  comnnuiity. 
Broadminded,  liberal  in  spirit  and  action,  he  is  ready  to  assume  his  share  of  any 
financial  obligation  or  to  support  any  worthy  public  enterprise  through  personal 
cooperation.  His  fellow  townsmen  speak  of  him  in  terms  of  high  regard  and 
his  worth  is  uniformly  acknowledged. 


WILL  M.  BASS. 


Will  M.  Bass  is  a  farmer  and  stockman  of  Des  Moines  township,  owning  and 
cultivating  a  fine  tract  of  land  two  miles  north  of  Boone.  He  is  also  active  in 
the  public  life  of  his  locality  and  is  now  serving  for  the  eighteenth  year  as  clerk 
of  his  township.  It  was  in  that  township  that  he  was  born  on  the  21st  of  De- 
cember, 1 866,  a  son  of  David  Bass  and  a  grandson  of  Edward  Bass,  who  came 
to  Iowa  in  1855  and  secured  as  a  homestead  claim  the  farm  now  owned  and 
occupied  by  the  subject  of  this  review.  Edward  Bass  was  born  in  North  Carolina 
and  when  a  young  man  removed  westward  to  Indiana,  where  he  lived  until  he 
established  his  home  in  Iowa.  He  traveled  with  o.x  cart  to  this  state  and,  having 
entered  his  cjaim,  began  the  development  of  the  farm,  which  he  converted  into 
a  rich  and  productive  tract,  residing  thereon  until  his  death,  which  occurred  in 
1882,  when  he  was  eighty  years  of  age. 

David  Bass  also  resided  on  the  old  homestead,  but  at  the  time  of  the  Civil 
war  he  felt  that  his  duty  to  his  country  was  paramount  to  all  other  interests 
and  went  to  the  front,  serving  for  four  years  as  a  private  in  Company  K,  Six- 
teenth Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry.  He  participated  in  a  number  of  hotly  contested 
engagements  and  on  one  occasion  was  wounded  in  the  elbow.  He  died  November 
II,  1911,  at  the  age  of  seventy-two  years.  The  community  regarded  him  as  a 
representative  citizen.  In  politics  he  was  a  stanch  democrat,  and  his  religious 
faith  was  that  of  the  Baptist  church.  In  early  manhood  he  married  Susan 
Harter,  who  was  born  in  Baden,  Germany,  and  when  six  years  of  age  was 
brought  to  America.  She  was  reared  to  womanhood  in  Ohio  and  then  came  to 
Boone  county,  where  she  married.  At  the  age  of  seventy-one  years  she  now 
lives  on  the  old  home  place  in  Des  Moines  township  and  she  is  a  member  of 
the  German  Reformed  church.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  David  Bass  were  born  eight 
children,  of  whom  two  died  in  early  life,  while  six  are  yet  living,  namely:  Will 


636  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY   ' 

M. ;  Mrs.  Albert  S.  Beckett,  of  Des  Moines  township,  whose  husband  follows 
farming;  Mrs.  Charles  Ross,  also  of  the  same  township;  Mrs.  Clark  Ross,  living 
in  Estherville,  Iowa ;  Samuel,  who  is  single  and  resides  on  the  old  homestead ; 
and  Mrs.  Charles  Sturtz,  of  Des  Moines  township. 

No  event  of  special  importance  occurred  to  vary  the  routine  of  farm  life 
for  Will  M.  Bass  in  his  boyhood  and  youth.  He  pursued  his  education  in  the 
public  schools  and  through  the  summer  months  worked  in  the  fields,  and  he  has 
never  desired  to  change  his  occupation.  For  the  past  quarter  of  a  century  he 
has  resided  at  his  present  home,  owning  and  cultivating  one  hundred  and  sixty 
acres  of  rich  land  which  is  now  splendidly  developed.  He  carries  on  general 
farming,  raising  the  crops  best  adapted  to  soil  and  climate,  and  as  the  years 
have  gone  on  his  labors  have  been  attended  with  a  substantial  measure  of  success. 

Mr.  Bass  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Anna  M.  Burk,  a  daughter  of 
Thomas  Burk,  now  of  Tacoma,  Washington,  but  for  many  years  a  resident 
of  Boone  county,  where  he  engaged  in  farming  and  also  served  as  county  super- 
visor, filling  that  position  for  six  years.  He  was  elected  to  the  office  on  the 
republican  ticket,  having  always  been  a  loyal  supporter  of  the  party.  His  daugh- 
ter, Mrs.  Bass,  was  born  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  and  by  her  marriage  she  has 
become  the  mother  of  one  son,  Paul,  now  eighteen  years  of  age. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Bass  is  a  republican.  He  has  held  a  number  of 
school  offices  and  for  the  past  eighteen  years  has  been  township  clerk.  The 
cause  of  education  finds  in  him  a  warm  friend  and,  in  fact,  his  influence  is  always 
on  the  side  of  right  and  progress,  truth  and  reform.  He  holds  membership  with 
the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America,  and  his  wife  is  connected  with  the  ladies" 
auxiliary  of  that  organization,  known  as  the  Royal  Neighbors.  In  religious 
faith  Mr.  Bass  is  a  Methodist,  his  membership  being  in  Bethel  church  of  Des 
Moines  township.  He  represents  one  of  the  old  pioneer  families  of  the  county, 
a  family  long  and  honorably  connected  with  the  agricultural  development  of  this 
part  of  the  state,  and  the  work  instituted  by  his  grandfather  and  continued  ijy 
his  father  is  now  being  carried  on  still  farther  by  him. 


CHARLES  CLARK. 


Charles  Clark,  who  has  lived  retired  in  Beaver  since  1910,  was  long  and 
actively  identified  with  agricultural  pursuits  in  Boone  county  and  is  now  spend- 
ing the  evening  of  life  in  well  earned  ease.  His  birth  occurred  in  Trumbull 
county,  Ohio,  on  the  29th  of  July.  1844,  his  parents  being  Watters  and  Julia 
(Rice)  Clark,  who  were  natives  of  Connecticut  and  Ohio  respectively.  The 
father  followed  farming  in  the  Buckeye  state  throughout  his  entire  business 
career  and  passed  away  in  February.  1865.  The  mother  was  called  to  her  final 
rest  in  March,  1883. 

Charles  Clark  was  reared  and  educated  in  the  state  of  his  nativity  and  re- 
mained under  the  parental  roof  until  the  time  of  his  enlistment  for  service  in 
the  Civil  war,  joining  the  Union  army  in  June,  1864,  as  a  member  of  Company 
G,  One  Hundred  and  Seventy-seventh  Ohio  Volunteer  Infantry.  He  remained 
with  that  command  until  the  cessation  of  hostilities  between  the  north  and  the 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  637 

south  and  then  returned  to  Ohio,  where  he  continued  to  make  his  home  for 
six  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period  he  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa, 
and  here  cultivated  rented  land  until  1875.  In  that  year  he  purchased  forty 
acres  of  land  in  Union  townshp  and  improved  the  property,  while  subsequently 
he  bought  an  improved  tract  of  eighty  acres  in  Amaqua  township.  He  took 
up  his  abode  on  the  latter  place  and  gave  his  attention  to  its  operation  continu- 
ously and  successfully  until  1910,  when  he  put  aside  the  active  work  of  the 
fields  and  purchased  an  attractive  residence  property  on  the  main  street  in 
Beaver,  where  he  has  lived  retired  for  the  past  four  years.  His  undertakings 
as  an  agriculturist  were  attended  with  gratifying  prosperity,  and  he  has  long 
been  numbered  among  the  substantial  and  representative  citizens  of  the  com- 
munity. 

On  the  3d  of  October,  1874,  Mr.  Clark  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Eva  Kimball,  a  daughter  of  Robert  and  Sarah  (Cooper)  Kimball,  who  were 
natives  of  Allegany  county.  New  York.  The  father,  an  agriculturist  of  the 
Empire  state,  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Civil  war  and  while  at  the  front  was 
stricken  with  typhoid  fever,  dying  in  the  anny  in  1863.  His  widow,  surviving 
him  for  more  than  four  decades,  passed  away  in  this  county  in  February,  igo6. 
Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark  were  born  four  children,  as  follows:  Percy  L., 
who  follows  farming  in  Peoples  township ;  Harry  Y.,  who  operates  his  father's 
farm  in  Amaqua  township;  Isabelle  M.,  the  wife  of  E.  B.  Doran,  who  is  a  son 
of  Senator  Doran  and  follows  farming  in  Beaver  township ;  and  Watters  F., 
who  died  on  the  28th  of  June,  1870.  when  but  three  weeks  old. 

In  politics  Mr.  Clark  has  always  been  a  stanch  republican.  He  served  as 
assessor  of  Union  township  for  four  years,  acted  as  a  trustee  of  Amaqua  town- 
ship for  a  similar  period  and  for  many  years  promoted  the  interests  of  the  cause 
of  education  as  a  school  director.  He  belongs  to  the  Grand  Army  of  the 
Republic  and  is  identified  fraternally  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd 
Fellows  of  Ogden,  while  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Baptist  church.  The 
period  of  his  residence  in  Boone  county  covers  more  than  four  decades  and  he 
has  won  a  large  circle  of  warm  friends  within  its  borders. 


ALVA  A.  BURKHART. 

Among  the  native  sons  of  Boone  county  who  have  recognized  and  utilized 
the  business  opportunities  here  ofifered,  never  finding  it  necessary  to  seek  success 
elsewhere,  is  Alva  A.  Burkhart,  now  busily  engaged  in  the  further  development 
and  improvement  of  an  excellent  farm  in  Peoples  township.  It  was  in  the  same 
township  that  his  birth  occurred  on  the  ist  of  Januarv,  1872. 

His  father,  David  L.  Burkhart,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  was  born  in  Butler 
county  in  1833,  but  came  to  Iowa  in  early  life,  casting  in  his  lot  with  the  pioneer 
settlers  of  Boone  county  at  a  time  when  the  work  of  progress  and  development 
seemed  scarcely  begun  here.  On  first  reaching  this  state  he  made  his  way  to 
Iowa  City,  then  a  small  town,  while  Fort  Des  Moines  had  not  yet  been  founded. 
After  a  short  time  at  Iowa  City  he  removed  to  Fort  Des  Moines  and  worked  at 
his  trade  of  carpentering  for  a  number  of  years.     At  length  he  exchanged  his 


638  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

home  111  Des  Moines  for  a  tract  of  land  in  Peoples  township,  Boone  county,  and 
took  up  his  abode  thereon,  making  that  place  his  home  until  he  was  called  to  his 
linal  rest.  Following  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  he  enlisted  in  Company  A, 
Twenty-third  Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry,  in  1862.  He  was  enrolled  at  Zena  and 
was  honorably  discharged  in  1863  on  account  of  physical  disability.  In  the  mean- 
time he  was  with  Grant  at  the  siege  of  Vicksburg  and  was  in  the  charge  at  Big 
Black  river,  in  which  he  received  special  mention.  For  bravery  on  that  occasion 
he  was  advanced  to  the  captaincy  of  his  company.  In  the  charge  his  company 
■captured  many  swords  and  flags,  and  a  sword  and  flag  which  he  took  on  that  oc- 
casion are  still  in  the  possession  of  his  family  in  Peoples  township.  He  made 
an  excellent  military  record,  and  it  was  with  the  deepest  regret  that  he  was  forced 
to  put  aside  his  duties  on  account  of  the  greatly  impaired  condition  of  his  health. 
David  L.  Burkhart  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah  McDonald,  whose 
mother  was  a  near  relative  of  John  Brown.  Mrs.  Burkhart  was  born  in  Michi- 
gan in  1834  and  died  in  Peoples  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa,  August  7,  1892. 
She  became  the  mother  of  eleven  children :  -Mrs.  Laura  Hayer,  residing  at  Les- 
more,  Minnesota;  Mrs.  Sarah  J.  Rittenhouse,  of  Oregon  City,  Oregon;  John  P.; 
Thomas,  deceased ;  Charles,  who  makes  his  home  in  California ;  William,  who 
has  passed  away;  Aaron  E.,  who  was  born  March  24,  1870,  and  is  living  in  Peo- 
ples township;  Alva  A.,  of  this  review ;  George  Washington,  who  makes  his  home 
in  the  state  of  Washington ;  Albert,  living  in  Peoples  township ;  and  Otho,  who 
is  a  resident  of  Woodward.  Iowa.  The  parents  of  these  children  were  married 
in  Polk  county  but  established  their  home  in  Peoples  township,  Boone  county,  and 
all  of  the  children  were  born  there. 

Throughout  his  entire  life  Alva  A.  I'.urkhart  has  resided  in  the  county  which 
is  now  his  home.  His  educational  opportunities  were  those  afforded  by  the  public 
schools.  His  early  training  was  that  of  the  farm,  and  he  has  always  carried  on 
general  agricultural  pursuits  and  stock-raising.  His  work  has  been  intelligently 
directed,  and  his  energy  and  determination  have  constituted  the  basis  of  his 
growing  success.  His  methods  are  at  all  times  practical,  and  he  has  annually 
fathered  good  harveste  as  a  result  of  the  intelligent  manner  in  which  he  has  cul- 
tivated his  fields  and  cared  for  his  crops. 

In  Marcy  township,  February  8,  1899,  Mr.  Burkhart  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Miss  Beatrice  Stewart,  who  was  born  in  Coal  X'alley,  this  county,  and  spent 
her  girlhood  days  here,  where  she  has  always  resided.  Her  parents,  Stephen  and 
Margaret  (Patterson)  Stewart,  were  among  the  early  residents  of  the  county 
and  were  well  known  through  the  pioneer  epoch  and  later  periods  in  the  history 
of  this  section  of  the  state.  Their  children  were  as  follows :  Eleanor  Webster, 
of  Hot  Springs  county,  Wyoming;  Janet  Edgar,  a  resident  of  Tacoma,  Washing- 
ton; Jane  Thompson,  of  Thermopolis.  Wyoming:  and  Mrs.  Burkhart.  Mrs. 
Stewart  was  twice  married,  the  children  by  her  second  union  being:  John  Hodge 
and  Bessie  Nelson,  both  of  Rock  Springs.  Wyoming. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burkhart  have  become  the  parents  of  the  following  named: 
Austin,  who  was  born  January  31.  1900;  Mahlon,  born  June  27,  1901  ;  Velma.  born 
January  3,  1905;  David  and  Stephen,  twins,  born  May  17,  1909;  and  Clifton, 
whose  birth  occurred  on  the  23d  of  July,  1913.  The  older  children  are  now  in 
school.  The  family  occupy  a  pleasant  home,  the  house  is  commodious  and  taste- 
fully furnished,  and  the  air  of  hospitality  which  there  pervades  makes  it  a  favorite 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  639 

resort  with  the  many  friends  of  the  family.  The  residence  stands  in  the  midst 
of  one  hundred  and  five  acres  of  arable  land  situated  on  section  13,  Peoples  town- 
ship, and  in  addition  to  a  comfortable  home  there  are  good  barns  and  outbuildings, 
well  kept  fences  and  the  latest  improved  machinery.  The  political  allegiance  of 
Mr.  Burkhart  is  given  to  the  republican  party,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  are 
members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  to  the  teachings  of  which  they  are 
ever  loyal,  while  to  the  support  of  the  church  they  make  generous  contributions. 


JOHN  M.  HERMAN. 


John  M.  Herman  v^as  prominently  connected  with  a  number  of  enterprises 
which  helped  to  make  Boone  the  important  center  which  it  is  today.  He  was 
quiet  and  reserved  in  manner,  weighing  every  proposition  carefully,  but  after 
coming  to  a  conclusion  would  act  aggressively  and  with  decision,  pursuing  the 
object  which  he  had  in  view  until  he  had  attained  the  goal.  Mr.  Herman  was 
born  in  Hengstfeldt,  Wurtemberg,  Germany,  December  31,  1830,  and  there 
attended  school  and  grew  to  manhood.  Having  heard  of  the  opportunities  which 
were  waiting  those  who  came  to  America,  he  decided  upon  emigration  and  in 
1846  crossed  the  ocean.  Making  his  way  inland,  he  settled  in  Ohio,  but  the  gold 
fever  of  the  late  '40s  induced  him  to  make  the  overland  journey  to  California 
in  1850.  Braving  perils  and  overcoming  hardships,  he  completed  the  long  trip 
ill  one  IniiulrLd  and  five  days  and  after  reaching  the  coast  remained  two  and  one- 
half  years  in  the  gold  fields,  acquiring  the  capital  which  enabled  him  to  establish 
himself  in  business.  He  returned  by  way  of  the  isthmus  of  Panama  and  for  a 
few  years  remained  in  Ohio  but  then  sought  the  middle  west,  locating  in  Madison 
and  later  founding  his  home  in  Monroe,  Wisconsin,  in  1858.  He  resided  at  that 
town  for  about  eight  years  and  came  to  Boone,  Iowa,  August  16,  1866,  the  city 
remaining  his  residence  until  he  was  called  to  his  fathers.  Boone  then  bore  the 
name  of  Montana,  the  village  having  been  founded  the  year  before  his  arrival. 
He  took  active  part  in  its  early  development  and  invested  in  property,  soon  be- 
coming a  prominent  man,  as  he  brought  with  him  the  means  which  so  many  of 
the  other  settlers  lacked.  He  established  the  Boone  Brewery,  which  sold  over  a 
wide  territory,  and  continued  this  establishment  until  the  state  adopted  the  prohi- 
bition policy.  He  then  promptly  closed  its  doors,  performing  the  mandate  of  the 
law  to  the  letter,  although  he  lost  heavily  in  so  doing.  He  was  not  a  man,  how- 
ever, who  could  long  be  idle  and  soon  found  other  occupations.  He  acquired 
title  to  realty  which  he  developed  by  imjiroving  and  building,  adding  to  his  pros- 
l^erity  and  contributing  at  the  same  time  to  the  growth  of  the  city.  He  was  vice 
president  of  the  First  National  Bank  and  also  had  an  interest  in  the  Security 
Savings  Bank.  Moreover,  he  had  large  farming  interests,  deriving  a  gratifying 
addition  to  his  income  from  this  source. 

On  August  16,  i860,  in  Monroe,  Wisconsin,  Mr.  Herman  was  married  to  Mrs. 
Anna  B.  Spring,  who  was  born  in  Thun,  Switzerland,  and  came  to  America  in 
i'^57-  To  them  were  born  six  children:  Emma,  a  resident  of  Boone;  J.  Henry: 
John  F.,  who  is  mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  work ;  and  Otto  C,  all  of  whom  are 


640  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

engaged   in  the  hanking  husiness :  JuHa,  who   died   in   infancy ;  and   Anna,  who 
passed  away  in  young  womanhood. 

Mr.  Herman  died  January  15,  1898,  at  the  age  of  nearly  sixty-eight  years. 
In  him  the  city  of  Boone  lost  one  of  its  representative  citizens  and  one  who  had 
been  instrumental  in  securing  for  the  city  many  of  the  conveniences  and  comforts 
of  modern  life.  His  memory  still  lingers  with  his  many  friends,  who  appre- 
ciated him  as  a  trustworthy  and  faithful  man  and  a  public-spirited  citizen.  He 
was  one  of  that  race  of  German-Americans  who  have  done  so  much  for  the 
progress  of  this  country  and  who  form  such  a  secure  and  dependable  part  of  our 
nation.  The  prosperity  which  came  to  him  and  the  esteem  in  which  he  was  held 
were  but  tribute  to  his  abilitv  and  character. 


I.  HENRY  HERMAN. 


J.  Henry  Herman,  cashier  of  the  First  National  Bank  of  Boone,  Iowa,  has 
advanced  by  reason  of  individual  merit  and  ability  to  his  present  position.  He 
neglects  no  duty  nor  does  he  heedlessly  pass  by  any  opportunity  for  the  develop- 
ment of  the  interests  of  the  bank  or  city,  and  in  the  legitimate  field  of  business 
he  has  won  gratifying  success.  He  was  born  in  Monroe,  \\'isconsin,  October  18, 
1864,  and  is  the  son  of  John  M.  and  Anna  (Spring)  Herman.  The  father  was 
a  native  of  Hengstfeldt,  Wurtemberg,  Germany,  born  on  the  31st  of  December, 
1830,  and  came  to  this  country  in  1847.  He  was  among  the  first  settlers  in  Boone, 
Iowa,  arriving  here  August  16,  1866,  and  here  he  died  January  15,  1898.  The 
mother  was  a  native  of  Thun,  Switzerland,  born  May  21,  1838.  She  emigrated  to 
America  in  the  '50s  and  afterward  came  to  Boone,  Iowa,  with  her  husband,  where 
she  lived  until  her  death,  April  23,  1914. 

Unto  them  were  born  six  children :  Emma,  living  in  this  city :  Julia,  who 
died  in  infancy ;  J.  Henry,  the  subject  of  this  sketch  :  Anna  B.,  who  died  in  early 
womanhood;  John  F.,  now  cashier  of  the  Security  Savings  Bank;  and  Otto  C, 
vice  president  of  the  same  institution. 

J.  Henry  Herman  was  a  little  child  when  brought  by  his  parents  to  Boone 
(then  Montana),  where  he  has  spent  practically  all  of  his  life.  He  was  gradu- 
ated from  the  public  schools  here,  being  the  second  boy  to  graduate  from  the 
high  school,  which  was  in  1883.  Later  he  attended  Elliott's  Business  College 
at  Burlington,  completing  the  course  in  1884.  He  afterward  spent  a  brief  period 
in  McPherson,  Kansas,  looking  after  some  interests  for  his  father,  but  returned 
to  Boone  to  accept  the  position  of  bookkeeper  in  the  First  National  Bank,  which 
was  being  organized,  going  in  on  the  opening  day  and  remaining  with  the  insti- 
tution continuously  since.  He  was  promoted  to  assistant  cashier  in  1888,  and  in 
1890  he  became  cashier,  which  position  he  is  now  filling.  He  was  also  one  of 
the  organizers  of  the  Security  Savings  Bank  of  this  city  as  well  as  the  City 
State  Bank  and  the  Ogden  State  Bank  of  Ogden,  Iowa,  in  all  of  which  institu- 
tions he  still  retains  an  interest. 

Mr.  Herman  is  also  interested  in  some  local  manufacturing  concerns  and 
always  contrilnites  to  all  good  causes  tending  toward  the  growth  of  the  city  in 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  641 

whose  future  he  has  always  been  optimistic  and  which  is  evidenced  by  his  hold- 
ings of  real  estate  and  farm  properties  adjoining. 

On  the  14th  of  March,  1899,  Mr.  Herman  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Caroline  Ursula  Goeppinger,  a  native  of  Boone  and  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Ifenry  Goeppinger,  who  are  also  numbered  among  the  earliest  settlers  of  Boone. 
After  spending  their  honeymoon  in  Europe  they  settled  in  Boone.  To  them  were 
born  five  children:  Paul  H.,  born  November  26,  1900;  Louise  A.,  September  20, 
1902;  John  C,  July  10,  1904;  Albert  L.,  March  7,  1906;  and  Helen  Henrietta, 
April  10,  1913. 

In  politics  Mr.  Herman  has  never  taken  a  very  active  part.  Although  twice 
elected  as  school  treasurer,  he  has  never  been  active  in  the  sense  of  office  seeking, 
voting  for  men  and  measures  rather  than  for  party.  He  holds  membership  in 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  church  and  is  a  director  of  the  Commercial  Club.  He 
is  well  known  in  financial  and  society  circles  and  possesses  many  substantial 
qualities  which  have  won  him  confidence,  regard  and  good-will  in  Boone  and 
Boone  county,  where  he  has  a  very  large  acquaintance  and  where  most  of  his 
life  has  been  spent. 


JOHN  F.  HERMAN. 


John  F.  Herman  is  a  factor  in  financial  circles  of  Boone  county  as  cashier  of 
the  Security  Savings  Bank  of  Boone,  in  which  capacity  he  has  been  identified 
with  the  institution  for  the  past  nine  years.  His  birth  occurred  in  Boone  on  the 
27th  of  March,  1868,  his  parents  being  John  M.  and  Anna  (Spring)  Herman,  who 
are  mentioned  at  greater  length  in  another  part  of  this  work. 

John  F.  Herman  attended  school  in  Boone,  supplementing  his  early  educa- 
tional training  by  taking  a  course  in  the  Iowa  State  College  at  Ames.  He  began 
his  business  career  by  accepting  a  position  in  the  First  National  Bank,  in  which 
he  served  as  bookkeeper  and  later  was  for  about  a  year  connected  with  the  post- 
office.  In  1888  he  decided  to  establish  himself  independently  and  associated  him- 
self with  Canier  Brothers,  the  leading  shoe  merchants  of  Boone,  with  whom  he 
was  actively  and  successfully  engaged  in  business  until  1905.  In  that  year  he 
accepted  the  position  of  cashier  of  the  Security  Savings  Bank  and  in  that  capacity 
has  since  been  identified  with  the  institution,  contributing  to  its  continued  growth 
and  success  in  no  uncertain  degree.  A  few  months  ago  the  bank  moved  into  hand- 
some new  quarters  on  Eighth  street.  Mr.  Herman  enjoys  an  enviable  reputation 
as  a  courteous,  capable  and  obliging  official  and  a  financier  of  undoubted  ability. 
He  is  likewise  a  director  in  the  First  National  Bank,  a  stockholder  in  the  Boone 
County  Telephone  Company  and  a  director  in  the  Boone  Brick,  Tile  and  Paving 
Company. 

On  November  4,  1896,  Mr.  Herman  married  in  Kansas  City,  Miss  Katherine 
Hungerford  of  Burlington.  Vermont,  whose  birth  occurred  August  23,  1871,  and 
who  is  a  graduate  of  Smith  College.  Her  father  was  the  Rev.  Edward  Hunger- 
ford,  of  Connecticut,  whose  wife  was  born  in  Vermont,  although  both  were  of 
English  descent.  In  their  fanfily  were  four  children :  Caroline,  who  is  now  Mrs. 
Silas  A.  Mills;  Charlotte,  who  married  William  H.  Zantzinger;  Frederick;  and 


642  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Katherine.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Herman  have  the  following  children;  Dorothea  H., 
born  January  8,  1898;  Edward,  born  June  30,  1900;  Frederick,  whose  birth  oc- 
curred in  1902;  George,  whose  natal  year  was  1905;  and  Buell,  born  in  1907. 

The  parents  are  members  of  the  Presbyterian  church  and  thoroughly  devoted 
to  its  work.  Folitically  Mr.  Herman  is  not  very  active,  although  he  is  true  to  his 
standards  and  always  indorses  those  measures  which  he  considers  of  the  greatest 
value  to  the  community.  He  is  interested  not  only  in  material  growth  but  in 
intellectual  and  moral  betterment  and  gives  much  thought  to  the  issues  and  ques- 
tions of  the  day.  Fraternally  he  belongs  to  the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of 
Elks  and  is  very  popular  in  this  organization.  He  is  a  thoroughly  up-to-date 
American  business  man,  making  use  of  opportunities  as  they  present  themselves, 
but  at  the  same  time  he  is  considerate  of  the  interests  of  others  and  never  loses 
sight  of  the  community  welfare. 


ABNER  LYCURGUS  HARLOW. 

In  taking  up  the  personal  history  of  Abner  Lycurgus  Harlow  we  present  to 
our  readers  the  life  record  of  one  who  was  well  and  favorably  known  in  Boone 
county  for  many  years  and  who  by  his  quiet  and  well  spent  life  contributed  to 
the  development,  improvement  and  upbuilding  of  the  section  in  which  he  lived. 
He  was  born  in  Cass  township  on  the  31st  of  October,  i860,  and  was  but  forty- 
six  years  of  age  when  he  passed  away  in  Woodward  on  the  5th  of  January, 
1907.  He  was  a  brother  of  Charles  D.  and  A.  M.  Harlow,  both  of  whom  are 
mentioned  elsewhere  in  this  volume. 

The  experiences  in  the  early  life  of  Abner  L.  Harlow^  were  those  which  usually 
fall  to  the  lot  of  the  farm  boy.  In  the  public  schools  he  acquired  his  education, 
and  his  business  training  was  received  under  the  direction  of  his  father  until 
he  started  out  in  life  on  his  own  account.  Turning  his  attention  to  farming  and 
stock-raising,  he  won  a  substantial  measure  of  success  in  that  direction  and  for  a 
time  was  interested  with  his  brother  in  the  lumber  business  in  Woodward.  In 
1886,  however,  he  returned  to  the  farm  and  concentrated  his  energies  upon 
the  work  of  the  fields  through  the  succeeding  twelve  years,  the  result  of  his  labors 
being  manifest  in  the  large  crops  which  he  annually  harvested  and  which  brought 
him  a  substantial  financial  return.  In  1898  he  removed  with  his  family  to  Wood- 
ward, but  later  they  returned  to  the  farm  for  a  short  time.  Again  they  took 
up  their  abode  in  Woodward  and  Mr.  Harlow  retired  from  active  liusiness.  his 
death  occurring  soon  afterward. 

It  was  in  Cass  township,  on  the  i6th  of  December,  1885,  that  Mr.  Harlow 
wedded  Miss  Eva  Patrick,  who  was  born  in  Union  county,  Ohio,  September  7, 
1867,  and  in  1884  came  to  Iowa  with  her  parents,  the  family  home  being  estab- 
lished in  Woodward,  Dallas  county,  where  the  family  has  since  been  represented. 
Her  father,  Harmon  Patrick,  was  born  in  Union  county,  Ohio,  February  12, 
1840,  and  died  at  Woodward  on  the  25th  of  June,  1897.  Her  mother,  who  bore 
the  maiden  name  of  Lovina  Severs,  was  a  native  of  Knox  county,  Ohio,  born 
fVtober  I.  1839.  She  makes  her  home  with  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Harlow,  in 
Woodward.     The  Patricks  were  pioneers  of  Ohio.     Three  children  were  born 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  64a 

unto  Harmon  and  Lovina  (Severs)  Patrick,  two  sons  and  a  daughter:  David, 
who  was  born  December  25,  1859,  and  died  in  Ohio  in  1862;  Jeft'erson,  who  was 
born  November  15,  1863,  and  passed  away  in  1870;  and  Mrs.  Harlow,  of  this 
review,  who  by  her  marriage  also  became  the  mother  of  three  children :  Britt 
P.,  who  was  born  in  Peoples  township,  July  8,  1888,  and  now  resides  on  the 
home  farm  in  Cass  township;  Howard  H.,  who  was  born  October  24,  i88g;  and 
Opal,  who  was  born  in  Woodward,  Iowa,  September  14,  1901,  and  is  attending 
high  school  in  Woodward.  The  second  son,  Howard  H.  Harlow,  is  one  of  the 
progressive  young  farmers  of  Boone  county.  He  owns  and  cultivates  two  hun- 
dred and  forty  acres  of  choice  land  in  Cass  township  and  has  his  place  splendidly 
improved  according  to  modern  standards.  He  has  brought  his  land  to  a  high 
state  of  cultivation,  and  the  result  of  his  labors  is  seen  in  his  excellent  crops. 
The  neat  and  thrifty  appearance  of  his  place  constitutes  his  farm  one  of  the 
attractive  features  of  the  landscape.  Moreover,  he  is  willing  to  bear  his  part 
in  worthy  public  enterprises.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  Peaceful  Lodge, 
No.  454,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Woodward.  In  politics  he  is  a  democrat  but  has 
neither  the  time  nor  inclination  for  office.  He  has  served  as  school  director, 
and  the  cause  of  religion  as  well  as  that  of  education  finds  in  him  a  warm  friend, 
as  is  indicated  by  his  membership  in  the  Woodward  Methodist  F.piscopal  church. 
The  father,  Abner  L.  Harlow,  was  likewise  a  member  of  Peaceful  Lodge, 
No.  454,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Woodward,  and  of  the  Modern  Woodmen  Camp 
at  that  place.  His  sterling  traits  of  character  were  recognized  by  all  who  knew 
him.  He  was  faithful  in  the  performance  of  every  duty  in  l)otli  [iiiblic  and 
private  life,  and  he  left  behind  him  not  only  a  handsome  competence  as  the  result 
of  his  labor  but  also  a  good  name.  Mrs.  Harlow  remains  in  Woodward,  where 
she  occupies  a  well  furnished  and  hospitable  home. 


OTHO  S.  BURKHART. 

Otho  S.  Burkhart,  local  manager  for  the  Standard  Oil  Company  at  Woodward 
and  well  qualified  for  his  present  position,  was  born  in  Peoples  township,  Boone 
county,  July  13,  1878.  He  is  a  son  of  David  L.  and  Sarah  (McDonald)  Burkhart. 
The  former,  a  native  of  Pennsylvania,  was  born  in  Butler  county  in  1833,  but 
came  to  Iowa  in  early  life,  casting  in  his  lot  with  the  pioneer  settlers  of  Boone 
county  at  a  time  when  the  work  of  progress  and  development  seemed  scarcely 
begun  here.  On  first  reaching  this  state  he  made  his  way  to  Iowa  City,  then  a 
small  town,  while  Fort  Des  Moines  had  not  yet  been  founded.  After  a  short 
time  at  Iowa  City  he  removed  to  Fort  Des  Moines  and  worked  at  his  trade  of 
carpentering  for  a  number  of  years.  At  length  he  exchanged  his  home  in  Des 
Moines  for  a  tract  of  land  in  Peoples  township,  Boone  county,  and  took  up  his 
abode  thereon,  making  that  place  his  home  until  he  was  called  to  his  final  rest. 
l'~ollowing  the  outbreak  of  the  Civil  war  he  enlisted  in  Company  A,  Twenty-third 
Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry,  in  1862.  He  was  enrolled  at  Zena  and  was  honorably- 
discharged  in  1863  on  account  of  physical  disability.  In  the  meantime  he  was 
with  (irant  at  the  siege  of  Vicksburg  and  was  in  charge  at  Big  Black  river,  in 
which  he  received  special  mention.     For  bravery  on  that  occasion  he  was  ad- 


644  HISTORY  UF  liOONE  COUNTY 


vaiiced  to  the  captaincy  of  his  company.  In  the  charge  his  company  captured 
ir.any  swords  and  flags,  and  a  sword  and  flag  whjch  he  took  on  that  occasion 
are  still  in  the  possession  of  his  family  in  Peoples  township.  He  made  an  excel- 
lent military  record,  and  it  was  with  the  deepest  regret  that  he  was  forced  to 
put  aside  his  duties  on  account  of  the  greatly  impaired  condition  of  his  health. 

David  L.  Burkhart  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Sarah  McDonald,  whose 
jnother  was  a  near  relative  of  John  llrown,  the  famous  anti-slavery  leader,  who 
wa>  killed  at  Harpers  Ferry.  Mr^..  I'.urkhart  was  born  in  Michigan  in  1834  and 
died  in  Peoples  township,  Boone  county,  luwa,  .\ugust  7,  1892.  She  became  the 
mother  of  eleven  children:  Mrs.  Laura  Hayer,  residing  at  Lesmore,  Minnesota; 
Mrs.  Sarah  J.  Rittenhouse  of  Oregon  City,  (Oregon;  John  P.;  Thomas,  de- 
ceased; Charles,  who  makes  his  home  in  California;  William,  who  has  passed 
away;  Aaron  E.,  who  was  born  March  24.  1870,  and  is  living  in  Peoples  township; 
Alva  A. ;  George  Washington,  who  makes  his  home  in  the  state  of  Washington ; 
Albert,  living  in  Peoples  township ;  and  Otho  S.,  of  this  review.  The  parents  of 
these  children  were  married  in  Polk  county,  but  established  their  home  in  Peoples 
township,  Boone  county,  and  all  of  the  children  were  born  there. 

Upon  the  death  of  his  parents  Otho  S.  Burkhart  was  taken  into  the  home  of 
an  aunt  in  Polk  county,  where  he  remained  for  a  year,  or  until  the  aunt's  death. 
He  then  returned  to  I'eoples  township,  where  he  continued  to  live  until  taking 
up  his  abode  in  Woodward.  In  his  youthful  days  and  early  manhood  he  followed 
farming  and  stock-raising,  being  thus  continuously  engaged  until  1907,  when  he 
removed  to  Woodward  and  secured  a  clerkship  in  a  hardware  store.  He  was 
thus  employed  for  live  years  and  afterward  spent  one  year  at  the  carpenter's 
trade  and  one  year  as  a  jiainter.  In  May,  1914,  he  became  manager  for  the 
Standard  Oil  Company  at  Woodward  and  has  charge  of  this  immediate  territory. 
He  is  well  qualified  for  the  position  and  is  doing  good  service  for  that  corpora- 
tion in  this  section. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Burkhart  is  an  earnest  republican,  well  informed 
on  the  questions  and  issues  of  the  day.  He  belongs  to  Peaceful  Lodge,  A.  F.  & 
.\.  M.,  of  Woodward,  and  to  Woodward  Lodge,  No.  460,  I.  O.  O.  F.  He  is 
a  member  of  the  World's  Champion  Odd  Fellows'  Degree  StatT  of  Woodward 
and  was  with  them  in  their  triumiihaiU  career. 


[AMES  W.  WANE. 


With  the  farming  and  stock-raising  interests  of  Boone  county  James  W. 
Wane  has  been  identified  for  over  forty  years.  He  is  today  the  owner  of  a  well 
improved  and  highly  cultivated  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  sections 
12  and  13,  Worth  township,  where  he  has  made  his  home  since  the  ist  of  March, 
1873.  He  was  born  in  that  township,  December  13,  1848,  a  son  of  J.  M.  and 
Caroline  (Hull)  Wane.  The  mother  was  a  daughter  of  Dr.  James  Hull,  one  of 
the  f)ioneer  physicians  of  this  county.  She  was  born  in  Ohio  and  died  here  in 
Tune.  191 1,  at  the  age  of  eighty-six  years.  The  father  was  a  native  of  Baltimore, 
Maryland,  and  on  coming  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  in  May,  1848,  located  in  Des 
.Moines  township,  where  he  continued  to  make  his  home  throughout  the  remainder 


irR.  AND  :\rRs.  .iamks  w.  wank 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  647 

of  his  life,  dying  in  1896  at  the  age  of  eighty-four  years.  He  was  one  of  the 
early  county  commissioners  and  also  served  as  county  clerk,  taking  a  very  promi- 
nent part  in  public  affairs.  Both  he  and  his  wife  were  earnest  and  consistent  mem- 
bers of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  James  W.  Wane  is  the  eldest  of  their 
nine  children,  the  others  being:  Mrs.  W.  S.  Sparks,  of  Des  Moines  township; 
Samuel  R.,  a  merchant  of  Boone ;  W.  S.,  a  resident  of  Roy,  New  Mexico ;  Mrs. 
Mary  Latham,  living  near  Boone;  Edward  H.,  a  farmer  of  Worth  township;  S. 
C,  of  Salem,  Oregon;  J.  M.,  Jr.,  a  merchant  of  Boone;  and  Mrs.  Minnie  Latham, 
who  lives  on  the  old  homestead  near  Boone.  Mrs.  Lucy  Grayson,  a  half  sister 
of  our  subject,  is  now  deceased. 

'  James  W.  Wane,  familiarly  known  as  Jim  by  his  many  friends  here,  was 
reared  on  the  old  homestead  in  Worth  township  and  attended  the  public  schools 
of  the  neighborhood.  As  soon  as  old  enough  to  be  of  any  assistance,  he  began 
to  aid  in  the  operation  of  the  farm  and  throughout  his  active  life  has  followed 
agricultural  pursuits.  In  connection  with  general  farming  he  has  given  consid- 
erable attention  to  the  raising  of  stock.  He  was  married  December  25,  1872, 
to  Miss  Laura  Boone,  a  daughter  of  William  M.  Boone.  She  died  October  29, 
IQ08.  Six  children  were  born  to  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wane  as  follows:  Mrs.  Lena 
Dyer,  now  a  resident  of  San  Diego,  California;  Zylph,  at  home;  John  M.,  a  resi- 
dent of  Webster  City,  Iowa,  who  married  Millie  Hull  and  has  one  son,  Walter; 
Mrs.  Eva  Franzen,  of  Boone,  who  has  one  son,  Marvin;  George  R.,  who  died  at 
the  age  of  twenty-six  years ;  and  Eunice  L.,  twin  of  Eva,  also  deceased. 

The  republican  party  has  always  found  in  Mr.  Wane  a  stanch  supporter  of  its 
principles,  but  he  has  never  accepted  office,  preferring  to  devote  his  entire  time 
and  attention  to  his  business  interests.  He  is  president  of  the  Squire  Boone  Cem- 
etery Association  and  never  withholds  his  support  from  any  enterprise  which  he 
believes  will  advance  the  interests  of  the  community,  being  a  very  public-spirited 
citizen. 


CHARLES  B.  PIERCE. 


Charles  B.  Pierce  is  actively  engaged  in  the  livery  business  at  Woodward  and 
is  a  reliable,  enterprising  business  man.  He  was  born  in  Cass  township,  Boone 
county,  November  18,  1862,  and  is  a  representative  of  one  of  the  old  pioneer 
families  of  this  part  of  the  state.  His  father,  John  Pierce,  drove  across  the 
country  to  Boone  county  in  1857,  casting  in  his  lot  with  the  early  settlers.  He 
was  born  in  Sangamon  countv,  Illinois,  and  since  coming  to  Iowa  has  continued 
his  residence  within  its  borders,  his  home  being  now  in  Woodward.  He  married 
Margaret  Ellisant,  a  native  of  Indiana,  who  died  in  Peoples  township,  Boone 
county,  in  1880.  In  their  family  were  seven  children,  as  follows:  Rena,  deceased; 
Mrs.  Evelyn  McLain,  who  has  also  passed  away;  Charles  B.,  of  this  review;  Mrs. 
Laura  Gordon,  who  is  a  resident  of  Dallas  county ;  Mrs.  Carrie  Knight,  of  Boone 
county;  Snyder  J.,  living  in  Thompson,  Iowa;  and  Frank,  who  makes  his  home 
in  Woodward,  Iowa.    All  were  born  and  reared  in  Cass  township. 

It  was  upon  the  old  homestead  there  that  Charles  B.  Pierce  spent  the  days 
of  his  bovhood  and  youth,  attending  the  common  schools  of  the  neighborhood  and 

Vol.  n— 10 


648  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

working  in  the  fields  through  the  periods  of  vacation.  He  continued  to  engage 
actively  in  farming  until  the  fall  of  1902,  when  he  embarked  in  the  livery  busi- 
ness in  Woodward  and  since  that  time,  with  the  exception  of  two  years,  he  has 
continually  and  successfully  conducted  his  livery  stable.  Following  the  destruc- 
tion of  the  old  barn  by  fire,  a  new  modern  building  was  erected  under  his  direc- 
tion, and  he  owns  the  stock  and  equipment.  He  has  a  number  of  good  horses 
and  a  fine  line  of  carriages  and,  keeping  up  with  the  demand  and  progress  of  the 
times,  he  also  has  two  new  automobiles  in  connection  with  his  other  equipment. 
He  gives  good  services  at  reasonable  prices  and  is  always  courteous  and  obliging. 
His  son  Floyd  is  now  associated  with  him  in  business  under  the  firm  style  of  C.  B 
Pierce  &  Son  and  they  enjoy  a  liberal  and  well  deserved  patronage. 

It  was  in  Boone  that  Mr.  Pierce  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Pres- 
ton, a  native  of  Xenia,  Dallas  county,  born  April  10,  1869.  She  was  reared  to 
womanhood  in  that  county  and  was  educated  in  the  public  schools.  The  Pres- 
tons  were  among  the  pioneer  settlers  of  this  section  of  the  state.  Her  father, 
Zenos  Preston,  who  was  born  in  Henry  county,  Indiana,  September  13,  1835,  is 
now  residing  in  Woodward  in  the  seventy-ninth  year  of  his  age.  His  wife,  who 
bore  the  maiden  name  of  Eliza  A.  Turk,  was  Ixirn  in  Montgomery,  Hamilton 
county,  Ohio,  June  4,  1842,  came  to  Iowa  in  1856  and  took  up  her  abode  in  Xenia. 
She  died  in  Woodward  on  the  5th  of  November,  igoi,  and  her  death  was  the 
occasion  of  deep  regret  to  those  who  knew  her.  There  were  seven  children  in 
the  Preston  family:  Mrs.  Emma  J.  Grimm,  a  resident  of  Woodward,  Iowa;  Wil- 
liam Albert,  who  passed  away  October  16,  1900 ;  Charles  L.,  was  also  re- 
sides in  Woodward,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Mary  Pierce:  Mrs.  Janet  Webber,  who  makes 
her  home  in  Woodward,  Iowa ;  Norman  P.,  a  resident  of  Woodward,  Iowa ;  and 
Fred  E.,  who  resides  in  Omaha,  Nebraska.  Mrs.  Grimm  is  a  native  of  Missouri, 
while  the  younger  children  were  born  at  Xenia.  Dallas  county,  Iowa,  where  all 
were  reared. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Pierce  have  become  the  parents  of  a  son  and  two  daughters : 
Floyd,  who  was  born  January  16,  1887,  and  is  now  engaged  in  the  livery  business 
with  his  father ;  Mrs.  Mabel  Staker,  who  resides  in  Woodward ;  and  Mrs.  Elva 
Anderson,  whose  home  is  in  Dallas  county.  The  son  is  a  native  of  Boone  county 
and  the  daughters  were  born  in  Polk  City,  Iowa. 

Mr.  Pierce  holds  membership  in  Woodward  Lodge,  No.  460,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  and 
he  and  his  brother,  Snyder  J.  Pierce,  were  members  of  the  World's  Champion 
Degree  Staff  of  Woodward.  He  has  taken  an  active  and  helpful  interest  in  the 
work  of  the  order  and  has  exemplified  its  beneficent  spirit  in  his  life.  He  is  now 
widely  and  favorably  known  in  Woodward,  where  he  owns  a  profitable  and 
growing  livery  business  and  also  owns  a  pleasant  home. 


ALBERT  F.  NELSON. 


Business  enterprise  finds  an  exponent  in  Albert  F.  Nelson,  who  is  a  member 
of  the  Nelson  Dairy  Company  at  Boone.  He  was  born  in  Fillmore  county,  Ne- 
braska, May  8,  1885,  a  son  of  Peter  P.  and  Alexandria  (  Benson )  Nelson.  His 
education  was  acquired  in  the  schools  of  his  native  town  to  the  age  of  sixteen 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  649 

years,   when   he  accompanied   his  parents  on   their   removal    from   Nebraska  to 
Boone. 

His  grandfather.  Peter  P.  Nelson,  was  a  farmer  of  Sweden  and  came  to  the 
United  States  in  1854.  He  followed  farming  near  Knoxville,  Illinois,  and  there 
passed  away.     He  married  Ellen  Nelson,  who  died  in  Sweden. 

Their  son,  Peter  P.  Nelson,  Jr.,  the  father  of  Albert  F.  Nelson,  was  for  many 
years  engaged  in  farming  in  Worth  township,  but  is  now  living  retired.  He 
was  born  in  Sweden,  May  2,  1852,  and  attended  school  until  fourteen  years  of 
age,  after  which  he  began  work  upon  farms,  being  thus  engaged  until  he  came 
to  the  United  States.  He  was  married  in  Sweden  to  Miss  Hannah  Abrahamson 
and  in  1873  they  arrived  in  New  York.  They  made  their  way  direct  to  Knox- 
ville, Knox  county,  Illinois.  In  the  following  spring  Mr.  Nelson  returned  to  his 
native  land  but  in  the  meantime  had  purchased  forty  acres  in  Knox  county.  In 
October,  of  the  same  year,  he  once  more  came  to  America  and  settled  upon  his 
farm  in  Illinois,  where  he  lived  for  four  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period 
he  sold  his  land  and  removed  to  Chase  county,  Nebraska,  where  he  took  up  a 
homestead  claim,  upon  which  he  lived  for  seventeen  years,  being  quite  successful 
in  its  development  and  management.  He  then  sold  that  property  and  brought  his 
family  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  where  he  purchased  one  hundred  and  seventy- 
four  acres  of  land  in  Worth  township.  With  characteristic  energy  he  began  the 
development  and  improvement  of  the  place  and  lived  there  until  his  retirement 
from  active  business  life  when  he  took  up  his  abode  in  Boone,  trading  his  farm  for 
his  town  property.  In  addition  to  cultivating  the  cereals  best  adapted  to  soil  and 
climate,  he  also  conducted  a  dairy  business,  and  the  products  of  his  dairy  found 
a  ready  sale  upon  the  market.  In  1880  he  and  his  first  wife  returned  to  their 
native  land  upon  a  visit  and  while  there  Mrs.  Nelson  passed  away.  On  the  15th 
of  November,  1881,  in  Chicago,  Mr.  Nelson  was  united  in  marriage  to  the  mother 
of  our  subject,  who  was  born  in  Copenhagen,  .April  23,  1864.  She  came  to  the 
United  States  in  1881  and  was  living  in  Chicago  at  the  time  of  her  marriage. 
The  children  born  unto  Peter  P.  and  Alexandria  Nelson  were  eight  in  number: 
Lillie,  now  the  wife  of  Levi  Wells,  of  Columbus,  Ohio;  Albert  F..  whose  name 
introduces  this  review;  Henry  H.,  of  Boone;  Ernest  W.,  who  follows  farming; 
Chester  V. ;  Edith  H. ;  Floyd  V. ;  and  Glenn,  all  at  home.  The  parents  are  mem- 
bers of  the  Swedish  Mission  church  and  Mr.  Nelson  gives  his  political  support 
to  the  republican  party.  Fraternally  he  is  connected  with  the  Modern  Woodmen. 
He  has  gained  many  warm  friends  during  the  period  of  his  residence  in  this 
county  and  his  many  substantial  qualities  have  won  for  him  the  respect  and  good- 
will of  all  with  whom  he  has  been  brought  in  contact. 

Albert  F.  Nelson,  following  the  removal  of  the  family  to  Boone  county, 
began  work  upon  the  home  farm  in  the  employ  of  his  father  and  spent  five  years 
in  that  way,  at  the  end  of  which  time  he  purchased  his  father's  farm  and  continued 
its  cultivation  and  development  alone  until  the  spring  of  1914,  when  he  admitted 
his  brothers,  Ernest  W.  and  Henry  H.,  to  a  partnership  in  what  is  now  known  as 
the  Nelson  Dairy  Company.  In  this  connection  they  are  doing  a  good  business. 
They  keep  a  large  number  of  cows  for  dairy  purposes  and  the  product  of  their 
dairy  finds  a  ready  sale  on  the  market.  Neatness  and  sanitation  are  characteristic 
features  of  the  place  and  the  results  achieved  indicate  careful  management  and 
unfaltering  enterprise. 


650  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

On  the  14th  of  December,  191 1,  Mr.  Nelson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Melle  M.  Nelson,  and  they  have  a  daughter,  Irma  Elizabeth.  The  parents  hold 
membership  in  the  Swedish  Evangelical  Mission  church  and  Mr.  Nelson  has 
acted  as  a  teacher  in  the  Sunday  school.  He  contributes  generously  to  the  support 
of  the  church  and  does  all  in  his  power  to  further  the  moral  progress  of  the  com- 
munity. He  was  one  of  the  organizers  of  the  C.  B.  C,  the  largest  in  the  state. 
and  was  its  first  president.  He  votes  with  the  republican  party  and  is  unfaltering 
in  his  support  of  its  principles  which  he  deems  best  qualified  to  promote  good 
government.  His  life  has  been  well  spent,  his  actions  manly  and  sincere,  and 
the  sterling  traits  of  his  character  are  attested  in  the  high  regard  in  which  he  is 
uniformly  held. 


FRANCIS  S.  CLARK. 


Among  the  representative  young  farmers  of  Peoples  township  is  Francis  S. 
Clark,  who  has  made  farming  and  stock-raising  his  life  work.  His  place  is  today 
one  of  the  valuable  farm  properties  of  his  section  of  the  county  and  in  the  midst 
of  well  tilled  fields  stands  a  commodious  and  attractive  home,  built  in  modern 
style  of  architecture  and  most  tastefully  arranged  and  furnished.  It  was  in 
Peoples  township  that  Francis  S.  Clark  was  born  on  the  9th  of  August,  1883. 

His  father,  Lambert  W.  Clark,  a  native  of  Vermont,  was  born  May  14,  1842, 
and  was  a  youth  of  fourteen  years  when  he  came  to  Iowa  in  1856.  He  settled  in 
Clinton  county  and  afterward  removed  to  Boone  county,  where  he  has  since  made 
his  home,  now  living  on  the  old  homestead  with  his  son.  He  wedded  Amelia 
Davis,  who  was  born  in  New  York,  January  19,  1847.  She  also  survives  and 
they,  with  their  son  Francis,  remain  upon  the  old  home  farm,  which  has  now  for 
many  years  been  in  possession  of  the  family  and  which  is  one  of  the  well  improved 
properties  of  this  section  of  the  state.  They  had  seven  children ;  George  L.,  who 
was  born  November  17,  1862,  and  resides  in  Peoples  township;  Elmer,  who  makes 
his  home  in  Minnesota;  Mrs.  Effie  Smith,  a  resident  of  Texas;  Mrs.  Jennie  \'ick- 
roy,  living  in  Montana ;  Charlie,  whose  home  is  in  Dallas  county ;  Francis  S.,  of 
this  review;  and  AUie.  deceased.  It  was  in  1866  that  the  family  arrived  in  Boone 
county  and  in  that  year  they  took  up  their  abode  in  Peoples  township,  where  they 
have  since  been  numbered  among  the  most  prominent  and  highly  respected  citi- 
zens. The  eldest  child  was  born  in  Clinton  county,  Iowa,  the  second  in  Illinois 
and  the  younger  members  of  the  family  in  Boone  county.  All  attended  the  com- 
mon schools  of  Peoples  township  and  from  pioneer  times  to  the  present  repre- 
sentatives of  the  name  have  been  prominent  in  connection  with  public  affairs, 
especially  the  agricultural  development  of  the  district. 

Francis  S.  Clark  was  reared  on  the  old  homestead  and  after  mastering  the 
branches  of  learning  taught  in  the  public  schools  concentrated  his  energies  upon 
agricultural  pursuits,  to  which  he  has  devoted  his  entire  life.  His  work  is  care- 
fully and  intelligently  directed.  He  is  methodical  and  systematic  in  all  that  he 
does  and  is  today  engaged  in  the  cultivation  and  further  improvement  of  three 
hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  choice  land,  constituting  the  old  Clark  homestead  on 
sections  26  and  27,  Peoples  township.     In  recent  years  have  been  erected  there 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  651 

some  of  the  best  buildings  to  be  found  on  farm  properties  in  this  district.  Theirs 
is  a  pleasant  home,  pervaded  by  a  spirit  of  hospitality  that  is  most  enticing. 

In  Dallas  county,  in  1902,  Mr.  Clark  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Katie 
Pantier,  who  was  born  in  Peoples  township,  April  26,  1884,  was  reared  to  woman- 
hood in  this  county  and  attended  the  public  schools.  Her  parents.  David  and 
Dora  (Needham)  Pantier,  are  now  living  in  Perry,  Iowa.  The  mother  belongs 
to  one  of  the  old  pioneer  families  of  Boone  county  and,  in  fact,  both  parents  were 
early  settlers  of  this  section  of  the  state.  In  their  family  were  eight  children,  of 
whom  seven  are  yet  living:  Mrs.  Marie  Cunningham,  who  also  resides  in  Perry, 
Iowa;  Mrs.  Clark;  George,  living  in  Perry;  Mrs.  Florence  Walsh,  whose  home 
is  in  Chicago,  Illinois;  Mrs.  Grace  Parker,  of  Perry;  Edward,  living  in  Perry; 
and  David,  whose  home  is  in  Peoples  township,  where  all  of  the  children  were 
born  and  reared. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clark  have  become  parents  of  two  sons:  Lambert  Watts,  born 
December  8,  1903;  and  Freddie  Andrew,  born  September  21,  1905.  In  his  politi- 
cal views  Mr.  Clark  is  a  republican  and  keeps  well  informed  on  the  questions  and 
issues  of  the  day,  but  does  not  seek  nor  desire  office,  preferring  to  concentrate  his 
energies  upon  his  business  affairs,  which  have  brought  him  into  close  connection 
with  the  agricultural  development  of  this  part  of  the  state.  He  is  a  man  of  un- 
faltering energy  and  after  carefully  formulating  his  plans  carries  them  forward 
to  successful  completion.  Always  a  resident  of  Peoples  township,  he  has  a  wide 
and  favorable  acquaintance,  and  the  many  substantial  traits  of  his  character  have 
placed  him  high  in  the  regard  of  those  who  know  him. 


CHARLES  A.  UPTON. 


Incessant  effort  along  agricultural  lines  put  forth  by  Charles  A.  Upton  has  re- 
sulted in  the  accumulation  of  two  hundred  and  thirteen  acres  of  valuable  land 
which  he  owns  on  section  12,  Beaver  township.  This  farm  is  highly  improved 
and  operated  along  modern  lines,  it  having  in  the  course  of  years  become  one  of 
the  most  profitable  of  the  neighborhood.  Its  prosperous  condition  is  entirely 
due  to  the  judicious  and  capable  management  which  Mr.  Upton  exercises  in  all 
his  affairs. 

Charles  A.  Upton  was  born  in  Illinois,  May  i,  i868,  and  is  a  son  of  Albert 
and  Henrietta  (Delate)  Upton,  the  father  a  native  of  Vermont  and  the  mother 
of  Illinois.  The  former  removed  to  the  Prairie  state  in  early  life  and  farmed 
there  until  1870,  when  he  came  to  Boone  county.  Here  he  bought  land  in  Beaver 
township,  which  he  improved  and  cultivated  until  1899,  when  he  retired.  He  now 
lives  in  Ogden,  having  reached  the  age  of  seventy-six,  while  his  wife  is  sixty-five 
years  old. 

Charles  A.  Upton  was  reared  and  educated  in  Boone  county  and  remained  with 
his  parents  until  he  reached  his  majority.  He  early  learned  valuable  agricultural 
lessons  under  the  guidance  of  his  father.  After  passing  his  twenty-first  birthday 
he  went  to  Sioux  City,  where  he  was  connected  with  railroad  construction  work 
for  one  year.  He  then  returned  home  and  rented  land  which  he  successfully 
operated  for  eleven  years.     At  the  end  of  that  time  he  had  acquired  the  means 


652  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

which  enabled  him  to  buy  his  present  place  of  two  hundred  and  thirteen  acres  on 
section  12,  Beaver  township.  He  immediately  set  about  to  install  improvements 
and  by  careful  rotation  of  crops  and  proper  cultivation  has  made  his  farm  one 
of  the  most  profitable  in  his  neighborhood.  His  buildings  are  most  sub- 
stantial, sanitary  and  modernly  equipped.  His  barn  is  one  of  the  best,  if 
not  the  very  best,  in  Boone  county.  The  rest  of  his  equipment  and  machinery  is 
in  conformity  with  this  standard.  The  farm  which  Mr.  Upton  owns  is  doubly 
valuable  because  it  is  underlaid  with  a  rich  layer  of  valuable  coal.  He  has  been 
offered  as  high  as  thirty-five  thousand  dollars  for  the  coal  rights  but  considers 
himself  justified  in  holding  out  for  a  price  of  not  less  than  sixty  thousand  dollars. 

On  December  2t„  1890,  Mr.  Upton  married  Miss  Anna  C.  Flannery,  a  daugh- 
ter of  Thomas  and  Annie  (Brennan)  Flannery,  natives  of  Ireland.  Her  parents 
came  to  America  when  young  and  at  first  located  in  Clinton  county,  Iowa.  In 
1887  the  father  removed  to  Boone  county  and  here  was  successful  as  an  agricul- 
turist for  many  years.  He  now  lives  retired,  residing  in  Kansas  at  the  age  of 
eighty-four  years.  His  wife  died  March  29,  1901.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Upton  have 
four  children:  Grace  E.,  the  wife  of  David  Hamilton,  who  farms  in  Beaver 
township;  Maude  M.,  who  is  twenty  years  of  age;  and  Albert  Edward  and  Hen- 
rietta Anna,  twins,  who  are  twelve  years  of  age. 

Mr.  Upton  served  for  some  time  as  trustee  of  Beaver  township  and  always 
has  allied  himself  with  men  who  were  willing  to  sacrifice  private  interests  in 
order  to  promote  the  public  welfare.  He  combines  stock-raising  with  general 
farming  and  is  successful  in  breeding  Hereford  cattle  and  raising  standard  horses. 
He  derives  quite  an  addition  to  his  income  from  dealing  in  the  latter  animals.' 
Mr.  Upton  is  a  republican  and  strongly  believes  in  the  policy  of  that  party.  His 
wife  is  a  member  of  the  Catholic  church  and  both  are  widely  and  favorably  known 
in  Beaver  township  for  their  high  qualities  of  mind  and  character.  They  merit 
the  respect  which  is  shown  them  and  are  worthy  of  the  prosperitv  which  has  come 
to  them  as  the  result  of  enterprise,  industry  and  honorable  principles. 


CHARLES  WILLIAMS. 

Charles  Williams,  a  conductor  on  the  Northwestern  Railroad,  in  the  passenger 
service  between  Boone  and  Omaha,  has  filled  this  position  since  1890  and  has 
been  connected  with  railroad  work  since  1878,  or  for  a  period  of  more  than  thirty- 
five  years.  He  was  born  in  Danby,  Du  Page  county,  Illinois,  March  i,  1862,  and 
when  he  was  nine  years  of  age  his  parents  removed  with  their  family  to  Manito- 
woc, Wisconsin.  His  father,  Henry  Williams,  was  born  in  Pennsylvania  and  was 
a  shoemaker  by  trade.  He  married  Miss  Caroline  Cramer,  and  both  are  now  de- 
ceased, having  spent  their  last  days  in  Lincoln  county,  Wisconsin.  Their  children 
were:  Charles,  of  this  review;  Emma,  the  wife  of  Reuben  Hess,  a  resident  of 
Morley,  Wisconsin;  Fred,  living  in  Antigo,  that  state;  and  Alvina,  the  wife  of 
George  Wyant,  of  Bloomville,  Lincoln  county,  Wisconsin.  The  ancestors  of  the 
family  came  from  Wales  although  representatives  of  the  name  have  long  been 
established  in  America. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  653 

Between  the  ages  of  nine  and  sixteen  years  Charles  Williams  was  a  pupil  in 
the  schools  of  Manitowoc,  Wisconsin,  and  during  the  periods  of  vacation  he  was 
employed  in  a  brick  yard  and  lumber  office,  thus  earning  his  living  when  a  young 
lad.  After  putting  aside  his  text-books  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years  he  became  con- 
nected with  the  Milwaukee  division  of  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad 
Company  in  1878  as  a  fence  builder  and  later  was  employed  at  shoveling  gravel 
on  a  gravel  train.  He  was  afterward  brakeman  but  in  the  fall  of  1883  he  left  the 
Northwestern  and  entered  the  employ  of  the  Wisconsin  Central  Railroad  Com- 
pany, with  which  he  continued  as  brakeman  until  June,  1884.  He  then  came  to 
Boone  and  entered  the  employ  of  the  Northwestern  as  brakeman,  acting  in  that 
capacity  until  1890,  when  he  was  promoted  to  conductor.  Thus  he  has  gradually 
worked  his  way  upward.  His  promotions  have  come  as  a  recognition  of  his  faith- 
fulness and  capability,  and  thus  step  by  step  he  has  advanced  until  for  almost  a 
quarter  of  a  century  he  has  been  a  passenger  conductor  on  the  Northwestern  be- 
tween Boone  and  Omaha.  He  is  always  a  courteous  and  obliging  official,  care- 
fully watching  over  the  interests  of  the  patrons  of  the  road  and  at  the  same  time 
closely  safeguarding  the  interests  of  the  corporation  which  he  represents. 

On  the  1st  of  November,  1889,  Mr.  Williams  was  married  in  Boone  to  Miss 
Sarah  Stewart  of  this  city,  a  daughter  of  George  W.  and  Lucinda  ( Hall )  Stew- 
art. Both  the  Stewarts  and  Halls  were  old  Virginia  families.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Williams  have  been  born  three  children.  Leone  married  Horace  Sturty.  who  died 
in  January,  1913.  She  is  living  at  home  and  has  one  child,  lona.  Clara  is  the 
wife  of  Arthur  Nyberg.  and  they  have  one  child,  Carl  William.  Charles  Stewart 
is  the  youngest  of  the  family.  The  parents  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Epis- 
copal church  of  Boone  and  are  loyal  to  its  teachings. 

Mr.  Williams  votes  with  the  democratic  party  but  is  not  strongly  partisan,  for 
when  his  judgment  dictates  he  casts  an  independent  ballot.  He  belongs  to  the 
Brotherhood  of  Railroad  Trainmen  at  Boone  and  is  the  only  original  member  of 
the  lodge  who  has  never  been  transferred  nor  held  membership  elsewhere  for  a 
period.  He  joined  in  1886  and  is  now  a  past  president.  He  is  well  known  in  rail- 
way circles  and  among  the  citizens  of  Boone,  and  his  worth  in  business  connec- 
tions as  well  as  his  many  sterling  traits  of  character  have  gained  for  him  the  warm 
and  enduring  regard  of  those  with  whom  he  has  been  brought  in  contact. 


AARON  E.  BURKHART. 

Boone  county  is  fortunate  that  so  great  a  majority  of  her  sons  remain  within 
her  borders,  devoted  to  her  welfare  and  upbuilding,  and  well  they  may,  for  she 
offers  splendid  advantages  to  her  citizens,  especially  to  those  who  make  farming 
a  life  work.  Among  this  number  is  .Aaron  E.  Burkhart.  who  was  born  in  Peoples 
township,  March  24,  1870.  The  usual  experiences  of  the  farm  lad  were  his. 
He  worked  in  the  fields  through  the  summer  months  and  attended  school  in  the 
winter  seasons.  As  he  advanced  in  years  and  strength,  he  aided  more  and  more 
largely  in  the  farm  work,  and  after  attaining  his  majority  he  decided  to  continue 
therein,  realizing  the  opportunities  offered  in  this  connection  in  Boone  county. 
He  has.  therefore,  always  carried  on  general  farming  and  as  the  result  of  his 


654  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

close  application  and  unfaltering  industry  has  met  with  a  fair  measure  of  suc- 
cess. Carefully  saving  his  earnings,  he  has  invested  in  property  and  is  now  the 
owner  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  choice  land,  lying  on  section  13, 
Peoples  township.  He  has  made  substantial  improvements  thereon,  none  of  the 
equipments  of  the  model  farm  of  the  twentieth  century  being  found  lacking  there. 
His  is  a  well  furnished  and  attractive  home,  standing  in  the  midst  of  highly  cul- 
tivated fields,  and  he  also  has  good  grades  of  stock  upon  his  place.  He  has  been 
quite  successful  and  the  years  have  witnessed  his  advancement  along  ])usiness 
lines. 

In  Cass  township  Mr.  Burkhart  was  united  in  marriage  on  the  28th  of  April, 
1894,  to  Miss  Anna  Johnson,  who  was  born  in  Norway,  December  26,  1876. 
In  1884  she  came  to  America  with  her  parents,  Jordan  and  Lena  (Olson)  John- 
son, the  family  home  being  established  at  Woodward,  Iowa.  Her  father  was  born 
in  Norway  and  since  coming  to  the  new  world  has  always  followed  farming  in 
this  state.  For  a  time  he  was  identified  with  agricultural  pursuits  in  Cass  town- 
ship and  is  now  living  in  Colfa.x  township.  His  wife  also  survives,  in  their  fam- 
ily were  ten  children,  namely:  Anna,  now  Mrs.  Burkhart;  John;  Olive;  Nels ; 
Charley  ;  Fred  ;  Olaf,  deceased  ;  Gertrude  ;  Mable  ;  and  Gladys. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burkhart  have  become  parents  of  one  son,  Donald,  who  was 
born  in  Peoples  township,  April  5,  1896.  and  is  now  attending  the  ])ublic  school 
near  his  home.  Mr.  Burkhart  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican 
party,  which  he  has  supported  since  age  conferred  upon  him  the  right  of  fran- 
chise, but  the  honors  and  emoluments  of  office  have  had  no  special  attraction 
for  him,  as  he  has  always  preferred  to  concentrate  his  energies  ujion  his  busi- 
ness affairs,  which,  well  directed,  have  gained  him  recognition  as  one  of  the  rep- 
resentative farmers  of  his  section  of  the  state.  He  has  lived  to  witness  many 
changes  during  the  period  of  his  life  as  the  work  of  progress  and  development 
has  been  carried  forward  in  this  county,  and  at  all  times  he  has  borne  his  share 
in  discharging  the  duties  which  devolve  upon  every  individual  in  relation  to  the 
public  good. 


DANIEL  CLIFFORD  DODGE. 

Daniel  Clifford  Dodge,  is  a  well  known  resident  of  Boone  county,  where  he 
has  done  important  work  in  the  field  of  engineering,  Ijeing  now  employed  in  his 
professional  capacity  by  the  Arthur  McHose  Cement  Tile  Company  of  Fraser. 
He  was  born  in  Buffalo,  .Scott  county,  Iowa,  July  21,  1843,  ^"'1  "i  the  jiaternal 
line  his  ancestry  can  be  traced  back  to  George  Stephenson,  who  was  the  builder 
of  the  first  locomotive  in  England,  called  the  Rocket.  His  son,  Robert  Steph- 
enson, was  the  father  of  Polly,  who  became  the  wife  of  Daniel  Dodge.  Their 
family  included  Erie  Dodge,  the  father  of  Daniel  Clifford  Dodge.  The  ancestry 
of  the  Dodge  family  can  be  traced  back  as  far  as  1732.  at  which  time  the  family 
records  were  lost  in  a  fire — records  that  gave  the  ancestral  history  as  far  back  as 
the  fourteenth  century.  Caleb  Dodge  was  born  January  12,  1732,  and  his  wife, 
Mirriuni  Dodge,  was  born  May  4,  1739.  Their  son,  Daniel  Dodge,  was  born 
September  7.   177''),  and  his  wife,  Polly  .Stephenson,  was  born  January  26,   1779. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  655 

Among  their  children  was  Erie  Dodge.  He  was  born  at  Belchertown,  Massa- 
chusetts, April  lo,  1805,  and  in  his  boyhood  days  removed  to  Herkimer,  Oneida 
county,  New  York,  where  he  was  reared  to  manhood.  He  then  left  the  east  and 
traveled  to  the  Mississippi  valley,  settling  in  Iowa  in  1841.  Throughout  his  entire 
life  he  followed  farming,  his  labors  being  ended  in  death  on  the  9th  of  January, 
1S93.  His  wife,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Mary  J.  Harrington,  was  born 
September  16,  1821,  at  Ogdensburg,  New  York,  a  daughter  of  Benjamin  Har- 
rington, a   tanner,  and  her  death   occurred  on  the  30th  of   May,    1910. 

Daniel  Clifford  Dodge  acquired  a  common-school  education,  was  reared  to 
farm  life  and  followed  agricultural  pursuits  until  1864,  when  he  enlisted  for 
active  service  in  the  Union  army,  with  which  he  was  connected  until  after  the 
close  of  hostilities,  being  a  member  of  Company  G,  of  the  Sixty-fourth  Illinois 
Volunteer  Infantry,  and  served  until  the  end  of  the  war.  He  went  with  Sher- 
man on  the  celebrated  march  from  Atlanta  to  the  sea,  proceeded  northward 
through  the  Carolinas  and  participated  in  the  Grand  Review  in  Washington,  D.  (3., 
when  thousands  of  victorious  soldiers  marched  through  the  streets  of  the  city  and 
passed  the  reviewing  stand,  upon  which  stood  the  president. 

After  the  war  Mr.  Dodge  took  up  engineering  and  was  employed  as  an 
erecting  engineer  from  1872  until  1896,  during  which  time  he  was  stationed  at 
various  localities.  For  thirteen  and  a  half  years  he  was  hoisting  engineer  for 
the  Boone  Coal  &  Mining  Company.  Subsequently  he  entered  the  employ  of  the 
Arthur  McHose  Cement  Tile  Company  of  Eraser,  with  which  he  is  still  con- 
nected. His  efficiency  and  reliability  are  indicated  in  the  fact  that  he  has  been 
with  only  four  companies  throughout  the  entire  period  of  his  business  career. 

On  the  I2th  of  June,  1870,  at  La  Harpe,  Illinois,  Mr.  Dodge  was  united  in 
marriage  to  Miss  Harriet  E.  Harrington,  a  daughter  of  Frank  and  Murilla 
( Averill)  Harrington.  Her  father  was  an  engineer  on  the  Mississippi  river  boats 
throughout  his  entire  life  save  for  the  period  of  the  Civil  war,  when  he  served 
in  the  Confederate  ranks.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Dodge  have  been  born  three  chil- 
dren :  Edith  M.,  who  became  the  wife  of  Harry  Pease,  a  mail  carrier  at  San 
Bernardino,  California ;  Erie  B.,  who  wedded  Olive  Manbeck  and  is  a  construct- 
ing engineer  with  the  American  Bridge  Company,  and  Daniel  Clinton,  who  was 
born  October  29,  1882,  a  sketch  of  whose  life  follows. 

In  politics  Mr.  Dodge  is  independent,  voting  for  the  man  rather  than  for 
parly.  He  holds  membership  in  Black  Oak  Lodge.  No.  491,  F.  &  A.  M.,  at 
i.eighton,  Iowa;  and  with  the  Knights  of  Pythias  of  Boone.  His  life  has  been 
one  of  industry  well  directed,  and  this  quality  has  made  him  a  substantial  citi- 
zen, while  certain  social  features  have  won  him  the  friendship  of  those  with 
whom  he  has  been  brought  in  contact. 


DANIEL  CLINTON  DODGE. 

Daniel  Clinton  Dodge,  of  Boone,  Iowa,  is  the  junior  partner  in  the  machinist 
and  repair  firm  of  Rogers  &  Dodge.  He  is  a  young  business  man  of  progressive 
tendencies  and  has  already  made  great  strides  toward  obtaining  a  substantial 
piisition   in   his  community.     He  was  born  in  Angus,   Iowa,  October  29,   1882,. 


656  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

and  is  a  son  of  David  Clinton  and  Harriet  E.  (Harrington)  Dodge  and  a  grandson 
of  Erie  and  Alary  Dodge.  He  grew  to  manhood  in  the  village  of  Eraser,  where 
he  attended  the  public  schools  until  the  age  of  sixteen.  He  began  his  education, 
however,  in  Keokuk,  Iowa,  where  his  first  teacher  was  Miss  Cecil  Cherry.  His 
last  teacher  in  Eraser  was  John  Harrington.  At  the  age  of  fourteen  Mr.  Dodge 
began  firing  in  the  mines  and  at  sixteen  took  the  state  examination  for  hoisting 
engineer,  accepting  subsequently  a  position  as  engineer  in  the  mines  at  Eraser, 
in  which  capacity  he  continued  for  three  years.  He  then  was  a  machinist  for  the 
Allis-Chalmers  Alanufacturing  Company  of  Milwaukee  for  four  years  and  has 
since  been  independently  engaged  in  machine  and  repair  work  in  Boone,  where 
he  made  his  home  five  years  ago,  establishing  a  general  repair  shop.  He  sold 
this  enterprise  to  his  present  partner  a  year  and  a  half  ago  but  on  February  i, 
1914,  reentered  the  firm.  Mr.  Dodge  is  a  highly  efficient  workman,  enjoying  the 
reputation  that  he  can  practically  make  new  anything  intrusted  to  his  care. 
Moreover,  he  has  good  business  sense  and  conducts  his  affairs  upon  a  strictly 
honorable  basis.  Many  are  the  satisfied  customers  of  his  firm,  and  no  small  part 
in  attaining  this  enviable  state  of  affairs  must  be  attributed  to  Mr.  Dodge. 

(Jn  October  29,  1903,  in  Ottumwa,  Daniel  C.  Dodge  married  Miss  Bessie 
Bowes  of  that  city,  a  daughter  of  James  and  Elizabeth  (Eisher)  Bowes.  The 
former  have  two  children:  Hazel  Eern,  born  in  Eraser,  August  9,  1905;  and 
Etlith  Vernon,  who  was  born  in  Des  Moines,  August  16,  1909.  Mr.  Dodge  is  a 
republican  but  not  active  in  political  circles,  although  helpfully  interested  in  the 
growth  and  progress  of  his  city  and  county.  Eraternally  he  is  a  member  of 
the  Red  Men,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal 
church  in  Ottumwa.  They  are  highly  estimable  people,  respected  by  all  who 
know    them,   and   their    friendship   is  eagerly   sought   and   much   valued. 


PETER  A.  SHOLUND. 


.Sweden  has  furnished  a  notable  percentage  of  the  population  of  Boone 
county.  A  distinguished  traveler  and  lecturer  has  said :  "Sweden  is  the  home 
of  the  honest  man,"  and  those  who  are  familiar  with  the  citizenship  of  this 
county  find  that  the  sons  of  Sweden  have  brought  with  them  to  the  new  world 
the  virtues  characteristic  of  their  ancestors  in  the  old  country.  Peter  A.  Sholund 
is  now  well  known  as  a  representative  business  man  of  Garden  township,  where 
he  owns  one  hundred  and  fifty  acres  of  choice  land  situated  on  section  26. 

He  was  born  in  Sweden,  November  11,  1856,  and  was  a  youth  of  twelve  years 
when,  in  1868,  he  came  with  his  parents  to  the  United  States,  the  family  home 
being  established  at  Swede's  Point,  Boone  county,  in  August  of  the  same  year. 
The  father,  Peter  Sholund,  was  born  in  Sweden  and  now  resides  in  Madrid. 
The  mother,  a  native  of  the  same  country,  passed  away  in  Garden  township  in 
November,  1869.  They  had  but  two  children:  Peter  A.,  of  this  review;  and 
Mrs.  S.  M.  Threw,  now  living  at  Denver,  Colorado.  After  coming  to  Iowa  the 
family  took  up  their  abode  upon  a  farm  east  of  Madrid  and  there  remained  for 
five  years.  Later  they  spent  a  year  on  the  Peterson  farm  and  in  1875  pur- 
chased  land  on  section  26,   Garden  township,  on  which  they   established  their 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  657 

home.  Here  Peter  A.  Sholund  has  since  remained.  He  represents  one  of  the 
old  pioneer  famiHes  of  the  county  and  one  actively  and  helpfully  associated 
with  its  agricultural  development. 

Through  the  period  of  his  boyhood  Peter  A.  Sholund  assisted  his  father  in 
the  arduous  task  of  developing  a  new  farm.  Many  and  many  a  day  he  followed 
the  plow,  turning  the  furrows  and  thus  preparing  the  ground  for  the  sowing  of 
the  seed,  and  later  he  aided  in  gathering  the  harvests.  This  practical  experience 
well  qualified  him  to  carry  on  farm  work  on  his  own  account  after  he  had  attained 
his  majority. 

In  1887  Mr.  Sholund  was  married  to  Miss  S.  Albertine  Wicklund,  who  was 
born  in  Sweden  and  died  in  Garden  township,  leaving  two  children:  Carrie  Ma- 
tilda, now  a  resident  of  Des  Moines;  and  Harvey,  who  is  with  his  father  upon 
the  home  farm.  Mr.  Sholund  was  again  married  in  1892,  Anna  Lingblum  be- 
coming his  wife.  She  was  born  in  Sweden,  August  4,  1866,  and  arrived  in  the 
new  world  in  fune,  1888,  when  a  young  woman  of  twenty-one  years.  Her 
father,  Jonas  Lingblum,  spent  his  entire  life  in  Sweden,  as  did  his  wife,  who 
bore  the  maiden  name  of  Carrie  Johnson.  They  were  the  parents  of  six  chil- 
dren, all  of  whom  are  yet  living,  namely:  Mrs.  Carrie  Lingblum,  now  residing 
in  Des  Moines ;  Mrs.  Christina  Yulner,  living  in  Sweden  ;  Jonas,  of  .Sweden ; 
Mrs.  Sholiuid ;  Mrs.  Emma  Running,  of  Des  Moines:  and  Peter,  of  Sweden. 
Mrs.  Sholund  was  married  twice  and  by  her  first  union  had  one  daughter,  who 
died  in  1913.  By  her  marriage  to  Mr.  Sholund  she  has  two  daughters:  Florence 
Henrietta,  born  in  Garden  township,  September  10,  1903;  and  Helen  Victoria, 
Ijorn  February  26,  1906. 

Mr.  Sholund  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  for  ten 
years  filled  the  office  of  assessor  of  Garden  township.  He  was  also  a  member  of 
the  school  board  for  a  number  of  years  and  is  interested  in  the  cause  of  educa- 
tion. He  acted  as  president  of  the  Independent  District  of  Victoria.  His  relig- 
ious faith  is  that  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  his  membership  being  in 
Des  Moines.  It  is  well  known  that  he  stands  for  truth  and  justice  at  all  times 
and  that  his  influence  has  ever  been  on  the  side  of  progress,  reform  and  improve- 
ment. He  well  merits  the  success  which  has  come  to  him  because  of  an  honorable, 
upright  life,  and  he  is  justly  accounted  one  of  the  representative  agricul- 
turists of  Garden  township,  where  he  owns  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  choice 
land,  upon  which  are  found  many  modern  improvements.  He  also  raises  a  good 
grade  of  live  stock.  His  home  is  attractively  furnished  and  is  most  hospitable. 
He  deserves  much  credit  for  what  he  has  accomplished,  and  his  examjjle  may 
well  be  followed  by  those  who  wish  to  acquire  honorable  success. 


P.  C.  EGAN. 


F'.  C.  Egan.  who  has  resided  almost  continuously  in  Woodward  since  1882 
and  throughout  much  of  the  period  has  been  identified  with  its  indiistrial  inter- 
ests, he  and  his  brother  being  now  proprietors  of  one  of  the  best  equipped  and 
most  liberally  patronized  blacksmith  shops  to.be  found  in  this  part  of  the  state, 
was  born  in  Canada,  August  23,  1864.     The  following  year  the  parents  arrived 


658  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

with  their  family  in  what  was  then  known  as  Montana  and  is  now  the  city  of 
Boone.  Patrick  Egan,  the  father,  was  born  in  Ireland  and  in  the  year  1853 
crossed  the  Atlantic  to  Canada,  in  which  country  he  formed  the  acquaintance  of 
and  wedded  Eliza  Payton,  a  native  of  that  country.  As  previously  stated,  they 
crossed  the  border  into  the  United  States  in  1865  with  Boone  county  as  their 
destination.  The  railroad  was  then  built  as  far  as  Nevada  and  after  reaching 
that  point  the  family  continued  their  journey  to  Boone,  where  they  established 
their  home,  remaining  there  until  the  spring  of  1866,  when  they  went  to  Moin- 
gona.  The  father  there  worked  for  the  railroad  company  and  in  1886  went 
with  his  wife  to  Des  Moines.  The  family,  however,  were  reared  in  Boone 
county.  Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Patrick  Egan  eight  children  were  born :  P.  C, 
of  this  review;  James,  a  resident  of  Boone;  Mrs.  Bridget  Laudels  and  Mrs. 
Mary  Ann  O'Connel,  both  deceased;  J.  T.,  of  Woodward;  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Fin- 
land, whose  home  is  in  Des  Moines;  and  two  who  died  in  infancy. 

P.  C.  Egan  acquired  his  education  in  the  schools  of  this  county  and  was 
about  twenty-three  years  of  age  when  his  parents  removed  to  Des  Moines.  In 
early  life  he  had  learned  the  blacksmith's  trade,  which  he  has  always  followed,  and 
he  and  his  brother  Thomas  now  conduct  a  modern  blacksmith  shop  in  Woodward, 
where  they  do  all  kinds  of  manufacturing  and  repairing  along  that  line.  Before 
coming  to  Woodward,  however,  P.  C.  Egan  located  in  Zena,  Dallas  county,  and 
on  the  removal  of  the  town  in  1882  he  became  a  resident  of  Woodward,  where 
he  has  since  remained  with  the  exception  of  two  years.  His  life  has  been  one  of 
unfaltering  industry  and  energy  and  in  the  management  of  their  business  the 
brothers  have  been  successful,  securing  a  comfortable  competency.  P.  C.  Egan 
is  interested  along  various  mechanical  lines,  and  he  has  ever  sought  to  improve 
his  work  and  give  to  his  patrons  the  utmost  satisfaction.  He  has  overcome 
many  difticulties  and  obstacles,  steadily  working  his  way  upward  through  deter- 
mination and  energy,  and  there  are  in  his  life  record  many  traits  worthy  of 
emulation. 

In  1884  Mr.  Egan  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Wilsey,  who  was 
born  in  Illinois,  April  18,  1865,  and  died  in  Woodward  in  1894.  They  became 
the  parents  of  a  daughter,  now  Mrs.  Myrtle  Todd,  who  was  born  September  25, 
1889,  and  is  residing  in  Dallas  county.  In  1897  Mr.  Egan  was  again  married, 
his  second  union  being  with  Sophia  Harrison,  who  was  born  in  Madrid,  Iowa, 
December  31,  1875,  but  who  was  reared  and  educated  in  Boone  county.  The 
children  of  this  marriage  are :  Marjorie,  who  was  born  in  November,  1900, 
and  is  attending  the  Woodward  public  schools;  and  Charles,  horn  January  29, 
1910. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Egan  is  an  earnest  republican  and  has  been  active 
in  the  work  of  the  party,  his  influence  carrying  weight  in  its  local  councils.  He 
has  held  all  of  the  local  offices  in  Woodward  except  that  of  mayor  and  for  the 
past  twenty  years  has  been  a  member  of  the  board  of  education,  with  which  he 
is  still  connected.  The  cause  of  the  schools  has  indeed  found  in  him  a  stalwart 
champion,  and  he  has  done  everything  in  his  power  to  advance  their  interests. 
His  wife  is  a  member  of  the  Christian  church,  and  he  belongs  to  Peaceful  Lodge, 
No.  454,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Woodward,  and  to  Woodward  Lodge,  No.  460,  I.  O. 
O.  F.  He  has  been  captain  of  the  famous  World's  Champion  Degree  Staff 
since  its  organization  and  has  planned  all  of  the  drills  therefor.    His  life  is  broad 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  659 

in  its  interests  and  has  been  well  spent.  He  and  his  family  own  and  occupy 
a  well  furnished  home  in  Woodward.  Mr.  Egan  deserves  much  credit  for 
what  he  has  accomplished  and  of  him  it  may  be  said : 

"He  looks  the  whole  world  in  the  face, 
For  he  owes  not  any  man." 


ARTHUR  BENJAMIN  SILLIMAN. 

Arthur  Benjamin  Silliman,  chief  clerk  at  Boone  for  the  Northwestern  Rail- 
road Company,  was  born  in  Chester  county,  Pennsylvania,  May  12,  1868,  and  is 
a  son  of  Benson  J.  and  Elizabeth  A.  (Buchanan)  Silliman,  the  former  a  native 
of  New  York  and  the  latter  of  Pennsylvania.  The  father  studied  dentistry  and 
practiced  the  profession  for  many  years,  keeping  in  touch  with  the  advanced 
ideas  resulting  from  scientific  investigation,  research  and  broad  experience.  At 
the  present  writing,  however,  he  is  living  retired.  His  wife  passed  away  Sep- 
tember 21.  1907,  and  her  death  was  deeply  regretted  by  many  friends  as  well  as 
by  her  immediate  family.  She  left,  beside  the  husband,  a  son  and  daughter: 
Minna,  who  is  the  wife  of  C.  N.  Green  of  Troy,  Pennsylvania;  and  Arthur  B. 

The  latter  was  sixteen  years  of  age  when  he  started  out  in  the  business  world 
on  his  own  account,  being  employed  as  a  telegraph  operator.  He  also  took  up 
the  study  of  surveying  and  when  twenty  years  of  age  he  made  his  way  westward 
to  Denver,  Colorado,  where  he  ran  the  preliminary  survey  in  connection  with 
the  work  of  Ijringing  the  water  down  from  the  Platte  Canyon  to  Denver.  He 
was  afterward  employed  by  a  county  surveyor  there  and  subsequently  went  to 
Fort  Worth,  Texas,  where  he  assisted  in  Iniilding  an  electric  railroad  through 
an  addition  which  he  helped  lay  out — Arlington  Heights.  He  afterward  accepted 
the  position  of  agent  for  the  Santa  Fe  Railroad  Company  at  Ardmore,  Indian 
Territory,  where  he  remained  for  eight  years.  He  was  also  representing  the 
Associated  Press  at  that  time  and  sent  to  it  the  articles  in  regard  to  the  Dalton 
train  bandits.  His  sojourn  in  that  section  of  the  country  made  him  widely 
acquainted  with  pioneer  conditions  in  the  southwest,  and  he  also  studied  the 
methods  of  the  government  in  relation  to  the  Indians  as  well  as  other  important 
problems  relative  to  the  settlement  and  upbuilding  of  that  section  of  the  country. 

On  the  4th  of  September,  1894,  Mr.  Silliman  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Nellie  Whitbeck,  a  native  of  New  York,  and  a  daughter  of  G.  R.  and  Jane 
(Norton;  Whitbeck.  who  are  also  natives  of  the  Empire  state  and  are  now  liv- 
ing in  St.  Paul,  Minnesota,  where  for  eight  years  the  father  has  conducted  a  suc- 
cessful business  as  a  contractor  and  builder.  In  the  Whitbeck  family  were  three 
children:  Blanch,  the  deceased  wife  of  S.  D.  Dysinger ;  Mrs.  Silliman;  and  Me- 
lissa, the  wife  of  Dr.  H.  H.  Malteson  of  Bellingham,  Washington. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Silliman  have  been  born  four  children.  De  Wayne,  who 
was  born  September  10,  1895,  in  Indian  Territory,  was  graduated  from  the  high 
school  when  seventeen  years  of  age  and  is  now  attending  Coe  College  at  Cedar 
Rapids.  Gilbert  La  Mont,  born  November  6,  1901,  is  also  attending  school. 
Lorenzo  Martin  was  born  November  14,  1904;  and  Delancy  Eugene  on  the  ist 
of  May,   1908. 


660  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

On  leaving  the  southwest,  Mr.  Silliman  came  to  Boone  in  1900  with  the 
Northwestern  Railroad  Company.  He  occupied  a  clerical  position  for  three 
years  and  was  then  advanced  to  the  position  of  chief  clerk,  in  which  capacity 
he  has  continuously  served  since  1904,  his  record  being  most  acceptable.  He  is 
interested  in  the  public  welfare  and  is  now  serving  as  a  member  of  the  city  coun- 
cil, in  which  connection  he  does  everything  in  his  power  to  furtlier  the  interests 
and  promote  the  welfare  of  the  community.  He  belongs  to  the  Modern  Wood- 
men of  America  and  is  a  Royal  Arch  Mason,  while  his  wife  is  a  member  of  the 
Eastern  Star.  They  hold  membership  in  the  Presbyterian  church,  and  their  in- 
terest and  activities  are  such  as  place  them  among  Boone's  best  citizens  and 
win  for  them  the  warm  and  enduring  regard  of  those  with  whom  they  are 
brought  in  contact. 


PARIS  ROY  PHIPPS. 


Paris  Roy  Phipps.  who  owns  and  operates  a  farm  on  section  ^^i^  Des  Moines 
township,  is  one  erf  Boone  county's  native  sons,  his  birth  occurring  in  Yell  town- 
ship on  the  30th  of  August,  i<%9.  His  father,  Hardin  Phipps,  was  born  in  Owen 
county,  Indiana,  but  when  young  was  brought  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  where  he 
grew  to  manhood  and  married  Abigail  Toliver,  also  a  native  of  Owen  county, 
Indiana.  He  died  on  the  19th  of  June,  1901.  at  the  age  of  sixty-nine  years,  but 
she  is  still  living  at  the  age  of  seventy-three  and  makes  her  home  in  Boone.  The 
children  born  to  them  were:  Martha,  now  Mrs.  William  Henry  Elsbury;  Mrs. 
Abraham  Hiatt.  deceased;  Sarah,  the  wife  of  W.  F.  Phipps  of  Eraser,  Iowa; 
Hannah,  the  wife  of  Joseph  Gillen ;  Paris  Roy,  of  this  review ;  George,  of  Era- 
ser; Louisa,  the  wife  of  William  George  of  Des  Moines;  Lizzie,  the  wife  of 
George  Phipps  of  Eraser;  William,  a  resident  of  Boone;  Rosie,  the  wife  of  John 
Gillen;  and  Ezekiel,  of  Webster  City,  Iowa. 

Paris  Roy  Phipps  was  principally  reared  in  Dodge  township  this  county, 
and  during  his  boyhood  he  attended  the  public  schools  there  until  thirteen  years 
of  age.  He  remained  with  his  parents  until  he  had  attained  his  majority  and 
was  then  married  on  the  loth  of  August,  1890,  to  Miss  Rebecca  Cline,  who  was 
born  at  a  point  called  Daly's  City  in  Yell  township,  .\ugust  26,  1869.  Her  girl- 
hood, however,  was  passed  in  Jackson  township,  and  after  attending  the  public 
schools  she  entered  Boone  Normal.  At  the  age  of  eighteen  years  she  commenced 
teaching  under  Professor  Chambers  and  continued  to  follow  that  profession  for 
two  years.  Her  father,  Joseph  J.  W.  Cline,  was  a  native  of  Columbiana  county, 
Ohio,  and  a  farmer  by  occupation.  During  the  Civil  war  he  enlisted  in  an  Iowa 
regiment,  but  being  injured  in  battle,  he  returned  home  at  the  end  of  eight 
months.  He  married  Miss  Rebecca  Jones,  a  daughter  of  Rev.  Jackson  and 
Rebecca  (Cunningham)  Jones.  Her  father  was  a  minister  of  the  United  Breth- 
ren church.  She  was  born  in  Pennsylvania,  but  in  early  life  was  taken  to  Co- 
lumbiana county,  Ohio,  and  she  died  in  Jackson  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa, 
in  1901  at  the  age  of  seventy-nine  years.  Mr.  Cline  survived  her  for  about  eight 
years,  passing  away  in  1909  at  the  age  of  eighty-five.  They  were  both  earnest 
and  consistent  members  of  the  United  Brethren  church,  and  she  was  an  active 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  661 

worker  in  the  Sunday  school.  In  their  family  were  ten  children,  namely:  Gil- 
ruth,  who  served  under  General  Grant  in  the  Civil  war  for  four  years  and  eight 
months  and  now  makes  his  home  in  Alton,  Missouri :  Nancy,  the  wife  of  John 
Moriorty,  a  resident  of  Iowa;  Sarah,  the  wife  of  Patrick  Quigley  of  Yell  town- 
ship; Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  Andrew  Moriorty  (Tf  Coatesville,  Missouri;  Abra- 
ham, of  California;  Jackson,  of  Alton,  Missouri;  Eldora,  the  wife  of  A.  L. 
Bendow,  of  Minnesota;  Hulda,  the  wife  of  Joseph  Kidd,  of  Sioux  City,  Iowa; 
Florence,  the  wife  of  Benjamin  Hickman,  of  Ogden ;  and  Rebecca,  the  wife  of  our 
subject. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Phipps  have  one  son.  Orlando  I'laine,  who  was  born  February 
22,  1892,  and  pursued  his  early  education  in  the  public  schools,  but  later  attended 
the  Biblical  College  and  the  Boone  Business  College.  For  ten  years  after  his 
marriage  Mr.  Phipps  made  his  home  with  his  mother-in-law  in  Jackson  town- 
ship, but  at  the  end  of  that  time  jnirchased  eighty  acres  of  land  in  Des  Moines 
township,  where  he  now  makes  his  home.  He  has  tiled  the  place  and  greatly 
improved  it,  has  built  an  addition  to  tlij  house  anrl  today  has  a  very  comfort- 
able home.  He  added  to  his  land  until  lie  had  two  hundred  and  twenty  acres,  but 
has  since  sold  a  portion  of  this  and  today  owns  forty  acres  on  section  33.  He 
holds  membership  in  the  Baptist  church,  but  is  at  present  attending  the  Methodist 
Episcopal  church.  In  politics  he  is  an  ardent  republican  and  takes  a  very  com- 
mendable interest  in  those  enterprises  which  he  jjelieves  will  advance  the  moral 
or  public  welfare. 


JESSE  DAVIS. 


Jesse  Davis,  a  retired  farmer  living  on  his  tinely  improved  place  of  one  hun- 
dred and  sixty  acres  on  section  9,  \\'orth  township,  has  made  his  home  here  for 
the  past  third  of  a  century.  He  was  born  in  Harrison  comity,  Ohio,  October  4, 
1844,  and  was  eleven  years  of  age  when,  in  1855,  he  came  to  Boone  county. 
Iowa,  with  his  parents,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Lewis  Davis,  who  were  farming  people. 
Extended  mention  of  the  family  is  made  in  the  sketch  of  Henry  L.  Davis  which 
appears  on  another  page  of  this  work.  Jesse  Davis  had  but  limited  educational 
advantages,  attending  subscription  schools  only  after  his  removal  to  Boone 
county.  At  the  age  of  twenty-one  years  he  commenced  farming  for  himself  and 
operated  a  part  of  the  old  homestead  for  about  eight  years.  After  his  marriage, 
however,  he  purchased  land  and  at  different  times  owned  several  farms  in 
Worth  township,  which  he  subsequently  disposed  of  and  finally  became  the  owner 
of  his  present  valuable  farm,  which  is  well  tiled  and  is  a  very  productive  and 
well  improved  place.  He  carried  on  general  farming  and  handled  much  stock, 
but  is  now  practically  living  retired,  while  the  land  is  cultivated  by  hired  help. 

In  1873  was  celebrated  the  marriage  of  Mr.  Davis  and  Miss  Mary  A.  Hiatt, 
a  daughter  of  James  Hiatt,  a  pioneer  carpenter  and  contractor.  She  was  born 
in  Indiana  and  was  but  three  years  of  age  when  the  family  came  to  Boone 
county.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Davis  have  had  five  children,  namely :  Lillie  May.  who 
is  now  the  wife  of  C.  H.  Johnson  and  has  one  son,  Harvey;  Mrs.  Ida  lielle 
Dyer,  who  lives  in  the  eastern  part  of  Boone  county  and  has  one  child,  Rus- 


€62  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

sell ;  Albert,  a  farmer  of  Des  Moines  township  who  married  Miss  Carr  and  has 
two  children,  Marvin  and  Lester ;  Bessie,  the  deceased  wife  of  a  Mr.  McQuilken ; 
and  one  child  who  died  in  infancy  unnamed. 

Although  Mr.  Davis  has  always  taken  an  active  interest  in  public  affairs,  he 
has  never  accepted  ofifice,  preferring  to  give  his  entire  time  to  his  farming  inter- 
ests. His  political  support  has  always  been  given  the  republican  party.  He  is 
progressive  and  public-spirited  and  can  always  be  relied  upon  to  further  any 
movement  which  he  believes  will  prove  of  benefit  to  his  locality. 


RALPH  R.  COBB. 


Ralph  R.  Cobb  is  well  known  in  connection  with  educational  and  business 
interests  in  Boone  and  along  both  lines  has  contributed  to  the  progress  and  pro- 
moted the  welfare  of  the  community.  A  broad-minded,  cultured  gentlemen,  his 
influence  is  ever  on  the  side  of  right,  justice,  truth  and  improvement.  He  was  born 
in  Porter  county,  Indiana,  April  21,  1872,  and  is  a  son  of  Henry  A.  and  Sylva  R. 
(Sawyer)  Cobb,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  the  Hoosier  state.  On  the  ist 
of  March,  1883,  they  arrived  in  Boone  and  are  now  residents  of  Jackson  town- 
ship, this  county.  In  their  family  were  three  sons  and  four  daughters :  Ralph 
R.,  of  this  review;  Bertha,  who  is  the  widow  of  Ira  B.  Johnson  and  makes  her 
home  in  Boone;  Agatha  M.,  the  wife  of  Dr.  E.  L.  D.  Montague,  of  Cedar  Rapids; 
Frank  F.,  who  is  living  in  Jackson  township;  J.  Asa,  whose  home  is  in  Sioux 
City.  Iowa;  Viola,  the  wife  of  Rev.  Dow  Crewdson,  pastor  of  a  church  in  Mis- 
souri Valley,  Iowa  ;  and  Mattie  M.,  who  was  a  teacher  in  the  graded  schools  of 
Logan  and  now  makes  her  home  with  her  parents. 

Spending  his  youthful  days  under  the  parental  roof,  Ralph  R.  Cobb  has 
resided  during  the  greater  part  of  his  life  in  Boone  county.  His  educational  op- 
portunities were  those  afforded  by  the  common  schools,  supplemented  by  study 
in  the  Ames  high  school  and  in  the  Northern  Indiana  University  at  Valparaiso, 
from  which  he  was  graduated  with  the  class  of  1896.  He  then  took  up  the 
profession  of  teaching,  which  he  followed  for  eleven  terms,  being  connected  with 
the  Madrid  high  school  for  four  years.  In  1903  he  was  elected  county  super- 
intendent of  the  schools  and  in  January,  1904,  entered  upon  the  duties  of  that 
position,  in  which  he  continued  for  seven  years,  during  which  time  he  greatly 
improved  the  conditions  of  the  public  schools  and  raised  the  standard  of  educa- 
tion in  the  county.  He  had  the  ability  not  only  to  impart  clearly  and  readily 
to  others  the  knowledge  that  he  had  acquired,  but  he  also  inspired  teachers  and 
pupils  with  much  of  his  own  zeal  and  interest  in  the  work.  After  leaving  the 
position  of  county  superintendent  he  spent  a  few  months  in  the  Boone  National 
Bank,  in  charge  of  the  savings  accounts.  He  afterward  became  one  of  the 
organizers  of  the  Boone  Blank  Book  Company,  which  is  one  of  the  important 
manufacturing  interests  of  this  part  of  the  state.  He  is  still  connected  there- 
with as  one  of  the  directors. 

On  the  15th  of  November,  1904,  Mr.  Cobb  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Mary  H.  Heward,  a  native  of  Bureau  county,  Illinois,  and  unto  them  has  been 
born  a  daughter,  Lois  H.,  whose  natal  day  was  May  19,  1907.     Mr.  Cobb  votes 


KALPH   R.  COBB 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  665 

with  the  repubHcan  party  and  has  always  strongly  indorsed  its  principles.  He 
has  made  a  study  of  political  conditions  and  is  always  ready  to  support  his 
position  by  intelligent  argument.  His  fraternal  relations  are  with  the  Masons 
and  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  both  he  and  his  wife  hold  membership  in  the 
Presbyterian  church.  They  are  prominent  in  the  social  circles  of  the  city  and 
are  recognized  leaders  where  intelligence  and  culture  are  received  as  passports 
into  good  society.  Wherever  known,  and  his  professional  and  business  interests 
have  brought  him  a  wide  acquaintance,  Mr.  Cobb  is  held  in  the  highest  regard 
and  the  circle  of  his  friends  in  Fjoone  county  is  an  extensive  one. 


WALTER  E.  BURRELL. 

For  many  years  Walter  E.  Burrell  was  actively  identified  with  the  agricultural 
interests  of  Boone  county,  but  is  now  living  retired  in  Woodward.  He  was  born 
in  Sandusky  county,  Ohio,  May  ii,  1837,  and  is  a  son  of  Alexander  and  Cynthia 
(Baker)  Burrell.  The  father  was  born  in  Scotland  in  1779  and  often  remarked 
that  he  was  three  years  younger  than  the  United  States.  In  early  life  he  came 
to  the  United  States,  while  the  mother's  birth  occurred  in  New  York  in  1804. 
In  1842,  when  the  subject  of  this  review  was  but  a  small  child,  the  family  re- 
moved to  Michigan,  making  the  trip  overland  with  an  ox  team,  but  after  spend- 
ing one  year  in  that  state  they  went  to  Illinois  and  in  1857  came  to  Boone  county, 
lowii,  locating  upon  a  farm  in  Yell  township.  In  this  county  the  parents  spent 
their  last  days,  the  father  dying  in  Peoples  township  in  1872  and  the  mother  in 
Cass  township  in  1886.  They  had  ten  children,  of  whom  two  sons  are  still  liv- 
ing, namely :  Walter  E.,  of  this  sketch ;  and  Robert,  a  resident  of  Perry,  Iowa. 
Those  deceased  are  Alexander,  Cynthia,  Mrs.  Betsy  Pardee,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Olm- 
sted. Mrs.  Susan  Miller,  Mrs.  Margaret  Chapman,  William  and  Adam.  The  seven 
older  children  were  born  in  New  York  and  the  others  in  Ohio. 

Walter  E.  Burrell  was  twenty  years  of  age  when  he  became  a  resident  of 
Boone  county,  and  after  living  for  some  time  in  Yell  township  the  family  re- 
moved to  Peoples  township  in  1862.  He  early  became  familiar  with  agricultural 
pursuits  and  for  some  time  worked  for  neighboring  farmers  along  the  Des  Moines 
river.  After  his  marriage  he  followed  farming  in  Cass  township  until  1903, 
when  he  and  his  wife  removed  to  Woodward  and  in  1914  he  purchased  the 
modern  residence  which  they  now  occupy  and  in  which  they  expect  to  spend  their 
declining  years,  surrounded  by  every  comfort  as  well  as  many  of  the  luxuries 
of  life.  Besides  his  well  furnished  home  here  he  still  owns  a  valuable  farm  of 
four  hundred  acres  on  sections  29,  30,  31  and  32,  Cass  township,  improved  with 
good  buildings.  His  wife  owns  an  eighty  acre  tract  of  excellent  land  on 
section  13,  which  is  also  improved  and  under  excellent  cultivation.  Thoroughly 
understanding  the  occupation  to  which  he  devoted  the  active  years  of  his  life, 
Mr.  Burrell  met  with  most  excellent  success  and  is  now  able  to  enjoy  a  com- 
fortable competence.  A  portion  of  his  land  has  recently  been  secured  bv  the 
state  of  Iowa,  which  expects  in  the  near  future  to  erect  thereon  a  home  for 
epileptics. 


666  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

It  was  on  the  14th  of  August.  1867,  in  Boone  county,  that  Mr.  Burrell  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Aliss  EHza  J.  Rowley,  who  was  born  in  Wisconsin,  Sep- 
tember 9,  1847,  and  came  to  Boone  county  with  her  parents  in  1867,  the  family 
locating  upon  a  farm  in  Peoples  township.  Her  father,  L.  Nathan  Rowley,  was 
born  in  Steuben  county,  New  York,  March  26,  1816,  and  died  in  Woodward, 
Iowa,  April  26,  1902.  He  was  married  October  20,  1842,  to  Miss  Sarah  Sitler, 
who  was  born  in  Crawford  county,  Pennsylvania,  December  2,  1820,  and  died 
in  Woodward,  December  20,  1898.  They  were  among  the  pioneers  of  Wiscon- 
sin, having  removed  to  that  state  in  1845.  Their  children  were  as  follows:  Mrs. 
Mary  Bates,  who  was  born  December  12,  1S43,  and  now  resides  in  Troutdale, 
Oregon;  George  W.,  who  was  born  June  i,  1845,  and  also  makes  his  home  in 
Oregon ;  Eliza  J.,  now  Mrs.  Burrell ;  Charles,  who  died  at  the  age  of  six  weeks ; 
Annie,  who  died  at  the  age  of  two  years;  Mrs.  Sarah  Ellen  Caylor,  who  was  born 
in  1852  and  lives  in  Woodward,  Iowa;  Ward,  who  was  born  in  1854  and  resides 
in  Anglin,  Washington;  Mrs.  Ann  M.  Watts,  who  was  born  in  1856  and  makes 
her  home  in  Beatrice,  Nebraska;  Eugene  K.,  who  was  born  in  1858  and  died  in 
Alaska;  and  Warren  W.,  who  was  born  in  i860  and  died  in  April,  1884.  The 
two  eldest  children  were  born  in  Crawford  county,  Pennsylvania,  and  the  others 
in  Wisconsin. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Burrell  have  become  the  parents  of  ten  children,  all  born  in 
Boone  county;  Marion  W.,  who  was  born  June  8,  1868,  and  lives  in  Peoples 
township;  Eva  Leona.  who  was  born  June  i,  1870,  and  died  December  4,  1875; 
Mrs.  Ellen  Pierce,  who  was  born  June  6,  1872,  and  makes  her  home  in  Thomp- 
son, Iowa;  Delavan  Victor,  who  was  born  November  10,  1874,  and  lives  at  Rocky 
Ford,  Colorado;  Sarah  and  Cynthia,  twins,  who  were  born  in  1877  ^"d  died  in 
infancy;  Carrie  and  Clara,  twins,  who  were  born  May  6,  1880,  the  former  dying 
at  the  age  of  two  rhonths,  while  the  latter  is  now  Mrs.  Noland  and  resides  in 
Cass  township,  this  county;  Gladden  Alvin,  who  was  born  July  15,  1884,  and 
lives  in  Cass  township ;  and  Mrs.  Thora  Eliza  Small,  who  was  liorn  October  22, 
1888,  and  makes  her  home  in  Cass  township.  The  children  were  all  given  good 
educational  advantages  and  after  attending  the  common  schools  of  the  com- 
munity Marion  was  a  student  at  Drake  University  at  Des  Moines,  while  Delavan 
and  Mrs.  Noland  attended  Highland  Park  College  of  the  same  city  and  Glad- 
den attended  Highland  Park  College  and  Simpson  College  at  Indianola. 

The  republican  party  finds  in  Mr.  Burrell  a  stanch  supporter  of  its  prin- 
ciples, and  for  a  number  of  years  he  served  as  trustee  of  Cass  township.  He 
and  his  family  hold  membership  in  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church  and  are  held 
in  the  highest  regard  by  all  who  know  them. 


ISAAC  NEWTON  WOODS. 

The  raising  of  live  stock  features  as  one  of  the  chief  activities  on  the  farm 
of  Isaac  Newton  Woods,  who  lives  on  section  36,  Peoples  township,  where  he 
owns  sixty  acres  of  land  that  is  rich  and  arable  and  which  he  has  brought  to 
a  high  state  of  cultivation. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  667 

A  native  son  of  Boone  county,  Mr.  Woods  was  born  in  Cass  township,  De- 
cember 5,  1850,  a  son  of  John  Woods,  who  was  born  in  Highland  county,  Ohio, 
in  1824.  The  father  possessed  marked  mechanical  ability  and  built  a  mill  dam 
at  what  was  then  known  as  Elk  Rapids,  completing  the  work  in  its  entirety.  He 
married  Susannah  Rhodes,  also  a  native  of  Highland  county,  Ohio,  and  after 
living  for  a  number  of  years  in  Boone  county  they  removed  to  Kansas,  where 
their  last  days  were  spent.  It  was  in  the  year  1849  that  they  arrived  in  Iowa 
— just  three  years  after  the  admission  of  the  state  into  the  Union.  They  made 
the  overland  trip  to  Cass  township,  where  they  took  up  their  abode  upon  a  farm, 
at  which  period  there  were  few  settlements  in  this  part  of  the  state.  All  around 
them  was  wild,  unbroken  prairie  covered  with  the  native  grasses  that  grew  to 
great  height.  In  the  winter  seasons  there  was  a  broad,  unbroken,  dazzling  sheet 
of  snow.  It  required  much  arduous  labor  to  break  the  sod  and  develop  the 
fields,  but  the  work  was  resolutely  carried  forward  by  the  early  settlers,  whose 
trading  point  was  at  Des  Moines  or  rather  at  Fort  Des  Moines,  for  at  that  time 
the  settlements  were  all  along  the  river,  which  was  the  only  means  of  transpor- 
tation except  by  private  conveyance,  so  that  the  early  settlers  naturally  took 
up  their  abode  along  the  streams. 

■Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Woods  had  a  family  of  eleven  children:  W.  W.,  who  is 
now  residing  in  Kansas;  Isaac  N.,  of  this  review;  Daniel  W.,  Louis  and  Joseph 
Henry,  now  deceased;  Mrs.  Anna  Miller,  who  resides  in  Portland,  Oregon;  Mrs. 
Susan  Carroll,  a  resident  of  Woodward,  Iowa;  Sarah  Elizabeth,  who  died  in 
infancy;  Mrs.  Maggie  Heath,  of  Portland,  Oregon;  Mrs.  Emma  Cooper,  of 
Portland,  Oregon;  and  Mrs.  Hattie  Meir,  of  Kansas.  With  the  exception  of  the 
eldest,  all  were  born  in  Boone  county  and  all  were  reared  here,  attending  the 
public  schools. 

Isaac  Newton  Woods  had  the  usual  experiences  of  the  farm  lad  who  acquires 
a  public-school  education  through  attendance  during  the  winter  seasons  and  gains 
practical  knowledge  of  farm  labor  through  work  in  the  fields  during  the  summer 
months.  He  was  a  student  in  the  schools  at  Elk  Rapids,  and  throughout  his 
entire  life  he  has  continued  his  residence  in  Boone  county,  where  he  has  followed 
farming  and  stock-raising  since  attaining  man's  estate. 

He  was  married  in  Dallas  county,  Iowa,  December  3,  1873,  to  Miss  Laura 
A.  Guthrie,  who  was  born  in  Richland  county,  Ohio,  August  12,  1853.  Her 
parents  came  overland  to  Dallas  county  in  1854  and  settled  upon  a  farm. 
Her  father,  Francis  E.  Guthrie,  was  born  in  Richland  county,  Ohio,  April  8, 
1810,  and  died  in  Dallas  county,  Iowa,  March  5,  1875.  His  wife,  who  bore  the 
maiden  name  of  Matilda  E.  Stuart,  a  native  of  New  York,  was  born  January  15, 
1813,  and  her  last  days  were  spent  in  Dallas  county,  where  she  passed  away 
February  27,  1887.  There  were  nine  children  in  the  Guthrie  family,  of  whom  three 
are  living:  Mrs.  Elinor  Russell,  who  was  born  August  31,  1838,  and  resides  in 
Denver,  Colorado ;  Mrs.  Anna  Wallace,  who  was  born  on  the  2d  of  March,  1840, 
and  passed  away  March  29,  1891  ;  Wesley,  born  November  20,  1842,  who  en- 
listed as  a  member  of  Company  B,  Fifteenth  Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry,  on  the 
15th  of  October,  1861,  and  died  in  the  army  on  June  11,  1862;  James  Harvey, 
born  August  4,  1844,  who  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Union  army  in  the  Tenth 
Iowa  Volunteer  Infantry  and  while  at  the  front  contracted  the  measles,  from 
which  he  never  fully  recovered,  his  death  taking  place  February  2j,  1889;  Sarah, 


668  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

whose  birth  occurred  September  i6,  1846,  and  who  passed  away  August  22,  1849; 
William  Scott,  born  July  22,  1850,  who  resides  at  Adel  and  serves  as  treasurer 
of  Dallas  county.  Iowa;  an  infant  which  died  on  the  day  of  its  birth — June  29, 
1852;  Mrs.  Laura  A.  Woods;  and  George  Washington,  who  was  born  April  21, 
1856,  and  died  at  Denver,  Colorado,  on  the  2d  of  December,  1886.  All  were 
born  in  Ohio  except  the  youngest,  whose  birth  occurred  in  Dallas  county,  where 
the  family  was  reared,  the  sons  and  daughters  attending  the  public  schools  near 
the  old  homestead.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Guthrie  were  among  the  most  highly  esteemed 
pioneer  residents  of  Dallas  county. 

Unto  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Woods  have  been  born  three  children:  Lottie  Evelyn, 
who  was  born  August  25,  1874,  and  died  in  Peoples  township,  March  18,  1897; 
George  Clyde,  who  was  born  September  22,  1878,  and  is  residing  with  his  parents 
on  the  farm;  and  Mrs.  Bessie  M.  Chandler,  who  was  born  July  25,  1887,  and 
makes  her  home  in  Dallas  county.  The  last  named  has  two  daughters:  Ireta, 
who  was  born  in  Boone  county.  July  7,  1910;  and  June,  born  in  Dallas  countv, 
June  28,  1912.  The  family  home  is  situated  on  section  36,  Peoples  township,  the 
farm  comprising  sixty  acres  of  good  land  which  responds  readily  to  the  care  and 
cultivation  bestowed  upon  it.  Mr.  Woods  also  raises  a  good  grade  of  live  stock. 
His  activity,  however,  has  not  been  confined  merely  to  lines  contributing  to  his 
individual  success.  He  has  done  much  valuable  work  of  a  public  character 
but  he  has  never  consented  to  hold  office,  although  many  times  solicited  to 
do  so.  He  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party,  and  he  and  his 
family  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church.  His  influence  is  always 
on  the  side  of  right,  reform,  progress  and  improvement  and  his  worth  is  widely 
acknowledged. 


HENRY  FRY. 


On  the  list  of  honored  dead  in  Boone  county  appears  the  name  of  Henry 
Fry,  who  was  called  to  his  final  rest  in  1910.  He  was  a  prominent  farmer  and 
dairyman  of  Des  Moines  township,  where  he  took  up  his  abode  in  1S61,  there 
continuing  until  his  demise.  He  was  born  in  Gouverneur,  St.  Lawrence  county, 
New  York,  and  was  a  son  of  Henry  and  Mary  Fry.  The  family  were  wealthy 
farmers  and  dairymen  of  that  section  of  the  state.  The  parents  had  ten  chil- 
dren, who  were  reared  upon  the  old  homestead  in  New  York,  Henry  Fry  hav- 
ing the  same  experiences  as  the  others  of  the  household.  As  the  family  were  in 
comfortable  circumstances,  he  did  not  have  to  face  the  deprivations  which  many 
a  farm  lad  has  had  to  meet.  He  was  trained  in  the  work  of  the  fields  and  the 
dairy  and  continued  to  engage  in  the  dairy  business  in  the  east  until  1861,  when 
he  removed  to  the  middle  west,  establishing  his  home  in  Boone  county. 

It  was  near  Boone,  in  1863,  that  Mr.  Fry  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mrs. 
Mary  J.  Frampton,  nee  Boggs,  who  was  born  in  Bellefonte,  Center  county,  Penn- 
sylvania, on  the  nth  of  August,  1S31,  a  daughter  of  John  H.  and  Catherine 
(Hoover)  Boggs,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Center  county.  They  removed 
to  Clarion  county,  Pennsylvania,  and  upon  proceeding  to  the  Mississippi  valley 
settled  in  La  Salle  county,  Illinois,  in  1856.    After  a  residence  of  five  years  there 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  669 

they  came  to  Iowa,  establishing  their  home  in  Boone  county,  where  both  passed 
away,  the  father  dying  about  twenty-five  years  ago  at  the  age  of  eighty-seven 
years,  while  the  mother  died  thirty  years  ago  at  the  age  of  eighty.  John  H.  Boggs 
was  active  and  prominent  in  local  public  affairs  as  well  as  in  agricultural  circles. 
He  filled  various  county  offices,  the  duties  of  which  he  discharged  with  prompt- 
ness and  fidelity,  and  he  was  also  active  in  church  work,  being  a  local  preacher 
of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  denomination.  His  daughter  Mrs.  Frampton  was 
the  fourth  in  order  of  birth  in  a  family  of  twelve  children,  of  whom  two  daughters 
and  three  sons  are  yet  living.  It  was  in  Pennsylvania,  in  1850,  that  Mary  J. 
Boggs  became  the  wife  of  W.  E.  Frampton,  who  died  in  that  state  on  the  1st  of 
Februarv.  1861.  They  were  the  parents  of  five  children,  all  of  whom  yet  sur- 
vive: Abram  E.,  who  follows  farming  near  Boone;  John  B.,  a  passenger  engi- 
neer on  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern,  living  at  Boone ;  George,  who  follows  farm- 
ing; .Mrs.  W.  M.  Wheelock,  of  Boone,  in  which  city  her  husband  engages  in 
merchandising;  and  Mrs.  Frank  Farron,  of  Long  Beach,  California.  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  Fry  became  parents  of  two  children:  H.  E.,  now  a  practicing  lawyer  of 
Boone;  and  Lillian,  the  wife  of  Warren  McMahon,  who  is  foreman  of  the  ma- 
chine department  for  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern. 

After  establishing  his  home  in  this  county  Henry  Fry  concentrated  his  ener- 
gies upon  general  agricultural  pursuits  and  became  the  owner  of  a  fine  farm  of 
one  hundred  and  sixty  acres,  which  he  brought  to  a  high  state  of  cultivation. 
His  labors  were  crowned  with  success,  for  the  practical  and  progressive  methods 
which  he  followed  in  develojjing  his  farm  resulted  in  producing  good  crops, 
for  which  he  found  a  ready  sale,  tlis  business  affairs,  too,  were  capably  man- 
aged, and  he  became  one  of  the  well-to-do  agriculturists  of  his  part  of  the  state. 
His  religious  faith  was  that  of  the  Methodist  church,  to  the  teachings  of  which 
he  was  most  loyal.  Mrs.  Fry  has  been  a  member  of  the  Methodist  church  for 
seventy  years  and  has  lived  an  earnest,  consistent  Christian  life,  winning  the 
kindly  regard  and  respect  of  all.  Four  years  have  come  and  gone  since  Henry 
Fry  passed  away,  but  he  is  yet  remembered  by  many  who  knew  him  while  he 
was  still  an  active  factor  in  the  world's  work  and  who  had  learned  to  value  his 
friendship  and  respect  him  for  his  genuine  worth  of  character. 


LOUIS  STOLE. 


It  is  not  often  that  one  finds  at  the  early  age  of  twenty-two  a  man  as  a  suc- 
cessful manager  and  owner  of  a  profitable  business,  but  such  is  the  case  in  the 
instance  of  Louis  Stoll,  a  young  business  man  of  Boone,  who  is  the  proprietor 
of  Stoll's  Bottling  Works.  He  has  not  only  built  up  a  profitable  trade  in  soft 
drinks,  such  as  high  grade  soda  waters,  ciders  and  other  temperance  beverages, 
but  has  also  an  important  wholesale  business,  jobbing  in  crushed  fruits,  concen- 
trated syrups  and  grape  juice.  He  also  handles  liquid  gas  for  bars  and  soda 
fountains  and  is  agent  for  a  sweeping  compound. 

Mr.  Stoll  was  born  December  3,  1891,  on  a  farm  in  Harrison  township, 
Boone  county,  his  parents  being  Henry  and  Catherine  (Hagge)  Stoll.  The  for- 
mer was  born  on  the  loth  of  November,  1839,  in  Mecklenburg,  Germany.     He 


670  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

received  a  public-school  education  and  assisted  with  the  farm  work  on  his  father's 
farm  until  1867,  when  he  sailed  from  Hamburg  to  New  York.  He  arrived  in 
the  eastern  metropolis  with  his  wife  and  one  child  in  the  fall  of  that  year  and 
went  direct  to  Chicago.  He  obtained  work  on  a  farm  near  Blue  Island,  Illinois, 
and  was  so  engaged  for  a  period  of  two  years,  after  which  he  assumed  the  entire 
management  of  a  farm  in  the  same  locality.  This  remained  his  home  for  seven 
years,  after  which  he  removed  to  Harrison  township,  Boone  county,  arriving  in 
1876.  He  purchased  one  hundred  and  twenty  acres  of  land,  for  which  he  paid 
nine  dollars  an  acre.  He  cultivated  this  farm  for  fifteen  years  and  then  sold  it, 
buying  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  also  in  Harrison  township.  He  remained 
upon  that  place  for  ten  years,  giving  his  attention  to  its  cultivation,  but  upon  the 
expiration  of  that  period  removed  to  Boone  because  of  failing  health.  He  at 
first  rented  his  land  but  has  since  sold  it  and  is  living  in  quiet  retirement.  He 
was  married  in  Germany  to  Miss  Sophie  Mindermann,  by  whom  he  had  two 
sons  and  two  daughters,  the  daughters  both  passing  away  in  infancy.  August 
also  died  as  an  infant  and  Carl  was  called  to  the  home  beyond  when  a  young 
man  of  twenty-six  years  and  a  resident  of  Boone  county.  Mrs.  Stoll  passed 
away  in  1877  and  Mr.  Stoll  subsequently  married  the  mother  of  our  subject, 
also  a  native  of  Germany.  Her  parents  died  in  the  fatherland  and  she  came 
to  the  new  world  with  a  brother.  Four  children  were  born  to  the  second  union : 
Elvina,  now  Mrs.  Diedrich  Mock  and  the  mother  of  four  children ;  Mathilde, 
who  married  William  Doering,  a  well  known  farmer  of  Boone  county ;  Louis, 
the  subject  of  this  review;  and  a  son  who  died  in  infancy.  The  father  is  a 
member  of  the  German  Lutheran  church,  while  his  political  allegiance  is  given 
to  the  democratic  party.  He  has  never  desired  public  office  but  has  always 
manifested  a  laudable  public  spirit,  being  willing  to  aid  in  any  worthy  project. 

The  boyhood  of  Louis  Stoll  was  passed  upon  the  father's  farm  and  in  the 
acquirement  of  his  education  he  attended  the  country  schools  and  those  of 
Boone.  He  began  his  primary  education  under  instruction  from  Miss  Sarah 
Duffy  and  completed  his  lessons  under  Professor  Jarelzke  in  Boone  at  the  age 
of  eighteen  years.  During  vacations  he  assisted  his  father  with  the  work  on 
the  farm,  but  in  1900  the  latter  and  family  came  to  Boone,  where  Mr.  Stoll 
continued  his  education,  employing  his  vacations  by  accepting  work  in  the 
bottling  works  of  Ed  Seling.  In  1907  he  became  a  regular  employe  of  the  firm 
and  in  1912  was  enabled  to  buy  out  Mr.  Seling,  becoming  the  owner  of  a  well 
established  business.  In  1913  he  began  the  erection  of  his  present  building, 
which  was  completed  in  1914.  Mr.  Stoll  has  been  most  successful  in  pursuing 
his  business  affairs,  being  buoyed  by  a  youthful  enthusiasm  which  has  helped 
him  to  overcome  many  difficulties.  His  business  judgment,  however,  is  well 
defined  and  would  be  a  credit  to  a  man  of  many  more  years.  Mr.  Stoll  is  an 
aggressive  young  man,  eager  to  make  a  success  and  win  for  himself  a  sub- 
stantial place  in  the  community.  Yet  he  is  considerate  of  the  interests  of 
others  and  in  every  possible  way  promotes  the  welfare  of  his  community.  He 
is  not  only  already  on  the  threshold  of  success  but  is  well  upon  the  way  to 
financial  independence. 

On  January  7,  1913,^1.  Stoll  married  Miss  Helen  Frank  of  Boone  county 
and  a  daughter  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  Frank.  Louis  Stoll  is  a  member  of 
the  Lutheran  church  and  his  wife  gives  her  adherence  to  the   Catholic   faith. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  671 

He  is  a  democrat  and  thoroughly  in  accord  with  the  ideas  and  aims  of  that 
party.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  StoU  reside  at  No.  1222  Marshall  street  in  Boone  and 
are  popular  among  the  younger  set  of  Boone's  society.  Both  are  esteemed  and 
appreciated  as  courteous,  pleasant-mannered,  affable  people  who  are  an  adorn- 
ment to  any  social  gathering. 


PETER  L.  HASSTEDT. 

Peter  L.  Hasstedt  has  been  very  successful  in  his  farming  operations  and 
now  derives  tribute  from  a  well  cultivated  property  of  two  hundred  and  forty 
acres,  situated  on  sections  34  and  35,  Amaqua  township.  Boone  county  has 
reason  to  be  proud  to  number  him  among  her  native  sons.  He  was  born  in  Des 
Moines  township,  February  9,  1872,  and  is  a  son  of  John  and  Geshia  (Brossie) 
Hasstedt,  who  were  natives  of  Germany.  The  father  came  to  America  in  early 
life  and  remained  for  a  time  in  New  York,  where  he  was  employed  in  a  sugar 
factory.  He  afterward  made  his  way  to  the  middle  west,  settling  in  Rock 
Island,  and  some  time  afterward  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  where  he  engaged 
in  farming.  He  purchased  land  in  Des  Moines  township,  which  he  improved 
and  cultivated,  continuing  to  carry  on  general  agricultural  pursuits  there  until 
his  death,  which  occurred  on  the  nth  of  May,  1903.  Indolence  and  idleness 
were  utterly  foreign  to  his  nature.  He  worked  persistently  and  energetically  as 
the  years  went  on,  and  the  result  of  his  labors  was  seen  in  splendidly  tilled 
fields.     He  had  long  survived  his  wife,  who  died  in  January,  1877. 

Peter  L.  Hasstedt  was  reared  and  educated  in  Des  Moines  township.  He 
was  but  five  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  mother's  death.  He  afterward  re- 
mained with  his  father  and  was  trained  in  all  of  the  work  of  the  farm,  so  that 
he  had  practical  experience  to  aid  him  when  he  started  out  in  business  life  on 
his  own  account.  On  attaining  his  majority  he  sought  employment  as  a  farm 
hand  and  spent  four  years  in  that  way.  He  afterward  worked  for  one  year  in 
the  railroad  shops  at  Boone,  but,  thinking  to  find  agricultural  life  more  con- 
genial, he  then  rented  land  in  Des  Moines  township  and  began  farming  for 
himself.  After  three  years  he  removed  to  a  place  near  Ogden,  where  he  lived 
for  a  year,  and  on  the  expiration  of  that  period  took  up  his  abode  upon  his 
present  farm  as  a  renter.  He  continued  to  lease  the  property  until  1912,  when 
he  purchased  the  place  and  is,  therefore,  today  the  owner  of  one  of  the  excellent 
farms  of  the  county,  comprising  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  34  and 
eighty  acres  on  section  35,  Amaqua  township.  He  has  wrought  many  changes 
in  the  appearance  of  his  farm  through  his  practical  methods  of  developing  the 
fields  and  also  through  the  buildings  he  has  erected  and  the  manner  in  which  he 
keeps  everything  about  the  place  in  good  repair. 

On  the  1st  of  February,  1899,  Mr.  Hasstedt  was  married  to  Miss  Annie  M. 
Hagge,  a  daughter  of  Hans  and  Catherine  ( Kuhl )  Hagge.  Mr.  and  'Mrs.  Has- 
stedt have  five  children :  John  F.,  fourteen  years  of  age ;  Minehart  H.,  aged 
thirteen;  Emil  E.,  ten  years;  Dora  C,  nine  years;  and  Josephine  G.,  a  little 
maiden  of  six  summers.  Mr.  Hasstedt  exercises  his  right  of  franchise  in  sup- 
port of  the  men  and  measures  of  the  republican  party.    He  and  his  family  attend 


672  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

the  German  Lutheran  church,  in  which  he  holds  membership.  His  has  been 
an  active  and  well  spent  life,  and  he  deserves  much  credit  for  what  he  has 
accomplished.  He  is,  indeed,  a  self-made  man  and  whatever  he  has  acliieved 
is  the  result  of  his  well  directed  labors.  He  early  recognized  the  eternal  prin- 
ciple that  industry  wins  and  industry  became  the  beacon  light  of  his  life.  He 
also  recognized  the  fact  that  ambition  tauntingly  plays  before  the  dreamer,  but 
yields  the  fruits  of  success  to  the  man  of  persistent,  earnest  purpose.  Working 
on  year  by  year  he  has  utilized  his  time  and  opportunities  to  good  advantage 
and  is  now  one  of  the  substantial  and  highly  respected  farmers  of  Amaqua 
township. 


WILLIAM  PALMER. 


Throughout  Boone  county  are  found  many  evidences  of  the  skill  and  handi- 
work of  \\'illiam  Palmer,  now  a  retired  brick  layer  and  contractor.  He  became 
connected  with  business  of  that  character  in  Boonesboro  in  1866  and  for  the 
past  thirty-five  years  has  been  in  Boone.  He  assisted  in  the  erection  of  many 
of  the  substantial  structures  here,  including  the  courthouse,  which  was  built  in 
1867.  Close  application  and  well  developed  powers  made  him  an  expert  work- 
man, and  his  allegiance  to  the  terms  of  a  contract  that  was  awarded  him  became 
proverljial. 

Mr.  Palmer  came  to  the  middle  west  from  New  England.  He  was  born  in 
Plainfield,  Windham  county,  Connecticut,  Jvuie  22,  1834,  his  parents  being  Henry 
and  Caroline  (Dorance)  Palmer,  who  continued  in  Connecticut  until  called  to 
their  final  rest.  The  father,  who  was  a  farmer  by  occupation,  died  in  the  winter 
of  1835-6.  In  the  family  were  but  two  sons,  the  brother  of  our  subject  being 
George  H.  Palmer,  who  was  born  in  1833  and  is  now  occupying  the  old  home- 
stead in  Connecticut. 

William  Palmer  left  home  at  the  age  of  seventeen  years  and  started  upon  a 
whaling  cruise,  which  left  New  London,  as  "fo'  castle  boy."  Later  he  became 
a  regular  hand  and  followed  the  sea  for  five  years.  He  was  upon  other  vessels, 
handling  timber  and  other  commodities  along  the  Atlantic  coast  and  also  engag- 
ing in  mackerel  fishing.  He  was  a  strong,  healthy  boy  and  greatly  enjoyed  his 
sailor  life.  While  a  sailor  he  was  wrecked  on  the  Bay  of  the  Holy  Cross  off  the 
coast  of  Asia,  but  managed  to  get  aboard'  another  vessel  and  was  taken  to  the 
Sandwich  islands,  where  he  remained  for  a  month  in  care  of  the  American 
consul.  He  then  shipped  on  another  vessel  to  California  and  made  his  way  back 
in  a  schooner  loaded  with  potatoes.  Then  by  another  ship  he  sailed  around 
Cape  Horn  and  eventually  returned  home.  He  finally  quit  the  sea  at  his  mother's 
request  and  made  his  way  westward  to  the  Mississippi  valley.  It  was  in  the 
year  1856  that  he  arrived  in  Marion,  Linn  county,  Iowa,  where  he  began  learning 
the  brick  layer's  trade.  In  1859  he  went  to  Denver  and  in  the  spring  of  i860 
made  his  way  to  Hannibal,  Alissouri,  where  he  was  working  at  the  time  of  the 
outbreak  of  the  Civil  war.  Mr.  Palmer  watched  with  interest  the  progress  of 
events  in  the  south  and  as  the  situation  became  more  and  more  alarming  his 
spirit  of  patriotism  grew.     In   1861  he  went  to  Muscatine,  Iowa,  where  on  the 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  673 

31st  of  August,  1861,  he  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Second  Iowa  Cavalry,  with 
which  he  remained  for  thirty-seven  months  and  three  days,  at  the  end  of  which 
time  he  was  honorably  discharged.  Although  frequently  in  the  very  center  of  a 
battle  he  was  never  injured  during  his  long  service,  managing  to  escape  un- 
harmed, though  he  often  faced  a  rain  of  rebel  lead.  He  was  made  a  corporal 
and  was  mustered  out  as  such  in  October,  1864. 

Mr.  Palmer  returned  to  Marion,  Iowa,  and  followed  farming  in  Linn  county 
for  a  year.  In  May,  1866,  he  arrived  in  Boone  county,  having  made  the  journey 
on  horseback  from  Linn  county.  From  that  time  forward  he  was  connected 
with  the  trade  of  brick  laying  either  as  employe  or  employer.  For  years  he  was 
a  partner  of  William  A.  Austin,  who  now  resides  on  a  fine  farm  at  Wildcat 
Grove  in  Linn  county.  That  partnership  existed  for  three  years,  at  the  end  of 
which  time  Mr.  Austin  returned  to  Linn  county,  after  which  Mr.  Palmer  re- 
mained alone  in  business  until  he  retired  from  active  life  about  ten  years  ago. 
In  the  meantime  he  gradually  advanced  until  he  conducted  a  most  extensive 
business  as  a  contractor.  He  assisted  not  only  in  the  building  of  the  courthouse 
in  1867  but  in  the  erection  of  many  of  the  buildings  in  the  fifth  ward  and  other 
places  in  the  city  and  county  of  Boone.  His  expert  workmanship  was  a  recog- 
nized fact  and,  moreover,  it  was  well  known  that  he  was  thoroughly  reliable  in 
all  of  his  business  dealings.  At  length,  having  acquired  a  substantial  competence 
as  the  result  of  his  years  of  close  application  and  capable  business  management, 
he  retired  and  through  the  past  decade  has  spent  his  days  in  the  enjoyment  of  a 
rest  which  he  has  truly  earned  and  richly  deserves. 

Mr.  Palmer  was  married  at  Marion,  Iowa,  in  1867,  to  Miss  Sarah  J.  Scott, 
who  was  born  in  Knox  county,  Ohio,  a  daughter  of  Hugh  N.  and  Sarah  A. 
( Madden )  Scott,  the  former  a  cabinetmaker  and  carpenter.  Her  father  came 
to  Iowa  in  1853,  settling  at  Marion,  where  he  purchased  land  and  carried  on 
general  agricultural  pursuits  until  his  death.  His  wife  passed  away  during  the 
period  of  the  Civil  war.  They  were  the  parents  of  three  children,  and  one  son 
is  now  engaged  in  farming  in  Linn  county.  Unto  -Mr.  and  Mrs.  Palmer  have 
been  born  six  children,  Boone  being  the  birthplace  of  all.  Harry  D.,  the  eldest, 
is  married,  and  is  now  conducting  a  rooming  and  boarding  house  at  Sparks, 
Nevada,  where  he  is  also  engaged  in  the  real-estate  business.  Corace  has  secured 
a  claim  at  Hereford,  Arizona,  near  the  Mexican  border,  where  he  is  now  living. 
Frances  is  the  widow  of  O.  M.  Carpenter  and  a  resident  of  Pasadena,  California. 
Nellie  is  the  wife  of  Karl  C.  Kastberg,  city  engineer  of  Boone  and  superintendent 
of  the  water  works,,  by  whom  sTie  has  one  son,  Matthew  Palmer  Kastberg.  Net- 
tie, twin  sister  of  Nellie,  is  now  in  Des  Moines.  Anna  M.  is  the  wife  of  Andrew 
Schroeder,  owner  of  a  grocery  and  meat  market  in  Boone,  and  they  have  one 
son,  William  Palmer  Schroeder. 

Mr.  Palmer  built  his  first  home  at  old  Boonesboro  and  later  erected  his  present 
fine  residence  at  No.  315  Story  street  in  Boone.  His  political  indorsement  is 
given  to  the  repul^lican  party,  and  for  one  term  he  served  as  councilman  but  has 
not  been  an  office  seeker.  He  belongs  to  W.  C.  Crooks  Post,  No.  329,  G.  A.  R., 
and  is  afliliated  with  the  Masonic  fraternity.  He  was  initiated  into  the  order  in 
Linn  county  in  1866  and  is  probably  the  oldest  member  of  Mount  Olive  Lodge, 
F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Boone.  His  three  daughters,  Mrs.  Kastberg,  Mrs.  Schroeder  and 
Miss  Nettie,  are  members  of  the  Order  of  the  Eastern  Star  and  the  first  two  are 


674  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

also  members  of  the  Progress  Club  and  other  social  organizations  and  of  the 
Women's  Christian  Temperance  Union.  The  family  attend  the  Methodist  church, 
although  Mr.  Palmer  was  reared  a  Congregationalist.  He  has  reached  the  ven- 
erable age  of  eighty  years  and  is  a  well  preserved  man  mentally  and  physically. 
His  life  history  has  presented  many  noble  phases  of  character,  which  constitute 
the  source  of  the  high  regard  in  which  he  is  uniformly  held. 


FREDERICK  JACKSON  BYINGTON. 

Ambition,  determination  and  close  application  are  the  qualities  by  which 
Frederick  Jackson  Byington  has  reached  an  important  position  in  the  railroad 
world  at  a  comparatively  early  age.  He  is  now  superintendent  of  the  western 
division  of  the  Northwestern  Railroad  Company  with  headquarters  at  Boone 
and  has  been  connected  with  that  road  for  twenty-four  years.  He  began  his 
railroad  career  as  a  messenger  boy  in  the  Northwestern  office  at  Rochelle,  Illinois. 
There  he  was  born  September  3,  1876,  his  parents  being  Albert  and  Mattie  (Bull) 
Byington.  His  paternal  grandfather  lived  in  Connecticut  and  was  a  mechanic. 
The  family  were  Puritans  and  of  English  descent.  The  father,  as  a  young  man, 
migrated  to  the  middle  west  and  was  married  in  Byron,  Illinois.  He  had  re- 
ceived a  good  common-school  education  in  Ithaca,  New  York,  and  was  on  intimate 
terms  of  friendship  with  Cornell,  the  founder  of  Cornell  University.  He  took 
up  pattern-making  in  Rochelle,  Illinois,  and  operated  one  of  the  first  iron  foun- 
dries there,  shipping  his  castings  to  Chicago,  something  which  was  not  thought 
of  in  those  days  by  other  manufacturers.  He  remained  in  that  business  for 
many  years  and  then  retired,  now  living  with  our  subject.  He  is  a  member  of 
the  Presbyterian  church,  yet  not  strictly  denominational,  forming  his  own  ideas 
in  regard  to  religious  teachings.  He  is  a  stanch  republican  and  his  views  are  in 
accord  with  the  aims  and  purposes  of  that  party.  His  wife  died  in  1881  at  the 
age  of  thirty-five  years.  To  them  were  born  the  following  children:  Glenn,  a 
contractor  of  Rochelle,  Illinois;  Dean,  who  married  Florence  Heffier  and  is  a 
manufacturer  of  brushes  in  Aurora,  Kane  county,  Illinois ;  and  Frederick  Jackson. 

The  last  named  attended  the  public  schools  of  Rochelle  until  thirteen  years 
of  age,  laying  there  a  good  general  foundation  for  his  career.  He  then  became 
a  messenger  boy  in  the  railroad  otTice  of  the  Northwestern,  learning  telegraphy 
there.  When  fourteen  years  of  age  he  was  an  operator,  being  located  in  Oak 
Park,  Cook  county,  Illinois,  for  one  year,  after  which  he  made  a  tour  through 
the  west,  southwest  and  Mexico,  acting  as  telegraph  operator  during  this  time. 
At  seventeen  he  was  made  train  despatcher  on  the  Milwaukee  division  of  the 
Northwestern,  which  responsible  position  he  filled  to  the  satisfaction  of  his 
superiors.  He  spent  three  years  there  and  was  then  transferred  to  Belle  Plaine, 
Iowa,  in  the  same  capacity.  After  a  year  he  was  removed  to  Chadron,  Nebraska, 
and  was  subsequently  stationed  at  Evanston,  Wyoming;  Pocatello,  Idaho;  North 
Platte,  Nebraska ;  Ashland,  Wisconsin ;  Oshkosh,  Wisconsin ;  and  Fond  du  Lac, 
that  state.  In  all  these  cities  he  acted  as  train  despatcher  and  came  in  that 
capacity  to  Boone  in  1902.  He  was  night  train  despatcher  and  day  chief  de- 
spatcher until  January,  1910,  when  he  was  sent  to  Baraboo,  Wisconsin,  as  assistant 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  675 

superintendent,  remaining  in  that  city  in  that  position  until  January,  191 3,  when 
he  returned  to  Boone  as  superintendent  of  the  western  division  of  the  North- 
western Railroad.  He  has  since  discharged  the  duties  of  this  very  important 
office  and  stands  high  in  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  the  directors  and  high  offi- 
cials of  the  road.  He  is  a  useful  and  trustworthy  railroad  man  and  a  public- 
spirited  citizen,  much  interested  in  the  progress  of  Boone  and  ever  ready  to  give 
his  support  to  worthy  enterprises  of  public  character. 

On  the  30th  of  July,  1902,  Mr.  Byington  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Edith  Zalesky,  the  ceremony  taking  place  at  Belle  Plaine,  Iowa.  She  is  a  daughter 
of  Joseph  and  Amelia  (Crystal)  Zalesky,  and  bore  her  husband  the  following 
children:  Frederick  Jackson,  born  February  24,  1904,  in  Boone;  and  Corinne, 
born  November  11,  1905. 

Mr.  Byington  is  a  member  of  the  Presbyterian  church  and  gives  his  moral 
and  material  support  to  that  organization.  His  political  faith  connects  him  with 
the  republican  party,  although  he  is  to  a  large  degree  independent,  particularly 
in  local  issues,  preferring  to  support  the  men  best  fitted  for  the  office  to  which 
he  aspires  regardless  of  his  party  affiliations.  Fraternally  he  belongs  to  the  blue 
lodge  of  Masons  at  Ashland,  Wisconsin,  being  a  member  of  Landmark  Lodge, 
No.  41.  He  practices  the  benevolent  principles  of  his  order  in  his  everyday  life 
and  thoroughly  believes  in  the  brotherhood  of  man.  He  is  highly  esteemed  by 
his  employes,  who  regard  him  with  respect  and  all  of  whom  consider  him  their 
friend.  Thoroughly  efficient,  trustworthy  and  faithful,  Mr.  Byington  is  an 
ideal  type  of  railroad  man  and  yet  higher  honors  may  be  prophesied  for  him 
in  the  future. 


FRANK   G.   PETERSON. 

Frank  G.  Peterson,  of  Boone,  is  one  of  that  city's  well  known  and  successful 
business  men,  being  a  member  of  the  firm  of  Hartman  &  Peterson,  wagon  manu- 
facturers and  blacksmiths.  He  was  born  in  Sweden  on  May  25,  1858,  and  is  a 
son  of  Per  Erson  and  Magdalena  (Anderson)  Peterson.  The  father  was  a 
well-to-do  farmer  in  his  native  land,  where  he  passed  away  at  the  age  of  forty- 
nine,  in  1879.  His  widow  is  still  living  there,  at  the  age  of  eighty-four.  Their 
children  were:  Per,  of  Sweden;  Andrew,  deceased;  Frank  G.,  our  subject; 
Anna,  who  is  married  and  lives  in  Sweden ;  Olaf .  a  farmer  of  California ;  Lars, 
of  Sweden ;  and  William,  an  agriculturist,  of   Madrid,  Iowa. 

Frank  G.  Peterson  attended  the  public  schools  of  his  native  land  until  sixteen 
years  of  age,  when  he  began  work,  assisting  his  father.  He  subsequently 
learned  the  blacksmith's  trade  and  came  to  America  in  1880,  when  twenty-two 
years  of  age,  sailing  from  Stockholm  to  New  York.  He  remained  for  six 
months  in  New  York  and  then  came  to  Boone,  where  he  had  friends  and  rela- 
tives. Here  he  remained  until  the  fall  of  that  year  and  then  went  to  Dayton, 
Iowa,  where  he  was  employed  at  his  trade  for  six  months.  He  then  established 
himself  independently  in  Pilot  Mound,  where  he  remained  until  his  marriage, 
after  which  he  returned  to  Boone.  From  1883  until  1891  he  held  the  position 
of  engineer  at  Reed's  flour  mill  and  then  moved  to  Madrid,  buying  an  interest 


676  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

in  the  Davis  Milling  Company.  He  continued  with  that  firm  for  a  year  and  a 
half  and  then  ran  a  general  merchandise  store  for  a  year.  In  July,  1893,  he 
returned  to  Boone  and  ran  a  blacksmith  shop  for  six  months  alone.  He  then 
formed  a  partnership  with  Theodore  Thompson,  and  for  seventeen  years  they 
operated  a  general  repair  blacksmith  shop  and  wagon  factory.  In  1912  he  estab- 
lished his  present  business  with  Perry  Hartman.  Mr.  Peterson  enjoys  a  large 
and  profitable  trade  which  is  justified  by  the  high  quality  of  the  work  turned 
out.  He  has  not  only  large  experience  in  his  line,  but  is  also  a  good  business 
man  and  is  today  numbered  among  the  substantial  citizens  of  Boone. 

On  July  25,  1883,  Frank  G.  Peterson  married  Miss  Christina  Shold  of  Day- 
ton, Iowa,  a  daughter  of  Olaf  and  Annie  Shold.  They  reside  at  No.  310  Greene 
street,  Boone,  and  there  they  often  entertain  their  many  friends.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Peterson  have  the  following  children:  Tharon  Frank,  a  graduate  mechanical 
engineer,  who  for  a  time  was  located  in  Highland  Park  and  Lansing,  Michigan, 
and  then  was  sent  to  Adelaide,  Australia,  where  he  died  of  pneumonia  in  June, 
1913;  Carl  E.,  a  farmer  in  Colorado;  and  Louise,  aged  fourteen. 

Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peterson  are  members  of  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  of 
which  he  is  a  trustee.  Politically  he  is  a  republican  and  served  as  councilman 
from  the  third  ward  for  two  terms  or  four  years.  Fraternally  he  belongs  to  the 
Modern  Woodmen.  Mr.  Peterson  is  entitled  to  great  credit  for  what  he  has 
achieved  in  life,  as  he  has  built  his  career  and  success  entirely  through  his  own 
efforts.  He  is  ever  interested  in  public  enterprises  and  more  than  ready  to  give 
material  support  to  any  good  cause. 


CARL  O.  NELSON,  M.  D.  C. 

Dr.  Carl  O.  Nelson,  of  Ogden,  Iowa,  is  not  only  very  successful  in  the  field 
of  veterinary  surgery  but  also  conducts  a  profitable  livery  business.  Dr.  Nel- 
son is  yet  a  comparatively  young  man  and  stands  but  on  the  threshold  of  a 
successful  career.  He  was  born  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  July  23,  1880,  and  is  a 
son  of  Peter  and  Mary  (Anderson)  Nelson,  natives  of  Sweden,  who  after 
crossing  the  ocean  located  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  at  an  early  day  in  that  city's 
history.  The  father  was  a  grading  contractor  and  also  gave  considerable  atten- 
tion to  farming,  following  both  occupations  to  the  end  of  his  days.  He  passed 
away  March  15,  1905,  being  survived  by  his  wife. 

Dr.  Nelson  was  reared  and  educated  in  Des  .Moines.  After  completing  his 
preliminary  education  he  entered  the  Chicago  \"eterinary  College,  from  which 
he  graduated  with  the  class  of  1908.  on  April  i  of  that  year.  Shortly  thereafter 
he  came  to  Ogden,  where  he  established  himself  in  practice.  He  has  ever  since 
been  located  in  this  city  and  has  built  up  a  large  and  profitable  patronage.  He 
is  well  versed  in  the  scientific  branches  of  veterinary  surgery  and  in  the  years 
that  have  passed  has  gained  in  experience.  Some  time  after  locating  here  Dr. 
Nelson  acquired  a  livery  barn,  which  he  is  now  conducting  and  which  is  the 
only  barn  in  Ogden.  He  buys  and  sells  horses  and  mules  and  his  judgment  of 
these  animals  is  entirely  to  be  relied  upon.     In  all  his  business  pursuits  he  has 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  677 

proven  himself  a  man  of  honorable  principles  and  in  full  measure  enjoys  the 
confidence  of  those  who  have  business  relations  with  him. 

In  March,  1910,  Dr.  Nelson  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Effie  Olson,  a 
daughter  of  Carl  and  Mary  Olson,  natives  of  Sweden,  who  were  pioneers  of 
Sac  county,  this  state.  Both  father  and  mother  are  now  living  retired  at  Odebolt, 
Iowa.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Nelson  are  popular  in  social  circles  of  Ogden.  Frater- 
nally he  is  a  member  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  gives  his 
political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party,  although  he  has  no  aspirations  for 
public  office.  He  takes  a  lively  interest  in  the  development  of  liis  section  and  is 
ever  ready  to  give  his  support  to  beneficial  measures.  Although  yet  young  in 
years,  he  owns  a  valuable  business  and  a  handsome  residence.  Along  profes- 
sional lines  he  is  connected  with  the  Iowa  and  Missouri  \'alley  \"eterinary 
Associations  and  in  exchanging  views  with  the  brethren  of  his  profession  keeps 
in  touch  with  the  latest  scientific  developments  in  veterinary  science.,  His  re- 
ligious faith  is  that  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church.  Dr.  Nelson  is  a  valuable 
citizen  of  Ogden,  who  through  his  activities  contributes  toward  the  advance- 
ment of  this  city. 


KARL  C.  KASTOERG. 


Karl  C.  Kastberg,  who  since  1903  has  filled  the  position  of  city  engineer  and 
superintendent  of  the  city  waterworks  at  Boone,  is  well  qualified  by  experience 
and  careful  training  for  the  position  which  he  now  so  acceptably  fills.  He  was 
born  at  Des  Moines,  November  28,  1874,  and  is  a  son  of  Mads  and  Wilhelmina 
(Groneman)  Kastberg,  the  former  a  native  of  Schleswig-Holstein,  then  a  part 
of  Denmark,  and  the  latter  a  native  of  Hanover,  Germany.  The  father  was  born 
on  the  15th  of  February,  1846,  and  after  spending  the  first  twenty  years  of  his 
life  on  the  European  continent,  crossed  the  Atlantic  to  the  new  world  about  1866. 
He  did  not  tarry  on  the  eastern  coast,  but  made  his  way  at  once  into  the  interior 
of  the  country,  settling  first  at  Muscatine,  Iowa.  He  afterward  removed  to 
Des  Moines,  where  he  was  engaged  in  merchandising  along  various  lines.  Later 
he  took  up  the  business  of  contracting  and  at  one  time  was  assessor  of  Des 
Moines,  in  which  city  he  still  makes  his  home.  His  wife,  who  was  born  in 
Hanover  on  the  14th  of  February,  1851,  came  to  this  country  about  the  same 
time  as  Mr.  Kastberg,  who  later  sought  and  won  her  hand  in  marriage.  They 
became  parents  of  three  children:  Karl  C. ;  Johannah,  the  wife  of  H.  P.  Hansen 
of  Cheyenne,  Wyoming;  and  Martha,  the  wife  of  the  Rev.  Horace  Martin  of 
Atchison,  Kansas. 

Spending  his  youthful  days  in  his  native  city,  Karl  C.  Kastberg  attended  the 
public  schools  and  passed  through  consecutive  grades  until  graduated  from  the 
high  school  of  East  Des  Moines  with  the  class  of  1891.  He  afterward  entered 
the  State  Agricultural  College  at  Ames,  where  he  pursued  an  engineering  course, 
studying  there  from  i8gi  until  1893.  He  afterward  secured  a  position  in  con- 
nection with  the  engineering  department  at  Des  Moines,  where  he  remained 
until  1895.  Subsequently  he  spent  about  a  year  with  the  Iowa  Central  Railroad 
at  Marshalltown  as  assistant  civil  engineer  and  later  took  up  the  study  of  en- 


678  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

gineering  at  Drake  University  in  Des  Moines,  where  he  remained  until  1897. 
He  then  reentered  the  engineering  department  in  that  city,  spending  a  year  or 
more  in  that  connection.  In  1898  he  entered  the  employ  of  the  Chicago,  Bur- 
lington &  Quincy  Railroad,  his  duties  taking  him  to  various  points  in  Nebraska, 
Wyoming  and  Montana  during  the  years  1899,  1900  and  1901,  during  which  time 
he  acted  as  civil  engineer  on  construction.  In  1902  he  accepted  the  position  of 
assistant  engineer  in  the  city  engineering  department  of  Des  Moines  and  in  1903 
he  came  to  Boone  as  city  engineer  and  superintendent  of  the  city  waterworks, 
in  which  position  he  has  now  served  eleven  years.  The  record  which  he  has 
made  in  this  office  is  one  most  acceptable  to  the  public,  for  he  is  prompt,  reliable 
and  efficient. 

On  the  26th  of  October,  1904,  Mr.  Kastberg  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Nell  Palmer  of  Boone,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Jane  (Scott)  Palmer,  who 
were  early  settlers  of  this  city.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Kastberg  have  one  child,  Mathew 
Palmer,  born  on  the  ist  of  September,  1905.  Mr.  Kastberg  is  well  known  in 
fraternal  circles,  holding  membership  with  the  Independent  Order  of  Odd  Fel- 
lows, the  Benevolent  Protective  Order  of  Elks  and  the  Masonic  fraternity,  in 
which  he  has  taken  the  degrees  of  lodge,  chapter  and  commandery.  He  is  inde- 
pendent in  politics,  voting  as  his  judgment  dictates,  and  he  has  never  sought  office 
outside  the  strict  path  of  his  profession.  As  an  engineer,  his  ability  has  in- 
creased with  the  exercise  of  effort,  and  his  experience,  thorough  training  and 
devotion  to  his  duty  have  gained  him  positions  of  responsibility. 


GEORGE  L.  STARK. 


George  L.  Stark  is  successfully  engaged  in  farming,  owning  and  cultivating 
a  tract  of  twenty-five  acres  inside  the  corporation  limits  of  Pilot  Mound.  His 
birth  occurred  in  Dodge  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa,  on  the  ist  of  August, 
1863,  his  parents  being  Ansel  and  Louisa  (Defore)  Stark,  both  of  whom  were 
natives  of  Indiana.  They  took  up  their  abode  among  the  earliest  settlers  of  this 
county,  and  Ansel  Stark  here  enlisted  for  service  in  the  Civil  war.  He  was 
killed  under  the  command  of  General  Sherman,  in  the  battle  of  Atlanta,  thus 
laying  down  his  life  on  the  altar  of  his  country.  The  mother  of  our  subject, 
who  married  a  second  time,  still  resides  in  Boone  and  is  the  widow  of  George 
E.  Jones. 

George  L.  Stark  was  reared  and  educated  in  this  county,  attending  the  district 
schools  and  also  the  Boone  public  schools.  He  remained  with  his  mother  until 
he  had  attained  his  majority  and  then  came  to  Pilot  Mound  to  learn  the  barber's 
trade,  subsequently  conducting  a  barber  shop  here  for  twenty-three  years.  On 
the  expiration  of  that  period  he  removed  to  South  Dakota  and  drew  a  claim  in 
the  Rosebud  drawing,  engaging  in  farming  in  that  state  for  one  year.  After 
disposing  of  the  property  he  returned  to  Pilot  Mound,  Iowa,  and  purchased 
twenty-five  acres  of  land  inside  the  corporation  limits  of  the  town  which  he  has 
cultivated  with  excellent  results  to  the  present  time,  being  widely  recognized  as 
one  of  the  substantial  and  representative  citizens  of  the  community. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  679 

In  July,  1892,  Mr.  Stark  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Margaret  McKinley, 
a  distant  relative  of  William  McKinley  and  a  daughter  of  Samuel  and  Caroline 
(Bullock)  McKinley,  who  were  natives  of  Kentucky  and  Missouri  respectively. 
They  became  pioneer  settlers  of  Jackson  county,  Iowa,  and  are  both  now  de- 
ceased. Mr.  and  Mrs.  Stark  have  one  child,  Hazel,  who  is  twenty  years  of  age 
and  is  the  wife  of  Grover  Craven,  an  agriculturist  of  Pilot  Mound  township. 

Mr.  Stark  is  a  republican  in  politics  and  has  served  on  the  town  council  and 
also  in  the  capacity  of  justice  of  the  peace,  making  a  highly  commendable  record 
in  both  connections.  He  is  a  charter  member  of  the  local  lodge  of  the  Inde- 
pendent Order  of  Odd  Fellows  and  is  likewise  connected  with  the  Yeomen.  His 
religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Baptist  church.  He  has  spent  practically  his  entire 
life  in  Boone  county  and  has  long  been  numbered  among  its  respected,  enter- 
prising and  prosperous  citizens. 


CHARLES  A.  WHEELER. 

There  are  many  representatives  of  railway  interests  in  Boone,  which  is  a 
division  point  on  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern.  This  company  Charles  A.  Wheeler 
now  represents  as  passenger  engineer.  He  has  been  in  its  service  for  the  past 
thirty-eight  years,  or  since  1876,  entering  railway  circles  as  a  brakesman,  while 
subsequently  he  was  advanced,  having  for  the  past  thirty  years  been  in  the 
engineeping  department.  Illinois  numbers  him  among  her  native  sons,  his  birth 
having  occurred  in  Oregon,  Ogle  county,  on  the  21st  of  (October,  1856.  He  is  a 
son  of  Silas  F.  and  Athelia  (Mathewson)  Wheeler,  both  of  whom  were  natives 
of  Wheelock,  Vermont,  where  they  were  reared  and  married.  In  the  early  '50s 
they  removed  westward  to  Illinois  and  the  father,  who  was  a  photographer  by 
profession,  conducted  a  studio  at  Rochelle  for  a  number  of  years,  there  residing 
until  1862,  when  he  removed  to  Lyons,  Clinton  county,  Iowa.  At  that  place  he 
made  his  home  until  he  returned  to  \'ermont,  in  which  state  his  wife  died  on  the 
25th  of  April.  1873,  when  forty-two  years  of  age.  The  father  afterward  came 
to  Iowa  and  passed  away  in  Toledo,  this  state,  in  1895,  at  the  age  of  sixty-three 
years.  The  greater  part  of  his  life  was  devoted  to  photography.  Mrs.  Wheeler 
was  a  member  of  the  Freew-ill  Baptist  church. 

In  the  family  were  seven  children,  of  whom  three  sons  reached  adult  age, 
the  brothers  of  Charles  A.  Wheeler  being  Orley  T.  and  Merton  A.,  both  of  whom 
became  firemen  on  the  Chicago  &  Northwestern  Railroad  and  died  at  Boone  in 
early  manhood.  Charles  A.  Wheeler  spent  his  boyhood  days  in  the  Green  Moun- 
tain state  and  attended  school  at  Omaha  and  other  points,  but  his  educational 
opportunities  were  somewhat  limited,  for  he  was  the  oldest  in  the  family  and 
began  to  work  when  quite  young,  since  which  time  he  has  been  dependent  entirely 
upon  his  own  resources,  so  that  whatever  success  he  has  achieved  is  the  merited 
reward  of  his  labor.  For  some  years  he  worked  upon  a  farm  in  the  east  and 
then  turned  his  attention  to  railroading  in  1876.  He  has  since  followed  that 
pursuit  and  after  working  for  some  time  as  a  brakesman  he  became  a  fireman 
and  later  was  promoted  to  the  position  of  engineer,  in  which  capacity  he  has 
served  for  thirty  years,  acting  as  engineer  in  passenger  service  for  fifteen  years. 


680  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Throughout  this  entire  time  there  has  been  no  accident  occasioned  through  any 
fault  or  negHgence  on  his  part. 

In  1878  Mr.  Wheeler  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Mary  Windett,  who 
died  in  1890,  leaving  a  daughter,  Mary  A.,  who  is  now  the  wife  of  Graham  Ray 
of  Berkeley,  California.  For  his  second  wife  Mr.  Wheeler  chose  Bertha  Kail, 
whom  he  wedded  in  1892,  and  they  have  become  parents  of  two  children,  Charles 
and  Lois,  both  of  whom  are  in  school.  Mrs.  Wheeler  was  born  in  Wayne 
county,  Iowa,  but  in  young  womanhood  came  with  her  parents  to  Boone,  where 
she  has  since  made  her  home.  She  belongs  to  the  Methodist  Episcopal  church, 
and  the  family  attend  its  services.  Politically  Mr.  Wheeler  is  a  progressive 
republican.  He  cast  his  first  presidential  vote  for  James  G.  Blaine  in  1884  and 
gave  stalwart  support  to  the  party  until,  believing  that  the  progressive  movement 
was  a  step  in  advance,  he  became  identified  therewith.  He  belongs  to  the  Brother- 
hood of  Locomotive  Engineers  and  is  the  present  secretary  and  treasurer  of  the 
local  organization.  He  is  identified  with  both  the  subordinate  lodge  and  the 
Uniform  Rank  of  the  Knights  of  Pythias,  and  his  wife  is  a  member  of  the  ladies' 
auxiliary  of  the  Brotherhood  of  Locomotive  Engineers  and  also  of  the  Pythian 
Sisters.  In  these  organizations  both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wheeler  have  gained  many 
warm  friends. 


EMORY  P.  WELLS. 


After  years  of  careful  study  along  electrical  lines  and  several  years  of  most 
interesting  service  as  wireless  operator  in  the  United  States  navy,  Emory  P.  Wells 
is  now  manager  of  the  Iowa  Light  &  Power  Company  branch  at  Woodward, 
and  is  also  at  the  head  of  the  Woodward  Electrical  Supply  Company,  of  which 
he  is  the  proprietor.  His  expert  knowledge  in  this  line  of  business  and  his 
executive  ability  are  the  most  important  factors  in  his  success. 

He  was  born  in  Madrid,  Iowa,  February  19,  1886,  and  is  a  son  of  Charles 
Eugene  and  Alice  A.  (Williams)  Wells,  their  other  children  being  Vaughn  H., 
who  was  born  March  4,  1889,  and  lives  in  Woodward;  and  Gail,  who  was  born 
June  25,  1895,  ^"d  is  attending  school  in  Washington,  D.  C.  The  mother  was 
born  December  i,  1866,  and  died  in  Madrid,  July  19,  1897.  Her  parents  were 
Benjamin  and  Elizabeth  Williams,  of  whom  extended  mention  is  made  in  another 
part  of  this  work.  When  our  subject  was  seven  years  of  age  the  parents,  who 
were  married  in  1884,  removed  to  Boone,  Iowa,  where  they  remained  until 
1896.  when,  upon  his  mother  becoming  an  invalid,  he  and  his  two  brothers  were 
taken  into  the  home  of  their  grandmother,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Williams,  of  Madrid. 
Charles  E.  Wells,  the  father,  was  born  in  Chicago,  Illinois,  October  31,  1861, 
and  belongs  to  an  old  Pennsylvania  family.  He  organized  the  first  telephone 
company  of  Boone  county  and  has  been  engaged  in  organizing  enterprises  of 
this  sort  in  dififerent  parts  of  the  United  States,  particularly  in  Kansas  and 
Texas.  At  present  he  is  president  of  the  Hillsboro  Telephone  Company  of  Hills- 
boro,  Oregon. 

Emory  P.  \\'ells  attended  the  public  schools  of  liooiie  and  Madrid  and  June  8, 
1908,  when  twenty-two  years  of  age,  took  the  examination  for  a  position  in  the 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  683 

United  States  navy,  passing  the  rigid  standards  which  are  demanded  in  order  to 
join  this  splendid  organization  of  men.  He  was  sent  from  Kansas  City,  Missouri, 
to  the  Naval  Electrical  College  of  New  York  city  and,  completing  his  work  there, 
was  at  once  detailed  at  Annapolis,  .Maryland,  for  instruction  in  wireless  teleg- 
raphy. After  finishing  his  work  he  went  on  active  duty  in  charge  of  the  wireless 
on  the  U.  S.  S.  Chicago.  After  completing  the  detail  on  the  Chicago  he  was  as- 
signed under  general  orders  to  the  navy  yard  at  Norfolk,  Virginia,  awaiting  orders 
to  be  transferred  to  the  United  States  armored  cruiser,  Montana,  Fifth  Division, 
United  States  Atlantic  Fleet.  Shortly  after  going  aboard  the  Montana,  the 
cruiser  sailed  from  Hampton  Roads  for  the  West  Indies  and  South  American 
ports.  May  5,  1910.  They  arrived  in  Havana,  May  11,  1910,  and  anchored 
beside  the  wreck  of  the  old  Maine.  Continuing  southward,  they  touched  at 
St.  Thomas,  Danish  West  Indies,  where  a  large  supply  of  bay  rum  was  taken 
aboard.  Mr.  Wells  visited  all  of  the  places  of  historical  interest  in  the  Danish 
West  Indies,  including  the  castle  of  the  famous  pirate,  Bluebeard.  From 
St.  Thomas  they  sailed  for  Port  of  Spain  in  order  to  coal  and  on  the  28th  of 
May  passed  into  the  equatorial  dominion  of  Neptune  Rex,  where  the  initiatorial 
degree  was  conferred  on  all  the  landlubbers  who  crossed  the  equator  for  the  first 
time.  Six  hundred  joined  the  fraternity  at  this  occasion.  Mr.  Wells  has  written 
a  description  of  this  mysterious  initiation,  recounting  in  detail  the  work  which 
all  seamen  have  to  undergo  in  order  to  be  initiated  into  tTie  Royal  Domain  and 
Mysteries  of  the  Deep.  Major  General  Leonard  Wood  was  on  board  the 
Montana  from  Hampton  Roads  as  a  special  ambassador  of  the  United  States  to 
the  Argentine  Republic,  where  an  international  celebration  was  held  in  Buenos 
Aires.  Every  nation  was  represented  at  this  celebration.  There  an  international 
boat  race  took  place,  in  which  the  little  brown  men  from  Japan  were  the  victors. 
On  leaving  that  beautiful  city  the  Montana  stopped  at  Rio  de  Janeiro  for  a  few 
days,  and  shore  parties  were  made  up,  including  Mr.  Wells,  who  visited  all  the 
interesting  places  in  the  neighborhood  of  that  most  beautiful  harbor  of  the 
world.  The  cruiser  then  returned  to  Hampton  Roads,  where  stores  were  taken 
aboard,  and  they  then  proceded  to  Newport,  Rhode  Island,  on  an  official  trip. 
On  September  9th  the  Montana  was  made  the  flagship  of  the  squadron  and 
proceeded  to  Provincetown,  Massachusetts,  to  participate  in  torpedo  practice. 
Thence  they  sailed  to  Portsmouth,  New  Hampshire,  where  the  ship  went  into 
dock  on  November  ist.  At  this  time  presidential  orders  were  received  for  a 
high-speed  trip  to  Panama  in  order  to  convey  William  Howard  Taft  to  the  canal 
zone.  Leaving  Portsmouth  November  i,  they  proceeded  to  Charlestown,  North 
Carolina,  where  on  the  7th  the  president  of  the  United  States  embarked,  and 
soon  the  Montana  stood  to  the  south  at  an  eighteen  knot  clip.  The  ship  docked 
at  Colon  on  November  14th  and  on  the  17th  the  president  reembarked  after 
having  transacted  official  business  with  Colonel  Goethals,  the  famous  engineer 
of  the  canal.  In  a  few  days  Portsmouth  navy  yard  was  reached  and  the  ship 
was  laid  up  for  repairs  for  a  little  while.  They  subsequently  made  a  number 
of  trips  in  order  to  participate  in  the  target  practice  which  was  held  on  southern 
dueling  grounds.  The  Montana  later  participated  in  the  Hudson  Fulton  celebra- 
tion in  New  York  and  then  went  to  Bar  Harbor,  Maine,  for  admiral's  inspection, 
J.  Pierpont  Morgan  being  a  distinguished  guest.  In  his  many  subsequent  trips 
Mr.  Wells  visited  all  the  seaports  along  the  Atlantic  coast,  numerous  ports  in 


684  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Asia  and  all  along  the  Mediterranean,  and  in  shore  parties  saw  many  places  of 
historical  interest.  For  seven  months  he  was  assigned  to  general  detail  at  Ports- 
mouth and  then  was  transferred  to  the  Philadelphia  navy  yard,  leaving  New 
York,  June  8,  1912.  In  that  port  he  took  a  steamer  for  Galveston,  Texas,  in 
order  to  pay  a  visit  to  his  father  and  brothers. 

After  remaining  there  for  three  months  Mr.  Wells  and  a  brother  came  to 
Madrid,  Iowa,  and  he  then  assumed  the  duties  of  manager  of  the  Iowa  Light 
&  Power  Company  branch  at  Woodward,  which  important  position  he  has  since 
filled.  His  naval  training,  his  experience  along  electrical  lines  and  the  general 
knowledge  that  comes  from  travel  make  him  a  most  efficient  manager.  He  is 
also  proprietor  of  the  Woodward  Electrical  Supply  Company,  a  business  which 
has  been  in  existence  since  October  19,  1912.  Mr.  Wells  is  very  popular  and 
greatly  liked  by  all  who  know  him  for  his  open-heartedness,  his  kindness,  his 
modesty  and  also  the  determination  with  which  he  undertakes  any  enterprise 
upon  which  he  centers  his  attention. 

Mr.  Wells  is  a  member  of  the  Iowa  State  Contractors  Association  and  of 
the  International  Brotherhood  of  Electrical  Workers.  Fraternally  he  belongs 
to  Peaceful  Lodge,  No.  454,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Woodward.  He  takes  a  great 
interest  in  the  growth  and  advancement  of  his  city  and  county  and  is  ever  ready 
to  support  valuable  public  enterprises,  to  which  he  contributes  materially  and 
which  he  helps  along  with  an  enthusiasm  that  stamps  him  a  patriotic  and  public- 
spirited  citizen. 


GEORGE  H.  REUTTER. 

One  of  the  more  successful  among  the  younger  representatives  of  agricul- 
tural interests  in  Boone  county  is  George  H.  Reutter,  who  owns  and  operates  a 
valuable  farm  of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  25,  Grant  township. 
He  was  born  in  that  township  on  the  i8th  of  December,  1884,  a  son  of  Jacob 
and  Hannah  (Metzger)  Reutter,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Wurtemberg, 
Germany.  They  emigrated  to  America  in  1866,  locating  in  Henry  county,  Illi- 
nois, where  the  father  was  engaged  in  farming  for  five  years.  At  the  end  of  that 
time  he  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa,  purchasing  and  improving  a  tract  of  land 
in  Grant  township  and  being  busily  engaged  in  its  cultivation  throughout  the 
remainder  of  his  active  business  career.  He  spent  his  declining  years  in  well 
earned  ease,  making  several  trips  to  Germany  and  residing  in  California  during 
the  winter  seasons.  His  demise  occurred  in  September,  1910,  while  his  wife 
passed  away  in  April,  1905. 

George  H.  Reutter  was  reared  and  educated  in  the  place  of  his  nativity  and 
when  fifteen  years  of  age  began  working  as  a  farm  hand,  being  thus  engaged  for 
four  years.  Subsequently  he  devoted  his  attention  to  the  cultivation  of  rented 
land  for  five  years  and  on  the  expiration  of  that  period  purchased  the  old  home- 
stead of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  25,  Grant  township,  the  operation 
of  which  has  claimed  his  time  and  energies  continuously  since.  Success  has 
rewarded  his   well   directed   efforts,  and   he   is  today   in   control   of  a   valuable 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  685 

property  which  reflects  everywhere  the  care  and  supervision  he  bestows  upon  it. 
He  is  also  a  stockholder  in  the  Boxholm  Hall  Association. 

On  the  2d  of  May,  1906,  Mr.  Reutter  was  joined  in  wedlock  to  Miss  Hannah 
Johnson,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Christina  (Carlson)  Johnson,  both  of 
whom  were  natives  of  Sweden.  They  emigrated  to  the  United  States  and  located 
in  Boone  county  in  an  early  day,  the  father  devoting  his  attention  to  agricultural 
pursuits  in  Amaqua  township  during  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  passed  away 
in  1909,  and  the  demise  of  the  mother  occurred  the  following  year.  Unto  Mr. 
and  Mrs.  Reutter  have  been  born  four  children,  namely:  Donald  L.,  who  is 
seven  years  old ;  Leota  H.  and  Delora  E.,  who  are  five  and  three  years  of  age 
respectively ;  and  George  Delmer,  one  year  old.  Mr.  Reutter  gives  his  political 
allegiance  to  the  republican  party,  while  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Evan- 
gelical Association.  He  occupies  an  enviable  position  in  the  esteem  of  his 
neighbors  and  friends  and  is  widely  known  throughout  the  community  in  which 
his  entire  life  has  been  spent. 


CARL  LUND. 

Carl  Lund,  a  representative  and  prosperous  citizen  of  Ogden,  has  until  re- 
cently been  a  factor  in  journalistic  circles  as  editor  of  the  Ogden  Reporter,  which 
he  published  in  association  with  Edgar  R.  Williams.  His  birth  occurred  in 
Copenhagen,  Denmark,  on  the  i6th  of  December,  1873,  his  parents  being  Fred 
and  Matilda  Lund,  likewise  natives  of  that  country.  The  father,  a  police  officer 
of  Denmark,  died  in  his  native  land  in  1894,  but  the  mother  still  survives  and 
resides  there.    , 

Carl  Lund  spent  the  first  sixteen  years  of  his  life  in  Denmark  and  after 
crossing  the  Atlantic  to  the  United  States  continued  his  education  by  attending 
school  at  Forest  City,  Winnebago  county,  Iowa,  for  one  year.  There  he  worked 
for  an  uncle  for  two  years  and  on  the  expiration  of  that  period  came  to  Boone 
county,  being  here  also  employed  as  a  farm  hand  for  two  years.  Subsequently 
he  came  to  Ogden  and  learned  the  printer's  trade,  remaining  in  the  service  of 
the  owner  of  the  Ogden  Reporter  for  a  period  of  twelve  years.  At  the  end  of 
that  time  he  and  Edgar  R.  Williams  purchased  the  paper  and  thereafter  remained 
associated  in  its  publication  until  they  sold  out  on  the  2d  of  February,  1914. 
Under  their  joint  editorship  the  sheet  had  a  large  subscription  and  advertising 
patronage  and  maintained  its  prestige  as  a  leading  publication  of  the  community. 

Mr.  Lund  has  been  twice  married.  In  June,  1894,  he  wedded  Miss  Emma 
Jones,  a  daughter  of  Mathias  and  Anna  Jones,  who  were  pioneer  settlers  of 
Boone  county  and  have  passed  away.  The  child  of  this  marriage,  Anna  Marie, 
died  in  August.  1913,  at  the  age  of  eighteen  years,  after  but  one  day's  illness. 
The  mother  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  May,  1901,  death  terminating  a  long 
illness.  In  November,  1904,  Mr.  Lund  was  again  married,  his  second  union  being 
with  Miss  Anna  Wilson,  a  daughter  of  John  and  Octavia  Wilson,  who  were  like- 
wise pioneer  settlers  of  this  county.  John  Wilson,  well  known  as  a  horseman, 
passed  away  on  the  9th  of  June,  1913,  but  his  wife  is  still  living  here.  Unto 
Carl  and  Anna  (Wilson)  Lund  has  been  born  a  son,  Boyd,  who  is  nine  years  of 


686  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

age.  Mr.  Lund  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party,  while  his 
religious  faith  is  indicated  by  his  membership  in  the  Danish  Lutheran  church. 
He  is  one  of  the  valued  citizens  of  Ogden  and  is  a  man  held  in  high  esteem  by 
all  who  know  him. 


ANDREW  M.  SUNDBERG. 
\ 

Andrew  M.  Sundberg  has  been  successfully  engaged  in  the  furniture  and 
undertaking  business  at  Madrid  for  nearly  a  third  of  a  century  and  is  the  pro- 
prietor of  one  of  the  largest  and  best  establishments  of  the  kind  in  the  county. 
His  birth  occurred  in  Sweden  on  the  25th  of  August,  1859,  his  parents  being 
J.  H.  and  Anna  L.  (Peterson)  Sundberg,  likewise  natives  of  that  country.  The 
father  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  1870,  and  the  following  year  his  wife  and 
children  joined  him  in  the  new  world.  The  family  home  was  maintained  in 
Chicago,  Illinois,  until  the  fall  of  1878,  when  they  came  to  Boone  county,  Iowa, 
locating  at  Madrid,  where  J.  H.  Sundberg  passed  away  on  the  9th  of  April,  1908, 
while  his  wife  was  called  to  her  final  rest  on  the  20th  of  August,  1891.  They 
were  the  parents  of  five  children,  as  follows:  Andrew  M.,  of  this  review;  Mrs. 
Matilda  Lundahl,  who  is  a  resident  of  Madrid,  Iowa ;  Oscar,  also  living  in  Mad- 
rid ;  Samuel,  who  makes  his  home  in  Garden  township ;  and  Anna,  living  in 
Madrid.  The  three  eldest  children  are  natives  of  Sweden  and  the  two  younger 
were  born  in  Chicago. 

Andrew  M.  Sundberg.  who  was  a  youth  of  twelve  when  he  came  with  his 
mother  to  America,  had  begun  his  education  in  the  common  schools  of  his  native 
land,  but  continued  his  studies  in  Chicago.  Since  the  fall  of  187S  he  has  resided 
continuously  in  Madrid,  Iowa.  In  1882,  when  a  young  man  of  twenty-three  years, 
he  embarked  in  the  furniture  and  undertaking  business  and  has  conducted  an 
establishment  of  that  character  to  the  present  time,  now  carrying  one  of  the  most 
extensive  and  carefully  selected  stocks  to  be  found  in  Boone  county.  He  also 
handles  carpets,  rugs  and  linoleums  and  is  accorded  a  liberal  patronage  that  is 
well  merited  and  brings  him  a  gratifying  financial  income.  Mr.  Sundberg  owns 
his  stock  and  the  building  in  which  his  business  is  conducted,  this  being  one  of 
the  best  business  structures  in  Madrid.  He  likewise  has  personal  property  else- 
where in  the  city,  is  a  shareholder  and  director  of  the  Madrid  State  Bank  and 
also  owns  a  modern  home  in  Madrid.  He  has  accumulated  a  competency  by  dint 
of  untiring  industry  and  unfaltering  perseverance  and  is  highly  respected  as  a 
self-made  man  whose  success  is  the  legitimate  reward  of  his  own  efTorts. 

On  the  22d  of  May,  1884,  in  Madrid,  Iowa,  Mr.  Sundberg  was  united  in  mar- 
riage to  Miss  Caroline  Dalander,  who  was  born  in  that  city  on  the  i8th  of  October, 
1861,  her  parents  being  Eric  and  Eva  E.  (Swanson)  Dalander.  The  father  was 
born  in  Sweden  in  1814,  while  the  mother's  birth  occurred  in  that  country  in  1836. 
Eric  Dalander  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  1846  and  made  his  way  directly 
to  what  is  now  Madrid,  Boone  county,  Iowa,  entering  the  land  where  the  city 
now  stands.  He  and  his  wife  were  the  earliest  settlers  of  Madrid,  the  latter  mak- 
ing the  first  transfer  of  real  estate  in  Boone  county.  The  deed  is  in  possession 
of  the  Madrid  Historical  Society.     Mr.  Dalander  engaged  in  the  milling  business 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  687 

in  Madrid,  operating  the  first  steam  mill  at  this  place.  His  demise  occurred  here 
on  the  29th  of  January,  1893,  but  his  widow  survives  and  yet  makes  her  home  in 
Madrid.  He  was  twice  married  and  by  his  first  wife  had  one  son,  John,  who  is 
a  resident  of  Kansas.  By  his  second  marriage  he  had  the  following  children : 
Mrs.  Annie  E.  Nelson,  living  in  Madrid,  Iowa ;  .Mrs.  Clara  Jacobson,  who  is  de- 
ceased; Mrs.  Caroline  Sundberg;  E.  P.,  who  was  born  on  the  loth  of  July,  1864, 
and  now  serves  as  postmaster  of  Madrid ;  S.  A.,  a  druggist  of  Madrid ;  Dr.  C.  A., 
who  was  born  on  the  nth  of  July,  1869,  and  died  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa,  April  12, 
1906;  Z.  W.,  born  January  20,  1872,  who  resides  in  Madrid,  this  state;  Minnie  M., 
who  was  born  on  the  19th  of  January,  1876,  and  makes  her  home  with  her  mother 
in  Madrid;  and  Clara,  who  died  in  infancy.  Mrs.  Sundberg  attended  the  com- 
mon schools  in  the  acquirement  of  an  education  and  has  always  remained  a 
resident  of  this  county.  By  her  marriage  she  has  become  the  mother  of  five 
children,  namely:  Joseph  Edwin,  who  was  born  July  12,  1885,  and  assists  his 
father  in  the  furniture  business  in  Madrid;  Mrs.  Ellen  Pearson,  residing  in  Mad- 
rid, whose  natal  day  was  June  29,  1887;  twin  daughters  who  were  born  on  the 
5th  of  December,  1890,  and  have  passed  away;  and  Esther,  who  was  born  Sep- 
tember 12,  1893,  and  is  attending  Drake  University  at  Des  Moines.  These 
children  were  born  and  reared  in  Madrid  and  completed  the  course  of  study  in 
the  city  schools. 

Mr.  Sundberg  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party  and  has 
served  as  a  member  of  the  town  council  for  fifteen  years,  while  for  the  past  twenty 
years  he  has  acted  as  secretary  of  the  school  board.  His  religious  faith  is  indi- 
cated by  his  membership  in  St.  John's  Lutheran  church  of  Madrid,  to  which  his 
wife  also  belongs.  His  life  in  all  of  its  phases  has  commanded  the  respect  and 
confidence  of  his  fellowmen,  and  he  now  ranks  high  among  the  prominent  and 
valued  citizens  of  Madrid  and  Boone  county. 


SAMUEL   PETERSON. 

Samuel  Peterson  is  a  man  worthy  of  high  regard  among  his  fellow  citizens  and 
in  Boone  county,  where  he  makes  his  home,  he  has  a  large  circle  of  warm  friends. 
His  life  record  proves  what  may  be  accomplished  when  energy  and  determination 
lead  the  way.  He  was  born  in  Sweden,  March  3,  1864,  and  his  parents,  M.  M. 
and  Maria  Christina  Peterson,  were  also  natives  of  that  land.  At  length,  thinking 
to  have  better  opportunities  in  the  new  world,  they  sailed  for  the  United  States 
and  established  their  home  at  Swedesburg,  Henry  county,  Iowa,  where  the  father 
followed  blacksmithing  for  a  number  of  years.  On  the  expiration  of  that  period 
the  family  came  to  Boone  county,  settling  in  Garden  township.  They  were  among 
the  early  families  in  this  part  of  the  state  and  with  the  work  of  agricultural  prog- 
ress have  been  closely  associated.  In  the  family  were  five  children:  Airs.  Peter 
Harleen,  now  living  in  Garden  township;  A.  F.,  of  the  same  township;  Gustav 
who  makes  his  home  in  Des  Moines,  Iowa ;  Samuel,  of  this  review ;  and  C.  T.  who 
is  living  in  Garden  township.  All  were  born  in  Sweden,  but  were  reared  in  Iowa 
the  family  having  come  to  Boone  county  in  1884. 


688  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Samuel  Peterson  was  less  than  three  years  old  when  the  family  arrived  on 
this  side  the  Atlantic,  so  that  he  was  reared  in  Iowa.  His  parents  as  pioneer 
settlers  took  active  part  in  the  work  of  general  improvement  and  development, 
and  as  a  result  of  his  labors  Mr.  Peterson  converted  a  wild  tract  of  land  into  a 
good  farm.  As  his  age  and  strength  increased  Samuel  Peterson  assisted  his  father 
more  and  more  largely  in  the  work  of  the  fields.  Throughout  the  period  of  his 
youth  he  attended  the  public  schools  in  the  winter  seasons  and  in  the  summer 
months  aided  in  the  plowing,  planting  and  harvesting.  He  has  never  sought  to 
change  his  occupation,  finding  this  a  congenial  pursuit,  and  he  is  now  the  owner 
of  one  hundred  and  sixty  acres  of  choice  land  in  Garden  township,  comprising 
forty  acres  of  the  old  home  place.  He  has  brought  his  fields  to  a  high  state  of 
cultivation,  and  the  farm  is  well  improved.  In  addition  to  raising  the  cereals 
best  adapted  to  soil  and  climate  he  gives  considerable  attention  to  live  stock, 
keeping  on  hand  only  high  grade  animals.  He  makes  a  specialty  of  Hereford 
cattle  and  for  them  finds  a  ready  sale.  In  all  of  his  business  afl:airs  he  is  thor- 
oughly reliable  as  well  as  enterprising,  and  his  energy  and  determination  have 
constituted  the  basis  upon  which  has  been  built  his  growing  success. 

Mr.  Peterson  is  a  public-spirited  man  and  desires  to  assist  in  any  worthy  enter- 
prise that  promises  to  benefit  the  community.  He  has  traveled  extensively  and 
is  today  well  read,  continually  broadening  his  knowledge  through  travel  and 
experience.  His  political  support  is  given  to  the  republican  party,  and  he  keeps 
well  versed  on  leading  questions  and  issues  of  the  day.  His  is  an  attractive,  well 
furnished  home,  and  the  position  which  he  occupies  in  public  regard  is  the  result 
of  an  upright  life,  in  which  he  has  ever  paid  due  regard  to  the  rights  and  privileges 
of  others. 


HENRY  HAGGE. 


Henry  Hagge  is  the  owner  of  an  excellent  farm  of  one  hundred  and  fifty- 
four  acres  on  section  19,  Yell  township,  and  has  continuously  resided  thereon 
from  his  birth  to  the  present  time.  He  was  born  in  August,  1S75,  a  son  of  Hans 
and  Catherina  (Keuhl)  Hagge,  more  extended  mention  of  whom  is  made  on  an- 
other page  of  this  work  in  connection  with  the  sketch  of  H.  J.  Hagge,  brother  of 
our  subject. 

Henry  Hagge  attended  the  district  schools  in  the  acquirement  of  an  education 
and  was  reared  to  manhood  on  the  home  farm.  He  was  married  when  in  his 
thirty-fifth  year,  and  his  father  then  left  the  farm  to  take  up  his  abode  in  Ogden. 
A  year  later  Henry  Hagge  purchased  the  home  place,  comprising  one  hundred 
and  fifty-four  acres  on  section  19,  Yell  township,  which  has  since  remained  in 
his  possession  and  which  he  has  operated  with  good  success.  It  is  a  valuable  and 
productive  tract,  equipped  with  modern  conveniences  and  improvements,  and  its 
attractive  appearance  indicates  his  careful  supervision  and  practical  methods. 

In  January,  1910,  Mr.  Hagge  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Martha  Mark- 
man,  a  daughter  of  William  and  Minnie  Markman,  who  are  natives  of  Germany 
and  emigrated  to  the  United  States  in  1883.  The  father,  a  miller  by  trade,  first 
devoted  his  attention  to  agricultural  pursuits  in  Kansas  and  later  in  Nebraska. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  689 

Both  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Markman  are  now  living  retired  in  Boone.     Our  subject  and 
his  wife  have  one  child,  Louise,  who  is  three  years  of  age. 

Mr.  Hagge  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  democracy,  believing  firmly  in 
the  principles  of  that  party.  His  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  German  Lutheran 
church.  He  has  won  many  friends  in  the  community  where  his  entire  life  has 
been  spent  and  is  widely  recognized  as  a  prosperous  agriculturist  and  representa- 
tive citizen. 


D.  B.  VERNON. 


D.  B.  Vernon  has  followed  farming  and  stock-raising  throughout  the  greater 
part  of  his  life  and  is  now  living  upon  an  excellent  tract  of  land  in  Dallas  county. 
He  has  always  lived  in  this  part  of  the  state  and  was  born  in  Cass  township,  Boone 
county,  July  7,  1858.  His  father,  Jesse  Garwood  Vernon,  was  a  native  of  Fayette 
county,  Pennsylvania,  and  died  at  Ogden,  Iowa.  His  wife,  who  bore  the  maiden 
name  of  Melvina  Peoples,  w  as  also  born  in  the  Keystone  state  and  died  at  Ogden. 
Both  represented  pioneer  families  of  Boone  county  and  the  mother's  maiden  name 
was  used  in  the  christening  of  Peoples  township.  Conditions  of  pioneer  life  were 
to  be  seen  on  every  hand  during  the  boyhood  of  D.  B.  \'ernon,  and  he  can  recall 
vividly  the  killing  of  a  bultalo  near  Woodward,  as  well  as  running  with  his  grand- 
father Peoples  to  a  high  ridge  from  which  he  could  see  a  herd  of  sixteen  buffalo 
which  were  swiftly  passing  over  the  prairie.  There  were  five  children  in  the 
Vernon  family,  as  follows:  Mrs.  Anna  May  Donaldson,  deceased;  Eva,  who  died 
at  the  age  of  sixteen  years;  D.  B.,  of  this  review;  Mrs.  Delia  Howe,  whose  home 
is  in  Boone;  and  Myra,  who  died  at  the  age  of  nine  years. 

Having  arrived  at  years  of  maturity,  D.  B.  Vernon  was  united  in  marriage  in 
this  township  to  Miss  Clara  Smith,  who  was  born  near  Sycamore,  DeKalb  county, 
Illinois,  December  18,  i860,  and  came  with  her  parents  to  Iowa  in  1871.  Her 
father,  A.  C.  Smith,  was  born  in  Windsor  West,  Vermont,  May  27,  1838,  and 
with  his  parents  went  to  DeKalb  county,  Illinois,  traveling  by  stage  to  Whitehall, 
thence  on  the  Erie  canal  and  by  way  of  the  Great  Lakes  to  Chicago,  from  which 
point  the  party  proceeded  by  wagon  to  DeKalb  county,  being  on  the  way  for  four 
weeks.  Mr.  Smith  has  now  long  been  a  resident  of  this  county  and  resides  in  a 
comfortable  home  in  Woodward.  His  wife,  who  bore  the  maiden  name  of  Maria 
J.  Holcomb,  was  born  in  Cattaraugus  county.  New  York,  in  1841,  and  died  in 
Ogden,  Iowa,  in  November,  1879.  The  children  of  that  marriage  were:  Mrs. 
Vernon;  Marson  L.,  who  was  born  January  25,  1864,  and  now  resides  in  Texas; 
Mrs.  Cora  Herdman,  who  was  born  December  31,  1866,  and  is  living  in  Thomp- 
son, Iowa;  and  Mrs.  Nora  B.  Preston,  who  was  born  October  30,  1873,  and  is 
living  in  Woodward.  Having  lost  his  first  wife,  Mr.  Smith  was  married  in  Boone 
to  Miss  Emily  A.  Phillips,  who  was  born  at  Monroe,  Wisconsin,  April  24,  1850, 
and  the  children  of  that  marriage  are  twin  daughters,  Mrs.  Helen  G.  Grimm  and 
Ellen  I.    They  were  born  July  5,  1887,  and  both  are  residents  of  Woodward. 

Unto  'Mr.  and  Mrs.  Vernon  were  born  the  following  children :  Jesse  Miles, 
who  is  now  a  resident  of  Woodward ;  Raymond  Asael,  living  in  Cambridge,  Iowa ; 
William  A.,  whose  home  is  in  Dallas  county;  Frank  B.,  a  resident  of  South  Da- 


690  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

kota ;  Mrs.  Ethel  Winslow,  living  in  Woodward ;  Hallie  M.,  deceased ;  and  Mrs. 
Edith  Dockuni,  whose  home  is  in  Worth  county,  Iowa.  All  of  the  children  were 
born  and  reared  in  Boone  county  and  the  four  youngest  attended  the  schools  of 
Woodward. 

In  starting  out  in  business  on  his  own  account  Mr.  Vernon  took  up  farming 
and  stock-raising,  which  he  has  followed  during  the  major  portion  of  his  life  save 
for  a  short  period  devoted  to  the  draying  business  in  Woodward.  In  1900  he 
removed  to  Dallas  county,  where  he  is  now  located.  He  has  a  productive  and 
valuable  tract  of  land  immediately  south  of  Woodward  and  he  has  brought  his 
fields  to  a  high  state  of  cultivation,  for  his  methods  are  at  once  practical  and 
progressive. 

Mr.  Vernon  gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the  republican  party,  and  be  be- 
longs to  Woodward  Lodge,  No.  460,  I.  O.  O.  F.,  while  he  and  his  wife  are  members 
of  the  Knights  and  Ladies  of  Security  at  Woodward.  They  are  also  members  of 
the  Methodist  Episcopal  church,  and  their  well  spent  lives  have  gained  them  high 
regard,  establishing  them  firmly  in  the  good-will  and  confidence  of  those  with 
whom  they  have  been  associated. 


CHARLES   H.   THRAP. 

Charles  H.  Thrap  has  made  farming  and  stock-raising  his  life  work  and  has 
always  been  a  resident  of  Garden  township,  Boone  county.  He  was  born  in  that 
township,  November  i,  1878,  a  son  of  Enoch  H.  Thrap,  who  was  born  in  Ver- 
milion county,  Illinois,  October  28,  1836.  Having  spent  the  first  thirty 
years  of  his  life  in  the  state  of  his  nativity,  Enoch  H.  Thrap  came  to  Iowa  in 
1866,  establishing  his  home  in  Garden  township.  He  married  Barbara  Luther, 
who  was  born  in  North  Carolina,  June  28,  1847.  Her  parents  were  among  the 
earliest  settlers  of  Boone  county,  having  established  their  home  within  its  bor- 
ders in  1866.  Enoch  H.  and  Barbara  (Luther)  Thrap  still  reside  on  the  old 
homestead  where  they  locdted  in  1866.  There  were  six  children  in  their  family: 
Francis  Marion,  who  was  born  May  4,  1870,  and  is  now  deceased;  Clara  Belle, 
who  was  born  in  1871  and  has  passed  away;  Mrs.  Dora  Morning,  who  was  born 
July  20,  1872,  and  now  resides  at  Sioux  Rapids,  Iowa;  Samuel,  who  was  born 
April  9,  1874,  and  has  departed  this  life;  one  who  died  in  infancy;  and  Charles 
H.,  of  this  review.  All  were  born  on  the  old  homestead  in  Garden  township. 
Of  this  family  Dora  was  married  February  28,  1896,  to  Clinton  Morning,  and 
they  lived  near  her  father's  home  until  the  spring  of  1912,  when  they  removed 
to  Sioux  Rapids.  They  had  three  children,  two  daughters  and  one  son,  namely: 
Mae,  who  was  born  February  14,  1897,  and  is  now  deceased;  Ethel,  born  De- 
cember 18,  1902;  and  Harold  Ray,  born  July  27,  1906. 

No  event  of  special  importance  occurred  to  vary  the  routine  of  farm  life  for 
Charles  H.  Thrap,  who  was  the  youngest  of  his  father's  family  and  spent  his 
minority  in  the  usual  manner  of  farm  lads.  He  attended  the  district  schools 
and  when  not  busy  with  his  text-books  aided  his  father  in  cultivating  the  fields 
and  caring  for  the  crops.  The  occupation  to  which  he  was  reared  he  has  made 
his  life  work  and  he  has  remained  on  the  home  farm. 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  691 

On  the  loth  of  September,  1902,  Mr.  Thrap  was  married  to  Miss  Carrie  E. 
Godfrey,  who  was  born  in  Cass  township,  Boone  county,  Iowa,  April  2,  1885. 
She  attended  the  public  schools,  was  reared  to  womanhood  in  this  county  and 
has  always  resided  within  its  borders.  Her  father,  Edward  Godfrey,  was  born 
December  25.  1849,  and  married  Martha  Houser,  whose  birth  occurred  in  Worth 
township,  Boone  county,  January  20,  1852,  and  who  represented  one  of  the  early 
families  of  this  section  of  the  state.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Godfrey  now  reside  in  a  well 
furnished  home  in  Madrid.  There  were  twelve  children  in  their  family,  namely: 
Mrs.  Mary  Elizabeth  McGuire,  who  was  born  March  14,  1868,  and  is  now  resid- 
ing in  Nebraska;  Flora  Belle,  who  was  born  March  8,  1870,  and  is  deceased; 
Mrs.  Sarah  Ida  Hill,  who  was  born  March  21,  1872,  and  lives  in  Colorado;  Mrs. 
Estella  Luella  Beasley,  who  was  born  March  30,  1874,  and  is  a  resident  of 
Worth  township;  James  William,  who  was  born  March  29,  1876,  and  is  resid- 
ing in  northern  Iowa;  John  Edward,  who  was  born  June  5,  1878,  and  is  now 
living  in  the  northern  part  of  the  state ;  Servigna,  who  was  born  November  8, 
1880,  and  is  in  Douglas  township;  Albert,  who  was  born  April  22,  1883,  and 
resides  at  Storm  Lake.  Iowa;  Mrs.  Thrap,  wife  of  the  subject  of  this  review; 
Mrs.  Lillian  Mae  Stover,  who  was  born  March  14,  1888,  and  is  living  in  northern 
Iowa;  Chads,  who  was  born  October  30,  1891,  and  remains  in  Garden  town- 
ship; and  Zylph,  who  was  born  June  27,  1896,  and  is  now  residing  with  the 
parents  in  Madrid.  All  were  born  and  reared  in  Boone  county.  Mr.  and  Mrs. 
Thrap  have  four  children:  Ora  Alma,  who  was  born  July  3,  1904;  Hazel 
Florence,  who  was  born  May  14,  1908;  Ralph  Waldo,  born  November  18,  1909; 
and  Marjorie  Fern,  December  26,  1913. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Thrap  is  independent,  nor  has  he  ever  held  or  de- 
sired office.  He  has  served,  however,  in  some  school  offices  in  his  township  and 
the  cause  of  education  finds  in  him  a  stalwart  friend.  His  time  and  attention 
he  gives  to  his  farm  work  and  he  raises  a  good  grade  of  stock.  Everything 
about  the  place  indicates  his  progressive  spirit.  The  farm  is  neat  and  thrifty 
in  appearance  and  the  work  is  diligently  carried  forward  with  the  result  that 
success  in  substantial  measure  has  come  to  him. 


CHARLES  W.  DANILSON. 

Charles  W.  Danilson  is  one  of  the  substantial  Swedish-American  residents  of 
Cass  township,  owning  a  handsome  home  in  Madrid  and  a  valuable  farm  of  one 
hundred  and  seventy-one  acres  on  section  7,  Cass  township.  He  was  born  in 
Sweden,  March  9,  1852,  and  received  his  education  in  that  country.  In  1881  he 
bade  farewell  to  his  home  and  came  to  America,  locating  in  Boone  county,  Iowa, 
on  May  15th  of  the  same  year.  His  parents  were  Daniel  and  Emma  (Johansson) 
Johnson,  natives  of  Sweden,  who  died  in  that  country.  In  their  family  were 
seven  children,  as  follows:  Charles  W.,  of  this  review;  a  son  who  died  in  in- 
fancy ;  Amanda,  who  resides  in  Sweden ;  John,  of  Madrid,  Iowa ;  Edward,  of 
Sweden  ;  Peter,  who  died  in  Boone  county  ;  and  another,  who  is  residing  in  Sweden. 

Upon  coming  to  Boone  county  Charles  W.  Danilson  immediately  located  in 
Madrid.     There  he  assisted  in  construction  work   for  the  Milwaukee  Railroad 


692  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Company,  cutting  trees  for  the  contractors  and  doing  other  work  of  a  similar 
character.  He  subsequently  engaged  in  farming  in  Garden  township  on  a  place 
which  he  later  purchased  but  which  he  sold  in  1888,  when  he  bought  a  farm  in 
Cass  township  which  he  has  now  cultivated  for  twenty-six  years.  He  gives  con- 
siderable attention  to  stock-raising  and  has  been  successful  along  this  line  and  in 
general  farming.  He  has  made  a  number  of  valuable  improvements  and  by  steady 
labor  has  enhanced  the  value  of  his  property.  He  now  owns  one  hundred  and 
seventy-one  acres  on  section  7,  Cass  township,  and  also  holds  title  to  his  residence 
in  Madrid.  His  sons  are  now  assisting  their  father  in  his  work  and  are  relieving 
him  of  some  of  the  more  arduous  labors  connected  with  the  cultivation  of  the 
land. 

On  xA.ugust  16,  1876,  Mr.  Danilson  married  Aliss  Hulda  Johnson,  who  was 
born  in  Sweden,  July  20,  1856,  and  there  grew  to  womanhood.  Her  parents  were 
Carl  John  and  Anna  (Christiansen)  Johnson,  natives  of  Sweden,  in  which  country 
both  are  yet  living.  In  their  family  were  five  children :  Gustav,  of  Sweden ;  Mrs. 
Tilda  Carlson,  also  of  that  country ;  a  son  deceased ;  Hulda,  the  wife  of  our  sub- 
ject; and  Axel,  deceased.  To  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Danilson  were  born  ten  children: 
Carl,  of  Ogden,  Iowa;  John,  of  Canby,  Minnesota;  Amanda,  who  resides  with 
her  parents;  Mrs.  Alary  Hubbard,  of  Forest  City,  Iowa;  Mrs.  Esther  Akers,  of 
Ogden  ;  Axel,  deceased  ;  (justav,  who  has  also  passed  away ;  Arthur  and  Frederick, 
who  assist  their  father  with  the  work  of  the  homestead;  and  Minnie,  who  resides 
at  home.  The  three  eldest  children  were  born  in  Sweden,  but  the  remainder  are 
natives  of  Boone  county.  All  received  a  common-school  education  in  Cass  town- 
ship, and  Frederick  attended  the  Ogden  high  school  for  one  year.  He  and  his 
brother  Arthur  are  progressive  young  agriculturists  and  are  now  doing  valuable 
work  in  increasing  the  yield  of  the  home  farm. 

Politically  Mr.  Danilson  is  a  republican  but  has  ne\er  been  active  in  public 
affairs,  although  he  is  willing  to  bear  his  share  in  promoting  enterprises  of  a 
general  nature.  He  and  his  family  are  members  of  the  Swedish  Lutheran  church 
and  are  devoted  to  that  faith.  Mr.  Danilson  has  succeeded  in  life  because  he  has 
always  been  industrious  and  thrifty  and  has  determinedly  pursued  his  labors  until 
he  is  now  numbered  among  the  substantial  residents  of  his  township. 


CHRIS   WILLIAMS. 


Chris  Williams  is  successfully  engaged  in  business  as  a  grain  merchant  of 
Boone  in  association  with  B.  M.  Huntley.  His  birth  occurred  in  La  Salle  county, 
Illinois,  on  the  30th  of  October.  1866,  his  parents  being  William  and  Cecelia 
(Twait)  Williams,  both  of  whom  were  natives  of  Norway.  They  emigrated  to 
the  United  States  in  the  early  '50s,  locating  in  Illinois,  where  the  father  followed 
general  agricultural  pursuits  throughout  the  remainder  of  his  life.  He  passed 
away  in  January,  1900,  while  his  wife  was  called  to  her  final  rest  in  1800. 

After  attaining  his  majority  Chris  Williams  started  out  as  an  agriculturist, 
cultivating  rented  land  for  about  two  years.  Subsequently  he  was  engaged  in 
general  merchandising  at  Norway,  Illinois,  for  one  year  and  in  1894  removed  to 
Stratford,  Hamilton  county,  Iowa,  where  he  carried  on  a  grain  business  until 


I 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  693 

1909.  In  that  year  he  came  to  Boone  and  for  about  twelve  months  was  here 
engaged  in  the  automobile  business.  Later  he  formed  a  partnership  with  B.  M. 
Huntley  and  has  since  successfully  conducted  business  as  a  grain  merchant,  the 
firm  buying  and  shipping  grain  on  an  extensive  scale. 

On  the  14th  of  April,  1897,  Mr.  Williams  was  united  in  marriage  to  Miss 
Maria  Jackson,  a  native  of  La  Salle  county,  Illinois,  by  whom  he  has  three  chil- 
dren, as  follows:  Herschel  Ortho,  who  was  born  on  the  6th  of  June,  1S98:  Shel- 
don Wesley,  whose  birth  occurred  December  18,  1902;  and  Mario  Cyril,  whose 
natal  day  was  July  13,  1907.  Mr.  Williams 'gives  his  political  allegiance  to  the 
republican  party,  and  his  religious  faith  is  that  of  the  Methodist  church.  He  is 
known  as  a  steady,  reliable,  persevering  man  and  whatexer  he  undertakes  he  car- 
ries forward  to  successful  completion.  This  reputation  has  made  him  a  person 
on  whom  his  associates  can  always  depend  and  the  permeating  influence  of  his 
life  is  set  forth  in  an  upright  character  and  in  straightforward  dealings  in  both 
social  and  business  circles. 


JAMES   A.    CRAIG. 


James  A.  Craig  has  since  1857  been  an  occupant  of  his  present  farm  of  one 
hundred  and  sixty  acres  on  section  36,  Pleasant  township.  There  were  but  eight 
acres  broken  when  this  property  passed  into  the  possession  of  his  father,  and 
since  the  farm  has  become  the  property  of  James  A.  Craig  the  work  of  further 
development  and  improvement  has  been  carried  steadily  forward. 

A  native  of  Shelby  county,  Illinois,  James  A.  Craig  was  born  on  the  5th  of 
June,  1847,  ^  son  of  Jacob  F.  and  Elizabeth  (Roberts)  Craig,  the  former  born  in 
Franklin  county,  Kentucky,  February  8,  1812,  and  the  latter  also  a  native  of  Ken- 
tucky, born  March  18,  1818.  In  the  year  1853  they  removed  from  Illinois  to 
Iowa,  settling  in  Des  Moines  township,  Dallas  county,  and  the  following  year 
came  to  Boone  county,  at  which  time  they  took  up  their  abode  upon  a  farm  in 
Cass  township.  They  were  among  the  earliest  settlers  of  the  county,  for  few  had 
penetrated  into  this  region  at  the  time  of  their  arrival.  West  of  them  all  was 
open  prairie,  the  few  settlers  being  largely  located  along  the  Des  Moines  river. 
Elk  and  deer  were  seen  frequently  and  wild  game  of  all  kinds  was  plentiful,  fur- 
nishing many  a  meal  for  the  early  residents.  In  the  winter  months  the  prairies 
presented  one  unbroken  and  dazzling  sheet  of  snow  and  in  the  summer  months 
were  starred  with  a  million  wild  flowers.  In  fact,  the  region  was  just  about  as 
it  came  from  the  hand  of  nature,  and  it  remained  to  the  arduous  etTorts  of  the 
pioneers  to  transform  the  district  into  its  present  highly  developed  and  prosperous 
condition.  Following  the  pursuits  of  the  farmer  in  Peoples  township,  the  father 
there  continued  to  make  his  home  until  his  death,  which  occurred  November  27, 
1892.  His  widow  survived  him  for  several  years,  passing  away  in  the  same  town- 
ship August  24,  1901.  There  were  three  children  in  their  family:  Mrs.  Melissa 
J.  .Mowrer,  who  was  born  April  27,  1844,  and  is  now  residing  in  Perry,  Iowa ; 
James  A.,  of  this  review;  and  William,  who  died  in  Cass  township  in  1856. 

At  the  usual  age  James  A.  Craig  began  his  education  and  the  little  "temple  of 
learning"  in  which  he  pursued  his  studies  was  one  of  the  old  log  schoolhouses  of 


694  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

pioneer  days.  In  the  school  of  experience  he  has  learned  many  valuable  lessons. 
He  early  assumed  the  duties  and  responsibilities  of  life  and  remained  with  his 
parents,  caring  for  them  until  they  were  called  to  the  home  beyond.  He  has 
always  followed  farming  and  stock-raising  as  a  life  work,  but  in  190 1  largely 
retired  from  active  business,  spending  much  of  his  time  at  Woodward,  from 
which  place  he  directs  the  further  development  and  cultivation  of  his  farm,  and 
also  spending  some  of  his  time  at  the  home  of  his  sister  in  Perry,  Iowa.  He  has 
been  very  successful  and  through  capable  management,  unfaltering  diligence  and 
intelligently  directed  efifort  has  secured  a  gratifying  competence. 

In  his  political  views  Mr.  Craig  has  been  an  earnest  republican  since  casting 
his  first  presidential  ballot  for  U.  S.  Grant.  He  has  never  seen  occasion  to 
change  his  party  allegiance,  for  he  believes  that  the  platform  of  the  republican 
party  contains  the  best  elements  of  good  government.  He  was  at  one  time  a 
member  of  the  Independent  Order  of  Good  Templars,  connected  with  the  lodge 
at  Xenia,  Dallas  county.  He  is  broad-minded,  liberal  and  optimistic.  From  a 
humble  beginning  in  the  business  world  he  has  through  his  own  efforts  worked 
his  way  steadily  upward,  accumulating  a  sufficient  amount  of  this  world's  goods 
to  enable  him  to  enjoy  life  at  the  present  without  extended  recourse  to  further 
labor. 


AUGUST  PETERSON. 


August  Peterson,  who  resides  in  Madrid,  owns  thirty  acres  of  valuable  land 
adjoining  his  home  and  seventy-three  and  a  half  acres  in  section  29,  Garden 
township.  His  farm  is  one  of  the  best  improved  in  that  part  of  the  county 
and  its  buildings  and  barns  are  kept  in  the  best  of  condition.  He  is  a  most 
successful  farmer  and  still  actively  looks  after  his  farm  although  residing  in 
the  city. 

Mr.  Peterson  was  born  in  Sweden,  October  19,  1850,  and  in  that  country 
spent  his  boyhood  and  received  his  education.  His  parents  were  Christ  and 
Johanna  Peterson,  also  natives  of  Sweden,  the  former  born  in  1817  and  the 
latter  in  1820.  Both  died  in  Madrid,  in  1873,  within  three  days.  Their  three 
children  were  born  in  Sweden,  as  follows :  Mrs.  Anna  Sundberg,  who  passed 
away  in  Madrid;  Mrs.  Mary  Krantz,  a  resident  of  that  city;  and  August,  of  this 
review. 

The  last  named  came  to  America  in  1869,  the  remainder  of  the  family  coming 
in  the  following  year.  They  settled  in  Swede  Point  and  there  Mr.  Peterson 
began  work  as  a  farm  hand.  When  they  arrived  in  Boone  county  the  country 
was  comparatively  unsettled  and  pioneer  conditions  still  prevailed.  On  reach- 
ing America  Mr.  Peterson  was  practically  without  funds  but  by  perseverance 
and  industry- has  secured  a  gratifying  competence.  He  not  only  owns  a  com- 
fortable home  in  Madrid  and  thirty  acres  of  valuable  land  but  his  farm  in 
Garden  township  is  one  of  the  best  improved  properties  in  Boone  county,  giving 
evidenccvof  his  excellent  management.  He  has  always  followed  the  most  mod- 
ern methods  and  by  perseverance,  industry,  and  good  judgment,  has  attained  to 
a  substantial  position  in  his  community.     When  Mr.  Peterson  began  work  as  a 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  695 

farm  hand  he  received  ten  dollars  per  month  and  that  he  has  since  achieved 
prosterity  is  due  entirely  to  his  own  efforts.  His  home  in  Madrid  is  not  only 
modern  and  up-to-date,  but  is  handsomely  and  comfortably  furnished,  and  he 
and  -lis  wife  are  surrounded  with  all  conveniences  that  money  can  buy. 

On  September  3,  1874.  August  Peterson  married  Aliss  Clara  Alsin,  who  was 
born  in  Madrid  and  died  there,  January  11,  1883.  She  was  a  daughter  of  John 
and  Margaret  (Olson)  Alsin,  natives  of  Sweden,  who  passed  away  in  Madrid. 
They  came  to  America  in  1864  and  lived  in  Swede  Point  for  a  short  time. 
The  father  then  purchased  a  farm  in  Garden  township  and  met  with  success 
in  its  cultivation.  They  had  seven  children:  Mrs.  Coleman,  of  Omaha,  Ne- 
braska; John,  a  resident  of  Boone;  Peter,  who  also  resides  there;  Clara,  who 
married  August  Peterson;  Mrs.  Hulda  Newman,  of  Garden  township;  Mrs. 
Anna  Orth,  of  Denver,  Colorado;  and  Carl  A.,  who  is  mentioned  elsewhere  in 
this  work.  Five  of  the  children  were  born  in  Sweden  and  the  younger  ones  in 
Garden  township.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peterson  had  one  son  and  one  daughter: 
Mrs.  Hattie  Matilda  Clark,  who  was  born  July  28,  1876,  and  resides  in  Canada; 
and  Adolph,  who  was  born  August  11,  1882,  and  lives  in  Boone. 

On  December  19,  1883,  .Mr.  Peterson  again  married,  his  second  union  being 
with  Miss  Christina  Albertine  Alsin,  a  cousin  of  his  first  wife,  who  was  born 
in  New  Sweden,  Jefferson  county,  Iowa,  January  30,  i860.  Her  parents  were 
Peter  A.  and  Caroline  (Stephenson)  Alsin,  natives  of  Sweden,  the  former  born 
in  1827  and  the  latter  in  1840.  The  father  came  to  .\merica  in  1852  and  was  one 
of  the  pioneers  of  this  state.  He  removed  to  Boone  county  in  1868  and  in  1892 
made  his  home  in  Madrid,  where  he  died  in  191 1.  His  wife  came  to  America  with 
her  parents  in  1849,  the  family  settling  in  Henry  county,  Iowa,  and  she  now  makes 
her  home  in  Madrid.  She  bore  her  husband  seven  children,  as  follows :  Frank 
A.,  deceased;  Mary  and  Christina  Albertine,  twins,  the  former  deceased;  Mrs. 
Tillie  Isaacson,  of  Madrid ;  C.  P.,  of  Garden  township ;  Joseph  E.,  deceased,  and 
Mrs.  Susie  Johnson,  of  Madrid.  All  the  children  were  reared  in  Garden  township 
and  there  attended  the  common  schools.  Mrs.  Peterson  came  with  her  parents 
through  Des  Moines  to  Garden  township  in  1868.  She  has  become  the  mother 
of  three  sons:  Clarence  Augustus,  born  February  i,  1885,  attended  the 
common  schools  and  flied  in  Madrid,  February  8,  1908;  Clayton  Marion,  born 
April  26,  1888,  is  now  a  successful  merchant  in  Madrid.  He  secured  an  excellent 
education,  graduating  from  the  Madrid  high  school  with  the  class  of  1906;  Joseph 
Harold,  born  March  16,  1891,  completed  the  high  school  course  and  subsequently 
attended  the  Iowa  State  Teachers'  College.  He  is  now  a  civil  engineer  with  the 
Milwaukee  Railroad  Company  and  resides  with  his  parents. 

Mr.  Peterson  is  a  progressive  republican,  his  views  being  thoroughly  in  accord 
with  the  ideals  of  that  wing  of  the  party.  He  has  always  taken  a  deep  interest 
in  community  affairs  and  has  been  ever  ready  to  give  moral  and  material  support 
to  enterprises  which  give  promise  of  resulting  in  good  to  his  city  and  county.  He 
was  one  of  the  first  councilmen  of  Madrid,  was  town  assessor  for  twelve  years,  a 
member  of  the  board  of  education  for  about  seventeen  years  and  for  twenty  years 
served  as  street  commissioner.  In  these  various  offices  he  has  done  much  good 
for  his  city.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Peterson  are  members  of  the  Lutheran  church  and 
actively  interested  in  its  work.  He  is  not  connected  with  any  fraternal  organiza- 
tions, but  his  two  sons  are  members 'of  the  Modern  Woodmen  of  America.     Mr. 


696  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

Peterson  stands  high  in  the  esteem  and  respect  of  his  fellow  citizens,  who  ap- 
preciate what  he  has  accomplished  and  those  qualities  of  his  character  which  have 
made  possible  his  success. 


LLOYD  D.  PAYNE. 


Lloyd  D.  Payne,  a  retired  farmer  living  at  No.  924  First  street.  Boone,  was 
born  in  Boonesboro,  this  county,  the  30th  of  November,  1856,  his  parents  being 
James  R.  and  Mary  Martha  (Devore)  Payne,  further  mention  of  whom  is 
made  in  the  sketch  of  S.  B.  Payne.  The  mother  was  born  in  Richland  county, 
Ohio,  a  daughter  of  James  P.  and  Mary  (Tomlinson)  Devore.  Both  the  Devore 
and  Tomlinson  families  came  originally  from  that  section  of  the  country  com- 
prising the  states  of  Alaryland,  Virginia  and  Delaware.  Both  are  well  known 
and  their  representatives  are  now  found  throughout  the  middle  west.  The 
Paynes  were  planters  in  Virginia  and  the  great-great-grandfather  of  our  subject 
came  from  Ireland.  The  grandfather  on  the  paternal  side  was  Benjamin  Cole- 
man Payne,  a  native  of  Dumfries,  Virginia,  and  a  soldier  of  the  War  of  1812. 
He  became  a  resident  of  Cumberland,  Maryland,  where  James  P.  Payne,  father 
of  our  subject,  was  born.  Benjamin  C.  Payne  later  removed  to  Clay  county. 
Indiana,  where  he  settled  on  a  farm  heavily  timbered  with  black  walnut,  which 
it  was  necessary  to  clear  before  beginning  agricultural  operations.  After  his 
removal  to  Boone  he  engaged  in  mercantile  pursuits  for  a  time  but  was  eventually 
compelled  to  close  out  his  business.  He  also  kept  a  tavern  in  Boone,  which 
was  a  stopping  place  for  travelers  in  that  early  day.  The  structure  was  in 
keeping  with  the  time,  being  built  of  logs,  and  it  stood  just  west  of  the  present 
courthouse.  James  R.  Payne,  father  of  our  subject,  came  to  Boone  in  1854 
with  an  ox  team  and  mowed  the  grass  from  the  present  site  of  the  courthouse. 

Lloyd  D.  Payne  grew  to  manhood  in  Worth  township,  his  father  becoming 
the  owner  of  a  farm  on  section  12  in  1856.  Our  subject  attended  the  school 
of  that  township  in  the  acquirement  of  his  education,  but  there  were  then  no 
organized  districts  and  the  neighbors  simply  banded  together  and  built  a  school- 
house,  which  was  located  on  a  piece  of  swamp  land  in  what  is  now  Colfax 
township,  then  belonging  to  the  United  States  government.  Among  his  early 
teachers  were  James  Boggs ;  Mr.  Houston ;  Mary  E.  Bush,  the  wife  of  E.  E. 
Chandler;  and  Wesley  Tout.  During  the  winter  of  1872-73  Mr.  Payne  attended 
the  Excelsior  school  in  Colfax  township  and  later  went  to  the  Grayson  school, 
which  was  located  in  Worth  township  and  which  was  taught  by  Frank  Wiley. 
The  first  school  he  attended  was  named  by  his  father,  who  called  it  Fairview, 
because  of  the  fine  view  of  it  to  be  obtained  from  the  home  farm.  Our  subject 
left  school  at  the  age  of  twenty,  but  remained  at  home  until  twenty-one, 
aiding  with  the  work  of  the  homestead.  He  then  went  to  farming  for  his 
father  by  the  month,  receiving  thirteen  dollars,  together  with  board  and  laundry. 
He  worked  thus  for  nine  months  and  still  has  sixty  dollars  which  he  saved  from 
his  earnings.  He  then  began  farming  independently  on  eighty  acres  located  on 
section  28,  Jackson  township,  and  kept  bachelor's  hall  for  a  time,  but  was  later 
married.     He  continued  to  reside  upon  his  'farm  for  a  little  more  than  eighteen 


HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY  699 

years,  during  which  time  he  made  it  one  of  the  best  improved  places  of  the 
locality.  On  his  retirement  he  removed  to  Boone,  his  energy  and  up-to-date 
methods  of  farming,  together  with  his  faculty  for  saving,  having  secured  him 
a  competence. 

On  the  27th  of  August,  1894,  Mr.  Payne  was  united  in  marriage  to  Mrs. 
Frances  F.  (Clarke)  Holbrook,  who  was  born  in  Connecticut  and  when  a  young 
woman  of  eighteen  removed  with  her  parents  to  Cedar  county,  Iowa,  thence  to 
Boonesboro,  where  her  father  followed  his  trade  as  house  mover  and  where 
he  passed  away.  Mrs.  Payne  is  now  a  member  of  the  First  Presbyterian  church, 
which  her  husband  also  attends,  but  for  a  number  of  years  she  was  a  member 
of  the  Congregational  church. 

Mr.  Payne  is  a  republican  in  politics,  giving  his  unfailing  support  to  that 
organization.  He  relates  many  interestng  incidents  of  his  boyhood  when  con- 
ditions in  this  county  were  largely  those  of  the  pioneer  section.  He  contributed 
much  to  the  agricultural  development  of  the  county  and  is  well  entitled  to  the 
life  of  ease  which  is  now  his. 

Mr.  Payne  often  speaks  of  the  schools  and  teachers  of  his  boyhood  days  at 
the  old  Fairview  schoolhouse  in  Colfax  township  and  of  the  old  parental  home 
in  that  vicinity.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Payne  are  the  possessors  of  considerable  property 
and  money.  Their  real  estate  consists  of  a  good  eighty  acre  farm  five  miles  east 
of  Boone  and  a  six  thousand  dollar  residence  in  the  city  of  Boone  just  across 
the  street  west  of  the  Eleanor  Moore  Hospital.  As  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Payne  have 
no  children  they  have  made  a  deed  of  this  property  to  the  Eleanor  Hospital 
Association,  by  which  it  is  to  become  the  property  of  the  same  at  the  death  of 
the  grantees.  The  deed  provides  that  when  the  hospital  association  shall  take 
possession  of  the  property  conveyed,  it  shall  use  the  premises  and  the  building 
on  the  same  for  a  nurse  house  for  the  sick  and  afflicted  and  that  it  shall  be  called 
"The  Payne  Nurse  House." 


CHARLES  D.  HARLOW. 

Although  Charles  D.  Harlow  is  now  directing  his  extensive  business  affairs 
from  Des  .Moines,  where  he  resides,  he  is  widely  and  favorably  known  in  Boone 
county  and  particularly  Cass  township,  where  he  was  born  July  10,  1872.  For 
many  years  Mr.  Harlow  was  connected  with  the  lumber  business,  later  turning  his 
attention  to  coal  mining.  He  is  today  one  of  the  chief  stockholders  of  the  Phillips 
Coal  Company  and  also  has  many  other  interests,  owning  valuable  farm  lands  in 
this  and  other  counties  of  Iowa,  besides  a  tract  in  Alabama.  Charles  D.  Harlow 
is  a  son  of  Abner  and  Mary  E.  (Waldo)  Harlow,  the  former  a  native  of  Ohio, 
who  is  now  residing  near  Woodward,  Iowa.  Mrs.  Harlow  died  in  1906.  They 
were  among  the  earlier  families  of  Boone  county  and  the  father  yet  lives  on  a 
portion  of  the  old  home  farm  in  Cass  township.  In  their  family  were  ten  children, 
nine  sons  and  one  daughter,  all  of  whom  were  reared  in  this  county. 

Charles  D.  Harlow  passed  his  youth  in  Cass  township,  acquiring  his  education 
in  the  local  schools.     His  schooling  was  terminated  on  account  of  his  health,  and 


700  HISTORY  OF  BOONE  COUNTY 

at  an  early  age  he  entered  active  business  life.  He  followed  farming  until  1889 
and  then  moved  to  Racine.  Wisconsin,  where  he  was  connected  with  a  wholesale 
and  retail  lumbering  business.  He  remained  in  Wisconsin  until  1895  and,  having 
thoroughly  mastered  the  details  of  the  business,  then  engaged  independently  in 
the  same,  operating  a  retail  yard  at  Woodward.  There  he  continued  with  great 
success  for  eleven  years  or  until  1906.  At  the  same  time  he  secured  valuable 
options  on  coal  lands  adjacent  to  Scandia  and  perceiving  the  vast  possibilities  in 
this  business,  then  organized  the  Phillips  Coal  Company  of  the  latter  place.  They 
now  have  leased  twenty-eight  hundred  acres  of  valuable  lands  along  the  Des 
Moines  river,  and  Mr.  Harlow  is  still  one  of  the  chief  stockholders  in  the  concern. 
the  prosperous  condition  of  which  is  largely  to  be  ascribed  to  his  executive  ability 
and  farsighted  judgment.  Mr.  Harlow  is  one  of  the  most  successful  of  the  younger 
generation  of  business  men  of  Boone  county.  In  1913  he  purchased  a  modern 
home  at  No.  2703  Kingman  boulevard,  Des  Moines,  and  now  conducts  his  many 
business  interests  from  there.  Mr.  Harlow  has  valuable  farm  holdings,  owning 
three  hundred  and  forty  acres  of  well  improved  land  in  Boone  county  and  twenty 
acres  in  Dallas  county.  He  also  holds  title  to  one  hundred  and  forty-two  acres 
in  Van  Buren  county,  a  farm  with  excellent  improvements,  which  he  recently  pur- 
chased.   Moreover,  he  is  the  owner  o£  forty  acres  near  Mobile,  Alabama. 

In  1900  Mr.  Harlow  married  in  Perry,  Iowa,  Martha  J.  McCracken,  who  was 
born  in  Woodward,  August  15,  1876.  There  she  attended  the  high  school  and 
grew  to  womanhood.  Her  parents  were  John  W.  and  Alice  (Biggs)  McCracken, 
the  former  a  resident  of  Woodward  and  the  latter  deceased,  having  passed  away 
in  that  city  in  1895.  They  had  three  daughters :  Mrs.  J.  E.  Wilson,  of  Perry, 
Iowa;  Mrs.  Harlow  and  Mrs.  Fay  Scimmons,  of  Missoula,  Montana.  All  were 
reared  and  educated  in  Woodward.  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harlow  have  one  daughter, 
Dorothy  Alice,  who  was  born  in  Woodward,  May  28,  1901,  and  is  now  attending 
school  in  Des  Moines.  She  will  enter  the  high  school  in  191 5.  Miss  Harlow 
has  a  remarkably  sweet  voice  and  has  sung  on  various  occasions  before  the  public, 
although  yet  quite  young.  She  gives  promise  of  rare  accomplishments  as  a  vocal 
artist  and  embodies  in  her  all  the  qualities  which  make  for  a  great  singer. 

Politically  Mr.  Harlow  is  a  democrat,  thoroughly  conversant  with  the  issues 
of  the  day  and  deeply  interested  in  the  welfare  of  his  party.  Fraternally  he  is 
a  member  of  Peaceful  Lodge,  No.  454,  A.  F.  &  A.  M.,  of  Woodward,  Iowa,  and 
has  held  all  the  offices  in  the  same.  He  also  belongs  to  the  Independent  Order 
of  Odd  Fellows  of  Woodward.  Mrs.  Harlow  is  a  member  of  the  Church  of 
Christ  of  that  city.  Mr.  Harlow  is  typical  of  the  modern  American  business 
man,  ably  taking  advantage  of  opportunities  as  they  present  themselves,  yet  he 
is  always  considerate  of  the  interests  of  others'  and  earnestly  public'-spirited,  ever 
ready  to  give  his  support  to  valuable  measures  undertaken  to  promote  the  general 
welfare. 


INDEX 


Abraham,  Wilson 525 

Adams,  T.  A 519 

Addison,  Thomas    67 

Adix,   A.  W 262 

Adlx,  F.  D 350 

Adlx,   G.  L 385 

Adix,   L.  W 192 

Airhart,  W.  H 185 

Akers,  H.  R 145 

Alban,  Arthur     503 

Alban,   J.   T 496 

Alsln,  C.  A 112 

Anderson,   A.  G 154 

Anderson,   A.  M 544 

Anderson.   C.  H 7  5 

Anderson,   C.  R 315 

Anderson,   J.  M 333 

Anderson,   S.  T 103 

Arie,  B 316 

Arnold,  J.  E 478 

Ashford,   T.    L 461 

Baldus,  Theodore 604 

Barclay,  James 566 

Barkley,  A.  J 482 

Barrett,  S.  C 276 

Bass,  W.  M 635 

Bassett,  L.  A 536 

Bengtson,   S.   A 70 

Berger,  W.  H 175 

Berton,  J.  C 45  2 

Bishop,    J.    E 508 

Bolle,  F.   M 228 

Boone,  J.  R 520 

Boone,   Lewis    205 

Boone,   W.  M 423 

Boyd,  J.  R 349 

Brainard,   J.    M 164 

Brittain,  J.  W 432 

Brod,  Gust 357 

Brooks,  Marion 594 

Brown,   E.  C 324 

Brown,   G.  h 539 

Brown,   James    491 

Brunning,  N.  B 505 

Brunton,   George     283 

Vol.  n— 3  3 


Brunton,   R.  D 300 

Buechler,  Jonathan 386 

Burdick,  T.  J 149 

Burkhart,   A.  A 637 

Burkhart,   A.   E 653 

Burkhart,   D.  A 564 

Burkhart,   O.   S 643 

Burkhart,  W.   P 590 

Burnside,  A.  M 490 

Burnside,  J.   A 370 

Burrell,    A.  F 599 

Burrell,   W.  E 665 

Buttolph,  J.  R 486 

Byington,  P.  J 674 

Callahan,  J.  J 593 

Calonkey,  H.  P 633 

Calson,  N.  J.  A 216 

Canier,  W.   H 421 

Carlson,  E.  C.  E 229 

Carlson,   J.  August 81 

Carlson.   J.  A 550 

Carlson.   J.   M 128 

Carrel,  J.  P 591 

Cartwright,  E.  J 125 

Casotti,    F.    A 467 

Cassel,  Peter 256 

Cederquist,  C.  J 119 

Challberg,  A.  L 243 

Chambers,  H.  A 444 

Chance,  W.  H 353 

Check,  A.  E 620 

Christensen,  C.   E 277 

Clapp,   O.   L 438 

Clark.   Charles    636 

Clark.   F.  S 650 

Clark,   Orson     68 

Clark.   S.    P 66 

Claussen,  Carl    80 

Cobb.    R.    R 662 

Condon,  J.  F 453 

Conn.  D.  J 126 

Cook,   H.  T 98 

Cordell,   E.   B 301 

Craig,  J.  A 693 

Crank,  C.    M 605 


701 


702 


INDEX 


Crank,   G.  W 302 

Crary,   A.    W 4  3 

Crary,   J.  R 40 

Crooks,   G.    W 14 

Crooks,   J.   S 319 

Crouch,   D.   W 384 

Crouthamel,  Elmer 390 

Crowe,  W.  G 554 

Dalander,  E.  P 378 

Danilson,  C.  W 691 

Davis,   H.   L 219 

Davis,  Jesse   661 

Dawkins,  B.  M 146 

Deering,  A.   B 152 

Dodge,   D.  C,  Jr 655 

Dodge,   D.  C,  Sr 654 

Doerder,  Wilhelm    186 

Donelson,  M.  H 246 

Doran,  J.  R 430 

Dyer,   P.  R 423 

Dyer,   S.   R 337 

Dyer,   W.   R 284 

Eade,  J.  H 139 

Egan,  P.  C 657 

Elilers,   Henry    213 

Erickson,  C.   0 162 

Ericson,  C.  J.  A 5 

Everaoll,   P.   H 468 

Farley,   Wallace    435 

Fehleisen,  L.  F 120 

Finnegan,  Arthur 74 

Fitch,  F.  W 473 

Foster,  Willard    183 

Foster,  W.  H 391 

Friedley,  Edgar 289 

Prise,  J.  B 573 

Fry,   Henry    668 

Fry,   H.  E 236 

Fyfe,  Alex 3  21 

Gallup,  W.  H 76 

Gartland,   Phillip    424 

Garvin,   E.   N 270 

Gaston,  J.  S 347 

Getty,  G.   H 106 

Gildea,  J.   D 581 

Gildea,   J.  T 481 

Goeppinger,    Louis    367 

Goetzman,  F.  W 39  2 

Goldthwait,  N.  E 54 

Gonder,  E.  R 282 

Gonder,   J.  H 311 

Good,  J.   L 522 

Goodykoontz,  W.  W 105 


Graves,  F.   H 58 

Gray,  P.  D 140 

Gray,  W.  S 195 

Griffee,  M.  W 556 

Hagge,   Henry 688 

Hagge,   H.  D 60 

Hagge,   H.  J 336 

Haleen,  J.  A 322 

Hall,  F.  A 457 

Hanuum,  P.  E 163 

Hanson,  CO 121 

Harding,   Noah    170 

Harlow,   A,  L 642  - 

Harlow,   A.  M 600 

Harlow,  CD 699' 

Harmon,   D.  C 462 

Harmon,  I.  C 581 

Harpel,   Kate  S 377 

Harpel,  L.  V 376 

Harrison,  E.  W 255 

Hartman,    Perry    562 

Hasstedt,  P.  L 671 

Hawbaker,  J.  K 290 

Heedwell,  Gothard    517 

Henderson,  Axel 529 

Henning,  C  F 586 

Henry,  L.  D 19 

Herman,   J.  F 641 

Herman,   J.   H 640 

Herman,   J.   M 639 

Herron,   John   267 

Herron,   J.   R 313 

Hile,    Otto    144 

Hilts,   J.   M 526 

Hindman,  D.   R 24 

Hinman,    J.    C 541 

Holcomb,   V.    0 182 

Hoist,    B.    P 28 

Homesley,   Simon    613 

Howe,   A.   G 221 

Hull,   J.    A 428 

Huntley,    B.    M 160 

Irving,    E.    R 244 

Isaacson,    J.    W 306 

Jenkins,   E.   H 104 

Jensen,    John    47 

Jipp,   C   E 197 

Johnson,   A.   T 292 

Johnson.   I.  D 230 

Johnson,   L.   E 583 

Johnson,   Oscar     265 

Johnson,   W.    D 298 

Johnstone,   James    53 

Jones.   M.    C 514 


INDEX 


703 


Jones,   M.   B 527 

Jones,   T.   L 176 

Jordan,  J.  W 90 

Judge,   J.   A 534 

Judge,  J.   C 450 

Judge,    P.    H 436 

i 

Kastberg,   K.   C 677 

Keigley,   T.   H 614 

Keigley,   W.   H 83 

Knapp,   J.   M 59 

Knight,   Henry    606 

Kouhns,   Sarah   A 177 

Kruse,   W.   D 52 

Lalterty,    George     454 

Laidley,    W.    G 418 

Lamb,  J.  W 355 

Last.    C.    H 199 

Latham,    D.    H 576 

Lawbaugh,    Emanuel     252 

Lawton,   G.    H 196 

Lebo,   E.   B 506 

Lemaster,  William    601 

Lierman,   F.   G 323 

Lindgren,    O.    J 161 

Lindholm.  C.  G 287 

Linn,  W.  P 553 

Lucas,   C.   L 408 

Lucas,   H.   D 69 

Lucas,   J.   G 330 

Lund,    Carl    6S5 

Lundahl,   John    94 

Lundvall,  A.  P 222 

McBirnie,  Samuel 288 

McCaskey,   Lincoln    107 

McElroy,  J.  B 220 

McHose,  J.  B 20 

Mcintosh,  J.  W 136 

Maas,  Henry 99 

Mackey,   George     581 

Mackey,   John     580 

Mackey,   Sebastian    579 

Mahoney,   T.   J 93 

Mason,   C.  S 361 

Mason,   C.  T.  T 477 

Mathers,   J.    B 65 

Matt,   P.   S 585 

Matt,  W.  R 584 

Means,    T.    E 451 

Means,  W.  B 475 

Menton.  J.   A 82 

Merriam,    E.    L 497 

Metcalf,  C.  P 273 

Miller.   W.   D 307 

Moore,   S.   L 616 


Morgan,   C.    R 237 

Morgan,   J.   W 122 

Mougin,  G.  W 632 

Moyers,   P.    P 460 

Muench,   C.    E 445 

Muench,    I.  D 404 

Munn,   A.   J 260 

Munn,   J.   W 261 

Nelson,   A.    P 648 

Nelson,   C.   0 676 

Nelson,   G.  W 27 

Nelson,   O.   A 549 

Nelson,   P.  T 208 

Nelson,   W.  H 560 

Newman,    O.    A 626 

Noland,   C.  A 540 

Noland,   G.  W 611 

Noland,  J.  M 622 

Noland,   L.  C 552 

Noland,   Nathaniel     382 

Norris,   L.   D 184 

Norton,   S.   A 495 

Noyes,  J.  H 130 

Oakleaf,   Oscar    178 

Oliver,   W.    J 398 

Olson,  C.  C 116 

Osgood,   I.   G ■''■> 

Otis,  Charles 114 

Oviatt,   Arch    596 

Page.  Thomas 4  07 

Paine,  F.  L 108 

Palmer,    William    672 

Patterson,   J.   B 4  4 

Paulson,   John     528 

Paulson,   William     138 

Payne,  Fred  M 291 

Payne,   H.    C 206 

Payne,  Henry  C 500 

Payne,  L.  D 696 

Payne,   S.   B 624 

Peoples,    W.    M 615 

Pepper,  Frank 417 

Peter,   Carl    54  2 

Petersen,  J.  C 127 

Peterson,   August    694 

Peterson,   F.   G 6  7  r, 

Peterson,   J.  A 61 

Peterson,   Samuel     687 

Phipps,  P.  R 660 

Pierce,  C.  B 647 

Pohl.   J.    C 429 

Poiilos,  Constantinus    612 

Powers,  S.  S 371 


704 


INDEX 


Ramsey,   M.   P 629 

Raybourn,   W.    H 595 

Reckseen,  C.  H 440 

Reilly,   M.   J 191 

Reutter,   G.   H 684 

Reutter,  J.  E 363 

Reynoldson.  Robert 210 

Richards,    J.    E 530 

Richey,  J.  F 328 

Rinker,   H.   H 314 

Roberts,    B.   F 242 

Robinson,   I.   E 169 

Rogers,  C.   E 189 

Rosen,  Charles    335 

Ross,   J.   N 364 

Rundberg,   John    224 

Samberg,    P.   M 602 

Sandberg,  G.   A 150 

Sanden,  H.  E 266 

Saunders,  Joseph    274 

Saveraid,  P.  J 89 

Savits,  Lewis 235 

Schierholz,  Jacob    223 

Schooler,  W.   B 215 

Schroeder,  Henry 198 

Schwene,  J.   F 269 

Seiling,  C.   H 446 

Shaeffer,   A.   M 372 

Shaw,  M.  M,. 297 

Sherman,  W.  B 253 

Sholund,  P.   A 656 

Sifrit,    J.    A 334 

Silliman,    A.    B 659 

Silver,  A.  T 238 

Skortman,   A.   E 181 

Slaughter,  G.  E 174 

Smalley,   R.   F 209 

Smith,   M.    M 511 

Snyder,  F.   A 403 

Sparks,  Thomas 200 

Sparks,  L.  D 214 

Spurrier,   H.  C 231 

Stanger,  G.   H 422 

Stark,   G.   L 678 

Stark,    P.  A 354 

Sterrett,  S.  M 13 

Stevens,  G.  E 504 

Stevens,   G.  H 512 

Stoll,  Louis 669 

Storrier,  William    492 

Stover,  Isaac 320 

Strouse,  J.  B 416 

Sturtz,  S.  D 621 

Sundell,  A.  T 344 

Sundberg,   A.   M 686 


Sundberg,   Samuel    565 

Swanson,  W.  A 536 

Swick,  P.  D 498 

Swigert,  Anderson 400 

Templin,    W.   D 358 

Thatcher,  O.   M 439 

Thomas,  G.  C 630 

Thompson,  J.  W 153 

Thorngren,   E.   S 394 

Thrap,   C.   H 690 

Throckmorton,  G.  D 369 

Tillson,   H.  L 336 

Tillson,   L.   A 4  6 

Tomlinson,  T.  E 489 

Tornell,  O.  W 551 

Tucker,  Charles 574 

Tucker,  S.  E 115 

Upton,  C.  A 651 

Valline,  C.  0 49Si 

Van   Gorder,  CM 449 

Van   Meter,  W.   E 312 

Van   Zandt,  J.  W 232 

Vernon,  C.   K 625 

Vernon,   D.  B 689 

Wade,   A.   B 572 

Wade,   W.  M 609 

Wahl,  Nettie  M 84 

Walker,  George 100 

Wane,   E.  H 443 

Wane,   J.  W 644 

Weigel,  Isidor 393 

Weikel,  J.  W 458 

Wells,,  E.  P 680 

Welsh,  F.  E 405 

West.  W.   A 159 

Westeen,  Axel 383 

Westerberg,  A.   R 92 

Westerstroni,  O.  W 207 

Westrip,   F.   G 397 

Wheeler,   C.  A 679 

Wheeler,   J.  F 485 

Wheeler,   S.  J 563 

Whitaker,  J.  R 48 

White,  J.  M 308 

Whitehill,  N.  M 57 

Wiley,   B.  B 51 

Wiley,   D.  C 518 

Williams,   Benjamin    278 

Williams,   Charles    652 

Williams,   Chris   692 

Williams,   C.  H 143 

Williams,   E.  R 18 

Williams,   G.  K 259 


INDEX  705 

Williams,   J.  T.  S 62  Wolf,  A.  J 113 

Williams,   SB 338  Woods,  I.  N 666 

Wilson,   R.   C 543 

Wilson,   William 570  Zimbelman,  G.  H 415 


L 


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