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HISTORY OF
CRAWFORD COUNTY
IOWA
A RECORD OF SETTLEMENT, ORGANIZATION,
PROGRESS AND ACHIEVEMENT
Local history is the ultimate substance of national history-WiLsoN
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO:
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING CO.
1911
CWd
,onBLlC UBRARYI
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T.uOtM FOUH0*T.OHt.
THE NEW YORK
PU'BLIC LIBRARY
6^A^
BIOGRAPHICAL
CHARLES L. VOSS.
Among the younger generation of those who came to Crawford after the
pioneer period but who have contributed largely to its recent growth and pros-
perity there is none who stands nearer to the hearts of the people than C. L.
Voss. Still in his prime, with every faculty alert, with keen appreciation of the
refinements of life, with a character grounded in integrity and with a heart that
responds promptly and cheerfully to the obligations of man's brotherhood, it is
a pleasure to include this brief sketch in a history of Crawford county. Croesus
admonishes, "Call no man happy until you know the manner of his death," but
judged by any less austere standard, Mr. Voss seems to have well laid the
foundation for a successful, happy and helpful career.
Though occupying for many years the responsible position of cashier of the
Bank of Denison, he is best known throughout western Iowa as a daring and
highly successful buyer and seller of real estate. His holdings are large and
are scattered throughout all this portion of the state. He is almost as much a
business man of Sioux City as of Denison, and we are to be congratulated that
he has thus far refused the very tempting offers made him to engage in business
in larger cities. Mr. Voss presents the rare combination of a man who not only
knows how to make money but how to spend it. To spend it for himself with-
out ostentation, for travel, for art, for good literature and for all the refine-
ments of a good home. To spend it for others with a glad willingness that is
the best index of a generous nature.
Mr. Voss is a sincere and genuine Christian, one of the most helpful and
liberal members of the Methodist church of Denison. In politics he is a repub-
lican of the stalwart school and he has taken an active, though thoroughly un-
selfish part in the councils of his party. As president of the Denison Commer-
cial Club he has inspired that organization with much of his own enthusiasm
and thoroughness and has launched it upon what promises to be the most suc-
cessful year of its history. His education has been a continuing process for he
is a lover of good books and a thoughtful student of men and events.
In his home life he has been exceedingly fortunate. On October 2, 1895,
he was married to Miss Gertrude Gulick, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene
6 lllSTDRV Ul- CRAWFURU CUL'XTY
Gulick. of this city, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere. Mrs. Voss is a Deiii-
son girl, educated in our schools and in Cornell College at Mount Vernon. Iowa.
She is one of the most representative and best beloved of Denison's young
matrons. She takes an active and helpful part in all the work of club life and
social life and church life, but she combines with all of these activities a wifely
and motherly devotion which make her home all that it should be, a delightful
center for her loved ones and her friends. They have one son, Eugene Loyal,
who is at once the pride and the hope of the home.
A native of Illinois, Mr. \'oss w^as born in Freeport, October 19, 1867, one
of the eight children of Henry and Catharine (Maurer) \'oss. The family name
is indicative of the German origin, and while comparatively little is known con-
cerning the ancestral record, the paternal grandfather lived and died in Ger-
many. His son, Henry \'oss, was born in Holstein, Germany, and in his native
land engaged in merchandising. When a young man, however, he came to
America and traveled into the interior of the country as far as Freeport, Illi-
nois. In 1 86 1, following the outbreak of the Civil war, he espoused the Union
cause and served for three years and nine months, being promoted to official
rank. He was wounded at Raleigh and at the close of a long and valorous serv-
ice received an honorable discharge. After the war he returned to Freeport,
where he engaged in merchandising. He married Catharine Maurer, who was
born in Alsace. Germany, and was a daughter of Daniel and Catharine Maurer,
who. emigrating to the new world, settled in Freeport. Illinois, where they lived
for many years, the father passing away at the age of eighty-two and the mother
when seventy years of age. Their family numbered a son and three daughters :
Catharine. Jacob, Lucy and Carolina. Of these the first named became the
wife of Henry \'oss and is now living in Freeport, Illinois, at the age of sixty-
eight years. Mr. \'oss, however, passed away in January, 1908, at the age of
seventy-one years. Both were members of the Lutheran church. In their family
were three sons and five daughters : Qiarles L. ; Lucy, a resident of Freeport,
Illinois; Josephine, the wife of Frank Miller, of Norway, Iowa; Emma, Matilda,
Jacob, Kathryn and Daniel, all of Freeport.
Charles L. \'oss was only a year old when brought to Iowa by his parents,
who settled at Cedar Rapids but later removed to Blairstown, from which point
they afterward returned to Freeport. He grew to manhood at Blairstown and
attended the public schools there. He also was a student of the school at Blairs-
town and subsequently attended Coe College at Cedar Rapids. His initial busi-
ness training came to him in a clerical position in a bank but after a short time
he was made bill clerk l^y Shaver & Dows. at Cedar Rapids. Later lie was con-
nected with the bank of G. F. \'an \'echten, of Cedar Rapids, and subsequently
returned to Blairstown and was in the Benton County State Bank for several
years. In 1889 he removed to Denison and was abstractor and bookkeeper for
the Bank of Denison until 1896, when he was promoted to the position of cash-
ier, in which capacity he is still serving.
Mr. Voss is a member of several fraternal organizations. He has attained
high rank in Masonry, belonging to Sylvan Lodge, Xo. 507, A. F. & A. M. ;
Ark Chapter, No. 89. R. A. M. ; Mount Zion Commandery, K. T. ; Des Moines
Consistory, A. A. S. R. ; and Abu Bekr Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 7
Shrine. He also holds membership in Dowdall Lodge, No. 90, K. P., and with
the Modern Woodmen of America. Both he and his wife are members of the
Eastern Star. In all the relations of life he has proven himself a man of gen-
uine worth and straightforward purposes and his progress in business has been
the direct result of energy, intelligently directed.
A. C. WEEKS.
A. C. Weeks, serving as city marshal of Denison, was born in Cedar county,
Iowa, on the 12th of April, 1852, his parents being L. A. and Elizabeth (Rigby)
Weeks, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ohio respectively. The mother
passed away in Cedar county on the 13th of April, 1861, and the father, who
was married a second time, removed to Kansas in 1872, his demise occurring
in the Sunflower state in 1897. By his first wife L. A. Weeks had four chil-
dren, as follows : A. C, of this review ; Leroy T., who is a resident of Sabula,
Iowa ; AHce M., the wife of S. E. Day, of Sabula, Iowa ; and O. W., who makes
his home in Vancouver, Washington. Unto Air. Weeks and his second wife
were born two children, namely : Clifford, a resident of Kansas ; and Sylvia, the
wife of Zene Smith, of Salem, Oregon.
A. C. Weeks acquired his education in the common schools and when a
youth of sixteen began working as a farm hand in his native county, being
thus employed until 1872. He then followed the range for a short time and
after returning to Cedar county operated a rented farm until 1879. In that
year he came to Crawford county, locating at Denison, where he was success-
fully engaged in the dray business for about fourteen years. In 1894 he was
elected city marshal, holding the office for two years. In 1907 he was again
made city marshal, his re-election being an indication of the confidence of the
public in him and a recognition of his ability. He has served in that position
continuously since, ably discharging the important duties devolving upon him.
His home, which he owns, is a commodious and attractive residence at No. 214
Washington avenue.
On the 13th of April, 1875, Mr. Weeks was united in marriage to Miss
Elmira Elizabeth Kalb, whose birth occurred in Cedar county in 1853, her pa-
rents being George and Dorcas Kalb, both natives of Ohio. They took up their
abode in Cedar county, Iowa, in 1853. while the year 1879 witnessed their ar-
rival in Crawford county. Mr. Kalb now makes his home in Oklahoma but
his wife was called to her final rest in 190Q. They had a family of nine children.
Unto our subject and his wife have been bom four children, the record of whom
is as follows. Hattie A., whose birth occurred in Linn county. Iowa, on the
31st of August, 1876, is the wife of Ray D. Garrison, of Grand Junction, Colo-
rado. G. D., who was born in Cedar county, Iowa, on the 17th of November,
1878, is now a contractor of Springfield, Missouri. Jessie, whose natal day was
April 13. 1882, is the wife of Francis J. Gable, who is now engaged in business
at Lincoln, Nebraska. Lucas A., is a civil engineer of Monett, Missouri.
8 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Weeks has sup-
ported the men and measures of the repubHcan party, being convinced that its
principles are most conducive to good government.- From 1902 until 1904 he
served as a street commissioner. Both he and his wife are devoted and con-
sistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Weeks also belongs
to the Sons of \'eterans and to the Red Men. Those who know them enter-
tain for them high regard in recognition of their many good traits of character
and their loyalty to principles that are most commendable.
P. E. C. LALLY.
The life record of P. E. C. Lally is an excellent illustration of what may be
accomplished when ambition and determination point the way. He has never
feared to venture where favoring opportunity has led the way nor has he failed
to use any means whereby he might develop and strengthen his native powers
and talents. In this way he has become well qualified as a lawyer and today
occupies a prominent position at the Crawford county bar.
He was born in County Mayo. Ireland, June 8, 1856. The genealog)' of the
Lally family can be traced for five hundred years in Ireland. John Lally, the
paternal grandfather, a native of tliat country, devoted his life to farming but
died at an early age, his death resulting from an accident. He had wedded Mary
Hester and they had become the parents of nine children, six sons and three
daughters, Peter, Thaddeus, John, Patrick, Thomas, Frank, Mary, Ellen and
Kitty. All of these children with the exception of Peter, Thaddeus and Thomas
came early to America and settled in different parts of the country. One of the
sons, John, was killed by a rebel sympathizer at Covington, Kentucky, at the
outbreak of the Civil war.
Peter Lally, a member of this family and the father of P. E. C. Lally,
was born in Ireland and devoted his life to general farming. He was married
in his native country to Nancy Corcoran, whose parents were farming people
of County Mayo, Ireland. Mrs. Lally died on the Emerald isle in 1876, when
about sixty years of age, and in 1881 Peter Lally crossed the Atlantic to
America and made his home with his son Patrick in Vail and later in Denison,
Iowa. His death occurred when he had reached the age of seventy-nine years.
Both he and his wife were members of the Catholic church. Their family
numbered four sons and two daughters: John, who died in Chicago; Sarah, the
wife of Henry O'Neill, of County Mayo, Ireland; Michael, a resident of Man-
chester, England, who was superintendent of the street car system there for
twenty years ; Patrick E. C, of this review ; Frank, who died in New York
city; and Mary, who died in infancy.
P. E. C. Lally spent his youthful days upon his father's farm in County
Mayo, Ireland, to the age of eigiiteen years and during that period attended
the country schools in the acquirement of his education. He afterward began
clerking in Westport, Ireland, and later in Newport. In 1874 he sailed for
America, attracted by the tales which he heard concerning opportunities here
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 9
offered. He did not bring with him any false ideas, however, that wealth
should be had for the asking but realized that dihgence and determination are
the forces which will swing open the portals of success. For a short time he
lived in Chicago and then removed to De Kalb county, Illinois, after which he
worked upon a farm and engaged in teaching school. In 1877 he came to Iowa,
settling in Greene county, where he was employed at farm labor and on the
railroad. He also taught school and with ambition to direct his efforts into
professional channels took up the study of law under the direction of Hon. J. J.
Russell, who directed his reading until his admission to the bar in 1880. He
then located for practice in Vail, where he remained until his removal to Deni-
son in 1887. Here he practiced alone until 1889, when he formed a partnership
with Judge Conner, and since that time they have been associates in law practice
under the style of Conner & Lally. This is one of the strongest law firms of
the city and its position is indicated in the liberal clientage accorded them.
Mr. Lally has proved himself a strong and able advocate and safe counselor.
He prepares his cases with diligence and care, and in the presentation of his
arguments his deductions follow with logical sequence.
On the I St of September, 1880, Mr. Lally was united in marriage to Miss
Kittie Hughes, a daughter of Frank and Margaret (McGrath) Mungon Hughes,
of Greene county, Iowa. This marriage has been blessed with eleven children.
Margaret E., the eldest, is the wife of Clem M. Mahan, residing on a ranch
near Kansas City, Missouri, and they have two children, Catherine Claudine
and Addis Clement. Thomas A. E. is practicing law in Spokane, Washington,
as a member of the firm of Cannon, Ferris, Swan & Lally. Frank H. is now a
senior in the Creighton Medical School. Genevieve A. is the wife of Dr. P. J.
Brannan, of Denison, and has two children, Joseph Lally and Robert King
Brannan. Beatrice is a graduate of the musical department of Drake Univer-
sity and of the musical department of Denison College. Blanid Marie and Inez
Clare are pursuing a classical course in Mount St. Joseph College at Dubuque
and both are graduates of the Denison high school. Rachel, Mary Alexes,
O'Connell Lincoln and Patricia Katharine are all at home. The eldest son is a
graduate of Denison College, of the University of Notre Dame and of the law
department of Harvard University.
Mr. and Mrs. Lally hold membership in the Catholic church, in the faith of
which they are rearing their family. ' Mr. Lally is a fourth degree member of
the Knights of Columbus, and his son Thomas is a member of the same order,
and both are members of the Catholic Who's Who in America. Mr. Lally like-
wise belongs to the American-Irish Historical Society. He occupies an emi-
nent position as a representative of the Crawford county bar, is an eloquent
pleader and strong in argument. His friends at different times have strongly
urged him to become a candidate for district judge, but he has always refused.
His political allegiance was originally given to the democratic party, and upon
its ticket he was elected county attorney, filling the office for two terms. He is
now an advocate of republican principles, however, and he stands at all times
a firm supporter of his honest convictions. He belongs to the library board and
is ever a recognized supporter of measures and movements for the general good.
He is an influential member of the Knights of Columbus and a popular speaker
10 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
at their gatherings. His social quaHties, his keen intellect and his genuine worth
make him a favorite wherever he is known, and he has long since established
himself as a representative and valued citizen of Denison, seeking at all times
the public good rather than personal advancement.
JOHX PETT.
Conspicuous among the early residents of Union township, Crawford county,
where he has attained a position of prominence and affluence, is John Pett, whose
birth occurred September 27, 1824, at Eddington, Warwickshire, near Stratford-
on-Avon, England, the birthplace of the immortal Shakespeare. His parents
were William and Hannah (Gascoyne) Pett, the former of whom was born in
Seven Oaks, County Kent, situated a few miles from London, and there he
followed the vocation of a nurseryman. The mother was born in Warwick.
They were the parents of five children, of whom but two survive: John, of this
review ; and Thomas, who is a contractor and resides in England. The parents
never left the old country but spent their entire lives there, the father dying in
1838 and the mother passing away in February, 1865.
John Pett was educated in the Wiltshire and Dorchester schools, which he
attended until twelve years of age, at which time his father died and he began
the struggle for existence on his own account. His first position was in a dry-
goods store, where he served an apprenticeship of four years, but being dissat-
isfied with that kind of work he gave it up and was on the police force for two
years. He then learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until his de-
parture from England in 1851. On March 4 of that year he sailed from Liver-
pool and on May 2 landed at Xew Orleans, whence he went to St. Louis and
there worked at his trade for awhile but as cholera was raging in the city at
that time he concluded to leave and proceeded to Muscatine, Iowa. After
spending one summer in that city he returned to St. Louis and followed his
trade for the succeeding two years. He next went to Utah and from there to
Nevada, where he remained working at his trade for twelve years, at the end
of which time he removed to .Shelby county, Iowa, and in 1864 came to LInion
township, Crawford county, where he rented a farm for two years and then
bought one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 26, only eighteen acres of
which were broken. However, he continued to gradually improve the rest of
the land and, as his financial circumstances would allow, added to his holdings
until they now amount to two hundred and forty-five acres, which he utilizes for
general farming and the raising of graded stock. His first venture in the latter
industry' was with hogs, which he sold in Council r.luffs, Iowa, then the nearest
market. During his spare time he worked at his trade and helped to construct
the first store of H. C. Laub, for wliom lie clerked at odd times. He saw the
ground broken for the first railroad into Denison and has been an eye witness
to almost all the improvements that have been made in Crawford county during
the past forty-seven years.
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 13
Mr. Pett was married in Birming-ham, England, in 1846, to Miss Mary Anne
Ingraham, of Oxfordshire, England, and they became the parents of eleven
children, of whom ten survive: Mary Anne, who is the wife of Fred M.
Shaw and lives in Osborn county, Kansas ; William, who resides in Shelby
county, Iowa; Oliver J., at home; John M., of Union township, Crawford
county; Jane, deceased; Samuel R. and Fanny L., at home; Ellen N., who be-
came the wife of David P. Young and lives in Johnson county, Missouri ; George
A., of Dunlap, Iowa; Fred A., at home; and Serena, who married George H.
Young and makes her home in Houghton, South Dakota. Mrs. Pett died in
this county, July 11, 1892, but was buried in Galland Grove, Shelby county.
In politics Mr. Pett is a stanch democrat and has always taken an active
interest in the welfare of his party as well as the public affairs of his com-
munity. He held the office of assessor for one term, has been township trustee
for twenty years and for a number of years has held a position on the school
board. While his family on the other side of the water hold membership in
the Church of England, his religious views coincide with those of the Latter
Day Saints and he has been an elder in this church since 1863. His family are
also members of the same congregation. Having passed the eighty-seventh
milestone on his life's journey, he looks back upon a record of industry and
usefulness, of years well spent in fulfilling every duty to his family and to his
fellowmen, and he is today enjoying the peace and contentment of an honored
old age in the midst of his family and among his many friends, who accord him
their highest esteem.
LOREN CORNWELL.
The financial interests of Denison and this part of the state find a worthy
representative in Loren Comwell, president of the Crawford County State
Bank. In the management of this institution he displays sound judgment and
enterprising spirit and in the control of other business interests he also has
proven his ability and progressiveness.
He was born in Fulton county, New York, February 10, 1838, and has
therefore passed the seventy-third milestone on life's journey. His parents
were Timothy and Elizabeth (Kenyon) Cornwell, natives of Connecticut and
Rhode Island respectively. The father was a son of Ashbel Cornwell, who was
born in the Charter Oak state and followed the occupation of farming. He
lived at that period when an old time courtesy prevailed and when men bore
the picturesque dress of velvet coat, knee breeches, silk stockings and buckled
shoes. When the call to arms sounded and America attempted to throw off
the British oppression, he became a soldier of the Revolutionary war, partici-
pating in the battle of Bunker Hill, and aided in the attainment of liberty.
Both he and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Gaylord, lived to
very old age and reared a family of six children, including Enoch, Ashbel,
Titus, Timothy, a daughter and another child who died in infancy. The mater-
nal grandfather of Loren Cornwell was Barnabas Kenyon, who was born in
14 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Rhode Island and also made farming his life work. He married a Miss Clark
and both reached old age. Their family numbered two sons and two daugh-
ters, Asa, Randall, Elizabeth and Susan.
Timothy Cornwell, father of Loren Comwell, engaged in tanning through-
out his entire life, having a tannery at Uroad Albin, in Fulton county. New
York, where he died in 1871 at the age of eighty years. His wife survived him
and passed away in 1877 at the age of eigiity-three years. They were both
earnest. Christian people, holding membership in the Presbyterian church. Their
family numbered three sons and two daughters, of whom two lived to maturity,
Ashbel, who died in 1888, and Loren. The others, Richard, Sarah and Lucy,
died in childhood.
Loren Comwell was reared to manhood in Fulton county. New York, and
through the period of his youth worked in his father's tannery and also attended
the village school. After completing his education, his entire time was given to
assisting his father until he attained the age of twenty years, when in 1858, with
his brother Ashbel, he came west to Iowa, settling in Butler county. His brother
engaged in the hotel business, while Loren Cornwell turned his attention to mer-
chandising. Ten years later, in 1868, they came to Denison and built a ilour-
ing mill on the Boyer river about a mile and a half southwest of the town,
operating it for five years. On the expiration of that period Loren Cornwell
was elected county treasurer and took up his abode in Denison, occupying the
ofiice through reelection for ten consecutive years, his record being one of which
he has every reason to be proud. He discharged his duties with promptness,
fidelity and capability, and his fellow townsmen gave indication of their faith
and confidence in him by reelecting him. After his retirement from office he
divided his time between farming and banking. He was associated with Leslie
M. Shaw, J. P. Conner and J. P. Miller in organizing the Crawford County
State Bank in May, 1884, with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, which
has since been raised to one hundred thousand dollars. In 1886 Mr. Cornwell
was chosen president of the bank and has since been at the head of this institu-
tion which is conducted along safe and conservative lines, commending it to the
confidence and support of the public. In addition to banking he improved six
or seven hundred acres of land which he has since sold. In this way, however,
he contributed largely to the agricultural development of the county. In 1880
he built a beautiful residence in Denison which he occupies through the greater
part of the year, although spending the winter months in California.
On the 24th of November, 1881, Mr. Cornwell was united in marriage to
Miss Lydia J. Dennis, who was born in Fulton county. New York, a daughter
of Eli and Mary Ann (Kennedy) Dennis, the former a native of Rhode Island
and the latter of the Empire state. Mr. Dennis was a son of Joseph D., who
was also born in Rhode Island and was of English descent. He was the owner
of mills of different kinds and was well known in his locality. He married
Lydia Hart. His father was Thomas Dennis, a soldier of the Revolutionary
war. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. Cornwell was Robert Kennedy, a na-
tive of the Empire state who married Jane Palmerton. Their daughter, Mary
Ann. became the wife of , Eli Dennis and unto them were born three daughters;
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY . 15
Mrs. Cornwell; Martha A., now the deceased wife of Zalmon Gilbert; and
Mary, the wife of Herbert Drake, of Gloversville, New York.
Mr. and Mrs. Cornwell are members of the Congregational church, and Mrs.
Cornwell is connected with the Daughters of the American Revolution. Mr.
Cornwell holds membership with Sylvester Lodge, No. 505, A. F. & A. M., and
gives his political support to the republican party. He was originally a demo-
crat for many years and upon that ticket was elected county treasurer in a
strongly republican county. His views upon the money question, however, led
him to give his support to the republican party in 1896, and he has since voted
with that organization. He is classed today with the prominent and repre-
sentative men of his part of the state. His energies have been so directed that
he has not only won individual success but has also contributed to the prosperity
of the community. In matters of citizenship he holds to high ideals and gives
his support wherever he believes practical methods will obtain desired results.
In business affairs he has sustained an unassailable reputation for integrity
as well as enterprise and at all times has employed constructive rather than de-
structive methods, his labors constituting an important factor of the sum total
of progress and successful accomplishment in Crawford county.
NICOLAUS LAFRENTZ.
Nicolaus Lafrentz, who Hved retired in Denison for the last thirteen years
of his life and died February 11, 191 1, was long and successfully identified
with agricultural pursuits and continued to own ten hundred and twenty acres
of highly improved land in Crawford county. His birth occurred in Germany
on the 17th of May, 1835, his parents being Jacob and Anna Lafrentz, who
spent their entire lives in that country. Their children were five in number,
namely: Anna, the widow of Henry Freese, of Crawford county, Iowa; Hans,
who resided with our subject; Nicolaus, of this review; and two who have passed
away.
Nicolaus Lafrentz spent the first twenty-two years of his life in the father-
land and there received his education. In 1857, having determined to establish
his home on this side the Atlantic, he emigrated to the United States, first locat-
ing in Scott county, Iowa, where he worked on a farm for about two years. On
the expiration of that period he went to Jackson county, Iowa, there residing
until 1869, when he came to Crawford county. He purchased a farm here and
began its cultivation and improvement, being successfully engaged in its opera-
tion until he put aside the active work of the fields in 1898. In connection with
the tilling of the soil he made a specialty of raising and feeding stock, which
branch of his business added materially to his annual income. For thirteen
years he lived in honorable retirement at Denison, where he owned a handsome
residence. During his active business career he accumulated ten hundred and
twenty acres of valuable land in this county, all of which is still in possession
of the family.
16 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Mr. Lafrentz was married twice. In i860 he wedded IMiss Amanda Fulton,
a native of Ohio, by whom he liad si.x children, namely: Jacob, who is a resi-
dent of Montana; Henry, living in Crawford county; James, who makes his
home in Salt Lake City; Anna, tlie wife of Ingwert Hollander, of Crawford
county; Daniel, who is a resident of Montana; and Etta, who is the wife of
William Di.xon and also resides in Montana. The mother passed away in 1880
and the following year Mr. Lafrentz was again married, his second union being
with ;Miss Dora Moller, a native of Germany. Unto them were born five chil-
dren, as follows : Christ. John, Albert, Max and Sarah.
In politics Mr. Lafrentz was a republican and his fellow townsmen, recog-
nizing his worth and ability, called him to several. positions of public trust. He
held the offices of trustee, assessor, justice of the peace and school director, dis-
charging his duties in these various connections in a most prompt and capable
manner. Fraternally he was identified with the Masons, belonging to Lodge No.
518 at Denison, while both he and his wife were consistent and devoted mem-
bers of the Lutheran church. ^Ir. Lafrentz never regretted his determination
to come to the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought
and through their wise utilization won a place among the wealthy and respected
citizens of his community. The period of his residence in Crawford county
covered more than four decades and he enjoyed a wide and favorable acquaint-
ance within its borders.
LOUIE EVERS.
The records of Crawford county show that, on the whole, the offices have
been filled by men of ability, faithful to the trusts reposed in them. As county
treasurer Louie Evers has given proof of his public-spirited citizenship. He
has discharged his duties with ability, promptness and fairness and to his fel-
low citizens is known as an honest, honorable man.
One of Iowa's native sons, Mr. Evers was born in Clinton. December 29,
1874, and is of German lineage. His paternal grandfather. John Evers, was
born in Germany but spent the last twenty-eight years of his life in Denison,
where he passed away in 1902, at the age of seventy-four. Unto him and his
wife were born three daughters and two sons, Louie, Charles, Susannah. Eliza-
beth and Emma. Of these Oiarles Evers became the father of him whose name
introduces this review. A native of Germany, Qiarles Evers was there married
to a daughter of John Bendixen. who was a German farmer and on coming to
the United States about 1874 settled in Crawford county, Iowa, where he passed
awav in 1895. at an advanced age. His wife was more than seventy years of
age at the time of her death. They had a large family, which included Will-
iam. Fred. Peter, Asmus, Henry, Doris, Elizabeth and others.
On crossing the Atlantic to America Charles Evers and his wife became
early settlers of Clinton. Iowa, where he followed carpentering and contracting.
In 1874 they removed to Denison. where Mrs. Evers passed away in 1880. Later
the father married again, his second union being with Mary Petersen, and unto
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 17
them were born five sons, of whom three are now hving, WilHam, John and
Carl. By the first marriage there were four children, of whom but two are liv-
ing, Louie and August, the latter a resident of Superior, Wyoming. The father
continued a resident of Denison until July, 1910, when he removed to Green
River, Wyoming, where all of his sons with the exception of Louie had preceded
him and are now engaged in the lumber and contracting business.
Louie Evers was only three months old when brought by his parents to
Denison and here he has since lived. At the usual age he entered the public
schools and later became a student in Denison College. After putting aside his
text-books he began learning the carpenter's trade and eventually began con-
tracting on his own account, following that business until 1903, when he was
appointed deputy county recorder for a term of two years. On his retirement
from office he was given charge of the hardware department of the Balle-Brod-
ersen Company and occupied that position for two years, after which he was
elected county treasurer in 1906 and is still filling the position.
On the 8th of January, 1901, Mr. Evers was united in marriage to Miss Ida
Lorenzen, a daughter of A. B. and Hannah (Christiansen) Lorenzen. Mrs.
Evers was born in Crawford county, Iowa, but her parents were natives of Ger-
many. They came to this county, however, at an early day and are now resi-
dents of Denison. They had several children, of whom five are now living,
namely, Anna, Ida, Lorenz, Adalina and Andrew. The marriage of Mr. and
Mrs. Evers has been blessed with three children, Lorenz, Dorothy and Louie.
The parents are Lutherans in religious faith, and Mr. Evers holds member-
ship with the Knights of Pythias. Politically he is a democrat and closely
studies the questions and issues of the day, so that he is able to support his
position by intelligent argument. He is proving a competent official, manifest-
ing the utmost loyalty in office.
THOMAS NIELSEN.
Thomas Nielsen, a popular hotel proprietor of Denison, owns one of the
best equipped hostelries west of Des Moines. His birth occurred in Denmark
on the I2tli of March, 1857, his parents being Niels and Mattie (Clausen)
Thomsen, who spent their entire lives in that country. They had a family of
five children, of whom our subject is the only survivor.
Thomas Nielsen was reared to manhood in Denmark and obtained his educa-
tion in the schools of that country. He has continually broadened his knowl-
edge by reading, experience and observation and is now able to speak fluently
in three languages: Danish, German and English. When twenty-five years of
age he bade adieu to his native land and crossed the Atlantic to the United
States, wishing to test the truth of the many favorable reports which had
reached him concerning the advantages and opportunities to be enjoyed in the
new world. After landing on American shores he came direct to Denison,
Crawford county, Iowa, and secured employment as a farm hand, working thus
for a year. He then became a clerk in the store of G. P. Miller & Company,
18 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
remaining in the employ of that concern for twelve years. On the expiration
of that period he embarked in business as a hotel proprietor of Denison, where
he has remained continuously since, conducting an up-to-date establishment
which has been well patronized. He now owns the hotel building, which is a
three-story brick structure containing over fifty rooms and which the citizens of
Denison erected at a cost of sixty-five thousand dollars. Coming to this coun-
tr>' empty handed, he has since worked his way steadily upward to a position of
considerable prominence and prosperity and may therefore well claim the proud
American title of a self-made man.
While still a resident of Denmark Mr. Nielsen was joined in wedlock to
Miss Mary Chrestensin, who was born in that country in 1857. Her father
emigrated to the United States in 1885 and both he and his wife are now living
in Denison. Mr. and Mrs. Nielsen are the parents of six children, as follows :
Ever, who is a resident of Montana; Maurice C, at home; .Mattie, the wife of
R. B. Smith, of Denison ; and T. W., Albert and Emma, who are likewise still
under the parental roof.
Mr. Nielsen is a stanch republican in politics but has never sought office as
a reward for his party fealty. His religious faith is indicated by his member-
ship in the Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. 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.
DAVID WALTERS.
David Walters, the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres
m Paradise township, has continuously resided thereon for the past three dec-
ades. His birth occurred in Wales on the 23d of April. 1841. his parents being
John and Elizabeth (Richards) Walters, who were born, reared and married
in that country. In 1853 the father brought his family to the United States,
locating m Danville, Pennsylvania, where he made his home until i860 In
that year he removed to Fallbrook, Pennsylvania, and there resided until 1865
when he went to Brookville, Ohio, where he spent the remainder of his life'
passing away in 1887. He was a coal miner in his native land and during his
residence in America also worked as a coal and ore miner. The demise of his
wife occurred in Crawford county, Iowa, in 1891. Tlicir cliildren were seven
in number, namely: David, of this review; Margaret, the wife of Alex Allen
of Oliver Springs. Tennessee; Thomas, who is a resident of Florence. Colorado'
Samuel, living in New Castle, Colorado; John, of Palmer, Nebraska; and Tames'
and William, who are deceased.
David Walters had no opportunity to acquire an education in early life In
the mines of Wales a miner could not always get as many cars as he' could fill
and when our subject was five years old he went with his father to the mines'
to claim his share of cars. At the age of seven he began to use the pick and
when a lad of eight could claim a half turn of cars. When twelve years of age
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 19
he took a job of driving mules in the mines, being thus employed until his emi-
gration to the new world. Here he took charge of a stationary engine at Dan-
ville, Pennsylvania, hoisting iron ore, which position he held for about four
years. On the expiration of that period he returned to mining and was thus
busily employed until 1881, when he came to Iowa, locating on the farm in
Paradise township, Crawford county, which has remained his place of abode
continuously since. The property comprises one hundred and twenty acres of
rich and productive land and has been well improved in every particular. Mr.
Walters' undertakings as an agriculturist have been attended with a gratifying
measure of success and he has long been numbered among the substantial and
esteemed citizens of the community.
In 1880 Mr. Walters was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Morgans, a
native of Wales and a daughter of John and Hannah (Davis) Morgans, who
were likewise born in that country. They crossed the Atlantic to the United
States in 1872, locating in Brookville, Ohio. Airs. Morgans died in 1878, while
Mr. Morgans was called to his final rest in 1889, passing away in Reynoldsville,
Pennsylvania. The latter was a coal miner and the father of three children, as
follows: Mrs. Walters; John, who died in 1878; and Thomas, who is a resident
of Franklin, Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Walters are the parents of four chil-
dren, namely: Anna, the wife of Carl Nicholson, of Bloomfield, Nebraska; and
David J., William T. and Bessie, all yet at home.
Mr. Walters gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has
held the offce of school director. His religious faith is indicated by his mem-
bership in the Baptist church, to which his wife and children also belong. He
was formerly connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. His life
has been one of industry and his unfaltering labor and intelligent management
of his business affairs have brought him substantial and well merited prosperity.
Moreover his personal qualities insure him the high regard and esteem of all
with whom he comes in contact.
MRS. ELIZABETH L. CRIPPEN.
Mrs. EHzabeth L. Crippen, one of the well known and esteemed ladies of
Denison, has made her home here for a third of a century. Her birth occurred
in Racine county, Wisconsin, on the 27th of October, 1843, her parents being
Rufus and Hannah M. (Webber) Watterman, both of whom were natives of
Massachusetts. They removed to the state of Wisconsin in the '30s and there
spent the remainder of their lives. They reared a family of six children, four
of whom still survive.
It was in Wisconsin that Elizabeth L. Watterman gave her hand in mar-
riage to Alonzo Carpenter, a native of New York, who took up his abode in
the Badger state at an early day. In 1878 they came to Crawford county, Iowa,
locating in Denison, where Mr. Carpenter was employed as bookkeeper by a
lumber concern. Their union was blessed with one son, Harry A. Carpenter.
Alonzo Carpenter died in 1885 and his remains were interred in the Denison
20 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
cemetery. In 1888 Mrs. Carpenter became the wife of Harrison Crippen, like-
wise a native of the Empire state, who was one of the early settlers of Crawford
county. He became quite an extensive landowner here and when he passed
away in 1897 the community mourned the loss of one of its most jjrosperous
and respected citizens.
Airs. Crippen is connected with Eastern Star Lodge, Xo. 207, at Denison, of
which she is serving as treasurer. She is also a consistent and valued member
of the llaptist church, taking an active and helpful part in its work. Mrs.
Crippen still owns two line residence properties in the city of Denison and that
she has ever displayed attractive personal qualities is indicated by the fact that
she enjoys the warm friendship and rei^ard of all who know her.
EDWIN DARLING, M. D.
Dr. Edwin Darling is the oldest practicing physician of Crawford county,
having been identified with the medical fraternity here for more than four
decades. His birth occurred in Franklin county, \'ermont, on the 18th of March,
1838, his parents being Benjamin Franklin and Cynthia (Blake) Darling, who
were likewise natives of the Green Mountain state. Coming to Iowa in 1848,
they purchased and located on a farm in Jackson county, where they spent the
remainder of their lives. Their children were five in number, namely: Edwin,
of this review^; Emily, who is deceased; Viola, the wife of George Leslie, of
Oklahoma; Jeanette, who is the wife of George L. Wright and now' resides in
Denver, Colorado; and Edson, who has also passed away.
Edwin Darling began earnmg his own livelihood at the early age of four-
teen years, securing employment as clerk in a drug store at Maquoketa, Iowa,
where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil war. In 1861 he offered his
services in defense of the Union, joining the Ninth Iowa Infantry and remain-
ing with that command until the ist of August, 1865. He participated in the
battles of Pea Ridge, Arkansas Post, Vicksburg, Lookout Mountain, Atlanta,
Georgia, and several other hotly contested engagements and also went with
Sherman to the sea. During the entire period of his connection with the army
he acted as hospital steward and fortunately escaped injury of any kind. He
was mustered out at Clinton in 1865 and then returned to Jackson county, where
he again entered the drug store in whicli he had been formerly employed. Hav-
ing determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he pursued a
course of study in tlie medical college at Cincinnati, Ohio, and was graduated
from that institution in 1867. He first followed his profession at Maquoketa,
Iowa, for tW'O years and in March, 1870, came to Crawford county, locating
for practice in Deloit, where he remained for seven years. On the expiration
of that period he came to Vail and has here since enjoyed an extensive and
lucrative practice. That his diagnosis is correct and careful, his judgment
sound and his application of remedial agencies efifective is shown in the ex-
cellent results which have attended his efiforts. He is now the oldest practicing
physician in Crawford county and has kept in close touch with the onward
DR. AND :\IRS. EDWIX DARLING
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 23
march of the profession, continually broadening his knowledge and promoting
his efficiency by reading and investigation.
In 1867 Dr. Darling was united in marriage to Miss Adaline Stevens, who
was born in Ohio on the 19th of November, 1848, her parents being John and
Mary Jane Stevens. They are both deceased, the mother passing away April
7, 191 1, at the age of eighty-eight years, at the home of our subject. They
reared a family of six children.
In politics Dr. Darling is a republican and his fellow townsmen, recognizing
his worth and ability, have called him to several positions of public trust. He
has held both town and township offices and acted as mayor of Vail for sev-
eral terms, while during President Harrison's administration he served as post-
master. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Lodge No.
422, which he helped to organize and in which he has filled all of the chairs.
He is likewise a member of Chapter No. 89 at Dunlap and also belongs to the
Eastern Star. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Meth-
odist Episcopal church, with which his wife is also affiliated. 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 Vail and Craw-
ford county.
HON. HENRY C. LAUB.
In every community there are found a few" citizens who are ever the lead-
ing spirits in promoting the upbuilding of the vicinity and molding its public
policy. They are its real founders, and their 'enterprise constitutes the moving
force in all that is accomplished there. Such a man in Crawford county was
Hon. Henry C Laub. No history of this part of the state would be complete
without extended mention of him and his life work, which constitutes so im-
portant a factor in the annals of the county.
His birth occurred in Little York, Pennsylvania, April 18, 1824, his parents
being William and Catharine (Snyder) Laub. The father was born in Reading,
Pennsylvania, and was of sturdy Pennsylvania Dutch stock. For many years
he figured as a leading citizen of Gettysburg and held a number of clerical po-
sitions in connection with the county offices there, while later he was chosen
by popular suffrage to the office of county treasurer. He had a brother Henry
who served as a soldier of the war of 181 2. The death of William Laub oc-
curred in Gettysburg, when he was sixty-five years of age. His wife, who was
born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and was of German-Irish origin, came to Iowa
after the death of her husband and spent her last days in Denison, her death
occurring when she had reached the age of seventy-six. Mr. and Mrs. William
Laub were the parents of nine children, as follows : Henry C, Louisa, Catha-
rine, William B., Julia, Mary, John, Charles and George.
Henry C. Laub spent his early youth in Gettysburg and at the age of twelve
years began to provide for his own support as a farm hand working in that way
for four years and two months. The spirit of adventure, however called him
Vol. 11— 2
24 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
elsewhere, and lie ran away to Frederick county, Maryland, where he secured
a situation and remained until eighteen years of age. He then returned to
Gettysburg and spent a few months in school. This was the only educational
training he received and yet he became a well informed man. reading and ex-
perience bringing him constantly broadening knowledge, until there were few
subjects of importance that could be touched upon that he could not intelligently
and entertainingly discuss. He remained throughout life a close student in the
school of alTairs, and his receptive mind and retentive memory gave him an in-
tellectual grasp that few college students have equaled. While he was still in
his teens he began learning the shoemaker's trade, which he followed for four
years, using his leisure hours in reading and study so that at the end of that time
he was qualified for teaching and followed tiie profession for four years.
The west, with its wider opportunities, attracted him, and hoping to make
more rapid progress in the business world in this section of the country, he
came to Iowa in November, 1851, making his way to Muscatine, where on the
day of his arrival he was engaged to teach school. For two years he was iden-
tified with the educational interests of the city, after which he went to Cedar
Rapids and turned his attention to merchandising, opening a general store.
Subsequently he removed to Scotch Grove, about eight miles from Cedar Rap-
ids and began the cuhivation of an eighty acre farm. He afterward spent a
year and a half in agricultural pursuits in Benton county and in 1855 arrived at
Mason's Grove, Crawford county, where he resided for two years. It was his
intention to continue farming, and he purchased a tract of land near Deloit but
he soon recognized the need of mercantile enterprises and opened a little store
in that village. About that time J. W. Denison, in the interest of the Provident
Western Land Company, was endeavoring to found a town in the Boyer valley
in the center of Crawford county. He attempted to estabHsh a store but the
men he employed proved incapable or dishonest. Mr. Laub had about decided
to build a store at Marshall's Grove about a mile northeast of Denison but Mr.
Denison dissuaded him from that purpose and traded the stock of merchandise
which he had for Mr. Laub's land. Thus Denison secured her pioneer mer-
chant, who for so many years was closely associated, not only with the business
development of the county seat, but also with its progress and improvement
along many other lines. Locating here in 1857, he erected a store building,
twelve by eighteen feet, and goods which he purchased in Chicago were hauled
overland by ox teams. Selling his goods on credit, the following spring found
him with a greatly depleted stock and very little money, for the country was
new and the early settlers had no cash with which to pay for their merchandise.
However, he pushed on toward the goal of success and erected a store at West
Side and another at Dunlap, admitting others to partnership in the venture.
He soon found himself, however, seventy-eight thousand dollars in debt and
resolved that thereafter he would manage the business alone. He went to Chi-
cago, borrowed ten thousand dollars as a working capital and bent every energy
toward the upbuilding of the business with the result that within three years he
had paid off not only the indebtedness of seventy-eight thousand dollars but
had also a substantial little capital remaining. He was never discouraged in the
face of difficulties but with optimistic spirit continued his labors and won the
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 25
substantial prosperity that ultimately crowns earnest effort, intelligently di-
rected. For years Mr. Laub was a merchant prince of western Iowa. Denison
was his central place of business, but through partnerships he extended his in-
terests in every direction. He erected buildings, purchased stock and became
the owner of thirty-two different stores, including those located at CarroUton,
West Side, Smithland, Harlan, Dunlap, Butler's Mill, Correctionville and St.
Johns.
Mr. Laub's business career was a notably successful one, and none have
more fully deserved the proud and honorable title of a self-made man, for he
started out in life on his own account at the age of twelve years and from
that time until his death was dependent entirely upon his own resources. He
had a remarkable experience and a successful career. He always trusted the
people and won the high regard of all with whom' he came in contact. Mer-
chandising, however, was but one phase of this busy man's career. He gave
substantial evidence of his faith in Denison in replacing his little frame store
building by a stone and cement structure on Main street, which was the first
substantial business house of the city. This was later succeeded by the Laub
block, erected in 1871. He was also the contractor who built the present city
hall and he erected the McKim Hall and extended the Laub block on Broad-
way. He built fully forty residences in the city and at one time was the largest
property owner in Denison. As a landlord he was never oppressive, always
kept his buildings in good condition and it was seldom that he lost through the
failure of a tenant to pay, for all appreciated his consideration and his kindness.
He possessed, too, a mechanical genius of superior order and invented a car
coupling device. While engaged with many and varied business interests and
activities, he never neglected his duties of citizenship and cooperated in every
movement for the general good. In pioneer times he served as sheriff of Craw-
ford county, summoned the first jury that ever sat in the county court and in
later years found pleasure in relating the fact that he had to walk clear to the
south edge of the county to serve some of the summons. He was the first
county surveyor and for twelve years filled the office of superintendent of
schools. He also built the first schoolhouse in Denison, now used by the Luth-
eran parochial school, and he took the contract for the erection of the court-
house and the west brick school. He built the first oven and burned the first
brick made in Denison, and when the Northwestern Railroad Company was
extending its line westward, Mr. Laub contracted to haul the poles and erect
the first telegraph line that connected Boone and Council Bluffs. He seemed to
understand the great value of any enterprise and whenever he believed that
such a project would prove of benefit he gave in its support freely and gen-
rously. Later in his life he met with some financial reverses, but these did not
affect him greatly, save as they lessened his power to give. Few men have ever
been more generous or responded more cheerfully when aid was needed. "Giv-
ing was almost a passion with him ; it was always a pleasure and not a task,"
said one of the local papers. "No man had to urge him to do his duty; he al-
ways did it and a little more."
On the 7th of February, 1848, in Frederick, Maryland, Mr. Laub was united
in marriage to Miss Lydia Baer, a daughter of Jacob and Matilda Baer, who
26 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
were farming people and were of German descent. Mrs. Laub was born in
Frederick county. Maryland, and by her marriage became the mother of eight
chililren. Alice, the eldest, became the wife of James Ainsworth, editor of the
Denison Review, and they had one son, Claude. Mary, the second daughter, is
the wife of J. B. Romans, and has four children: Dolly, lone, Junia and Harry.
William, a liveryman of Denison, married Edna Goodspeed and has three chil-
dren, William, Hazel and Harold. Catherine is the wife of Thomas Perkins,
of Seattle, Washington. Eli, living in Sioux City, Iowa, married Grace Gil-
more and has three daughters. Anna Elizabeth became the wife of George
Bartholomew, a banker, who died leaving a daughter, Belle, and since his death
Mrs. Bartholomew has engaged in the practice of medicine, being now located
in Evanston, Illinois. Belle, the seventh member of the Laub family, died at
the age of twenty years. Lilly is the wife of Carl F. Kuehnle, vice president
of the Bank of Denison, and president of the Bank of Manilla, Iowa, and they
have two children, Lydia Belle and Carl F. Kuehnle. Mrs. Lydia Laub died in
1896, at the age of seventy-two years. She was a member of the Methodist
church and a most earnest and active worker in the Woman's Christian Tem-
perance Union. On the nth of January, 1898, Mr. Laub was again married,
his second union being with I\Iiss Mary E. Snouffer, a daughter of Henry and
Sarah (Baer) Snouffer. There is one child of this marriage, Henry Clay Laub.
]\Ir. Laub was a member of the Methodist church, to which his widow
also belongs. For seventy-six years he was identified with that denomination,
and his entire life was the exposition of his faith in the Christian religion. If
he made mistakes — and what man does not — they were of the head and not of
the heart. It is impossible for a man to successfully conduct so many and
vaiied business enterprises as Mr. Laub did and not awaken enmity and oppo-
sition, and a person with such positive, aggressive force as Mr. Laub could not
hope to avoid this, and yet he perhaps had a hundred friends to one enemy, and
the consensus of public opinion places his name high on the roll of the pro-
gressive citizens and honorable and upright men. His word carried weight in
political circles and his support was given to the whig party until its dissolution,
after which he joined the ranks of the republican party. He was influential in
its councils and frequently served as a delegate to the state conventions. That
his mind reached out broadly in the world is indicated by the large and elegant
library, which is one of the chief features of his beautiful home in Denison.
While every class of citizen mourns the death of Mr. Laub. his demise is
perhaps most deeply regretted, outside of the circle of his family and closest
friends, by the poor, for to them he was ever a friend, ready to extend a help-
ing hand at all times. One who knew him well wrote: "His acts of charity were
manifold. His accomplishments were large. He was effective, dynamic, con-
trolling, powerful. He succeeded in more different fields of activity than any
other man western Iowa has known. He was lovable. He made warm friends
and held them throughout life. He was kindly and considerate. He was a good
judge of human nature and he liked to speak kindly of his fellows. Not long
ago it was the writer's privilege to interview him as to the early history of the
county and it was a real pleasure to find how eager he was to give credit to
others and to tell of their achievements rather than his own."
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 27
An accident a few years prior to his death, resulting in a broken hip, com-
pelled him to use crutches throughout the remainder of his life but in this as
on every other occasion where an incident might have served to discourage or
dishearten him, he called all his latent resources to meet the situation, never
ceased to be a regular attendant at church and was to the last a familiar figure
on the streets of his city. He was a man of commanding presence and has been
described as tall, big boned, well built, straight as an Indian, lithe, quick mo-
tioned, strong. His features showed lines of strength and character, his eye
was keen and piercing, but with quick flashes of humor and of kindliness. He
went clean shaven all through his life, and it was partially owing to this fact
that so little change was noticed in him from time to time. In fact, he looked
what he was, a sturdy, active, virile, capable, kind-hearted man. He might well
be termed the Grand Old Man of Crawford county. His record is an exposi-
tion of the words of Lincoln, "There is something better than making a living —
making a life." Moreover, it is not from the few conspicuous deeds of life
that the blessings chief y come which make the world better, sweeter, happier;
but from the countless, lowly ministries of the everyday s, the little faithful-
nesses that fill long years. There were many of these "little ministries" in the
life of Mr. Laub, who seemed to neglect no opportunity of doing good to
others, of speaking an encouraging word, or extending a helping hand. His
life was an inspiration, and his memory will long remain as a benediction to
those who knew him.
BERNHARDT J. SIBBERT.
Bernhardt J. Sibbert, an enterprising business man, alive to the opportunities
of the present day, is now manager and one of the leading stockholders of the
J. B. Romans Company, dealers in hardware, agricultural implements and auto-
mobiles at Denison. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, on the 13th
of June, 1869, and is a son of Henry and Elsie (Harson) Sibbert, who were
likewise natives of that country. His grandfather, Bernhardt Sibbert, was a
lifelong farmer of Germany, where both he and his wife lived to old age. The
maternal grandfather, Henry Harson, was also an agriculturist. Unto him and
his wife were born several children, including Harold, Johannas, Elizabeth,
Mary and Elsie.
Henry Sibbert devoted the greater part of his youth to study, made con-
tinuous and gratifying advance in the field of intellectual development and af-
terward successfully engaged in teaching for many years. He died in Germany
in 1908 at the age of seventy-two years, while his wife passed away about 1880.
Both were of the Lutheran faith, closely adhering to the teachings of that
church. Their family numbered six children, four sons and two daughters,
namely : Anton, in the government employ in Germany ; Bernhardt J., of this
review ; Johannas H., of Denison ; Ernest F., also of Denison ; Helena, the
widow of E. Hansen ; and Mary, who married Herman Luth and, like her sister
Helena, is a resident of Germany.
28 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Bernhardt J. Sibbert, of this review, acquired his education in Germany
where he remained until sixteen years of age. The spirit of adventure and the
desire for broader opportunities led him to come to America in 1885 and, settling
in Denison, Iowa, he entered the employ of J. B. Romans as a clerk. That he
was loyal to the interests of his employer and faithful in the discharge of his
duties was indicated by his admission to a partnership in 1900. As the years
passed greater responsibilities were intrusted to him and since the retirement of
Mr. Romans in January, 1906, the business has been carried on by B. J. Sib-
bert, E. R. Reimers and E. F. Sibbert. They have a well appointed hardware
store, together with large automobile and machinery departments. Their sales
reached an extensive figure annually, and the business, conducted along progres-
sive lines, is constantly growing. In addition to his mercantile interests Mr.
Sibbert is manager of the Opera House, and it is his purpose to provide Denison
with a superior line of attractive entertainments.
On the 5th of June, 1895, Mr. Sibbert was joined in wedlock to Miss Amanda
Gronau, a native of Clinton county, Iowa, where her parents, Carl and Mary
(Heiden) Gronau, settled at an early day on coming to the United States from
their native land of Germany. Of this marriage there is one son, Carl.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Sibbert are adherents of the Methodist church and take
an active interest in its work. For fifteen years Mr. Sibbert has been leader
of the choir, and both he and his wife cooperate in other church activities. Fra-
ternally he is connected with Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M. ; Ark
Chapter, No. 89, R. A. M.; and Dowdall Lodge, K. P. His study of the po-
litical questions and issues of the day has led to his stalwart support of the
republican party. He does not seek nor desire office, however, preferring to
concentrate his energies and his attention upon his business affairs, and in the
successful conduct of his commercial interests the city is also a direct bene-
ficiary.
HARRY A. CARPENTER.
Harry A. Carpenter, who has been agent for the American Express Com-
pany at Denison for the past nine years, was born in this city on the 25th of
October, 1878, his parents being Alonzo and Elizabeth (Watterman) Carpenter,
who were natives of New York and Wisconsin respectively. They came to
Crawford county, Iowa, in 1875, the father being employed as bookkeeper by
a Denison lumber concern until called to his final rest in 1884. The mother af-
terward gave her hand in marriage to Harrison Crippen, who has also passed
away.
Harry A. Carpenter, who was the only child of his parents, supplemented his
preliminary education by a high school course. He remained under the parental
roof until twenty-four years of age, when he was married and established a
home of his own. Learning the carpenter's trade in early life, he worked at
that occupation until 1902 and then became agent for the American Express
Company at Denison, which concern he has since represented here. His fidelity
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 29
in the discharge of his duties is evidenced in the fact that he has been retained
in the service of the company for nine years. He was also engaged in the sta-
tionery business for one year.
In 1902 Mr. Carpenter was united in marriage to Miss Maud Bryan, a
daughter of D. F. and Rachel Bryan, who are now residents of Crawford
county. Mr. Carpenter lost his wife in September of the same year in which
he had married her. In 1907 he wedded Miss Myrtle Barber, a native of Craw-
ford county and a daughter of Warren C. and Frances (Watkins) Barber. Her
father has passed away but her mother still survives, now making her home with
our subject.
Mr. Carpenter is a stanch republican in politics but has never sought office
-as a reward for his party fealty. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons
and the Knights of Pythias. Both he and his wife have always lived in this
county and the circle of their friends is a wide one.
GEORGE SPRECHER.
George Sprecher, a clerk in the freight department of the Chicago & North-
western depot at Denison, is one of the well-to-do and enterprising young resi-
dents of the city. His birth occurred in Denison, Iowa, on the 31st of August,
1877, his parents being Cyrus and Belle (Deffenbaugh) Sprecher, the former a
native of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Strawsburg, that state.
•Cyrus Sprecher was a merchant in Chambersburg at the time the rebels burnt
the town. He came to Denison, Iowa, in 1872 in order to settle the estate of his
brother Samuel, who was killed in a railroad accident. In 1874 he took up his
permanent abode here, erected a brick store and subsequently engaged in busi-
ness as a commission merchant, dealing in live stock, coal, etc. He gave his
political allegiance to the republican party, served as township trustee for
eighteen or twenty years and was also a member of the city council. Both he
and his wife were Lutherans in religious faith but attended the Presbyterian
church here. Mr. Sprecher was called to his final rest on the 27th of March,
1906, when seventy-four years of age. The period of his residence in Denison
covered more than three decades and in his passing the community lost one of
its most substantial and respected citizens. His widow, who still survives him,
lias a host of warm friends here.
George Sprecher, an only child, was reared in Denison and supplemented his
preliminary education, obtained in the public schools, by a course of study in
the University of Iowa. After putting aside his text-books he was employed
I>y the telephone company for a year and then acted as assistant postmaster for
a period of eleven years. Since January, 1910, he has acted as a freight clerk
for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company at Denison, being a most
valuable and trusted employe.
On the 15th of June, 1902, Mr. Sprecher was united in marriage to Miss
Grace Baer, who was born at Point of Rocks, Maryland, her parents being
Lewis M. and Laura (Fulton) Baer, likewise natives of that state. They took
30 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
up their abode among the early settlers of Denison, Iowa, and Lewis M. Baer
served as night watchman of the town for more than twenty years. He passed
away here in the spring of 1910 but is still survived by his widow. Their chil-
dren were two in number : William and Grace Mary.
In politics Mr. Sprecher is a republican, while in religious faith he is a
Presbyterian. His wife is a member of the Methodist church. In Masonry he
has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, belonging to Sylvan
Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M.; Ark Chapter, No. 89, R. A. M., of Dunlap;
Harlan Commandery, No. 90, K. T. ; Za-ga-zig Temple of the Nobles of the
Mystic Shrine ; and Des Moines Consistory, No. 3, S. P. R. S. He is also
identified with the Modern Woodmen and the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows, belonging to Denison Lodge, No. 626, of the latter fraternity. In the
town of Denison, where his entire life has been spent, he is widely and favor-
ably known.
C. T. MARSHALL.
In looking over the life history of those who now make Charter Oak their
home, one cannot but be impressed with the record of C. T. Marshall, who,
beginning his career with no other capital than good health, boundless energy
and a firm determination to win his way in the world, has risen to a position
of iniluence and holds an honored place among the people of his home town.
Born in Kane county, Illinois, January 3, 1847, he is the son of John and Mar-
garet (Davis) [Marshall, both of whom were natives of New York state, the
father's birth taking place February T2, 1806, and the mother being born in
November, 18 10. They were married in New York state in 1832 and went to
Illinois in 1843, being among the pioneer settlers of Kane county, where the
father located on a two hundred acre farm and followed agricultural pursuits
during the remainder of his life. The mother was always a faithful member
of the Baptist church. Unto this couple ten children were born, of whom seven
survive, as follows: Harriet, now Mrs. Joseph Wilson, of Crawford county,
Iowa; Julia, who married Henry Jobe and lives in Denison, Iowa; Mary, who
became the wife of H. Sheldon and resides in Colorado; C. T., of this review;
Albert, a resident of Omaha, Nebraska; Celia, the wife of Daniel Sheldon, a
retired farmer of Illinois; and Alice, the wife of Horace Nash, living in Iowa.
C. T. Marshall had all the educational advantages possible in the district
schools of Kane county until he was fifteen years old and then went to Michi-
gan, remaining there for three years. On his return to Illinois he located in
McHenry county, where he spent a few years, and then removed to Sioux City,
Iowa, in the spring of 1869, but in 1870 he took u]) his residence in Charter Oak
township, Crawford county. Although lint a poor boy, without money or
friends, he was ambitious and with indomitable courage, to which was added
his desire to succeed in some branch of worthy industry, he began his labors
behind the plow and such was his industry, combined with economy, that he
w-as able to save enough from his earnings to purchase a one hundred and
C. T. MARSHALL
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 33
twenty acre farm on section 14, Charter Oak township. It was wild, rough
prairie land, but he began at once to break and cultivate it, built a small home
for himself and shelter for his stock and then started farming on his own be-
half. His success was assured from the first and from time to time, as his cir-
cumstances would allow, he added to his holdings until he became the possessor
of twelve hundred acres of highly improved land in Charter Oak township. He
subsequently disposed of four hundred acres on section 10, but still retains eight
hundred acres on different sections in Charter Oak township. While he still
followed general farming he made a specialty of feeding cattle for the market,
his disposals amounting to as high as one thousand head per annum. He was
also interested in hogs and fattened hundreds of them for the market every
year. In 1909, having decided to retire from active farm life, he purchased a
home in Charter Oak and there moved his family but still continues to person-
ally manage his extensive estates as well as to supervise other interests with
which he is connected. He owns a majority of stock in the Peoples Store at
Charter Oak and holds the responsible position of president of the Farmers
Bank in that city.
Mr. Marshall has been twice married, his first wife having been Miss Dora
Comstock, of Denison, Iowa, whose parents were natives of New York state,
born near Albany. As pioneers they moved to Denison in 1856, the father
buying his first farm from H. C. Laub, who preceded them a few years and
who died recently. Mr. Comstock engaged" in the milling business and farming
until his death, which occurred in 1872, his wife dying in 1862.
The children of this first marriage are as follows : Celia, who married John
Hart, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Elgia, now Mrs. Stark, of Charter Oak;
Harriet, who became the wife of Gus Peters, of Charter Oak; Nellie, who is
now Mrs. Fitzpatrick and resides in Nevada; Lena who married W. L. Smith,
of Lane, South Dakota; Jessie Belle and Mabel, with their brothers on the
farm in Charter Oak township ; Martha, the wife of John Jacobsen, of Charter
Oak; lona, who is the wife of S. Jones and lives in Charter Oak; C. T., Jr.,
born August 20, 1890; and C. J., born February 19, 1892. The last two are
living at home. The death of Mrs. Marshall occurred in 1903.
The second marriage of Mr. Marshall took place May 29, 1905, when he
was united to Mrs. Judith (Maloney) Mathews, of Denison, a daughter of
A. D. and Bridget (Shearnan) Maloney, natives of Queens and Longford coun-
ties, Ireland, respectively, the father having been born February 28, 1819, and
the mother's birth occurring March 28, 1835. Mr. Maloney emigrated to the
United States in 1836 and Mrs. Maloney arrived in this country in 1842 when
but seven years of age. They both located in Lexington, Kentucky, and were
there married in 1854. He held the position of division superintendent of the
Lexington & Covington Railroad and continued thus employed until 1861, when
he removed to Denison, Iowa, and purchased the homestead at present occupied
by Mrs. Maloney and which is one of the landmarks of the town. Both she
and her husband were reared in the Roman Catholic faith and in this house
the first Catholic services were held, as there was at that time no church in
Denison. For some time after coming to Iowa Mr. Maloney engaged in farm-
ing and at one time owned several hundred acres of land. His death occurred
34 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY
in Uenison in 1888. By her tirst union .Mrs. 2^1arshall became the mother of
two daughters, namely: Cecil, the wife of j\Ir. Xichols, superintendent of the
manual training department in a school at South Omaha, Nebraska ; and Marie,
who is teaching school in Omaha. Mrs. Marshall was born February 28, 1855,
and has two sisters: Catherine, the widow of D. O. Johnson, of Charter Oak;
and Mary, who is Mrs. Ed. Phelan and resides in Omaha.
In his political views Mr. ^Marshall has always been an earnest and con-
scientious supporter of republican principles and has ever held the interests of
his party at heart. He has taken an active part in local afifairs, was for several
years township trustee and for thirty years held the office of township treas-
urer, a record of which any man may well be proud, attesting, as it does, not
only his efficiency as a business man, but also the confidence in which he is
held by the residents of the community in which he resides. As a member of
the school board for many years he materially assisted in advancing the educa-
tional facilities in his township. The salient factors in the prosperity of Mr.
Marshall have been tireless energy and honesty of purpose, combined with
everyday common sense, and his life record should serve as a source of en-
couragement and inspiration to others, showing what may be accomplished when
one has the will to do and the courage to overcome all obstacles that beset life's
pathway.
L. LAFAYETTE BOND, M. D.
Dr. L. Lafayette Bond, a leading physician and surgeon of Denison, has
practiced his profession in Craw^ford county for the past thirty-six years. His
birth occurred in Harrison county. West \'irginia, on the 14th of August, 1841,
his parents being Richard C. and Eliza A. (Grant) Bond, who were likewise
natives of that state. Abel Bond, the paternal grandfather, was also born in
\'irginia and came of English descent. He was an agriculturist by occupation
and served as a major in the Revolutionary war. Unto him and his wife, who
bore the maiden name of Sarah Powers, were born the following children :
Polly, Richard C, Levi, Hannah. Thomas, Elnathan, Augustus, Sarah, Samuel
and Louis. The maternal grandfather of our subject was likewise a native of
\'irginia and became a slaveholder and planter.
Richard C Bond, the father of L. Lafayette Bond, w^as a Baptist minister
of the old school. In 1846 he journeyed westward to Rock county, Wisconsin,
becoming a pioneer preacher of Lima, that state. He took up a homestead near
Lima Center in Rock county and subsequently purchased three eighty acre tracts
of land near what is Milton Junction from Polly Goodrich, one of the earliest
settlers of the locality. There he spent the remainder of his life, passing away
on the 20th of January, 1910. when ninety-seven years of age. His wife was
called to her final rest in 1896 when in the seventy-sixth year of her age. They
were the parents of four children, two sons and tw^o daughters, as follows:
Arthur G., who is deceased ; L. Lafayette, of this review ; ]\Iary M.. who is de-
ceased, as is also her husband. John W. Meyers ; and Louisa, who died in
infancy.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 35
L. Lafayette Bond was a little lad of five years when he accompanied his
parents on their removal to Wisconsin.' They traveled by boat from Wheeling,
West Virginia, to Galena, Illinois, where they met Abel Bond, the grandfather
of our subject, who escorted them to his home. Mr. Bond of this review re-
mained on the farm until twenty-one years of age. He obtained his early edu-
cation in the district schools and subsequently attended Milton College. At the
time of the outbreak of the Civil war, in May, 1861, he endeavored to enter
the Union army but was rejected because he was a minor and did not have the
consent of his parents. In September, 1861, he enlisted with a number of the
students of Milton College, joining Company K, Thirteenth Wisconsin Volun-
teer Infantry, and rendezvousing at Janesville, Wisconsin. With that command
he remained for three years and three months, holding the rank of sergeant.
His was the First Brigade of the Fourth Division of the Twentieth Army
Corps, Army of the Cumberland, under General Thomas. He participated in
the battles of Clarksville, Tennessee, Fort Donelson and Chickamauga and
acquitted himself in a highly creditable manner.
After returning home he pursued a course of study in Bryant & Stratton
Business College of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but later determined upon the prac-
tice of medicine as a life work and entered Rush Medical College of Chicago,
from which institution he was graduated in 1870. The first five years of his
professional career were spent at Welton, Iowa, where he also taught school
during four winter terms in order to add to his income. In 1875 he came to
Westside, Crawford county, Iowa, and there practiced medicine successfully
until 1899, which year witnessed his arrival in Denison. Here he has remained
continuously since, enjoying a lucrative and constantly growing practice. He
has been surgeon for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad Company since 1883
and is widely recognized as a skilled and able representative of his calling. He
is a member of the Crawford County Medical Society, the Missouri Valley
Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical Society, the American Medical Asso-
ciation, the American Association of Railway Surgeons and the Association of
the Northwestern Railroad Surgeons, thus keeping in close touch with the ad-
vancement made by the profession.
Dr. Bond has been married twice. On the 20th of November, 1868, he
wedded Miss Elnora E. Hamilton, a native of Alfred Center, New York, and
a daughter of Edward and Melissa (Burdiek) Hamilton, By that union there
were two children, namely: Lulu E., who died of diphtheria when nine years of
age; and Frederic H., an attorney by profession, who was a graduate of the
law department of the Iowa State University in 1895 and passed away on the
28th of November, 1908. He had wedded Miss Ada Hawkins, of Fonda, Iowa,
and at his death left a widow and three children. The demise of Mrs. Elnora
E. Bond occurred in 1893, when she had attained the age of forty-six years,
her remains being interred in the Bond family lot at Milton, Wisconsin. For
his second wife Dr. Bond chose Mrs. Fannie Harrison, the widow of Captain
William Harrison and a daughter of John Hutson. She passed away in 1906
in the faith of the Methodist church, of which she had been a valued and de-
voted member.
36 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Dr. Bond gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a most
loyal and public-spirited citizen, lie served as mayor of West Side for a num-
ber of years and also acted as president of the West Side school board for some
years. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to Sylvan Lodge,
No. 507, A. F. & A. AI., and likewise to the Eastern Star. He maintains the
strictest conformity to the highest professional ethics and enjoys in full measure
the confidence and respect of his professional brethren as well as of the general
public.
GRANT LEROY CASWELL.
Grant Leroy Caswell, editor of the Denison Bulletin, in which connection
he is publishing a paper of progressive character, was born in Boone county,
Iowa, July 18, 1869. His father, Lebeus Addison Caswell, was a native of
Maine, as was his father, who was also of English descent. The ancestors of
the family came to America prior to the Revolutionary war, four brothers sail-
ing from England to the new world, two settling in Maine and two in ?^Iassa-
chusetts. The grandfather was a farmer and inventor, and his inventive genius
was displayed in the first corn planter in the United States. He remained a
resident of the east until his death, which occurred when he had reached an
advanced age. Among his children were David, Lebeus, Alary and Mrs. Frances
Oakes.
L. A. Caswell was reared in the Pine Tree state, acquired his education in
New England and afterward engaged in the operation of a sawmill. More than
a half century ago, however, he made his way to the middle west, settling at
Albert Lea, ^Minnesota, and afterward at Boonesboro, Iowa, where he operated
a sawmill and engaged in the lumber business. He was a resident of that lo-
cality from 1864 until 1882. He married Louisa Loomis, a native of Erie,
Pennsylvania. Her father, a Methodist preacher, died when about sixty years
of age, after rearing a large family, including Mrs. Emma Ward, \\'illiam, Mrs.
Louisa Caswell, and others whose names are not remembered. At the time of
his death L. A. Caswell was one of the oldest Odd Fellows in Iowa, having
been a member of the order for fifty-one years. He passed away in 1908, at
the age of seventy-eight years, and his wife died in 1900, when about sixty-five
years of age. They were the parents of seven children, five sons and two
daughters: Lulu, the wife of Lorenzo F. Chapin, of Pasadena, California; Carl
F., a resident of Coon Rapids, Iowa ; Fannie, the wife of P. Scanlan. of Chi-
cago; Grant L., of this review; Ned W., of San Francisco, California; Norval,
of Coon Rapids ; and Judd J.
Grant L. Caswell was reared in his native county and began his education
in the schools of Moingona, while later he continued his studies in Ogden, in
Boone, and in Coon Rapids. After putting aside his text-books he began learn-
ing the printer's trade at Coon Rapids and has been connected with the business
continuously since. He at first worked mornings and evenings without com-
pensation, but soon his ability enabled him to command good wages. He was
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 37
fifteen years of age when he left home and was employed as a tradesman from
1883 until 1889. He then purchased the paper on which he was working — the
Ashton Argus— at Ashton, Iowa, and pubUshed it for two years. Prominent
political leaders of Iowa at Sibley then offered him inducements to locate there
and take charge of the Sibley Tribune in company with W. P. Webster. He
remained at that place for six years, at the end of which time he purchased the
Rock Rapids Review in connection with L. F. Chapin, with whom he was as-
sociated for a year. He next came to Denison on the ist of December, 1897,
and purchased the Denison Bulletin and has since been its editor and publisher,
making this one of the leading journals in this part of the state. The paper was
established in 1873 as a democratic weekly and has a good circulation, together
with a gratifying advertising patronage. Mr. Caswell also conducts a job print-
ing business and in 1910 he erected a handsome brick building, a two-story and
basement structure, today the home of the Bulletin. It is well equipped accord-
ing to the most modern ideas of newspaper publication, and the paper is an
attractive sheet.
On the 6th of May, 1891, Mr. Caswell married Aliss Eva Clark, a native of
Grinnell, Iowa, and a daughter of James W. and Jane (Cast) Clark, who for
about a quarter of a century have been residents of Ashton, Iowa, where Mr.
Clark, a most prominent citizen, has filled the ofifice of mayor for twenty years.
Mr. and Mrs. Caswell are parents of four children: Carl Clark, Flora B., Paul
H. and Donald Leroy, the eldest being now a student in the college at Iowa City.
Mr. Caswell belongs to Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M., in Denison,
and Ark Chapter, No. 99, R. A. M., at Dunlap. He is also an active member
of Dowdall Lodge, K. P., and has membership relations with the Modern Wood-
men of America, the Woodmen of the World and the Improved Order of Red
Men. In politics he has always been a democrat and both personally and through
the columns of his paper has labored for the interests of the party and the
adoption of its principles.
JACOB SIMS.
Jacob Sims, of Denison, is an able representative of the legal fraternity and
has built up an enviable and distinctively representative clientage. His birth
occurred in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, on the 30th of November, 1850, his parents
being James and Ann (Harris) Sims, both of whom were natives of Cornwall,
England. His paternal grandfather, who was likewise born in Cornwall, Eng-
land, worked in the tin mines there and passed away in that country in middle
life. Among his children were the following named : James, John, William and
Thomas. Simsbury, Connecticut, now a large manufacturing town, was founded
by and named in honor of a representative of the family. The maternal grand-
father of our subject, who spent his entire life in England, worked as a tin
miner and passed away in middle life. He was the father of a large family of
children, including Ann, Elizabeth, John, William, Samuel, Mark, Joseph and
Jacob.
38 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
James Sims, the father of Jacob Sims, was a Methodist minister and a pio-
neer preacher in Wisconsin. The year 1845 witnessed his emigration to Amer-
ica and it was at Dodgeville, Wisconsin, that he first took up his abode. He
was an itinerant preacher, riding horseback and carrying his saddlebags while
a circuit rider among the pioneers. He had a number of charges in Wisconsin
and was a member of the West Wisconsin Conference from the time of its
organization, while previously he had been connected with the Wisconsin Con-
ference, spending thirty-six years altogether in the active ministry in tliat state.
Coming; to Iowa in 1890, he spent the remainder of his life in Council Bluffs,
passing away in 1909 at the age of eiglity-six years. His wife was called to
her final rest on the 12th of October, 19 10, when in the eighty-fifth year of her
age. Unto them were born ten children, three sons and seven daughters, as
follows: Jacob, of this review; Mary A., the widow of W. E. Bainbridge, of
Council Bluffs, Iowa; Susan, the wife of F. D. Hamilton, of Minneapolis,
Minnesota; Jennie, who is a resident of Council Bluffs; Sadie, who is deceased;
Cora, the wife of George Bell, of Montfort, Wisconsin; May, who is a teacher
in the public schools of Council Bluffs; Lena, the wife of J. M. Sylvester, of
Washington, D. C. ; and two who died in early childhood.
Jacob Sims remained under the parental roof until about twenty years of
age and obtained his more advanced education in Lawrence University of Ap-
pleton, Wisconsin, from which institution he was graduated in 1874. Becoming"
identified with educational interests, he acted as a high school principal at
Oconto, Wisconsin, for one year and then went to Milwaukee, where he had
editorial charge of the Christian Statesman for a short time. In October, 1875,
he removed to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and purchased the Citizen, a weekly
journal which he published for two and a half years. On the expiration of that
period he went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, and took up the study of law, being
admittefl to the bar on the 4th of January, 1879. At Council Bluffs he followed
his profession successfully until January, 1908, when he came to Denison, where
he has resided continuously since, enjoying a lucrative and c^rowing practice.
For a number of years prior to his removal here he had been coming to Denison
on legal business. His success in a professional way affords the best evidence
of his capabilities in this line. He is a strong advocate with the jury and concise
in his appeals before the court. Much of the success which has attended him
in his professional career is undoubtedly due to the fact that in no instance will
he permit himself to go into court with a case unless he has absolute confidence
in the justice of his client's cause. Basing his efforts on this principle, from
wliich there are far too many lapses in professional ranks, it naturally follows
that he seldom loses a case in whose support he is enlisted.
On the nth of January, 1887. ]\lr. .Sims w^as united in marriage to Miss
Anna H. Squire, a native of Rockford, Illinois, and a daughter of Daniel and
Mary (Keeling) Squire. Their children are five in number, namely: James D.,
Mariana, Katharine. Marjorie and John Alan Sims. The three older children
are students in the university at Iowa City, while the two younger ones are at-
tending the high school at Denison.
Mr. Sims is a republican in politics and has served as a member of the
school board. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, having joined the
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 39-
order at Council Bluffs about twenty years ago. Both he and his wife were
reared in the Methodist faith but are now members of the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Sims is a man of many friends, his genial manner, unfailing courtesy and
unfeigned cordiality gaining him the high regard of those with whom he is.
brought in contact.
J. F. HARTHUN.
J. F. Harthun needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for his
work as educator and editor has made him widely known. He is now publish-
ing the Denison Zeitung, and its editorial writings indicate the wide range of
his thought and investigation. Like a considerable proportion of Crawford
county's valued citizenship he is of German birth. He was born in Christfelde,
in the province of Westpreussen, Germany, February 14, 1845, ^^^ was one of
five children of Ludwig and Johanna (Frank) Harthun who were likewise na-
tives of Germany. The father was a miller by trade as was his father before
him, who made milling his life work and was killed in his mill, becoming caught
in a wheel. His son, Ludwig Harthun, was engaged in the milling business for
a number of years and later turned his attention to farming, which he followed
in Germany up to the time of his death in 1872, when he was sixty-five years
of age. His wife was one of a family of five daughters. Their parents were
farming people and their father died in Germany at an advanced age. Mrs.
Harthun passed away in Germany in 1888 at the age of seventy-two years.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Harthun were members of the Lutheran church. Unto
their marriage were born two sons and three daughters : Otto ; Julius F. ; Ma-
tilda, deceased, who was the wife of Ludwig Jarchow; Alvine, who died in
young womanhood ; and Ludowike.
Julius F. Harthun spent his youth in the land of his nativity and acquired
an academical education, being graduated in 1867. He afterward took up the
profession of teaching, which he followed in his native land until 1873, although
in the meantime he served as a soldier in the Franco-Prussian war of 1870- 1.
He has a medal which he received in that country when a soldier and another
that was presented to him on the occasion of the one hundredth anniversary
of the birth of Emperor William L
In 1873 J. F. Harthun sailed for the United States and settled in New
York, where he remained for four years, during which time he taught in a
German private school and also gave instruction in three or four other schools.
Subsequently he went to Detroit, Michigan, where for two years he was a
teacher in a German academy. He was then elected principal of a school at
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, where he continued his educational labors for four
years, after which he was offered a position in Omaha, where A new school had
been opened. He continued as its principal for four years and in 1885 came to
Denison where he taught school for three years. In 1888 he purchased the
Denison Zeitung and is still editing the paper, of which he has made an attract-
ive journal, devoted to the discussion of local and general news. It is published
40 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
in accordance with progressive ideas in newspaper work and is accorded a good
circulation.
In October, 1871, Mr. Harthun was married to Miss Alvine Daer, a daugh-
ter of August and Charlotte (Schuelke) Daer. Mrs. Harthun was born in
Germany where her parents lived and died. She became, by her marriage, the
mother of ten children : Herman, who married Blanch Burks and is a traveling
man, living in Omaiia ; Anna and Julius, both at home; Hugo, of Kansas City,
Missouri, who married Birdie Lang and has two children, Robert and Dorothy;
Heinrich. at iiome ; and hve who are now deceased.
The mother j)assed away October 25, 1907, at the age of sixty-five years.
She was a lady of many excellent qualities and a member of the Lutheran
church. Mr. Harthun still holds membership in that church and belongs to
various associations. He was the founder of the German Odd Fellows lodge in
Denison called Sidonia Lodge, No. 393, of which he was the first noble grand.
He became a member of the order on his birthday, joining Goethe Lodge, No.
112, I. O. O. F.. of Fond du Lac. He is likewise president of the Cierman
Soldiers Society in Denison called the Landwehrverein and is president of the
Deutsche Bruederschaft, which means German Brotherhood. He has been the
leader of four singing societies at Denison, Charter Oak, West Side and Man-
ning Association, and he is the financial secretary of the Westlichen Krieger-
bund. He likewise belongs to the German Press Association and has much
more than local reputation as an orator, having made many speeches through-
out the country, even appearing in support of a political measure and again at
the graves of friends. â– He possesses both eloquence and natural oratorical
ability, and on such occasions, as well as in his editorials, proves himself a clear
thinker and cogent reasoner.
INGEMAR LIND.
Thirty-seven years ago Tngemar Lind came to Crawford county and he has
ever since been closely connected with its agricultural interests. He is now the
owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres and has acquired a
standing as one of the representative men of the county. He was born in
Sweden. June 10. 1849, a son of Nils I. and Ingri M. Lind, both of whom were
born in Sweden. They came to America in 1857, and spent three years in Chicago^
after which they made their home for fourteen years in Monroe county, Wisconsin,
moving in 1874 to Crawford county, Iowa. Here they continued during the re-
mainder of tlicir lives, the mother being called away in August, 1900, and the
father in January, 1905.
Ingemar Lind was their only child. He came with them to the United States
at the age of eiglit years and received his education in the public schools of Chi-
cago and Wisconsin. He continued with his parents until after their deaths and
smce reaching manhood has diligently ajiplied himself to agriculture and stock-
raismg. He is now the owner of two hundred and forty acres of land on Sec-
tion I, Otter Creek township, and forty acres in Sac county, Iowa. He engages
PU'BLIC L.
TILDES ■■->•
MK. AM) MKS. INCEMAR LIND
MR. AND MRS. NILS I. LIND
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 45
extensively in the cultivation of grain and also in feeding stock, both branches of
his business proving very profitable. Being an excellent judge of stock, Mr.
Lind is seldom in error as to the value of an animal and he usually succeeds in
obtaining the highest prices that are quoted in the market.
In October, 1881, Mr. Lind was united in marriage to Miss Brita Thumstrom, a
native of Sweden and a daughter of Carl P. and Brita K. Thumstrom, both of
whom were also born in that country. They came to America in 1889 and located
in Crawford county, Iowa, the father passing away here August 23, 1903, and the
mother on March 26, 1909. There were four children in their family. Nine
children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lind, namely: Hannah,
who was born February 20, 1883, and is the wife of Alfred Danielson, of Sac
county, Iowa; Nels, who was born February 13, 1884, and is a mail carrier of
Kiron Iowa; Charles P., born July 9, 1885, living at home; Mary M., who was
born September 30, 1886, and died August 6, 1888; Lydia, who was born Feb-
ruary 19, 1888, and is now the wife of S. W. Lundstrom, of Crawford county;
Mary M., born December i, 1889; George, born January 28, 1893; John, born
January 23, 1895, and Esther, born February 23, 1897, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Lind has from his youth been accustomed to work, having early been
taught by his parents the importance and value of labor. He has applied him-
self to excellent advantage and enjoys a measure of prosperity which he richly
merits, as it is the direct result of his own efforts. He and his wife are iden-
tified with the Lutheran church and politically he supports the republican party.
He is a good friend of education and has served most acceptably for two terms
as a member of the school board.
JOHN B. ROMANS.
John B. Romans, who was called to his final rest on the 7th of December,
1910, was one of the pioneer settlers of Denison and for many years was widely
recognized as a prominent resident of the city. His birth occurred in Harrison
county, Ohio, on the 6th of September, 1842, and he lived to reach the sixty-
eighth milestone on life's journey. His parents, Elisha and Elizabeth Romans,
both came from old Quaker families. In 1856 he accompanied them on their
removal to Clinton county, Iowa, where his father engaged in farming with
flattering prospects of success. Within a year or two, however, on account of
the panic of 1857 ^^^ ^^ account of obligations created by him which he ex-
pected to meet by payments to be made to him for property which he had sold
on time, and the failure of the purchasers to make such payments, his remaining
property was sacrificed and he lost practically everything he had. He then
rented a farm and started anew but soon afterward, in March, 1858, his death
occurred, leaving our subject, then sixteen years of age, the eldest child in the
family
The other children were as follows : Catherine, who married George F.
Goudie, now living at Miller, South Dakota; Ann, who gave her hand in mar-
riage to E. F. Councilman, now living at Seney. Iowa ; Hannah, who became the
Vol. ir-
46 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
wife of Charles B. Eaton, of Manchester, Iowa; Lewis, who now lives in Deni-
son ; Robert A., who recently removed from Denison to Aberdeen, South Da-
kota, to engage in the banking business ; and Eva, who is deceased.
The entire charge of the family after the father's demise devolved upon
John B. Romans and he did not for a moment shirk the responsibility of taking
his father's place in providing for his widowed mother and his younger broth-
ers and sisters. In a short time, by his industry and economy, he had saved
enough capital with which to purchase an eighty-acre farm, on which the family
lived for several years. His mother afterward came to Crawford county, pass-
ing away at Charter Oak on the 27th of February, 1889.
As John B. Romans grew to manhood he became imbued with ambition for
an education and for a portion of four years he attended the State University
at Iowa City, where he applied himself diligently to his studies, being obliged
to work his way through college. Soon after leaving Iowa City he came to
Craw^ford county, where at the age of twenty-six he was joined in wedlock to
Miss ]\Iary Laub, a daughter of the Hon. H. C. Laub, then the leading mer-
chant and business man of the county. The young couple spent the first year
of their married life on the farm with Mrs. Romans and then returned to
Denison, where for three years our subject was employed in the mercantile es-
tablishment of ^Ir. Laub. At the end of that time he formed a partnership with
hfs employer, the business being conducted under the firm style of Laub &
Romans. This relation was maintained until 1884, w'hen Mr. Laub was suc-
ceeded by Robert A. Romans, who remained a member of the firm until 1890,
after which J. B. Romans continued the business alone. Several years later the
business was incorporated under the' name of J. B. Romans Company, B. J.
Sibbert and others taking stock in the concern, and has been conducted as such
continuously since, although Mr. Romans closed out his interest in the com-
pany four or five years prior to his demise. During his active career he was
one of the most prominent factors in the business affairs of Denison.
The following is an excerpt from an obituary appearing in one of the local
papers at the time of his death. "The extensive business which he conducted
brought him in contact with almost every person in the county and it is safe
to say that he enjoyed as wide and favorable an acquaintance as any other busi-
ness man living here during all this time. Mr. Romans was a man whose coun-
sel and advice w-ere sought at all times by those who were interested in the
development of Denison and the county. No meeting was ever called to con-
sider improvements of a public nature that Mr. Romans was not present and
his advice eagerly sought. He always stood ready to contribute his share, in a
financial way. in support of any improvement of a public character.
"He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and his labors and
influence were a tower of strength in building up and maintaining the church.
He was for many years, and until his death, one of the trustees and a member
of the board of stewards of the church and frequently attended the Des Moines
annual conference as a delegate from the church here. He was also prominent
in the work of raising the money for building the normal college here and one
of the best friends of the school after it was established. From the beginning
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 47
he was a member of the board of directors of the institution. For several years
he was a member of the board of trustees of the pubHc schools of Denison and
always diligent in the discharge of his official duties.
"Politically, until 1896, he was a supporter of the republican party and
prominent in its councils, locally and in the state at large. He was not satisfied
to simply be a republican but was an enthusiastic worker in aiding in carrying
the party forward to victory. Each year he joined other speakers in making a
canvass of the county, his voice having been heard in the schoolhouses and
other places of meeting here. He was chairman of the republican county cen-
tral committee up to and including the year 1895. In 1896 he was won over, as
were many other republicans, to Mr. Bryan and free silver and became what was
then known as a 'free silver republican.' He was nominated by the democrats
and free silver republicans in that year for congress in this district and made
the race against Hon. J. P. Dolliver but failed in the election. After the election
of President McKinley as president that year, Mr. Romans gradually drifted into
the democratic party and for several years he was easily the leader of the party
in this county, being not only prominent in county politics but a potent factor
in the management of the party in the state. Of late years Mr. Romans has
been practically out of business and out of politics."
Mr. Romans' first wife passed away on the 9th of July, 1900, her death
being the result of the explosion of a gasoline stove. She was a woman of
superior ambition and energy and a leader in all movements looking toward the
uplift of her sex. By her marriage she became the mother of four children,
namely: Harry, who is deceased; Lydia Maude; lone, now Mrs. Lane H. Good-
man, of Sioux City, Iowa; and Junia, now Mrs. M. J. McAhren, of Denison.
On the 29th of December, 1901, Mr. Romans was united in marriage to
Mrs. Christine Snyder, a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and a daughter of
C. C. and Anna (Whittaker) Mason, both of whom were born in Leeds, Eng-
land. The father, who was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal church, emi-
grated to America at an early day, settling first in the New England states.
In i860 he removed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and his demise occurred at
Racine, that state, in 1864. Five years later his wife was called to her final
rest. They were the parents of six children, of whom Mrs. Romans is now the
only survivor. At the early age of fifteen years she had lost both of her parents
and, being thus thrown upon her own resources, began teaching school. In
1870, in Janesville, Wisconsin, she gave her hand in marriage to Benjamin
Snyder, who was a native of Dutchess county. New York. Their union was
blessed with two sons : Albert, who is now engaged in business at Creston, Iowa ;
and Harry, who is also a resident of Creston. Mr. Snyder died in September,
1889, and was buried at Creston, Iowa.
Mrs. Romans now owns a third interest in the estate of John B. Romans,
which is valued at over one hundred thousand dollars. She has a beautiful
residence in the city of Denison. In Eastern Star Lodge, No. 207. she has filled
all of the chairs from matron down and she also belongs to several clubs at
Denison. She is possessed of unusual ability and tact and has filled numerous
positions of responsibility to the credit of herself and friends. She held the
48 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
position of state president of the Women's Relief Corps and was urged to make
the race for national president but declined. Her many excellent traits of
heart and mind have endeared her to all with whom she has come in contact
and therefore she has a host of warm friends.
T. J. RULE.
T. J. Rule, a well known and representative agriculturist of Paradise town-
ship, was born m Spring Rock township, Clinton county, Iowa, on the 14th of
February, i860, his parents being George and Ellen Lucretia (Columbus) Rule.
The father, a native of Scotland, emigrated to Canada when twelve or fifteen
years old and subsequently took up his abode in Coldwater, Michigan. In 1854
he assisted his father in erecting a mill in Spring Rock township, Clinton county,
Iowa, and afterward removed to Alden, Hardin county, Iowa, where he pur-
chased a mill. In 1875 he went to De Witt, Iowa, and in the fall of 1876 came
to Crawford county, locating in Dow City. He bought the old hotel site and
a half interest in a mill and made his home in Dow City until 1879, when he
removed to the farm on which our subject now resides in Paradise township.
He erected commodious and substantial buildings and lived thereon until called
to his final rest in 1892. His political allegiance was given to the republican
party and in 1872 he represented Clinton county in the state legislature. He
also held a number of minor offices, ever discharging his public duties in a most
prompt and capable manner. In religious faith he was a Baptist, while fra-
ternally he was identified with the Masons, belonging to the Shrine and being
probably one of the best known representatives of the craft in this part of the
state. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen.
It was while a resident of Canada that George Rule wedded Miss Ellen L.
Columbus, who was a native of that country. Mrs. Rule continued on the farm
until 1893, when she took up her abode in Dow City, remaining there for two
years. On the expiration of that period she returned to the old home place but
in 1905 once more removed to Dow City, where she has resided continuously
since. She was the mother of nine children, as follows: William, who is en-
gaged in the milling business at Rutland, Iowa; Agnes, the wife of E. V. God-
dard, of Dow City, Iowa; John, who is a resident of St. Anthony. Idaho; George,
living in Lake View, Iowa; T. J., of this review; Ellen Mary, who makes her
home in Dow City, Iowa; A. L., who is engaged in the hardware business at
Red Oak, Iowa; Lincoln, a resident of Boone, Iowa, who is employed as con-
ductor by the Northwestern Railroad Company ; and Anna, who is deceased.
T. I.' Rule was reared under the i)arental roof and obtained his education
in the schools of his native county. Since his father's demise he has operated
the old homestead farm of two hundred and forty-five acres in Paradise town-
ship and also owns and cultivates an additional tract of forty-five acres. Under
his careful supervision the property has been brought to a hij^h state of culti-
vation and improvement and the well tillc<l fields annually yield bounteous har-
vests which find a ready sale on the market.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 49
On the 20th of December, 1892, Mr. Rule was united in marriage to Aliss
Minnie Davie, by whom he had seven children, namely: Herbert; Robert; Vera,
who is deceased ; Warren ; Jesse ; Margaret ; and Thomas.
In politics Mr. Rule is a republican, while fraternially he is identified with
the Modern Woodmen of America at Dow City, Iowa. His life has ever been
such as to commend him to the confidence and high regard of all with whom he
has been brought in contact either in business or social circles.
REV. JOHN JAMES DE FREE.
Rev. John James De Free, a well known and highly respected resident of
Denison, has been pastor of the First Presbyterian church here since 1907. His
birth occurred at Spring Lake, Alichigan, on the 29th of February, 1876, his
parents being Rev. James and Johanna (Bolks) De Free, natives of the Nether-
lands. His paternal grandfather was John De Free, also a native of the Neth-
erlands, who was a carpenter by trade. He emigrated to the United States in
1847, settling at Zeeland, Alichigan, where he worked at carpentering. He
acted as an elder during the entire period of his residence there and has given
to the church two sons and six grandsons and granddaughters as ministers and
missionaries. Flis demise occurred when he had attained the age of eighty-one
years, while his wife was about seventy-five when called to her final rest. They
had seven children who grew to maturity, namely : Dena, Feter, Dirk, Lena,
John, James and Jane.
Rev. Seine Bolks, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was likewise a
native of the Netherlands and in his youth was employed as a shepherd. He
came to the United States in 1849, settling in Michigan and living principally in
the vicinity of Holland, that state. He was the pioneer preacher there, being
the first pastor at Overisel, Michigan, while subsequently he had charges in
Chicago, South Chicago and Milwaukee. He was also the first pastor of the
Dutch Reformed church in Sioux county, Iowa, at Orange City, where he
passed away at the age of eighty-two years. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Gertrude Brower and was likewise born in the Netherlands, was sixty-
seven years old at the time of her demise. They were the parents of four chil-
dren who reached mature years, namely : Albert, Garrett, Johanna and Simon.
Rev. James De Free, the father of the gentleman whose name introduces
this review, was reared as a farm boy in Alichigan and later taught school in
order to defray the expenses of an advanced education. He graduated from
Hope College of Holland, Michigan, in 1867 and in 1870 completed the course
in the Western Theological Seminary at that place. First he served as pastor
in the Spring Lake Dutch Reformed church and then removed to Sioux Center,
Iowa, where he preached in the Dutch Reformed church for exactly thirty years.
At the present time he is pastor of the Dutch Reformed church at North Ya-
kima, Washington. Unto him and his wife were born the following children :
Lena, now the wife of G. Boeyink, of Sioux Center, Iowa ; Dr. Seine de Free,
of Sioux Center ; John James, of this review ; Gertrude, the wife of Henry
50 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY
Evenhuis, of North Yakima, Washington ; Xeal, wlio is a resident of Sioux
Center; and Albert. Hving in North Yakima, Washington.
Rev. John James De Free, who was a little lad of four years when taken by
his parents to Sioux county, Iowa, grew to manhood in Sioux Center and ob-
tained his early education in the country schools. He completed the course in
the Northwestern Classical Academy at Orange City, Iowa, in 1895, graduated
from Hope College of Holland, Michigan, with the class of 1899 and in 1903
finished his studies in Princeton Seminary. His first pastorate was at Alta,
Iowa, where he remained from 1903 until 1907, which year witnessed his arrival
in Denison. For the past four years he has been pastor of the First Presby-
terian church here and his labors have proven a potent element in the moral de-
velopment of the community.
On the 9th of September, 1903, Rev. De Pree was joined in wedlock to
Miss Marie K. Boer, a native of Albany, New York, and a daughter of Rev.
H. K. and Mary (Kroon) Boer, the former a native of the Netherlands and the
latter of Michig^an. They are now residents of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and
are the parents of four daughters who grew to maturity : Jeanette, Antoinette,
Marie and Charlotte. Rev. De Pree and his wife have two sons, Donald and
Wilbur Henry.
A. J. BOND.
A. J. Bond, commonly known as "Juddy" Bond, is successfully engaged in
business as the proprietor of an undertaking establishment at Denison and also
handles pianos and organs. His birth occurred in Springfield, Massachusetts,
on the 15th of October, 1846, his parents being Eli Daniel and Selah (Sea-
grave) Bond, who were likewise natives of that state. His paternal grand-
father, who was also born in Massachusetts, came of English origin. He
participated in the war of 181 2. Unto him and his wife were born four chil-
dren, namely: Elias, Daniel, Benjamin and Edwin. The maternal grandfather
of our subject was likewise a native of ^Massachusetts and came of English
ancestry.
Eli Daniel Bond, the father of A. J. Bond, was a stone and brick mason and
also worked at plastering. He removed to Michigan about 1851, settling- in
Petersburgh, Monroe county, where his demise occurred in 1861, when he had
attained the age of fifty-three years. His wife was called to her final rest in
March, 1863, at the age of forty-eight years. Both were Baptists in religious
faith. They were the parents of four sons and a daughter, as follows : Albert
P.; Selina J., the wife of E. S. Plimpton, now deceased; A. J., of this review;
Edwin E., who died when about thirteen years of age; and George W. S., who
is a resident of Eureka, California.
A. J. Bond, whose name introduces this review, accompanied his parents on
their removal to Michigan and resided there until March, 1863, arriving in
Denison, Iowa, April 4, 1863, when sixteen years of age. He entered the
employ of H. C. Laul) and when a call was made for eight volunteers from
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 51
Crawford county enlisted in Company I, Thirty-second Iowa Volunteer In-
fantry, being mustered in at Fort Dodge, Iowa. With that command he served
until the close of hostilities between the north and the south, returning home in
May, 1866. He participated in the battle of Fort De Rusa and was under fire
during the greater part of the time consumed in going up the Red River. He
next went to Lake Charcott in Arkansas and thence followed General Price on
his raid through Missouri. Being then ordered to Nashville, he took part in
the two days' fight there, next went across to Eastport and thence to New
Orleans. On leaving that city he went to Mobile and participated in the en-
gagements at Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely. He served as a private during
the entire period of his enhstment and participated in many skirmishes, proving
at all times a brave and loyal soldier. When the war had ended he returned
home and worked as a plasterer in association with his brother until 1871. He
then secured a position as clerk with Samuel Sprecher and a year later, owing
to Mr. Sprecher's death, took charge of the store as manager. He purchased
the building and subsequently admitted M. H. Hendricks to a partnership, con-
ducting a grocery establishment under the style of Bond & Hendricks for about
two years. On the expiration of that period he sold out to Mr. Hendricks and
entered the employ of E. S. Plimpton as a clerk, holding that position for eleven
years. While thus engaged he also devoted some attention to undertaking and
while in Mr. Plimpton's service embarked in the furniture and undertaking
business on his own account, being associated with his brother George under
the firm style of Bond Brothers. After disposing of his interest to his brother^
he purchased the jewelry and music store of S. H. Clawson, conducting it for
ten or eleven years. At the end of that time he sold his stock to E. C. Cham-
berlin with the exception of the pianos and organs, which instruments he still
handles. On the retirement of his brother George he again entered the un-
dertaking business and has since conducted an enterprise of that character with
excellent success.
On the iSth of April, 1872, Mr. Bond was united in marriage to Miss Lucy
G. Harris, who was born in Monroe county, Michigan, on the i6th of Novem-
ber, 1849, ^"d who was an old schoolmate of his. Her parents, Henry and
Betsy B. (Bedient) Harris, were both natives of New York. They took up
their abode among the pioneer settlers of Monroe county, Michigan, Mr. Harris
entering land from the government. His demise there occurred in 1871 when
he was more than eighty years of age. His widow came to Denison, Iowa, and
here passed away at the age of seventy-six. One of her brothers was more than
one hundred years old at the time of his demise. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bond
were born two children, namely : Elva Dell, who is a kindergarten teacher in
the public schools of Denison; and Edward H., who died on the 27th of Alay,
1906, when thirty-two years of age. Miss Elva Dell Bond is a Daughter of
the American Revolution, her ancestors having participated in the war for in-
dependence.
Mr. Bond is a republican in politics, being a stanch supporter of the party
which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war. He
served as township clerk for a period of twenty years and also acted as assessor
for many years or until he resigned. He is a member of John A. Logan Post,
52 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
No. 58, G. A. R., and also belongs to Dowdall Lodge. Xo. 90, Knii^hts of Pythias.
In religious faith both he and liis wife are Methodists. The period of his resi-
dence in Denison covers almost a half century and he enjoys an extensive and
favorable acquaintance here.
HON. RUDOLPH C. IL LEHFELDT.
The history of Crawford county would be incomplete and unsatisfactory
were there failure to make prominent reference to the Hon. Rudolph Carl
Henry Lehfeldt, whom his fellow townsmen have honored with election to the
office of state senator. His record as a business man is at the same time worthy
of earnest consideration as showing what may be accomplished by determination
and energ}' when guided by sound, practical judgment and characterized by in-
tegrity.
Air. Lehfeldt is a native of Germany, his birth having occurred in Curan by
Lubeck, December 28, 1840. His grandparents in the paternal line were
Joachim and Helena (Schroeder) Lehfeldt, farming people of Germany, and
there reared a family of three children : John, Henry and Anna. Of these John
Lehfeldt was the father of R. C. H. Lehfeldt and was born in Holstein, Ger-
many, where he learned the distiller's trade. He married Mary Stehn, also a
native of Holstein and a daughter of John Stehn, a sheep man of Germany,
who spent his entire life there. The death of John Lehfeldt occurred in 1846,
when he was sixty-one years of age, while his wife passed away in 1844 at the
age of fifty-two years. They were both Lutherans in religious faith. Their
family numbered eight children, six sons and two daughters : Henry, deceased ;
Wilhelm, of Holstein, Germany ; Fritz, of Denison, Iowa ; Louis, who passed
away in Germany ; Herman, who also lives in the fatherland ; Emma, the wife of
Carl Hansen, of Los Angeles. California; Anna, the deceased wife of Herman
Braun ; and Rudolph C H., of this review.
The last named was reared in the land of his nativity, attended tlie i)ublic
schools and afterward became connected with the sheep industry. In 1870 he
came to America, settling near Denison, where he purchased two hundred and
thirteen acres of land. T'or fifteen years he was connected with general agricul-
tural pursuits in tliis county and in 1885 removed to Montana, residing in the
vicinity of Billings until 1890. He then again came to Denison and lived upon
the old home farm for a year, after which he purchased the Lafe Goodrich farm
of three hundred and ninety-two acres. On this he engaged extensively in feed-
ing sheep until 1901. when he left the farm and erected a beautiful home in
Denison, which he still occupies. He yet owns both of his farms and from
his property derives a substantial income, but he has sold the sheep business to
his sons.
On the 2d of November. 1864. Mr. Lehfeldt was married to Miss Mary
Witt, who died in 1873. leaving four children. Ludwig lives in l>illings, Mon-
tana, and has the following children : Clara. Hilda. Rudolph and Herbert. Her-
man married Otilla Nerdenenberg, by whom he has five children : Hedwig,
R. C. H. LEHFELDT
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 55
Martha, Victor, Otilla and Hertha. Olga is the wife of John Schroeder, of
Bilhngs, by whom she has three children : Amanda, Walter and Herman. Al-
vina married Rudolph Molt, also of Billings, and their family consists of three
children : Emma, Bertha and Alma. In 1880 Mr. Lehfeldt was again married,
his second union being with Miss Mary Schroeder, by whom he had one son,
William, who wedded Edna Marie Eicker and is now living near Billings, Mon-
tana. On the 5th of January, 1894, Mr. Lehfeldt married for his third wife.
Miss Sophia Leptien, a daughter of Detleff and Helena (Braach) Leptien. Mrs.
Lehfeldt was born in Marengo, Iowa, in the vicinity of which her parents
settled at a very early day on coming to this country from Holstein, Germany.
They now live in Redlands, California. They were the parents of five children:
Fred, Louis, Sophia, Mary and Charlotte. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs.
Lehfeldt has also been blessed with five children, as follows: Hertha, Eldor,
Martha, Erma and Carl.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church and Mr. Lehfeldt is a
republican, well versed on the questions of the day and active in the work of
the party. In 1894 he was elected state senator and represented his district
during the four succeeding years when the general assembly was in session. He
is a self-made man and his is a creditable record, showing what may be accom-
plished when one has the will to dare and to do. He has never taken advantage
of the necessities of his fellowmen but has conducted business interests along
progressive lines and prosperity has been the reward. Both he and his wife have
a wide acquaintance in the county and their friends are many.
JOSEPH H. MAHONEY. .
Joseph H. Mahoney, who holds the responsible position of freight inspector
of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, with headquarters in the superin-
tendent's office at Boone, Iowa, was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, May 24, 1866,
a son of Timothy and Mary (Hickey) Mahoney. The parents are natives of
Ireland, whence they emigrated at an early age and upon arriving in this coun-
try located in Wisconsin, where they continued to reside until the spring of 1867.
when they came to Iowa and the father followed farming on a quarter section
of land in Boone county. Subsequently they removed into Boone city and for
the past thirty years have lived in retirement, passing the evening of their lives
in peace and contentment and in the enjoyment of the fruits of their early labors.
They are both hale and hearty, although the father has passed the eightieth mile-
stone on life's journey, while the mother is but five years his junior. Mr.
Mahoney still retains possession of his farm in Boone county.
To this worthy couple have been born ten children, the following of whom
are still living: William, who lives in Casper, Wyoming, and is employed as an
engineer on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad; Frank, who is connected
with the Union Pacific Railroad and resides in Denver, Colorado; Edward, who
makes his home in Boone, Iowa; Joseph H., of this review; Dora, w^ho became
the wife of P. M. Reilly and lives in Hastings, Nebraska; Mary, who resides
56 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
with her parents; Timoth}-, who i> a partner in the law firm of Gxx>dykoontz &
Mahoney, located in Boone. The members of the family who are deceased are
James, George and John.
The early education of Joseph H. IMahoney was obtained in the district
schools and, being a bright scholar as well as an ambitious youth, when but six-
teen years old he secured a position as teacher in one of the county schools,
working on the farm during the summer months. After being three years thus
employed he attended the Iowa State College for one year and then secured a
clerkship in the postoffice at Boone, which position he occupied one year. On
November 15, 1887, he entered the employ of the Chicago & Northwestern Rail-
road, serving in various minor capacities at the Boone station for seven years
and on December 5, 1894, was promoted to the office of station agent at Deni-
son, representing the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, serving in this capacity
during the following fifteen years. On December 15, 1909, he was again pro-
moted, this time to the position of freight inspector, with headquarters at Boone,
having jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to the handling of freight in
the territory from Des ]\Ioines to Omaha, including the branches of the Sioux
City division of the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad. He maintains his resi-
dence in Denison, where he owns a comfortable home.
Mr. ]\Iahoney was married June 20, 1898, to ^Nlollie B. Malony, a daugh-
ter of Andrew and Bridget (Sherran) Malony, to w'hom five children were born,
those living being as follows : Judith, who married C. S. Marshall, of Charter
Oak; Mary, who became the wife of Edward Phalen and lives in Omaha, Ne-
braska ; Kate, who is now living in Denison and is the widow of D. O. John-
son, a former resident of Charter Oak; Mollie, the wife of our subject; and
Maggie, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Mahoney are the parents of one child, George
Andrew, who was born in 191 1.
In his political opinions Mr. ]\Iahoney has always given his support to the
republican party. In religion he is a member of the Roman Catholic church
and fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias. He is a man of
•strong character, ever faithful to his duties, which he has always performed
with an efficiency that has won for him the commendation of his superiors,
and socially he possesses the high regard of a wide circle of friends.
THOMAS NORRIS.
Natives of the Emerald isle have ever been known for their tiirift and in-
dustry, and Mr. Norris is no exception to the rule. His parents, Thomas and
Mary (Nash) Norris, were born in County Coi'k, Ireland, and immigrated to
the United States in 1853, locating in South Reading, Massachusetts. In those
days there were no five day trips, as are now made by our modern ocean grey-
hounds, and they spent three months en route in an old sailing vessel. The
father resided in South Reading until 1862 and then removed to Delaware
county, Iowa, accompanied by all his family with the exception of his son
Thomas. There ho lived for two years and then removed to Spring Grove
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 57
township, Linn county, locating near Troy Mills, but later going to Paris in the
same county. He followed the occupation of farming all his life. In religion
he was an adherent of the Methodist church and politically was a republican.
To Mr. and Mrs. Norris were born six children, as follows : Lucy, the wife of
A. Dwindle, of Delaware county, Iowa; Benjamin, living in Central City, Linn
county; James, who died in 1892; Thomas, the subject of this sketch; William,
who resides in Manchester, Delaware county ; and the sixth, who died in infancy.
Thomas Norris, Jr., was born in County Cork, Ireland, April 2, 185 1. His
early education was acquired in the public schools of Ireland, and when fifteen
years old, in 1866, being impressed with the better opportunities in the United
States, of which he had heard, he decided to come to this country and embarked
on the steamer City of Manchester. Upon his arrival he started at once for
Linn county, Iowa, and located at Spring Grove, where he spent two years with
his father, later coming to Crawford county. One winter previous to his com-
ing to this county he resided in Charles City, Floyd county, Iowa. Desiring to
resume his education he attended school in Des Moines and later in Denison, and
has made his headquarters at the latter town since 1869. Here he resided for
four years before removing to his farm. Mr. Noris made his fist land purchase
in 1875-6, buying two hundred and seventy acres in Denison township, and
there established his farm, which he called "Bonny View," as it commands a
fine view of Denison. It is one of the most valuable pieces of property in
Denison township, having all the most modern improvements. Mr. Norris
makes a specialty of live stock, having some fine Poland China and Duroc Jersey
hogs and shorthorn cattle upon his place. He also deals in horses, giving par-
ticular attention to Percherons.
The marriage of Mr. Norris took place September 21, 1878, when he was
united to Miss Mary Anne Maloney, a daughter of Timothy and Nancy Maria
(Smith) Maloney. She was born in Whiteside county, Illinois, and educated in
the district schools of that state and the high school of Palo, Ogle county,
Illinois. She taught for two years at Pleasant Hill school, near Manilla, from
1876 to 1878. Her father was born in County Roscommon, Ireland, and came
to the United States when a boy, in 1849, locating in New York state, near
Springport. In 1856 he removed to Whiteside county, Illinois, residing there
until 1876, when he came to Iowa, taking up his residence near Des Moines.
Here he continued to engage in farming until his death, which occurred Novem-
ber 12, 1890, at the age of eighty years. He and his wife were married in
1852. Mrs. Maloney was born in Seneca county. New York, September 21,
1820, and died October 20, 1899. She came of a distinguished family which
can be traced back to the time of the American Revolution. To Mr. and Mrs.
Maloney six children were born, as follows : John Smith, living in Oklahoma ;
Andrew K., deceased ; Mary Ellen, deceased ; Mary Anne, the wife of our sub-
ject; Sarah Ella, deceased; Effie Elizabeth.
Mr. and Mrs. Norris are the parents of six children : James Harry, born
July 7, 1879, is now a traveling salesman; Mary Effie, born February 3, 1883,
is principal of the Westbrick school of Denison and resides at home; Ralph
"Arthur, born December 11, 1885, married Clara A. McAhron and is engaged in
the shoe business in Denison; Paul Ford, born September 19, 1888, Vera Vic-
58 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
toria, born October 30, 1896, and William John, born December 12, 1898, are all
at home. Mr. Xorris has always taken an active interest in the affairs of his
township and is at present one of the school directors. In politics he supports
the republican party.
ALFRED WRIGHT.
Alfred Wright, the manager of the Green Bay Lumber Company at Deni-
son, has acted in that capacity since 1899. ^"^'s birth occurred in Waverly,
Iowa, on the 8th of October, 1868, his parents being William and Rachel
(Smith) Wright, both of whom were natives of England. His ])aternal grand-
father was likewise born in that country and became identified with mercantile
interests. Unto him and his wife, who bore the maiden name of Eldershore,
were born five children, namely: John, Richard, William, George and Thomas.
James Junea Smith, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a manufac-
turer of sauces and pickles in England. He wedded Miss Rachel Eldershore
and their children were James, Zealint;- and Rachel. Following his demise Mrs.
Smith married a ]\Ir. Reynolds of Philadelphia, Pemisylvania, by whom she
had one daughter, ^Margaret.
William Wright, the father of Alfred Wright, emigrated to America in
1848 and for a short time worked as an architect in Ijaltimore, Maryland. He
entered the Episcopal ministry and in 1866 journeyed westward to Waverly,
Iowa, where he preached the gospel, later officiating" at Nashua. Denison. Des
Moines, Marengo, Grinnell, Carroll and Vail. He likewise served in the Giris-
tian commission during the Civil war. In 1852 he was a missionary with his
wife in Africa where they encountered many hardships and dangers. He was
a man of energy, ability and high character and a devout follower in the foot-
steps of the Master. His demise occurred in Denison in 1900, when he had
attained the age of seventy-six years, while his wife was called to her final rest
in the spring of 1910. being at that time eighty-one years old. They were the
parents of six children, three of whom reached maturity, namely: \\'illiam T.,
a practicing physician of Denison ; Leighton, who is likewise a resident of
Denison; and Alfred, of this review.
The last named accompanied his parents on their various removals and first
came to Denison in 1876, remaining here during the following i\\e \ears. In
1899 he returned to this city and has resided here continuously since. He com-
pleted the prescribed course of study in the high school at ^Marengo, Iowa, in
1886 and in 1890 was graduated from Grinnell College. Subsequently he fol-
lov.ed the profession of teaching for two years and then entered the service of
the Green Bay Lumber Company, working for them at Carroll and various
other places. From 1893 until 1899 he had charge of the yard at A'ail and for
the past twelve years has managed the company's yard at Denison. In this
capacity he has contributed not a little to the success of the concern, being a
man of excellent executive ability and sound judgment.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 59
On the I2th of June, 1909, Mr. Wright was joined in wedlock to Aliss ^lar-
g-aret Kelly, a native of Crawford county and a daughter of John and Bridget
(Rasp) Kelly. Mr. Wright gives his political allegiance to the republican
party and is now serving as chairman of the county central committee. In reli-
gious faith he is an Episcopalian, while his wife is a devoted communicant of
the Roman Catholic church. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, be-
longing to Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M. ; Ark Chapter, No. 89, R. A.
M.; and also of the council, R. & S. M. He is a member of the Knights of
Pythias fraternity, belonging to Dowdall Lodge, No. 90. He enjoys the full
respect and confidence of all who know him and has many warm friends in his
locality.
JOHN F. PFARR.
The mercantile business offers an inviting field for a young man of energy
and ability especially if he has a gentlemanly address and is actuated by a
laudable ambition to win his way to the front by honorable methods. Many
of the best known merchants have been attracted from agricultural pursuits
and one of this number is John F. Pfarr now senior member of the firm of
Pfarr, Gebert & Hunt, of Denison. He is a native of Pomeroy, Ohio, born
December 12, 1866, and is a son of Philip and Elizabeth (Hoepfner) Pfarr.
The father was a native of Germany and was educated in that country and
reared as a farmer. At the age of twenty-eight he came to America and set-
led in Meigs county, Ohio, now living on a farm near Pomeroy, in that county.
His wife was born on the place where they reside. They are both members
of the German Protestant church. Our subject's paternal grandfather was also
a farmer. He died in Germany when a young man and his widow subsequently
married his brother, John George Pfarr, by whom she had two children, Peter
and George. She came to America and took up her home in Meigs county,
Ohio, where she continued to reside during the remainder of her life. There
were three children by the first marriage: Philip, Elizabeth and Catharine.
The maternal grandfather of our subject was Peter Hoepfner, who came from
Germany and was a pioneer of Meigs county, Ohio. His wife was Catharine
Brown and they had one child, Elizabeth.
Seven children were born to Philip and Elizabeth Pfarr, namely: Jacob, of
Cedar county, Iowa ; Mary, now the wife of Paul Stahl, of Okanogan county,
Washington; Kate, now Mrs. W. W. Stobart, of Meigs county, Ohio; Lucy, the
wife of George Gaul, of Cedar county, Iowa ; John F., the subject of this re-
view; Philip L., also of Okanogan county, Washington; and Minnie, the wife
of Henry Kautz of Meigs county, Ohio.
John F. Pfarr was reared on his father's farm in Ohio and as a boy attended
the district schools, later becoming a student in Carleton College at Syracuse,
Ohio. After leaving college he worked on a farm for several years, but hav-
ing made up his mind that the west ofifered more favorable inducem.ents than he
could hope to find in his native state, he came to Cedar county, Iowa, in 1888.
60 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
His first employment in this state was as a farm laborer but later he became a
clerk in a store at Tipton. In 1890 he arrived in Denison and for three years
acted as clerk for the firm of J. P. Miller & Company. In 1893 he became as-
sociated with J. J. Wieland and Flugo Gebert in the general mercantile business.
Later Mr. W'ieland sold his interest to X. L. Hunt and the firm has since borne
the title of Pfarr, Gebert & Hunt. They have a large general store and carry
a well selected stock which meets the demands of an extensive and growing
patronage.
On the loth of October, 1898, Mr. Pfarr was united in marriage to Miss
Jessie H. Shattuck, who was born at Francestown, New Hampshire, a daugh-
ter of John L. and Sarah (Hartney) Shattuck. She came west about 1896.
Her father died in the east in 1903 at the age of sixty-eight years, but her mother
is still living at home. There were four children in the family in which Mrs.
Pfarr was reared, the others being Anna Belle, John Alfred and Berenice. Two
children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pfarr, Dorothy and Sarah
Elizabeth.
Since casting his first presidential vote Mr. Pfarr lias been in sympathy
with the republican party and has given to its platforms and candidates his
earnest support. At all times he has cooperated in movements aiming to pro-
mote the public good and his influence may always be counted upon in for-
warding any project that will make Denison a more beautiful city or a more
inviting place for business. Socially he is prominent in the community, and
fraternallv he holds membership in .Sylvan T-odge. No. 507, A. F. & A. M.
ROBERT P. PLIMPTON, M. D.
Dr. Robert P. Plimpton, of Denison, has attained marked success in the prac-
tice of his profession in the city of his birth and is recognized as one of the
leading homeopathic physicians in this section of the state. He was born July
13, 1871, a son of Edward S. and Salina J. (Bond) Plimpton, both natives of
Massachusetts. Silas W. Plimpton, the paternal grandfather, was three times
married and by his first wife had four children, namely: Maria, the wife of a
Mr. Peabody ; Edward S. ; Albert ; and Silas Jr. ITe died at the advanced age
of eighty-seven years. The maternal grandfather was Albert Bond, also a na-
tive of Massachusetts, and by trade a mason. He lived to be about seventy
years old. Edward S. Plimpton, the father of our subject, received his early
education at Providence. Rhode Island, his parents having moved there when
he was a child. At the age of sixteen he entered a bank at Providence, in
which he worked for five years. In 1857 he came to Denison, Iowa, which he
made his home until 1900, when he removed to Salida, Colorado. He was in
the mercantile business in Denison and continued in the same line at Salida.
Here he took an active part in politics and was elected city treasurer, serving
in that office for several years. He was also a member of the school board
and has filled a similar position in Salida. The mother of our subject passed
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 61
away in March, 1909, at the age of seventy-one years, and in 1910 Mr. Plimp-
ton was married to Miss Lucy Tucker.
There were seven children in the family of Edward S. and Salina J. Plimp-
ton, namely : Caroline, now the wife of Rev. E. T. Fegtly, of Des Moines,
Iowa; Edward, Jr., of Salida, Colorado; Lilian, the wife of Rev. H. S. Black,
of Portland, Oregon; WilHam, of Glenwood, Iowa; Robert P., the subject of
this review; George who died in infancy; and Elfreda, the wife of A. H. Fisher,
of Long Beach, California.
Robert P. Plimpton received his preliminary education in the public schools
of Denison and later graduated from the high school. He then entered Des
Moines College, graduating in 1896 with the degree of A. B. Having decided
upon a professional career he became a student in the Chicago Homeopathic
Medical College and in 1900 was graduated with the degree of M. D. He began
practice at Plattsmouth, Nebraska, but in the fall of 1901 came to Denison
and bought out Dr. Bolles. He has since continued in this city, where he has
made for himself a creditable name and gained a goodly measure of financial
success.
On the loth of December, 1902, Dr. Plimpton was united in marriage to
Miss Etta F. Walker, who was born in Bloomington, Illinois, and is also a grad-
uate of the Des Moines College, being a member of the class of 1897. She is
also a post-graduate of the University of Chicago of 1898, and previous to her
marriage successfully engaged in teaching school in this county for four years.
Her parents, Henry C, and Sophia (Darrow) Walker, were both natives of
Pennsylvania, from which state they removed to Bloomington, Illinois, and in
1880 came to Iowa, locating on a farm near Atlantic in Cass county. In 1890
they removed to Des Moines but are now living at Boulder, Colorado. Mrs.
Plimpton is their only child. Her paternal grandfather was John Wallace
Walker, who married Mary (House) Foster and lived at New Milford, Penn-
sylvania. He was a teacher during the greater part of his life and died at the
age of seventy-two years, while his wife lived to the advanced age of eighty-
nine years and eleven months. In their family were seven children, namely:
Catharine, Henry C, Byron F., Harriet, Emma, William and Ella.
Mrs. Plimpton is entitled to membership in the Daughters of the American
Revolution as she traces her ancestry back to Nathan Darrow, who fought for
the independence of the colonies. He was the youngest of four brothers but
the others were all forced into the British service and died at sea. He mar-
ried Anna Perkins, whose father and his two brothers were taken prisoners
during the war and the two brothers were later killed in the battle of Fort
Griswold. Gurdon Darrow, the son of Nathan, was born at Groton, Connecti-
cut, and married Sally Moxley. In early life he left his old home in the Nut-
meg state and traveled on foot to Pennsylvania, locating at Harford, Susque-
henna county, where he built a log cabin and developed a farm. He was a sol-
dier of the war of 1812. His son, Austin Darrow, has spent his entire life on
the old homestead at Harford. By trade he is a carpenter and he followed that
occupation for some time but later turned his attention to farming. He married
Sarah Evans and they are the parents of Airs. Sophia Walker, the mother of
Mrs. Plimpton. He was one of the founders of the Odd Fellows lodge at Har-
62 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ford and is a mcm])cr of the r.ai)tist church, to whicli the Darrow family have
always belonged.
Dr. Plimpton and his wife are both identilied with the Baptist church and
he is a member of its board of trustees, being one of the most active and etfi-
cient supporters of the church, h'raternally he is identified with Sylvan Lodge,
No. 507. A. F. (.\: .\. -M.. and his wife holds membership in the Daughters of
the American Revolution. Ever since casting his first ballot he has voted with
the republican party. He stands high in the estimation of his ])rofessional
brethern and the large practice he enjoys is evidence of generous appreciation
on the i)art of the ])ubHc.
S. A. DOW.
The name of Dow is an old and honored one in Crawford county, having
been prominently identified with its progress and development for more than
half a century. The present head of the family, S. A. Dow, who is mayor of
Dow City, was born in the town where he now resides on the 12th of March,
1856. The father S. K. Dow, was a native of New Hampshire, his birth oc-
curring in 1821, but at the age of eleven years he migrated to New York with
his parents, where they resided for one year and then went to Cass county,
Michigan. He was educated and reared in the latter state, remaining a member
of the paternal household until he had reached his twenty-fifth year. On the
28th of October, 1846, he was united in marriage to Miss Chloe Anne Smith,
who was born in X'erona, New York, in 1825, the officiating clergyman being
the Rev. Jacob Price. The young people began their domestic life in Michigan
continuing to reside in that state until 1852, when they' came to Iowa, first
locating in Harris Grove, where they remained until November, 1855, at which
time they removed to Crawford county and settled on a farm in Union town-
ship, the ])resent site of Dow City. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dow possessed the
essential qualifications of the pioneer and despite the hardships and privations,
discouragements and misfortunes never lost hope and persistently clung to their
determination, wdiich was to establish a home on the Iowa i)rairies. In 1866 the
Northwestern Railroad came through Crawford county and a ])ostoffice was
located on their homestead called Dowville, Mr. Dow being made postmaster.
Some time thereafter a church was erected through the eflforts of Mr. and Mrs.
Dow, who in 1857 had united with the Baptist church under the ministrations
of the Rev. J. W. Denison. A school and stores followed later and soon quite
a village had spnmg u]> which was incorporated and named after the man on
whose farm it stood. Mr. Dow was a man possessing unusual business acumen
and at one time was interested in several projects, in all of which he met with
most gratifying success and accumulated real estate in L^nion township, which
aggregated twenty-six hundred acres. Although engaged in the grain, stock and
lumber business in addition to the cultivation of his large farm, he always had
the time to fulfill his civic duties and gave his services to the advancement of
any movement the adoption of which he felt would be of benefit to the com-
]\iK. AND MRS. S. E. DOW
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 65
munity. He was always prominently identified with all local political matters
giving his support to the candidates of the democratic party. That he was held
in high esteem is evidenced by his election to many of best offices, among which
were those of county treasurer and probate judge, which he filled in a highly
creditable manner. Six children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Dow, three of
whom died in infancy, and those who attained maturity were: Alma, now de-
ceased; S. A., our subject; and William, a carpenter, residing in Dow City.
The father passed away on the 3d of October, 1907, and the mother survived
him only a few days, her demise occurring on the 30th of November.
S. A. Dow acquired his preliminary education in the common and high
schools of Dow City, after which he attended the Baptist University at Des
Moines. Returning home from college he went into business with his father,
with whom he was identified until he was twenty-nine years of age, and then
engaged in farming for a time, later opening a real-estate office. He has ever
since continued in this business, handling both local and western property, and
is meeting with more than average success.
In 1883 Mr. Dow was united in marriage to Miss Candice E. Davis, who is
a native of Maryville, Missouri, and they have become the parents of two chil-
dren : Golda Alma and Chloe Anne. The family attend the Baptist church and
fraternally Mr. Dow is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and
the Improved Order of Red Men, while formerly he was also affiliated with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a strong advocate of the prin-
ciples of democracy and takes an active and, helpful interest in local govern-
mental matters. He has occupied the highest office in the municipality for the
past two years, the responsibilities of which he has discharged in a manner
generally satisfactory to the community at large. 'He is highly esteemed in his
native town, in the social life of which his family hold a distinguished position.
RUDOLPH KNAUL.
For more than thirty years closely identified with the business interests of
Denison and also an active and efficient worker in the cause of public education,
Rudolph Knaul is justly held in high regard by the people of the city. He was
born in Berlin, Germany, February 24, 1850, a son of Adolph and Mary
(Woltke) Knaul. the former of whom was born in Brandenburg and the latter
at Wittenberg, Germany. There were four children in the family, our subject
being the only one now living. The mother and the other children died from
cholera in 1856. The father learned the tanner's trade and later became a mer-
chant in Berlin. In 1868 he emigrated to this country and spent the first eigh-
teen months in Chicago, then locating at Clinton, Iowa, where he entered the
drug business. He was three times married, and by his second wife had four
children, three of whom are now living, namely : Gertie, who married George
Rumsey ; Anna, who became the wife of George Naeve, a banker of Denison ;
and Lena, who married J. C. Mastie and now live at Chardon, Ohio. The third
wife of Mr. Knaul was a Miss Horst, and there were two children born to that
Vol. 11— 4
66 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
union: Otto; and Bertha, now tlie wife of Dr. PL C. Simpson, of Denison.
The paternal grandfather' of our subject was a tanner and died in Germany
from the effects of an accident. There were four children in his family : Ru-
dolph, Robert, Adolph and Johanna. John Woltke, the maternal grandfather,
who was a watchmaker and jeweler and passed away in the old country but had
spent alx)ut twenty years in the United States.
Rudolph Knaul received the advantages of a good education in his native
land and engaged in the drug business for a year and a half in that country
after leaving school. In 1868 he arrived in America and spent the first two
years in Qiicago, clerking in a drug store. He then went to Clinton, Iowa,
and clerked in his father's store, after which he returned to Chicago, where
he was identified for a year and a half with the same line of business. He again
came to Clinton and spent two years, at the end of which time he decided to
locate permanently and in 1879 he selected Denison as his home. He has ever
since been connected with the drug business in this city and maintains a neat
and well stocked store, being accorded a large and lucrative patronage.
On the 24th of July, 1876, Mr. Knaul was united in marriage at Clinton to
Miss ]\Iaggie Au. who was born in New York city, July 28, 1854, a daughter
of Julius and Maggie Au. The father was born in Hanover, Germany, and the
mother in Bavaria. He was a harness and trunk maker. He and his wife both
died in Lyons, Iowa. There were six children in their family : Charles, Will-
iam, George, Emma, Maggie, and a son who died in infancy. Two daughters
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Knaul, namely: Mamie, who married M. E. Lies,
of Waterville, Washington, and has one child, IMargaret ; and Alys, an artist,
who does beautiful work on china and is living at home.
Politically, Mr. Knaul is an earnest supporter of the republican party, with
whose principles he has been in accord ever since he cast his first ballot in 1871.
He early obser\'ed the beneficial efifects of education and for twenty-five years
has been a member of the school board of Denison, in the course of which time
he has greatly assisted in advancing the cause of education in the community.
An intelligent, progressive and capable citizen, he has been successful in business
and has gained a host of warm friends in this city.
L. H. PETERSEN.
Of German birtli. Mr. Petersen came to this country when a boy and has
made an enviable record for himself as a farmer of Denison township, Craw-
ford county. He was born in Schleswig, Germany, March 24, 1876, a son of
John and Mary (Thompson) Petersen, both of. whom were also natives of
Schleswig, where they were married. The father came to the United States
with his second youngest son in the spring of 1885. the mother and remaining
children arriving in the fall of that year. He located at Irvin. Shelby county,
Iowa, where he was employed on a railroad until death ended his labors in 1890.
He is survived by his wife, who resides at Buck Grove, Iowa. To them were
bom eight children, as follows: John, who makes his home in Denison; L. H. ;
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 67
Thomas, who lives at Buck Grove ; DtidHef , who is a farmer residing near Buck
Grove; Lena, who is the wife of Bennett Trueper and Hves in the vicinity of
Buck Grove; Ira, who Hves in Dakota; Dora and Johannah, deceased.
The pubHc schools of Germany afforded L. H. Petersen his early mental
training and when not pursuing his studies he occupied his spare time by
working in the fields until 1885, when he emigrated to the United States. Com-
ing to Iowa he spent four years in Shelby county, and later engaged in opera-
ting rented land in Crawford county for two years, making his first purchase
of real estate in 1907, which consisted of eighty acres. By careful management
he was enabled from time to time to add to his holdings until they now aggre-
gate one hundred and sixty acres of highly improved land. Mr. Petersen gives
his attention principally to general farming and stock-raising but is also in-
terested in the raising of poultry, making a specialty of fancy breeds, among
which are the Partridge Wyandottes.
The marriage of Mr. Petersen occurred in 1901, when he was united to Miss
Augusta Trueper, who was born in Oldenburg, Germany, a daughter of Will-
iam and Louisa (Eisenhauer) Trueper, in whose family were three children,
namely : William, who lives in Denison ; Bernhardt, residing in Buck Grove ; and
Augusta. Mr. Trueper's death occurred in Germany and Mrs. Trueper married
again, her second husband being Carl Remen, a resident of Denison, by whom
she had four children, Anne, Carl and Louis, residing in South Dakota; and
Gertrude, who makes her home in Denison. Mr. and Mrs. Petersen are the
parents of four children, but only Arnold and Alma are now living. Eldon,
who was born August 5, 1906, died January 3, 191 1, and was buried in the
Lutheran church cemetery.
In politics Mr. Petersen is a republican and although he has never desired
nor sought public office he has always given his loyal support to the party of
his choice. Both he and his wife are members of the Lutheran church. He
is a worthy example of the German-American citizen who after arriving in this
country becomes imbued with the American spirit, and he has contributed to the
best interests of the community in which he resides.
T. I. GARRISON.
Among the most responsible and successful citizens of Denison is T. J.
Garrison, whose life stands as a monument of well directed energy, prudent
foresight and ability. Mr. Garrison has never had a thirst for office or that
hankering for publicity which often besets men otherwise successful and which
many times leads to broken hearts and disappointed hopes. He has been con-
tent to be known as a man of honor and probity, to surround himself with com-
fort and luxuries, to enjoy the palatial home which he has built for himself,
and to help his children grow to successful maturity. The comparative affluence
which he now enjoys has not been the result of fortune's whim but the result
of downright hard work, self-denial and sheer ability.
68 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
-Mr. Garrison was born in Jones county, Iowa, August 22, 1849, a son of
Solomon and llaniet (Simpson) Garrison. His father was born in Ohio, Feb-
ruary 13. iSi(), and rcnK)ved lo Iowa immechately after liis marriage on Jan-
uary 2"/, 1 84 1, setthng in Jones county near the present town of OHn. Twelve
years later, in 1853, he removed with his family to Onion Grove, near Clar-
ence, Iowa, where he resided for hfteen years and then returned to Pleasant
Hill, Jones county. Three of their children having located in Nebraska, in 1883
the parents removed to that state, making their home at Reynolds. There the
father died March 2, 1891, the mother afterward making her home with her
youngest datighter, Mrs. A. D. Hunt, at Mount Vernon, Iowa, where she passed
away December 9, 1903. To Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Garrison were lx)rn eight
children, two of whom died in infancy. Those living are: Cyrena, born October
13, 1843, "ow the wife of John Ashby, of Coggon, Iowa; W. S., born Septem-
ber 5, 1846, who was married to Miss Emma J. De Camp and now lives at
Wyoming. Iowa; T. J., the subject of this review; G. R., born May 8. 1854, who
married Sarah E. Robinson, January 20, 1876, and is now a resident of Cali-
fornia; L. L.. born February 28. 1858. now an insurance agent in Lincoln,
Nebraska; and Dema E.. born March 25, 1861, now the wife of A. D. Hunt, of
Mount Vernon, Iowa.
Mr. Garrison w-as but a very small lad when his father removed to Clar-
ence, Cedar county, Iowa. He attended the public schools of that place, pass-
ing through the different grades until he entered Cornell College at Mount Ver-
non. His college career was not long, however, as at the age of seventeen he re-
turned to Clarence and engaged in the hardware and lumber business with
J. W. Simpson. Later a Mr. Martin was taken in as a partner and the firm
became Simpson, Garrison & Martin. Mr. Garrison continued in that business
until he was twenty-seven years of age. when he began to read law. His energy
and determination are well illustrated by the fact that he decided upon this
course after having passed his early youth and that he pursued his studies alone,
purchasing his own books from his earnings and instructing himself so rapidly
that in the fall of 1879 he was admitted to the bar in Tipton, Cedar county,
Iowa. In 1880 Mr. Garrison came to Denison, forming a partnersliip with
I. T. Roberts and succeeding to the law practice of Tabor & Tabor. This part-
nership continued for several years until the withdrawal of Mr. Roberts from
the firm, after which Mr. Garrison conducted his extensive business alone until
the last few years, when he withdrew from practice to enjoy the fruits of years
of toil. As a lawyer Mr. (larrison enjoyed the reputation as one of the wisest
and safest of counselors. He always avoided litigation if possible and his work
was that of an adviser and a ]:)eacemaker rather than an advocate. For many
years he was the local attorney for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway
and the Chicago & Northwestern Railway, and in this capacity he enjoyed the
confidence and personal friendship of the highest officials of tlie two roads.
He conducted the delicate details concerned with the purcliase of the right of
way for the Milwaukee and also for the double tracking of the Chicago & North-
western Railroad througli the coimty. and he succeeded in doing this with no
dissatisfaction on the i)art of the railroad or of the people. Wise and far-
sighted investment added to his income as an attorney until, as we have stated.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 69
he has been enabled to retire from business, surrounded with a goodly portion
of life's enjoyments.
On the 17th of February, 1870, Mr. Garrison was united in marriage to ]\Iiss
Emma Carothers. To them were born four children: Lillian A., whose gift of
music and whose lovable disposition have been an added blessing to the home ;
Edgar S., who has through a series of well earned promotions been appointed
to the important position of judge of the Canal zone; Ray D., who married
Miss Hattie Weeks, of this city, and who is in the fruit-raising business at
Grand Junction, Colorado ; and Earling R., who is the life and joy of the home
and who bids fair to duplicate his father's business sagacity.
In Mr. Garrison we have the picture of a forcefvil, self-made man, of kindly
disposition, loyal to his friends, and who has earned for himself the respect and
consideration of the communitv.
JAMES SCOTT.
One of the well kept and highly cultivated farms of Paradise township is
the property of James Scott, who has been a resident of Crawford county for
more than forty years. He is a native of Canada but is of Irish extraction, his
grandparents having come from Counties Carlow and Kilkenny, Ireland. His
paternal grandfather, John Scott, crossed the ocean in 1822, and his maternal
grandfather, William Garland, in 181 5, and both located in Canada. The eldest
child of William and Mary Ann (Garland) Scott, also natives of Canada, our
subject, was born near Ottawa on the 28th of April, 1858. The parents mi-
grated from Canada, where the father had followed farming, and located on a
farm in Union township, this county, in December, 1869, and for thirty years
Mr. Scott engaged in general farming and stock-raising. He had been married
previously, his first wife being Emily Davis, also a Canadian, and they became
the parents of the following children: Mary Jane, the wife of A. P. Hardy, of
Mitchell, South Dakota ; John, deceased ; and Sarah, who married Edgar Palm-
er, of Lexington, Oregon. There were six children of the second marriage
beside the son James, and they are as follows : Barbara Ann, living in St.
Anthony, Idaho ; William Garland, a resident of Lexington, Idaho ; Matilda,
who became the wife of P. J. Hallowell, of Paradise township, this county;
Ellen Sophia, who is teaching in St. Anthony, Idaho; Jonathan Albert, a black-
smith of Dow City, Iowa ; and Henry Griffth, a farmer of Paradise township.
The father passed away in 1899 and the mother died in 1895.
James Scott acquired his education in the common schools of Canada and
Crawford county, Iowa, and when old enough to lay aside his text-books and
assume the heavier responsibilities of life he decided to become an agriculturist.
He remained at home until his marriage. During that time he had acquired
the means which enabled him to buy eighty acres of land in Union township,
and this he cultivated for about two years and then removed to his present
place. Here he has resided for twenty-six years, during which time he has
made many and great improvements and his is one of the best farming prop-
70 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
erties in Paradise township. The buildings are all substantial and in g-ood con-
dition ; he keeps a superior grade of stock ; and his fields are given the care
and supervision whicli results in large harvests and good prices. He now owns
eighty acres in Union and one hundred acres in Paradise township.
It was on the 27th of December. 1882, that Mr. Scott was united in mar-
riage to Miss ]\Iary Amelia Hallowell, a daughter of Joseph and Marcia (Adams)
Hallowell, the father being a native of Xew York and the mother of Ohio.
They migrated from Ohio to Illinois and came to Iowa in 1853 but did not locate
in Crawford county until 1867. Here they both passed away, the father in 1880
and the mother in 1897. Mrs. Scott is the youngest of the five children born
unto Mr. and Mrs. Hallowell, the others being as follows: George, who is now
dead ; Ophelia, also deceased ; John, a farmer of Crawford county ; and Peter
J., also a farmer of this county. ^Nlr. and Mrs. Scott have become the parents
of six children : Mary Ellen, Anna Laura, Thomas Garland, Rosella Beatrice
and James Hallowell, all of whom are at home, while the fourth child died in
infancy.
Mr. Scott is of the Episcopalian faith and is fraternally identified with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America,
his local afiiliation with these two orders being with the Dow City lodges. His
eldest daughter, Mary, is identified with the Rebekahs, the ladies auxiliary of
the Odd Fellows. Mr. Scott has always remained free from party dictation in
political matters, never having voted a straight ticket but once and that was a
republican, nor would he ever accept an office. He is one of the progressive
and highly esteemed citizens of his community, where his sound principles and
keen sense of honor have won the respect they are always accorded.
LEWIS L. OSTERLUXD.
The foreign born citizens of Crawford county have done much to advance
the agricultural possibilities of Iowa and prominent among these may be men-
tioned Lewis L. Osterlund, a farmer and stock-raiser of Milford township. He
was born near Stockholm, Sweden, August 9, 185 1, a son of August and Chris-
tina C Osterlund, who were farmers in their native country', where they both
died when Lewis L. was quite young. The latter obtained his education in the
public schools of Sweden and then followed farming until twenty-one years old.
Hearing of the greater advantages ofifered to young men in the United States,
he decided to better his condition and in 1872 emigrated to this country. He
first located in Illinois but remained there but a few months and then removed
to Clinton. Iowa, where his first occupation was logging on the [Mississippi river
and working in the lumberyards of the Clinton Lumber Company. There he
remained for seven years, living economically, and by saving his earnings he
was enabled to buy eighty acres of land in Milford township, Crawford county,
upon which in 1879 he began practical farming. Owing to his former experience
in the old country he was successful from the beginning, erected a modern house
and made other needed improvements upon his land, which was located on sec-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 71
tion 2^. This he sold in 1892 and purchased one hundred and twenty acres on
section i, later buying three hundred and twenty additional acres on section 2,
making a total of four hundred and forty acres, which today ranks among the
finest improved land in Crawford county and where he carries on general farm-
, ing and stock-raising. He makes a specialty of shorthorn Durham cattle and
feeds both cattle and hogs for the market.
In August, 1876, ^Ir. Osterlund married ^liss Xellie Olson, of Clinton,
Iowa. Her parents Nels and Hannah Olson, were natives of Sweden and
came to this countr}^ in 1873, taking up their residence in South Dakota, where
the father died in 1906. being still survived by the mother. To ]\Ir. and Mrs.
Osterlund have been born the following eleven children: Laura, now Airs. Rob-
ert Hawley, of Crawford county ; Rose, the widow of Charles ]\Iaynard ; Charles,
who was born December 2, 1880, and is now residing in Nevada; Olga. now
Mrs. Patrick Gallagher; Arthur, born June 15. 1885, now living in Cotton-
wood, South Dakota; Lewis, Jr., born August 16, 1888, also living in South
Dakota; Roy, born April 4, 1890; Myrtle; Walter, born June 18, 1894; Lily
and Carrie. The younger members of the family are still at home.
Mr. Osterlund has always upheld the principles of the republican party and
has efficiently filled the office of township trustee for two terms. He has also
served for several years as school director and was twice appointed by Gov-
ernor Shaw to the farmers convention, once at Boston and once at Colorado
Springs. Fraternally he is a worthy member of Vail Lodge. No. 422, A. F. &
A. AI. and Chapter No. 89, R. A. M., of Dunlap, Iowa. Religiously he is a
<:onsistent member of the Lutheran church. Mr. Osterlund is a worthy example
of all that goes to make an exemplary citizen of the countr}' of his adoption,
and his abilities as an agriculturist as well as his personal characteristics have
won for him recognition* and the approbation of the community wherein he
resides.
CHARLES W. MERRILL.
Charles \\\ 2\Ierrill. who stands today as one of the representative and pro-
gressive business men of Denison, was born July 7, 1855, in Ohio, a son of
John W. and Julia (Heaton) Merrill, both of whom were natives of New
York state. In 1869 they removed to Linn county, Iowa, where the father
rented one hundred and sixty acres of land, upon which he resided until 1882
and then took up his residence in ]\Iontezuma. Iowa, remaining there during
the rest of his life. Seven children were born to this couple, of whom but two
survive, namely: Harriet, who became the wife of R. C. Ring and lives in Linn
county; and Charles W. Those deceased are James, Ouincy. Rufus, \\'illiam
C. and Lucy.
After passing through the public schools Mr. Merrill served an apprentice-
ship to the wagonmaker's trade and has since continued to successfully follow
this branch of industry. His first employment was obtained at Center Point,
Linn county, where he remained about five years and then moved to Thorn-
72 lilSTUKV OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
burg. Iowa, where he spent fifteen years. lie next Hved in Greene, Iowa, there
engaging in the same occuiJalinn for iwo and a lialf years, lie then came to
Denison, opened up a carriage and wagon shop and h\ unremitting industry,
and his unquestioned abihty in this line of work has succeeded in building up a
large and lucrative business.
On December 28, 1879. ^^^'- -Merrill was united in marriage to Miss Addie
L., a daughter of J. M. and Eliza j. (Torrence) Potter, who were the parents
of seven children, four of whom, including Mrs. Merrill, survive, the others
being: Ella M., who became the wife of H. C. Printy and lives in Center Point.
Linn county; Franklin, who is a farmer near Columbia Falls, Montana; Artie
^label, who married George W. Lee and resides in Sac City. Iowa. Mr. I'otter
is a native of Indiana and followed farming in that state and in Iowa until he
retired and came to reside with his daughter. Mrs. Merrill. At the age of
eighty-four he is enjoying a serene old age. His wife departed tins life in
igo- in her seventy-fourth year. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill are the parents of four
children, two of whom are living, namely : Clififord C. who resides in Omaha,
Nebraska; and Mabel J., who became the wife of A. L. Moeller and lives in
Council Bluffs. Iowa.
IMrs. Merrill is president of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, of
wdiich she was also for a short time district president. Mr. Merrill casts his
vote for the republican party and although he takes an abiding interest in all
local affairs that tend to improve his town he has never sought political prefer-
ment. In religion he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. In
his business career he has made an excellent record and has not only become
favorably and well known but has gained a gratifying measure of prosperity,
while personally he is a man whose worth and high princi])les are well appre-
ciated by his many friends.
FRANK H. DOWNS.
Frank H. Downs, a well known farmer and stock-raiser of Crawford county,
was born in Gloucester county, New Jersey, June 5, 1867. a son of Edward J.
and Lucinda (Graham) Downs, the former of whom was born May 7, 1834. in
New Jersey where he grew to manhood, and there his marriage took place No-
vember 20. 1856. He was a farmer and charcoal burner, marketing his products
in IMiiladelphia. and he followed those occupations until he was forty-two years
of age, wdien he came west, locating in Menard county. Illinois. He was a son
of Thomas and Maria Jane Downs. His widow is a native of Ireland and
makes her home in Denison, Iowa. They were the parents of ten children, of
whom all but one survive, namely : Hudson, who lives in Arion. Iowa ; Maria
Jane, who married Charles Gaines and resides in Menard county. Illinois ; John
F.. who is a farmer near North Platte. Nebraska ; Elmer Ellsworth, who is lo-
cated in Dawson county, Nebraska ; Franklin H. ; Sarah Elizabeth, who became
the wife of Morris McHenry, Jr., and resides in Dow City; Ed J., Jr., who is
on a farm near Overton, Nebraska; Lucinda, who married Isaac Howorth, of
F. H. DOWNS
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 75
Goodrich township ; and Emma, who is the wife of Ed R. Green and Hves
in Overton, Nebraska.
The initial education of Frank Downs was obtained in the common schools
of Menard county, Illinois, supplemented by a course in the Indian Point graded
schools. With the object of taking up agriculture as his life vocation he began
active work on a rented farm in Shelby county, where he remained three years
and then came to Crawford county. Here he was engaged in the livery busi-
ness for seven years, his stables being located at Arion. Deciding to once more
embark in agricultural pursuits, he rented a farm, which he cultivated for two
years and then bought one hundred and sixty acres in Boyer township, com-
prising what is called the McMartin farm. Here he resided for five years and
then moved to his present location, his farm here consisting of two hundred and
five acres. Besides this he owns real estate in the town of Arion. He is an
extensive dealer in live stock, making a specialty of English Berkshire hogs and
polled Durham cattle and also handles a high grade of Shropshire sheep.
The marriage of Mr. Downs took place April 8, 1898, when he was united
to Mrs'. Nellie (Acker) Wall, who was born in Ogle county, Illinois, a daughter
of John and Nellie (Harrington) Acker, the former of whom was born in Ogle
county, April 5, 1835, and the latter in Otsego county, New York, October 10,
1839. During the Civil war Mr. Acker enlisted in the Union army at Chicago
in 1861, becoming a member of an independent company known as Sturgas
Rifles, named for the man who fitted them out.. This company was sent out as
General McClellan's bodyguard and participafed"' in the seven days' battle of
the Wilderness, remaining in the service until McClellan was removed. As it
was an independent company it could not be sent anywhere without the consent
of its members and they were mustered out and returned home in 1862. In
1863, however, Mr. Acker joined Company M, Seventeenth Illinois Cavalry,
and was commissioned first lieutenant but during his service was on special duty
most of the time, being stationed at Jefferson Barracks and later at Alton,
Illinois, where he guarded three hundred prisoners. His wife was with him
most of the time until he was ordered to the front in pursuit of General Price
of Missouri. He served as aid-de-camp on General McNeal's stafif, assisting
in guarding about fifteen hundred prisoners at Alton all one summer. When
they went into winter quarters his wife joined him, but when there was any
danger of fighting she was sent home. He was mustered out in 1865 at the
close ol the war. Mr. Acker moved to Boone, Iowa, in 1865 and lived there
for three years, after which he went to Avoca, Iowa, and engaged in the hard-
ware business for eighteen years, going from there to Hand county, South Da-
kota, where for the following thirteen years he followed farming and then
removed to Everett, Washington, which is at present the home of himself and
wife. They are the parents of five children, of whom the following are living:
NeUie; Tessora V., who is the wife of George Dulitz and lives in Washington
state; and Ahce May, who became the wife of Homer Brown and resides in
Oregon. On the maternal side Mrs. Downs comes of good Revolutionary stock,
her great-grandfather Harrington, having served as a private in the Continental
army. He died shortly after the close of the war from the effects of the hard-
76 IIISTURY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
.ships suffered durinf;^ his service. When al the front his brave wife was left
with a family ot small children to care for on a little farm, her stock consisting
of one horse and a few sheep. She cultivated her land, doing all the work
herself, sheared 'ler sheep, carded the wool and spun and wove the material for
the clothes of her family. She also knitted socks, dried nieat and melted her
pewter ware into bullets, which she took on horseback, a distance of a hundred
miles, through the woods to her husband, although she was surrounded on all
sides by the English troops. Her friends feared for her safety but she trusted
implicitly in God and was brought safely home.
Mrs. Downs was educated in Avoca and taught school for thirteen years.
While living in Everett, Washington, she was a member of the Women's Relief
â– Corps of that city. Mer first husband, Harry Wall, to whom she was married
December 7, 1887, in Hand county. South Dakota, was a native of Indiana and
followed the vocation of farming. To them was born one child, Eva May, who
became the wife of Neil Graham and now resides in Everett, Washington. Mr.
and Mrs. Downs are the parents of three children, namely: Nathaniel Acker,
Frank, Jr., and Eliza Early, all of whom are under the parental roof.
In his political views Mr. Downs is a republican. Both he and his wife are
members of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which they give their hearty
stipport. He is a well known representative of farming interests in Union town-
ship and his highly cultivated lands and the excellent condition of his graded
stock indicate, as nothing else could do. his untiring energ}- and capable man-
agement, and his thorough reliability in all business affairs has gained for him
the confidence of everyone with whom he deals.
C. P. HARVEY.
In tracing the genealogy of the Harvey family we find there was a Colonel
Daniel Harvey, an oi^cer in the English army who settled in Ireland and who.
.as far as can be learned, is the head of the present generation. Michael Har-
vey, the father of C. P. was born in County Armagh, Ireland, ]\Iarch 27th,
1 81 7, whence he emigrated to the United States about 1837, locating in New
York city, where he married Miss Ellen McGill, who was also born in Ireland in
1819. He resided in New York about five years then removed to Lee county,
Illinois, where he followed stock-raising and farming. He was a very early set-
tler and some of the papers giving him possession of his land were signed by
President Fillmore, per his secretary. In politics he was a democrat nearly all
his life. He died in 1867, being survived by his wife, who departed thi,-^ life in
1903. and both were interred in Sandy Hill ceme.tery. Lee county. They were
the parents of the following eight children: Thomas A., who is a lawyer resid-
ing in Lead City, South Dakota, and who for years was criminal attorney for
ATeade county ; James, who is a farmer and stockman in Lee county. Illinois ;
C. P. ; Mack, who is living on the old homestead in Lee county ; John, who is
mayor of Amboy, Illinois ; and three others, Mary, Charles and an infant, all
deceased.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 77
C. P. Harvey was born in Lee county, Illinois, May 2, 1852, and obtained his
early education in the public schools. He remained at home until twenty years
old and then went to Chicago, where he remained for two and a half years in
the employ of Shuler & Company. Returning to Lee county he engaged in
farming for one year, and later removing to Clinton, Iowa, followed the same
occupation for four years, going from there to West Side, Crawford county
in 1878. Here he remained for about fourteen years, one of which he spent in
conducting a meat market in the village, another in acting as superintendent of
the poor farm, the remaining twelve years being occupied in farming for him-
self. Subsequently he moved to East Boyer and continued the pursuit of agri-
culture there for four or five years, later going to Paradise township. After
three or four years' farming here he located in Denison township, buying two
hundred and forty acres of land which now comprises his homestead. ' Under
Mr. Harvey's able management it has become a highly improved and valuable
piece of property and most creditably reflects his ability to apply modern meth-
ods in obtaining the best results from the soil. In connection with general farm-
ing he is interested in the raising of fine stock.
Mr. Harvey was united in marriage in 1876 to Miss Hannah Polhamus, a
native of Iowa, who is of Pennsylvania Dutch ancestry, and they had three
children, namely: Earl, who was accidently killed; Thomas Albert, who lives
opposite the home place and who in 1894 married Miss Lissie Latshaw, born in
Shelby county, Iowa, and they have three children, Grace Gladys, Glen Eldon
and MerHn Paul; James, who occupies the adjoining farm, and who married
Miss Florence Warmath, born in Denison, and they have two children, twins,
Frank and George.
In regard to politics Mr. Harvey has always been a democrat and takes an
active interest in the affairs of his party. He served on the board of supervisors
from 1883 to 1886 and has been a member of the school board for the past
twenty-six years. In his fraternal connections he is affiliated with the Knights
of Pythias. He has brought to his life work a well trained mind, which has
made it possible for him to carry to a successful conclusion the ambitions of his
early youth, and among his many friends he is recognized as a man of sterling
worth and of the strictest integrity, a reputation he has never failed to uphold.
REV. H. C. WILLIAM FRESE.
On account of the nature of their calling the clergy occupy a prominent place
in the community and wield an influence which often profoundly afifects the
lives of those with whom they come in contact. Men only of unsullied char-
acter and of the very highest attainments mentally and morally are worthy of
the responsibility of expounding the holy writ, and to this number belongs Rev.
H. C. William Frese, whose name stands at the head of this sketch.
He was born in Tonawanda, Xew York, August 23, 1873, and is a son of
Rev. Louis and Louisa (Richter) Frese, natives of Hanover, Germany, and St.
Louis respectively. The father received his preliminary education in Ger-
78 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
many and at seventeen years of age crossed the ocean to America and engaged
for several years as a bookkeeper in Xcw York city. About 1866 he went to St.
Louis and studied for the ministry of the Lutheran church, graduating from
Concordia Seminary, lie began preaching at Archibald, Ohio, and successfully
carried on his work for many years, his last charge being at Council Bluffs,
Iowa, where he died in 1900. At the time of his death he was fifty-four years
of age and in the midst of a life of great usefulness. His wife is still living and
makes her home at Champaign, Illinois. Henry Frese, the paternal grand fatlier
of our subject, was a farmer in Germany and married Henrietta Hincke. They
had four sons and one daughter: Adolph, Julius, Ernst, Louis, and Henrietta,
now the wife of Fred Riebow, of South Omaha. The four sons were all min-
isters of the gospel. The maternal grandfather, jolin Richter, was a native of
Saxony, Germany. He was a cooper by trade and located in St. Louis many
years ago. He married Louisa Espenschied. and tliey were the parents of four
children : Ernst, Louisa, Theresa and Theodore, the two last named being now
deceased. There were ten children in the family of Louis and Louisa Frese,
namely: Esther, now ]\Irs. Henry Dirks, of Poplar Blufif, Missouri; H. C. Wil-
liam, of this review; Theresa. Louisa and Julius, all of whom are deceased;
Louis, a teacher at Cedar Rapids. Iowa; Emil and Walter, both of whom are
deceased ; and Emma and Anna, who are living at home.
H. C. William Frese received his early education in the parochial schools
of Effingham and Champaign, Illinois. He later became a student of the North
Western University of Watertown, Wisconsin, and Concordia College at Spring-
field. Illinois, graduating in theology from the latter institution in 1896. He
began his labors as a missionary at Poplar Bluff, Missouri, continuing there for
four years. His second charge as a pastor was at St. Paul's Lutheran church
in Council Bluffs. He came to Denison in 1903 and since that time has been
pastor of Zion's Lutheran church and also superintendent of the Lutheran
school of this city.
On the 2d of October, 1902, Mr. Frese was united in marriage to ^liss
Elizabeth Bosecker. who was l)orn at Evansville, Indiana. Her parents, who
W'ere also natives of that state, moved to Wabash county, Illinois, when she was
very young and she grew to womanhood there. She received her early educa-
tion in Wabash county- and later attended the State Normal School in Carbon-
dale, Illinois. She was married to Mr. Frese near Cowlin";. IlHnois. Her
father was a farmer but is now living retired at Mount Carmel. Illinois. He
held various township offices and was school treasurer for over twenty years and
supervisor for three years. Ijeing very active in all works pertaining to the ad-
vancement of the neighborhood. There were four children in their family,
namely: Elizabeth, now Mrs. H. C. William Frese; Frederick; Mary, the wife
of Theodore Wirth ; and Lena. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Frese was
Carl Bosecker. a farmer of Saxony, Germany, who died wlicn comparatively a
young man. but his widow lived to the age of seventy-eight years. Tliey had
five children: Anna, Elizabeth. William. Christian and Andrew. The maternal
grandfather was Jacob Schweikhard. a native of Bavaria. Gennany. and a
farmer. He married Margaret Baumgartner and died in early manhoorl. but she
lived to the age of seventy-five. There were three children in their family.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 79
namely : Jacob, Charlotte and Frederick. Four children have come to bless the
home of Air. and Airs. Frese : William and Elizabeth, deceased ; Walter ; and
Ruth.
Politically Mr. Frese gives his adherence to the republican party, believing
that in so doing he is promoting the best interests of the nation. He is thor-
oughly active and efficient in his church work and is a member of the Evan-
gelical Lutheran synod of Missouri, Ohio and other states. Thoroughly alive
to the great advances made along all lines during the earlier years of the twen-
tieth century, he is, moreover, a constant student of the great book which is the
basis of his belief, his message from Sunday to Sunday attracting large and in-
terested audiences. He aims to walk in the path prescribed by the great Alaster
and by his unselfish acts as well as by his words he has been instrumental in
inducing many to adopt the Christian life.
JOHN HALLOWELL.
John Hallo well, who owns a fine farm of two hundred and twenty acres in
Paradise township, was born in Elgin, Illinois, on the 2d of February, 1853. his
parents being Joseph and Alarcia (Adams) Hallowell. The father was a native
of Saratoga county. New York, and the mother of Ohio. Joseph Hallowell
grew to manhood in his native state and then migrated to Ashtabula county,
Ohio, where he met and married Miss Adams. Shortly after this event the
young couple located in Elgin, Illinois, where they lived until 1853. In the lat-
ter year they again started westward, Iowa being their destination this time.
and they settled on a farm in Putnam township, Fayette coimty, but after re-
siding there five years they removed to Clayton county. They were residents
of the latter county for nine years and at the end of that time located on the
farm in Paradise township, which their son now owns. They were the parents
of five children, but only three are now living, however, George and Ophelia,
the two eldest, having passed away. Those surviving are: John, our subject:
Peter J., who is living on a farm which adjoins his brother's on the north ; and
Mary, the wife of James Scott, who owns the adjoining farm on the west. The
father was a blacksmith and farmer, and being quite successful in both under-
takings he had accumulated considerable property at the time of his demise in
1880. The mother passed away in 1897 and was laid to rest beside her husband
in the Dow City cemetery.
John Hallowell acquired his preliminary education in the common schools
of Clayton and Crawford counties, and later attended the State College at
Ames for one year. He remained at home, assisting his father with the cultiva-
tion of the farm until after the latter's demise, when he took the entire respon-
sibility. He has never married and continues to live on the home farm, which
he now owns.
Mr. Hallowell was reared in the Universalist faith and was at one time a
member of the Alasonic fraternity but has not been affiliated with that organiza-
tion of recent years. He used to give his political support to the democratic
80 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
party but has transferred his alle£jiance to the men and measures of the republi-
can party, considering that their pohcy is now better adapted to subserve the
best interests of the country. lie has never held office, being a quiet, unobtrusive
man who has always fullilled the requirements of good citizenship as he recog-
nized them, and although he has devoted his time almost entirely to the advance-
ment of his personal interests they have always been of a nature to promote
those of the community at large.
REV. M. J. FARRELLY.
It is doubtful whether in the state of Iowa a more faithful and efficient
pastor can be found than Father M. J. Farrelly, of the St. Rose of Lima Cath-
olic church, of Denison. He has officiated as head of the church ot this place^
for twenty-four years and the great respect in whicli he is held by his parish-
ioners as well as by the entire community is proof of his worth. Born at
Aughavass, Ireland, March i, 1854. he was reared as a farmer boy by good
Catholic parents and received his early education in his native land. The fath-
er's business was principally that of buying anrl selling cattle and shipping them
to England and Scotland. He died in 1892 at the age of eighty-four years.
The mother came to America in 1893 ^^^ passed away in Denison, Iowa, on the
i6th of December, 1899, being then seventy-three years of age. There were
seven sons and two daughters in the family, namely : Luke, now deceased ;
Patrick F., who is pastor of St. Joseph's church at Carroll, Iowa; Thomas,
who died at the age of eighteen years; M. J., the subject of this review; Mrs.
B. McGuire, of St. Paul, Minnesota, whose husband died October 26, i9ior
James, a commission merchant of Chicago; Philip, who is a farmer and lives
near Denison; Peter, of Denison; and Mary, the wife of J. T. Haugh, of Deni-
son. Luke Farrelly, the paternal grandfather, a farmer in Ireland, married a
Miss Mastcrson and they had seven children, Luke, Matthew, Peter, James,
Michael, Thomas, and a daughter who died when young. The maternal grand-
father was Patrick Fitzpatrick who was a farmer of Ireland and also married
a Miss Masterson. Their family included eight children, Philip, Patrick, Ann,
Ellen, Mar)'. Alice, Adelia and Margaret.
Father Farrelly came to America in 1872 and for two years worked by the
month on a farm near Lawler in Chickasaw county, Iowa. In 1874 he entered
the Christian Brothers School at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and in the fall of
the following year became a student in St. Joseph's College at Dubuque. Iowa,
where he spent two years in the study of the classics, graduating in moral
philosophy in 1877. In the fall of the same year he went to Montreal, Canada,
where he engaged for three years in the study of theology. Returning to
Dubuque, he was ordained a priest of the Roman Catholic church on the 21st
of .September. 1880. His first appointment was in charge of a parish at Man-
chester. Iowa, where he continued for seven years, and while there built a
church at Ryan ancl at Earlville and a parsonage at Manchester. He also se-
cured for the congregation a new cemetery and carried out other important
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 81
undertakings. Under the appointment of Bishop Hennessy he has served since
October i, 1887, as pastor of St. Rose of Lima church at Denison. He has also
been for nine years in charge of the Charter Oak church as an out mission.
In 1890 he built the CathoHc school known as the St. Rose of Lima parochial
school, which now has seventy-five pupils exclusive of those taking instruction
in music, who number about sixty. In 1896 he erected a new church in this
city, which cost twenty thousand dollars and has a seating capacity of seven
hundred persons. It is elegantly furnished and was recently handsomely re-
decorated and frescoed, being known as one of the most beautiful churches in
the state. In the fall of 1910 Father Farrelly effected the purchase of the
handsome residence of George W. Nicholson, one of the finest in the city, and
it is now the parsonage of the church.
Father Farrelly has always retained his interest in his studies and is deeply
versed in history, literature, science, theology and all subjects that interest a
wide-awake and progressive scholar and religious teacher of the twentieth cen-
tury. He is an eloquent and convincing speaker and is often invited to deliver
addresses before patriotic, literary or religious bodies in the state. He is a
power for good and his influence has ever been exerted in behalf of the weaker
members of society and in the upbuilding of the best interests of the state and
nation.
JOHN H. TAMM.
For nearly twenty years John H. Tamm has been connected with business
interests in Denison and has assisted as a public-spirited citizen in promoting
the welfare of the community. He found congenial employment in mercantile
lines and the success that has attended his efforts is proof of his ability. He
was born in Clinton county, Iowa, April 14, 1865, a son of Henry and Catharine
(Stoltenberg) Tamm, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father
was reared as a farmer. He came to America at the age of eighteen and en-
gaged at various times in clerking, teaming and farming in Davenport and
Camanche, Iowa. In 1882 he settled in Morgan township, Crawford county,,
and bought seven hundred and twenty acres of land, which he partly improved.
He died three years after taking up his residence in this county, being then in
the midst of a useful life, as he was only forty-seven years old. He was promi-
nent in the community and served with marked ability as justice of the peace,
school trustee and in other township offices. His wife is still living and makes
her home at Ida Grove. She is a member of the Lutheran church, as was also
her husband. Three children were born to them : John H., of this review ; and
Charles and Edward, both of whom live near Schleswig.
Our subject's grandfather Tamm was a blacksmith in Germany and lived
to the age of sixty-five years. Of his family Henry, Fred, Anna and Dora came
to America and two members remained in the old country. The grandparents
on the maternal side, Peter and Betty Stoltenberg, established their home in
Crawford county, Iowa, where they spent their last years. They had four chil-
82 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
dren: Catharine; I Iciin ; r.crtha. of Davcnpurt, ihc widow of John Johann;
and W'ilhani.
lohn II. Tanini hvcd in Clinton county until sixteen years of age and re-
ceived his eilucation in the district schools and in a business college at Daven-
ix)n. He came to Crawford county with his parents and lived at home until
he reached manhooil. he and his brothers then taking charge of the home farm.
In 189-' he took up his residence in Denison and entered the farm implement
business, with which he has ever since been connected. He also sells automobiles
and by intelligent and thoughtful attention to the wants of his customers has
attracted a liberal patronage.
On the 8th of June, 1892. Mr. Tamm was united in marriai^e to Miss Or-
ville Ililbert, a native of Clinton county and a daughter of Hans and Lena
(Paulman) Hilbert. The father was born in Iowa and the mother in Germany.
There were five ciiildren in their family: Orville, Ferdinand, William, Alfred
and Minnie.
Mr. Tamm and his wife are sincere members of the Lutheran church and
take a deep interest in its various beneficences. Politically he is not allied with
any of the established parties, as he prefers to vote independently, selecting- his
candidates according to the needs of the times. He is genial and pleasing in
address and has made a host of friends not only by his kindly disposition but
also by his honorable and straightforward dealing.
JOHN F. KEPFORD.
A hundred and sixty acre farm on section 17. Washington tow-nship, pays
tribute to the well directed effort and capable supervision of John F. Kepford,
who has been identified with the farming interests of Craw^ford county for a
quarter of a century. A native of this state, he was born in Washington town-
ship, Johnson county, on the 12th of December, 1855, a son of Jacob and Mar-
tha (Shue) Kepford. of Lancaster county. Pennsylvania, in which state they
were also married. There were thirteen chihh-en in the family but Sarah and
Hattie. the nintli and tenth in order of birth, have passed away, while the first
two died in infancy. Those surviving are: Mary, the wife of Antone Bast, of
Washington township; Martha, who married Thomas Tranter, of Johnson
county; Ellen, who became the wife of James Tranter, of Washington town-
ship; John F.. our subject; Jacob, a farmer in Washington township; Joseph.
who resides in Union township; David, living in Des Moines; Edward, residing in
Union township; and Phila. the wife of Frank Jones, of Schleswig. The parents
migrated from Pennsylvania to Iowa in pioneer days, first locating in Johnson
county, where they resided until 1888, at wiiich time they removed to Craw-
ford county and settled on a farm in Union township, where they continued to
live until Mr. Kepford's demise in 1899. Ever since attaining manhood he had
been engaged in agricultural pursuits with the exception of the three years he
served at the front during the Civil war. Mrs. Kepford still survives and is
living on the old homestead in I'nion township.
«
-J^
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 85
John F. Kepford obtained his education in the public schools of Johnson
county, remaining a member of the paternal household until he was seventeen
years of age, at which time he began working as a farm hand. He continued to
follow that occupation for six years, during which period he acquired the means
to begin farming for himself as a renter in his native county. He remained a
resident of Johnson county until 1884, when he removed to Crawford county
and purchased land in Union township, which he cultivated for nine years. At
the end of that time he bought his present place in Washington township, where
he has ever since engaged in general farming and stock-raising. His home-
stead is well improved and plentifully stocked, while the fields are given the care
and supervision which results in excellent harvests, judged as to both quantity
and quality. Mr. Kepford is also interested in real estate in Buck Grove.
On March 3, 1886, Mr. Kepford was united in marriage to Miss Harriet
Ellen Tillett, of Belmont county, Ohio, a daughter of Henry E. and Mary
(Brewer) Tillett. Her father was a native of Virginia and her mother of the
Buckeye state. They removed to Iowa in 1858 and located in Cedar county,
where they remained for twenty years, and then came to Crawford county,
setthng upon the place where Mr. Kepford now resides. The father passed
away in 1887 but the mother survived until 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Tillett were
the parents of the following children: Etheline. E., a resident of Buck Grove;
Anna Elizabeth, deceased; John Wesley, living* ri»' Denver, Colorado; Mary
Caroline, deceased; Margaret L., the wife of John A. Horton, living near Sac-
ramento, California; Henry A., a resident of Redfield, South Dakota; Harriet
E., the wife of John F. Kepford; Ethelbert W.-, deteased; Eutes C, living in
Goodwin, South Dakota; and Newton B., Edward, Bertha and an infant, all
of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Kepford have one daughter Martha Eura,
who, after completing the common schools, attended the high school at Ames
for three years. They also reared E. H. Polzien, who continues to make his
home with them.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Kepford and their daughter hold membership in the
Methodist Episcopal church. Ever since granted the right of franchise Mr. Kep-
ford has given his support to the candidates of the republican party. He always
takes an active interest in local governmental afifairs, although he has never
filled any public office save that of school director. He is a man whose in-
fluence can always be counted upon to advance any movement the adoption of
which would improve local conditions and is esteemed accordingly in his
community.
JOHN SCHNOOR.
From a farmer boy to manager of an important mercantile establishment
in a flourishing city is a long step and yet it has been made by John Schnoor,
now at the head of the Salomon Furniture Company of Denison. The success
which has attended his efforts is the result of his industry and enterprise, which
are dominant traits in his character. He was born in Holstein. Germany, April
22, 1869, son of Nicholas and Anna (Asmus) Schnoor, both natives of Ger-
Vol. II— 5
86 • HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
many. Tliere were six children in their family, namely : Marie, now deceased ;
Minnie, who married Herman Rush and is also deceased ; Caroline, widow of
Claus J. Salomon of Denison ; Jacob, of Amherst, Nebraska; John, of Denison ;
and Emma, who died at the age of nine years. Marie, the first born, was
drowned at sea in 1883. going down with the vessel and all on board; Emma
lost her life by a sandbank falling upon her; and the father, who was a sailor,
died in Germany at the age of forty-eight years. All three of these deaths
occurred in 1881. Mrs. Schnoor came to America with her children Caroline,
Minnie and John in 1883, her son Jacob having preceded them in March of the
same year. The mother died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Caroline Salo-
mon, January i, 191 1. The family is identified with the Lutheran church.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Claus Schnoor, was also a sailor. He
died in the same year as Kaiser Wilhelm and they were about the same age.
There were three sons in his family : Hans, Jacob and Nicholas, and several
daughters. The maternal grandfather, Hans Asmus, was a baker. He died in
Germany at the age of about fifty-six years. Six of his children grew to ma-
turity, namely : Henry, Hans, John, Elsabe, Antje, and Anna.
John Schnoor lived in his native country until fourteen years of age and re-
ceived his early education in the common schools. In 1883 he came to America
with his mother and they located on a farm in Crawford county, where he con-
tinued until the fall of 1887. In the meantime he assisted in building the rail-
road yards at Manilla, Iowa. In November, 1887, he went to work at Denison
under Claus Sievers, the pioneer harnessmaker of Crawford county, now de-
ceased. After four years with Mr. Sievers, the subject of this review removed
to Amherst, Nebraska, and there followed his trade. In 1894 he went to Man-
ning, Iowa, where he remained for four years, and then took up his residence at
Denison and for seven years successfully conducted a harness-making establish-
ment in this city. He sold out to the Semmann Manufacturing Company and
next entered the employ of his brother-in-law, C. J. Salomon, in the furniture
business, and after the latter's death became manager of the concern, in which
position he has since continued.
On the 27th of December, 1889, Mr. Schnoor was united in marriage to
Miss Augusta Kunz, who was born at Appenrade, Schleswig, Germany, a daugh-
ter of Anrlreas and Augusta (Lorenzen) Kunz. Her parents came to America
first in 1880 but made three trips back and forth across the ocean, finally set-
tling in Denison in 1883. The father is now deceased but the mother is living in
this city. Of their children Andrew, Amalia, Nicolina, Marie and Augusta are
now living. A daughter, Brigita. and a son are deceased. Four children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Schnoor, namely: Amanda. Edna, Hilda and Esther.
Mr. Schnoor and his wife are both members of the German Methodist church
and their children are also connected with that denomination. Politically, he
gives his support to the democratic party. He was elected justice of the peace
at Manning but did not qualify as he moved away soon after his election. He
served for two years as member of the city council of Illinois. Fraternally, he
is identified with Sylvan Lodge. No. 507, A. F. & A. M., and the Eastern Star.
He also belongs to Denison Lodge, No. 626, I. O. O. F., the Encampment, the
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 87
Rebekahs and the Modern Woodmen of America. A man of unquestioned in-
tegrity and high ideals, he has made practical application in business and private
life of the beautiful teachings of the orders to which he belongs and is greatly
respected by a wide circle of warm personal friends in Denison.
A. H. RUDD.
A. H. Rudd, the proprietor and editor of The Enterprise, the local paper of
Dow City, is a native of Crawford county, his birth occurring on section 9,
Union township, on the i8th of November, 1856. He is the oldest surviving
child of John R. and Serelda (Jordan) Rudd, the father a native of Pennsyl-
vania and the mother of Keokuk, Iowa. John R. Rudd came to Iowa from
Pennsylvania in the early '50s, first locating in Shelby county, where he resided
for a brief period and then removed to Crawford county, settling on section 9,
Union township, where he continued to reside until 1902. His farm was un-
broken prairie when it came into his possession, and after erecting a log cabin
he began cultivating the soil and for more than forty years engaged in general
farming and stock-raising. Nine years ago he left the farm and is now living
retired in Dow City, where he enjoys the ease and comfort awarded him as the
result of the close application and self-denial of his youth. JMr. Rudd has
always given his political support to the men and measures of the democratic
party, while his religious affiliation is with the Latter Day Saints. His wife is
a daughter of William and Mary Jordan, who were among the pioneers of Craw-
ford county, where they spent the last years of their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Rudd
are the parents of eleven children, as follows : Hiram, deceased ; A. H., our sub-
ject; Alvin, a minister of the Latter Day Saints at Wilberton, Oklahoma; John,
a painter and decorator of Dow City; Mary, the wife of Clair Butterworth of
Dow City; D..M., living in Orlando, Florida; Ellen, the wife of J. D. Antrim,
of Redfield, Iowa ; Emma, the deceased wife of J. R. Griffin ; S. E., a linotype
operator, of Norfolk, Nebraska; Fannie, the wife of John A. Hearst, a farmer
of Union township ; and the eldest, who died in infancy.
A. H. Rudd acquired his education in the common schools of Dow City and
his first business venture was the editing of the newspaper he now owns. He
traded a team of horses for the Boyer Valley Clipper, which three months later
became known as The Enterprise, under which name it has ever since been
issued. During the twenty years of his proprietorship it has developed into a
clean, popular and wide-awake local newspaper with a good circulation. In
addition to the editing of this, Mr. Rudd conducts a job office, in which he is
meeting with marked success, as his books show an output of over two and one-
half million blanks for the year just ended. He owns the building where his
office is located as well as his residence.
In 1887 Mr. Rudd and Miss May Dobson, of this county, were united in
marriage, and they have become the parents of the following children : H. R.,
a graduate of the Dow City high school and the electrical engineering depart-
ment of the Iowa State College at Ames, now located at North Yakima, Wash-
88 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ington ; \'innie, also a graduate of the high school and the musical department
of Graceland College, living at iiome; Sunshine, who is attending the high
school ; and Gladys, at home.
The family attend the church of the Latter Day Saints, in which denomina-
tion jNIr. and Mrs. Rudd are very active workers, he being the priest of the local
branch and superintendent of the Sunday school, while Mrs. Rudd has been a
teacher of the Sunday school for over twenty years. Politically Mr. Rudd has
always affiliated with the democratic party and takes an active part in local gov-
ernmental matters, having served as township clerk and assessor, while he was
also city treasurer for nine years and county supervisor for three. He is one
of the progressive as well as public-spirited citizens of the town and through
the columns of his paper has urged the adoption of many measures which have
been for the improvement and betterment of the community.
BEN7AMIN S^HTH.
The dairy interests of Crawford county find a worthy representative in Ben-
jamin Smith, who resides on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Denison
township. Mr. Smith was born in Peekskill, Xew York, on the 20th of July,
1863, his parents being Benjamin and Catharine (Ellis) Smith, also natives of
the Empire state, but whose latter days were spent in Kansas. Ten children
were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith, as follows: Ida, the wife of Gilbert Lan-
caster, of Garrison, New York; Byron, residing in Golden, Colorado; Lois, who
married Albert Cooper, of Portland, Oregon ; Annie, the wife of Richard Hun-
ter, of Abilene, Kansas; Benjamin, our subject; Adelia, also of Abilene; Frank-
lin, a resident of Joplin, Missouri ; Susan, the wife of Alexander Wilson, of
Abilene, Kansas; Phoebe, who died in infancy; and Charles, of Oklahoma.
The early years of Benjamin Smith's life were spent in New York and
Kansas, in the common schools of which states he acquired his education. Com-
ing to Iowa with his parents in 1887 he located in Harlan, where his father had
bought two hundred acres of land, in the cultivation of which he assisted, re-
maining at home until he was married. Subsequent to this event he worked as
a farm hand for more than three years, at the end of which period he returned
to Kansas, where his father owned eight hundred acres of land, one-half of
which our subject rented. After cultivating this for three years Mr. Smith
came back to Iowa, locating upon one hundred and eighty acres of land which
he rented in Shelby county. He operated this for three years and then rented
one hundred and sixty acres elsewhere, upon which he resided for two years.
At the end of that period he leased a four hundred-acre tract, which he culti-
vated for three years. During the time of his residence in the Hawkeye state
he had accumulated the capital necessary to buy land, so moving to Crawford
county in 1902, he purchased two hundred and eighty acres, in the cultivation
of which he was engaged for seven years. Disposing of his interests in 1909 he
lx)ught a quarter section in the northeastern part of Denison township, where
he is now conducting an extensive dairy business, the majority of his cattle
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 89
being shorthorns. This is one of the oldest farms in Denison township, as
upon it was built the first frame house in Crawford county, which Mr. Smith
has torn down during his residence here. The house was erected about 1856
and was entirely constructed of oak and walnut. Two years ago, while digging
a cistern upon his homestead, Mr. Smith found two Indian skulls and a horse-
shoe, which he presented to the Rev. Mr. Frazee.
At Harlan, Iowa, on the 25th of March, 1888, Mr. Smith was united in
marriage to Miss Annie Lorenzen, a daughter of Fred and Anna (Johnson)
Lorenzen, natives of the province of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. Migrating
to Iowa many years ago Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen first located in Davenport but
are now residing in Pottawattamie county. They were the parents of eleven
children, of whom Mrs. Smith is the eldest, the others being: Peter, a resident
of Pottawattamie county, Ella, the wife of Henry Gertz, of Luverne, Rock
county, Minnesota; Henry, who died in infancy; Herman, living in Shelby
county, Iowa ; George, a resident of the same county ; Edward, also a resident of
Shelby county; Laura, the wife of Earnest Bachman, of Pottawattamie county;
and Ernest and Rudolph, deceased; and Mollie, also living in Pottawattamie
county. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have become the parents of five children : Alma,
the wife of Thomas Meade, of Portland, Oregon ; Clarence Walter, also of
Portland ; and Harold, Ralph and Ruby, who is seven years of age, the last
three all at home.
The family affiliate with the Methodist Episcopal church, while fraternally
Mr. Smith is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. In matters
politic Mr. Smith gives his support to the candidates of the democratic party.
Not being an office seeker, however, he does not actively participate in civic af-
fairs, preferring to devote his attention to the advancement of his personal in-
terests.
PETER J. HALLOWELL.
Peter J. Hallowell, who engages in general farming and stock-raising on
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Paradise township, Crawford county,
is a native of this state, having been born in Fayette county, on the i6th of
October, 1855. He is the youngest son of the late Joseph and Marcia (Adams)
Hallowell, who were among the early residents of this county. He acquired his
education in the district schools of Fayette and Crawford counties, remaining a
member of his father's household until he had reached the age of twenty-nine
years. In 1882 he began working as a farm hand, continuing in this occupation
for three years, and at the end of that period he located on the quarter section
where he continues to live.
In 1882 Mr. Hallowell was united in marriage to Miss Alatilda Scott, a
daughter of William and Mary Ann (Garland) Scott, who were also early
residents of this county, migrating here from Canada. Four children have been
born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hallowell, who are as follows : Ada E., the wife of
J. G. Rule, of Red Oak, Iowa; Inez A., the house secretary of the Young
90 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Women's Christian Association of Des Moines ; Joseph E., who married Daisy
Glassburner and lives at home; and Jennie E., who is also at home.
Fraternally j\Ir. Hallowell is identified with the Modern Woodmen of Amer-
ica, his local affiliation being with the lodge at Dow City. He has always been
a strong advocate of the principles of republicanism and gives his support to
the candidates of that party. Although he has never taken a particularly active
part in local politics he served for two years as trustee of his township. He is
considered one of the successful and substantial agriculturists of the community,
his being one of the valuable homesteads in the township.
JAMES P. JONES.
A self-made man who started upon his business career without a dollar and
has won his way to fortune, James P. Jones, of Denison, is justly held in high
regard by all who know him. He was born in Clinton county, Iowa, May 15,
i860, a son of John and Honora (Carlon) Jones, both of whom were natives of
County Clare, Ireland, when they were married. The father was reared a
farmer and learned the stone-mason's trade in Ireland. He came to America
early in the '50s and after stopping for a while in New York state took up his
residence in La Salle county, Illinois, working at stone-masonry and house-
building. He was employed on the first bridge built across the Mississippi river
at Davenport and lived on the island and in Rock Island. He subsequently
bought a farm in Clinton county, which he cultivated to good advantage. He
died in the northern part of Iowa in 1891, at the age of eighty years. Mrs.
Jones, who was born at Mount Shannon, Ireland, in 1823, came to Crawford
county in 1879 alter her husband's death and lived on a farm in Washington
township with her children. She died Sunday, January 8, 1905, at the age of
eighty-two years, and was in many respects a remarkable woman. She and her
husband were earnest members of the Catholic church.
The paternal grandfather of our subject, Rogers Jones, was a farmer and
spent his entire life in Ireland. Among his children were William, Rogers,
James, John, Maria and others. The maternal grandfather was also a farmer
in Ireland. Of his children Honora, Julia and Kate came to America. Honora
is the mother of our subject, and Julia, now deceased, formerly lived in Deni-
son. Patrick, one of his sons, died in Ireland. There were ten children in the
family of John and Honora Jones, three of whom are now living, namely : Julia,
a resident of Denison; James P., the subject of this review; and John H., also
of Denison.
James P. Jones was reared on the old homestead in Clinton county and re-
ceived his early education in the district schools. He was graduated from
the Davenport Business College and subsequently came to Denison and started
in the live-stock and real-estate business, with which he has ever since been
connected. Being a man of energy and good judgment, he has been higlily suc-
cessful in his affairs. He is the owner of six hundred and forty acres in Craw-
ford county and about three sections of land in Sanljorn, Spink, Faulk and
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 91
Potrer counties, South Dakota. On coming to Crawford county, he gathered
corn at fifty cents a day and chopped wood for seventy-five cents a cord, work-
ing industriously at any honorable employment that he could find. By un-
daunted perseverance he overcame every obstacle and is now financially inde-
pendent.
On the i8th of June, 1892, Mr. Jones was united in marriage to Miss Isabel
C. Blakely, a daughter of David D. Blakely., She was born in New York, her
parents being natives of Ireland. Her father came from County Antrim, near
Belfast, and her mother from County Gal way. They were early settlers of
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, her father being identified with a packing house in that
city, where he and his wife are still living. They were the parents of ten chil-
dren, six of whom survive, namely: Kate, David, John, Isabel C, Elizabeth and
Grace. Mrs. Jones grew to womanhood in Cedar Rapids and received a fine
education, being a graduate of a convent and the Conservatory of Music at
Cedar Rapids. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Jones : David B.,
who died in infancy ; William B. ; and James D.
Mr. Jones and his estimable wife were reared in the Catholic faith and are
sincere followers of the church. They have resided in Denison many years,
and their pleasant home is a favorite gathering place for friends who are al-
ways assured of a cordial greeting. Mr. Jones gives his support politically to
the republican party. He has served in various township offices but never as-
pired to larger political honors as his interest has been concentrated upon his
family and his business.
CHRIST P. VOLLERSEN.
Another enterprising German, who, through his own well directed efifort, is
now numbered among the affluent citizens of Crawford county, is Christ P.
Vollersen, engaged in the grain and live-stock business in Dow City. A native
of the province of Schleswig-Holstein, he was born on the loth of January,
1867, a son of Christ and Christina (Inguersen) Vollersen, who spent their
entire lives in the land of their birth, where the father engaged in agricultural
pursuits. In their family were the following children : Samuel, living in Ger-
many; Mary, a resident of Duluth, Minnesota; Nicholas, of Ricketts, Iowa;
Christ P., our subject; Ingburg, residing in Chicago; Paul, of Germany; and
Christina, living in Alineola, this state.
Christ P. Vollersen lived at home and attended the common schools of his
native land until the death of his parents, which occurred when he was fourteen
years of age. For three years thereafter he resided with an uncle and then
came to America to seek his fortune. He was only a youth of seventeen years
when he arrived in the United States, unfamiliar with the language and customs
but possessing a rich heritage of thrift, energy and determination, qualities
which characterize his countrymen. Making his way westward to Iowa, he first
located in Clinton, where he obtained employment in a sawmill and on the rail-
road until the following autumn, when he went to Dixon, Scott county. In
92 HISTORY OF CRAWTORD COUNTY
the latter place he secured work as a farm hand, continuing in that occupation
for three years, when he removed to Crawford county, where he followed the
same employment for a year. He then rented land in Soldier township, which
he cultivated for three years, and at the expiration of that period his tireless
energy, economy and capable management made it possible for him to become
a property owner and he bought a place in Willow township, upon which he
continued to reside for sixteen years. Disposing of the latter place he bought
land in Paradise township, which he cultivated for three years, and then came
to Dow City and bought the grain and live-stock business of Joseph McCole,
including the plants, elevator and yards. Air. \'ollersen has met with most grati-
fying success in all of his undertakings and as a result now owns two hundred
and forty acres of well improved and highly cultivated land in Paradise town-
ship besides his business and residence in town.
Nineteen years ago was solemnized the union of Mr. Vollersen and Miss
Eliza Peterson, also a native of the province of Schleswig-IIolstein, and unto
them have been born the following children : Christina, Emma, Minnie, Henry,
and Mary, all of whom are at home.
The family attend the services of the German Lutheran church, with which
denomination the parents are identified by membership. Ever since his naturali-
zation Mr. \'ollersen has given his political support to the democratic party.
Although he has never been an aspirant to public honors or the emoluments of
office, he at one time served as a school director. He is a quiet, unobtrusive
man, whose good judgment, sound principles and honorable business transac-
tions have won the respect of all who come in contact with him.
EDWTN A. FINK.
The state of New York is represented in almost every county of the west
by sons or daughters who sought under favorable circumstances to establish a
home among strangers. In numberless instances their efforts have met with
succes's and today many of the most honored people of the great west are from
the Empire state. Edwin A. Fink, now living retired at Denison at tlie ven-
erable age of eighty-two years, was born at Prattsville, Green county, New
York, August 9, 1829.
His parents were Harry and Lucinda (Beers) Fink, also natives of Greene
county. New York. They were descendants of old Holland Dutch families that
were among the first settlers in that county. The father was reared as a farmer
and devoted his life to that occupation. He came to Iowa in 1879 ^^'^ fl'^'^^
November i following, being then seventy-one years of age. His remains were
interred in the cemetery at Deloit. Crawford county. His wife departed this
life May 28, 1855. at the age of forty-nine years. He was a member of the
Dutch Reformed church but she was a devout Methodist. Adam Fink, the
paternal grandfather, married Katrina Hummell and died from the. effects of
the kick of a colt. There were eight children in their family, namely: Peter,
Harry, John. Martin. Eli, Margaret. Jane and Polly. The maternal grandfather
^^s
1
1
H
H
^K^^l
EDWIN A. FINK
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 95
was Cornelius D. Beers, who was a native of New Jersey and engaged in farm-
ing. He died when a young man from the effects of a bayonet wound which he
accidentally received. His wife was Weighty Disbro and in their family were
six children : Seth, Betsy, Lucinda, Harry, Clara and Silas. Eleven children
were born to Harry and Lucinda Fink, seven of whom grew to maturity : Cor-
nelius K. ; Edwin A., the subject of this review; Cordelia and Cornelia, twins;
Willis T., now living in Cherry county, Nebraska ; Martha ; and Ann Augusta.
Edwin A. Fink was reared in his native county until nineteen years of age
and as his parents were poor he had in his boyhood but limited opportunities of
education. At eleven years of age he went to live with a widow who gave him
his board and clothes and sent him to school. He remained in her home for
five years and made himself useful by taking care of about forty head of cattle.
After leaving the friendly shelter afforded by this kind-hearted woman, he went
to Red Falls and worked in a sawmill and at various other occupations for three
years, never receiving during this time more than eight dollars per month.
After a visit at home he started out in 1849, being then not quite twenty
years of age, to seek his fortune in the world. He followed the Erie Railroad
to Hornellsville, New York, and spent three or four years in Steuben county, at
the end of which time he went to Sheboygan, Michigan, in company with about
sixty men, to work in the woods and in the sawmills. After a short stay he
started southward and at Detroit got oif the boat and out of curiosity visited
the shops of the Michigan Central Railroad. The businesslike air that prevailed
about this establishment attracted his fancy and the next morning he went to
work for the company and for nearly two years ran a switch engine in the yards
at night. He next found himself in charge of an engine on the construction of
a railroad and became so enamored of railroading that he was identified with
that line of industry for twenty-five years. In 1866 he came to Clinton, Iowa,
and for twelve years followed railway engineering and the machinist's trade.
Mr. Fink arrived in Denison in 1878 on the same train that carried Hon.
Leslie M. Shaw and his wife to this city. Later he traded a farm in Clinton
county for land in Otter Creek township, Crawford county, upon which he lived
for five years. He began with one hundred and sixty acres, to which he later
added eighty acres. Subsequently he bought land in Goodrich township and
owned at one time four hundred and seventy acres in the township and two
hundred and forty acres in Otter Creek township, being one of the leading
farmers in that part of the county. He lived in Goodrich township until 1899,
when he retired to Denison. He still owns two hundred and twenty acres of
land in this county, for which he has refused one hundred and seventy-five dol-
lars per acre. He has been remarkably industrious and enterprising and well
merits the prosperity that resulted from his labors.
On the 24th of May, 1855, Mr. Fink was united in marriage to Miss Eliza
Amadon, a daughter of Smith Amadon. She passed away on the 12th of Jan-
uary, 1893, ^t the age of fifty-eight years. There were eleven children in the
family, seven of whom grew to maturity, namely : Isabel, who married Dorr
Comfort, of Pender, Nebraska, and has become the mother of two children ;
Hannibal, now owning three-eighths of the old homestead, who married Nellie
Comstock and has five children ; Nora, who lives on a farm near Laurel, Ne-
96 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
braska, and married Eli Johnson, by whom she has three children; Edwin, Jr.,
living eighty miles south of Dallas, Texas, who married Rhoda Swinson, of
Minnesota, and is the father of three children ; Oliver, of Wills Point, Van
Zandt county, Texas, who married Florence Brogdon and has two cihldren ;
Harry, now deceased, who married Ida Conquest and had two children ; and
Eliza, now living at Onawa, Iowa, who married Lewis C Albright, and is the
mother of three children.
]\Ir. Fink was again married January 7, 1897, his second union being with
iMrs. Laney ]\Iiller, the widow of Amos H. Miller, who served two years and
eight months in the Civil war as a member of the Fourteenth Wisconsin \'ol-
unteer Infantr}' and was hurt by a fall from a freight train during his service.
He remained an invalid during the rest of his life and at his death left his
widow with four small children to care for, but she nobly performed her part,
being an excellent mother. The children by her first marriage were : Abram,
Eugene, George M., John T. and Frank R. Mrs. Fink was born in Alsace-
Lorraine, Germany, and is the daughter of Joseph and Alary (Smith) Rice,
both of whom were natives of Germany. She came to America with her parents
when she was nine months old, in 183 1, and was thirteen years of age when
her parents moved from Xew York and settled in Fond du Lac county, Wis-
consin. She migrated to Iowa in 1896.
Mr. Fink has passed through many vicissitudes in the course of his long and
useful life. He gained in the great school of experience a practical education
which assisted him in becoming a model farmer, setting an example in the con-
duct of his business which awakened a spirit of enterprise wherever he was
known. As a public-spirited citizen he has performed his part in the develop-
ment of the county, taking a lively interest in the promotion of enterprises cal-
culated to improve the social condition of the people. Possessing a kindly and
benevolent disposition, he has generously responded to calls for assistance from
those less fortunate than himself, and his actions have always reflected honor
upon himself and those with whom he has been associated.
WILLIS H. WTGGIXS.
One of the energetic and progressive business men of Dow City is Willis
H. Wiggins, a native of this county, having been born in Union township on
the I2th of May, 1872. The parents, M. G. and Sarah (Hayes) Wiggins, are
still living and also make their home in Dow City.
Mr. Wiggins acquired his education in the public schools of his native town,
which he attended oflf and on until 1890. When old enough to l^egin working
for himself he entered a mill, remaining there until he had thoroughly mastered
the trade, at which time he left in order to assist his father in his business.
Two years later he opened a place of business of his own. His first venture was
a lunch counter, which he most successfully conducted for nine years, and then
put in a line of groceries. He has since added general furnishings and shoes,
so that he is now handling a general merchandise stock. He has met with most
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 97
gratifying success in his various undertakings and has quite extensive real-
estate interests in Dow City, owning the building in which his store is located
as well as two brick business blocks.
On the 19th of February, 1901, Mr. Wiggins was united in marriage to
Miss Kate E. Grififin, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Griffin, living near Buck
Grove, and they have become the parents of two children : John and Martin.
Mr. Wiggins was reared in the Methodist Episcopal faith but Mrs. Wiggins
is a communicant of the Roman Catholic church. Fraternally he is identified
with the ^Modern Woodmen of America, his local affiliation being with the lodge
of Dow City. Ever since attaining his majority Mr. Wiggins has actively par-
ticipated in all local political matters, always giving his support to the candi-
dates of the republican party. He is held in high regard and served as town-
ship treasurer for eight or ten years, which fact indicates his satisfactory
â– discharge of the duties of the office.
WILLIAM H. LAUB.
For thirty years past connected with the business interests of Denison and
now most acceptably filling the office of mayor of the city, it may truthfully be
said of William H. Laub that he is a leading member of the community. He
was born in Benton county, Iowa, June 24, 1855, a son of Henry C. and Lydia
(Baer) Laub, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He was less
than six months old when his parents brought him to Denison, and he has ever
since made his home in this city. He received his preliminary education in the
public schools and later attended successively the Indianola, Western and Cornell
Colleges. After leaving college he worked for his father until twenty-eight
years of age and then on August 13, 1881, embarked in the livery business in
Denison, with which he has ever since been connected. From the start he pur-
sued a straightforward policy and by becoming thoroughly acquainted with the
wants of the people and maintaining his establishment at a high standard of
efficiency he gained a large and growing patronage. He is now reaping the
fruits of many years of close application and is in the enjoyment of a handsome
competency.
On the 6th of December, 1883, Mr. Laub was united in marriage to Miss
Edna Goodspeed, a native of Burlington, Vermont. Her parents were both
natives of England and came to this country, settling in Vermont, where they
died when she was quite young. Three children came to bless the union of Mr.
and Mrs. Laub. WilHam Austin, the eldest, is assisting his father in the livery
business. Edna Hazel is a teacher of music at Amity Conservatory of Music
at College Springs, Page county, Iowa, and has charge of instruction in piano,
pipe organ and harmony at that institution, and also teaches several classes in
the public schools of College Springs. She is a graduate of the Denison high
school, the Conservatory of Music of Simpson College at Indianola, Iowa, hav-
ing received a diploma from the latter institution on June 9, 1909. Harold is
now a student in the Denison public schools.
98 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Mrs. Laub is a member of the Methodist church, l)ut her husband is not
identified witli any religious denomination. Politically he has since he attained
his majority supported the republican party and has been an active worker in
its behalf. He was elected mayor of the city in March, 1910, and has admin-
istered tlie office to the general satisfaction of voters of all parties. He has
always been known as a man of most admirable principles, thoroughly loyal to
his friends, a liberal giver to all wortiiy objects and a patriotic and broad-minded
citizen who has assisted in num])erless ways in advancing the permanent wel-
fare of Denison.
S. C. DUNHAM.
S. C. Dunham, who has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits
throughout his entire business career, is now one of the substantial and rep-
resentative farmers of East Boyer township. His birth occurred in Clinton
county. Iowa, on the 26th of May, 1851, his parents being John A. and Celinda
H. (Richardson) Dunham. The father, a native of Fulton county, Illinois,
was a son of Cornelius Dunham. The other children of that marriage were
Louisa, Cornelius and Soplironia. lH)r his second wife Cornelius Dunham,
the paternal grandfather of our subject, chose Mrs. Margaret Miller nee Scott,
by whom he had five children, namely : Margaret, who is a resident of Dimlap,
Iowa; Samuel S. and Flora, who are deceased; and Martha and Z. T., both liv-
ing in Dunlap, Iowa. Mrs. Margaret Miller was the widow of Samuel Miller,
by whom she had four children, as follows : James, who has passed away ;
Elizabeth, who is a resident of Rapid City, South Dakota; and ]\Iary Jane and
George, both of whom are deceased.
On leaving his native county John A. Dunham, the father of S. C Dun-
ham, removed to Jackson county, Iowa, where he was married in 1848. Three
years later, in 185 1, he took up his abode in Clinton county. Iowa, while sub-
sequently he went to IJlackhawk county locating on the present site of Cedar
Falls. In 1854 he came to Crawford county, locating near Dimham's Grove,
where he passed away the same year. He was the father of three children,
namely: Alice, who is deceased; S. C, of this review; and Mrs. Elsie I'rink,
who makes her home in Nebraska. In 1856 Mrs. Celinda H. Dunham gave
her hand in marriage to Tracy Chapman, by whom she had nine children, as
follows: Lois, who has passed away; Mrs. I'hoebe Mason, who is a resident of
Vail. Iowa; Mrs. Ilulda Martin, living in Omaha, Nebraska; Harlow H., who
follows farming in East Boyer township ; Delia, who is deceased ; Mrs. Salinda
North, who makes her home in Milforrl township; Rhoda, a resident of \'ail.
Iowa; Tracy, an agriculturist of East Boyer township; and one who died in
infancy. The mother of these children was called to her final rest on the 27th
of May. 1897, her demise being the occasion of deep and widespread regret.
S. C. Dunham obtained his education in a log schoolhouse at Dunlap. Iowa,
and remained under the parental roof until nineteen years of age. At that time
he started out as an agriculturist on his own account and the work of the fields
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 99
has claimed his attention almost continuously since. With the exception of
seven years spent in Nebraska and a period of six years in Monona county,
Iowa, he has always made his home in Crawford county. At the present time
he operates a tract of one hundred and eighty acres of land in East Boyer
township — the site of the old homestead where Cornelius Dunham and Frank-
lin Prentiss, the original settlers of this county, located in 1849. Mr. Dun-
ham owns a farm of eighty acres in Minnesota and is widely recognized as a
prosperous and esteemed citizen. He possesses considerable mechanical skill
and has invented, among other things, a hay loader which has proved a very
useful device, about twenty-five of them being now utilized in Crawford county.
When twenty-three years of age Mr. Dunham was joined in wedlock to Miss
Mary J. Miller, by whom he had ten children, the record of whom is as follows :
Kate, the wife of RoUa Christy, of Dunlap, Iowa; John A., who is a resident
of Los Angeles, California; Lois, the wife of John Rovve, of Missouri Valley,
Iowa; Gussie, the wife of Ed Christy, of Dunlap, Iowa; Edith, the wife of
Neal Crampton, of Hayes township, this county ; Bessie, who is deceased ; Tracy,
living in Oroville, California ; Fanny, the wife of Henry Sowder, of Chadron,
Nebraska ; and Jessie and Jennie, twins.
Mr. Dunham is a republican in politics and has held a number of township
offices, ever discharging his public duties in a most prompt and capable man-
ner. His interests are thoroughly identified with those of Crawford county
and at all times he is ready to lend his aid and cooperation to any movement
calculated to benefit this section of the country or advance its wonderful
development.
CLAUS BIELENBERG.
Claus Bielenberg, who has lived retired in Schleswig for the past nine years,
followed farming throughout his active business career and accumulated eleven
hundred and ten acres of valuable land, all of wdiich is in Crawford county with
the exception of a quarter section which lies in Ida county. His birth occurred
in Holstein, Germany, on the 20th of March, 1840, his parents being Hans and
Dora (Rusch) Bielenberg, both of whom are deceased. Their children were
nine in number, namely: Amelia, the wife of Fred Jaade, of Germany; Claus,
of this review; Margaret, the wife of J. Fredricks, of Brooklyn, New York;
John, Jacob and Peter, all of whom have passed away ; Herman, who when
last heard from was in California; Henry, whose demise occurred in New
York; Rheina, who is living in Germany.
Claus Bielenberg remained in his native land until he had attained his
majority and in 1861 crossed the Atlantic to the United States, wishing to test
the truth of the many favorable reports which he had heard concerning the op-
portunities to be enjoyed in the new world. Making his way to Davenport,
lov/a, he first worked as a farm hand for three years and then cultivated rented
land for eight years. On the expiration of that period, having accumulated
sufficient capital, he purchased a tract of one hundred and sixty acres in Craw-
100 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ford county. As his financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry
and capable management, he added to his holdings from time to time until
they now embrace eleven hundred and ten acres, making him one of the exten-
sive landowners of this part of the state. All of his property lies in Craw-
ford county with the exception of one hundred and sixty acres in Ida county.
In 1902 he put aside the active work of the fields and purchased a home at
Schleswig, where he has since enjoyed well earned ease. He has added to and
remodeled his residence from time to time until it is now very commodious
and beautiful.
On the ist of March, 1864, Air. Bielenberg was joined in wedlock to Aliss
Margaret Stubbe, a daughter of John and Margaret (Plahtj Stubbe, who had
five children, namely: Alartin, who is deceased; Mrs. Bielenberg; Sophie, the
wife of Claus Warner, of Davenport, Iowa; Lena, the wife of Peter Hah-
mann, of Schleswig, Iowa; and John, who has also passed away. Mr. and
]Mrs. Bielenberg are the parents of eight children, as follows: Henry and Fred,
who are farming near Schleswig, Iowa; Rosa, the wife of Fred Fredrickson,
also living near Schleswig; Dora, the wife of Fred Rienking, near Schleswig;
Martha, the wife of Carl Wellendoph, of Ida county; Adolph and Claudius,
living near Schleswig, Iowa ; and Julius, who makes his home in Nebraska.
Since becoming a naturalized American citizen Mr. Bielenberg has sup-
ported the democracy, believing firmly in the principles of that party. His
religious faith is indicated by his membershij) in the Lutheran church. 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 and through
their wise utilization has won a place among the most prosperous and re-
spected citizens of his community.
THOMAS AHART.
That Crawford county ofifers excellent opportunities for ambitious and
energetic young men has often been demonstrated Init in no instance more
clearly than in the career of Thomas Ahart, who is a highly respected citi-
zen of the county and for eight years past a member of the county board of
supervisors. He was born near Lake Constance, Germany, December 10, 1863,
a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Wieland) Ahart. The father engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits in his native land. He came to America with his family in the
spring of 1866. arriving in Chicago without money nor did he possess any means
of support except his brave heart and strong arms. The Chicago & North-
western Railroad was at that time being built through Iowa and had been com-
pleted as far as Boone. Mr. Ahart engaged to work upon the construction of
the road and received transportation for himself and family to Boone. He
continued in railroad construction until the line was completed to Dunlap and for
two years afterward worked as trackman. He then began farming on a tract
of land near the present town of Arion and so continued until his retirement
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 101
from active labor in 1906. He and his wife are still hale and hearty and are liv-
ing in a comfortable home north of Dow City, near their son John.
Thomas Ahart received his education in the country schools, his studies
being confined to the common branches, as his assistance was needed at home
and the school period was limited to a few months each winter. In those days
the country schoolhouses were small and men teachers were ^ usually hired.
Spelling bees were in vogue and the boys and girls apparently enjoyed themselves
fully as much as they do today. The old schoolhouse in which Mr. Ahart pur-
sued his studies in his boyhood still stands about two and one-half miles south-
west of Dow City and is one of the interesting historic landmarks of the neigh-
borhood. At eighteen years of age he laid his books aside and, being the eldest
child in the family, applied himself diligently to work upon the home farm. At
the age of twenty-three he commenced farming on his own account on the
southeast quarter of section 25, Union township. This land was given him by
his father but was incumbered with a mortgage of seven hundred dollars. The
young farmer met with the usual ups and downs of life in the earlier days,
but by patience and perseverance he paid ofif the incumbrance and purchased
two hundred acres, making a total of three hundred and sixty acres in one tract
which he now owns, the last land which he bought costing ninety dollars per
acre. He acquired eighty acres south of Dow City and later sold this land for
thirty-four dollars per acre. He engages in general farming but has devoted
a great deal of attention to stock raising and feeding. His place is well equipped
and is provided with a beautiful residence, a large barn and other necessary out-
buildings. He makes use of the best modern machinery and on account of his
perseverance and good judgment has met with an abundant measure of suc-
cess. Although he has engaged extensively in business for many years he has
never been involved in a lawsuit.
Mr. Ahart ever since arriving at manhood has given his support to the
democratic party and has been actively identified with political affairs, filling
a number of offices of trust and responsibility. He was trustee of Union town-
ship for four years and served as school director for many years, having for
the last four years been president of the school board of Union township. In
the fall of 1902 he was elected a member of the county board of supervisors,
taking office January i, 1903. He has since been continuously on the board and
was chairman during 1910, his present term of office extending to January, 1912.
During his incumbency the beautiful new courthouse was built at Denison and
preparations are now being made to build a county home one mile east of Arion.
The cost of the courthouse was one hundred and fifteen thousand dollars, and
the estimated cost of the county home with outbuildings is twenty-five thousand
dollars. A drainage ditch is also under construction to straighten the course
of the Boyer river for eleven miles, beginning a mile east of Arion and emptying
into a similar ditch at Dunlap. As a public-spirited citizen Mr. Ahart takes a
lively interest in everything pertaining to the upbuilding of the county and is
a stockholder in the Crawford Fair Association and the Denison Hospital.
On the 20th of December, 1886, Mr. Ahart was united in marriage at Deni-
son to Miss Anna Honz, who was born in Baden, Germany, July 7, 1863, and
came to America in the spring of 1886. Nine children have blessed this union,
1U:> HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
seven of whom are now living- namely: George William, Mary Regina, Joseph
Leo, Lin ford. Dorothy. John Theodore and Bernard Raymond. A daughter,
Kate, died at the age of two years and seven months, and a son died in infancy.
George William is now twenty-three years of age and continues at home. Mr.
and Mr>. Ahart are giving their children every desirable advantage of educa-
tion, one son, Leo. now attending the high school in Dow City.
Mr. Ahart and his family are identified with the Roman Catholic ciiurch
and are members of the parish at Buck Grove. He is not connected with any
secret or fraternal order. He is a man of wide observation and has a mind well
stored with many interesting reminiscences. He remembers as an incident of
his early life that when he was two and one-half years of age his father wheeled
him and all their worldly goods in a wheelbarrow from Boone to Jefferson, a
distance of twenty-live miles.. The trip was accomplished in one day, after the
father had traveled the same distance on that day to secure the wheelbarrow.
Mr. Ahart has lived to see a great transformation in Crawford county and has
assisted very materially in the upbuilding of the county. He is recognized as
a man of highest honor and unimpeachable integrity whose sound business judg-
ment has been of inestimable value to Crawford county. It is doubtful whether
any man in this section of the state stands higher in the confidence of the people
than the gentleman whose name introduces this review.
JOHN FXK.
Since the age of twenty-si.x years John Eck has applied himself to agricul-
ture in Crawford county and his efforts have not been in vain as he is well es-
tablished in his business, and a farm of one hundred and sixty acres pays
tribute to his industry. 1 le is a native of Germany. Ijorn January lO, 1856, and
is a son of John and Lena (Moeller) Eck, both of whom were born in Ger-
many. The father died in iHCm), when the subject of this review was thirteen
years of age. and the mother was called away in 1881. In their family were
seven children : Katrina. deceased ; Matilda, now living in Germany ; Lena, also
in Germany; Wilhclmina, deceased ; John, of this review; Theodore, who lives
in Nebraska ; and Wiebke. living in Germany.
John Eck gained his education in the public schools of the old country and
remained at home until twenty-six years of age. Having decided, however, that
the new world ofTered superior advantages, he crossed the ocean to the United
States and came to Crawford county, working by the month for three years
as an introduction to his experience as a farmer in Iowa. Having thus obtained
a practical knowledge of the work for which he showed an adaptability, he
rented land for three years and at the end of that time he purchased eighty
acres in Charter Oak township. He cultivated his farm for seven years, and,
having decided to locate in another part of the township, he sold his land and
bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 30 and 31. where he still lives.
He rai-ses the various grains best adapted to the climate and soil, and his live-
stock interests contribute liberallv to his income.
!2i
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 105
In 1885 Mr. Eck was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Hargens, who was
born in Germany, November 5, 1866. She emigrated to America as a child
with her mother, the father having died leaving four children : Gertrude and
John, both of South Dakota ; Minnie, now Mrs. John Eck ; and Celia, deceased.
Five children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Eck: John, who was
born January 31, 1886, and is still living at home; Lena, who was born April
I, 1889, the wife of Herman Schneekloth, now conducting the home farm for
Mr. Eck; Ferdinand, born March 28, 1891 ; William, who died in infancy; and
Henry, who died at the age of three months. The mother of these children
died in 1895, at the age of twenty-nine years. She was a woman of many at-
tractive qualities, an invaluable assistant to her husband and to her children
a true and loving parent.
Mr. Eck and his family are members of the German Lutheran church and
take a deep personal interest in its welfare. Ever since becoming a naturalized
citizen of the United States he has supported the democratic party, believing
that its principles are more conducive to good government than those of any
other party. He has been prominent in local affairs and for four years past
has served as township trustee and for eight years as a member of the school
board. He is a true friend of education and is active, wide-awake and efficient
in all his undertakings, fully deserving the respect in which he is held by those
who know him.
RUFUS L. HILL.
Living retired after many years of active participation in business affairs,
Rufus L. Hill, of Denison, is one of the truly successful men of Crawford
county. He is a native of Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, born March 31,
1 84 1, a son of Thomas G. and Marilla (Bliss) Hill, both of whom were also
born in the Keystone state. The mother was a cousin of the noted singer, P. P.
Bliss, who was killed in a wreck in Ohio several years ago. The father, who
was for many years a lumberman, came west in 185 1 and located near Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, where he engaged in farming. In 1878 he took up a homestead
near Alma, Nebraska, continuing there until 1889, when he and his wife went to
Holdrege, Nebraska, to live with the subject of this review. In 1902 they
came to Denison and continued here until their deaths in the spring of 1908.
The father was then ninety-one and the mother eighty-eight years of age. They
traveled life's journey together from 1839, a period of sixty-nine years, and pre-
sented a beautiful example of fidelity and harmony in their domestic relations.
They were devout Methodists and died in the triumph of a living faith in God
and immortality.
The paternal grandfather of our subject was Thomas Hill, a native of Ver-
mont. He was a soldier of the war of 1812 and served with his regiment at
Sacketts Harbor, New York. Later he engaged in farming near Johnstown,
Pennsylvania, and died there at an advanced age. His wife, Mrs. Permelia Hill,
was a native of Massachusetts. In their family were : Charles C. ; Thomas G. ;
Vol. n— 6
106 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Frederick, who died from the effect of wounds received in the Civil war; Horace,
who was also a soldier in the Civil war and died in Andersonville prison ;
Eliphalet P.. who was a passenger conductor on the Pennsylvania Railroad for
more than forty years ; and Alexander, who is now engaged in the dry-goods
business at Homer City, Pennsylvania. Jeremiah Bliss, the grandfather on the
maternal side, was born in Massachusetts and was a farmer and carpenter. He
married Mary Lucore, and they had eight children, Marilla L., James, Sylvia,
Mary, Isaac, Jeremiah, Anna and John.
Twelve children were born to Thomas G. and Marilla Hill, five of whom are
now living, namely: Rufus L.. the subject of this review; James J., of Linn
county. Iowa; Alexander F.. of Arkansas; Mary, the wife of Hiram Harris,
of Goodnight, Oklahoma ; and Albina, now Mrs. G. S. McCorkle, of Alma,
Nebraska.
Rufus L. Hill was reared in Cedar Rapids. Iowa, and received his educa-
tion in the public schools. In his early manhood he ran an engine in his fath-
er's lumber mill but after his marriage engaged in farming in Linn county for a
short time and then entered the sewang machine business in Tama county, after
which he became connected with the marble business at Holdrege, Nebraska,
continuing there from 1879 to 1897. In the latter year he came to Denison and
engaged in the same business with marked success, recently, however, having
turned over the management to his sons. Walter L. and Albert R.
On the 1st of January, 1863, Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss Mar-
garet E. Wayt, a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter of William C. and
Elizabeth Wayt. The parents were also natives of Pennsylvania and were
Quakers, or Friends. The mother died in Cedar Rapids. Iowa, at the age of
forty-three, and the father in Jefferson, Iowa, at the age of eighty-six years.
Four of their children grew to maturity. John J., Margaret E.. Wooster B. and
Benjamin F. Ten children were born to ]\Ir. and Mrs. Hill, namely: Carrie,
who married J. T. Strome. of Grand Junction. Colorado, and has eleven children ;
Walter, of Omaha. Nebraska, who married Elizabeth lUdl and is the father of
seven children; Marilla. now of Blackfoot. Idaho, who married Grant Fraker
and is the mother of seven children; Albert R.. who married Birdie E. Ewall
and is the father of three children; Cora, who died at the age of seven years;
Frank C. now of Emporia, Kansas, who married Clara Holmes and has an
adopted son ; Earl ; Paul, who died at the age of two and one-half years ; Mary,
who died at the age of six months; and Warren, who died at the age of eight
months. The mother of these children passed away in 1888 at the age of forty-
four years.
On the 17th of September, 1889, Mr. Hill was married to Mrs. Eliza A.
Wilson, the widow of Harrison J. Wilson, of Fairfield, Grundy county, Iowa,
a daughter of James M. and Caroline M. (Davidson) Collier. Mrs. Hill by her
former marriage had six children : Ira J., now of Dickinson. North Dakota,
who married Viola Chase and is the father of four children ; George F.. of Cedar
Falls. low-a, who married Effie Burgess and is the father of four children ; Car-
rie H., of Waterloo. Iowa, who married Rev. E. N. Miller and is the mother of
six children ; Wellington M., who married Mattie Gibson, now deceased, by
whom he had two children, and for his second wife wedded Mrs. S. E. Hanson;
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNXY 107
Ernest M. of Cedar Falls, Iowa, who married Mary Dority, and is the father of
one child, a daughter; and Julia O., who married WilHam P. Cox and is now
living at Enid, Oklahoma. The paternal grandfather of Mrs. Eliza A. Hill
was James Collier, who married Margaret Driesdal and became the father of
one son. The maternal grandfather was Ira Davidson. His wife was Luania
Clark. Mrs. Hill has five great-grandchildren.
Mr. and Mrs. Hill reside in a beautiful home in Denison, which is the center
of generous hospitality. He has made a study of social and political questions
and as a result gives his support to the prohibition cause as representing the
most important problem of the times. He is a man of patriotic and loyal nature
which frequently finds avenues of expression, making him a prominent mem-
ber of the community. At the time of the Civil war he enlisted in Company
H, Twentieth Iowa Regiment, but was rejected on account of rheumatism. In
business afifairs he has always been controlled by principles of the highest
honor, and he enjoys in the evening of a long and active life the confidence
and esteem of all who know him.
THOMAS J. HOFFMAN.
Thomas J. Hoffman, who has served as postmaster of Vail since his ap-
pointment to that office on the ist of July, 1897, has also been successfully en-
gaged in the grain and stock business here for more than a third of a century.
His birth occurred in Iowa on the 4th of December, 1846, his parents being
Henry and Nancy (Baldwin) Hoffman, who were natives of Pennsylvania and
Kentucky respectively. They took up their abode in Keokuk county, Iowa, in
1846 and the following year entered land in Boone county, where the father
erected a log cabin. The primitive little structure had a clapboard roof, a
puncheon floor and a door with a string latch. That the region was still but
sparsely settled is indicated by the fact that the nearest market was Davenport.
Henry Hoffman passed away in Boone county in 1869, while his wife was called
to her final rest in 1878, her demise occurring in Crawford county. Their
children were eleven in number, namely : Elizabeth, who is a resident of West
Bend, Iowa; Thomas J., of this review; Ella, the wife of Everell Springer, of
Pennsylvania ; and eight who are deceased.
Thomas J. Hoffman attended the common schools in the acquirement of an
education and remained with his father until 1864, when he joined Company
H, Forty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving with that command for one
hundred days. On the expiration of his term of enlistment he returned to
Boone county, Iowa, and in 1867 came to Crawford county, purchasing a farm
whereon he resided for ten years. On abandoning agricultural pursuits he took
up his abode in the village of Vail, where he has been identified with the grain
and stock business continuously since, having met with success in his undertak-
ings in this connection. He was appointed postmaster of Vail by President
McKinley on the ist of July, 1897. and for the past fourteen years has dis-
charged the duties of this office in a most satisfactoiy and commendable man-
108 HISTORY OF CRAWTORD rorXTV
ner. Mr. Hoffman has a nice residence in \'ail and also owns the building in
which the postoffice is located.
In 1869 Mr. Hoft'man was united in marriage to Miss Debbie Leonard, a na-
tive of Michigan and a daughter of Nathaniel and Mary Leonard. Unto them
were born three children, as follows : Leonard S., who is married and acts as
assistant postmaster of \'ail ; Harry B., who is a resident of Denver, Colorado;
and Earl E., living in \'ail, Iowa. The wife and mother passed away on the
8th of February, 1903, iier remains being interred in the Vail cemetery. In
1908 Mr. Hoft'man was again married, his second union being with Miss Annie
Wall, a native of England, who came to the United States with her parents at
an early day. Both her father and mother are now deceased.
In politics Mr. Hoffman is a republican and for several years he served on
the school board. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to
Diamond Lodge, No. 422, at Vail, in which he has filled some of the chairs.
His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church. Good qualities of heart and mind have gained for him warm and last-
ing friendships and he has a wide and favorable acquaintance in this part of
the county.
HERMAN W. BOECK.
The agricultural interests of Crawford county find a worthy representative
in Herman \V. Boeck, who is operating a quarter section of rich and productive
land in East Boyer township. His birth occurred in Davenport, Iowa, on the
9th of October, 1875, his parents being Henry and Catherina (Kahler) Boeck,
both of whom are natives of Holstein, Germany. The father, who was born
January 24, 1839, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1859, locating in
Davenport, Iowa, where in March, 1861, he enlisted as a private in Company E,
Second Iowa Cavalry. He served with that command for four years and four
months, and was mustered out with the rank of second sergeant. He made a
creditable military record, never faltering in the performance of any task assigned
him. On returning to Davenport he became identified with industrial interests as
a contractor and 1 milder, investing his earnings in Crawford county land. At
the present time his holdings embrace twelve hundred acres of valuable land
here. He retained his residence in Davenport and managed his estate in Craw-
ford county from that point. A jDortion of the property is now being operated
by our subject. Henry Boeck has been twice married, his first union being with
Elizabeth Peterson, by wdiom he had three children, namely : William F., who
is a resident of Xishnabotny township, Crawford county; Laura, the widow of
Otto J. Teegen, of Davenport, Iowa; Lizzie, the wife of Fritz Brandenburg, of
East Boyer township, this county. Unto Henry and Catherina (Kahler) Boeck,
who celebrated their marriage in Davenport, were born five children, as follows :
Herman W., of this review ; Ferdinand and August IL, both of whom are resi-
dents of Davenport, lov, a; George H., living in Nishnabotny township; and
Louisa, the wife of August A. Schnoor, of Nishnabotny township.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 109
Herman W. Boeck obtained his education in the public schools of his native
city and also pursued a short course of study in the Iowa Commercial College.
When a lad of eleven years he began spending his summers on his father's land
in Crawford county, attending school in Davenport during the winter seasons.
General agricultural pursuits have claimed his time and energies throughout his
entire business career and have proved a gratifying source of remuneration to
him. He now operates one hundred and sixty acres of land belonging to his
father in East Boyer township and annually harvests good crops which find
a ready sale on the market.
In 1897 Mr. Boeck was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Blunk, a native
of Germany, who accompanied her parents on their emigration to the new world
when a little maiden of four or five years. Mr. and Mrs. Boeck now have three
children: Oliver C, Benton H. and Alfred R.
Mr. Boeck is a republican in politics and is serving his second term as town-
ship clerk, while for three years he held the office of assessor. He belongs to the
Sons of Veterans at Denison and is also a member of the Masonic fraternity at
Manilla, Iowa. Both Mr. and Mrs. Boeck are identified with the Eastern Star
at Manilla and are also consistent members of the Lutheran church at that place.
They are well known and highly esteemed as people of genuine personal worth
and the hospitality of the best homes of the locality is freely accorded them.
TOHN B. DUNBAR.
Although thirteen years have passed since John B. Dunbar, of Denison, was
called from earthly scenes, his memory survives in the hearts of many to whom
he was endeared by acts of courtesy and kindness. He was a native of Swanton,
Franklin county, Vermont, born November 9, 1842, and was a son of Almon
C. and Fannie (Crawford) Dunbar, both of whom were born in Vermont. The
father was a miller at Swanton and died after he had passed the age of seventy
years, his wife departing this life five years later. They were both members of
the Methodist church. There were seven children in their family: John B.,
the subject of this review; George B. and Almon C, deceased; Elisha B., now
living at West Danville, Vermont; Sidney, of Richford, Vermont; Sarah, who
married Stephen Jones; and AHce, the wife of George Jones, who, although of
the same name, was not related to Stephen Jones.
John B. Dunbar was reared in his native town and attended the public
schools, graduating from the high school. After laying aside his books he as-
sisted his father in the mill, continuing in Vermont until he was thirty-one years
of age. In 1873 he came west and located in Denison, Iowa, where he engaged
in the milling business and later became interested in insurance and real estate
in company with Charles Bullock. He was for twenty-five years a resident of
Denison and became recognized as one of its most respected citizens.
On the 8th of December, 1861, Mr. Dunbar was united in marriage to Miss
Mercy M. Phelps, who was born at Stanbridge. Quebec, Canada, February 7,
1846, a daughter of Elnathan and Phoebe (Blakely) Phelps, both of whom were
110 IIISTURY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
natives of Connecticut and went with their parents to Canada. Elnathan Phelps
died in Canada at the age of sixty years and his wife passed away five years
later, being then sixty-three years of age. They were the parents of the follow-
ing children : Eliza, John B., Zaccheus Lock, Zaccheus Aylmer, William E., Al-
bert T., Anna J. and ]\Iercy M. The father comes of Revolutionary stock, the
greatgrandfather having been a soldier under General Washington. The maternal
grandfather, Zaccheus Blakely, was a farmer of Connecticut. Four daughters
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar: Emma Eliza, who died at the age of seven-
teen and one-half months; Ella Eunice, who passed away at the age of three
years and seven months; Ada Julia, who died at the age of eleven years; and
Lena Phelps, whose death occurred at the age of nine years.
Mr. Dunbar died August 9, 1898, having reached the age of fifty-six years
and being then in the midst of an active and useful career. He was identified
with the Baptist church, of which Mrs. Dunbar is also a member. Fraternally
he was connected with the ^vlasonic lodge at Rich ford, \'ermont, in which he
retained membership after coming west, and politically he gave his adherence
to the republican party. During the Civil war he served as cavalryman, guard-
ing the frontier against the rebels, and he bravely performed his duty in war as
well as in times of peace, when he set an example of industry, application and
helpfulness to others well worthy of imitation.
Although IMrs. Dunbar has been sorely afflicted by the loss of those she held
most dear, she has been sustained by an unfaltering trust in a Divine hand that
guides all things aright, and her faith in the assurance of holy writ has never been
shaken. She has many friends in Denison whom she has attracted by qualities
of mind and heart that are recognized the world over as the foundation of a
beautiful character. She will make her home in Lafayette, Indiana.
' THOMAS JOCHIMSEN.
Thomas Jochimsen, who follows general farming and stock-raising in East
Boyer township, is the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of rich and
productive land. His birtlr occurred in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, on the
5th of October, 1856, his parents being Claus and Anna (Ratje) Jochimsen,
who were born, reared and married in that country. The father, who worked as
a carpenter in Germany, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1878, first
locating in Davenport. Iowa, where he spent nine months. On the expiration
of that period he came to Crawford county, settling in East Boyer township,
where he made his home until 1883. In tliat }-ear he j)urchased and located
upon a tract of raw prairie land in Xisimabotny township, improving the prop-
erty and bringing it under a high state of cultivation. His demise, which oc-
curred in 1902, was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had lived
in Crawford county for almost a quarter of a century and had gained an ex-
tensive circles of friends here. His wife died in 1904, her remains being interred
in the Nishnabotny cemetery. They reared a family of six children, as follows :
Thomas, of this review; Botilda, the wife of Conrad Eric, of Council Blufifs ;
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 111
Peter, who is a resident of Manilla, Iowa; Kate, the wife of Hans Miller, of
Ida county, Iowa; Henry, living in Nishnabotny township; and Claus, who makes
his home in Colorado.
Thomas Jochimsen obtained his education in the common schools of his
native land and after putting- aside his text-books worked as a farm hand. He
was a young man of twenty-two when he accompanied his parents on their emi-
gration to the new world and in 1888 started out as an agriculturist on his own
account in Crawford county, cultivating land which he rented from his father
until 1892. In that year he located upon his present farm in East Boyer town-
ship, first purchasing one hundred and sixty acres. By additional purchase he
†¢extended the boundaries of the place until it now embraces three hundred and
twenty acres of land which responds readily to the care and labor which he be-
stows upon it. The property is lacking in none of the improvements and ac-
cessories of a model farm of the twentieth century and in its neat and thrifty
appearance indicates the careful supervision of the owner. In addition to cul-
tivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate Mr. Jochimsen devotes con-
siderable attention to stock-raising, finding both branches of his business profit-
able as well as congenial.
In 1891 Mr. Jochimsen was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Neimeyer,
who was born in Germany and came to the United States with her parents in
1877. Unto our subject and his wife have been born four children: Anna,
Eddie, Henry and Herbert, all at home.
In politics Mr. Jochimsen is a republican, while his religious faith is in-
dicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, to which his wife also be-
longs. In an analyzation of his character and life work we note many of the
characteristics which have marked the German nation for many centuries, — the
perseverance, reliability, energy and unconquerable determination to pursue a
course that has been marked out. It is these sterling qualities which have
_gained to Mr. Jochimsen success in life and made him one of the substantial
and valued citizens of East Boyer township.
EDMUND HOWORTH.
As one of the pioneers and extensive landowners of Union township, Ed-
mund Howorth has for over half a century been identified with the agri-
cultural development of Crawford county. He was born in North Lancaster-
shire, England, December 23, 1823, a son of Ferdinand and ]\Iary (Howorth)
Howorth, the former of whom was also a native of Lancastershire, whence he
emigrated to the United States in 1842, locating in Athens county, Ohio. Here
he remained until 1853 and then moved to Union township, Crawford county,
Iowa. He had followed the occupation of wool comber in the old country but
upon taking up his residence in Iowa he engaged in farming and continued along
this branch of industry until his death. His wife, who was also a native of
England, departed this life in Crawford county, her remains being interred in
the Dow City cemetery. Of the eight children born to this couple but two sur-
vive : Edmund, of this review ; and Daniel, who resides in Dunlap, Iowa.
112 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Edmuiul Howorth obtained his early education in the elementary schools
of England and continued to reside in the land of his birth until 1850, when
he decided to seek new fields for his endeavors and came to the United States,
eventually, in 1S53, locating in Union township, this county, where he purchased
one hundred and sixty acres of land for one dollar and twenty-hve cents per
acre. This he improved and continued to reside upon until 1901, a year later
taking up his abode in Dow City. During this time he had. by unwonted thrift
and diligence, added to his landholdings until they aggregated twelve hundred
and five acres, all of which is located in Union and Goodrich townships.
The marriage of Mr. Howorth was solemnized in 1862, when he was united
to Miss Sabina Goodrich, a daughter of Isaac Goodrich, of Goodrich township.
She died in November, 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Howorth became the parents of
nine children, of whom the following survive : John William ; Mary ; Lulu ;
Isaac, who lives in Goodrich township; Margaret, who became the wife of Fred
E. Butler and lives in Lewiston. Idaho ; and Frank C, who resides in Union
township. The active work of the farm is now entrusted to the sons, who have
added very materially to the estate, bringing it to an unusual state of cultivation
and greatly enhancing its value. While general farming in all its branches is
carried on, they make a specialty of raising blooded horses, in which they have
met with unusual success.
]^Ir. Howorth is an independent Republican and has served as trustee
of Goodrich township. In his religious faith he is a consistent and faitliful
member of the Baptist church. He has now passed his eighty-seventh milestone
on his journey through life and in reviewing his career it is found to be char-
acterized by industry and integrity in all his business dealings and by faith-
fulness to every trust imposed upon him in other relations of life.
IRA C. GILLMOR.
Ira C. Gillmor has not only acquired unqualified success as an extensive
stock-raiser in Crawford county but has also been connected prominently with
the public affairs of Denison township and has done much to advance its inter-
ests both politically and socially. Mr. Gillmor was born on the adjoining farm
to the north. June 12, 1876, a son of Isaac Gillmor. and successively passed
through the public and liigh schools of Denison, later pursuing his studies in
Cornell University at Mount X'ernon. Upon concluding his course there he
entered into partnership with his father on the old homestead, which connection
continuerl until 1898, when he removed into Denison, in order to widen liis field
of endeavor. For the ensuing five years he engaged in the livestock business,
buying and shipping, a part of this time special attention being given to west-
ern horses. Subsequently he removed to his present property on sections 28
and 29. Denison township, consisting of three hundred and sixty acres of some
of the best grazing land in the state. With increased facilities he has con-
tinued to engage in the live-stock business, his past wide experience enabling
him to build up a large and ever growing trade in that branch of industry. He
ISAAC GILLMOR
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 115
is now stocking his farm with registered Aberdeen Angus cattle, of which he
will make a specialty as a breeder. Aside from his live-stock interests he has
considerable landholdings in South Dakota.
The marriage of Mr. Gillmor took place April 20, 1898, when he was united
to Miss Mabel Hardy, a daughter of A. P. Hardy. She was educated in the
Dow City schools and high school, later attending Denison College, after which
she taught for three years in the rural schools of Denison township. To Mr.
and Mrs. Gillmor have been born two children, namely: Ira Hardy, March 16,
1899, and Zella Olive, May 12, 1902.
Mr. Gillmor has taken a conspicuous part in the political history of his town-
ship, always doing everything in his power that would tend toward clean gov-
ernment. A stanch republican, he has been chosen by his party at different
times to fill positions of responsibility, has served two terms as township clerk,
being at the present time the incumbent of that office, has been clerk of election
for seven years and filled the position of secretary of the school board for six
years. In discharging the duties of the offices he has shown his executive ability
and proven his loyalty to the general welfare in such a manner as to command
the generous esteem and respect of his fellow townsman. Fraternally he is con-
nected with the Knights of Pythias, while his wife is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church and socially is a member of the P. E. O. Mr. Gillmor stands as
a type of the highest manhood, is a man of strict integrity, ever upright and
honest in all his business transactions, always genial and courteous with his
fellow beings, and his numerous friends recognize in him all the sterling quali-
ties for which he is well known.
JOHN SAGGAN.
John Saggan, one of the well known and prosperous residents of Denison, is
a native of the fatherland, his birth having occurred in Holstein on the ist of
May, 1867. His parents, H. H. and Christina Saggan, who were also born in
Germany, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1872 and during the first
five years of their residence in the new world made their home in Chicago, Illi-
nois. In 1877 they came to Crawford county, Iowa, spending the remainder of
their lives on a farm here. H. H. Saggan passed away in 1910, while his wife
was called to her final rest in 1907. They reared a family of three children,
namely: Mary, the wife of Paul Rosburg, of Plymouth county, Iowa; John, of
this review ; and Martin, who is a resident of Denison, Iowa.
John Saggan, who was a little lad of five years when he accompanied his
parents on their emigration to America, attended the common schools in the
acquirement of an education and when not busy with his text-books assisted his
father in the operation of the home farm. On attaining his majority he rented
the place and was busily engaged in its cultivation for ten years. On the ex-
piration of that period he took up his abode in Denison, where he has remained
to the present time, being engaged in business as the proprietor of a saloon.
He now owns a brick business block containing five store buildings on West
IIG HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Broadway and is widely recognized as a substantial and representative citizen
of the community.
In February. 1892. Mr. Saggan was united in marriage to Miss Ella Jepsen,
a daughter of Peter and Anna Jepsen, of whom more extended mention is made
on another page of this volume. Unto our subject and his wife have been born
live children, as follows : Henr)' P., Saggan Hugo, Martin, Edward and Harry.
Mr. Saggan gives his political allegiance to the tlemocracy but has no desire
for the honors and emoluments of office. Fraternally he is identified with the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge Xo. 393 at Denison.
He well merits the proud American title of a self-made man, owing his present
prosperity entirely to his own efforts.
ALBERT BAXDOW
Albert Bandow, a successful and enterprising agriculturist of East Boyer
township, is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres.
His birth occurred on Canal street in Chicago, Illinois, on the 23d of June, 1875.
his parents being Christ and Frederica (Witenberg) Bandow, who were born,
reared and married in Germany. The father, who worked as a farm hand in
Germany, crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1870, locating in Chicago,
Illinois, where he was employed in a tanning establishment for six years. On
the expiration of that period, in 1876, he removed to Carroll county, Iowa, tak-
ing up his abode in Washington township, wdiere he made his home until called
to his final rest in 1900. His widow, who still survives, now makes her home
with one of her sons in East Boyer township, Crawford county. They were the
parents of eleven children, seven daughters and four sons, namely: Mary, the
wife of William Jensen, of Arcadia, low-a ; Lena, the wife of George Kellen, of
Garden, Michigan; Sophia, the wife of Henry Precht, of Jennings, Louisiana;
Anna, the wife of Charles Scgbert, of East Boyer township; Bertha, the wife
of Nels Bred.ahl, of Adair county, Iowa; Emma, tlie wife of Hans Bredahl. of
Adair County, Iowa; Albert, of this review; Amelia, who is deceased; Lewis,
living in East Boyer township; Julius, who is with his brothers; and Charles,
who is likewise a resident of East Boyer township.
Albert Bandow acquired his education in the district schools and remained
under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. At that time he
started out as an agriculturist on his own account and in connection with the
tilling of the soil also engaged in threshing. His present farm of one hundred
and sixty acres in East Boyer township was his original and only purchase of
land and is now under a high state of cultivation and improvement. He keeps
good graded stock and in both his farming and live stock interests has won a
gratifying measure of success.
On the 8th of September, 1899, Mr. Bandow was united in marriage to Miss
Frieda Jager. a native of Clayton county. Iowa, born Way 16. 1881. and a daugh-
ter of Lewis and Minnie (Lapel) Jager. Her father, a native of Germany, emi-
grated to America in 18^17 and passed away March 24, 1898. The mother of
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 117
Mrs. Bandow died November 7, 1900. Mr. and ]\Irs. Jager were the parents of
five children, as follows : Herman and Lewis, both of whom are deceased ;
Mrs. Albert Bandow ; Adella, the wife of Lewis Bandow, of East Boyer town-
ship; and Ella, who has also passed away. Unto our subject and his wife have
been born three children : Lewis, Carl and Herbert, all at home.
Mr. Bandow gives his political allegiance to the republican party, believing
that its principles are most conducive to good government. In religious faith
he is a Lutheran, both he and his wife belonging to the church of that denomina-
tion. His salient characteristics are such as make for good citizenship in any
community and which win the esteem, confidence and good-will of all.
CHAUNCY D. MILLER.
Coming of worthy ancestry and early imbued with an ambition to win an
honored name in the world, Chauncy D. Miller, of Denison, has succeeded in
maintaining the good name of his family and also in earning substantial recogni-
tion as a leading citizen of Crawford county. He was born in Tompkins county,
New York, January 4, 1846, a son of Andrew J. and Marilla (Searles) Miller,
the former of whom was a native of New York and the latter of Massachusetts.
The father was reared as a farmer and moved to Huron county, Ohio, in
1852, where he lived for sixteen years, then taking up his residence in Lenawee
â– county, Michigan, where he spent the remainder of his life, being called away
after he had passed the eightieth milestone of his earthly career. His wife
survived him and died in Crawford county, Iowa, when about eighty years of
age. Mr. Miller was a man of more than ordinary intelligence and a leader
in the community. He took an active part in politics and held various town
offices, always discharging his duties with the highest sense of honor. He and
his wife were consistent members of the Baptist church. Alexander Miller,
the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of New York. He served
as an officer in the Revolutionary war and applied for a pension from the gov-
ernment when he was one hundred and four years old. The grandfather Searles
was a native of Massachusetts but moved to New York state, where he passed
his later years. He lived to the age of ninety-two.
Nine children were born to Andrew J. and Marilla Miller, three of whom
are now living, namely: Aretas H., who was for three years a soldier in the
Civil war and now makes his home in Denison ; Clara E., the wife of Henry
Hall, of Boyne, Michigan; and Chauncy D., our subject.
Chauncy D. Miller at the age of six years moved with his parents to the
state of Ohio, where he grew to manhood and received his education in the pub-
lic schools. In 1868 he accompanied his parents to Michigan, but having de-
cided to make his home west of the Mississippi river, he traveled across the
country in the fall of 1871, his objective point being Crawford county, Iowa,
He began life in this county by renting a farm in Denison township but later
moved to the city of Denison, where he lived for three years. He then bought
-one hundred acres in East Boyer township, which he greatly improved. He has
118 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
acquired more land and owns one hundred and forty-three acres in one tract.
He continued upon his farm until 1898, when he rented it to his son, and once
more took up his residence in Denison. In 1899 he entered the milling business
and in the spring of the following year he built a modern mill at Denison, which
he has ever since operated. Under excellent management, the business has
been largely developed and the products of the mill are now distributed over a
radius of many miles in this section.
In September, 1868, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Marcia T.
Butler, a native of Morenci, Michigan, and a daughter of Flavel and Jane (Bald-
win) Butler. Elias Baldwin, the maternal grandfather of Mrs. Miller, moved
from Massachusetts to Michigan in the territorial days of the latter state and
was prominent in business and municipal affairs. His wife was Tryphena
Moore before her marriage. Four children have been born to Mr. and ]\Irs.
Miller, namely : Ethel T., now a bookkeeper in her father's mill, who graduated
from the Denison Normal School and taug-ht school for ten years ; Arthur W.,
who is connected with a fruit-packing establishment at Whittier, California;
Albert E., who was graduated from the University of Iowa and is now in the
law department of the census bureau at Washington, D. C. ; and Edward F.,
who married Miss Daisy Miller, of New York, and is now in the paymaster's
department at Mare Island navy yard. Miss Ethel T. ]\Iiller is a member of the
Daughters of the American Revolution and is a lady of unusually fine mental
attainments.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller are active members of the Baptist church, in which he
serves as trustee. Politically he is allied with the republican party and has held
various township offices. He was for nine years consecutively a member of the
school board of East Boyer township and also served as justice of the peace.
He is a man of energy, enterprise and progressiveness. and his labors have met
with deserved financial reward. Always prompt and straightforward in his
dealings, he enjoys the confidence of a wide circle of friends and acquaintances
in this part of the state.
LEONARD S. HOFFMAN.
Leonard S. Hoffman, who was appointed assistant postmaster of \'ail on the
1st of July, 1897, has since ably discharged the duties devolving upon him in
that connection. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of Crawford-
county, his birth having here occurred on the 21st of February, 1877. His
parents were Thomas J. and Debbie (Leonard) Hoffman, more extended men-
tion of whom is made on another page of this work. He attended the common
schools in the acquirement of an education and was reared to manhood under
the parental roof. Starting out to earn his own livelihood, he entered the ser-
vice of the Northwestern Railroad Company and remained in the employ of that
corporation for a year and a half. On the ist of July, 1897, he was appointed
assistant postmaster of \'ail and has held the office continuously since, aiding
his father, who has acted as postmaster for the past fourteen years. He owns
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 119
a fine residence and also a lot in Vail and is widely recognized as a substantial
and respected citizen of the community.
On the 30th of November, 1897, Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage to
Miss Alice M. Crampton, who was born in Crawford county on the nth of
April, 1880, her parents being Benjamin and Jane Crampton, natives of England.
Following their emigration to the new world they took up their abode in Clinton
county, Iowa, but are now residents of Vail. Mr. and Mrs. Hofifman have four
children, namely: Gladys, Grace G., Dorothy J. and Edward C.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Hofifman has sup-
ported the republican party, believing that its principles are most conducive to
good government. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to
Diamond Lodge, No. 422, at Vail, of which he has served as secretary for eleven
years. He is also a member of Homestead Lodge, No. 659, of the Yeomen and
likewise belongs to the Pioneer Homestead Association of Des Moines, Iowa.
His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church, with which his wife is also afifiliated. They have spent their entire lives
in Crawford county and enjoy a wide and favorable acquaintance within its
borders.
FRANK E. COMSTOCK.
Frank E. Comstock, a well known and enterprising agriculturist of East
Boyer township, resides on a highly improved farm of one hundred and sixty
acres and also owns a quarter section of land in Iowa township. His birth oc-
curred in this state on the 5th of October, 1880, his parents being John W. and
Ella (Keller) Comstock. A sketch of the father appears on another page of
this work. John W. Comstock came to Crawford county when his son Frank
was one year old and has resided within its borders continuously since. Unto
him and his wife were born seven children, as follows : Charles, who is a resi-
dent of Montana; Frank E., of this review; Nellie, the wife of Patrick Has-
sett, who follows farming in Denison township; and May, Dowie, David and
Mabel, all of whom are yet at home.
Frank E. Comstock attended the common schools of Nishnabotny township
in the acquirement of an education and remained on his father's farm until
twenty-six years of age, when he was married and established a home of his
own. He resided in Goodrich township for two years and then came to East
Boyer township, locating on the farm which has remained his place of abode
continuously since. The property embraces one hundred and sixty acres of rich
and productive land and all of the improvements thereon stand as monuments to
his enterprise and industry. In addition to his home farm he owns a tract of
one hundred and sixty acres in Iowa township, which is also under a high state
of cultivation. He annually gathers rich and abundant harvests as a reward
for his labor and well deserves recognition among the substantial and representa-
tive citizens of the community.
On the 24th of April, 1906, Mr. Comstock was united in marriage to Miss
Hannah Hassett, a daughter of Jerry and Bridget (O'Donovan) Hassett, who
120 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
are natives of Irclaiul and now make their home in Denison, Iowa. They are
the parents of eleven children, namely: Alary, the wife of Michael McAIann, of
Denison, this state; Con, who is a resident of East Boyer township; Bridget, the
wife of Francis McSurley, of Nishnabotny township; Tom, an agriculturist
of East Boyer township; Patrick, living in Denison township; Maggie, who is
the wife of Patrick Lane and resides near Vail, Iowa; John, who resides on the
old iiomestead in East Boyer township; Nellie, the wife of James Bowman,
of Washington township; Mrs. Comstock ; Kate, who is employed as a
stenographer by the Swanson Lumber Company of Denison, Iowa; and Lizzie,
the wife of Clarence O'Mara, of Washington township. Unto our subject and
his wife has been born one child, Francis Lee, whose birth occurred on the 4th
of February, 1907.
In politics Mr. Comstock is a republican, while his religious faith is indi-
cated by his membership in the Catholic church, of which his wife is likewise
a communicant. Lie has won a creditable measure of prosperity for one of his
years and the sterling qualities of his manhood have made the circle of his
friends almost coextensive with the circle of his acquaintances.
ALBERT SLECHTA.
Coming to America very early in life Albert Slechta has since his childhood
made his home in Crawford county. Lie has been closely identified with agricul-
tural and stock-raising interests and has acquired an enviable reputation as a
breeder. He was born in Bohemia, March 27, 1876, and is a son of Albert and
Mary (\'onnestic) Slechta. The family emigrated to America in 1881 and
located in Crawford county, Iowa, where the father successfully engaged in
farming. He rented land for ten years and then purchased two hundred and
forty acres, which became the home place. He died at the age of seventy-seven,
but the mother is now living on the homestead with her son Albert. There
were seven children in their family, six of whom grew to maturity, namely :
Mary, who is now deceased ; Frank, who lives in Crawford county ; Albert, of
this review; Joseph, wlio also lives on the home place; Charles, at home; and
Lucy, deceased.
Albert Slechta received his education in the common schools of Crawford
county and was reared on the home farm, showing an interest in the various
duties pertaining to stock-raising and agriculture, which indicated marked ability
in a pursuit to which he has devoted the best energies of his life. After the
death of his father he and his brother Joseph were associated in carrying forward
the work, although at the time they did not have money enough even to buy a
team of horses. Today they have acciuired an acknowledged reputation as farm-
ers and stock-breeders and are in possession of one of the valuable properties
of Milford township. They have devoted special attention to the breeding of
full blooded Percheron horses and have about fifty head in their herd, the leader
of which they value at more than fifteen hundred dollars. They have five full
blooded mares, two of them having been imported from Europe. They are
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 121
both men of resourceful business ability, and in the field to which they have
turned their attention they have found ample room for the exercise of talents,
which have brought well merited rewards.
Mr. Slechta of this review is in hearty sympathy with the democratic party
but has never aspired to public office as he is entirely devoted to his business.
He and his brother are members of the Catholic church, in which they were
reared, and as citizens they have ever attempted to perform their duty in be-
half of their fellowmen.
LOUIS MARTIN HENRY MUNDT.
Louis Martin Henry Mundt, one of the worthy native sons of Crawford
county, is well known as a successful agriculturist and respected resident of East
Boyer township, where he owns three hundred and twenty acres of rich and
arable land. His birth occurred in that township, one mile from his present resi-
dence, on the 7th of July, 1878, his parents being Robert and Frederica (Voss)
Mundt. The father, a native of Hanover, Germany, crossed the Atlantic ta
the United States about 1865, locating near McGregor, Clayton county, Iowa,
where he resided for two or three years. On the expiration of that period, in
company with Fred Heiden, he came to Crawford county in a covered wagon,
locating in East Boyer township, where he followed farming until 1898. In
connection with the tilling of the soil he devoted considerable attention to the
feeding of stock, meeting with success in both branches of his business. On
putting aside the active work of the fields he took up his abode in Denison, where
he lived in honorable retirement until called to his final rest in 1908. He had
prospered in his undertakings and at the time of his demise owned eleven hun-
dred and thirty acres of valuable land. Coming to the new world in early man-
hood, he eagerly availed himself of the opportunities here ofifered and as the
years passed by worked his way steadily upward to a position of affluence. He
justly merited the proud American title of a self-made man and in his passing"
the community lost one of its most esteemed and substantial citizens. His widow,
likewise a native of Germany, still makes her home in Denison, where she has
an extensive circle of warm friends. They were the parents of seven children,
as follows: one who died in infancy; W. N., who is a resident of California;
Ida and Willie, who are deceased ; Freda, the wife of William Plagge, of Buck-
grove, Iowa; Louis M. H., of this review; and Emma, who has likewise passed
away.
In pursuit of an education Louis M. H. Mundt attended the common schools
of his native township and also spent one term in the German school at Deni-
son. He remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he was
married and established a home of his own, locating on the farm which has
been his place of abode continuously since. The property embraces three hun-
dred and twenty acres of land and is lacking in none of the improvements and
accessories of a model farm of the twentieth century. The place in its neat and.
thrifty appearance gives evidence of his careful supervision and the well tilled
122 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he
bestows upon tliem.
In 1900 Mr. Alundt was united in marriage to Miss Dora Kahl, a native of
Holstein, Germany, and a daughter of Christ and Henrietta (Coke) Kahl, who
were likewise born in that country. They emigrated to the United States in
1890, settling in Goodrich township, Crawford county, Iowa, where they have
resided continuously since. Unto them were born eight children, namely :
August, living in Goodrich township, this county; Lizzie, who is deceased; Ber-
tha, the wife of Fred Kahl, of Milford township; William, who makes his home
in Goodrich township; Anna, the wife of John Keighan of Shelby county, Iowa;
Minnie, the wife of William Watje, of Redlands, California; Mrs. !Mundt; and
Augusta, the wife of William Warn, of Goodrich township. Mr. and Mrs.
Mundt have three children, Freda, Albert and Hattie, aged respectively ten,
eight and four years.
Mr. Mundt is a democrat in politics and has served as school director. His
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, of which
his wife is also a communicant. He has resided in Crawford county from his
birth to the present time and is well known as a reliable and straightforward
business man. fully meriting the confidence and good will which are extended
to him by his fellow citizens.
OSCAR S. GOODRICH.
For more than half a century the Goodrich family have been prominently
identified with the agricultural development of Crawford county, the late Isaac
B. Goodrich having been the first settler to enter land in the county, in recog-
nition of which fact he was later honored by having the township where his
homestead was located named after him. He was born in the state of New
York in 1804, a son of Philander Goodrich, who was a descendant of one of
the old families of New England. The spirit engendered by many generations
of pioneer life early drove Isaac B. Goodrich westward. He first located in
Michigan and later in Illinois and at an age when the majority of men consider
retiring from active life again migrated, Iowa being his destination this time.
He arrived in Crawford county in June, 1854, after a long and tiresome jour-
ney by wagon oftentimes over unbroken prairie. Locating in Milford town-
ship, he erected a log cabin fourteen by twenty feet, which was the first shingled
house in the county. This provided shelter for the family, while he and his
sons cleared the land and placed it under cultivation. In 1855 a sawmill was
located in Denison at the foot of the hill near the present site of the North-
western Railroad stockyards, and with the assistance of his sons, Mr. Goodrich
cut the trees which were hauled to the mill, the lumber being later transported
to Goodrich township, where it was utilized in the construction of a house.
Many weeks of hard labor were spent in the cutting and hauling of the timber,
after which they had to erect the house, which was built entirely of oak and
walnut. The shingles which were of black walnut, Mr. Goodrich made himself,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 125
in the course of which process, owing to his crude and hmited facilities, he
sacrificed three of the fingers of his right hand. He acquired two hundred and
ninety acres of land, which he cuUivated up to the time of his demise in 1881.
Mrs. Goodrich only survived him until April of the following year. Always
having been just a little in advance of the progress of civilization, their lives
had ever been hard, but they possessed all the essential characteristics of the
pioneer, their personalities being strongly felt in the social, as well as the educa-
tional development of the county.
Mr. Goodrich and Miss Margaret Gamble were united in marriage in New
York and unto them were born eleven children. The first five, Luzina, Sa-
brina, Adeline, Leverett C. and TuUy, and also the two youngest, Philander
and Minerva, are deceased. The' others are: William, a resident of South
Dakota; Oscar, our subject; Rufus, living in Idaho; and Milo, who resides in
Minnesota. The family always attended the services of the Baptist church, of
which the parents were members. His political support Mr. Goodrich accorded
the democratic party. He was a public-spirited man and always took an active
and helpful part in civic afifairs, for many years serving as a member of the
board of supervisors. A man of high ideals, sound principles and incorruptible
integrity his personality was a dominant factor in the development of the
county where he spent the latter years of his life.
Oscar S. Goodrich, a son of Isaac B. and Margaret (Gamble) Goodrich, was
born in Illinois on the 4th of September, 1854. Being but an infant when his
parents removed to Iowa, the greater part of his life has been spent in the
Hawkeye state, in the district schools of which he acquired his education. He
remained a member of his father's household until he had attained his majority,
at which time he rented sixty acres of land and engaged in agricultural pur-
suits. After cultivating this for two years he removed to an eighty acre tract
which his father presented him. Here he followed general farming and stock-
raising until the 22d of November, 1910, when he removed to Denison, where
he continues to live retired.
Mr. Goodrich's plans for a home of his own had their culmination on the
5th of November, 1873, in his marriage to Miss Lucy Butler, of Arion, Iowa.
Mrs. Goodrich is a daughter of James and Catherine (McCall) Butler, who
lived on a farm on the present site of the town of Arion. The family residence
was a log house, as were the majority of the homes of that period, and there
Mrs. Goodrich as well as her two sisters were married. Mr. Butler was cap-
tain of a company of volunteers in 1864-5, stationed at Cherokee, where they
were ready to respond to calls from the settlers who were greatly harassed at
that time by the Indians. Ten children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Butler :
Donald J., deceased, who was the first white boy born in Crawford county ;
Margaret, the wife of Valdo Talcott; William; Lucy, the wife of Oscar S.
Goodrich ; Agnes, who married Dr. W. B. Evans ; Lorenzo C. ; Charles ; and
three who died in infancy. All members of the family now surviving reside in
Arion, with the exception of Mrs. Goodrich, who lives in Denison.
Mr. and Mrs. Goodrich have become the parents of eight children: Wil-
ham, who passed away in infancy ; Una B., the wife of Howard Matthews, of
El Reno. Oklahoma; and Isaac B. and Leverett C, twins, the former a resident
Toi. n— 7
126 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
of Cushing. aiul ihc latter uf Kiron; Libby, who is a skilled sportswoman, hav-
ing killed many deer and bear in Wyoming, and is the wife of Clyde Hufman,
of Thermopolis, Wyoming; Catharine, who married Bert Justice, of Alilford
township; Agnes Marie, who was born on the 2d of September, 1895; and Ruth
Sabrina, whose birth occurred on the 26th of May, 1897.
The family affiliate with the Baptist church. The Goodrich home contains
many interesting things associated with the early history of Crawford county,
among them being a black walnut desk wdiich many years ago was made for
the courthouse out of lumber Isaac B. Goodrich cut and hauled to the mill for
that purpose. When the new courthouse was built and furnished this desk
was presented to ]\Ir. Goodrich who upon his death gave it to his son Oscar S.,
by whom it is highly treasured because of its many associations. He has ever
taken an active and helpful part in the local political affairs, giving his support
to the republican party. He has been elected to the minor township offices, the
duties of which he discharged in a manner generally satisfactory not only to his
constituency but to the public at large.
CHARLES F. BUSS.
After a residence of over half a century in Union township Charles F. Buss
may well look back with satisfaction upon a life spent in honorable industry and
feel that he has met with that sviccess which it is the desire of every man to
attain. Born in Prussia, May 12, 1833, he is a son of Gottlieb Buss. His
mother, who bore the maiden name of Homenberg, dying when he was but two
years old, he was adopted by an aunt, with whom he made his home until he
reached the age of seventeen years, when he emigrated to the United States.
His father and only sister both died in Prussia. Upon his arrival in this country
he first located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and engaged in the lumber business,
buying wood in the country and selling it in town. He continued to follow
that vocation for about eighteen months and then, removing eighteen miles west
of Milwaukee, began working on a farm, his wages being eight dollars a month.
There he remained until about 1853, when he concluded to go farther west and
started for Oregon. About this time, however, occurred an Indian outbreak
and after getting as far as the state of Iowa he decided to remain there and
bought eigrhty acres of land on Middle Coon. Carroll county.
This Mr. Buss later sold and in 1855 purchased two hundred acres of land in
Union township, Crawford county, upon which he has resided since 1859. The
land was wild and unbroken, no furrow having as yet been turned upon it, but
imbued with characteristic energy' he at once began its development, made im-
provements, set out trees and from time to time added to his property until he
now owns three hundred and twenty acres comprising the home place, besides
which he has three quarter sections in Boyer township and thirty-seven acres
of timber land on section 30, Union township. While devoting his main efforts
to general farming he makes a specialty of live stock, feeding cattle and hogs
for the market.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 127
In 1857 Mr. Buss was married to Aliss Eudosia House, but of this union no
children were born. His second marriage took place in June, 1863, when he
was united to Miss Maria Agens, and they became the parents of eight chil-
dren, of whom the following named are living: Lydia, who is the wife of Lewis
Vore and lives in Union township; William, who also resides in Union town-
ship; Clara, who married Fred Parker, a resident of Michigan; and Fred, who
is living at home and assists his father in the management of the home farm.
In his political relations Mr. Buss gives his support to the principles advo-
cated by the democratic party, although in former years he was a republican.
Both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, while fra-
ternally he is affiliated with the Patrons of Husbandry. Mr. Buss is in every re-
spect a self-made man who, after coming to this country realized the great ad-
vantages it ofifered to those who wished to make the most of them and his ad-
vancement in life has come because he has made the most of his opportunities.
JOHN FASTJE.
Among the prosperous business men of Denison is John Fastje, well known
as a manufacturer and dealer in furniture, who by enterprise and good manage-
ment has gained an established reputation as one of the most progressive men
in the community. He was born in Oldenburg, Germany, December 10, 1864,
a son of Bernhard and Fredericka (Kuzel) Fastje, both of whom were natives
of the fatherland. The father was reared a farmer but after his marriage went
into the restaurant business and was also constable. He died in 1871 at the age
of forty-eight years.. His widow came to America and made her home in Deni-
son until called to her final rest in 1907, at the age of seventy-eight years. She
and her husband were both faithful members of the Lutheran church. Her
father was a shoemaker in Germany and was the head of a family of nine daugh-
ters. There were nine children also in the family of Bernhard and Fredericka
Fastje, five of whom are now living, namely: Fredericka, wife of Fred Eisen-
haur, of Denison; John, the subject of this review; Sophia, now Mrs. Henry
Rogge, of Denison; Helena, wife of John Reeh, of Havre, Montana ; and Henry,
also of Havre.
John Fastje was educated in the public schools of Germany and learned the
cabinet-maker's trade, at which he worked for a number of years after reach-
ing his majority. In 1891, believing that conditions for advancement were more
favorable in America he came to this country and settled at Denison, Iowa,
where he followed the carpenter's trade, and also engaged successfully as con-
tractor. In 1904 he began manufacturing and dealing in furniture and now has
one of the most attractive stores in Denison. occupying three floors. He manu-
factures a complete line of bank and office fixtures and has built up a large and
growing patronage.
On the 3d of May, 1891, Mr. Fastje was united in marriage to Miss Jo-
hanna Wessels, a native of Germany and a daughter of Frederick and Johanna
(Wedel) Wessels. Two children were born to this union : Freda and John.
128 HISTURV Ui" CRAWFORD COUNTY
The wife and mother having been called away in 1893, Mr. Fastje was again
married on the 20th of May, 1895, his second union being with Miss Anna
Christiansen, a daughter of Hans and Meta Christiansen. Seven children came
to bless this union, two of whom died in infancy. The others are Robert, Will-
iam. Carl, Martha and Dorothea.
Mr. Fastje is a firm believer in the authority of the Bible and holds member-
ship in the Lutheran church. His wife is a Methodist, although formerly iden-
tified with llie Lutherans. Socially he is connected witli the Odd Fellows and
the Xortli .\nierican Krugerverein. l-^-er since arriving in this country he has
given his support to the democratic party, believing that in so doing he is ad-
vancing the best interests of the state and nation, lie served faithfully as a
soldier in the regular army in Germany and received many lessons that have
been of great value to him as a private citizen. He has through his own efiforts
won his wav to independence and has acquired not only a competence financially
but a nobility of character, his friends feeling that in him they can absolutely
trust and knowing that they will not be betrayed.
J. M. YOUNG, M. D.
Dr. J. M. Young, a prominent member of the medical fraternity in Craw-
ford county, has built up an extensive practice at \'ail. His birth occurred in
Greene county, Iowa, on the 27th of September, 1869, his parents being Thomas
and Jane (Burke) Young, who were natives of South Carolina and Iowa re-
spectively. The father passed away on the 2d of June, 1882. while the mother
was called to her final rest in September, 1872. Their children were five in
number, namely: William, who is now a practicing physician of Jefferson, Iowa;
Emma, the wife of Daniel Beterbenner of Alliance. Nebraska; J. M., of this
review; Eva, the wife of William Elmore, of Alliance, Nebraska; and one who
is deceased.
Dr. J. M. Young began earning his own livelihood at the early age of thir-
teen years, learning the drug business and being engaged as a pharmacist until
1895. I" ^'i^t year he entered the State Medical College at Omaha, from which
institution he was graduated in 1898. Locating for practice at Jamaica, Iowa,
he there remained until 1908, wdiich year witnessed his arrival in X'ail, Craw-
ford county. This town has since remained the scene of his professional labors
and his practice has steadily increased as he has demonstrated his ability to cope
with the intricate problems which continually confront the physician. His high
standing in professional ranks is indicated by the fact that he is now serving as
president of the Crawford County Medical Society.
On the 6th of March, 1901, Dr. Young was united in marriage to Miss May
Lundy, of Jamaica. Iowa, her parents being T. C. and Mattie (Harrison) Lundy.
who are natives of Ohio and Alabama respectively. Both still survive, making
their home at Coon Rapids, Iowa, where Mr. Lundy acts as a bank cashier. Mrs.
Young, who was one of a family of seven children, is a graduate of the high
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 129
school at Manning and followed the profession of teaching for eleven years prior
to her marriage.
Dr. Young gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has held the
office of county physician. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belong-
ing to Diamond Lodge, No. 422, at Vail, while both he and his wife are mem-
bers of the Eastern Star there. He also belongs to Lodge No. 315 of the
Knights of Pythias at Bayard, Iowa, in which he has filled all of the chairs.
His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Christian church, with
which his wife is also affiliated. He has attained a creditable position in pro-
fessional circles, while the salient characteristics of his manhood are such as
have brought him the warm regard of those with whom he has been otherwise
associated.
GEORGE WASHINGTON BIDLACK.
George Washington Bidlack, the owner of two hundred acres of valuable
land in Crawford county, is widely recognized as one of the substantial and rep-
resentative agriculturists of East Boyer township. His birth occurred in Lu-
zerne county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of March, 1844, his parents being Sam-
uel Jimpson and Hannah (Thompson) Bidlack, while his paternal grandparents
were John J. and Martha (Hicks) Bidlack. The grandfather, a native of Con-
necticut, was bound out as a boy. He participated in the war of 181 2 and was
starved to death on a British prison ship. Samuel J. Bidlack, the father of our
subject, was born in Pennsylvania. He removed to Illinois in 1864, locating in
Carroll county, where he made his home until called to his final rest in 1872.
Unto him and his wife were born ten children, as follows : George W., of this
review; Alice, who is a resident of Manilla, Iowa; Evan T., who is deceased;
Mary, the wife of W. S. Roderick; Maria, who has also passed away; Benja-
min H., living in Nishnabotny township, Crawford county; Joseph, who makes
his home at Rockford, Iowa ; Sarah and William, who are likewise deceased ;
and one who died in infancy.
George Washington Bidlack attended the common schools in the acquire-
ment of an education and remained with his parents until 1870, when he was
married and established a home of his own. He came to Crawford county,-
Iowa, in that year and with the exception of a few years spent in McLean
county. North Dakota, has resided within its borders continuously since. His
homic farm; a productive tract of land comprising two hundred acres, was entirely
unimproved when it came into his possession but he set resolutely to work and
eventually brought the fields under a high state of cultivation. He also has
property holdings in North Dakota, to which state he removed with his family
in order to take up a homestead claim. Although sixty-five years of age at the
time, he hauled lumber for a distance of fifty miles, erected five shanties on as
many different homesteads and made such other improvements as the gov-
ernment required.
In 1870 Mr. Bidlack was united in marriage to Miss Frances M. Camp-
bell, a native of Illinois, by whom he has four children, namely: Grace, a school
130 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
teacher of Sac City, Iowa; Martha, at home; Laura, the wife of W. G. Mer-
riam, of Garrison. North Dakota; and Ellen, the wife of J. A. McCutcheon, of
Garrison, North Dakota.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Jiidlack has sup-
ported the men and measures of the republican party, believing that its prin-
ciples are most conducive to good government although he voted for Bryan every
time he was a candidate. While serving as justice of the peace his decisions
were characterized by the utmost fairness and impartiality. His religious faith
is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church, while fraternally he is
identified with the Masons, belonging to the lodge at Manilla, Iowa. He has
always been a man of exemplary habits and strict integrity and in the course of
a long life has performed his part in advancing the true welfare of the
community.
MICHAEL L. HOULIHAN, Sr.
To attain success in life it is not necessary to possess either money or in-
fluence, as is evidenced by the career of Michael L. Houlihan, Sr., who, begin-
ning with nothing, has acquired an independent competence which he is now
enjoying after many years of industry. ];]orn in County Clare, Ireland, in August,
1840, he is the son of Patrick and Bridget (Hoogan) Houlihan, both of whom
were also natives of County Clare, where they died, the mother at the ad-
vanced age of ninety years. They were the parents of nine children, of whom
four survive, as follows : Mary, who is at home ; Michael L. ; Nora, who lives
in Ireland ; and Cornelius, retired, who resides in Kansas City, Missouri. Those
deceased are John, Patrick, Bridget, Austin and Thomas.
Through force of circumstances Michael L. Houlihan was not enabled to
obtain any book education, but the knowledge he has secured in the school of
experience has served every purpose as far as his mental qualifications are con-
cerned. Thrown upon his own resources at the early age of nine years, he began
life as a stock-herder, combined with other kinds of labor. At the age of
twenty-seven he emigrated to the United States, arriving here in 1865 and lo-
cating in Davenport but only remained there two weeks and then went to Wau-
kon, Iowa, whence he made a trij) on the Mississippi river. Later he engaged in
railroad work and coal mining, after which he took up farming near Grinnell
and there spent two and one-half years. He married Miss Mattie Kraemer,
by whom he had one child. John Patrick, who cost the mother her life, and the
child died at the age of three months.
Mr. Houlihan rented his father-in-law's farm, upon which he remained for
four years, and then came to Crawford county, living in Hayes township for one
year. He subsequently located in East Boyer. continuing his residence there for
nineteen years, after which he removed to Soldier township, and lived there for
twenty years. In 1907 he came to Denison township, where he purchased land,
to which, as his circumstances would permit, he added at intervals until he be-
came the owner of eleven hundred and thirty-nine acres, which he has developed
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 131
to a high state of cultivation, giving to it the benefit of his wide experience in
agriculture, acquired in former years, and today he has one of the most valuable
pieces of property in Crawford county, upon which he has made three sets of
improvements that go to make it one of the most modern and up-to-date farms
in this section of the state. Here he has continued to carry on general farming
and stock-raising on an extensive scale, and that he has met with success is at-
tested to by the flourishing condition of his estate and stock.
The second wife of Mr. Houlihan was Mrs. Michael O'Brien, whose maiden
name was Bridget McMahon and who by her first husband had two children :
Mary, deceased, and Dennis, now living in Denison township. To Mr. and Mrs.
Houlihan have been born the following children : John and Martin, who reside
in Denison township ; Cornelius, who gives his time to assisting his father on the
home farm ; Thomas, a physician, who is practicing in Ida Grove, Iowa ; Michael,
who is cashier and manager of the bank in Vail, Iowa ; Ellen, who became the
wife of Edward Houston, of Boyer township ; Bridget, Bryan, Frances, Mar-
garet, who are living at home ; Marjory, Nora Francis and two others, who are
deceased.
In politics Mr. Houlihan casts his ballot for the democratic party but is
liberal enough to vote for a friend if he thinks he is deserving of his support.
He has never sought political favors but has most efficiently filled the offices of
township trustee, supervisor and school director. In every respect Mr. Houli-
han is a self-made man, one who has relied upon his own ability to make a place
for himself in the world and is a most encouraging example to the younger
generation of what well directed industry and determination will do for him
who makes up his mind to succeed in life.
EMIL BIELENBERG.
Emil Bielenberg, a well known and substantial resident of Schleswig, devotes
his attention to general farming and stockraising interests, owning one hun-
dred and sixty acres of productive land in Ida county. His birth occurred in
that county on the 4th of November, 1879, his parents being Jacob and Emma
(Meyer) Bielenberg. Their family numbered seven children, as follows: Emil,
of this review; Lena, the wife of Fred Petersen, of Crawford county; Will-
iam, who is likewise a resident of Crawford county; Dora, the wife of John
Bendixen, of this county; Fred, who is deceased; Minnie, the wife of Will-
iam Aldog, of Ida county; and August, who has passed away.
Emil Bielenberg was reared on the home farm and early gained practical
knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. The
work of the fields has claimed his time and energies throughout his entire busi-
ness career and until the spring of 1910 he worked as a farm hand. At that
time he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in Ida county, where
he is now carrying on general farming and stock-raising, meeting with a gratify-
ing measure of success in both branches of his business.
132 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXT^'
On the 25th of June. 1903, Mr. Dielenberg was joined in wetUock to Miss
Maggie Petersen, a daughter of J. C. and Anne Petersen, of Schles^vig. His
political allegiance is given to the democracy, while in religious faith he is a
Lutheran. He is a young man whose life has ever been actuated by upright
and honorable principles and well merits the regard and esteem which are uni-
formlv accorded him.
HENRY N. TAHN,
A native of Iowa, Henry N. Jahn has made his home in Crawford county
for more than forty years, becoming actively identified with various interests
here. He is now at the head of a flourishing implement business at Manilla. He
comes of sturdy Teutonic ancestry and was born four miles from Davenport, in
Scott county, Iowa, November 14, i860, a son of Claus and Louisa (Kortum)
Jahn, both of whom were natives of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The father,
who learned the miller's trade, came to America in 1853, and arrived at the
end of his journey, near Davenport, with one dollar and a half in his pocket.
He began his career in the new world as a farm laborer and applied himself
with such diligence that in 1857 he was prepared to engage in farming on his
own account. He was one of the pioneers of Hayes township, Crawford county,
and became one of the substantial men of his section. He now lives in Manilla
and is the owner of four hundred acres of good land in this county. His wife
departed this life in 1890 at the age of fifty- four years, Mr. Jahn having now
arrived at the age of seventy-seven. He held various township offices while
living upon his farm but never devoted much attention to politics, as his in-
terests were concentrated upon his business. He holds membership in the Luth-
eran church and is one of its earnest supporters. Claus Jahn, the paternal
grandfather of our subject, had five children: Claus, Bertha, Catharine, Henry
and Anna. The maternal grandfather, M. Kortum, died near Davenport in
middle life leaving a widow and the following children: Christian, William,
Joachim, Henry, Louisa and Eli.se. There were six children in the family of
Claus and Louisa Jahn, four of whom are now living: Henry N., Anna E., Will-
iam L. and Emile.
Henry N. Jahn came to Crawford county with his parents at the age of
nine years and was reared on his father's farm, receiving his early education in
tlie district schools. He continued at home until twenty-seven years of age and
then for five years farmed a part of his father's Jand. In 1893 he removed to
Manilla and the following year began buying- and shipping hogs with his
brother, William L.. the two continuing together in business for ten years. In
1895 they built a steam elevator at Manilla and were for eight years actively
engaged in the grain business. They also owned a half interest in the Isaac
Hurd Lumber Company from tooi to 1903. They then bought three hundred
acres of land in Miner county. South Dakota, but Mr. Jahn of this review sold
his interest to his brother in 1908. In 1904 he formed a partnership in the
implement business with L. L. Hockett, and they continued together imtil Feb-
HENRY N. JAHN
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 135
riiary, 1908, when the partnership was dissolved. The business has since been
carried forward by Mr. Jahn and is one of the prosperous enterprises of the
town.
On the 3d of January, 1900, Mr. Jahn was united in marriage to Miss May
E. Roderick, who was born in Milledgeville, Whiteside county, lUinois, a daugh-
ter of WilHam and Mary E. (Bidlack) Roderick, the former of whom was born
in Maryland and the latter in Pennsylvania. They removed to Illinois, where
they lived for a number of years, settling in Crawford county, Iowa, in 1882.
The father died in 1905 and the mother now lives in Manilla. Two children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Jahn, Wilbur R. and Ruth E.
Religiously Mr. and Mrs, Jahn are both identified with the Presbyterian
church. Politically he gives his support to the republican party, being an earn-
est advocate of the progressive element of that organization. He has shown
himself to be a man of excellent business capacity and capable management, and
his efforts have been crowned with a gratifying measure of success. He early
learned that diligence and close application are highly important factors in the
accomplishment of any worthy object and it is along those lines that he has
achieved his prosperity.
BENJAMIN Y. NICHOLSON.
Many theories have been advanced concerning success and much has been
written about the best way of achieving it, but careful investigation into the
lives of the most successful men show that their advancement is not due to
any fortunate combination of circumstances nor to the following of any given
rule but is based upon the foundation principles of industry, energy, perseverance
and close application. Another proof of. this fact is found in the life record
of Benjamin Y. Nicholson, now secretary and treasurer of the Nicholson Produce
Company of Denison.
He was born in Jerusalem, Ohio, October 3, 1863, his parents being John L.
and Eleanor (Young) Nicholson. He came to Iowa with his parents in 1864
when but a year old and remained a resident of New Sharon until seventeen
years of age, during which period he mastered the branches of learning that
constitute the public school curriculum. Ambition to be up and doing for him-
self led him to leave home and go to Vail, Iowa, where he joined his brother,
George W., in the poultry, butter and egg business. The partnership between
them has extended for twenty-eight years and for the past twenty years Ben-
jamin Y. Nicholson has resided in Denison, having charge of the business here
most of that time. Their ramifying trade interests reach out to various sec-
tions of this and surrounding states. They buy from a large territory and make
extensive annual shipments, finding a ready sale for their products on the
market.
On the 1 8th of May, 1888, Benjamin Y. Nicholson was united in marriage
to Miss Lydia Maude Watson, who was born in England and was brought to
America by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Watson, when quite young.
136 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
The family were early settlers of Crawford county anrl her father died in Vail
about twenty years ago. Her mother, however, is still living. They were the
parents of four sons and four daughters, William W., Charles S., John S.,
James. Fannie, Lydia AI.. Alice and Lizzie. The marriage of I\Ir. and Mrs.
Nicholson has been blessed with six children, namely : Clair W., Pearl E., Ben-
jamin Y., Jr.. Gladys Erma, and two who died in infancy, Russel and Merrill.
]\Ir. Nicholson is an advocate of Masonic principles and endeavors to em-
body in his life the benevolent and charitable spirit of the craft. His member-
ship is with Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. AL, of Denison ; Ark Chapter.
R. A. AL, of Dunlap ; Mount Zion Commandery, K. T., of Harlan, Iowa; and
Za-ga-zig Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine of Des Moines. He also
belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge. Politically a republican, he served
for about twelve years as a member of the city council, exercising his official
prerogatives in support of many measures and movements for the general good.
He has also been a member of the school board for fourteen years and the cause
of public education finds in him a warm friend. He was chairman of the county
central committee when Hon. Leslie M. Shaw was elected governor and served
as chairman for two years. He believes that the best interests of good gov-
ernment are to be conserved through the adoption of the principles of the re-
publican party and thus he labors earnestly and untiringly in its behalf.
L. A. VORE.
As a native son of Union township, Crawford county, L. A. Vore is one
of the best known and highly respected agriculturists in this section of the
state whose early efforts in farming operations have gained for him an ade-
quate competence which he is now enjoying on his home place near Dow City.
He was born in Union township. May 25, 1858, a son of R. and Anna Eliza
(Whaley) Vore, both of whom first saw the light of day in Ohio, the father's
birth occurring in Athens county. There they were married and in 1855 came
to Crawford county, Iowa, locating at North Grove, Union township. In those
days methods of travel were very crude and the journey was made in wagons,
forty days being consumed en route, while the hardships during the trip were
many and severe. Mr. \'ore remained in Crawford county until about 1900
and then removed to Dunlap, Iowa, where he still continues to reside. He has
always been engaged in agricultural pursuits but of late years he has taken an
active interest in politics, his support being given the republican party. Mrs.
Vore was a faithful member of the ]\Iethodist Episcopal church until her death,
w^hich occurred January 20, 191 1. To this couple were born the following
children: Ellen, who is the wife of A. P. Lyman, of Oklahoma; L. A., of this
review; Charles, deceased; Pearl, who follows farming near Spring Lake,
Texas ; Fred, a resident of Nebraska.
L. 'A. Vore remained at home until twenty-six years of age, although he had
worked for himself since attaining his majority, subsequently locating on the
property upon which he now resides and which, under his careful and business-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 137
like management, has been increased in extent until it now comprises four hun-
dred and twenty acres of highly developed farm land, all the improvements
upon it having been made by himself.
Mr. Vore was married in 1884 to Miss Lydia Buss and the following five
children were born to them : Nellie, who became the wife of Isaac Gardner,
traveling salesman for the Brist Manufacturing Company, of Topeka, Kansas ;
Susie, Pearl, Hattie and Charles, who are residing at home.
In his political views Mr. Vore is a republican but has never been an office
seeker, although he keeps well informed on all the issues and questions of the
day, as is the duty of every true American citizen. Fraternally he is affiliated
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with his wife holds member-
ship in Rebekah chapter. In religion they both give their helpful support to
the Methodist Episcopal church. Advancing civilization has wrought many
changes in the county since the pioneer days, changes for the better which Mr.
Vore has watched with keen interest and in which he has borne his full share,
both in the business development and in his individual affairs. His success is
the more gratifying for the reason it is well earned, and his worth as a man is
demonstrated by the high esteem which is uniformly tendered him by all who
have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
J. PETER JEPSEN.
J. Peter Jepsen, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising on a
two hundred acre farm in Otter Creek township, is. a native of Germany, his
natal day being the 7th of July, 1868. His parents, Thomas and Christina
(Petersen) Jepsen, spent their entire lives in the land of their nativity and there
his two brothers, the only surviving members of the family with the exception
of himself, reside. Six children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Jepsen, but the
two youngest, Glaus and Carsten, and Margareta, the third child and only daugh-
ter, have now passed away, leaving the two eldest sons, Hans and Thomas, and
J. Peter, who is the fourth in order of birth, the only surviving members of the
family.
J. Peter Jepsen remained a subject of Germany until he had passed the
twenty-eighth anniversary of his birth, at which time his general dissatisfaction
with conditions as he knew them there, and the confident hope and belief that
broader and greater advantages were to be found in America, prompted him
to take passage for the United States. He arrived here in 1894 and almost
immediately made his way westward locating in Crawford county, Iowa, where
he obtained employment on a farm and for ten years he continued in this oc-
cupation. Here the characteristics of his nationality — perseverance, energy and
thrift — served to make it possible for him to acquire during that period the
money essential to begin farming for himself, and he rented two hundred acres
of land and engaged in general farming and stock-raising. For more than ten
years now he has continued to reside there, following the same pursuits, which
have proven to be sufficiently lucrative to enable him to become the owner of
138 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
one-half section of land in Xorth Dakota. lie is known as one of the success-
ful and capable agriculturists of his township and is realizing profitable returns
from botli his stock and farm products.
On the 28th of February, 1900, Mr. Jepsen was united in marriage to Miss
Lizzie Xaeve, a daugb.tor of William and Mary (Schneider) Naeve. Mr. and
Mrs. Xaeve had five children, of whom Mrs. Jepsen is the eldest, the others
being as follows : Katie and Emil, both deceased ; Freda, at home ; and Willie,
an adopted son. Three children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Jepsen:
Walter, who is ten years of age; Harley, now in his eighth year; and Alice, who
has passed her second birthday.
The family always attend the services of the Lutheran church, of which
Mr. and Mrs. Jepsen are communicants. Ever since naturalization conferred
upon him the full rights of a citizen of the United States Mr. Jepsen has taken
an active interest in all ])olitical issues and questions of vital concern to the
public. He supports the candidates and measures of the democratic party and
his party fealty has been rewarded by his election to the oflfice of assessor,
while he is at present serving as clerk of his township, in the discharge of the
duties of which he seems to be meeting with the general approval of the
community.
OTTO HEXRY VOSGERAU.
Although only twenty-five years of age and just fairly started in his busi-
ness life. Otto Henry Vosgerau, manager of Der Crawford County Demokrat,
has attained recognition as one of the energetic and capable citizens of the
county. He is a native of Stockholm township, this county, born October 17,
1886, and is a son of Henry and Elise (Kreuger) Vosgerau. The father was
born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, in 1834, and on coming to America first
took up his residence in Clinton county, Iowa. Later he removed to Crawford
county and located upon a farm which he cultivated until 1898, when he retired
to Denison. In 1910 he removed to Sac county, Iowa, and there passed away
October 9, 1910. The mother is still living and makes her home in this county.
There were seven children in their family, five of whom survive.
Otto H. Vosgerau spent the earlier years of his boyhood on the home farm
and received his preliminary education in the i)nblic schools. Later he attended
a college and applied himself to his studies with a diligence that gave bright
promise as to his future. On the ist of January, 191 1, he acquired a half-in-
terest in Der Crawford County Demokrat, of which he has since been manager.
The paper was established in 1887 and is published weekly, being the official
organ of the county. As it is conducted on thoroughly reliable and conserva-
tive lines it wields considerable influence in this section of the state and under
the new management gives promise of a much more extensive circulation.
On the 28th of July, 1909. Mr. Vosgerau was united in marriage to Miss
Margaret Roettger. a native of Goodrich township, Crawford county, and a
daughter of Fred Roettger. Her mother is deceased but her father is still liv-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 139
ing in this county. There were three children in their family. One daughter,
Lucile H., has come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Vosgerau, her natal
day being October 23, 1910.
Mr. Vosgerau and his wife are valued members of the Lutheran church
and are well known socially in Denison. They live in a beautiful residence in
one of the most attractive parts of the city and he also owns eight acres within
the city limits. He has made an excellent beginning in a business which his
friends prophesy is destined to bring to him. honor and prosperity.
JOHN TEBBE.
John Tebbe, who well deserves the title of a self-made man, his present suc-
cess in the agricultural world coming to him as the result entirely of his own
well directed efforts, is one of those sturdy citizens who have come from the
fatherland and in the new world have found opportunities for advancement in
business impossible in the old world. Born in Germany, in the Rhine province,
on the i6th of March, 1850, he is a son of Albert and Henrietta (Tebbe) Tebbe,
both natives of the fatherland, the former's birth occurring in the same place
as that of the son. That district remained the home of the family until 1875,
when Albert Tebbe, with his wife and seven children, came to the United States,
locating in Clinton county, Iowa, near Big Rock. He had been a farmer in his
native country and after coming to Iowa resumed that occupation, being thus
engaged in Clinton county until his death, which occurred on the 12th of May,
1894. He had survived his wife for only a few years, her death occurring July
30, 1890. Their family of seven children included the following: Henry, a
farmer of Hanover township; John, of this review; Elizabeth, the wife of
George Bush, a farmer of Lost Nation, Iowa ; Anna, who married Henry Bush,
a farmer of Jackson county, Iowa; Minnie, the wife of William Kuhn, of Qin-
ton county; Matilda, who wedded August Kuehl, also of Clinton county; and
Christina, the wife of Leonard Zogg, who follows farming in Genoa, Wisconsin.
In the common schools of Germany John Tebbe acquired a good education
and he remained with his parents during the period of his boyhood and youth.
He was a young man of twenty-five years when, in 1875, he came with the
family to the United States and for a year after his arrival here was employed
as a farm hand in Clinton county. At the end of that time he rented a farm,
which he operated until coming to Crawford county in 1882, when he purchased
a farm, becoming the owner of eighty acres of land in Hanover township.
Later, however, he sold that property and acquired another tract in the same
township, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres. To the improvement of
that property he devoted his entire time and attention, bringing it under a good
state of cultivation, and it remained his place of residence for eighteen years.
He then purchased an eighty acre tract near Kenwood, in Paradise township,
but never lived upon that place, coming to his present home about three years
ago. Altogether his possessions aggregate three hundred and twenty acres, all
located in Paradise township and all in excellent condition. The home place
140 IHSTDRV OF CKAWFORU COUNTY
is equipped with good buildings and all modern conveniences for facilitating
farm labor, and besides cultivating the cereals best adapted to soil and climate
he engages in stock-raising to a considerable extent. His stock is of an ex-
cellent grade and therefore commands ready sale and good prices on the market.
He has adopted practical, progressive methods in the management of his aflfairs,
gives close application to and is careful in the supervision of his business in-
terests, and his efforts therefore are effective forces in the acquirement of sub-
stantial results.
It was in the year 1881 that Mr. Tebbe was united in marriage to Miss Jo-
hanna Tebbe, and unto them have been bom seven children, namely : Anna, de-
ceased ; Emma, the wife of Jurgen Detlefsen; Albert, Christina, Herman, all
at home ; Elizabeth, deceased ; and George, at home.
The parents are members of the Lutheran church, in the work of which
they take a helpful interest, and in politics Mr. Tebbe gives his support to the
republican party. He is not, however, an active worker in party ranks, prefer-
ring that his duties of citizenship shall be performed in a private capacity, and
yet he has ever taken a deep interest in all matters pertaining to the welfare of
the comm.unities in which he has resided and he is numbered among Iowa's
loyal adopted sons. The sturdy qualities in his nature, which are the birthright
of the Teutonic race, have been elements in the acquirement of a gratifying
success, while the personal elements in his character — clean manhood and honest
principles — speak for desirable and valuable citizenship.
GEORGE A. NORELIUS.
Among the native sons of Iowa who have assisted very materially in the ad-
vancement of the locality in which their lot has been cast is George A. Norelius,
a prominent citizen of Kiron. He was born in Hamilton county, Iowa, Decem-
ber 5, 1868, son of A. and Christina Norelius, who are now living in Crawford
county.
Mr. Norelius of this review received his early education in the district
schools and later entered the Western Xomial College of Shenandoah, Iowa,
from which he was graduated in 1888. He began his business career as a teacher
and continued for five terms, but being attracted to commercial life he entered
general mercantile business at old Kiron on March i, 1892, and continued at
that place for seven years, when he moved his store building to new Kiron and
resumed the same line of business. He served for four years as postmaster,
discharging his duties with the same fidelity that he evinces in his own affairs
and meeting with the hearty approval of the people. He is prominently iden-
tified with various enterprises, being director of the Kiron State Bank and also
of the Farmers & Merchants Bank at Sheyenne, North Dakota. As a farmer
he has been very successful and owns one hundred and ten acres of land on
section 19. Stockholm township, and three hundred and twenty acres in Dickey
county. North Dakota, also one hundred and twenty acres in Per-
kins county, South Dakota, and has a one-half interest in the opera house at
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 141
Kiron. He and his family occupy a fine residence in Kiron, which is provided
with all modern conveniences.
On the 2ist of December, 1890, Mr. Norelius was united in marriage to Miss
Emma Hanson, a native of Sweden and daughter of N. A. and Christina Han-
son, both of whom were born in Sweden. They came to America about 1870,
and the mother died in this country in 1888. The father is still living and re-
sides at Kiron. There were ten children in their family. Five children have
been born to Mr. and Mrs. Norelius, namely : Neva C, who is now a student in
college at Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Elsie R. and Jessie P., also students at
college ; Irma E. ; and Everett A.
Politically Mr. Norelius gives his support to the democratic party, of which
he is a stanch adherent. He has served as justice of the peace and president
of the school board and is now mayor of the village of Kiron, which office he
has filled with marked ability for several terms. Fraternally, he holds member-
ship in Wheeler Lodge, No. 398, A. F. & A. M., and he is an earnest believer
in the beneficent principles of this order. He is a representative business man
and by his acknowledged ability and high character has attracted many friends
and is justly held in high regard by all who claim the honor of his acquaintance.
G. P. KEAIRNES.
G. P. Keairnes, who is recognized as one of the prominent and successful
farmers of Union township, was born in Shelby county, November 20th, 1862,
a son of Wilson and Sarah (Parks) Keairnes, both of whom were natives of
Virginia. The father came to Iowa in 1852, locating in Grove township, Shelby
county, where he obtained land from the government and erected thereon a log
house. This was a unique performance in those days and the ceremonies at-
tending the "log-raising," as it was teruned, were witnessed by every man in the
county, fifteen in number. He remained at that location until 1904, when he
removed to Dunlap and has since continued to reside in that city.
Fifteen children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Keairnes, of whom the follow-
ing eleven survive : Elizabeth, who became the wife of A. Beedle and resides in
Harrison county, Iowa ; Julia, who lies at home in Dunlap ; William, who re-
sides in Shelby county; Sarah, who is the widow of George B. Runnels and
makes her home in Shelby county; Harry, who is on a claim in South Dakota;
M. W., who lives in Grove township, Shelby county; Edward, who is farming
in the Dakotas ; Jeannette, who is the wife of S. H. Buchter and resides in Ply-
mouth county, Iowa; G. P., of this review; Mary, who married Thomas Woren,
of Chicago, Illinois ; and Martha, who became the wife of William Hammer,
of Harrison county, Iowa. The mother departed this life in 1906 and is interred
in the Dunlap cemetery.
G. P. Keairnes obtained his elementary education in the district schools of
Shelby county and remained under the parental roof until he was twenty-three
years old, when he began farming upon his own responsibility. He rented land
in Shelby county and there labored in the fields for eight years, after which
14l> HISTORV of CRAWFORD COUXTV
he purchased land in the same locaHly and cuntinued to operate this until 1901.
In that year he disposed of his property and removed to Washington township,
Crawford county, remaining there for four years and then coming to Union
township, where he has since continued to reside. He devotes his entire time
and attention to general farming on an extensive scale, his farm property in
that township comprising four hundred and twenty acres, besides which he is
the owner of one hundred and twenty acres in Shelby county.
In 1891 Mr. Keairnes was united in marriage to Miss Viola S. Cross, a na-
tive of Shelby county, and imto them nine children have been born, including:
John W.. Mary H., Ward. Lloyd V., Ruby L., William \'., Sarah S. and Elsie
Mabel. Two are now deceased, W^illiam V. having died May 2, 191 1.
The political support of Mr. Keairnes has always been given to the republi-
can party and in religion both he and his wife follow the precepts of the Lat-
ter Day Saints. Since his residence in Crawford county he has been considered
an important factor in advancing the agricultm-al interests of Union township,
where he has a wide circle of friends, in whose esteem he holds a high place.
GEORGE H. HOLDSWORTH.
George H. Holdsworth. who occupies the old family homestead in Iowa
township and is prospering in his business, was born in Mercer county, Illinois,
January i, 1866. He is a son of John II. Holdsworth, who was born in County
Fermanagh, Ireland, July 22, 1821, and grew to manhood on the Emerald isle,
where he was married April 8, 1846, to Miss Margaret Irvin. One year after
their marriage they emigrated to Canada, where they continued until 1855, when
they arrived in Illinois, locating at Preemption, Mercer county. In 1884, Mr.
Holdsworth removed with his family to Crawford county, Iowa, and located in
Iowa township. He died May 11, 1905, the mother having passed away four
years previously, and their remains were interred in Manning cemetery. There
were twelve children in their family, six of whom are now living, namely :
Matilda, the wife of T. J. Armstrong who lives near Manning; Martha, who
married James Waller, of Rock Island, Illinois; Letitia, who became the wife
of William Dixon, of Jeannette, Pennsylvania; Sarah, the wife of Andrew
Geisinger, of Xew Jersey; Belle, the wife of Lou Stimim, of Minnesota; and
George H.
George H. Holdsworth received his preliminary education in the district
schools and as he grew up became well acquainted with the details pertaining
to agriculture and stock-raising. He remained with his parents and is now
the owner of the old homestead, which embraces one hundred and fifty-four
acres of good land. The property is well improved and provided with all de-
sirable modern facilities. In 1910 Mr. Holdsworth completed the improvements
by the erection of one of the most substantial barns in the county. In addition
to the home farm he cultivates three hundred and twenty acres to good ad-
vantage. He raises a good grade of stock and also feeds stock for the market.
o
o
o
o
C
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 145
In 1892 j\Ir. Holdsworth was united in marriage to Miss Dora Brigmann, a
native of Schleswig, Germany, who came to America with her parents, the
family taking up their residence in Crawford county, Iowa. Five children
have blessed this union, namely: George Washington, Edward Henry, Alexan-
der, Matilda Jane, and John James, all of whom are at home and are being
given excellent advantages of education and training.
Ever since arriving at voting age, Mr. Holdsworth has supported the re-
publican party, believing that in so doing he assists in advancing the best in-
terests of the whole country. He is not a member of any religious denomina-
tion, but attends the Presbyterian church and is a liberal contributor to worthy
causes. Industrious and enterprising, he is steadily forging ahead financially
and has gained a position of comparative independence. He is a man of sound
judgment and richly deserves the success that has crowned his efforts as an
agriculturist and stock-raiser.
FRANK ARTHUR BROWN.
Frank Arthur Brown, mayor of Manilla and a leading business man of Craw-
ford county, is a native of Argyle, Lafayette county, Wisconsin, born February
20, 1869. His parents were Thomas Henry and Mary Ann (Penniston) Brown,
the former born in Hartford, Connecticut, and the latter in Nottingham, Eng-
land. The father was educated and grew to maturity in his native state and as
a young man moved to Lafayette county, Wisconsin, where he was married.
Later he took up his home in Shelby county, Iowa, where he continued three or
four years, finally settling on a farm in East Boyer township, Crawford county.
He removed to Manilla when the town was started in 1896 and has ever since
been in the employ of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. He served
for three years and three months in the Union army during the Civil war, being
a member of Company G, Thirty-first Wisconsin Volunteers. His command
was assigned to the Army of the West and participated in the Atlanta cam-
paign and the celebrated march of Sherman to the sea. He is a member of the
Presbyterian church and his wife is a member of the Methodist church. Our
subject's grandfather Brown was one of the early settlers of Lafayette county,
Wisconsin, where he died at the age of seventy years. He had five children :
Thomas Henry, Alexander, Joseph, ]\Iollie and Jane. The maternal grand-
father, Daniel Penniston, was born in England. He came to this country about
1855 and settled near Argyle, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming and also
in mining. He was twice married and there were two children by his first
union, Mary Ann and Charles. Mrs. Penniston died on shipboard of cholera
when the family were coming to this country.
Six children blessed the union of Thomas Henry and Mary Ann Brown,
namely: Frank Arthur, the subject of this review; Eliza Catharine, now the
wife of E. C. Baker, of Alanilla; Abbie Caroline, now Mrs. Arthur Brink of
Galva, Iowa ; Fred Neroy, of Manilla ; Celia Ann, who married Leslie Anthony
Tol. n— 8
146 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
and is now deceased; atid Emma Jane, the wife of William J. Kehr, of Wes-
sington Springs. South Dakota.
Frank -Vrthur Brown came with his parents to Iowa at the age of five years
and grew to manhood in Crawford county on his father's farm. He was edu-
cated in the district schools and continued at home until eighteen years of age,
when he started out in life for himself by working by the month for farmers
in the neighborhood. After ten years of industrious application he rented a
farm on his own account, which he cultivated to good advantage for seven years.
In 1905 he purchased an interest in the Manilla Roller Mills and moved to town,
becoming a partner of R. Rasmussen in the milling and grain business, a voca-
tion to which he seems eminently adapted judging by the success that has at-
tended his efi'orts along this line. He is also secretary and a stockholder of the
Manilla Telephone Company and owns a quarter section of land in Lyman
county, South Dakota, his wife being the owner of two quarter sections.
In ^lay. 1900, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Aliss Carrie T. Bar-
ber, a daughter of Rockley and Sarah A. (Tomlinson) Barber. Mr. Brown is
a descendant of worthy ancestry and in his career has shown the traits of ambi-
tion, energy and thrift which are so essential in the accomplishment of any
worthy purpose. He justly occupies a high place in the estimation of the peo-
ple of this section. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian church,
of which he is trustee. Fraternally he is connected with Golden Leaf Lodge.
No 595, A. F. & A. M.. and the Knights of Pythias. He gives his allegiance
to the republican party and was elected mayor of Manilla in the spring of
1910 and still occupies that office, having discharged its duties in such a way
as to meet the unanimous approval of the people. His interests are closely
identified with ^lanilla and he is recognized as one of its most progressive and
enterprising citizens.
E. N. McCORD.
That the life history of E. N. McCord is a record of success is due to the
persistent effort and intelligently directed industry which he has displayed
through the manv vears of his connection with agricultural interests. He is a
grandson of Allen" and Nancy (Hezlep) McCord and comes of Scotch-Irish
lineage. His father, David McCord, was born in Lawrence county, Pennsyl-
vania, April 28, 1839, was there reared and educated, and he remained in the
Keystone state until attaining his majority, when, in i860, attracted by the op-
portunities of the middle west, he made his way to Illinois, locating in Douglas
county, where he resided for twelve years. The year 1872 witnessed his arrival
in Crawford county. Iowa, and he became one of the first settlers on Paradise
creek. Here he made his home throughout his remaining days and passed away
on the 7th of January, 1892. He had been a farmer all his life and at the time
of his death was the owner of two hundred acres of land in Paradise township.
His wife, who bore the maiden name of Phoebe J. Schouten, was born in Sara-
toga county, New York, and when fifteen years of age removed with her
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 147
parents to Illinois, the family home being established in Douglas county. There
she met and married David McCord. She is yet living and resides during the
summer months in Crawford county, Iowa, while the winter seasons she spends
in Oklahoma. By her union with Mr. McCord she became the mother of five
children, as follows: Mamie, the wife of Robert Grayson, a lawyer of Boyn-
ton, Oklahoma; E. N., of this review; Addie, who wedded James Bixler, of
Centerville, South Dakota, where he engages in agriculture; Nannie, the wife
of W. D. Suiter, a farmer of Boynton, Oklahoma; and Alma, the wife of Ed
Duncan, also engaged in farming in Crawford county. There was also an
adopted son, Allen, who is now a draftsman in the government employ, stationed
at Santa Fe, New Mexico.
E. N. McCord, the eldest son of the family, was born in Areola, Illinois, on
the 23d of September, 1868, and was therefore but four years of age when he
accompanied his parents on their removal to Crawford county in 1872. In the
schools of this county he gained a good education and while not engaged in his
school work assisted his father about the home farm, early becoming familiar
with the duties that fall to the lot of the country lad. He started out independ-
ently as a farmer when twenty-three years of age and in the following year,
upon the death of his father, assumed charge of the old homestead and has since
continued to make that his place of residence. He now owns two hundred and
eighty acres of rich land which in its well improved condition and high state
of development indicates the practical methods which he has employed and the
industry, diligence and perseverance which have characterized his efforts. In
addition to general farming he is an extensive raiser and breeder of high grade
stock, the excellence of which is recognized throughout the district, and both
branches of his business are so carefully managed that they have prospered
under his careful supervision and keen business sagacity until he is today rec-
ognized as one of the substantial and successful agriculturists of Paradise
township.
It was on the 15th of March, 1891, that Mr. McCord was united in mar-
riage to Miss Ida Bixler, who was born in Jackson county, Iowa, a daughter
of Isaac and Mary E. (Jones) Bixler. Her father, whose birth occurred in Ohio
on the 14th of March, 1839, was taken to Jackson county, Iowa, when but a
year old, and there he grew to manhood. In the spring of 1881 he came to
Crawford county and located in Paradise township, where he made his home
until his death in February, 1909. He was a farmer and followed that occupa-
tion throughout his lifetime. His wife, who was born in England, came to the
United States when only six months old and at the age of thirteen removed
with her parents to Iowa, the family locating at Lyons. She was married in
Springvale, Iowa, and still survives, making her home at present in Dow City.
By her marriage to Mr. Bixler she became the mother of seven children,
namely : Frank, a farmer of Paradise township ; Mrs. McCord ; William, a car-
penter of Elk City, Oklahoma ; James, engaged in farming in Centerville, South
Dakota; Etta, the wife of Carey Saxton, of Denison township; Samuel, a farmer
of Oaks, North Dakota; and Lottie, who resides with her mother in Dow City,
Iowa. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McCord has been blessed with four
148 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
children: Clarence, now eighteen years of age; Gladys, aged sixteen years; Mar-
cus, aged eleven years ; and lone, ten years.
Fraternally Mr. McCord is identified with Denison Lodge, I. O. O. F., and
the Modern Woodmen of America at Dow City, and in politics gives stalwart
support to the republican party, believing that the principles of that organiza-
tion are best adapted to conserve the interests of state and nation. He is in-
sured in the Banker's Life Association and is progressive in all of his ideas both
in personal and public matters. His has been a life of continuous activity, char-
acterized by well directed efforts and close application, and the success that has
attended his labors has been substantial and well merited.
JOHN M. JOHNSON, M. D.
The success of Dr. John ]\L Johnson, of Denison, in the practice of medi-
cine is a striking illustration of the progress which may be made by a young
man who thoroughly prepares himself for an important calling. Seven years
ago he opened an office in this city and today he is at the head of the hospital
of which he was the founder and has also built up a flourishing practice.
He is a native of Seneca. Kansas, born March 17, 1874, and is a son of
Albern and Clara (Hampton) Johnson, the former of whom was born in Ver-
mont and the latter in Illinois. The father w^orked when a boy in the milling
business in Vermont. At the age of fourteen he removed to Sycamore, Illi-
nois, with his parents and there grew to manhood. Later the family moved to
Oregon, Missouri, where he and his father started a lumber and planing mill,
which was just fairly established when the Civil war broke out and he enlisted
in the Union army, becoming a member of the Thirteenth Missouri Cavalr}^
He participated in many of the great battles, among which were Shiloh, Gettys-
burg and Chickamauga, and also in some of the most important movements of
the war. and was slightly wounded at the battle of Shiloh. He enlisted as a
private but performed his duties so ably that he was made provost marshal.
He served for three years and nine months and after receiving his honorable
discharge lived in various places in Kansas, his property at Oregon having been
destroyed while he was absent in the army. At Seneca, Kansas, he was married
to Clara Hampton and after living in town for a few years he began farming. In
1876 he removed to York, York county, Nebraska, where he bought one hundred
and sixty acres of the Burlington & Missouri Railway, Upon which he resided
until 1900, since which time he has lived in Omaha. There were seven children
in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Johnson, four of whom are now living: John
M.. the subject of this review; Lena Beatrice, now a music teacher in Omaha;
Alaude J., the wife of Frank Brown, of Florence, Nebraska; and Mary C, a
teacher in the public schools of Omaha.
Our subject's paternal grandfather was a millwright and also ran sawmills.
He was the head of a large family, among whom may be named George W.,
Samuel, Emma, Albern L. and Edward William. The maternal grandfather
was Jasper N. Hampton, a native of Illinois, who married Maria Ir\'^in. He
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 149
was captain of a boat on the Mississippi river which plied between Muscatine,
Iowa, and New Orleans, but later he became a farmer in York county, Ne-
braska. His wife passed away in October, 1910, at the age of seventy-nine
years, and he took up his home in Omaha. In their family were Anna, Clara
C, Mary, Mildred, James and Gertrude.
John M. Johnson was reared on his father's farm in York county, Nebraska,
from two years of age and attended the district schools and the York high
school. Later he entered the United Brethren College at York, from which he
was graduated in 1894. He then taught school for four years and in 1898
matriculated in Creighton Medical College at Omaha but later transferred his
allegiance to the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, from
which he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1902. He began prac-
ticing in Omaha but in 1904 came to Denison and started a small hospital in
his own home. Three years later he founded the Denison Hospital, of which
he is superintendent. The hospital has from the beginning been a remarkable
success and is one of the well established institutions of this city.
On the i6th of June, 1904, Dr. Johnson was united in marriage to- Mrs. Lola
R. Ellithorpe, widow of N. S. Ellithorpe and a daughter of Frank B. Doty. Two
children have been born of this union, Mary Claire and John A. Mrs. John-
son by her former marriage was the mother of one son, Ralph C.
Professionally Dr. Johnson holds membership in the County, State and
American Medical Associations and has many friends in those organizations
who are in thorough sympathy with the important work which he is carrying
on in Denison. Fraternally he is very active, being connected with the Odd
Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Maccabees, the Woodmen
of the World, the Yeomen of America and the Royal Highlanders. In religious
belief he adheres to the teachings of his early years and is identified with the
Catholic church. Energetic and efficient, he has won a high standing in his pro-
fession and is recognized as one of the leading practitioners of the healing art
in Denison.
SOLOMON W. SLATER.
Solomon W. Slater, who passed away on the ist of March, 1906, was one
of the pioneer settlers of East Boyer township, where he spent the greater part
of his life, devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits and owning
four hundred and forty acres of valuable land at the time of his demise. His
birth occurred in Ulster county, New York, on the 15th of September. 1838.
His paternal grandfather, Walter Slater, was of Holland descent and took uj>
his abode among the early settlers in the vicinity of New York city.
James Slater, the father of Solomon W. Slater, was likewise a native of
Ulster county, New York. He lost his wife in 1850 and four years later jour-
neyed westward with his children, traveling by boat to Albany, New York, thence
to Bufifalo by rail, by boat to Chicago and by rail to Rock Island. From the last
named place he made his way by team to Crawford county, Iowa, locating
150 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
on the farm which remained his home during the rest of his Hfe and which
afterward came into possession of our subject. At the time of his arrival here
there were but ten or twelve voters in the county. The place on which he set-
tled was a tract of raw land on section lo. East Boyer township, and thereon
he erected a log cabin, fourteen by sixteen feet. In this primitive little structure
hospitality was dispensed in a liberal manner, it being the best stopping place
west of Carroll, Iowa, — twenty-five miles distant. James Slater performed the
arduous labor incident to the development of a farm and carried on general
agricultural pursuits until called to his final rest on the nth of July, 1879, when
he had attained the age of seventy-two years. His political allegiance was given
to the republican party and he was widely recognized as a substantial and re-
spected citizen of the community. Unto him and his wife were born four
children, namely : James, Maria, Solomon W. and Anna. All are now deceased.
Solomon W. Slater, who was a youth of sixteen when he came to Craw-
ford county with his father, assisted in developing the home farm, first clearing
and then breaking the land. Whenever the family was in need of provisions
he drove a team to Council Blufifs, eighty miles distant. He never left the old
homestead and was successfully identified with general farming interests
throughout his active business career, accumulating four hundred and forty acres
of highly improved land.
When a young man of twenty-seven years Mr. Slater was united in mar-
riage to ^liss Sarah Winans, a native of Bureau county, Illinois, and a daugh-
ter of Clarke and Catherine (Chivley) Winans, who came to Iowa in 1854,
locating at Mason Grove. Clarke Winans passed away on the 24th of Septem-
ber, 1885. while the demise of his wife occurred April 3, 1898. Their children
were eight in number, as follows : Henry, who is deceased ; Elizabeth, the wife
of Eli Olney, of Odebolt, Iowa ; Mrs. Sarah Slater, who has passed away ;
George, who is a resident of Deloit, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Slater; Josiah, who is
deceased; Julia, the wife of Taylor Pierce, of Omaha, Nebraska; and Clarke,
who is living at Odebolt, Iowa.
Unto Solomon W. and Sarah (Winans) Slater was born one son, Henry,
who now follows farming in East Boyer township. He wedded Miss Mary
AlcWilliams, by whom he has one child, Helen. Three years after the death of
his first wife, which occurred February 20, 1865, Mr. Slater wedded her sister
Mar}', who is likewise a native of Bureau county, Illinois. By that union there
were four children, the record of whom is as follows : George, who resides
on the home farm, married Miss Lillian Hulce, by whom he has one child, Mary.
Katie is the wife of Arthur Barrow, a live stock dealer of Manilla, Iowa, by
whom she has three children: Hazel, Harry and Charles. Grace is the wife of
E. E. Griffin, of Oldham, South Dakota, and the motiier of one child, Florence.
Frank, who wedded Miss Lillian Northam, is now a widower with two children,
Carl Franklin and Harold Lawrence.
Mr. Slater was a rcpuljlican in politics and held several local offices, the
duties of which he discharged in a satisfactory and commendable manner. He
was a member of the school board, acted as township trustee and also served
in the capacity of township treasurer. Frank and jovial in manner and straight-
forward in all his dealings, he won the regard and esteem of all with whom he
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 151
came in contact and was a well known and popular citizen. The period of his
residence in this county covered more than a half century and he witnessed the
wonderful transformation which occurred as pioneer conditions gave way be-
fore the onward march of civilization. His estate has been divided but his
widow still resides on the home place, owning forty acres thereof. Mrs. Slater
is widely and favorably known and has a host of warm friends in the community.
REV. CHARLES RUNGE.
The Rev. Charles Runge, who is in charge of the pastorate of St. Paul's
German Lutheran church in Hanover township, Crawford county, was born in
Pommern, Germany, in 1859, and is a son of Frederick and Frederica (Beitz)
Runge. The parents, who were born and married in the fatherland, emigrated
to the United States with their family in 1862 and located on a farm in Shaw-
ano county, Wisconsin, where they continue to reside. They own a large tract
of land, which is well improved and highly cultivated, being one of the valuable
properties in that county. Mr. Runge no longer engages in active farming, al-
though they continue to reside on the homestead, as he has now reached the ven-
erable age of seventy-seven years, and Mrs. Runge has passed her seventy-fifth
year. They were the parents of the following children: John, who is married
and operates the home farm ; Franklin, living at Underbill, Oconto county, Wis-
consin ; Fred, who is a resident of the same place ; Anna, the wife of Robert
Rose, of Bonduel, Wisconsin; Ida, who died at the age of eighteen years and
is buried in Sioux City, Iowa; and our subject.
After he had completed the common-school course Charles Runge entered
Concordia College at Springfield, Illinois, where he continued to study until fully
qualified to enter the ministry. After his graduation he was elected to the pas-
torate of the German Lutheran church in Sioux City, Iowa, and after presiding
over that parish for seven years accepted his present charge. In addition to
his duties as pastor he has charge of the parochial school which is conducted in
connection with the church.
The marriage of Rev. Charles Runge and Miss Paulina Dicke was solem-
nized on the 1 2th of October, 1883. Mrs. Runge is a daughter of the Rev. P.
and Catrina (Betzler) Dicke and was born in Therese, Dodge county, Wiscon-
sin. Her parents were natives of Germany but came to America and settled in
Cecil, Wisconsin, in an early day, and there they still reside, the fathtr now be-
ing eighty-nine years of age and the mother seventy-eight. Thirteen children
were born to them, as follows: Carofine, who is now deceased; Henry,, who lives
in Underbill, Wisconsin; Mary, the wife of John Krieger, of Waterloo. Iowa;
Paulina, now Mrs. Runge; Frederick, deceased; Herman, also deceased; Her-
mine, the wife of the Rev. H. Daib, of Merrill, Wisconsin; William, also re-
siding in Merrill, Wisconsin; Anna, who married Gustave Rothe, of Hanover
township ; Charles, living in Cecil, Wisconsin ; Julia, the wife of Paul Fiene, of
Charter Oak, Iowa; Johannes, who lives in Minnesota; and Clara, the wife of
Emil Petermann, of Advance, Wisconsin.
152 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Nine children liavc liecii born to Rev. and Mrs. Runge, of whom the two
eldest, William and Clara, are deceased, and the others are: Johannes, who is a
music teacher in Chicago; Barney, a graduate of the high, school, who is em-
ployed in the First National Bank at Charter Oak, Iowa; Lydia, who is also a
graduate of the high school, now in Chicago; Martin, who is a high school grad-
uate, now in the bank at Ricketts, Iowa ; Esther, Alfred and Paula, all at home,
the two former attending school.
Rev. Runge has made many friends during the long period he has presided
over the parish in Hanover township and is highly regarded and respected not
only bv the communicants of his own church but by others. He is a man of
high ideals and rigid principles, yet withal is charitable in his judgments and
liberal in his views, which undoubtedly has tended to strengthen his hold on the
community at large.
JOHN H. RATH.
A study of the life of John H. Rath most clearly demonstrates that success
does not depend so much upon opportunities as the ability to dominate condi-
tions. A native of Germany, he was born near Kiel on the 24th of July, 1864,
being the eldest child of I^Ved and Katrina (Burk) Rath. The father spent his
entire life in the land of his nativity but the mother came to the United States
in 1886, locating at Davenport, Iowa, where she passed away one year later.
The other five children in the family are as follows : Christ, a farmer of Cedar
county, Nebraska ; August, who follows the same vocation in Nishnabotny town-
sliip, Crawford county ; Dora, the wife of Charles Bundy. of Los Angeles, Cali-
fornia ; Charles, farming in Washington township ; and William, a farmer of
Minor county, South Dakota.
John H. Rath obtained his education in the common schools of his native
land, where he resided until he had attained his majority, at which time he de-
cided to avail himself of the better opportunities afforded young men in America.
Upon his arrival in the United States he made his way westward to Daven-
port, Iowa, where he worked at the mason's trade for two years and then re-
moved to Crawford county. He worked as a farm hand in East Boyer town-
ship during the first year of his residence here, after which he went to Nish-
nabotny township, where he farmed as a renter for seven years. By means of
thrift, good management and close application he acquired the capital which en-
abled him to buy a farm at the end of that period, and he came to Washington
township, where he purchased three hundred and sixty acres of land, which he
still owns and cultivates. He has effected many and extensive improvements
upon his homestead during his occupancy, making it one of the valuable proper-
ties of the county. The buildings and fences are all substantially constructed
and kept in repair, the pastures contain a high grade of stock, while the fields
are cultivated in accordance with the best methods of modern agriculture, all of
which pay tribute to the progressive ideas and capable supervision of the owner.
Mr. Rath has been twice married, his first union being with Miss Eliza
Schroeder, a native of Germany, who passed away in 1899, and they became the
JOHN H. RATH
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 155
parents of the following children : Henry, Otto, Rudolph, Freda, Elsie and Carl,
all of whom are at home with the exception of Carl, who is living in Los
Angeles, California. In 1901 Mr. Rath was united in marriage to Miss Katie
Jurgensen, and unto them have been born three children : Clara, Herbert and
Robert.
The family attend the services of the Lutheran church with which the
parents are identified by membership. Mr. Rath is an ardent advocate of the
principles of democracy, the candidates and policy of which party always are
given his support. He stands well in the estimation of his fellow citizens, having
but recently been elected to the office of township trustee, while he is serving
his third term on the board of school directors. In addition to his extensive
agricultural interests Mr. Rath is a stockholder as well as one of the organizers
of the Farmers Lumber Company of Buck Grove and he also owns stock in the
lumber company at Manilla. He is the type of man who, in the advancement of
his private interests, never loses sight of his responsibilities as a public citizen
and thus would be an acquisition to any com.munity.
H. W. OTTO.
Among the enterprising young men of Denison is H. W. Otto, well known
in connection with the tea and coffee business. He has shown a progressiveness
in commercial affairs that has secured a handsome annual income which gives
promise of larger development. He was bom at Bremen, Germany, May 23,
1880, a son of C. and Christina (Goetlieb) Otto, both of whom were born in
Germany. They came to America in 1885 and located in Crawford county,
Iowa. The mother is deceased but the father is still living and makes his home
in Denison. There were fourteen children in their family, five of whom survive,
namely: Henry, Wilhelmina, Christ, Freda and H. W.
H. W. Otto has a very dim recollection of his native land, as he came with
his parents to the new world at the age of five years. He grew up as one of a
large family, in which each was expected to perform his or her share of work, and
the habits of industry thus acquired have been to him of inestimable value. He
possessed advantages of education in the common school and later attended col-
lege. At fourteen years of age he began clerking in a general store in Denison
and devoted himself to that line of trade for seventeen years. He then became
identified with the Denison Tea & Coffee Store, and by his uniform courtesy
and ability to meet the wants of customers he has assisted greatly in the growth
of its business.
In 1903, Mr. Otto was united in marriage to Miss Marie Finnern, who was
born in Germany in 1880, a daughter of Christian Finnern. Her parents came
to this country and are now living in Crawford county. There were ten chil-
dren in their family. Four children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Otto, namely: Walter, Herman, Flora and Harriett.
Ever since reaching manhood Mr. Otto has given his allegiance to the re-
publican party and is a sincere advocate of its principles. Religiously he and
156 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTV
his wife are identified with the Lutheran church. He made thorough prepara-
tion for the vocation in which he is now engaged, bringing to it a zeal and con-
centration of mind that seldom fail to attract merited reward. He is greatly-
interested in the development of the business and as his methods are up-to-date
.and entirely trustworthv there is no doubt as to his success in years to come.
E. E. XEWKIRK.
E. E. Xewkirk, who is now acting as manager of the Xeola Elevator Com-
pany with elevators at Kenwood, Paradise township, has by a series of progres-
sive steps worked his way upwards in the business world from a humble posi-
tion, his record indicating clearly the force of industry, energy and perseverance.
A native of Pennsylvania, he was born on the nth of September, 1862, a son of
William and Elizabeth (Huggans) Xewkirk. The family came to the United
States from Holland, the name originally being Van Xewkirk. William New-
kirk, who was also born in the Keystone state, was there reared and married
and continued to make it his place of residence until the outbreak of the Civil
war, when he offered his services to his country as a defender of the Union
cause. He enlisted as a soldier in the Seventh Pennsylvania Reserves and gave
up his life at the engagement of Gaines Mills, before Richmond, at which time
the regiment had been forced to retreat. During the battle he was twice wounded
.and was urged by his comrades to go to the rear. This, however, he refused to
do, retaining his place at tiie front, and while thus talking and reloading his
gun he was again struck by a shell which terribly mutilated his body. It was
then that the company was forced to retreat, and two comrades started to carry
Jhim back with them, an almost impossible task, owing to the nature of his
wound and the fact that he was a large man. Realizing that he would die,
.anyway, he begged them to leave him, and he was last seen crawling toward a
spring from which he was trying to get a drink. Nothing has ever been heard
as to the place of his burial. His widow, who was also born and reared in Penn-
sylvania, still survives and yet makes her home in that state. Their family con-
sisted of six children, as follows: John, a resident of Elizabethville, Pennsyl-
vania; one who died in infancy; William, whose whereabouts are unknown;
Perry, of Amorita, Oklahoma; Joel, of Montclair, Xew Jersey; and E. E., of
this review.
The last named when but five years of age was sent to the Soldiers' Orphans'
Home at Loysville, Pennsylvania, and there remained until sixteen years old,
during which period he received a good education. He then went to Newport
and was a pupil in the town school there for a short time, after which he went
to York, Pennsylvania, to learn the blacksmith's trade, serving an apprentice-
ship of six months, at the end of which time he returned to Xewport and for a
season was engaged in boating on the canal. He next sawed wood for the rail-
road company, being thus employed until the i6th of February. 18S0, when,
imbued with a desire to test the opportunities of the west, he made his way to
Illinois and worked on a farm in P)ureau county until 1883.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 157
In that year Mr. Newkirk came to Iowa and for two years was a resident
of Carroll county, after which he loaded his effects into a wagon and came to
Crawford county, arriving- here on the ist of March, 1885. He first located in
Union township, where for one year he engaged in breaking prairie, and then
for three years he carried on farming on rented property. Finally, by reason of
the strict economy, which he practiced at all times, and the close application,
with which he applied himself to the work at hand, he was able to save suffi-
cient capital with which to purchase a farm of his own, thus establishing him-
self independently in the business world. His first purchase consisted of a
tract of eighty acres just west of the town of Kenwood in Paradise township,
to which he has since added an adjoining farm of eighty acres. The ground had
already been broken but had not been developed to any great extent, and after
taking up his abode thereon Mr. Newkirk devoted his energies to its further cul-
tivation. He put many improvements upon the place, erected good buildings
and installed modern machinery, and today the farm is a most productive and
valuable property. He engaged in general farming with most gratifying suc-
cess until about three years ago, when he came to Kenwood to take charge of the
elevator at this place owned by the Neola Elevator Company. In this capacity
he is also proving most successful, bringing to bear in the discharge of his duties
the same spirit of energy, determination and close application which had char-
acterized his steady advance through the preceding years.
Mr. Newkirk laid the foundation for a happy home life of his own through
his marriage, on the 14th of December, 1884, to Miss Euphemia McDonald, a
native of Pennsylvania. They attend the Methodist Episcopal church and are
popular with a large circle of friends, acquaintances and neighbors. Mr. New-
kirk gives his support at the polls to the republican party but takes no active
part in politics, preferring to concentrate his attention entirely upon his busi-
ness interests, in the management of which he is proving himself most capable
and successful. Since his arrival in Kenwood he has become known to his
fellow townsmen as a desirable and valued citizen, his business methods and per-
sonal traits of character commanding their respect, confidence and good-will.
GEORGE V. JORDAN,
George V. Jordan, one of the most prosperous and influential residents of
Paradise township, is the owner of nine hundred and thirty acres of rich and
arable land in Crawford county. His birth occurred in Paris, Oxford county,
Maine, on the 6th of August, 1846, his parents being Enoch C. and ^lary Rich-
ardson (Cleaves) Jordan. The father, who was born in Saco, York county,
Maine, on the 30th of September, 1808, was a son of Ichabod Jordan, whose
birth occurred in Saco, IMaine, on the 24th of September, 1770. The latter passed
away in the same house in which he was born, being called to his final rest on
the 20th of May, 1865. On the 5th of February, 1797, he had wedded Miss
Mary Cofiin, who was a daughter of James Coffin and died on the loth of Octo-
ber, 1859. Ichabod Jordan was a sea captain. When he was a young man of
158 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTV
twenty-one years his ship, The Fame, was captured by the British sliip. Favorite,
which was commanded by Arthur Wood. In 1805 Ichabod Jordan commanded
the American ship Ocean and made a trip to Stockhohn, Sweden. His arrival
there was celebrated by the city, and the king and queen came on board and
dined. During the war of 1812 Captain Jordan was a prisoner on board the
frigate Boxer at the time of her engagement with our American ship, Enter-
prise. He voted for George Washington and for every president down to Lin-
coln. His father, Tristram Jordan, was born on the 13th of May, 1731. at Win-
ter Harbor, now Biddeford, York county, Maine, and was married three times.
In 1749, in Berwick, he wedded Hannah Goodwin, who was a daughter of Cap-
tain Ichabod Goodwin, was born on the 24th of July, 1730, and passed away
on the loth of July. 1775. For his second wife Tristram Jordan chose Miss
Dorcas . whom he wedded at Falmouth in December, 1778,
and who died on the 19th of December, 1781. His third wife, who bore
the maiden name of Hannah Frost and whom he married in Berwick on the
2 1 St of May, 1784, was called to her final rest on the 26th of September, 1789.
Tristram Jordan, who was eleven years old when his father died, followed mer-
chandising at Saco, Maine. When a young man of twenty-three he was chosen
selectman of the town, serving in that capacity from 1754 until 1762. He also
acted as captain of the militia and was appointed colonel by the council of Massa-
chusetts in 1776, while in 1787 he was elected senator by the county of York.
He removed from the Falls at Saco to his estate two miles north on Ruxton
Road, where his demise occurred on the ist of November, 1821. Tristram Jor-
dan was a son of Samuel Jordan, who was born in 1684, at Spurwink, now Cape
Elizabeth, Cumberland county, ]\Iaine, and died on the 20th of December, 1742.
In 1718, in York county, Maine, Samuel Jordan wedded Miss Olive Plaisted,
whose birth occurred on the ist of May, 1698, and who w^as called to her final
rest in 1763. Her parents were James and Mary (Rish worth) Plaisted, of
Brunswick, Maine. Samuel Jordan, his mother and all the other children of
the family were captured by the Indians and taken to Trois Riviers in Canada,
where Mr. Jordan remained a prisoner for seven years, spending six years with
the Indians and one year with the French. At one time, when asked whether
he preferred the Indians or the French, he replied: "The Indians." In 1717 we
find his name recorded at Winter Harbor, Maine, where he was conducting a
store, but on account of his knowledge of Indian afifairs he was of greater value
to the government as interpreter. After the treaty of 171 7 he acted as Indian
agent, government agent and interpreter. He was a man of great energy, a
prominent factor in business affairs and a leader in the Congregational church.
Samuel Jordan was a son of Dominicus Jordan, who. was born at Spurwink, Cum-
berland county, Maine, prior to 1664. In 1681 the latter wedded Miss Hannah
Tristram, a daughter of Ralph Tristram, of Winter Harbor, now Biddeford,
Maine. At the beginning of King Philip's war, in 1675, in company with the
other members of his father's family. Dominicus Jordan left the settlement when
it was attacked by the Indians and the homes destroyed. Six years later he
returned, residing there until the second Indian war in 1690, when he was again
forced to leave, this time remaining away until 1698. He was known as "the
Indian killer." In 1703 a party of apparently friendly Indians called on him
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 159
to buy some goods and, taking him off his guard, buried a hatchet in his brain,
leading his wife and children as prisoners to Canada. Dominicus Jordan was
a son of the Rev. Robert Jordan, clergyman of the Church of England as early
as 1639. He was established at Richmond's Island as successor to Mr. Gib-
son but the precise time of his coming is not known, nor the exact place of his
nativity in England. It is supposed, however, that he crossed the Atlantic about
1639. At Richmond's Island the Rev. Robert Jordan wedded Miss Sarah Win-
ter, the only child of John Winter. On account of his religious beliefs he spent
the winter of 1654 and also that of 1663 in jail. His demise occurred at Ports-
mouth, New Hampshire, in 1679, when he had attained the age of sixty-eight
years.
Enoch C. Jordan, the father of George V. Jordan, spent his early life in
Saco, Maine, and subsequently removed to Paris, Oxford county, that state.
Later, however, he returned to his birthplace, there passing away in 1880. By
trade he was a courier. Unto him and his wife were born eleven children, the
record of whom is as follows : Mary Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam, both of whom
are deceased; James H., who died in front of Morris Island, at the siege of
Charleston, in 1863; EHzabeth R., who has passed away; Charles Albert, an
architect of Chicago, Illinois; Enoch, a surveyor of Saco, Maine; George V.,
of this review ; Isabelle, who is a resident of Boston, Massachusetts ; Caleb,
who follows farming in Defiance, Ohio; Mrs. Louisa Robinson, of Council
Bluffs, Iowa ; and Mary, who makes her home in Saco, Maine.
George V. Jordan, whose name introduces this review, acquired his educa-
tion in the common schools and remained with his parents until ten years of age,
while during the next six years he lived with his grandparents. He worked on
a farm in Maine for two years and when a youth of nineteen came to Iowa,
spending a short time in Modale, Harrison county. He then taught school in
Crawford county for two years. On the expiration of that period he purchased
land at Gallen's Grove, retaining the tract, however, for but a few months, when
he exchanged it for the property on which he now resides in Paradise town-
ship, Crawford county. He first made a number of small improvements and
subsequently erected a mammoth residence. In the conduct of his agricultural
interests he has won a gratifying measure of success and his property holdings
at the present time embrace nine hundred and thirty acres of valuable land in
this county. He is also a director of the Arion State Bank at Arion, Iowa, of
which he was one of the organizers and of which he has served as vice-president.
In 1868 Mr. Jordan was united in marriage to Miss Nettie Wetherby, a na-
tive of Allegany county, New York, and a daughter of William and Susan
(Moore) Wetherby, who were born in New York and Vermont respectively.
They took up their abode in Elgin, Illinois, where occurred the death of Mr.
Wetherby. His widow came to Iowa in the fall of 1867 and passed away in
1896. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Jordan were born five children, namely: William,
a horse dealer of Dow City, Iowa; Mary, twin sister of William, who is de-
ceased ; Lizzie, the wife of H. G. Scott, an agriculturist of Paradise township ;
Nettie, the wife of George Rule, who also follows farming in Paradise town-
ship; and George V., who has passed away.
160 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Mr. Jordan i? a republican in politics and held a number of minor offices
in the early days. He was a charter member of the Baptist church at Dow City
and has ever been deeply and helpfully interested in its work. The period of
his residence in Crawford county covers more than four decades and he has
long enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of its most respected and esteemed,
citizens.
H. T. MOELLER.
One of those who has actively and successfully contributed to the commer-
cial development of West Side is H. J. Moeller, who for a period of seventeen
years has been engaged in the general merchandise business here. A native of
Germany, his birth occurred in the province of Schleswig-Holstein on Christmas
day. 1863, l)eing a son of Peter and Catherine (Diers) Moeller. The father
passed away in the fatherland at the age of sixty-five years, but the mother emi-
gratecl to the United States with her children in 1881, locating in Davenport,
where she continued to reside until her demise in 1901 at the age of eighty-two.
H. J. Moeller is the youngest of the six children born unto his parents, the
others being: George, who resides in Davenport; Peter, a farmer near West
Side; Minnie, the wife of William Lepteen, of Davenport; Wiebke, wdio mar-
ried John Luetze, of Chicago; and Annie, the wife of Rudolph Meyer, also of
Chicago.
FI. J. Moeller was a youth of seventeen years when he left his native land,
in the common schools of which country he acquired his education. Coming to
Davenport, Iowa, in 1881, he continued to make his home with his mother for
two years, at the end of which time he came to West Side, entering the employ
of Peters & Suhr, who were engaged in the lumber and implement business,
being identified with them for nine years. Withdrawing from this in 1892, he
took a position on the railroad, which he retained for a year, at the expiration
of which period in connection with John F. Grote he embarked in the general
merchandise business. This arrangement continued for ten years and then Mr.
Moeller bought the interest of Mr. Grote and has since been conducting the
business alone. He has met with success in this venture and in addition to his
store owns a very pleasant residence which he and his family occupy.
In March, 1886, Mr. Moeller was united in marriage to Miss Ida Boock. who
is a native of Bryant, Iowa, although of German extraction, her birth occurring
on the 14th of April. 1867. She is the eldest of the. five children born unto her
parents. Henry and Catherine (Kuhl) Boock, the others being: Chris and
Henr}', residents of West Side; Tillie. the wife of John Rinefeld. of Kansas;
and Emma, who married Jack Hall, of Boone. Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Aloeller
are the parents of the following children: Harry, living in Omaha, Nebraska;
Fred, who passed away on the 24th of November. 1892, at the age of four years;
Alma, whose demise occurred on the 6th of December, 1892, at the age of two
years ; Carl, residing in Omaha. Nebraska ; Roy. who is assisting his father in
the store ; and Arlo and Earl, both of whom are still at home. The familv affiliate
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 161
with the Lutheran church, while fraternally Mr. Moeller is identified with the
Masonic order and the Modern Woodmen.
A strong advocate of the principles of democracy Mr. Moeller gives his politi-
cal support to the men and measures of that party. That he stands well in the
opinion of his fellow citizens is indicated by the fact that he is and has been
for twenty years a member of the council. A public-spirited man, he has always
openly declared his support of every measure he considered to be for the benefit
of the community at large, which fact of itself would make him a most desir-
able citizen.
GEORGE MENAGH.
George Menagh, one of the most prosperous, enterprising and respected
citizens of Denison, conducts an extensive business as a general merchant and
miller. He is a native of County Down, Ireland, his parents being Hugh and
Ann Menagh, who were likewise born in that country. The father, who was
employed as an engineer by the Northern Counties Railroad in Ireland, crossed
the Atlantic to the United States in 1869, coming direct to Denison, Iowa. On
arriving in this county he turned his attention to farming in East Boyer town-
ship, first purchasing a tract of eighty acres and later buying forty acres more.
It was all raw prairie when it came into his possession, but he set resolutely
to work and soon transformed the property into a rich and productive farm.
Since about 1882 he has made his home in Denison, being one of the well known
and highly esteemed residents of the community. His wife was called to her
final rest in August, 1902. They were Baptists in early life but later joined the
Holiness Band. Unto them were born five children, as follows : George, of
this review; Charles; Anna, the wife of A. D. Randall; Hugh; and Sarah, the
widow of a Mr. Chesney.
George Menagh spent the first seventeen years of his life in the land of his
nativity and there acquired his education. After putting aside his text-books
he worked for some time as a cabinet maker but after emigrating to the new world
became identified with general agricultural pursuits, following farming in Craw-
ford county, Iowa, until 1880. In that year he took up his abode in Denison
but continued breaking prairie for the farmers of the vicinity. In 1883 he-
began buying grain in association with his brother Charles, the partnership be-
ing maintained for several years or until he purchased his brother's interest.
He still deals in grain, coal, hay and all kinds of mill feeds and enjoys an ex-
tensive trade along those lines. On the 2d of July, 1903, he established a grocery
business in Denison, which he has developed into a general store, opening on
two streets and having both south and west fronts. He manufactures harness
and sells dry goods, meats, groceries and notions. His sons and daughter are
associated with him in business and assist in the conduct of the extensive estab-
lishment, in which a large number of clerks are employed.
Mr. Menagh was united in marriage to Miss Isabella Henderson, a native of
County Antrim, Ireland. Her father died when she was an infant and her
162 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
mother when she was fourteen years old, leaving her an orphan living with her
uncle Thomas Luney. Unto our subject and his wife were born four sons and
one daughter, namely : Elizabeth ; Charles William, who wedded Miss Sadie
Bohart and has one son, George ; James ; David ; and John.
Mr. Menagh gives his political allegiance to the republican party, believing
that its principles are most conducive to good government. Throughout his
business life he has been watchful of indications pointing to success, has utilized
his opportunities to the best advantage and has been upright and honorable in
all his dealings. Though born across the water, he is thoroughly American in
spirit and interests and the town of Denison numbers him among its leading
and valued residents.
R. W. PAUL.
For more than twenty-five years R. W. Paul has been a resident of Craw-
ford county and through his industry, perseverance and sound business judg-
ment he has acquired one of the most attractive farms of Boyer township. He
is a native of Clinton county, Iowa, born September 15, 1865, and is a son of
Darius and Charlotte (Cady) Paul. The father was born in New York state
and after reaching manhood came to Iowa and took up his residence in Clinton
county, where he continued until his death, which occurred in 1895. He was a
minister of the Baptist church and a man of marked ability and many sterling
traits of character. The mother was also a native of the Empire state and died
about one year before the death of her husband. There were seven children
in the family : Fanny, now the wife of Light Demming, of Silverwood, Michi-
gan ; Minnie, now Mrs. Lisle Cudney, of Central City, Nebraska; Emma, the
wife of Kilmer Barker, of Plainview, Texas; Charlotte, who married Art Rey-
nor, of Central City, Nebraska; R. W., of this review; Julia, the wife of Clar-
ence Barr, of Dewitt, Iowa ; and Anna, who married John Clarke, also of
Dewitt.
R. W. Paul grew to manhood under the favoring conditions of a happy home
and received his early education in the district schools of Clinton county. He
began farming in his native county and after arriving at the age of twenty-one
years came to Crawford county, locating on land which belonged to his father.
Fifteen years ago he purchased the property and has made other accessions so
that at the present time he is the owner of five hundred and sixty acres. He
has erected two sets of buildings and follows general farming and stock-feeding,
sparing no eflforts to secure the best results from his work. He is very thorough
in everything he undertakes and has one of the model places of the township.
In 1889 Mr. Paul was united in marriage to Miss Almary Davis, of Craw-
ford county, and three children came to bless their union: Darius H., \^era M.
and Viola V.. all of whom are at home. Politically Mr. Paul gives his adher-
ence to the democratic party, but he has never sought the honors of public
office, as his interest has been concentrated upon his business. He has served
very acceptably as a member of the school board. He and his wife are identi-
MR. AND MRS. R. W. PAUL
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 165
fied with the Baptist church and earnest workers in its behalf. Fraternally he
is connected with the camp of Modern Woodmen of America at Dow City. Mr.
and Mrs. Paul have many friends and their home is a welcome gathering place
whose generous hospitality is widely acknowledged. Always loyal to his con-
victions, he ranks high in the estimation of his associates and acquaintances,
there being in him a stability of character and a clearness of judgment which
command respect wherever he is known.
JURGEN SCHROEDER.
The strong characteristics of industry and steadfastness of purpose which
are predominant in the Teutonic race are fully demonstrated by the career of
Jurgen Schroeder, who, seeking broader fields of endeavor in a foreign coun-
try, has attained that measure of success that comes to all who work for it. A
son of Jurgen and Gertrude (Bliesman) Schroeder, he was born May 26, 1851,
at Fehmarn Island, Puttgarten, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, the fourth in a
family of four children born to this couple, the other surviving child being Dor-
othea, who is the wife of Charles Tamn and resides in Germany. Those de-
ceased are Mathias and Nichols.
On July 7, 1868, at the age of seventeen years, Jurgen Schroeder emigrated
to the United States and upon arriving in this country began working on a farm
near Davenport. Iowa, where he remained for two years. He then went to
Tama county, this state. In 1873 he rented one hundred and sixty acres in
Tama county, which he farmed until 1877, when, on January 20 of that year,
he removed to his brother's farm near Denison, where he continued for the en-
suing six years, and then purchased eighty acres of land one mile west of
Schleswig. Here he inaugurated his first business venture by opening a small
store on the farm, which he conducted until the advent of the railroad into
Schleswig, in 1899, when he moved, not only his business, but his entire build-
ing, consisting of the store, a blacksmith shop and a dance hall, to the town and
there continued his mercantile pursuits on a more extensive scale. He is now
engaged in general merchandising and owns the largest establishment of its
kind in Crawford county outside of Denison. From his initial venture, which
began in a room ten by twelve feet in Hohenzollern, he has developed and ex-
panded his business enterprises until at the present time it comprises a dry-
goods department twenty-five by one hundred feet and a grocery department
twenty-four by sixty-four feet, with an addition in the rear twenty by twenty-
four feet, which is utilized as a store room. The building is heated by steam,
lighted by gas and has all the up-to-date improvements that are necessary for
the conduct of a modern store.
Mr. Schroeder has been married three times, his first wife having been Miss
Wilhelmine Carstens, of Davenport, Iowa, by whom he had four children,
namely: Matilda, who married H. J. Seymour, of Soldier, Iowa; W. H., who
resides in Schleswig; Maggie, who is the wife of Herman Jahle and lives near
Schleswip-: and Herman, who makes his home in Washington. The mother of
Vol. II — '1
166 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
these children died December 13. 1^73, and subsequently Mr. Schroeder was
married in Hohenzollern, Iowa, to Miss Johanna Lorensen, by whom he had
four children, as follows: Olga, Walter and Freda, who are at home, and Eddie,
who is attending school in Des Moines. Mrs. Johanna Schroeder having died,
Mr. Schroeder was married August 8, 1900. to Mrs. Tena Frahm, of Denison,
Iowa, and they have one son, Raymond.
Mr. Schroeder has always cast his vote for the republican party and takes
a deep interest in the welfare of his community. He served as postmaster at
Sclileswig for four years and held the same position at Hohenzollern for eight
years. Fraternally he is affiliated with the Odd Fellows and the German Broth-
erhood in Denison, while religiously he is a member of the Evangelical church.
In the countr}' of his adoption he has ever maintained a reputation for in-
tegrity and honest dealings in all his business enterprises and richly merits
the confidence and high esteem accorded him by his fellow citizens.
JOHN B. GLASSBURNER.
John B. Glassburner who is engaged in the breeding and raising of thorough-
bred stock in Washington township, is a native of Iowa, having been born near
Drakeville. Marion township, Davis county, on the 14th of Alarch, 1857. His
parents, Samuel B. and Mary P. (Edwards) Glassburner, were both natives
of Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, but were married in Iowa. Samuel B.
Glassburner came to Iowa with his father in 1847 ^nd located in Davis county,
where the latter spent the remainder of his days. John B. Glassburner is the
eldest in a family of four children. The others are as follows : Amanda, the
wife of Owen Williams, of Batavia, Iowa ; W'illiam L., who lives in Washing-
ton, this state; and Rachel, the wife of Blueford Haines, of Unionville, Iowa.
The parents remained upon the homestead as long as the father was able to en-
gage in active farming and then retired to Washington, where they are living
with their son.
John B. Glassburner acquired his education in the district schools of Davis
county, remaining- at home and assisting his father in the cultivation of the farm
until he had attained his majority. In 1878 he began farming for himself as a
renter in his native county but after living there one year removed to Appa-
noose county, where he resided until i88r. On the 13th of February in the
latter year he located on a farm on section 32,. Charter Qak township, this
county, and for twelve years Mr. Glassburner engaged in general farming and
stock-raising. In 1903. however, he removed to Charter Oak and lived there
until the spring of 1905, at which time he settled on his present homestead in
W^ashington township. During the period of his occupancy he has very much
improved this place, having erected, in addition to the other extensive improve-
ments, a fine residence with modern appointments. His farm contains two
hundred and forty acres of land, all of which is under a high state of cultiva-
tion. He makes a specialty of breeding and raising thorough bred Poland China
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 167
hogs, Durham cattle and Oxford sheep and is meeting with most gratifying
success in his undertaking.
Mr. Glassburner was married in 1878 to Miss Amanda Allen Boyer, also
a native of Davis county, and they have become the parents of six children, as
follows : Maimie F., who after graduating from the high school entered the
training school in Chicago and for six years has been engaged in mission work
in southern China, near Hia-kiang; Frank J., who is also a high school grad-
uate; Daisy H., the wife of Joseph Hallowell, of this county; Grace L., the wife
of Eldridge Bryan ; Fred R., attending college at Ames ; and Ruth P., who
is attending school at Dow City. All of the children graduated from the high
school at Charter Oak with the exception of the youngest daughter.
The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal denomination and
are active church workers. Mr. Glassburner is also identified with a fraternal
insurance order. Although he always gives his political support to the can-
didates of the republican party, he never participates in local governmental mat-
ters as he does not care for public honors or the emoluments of office. He is
one of the highly respected citizens of the community where he resides, as well
as one of the most prosperous, while socially the family affiliates with the best
people.
GUSTAVE H. LOCHMILLER.
Although Gustave H. Lochmiller is one of the younger representatives of
agricultural interests in Crawford county, he is yet widely known, for his entire
life has been passed in this locality and he represents one of the early and promi-
nent families of this section of the state. He was born on the home farm, lo-
cated on section 3, East Boyer township, February 22, 1867. His parents,
Phillip and Carolina (Nehoof) Lochmiller, were natives of Germany, where
they were married, after which they emigrated to the United States. They at
once made their way to Crawford county, Iowa, and, being pleased with this
part of the country, made it their permanent location, purchasing a farm in East
Boyer township, which the father cultivated for many years. He became a
successful man and is now making his home in Denison, where he is living in
honorable retirement. Unto him and his wife were born eight children, as fol-
lows : Antonia, the wife of W. E. Johnson, of Los Angeles, Cahfornia; Clemen-
tina, the wife of E. E. Ransom, of Denison; Gustave H., of this review; Phillip,
deceased ; George, who makes his home in Garrison, North Dakota ; Frank, de-
ceased; one who died in infancy; and Rudolph, a resident of Denison.
Gustave H. Lochmiller pursued his early education in the district schools
of East Boyer township and completed his studies in the Denison high school,
which he attended for two years. He remained under the parental roof until
the time of his marriage, having in the meantime been thoroughly trained in
the work of the home farm. However, following his marriage, he clerked in
a store in Denison for fifteen years, but at the end of that time decided to
again take up farming and in 1901 located on a farm in Washington township.
168 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
After a year, however, he removetl to the old home place in East Boyer town-
ship and today owns the property, composing two hundred and forty acres.
He here engages in general farming and stock-raising, and that he thoroughly
understands his work in both branches is indicated by the splendid success which
has come to him.
It was on the 26th of May, 1895, that Mr. Lochmillcr was united in mar-
riage to Miss Alice Blackman, who was born in Denison township, Crawford
county, a daughter of Jerome and Celia (Harper) Blackman. The father was
born in the state of New York but his death occurred in Crawford county in
1909. Tlie mother, however, still survives and makes her home in Denison.
Their family numbers ten children, as follows: Frances, the wife of John Duff,
a resident of Denison township; William, who makes his home in Paradise
township, Crawford county ; Edward, of Denison ; Guy, also of this city ; Alice,
now Mrs. Lochmiller; John, of Denison township; Claud, who makes his home
in Dow City; Anna, the wife of Floyd Smith, of Washington, Iowa; Fred, of
Denison ; and Carl, at home. Mrs. Lochmiller supplemented her early educa-
tional training by study in the college at Denison, after which she engaged in
teaching for two terms. By her marriage she has become the mother of two
sons and two daughters but the younger son and second in order of birth,
Phillip, is deceased. The others are Gustave H., Jr., Alice and Abbie, all with
their parents.
In his political views Mr. Lochmiller is a republican, and in his fraternal re-
lations is a Woodman of the World. His wife is a member of the Methodist
Episcopal church. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lochmiller have spent their entire lives
in Crawford county and are therefore widely and favorably known, the hospi-
tality of their pleasant country home being greatly enjoyed by their numerous
friends and acquaintances.
PETER MILLER.
Abundant success has been the reward of Peter Miller in his efforts to
found a home in America. A farm and ranch owner, he spends his winters in
Denison and his summers amid the beautiful scenes of nature in Montana. His
prosperity is to be ascribed to his unwearied application and good business judg-
ment, two qualities that are of great importance in the accomplishment of any
woi thy undertaking.
He is a native of Prussia, born December 30. 1846, a son of Christian Die-
trich and Sophia (Petersen) Miller, who were also born in Prussia. The father,
whose birth occurred in Galding. learned the carpenter's trade and became a
contractor and bridge builder. In 1869 he emigrated to America and after
spending ten years at Davenport, low^a, settled in Denison, where he lived re-
tired, passing away in 1891. at the age of seventy- four years. His wife died
three years later, having attained the same age as her husband. They were both
members of the Lutheran church. Nicholaus Miller, the paternal grandfather
of our subject, was a forester in Germany in the employ of the government and
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 169
was an officer in the army at the time of the Napoleonic wars. There were
three children in his family, John, Nicholaus and Christian. The grandfather
on the maternal side was Claus Petersen, who made thatched roofs for houses
and also served as a soldier in the army at the time of Napoleon.
There were eight children in the family of Dietrich and Sophia Miller,
namely : Nicholas, of Denison ; Henry, of Holstein, Iowa ; Peter, of this re-
view ; Christina, now Mrs. William Werner, of Holstein ; John, of Schleswig,
Iov;a; Doris, the widow of Nicholas Frantz, of Denison; Minnie, now Mrs.
Fred Martens, of Davenport, Iowa; and August, of Denison.
Peter Miller was reared in his native country and received his education
there, spending one year, after laying aside his books, on a sailing vessel at sea,
He then became a teamster in the Danish army and later served in a similar
capacity in the German army. In 1867, he came to America and spent the first
winter at Davenport, Iowa, being attracted in the spring to Nebraska, where he
assisted in the construction of the Union Pacific Railway. However, he again
went to Davenport and began farming in Scott county. About 1877 he removed
to Otter Creek township, Crawford county, where he established his home,
now owning a valuable place of two hundred and forty acres in that township.
In 1890 he took up his residence in Denison and three months later went to
Montana, where he started a sheep ranch near Lloyd, which he also owns. He
spent eight years in the northwest but has lived in Denison during the winters
since 1898. He is recognized as a man of good business ability who seldom un-
dertakes anything that he does not carry through successfully.
On the 22d of December, 1875, Mr. Miller was united in marriage in Scott
county to Miss Elizabeth Claussen, who was born at Eckenford, Schleswig-Hol-
stein, Germany, a daughter of George Henry William and Marie (Wieland)
Claussen. Her parents came to America in 1853 when their daughter Elizabeth
was a year and a half old and settled at Davenport, where she grew to woman-
hood. Her mother died about two months after coming to this country and the
father subsequently married, the maiden name of his second wife being Mary
Stegermann. She passed away in 1891. Mr. Claussen departing this life in
1906, at the age of eighty-four years. There were two children by his first
marriage: John, who lives at Wilton, Iowa; and Elizabeth, now Mrs. Peter
Miller. Of the second union two children also were born : Christian, of South
Dakota; and Doretta, the wife of George Banick, who is engaged in the bank-
ing business at Wilton. Mr. Claussen was a soldier at the time of the revolu-
tion in Germany in 1848. John Claussen, the paternal grandfather of Mrs.
Miller, was a carpenter and lived to be fifty years of age. In his family were
four children, John, Henry, Frederick and Rudolph. Her grandfather Wie-
land, on the maternal side, engaged in teaming in Germany and owned a num-
ber of teams. His children were Peter, Dirk, Sarah and Marie.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Miller: Henry and Christ
are engaged in the stock business in Montana. Henry married Sophia Hofeldt
and has four children, Ervin Peter, Leslie Robert, Dorothea and Marjorie.
Christ married Caroline Khure and has three children. Lillian, Dorine and Doris;
the two youngest being twins. Louis died at the age of thirteen years. Lillian
170 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
is now the wife of J. W. Miller, abstractor for the Bank of Denison, and the
mother of one daughter, Waline.
Mr. and Mrs. Miller occupy a beautiful home in Denison, which he erected
in 1898 and provided with all modem conveniences. Socially he and his wife
are well known and religiously they are affiliated with the Lutheran church, of
which they are stanch supporters. Mr. Miller gives his support to the republican
party and is a valued member of Sylvan Lodge No. 507, A. F. & A. M., of Den-
ison, but his friends are by no means limited to lodge membership, as they are
to be found wherever he is known. No one envies him his good fortune as it
has been obtained by thoroughly honorable means, and his properties are man-
aged in such a way as to add to the permanent welfare and prosperity of the
country.
MARTIN FRIEDRICHSEN.
IMartin Friedrichsen, the owner of three hundred and twenty acres of excel-
lent farming land in Otter Creek township, is a native of Germany, his birth
occurring in that country on the 24th of May, 1863. He is the eldest child of
K. M. and Elizabeth (Petersen) Friedrichsen, who emigrated to the United
States with their family in 1881 and located in Crawford county, Iowa. After
residing here one year they bought an eighty acre farm in Otter Creek town-
ship, which they continued to cultivate until 1889, when they retired to Schles-
wig, where they are now living. They were the parents of nine children, those
beside the son IMartin being: Agnes, the wife of Henry Bendixen, of Schleswig;
Fred, who lives in Otter Creek township ; Magdelina, who married Ed Kestner ;
Knud, also a resident of Otter Creek township ; Catharina, the wife of Henry
Ricketts, of Nebraska; Julia, who married Emil Elser, of Ida county; Freda,
the wife of John Jurgensen, of Morgan townshi]> ; and Carl, living in Otter
Creek township.
Martin Friedrichsen acquired his education in the schools of his native land,
following which he apprenticed himself to the carpenter's trade, following that
occupation during the first seven years of his residence in America. In 1888,
however, he bought eighty acres of land and engaged in general farming and
stock-raising but is now making a specialty of feeding cattle and hogs for the
market. He has met with most gratifying success in his various ventures and as
a result now owns one-half section of land in Crawford county, all of which is
well improved and under a high state of cultivation. His is one of the valuable
properties of Otter Creek township and the improvements are substantial and
kept in good condition. He keeps a fine grade of stock and his fields are given
the capable supervision which produces abundant harvests.
On the 27th of March, 1888, tlie union between Mr. Friedrichsen and Miss
Anna Guttburg was solemnized. Mrs. Friedrichsen is a native of Germany, in
which country her parents. Johann and Marguerita (Botliam) Guttburg, still
live, the father at the venerable age of ninety-two y^ars and the mother at
eighty-one. Nine children were born unto them but only eight attained matur-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 171
*
ity, the youngest dying in infancy. The others are as follows: Laurence, Elsaba
and Johann, all of whom are living in Germany ; Marguerita, deceased ; Franz,
of Germany; Claus, residing in Schleswig; Anna, the wife of Martin Fried-
aichsen; and Katherina, who married Christian Kruse, of Minnesota. Mr. and
Mrs. Friedrichsen have also had nine children. Ella, Carl, Johannes, Marvine,
Anna, Fred, Alfred and Violet, are still at home, while Marguerita, the fourth in
the order of birth, died in infancy.
The family attend the services of the Lutheran church with which denomina-
tion they are identified by membership. Mr. Friedrichsen is a public-spirited
man and always takes an active interest in all local issues, at all times giving his
support to the democratic party. He stands high in the regard of his fellow
citizens who have elected him to various minor offices in his township, the duties
of which he discharged in a manner satisfactory to the community. He has many
friends in Otter Creek township whose regard is accorded him most justly as he
is a man worthy of esteem.
THEO ROHWER.
Among the younger business men who have attained more than a moderate
degree of success in the commercial circles of their home town is Theo Rohwer,
who is at present holding the responsible position of cashier in the banking es-
tablishment of Baxter, Reed & Company. Born December lo, 1868, he is a son
of Henry and Catherine (Barofsky) Rohwer, both of whom were natives of
Germany. The father emigrated to the United States in 1858 and located in
Davenport, Iowa, where he followed his trade as a shoemaker until 1862, when
he and four other young men took an overland journey by wagon to Nevada,
where for a few years he was employed in quartz mining. He made his home-
ward trip by way of San Francisco and the isthmus of Panama, again taking
up his residence in Davenport, where he engaged in the shoe business until
1882, when he located on a farm in Tama county, Iowa, remaining there until
1904. That year he again returned to Davenport, where he now resides. To
him and his wife were born eight children, of whom the following are living:
Julius, of Ida Grove, Iowa ; Gustav, of Moline, Illinois ; Theo, of this review ;
Henry, of Seattle, Washington; and Amanda, the wife of Fred Fick, of Ida
Grove. The deceased members of this family are: George, who died in 1900;
and Clara and Anna, both of whom died in infancy. The mother departed this
life in 1885.
From his ninth birthday Theo Rohwer labored on the farm until seventeen
years old. He attended the Davenport Business College during the winters of
1888 and 1889 and then obtained employment in a general store. He worked
one year for Montgomery Ward & Company of Chicago, and then came to Ida
Grove, where for the following six years he clerked in a general store. Since
1899 he has been in the bank of Baxter Reed & Company, acting in the capacity
of cashier.
Mr. Rohwer was married at Ida Grove to Catherina Brechwald, a daughter
of Andrew and Barbara (Schmidt) Brechwald. She is one of a family of nine
172 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
children, the others being as follows: Alary, who became the wife of Charles
Seaman and died in 1888; Agnes, who married John Schmidt, of Clinton county,
Iowa; John, of Carroll county, Iowa; Ferd A., of Ida Grove; Barbara, the wife
of William Murphy, of Ida Grove; Elizabeth, who became the wife of Robert
Mien and resides in Kansas; Jacob, wiio is living in Canada; and Theresa, who
married Frank Hart and makes her home in Nebraska. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Rohwer have been born seven children: Julius, John, Theresa, Helen, Roland,
Emmett and Alice.
In politics Mr. Rohwer has always cast his ballot for the democratic party
and fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a man of keen business acumen and
executive ability, is well known for his strict integrity and faithful attention to
his duties, and he possesses the entire confidence of his employers as well as the
high regard of his fellow townsmen.
NINUS L. HUNT.
Xinus L. Hunt, a member of the firm of Pfarr, Gebert & Hunt, general
merchants of Denison, is numbered among the worthy native sons of Crawford
county, his birth having occurred in Goodrich township on the 19th of October,
1855. His parents, Alonzo R. and Margaret (Dobson) Hunt, were natives of
New" York and Ohio respectively. His great-great-grandfather on the paternal
side came from England or Wales and was drowned in T.ong Island Sound.
Captain Ziba Hunt, the great-grandfather, served as a captain in the Revolu-
tionary war. The following communication was received in reference to his
service :
New York State Library, Albany.
February 7, 191 1.
This is to certify that on folio 169 of volume XX of a series of manuscript
volumes entitled, "Manuscripts of the Colony and State of X^ew York in the
Revolutionary War" in the custody of the regents of the University of the
State of Xew York in the State Library is a land bounty right signed by the
members of a class in Colonel William B. Whiting's regiment of Albany County
Militia, district of Kings, and that among the members of this class is Ziba
Hunt.
(Signed) Peter X^elson.
Assistant Archivist.
In testimony whereof, the seal of the University of the State of X^ew York
has been affixed at the city of Albany this 7th day of February, 191 1.
August S. Downing,
Acting Commissioner of Education.
Captain Hunt, who was a tanner by trade, married Johanna Blont, a daugh-
ter of Ambrose and Johanna (Clark) Blont. and with his family removed to
Xew Lebanon, Columbia county, Xew York, in 1780. He was born in 1746
and died in 1820. There were thirteen children born to him and his wife.
N. L. HUNT
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 175
Walter Hunt, the grandfather of our subject, was a native of New York and
a farmer by occupation. He was the father of a large family of children, in-
cluding Amos, Elizabeth, Johanna, Amanda, Emily, William, George, Isaac,
Alonzo R. and Jason Z.
Benjamin Dobson the maternal grandfather of Ninus L. Hunt, was born in
Ohio in 1799 and became a miller. He came to Crawford county, Iowa, in
185 1, laid out the town site of Deloit, named the place and there erected the first
saw and flour mill. He lived to attain the age of seventy-seven or seventy-eight
years, while his wife, who bore the maiden name of Keziah Wolf, was called
to her final rest in 1863. Among their children were the following named:
Thomas, John, Benjamin, William, Elihu, Margaret and Elizabeth.
Alonzo R. Hunt, the father of the gentleman whose name introduces this
review, was reared in New York and followed farming as a life work. He
came to Iowa in 1848, settling in Harrison county, where he wedded Miss Mar-
garet Dobson, their marriage being the first to take place in that county. The
year 1853 witnessed his arrival in Crawford county and here he held the office
of county recorder. In the spring of 1857 he removed to Johnson county. Ne-
braska, settling on a homestead near Tecumseh. He acted as probate judge of
Johnson county and at the time of the Civil war enlisted in Company t), First
Nebraska Cavalry, serving with that command for a little less than a year. His
demise occurred in the hospital at Omaha at the comparatively early age of
thirty-seven years. His widow returned to Deloit, Iowa, where she passed
away on the 25th of November, 1905, when seventy-six years of age. She was
a devoted and consistent member of the church of the Latter Day Saints. By
her marriage she became the mother of six children, three sons and three daugh-
ters, as follows : Sarah A., the deceased wife of Lafayette Robbins ; Amos W.,
who is a resident of Alberta, Canada; Ninus L., of this review; Mary L., the
wife of John F. Gofif, of Glen, Minnesota; Elder Charles J., living in Deloit,
Iowa ; and Cynthia, who died when about eighteen months old.
Ninus L. Hunt was born and reared in Crawford county and has spent his
entire life within its borders with the exception of six or seven years' residence
in Nebraska. He was reared to the work of the farm, drove cattle, broke
prairie, and did all the other tasks incident to the cultivation of the fields, re-
maining under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. In the
acquirement of an education he attended the district schools and also the public
schools of Deloit, Iowa. After completing his studies he followed the profes-
sion of teaching for five winter terms, while the summer seasons were devoted
to farming. While engaged in teaching he was elected to the office of township
assessor, holding that office for seven years in succession. On the expiration
of that period he formed a partnership with his brother, Charles J., and in
September, 1882, they opened a general mercantile establishment in Deloit, con-
ducting business under the firm style of Hunt Brothers for twelve years. N. L.
Hunt then purchased his brother's interest and continued the business alone for
four years before disposing of it. In the fall of 1887 he was nominated and
elected county auditor, being the first republican ever chosen for that office in
Crawford county. He was elected by a majority of fifty, overcoming a demo-
cratic majority of five hundred and forty-three, and served for two years. In
17G HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
the fall of 1894 he was nominated for the position of county recorder and
elected by a majority of forty-one, holding the office for two years. Subsequently
he worked in the Bank of Denison for four years, being employed by Shaw &
Kuehnle. At the end of that time he bought an interest in the concern with
which he is now connected, becoming a member of the firm of Pfarr, Gebert &
Hunt, general merchants. They enjoy an extensive and profitable trade and
Mr. Hunt is widely recognized as one of the substantial business men and re-
spected citizens of his native county.
On the 22d of February, 1880, Mr. Hunt was united in marriage to Miss
Emma L. Mason, a native of Milford township, Crawford county, and a daugh-
ter of Jesse and Eliza (Johnson) Mason, who were born in Kentucky and Illi-
nois respectively. They were pioneer settlers of Crawford county, Iowa, com-
ing in 1850 and spending the remainder of their lives here. Their children were
three in number, namely: Jane, Margaret and Angeline. Jesse Mason, who
was twice married, had the following children by his second wife: Matilda;
David and Jesse, twins; John; Julia; Hiram C. ; Emma L. ; and Andrew J. Mr.
and Mrs. Hunt are the parents of three children : R. Blaine, who is working for
a publishing company in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania; and N. Leslie and Margaret,
who are attending school.
In politics Mr. Hunt is a republican and, as previously shown, his fellow
townsmen have honored him by election to several positions of public trust and
responsibility. After serving as township assessor he w-as elected township
clerk of Milford township, and served as secretary and president of the school
board and as school treasurer in that township. For three years he was post-
master of Denison and has served as notary public and director of the normal
school. Fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen
of the World and the Sons of Veterans. No breath of suspicion has ever as-
sailed his good name and on the contrary he stands as a splendid type of the
honorable, reliable, successful man, the public-spirited citizen and the trust-
worthy friend.
JOHN LOUIS McCLELLAN.
A gallant soldier when the life of his country was in danger, a useful and
progressive citizen in times of peace and a generous and kind hearted gentle-
man, John Louis McClellan of Denison can claim many friends in Crawford
county. He became a resident of this locality soon after the Civil war, and as
a contractor assisted very materially in the erection of the substantial buildings
of Denison. He is now living retired. He was born at Gettysburg. Pennsyl-
vania, April 7, 1838, a son of John and Mary McClellan, both of whom were
natives of the Keystone state. The father was a hotel keeper and later a banker
in Gettysburg. He died at the time of the Johnstown flood in his eighty-first
year. He belonged to the state militia, attaining the rank of colonel in that or-
ganization. Our subject's grandfather, \\'illiam McClellan, was a soldier in the
war of 181 2.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 177
John Louis McClellan was the only child of his parents and was reared at
Gettysburg, receiving his education in the public schools and at Pennsylvania
College. After leaving college he learned the carpenter's trade, and just as he
was ready to begin his business career the Civil war threw its shadow over the
land. He responded to the first call of President Lincoln and enlisted in the
Second Pennsylvania Volunteers for three months. At the close of this period
he reenlisted for nine months in the One Hundred and Sixty-fifth Pennsylvania
Volunteers, and after the term of his enlistment expired he once more offered
his services to the government, becoming a member of the Twenty-first Penn-
sylvania Cavalry, in which he continued until the close of the war. He was a
private during the entire period and was discharged at Gettysburg in July, 1865.
In 1866 he came west with his wife to Iowa and spent one year in Mahaska
county, being then attracted to Crawford county, which has since been his home.
He engaged in carpentering, bridge building and contracting and also in house
moving. He built the old courthouse, the west brick school building and many
of the most substantial structures of Denison, which stand as monuments to his
skill as a builder.
On the 15th of April, 1862, Mr. McClellan was united in marriage to Miss
Georgia Wade, a daughter of James and Mary (Filby) Wade. She was born
at her grandmother's old home on the 4th of July, 1841, on the present site of
the battlefield of Gettysburg and grew to womanhood in Gettysburg. When
about fourteen years of age she began learning the millinery business, in which
she continued until she was married. Since 1866 she has made her home in
Iowa. Her father was a native of Virginia and her mother of Pennsylvania.
He died at Gettysburg at the age of sixty-three years, the mother also passing
away at the same place, aged seventy-two. There were five children in their
family: Georgia Wade, now Mrs. John Louis McClellan; Jennie, who was killed
during the battle of Gettysburg; John James, of Mancos, Colorado; Samuel
S., of Peoria, Illinois ; and Harry M., who died in Seattle, Washington, in 1907.
The father of Mrs. McClellan was by trade a tailor. Her grandfather was a
soldier of the Revolution and was killed at the battle of Brandywine. Her
grandmother before her marriage was Elizabeth Mills. Samuel Filby, the grand-
father on the maternal side, was a native of Pennsylvania and a carpenter by
trade. His wife was Elizabeth De Groff. They had four children.
Six children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. McClellan, one of
whom died in infancy, the others being: Louis Kenneth, now a farmer living
near Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, who married Bessie McMulkin and has two
sons, Joseph and John; Jennie Wade, who married Richard Cook, a railroad
man in Monmouth, Illinois ; Jim Britton, now a house mover of Denison, who
married Ala Kinney and had eighteen children, thirteen of whom are now liv-
ing, Georgia, Gladys, Mary, Martha, Bessie, Fred, Jim, William, Job, Harry,
John, Russell and Louis ; Nellie G, of Los Angeles, who married Fred S.
Heffelfinger and has three children, Annie M., John M. and Kitty; and John H.,
who married Carrie Kelley and lives in Carroll.
Mrs. McClellan has been for many years one of the prominent workers in
lines of philanthropy in Iowa. She was secretary of the National Women's Re-
lief Corps and also state president of the same organization. Moreover, she
178 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
has been national press correspondent, chairman of the national executive board,
department secretary and department treasurer of llie Women's Relief Corps.
She has served as state president of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union
and as member of the board of trustees of this organization. She was also in-
terested for eleven years in the Benedict Home and at the present time is audi-
tor of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union for the state of Iowa. She
is recognized as one of the most active workers in the two great organizations
named that can be found in this state.
Mr. McClellan and his wife are both adherents of the Christian Science Church
and stanch believers in its teachings. He belongs to the John A. Logan Post, Xo.
58, G. A. R., and is now past commander. He has served many times as ofificer
of the day and also marshal of the day on Memorial Day. Politically, he gives
his support to the republican party and for three terms served as city marshal of
Denison, being the first marshal of this city. In the discharge of his duties, both
public and private, he has been governed by a high sense of honor and has been
fearless in the support of what he believed to be just and true. He has won
the confidence of those with whom he has come into contact and is admitted
by all to be a worthy representative citizen of Crawford county.
HERMANN KOENEKAMP.
A worthy ambition is a powerful incentive and without it very little can be
accomplished along lines of human progress. It is the key that unlocks the door
of opportunity and the young man who possesses it, if he is guided by sound judg-
ment, is on the highway to fortune. The truth of this statement is clearly illus-
trated in the life of Hermann Koenekamp, whose name stands at the head of this
sketch. He was born in Oldenburg, Germany, March 21, 1849. His father, who
was a farmer, died in Germany when our subject was four years old. He was
by occupation a farmer and religiously was identified with the Lutheran church,
as was also his wife. The mother, who before her marriage was Catharina
Doris, lived to the age of eighty-three years, passing away in 1893.
Hermann Koenekamp was reared and educated in his native land and at the
age of fourteen was apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, which he followed
until the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian war in 1869. He then enlisted in the
regular army, in which he continued about three years, being honorably dis-
charged from service August 5, 1872. Laying aside his military accoutrements
he returned to his old home, where he was married,, and six weeks after his dis-
charge from the army started with his young wife for America. After living
for eleven months in the city of Chicago, he engaged for two years in farming
in Cook county and in the fall of 1875 came to Crawford county, Iowa, and
rented a farm in Goodrich township, upon which he lived for two years. Later he
lived in Hanover and Morgan townships, and about 1881. having acquired the
necessary capital, purchased two hundred and forty acres in Denison township of
Hon. Leslie M. Shaw, upon which he lived until 1894, disposing of it three years
later. In 1894 he purchased a farm of four hundred and forty acres near Dow
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 179
City, Iowa, from the Crawford County State Bank, which he sold in the spring of
1 910, and in 1908 he bought one hundred and sixty acres in Faulk county, South
Dakota, purchasing another tract of one hundred and sixty acres in 1910, which
is located near Watertown, South Dakota. He still owns both of these farms
and also a beautiful residence in Denison, which he purchased in 1904. He has
an improved farm of four hundred and eighty acres in Kansas, which he bought
in 1910. His undertakings have been accompanied with a gratifying measure of
success and he has for years been known as one of the highly prosperous citizens
of this county.
On the 6th of October, 1872, Mr. Koenekamp was united in marriage to Miss
Eliza Meyer, who was born at Oldenburg, Germany, March 14, 1853, a daughter
of Christ and Margaret (Choringer) Meyer. Her parents were both natives of
Germany and her father died in that country in 1895, at the age of more than
seventy years, her mother having passed away in 1863 at the age of forty-five.
There were six children in their family : Helena, Wilhelm, Christian, Eliza,
Henry and Johanna. The father was a soldier in the regular army of Germany
and became a teamster and farmer. Eleven children came to bless the union of
Mr. and Mrs. Koenekamp, namely: Emma married Wilhelm Plahn, of Pierce,
Nebraska, and has nine children, Lena, Herman, Anna, Henry, Amelia, Wilhelm,
Hilda and Hattie, twins, and Emma. Ida died at the age of nine months. Mary
married Jacob Mehman and they now live in Denison township. Lena married
Hans Blom, of South Dakota, and they have one son, Julius. Christ and Her-
man are both farmers of the state of Washington. Bertha is now Mrs. Joseph
R. Best and has two children, Louisa and Homer. Bernhardt is a resident of
Raymond, Washington. Johan and Hans are both living in Los Angeles, Cali-
fornia. Louisa is living at home and is a student in the high school.
Mr. and Mrs. Koenekamp are members of the Lutheran church and active
workers in its behalf. He is identified with the Denison Lonverin, the German
soldiers society, and also with Die Deutsche Bruederschaft, the German brother-
hood. Politically, he gives his support to the republican party. He has not
aspired to the honors and emoluments of office as he prefers the quiet life of a
private citizen. Essentially a self-made man, his example has been to others an
inspiration and support, the value of which can never be known.
A. E. ANDERSON.
Some men are born with a talent for mercantile life, possessing a good ad-
dress, intelligent application and an appreciation of the wants of the public as
well as the energy necessary to carry through successfully what they undertake.
A. E. Anderson, of Kiron, belongs to this class, judging by the result of his
efiforts up to the present time. He is a native of Sweden, born April 17, 1877,
and is therefore a young man justly fairly launched in the business world. His
parents are Lars and Anna Anderson, both of whom were born in Sweden and
came to America in 1889. After living for a number of years in Crawford
county they bought land in Ida county, Iowa, which they recently sold in order
1^0 IIJSTORV OF CRAWFORD COUXTY
to establish a permanent home at Kiron. There were three children in their fam-
ily namel>-: Andrew, who is now living upon the old homestead; Maggie the
wue of Oscar Johnson, of Crawford county; and A. E., the subject of' thil
review. •' ■■'"*
A. L Anderson came to America with his parents at twelve years of age and
recened h,s prehrnmary education in the public schools, later attending college
He rema.ned at hon,e until manhood and then entered mercantile business^
Ida cotmty. In ,907 he took up his residence in Kiron and has since been a the
head of a general store there. He owns the b.,il,ling in which he conducts his
ar,rhTsTuturr ' "''""' '" P"^""' ^^'''^ '"'' '^ =â– ^""-'" P'phecy
Darty'^HiTas'"'''"^ " 1°""^'^' ""■■-^"^"'°'' ^'' ^"PP°"^" "'^ -P"Wican
party. He has never sought pohfcal honors, preferring to devote his et^tire en-
erg,es to h,s busmess affairs. He is friendly toward all branches of the Christ an
rehg,on and al efforts to advance the welfare of his fellowmen. He has m d^a
h,g y creditable record as a business man and as a citizen and is a fa -m nded
gentleman who never seeks to advance his own interests to the injury of o thert
be.ng governed m all h,s dealmgs by principles of truth and honor
ADOLPH F. MEYERS.
One of the capable and promising farmers of Crawford county is Adolph F
Meyers whose home ,s on section 34, Soldier township, where he has a hthW
productive farm of three hun.Ired and twentv acres. He is a native o f lis
M^rs "Z of' r ""'• r" -^ =°" °^ -^""'P" -'^ Katrina Tvogel 01 )
Meyers, both of whom were born in Germany. The father came to Amer a
at the age of twenty years and lived for some time in Cook coun tv Tn
w ere he was married, coming in ,8;6 .0 Crawford unty loTa^^H '":;
h,r.y years he was actively identified with the agricultural interests A^ Z
tm,e of h,s death m ,906 he owned seventeen hundred acre of „ , .
county. He was an unusually successful farmer ,1 T '" "'"
perseverance, good judgntent and t n emi hedTh ^acte^Hi ^T ""f '""
â– n .cx>3. They were both members of the Lutl e a , hurcf T " '""'
children ,n .heir family, namely: .Minnie, nov^ ^ ife of Otto t^"" T
gust, William, Dora, wife of Henry VVeddene^AVoL^P ;„?""';;
eiUeerveY^"â„¢^ '" "^-'-^ -""'- ^'^ "-- -o diedt ZZ "
and began farmmg on his own account bein^ now fln^ . ^'^ath of hi. father
who know him. ^ ' ^'^^ '" *^^ estimation of all
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 181
On the 5th of March, 1903, Mr. Meyers was united in marriage to Miss
Emma Cheer, who was born in Iowa, June i, 1880, a daughter of John and
Barbara (Lamp) Cheer. Her father was born in Germany and her mother in
Iowa. They were married in this state and are now Hving on a farm of three
hundred and twenty acres in Woodbury county, the father being sixty-seven and
the mother fifty-four years of age. They were the parents of eleven children,
namely : Emma, now Mrs. Adolph F. Meyers ; Louie, Lena, Adolph, Minnie
and Emil, all of whom are at home; Qara, who died at the age of fourteen
years ; Leacy, Freda and Albert, who are at home ; and Willie, who died in
infancy. Four children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mey-
ers, namely : George, Otto, Edna and Clara.
Mrs. Meyers, like her husband, possessed advantages of education in the
public schools. She is a member of the German Lutheran church as is Mr.
Meyers, and they are loyal supporters of that organization. He gives his willing
assistance to the promotion of the general good of the community and his voice
and influence are always in behalf of improvement. He has been a lifelong
democrat, and although he has never sought the honors of office he is ever ready
to assist his friends who are ambitious to gain political recognition. He and
his wife are genial and hospitable and have many^ friends in Crawford county.
C. HENRY BOHM.
C. Henry Bohm, one of the thrifty and energetic sons of Germany who
has been a factor in the agricultural development of Washington township, was
born in Oldenburg on the i6th of December, 1856. His parents, Henry and
Sophia Bohm, are still living in the fatherland. Five children were born to
them, of whom the son Henry is the eldest. The others are : Lizzie, who lives
in Germany ; Doris, now Mrs. Krueger, living in Hanover township ; Augusta,
who married August Miller, of Goodrich township; and Antone, living in Ger-
many.
C. Henry Bohm obtained his education in the common schools of his native
land. When he was old enough to lay aside his text-books he obtained work on
a farm and continued in this occupation until he was twenty-seven years of age,
at which time he decided that the United States afforded better opportunities
for industrious young men than the old country and so took passage for Amer-
ica. Upon his arrival here he made his way westward to Rock Island, Illinois,
where he obtained employment in a sawmill. He remained there but a few
months, however, and then came to Crawford county, Iowa, where he worked
as a farm hand for two years, first near Denison and later in Milford township.
During that period he accumulated the means necessary to begin farming for
himself, so rented land in Goodrich township, which he cultivated for six years.
At the end of that time he went to Paradise township, where he rented land for
two years and then bought eighty acres but soon afterward removed to Wash-
ington township. He farmed there as a renter for three years and then bought
the land he was cultivating, making all of the payments in five years. Later he
182 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
bought his present homestead, consisting of two hunch-cd and forty acres on
section 19, Washington township, where he engages in general farming and
stock-raising, in both of which he is meeting with marked success. During the
period of his residence he has effected many improvements, making his farm
one of the most valuable in that portion of the county.
in 1885 Mr. Uohm was united in marriage to Miss Christina Moss, a native
of Germany, who passed away in 1894. Five children were born of this union,
but the eldest son, William, is the only one now surviving. For his second wife
Mr. Bohm chose Miss Lena Grammerstrof, their marriage being solemnized in
1895, and unto them were born the following: Emil, Carl, Eddie and Augusta.
The family always attend the Lutheran church, with which denomination
the parents are identified by membership. Ever since he was granted the full
rights of citizenship Mr. Bohm has given his political support to the republican
party, considering that its policy is best adapted to subserve the interests of the
majority. Although he does not actively participate in municipal affairs, not
aspiring to public office, he fulfills the demands of good citizenship by going to
the polls on election day and casting a ballot. Mr. Bohm's life, like those of
many of his fellow countrymen, most clearly demonstrates what it is possible
to accomplish in America with an asset of perseverance and determination.
ALEXIS HENRY HARPER.
In recording the life history of any man it is always interesting to know
what were the elements of character that made it possible for him to attain an
independent place in the world and in studying the personal qualities of Alexis
Henry Harper we find that he possesses the requisite amount of energy, am-
bition and application that go to make success. Born in Utica, New York, Feb-
ruary 26, 1850, he is a son of James Henry Harper. His mother died when
he was but three years old and all trace of her and her family have since been
lost. His only sister, Sarah Jane, married James Wiley, but nothing has been
heard from her since 1873. at which time she was supposed to be living in
Bolivar, Missouri. When Alexis H. was six years of age his father took him
and his sister to Racine, Wisconsin, and there left them while he continued his
journey to California in the quest of gold. He met with his death on the west-
ern plains in 1861 on his way back to Racine.
Alexis Henry Harper pursued his early education in the public schools of
Racine, making that city his home until 1869, when he went to Cedar county,
Iowa, and located in Springdale township, residing there until 1874. In that
year he came to Washington township, Crawford county, and here purchased a
farm, upon which he lived for two years, at the end of that period returning to
Cedar county, where he resided the following two years. Once more coming to
Crawford county he located in Boyer township, rented land until i88r, and then
moved to his present location on sections 19 and 20, Union township. TTere he
improved his farm, consisting of one hundred and twenty acres of land, besides
]\IR. AXD MRS. A. H. HARPER
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 185
which he owns two houses and three lots in Dow City, all of which he has
acquired as a result of his individual efforts and tenacity of purpose.
In 1873 ^^r- Harper was married to Miss Marianna Bonsall, who was born
in Chester county, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Joseph W. and Sarah (Hunt)
Bonsall. Her parents were both natives of Pennsylvania and removed to Cedar
county, Iowa, in 1861, remaining there until 1878, when they came to Crawford
county, where they spent the rest of their lives. They were the parents of six
children, of whom but two survive, Mrs. Harper and Chester, the latter being a
rural route mail carrier residing in Dunlap, Iowa. Mrs. Bonsall's death oc-
curred in 1903, her husband passing away in 1907.
In politics Mr. Harper has always supported the principles of the republican
party and locally is known as a "standpatter." Fraternally he is a popular mem-
ber of the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and with
his wife also holds membership in Rebekah chapter. They are both worthy
members of the Baptist church, in which he serves as a trustee, while she holds
the office of clerk. Mr. Harper's life has been one of continuous activity and
he has made good use of his business opportunities, carrying forward to a suc-
cessful completion whatever he undertakes. He deserves much credit for his
splendid record, whereby he has advanced from a humble position in life to a
place among the prominent and prosperous agriculturists of Crawford county.
GEORGE W. NICHOLSON.
The broader spirit of the new century found expression in the business rec-
ord of George W. Nicholson, president of the Nicholson Produce Company of
Denison. For a number of years he was in control of large affairs and ex-
tensive interests in this connection. His ability to manage, his business and
financial instinct, his quick comprehension of a situation and his secure grasp
of details were all elements in his successful conduct of a business which has
long since assumed large and profitable proportions.
Mr. Nicholson was a native of Ohio, his birth having occurred in Barnesville,
Belmont county, October 6, 1853. He died March 2, 191 1, at Tampa, at Mrs.
Barley's home. His parents were John L. and Eleanor (Young) Nicholson,
also natives of the Buckeye state. The father was a son of John Nicholson, who
was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but became an early settler of Smithfield,
Ohio. In 1864 he sought the opportunities of the middle west, making his way
to New Sharon, Iowa, where he lived for thirty-five years. He died, however,
while on a visit in Denison in 1899, in the eighty-first year of his age. His
wife survived him four years, passing away in 1903 at the age of seventy-seven
years. Mr. Nicholson had been reared as a member of the Society of Friends or
Quakers, but in later life he and his wife both became members of the Meth-
odist church. He held a number of local offices and was a prominent and valued
citizen of the community in which he lived. His family numbered nine chil-
dren, namely : Amanda J., who died in young womanhood ; Martin W., of New
Sharon, Iowa; George W., of this review; John W., deceased; Charles L., of
Vol. 11—10
186 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Blair, Xebraska ; Ross A., who died at Xewton. Iowa, in 1909; Benjamin Y.^
a resident of Denison ; Oliver E., who died in Boulder, Colorado; and ]\Iar>',
who passed away in infancy.
George W. Nicholson spent tlic first eleven years of his life in tlie state of
his nativity and then came to Iowa with his parents in 1864. He was a resident
of Xew Sharon for about five years, during which period he attended the pub-
lic schools. When a youth of fifteen he started out to make his own way in
the world and was employed at construction work on the Chicago, Burlington &
Quincy Railroad. In 1880 he came to Craw^ford county and for eight years
was a resident of Vail. On the expiration of that period he removed to Deni-
son. where he lived for five years, after which he went to Grand Junction, where
he remained for fourteen years. He then returned to Denison, where he en-
gaged in the poultry, butter and egg business, which has claimed his time and
attention from 1874 until his death. He and his brother, Benjamin, were as-
sociated in this enterprise for twenty-eight years and conducted a business of
extensive proportions. In 1908 they erected in Denison a large storage plant,
which is sixty by sixty feet and five stories in height including basement. There
is also an L addition. They drew trade from all directions and from a large
district, and were among the leading shippers of this part of the state.
On the 4th of August, 1884, Air. Nicholson was married to Miss Frances
Long, a daughter of J. F. and Bridget (Butler) Long. Four children w^ere born
of this marriage: Grace Frances, now the wife of Guy O. Baker; George, w^ho
died at the age of two years ; Georgiana May, who is attending high school ; and
John, who died in infancy. The mother passed away in 1896 at the age of
thirty-four years. She was a Catholic in religious faith. Her birth occurred
at Elk Point, Dakota, while her father was a native of Boston, Massachusetts,
and her mother of Ireland, being brought to America when only a year old.
Mr. and Mrs. Long were early settlers of Dakota, but for some years lived in
\'ail, Iowa, where Mr. Long passed away. The death of Mrs. Long occurred
at Grand Junction, Iowa, in the spring of 1910. On the 14th of August, 1905,
Mr. Xicholson was again married, his second union being with May O. Adams,
who was born at Atlantic City, New Jersey, where her parents, Mr. and Mrs.
Alfred Adams, still reside. She is one of six children, the others being: Louis;
Alfred; Bentley ; Carrie, the wife of Louis Rothchild ; and Pauline, the wife of
Frederick Holmes. The father, Alfred Adams, is a son of John Adams, who
came to this country from France with four brothers and settled in New [er-
sey. The family have since scattered over the L'nited States and are very promi-
ment in the east. Mrs. Nicholson was reared and educated in Atlantic City,
where she was graduated from the high school. She lived for a time in Xew
York, but was married in Chicago, and has made her home in Denison for the
past six years, being very prominent in social circles here.
George W. Nicholson was an exemplary and prominent member of the Ma-
sonic fraternity. He belonged to Jeflferson Lodge, No. 57. A. F. & A. M., of
Grand Junction; Jefiferson Chapter, R. A. M. ; Jeflferson Commandery, K. T. ;
Des Moines Consistory, A. A. S. R.. in wliicli he has attained the thirty-second
degree of the Scottish Rite ; and Za-ga-zig Temple of the Nobles of the Mystic
Shrine. His political allegiance was given to the republican party. He never
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 187
sought nor desired ofBce as a reward for party fealty, yet was not remiss in
the duties of citizenship, supporting at all times those measures and movements
which he deemed of essential value in the conduct of business afifairs or in
promoting the interests of the community. He passed away at Tampa, Florida,
March 2, 191 1.
FRANK McHENRY.
Frank McHenry, a prominent and well known agriculturist who has been
identified with the farming interests of Crawford county for forty-four years,
was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, April 9, 1856, a son of Vincent and Dency
(Nefift) McHenry. The mother's birth occurred in Rhode Island, but the
father was a native of Allegheny county, Pennsylvania, where their marriage
occurred. In 1855 he went to Wisconsin, locating near the town of Milton, and
remained there ten years. He then came to Iowa and took up his residence at
Boonesboro. After a twelve months' sojourn here he removed to Janesville,
Minnesota, and a year later again came to Iowa and rented land on section 18,
Union township, Crawford county. For three years he operated this farm and
then purchased land on the same section and upon which his son Frank is now
living. In the course of time he brought it to a high state of cultivation. Here
he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1891. In politics he was
an old line whig and later supported the republican party. His wife died in
Crawford county in 1903. They were the parents of four children, two of whom
survive, namely: Helen, who is the wife of C. F. Cassidy and lives in Denison;
Frank, of this review.
Frank McHenry in early youth attended the district schools of Wisconsin
and later those of Crawford county. He then took up his life work on the
home farm and has since given his entire time and attention to the pursuit of
agriculture, bringing to his labors a well trained mind and a knowledge born in
the school of experience. Aside from his farm of eighty acres on section 18,
Union township, he owns an additional eighty acres on section 20, all of which
is well improved and valuable land.
On March 21, 1883, Mr. McHenry was united in marriage to Miss Mar-
garet Gibson, who was born in Huron county, Ontario, Canada, August 12,
1858, a daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Shillington) Gibson. Her father
was born in Canada, of Scotch-Irish parentage, and came to Crawford county
in 1871, locating in Union township, where he lived until 1883. In that year
he removed to Charter Oak and later to Dunlap, where he remained but a short
time and then went to Missouri. He subsequently returned to Crawford county
and resided with his children until his death, which took place in 1910. His
wife was a native of the north of Ireland and her death occurred in Crawford
county in 1877. Three children were born to this couple : Robert Henry, living
in Hugo, Colorado; Margaret; and Lydia, the wife of C. W. Pierce, a resident
of Denison. Mrs. McHenry was educated at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, and
for eight years taught school in Crawford county. Mr. and Mrs. McHenry have
188 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
one child, Ruth, who is the wife of E. R. Morrison. They are residing on the
home place and are the parents of one child, Raymond McHenry.
In his political views Mr. McHenry supports the republican party, and in
religion both he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
of which he is one of the trustees. His wife joined the church when but eight
years old. Mr. McHenry is an excellent type of those who go to make the
best farm element of the county, where he is recognized as one of the sub-
stantial and representative citizens.
C. J. TELLGREN.
C. J. Tellgren, who was formerly engaged in agricultural pursuits in Craw-
ford county but is now living in Kiron, where he has a wagon and repair shop,
is a native of Sweden. He is a son of G. F. and Elizabeth Katherine Tellgren,
also natives of Scandinavia, his birth having occurred on the 30th of January,
1862. The parents emigrated to the United States in 1885, and in February
of which year they settled on a farm in Crawford county, Iowa. The father
passed away on the 21st of March, 1908, but the mother is still living, although
she has passed her seventy-fifth anniversary. They were the parents of five
children, who were as follows: C. J., our subject; Andrew, deceased; O. F.,
living in Crawford county; Enoch, who resides in Ida county; and Alfred, also
of this county.
C. J. Tellgren received his education in the common schools of his native
land, remaining a member of his father's household until he had attained his
fifteenth year, at which time he started out in life for himself. He worked as
a farm hand for two years and then entered the army. After two years' service,
he decided to become a citizen of the United States and after receiving his dis-
charge he took passage for America. Upon his arrival he made his way west-
ward, locating in Crawford county, Iowa, where he obtained employment upon
a farm, continuing to work for others for three years. At the end of that
period he had accumulated sufficient means to enable him to farm as a renter
and for sixteen years he cultivated leased land. In 1900 he gave up agricultural
pursuits and removed to Kiron, where he opened a wagon and repair shop,
which he is still conducting. Mr. Tellgren is an excellent mechanic, having been
a high class engineer in Sweden when he was seventeen years of age. He has
met with moderate success in his various ventures and owns his residence and
two lots, as well as his shop and a building and two acres of land within the
village limits.
Mr. Tellgren was married on the 3d of July. 1S89, to Miss Matilda Swanson,
one of the five children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Swan Nelson, of Sweden, who
spent their entire lives in their native land. Three children have been born
unto Mr. and Mrs. Tellgren. as follows: Maud T., Anna V. and Minnie M.
They are all graduates of the high school and the eldest and youngest are now
at home, but the second daughter is attending college in Des Moines.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 189
They attend the services of the Baptist church, and Mr. Tellgren always
supports the candidates and measures of the republican party. He takes an
active interest in all municipal matters and at the present time is a member of
the board of aldermen. The family is highly regarded in Kiron, figuring promi-
nently in all of the social activities.
THOMAS MICHAELSEN.
Thomas Michaelsen, who is prominently identified with the agricultural in-
terests of Hanover township, having a homestead there consisting of two hun-
dred and forty acres, all under a high state of cultivation, was born in Germany
on the 5th of January, 1870. His parents, C. H. and Katrina (Hansen) Michael-
sen, were also natives of the fatherland, in which country they were married,
but emigrated to the United States with their family in 1883. Landing in New
York they immediately made their way westward and located in Crawford
county, Iowa, very soon thereafter buying one hundred and sixty acres of land,
which they cultivated for thirteen years. In 1896 they sold this and removed
to Arion, Iowa, settling on two hundred acres, which Mr. Michaelsen owned
and continued to operate until 1903. They then migrated to Oklahoma, where
he is interested in several banks, and are now residents of Wheatland, that
state. Mr. and Mrs. Michaelsen are the parents of the following children :
Henry, living in Canadian county, Oklahoma; Thomas, our subject; Johannes,
who resides in Missouri ; H. F., also of Oklahoma ; and Margaret, who is still
at home.
Thomas Michaelsen acquired his education in the common schools of Craw-
ford county and after laying aside his text-books he worked for his father until
he had attained his majority and then began farming as a renter, which he con-
tinued for four years. During this period he had by careful planning, economy
and industry managed tO' save the required capital necessary to purchase land
and invested in two hundred acres in Hanover township. He cultivated this
for eleven years and then traded for two hundred and forty acres in Otter
Creek and Morgan townships, and after owning this for a short time he again
traded for land in Hanover township. At the end of three years he sold that
place and moved to Oklahoma, where he resided until 1906, at which time he
returned to Iowa. He is now living on two hundred and forty acres of land on
section i, Hanover township. One hundred and sixty acres of his homestead
is the land which his father bought when he first came to Iowa. Here he en-
gages in general farming and stock-raising but makes a specialty of feeding
and shipping cattle to the market. He is an indefatigable worker, but his per-
sistence and thrift have been rewarded by more than moderate success, and
although still in his prime, Mr. Michaelsen is rated as one of the substantial
agriculturists in his township, as in addition to his well improved and highly
cultivated homestead, he owns two hundred and forty acres of good land in
Oklahoma.
190 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
The marriage of Mr. Michaelsen and Miss Mary Sievers occurred on the
28th of January, 1 891. She was born in Scott county, Iowa, and is a daughter
of John and Anna (Hansen) Sievers, natives of Germany, who came to the
United States in 1867 and first located in Davenport, this state, where they
lived for five years. In 1872 they bought a farm in Crawford county for five
dollars per acre and after cultivating it for fifteen years they retired and re-
moved to Denison, where they continued to reside until their death. The mother
passed away in 1898, and the father in 1900. Mrs. Michaelsen was the only
child born of this union.
Mr. and Mrs. Michaelsen have become the parents of the following chil-
dren: Herbert H., who was born on the 28th of September, 1892, and is
attending college at Denison; Ehrhardt J., born on the nth of February, 1894,
also attending college; Robert N., born on the 27th of September, 1895, attend-
ing the German school; Alwin W., born on the 15th of April, 1897, going to
school; Victor S., born on the 7th of November, 1898; Zuehla A. C, born on
the 24th of September, 1900; Leonhardt, born on the 13th of April, 1902; the
seventh child who died in infancy; Hortense J. M., born on the 30th of April,
1908; and Walter T., born on the 4th of June, 1910.
The family always attend the services of the Lutheran church, with which
denomination the parents are affiliated by membership. Ever since acquiring
the right of suffrage Mr. Michaelsen has given his support to the democratic
party, considering that its policy is best adapted to protect the interests of the
agriculturist. He has always taken an active part in local politics and his party
fealty has been rewarded by his election to various offices. He served as con-
stable for one term, was assessor for five years and was a member of the board
of school directors for seven years. He is highly regarded in his community,
where he is considered to be a man of high principles and sound integrity.
MICHAEL J. .MONAGHAN.
There is no doubt that young men have been coming more rapidly to the
front during the past quarter of a century than ever before, and also that they
have been in many instances highly successful. They are to be met with in
the professions and in all lines of business, and many of them have shown a
clearness in judgment and a capability in management of important affairs that
are truly gratifying. Among the young men of Crawford county who are tak-
ing an active part in jiublic affairs is Michael J. Monaghan. editor and proprietor
of the Observer at \'ail. He is a native of \'ail. born May 12, 1887, and a
son of Michael J. and Mary A. Monaglian.
He was reared under the favoring conditions of a peaceable home and re-
ceived his education at St. Ann's Academy at \'ail, graduating from that insti-
tution in 1904 as valedictorian of his class. After leaving school he entered the
Observer office and learned the printer's trade, continuing there for three years.
He then worked for two years in Indiana, after which he returned to Vail and
purchased the Observer from C. C. \'ail.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 191
Mr. Monaghan is an earnest friend of education and fills the position of sec-
retary of the independent school district. Fraternally, he is connected with the
Modern Woodmen of America and the Brotherhood of American Yeoman at
Vai!. He made an excellent start in Hfe by graduating at the head of his class
at school and the expectations of his friends have not been disappointed. Hav-
ing thoroughly prepared himself for newspaper work by learning the printer's
trade, he is now, as editor and manager of a paper, in a position to do effective
service in the interest of the community. Under his management the paper has
made commendable progress and is today one of the influential publications of
this section.
Industrious, enterprising and ambitious to attain an honorable place in life,
Mr. Monaghan in the estimation of his friends is certain to win the favors of
fortune, and ranks as one of the highly prominent young men of the community.
JOHN THOMAS HAUGH.
One of the energetic and highly capable buisness men of Denison is John
'Thomas Haugh, who for twenty-seven years has been connected with the cloth-
ing business of this city. He is a native of Davenport, Iowa, born October 12,
1854, and is a son of Mark and Margaret (Rasp) Haugh, the former born in
Ireland and the latter in Canada. The father emigrated from the Emerald isle
to Canada and engaged in lumbering, coming to the United States in 1848.
After living for a short time in Chicago he removed to Davenport, Iowa, where
he followed various pursuits and became a farmer in the vicinity of that city.
He passed away in 1862 at the age of forty-eight years, but his wife is still
living and has made her home in Denison since 1882. Michael Haugh, the pa-
ternal grandfather of our subject, lived to be ninety-five years old and spent his
last years in Scott county, Iowa. His children were Mark, Martin and John.
The maternal grandfather, John Rasp, settled with his family on a farm in
Scott county, Iowa, and had eight children, namely: Michael, ^^largaret, ]\Iary,
Ellen, Eliza, John, Thomas and Bridget. There were five children in the family
-of Mark and Margaret Haugh, three of whom are now living, namely : John
Thomas, the subject of this review; Mary L., the wife of Patrick Meade, of
â– Crawford county ; and Bridget, now Mrs. Thomas Clarke, of Denison.
John Thomas Haugh was reared upon his father's farm in Scott county,
Iowa, and received his education in the district schools and at St. Anthony's
parochial school in Davenport. He came to Crawford county in 1882, and in
order to get a start in life worked at anything he could find to do. In 1884 he
entered the employ of M. Goldheim, clothier, and four years later purchased
an interest in the store. In 1892 Mr. Goldheim having died, the business was
continued under the name of Haugh & Kemming, but in 1900 the firm was dis-
solved, and in April, 1901, Mr. Haugh became associated with F. W. Brummer,
and the business has since been carried forward under title of Haugh & Brum-
mer. It is now one of the most prosperous concerns of the kind in this part of
the state.
192 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
On the 6th of May, 1891, Mr. Haugh was united in marriage to Miss Mary
Farrelly, a native of Ireland, and a sister of Rev. Father Farrelly of Denison.
One daughter, Marguerite, has blessed this union. Mr. Haugh and his es-
timable wife were both reared in the faith of the Catholic church and are con-
sistent members of that organization. Socially, he is one of the w'ell known
men of the community, being a member of Charles Carroll Council, No. 780,
Knights of Columbus. Politically, he gives his support to the democratic party,
and although his attention is mainly devoted to his business he is at the present
time serving acceptably as member of the city council. It is safe to say that
no citizen stands liigher in the estimation of the people of Denison and vicinity
than the gentleman whose sketch is herewith presented.
SAMUEL B. SMYTH.
The rich agricultural resources of Crawford county afforded Samuel B.
Smyth an excellent opportunity for the exercise of his talents, and he is now
living in honorable retirement in Denison after many years of active labor,
during which he became known as one of the leading farmers of the county.
He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in a town called White Abbey, July
29, 1829, and is a son of Samuel and Jane (Baxter) Smyth, both of whom were
born of Scotch parents in Scotland. The father, who was a farmer in Ireland,
died in that country, and the mother subsequently came to America with her
sons and passed away in Livingston county, Illinois, in 1865, at eighty years of
age. She and her husband were members of the Presbyterian church. There
were four children in their family, namely : Jane, Mary, James and Samuel B.
Jane married a Mr. Blair and died in Ireland. Mary, the second in order of
birth, became the wife of Thomas Luney and they later emigrated to this coun-
try, where they took up their permanent abode. James also cast his lot with
the new world.
Samuel B. Smyth was reared in his native land as a farmer boy and received
his early education in the common schools. He learned the machinist's trade at
Belfast and worked there for several years. In 185 1, in company with his
mother and his brother James, he crossed the ocean and they resided for two
years at St. Giarles, Kane county, Illinois, then moving to a farm near Pontiac.
Livingston county, that state. In 1865 he and his brother settled upon a farm
about a mile and a half east of Denison, Iowa, where they acquired two hun-
dred acres of land, which they cultivated to good advantage, purchasing more
land as their resources increased until they owned a farm of four hundred acres.
They remained together until the death of the brother, which occurred July 4,
1903. he having then arrived at the age of ei,efhty-one years. They held their
property in common and were highly successful in their business affairs. Sam-
uel B. Smyth still owns the beautiful home farm of four hundred acres and
also three hundred acres in Stutsman county. North Dakota, near Medina.
In 1864 he was married to Miss Martha Rollins, a sister of James Rollins, of
East Boyer township. The beloved wife passed away in 1890. She was a
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HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 195
member of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Smyth is now eighty-two years of age
and looks back on a long life of usefulness, nearly sixty years of which have
been passed in America. He is a sincere believer in the Bible and is a member
of the Presbyterian church, whose teachings he regards as a true interpretation
of the doctrines of the New Testament. Politically, he has given his support
to the republican party ever since he arrived in America, but he has never
aspired to the honors of office, preferring to devote his energies to business
affairs. Although well advanced in years he is active in mind and body and
reads without glasses. He has been through life a close reader and observer
and has derived great pleasure from communion on the printed page with
master thinkers of all the ages. As a patriotic and representative citizen he is
greatly respected by all who know him.
MATHIAS HUGO.
Mathias Hugg is a native of Alsace, France, which used to be known as the
Garden of France, but since 1871 it has belonged to Germany. He was born
March 5, 1850, a son of Mathias and Marie Salome (Oberhn) Hugg, both of
whom were also natives of France. The father was of Swiss extraction, while
the mother was of German descent. Mathias Hugg, Sr., was a weaver by trade
and came to the United States in 1865, sailing from Havre to America and
locating in Lake county, Illinois, where he resided for thirteen years. In 1878
he came to Crawford county, Iowa, making his residence at Coon Grove, in
Washington township. There he bought land and resided until his death in
1891 at the age of seventy-four years. In politics he was a republican, and in
his religion was a member of the Evangelical church. Two children were born
to him, of whom one is the subject of this sketch, and the other is George, at
present a farmer living near Piatt, South Dakota. 1
Mr. Hugg of this review obtained his early education in both the French
and German public schools, which he supplemented by a course in the schools
of this country. He remained at home until thirty-one years old. when he rented
a part of his father's farm, upon which he resided until 1869. In the meantime
he had become owner of that farm, which he subsequently rented, while he re-
moved to his present location, where he had previously bought one hundred
and twenty acres. In November, 1910, he sold forty acres of his property and
at present engages in general farming and stock-raising on the remainder.
In 1882 Mr. Hugg was united in marriage to Miss Anna Marie Schwartz,
who was born in the same locality as her husband. Her parents were Jacob and
Anna Marie (Hild) Schwartz. Her father died in Alsace, where her mother is
still living. Three children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schwartz, as follows:
Anna Marie, the wife of our subject; Catherine, who held a position as a school
teacher in Ostheim, Alsace, for thirty-two years, being subsequently retired on
a pension ; and Madelaine, who is now residing in Minnesota.
Mr. and Mrs. Hugg are the parents of five children, namely: Emil M. is
a clerk in the Crawford County Bank. George Walter is a farmer and stock-
196 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
raiser in Oacoma, Lyman county, South Dakota. He married Miss Lillie Paul-
sen and they have one child, Fernetta IMarie. Martha Marie is living at home.
Esther Salome and Susana C. are both deceased.
In politics Mr. Hugg is a republican and is serving as one of the township
trustees, to which office he was elected for a third term. He has been school
director in Washington township and has held the same office for two terms in
Denison township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hugg are members of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
RALPH OTIS McCONNAUGHEY, D. D. S.
For seven years Dr. Ralph Otis McConnaughey has practiced dentistry at
Denison and has attained a measure of success which indicates that he has a
thorough knowledge of his profession. He is a gentleman of pleasing address
who keeps fully up-to-date in his calling and numbers among his patrons many
of the leading families of this part of the state.
He was born in Washington county, Iowa, July 23, 1878, his parents being
John T. and Lucetta (Mills) McConnaughey, the former a native of Pennsyl-
vania and the latter of the Western Reserve of Ohio. The father, who was
reared as a farmer at Bedford, Pennsylvania, came to Iowa about 1850 and
settled in Washington county. He passed away in 1900, at the age of fifty-
eight years. His wife is now living at Benzonia, Michigan, and is a member of
the Congregational church, as was also her husband. He was a soldier in the
Civil war, enlisting at nineteen on the 28th of July, 1861, in Company E, Seventh
Iowa \'olunteer Infantry. He was transferred August 2, 1861, to Company H
of the same regiment and was appointed musician June 12, 1861. On January i,
1864, he reenlisted as a veteran and was promoted to the position of principal
musician of the regiment September 10 following. He was wounded in the
right leg March 21, 1865, at the battle of Bentonville, North Carolina, and was
mustered out of service August 7, 1865, at New York city. He was a gallant
soldier and as a private citizen was greatly respected by all who knew him.
David P. McConnaughey, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a
native of Pennsylvania and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He learned the hat-
ter's trade and became a manufacturer of hats, but in 1850 was attracted to the
west and located in Washington county, Iowa, where he purchased land from
the government. He died at the age of ninety-four years. The maiden name
of his wife was Catharine Thompson and she was the mother of eight children,
one of whom died in infancy. The others were Samuel. David, Jr., Alexander,
William, John, Emily and Elizabeth. The maternal grandfather, Manning
Mills, was a native of Ohio. He also settled in Washington county, Iowa, and
lived upon his farm to an advanced age. He had seven children : Harlow, Ernst,
Jay, Lucetta, Isaljel, ]\Iyra and Effie.
There were five children in the family of John T. and Lucetta McCon-
naughey, namely: Ralph Otis, of this review; Harlow Alexander, now a resi-
dent of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Grace Elizabeth, a missionary in China ; John,
who died at the age of eleven years ; and William, who died in infancy.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 197
Ralph O. McConnaughey was reared on the farm of his father in Wash-
ington county and gained his early education in the district schools, later at-
tending the high schools at West Chester and Grinnell, Iowa. After working
for several years at Dixon, Illinois, he decided to devote his attention to den-
tistry and entered the dental college of the State University at Iowa City, gradu-
ating with the degree of D. D. S. in 1904. He has since successfully engaged in
practice at Denison.
On the 2d of October, 1907, Dr. McConnaughey was united in marriage at
Denison to Miss Allie Sewell, a daughter of Luman and Ella (Wieting) Sewell,
and by this union one child, John Sewell, has been born.
The success of Dr. McConnaughey is due to his conscientious application
and a natural adaptability to a profession which is both an art and a science
and required a highly trained hand and an intelligent mind, both of which are
happily possessed by the subject of this review. He is a prominent worker in
fraternal orders, being a member of Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M. ;
Dowdall Lodge, No. 90, K. P. ; and also of the Sons of Veterans. He and his
wife are identified with the Presbyterian church. Politically he gives his sup-
port to the republican party, but the honors and emoluments of public office have
never appealed to him, as his interests are concentrated upon his profession.
HERMAN H. OTTO.
Coming from Germany with his parents when but six years old, Herman H.
Otto, the subject of this sketch, has attained the position in life of a substantial
farmer and influential citizen of Crawford county, and he has made an unquali-
fied success in agricultural pursuits. He was born September 20, 1866, a son
of Henry and Louisa (Winterfeldt) Otto, both of whom are natives of Ger-
many. They came to the United States in 1872, locating in Rock Island county,
Illinois, where they resided until 1883, when they removed to Crawford county,
Iowa. They settled in Goodrich township and continued to live there until
1903, in which year they took up their residence in Denison, where the father
still makes his home. The mother departed this hfe in 1906. They were the
parents of three children, namely : Herman H. ; Henry, who lives on the home
farm in Goodrich township; and Anna, who is the wife of Fred Lenz, of
Monona county, Iowa.
Herman H. Otto received his education in the common schools of Rock
Island county, Illinois, later coming to Crawford county with his parents. He
remained with them until he was twenty-four years of age. then started to
farm on his own account in Goodrich township, later moving to Paradise town-
ship, and subsequently coming to Denison township, wh/ere he took up a farm
which is now within the city limits. In 1900 he removed to his present location
and has greatly enhanced its value by making many modern improvements. He
now owns one hundred and sixty acres of land, in addition to which he operates
eighty acres of land adjoining his farm.
198 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
In 1891 Mr. Otto was married to Miss Mary Holtman, a resident of Craw-
ford county, who passed away in 1910. To this couple the following four chil-
dren were born : Selma, Fred, Hattie and Marie, all of whom are living at
home. In politics Mr. Otto is a democrat and has taken an active interest in
his party. He has served as trustee of Denison township for seven years and
is now president of the board. He is a member of the Lutheran church, and is
in every respect a highly esteemed citizen of Crawford county.
H. C. MARTIXS.
Some men are born with an unalterable ambition that carries them above
discouragement and nothing but death can prevent them from accomplishing
what they start out to do. Such a man is H. C. Martins, of West Side, who
began life for himself when fifteen years of age with seven dollars and a half
in his pocket and nothing else to depend upon but his own strong arms and an
unflinching courage. He is now a flourishing business man on the high road
to prosperity.
He was born in Germany, February 6, 1861, a son of John and Margaret
(Hansen) ^lartins both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to
America in 1865 and took up their residence at Wheatland. Clinton county,
Iowa. The mother passed away three weeks after her arrival in this country.
The father continued at Wheatland for seven years and then rented a farm near
Lost Nation in Clinton county, which he cultivated for nine years. In 1880
he removed to Crawford county, where he remained until his death in 1893.
There were four children in the family, namely: Peter ]., a farmer now living
retired at West Side; Anna, the wife of Claus Benning, of Clinton county,
Iowa; Henry, living at Council Bluffs; and II. C, our subject.
Arriving in America with his parents at four years of age, Mr. Martins of
this review continued witli his father until fifteen years of age and early be-
came acquainted with the various details pertaining to agriculture and stock-
raising. He had but limited advantages of education in the district school and
even as a boy began working as a farm hand, at which occupation he continued
for ten years. Being attracted to mercantile pursuits, he entered the hardware
business at West Side and is now senior member of the firm of Evers & Martins,
dealers in hardware, furniture and implements, and also engaged in the under-
taking business. Mr. Martins owns the building in which the store is located
and a comfortable residence in West Side and is also interested in a lumberyard
at this place. He has good natural ability, discernment and practical experience
with men and affairs, so that he is well qualified for the position he occupies as
a capable and progressive business man.
On the I2th of December, 1885, Mr. Martins was united in marriage to Miss
Margaret Jahn, who was born in Germany in 1868, a daughter of J. F. and
Kathrina Jahn. Her parents came to this country and both are now deceased.
Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martins, namely : Jessie, who
graduated from the West Side high school and also took a course in college;
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 199
Elmer J., also a graduate of the high school and of Boyles' Business College, of
Omaha ; Cora, now a student in the high school ; and Grace, still in the graded
school.
Mr. Martins and his wife are both consistent members of the German Luth-
eran church and have many warm personal friends in that organization. Po-
litically he affiliates with the republican party, believing that its principles are best
adapted to enhance the permanent interests of the country, and although he has
never been an aspirant for public office he has served with marked ability for
twenty-one years as a member of the village council. He has a genial disposi-
tion and readily makes friends wherever he is known. He is also industrious,
enterprising and quick to take advantage of circumstances leading to success.
A man of genuine worth, he is recognized as a substantial citizen who would
reflect credit upon any community.
EDWARD E. CLAUSON.
Prominent among the business men of Kiron and vicinity is Edward E.
Clauson, a member of the firm of Clauson Brothers, for the last eight or nine
years a flourishing concern of Crawford county. He was born in this county,
February 8, 1871, a son of C. F. and Katherine (Johnson) Clauson, both na-
tives of Sweden. They came to America in 1865 and located on a farm in
Stockholm township, which became the family homestead. The mother passed
away about 1890, but the father is now living at his old home and has arrived
at the age of seventy years. Fourteen children were born to them, five of whom
still survive, namely: Alfred J., WilHam C, Edward E., Otto E. and Eda C,
now Mrs. Edward Anderson. All reside in Crawford county.
Edward E. Clauson was reared under the protecting influence of a good
home and received his early education in the district schools. He assisted his
father in farm work until twenty years of age and then, being attracted to mer-
cantile pursuits, entered the employ of N. L. Hunts, the owner of a general
store at Deloit, where he continued for four years, also filling the position of
assistant postmaster. He next came to Old Kiron and clerked in a store for
two years, also filling the position of postmaster in this town about ten years.
In 1902 he moved to new Kiron and has since been engaged in the furniture
and undertaking business under the title of Clauson Brothers and has served
for six years as postmaster. He is a man who possesses a variety of talents
and as an auctioneer he has gained an enviable reputation in this section. He
is thoroughly wide-awake and energetic, and as he has the confidence of the
community his efforts are yielding handsome returns.
In February, 1901, Mr. Clauson was united in marriage to Miss x\nna Lund-
berg, who was born in Sac county, Iowa, a daughter of Axtel and Matilda Lund-
berg, both of whom are natives of Sweden. They came to America in the '60s
and located in Sac county, where they now reside. There were nine children
in their family, all of whom are still living. Four children came to bless the
200 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
union of Mr. antl Mrs. Clauson. namely: Raymond B., Bernice O., Xevvell F.
and Ralph C.
Mr. and Mrs. Clauson are both earnest members of the Free Mission churchy
in wliich he takes an active interest and served for eleven years as superintendent
of the Sunday school, being now treasurer of the same organization. Politically
he gives his support to the republican party, and although he has not urged
claims for office, he was the first treasurer of Kiron. The excellent business
ability of Mr. Clauson is exemplified in the prosperity of the firm with which
he is connected, and his reliability is beyond question. His life has been char-
acterized by principles of industry and justice which are recognized the world
over as of enduring worth.
GUSTAV RARE.
The owner of four farms, one of them consisting of five hundred and sev-
enty acres of well improved land in Crawford county and the head of a family
of eighteen children now living. Gustav Rabe may be justly regarded as a re-
markable man. He has won his way to fortune assisted by his estimable wife,
who has indeed been to him a true companion and to her children a wise and
loving mother. Mr. Rabe was born at Yor, Pommern, Germany, June i, 1850,
a son of Johann and Mary Rabe. The parents were also natives of Germany
and the mother died in the old country in 1857. In 1882 the father came to
America and spent the remainder of his days with his son Gustav. There were
five children in the family, two of whom are now living: Frederick, of South
Dakota ; and Gustav. of this review.
Gustav Rabe received his education in his native land and in 1869. being
then nineteen years of age, he came to America and began work in a lumberyard
in Chicago. He started at the bottom of the ladder but applied himself with
such diligence to his work that he was promoted to various positions, becoming
foreman and salesman in the yard. He continued with his employers for ten
years, in the meantime, however, preparing to start in business independently.
In 1879 he came to Crawford county, Iowa, and took up his home on one hun-
dred and ten acres of land in Morgan township, which he had bought four years
previously. He has ever since continued on this place and has conducted his
affairs with such ability and clear judgment that he now owns eleven hundred
and seventy acres of land, which is divided into four farms. The homestead
consists of five hundred and seventy acres and is very highly improved. He has
four hundred acres in Monona county. Iowa, and two hundred acres of good
land in Knox county, Nebraska. He is a large raiser of grain and also an ex-
tensive feeder of cattle and hogs. In addition to his agricultural interests he
is a stockholder and vice president of the German Savings Bank of Ricketts,
Iowa.
In 1875 Mr. Rabe was united in marriage to Miss Frederica Fischer, who
was born in Germany, May 2. 1859, a daughter of Johan and Sophia Fischer.
Her parents were both natives of Germany. They came to America in 1869
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 201
and took up their residence in Chicago, Illinois. The father died four years,
later. In 1879 the mother came to Crawford county and made her home with
Mr. and Mrs. Rabe during the remainder of her life. There were two children
in her family: Frederica, and John, who is engaged in farming in Hanover
township, Crawford county.
Nineteen children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Rabe, all of whom sur-
vive except the youngest, Sophia, who died in infancy. Those now living are:
Gustave J., born December i, 1876, who is married and occupies a part of his
father's farm; Martha, born August 3, 1878, and is the wife of Fred Gierstorf,
a farmer of Crawford county; Louisa, who was born October 2, 1880, and mar-
ried Henry L. IMueller, proprietor of a barber shop in Chicago ; John B., born
March 3, 1882; Caroline, born October 18, 1883; William, born July 11, 1885;
Bertha, born October 11, 1886, who lives with her sister in Chicago and is en-
gaged in dressmaking; Anna, born August 19, 1888; Emma, born January 29,
1890, who has a high-school education, passing as the best penman in Crawford
county; Albert, born May 11, 1891 ; Bernhard, born January 21, 1893; Freda,
born December 24, 1894; Matilda, born April 28, 1896; Walter and Paulina,
twins, born February 18, 1898; Gertrude, born September 24, 1901 ; Henry,
born December 7, 1903 ; and Theodore, born November 26, 1905. Thirteen of
the children are still living at home. The parents have given their children good
opportunities of education and training. They have been reared to systematic
habits of industry and all who have arrived at the age of discretion have shown
themselves to be useful and honorable members of society. It is doul^tful whether
a similar record of such a large family can be presented in Iowa or any other
state of the Union.
Mr. Rabe and his family are sincere believers in the Bible and all are identi-
fied with the German Lutheran church. Politically he is in thorough sympathy
with the republican party and he has found time to serve as member of the
school board and also for six years as township clerk. The success he has at-
tained has been due to untiring diligence and a capacity in management not
possessed by ordinary men. He has set a worthy example to his children and
in all relations with his fellowmen has ever attempted to perform his duty. It
would be difficult indeed to find a more capable or patriotic citizen in Crawford
county than the gentleman whose name stands at the head of this sketch.
PETER JOHANNSEN.
Peter Johannsen, who by his early industry has earned the privilege of re-
tiring from the active labors of life, was born November 24, 1848, a son of
Peter and Christine (Walter) Johannsen who were natives of Germany, in
which country all their children were born, six in number, of whom but three
now survive, namely : Alary, the wife of Henry Boyse, living in Hanover town-
ship. Crawford county ; Peter, of this review ; and Hans, who resides in Deni-
son. The parents spent their entire lives in the fatherland, the father dying
202 TIT STORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
when about seventy-six years old, and the mother passing away at about the
same age.
Peter Johannsen of this review emigrated to the United States April ir,
1868, first locating in Chicago, where he worked in a lumberyard for a short
period and then went to Lyons, Iowa, and was employed on a farm for two
years. He subsequently moved to Clinton, Iowa, and worked in a sawmill until
1877. In that year he came to Crawford county and purchased eighty acres of
prairie land, which he broke and cultivated and to which he added from time
to time until his possessions now aggregate one thousand acres. Here he con-
tinued the pursuit of agriculture until he had acquired a comfortable compe-
tence, when he rented the property to his sons and retired to enjoy a well earned
rest, and at present is residing in his beautiful home in Schleswig, Iowa.
In 1871 Mr. Johannsen was united in marriage to Gyde, the only daughter
of Xise and Christina (Hansen) Hansen, and to them ten children have been
born, of whom the following are living: Peter and John, who operate the home-
stead in Crawford county; Hans who lives in Ida county; Christina, who be-
came the wife of Charles Tamm and makes her home in Crawford county ;
Mary, the wife of Edward Tamm, of this county; and Annie, who married Carl
Loose and resides in Crawford county. The two first born and William and
Clara, all died in infancy.
Mr. Johannsen has always given his loyal support to the democratic party
and during his residence in Crawford has held several township offices. In his
religious views he has ever been a consistent I^utheran. Possessing the sterling
characteristics of the German race, he early developed all the attributes that
make the successful man and has also gained an honored name in the land of
his adoption, being regarded as one of the public-spirited and worthy citizens
of Crawford county.
JAMES ROLLINS.
James Rollins a well known farmer and stockman of East Boyer township,
is the owner of three hundred and sixty-three acres of rich and productive land.
His birth occurred near Belfast, Ireland, on the 13th of July, 1834. his parents
being William and Jane (White) Rollins, who spent their entire lives on the
Emerald isle. The father, a farmer by occupation, was an elder in the Presby-
terian church. Our subject is the only surviving member of a family of five
children, the others being William G., Martha, John and Robert.
James Rollins was reared on the home farm and attended the public schools
until twenty years of age. In 1854 he came to the United States on a sailing
vessel and took up his abode near Pontiac, Illinois, where he was engaged in gen-
eral agricultural pursuits until 1862. In that year he enlisted for service in the
Union army, joining Company M, First Illinois Light Artillery, and remaining
with that command until honorably discharged at Chicago on the 24th of July,
1865. As a private he participated in the following engagements: Green River
Bridge. Columbia. Campbellsville, Muldraugh's Hill, Lebanon. Franklin, Triune.
C
K
o
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 205
Chattanooga, Ringgold, Pea Pine Creek, Chickamauga, Ringgold Gap, Stone
Ridge, Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge, Strawberry Plains, Loudon, Tiger
Creek, Rockyface Ridge, Rockyface Gap, Resaca, Etowah River, Barrett's Mills,
Euhalle River, Widow Jackson's, Coosa River, Adairsville, Kingston, New Hope
Church, Pumpkin Vine Creek, Dallas, Ackworth, Lost Mountain, Pine Mountain,
Big Shanty, Kenesaw Mountain, Marietta, Chattahoochee River, Buckhead,
Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta (the battles of July 22d, July 28th and also the siege
of that city), Stone Mountain, Jonesboro and Lovejoy. After the last named
skirmish Mr. Rollins did garrison duty until discharged. At Chickamauga his
horse was shot from under him in the midst of battle but he always fortunately
escaped injury and was never in a hospital during the entire period of his enlist-
ment. He was under fire for one hundred and seventy-eight days and traveled
three thousand one hundred and two miles. When hostilities had ceased he came
to Denison, Iowa, in August, 1865, and subsequently purchased his present farm
of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 17 and 18, East Boyer township.
The following year he began making improvements, first erecting a frame house,
sixteen by twenty-two feet, which he later replaced by a fine residence which
is still standing. He now owns three hundred and sixty-three acres of valuable
land and in connection with the tilling of the soil devotes considerable attention
to stock, breeding polled Durham cattle, Poland China hogs and also raising fine
horses. In addition to his agricultural interests he acted as agent for the Kiron
Insurance Company for four or five years. He is likewise interested in real
estate at Denison and has long been numbered among the prosperous and
representative citizens of Crawford county.
On the 7th of October, 1869, Mr. Rollins was united in marriage to Miss
Emma Coleman, a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a daughter of Spencer and
Elizabeth (Crocker) Coleman. The father was likewise born in the Buckeye
state, while the mother's birth occurred in Germany. Spencer Coleman, who was
a shoemaker by trade, came to Iowa about 1870, locating near Cedar Rapids,
where he turned his attention to general agricultural pursuits. Subsequently he
purchased a farm in Missouri, making his home in that state until called to his
final rest in 1895. He was twice married, his first wife passing away when
their only child, Emma, was but two years of age. For his second wife he chose
Miss Malinda Carnes, by whom he had three children, as follows : Sarah, the
wife of Wallace Carnes, of Missouri; Arthur, who is deceased; and Nettie, the
wife of Alvin Colliss Senter, of Greene county, Iowa. Mrs. Malinda Coleman,
the mother of the above children, died in 1897. Unto our subject and his wife
have been born eight children, namely : William C, who wedded Theresa Nyers,
of Denison, Iowa, by whom he has one child, Lucille ; one who died in infancy ;
Frank S., a cement contractor of Denison, Iowa ; Jennie, at home ; John, en-
gaged in the real-estate business at Denison, who married Miss Susie McCutch-
eon, by whom he has two children, Leslie and Irene ; Lizzie, the wife of William
Robertson, a railroad man of Des Moines, by whom she has one child, James ;
James A., who wedded Kate Davis and is now a widower with two children,
Ruby and Ruth; and Robert E., still at home.
Mr. Rollins is a republican in politics and has been called to fill a number of
local offices. He has served in the capacity of township trustee, was also town-
Vol. II— 11
206 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ship clerk for two terms and acted as a school director for nine years. His
religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, to
which his wife and children belong. He still maintains pleasant relations with
his old army comrades through his membership in John A. Logan Post, G. A. R.,
and in days of peace has ever been as loyal to the interests of his adopted coun-
try as when he followed the old flag upon southern battlefields. He has now
passed the seventy-sixth milestone on life's journey and receives the respect which
should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pil-
grimage and whose career has been at all times upright and honorable.
CARL HARTWIG.
Some men are born with a capacity that makes it comparatively easy for
them to accomplish what to others would appear almost impossible. They pos-
sess an ambition that urges them forward to greater effort from year to year
and they have a self-confidence not known to many of their fellows. Carl
Hartwig, whose name stands at the head of this sketch, was endowed with un-
usual business talents and beginning empty-handed in a strange country he won
a fortune. He is now living retired at Denison and is one of the highly re^
spected citizens of Crawford county.
He was born in Hanover, Germany, December 7, 1846, a son of Frederick
and Dora Hartwig, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was
a farmer and also conducted a grocery store in Hanover. He and his wife both
lived to be sixty years old and were faithful members of the Lutheran church
In their family were nine children, namely : Ernst, deceased ; Marie, the widow
of Henry Bierman, of Denison; Frederick, now living in Germany; Louise and
Henry, deceased ; Carl, of this review ; Herman, now living at Kendall, New
York; George, of Rockville, Connecticut; and Anna, widow of William Eigen-
drauch, of Germany.
Carl Hartwig was reared and educated in the village of Hemsen, Hanover,
Germany, and after laying his books aside learned the watchmaker!s trade, which
later he found his health would not permit him to follow. In 1868. being then
twenty-two years of age and desirous of securing the best advantages to be
found anywhere in the world, he emigrated to America and began his contest
with fortune as a farm laborer in Niagara county, New York. After several
years he returned to his old home to visit his mother and other members of the
family, and then in 1873 once more set his face westward, coming to Crawford
county, Iowa. After renting land in Goodrich township for five years, he pur-
chased one hundred and sixty acres, and as time passed he increased his pos-
sessions until he now owns eight hundrcrj and eighty acres of good Crawford
county land, which he has improved and made very valuable. In 1898 he re-
moved to a beautiful home which he erected in Denison, and he has since made
his residence in this city.
On the 28th of February, 1875, ^^^- Hartwig was united in marriage to
Miss Sophia Busche, who was born in Anderton, Hanover, Germany, December
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 207
i8, 1853. She is one of a family of six children, as follows: Sophia, Louisa,
Katharina, Henry, Ernst, and Marie. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Hartwig, namely: Herman, Carl, Otto and Frederick, all of whom are de-
ceased; Henry, who married Linda Knapp and is now living at home; and
Lena, also living at home. Herman married Martha Schug and left one daugh-
ter, Florence.
Mr. Hartwig owes his gratifying success to an unconquerable spirit which
never yielded to disappointment, and he became one of the prosperous and pro-
gressive farmers and stock-raisers of the county. He is a man who inspires
respect and who possesses the good-will of all with whom he comes into con-
tact. He and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church. Politically
he gives his support to the republican party. He served as school director for
a number of years and is now a member of the board of directors of the Ger-
man school at Denison.
w. B. McDonald.
. The adversities of life are vv'hat develop the potential qualities in a man's
character, and that W. B. McDonald has met and overcome the obstacles that
beset his path during his early career demonstrates the fact that he possesses
those elements that make for success. Born in Cattaraugus county. New York,
March 6, i860, he is a son of John and Mary Elizabeth (West) McDonald. The
father died when the subject of this review was quite young and the record of
his birth has been lost. There were three children in the family, of whom two
survive: W. B., and Euphemia, who became the wife of E. E. Newkirk and
lives in Kenwood, Iowa.
When but six years old W. B. McDonald left New York state and went to
Richland county, Wisconsin, where he remained until 1869, and in that year
came to Iowa, locating in Cedar county, where he sought such education as was
afforded in the public schools near Stanwood. In the fall of 1879 he removed
to a farm near Glidden, Carroll county, and remained there for three or four
years. He then came to Crawford county and lived in Boyer township for two
years, at the expiration of which time he took up his residence in Union town-
ship and has since continued to make that his home. In 1906 he purchased a
tract of improved land on sections 32 and 33 from Reuben Vore, who had
moved on it in the early '50s, and a year later Mr. McDonald took possession
of his property, to which he has gradually made additions until now he owns
two hundred and eighty acres of the best farming land in Iowa and here fol-
lows general farming, besides handling blooded stock.
The marriage of Mr. McDonald took place March 20, 1886. when he was
united to Miss Sarah Ellen Langley, who was born in Coshocton county, Ohio,
a daughter of G. W. and Nancy J. (Gearheart) Langley. both natives of Ohio.
Her father was a carpenter by trade and moved west when she was a young
girl, locating in Story county, Iowa. In 1880 he came to Crawford county, re-
sided for some time in Dunlap and subsequently bought a farm in Boyer town-
208 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ship. Both lie and his wife are still living and make their home in Dow City.
Unto them seven children were horn, namely: Margaret Elizabeth, who is the
wife of Charles Rasniussen and lives in Ainsworth, Nebraska; Walter and Jay,
also of Ainsworth, Nebraska; Sarah Ellen; Clement, of Enders Lake, Nebraska;
Ethel, who is the wife of Frank Bennall, residing in Union township; and Bes-
sie, who married George Bennall and makes their home in Dow City.
x\Irs. McDonald's elementary education was obtained in the public schools
of Story county and Dunlap, supplemented by a course in a high school, and by
the knowledge thus acquired she was enabled to become a teacher, which voca-
tion she followed for three years, one term of which was spent in Boyer town-
ship and the remainder of the time in Willow township. Air. and Mrs. Mc-
Donald are the parents of three children: Nellie, who is the wife of Fred Wiley
and resides in Union township ; Ward and Carl Frederick, who are at home.
Mr. McDonald's political allegiance is given to the democratic party and
fraternally he is a member of the Yeoman, of Dow City. His wife holds mem-
bership in the Methodist Episcopal church. His record goes to show what may
be accomplished by one who starts out in the world empty-handed if he has the
determination and energy to apply to a high purpose.
RAYMOND E. VAUGHAN.
Although he has been at the head of the newspaper less than two years,
Raymond E. X'aughan has made an admirable impression on the readers of the
Schleswig Leader, and gives promise of attaining marked success in the field of
journalism. He w-as thoroughly prepared for such a responsibility, and as he
is greatly interested in his work, it is hardly possible that his hopes will be dis-
appointed.
A native of Jasper, Minnesota, he was born January 20, 1890, a son of L. M.
and Anna (York) X'aughan. The father was born in Ohio and the mother in
Grant county, Wisconsin. They were married in Wisconsin and the mother is
now deceased, having passed away August 26, 1906. After his marriage L. M.
Vaughan bought a farm in South Dakota, where he lived w-ith his family for
ten years, and then removed to Jasper, Minnesota, and conducted a livery estab-
lishment in that place for ten years. After selling out he operated an elevator
for several years and now owns a farm of three hundred and fifty acres, prin-
cipally pasture land, in the valley of the Wisconsin river, in Wisconsin. He
devotes his attention principally to raising Ilolstein cattle and has attained an
enviable reputation on account of the excellent judgment he has displayed in
the management of this business. Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
L. M. \'aughan, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: Harry L., of
Walertown, South Dakota; Laura, who died at the age of fourteen; and Ray-
mond E., of this review.
Raymond E. \'aughan received his preliminary education in the public
schools and for two years was a student at high school. At fourteen years of
age he entered the employ of the Rock Island Railway Company, with which
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 209
he continued for one year. Being attracted to the newspaper business, he began
work in a printing office at Jasper, Minnesota, and later went to Wauzeka, Wis-
consin, devoting four years to learning the printer's trade and gaining an insight
into the details of newspaper management. In August, 1909, being then nine-
teen years of age and ambitious to make an honorable name for himself, he
came to Schleswig and purchased the Schleswig Leader, of which he has since
been editor and proprietor.
Politically Mr. Vaughan is not affiliated with any of the great party organ-
izations, preferring to be independent and at liberty to exercise a perfectly free
judgment in all matters pertaining to the public welfare. In religious faith he
is a firm believer in the principles of Christianity and is a consistent member of
the Presbyterian church. His circle of friends is steadily increasing, and it
would be difficult to find a young man in Crawford county who is starting in
business life under more favorable conditions than the subject of this review.
JOHN N. DUFF.
A prosperous and enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Denison town-
ship, Crawford county, Iowa, John N. Duff was born in Kane county, Illinois,
December 17, i860, a son of John and Sarah (Grey) Duff. The father was a
native of Scotland, born in the Highlands, and came to the United States in
1840, locating in Kane county, Illinois, where he resided until his death in 1892.
As a youth he was a sheep herder and followed the vocation of farming all his
life. He was an intellectual man, very fond of reading and was well posted on
all the current topics of the day. In politics he was a republican but notwith-
standing this fact was a great admirer of President Cleveland. His wife was
born in New York state and died in Kane county, Illinois. The final resting
place of both parents is in Buena Vista cemetery. To them six children were
born, as follows : Anna Eliza, the wife of W. C. Pollock, a resident of Denison
township ; Robert, who died when eight years old ; Ellen, who lives with her
brothers and sisters ; Harriet, the wife of John H. Hall, of Shelby county,
Iowa; John N., the subject of this sketch; and Lillie Jane, the wife of Lewis
Lenze, of Kane county, Illinois.
John N. Duff obtained his education in the public schools of Kane county,
where he remained with his parents until eighteen years of age, coming at that
time to Crawford county and locating on a quarter section of land in Paradise
township, which had been previously purchased by his father. Here he lived
for six years, after which he rented land for five years in the same township,
and then bought eighty acres in Washington township, continuing his residence
there for fourteen years. In 1907 he removed to Denison township, where he
has since lived, and is now the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of well
improved land, on which he raises stock in connection with farming.
Mr. Duff was married December 13, 1886, to Miss Frances Elizabeth Black-
man, who was born in Kane county, Illinois, a daughter of Jerome and Celia
(Harper) Blackman. Her father is deceased and Mrs. Blackman makes her
210 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
home in Denison. To Mr. and Mrs. Duff have been born three children: Rosa
Ella, who died in 1909. at the age of eighteen; John X., Jr., thirteen years old;
and William Edward, deceased. In his political views Mr. Duff adheres to the
republican party. While not affiliated with any special church, both Mr. and
Mrs. Duff conduct their lives on sound religious principles.
WINFIELD SCOTT MOORE.
An experience of twenty years at the bar has demonstrated the ability of
Winfield Scott Moore, of Manilla, as an attorney of more than ordinary pene-
tration and judgment and also as a man of unsullied character whose aim is to
be guided by truth and justice. He is a native of Springfield, Missouri, born
February 4, 1866, and traces his ancestry back to John Moore, a native of Ire-
land, who came to the new world in colonial days and settled in \^irginia. He
was in General Washington's regiment at Fort Duquesne and engaged in battle
with the French and Indians when General Braddock was killed. His son, Wil-
liam Moore, was born in Augusta county, Virginia, in 1735, and became a mem-
ber of the \^irginia Militia, being with General Forbes in his campaign in 1758.
He was a member of Colonel William Campbell's regiment in the Revolutionary
war and engaged in the battle of King's Mountain. His son, William Moore.
Jr., was born in Berkeley county, West Virginia, in 1759, and also participated
in the Revolutionary war under Colonel John Sevier, commanding a Tennessee
regiment. He also took part in the battle of King's Mountain.
Nathaniel Davis Moore, a son of William Moore, Jr., and the grandfather
of our subject, was born in Greenville, Tennessee, October 10, 1790, and as a
soldier served in Captain Dyke's company of Tennessee men under General
Jackson at the battle of New Orleans in the war of 1812 and also at the noted
engagement of Horseshoe Bend in Alabama. By occupation he w^as a farmer.
He was one of a family of eight children, having three brothers and four sis-
ters. He married Margaret Dyke, a native of X'irginia, and they lived to the
ages of seventy-seven and eighty-four years, respectively. In their family were
also eight children, namely: Henry D.. Nathaniel B., William, Christina, Pene-
lope, Catharine, Louisa and Margaret.
William Moore, the father of our subject, was lx)rn in Monroe county, Ten-
nessee, in 1830, and also made farming his life occupation. In 185 1 he removed
to Missouri and located near Springfield, but is now a resident of that city,
having reached the ripe old age of eighty-one years-. He was twice married, his
first wife being Susan Christian, by whom he had three children: James I., now
a resident of Pinehurst, Idaho; Lucinda J., the wife of W. W. Wheeler, of
Springfield, Missouri; and Simeon C. also of Springfield. For his second wife
the father married Mrs. Ruth Ann (Graham) Price, also a native of Tennessee,
and the widow of John Price, by whom she had one son, Martin L. She de-
parted this life January 7, 1897, at the age of fifty-eight years, ten months and
three days. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, as is also
Mr. Moore. He was a stanch Union man during the Civil war and served for
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 211
fifteen months in the Federal army, being a member of Company H, ^Missouri
State Mihtia Cavalry. By his second marriage he had four children, namely :
Winfield Scott, of this review; Nathaniel D., of Springfield, Missouri; Susie
M., wife of Rankin C. Stokes, of Carson, Iowa; and Rev. William G., pastor
of the First Presbyterian church, of Le Mars, Iowa.
James Graham, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a farmer of
Tennessee and died at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. His wife, who
bore the maiden name of Lucinda Wilson, died at the age of sixty-eight years.
Their children were: Ruth Ann, ^Margaret L., WilHam R., Sarah L., Caroline,
Helen, James H., Richard and Josephine. James Graham was a son of Richard
Graham, who came to this country from Scotland and settled in North Carolina,
where he followed farming. He married Elizabeth ^lassey.
Winfield Scott Aloore was reared at Springfield, Missouri, and educated in
the common schools, receiving his college training in a southern Methodist school
at Morrisville, Polk county, Missouri. He early became acquainted with farm
work, laboring for one man for two years. Subsequently he taught school and
at the same time studied law, having determined to devote his attention to that
profession. He was admitted to the bar in Kansas in 1891, being then twenty-
five years of age and began practice at Springfield, Missouri. Previously he
had served as deputy county recorder of Polk county for three years, from 1887
to 1890, and from 1895 to 1897 he was clerk of the probate court at Springfield.
In April, 1899, he removed to Oklahoma City and practiced law there for one
year, then returning to Springfield. In March, 1902, he took up his residence
at Salix, Iowa, where he practiced for two years, then settling at ^Manilla and
engaging in his profession with such success that he soon became recognized as
one of the prominent members of the Crawford county bar. In addition to his
legal business he has devoted considerable attention to farming and is the owner
of three hundred and forty acres of land in ^Meagher county, Montana.
On the I2th of October, 1898, Mr. Moore was united in marriage to ]\Iiss
Fanny Bigelow, who was born in Woodbury county, Iowa, November 16, 1876,
a daughter of Ariel T. and Sarah (Beers) Bigelow. The father is a native of
Maine and is now living near Salix, having arrived at the age of seventy-one
years, his wife being sixty-six years of age. There were nine children in their
family, namely: ]\Irs. Rosa L. Gibbs ; Charles H.; Warren T. ; Belle, wife of
R. D. Markell ; George F. ; Fannie, now Mrs. Winfield Scott Moore ; Laura K.,
wife of J. E. O'Meara; Madge E., wife of M. L. Duggan ; and Nettie O.. wife
of Thayer Vincent. One daughter, Ruth, has blessed the union of Mr. and
Mrs. Moore.
Politically Mr. Moore gives his support to the republican party, and frater-
nally is identified with Golden Leaf Lodge, No. 595, A. F. & A. M., being one
of the charter members of the lodge. He also belongs to the Knights of Pythias,
the Modern Woodmen of America, Iowa Society of the Sons of the American
Revolution, and the Sons of Veterans, of Denison. He and his wife are con-
nected with the Presbyterian church and active workers in its behalf. He may
be designated as a self-made man, having won his way through many obstacles
to a position of honor which few men in any community can rightfully claim.
Possessing capable discernment and clear and convincing powers of expression,
212 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
he is a masterful advocate and a good counselor. He is a close and constant
student of law as well as of the progress of events and few men are better in-
formed as to the great movements which are influencing the world. His fidelity
to his clients is one of his strong characteristics and he possesses a force of char-
acter that gives weight to his opinions which command respect wherever he is
known.
I. N. VOLLERSEN.
The life record of I. N. Vollersen, manager of the Green Bay Lumber Yard
at Ricketts, is an admirable example of success attained by one who started
empty-handed and has gained a position of comfort and ease through his indo-
mitable energy and resourcefulness. He is a native of Germany, born at Hogel,
Schleswig-Holstein. June i8, 1865, a son of Christopher and Christina (Ing-
wersen) Vollersen. The parents passed their entire lives in Germany, the
mother dying in 1880, and the father one year later. There were eight chil-
dren in their family, of whom five came to America, namely: Mary, now the
widow of J. H. Sorgenfrei, of Duluth, Minnesota; I. N., of this review; C. P.,
of Crawford county; Ingeburg, who married Peter J. Petersen, of Chicago, Illi-
nois; and Christina, the wife of Rev., Otto Fitzler, of Mineola, Iowa. Paul H.
still lives in Germany, and Henry and Matilda are deceased.
I. N. Vollersen was educated in the public schools of Germany and when
seventeen years of age started out to seek his fortune in the new world. He
landed in America in March, 1882, and worked for three years in Davenport,
Iowa. He then farmed on rented land for two years, and in 1887 came to Craw-
ford county, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres in Soldier township, which he
cultivated for four years. Disposing of his farm, he removed to Charter Oak
and engaged in various occupations until 1898, when he was made manager of
a lumberyard, which position he still holds. He has been very successful as a
business man and now owns a third interest in a hardware and implement store
at Battle Creek, Iowa ; a third interest in two hundred and eighty acres of land
in Hand county, South Dakota; and also owns a fine home and a small farm at
Ricketts.
On the 20th of February, 1885, Mr. Vollersen was married to Miss Chris-
tina Tebbe, who was born in Scott county, Iowa, in December, 1864, a daugiiter
of Herman and Anna (Grafif) Tebbe, both of whom were born in Germany.
The parents came to America early in the '60s and in the latter part of the
Civil war Mr. Tebbe was drafted into the Union army and after his discharge
followed farming, becoming the owner of two hundred and ninety-four acres
of land in Scott county. He died in 1897, his wife passing away four years
later. There were five children in their family: Herman, who is now living on
the homestead in .Scrjtt covmty ; Hannah, the wife of John Tebbe, of Crawford
county; Emma, now Mrs. William Keuhl, of Crawford county; Clara. wIk) mar-
ried Herman Kramer, of Kansas; and Christina now Mrs. I. X. Vollersen.
Two children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Vollersen: Christopher
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 213
H., born January i, 1886, who married Freda Voss and is now manager of a
hardware and implement store at Battle Creek, Iowa; and Anna C, born Feb-
ruary 26, 1887, who is the wife of Louis E. Haag, manager of a lumberyard at
Winner, South Dakota. The children were both given excellent educational ad-
vantages, the son being a graduate of the Charter Oak high school.
Mr. Vollersen and his wife are members of the Lutheran church and politi-
cally he gives his support to the democratic party. He is identified with the
Masonic lodge, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Sons of Herman, all
of Charter Oak, and has many warm personal friends in those organizations.
He has been governed by a noble ambition to win an honorable name and a
competency for his family and he has succeeded perhaps even beyond his early
expectations. He today occupies an acknowledged position as one of the sub-
stantial citizens of Crawford county.
PETER J. KLINKER.
For eight years past Peter J. Klinker has served as county attorney of Craw-
ford county, performing his duties so acceptably as to meet with the general
commendation of his constituents. He was born in Wester Ohrsted, Germany,
January 9, 1877, a son of Hans H. and Anna M. (Michaelsen) Klinker, both
natives of Germany. The father was a farmer and fine stock-raiser, attaining
quite a reputation as a breeder, and was identified for many years with fairs
and fancy stock shows. He departed this life in 1881. Mrs. Klinker came to
America in June, 1882, and settled at Denison, where she is still living. After
her arrival in this state she married Nicolaus Schroeder, a retired farmer, who
is now deceased. There were four children by her first marriage, three of whom
are now living: Hans H., of Seattle, Washington; Margaret, the widow of
Philip Lochmiller, of Denison ; and Peter J., the subject of this review. One
daughter, Lavina M., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Schroeder. She is now a nurse
in the Masonic Home at Plattsmouth, Nebraska.
Peter J. Klinker came to America with his mother at five years of age and
secured his early education in the public schools, graduating from the Denison
high school in 1895. Having evinced a decided inclination for a Hterary or pro-
fessional career, he matriculated in the State University at Iowa City, taking
a full course of four years and graduating in 1900 with the degree of Ph. B.
A year later he graduated from the legal department of the university with the
degree of LL. B. He was at once admitted to the bar and began practice at
Denison, showing an adaptability to the profession which gave bright promise
as to the future. In the fall of 1902 he was elected on the republican ticket as
county attorney and has since been reelected to the same office every two years
and is now serving in his fifth term.
Mr. Klinker gives thorough consideration to each case as it comes forward
and stands fearlessly for what he believes to be right according to the law and
for the best interests of the people. He has proved a most capable and efficient
county attorney, possessing a readiness of resource and an adaptability to emer-
214 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
gencies which have carried hini through many difficulties. A constant student,
he lias a mind well stored with legal knowledge and as he is a clear and logical
speaker, he never fails to gain an attentive and respectful hearing. He ranks
today as one of the most promising attorneys of Crawford county. Endowed
with genial social qualities, he can claim a host of friends throughout a wide sec-
tion in this part of the state. His religious belief is that of the Lutheran church.
He is a prominent worker in fraternal orders, being identified with Sylvan Lodge,
No. 507, A. F. & A. M., of Iowa City ; Chapter Xo. 2, R. A. M. ; Palestine
Commandery Xo. 2, K. T. ; and Za-ga-zig Temple. A. A. O. X. AI. S. He is
also connected with the Order of the Eastern Star, Dowdall Lodge, Xo. 90,
K. P., and Ute Tribe, Xo. 92, I. O. R. M.
HEXRY HAGGE.
Although he has passed the. proverbial age limit of three-score-and-ten, time
seems to have but mellowed the years that have passed over the head of Henry
Hagge, who today is reaping the harvest of his early endeavors, and he now
lives retired from the activities of life in his comfortable residence in West
Side. Crawford county. Born October 2. 1838, in Germany, he is a son of
John and Christina (Rohw-er) Hagge, and is the only remaining child in a fam-
ily of five, the following being deceased : Jurgen, Claus, Dora and John. The
last named died in 1872. Both the parents spent their entire lives in Germany
and there passed away.
Henry Hagge emigrated to the United States in 1864, locating near Daven-
port, Iowa, and as w-as customary in those primitive days, broke the prairie
land by the aid of oxen and continued to follow farming in that locality for the
ensuing four years. He then came to Crawford county and bought one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land, which he also broke in the same primitive way, and
to this property, as time went on, he added other lands until at the present time
he owns three hundred and forty acres. Aside from this he purchased two hun-
dred and forty acres, which he gave to his son. He gave his entire attention
to farming on a broad scale and to the raising of live stock, being very careful
to see that the latter was of the finest breed. After nearly forty years spent
in tilling the soil, such was his industry and business sagacity that, in 1904. he
was enabled to retire from his hard labor and in the spring of that year took up
his residence in West Side and has since made that his home.
On March 10, 1868, Mr. Hagge was united in marriage to Miss Sophia
Magdalena Grage, a daughter of Chris and Sophia Grage, whose other two chil-
dren were Claus and Jurgen. Mr. and Mrs. Hagge became the parents of nine
children, of whom the following eight survive: John, of West Side; Stena, who
married John Strattman, of Crawford county; Anne, who is the wife of John
F. Sheldorf, of Crawford county; Amilia. the wife of Henry Ort. of Manning.
Iowa; Emma, who married Henry Frahm. of Carroll county; Henr\^ and Julius,
who reside in Crawford county; and Dora, who is the wife of Henrv Frahm. of
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 215
Crawford county. Mrs. Hagge, who was a consistent member of the Lutheran
church, passed away on the ist of July, 1909.
Mr. Hagge has ever taken an active interest in the political affairs of his
community, giving his support to the democratic party, and at various times has
held minor township offices. In religion he is a consistent member of the Luth-
eran church. Through the long period of his life work Mr. Hagge has always
relied upon his own efforts and independently worked his way to the pinnacle
of success. He has a wide circle of friends who enjoy the hospitality of his
•charming home.
J. H. TRYON.
The building interests of Manilla have been most ably represented in the per-
son of J. H. Tryon, who has been engaged in contracting for nearly thirty
years. He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, on the 13th of August, 1852, and
is a son of Noah J. Elizabeth Jane (Smith) Tryon. The father was born on
-old General Harrison's farm in either Miami county, Indiana, or just across
the line in Ohio, continuing to live there until about 1847, when he accompanied
his parents on their removal to Vigo county, Indiana. After residing in the lat-
ter place about twenty years he went to Missouri, locating at Neosho, where
he lived, for six years, and then returned to Terre Haute, in which city he passed
away in 1873. -^^ was also a contractor and builder and a mechanic of more
than average skill. His maternal grandfather Gardner was of English extrac-
tion but a native of New York, in which state he learned shipbuilding, being
identified with that trade in New York City for a time, following which he mi-
grated west. He first located in eastern Indiana, where he accepted a position as
overseer on the estate of General Harrison, but later he removed to Terre Haute,
buying a farm, in the cultivation of which he engaged until he passed away
about 1869. Noah J. Tryon was twice drafted into the Union army but the first
time he failed to pass the examination, and the second he was compelled to hire
a substitute. He met Miss Smith, who subsequently became his wife, in \^igo
•county, Indiana, in which county they were married. She was a native of Mer-
cer county, Kentucky, as was also her father, John Wesley Smith, who for many
jears was an overseer for Colonel Thompson, a large slaveholder in Virginia.
Mrs. Tryon passed away in 1894 and was buried in Defiance, Iowa, the father,
however, was interred in Vigo county, Indiana. They were the parents of ten
â– children, only three of whom are now living: J. H., who is our subject; and
Amanda, John Wesley, William, and Cynthia Ellen, all four of whom are de-
ceased; Albert Riley, living in the vicinity of Defiance, Iowa; and Agnes and
Mahlon B., both deceased ; Katherine, the wife of John Alman Dunham, of Los
Angeles, California; and Noah J., also deceased.
J. H. Tryon remained at home until he had attained his twenty-third year,
acquiring his education in the public schools of Vigo county, Indiana, following
the completion of which he engaged in work with his father until he had mas-
.tered his trade. He removed to Shelby county, Iowa, in 1879, locating upon a
216 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
farm on the present site of the town of Defiance. Ahhough he was engaged
in agricuhural pursuits he devoted the greater part of his energies to the car-
penter's trade during the first year of his residence there, later undertaking con-
tracting as well. I'Vom there he removed to Manilla, erecting the first residence
in the town which was for a Mr. Fuller, and there he has ever since continued
to make his home, lie has built a large portion of the town, in addition to the
large number of residences and buildings he has constructed outside of the city
limits. Buildings within a radius of fifty miles, whether of brick, stone, cement
or frame have been erected by him. lie has been most successful in his work
and is regarded as one of the substantial citizens of the town. Mr. Tryon has
acquired quite extensive real-estate interests, and in addition to his home and
other residences in Manilla owns one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mc-
Lean county, North Dakota and some property in Los Angeles, California.
While residing in Vigo county, Indiana, Mr. Tryon was united in marriage
to Miss Elizabeth Jane Smith, a native of that county, and they have become
the parents of the following: Claude Orval, who is associated with his father
in contracting and building, married Miss Hazel May DeWitt in 1908, and they
have one child. Merle. Rula A. and Charley A., who is a piano tuner, are both
at home. Bertha Ethel, who is the wife of G. J. Disburg, a railway operator
of Manilla, has two children : Georgia Elizabeth and Gilbert James. Five ciiil-
dren were born unto Mr. and Mrs, Tryon but the eldest died in infancy.
The family attend the Methodist and Presbyterian churches though the parents
are members of Christian church of Defiance. Fraternally Mr. Tryon is
affiliated with the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He is quite prominent in the latter organization, being one of the charter mem-
bers of the Manilla lodge, which is now twenty-six years old and in which he
has passed all of the chairs. Mr. Tryon is well and favorably known through-
out the community in which he has been engaged in business for so many years,
and where he has made many friends. Hs is a man of unusual skill and ver-
satility and has exhibited considerable ability as an architect, always having
executed the designs for all of his work.
CHRIST ERNST.
For nearly a third of a century Christ Ernst has been prominently identified
with the agricultural interests of Crawford county and has contributed much
of his time and energy to the development of the farming lands in the vicinity of
SchleswMg. He was born in Hanover, Germany, December 11. 1847, a son of
Jurgen and Maggie (Wadamaear) Ernst, both of whom were also natives of
Germany. Their family consisted of six children, four of whom are now liv-
ing, namely: Christ, of this review; Peter, a resident of Schlesvvig; Anna, who
lives in Crawford county ; and Henry, of Ida county. Henry and Frederick
are deceased. Both of the parents lived and died in the land of their birth.
At the age of twenty years Christ Ernst emigrated to the United States
and on August 18, 1868, took up his residence in Davenport, Iowa. In 1870
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 217
he commenced running a thresher, and, renting three acres of land, turned his
attention to the raising of onions, being thus engaged until 1874, when he rented
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Scott county. In 1880 he came to Craw-
ford county and purchased eighty acres. By thrift and industry, he has
been enabled to gradually add to his property until his holdings now amount
to eight hundred and sixty-five acres of well cultivated land, whereon he fol-
lowed general farming and stock-raising. In 1907 he bought two lots in Schles-
wig, upon which he has erected a delightful two-story house, where he at present
resides.
On January 24, 1874, Mr. Ernst was united in marriage to Doris Cortum, a
daughter of Fritz and Laura (Orsbor) Cortum, she being third in order of birth
in a family of six children, of whom four others survive, namely : Nancy, the
wife of J. D. Schambroh, of Davenport; Otto, of Cedar county; Louise, the wife
of Peter Ernst, of Schleswig; and Emma, who married William Strobrig, of
Davenport. Ernst is deceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ernst have been born seven
children, who are named as follows : Elme, who is the wife of A. Krauk, of
Lyon county, Iowa; Charles, Rudolph and Julius, who live in Crawford county;
Clara and Edna, who reside at home ; Adelia, who is deceased.
In his political preferment Mr. Ernst is a stalwart democrat but has never
sought political favors at the hands of his party. In religion he is a faithful
member of the Lutheran church. His life has been full of hard work but his
purpose was a high one and he determined to gain it if courage and untiring
energy could win it for him. How well he has succeeded is shown by the re-
sults, as he is now able to enjoy to the full the fruits of his early endeavors.
LUDWIG SCHOMBERG.
A native of a foreign land, Ludwig Schomberg in early manhood decided to
cast his lot under the stars and stripes, and today he has no reason to regret his
decision, as he has obtained home, friends and a competency. He was born in
Germany, January 12, 1865, a son of Henry and Elizabeth Schomberg, both of
whom were natives of the old country. The mother died in 1888, and five years
later the father came to America and now lives with his son Ludwig at West
Side. He has attained the venerable age of eighty-eight years. There were
three children in his family, namely : Christ, who now makes his home in Ne-
braska; Ludwig, the subject of this review; and Elizabeth, who is deceased.
Ludwig Schomberg was reared in Germany and received his preliminary
education in the public schools but has learned a great deal in the school of ex-
perience which is not set down in the books. He served for ten weeks in the
German army and still remembers some of the lessons of obedience and atten-
tion then inculcated. In 1888, being then twenty-three years of age, he crossed
the ocean to the new world and came to West Side, Crawford county, Iowa, where
he was employed at the carpenter's trade for five years. He then worked for a
similar length ofi time in the lumberyard at West Side and next turned his at-
tention to the dray business, in which he continued for five years. However, he
218 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
was again attracted to mercantile life and bought a third interest in the West
Side Lumber Company, which handles coal, lumber and all kinds of building
materials. The business has grown steadily and the firm is now one of the
flourishing concerns of West Side, its patronage extending over a wide section
of the county.
In 1892 Mr. Schomberg was united in marriage to Miss Maria Luckhardt,
who was born in Germany in 1873, a daughter of Johan Luckhardt. Mr. and Mrs.
Luckhardt came to America in 1885 and established their home in Crawford
county, Iowa. The father is now deceased but the mother is still living in this
county. Six children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schomberg,
namely: Frederick J., Hilda A., Carl C, Henry E., Ludwig W., Jr., and Alice L.
Politically, Mr. Schomberg affiliates with the repubHcan party, whose prin-
ciples he considers highly important for the perpetuity of free institutions. He
has not sought public office but he served for two years as member of the town
council, showing an interest in affairs of the town that greatly pleased his sup-
porters. He is a valued member of Setting Sun Lodge, No. 349, A. F. & A. M.,
and also of Camp No. 2991, M. W. A. He has served for ten years past as an
officer in the latter organization. He and his wife affiliate with the German
Lutheran church and are firm believers in its teachings. He owns a residence
and ten acres of land in West Side, which he acquired by his well directed labors,
thus providing for himself and family the comforts of a home. He is to be
congratulated on the good use he has made of his opportunities and the hon-
orable position he occupies in the community, of which he is a highly honored
member.
WILLIAiM EIFFERT.
Although a native of a foreign land and therefore obliged to meet with many
obstacles in effecting a foothold in America, William Eiffert never yielded to
discouragement and is now living in a beautiful home at West Side in the em-
joyment of a comfortable competency. He was born in Germany, February 26,
1854, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Gerhold) Eiffert, both of whom passed
their entire lives in the old country. There were eight children in the family,
namely: William, of this review; Carl, now living in Germany; Conrad, of
West Side; Elizabeth, the wife of Bernard Lange, of South Dakota; Gertrude,
deceased; Henry and Herman, both of West Side; and Catharina, deceased.
William Eiffert received his early education in the public schools of his
native land and remained in Germany until several years after reaching the
estate of manhood. In 1880, having decided to seek his fortune in the new
world, he crossed the ocean and came to Jackson township, Crawford county,
where he associated with his brother in purchasing two hundred and forty acres
of land. They developed the property until it largely increased in value and
then sold it and bought four hundred acres on sections 29 and 30, township 84,
range 36, Carroll county, which they still own. In 1906 our subject purchased
a home with five acres of land in West Side, where he has lived retired with
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 219
his family since 1907. As a farmer he attained a large measure of success
through good judgment and habits of industry which he acquired early in life.
On the 25th of Febrtiary, 1882, Mr. Eiffert was united in marriage to Miss
Lizzie Spangler, a daughter of Henry and Johanna (Scheinsberg) Spangler,
both of whom were born in Germany. Four children came to bless this union:
Curt, now living in South Dakota ; Martha, who is the wife of Rev. Fred Rolf,
of Rock Island, Illinois; Helen, deceased; and Herbert, who is living at home
and is attending school.
Mr. Eiffert and his brother Conrad have shown remarkable efficiency as
agriculturists and stock-raisers and are worthy of the high respect in which they
are held by their neighbors and friends. They are both men of generous spirit
and may always be depended upon to assist in forwarding any worthy move-
ment which aims to promote the permanent welfare of this region. They are
classed with the leading citizens wherever they are known. Both are identified
with the republican party and hold membership in the Evangelical church.
P. W. WEBERG.
P. W. Weberg, an extensive farmer and stock-raiser of Crawford county
who has, by his perseverance and continuous industry, accumulated sufficient
of this world's goods to render him independent for life, is a native of Sweden,
born January 13. 1854. His parents emigrated to the United States in 1867,
first locating in Boone county, Iowa, whence they removed in 1868 to Crawford
county. Here the father bought eighty acres of land, upon which he resided
for several years, and then disposed of his holdings and removed to Omaha,
Nebraska. To him and his wife were born seven children, of whom six survive,
as follows : Anna married Peter Larsen, who died in Sweden, and she is now
living in Los Angeles, California. Christina is the widow of E. W. Anderson
and resides on a farm near Kiron, Crawford county. Larson lives in Omaha,
Nebraska ; Lydia became the wife of Andrew Larson, and makes her home in
St. Louis, ^Missouri. Inez married N. A. Christinsen, formerly of Omaha but
now living in Los Angeles. P. W. completes the family. The mother departed
this life at the age of seventy-four, the father passing away two years later in
his seventy-sixth year.
The youth of P. W. Weberg was spent in assisting his father on the home
farm, continuing thus employed until he was twenty-two years old, when he
rented the place, which consisted of eighty acres, and cultivated it on his own
account for two or three years. He then bought the farm in partnership with his
sister, to whom he subsequently sold his interest. His next purchase was eighty
acres of land one mile west in Otter Creek township, which he still owns and to
which he has added five hundred and thirty-five acres, this comprising his prop-
erty in that and Stockholm townships. In April, 1906, he bought seventy-six
acres within the city limits of Denison, to which he has added one hundred and
twenty-four acres, and here he has since made his home, giving it the name of
"City View Stock Farm." Besides general farming he makes a specialty of rais-
220 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ing shorthorn cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs, in which he has met with splendid
success. During a great flood that swept this part of the country in August,
1907. he suffered considerable loss in stock, besides which about forty acres
of his hay was destroyed.
Mr. Weberg has been twice marrietl, his first wife being Miss Bertha Larson,
whose death took place in 1885. He was subsequently united in marriage to Lot-
tie, a tlaughter of N. F. and Ingred Rodine. Her mother died February 13,
1907. By his first wife, Sophia, Mr. Rodine had the following eight children :
Matilda, Caroline, John, Carl, Maud, John Abel, Maria and Charlotta, all of
whom are deceased except the first named. To Mr. and Mrs. Weberg have been
born four children, as follows : Earl DeWitt, Ralph Waldo, Percy Bryan and
Peter Carroll, who reside at home with their parents.
Politically Mr. Weberg gives his support to the democratic party and has
been active in local affairs, as is indicated by his having filled several township
offices. In his religious views he is a faithful follower of the Baptist denomi-
nation. His life has been one of great activity and his ability in business circles
has found expression in the acquirement of the valuable property which he now
owns, the cultivation of which has made him one of the substantial residents of
the community, while his worth as a man is demonstrated by the high esteem in
which he is uniformly held.
WILLIAM M. LILL.
Unusual energy and resourcefulness brought success to William M. Lill,
whose well cultivated farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section 9,
Soldier township, was convincing proof of his ability as a business man. He
was a native of Germany, whence so many of the thrifty citizens of Iowa have
come, and was born November 9, 1847, a son of August and Cardine (Prauske)
Lill. The mother died when the subject of this review was eight years of
age, and of the six children in the family one died in Germany, while the
other five came to America, namely : Ernestine, the widow of John Merring,
of Chicago ; Henrietta, now the widow of Charles Denhard, also of Chicago ;
William M., of this review; August, deceased; and Caroline, the wife of Fredd
Topp, of Chicago. The father was again married in Germany to Miss Minnie
Toorick. He came to America with his family in 1870 and died in this
countr}'. January 4, 1894, his second wife passing away in 1908.
William M. Lill pursued his education in his native land and continued
there until twenty-one years of age. In 1868 he crossed the ocean to America
and for eight years worked in Chicago at any honorable occupation that he
could find. He saved his earnings and after acquiring a moderate capital came
to Crawford county in 1876 and purchased eighty acres of land in Charter
Oak township, which he cultivated for twenty years. He then sold that farm
and bought two hundred and eighty acres on section 9, Soldier township, which
he developed until it became one of the best improved farms in the neighbor-
hood. It is provided with a comfortable residence, ample outbuildings and
>
2:;
?3
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 223
all conveniences for modern farming. Mr. Lill cultivated his land to good ad-
vantage and live-stock interests also constituted an important factor in his suc-
cess.
On the 2 1 St of December, 1873, he was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta
Wage, who was born in Germany, May 9, 1852, a daughter of Adam and Julia
Wage, who were the parents of two children ; Rose, now the widow of Carl
Miller, of Detroit, Michigan; and Henrietta, now Mrs. WilHam Lill. Nine
children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lill, five of whom are
still living: Emma, the wife of Albert Bartels, of Crawford county, Iowa;
John, also of Crawford county ; William, who lives on the family homestead ;
Otto, who also cultivates a portion of his father's farm ; and Fred, who is mar-
ried and engaged in farming in Ida county. The son Otto was married October
25, 1905, to Miss Clara Clausen, who was born in Crawford county, May 10,
1881, and they have three children: Walter, who was born July 3, 1906; Sadie,
born August 31, 1908; and Edna, born July 15, 1910.
Mr. Lill, like his family, was a firm adherent of the German Lutheran
church and politically he gave his support to the Democratic party. As a
patriotic and wide-awake citizen he took an active interest in public afifairs and
served as township trustee for eight years and as road supervisor for a similar
length of time. He was a resident of Crawford county for thirty-five years and
assisted very materially by his influence and example in advancing the general wel-
fare. He was known as industrious, enterprising and thoroughly capable and no
man in the county stood higher in the estimation of friends and acquaintances
than William M. Lill, who passed away on the nth of March, 191 1.
THOMAS W. BELL.
For almost four decades the name of Bell has been an honored and promi-
nent one in Crawford county and Thomas W. Bell, whose name introduces this
record, fully sustains the reputation that has always been borne by his father.
He was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, September 5, 1862, a son of Samuel
and Jennie (Allen) Bell, both of whom were natives of Scotland. The father
was a cloth finisher, and in 1854, believing that America ofifered better oppor-
tunities for making a livelihood, he emigrated to the new world. He first lo-
cated in Lawrence, Massachusetts, spending a number of years there and then
located near Island Pond, Vermont. He there followed farming for a time but
eventually decided to try the broader opportunities of the middle west and ac-
cordingly, in April, 1873, came to Crawford county, Iowa. At that time much
of the land was still in its wild state and the homes of the settlers were widely
scattered, there being but two houses between his home in East Boyer township
and the village of Vail. However, he began working diligently and persistently
and as the years passed, success came to him so that at the time of his death,
which occurred in May, 1892, he was the owner of five hundred and twenty
acres of valuable land in Crawford county. He was one of a family of three
sons and two daughters, but was the only member who came to the United
Vol. 11—12
224 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
States, one sister now living near Glasgow, Scotland, wliilc his two brothers
when quite young started for Australia and were never again heard from. The
mother of our subject, who was also born and reared in Scotland, gave her hand
in marriage to Samuel Bell in Lawrence, Massachusetts. She, too, has departed
this life, her death occurring in Crawford county in 1901, and both she and her
husband lie buried in the Vail cemetery. Their family numbered three sons
and three daughters, as follows: Mary, the wife of C. N. Baker, of Bridgeport,
Washington; Lizzie, the wife of George Lyon, a resident of Denison ; David,
who follows farming in East Boyer township ; Thomas W., of this review ;
Robert, a farmer of Lyman county. South Dakota; and Jennie, the wife of
George Albert, of Nevada, Missouri.
Thomas W. Bell was a lad of eleven years when he accompanied his parents
from New England to Crawford county. His education, which was begun in
the country schools of his native state, was continued in the schools of Crawford
county, and his training at farm labor was received under the direction of his
father. He remained at home until he was twenty-seven years of age and
then began farming on his own account in Hayes township, where he made
his home until 1904. He next removed to Manilla, Crawford county, and v.as
there proprietor of the hostelry known as the Bell House, for four years. He
also was engaged in the draying business for one year and followed carpentering
to some extent. After a time he returned to the home place and again engaged
in farming, now owning two hundred acres in East Boyer township, this for-
merly constituting a part of the homestead property. He likewise owns two
hundred and forty-seven acres in Hayes township and forty-two acres lying in-
side the corporation limits of Denison. He has one hundred and sixty acres in
Lyman county. South Dakota, so that his landed possessions are now quite ex-
tensive. Mr. Bell engaged in general farming and stock-raising and was for-
merly a breeder of Poland China hogs. His land is in a good state of cultiva-
tion, while the place is improved with modern and substantial buildings, and
his property is considered as valuable as any to be found in Crawford county.
In the spring of 191 1 he removed to his place in Denison, where he is now
living.
It was on the 26th of January, 1889, that Mr. Bell was united in marriage
to ]\Iiss Addie Baker, who was born in Cedar county, Iowa, a daughter of
William and Jane (Stone) Baker. The parents were born in Pennsylvania and
are of Dutch extraction. The father was taken to Indiana when but two years
of age and during his youth went to Ohio, but eventually came to Crawford
county, where he engaged in farming throughout the remaining years of his
active business career. I'oth he and his wife are still living and they now make
their home in Manilla, this county. Their family numbers six children: Henr}'.
a resident of Scranton, Iowa ; Addie, now Mrs. Bell ; Libbie, who makes her
home in Los Angeles, California; Clayton, a resident of Manilla, Iowa; Emma,
who has departed this life; and Louise, the wife of Cass Wood, residing near
Olin, Iowa. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bell has been blessed with two
sons and one daughter, all still at home; Myron; Clarence, who in June. 191 1,
was graduated from Denison College ; and Queen, who is attending school in
Denison.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 225
Mr. Bell's study of the political issues and questions of the day has led him
to give stalwart support to the republican party, yet he has never been active as
an office seeker, for his time is fully occupied with his private business affairs.
He holds membership in the Presbyterian church and is a Mason, while both
he and his wife are members of the Order of the Eastern Star at Manilla. He
has ever been alert for opportunities that will win advancement, and along this
line he pursued his way until he occupied a foremost place among the substantial
agriculturists of Crawford county.
A. P. GRAINGER.
A. P. Grainger, a substantial and prosperous farmer and a progressive and
public-spirited citizen of Paradise township, Crawford county, was born in
Kingston, Canada, on the 24th of September, 1866, a son of P. K. and Amanda
(Wemp) Grainger. The father, whose birth occurred in County Fermanagh,
Ireland, May 10, 1832, was but two years old when he crossed the Atlantic with
his parents, who took up their abode in Kingston, Canada, and there he was
reared and educated. Upon attaining his majority he taught school for fifteen
years, after which he was engaged in farming until 1881, when he came to Craw-
ford county, Iowa, locating in Paradise township, where he improved and ope-
rated a farm for some time. Later he removed to another farm in Paradise
township, which he also developed, and there he remained until his death on the
24th of June, 1908, his remains being interred in the Catholic cemetery north
of Dow City, Iowa. His wife was born at Amhurst Island, Canada, and long
survived her husband, passing away February 24, 1910. By her marriage to Mr.
Grainger she had become the mother of eight children, as follows : Mary, the
wife of Marion Cole, who is engaged in the feed business in Dow City, Iowa;
Anna, who wedded J. C. Grandy, a railroad telegraph operator of Warsaw, In-
diana ; Lucretia, deceased; A. P., of this review; James Allen, who is associated
with our subject in farming; Edward F., an agriculturist of Paradise township;
Charles, engaged in farming in Nebraska ; and Rachel, the widow of John Gary,
who makes her home at Denison, Iowa.
Reared amid the scenes and environment of his native country, A. P. Grain-
ger attended the schools of Kingston and acquired a good common school edu-
cation. He was a youth of fifteen years when his father crossed the border and
sought a home in the United States, and after the arrival in Iowa the son as-
sisted in the development and cultivation of the home farm in Crawford county.
Upon attaining man's estate he entered the business world on his own account,
wisely chosing as his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. He
has since given his attention to agricultural pursuits and is now the owner of
eighty acres of land in Paradise township, all under a good state of cultivation.
He has labored earnestly and today his farm, in its well improved condition, gives
every indication of prosperity and is the visible evidence of a Hfe of thrift, en-
ergy and determination.
226 HISTORY OF CRAWf ORD COUNTY
Mr. Grainger was united in marriage, in 1910, to Miss Johanna Purcell, of
Paradise township, and he and his wife are both faithful and consistent members
of the Catholic church, the teachings of that denomination forming the guiding
spirit in their lives. Although Mr. Grainger has ever given loyal support to the
principles of the republican party, he has never sought nor desired public office
as the reward of party fealty, but has preferred to concentrate his energies upon
his business activities. His interest in community afifairs, however, has never
been slack, and he is a public-spirited citizen, interested in the general welfare.
Progress may be said to be the keynote of his career, and he is recognized by his
fellow men as a valued and representative member of the community.
BERXHARD SIEGFRIED AXDRESEN.
For the past five years cashier of the German Bank of Schleswig, Iowa, Bern-
hard Siegfried Andresen has attained a deserved reputation wherever he is
known as a gentleman of education and discernment and of most excellent busi-
ness ability. He was born at Ahrenshoeft, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, October
29, 1868, a son of Carsten and Margarethe (Petersen) Andresen. The father
engaged in farming, and the ancestors on both sides of the house lived for many
generations at Ahrenshoeft or in the vicinity.
The subject of this review was reared under the parental roof and received
his education in the common schools and at the Real Gymnasium at Rendsburg,
graduating in 1886. He showed special talent for mathematical and historical
siibjects while at college. After leaving school he worked for a year in a public
office but resigned as he did not like the work and the chances of promotion were
small. Having decided to seek his fortune under the stars and stripes, he came
to America in 1888 and first took up his residence in Indiana, later arriving in
Iowa, where he engaged in farming. In 1897 he visited his old home in Ger-
many for a short time and in 1902 he became connected with the German Bank
at Schleswig, Iowa, as assistant to Mr. Kruger, the cashier of the bank. Upon
the death of Mr. Kruger, in 1906, he was appointed by the board of directors as
his successor and has since continued in that position, discharging his duties in a
way that has met the hearty approval of the directors and patrons of the
institution.
On the 23d of September, 1908, Mr. Andresen was united in marriage at
Denison, Iowa, to Miss Adelheid Xiewoehner, formerly a deaconess at St. Louis.
She was born at Annapolis. Maryland. One son, Bernard, has come to bless this
union, his natal day being November 18, 1909.
Mr. Andresen has found in liis estimable wife a worthy helpmate and they
have entered upon their married life under most favorable circumstances. He
has always been governed by high ideals and in the discharge of his various obli-
gations has shown a fidelity to principle and a clearness of judgment which re-
flect upon him the highest credit. He ranks as one of the substantial and pro-
gressive men of Crawford county. Fraternally he has been identified with Syl-
van Lodge, Xo. 507, A. F. & A. M., since 1906, with Lodge No. 696, I. O. O. F.,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 227
since 1910, and with the Sons of Herman since 1902. He is a sincere beHever in
the authority and inspiration of the Bible and holds membership in the Evangeli-
cal Lutheran church of the North American synod, which corresponds with the
church to which his ancestors belonged in Germany as far back as 1535.
REV. A. D. GREIF.
Rev. A. D. Greif, pastor of the German Lutheran church of Soldier township,
is one of the prominent ministers of the denomination in the west and is recog-
nized as one of its most efficient workers. He was born in Meiningen, Ger-
many, June 16, 1849, a son of Carl F. and Susanna (Sengling) Greif, the for-
mer of whom was born December 3, 1822, and the latter in 1823. The father
was a teacher in the schools of Germany and also a teacher of music. He was
the director of three singing societies at one time. There were seven children in
the family of Mr. and Airs. Carl F. Greif, namely: Ludovic, now a college pro-
fessor in Germany; Marie, now Mrs. Hoeltzel, whose home is also in Germany;
A. D., the subject of this review; August, Emma and Henry, all of whom are
living in Germany ; and Carl. The mother of these children died at the
age of thirty-five years, and four years later the father again married and there
were eight children by the second union. He died November 8, 1890.
A. D. Greif received his preliminary education in the public schools and then
attended college for six years, showing a capacity for study that gave bright prom-
ise for his future. At the age of nineteen he bade farewell to relatives and
friends and started for America, having fully determined to work out his destiny
under the favoring conditions of the republic. After teaching school for three
months in New York he came west to St. Louis and took a course in theology
at Concordia Seminary. In June, 1870, being then twenty-one years of age, he
was ordained as a minister of the Lutheran church. His first charge was at
William Penn, Texas. After three years at that point he was assigned to a
congregation at Serbin, Texas, where he continued for two years, subsequently
going to Little Rock for one and one-half years, to Chandlerville, Illinois, for six
years, and thence to Davenport, Iowa. Since April 17, 1910, he has been pas-
tor of Immanuela Lutheran church in Soldier township, discharging his duties
with an efficiency that meets the hearty approval of members of the church and
the entire community.
On the 17th of April, 1874, at New Orleans, Louisiana, Air. Greif was
united in marriage to Miss Louisa Odendahl, a native of Germany. She came to
America with her parents when a child, the family taking up its residence at
Fort Wayne, Indiana, where the mother shortly afterward died. The father
went to live with his son at New Orleans and continued there until his death,
which occurred when he was eighty-six years of age. Twelve children were
bom to Air. and Mrs. Odendahl, six of whom are still living: Frederick; Louisa,
now Mrs. A. D. Greif; Detleff; Friederike Huettmann ; Henriette ; and Alary
Gassner. Among those deceased are Friederike, Alichaella and Adelbert. Air.
and Airs. Greif have no children of their own but have adopted a son, Herman
228 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
T. Greif, who was born in Texas, June 20, 1874, and is now the minister of
the German Lutheran church at Davenport, and a daughter, Freda, now the
wife of Otto \Vesti)lial, of Davenport, Iowa.
Mr. Greif by a hfe of self-sacrifice and devotion to a noble cause has not
only gained a wide reputation in the Lutheran denomination but has attained a
noble character which is of more value than great earthly riches. He is a thor-
ough scholar, a clear and convincing speaker, and is intimately acquainted with
the great Book on which his teachings are based and whose message it is his mis-
sion to deliver. As a conscientious and hardworking pastor he has met with
great success and it is hardly necessary to say that he has a host of ardent sup-
porters and admirers in the church of which he is a worthy representative. His
standing is indicated by the important offices he has tilled, haviiig been for fif-
teen years visiting elder, for five years first vice president and for two years
president of the Iowa district of the German Evangelical Lutheran synod of
Missouri, Ohio, and other states.
MATHIAS FREY.
One of the self-made men of Denison township, Crawford county, is Mathias
Frey, a well known and prosperous farmer of that locality. His parents, both of
whom were natives of France, were Mathias and Mary (Oberlin) Frey. The
mother died there in 1874, and the father's death occurred in 1880. Politically
he favoured a republican form of government for his country. To this couple
five children were born, as follows: Mary, deceased; Mathias; Jacob, at present
a farmer in France, who was a soldier in the Franco-Prussian war of 187 1 ; Sa-
lome, residing in France; Lena, deceased.
The subject of this sketch was born March 11, 1846, in Epesheim, which at
that time belonged to France, but after the war was acquired by Germany. The
early education of Mr. Frey was obtained in the public schools, where, besides
his own language, he was taught German. At the age of fourteen he entered
the tailor shop of his father in order to learn the trade and remained there two
years. He then worked on a farm for four years, at the expiration of which
time he decided to emigrate to the United States. He first located in Chicago
and worked in that city and vicinity for eight years. He then married and re-
moved to Lake county, Illinois, three years later coming to Crawford county,
Iowa, where for two years he worked on a farm. He then rented land in Wash-
ington township and one year later removed to Denison township. Sixteen
years ago he bought the farm he now resides on, consisting of one hundred acres,
in the latter township, having since then greatly improved the property, and he is
now engaged in general farming and stock-raising.
In 1874 Mr. Frey was united in marriage to Miss Kerren Jensen, who is of
Danish extraction. By this union there are eight children, as follows : Mary, the
wife of H. Stahl, of Bucks Grove. Iowa; Sarah, the wife of Julis Mahler, who
follows the carpenter's trade irl Denison ; Henry, deceased ; Emma, who mar-
ried Bert Hester, of Washington township; Lydia, the wife of Carl Clausen,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 229
a farmer residing in Spinks county, South Dakota; Rose, deceased; George and
John, who are residing at home. Mr. Frey is poHtically a stanch repubhcan and
has served his township as school director. In his rehgion he is a member of
the Evangehcal church.
PETER J. MARTENS.
After nearly a quarter of a century devoted to the interests of agriculture in
Crawford county, during which time he has witnessed the great development
and progress of this section of the state, Peter J. Martens is now, as the result
of his industry and business acumen, enjoying at his home in West Side the com-
forts of Hfe for which he toiled so many years. He was born in Holstein, Ger-
many, October 23, 1852, a son of John H. and Margerette (Hansen) Martens,
who emigrated to the United States, March 27, 1865, and settled in Wheatland,
Clinton county, Iowa. The other children born to this couple are : Annie, who is
the wife of Claus Binning and resides in Clinton county; Henry J., who lives in
Council Bluffs, Iowa ; and Herman C, whose home is in West Side. The mother
-died in 1865, only three weeks after arriving in this country, and the father sur-
vived her until May 10, 1893, when he, too, passed away.
Upon reaching the age of twenty years Peter J. Martens rented one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land in Clinton county and worked there for about five
years, at the end of which period he came to Crawford county and purchased
one hundred and sixty acres. This he cultivated and continued to add to his
property as his financial circumstances would allow until at the present time he
owns six hundred acres, all of which is located in West Side township. At one
time he was a stock raiser and feeder on an extensive scale and shipped thou-
sands of head of cattle to the markets. On January 15, 1902, having acquired
a sufficient competency to render him independent for the remainder of his life,
he retired from active labor and is now residing at his home in West Side.
Mr. Martens was married May 11, 1875, to Miss Minnie Hohn, a daughter
of Carl and Mary Hohn, of Clinton county. Unto them were born ten children,
of whom the following survive: Ida, who became the wife of August Rohwer
and lives in West Side; John, who resides on the old homestead in West Side
township with his brothers Edward and Herman ; Charles, who is in business
in West Side ; Louis, of West Side ; Emil, who lives in Logan, Iowa ; Jennie,
who married Leroy Dolise and resides in Carroll county ; and Ella, who lives at
home. The other child, Clara, died in infancy. Mrs. Marten's demise occurred
in February, 1887. On December i, 1888, Mr. Martens was united in mar-
riage to Emma L. Kay, of Wheatland, Clinton county, a daughter of Gottlieb
and Christina Grau.
Mr. Martens has always given his support to the principles upheld by the re-
publican party and has ever manifested his interest in any movement that tended
to the advancement of his community. For sixteen years he held the office of
township trustee, for nine years he served as school treasurer and has also acted
in the capacity of road supervisor, and whatever has been the nature of his offi-
230 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
cial duties he has discharged them with efficiency and executive abihty. In his
rehgious views he is an adherent of the Lutheran church. He has made his
way in the world without the assistance of either money or influence, he has
made a host of friends and earned their high regard, and he has never had occa-
sion to regret his determination to cast his lot in with the men of his adopted
country.
W. C. POLLOCK.
The admirable qualities of thrift and industry which characterize the Scotch
race are exemplified in the career of W. C. Pollock, who, by his unaided efforts
has acquired an independent position in the country of his adoption and is today
one of the leading farmers and stock-breeders of Crawford county. He was born
in Glasgow, Scotland, September 13, 1856, a son of John and Ellen (Cook) Pol-
lock, both of whom were natives of Ayrshire, Scotland, where the father spent
his entire life. The mother came to the United States in 1880, locating in Chi-
cago, where she died. They were the parents of eight children, seven of whom
survive as follows : John, James, Joseph, Jessie, and Ellen, all of whom reside at
home in Chicago ; Adam, who is living in San Antonio, Texas ; and W. C, the
subject of this sketch.
W. C. Pollock had such educational advantages as were accessible in the pub-
lic schools of Glasgow until he was fourteen years of age, when he came to the
United States and made his home with an aunt who lived in Kane county, Illi-
nois, upon whose farm he remained for two years. When twenty-two years old
he came to Crawford county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres
of land, to which in 1904 he added another tract of one hundred and thirty-six
acres, upon which he now resides, his other property lying just north of the home
place. Although his original intention was to devote his time to agriculture he
subsequently turned his attention to live stock and has made a specialty of rais-
ing Percheron horses, graded cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. For the past four-
teen years he has been exhibiting the latter at county fairs and stock shows and
in 1909 had the honor of taking first prize at the county fair. He purchased from
S. E. Morton & Son, of Camden, Ohio, a hog named King of Colonials, and the
two hogs now at the head of the herd are from this one and are called Arion
Wonder No. 90509. and King of Colonials Again No. 80267. Mr. Pollock Is one
of the extensive breeders of hogs in Crawford county, has spent much time and
study in perfecting one particular strain and for the past ten years has been labor-
ing to secure a uniform color, in which he has so far succeeded that among a
herd of sixty head there is not one that varies in shade.
In 1877, when Mr. Pollock was twenty-one years old, he was united in mar-
riage to Miss Anna DufF, who was born in Kane county, Illinois, and was of
Scotch descent. They became the parents of six children, as follows : Hattie,
deceased; Mabel, who became the wife of Edward Granger, a prosperous farmer
of Crawford county; Nellie, who is a school teacher of Boise city, Idaho; Jo-
seph C., the owner of a farm in Dixon county, Nebraska; John, whose farm lies
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 231
near Bloomfielcl, Nebraska; Ernest, who aids his father in the management of
the home farm.
In poHtics Mr. Pollock casts his vote with the republicans and has served
ten years as central committeeman. In their religious views Mr. and Mrs. Pol-
lock are followers of the Presbyterian church. He is in every essential a self-
made man, having started with nothing and worked himself up to his present
position among the successful business men of Crawford county, and he pos-
sesses the confidence and respect of all with whom he comes in contact.
OTTO H. STEGEMANN.
Otto H. Stegemann, who lives on an excellent farm of two hundred and forty
acres on section 29, Otter Creek township, where he engages in general farming
and stock-raising, was born in Germany on the 12th of August, 1859. His
parents, Edward and Caroline (Rohdy) Stegemann, emigrated to the United
States with their family in 1870. They first located in Muscatine county, Iowa,
and after residing there for six years they removed to Crawford county, where
the parents continued to live during the remainder of their days. Of their
children, the youngest died in infancy and those surviving are as follows : Augusta^
the wife of John Doerfler, of Soldier township; William who lives in Otter Creek
township; Minnie, residing in Schleswig; Ernest, living in Buck Grove; Otillie,
who became the wife of John Reimers; Albertine, the wife of A. P. Hollander,
of Schleswig; Otto H., our subject; Gus D., residing in North Platte, Nebraska;
and Albert, who is living in Schleswig.
Otto H. Stegemann was a lad of eleven years when his parents came to the
United States, and the greater part of his education, therefore, was obtained in
the district schools of Iowa. He early became familiar with agricultural pursuits
and continued to work for his father for some years, the latter owning three
hundred and twenty acres of land, which he purchased in 1886. Two years later
he bought one-half of section 29, Otter Creek township, where our subject now
lives, and subsequently acquired one hundred and twenty acres on section 28.
Otto H. Stegemann purchased from his father twO' hundred and forty acres in
Otter Creek township, where he now makes his home, and his wife has one-
half of that amount in Charter Oak township. He has met with gratifying suc-
cess in all of his ventures and is today regarded as one of the substantial and
successful agriculturists in his community.
Mr. Stegemann established a home of his own by his marriage on the 14th of
October, 1889, to Miss Minnie Meyer, a daughter of Adolph and Catherine
(Voglepohl) Meyer. She is the eldest of the seven children born to her parents,
the others being: August, who lives in Soldier township; WilHam, a resident of
the same place ; Dora, the wife of Henry Nedermyer, of Charter Oak township ;
Adolph, living in Soldier township; Henry, deceased; and Edward, residing in
Charter Oak township. Mr. and Mrs. Stegemann have two children: Alartha
and Marcus, both of whom are still at home.
2Z2 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
They are of the Evangehcal faith and affiliate with the Lutheran church. Ever
since acquiring the full rights of citizenship Mr. Stegemann has given his po-
litical support to the democratic party, believing that its policy is best adapted
to protect the interests of the masses. He actively participates In local affairs
and has several times been elected to the various township offices, the duties of
which he faithfully and satisfactorily discharged. He has been a resident of
Otter Creek township for twenty-five years, during which period he has made
many friends, the regard of whom he continues to retain.
JOHN BRAASE.
John Braase, who resides on a well cultivated farm of two hundred acres
located on sections i and 2, Hanover township, Crawford county, was born in
Germany on the 2d of March, 1862. His parents, Henry O. and Sophia (Peter-
sen) Braase, were born, reared and married in the fatherland but emigrated
to America with their family in 1883 and settled in Jackson county, Iowa. Dur-
ing the first year of their residence in the United States they worked out but
at the end of that time they removed to Ida county, this state, and rented one
hundred and sixty acres of land, which they farmed for two years, and then
came to Crawford county, continuing to lease land for six years. During this
period by thrift, hard work and much self-denial they were able to accumulate
the capital which enabled them to realize their great ambition — to hold property
of their own, and in 1892 they bought one hundred and sixty acres of land upon
which they located. They cultivated this for six years and during that time
added another one hundred and sixty acres to their original tract, all of which
was well improved and under a high state of cultivation at the time of Mr.
Braase's demise in 1898. Mrs. Braase still survives at the venerable age of
seventy-eight years and makes her home in Schleswig, Iowa. The first born of
their five children died in Germany. The eldest of those surviving is John, and
the others are as follows : August, a resident of Crawford county ; Dora, the
wife of Fred Berendes, of South Dakota; and Fred, who lives on the old home-
stead.
John Braase was twenty-one years of age when his parents became citizens
of the United States so that his education was acquired in the schools of Ger-
many. He remained at home until he had passed the twenty-eighth anniversary
of his birth, when he began farming as a renter, which method he continued
for three years. His industry and application, assisted by the ambition and
strength of youth, made it possible for him to save during that time the money
necessary to become a property owner. His first farm contained eighty acres
and after cultivating this for a time he traded it for a portion of the land con-
tained in his present homestead in Hanover township.
Mr. Braase completed arrangements for a home of his own by his marriage
on the 8th of January, 1890, to Miss Dora Hansen, who was born in Scott
county, Iowa, on the 20th of September, 1872. She is a daughter of Peter and
Theresa (Struve) Hansen, who were born in Germanv but were married in
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 233
the United States, and for thirteen years thereafter they cultivated rented land
in Scott county and other places and then bought a farm in Morgan township,
Crawford county, which they operated until the time of their retirement in
1906. They are now living in Schleswig, enjoying the ease and comfort made
possible in the evening of life by the thrift and industry of their youth. They
were the parents of the following children besides Mrs. Braase, who is the
eldest of the family : Louisa, deceased, the wife of Johannes Lorenzen, of Mor-
gan township ; Emma, who died at the age of eighteen years ; Adolph, a resident
of Schleswig, Iowa ; Henry, who is living in Morgan township ; John, of Morgan
township, this county; Theresa, the wife of Henry Rickett, of Schleswig; and
Helmina, the wife of Ernest Boock, of Schleswig.
Mr. and Mrs. Braase have become the parents of four children, as follows :
Henry, who was born on the 26th of October, 1893, and is still at home; John,
born on the 15th of June, 1896; Herbert, born on the i6th of August, 1899;
and Emma, who was born on the loth of August, 1908.
The family attend the services of the Lutheran church, with which the
parents are identified by membership. Although he has always supported the
principles of the democratic party, Mr. Braase does not actively participate in
political afifairs, as he does not aspire to public office. However, he meets the
requirements of good citizenship by going to the polls on election day and
casting his ballot for the candidates of his party. He is held in high regard in
his community and is considered one of the substantial farmers of the town-
ship.
H. H. FRAHM.
There are quite a number of residents in Crawford county who are of Ger-
man nativity and among these is H. H. Frahm, a prosperous farmer of Denison
township. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein August 22, 1868, a son of Her-
man and Maggie (Luth) Frahm. His early youth was spent in Carroll county,
Iowa, where he obtained his education in the public schools and there remained
with his parents until twenty-two years old. He then left the home place and
removed to Denison, where for ten years he engaged in stock buying and the
elevator business, at the end of which period he bought one hundred and twenty
acres of land on section 35, Denison township.
Mr. Frahm has taken an active part in politics, always casting his vote for
the republican party, and has held the office of school director of his township.
He is a member of the Holiness church, with which, during her lifetime, his
wife was also affiliated. In 1890 M. Frahm was united in marriage to Miss
Lizzie Burkhoffer, who was a native of Switzerland and whose demise occurred
November 21, 1910. They were the parents of the following six children: John;
Lillian, deceased; Harry Alfred; Hattie Hazel; Henry Willie; and Fay Ruby.
Herman Frahm, the father of our si^bject, was born in Schleswig, while the
mother's birth occurred in Holstein, Germany. He followed the vocation of
farming in his native country until 1874, in which year he carpe to the United
234 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
States, living in Chicago for awhile, but subsequently removing to Carroll
county, Iowa, where he resided for twenty years. He then, in 1893, moved to
Crawford county and took up his residence in the city of Denison, where he is
still living. Mr. Frahm having attained the ripe age of eighty-seven years and
his wife that of eighty-three. They enjoy the distinction of being one of the
oldest couples in the county. Mr. Frahm is still the owner of one hundred and
sixty acres of land in Carroll county. To them were born ten children, as fol-
lows : Maggie, Katie and John, all three deceased; Tina, wife of X. A. Miller,
residing in Milford, Iowa; Peter, a farmer living near Mason City, Iowa; Her-
man, who lives at Stratton, Colorado; Maggie and Lizzie, both deceased; H. H.,
the subject of this sketch ; and George, who is in the draying business at Denison.
C. M. DUGAN.
Among the citizens of Crawford county who have been successful in agri-
culture and stock-raising and are now enjoying the fruits of many years of labor
is C. M. Dugan, of West Side township. He is a native of Michigan, born
April I, 1859, a son of Martin and Mary (Ryan) Dugan, both of whom were
bom in Ireland. They emigrated to America and lived for a number of years
in Michigan. The family came to Linn county, Iowa, about 1859, and in 1871
arrived in Crawforrl county. The father devoted his attention to farming, in
which he continued until his death. May 25, 1899. The mother passed away
five years later, on March 18, 1904. There were eight children in their family,
seven of whom are now living.
C. M. Dugan attended the public schools in his boyhood and remained with
his parents until thirty years of age assisting in the work of the home farm. He
then removed to a farm on section 7, West Side township, which he cultivated
to good advantage for ten years, and at the end of that time he took up his resi-
dence in Vail, where he continued for five years. In 1906 he removed to a place
of one hundred and forty-five acres on section 30, West Side tow^nship, which
he now owns. The air of neatness and order that prevails throughout his farm
indicates the thoughtful attention which he bestows upon his work and is also
proof of generous financial returns. In addition to his agricultural interests he
is vice president of the Farmers State Bank at Vail. He is a man of marked
influence in the community whose opinion commands respect wherever he is
known.
In 1892 Mr. Dugan was united in marriage to Miss Anna Kelly, who was
born at Peoria, Illinois, November 25, 187 1. a daughter of M. and Mary (Con-
way) Kelly. The father was born in Ireland and the mother in Massachusetts.
Mrs. Kelly died August i. 1882, in Illinois, and subsequently Mr. Kelly came to
Crawford county. Iowa, where he is now living. There were seven children in
his familv, five of whom survive. Six children have been born to ^Ir. and Mrs.
Dugan. Mabel. Martin. Nellie. Edward, Carl M. and Lucile. The three older
children are in attendance at the high school at Vail.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 235
Mr. Dugan has always been a man of sound common sense. He is honorable
and upright in his dealings and generous in his estimate of others, standing
among the representative and progressive citizens of the county. In the de-
velopment of this section he has borne his share and it may be said to his
credit that he has never sought to advance his interests to the injury of others.
Politically he gives his support to the democratic party. He has served as a
member of the board of county supervisors and as township trustee and school
director. In religious belief he and his wife are sincere adherents of the Cath-
olic church.
CARL HOPP.
The life of Carl Hopp is an illustration of success achieved in the face of
difficulties that to an ordinary man would have appeared insurmountable. How-
ever, he courageously pressed forward and today he is the owner of a valuable
and productive farm in Soldier township, which he acquired through his own
perseverance and energy. He was born in Germany, September i, 1863, a son
of John and Sophia (Peters) Hopp, both of whom were natives of the old
country. The father died in 1904, but the mother is still living and is sixty-
nine years of age. There were six children in their family, namely: William,
Sophia, Friedericki, Minnie, Hattie and Carl, all of whom are still living in
Germany except the subject of this review.
Carl Hopp was reared and educated in his native land and continued there
until twenty-five years of age. Believing that he could advance more rapidly
under the favoring conditions of the new world he came to America in 1888
and for three years worked by the month in Crawford county, Iowa. He then
rented land for one year, after which he bought one hundred and sixty acres in
Charter Oak township, which he greatly improved, increasing its value so that
in 1907 he was able to trade his farm for land on section 27, Soldier township,
thus acquiring three hundred and twenty acres, upon which he has placed many
improvements. He raises and feeds stock and as he gives careful attention to
his work he has been highly successful and is regarded as one of the most pros-
perous farmers in this section.
On the I St of September, 1890, Mr. Hopp was united in marriage to Miss
Hattie Wittkopp, who was born in Germany and came to America with her
father in 1888, the mother having previously died. Mr. Wittkopp settled in
Crawford county, Iowa, and continued here until his death, which occurred in
1904. Six children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hopp, namely:
Ella, who was born April 3, 1891, and is the wife of Theodore Mesick of Craw-
ford county; Emil, who was born September 24, 1893; Leo, born June i, 1894;
Martin, born July 24, 1898; Olga, born December 7, 1900; and Paul, born Jan-
uary I, 1902. The mother of these children passed away March i, 1902. and
Mr. Hopp was married to Mrs. AmeHa (Lentz) Schreiber. She was a native
of Germany and came to this country with her parents, who settled on a farm
in Crawford county. After acquiring a competency they retired to Denison,
236 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
where her father died in 1902, and the mother six years later. They reared a
family of twelve children, all of whom are now living. Mrs. Hopp had two chil-
dren by her former marriage, namely: Albert, who was born February 14, 1899;
and William, born December 14, 1903.
-Mr. Hopp gives his allegiance to the democratic party, and he and his wife
are both identified with the Lutheran church. He came to America twenty-
three years ago and under the friendly protection of the stars and stripes has
accomplished what would have been practically impossible in his native land.
He has met with deserved reward for his labors and is known as a patriotic
and liberty-loving citizen, who has set a worthy example for his children, train-
ing them to become active and useful members of society. He has many friends
who admire him because of his upright and manly character.
EVERETT W. PIERCE.
It is doubtful whether any other man in Denison stands higher in the respect
of the community than Everett W. Pierce whose name introduces this review.
For twenty years he has been identified with the First National Bank of this
city, of which he is bookkeeper, and previous to that time he gained an honor-
able position both as a school teacher and as a business man.
He was born at Sterling, Illinois, December 10, 1853, ^ son of Ezekiel and
Hannah (Mills) Pierce, the former of whom was a native of New York and
the latter of New Jersey. The father was a carpenter in early manhood but
later became a farmer. He removed to Sterling in 1845 and later to a farm
near Fulton, but passed away at Morrison, Illinois, in 1907, at the age of eighty-
five years. The mother is still living and is seventy-eight years of age. She is
a Universalist in religious faith, as was also her husband.
Perry Pierce, the paternal grandfather of our subject, learned the carpen-
ter's trade, but later devoted his attention to farming. He was a soldier of the
war of 1812, and was twice married, being the father of two children, Ezekiel
and Mary, by his first marriage, and five by his second, Lucy, Gordon, Elvira,
David and Diana. Stacy Mills, the grandfather on the maternal side, was of
English Quaker stock and was born in New Jersey. He was a weaver by trade
and his father was a soldier of the Revolutionary war and also of the French
and Indian war. He died at the age of fifty- four years and was the father of
three children, Peter, Hannah and Elizabeth.
There were ten children in the family of Ezekiel and Hannah Fierce, eight
of whom grew to maturity, namely : William H., now of Butte, Montana ; Ever-
ett W., the subject of this review ; Anna L., now the widow of Anson Baker, of
Morrison, Illinois; Fred and Frank, twins, the former of whom is deceased,
while the latter makes his home near Spokane, Washington ; Mary, deceased ;
Clarence, who is living near Fulton, Illinois, on the old homestead ; and Carrie,
who passed away soon after reaching womanhood.
Everett W'. Pierce was reared under the favoring conditions of country life
and received his preliminary education in the district schools, later attending
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 237
college at Fulton for five terms, the institution then being known as the North-
ern Illinois College. He began his business career as a school teacher and was
engaged for two terms in the locality where he was reared and for three years
in Crawford county, Iowa, also becoming principal of the Dow City public
schools, which position he filled most creditably for two years. However, he
came to the conclusion that business life offered more favorable inducements
than the schoolroom and he entered the hardware business at Dow City, in which
he continued for twelve years and attained a gratifying measure of success.
Since 1890 he has been connected with the First National Bank of this city and,
possessing natural ability, discernment and practical experience, he has shown
himself to be eminently qualified for the position he occupies.
On the 17th of July, 1878, Mr. Pierce was united in marriage to Miss Lydia
Gibson, who was born in Huron county, Ontario, Canada, a daughter of Samuel
and Margaret (Shillington) Gibson, the former of whom was born in Canada
and the latter in the north of Ireland, being a member of a Protestant family.
They came to Crawford county, Iowa, and took up their residence near Dow
City, where the mother passed away in 1878. The father survived his faithful
companion for thirty-one years, departing this life in 1909. There were three
children in their family: Robert H.; Margaret, the wife of Frank McHenry; and
Lydia. Two children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pierce : Faith E.,
who married William Rhodenbaugh and died March 26, 1904; and Foster H.,
who married Annie M. Reynolds and is now a veterinary surgeon and state
deputy at Faulkton, South Dakota.
Mr. Pierce is a man of genial traits and pleasing personality and in the dis-
charge of his business responsibilities has shown a fidelity that meets the hearty
approval of the officers and patrons of the bank. As a citizen he is patriotic
and ever willing to lend a hand in forwarding any worthy object. He and his
estimable wife are both active workers in the Methodist church, of which he is
steward and class leader.
OTTO E. CLAUSON.
Among the young business men of Crawford county who are every year ad-
vancing to greater responsibilities is Otto E. Clauson of Kiron. He has from
the beginning of his business career shown an ability and interest in his work
which gives bright promise as to the future. He was bom in Stockholm town-
ship, August 9, 1876, son of C. F. and Kathrine (Johnson) Qauson, mention
of v/hom is made in the sketch of Edward Clauson, elsewhere in this work. .
Mr. Clauson of this review grew to manhood under the paternal roof and at-
tended the district schools, where he secured the foundation of an education that
has assisted him very materially in his contact with the world. At eighteen years
of age he began farming on his own account by renting part of his father's land,
which he cultivated industriously for seven years. He then purchased twenty
acres in Stockholm township and also a house and lot in Kiron. In 1904 he took
up his residence in town and entered into partnership with his brother in the
238 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
furniture and undertaking business. They also handle real estate, and as they
are active and efficient and pay close attention to the needs of their patrons, they
have attained a gratifying measure of prosperity.
In 1901 Mr. Clauson was united in marriage to Miss Emma Lundberg, who
was born in Sweden, a daughter of John and Anna Lundberg. The parents
came to this country and located in Sac county, Iowa, where the father is now
living, the beloved mother having passed away in 1910. Three children were
born to Mr. and Mrs. Clauson. namely: Leslie Myron, and Eveline and Emma,
both of whom are deceased. In 1904 the mother of these children was called
from earthly scenes and in 1905 Mr. Clauson was married to Miss Alfena Lillie-
holm, who was born in Rock ford, Illinois, and is a daughter of A. F. Lillieholm.
Politically, Mr. Clauson ever since reaching manhood has given his support
to the republican party. He has taken quite an active and influential part in pub-
lic affairs, serving as assistant postmaster of Kiron for six years and as mail
carrier for three years. He has also held the office of justice of the peace and
school director of Stockholm township and was a member of the town council
of Kiron for six years. He is not connected with any religious denomination
but his wife is a valued member of the Free Mission church. He readily makes
friends as he has a genial address and pleasing manner and possesses in a high
degree the warm regard of all with whom he associates.
HENRY KROHNKE.
Henry Krohnke, a well-to-do and influential agriculturist of Crawford
county, where he owns five hundred and sixty acres of land and engages in gen-
eral farming and stock-raising, was born in Germany, February 26, 1851, a son
of Hans and Annie (Bergman) Krohnke. the other surviving members of the
family being Claus and Jurgen, both of whom reside in Schleswig; and Maggie,
who married John Petersen and lives in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Sophia is
deceased. Both of the parents lived and died in the fatherland.
Henry Krohnke emigrated to the United States in 1869. when he was seven-
teen years old, and located on a farm near Davenport, Iowa, where he worked
until attaining his majority, when he rented sixty acres of land and cultivated it
for two years. He then bought a threshing machine, running it for one year,
and in 1875 ^^ removed to Crawford county, where he divided his time between
operating a thresher and breaking wild land. He broke the prairie land upon
which the county poor farm was formerly situated. In 1888 he purchased eighty
acres of land, to which he subsequently added other lands until his holding now
amounts to five hundred and sixty acres.
On November 2. 1876, Mr. Krohnke was united in marriage to Annie
Suckstorf, a daughter of Henry and ^Maggie (Krueger) Suckstorf, who were
the parents of ten children, of whom the following survive : Henry, residing in
Schleswig: Dora, the wife of Adolph Rickers, of Crawford county; August and
John, of Bloomfield, Nebraska ; and Annie. The deceased members of the fam-
ily are Nicholas and George, besides three who died in infancy. The union of
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 239
Mr. and Mrs. Krohnke has been blessed with four children, namely: Augusta,
who became the wife of William Bumann and resides in Bloomfield, Nebraska;
John, who lives in Crawford county; Mattie, the wife of William Bielenberg,
of Crawford county; and Amelia, who lives at home with her parents.
Mr. Krohnke has taken an active interest in politics, giving his support to
the democratic party, and he has held a number of township offices. He at-
tends the Lutheran church, to which he is a liberal contributor. Fraternally he
is affiliated with the Sons of Harmony. He has resided on his present farm for
nearly a quarter of a century and deserves much credit for the part he took in
helping to reclaim this district for the uses of civiHzation. He is widely and
favorably known throughout the community by reason of his long residence
here, and the success he has gained is the merited reward of his own labor and
indefatigable industry.
EDWARD DEWEY.
At the venerable age of eighty-five years Edward Dewey is now living re-
tired at his home in West Side, Crawford county, Iowa, where he is enjoying
the income derived from his former investments in agricultural lands. He was
born November ii, 1826, in Deerfield, Oneida county, New York, a son of Zelolas
and Mehitable (Roberts) Dewey, in whose family were seven children, namely:
Albert and Leander, both deceased ; Edward, of this review ; Truman, a resident
of Buftalo, New York, who died in 191 1; Maria, the deceased wife of James
O'Brien, of Oneida county ; Mary, who wedded James Rawley and made her home
in Chicago, but is now deceased; and Charles, also deceased. Both parents died
in New York.
When twenty-two years old Edward Dewey rented a part of the old home-
stead, consisting of one hundred and sixty acres in Oneida county. New York,
which he continued to cultivate until the death of his parents when, their prop-
erty being divided among the children, he sold his share and moved to Huntley,
Illinois. There he bought eighty acres of land, upon which he lived for several
years, and then, in 1876, he came to Crawford county, Iowa, and purchased two
hundred and sixty acres, where he continued to be actively engaged in general
farming and stock-raising until his retirement in 1904. In that year he sold
his farm and came to West Side, where he purchased a lot and erected the
comfortable home in which he now resides.
Mr. Dewey has been twice married, his first wife being Roxanna Coffin, a
native of Herkimer county. New York, to whom he was united March 4, 1847.
By this union three children were born, two of whom survive, namely: Maurice,
who lives in West Side, Iowa; and CHlTord, who makes his home in Florida.
Roxanna, the third in order of birth, is deceased. In March, 1859, Mr. Dewey
was married to Miss Mary Smith, of Huntley, Illinois, who was second in order
of birth in a family of four children, the others being Henry, a resident of Illi-
nois; Caleb, deceased; and Adeline, who married Henry Transue, of Dundee,
Illinois. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Dewey, namely: En-
voi. 11—13
240 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
gene, w ho lucate^l in South Dakota ; Harriet, who married Frank Wagner, of
Boone, Iowa; Lily, who became the wife of James Roxborough and resides in
Council Bluffs; Georgia, the wife of Herman Mum, of Belhngham, Washington.
Politically Mr. Dewey has always been a stanch republican and in religion
he was reared in the faith of the Universalist church. He is now enjoying a well
earned rest after a long period of intense activity, his energy and perseverance
making possible the success which now enables him to live in ease and comfort.
WILLIAM BERTRAM.
Another of the many sons of Germany who have contributed largely to the
development of the natural resources of Crawford county is William Bertram,
who owns an excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 20,
Washington township. He was born in Oldenburg on the 20th of October,
1858, and is a son of John and Sophia (Thompson) Bertram. The parents were
also natives of the same place and there the father died in 1869, the mother
having passed away some time previously. Unto them were born the following
children : Antoinette, still living in Germany ; Johanna, who passed away in
1909; John, deceased; Hendrica, also living in the fatherland; William, our sub-
ject; Wilhelmina, residing in New York city; George, who died in 1908; and
Sophia, who lives in Germany.
William Bertram acquired his education in the common schools of his native
land and after laying aside his text-books he assisted his father in the cultiva-
tion of the home farm, remaining under the paternal roof until he had passed
the twenty-fifth anniversary of his birth. At that time, however, he felt con-
vinced that conditions in the United States must be much more favorable for
an ambitious young man than in Europe so took passage for America. He
landed in Baltimore, where he remained for three w^eeks, and then went to New-
ark, New Jersey. After a residence of eight months in the latter city he started
westward, his destination being Macon county, Illinois, at which place he ob-
tained employment for two months. At the end of that time he went to Smith
Center, Kansas, and after living there for two years he came to Crawford
county, Iowa, first locating at Denison. The first year he was here he worked
as a farm hand but on the expiration of that period his accumulated savings
enabled him to begin farming for himself. He cultivated rented land for seven
years and then bought his present place. Then, as now, he possessed those
qualities of thrift, energy and determination, which always make for success
in any vocation, and consequently he added to his original tract from time to
time until now his realty holdings aggregate two hundred and forty acres, one
hundred and sixty of which are on section 20, Washington township, and the
remaining eighty on section 29.
On the I St of March, 1889, Mr. Bertram married Miss Marie Louisa Kunz,
who is also a native of Germany, born in Abenrade, Schleswig-Hohtein, Oc-
tober 31, 1866. Her parents were Andreas and Augusta (Lorenzen) Kunz. who
spent their early life in the fatherland and came to the United States in 1881,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 241
locating in Denison, Iowa. Here the father passed away on the 28th of April,
1907, at the age of seventy-eight years, but the mother is still living in Denison,
at the age of seventy-six. Mrs. Bertram has three sisters and one brother,
namely: Amelia, the wife of William Schiernbeck, of Davenport; Nicolina, the
wife of William Vondohlen, of Denison; Augusta, the wife of John Schnoor,
also of Denison; and Andreas, a resident of Granite, Oklahoma. Mr. and Mrs.
Bertram have ten children: Augusta, the wife of William Barkhoff, of Logan,
Iowa; Emma, who lives in Oklahoma; and William, John, Sophia, Bertha, Min-
nie, George, Henry and Mary, all at home.
The family attend the services of the Lutheran church, of which denomina-
tion the parents are communicants. Ever since acquiring the rights of franchise
through naturalization, Mr. Bertram has given his political allegiance to the
republican party, as the principles of that organization most nearly conform to
his ideas of a government best adapted to subserve the interests of the majority.
He takes an active interest in all local political matters and at present is serving
as township trustee. He is one of the many young men who have come to the
United States and, unfamiliar with either the language or customs, by his in-
dustry, resolution and persistence has won a position which makes him worthy
of the esteem and respect of the community where he is residing.
W. A. GARNER, M. D.
Although in practice at Kiron only four years, Dr. W. A. Garner has gained
in a remarkable degree the confidence of the people and it is doubtful whether
any other young physician in country practice in Iowa has made greater head-
way in an equal length of time. His success may be ascribed to his devotion to
his profession and the close and conscientious attention he gives to his patients.
He possessed excellent advantages of education and training which have proved
of very great value in the difficult vocation to which he is devoting the best
energies of his life.
He was born in Cedar county, Iowa, July 2, 1877, a son of Pearl and I\Iary
(Cory) Garner. The father is a native of Maryland and the mother of New
York state. They came to Iowa about the '50s, and are now living in Ida county.
There were six children in their family, namely: J. E., of Ida county; Grace,
the wife of Clyde Barrett; Ralph; Eva; Dwiglit ; and W. A., the subject of this
review.
After receiving his preliminary education in the public schools. Dr. Garner
graduated from the Academy of Sac City and later entered Des Moines Col-
lege at Des Moines, graduating with the degree of B. S. Having decided upon
a professional career, he went to Chicago, where he was graduated in medicine
in 1905, attaining such a high standing in his class that he was given the ad-
vantages of interneship and was able to make practical application of the prin-
ciples in which he had been instructed by a number of the leading physicians and
surgeons of America. Since 1907 he has engaged in active practice at Kiron
242 HISTORY" OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
and has attained a reputation as one of the highly successful physicians in this
part of the county.
Dr. Garner still enjoys the freedom of bachelorhood. Politically he is in
sympathy with the republican party but has no desire for the honors and emolu-
ments of public office, preferring to devote his entire attention to his profession.
Fraternally he is connected with Wheeler Lodge, No. 398, A. F. & A. M.,
and the lodge of the Yeomen of the World at Odebolt. Young, ambitious to
gain an honored place in his calling and endowed with a fair share of confidence
in himself, there is no reason why he should not attain high rank in the medical
world. It is men of this stamp that reach the front and become leaders not only
in the professions but in business, politics and all the honorable employments of
modern civilization.
F. W. LUETH.
Thrift and energy have been the prominent factors in the success of F. W.
Lueth, who has acquired four hundred and twenty acres of land in Nishnabotny
township. He is a native of the province of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, his
natal day being the 19th of January, 1844. His parents were Frederick and
Dorothea (Doss) Lueth, also natives of Germany, in which country the mother
passed away, but in 1881 the father emigrated to the United States, making his
home with his two sons, F. W. and Henry, until his demise. They were the
parents of six children: Deitlief, who is a resident of Germany; Dorothea, de-
ceased; F. W., our subject; Anna, of Germany; Henry, who is living in Ne-
braska; and Maggie, also a resident of Germany.
F. W. Lueth was reared in the parental home, acquiring his education in the
common schools of his native land, of which he continued to be a resident until
he had attained his twenty-fifth year. Having become dissatisfied with the lim-
ited possibilities of the old world, in ]\Iarch, 18^)9. he took passage for the
United States, feeling confident that he should find here the opportunities for
which he was seeking. Making his way westward he first located in Clinton
county, Iowa, where he continued to reside for six years. At the expiration of
that period he removed to Carroll county, remaining there until 1883, at which
time he came to Crawford county. Three years before settling here he had pur-
chased eighty acres of prairie, which formed the nucleus of his present home-
stead. He immediately broke the land and placed it under cultivation and had
begun to erect a house anrl outbuildings before leaving Carroll county. General
farming and the breeding of graded stock has claimed his attention, but he is
also an extensive feeder of cattle and hogs. He has met with success in his
various ventures and as a result has added forty acres to his homestead, in
addition to which he also owns eighty acres on section 25, Nishnabotny town-
ship, and a fourth of section 36. All of tlie necessary improvements have been
made upon the latter place, which is now occupied by his son.
Mr. Lueth's plans for a home of his own had their culmination in his mar-
riage in 1875 to Miss Augusta Wensel. a native of Germany, and they have be-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 245
come the parents of seven children : WiUiam, who is a resident of Nishnabotny
township; Emma; Emmiel ; Richard; Dehlah, who is the wife of WilHam
Haynes, of Denison; Hulda; and John. All of the children with the exception
of the eldest son and Mrs. Haynes are living at home.
Although he was confirmed in the Lutheran church when a boy in Germany,
Mr. Lueth is not now identified with any denomination. Fraternally he is
affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, and he is also a member of the Germania
Society at Manilla. Ever since naturalization conferred upon him the right of
sufifrage, he has given his political support to the candidates of the democratic
party until within the last two years, when he transferred his allegiance to the
republican party. He has always taken an active interest in civic affairs, having
served as road supervisor for six or eight years. Mr. Lueth came to America
with a very limited capital and although there have been difficulties and ob-
stacles in his path, he has resolutely overcome them, carrying to a successful
issue everything he has ever undertaken, and as a result he is rated as one of
the substantial agriculturists of the county.
FERDINAND FREDERICK RANNIGER.
Among the capable dairymen of Crawford county must be mentioned Ferdi-
nand Frederick Ranniger, who resides on an eighty-acre tract in Denison town-
ship. He was born in Clinton county, Iowa, on the 2d of December, 1879, a
son of Frederick and Augusta (Grage) Ranniger. In their family were three
children, but two of whom attained maturity. Ferdinand Frederick, our subject
and Anna, who became the wife of W. H. Rule of Crawford county. The eldest
child died in infancy.
The boyhood and youth of Ferdinand Frederick Ranniger were spent in
the paternal home and were largely devoted to the acquirement of an education.
After completing the course of the common schools he engaged in teaching, fol-
lowing that occupation for five years. At the expiration of that period he bought
eighty acres of land in Denison township, where he continues to reside, en-
gaging in dairying and raising thoroughbred hogs.
On the 4th of April, 1906, Mr. Ranniger was united in marriage to Miss
Merle Merab Smith, a daughter of M. N. and Loretta G. (Higley) Smith, of
Denison. Her parents were among the early settlers of Iowa and removed
from the eastern part of the state to Crawford county with an ox team in 1873.
They were en route to Kansas, but one of their sons having the misfortune to
break his leg they were forced to stop at Arcadia until he recovered, during
which period they decided to become permanent residents of this county and
so located upon a forty-acre farm, which they bought in the northeastern part
of Denison township. They cultivated this property until 1887, at which time
the town of Manilla began to boom, and on disposing of their farm they removed
there. While residing in Manilla they lost two of their children with typhoid
fever, following which they removed to Denison, where they continued to re-
side until Mrs. Smith passed away in 1907, at the age of sixty-eight. Mr. Smith
246 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY
subsequently went to Wisconsin and he continues to reside at Wautoma. that
state. Seven children were born unto them, but the two eldest, Bird \\ and
\'innie, are deceased. The others are: May V,, the wife of A. G. Bagge. of
Fonda, Iowa ; Hope, who married Professor G. X. Knight, of Salina, Kansas,
and is now deceased ; Iva H., who is connected with the Crawford County State
Bank of Denison ; Glen H., deceased; and Merle, the wife of our subject. Mr.
and Mrs. Ranniger have become the parents of two children : Clifford Earl, born
on the lOth of May. 1907; and Howard, whose birth occurred on the 14th of
July. 1 9 10.
The religious views of Mr. and ]\Irs. Ranniger conform to those of the
Methodist Episcopal denomination in which they hold membership. Being an
advocate of the principles of republicanism, Mr. Ranniger gives his support to
the men and measures of that party, but not caring for public honors or the
emoluments of ofifice he never actively participates in affairs of a governmental
nature.
ADAM BOHLAXDER.
A residence of sixteen years has been sufficient to cause Adam Bohlander,
who owns three hundred acres of land on section 24, Xishnabotny township, to
be recognized as one of the representative farmers of Crawford county. He
w^as born in Cook county, Illinois, on the i8th of December, 1850, and is a
son of John G. and Catherine (Gloss) Bohlander. The parents were natives of
Germany, from which country they emigrated to the United States in 1832.
They were among the pioneer settlers of Cook county, having located there im-
mediately upon their arrival in this country, continuing to make it their home
until about 1855 or 1856, at which time they removed to Du Page county. Illi-
nois. The mother passed away in 1852 and the father in 1861. Seven children
were born to them, the son Adam being the youngest. The others are: John G.,
Sr.. a resident of Hinsdale. Illinois; Peter, who is living in the same place;
Ma'-y. the wife of Rudolph Pfister. of Brookfield, Missouri; Margaret, deceased;
and Phillip, who was a veteran of the Civil war; and Henry, also deceased.
Adam Bohlander remained in Cook county. Illinois, until he was twelve years
old. acquiring his education in the common schools. He saw both Chicago fires
and relates many interesting reminiscences of the great fire of 1871, the light
from which was so brilliant that it was possible to read a newspaper with per-
fect ease at his home. Before this he had moved to Du Page county, where he
continued to reside until 1877 or 1878, when he went to Creston, Illinois, where
he remained for a year, and then went to Pottawattamie county. Iowa. After
spending three years in the latter place he removed to Shelby county. Iowa,
coming from there to Crawford county in 1893. where he has lived continuously
since. When Mr. Bohlander took up his residence in this county he first located
upon a farm a mile and a half north of ^Manilla, where he resided until five
years ago, when he removed to town. During the entire period of his active
life he has been identified with agricultural pursuits, in which he has met with
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 247
success, having acquired a fine farm of three hundred acres on section 24, Nish-
nabotny township, and a very pleasant residence in Manilla, and he is now
able to live retired enjoying the mental and physical ease assured by a comfort-
able income.
In 1874 in Du Page county, Illinois, was solemnized the marriage of Mr.
Bohlander and Aliss Dora A. Niemann, and unto them have been born five chil-
dren : Alfred, who is a resident of Norfolk, Nebraska; Lewis, of Nishnabotny
township; Frank, of the same place; Bertha, the wife of Gustave Lapel, living
north of Manilla ; and Emma, who is at home and is engaged in teaching school.
His political support Mr. Bohlander always accorded the democratic party
until the adoption of the "sixteen to one" platform, following which he trans-
ferred his allegiance to the republican party. Although he takes an interest in
civic affairs, he has never held any official position save that of school director.
Left an orphan at the age of twelve years, Mr. Bohlander is entirely a self-
made man, having attained the position he holds today through his own unaided
efforts. He has a very high sense of integrity and justice and takes great pride
in being able to say that he has never either been under arrest nor sued.
FRED JESCHKE.
Fred Jeschke, who owns one hundred and eighty-one acres of highly cultivated
land on section 4, Hanover township, was born in Chicago, Illinois, on the 13th
of July, 1 87 1, and is a son of Gustave and Mary (Ebert) Jeschke. The parents
w'ere born in Germany but emigrated to the United States with their respective
parents when children and located in Chicago, where they met and were married.
In 1878 they removed to Crawford county, Iowa, and settled on a farm, a por-
tion of which is now included in the homestead of their son Fred. The father
operated his land until his retirement in 1900. When he withdrew from active
farming he removed to Ricketts, Iowa, where he continued to make his home
until his demise in 1908. His widow is still living at the age of fifty-nine years
and now resides in Chicago. They were the parents of two children besides our
subject. The eldest, Albert, died at the age of three years, and the whereabouts
of the other son, R. C, are unknown.
Fred Jeschke was only seven years of age when his parents located in Craw-
ford county and his education was acquired in the district schools of Iowa. He
remained at home until he was twenty-four years of age and then began work-
ing for himself. He had already decided to follow the vocation of farming,
feeling that it offered better opportunities, while it was the occupation to which
he was best adapted by training, so he rented land which he cultivated for two
years. At the end of that period he took charge of the old homestead for his
father and has ever since continued to reside there. During the period of his
occupancy he has added to his original tract and improved it and his is now
one of the valuable properties of the township. Besides his general farming
Mr. Jeschke feeds stock, in fact he consumes all of the grain he raises in that
manner.
248 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
In 1895 Mr. Jeschke and Miss Amelia John were united in marriage. Mrs.
Jeschke is also a native of Qiicago, having been born in that city in 1879, a
daughter of Carl and Bertha (Kruse) John, who were also natives of Germany.
They located in Chicago when they first came to the United States, and in 1878
they removed to Crawford county, Iowa, and settled on a farm near Charter
Oak, where they lived until their retirement. In 1908 they took up their resi-
dence in Charter Oak, where they are still living, the father having passed the
seventy-third milestone in life's journey. They are the parents of the following
children: Amelia, the wife of Fred Jeschke; Lizzie, who married Carl Kutschin-
ski, of Crawford county; Charles, who is a resident of the same county; Ida,
the wife of George Fogle, also of the same county; Bertha, the wife of Fred
Messenbrink, of Crawford county ; Annie, who is at home ; Lena, the wife of
Albert Stressel, residing in this county ; Otto, who lives in Charter Oak ; and
Minnie, Matilda and Bernhard, all three of whom are living at home.
Seven children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Jeschke, as follows: Gus-
tave, who was born on the 27th of February, 1896; Bernhard, born on the 5th
of August, 1898; Otto, born on the 20th of December, 1899; Carl, born on the
14th of May, 1902; Edna, born on the 20th of May, 1905; William, born on
the 26th of August, 1906; and Herman, born on the 24th of August, 1908.
The family attend the Lutheran church, with which the parents are identi-
fied by membership. Ever since attaining his majority Mr. Jeschke has always
supported the candidates of the democratic party. He takes an active interest
in all local politics and has been elected to various offices, the duties of which
he has faithfully and competently discharged. He was constable for four
years and justice of the peace eight, and at the present time he is serving as
township trustee. He is one of the progressive citizens of his community and
has many friends by whom he is highly regarded.
PETER FREDERICK JEPSEN.
Thirty-six years ago Peter Frederick Jepsen came to Crawford county. He
was then a young man of twenty-eight years and by education and experience
well qualified to note the agricultural possibilities of this county. He applied him-
self diligently to his chosen occupation and today is one of the large landowners
of the county and one of its most respected citizens. Born in Schleswig-Hol-
stein, Germany, Januar}' 13, 1847, he is the son of John and Elsobao (Peter-
sen) Jepsen. The father was a weaver by trade and followed that occupation
in early life but later engaged in farming. Seeking to improve his condition
he emigrated to the new world in 1869 and spent six years in Clinton county,
Iowa. In the spring of 1875 he came to Crawford county and bought a sect-ion
of land in Goodrich township, ui)on which he took up his residence, becoming
one of the well known farmers of that section. He died in 1878 at the age of
sixty-two years. The mother of our subject departed this life in 1865, being
then forty-eight years of age. She and her husband were both members of the
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 249
Lutheran church. He was greatly respected by his neighbors and friends and
was mayor of the village of Jagel in Germany.
John Jepsen, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a weaver and
small farmer and devoted his attention to teaching during the winter seasons.
He married Margaretta Jepsen and there were four children in their family:
Jurgen, John, Claus and Margaretta. The maternal grandfather was Peter Pet-
ersen, a farmer in the fatherland, whose wife was Qbel Petersen. He died in
middle life but Mrs. Petersen lived to be about eighty years of age. There were
seven children in their family, namely: Henry, Claus, Detloff, Peter, Elizabeth,
Elsobao and Kathrina. Seven sons came to bless the union of John and Elsobao
Jepsen: John, now living in this county; Peter Frederick, the subject of this
review; Henry and Hans, both deceased; Frederick, of Goodrich township;
August, deceased; and Jurgen.
Peter Frederick Jepsen was reared upon a farm in Germany and early became
acquainted with the business to which he has devoted a large part of his life.
He received his education in his native land, and, being an ambitious young man,
he decided at twenty years of age to seek his fortune in America. Accordingly,
in 1867, he crossed the ocean and settled in Clinton county, Iowa, but later spent
one year on a farm in Dakota. In the fall of 1875 he purchased one hundred
and sixty acres of land in Goodrich township, Crawford county, which he im-
proved to good advantage, making it one of the valuable farms of the township.
As years passed he showed remarkable ability in the acquisition of land and he
now owns nine hundred and sixty acres in Goodrich township, also one hundred
and twenty acres in Milford township, one hundred and seventy-eight acres in
East Boyer township, and six hundred and forty acres in Hayes township. He
has sold a farm of one hundred and twenty acres and in addition to land here-
tofore designated he owns one hundred and ninety-one acres near Dunlop in
Harrison county. He now has all told two thousand and ninety nine acres. In
1904 he removed to Denison, where he has since lived retired.
On the loth of October, 1867, Mr. Jepsen was united in marriage to Miss
Anna Laumbach, who was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, October 10,
1842, a daughter of Henry and Wiepke (Utermann) Laumbach, her parents
being also natives of Germany. The father died in 1857 and the mother in 1864,
aged forty-two and forty-eight years respectively. The maternal grandfather of
Mrs. Jepsen was Hans Utermann, and his wife before her marriage was Mar-
garetta Herringsen. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Jepsen has been blessed by the
birth of nine children, five sons and four daughters, as follows : Anna married
William Gehring of Hanover township and has three children, William, Edward
and Otilla. Johan, a farmer of Goodrich township, married Maria Nath and has
two children, Peter and Anna. Peter, also a farmer of Goodrich township, mar-
ried Margaretta S.chroeder, by whom he had three children, Emma, Peter and
Walter and Hilda. Carolina married Martin Saggan and has seven children,
to this union, Elizabeth and Edna. Elsobao married Joannas Saggan and they
have five sons, Henry, Hogel. Martin, Edward and Harry. Henry, a farmer
of East Boyer township, married Marie Hallender and they have two children,
Walter and Hilda. Carolina married Martin Saggan and has seven children,
Emma, Anna, Carolina, Joannas, Bernhard, Marie and Martin. Jurgen, of Good-
250 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
rich township, married Anna Johansen and is the father of three children. W'il-
helmina, Albert and Johan. Julius, also of Goodrich township, married Anna
Rassow and has three children, Martin, Otilla and Malinda. Emma, now living
at Denison, married Henry Xath and is the mother of two children, Henry and
Edna.
Air. and Mrs. Jepsen are consistent members of the Lutheran church and
active workers in its behalf. Politically, Mr. Jepsen is in sympathy with the
democratic party and gives his earnest support to its principles and candidates.
He is a good friend of education and served for five years as member of the
school board of Goodrich township and for a number of years as township trus-
tee and school treasurer. By an industrious and straightforward life he years ago
gained an established reputation for integrity and fidelity to duty and his per-
sonal worth is fully demonstrated by the esteem in which he is held by a wide
circle of friends and acquaintances in Crawford and adjoining counties.
JOHN E. JOHNSTON,
John E. Johnston, deceased, who for more than thirty years was a citizen
of Crawford county and died on a farm in this county in 1902. was a native
of Sweden. He was reared and educated in the land of his birth and, believing
that conditions were more favorable in America for an ambitious young man
desirous of securing the best advantages available for himself and family, he
crossed the ocean in 1871 and during the remainder of his life was a patriotic
and useful citizen of this republic. He settled in Crawford county, Iowa, and
by his industry and high character gained recognition as one of its substantial
citizens. His memory is revered by all who knew him. Mrs. Johnston is still
living and makes her home with her daughter in Otter Creek township. There
were six children in their family, three of whom still survive.
His daughter, Hannah Johnston, who is now the owner of a well miproved
farm in Otter Creek township, was born in Sweden. She came to this country
with her parents and grew to womanhood in Crawford county, receiving an
excellent education in the public schools, and under her mother became thor-
oughly acquainted with the duties of the household. In 1884 she was united
in marriage to C. G. Carlson, also a native of Sweden. He came to America in
1881 and located in Crawford county, where he became acquainted with his
future wnfe. There were six children in their family, namely: Alfred B., who
was born December 17, 1884, and died December 30. 1888; Selma E., who was
born February ii. 1887. and is living at home; Walter S.. who was born Sep-
tember 3, 1888, and is also at home; Agnes E., who was born September 24,
1890, and died August 16, 1896; Edith E., born March 7, 1893. and Esther M.,
born May 31, 1896, both of whom are at home.
The mother of these children is one of the well known residents of the
county, having made her home here for many years. The home farm, which
comprises one hundred and fifty-nine acres on section 2. Otter Creek town-
ship, has been greatly improved under her direction and is provided with a
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 251
handsome residence and all modern facilities for its cultivation, making it one
of the desirable properties in this part of the county. She is a lady of fine in-
telligence and strength of character and has many friends and acquaintances
who have been attracted by her sterling worth. Religiously she adheres to the
Free Mission church, in which she was reared, and is an earnest worker in its
behalf. She has given her children liberal advantages of education and has
trained them to become useful and honorable members of society, willing at all
times to perform their part in forwarding the interests of those with whom they
are associated.
A. A. FISHEL.
For the past thirty-one years A. A. Fishel has devoted his energies to the
vocation of agriculture in Crawford county and has met with that modicum of
success which comes to all who have a purpose in life. He was born in Seneca
county, Ohio, near Mexico, January 12, 1858, a son of Daniel and Mary J.
(Mills) Fishel, both of whom were natives of Ohio, in which state the father
spent his entire life. He followed the trade of a millwright until the outbreak
of the Civil war, when he enlisted in Company A, Sixty-first Regiment of Ohio
Volunteer Infantry, in which he held the rank of corporal. He served for three
years from April, 1861, and participated in many famous battles, among them
being Bull Run, Gettysburg and Lookout Mountain, and was wounded in the
hand just before reaching Atlanta, in an engagement at Peach Tree Creek, it
being the same battle, on the same day and almost at the same hour that Gen-
eral McPherson was killed. He was sent home on account of his wounded hand,
which remained in a crippled condition during the remainder of his life. After
returning to Ohio he engaged in various occupations and during the closing
years of* his life was deputy postmaster at Upper Sandusky. His family came
from Pennsylvania and was of German descent. Of the eight children born to
him and his wife the following survive: Susan E., who became the wife of
B. L. Trimble and resides in Minnesota; A. A., of this review; Jerusha E., who
married J. H. Harmon and lives in Upper Sandusky, Ohio; and William, who
is a banker of Dow City. The father's death occurred at Upper Sandusky in
1873, but his wife survived him until March, 1906, and her remains were in-
terred in Dow City (Iowa) cemetery.
Mr. Fishel took advantage of the facilities ofifered by the public schools of
Ohio in obtaining his education. He subsequently came to Crawford county,
Iowa, and in 1880 entered upon his life work, which he had decided would be
the pursuit of agriculture. Such was his industry and business abihty that he
has been able to become the owner of one hundred and twenty acres of land
on section 34, Union township, upon which he has made many valuable improve-
ments, including modern and up-to-date buildings. Here he has followed farm-
ing in all its various branches and is regarded as an authority on all subjects
pertaining to the tilling of the soil.
Mr. Fishel has been twice married. His first wife was Lydia, a daughter
of G. W. Huntington, of Dow City, the results of this union being two chil-
252 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
dren, namely: Norine E., who married H. Alexander and resides in Dow City;
and Robert, who also lives in Dow City. Mrs. Fishel departed this life in
189S, her final resting place being Dow City cemetery. Mr. I'ishel's second
marriage took place in 1906, when he was united to Mrs. Lydia Click, of Deni-
son, Iowa.
The democratic party has always had the support of Mr. Fishel, who has
taken an active interest in the political afifairs of his community and filled the
office of township trustee for one term, at the expiration of which he was re-
elected. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Modern Woodmen of
America. During his long residence in Union township he has made many
friends, who recognize in him a man of integrity, whose word is as good as his
bond, and they accord him the sincere regard that such qualities so richly de-
serve.
JACOB C. PETERSEN.
Living retired from the labors of a long and active career, Jacob C. Petersen
is spending his declining days in the midst of ease and plenty. He is a man
of well balanced mind, who at the beginning of his business life denied himself
many comforts in order to acquire a competence. This he has accomplisiied and
he is now one of the highly respected citizens of Crawford county. He was
born in Germany, February 7, 1842, a son of Fred and Anna (Keellsen) Peter-
sen. The mother died in the old country, but the father came to America in
1884 and made his home with the subject of this review, passing away at the
age of eighty-nine years. There were seven children in the family, namely :
Annie, who became the wife of Hans Brotherson, of Otter Creek township, and
is now deceased ; Lizzie, the wife of K. Fredricksen, of Schleswig, lowd ; Ferdi-
nand, who died in Germany; Jacob C, of this review; Doris, who married
Adolph Berger, of Ida county, Iowa, and is now deceased; Gusta, now the wife
of Peter Petersen, of Crawford county; and Friedericka G., who became the
wife of Thomas Petersen, of Ida county, and is now deceased.
Jacob C. Petersen was reared in Germany and educated in the public schools
of his native land. At the age of twenty-seven years, having decided that more
favorable openings were presented in America than could be expected in a
thickly settled country, he crossed the ocean and in 1869 came to Davenport,
Iowa. In 1873 he removed to Crawford county and purchased eighty acres,
which he cultivated to such good advantage that he acquired funds by which he
was enabled to increase his farm to two hundred and eighty acres. He engaged
in general farming and stock-raising, and as he paid close attention to his busi-
ness and used excellent judgment, he met with deserved success. In 1903 he
retired to Schleswig and is now living in a comfortable residence which was
erected under his directions.
On the 2d of December, 1872, Mr. Petersen was united in marriage to Miss
Annie Hoist, a daughter of John F. and Christina (Lassen) Hoist, who were
the parents of five children, namely: Annie, now Mrs. Jacob C. Petersen; Mag-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 253
gie, the wife of John Haas of Mapleton, Monona county, Iowa; John F., of
Denison; Christina, wife of John Witt, of Paradise township; and Marie, who
became the wife of John Oeser, of West Side, Iowa, and both of them are de-
ceased. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Petersen seven children were born, one of whom
died in infancy. The others are: Agnes, now the wife of E. Wolhman, of Otter
Creek township; Christina, the wife of Carl Bell, of Schleswig; Maggie, now
Mrs. E. Bielenberg, of Morgan township; Annie, wife of Morris Dellifsen, of
Crawford county; Fred, also of Crawford county; and Hannah, wife of August
Rienking, of Ida county.
Politically Mr. Petersen gives his support to the democratic party and is a
stanch believer of its principles. He has served in all the minor township offices
and also as trustee and justice of the peace. In discharging his duties as a
public officer he evinced the same interest and ability that he has exercised m
private afifairs, thus gaining the confidence of all who know him. His success
in his life vocation has been due to his strict probity and sagacity and the system-
atic manner in which he conducted his work. He "is exceedingly popular with
his neighbors who recognize that he possesses many generous and noble quali-
ties.
GUSTAV SCHREIBER.
Among the German-American citizens of Crawford county are to be found
many of its most prosperous people. In numerous instances they owe their for-
tunate condition almost entirely to their own industry and application. Gustav
Schreiber, who owns a beautiful farm in Soldier township, is a native of Ger-
many and has by the good use of opportunities attained in his adopted state a
gratifying measure of success.
He was born February ii, 1871, a son of Ferdinand and Louisa (Stroh-
feldt) Schreiber, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to America
with their family, arriving in this country, February 22, 1888. After spending
eight years in Chicago, Illinois, they removed to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where
they lived for one and one-half years, when death visited the household and
the beloved mother was called away. The father and one of the sons, Gustav,
came to Crawford county, Iowa, and here he lived, making his home with his
son until he was called away in 1901. There were four children in the family:
Augusta, now the wife of Herman Semlor, of Chicago; Carl, of Crawford
county; Gustav, the subject of this review; and William, who died at the age
of twenty-nine years.
Gustav Schreiber crossed the ocean with his parents at the age of seventeen,
having previously secured his school education in his native land. At the age
of twenty-six he bought eighty acres in Soldier township, Crawford county,
which he cultivated to good advantage for eight years, selling it at a price much
in advance of its cost. He then purchased land on section 22 of the same town-
ship and has shown such good judgment in his work that at the present time he
is the owner of two hundred and forty acres, one of the most productive prop-
erties of its area in this part of the county.
254 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
On September i6, 1897, Mr. Schreiber was united in marriage to Miss Emma
Kroll. who was born in Chicago, December 10, 1878, a daughter of Gustav and
Augusta (Scheeve) Kroll. both natives of Germany. They were married in
Chicago and lived in that city until 1888, when they came west and settled on
a farm in Crawford county, Iowa. The mother died December 24, 1907, the
father passing away about three years later, on March 30, 1910. There were
six children in their family, namely: Emma, now Mrs. Gustav Schreiber; Wil-
liam, of Woodbury county, Iowa; and Gustav, Emil, George and Clara, all
residents of Crawford county. Seven children came to bless the union of Mr.
and Mrs. Schreiber: Walter, who was born October 2, 1898; George, born ]\Iay
31, 1900; Edwin, born November 18, 1902; Meta, born October 15, 1904;
Mahala, born October 27, 1906; Otto, born September 16, 1908; and Gustav,
born December 4, 1910.
Mr. Schreiber and his wife were both reared in the Lutheran church and
give their earnest support to that organization. Politically he affiliates with the
democratic party. From his boyhood he has recognized the value of labor in
the accomplishment of any worthy purpose. He early determined to acquire a
competency and with this end in view he did not hesitate to practice self-denial
when it was necessary in order to get a start. He now enjoys a prosperity which
he well deserves and has also assisted materially by his labors in adding to the
wealth of the county. His success cannot fail to encourage ambitious young
men, as the road to fortune and ease is open to all who will readily apply them-
selves during the early years of their business life, thus acquiring a safe foun-
dation for permanent prosperity.
CARL SCHELM.
For thirty-six years a resident of Crawford county, Carl Schelm now de-
ceased, will be remembered as one of its successful and highly respected citizens,
who won recognition through undaunted perseverance and acknowledged busi-
ness ability that would have gained for him prominence in almost any com-
munity. His death, which occurred April 15, 1907, was the occasion of general
regret, as he had made a host of friends and was widely known as an upright
and useful citizen who was ever ready to extend a hand of helpfulness to those
less fortunate than himself and to assist in promoting the happiness of those
with whom he was associated.
He was born in Germany and came to America in 1867, first taking up his
residence in Jackson county, Iowa. In 1871 he came to Crawford county and
began working on a farm. Later he bought land in Hanover township and
as the years passed became the owner of two hundred acres in that township
and also a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Brown county, Nebraska.
He was a man of good practical judgment in business and as he was thoroughly
familiar with the duties that fall to the lot of the farmer, his labors met with
de=;erved recompense.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 255
In^ 1874 Air. Schelm was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Sutrow, and
by this union four children were born, namely: Minnie, now the wife of Her-
man Baak, of Crawford county; Dretta, the wife of Fred Hermsmayer, of
Brown county, Nebraska; and William and Albert, both of whom are living in
Nebraska. The mother of these children died in 1885, and Mr. Schelm was
married one year later to Mrs. Frieda (Fehmerling) Kayser, who was born in
Germany, January 23, i860. By her first marriage she became the mother of
two children: Carl and EHzabeth, both of whom are deceased. Two children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Schelm: Gustav, whose natal day was October 27,
1888, died at the age of one year; George W., the younger child, was born
November 6, 1890, and is now living at home with his mother. He is a promis-
ing young man and is a graduate of the Denison high school, being now in at-
tendance at the normal school.
Mr. Schelm of this review gave his support to the republican party and
served in various township offices. He was a thorough farmer, paying close
attention to his work, so that it was productive of highly satisfactory returns.
As a citizen he was devoted to his county and state, and as the head of a family,
his first thought was always for those he loved. His remains were interred in
Hanover cemetery and a suitable monument marks the grave as a testimonial
from his wife and son. Mrs. Schelm and her son still own the farms in Iowa
and Nebraska and also a handsome residence in Denison, which is the family
home. They visited Germany and remained for six months amidst scenes with
which she was familiar in her earlier years. She is now permanently located at
Denison and has many friends and acquaintances in this city.
JOHN T. WALSH.
A highly improved farm of one hundred and eighty acres in West Side town-
ship is evidence of the energy and ability of John T. Walsh, who is recognized
as one of the progressive men of his section. His success has been due to a
laudable ambition and an unalterable perseverance which are important elements
in his character. He is a native of Livingston county, Illinois, born June 10,
1869, and is a son of James E. and Honora (Breen) Walsh, both of whom were
born in Ireland. The father came to America in 1850 and was married in Illi-
nois to Miss Honora Breen. Later he came with his family to Crawford county,
Iowa, and he and his wife are now living at Vail, the former having reached
the age of seventy-six, while the latter is seventy-seven years of age. They are
the parents of four children.
John T. Walsh received his early education in the common schools and later
had the advantage of attending the high school. He continued at home until
arriving at maturity and then, having decided to devote his attention to agri-
cultural pursuits, he began farming upon his own account. He has applied
himself to such excellent advantage that he now owns one hundred and eighty
acres of land on sections 29 and 32, West Side township, all of which is under
admirable cultivation and capable of producing large crops. Everything about
256 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
the place is in good order and denotes that he has prospered in his caUing and
is in comfortable circumstances. He raises various grains, but makes a spe-
cialty of raising and feeding stock for the market.
On May 21. 1907, Mr. Walsh was united in marriage to Miss Alice Coughlin,
who waj born in Canada, a daughter of Patrick and Mary (Quinn) Coughlin. The
father was born in Ireland and the mother in Canada. She is now deceased,
but Mr. Coughlin is living at Dunlap, Iowa. There were eleven children in
their family, eight of whom survive. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Walsh: Maurice Francis Carroll, who was born October 19, 1909; and James P.,
who was born April 17, 1910, and died July 6 following.
Mr. Walsh may be designated as a self-made man, as he has attained a grati-
fying degree of financial prosperity entirely through his own efforts. He is
recognized as the possessor of clear judgment and sound business ability, and
as he is genial and public-spirited, he enjoys the unqualified respect and esteem
of those who know him. Politically he is not identified with any of the great
organizations, but votes independently, preferring to be controlled by the con-
ditions that prevail at the time of the election. Fraternally he is a valued mem-
ber of Lodge Xo. 780, K. C, of Carroll, and has taken a great interest in the
order, having filled all the chairs in the lodge. In religious belief he and his
wife are Catholics.
NELS P. LARSON.
Although Nels P. Larson was born in Sweden, he probably knows more
about the United States than he does about his native land. He has traveled
from New York to San Francisco and has also been in the south, gaining a
good knowledge of the country before he finally selected Crawford county,
Iowa, as his permanent home. He has seen no cause to regret his choice of a
location, as he is now the owner of a beautiful farm which yields abundant
annual harvests, making him practically independent financially. He was born
in Sweden, February 22, 1852, a son of John and Mary Larson, mention of
whom is made elsewhere in this work.
Nels P. Larson was educated in the common schools of his native land, and
in 1868 came to America with his parents, stopping for a while in New York
city, where he worked as a teamster. He then went to Brooklyn, where he
worked in a brickyard, subsequently being attracted to South Carolina, in which
state he spent two years upon a cotton plantation and in a store. He next was
identified with railroad construction in Pennsylvania as teamster for a year,
and during the next three or four years spent his time largely in the coal mines.
Having seen considerable of the east, he turned his face westward and crossed
the continent to California, where he worked in a lumberyard for three years.
In 1879 he came to Crawford county, Iowa, and began farming, carrying his
work forward with such success that he is now the owner of four hundred acres
on sections 23, 24 and 25, Otter Creek township. He raises grain and feeds
cattle and hogs for the market. He is also a stock buyer and shipper in com-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 257
pany with N. P. Swanson of Kiron. In addition to other interests Mr. Larson
is a stockholder of the Farmers Telephone Company of Kiron. As he is a
man of good judgment he is recognized as one of the leading citizens in his
part of the county.
On the 1st of January, 1886, Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss
Christina Young, a native of Sweden and a daughter of A. P. Young. Both of
her parents are deceased. Mrs. Larson came to this country with them in her
infancy and was reared and educated here. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Larson
has been blessed by the birth of three children, namely: Mildred, who is a
graduate of music and is now living at home; Elwood L., also at home; and
Louise, deceased.
Mr. Larson gives his support to the republican party and takes an active
part in affairs of his township, having served as school director and as road
superintendent for a number of years. He is a valued member of the camp of
Modern Woodmen of America at Denison, and the Yeomen of the World at
Des Moines. He and his wife were reared in the Lutheran church and are
earnest supporters of that denomination. He is a man of great energy and de-
termination, and as he possesses good business judgment, he is generally suc-
cessful in his undertakings and is justly respected by all who know him.
WILLIAM E. EGGERS.
As a man who has materially assisted in the development and progress of
the agricultural and commercial interests of Crawford county, William E. Eg-
gers holds a prominent position among the residents of Arion, which owes much
to his individual endeavors in the behalf of its welfare. He was born in Jack-
son county, Iowa, near Green Island, September 3, 1863, a son of Frederick
Eggers. (For ancestral history of the Eggers family, see sketch of P. J. Eggers
in this volume.) When the father moved from Jackson county he was the
possessor of two wagons, five horses and some cattle, and it fell to the lot of
his son William E. to drive and take care of the cattle. Their journey was by
way of Cedar Rapids, which was at that time but a mere village, and they
forded the river there, although the water was high enough to reach the bottom
of the wagon box.
William E. Eggers acquired his early education in the Lyman public school
under the tutelage of Ayl Marshall. He remained on the home farm until at-
taining his majority, when he rented some land from his father and began the
pursuit of agriculture on his own account. He later decided to embark in the
live-stock business, purchasing his first carload of cattle from the man who for-
merly owned the place whereon he now resides, and from that time he has been
an extensive feeder and shipper of high grade stock. His first personal ac-
quisition of land was on section 13, Paradise township, comprising one hundred
and twenty acres, and in 1895 he bought his present property, consisting of
two hundred acres, which has the benefit of all the modern improvements that
go to make an up-to-date farm. Aside from these holdings he owns two hun-
Vol. 11—14
258 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
dred and eighty acres in Knox county, Nebraska. Mr. Eggers has been an im-
portant factor in the organization and maintenance of Arion's most prominent
pubHc institutions, to which he has contributed hberally of both his time and
financial assistance. He is a stockholder in the Denison Hospital, one of the
charter members of the Arion State Bank, of which he was a director and bank
examiner, at present filling the ofifice of vice president, and he was one of the
organizers of the Crawford County Fair Association, in which he is a stockholder
and a member of the board of directors and now president.
The marriage of Mr. Eggers occurred March 22, 1893, when he was united
to ^liss Carrie Lanser, a resident of Crawford county, and to them the follow-
ing three children were born : Arthur, now sixteen years old ; Ellen, fourteen
years old ; and Sears William, eleven years old.
The democratic party has always had the support of Mr. Eggers and for
six years he has held the office of township trustee, and has been reelected for
another term. Fraternally he is connected with Arion Lodge, No. 5560, Modern
Woodmen of America, of which he is a charter member. In his religious faith
he follows the teachings of the Lutheran church. He has always remained a
resident of his native state, and his success today is the result of his early am-
bition to make a place for himself among his fellow citizens. Broad-minded,
possessing a genial and courteous nature, his many friends exfend to him the
high regard which he so well merits.
CHRISTIAN SCHNOOR.
Christian Schnoor, who for twenty years was closely identified with the agri-
cultural interests of Crawford county but is now living in Schleswig. was born
in Germany on the i6th of October, 1856. His parents, Jurgen and Doris
(Bermaster) Schnoor. were also natives of Germany, and it was there Mrs.
Schnoor passed away. The father came to America in 1874 and located in
Davenport, where he continued to reside until his demise at the age of about
seventy years. Four children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Schnoor, the son
Christian being the youngest. The others are as follows : Henry, who is de-
ceased ; Christina, who became the wife of Hans Schmidt, of Scott county; and
John, who is residing in the same place.
Christian Schnoor was but a youth of seventeen years when he left his na-
tive land, in the common schools of which he obtained his education. L'pon his
arrival in the United States he made his way westward and located in Daven-
port, Iowa, where he obtained employment as a farm hand. He continued in
that occupation for seven years and during that time, by means of the sterling
qualities of thrift, energy and perseverance, which characterize the Teutonic
nation, acquired the means necessary to enable him to become a property owner.
He therefore bought eighty acres of land on section 3, Morgan township, where
he engaged in general farming. During his long years of service he had learned
much of agricultural methods as pursued in America, and being an observing
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 259
man, was now able to benefit from the experience of his former employers.
He used good judgment and intelligence in the direction of his work and the
result was profitable returns from his harvests. He removed to Schleswig in
1901 and is now renting his farm. He owns property in Schleswig and is in-
terested in various other things. Although he is enjoying the mental ease
and physical comfort always assured by a competence, he is not leading an idle
life always being busily engaged in some pursuit.
Mr. Schnoor's fraternal relations are confined to membership in the Inde-
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, while his political allegiance is always given to
the republican party, as he considers that its policy is best adapted to subserve
the interests of the majority. He does not actively participate in municipal
afifairs, not being an aspirant for public office, but he always complies with the
requirements of good citizenship by casting a ballot at all elections. During the
long period of his residence in Crawford county he has made many friends
whose esteem he retains.
EMIL PAUTSCH.
Emil Pautsch, who is engaged in general farming and stock-raising in Han-
over township, has been closely identified with the agricultural development of
Crawford county for more than twenty-five years. He was born in Germany,
November 29, 1869, a son of Ferdinand and Wilhelmina (Nass) Pautsch, also
natives of the fatherland, who emigrated to the United States in 1870 and lo-
cated in Chicago, where they continued to reside for six years. In 1876 they
removed to Crawford county, Iowa, and bought a farm which they cultivated
until the father's death in 1896. Mrs. Pautsch is still living and makes her
home with her children. They were the parents of twelve children, four of
whom died in infancy, those who lived to maturity being as follows : Theresa,
the wife of Louis Green, of Charter Oak, this county; Emil, our subject; Robert,
who lives in Luverne, Minnesota ; George, deceased ; Ida, living in Hanover
township; Emma, the wife of Otto Heabner. of Hanover township; Carl, who
is living on the homestead ; and Bernard, also living on the homestead.
Emil Pautsch acquired his education in the common schools of Crawford
county, and when he had obtained such knowledge as he deemed essential to
pursue his vocation, his text-book gave place to the work of the field and he
assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm. He remained under the
parental roof until he was twenty-four years of age, at which time he began
farming for himself on a portion of his father's land, which was later given to
him and forms a part of his present holdings. He engaged in general farming
and stock-raising, making a specialty of feeding cattle for the market, and in
all of his undertakings he met with most gratifying success and as a result he
was able to add to his original tract until he now owns three hundred and
twenty acres of finely improved and highly cultivated land. In addition to his
homestead he also owns a half section in Spink county. South Dakota, and one
hundred and sixty acres in Rock county, Minnesota. He is devoting the greater
260 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
part of his time to the feeding of cattle and now has five carloads of very fine
stock which he is prei)aring for the market.
Mr. Pautsch was united in marriage to Miss Anna Lill in 1894, a daughter
of August and Theresa (Reetz) Lill. She was born in Chicago on the 8th
of February', 1874. but is of German extraction, her parents being natives of
the fatherland. Mr. and Mrs. Lill removed to Iowa in 1879 and settled on a
farm in Crawford county, which they operated until their deaths. They were
thrifty, hard-working people and owned two hundred and eight acres of well
cultivated land at the time of their demise. Eight children were born unto
them, two of whom died in infancy, those living being as follows : John, who
lives in Sioux City, this state; Anna, the wife of Emil Pautsch; Laura, who
married R. Weed, of Charter Oak township ; Minnie, the wife of George
Pautsch, of Luverne, Minnesota ; Theresa, who is unmarried and lives at Char-
ter Oak; and August, who resides on the homestead in Charter Oak township.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Pautsch have been born eight children, who are as follows :
Adelheid, who was born on the 8th of October, 1895 ; Ferdinand, born on the
2d of February, 1897; August, born on the 19th of July, 1899; Elna, born on
the 3d of March, 1900; Ernest, born on the 28th of February, 1903; Alfred,
born on the 5th of April, 1908; and Laura and Martin, who died in infancy.
The family attend the Lutheran church, of which denomination the parents
are members. Politically Mr. Pautsch has always been identified with the demo-
cratic party, and has been elected to the office of constable for several terms,
while at the present time he is a member of the board of school directors. He
is one of the progressive, public-spirited citizens of his district, who during his
long residence here has won the regard and esteem of the community.
JOHN LEE RICHARDSON.
A pioneer, a soldier and a farmer, who is now serving as state oil inspector,
John Lee Richardson of Denison has led an active and useful life, in the course
of which he has made many friends and materially assisted in promoting the
public welfare. He was born in the village of Cassadaga, Stockton township.
Chautauqua county. New York, September 6, 1837, a son of Nathan and Asenath
(Johnson) Richardson, who were also natives of New York. The father, who
was a farmer, was l^orn and reared at Cooperstown, Otsego county, and re-
moved to Palmyra, Wayne county, and from there to Chautauqua county. Sub-
sequently, he came to Iowa and died in Linn county in 1870 at the age of seven-
ty-one years. His first wife was Asenath Johnson, who died in Chautauqua
county, New York, at the age of forty years. There were five children by tiiat
union, namely : Nancy, who married James W. Barber, of Lake county. Ohio,
and is now deceased; Reuben, deceased; Jane, the wife of Samuel Whiting of
Lake county, Ohio, who died in the Civil war, and she is now also deceased ;
John Lee, the subject of this review; and Martha, who w-as the wife of H. B.
McKean of Linn county, Iowa, and is now deceased. After the death of his first
wife the father married Mrs. Morton, by whom he had three daughters: Sarah,
JOHX L. RICHARDSON
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 263
of Huron, South Dakota, who is the widow of Leander Batchelder; Abia, the
widow of David Cargill, and JuHa, of Polo, Linn county, Iowa, the wife of P. A.
Yates. All three of their husbands were soldiers of the Civil war. The father
served as teamster in the war of 1812, and he and his first wife were members
of the Friends church. The paternal grandfather of our subject was Hill Rich-
ardson, a native of Massachusetts. He was a farmer and a soldier of the war
of 1812. His wife was Sallie Lee, and they had eight children: Ammi, Nathan,
William. Areuna, John, Freeman, Louisa, and Cynthia.
The Richardson family is of Norman origin and its history dates back to
the time of William the Conquerer. Many noted names in English history were
identified with this family. The first American ancestor Ezekiel Richardson,
arrived in this country from England in 1630. He was soon followed by two
brothers, Samuel and Thomas, and assisted in founding the town of Woburn,
^Massachusetts. Edward and Moses Richardson fought side by side in the Revo-
lutionary war, and at the laying of the cornerstone of Bunker Hill monument,
June 17, 1825, not even Lafayette, who was present, excited more interest than
these brothers, who rode together and were the observed of all observers. Moses
Richardson, another member of the family, was awakened at midnight, shoul-
dered his musket, and at five o'clock in the morning was dead — one of the first
to fall at the battle of Lexington. He with three brothers was buried in a
trench in the Cambridge cemetery, and in 1870 the city of Cambridge erected
a monument to the three men, upon which is inscribed, "O, what a glorious
morning is this !" The coolness of Captain Israel Richardson, who was in the
Alexican war, won for him the title of "Fighting Dick." The motto of the fam-
ily "Trust in God" has ever sustained them, and almost without exception they
have been found worthy, whether subjects of the British crown or following
the stars and stripes in the land of their adoption.
John Lee Richardson was reared in Chautauqua county. New York, and
came west with his parents in 1844. Subsequently, he went to the frontier of
iMinnesota, where he lived for six years, hunting and trapping. He also drove
a government team and carried the mail on foot through a forest of one hundred
and sixty miles, only one white man living on the route at Mill Lake, an Indian
trader by the name of Fox. He came to visit his parents in Iowa, and while in
this state enlisted in Company A, Twentieth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and served
with great credit for three years. During the entire period he never received
the slightest injur3\ although he participated in many important battles and
never missed a march in which his regiment took part. He was present at the
battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, the siege of \'icksburg. in the Red River cam-
paign under General Banks, at the siege of Fort Morgan, in the ^Mobile cam-
paign, and also participated in the last fight of his regiment at the storming of
the works of Fort Blakely, on the 9th of April, 1865. After receiving his hon-
orable discharge he came home and worked upon his sister's farm in Linn
county, Iowa, for several years, her husband having died in the army. He then
removed to northern Missouri, where he continued for five years, but since 1874
has made his home in Crawford county, the first six years being passed upon a
farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he purchased in Soldier township.
264 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
He moved to Denison on account of his wife's health, but he still owns the farm,
one of the higlily improved properties of the neighborhood.
On the 14th of October, 1868, Mr. Richardson was united in marriage to Miss
Mary McArthur, a daughter of James McArthur. They are both members of
the Baptist church, in which he has for a number of years served as deacon.
He is identified with John A. Logan Post, Xo. 58, G. A. R., and has been its
adjutant for many years. Politically, he gives his support to the republican
party. He was deputy county treasurer two years and has also served as town-
ship assessor and as assessor in Dension. For about eight years he was janitor
of the North Side public school, and it is to his credit to say that he has the
friendship and good-will of all the children.
Although he has passed the Psalmist's three score years and ten, he is still
deeply interested in affairs both public and private and discharges his duties
as state oil inspector with a fidelity that meets the general approval. As a soldier
he was faithful and true and in the various relations of life he has ever attempted
to perform his duty, thus meriting the high esteem in which he is held by all
with whom he comes into contact.
GUST SANDERS.
Coming to America twenty-four years ago, Gust Sanders has by his intelli-
gent application won a home for himself and family and also an honorable repu-
tation as one of the substantial and trustworthy citizens of Crawford county.
He was born in Sweden, May 17, 1868, a son of John and Lena Oleson, both
of whom spent their entire lives in Sweden. There were two children in their
family: Gust, the subject of this review; and Axel, who is deceased.
Gust Sanders was educated in his native country and after arriving at a
suitable age learned the carpenter's trade. Ambitious to see the world and also
to take advantage of the opportunities presented under the favoring influences
of the American republic, he came to the United States in 1887, spending the
first seven years in Chicago, where he found employment at his trade. In 1894
he arrived in Crawford county, Iowa, and continued work at his trade, becoming
one of the well known carpenters in this section. In 1908 he became associated
with C. S. Johnson under the firm name of Johnson & Sanders and has since
been identified with the general mercantile business at Kiron. The firm has
attained a recognized standing as one of the reliable and prosperous concerns
in Crawford county.
In 1905 Mr. Sanders was united in marriage to Miss Emma Anderson, a
native of Sweden and a daughter of Gustave and Lisa Anderson, both of whom
are still living in the old country. There were four children in the family of
Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, and two children came to bless the union of ]\Ir. and
Mrs. Sanders ; Elnora. who was born February 26, 1907, and died Mav 2}^,
1910; and Lucile, born May 30, 1910.
Mr. Sanders and his wife are upholders of the Christian faith and are
valued members of the Mission church of Kiron. He has not devoted much
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 265
attention to politics as his family and his business require his time, but he has
observed the effects of the saloon and is an uncompromising advocate of tem-
perance, believing this subject of more importance to the welfare of the country
than many others that absorb the public mind. He is industrious, reliable and
wide-awake and deserves the gratifying success he has achieved in his adopted
country.
HENRY KUHLMAN.
Henry Kuhlman has clearly demonstrated by his life what it is possible for
an ambitious and determined young man to achieve in the United States. A
German by birth, he was not only practically without means, but was unfamiliar
with the customs and language of the country when he arrived in this country-,
but he was rich in perseverance and industry and today he owns eleven hundred
and ten acres of highly cultivated land in Crawford county. He was born on
the 30th of May, 1850, and is a son of Frederick and Marie (Keuthan) Kuhl-
man, who spent their entire lives in the fatherland. They were the parents of
ten children, three of whom, besides our subject, are now living: Marie, the
wife of William Ahrens, of Germany; Louisa, who married Henry Hase, of
Germany; and George, who is a resident of Charter Oak township, Crawford
county.
The first twenty-three years of Henry Kuhlman's life were spent in the
old country, but at the end of that period he felt that he possessed the ability
to make something of his life were he only able to exercise those powers which
he felt must forever lie dormant in the conservative atmosphere of the caste-
bound land of his nativity. America seemed to offer the opportunities for which
he longed, so crossing the Atlantic, he landed in this country on the 6th of April,
1873, and immediately made his way westward to Crawford county, Iowa. He
worked out by the month during the first two years of his residence here, during
which time he carefully laid aside a portion of his earnings until in 1875 he
had saved sufficient to enable him to buy eighty acres of land, which formed
the nucleus of his extensive realty holdings of the present time. His home-
stead in Hanover township contains seven hundred and fifty acres, in addition
to which he owns three hundred and sixty acres in Paradise township. It is
all well improved and highly cultivated, and everything about his homestead
gives evidence of the thrift, careful supervision and regard for details which are
always active factors in the acquirement of success.
On the 7th of May, 1878, Mr. Kuhlman completed his arrangements for a
home of his own by marrying Miss Hetten Martin. She is also a native of
Germany and was born on the 29th of September, 1852, a daughter of IMichael
and JuHa Martin. The mother died in the fatherland and the father came to
America and made his home with his children until the time of his demise,
twenty years later. Eight children were born unto Mr. and ^Irs. Martin, as
follows :' Gusta, the wife of William Ockelbine. of Kansas ; Paulina, who mar-
ried Herman Minda, of Sac City, Iowa; Gustave. living in Charter Oak. this
266 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
state; Albert, a resident of Mapleton, Iowa; Hetten, the wife of Henry Kuhl-
man ; and Amelia, Frederick and Emil, all of whom are deceased.
Mr. and Airs. Kuhlman have become the parents of twelve children, eight
of whom are still living: Alwena, who was born in 1881 and became the wife
of Carl Teas, of Charter Oak township; Dora, whose birth occurred in 1882,
and who married Herman Keipe, of Hanover township; Elizabeth, born in
1884; Henry, born in 1886; Herman, born in 1890; Gustave, born in 1893.
George, born in 1895; Marie, born in 1897; two who died in infancy; and
Emma and Lena, both deceased. All but the two eldest of those living are
still at home.
The family attend the Lutheran church, of which denomination they are
members. Ever since naturalization conferred upon him the full rights of citi-
zenship, Mr. Kuhlman has supported the candidates and principles of the dem-
ocratic party, and although he has never been an office seeker, he has served as
a school director for the past two years. He is indeed a self-made man, as his
success is entirely due to his unfaltering determination, persistent effort and
tireless energy. His has not been a phenomenal record of brilliant achievements
but the steady and substantial progress which is ever the reward of well directed
effort when sustained by faithful service and incorruptible integrity. He has
been a resident of Hanover township for more than three decades and during
that period he has made many friends whose regard and respect he retains, and
both he and Mrs. Kuhlman are highly esteemed in the community.
LOUIS M. COON, M. D.
Dr. Louis M. Coon, a practicing physician and surgeon of Denison, has
gained an enviable reputation as a successful representative of the medical pro-
fession in Crawford county. He is also an extensive landowner, having six-
teen hundred acres in this state and in South Dakota. His birth occurred near
Madison, Wisconsin, on the 20th of August, 1863, his parents being William W.
and Mary E. (McHenry) Coon, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of
Allegany county, New York. Paul AL Coon, the paternal grandfather, was
born in Oberlin, Ohio, and sold the first eighty-acre tract of land on the site
chosen for Oberlin College. He was a successful agriculturist and quite an
extensive landowner and operated both flour and sawmills. He was likewise
a stone mason by trade and engaged in business as a contractor and builder.
In the early days he went to Wisconsin, later removed to Minnesota and sub-
sequently took up his abode among the pioneer settlers of Crawford county,
Iowa. He passed away at Arion. where he had resided for some years, living
to attain the venerable age of eighty-three. His wife, who bore the maiden
name of Thirza Cole, survived him for two years, being eighty-two years old
when called to her final rest. They were the parents of three children, two sons
and a daughter, as follows : William W. ; Paul ; and Matilda, who gave her hand
in marriage to John Oliver, a farmer and stock-raiser of Winfield, Kansas.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 267
The maternal grandfather of our subject was a native of New York and fol-
lowed farming and stock-raising throughout his active business career.
William W. Coon, the father of Dr. Louis M. Coon, left Ohio as a boy in
company with his parents, the family home being established in Huntington,
Indiana, where Paul M. Coon owned large flouring and sawmills. Subsequently
the family removed to Albion, Dane county, Wisconsin, where William W.
Coon attended Albion College. On leaving that town he went to Topeka, Kan-
sas, and entered the employ of the government, freighting to Fort Hall, Oregon.
When a young man of twenty he had crossed the plains four times. At that
early period there was only one house on the present site of Denver, Colorado.
After returning to Albion, Wisconsin, he wedded Miss Lucinda M. Warren,
who died soon afterward of typhoid fever, Mr. Coon also falling a victim to
the disease. For his second wife he chose Mary E. McHenry, with whom he
removed to Alden, Minnesota, there purchasing a farm on which he made his
home for ten years. On the expiration of that period he came to Iowa and
bought a farm on the present site of Arion, continuing to reside thereon until
called to his final rest in August, 1909, when he had attained the age of seventy-
four years. In religious faith he was a Baptist, as was also his wife, who died
on the 20th of May, 1910, when seventy-four years of age. William W. Coon
enlisted at Madison, Wisconsin, at the time of the Civil war, but was not al-
lowed to serve because of an injury in the shoulder which he had sustained
when, as a boy, an Indian pushed him from a high embankment. He held
various town offices in Minnesota and in Crawford county, Iowa, acting as
school trustee, school director, etc. He was a gentleman of benevolent and
charitable disposition and his home was a most hospitable one, always open for
the reception of his many friends. Unto him and his wife were born three
children, one son and two daughters : Louis M., of this review ; Helen, who died
at the age of sixteen years ; and Jessie, who passed away when twenty-three
years old. The last named was the wife of Wihiam Schouten and left a little
daughter, Helen.
Dr. Louis M. Coon, whose name introduces this review, was a small child
when he accompanied his parents on their removal to Freeborn, Minnesota,
and a youth of twelve when he came with them to Iowa. He remained on his
father's farm until eighteen years of age and obtained his early education in
the district schools. Subsequently he pursued a course of study in Milton Col-
lege at Milton, Wisconsin, and later attended the State University of Iowa.
Having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work, he entered
the College of Physicians and Surgeons at St. Louis, Missouri, from which in-
stitution he was graduated in 1898. He first located at Arion, but for the past
four years has followed his profession in Denison, enjoying a constantly grow-
ing and lucrative practice. That he keeps in touch with the fraternity in its
advancement, experimentation and experience, is indicated through his mem-
bership with the Crawford County Medical Society, the Iowa State Medical
Society and the American Medical Association. He has always been a great
speculator and now owns sixteen hundred acres of land in Crawford and
Monona counties of Iowa and near Aberdeen, South Dakota, as well as near
Sioux City, Iowa.
268 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY
On the ist of January, 1889, Dr. Coon was united in marriage to ]\Iiss Ella
Clark, a native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and a daughter of Joseph and Eliza
Clark, both of whom were born in New York. The Doctor and his wife have
one child. William Louis Coon.
Fraternally Dr. Coon is identified with the Masons, belonging to Sylvan
Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. AL, while both he and his wife are members of the
Eastern Star. He is likewise connected with the ^lodern Woodmen. In re-
ligious faith both he and his wife are Baptists. Dr. Coon is a man of marked
individuality, of strong character and stalwart purpose, wdio in citizenship and
professional circles and in private life commands the respect of all with whom
he has been brought in contact. He served as mayor of the city while residing
in Arion, and in Denison has been a member of the city council for the past
three years and chairman of the finance committee.
FRITZ WTTT.
Fritz Witt, who owns an excellent two hundred acre farm in Crawford
county, has acquired a competence which now enables him to live retired in
Schleswig, where he has recently erected a thoroughly modern residence. He
was born in Germany on the 4th of November, 1847, and is a son of Carl and
Johanna (Esmark) Witt, who lived and died in the fatherland. They were
the parents of the following children: Sophia, the wife of Hans Kruse, of
Manning, Iowa ; Louisa, who is deceased ; Johanna, who married Carl Staak.
of Germany; Christina, deceased; Maria, the deceased wife of Rudolph Lehfrerdt,
of Denison ; Carlotta, the wife of Fritz Hensen, of Germany ; Carl, of Denison ;
and Fritz, the subject of this sketch.
Fritz Witt was a resident of his native land for the first twenty-three years
of his life, but in 1870 he decided that the United States afforded better oppor-
tunities for the energetic young men than the older country. Upon landing he
immediately made his way westward and located in Crawford county, Iowa, and
for seven years he followed various pursuits, during which time he acquired the
capital to buy eighty acres of land. He was a sheep herder in the old country
and so in addition to his agricultural pursuits, made a specialty of sheep-raising,
in which venture he met with gratifying success and was able to add to his
holdings from time to time until he acquired two hundred acres of land. About
twenty-one years ago he and George Mayercord. of Denison. were engaged in
the shipping of cattle and hogs for a time, and it proved to be a profitable un-
dertaking. Mr. Witt is a man who cautiously plans and as carefully executes
every project he enters into and the result is a concentration of effort which
usually compels success. He has rented his homestead to his son and is
now enjoying in the evening of life the ease which his comfortable circumstances
provide.
On the 6th of January, 1875, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Witt and
Miss Johanna Ohl. of Otter Creek township, a daughter of Ernest and Delside
(Dibbern) Ohl. Seven children were born unto ^Iv. and Mrs. Ohl, as follows:
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY 269
August, who is living at Denison ; William, a resident of Dunlap, this state; Amil,
living at Blue Island, Illinois; ^Margaret, the wife of Carl Schreder, of Buck
Grove; Matilda, who married Herman Framberg, of Chicago; Johanna, the wife
of Fritz Witt; and Christina, who became the wife of Jurgen Schroeder, of
Schleswig. Mr. and Airs. Witt have become the parents of the following chil-
dren: Emma, the deceased wife of Amos Hollander; Ludwick of Otter Creek
township; Christina, the wife of John Krohnke, of Schleswig; Amanda, the wife
of William Schmidt, of Schleswig; Benjamin, of Schleswig; and Ella, who mar-
ried Paul F. Wilson, of Omaha.
They all affiliate with the Lutheran church, according to which faith they
endeavor to guide their lifes. Mr. Witt has ever given his support to the demo-
cratic party and takes an active interest in all local political issues, having served
in the majority of the minor township offices, the duties of which he discharged
creditably and satisfactorily to his constituency. He has many friends who ac-
cord him the respect his life principles and business policy most justly merit.
CHRISTIAN H. RUSCH.
From his earliest recollection Christian H. Rusch has been identified with
Crawford county. He was born on a farm in this county, January 19, 1880, a
son of Claus and Bertha (Jansen) Rusch, the former of whom was born in Ger-
many and the latter in America. They were married in Crawford county, Iowa,
and the father bought two hundred and twenty acres of land here, which he cul-
tivated for a number of years. He sold that property in 1898 and purchased
four hundred acres on sections 17 and 18, Morgan township, upon which he lived
until his retirement in 1905. He and his wife now make their home at Schles-
wig. By their union ten children have been born, namely : Christian H., of this
review; Henry, who lives in ^Morgan township; Elizabeth, the wife of John
Claussen, of Crawford county; Julia, who married Paul Kleppen, of Nebraska;
and Katie, Ella, Maggie, Metha, John and Herman, all of whom are at home.
Educated in the district schools, Christian H. Rusch continued at home until
twenty-six years of age. He then rented a part of his father's homestead, upon
which he still resides. He makes a specialty of feeding stock and as he is a good
judge of animals he is able to buy to advantage and to command fair prices for
what he has to sell.
On the 27th of February, 1906, Mr. Rusch was united in marriage to Miss
Minnie Claussen, who was born at Clinton. Iowa, June 24, 1882, a daughter of
Henry and Katie (Witthon) Claussen, both of whom were born in Germany.
They came to America about 1880 and lived in Clinton county, Iowa, for sev-
eral years before coming to Crawford county, where 'Sir. Claussen rented land
for several years aiid then bought one hundred and sixty acres in Soldier town-
ship. He cultivated his farm with a goodly measure of success until 1909, when
he disposed of it, and he and his wife have since lived retired at Ricketts. There
were ten children in their family seven of whom are now living, namely: John,
of Schleswig; Dora, the wife of William IMeyers, of Crawford county; Anna,
270 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
who is at home; Minnie, now Mrs. Christian H. Rusch ; Peter, also at home; Her-
man, of Nebraska ; and Bertha, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Rusch have one child,
Harvey, born March 23, 191 1.
I'olitically Mr. Rusch gives his support to the democratic party but he is in
no sense an office seeker as he has never cared for the honors or emoluments of
public office. He prefers to concentrate his attention upon his business and the
result is seen in his productive fields and well fed animals which are unmistakable
evidences of prosperity. He is never backward in aiding a worthy cause and no
man is more ready or willing to relieve distress or extend a helping hand to the
unfortunate. He and his wife are valued members of the German Lutheran
church.
HUGO KROHNKE.
Hugo Krohnke, a leading business man of Schleswig, is a native of Cedar
county, Iowa, born February 26, 1874. He is a son of Jurgen and Dora (Ha-
mann) Krohnke, both of whom were natives of Germany. They came to America
about 1864 and Mr. Krohnke began in his quest of fortune in the new world
by working by the month on a farm near Daveni)ort, Iowa. After several years
he rented land and then, having acquired sufficient capital, he purchased eighty
acres in Morgan township, Crawford county, to which he applied himself with
such diligence that he became one of the large landholders of the county. He is
now the owner of one thousand and forty acres, which is divided into six dif-
ferent farms, all of them being in Crawford county except eighty acres which is
in Woodbury county, Iowa. The land is well improved and under an e.xceHent
state of cultivation. j\Ir. Krohnke retired from active labor in 1903 and is now
living in a beautiful home at Schleswig. There are four children in the family,
namely: Herman, a resident of Nebraska; George, of Ricketts, Iowa; Hugo,
the subject of this review; and Emma, who is the wife of E. L. Dieckmann, of
Sioux City, Iowa.
Hugo Krohnke attended the district schools in his boyhood and under his
father became acquainted with the various details of agriculture and stock-
raising. He continued at home until twenty-four years of age and then pur-
chased a livery stable at Schleswig, which he has since conducted, also engaging
extensively in buying and shipi)ing live stock. He has a well equipped livery es-
tablishment, which he conducts in such a manner as to attract a lucrative pat-
ronage. He is a man of good business sagacity and has the confidence of the
entire community.
On the 23d of May, 1906, Mr. Krohnke was married to Miss Emma Rick-
ers, a native of Otter Creek township and a daughter of Adolph and Dora
(Suckstorf) Rickers. The parents were both born in Germany but were mar-
ried in Iowa. Mr. Rickers engaged successfully in farming but retired to Otter
Creek in 1896. He died ten years later but his widow is still living and makes
her home with the subject of this review. She is now sixty-five years of age.
There are three children in the family, namely: Henry and George, both resi-
dents of Nebraska ; and Emma, now Mrs. Hugo Krohnke.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 271
Mr. Krohnke and his wife are active members of the German Lutheran
church and are well acquainted in their locality, with which Mrs. Krohnke has
been identified all her life. In politics he supports the republican party, whose
platforms and candidates he has endorsed by his vote ever since he attained man-
hood. Fraternally, he is connected with the Sons of Herman and as a business
man and citizen he is ever actuated by principles of integrity and progressiveness.
JOHN JOSEPH McDERMOTT.
For twelve years past editor and publisher of The Manilla Times, John Joseph
McDermott has acquired a reputation not only as a clear and convincing writer
but also as one of the substantial and progressive citizens of Crawford county.
He was born at Clinton, Iowa, December ii, 1878, a son of Anthony and Mary
Agnes (Hook) McDermott, the former of whom was a native of County Mayo,
Ireland, and the latter of Liverpool, England. The father, who was born July
16, 1852, left home at fourteen years of age and became a sailor but after ar-
riving at manhood decided to try his fortune in America and came to Clinton
county, Iowa. He was married at Toronto, Iowa, to Mary Agnes Hook and took
up his residence in Clinton, where he continued until May, 1893, then locating
on a farm two and one-half miles northwest of Manilla in Nishnabotny township,
Crawford county. He removed to Manilla in 1908, and died there August 12,
1910. His beloved wife passed away February 3, 1897. Mr. McDermott gave
his support to the democratic party, and being a stanch friend of education served
most acceptably for a number of years as member of the school board. He and
his wife were devoutly attached to the Catholic church and in their lives indi-
cated a profound desire to follow the teachings of the Great Master. The last
words of Mr. McDermott were expressive of his deep sense of the presence of
God and his desire to meet once more with his companion, whose death he had
sincerely mourned. Our subject's grandfather McDermott was a native of Ire-
land and engaged in farming. He came to America and died at Clinton, Iowa,
at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. There were eight children in his
family, namely: Michael, Anthony, Patrick, John, Mrs. Owen Kingsley, Mrs.
James Sheridan, Bridget and Mrs. Thomas Rimmer. This branch of the family
is of Scotch-Irish ancestry. James Hook, the maternal grandfather, married
Kate Sibbons in England. They came to America and after living for a short
time in Clinton county, Iowa, removed to Crawford county, settling in Nishna-
botny township. They both died at Manilla well advanced in years, having reared
a family of seven children, namely: James, Mary Agnes, Patrick, Mrs. Kate
Haley, Mrs. James Norkett, William and Francis. There were ten children in
the family of Anthony and Mary Agnes McDermott, six of whom grew to ma-
turity: John Joseph; Kathryn, now of Omaha, Nebraska; George, Anthony,
Theresa, and LilHan, all of Manilla, Iowa.
John Joseph McDermott was reared at Clinton until eighteen years of age
and received his education in the parochial and public schools, also attending the
Clinton Business College. After laying his books aside he learned the printer's
272 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
trade and has since devoted his attention principally to that business. In 1896
he came to Crawford county and for the past twelve years has been publisher
of The Manilla Times, an independent weekly newspaper, which has many read-
ers in this part of the state. He maintains a well equipped general job printing
establishment for general catalogue and other lines of work in connection with
his paper.
On the 5th of November, 1903, Mr. McDermott was united in marriage to
Miss Marguerite Brockelsby, a native of Crawford county and a daughter of
W. H. and Malinda Brockelsby. The father was born in England and the mother
in Pennsylvania. They came west and settled in Crawford county and are now
living in Hayes township. There were five children in their family : Richard,
Edward. Winifred, Marguerite and Elsie. Mr. and Airs. AIcDermott have two
children, Joseph Muril and Francis Clyde.
Mr. McDermott's success in the management of his paper has been due to his
unswerving loyalty to the section in which he lives and the fairness and impar-
tiality with which he has treated all subjects of public interest. A man of good
judgment and fair discrimination, he has proven a safe adviser, and his aim at
all times has been to promote the general welfare , rather than to advocate any
special interest. In religious belief he adheres to the Catholic church, and so-
cially he is a valued member of the Modern Woodmen of America and the Com-
mercial Club of Manilla.
RICHARD G. BAER.
One of the prosperous farmers of Crawford county, is Richard G. Baer, a
son of Andrew J. and Jane (Kelly) Baer. His father was born in Westmore-
land county, Pennsylvania, and removed to Clinton county, Iowa, in 1862, later
coming to Crawford county in 1871. He located in Denison township, two miles
south of Denison, where he resided until his death in 1886. He was a member
of the Presbyterian church. His wife, who was also a native of Westmoreland
county, Pennsylvania, is still living. Ten children were born to them, three of
whom are deceased. Those who survive are: Elias Henry, a resident of Port-
land. Oregon ; Frank M.. of Denison, Iowa ; Martha, the wife of Francis Mur-
doch, of Denison township; Richard G., the subject of this sketch; Emma, the
wife of Jesse Rank, of Denison; Susie, the deceased wife of E. S. Miles, of
Dunlap, Iowa ; and George C, who resides in Vergin, Saskatchewan, Canada.
Richard G. Baer attended school in Denison township, although his birth oc-
curred in Clinton county, Iowa, April 26, 1866. He resided at home until he
was twenty-four years of age, at which time he bought the farm where he now
resides. This consists of one hundred and twenty acres, located on section 36,
Denison township, and on which he has made many modern improvements, both
as to buildings and farm machinery.
In 1890 Mr. Baer was united in marriage to Miss Alice Riddle, a native of
Crawford county, and they are the parents of eleven children, as follows : Lil-
lian ; Jetta, who is teaching school in this county ; Laura, attending college in
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 273
Denison; Florence, Robert, Pearl, Vernie, Paul, Elsie, Evelyn and Theodore,
all living at home.
In politics Mr. Baer is a republican. Formerly he and his wife were mem-
• bers of the Baptist church but are now affiliated with the Holiness mission.
HENRY KIEPE.
Henry Kiepe, who lives on a highly cultivated farm of one hundred and sixty
acres in Hanover township, was born in Germany on the 14th of March, 1861,
and is a son of William and Sophia (Boenieng) Kiepe. His parents spent their
entire lives in the land of their nativity, the father dying at the age of thirty-
five years and the mother at fifty-four. Of the three children born to them the
son Henry was the only one to become a citizen of the United States, the other
two, Herman and Charley, having remained in the fatherland.
The first twenty-two years of Henry Kiepe's life were spent in Germany,
but at the end of that period he decided that better opportunities were afforded
ambitious young men in America, so he took passage for the United States and
in 1883 began his Hfe in the new world. During the first two and one-half years
of his residence here he worked by the month as a farm hand in CHnton county,
this state. xA.t the expiration of that time he removed to Monona county, where
he was similarly employed for a time, and then rented land which he farmed for
three years. By means of careful management, perseverance and economy he
saved the capital necessary to buy eighty acres of land, which he cultivated for
twelve years, but during that period he added another one hundred and sixty
acres to his original tract. He sold this property in 1901 and bought a quarter
section of land in Crawford county, upon which he now resides. Mr. Kiepe is a
capable man of progressive ideas, as is attested by the general appearance of his
homestead. The improvements are good and are kept in repair, the pastures
contain good grades of stock and the well tilled fields yield abundant harvests,
all of which are due to the careful supervision which he personally gives to
every detail about his farm.
On the 14th of November, 1886, Mr. Kiepe was united in marriage to Miss
Sophia Quitmeier, who is also a native of Germany, her birth occurring in that
country on the 12th of September, 1865. Her father died in the fatherland and
her mother was married again and emigrated to the United States with her hus-
band and family in 1888. They located on a farm in Monona county, this state,
which they cultivated until 1908. in which year the mother died. The stepfather,
however, is still living at the age of sixty-six years. By her first marriage Mrs.
Quitmeier had two children: Henry, who died in Germany, and Mrs. Kiepe.
Three children were born of the second marriage, as follows: Frederick, who
lives in Monona county ; Mary, the wife of Jorgen Cook, of Charter Oak town-
ship, this county ; and Charley, who lives on the old homestead near Charter Oak.
Mr. and Mrs. Kiepe have become the parents of six children : Herman, who
was born on the 30th of April, 1887, and who is married and living in Hanover
township ; :\Iary, who was born on the 25th of October, 1888, and is the wife of
274 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Henry Fredricks; Charley, who was born on the 6th of April, 1890; Fred, born
on the 3d of October, 1891 ; Annie, who was born on the nth of Jannary, 1896;
and Arthur, born on the 30th of August, 1902. All but the first two are still at
home.
The family attend the services of the Lutheran church, with which tiiey are
identified by membership. Mr. Kiepe gives his political support to the republican
party but does not actively participate in public afifairs as he does not aspire to
office. He has always given his time and energy to the development of his per-
sonal interests rather than public, however, he is ever ready to assist in the
promotion of any measure the adoption of which would be for the general wel-
fare of the community.
THOMAS HAYES.
A well known name associated with the agricultural development of Craw-
ford county is that of Hayes, the family continuing to be ably represented in
the person of Thomas Hayes, who owns two hundred and eighty acres of land
in Nishnabotny township, in the cultivation of which he engages. He was born
in Monona county, Iowa, on the 226. of January, i860, and is a son of Thomas
and Emily (Riggs) Hayes. The father was a native of New Jersey, but of
Scotch extraction in both the paternal and maternal lines, his mother having
been a McMurty prior to her marriage. Thomas Hayes, Sr., was a shoe-
maker, following his trade while journeying from village to village through
New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Illinois, arriving in Chicago about 1835
or 1836. From there he proceeded to Burlington, where he located about 1838,
continuing to make it his home for fifteen consecutive years. In 1853 he re-
moved to Monona county, Iowa, settling in the vicinity of Onawa, where he
resided for thirteen years, then came to Crawford county, first locating in Deni-
son. He purchased land in what is now known as Hayes township, which was
later named in his honor because he broke the first prairie there. He settled
upon the place and engaged in its cultivation in the fall of 1869, his family,
however, did not arrive until later, continuing to make it his home until 1875,
when he passed away and was buried in the township which bore his name.
Mr. Hayes was always one of the prominent and highly respected men in his
community, ever taking an active and helpful interest in the political aft'airs of
the township, having served as justice of the peace and in other minor offices.
His wife was a native of Kentucky but migrated to Iowa with her people in
1838, and here she met the man whom she subsequently married. She survived
her husband for over twenty years, her demise occurring in 1898.
Ten children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hayes, the order of their birth
being as follows: Amelia, deceased; Sarah, who is the wife of M. G. Wiggins,
of Dow City, Iowa ; Henry, a resident of Oklahoma ; Martha, who has never
married and is living in Omaha, Nebraska ; Emma, deceased ; Thomas, our sub-
ject; Callie, who married J. B. Milligan. of Nebraska; Silas, who is living in
South Dakota; the ninth, who died in infancy; and James, also deceased.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 275
The district and public schools of Hayes township and Denison provided
Thomas Hayes, Jr., with his education and he determined to become an agri-
culturist. He remained a member of the paternal household until he had at-
tained his twenty-third year, at which time he left to begin his career. The
unsettled districts of the west had as great a fascination for him as for his
father before him, so he went to Nebraska, locating upon a farm in Cuming
county, which he cultivated for nine years. Returning to Iowa at the expira-
tion of that time he purchased land on section 21, Nishnabotny township, which
has continued to be his home for nearly twenty years. He has made all of the
improvements upon his farm, which is one of the best in the vicinity, the build-
ings all being substantially constructed and well repaired. Success has attended
the efforts of Mr. Hayes and he has added to his original tract until he has
acquired two hundred and eighty acres of land. He engages in general farming
and stock-raising, having a iine breed of registered shorthorns, and makes a
specialty of feeding stock for the market, being one of the most extensive feed-
ers in the township.
In 1883 Mr. Hayes was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Milligan, a
native of Pennsylvania, and they have become the parents of the following
children : Clarence L., a resident of Nishnabotny township ; Mabel, the wife of
George Massie, of North Dakota; and Howard, Thomas, Ruth, Joseph, Katie
and Irma and Enid, twins, all of whom are at home.
In politics Mr. Hayes is a republican, having served in some of the minor
township offices, but his own interests have absorbed so much of his time and
attention that he has never been prominently identified with public affairs. He
is one of the energetic and enterprising agriculturists of the community, whose
capable direction of his affairs is bringing him a goodly, measure of success.
HENRY GOETSCH.
It was through the application of energy and perseverance that Henry Goetsch
established himself upon a comfortable financial basis, becoming the owner of a
productive farm which he acquired as the result of his own exertions. He is
also the owner of a prosperous livery and feed business at Kiron. He was born
in Wisconsin, February 20, 1868, a son of Carl and Carolina (Baumann)
Goetsch, both of whom were born in Germany. They came to America in 1864
and after spending five years in Wisconsin removed to Boone county, Iowa, and
later to Harrison county, where they spent seven years. In 1892 they went to
California, where the father died in December, 1898, but the mother is still liv-
ing in that state. They were the parents of ten children, nine of whom are now
living.
Henry Goetsch was brought to Iowa in his infancy and received his early
education in this state. He remained at home until twenty-one years of age and
then rented a .farm in Harrison county, Iowa, which he cultivated for ten years,
then purchasing a farm in the same county which he developed into a valuable
property. In March, 1910, he removed to Kiron and purchased a feed and livery
Vol. 11—15
276 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
business, of which he has since had charge. He also manages the farm and as
he is alert and enterprising and, moreover, uses good judgment in everything
he undertakes, he has attained a creditable measure of success.
In September, 1889, Mr. Goetsch was united in marriage to Miss Sarah
Mesching, who was born in Minnesota and is a daughter of Henry and Julia
(W'endorff) Mesching, both natives of Germany. Her parents came to America
and after living for some time in Minnesota removed to Harrison county, Iowa,
where they now make their home. There were twelve children in their family.
Four children came to brighten the lives of Mr. and ]\Irs. Goetsch, namely:
John, who was born August 8, 1891, and is now attending school at Schleswig,
Iowa; Glenn, born July 12, 1895; August, born September 6, 1896; and Elmer,
born October 20, 1900, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Goetsch as a patriotic American citizen has devoted considerable atten-
tion to political questions and is an ardent adherent of the republican party,
which he believes has the ability to manage the alTairs of the nation success-
fully. He is a member of the German Lutheran church, as is also his wife.
They are giving their children the advantages of a good education and by their
influence and example are contributing to the general welfare of the community.
Mr. Goetsch is to be congratulated upon the position he has attained, and the
higli respect in which he is held by his acquaintances is evidence of his genuine
worth.
BRINTEX SHARP.
Brinten Sharp, an enterprising and prosperous farmer of Union township,
was born in Center county, Pennsylvania, August 11, 1855, a son of Ehjah and
Delilah (Canada) Sharp, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The
father followed the vocation of forgeman in one of the large iron mills of that
state and at the time of the Civil war enlisted as a soldier and for three years
faithfully performed his duties in the rank and file. To him and his wife were
born five children, of whom three survive, as follows : William, who resides in
Milton, Lycoming county, Pennsylvania; Brinten, of this review; and Jeanette.
The father's death occurred in 1899, the mother having passed away when our
subject was but six years old.
After obtaining such education as he could in the public schools of Pennsyl-
vania, Brinten Sharp engaged in farming in his native state for six years and
then removed to Kane county, Illinois. There he worked by the month for three
years, after which time he removed to Davison county, South Dakota, where
he was numbered among the first settlers. He took a homestead, proved up on
it and spent the following five years there, subsequently coming to Crawford
county, Iowa. He located on a farm near Vail and for two years conducted a
dairy business. He then removed to Union township, bought one hundred and
sixtv acres of land, which he later sold, and then purchased another tract, but
after living on this for awhile he disposed of it and in 1907 bought his present
home. Altogether he has owned three farms in Union township, all of which
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 277
he improved, and at present his holdings consist of one hundred and twenty acres
of excellent farming land.
Mr. Sharp was married at the age of twenty-one to Miss Anna Stover, a
native of Pennsylvania, and the following nine children have been born to them :
Milford, who lives in Dow City; Amanda, who became the wife of Charles
Vassar and lives in Parker, South Dakota; Ira, a resident of Ute, Iowa; Elmer,
of Rapid City, South Dakota; Ida, who married William Sterrett, of Dow City;
Alabel, who is now Mrs. Allen Haymouth and resides in Dow City ; Floyd, Meryl
and Vivian, who are at home with their parents.
In exercising his right of franchise Mr. Sharp casts his vote for the repub-
lican party, and while taking due interest in public welfare he as never sought
political preferment. In religion he was reared in the Presbyterian faith, and
fraternally he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the
Modern Woodmen of America. He is recognized as a man of strict integrity
and genuine worth in every relation of life and is classed with the well known
and intelligent agricuhurists of Union township, where he enjoys the merited
esteem of his fellow citizens.
CARL ERICK ENGBERG.
Among the natives of the Scandinavian countries who have been successfully
associated with the agricultural interests of Crawford county must be numbered
Carl Erick Engberg, who is now residing in Kiron. His birth occurred in Swe-
den on the 29th of April, 1840. The parents, John Erick Lofqueist and Engred
(Christophsen) Engberg, emigrated to the United States in 1861 and located in
Henry county, Illinois, which continued to be their home for many years. Six
children were born to them, as follows : Margaret, the wife of Laus Longberg,
of Sac county, Iowa; Carolina, who became the wife of Samuel Petersen, of
Henry county, Illinois; Johannas, deceased; Carl Erick, our subject; Christopher,
deceased; and Jonas, also deceased. The father passed away in Henry county,
Illinois, at the age of ninety-one years, and the mother in Sac county, Iowa, at
the age of seventy.
Carl Erick Engberg came to America with his parents and located in Henry
county, Illinois, where he began working as a farm hand, in which capacity he
continued for eight years. He was an industrious and economical young man
and was thus able to put aside a portion of his wages every month and in this
manner acquired the capital to buy land. In May, 1869, he bought one hundred
and sixty acres in Stockholm township, Crawford county, and about the same
time he purchased a ten acre timber tract near Boyer, this county. He engaged
in general farming and stock-raising, in both of which ventures he met with
a fair degree of success, owing to his close application and capable management.
In 1904 he bought a quarter section of land in South Dakota and six years later
he acquired one hundred and sixty acres in Bruett county, Minnesota. He
still owns his South Dakota and Minnesota farms but sold his homestead in
Crawford county in 1904. Two years prior to selling his farm he bought prop-
278 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
erty in Kiron, upon which he erected several residences and in one of these
he now Hves.
On the 26th of I*'cbriiary, 1870, was solemnized the marriage of Mr. Engberg
and Aliss Johanna Johnson, a daughter of Axel and Palnella (Neilsen) Johnson.
Xine children were born to Mr. and Airs. Johnson, of whom Mrs. Engberg was
the eldest. The others are as follows: Elenora, the wife of Swan Johnson, of
Sac county; Olive, who lives in Chicago; Elizabeth, deceased; Augusta, who
resides in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Lena, the wife of George Oscar Oster-
green, of .St. Paul, Minnesota; Xels, living in Lyons, Nebraska; Joseph, who
went to sea as a boy and was never heard from afterward ; and Charles, of
South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Engberg have become the parents of seven chil-
dren but only four are now living, John, the eldest, passing away at the age of
thirty-eight, and Oscar and Robert, the next two in the order of birth, dying in
infancy. Those surviving are: Nettie, the wife of Harlund Smith, of Sioux
Falls, South Dakota ; Joseph, living at Kiron ; Caroline, the wife of the Rev.
Walter Forest, of Ames, Iowa; and Lilly, who is at home.
The family attend the Baptist church, of which they are members. Politi-
cally Mr. Engberg affiliates with the prohibition party, considering that its policy
is best adapted to promote the moral welfare of the public. He is a public-
spirited man and takes an active interest in local affairs and has been elected to
several of the minor township offices, the duties of which he capably discharged.
The family is well known and highly regarded in Kiron and the hospitality of
their pleasant home is graciously extended to their many friends.
THOMAS HODKIN,
Among the native sons of England who have become prominent in agricul-
tural circles in Crawford county is Thomas Hodkin. He was born in Chester-
field. Derbyshire, January 27, 1838, a son of George and Mary (Brown)
Hodkin, both of whom were natives of Derbyshire. The father was by trade
a stone-mason and also engaged in farming. He removed with his family to
Buxton, England, about the time our subject left home when a boy and con-
tinued there during the remainder of his days. He and his wife are both buried
at Buxton. There were three children in the family : Jane, deceased ; Thomas,
of this review ; and George, also deceased.
Thomas Hodkin possessed limited advantages of education in his early life.
He entered the service of Duke Francis of Bedford as stable boy, continuing
in that position until about twenty-four years of age. He was then in the
employ of two sisters by the name of Travers, who belonged to the aristocracy
and continued in their service for about six years. At the age of thirty he was
married and, having decided that more favorable opi)ortunities were presented
in the new world, he purchased tickets for himself and bride from London to
Iowa City, Iowa. After arriving at his destination he worked in the vicinity
of Iowa City and West Liberty and later rented land near Downey. In 1882 he
came to Crawford county and purchased a small farm, which he cultivated until
MR. AND MRS. THOMAS HODKIN
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 281
1893, when he moved to his present location in Willow township. He acquired
two hundred acres, which he improved with good buildings and in other ways,
and transformed the property into one of the attractive farms of this region.
He has since sold forty acres and now has a well kept place of one hundred
and sixty acres, which yields a handsome income.
In 1865 Mr. Hodkin was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Compton, of
Bedfordshire, England, who proved to him a loving wife and helpful companion.
She passed away in 1903 and was buried in the cemetery at Dow City, Iowa.
Their home was brightened by the arrival of eight children, namely : Charlotte,
now the wife of John Sanders, of Charter Oak, Iowa; George, who is fore-
man of a bridge gang; Blanch, the wife of Carl Larson, of Redfield, South
Dakota; Horace, of Boyer township; Daisy, now Mrs. John Grant, of Charter
Oak; Jennie, the wife of Peter Hansen, of Streeter, North Dakota; Thomas B.,
who is Hving at home; and Jesse, of Redfield, South Dakota.
In his native country Mr. Hodkin was a member of the Church of England,
but after he came to the United States he united with the Methodist church,
with which he is still afifiliated. In politics ever since arriving in this count^-y he
has adhered to the republican party. He is a strong advocate of education and
has assisted greatly in promoting the interests of the schools of his township,
having served most ably as a member of the school board. In business he has
always been governed by principles of justice and fairness and in the evening
of a long and useful life he retains the respect and honor in an eminent degree
of his neighbors and acquaintances.
CLINT SCIFORD.
As a representative of the young men who are coming forward to occupy places
of responsibility in agricultural circles Clint Sciford of Soldier township deserves
mention in the history of Crawford county. He was born on the farm which
he now owns, October 19, 1886, a son of George and Theresa (Bowers) Sciford,
both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa with their re-
spective parents and were married near Muscatine, locating in 1874 in Soldier
township, Crawford county. Here Mr. Sciford engaged very successfully in
farming and was the owner at one time of six hundred and ninety-six acres, which
he acquired through his diligence and good judgment. He retired to x-Xrion,
Iowa, in 1900, having previously divided his land among his children, of whom
there are six now living, namely : Charley, Emma, now the wife of Fred Blunk,
and George, all of Crawford county; Benjamin, of Boyd county, Nebraska;
Ella, the wife of Wallace Sommers, of Minnesota; and Clint, the subject of this
review. Sherman, the fifth in order of birth, is deceased.
Clint Sciford attended the district schools and was reared under influences
that gave every desirable opportunity for laying the foundation for a useful
business career. At fifteen years of age he began life on his own account as pro-
prietor of a livery barn but at the end of one year went to Omaha, continuing
for a year in that city. He then returned home and began farming, later coming
282 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
into possession of his share of the estate. He now owns one hundred and twenty
acres, which is well improved, and under his competent management is yielding
handsome returns.
On the 27th of April, 1908, Mr. Sciford was united in marriage to Anna
Moore, who was born in St. Louis, September 23, 1880. a daughter of Charles
and Josephine (Trefts) ]\Ioore. The father was born in Cincinnati and the
mother in St. Louis, where they were married. The father passed away in 1895,
his companion dying ten years later. There were seven children in their family,
namely : Nettie, wife of William Jasen, of Chicago, Illinois ; William and Char-
ley, of St. Louis; Anna, now Mrs. Clint Sciford; John, of St. Louis; Minnie,
the wife of Elmer Page, of Denver, Colorado; and Joseph, who lives in Los
Angeles, California. Mrs. Sciford was a widow when she married Mr. Sciford,
and the mother of one child. Earl, born on the 5th of February, 1907.
Mr. Sciford gives his support to the republican party but is not prominent in
political afTairs, preferring to concentrate his energies upon his business. He is
an efficient member of the community and is known as a successful and progres-
sive farmer who takes an active interest in his calling and whose business qualifi-
cations are more than ordinary. Genial and kindly in disposition, he has made
many friends who prophesy for him a bright and prosperous future.
lOHN GRIFFIN,
Although he has passed the eighty-first milestone on life's journey, John
Griffin continues to be quite actively engaged in general farming and stock-rais-
ing on his excellent farm in Washington township. He w^as born in Ireland
in March, 1829, being the eldest child of Thomas and Anne (Lillis) Griffin. The
parents, who were also natives of the Emerald isle, spent their entire lives in the
land of their birth, where the father engaged in farming. Five children were
bom to them, the other four being as follows : iMargaret, the wife of John Mc-
Donald, living in the state of New York; Bridget, who married John Eustis,
residing at Pond Beach, New York; Kate, deceased; and Thomas, whose where-
abouts are unknown.
John Griffin obtained his education in Ireland, remaining a subject of the
British crown until he had passed his twenty-second year, at which time he re-
solved to become an American citizen. Upon his arrival in the United States he
first located in Louisiana, where he remained for one year, and then spent one
summer in St. Louis, Missouri, after which he went to Davenport, where he
lived for a year, and then returned to Louisiana, spending the winter there. In
the spring he went to Memphis, Tennessee, where he remained until the close of
the Civil war, when he came to Iowa, first locating in Clinton county and later
removing to Crawford county and settling in Denison township, where he farmed
as a renter for about twelve years. He then bought the farm in Washington
township, where he now resides. Mr. Griffin has always been an energetic and
enterprising man and has met with more than moderate success in his agricultural
pursuits, being regarded as one of the substantial farmers in his community.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 283
Mr. Griffin was united in marriage in 1862 at Memphis, Tennessee, to Miss
Mary Carey, a native of County Clare, Ireland. Nine children were born of this
union as follows : Thomas, who is living in Nebraska ; Anne, residing in Council
Bluffs; Mollie and Patrick, who are at home; John, a resident of Omaha, Ne-
braska; James, living in the same place; Margaret, the wife of Jesse Bennett;
Katie, the wife of Willis Wiggins, of Dow City ; and Mitchell, deceased. Mr.
Griffin also reared three children belonging to his son Thomas : John, Grace
and Gertrude.
The family are communicants of the Roman Catholic church. Mr. Griffin
has always been independent in his political views, giving his support to such men
and measures as he felt were adapted to promote the best interests of the people.
He has not been an aspirant for public office but is at present serving as a school
director. During the long period of his residence in Crawford county he has
shown himself to be a man well worthy of the esteem which is accorded him.
PETER BOECK.
Thirty years ago Peter Boeck, now a well known farmer of Crawford county,
landed in America from a foreign land. He came to this country because he
believed it offered more favorable inducements than could be found in Europe
and the result has exceeded his anticipations. He is today one of the highly re-
spected citizens of the county and he and his family enjoy the blessings of an
abundant prosperity. He was born in Germany, April i, 1850, a son of Peter
and Margaret (Reimel) Boeck. The parents passed their entire lives in the old
country, the father dying in 1875 and the mother in 1881. There were four chil-
dren in their family: Thomas, who is still living in Germany; Peter, of this re-
view; Henry, who is a tailor and lives in Germany; and Annie, the wife of John
Ericksen.
Peter Boeck was educated in his native land and continued to live there until
thirty-one years of age. He arrived on the western shores of the Atlantic ocean
in ]^Iarch, 1881, and located in Hamilton county, Iowa, where he worked at
eighteen dollars per month. As time passed he received higher wages but he
continued in the employ of others for eighteen years. In 1899 he came to Craw-
ford county and began farming upon his own account on land which he now
owns. From time to time he purchased more land and his farm now comprises
three hundred and thirty-seven acres on sections 15 and 16, Hanover township.
In addition to general farming, he is an extensive stock-feeder and as he uses
good judgment he has attained marked success. He developed his farm from
the virgin prairie and made many improvements which are among the best to be
seen in the township.
On the 8th of December, 1898, Mr. Boeck was united in marriage to Mrs.
Louisa Klinker, the widow of Peter Klinker, who was born in Germany and
married in that country. He died September 15, 1897. There were five children
in his family, namely: Meta, who was born October 19, 1884, and is now the
wife of Peter Boeck, of Charter Oak township; George, who was born May
284 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
28, 1887, and now lives in Monona county, Iowa; Mary, who died at the age of
six months; and Wilham, born August 19, 1894, and Bernhardt, born January
15, 1897, both of whom are Hving at home. Mrs. Boeck is a daughter of Juer-
gen and EHzabeth (Goss) Kroeger, also natives of Germany. They came to
America in 1882 and settled in Crawford county, passing the later years of their
lives with their children. The mother died in August, 1886, and the father in
November, 1890. Seven children besides Louisa, now Mrs. Peter Boeck, were
born to them, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of Henry Vosgran, of Crawford
county; Minnie, who became the wife of Marcus Wilefang and is now deceased;
John, who lives in Germany; Peter, of Plymouth county, Iowa; Mary, the wife
of Brother Christiansen, of Denison ; Dora, the wife of Hans Petersen, of Ger-
many; and Adolph, of Cherokee, Iowa. One child, Charley H., has come to
bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Boeck, his natal day being November 4, 1900.
Even as a boy Mr. Boeck was impressed with the fact that industry and per-
severance are important factors in success and his life is a striking illustration of
this truth. He applied himself with untiring zeal and thus acquired the founda-
tion of the competence he now enjoys. His record cannot fail to be an inspira-
tion to others who aspire to financial independence. Politically he adheres to
the democratic party and religiously he and his wife are earnest supporters of
the German Lutheran church.
JOHN O'SHEA.
The ability to work hard, the ambition to get ahead in the world and the
tenacity to carry out this desire are three qualities that have placed John O'Shea
in the successful position he today occupies as one of the successful farmers of
Crawford county. He was born in County Cork, Ireland, about December 25,
1840, a son of Timothy and Julia (Newman) O'Shea. His father was a native
of Ireland, where he died about 1847 or 1848, the history of his early life being
unknown. The mother was also born in Ireland and was of English extraction.
She came to this country and lived with her son until she also passed away in
1892. To this couple the following four children were born: Ann, deceased;
John; Abigail, of Dunlap, Iowa; and Jane, of Grand Island, Nebraska.
John O'Shea obtained his early education in the public schools of Ireland and
although quite young at the time of his father's death he worked during his
leisure hours and for three months received wages which amounted to about two
dollars and forty cents in United States money for' his labor. Later he was em-
ployed for two years at thirty-five dollars a year, every cent of which he saved
as he had meanwhile determined to seek his fortune in the new world, and he
used his earnings to defray his expenses to the United States, landing in New
York city in 1864. As he had a little money left, he went to Salem, Massa-
chusetts, where he worked for four months in order to earn enough to continue
his journey westward. This he accomplished, locating in Cedar Rapids, Linn
county, Iowa, and as soon as he had accumulated enough money he sent to the
old countrv for his mother and eldest sister, who were followed later on bv the
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 285
remaining two children. His mother resided with him until 1876. in which year
he built her a home in Dunlap, Iowa, and there supported her until her death.
When Mr. O'Shea located in Cedar Rapids he secured employment on the
railroad section, remaining there for four years, at the end of that period moving
to Johnson county, where he purchased land and lived thereon during the next
three years. He then went to Shelby county, again buying land, upon which he
lived until 1907. In that year he disposed of his holdings, amounting to four
hundred acres, and came to Crawford county. Here he bought two hundred
and eighty acres of land, building upon it his present residence, and has since
added to his possessions one hundred and eighty-six acres located one-half mile
out of Denison.
In 1876 Mr. O'Shea was married to Miss Mary Castelloo, who was born
in Canada, a daughter of Thomas and Anne (Kilroo) Castelloo, both of whom
were natives of County Tyrone, Ireland. They emigrated to Canada in the early
'50s and later moved to Clinton county, Iowa, where the father died. The
mother then went to Shelby county, Iowa, where her death also occurred. They
were the parents of seven children, namely : Anne and Matthew, both deceased ;
Mary; John, deceased; Kate, of Mapleton, Iowa; Michael, deceased; and
Thomas, of Sioux City. To Mr. and Mrs. O'Shea were born the following
eight children: Timothy, thirty-three years old February i, 1910, is a member
of Dunlap Council, No. 1248, Knights of Columbus; Julia, thirty-one years old;
John Thomas, twenty-nine years ; Matthew Michael, twenty-seven years ; Agnes,
twenty-five years ; William Henry, twenty-three years ; Patrick Oliver, twenty-
one years; and Peter Charles, eighteen years old.
All of the children are living at home and with their parents are faithful
members of the Roman Catholic church. Politically Air. O'Shea gives his
support to the democratic party and at one time was elected to the office of
justice of the peace but declined to qualify. For four years he has been a di-
rector on the school board. Mr. O'Shea is broad-minded in his views, is a man
whom to know is to respect, ever doing all in his power to upbuild and maintain
the good standing of his township.
J. H. SCHMADEKE.
One of the extensive landowners and progressive citizens of Crawford county
is I. H. Schmadeke, who for a period of more than twenty-five years has been
one of the active factors in the agricultural development of this county. He is
a native son of Iowa, having been born in Jackson county on the 29th of July,
1859, and is a son of Frederick and Sophia (Storm) Schmadeke. The father
was a native of Hanover, Germany, and the mother of jMecklenburg. They
emigrated to the United States with their respective parents in childhood and
met and were married in Iowa. Shortly after that event they purchased eighty
acres of land in Jackson county, this state, for which they paid two and one-
half dollars per acre, and followed farming during the remainder of their lives.
Upon them devolved all of the hardships of pioneer life, but they were strong
286 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
and industrious and by means of careful management and economy had acquired
an estate of two hundred and eighty acres at the time of Mr. Schmadeke's
death, ah of which was well improved and under a high state of cultivation.
They were the parents of the following children: Mary, who died at the age of
two years; J. H., our subject; Annie, the wife of Edward Hachmeister, of Du
Page, Illinois; Henry and William, who are twins, the former residing in Craw-
ford county and the latter in Jackson county, this state ; and the sixth who died
in infancy. The father passed away in March, 1893, and the mother in August
of the following year.
J. H. Schmadeke obtained his preliminary education in the common schools
and after completing the course there he attended a commercial school. He
remained at home with his parents until he was twenty-five years of age and
then engaged in farming on his own account on two hundred and forty acres
which he had bought and which forms part of his present homestead. He is a
man of more than average capabilities and has made a gratifying success of his
various enterprises, which has enabled him to add to his original tract at differ-
ent times until at the present he owns five hundred and sixty acres in Hanover
township. It is well improved and under a high state of cultivation, although
when he bought the land it was unbroken prairie, and is today regarded as one
of the valuable farming properties of the county. He has always engaged in
general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of thoroughbred short-
horn cattle and Belgium horses, and he has also been an extensive feeder of
cattle for the market. In addition to his large home farm, Mr. Schmadeke owns
three hundred and twenty acres of improved land in Boyd county, Nebraska, a
section in Dakota, and one hundred and sixty acres near Havre, Montana.
]\lr. Schmadeke was united in marriage on the 13th of March, 1885, to Miss
Ida Kukkuck, who was born in Jackson county, Iowa, on the 28th of June,
1867. By this union were born seven children: Annie, who was born on the
20th of January, 1886, and is now the wife of Ever Nielsen, of Montana; Dora,
born on the 13th of September, 1887, the wife of Andrew Lorenzen, of Olive,
California; Freda, born on the 19th of December, 1890, still at home; Frederick,
born on the 26th of January, 1893, attending college at Denison ; Ida, born on
the 9th of April, 1895, at home; Laura, born on the 8th of May, 1898; and
August, born on the nth of October, 1900. The wife and mother passed away
on the 1st of February, 1901, and on the 8th of June, 1904, Mr. Schmadeke
married Miss Wilhelmina Langc, who was born in Clinton county, Iowa, on
the 8th of October, 1866. She is a daughter of Gahart and Marie (Voss)
Lange, who were born in Germany but emigrated to the United States and
settled on a farm in Clinton county, Iowa, which they operated until 1906, when
they retired and are now living with a daughter near the old homestead. The
father is seventy-seven years of age and the mother seventy-five. They are the
parents of the following children : Henry, deceased ; John, a resident of Sac
county, Iowa; Mary, the wife of Louis Schmidt, of Crawford county; Wilhel-
mina, the wife of J. W. Schmadeke; William, living in Sac county; Annie, who
married John Moore, of Clinton county ; and Otto, also of Clinton county.
Three children have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Schmadeke: Edna, whose
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 287
birth occurred on the nth of August, 1905; Leona, who was born on the 21st
of March, 1907; and Arma, born on the i8th of February, 1910.
The family attend the German Lutheran church, of which the parents are
members. Ever since attaining his majority Mr. Schmadeke has given his po-
litical support to the democratic party. He takes an active interest in all local
issues and for twenty-four years has served as a trustee of his township, which
fact most concUisively proves that he has capably discharged the duties of the
office. He is one of the highly respected men of Hanover township and during
his long residence has won the friendship of many citizens whose regard he
continues to retain.
A. H. COOK.
A. H. Cook was a lad of but twelve years when he first crossed the threshold
â– of the business world, and since that time he has been dependent upon his own
resources, the success which has come to him being the direct result of his own
unaided efforts. One of Iowa's native sons, he was born in Jackson county,
near Green Island, May 5, 1872, a son of Henry and Mary Cook, both natives
of Germany. In the fatherland the parents resided until 1872 when, crossing the
Atlantic to America, they made their way direct to Iowa and located first in Jack-
son county. They resided in various parts of that county for about eight years
and in 18S0 the family started for Crawford county, the father, accompanied
by one son, coming with the stock. He was last heard of in Cedar Rapids, where
he was seen talking with three men, and it is supposed that he met with foul
play. In the meantime the mother with the rest of the family, traveling by rail,
had arrived in Crawford county, and she established her home in Hanover
township, where she remained for a time, later removing to Paradise township
and subsequently to Charter Oak, where her last days were spent. She passed
away in 1902. She was the second wife of Henry Cook, and by her marriage
became the mother of four children: A. H., of this review; Mary, deceased;
Anna, who has also passed away; and Louisa, the wife of John Thielman, of
Charter Oak, Iowa. By the former marriage of Mr. Cook there were three
sons: Fred, of Wyoming, Iowa; Henry, of Mapleton, Iowa; and William, like-
wise of Wyoming.
A. H. Cook spent the first eight years of his life in Jackson county, after
which he came with his mother to Crawford county and was a pupil in the public
schools near his home until twelve years of age. It then became necessary for
him to seek employment, whereby he might earn his own livelihood, and thus
early in life he put aside his text-books and entered the business world as a farm
hand, being engaged in this capacity until twenty-one years of age. Upon at-
taining his majority he took up farming on his own account in Paradise town-
ship and has since been a resident of that township with the exception of three
years spent in Denison township. He is now the owner of one hundred and
sixty acres of rich farm land, upon which he has placed many modern improve-
ments, and the well kept appearance of the property denotes a life characterized
288 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
by tlirift, industry and perseverance. Progress has also been a forceful element
in his career and has been a potent factor in the acquirement of a goodly pros-
perity which has come to him with the passing years.
On the 8th of November, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Cook
and Miss Ellen A. Green, a daughter of Ezra and Emily (Clarke) Green, who
came to Crawford county from Wisconsin about 1870 or 1871. The father passed
away in this county on the 20th of August, 1880, but the mother still survives
and makes her home at Rolfe, Iowa. They were the parents of ten children,
as follows : Frank, of Dow City, Iowa ; Fred, deceased ; Elsworth, residing near
Plover, Iowa; Ellen A., who became the wife of our subject; Charles, of Rolfe,
Iowa ; Bessie, Arthur and Jessie, all now deceased ; Earl, a resident of Rock-
well City. Iowa; and Raymond, also living in Rolfe. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cook
have been born one son, Oliver Arthur, who was born July 19, 1899, and is now
attending school.
Before her marriage Mrs. Cook was an educator of much ability and taught
school for twenty-five terms in Crawford county. She and her husband are
both members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Cook is identified
with the Modern Woodmen of America at Dow City. Interested as all American
citizens should be in the political situation of the country, he has thoroughly in-
formed himself concerning the questions and issues of the day and gives stalwart
support to the republican party. He was school director and is a strong advo-
cate of progress along educational lines as well as in other phases of community
life. He early learned the lesson that success must be purchased at the price
of earnest, well defined labor, and with the passing of the years perseverance,
diligence and integrity have constituted the guiding posts of his career, bring-
ing him to the honorable position which he now occupies in the opinion of his
fellow citizens, among whom he has long lived and labored.
PETER ATZEN.
Peter Atzen, who now lives retired in a beautiful home in Denison, is one of
the self-made men of Crawford county. Thrown upon his own resources in his
boyhood, he bravely met every obstacle and as the years passed became one of
the successful farmers of this county. He was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Ger-
many. December 14, 1857, a son of Broder and Josina (Jessen) Atzen, both of
whom were natives of Germany. The father was a laboring man. and, seeking
to improve his condition, he came to America in 1875 and began his career
in the new world at Clinton, Iowa, removing nine months later to a farm in
Olive township, Crawford county, where he died in 1897, at the age of sixty-nine
years. He was a soldier of the German army from 1847 to 1852. participating
in the war of 1848. His wife lived to be eighty-one years of age. passing away
in 1908.
The paternal grandfather of our subject. Christian Atzen, was a farmer of
Germany and his wife was Christina Jessen. They were the parents of three
children, Broder, Christina and Martha. The maternal grandfather died when
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 289
young and his history is lost, the mother of our subject being the only child in
his family. She was a remarkable woman. At nineteen years of age she lost
one of her limbs and for sixty-two years thereafter could move about only with
the aid of a wooden leg and yet she reared her children and performed her house-
hold duties with a spirit of cheerfulness seldom witnessed even in those not called
upon to sufifer from bodily affliction. Her father died when she was an infant
and her mother married Henry Clausen, four daughters being born of this
union, namely, Hannah, Christina, Frederica and Sophia.
The following children were born to Broder and Josina Atzen : Minnie, who
became the wife of Erich Matsen, of Chicago, and is now deceased ; Henry, of
Maquoketa, Iowa; Peter, the subject of this review; Josina, now Mrs. Fred Walk,
of Chicago; Carl, now a practicing physician of Omaha; and John, deceased.
Peter Atzen was educated in his native land and nine days after his con-
firmation started for America, arriving in New York on the 26th of April, 1873.
He grew to manhood on a farm in Clinton county, Iowa, working for himself
from the time he arrived in this country. After renting land for three years
in Clinton county he moved to Ida county and continued renting for two years,
at the end of which time he came to Crawford county and purchased two hundred
and forty acres in Hanover township, which he broke, cleared and improved.
He continued upon his farm until March, 1908, when he removed to Denison,
where he now resides. He still owns the home place which is one of the most
valuable farms in the township and also a half section in Jackson county, Min-
nesota. His land in this county originally cost him twelve dollars and a half
per acre but it is now worth at least one hundred and fifty dollars an acre.
On the ist of January, 1883, Mr. Atzen was united in marriage to Miss
Justina Christiansen, who was born in Risum, North Schleswig, Germany, April
I, 1865, a daughter of M. F. and Hannah (Petersen) Christiansen. The fam-
ily came to America in 1872 and for five years Mr. Christiansen was a teamster
at Clinton, Iowa. In 1877 he removed to a farm in Scott county but seven years
later came to Crawford county and acquired a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres in Hanover township. Subsequently he sold his farm and took up his
residence in Denison, where he now lives in retirement. He is seventy-seven
years of age and his wife is three years his junior. In their family were eight
children, six of whom are now living: Anna Christina, the wife of Gust Rus-
ing; Justina, now Mrs. Peter Atzen; Sibbern; Julius; Amelia, the wife of Henry
Kolls; and Hannah, now Mrs. John Jacobson. The paternal grandfather of
Mrs. Atzen was Sibbern Christiansen, a wagonmaker of Germany. He was twice
married and by his second wife had two children, Christian and Anna. Hans
Petersen, the grandfather on the maternal side, was the head of a family of
five children, Hannah, Bertha, Lena, Niss and Christ.
Ten children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Atzen: George, of
Washington township, who married Emma Foss and has one son, Raymond;
Fred, now living on the home place, who married Bertha Foss and has one
daughter, Lilian; Carl; Minnie, who married Meinhard Thompson, of Good-
rich township, and is the mother of one son, Henry; Henry, who died at the
age of four years ; Hannah, Josina, Hilda, Walter and Bernhard, all of whom
are at home.
290 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
As head of a large and promising family Mr. Atzen has set an example of
industry and perseverance which cannot fail to influence the lives of his chil-
dren long after he has departed this life. lie and his excellent wife are mem-
bers of the German Lutheran church and politically he is affiliated with the
democratic party. A man of strong individuality and great determination, he
has attained a goodly measure of success in business affairs. By nature genial
and social, he has readily made friends and few men of his age can claim a
greater number of sincere admirers in Crawford county.
CHARLES MILLER.
The man who starts out in life with a definite purpose in mind toward the
realization of which he directs his concentrated energies invariably attains his
ambition ultimately. As a youth Charles ]^Iiller aspired to become a successful
agriculturist, and the realization of his desire is evidenced by the beautiful
farm of three hundred and twenty acres which he cultivates in Iowa township,
Mr. Miller is the eldest son of Christopher and Madeline (Hager) ^Miller,
natives of Hamburg, Germany, from which country they emigrated to the United
States in 1852, landing in New York on the 29th of April. Three days later the
son Charles was born, his natal day being the 2d of May. The parents continued
to live in New York city for three years and then removed to Davenport, of
which city they were residents for five years. At the expiration of that period
they migrated to Muscatine, where they remained until 1865 and then went to
Tipton. After living there for two years they removed to Mechanicsville, Cedar
county, Iowa, where they spent the remainder of their days, being laid to rest
in the cemetery of that town. The father, who was a shoemaker, was actively
engaged in his trade up to four days before his death, which occurred in 1903.
The mother's demise occurred in 1899. They were the parents of five children,
those beside our subject being: Betty, the wife of E. W. Stoddard, of Cedar
Rapids ; Lizzie, who married John Sutton, of Manilla ; John, who is a resident
of Mechanicsville; and Frank, the youngest member of the family.
The first nineteen years of the life of Charles Miller were spent under the
parental roof, very largely occupied in acquiring an education, in the pursuit of
which he attended the German and public schools. In 1871 he left home to begin
his business career, and, coming to Crawford county, he worked by the month
as a farm hand for three years, following which he engaged in breaking prairie
and threshing. He broke between twelve and fifteen hundred acres of prairie
during the early years of his residence in this 'county, which was then very
sparsely settled. In 1878 he first located upon his present farm, Init later spent
three years elsewhere, returning in 1886. All the improvements upon the prop-
erty have been made by him.
For his wife and helpmate Mr. Miller chose Miss Minnie O. Thompson,
who passed away on the 14th of November, 1908, and was laid to rest in the
cemetery at Manilla. Seven children were born unto them : C. F. and W. A.,
both residents of Isabel, South Dakota; and John M., Eli Alfred, Hugh Ed-
ward, Guy Elijah and Clarence Chester, all of whom are at home.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 291
The family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church of which
Mrs. Miller was a member. When he first attained his majority Mr. Miller
gave his political support to the candidates of the democratic party, but being a
gold standard man he transferred his allegiance to the republican party when
Bryan first ran for president. Although he takes an interest in local afifairs he
has never been an office seeker, as his personal interests have always demanded
his entire attention. No man in Iowa township is any more entitled to be
termed self-made than is Charles Miller, whose measure of success is attributable
to his own perseverance and thrift and is generally so recognized by those who
know him.
JOHN A. DORFLER.
As a stock raiser and feeder John A. Dorfler, of Soldier township, ranks
high in the estimation of his neighbors and acquaintances, having made a suc-
cess of his business and acquired an established reputation for straightforward
dealing. He was born in Muscatine county, Iowa, May 24, 1870, a son of John
and Augusta (Stegemann) Dorfler. The parents were both born in Germany
and a record of their lives appears elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Dorfler of this review was reared as a farm boy and attended the dis-
trict schools, devoting his attention closely as the years passed to farming and
stock-raising. He continued at home with his father until twenty-five years of
age and then began farming on his own account on land belonging to his father,
which he cultivated for sixteen years. Upon the division of the estate he re-
ceived one hundred and sixty acres of highly improved land on section 13, Sol-
dier township. He has given special attention to stock-feeding and although he
is an extensive grain raiser, he buys grain from other farmers, as he feeds to
his stock more than he can raise himself. He is an excellent judge of farm
animals and handles none but good grades.
On the 2d of June, 1895, ^^^- Dorfler was united in marriage to Miss Edith
B. Meyer, who was born at Denison, Iowa, July 21, 1876, a daughter of August
and Henrietta (Harder) Meyer, who were born, reared and married in Ger-
many. They emigrated to America in 1864 and took up their residence at Pon-
tiac, Illinois, where the father followed the tailor's trade, which he had learned
in his native country. After a short time he began farming in that state, but
in 1874 came to Iowa and bought land in Crawford county. However, he lived
in Denison and conducted a hotel for seven years before he located on his farm.
In 1900 he retired and has since made his home at Lake View, Iowa. He was
very successful in business and became the owner of eight hundred acres of
good land in Jackson township. He is now seventy-six years of age, while his
wife is one year his junior. There were fourteen children in their family, five
of whom are now living, namely: Minnie, the wife of William Heller, of Lake
View; Arthur, of Guthrie Center, Iowa; Frantz, of Auburn. Iowa; Edith B.,
now Mrs. John A. Dorfler; and William, of Crawford county. Three children
came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Dorfler, one of whom died in in-
292 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
fancy, the others being Frank \V., who was born February ii, 1897, and John
A., born March 18, 1909.
Pohtically Mr. Dorfler supports the democratic party. He has not desired
nor sought pubHc office but has served as a member of the school board for two
years. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic lodge at Charter Oak and
also with the lodge of the Modern Woodmen of America. Energetic and self-
reliant, he has in his business shown an ability that is highly creditable. By the
concentration of his energies he has achieved gratifying financial returns and
his reputation for honesty has never been questioned.
HENRY W. MAYNARD.
Henry W. Maynard was one of the most extensive and successful agricul-
turists of Crawford county, where he owned five hundred and sixty acres of
land. He was born in Kane county, Illinois, May 29, 1850, a son of Abraham
and Ann (Terwilliger) Maynard, both of whom were natives of New York state
and who in 1845 removed to Illinois, where they located on a farm. To this
couple eight children were born, of whom the following are still living: George,
wb.o resides in Lake View, Iowa; Edwin and Charles, both of whom live in Illi-
nois; and Etta, who is the wife of S. M. Dow and lives in Illinois. The de-
ceased members of the family are: Henry, of this review; James, who died in
Lake View in 1910; Mary, whose death occurred at the age of twelve years; and
Philip, who died in infancy.
Henry W. Alaynard secured his early education in the public schools of
Kane county and on attaining his majority worked as a farm hand until 1876,
when he purchased forty acres of land and began farming on his own account.
He sold this property in 1880 and purchased eighty acres on sections 8 and 9,
Jackson township, and to this land he continued to add as his financial circum-
stances would permit until his holdings aggregated five hundred and sixty acres
of the finest cultivated land in Crawford county and upon which he made all
modern improvements in the way of fences and outbuildings. Here he fol-
lowed general farming in all its branches but made a specialty of feeding and
shipping live stock, in which he met with more than usual success.
In 1876 Air. Maynard was married to Miss Julia Lane, a daughter of
W. M. and Julia (Adams) Lane, the former of whom was a native of Syracuse,
New York. In their family were two children, the other one being Leroy C,
who resides in Troy, New York. Mr. and Mrs. Maynard became the parents
of seven children, namely: Ruby, who is the wife of John Richardson, of
Omaha. Nebraska ; Lily, who married Anthony Slechta, of Fowler, Kansas ;
George and William, who live in Crawford county; James, who resides in Kan-
sas; Harrison and Henry, at home.
In politics Mr. Maynard was interested in tlie welfare of the republican party,
which always had his support, and he was active in all public movements that
tended toward the betterment of his community, and he served as township
supervisor. Fraternally he affiliated with the Masons and his wife is a mem-
IIKNKN .\1A^ NAKI)
MRS. HENRY MAYNARD
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 295
ber of the Order of the Eastern Star. A few weeks before his death, which
occurred April 19, 191 1, he went to Sioux City and took the fourteenth degree
in Masonry. His remains were interred in Vail cemetery. In his religious views
he followed the tenets of the Methodist Episcopal church. His worth as a man
and citizen is demonstrated by the high regard in which he was uniformly held,
while his ability as a business man is attested to in the acquirement of the val-
uable property which he owned and in the conduct of which made him one of
the substantial citizens oi Crawford county.
PROFESSOR WALTER CROSBY VAN NESS.
Among the practical educators of the west Walter Crosby Van Ness, princi-
pal of the Denison Normal & Business College, occupies an honored place. Ever
since leaving the university, nearly thirty years ago, he has devoted his time and
energies to teaching and the success he has attained is evidence that he made no
mistake in the selection of a calling. He was born in Perry, Lake county, Ohio,
October 7, 1854, a son of James and Laura Ann (Cook) Van Ness, both of whom
were born in New York. The father was a tanner and currier by trade and be-
came a successful farmer. He died in Lake county, Ohio, in 1909 at the age of
seventy-five years, but the beloved wife and mother is still living. She is a faith-
ful member of the Methodist church, as was her husband. Our subject's paternal
grandfather, Caleb Van Ness, was a native of New York state and also was a
tanner and currier. He was a local Methodist preacher and made a record for
marrying people. Politically he was a zealous supporter of the republican party.
He had a large family, most of his children dying in early manhood or woman-
hood and only one is now living, Henry Van Ness, of Perry, Lake county, Ohio.
Joseph Cook, the maternal grandfather, was born April i, 1800, and died Sep-
tember 13, 1844. He married Nancy Richmond, and there were twelve children
in their family, namely: Joseph W., Nancy J., Jehial P., Laura Ann, Colonel B.,
Susan Maria, James B. I, James B. II, Cynthia R., Benjamin A., Martha Amelia
and Emma A. To James and Laura Ann (Cook) Van Ness three children were
born : Walter Crosby, the subject of this review ; Eugenia, who died when a
small child ; and Emogene, now the wife of D. J. Webb of Perry, Ohio.
Walter Crosby Van Ness was reared on his father's farm and received his
preliminary education in the district schools of Lake county, later attending a
select school, Madison Seminary and Grand River Institute at Austinburg, Ashta-
bula county, Ohio. He matriculated in the Western Reserve University, grad-
uating from that noted institution in 1883 with a degree of A. B., and three years
later took the degree M. A. from the same university. He began teaching in New
Lyme Institute at South New Lyme, Ashtabula county, Ohio, immediately after
his graduation and continued there for seven years, then becoming principal of
the city high school of Ravenna, Ohio, in which position he acquitted himself
with high credit. In 1893 he came to Denison and has since been principal of
the Denison Normal & Business College, building up the institution until it is
now one of the most popular of its kind in this part of the country.
Vol. n— 16
296 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY
On the 27th of June. 1883, Mr. \'an Xess was united in marriage to Miss
Ida R. Webb, a native of Lake county, Ohio, and a daughter of Wilford and
Wilhehnina (Champion) Webb. Her parents were natives of Schoharie county,
New York, and the mother is now Hving at Perry, Ohio, the father having passed
away at the age of seventy years. There were three children in their family:
Ida R., Delbert J., and Carrie, deceased. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Van Xess
has been brightened by the birth of four children : Grace R., who is a graduate
of Cornell College, Mount \'ernon, Iowa; Loretta I., who is now a teacher of
Denison College; Irene L. and Hubert J., both students in the public schools.
Politically Mr. \'an Xess gives his support to the republican party, whose
principles of protection and centralization he heartily endorses. Fraternally he is
identified with Symbol Lodge, Xo. 452. A. F. & A. ]\I.. of South Xew Lyme,
Ohio; Doudall Lodge, Xo. 90. Knights of Pythias, of Denison; and the Wood-
men of the World. He and his wife are both members of the Order of the East-
ern Star. He has received wide recognition on account of his marked ability as
a teacher and school manager. A constant student, he keeps abreast of the times
on all subjects pertaining to his calling, and as a public speaker he is in wide
demand upon educational topics. He has a host of friends and former students
in all the states of the west and has no cause to regret that eighteen years ago
he established his home in the beautiful city of Denison.
X. E. LARSOX.
Through his well directed industry X. E. Larson has attained a responsible
position among the citizens of Crawford county and is the owner of a beautiful
farm in Otter Creek township which yields a handsome annual revenue. He was
born in Sweden, December 11. 1865, a son of Lars and Mary Larson, both na-
tives of Sweden. The father died in 1868 and in 1877 the mother came with her
children to America, settling upon a farm in Crawford county. She passed away
March 3, 1905. In the family were three children: Anna, now the wife of Robert
Anderson, of Kiron ; J. G., of Crawford county; and X. E., the subject of this
review.
X. E. Larson was educated in the common schools of Sweden and came with
his mother to this country when twelve years of age. After arriving in Craw-
ford county he worked for three years for his uncle and then was employed by
other farmers in the neighborhood for two years. Having arrived at an age
when he could begin independently with a good prospect of success and being
inspired by a laudable ambition, he started out on his own account by renting
land, and in 1892 he purchased one hundred and sixty acres on sections 13 anfl
24, Otter Creek' township, upon which he established his home. The place is
well improved and has been made one of the highly productive properties of the
township. He is a good judge of stock, and being energetic, alert and enter-
prising, he is regarded as one of the substantial men of the community. Inde-
pendent of his agricultural interests, he is a stockholder in the Farmers Lumber
Company of Kiron and a director of the Farmers Telephone Company.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 297
In September, 1888, Air. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Matilda
Swanson, who was born in Sweden, a daughter of Xels and Tora (Nelson)
Swanson, mention of whom is made in the sketch of N. P. Swanson elsewhere
in this work. Seven children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Larson:
Hazel C. who was born August 2, 1889, and is now the wife of Enoch :\Iiller,
of Sac county, Iowa; :\Iae Anna Alarie, born April 26, 1891, who graduated
from rural schools; Ruth E., who was born December 2, 1892, and is living at
home; Julia H., born October 11, 1894; Abbie E., born January 28, 1897; Ray-
mond N., born December 4, 1899; and Esther Matilda, born November 16, 1902.
]\Ir. and Mrs. Larson are stanch believers in the authority and inspiration of
the Bible and are active workers in the Baptist church, in which he is a member
of the board of trustees. He gives his support to the republican party, believing
that its principles accord with the progress of the age and can best subserve the
interests of the republic. He and his wife are at the head of a happy family
and they have many friends in this part of the county who enjoy the hospitality
of their attractive home.
ANDREW HARRINGTON.
The keynote of the success of Andrew Harrington as a farmer is a practical
knowledge of his business and a habit he acquired early in life to perform to
the best of his ability anything his hands found to do. As a result his farm
is one of the highly productive properties of West Side township and he enjoys
a goodly measure of prosperity. He is a native of Cedar county, Iowa, born
April 30, 1867, and is a son of John and Hannah Harrington, both of whom
were born in County Cork, Ireland. They came to the new world as children
with their parents, the two families locating at Fall River, Massachusetts. There
they were married and later removed to Richmond, Virginia, from which place
they went to Boston, Massachusetts, finally starting westward. They lived for
a while in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, and then for two years in Cedar county,
Iowa, but in 1871 came to Crawford county and settled upon a farm which is
now the family homestead. ]\Ir. Harrington was a man of great industry, and
he improved his place v/ith a handsome residence and other buildings, all of
which indicated good taste and judgment. He was successful as an agriculturist
and stock-raiser and his death July i, 1888, was a distinct loss to the com-
munity. The mother continued for seventeen years at the old home and was
called from earthly scenes June 24, 1905. There were fourteen children in
their family, six of whom are now living, namely: Mary, who is the widow of
Charles Dupont ; William, who lives in West Side township ; Joseph, of Craw-
ford county; Maggie, who makes her home at \'ail ; Alichael, of South Dakota;
and Andrew, of this review.
Andrew Harrington came with his parents to Crawford county at the age of
four years, and in his boyhood and youth attended the public school, devoting
his attention to various duties about the house and farm when not occupied with
his books. After the death of his father he continued upon the home place, of
298 â– HISTORY' (Jl- CRAWI-OKD COUXTY
which he is now tlic owner. It comprises three hundred and twenty acres on
section ^t,. West Side township, and as he gives his best thought to his work
and keeps fully abreast of the times in everything pertaining to agriculture and
stock-raising, he has met with an abundant measure of success.
In iS(>i Mr. Harrington was united in marriage to Miss Rosa O'Connell,
who was horn at I)ul)U(|ue, Iowa, a daughter of John and Rose O'Connell, l>oth
of whom are now deceased. There were four children in their family. Two
children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harrington, namely: IManch
M., and Earl C, both of whom are now attending high school at Vail. Mrs.
Harrington, the beloved wife and mother, passed away February 25, 1899, and
her remains were interred in the cemetery at Vail. She was a consistent mem-
ber of llic Catholic church and possessed many estimable traits of mind and
character.
Mr. Harrington has met with deserved success in his business. He is an
enterprising and broad-minded man, fully awakened as to the opportunities and
possibilities of the twentieth century, and he has enhanced the beauty and value
of his surroundings. Religiously he is identified with the Catholic church and
politically gives his adherence to the democratic party.
JACOB WEISS.
One of the extensive landowners of Crawford county is Jacob Weiss, who
is successfully engaged in general farming and stock-raising on his homestead
of two hundred and twenty acres in Denison township. Born in Germany on
the 25th of March, \H(x), he is a son of George and Madelaine (Feuerbach)
Weiss. The mother passed away in the fatherland, but the father emigrated to
the Ignited States in 1880, first locating in Chicago, where he resided for fifteen
months. Removing to'Denison at the end of that period, he continued to reside
here until he passed away in i8()4 at the age of seventy-six.
The early years of Jacob Weiss were spent in his native land, attending tlie
common schools, where he acquired his education, lie was only a youth wlu-n
he took up his residence in the United States, but being both energetic and
thrifty he and his brother accvmiulated the necessary capital to buy one hundred
and sixty acres of land in Washington township, in the cultivation of which they
engaged imtil our subject's marriage. Subsequently they divided the farm, each
taking eighty acres, and by rigid economy and careful management, Mr. Weiss
added one hundred and twenty acres to his tract, which he continued to operate
for eighteen years. Disposing of that place in 1901, he removed to Denison
township, where he inirchased one hundred and forty acres, later adding another
eighty and thus making the aggregate two hundred and twenty. Here he is
engaged in general farming and stock-feeding, devoting particidar attention to
the latter, now having seven hundred shee]), one Inmdred and liftv head of
cattle and about two hundred hogs, which lie is pre]")aring for the market. A
most capable and energetic man, Mr. ^^\•i^s has met with marked success in his
ventures, which is doubtless due to his unusual foresight and well directed ef-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 299
fort, which have resulted in his acquiring three hundred acres of land on sec-
tions 25 and 16, Willow township, in addition to his excellent homestead. His
home faj-m, which is on section 11, Denison township, is well improved and
under a high state of cultivation, being considered one of the valuable properties
in the locality.
On the 14th of November, 1883, ^Ir. Weiss' plans for a home had their cul-
mination in his marriage to Miss Rosa Bachman. Fifteen children have been
born of this union: George; Albert; John; Emily; Matilda; Edward, deceased;
Annie; Martha; August, deceased; Ruth; Clara; Marie; Theodore; Walter; and
Elizabeth.
The religious views of the family accord with those of the Methodist Epis-
copal denomination, with which they affiliate. Ever since acquiring the right
of franchise ^Ir. Weiss has given his political support to the men and measures
of the republican party, considering that the principles of that organization are
best adapted to subserve the interests of the majority. He has been the choice
of his party for a number of the township offices, the duties of which he dis-
charged most creditably. Mr. Weiss has never regretted the transference of
his allegiance to the United States and feels that the conditions existing in this
country are such that any young man possessing energy and perseverance can
win a place for himself.
W. D. MUNDT.
General farming and stock-raising claim the attention of W. D. Mundt. who
during his entire career has been identified with the agricultural development of
Crawford county. He is one of those thrifty and enterprising sons of Ger-
many, who through the intelligent direction of their activities have become num-
bered among the successful landowners of the county. His birth occurred in
Hanover on the 12th of February, 1873, which was also the birthplace of his
parents, Diedrich and Sophia (Meyer) Mundt. They emigrated to the United
States in 1880, first locating in East Boyer township, Crawford county, where
the father purchased forty acres of land. On disposing of that place, he pur-
chased a farm on section 5, Nishnabotny township, in the cultivation of which
he engaged until his retirement nine years ago. Since 1902 l\Ir. and Mrs. Died-
rich Mundt have been making their home in Denison, having acquired during
their residence in this country a competence which provides them with the com-
forts of life. They are the parents of three children: W. D.. our subject; Min-
nie, who is a resident of California; and Lena, of Denison. They affiliate with
the Lutheran church, and Mr. Mundt gives his political support to the democratic
party.
As he was a lad of seven years when his parents settled in the United States,
W. D. Mundt has spent practically his entire life not only in the state of Iowa
but in Crawford county. His boyhood and youth were quite similar to those
of other lads of his circumstances, his education being obtained in the district
schools and his vacations largely occupied in assisting his father in the cultiva-
300 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUXTY
tion of the homestead. He remained a member of the paternal household until
he had attained his twenty-third year, at which time he started out for himself.
His energies have always been intelligently directed and' as a result he has met
witii more than moderate success, having acquired six hundred acres of fine
farming land. It is all under an excellent state of cultivation and is well
stocked with full-blooded hogs and cattle, which he feeds himself.
In 1896 Mr. ^lundt's plans for a home of his own had their culmination in
his marriage to Miss Anna Lochmiller, a daughter of Herman Lochmiller, of
East Boyer township. Three children have been born of this union : Bernhard,
Lulela and Reinhard.
The church affiliation of the family is with the Lutheran denomination, while
politically Mr. Mundt supports the principles of the democratic party, for whose
candidates he always votes. x\ny man who acquires through his own unaided
effort the amount of property owned by Mr. ]\Iundt possesses those qualities
which make for success in any vocation in life if wisely applied, namely, energy
and determination.
X. P. SWAXSON.
The business interests of Crawford county have many worthy representa-
tives who have won their way to responsible positions in the community by in-
telligent application and a zeal which never yielded to difficulties. Among the
men who thus deserve mention is X. P. Swanson, a well known and highly
respected citizen of Kiron. He is a native of Sweden, born September 27,
1865, and a son of Xels and Tora Swanson, both of whom were born in Sweden.
They came to America in 1871 and located on a farm in Craw^ford county,
low^a, continuing here during the remainder of their lives. There were eight
children in their family, four of whom are now living, namely: Matilda, the
wife of X. E. Larson, of Crawford county, a record of whom appears else-
where in this work; Celia, now Mrs. Adolph Linberg, of Omaha, X'ebraska ;
X. P., the subject of this review; and Samuel, of Woodbury county, Iowa.
N. P. Swanson came to Iowa with his parents when six years of age and
received his early education in the schools of Crawford county. He assisted
his father upon the home farm until he arrived at the age of seventeen and
then, desiring to begin farming for himself, rented the homestead which he cul-
tivated with a success that gave bright promise as to his future. Subsequently
he purchased the farm on which the village of Kiron now stands and as the
years passed he prospered greatly in his wurk. so that he is now the owner of
one hundred and sixty acres of good land in Crawford county and five hundred
and twenty acres in Woodbury county. He engages extensively in liuying, sell-
ing and shipping stock of all kinds, and as he is a good judge of animals and
a man of large experience in the business, he has attained a gratifying measure
of success. Aside from his other lines of activity, he is a member of the board
of directors of the Farmers Telephone Company.
In 1887 Mr. Swanson w^as united in marriage to Miss Mary Olson, a native
of Sweden and a daughter of Peter and Anna Olson, both of whom are de-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 301
ceased. Nine children have been born to iMr. and Mrs. Swanson, namely:
Emma E., the wife of Oscar Larson, of Sioux City, Iowa; and ^^label, Roy,
Edna, Judith, Ehner, Leshe, Evelyn and Teddie M., all of whom are at home!
Politically Mr. Swanson votes the republican ticket, and although he has
not sought the emoluments of office, he has served most acceptably as a mem-
ber of the town council of Kiron. Fraternally he is identified with the camp
of the Modern Woodmen of America at Schleswig, Iowa. He is a public-
spirited man and is ever ready to assist in any movement that sincerely aims
to lift the burdens from shoulders unable to bear them. He and his estimable
wife are at the head of a large and promising family and they have endeavored
to install into their children the principles of industry and self-respect so im-
portant in the accomplishment of any worthy object in life.
H. W. LOGSDON.
H. W. Logsdon, who for the past eleven years has devoted his time and
energies to the cultivation and improvement of his two hundred acre farm lo-
cated on sections 13 and 14, Union township, was born July 24, 1865, near
Newton, Jasper county, Iowa, a son of Rev. B. F. and C. J. (Logsdon) Logs-
don, both natives of Kentucky, the father's birth taking place near Munford-
ville. The mother was of German parentage. Rev. Logsdon came to Iowa when
about twenty years of age and located near Newton, where he resided at in-
tervals until a few years ago. He followed the calling of ministry for three
and a half years in Crawford county during the .'80s and was attached to the
Wesleyan Alethodist church in Marshall. His father was born in Ireland and
there engaged in farming until he emigrated to the United States. He settled
in Kentucky, where his death occurred when his son, B. F., was seven years
old. Unto B. F. Logsdon and his wife nine children were born, of whom the
following survive : H. W., of this review ; F. G., who is a farmer living near
Ira, Iowa; Charles, who resides in Rhodes, Iowa; Lulu, who is the wife of
W. F. Sissel and lives in Durant, Iowa; Maud, who married Iddo Kinsel and
resides near Tama, Iowa.
The public schools of Jasper county afforded H. W. Logsdon his early edu-
cation and he remained at home until attaining his majority, when he resolved
to start out in life upon his own responsibility. He rented land in Denison
township, Crawford county, where he farmed for one year, and then removed
to Paradise township, buying a small farm, which he improved and cultivated
for twelve years. In 1900 he came to Union township, where he purchased land
on sections 13 and 14, to which he has added from time to time until he now
â– owns two hundred acres of highly cultivated farming property, most of the
improvements being the result of his personal labors. Here he pursues general
farming and his holdings are considered to be among the most valuable in his
section of the county.
In 1887 I\Ir. Logsdon was united in marriage to ^Ii?s Deborah Smith, a
daughter of T. R. B. and Jane (Graham) Smith, both of whom were born in
302 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Canada of Irish parents. They came to the United States ahout thirty-five years
ago and located in Denison township, whence they removed to Union township.
Six children were born to them, of whom the following survive : Sarah Jane,
who lives in Denison ; Deborah ; R. B., who is a farmer in Union township ;
and John, who resides in Oakdand, California. The father departed this life
June 24, 1890, the demise of the mother occurring in 1910.
Mr. and Mrs. Logsdon are the parents of seven children, namely: Gertrude,
who, after being graduated from the Dow City high school, pursued a course
of musical studies at Simpson College and later taught school for four terms in
Crawford county, became the wife of Frank J. Glassburner and resides in
Union township. Birl W., Fred H., Bertha J., Herman Leslie, Clarence Russell
and Stanley Smith are living under the parental roof. Birl is a graduate of
the Dow City high school, and it is the intention of the parents to give the
other children the same educational advantages as soon as their years will per-
mit.
Politically Mr. Logsdon has always given his support to the republican party
and has taken an active interest in the local affairs of the township. He filled
the ofifice of justice of the peace with efficiency and to the entire satisfaction
of his constituents and served two terms as school director. In religion both
he and has wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and are well
and favorably known throughout the community. He is deeply interested in
everything that pertains to the material, intellectual and moral development of
the locality in which he lives and is a man of many friends — an honored and
respected resident of Union township.
JOHN D. O'HARA.
The young men of Denison find a worthy representative in John D. O'Hara,
who is now serving as clerk in the postoffice of this city. Active, ambitious and
enterprising, he has made a start which gives bright promise for a life of use-
fulness and honor. He comes of Irish ancestry and is a native of Peru, In-
diana, born May 23, 1888, and a son of Michael and Nora (Kelley) O'Hara.
The father was born in Ireland and the mother in Indiana. Michael O'Hara
came to America with his parents in his boyhood. He was reared in this country
and is still living in Indiana. His wife departed this life in 1890. There were
seven children in their family, five of whom survive-.
At two years of age, having lost his mother, John D. O'Hara became a
member of the family of his uncle, Patrick Burke, of Denison, Iowa, with whom
he still makes his home. He was given every desirable advantage of education
in school and college and applied himself to his studies with most excellent
results. Two years ago he was appointed a clerk in the postoffice by Mr. Myers,
in which position he has since continued. Politically he gives his support to the
democratic party and fraternally is a valued member of the Improved Order of
Redmen, in which he is serving as sachem.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 303
By his geniality, gentlemanly address and other sterling qualities Mr. O'liara
has made a host of friends and well wishers who are unanimously of the opin-
ion that he is one of the most promising young men of the city. His life has
been entirely upright and honorable, and in business he has acquitted himself
in such a way as to meet the approval of patrons of the postoffice and of all with
whom he has come into contact.
HENRY SHIRTCLIFF.
Crawford county owes much to those men who came west of the Mississippi
river when their principal fortune consisted of their strong arms and their
indomitable will. By undaunted perseverance they carved out for themselves
honorable names and a competence, becoming financially independent. Of this
class of men is Henry Shirtclifif, now living retired at Denison. He was born
in Yorkshire, England, September 6, 1830, a son of Edward and Hannah
(Makin) ShirtcHff, both natives of England. The father was educated for the
Episcopal ministry, but did not take kindly to that calling, so he began clerking
in his father's store and afterward became a successful merchant. He emi-
grated to America and settled at Lynnville, Morgan county, Illinois, where he
engaged in general merchandising. He made a trip to England at the time of
Queen Victoria's coronation and bought a stock of goods there, shipping it to
this country. The boat to which it was transferred sank in the Mississippi
river, the goods being recovered two weeks later in a badly damaged condition.
Mr. Shirtclifif made a fair start in life but died at the beginning of a useful
career, in 1840, being then only thirty-six years old. His wife died about 1875,
at the age of seventy-three years. She was a faithful member of the Methodist
church.
Edward Shirtclifif, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of
England. He was also a dry-goods merchant and was the father of three chil-
dren : Edward, Sarah and Jane. The maternal grandfather, Richard Makin,
was a shoe merchant, and his wife was Catharine Greenwood before her mar-
riage. There was one son and several daughters in their family. The son died
when a small boy and the daughters were Isabella, Elizabeth, Hannah, Harriet,
Ann, and Rebecca. There were four children in the family of Edward and
Hannah Shirtclifif, namely : Frederick Edward, who is now living at Kilbourne,
Mason county, Illinois; Henry, the subject of this review; Catharine, who be-
came the wife of Fred Smithson and is now deceased; and Alfred, also de-
ceased.
Henry Shirtclifif came with his parents to America when two years of age
and grew to manhood near Jacksonville, in Morgan county, Illinois, receiving
his education in private schools. He began his business career by working as
a farm hand and later engaged in farming on his own account in Morgan county,
also being identified with the live stock, milling, merchandising and butchering
business. At thirty-five years of age, in 1865, he went to Minnesota and con-
tinued in that state for eight years, but believing that better opportunities were
30i HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
presented in Iowa, he came to Crawford county and in 1873 began cultivating
a farm two miles north of Deloit. in Goodrich town.-^hip. Three years later he
removed to \'ail, wliere he engaged in the live stock business for seventeen or
eighteen years. In 1905 he retired, taking up his home at Denison with his
daughter, Mrs. Ainsworth. He is the owner of a well improved farm of two
hundred acres in Willow township.
On the 5th of December, 185 1, Mr. Shirtcliff was united in marriage to Miss
Frances Colley, who was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1827. Xine children
came to bless this union: Edward, Fred, Fannie. Edith, ]\Iinnie, Alice. John,
Charles and Katie. Edward, now engaged in the land business in Alberta
county. Canada, married Miss Rose Xixon and they have two sons, Alfred and
Henry. Fred is in charge of the home farm in Willow township. He married
Miss Hattie Cady and they have two children, Frankie and Fred. Fannie mar-
ried Rol Riley and became the mother of thirteen children, but she is now de-
ceased. Edith married John Ainsworth, of Denison, a record of whom appears
elsewhere in this work.
In 1906 ]\Ir. Shirtcliff was called upon to mourn the loss of his beloved wife,
whose many estimable qualities greatly endeared her to the entire community.
She was a sincere member of the Episcopal church, but her husband has never
been identified with any religious denomination. Since 1865 he has been con-
nected with the r^Iasonic order, having been made a Master Mason at that time.
Politically he affiliates with the republican party. He cast his first vote for
John C. Fremont, "the Pathfinder," and has voted for every republican candi-
date for president since that time. He served as a member of the town board
in \'ail but has never aspired to political honors, preferring to devote his at-
tention to his private affairs. Today he is recognized as one of the substantial
citizens of the county and has the satisfaction of knowing that he has gained
his position almost entirely through his own unremitting diligence. A thorough
gentleman and a citizen who has assisted materially in advancing the general
welfare, he well merits the respect and esteem in which he is held.
CHARLIE GREEXE.
Charlie Greene is a worthy representative of German-American citizenship
in Hanover township, where he owns and operates two hundred and eighty acres
of finely improved land. He was born in Illinois October 5. 1867, a son of
William and Dora (Messenbrink) Greene. The' parents were natives of Han-
over, Germany, where they were reared and married, after which they emi-
grated to the United States, first locating near Chicago, Illinois. They both
worked in the employ of others for a year after their arrival in the new world
and in this way gained their start in life. Mr. Greene then rented a small tract
of land, which he operated for a few years. He carefully managed his busi-
ness affairs and worked diligently and persistently, so that he was eventually
able to purchase land, becoming the owner of one hundred acres. After a few
years he sold that tract and invested his money in another tract of one hundred
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 305
and sixty acres, which remained in his possession for a few years, when he
disposed of his property in Ilhnois and, seeking the broader opportunities of
Iowa, located in Crawford county. He here purchased four hundred and eighty
acres of improved land and for ten years operated the same. He was success-
ful in his undertakings and at the end of a decade had secured a competency
that enabled him to retire from business cares, and since that time he has made
his home with his children, having now reached the advanced age of eighty-
three years. His wife, however, has departed this life, her death occurring on
Christmas day of 1891. Unto Mr. and ^Irs. Greene were born eight children,
but five of the number are deceased, two having died prior to the emigration
of the family to this country, and two died in the United States during their
infancy, while Emma passed away at the age of seven years. Those living are :
Louis, who follows farming near Charter Oak, Iowa; Charlie, of this review;
and August, who is now living retired in Sioux City, Iowa.
Charlie Greene spent his early boyhood and youth upon the home farm in
Illinois and accompanied his parents on their removal to Crawford county, Iowa.
He acquired his education in the common schools and remained under the pa-
rental roof until he had reached the age of twenty-four years, when he started
out to make his own way in the world by renting a part of the old homestead.
After a year, however, his father deeded to him one hundred and sixty acres
of his land, to which he has since added by purchase, his possessions now em-
bracing two hundred and eighty acres. His land lies in Hanover township, and
all has been placed under a high state of cultivation, so that he annually gathers
good crops as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon it. In
addition to his farming he raises stock to a considerable extent, black polled
cattle being his specialty. He raises and feeds from one to two carloads of
cattle each year and always realizes a good profit in the city markets.
It was on the nth of June, 1891, that Mr. Greene was united in marriage
to Miss Sophia Neddermeyer, who was born in Charter Oak, Crawford county,
a daughter of Christ and Katrina (Kunze) Neddermeyer, both natives of Han-
over, Germany. The father came as a young man to the United States and for
a few years after his arrival worked in New York. He then came to Iowa, lo-
cating in Jackson county, where his marriage to Miss Kunze occurred. They
have become the parents of ten children, but two of the number are now de-
ceased. Those living are: Sophia, now Mrs. Greene; Marvin, who follows
farming near Charter Oak; Julius, who also engages in farming near Charter
Oak; Rosa, the wife of Robert Pautsch, a farmer residing near Johnson. Minne-
sota; Annie, of Mitchell, South Dakota; Emma, the wife of Henry Ricket. also
of Alitchell; Adolph and Elsie, at home. Those deceased are Otto and Christ.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Greene have been born four sons, namely: William, who
was born on Christmas day of 1895, and has just completed his education in
the common schools and who can read, write and speak the German as well as
the English language; Herbert, who was born July 5. 1901. and is now in
school; Erwin, born May 29, 1905; and Clarence, who was born October 19,
1909.
Mr. Greene supports the men and measures of the republican party, but is
not an active worker in political circles. He and his family attend and support
306 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
the German Lutheran church. It is true he had hetter advantages than many
a young man starting out in hfe, but he has since improved each and every op-
portunity that has come to him and his dihgence and perseverance have gained
him the success that now gives him rank among the leading farmers and stock-
raisers of Hanover township and Crawford county. He is well known, too,
for his fair and honorable dealing, and all who know him speak of him in terms
of praise and commendation.
ENOCH T. COCHRAN.
Forty-two years ago Enoch T. Cochran came to Denison and he has been a
witness of its progress, assisting materially in the work which has made this city
one of the most attractive places of its size in the state. He was born in Craw-
ford county, Pennsylvania, June 29, 1855, a son of John M. and Lucinda (Gil-
laspey) Cochran, both of whom were natives of the Keystone state. The father
wa^; a farmer and came west with his family in 1869, settling in Goodrich town-
ship, Crawford county, Iowa, upon a farm of ninety acres, which he and his
sons carefully cultivated. In 1878 he removed to Denison, where he continued
to reside until his death at the age of seventy-five years. His wife departed this
life in 1878, having arrived at the age of sixty-seven years. She and her hus-
band were consistent members of the United Presbyterian church.
Robert Cochran, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of
Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and became one of the respected farmers of his
section. He was married to Mary Moore, wdio died at the age of eighty years,
and they were the parents of three children : John M., William and Lavina, who
became the wife of Peter France. Robert Gillaspey, the maternal grandfather,
was also a farmer of Pennsylvania. He removed from Williamsport, Lycoming
county, Pennsylvania, to Crawford county in the same state in 181 8, and died
there when about ninety-two years of age. There were seven children in his
family, namely : Lucinda, Mary, Margaret. Hannah, Elizabeth, Jane and Joseph.
The family of John M. and Lucinda Cochran consisted of seven children,
namely: Robert G., now in Los Angeles, California; William, of Denison. Iowa;
Murray J., of Tonopah, Nevada; W'esley, deceased; Charles J., of Phoenix,
Arizona; Enoch T., the subject of this review; and a daughter who died in
infancy.
Enoch T. Cochran lived in Crawford and Venango counties, Pennsylvania,
until fourteen years of age and received his early education in the common
schools, coming to Denison with his parents in 1869. After arriving at his new
home he took advantage of the opportunities offered by the excellent public-
school system and when the time arrived for him to begin his business career he
started as a clerk in one of the stores of this city. Subsequently, he was ap-
pointed deputy postmaster, serving for three and one-half years under Reuben
HeR'elfing, and under J. Fred Meyers. He later went to Harlan, Iowa, and there
filled the position of deputy postmaster for six years. Returning to Denison in
1885, he was made deputy county treasurer and continued in that office until
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 307
1900. Previously he had filled the office of township clerk and was for six years
city clerk of Denison. In the meantime he had engaged in the real-estate busi-
ness and after retiring from the office of the county treasurer was connected
with the implement business but since 1905 has devoted his attention to real estate
and insurance, in which he has shown a capability productive of highly gratifying
returns.
On the 28th of December, 1881, Mr. Cochran was united in marriage to
Miss Clara L. Marshall, a native of New York, who came to Crawford county
with her parents, WiUiam and Juha (Chapin) Marshall, in the fall of 1869,
settling in Morgan township and later removing to Denison township. Both of
her parents are now deceased. Six children were born to them : William H.,
Ella, Fred, Frank, Lewis and Clara L. One son, Clyde M., was born to Mr.
and Mrs. Cochran. He married Theresa Balsky, and is now in the employ of
the Middle West Grain Company at Omaha. He is the father of two children :
Robert Enoch and Howard Marshall. Mrs. Cochran having died in 1888, Mr.
Cochran was again married, the lady of his choice being Miss Ida M. Deuel, a
native of New York state, and a daughter of Benjamin and Sylvia Deuel, who
were the parents of two children, Alice and Ida M. Her father was twice mar-
ried, one daughter, Alethia, being born to the first union. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Cochran two children have been born : Sylvia Alice and Robert Lyman, the for-
mer of whom is now successfully engaged in teaching school, and the latter is a
student in the senior class of the Denison high school and a highly promising
young man.
In public afifairs Mr. Cochran showed an ability that gained the general ap-
proval of the people, and in business he has met with a goodly measure of suc-
cess and has obtained a competence for himself and family. He and his esti-
mable wife are members of the Presbyterian church and active workers in its
behalf. He is identified with Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M., the Mod-
ern Woodmen of America and the Improved Order of Red Men, and is a stanch
believer in the principles of those beneficent orders.
ANDREW LARSON.
Andrew Larson has been actively and successfully identified with the agri-
cultural interests of Crawford county for many years past and is now the owner
of a well improved farm in Otter Creek township. He is a native of Sweden,
born August 19, 1849, and is a son of John and Mary (Anderson) Larson, both
of whom were born in Sweden. They came to America in 1867 and established
their home in Pennsylvania, where the mother died. In 1877 the father removed
to Crawford county, Iowa, and engaged in farming. He was killed by a tor-
nado about 1882. There were nine children in his family, seven of whom are
still living.
Andrew Larson came to America with his parents when he was eighteen
years of age and continued at home until after reaching manhood. He began
his business career by working in the coal mines in Pennsylvania but subse-
308 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
quently became connected with farming in Crawford county, Iowa, and carried
on iiis work with such energ}- and good judgment that he was enabled to pur-
chase two hundred and twenty acres of land on sections 25 and 26, Otter Creek
township. He has made many improvements upon his farm, building barns,
corn-cribs and fences, and setting out trees, etc., thus greatly enhancing its
value. He engages in general farming but makes a specialty of raising and
feeding stock for the market and has met with gratifying success.
In 1888 ]\Ir. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Amanda Falk. a native
of Chicago and a daughter of Erick Falk, who emigrated to America with his
wife from Sweden and is now deceased. The mother is still living anfl makes
her home in Minnesota. Five children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Larson, namely: Hollis L., who was born October 10, 1889; Ive E.. born June
22, 1892; Ervin E.. born August 7, 1894; Ruby I., born January 9, 1897; and
Orange H., born February 19, 1899. All are living at home.
Mr. Larson was called upon to mourn the death of his beloved wife, who
passed away August 22, 1906, and whose remains were interred in Kiron ceme-
tery. She was a faithful member of the Methodist church and was a woman
of many excellent qualities which endeared her to all with whom she was asso-
ciated. Mr. Larson is a man of genial disposition and is recognized as one of
the reliable citizens of Crawford county, whose word is entirely to be depended
upon and who aims to perform his whole duty in everything he undertakes. He
is a sincere friend of education and a lover of his adopted country. He has
set an example of unflagging industry well worthy of imitation by those who
come after him, as it leads to almost certain victory. He is not identified with
any religious denomination but is a firm adherent of the republican party whose
principles appeal to him as being highly essential to the perpetuity of a free
government.
A. G. SCHOENJAHN.
Success has attended the efiforts of A. G. Schoenjahn in establishing himself
in business and he is now the owner of a farm in West Side township, which
has developed into one of the desirable properties of Crawford county. His
good fortune is the direct result of ambition and energy. He is a native of
Clinton county, Iowa, born February 25, 1874, and is a son of Henry and
Pauline Schoenjahn. The parents were both born in Germany and on coming
to America took up their residence in Clinton county, Iowa. In 1878 the family
removed to Sac county and three years later to Crawford county, where Mr.
Schoenjahn established himself as an agriculturist and stock-raiser. His wife
passed away in 1908, but he is still living. There were eight children in their
family, five of whom survive.
A. G. Schoenjahn came with his parents to Crawford county at the age of
seven years and received his early education in the public schools. He con-
tinued with his father until after reaching maturity and in 1899 removed to the
farm which he now owns. It comprises two hundred and forty acres and is
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 309
located on section 22, West Side township. He carries on general farming and
specializes in the raising and feeding of stock. As he thoroughly understands
all phases of agriculture and stock-raising, he has met with deserved prosperity.
In 1899 ^^^- Schoenjahn was united in marriage to ^^liss Henrietta Doshe,
who was born in Clinton county, a daughter of Henry and Caroline (Lamp)
Doshe. The parents were born in Germany and came to this country, being
now residents of Crawford county. There were eight children in their family,
six of whom are living. Four children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs.
Schoenjahn, namely : Perry W., Grace M., Glenn L. and Carrie P.
Mr. Schoenjahn and his wife are valued members of the Lutheran church.
Politically he is identified with the democratic party, to which he has given his
support ever since he reached manhood. He has not sought political honors,
but is serving at the present time as township trustee and director of the school
board, displaying in the discharge of his duties the same interest which he
evinces in his own afifairs. Fraternally he is connected with the Highland
Nobles and with Camp No. 2991, 'M. W. A., of West Side. ^Irs. Schoenjahn
has been a valued assistant to her husband and as the head of the household
has shown an ability which is greatly to be commended. He has led an active
and useful life which gives promise of increasing efficiency in years to come.
HENRY SCHWARZ.
Arriving in America in his early boyhood, Henry Schwarz came to Crawford
county with his parents and has succeeded so well as an agriculturist and stock-
raiser that he is now firmly established, being the owner of three hundred and
twenty acres of good land. He was born in Germany, September 15, 1862, and
is a son of Christian and Dorothea Schwarz, both of whom were natives of
Germany. The family came to America in 1873 and spent nine years in Illi-
nois. In 1882 they came to Iowa and settled in Crawford county, Mr. Schwarz
buying a farm in Morgan township. He became the owner of one hundred and
sixty acres, which he cultivated to excellent advantage and attained a gratifying
measure of prosperity. He lived to reach the age of seventy-three years and
his wife passed away at the age of seventy-two. They were the parents of six
children, namely: Christian, of Chicago; John, of Illinois; Charles and Fritz,
both of Crawford county; Henry, the subject of this review; and Caroline, who
died in Germany at the age of three years.
Henry Schwarz received his education in the public schools of Germany and
Illinois. He came to Crawford county with his parents at the age of twenty
and two years later began farming on rented land. He was especially apt even
in his boyhood in becoming acquainted with the details of agriculture and stock-
raising and as an independent farmer he has been from the beginning remarkably
successful. He bought one hundred and sixty acres as the foundation of his
present farm on section 21, Soldier township, and as his resources increased
purchased more land until he is now the owner of a highly improved place,
which yields him generous returns each year. He is a general farmer and is
310 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
very successful as a stock-feeder, usually receiving the very best prices for
what he has to oflfer in the market.
In 1885 ]\Ir. Schwarz was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Henkle, who
was born in Germany, February 20, 1863, and is a daughter of John and Caro-
line (Wendt) Henkle. Her parents came to America when the daughter was
four years of age and after spending ten years in Illinois settled in Crawford
county, Iowa. At the present time her father is visiting in Germany and her
mother is in Arkansas. Their children are: Emma, now the wife of J. B.
Crissman, of Arkansas; Herman, also of Arkansas; Augusta, deceased; Amelia,
now Mrs. Henry Schwarz ; and Emil, who died at the age of forty-four. Six
children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Schwarz: Alma, who is now
the wife of Louis Koeppen, of Crawford county; Carrie, at home; Walter E. ;
Emma ; Elsie ; and Henry.
Politically Mr. Schwarz is identified with the democratic party. He has
been prominent in public affairs in his township and has served with great
fidelity as assessor for three terms, trustee for one term and member of the
school board for twelve years. The high esteem in which he is held by his
neighbors is indicated by his election to responsible offices. Religiously he and
his family are earnest adherents of the German Lutheran church.
WILLIAM FLEMING.
After seeing a large part of the world, William Fleming settled in Crawford
county and is now known as one of its representative citizens, his beautiful
farm of three hundred and eighty acres in Stockholm township being convinc-
ing evidence of his business ability. He is a native of Scotland, born December
31, 1850, and is a son of Rev. James and Isabella (McClelland) Fleming, both
of whom spent their entire lives in that country. There were twelve children
in their family and eight of them are now living.
William Fleming was educated in the common schools and continued at home
until sixteen years of age, when he yielded to an irresistible desire to visit dis-
tant countries and went on board a ship which carried him to New Zealand.
He spent three and one-half years upon a ranch as a shepherd. Returning
home, he remained for one and one-half years amid familiar scenes and then
bade farewell to relatives and friends and crossed the ocean to America. In
1875 he located in Crawford county, Iowa, and purchased eighty acres of land
in West Side township, which he cultivated with a goodly measure of success
for nine years. Disposing of that farm, he bought land in Stockholm town-
ship and as the years passed and his resources increased he acquired adjoining
farms until he now has one of the most valuable properties in the township.
He devotes his attention largely to raising, feeding and shipping cattle and
Duroc Jersey hogs, and a visit to his place will prove that he has attained un-
usual success along these lines as well as in the cultivation of the grains. He is
also a stockholder in the Farmers' Telephone Company of East Boyer.
ME. AND MRS. WILLIAM FLEMING
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 313
In 1883 Mr. Fleming was united in marriage to Miss Mary Currie, who was
born in Scotland, December 25, 1864, a daughter of Duncan and Mary (Smith)
Currie. The family came to America in 1872 and located in Sac county, Iowa.
The parents are now deceased. Nine children came to bless the union of Mr.
and Mrs. Fleming, namely: James D. and John, both of Crawford county;
Mary and Grace I., at home ; Jessie E., who is now engaged in teaching school ;
Margaret; Nellie and Willie, twins; and Charles R.
On the 24th of October, 1909, Mr. Fleming was called upon to mourn the
loss of his beloved wife whose remains were interred in Odebolt cemetery, in
Sac county. She was a true and helpful companion and a woman of many ster-
ling qualities that greatly endeared her to those with whom she was associated.
Mr. Fleming and his children are identified with the Methodist church and are
active workers in its behalf. Politically he supports the principles and candi-
dates of the republican party and although he has not sought public office he
has served as a member of the school board and as road superintendent. He
has always been governed by a desire to observe truth and justice in his dealings
with his fellowmen, and he has many friends in a section where he has lived
for more than a third of a century.
GEORGE B. SMITH.
The gratifying success which has crowned the efforts of George B. Smith
as head of a flourishing book store, is a bright prophecy as to his future in the
business world. He has been identified with the book, stationery and news
business only about two years but has fully demonstrated his ability in a line
for which he seems especially adapted.
Born in Harrison county, Iowa, May 24, 1884, he is the son of Harrison
and Sarah (Hammond) Smith, the former of whom was born in Vermont and
the latter in Ohio. The father was reared in his native state and educated there,
subsequently becoming a resident of Harrison county, Iowa. At the time of
the Pikes Peak gold excitement he was attracted to the Rocky mountains and
engaged for several years in prospecting and mining. He returned to Iowa and
preempted land near Magnolia in Harrison county, becoming the owner of
three hundred and twenty acres, which he brought to a high state of cultiva-
tion. He and his wife are now living retired at Woodbine, Iowa. They are
greatly respected by a wide circle of friends and acquaintances and are earnest
workers in the Methodist church. Our subject's grandfather Smith was a
farmer of Vermont and reared four children : Mary, George, John and Harrison,
lohn Hammond, the maternal grandfather, was a native of Ohio and also a
farmer.
There were six children in the family of Harrison and Sarah Smith, namely:
Orton, of Pisgah, Iowa ; Carrie, now the wife of George H. Peyton, of Pisgah ;
Edna, now Mrs. O. L. Peyton, of Pisgah ; John, deceased ; Edith, who married
Eugene Peyton, of Creighton, Nebraska; and George B., the subject of this
review.
Vol. n— 17
314 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
George B. Smith was reared on the paternal farm in Harrison coimty and
attended tlie district schools, later becoming a student in the high school at
Little Sioux, lie continued his studies at the Woodbine Normal School, from
which he was graduated in 1907. He taught for one year in that institution,
but being attracted to mercantile life he came to Denison in 1908 and purchased
the bookstore of U. G. Johnson, which he has since conducted under his own
name. Under his management it has become one of the leading establishments
of the city, the patronage from month to month showing a steady increase and
attracting the best class of trade in the city.
On the 17th of January, 1909, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss
Edna Cater, a native of Carson, Iowa, and a daughter of Edward and Mary
(Belknap) Cater, both of whom were born in Illinois. The mother died in
Pottawattamie county, Iowa, and the father is now living on a farm near Wood-
bine. Three children in their family grew to maturity, namely : Roy, Claude and
Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have one daughter, Wilhelmina M., who was born
January 25, 191 1.
The success of Mr. Smith is mainly due to his energy and good judgment,
which are indispensable elements in accomplishing any important undertaking.
Being a man of pleasing address, he readily makes friends and the attractive
appearance of his store indicates that he has excellent taste and understands the
art of displaying goods to the best advantage. He and his wife are well known
in social circles and in religious belief are identified with the Methodist church.
Politically Mr. Smith gives his earnest support to the republican party.
HERMAN BAAK.
Although born in a great city, Herman Baak has spent nearly all his life
amid the inviting scenes of Crawford county and he has no cause to regret that
his lot was cast in a farming community. He is a representative agriculturist
of Soldier township and the owner of one of the most attractive farms in his
part of the county. A native of Chicago, he was born February 29, 1872, his
parents being August and Sophia (Koch) Baak. They were born in Germany
and came to America in 1868, passing the first six years in Chicago. In 1874
they arrived in Crawford county, Iowa, and Mr. Baak purchased one hundred
and sixty acres, which he cultivated for six years. He then sold his farm and
once more took up his residence at Chicago, where Mrs. Baak died in 1881.
There were six children in their family, one of whom died in infancy. The
others were : August, who died when a child ; Herman, of this review ; Emma,
now the wife of Gustave Kroll, of Monona county, Iowa; Louis, who died at
the age of four years ; and Otto, who now lives in Chicago. The father re-
turned to Crawford county with his children after the death of his wife and
resumed farming, prosecuting his work with such energy that he became the
owner of two hundred and forty acres of good land on section 33, Soldier town-
ship. He w^as again married, in 1886, to Miss Sophia Wickman and continued
upon his farm until his death, which occurred in June, 1907. By his second
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY > \,>^i ^ 315
marriage four children were born, three of whom grew to maturity, namely:
William, Richard and Ernest, all living in Crawford county. The mother of
these children makes her home in Ida county, being now the wife of Fred
Meyerr\ -
Herriian Baak was educated in the public schools and applied himself to
agriculture and stock-raising, continuing with his father until twenty-four years
of age. He then rented land for four years, at the end of which time he pur-
chased a farm comprising two hundred and forty acres on sections T)^ and 33,
Soldier township. It is provided with modern improvements and the fields
yield abundant annual harvests. Mr. Baak has been an extensive stock-raiser
and fed all of his grain to his stock, thus realizing the highest return for his
labor. He left the farm in the spring of 191 1, however, and is now conducting
a garage and auto business at Ricketts.
In 1896 Mr. Baak was married to Miss Minnie Schelm, who was born in
Crawford county, August 23, 1874, a daughter of Carl and Alinnie (Sutroh)
Schelm. Her parents were born in Germany and came to America, settling in
Scott county, Iowa. Afterward they removed to Crawford county, where the
father is engaged in farming. The mother died in 1886, and two years later
Mr. Schelm was married to Miss Freda Fermeling, a native of Germany. By
his first marriage four children were born: Alinnie, now Mrs. Herman Baak;
Doretta, who is the wife of Fred Hemmyers, of Nebraska ; and William and
Albert, also of Nebraska. By his second union two children were born : Gus-
tave, who died at the age of ten months ; and George, who is now living with his
mother in Denison. Mr. Schelm died in 1897. Two children came to bless the
union of Mr. and Mrs. Baak: Martha S., who was born August 28, 1898, and
is now attending school; and Edna F., born November 26, 1899.
In politics Mr. Baak votes in support of honest government administered ac-
cording to business principles. He has not been an aspirant for public office
but served very acceptably as a member of the school board. He and his wife
are sincere adherents of the Lutheran church and firm believers in its teachings.
As a farmer he has been highly successful and in the discharge of his duties as
a citizen and head of a family he is governed by motives of integrity and honor
Avhich constitute the foundation of good citizenship.
GEORGE NAEVE.
Some men are endowed with a capacity that overcomes every obstacle. They
are the leaders in a community and whether in business or professional life
easily occupy the first rank. To this class belongs George Naeve, vice president
of the Crawford County State Bank, and one of the largest landowners of the
county. He is a native of the village of Gross-Wittensee, Schleswig-Holstein,
Germany, born October n, 1857, and is the only son of Jurgen and Catherina
(Fleck) Naeve. The father was an industrious farmer of good reputation, he
and his wife being members of the Lutheran church. The grandfather Fleck
316 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
on the maternal sitle married Marie Stroch and tliey lived to be (|nite advanced
in years, rearing a large family.
George Xaeve received his preliminary education in the schools of his native
land and as soon as he was old enough began working in a nursery near the
city of Kiel, where he continued for two or three years. He then went to Ham-
burg and on arriving at the age of nineteen decided that he would seek his for-
tune in the new world. Accordingly, in 1876, he bade farewell to his relatives
and friends and crossed the ocean to America, going to Jackson and Clinton
counties, Iowa, where he was employed at farm work. In the winter of 1878
he removed to Kiron, Crawford county, and continued at farm labor in the
summer, wdiile attending school during the winter months. In tlie meantime
he had gained a good knowledge of the English language and of the habits and
customs of the people of his adopted country. In the spring of 1879 he came to
Denison and entered a hardware store as a clerk, in which capacity he continued
for four years, when he became connected with the McHenry Bank, being identi-
fied with that institution for five years. After resigning from his position in
the bank he entered the real-estate, loan and abstract business, which he con-
ducted with very marked success, becoming widely known on account of his
large operations in real estate and investments. On January i, 1907, he became
vice president and a very large stockholder of the Crawford County State Bank,
a position which he still occupies. He is very largely interested in real estate
and did own several thousand acres of land in Crawford county and still has
about eight thousand acres in partnership with Carl Gronau in North and South
Dakota, these gentlemen also owning several town sites. His home in Denison
is one of the most beautiful private residences of the city. He is vice president
of the German Bank of Schleswig and the Farmers State Bank of Charter Oak
and also a stockholder in the Kintyre State Bank of Kintyre, North Dakota, the
Denison Improvement Company, the Denison Hospital Company and the Oak-
land Cemetery ^Association, being president of the Denison Improvement Com-
pany and a trustee of the Oakland Cemetery Association.
In December, 1885, Mr. Naeve was united in marriage to Miss Anna Knaul,
a native of Berlin, Germany. She came to America with her parents at the age
of four years, making her home in Clinton, Iowa, where her father was the
owner of a drug store. He was three times married. His first wife died in
Germany. The second passed away in Clinton, Iowa, and was the mother of
Mrs. Naeve, while the third wife survived her husband, who died in middle life.
There was one child by the first union, Rudolph Knaul; three daughters by the
second, Gertrude, Anna and Lena; and two children l)y the third. Otto and
Bertha. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Naeve has been brightened by the birth
of four children : Marie, who is a graduate of the Denison high school and
Lake Forest (Illinois) University and is now living at home; Louis, who died
at the age of ten months; Erma, also a graduate of the Denison high school and
now attending Lake Forest University; and Margaret, who died at the age of
two months.
Mr. Naeve started as a young man in a strange country upon his own re-
sources. Difficulties served only to sjiur liim to renewed efifort. strengthening
his will and developing an indomitable spirit of self-reliance that are his promi-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 317
nent characteristics. Today his name represents the highest business foresight
and integrity, and he ranks as one of the most energetic and capable business
men of Crawford county. His religious faith is indicated by membership in
the Lutheran church, while his wife is a member of the Presbyterian church.
He is a trustee and stockholder of Denison College and is well known as a
stanch friend of education.
HENRY C. KOLLS.
Although Henry C. Kolls is one of the younger representatives of farming
and stock-raising interests in Crawford county, he is yet one of the well-to-do
and prominent citizens of this section of the state, for he has an extensive
acreage, his possessions comprising two hundred and eighty acres in East Boyer
township and four hundred and six acres in Paradise and Denison townships.
He took up his abode on the latter place in the spring of 191 1 and is now bend-
ing his energies to the further development and improvement of this valuable
property.
He is a native of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Clinton, February 11,
1873, his parents being Rudolph and Elna Eliza (Neilson) Kolls, The father,
a native of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, emigrated to the United States in
1872 and first located in Clinton, where he spent the succeeding years up to
1879. He then came to Crawford county, locating on a farm in Goodrich town-
ship, where he lived until a short time prior to his death, when he removed to
Denison, and there passed away on the 29th of November, 1908. He was promi-
nent in the community in which he lived and for a number of years served as
trustee of Goodrich township. His wife, who was born in Sweden, went to
Germany when but six or seven years of age and was there reared and married.
She died in Crawford county in 1895. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Kolls were
born nine children : Louisa, the wife of R. H. Brown, a resident of Denison ;
Carl, deceased; Maggie, who has also passed away; Anna, the wife of Julius
Jensen, a resident of South Dakota; Henry C, of this review; Carl, the second
of the name, now a resident of Hanover township, Crawford county; Adolph,
who lives in Paradise township ; Rudolph, a resident of South Dakota ; and one
who died in infancy.
Henry C Kolls, the second son and fifth in order of birth, pursued his
studies in the district schools of Goodrich township. He was early trained in
the work of the home farm and during the period of his boyhood and youth
assisted his father, with whom he remained until he had attained his majority.
He then began farming on his own account, renting land of his father, and
eventually he purchased a farm from him, operating the same for nine years.
On the expiration of that period he removed to Denison, where he spent two
years, after which he lived one year on a farm two and a half miles south of
the city. In 1908 he took up his abode on a farm which he now rents, compris-
ing two hundred and eighty acres of land in East Boyer township, and in the
spring of 191 1 removed to his farm of four hundred and six acres, located
318 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
partly in Paradise and partly in Denison township. He is giving his undivided
attention to the further development and improvement of the latter place and
it is one of the valuable tracts of that section of the county. He carries on
general farming to some extent, but the major part of his time is given to the
raising and feeding of live stock. In the year 1910 he fed six carloads of cattle
and two carloads of hogs and this branch of his business is proving to him a
gratifying source of revenue.
Mr. Kolls chose as a companion for the journey of life, Miss Christina
Amelia Christensen, their marriage being celebrated in 1894. She is a daughter
of M. and Mrs. M. F. Christensen, well known residents of Denison. Unto
Mr. and Mrs. Kolls have been born four children : Ella Louisa, Fred Carl, Henry
Adolph and Leona Amelia.
Mr. Kolls gives stanch support to the republican party, always casting his
ballot in support of the candidates on that ticket, yet he is not an office seeker.
His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church. Per-
haps the highest tribute that can be paid Mr. Kolls is that he has been successful
in all of his undertakings and that he has so discharged his duties as a citizen
and as a business man as to merit the confidence of those who know him best.
HENRY HOLLMANN.
lliirty-seven years ago Henry Holhnann located in Crawford county and
during the time that has since elapsed has developed his farm into one of the
most productive properties in Morgan township. He deserves great credit for
the work he has done, especially when it is considered that he began without
capital and is therefore a self-made man. He was born in Germany, September
7, 1849, 3- son of T. H. and Anna (Blackwell) Hollmann, both of whom were
natives of Germany and continued there during their entire lives. The mother
died February 2, 1872, and the father passed away on the 19th of the follow-
ing March. In their family were eight children, three of whom died in infancy,
the others being: Henry, of this review; Heinrich, of Shiner, Texas; George
and Diedrich, both of whom died in Germany; and Elizabeth, who died at the
age of fifty-nine years.
Henry Hollmann acquired his early education in the public schools of his
native land and in 1865, being then sixteen years of age. he came to .America,
first making his way to Monroe county, Michigan. Later he was a sailor on
the Great Lakes for five years, in the course of which time he acquired consid-
erable experience that has been of practical value to him in later years. Finally,
having decided to settle down, he arrived in Iowa in 1870 and spent four years
working on a farm, becoming intimately acquainted with the details of agricul-
ture and stock-raising. On the i8th of May, 1874, he came to Crawford county
and bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 14, Morgan town-
ship. The land when he acquired it was raw prairie, but he has greatly im-
proved his place by the erection of substantial buildings and the excellent ap-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 319
pearance of the farm is convincing evidence of the interest he takes in his
work and the financial success he has achieved.
In 1884 Air. Holhnann was united in marriage to Miss Annie Schafer, who
was born in Germany, July 14, 1861, and came to America the year of her mar-
riage. She is one of a family of five children, three of whom are still living in
Germany. A brother, Diedrich, came to America and died in California. Five
children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hollmann : George
D., who was born April 12, 1888, and received his education in the public schools
and the Denison Normal School; Katie, born December 29, 1890, who was edu-
cated in the common schools; John M., who was born June 16, 1894, and also
educated in the common schools; and Harry and Adolph, both of whom died
in infancy.
Mr. Hollmann and his wife are sincere members of the German Lutheran
church and have reared their children in the same belief in which they them-
selves were reared. As a pubHc-spirited man he is interested in the afifairs of
the community and is a willing assistant in every movement that aims to pro-
mote the general welfare. He is well known in Morgan and adjoining town-
ships and can claim an extensive circle of friends whom he has attracted by his
sterling character.
C. H. WIESE.
One of the many sons of Germany who have come to America with very
limited capital but an inexhaustible supply of energy and determination and by
means of well directed effort has won where a man with less strength of purpose
would have been defeated, is C. H. Wiese. He is a native of Schleswig-Hol-
stein and the youngest son of John Henry and Margaret Katrina (Ghoul)
Wiese, his birth occurring on the 22d of March, 1862. His parents, who were
also from the province of Schleswig-Holstein, emigrated to the United States
and located at West Side, Iowa, where the father passed away in 1904. The
mother was also a resident of Crawford county at the time of her death, which
occurred in 1885. Only three of the five children born to them survive, those
besides our subject being: Ida, who is married and living in the fatherland;
and John, a resident of Omaha, Nebraska.
C. H. Wiese acquired the greater portion of his education in Germany, only
attending school one winter after his arrival in the United States. As soon
as he was old enough to begin work he obtained employment as a section hand,
following that occupation at Aspinwall four years. At the end of that period
he worked in a lumberyard for five years and then began farming in Iowa town-
ship. After living there three years he removed to a farm in Hayes township,
which he cultivated four years, and then returned to West Side, where he spent
two years. In the meantime he had become very enthusiastic about Nebraska,
and migrating to that state, he bought a half section of land in Dixon county,
upon which he resided for three years. Returning to Crawford county at the
expiration of that period, he located on sections 21 and 22, Washington town-
320 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ship, where he now owns two hundred and forty acres of excellent farming
land. He has made many improvements upon his homestead during the period
of his residence here, so that it is now one of the most valuable farms in the
township. He engages in general farming and stock-raising and is meeting with
marked success in both ventures.
On the 22(\ of March, 1885, Mr. Wiese was united in marriage to Miss
Katrina Schmahl, who was born in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, February 14,
1865, a daughter of Kai and Katrina (Mueller) Schmahl. Her father is now
deceased, but her mother is still living in Germany. Mrs. Wiese has one sister
in America, Sophia, the wife of Otto Passick, residing in Carroll county, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Wiese have become the parents of eight children, who are as
follows: Minnie, the wife of Detlef Peterson, Washington township; and Emil,
Bridget, Emma, Ida, Florence, Etta and Elsie, all of whom are at home.
The family afifiliate with the Lutheran church. The democratic party is
always given the political support of Mr. W'iese, and although he does not
actively participate in local governmental affairs he meets the requirements of
good citizenship by casting his ballot on election day. He is in every sense of
the word a self-made man, as the success he has achieved in life is due solely
and directly to his own effort, and as such he justly deserves the respect ac-
corded him in the community where he resides.
W. F. BOECK.
A highly improved and cultivated farm of one hundred and sixty acres is
a credit to the well directed energies of W. F. Boeck, who was born in Daven-
port, Iowa, on the loth of September, 1867. He is a son of Henry and Eliza-
beth (Peterson) Boeck, both natives of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, from
which country they emigrated to the United States, locating in Davenport in
1858. The father, who was a carpenter, followed his trade until the breaking
out of the Civil war and, enlisting in the Second Iowa Cavalry, he went to the
front serving for four and a half years. During that time he saw much active
service, participating in some of the most notable battles of the war. Returning
to Iowa after receiving his discharge, he invested the money he had earned at
his trade in land in Crawford county. Ultimately he acquired eleven hundred
and seventeen acres, all of which he brought to a high state of cultivation and
still retains in his possession. Mr. Boeck retired several years ago and is now
living in Davenport, spending his winters in Florida. He was married twice,
and his first wife, who passed away in 1873, was the mother of our subject and
two daughters: Elizabeth, the wife of Fred Brandenberg, of East Boyer town-
shin, and Laura, the widow of Otto Teegan. of Davenport, Iowa. For his sec-
ond wife Mr. Ilocck chose Miss Catherina Kahler, and they are the parents of
five children, four sons' and one daughter: Herman, who is a resident of East
Boyer township ; George, of Nishnabotny township ; Ferdinand, of Davenport,
Iowa; August, also of Davenport; and Louisa, the wife of August Schnoor, of
Nishnabotny township.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 321
W. F. Boeck was reared at home, acquiring his education in tlie common
schools of Davenport, which he continued to attend until he had attained his
sixteenth year. In 1884 he came to his father's farm to assist in breaking the
prairie and has been here ever since. He has always been engaged in agricul-
tural pursuits. He owns a section of land in Logan county, Kansas. His place
is thoroughly modern in all of its appointments, and he is the only farmer in
this section of the state who has an electric lighting plant, his residence and all
outbuildings being wired. Although Mr. Boeck has engaged in general farming
and stock-raising for over twenty years, he has made a business of threshing
during the season, which has proven to be most lucrative.
In 1893 Mr. Boeck was united in marriage to Miss Anna Gosch, who is also
of German parentage, and they have become the parents of the following chil-
dren: Viola Augusta, Henry Theodore, Harry William, Howard Herman, Ve-
ronica Bertha and Hugo Fred, all of whom are at home.
The family attend the Lutheran church, of which the parents are members,
while fraternally Mr. Boeck is affiliated with the Masonic order, being identified
with Manilla Lodge, of which he is a senior steward, and Mrs. Boeck is a
member of the Eastern Star. Politically he is identified with the republican
party. He always takes an active and helpful interest in all local affairs and is
now serving as assessor in Nishnabotny township, and he also served for several
years on the school board. He is one of the enterprising citizens of the com-
munity, whose efforts have been rewarded with good financial returns because
of his carefully considered and capably executed plans.
JOHN L. AINSWORTH.
Among the honored citizens of Denison is John L. Ainsworth, who as a
school teacher has attained an enviable record in Crawford county, having de-
voted his best talents and energies to that vocation for thirty years past. He
was born in Lomira, Dodge county, Wisconsin, August 5, 1861, a son of Michael
and Mary (Rice) Ainsworth, the former a native of New York state and the
latter of Alsace-Loraine, France. The father was a farmer by occupation.
Coming to Crawford county, Iowa, in the fall of 1868, he located five miles north
of Denison in Goodrich township, where he purchased a farm of one hundred
and forty acres, upon which he lived for thirty-three years. He passed away in
1901, having then reached the age of eighty-four years. His beloved wife died
at the age of seventy-seven years in 1905. They were both stanch believers in
the authority and inspiration of the Bible and active members of the Methodist
church, performing their part nobly in the upbuilding of the county. Joseph
Ainsworth, the paternal grandfather of our subject, who was also a native of
New York state, was a farmer by occupation and served in the American army
in the war of 1812. He died in Wisconsin, being then well advanced in years.
The maternal grandfather. Joseph Rice, was a native of Alsace, France. Seek-
ing more favorable conditions than he found in his own country, he came to
America and lived for many years in Dodge county, Wisconsin. He spent the
322 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
last part of his life in Crawford county, Iowa. Seven children in the family of
Michael and Mary Ainsworth grew to maturity, namely : Joseph O. and Edwin
M.. both of whom are now deceased; Charlotte H., now Mrs. E. O. Thien, of
Denison; Ancil D.. of Ute, Iowa; George E., of Canton, Illinois; John L., the
subject of this review; and Adelle, now the wife of J. C. Phillips, of Virgil,
South Dakota.
John L. Ainsworth came to Crawford county with his parents when seven
years of age and has ever since been a resident of this county. He was reared
under the favoring influences of a country home and as a member of a family
in which each was expected to perform his duty, either in the house or in the
fields. He early gained practical lessons of application and self-denial that
have been of inestimable value to him in later life. In the district schools he
gained his preparatory education, later becoming a student of the Denison Nor-
mal & Business College. After preparing himself for such a responsibility, he
began teaching in Crawford county in 1881, continuing without interruption to
the present time, and becoming recognized years ago as one of the thoroughly
qualified educators of this section.
On the 2d of April, 1890, Mr. Ainsworth was united in marriage to Miss
Edith Shirtcliff, a daughter of Henry and Frances (Colley) Shirtcliff, a record
of whom appears elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Ainsworth is a member of the
Episcopal church, but her husband is not identified with any religious denomi-
nation. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of Pythias, and politically
he supports the candidates and principles of the republican party as those best
adapted in his opinion for the preservation of the liberties of the republic. As
a professional teacher he is a constant student of the world's progress and
being a man of unusual intelligence and of wide observation his opinions com-
mand respect wherever he is known. He is conscientious in the discharge of
his duties and hundreds of young men and women who have been under his
care as pupils regard him as a friend and counselor whose greatest desire is
to promote the welfare and happiness of others.
FRANK F. LARSON.
Many of the most prosperous and public-spirited citizens of Iowa are natives
of Sweden or descendants of Swedish ancestry. â– The traits of frugality, in-
dustry and self-reliance so prominent in the people of the mother country have
been exemplified by their representatives in the new world, and it is seldom
we meet with a Swede in America who is not self-supporting or financially in-
dependent. Frank F. Larson, who owns a valuable farm of two hundred and
twenty acres in Crawford county, is a striking example of success in agricultural
pursuits accomplished by one who was born in Sweden and sought a home in
this republic. His eyes first opened to the light of day November 22, 1862. He
is a son of John and Mary (Anderson) Larson, a record of whom appears in
the sketch of Andrew Larson, which mav be found elsewhere in this work.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 323
Frank F. Larson came to this country with his parents and remained at home
until arriving at maturity. He worked in the coal mines of Pennsylvania and
subsequently engaged in farming in Crawford county, Iowa, prosecuting his
work with such ability that he now owns one of the most beautiful farms in
Otter Creek township. He has made many improvements thereon, erecting
buildings and fences, and putting in drainage, etc., and as he is very energetic
and enterprising he meets with a goodly measure of prosperity. He specializes
in the raising and feeding of stock, which he handles to excellent advantage,
being thoroughly acquainted with this line of business.
In March, i8g6, Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Meyers,
who was born in Sweden, March 7, 1873, and came to America when she was
seventeen years of age. She is a daughter of Charles and Martha (Falk)
Meyers, both of whom were born in Sweden. The mother died in 1887, but
the father is still living in the old country. There were six children in their
family. Four children have come to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Larson,
namely : Rudolph, Edith, Erma and Ray C.
Mr. Larson and his wife are members of the Lutheran church and are rear-
ing their children in the same faith. Politically, he gives his support to the
republican party, believing that in so doing he is advancing the permanent in-
terests of the nation. In business affairs he is prompt and reliable, and in all
the relations of life he aims to perform his duty to the best of his ability and
has thus gained a reputation as one of the substantial men of this section.
WILLIAM GOTTSCH.
Citizens of foreign birth have performed an important part in the develop-
ment of Crawford county and in the list of those who are now prominent in
agricultural circles stands the name of William Gottsch, a native of Germany.
His eyes first opened to the light of day in the province of Holstein, August 16,
1868, his parents being Peter and Elsie Gottsch, who were also natives of that
province. The family came to America in 1881 and located in Carroll county,
Iowa, where the parents are still living. Five children were born to them, three
of whom survive.
William Gottsch came to the new world with his parents when he was thir-
teen years of age and received his education in Germany and in the district
schools of Iowa. He continued at home until he reached manhood and then
took up his residence on the farm where he now lives on section 15, West Side
township. This place comprises three hundred and twenty acres, on which he
has erected substantial buildings and made other improvements, developing the
farm into one of the most desirable properties of the tovvnship. He also has
charge of three hundred and twenty acres which belongs to his father and en-
gages quite extensively in raising and feeding stock for the market. He is a
thorough business man and is regarded as one of the substantial and progres-
sive farmers of the county.
324 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
In 1896 Mr. Gottsch was united in marriage to Miss Mary Kruse, who was
born in Hayes township, Crawford county, December 29, 1873, a daughter of
Otto and Metha Kruse. Her parents were born in Germany and came to Amer-
ica in 1856, locating in Crawford county, Iowa, where they still live. There
were six cliildren in their family, four of whom survive. The union of Mr.
and Mrs. Gottsch has been blessed by four children, namely : Alfred P., who
was born August 8, 1897; Hilda Anna, born December 26, 1899; Rudolph C.,.
born August 30, 1904; and Gilmer Otto, born December 30, 1905.
Mr. Gottsch has attained his present honorable position in the community
through a practical knowledge of his business and an innate ambition which has
ever urged him to the accomplishment of worthy objects. He is known as one
of the reliable and energetic men of his township who never falters in the dis-
charge of any obligation and is generally capable of carrying to a successful
conclusion whatever he undertakes. Politically he gives his support to the re-
publican party and fraternally he is a valued member of the Knights of Pythias.
He and his estimable wife hold membership in the Lutheran church and are
active workers in its behalf.
FREDERICK BERNARD WILLIAM GREIF.
Frederick Bernard William Greif. who is engaged in general farming and
stock-raising in Washington township, is a native of Germany, having been born
in Langwarden, Oldenburg, on the 6th of November, 1857. His parents. Diet-
rick and Sophia Vocke, spent their entire lives in the fatherland, where the
father was a farmer. In the family were seven children, but only four survive:
William, now a farmer in Floresville, Texas; Frederick B. W., our subject;
Mary, the wife of William Bruns, of Shiner, Texas; and Minnie, the wife of
Bernard Meentzen, of Germany.
Mr. Greif of this review had his last name changed from \'ocke to Greif
after coming to this country by the court at Denison. He acquired his educa-
tion in his native country, after which he engaged in farming there until 1887,
when he decided to become a citizen of the United States. Upon his arrival in
America he first located at Defiance, Shelby county, this state, where he worked
as a farm hand for two years, after which he farmed as a renter and later came
to Crawford county. He bought eighty acres of land in Denison township, upon
which he resided for five years, and then sold and moved to one Inmdred and
sixty acres on section 31 of the same township. After selling the latter place he
bought eighty acres in Washington township, which he cultivated for two years.
On disposing of it. he bought one hundred and twenty acres on sections 10 and
II, Washington township, where he is now engaged in general farming and
stock-raising.
In 1882, five years before emigrating to the United States, Mr. Greif was
united in marriage to Miss Sophia Janssen. also a native of Oldenburg, and they
have become the pqjents of one child, Deitrich, who has never married and lives
on a farm one mile north of the homestead. They also have adopted a child,
Hattie May Steward, who is now attending school.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 325
Both Mr. and Mrs. Greif are of the Lutheran faith, while pohtically he
afhhates with the repubhcan party. Although he has never aspired to public
honors or the emoluments of office, Mr. Greif served two years as road super-
visor. He is a thrifty, hard-working man, and by means of his energy and
close application has met with a fair degree of success during his residence in
this country.
KARL AUGUST SCHREIBER.
Charter Oak township is largely made up of citizens either of German birth
or ancestry, and to the former class belongs Karl August Schreiber, for his birth
occurred in the fatherland on the 17th of June, i860. His parents, Ferdinand
and Louisa (Strohfeld) Schreiber, were likewise natives of Germany and there
they lived until 1888, which year witnessed their arrival in the new world.
Upon reaching American shores the father made his way with his family to
Chicago, residing in that metropolis for eight years. He then removed to Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin, where he spent two years and it was while living in that
city that the death of the wife and mother occurred in June, 1896. Subse-
quently the father came to Crawford county, Iowa, and made his home with his
children throughout his remaining years, his death here occurring in October,
1903, when he had reached the advanced age of eighty years. Unto Mr. and Mrs.
Ferdinand Schreiber were born nine children, as follows : Augusta W., the wife
of Herman Semlor, a resident of Chicago; Karl A., whose name introduces this
review; Herman, deceased; Gustav, a resident of Crawford county; Fred W.,
Amelia A., William and Ferdinand, all of whom have departed this life; and
one who died in infancy.
Karl August Schreiber spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his na-
tive country and upon attaining his majority he emigrated to the new world, be-
lieving that in the United States he might enjoy better advantages in the busi-
ness world. He at first located in Maryland but only spent a brief period in that
state, going thence to Chicago, where for fifteen years he worked at the car-
penter's trade. He then continued his westward journey and also changed his
occupation, for upon his arrival in Crawford county, Iowa, he engaged in farm-
ing, having previously purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land here. For
six years he developed and cultivated his place and then sold the same. He in-
vested his money in his present property, comprising two hundred and forty
acres, located near Charter Oak in Charter Oak township. In 1909 bought two
hundred and forty acres in Paradise township and now owns four hundred and
eighty acres. He has made many improvements on his farm, has placed the
fields under a high state of cultivation and his place is now one of the finely
improved properties of his section of the county. He is engaged in raising
various cereals which are adapted to Iowa soil and each year gathers abundant
harvests as a reward for the care and labor which he bestows upon the fields.
Mr. Schreiber has been married twice. He was first married October 31.
1887, to Miss Augusta Dumke, who was born in Germany and was brought by her
326 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
parents to America when only a year old. To this union were born two daugh-
ters and one son, namely: Martha, who was born March 29, 1889, and now
resides in Chicago; Clara, who was born March 2, 1894, and is now at home;
and Carl, who was born July 9, 1900, and is also at home. The wife and mother
was calletl to her final rest in April, 1901, and on the nth of July, 1905, Mr.
Schreiber wedded Mrs. Emma Goerner, the widow of Frank Goerner, who
passed away in 1902. Mrs. Schreiber was born in November, 1869. and is a
daughter of Frederick and Wilhelmina Lipsky, both of whom died in Germany.
She is the eldest in a family of eight children, of whom four still survive, these
being: Adolph, who resides in Germany; Fred, of Crawford county; Max, also
of Crawford county; and Mrs. Schreiber. The four who are deceased passed
away in their native land. By his second marriage Mr. Schreiber has two sons
and one daughter: Herman, whose birth occurred on the nth of May, 1906;
Adolph, born March 17, 1908; and ]\Iarie ]\I., born June 7, 1910. By her former
marriage Mrs. Schreiber has five children, as follows: Fritz, who was born in
Chicago, November 13, 1894; Gertrude, born April 28, 1896; Alma, born April
8, 1898; Ida, born November 20, 1899; and Martha, who was born October 3,
1902.
The parents are members of the German Lutheran church and in this faith
are rearing their children. It is astonishing to witness the success of young
men who have emigrated to America without capital and from a position of
comparative obscurity have worked their way upward in the business world.
The readiness with which they adapt themselves to circumstances and take ad-
vantage of opportunities ofifered brings to them success and wins them a place
among the leading men of the community in which they reside. To this class
belongs Karl A. Schreiber, wdio is today one of the successful and well known
farmers of Charter Oak township and Crawford county.
R. BENSON SMITH.
That success in this life is not dependent upon either influence or inherited
wealth is fully demonstrated by the career of R. Benson Smith, who by his
own unaided efforts has acquired sufficient property to yield him an adequate
competence for the remainder of his life, although he has not yet reached the
turning point ordinarily termed "middle age." Born in the western part of
Canada, May 16, 1873, he is a son of Thomas and Jane (Graham) Smith, both
of whom were natives of Canada but of Irish parentage. They came across
the border line in 1875 and located in Denison township, Crawford county,
Iowa, where they resided for fourteen years and then removed to Paradise
township, the father having always followed the vocation of farming. Unto
them six children were born, of whom four are living, as follows : Sarah,
who married Howard Cole and lives in Denison; R. Benson; Deborah, who be-
came the wife of H. W. Logsdon ; John W., who holds a government position
in Oakland, California. Anna E. married W. E. Cole and died in Denison in
1907; and Melissa married Theodore McCramer and is also deceased. They
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 327
were the two oldest. The father died in the spring of 1894 and was interred
m the Denison cemetery. The mother's demise occurred in 1910.
R. Benson Smith was but two years old when he was brought to Crawford
county by his parents and his initial education was obtained in the public schools,
one year being spent in the Dow City school. Thrown upon his own resources
at an early age he decided to take up farming as his life work, his first ven-
ture being on a rented farm in Paradise township. Eventually he purchased
eighty acres of land in Union township and by unabating thrift and industry
he has been enabled to increase his holdings gradually until at the present time
he owns two hundred and eighty acres of highly improved farm land, which
he devotes to general farming and stock-raising, making a specialty of stock-
feeding.
Mr. Smith has been twice married, his first wife having been Miss Lily E.
Morris, a native of Crawford county, by whom he had one child, Ethel, who is
now living on the home farm. Mrs. Smith passed away in 1900. In 1907 Mr.
Smith was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Sherman, who was born in Car-
roll county, and they are the parents of three children, one of whom survive,
Robert and Mabel, twins, who are deceased; and Hope, who was born Decem-
ber 26, 1910.
The political allegiance of Mr. Smith is given to the republican party, but
he has never sought nor desired public office. He takes an active interest in all
matters pertaining to local afifairs and is one of the directors of the school board.
In religion he holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal church and is one of
its ardent and earnest workers. His present prosperity is due entirely to his
own labor and perseverance and he therefore deserves commendation as a self-
made and successful business man who holds the respect and kindly considera-
tion of everyone in his section of the county.
H. H. DERNER.
One of the most attractive farms of Iowa township is the homestead of
H. H. Derner, who owns two hundred and forty acres of land on section 36,
in the cultivation of which he has been engaged since 1898. ]\Ir. Derner is a
native of Schleswig-Holstein, his birth having occurred on the i8th of October,
1866. He knows little of his parentage, as he left home when a very small lad,
emigrating to the United States when a youth of about fifteen years.
In his early manhood Mr. Derner migrated to Iowa, first locating in Carroll
county, farming as a renter near Manning until about 1898, at which time he
removed to Crawford county. Upon his arrival here he purchased two hundred
and forty acres of land on section 36, Iowa township, upon which he has evei
since continued to reside. He has wrought marvelous improvements in the
property during his residence, having erected a large, commodious residence of
ten rooms and substantial barns and outbuildings. The buildings upon the place
are all painted white, the grounds well cared for and the entire farm has an ap-
pearance of neatness and thrift which makes it most attractive. Although he en-
328 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
gages in general farming and stock-raising Mr. Derner makes a specialty of
feeding stock. He possesses the qualities essential to success in any vocation,
— energ}-. perseverance and system — and the result is that his various ventures
have all rewarded him with lucrative returns. His buildings are kept in repair,
his stock well housed and his fields given the careful supervision which results
in abundant harvests, which command good prices in the market.
Mr. Derner established a home for himself in 1887, at which time he was
united in marriage to Miss Augusta Stein. Nine children have been born of this
union: Lillie. who is the wife of George Boock, of South Dakota; Laura, who is
a resident of Clinton, Iowa; and Herman, Louisa, John, Selma, Malinda, Nettie
and Hazel, all of whom are at home.
The religious faith of the family is manifested through their affiliation with
the Lutheran denomination, while fraternally Mr. Derner is identified with the
Modern Woodmen of Amerca, his membership being in the Manilla Camp, and
he also liolds life insurance in two of the old line companies. Politically his
views coincide with those of the democratic party, for whose candidates he
always casts his ballot. He takes an active and helpful interest in civic affairs
and is now serving as school treasurer of the township, while for the past three
years he has been township trustee. In addition to his extensive realty hold-
ings Mr. Derner is a stockholder of the Mutual Insurance Company of Craw-
ford and Carroll counties, of which organization he has been treasurer for eight
years. He is one of Crawford county's self-made men, having been thrown
upon his own resources w^hen a very small lad and by means of his own well
directed and capably executed plans has achieved the success which has rewarded
his efforts.
JUDGE JAMES PERRY CONNER.
Carlisle has said that "biography is the most interesting as well as the most
profitable reading," and there is in the life record of one to whom success has
come as the reward of earnest and honorable effort something that arouses the
ambition and stimulates the labors of others. There is much in the history of
Judge James Perry Conner that can be set down with profit, for throughout
his life he has held to high standards of manhood and citizenship and in public
service has maintained a stainless record, exciting little of the envy and unfair
criticism which are so often heaped upon an official by those who hold differing
political opinions. Men of all parties speak of him in terms of confidence and
high respect.
He was born in Morristown (now Parker), Randolph county, Indiana, Jan-
uary 27, 185 1, his parents being Dr. William L. and Maria A. (Stiffler) Conner,
the former a native of North Carolina and the latter of Pennsylvania. Dr.
Conner, after his graduation from a medical college, located for practice in
Morristown. Indiana, where he remained an active and valued member of the
profession until his death, which occurred in 1854, when he was but thirty-
three years of age. His wife survived him and married again, her second hus-
J. p. COXXER
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 331
band being Carey Bradfielcl. In 1856 they removed to Iowa, settling in Spring
Creek township, Black Hawk county, where Mrs. Bradheld passed away at
the age of fifty-seven years. Her husband reached the age of sixty-five. They
were the parents of three children, of whom but one is now living— Ellsworth
Bradfield, of Minnesota. The Conner family to which the father belonged was
noted for its many sons, all stalwart men, over six feet in~ height. Unto Dr.
and Mrs. Conner there were born four children: Martha, the wife of W. R.
Bradfield, of La Porte City, Black Hawk county, Iowa; Calvin, who died at
the age of twenty-six years, after having been admitted to the bar ; James P. ;
and one who died in infancy.
James Perry Conner was reared upon the old home farm and acquired his
early education in the district schools. At the age of sixteen he went away to
school, attending the Upper Iowa University. He had come to this state in
1856, with his mother, and has, therefore, been almost a lifelong resident of
Iowa. After attending the Upper Iowa University he returned home and en-
gagd in teaching in the school in which his early education had been acquired.
Later he turned his attention to the study of law, which he pursued in the State
University at Iowa City, and following his graduation in June, 1873, he was
admitted to the bar and on the 15th of November, 1873, settled at Denison for
the practice of his profession. He was not long in demonstrating his power as
an advocate before the courts and also gave proof of his ability and judgment as
a counselor. In 1880 he was elected district attorney of the thirteenth judicial
district, which position he acceptably filled for four years. In 1884 he was elected
judge of the circuit court of the thirteenth judicial district of Iowa and in 1886
was elected district judge of the sixteenth judicial district, having the support
of both the republican and democratic parties, a fact indicative of the impartial
service which he had rendered when previously upon the bench. He has long
been recognized as a leading member of the republican party in Crawford
county and in 1892 was a delegate to the republican national convention at Minne-
apolis. On the 26th of September, 1900, he was nominated by the republican
convention of the tenth Iowa district as its candidate for the fifty-sixth congress
to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of the Hon. John J. P. Dolliver,
recently deceased. Judge Conner was elected to the office and by reelection
served also in the fifty-seventh, fifty-eighth, fifty-ninth and sixtieth congresses.
At his last election he received twenty-six thousand and seventeen votes against
fifteen thousand, three hundred and seventeen cast for J. B. Butler, the demo-
cratic candidate; six hundred and twenty-nine for N. S. Sheffield, the socialist
candidate; and seven hundred and sixty-one for William Beckett, the prohibi-
tion candidate. His work in congress has shown that he has a statesman's grasp
of afifairs, that he has given careful consideration to questions coming up for
settlement and that he stands firmly in support of what he believes to be right.
The integrity of his position is never questioned, and even those opposed to him
politically entertain for him high respect because of his loyalty to his honest
convictions.
On the I2th of October. 1875. Judge Conner was married to Miss Allie M.
Cowdrey. They have a son, Raymond, who is manager of the Review Publish-
ing Company, in which Judge Conner is a heavy stockholder. He belongs to
Vol. 11—18
332 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
the Methodist church and gives his aid and ccx^pcration to all the agencies and
movements which tend to uplift humanity, to broaden the vision of life and to
promote material, intellectual, political, social and moral i)rogress. While he
has held to high ideals, he has labored with practical ])urpose. Few men of
Crawford county have remained longer in ]n\h\\c service, and the record of none
has been more faultless in honor, fearless in conduct or stainless in reputation.
PARKER W. HARDING.
Parker W. Harding, who is now regarded as one of the most successful
attorneys of Denison, has practiced law in Crawford county for more than
twenty years, having previously followed his profession for over fourteen years
in Charter Oak before his removal to the former city six years ago. His ad-
vancement has been due to his energy, comprehensive knowledge of the prin-
ciples of law and gentlemanly address, which has attracted a host of friends
wherever he is known. He was born at Lockeport, Nova Scotia. October 2"/,
1863, and is the only son of Captain Simeon and Margaret (McQuhae) Har-
ding, who were also natives of Nova Scotia.
In 1906 Mr. Harding brought his parents and two sisters to the United
States and they located at Council Bluffs. Iowa, wdiere the father died two
years later. Captain Harding was for more than forty years a master mariner,
sailing out of the port of Lockeport, Nova Scotia. His remains were interred
in Walnut Flill cemetery. The mother of our subject is still living in Council
BlufTs with her two daughters. She is a Baptist in religious belief, as was also
her husband, both of them being descendants of pioneer Baptist ministers, the
Revs. Harris and Theodore Harding, whose names are enrolled on the tablets
of the Acadia Baptist College.
Richard Harding, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was born in Eng-
land and was also a sea captain, living to the advanced age of ninety years. He
was the father of six children. The sons, Simeon, Robert and William, were all
sea captains. Robert died at Lockeport, Nova Scotia, while William has retired
from the sea and for many years has been an adjuster for the marine service
in New York city. Anna R., the eldest daughter, is now living in Denison,
Iowa; Elizabeth is the wife of B. R. Morrow of Denison; and Mary wedded
Robert Firth of Lockeport, Nova Scotia, and is now deceased. Robert Mc-
Quhae, the maternal grandfather of our subject, was a native of Scotland and
by occupation was a farmer. He came to America and spent his last days in
Jordan Falls, Nova Scotia, where he died at the age of ninety years. The
maiden name of his wife was Margaret McDonald. She, too, was of Scotch
birth and her death occurred in her eighty-eighth year.
There were five children in the family of Simeon and Margaret (McQuhae)
Harding, namely: Parker W., of this review; Rosa W.. who was educated in
the United States and died at the home of her parents in Nova Scotia after
reaching womanhood; Emma J., the wife of Richard Gwillam, a manufacturer
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 333
of Gloversville, New York; Allie F., the wife of Dr. J. E. Clausson, of Beatrice,
Nebraska; and Lizzie P., who is Hving with her mother at Council Blufifs.
Parker W. Harding was reared at Jordan Falls, Nova Scotia, and received
his early education at Shelbourne Academy. Later he entered Acadia College,
Wolfville, two miles from Grand Prae, near the mouth of the Gaspereaux river,
and within six miles of Cape Blomidon and the Basin of Minas, both of which
are prominently noted in Longfellow's immortal poem, Evangeline. He early
indicated a taste for a professional career and studied law in his native country,
coming to the United States in 1888 when twenty-five years of age. In 1890
he was admitted to the bar at Des Moines, Iowa, and immediately afterward
began practice at Charter Oak, showing an ability which gave bright promise
as to his future. In 1904 he came to Denison, where he has since followed
his profession, being now the senior member of the well known firm of Harding
& Kahler. He is a clear and logical speaker and as he makes thorough prepara-
tion for every case in which he is interested and centers his argument upon the
main point at issue he never fails to hold the attention of the jury and often
carries the day in the face of the most determined opposition. It is greatly to
his credit that his clientage is found among the leading merchants, farmers and
capitalists of the county.
In 1890, upon his admission to the bar, Mr. Harding was united in marriage
to Miss Margaret M. Kevan, a resident of Dow City, Iowa. She is a native
of Illinois and a daughter of Charles and Jean (Taylor) Kevan. Her parents
were born in Scotland and for a number of years made their home at Charter
Oak, Iowa, but both are now deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Harding are valued members of the Methodist church, in
which he is an earnest worker and is a member of its board of trustees. Fra-
ternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Knights
of Pythias. Politically he gives his support to the republican party. He and
his wife occupy a beautiful residence in Denison and their home is the center
of hospitality where friends and acquaintances are sure of receiving a cordial
greeting. He is one of the honored citizens of Crawford county who has justly
earned the success he has attained and who commands the confidence of his
fellowmen by an irreproachable character and an abiding interest in the perma-
nent welfare of his adopted city.
CARL GRONAU.
Carl Gronau, a successful real-estate dealer of Denison. has resided here for
the past three decades and is widely recognized as one of the most valued and
prosperous residents of Crawford county, owning between seven and eight
thousand acres of land. His birth occurred in Mecklenburg. Strelitz. Germany,
on the I2th of January, 1844, his parents being Carl and Carolina (Kloeckncr)
Gronau, who were likewise natives of that country. His paternal grandfather,
Carl Gronau, was a wagonmaker by trade and served in the French and Ger-
man war of 1806 as a soldier of the German army, participatmg m the battle
334 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
of Austerlitz. He died when about seventy-six years of age, while his wife, who
bore the maiden name of CaroHna Wagner, passed away in early womanhood.
Their children were Carl, Wilhelm and Augusta. William Kloeckner, the ma-
ternal grandfather of our subject, was a miller. He married A iss Sommer,
who died in early womanhood.
Carl Gronau, the father of the gentleman whose name introduces this re-
view, was a wagonmaker by trade. He came to America when seventy years
of age and visited with his son Carl for one year. At the end of that time he
returned to Germany and there passed away at the age of eighty-four years.
At one time he served as an alderman in his city. Both he and his wife were
Lutherans in religious faith, the latter living to attain the age of fifty-six years.
They had eight sons, four of whom still survive, as follows: Carl, of this re-
view; Frederick, living near Kiron. Crawford county; Rudolph, who is a resi-
dent of Strelitz, Germany ; and Emil, a blacksmith of Spokane, Washington.
Carl Gronau was reared in his native land and attended the common schools
in the acquirement of an education. After putting aside his text-books he was
employed in his father's wagon shop and also did farm work. In accordance
with the laws of the country, he likewise served in the regular army as a private
for three years. In 1869, when a young man of twenty-five years, he crossed
the Atlantic to the United States, first spending one year in Jackson county,
Iowa. Removing to Chicago, Illinois, he there remained for two years, on the
expiration of which period he returned to Jackson county and there made his
home until 1881. In that year he came to Denison and this town has remained
his place of residence during the intervening three decades. He conducted a
wagon and blacksmith shop for six years and then embarked in the real-estate
business, which still claims his attention. At one time he owned twelve farms
but has disposed of these and now has lands in North and South Dakota, and in
Alberta, Canada. His property holdings embrace between seven and eight thou-
sand acres of land. His business undertakings have been attended with a grati-
fying measure of success. During the first year of his residence in this country
he erected a home and in 1900 built his present commodious and beautiful dwell-
ing, standing on the site of the old Denison home— the first erected in the city
of Denison. He has built a number of the substantial residences here and has
also improved a number of farms, having spent over ten thousand dollars for
improvements on his Dakota farms during the past year. He has long been re-
garded as a valued and leading citizen of Denison and Crawford county, having
spent vast sums of money in developing property.
On the 24th of June, 1870, Mr. Gronau was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary
Heiden, a native of Germany, who in 1869 came to America with her parents,
Fritz and Carolina (Pankow) Heiden, the family home being established in
Jackson county, Iowa. There her father and mother spent the remainder of
their lives, the former attaining the age of about eighty-one, while the latter was
seventy-four years old when called to her final rest. They were the parents of
two sons and two daughters, namely: Wilhelmina, Frederick, Mary and [ohn.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Gronau were born four children, as follows: Lena and' Wil-
liam, who died of diphtheria in early life; Amanda, the wife of J. B. Sibbert, of
Denison, by whom she has one son, Carl; and Louisa, living in Los Angeles,
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 335
California, who is the wife of John D. Sievers and the mother of two sons,
Paul and William Edward.
Mr. Grouau gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has
served as a 'member of the city council for three years. He is enterprising
and public-spirited to a marked degree and has always taken an active interest
in those movements and measures instituted to promote the general welfare of
Denison. In fact no history of the county would be complete without the rec-
ord of his life and work. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belong-
ing to Sylvan Lodge, No. 507, A. F. & A. M., while both he and his wife are
members of the Eastern Star. Coming to America in early manhood, he wisely
utilized the opportunities offered in a land unhampered by caste or class and
worked his way steadily upward to a position of prominence and affluence.
HARRY LAMP.
Harry Lamp, who is a native son of Crawford county, his birth occurring
on the 13th of January, 1884, is the second oldest child of Ferdinand and Dora
(Simon) Lamp, natives of Germany, the father coming to America when a
youth of sixteen years and the mother with her parents when a child of two.
They were married in Crawford county and have ever since continued to reside
here. They began their domestic life on a farm of one hundred and twenty
acres, which the father owned and where he engaged in general farming and
stock-raising for twenty-five years. In 1908, however, they sold that property
and bought elsewhere, and at the present time they own five hundred and sixty
acres of land, all of which is well improved and under a high state of cultiva-
tion. Two hundred and forty acres are in Crawford county and the other three
hundred and twenty in Minnesota, but the latter place and one of the farms in
this county are rented as Mr. Lamp is only cultivating the homestead. His suc-
cess in agricultural pursuits he owes to his close application and tireless energy,
but in the acquiring of his realty interests he has been most ably assisted by the
careful supervision and capable management which Mrs. Lamp gives to her
household affairs. Ten children have been born to them, those beside Harry
being: Paulina, who married Ed Georguis, a farmer of Crawford county; Anna,
the wife of Louis Goettsch, who is the cashier of the Union Savings Bank, of
Davenport; Bertha, who married Elvin Wick, a baker, of Harlan, Iowa; and
Elsie, William, Minnie, Edwin, Julia and Otto, all of whom are still at home.
The parents are yet in their prime, the father now being fifty-two years of age,,
while the mother has only passed her forty-fifth year.
Harry Lamp acquired his preliminary education in the district schools of
Crawford county and then pursued a course in a commercial college, remaining
a member of his father's household until he had reached his twentieth year, at
which time he left home to accept a position with the Neola Elevator Company
of Aspinwall, Iowa. He was identified with that concern for one year and then
entered the employ of the Pride Poultry Company for a similar period. At the
336 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
end of that time he became a yard man and after serving in this capacity for a
year he was promoted to the position of general manager, which he still retains.
Mr. Lamp was united in marriage on the 19th of December, 1906, to Miss
Amanda W'iese, who was born and reared in this county, being a daughter of
Carl and Dora (Schutt) Wiese. Her parents were natives of Germany but
were married in America and some time afterward they located on a farm of
one hundred and sixty acres in Crawford county, which they continued to cul-
tivate until the time of their retirement. They are now living in West Side,
Iowa, where they own a very pleasant and comfortable residence, the income
from their excellent farm, together with other resources, affording them all of
the comforts and many of the luxuries which they were denied during their
hard-working youth. They are the parents of eight children. Mrs. Lamp being
the second child and eldest daughter. The others are: Charley, living in Clar-
inda, Iowa; Fred, who resides in West Side; Maggie, the wife of Herman
Martin, of West Side; Albert, who hves in Denison ; Frank, also of West Side;
and two who are dead. Mr. and Mrs. Lamp have had three children: Wayne,
who died at the age of one year; Josephine, who was born on the 8th of Oc-
tober, 1909; and Lloyd, whose birth occurred on the 24th of December, 1910.
Mr. and Mrs. Lamp affiliate with the German Lutheran denomination, in
the faith of which they were reared. Politically he gives his support to the
candidates and measures of the democratic party, and although he does not
aspire to public honors or the emoluments of office, he fulfills the requirements
of good citizenship by voting at all elections.
J. F. WILLIAM JAHN.
Among the young men of Hayes township who have started under highly
favorable conditions as farmers, may be named J. F. William Jahn. He pos-
sessed excellent advantages of training and is now cultivating a place of two
hundred and twenty acres which yields generous returns for the time and labor
bestowed upon it. He is a native of Hayes township, born on section 31, July 9,
1882, a son of Paul William and Catherine (Lemster) Jahn, both of whom
were born in Germany. The father came to America in boyhood with his
parents and settled in Hayes township, Crawford county, Iowa. He was very
successful as an agriculturist and stock-raiser and improved three farms. He
and his wife are still living and make their home on section 31. There were
nine children in their family : Lena, who married Henry E. Kuhl, of Iowa town-
ship ; J. F. William; Minnie, the wife of Gus Meggers, of Iowa township; Her-
man and Henry, both residents of Hayes township; Amanda, the wife of Gus
Peppers, of Hayes township ; Louis, who makes his home with his brother
Herman ; and Adelia and Hugo, who are living at home.
Mr. Jahn of this review attended the country schools of Hayes township,
where he gained the rudiments of an education which he has greatly broadened
by reading and observation. He continued with his parents until twenty-four
years of age and then moved to the place which he now owns. He carries on
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 337
general farming and also gives special attention to the feeding of Hereford
cattle for the market. He has from his youth been earnest and energetic in
his work and has gained deserved prosperity.
On the 13th of March, 1907, Mr. Jahn was married in Iowa township to
Aliss Martha Peper, who was born in Iowa township, a daughter of George
and Sophia (Meggohtsen) Peper, the former of whom is deceased. Two chil-
dren have come to brighten the home of ^Ir. and Mrs. Jahn, Hugo Paul George
and Willette Catherina Fredericka.
^Ir. Jahn and his wife are both members of the Lutheran church and accept
its teachings as their rule of life. They take a great interest in the progress of
this section of the state, both having been born in Crawford county, and they
are willing assistants in all movements seeking to promote the general welfare.
]\Ir. Jahn is not identified with any political organization. The success he has
gained is the result of his well directed efiforts and gives promise of still larger
rewards in the years to come.
JULIUS H. A. CHRISTIANSEN.
A native of Crawford county, Julius H. A. Christiansen has made special
use of his opportunities and, although he has not reached the age of thirty years,
he is the owner of a valuable farm of two hundred and forty acres, which he
is cultivating to excellent advantage. His birth occurred August 27, 1882, and
he is a son of Anthony W. A. and Wilhelmina (Prien) Christiansen. The
father was born in Germany and the mother in Brazil, South America. They
were married in Crawford county, Iowa, and Air. Christiansen began farming
on his own account by renting land. After three years he purchased two hun-
dred and sixty acres in Soldier township, which he sold in 1899, buying five
hundred and forty-three acres in Jackson township. Later he disposed of this
farm and bought one hundred and sixty acres in Crawford county and an equal
amount in Ida county. On selling both of these properties he purchased four
hundred and eighty acres in Nebraska, but in 1909 disposed of his Nebraska
farm and went to South Dakota. He is now living upon a place of three hun-
dred and twenty acres. His beloved wife, who was the mother of eleven chil-
dren, died November 15, 1910. Nine of the children are now living, namely:
Caroline L., who is the wife of William Meyers, of Crawford county; Marie,
now iMrs. \\'illiam Evers, of Green River, Wyoming; Julius H. A., of this
review; and Albert, Bernhard, Ludwig, Johann. Henry and Otto, all of whom
are Hving with their father in South Dakota.
Tubus H. A. Christiansen, the subject of this review, possessed advantages
of education in the common schools and grew to manhood under the parental
roof, showing even in his boyhood an aptitude for agricultural pursuits that
gave bright promise as to his future. He continued at home until twenty-three
years of age and then rented land on his own account for four years, after
which he bought the farm which he now owns on section ^3^ Soldier town-
ship. The neat and attractive appearance of everything about the farm indi-
338 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
cates careful attention to details and progressive methods, and its owner is
rightly regarded as one of the prosperous men in his locality.
On October i8, 1905, Mr. Christiansen was married to Miss Hulda Baak,
who was born in Crawford county, Sejjtember 25, 1885, a daughter of William
and Caroline (Koch) Baak. Her parents were both born in Germany and
came to America, living for several years in Chicago, after which they settled
in Crawford county, Iowa. Mr. Baak engaged in farming until his retirement
in 1910. There were hve children in his family, two of whom arc now living:
Hulda, now Mrs. Julius H. A. Christiansen; and Emma, the wife of Magnus
Hollander, of Crawford county. The mother died May 5, 1903. Mr. Baak is
living at Schleswig, Iowa, and is again married. The union of Mr. and Mrs.
Christiansen has been blessed by the birth of a son, William A. E., who was
born July 8, 1906.
Mr. Christiansen and his wife are members of the German Lutheran church
and are widely and favorably known. He has conducted his business system-
atically and according to most approved methods. Each year has added to his
financial resources, and it may be truly said of him that he represents the sub-
stantial and progressive citizenship of Crawford county.
OTTO T. STALEY.
The name of Otto J. Staley represents industry, persistence and reliability
and through these qualities he has acquired an honorable reputation in Craw-
ford county and also a highly productive farm. A native of Iowa City, John-
son county, Iowa, he was born August 30, 1852, and is a son of Arthur and
Clara (Ray) Staley. The father was born in Bavaria, Germany, and came to
the United States in 1849, spending the first three years in this country at
Zanesville, Ohio. He had learned the carpenter's trade in Germany and he
followed that occupation at Zanesville. Having decided to come westward, he
traveled by wagon down the Muskingum and Ohio rivers and up the Missis-
sippi to Muscatine, Iowa, and then across the country by ox team to Iowa City.
After working at his trade for a year in the state of his adoption, he moved to
a farm which he had purchased about twelve miles north of Iowa City and later
built the first house in the town of Solon. He was one of the useful and en-
terprising citizens of Johnson county and lived to the advanced age of ninety-
three years and six months, being called away December 24, 1909. His remains
were interred in the cemetery at Solon. His wife was also a native of Ger-
many, but they were married in Ohio. She died at the family homestead in
this state in 1887. In their family were seven children, namely: Frances, who
mairied John Meyers, of Missouri; Clem, now living in Johnson county, Iowa;
Otto J., the subject of this review; Eugene, who makes his home in the state
of Washington ; Freda, of Chicago ; Mary, who is living on the home place ; and
Phillip, who purchased the old homestead and now lives there.
Otto J. Staley was educated in the public schools of Johnson county and
continued with his parents until twenty-one years of age. In 1873 he came
. HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 339
to Crawford county in a covered wagon, the journey requiring seven days, and
he has ever since been identified with the agricultural interests of this county.
He worked by the month, and later he and his brother rented the farm which
he now owns. In 1906, having acquired the necessary capital, he began inde-
pendently by purchasing eighty acres of raw land and applied himself so suc-
cessfully to its cultivation that he now owns three hundred and twenty acres,
which he has largely improved in value by the erection of buildings, fences, etc.
He raises grains and also keeps blooded Norman and coach horses and other
graded stock which he handles to excellent advantage.
In 1882 Mr. Staley was united in marriage to Miss Amelia Hofer, a native
of Johnson county, Iowa, and a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Meyers)
Hofer. The parents were both born in Germany and were early settlers of
Johnson county. There were seven children in their family, while fourteen
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Staley, namely: Agnes, now the wife
of Albert Pithan, of Willow township ; Charles, also of Willow township ; Mark,
who lives at Herrick, South Dakota ; William, of Hanover township ; Frank and
Clara, both of whom are at home; Luke, Leo and Leonard, triplets, Asa, Edith,
Paul, Verna and Florence, all of whom are at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Staley are at the head of one of the most remarkable families
of Iowa, and the excellent training they have given their children is evidence of
the good sense and clear judgment of the parents. Ten of the children are
still at home, while four have started out on their own account in the great
school of life. Mr. Staley has from his boyhood recognized the value of labor
and has applied himself with an energy and ability that have produced gratifying
returns. He and his wife and family are sincere adherents of the Catholic
church. Politically he supports the democratic party and has served with great
satisfaction to the people as trustee and clerk of Charter Oak township.
CHARLES LINDBERG.
Charles Lindberg owns an excellent farm of one hundred and twenty acres
in Stockholm township, where he was engaged in general farming and stock-
raising for a long period, but for the past fourteen years has lived retired. He
is of Scandinavian extraction, his birth occurring in Sweden on the ist of Jan-
uary, 1835. His parents, John and Mary (Larson) Lindberg, spent their entire
lives in the land of their nativity and there they are laid to rest.
Charles Lindberg remained a citizen of the old country until he had passed
the thirty-fourth anniversary of his birth, having emigrated to the United States
in the year 1869. The period was sufficiently long, however, for him to feel
convinced that his chances of acquiring the means or giving his children the
opportunities he desired were far greater in America, with its great tracts of
unimproved and uncultivated land, than in his native country. Upon his ar-
rival here he made his way westward to Crawford county. Iowa, where he
bought forty acres of land, breaking the prairie of his new farm with a team
of oxen He possessed all the characteristics which distinguish his countrymen
340 lllSrom' ()!• CKAWI'ORI^ C()L".\1\
and make them such (.Icsirahle pioneers, antl h_v niean> ol his i)er>islenl endeavDi".
thrift anil inihistry added to his original hohhng from lime to time until he now
owns one hundrei.1 and twenty acres of valual)le land.
Before leaving Sweden, in June, iS()4, .Mr. l.indherg was united in marriage
to Miss Annie Larson, a daughter oi i.ars and Annie Carlson. 1 ler parents
and brothers anil sisters all passed away in their uali\e land, and she died .May
o, 191 1. Eight children were born unto .Mr. and .Mrs. Lindberg, but only four
are now li\ing, Annie, Christina, .Mfred and .\ugusta having passed away.
Those surviving are: Alfreda, the wife of Cus Clausen, of .Xebr.iska ; Willie,
who is living in Crawford county, and besides his own, lia> cliaige of the home
farm; Annie, who became the wife of Otto Larson, of this county; and C hris-
tina, the wife of I'eter Miller, of Woodbury county, Iowa. The family are
communicants of the Baptist church.
Ever since naturalization conferred upon him the rigiit of franchise, .Mr.
Lindberg has given his support to the candidates and measures of the repub-
lican party. He has never sought public honors or the emoluments of office,
but meets the requirements of citizenship by being at the polls on election day
and casting his ballot for the men chosen by liis party for the various offices in
his township and county. He is one of the leading men in his community as
well as one of the successful and sulistantial agriculturists.
AUGUST MEYER.
Enterprise and thrift have been prominent characteristics in the career of
August Meyer, the neat and orderly appearance of his farm in Soldier town-
ship indicating that his reputation as a rtr.st-class farmer is well deserved. His
birth occurred in Du Page county, Illinois, November 3, 1867, a son of Adolph
and Katrina (Vogelpohl) Meyer, both of whom were born in Germany. The
father came to America prior to the Civil war and lived in Illinois, Missouri
and Kansas, then again taking up his residence in llliiKjis, where he was mar-
ried. In 1876 they settled on a farm wdiich Mr. Meyer had previously i)ur-
chased in Charter Oak township, Crawford county, and here he continued dur-
ing the remainder of his life. He died in 1907, his wife i)assing away in 1900.
By their union seven children were born, five boys and two girls, namely:
Minnie, now the wife of Otto Stegemann, of Crawford county; August, of
this review; William, also of Crawford county; Dora, who is now Mrs. Henry
Neddermeyer, of Crawford county; Adoli)li. of Crawford county; Henry, who
died at the age of twenty; and Edward, who is also living in this county.
August Meyer received his education in the public schools and remained with
his parents until 1895. when he took charge of one of his father's farms which
he now owns. He has prospered in his work and as opportunity presented pur-
chased more land until he has accumulated four hundred acres. His farm is
located on section 26, Soldier township, and is under an excellent state of cul-
tivation, the neat and attractive appearance of the place indicating that its owner
is a first-class farmer and is acquainted with the most progressive methods.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 341
He engages extensively as a stock-raiser and feeder and is a fancier of polled
Angus cattle, being the owner of some of the best specimens of this breed that
are to be seen in the county. Mr. Meyer is a director of the German Savings
Bank at Kicketts, Iowa, and is also serving as secretary of the Crawford Ojunty
Mutual Telqjhone Company.
On the 8th of March, 1895, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss
Dora Hammann, who was born in Crawford county, April 19, 1876, a daughter
of Carl and Therese (Seilsj Hammann. Her parents were Ixith born in C^er-
man}' and came to America in the 705. They were married in Iowa and later
Mr. Hammann purchased a farm in Hanover township, Crawford county, where
he Hved for a number of years, when he retired and resided in Dow City and
later in Charter Oak. He subsequently sold his place and now lives near Jjalti-
more, Maryland, having reached the age of sixty-six years. Mr. and Mrs,
Me}'er have become the parents of seven children, namely : Anna, Ixjrn April
20, 1898; Ida, April 25, 1900; Dora, November 27, 1901 ; Henry, January 12,
1903; Martha, February 2^, \</^j; Minnie, August 5, 1908; and Herman, April
28, 1910.
Mr. Meyer and his family are members of the German Lutheran church,
and he is an earnest worker for all movements seeking to promote the welfare
of the community. Politically he gives his support to the democratic party and
is now serving as township clerk, having filled the office to the general satis-
faction of the people for five terms consecutively. He is interested in the cause
of education and also in the promotion of good roads and efficiency in all de-
partments of township, county and state government. By reason of his many
good qualities, Mr. Meyer is greatly respected by his neighbors and acquaint-
ances, and the valuable property he has acquired is evidence of his sound busi-
ness ability.
JOHN H. KRAL.
John H. Krai, a prosperous and well known agriculturist of Crawford
county, is the owner of four hundred and sixty acres of valuable land in West
Side township. His birth occurred in Iowa City, Johnson county, Iowa, on the
20th of July, 1864, his parents being Joseph and Theresa (Slechtaj Krai, both
of whom were natives of Bohemia. They crossed the Atlantic to the United
States in 186 1, locating in Johnson county, Iowa, and later purchasing land
there. On the 21st of May, 1875, they came to Crawford county, here also
buying a tract of land. Joseph Krai was successfully engaged in general agri-
cultural pursuits in this county throughout the remainder of his active l^smess
career and t-^---^ awav on the i6th of May, 1900. His widow, who has at-
tained the a.'-- eightv-eight years and still enjoys good health, no^^• makes
her home with one of her scmis in Crawford county. Unto them were lx>rn
eleven children, five of whom are yet living.
John H Krai acquired his education in the common schools and remamed
under the parental roof mtii he had attained his majority, ^'tartmg out as an
agricnterist on his own account, he bought forty acres of land m Mdford town-
342 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
ship and later added to his holdings by additional purchase as his financial re-
sources increased. He now owns four hundred and forty acres of rich and
productive land in West Side township and in connection with the tilling of the
soil makes a specialty of raising Duroc Jersey hogs. He feeds from six to ten
carloads of cattle annually, and in both branches of his business has won a
gratifying measure of success.
On the 5th of January, 1886, Mr. Krai was united in marriage to Miss
Frances B. Fiala, who was born in Bohemia on the 2d of April, 1866, her par-
ents being Joseph and Alary (Haskovec) Fiala, likewise natives of that coun-
try. Emigrating to the United States, they landed in New York city on the
I St of January, 1867, and later settled on a farm in Johnson county, Iowa,
subsequently they removed to Webster county, this state, there spending the
remainder of their lives. Joseph Fiala passed away on the 17th of December,
1898, while his wife was called to her final rest on the 4th of August, 1897.
They reared a family of eight children, all of whom still survive. Mr. and Mrs.
Krai likewise have eight children, as follows: Rose, whose birth occurred on
the 7th of October, 1886; Leon L., whose natal day was January 15, 1889; Milo
George, who was born January 3, 1891 ; Mary T., who first opened her eyes to
the light of day on the ist of June, 1893; Adaline, whose birth occurred Jan-
uary 23, 1896; Lydia Josephine, who was born June 5, 1898; Joseph Edward,
born July 25, 1900; and Edwin Victor, whose natal day was February 2^, 1905.
Fraternally Mr. Krai is identified with the Masons, belonging to Lodge No.
422 at Vail, in which he has filled all of the chairs. He is also a member of
the Yeomen at Vail, while both he and his wife are connected with the Eastern
Star there. Their religious faith is indicated by their membership in the Meth-
odist Episcopal church. Mr. Krai's business interests have been carefully con-
ducted, his duties of citizenship capably performed and at all times he has been
true to the obligations and responsibilities that have devolved upon him in every
relation of life, making him one of the w'orthy and much respected residents of
his community.
EDWARD LANCER.
One of the progressive and successful farmers and stock-raisers of Crawford
county, a man who represents the best interests of the community in which he
resides is Edward Langer, a native of Denison .township, born June 5, 1887, his
parents being August and Jennie (Weiland) Langer. The birth of both his
parents occurred in Germany, where the father's youth was spent. About 1870
he came to the United States and for the following two years engaged in rail-
roading, after which he came to Crawford county and purchased land, which at
the present time comprises the home farm. Here he married Miss Weiland
and to them were born the following ten children: Kate, who became the wife
of William Piper, of South Dakota, and is now deceased ; Mary, who lives at
home; George, who resides in Lincoln county. Idaho; Lizzie, the wife of T. R.
Beers, of Vale, Oregon ; Minnie, who married Sam Bichler, of Fullerton, North
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 343
Dakota; August, deceased; Frances, who lives in Idaho; Edward, our subject;
Anna and AHce, both of whom are Hving at home.
In his youth Edward Langer attended the public schools of Crawford county,
supplementing the knowledge obtained there by a year's course in the college
at Denison. He then returned to the home farm, to which he has since given
his entire time and attention. Having studied the science of agriculture, his
labors, perseverance and energy have succeeded in bringing his fields to a high
state of cultivation and his live stock comprises the best class of animals ob-
tainable. His possessions, all told, amount to two hundred acres of rich farm-
ing and grazing land. Mr. Langer is one of the youngest as well as the most
energetic farmers in his community and enjoys the respect and esteem of his
fellow citizens, who are glad to count him among their friends.
In politics he adheres to the precepts of the democratic party and takes an
active interest in all afifairs in which the welfare of his county is concerned.
Although in religion his parents were of the Catholic faith, several of their
children deviated in their views and became affiliated with the Presbyterian
church, and to this and other local churches Mr. Langer gives his cordial sup-
port.
F. J. SMITH.
Having experienced many of the fluctuations of life, in the course of which
he bravely faced every obstacle, F. J. Smith is now pleasantly located in a beau-
tiful home in Willow township and has the satisfaction of feeling that he and
his family are provided with a comfortable competency. He is a native of Iowa
City, Iowa, born January 4, 1856, and is a son of Lawrence L. and Elizabeth
(Graber) Smith. The father was born in Germany and came to the United
States when thirteen years of age, living for several years at Cleveland, Ohio.
In early manhood he came to Iowa and located at Iowa City, where he met
Elizabeth Graber, to whom he was married. He passed away three years after
his marriage, having just fairly started in life as a farmer. Our subject's pa-
ternal grandfather was a blacksmith and landowner in Germany. Mrs. Eliza-
beth Smith is a native of Germany and came to the United States at the age of
five years, her parents being among the early settlers of Iowa City. Her father
was a carpenter by trade. She was married a second time, her second union
being with Michael Smith, a brother of her first husband, and to them six chil-
dren were born : George, now living at Plainview, Nebraska ; Mary, who mar-
ried Jacob Fackalman, of Willow township, Monona county, Iowa; Peter, of
Plainview, Nebraska; Rose, who is the wife of John Hannigan, of Boyer town-
ship; Anna, now Mrs. Chester Hunter, of Willow township; and John, who lives
in Monona county, Iowa.
F. J. Smith, who was the only child by his mother's first marriage, received
his early education in a little log schoolhouse two and one-half miles from his
home. He remained with his mother until seventeen years of age and then
began working on a farm for Z. T. and Samuel Dunham. Later he engaged
344 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
in farming on his own account in Willow township and spent two years in
Dunlap and eleven years in Omaha in the elevator business, becoming manager
for the Pevie Elevator Company at Omaha. In 1896, however, he returned to
farming in Willow township and rented land for four years. In 1901 he pur-
chased a farm, which he brought to a high state of cultivation. He has sold
a part of his land, but still owns eighty acres. He has erected a handsome
residence, which is provided with all desirable conveniences of modern life, and
he is known as one of the highly successful farmers of the township.
In i(S79 Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Tillie Lewis, a native of
Chicago and a daughter of Thomas and Anna Lewis, the former of whom was
born in France and the latter in Ireland. Three children were born to "Mr. and
Mrs. Smith: Arch Lawrence, who studied medicine at Lincoln. Nebraska;
George Edward, who is now a railroad engineer in the employ of the Chicago &
Northwestern Railroad at Chicago. Illinois ; and Leonard Lewis, who married
Florence Wickwire and lives on a farm adjoining our subject's farm. The
mother of these children having passed away. Mr. Smith was again married
in 1905. the lady of his choice being Miss Eva C. Hufiford, a native of Crawford
county and a daughter of Adam and Lucia (Lepper) Hufiford, and one child,
Myrtle E., has come to bless this union. Mr. Hufiford. the father of Mrs.
Smith, was born in Pennsylvania and the mother was born in Clinton county,
Iowa. They removed from Clinton county to Crawford county thirty-five years
ago and located on a farm near Vail.
Mr. Smith politically gives his allegiance to the democratic party, believing
that its principles are adapted to the prosperity and perpetuity of the republic.
He was reared in the Catholic church and is a man of consistent principles and
high ideals. Fraternally he is a valued member of the Odd Fellows lodge at
Charter Oak and of the local branch of the Ancient Order of United Workmen
at the same place. His wife is an active worker in the Rebekahs. The business
methods of Mr. Smith have always been honorable and trustworthy, and today
he enjoys the confidence of his neighbors and a wide circle of friends in Craw-
ford county.
GEORGE SCHNEIDER.
Although comparatively a recent arrival in Crawford county, George
Schneider is well established upon his farm and is one of the prosperous citi-
zens of Boyer township, displaying an energy and" ability in the management of
his business which have produced goodly returns for the time and labor em-
ployed. He was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, August 29, 1871, a son
of Ernest and Johanna (Kab) Schneider, both of whom were born in Germany.
The father came to the United States at the age of sixteen anrl the mother when
she was fourteen years of age. Three years after his arrival he oflfered his
services to his adopted country and fought as a soldier for the Union from
1863 until the close of the war. He participated in several important battles
and underwent many hardships, but never failed to respond to the call of duty.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 345
After the war he engaged in farming in Illinois until 1883 and then removed
to Custer county, Nebraska, where he lived until 1896. He then removed to
Atlanta, Georgia, and is now making his home in that city. The mother passed
away in 1883. There were fourteen children in the family, eleven of whom
grew to maturity, namely : Ernest, now living in Nebraska ; Lillie, a resident
of Oconto, Nebraska; Barbara, also of Oconto; George, of this review; John,
who lives in Boyer township ; Lawrence, who is a farmer and lives near Moore-
head in Harrison county, Iowa ; Susie, of Oconto ; Anna, of Deadwood, South
Dakota ; Louise, of Boyer township ; Pearl, whose whereabouts are unknown ;
and Lizzie, twin sister of Pearl, deceased.
George Schneider received his education in the public schools and after ar-
riving at manhood began farming in Pottawattamie county, Iowa, where he
continued for four years. In 1895 he removed to Dunlap, Iowa, where he
farmed for two years, after which he took up his residence in Council Bluffs.
In 1907 he bought eighty acres of land in Boyer township, Crawford county,
upon which he established his home. He has greatly improved his place and
engages in raising cereals and also in stock-breeding, handling a good grade of
animals.
In 1894 Mr. Schneider was united in marriage to Aliss Bertha Handke and
they have four children, Walter Edward. Bertha, Edward William and Esther
Emma. Politically he is in thorough sympathy with the republican party and
gives to it his hearty support. He has served with acceptance as road super-
visor of his township for one term. In religious belief he is Lutheran and fra-
ternally he is identified with the lodge of Modern Woodmen of America at
Underwood and the Eagles of Sioux City. Being of a social disposition, he
readily makes friends and is greatly esteemed for his frank and genial manner.
A man of intelligence and application, his success in his chosen calling is as-
sured, and it is evident that he made no mistake in locating within the friendly
limits of Crawford county.
GILL FREDERICKS.
Among the prosperous young farmers of Crawford county is Gill Fredericks,
of Hanover township. He was born in the immediate locality in which he now
lives, June 30, 1887, a son of Fred and Christina (Steffen) Fredericks. The
parents were both born in Germany and came to America, settling on a farm
in Crawford county, which his father cultivated until 1909- He is now livmg
retired at Denison and is the owner of three hundred and sixty acres on sec-
tions 26 and 28, Hanover township, and also of a beautiful residence at Deni-
son There were six children in the family, namely : Charley. Lena, Frederick,
Henry, Gill and Mary, all of whom are living in Crawford county. Mar>'. the
last named, makes her home in Denison.
Gill Fredericks was reared under highly favorable conditions on the home
farm and received his education in the district schools. He began farming for
himself at twenty years of age upon a portion of the homestead and after two
346 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COU.>ITY
years removed to another part of his father's land, which he has cultivated with
a judgment and skill that give bright promise as to his business ability. He
is now recog'nized as one of the substantial farmers of the county.
On the 23d of February, 1910, Mr. Fredericks was united in marriage to
Miss Amanda Henning. who was born in this county, October 5, 1886, a daugh-
ter of Christ and Mary Henning. The father was born in Germany and the
mother in tiiis country. They were actively identified with the agricultural in-
terests of Crawford county until 1907, when they disposed of the farm and
removed to Denison, where they are now living retired. In their family are
ten children : Henry, John, Anna, Christ, Justus, Amanda, Hans, Yerna, Nada
and Walter, all of whom are living in Crawford county, except Henry whose
home is in Nebraska. One child, Walter, has come to brighten the lives of
Mr. and Mrs. Fredericks, his natal day being December 26, 1910.
Mr. Fredericks and his estimable wife are members of the German Lutheran
church and are counted among its active supporters. They were both reared in
this county and have many friends who have known them since their childhood.
From his earliest recollection, Mr. Fredericks has been identified with agricul-
tural interests and by honorable business methods he has acquired an enviable
reputation as a gentleman who by an upright life merits the high regard in
which he is held.
EDWARD MEYER.
The name of Meyer is well known in Crawford county, representing as it
does remarkable success in farming and unquestioned financial integrity. The
founder of the family here has passed to his reward, but Edward Meyer of this
review is a worthy representative as is clearly shown by the record he has
made although he is still a young man and is just fairly started in his chosen
vocation. He was born on the farm where he now lives on section 3, Charter
Oak township, November 27, 1883, a son of Adolph and Katrina (Vogelpohl)
Meyer, both of whom were natives of Hanover, Germany. They came to
America when young and were married in Cook county, Illinois, where Mr.
Meyer engaged in farming for eleven years after his marriage. He then came
to Crawford county, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land.
He was a remarkably clear-minded business man and was highly successful,
becoming one of the leading farmers of the county. He added to his posses-
sions until he owned seventeen hundred acres. He passed away June 3, 1907,
after having met with a measure of success accorded to few men starting out
in limited circumstances. There were seven children in his family, namely:
Minnie, now the wife of Otto Stegemann ; August; William; Dora, the wife
of Henry Weddenmeyer ; Adolph ; Henry, who died at the age of eighteen
years; and Edward, our subject. All of the family now living make their
home in Crawford county.
Edward Meyer was educated in the district schools and continued at home,
assisting in cultivating the farm until after the death of his father. Upon the
MR. AND MRS. ADOLPH MEYER
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 349
division of the estate he came into possession of his interest in the homestead
and is now the owner of seven hundred and twenty-three acres, his place being
known as one of the most highly improved farms in that part of the county. He
is an extensive stock-feeder and by good management is meeting with a hand-
some recompense for time and labor employed. He makes a specialty of high
grade Angus cattle and Poland China hogs, which he fattens for market.
On the 26th of October, 1904, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss
Emma Maas, who was born in Crawford county, February 15, 1886, a daughter
of Charley and Christina (Krueger) Maas. The parents were born in Germany
and came to America in 1874, spending the first six years after their arrival in
Chicago. They then settled in Crawford county, Iowa, where the father en-
gaged in farming. The mother died in 1906, but the father is still living on
the family homestead and is now sixty-four years of age. Their family in-
cluded thirteen children, of whom the following are now living and make their
homes in Crawford county: William, Martha, Gusta, Elizabeth, Herman, Emma,
Alvena and Max. Four children came to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Meyer; Edwin, who was born March 26, 1905; Willie, born April 23, 1907;
Louis, born June 27, 1909; and Elmer, born November 2, 1910.
Mr. Meyer and his wife are identified with the Lutheran church and are in
full sympathy with all worthy enterprises seeking to promote the general wel-
fare. He has possessed every desirable advantage of training, early having
become acquainted with the practical details of agriculture and stock-raising,
and has few superiors of his age in those lines. Although he is in charge of
a large farm which involves many responsibilities he performs his duties
promptly and efficiently and has acquitted himself in a way that gives assurance
of still greater success in years to come.
C. A. LARSON.
A member of a family that is well known in Crawford county, C. A. Larson
has gained an established reputation as one of the substantial citizens of his
locality, being the owner of a well improved farm in Stockholm township. He
is a native of Sweden, born December 10, 1854, a son of John and Mary Larson,
a record of whom is presented in the sketch of Andrew Larson, which appears
elsewhere in this work.
C. A. Larson received his education in his native land and at thirteen years
of age crossed the ocean to America and lived for several years in Pennsylvania.
He then came to Crawford county, Iowa, continuing with his parents until
after reaching manhood, when he began farming on his own account and rented
land for five years. In 1887 he purchased the place on which he now lives,
embracing one hundred and sixty acres on section 5, Stockholm township. Sub-
sequently his wife inherited one hundred and fifty acres on section 6, the same
township, and both farms are now being cultivated by Mr. Larson. As they
are provided with modern facilities, the work is carried forward very satis-
factorily. Mr. Larson makes a specialty of raising and feeding stock and as
Vol. n— 19
350 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
he keeps a good grade of animals and thoroughly understands farm manage-
ment, he has attained a large measure of success.
On March 20, 1882, Mr. Larson was united in marriage to Miss Ereka
Erickson, who was born in Sweden, October 22, 1861, a daughter of Herman
and Julia Erickson, both natives of Sweden. They came to America in 1862
and lived for eight years in Minnesota and then located in Crawford county,
Iowa, where they continued during the remainder of their lives, the mother
passing away April 18, 1888, and the father November 6, 1896. Three chil-
dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Erickson, the wife of our subject being the
only one now living. Twelve children constitute the family of Mr. and Mrs.
Larson, one of whom died in infancy, the others being: Lillie E., born Feb-
ruarj^ 22, 1883, who received a musical education and is now the wife of Rufus
Morgan, of Crawford county; Alma B., who was born January 15, 1885, and
is a graduate of Highland Park College of Des Moines, Iowa ; Alfred O., who
was born December 9, 1886, and is now farming upon the old homestead; Julia
J., born June 7, 1888, Etta I., born February 15, 1890, and Eldred R., born
March 16, 1892, all of whom are at home; Alvin L., who was born February 18,
1895, and died on the 8th of March following; Russell A., born April 25, 1897,
Edna F., born April 14, 1898, Earlin L., born June 28, 1900, and Lafe Theodore,
born July 7, 1902, all of whom are at home.
Mr. Larson owes his present prosperous condition to his habits of industry
and a laudable ambition to win a reputable place for himself in the community.
His success is proof of the possibilities in America for young men of good
habits who are w^illing to apply themselves in early life in order to enjoy an
abundance in later years. Politically he gives his adherence to the republican
party and although he has not sought the honors of office, he has served with
marked ability as school director and road superintendent. He and his wife
are stanch members and supporters of the Baptist church.
ANDREW A. BOSS.
For the past seven years the agricultural skill of Andrew A. Boss has been
expended in the cultivation of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres located on
section 36, Iowa township, the general appearance of the property being a
tribute to his well directed efiforts. Mr. Boss was born in Guttenberg, Clayton
county. Iowa, on the 12th of Januar}', 1865, and is a son of the late John and
Agatha (Veonberell) Boss, natives of Germany. The father came from Lich-
tenstein to the United States in 1848, first locating in Dubuque, Iowa, where
he remained for two years, and then removed to Guttenberg, where he met the
lady whom he subsequently married. They became the parents of three chil-
dren besides our subject, who is the third in order of birth: John, w^ho is living
near Casey, Iowa ; Matthias, deceased ; and Sophia, the wife of Martin Peter-
son, of Carroll county, Iowa. The father passed away in Guttenberg in 1893.
He was a member of the Masonic fraternity, having joined that organization
in the fatherland, and he was also a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 351
as a private in Company D, Twenty-seventh Iowa Volunteer Infantry. On the
9th of April, 1864, while in discharge of his duties at Pleasant Hill, he was
captured by the enemy and sent to Fort Tyler and Hampton, Texas, where he
was retained for eight months and then exchanged, returning to his command
on the 27th of December, 1864. He saw much active service during the war,
participating in many of the notable battles, but was never wounded but once.
Airs. Boss survived her husband t^o years, her demise occurring in Pottawatt-
amie county, Iowa, where she was buried, in 1895.
The common schools of Guttenberg provided Andrew A. Boss with an
education, which was acquired before the age of fourteen years, at which time
he left the paternal roof to begin his business career. For several years after
leaving home he worked for various farmers in the neighborhood and then re-
moved to Walnut, Iowa, where he continued to follow the same occupation for
six years longer. At the expiration of that period he leased land, in tlie culti-
vation of which he engaged for four years, coming to Crawford county about
1893. During the first five years of his residence here he lived about a mile
and a half north of his present homestead. He subsequently rented this prop-
erty and removed to Carroll county, where he farmed for three years, and then
went to Audubon county, remaining there for five years. Returning to Craw-
ford county seven years ago, he purchased a quarter section of land in Iowa
township, upon which he continues to reside. He has made practically all of
the improvements upon this property, and they are all substantial structures
and well kept. General farming and stock-raising absorb his attention and he
makes a specialty of breeding shorthorn cattle and other graded stock.
In 1895 Mr. Boss was united in marriage to Miss Helen Sanders, and they
have become the parents of four children : Alfred, George, William and Edna,
all of whom are at home.
The religious views of the family coincide with those of the Lutheran de-
nomination with which they affiliate. The fraternal relations of Mr. Boss are
confined to membership in the Modern Woodmen of America, his identification
being with Manilla Camp, while in politics he is a stanch democrat. He takes
an active interest in local affairs and was at one time road supervisor, while
for the past year he has served as president of the school board of Iowa town-
ship, but he prefers to concentrate his energies upon the development of his
private pursuits.
W. A. DAVIE.
One of the well known citizens of Crawford county is W. A. Davie, farmer,
business man and member of the state legislature. He has passed the greater
part of his life in this county and few men are better informed as to the re-
sources and possibiHties of this part of the state or have a larger acquaintance
among its people. He was born near Pontiac, in Livingston county. Illinois,
October 13, 1855, a son of John Turner and Hannah (Hoskins) Davie. The
father was born in Devonshire, England. December 27,, 1823. He was one of
352 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
five children, the eldest of whom inherited the family estate. Two brothers
went to Australia and have never since been heard from. John T. Davie served
in the British army and later learned the brick-mason's trade. Desiring to im-
prove his condition, he emigrated to America and made his home for a short
time in Quebec, Canada. Subsequently he removed to Michigan and lived there
for several years, then moving to Pontiac, Illinois, where he remained until
1856, when he came west and took up his home in Orange township, Clinton
county, Iowa. In 1861 he removed to ]\Ionona (now Crawford) county and
engaged for fifteen years in farming in Boyer township, but in 1876 crossed the
line into Harrison county. He passed away December 3, 1883. He was highly
successful as a farmer, especially in the raising of grain. In political belief he
affiliated with the democratic party and was prominent in its councils, serving
as township clerk, trustee, assessor and in other offices. Religiously he was
identified with- the Church of England and fraternally was a valued member of
the Masonic order. His wife was born in New Jersey and was of Irish and
Dutch descent. Her parents died when she was quite young and she was reared
by an aunt in New York. There were eight children in the family of Mr. and
Mrs. John T. Davie: Isabel, now the wife of John W. Coon, of Paradise town-
ship ; W. A., of this review ; Emma, now Mrs. Amos Hunt, of Canada ; Estella,
who died March 26, 1876; Ida, the wife of Livy Hunt, also of Harrison town-
ship; Nettie, who is deceased; Frank, who died January 15, 1906; and Minnie,
who married T. J. Rule, of Paradise township. Mrs. Davie was twice married,
her first husband being John Rogers, by whom she had one child, Ellen, who
became the wife of Frank Roberts, of Dunlap, Iowa, and is now deceased.
W. A. Davie received his early education in the district schools of Boyer
township and continued at home until he grew to maturity. In 1876 he began
farming on his own account, in which he has been highly successful, making a
specialty of stock-raising. He is the owner of two hundred and eighty acres in
Crawford and Shelby counties, which under his management are yielding sub-
stantial annual returns. For two years past he has been manager of the Farm-
ers Cooperative Lumber Company of Dunlap. He was one of the organizers
of this company in 1900 and was its first president and still continues in that
office. The company started with a capital of twenty-five hundred dollars and
now is capitalized at nearly twenty-five thousand dollars, being one of the highly
prosperous concerns of the county. ^Ir. Davie was also one of the organizers
of the Kiron Insurance Company, formerly a Swedish concern, which has since
been taken over by the Farmers Mutual Fire & Tornado Insurance Associa-
tion of Kiron, Crawford county, Iowa, and he has served as director of the
same for five terms.
On October 29, 1876, Mr. Davie was united in marriage to Miss Mary Eliza-
beth Fullerton, a native of Ohio, and i^ve children have blessed this union:
Edith, who is the wife of John Flunt, of Harrison county; Maude, now Mrs.
Omer Musgrove, also of Harrison county ; Ray, who is engaged in farming, his
place adjoining that of his father; Harry, who assists his father on the home
farm; and Maybelle, now the wife of Fred Cook, of Union township. The
mother of these children was called away April 29. 1904, and Mr. Davie was
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 353
subsequently married to Mrs. Florence (Painter) Griffith, a lady of many ex-
cellent qualifications of mind and heart.
In political affairs Mr. Davie is a supporter of the democratic party and has
taken an active part in its campaigns. He served in the twenty-second, twenty-
third, thirty-first and thirty-second Iowa general assemblies and also was elected
to fill a vacancy in the twenty-ninth general assembly, discharging his duties
most effectively. In 1885 he was elected a member of the county board of su-
pervisors and has also served in all of the township offices, being now a member
of the board of trustees. Fraternally he is connected with Lodge Xo. 244,
A. F. & A. M., Chapter No. 89, R. A. M., and Lodge No. 385, O. E. S., all
of Dunlap; also being connected with Golden Lodge, No. 178, I. O. O. F., and
Golden Crown Lodge of the Rebekahs. While not affiliated with any religious
denomination, he attends all churches and is a Hberal contributor to religious
causes. Of a genial and kindly temperament, he has many friends and ac-
quaintances and is entirely worthy of the sincere regard in which he is held
by all who know him.
HENRY C. SCHROEDER.
The permanent progress of any state depends largely upon its farming com-
munity, not only because of the development of the natural resources but be-
cause the agriculturist always establishes a home, thus laying the foundation of
the social and educational as well as the civil advancement. Henry C. Schroe-
der, of Schleswig, had been prominently identified with the farming and political
development of Crawford county for a quarter of a century. He was born in
Germany on the 15th of October, 1854, a son of Emanuel and Ann M. (Muder)
Schroeder, who emigrated to the United States in 1870. They first located in
Cook county, Illinois, and after residing there for a short time removed to
Crawford county, Iowa, where they passed away, the father on the 4th of March,
1889, and the mother on the ist of March, 1907. Of the four children born to
them the son Henry C. is the only one now surviving, the daughter and second
child, Anna E., having passed away, while the two youngest died in infancy.
Henry C. Schroeder remained in the fatherland until he had passed his fif-
teenth year, when he took passage for the United States. He remained with
his parents in Cook county, Ilhnois, until 1878, when he went to Ida county,
Iowa, where he worked as a farm hand for two years and then rented eighty
acres in Crawford county, which he cultivated for one year and then bought it.
He was an energetic, ambitious young man, possessing that determined persis-
tence which invariably wins success in any undertaking, and he shortly added
to this another eighty acres. He was married soon afterward and then began
cultivating his wife's farm, which consisted of two hundred acres, in addition
to his own. He engaged in general farming and stock-raising until 1884. at
which time he began making a specialty of buying and feeding stock for the
market and so sold his two eighty-acre tracts and operated his two hundred
acre farm. He is a man who quickly recognizes an opportunity which the less
354 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
sagacious would ignore and as a result he wins where others lose, not only
because of his unusual foresight, which reveals possibilities, but because he
dominates conditions. He is today acknowledged as one of the affluent citizens
of the county, owning almost eleven hundred acres of farming land, all of which
is well improved and under a high state of cultivation. In the fall of 1910 he
retired to Schleswig, where he owns a comfortable home and is enjoying the
ease and relaxation from business responsibilities which his comfortable com-
petence assures him.
Mr. Schroeder was united in marriage on the 27th of January, 1882, to Mrs.
Minna Zabel, who was an only child of Sigismund and Augusta (Weckwerth)
Brietang. Four children were born unto Mr. and I\Irs. Schroeder but only three
attained maturity, Annie, the eldest, dying at the age of five years. The three
surviving are as follows : Hulda, the wife of William Reinking, of Ida county,
Iowa; Clara, who became the wife of Carl Jessen, of Crawford county; and
Henry H., also a resident of this county.
The faith of the family is that of the Lutheran denomination, with which
organization they are identified by membership. Ever since acquiring the full
rights of citizenship, Mr. Schroeder has supported the candidates and principles
of the democratic party, as he considers that its policy is best adapted to pro-
tect the interests of the majority. He has always actively participated in all
political issues and has been awarded some of the best offices not only of the
township but the county. His party first elected him to the position of school
director, he was later made treasurer of the board and was then made township
assessor; at the expiration of his term he was elected township clerk, after
which he served on the board of county supervisors and has but recently retired
from the state legislature. In each and all of these positions, from the lowest
to the highest, he has conscientiously discharged his duties and has received the
approval of all. As the years of his residence in Crawford county have increased
it has but served to strengthen the esteem and respect which is accorded him,
binding him more closely to his fellowmen.
GEORGE P. SWARTZ.
George P. Swartz, one of the substantial and well known citizens of Stock-
holm township, Crawford county, was born May 24, 1859, in Clinton county,
Iowa, a son of Henry P. and Eliza (Koch) Swartz, both of whom were natives
of Pennsylvania, whence they moved in 1855 to a farm in Clinton county, Iowa.
They were the parents of seven children, five of whom are still living, namely:
Ella, the wife of E. P. Keith, of Ida Grove, Iowa; George P.; William L., of
Tipton, Iowa; Arthur L., of Westbrook, ^Minnesota ; and Burdette V.. of South
Dakota. The mother died in Cedar county when about fifty years old, the
father's demise occurring in Ida Grove at the age of seventy-five.
George P. Swartz attended the public schools and remained on the home
farm until twenty-three years old. when he rented one hundred and twenty
acres of land in Cedar county, Iowa, which he cultivated for about one year.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 355
He then went to Jones county, located on one hundred and sixty acres and re-
mained there two years. At the end of that time he returned to Cedar county
for one year, after which he moved to Ida county and there engaged in farming
and various other industries until 1894, when he went to Minnesota and rented
one-half section of land near what is now known as Westbrook. There he
resided until 1900 and then removed to Pine county, the same state, where he
bought forty acres and remained there until 1905, in which year he came to
Cravv'ford county, Iowa, and purchased what is now his home in Boyer, Stock-
holm township.
Mr. Swartz has been twice married, his first wife being Anna Nash, a
daughter of William and Mary (Gates) Nash, of Cedar county, Iowa, whom
he wedded in the fall of 1883 at Tipton, Iowa. Of the three children born to
them, two are living, namely: Catherine E., the wife of Clifif Lawrence, of
Houston, Texas ; and Angle Irene, who married George Maynard and lives in
Crawford county. Mrs. Swartz departed this life in 1887 at Clarence, Cedar
county, Iowa. On January 30, 1901, Mr. Swartz was married to Lydia Erick-
son, a daughter of John A. and Martha Erickson.
Mr. Swartz in his political relations is a stalwart republican and has always
given his support to the men and principles of that party. Fraternally he is
connected with the Modern Brotherhood Association. His life has been one of
industry, bringing to his work an intelligent appreciation of all that goes to
make success, and that he has attained this goal is manifested by the prosperity
which he at present enjoys.
WILLIAM F. NUTTER.
The owner of one hundred and twenty acres of highly productive land in
Willow township, William F. Nutter is assured of a handsome annual income
and is numbered among the respected and representative citizens of Crawford
county. In his life work he has shown himself possessed of the elements of
energy, thrift and other traits necessary in the attainment of a worthy purpose
in any calling.
He was born in Clinton county, Iowa, August 21, 1874, a son of Franklin
and Elizabeth (Mathing) Nutter. The parents were both natives of Licking
county, Ohio, and were married in that county. They came to Iowa and made
their home at Clinton until 1881, when they removed to a farm near Odebolt.
Sac county, and two years later came to Crawford county, locating in Willow
township. After renting land for a while, Mr. Nutter purchased one hundred
and sixty acres in that township, which he improved until it became a valuable
property. He died in 1899, and his wife passed away three years later. There
were eight children in their family : Alitha, now the wife of James W^ickwire.
of Boulder, Colorado; Tackson, who lives at Durango, Colorado; Wallace, who
has charge of a boat on the Great Lakes; James, of Clarinda. Iowa; Mary, who
lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Edward, also of Minneapolis; Ida. the wife
of F. H. Brown, of Charter Oak; and Wilham F.. of this review.
356 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
Educated in the public schools, William F. Nutter assisted in the work of
the home farm until he reached the age of twenty-one years and then began
cultivating the land upon which he has since lived. He owns one hundred and
twenty acres, which he has improved by the erection of substantial buildings,
making it one of the desirable places in the township. He is a good manager,
as he engages actively and intelligently in his business, and his efforts have been
rewarded with good results.
In 1896 Mr. Nutter was united in marriage to Miss Augusta Cue, a daugh-
ter of Joseph and Susannah R. (Arrowsmith) Cue. Her father was born in
England and was among the early settlers of Willow township, Crawford
county, Iowa, becoming a very prominent citizen of this section. He served
valiantly for three years in behalf of the Union in the war of the rebellion and
is now living at Wichita, Kansas. Mrs. Nutter's mother died in May, 1901.
They were the parents of five children: Alfred, of Gordon, Nebraska; INIarion,
of Willow township ; Augusta, now Airs. W^illiam F. Nutter ; and Elizabeth
and Ralph, both of whom live in Willow township. Two children have come
to bless tBe union of Mr. and Mrs. Nutter: Charlotte L., now fourteen; and
Hazel May. now twelve years of age.
Mr. Nutter has always voted in support of the candidates and platforms of
the republican party, although he has never had political aspirations. He is a
sincere believer in honesty in public as well as in private affairs, and his life
is a commendable example of fairness in all dealings with others. He is not
a member of any religious denomination but attends the Methodist church, and
as a useful and progressive citizen he possesses the respect of the people of
the entire neighborhood.
WILLIAM H. PRUTER.
William H. Pruter, of Crawford county, is a native son of Iowa, born Au-
gust 22, 1873, his parents being William F. and Helena (Rohr) Pruter. They
are natives of Holstein, Germany, and were married in the old country. In
1869, believing that more favorable opportunities awaited energetic and de-
serving people in the western hemisphere than could be expected in the older
countries of Europe, they crossed the ocean to America and after spending four
years in Clinton county, Iowa, removed to Crawford county. Here Mr. Pruter
engaged very successfully in agriculture and stock-raising and became the owner
of four hundred and eighty acres of good land in Crawford and Carroll coun-
ties. He started upon his own resources without capital and deserves great
credit for what he accomplished. In 1902 he and his wife removed to Daven-
port, where they are now living. There were four children in their family:
Frank, of Hayes townshi]) ; Charles, of Iowa township; John, who is now living
in the state of Washington; and William IT.
The subject of this review acquired a practical education in the common
schools, thus laying the foundation for a life of usefulness and honor. He
continued at home with his parents, assuming many of the responsibilities, until
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 35
â– 0(
after attaining his majority. Then, having been married, he Hved across the
road from the old home until after his parents removed to town, since which
time he has resided at the family homestead. He owns two hundred and forty
acres of valuable land, which yields bounteous harvests, and his wife is the
owtier of sixty acres near West Side. He gives his attention to agriculture and
also to raising graded stock for the market.
In 1895 Mr. Pruter was married to Miss Clara Moeller, who was born at
Davenport, a daughter of Peter Moeller, of West Side, Iowa. Two cliildren
have come to brighten their home, Clarence and Leslie. Mr. Pruter and his
wife are not members of any religious denomination, but they are stanch be-
lievers in Christianity and attend the German Lutheran church, being liberal
contributors to that organization. He has voted independently ever since he
reached his majority. He is recognized as an industrious, enterprising and pro-
gressive man and has gained a measure of success which gives proof of the
wise application of his energies.
REV. ADOLPH AMSTEIN.
Twenty-one. years ago Rev. Adolph Amstein accepted a call to fill the pulpit
of the German Lutheran church at Charter Oak, of which he has ever since
been pastor, discharging his duties with an earnestness and fidelity that have
met with the hearty approval of the entire community. He was born in Ger-
many, February 26, 1869, a son of Sebastian and Fredericka (Bartholmaes)
Amstein, both of whom were natives of Germany. The father was by trade a
blacksmith, but later became a hotel and store keeper and so continued until
his retirement. He died at the age of seventy-three years, but the mother is
still living in Germany and has arrived at the venerable age of eighty-five years.
There were ten children in their family, namely: Aurelia, deceased; Mathilde.
Pauline, Florine, Heinrich, Christiana, Johann and Rosine, all of whom are
living in Germany; Reinhold, now hving in Ida county, Iowa; and Adolph, of
this review.
Adolph Amstein was given excellent advantages of education in his native
land, attending the common schools until he reached the age of fourteen years.
He received private lessons for two years in Latin and German and at the same
time studied music, history, geography, algebra and essays at an academy. In
1885, being then sixteen years of age, he came to America and, as he had de-
cided to enter the Christian ministry, took a course of instruction m theolog}'
at Springfield, Illinois. Being too young to qualify as a regular mmister of
the church, he was sent out as a vicar or assistant, spending one year m Dakota,
six months at Davenport, Iowa, and an. equal length of time in Hanover town-
ship Crawford county. He then returned to Springfield and completed his
course In 1890 he received a call from the German Lutheran church at Charter
Oak, which he has accepted and he has ever since most acceptably occupied that
position.
358 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUx\TY
On the I5tli of April, 1891, Mr. .Vmstein was united in marriage to Miss
Sophie Grunke, who was born at Waterloo, Wisconsin, August 27, 1867, a
daughter of Friederich and Augusta (Bagganz) Grunke, both natives of Ger-
many. The parents came to America and spent three years at Watertown, Wis-
consin, then locating at Waterloo, this state. The father died in 1885, but the
mother is still living at Waterloo, at the age of eighty-five years. In their family
were seven children, namely: Alvina, of Wisconsin; Emma, of Minnesota;
Sophie, now ^irs. Adolph Amstein ; and Huldah, Elizabeth, Helen and Ida, all
of whom are deceased. The home of Rev. and Mrs. Amstein has been blessed
by the birth of eight children : Elsie, who was born in May, 1892, and has re-
ceived a common school and musical education ; Erwin E., who was born April
14, 1894, and is now living at home; Herbert C., born December 25, 1897; Helen
M., born June 16, 1898; Adele M., who was born September 30, 1900, and died
January 6, 1901 ; Edgar T., born ]\Iarch 27, 1902; Lorena E., born September
12, 1904; and Ruth M., born November 9, 1906.
Mr. Amstein is a constant student of all subjects pertaining to his chosen
calling, a clear and logical speaker, and possesses a knowledge of human na-
ture that has greatly assisted him in his arduous work. He is deeply versed in
the Bible and especially in the life and teachings of the Great Master, in whose
footsteps he has ever humbly walked. By his patience, earnestness, sincerity
and unselfish labors in behalf of others he has gained the unqualified confidence
and respect of his fellowmen.
THOMAS RAE.
We have before us the picture of a young Scotch lad working hard all day
at the weaving, reading at night and dreaming great dreams which perhaps few
but a hard-headed Scotch lad could make come true. Into this boy's hands came
a book of travel telling of the wonders of America and especially of that rich
but almost unoccupied territory beyond the Mississippi. Into that boyish mind
came the desire to share in the benefits of this free country and into his heart
came the determination to realize this new ambition. Wages were small and
it took much time and much saving and self-denial to secure the passage money
which brought Thomas Rae to the land of his dream. It was April 2, 1863,
that he left his native land and some two weeks later that he landed at Portland,
Maine, to make his fortune in the new world. He did not at once realize his
desire to go to the west, a living had to be made in the meantime and something
of a nest egg put by for the founding of the fortune that he hoped was to come.
He secured employment in the Pepperell Mills at Biddeford, Maine, near Saco,
and there he lived four years. On April 10, 1865, the day on which the glor-
ious tidings of Lee's surrender reached the Pine Tree state, Mr. Rae was united
in marriage to Miss Jeanie Allen, also a native of Scotland. She was a loving
helpmate, w-ho contributed largely to the success of the future and who has won
a very dear place in the hearts of all.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUxXTY 359
In 1866, Mr. Rae paved the way for a western home by the purchase of
sixty acres of land in far-off Crawford county, Iowa, a place which he had
never seen, but of which he had heard through his brother George. By 1867
enough had been saved to warrant the western journey, and together the young
married couple started for the country that was to be their home. I\Ir. Rae's
first land purchase was in Union township and he built the first frame house
in that locality, a building one story high and fourteen by twenty feet in dimen-
sion. He added to this as he was able and he now owns one of the finest country
houses in Crawford county. Although he knew almost nothing about farming
at the start, he was persistent, energetic and thrifty, and as the years passed
he added to his original tract until he now owns five hundred acres in Paradise
and Union townships. Although he had to endure all the hardships and priva-
tions of a pioneer, doing many things by hand which today are done by ma-
chinery, he was not one to acknowledge defeat, but kept on, never losing sight
of the goal, until he is today one of the most successful and substantial farmers
of the county. He makes a specialty of breeding and raising fine stock and is
meeting with most gratifying success.
Air. Rae has always taken great interest not only in his own affairs but in
the civic and religious affairs of the community. He has taken active part in
all those things which make for good. Both he and his wife are faithful mem-
bers of the Methodist church and have been among the most ardent and help-
ful members of that church at Dow City. Politically, Mr. Rae has been a stal-
wart republican, and in 1900 his value as a party worker was recognized by
his election as a member of the electoral college from the tenth district of Iowa.
He has held many positions of trust and confidence in his locality and is re-
spected as an able and conscientious citizen by all. He has long been identified
with the Masonic fraternity, having joined Saco Lodge, No. 9, A. F. & A. M.,
of Saco, Maine, in 1865. He was one of the charter members as well as one
of the organizers of Hospitable Lodge, No. 444, A. F. & A. M., of Dunlap,
Iowa, and he is at present chairman of the finance committee of the Sylvan
Lodge, of Denison. Mr. Rae has always been an ardent temperance worker
and in fact he not only supports but forwards every movement, the adoption of
which he believes means a higher moral standard in the community.
Mr. Rae was born at Kettle's Bridge, Kings Kettle, Fifeshire. Scotland, a
son of Thomas and Janet (Buck) Rae. The parents were Scotch and spent
their entire lives in the land of heather, where the father was a hand-loom
weaver. Mr. Rae has several times in the days of his prosperity visited the
land of his birth and renewed the old assocations. On his last visit to Scotland
he was accompanied by his son James, who went partly for an educational ex-
cursion, as well as to see the scenes of "Bonnie Scotland." While in London
they were received by Mr. Asquith, prime minister, in his private room in the
house of commons, being very cordially received by that distinguished gentU-
man, and they appreciated the honor granted them by such a pleasant interview.
To Mr. and Mrs. Rae were born six children: :\Iary. who is deceased;
Thomas, living at home; Nettie and Willie, twins, the former the wife of John
Branhall, a mechanical engineer, of Des Moines, and the latter deceased ; Allen,
who was chief electrician on the United States steamship Wilmington during
860 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
the famous voyage to the tropics of South America when the far reaches of
the great rivers were explored where white men had never been before, but
after three years in the navy, during which time he circumnavigated the globe,
he resigned and is an expert electrician in Chicago ; James, the youngest, now
principal of the high school at Iowa City.
We cannot speak too highly of Mr. Thomas Rae as a citizen. His splendid
good sense, his astute judgment and his kindly heart commend him to all who
have the i)leasure of his acquaintance.
P. C. DUNHAM.
A farm of nearly five hundred acres of good land in Crawford county pays
tribute to the energy and skill of P. C. Dunham. He is a native of Boyer town-
ship, this county, born February i6, 1865, and is a son of Cornelius Dunham,
Jr., and Maria (McKenzie) Dunham. The father was born in Sangamon
county, Illinois, and came to Crawford county, Iowa, March 3, 1832, with his'
father, Cornelius Dunham, Sr., the pioneer settler of Crawford county, a rec-
ord of whom is found in the sketch of Z. T. Dunham, which appears elsewhere
in this work. Cornelius, Jr., was reared under the conditions of pioneer life
in Crawford county and was educated by a tutor in the home. He became a
farmer of Boyer township and an extensive stock-raiser, also engaging in butch-
ering and in the general mercantile and clothing business at Dunlap, Iowa. Sub-
sequently he returned to Boyer township, where he spent the remainder of his
days. He was a very active and energetic man and cleared about four hundred
and fifty acres of land. Politically, he was an ardent supporter of the democratic
party and served acceptably as a member of the board of supervisors of Craw-
ford county, having previously held almost all the township offices. He was
also connected with the Masonic order and the Odd T^ellows, and was generally
a leader in anything that he undertook. He passed away in 1894 and his re-
mains were interred in Pleasant Hill cemetery at Dunlap. His wife was born
in Birmingham, England, January 18, 1839, and came to this country when she
was a girl of twelve years. About 1867 or 1868 she received a legacy from rela-
tives in England and this was used in buying the family homestead in this
county, where our subject now resides. She was married to Mr. Dunham in
Crawford county, February 22, 1858, and died eleven years after the death of
her husband, January 14, 1905. She was also buried in Pleasant Hill cemetery.
There were five children in their family, namely: Charles D., who was born
January 7, 1859, and now lives in Boyer Township ; Sophronia Isabel, who was
born October 5, i860, and is the wife of S. 11. Johnston, of Carroll county;
Mary Elnora, who was born September 20, 1862, and died November 16, 1888;
P. C, our subject; and Samuel Alexander, who was born January 30, 1868,
and died February 12, 1903.
P. C. Dunham received his early education in the common schools of Boyer
township and later attended the normal school at Dunlap. He taught school
one term and then began farming on the family homestead, with which he has
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 361
ever since been identified. He is a general farmer and stock-raiser and has
applied himself with such good results that he now owns four hundred and
seventy-six acres of improved land and fifteen acres in timber in Boyer and
Union townships. He probably raises and markets more hogs than any other
man in Crawford county. He and his family occupy a beautiful residence,
which is supplied with all modern conveniences. The Illinois Central Railroad
passes the home and trains can be flagged so that it is possible for members of
the family to do their trading in Omaha. This is in marked contrast with con
ditions which existed in the early days when his grandfather Dunham was
obliged to travel four days by ox team to reach the nearest market.
On September 5, 1885, Mr. Dunham was united in marriage to Miss Ella
M. Hoff, who was born in Indiana. Ever since casting his first ballot he has
given his support to the democratic party. He has served as member of the
school board and as treasurer of the board for ten years. Religiously he gives
his adherence to the Methodist church, and fraternally is connected with Acorn
Camp, No. 325, M. W. A., of Dunlap.
Representing the third generation of his family in Crawford county, Mr.
Dunham has worthily upheld the name and is one of the highly respected men
in this part of the state. He has attained a large measure of success in his
business, being gifted with a worthy ambition and clear judgment, and it may
truly be said of him that he never seeks to advance his own interests to the
injury of others.
RICHARD BAAK.
Richard Baak was born on the farm where he now lives, on section 33, Sol-
dier township, September 13, 1887, and has spent his entire life amidst the
scenes familiar to him in his childhood. He is a son of August and Sophia
(Wickman) Baak, a record of whom is given in the sketch of Herman Baak
which appears on another page of this work.
Richard Baak possessed the advantages of attendance at the district schools
and in his boyhood assisted in the work of the home farm as his services were
necessary, thus gaining a thorough knowledge of an occupation that has become
his life pursuit. At the age of twenty-one, after his father's death, he took
charge of one hundred and twenty acres — his portion of the family estate. His
brother Ernest also received one hundred and twenty acres and they have con-
ducted their business together, managing to better advantage than if the farms
were entirely separated. They carry on general farming and stock-feeding and
are securing results which indicate the application of good judgment and the
most approved modern methods.
On the 23d of June, 1909. Mr. Baak was united in marriage to Miss Ida
Rickert, who was born in Hanover township, 3*Iay 9, 1888, a daughter of
Joachim and Anna (Huencke) Rickert, both of whom were born in Germany.
They were married in America and Mr. Rickert engaged in farming until his
death, which occurred in 1905. The mother is living with her children and has
362 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
now reached the age of sixty-eight years. There were four clii.'dren in the
family: Herman, W'iHiam and Edward, all of whom live in Monona county; and
Ida, now ^Irs. Richard Baak.
Mr. and Airs. Baak have made a happy start in married life and their home
is always open to friends who here receive a cordial greeting. They were reared
in the German Lutheran faith and are earnest believers in its teachings. As
a public-spirited citizen, Mr. Baak is a willing assistant in every worthy cause
that gives evidence of advancing the general good. He is a practical man and
his success is due to his knowledge of his business and his close application.
HARRY HERBERT STURGES.
Harry Herbert Sturges, a well known and prominent citizen of Charter Oak,
Iowa, and publisher and proprietor of the Charter Oak Times, was born in a
log cabin near La Valle, Sauk county, Wisconsin, February 8, 1863, his parents
being Horatio A. and Catherine (Williams) Sturges. The former's birth oc-
curred March 27, 1827, near Dunkirk, New York, and that of the mother Oc-
tober 13, 1831, near Ashtabula, Ohio. The grandfather in 1837 removed from
New York to Ashtabula county, Ohio, and although receiving only a common
school education, he studied law during his leisure moments, being finally ad-
mitted to the bar. His son, Horatio A., was also a self-educated man and was
admitted to the bar after a course of home study. In 1845 the latter moved to'
Wisconsin, remaining there three years and then returning to Ohio to be mar-
ried. Two years later he went to Darlington, Wisconsin, and there as a fron-
tiersman broke the wild land for the purpose of farming, in which he engaged
for some time. He then removed to Alichigan, but only remained there one
year and again returned to Wisconsin, this time settling near Boscobel and
later in Sauk county, where he practiced law until 1863, when he offered his
services in the defense of the union. He enlisted in the Ninth Wisconsin Bat-
tery of Light Artillery and served until the close of the war, being stationed in
Missouri and Kansas. After being mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, he
once more returned to Wisconsin and resided there until 1880, then removed to
Gary in the northeastern part of South Dakota, where he practiced law and
conducted a real-estate business until his death in 1895. His wife only sur-
vived him one year, dying in 1896. She was a member of the Methodist church
and later in life he joined her in that faith.
Harry H. Sturges attended the district school until seventeen years old,
when he began driving a stage in South Dakota, where later he taught school
for three years and read law in the office of his father for the same length of
time. He then 'embarked in the printing business, and in June, 1901, came to
Charter Oak, Iowa, where he bought the Charter Oak Times, a weekly news-
paper, from F. L. Hills. Since becoming owner of the Times, Mr. Sturges has
infused a new spirit of progress in its business, has more than doubled the
circulation, while the advertising matter has been increased to three times its
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 363
Drmer quantl;>.. Besides his newspaper, Mr. Sturges conducts a job printing
;fice, it being the only one in the town or in the vicinity.
On June 26, 1889, Mr. Sturges was married to Miss Etta L. Christy, of Ver-
miHon, South Dakota, a daughter of Thomas and Mary EHzabeth (Dunton)
Christy. Her mother, who was born in northern New York state, was left an
orphan when fourteen years old, was married, became a mother and widow, and
was remarried before she was twenty-one years old. The father, who was
born in Ohio, is a carpenter and contractor by trade and for years has resided
at the famous Hot Springs, South Dakota. He is now, at the age of seventy-
two years, a carpenter in the government sanitarium there. He is a veteran of
the Civil war. Both parents of Airs. Sturges are still living. The children of
Mr. and Mrs. Sturges are three in number, as follows: Ethel C, a high-school
student of the graduating class of 191 1; Carl C, who was born February 13,
1892, and is also of the class of 191 1; Halbert M., born in October, 1893.
Politically Air. Sturges has always voted the republican ticket but has never
sought nor desired public office, being content to give his support to the party
in other ways. In his fraternal relations he is a member of the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, in which society his father was at one time the second
oldest member in Wisconsin. In religion he holds to the faith of the Methodist
church. He is one of the substantial citizens of Charter Oak and uses the in-
fluence of his paper to support and advance any project of a public nature that
would tend to elevate and improve the condition of his home town.
C. J. BOHNSACK.
Agricultural pursuits have always claimed the attention of C. J. Bohnsack,
who is residing upon a highly improved farm of one hundred and sixty acres
in Iowa township. He was born in the province of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany,
on the 19th of August, 1864, and is a son of William and Minnie (Lingfeldt)
Bohnsack. The parents emigrated to the United States in 1881, first locating
in Walcott, Scott county, Iowa, where they remained for two years. Later
they removed to Manning in Carroll county, where they made their home for six
or seven years and then purchased a farm in Audubon county. Mr. Bohnsack
engaged in the cultivation of the latter place for about nine years, subsequently
returning to Manning, where he passed away in 1905 and was laid to rest in the
village cemetery. Mrs. Bohnsack is still living. Two children were born unto
them, a son and a daughter. The latter, Dora, became the wife of John G.
Clausen, of Chicago.
Being a youth of seventeen years when his parents emigrated to the United
States, C. J. Bohnsack had already acquired his education, in the pursuit of
which he attended the common schools of his native land. He remained a mem-
ber of the paternal household until he attained his majority. Farm work en-
gaged his activities for the first four years after leaving home, during which
time he saved enough of his wages to enable him to rent eighty acres of land on
section 27, Iowa township, which he cultivated for three years. At the expira-
364 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
tion of that period he rented the place he now owns on section 13, to which he
acquired the title by right of purchase in 1902. During the nine years of his
ownership Mr. Bohnsack has wrought many improvements in the place, hav-
ing erected one of the finest residences on any form in the county. Although he
owns but one hundred and sixty acres he operates four hundred, in addition to
which he is a very heavy feeder of stock. His interests are extensive but he
is a man who is capable of handling things upon a large scale, and he is meet-
ing with most gratifying returns from his various undertakings.
In 1887 Mr. Bohnsack completed his arrangements for a home of his own
by his marriage to Miss Anna Mason. Seven children have been born of this
union : William, Henry, Dora, Augusta, Louis, Emma and John, all of whom
are still at home.
In their religious faith the views of the family conform to the tenets of the
Lutheran denomination with which they affiliate, while fraternally Mr. Bohn-
sack is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, being a member of
the camp at Manning. The democratic party has claimed the allegiance of Mr.
Bohnsack ever since being granted the right of franchise. He has always taken
an active and helpful interest in public afifairs and has served as assessor for
four terms and as road supervisor for four years, while for twelve years he was
a member of the school board, during all but two of which he was also secre-
tary. He is one of the men who possesses the ability to win when the necessary
assets are energy and perseverance, to which qualities he owes such success as
has been meted to him.
ANDREW NORELIUS.
One of the highly respected citizens of Crawford county is Andrew Norelius,
who in the evening of a life of great usefulness as a preacher, lawyer and busi- '
ness man, is now living retired in Stockholm township. He was born in
Sweden, July i, 1830, a son of A. P. and Elizabeth Norelius, both of whom were
natives of Sweden. They came to America in 1853 and located in Minnesota,
where they continued during the remainder of their lives, the mother passing
away in 1864, while the father departed this hfe in 1888, There were eight
children in their family: Peter and John, deceased; Andrew, the subject of this
review ; Erick, now a minister of Vassar, Minnesota ; Olef , Louis and Carrie,
deceased; and Julia, wife of Ben Bong, of ^Minnesota.
Andrew Norelius was reared in his native land and educated in the common
schools, later receiving advantages of higher education in this country. At
twenty years of age he came to America, and being attracted to the great west,
spent fourteen months in Knox county, Illinois, and then went to Moline, that
state, where he worked at the carpenter's trade until 1855. After his marriage,
which took place in Illinois, he went to Burlington, Iowa, where he attended
college for one year, having decided to become a minister of the gospel. He
took up his residence in Jefferson county, Iowa, and for seventeen years offi-
ciated in the pulpit of the Baptist church. However, in 1864, in response to an
ANDREW X0RELIU8
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 367
urgent call for soldiers, believing that his adopted country needed his services,
he enlisted in Company D, Third Minnesota Regiment, and continued in the
ranks until the close of the Rebellion. After receiving his lionorable discharge
at Jacksonville, Arkansas, he went to Minnesota, where he engaged in preach-
ing for four years. In 1869 he came to Crawford county and purchased a farm
of one hundred and forty acres, upon which he has since resided. Since 1873
he has not participated prominently in business although he still continues as
secretary of the Kiron Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, having occupied
this office to the entire satisfaction of the members of the company for the past
twenty-five years.
In 1855 Mr. Norelius was united in marriage to Miss Christina Peterson,
who was born in Sweden in 1832, a daughter of Samuel and Margaret Peter-
son, both of whom passed their entire lives in the old country. Nine children
came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Norelius, five of whom are now living,
namely: Adolph, now a resident of South Dakota; Hilma, the wife of Erb Stolt,
of North Dakota ; Francis, who is living on the old homestead ; Elizabeth and
G. A., of Kiron.
Mr. Norelius has made a careful study of politics and as a result gives his
support to the 'populist party, as he believes that organization best adapted to
preserve the liberties of the republic. He has never sought the emoluments and
honors of office, but served for eighteen years as postmaster at old Kiron and
has filled all of the offices in the township with an ability and fidelity that greatly
pleased the people. Fraternally, he is a valued member of the Masonic order
and also of Post No. 58, G. A. R., at Denison. By an upright and unselfish
Christian life he has gained the esteem of a host of friends and acquaintances
who have complete confidence in his word, as he is a man who has always en-
deavored to speak the truth and also in all relations of life to perform his duty.
He clearly deserves a place among the honored citizens of Crawford county.
CHEALS W. PAYNE.
Cheals W. Payne needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for
few men in this part of the state are more widely known in Crawford county
than he. His is a notable career of a successful man, who started out in life
empty-handed and came to America with no capital save industry and determi-
nation. Those quaHties, however, will always serve as a sure and safe founda-
tion upon which to build prosperity. The early years of his residence in^ Iowa
constituted a period of earnest and unremitting toil, but thereby he acquired a
sum of money sufficient to enable him to make his first purchase of land. From
that time forward he has speculated and dealt largely in real estate and there are
today few men in Iowa whose property holdings equal his in extent or impor-
tance. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, August n, 1846, his parents
being George and Eliza (Cheals) Payne, who were likewise natives of Lincoln-
shire, in which country they spent their entire lives. They were the parents of
five children, namely: Caroline, now deceased; John R. and George, who are
Vol. 11—20
368 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
still residents of England ; Cheals W., of this review ; and Lucy Hannah, who
is still living in England.
The youthful days of Cheals W. Payne were passed in his native country
and his education was there acquired, but when twenty-three years of age he
came to the new world in company with his brother George in the spring of
1870, attracted by the broader opportunities which he had heard might be ob-
tained in America. He did not tarry on the eastern coast but made his way at
once into the interior of the country, the two brothers settling on a farm which
they rented in Clinton county, Iowa. With characteristic energy they took up
the task of tilling the fields and raising good crops and for seven years lived
upon that place. In the fall of 1877 they removed to Crawford county and
purchased the farm upon which Cheals W. Payne now lives. Both brothers
recognized the advantages and opportunities here offered and foresaw some-
thing of what the future had in store for Crawford county. Believing that the
land must necessarily rise in value with the development of the district and the
settlement of the county, they began buying and speculating in property and
also were among the pioneers in raising, feeding and shipping stock. They con-
tinued to purchase land in this county and other parts of the state until at the
present time Cheals W^ Payne is the owner of several fine and valuable farms
in Crawford county, being associated with a partner in the ownership of four-
teen thousand acres in this county and in the vicinity of Sioux City, Iowa. They
also own forty thousand acres in Nebraska and Mr. Payne owns individually
nine thousand acres in Colorado. He has thus become one of the most ex-*
tensive landowners of Iowa and in his investments has shown keen distrimina-
tion and sound judgment. Fle also owns two business blocks in the village of
West Side, together with an elevator and six lots on which it stands. He is the
president of the Valley Bank at West Side and has been the promoter of various
interests of a public and semi-public character. He and his brother George
continued in partnership from 1870 until 1884, when the brother sold out and
returned to England w^ith his family.
While Mr. Payne has prospered in the conduct of extensive and important
business affairs, his success is to him a matter of gratification because it enables
him not only to provide handsomely for his family, but also to do much for
educational activities, in which he is particularly interested. He has contributed
eighty-seven thousand dollars to the Morningside College near Sioux City, Iowa,
and has also been a generous supporter of other educational movements. He
is a firm believer in the cause of education as a preparation for life's practical
and responsible duties and as an element in the development of high and hon-
orable character. At the present writing he is serving on the board of trustees
of Morningside College.
On the i8th of February, 1885, ^^^- Payne was united in marriage to Miss
Mary A. Dannatt, who w-as born in Clinton county, Iowa, and is a daughter of
John S. and Emily (Evison) Dannatt. both of wdiom were natives of England,
whence they came to the United States with their parents in early childhood.
They were first residents of Clinton county, Iowa, where the father of Mrs.
Payne passed away. The mother, however, is still living in that county. Mrs.
Payne was one of a family of ten children, of whom nine are still living. By
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 369
her marriage she became the mother of two children, but the elder. Ethel M.,
who was born December 15, 1886, died May 28, 1887. The younger, Arthur
C, born March 19, 1896, is still in school.
The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mr.
Payne is one of the trustees, while his wife is one of the stewards. They are
interested in all that pertains to the educational and moral as well as the ma-
terial progress of the community, and their influence is always on the side of
right, progress, reform and truth. In all of his business dealings Mr, Payne
has been strictly reliable, never taking advantage of the necessities of a fellow-
man, but the years have brought him success by reason of his sound judgment
and unfaltering industry.
JOHN A. ERICKSEN.
The rapid progress and development of the state of Iowa, both socially and
educationally, can be largely attributed to its agricultural population. Those hard-
working, thrifty and self-sacrificing men and women came here and established
homes and by means of their loyal citizenship and public spirit have assisted
in bringing the state to the position it occupies today. Among these must be
numbered John A. Ericksen, who for a period of more than forty years has
been identified with the farming interests of Crawford county. He was born
in Sweden on the 3d of April, 1836, and is a son of Mangus and Karliesa
Ericksen, both of whom passed their entire lives in Sweden. Eight children
were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Ericksen, but two sons, John A., who is the eldest
of the family, and Peter, who has always lived in Sweden, are the only surviv-
ing members.
John A. Ericksen spent the first thirty years of his life in Sweden. At the
end of that period he was convinced that he could never realize his ambition —
which was to become the owner of landed property — in the land of his birth,
so he took passage for America. Upon his arrival in the United States he made
his way westward and located in Webster county, Iowa, where he bouglit one
hundred and sixty acres of land. He cultivated this for one year, then sold and
removed to Crawford county, where he bought a quarter section, upon which
the town of Kiron is now situated. He sold this and purchased elsewhere, grad-
ually adding to his holdings as he acquired the means until he now owns one-
half section of land in this county. All the hardships and privations which are
ever the lot of those brave men and women who form the advance guard in the
spreading of civilization fell to the lot of John Ericksen. He had no horses, so
hauled his household goods from Webster county with a team of oxen, and he
also used them to plow the unbroken prairie of his new farm. There were no
improvements upon his land and he not only had to cut the logs necessary for
his cabin, but had to raft them across the river. However, he possessed all the
needed qualities of the pioneer and despite the many discouragements never once
thought of acknowledging defeat, and today is recognized as one of the aftluent
citizens of the community. He rented his homestead seven years ago and re-
370 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
tired to Kiron, being now able to enjoy the ease and leisure denied him (hiring
the early years of his life.
Mr. Ericksen has many interesting reminiscences to relate of the pioneer
days, many of them relative to the hardships encountered by the settlers in their
efforts to establish homes. Very few of the men owned horses, the majority
depending upon oxen, which they used to cultivate the fields and haul their
produce to and from the market. Once on a dark, dismal, March day in the
'60s Mr. Ericksen took his ox team and went to Boyer to haul logs. He was
goitig to haul five loads up on the prairie a distance of about half a mile, where
he could conveniently get them any time when needed during the summer. When
he was finishing his third load it began to snow ; by the time he was throwing
off the last log the flakes were coming thick and fast and the wind was con-
stantly rising. Turning his team he started toward home, walking beside his
sled and holding on to one of the stakes. The storm had increased in intensity
until he could not see the oxen ; his home was five miles away and there were
no roads; prairie all the way \vith nothing by which he could locate himself
even could he see, so tying a sack over his head for protection he trusted his
fate to the slow steady beasts who were drawing his sled. At last they came to
the creek on his land and when they crossed the bridge he thought the oxen
would turn homeward, but, as cattle are prone to do, they went in the path of
the storm, drifting out into a cornfield where the Bank of Kiron now stands.
Numbed with the cold and almost exhausted, Mr. Ericksen's senses were vet
sufficiently alert for him to realize he was lost. Stopping his team, he endeav-
ored to locate himself, realizing if he any longer depended upon the oxen his
fate would be similar to that of many another settler in those days. At last
establishing his position he started homeward. It continued to storm for three
days and nights, during which time he and his wife and child were snowed in.
He was unable to get out to the barn to feed his stock but twice, and being
without a shovel, he used a slab to plow a path from the house to the barn.
In 1875, some years after the preceding incident, Mr. Ericks.en started to
Denison with a load of corn, which he was going to use to pay a note he had
given on a grocery bill. It was fine in the morning when he started, but when
he left town it began to snow and blow from the north. He was compelled to
let his team walk, but had nearly reached home when the blizzard became so
severe he was forced to turn around and return the way he had come. Reaching
the homestead of Mr. Newcome he put up his horses and stayed all night, going
home the following day. On another occasion, accompanied by his wife, he
went to \'ail with a load of wheat. Having discharged his business he fed his
team, hitched up and started homeward. They had not gone far, however, when
it began to storm. Realizing the impossibility of their being able to make the
journey that night, he stopped at Mr. De Wolf's, where they remained until
the following day. They were not the only guests the De Wolf's had that
night, however, as their home also afforded protection for the school children.
Mr. Ericksen completed arrangements for a home by his marriage on the
22d of November. 1868. to Miss Martha Julia Larsen, of Crawford county.
The young couple began their domestic life in a sod house, which about four
months later had the misfortune to catch fire, thus destroying all of their house-
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 371
hold effects. Undaunted, however, he built another house, equipping it with
the absolute necessities, to which he made additions from time to time as his
means permitted. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ericksen were born the following chil-
dren: Lydia, the wife of George Swartz, of Boyer; Fred, who lives in Stock-
holm township; Effiie, who became the wife of C. S. Johnson, residing in Boyer;
Levi, who lives in the same place; and Emil and Amanda, both of whom have
passed away.
The family are all Christians and hold membership in the Baptist church.
Mr. Ericksen gives his political support to the prohibition party, feeling its
principles are best adapted to promote the moral welfare of the community.
He has never been an office seeker, not aspiring to public honors, but he did
serve for a time as a member of the board of school directors. He is one of
the self-made men of Crawford county who has attained his ambition through
his own unaided effort, without imperiling the interests of others, and during
his forty years' residence here he has made many friends whose regard and
esteem has been strengthened with the passing of time.
ALBERT R. HILL.
As an energetic and successful business man Albert R. Hill, of Denison. is
entitled to a place in a work treating of the substantial citizens of Crawford
county. He was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, August 31, 1869, a son of Rufus
L. and Margaret E. Hill, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. He
came with his parents to Tama, Iowa, at the age of five years and lived there
two and one-half years, the family moving to a farm in Harlan county, near
Alma, Nebraska, in 1878. He received his education in the district schools and
in the public schools of Orleans, Nebraska, later coming to Jefferson, Iowa,
where he learned the marble cutter's trade. After acquiring his trade he went
to Holdrege, Nebraska, and engaged in business with his father. In 1896 he
settled at Denison, Iowa, and he and his father bought out his brother, Walter
L., who was at the head of a successful marble business. In June. 1908, the
two sons purchased the father's interest and are now carrying on a prosperous
marble, granite and monument business, which each year gives gratifying evi-
dence of the ability and progressiveness of its managers.
On the 15th of February, 1899. ^Mr. Hill was united in marriage to Miss
Birdie Ewall, a native of Denison and daughter of Nils A. and Christine (Starr)
Ewall. Her father was born in Sweden and came to America with his parents
when he was twelve years of age. He grew to manhood in Crawford county,
where his parents died and were buried in Oakland cemetery at Denison. Nils
A. Ewall died in 1896 at the age of thirty-eight, his wife having been called
away in 1889 at the age of thirty-one years. Mrs. Hill's grandfather. Elias
Ewall. was a soldier in Sweden. There were three children in his family: Nils
A.; John, now living Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Orlando, of Council Bluffs,
Iowa. Charles Starr, the maternal grandfather, was also a native of Sweden.
He came to America and served as a soldier in the Civil war. He died in
372 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
middle life, but his wife lived to be over eighty years of age. There were four
children in their family, namely: Albert, now of Boone county, Iowa; Mrs. Fred
Beck, deceased; Airs. Charles Erickson, of El Reno, Oklahoma; and Airs. Peter
Nord, also of El Reno. Three children, all of whom are sons, came to bless
the union of Air. and Airs. Hill, namely: Ray Ewall, Howard Bliss and Robert
Leon.
Religiously Air. Hill is identified with the Alethodist church, but his wife
is a member of the Baptist church. Politically, he gives his support to the
democratic party, believing that by so doing he is best advancing the permanent
welfare of the nation. By an honorable and upright life he has commanded the
good-will of all who know him. He represents a class of men whose records
are always interesting— the men who win success by wisely directed efifort and
whose ambition it is not only to advance their own interests, but the interests
of all with whom they are associated.
WILLIAAI A. THEOBALD.
One of the successful stock-feeders in Crawford county is William A. Theo-
bald, who is living upon a farm of three hundred and twenty-eight acres on
section 34, Nishnabotny township, in the cultivation of which he has been engaged
for nearly thirty years. He is the eldest son and second child born to Robert
and Isabelle (Bernard) Theobald, his birth having occurred in Aliddleberry,
Iowa county, Wisconsin, on the 14th of January, 1854. The father was a
native of England but left the mother country when a lad of twelve years, lo-
cating on Prince Edward's Island, where he continued to reside until he re-
moved to Middleberry in 1848. During his residence on the island Air. Theo-
bald, who was a lumberman, operated an up and down saw in a shipyard,
and after going to Wisconsin he sawed all of the lumber which he used in the
construction of the barn on his farm. In 1871 he came to Crawford county, Iowa,
where he bought two hundred and forty acres of prairie just two miles west
of the homestead of his son William A. He engaged in the cultivation of this
until he passed away in 1900, being one of the most prominent as well as exten-
sive agriculturists in the community. Air. Theobald was always an active and
energetic man and death came to him on his way to work, just in the manner
he had desired. He was twice married, his first wife being Sophia Goldsmith,
to whom he was united while living on Prince Edward's Island. One child,
William, was born to them but he passed away in infancy, and after locating
in Wisconsin Airs. Theobald also died. Some time later Air. Theobald was
agpin married, his second choice being Isabelle Bernard, a native of Prince
Edward's Island, but their marriage was solemnized in Wisconsin. Seven chil-
dren were born of this union : Jane, the wife of Ed Pennison, living in the
vicinity of Defiance. Iowa; William A., our subject; Sophia, the wife of Joseph
Slagg, who is a resident of North Dakota ; Phyllis, who married Addison Alor-
gan, of Alanilla, Iowa; James, who died in infancy; Delia, the wife of Fletcher
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 373
Dyson, of Boone, Iowa; and Edward, an ex-auditor of Crawford county, of
Manilla.
The early years of William A. Theobald were spent upon the family home-
stead in Wiscon'sin, the district schools of which state provided him with an edu-
cation. After laying aside his text-books he engaged with his father in the cul-
tivation of the farm, remaining a member of the paternal household until he
had attained his twenty-eight year, at which time he was married and removed
to the place where he continues to reside. He engages in general farming and
stock-raising and for the past ten years has been a heavy feeder of stock.
Success has rewarded his efforts and he has added to his original tract, now
owning three hundred and twenty-eight acres of land on section 34, Xishnabotny
township, all of which is well improved and under a high state of cultivation.
He has erected two residences and is now living in the second, which is a large,
comfortable house, well designed to meet the needs of a permanent country
home.
For his wife Mr. Theobald chose Miss Christina McCloud, a native of
Nova Scotia, who was teaching in Crawford county at the time of their mar-
riage in 1882. Nine children have been born of this union: Alaybell Eliza, who
is a teacher, living at home; Forester M., Ravina, Herbert Alfred, Margaret,
Edward Henry, R. Fred, Blanche, and Beulah, all of whom are at home.
The religious faith of the family is manifested through their connection with
the Presbyterian church, while politically Mr. Theobald affiliates with the re-
publican party. Although he is a progressive and public-spirited man he does
not prominently participate in civic affairs, owing to the heavy demands made
upon his time by his extensive personal interests. One of the successful and
substantial farmers of Nishnabotny township, Mr. Theobald owes the position he
has attained to his ability to ably direct large undertakings, in the development
of which he concentrates all of his energy.
JACOB LINCOLN RIGGLEMAN.
Among the citizens of Stockhold township who is successfully engaged in
general farming and stock-raising is Jacob Lincoln Riggleman, who is a native
of Pendleton county, West Virginia, his natal day being ^^larch 29, 1862. Unto
his parents, Jacob and Julia (Borror) Riggleman, were born the following chil-
dren: Martha, of Indiana; Mary Ellen, the wife of William Tomlinson, of
lUinois; Emily, deceased, who married John Ours, of West \'irginia ; George
David, deceased; Ann Rebecca, the wife of Levi Reel; Benjamin, deceased;
Henry, a resident of West Virginia; Jacob, the subject of this sketch; John,
of West Virginia; and Mahala. the wife of Isaac Judy, of West Virginia.
The mother passed away in 1865 but the father survived until 1905.
Jacob Lincoln Riggleman was reared at home, acquiring his education in
the common schools of his native state. Arriving in Denison on the 15th of
October, 1883, he obtained employment as a farm hand, which vocation he
followed for two years. Migrating to Colorado in 1885, he engaged in ranching
374 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
for three years, and on returning to Crawford county at the expiration of that
period he rented one hundred and ten acres of land, which he cuhivated until
1890. During the first two years he kept house for himself wliile operating
the farm; the third year he boarded; and the fourth he married. His father-
in-law presented the couple with a quarter section of land in Stockholm town-
ship, on section 32, to which he later added two hundred acres more on sections
5 and 6, Alilford township. Mr. Riggleman has efifected many improvements in
his homestead during his occupancy, the property being considered one of the
most valuable in the township. Here he follows general farming, making a
specialty, however, of the breeding and raising thoroughbred Hereford cattle
and Poland China hogs, in which he is meeting with more than average success.
On Christmas, 1893, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Riggleman and
Miss Anna Beatrice Newcom, who was born November 21, 1869, a daughter
of John D. and Sarah Ann (Dobson) Newcom. Two children were born unto
Mr. and ]\Irs. Newcom, but the son, James Eli, passed away at the age of five
years. Mrs. Newcom, a daughter of Thomas Dobson, has the distinction of
being the first white girl born in Crawford county, and Mrs. Riggleman the first
white girl born in Stockholm township. Five children have been born to Mr.
and Mrs. Riggleman: John Randolph, born March 29, 1895; Jesse Austin, who
was born on the loth of January, 1898; Leslie Earl, born on the 4th of March,
1899; Newcom Dale, born on the 5th of August, 1901 ; and Ruby Margretta,
whose birth occurred on the 24th of April, 1903.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church. Although he is not an
aspirant for public honors or the emoluments of office Mr. Riggleman is an
ardent advocate of the principles of republicanism, for the candidates of which
party he always casts his vote.
CLARK W. WHITE.
Clark W. White, now living on the old family homestead in West Side town-
ship, is recognized as one of the leading farmers of Crawford county, the suc-
cess he has achieved in his calling being accepted as evidence of his special
ability in agriculture and stock-raising. He is a native of McHenry county,
Illinois, born May 16, 1858, and is a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth (Whimble)
White. The parents were born in England and came to America in 1856. After
living for a number of years in Illinois they arrived in Crawford county in 1872,
where the father established himself as a farmer. He was called from earthly
scenes in November, 1908, the mother having died five years previously. There
were seven children in their family, all of whom are deceased except the sub-
ject of this review.
Clark W. White received his preliminary education in the public schools of
Illinois and came with his parents to Crawford county when fourteen years of
age. He continued with his father upon the home farm until the age of twenty-
seven and then took charge of the place upon which he still lives. He now owns
two hundred and forty acres of land on section 20, West Side township, and
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 375
as he applies modern methods in his work and keeps thoroughly informed on
all matters pertaining to agriculture and stockraising he received generous re-
turns for his labors.
On the 23d of February, 1887, Mr. White was united in marriage to Miss
Ada Tefift, who was born at Richmond, IlHnois, December 25, 1867, a daughter
of C. H. and Mary (Churchill) Tefift. The father was born in Rhode Island
and the mother in New York state. They removed to Illinois, where they
continued during the remainder of their lives. There were four children in
their family, two of whom^ survive : Charles, and Ada, now Mrs. Clark W.
White. Four children came to bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. White, Beulah
B., Howard, Leslie and Evelyn L. Leslie was born May 7, 1898, and died Sep-
tember 7 following.
Mr. White is a genial, courteous and obliging gentleman and gains the con-
fidence of all with whom he comes in contact. He and his wife afifiliate with the
Presbyterian church. Politically he gives his allegiance to the republican party
and he has served as township trustee and for twenty years as a member of the
school board, in the discharge of his official duties displaying a fidelity and zeal
meriting the hearty approval of the people. He is a valued member of Lodge
No. 422, A. F. & A. M. ; Olive Branch Lodge, No. 205, O. E. S. ; and Yeomen
Lodge No. 659. Mrs. White and her daughter Beulah and son Howard are also
members of the Eastern Star lodge and the Yeomen, the former having served
most acceptably as matron of Olive Branch Lodge.
WILLIAM F. BAAK.
A highly productive and valuable farm on section 34, Soldier township, is an
indication of the business ability of William F. Baak, who carries on general
farming and the raising and feeding of stock. He has made his home in Craw-
ford county all his life, having been born in Soldier township, November 17,
1883. He is a son of August Baak, a record of whom is given in the sketch of
Herman Baak that appears on another page of this work.
William F. Baak was reared on his father's farm and possessed the ad-
vantages of education in the district schools. He continued at home until twenty-
four years of age and was then married and began farming on his own account
on one hundred and fifty acres on section 34. Soldier township. He has a com-
fortable residence and convenient barns and outbuildings, and the general ap-
pearance of the place indicates careful management and gratifying financial
returns. He engages in general farming but makes a specialty of raising and
fattening stock for the market.
On the 4th of March, 1908, Mr. Baak was united in marriage to Miss Clara
Wendt, who was born in Morgan township, October 4, 1888. and^ is a daughter
of Adolph and Elizabeth (Mahnke) Wendt, the former of whorn was born in
Germany and the latter in Chicago. They were married in Charter Oak town-
ship, Crawford county, Iowa, and Mr. Wendt purchased a farm in Morgan
township, which he cultivated for two years. He then sold his property and
376 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
bought a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Soldier township, which he
managed excellently until his retirement in 1910. He and his wife are now
making their home in a pleasant residence at L'te, Iowa, and are enjoying the
fruits of many years of labor. There were six children in their family: Clara,
now Mrs. William F. Baak ; Elsie, Lillie and Willie, all of whom are at home;
and Carl and Catherine, both of whom are deceased. Two children came to
bless the union of Mr. and Mrs. Baak: Leonard E. R. E., who was born May
20, 1909; and Clarence E. A. H., born December 21. 19 10.
Mr. Baak and his wife give their hearty support to the German Lutheran
church, of which they are members. While not a politician, he performs his duty
at the polls by voting for men and measures that he believes to be best adapted
to promote the welfare of the country. Although a young man, he is well started
as a farmer, and the prosperity he has acquired is the visible evidence of his
good judgment and his progressiveness in a work to which he is devoting the
best energies of his life.
Z. T. DUNHAM.
A member of one of the well known pioneer families of Crawford county
and a highly successful farmer. Z. T. Dunham is recognized as one of the for-
tunate citizens of Iowa. He lives on the farm upon which he was reared, it
being one of the most beautiful places in this part of the state, widely known
as the Pioneer Stock Farm. He was born in Maquoketa, Jackson county, Iowa,
December 17, 1849, a son of Cornelius Dunham, Sr., and Margaret Scott (Miller)
Dunham. The father was a native of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, and
his father was born in England and engaged in fishing on the coast of Cape
Cod.
Cornelius Dunham, Sr., was the youngest son in a family of nine children
and appears to have been of a roving disposition in his early years. He left home
before arriving at manhood and traveled extensively through the eastern states
and Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin. X'irginia and the Carolinas. arriving in
Iowa early in the '40s. He began farming near Maquoketa and continued there
until 1849, when in company with Franklin Prentice he came to Crawford
county in a prairie schooner drawn by oxen, being the first white man to locate
in this county. He made his home for two and one-half years in East Boyer
township, and then removed to a place on section ;^;^, Boyer township,
which became the family homestead. He shipped the first hogs and cattle
to Chicago in 1861 that were sent out of this county. In November of that
year he started with about two hundred head of hogs and twenty head of cattle
to drive to Marshalltown, the nearest railroad point. Upon loading his animals
he found that he had only two carloads of hogs, the others having escaped in
the course of the drive, but none of the cattle were missing. At another time
he went with a boatload of dressed hogs to St. Louis and while in that city the
river froze up so that it became necessary for him to return home overland.
He purchased a pony, which he rode on the return journey, sleeping out at night
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 377
in the woods. One day he met a band of Indians, from whom he purchased a
pair of moccasins as he was sadly in need of covering for his feet. Shortly
afterward, as he continued homeward, a second band of Indians came in sight
who proved to be hostile to the tribe which he had left behind a short time pre-
viously. They recognized the moccasins as having been made by their enemies
and at once gave evidence of great excitement. Understanding the Indian nature
from frequent contact with the red men, ^Ir. Dunham instantly removed his
moccasins from his feet and handed them to the Indians. They immediately
cut the moccasins to pieces but replaced them with another pair equally as good
and the traveler resumed his journey in safety. He became one of the principal
men in this section of the state and at the time of his death, which occurred in
1865, he was the owner of thirty-three hundred acres of land, which in his
opinion as an extensive traveler was as rich as any that could be found in the
United States. He w^as in full sympathy with the republican party and before
the war was an outspoken abolitionist. He also was in sympathy with the Meth-
odist church, of which he was a member in his early manhood.
Cornelius Dunham, Sr., was twice married and four children by his first
marriage grew to maturity, John A., Louisa, Sophronia and Cornelius Jr., all of
whom are now deceased. Five children were born of the union of Cornelius and
Margaret Dunham, namely: Margaret, who is now the wife of J. N. Obanion,
of Boyer township; Martha, who is now living at Dunlap, Iowa; Samuel, of
Braydentown, Florida; Jasper, who died in infancy; and Z. T., of this review.
The first husband of Mrs. Dunham was Samuel Miller and five children were
born of this union: James, Elizabeth, I\Iary Jane, George, and one who died
in infancy. Mary Jane went away with the Mormons and was married to a
member of that organization, nothing more ever having been heard of her
until after her death.
Z. T. Dunham received his early education mainly at home under a private
tutor. Subsequently he attended a seminary in Illinois. He has always con-
tinued upon the old homestead, which is endeared to him by many associations.
He is now the owner of eight hundred and eighty acres, most of which is under
a high state of cultivation. He has made many improvements upon the farm,
including a modern residence provided with all desirable facilities and a large
brick barn, which is one of the notable buildings in this part of the county. He
has attained an enviable reputation as a breeder of polled Durham cattle and
was a charter member of an organization in 1889 whose members devote their
attention to this breed.
In 1871 Mr. Dunham was united in marriage to Miss Emma Lane, a native
of Illinois, and seven children were born to them : Artz L., now living in Boyer
township; Clifford S., who is connected with the musical department of the
Colorado State University at Boulder, Colorado; Carrie Widney. of ^vlorrison,
Illinois; R. W., at home; C. A., who lives with his brother, Artz L. ; Jennie
Margaret, who is attending college at Cedar Falls, Iowa; and Frederick, de-
ceased.
Mr. Dunham has witnessed the marvelous development in Crawford county
—a portion of the state which was largely unoccupied when he was a youth and
is now one of the richest sections of Iowa. He has assisted very materially in
378 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
bringing about this great transformation. Politically he gives his support to
the republican party, belonging to that branch of the organization known as the
"standpatters." He has not sought the honors or emoluments of public life
but has served in various township offices. In religious belief he gives his ad-
herence to the Methodist Episcopal church and has faithfully served for many
years as a member of the board of trustees of the local organization.
JOHN J. McWILLIAMS, M. D.
It would be difficult to designate a name more honored in Crawford county
than that of Dr. John J. AlcWilliams. For twenty-eight years he has been
identitied with the medical profession in this county and during the last twenty-
four years has been a resident of Charter Oak. He was born at Denison, June
5, i860, a son of Dr. David McWilliams, who practiced in Crawford county
for more than forty years, passing away at Denison in 1898 at the age of eighty-
one years. He was a native of Belfast, Ireland, and after coming to this coun-
try spent several years at Pontiac, Illinois, but removed to Crawford county,
Iowa, in 1857, eight years after the first permanent settlement was made in this
county. He became one of the most noted physicians in this part of the state.
He was twice married, and by his first marriage two children were born : Hugh
C, who engaged in farming and is now living retired at Denison; and David
H., a large landowner and druggist who is living retired at Charter Oak. The
second wife of Dr. McWilliams was Mary Cleghorn before her marriage. She
was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and became the mother of seven children,
namely: Charles, who died at the age of two years; John J., the subject of this
review; Elizabeth J., now the wife of J. S. Xesbit, a farmer of Missouri; Char-
ley ^1., who is in the government service at Denison; Marie A., now the wife
of Henry Slater, a farmer of Denison; Emma, the wife of Albert Healey, who
is in the furniture business at Oto^ Iowa ; and Lillian, the wife of Rev. L. C.
McCuen, of Kearney, Nebraska.
John J. McWilliams received his preliminary education in the common
schools, and, having decided to follow in the footsteps of his fatiier. entered
the Keokuk (Iowa) Medical College at the age of nineteen, comi)leting the
course available in that institution, after which he matriculated in Rush Medical
College of Chicago, from which he was graduated with a degree of M. D. in
1883. Immediately after leaving college he began practice at Denison but four
years later removed to Charter Oak, where he has ever since made his home.
Of the three physicians now in this place he was the pioneer and he is recog-
nized as one of the foremost medical practitioners in the county. He opened
the first drug store in Charter Oak, which he maintained for twenty years, dis-
posing of it in 1904 in order to devote his entire time to a large and growing
practice.
On the 15th of April, 1883, Dr. McWilliams was united in marriage to Miss
Ada C. Lyon, who was born at Morrison, Illinois, in 1862, daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. N. J. Lyon, both of whom were natives of Vermont. There were five
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 379
â– children in their family, namely: Nellie, now the wife of Daniel Fegan, of Clin-
ton, Iowa; Julia, who died at the age of fifty-one years; Harley, of Morrison,
Illinois; Ada C, now Mrs. John J. McWilliams ; and Frank, also of Morrison.
Two children came to bless the union of Dr. and Mrs. McWilliams: Nellie L.,
who was born July 2, 1884, and is now attending business college; and Homer
D., who was born February i, 1889, and is a graduate of the high school. He
is living at home.
Dr. McWilliams and his wife are faithful members of the Methodist church
and active workers in its behalf. PoHtically he has ever since arriving at man-
hood given his support to the republican party and his voice has often been
heard in its councils. He served for nine years as postmaster of Charter Oak
under Presidents Harrison, Cleveland and McKinley. He has been a member of
the city council ever since its organization and is now serving his third term
as mayor of the town. He has -been from the beginning of his professional
career a close student not only of the best books relating to the science and art
of healing but also of the best magazines and reviews. He has learned much
in the course of an extensive practice that is not to be found in print, and as he
is a thinking man of original views he is not closely bound by tradition but often
uses his independent judgment to excellent advantage. He possesses the entire
confidence of the community and also of the medical profession in Crawford
and adjoining counties.
THOMAS E. ABBOTT.
In the magnificent state of Iowa are many men who through their own in-
defatigable industry have won deserved recognition as progressive and substan-
tial citizens. Of this number is Thomas E. Abbott, who owns a highly improved
farm of two hundred acres in Jackson township, Crawford county. He is a na-
tive of Lincolnshire, England, born in November, 185 1, a son of Thomas Abbott,
who was also born in Lincolnshire. The mother before her marriage was Ann
Clement, a sister of Thomas B. Clement, who is well known in Crawford county
as one of its leading stockmen. The father and mother both died at their old
home in England, the former passing away at the age of sixty-eight years. He
devoted his attention to farming and was one of the substantial citizens of the
community. In religious faith he was an Episcopalian.
Thomas E. Abbott grew to manhood under the paternal roof and received
his education in the common schools, assisting when not busy with his books
in work upon the home farm. He thus became well acquainted with the details
pertaining to agriculture and stock-raising. In 1871, being ambitious to take
advantage of the best opportunities that could be found anywhere, he crossed
the ocean to America and spent a few days in Chicago, Illinois, taking observa-
tions on American life and manners just before the great fire. Coming to Clin-
ton county, Iowa, he engaged in farm work for six years and in 1878 came to
Jackson township, Crawford county, later removing to the western part of the
county. In 1886, having acquired the necessary capital, he purchased two hun-
380 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
dred acres in Jackson township from his uncle, Thomas Clement, upon which
he established his home. He has engaged during the years that have since passed
in general farming and stock-raising. As he has a thorough understanding of
his business and uses good judgment, he has met with a marked degree of suc-
cess and his farm is one of the most attractive places in the township.
In February, 1879. in Clinton county, Mr. Abbott was united in marriage to
Miss Ambrosia Wickware and five children were born of this union, namely,
Anna A., James Edward, Robert D., Pearl May and Fay. Pearl May died at the
age of seventeen years and nine months. Fay is now eleven years of age. The
mother of these children having died, Mr. Abbott was married December i, 1899,
to Mary Voss.
As is indicated in this review^, Mr. Abbott has been the architect and builder
of his own fortune and he has now attained a position of comparative ease. He
is genial and accommodating in disposition and is highly popular in the section in
which he has made his home for many years, being esteemed as one of its best
farmers. Politically he gives his allegiance to the democratic party. He has held
most of the minor township offices and in the discharge of his duties displayed a.
fairness and efficiency that met the general approbation of the people.
JOHN EHLER.
One of the extensive property owners of Schleswig, who for many years was
identified with the agricultural interests of Crawford county, is John Ehler, who
is now living on an eighty acre tract in Otter Creek township, which he rents
as he is devoting his entire time and energies to the buying and shipping of stock.
He is a native of Germany, being the third child of his parents. Matt and Caro-
line Ehler. His natal day was the 27th of September, 1867. Of the six children
in the family but five reached maturity, Agnes, the youngest, having died in in-
fancy. The other four are : Julius, Ludwig, Richard and Matilda, the first three
are residents of Ida county, this state, but the latter has never left the father-
land. The mother passed away in Germany and in 1893 the father decided to
come to the United States. He first settled in Ida county, Iowa, and after living
there about seven years he removed to Crawford county, where he resided for
three years, and then returned to Ida county, where he continued to live until his
death at the age of seventy-seven years.
The boyhood and youth of John Ehler were spent in the land of his nativity,
but having decided that America afiforded greater opportunities he crossed the
Atlantic and transferred his citizenship to the United States. During the first two
years of his residence in this country he worked on a farm in Jackson county, and
then removed to Ida county but after following the same occupation there for
three years came to Crawford county, where lie liired out for two years longer.
At the end of that time he had acquired the necessary means to buy an eighty
acre tract, where he engaged in general farming and stock-raising. For ten years
he made a specialtv of the latter and bought and sold land, owning at various
times one thousand acres. He has met with more than moderate success in his
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 381
different ventures and now owns one hundred and sixty acres in Otter Creek
township, another quarter section in Ida county, a similar amount in Monroe
county and one-half section in Woodbury county, making the aggregation of his
holdings in this state nine hundred and sixty acres, all of which he has rented.
In addition to his country real estate he owns several business blocks and resi-
dences in Schleswig, all of which bring him good rentals. He has always been
an energetic, active man and although he is well able to retire, having a com-
petence which is sufficiently large to provide him with all of the comforts and
many of the luxuries of life, he is still engaged in the buying and selling of stock,
from- which he is realizing profitable returns.
Mr. Ehler was united in marriage to Miss Dora Suckstorf, who is one of the
two daughters born unto Henry and Catherine (Hoffelt) Suckstorf. The older
daughter, Wilhelmina, became the wife of Laurence Petersen and is now living
in Morgan township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Ehler have become the parents
of four children but Lurie, the eldest, is deceased, and those surviving are Clara,
Eddie and Edna, all of whom are at home.
The family are identified with the Lutheran denomination and fraternally
Mr. Ehler is affiliated with the Modern Woodmen. The candidates of the demo-
cratic party always receive his support, as he has been identified with that party
ever since granted the right of franchise. He is not an office seeker, as his
private interests absorb the greater part of his time and thought, but he fulfills
the requirements of good citizenship by going to the polls on election day and
casting a ballot for the men and measures of his party. He is a man who by his
forceful personality and business acumen must needs command the respect of
those who come in contact with him, at the same time his .fine regard for the
rights of others and his fairness in all transactions accords him the esteem of
those with whom he has dealings.
JOHN HAGGE.
A successful farmer and a faithful public officer, John Hagge deservedly
ranks high in the estimation of the people of Crawford county. He is a native of
this county and from his earliest recollection has been closely identified with its
agricultural interests, being now the owner of a beautiful farm in Hayes town-
ship, of which he has just reason to be proud. He was born June 20, 1869, and
is a son of Heinrich and Sophia Magdalena (Grage) Hagge, record of whom ap-
pears elsewhere in this work.
John Hagge received the advantages of education in the common schools and
from his early boyhood gave evidence of special adaptability to agricultural pur-
suits. He continued upon the home farm until he reached the age of twenty-
two and then began life on his own account by renting two hundred acres in
Crawford county, which he cultivated to good advantage for five years. He then
bought one hundred and sixty acres in Hayes township, where he has since car-
ried on general farming and stock-raising. He makes use of the best facilities
382 HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
in his work and no farm in the county can claim much better results. His home
is modern and the general appearance of the place gives evidence of marked pros-
perity. He is also the owner of valuable property in West Side.
On March i, 1892, Mr. Hagge was united in marriage to Miss Anna M.
Thiedeman, a daughter of Claus and Margaretta (Gruenwald) Thiedeman, of
Crawford county, and one child, Gertrude, has come to bless this union, her natal
day being March 10, 1904.
Mr. Hagge is a man of general intelligence and broad views. His ideas are
such as command respect wherever he is known and he always has at heart the
best interests of the county. It is owing to men of his energy and character that
Crawford county occupies an enviable position among the counties of the state.
Politically he has since arriving at manhood given his allegiance to the demo-
cratic party. He has been very active in its councils and highly efficient as a
worker. His efforts have met with due appreciation by his friends and neigh-
bors and he was elected township clerk, in which position he served faithfully
for sixteen years. At the present time he is a member of the board of county
supervisors and through his good judgment and thorough knowledge of the con-
ditions of the county and the wants of the people he has been largely instrumen-
tal in promoting the interests of this section. He is a firm believer in the
authority of the Old and Xew Testaments and a valued member of the Lutheran
church.
HENRY SUCKSTORF.
Among the young men who are attaining success as farmers in Morgan town-
ship Henry Suckstorf occupies an honorable position, being the owner of a val-
uable place of one hundred and sixty acres which he is cultivating- to excellent
advantage. He represents the second generation of the family in the township
and was born August 22, 1884, a son of George and Lena (Groth) Suckstorf,
both of whom were born in Germany. They were married in America and
settled in Iowa, the father acquiring a farm of two hundred and forty acres in
Morgan township. Crawford county, upon which he lived until his death, which
occurred in 1896. He was twice married, his first wife dying in 1882. She
left one child, Emma, who died at the age of twelve years. In 1884 Mr. Suck-
storf was married to Miss Lena Groth, a sister of his first wife, and of this
union three children were born : Henry, of this review ; Maggie, who is now at
home ; and John, also at home. The mother has remarried and lives in Mor-
gan township.
Henry Suckstorf received his preliminary education in the district schools
and later attended the Denison Normal School for one term. He remained at
home until twenty-one years of age and then began working by the month for
neighboring farmers. After three years he was placed in possession of one hun-
dred and sixty acres on section 15, ^Morgan township, a part of the family
homestead, and is now the owner of this property. He has provided his farm
with a e-ood residence, barn and outbuildings and also with all modern acces-
MR. AXD ]\niS. HENRY SUavSTORF
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 385
sories and conveniences. The success he is meeting with is due to his capable
management and he is recognized as one of the prosperous business men of this
part of the county.
On the 5th of February, 1908, Mr. Suckstorf was united in marriage to Miss
Sophia Stockfleth, who was born in Germany, March 4, 1886, a daughter of
Henry and Henrietta (Lorensen) Stockfleth, both of whom were born in Ger-
many and came to America in 1903, setthng in Crawford county, Iowa, where
they are now Hving. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Stockfleth, namely :
Freda, the wife of Hans Jess, of Denison; Anna, the wife of Carl Borgen, of
Germany; Henry, of Crawford county; Minnie, who became the wife of Bar-
ney Clausen, of Washington; Sophia, now Mrs. Henry Suckstorf; Amanda,
.the wife of Adolph Jochims, of Crawford county; Laura, the wife of Carl
Moltman; Anthony and Julia, both of whom are deceased; and Anthony II,
who is living with his parents in this county. One child, Harry, came to bless
the union of Mr. and Mrs. Suckstorf, the date of his birth being August 14, 1909.
Mr. Suckstorf and his wife are both identified with the German Lutheran
church and are sincere believers in its teachings. Their hospitable home is the
favorite gathering place of their many friends and wherever he is known Mr.
Suckstorf is respected for his sterling characteristics, and as a business man he
justly ranks high in Crawford county. His life has been governed by hon-
orable principles and few men of his age in this part of the state can claim a
more favorable outlook.
PAUL F. FIENE.
One of the younger business men of Charter Oak, Iowa, who by his efiforts
in early life has risen to a prominent position in the commercial circles of his
home town is Paul F. Fiene, cashier and manager of the First National Bank.
He was born in Chicago, April 7, 1875, a son of G. F. and Margaret (Fink)
Fiene. His father was born in Rodenwald, Hanover, Germany, December 20,
1842, and came with his parents, Fred and Dorothea (Kruse) Fiene, to this
country, settling in Addison, Illinois, in 1846. After securing such education as
could be obtained in the public schools he worked at the cabinet-maker's trade
and also learned the butchering business, continuing thus employed until 1864,
when he removed to Chicago and was there married to Miss Margaret Fink,
May 20, 1866. Of this union the following eight children were born : Carl A.,
who lives in Orange, California; Martha, now the wife of Herman Lorentzen,
of Denison; Anna, who married M. M. Black of Charter Oak; Paul F. ; Ernst,
who was born February i, 1879, and is a minister of the Lutheran church at
Niagara Falls, New York ; Martin, who resides in Aberdeen, South Dakota ;
Emma and Susanna, who are living at home with their mother.
Fred Fiene continued to follow the cabinet-maker's trade in Chicago and
by careful economy was enabled to save enough from his wages to build a com-
fortable home, but unfortunately just after its completion it and all of his other
possessions were destroyed by the great Chicago fire of 1871. Although the house
Vol. n— 21
386
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY
was insured for one thousand, seven hundred dollars he only received eleven dol-
lars, as the fire insurance companies were compelled to go into bankruptcy. How-
ever, Mr. Fiene erected another house but, becoming discouraged at the pros-
pects, in 1875 he came to Hanover township, Crawford county, Iowa, and here
settled on one hundred and sixty acres of raw and unbroken prairie land, which
he proceeded to break and cultivate, and here he built a little home for his fam-
ilv. He improved his place and later bought sixty acres more. He resided there
until 189-'. when he disposed of this property and jnirchased a two hundred and
forty acre farm near Charter Oak. where he followed general farming and stock-
raising until 1903, when he retired from active life and made his home in Charter
Oak, selling his farm in 1906. His death occurred January 22, 1907.
Mrs. Margaret I'iene. the mother of Paul F., was born in Langer, Hesse-
Darmstadt, Germany, June 4, 1845. her parents being Fred and Susanna (Keime)
Fink, the former of whom was born September 3, 1822. and the latter October
22, 1820. The father emigrated from Hesse-Darmstadt in 1847. arriving in
Chicago with only eight dollars in his possession. He secured employment on a
farm near that city and later was engaged in various occupations, during which
time he managed to save enough money to buy a one acre plot of land in the
vicinity of what is now Lincoln Park. This steadily increased in value and even-
tually he sold a one-eighth part of his plot for five hundred dollars, which formed
a nucleus for his subsequent business enterprises, and he began building houses
and selling them at a liberal profit. He also handled real estate and continued
to follow both undertakings until he had acquired a comfortable competence,
solely the result of his individual efiforts and business acumen. To Mr. and Mrs.
Fink were born nine children, of whom four daughters survive, as follows :
Margaret, the widow of G. F. Fiene; Mrs. August Schultz, who resides in
Schleswig. Iowa; Johanna, the wife of Martin Kretchmer; Adelheid, who mar-
ried Theodore Gottman and lives in Chicago.
After passing through the various grades of the German Lutheran parochial
school in Hanover townshij). Crawford county, Paul F. Fiene pursued a general
business course. He remained at home, assisting his father on the farm, until
twenty-three years old. when he entered the employ of the I-'irst National Bank
at Charter Oak as bookkeeper, a position he held until 1901, when his efficiency
was recognized and he was promoted cashier and transferred to a branch bank
of the same firm at Rickctts, Iowa. There he remained for three years and
then, in 1904. returned to Charter Oak to take up the duties of cashier and general
manager of the Thirst National Bank. This is one of the solid financial institu-
tions of the state, having a capital of forty thousand dollars, with a surplus of
$10,000, and besides general banking it does a real-estate and insurance business.
Mr. Fiene is financially interested in the bank and also owns three hundred and
twenty acres of farm land in South Dakota, upon which he has made all up-to-date
improvements, the house and buildings being equii)ped with every modern con-
venience. The old homestead in Addison, where Mr. Fiene's father first set-
tled, is now owned by his cousin. Otto Fiene.
On .August 12, 1905. Mr. Fiene was united in marriage to Miss Julia Dicke,
of Shawano county. Wisconsin, a daughter of the Rev. P. H. and Catherine
(Dctzler) Dicke. the former of whom is a native of Wurtemberg, Germany.
HISTORY OF CRAWFORD COUNTY 387
He studied for the ministry in his youth and all his life has been spent in preach-
ing the gospel as understood by the German Lutheran church. His active labors
have now ceased, however, and at the age of ninety years he is enjoying the re-
sults of a well spent Christian life. To Mr. and Mrs. Fiene has been born one
child, a daughter, named Irma.
Mr. Fiene has always given his active support to the republican party and
while his business affairs preeminently occupy his close attention he has found
time to serve his township in public office, holding the position of town clerk
for two terms, when he resigned. At present he is serving as a member of the
school board. In his religious views he has always been a consistent adherent
of the Lutheran faith. He is a man, still young in years, who, by his persever-
ance, pluck and unfailing industry, has won for himself a place in the foremost
ranks among his fellow citizens, who know him to be thoroughly reliable in
all his business dealings, as well as devoted to the best interests of the com-
munity in which he resides.
FRANK HEMMINGER.
Frank Hemminger, who' owns a valuable farm in Iowa township and occu-
pies a beautiful home provided with all modern conveniences, recalls clearly the
time when this section of the county, now dotted with farm houses, was mostly
wild land and the principal means of travel was by wagon or on horseback. Al-
though it was only a third of a century ago the conditions were as primitive
in many respects as during the very early pioneer period of the state. The
railroad, the telegraph, the telephone and many other conveniences of modern
times have effected a marvelous change. The appearance of the country has
been transformed and today the farmer possesses many of the advantages of
long settled communities and at the same time enjoys an independence and
freedom of action unknown to dwellers in the cities.
Frank Hemminger was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, January i8,
1858, and is a son of Joseph and Susanna Hemminger, both of whom were na-
tives of the Keystone state. The father was of Irish and German descent and
spent his entire life as a farmer in Pennsylvania. There were thirteen children
in the family, namely: Harriet and Lucinda, both of Pennsylvania; Israel, de-
ceased; Adeline, also of Pennsylvania; Jacob; Cyrus, deceased; David and
Nora, both of Pennsylvania ; Edward, of South Dakota ; Frank ; Ferdinand, of
South Dakota ; and Benjamin and Marcellus, both of whom are deceased.
After receiving his education in the country schools of his native state, Frank
Hemminger continued at the parental home until he reached the age of nine-
teen years. He then came west to Indianola, Iowa, where he
