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HISTORY OF
FRANKLIN COUNTY
IOWA
A Record of Settlement, Organization, Progress
and Achievement
By I. L. STUART
Supervising Editor
VOLUME II
ILLUSTRATED
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1914
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THE NEW YO!\K
PUBLIC LIBRARY
700293
AST OR, LE:jO.'< and
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
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BIOGRAPHICAL
JUDGE WILLIAM D. EVANS.
Judge William D. Evans, of the Iowa supreme court bench,
was born May lo, 1852, a son of Evan J. Evans, who was born in
1810, in the country of Wales. In 1847, he became a resident of
Utica, New York, where he remained for one year. Subsequently,
he removed to Racine', Wisconsin, where in 1849 he married Ann
Davis, also a native of Wales, and afterward went to Williamsburg,
Iowa, where he continued to preach as a minister of the Congre-
gational church. He was a prominent representative of the clergy of
that denomination and devoted his life to this holy calling. He
passed away on the i8th of January, 1884, and is survived by Mrs.
Evans, who yet resides in Williamsburg.
Judge William D. Evans, one of a family of eleven children,
seven of whom are now living, was largely reared in Williamsburg,
acquiring his early education in the schools of that city. In 1873,
however, he became a student in the Iowa State University and in
1878 completed the literary course and in 1879 the law course.
He taught school both before and after his graduation but regarded
that merely as an initial step to other professional activity. In
September, 1879, he came to Hampton, where he became a mem-
ber of the law firm of Taylor & Evans. They enjoyed an extensive
practice, having clients throughout the northern part of the state.
Mr. Evans was recognized as one of the eminent attorneys of the
northern Iowa bar. It was evident from the beginning that he pre-
pared his cases with great thoroughness and skill, and the logic of
his deductions was based upon a comprehensive knowledge and
understanding of the law combined with the ability to accurately
apply its principles. Recognition of his power in the courts came
to him when, on the ist of January, 1903, he became district judge
of the eleventh judicial district of Iowa, after the election held pre-
viously in the fall of 1902. One competent to judge said: "Few
6 HISTORY OF FRAN KI. IX COUNTY
men have lillcd the position as well ami none better." He served
a lour years' term and the indorsement of his judicial ability came
to him in his reelection in 1907. He had previously served as county
attorney. In 1908, following the death of Judge Bishop, of the
Iowa supreme court, Judge Evans was appointed to fill out the
unexpired term and at the subsequent election was chosen to serve
until 1910. At the regular election of that year he was once more
returned to the bencli for the regular six years" term, which will
continue him as a member of Iowa's highest tribunal until 1916.
He is recognized as the peer of the ablest who have sat in this court
of last resort. He is ever clear in his interpretation of the law, and
his opinions are based upon a comprehensive review of the evidence.
Strictly impartial at all times, they arc to be regarded as models of
judicial soundness, and his fitness and ability for the higli position
which he holds arc indicated by the strong indorsement which he
received from the bar of the state. While in active practice he
handled many interesting cases, both civil and criminal, the court
records of the state bearing testimony to his talent, his resourceful-
ness and his power in iiandling and assembling facts and in indicat-
ing clearly their close relation to given principles of law.
On the 29th of October, 1879, Judge Evans was united in mar-
riage to Miss Julia Stark, a daughter of Benjamin Barber and Ade-
laide A. (Wise) Stark, of Woodstock, Illinois, the former a
prominent farmer and teacher there. Judge and Mrs. Evans have
become the parents of six children: Evan Stark, born October 20,
1880, a promising physician at Grinnell, Iowa; William Donald,
who was born July 2, 1882, and is a well known attorney at Des
Moines; Julia Gwendolyn, who was born October 15, 1885, and is
now the wife of E. J. Jagua, assistant to the president of Grinnell
College; Alice Adelaide, born November 18, 1887; John Stark,
July 27, 1891 ; and David Benjamin, February 12, 1900. Five of the
children are graduates of Grinnell College.
Judge Evans has always been interested in the cause of educa-
tion and has done effective work as a helpful member of the school
bf)ard of Hampton. Aside from his profession he is widely known
in public connections. He is one of the stockholders of the Citizens
National Bank, is an extensive landowner of Franklin county, and .
aside from his activities for individual profit he is well known for
his activities in support of progressve public movements looking to
the betterment and welfare of town, county and state. In politics he
is a stanch republican, believing firmly in the basic principles of the
partv. He is equallv stanch in his opposition to the saloon and in
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 7
this as in all other things is well balanced, for he does not believe
in the revolutionary methods which some would follow in doing
away with the liquor traffic. In the Congregational church, of
which he is a member, he has served as trustee and is now a deacon.
His home is the largest and most attractively furnished residence
in the town, and its hospitality is greatly appreciated by the many
friends of the family. Judge Evans' interests are many and varied
and each have to do with progress in some way. His professional
career has been one of steady advancement from the position of an
obscure and unknown attornev to that of judge of the supreme court.
It is a well known fact that advancement at the bar is proverbially
slow and that only merit can win recognition in the difficult and
arduous profession of the law. Close study, persistency and a wise
use of the talents with which nature endowed him have brought
Judge Evans to the distinguished position which he now occupies.
ADOLPH MEYER.
Adolph Meyer is today the only one of the pioneer merchants
remaining in Hampton and has been appointed postmaster for a
term of years by President Wilson. For a long period he has been
connected with commercial pursuits here, and the success he has
achieved is the logical outcome and the merited reward of per-
sistent, earnest and intelligently directed efifort. He was born in
Wisconsin, March 12, 1851, and is a son of Henry and Sophia
(Baumgardner) Meyer, both of whom were natives of Switzerland.
Coming to the new world, they settled in Missouri, and subsequently
went to Wisconsin, whence in 18157 they arrived in Franklin countv.
Iowa. They took up their abode in West Fork township, where they
lived until Mr. Meyer was elected county recorder, at which time
they removed to Hampton, where their remaining davs were passed.
As a pioneer settler he took an active and helpful interest in the
development and material progress of the county and as a citizen
was interested in all that pertained to its welfare and upbuilding.
To him and his wife were born ten children, of whom four are yet
living. Adolph Meyer, the youngest of the family, was twenty
years of age when he left home and went to Wichita, Kansas, where
he continued for a vear. He then returned to Franklin county and was
thereafter engaged in farming for two years. He next embarked
in general merchandising, which he has since followed. He has pur-
8 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
chased a Hue brick, buihling, which lie occupies with a large and
attractive line of goods, and he is today the only pioneer merchant
remaining in Hampton. His store is liberally patronized, and at
all times he keeps in touch with enterprising business methods and
has ever been found thoroughly honorable and reliable.
On the 3d of March, 1873, Mr. Meyer married Miss Sarah L.
Gilchrist, a native of Pennsylvania, and to them have been born
three children: Cora, now deceased; Ethel, the wife of W. F.
Locke, of Spencer, Iowa; and Coral, at home. Mr. Meyer gives
his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never been
an office seeker. However, his worth has been recognized by his
appointment, by President Wilson, as postmaster for a term of four
years.
The cause of education finds in him a stalwart friend and for
eleven years he has served as school director. He belongs to the
Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Knights of Pythias
fraternity and his religious faith is evidenced in his membership
in the Alethodist church. His has been an upright, honorable life,
characterized by energy and enterprise in business afifairs and by
lovaltv in friendship.
HENRY PAULLUS.
Henry Paullus has been connected with agricultural interests^
of Franklin county since 1891, and his success is demonstrated in
the fact of his ownership of an e.xcellent property of one hundred
and ninety-four acres on sections 19 and 20, Mott township. He
was born in Wisconsin, August q, 1868, and is a son of Fred and
Elizabeth (Kaus) Paullus, natives of Germany. In their family
were fourteen children, of whom seven have passed away.
Henry Paullus began his independent career when he was twen-
ty-three years of age, renting one hundred and sixty acres of excel-
lent land in Scott township, this county. The next year he rented
two hundred acres in Wisner township and operated this for two
years, after which he purchased his present property on sections
19 and 20, Mott township. He has since engaged in general farm-
ing and stock raising upon this property, which he has provided
with modern buildings and excellent machinery, the entire place
reflecting his able management and careful supervision.
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 9
On February 24, 1892, Mr. Paullus married Miss Emma Mea-
ning, a daughter of John and Barbara (Stopple) Menning, natives
of Bavaria, Germany, who after their arrival in America located in
Wisconsin, whence they moved to Franklin county, Iowa, in 1870.
The father was born September 24, 1827, and is a son of John and
Elizabeth (Koenig) Menning, also natives of Bavaria. After he
arrived in Franklin county he settled on section 13, Marion town-
ship, and on the 9th of April, 1872, purchased one hundred and
sixty acres of land there. He and his wife became the parents of
nine children: John; Michael; George A.; Margaret; Elizabeth;
Barbara; Fred H.; Andrew; and Emma C, wife of the subject of
this review. Mr. and Mrs. Paullus became the parents of eight
children: a son who died in infancy; Fred J.; George H.; Mvrtle
R. ; J. C. ; Evelyn E. ; Ethel V.; and a child as yet unnamed.
Mr. Paullus is a member of the Christian church. He gives
his political allegiance to the democratic party and has served in
various township offices. He has lived in Franklin county for many
years and during that time has risen to a high place in the ranks of
progressive agriculturists and useful citizens.
RICHARD RODEMEYER, Sr.
Richard Rodemeyer, Sr., became the owner of four hundred
acres of valuable land in Franklin county, Iowa, and his property
holdings were the visible evidences of a life of well directed thrift
and intelligent efifort. He was born in Landesbergen, in the king-
dom of Hanover, Germany, October 21, 1845, and in childhood
lost his father. His mother afterward came to America, where
she resided for a number of years prior to her demise. In the com-
mon schools of his native country Richard Rodemeyer pursued his
education and in June, 1866, when in the twenty-first year of his age,
he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, making his way to Chicago.
The reports concerning the favorable business opportunities of
America led him to make this change in residence, and he continued
in Chicago until after the great fire in that city in October, 1871.
It was on the i8th of February, 1872, that Mr. Rodemeyer was
united in marriage to Miss Hulda StefTen, who was then living with
her sister in Chicago. She was born December 26, 1842, at Schief-
elbein, Prussia, Germany, and when a small child was left an orphan.
Her father was a goverment forester and subsequent to his death
10 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
and that of her mother Mrs. Rodemeyer went to London, Enghind,
and thence came to the United States.
Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Rodemeyer removed
from Chicago to Waterloo, Iowa, where for three years he engaged
in farming. On the expiration of that period they took up their
abode in Franklin county, and as a result of his careful management
and judicious investment Mr. Rodemeyer became the owner of four
hundred acres of fine land. Year after year he carefullv tilled the
soil and as time passed on his well cultivated crops brought him a
substantial financial return. At length he determined to retire and
spend his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned and well
merited rest. Accordingly in igoq he left the farm and he and his
wife took up their abode in Latimer.
They were the parents of seven sons and two daughters: Louie
F. D. ; Herman H. and William, twins; Richard; Pauline; Fred-
erick D., manager for the Interstate Lumber Company at Alexan-
der, Iowa; Edward, who died January 17, 1904; Ernest D. ; and
Lena. The first break in the family circle was occasioned by the
death of the son Edward in 1904. Nine years later Mr. Rodenieyer
passed away, dying on the 20th of August, 1913, after an illness of
nearly six weeks. Both he and his wife were members of the
Lutheran church and its teachings proved the guiding spirit in their
lives. In politics Mr. Rodemeyer was a stanch democrat. He
was fond of reading and during his leisure hours was usually found
with book or paper in his hand. He thus became a well informed
man and one who could converse in interesting manner upon any of
the subjects of general public moment. During his long residence
in Iowa he made many friends and the high esteem in which he was
uniformly held by his acquaintances indicated the sterling worth of
his character.
HON. ORSON G. REEVE.
Hon. Orson G. Reeve, representing his district in the state legis-
lature and recognized for many years as one of the representative
citizens of Franklin county, makes his home in Hampton, where
he has lived since retiring from active farm life, having turned over
the management and cultivation of his farm to his sons. He was born
in Ashtabula, Ohio, July 4, 1846, his parents being James B. and
Hox. ORSox r;. rf.kve
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 13
Adeline (Riggs) Reeve, both of whom were natives of Connecticut.
The father came to Iowa in October, 1852, and here established a
home for his family upon a farm in Reeve township. He was one of
the pioneer settlers here, assisting in the organization of the county
and was the first county judge. In many ways he left the impress
of his individuality upon the progress and development of this sec-
tion of the state. He took, up the first claim in the county and Reeve
township was named in his honor. At the time of the Civil war he
raised Company H, of the Thirty-second Iowa Infantry, was elected
its captain, went to the front and in June, 1863, died at Fort Pillow,
Tennessee. His wife has also passed away. They were- the parents
of eleven children: Fernando L., who was a member of the Ninth
Iowa Infantry in the Civil war and died in Andersonville prison
in August, 1864; Theodore H., who was also a member of the same
regiment and is now engaged in the practice of law and also con-
ducts a real-estate business at Dewey, Oklahoma; Orilla M., who
is the wife of John T. James, of Arkansas; Orson G. ; Beulah M.,
deceased; John R., who is engaged in the coal and grain business
in Hampton; Susan M., the wife of H. A. Clock, of Long Beach,
California; Albert, living in Reeve township; Ella, the wife of F.
Foster, of St. Marys, Idaho; Herman D., who was secretary to
Congressman Hall and is now practicing law in Washington, D. C. ;
and Emily A., teacher in a missionary school in India.
Orson G. Reeve was a little lad of but seven years when brought
by his parents to this county, where he was reared and educated,
having the usual experiences of the pioneer lad who is reared on the
frontier. He was but seventeen years of age, when in June, 1863,
about the time of his father's death, he ofifered his services to the
government as a union soldier, joining Company G, Eighth Iowa
Calvary, with which he served for two years, being honorably dis-
charged on the 30th of September, 1865, at Macon, Georgia. He
participated in a number of hotly contested engagements and went
through all the rigors and hardships of war, yet had not attained
his majority, when after two years of service at the front he returned
home. At once he resumed farming and has always lived in Reeve
township. He made agricultural pursuits his life work and is still
the owner of two hundred and forty acres of rich, valuable and
productive land, which is now being cultivated by his sons while,
having retired from business cares, Mr. Reeve is spending his days
in the enjoyment of well earned rest. He removed to Hampton on
the ist of March, 1913, and there occupies a beautiful and com-
modious home.
14 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
In politics Mr. Reeve has always been a stalwart republican,
casting his first vote for Lincoln when but eighteen years of age.
This privilege came to him through the fact that he was serving as
a soldier and the right of franchise was accorded to all soldiers in
the field. On the 17th of March, 1913, he was elected to the state
legislature to fill a vacancy caused by the death of Frank Thayer,
so that he is now a member of the Iowa general assembly. He had
previously held everv ofiice in Reeve township and in all had proven
himself a loyal official, prompt and faithful in the discharge of every
duty devolving upon him.
On the 30th of September, 1872, Mr. Re'eve was united in mar-
riage to Miss Sarah M. Parks, a native of Jo Daviess county,
Illinois, and to them have been born eight children: Olive, at
home; Orilla M., who is an osteopathic practitioner in Mason City,
Iowa; Adele, the wife of W. L. Johnson, a farmer of Reeve town-
ship; Charles H., who died May 13, 1913; John J., who follows
farming in Reeve township; Lew, Myra and Lovell, all at home.
Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows and with the Grand Army of the Republic, and he is as
true and loyal to his countrv today as when he followed the old
flag upon the battle fields of the south.
JACOB SCHACHTERLE.
One of the extensive landowners and prosperous farmers of
Franklin county is Jacob Schaciiterlc, owning and operating four
hundred acres of land in Osceola township. He was born in Ger-
manv, February 14, 1855, and is a son of Jacob and Phillipina ( Auf)
Schachterle, also natives of the fatherland. The parents have passed
away, leaving two children: Jacob, of this review; and Henry,
residing in Germany.
Jacob Schachterle acquired his education in the public schools
of his native country, studying until he was twenty-one. He spent
three years in the German army and later, in 1880, emigrated to
America, making his home in Franklin county. Soon afterward
he bought a tract of eighty acres in Osceola township and to this
original farm has added from time to time until he now has four
hundred acres, all in Osceola township. Mr. Schachterle engages
in general farming and has followed always the most progressive
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 15
method, so that he has met with gratifying and well deserved
success.
On the 2 1 St of June, 1882, Mr. Schachterle was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mary Sessler and they have become the parents of
nine cliildren: Elizabeth, the wife of Earl Jernegan, of Hampton;
Henry, John, William, Fred, Charles, Ella, Amelia and August,
all at home.
Mr. Schachterle is a member of the Lutheran church and gives
his political allegiance to the republican party. He has been hon-
ored by his fellow citizens by election to various positions of public
trust and responsibility and has served as school director and town-
ship trustee. He is now treasurer of the school board and the cause
of education finds in him a loval and earnest supporter. He has
lived in Franklin county for over thirty years, and during that time
he has contributed substantially to agricultural development and
growth winning a gratifying degree of success and a high place in the
ranks of progressive farmers and useful citizens.
JAMES J. SHARPE.
James J. Sharpe, filling the office of county attorney and recog-
nized as an able lawyer, fully capable of handling the litigated inter-
ests in which the county becomes involved, was born in Pennsylvania,
August 8, 1873, his parents being Moore I., and Katherine (John-
son) Sharpe. The father, a native of Ireland, came to America
when eighteen years of age, or in 1863, and settled in Mercersburg,
Pennsylvania. It was in that state that he met and married Kathe-
rine Johnson, a native of Pennsylvania. In the vear 18815 he brought
his familv to Iowa, settling in Franklin county, where he followed
the trade of blacksmithing, which he has made his life work. He
now resides in Perry, Iowa. To him and his wife were born nine
children: James J.; Anna, who is engaged in teaching near Algona,
Iowa; William, statistician for the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific
Railroad at Chicago; Emma, the wife of Lee A. Robinson, of Perry,
Iowa; Lucy, the wife of Carl Bramner, of Fort Dodge, Iowa; Stew-
art, a practicing attorney at Delmont, South Dajcota; Alfred, who
is agent for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at Perry,
Iowa; Susan, who is engaged in teaching school; and John, of Fort
Dodge, Iowa, who is traveling auditor for the Illinois Central Rail-
road.
16 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Brought to Iowa when a laii of twelve years, James J. Sharpe
was graduated from the high school of Iowa Falls with the class of
1893, and afterward entered the State University at Iowa City, where
he pursued a classical course, winning the degree of Bachelor of
Arts in 1898. During vacation periods and in the evenings he stud-
ied law and he also taught school for a year. He was admitted to
the bar in 1898 and subseijuentlv followed the profession of teaching
until he felt able to concentrate his eliforts entirely upon law prac-
tice. For two years he was assf)ciated with Judge Lewis of Monte-
zuma, Iowa, and in 1909 he came to Hampton, where he has since
followed his profession. He is now county attorney, to which office
he was elected in 191 2. He has also been accorded a good private
practice, and his fellow members of the bar speak of him as one who
is careful and painstaking in the preparation of his cases and clear
and cogent in the presentation of his cause.
Mr. Sharpe was married June 20, 1899, to Lillian Ehret, a grad-
uate of the Iowa City high school and the State University, of Iowa,
winning the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. She is a representa-
tive of one of the old pioneer families of the state. Unto Mr. and
Mrs. Sharpe have been born a daughter and son: Esther, whose
birth occurred July 17, 1902; and Lawrence, who was born August
17, 1903. Mr. Sharpe gives his political allegiance to the republican
party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the
day. Fraternally he is a Mason and in religious belief is a Metho-
dist. He stands for all those things which tend to promote welfare
and progress in city, county, state or nation. He chose as a life work
a profession in which advancement must be gained by individual
merit, and through earnest study, close application and ability he
is working his wav steadily up\\ard as a member of the Franklin
countv bar.
FREDERICK D. RODEMEYER.
Frederick D. Rodemeyer, a worthy native son and representative
young citizen of Franklin county, has for the past seven years been
in charge of the yards of the Interstate Lumber Company at Alex-
ander and in this connection has made an enviable business record.
His birth occurred in Hamilton township, this county, on the 26th
of lanuary, 1881, his parents being Richard and Hulda (StefYen)
Rodemeyer, the former born in Landesbergen, Hanover, Germany,
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 17
on the 2 1 St of October, 1845, and the latter in Schiefelbein, Prus-
sia, Germany. Richard Rodemeyer emigrated to the United States
in June, 1866. settling first in Chicago, Illinois, where he was mar-
ried on the 1 8th of February, 1872. Subsequently he removed with
his wife to Waterloo, Blackhawk county, Iowa, and three years later
came to Franklin county, locating on a farm in Hamilton township.
Here he successfully carried on agricultural pursuits for many years
or until 1905, when he put aside the active work of the fields and
during the remainder of his life resided in a comfortable home at
Latimer, there passing away on the 20th of August, 1913. His
widow and youngest daughter still reside in that abode. To Mr. and
Mrs. Richard Rodemeyer were born nine children, eight of whom
still survive, as follows: Louie, who lives on the old home farm in
Hamilton township; Herman and William, twins, who make their
home east of Coulter, Iowa; Richard, Jr., living in Hamilton town-
ship; Mrs. Pauline Meyer, who makes her home near Latimer,
Iowa; Frederick D., of this review; Ernest, a resident of Hamilton
township ; and Lena, who lives with her mother in Latimer. Edward
passed away January 17, 1904, at the age of twenty. The three
eldest children of this family were born in Waterloo, Iowa, while
the younger members are natives of Hamilton township, this county,
where all were reared.
Frederick D. Rodemeyer grew to manhood in his native county,
attending the common schools in the acquirement of an education
and assisting his father in the work of the home farm until eighteen
years of age. He then began earning his own livelihood, being
employed as a farm hand by Joseph Roberts in 1900-01, while during
the following year he worked for Edward Heuer, of Burdette,
Iowa, and in 1902-03 was in the service of Jeflferson Pearse, of Gen-
eva, Iowa. On the 19th of February, 1903, when twenty-two years
of age, he entered the service of the Interstate Lumber Company
of Hampton, Iowa, remaining at that place until March i, iqo6.
On the I St of May following he went to Barron, Wisconsin, to build
the lumberyards of the firm at that place, while on the ist of Novem-
ber, 1906, he was placed in charge of the Ale.xander yards of the
Interstate Lumber Company. In this capacity he has remained to
the present time, ably and wisely promoting the interests of the
concern which he represents. He owns an attractive and well fur-
nished home in Alexander and is widely recognized as one of the
successful and representative young citizens of the town.
On the 8th of December, 1909, Mr. Rodemeyer was united in
marriage to Miss Bertha Yaw, who was born in Scott township,
18 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
this county, on the 27tli of September, 1891, acquired her etlucatiou
in the common schools of Alexander and has always remained within
the borders of Franklin county. A stetch of her father, George
S. Yaw, appears on another page of this work. Mr. and Mrs. Rode-
meyer have two sons: Boyd Yaw, whose natal dav was April 9,
191 I ; and Robert Frederick, whose birth occurred on the :;tii of
June, 1913. Both were born in Alexander.
In his political views Mr. Rodemeyer is independent, support-
ing men and measures rather than party. He was reared in the
faith of the German Lutheran church, while iiis wife inclines toward
the Methodist Episcopal faith. They are well known and highly
esteemed throughout the community and have gained an extensive
circle of friends during their lifelong resilience here.
GEORGE GRAFF.
Since 1883 George Grafif has been a resident of Franklin county
and during practically all of tiie intcr\ening period has been closely
connected with agricultural interests. He is today one of the pro-
gressive and representative farmers of Grant tow^nship owning and
operating two hundred and eighty acres of land on section 9. He
was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, August 17, i860, and is a son
of Christian and Dorada (Haas) Grafif, also natives of Germany.
The parents emigrated to America on the 17th of October, 1882, and
on the I St of March, 1883, came to Franklin county, joining the sub-
ject of this review, who had located here in the previous autumn.
Both the father and mother died in Franklin county. Thev had si.x
children: George, of this review; Matthew, a resident of Chicago;
Gottlieb, deceased; Mary, the wife of Jacob Schwartz, of Lemoore,
California; Christ, of Popejoy, Franklin county; and Andrew, resid-
ing in Reeve township.
George Grafif came to Franklin county in the fall of 1882, and
after he was joined by his parents made his home with them until
he was thirty years of age. He married in 1890 and then rented one
hundred and si.xty acres, whereon he resided for five years. At the
end of that time he bought one hundred and sixty acres on section
9, Grant township, and he has since increased this farm to two hun-
dred and eighty acres. He has provided it with substantial barns
and outbuildings and modern machinery, and he has made other
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY I'J
excellent improvements, making the property a visible evidence of
his life of industry and thrift.
Mr. GrafT married Miss Mary Beilharc, a native of Germany,
and they became the parents of eight children: John, a resident of
Minnesota; Andrew, deceased; and Emma, Herman, Ella, Rosa,
Carrie and Mabel, at home. Mr. Grafif is a member of the Lutheran
church and in politics votes independently. His life has been such
as to give him high standing in the eves of the community, and he is
generally recognized as a man whose long years of earnest labor in
this township have not only contributed to his own prosperity but
have influenced also general growth and advancement.
HENRY O. BEED.
Henry O. Beed, a hardware merchant of Hampton, and one of
the native sons of the city, was born January 20, 1873, a son of John
and Celma (Rose) Beed, the former a native of England, but the
latter of Ohio. At an early period in the development of this state,
the father came to Iowa, where he engaged in buying grain to the
time of his death. His widow survives. In their family were five
children, but three daughters died in infancy. The surviving sister
of Henry O. Beed is Mrs. Emma Cogswell, the wife of F. A. Cogs-
well, of Rockwell, Iowa.
In the public schools Henry O. Beed acquired his early educa-
tion, which was supplemented by study in a business college at Des
Moines. He was graduated therefrom and afterward went to
Florida, where he engaged in the orange business for ten years. On
the expiration of that period he returned to Hampton and for two
years was employed in the feed store of his uncle. He next pur-
chased the hardware business of F. D. Smith in 1902 and has since
been proprietor of the store. He carries a large and well selected
line of shelf and heavy hardware and has a liberal patronage which
he well merits, owing to his honorable business dealing and enter-
prising methods.
Mr. Beed was united in marriage on the 23d of August, 1893, to
Miss Grace E. Ross, a native of Franklin county, and unto them have
been born seven children: Eunice, Lloyd, Cecil, Winnifred, Carol,
John and Celma, all of whom are yet under the parental roof. Mr.
Beed holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and with the
Congregational church — associations that indicate much of the rules
20 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
tliat gDVcrii his conduct and the principles wliich shape his life. He
has served as ahlerman and is a member of tlie school board, and the
cause of education finds in him a warm and stalwart friend, anxious
to do everything in his power to promote the interests of the schools
and of public afTairs in general. He has a wide acquaintance in
Hampton and Franklin counties, and that iiis life has been well spent
is indicated bv the number of his friends.
LEWIS E. HAECKER, M. D.
In a record of the medical profession as represented in Frank-
lin county it is imperative tliat mention be made of Dr. Lewns E.
Haecker, who by individual merit and ability has worked his wav
steadily upward in his chosen calling and has become recognized
as one who with notable skill, combats the onslaughts (jf disease.
Dr. Haecker was born at Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, November 17.
1863, and is a son of Henry and Barbara (Drohman) Haecker, the
former a native of Germany and the latter of Switzerland. When
fourteen vears of age Henry Haecker came to America and settled
at Cleveland, Ohio, and on the 17th of November, 1864, he arrived
in Iowa, taking up his abode in Franklin county, two miles north
of Hampton. He was a farmer, engaging in agricultural pursuits
throughout his entire life. He was deeplv interested in politics
and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day yet
never sought nor desired political preferment for himself. He
died in Hampton in October, 1895, while his wife passed away in
July, 1901. They were pioneer settlers of the county, having come
here when the work of development and progress had scarcely been
begun. They lived to witness many of the notable changes which
have been brought about and were alwavs loval and progressive
citizens. In their family were eleven children: Emanuel and John
D., both now deceased; Theopolis L., for manv vears professor of
animal industry in the State University at Minnesota; Lydia, the
wife of Charles Beed, of Hampton; Christina, the wife of T. H.
Rose, of Oklahoma; Theodore and Mary, both now deceased; Char-
lotte, the wife of Henry Andrews and a resident of Hampton; Eli-
jah D., of Hampton; Lewis E.; and Emma Delle, the wife of C.
F. Johnston, of Sheffield, Iowa.
Lewis E. Haecker spent the days of his boyhood and youth under
the parental roof, being but a year old on the day when the family
C^^iA/~i^ (}%o^-''E^<JJ>^.y^
H £ij^~^(^..^A-^'>^
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 25
arrived in Franklin county. He continued to assist in the work of
the farm through his minority and at twenty-three years of age left
home. Realizing the value of education and wishing to enjoy fur-
ther opportunities in that connection he entered the Albion Sem-
inary when twenty-three years of age, devoting a year to study in
that institution and during that time covered a two years' course.
He afterward spent four years in Nebraska, after which he
returned to Hampton. While in Nebraska, where he went orig-
inally for the benefit of his health and where he was miles away
from neighbors, he had on several occasions the opportunity to dis-
play something of his inventive genius and his mental resourceful-
ness. At that time he had secured no education along medical and
surgical lines, but on two occasions, when accidents happened and
there was no chance to secure the services of a physician, he set
fractured bones, although he had never seen a splint. The phy-
sician, when later called, could find no fault- with the dressing and
strongly advised Mr. Haecker to take up the profession of medicine,
which he later did. Following his return to Hampton he taught
school during the winter seasons and attended Rush Medical Col-
lege of Chicago until graduated with the class of 1894. He spent
thirteen months as interne in the Alexian Brothers Hospital of
Chicago and then located for practice in Hampton in June, 1895.
Here he has since remained and his ability has gained him wide
recognition. He is a thorough student, constantly reading along
broadening professional lines, while experience also adds to his skill
and ability. After a few years' practice in Hampton, Dr. Haecker
had become recognized as the leading physician of the city and it
was only on account of his great sorrow and deep bereavement when
he lost first his beloved daughter and later his wife that he for a
time practically retired. It is a matter of gratification to all of his
old-time and later patrons that he has resumed his practice, which
no doubt will soon gain its former proportions. He is widely known
for his ability in surgery and is constantly experimenting with his
two X-ray machines in detecting diseases and fractures, becoming
regarded as an expert in this line.
On the 7th of May, 1894, Dr. Haecker was united in marriage
to Miss Josephine L. Heitman, a Franklin county girl, although the
wedding was celebrated in Chicago. The death of Mrs. Haecker
occurred March 6, 1913, to the deep regret of her many friends
as well as her relatives. The only daughter of this marriage, Bar-
bara, died on the 8th of July, 191 r, and the loss was an irreparable
26 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
one to her devoted parents. She was a most beautiful, lovable child,
but fifteen years of age at the time of her death. Every possible
effort had been made by her parents to save her, but all to no avail.
At the funeral services Dr. De Witt Clinton said: "The wisest of
Kings wrote a poem in which he represents his bride as saying, 'My
beloved is gone down into his garden to gather lilies.' xA recent
interpreter makes a parable of this, figuring the Lord as coming
down to earth and selecting the choicest specimens of our race and
often the beautiful bud half opened, to transplant them to His para-
dise to bloom forever. Such a lily was Barbara Haecker, just blos-
soming into young womanhood, fifteen years of age, frail, beautiful,
pure, of fragrant influence and memory Hers was a beauty of face
and mind. She had a taste for the beautiful in nature and art. She
loved only the best in literature and recoiled from that which lacked
naturalness and' genuineness. Hers was a beauty of character shin-
ing in her countenance and giving a grace to her manner that attracted
particular attention wherever she went. Hers was the beauty of a
white soul in its simplicity and innocence, over which would play
at times the flush of indignation at the recognition of evil.''
A memorial article written of her said, "Barbara was a remark-
able girl, inasmuch as hers was a dual nature in which was com-
bined the sweetness, tenderness and peace of childhood and the
wisdom and judgment of older age. The vista that opened before her
extended far. In early years she harbored conceptions which rang
true to life. Justice and charity were inborn traits. To hear people
criticised harshly and unwarrantedly grated on her fine sensibil-
ities and she was not slow to chide those who might err in this
regard. Evidently, by that intuition that so often is associated with
the feminine, she understood that conditions which are not easily
changed mold the characters of men and women. For her age, she
possessed a wonderfully philosophical mind and her power of dis-
cernment was bright as a crystal. Sophistry found less lodgment in
her mind than it does in the minds of the majority of those who are
called grown up. She had come to understand that cause and effect
give birth to circumstances and thus she paid homage to the laws of
the Creator. She was the child's friend, particularly the poor
child's friend, and the simple, crumpled flowers — flowers without
stems, but which bore the aroma of love — that were brought to the
door by soiled hands, were a more precious tribute than a green-
house could produce."
Such a life leaves behind it a memory that is more precious than
untold wealth — an inspiration through all the years to come. In
BARBARA HAECKER
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 29
religious faith Dr. Haecker is a Methodist, while his political alle-
giance is given to the republican party. He holds membership
with the Knights of Pythias and with the Modern Woodmen. He
has a wide acquaintance in Franklin county, where almost his en-
tire life has been passed, and the circle of his friends is an exten-
sive one, owing not only to his professional ability but also to his
personal worth, which inspires admiration and warm regard.
GEORGE WILLIAM VAN EVERY.
George William Van Every, who has devoted his attention to
general agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career,
is now the owner of an excellent farm comprising one hundred and
eighty-four acres on section 31, Ross township. His birth occurred
at Apple River, Illinois, on the 9th of April, 1875, h'^ parents being
David Edward and Anna (Goldsboro) Van Every, the former a
native of Canada and the latter of England. They were married
in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, and took up their abode in Franklin
county, Iowa, in 1881, having here remained throughout the inter-
vening thirty-two years. They now reside on a little farm in Rich-
land township and are well known and highly esteemed throughout
the community.
George W. Van Every, who was a lad of six years when he came
to this county with his parents, remained at home until twenty-two
years of age. Starting out as an agriculturist on his own account
he first owned and operated a farm in South Dakota but subse-
quently sold the property. He next owned and cultivated a tract of
land in Marion township, this county, and after disposing of that
place purchased a forty-acre farm on section 25, Ricliland town-
ship, which he operated successfully for seven years or until 19 13.
In that year he sold the tract and bought one hundred and eighty-
four acres of land in Ross township, where he has resided to the
present time. He is an industrious and enterprising agriculturist
and success has attended his well directed efiforts.
In Franklin county, in 1898, Mr. Van Every was united in mar-
riage to Miss Elizabeth Crawford, a daughter of James Crawford,
of Mott township. They now have two children, Edra and Harry.
Mr. Van Every is a republican in his political views and has served
as assessor of Richland township for five years, while during one
term he acted as constable. He has likewise been a school director,
30 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
the cause of education ever finding in luni a standi champion. Fra-
ternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America at
Chapin and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at that place,
being a charter member of the latter organization. The salient
qualities of his life have ever commended him to the confidence,
good-will and friendship of those with whom he comes in contact,
and he has always enjoyed the warm regard of a host of friends.
JOSEPH MrrCHELL.
Joseph Mitcliell, who has resided within the borders of Frank-
lin county for the past forty-five years, has devoted his attention to
agricultural pursuits with excellent success throughout his entire
business career and is now living in honorable retirement at Chapin,
having recently leased his farm of one hundred and eighty-five acres
on section 31, Ross township. His birth occurred in Hazel Green,
Grant county, Wisconsin, on the joth of September, 1853, his parents
being Joseph and Mary Ann (Crase) Mitchell, both of whom were
natives of England. They emigrated to the United States in early
manhood and young womanhood and were married in Wisconsin.
In 1868 they established their home in Franklin countv, Towa, Joseph
Mitchell, Sr., who was an agriculturist by occupation, purchasing
one hundred and eighty-five acres of land on section 31, Ross town-
ship, on which stood a little house. He made a number of substan-
tial improvements on the property and continued its operation
throughout the remainder of his life, passing awav in February,
1907, at the age of eighty-three years. His demise was the occasion
of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained an extensive circle
of friends during the period (of his residence in this county, which
covered almost four decades. For a number of vears he had sur-
vived his wife, who passed away at the age of sixty-eight, in the
faith of the Methodist Episcopal church, to which Mr. Mitchell
also belonged. Thev were the parents of four children, as follows:
Eliza Jane, who is the wife of Dr. Ross and resides in Hampton;
Josepli, of this review; Marv, who gave her hand in marriage to
T. M. Hamilton, of Chapin; and \\'il!iani, wlio died at the age of
fifteen vears.
Joseph Mitchell, wlio was a vouth of fifteen when he came to this
county with his parents, remained on the old home farm in Ross
township and eventuallv came into possession of the property. After
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 31
the death of his mother he kept bachelor's hall with his father for
a number of years and has been alone since the latter's demise. In
the conduct of his agricultural interests he has won a well merited
measure of prosperity, the well tilled fields annually yielding golden
harvests in return for the care and labor which he bestowed upon
them. He has recently leased the farm and erected a residence in
Chapin, where he is now living retired in the enjoyment of the
fruits of his former toil. Mr. Mitchell is well known and highly
esteemed throughout the community in which he has so long resided
and is justly entitled to representation among its best citizens.
JOHN McGRATH.
John McGrath, a prosperous and progressive farmer of Franklin
county, owning and operating two hundred acres of well improved
land on section 21, West Fork township, was born in Canada and
is a son of Michael and Mary (Hogan) McGrath, natives of Ire-
land. The father came to America when he was twenty years of
age and the mother at the age of thirteen, and their marriage occurred
in Canada, where Michael McGrath owned land. They came to
Franklin countv in 1872 after having spent one and a half years in
Vermont, and thev settled on section 8 on what is now Marion town-
ship. The father purchased eighty acres of wild land for three hun-
dred dollars and operated and developed this property until his death,
which occurred in 1876. His wife passed away in Ackley just before
the family removed to the Franklin county farm. In this family were
seven children, of whom five grew to maturity as follows: James,
who owns two farms in West Fork township, but who makes his
home ill Mason Citv; Mrs. Catherine Roaner, a widow living with
her daughter in Adrian, Minnesota; John, of this review; and MrS-
John T. Kcnefick and Mrs. J. H. Ochs, both of whom have passed
awav.
John McGrath was twelve years of age when he began herding
cattle on the Iowa prairies, and he later secured a position as a farm
hand working for twentv-three years thereafter for A. M. Mott. a
large landowner and prosperous farmer of Franklin county. Mr.
McGrath managed Mr. Mott's farms for a number of years, resign-
ing his position in 1903 in order to become an independent agricul-
turist. He bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 21, West
Fork township and to this has since added until he owns two hundred
32 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
acres. The land is in a high state of cultivation and is provided with
excellent buildings and modern machinery.
Mr. McGrath is a member of the Catholic church. He served
as a member of the county board of supervisors for three years and
in matters of citizenship is helpful and progressive, cooperating
heartily in measures for the general advancement and growth. He
enjoys in full measure the friendship of those with whom he has
been brought in contact, and a life of well directed activity has gained
for him a high place in agricultural circles.
GEORGE A. BIRD.
George A. Bird, one of the successful and representative farmers
of Franklin county, owning three hundred and twenty acres of
land on section 30, Mott township, was born in England, April 10,
1864. He is a son of John and Ann (Beet) Bird, natives of Eng-
land. The mother died in that country in July, 1910, and is sur-
vived by her husband. Eleven children were born to their union:
Ruth, of England; George A., of this review; Mary, residing in
England; John A., deceased; Maggie and Ada, of England; James,
a Methodist minister located at Monona, Iowa; Joseph and Chris-
topher, who reside in England; Harold, engaged in railroad work
in Connellsville, Pennsylvania; and a son who died in infancy.
George A. Bird was reared in England and at the early age of
thirteen began farming, following that occupation there for seven
years. He then came to America, locating in Wisconsin, whence
after five years he moved to Franklin county, Iowa. He rented a
farm here for seven years and at the end of that time bought one
hundred and sixty acres on section 30, Mott township. This he
has since increased to three hundred and twenty acres, and he has
greatly improved the property, erecting substantial barns and out-
buildings and providing modern equipment. He engages in gen-
eral farming and stock-raising, and his success is the natural result
of his wise and capable management.
On the 25th of August, 1887, Mr. Bird was united in marriage
to Miss Mary Fox and to this union have been born three children:
Arthur C, of Mott township; and Raymond George and Roy John,
twins, at home. Mr. Bird is a member of the Methodist church
and gives his political allegiance to the republican party, serving
at present as township trustee. He enjoys in a high degree the
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 35
respect and confidence of his friends and acquaintances and is known
as a man of unusual energy, perseverance and ability who is
governed by a high sense of honor in all business and personal deal-
ings.
CHARLES H. SCANTLEBURY.
Charles H. Scantlebury, who since 191 1 has filled the responsible
position of manager of the Farmers Elevator and has conducted a
prosperous and growing business in this connection, was born in Jo
Daviess county, Illinois, August 26, 1868, and is a son of Edward D.
and Elizabeth (Ormrod) Scantlebury, both of whom were natives
of England. They came to America in 1848, settling in Jo Daviess
county, Illinois, where they remained until 1873. Thev then went
to California and two years were passed on the Pacific coast. In
1875 they came to Iowa and in 1878 came to Franklin county, where
Mr. Scantlebury continued to engage in general agricultural pursuits
until his life's labors were ended in death on the 28th of February,
1897. His widow survives him and makes her home in Hampton.
In their family were six children: William F., now a traveling
salesman who resides in Des Moines; Charles H.; Josephine, the
wife of H. J. Henderson, of Hamptqn; F. J. also living in Hampton;
Ella, the wife of Frank O. Roberts, of Fresno, California; and
Edward C, a veterinary surgeon engaged in practice in Hampton.
Charles H. Scantlebury spent his youthful days upon the home
farm, early becoming familiar with all the duties and labors that
fall to the lot of the agriculturist. At length he rented one thousand
acres of land, which he cultivated for three years and on the
expiration of that period removed to Sheffield, where he engaged in
buying grain for a year. He next purchased eighty-seven acres in
Washington township and thereon resided from 1894 until 1903.
He now owns one hundred and sixty acres of rich and valuable land
adjoining Hampton. In 191 1 he was made manager of the Farmers
Elevator and conducts the business in connection with the supervi-
sion of his farm. He is an energetic, practical and progressive farmer
and business man and thus contributes much to the substantial devel-
opment of the community.
On the 26th of November, 1894, Mr. Scantlebury was united in
marriage to Miss Rose Kempthorne, a native of Franklin county
and a representative of one of the pioneer families. Unto Mr. and
36 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Mrs. Scantlebury have been born five children: Charles Clay, born
December 8, 1897; Bernice Etha, born February 5, 1900; Ronald
Earl, born January 20, 1901 ; Russell Lowell, born May 7, 1907; and
Hazel May, born March 24, 1912.
in his political views Mr. Scantlebury is a republican, earnest
and constant in support of the party, yet never a politician in tiie
sense of oflice seeking. His fraternal relations are with the Independ-
ent Order of Odd Fellows and with the Knights of Pythias, while
his religious faith is evidenced by his membership in the Methodist
church. From early boyhood to the present time he has lived in
Franklin county and has always been identified with its agricultural
interests, his practical and progressive methods contributing to the
splendid reputation which Iowa justly bears as one of the leading
agricultural states of the union.
W. K. LONG, M. D.
W. K. Long, M. D., successfully engaged in the practice of med-
icine at Hampton, having thoroughly qualified for the profession
through comprehensive study and hospital work, was born in Tam-
aqua, Pennsylvania, February 17, 1876, his parents being Uriah
and Emeline (Klingeman) Long, both of whom were natives of the
Keystone state. The father was also a practicing physician, but he
and his wife are now deceased. In their familv were seven chil-
dren, three of whom are yet living.
Dr. Long pursued his early education in the public schools of
Nebraska and afterward had the benefit of a course in the State
University at Lincoln, registering in the medical department of the
university and graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Science.
Having determined upon the practice of medicine as a life work
he entered the Northwestern Medical College at Chicago and won
his professional degree in 1906. He spent two years in St. Luke's
Hospital of that city as an interne, gaining the broad knowledge
and varied e.xperience which onlv hospital practice can bring. He
has also taken post-graduate work in Vienna, Austria, studying the
methods of many of the eminent physicians and surgeons of the old
world.
Dr. Long located for practice at Latimer, Iowa, where he
remained until 1910, when he came to Hampton, where he has since
successfully followed his profession, winning a large practice which
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 37
he well merits. He is now health officer of the city. His social nature
finds expression in his membership with the Knights of Pythias and
the Masons, and he is most loyal to the teachings of those organiza-
tions.
A. J. FRONING.
A. J. Froning, the present mayor of Sheffield, owns an elevator
here and has been successfully engaged in the grain and coal business
at this place for the past three years. He likewise owns a valuable
farm of two hundred acres east of Sheffield. His birth occurred near
Freeport, Stephenson county, Illinois, on the 2d of September, 1866,
his parents being August and Margaret (Bohen) Froning, who were
born, reared and married in Germany. In 1857 or i^S^ they emi-
grated to the United States, locating in Stephenson county, Illinois.
In 1885 August Froning disposed of his property there and came to
Franklin county, Iowa, settling in Ross township, where he owned
and cultivated a half section of land. He won a gratifying measure of
success in his undertakings as an agriculturist and spent his last days
in honorable retirement, residing for a year at Hampton and for
four years at Sheffield, where his demise occurred when he had
attained the age of seventy-seven. His wife passed away on the farm
at the age of fiftv-nine years. Both were devoted members of the
German Baptist church, and Mr. Froning gave his political alle-
giance to the republican party, holding a number of minor township
offices. To him and his wife were born eight children, as follows:
one who died in infancy; T. D., who passed away at Grundy Center,
Iowa, when thirty-three years of age; John, who is a resident of Rich-
land township; Katie, the wife of August Wilkins, of Lorraine, Kan-
sas; Henry J., living in Frederick, Kansas; H. E., who is engaged
in the real-estate business at Chapin, Iowa; Lizzie, who gave her
hand in marriage to H. Van Deest, of New Hartford, Iowa; and
A. J., of this review.
The last named spent his boyhood on his father's farm in Stephen-
son county and was a young man of nineteen when he came with his
parents to Franklin county, Iowa. On attaining his majority he
started out as an agriculturist on his own account, purchasing a tract
of eighty-nine acres south of Sheffield and residing thereon for three
years. He then came into possession of a farm near Geneva, the
operation of which claimed his attention for two years. Subsequently
38 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
he was engaged in the grain and coal business at Geneva for three
years and next spent a year at New Hartford in the same lines. Mr.
Froning later purchased the farm of his father-in-law east of Shef-
Held, remaining thereon for a vear, on the expiration of which period
he embarked in the grain and elevator business at Allison, Butler
county, Iowa, where he was thus engaged for three years. In 1905
he bought two elevators at Sheffield and conducted them for two years,
at the end of which time he sold out and purchased the farm belong-
ing to the Jensen estate, which lies east of Sheffield. The property
comprises two hundred acres of rich and productive land and is still
in his possession. For the past three years, however, he has been
engaged in the grain and coal business at Sheffield, owning an elevator
here. He has won prosperitv in his different ventures and has long
been numbered among the substantial, representative and leading
citizens of the community.
In Franklin county, Mr. Froning wedded Miss Nellie Scott, a
native of Hardin county and a daughter of Lonsdale Scott. Thev
have eleven children, as follows: Arthur C, who is married and
lives on his father's farm east of Sheffield; Ollie, the wife of Walter
DeVoe, of Elberon, Iowa, who is associated with his father-in-law
in the ownership of a lumberyard there; Pearl, a school teacher by
profession; Alfred; August; Lonsdale; Nellie; Margaret; Grace;
and Robert and Richard, twins, who are in their second year.
Mr. Froning is a republican in politics and has been honored
by electi(Mi to the office of mayor in Sheffield, his administration
being characterized bv measures of reform and improvement along
various lines. He has likewise done valuable service as a member
of the city council. His religious faith is indicated by his mem-
bership in the Baptist church, while fraternally he is identified with
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Sheffield. In all his
business and social relations he is straightforward and reliable,
enjoying the full confidence of those with whom he is associated.
JOHN GODFREY SHOWALTER.
John Godfrey Showalter, a progressive and practical young agri-
culturist of Reeve township, operating a farm of two hundred acres
on section 3, was born in Freeport, Illinois, August 6, 1883, a son
of Charles F. and Isabelle Jane (Vought) Showalter. He was
reared at home, remaining with his parents in Iowa until he was
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 39
twenty-one years of age. He then moved to Illinois, his native
state, but at the end of one year returned to Franklin county, where
he has since been engaged in farming, operating his father's farm
of two hundred acres on section 3, Reeve township. His methods
are practical and therefore productive of excellent results, and he
is meeting with gratifying and well deserved success.
On February 21, 191 1, Mr. Showalter married Miss Laura
Schroeder, a native of Freeport, Illinois, and they have become the
parents of one child, Cheryll Isabelle, born December i, 1912. Mr.
Showalter is a member of the Methodist church, is connected with
the Masonic fraternity and is a republican in his political beliefs.
Although he is still a young man he has already been carried for-
ward into important relations with agricultural interests, and his
continued success is assured.
GEORGE HEMM.
George Hemm, engaged in general farming and stock-raising
upon three hundred and sixty acres of land on section 17, Mott
township, was born in Kendall county, Illinois, April 17, i860. He
is a son of George M. and Carrie (Bosenecker) Hemm, natives of
Germany. In their early years the parents came to America and
settled in Oswego, Illinois, later moving to Kendall county, where
the father engaged in farming until his death. His wife survived
him some years, dying December i, 1910. Twelve children were
born to their union: Philip, of Chapin, Iowa; Caroline, the wife
of Noah Thomas, of Chapin; John, a resident of Aurora, Illinois;
George, of this review; William, also of Chapin; Mary, the wife
of James Eddy, nf Swaledale, Iowa; Henry, deceased; Carrie and
Louisa, who have also passed away; Charles, of Kendall county,
Illinois; Michael, who died in infancy; and Theodore, of Kendall
county.
George Hemm began his independent career at the age i)f twen-
ty-four, renting eighty acres of land in Kendall county. He operated
this property for one year and then in 1886 moved to Franklin
county, Iowa, renting a tract of one hundred and sixty acres. At
the end of one year he rented twi^ hundred and forty acres and
after three years bought this property, which two years later he
sold. He then purchased one hundred and sixty acres on section
17. Mott township, and he has since increased this to three hundred
40 HISl^ORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
and sixty acres, its present dimensions. Upon this property he
engages in general farming and stock-raising and his intelligent
management and practical methods have resulted in a gratifying
measure of success.
On the 2d of March, 1887, Mr. Hemm was united in marriage
to Miss Maggie Bollinger, and they have become the parents of
five children: May, the wife of Earl Whitehead, of Mott town-
ship; David H., at home; Alice, who is engaged in nursing; and
Lillian and Fern, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Whitehead have two
children, George and Donald.
Mr. Hemm is a member of the Christian church, is connected
fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America and gives his
political allegiance to the republican party. He has served as school
director and as a public-spirited and progressive citizen takes a com-
mendable interest in all enterprises calculated to promote the mate-
rial and intellectual welfare of the community.
EDWARD SMITH PATTERSON.
The historv of Edward Smith Patterson has become an integral
part of the annals of Hampton, because of his business prominence
and enterprise and his active and helpful connection uith public
afifairs. He seemed to readily recognize the opportunities for growth
before the city, and he instituted various measures productive of gen-
eral good. A native of Ireland, he was born in County Cavan. in
the year 1844, and when fourteen years of age crossed the Atlantic
to the new world, making iiis way to Wisconsin, where he turned his
attention to merchandising. For a time he was engaged in business
with his brothers at Delavan, Wisconsin, and subsequently at Beaver
Dam, but afterward established business on his own account in Clin-
ton, Iowa. In 1874 he came to Hampton, where he opened a general
dry-goods store, calling it the Shanty.- He was associated with a pan-
ner, K. S. Cole, but this connection was eventually dissolved. In
the meantime he had erected a brick business block. There arc two
pillars in the center of his store which are the only iron pillars that
have ever been manufactured in Hampton, for the foundry in wliich
they were made failed and the business was discontinued. At the time
of building the store Edward Smith Patterson planned to enlarge it
as the growth of his business would permit and in so doing, by usin-j;
the iron pillars imbeded in the brick wall, made the building suffi-
EDWARD S. PATTERSON'
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 43
ciently strong to sustain the weight of the second story which was
added vears later. This is but one instance which might be cited of
his sagacitv. His business grew and developed and has been enlarged
from time to time until the store is now the largest in Hampton.
Mr. Patterson died February 20, 191 1, but his widow still sur-
vives and makes her home in Hampton. He not only became the
leading merchant of the city, but was also a most prominent factor
in public afifairs and twice filled the office of mayor, discharging the
duties of the position in a prompt, reliable and businesslike manner.
His name was connected with various movements and events which
had to do with the welfare and progress of the city. Where he led
others followed, for his fellow townsmen came to recognize his sound
judgment and his public spirit.
Mr. Patterson was united in marriage to Miss Athaline Cook, a
native of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, and unto them were born three
children: Henrietta, now the wife of H. G. Northey, of Waterloo,
Iowa; George D. ; and John W., who was born March 5, 1885, and
died May 9, 1896. Mr. Patterson was a prominent Mason, having
attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite, and in his life
he exemplified the beneficent principles of the craft, following at all
times its teachings concerning mutual helpfulness and brotherly kind-
ness. A shadow of deep sorrow fell over the hearts of many when
Edward Smith Patterson passed away, for his worth had become
widely recognized and his many admirable traits of character had
endeared him to those with whom he had been associated.
BENJAMIN F. HICKS.
Benjamin F. Hicks, operating the Hicks homestead of one hun-
dred and sixty acres on section 12, Reeve township, and owning forty
acres of excellent land on section 13, was born in Jo Daviess county,
Illinois, July 5, 1878. He is a son of Peter W. and Esther Ann
(Stephens) Hicks, the former a native of Canada. The parents
now reside in Geneva. In their family were five children : a daugh-
ter, who died in childhood; Clarence, a resident of Geneva; John,
who makes his home in Latimer; Benjamin F.. of this review; and
Hattie, the wife of V. W. McCart, of Geneva.
Benjamin F. Hicks came to Iowa with his parents and acquired
his education in the district schools of Reeve township. Since the
beginning of his active career he has managed his father's home-
44 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
stead, wliich comprises one humlrcHi ami sixty acres on section 12.
He owns forty acres on the adjoining section and operates both
properties in an intelligent and able manner, engaging in general
farming and stock-raising. On the 13th of May, 1909, he married
Miss Annie May Kurtz, a native of Franklin county, and both are
well known in social circles of their locality.
Mr. Hicks attends the Methodist church and is connected fra-
ternallv with the Modern Woodmen of America. His political
support is given to the republican partv, and he has held various
positions of trust and responsibility, serving for two years as con-
stable and being now township assessor. His place in agricultural
circles of Franklin county is today a prominent one and has been
won through his own industry, perseverance and good management.
CARL y. DUIT.
Carl J. Duit, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Franklin
county, operating two hundred acres of excellent land on section
2i„ Grant township, was born in Germany, November i, 1878. He
is a son of John G. and Eliesa Jajjenetta (Grothaus) Duit, also
natives of Germany. The father was a sailor for twenty-seven years
and after abandoning a seafaring life came to America, locating
about the year 1883 in Franklin county, Iowa. He turned his atten-
tion to general farming and accumulated three hundred and sixty
acres of excellent land, which he still owns. He is living in retire-
ment in Ackley and has survived his wnfe since March 10, 1905. To
their union were born seven children: Gerald, deceased; Carl J.,
of this review; Anton, deceased; Tjode, who has also passed away;
Anton, a resident of Franklin county; Annie, living in Ackley; and
Tjode, the wife of John Ubben, of Garrison, Iowa.
Carl J. Duit came to America with his parents in 1883 and atter-
ward remained on the home farm until he was twenty-three years
of age, becoming familiar with the best agricultural methods through
practical experience. When he left the homestead he rented one
hundred and sixty acres on section 21, Grant township, and this he
has since increased to two hundred acres. He engages in general
farming and stock-raising and being energetic, capable and enter-
prising, has met with a gratifying degree of success.
On the 22d of April, 1902, Mr. Duit married Miss Elizabeth
Brass, a native of Grundy county, and they have become the parents
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 45
of four children: John G., who was born June i6, 1903; Aeilt E.,
born June 8, 1905; Adeline Jajjenetta, born February 16, 1908;
and Alvin William, born February 8, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Duit are
members of the Lutheran church, and he is connected fraternally
with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a democrat in his
political beliefs and has held a number of township offices, proving
capable and public-spirited in the discharge of his duties. He is
well known and highly respected in Grant township, and his suc-
cess places him among the representative agriculturists of his locality.
DAVID MUIR.
David Muir is a retired farmer now living in Hampton. Activity
and enterprise in business brought him the success which enables
him to enjoy the comforts of life without further recourse to labor.
He was born in Waukesha county? Wisconsin, April 7, 1844, a son
of John and Margaret (Watt) Muir, both of whom were natives of
Scotland. They came to America in 1842, settling in Wisconsin,
where they remained until called to the home beyond, the father fol-
lowing the occupation of farming in order to provide for his family
of nine children, three of whom are yet living. He died in the year
1856 and his wife, long surviving him, passed away in 1875.
David Muir was the fifth in order of birth in the family. He
was reared upon the old homestead farm until he reached the age
of fourteen years and in 1872 he came to West Fork township, Frank-
lin county, Iowa, then a young man of twenty-eight years. He had
been educated in the public schools and had received ample training
in all farm work. Following his arrival here he purchased eighty
acres of land, which he still owns. He has. however, increased his
holdings from time to time until his landed possessions now aggre-
gate six hundred and forty acres of rich and productive prairie land
in this county. In 1895 he retired from the farm and removed to
Hampton, purchasing a fine home and five acres of land on Bridge
street, where he now resides.
In 1868 Mr. Muir was united in marriage to Miss Martha Bots-
ford, a native of Wisconsin, in which state the wedding was cele-
brated. To them were born four children; but David, William
and John are all now deceased. The only surviving child is a daugh-
ter. Myrtle, now the wife of F. A. Proctor, living on the old home
place. The wife and mother passed away on the 27th of August,
46 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
191 3. Her death was sincerely mourned throughout the community
She was born in Waukesha county, Wisconsin, December 29, 1847,
and since 1872 had lived in this county, she and her husband settling
on a farm in West Fork township, where they resided for many years
before taking up their abode in Hampton. Mrs. Muir was greatly
respected by all who knew her. Her sunny disposition and unselfish
devotion to the interests of others were always in evidence, and her
life was fraught with many good deeds.
Mr. Muir is a member of the Congregational church and his.
too, has been an upright, honorable life. For five years he has served
on the school board, being its president for three years, taking an
active and helpful part in all that pertains to the cause of education
here. He is one of the pioneer settlers of the county, having lived
here for forty-one years, during which time many changes have
occurred, while many improvements have been wrought. He has
ever borne his part in the work of general advancement and is a
public-spirited, progressive citizen.
ADAM MESSELHEISER.
Adam Messelheiser, occupying an enviable position in financial
and business circles of Franklin county, is now president of the
State Savings Bank of Hampton, a position to which he has attained
through laudable ambition, ability and energy. He was born in
Wisconsin in 1851, a son of John A. and Mary Messelheiser. who
in the year 1868 brought their family to Iowa. The father pur-
chased land adjoining Hampton, becoming the owner of two hun-
dred acres, which he converted into rich and productive fields, the
cultivation of the farm resulting in the acquirement of a good living
for the family. Both he and his wife remained residents of this
county until called to their final rest. They had a familv of seven
children, of whom three are now deceased.
The public schools of Wisconsin and Iowa afiforded Adam Mes-
selheiser his educational opportunities. He spent his vouthful days
under the parental roof and was seventeen years of age when he
came with the family to Iowa, where he has since remained. He
had been reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming fa-
miliar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the
crops. As the years passed on he continued to engage in general
agricultural pursuits until 1902, when he put aside farm work and
AI)A-\r MKSSKI.IIKlSKi;
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 49
removed to Hampton, since which time he has rented his land.
He built an attractive home in the city which he now occupies and
is here comfortably located, largely living retired, although he has
a decisive voice in the management of the bank and gives personal
supervision to the control of his property. In all business affairs
his judgment is sound and reliable, and his connection with the
State Savings Bank has been a factor in making it the strong and
reliable financial institution which it is today.
Mr. Messelheiser was married in 1877 to Miss Otillie Kugler
of West Fork township, whose people were among the pioneers of
Franklin county. Mr. and Mrs. Messelheiser had six children, but
lost one. Those still living are: Cora, the wife of Fred Schmitz,
a resident of Idaho; Otto, who is engaged in the abstract business
and makes his home in Portland, Oregon; Winnifred, the wife of
Clarence Loose, living in Washington, Iowa; A. R., who is attend-
ing school at Evanston, Illinois; and Anita, now at Iowa City Col-
lege.
The parents and children are members of the Evangelical church
and the influence of the family has always been on the side of right,
progress, truth and reform. In politics Mr. Messelheiser is a pro-
gressive republican and keeps well informed on the issues of the
day and the attitude of the leading parties in respect to vital ques-
tions. He displays little personal prejudice in his outlook over the
important phases of life as affecting the material, intellectual, polit-
ical and moral welfare and endeavors at all times to assist the com-
munity in ways of public betterment.
J. M. BARKER.
It is fitting that after many years of active, persistent and suc-
cessful efifort J. M. Barker should enjoy a period of rest through
the evening of life. For many years he was actively engaged in
farming but is now living retired, for the fruits of his former toil
are sufficient to supply him with all of the necessities and comforts
and some of the luxuries of life. He has now reached the venerable
age of seventy-five years, his birth having occurred in Oneida
county. New York, on the 5th of May, 1838. He is a son of Miles
and Melinda (Brace) Barker, the former a native of New York
and the latter of Connecticut. Joab Brace, a brother of the grand-
father of our subject, was a Presbyterian minister, devoting his life
Vnl 7I_3
50 HISTORY OF FRx'\NKLIN COUNTY
to his holy calling through a half century in one church, a length
of service in one pastorate which is rarely equalled in this generation.
Some of his children also became identified with the work of the
ministry.
Miles Barker was a cooper by trade and also a farmer, devoting
his life to the dual occupation. He always continued a resident of
the Empire state and there passed away May i6, 1838, when his
son, J. M. Barker, was but two weeks oW. His widow survived
him for more than four decades and died in Illinois, December
29, 1878. In the family were four children: A. B., and Sophia,
both now deceased; Martha, the widow of N. Smith, of Chicago;
and J. M.
J. M. Barker, reared to the occupation of farming, decided to
make it his life work and his earlv training and experience well
qualified him for his later labors. In 1856, when eighteen vears of
age, he left New York and made his way to Illinois, where he fol-
lowed farming until 1861. He was thereafter connected with mer-
cantile interests in Chicago for ten years and later was upon the road
as a traveling salesman, representing sewing machine supplies. In
1874 he came to Sheffield, Iowa, and purchased one hundred and
twenty acres of land and in 1875 purchased one hundred and sixty
more. Four years later in 1879 he moved from Chicago to Frank-
lin, Iowa. He added to this property by additional purchases and
thereafter continued to carry on general farming more or less suc-
cessfully on three hundred and forty acres of land which he cultivated
and improved, transforming wild land into richly productive fields.
He continued to reside upon the farm until 1896, when he built
a fine residence at No. 603 Reeve street, and removed to Hampton,
where he now resides. Year by year while upon the farm he care-
fully cultivated and cared for his crops and annually gathered good
harvests of corn, wheat and other cereals. He also raised cattle and
hogs. The products of the farm found a ready sale upon the mar-
ket, and thus year by year he was able to add to his financial
resources.
Mr. Barker was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Smith, a
native of Illinois, and unto them have been born three children:
C. Maude, now deceased; Bertha B., at home; and Cariola, who is
in the state library at Iowa City. They have one grandchild,
Thelma B. Watt, of Sheffield. Mr. Barker gives his political alle-
giance t(^ the republican party and although he does not seek nor
desire office, keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the
day. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church, and
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 51
he stands at all times in support of progressive public measures, hav-
ing to do with the material, political, intellectual and moral progress
of the community.
THOMAS PEARSE.
Thomas Pearse, carrying on general farming and stock-raising
upon the old Pearse homestead in Geneva township, was born in
Ontario, Canada, January 8, 1859. He is a son of James and Jane
(Reynolds) Pearse, natives of England, whose marriage occurred
in Canada. They came to the United States in 1871 and located in
Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where they spent a year and a half. At the
end of that time they moved to Franklin county and purchased land
on section 7, Geneva township, the father afterward engaging in
agricultural pursuits until his death. His wafe has also passed away.
To their union were born nine children: a daughter, who died in
infancy; William, of Marshalltown, Iowa; Hannah, who died in
1874; JelTrey, of Geneva township; Thomas, of this review; John,
of Cherokee county; James, who died February 28, 1908; and George
and Stephen, both of Geneva.
Thomas Pearse acquired his education in the district schools of
Geneva township and in Albion Seminary, Marshall county, where
he spent two terms. After he laid aside his books he turned his
attention to farming, following this in the employ of others for
two years. About the year 1885 he bought eighty acres of land in
Geneva township and cultivated this property for a number of
years. He afterward gave it in part payment for the homestead of
one hundred and sixty acres, and upon this latter property he now
resides, giving practically all of his attention to its improvement
and development. There is an excellent set of buildings upon the
farm and the entire property is in good condition, for the owner is
a practical and able agriculturist.
On the 2d of March, 1882, Mr. Pearse married Miss Hannah
Rubee, a native of Wisconsin, and they have become the parents of
two children. The elder, Velma, is a graduate of the Hampton high
school and attended Cornell College and is now teaching in the
district schools of Franklin county. Rubee J. was graduated from
Hampton high school and also from Cornell College and afterward
taught in the high school in Colfax, Washington, for two years. He
52 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
is now a student in Harvard University, where he is taking a course
in landscape engineering.
Mr. Pearse is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and
connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America. His
political allegiance is given to the republican party, and he is now
serving as assessor and member of the school board. He is one of
the progressive farmers of Geneva township, identified with its
growth and development and well known in. Franklin county as one
of its public-spirited citizens.
GEORGE DUNN.
George Dunn, an enterprising, successful and representative
young citizen of Alexander, holds the position of assistant cashier
in the Alexander Savings Bank. His birth occurred in England on
the 22d of August, 1885, his parents being John and Annie (Cook)
Dunn, who are still living in that country. Their children are eight
in number, as follows: Joseph, Sarah Ann, Harriet, Arthur John,
Mary Jane, George, W. Fred and Ruth. After a visit in England,
in 1906, George Dunn returned to this country with his younger
brother, W. Fred, who is now employed as bookkeeper in the Alex-
ander Savings Bank. The six other children still reside in their
native land.
George Dunn crossed the Atlantic to the United States in 1900,
when a youth of fifteen, and making his way direct to Franklin
county, Iowa, here worked as a farm laborer for several years, also
attending the common schools in Scott township and spending one
year in study at Hampton. Subsequently he followed the profes-
sion of teaching in this county for two years and in 1907 became
bookkeeper in the Alexander Savings Bank, later being promoted to
the position of assistant cashier, in which capacity he has since served
and has made a creditable record'. Mr. Dunn has a financial inter-
est in the institution and also owns a well furnished and attractive
home in Alexander. In association with Mr. Cook, the cashier of
the Alexander Savings Bank, he writes fire insurance in some of the
best companies.
In 1908 Mr. Dunn was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Mes-
selheiser, who was born in West Fork township, Franklin county, on
the 2qth of April, 1884, her parents being George and Hermena
(Kugler) Messelheiser. The father, a native of Wisconsin, was
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 53
successfully engaged in business at Hampton and Alexander, Iowa,
for a number of years and is now a resident of California. The
mother passed away in Hampton, this state, leaving an only child,
Minnie. George Messelheiser was married a second time and he
and his wife now reside in California. Mrs. Minnie Dunn grew to
womanhood here and has always been a resident of this countv.
"She acquired her earlv education in the common schools, completed
a course in the Highland Park College of Des Moines and also
attended the Iowa State Teachers' College at Cedar Falls. Subse-
quently she taught in the rural schools of Franklin county and like-
wise in Alexander. By her marriage she has become the mother of
three children, two sons and a daughter, as follows: Margaret Ann,
born August 14. 1909; Gordon Leland, whose natal day was August
5, 191 1 ; and Stanley Livingston, whose birth occurred on the 19th
of July, 1913- AH are natives of Alexander.
In politics Mr. Dunn is a stanch republican. He has served as
mayor of xA.lexander and gave the town a businesslike, progressive
and beneficial administration. Both he and his wife are members
of the Congregational church, and fraternally he is identified with
the Alexander lodges of the Yeomen and the Modern Brotherhood
of America and Windsor Lodge, No. 71, K. P., of Hampton.
DAVID BENNING.
One of Franklin county's most progressive and successful native
sons is David Benning, who for a number of years has owned and
operated a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 9 and
19, Osceola township. He was born in Grant township, this county,
September 15, 1875, and is a son of Gottlieb and Amelia (Meinberg)
Benning, natives of Germany. The father came to America about
i860 and located in Illinois, from which state he enlisted for service
in the Civil war. In 1871; he moved to Franklin county, Iowa, and
purchased land in Grant township, whereon he resided until his death,
which occurred in 1897. His wife survives him and makes her home
in Grant tf)wnship. To their union were born nine children: Henry
and Caroline, of Grant township; Emma, the widow of Charles Hof-
meister, of Osceola township; Frederick, deceased; David, of this
review; Herman and Minnie, deceased; Mary, at home; and one
child who died in infancy.
54 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
David Benning was reared at liome and aided in the operation of
the home farm until he was twenty-four years of age, becoming in this
wav thoroughly familiar with the best and most practical agricultural
methods. When he began his independent career he rented one
hundred and twentv acres and after operating this for frve years pur-
chased the farm which he now owns. This comprises one hundred
and sixty acres lying on sections 9 and 19, Osceola township, 'and Mr.*
Benning's able management has made it one of the best improv^ed
and most highly productive properties in the locality.
On the 22d of November, 1900, Mr. Benning was united in mar-
riage to Miss Caroline Burkle and they have become the parents
of six children: Bertha, born November 19. 1901 ; David, born July
28, 1903; Sophia, July 1 1, 1905; Edward, December 1 1, 1907; Louis,
February 28. 191 1; and Martha, March 19, 1913. Mr. Benning is
a member of the Evangelical Lutheran church and a republican in
his political beliefs. He is a man of high character, industrious and
enterprising, and his honesty and uprightness have always merited
him the confidence and respect of his neighbors.
LEONARD SCHINAGEL.
Leonard Schinagel, who devotes his attention to general agricul-
tural pursuits on section 21, Ross township, where he owns two hun-
dred and forty acres of rich and productive land, is a self-made man
who owes his present prosperity entirely to his weH directed industry
and wise management. His birth occurred in Bavaria, Germany,
on the 31st of August, 1864, his parents being John Leonard and
Mary (Komm) Schinagel, who passed away in the fatherland many
years ago.
Leonard Schinagel spent the first sixteen years of his life in the
land of his nativity and then sailed for America, desiring to test the
truth of the many favorable reports which had reached him con-
cerning the opportunities and advantages of the new world. During
the first three years of his residence in the United States he was
employed in the car shops and as fireman with the Chicago, Burling-
ton & Quincy Railroad Company at Aurora, Illinois, while subse-
quently he worked by the month as a farm hand in Kane county.
In 1888 he came to Franklin county, Iowa, and during the foUowmg
three years cultivated a rented tract of land on section 21, Ross town-
ship, which he then purchased and which is still in his possession. It
JIR. AXD ilES. LKOXARD SCHINAGEL
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 57
was merely wild prairie when he first located thereon, but he has
since developed and improved the property until it is now very
desirable, and erected a set of substantial farm buildings. His place
embraces two hundred and forty acres of valuable land and in its
operation he has won a gratifying measure of success, annually har-
vesting excellent crops, which find a ready sale on the market.
In Kane county, Illinois, Mr. Schinagel wedded Miss Minnie
Rhutassel, a native of that county, by whom he has four children.
Ella, married Henry Gerfin, of Ross township, on the ist of January,
1914, and they are farming the Tom Williams farm in that township.
George, Lillie and Clarence are at home. Mr. Schinagel was reared
in the Lutheran faith and will not depart therefrom but attends and
contributes to the support of the Congregational church, to which
his wife and children belong. He is widely recognized as a progress-
ive and enterprising citizen, and is the owner of an automobile.
Coming to the new world in early life, he eagerly availed himself
of the opportunities here afforded and has worked his way steadily
upward to a position among the substantial and representative citi-
zens of Franklin county, where he has now resided for a quarter
of a century.
SAMUEL T. BLAIN.
Samuel T. Blain occupies an attractive residence in Hampton,
where he has lived since retiring from active farm life. He had
devoted his energies and efforts for many years previous to general
agricultural pursuits, owning and cultivating almost five hundred
acres of land. Mr. Blain is a native of Ohio, his birth having oc-
curred in Muskingum county on the 24th of x-lpril, 1853, his parents
being John and Mary (McCamert) Blain, the former a native of
Pennsvlvania and the latter of Ohio. John Blain made farming his
life work and thus provided for his familv which numbered five
children: Joseph, who is now living in Chapin, Iowa; William, a
resident of Oregon; Samuel, of this review; John R., a resident
farmer of Monroe, Wisconsin; and Martha, the wife of V. J. Ward,
of Plymouth, Iowa. Both parents have now passed away, the father
dying in May, 1909, after surviving his wife for twentv-one years,
her death having occurred in March, 1888.
On leaving Ohio the family traveled by wagon to Wisconsin,
Samuel T. Blain being then an infant. He was reared in the latter
58 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
state, early became actively interested in farming and continued to
assist his father in the development and improvement of the old
home place until twenty-two years of age, when he started out in life
independently by renting land. He came to Franklin county, Iowa,
in 1880 and two years later purchased one hundred and twenty acres
of land, to which he added from time to time as his financial resources
increased until he was the owner of four hundred and ninety-five
acres in West Fork and Ingham townships.. There he carried on
general farming and stock-raising, both branches of his business
proving successful. He divided his farm into fields of convenient
size by well kept fences and the place presented a neat and thrifty
appearance, while good crops were annually gathered and high grades
of stock were found in the pastures. In igor Mr. Blain retired from
active farm life and purchased a tine home in Hampton, which he
now occupies, it being his intention to spend his remaining days here
in the enjovment of a well earned rest.
On the nth of March, 1880, Mr. Blain was united in marriage to
Miss Pauline Eitel, a daughter of John G. and Magdalena (Fishes)
Eitel, who were natives of Germany and in 1848 came to America.
They settled in Wisconsin in 1852 and there both passed away. In
their family were seven children: Louis, of Palacios, Texas; Mary,
deceased; Robert, who is living in .\Lirshall, Minnesota; Mrs. Blain;
Lena, the widow of B. W. White, of Hampton; John, also living in
Hampton; and Edward, who makes his home in Hawkeye, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. Blain have one child. Pearl Gertrude, who is the wife
of Frank Foughty, of Hampton, and they have two children. Gene-
vieve Opal and Blaine Blain. In his political views Mr. Blain is a
democrat but has never been an office seeker. He holds membership
with the Modern Woodmen of America, but he has always preferred
the quiet of home and business life to great activity in other fields.
Many sterling traits of character have gained him high regard and
made him widely known.
JOHN W. ATZBAUGH.
Among the successful farmers of Franklin county is numbered
John W. Atzbaugh, who since 1894 ^^^ owned and operated a fine
property of one hundred and forty acres on section 13, Lee township.
He was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, October 24, 1858, and
is a son of John and Mary (Mondic) Atzbaugh, the former a native
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 59
of Pennsylvania and the latter of Germany. They came to Iowa in
1869, and both passed away in this state, the former dying in 1889.
In their family were four children: Mary, the wife of H. Grice;
John W., of this review; and Christina and Daniel, deceased.
John W. Atzbaugh acquired his education in the public schools
of Hardin county, and when he began his independent career at the
age of nineteen turned his attention to farming. After a few years
he secured employment in a machine shop in Ackley and at the end
of one vear became connected with a repair shop in Bradford. In
1894 he purchased one hundred and forty acres of land on section
13, Lee township, and he now has this farm in a high state of culti-
vation, equipped with substantial buildings and modern machinery.
In addition to general farming interests he pays some attention to
stock-raising and has met with excellent success in this line.
On the i6th of April, 1881, Mr. Atzbaugh married Miss Mary
Ritchmeier, and they have become the parents of six children: Rosa,
the wife of Mike Smith of Rockford, Illinois ; Clara, at home ; Frank,
of Hampton; Mary, at home; William, a resident of Hampton; and
Lilly, at home. Mr. Atzbaugh is a member of the Masonic order
and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. In his
business dealings he has ever been straightforward and reli-
able, enjoying in the fullest degree, the confidence of those with whom
he has been associated.
WALTER H. HOXIE.
Walter H. Hoxie is one of the extensive landowners of Frank-
lin county, making his home in Hampton. His possessions aggre-
gate sixteen hundred acres, and all has been acquired through his own
persistent, energetic and intelligentlv directed efiforts, showing what
may be accomplished when one has the will to dare and to do. He
is now one of the venerable citizens of this part of the state, having
passed the eighty-second milestone on life's journey, and he receives
from young and old, rich and poor, the respect and warm regard
which should be tendered one of his years whose life has been well
spent. He was born in New York, November 3, 1831, a son of Zebu-
lin and Anna (Gardner) Hoxie. The greater part of his minority
was spent in the east and in 18 1^3, attracted by the opportunities of
the growing west, he came to Iowa, settling in Butler county, where
he entered land. For ten vears he continued in that countv and in
60 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
1864 came to Franklin county, where he has now made his home
for about a half century. He began buying land and from time to
time added to his possessions until his realty holdings now include
sixteen hundred acres. His home farm was situated ten miles from
Hampton, and thereon he engaged in raising the cereals best adapted
to soil and climate and also paid considerable attention to stock-
raising, both branches of his business proving profitable. He
remained upon the farm for six years and in 1870 removed to Hamp-
ton, where he built a hne home, which he has since occupied. From
this point he has superintended his investments and his property
interests, although in recent years his business afifairs have largely
been turned over to the care of his son, William.
Mr. Hoxie was united in marriage to Miss Elsie Babcock, a
native of Stephenson county, Illinois, and to them have been born
ten children: Dwight, a practicing physician, of North Dakota;
Frank, who is living in Ogallala, Nebraska; Edith and William at
home; Arthur, deceased; Fred, who is a traveling salesman; Anna,
the wife of J. Y. Luke, an attorney at Ames, Iowa; George; Lua,
the wife of H. J. Rice, an electrical engineer of Mobridge, South
Dakota; and Bess, who is the wife of I. B. Robinson, a banker of
Pasedena, California.
No history of this county would be complete without reference
to Mr. Hoxie, who has so long resided within its borders and been
so actively connected with its farming interests. In matters of citi-
zenship, too, his name stands for progress and improvement. He
has long given his political allegiance to the democratic party and
he has filled the ofiice of county supervisor. Fraternally he is a
Mason and in his life has exemplified many of the sterling principles
of the craft. He bears an enviable record in business circles and
wherever he has gone he has made friends, so that the history of his
life will be gladlv received by the readers of this volume.
ERNEST S. MANATT, D. O.
Ernest S. ^Lu^att. the pioneer osteopathic physician of Franklin
county, now practicing in Hampton, was born in Poweshiek county,
Iowa, on the 26th of September, 1878: He represents one of the
old families of the state. His father, James Manatt, was for a half
century a resident of Poweshiek county ere death called him to the
home beyond. He was born in Somerset county, Pennsylvania, in
DR. ERNEST S. MAXATT
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 63
February, 1827, a son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Manatt, both of
Irish descent. Robert Manatt was born in County Down, Ireland,
and in 1812 became a resident of Pennsylvania. Some years after-
ward he removed with his family to Holmes county, Ohio, where his
wife died. Later he brought his children to Iowa, living for a time in
Washington county and afterward in Brooklyn, Poweshiek county,
where he passed away in 1863. James Manatt attended district
schools of Ohio and Iowa and at twenty years of age was married
and began farming. In time he became one of the most extensive
landowners of the county. In [880 he removed to Brooklyn, where
he passed away in February, 191 1. He was twice married. He
first wedded Livina Snook of Warren township, Poweshiek county,
and they had six children. For his second wife he chose Miss Cor-
nelia Squires, a daughter of Sumner L. and Parizode (Payne)
Squires. The latter was a descendant of Sir Simon Fiske, and
belonged to one of the oldest and best known cultured families of
Vermont. Mrs. Squires was born in Highgate, Vermont, and was
a liberally educated woman. Both Mr. and Mrs. Squires engaged
in teaching in the east in early life. In 1855 they became residents
of Poweshiek county, Iowa, and for thirty years remained upon
the old homestead, but spent their last days in Brooklyn, the father
dying in February, 1892, and the mother in April, 1904. Unto Mr.
and Mrs. Manatt were born four children: Earl L., who became
a physician of Newcastle, Indiana, was born in 1877 ^^'^ ^'^d in
April, 1907; Ernest S., is the next of the family. Rex Irving is liv-
ing in Hampton, and Horace J. T. was accidently killed at plav in
1898.
Dr. Ernest S. Manatt spent his youthful days under the parental
roof, and as he approached manhood he became interested in the
science and practice of osteopathy which he determined to make his
life work. Accordingly he supplemented his public-school educa-
tion by a course in the American School of Osteopathy at Kirks-
ville, Missouri, from which he was graduated on the 31st of
January, 1901. In the following March he came to Franklin county
and has since been located in Hampton, being the oldest osteopathic
practitioner of the county. He has been quite successful, his ability
being attested by those who have come under his professional care.
Dr. Manatt was united in marriage to Miss Maude Kratchovil,
a native of this countv, and unto them has been born a son. Earl,
now three and a half years of age. In politics Dr. Manatt is a
republican but has never been an office seeker, preferring to con-
centrate his energies upon his private professional interests, with
64 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
leisure for the enjoyment of home and social pleasures. He belongs
to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and to the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows, and his religious faith is that of the Congre-
gational church, of which he is a consistent member.
EDMUND SLEE. '
Edmund Slee occupies a commodious, beautiful and attractive
home on Franklin street in Hampton, where he has lived since retir-
ing from active business life. Industry, perseverance and energy
have been the salient features in his life record and have brought
to him the measure of prosperity which enables him to live retired.
He was born in England, July 4, 1828, and is a son of Robert and
Margaret (Foster) Slee, who were natives of the same country and
have long since passed away. In their family were thirteen chil-
dren. This number included Elizabeth, now deceased; Edmund;
Robert, who died in Hampton February 7, 1912; Hislop, still liv-
ing in England; and William deceased.
Edmund Slee spent his youthful days in his native land and at
the age of fifteen years took up the active work of the farm. He
was a young man of twenty-three years when in 1851 he became a
resident of Wisconsin, having determined to try his fortune in the
new world, of the advantages and opportunities of which he had
heard much. For two years he lived in the Badger state and then
went to California, hoping to benefit bv the discovery of gold on
the coast. For eight years he engaged in mining and then returned
to Wisconsin, where he remained until 1864. In that year he drove
an o\ team from Wisconsin to Montana, thence to British Columbia
and afterward returned to Montana, where he remained for fourteen
years engaged in farming. In 1880 he arrived in Iowa, settling on a
farm in Franklin township. For a considerable period he was iden-
tified with general agricultural pursuits here but in the evening
of life disposed of all of his farm land and purchased a fine home
on Franklin street, which he now occupies. His extensive travels
over the west brought him wide experience and broad and inter-
esting knowledge concerning the country, and he relates manv pleas-
ing anecdotes of his travels.
Mr. Slee was united in marriage to Miss Hannah Graham, now
deceased. They were the parents of seven children: Margaret, the
wife of James Sheets, of Franklin county; Alvinza, the wife of C.
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 65
Koch, of Marion township; Robert Foster, also living in this county;
William Albert, deceased; Ida, the wife of Fred Nancolas, formerly
of Reeve township, now of Hampton; and Ella and Hannah, both
at home. For his second wife Mr. Slee chose Miss Jane Robinson,
and they became the parents of four children: Mary, Elizabeth,
Belle and Clarrie, all at home.
A republican in politics, Mr. Slee filled the office of township
trustee but has never been an office seeker, preferring to give his
public service as a private citizen. In religious belief he is a Metho-
dist, and his life has been guided by the teachings of the church,
making him an upright, honorable man, whom to know is to respect.
LEONARD HICKMAN.
Leonard Hickman, who since 1905 has been serving in a credit-
able and able manner as overseer of the Franklin County Farm, was
born in Germany, December 25, 1854. He is a son of Adam and
Elizabeth (Hickman) Hickman, also natives of Germany, where
their deaths occurred. In their family were seven children: Adam,
Fred, Jacob and William, all of whom reside in Germany; Peter, of
New York city; John, of Germany; and Leonard, of this review.
Leonard Hickman remained in his native country until he was
fourteen years of age and then crossed the Atlantic, settling in Ottawa,
LaSalle county, Illinois. He there engaged in farming, living upon
one property for six years and upon another for three. At the end
of that time he moved to Galena, Illinois, where he attended the
normal school, after which he established himself in the butcher
business. He followed this occupation for fifteen years thereafter
and then removed to the vicinity of Storm Lake, Iowa, where he pur-
chased a farm. At the end of two years he returned to Galena, Illi-
nois, and there remained for two years, after which he came again
to Iowa, settling in Hampton. On the ist of March, 1905, he was
appointed overseer of the Franklin County Farm of two hundred
and twenty acres, and he has since creditably filled this position. He
has charge of the nine inmates and with their assistance engages in
general farming and stock-raising, keeping cattle and hogs. He dis-
charges his duties conscientiously and promptly and to the satisfac-
tion of all concerned.
In January, 1878, Mr. Hickman was united in marriage to Miss
Virginia Verron, and they have become the parents of three children :
66 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Helen, the wife of O. F. Myers, of Hampton; \\'illiam, of Geneva;
and Harry, bookkeeper for the \\'estern Newspaper L nion at Des
Moines.
Mr. Hickman is a member of the Methodist church and is con-
nected fraternally with the Masonic lodge and the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows. He gives his political support to the republican
party and is now trustee of Geneva township. He is a progressive
and successful business man and holds the. favorable regard c)f all
who know him.
MILF MEYER.
Milf Meyer, one of the extensive landowners and prosperous
farmers of Franklin county, owning and operating three hundred
acres on section 9, Grant township, was born in Germany, September
17, 1867. He is a son of Lambert and Angie (Rabenburg) Meyer,
also natives of the fatherland. They came to America in 1881 and
located in Grundy county, Iowa, where the father died March 20,
1889, and where the mother still resides. To their union were born
four children: Milf, of this review; Tonjes, a resident of Grundy
county; Heska, the widow of August Steinmeyer, of Grundy countv;
and Wort, of Grundy county.
Milf Meyer came to America with his parents in 1881 and aided
in the operation of the homestead during his father's lifetime. After
the father's death he assumed charge of its operation, conducting it
until 1897, when he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of tlie
property. This he developed and improved along progressive and
modern lines until 1912, when he moved to Franklin county, buying
three hundred acres on section 9, Grant township. He here engages
in general farming and stock-raising and has met with that success
which always follows persistent and intelligently directed labor.
Mr. Meyer has been twice married. He wedded first Miss Lena
Kramer, who died January 1, 1902, leaving five children, Annie,
Harm, Lambert, Fannie and Milf, Jr. On the 8th of February.
1905, Mr. Meyer was again married, his second union being with
Miss Minnie Kromminga, a native of Germany. To this union have
been born four children: Tonjes; Minnie, deceased; Heska; and
Amos. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer are members of the Lutheran church,
and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party, serving
at the present time as school director. Well known in Franklin
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 67
county by reason of the extent of his interests here, he is accounted one
of the active workers and progressive farmers of Grant township,
and he has the unqualified confidence and esteem of the entire
community.
GEORGE BOOTH.
Hampton has many retired farmers, for the rich prairie land of
Iowa offers splendid opportunities to the enterprising, persistent and
industrious agriculturist. The man who has those qualities has every
reason to believe that his labors will be crowned with success, for the
alluvial soil yields excellent returns and the farmer whose efforts
are intelligently directed may always hope to have a period of rest
in his later years, in which to enjoy the fruits of his former toil. Such
has been the record of George Booth, now a well known resident
of Hampton, who was born in England March ii, 1850, a son of
William and Sarah (Ines) Booth, both of whom were natives of Eng-
land, where their entire lives were passed. They had a family
of seven children : Lucy, still living in England ; George ; Anna, Eliz-
abeth, John and Polly, all residents of England; and Fannie, who
was a twin sister of John and is now deceased.
George Booth spent the period of his boyhood and youth in his
native country and acquired his education there in the public schools.
In 1871 he crossed the Atlantic to the new world with Lafayette
county, Wisconsin, as his destination and there he engaged in farm-
ing, remaining in that state for twelve years. In 1883 he came to
Iowa and purchased a quarter section of land in Franklin countv,
to which he afterward added one hundred and twenty acres. He still
owns an excellent farm in Hamilton township but in 1908 retired to
Hampton, where he has recently erected a modern residence — a two-
story house at the corner of Franklin and Ninth streets. While upon
the farm his work was most carefully managed and his fields showed
the result of intelligent cultivation and of unfaltering enterprise.
His land was divided by well kept fences, substantial barns and out-
buildings sheltered good grades of stock and improved modern ma-
chinery facilitated the work of the fields.
Mr. Booth was married in 1879 to Miss Sarah Huntington, a
native of England and to them were born four children : Jennie, who
is now the wife of Edward Simmons, a resident farmer of Hamilton
township, occupying the old homestead; Freddy, who died at the
68 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
age of one year; Guy, who is living on his father's farm of a quarter
section; and Lester, deceased. The religious faith of the family is
that of the Methodist church, and Mr. Booth gives his political sup-
port to the republican party. He has served as school director but
has never sought nor desired public office, preferring to concentrate
his energies and attention upon his business interests which, capably
managed, have brought to him substantial returns. He has never
had occasion to regret his determination to qome to the new world,
for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their
improvement has gained a place among the substantial citizens of the
community. He has many attractive social qualities which have
gained him warm friends, and he deserves to be ranked among the
representative citizens of the community.
JOHN INGEBRETSON.
On the roll of Franklin county's honored dead appears the name
of John Ingebretson, who from 1878 until his death in 1901 was
closely and honorably connected with agricultural interests here,
becoming during that time an extensive landowner and a represen-
tative farmer. He was born in Cook county, Illinois, February 18.
1 854, and is a son of Ingebret and Annie Ingebretson, natives of Nor-
way. The parents came to the United States in the early '50s and
settled in Cook county, Illinois, where the father died and left the
mother with her children. She afterward removed to Lafayette
county, Wisconsin, where she passed away.
John Ingebretson spent his boyhood in Wisconsin, acquiring a
public-school education. In 1878 he came to Franklin county, Iowa,
and entered the employ of D. W. Mott, for whom he worked until
his marriage in 1880. He then purchased one hundred and twenty
acres of wild prairie land on section t;, Richland township, and
began the work of improving this property, carrying it forward
with characteristic energy for many years. He provided the place
with a good residence, substantial barns and out-buildings and labor-
saving machinery and made it a valuable and productive property,
giving evidence everywhere of the care and supervision of a prac-
tical and progressive agriculturist. From time to time he made
additions to the property and at his death was an extensive land-
holder owning five hundred and sixty acres. At all times he kept
JOHX IXCEBRETSOX
MRS. .Toiix ix(,i:i',i;kts(ix
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 73
in the front ranks of progressive agriculturists of the community,
and his labors therefore brought him substantial returns.
On the 19th of February, 1880, Mr. Ingebretson was united in
marriage to Miss Mary Hanson, who was born in Gratiot, Wis-
consin, March 27, 1862, a daughter of Martin and Bertha Hanson,
natives of Norway, now deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ingebretson
became the parents of eight children: Julia M., who lives at home;
Alfred S., who is married and is operating part of the family home-
stead ; Melvin, at home; Bessie M., who is engaged in teaching;
Clara H. and Orville H., at home; and two children, who died in
infancy. Since her husband's death Mrs. Ingebretson has had charge
of the homestead and has added to it extensively, her holdings now
comprising twelve hundred and eighty-eight acres, one of the largest
and most valuable farms in the township. She and her children
operate this property, and they have become widely and favorably
known in agricultural circles.
Mr. Ingebretson was a devout member of the Lutheran church
and gave his political allegiance to the republican party, being at
all times active in the support of movements for the general good.
When called to his final rest in 1901 he left a record that is well
worthy of emulation.
T. V. BLACKFORD.
J. V. Blackford, engaging successfully in stock-raising, dairying
and general farming upon two hundred and seventy acres of land
in Ingham township, was born in Green county, Wisconsin, Decem-
ber 1, 1862. He is a son of William and Jemima (Dennis) Black-
ford, natives of Pennsylvania, both of whom have passed away.
They were the parents of three children: J. V., of this review;
Major, of Green county, Wisconsin; and Letty, the wife of S. C.
Atwood, of St. Helena, California.
J. V. Blackford began his independent career as a school-teacher,
engaging in this occupation from the time he was eighteen until
he was twenty-three. In 1886 he came to Franklin county, Iowa,
and here turned his attention to farming, operating rented land for
six years. At the end of that time be bought one hundred and thirty
acres in Ingham township, to which he has since added until he owns
two hundred and seventy acres. Sixty and one-half acres lie inside
the city limits of Hampton, and this tract Mr. Blackford operates
74 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
as a dairy farm, keeping twenty-tivc niikh cows. His stock-raising
interests are extensive and important and his herds contain some
very valuable animals including a yearling Holstein bull. King Korn-
dike Pontiac Segis, bred in New York and worth three hundred
dollars, and four Holsteins, bred in Massachusetts and worth three
hundred dollars apiece as yearlings. Mr. Blackford follows always
the most progressive and practical methods in the conduct of his
interests and has been very successful, standing today among the
leading farmers and stock-raisers of his locality.
On the 25th of March, 1885, Mr. Blackford was united in mar-
riage to Miss Temperance McCammant, and to this union were
born two children: Maude, the wife of H. A. Missildine; and
Hugh, at home. Mr. Blackford is a member of the Christian church
and is independent in his political views, serving at the present time
as township clerk. He is a progressive and wide-awake agricul-
turist, and his industry and enterprise have not only enabled liim
to attain prosperity but have won him a high place in the respect
and confidence of his neighbors.
CHARLES JAMES ALLEN, ^\. D.
Dr. Charles James Allen, one of the leading and successful phy-
sicians and surgeons of Sheffield, has practiced his profession here
for more than a quarter of a century and during the early years
underwent all the harrowing experiences and hardships which beset
the doctor in a pioneer community. His birth occurred in Youngs-
town, Niagara county, New York, on the i6th of June, 1856, his
parents being George W. and Lucina (Hayward) Allen, natives
of New York. The father, an agriculturist by occupation, passed
away in the Empire state in 1874, when fifty-seven years of age,
while the mother was called to her final rest in 1900, dying in New
York at the age of seventy-three.
Charles J. Allen spent his boyhood on a farm in his native county
and attended the district schools in the acquirement of his early
education, while later he pursued his studies in Union Academy at
Lockport, New York. Subsequently he studied medicine for three
years under the direction of Dr. W. J. Falkner of Youngstown, New
York, and on the 27th of September, 1884, entered Rush Medical
College of Chicago, from which institution he was graduated on
the 17th of February, 1887. He then came directly to Sheffield,
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 75
Iowa, and this place has remained the scene of his professional labors
throughout the intervening twenty-six years. His were the expe-
riences of a pioneer physician in a sparsely settled and undeveloped
district. He frequently spent his last dollar for a bottle of medi-
cine and drove through the country for a number of miles without
any assurance that his patient would be able to reimburse him. Dr.
Allen always kept a good horse and during the first two years of
his residence here made his calls in a road cart, while later he was
enabled to purchase a buggy. The roads were bad and the country
was very marshy, so that he was subjected to much risk and danger
when driving on a dark night. As the years have gone by, however,
the district has become thickly settled by a prosperous, contented
people, and he has enjoyed an extensive and lucrative practice, which
has been accorded him in recognition of his skill and ability in the
field of his chosen calling. He keeps in touch with the progress
of the profession through his membership in the Franklin County
Medical Society and the Iowa State Medical Society and is a stock-
holder in the Sheffield Brick & Tile Company, the largest concern
in the county.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Dr. Allen
chose Mrs. Emma Harrington, nee Sheldon, who is a native of
Dubuque county and by whom he has one son, Roy. He gave his
political allegiance to the republican party for many years but
recently joined the ranks of the democracy. He served as a mem-
ber of the city council for two years, but the demands made upon
him in a professional capacity have been so great that he has not
entered actively into politics. Dr. Allen is well and favorably known
among the members of the medical fraternity in Franklin county
and in his practice has ever conformed to the highest professional
ethics.
ARCHIE B. ATKINSON.
Archie B. Atkinson is carrying on general farming and stock-
raising upon one hundred acres of land in Mott township, consti-
tuting a portion of the farm upon which he was born November 21,
1870. He is a son of J. A. Atkinson, of whom further mention is
made elsewhere in this work. The subject of this review remained
at home until he was twenty-one years of age and then rented eighty
acres of land, upon which he carried on general farming until 1913.
76 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
In that year he moved up(jn one hundred acres of the old homestead
and has since operated this property, engaging in general farming.
He has been very successful and has today a valuable and productive
farm worthy of comparison with the finest in this locality.
On the 27th of January, 1892, Mr. Atkinson was united in mar-
riage to Miss Hattie Doidge, of Illinois, a daughter of Thomas and
Carrie (Jolly) Doidge, natives of England. The parents came to
Iowa in 1887 and the father farmed in this state until his death.
Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson have become the parents of five children:
Annie, who was born December 16, 1892; Eva, born November 12,
1895; Maude, born April 27, 1898; Lottie, May 21, 1901 ; and Joseph,
March 7, 1903.
The parents attend the Methodist church and the children are
members of the Sunday school. Mr. Atkinson is connected frater-
nally w ith the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masonic order.
He supports the republican party and has been a member of the
school board and is now assessor of Mott township. His life has been
such as to merit the respect of his fellowmen, and by his honesty,
uprightness and industry he has contributed much toward the up-
building of the community, of which he is a representative citizen.
CHARLES W. RAISCH.
Charles W. Raisch, who since 1896 has lived upon iiis present
farm of eighty acres on section 27, Osceola township, successfully
engaged in general farming and stock-raising, was born in Germany,
September 14, 1863. He is a son of Gotlicb \V. and Louisa Fred-
ericka (Hess) Raisch, natives of Germanv. Thev came to Ackley
in July, 1880, and the father died there April 27, 1902, his wife
surviving him until December, 1907. To their union were born
nine children : Fredericka L., the wife of Philip Paulus, of BufTalo,
New York; Gotleib F., of Reeve township; Charles W., of this
review; Sophie L., who married Ely Behrens, of Waverly, Iowa;
Christian F., of Hardin county; Gotthilf H., of Dumont; Amelia,
who married Christian Walton, of Oakland, California; Bertha L..
the wife of Eugene Friz, of Oakland, California; and, Henry,
deceased.
Charles W. Raisch came to America with his parents in 1880 and
remained at home until he was twentv-four years of age. He then
began farming independently and in 1896 made his first purchase
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 77
of land, buying the eighty acres on section 27, Osceola township,
upon which he still resides. This property he has improved with
substantial buildings, including a modern silo, and he has installed
excellent equipment, making the place valuable and productive in
the highest degree. He is a stock-raiser on an extensive scale and
makes a specialty of Duroc Jersey hogs and Holstein cattle.
Mr. Raisch married Miss Lenna Adell Whitney, who was born in
Illinois, September 9, 1864, and who came to Franklin county in her
infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Raisch have adopted two children : Frederick
Arthur, aged twenty-one; and Mary Effie, aged thirteen. Mr. Raisch
is a member of the Presbyterian church and connected fraternally
with the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his political
allegiance to the republican party and has been honored by his fel-
low citizens by election to various positions of trust and responsibility,
including the office of township assessor, which he has held for the
past fourteen years. He has made a most commendable official rec-
ord and enjoys to the fullest extent the confidence and good-will of
those with whom he has been brought in contact.
HOWARD C. LIGGETT.
Howard C. Liggett, who for seven years has filled the office of
city attorney at Hampton and for four years w^as county attorney,
is recognized as a strong, able and resourceful lawyer, capable of
solving the intricate, involved and litigated problems which are
continually growing more and more complex as the interests and
activities of life increase. It is a well known fact that he carefully
prepares his cases, preparing not only for the expected but also for
the unexpected which happens quite as frequently in the courts as out
of them. Mr. Liggett is a native of Pennsylvania, his birth having
occurred in Cumberland county on the i6th of April, 1862, his par-
ents being Thomas and Sarah (Lehman) Liggett, also natives of the
Keystone state, in which they spent their entire lives. They had
a family of four children, of whom two are now deceased, the sur-
viving sister of our subject being Lizzie, the wife of William Wood,,
of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Howard C. Liggett acquired his early education in the schools
of his native state and remained a resident of Pennsylvania until
eighteen years of age, when, thinking to find better business opportu-
nities elsewhere, he left for the middle west, going to Illinois. There.
78 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
he was employed at farm labor and also taught school for a time.
With the proceeds he paid his tuition in the Northern Indiana Nor-
mal School at Valparaiso, in u hich he completed the teacher's course.
It was his desire, however, to become a member of the bar and with
this end in view he entered the State University of Iowa at Iowa City
and was graduated with the law class of 1886. He ne.xt went to
western Kansas with the intention of practicing, mailing his way-to
Johnson county. There was a contest on over the countv seat. Mr.
Liggett took sides with the people against Johnson City and inaugu-
rated a joint debate in which he took active pajt. The result was that
the cowboys were bought ofif to steal the ballot bo.\es and his town
accordingly lost out. After a brief period spent in Kansas, Mr. Lig-
gett returned to Iowa and since May, 1888, has been continuously
engaged in active practice in Hampton, where he has n(nv resided
for more than a quarter of a century.
His abilitv is widely recognized, his mind is naturally analytical,
and his clear reasoning and strength of argument make him one of
the successful members of the bar. Mr. Liggett's ability naturally
suggests him for public office in the line of his profession, and for
four years he filled the position of county attorney, while for seven
years he has been city attorney.
Mr. Liggett was united in marriage to Miss Anna Harrison, a
native of Illinois, and unto them have been born two children: Ruel
Harrison Liggett and James Alexander Liggett. Mrs. Liggett's
father was an own cousin of William Henry Harrison, the hero of the
battle of Tippecanoe and later president of the L^nited States. Mr.
Liggett votes with the democratic party and fraternally is connected
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Wood-
men. During the period of his residence in this county he has gained
a wide acquaintance and won many friends. He is an able speaker,
is a pleasant, genial, social gentleman, and as the years go on he is
more and more highly regarded by those with whom he is asso-
ciated.
GEORGE D. PATTERSON.
George D. Patterson is one of the alert, energetic and wide-awake
business men and merchants of Hampton and Franklin county, and
his name is also well known in financial circles. Thoroughness
characterizes everything that he undertakes, and he possesses sufTi-
GEORGE D. PATTERSON
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 81
cient courage to venture where favoring opportunity leads the way,
so that his determination and even paced energy have carried him
into important relations.
Mr. Patterson was born in this county, March 4, 1881. He at-
tended the public schools of Hampton and was graduated from the
high school with the class of 1900. He later became a student in the
Cedar Rapids Business College, where he completed a course in
1902. He afterward joined his father in business and after thorough
training was admitted to partnership in 1907. He now greatly ap-
preciates the discipline and training to which his father subjected
him in his youth. He taught him first the necessity of having a
thoroughly clean and attractive establishment and on his entry into
the store the son was given charge of that part of the business. His
ne.xt training was in the direction of courtesy to patrons, and he was
instructed to engage in conversation with waiting customers until
a salesman could reach them. It was a proud day for him when he
was-permitted to sell goods over the counter, and when he had learned
to do that successfully he was initiated into the work of buying, in
which his father first superintended his efforts, giving him points
on dealing with salesmen and impressing upon him the necessity of
understanding different textiles and the manufacture of cloth. His
father bought him books of instruction along that line and had him
visit the mills in person. Having made a deep study of the question
of manufacturing, he next directed his efforts to the broadening of
trade in connection with his father's establishment, and again good
results attended his labors, so that in 1907, feeling that his son was
now thoroughlv qualified for the responsibilities of managing the
store, the father admitted George D. Patterson to a partnership, and
since his father's death he has been active manager of the business,
which is today the most important mercantile enterprise of the city.
A large and carefully selected line of goods is carried, and the utmost
attention is paid to the personnel of the house and to the treatment
of patrons.
In addition to his other interests, Mr. Patterson is connected with
banking institutions, being a director of the Franklin County State
Bank and three other banks in the county.
On the i6th of September, 1908, Mr. Patterson was united in mar-
riage to Miss Florence M. Snyder, and unto them were born two
daughters: Florence Irene, born July i, 1909; and Georgia, born
July 25, 1913. In politics Mr. Patterson is a republican and has
been a member of the city council. He never neglects the duties of
citizenship and at all times is ready to cooperate in any movement
82 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
for the general good. Fraternally he is connected with Anchor
Lodge, No. 191, A. F. & A. AL, of which he is a past master; and
with Anchor Chapter No. 69, R. A. M., in which he is now king.
He belongs to the Congregational church and at all times has been
actively and helpfully interested in the intellectual and moral, as
well as the material and political growth of the community.
ISAL^H WAGNER.
Isaiah Wagner, one of the most respected and valued residents of
Osceola township, has made his home in Franklin county since 1867.
This has covered the period of the county's greatest growth and prog-
ress and in the work of general development he has borne his full
share as the years have gone by. He owns one hundred and twenty
acres of land on section 9, Osceola township, and operates also one
hundred and eighty acres belonging to his wife. He was born in Ogle
county, Illinois, December 1 1, 1839, and is a son of Henry and Eliza-
beth (Hoover) Wagner, natives of Maryland. The father engaged
in farming during his entire active life and died in Ogle county. His
wife passed away in Franklin county, this state. To their union were
born eleven children: Jonathan, Joseph, Snaveley and Caroline, de-
ceased; Sarah, the widow of John Donaldson, of Rockford, Illinois;
Horatio, of Leaf River, Illinois; Ahymus and Rosella, deceased;
Henry, of Alden, Iowa; Isaiah, of this review; and Elizabeth, the
wife of Theodore Thomas, of Geneva.
Isaiah Wagner was reared in Ogle county, Illinois, acquiring his
education in the public schools. On the 7th of September, 1861, he
enlisted in Company H, Thirty-fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry,
and served for three years in the Civil war. He received a severe
wound during the battle of Shiloh, being shot through the thigh.
Following his discharge he returned to Illinois and in 1867 came to
Iowa, settling in Franklin county, where he has since resided. For a
period of forty-seven years he has been closely connected with agri-
cultural interests here and is today one of the prosperous and repre-
sentative farmers of his locality. He owns the farm upon which he
located in 1867 and operates this in conjunction with one hundred
and eighty acres which belong tO'his wife. The place is well im-
proved, being provided with substantial buildings and e.xcellent
machinery.
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 83
On the 25th of December, 1866, Mr. Wagner was united in mar-
riage to Miss Sarah E. Jacobs, a daughter of Enos and Rachel
(Barnes) Jacobs, natives of Maryland. The father died in Illinois
and the mother in Franklin county, Iowa. In their family were
eleven children: Francis T., deceased; Angeline, the wife of H.
Hibarger, of Wichita, Kansas; Josephus, of South Dakota; Sarah E.,
wife of the subject of this review; Margaret Ann, who married D.
Geeting, of South Dakota; Mary Jane, the wife of H. Baker, of
Washington; Barbara Ellen, who married M. Myers, of Beaman,
Iowa; Foneticus, residing in Illinois; Emma, who died in childhood;
Martha, formerly the widow of William Piper, but now the wife
of Andrew Dame, of South Dakota; and John, deceased. To Mr.
and Mrs. Wagner nine children were born: Hattie May, the wife
of J. B. Hufif, of North Dakota; Enos, deceased; George E., of
Faulkner, Iowa; Bessie, the wife of Guy French, of Faulkner; John
H. and Hezekiah, residents of Faulkner; Franklin, of Wisconsin;
Wava Grace, at home; and one child that died in infancy.
Mr. Wagner attends the Methodist church, is connected frater-
nally with the Grand Army of the Republic and gives his political
allegiance to the republican party. At the age of seventy-four he is
still active in the world's work and seems yet in his prime in spirit
and interests. He has ever been a busy man and his active and useful
life has won him the confidence and good-will of his fellowmen by
reason of the honorable and straightforward policy which he has
ever followed.
JOHN S. ALLINSON.
Since 1882 John S. Allinson has been identified with agricul-
tural interests of Franklin county as the owner of a fine farm of
two hundred acres on section 4, Reeve township. He was born in
Wisconsin, August 14, 1847, and is a son of Robert and Martha
(Coatsworth) Allinson, natives of England. The parents came to
America in 1830 and located immediately in Wisconsin, whence
they moved to Illinois, where they resided until their deaths. To
their union were born eight children: Margaret, the widow of
Robert Robson, of Spokane, Washington; Mary and Hannah,
deceased; Robert C, who died in the Union army during the Civil
war; Thomas R., of Lena, Illinois; John S., of this review; Joseph,
a resident of Montana; and James, of Cripple Creek, Colorado.
84 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
John S. Allinson began his independent career at the age of
twenty-three, teaching school during the winters and farming in
the summer months. In 1882 he came to Franklin county and bought
two hundred acres of land on section 4, Reeve township, upon which
he lias since resided. The years have brought him an enviable degree
of success, and his farm is today one of the best improved in the
township, equipped with substantial barns and outbuildings and
supplied with all the necessarv machinery. Mr. Allinson owns in
addition a section of land in North Dakota.
On the 24th of December, 1874, Mr. Allinson married Miss
Mary Jane Walton, a native of Lafayette county, Wisconsin, and
they have become the parents of six children: Cora, the wife of
Howard Paul, of North Dakota; Mary and Martha, at home; Wil-
liam R., a resident of North Dakota; Charles, of Wyoming; and
Nellie, at home.
Mr. Allinson is a member of the Methodist church and gives
his political allegiance to the republican party, taking an intelli-
gent interest in community affairs without being active as an office
seeker. He is never neglectful of the duties of citizenship, however,
and his influence has been a tangible force for good in the community.
CLAUDE F. ROEMER.
One of the important commercial enterprises of Hampton is
the implement and automobile business conducted by Roemer
& Gibson. Claude F. Roemer, the senior partner is a wide-awake
and progressive man who readily recognizes and utilizes oppor-
tunities and by his business activity contributes to the material
upbuilding of the city in which he makes his home. He was
born in Cedar Falls, Iowa, February 27, 1871, a son of Conrad
and Catherine (Humbert) Roemer. The father was a native
of Germany, born in 1832, and at the age of twenty years
he came to America, landing in New York in i8i;2. It was
subsequent to that time that he met and married Catherine
Humbert, a native of the Empire state. In 1857 they removed
westward to Cedar Falls and Mr. Roemer, who was a carpenter,
there followed his trade, becoming identified with building opera-
tions in that locality. He died in Hampton on the 25th of July, 1898,
while his wife survived almost fifteen vears, passing awav on the 12th
•'""■"■"■"■"■'■ "•■'"•••""■"-""" I
CLAUDE F. ROEMER AND SOX
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 87
who died in infancy; Amelia, the wife of E. C. Keefer of Lady-
smith, Wisconsin; CJiarles C, whose home is in Mahon, Missouri;
Lydia, who became the wife of George Kuylcr of Franklin county
and died in 1893; George, a farmer now living in Hampton; Julia,
the wife of F. D. Smith, a banker of Latimer, Iowa; Edward A.,
who resides in Creighton, Nebraska; Christina, deceased; Claude
F. ; Daniel R., a farmer of Hampton; and Harvey, who is engaged
in the real-estate business in Manson, Iowa.
Claude F. Roemer attended the district schools and starting out
in life for himself at the age of twenty years, came to Hampton,
where he established an implement and pump business. The enter-
prise was successful from the beginning and the trade has steadily
grown so that he is now accorded a liberal patronage that brings
a good financial return. He built a fine building with concrete sides
and pressed brick front, forty by one hundred and four feet, and
three stories in height. In 191 2 Mr. Roemer took in Mr. Gibson as
a partner and the business is conducted under the name of Roemer
& Gibson. The hrm is now handling a large line of automobiles,
including the Maxwell, the Marion, the Auburn and the Chalmers
cars and in addition handles the McCormick Harvesters, the John
Deere farm machinery and. buggies and vehicles. The firm also owns
valuable property including two hundred and eighty-four acres of
land near Hampton and one hundred and sixty acres in Minnesota.
On the 8th of November, 1899, Mr. Roemer was united in mar-
riage to Miss Hester Crawford of this county. Five children have
been born of this marriage: Louis and Louise, born September 9,
1900; Hugh, who was born January 3, 1905, and died September
5, 191 1 ; Claude F., born April 4, 1910; and Gretchen, born July
20, 191 2.
At the time of the Spanish-American war Mr. Roemer enlisted.
He was a member of the State National Guards and with his reg-
iment left Des Moines on the 26th of April, 1898. The troops
proceeded to the camp at Chickamauga, but were never called into
action. Mr. Roemer returned with the rank of sergeant. Politi-
cally he is a republican, well informed on the questions and issues
of the day. He has served as a member of the town council and as
school director. He belongs to the Methodist church, in the work
of which he takes an active interest, serving at the present time as
superintendent of the Sunday school. He belongs to the Knights
of Pvthias fraternity, in which he has filled all of the chairs, and he
is likewise connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. At
a recent convention held at Des Moines, Mr. Roemer was elected
88 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
president of the Iowa Implement Dealers Association. He is known
as a public-spirited man, ever ready to promote public progress in
any possible way. Jn business, too, he has made continuous advance-
ment and is now one of the substantial and prosperous merchants of
his adopted city.
JAMES W. BOOTS.
One of the fine homes on Bridge street in Hampton is that occu-
pied by James W. Boots, a retired farmer, who for many years has
been actively identified with agricultural interests in Franklin
county, where he still owns a valuable and productive farm of four
hundred and ten acres, on which he is extensively engaged in stock-
raising, especially the breeding of fine horses. He was born in Del-
aware county, Indiana, March 19, 1851, and is a son of Martin and
Rebecca (Jones) Boots, the former a native of Ohio and the latter
of West Virginia. The father was a farmer by occupation and in
1855 came to Iowa, settling in Franklin county, where he carried
on general agricultural pursuits for a number of years. His wife
died upon the home farm June i, 1892, after which Mr. Boots estab-
lished his home in Geneva, where he died in 1906. In their family
were eight children: Rhoda, deceased; William, a retired farmer
living in Hampton; Martha Jane, the wife of Miles Birkett, of
Luverne, Minnesota; James W. ; Mary Elizabeth, the wife of Simon
Long, of Luverne, Minnesota; John M., living in Dumont. Iowa;
Malena, the wife of James Burlingame. of Luverne; and Simeon
J., a retired farmer residing in Hampton.
James W. Boots was but four years of age when brought to Iowa
bv his parents, where he spent his vouthful days. He is indebted
to the public school system for the educational privileges which he
enjoyed. He remained upon the home farm until he had attained
his majoritv and then started out in life for himself, choosing as
his life work the occupation to which he had been reared. He now
has four hundred and ten acres in Franklin countv and also an attrac-
tive residence on Bridge street in Hampton. His land is naturally
rich and productive, and his farm is one of the well developed prop-
erties of the district, producing splendid crops of corn and other
cereals. Mr. Boots takes great interest in blooded horses and has
an imported registered coach. Constant, ten years old. He also has
an interest in a Chelperie percheron. He makes a specialty of breed-
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 89
ing and raising fine horses and is regarded as one of the leading stock-
men of the county. His business has assumed large proportions,
and his financial returns make him one of the substantial citizens
of this part of the state.
On the 14th of April, 1887, Mr. Boots was united in marriage
to Miss Helen Lower and they became the parents of three children:
Vivian Mozelle, a teacher in the public schools, living at home;
Mildred Clare, who died in ciiildhood; and James Milford, a high-
school pupil.
Politically Mr. Boots is a republican, well informed on the ques-
tions and issues of the day and thus able to support his position by
intelligent argument. He has been township trustee for twenty
years and has capably filled other township offices, the duties of
which he discharged with promptness and fidelity. His fraternal
relations are with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Practi-
cally a life-long resident of this county, he possesses the spirit of enter-
prise and progress characteristic of the middle west and throughout
his entire life has brooked no obstacles that could be overcome by
persistent, earnest and honorable efifort, and thus it is that he has
worked his way steadily upward to success.
A. W. BEED.
A. W. Beed not onlv occupies a prominent position in financial
circles as president of the Franklin County State Bank, but also has
the distinction of being the first boy born in Hampton. His natal
dav was November i i, 1858, his parents being George and Marinda
(Dennan) Beed, who came to this county in the year 1856, settling
on a farm near Hampton. Their remaining days were spent in this
county, and with the pioneer development the father was actively
identified. The son was reared upon the frontier with the usual
experiences and environments of pioneer life. The public schools
afforded him his educational privileges, and he has learned life's
lessons well. He was eighteen years of age when he entered the Citi-
zens' Bank, of which his father had been president for a number of
vears. After a period of identification with the bank in which he
was thoroughlv mastering the business, he removed to Florida, where
he remained for a few years, but in 1902 returned to Hampton and
has since been an active factor in the management and control of the
bank of which he is now the president. The institution has made an
90 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
excellent showing ami is one of the strong financial concerns of this
part of the state.
In 1 88 1 Mr. Beed was united in marriage to Miss Alveretta ].
Osborne, who was born in Wisconsin, but for some years prior to her
marriage lived in Franklin county, Iowa. They have become the
parents of three children: Gail. Edith and George. Theirs is a hos-
pitable home whose good cheer is greatly enjoyed by their manv
friends. Mr. Beed belongs to the Masonic lodge and chapter and
in his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. His political
support is given to the republican party, and he keeps well informed
on the questions and issues of the dav, although he does not seek nor
desire oflice. Through the long period of his residence in this county
he has become widely and favorably known. He has been an inter-
ested witness of all the changes which have occurred as the work of
development and improvement has been carried forward and has
been a cooperant factor in many movements which have worked for
civic betterment and municipal advancement.
FRANKLIN COUNTY STATE BANK.
The Franklin County State Bank is one of the oldest of the finan-
cial institutions of Hampton and this part of the state. It was organ-
ized in 1872 as a private bank by the firm of Latimer and Kellam. It
was twenty years later when Mr. Beed became cashier of the insti-
tution, at which time it was the property of the firm of Benson, Hays
& Parks. It was made a state bank in 1901; with a capital stock of
seventy-five thousand dollars fullv paid in. The bank was incor-
porated at that time with Mr. Beed as president; H. L. Harrison,
cashier, and G. F. Beed, vice president. At this writing in 1913, its
officers are A. W. Beed, president; Dr. J. C. Powers, vice president;
N. A. Inglis, cashier; and F. H. Ridgeway, assistant cashier. The
directors of the bank in addition to the officers are: G. F. Beed, F. J.
Scantlebury, B. D. Hunt, George D. Patterson, lacob Pohl, C. F.
Showalter, F. D. Smith and A. W. Wolf. This bank offers to depos-
itors every facility which their balances, business and responsibility
warrant. The condensed statement of the condition of the Franklin
County State Bank shows loans and discounts amounting to six hun-
dred and eighteen thousand, three hundred and ten dollars and thirty-
three cents. Cash on hand and due from banks one hundred and
sixty-two thousand, seven hundred and fifty-four dollars and eighty
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 91
cents with real estate and personal property amounting to fifteen thou-
sand dollars. The bank is capitalized for seventy-five thousand dol-
lars has a surplus of twenty-five thousand dollars, and undivided
profits of more than twenty-three thousand dollars, with deposits of
more than six hundred and seventy-two thousand dollars. All this
indicates the excellent standing of the bank and the capability of the
management.
JOHN SAILER.
John Sailer, a progressive farmer and extensive landowner of
Franklin county, operating four hundred and ten acres of valuable
land in Osceola township, was born in Germany, March 3, 1867.
He is a son of John Jacob and Louisa Amelia (OfT) Sailer, also
natives of the fatherland. The parents came to America in 1885
and took up their residence in Osceola township, this county, where
both passed away. The father died September 14, 1913, and the
mother December 25, 1910. In their family were eleven children,
seven of whom survive, as follows: Jacob J., a farmer of Franklin
county; Caroline, the wife of Thomas Sessler, of Osceola township;
Charles, a resident of Germany; Fred, of Osceola township; Louisa,
the widow of G. Hoofmeister; John, of this review; and Paulina,
who married Christ Sailer, of Osceola.
John Sailer remained with his parents until he was twenty-six
years of age, accompanying them to America in i88(;. When he
began his independent career he bought one hundred and twenty-
four acres in Osceola township, this county, and he has since steadily
increased his holdings until they comprise today four hundred and
ten acres. In addition to general farming he engages also in stock-
raising and has important interests along this line. His farm is well
equipped with substantial buildings and modern machinery and is
a valuable property in every respect, reflecting the intelligent care
and management of its owner, who is a progressive and practical
agriculturist.
On the 4th of April, 1894, Mr. Sailer married Miss Mary Ricks-
meier, a daughter of Henry and Sophia (Eichmeier) Ricksmeier,
natives of Germany. The father came to America when he was
eighteen years of age and located in Illinois, whence he moved in
1882 to Franklin county, Iowa. He located on section 13, Osceola
township, and operated a farm there until his death, which occurred
92 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
February 4, 191 i. His wife died October 27, 1909. To their union
were born five children: Henry, who is operating the old home-
stead; Alvina, the wife of Andrew Sessler, of Hardin county, Iowa;
Mary, the wife of the subject of this review; Minnie, who married
Christ Raisch, of Hardin county; and Lydia, who married L. VVar-
neke, of Geneva township. Mr. and Mrs. Sailer became the par-
ents of four children: Sophia, who is attending Ellsworth College
at Iowa Falls; and Lydia, Matilda and Paul, all at home. Mr.
Sailer is a member of the Evangelical church and gives his political
allegiance to the republican party. His energy and industry have
carried him forward into important relations with agricultural inter-
ests, and he has won for himself a most creditable reputation by his
enterprise and reliability in everv connection in which he has been
found.
JOHN M. HEMINGWAY.
John M. Hemingway, a member of the Hampton bar, careful
and thorough in the preparation of his cases and clear and cogent
in the presentation of his arguments, has won for himself a creditable
position among the lawyers practicing in Franklin county. He was
born December 4, 1848, in Hadlev, Lapeer county, Michigan, a son
of John M. and Sarah (Dexter) Hemingway, both of whom were
natives of New York. The father was a farmer by occupation and
died upon the home farm in Michigan. The family numbered five
children, but two died in early life, leaving as the surviving members
of the family: John M., Dexter and Ruth Delia, the latter the
widow of Judge J. W. McKenzie.
Spending his youthful days in the state of his nativity, John M.
Hemingway supplemented his public-school course by study in the
State L^niversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor and was graduated in
1873 on the completion of the classical course. In preparation for
a professional career he entered the State LTniversity at Iowa City
and was graduated with the law class of 1875. On the ist of July
of the same year he located in Hampton for the practice of his pro-
fession and formed a partenership with Judge J. W. McKenzie, with
whom he was associated until Mr. McKenzie was elevated to the
bench. Afterward he was a partner of T. C. McKenzie until the
latter's death, and then was alone for a time. Subsequently he spent
a year in partnership with D. W. Henley and in 1887 and t888 was
JOHX -M. HKMIXtaVAV
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 95
in Kansas City, Missouri. He then returned to Hampton, however,
and has since practised his profession alone, winning for himself a
prominent position as a representative of the Franklin county bar.
He is strong in argument, clear in his reasoning and logical in his
deductions, and he seldom fails to win the verdict desired.
On the 3d of September, 1877, Mr. Hemingway was united in
marriage to Miss Natalia Zimmerman, of Hampton, and unto them
have been born five children: Irma, now Mrs. F. A. Harriman;
Madge, who died in infancy; John D., a practicing dentist of
Waverly, Iowa; Max M.; an attorney at Fort Dodge, Iowa; and
Natalia, who is a graduate of the literary department of the Iowa
State University of the class of 1913, and is employed by the United
States government as a teacher in Porto Rico. Mr. Hemingway is
a progressive republican in politics. He was one of the three char-
ter members of Windsor Lodge, K. P.. and is now in active connec-
tion therewith. He is affiliated with the Congregational church.
He finds rest and recreation in the management of a farm known as
Aldenheim. Before the automobile came into such common use he
was well known as a breeder of fast trotting horses, having owned
several well known trotters, including Sarcenat with a 2:i6'4 record.
His farm has ever been to him a source of recreation and interest, and
he is now engaged in the raising of thoroughbred cattle and hogs,
giving personal supervision to the work that is carried on in connec-
tion with the farm. His life has ever been upright and honorable and
manv good traits of character, as well as his professional ability, have
established him high in public regard.
JOSEPH R. SANTEE.
Joseph R. Santee, engaged in general farming and stock-raising
upon one hundred and twenty acres of land on section 36, Lee town-
ship, was born in Pennsylvania, September 6, 1874. He is a son of
Robert C. and Martha M. (Kelly) Santee, also natives of the Key-
stone state. The parents moved to Iowa in 1876 and located in Mus-
catine county, whence after four years they moved to Hardin county.
There they remained until 1900 and then came to Franklin county,
taking up their residence on a farm on section 36, Lee township.
Robert C. Santee died March 25, 1909, while the mother resides in
Iowa Falls. To their union were born seven children: George L.,
a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas; Bertha, the widow of Thomas
96 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
G. Watkins, of Ne\\ Albany, Kansas; Joseph R., of this review;
Elsie G., residing in Iowa Falls; James K., of Dows; Maud, the
wife of M. W. Hensley, of Dows; and Mary, who married J. F.
Gilbert, of Atlantic, Iowa.
Joseph R. Santee was two years of age when his parents came to
Iowa, and he acquired his education in the public schools of Mus-
catine and Hardin counties. Following the completion of his studies
he taught for two years in Hardin county and then turned his atten-
tion to farming. He is now operating the family hcMiiestead of one
hundred and twenty acres on section 36, Lee township and has made
this property productive and valuable in the highest degree. In
addition to general farming he also raises and feeds stock, and his
interests along this line are of growing importance.
On the ist of September, 1897, Mr. Santee was united in mar-
riage to Miss Ora M. Meeks, a native of Hardin county, and they
have become the parents of a daughter, Nada Ma.xine, born August
18, 1912. Mr. Santee attends the Methodist church and is connected
fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a repub-
lican in his political beliefs and has served as secretary of .the school
board and is now township assessor. As a resident of Franklin county
he has been loyal in his advocacy of everything pertaining to the
general welfare and has made some substantial contributions to
development and progress.
CHARLES F. MEIER.
Charles F. Meier, prominently connected with business inter-
ests of Hampton as secretary and treasurer of the Hampton Mer-
cantile Company, Incorporated, was born in Germany, October 13,
i860, a son of William and Elizabeth Meier. He came to America
in 1882 and located in Waverly, Iowa, where he engaged in the
general merchandise business until 1898, when he moved to Hamp-
ton. Here in 1902 he assumed the management of the business con-
ducted by the Hampton Mercantile Company, Incorporated, and
he has since been secretary and treasurer of this concern, the presi-
dent being Dr. J. C. Powers. The company controls one of the
largest general mercantile establishments in Hampton, and under
Mr. Meier's competent and intelligent management its interests have
grown steadily. Its business has increased in volume and importance
and has reached gratifying proportions at the present time.
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 97
Mr. Meier married Miss Maggie Hoddel, and they have two
children, Louis and Lenora. Mr. Meier is well known in business
circles of Hampton as a man of force, experience and capacity and
he occupies a high place among representative and valued citizens.
THEODORE THOMAS.
Agricultural interests of Franklin county find a worthy and pro-
gressive representative in Theodore Thomas, who has been engaged
in farming in Reeve township since 1876, winning in the interval
a degree of success which places him among the representative agri-
culturists of his locality. He was born in Ogle county, Illinois, Octo-
ber 2, 184.4, ^'id is a son of Elias and Susan (Rice) Thomas, natives
of Washington county, Ma-ryland. The parents went to Illinois in
1837, and the father engaged in farming in Ogle county until his
death, which occurred in January, 1881. His wife has also passed
away, dying September 13, 1907, at the advanced age of ninety-
one. She came of a long-lived family, her mother having reached
the age of one hundred and three years, four months and three days.
Mr. and Mrs. Elias Thomas became the parents of si.\ children:
Catherine, deceased; Drusilla, the widow of B. F. Stevenson, of Leaf
River, Illinois; Sarah, deceased; Theodore, of this review; Bar-
bara, the wife of David Emmett, of Mount Morris, Illinois; and
Frances, the wife of William Gaffin, also of Mount Morris.
Theodore Thomas remained at home until he was seventeen years
of age and then enlisted at Byron, Illinois, in Company B, Ninety-
second Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving afterward for three years
and taking part in Sherman's march to the sea. He was mustered
out at Concord, North Carolina, and received his honorable dis-
charge at Chicago, Illinois. He immediately returned to the home
farm and in the spring of 1868 moved to Iowa, locating near Faulk-
ner, where he remained until 1876. In that year he moved to Reeve
township, Franklin county, settling upon a farm on sections 23 and
26, Reeve township, where he has since resided. He owns two hun-
dred and seven acres of valuable land and in the course of years
has by intelligent management and constant supervision made this
a very valuable and attractive property. He engages in general
farming and stock-raising, both branches being important sources of
income to him.
98 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
On the 2 1 St of March, 1867, Mr. 1 liomas married Miss Eliza-
beth Wagner, a native of Ogle county, Illinois, and they became the
parents of seven ciiildrcn: Winnie, who died in infancy; Olin W.,
of Hamilton township; Elias W., of Craig, Colorado; Edna Eliza-
beth, the wife of R. E. Towle, of Hampton; Theodore L. and Frank
A., who reside in Geneva; and Henry R-, of Hampton. Mr. Thomas
is a member of the Christian church. He gives his political alle-
giance to the republican party and was township trustee for nine
years, serving with credit and ability. He prefers, however, to con-
centrate his attention upon his business affairs which, capably con-
ducted, have brought him richly merited success.
JOHN E. COONLEY.
John E. Coonley, who since 1895 has been connected with mer-
cantile Tnterests of Hampton, was born in Kenosha county, Wiscon-
sin, February 20, 1864. He is a son of Edward R. and Ulilla (Titus)
Coonley, natives of New York. The father was a building con-
tractor by trade and died in 1885, having survived his wife ten years.
To their union were born ten children: Charles T., who served as
a member of the state legislature for two terms and is now a resident
of Bristow, Iowa; William Henry, of Racine, Wisconsin; Obadiah
G., a farmer near Pickrell, Nebraska; Hiram F., who is engaged
in mining in Rapid City, South Dakota; Gilead G., engaged in the
implement business in Bristow, Iowa; Mary, deceased; George H..
a contractor (jf Racine, Wisconsin; Ella, the wife of G. H. Harris,
of Racine; John E., of this review; and Lewis I., a resident of
Waverly, Iowa.
John E. Coonley acquired his education in the public schools
of Racine and when he began his independent career turned his atten-
tion to the mercantile business in Bristow, continuing for ten years.
In 1895 he moved to Franklin county and settled in Hampton, where
he has since been connected with mercantile interests. He owns two
large modern stores, incorporated and conducted as the Coonley
Grocery Company and controls a representative patronage, for his
stock is well selected, his prices reasonable and his business methods
beyond reproach. Mr. Coonley has erected more buildings in
Hampton than any other one man, seventeen residences and a fine
brick block on Reeve street evidencing his business enterprise and
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 99
progressiveness. His interests are all carefully conducted and have
brought him a gratifying degree of success.
On the 4th of June, 1909, Mr. Coonley was united in marriage
to Miss Sadie Trier, a native of Delaware county, and they have
become the parents of two children: James Edward, born March
27, 1910; and Robert Trier, born June 4, 191 1. Mr Coonley is a
member of the Methodist church and is connected fraternally with
the Knights of Pythias. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party. In business circles he has made for himself an
enviable position, and he is one of the most popular and representa-
tive citizens of Hampton.
HANS H. PETERSEN.
Hans H. Petersen needs no introduction to the readers of a his-
tory of Franklin county, for he is well known as one of the most
prosperous and progressive agriculturists in Richland township. He
owns one hundred and fifty-one and a half acres of land on sections
6 and 7, and in its cultivation has met with a gratifying measure of
success. He was born in Schleswig, Germany, December i, 1862,
and is a son of Peter and Anna Petersen, both of whom were born
in Schleswig when that province was under Danish control. They
made their homes there until their deaths.
In order to avoid his term of service in the German army Hans
H. Petersen came to America, settling in Warren county. New Jer-
sey, where he joined his brother, Henry, who had crossed the Atlan-
tic ten years before. He spent two years working in a blast furnace
and nail factory there and then came to Iowa, securing a position
on a farm in Cerro Gordo county, where he worked by the month
at seventeen dollars and a half a month. Later he and his brother
bought one hundred and sixty acres of land in Cerro Gordo county,
farmed it for five years and then sold the place. Mr. Petersen of
this review then came to Franklin countv and purchased his pres-
ent farm of one hundred and twenty acres on sections 6 and 7, Rich-
land township, where he has since engaged in general farming and
stock-raising. He has replaced all of the old buildings by substan-
tial modern ones, has fenced his fields and installed modern
machinery. The farm is today a productive and valuable property,
and Mr. Petersen holds a high place in the ranks of progressive and
successful agriculturists.
100 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
In Cerro Gordo county Mr. Petersen iiiiirried Miss Maria Juhl,
a native of Schleswig, born June 13, 1H54. She is a daughter of
Hans P. and Christina Juhl, both of whom died in their native prov-
ince. Mr. Petersen is a member of the Lutheran church and gives
his political allegiance to the republican party. He has held the
office of school director but is not active politically, preferring to
concentrate his attention upon his business affairs, in which he is
meeting with well deserved success.
G. A. CORNING, M. D.
G. A. Corning, M. D., is the oldest practicing phvsician in Hamp-
ton and is still an active follower of the profession, although he has
now passed the seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey. He was
born in Manchester, New Hampshire, August 18, -1835, and is a son
of George and Phoebe (Webster) Corning. The mother was a rela-
tive of America's eminent statesman, Daniel Webster, and as a rep-
resentative of one of the old American families represented in the
war for independence, she is eligible to membership in the Daughters
of the Revolution. Her youngest brother, j. P. Webster, was a noted
musician and song writer.
On leaving New England, George Corning, father of Dr. Cor-
ning, removed westward to Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming
to tlie time of his death. His wife, however, passed awav in New
Hampshire.
Dr. Corning is the fourth in order of birth in a family of si.v
children. He went to Wisconsin in iHqi;, where he took up the pro-
fession of surveying, and also engaged in teaching school there. Desir-
ous of improving his own education he entered the Portage City
Classical Institute of Portage, Wisconsin, and completed his classi-
cal course in that institution in i860. He next located at Kilbourn,
Wisconsin, and was principal of the schools there for two years.
Later he went to Union county, Illinois, and when his health failed
he abandoned professional activity to engage in the fruit business.
At the time of the Civil war his patriotic spirit pnMiipted his enlist-
ment, and in 1863 he offered his services to the government, but was
rejected on account of the condition of his heart. He found that he
was a failure in the fruit business, and in 1865 he went to Bureau
county, Illinois, where he resumed the profession of teaching which
he followed until 1868, when his wife died. He then gave up teach-
DR. G. A. CORNING
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 103
ing and built a home for his brother and sister-in-law. The latter
was his wife's sister and had previously been given a position as
teacher in the schools of Bureau county, through the influence of
Dr. Corning, but later she resigned and moved to Wisconsin.
After building the home previously mentioned Dr. Corning
traveled extensively over the southwest, visiting various sections and
working in different places. Eventually he worked his way back
again to Iowa and thence to Minnesota, after which he returned to
his old home in Wisconsin, where he was welcomed with open arms.
Later he went to Bureau county. Illinois, and there engaged in teach-
ing in the graded schools for several years. He then entered Hahne-
mann Medical College, Chicago, and graduated two years later.
He first took up the practice of medicine at Marseilles, Illinois, in
1875, and in 1878 he came to Hampton, where he has since been
practicing, being now the oldest physician of the town.
Dr. Corning has been twice married. He first wedded Isabelle
Town, who died leaving a son, Ernest Banks Corning, who is now a
survevor of Loup City, Nebraska. Dr. Corning afterward married
Josephine Town, a sister of his first wife and they have become the
parents of two children; Edward Ray, of Hampton and Stanley
Town, who is a farmer of this county.
Dr. Corning attends the Universalist church and is affiliated with
the Masons and Odd Fellows lodges, the beneficent principles of
which he exemplifies in his life. His political allegiance has long
been given to the republican party which has indeed found in him a
stalwart supporter. Dr. Corning is still active, though well advanced
in age. He bears his seventy-eight years lightlv and in spirit and
interest seems yet in his prime.
HENRY BURMESTER.
Since 1876 Henry Burmester has been closely connected with
agricultural interests of Franklin county and is now the owner of
three quarter sections of land in Mott township. He was born in
Germany. November 4, 1836, and is a son of Henry and Marguerite
(Hartman) Burmester, the former of whom died in Germany.
Henry Burmester came to America in 1869 and located in Cha-
pin, Iowa, where for five years he engaged in railroad work. At
the end of that time he moved from the town, and in 1876 he bought
a quarter section of land in partnership with his step-son. His hold-
104 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
ings increased steadily throughout the years which followed, and
he owns today three quarter sections, all well improved and in excel-
lent condition, reflecting the care and supervision he has bestowed
upon his property. Mr. Burmester follows always the most prac-
tical and progressive methods in the conduct of his interests, with
the result that he is now one of the successful and representative
farmers of his locality.
Mr. Burmester married Mrs. Anna (Meyer) Gade and they
became the parents of three children: Will; Anna; and an infant,
who passed away in Germany. Mr. Burmester's first wife died in
1882 and in 1883 he wedded Miss Annie .Schrader, by whom he
had seven children: Henry and August, at home; Elizabeth,
deceased; Emma; Magdalena; Wilhelmine; and Esther, who has
passed away.
Mr. Burmester is a member of the Lutheran church and gives
his political allegiance to the republican party. He has served as
road supervisor and is always interested and active in the promotion
of movements for the general welfare. Throughout a period of
residence in Mott township covering thirty-seven years he has made
many valuable contributions to agricultural development and has
become widely known not only as a successful farmer but also as a
public-spirited and useful citizen.
HAROLD DUDLEY BALDWIN.
Harold Dudley Baldwin, a well known druggist of Hampton,
was born in this city December 11, 1884, a son of Emmet V. and
Sarah Jane (Cook) Baldwin, the former a native of Pennsylvania
and the latter of Wisconsin. When the father was eighteen years
of age he came to Cedar Falls, Iowa, and for a time engaged in
farming in the vicinity of that city. He afterward passed his exam-
ination and became a registered pharmacist, establishing a drug
store in Hampton in partnership with Dr. J. H. Hutchins. Eventu-
ally he purchased his partner's interest and erected a fine brick store,
the first floor of which he used as his pharmacy, the second floor
being occupied by business offices. Emmet V^ Baldwin conducted
this enterprise successfully until his death which occurred in August,
191 1. He is survived bv his wife, wh(") makes her home in Hamp-
ton. To their union were born two children: a daughter, who died
in childhood; and Harold Dudley, of this review.
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 105
Harold Dudley Baldwin acquired his education in the Hamp-
ton grammar and high schools and afterward attended the
University of Illinois, graduating from that institution in 1908.
Immediately afterward he became connected with his father's drug
store and after the latter's death assumed' charge of the enterprise
which he has since conducted. He carries a full line of drugs and
sundries and controls a large and representative patronage.
Mr. Baldwin is a member of the Congregational church, is con-
nected fraternally with the Knights of Pythias and the Order of
Elks and gives his political allegiance to the republican party- He
is a young man of force, ambition and enterprise and will undoubt-
edly be carried forward into still more important relations with
mercantile interests of the communitv.
JOHN L. FRENCH.
Since 1866 John L. French has made his home in Franklin county
and has become well known here as an able business man and a use-
ful citizen. For a long period he was connected with mercantile
interests of Faulkner but for a number of years past has been engaged
in writing insurance He is a veteran of the Civil war and loyal
and public-spirited in matters of citizenship. Mr. French was born
in Vermont, October 16, 1845, and is a son of Thomas and Sarah
(Webster) French, the former a native of New York and the latter
of Vermont. The father spent his entire active life engaged in
farming, dying in 1850. He was survived by his wife until 1866.
both passing away in Vermont. To their union were born nine chil-
dren: Shepard, Reuben, James and Marinda, deceased; John L.,
of this review; Ann and Martha, who have passed away; Julina;
and Hattie, deceased.
John L. French was reared in Vermont and at the age of sixteen
enlisted in Company D, Ninth Vermont Volunteer Infantry, for
service in the Civil war. He was discharged at Annapolis, Mary-
land, in November, 1863, and on the ist of June, 1864, reenlisted
as a member of the One Hundred and Forty-second Illinois Volun-
teer Infantry. He was captured at Winchester, Virginia, and was
a prisoner for five months, this time being spent in Libby prison
and in the prison at Belle Island. He was mustered out of service
with his honorable discharge at Chicago, Illinois, and in 1866 came
to Franklin county, Iowa, where for a few years he engaged in farm-
106 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
ing near Faulkner. Later lie established himself in tiie general
merchandise business in the town and built up a large and represen-
tative patronage, lor his goods were always of a high tjuality and
his business methods above reproach. Mr. French ser\ed as post-
master of Faulkner for a number of years, doing conscientious and
capable work in this office. He has since discontinued these con-
nections and for the past few years has been engaged in writing
insurance.
On the "th of November, 1S75, Mr. French was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mary Riddle, a native of Franklin county and a daugh-
ter of James Henry and Elizabeth (Millslagel) Riddle, the former
a native of North Carolina and the latter of Pennsylvania. The
father served in the Civil war and was wounded in battle, later
dying at the hospital. Mr. and Mrs. French became the parents
of six children: George, who has passed away; a daughter who
died in infancy; Elmer and Elizabeth, deceased; Grace, the wife
of Louis Reiken, of Hardin county; and Cora, at home.
Mr. French is a member of the Methodist church and is con-
nected with the Grand Army of the Republic. He gives his politi-
cal allegiance to the republican partv and for a period of fifteen
years did able and conscientious work as clerk of the school board.
During the forty-eight years he has lived in Franklin county he has
contributed in substantial measure to general growth and advance-
ment and has won for himself a high place in the esteem and con-
fidence of manv friends.
NEWTON B. CLAYPOOL.
Newton B. Claypool, living in Hampton, is the owner of a quar-
ter section of valuable land in Franklin countv and derives therefrom
a substantial annual income. He was formerly actively engaged
in farming, but now in the evening of life, is living retired. He was
born in Sangamon county, Illinois, May 14, 1836, and is a son of
Milton and Rosanna (Higgins) Clavpool, who were natives of Ohio
and Illinois respectivelv. The father was a farmer by occupation
and after removing westward to Illinois continued to reside there
until called to his final rest. In the familv were the following
children: Newton B. ; James M., deceased; Alvira, the widow of
Frederick Rendisbacher, living at Stockton, Illinois; Martha and
William, both now deceased; Benjamin R.. who is engaged in the
XEWTOX B. CLAYPOOL
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY lOO
biiiiking business at Orleans, Nebraska; Milton, who has passed away;
Elniira, who is the widow of George Claywell, of Austin, Minne-
sota; Louise, the wife of T. L. J. Clapp, of Chicago; Edward, a res-
ident of Spencer, Iowa; and Joseph, who is living in Minnesota.
Through the period of his boyhood and youth Newton B. Clay-
pool remained upon the home farm and assisted his father in the
work of the fields from the time when he was old enough to handle
the plow. On starting out on his own account he leased a farm and
continued to cultivate rented land for thirteen years. In 1872 he
arrived in Franklin county and purchased a farm of one hundred
and twentv acres, then all wild and unimproved land. With char-
acteristic energv he began its development and transformed the tract
intt) rich, cultivated fields. He followed farming until October 29,
1908, when he removed to Hampton. He still owns a quarter sec-
tion of valuable land and derives therefrom a substantial income.
In all of his farm work he was persistent and energetic, and as inven-
tion brought forth new and improved machinery he used it to facil-
itate the work of the fields.
On the 4th of July, 1855, Mr. Claypool was united in marriage
to Miss Annett Townsend, a daughter of George N. and Mary
(Miner) Townsend, whose ancestors came to the new world as pas-
sengers on the Mavflower. Her parents eventually settled in Illinois
and her father built the first house in the township in which he lived
in that state. In their family were the following children: Saman-
tha, who married E. M. Backus and who is now deceased; Amanda,
who is the wife of A. B. Chambers, of Boone, Iowa; Asher and Nel-
son, who have passed away; Mrs. Claypool; Joseph, who has
departed this life; Jennie, the wife of H. Z. Tucker, of Walnut
Grove, Illinois; Susan, the wife of W. B. Bryan of Hampton; Olive;
Gazelle, the widow of Charles Pulfrey, of South Dakota; Mary, the
widow of J. G. Renwick; Emeline, the wife of T. L. Stayer, of
Chicago; and Hugh, deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Claypool had a family of eight children: Eben-
ezer E., living at Hansler, Iowa; B. Edward, who is located in Min-
nesota; Rosanna, the wife of Sam McDowell of Hampton; Mary,
the wife of E. F. Klinefelter, of Alexander, Iowa; George M., of
Alberta, Canada; Phillip H., living in Chapin, Iowa; Altha, de-
ceased; and Newton B., of Franklin county.
Mr. Claypool belongs to the Baptist church, and his life has
ever been in accord with its principles. He also holds membership
with the Masonic fraternitv and with the Grand Army of the Repub-
lic. He is entitled to wear the little bronze button of the Grand
no HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Army from the fact that he enlisted in 1865 as a member of Com-
pany K, Ninety-sixth Illinois Infantry. He was afterward trans-
ferred to Grant's regiment, twenty-rtrst Illinois, and was honorably
discharged at San Antonio, Texas, in November, 1865. In politics
he has always been a republican, thus supporting the party which
was the defense of the union in the dark days of the Civil war and
has always been the acknowledged party of progress and reform and
improvement.
WILLIAM AVERY RIDDLE.
William Avery Riddle, a worthy native son and representative
agriculturist of Franklin county, has here resided throughout his
entire life, covering a period of more than a half century. He and
his wife own a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 31,
Ross township. He was born in what is now Richland township,
then Clinton township, on the 7th of February, 1859, his parents
being T. C. and Sarah (Colt) Riddle, who were born, reared and
married in New York. In i8q6 they came to Iowa, locating in
Poweshiek county, and two years later took up their abode among
the earliest settlers oi Franklin county, settling on a tract of land
near Old Chapin. T. C. Riddle devoted his attention to general
agricultural pursuits throughout his entire business career and
passed away in 1877, the community thus losing one of its pioneer
farmers and esteemed citizens. His widow, who survives at the age
of eighty-six years, now makes her home at Vincent, Webster county,
Iowa. She is a devoted member of the Baptist church, to which
Mr. Riddle also belonged.
Our subject was named for an early settler of this county, Wil-
liam Avery. He grew to manhood in Old Chapin and has made
farming his life work. His holdings now embrace one hundred
and sixty acres of rich and productive land on section 31, Ross town-
ship, and in connection with the cultivation of cereals he makes a
specialty of the raising of shorthorn cattle, meeting with gratifying
success in both branches of his business. Industry and perseverance
have been among his salient characteristics, and he has long enjoyed
an enviable reputation as one of the substantial and respected citizens
of his native county.
In Franklin county Mr. Riddle was united in marriage to Miss
Florence Rowe, a native of England and a sister of W. H. Rowe, a
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 111
sketch of whom appears on another page of this work. They have
a daughter, Lohi, who is the wife of O. J. Clock, of Geneva, this
county.
Mr. Riddle is a republican in his political views and made a
commendable record as township trustee, in which capacity he served
for six years. He is a worthy e.xemplar of the Masonic fraternity,
belonging to the lodge at Sheffield. He has remained a resident of
Franklin county from his birth to the present time, and that his life
has ever been upright and honorable is indicated in the fact that the
associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his
stanch friends and admirers. Mr. Riddle has vivid recollections
of early days and has witnessed the marked transformation which
has occurred as pioneer conditions have given way before the onward
march of civilization.
SAMUEL BUTLER.
Samuel Butler, a valued and representative citizen of Hampton,
living retired after a period of connection with agricultural interests
of Franklin county dating from 1869, was born in Muskingum
county, Ohio, August 9, 1842. He is a son of John and Ann (Mc-
Cammant) Butler, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Iowa about
1875, locating at West Union. The father was a Baptist minister
and also engaged in farming. He died in Kansas, and his wife passed
away in Oklahoma. To their union were born eight children:
I Lewis, who died in the armv during the Civil war; Samuel, of this
review; Thomas, who has passed away; Rebecca Jane, the widow
of F. Reddinger, of Sealy, Oklahoma; John, a resident of Jennings,
Kansas; Sarah, the wife of Wilmer Seers, of Missouri; George, of
Monroe, Wisconsin; and Zeblin, of Downs, Kansas.
Samuel Butler's entire active life was given over to agricultural
pursuits. When he was twenty-three years of age he began farming
in Green county, Wisconsin, and there remained for several years.
In the spring of 1869 he came to Franklin county, this state, locat-
ing in Ingham township, where he purchased one hundred and si.x
and two-thirds acres of land. To this he afterward added from time
to time, his property holdings finally comprising three hundred and
twenty-seven acres. This place he operated for thirty-two years
thereafter, steadily carrying forward the work of its cultivation and
developing it into a valuable and productive farm. He continued
112 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
active in its operation until 1901, wlicn he bought five acres in tlie
northeastern part of the corporation of Hampton anii upon this
property erected the comfortable modern iiomc in which he is now-
spending his retired life. .
On the ist of December, 1864, Mr. Butler was united in mar-
riage to Miss Nancy E. Bailey, a native of \^'isconsin, and thc\ have
become the parents of eight children: Annie, the wife of John
Eitle, of Hampton; Dennis Franklin, a farmer in Ingham town-
ship; Isabelle, the wife of A. C. Woodland, also of Ingham town-
ship; Angeline, deceased; Lloyd, of DenVej, Iowa; Edith, the wife
of L. E. Rosen, a farmer in Ingham township; Roy, who has passed
away; and Clififord, operating the old homestead. Mr. Butler is a
member of the Baptist church and gives his political allegiance to
the democratic party. He stands high in the esteem of his fellow
citizens, and the success that has come to him is but the just reward
of his (nvn earnest and persistent efforts.
JAMES A. SHEETS.
James A. Sheets, a well known farmer of Mott township, was
born in Delaware county, Ohio, October 22, i86n, a son of Peter
and Mary Ann (Russell) Sheets, the former a native of Virginia and
the latter of Ohio. The father came to Franklin countv in 186c;
and bought a quarter section of land in Mott township. On his
return journey to Virginia he stopped in Illinois, and there his
death occurred in 1872. His wife and children made their home
upon the farm in Franklin countv now owned by the subject of this
review. In this family were seven children: two who died in
infancy; Harriet, deceased; Franklin P., of Des Moines; Caroline,
the wife of Peter Nelson, of Ada, Minnesota; James A.; and Peter,
of Ada, Minnesota.
James A. Sheets was twelve vears of age when his father died.
and he and his brother took charge of the homestead, operating it
together until 1893. In that year James A. Sheets purchased his
brother's interests, and he has since managed the property alone.
He engages in general farming and has met with a success which
places him among the substantial and representative agriculturists
of his locality.
On the 1 2th of Februarv, 189:;, Mr. Sheets was united in mar-
riage to Miss Margaret A. Slee, and they have become the parents
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY ii.5
of three children: Myrtle, who was born November 28, 1895;
Mary, born July 8, 1897; and James A., born March 10, 1902. Mr.
Sheets is a member of the Methodist church and in politics votes
independently. He has been connected with agricultural interests
of his township for over forty years and has accomplished a great
deal of important work in the intervening period, contributing in
substantial measure to the welfare and growth of the community
and winning a gratifying personal success.
HENRY HELVIG.
Henry Helvig, living retired in Hampton, was born in Geneva
township, this county, March 21, 1869. He is a son of George and
Caroline (Liese) Helvig, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to
Iowa in 1868 and settled in Geneva township, where the father
engaged in farming until his death, which occurred June 8, 1905.
His wife survives him i^nd makes her home in Iowa Falls, Iowa.
Twelve children were born to their union: William, deceased;
Henry, of this review; Anna, the wife of John Mohler, of Grant
township; John, who has passed away; Emma, the wife of Fred
Heins, of Geneva township; Edward, of Grant township; Sophie,
the wife of Jake England, of Grant township; Susie, who married
Gotleib Kracht, a resident of Emmetsburg, Iowa; Louisa, the wife
of L. Meyer, of Lee township; Christina, who married A. Meyer,
of Grant township; Carrie, who has passed away; and Esther, the
wife of F. Mussigmann, of Grant township.
Henry Helvig was reared upon his father's homestead and
remained upon it even after he bought one hundred and sixty acres
of land in Grant township. He acquired this property when he was
twenty-two years of age, and he afterward added to it a quarter sec-
tion in Lee township. This property he managed for many years
thereafter, developing it along practical and modern lines, and he
eventually took his place among the leading farmers of his locality.
In the course of years he acquired a comfortable competency and
upon the ist of March, 1913, retired from active life. He bought
twelve and a half acres in the northtastern part of Hampton and
there has erected a comfortable home.
On the 14th of December, 1899, ^Ir. Helvig was united in mar-
riage to Miss Louisa Ahrens, a native of Butler county. Her father
was born in Germany and came to Butler county in 1871, dying in
114 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Franklin county on the 2Sth of February, 1901. He was left an
orphan and for many years followed the sea. He was the father of
six children: Louisa, the wife of the subject of this review; Frank,
who has passed away; William, of Dumont, Iowa; Emma, the wite
of C. Ray, of Eagle Grove, Wright county, Iowa; a son who died
in infancy; and Carrie, a resident of Omaha, Nebraska. Mrs. Anna
Ahrens, who is the mother of Mrs. Helvig and who was Anna Dorn
before her marriage and is a native of Germany, resides in Dumont,
Butler county. Mr. and Mrs. Helvig have become the parents of
five children: Anna, who was born January 9, 1901 ; Viola, born
May 18, 1903; Cora, born December 26, 1905; Lenora, born June
2, 1907; and Henrietta, born October 28, 1909.
Mr. Helvig is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his
political allegiance to the republican party. Mrs. Helvig is a mem-
ber of the Evangelical church. In 1900 he took the census of Grant
and Osceola townships, and he has served as treasurer of the school
board. He enjoys a wide and favorable acquaintance in Hampton
and has long been numbered among the most substantial and rep-
resentative citizens of Franklin county.
FREDERICK HAUPT.
Frederick Haupt is a representative of a well known pioneer
family of Franklin county and today one of the leading agriculturists
of Osceola township, owning and operating the farm upon which he
has resided since his childhood. He was born in Pennsylvania,
September 22, 1852, and is a son of Frederick and Henrietta
(Helmker) Haupt, natives of Germany. The parents came to
America in 1850 and located in Pennsylvania, where they remained
nine years. TheV settled in Franklin county, Iowa, in 1859, making
their home upon a farm on section 28, Osceola township. Here the
father engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death, which
occurred March 6, 1888. His wife has also passed away, her death
having occurred in January, 1910. To their union were born five
children: Minnie and Carl, deceased; Frederick, of this review;
Mary, who has passed away; and Henrietta, the wife of John Theis,
of Grant township.
Frederick Haupt came to Franklin county with his parents in
1859 and was reared at home, becoming from his early childhood
familiar with the details of farm operation. Upon the death of his
T'RKDKKU K IIAI I'l' AM) l'A.\lll.\
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 117
father he inherited the homestead and upon this still continues to
reside, engaged in general farming and stock-raising. The prop-
erty comprises two hundred and forty acres on section 28, Osceola
township, and is well improved in every particular, reflecting the
care and supervision of the owner, who is a progressive and prac-
tical agriculturist.
On the 29th of October, 1889, Mr. Haupt was united in mar-
riage to Miss Ernestina Mutzell, a native of Germany, and they
have become the parents of four children: John, Mary, Frederick
and Ernestina. Mr. Haupt is a member of the Lutheran church and
gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is inter-
ested in the betterment of the community, where he has spent prac-
tically his entire life, and he has rendered the township excellent
service as a member of the school board. He is a man of many
sterling traits of character, capable in business, progressive in citizen-
ship and at all times trustworthy and reliable.
B. D. HUNT.
B. D. Hunt, cashier of the Geneva Savings Bank, was born in
Butler county, Iowa, February 18, 1870. He is a son of Franklin
H. and Sarah (Davis) Hunt, natives of New York. The father
engaged in the mercantile business until his death, and his wife sur-
vives him, making her home in Osage, Iowa. To their union were
born five children: B. D., of this review; Harry L., of Madison,
Wisconsin; Florence, who makes her home in Osage, Iowa; and Lee
and Hazel, also residents of Osage.
B. D. Hunt acquired his education in the public schools of But-
ler county, and since the beginning of his active career has been con-
nected with the banking business. He began as clerk in a bank at
Clarksville and was identified with a bank at Waterloo. In 1894 he
moved to Hampton and entered the Citizens National Bank as clerk,
resigning this position in order to become connected with the Bank
of Hampton. In 1905 he and his associates bought out the former
owners of the Geneva Savings Bank and Mr. Hunt was made cashier,
a position which he has since filled with credit and ability.
On April 23, 1893, Mr. Hunt was united in marriage to Miss
Rose A. McCreary, a native of Butler county, and they have become
the parents of two children, Frank A. and Ardis. Mr. Hunt is a
member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he gives his political
Vol 11— n
118 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
allegiance to the republican party, serving for two years as city clerk
of Hampton. He holds a high place in financial circles, and his
judgment is considered sound and reliable on all matters connected
\vith his special line.
BENJAMIN G. CUNNINGHAM.
Benjamin G. Cunningham, a well known, highly respected and
influential citizen of Alexander, is spending the evening of life in
honorable retirement and justly merits the case and comfort which
he now enjoys. His birth occurred in Randolph county, Indiana,
on the 2 1 St of October, 1844, his parents being Stephen B. and Mary
P. (McPherson) Cunningham, the former born in Lancaster county,
Pennsylvania, on the 9th of April, 1813, and the latter in Miami
county, Ohio, on the 20th of January, 1823. In June, 1854, they
came overland to Iowa, taking up their abode among the earliest
residents of Anamosa, Jones county. A year later they removed to
Hardin countv and on the ist of October, 1855, located on a farm
two and a half miles northeast of Steamboat Rock. The district
was but wild, unbroken prairie and the nearest trading points were
Iowa City and Dubuque. Stephen B. Cunningham passed away at
Chadron, Nebraska, in April, 1892, while the demise of his wife
occurred at that place in April, 1889. Their family numbered thir-
teen children, five of whom grew to manhood and womanhood, as
follows: Benjamin G., of this review; Mrs. Phoebe A. Root, of
Howard, South Dakota; Mrs. Martha M. Wardwell, who passed
away in May, 1912; Stephen L., a resident of Pasadena, California;
and Mrs. Cora Clark, living in Saskatchewan, Canada. Nora died
at the age of thirteen years. The four oldest children of the family
were born in Indiana, while the rest were natives of Iowa.
Benjamin G. Cunningham, who was about ten years of age when
he came to this state with his parents, remained on the home farm
until July, 1863, when he enlisted for service in the Union army as
a member of Company G, Ninth Iowa Cavalry. He was mustered
out at Little Rock, Arkansas, on the 3d of February, 1866, and
finally discharged^ at Davenport, Towa. His health was much
impaired when he returned from the war, and he did not regain
his normal strength until an entire year had passed. He was employed
as clerk in a store for one year and following his marriage turned
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY no
liis attention to general agricultural pursuits, being engaged in farm-
ing until the fall of 1873. During the next nine years he worked
as a clerk in Steamboat Rock, while subsequently he conducted a
harness shop at that place for two years. In 1884 he came to Hamp-
ton, Franklin county, and was here engaged in the harness business
until 1892, when he returned to the farm, continuing its operation for
four years. On the expiration of that period, in 1896, he disposed of
the property and returned to Hampton, again embarking in the
harness business here. In April, 1897, he was elected superintend-
ent of waterworks in Hampton and in the following year sold his
harness shop but continued to serve as superintendent of waterworks
until 1902. In June of that year he resigned his position and pur-
chased a comfortable home in Alexander, where both he and his
estimable wife are spending their declining years. Mr. Cunningham
has always been a loyal and public-spirited citizen of the com-
munity, ably serving as superintendent of roads in Scott township,
while for the past four years he has acted as superintendent and
manager of the Farmers Cooperative Creamery of Alexander.
On the 1 2th of October, 1867, Mr. Cunningham was united in
marriage to Miss Josephine Wales, who was born in Macomb
county, Michigan, on the 13th of August, 1845, her parents being
Albion W. and Henrietta (Walton) Wales, the former born in New
York on the 12th of October, 1813, and the latter near Utica, that
state, on the 13th of September, 1820. In 1866 they established their
home at Steamboat Rock, Hardin county, Iowa. Albion W. Wales
there served as justice of the peace for a score of years and was one
of the town's most influential citizens. His demise occurred at Steam-
boat Rock on the nth of April, 1891, while his wife there passed
away on the 24th of September, 1884. Their three children, all
natives of Macomb county, Michigan, were as follows: Mrs.
Marietta Spencer, who died on the 20th of January, 1896; James P.;
and Mrs. Josephine Cunningham. Our subject and his wife have
one son, Bennie Wales Cunningham, whose birth occurred in Steam-
boat Rock, Iowa, on the 19th of November, 1871, and who now
resides on a farm near Steele, Kidder county. North Dakota. He
acquired his education in the graded and high schools at Hampton,
Iowa, and also completed a course in bookkeeping. He is the father
of eight children, namely: Clare, Boyd D., Wilma, Nona 0.,
Howard, Harry, Lloyd and Raymond. The three eldest are high-
school students at Steele, North Dakota. The five eldest children
are natives of Franklin county, Iowa, while the three younger were
born near Steele, North Dakota.
120 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Benjamin G. Cunningham is a republican in his political views
and has always been an active worker in the local ranks of the party.
His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist
Episcopal church at Alexander, to which his wife also belongs. He
is likewise connected with J. W. McKenzie Post, No. 8i, G. A. R.,
of Hampton, and thus still maintains pleasant relations with his old
army comrades. Mr. Cunningham has now passed the si.xty-ninth
milestone on life's journey and enjoys the veneration and respect
which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this
earthly pilgrimage and whose career has been at all times upright and
honorable.
FRED L. MEYER.
Fred L. Meyer, a native son of Franklin county and during the
entire period of his active life connected with agricultural interests
here, was born on the farm he now operates December i, 1880. He
is a son of William and Emilv (Surles) Meyer, the former a native
of Bavaria, Germany, born in 1841, and the latter of Hardin county,
Iowa. The father came to America with his parents when he was
ten years of age and settled in Illinois, whence he afterward moved
to Grundy county, Iowa. Later he took up his residence in Frank-
lin county, this state, buying a half section of land on sections 10, 15
and 16, Grant township. This property he improved and operated,
carrying on general farming and stock-raising until within three years
of his death, which occurred April 1 i, 1906. He and his wife became
the parents of four children: Fred L., of this review; a son who
died in infancy; Clara, the wife of Lars H. Green, of Grant town-
ship; and Anthonv Wayne.
Fred L. Meyer was reared at home and acquired his education
in the public schools of Grant township. At the age of twenty-two
he took charge of the homestead, which comprises a half section of
land on sections 10, 15 and 16. He has met with most gratifying
success in the conduct of his farming interests and takes rank with
the most progressive and representative agriculturists of the vicinity.
He married Miss Clara Christman, a native of Stephenson county,
Illinois, and they have become the parents of three children : Lavern
Arthur, who was born July i q, 1904; Nina Lucile, born October
17, 1908; and Thelma May, born May 6, 1913. Mr. Meyer is a
member of the Christian church and connected fraternally with the
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 121
Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his political allegiance
to the democratic party and is at present serving as township trustee.
Although still a young man, he has already been carried forward
into important relations with agricultural interests, and his record
is a credit to a name that has long been an honored one in his locality.
DAVID W. EVANS.
David W. Evans, who during a period of connection with the
bar of Franklin county dating from 1903 until his death, on the 14th
of September, 191 3, won a position of honor and distinction among
the leading lawyers of Hampton, was born in Racine, Wisconsin,
April 10, 1858. He was a son of Evan J. and Ann (Davis) Evans,
natives of Wales. He acquired his education in the public schools
of Racine, Wisconsin, and later entered Iowa State University, grad-
uating from the liberal arts course in 1886 and from the law course
in 1891. For two years following the completion of his studies he
practiced his profession in Des Moines and from there went to Pipe-
stone, Minnesota, where he resided until his brother, W. D. Evans,
of Hampton, was elected district judge in the fall of 1902, when he
came to Hampton and took up his brother's practice. He remained
a resident of this city until his death, building up a large and rep-
resentative patronage connecting him with a great deal of important
litigation, and he became known as one of the foremost lawyers in
this section of the state.
On the iith of January, 1899, Mr. Evans married Miss Chell
Brundage, a native of Michigan City, Indiana. They became the
parents of two children: Lvman Parker, who has passed away; and
Walter Chapin.
Mr. Evans was a member of the Congregational church, gave
his political allegiance to the republican party and belonged to the
Knights of Pythias. Some idea of his standing in the eyes of the
community may be gained from the following paragraph taken from
a local newspaper. "David Evans' death comes as a personal loss,,
not only to his family and relatives, but to a host of warm friends,
who regarded him as one of nature's noblemen. Born of a long line
of righteous ancestors, from them he inherited his stalwart character
and spiritual nature. He was always genial, gentle and non-aggres-
sive in temperament and at heart was tender as a child. He was a
lawyer of fine ability and honored his calling. Its smaller contro-
122 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
versies did not hold his attention but lie handled its larger questions
with a master mind. His kindness and integrity made him a trusted
counselor. Words cannot describe the sorrow now in his home where
he was always cheerful — a comrade, friend and lover. A happy
marriage; two little sons, one of blessed memory and one a sturdy
lad of ten years, made the relations of an ideal home. Friends
gathered around him naturally and loved him. In his associations
with them his larger knowledge of interesting things, easy familiarity
with literature, keen sense of humor and ready wit, made him a
prince. In literature he had also creative ability and if his bedtime
stories to his boy could be gathered up and prjnted, the volume would
be a classic for children. So much for gifts, but his real strength
was righteousness, which he carried into every phase of his daily
life. David Evans will be missed in the business and social circles
of Hampton where he took an active part. His cheery greeting will
be missed by countless acquaintances. The world needs men like
him. Humanity needs men of his type."
LESTER BROWN CARHART.
Lester Brown Carhart, a prosperous and prominent citizen of
Franklin county, is engaged in the general banking, real-estate and
insurance business as sole owner of the ShefSeld Bank, which he
established on the ist of January, 1880, in partnership with Messrs.
Taylor and Evans. His birth occurred near Syracuse, New York,
on the I St of January, 18 150, his parents being John and Angelina
(Cheseboro) Carhart, likewise natives of the Empire state. In 1855
they settled on a farm in Scott county, Iowa, but in 1871 John Car-
hart disposed of the property and removed to Grinnell, Poweshiek
county, this state, where he passed away at the age of seventy-two
years. The demise of his wife occurred in Scott county when she
had attained the age of fifty-five.
Lester B. Carhart was five years of age when the family home
was established on a farm in Scott county, Iowa, and there attended
the district schools in the acquirement of his early education. At the
age of seventeen he entered Cornell College at Mount Vernon,
Iowa, and after completing the classical course spent a year as prin-
cipal of schools at Eldora, Hardin county, Iowa. In 1873 he
embarked in the book and music business at Hampton in association
with T. B. Taylor, his college classmate, and a year later purchased
LESTER B. CARHART
i
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 125
his partner's interest, continuing the enterprise alone for four years.
Subsequently he was engaged in the lumber business at Grinnell
in partnership with his father and brother for two years. On the
I St of January, 1880, he formed a partnership with T. B. Taylor
and W. D. Evans, now Judge Evans of the supreme court, for the
conduct of a banking business in Sheffield. They occupied a frame
building on the same corner where the present institution stands,
and the name Sheffield Bank was adopted at the beginning. The
partnership was maintained for a period of eighteen years or until
1899, when Mr. Carhart pu-chased the others' interests and became
sole proprietor. He carries on a general banking, real-estate and
insurance business, and the continued growth and success of the
institution are ample evidence of his splendid executive ability and
keen discernment. Mr. Carhart is likewise the vice president of the
Sheffield Brick & Tile Company, a concern which was organized
five years ago and of which our subject and his sons are the con-
trolling stockholders. He also acts as vice president of the Grinnell
Canning Company at Grinnell, Iowa.
Mr. Carhart has been married twice. On the ist of August,
1872, he wedded Miss Addie M. Wright, of Clarence, Cedar
county, Iowa, by whom he had two sons. She passed away at Grin-
nell in 1878, and in December of the following year Mr. Carhart
was again married, his second union being with Miss Nettie B.
Bryan, a distant relative of the present secretary of state. By this
marriage there are four sons. The six children of Mr. Carhart are
as follows: Edward B., assistant cashier of the Goodman & Com-
panv Bank at Napa, California; Herman L., assistant cashier of the
Sheffield Bank; Charles C, secretary, treasurer and general man-
ager of the Sheffield Brick & Tile Company and general manager
and owner of the Sheffield Electric Light & Power Company; Harry
H., who is engaged in the automobile business at Minneapolis; For-
rest F., who represents the Sheffield Brick & Tile Company as sales-
man ; and Ralph R., a bookkeeper in his father's bank.
In politics Mr. Carhart is a stanch republican and his fellow
townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability, have chosen him for
positions of public trust. As mayor of Sheffield he gave the city a
progressive and beneficial administration, and he also did valuable
service as a member of the council, while many years he was on the
school board. For several years, as treasurer and director, he was
active in the work of the Camp Meeting Association, holding
Chautauquas at Clear Lake. Both Mr. and Mrs. Carhart are
devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
126 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
He is a handsome and vigorous gentleman and has won many friends
in the various walks of life by reason of his unfailing courtesy and
unfeigned cordiality.
JOHN A. WADDINGTON.
John A. Waddington has been engaged in the hardware and
general merchandise business in Geneva for almost a third of a cen-
tury and throughout the entire period has maintained a reputation
as an enterprising merchant and reliable business man, his commer-
cial methods being at all times commendable and trustworthy. He
was born in Yorkshire, England, }une 9, 1848, and is a son of Joseph
and Ellen (Heigh) Waddington, also natives of England, who came
to America in 1849, locating in southern Illinois. They afterward
moved to Fort Dearborn, now Chicago, thence to Jo Daviess county,
that state, where the father engaged in railroad work until his death,
which occurred in September, 1882. His wife died in September,
1910, at the age of ninety-four. To their union were born eleven
children: Sarah, the widow of Ezra Turner, of Galena, Illinois;
George and Will, deceased; Catherine, the wife of Alfred Bobst,
of Reeve township; John A., of this review; Martha, the wife of
E. Courtney, of Freeport, Illinois; Mary, twin to Martha and the
wife of A. J. Young, of Nora, Illinois; Joe, of Chicago; Ellen, twin
to Joe and the widow of Dr. Stauffer, of Nora, Illinois; Albert L.,
of White Rock, South Dakota; and (iilbert C, twin to Albert L., and
a resident of Nora, Illinois.
John A. Waddington left home at the age of twentv-one and
began working as a farm laborer, continuing thus for one year. At
the end of that time he went to Kansas, where he secured a position
as a cattle driver and also took up a homestead claim, upon which
he resided for a number of vears. For about two vears prior to his
marriage, which occurred in 1880, he was engaged in the hardware
and tinning business with his brother-in-law, A. J. Young, at Nora,
Illinois. Soon after his marriage he disposed of his interest at Nora
and came to Franklin county, locating at Geneva, where he bought
a hardware store. He afterward added general merchandise and
has since conducted both branches of the business very successfully.
He carries a full line of stock and has built up a large and profit-
able concern. In addition to his store he owns eight hundred and
sixty-five acres of land lying mostly in Reeve and Geneva townships,
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 127
this county, and upon this property he specializes in breeding high-
grade stock. He has a fine herd of Jersey cattle and his animals
took eight blue ribbons and four red at the fair held in 1913.
On October 14, 1880, Mr. Waddington was united in marriage
to Miss Louise Lawrence and they have become the parents of two
children: Ellen Louise and Ray Allen. Mr. Waddington is a
member of the Modern Woodmen of America and his political sup-
port is given to the republican party. He served for a number of
years as school treasurer. During the long period of his residence
in Geneva he has contributed to the progress of the city along com-
mercial lines and in other ways has supported movements for the
general good. His many excellent characteristics have given him
high standing in the community, and he is accounted a substantial
and representative citizen.
HANS SCHONEMANN.
Hans Schonemann. one of the self-made men of Franklin county
who has risen by his own efiforts to a place of importance and prom-
inence in agricultural circles, was born in Denmark, April 3, 1854.
He is a son of Jeppe and Mary Schonemann, both of whom died in
Denmark.
Hans Schonemann came to America when he was twenty-eight
years of age and settled first in Cerro Gordo county, Iowa, where
for two years he worked by the month upon a farm. At the end of
that time he moved to Franklin county and bought a farm of one
hundred and sixty acres on section 5, Richland township. At the
time this came into his possession it was only slightly improved but
Mr. Schonemann has carried forward the work of its development
with characteristic energy, and he has today a valuable and pro-
ductive farm. It is equipped with substantial buildings and modern
machinery and reflects in every department the care and supervision
of the owner, who is a progressive and practical agriculturist. Mr.
Schonemann recently purchased another farm of one hundred and
twenty acres in this township and intends to give this over to the
management of his son.
Mr. Schonemann married Miss Elsie Marie Petersen, a native
of Denmark, and they have become the parents of eight children:
Christina, the wife of Nels Raun ; Marie, who married Albert John-
son; Henrietta, the wife of Richard James; Lauritz, who will oper-
128 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
ate his father's newly purchased farm; Elisa; Sina; William; and
Henry.
Mr. Schonemann i-s a member of the Lutheran church and gives
his political allegiance to the republican party, taking an intelligent
interest in public affairs. Starting out in life a poor man, he has
by his own efforts worked his way upward to success, contributing
to the agricultural development of this locality two fine farms, which
are a visible evidence of his life of industrv and thrift.
JOHN WUNN.
John VVunn, one of the well known and respected citizens of
Sheffield, has here been continuously engaged in business as a black-
smith for the past thirty-five years, and his labors have been a factor
in the growth and upbuilding of the city. His birth occurred in
Pennsylvania on the 12th of June, i8(;3, his parents being Nicholas
and Catherine (Jenewein) Wunn, both of whom w^ere natives of
Rhenish-Prussia, Germany. The father, who as a boy emigrated to
the LInited States in companv with his mother, brothers and sisters,
grew to manhood and was married in Pennsylvania. He was a car-
penter by trade and in 1855 established his home in Platteville, Wis-
consin. His demise occurred in Grant county, that state, when he
had attained the age of sixty-seven years, while his wife there passed
away at the age of seventy-nine.
John Wunn, who was but two years of age when taken to Wis-
consin by his parents, spent his boyhood in Grant county, that state.
His father believed that rural surroundings were best in youth and
therefore purchased a farm, sending our subject to the district schools.
As a young man John Wunn began to learn blacksmithing and had
not yet thoroughly mastered that trade when he came to Sheffield,
lovva, in 1878. He joined his brother-in-law in 1879 in a partner-
ship, subsequently purchasing the latter's interest. He has here
remained in business continuouslv for more than a third of a century
and is an experienced workman, enjoying a gratifying and profitable
patronage. At the time of his arrival Sheffield was a town of two
hundred inhabitants. The railroad had been built through several
years before, but the country was still new and prairie fires were fre-
quent. The district was sparsely settled and, as no tiling had been
done, was one vast s^yamp in the springtime. In the winter Mr.
Wunn has seen as many as forty men shoveling snow to keep the rail-
a
.loiix wrxN"
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 131
road track clear. On one occasion he saw a man killed while looking
out of the door of a box car, the door, which was caught on a bank
of snow at the side, being pushed shut and crushing the man's skull.
The dangers and hardships of pioneer days are only a memory now,
for the work of progress has been carried steadily forward and the
conveniences and comforts of modern civilization have long been
known here. When Mr. Wunn came to Franklin county the Mc-
Cormick self-rake and another harvest machine called the Buckeye
were in use. Next was introduced the Marsh harvester, on which he
bound for some time. Mr. Wunn also remembers the Manny reaper
used in Wisconsin, a man walking behind the machine and raking
the grain off with a fork. Then came the John P. Manny reaper, on
which the farmer could seat himself. Since his youth Mr. Wunn has
been a hard-working, industrious man, and the prosperity which he
now enjoys is indeed well merited.
In this county Mr. Wunn wedded Miss Sarah Greer, now-
deceased, by whom he had four daughters, as follows: Eliza, who
is engaged in teaching at Charles City, Iowa; Pearl, who follows the
profession of teaching at Beloit, Wisconsin; Mamie, at home; and
Carrie, who is employed as a stenographer at Beloit, Wisconsin.
For his second wife he chose Miss Minnie Eno.
In his political views Mr. Wunn is a republican, exercising his
right of franchise in support of the men and measures of that party.
He has ably served as a member of the city council for nine years and
for a period of ten years was on the school board. His religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church, while fraternally he is identified with the Odd Fellows and
with the Masons, having belonged to Pearl Lodge, No. 426, for thirty
years. Energetic, diligent and persevering, he is always found
reliable in all his business connections and stands for the progressive
element in citizenship and for trustworthiness in every relation.
S. H. HOLMES.
S. H. Holmes was actively and successfully identified with gen-
eral agricultural pursuits in Franklin county for more than a third
of a century, and still owns two hundred acres of valuable land in
Richland township, but is now living retired in Sheffield. His birth
occurred in Wayne county, Ohio, on the i8th of May, 1848, his par-
ents being George and Eliza (Harting) Holmes, who were born.
132 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
reared and married in Pennsylvania. They were among the early set-
' tiers of Wayne county, Ohio, and there spent the remainder of their
lives. When fifty-two years of age the fatlier was killed by a falling
tree. The mother, who married a second time, died w hen past sixty.
S. H. Holmes was a lad of nine years at the time of his father's
tragic death. His retentive mind recalls many of the scenes and
happenings of his boyhood. His father was engaged in the man-
ufacture of pumps, chopping logs and boring the holes with a bit.
One evening he failed to come home but, thinking he had gone on a
visit to the home of a neighbor, his wife and children felt no an.xiety.
After midnight, however, the wife sent her two sons into the
woods with a lantern to seek their father. They found him with his
chest and head crushed. It seems that a pin oak tree which he had
chopped down had lodged, and when he attempted to dislodge the
same, it had fallen and caught him beneath it. S. H. Holmes was
often sent after cattle and horses when a boy of but seven or eight
years. His father refused to give him a halter or bridle, fearing he
might attempt to ride voung horses and be injured. Not to be
thwarted, however, he was accustomed to cut the limber branch of a
tree, making a crotch which he put over the horse's neck after jump-
ing on him. The horse, thinking there was something to hold him,
would then go along peacefully. One day, while the horses were
drinking from a brook at the base of a steep clifif of overhanging
slate rock, the clifT gave way and frightened the animals, and he was
thrown into the water bv the young horse on which he had been sit-
ting.
Mr. Holmes remained with his mother until about twenty years
of age and subsequently worked at the carpenter's trade in Indiana,
also spending a short time in the lumber woods of Wisconsin. He
, was married in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, at the age of twent\-two
years, and spent the first year of his wedded life in Michigan, while
during the next four and a half years he and his wife resided on a
homistead in Kansas. On the expiration of that period they drove
from the Sunflower state to Wayne county, Iowa, and at the end of
a vear came to Franklin county, this state, making the journey in a
covered wagon. The vear of their arrival was 1877. ^^^- Holmes
came here with only a dollar and a half in cash and would have
had less than that had he not accepted the hospitality of kind people
encountered en route. He cultivated rented land for a number of
years or until 1893, when his savings enabled him to purchase a tract
of one hundred and twentv acres in Cerro Gordo countv. However,
as there were no buildings on this farm he sold it after two years
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY rss
and bought land in Franklin county. He remodeled the buildings
on the property and developed an excellent farm, also augmenting
his holdings by additional purchase, so that he now owns two hun-
dred acres. In the spring of 1913 he put aside the active work of
the fields and moved to Sheffield, where he has since remained in
lionorable retirement, owning a comfortable and attractive home on
West Main street.
On December 22, 1870, at Gratiot, Wisconsin, Mr. Holmes was
j(jined in wedlock to Miss Mary Ormrod, who was born in Stockport,
England, on the 23d of May, 1852, her parents being James and Eliz-
abeth Ormrod. They emigrated to the United States during the
infancy of their daughter Mary, whose first birthday anniversary
was spent on the ocean. They first resided at Newport, Rhode Island,
afterward removed to Warren, Illinois, and in 1880 came to Shef-
field. Iowa, where both passed away. Their son, James Ormrod, of
Hampton, is an e\-sherifif of Franklin county. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes
have three living children, as follows: Mrs. Fred Cockram, who
resides in Richland township; James, assistant cashier of a bank at
Steamboat Rock, Iowa; and Arthur, who lives on the home farm.
The parents are devoted and consistent members of the Methodist
Episcopal church, which they joined prior to their marriage. Mr.
Holmes has always supported the men and measures of the republi-
can party and cast his first presidential ballot for Grant when for the
second time he was elected chief executive of the nation. Both Mr.
and Mrs. Holmes have an extensive circle of warm friends in this
county, enjoying the high regard and esteem of all with whom they
have come in contact.
C. M. KELLEY.
C. M. Kelley is president of The Hampton-Kelley Canning
Company, one of the largest productive industries of Iowa. In
Hampton, where he makes his home, he is recognized as a business
man of force, of broad experience and resourcefulness. He forms
his plans readily and seldom fails to carrv forward to successful
completion whatever he undertakes. It is true that he entered upon
a business already established, but in enlarging and extending its
scope he has proven that, like his father, he possesses a spirit of
initiative, supplemented by unfaltering enterprise.
134 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Mr. Kelley was born in Bushberg, Missouri, August i8, 1S69,
and is a son of Henry B. and Rosalinda (Murray) Kelley, the for-
mer a native of New York and the latter of Vermont. In his early
years the father was a farmer and vineyard owner and was associated
with Isadore Busch in the wine business near St. Louis, Missouri.
He first became connected with tlie canning industry when in 1^72,
in company with a brother-in-law, they began evaporating sweet
corn at Foster, Warren county, Ohio. Later their plant was located
near South Lebanon, Ohio, until 1880. In that year he and his asso-
ciates embarked in the canning of sweet corn, and in 1882 he began
operating a canning factory in Lima, Ohio. The following year
he became general manager of the Watson corn and tomato plant
at Vinton, Iowa, where he remained until 1891. During the fall of
that year and the succeeding spring he perfected the organization
of and incorporated the Kelley Canning Company at Vinton, now
known as the Iowa Canning Company, operating four plants, one at
Laporte Citv, Iowa, one at Shellsburg, one at Garrison and the fourth
at Vinton. In 1889 he went to Waverly, Iowa, where he organized
the Kelley Canning Company, and the family still retain their
interests there. The business which he successfully organized and
instituted grew to be an immense concern, the largest of the kind
in the state, and Mr. Kelley was active in its management and control
until his death which occurred at Waverly, in June, 1903. He had
for many years survived his wife, who passed away March 31, 1883.
They were the parents of four children: C. ^L; Horace G., manager
of a canning plant at Iowa City; George R., manager of a cannery at
Grinnell; and Milo F., manager of a cannery at Belle Plaine.
C. M. Kelley was reared at home and started out in business
life as a dealer in blooded horses and Jersey cattle. He was thus
engaged until 1890, when he disposed of his interests of that char-
acter and joined his father in the canning business, establishing the
plant at Waverly. In 1902 they built another factory at Forest City
and in 1910 C. M. Kelley established the plant at Hampton. He
had charge of the Waverly plant from his father's death and gave
to it his undivided attention until 1910, when he organizcil and
incorporated The Hampton-Kelley Canning Company at Hampton,
Iowa. This plant during six weeks of the busy season, from the 15th
of August to the ist of October, employs two hundred and eighty
people. In 191 3 they packed the product of between fifteen and six-
teen hundred acres of corn, which aggregated one hundred and twen-
ty-five thousand cases, with twenty-four cans to the case. This was
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 135
packed under the names of the Cluster brand, Up Town brand and
Kelley brand. There is considerable local capital interested in this
venture, which has proven to be a most fortunate investment to those
who have become interested therein. The plant is one of the most
modern and sanitarily equipped plants in the country, having every
possible device to aid in the saving of labor and time and to utilize
the material to the best advantage in the production of a marketable
product. In addition to his connection with The Hampton-Kelley
Canning Company as its president Mr. Kelley is vice president of the
Forest City (la.) Canning Company and is identified with a number
of other firms and corporations as an officer or director. Concentrat-
ing his energies, however, largely upon the Hampton business, he
superintends every detail and under his able management this has ex-
panded rapidly and is today one of the largest concerns of this kind in
the state. His position at its head has made frequent demands upon
his energy, resourcefulness and sound business judgment and upon
those qualities he has founded a success which ranks him with the
leading business men of his section of the state.
In 1890 Mr. Kelley was united in marriage with Miss Emma B.
Brocken, a native of Benton, Iowa, and both are well known in Hamp-
ton. Mr. Kelley is a member of the Methodist church and is
connected fraternally with the Knights of Pythias and with the
Benevolent Protective Order of Elks at Mason City. He gives his
political allegiance to the republican party, and while a resident of
Waverly served on the city council. He occupies a prominent
position in business circles of Franklin county and his interests are
of a character that contribute not alone to individual success but also
to public prosperity and commercial activity.
PHILO L. LOSS.
For a period of over thirtv years Philo L. Loss has been closely
connected with agricultural interests of Franklin county as the owner
of a farm of one hundred and sixty acres on section 12, Lee town-
ship. During the years he has cultivated this property he has made
many substantial contributions to development and progress and has
taken his place in the front ranks of progressive and successful
agriculturists. He was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, October 7,
1848, and is a son of Lucius and Mary Ann (Kent) Loss, natives of
New York. They came to Iowa in 1867 and located near Hampton.
Both have passed away, the father dying May 23, 1896, and the
136 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
mother in 1908. To their union were born five children: Malvina,
deceased; Philo L., of this review; Ida, the wife of O. A. Cummings,
of Hampton; Charles, residing in Minnesota; and Frank, of Hamp-
ton.
Philo L. Loss came to Iowa with his parents in 1867, remaining at
home until he was twenty-one years (jf age. He purchased a tract
of one hundred and sixty acres on section 12, Lee township, in 1879,
and upon this propertv has carried forward the work of cultivation
and improvement for thirtv-four years. As a result the farm is in
excellent condition, equipped with substantial barns and outbuildings
and with everything necessary for the proper conduct of the property
along modern 'and progressive lines.
On the 15th of February, 1876, Mr. Loss was united in marriage
to Miss Mary J. Fraser, a daughter of John W. and Jane M. (Mc-
Intyre) Fraser, natives of New York, of Scotch descent. The parents
came to Franklin county in 1870 and located on a farm on section i,
Lee township. The father died October :;, 1888, and the mother
September 9, 1903. To their union were born six children: James
K., a resident of Big Bend, Wisconsin; John, a resident of Bradford;
Mary J., wife of the subject of this review; Belle, at home; Joseph,
deceased; and Eleanor, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Loss are members
of the Christian church and Mr. Loss is connected fraternally with
the Masonic order, being a member of Anchor Lodge, No. 191, A. F.
& A. M. of Hampton, and the chapter, R. A. M., of Hampton.
He is independent politically and has served as township trustee,
proving an able and conscientious official. Having resided upon his
farm in Franklin county for thirty-four years, he has become widely
known here and is recognized as a man of genuine integrity and
worth, a progressive farmer and a useful citizen.
JAMES L. COLLINS, M. D.
Dr. James L. Collins, a successful representative of the medical
fraternity in Franklin county, has practiced his profession at Shef-
field since January, 1910. His birth occurred in Lee county, Iowa,
on the 25th of November, 1871;, his parents being R. B. and Thank-
ful (McGregor) Collins, the former a native of Virginia and the
latter of Columbus, Ohio. R. B. Collins spent his early life in Louis-
ville, Kentuckv, and when a vouth of sixteen came to Iowa,
DK. AND MRy. JAMES L. COLLINS
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 139
following agricultural pursuits in Lee county throughout his active
business career. Both he and his wife have passed away.
James L. Collins spent his boyhood in his native county and
attended the district schools in the acquirement of his early educa-
tion, while subsequently he pursued a course of study in Cotner
University of Lincoln, Nebraska. He then prepared for the prac-
tice of medicine in the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons
and following his graduation from that institution, in 1909, spent
six months with Dr. Haecker at Hampton, Iowa. In January, 1910,
he located at Sheffield and has here remained to the present time,
his practice having steadily grown as he has demonstrated his skill
and ability in coping with the intricate problems which continually
confront the physician in his efforts to restore health and prolong
life. He keeps in close touch with the progress of the profession
through his membership in the Franklin County Medical Society,
the Iowa State Medical Society and the American Medical Asso-
ciation. For one year he served as health physician of Sheffield.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Dr. Collins
chose Miss Bertha Carter, a native of Steelville, Missouri, and a
daughter of George F. Carter. They have three children: Marion
C. and James W., who are seven and two years of age respectively;
and Lillian W., who is in her first year. Dr. Collins is a member
of the Christian church of Lee county but attends the services of
the Methodist Episcopal church in Sheffield. He is a stalwart
friend of the cause of education and is now serving as president of
the school board. His fraternal relations are with the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows. He is most conscientious in the performance
of his professional duties and in every relation of life is actuated by
high and honorable principles.
H. E. FRONING.
H. E. Froning, a prosperous and representative citizen of Cha-
pin, is here engaged in the real-estate business, dealing in Iowa and
Minnesota lands. His birth occurred in Stephenson county, Illinois,
on the 9th of June, 1862, his parents being August and Margaret
(Bohen) Froning, of whom more extended mention is made on
another page of this work in connection with the sketch of A. J.
Froning, a brother of our subject.
140 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
H. E. Froning attended the common schools of his native state in
the acquirement of an education and was a young man of t\\cnt\ -three
years when he came with his parents to Franklin county, Iowa, in
1885. He assisted in the operation of the home farm, located east of
Sheffield, until the time of his marriage and then purchased an
unimproved tract of land comprising one hundred and sixtv acres
on section 36, Ross township. The improvement and cultivation of
that farm claimed his attention for a number of years. He erected
a set of substantial buildings and carried on general agricultural
pursuits successfully until 1902, when he removed to Chapin and pur-
chased an elevator, engaging in the grain business until the spring of
1912. Since that time he has devoted his attention to the real-estate
business, dealing in Iowa and Minnesota lands. He owns an attrac-
tive residence in Chapin and owes his present prosperity entirely to
his own efforts, having ever been industrious, energetic and tliriftv.
He assisted in the organization of the Chapin Savings Bank and has
since remained a member of its board of directors.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Froning
chose Miss Anna Rust, who was born in Germany on the 13th of
October, 1862. Her father, H. A. Rust, deceased, is mentioned at
greater length on another page of this volume in connection with the
sketch of H. A. Rust, Jr., a brother of Mrs. Froning. Our subject
and his wife have four daughters and a son, namely: Margaret,
Alice, Florence, Catherine and Herman, all at home.
Mr. Froning gives his political allegiance to the republican party
and has promoted the interests of the cause of education as a member
of the school board. In religious faith he is a Baptist, both he and
his wife belonging to the church of that denomination at Sheffield.
He has lived in this county for almost three decades and lias long
been numbered among its capable business men and esteemed citizens.
ROBERT G. ARGENT.
Robert G. Argent, operating the Argent homestead of one hun-
dred and twenty acres on sections 12 and 13, Reeve township, was
born in Geneva township, this county. December 23, 1881. He is
a son of Thomas F. and Elizabeth (Ginn) Argent, natives of Jo
Daviess county, Illinois, who came to Franklin county in April,
1876. Both died in 1912, the father passing away on the iitli of
March, and the mother on the 28th of December. To their union
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 141
were born six children: William, of Reeve township; Nettie, at
home; John, of Steele, North Dakota; Jennie, at home; Robert G.,
of this review; and Thomas, engaged in the livery business in Hamp-
ton, Iowa. Of these children, William married Osie Connor, who
passed away leaving four children, Harold, Evan, Thomas and
Lester.
Robert G. Argent was reared upon his father's farm and from
his childhood aided in its operation, becoming in this way familiar
at an early age with the best and most practical agricultural methods.
After the death of his father he and his sisters purchased the home-
stead, and this property Mr. Argent has since managed. It com-
prises one hundred and twenty acres and is well improved in every
particular, reflecting the care and management of a practical and
able agriculturist.
Mr. Argent attends the Methodist church, is connected frater-
nally with the Knights of Pythias and gives his political allegiance
to the republican party. Although he is still a young man he has
already demonstrated his ability and worth and will undoubtedly be
carried forward into important relations with agricultural interests
of his localitv-
JOSEPH G. BUSHYAGER.
Joseph G. Bushyager, who has lived in Franklin county for more
than a half century, is known as one of its oldest settlers and as one
of the few remaining veterans of the great Civil war. He devoted
his attention to general agricultural pursuits throughout his active
business career but during the past six years has lived retired in
Sheffield. His birth occurred in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on the
30th of August, 1842. His father, Henry Bushyager, a native of
Pennsylvania and a carpenter bv trade, came to Iowa in 1856, settling
first in Dubuque and three years later at Shell Rock, Butler county.
In the spring of i860 he purchased eighty acres of wild land on
section 18, West Fork township (then known as Ingham township),
Franklin county. He hauled the lumber for his first house from
Cedar Falls and here continued to reside throughout the remainder
of his life, passing away on the 22d of December, 1881. Henry
Bushyager was one of the early trustees of the township and sub-
sequently was made a member of the county board of supervisors.
In Pittsburgh he had wedded Miss Jane Winters, who died in that
142 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
city in 1850. To them were born nine children, five ot wlioni died
in infancy. Martha gave lier hand in marriage to Frederick Meyers,
an early settler and old soldier of Franklin county, whose home was
formerly in West Fork township. Mrs. Meyers is now deceased and
her iiusband makes his home in Kansas. Mary, twin sister of Martha,
became tlie wife of Captain John Boyd, a soldier of the Civil war.
Pfennsylvania remained their home until the time of their demise.
Sarah was the wife of Andrew Dorsey, who also participated in the
Civil war. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey, who lived in Pittsburgh,
have passed away.
Joseph G. Bushyager spent his boyhood, in the city of his nativ-
ity and attended the common schools in the acquirement of an edu-
cation. After putting aside his text-books he worked at farm labor
until i860, when he came to Iowa and joined his father in Frank-
lin county. His first crop in this state was cut with a cradle and
scythe. In December, 1863, Mr. Bushyager enlisted for service
in the Civil war as a private of Company H, Thirty-second Iowa
Volunteer Infantry. He took part in a skirmish at Fort De Russy
and also in the engagement at Pleasant Hill, on the 4th of April,
1864, which was the last battle of the Red River raid. Becoming
ill, he was confined in hospitals at Vicksburg, Jefferson Barracks
and at Keokuk, Iowa. In the spring of 1865 he received an hon-
orable discharge and returned to the farm in West Fork township.
He inherited from his father the old home place of one hundred
and five acres and later purchased an additional tract of eighty
acres in West Fork township as well as a quarter section of land in
Ross township. In the conduct of his general farming interests he met
with excellent success, annually gathering bounteous crops, which
found a ready sale on the market. In 1907 he put aside the active
work of the fields and took up his abode in Shefiield, where he is now
spending the evening of life in honorable retirement.
In April, 1867, Mr. Bushyager was joined in wedlock to Miss
Mary Leidig, who was born in Pennsylvania on the i8th of Octo-
ber, 1849, her parents being George and Mary (Bushyager) Leidig,
the father a native of Ohio and the mother of Pennsylvania. They
came to Iowa in 1855, settling first in Jackson county, while in 1863
they took up their abode in Clinton township, Franklin county. To
Mr. and Mrs. Bushyager have been born nine children, as follows:
Janette B., who is the wife of William Bell and resides in Missouri ;
George L., who wedded Miss Myrtle Scott and resides in Colorado;
Henry B., who makes his home in Chicago; Mary E., who is a teacher
by profession and lives at home; Lucia L., who was the wife of Lem-
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 143
uel M. Bowman, of Chicago, and died in July, 1913; Matilda Jane,
who gave her hand in marriage to Henry Liekwig, of Sheffield ; Alvin
J., residing on the old home farm; Zillah, who is the wife of Robert
Meyer, of West Fork township; and one, who died in infancy.
Mr. Bushyager exercises his right of franchise in support of the
men and measures of the democracy, believing firmly in the princi-
ples of that party. He served as a school director for many years.
His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist
Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. He has witnessed
the marvelous transformation that has here occurred as pioneer con-
ditions have given way before the onward march of civilization, and
his memory forms a connecting link between the primitive past and
the progressive present. His record cannot fail to prove of interest
to many of our readers, for he has an extensive circle of friends and
acquaintances throughout the community.
WILLIAM H. RICHARDS.
William 'H. Richards is a veteran of the Civil war, living retired
in Hampton after many years of close connection with agricultural
interests of Franklin county. He was born in Jo Daviess county,
Illinois, February 20, 1843, and is a son of James and Elizabeth
(Vincent) Richards, natives of England. The parents came to
America in 1838 and the father afterward spent the greater portion
of his time in California, where he engaged in mining. The father
died in 1870 and the mother in December, 191 2, at the age of eighty-
six years. To their union were born five children: William H., of
this review; Sarah, the wife of B. Ball, of Osage, Iowa; Pierce, of
Galena, Illinois; James, who died in the Union army during the
Civil war; and Joseph, who passed awav when he was still a child.
William H. Richards was reared in Illinois and remained at
home until he was nineteen years of age. In August, 1 862, he enlisted
in Company A, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served
for three years, receiving his discharge as color bearer and corporal.
He participated in many of the most important engagements of the
Civil war, twenty-seven or twenty-eight battles and skirmishes in all,
among them the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and
Missionary Ridge. His regiment of four hundred men was held as
a reserve at Chickamauga and there lost two hundred and fifteen
men in six hours of fighting. After his discharge he returned to
144 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
lllini)is ami tliencc in 1872 moved to Franklin couiilv, Iowa. He
bought eighty acres of hind in Reeve township and remained upon
this farm until his retirement, increasing its dimensions to three hun-
dred and twenty acres and making it bv his intelligent management
one of the most valuable and productive farms in the locality. In
1904 Mr. Richards disposed of his property and moved into Hamp-
ton, where he now resides.
On the 3d of July, 1870, Mr. Richards married Miss Sarah Com-
bellick, a native of Illinois, and they became the parents of nine chil-
dren: xA.lice, the wife of E. Sheppard. of Reeve township; Anna
E., deceased ; Edith, the widow of William Thorpe; fames Howard,
who is operating the old homestead in ReeVe township; Sarah Lil-
lian, the wife of Arthur Rick, of Plankington, South Dakota; Ruth,
who married William Luke, of Bradford, Iowa; Gertrude, the wife
of Leslie Hobbie; J. Thomas Harvey, engaged in farming; and
Phvllis Irene, at home.
Mr. Richards is a member of the Methodist church and is con-
nected fraternally with the local post of the Grand Armv of the
Republic. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party
and has served w^ith credit and ability as school director. Through-
out the entire period of his residence in Franklin countv he has
contributed in substantial measure to community growth and
upbuilding, and his retirement rewards manv vears of earnest and
faithful labor.
CLAUD H. WELTY.
Claud H. Welty is closely associated with mercantile interests
of Hampton as a successful druggist. He was born in this city Sep-
tember 20, 1877, and is a son of William H. and Josephine (Hamil-
ton) Welty, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of
Wisconsin. Thev are now residents of Hampton. To their union
were born two children: Gournev, of Chicago, Illinois; and Claud
H., of this review.
The last named acquired his education in the grammar and high
schools of Hampton and since laying aside his books has been con-
nected with the drug business here, his long experience in this line
being one of the iinportant factors in his success. He passed his
examination as a registered pharmacist in 1900 and in 1906 formed
a partnership with O. E. Hickethier in the drug business. Five
CLAUD H. WELTV
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY U7
years later he purchased his partner's interest and since that time
has conducted the store alone. He carries a complete line of drugs
and sundries and controls a patronage which is constantly increas-
ing in volume and importance, owing to his straightforward bus-
iness methods, his reasonable prices and his earnest desire to please
his patrons.
On the 28th of February, 1901, Mr. Welty married Miss Alice
Hickethier, and both are well known in social circles of 'Hampton.
Mr. Welty is a member of the Baptist church, is connected fra-
ternally with the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective
Order of Elks and gives his political allegiance to the democratic
partv. He is a progressive business man and through legitimate
lines of trade is now building up a growing business, that is indica-
tive of his spirit of enterprise and determination.
WILLIAM B. BRYAN.
William B. Bryan, a retired farmer living in Hampton, after
manv years of close connection with agricultural interests of Frank-
lin county, was born in George county, Ohio, July 10, 1837. He is
a son of Abraham and Polly (Beardsley) Bryan, the former a
native of New York and the latter of Ohio. In 1870 the parents
moved to Franklin county and located in Geneva township, where
the father engaged in farming until his death in 1873. His wife
has also passed away. To their union were born seven children:
Orlando; Harrison; Albert; William B., of this review; George;
Mary, a resident of Hampton; and Ann, the widow of Donald
Miller, of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
During the entire period of his active life William Bryan has
engaged in agricultural pursuits. He acquired valuable land hold-
ings in Franklin county, accumulating four hundred and thirty-
three acres of valuable land which he has since sold. The years
brought him a gratifying degree of success in the conduct of his
farming and stock-raising interests, and eventually he retired from
active life, moving into Hampton, where he has since resided. He
occupies a fine home on Second street and is well and favorably
known in the city.
On the 2c;th of December, 1866, Mr. Bryan was united in mar-
riage to Miss Susan Townsend, a native of Illinois and they became
the parents of nine children: George Sherman, a farmer of Alia-
148 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
makee county; Harry H., deceased; Ernest T., residing in Emmet
county; Ray S., who also resides in Emmet county, Iowa; Wayne,
who died in infancy; Mary Winona, at home; Irving, a resident of
Emmet county; Olive, the wife of C. Sharpe of Hampton; and Earl
H., at home.
Mr. Bryan is a veteran of the Civil war, having enlisted in Com-
pany H, Ninety-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry on the 15th of
August, 1862. He served three years and during that time took
part in various important engagements, receiving three wounds at
the battle of Lookout Mountain. He was mustered out at Nash-
ville, Tennessee, and received his honorable discharge at Chicago,
Illinois, on the 25th of July, 1865.
He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, is a member of
the Baptist church and gives his political allegiance to the republi-
can party. He has held various positions of public trust and
responsibility and was for nine years president of the board of
Geneva township. He is a man whose industry, ability and integ-
rity have won for him the prosperity which he enjoys today and
have placed him in the foremost rank as a representative citizen of
the community.
GEORGE L. R. HUMKE.
George L. R. Humke, one of the progressive and active young
farmers of Osceola township, is operating a portion of the farm
upon which he was born December 19, 1886. He is a son of Charles
F. Humke, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this
work.
George L. R. Humke was reared at home and early become
familiar with the best agricultural methods through practical expe-
rience upon his father's farm. At the age of twenty-one he rented one
hundred and twenty acres of the homestead, which lies on section 36,
Osceola township, and here he has since engaged in general farming,
stock-raising and poultry-raising. He is gradually extending his
interests in the latter department, which has proven exceedingly prof-
itable and important.
On the 9th of March, 191 1, Mr. Humke was united in marriage
to Miss Ida Jansonius, a native of Butler county, this state, and a
daughter of John and Margaret (Neymeyer) Jansonius, natives of
Holland and now residents of Butler county. Mr. Humke is a mem-
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 149
ber of the Presbyterian church and gives his political allegiance to
the republican party. He takes an intelligent interest in the welfare
and growth of his native township, but is not active politically, pre-
ferring to concentrate his attention upon his business afifairs, in which
he is meeting with gratifying and well deserved success.
L. S. SHOWALTER.
Agricultural interests of Franklin county find a worthy and pro-
gressive representative in L. S. Showalter, who operates the old Sho-
walter homestead of two hundred and forty acres in Reeve township.
He was born in Freeport, Illinois, June 25, 1875, and is a son of
Charles F. and Permelia L. (Scott) Showalter. The former was
born in Pennsylvania, June 25, 1849, his parents being John S. and
Mary (Millwood) Showalter, also natives of the Keystone state.
John S. Showalter moved from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin and thence
to Illinois, where he passed away. He had the following children:
Josiah M. and Osborne, deceased; Charles F., father of the subject
of this review; John W., deceased; Emma, the wife of I. Eastman,
of Monmouth. Illinois; Carrie, who married William Currier, of
Freeport, Illinois; Frank; and a son, who died in infancy.
Charles F. Showalter began his independent career in Illinois,
where he engaged in farming and also operated a threshing machine
until 1885. In that year he moved to Franklin county and bought two
hundred and forty acres of fine land in Reeve township. To this he
later added an additional two hundred acres and upon this property
engaged in general farming and stock-raising, shipping his animals
to the eastern market, where they obtained a ready sale. He became
one of the best known and most progressive agriculturists in this part
of the county and contributed in substantial measure to its growth
and development. In 1909 he retired from active life and moved into
Hampton, where he has since resided. He was twice married, his
first wife being Miss Permelia Scott, mother of the subject of this
review. To their union was born a son, L. S., of this review. After
the death of his first wife Charles F. Showalter married Miss Isabella
Vought and they became the parents of five children: Lillian, the
wife of Fred Kron, of Reeve township; Godfrey, also of Reeve town-
ship; Mary, the wife of G. W. Fox, of Reeve township; Emma, at
home; and Charles, of Freeport, Illinois. Charles F. Showalter is a
member of the Methodist church and is connected fraternally with
150 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
the Knights of Pythias. He is independent in his political views
and has held a number of township offices, being public-spirited and
progressive in matters oi citizenship. He has become well and fav-
orably known in Hampton, where he is spending his retired life.
L. S. Showalter was reared upon his father's farm in Reeve town-
ship and remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age.
He then rented one hundred and eighty acres near the homestead and
after operating this for three years rented four hundred and eighty
acres in Hamilton township. He remained upon this place for eight
years, after which he rented his father's farm of two hundred and
forty acres, upon which he has since resided. Having grown up on
the farm and having been familiar witii the details of farm operation
since his childhood, he has met with most gratifying success in the
conduct of his agricultural and stock-raising interests and is recog-
nized today as one of the progressive and representative farmers of
Franklin county.
On the 29th of November, 1899, .Mr. Showalter married Miss
Nellie May King, a native of Illinois, and they became the parents
of three children: Pearl Genevieve; May, who has passed away; and
Mildred Alice, born June 29, 1913. Mr. Showalter attends the
Methodist church and gives his political allegiance to the republican
party. He is a man whose actions have always conformed to a high
standard of business and personal ethics, and his record is a credit
to a name that has long been an honored one in his community.
JAMES COOK.
James Cook is cashier of the Alexander Savings Bank, one of the
solid financial institutions of Franklin county and this section of the
state. His has been an active, useful life, crowned with success
which results from close application when combined with earnest
effort and honorable purpose. He was born in England, January
23, 1H64, a son of James and Hariette (Xewby) Cook. The father
was a farmer by occupation and followed that pursuit throughout
his entire life. He died in 1900, and the mother passed away in
1896. She never came to the United States.
James Cook of this review was educated in the common schools
of England and after completing his studies lie worked on his fath-
er's farm until he reached the age of eighteen years. He then deter-
mined to trv his fortune in America, for he had heard many reports
JAMICS COOK
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY ir):^
concerning the country and its opportunities. On the 15th of June,
1882, he arrived in Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where he engaged in
farming for about twelve years, or until 1894, when he came to
Franklin county. He then engaged in the restaurant business for
awhile and in 1895 built a hotel in Alexander, which he conducted
until 1900. He then turned his attention to the real-estate business,
in which he was engaged for two years. In 1902 he took charge of
the Alexander Savings Bank as its cashier. He may well be proud
of his success, for since he has become one of the officers the bank
has steadily grown and prospered, owing in no small measure to his
efforts and capable management. This is today one of the strong-
est financial institutions in central Iowa.
On the loth of June, 1884, Mr. Cook was united in marriage to
Miss Sarah M. Cook, who was born October 1 1, 1857, and was edu-
cated in the common schools of Canada. They have no children of
their own, but have adopted two daughters: Bessie, now nineteen
years of age; and Myrtle, aged eight. Mr. and Mrs. Cook are mem-
bers of the Congregational church, loyal t(j its teachings, active in
its work and generous in its support.
In his political beliefs Mr. Cook is a republican and keeps well
informed on the questions and issues of the dav, but does not seek
nor desire public office. He holds membership with the Knights
of Pvthias and with the Modern Woodmen of America. He is
genial and companionable, possessing many attractive social qual-
ities which have made him popular with those with whom he has
come in contact. In spite of the fact that his early advantages were
comparatively few, he has steadily worked his way upward, and he
stands today among the prosperous and enterprising business men
of the town in which he makes his home.
FRED W. CLAWSON.
Fred W. Clawson, engaging in general farming and stock-raising
upon two hundred and forty-seven acres of land near Ackley, is a
native of Iowa, born August 11, 1875. He is a son of Jacob and
Annie Clawson, natives of Germany, who came to America in 1870.
They located near Des Moines, Iowa, and came from there to Frank-
lin county in 1901, taking up their residence on a farm on section
'^;. Osceola township. Thev now reside in Acklev. To their union
were born fourteen children: John, deceased; Samuel, a resident of
154 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Hampton; Leonard, of Franklin county; Fred W., of this review;
George, of Butler county; Herman, a resident of Geneva; Elizabeth,
the wife of W. Byers, of Franklin county; Anna, who married S.
Kramer, of Butler county; Nellie, William and Mary, who live at
home; and three children, who died in infancv.
Fred W. Clawson was reared upon his father's farm in Franklin
county and acquired his education in the district schools. At the
age of twent}"-one he began his independent career, renting land
from his father in Butler county. In 191 1 he purchased the home
place of tAvo hundred and fort}-seven acres on section 35, Osceola
township, and here he carries on general farming and stock-raising,
his interests along both lines being extensrve and important. The
farm is well improved in every particular and reflects the labor and
care which the owner bestows upon it.
On the 2d of Januan,-, 1905, Mr. Clawson married Miss Lvdia
Baurer, a native of Franklin counr\-. and to this union have been born
two children: Elizabeth, whose birth occurred December 12. 1906;
and Pearl, born August 20, 191 1. Mr. Clawson is a member of the
Methodist church and gives his political allegiance to the republican
party. He is a man of high moral character, industrious and enter-
prising, and his honesrs* and integrity- have always merited him the
confidence and respect of his neighbors.
\VILLIAM KEEFE.
William Keefe. who passed awav on the 17th of August, 1904,
was for many years actively and successfuUv identified with agricul-
tural pursuits in Franklin county and at the time of his death owned
four hundred and forty-four acres of valuable land. He was born
in Canada and is a son of John and Catherine (Mulronev) Keefe.
natives of Ireland. He came to Franklin county in 1872 and bought
forty acres of land, to which he steadily added until he had accumu-
lated four hundred and forty-four acres. Upon this fine propertv he
carried on general farming and stock-raising until his death, which
occurred August 17. 1904. He followed the most modern methods
of agriculture and was widely recognized as one of the substantial
and representative citizens of the community.
Mr. Keefe married Miss Rose McCafi'rey. a native of Canada,
and they became the parents of nine children: John and Jennie, at
home; Dell, the wife of Ed Mahoney, of San Francisco. California;
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 155
Sylvester, a traveling salesman ; James, Anna, Josephine and Adeline,
at home; and Frank, who has passed away. Mr. Keefe was a mem-
ber of the Roman Catholic church and gave his political allegiance
to the democratic party. Upright and honorable in all the relations
of life, he won the esteem of those with whom he came in contact,
and his death was deeplv mourned bv a large circle of friends.
WILLIAM WOLF.
William Wolf, who since 1874 has been closely connected with
agricultural interests of Franklin county and who is known today
as one of the leading farmers and stock-raisers of Mott township,
was born in Germany, September 5, 1845. He is a son of Michael
and Margaret (Magley) Wolf, natives of Germany, who came to
America in 1846 and located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where the
mother passed away. The father afterward moved to Madison, Wis-
consin, and there followed the baker's trade and also engaged in
farming. He died in 1871. He and his wife were the parents of six
children: Abraham, a resident of Bismarck, North Dakota; Wil-
liam, of this review; Caroline, who married William UphofT, of
Chicago, Illinois; George, who died at the age of one year; and r\vo
other children, who died in infancy. After the death of his first wife
the father married Mrs. Rosina (Lasse) Klonsia, and to this union
were born six children: John, of Kimball, South Dakota; George,
of Mount Vernon. Washington; Rosa, the wife of Frank Smith, of
Platte, South Dakota; David, of Kimball, South Dakota; and Adolph
and Dora, also of Kimball.
William Wolf acquired his education in the public schools of
Wisconsin and was obliged to walk three miles to reach the school-
house. When he was between sixteen and seventeen years of age he
enlisted in the First Wisconsin Cavalry. While he was with an
advance guard of about one hundred and fifty men at Langee Ferrv,
Arkansas, they were surrounded by a force of rebels over six hundred
strong and would have been captured had not the regiment to which
they belonged come to their assistance in time. During the skirmish
many were killed and our subject was wounded seven times and still
carries a rifle ball in his leg and part of the buckshot received then in
the head and neck. He received his honorable discharge after one
year's service at Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and returned thence to
Wisconsin, where he remained until 1874. In that year he came to
156 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Franklin cuuntv, Iowa, anil immediately turned his attention to larm-
ing, buying eighty acres of laml \n .Mott township. He has since
added to this property vuitil it now comprises four hundred and
forty acres, and he owns, besiiles, a iialf interest in two hundred and
eighty acres in Ingham township. L'pon the first farm he has erected
a modern two story home, substantial barns and outbuildings and
lias proyided the place \yith all modern equipment. He is also a
stockholder in the State Sayings Bank. Success has rewarded his
well directed efTorts, and he is today in control of a yaluable prop-
erty, which reflects eyerywhere the care and superyision he bestows
upon it.
On the ist of January, 1874, Mr. Wbli \yas united in marriage
to Miss Cecelia Shockely, and they became the parents of si.\ chil-
dren: Katie, who married Simon Wolf, of Mott township; Fdith
A., the wife of Theodore Wolf, of Mott township; Charles F., also
of Mott township; Mary H., who liyes at home; George M., a farmer
in Mott township; and Reuben G., at home. Mr. Wolf is a member
of the Grand Army of the Republic and belongs to the Christian
church. He giyes his political allegiance to the republican party
and has seryed efficiently and conscientiously as township trustee.
He has been for thirty-nine years numbered among the progressive
and active farmers and stock-raisers of Franklin county, and his suc-
cess is well merited, as it has come to him as a reward of labor.
L. CLARENCE MOORE.
L. Clarence Moore, a well known business man of Hampton con-
nected with commercial interests as the proprietor of a large livery,
was born in Audrain county, Missouri, March 16, 188 1. He is a
son of Leander and Florence Jennie (Warren) Moore, natives of
Kentucky. The father engaged in farming during the entire period
of his active life and is now living retired. In his family were five
children: Ollie, the wife of H. Utterback, of Clayton, New Me.xico;
Eflie, who married F. M. Brashears, of Laddonia, Missouri; Arthur,
a resident of San Francisco, California; L. Clarence, of this review;
and Hubert, of Franklin county.
When L. Clarence Moore was twenty years of age he came to
Franklin county, Iowa, and turned his attention to farming, following
this occupation for four years. At the end of that time he moved
to Missouri but after two years returned to Franklin county, where
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 157
he lived upon a farm belonging to his father-in-law for three years.
He then moved into Hampton and established himself in the livery
business, with which he has since been connected. He is ambitious,
enterprising and energetic and has built up a large and profitable
patronage, for his prices are reasonable and his service prompt.
On November 23, 1903, Mr. Moore married Miss Bessie Eber-
hart, a native of Illinois, and they became the parents of two chil-
dren: Helen, who died in infancy; and Orville, born May 23, 1910.
Mr. Moore is a member of the Christian church and gives his polit-
ical allegiance to the republican party. He is an active, intelligent
and progressive business man and one of the valued and representa-
tive citizens of Hampton.
JOHN H. SHERER.
]ohn H. Sherer, who since 1891 has owned and operated a fine
property of one hundred and twenty acres on section 8, Reeve town-
ship, was born in Ulster county. New York, May 17, 1863. He is a
son of Jacob and Lena (Hilt) Sherer, natives of Germany. The
father was a stone mason and carpenter by trade and followed these
occupations in New York state until his death. His wife has also
passed away. Six children were born to their union: Jacob, of
Cohoes, New York; Henry, of Wisconsin; Frank, a resident of Iowa
Falls, Iowa; John H., of this review; W. M., of Watertown, South
Dakota; and Lena, deceased.
John H. Sherer was eight years of age when his mother died and
he was taken to Iowa, where he entered the home of Richard Horner
near Geneva. There he remained until he was seventeen years of
age, when he began earning his own livelihood, engaging in teaming
and in the general merchandise business in Hampton. In 1891 he
bought one hundred and twenty acres of excellent land on section 8,
Reeve township, and this he has developed and improved since that
time, carrying on general farming and stock-raising. He has met
with a gratifying degree of success, for he gives his farm careful
personal supervision and follows always the best and most modern
agricultural methods.
On the 27th of September, 1886, Mr. Sherer married Miss Hattie
Kibbe, a native of Wisconsin, who has lived in Franklin county since
she was three years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Sherer have become the
parents of seven children: Mabel, the wife of Ed (^hristensen, of
158 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Marion township; Maud, whi) married Ray Hobson, living three
miles east of Hampton; Flo; Roy; Nellie; Lottie; and William.
Mr. Sherer is a member of the Christian church and is connected
fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his
political allegiance to the republican party and was for nineteen years
secretary of the school board, of which he is now president. He
stands for progress at all times and seeks his own success and the
advancement of the community along lines which will bear the closest
investigation and scrutiny.
EVAN ENGEBRETSON.
Evan Engebretson, living in retirement in a comfortable home on
Maple street, in Hampton, was born in Norway, March 5, T8t;i.
He is a son of Ole and Agnes (Peterson) Engebretson, also natives
of Norway, who came to America in 1857, locating in Wisconsin,
where the father engaged in farming. They afterward came by
wagon to Butler county, Towa, and thence to Blackhawk county,
where they remained until 1868. In that year they came to Frank-
lin county and located in Richland township, where the father died
February 3, 1905, having survived his wife since December 20, 1898.
To their union were born five children: Evan, of this review;
Peter, of Thornton, Towa; Martin, a resident of Sheffield; Ella, the
wife of W. H. Rowe; and Gina, of Thornton.
Evan Eneebretson remained with his father until he was twentv-
one years of age and then began farming upon rented land, continu-
ing thus until 1880. Li that year he bought one hundred and sixty
acres in Richland township and to this added from time to time,
owning today a half section in Richland township and one hundred
and sixty acres in West Fork township. Mr. Engebretson developed
and improved this property for twenty-two years, bringing it to a
high state of cultivation and winning for himself a place among the
representative and substantial agriculturists of the community. In
1902 he retired from active life and moved into Hampton, where
he owns a comfortable and modern home on Maple street.
On the loth of November, 1873, Mr. Engebretson married Miss
Mattie Johnson and they have become the parents of four children:
Annie, the wife of James Skinner, of Thornton; Oscar, who is
engaged in the real-estate business in Hampton, and who married
Lillian Gottrell; Edwin, of Hampton; and Arthur, of Hampton.
EVAN ENGEBRETSON
MRS. KVAN EXGEBRET80.\
I
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 163
Mr. Engebretson is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church
and gives his political allegiance to the prohibition party, serving at
the present time as school director. During his active career he con-
tributed substantially to the agricultural development of his locality
and his present retirement is well deserved, rewarding many years
of earnest and faithful labor.
G. W. CRAWFORD.
G. W. Crawford, one of the venerable and respected citizens of
Chapin, where he has lived retired for the past six years, was one
of the earliest settlers of Ross, township and has been a resident of
Franlilin county for the past forty-eight years. During his active busi-
ness career he successfully carried on general agricultural pursuits
and merchandising and also conducted a lumberyard at one time.
His birth occurred in Fulton county, Pennsylvania, on the 17th of
February, 1838, his parents being J. V. and Melinda (McGee)
Crawford, likewise natives of the Keystone state. The father was
a blacksmith by trade.
G. W. Crawford learned the milling trade and worked at that
occupation in Pennsylvania until twenty-one years of age, removing
to Illinois in 1859. He spent a year at Mount Carroll and in i860
went to Pike's Peak in search of gold, remaining there during one
summer. Returning to Illinois, he continued in that state for another
year and then came to Iowa, working at the cooper's trade in Cedar
Falls, Blackhawk county, until 1865. In that year he made his way
to Franklin county and located on the farm of one hundred and sixty
acres which he had purchased in the previous year. General agri-
cultural pursuits claimed his attention for many years, and he like-
wise conducted a mercantile establishment in Chapin for several
years, as well as a lumberyard. Subsequently he returned to his farm
and in 1907 took up his abode in the village of Chapin, where he has
since lived in honorable retirement. His undertakings both as an
agriculturist and as a merchant were attended with a gratifying meas-
ure of success, and he has long been numbered among the prosper-
ous and esteemed citizens of his community.
In 1862 Mr. Crawford was united in marriage to Miss Celia E.
Willis, a native of New York state, bv whom he had eleven children,
nine of whom still survive, as follows: Charles A., and Edward V.,
both still at home; Sidney H., who conducts a lumberyard at Swale-
164 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
dale, Iowa; Garfield, living on a claim in Wyoming; Annie M., who
is the wife of N. E. Thomas, of Franklin county, Iowa; Gertrude,
who gave her hand in marriage to E. S. Leech, of Dexter, Minne-
sota; Florence, the wife of M. R. Dickson, of Marmarth, Xorth
Dakota; Clara, who is the wife of D. E. Kenyon, cashier of the Cha-
pin Savings Bank; and Paul, assistant cashier of the Chapin Savings
Bank, who wedded Sabina Sullivan.
In politics Mr. Crawford is an old-line republican. He has held
a nuniber of minor township offices and has ever discharged his pub-
lic duties in a creditable and efficient manner. Formerly he was
identified with the Masonic fraternitv. He has for several vears
been afflicted with asthma and has suffered much therefrom. Mr.
Crawford has passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey and
enjoys the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded one
who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose career
has been at all times upright and honorable.
FRED KAPPEN.
A fine property of one hundred and sixty acres on section 13, Lee
township, known as the East Lee View Farm, is the property of Fred
Kappen, and its excellent condition is the visible evidence of the care
and labor he has bestowed upon it since it came into his possession
in 1893. Mr. Kappen is a native of Germany, born November qth,
1858, a son of Ludwig and Hannah (Welletz) Kappen, also natives
of that country, the former of whom died in Germany. To their
union were born five children: Fred, of this review; Minnie, the
wife of F. Sharving, of Germany; Sophie, who married John Shock-
necht, a resident of Illinois; and Mary and Caroline, deceased.
Fred Kappen came to America in 1882 and located in Illinois,
where he remained until 1890. He then moved to Franklin county,
Iowa, and in 1893 bought one hundred and sixty acres on section
13, Lee township. This is known as the East Lee View Farm and
has become, under Mr. Kappcn's able management, one of the finest
agricultural properties in his locality. It is equipped with substan-
tial buildings and modern machinery and nothing has been neglected
which would add to its appearance or value.
Mr. Kappen has been twice married. He wedded first Miss Car-
oline Matzenburg, and they became the parents of three children:
Carl, a resident of Illinois; Bertha, the wife of George Diercks, of
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 165
South Dakota; and Ida, who married F. Powers, of Hampton. Mrs.
Kappen died in 1884. On the 6th of November, 1886, Mr. Kappen
married Miss Wilhemena Matzenburg, a sister of his former wife.
In this family were six children: Mary, the wife of William Chris-
tian, of Illinois; Christ and Caroline, who have passed away; Fred-
ericka, the wife of William Westfall, of Illinois; Sophia, deceased;
and Wilhemena, the wife of the subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs.
Kappen have three children: Emma, the wife of Herman Meyer,
of Grant township; and Elmer and Fred, at home.
EDWARD A. BEEMER.
Edward A. Beemer, who in an influential way has been for over
thirty years identified with farming interests of Franklin county and
whose enterprise has contributed much toward the financial better-
ment of the community, was born in Warren countv, Ohio, June 6,
1848. He is a son of William and Evaline (Rhutan) Beemer, native?
of New Jersey. They went to Wisconsin in i8qo and moved from
that state to Illinois, where the father died May 12, 1881. He had
survived his wife since 1874. To their union were born nine chil-
dren : Martha, who married H. J. Millard, of Hampton ; Julia Ann,
who has passed away; Hannah E. and Rosella deceased; Margaret
Elnora, the widow of N. E. Judd, of Rockford, Illinois; Edward
A., of this review; two sons, who died in infancy; and Mary, the
wife of O. B. Bates, of Hampton.
When Edward A. Beemer was twenty-one years of age he took
charge of his father's farm in Illinois, and this property he operated
for about six years. At the end of that time he moved to Cherokee
county, Iowa, and in 1882 came to Franklin county, where he rented
land for one year. At the end of that time he bought eighty acres
on section 17, Reeve township, to which he afterward added forty-
four acres. This property he still owns and it is in a high state of
cultivation and provided with all the requisites for the successful
operation of the farm. Mr. Beemer specializes in breeding high-
grade, shorthorn cattle and Chester White hogs.
On the 22d of September, 1869, Mr. Beemer was united in mar-
riage to Miss Ellen A. Bates, who died July 27, 1904, leaving two
children: Willis E., of Reeve township; and William A., of West
Fork township. On the 8th of October, 1907, Mr. Beemer was again
married, his second union being with Miss Jennie E. Johnston, a
366 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
daughter of James |. [ohnston, of whom further mention is made
elsewhere in this work.
Mr. Beemer gives iiis political allegiance to the republican party
and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. He is a man
whose industry, honesty and success have made him influential in
the alYairs of the township, and he commands the respect and esteem
of his fellow citizens.
N. B. McCLINTOCK.
N. B. McClintock, a successful and enterprising agriculturist of
Franklin county, owns and operates a well improved farm of eighty
acres on section 32, Ross township, and for several years has been
making a specialty of the raising of registered Poland China hogs.
He has resided in this county continuously for a period of thirty-five
years and has improved two farms. His birth occurred in Pennsyl-
vania on the 7th of July, 1850, his parents being Francis M. and Susan
(Baird) McClintock, the former born in Pennsylvania, of Irish
descent, and the latter a native of Scotland. Their marriage was
celebrated in the Keystone state. In 1851 they came to Iowa, set-
tling in Clinton county, where they spent the remainder of their
lives on a farm.
N. B. McClintock spent his boyhood on the home farm in Clinton
county, Iowa, and attended the common schools in the acquirement
of his early education, while subsequently he pursued a course of
study in Cornell College of Mount Vernon. He then took up the
profession of school teaching and taught in Clinton and Franklin
counties for thirty terms, imparting clearly and readily to others the
knowledge that he had acquired. It was in the spring of 1878 that
he came to this county. He purchased one hundred and twenty acres
of raw land in Richland township and began the arduous task of
improving the property. There he successfully carried on farming
until I goo and then disposed of the place, purchasing an unimproved
tract of land comprising eighty acres on section 32, Ross township.
He has developed the property until it is now valuable and pro-
ductive and has erected thereon a set of commodious and substantial
buildings. For several years past he has made a specialty of reg-
istered Poland China hogs, raising an average of fifty head annually,
which he sells for breeding purposes. He is a well educated man of
untiring energy and keen intellect who has always worked hard and
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 167
been wise in his expenditures. He has been enabled to provide his
children with excellent educational advantages and has every reason
to be proud of them.
In Clinton county Mr. McClintock was united in marriage to
Miss Elizabeth E. Pray, a native of Illinois, by whom he has four
children. Francis N., a graduate of the Iowa State Teachers' College
at Cedar Falls, is engaged in the profession of teaching at Coulter,
Iowa. Alice L., who likewise attended the Iowa State Teachers'
College and taught for a time, is now employed as operator and sta-
tion agent at Chapin by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Rail-
way. Gordon B. is in the service of the Northern Pacific Railway
at Seattle, Washington. Stanley H. McClintock is farming in part-
nership with his father.
In his political views Mr. McClintock is independent, support-
ing men and measures rather than party. He has held a township
office of one kind or another during the entire period of his residence
here and has ever discharged his public duties in a prompt and capa-
ble manner. He has served as clerk in both Richland and Ross town-
ships and is now a justice of the peace in the latter. His religious
faith is indicated by his membership in the Congregational church
at Chapin, in the work of which he takes an active and helpful
interest. In matters of citizenship he is intensely loyal and public-
spirited and gives his unqualified indorsement and cooperation to
every movement inaugurated that will promote the welfare of the
community along the various lines of human activity.
MARTIN L. SHROYER.
Martin L. Shroyer, a native son of Reeve township and today one
of the most prosperous and successful farmers of that locality was
born November 6, 1862, and is a son of Lewis and Johannah F.
(Jones) Shroyer, the former a native of Virginia who went to Indi-
ana in his younger days and moved from that state to Franklin county,
Iowa, in 1855. He located in Reeve township and for some time
operated a sawmill there, after which he turned his attention to farm-
ing. He also worked at the carpenter's trade and helped to erect
some of the first buildings in Reeve township. He died here October
23, 1905, and is survived by his wife, who makes her home with the
subject of this review. To their union were born five children: a
son, who died in infancy; Dennis Walter, of Reeve township; Clara,
168 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
whu married James A. Green of Alexander, Iowa; Martin L., of
this review ; and \'ictor K., of Geneva.
Martin L. Shroyer was reared in Reeve township and acquired his
education in the district schools. In 1891 he bought one hundred
acres of land on section 16 and to this he has since added sixty acres,
bringing the farm to its present proportions. General farming and
stock-raising command his attention, and bv intelligent management
and constant supervision he has been ver\' successful along both lines.
On the 24th of March, 1897, Mr. Shroyer married Miss Mabel
Showalter and to this union has been born a daughter, Doris Mar-
guerite, who lives at home. Mr. Shroyer is a member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church and gives his political allegiance to the
republican party. His worth is widely ackhowledged, his enterprise
having gained him a prominent place in agricultural circles, and
his integrity and standing are unquestioned facts in his life record.
ABRAHAM J. HOBSON, M. D.
Dr. Abraham J. Hobson is engaged in the general practice of
medicine and surgery in Hampton. Success in considerable measure
has attended his eflforts, for his knowledge of the principles of med-
icine is wide and comprehensive, and he performs all of his duties
with a sense of conscientious obligation productive of excellent
results. Dr. Hobson was born in Poweshiek county, Iowa. Septem-
ber 27, 1859, and is a son of William and Mary (Colwell) Hob-
son, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Ireland. The
father went to Poweshiek county from Lee county, Iowa, in 1854 and
thence to Franklin county in 1865, engaging in agricultural pursuits
until his death, which occurred September 6, 1891. His wife sur-
vived him a number of years, dying in September, \qo2. To their
union were born nine children: J. C, a farmer and fruit raiser in
Missouri; Rebecca, the wife of L. S. Sayre, of Minnesota; Eliza,
who married David Cogswell, of Nebraska; Joseph, of the same
state; Benjamin F. and John W.. deceased; Dr. Abraham J., of this
review; William, who passed away in infancy; and Dr. Thomas A.,
a physician in Parkersburg, Towa.
Spending his youthful days in his native state. Dr. Hobson
attended the Friends Academy at Legrand, Towa, and afterward
entered the medical department of the State University, from which
he was graduated with the degree of M. D. in 1884. He began the
DR. ABRAHAM J. HOBSON
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY I7i
practice of his profession in Bristow, Iowa. In 1891 he went to
Philadelphia and took a post-graduate course of one year, from
which he graduated in 1892, after which he moved to Hampton and
has since engaged in general practice here. He has become known
as a capable and conscientious physician, well versed in the under-
lying principles of medicine and in touch with the trend of modern
medical advancement through constant reading and research.
Dr. Hobson has been married twice. He first wedded Miss
Ella Johnson who died in 1891, leaving a son, Dr. Carl Lyle Hobson,
who became his father's partner in the practice of medicine and
whose untimely death on the f4th of November, 1913, was the occa-
sion of deep regret to all who knew him. He was born in Bristow,
Iowa, August 29, 1886, and was but five vears of age when his mother
passed awav in April, 1891.
Dr. C. L. Hobson began his education in the public schools,
afterward attended college and manifested special aptitude in his
studies. It was in 1904 that he was graduated from the high school
of Hampton, thus receiving the preparatory training that enabled him
to become a student in the University of Minnesota at Minneapolis.
His more specifically classical course was there completed in 1908.
He determined to devote his attention to the profession which his
father was making his life work and entered the medical depart-
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia and was
graduated in 1910. The following year he formed a partnership
with his father and it is said of him that, "his genial manner, clear
mind and quick svmpathy with the afflicted made him universally
beloved and gained for him a host of friends who held it an ines-
timable privilege to be associated with one so courtous, so manly, so
true." In his career he was very successful, proving an able assistant to
his father. On the 12th of October, 191 1, he wedded Miss Viola C.
Dinsmoor, of Austin, Minnesota, who survives him. He was but
in the twenty-eighth year of his age when disease laid its hand upon
iiim and his young life was brought to a close. A resolution passed
by the Franklin County Medical Society said: "On November 14,
1913, there passed away in the prime of his life, with an exception-
ally bright and prosperous future before him, a loyal member of this
society and a sincere friend of every one in this community. Dr.
Carl L. Hobson, of Hampton, Iowa. As a member of this society,
as a physician and as a man. Dr. Hobson always stood for the highest
ideals, clean and ambitious. In his death the community has lost a
valuable citizen, and each of us feels a personal loss. We are grieved
172 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
by his departure, but are glad in the thought that it was good to have
known him. His life will live long in (uir hearts as an example for
those who would know and attain noble manhood."
After the death of his first wife Dr. Abraham J. Hobson married
Miss Isabelle Milloy, of Brantford, Canada, the wedding taking
place on the 4th of May, 1895, and to them have been born two chil-
dren: Isabella, whose birth occurred November 17, i8g8; and
Abraham J., Jr., born May 21, 1903.
Dr. Hobson is very prominent in Masonry, holding membership
in the lodge, chapter, commandery and Mystic Shrine. He is also
connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen
of America. He gives his political allegiance to the republican
party, and his interest in the moral progress of the community is
shown by his activity in the Congregational church, in which he has
for fifteen years been a member of the official board. In all matters
of citizenship relating to the material, intellectual and moral wel-
fare of the community he is deeply interested, and his ellforts have
been a substantial element in bringing about desired results.
WOLBERTUS GRUIS.
Wolbertus Gruis, the owner of a fine farm of one hundred and
sixty acres on section 22, Osceola township, whereon he has resided
since 1907, was born in Germany, December 18, 1864. He is a son
of W. and Fannie (Lukin) Gruis, also natives of Germany, where
both passed away, the mother's death occurring January 19, 1914. In
their family were seven children: Harm and Barrand, deceased;
Telaho, the wife of George Bolhman, of Grundy county, Iowa; Ger-
trude, a resident of Germany; Wolbertus, of this review; Henry, of
Hancock county, Iowa; and Fannie, of Germany.
Wolbertus Gruis acquired his education in the public schools of
his native country, attending until he was fourteen years of age. He
then turned his attention to farming, following this occupation in
Germany for two years, after which he emigrated to America, settling
in the vicinity of Ackley, Franklin county, Iowa. In 1907 he made
his first purchase of land, buying one hundred and si.xty acres on sec-
tion 22, Osceola township. Upon this property he has made excellent
improvements in building and equipment and has so intelligently
managed his farming and stock-raising interests that they have today
become extensive and important.
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY m
Mr. Gruis married Miss Maggie Miller, in 1896, a native of
Stephenson county, Illinois. He attends the Lutheran church and is
independent in his political views, voting for men and measures
rather than parties. He early learned that industry is the foundation
stone of success and as the years have passed has labored diligently
and perseveringly to gain a comfortable competency and to win for
himself a creditable position in business circles. The course he has
followed has commended him to the confidence and good-will of all,
and he has an extensive circle of friends throughout Franklin county.
J. NELSON SWITZER.
J. Nelson Switzer, carrying on general stock farming upon two
hundred and forty acres of land on section 29, Geneva township, was
born in the province of Toronto, Canada, April 8, 1856. He is a
son of James and Mary Ann (Weaver) Switzer, the former a native
of Ireland and the latter of Canada. The parents came to Iowa in
1866 and located near Ackley, in Franklin county, where the father
engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. His wife has also
passed away. To their union were born six children : Phoebe Ann,
the wife of William Harris, of Michigan; J. Nelson, of this review;
Jennie, who married J. N. Burwell, of Mason City, Iowa; John H.,
of Geneva; Francis, deceased; and I. B., of Hampton.
J. Nelson Swntzer came to Iowa with his parents in 1866 and grew
to manhood here, acquiring his education in the public schools. At
the early age of twelve he began working as a farm laborer, and he
has engaged in agricultural pursuits continuously since that time.
In 1903 he purchased two hundred and twenty-nine acres of land in
Grant township and after seven years sold this and bought one hun-
dred and sixty acres in Geneva township. He disposed of this in
1913, purchasing two hundred and forty acres on section 29. This
property Mr. Switzer will call the Fairview Stock Farm, and he will
develop it as a general stock farm. He has erected a one hundred
and thirty ton silo, a hog house, twenty by sixty feet in dimensions,
and is now building a barn fifty-eight by sixty-four feet, in addition to
other substantial and modern outbuildings. The farm is already one
of the finest in this locality and under Mr. Switzer's able manage-
ment will undoubtedly become still more productive and valuable.
Mr. Switzer married Miss Rachel Peterson, a native of Iowa, and
they became the parents of two children: Mabel, who married
174 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Elmer Sawyer, ot Sliefficld ; ami Lottie, who lives at home. Mr.
Switzer's first wife passed away and after her death he married Mrs.
Lydia MiUni.x Corbin. a native of Illinois.
Mr. Switzer is connected fraternally with the Independent Oriler
of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America and is a
devout member of the Methodist church. His political allegiance
is given to the republican party, and he has been township trustee
for the past si.xteen vears, proving capable and reliable in the dis-
charge of his duties. He has many friends in Franklin county, where
he has so long made his home and wiicre he has attained the success
which results from industry directed by good judgment.
PETER PETERSEN
A man whose energy, enterprise and ambition carried him through
early struggles against poverty and hardship and have brought him
today to a position among the leading agriculturists of Franklin
county is Peter Petersen, who owns and operates a fine property of
two hundred acres in the northeast quarter of section 6, Richland
township. He started upon his active career empty-handed and has
steadily worked his way upward to success. He was born in Den-
mark, July 31, 1859, and is a son of Nels and Caroline (Bertelsen)
Petersen, the foriner born May 31, 1838, and the latter December 10,
1834. The parents came to the United States in 1881 and lived upon
a farm in Franklin county until the father retired from active life.
They then moved to Thornton, Iowa, where they now reside. In
their family were eight children: Peter, of this review; Soren, a
large landowner in Franklin county, living retired in Thornton;
Annie, the wife of Peter Sorensen, of Cerro Gordo county; Nick,
a resident of Platte, South Dakota; Ella, the wife of Henry Beck,
of Thornton, Iowa; Lena, who married Nick Ytsen, of ^^'isner town-
ship, this county; and two, who died in infancy.
Peter Petersen spent his boyhood in his native country and ac-
quired a public-school education there. He came to the United States
in 1879 and went immediately to Dakota territory, where he worked
by the month for a year and a half, receiving ten dollars a month.
From this salary he saved enough money to bring his parents to
America. He came to Franklin county in the fall of 1880 and here
worked as a farm laborer for about three years, after which he rented
a farm in Wisner township for two years. At the end of that time
^
v,
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 177
he was able to make his first purchase of land, buying the northeast
(]uarter of section 31, Pleasant Valley township, in Cerro Gordo
county. From 1884 to 1892 he made his home upon this property
and then disposed of it, buying the farm which he now operates.
This comprises two hundred acres on section 6, Richland township,
F>anklin county, and is one of the most attractive and valuable farms
in the community. It was only slightly improved when it came into
Mr. Petersen's possession but is now in a high state of cultivation,
provided with a good set of buildings and excellent machinery. Mr.
Petersen follows the most practical methods in the conduct of his
property, and his success places him in the front ranks of progressive
farmers.
In Franklin county, July 4, 1883, Mr. Petersen married Miss
Anna Christina Holm, who was born in Denmark, July 10, 1862.
She is a daughter of Nels Jacob and Hannah Holm, the former of
whom has passed aw^ay. The mother makes her home in Denmark.
Mr. and Mrs. Petersen became the parents of seven children: Nels
M., who lives at home; Katie June, the wife of Axel Juhl, of Cerro
Gordo county; Annie, Mary and Soren, at home; Nels, who died
in infancy; and Lena, who passed away in 1913 at the age of twenty-
three. Mr. Petersen is a member of the Lutheran church and gives
his political allegiance to the republican party. He is one of the pro-
gressive and substantial farmers of this county, and his success is the
more creditable to him since it has been gained entirely through his
own efforts. He is well and favorably known in his locality, his
upright life having alwavs commanded respect and esteem.
R. C. DAVENPORT.
R. C. Davenport, whose residence in Franklin county covers more
than four decades, holds the office of postmaster in Chapin and has
ablv discharged the duties devolving upon him in that connection
for the past eighteen years. His birth occurred in New York on the
4th of September, 1848, his parents being J. B. and Cordelia (Saun-
ders) Davenport, likewise natives of the Empire state. A genealogy
of the family shows that the Davenports emigrated from England in
the early part of the seventeenth century. J. B. Davenport, who was
a painter by trade and also followed farming, located in West Lib-
erty, Iowa, at an early day and in 1872 took up his abode in Chapin.
Here he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1905. The
178 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
demise ot his wife had occurred at Chapiii in 1900. Mr. Davenport
had lived in Franklin county for a third of a century and was well
known and highly esteemed in his coinmunitv.
R. C. Davenport spent his boyhood and youth in West Liberty
and West Branch, Iowa, and was a young man of twenty-four vears
when he came with his parents to Chapin in 1872. For a number of
years he devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits. Forj
the past eighteen vears, however, he has served as postmaster of
Chapin, having been appointed under President Cleveland and hav-
ing proved an able and satisfactorv incumbent since that time.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Daven-
port chose Miss Mary Smith, a native of Pennsylvania, by whom
he has three children, namely: Claudia, \Vho is the wife of K. D.
Hatch and resides in Oakfield, Wisconsin; Frank, who is emploved
in a bank at Geneva, Iowa; and Cecil, at home. Mr. Davenport gives
his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as a
member of the school board for several years, being now treasurer
thereof. He has an extensive and favorable ac(]uaintance through-
out the community and enjoys an enviable reputation as a substan-
tial and esteemed citizen.
I
D. E. KENYON.
D. E. Kenyon, a representative of financial interests in Franklin
county, has been cashier of the Chapin Savings Bank since the organ-
ization of that institution in 1905. His birth occurred in Grundy
Center, Grundy county, Iowa, on the i6th of September, 1880. his
parents being M. F. and N. Ida (Wilson) Keiivon, who are natives
of Ohio and Pennsylvania respectively and now reside in McMinn-
ville, Oregon, where the father has charge of a fruit ranch. M. F.
Kenyon was for a number of vears engaged in the mercantile busi-
ness at Ottosen, Iowa, and subsequently operated a farm near Liver-
more, this state.
D. E. Kenyon spent his bovhood on his father's farm near Liver-
more and acquired his early education in the common schools, later
continuing his studies in the high school at Grundy center. Subse-
quently he spent several years in the employ of the Interstate Lumber
Company and for three years had charge of the lumberyard at Cha-
pin. In 190^, at the time of the organization of the Chapin Savings
Bank, he was made cashier of the institution and in that capacity has
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 179
remained throughout the intervening eight years, proving a highly
competent and popular official.
In Chapin, Mr. Kenyon wedded Miss Clara Crawford, a native
of Franklin county and a daughter of G. W. Crawford, an early set-
tler of whom extended mention is made on another page of this work.
Our subject and his wife have one child, Willis E. In his political
views Mr. Kenyon is a stanch republican, while fraternally he is
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Both he
and his wife are widely and favorably known throughout the com-
munity, having won the unqualified confidence and regard of all with
whom they have come in contact.
WILL HEIGH WADDINGTON.
Will Heigh Waddington, connected with general mercantile
interests of Geneva as a member of the J. A. Waddington Company,
was born in East Dubuque, Illinois, January 29, 1877. He is a
son of Will and Elsie (Consalus) Waddington, natives of Pennsyl-
vania. The father was a railroad man and engaged in this line of
work throughout the entire period of his active life. He and his wife
became the parents of five children: Sarah Ellen, the wife of Francis
F. Clark, of Morgan Park, Illinois; Herbert Allen, of Council
Bluffs, Iowa; Will Heigh, the subject of this review; Hollis E., the
wife of L. L. Quinby, of Omaha, Nebraska; and Merrill, also a resi-
dent of Omaha.
\y\\\ H. Waddington acquired his education in the public schools
of East Dubuque, Illinois, and after graduating from the high school
came to Franklin countv, Iowa, where he became associated with his
uncle in the mercantile business. At the end of fourteen years he
turned his attention to farming, following this occupation in Frank-
lin county for two years. He then went to Los Angeles, California,
where he was for tlirce vears in the grocery business. At the end of
that time he returned to Franklin county and with his uncle organ-
ized the J. A. Waddington Company, operating a large general store
in Geneva. They do an extensive business, which is constantly in-
creasing as their straightforward business methods become more
widely known.
In Franklin countv, Januarv 21, 1902, Mr. Waddington was
united in marriage to Miss Martha Kieslich. Mr. Waddington is a
member of the Methodist church, belongs to the Masonic fraternity
180 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
and is a republican in his political beliefs. He is well known in com-
mercial life in Geneva, and his personal characteristics have gained
him a wide circle of friends.
J. F. MOREHOUSE.
J. F. Morehouse, who has lived retired in Sheffield for the past
four years, was a successful agriculturist of Franklin county through-
out his active business career and owns one of the well improved and
valuable farms of the district. He was born in Oakland county,
Michigan, on the 7th of January, i8i;6. His father, Hiram More-
house, whose birth occurred in Canada in 1832, was a son of John
and Clarissa Morehouse and accompanied his parents on their
removal to the United States in 1838, the familv home being estab-
lished in Oakland countv, Michigan. There he was reared to man-
hood and wedded a Miss DeHaven, who passed away when our
subject was but four months old. For his second wife Hiram More-
house chose Harriet M. Davis. In 180 he removed to Illinois and
four years later came to Franklin countv, Iowa, locating on two hun-
dred and si.xty acres of wild land on section 3, West Fork township.
There he carried on general agricultural pursuits until 1881. when
he took up his abode in the town of Sheffield and became identified
with his son Elmer in the ct)nduct of a store. His last davs, however,
were spent in honorable retirement, his demise occurring when he
had attained the age of fifty-seven years. He was one of the pioneer
settlers of West Fork township and continued a substantial and es-
teemed citizen of Franklin county for about three decades.' For two
years, in 1864 and 1865, he carried mail between Hampton and Cedar
Falls. His wife is likewise deceased. Hiram Morehouse was the
father of four sons, as follows: |. F., of this review; Lorenzo, who
was a retired agriculturist residing in Hampton at the time of his
demise; George L., who follows farming in Richland township; and
Elmer E., now deceased, who was for many years engaged in busi-
ness as a merchant of Sheffield.
J. F. Morehouse spent his boyhood on his father's farm in West
Fork township and early became familiar with the duties and labors
that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. When twenty-five years of
age he bought a tract of land in West Fork township, where he car-
ried on farming for a decade. On the expiration of that period he
purchased a farm of three hundred and twenty acres in Richland
J
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 181
township, operating the same continuously and successfully for twenty
years. He still owns the property, which constitutes one of the well
improved farms in Franklin county. During the past four years
he has lived retired in Sheffield, enjoying the fruits of his former
toil in well earned ease.
Mr. Morehouse has heen twice married. He first wedded Miss
Esther A. Bokes, a native of Illinois, bv whom he had three children,
namelv: Clyde, wh(^ is married and resides on his father's farm in
Richland township; Ethel, who gave her hand in marriage to Elwood
Walker, a farmer of Ingham township; and Rexford C, who is
married and devotes his attention to general agricultural pursuits in
Ross township. Subsequent to the demise of the wife and mother
Mr. Morehouse wedded Mrs. Frances Ashworth, a native of White-
side county, Illinois.
In politics Mr. Morehouse is a stanch republican and at the
present time is serving as a member of the Sheffield city council. He
acted as township trustee for several years, while living on the farm,
and for many years also served as a school director, ever discharging
his public duties in a most commendable manner. His religious faith
is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church,
to which his wife also belongs and in which he serves as steward. The
period of his residence in Franklin county covers more than a half
century, and he has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of its
prosperous, respected and representative citizens.
JOHN F. HUMKE.
John F. Humke needs no introduction to the readers of this vol-
ume, for he is well known as one of the most progressive and repre-
sentative farmers and stock-raisers of Osceola township. He was
born in Dubuque county, Iowa, March 13, 1868, and is a son of
Charles F. and Eva (Rath) Humke, the former a native of Iowa and
the latter of Germany. In 1881 the father moved to Franklin county
and located on a farm in Osceola township, engaging in general farm-
ing and stock-raising until his death, which occurred July 7, 1913.
His wife has also passed away, her death occurring in Franklin
county. To their union were born eight children: John F., of
this review; Henry, of Osceola township; Anna, the wife of Henry
Hembd, of Grundy, Iowa; Charles and William, of Osceola; Lydia,
182 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
the wife of Wyatt Johnson, of South Dakota; a son who died in
infancy; and George, residing on the old homestead.
John F. Hunike was reared upon his father's farm and began
his independent career at the age of twenty-five. He rented land
from his father and after about nine years bought one hundred and
twenty acres of the homestead, adding to this property a forty acre
tract which he had previously acquired. He has since bought an
additional sixty acres and his holdings now comprise two hundred
and twenty acres, all in Osceola township. The farm is modern in
every detail, the buildings including a fine barn and a seventy-five-
ton silo. Mr. Humke engages in general farming and stock-raising
and has met with excellent success in the conduct of his interests.
On the 8th of March, 1893, Mr. Humke was united in marriage
to Miss Hilka Peters, of Grundy county, and to their union have been
born seven children, Louise Evelyn, Herman Charles, Clarence
Alfred, Samuel Okko, Anna Ruth, deceased, Anna Esther and Rob-
ert Walter. Mr. Humke is a member of the Presbyterian church
and gives his political allegiance to the republican partv. He served
for about fifteen years as township trustee and as a progressive and
public-spirited citizen takes an active interest in public affairs. He
is justly accounted one of the representative farmers of his locality
and is held in high esteem wherever he is known.
HARRY G. ARTHUR.
Harry G. Arthur, a well known druggist of Hampton, was born
at Council Hill, Illinois, March 9, 1880. He is a son of William
H. and Margaret F. (Perry) Arthur, also natives of Illinois, who
came to Iowa in 1882, locating near Hansell. Both now reside at
Mitchell, South Dakota, where the father engages in farming. To
their union were born five children: William R., a phvsician in
Hampton; Harrv G., of this review; Ethel, who died in childhood;
Frank, of Illinois; and Fred, wlio died in childhood.
Harry G. Arthur was only two years of age when his parents
moved to Iowa. He acquired his education in the public schools
of Hansell and in the university at Cedar Falls. He afterward studied
pharmacy at Highland Park College in Des Moines and passed the
state board of examiners, receiving his certificate as a registered
pharmacist. He began his independent career as a druggist in the
employ of E. M. Funk, of Hampton, holding this position while he
I
HARRY C4. ARTHUR
1
J
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 185
was stiU attending school. He afterward moved to Mason City,
Iowa, and was there employed in the drug business for one and a half
years. At the end of that time he formed a partnership with S. C.
Anderson and they bought out C. Marshall's drug business in Hamp-
ton, which they conducted together for one year and a half, after
which Mr. Arthur purchased liis partner's interests. Since that time
he has conducted the business alone with a success which finds its best
evidence in his large and growing patronage.
On the 15th of January, 1907, Mr. Arthur married Miss Alta
M. Elphic, a native of Nebraska, and to their union have been born
three children: Doris M., whose natal day was August 26, 1908;
Harry G., Jr., born March 22, 1910; and Chester Edward, born Jan-
uary 28, 191 2. Mr. Arthur is a member of the Methodist church,
is connected fraternally with the Elks, the Masons, in which order
he has attained the thirty-second degree, and the Knights of Pythias,
and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is rec-
ognized as a young man of progressive ideas and laudable ambition
and will undoubtedlv reach a high place in commercial circles of
Hampton.
JAMES H. VAN NUYS.
James H. Van Nuys, a well known farmer of Mott township, was
born in Montgomery county, Ohio, November 6, 1843. When he was
fourteen years of age he carried mail on horseback from Kokomo,
Indiana, to Marion and from Kokomo to Camden, Indiana, remain-
ing in that state until 1858, when with his mother and two sisters
he removed to Iowa, locating in Mott township. For many years
thereafter he engaged in farming. He owns two hundred and thirty
acres of excellent land, equipped with modern buildings and labor-
saving machinerv, and is today one of the leading agriculturists in
this section of the state.
On the 9th of January, 1870, Mr. Van Nuys was united in mar-
riage to Miss Lucy A. Carbaugh, who was born August 22, 1846,
in Fostoria, Ohio, and came with her parents, Samuel and Mary
Carbaugh, to Iowa in 1855, settling first on a farm in Geneva town-
ship, this county. In 1870 the family moved to Hampton, where her
father for a number of years conducted a store. Mrs. Van Nuys and
her daughter Lou met a tragic death by drowning in Beed's lake
Aupust 18, 1913. In the family were three children: Walter J., who
186 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
is mentioned below; Lou Emma, who previous to her death was a
private nurse in the family of E. P. Ripley, of Chicago; and Flor-
ence, the wife of F. J. Scantlebury.
i\lr. Van Nuys is a prominent member of- the Masonic fraternity,
belongs to the Methodist church and gives his political allegiance
to the republican party, being now in the tenth year of his able serv-
ice as overseer of the port.
WALTER JAMES VAN NUYS.
Walter James Van Nuys was born in Mfitt township, this county,
September 21. 1873, ^"d is a son of James H. Van Nuys, whose sketch
appears above. He was reared at home and acquired his education
in the Hampton grammar and high schools. Following the comple-
tion of his studies he turned his attention to the mercantile business
and has for some time been connected with the Cooney Grocerv
Company.
On the 7th of September, 1898, Mr. Van Nuys was united in mar-
riage to Miss Clara Jane McNeil, a native of Franklin county, and
to their union have been born three children : Donald, Dorothea Lucy
and James C. Mr. Van Nuvs is a member of the Masonic lodge and
belongs to the Methodist church. He gives his political allegiance
to the republican party and from 1905 to 1909 served as clerk of the
court.
WILLIAM BRUCE GRANT.
William Bruce Grant, one of the progressive and prosperous agri-
culturists of Grant township, engaged in general farming and stock-
raising upon a fine farm, part of which he owns and part of which
he rents from his father, is a native son of this county, born August
2, 1875. His parents are A. B. and Louisa (Blake) Grant, the for-
mer a native of Scotland and the latter of Illinois. The father came
to America at the age of twenty and settled immediately in Ackley,
Iowa, where he remained for about five years. Later he turned his
attention to farming in Grant township and still owns a quarter of
section 20. He and his wife make their home in Hardin county,
Iowa. They becam? the parents of eight children: William Bruce,
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 187
of this review; Nellie, a resident of Hardin county; Richard B., of
Ackley; Norman A., of Hardin county; Jessie, the wife of M. E.
Peck, of Seattle, Washington; Jane, who married William Law, of
Iowa Falls; Bessie, deceased; and Eva, at home.
William B. Grant was reared at home and acquired his educa-
tion in the public schools of Grant township. When he began his
independent career he turned his attention to railroad work and later
secured a position in the oil Hclds of Louisiana, retaining this until
1905. He then began farming, buying eighty acres of land in Grant
township, and this tract he still operates in connection with a quar-
ter section which he rents from his father. In addition to general
farming he engages also in stock-raising and has extensive interests
along both lines.
On the 28th of December, 1904, Mr. Grant was united in mar-
riage to Miss Clara E. Meyer, a native of Franklin county, and they
became the parents of two children, Edna Belle and William Law-
rence. Mr. Grant is a member of the Masonic lodge, chapter and
commandery and is connected also w^th the Modern Woodmen of
America. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party
and is at present school director. He is interested in the welfare of
the county and has won for himself a creditable position as a valued
citizen and business man.
FRED W. ALERT.
Fred W. Alert, who owns two hundred and forty-five acres of
excellent land on sections 30 and 19, Reeve township, was born in
Germany, September 17, 1858. He is a son of Carl and Mary
(Yeager) Alert, also natives of Germany, where the father followed
the blacksmith's trade until his death. His wife has also passed
away. To their union were born four children : Carl, deceased; Fred
W., of this review; and William and Henry, who have passed away.
Fred W. Alert began his independent career when he was eight-
een years of age, becoming connected with the brewery business in
Germany and continuing thus for about eleven vears. In 1886 he
came to Hampton, Franklin county, Iowa, and turned his attention to
railroad work, following this for seven years. At the end of that
time he bought one hundred acres of land in West Fork township
but sold this at the end of four years, resuming his farming upon
rented land. He afterward purchased two hundred and forty-five
188 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
acres on sections 30 and 19, Reeve township, where he has since made
his home. Up">on this property he has made excellent improvements
in building and eejuipment, and he engages in general farming and
stock-raising with gratifying and well deserved success.
Mr. Alert married Miss Marie Heins, a native of Germany and
they have become the parents of six children: Freda, the wife of
Fred Witte, of Marion township; Minnie and Fred at home; Dora,
who married William Gabaver, (jf Hampton; and William and
Marie, at home.
Mr. x^lert is a member of the Lutheran' church and is connected
politically with the republican party. He is interested in school
affairs and has served as school director and president of the board
of education, holding this latter position for nine years. He is not
only industrious and enterprising, but is also a man of high moral
character, greatly esteemed both as a farmer and a business man
throughout the township.
FRED MENSING.
Fred Mensing, carrying on general farming and stock-raising
upon one hundred and one acres of excellent land on section 19, Mott
township, was born in Germany, November 5, 1875. He is a son of
Dietrich and Wilhelmina (Dohrman) Mensing, also natives of Ger-
many, who came to America in April, 1888, and located on a farm
near Chicago, Illinois. From there they moved to Franklin county,
Iowa, in 1891, and the father engaged in farming upon property
north of Latimer until his death, which occurred September 6, 1901.
He had survived his wife since April 27, 1893. To their union were
born four children: Dietrich, who is operating the old homestead;
Fred, of this review; Henry, a Lutheran minister of Australia; and
Louise, who married John Schnabel, of Marion township.
Fred Mensing remained at home until he was twenty-four years
of age, aiding in the operation of his father's farm. He then pur-
chased one hundred and one acres of land on section 19, Mott town-
ship, and here he has since resided, giving his attention to general
farming and stock-raising. Under his able management his farm has
become a productive and valuable property, and his success places
him among the representative and prominent agriculturists of this
vicinity.
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 189
On the 22d of February, 1900, Mr. Mensing was united in mar-
riage to Miss Charlotte Hoffmeier, a native of Cedar county, Iowa,
and they have become the parents of five children: Wilma, born
December 26, 1903; Julia, born November 3. 1905; Paul G., who
was born September 11, 1908; and Gerhardt and Gertrude, twins,
born February 17, 1912. Mr. Mensing is a member of the Lutheran
church and gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He
occupies an enviable position in the esteem of his neighbors and
friends and is widely known throughout the community.
HOMER T. PAGE.
One of the progressive and active business men of Geneva is
Homer T. Page, connected with the firm of H. T. Page & Companv,
proprietors of a large grain elevator. Mr. Page is a native of Frank-
lin county, born in Geneva township, January 9, 1872, a son of John
H. and Mary M. (Meeker) Page, the former a native of VermcMit
and the latter of Illinois. The parents came to Iowa in 1868 and
located in Geneva township, Franklin county, where the father
engaged in farming until his death, which occurred in March, 1910.
His wife survives him and makes her home in Geneva. Seven chil-
dren were born to their union: Charles E., of Denver, Colorado;
Julia M., the wife of K. L. Clock, of Fort Lupton, Colorado; Arthur
L., of Creston, Iowa; Homer T., of this review; Cora E., deceased;
Fred E., of Des Moines; and Nellie, the wife of E. A. Luke, of
Reeve township.
Homer T. Page was reared in Geneva township, acquiring his
education in the district schools, beginning farming at sixteen vears
of age. He remained connected with agricultural interests until
1910, when he formed a partnership with H. W. Iblings, of Minne-
apolis, forming the firm of H. T. Page & Company. This concern
now owns an elevator in Geneva and controls a large and growing
patronage.
Mr. Page married Miss Mary Bell, a native of Wisconsin, and
they have become the parents of three children : John C, born March
26, 1901 ; Stewart A., born June r, 1903; and Ella M., born March
16, 1906. Mr. Page is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church
and is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fel-
lows and the Mystic Workers of the World. His political support
is given to the republican party, and he has been township trustee and
i!i<| HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
scliool director, serving with credit and ability in both positions.
He is a man of exceptional enterprise and keen business insight, and
his progressive spirit will undoubtedly win for him an enviable posi-
tion in commercial circles of the communitv-
ANDREW JACKSON COLE.
One of the finest and most modern farms in Franklin county is
that owned by Andrew Jackson Cole. It is a tract of two hundred
and twenty acres on sections 4, t; and 8, Osceola township, and in
its excellent condition reflects the intelligent care and labor which its
owner has bestowed upon it. Mr. Cole was born in Troy. New York,
November 19, 1855, and is a son of Reuben and Bridget (O'Brien)
Cole, the former a native of New York and the latter of Ireland.
They came to Franklin county in i8c;6 and located on a farm in
Geneva township, the father engaging in agricultural pursuits until
his death, which occurred May 25, 1889. He had survived his wife
only a short time, her death having occurred in Februarv, 1887. To
their union were born hve children: Andrew fackson, of this
review; Mary Jane, the wife of John Ray, of Waterloo, Iowa; Jef-
ferson, deceased; Clarence, of Geneva; and Helea, of Des Moines.
Andrew J. Cole was but one year old when his parents came to
Franklin county, and in this locality he was reared and educated.
He remained upon his father's farm until he was twenty-four years
of age and then rented an eighty acre tract, whereon he resided for
one year. He then rented one hundred and twentv acres and after-
ward another eighty acre tract. One year later he made his first
purchase of land, buving one hundred and twenty acres on section
4, Osceola township. To this he has since added one hundred acres
lying on sections q and 8 and upon this fine property he engages in
general farming and stock-raising with richly merited success. His
farm is completely equipped with modern machinery and is pro-
vided with substantial barns and outbuildings as well as a fine fif-
teen-room brick house lighted with gas and complete in every
detail.
On the 9th of March, 1881, Mr. Cole was united in marriage
to Miss Martha Childs, a native of New York, and to their union
were born four children: Henry, at home; Cora, a music teacher
in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Mabel, who is attending Ellsworth Col-
lege at Iowa Falls; and Nellie, the wife of Peter Thompson, of Dike,
AXI)R?:\V J. COLK
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 193
Iowa. On the 5th of June, 191 2, Mr. Cole started on a trip around
the world, going from New York to Germany and thence to Eng-
land, Ireland and Scotland, traveling afterward through France,
Italy, Spain, the island of Ceylon, the Malay peninsula, Egypt,
Africa, China, Japan, Honolulu and thence back to America, the
entire trip taking over six months. Mrs. Cole is a member of the
Seventh Day Adventist church. Mr. Cole gives his political alle-
giance to the republican party. His business success is well merited,
for he is capable in management and displavs untiring industry in
carrying forward his interests.
ALBERT L. ROBERTS.
Albert L. Roberts, who has valuable agricultural interests in
Franklin county, owning and operating one hundred and thirty-seven
acres of land on section 2, Reeve township, *was born in Hampton,
Iowa, January 2, 1873. He is a son of Cyrus and Mary Jane (Trip-
lett) Roberts, the former a native of England and the latter of Wis-
consin. The father settled in that state after his arrival in America
and from there moved to Franklin county, Iowa, in i86g. He took
up his residence in Hampton and turned his attention to the shoe-
maker's trade. He and his wife became the parents of five children:
Emma, who married Arthur Whitcomb, of Hampton; Albert L., of
this review; Edna, who married J. C. Hand, of Hampton; Flora, at
home; and a son, who died in infancy.
Albert L. Roberts began his independent career as a farmer and
is still identified with that line of work. He owns one hundred and
thirty-seven acres on section 2, Reeve township, a property upon
which he engages successfully in general farming and stock-raising.
For a number of years he was interested in real estate in Hampton,
owning a city block, three houses and five vacant lots, which he still
holds. He was the proprietor of an ice business there for five years
and is known in commercial circles as a man of force, ability and
enterprise. He has also a homestead claim in New Mexico.
On the i6th of June, 1909, Mr. Roberts was united in marriage to
Miss Lura Church, a native of Franklin county, and they have
become the parents of two children, Eugene Sylvester and Mary
Sibyl.
Mr. Roberts is a member of the Methodist church, is connected
fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Knights of
194 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Pythias and the Masonic lodge and gives his political allegiance to
the republican party. He is numbered among the most successful
and representative agriculturists of Franklin county and enjoys the
warm and sincere regard of all with whom he comes in contact.
•JACOB NEUBERGER.
Since 1892 Jacob Neubergcr has owned and operated a tine farm
of rv\'o hundred acres on section 25, Osceola township, and in the
conduct of his interests has won that success which always follows
earnest and persistent labor. He was boTn in Germany, May 19,
1 852, and is a son of John and Lena Neubcrger, natives of Germany.
The father came to America in 1869 and located in Freeport, Illi-
nois, where he passed away at the age of eighty-two, having long sur-
vived his wife who died when thirty-nine years of age. To their
union were born seven'children : John, a resident of South Dakota;
Katherine, the widow of J. Groshans, of Germany; Eva, who mar-
ried A. Eichhorn, of Freeport, Illinois; Jacob, of this review; Kate,
the widow of Mike Sessler, of South Dakota; Peter, also a resident
of South Dakota; and Mike, of Illinois.
Jacob Neuberger emigrated to America at the age of seventeen
and settled in Illinois, where he remained for about a year and a
half. At the end of that time he moved to Iowa and there spent the
years 1870 and 1871. Afterward he returned to Illinois and at the
end of seven years came again to Iowa. He settled in Acklev and in
1892 purchased tw^o hundred acres of land on section 21;, Osceola
township, a property upon which he has since resided. He engages
in general farming and also raises and feeds stock, this proving a
profitable branch of his business. In all of his work he is energetic
and determined, brooking no obstacles that can be overcome by per-
sistent and honorable efifort, and his farm is today a visible evidence
of his life of industry and thrift.
On the 10th of February, 1880, Mr. Neuberger married Miss
Sophie Siemers, a native of Germany, and they have become the par-
ents of eight children : Amelia, the wife of E. Eder, of Freeport, Illi-
nois; Lena, at home; Harmon, a resident of Butler county; John, of
Osceola township; Charles, also residing in Butler county; and
Nettie, George and Elmer, all at home.
Mr. and Mrs. Neuberger are members of the Presbyterian
church, and he gives his political allegiance to the republican party.
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 195
He has served in the office of school director for eleven years and
was road supervisor for three years, proving a capable and con-
scientious public official. He is accounted one of the active workers
and progressive farmers of Osceola township and has the unqualified
confidence and esteem of the entire community.
GIDEON A. MARKEN.
Gideon A. Marken, a prosperous and progressive farmer of Reeve
township, owning and operating two hundred and five acres of land
on sections i6, 17 and 20, was born in Peru, Indiana, January 5, 1877,
a son of Gideon and Sarah (Silvious) Marken, natives of Maryland
and Pennsylvania respectively. The father engaged in farming dur-
ing the entire period of his active life and is now living retired in
Peru, Indiana. The mother passed away February 3, 1887. To their
union were born fourteen children: John W., of Apache, Arizona;
Jacob, a resident of Toledo, Iowa; Joseph, deceased; Rebecca, the
wife of D. M. Butt, of Peru, Indiana; Matilda, who married A. L.
Meyers, of Moravia, California; Milo, Eli, Jane, the widow of Wil-
liam Butt, of Peru, Indiana, and Lydia, all of whom have passed
away; Laura, the wife of Edward J. Miller, of Apache, Arizona;
Daniel, of Sand Point, Idaho; Gideon A., of this review; Edith,
deceased; and Edward, of Lane, South Dakota. After the death of
his first wife the father of the subject of this review married Miss
Amanda Daniels, and they became the parents of three children:
Pearl, the wife of Charles Fost, of Peru, Indiana; Aaron, deceased;
_ and Raymond, also of Peru.
■ When Gideon A. Marken was sixteen years of age he left home
and began his independent career. In 1895 he came to Hampton,
Iowa, and two years later turned his attention to farming, renting
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Reeve township. At the end
of six years he rented another farm of two hundred and five acres
on sections 16, 17 and 20 and two years later bought this property,
which he has since operated along practical lines, making it today
one of the finest farms in his locality.
On July I, 1897, Mr. Marken was united in marriage to Miss
Mary E. Doidge, a daughter of Thomas and Caroline (Jolly)
Doidge, natives of England, who came to America in 1868, locating
in Warren, Illinois. In 1887 they moved to Franklin county, Iowa,
where the father engaged in farming until his death, which occurred
196 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
October i, 1904. His wife survives him and makes her home in
Hampton. To their union were born ten children: Arthur and
William, deceased; Arthur, second of the name, a resident of Cor-
inth, Iowa; Frederick, of Hampton; Harry, who makes his home
in Dumont; Hattie, the wife of A. B. Atkinson, of Hampton; Ida,
deceased; Mary E., wife of the subject of this review; Willis,
deceased; and Albert, of Hampton. Mr. and Mrs. Marken have
become the parents of three children: Esther E., who was born Sep-
tember 22, 1900; Ralph W., born January 8, 1904; and A. J., born
January 8, 191 1.
Mr. Marken is a member of the Christian church and is connected
fraternally with the Modern Brotherhood of America. He gives
his political allegiance to the republican party and is at present town-
ship trustee, serving in a capable and public-spirited manner. He is
a man of force, ambition and enterprise, and he holds the esteem and
confidence of all with whom he has official, social or business rela-
tions.
CHARLES BEED.
Charles Beed is proprietor of the oldest hardware establishment
of Hampton, but is now leaving the management of the business to
his son, while he has practically retired, although he still gives su-
pervision to his farm of seven hundred acres in Franklin county.
Mr. Beed was born in Devonshire, England, June 20, 1843, and
is a son of Thomas and Anne (George) Beed, both of whom were
natives of England. They had ten children. At different times
members of the family made the voyage to the new world until all
were located on this side the Atlantic. The first to come to America
was John, the fifth son, who left London in 1853 and took up his
abode at Batavia, Illinois. In 1854 Thomas Beed, the third son,
arrived in the United States. He was a sailor and had made a num-
ber of voyages to the West Indies and to South America. After
coming to this country he sailed for a time on the Great Lakes. In
1855 John, the first arrival in America, persuaded his father and
mother to emigrate to the new world and on the trip they were accom-
panied by their only daughter, Mary Sarah Anne, and their youngest
son. Bishop C. The eldest brother, William, was at that time in
business in England and Charles Beed, subject of this review, and
>
5^
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 190
his younger brother Walter, ten years of age, were left at school
in England. The parents with the two children mentioned sailed
for America, being almost six weeks on shipboard. During the voy-
age the father had the misfortune to fall down the hatchway of the
vessel and broke several of his ribs. For some time his life was des-
paired of, but he improved and after resting for a week in New
York was able to renew the journey to Batavia, Illinois, where he
joined his son John. About a year later George, the second
son of the family, followed the others to Batavia and a few months
afterward James, the fourth son, came to America and also went to
Batavia. He was a sailor, as was his brother Thomas, although
they sailed in different parts of the world. James made his last
vovage to Bombay, East Indies, before leaving his native country
of England to come to the new world.
Some time in 1856 the father with his sons George, Thomas,
John and James came to Iowa to look up a location and made choice
of the land now known as the Henry Wolf farm, about three and
a half miles northeast of Hampton. In September of the same year
George Beed went to Dubuque with a covered wagon to bring the
others of the family to the home that the father and his sons were
preparing near Hampton. Dubuque was at that time the terminus
of the railroad. On the 4th of July, 1857, Charles Beed started
for America and on the ist of May, 1858, William G. Beed, the
eldest son of the family, together with his wife and Walter Beed,
the eighth son of the family, left the old country, arriving in New
York on the i6th of May. They were the only ones of the family
who came from England on a steamship, the others making the
voyage in sailing vessels. On its next trip the vessel on which Wil-
liam G. and Walter Beed sailed was burned at sea and out of seven
hundred passengers aboard only seventy-five escaped, some being
burned to death and others drowned. The one other son of the
family, Henry, who was the sixth, went to Australia in 1850 and
worked there as a cowboy and afterward engaged in merchandising.
He came to Hampton with his family some time in the early '80s,
but after remaining in this country for a few years he returned to
Australia with his family. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Beed, the parents,
have now passed away, as have their children William G., George,
Thomas, John and Henry, leaving as the surviving members:
James, who is now living in Waverly. Iowa; Mary S. A., a
resident of Charlotte, Michigan; Charles, who is the only one now
living in Hampton; Walter, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Bishop
C. of Kansas City, Missouri.
200 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Charles Beed, whose name introduces this review, remained at
home with his parents in London until eight years of age, when he
was sent to school, there pursuing his studies until he reached the
age of fourteen. He was a lad of twelve when his parents started
for America and two years later, on the 4th of July, 1857, he left
London for the new world. While going down the Thames river
they passed the Great Eastern, then the largest ship ever built. It
took from the ist of November, 1857, until the 30th of January,
1858, to launch it. It was launched broadside instead of stern first.
The vessel on which Charles Beed sailed was fiftv days in making
the voyage, during which time they encountered some heavv storms
and also some calms, which greatly delayed the progress of the sail-
ing vessel. It was on the 20th of August 181^7, that anchor was
dropped in the harbor of New York. Charles Beed expected some-
one to meet him and remained alone on shipboard for three days
and nights, but as no one came for him he started alone for Hamp-
iton, Iowa, the address on his trunk reading "Hampton, near Mays-
ville, Franklin county, Iowa, United States of America." He
reached his parents' home in September, 1857, having completed
the trip by stage from a point just a little this side of Dubuque. The
family residence was a log cabin about sixteen bv twenty feet. There
was one story, all in one room, and a garret. There was a window
at each end of the room, consisting of six pains of glass, eight by ten
inches, which had been brought from Dubuque. The garret con-
stituted the bedroom of the family, nine in all, and a piece of calico
served as a curtain to divide the room, the father, mother and sister
sleeping in one end, while the boys occupied the other. There was
a bedstead for the parents, but the children all slept upon the floor.
The house was not plastered, the logs being bare, while the roof
was of split oak timber. In the winter there was plenty of covering,
some times four inches of it being nice white snow, for the roof was
so open that the snow would sift in through the crevices.
When spring came Charles Beed had to go to work putting in
crops and soon he made a full hand in improving the farm which
had been purchased. He remained at home with his parents until
December 29, 1866, when he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia
A. Haecker. They took up their abode upon a quarter section of
land a mile east of the old homestead, and for a number of years
Mr. Beed continued its cultivation and improvement. He still owns
that property and also some adjoining land. In 1878 he formed a
partnership with Charles Pease in the hardware business, in which
he continued until a few vears ago, when he suffered an accident
!
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 2ni
that permanently disabled him for further business, although for
the last few years he has worked to some extent around his farm of
sixty-three acres lying within the town limits of Hampton.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Beed were born ten children, of whom two
died in infancy, while eight are yet living. Charles Lockwood, the
eldest, is conducting the hardware business established by his father.
Mersey, the eldest daughter, was born in Hampton, where she has
always made her home, being now the wife of Bert Page. Frank,
the third child, is living on the old home farm in Ingham township,
on which his parents began their domestic life. Louis occupies a
farm adjoining the old homestead. Roy is working at the plumber's
trade in Waterloo. Victor follows the same in Fort Dodge, Iowa.
Ruth T. and Harry are still at home with their parents.
The farming interests of Mr. Beed comprise more than seven
hundred acres of the rich and productive soil of Iowa. He occupies
a fine home at No. 620 South Reeve street, and has reached a finan-
cial position that enables him to enjoy the comforts and some of the
luxuries of life. He exercises his right of franchise in support of
the men and measures of the republican party but is without political
ambition or aspiration. He belongs to the Congregational church
and is interested in all that pertains to the moral as well as the mate-
rial welfare of the city in which he lives. He has now compassed
the psalmist's span of three score years and ten, but is a vigorous, well
preserved man and many more years should yet be accorded him.
His life has been one of activity and usefulness, crowned with suc-
cess, and because of the fact that he has never taken advantage of
the necessities of his fellowmen in business transactions but has
always been straightforward and honorable he is accorded the con-
fidence and friendly regard of those with whom he has been asso-
ciated.
JOSEPH HENRY ROBERTS.
Joseph Henry Roberts, engaged in general farming upon the
Roberts homestead of one hundred and sixty acres on section 7, Reeve
township, was born in Franklin county, October 8, 1881. He is a
son of Joseph R. and Josephine (Lyne) Roberts, natives of England
and now residents of Hampton. In their family are three children:
Joseph Henry, of this review; Ethel, at home; and Nellie, the wife
of Dr. C. O. Brewster, of Britt, Iowa.
202 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Joseph Henry Roberts ac(]uired his education in the public and
high schools of Hampton and following the completion of his studies
assumed the management of the homestead, which he has since suc-
cessfully operated, engaging in general farming. He owns also
eighty acres of choice land on section 6, Reeve township, and by his
intelligent management and careful supervision has made this a pro-
ductive and valuable farm.
On the iith of January, 1905, Mr. Roberts was united in mar-
riage to Miss Amy Bertha Staley, a daughter of James K. and Susan
(Lacey) Staley, the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Marshall
county, Iowa. The father has passed away and the mcnher makes her
home in Hampton. In their familv were five children: Nettie, the
wife of W. S. Hevermann ; Solomon, of Des Moines, Iowa; Amy
Bertha, wife of the subject of this review; James D., of Des Moines;
and Edmund, of Hampton. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts became the par-
ents of five children: Harrv R., who was born November 1:5. 19(^1;;
Amy Grace, deceased; Gladys M., born April 30, 1909; Lester L.,
who has passed away; and Dewitt C, who was born June 1 1, iqiz.
Mr. Roberts is connected fraternallv with the Modern Woodmen
of America and is a devout member of the Baptist church. He gives
his political allegiance to the republican partv and is now serving
with credit and ability as secretary of the school board. He is a
young man of force, ambition and enterprise and, he stands high in
the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens.
H. G. SCHAEFER.
H. G. Schaefer, who has been successfully identified with mer-
cantile interests in Sheffield for a number of years, is the owner of
a handsome brick block and conducts the largest store in the town,
the main building being utilized in the sale of ladies" apparel, drv
goods and groceries, while there is another department devoted to
clothing and men's furnishings. The period of his residence in
Franklin county covers thirty-six years. His birth occurred in Dodge
county, Wisconsin, on the 15th of October, 1858, his parents being
William and Caroline (Zimmerman) Schaefer, the former a native
of Hanover and the latter of Berlin, Germany. Throughout his
active business career William Schaefer devoted his attention to gen-
eral agricultural pursuits in Dodge countv, Wisconsin. Both he and
his vVife have passed away.
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 203
H. G. Schaefer began working in a store when a youth of thir-
teen and at the age of nineteen came to Franklin county, Iowa, here
being employed as a farm hand for a number of years. Subsequently
he was engaged in the mercantile business in Sheffield as a partner
of L. P. Holden for seven years and afterward spent a similar period
in association with 1. N. Reynolds. In 1900 he purchased the inter-
est of his partner and during the intervening thirteen years has been
in business alone. He owns a substantial brick block, the main build-
ing of which is occupied by dry goods, ladies' apparel and groceries,
while another department is given over to clothing and men's furnish-
ings. Mr. Schaefer employs five clerks and enjoys an extensive trade,
for he carries a large and well selected stock of goods at reasonable
prices and is at all times in a position to meet the demands and wishes
of his patrons.
In Franklin county Mr. Schaefer wedded Miss Minnie Bolk,
a native of Germany, by whom he has five children, as follows : Alvin
C, who is married and assists his father in the mercantile business;
William H., who is married and is also in his father's store; Rose L.,
the wife of C. W. Schmidt, of Sheffield; and Harvey C. and Lucile,
both at home.
In his political views Mr. Schaefer is a republican, considering
the principles of that party most conducive to good government. He
has done able service on the city council and also as a member of
the school board. He holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church and acts as superintendent of its Sunday school. Mr. Schaefer
is popular among his friends, having the attractive social qualities
which gain high regard. He is ambitious, resolute and energetic,
and whatever he undertakes, whether in business or other connections,
is carried forward to successful completion.
SAMUEL A. DAVIS.
Samuel A. Davis, a veteran of the Civil war living retired in
Hampton after many years of close connection with agricultural
interests of Franklin county, was born in Fayette county, Pennsyl-
vania, March 8, 1834. He is a son of David and Mary (Woodle)
Davis, also natives of the Keystone state. The parents went to Wis-
consin in 1838, and there the father engaged in general farming.
He and his wife have passed away. Eleven children were born to
their union: Thomas, deceased; James, of Brodhead, Wisconsin;
204 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
David and Joel, deceased; Samuel A., of this review; William,
deceased; Doctor E., a farmer of Green county, Wisconsin; Zacha-
riah, who was killed at the battle of Resaca, Georgia; Joseph, killed
in the war; and Quincy and Levi, both of whom have passed away.
Samuel A. Davis was reared upon his father's farm and in
August, 1862, enlisted in Company K, Twenty-second Wisconsin
Volunteer Infantry, for service in the Civil war. He was taken
prisoner during the battle of Spring Hill, Tennessee, and was sent
to Libby prison, where he was confined for three weeks. Following
his discharge from the army he returned to Wisconsin and there
remained until 1874, when he came to Iowa, locating on a farm near
Hampton, in IVIott township, which he still owns. Throughout
the years which followed he steadily carried forward the work of
improving and developing this property and became in time one of
the leading agriculturists of the township. Mr. Davis still owns
one hundred and twentv acres, but in October, 1906, retired from
active life, moving into Hampton, where he now resides.
On the 25th of January, 1866, Mr. Davis was united in marriage
to Miss Casandra Taylor, a native of Pennsylvania, and both are well
known in social circles of Hampton. Mr. Davis is a member of the
Christian church, is connected with the Grand Armv of the Republic
and gives his political support to the republican party. His has beeii
a creditable record as a soldier, as a citizen and as a business man,
and he is highly esteemed in Hampton, where he is enjoying a period
of we'l earned rest.
EDWARD L. CLOCK.
Edward L. Clock, one of the honored and valued residents of
Geneva, is living retired after many years of close connection with
mercantile interests of Maysville and agricultural interests of Frank-
lin county. He is one of the pioneers in this part of Iowa, his res-
idence here dating from 1856, since which time he has witnessed a
great deal of the development and growth of the country, bearing
an active and honorable part in the work of advancement. He was
born on Long Island, New York, January 23, 1831, a son of Ebene-
zer and Lucinda (Jarvis) Clock, of whom further mention is made
elsewhere in this work.
In early childhood Edward L. Clock began contributing to his
own support, riding a horse for plowing at ten cents per day. He
I
.MKs. i:i)\\ Ai;ii T.. fr.ocK
E]:)\VARD L. CXOCK
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 209
also cut cord wood and grafted fruit trees and engaged in various
other similar occupations. In 1856 he came to Iowa, locating in
Maysville, Franklin county, where he engaged in the mercantile
business in partnership with his brother-in-law, Henry Wheeler
until the latter's death. In 1865 Mr. Clock formed a partnership
with his brother, H. C. Clock, which continued until the entire
stock was purchased by H. C. Clock, Edward Clock turning his
attention to farming. He followed this occupation successfully until
1902, when he moved to Geneva and erected a comfortable home,
in which he has since lived in retirement.
On the 2ist of January, 1857, Mr. Clock was united in marriage
to Miss Fannie E. Wheeler, who was born in Ohio, December 24,
1833. They became the parents of seven children: Harry E., who
has passed away; Dewitt, of Franklin county; Edith M. and
Rogene, who have also passed away; Jean H., of Geneva township;
Julian, deceased; and Ned L., who died in Chattanooga, Tennessee,
while in the army during the Spanish-American war.
Mr. Clock is a member of the Methodist church, is connected
fraternallv with the Masonic lodge and chapter and gives his
political support to the republican party. He served as enrolling
officer during the Civil war and has been three times county super-
visor. He is a man whose high moral character, public spirit and
industry have placed him in high standing in the community, and
he is acknowledged to be a substantial and representative citizen.
DUNCAN J. MCMILLAN.
Duncan J. McMillan, formerly engaged in general farming upon
two hundred and forty acres of excellent land in Geneva township,
but now living retired, was born in Dodge county, Wisconsin,
November 5, 1854. He is a son of John and Christiana (Gunn)
McMillan, natives of Scotland. The father moved to Nova Scotia
when he was three years of age and in 1844 went to Wisconsin, where
he resided until 1872. In that year he moved to Franklin county,
Iowa, and located on section 21, Geneva township, where his death
occurred. He and his wife became the parents of eleven children:
William, of South Dakota; Ella, the wife of William E. Jones, of
Geneva; John, deceased; Isabel, the wife of Jacob Sellers, of South
Dakota; Alfred, of California; Jessie, deceased; Duncan J., of this
Vol. 11—10
210 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
review; and Daniel, Jennie, Samuel and Maggie, who have passed
away.
Duncan J. McMillan accompanied his parents to Franklin county
in 1872 and assisted for some time thereafter with the operation of
the homestead. This has since come into his possession, and he has
developed it along practical and modern lines, making it one of the
finest properties in this locality. He engaged in general farming and
was likewise extensively interested in stock-raising. In January,
1910, Mr. McMillan retired from active farming and now lives in
a beautiful home in Geneva.
On the 15th of July, 1891, Mr. McMillan was united in mar-
riage to Miss Hattie M. Crider, a nativ-e of Pennsylvania, and they
have become the parents of four children: Clinton, who is connected
with the Fine Arts Academy in Chicago; and Annie Laurie, Esmer-
elda and Bert, at home.
Mr. McMillan attends the Methodist Episcopal church while
his wife is a member thereof. He is a republican in his political
views and is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows. During the period of his residence in Franklin county
he has proven himself thoroughly reliable in all business dealings and
in matters of citizenship helpful and progressive, giving his aid and
influence to many measures for the public good.
WILLIAM A. HUMKE.
Through well directed business activity and enterprise William
A. Humke has gained recognition as one of the prosperous farmers of
Franklin county. He owns one hundred and eighty acres of fine
land on section 25, Osceola township, and since 1902 has made his
home upon this property, which is the visible evidence of his life of
thrift and energy. He was born in Dubuque county, this state, April
23, 1875, and is a son of Charles F. and Eva (Rath) Humke, of whom
further mention is made elsewhere in this work.
William A. Humke was reared at home and assisted in the oper-
ation of his father's farm until he was twenty-seven years of age.
The property was then divided and Mr. Humke of this review
received one hundred and twenty acres on section 25, Osceola town-
ship. To this he has since added si.xty acres, and he still makes his
home upon the property, which under his able management has
become productive and valuable. Upon it he has erected a num-
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 211
ber of substantial buildings, including line barns and outhouses and
an eighty ton silo. Nothing is ever neglected which will add to the
appearance or value of the place.
On the 8th of February, 1905, Mr. Humke married Miss Sarah
Blake, a daughter of Richard T. and Sarah (Pickney) Blake, of
whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. Humke
is a member of the Presbyterian church and belongs to the Masonic
fraternity and the Order of the Eastern Star. He gives his political
allegiance to the republican party and is now doing able and con-
scientious work in the office of township clerk. In all the relations
of life his actions have conformed to the highest standards, and he
justly deserves the full measure of confidence and respect now enter-
tained for him by all who know him.
G. A. MAYER.
G. A. Maver. who has been numbered among the citizens of
Franklin county for the past quarter of a century, operates one of the
most highly improved farms in Ross township, on section 32, his hold-
ings embracing one hundred and thirty-four acres of land in Ross and
Mott townships. He is likewise the vice president of the Chapin
Savings Bank, which institution as assisted in organizing. His birth
occurred in Washington county, Iowa, on the 26th of November,
i860, his father being John Mayer, a native of Germany. The lat-
ter crossed the Atlantic to the United States as a young man and in
Burlington, Iowa, wedded Miss Catherine Nefif, who was born in
Pennsylvania. John Mayer purchased an unimproved farm of one
hundred and sixty-nine acres in Washington county, Iowa, and gave
his attention to its development and cultivation throughout the
remainder of his life. Both he and his wife passed away in that
county.
G. A. Mayer spent his boyhood in his native county and acquired
only a limited education, his assistance being necessary in the work
of the home farm. He remained under the parental roof until twentv
years of age and subsequently worked as a farm hand for others until
1888. In that year he was married and came to Franklin county,
Iowa, locating on a tract of eighty acres in Mott township, which
his wife had inherited. Mr. Mayer improved the property and was
busily engaged in its operation until 1896, when he took up his abode
on his present farm on section 32, Ross township. The place was
212 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
devoid of improvements with the exception of a barn, but during the
years which have since elapsed our subject has enhanced its value in
various ways until it is now one of the most highly improved farms
in Ross township. His holdings embrace one hundred and thirty-
four acres of land in Ross and Mott townships, and he deviates his
attention to general farming with excellent results, enjoying an envi-
able reputation as one of the prosperous and representative citizens
of the community. His is a beautiful home, and an evergreen grove
adds much to the attractive appearance of the place. Mr. Mayer
was one of the organizers of the Chapin Savings Bank and has since
served as a member of its board of directors, likewise holding the
office of vice president at the present time.
In Washington county, Iowa, Mr. Mayer was united in marriage
to Miss I'>lla V. Brenton, a native of that county and a daughter of •*
Jonathan and Mary (Dillon) Brenton, both of whom are deceased.
Our subject and his wife have three children: Ethel, Everett and
Vera, all at home. Mr. Mayer gives his political allegiance to the
democracy and has served as a trustee for three terms, while for six-
teen years he has been a member of the school board. He is a stalwart
friend of the cause of education and, in fact, is known throughout
the entire community as a representative agriculturist and a citizen
whose support can be counted upon to further any measure or move-
ment that will promote the welfare and prosperitv of the countv.
FRANK L. HAMILTON.
Frank L. Hamilton, a prominent stock-raiser of Franklin county,
owning and operating two hundred and forty acres of excellent land
on section 3, Lee township, was born in Hamilton township, this
countv, April 27, 1868. He is a son of x-\ndrew and Jane (Stockdale)
Hamilton, after whom Hamilton township of this county was named.
More extended mention of the parents is found elsewhere in this
work.
F'rank L. Hamilton acquired his education in the public schools
of Franklin countv and at the aee of twentv-onc began working on
a farm belonging to his uncle, Charles Stockdale. He afterward
farmed on? of his father's properties in Franklin countv for one year
and then enrolled as a student in Ellsworth College, remaining there
for a year and a half. At the end of that time he resumed his farm-
ing operations in Franklin county and in 1893 bought two hundred
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 213
acres of land in Lee township, and to this he has since added forty
acres and upon this property makes a specialty of raising and feed-
ing stock. He does an extensive business along this line, his animals
commanding a high price and a ready sale on the market.
On the 29th of November, 1899, Mr. Hamilton was united in
marriage to Miss Minnie Reynolds, a native of Hardin county, and
they have become the parents of four children: Millard, who was
born September 3, 1901 ; Phyllis, born August r6, 1904; Hazel, born
March 27, 1907; and Kenneth, born March 7, 1910. Mr. Hamilton
is a member of the Methodist church and is connected fraternally
with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Mystic Workers and
the Fraternal Bankers. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party, and he has rendered his township excellent service
in the office of school director. He is a man of high character, indus-
trious, progressive and enterprising, and his many sterling qualities
have gained him the confidence and respect of his neighbors.
N. A. INGLIS.
N. A. Inglis, holding a prominent positif^i in financial circles
of Hampton as cashier of the Franklin County State Bank, was born
in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, March 7, 1869, a son of David D. and Matilda
(Weed) Inglis, the former a native of Scotland and the latter of
New York. When the father was nineteen years of age he went to
London, England, and there engaged in the mercantile business for
a number of years. He afterward was sent to japan, where he had
charge of the business controlled by a New York tea and silk
importing house, and he remained in this connection until 1876.
After spending one year in Scotland he crossed the Atlantic to
America and made his way to Wisconsin, settling in Delavan,
whence in the following year he came to Hampton, Iowa, turning
his attention to the mortgage and loan business in partnership with
J. F. Latimer. In 1881 the partners organized the First National
Bank with Mr. Latimer as president and Mr. Inglis as cashier.
Seven years later the concern was reorganized as a private bank
and it was so conducted until 1898, when both partners retired from
active life, selling their interests to H. L. Harrison and N. A.
Inglis of this review. David D. Inglis continued to live in retire-
ment until November 4, 1910, when his death occurred. His wife
•2U HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
survives him. To their union were born three children: N. A., of
this review; Charles A., and Ruth V.
N. A. Inglis was educated in tlie public schools of Hampton and
in those of Davenport, Iowa, after which he attended the Iowa
State Agricultural College at Ames and later the State University
of Wisconsin at Madison. He bought his father's interest in Inglis
& Latimer's Bank, in 1898 and in partnership with Mr. Harrison
conducted this as a private concern until August, 1905, when they
consolidated with the Franklin County Bank, organizing the Frank-
lin County State Bank. Mr. Inglis is cashier of this concern and
fulhlls the duties of this responsible position in a farsighted and
able way, winning recognition as a capable and discriminating
financier.
On the 5th of October, 1893, ^I""- I'lgl'S married Miss May
Clemmer and they have become the parents of four children, David
Donaldson, Winnifred, Norma Ruth and John Charles. Mrs.
Inglis is a native of Minnesota and acquired her preliminary edu-
cation in the public schools of that state, later graduating from
the Wisconsin State Normal School at Platteville. Previous to
her marriage she engaged in teaching at Hampton.
Mr. Inglis attends the Congregational church and is connected
fraternally with the Masonic lodge and the Knights of Pythias. His
political allegiance is given to the republican party, and he served
as city treasurer for one term and for four years as a member of
the city council. His judgment on everything relating to banking
and finance is considered sound and reliable.
E. P. ANDREWS.
E. P. Andrews, a prominent attorney of Franklin county, who
since 1888 has practiced in Hampton, was born in Salem, Henry
county, Iowa, Julv 14, 18153. He is a son of John H. and Rebecca
A. (Strahl) Andrews, the former a native of Virginia and the latter
of Ohio. The father was one of the first merchants in Salem and
carried on business there until his death, which occurred when he
was thirty-one years of age. His wife passed away in California.
E. P. Andrews acquired his early education in the district schools
near Salem and afterward attended college there. Subsequently
he became a student in Earlham College at Richmond, Indiana,
where he remained until 1873. In that year he went to Missouri,
E. 1'. ANDREWS
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 217
where he engaged in teaching for four years, when, through the
influence of his uncle, E. Andrews, who was a trustee of the State
Reform School at Eldora, Iowa, he secured a position as teacher in
that institution, filling the position with credit and ability for a
year, or from 1877 to 1878. It was his desire, however, to become
a member of the bar and in the latter year he entered the law office
of King & Henley, of Hampton, and in 1879 successfully passed
the ret]uired examination that secured him admission to the bar.
He located for practice in Rockford, Iowa, but in April, 1888,
removed to Hampton and bought out the practice of D. W. Henley,
of the firm of Henley & Bedell. Four years later this partnership
was dissolved and Mr. Andrews has since continued alone. He is
accorded a large and distinctively representative clientage, for he is
recognized as a strong, able and resourceful practitioner of keen
sagacity and unquestioned professional integrity. It is not only his
comprehensive knowledge of the law which makes him a leading
attorney, his services greatly in demand, but as a fellow practitioner
expressed it: "it is his ability to take advantage of the slightest open-
ing to further his client's case which stands out so eminently in his
career." This feature of his success was notable in connection with
the Rush murder case, in which he was attorney for the defense.
At length all of the evidence in the case was in. The court room
had been crowded for days by spectators who wished to hear the
arguments, but he properly judged the impression left upon the jury
bv the defendant's testimony and refrained from making any argu-
ment whatever, feeling that the impression of the testimony was
so strong that it needed no further comment. He was rewarded by
having his client acquitted, and his course indicated that he with
his keen discrimination had exactly understood the conditions. He
took a stand, very rarely taken, in a suit of such serious character.
Manv a lawyer would not have missed his opportunity to make a
speech, thinking thereby to strengthen the cause, but Mr. Andrews'
sagacity and clear vision enabled him to fully comprehend the sit-
uation and his course was favorably commented upon throughout
the state and especially by members of the bench and bar. He had
studied the case thoroughly, saw the weak points in the prosecution
and by his able manner of questioning and cross-questioning had so
impressed the real facts upon the minds of the jury that the result
was acquittal. It is well known that he always prepares his cases
with great thoroughness and care and his devotion to his clients'
interests is proverbial. Aside from his profession Mr. Andrews has
business interests, being now a director and stockholder in the Cit-
218 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
izens jNational Bank, a stockholder in the Franklin County State
Bank, and the owner of about lour hundred acres of land.
On the 31st of October, 1883, Mr. Andrews married Miss Jennie
C. Durkee and they have become the parents of two children : Maud
F., a graduate of Grinnell College; and Robert S., who is now a
student in Grinnell College. Mr. Andrews is a member of the Con-
gregational church, is connected witli the Masonic fraternity, and
gives his political allegiance to the republican party, i'hroughout
his residence in Hampton he has ever enjoyed in the highest degree
the respect and confidence of his fellowmen, and his worth as a man
and a citizen as well as a lawyer is widely acknowledged.
E. H. HAYMOND.
E. H. Haymond, mayor of Geneva, was born in Kendall county,
Illinois, September 15, 1852. He is a son of Jacob and Martha
(Smith) Haymond, the former a native of West Virginia and the
latter of North Carolina. The father was a Methodist minister
and connected with church work during his entire active life. He
died in Windsor, Nova Scotia, August 20, 1903, and his wife died
in Ida Grove, Iowa, March 28, 1901. Nine children were born
to their union: Emily, the wife of R. D. Woodward, of Cloud
county, Kansas; Melissa and Alonzo, twins, who have passed away;
Elisha, of Mason City, Iowa; E. H., of this review; Ellen, the
widow of Judge Joseph T. Hoke, of West Virginia; Esther, twin
to Ellen and the widow of Charles Bennett, of Ida Grove, Iowa;
Byron, agent for the Chicago & Northwestern Railway at Ida
Grove; and Eluna, twin to Byron, who died in infancy.
E. H. Haymond acquired his education in the public schools
of Iowa, whither his parents came when he was still a child. He
afterward attended Iowa Falls Normal School and began his inde-
pendent career as a teacher, following this occupation for five
years. At the end of that time he turned his attention to farming,
moving south of Marshalltown, where he engaged in agricultural
pursuits until 1881. In that year he moved to Franklin county and
bought two hundred and forty acres of land in Geneva township.
With characteristic energy he carried forward the work of develop-
ing this property, improving it with excellent buildings and modern
equipment and making it one of the most productive and valuable
farms in this part of the state. In 1910 he sold the place and moved
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 21!)
into Geneva, where he now resides. He is mayor of the city and
has proved a capable executive, active in the promotion of many
measures and projects for the community good.
On the loth of April, 1873, Mr. Haymond married Miss Etna
E. Pence, a native of Iowa, who died October 12, 1885, leaving three
children: Frank E., of Des Moines, Iowa; May, the wife of A. L.
Royer, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Roy C, of Saskatchewan,
Canada. On the 29th of December, 1886, Mr. Haymond was again
married, his second wife being Miss Alice Faucett, a native of Illi-
nois. They became the parents of three children: Guy E. and Lee
F., of Saskatchewan, Canada; and Carl E., now a student in Cornell
College at Cornell, Iowa.
Mr. Haymond is a member of the Methodist church and is con-
nected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and
the Modern Woodmen of America. His political support is given
to the republican party, and in addition to the office of mayor he
has held other public positions, taking an active part in community
afifairs. His integrity of character, his fearlessness in the discharge
of duty and his appreciation of his responsibilities make him a citi-
zen whose worth is widely acknowledged.
ANDREW C. JORGENSEN.
Since 1894 Andrew C. Jorgensen has been connected with agri-
cultural interests of Franklin county and since 1900 has owned and
operated his present farm of one hundred and twenty acres on sec-
tion II, Hamilton township. He was born in Denmark, June 24,
1872, and is a son of Rasmus and Karen (Jensen) Jorgensen, also
natives of that country, both of whom have passed away. In their
family were eight children : Karen, the wife of C. Johansen, of Den-
mark; Ane, who married Peter Jacobson, of Morgan township, this
county; Peter; Sophie, the wife of H. P. Christensen, of Denmark;
Stene, who married Jens Sorensen, of Denmark; Andrew C, of this
review; Anna, deceased; and Hans, of Denmark.
Andrew C. Jorgensen remained at home until he was twenty years
of age and then came to America, locating in the vicinity of Cedar
Falls, Iowa, where he engaged in farming for one year. In 1894
he came to Franklin county and here in 1900 made his first purchase
of land, buying one hundred and twenty acres on section 11. Upon
this property he has since resided, carrying forward the work of
220 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
improvement and development. He has erected a number of fine
buildings upon the place and now lias an excellent barn, forty-four
by sixty-four feet in dimensions. The equipment is modern in every
respect and the entire place is kept in excellent condition, being under
the care of a practical and progressive agriculturist. Mr. Jorgensen
engages in farming, stock-raising and dairying and has met with
gratifying and well deserved success along all lines.
On March 8, 1902, Mr. Jorgensen married Miss Karen Miller,
a daughter of Peter Miller, of whom further mention is made else-
where in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Jorgensen have become the parents
of five children: Dagny, who was born December 26, 1902; Alfred,
born July 20, 1905; Folmer, born January 9, 1908; Frode, born Jan-
uary 2, 191 1 ; and Valborg, born March 2, 1913.
Mr. Jorgensen is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his
political allegiance to the democratic party. He is one of the most
progressive farmers in this part of Franklin county and occupies a
high place among the men whose work has influenced agricultural
advancement in this section of the state.
C. E. WILHELM.
C. E. Wilhelm, who has lived retired in Sheffield for the past
eleven years, where he is now serving as a member of the city council,
was long and successfully identified with agricultural pursuits and
still owns eighty acres of land in Cerro Gordo county and one hun-
dred and ninety acres adjoining Sheffield. His birth occurred in
Bedford county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of March, 1854, his
parents being Henry and Matilda (Lepley) Wilhelm, who were
likewise natives of the Keystone state and came of German descent.
However, the great-grandparents of our subject on both the paternal
and maternal sides were born in America. In 1865 Mr. and Mrs.
Henry Wilhelm located on a farm in Butler county, Iowa, the ter-
minus of the Illinois Central Railroad being then at Waverly. In
1868 the family returned to Pennsylvania. Both the father and
mother of Mr. Wilhelm of this review passed away in Butler county,
Iowa.
C. E. Wilhelm spent his early life in his native county and well
remembers some of the events of the Civil war, recollecting that he
saw a number of Confederate soldiers. In 1875 he returned to Iowa
and in 1878 came to Shefiield, here conducting a restaurant for four
MK. AND MRS. C. E. WILHKLM
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 223
and a halt years. At the time of his arrival Sheffield was a village
of but two or three hundred inhabitants and the railroad had been
built through just five years before. In 1883 he purchased a quarter
section of land in Cerro Gordo county, the operation of which
claimed his time and energies during the following nineteen years.
in his undertakings as an agriculturist he won a gratifying meas-
ure of success, annually gathering bounteous harvests, which found a
ready sale on the market. He still owns eighty acres in Cerro Gordo
county and sold his sons a half section of land in that county. Mr
W'ilhelm also owns one hundred and ninety acres adjoining the city of
Sheffield, where he has now lived retired for eleven years, enjoying
well earned rest.
As a companion and helpmate on the journey of life Mr. Wilhelm
chose Miss Amanda Ikenberry, a native of Butler county, by whom
he has nine children, as follows: Clyde, who resides on a farm in
Cerro Gordo county; Effie, who gave her hand in marriage to Wil-
liam Funk, an agriculturist of Cerro Gordo county; Etta, the wife
of Silas Ingebretson, a farmer of Franklin county; Clarence, who
is married and resides on a farm in Cerro Gordo county; Mabel, the
wife of Ravmond Jule, a farmer of Franklin county; Frank; Roy;
Pearl ; and Irma.
Mr. Wilhelm is a stanch republican in politics and for eighteen
years held the office of township clerk in Cerro Gordo county. He
has several times been chosen a member of the city council and is
serving on that body at the present time. His influence and support
are ever given on the side of progress and improvement, and he was
one of the councilmen who recently voted that the streets be lighted
by electroliers. His wife is a devoted and consistent member of the
Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Wilhelm is a dignified, cour-
teous gentleman of kindly spirit and strong principles, who through
his marked individuality has left an impress for good upon the com-
munitv in which he has so long resided.
PETER L. LUND.
Perhaps no one is better known throughout Franklin county as
a breeder and shipper of high-grade stock than Peter L. Lund, who
operates a farm of two hundred and eighty acres on section
23, Hamilton township. He was born in Denmark, June 4, 1875,
and is a son of Laurits and Kathrina (Haue) Lund, natives of that
224 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
country, where the mcjther died and where the father still resides.
'To their union were born three children : Kresten L., who has passed
away; Jens L., also deceased; and Peter L.
Peter L. Lund was seventeen years of age when he left Denmark
and came to America, locating for a few months in Minnesota,
whence he moved to Franklin C(juntv in 1S93. Nine years later he
bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 23, Hamilton town-
ship, and has added to this tract until his farm now comprises two
hundred and eighty acres. Mr. Lund is a stock feeder and shipper
and has gained an enviable reputation as a judge of stock values.
He has built up a large and profitable business, his stock command-
ing a high price and a ready sale upon the market.
On the ist of September, 1905, Mr. Lund married Miss Mette
Miller a daughter of Peter Miller, of whom further mention is
made elsewhere in this work. To this union has been born a daugh-
ter, Ingeborg Laura J., whose birth occurred March 20, 191 1. Mr.
Lund is a member of the Lutheran church and a republican in his
political beliefs, serving for two years as school director. He merits
the confidence and respect of all who know him and is numbered
among the most substantial citizens of the county.
WILLLAM MEYER.
Agricultural interests of Franklin county lost a progressive and
worthy representative yvhen William Meyer died in Iowa Falls in
1906. He had long been numbered among the progressive farmers
of his localitv and had made many substantial contributions to its
development during the period of his residence here. He was born
in Bavaria, Germany, in 1841 and came to America with his parents
when he was ten years of age, the familv settling in Illinois. Mr.
Meyer afterward moved to Grundy county, Iowa, where he lived
until 1869 when he went west, spending ten years in Montana, Wyo-
ming and Colorado as a cowboy. In 1879 he returned to Iowa com-
ing to Franklin county where he bought three hundred and tw-enty
acres on sections 10, 15 and 16, Grant township, and upon this prop-
erty resided until 1903, meeting every year with increasing success.
In that year he retired to Iowa Falls. He made many improve-
ments upon his farm, erecting substantial buildings and installing
modern machinery, and he gave a great deal of his time and atten-
tion to its development. His efforts being practical and well
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 225
directed, he met with a gratifying measure of success and at the time
of his death was the owner of one of the best farms in this township.
Mr. Meyer married Miss Emily Surles, a native of Hardin
county, and they became the parents of four children: Fred L.,
a farmer of Grant township; a son who died in infancy; Clara R.,
the wife of Lars H. Green, of Grant township; and Anthony Wayne.
Mr. Meyer's son-in-law, Lars H. Green, was born in Jo Daviess
county, Illinois, August 23, 1883. He is a son of Joseph and Louise
(Krell) Green, also natives of that county, who came to Iowa in
1891, locating in Grant township, this county. They are now living
retired in Iowa Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Green have become the parents
of a son, Millard W., who was born April 1, 1908. Mr. Green
belongs to the Christian church, is connected fraternally with. the
Mystic Workers and gives his political allegiance to the republican
party.
\\'illiam Meyer attended the Christian church and was a demo-
crat in his political views. He held a number of local offices and
as a public-spirited and progressive citizen took an intelligent inter-
est in public afifairs, cooperating heartily in all measures and
projects for community advancement. He became very well known
throughout Franklin county, and his death was widely and deeply
regretted.
GUY BOOTH.
One of Franklin county's most progressive and successful native
sons is Guy Booth, now operating a farm of one hundred and sixty
acres in Hamilton township in which township he was born August
30, i88v He is a son of George Booth, of whom further mention
is made elsewhere in this work.
Guv Booth acquired his education in the district schools of Ham-
ilton township and spent one winter studying in Iowa Falls. His
entire life has been spent upon the homestead and this property he
operates renting the same from his father. He engages in general
farming, and because his methods are always practical and progress-
ive he has met with a gratifying measure of success.
On the 24th of Februarv, 1909, Mr. Booth married Miss Ellen
M. Stinson, a native of Franklin county, and thev have become the
parents of a son, Dwight Harold, born February 8, 191 2. Mr.
Booth is connected fraternallv with the Modern Woodmen of
226 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
America and is an attendant of the Methodist church. His political
support is given to the republican party, and he is now serving as
school director in a creditable and able manner. He is a voung
man of energy, ambition and enterprise, and his continued success
is assured.
GEORGE RUDOLPH.
George Rudolph, who owns ami operates one huniired and twenty
acres of land on sections 22 and 27, Osceola township, was born in
Germany, June 17, 1863. He is a son of John and Elizabeth (Weisen-
bom) Rudolph, natives of Germany, both of whom have passed
away. They had three children: George, of this review; Henry,
deceased; and Elizabeth, of Germany.
George Rudolph came to America in 1890 and located imme-
diately in Franklin county, where he has since resided. Three years
after his arrival he bought one hundred and twenty acres of land
on sections 22 and 27, Osceola township, and upon this property
has steadily carried forward the work of improvement and develop-
ment along progressive and modern lines, erecting substantial build-
ings and installing modern equipment. He has todav a valuable
farm, which is the visible evidence of the care and labor he has
bestowed upon it.
On the 2 1 St of February, 1893, Mr. Rudolph was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mary Tilka, and they became the parents of three
children, Elizabeth, Emma and Mary, all of whom have passed
away. Mr. Rudolph is a member of the Lutheran church and gives
his political allegiance to the republican party. His life has been
a busy and useful one, and his success is indicated in his ownership
of one of the valuable farming properties of the communitv.
JAMES HOWARD RICHARDS.
James Howard Richards is closely associated with agricultural
interests of Franklin county as the owner of the old Richards home-
stead of one hundred and sixtv acres on section 14, Reeve township.
He was born upon this property May 7, 1879, and is a son of W. H.
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 227
and Sarah (Combellick) Richards, of whom further mention is
made elsewhere in this work.
J.ames H. Richards acquired his education in the public schools
of Franklin county and since the beginning of his active life has
been engaged in farming, his long experience being one of the most
important factors in his success. In 1910 he bought the old home-
stead of one hundred and sixty acres, and here he has since carried
on general farming and stock-raising, acquiring important interests
along both lines.
On the 7th of December, 1904, Mr. Richards was united in mar-
riage to Miss Norma Nobles, a native of Franklin county and one
of four children: a son who died in infancy; Fannie, the wife of
Sherwood Clock, of Hampton; Norma, the wife of the subject of
this review; and Helen, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have two
children: Lois Margaret, born February 14, 1909; and James Wil-
liam, whose birth occurred January 21, 1913.
Mr. Richards is a member of the Methodist church and is con-
nected fraternally with the Knights of Pythias. He gives his political
allegiance to the republican party and is at present secretary of the
school board, the cause of education finding in him an earnest and
able supporter. He is one of the progressive and active farmers of
this locality, and his success is well merited, for he is capable in
management and displays untiring energy in carrying forward his
interests.
HERMAN HESSE.
Herman Hesse, the owner of four hundred and forty-four acres
of well improved land in Hamilton township, was born in Germany,
October 14, 1849, a son of Henry and Marie (Meyer) Hesse, also
natives of Germany, where the father died. The mother afterward
came to America and passed away in this country. To their union
were born eight children: Henry, Fred and Kathrina, deceased;
a son who died in infancy; Herman, of this review; Heinrich, of
Independence, Iowa; Harry, a resident of California; and George,
of Bird Island, Minnesota.
Herman Hesse remained in his native country until he was four-
teen years of age and then crossed the Atlantic to America, landing
in New York, where he remained for four years. At the end of
that time he moved to Chicago, Illinois, and there made his home
228 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
until he was twenty-seven years of age. In 1876 he came to Iowa
and located at Waterloo, whence after three years he moved to
Hamilton township, this county, where he has since resided, engaged
in farming. He owns four hundred and forty acres of, land on sec-
tions 5, 6, 8, and 9, and has improved his property with modern
buildings and equipment. He is regarded as one of the progressive
and successful farmers of the locality.
On the 17th of February, 1882, Mr. Hesse was united in mar-
riage to Miss Eliza Gottschalk, who was born in Germany in i860.
Nine children were born to their union: William, who is engaged
in farming in Hamilton township; Fred and Herman, at home;
Emma and Mamie, deceased; a son who died in infancy; Freda and
George, at home; and Harry, born January 3, 1903. Mr. Hesse is a
member of the Lutheran church and a republican in his political
beliefs. He is one of the well known men of the township, and his
straightforward dealings, together with his industry, have won him
an excellent reputation and enrolled him among the county's sub-
stantial and desirable citizens.
GEORGE ALLEN.
George Allen, a retired farmer and stock-raiser living in Hamp-
ton, was born in Ohio, on the 4th of February, 1842. He is a son of
Aaron and Orrel (Brown) Allen, the former of whom died when the
subject of this review was five years of age. In the family were five
children: Merrick, who was killed during the siege of Corinth in
the Civil war; George, of this review; Charles, who died in infancy;
Mary, the widow of Louis Knox, of San Leandro, California; and
Jemima, deceased.
When George Allen was fourteen years of age he went to the
mines around Lake Superior, where for four years he had charge
of unloading the cars and weighing the iron ore. At the end of that
time he returned to Ohio and there engaged in farming for one year.
On the i8th of April, 1861, he enlisted in Company B, Seventeenth
Ohio Volunteer Infantry, for a three months' term. Upon the expi-
ration of that period he reenlisted for three years in Company E,
Sixty-fourth Illinois Sharpshooters. He was taken prisoner at
Glendale, Mississippi, in 1863, and sent to Libby prison, where he
remained until he was transferred to Pemberton and thence to Dan-
ville and then to Andersonville. He was afterward removed to Flo-
CKORCK ATJ.KN
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY ^ 231
rence, South Carolina, and then to Annapolis, Maryland, and was
there released, weighing at that time only eight-five pounds. He was
in prison fifteen months. He was mustered out at Springfield, Illi-
nois, and returned to Iowa, where in 1865 he bought one hundred and
seventy acres in the vicinity of Hampton. When he sold this he
bought eighty acres West of the fair grounds and for fifteen years
thereafter carried on general farming and stock-raising upon this
property. At the end of that time he purchased two hundred and
forty acres in Marion township and after five or six years sold this
and bought three hundred and seventy-one acres in Wisner township.
In 1888 he bought eighty acres east of Hampton and upon this prop-
erty made a specialty of raising cattle and hogs. His stock-raising
interests became extensive and important in the course of years, his
able management and practical methods resulting in a gratifying
measure of success. In i8g8 Mr. Allen retired from active life
and moved into Hampton, where he occupies an attractive home
at No. 613 East Sixth street.
Mr. Allen has been twice married. He wedded first Miss Vastia
Delmater, a native of New York, who passed away in 1889, leaving
a daughter, Frances J., who married George P. Artley, a farmer
residing east of Hampton. On the 9th of April, 1901, Mr. Allen
married Miss Mary Crawford, a native of Delaware county, Ohio.
Mr. Allen is a member of the Methodist church and is con-
nected fraternally with the Grand Army of the Republic. He gives
his political allegiance to the republican party and has served with
credit and ability in various positions of trust and responsibility.
In all relations of life he has maintained a high standard of honor
and integrity and has won the respect and confidence of those who
have come in contact with him. •
EDWARD G. HELVIG.
Edward G. Helvig, who during the entire period of his active
life has been influentially associated with farming and stock-raising
interests of Franklin county, is a representative of a family which has
been well known in this locality since 1868. He was born in Grant
township, Februarv 26, 1876, and is a son of George and Caroline
(Liese) Helvig, natives of Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa in
1868 and settled in Geneva township, Franklin county, and removed
to section 21, Grant township, in 1875, where the father engaged in
Vnl. II— 1 1
232 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
farming until his death, wliich occurred June 8, 1905. His wile
survives him and makes lier home in Iowa Falls, Iowa. Twelve
children were born to their union: William, deceased; Henry, a
resident of Hampton; Annie, the wife of John Mohler, of Grant
township; John, who has passed away; Emma, who married Fred
Heines, of Geneva township; Edward, of Grant township; Sophie,
the wife of Jake England, of Grant township; Susie, who married
Gottlieb Kracht, of Emmetsburg, Iowa; Louisa, the wife of L. Meyer,
of Lee township; Christina, who married A. Meyer, of Grant town-
ship; Carrie, who has passed away; and Esther, the wife of F. Mus-
sigmann, of Grant township.
Edward G. Helvig was reared at home and acc]uired his educa-
tion in the district schools of Grant towhs^hip. He became familiar
at an earlv age with the best and most practical agricultural methods
and when he began his independent career naturallv turned his
attention to farming. After his father's death he bought one hun-
dred and fourteen acres of the old homestead and in 1913 sold this
and bought two hundred acres on section 21, Lee township, where
he now resides. This property he has since continued to cultivate
and from the beginning has met with excellent success, standing
today in the front ranks of progressive and representative agricul-
turists.
On the 25th of June, 1902, Mr. Helvig was united in marriage
to Miss Bena Shaw, a native of Illinois, and to this union have been
born three children: Harley William, born April 6, 1903; Arthur
Bernard, born October 8, 1904; and Dorothy Minnie, born March
13, 1910. Mr. Helvig is a member of the Lutheran church and gives
his political allegiance to the republican party. He has held various
township offices and has proven capable and reliable in positions of
responsibility. He is widely and favorably known in Franklin
county and his record is a credit to a name that has long been an
honored one in his community.
D. W. SHROYER.
D. W. Shroyer, carrying on general farming and stock-raising
upon a quarter section of land on section 16, Reeve township, was
born in Franklin county, December 28, i8t;8, a son of Lewis and
Johannah F. (Jones) Shroyer, of whom further mention is made
elsew^here in this work. Mr. Shroyer of this review was reared in
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 233
Franklin county and acquired his education in the district schools.
When he was about thirty years of age he moved to South Dakota
and took up a homestead there. In 1888 he bought a farm of one
hundred and twenty acres in Wright county, operating this for four
years. When he sold it he returned to Franklin county and pur-
chased a cjuarter of section 16, Reeve township, upon which he has
since resided. He has made excellent improvements upon it, erect-
ing new buildings and installing modern equipment and has made
it a productive and valuable farm.
In 1885 ^I""- Shroyer married Miss Melinda Bullis, who has
passed away. They became the parents of a daughter, Lulu May,
who died at the age of eleven. Mr. Shroyer afterward married
Miss Kathryn Blake, a native of Franklin county, and to this union
have been born four children: Lewis Blake, whose natal day was
August 31, 1901 ; Grace Joan, who was born February <;, 1903;
Raymond Allison, born December 30, 1904; and Willard Martin,
born July 5, 1906. Mr. Shroyer attends the Methodist church and
gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He is one of
the most progressive and active farmers of Reeve township — a man
whom Franklin county is proud to number among her native sons.
FRANK H. DIRST.
Frank H. Dirst, who since 1892 has been connected with farm-
ing interests of Franklin county, owning two hundred and eight
acres of excellent land on section 34, Reeve township, was born in
Grundy county, Illinois, October 19, 1873. He is a son of Howard
and Susan (Crawford) Dirst, natives of Ohio, who came to Frank-
lin county in 1892. The father died August 28, 1893, and his wife
survived him until November, 1910. In the family were two
children: Clifford, deceased; and Frank H., of this review.
Frank H. Dirst was reared in Grundy county, Illinois, and
acquired his education in the public schools. He came to Franklin
county with his parents in March, 1892, and immediately began
operating the farm which his father had previously purchased. He
now owns this property, which comprises two hundred and eight
acres on section 34, Reeve township. He engages in general farm-
ing and also feeds sheep on an extensive scale, his animals command-
ing high prices on the local market.
234 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
On the 2d of December, 1896, Mr. Dirst was united in marriiigc
to Miss Ella J. Marble, a native of Franklin county, and they have
become tiie parents of four children: Harold, Maude, Howard
and Charles. Mr. Dirst is a member of the Baptist church, is con-
nected fraternally with the Knights of Pythias and gives his political
allegiance to the republican party. He is a man who, through indus-
try and enterprise, has acquired an excellent reputation in the com-
munity, standing in the front ranks of progressive and representative
agriculturists.
OLIN W. THOMAS.
Olin W. Thomas, a representative of a well known family of
Franklin county and one of the progressive and successful agricul-
turists of Hamilton township, is a native son of this locality, born
December 13, 1871. His father, Theodore Thomas, was born in
Ogle county, Illinois, October 2, 1844, and when he was seventeen
years of age enlisted at Byron, Illinois, in Company B, Ninety-
second Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He served for three years, tak-
ing part in Sherman's march to the sea, and was mustered out at
Concord, North Carolina, receiving his honorable discharge at
Chicago, Illinois. In the spring of 1868 he moved to Iowa and
located near Faulkner, where he remained until 1876. He then
moved to Franklin county and settled on a farm on secticnis 23 and
26, Reeve township, whereon he has since resided. He owns two hun-
dred and seven acres of valuable land and is regarded as one of the
most successful farmers and stock-raisers of this locality. He and
his wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss Elizabeth Wagner, a
native of Ogle county, Illinois, became the parents of seven chil-
dren: Winnie, who died in infancy; Olin W., of this review; Elias
W., of Craig, Colorado; Edna Elizabeth, the wife of R. E. Towle,
of Hampton; Theodore L. and Frank A., who reside in Geneva; and
Henry R., of Hampton.
Olin W. Thomas was reared upon the home farm and acquired
his education in the district schools of Franklin county. From an
early age he assisted in the operation of the homestead and thus
became familiar with the best and most practical agricultural
methods. At the age of twenty-three he rented eighty-five acres
and after one year rented another tract of one hundred and forty
acres. This farm he operated for si.x years and then moved to
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 235
Osceola township, where he continued active in agricultural pur-
suits for eight years. In 1909 he bought one hundred and sixty acres
on section 13, Hamilton township, and upon this property has since
resided. He has greatly improved the farm, providing it with sub-
stantial buildings and modern equipment, and upon the property
engages in general farming and stock-raising, both branches of his
activities being extensive and important.
On the 2istof March, 1894, Mr. Thomas was united in marriage
to Miss May L. Jones, a native of Grundy county and a daughter
of John Jones. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas have four children: Wava
E., born March 16, 1895; Floyd A., who was born June 9, 1898,
and who died December 2, 1900; Mildred E.', whose birth occurred
September 24, 1902; and Myrna M., born March 26, 1906. Mr.
Thomas is a member of the Christian church, and his political alle-
giance is given to the republican party. He is one of the most pro-
gressive and successful of Franklin county's native sons, and his
influence has been a tangible force for good in the community.
ASBURY THEODORE HAAHLTON.
Asburv Theodore Hamilton, a representative of a well known
pioneer family of Franklin county and today one of the progressive
and successful farmers and stock-raisers of Hamilton township, was
born January 1, 1874. He is a son of Andrew and Jane (Stockdale)
Hamilton, natives of Ireland and pioneers in Hamilton township,
this county, the name having been given to the township in their
honor. They located on section 25 in 1856 and the father afterward
engaged in agricultural pursuits for many years. He died in Iowa
Falls, Iowa, at the age of eighty-four and is survived by his wife.
To their union were born eleven children: Charles, Robert, Wil-
liam and Frank, residents of Iowa Falls; Jess, of Kenawa, Iowa;
Arthur, deceased; A. T., of this review; Lilly M., of Iowa Falls;
Maggie, who has passed away; a daughter, who died in infancy,
and John C, of Iowa Falls.
A. T. Hamilton acquired his education in the district schools of
Franklin county and later attended Ellsworth College at Iowa
Falls for three years. Following this he took charge of the home-
stead in Hamilton township, carrying on general farming and stock-
raising upon its two hundred and twenty acres until 1903. He then
bought one hundred and eighty-six acres in Reeve township and
236 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
has opLMatcti tliis farm since that time in conjunction with the Hamil-
ton homestead in Hamilton township and one hundred acres on sec-
tion 36, Hamilton township, which he owns. In 191 3 he purchased
one hundred and sixty acres in Grant township, upon which he has
a renter. He is an extensive stock breeder and dealer, shipping
many carloads of cattle annually. He is especially interested in
breeding thoroughbred registered Durham cattle. His interests are
intelligently managed and have brought him a gratifying degree of
prosperity.
On the 16th of January, 1904, .Mr. Hamilton was united in mar-
riage to Miss Grace L. Bird, a native of Franklin county and a
daughter of Robert and Jane (Oxford) Bird, natives of Ohio and
Indiana respectively. Mr. Bird was a pioneer farmer of Franklin
county and now resides retired in Marshalltown, Iowa. Mrs. Bird
died in 1899. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton are the parents of four chil-
dren: Helen T., Lillian L., Howard A. and Elizabeth |. Mr.
Hamilton is a member of the Methodist church, while Mrs. Hamil-
ton is a member of the Christian church. He is connected fraternally
with the Modern Woodmen of America. He was formerly a direc-
tor in the Bradford Savings Bank and is a stanch republican in his
political views. In matters of citizenship he is progressive and pub-
lic-spirited and in business capable and farsighted, and his record is
a credit to a name that has long been held in high honor and esteem
in Franklin county.
J. C. POWERS, M. D.
In the history of the medical profession mention should be made
of J. C. Po.wers, an able physician of broad learning, who is seldom,
if ever, at fault in the diagnosis of a case and who discharges his
professional duties with a sense of conscientious obligation. He was
born in Butler county, this state, November 24, 1868, a son of Mil-
ton L, and Ella E. (Manley) Powers, the former a native of New
York and the latter of Pennsylvania. They came to Iowa in the year
1867 and the father, who was a physician, engaged in active practice
in Butler county for thirty-five years. He was a graduate of the Mass-
achusetts l^niversitv at Boston of the class of 1861 and was a learned,
capable man, ever faithful in the performance of his professional
services. Both he and his wife passed away in Hampton, the former
in December, 1902, and the latter in July, 1907. In their family were
DR. J. C. TOWERS
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 239
two sons and a daughter: J. C, of this review; Milton I., who is vice
president and cashier of the Citizens Bank of Flagstaff, Arizona ; and
Jennie, the wife of Dr. H. C. Hunter, of Meford, Utah.
Liberal educational opportunities were given Dr. J. C. Powers,
who was a student in the Iowa State University at Iowa City and is
a graduate of Rush Medical College of Chicago, being numbered
among its alumni of 1897. Whether inherited tendency or natural
predilection had most to do with his choice of a profession it is impos-
sible to determine, but it is evident that the choice was made wisely
and well. He opened an ofTice in Hampton, where he has remained
for sixteen years and throughout this period he has given practical
demonstration of his ability to cope with the intricate problems which
continually confront the physician in his efiforts to alleviate sickness
and suffering and restore health. He is one of the directors and the
vice president of the Franklin County Bank and is president of the
Purcell Printing Company and the Hampton Mercantile Company.
Thus he is an active factor in commercial and industrial as well as
professional circles, and it is a recognized fact that his judgment
is sound, his discrimination keen and his enterprise unfaltering.
Dr. Powers has been married twice. He first wedded Alice R.
Seymour, who died leaving one child, Ella Marie. The Doctor has
adopted a boy named Allen Linn. Dr. Powers was married Novem-
ber 21, 1901, to Emma Haas, formerly superintendent of the Min-
neapolis City Hospital. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons,
in which order he has attained high rank, being now a member of the
Mystic Shrine. He also has membership with the Knights of
Pythias and with the Modern Woodmen of America. His religious
faith is that of the Congregational church. He has a wide acquaint-
ance in this part of the state, and his circle of friends is almost
coextensive therewith. He conforms his practice closely to a high
standard of professional ethics and enjoys the confidence and good-
will of his professional brethren.
WILLIAM J. SHROYER.
In taking up the personal history of William J. Shroyer we pre-
sent to our readers the life record of one of the oldest pioneer settlers
in Franklin county. Almost six decades have passed since he arrived
here, finding a sparsely settled region that gave little indication of
the changes which were to occur and make this one of the populous
240 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
and prosperous sections of the state. For an extended period he \\ as
identified with its agricultural interests and land \vhicli he pur-
chased at a nominal figure is today worth two hun(1red dollars per
acre.
Mr. Shroyer was born February 19, 1834, in Monongaha county.
West Virginia, a son of Melker Baker and Rebecca (Jones) Shroyer.
The father was born October 25, 1807, and died in 1H-7, while the
mother, a native of Virginia, born November i, 181 2, passed away
in 1848. The former was a son of Louis Shroyer, a gunsmith of
Maryland, who was of Dutch lineage. The father, who was a gun-
smith and blacksmith, went to West Virginia and from there
to Delaware county, Indiana, where he continued throughout
the remainder of his life, conducting "a gunsmith and black-
smith shop, although he lived upon a farm, which was culti-
vated by his sons. There were eight children in his family.
Louis, who was born December 26, 1832, was a farmer of
Franklin county, Iowa, but died in 1907. William }. is the
second of the family. Sarah, born August 20, 1836, became the
wife of Joseph Dean and after his death married Mordecai Dodge,
who died while serving as a soldier of the Civil war, while her death
occurred in 1905. Nathan, who was born October 25, 1838, and
followed farming in Delaware county, Indiana, died in 1909.
Elizabeth, who was born July 20, 1841, became the wife of
Joseph Meeks, a farmer and stockman of Indiana, and died in 1910.
Jacob, who was born September 10, 1843, was killed at the battle
of Kenesaw Mountain when but sixteen years of age. John A., born
December 21, 1845, was a farmer of Indiana and died in 1908.
Eliza J., born July 10, 1848, passed away in March, 1910.
William J. Shroyer was but four years of age when his parents
went to Indiana from West Virginia. He spent his youth on a farm
in that state and had but limited educational opportunities, for his
labors were needed upon the old homestead. He continued to assist
his father until he attained his majority save for a short time when
he worked as fireman at a steam mill. When he had reached man-
hood he and his eldest brother, Louis, started for Iowa, whither an
uncle, Henrv Shroyer, had preceded them. They traveled on the
railroad to Galena, Illinois, and by stage to Dubuque, Iowa, and
thence walked to their destination. They had none of the com-
forts of modern travel, but the hardships of the trip did n(n deter
them, as they were ambitious and eager to try life in this state, where
they hoped success awaited them. William J. Shroyer arrived in
Blackhawk county May 13, 1855, and remained there for two months,
after which he joined his brother in Franklin county, where both
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 241
entered the employ of their uncle, Henry Shroyer, where they helped
build a mill for him near iMaysville. There they continued until
the marriage of William J. Shroyer. In the meantime they had
arranged to buy the mill, but as their wage was but seventy-five
cents per day each this hardly gave them sufficient capital to make
the purchase and they accordingly resorted to other means. They
built two houses for their uncle, who was then county judge, and
through him they secured a contract for building a bridge. Through
that work they made an exchange so as to secure the mill about the
time of William J. Shroyer's marriage. Afterward he sold the mill
and his share was invested in eighty acres of land, which he pur-
chased at seven dollars and a quarter per acre. In after years he
added to his holdings until he had one hundred and thirty acres
and such has been the increase in land values that his property is
worth two hundred dollars per acre. His farm is situated on sec-
tion 9, Reeve township, and is now occupied and managed by his
son, Wooster W. Mr. Shroyer carried on general farming and
stock-raising with marked success until the time of his retirement
in 1903, when he took up his abode in Hampton, where he is now
enjoying the fruits of his former toil.
On the 2 1 St of October, 1858, was celebrated the marriage of
William J. Shroyer and Miss Maria Rucker, who was born Febru-
ary 15, 1839, and removed from Ohio to Indiana and later came to
Franklin county, Iowa, with her parents, James and Mary (Baker)
Rucker, who were farming people of Franklin county. Mr. and
Mrs. Shroyer traveled life's journey together for more than a half
century and were then separated by the death of the wife on the 4th
of January, 1910. They were the parents of five children: Everett
L., who was born December 22, i860, and died May 10, 1887; Ella,
who was born January 8, 1863, and is now the wife of V. J. Kratz;
Cora, who was born February 2, 1866, and for some years was a
successful teacher of the county but is now acting as housekeeper for
her father; Minnie M., who was born July 2, 1871, and is the wife of
B. Appleby, a farmer of Geneva township; and Wooster W., who
was born July 16, 1874, ^^^ '^ "O"^ carrying on the home farm.
There are also seven grandchildren.
Mr. Shroyer is an earnest and faithful member of the Methodist
church and also belongs to the Methodist Brotherhood, a social
organization of the church. His political allegiance is given to the
republican party, but he is not an office seeker, preferring always
that others should hold office. He, however, has been town trustee
and is a member of the school board. He is a splendidly preserved
242 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
man of eighty years, possessing the physical and intellectual vigor
of a man in his prime. His memory forms a connecting link between
the primitive past and the progressive present in his county. He
still has in his possession a rocking chair which bears the date i8i;8,
the year in which he was married. He also has a tax receipt which
indicates that on the 29th of May, 1858, he paid the county treasurer
eight cents, which was the ta.\ upon a town lot in Maysville. Another
interesting old paper in his possession is an invitation, dated Febru-
ary 2, 1858, for "himself and lady to a cotillion partv at the Hamp-
ton House." Mr. Shrover is one of but three survivors who voted at
the first election held in Franklin county on the :;th of August, 1855.
He possesses a remarkable memory and relates manv interesting inci-
dents and events of the early days as well a§ of later years, indicating
the trend of growth, development and progress in this county. He
has lived to see remarkable changes, for at the time of his arrival
there was every evidence of frontier life, with little to indicate what
the future had in store for this great and growing western country.
He has ever borne his share in the work of development and progress
and has long been regarded as one of the substantial and valued citi-
zens of the community.
REUBEN ATKINSON
Reuben Atkinson, who has been a resident of Franklin county
for more than three decades, was for a number of years actively and
successfully identified with agricultural pursuits in Clinton town-
ship and is now living retired at Sheffield. His birth occurred in
Jo Daviess county, Illinois, on the 27th of June, 1853, his parents
being David and Jane (Raisbeck) Atkinson, natives of England.
David Atkinson was a farmer of Jo Daviess county, Illinois, and
there both he and his wife passed away.
Reuben Atkinson spent his bovhood on a farm and attended the
common schools in the acquirement of an education. In tlie spring
of 1882, when a young man of twenty-nine years, he came to Fr.ank-
lin county, Iowa, and purchased a slightly improved tract of land
comprising eighty acres. There he carried on agricultural pursuits
throughout the remainder of his active business career and as his
financial resources increased, owing to his untiring industry and cap-
able management, extended the boundaries of his farm by additional
purchase until he now owns three hundred and twenty acres of valu-
JfR. AND J[RS. EELT.KX ATKINSON
I
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 245
able land in Ross and Clinton townships. Six years ago, however,
he put aside the active work, of the fields and removed to Sheffield,
where he is now living in honorable retirement, leaving the opera-
tion of his farm to his sons. He likewise owns forty-two acres of
timber land in Richland township and is widely recognized as one
of the substantial, respected and representative citizens of his adopted
county.
In Illinois Mr. Atkinson wedded Miss Henrietta James, a native
of Jo Daviess county, bv whom he had six children, as follows:
David, who resides on his father's farm in Ross township and who
married Miss Minnie Ingebretson, a daughter of Albert and
Johanna Ingebretson, the former a large landowner of Franklin
county and also engaged in the live stock business; Herbert H., who
married Miss Julia Whitney and also lives on his father's farm;
Henry R., who is engaged in business at Fayette, Iowa; Emeline, a
student in the Upper Iowa University at Fayette; John, who died
at the age of eighteen years; and one, who passed away in infancy.
Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Atkin-
son has cast his ballot in support of the men and measures of the
republican party. Both he and his wife belong to the Methodist
Episcopal church, in the work of which he is especially active. For
twenty-two years he has served as superintendent of the Sunday
school, class leader and also as a member of the official board. Fra-
ternally he is identified with the Modern Brotherhood of America.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Atkinson are held in high esteem in Sheffield,
where they have an extensive circle of warm friends, while the hos-
pitalitv of the best homes is freely accorded them.
J. R. RUNTON.
J. R. Runton, one of the successful agriculturists and early set-
tlers of Ross township, where he has resided continuously for the
past thirty-seven years, is the owner of one hundred and sixty acres
of rich and productive land on section 21. His birth occurred in
England on the 6th of August, 1849, his parents being David and
Elizabeth (Suggitt) Runton, who were likewise natives of that
country. Tn 1856 they emigrated to the United States and after
spending one winter in Lafayette county, Wisconsin, took up their
abode at Apple River, Jo Daviess county, Illinois, where they resided
throutjhout the remainder of their livs. The father was a carpenter
246 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
by trade. His demise occurred when he had attained the age of
fifty-eight years, while the mother was sixty-seven years old when
called to her Hnal rest. Both were faithful members of the Metho-
dist F^piscopal church. Their children were three in number, as
follows: Dora, who passed away at Dixon, Illinois, and who was
the wife of Robert Suggitt; J. R., of this review; and Mary, who '
died in 1866, at tlie age of fifteen years.
J. R. Runton, who was a lad of seven years when he accompanied
his parents on their emigration to the new world, spent the period
of his youth in Illinois and after ace]uiring his education worked at
the carpenter's trade with his father until 1H76. In that year he
came to Franklin county, Iowa, and located on a tract of unimproved
land comprising one hundred sixty acres 'in section 21, Ross town-
ship. This has remained in his possession to the present time, and as
the years have gone bv he has brought the place to a high state of culti-
vation and improvement, erecting substantial buildings and enhanc-
ing the value of the property in many ways. He is enga'ged in
general farming, and his efforts in this ccMinection have been attended
with well merited and gratifving success.
In Illinois, Mr. Runton wedded Miss Lucinda Emry, a native
of Ohio, by whom he had three children. David E. Runton, who is
married and has two children, is a photographer of Sheffield. Iowa.
Lessie May gave her hand in marriage to G. W. Van Nest, who
resides on the farm of his father-in-law. Joel E., born July 19, 1878.
died at the age of thirteen months.
In politics Mr. Runton is a stanch republican, and for nine years j
he has ably served in the capacity of township trustee. His religious
faith is indicated bv his membership in the Methodist Episcopal
church at Chapin, to which his wife also belongs. He is widely
known in the communitv where he has so long resided, and his sub-
stantial characteristics have gained him the warm regard and
uncnialified trust of his fellow townsmen.
STATE SAVINGS BANK OF HAMPTON.
The State Savings Bank of Hampton was organized in igoq by
about fifty stockholders living in Franklin county. For seven years
it has occupied the main corner in Hampton, and the position which
it occupies in the community is indicated by its constant and sub-
stantial growth. It has ever acted upon the policy that a satisfied
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 247
customer is the best advertisement, knowing also that the bank, which
most carefully safeguards the interests of its depositors is the one
most worthy of public support. The following statement given
at the dates mentioned to the auditor of state indicates the substantial
and continuous growth of the bank:
August 4, 1904 $ 48,827.32
August 25, 1905 87,546.58
May 17, 1906 131,707.96
December 3, 1907 145,610.45
December 3, 1908 147,728.82
May 18, 1909 176,627.78
September 14, 19 10 187,004.64
February 8, 191 1 206,438.32
June 21, 1912 216,105.09
April 17, 1913 292,105.19
The bank is capitalized for forty thousand dollars and its present
officers are: Adam Messelheiser, president; S. T. Blain, vice presi-
dent; O. W. Maxwell, cashier; D. C. Wolf, assistant cashier; and
Robert M. Harrison, teller and second vice president.
JOHN M. FAHEY.
John M. Fahey, a native of Franklin county, is closely connected
with agricultural interests of Osceola township, operating a farm of
one hundred and sixty acres on section 33. He was born upon this
property December 19, 1884, and is a son of Thomas and Mary
(Holloran) Fahey, who are now living retired in Ackley. In this
family were nine children: Ligouri, the wife of Samuel Martin,
of George, Iowa; John M., of this review; Mary Ellen, who mar-
ried James Parden, of George, Iowa; Thomas, deceased; Irene, at
home; Viola, who has passed away; Robert, Laura and Floyd, of
Ackley.
John M. Fahey was reared at home and from his early child-
hood assisted with the operation of the farm, learning in this way
the best and most practical methods of farm operation. In 191 1
he rented the homestead, comprising one hundred and sixty acres
on section 33, Osceola township, and here he has since engaged in
general farming and stock-raising. He has followed always the most
248 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
practical and progressive methods and has met with excellent suc-
cess in the conduct of his interests.
On the 28th of December, 1910, Mr. Fahey was united in mar-
riage to Miss Clara Breithaupt, a daughter of George F. and Nellie
(Jenkins) Breithaupt, the former a native of Germany and the
latter of St. John, New Brunswick. The parents came to Iowa
in 1871 and the father conducted a hotel in Acklev until his death
June 28, 19 1 3. His wife survives him and makes her home in Ack-
ley. Twelve children were born to their union: Annie, deceased;
Helena, the wife of Ale.x Thompson of Marshalltown, Iowa;
Matilda, who married Henry Smith, of ^^^ichita, Kansas; Ada, who
has passed away; Catherine, the wife of William Neary, of Butte,
Montana; George L., also of Butte; Frank, deceased; Lillian, of
Charles City, Iowa; Leo, of Columbus, Ohio; Lulu, who has passed
away; Clara, the wife of the subject of this review; and Harry, of
Columbus, Ohio.
Mr. Fahey is a member of the Catholic church and connected
fraternally with the Knights of Columbus. His political allegiance
is given to the democratic party, and although he is not active as
an office seeker, he served with credit and ability as school director.
He is a young man of energy, enterprise and ambition, and he has
become widely and favorably known in his native township for his
many sterling traits of character.
BENJAMIN WRIGHT WHITE.
For a long period Benjamin Wright White was closely connected
with the agricultural and stock-raising interests of Franklin county,
but in his later years he lived retired, enjoving the fruits of his for-
mer toil. He passed away March 27, 1907, and was then but fifty-
three years of age. Within the period of his active life he acquired
success that many an older man might well envy. He was born near
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, September 3, 18153, a son of Mathew and
Alta (Taylor) White. The father was a native of England and
when a lad of fifteen crossed the Atlantic to America, settling in
New York. There he married Alta Taylor, a native of that state.
On removing westward to Wisconsin they took up their abode near
Milwaukee, where Mr. White followed the occupation of farm-
ing. In 1870 he came to Franklin county, Iowa, where he remained
for several years with his family. He afterward returned to Wis-
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 249
consin, but again came to Franklin county in 1876, settling in Marion
township, where he resided until his death, which occurred in 1887.
His wife passed away in December of the same year. In their
family were seven children: Joseph, who followed farming in
Franklin county but is now deceased; Mary, the widow of Joseph
Taylor, of Hampton; Eugene; Sarah Green, who has passed away;
Harriett, the widow of W. M. Place, formerly of Wisconsin but
now a resident of Hampton; Benjamin Wright; and V^ola, the wife
of M. E. Ferris, of Bismarck, North Dakota.
Mr. White pursued his education in the rural schools of Wis-
consin and spent his youthful days upon the farm, remaining under
the parental roof until twenty-two years of age. In 1876 he married
and came to Franklin county, reaching Hampton on the 15th of
March of that year. Mr. White had rented some land four miles
north of Hampton, and for three years he continued to cultivate a
farm which he leased. During that period he carefully saved his
earnings, practicing close economy, and at the end of that time was
enabled to purchase forty acres in Marion township. He also farmed
the Clemmer place for five years and then purchased two hundred
acres in the same township, upon which he continued to make his
home until he retired from active business life in 1900 and removed
to Hampton. He was a very energetic and progressive farmer and
an extensive stock-raiser. In later years he specialized in the rais-
ing of thoroughbred shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs and
did much to improve the grade of stock raised in his part of the
county. Both branches of his business proved profitable, because
of his capable management and unfaltering energy. In the mean-
time he acquired additional land, owning about five hundred acres
at the time of his death. When he retired in 1900 he rented his
place and thereafter lived in the enjoyment of an income which
resulted from his wise and judicious investment in property.
On the 14th of March, 1876, Mr. White was married in Monroe.
Wisconsin, to Miss Lena Eitle, who was born near that place, a
daughter of John G. and Magdelena (Fishes) Eitle. The father,
a native of Germany, came to America in 1848 or 1849, settling in
the state of New York. After a few years he removed westward,
taking up his abode near Monroe, \yisconsin. He enlisted in the
Union army during the Civil war, joining the twenty-first Wiscon-
sin Volunteer Infantry in 1863 and serving until the close of hos-
tilities. He died in August, 1898, having for about twelve years
survived his wife, who passed away in 1886. She, too, was a native
of Germany. In their family were seven children: Louis, a res-
250 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
ident of Texas; Marv, who was the widow of Adam Schiiidlcr and
who died in Wisconsin in 1906; Robert, a resident of Marshall,
Minnesota; Paulina, the wife of S. T. Blain, of Hampton, Iowa;
Mrs. White; John. living in Hampton; and Fdward, a resident
farmer of Hawkeye, Fayette county, Iowa.
Mr. and Mrs. White became the parents of a son. Earl Stanley,
who died in infancy. Mr. White was essentially a home man and
spent all of his leisure hours at his own fireside. His political sup-
port was given to the republican party, but he never sought nor
desired office. He was always faithful in friendship, loyal in citizen-
ship and devoted to the welfare of his wife and his relatives. That
he possessed excellent business ability is indicated in the results
which he achieved, bringing him from, a most humble financial
position to a place among the prosperous residents of his state. In
1913 Mrs. White built a beautiful and modern residence on Fifth
street in Hampton, where she spends her time amid most pleasant
surroundings, having the warm friendship of Hampton's best
people.
ROBERT FRANCIS SULLIVAN.
Robert Francis Sullivan, who passed awav at Phoenix, Arizona,
on the 9th of December, 1905, where he had gone in search of health,
took up his abode in Franklin countv in 1870 and during the long
period of his residence here was variouslv engaged, following school
teaching and farming and later being identified with the implement
business and also the dry-goods trade.
Mr. Sullivan was born in Dubuque countv, Iowa, on the-ist (jf
February, 1845, his parents being John and Margaret Sullivan, the
former a native of Ireland and the latter of Georgia. The period
of his boyhood was spent in his native county and in the acquirement
of his early education he attended the common schools, later continu-
ing his studies at Iowa City. Subsequently he spent a few years in
the west and after returning to this state taught school in Joiies county.
During the summers of 1868 and 1869 he resided in Franklin county,
having purchased one hundred and sixty acres of prairie land in
Ross township. In the winter seasons of those two years he taught
school near Monticello, Jones county. One of his pupils there was
Miss Emogene McCarty, whom he wedded in 1870. She was born
in Watertown, New York, on the 17th of June, 1851, her parents
1
i;iMii;i;T f. sulluan
I
M1!S. KdlSKirr V. SLIJ.INAX
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 255
being Hayes and Emeline (Angel) McCarty, natives of Canada and
Vermont respectively. In the year of their marriage, in March,
Mr. and Mrs. Robert F. Sullivan drove overland to Hampton, Frank-
lin county, the trip consuming an entire week. Then they spent
another week in Hampton while Mr. Sullivan prepared their home.
It was a frame structure and was not yet completed when they took
up their abode therein, the floor being not entirely laid and no doors
or windows having vet been put in. Their household possessions
consisted of six plates, six cups, six saucers, six chairs, a table, a bed-
stead and a little cook stove. During the first year they planted
corn with a hand dropper, and the Marsh harvester was used to
cut grain. When household duties did not require her attention,
Mrs. Sullivan was often out in the fields and helped shock the grain.
During several winter seasons her husband was engaged in teaching
in Franklin county, the schoolhouse being situated a mile from their
home. She accompanied Mr. Sullivan to his school every day and
remembers a visit of the old county superintendent, L. B. Raymond.
There were no newspapers and no magazines in circulation here,
and in her hunger for reading matter she perused her schoolbooks
many times. Robert F. Sullivan had operated a threshing machine
and the funds obtained from this source, added to his salary as a
teacher, were such that he was enabled to begin saving a little money.
He owned three horses and a wagon and had paid six dollars an
acre for the quarter section of raw prairie land which first came
into his possession. As time passed and his financial resources
increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management,
he acquired a half section of land in Ross township and also pur-
chased property elsewhere, in Iowa, Minnesota and Dakota. Success
attended his various undertakings, for he was a man 'of excellent
business ability and sound judgment. He devoted his attention
to general agricultural pursuits for ten years and then came to Shef-
field, embarking in the implement business and building up a grati-
fying trade in this connection. He was likewise engaged in the
dry-goods business in association with his son. Impaired health
at length necessitated his retirement and he went west, hoping that
a change of climate would prove beneficial. While in Phoenix,
Arizona, he passed away on the 9th of December, 1905.
To Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan were born eight children, as follows:
Chester, who has charge of the afll'airs of the Rumley Manufactur-
ing Company at Buenos Aires, South America; Leon S., who is a
resident of Sheffield, Iowa; Hallie, the wife of Van R. Chase, of
Alberta, Canada; Clarence F., living in Park River, North Dakota;
V..1. II— 1 -J
256 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
Olive, who gave her hand in marriage to Walter D. Bigg, of Shef-
field; Eva and Lillian, who died in infancy; and Ida Pearl, who
died in 1899, when twenty-five years of age. Mrs. Sullivan resides
in a beautiful stucco dwelling in ShefTield. She has lived in Frank-
lin county for a period of forty-three years and is well known and
highly esteemed within its borders. In her daily life she exempli-
fies the teachings of the Methodist Episcopal church, of which her
deceased husband was also a devoted member. Mr. Sullivan was
a popular member of the local lodge of the Knights of Pythias, and
his memoty will long be cherished by the many who were his friends.
BENJAMIN A. HOLMES.
For many years Benjamin A. Holmes was engaged as a con-
tractor in Hampton. Iowa, but of late has turned his attention to
the optical business. He was born in DeKalb county, Illinois,
December 15, 1852, and is a son of Samuel A. and Sarah Jane (Har-
ris) Holmes, the former a native of New York state and the latter
of Illinois. The father was a carpenter by trade. Thev were the
parents of fourteen children: Benjamin A., of this review; Phoebe,
the widow of J. P. Webber, of Hampton; Caroline, deceased; Lady,
who married W. E. Jewell, of Hampton; John, a resident of Minne-
sota; Etta, the wife of Robert Bruce, of Mason City; James M., of
Hampton; Charles, of Minnesota; Almond, of Franklin county;
Chauncy, deceased; May, who is married and resides in Washing-
ton; and three who died in infancy. Mrs. Samuel A. Holmes could
put forth the claim of being the first white child of her sex born in
Chicago. Her father, Benjamin Harris, moved with his family to
Chicago, or Fort Dearborn as it was then called, in 1831 Mrs.
Holmes relates in her memoirs that not more than half a dozen white
people had preceded them to Fort Dearborn and that all of them
were Indian traders. She goes on to tell that in the fall the Indians
drove the whites into the fort, where thev remained during the
winter. During this period she was born at Fort Dearborn on Janu-
ary II, 1832. The Chicago Tribune some time ago published an
interesting chapter in relation to her and the Harris family of that
time. In 1883 Benjamin Harris moved to another part of the state
of Illinois and later settled in Iowa. Sarah Jane Harris married
Samuel A. Holmes in January, 18152. He came to Iowa in 1864,
locating at Waterloo, and there he remained until 1874, when he
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 257
came to Hampton. Here he was for many years engaged in the
express business and was widely and popularly known as Major
Holmes. His death occurred in January, 191 2.
Benjamin A. Holmes was but fourteen years of age when he
applied himself to the mason's trade and for over twenty-five years
was successful as a builder and contractor in Hampton. In 1900 he
entered the Johnson Optical College of Chicago, from which he
received a diploma and also secured a permit from the state of Iowa
as an examiner of the eyes. He has since been engaged in the (Optical
business.
On May 30, 1876, Mr. Holmes married Miss Lucy May Bailey,
a native of Illinois, who bore her husband four children, all of
whom passed away in Illinois in infancy. Mrs. Lucy M. Holmes
died August 23, 1882. Mr. Holmes later married Miss Anna Moist,
a native of Hampton, this marriage occurring July 14, 1884. To
them were born three children: Fay B., the wife of Albert Latham,
of Kansas; Guy B., of Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Ray S., of Texlinc,
Texas. The mother of these children passed away and Mr. Holmes
later married Mrs. Ida (Howes) Minnier, widow of Truman Min-
nier. She is a native of Missouri but has lived in Franklin county
ever since she was two weeks old. By her marriage to Mr. Minnier
she has two children: Myrtle, the wife of C. L. Wright, of Clear
Lake, Iowa; and Howard, at home.
Mr. Holmes is a republican and member of the Christian church.
He is highly esteemed by all who know him and has many friends in
Hampton and the vicinity.
JAMES REDDING.
Since 1876 James Redding has been connected with farming
interests of Franklin county, and he is now the owner of two hundred
acres of land whereon he engages successfully in general farming
and stock-raising. He was born in Ireland, December 29, 1835, and
is a son of John and Bridget (Ryan) Redding, also natives of the
Emerald isle, who came to America, locating in Dubuque county,
Iowa, in 1836. Forty years later thev moved to Franklin county and
there passed away in 1893. To their union were born eight children:
James, of this review; Mary, the wife of John Flanagan, of Dubuque
county; Ann and Michael, who reside in Ackley; John, Josephine
258 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
and Frank, deceased; and Katherinc, who married Thomas King,
of Osceohi township.
James Redding was reared in Dubuque county, Iowa, and
acquired his education in the public scliools. After beginning his
active career he farmed upon rented hind there until 1876. In that
year he came to Franklin county with his parents and purchased
eighty acres of land, which he developed and improved for ten years
thereafter. At the end of that time he sold this and bought a farm
of one hundred acres, which he afterward disposed of, buving one
hundred and sixty acres. When he sold this he purchased his present
farm of two hundred acres on section 36, Reeve township. This he
has improved with substantial barns and outbuildings and upon it
has since engaged in general farming a^id stock-raising, meeting
with gratifying and well deserved success.
On the 2ist of January, 1873, Mr. Redding was united in mar-
riage to Miss Mary Markham, a native of Iowa, and thev became
the parents of nine children: twins, who died in infancy; John,
a resident of Franklin county; Clem and Leo, at home; Maggie,
deceased; Maggie, second of the name, who has also passed away;
Irene, at home; and Agnes, deceased. Mr. Redding is a member of
the Roman Catholic church and gives his political allegiance to
the republican party. No record of the agricultural development
of Franklin county would be complete without the historv of his
honorable and useful career, for he is recognized throughout the
communitv as one of its most valuable and estimable citizens.
I. L. STUART.
I. L. Stuart, owner and editor of the Franklin Countv Recorder,
the oldest paper in the county, became foreman of that journal in
1 88 1 and has been identified therewith continuouslv since or for a
period covering more than three decades. His birth occurred in
Chester, Vermont, on the 27th of August, 1855, his parents being
J. Q. and Lucy J. (Burton) Stuart, who removed to Wisconsin in
1867. The father still survives and is now living retired in Wis-
consin, but the mother passed away in that state.
I. L. Stuart attended the common schools of Wisconsin and when
fourteen years of age entered a printing office, learning the trade.
He was with the Milwaukee Sentinel for two years and in 1878
came to Iowa, locating at Charles City, wdiere he was employed as
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 259
foreman by the Floyd County Advocate until 1881. In that year
he came to Hampton and was made foreman of the Franklin County
Recorder, which paper he now owns. He subsequently became
assistant editor under L. B. Raymond, who was his partner for
twenty-six years. In 1909 he purchased Mr. Raymond's interest
and has since conducted the journal independently and in such A
manner that its subscription and advertising patronage is steadily
increasing.
Mr. Stuart married Miss Kitty Clemmer, a representative of a
pioneer family of Wisconsin. They have two children, as follows:
Ralph R., who is a graduate of the law department of George Wash-
ington University; and May, a student in the University of Iowa.
Mr. Stuart gives his political allegiance to the republican party and
fraternally is identified with the Knights of Pythias, being a charter
member of Windsor Lodge, No. 71. He likewise belongs to Mason
City Lodge No. 375, Benevolent Protective Order of Elks.
THOMAS CORWIN ELLIS.
Among the younger farmers of Morgan township, Franklin
countv, who have already achieved success, is Thomas Corwin Ellis,
who was born in this county, October 10, 1873, a son of Jacob and
Caroline (Root) Ellis, the father a native of Illinois, and the mother
of Ohio. They made settlement in Franklin county in 1869, locating
in Morgan township near Dows. Both father and mother have
passed away. They were the parents of five children: Hattie, who
married Julius Malnory, of Dows, Iowa; John, who makes his home
with Mr. Ellis of this review; Clara, the wife of Warren Le Barron,
of Morgan township; Ida. who has passed away; and Thomas Cor-
win, our subject.
Thomas Corwin Ellis was reared under the parental roof and
attended school in the neighborhood of his father's farm. He
remained with the latter on the home place until the father passed
away but in 1893 bought twenty-five acres of land on section 20,
Morgan township. That he has met with good success is evident
from the fact that he now owns two hundred and eighty acres, which
he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. Mr. Ellis has made
excellent improvements upon his land, and his buildings are in
good repair. He follows the most up-to-date methods in farming
260 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
and has already achieved a substantial position in Morgan town-
ship.
The marriage of Thomas Corwin Ellis and Ada Loucks occurred
on May 9, 1S93, and to them were born four children: Clesson L. ;
Vae and John, both deceased; and Caroline L., at home. Mr. Ellis
is a republican. He has been township assessor and township clerk
and has discharged the duties of these offices satisfactorily to all
concerned. He is a Presbyterian and takes interest in church work.
Both he and his wife are well and favorably known in Morgan
township and have many friends in that neighborhood.
JACOB HELBERGER.
Jacob Heuberger, an agriculturist residing on section 20, Ross
township, has made his home in Franklin county for more than a
third of a century and is the owner of four hundred and eighty
acres of rich and productive land. His birth occurred in Canton
Aargau, Switzerland, on the 3d of March, 1844, his parents being
Henry and Mary (Buchle) Heuberger, who passed away in that
country. The father attained the age of eighty-two, while the
mother was seventy-seven years old when called to her final rest.
Jacob Heuberger was reared in his native land and acquired
a good education in its schools. He learned the wagon maker's
trade in Switzerland and was also a soldier in that country, being
registered and meeting for practice several times each year. From
earliest youth he had cherished an ambition to see the world and in
1872, when twenty-eight years of age, crossed the Atlantic to the
United States, settling at Scales Mound, Jo Daviess county, Illinois,
where he worked at his trade. In December, 187c;, he returned to
Switzerland, visiting with his parents until the following June,
when he returned to the United States and again began working at
his trade in Scales Mound and Apple River, Illinois. In 1879 he
came to Franklin county, Iowa, and for a number of years worked as
a wagon maker at Chapin. He was a competent workman and did
a profitable business, being eventually enabled to purchase one hun-
dred and sixty acres of land in Ross township. In 1890 he took up
his abode on the farm, erected a set of substantial buildings and
undertook the cultivation of the land, which had been merely plowed
when it came into his possession. As the years have passed he
has won prosperity in his farming operations, the well tilled fields
JACOB HEl'BKEGER
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 263
annually yielding golden harvests in return for the care and labor
bestowed upon them. He now owns four hundred and eighty acres
of valuable land and is widely recognized as one of the substantial
and representative citizens of the community.
At Scales Mound, Illinois, Mr. Heuberger was united in mar-
riage to Miss Elizabeth Gerber, who was born in Switzerland on
the 14th of December, 1858, her parents being Henry and Mary
(Werndle) Gerber. The Heuberger and Gerber families were
neighbors in Switzerland. Mrs. Elizabeth Heuberger was eight
years of age when she came to the United States with her parents,
both of whom passed away on a farm in Jo Daviess county, Illinois.
Our subject and his wife have five children, namely: Mamie E.,
Harry H., Bertha A., Louis F. and Charley J., all at home. The
sons are splendid specimens of young manhood, being all more than
si.x feet tall.
Mr. Heuberger has always supported the men and measures of
the republican party and keeps well posted on political questions.
He and his oldest son are worthy exemplars of the Masonic frater-
nity, the father belonging to the lodge in Hampton and the son
belonging at Sheffield. Both are members of the commandery of
Iowa Falls, having attained to the Knights Templar degree. The
religious faith of the family is that of the Congregational church.
Seeking the advantages of the new world as a young man, Mr. Heu-
berger eagerly availed himself of the opportunities which presented
themselves and, wisely directing his energies, has won prosperity
and high regard in the countrv of his adoption.
EDWARD HUGH STINSON.
Since 1870 Edward Hugh Stinson has lived upon his present
farm of two hundred acres on section 21, Hamilton township, and by
his well directed efforts and intelligent management has surrounded
himself with a comfortable degree of prosperity, contributing at the
same time in substantial measure to community growth and develop-
ment. He is numbered among the early settlers and among the
prosperous and progressive farmers of his locality, and he is, more-
over, entitled to representation in this volume as a veteran of the
Civil war. He was born in Stephenson county, Illinois, January 24,
1842, and is a son of Michael and Elizabeth (Kelly) Stinson, natives
of Ireland. The father came to America when he was eighteen years
264 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
of age and after five years returned to Ireland, where his naarriage
occurred. With his wife he crossed the Atlantic and settled in Ver-
mont, whence after one year he moved to Chicago. Later he pre-
empted a tract of eightv acres of land in Stephenson countv and
there remained until his death, which occurred Mav 4, 1895, '^^'hen
he was ninety-five years of age. His wife has also passed awav, lier
death occurring April 4, 1870. To their union were born six chil-
dren: Edward Hugh, of this review; ALchael, a resident of Rock-
ford, Illinois; William Francis, operating the old homestead in
Stephenson countv, Illinois; Mary Ellen, deceased; Nora, widow of
Thomas Highland, of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Elizabeth, the wife of
James Crane, of Los Angeles, California.
Edward H. Stinson remained at home, until September 4, 186::,
when he enlisted in Company I, Seventy-fourth Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, under Captain William Irwin. He took part in many
engagements and battles, including the battle of Resaca, Georgia,
May 14, 1864, and was wounded in that engagement. He was after-
ward transferred to Company C, Thirty-sixth Infantry, Veteran
Volunteers, and he had charge of the government mail from New
Orleans to San Antonio, Texas. He still has his official papers signed
by General Phil H. Sheridan. Mr. Stinson continued at the front
until October 11, 1865, when he was mustered out with his honor-
able discharge at Springfield, Illinois. He returned to Stephenson
county and there worked at farm labor for two years, receiving six-
teen dollars a month. In 1868 he rented land near his father's home-
stead, chopping cordwood to earn money to pay the rent. In the
same year he purchased eighty acres of land in Hamilton township,
Franklin county, and in 1870 he moved upon this property, adding
to it from time to time until he now owns two hundred acres. He
has now resided upon this place for over forty years. With charac-
teristic energy he has carried forward the work of improving and
developing his land and has made it a productive and valuable prop-
erty provided with substantial buildings and modern machinery. He
is ranked with the representative and progressive farmers of his
locality, and his influence has been for many years a force in agri-
cultural development.
On the 22d of February, 1874, Mr. Stinson was united in mar-
riage to Miss Maria Underkofler, a daughter of Amos and Susan
(Schoul) Underkofler, natives of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs.
Stinson have become the parents of seven children: Lydia Irene,
the wife of A. S. Stockdale, of Hamilton township; Cora Nina, who
married Fred C. Rawlston, of Meservey, Iowa; Jesse Edward, of
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 265
Hampton; Ellen, the wife of Guy Booth, of Hamilton township;
Ira W., of Mason City; Irvin H., at home; and Susan Viola, who
married William Roach, of Bradford.
Mr. Stinson is a member of the Catholic church and is connected
fraternally with the Grand Army of the Republic. He gives his
political allegiance to the republican party and has taken an active
interest in public affairs, having held various township offices and
being now secretary of the school board. During the years of his
residence here he has gained a high place in both business and social
circles and well deserves mention as one of Franklin county's repre-
sentative agriculturists and useful citizens.
HERBERT E. BOEHMLER.
Herbert E. Boehmler, an extensive landowner in Franklin
county and prominently connected with commercial interests of
Hampton as the proprietor of a large shoe store, was born in Cedar
Falls, Iowa, March 20, 1870, a son of George Henry and Elizabeth
(Segelman) Boehmler, natives of New York. The parents were
pioneers in Iowa and during the early years of their residence here
had to contend with all the struggles and hardships of a frontier
district. The father engaged in the lumber and grain business in
Cedar Falls, where he established the first elevator. He and his
wife became the parents of five children: George, of Saskatchewan,
Canada ;' Albert, claim adjuster for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St.
Paul Railroad at Cedar Falls; Harry, engineer on the Illinois
Central Railroad at Waterloo; Carrie, the wife of J. P. Herman, of
Des Moines; and Herbert E., of this review.
Herbert E. Boehmler acquired his early education in the public
schools of Blackhawk county and afterward entered Iowa State Uni-
versity, where he studied pharmacy. In 1890 he came to Franklin
county and for six years was connected with a Mr. Baldwin in the
drug business. At the end of that time he turned his attention to the
shoe business, purchasing the store which he has since conducted.
He carries a large and well assorted stock and controls an important
patronage, for his business methods are at all times honorable and
his integrity is beyond question. He owns an attractive home in
Hampton and has besides about one thousand acres of farming land
in Franklin county. His large interests are all carefully and con-
266 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
servativcly managed and have brought him a gratifying degree of
success.
On the 20th of March, 189;, Mr. Boehmler was united in mar-
riage to Miss lone O. Hutchins, and thev have become the parents
of three children, Ronald, James and Gwendolyn. Mr. Boehmler
is a member of the Congregational church, is connected fraternally
with the Masonic order and the Knights of Pythias and gives his
political allegiance to the republican party. He is prominent in
both business and social circles and is today regarded as one of the
leading citizens of the community.
ANTON DUIT.
Anton Duit, a native son of Grant township and today one of
the representative and successful farmers of his locality, operating
one hundred and sixty acres of land, was born February 27, 1885.
He is a son of John Gerald and Eliesa Jajjenetta (Grothaus) Duit,
natives of Germany. For twenty-seven years the father followed
the sea, and when he abandoned this occupation he came to America,
settling in Franklin county, Iowa, about the year 1883. He turned
his attention to general farming and has accumulated valuable landed
holdings, owning today three hundred and sixty acres. He is liv-
ing retired in Ackley and has survived his wife since March 10,
1905. To their union were born seven children: Gerald, deceased;
Carl J., of Grant township; Anton, deceased; Tjode, who has passed
away; Anton, of this review; Annie, who resides in Ackley; and
Tjode, second of the name, the wife of John Ubben, of Garrison,
Iowa.
Anton Duit acquired his education in the district schools of
Franklin county and during his childhood and youth worked upon
his father's farm. He is now operating one hundred and sixty acres
of the homestead and has met with gratifying success in the con-
duct of his interests, for his methods are at all times practical and
he possesses a thorough knowledge of the details of farm operation.
On the 1 2th of February, 1907, Mr. Duit married Miss Otillia
Heinz, of Grant township, and they have become the parents of two
children: Harry John, born July 13, 1909; and Selma Eliesa, Jaj-
jenetta, born July 2, 191 1. Mr. and Mrs. Duit are members of the
Lutheran church, and Mr. Duit is connected fraternally with the
Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his political allegiance to
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 269
tlic democratic party and is interested in the growth and welfare
of his native community. He is one of the progressive and success-
ful voung men of the township and holds the esteem and confidence
of all who are associated with him.
HENRY HUMKE.
A fine farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 36,
Osceola township, is the property of Henry Humke, who is accounted
one of the leading agriculturists in his locality. He was born in
Dubuque county, Iowa, September 22, 1869, and is a son of Charles
F. and Eva (Rath) Humke, the former a native of Iowa and the
latter of Germany. The father came to Franklin county in 1881
and located in Osceola township, where he engaged in farming until
his death, which occurred July 7, 1913. His wife has also passed
awav. To their union were born eight children: John F., a farmer
of Osceola township; Henry, of this review; Anna, the wife of Henry
Hembd, of Grundy county, Iowa; Charles and William, of Osceola;
Lvdia, the wife of Wyatt Johnson, of South Dakota; a son, who died
in infancy; and George, residing on the old homestead.
Henrv Humke was reared at home and when he began his inde-
pendent career turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, renting
one hundred and twenty acres from his father. Later he purchased
this property and under his able management it has become valuable
and productive, reflecting evervwhere the care and labor which the
owner has bestowed upon it.
On the 31st of May, 1894, ^^ Humke was united in marriage
to Miss Emma Kliebenstein, a native of Lee county, Iowa, and a
daughter of Rev. L. and Mary (Meiser) Kliebenstein, natives of
Germanv. The father was a Presbyterian minister and had charge
of a congregation in Lee county for about nineteen years, after which
he moved near Ackley, in Grundy county, where he had charge of
a congregation for nearly twenty years. He died in Dubuque county,
this state. May 5, 1907, and is survived by his wife, who makes her
home in St. Louis, Missouri. To their union were born eight chil-
dren, the eldest of whom, a son, died in infancy. The others are:
Mary, the wife of Ed Dippell, of Mitchell county, Iowa; Emma,
wife of the subject of this review; Lvdia, who married H. F. Girard,
of Dubuque; Louis F., a banker of Kingsley, Iowa; August, a resi-
270 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
dent of Chicago, Illinois; Edward, who has passed a\va\ ; and
Amelia, the wife of A. C. Reibert, of St. Louis, Missouri.
Mr. and Mrs. Humke have two children: Willard Henry, born
April 19, 1898; and Marie Amelia, born February 20, 1901. Mr.
Humke is a member of the Presbyterian church and gives his politi-
cal allegiance to the republican party. He has served as a member
of the school board, and the cause of education finds in him a lova!
supporter. He is well and favorably known in Osceola township,
and his record is a credit' to a name that has long been an honored
one in his communitv-
EDWARD 1. EVANS.
Many of our American citizens of Norwegian birtli liave |
achieved success along agricultural lines in this country. Among
them is Edward I. Evans, who owns a valuable farm of one hun-
dred and twentv acres on section 34, Morgan township, from whicli
he receives a gratifying income. Mr. Evans was born in Norway,
May 20, 1877, and is a son of Ingebret and Gertrude Oleson, natives
of Norway, who came to America in 1887, locating in Wright
county, where both are still living. Thev were the parents of four-
teen children: Edward I.; Bertha, who married Paul Lynn, of
Hartland, Minnesota; Ole, of Iowa Falls; Christian, of Hamilton
county, of this state; Marion, of Hardin county; Matilda, Albert,
Gunda, Mott and Bernice, at home; and four who died in infancy.
At the age of ten years Edward 1. Evans earned money for his
own support, herding cattle until fourteen years of age on the prairie.
He was then engaged in farming for ten years but in 1901 bought
one hundred and twenty acres on section 34, Morgan township,
which he has since cultivated. All of the improvements have been
made by him and success has come to him in return for honesty,
industry and energy. He engages in general farming and his acres
are under high cultivation.
On October 13, 1900, Mr. Evans was united in marriage to Miss
Marie Gunnell Hanson, a daughter of Carl Hanson, who is more
extensively mentioned in another part of this volume. Mr. and Mrs.
Evans have si.x children: Alvin C, Ernest L., Gladys R., Manwell
H., Carl I. and Edna Vernetta, all at home.
Edward I. Evans, although young in years, has achieved a fair
measure of success along agricultural lines and is considered one
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 271
of the substantial men of Morgan township. He is a member of the
Lutheran church and is interested in its work. Mr. Evans has many
friends in the neighborhood and is highly regarded by all who know
him.
WILLIAM BARRY.
Among the successful pioneers of Franklin county William
Barry occupies a conspicuous position by reason of his progress-
ive work along agricultural lines. Mr. Barry has not only attained
individual success but has contributed toward agricultural stan-
dards of the state and has always been a leader in accepting new
ways and means toward reaching the farmer's goal of success. He
was born on the 13th of August, 1845, a son of Edmund and Eliza-
beth (Kirby) Barry, both natives of County Cork, Ireland. Together
they emigrated to America in 1840 and first located in Syracuse, New
York, where the father found employment in a salt works. By rea-
son of his abilitv, close application and faithfulness to duty he soon
rose to a prominent position. However, the call of the west had its
charm for him and about two years later he departed, making his
way to Green county, Wisconsin, where he embarked in agriculture.
He at first rented two hundred and forty acres on shares, which he
cultivated with such good results that he was later enabled to pur-
chase one hundred and sixty acres. Close application and good
judgment resulted in continued prosperity and he increased his hold-
ings until he finally owned eight hundred acres. He was one of the
.foremost agriculturists of his district in Wisconsin and stood high
in the estimation of his friends and neighbors. Mr. and Mrs.
Edmund Barry had nine children. Those living are John, who
is located on the homestead in Green county; William, our subject;
and Frank, who is a business man of Long Beach, California. Both
parents died in \\'isconsin about 1899, their demise occurring but a
short time apart.
William Barrv received his early education in the country schools
of Wisconsin and had the usual experiences of a farmer lad, begin-
ning early to assist his father in his extensive farming operations.
He showed unusual qualifications for this kind of work and applied
a number of new ideas in working the farm. While yet assisting his
father he made his first investment by buying one hundred acres in
Green county, Wisconsin, at the rate of ten dollars per acre, and he
272 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
later sold this tract at a handsome profit. Shortly thereafter Mr.
Barry made his first trip to Iowa, walking from Ackley, this state,
to what is now Franklin county, and looking for possible investments
in land. Although a friend who had accompanied him purchased
property Mr. Barry decided to wait, but in 1870 he returned and
with his brother traded a horse as a first deposit on land in Ingham
township. There they together bought one hundred and sixty acres
of rich prairie land. This was at a time when practically every
farmer gave his attention to raising wheat and the first two crops
of this cereal were so bountiful that all continued along that line.
However, in the third year the wheat turned out to be an utter
failure, and wliile most of the other agriculturists continued in try-
ing to raise the same cereal for several years thereafter Mr. Barry
and his brother grew timothy and their hay crop was probably the
largest ever seen in their part (jf the state. They had in the mean-
time bought cattle to a considerable extent, and while tlie farmers
around them were failing and were forced to give up they succeeded
and derived large profits from the cattle business. They disposed
of their stock in the Chicago market. Mr. Barry subsequently made
numerous and advantageous trades in land, always increasing his
holdings, until finally in 1894 he moved to Hampton. He today still
owns nearly five hundred acres of land and has ever followed the
rule of investing his surplus in good Iowa agricultural property.
He has for a number of years been considered an authority on land
values and has never risked his capital in dubious investments. He
has made his money in Iowa and believes in home investments. His
spirit of attachment to the soil has not onlv brought him prosperity
but has left the money where it was made and in that way he has
been a great factor in the upbuilding of the prosperous state, of
which he is a successful citizen. He has ever shown extraordinary j
judgment in all business transactions, and his reputation is of the
highest on account of his fair methods, which underlie all his bus-
iness deals.
On February 11, 1873, Mr. Barrv married Miss Marv K.
Walker, a lady of Kentucky parentage. They have two children:
Frank, who is connected with shipping interests in Oregon; and
Joseph, at Hampton. The second son was born September 2, 1878,
and received his early education in the country and district schools,
later graduating from the high school at Hampton. He spent some
years in traveling in the west and was also connected with a whole-
sale house of Spokane for a time. Later he returned to Hampton
and is now assisting his father in looking after the properties which
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 273
they jointly own. He married on November 9, 191 2, Miss Lulu
Ferris, a daughter of Benjamin F. and Adeline (Forrest) Ferris,
the former a native of Binghampton, Broome county. New York,
and a prominent nurseryman of Hampton. Mrs. Barry's father is
a veteran of the Civil war and in 1861 enlisted as a soldier in Com-
pany F, First Colorado cavalry, remaining in the service three years
and three months. He participated in the battle of Pigeon's Ranch
and in that of Apache Canyon, New Mexico. In the first battle
he lost his horse, and in the second he received a wound in the leg.
However, for the greater part of the time he was engaged in service
against the Indians, and in scouting. From 1866 to 1868 he took
part in the war which the Mexicans waged against Maximilian and
was in the battle in which Maximilian was captured. At the con-
clusion of the war in Mexico he removed to Texas.
Politically Mr. Barry is a democrat and has always taken a
deep interest in the progress of his section. Political honors have
been offered him, but he has always declined preferment of a public
character. However, he for years was a trustee of Ingham town-
ship. When he arrived here there were twenty-five voters and of
these two were democrats, he and his brother bringing the repre-
sentatives of this party up to the number of four. Mr. Barry has
watched the onward march of civilization and has always partici-
pated in activities that have made Iowa the foremost agricultural
state of the Union. He is highly esteemed and respected in Hamp-
ton for what he has done and for what he is. Physically and men-
tally he appears to be a man many years younger than his record
shows, and he is still intelligently interested in all objects which
have for their purpose the development and advancement of the
people in a moral, intellectual and material way. The honors which
are accorded him are highly merited.
JAMES HARVEY TOBIAS.
James Harvey Tobias has been connected with agricultural
interests of Franklin county since 1875 and has risen in the interval
to be one of the leading farmers of Marion township, where he
owns two hundred and forty acres of valuable land. He was born
in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, July 17, 1861, and is a son of William
and Caroline (Krause) Tobias, also natives of the Keystone state.
They went from Pennsylvania to Ogle county, Illinois, and there
274 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
the mother's death occurred in 1869. The father afterward moved
to Lafayette county, Wisconsin, and at tlie end of ten years went
to Wichita, Kansas, where he now resides. He and his wife became
the parents of nine children, four of whom survive, as follows: Car-
rie, the wife of H. A. Cunningham, of Maryville, Missouri; Emma
J., who married E. J. Rickart, of Texas county, Missouri; James
Harvey, of this review; and Samuel, of Enid, Oklahoma.
When James H. Tobias was fourteen years of age he came to
Franklin county and began working as a farm laborer continuing
thus until 1891, when he rented land. In 1905 he purchased one
hundred and sixty acres of land in Scott township and after culti-
vating this for five years disposed of it. In 191 1 he purchased two
hundred and forty acres on section 20, Marion township, and here
he has since engaged in general farming and stock-raising, meeting
with substantial- and well deserved success. ]
Mr. Tobias married Miss Clara E. Carpenter, a native of Galena,
Illinois, and thev became the parents of two children: a son who
died in infancy; and Hazel M., born February 25, 1903. Mr. Tobias
is a member of the Methodist church and a republican in his political
beliefs. He belongs to the Masonic lodge of Hampton and was mas- ^
ter of this organization for two years. He is a man of many sterling
traits of character, reliable in business, progressive in citizenship
and at all times trustworthy and straightforward.
ARTHUR LEWIS WOOD, D. V. S.
Dr. Arthur Lewis Wood, a successful veterinary surgeon of
Hampton, was born in Prairie City, Iowa, February 27, 1878. He
is a son of George M. and Margaret (Ryan) Wocxf, the former a
native of Illinois and the latter of New York. In their family were
two children: Arthur Lewis, of this review; and Roscoe David,
deceased.
Arthur L. Wood acquired his early education in the public
schools of Prairie City, Iowa, an*d later attended Iowa State Col-
lege at Ames, graduating from the department of veterinary surger\'
in 1902. In the same year he moved to Franklin county and located
at Hampton, where he has since engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession. His ability has become widely recognized, and he has built
up a large and steadily growing patronage. He has a completely
■wm
UK. AKTHUK I.. WOOD
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 277
equipped establishment in Hampton, provided with all the appa-
ratus necessary in the treatment of diseases of animals.
On the i8th of December, 1902, Dr. Wood was united in mar-
riage to Miss Anna Haines, of Prairie City, Iowa, a daughter of
Anson and Isabel (Yuill) Haines. The father is a farmer of Jasper
county, Iowa, but the mother has passed away. To the union of
Dr. and Mrs. Wood have been born four children: Lawrence A.,
George Robert, Roscoe David and Isabel. Dr. Wood is a member
of the Methodist church and connected fraternally with the Masonic
order and the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his polit-
ical allegiance to the republican party and for the past eight years
has creditably filled the position of assistant state veterinarian. He
has won gratifying success in his profession, and he holds the respect
and confidence of all who are in any way associated with him.
W. H. ROWE.
W. H. Rowe, who has lived retired in Chapin for the past eight
years, devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits through-
out his active business career and is still the owner of an excellent
farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Richland township. He
came to Franklin county with his parents in 1870 and has here resided
continuously throughout the intervening f(jrty-three years. His
birth occurred in England on the 22d of May, 1852, his parents being
William and Peggy (Jones) Rowe, who emigrated to the United
States in 1866. They spent one year in Pennsylvania and subse-
quently lived for three years in Lafayette county, Wisconsin. In
1870 the family home was established in Richland township, Frank-
lin county, Iowa, the father purchasing- two hundred and twenty
acres of land, on which stood a log house. Here he followed farm-
ing throughout the remainder of his active business career, spending
his last days in honorable retirement at Chapin, where both he and
his wife passed away. Their children were nine in number, as fol-
lows: Elizabeth Jane, who is a resident of Mason City, Iowa; Helen,
living at Bisbee, Arizona; Thomas, whose demise occurred in Kan-
sas; John, who makes his home in Madison, South Dakota; W. H.,
of this review; Alfred, of Hampton, Iowa; Mary, who is the wife
of Charles Seney, of Mason City; Florence, who gave her hand in
marriage to William Riddle, of Ross township; and one, who died
in infancy.
Vol n— 1 II
278 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
W. H. Rowe was a youth of fourteen when he accompanied his
parents on their emigration to the new world and had attained the
age of eighteen when the family came to this county in 1870. He
purchased an unimproved farm of one hundred and sixty acres in
Richland township and began its development, devoting his atten-
tion to its operation with such excellent results that he won the com-
petence which now enables him to live retired. In 19(^:5 he put
aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in Chapin,
where he has remained during the past eight years.
In Franklin county Mr. Rowe wedded Miss Ella Engebretsoii,
a sister of Evan Engebretson, of Hampton. To them were born four
children, namely: Willard, who is married and lives in Ross town-
ship; Lottie, the wife of Royal Sanders, who resides on the farm of
his father-in-law; one who died in infancy; and Alma, who passed
away at the age of seven years.
In politics Mr. Rowe is a republican, loyally supporting the
men and measures of that party at the polls. While living on the
farm he held the office of township trustee and also acted as a school
director. Fraternallv he is identified with the Independent Order
of Odd Fellows at Chapin. He has always shown great interest
in all that pertains to the general welfare and has been known as a
public-spirited man who has always found time and inclination to
cooperate in the movements for the public good. In all the relations
of life he has been honorable and straightforward, and his example
is well worthy of emulation.'
GEORGE F. PARKINSON.
George F. Parkinson is one of the prosperous farmers of Frank-
lin county, where he owns a valuable property in Morgan town-
ship. He was born in Hardin county, Iowa, October 18, i860, and
is a son of Samuel and Elmina (Stephens) Parkinson, the father
born in England and the mother in Illinois. Samuel Parkinson came
to America in 181^0 and located in Ohio. Thence he went to Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, and then to Iowa Falls. From the latter city he came
to Morgan township, where he resided for a number of years, pass-
ing the remainder of his life in California, where he died in April,
loio. His wife now makes her hcnne in Los Angeles, that state.
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Parkinson had six children: Annie, the wife
of George C. Gibson, of Los Angeles, California; George F., of
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 279
this review; William S., of Los Angeles; Florence, who married J.
D. Thompson, of Pasadena, California; Alice, of Los Angeles; and
Edith, deceased.
George F. Parkinson remained under the parental roof until
twenty-nine years of age. He received his education in schools near
his father's home and subsequently gave his attention to agricul-
tural pursuits, assisting his father until he bought two hundred and
fifty-seven acres on section 31, Morgan township. He has greatly
improved his place, has erected modern buildings and has his land
in a high state of cultivation. He engages in general farming and
also gives considerable attention to stock-raising. His farming ven-
ture is entirely profitable, and he has since also acquired a quarter
section of land in the state of Kansas.
On December 21, 1886, Mr. Parkinson wedded Miss Minnie
Rice, a native of Winneshiek county, this state, and to this union
were born four children: Merle L., born October 5, 1888, of Los
Angeles, California; Fay Alton, September 15, 1891, at home;
Alfred Clarence, born August 28, 1893; and Edith Winifred, w^ho
married Roscoe Robinson, of Belmond, Iowa. Mr. Parkinson is a
republican. For five years he has been a school director and fra-
ternally belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America. The career
of Mr. Parkinson is proof of the fact that ambition is the key of
success, for he has always been ambitious, industrious and energetic.
He is one of the foremost agriculturists of Franklin county and the
pr(,-jperity that has attended his efforts has come to him in well
merited return for honorable labor.
A. C. ANDERSON.
Since 1878 A. C. Anderson has been engaged in farming in
Franklin county and he is today the owner of a valuable property of
three hundred and twenty acres in Richland township. He was
born in Dane county, Wisconsin, January 22, 1852, and is a son of
Christian and Ellen Anderson, natives of Norway. They crossed the
Atlantic in a sailing vessel in 1851 and after six weeks upon the
ocean landed in America. They went by way of the canal and
Great Lakes to Milwaukee and walked from that point to Madison.
They made their home in Dane county, Wisconsin, until 1855 ^"^
then moved to Iowa, locating in Butler county, where the father
2«() HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
died in the same year. The mother afterward married I'aul Rude,
and died at Cedar Falls, Iowa, at the age of eighty-five.
A. C. Anderson spent his boyhood in Butler county and there
remained until 1878. In that year he came to Franklin county and
bought one hundred and twenty acres of unimproved land in Rich-
land township. To this he has since added at intervals until he
now owns three hundred and twenty acres, all in a high state of culti-
vation. He has erected substantial buildings and provided the place
with all the accessories necessary to the conduct of a modern farm-
ing property. The entire place reflects his careful supervision and
is a valuable addition to the agricultural resources of the locality.
Mr. Anderson married Miss Isabelle Jacobson, a native of Wis-
consin, and they have become the parents "of seven children: Eva,
the wife of William Hunt of Cerro Gordo county, Iowa; Julia, who
married Harry York, of Edmonton, Alberta; Ellen, the wife of Ed
Letzring, of Mason City; Minnie; Ida; Albert; and Clara, who is
attending school in Mason City.
Mr. Anderson is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his
political allegiance to the republican party, serving for fifteen years
as school director. The long period of his residence here has made
him widely and favorably known, for he has followed always the
most straightforward business methods and the highest and most
honorable personal standards.
FRANK W. KORTH.
Frank W. Korth is a successful farmer of Morgan township,
Franklin county, where he owns eighty acres on section 14. He was
born in Wisconsin, on the 21st of February, 1869, and is a son of
Wilhelm and Caroline (Wilke) Korth, natives of Germany, who
came to America in the early '60s, locating in Wisconsin. There
they made their home for about seven years and then came to
Morgan township, where the father passed away on the 20th of
February, 1908. He was widely known in his township and favor-
ably regarded by all who knew him. Mrs. Caroline Korth lives in
Dows. To their union were born ten children, as follows: a son
who died and was buried at sea ; Bertha, the wife of G. H. Butenhoff,
of Hamilton township; Frank W. ; Albert, of Morgan township;
Matilda, who married H. W. Lcmpke, of Morgan township; Theo-
dore, also of Morgan township; Sarah, a resident of Dows; Otto, of
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 281
Morgan township; Amanda, of Dows; and Walter, of Morgan
township.
F'rank W. Korth attended district school near his father's farm
and assisted him in the work of the home place until he had reached
the age of thirty-one years. He became efficient in agricultural
pursuits and after leaving the home farm set himself up inde-
pendently, acquiring title to eighty acres on section 14, Morgan
township. He has his acres under high cultivation, and his improve-
ments make the place one of the valuable ones of the neighborhood.
Mr. Korth follows up-to-date methods and such success as has come
to him is the result of indefatigable labor, well applied energy and
good judgment.
On January 27, 1910, Frank W. Korth was united in marriage
to Miss Winifred McKenzie, who was born in Franklin county and
is a daughter of Charles R. and Marie (Murphy) McKenzie,
natives of Ohio and pioneers of Franklin county, who came here in
1868, locating near Sheffield, but later removing to Hampton. The
father died in February, 1906, and the mother now makes her home
in the latter city. They were the parents of six children: Ambrose,
of Denver, Colorado; Mary, of Hampton; Winifred, who is now
Mrs. Frank W. Korth; Florence, who married G. W. Froelich, of
St. Paul, Minnesota; Frances, of Hampton, who teaches public
school at Manning; and Aileen, deceased. Mrs. Korth before her
marriage was for three years a school teacher and for five terms was
principal of the west side school at Hampton. Mr. Korth is a-
republican and is interested in the welfare of his party, stanchly
supporting its candidates at the polls. He served for some time as
a director of the school board of Morgan township and is a member
of the Lutheran church. Mr. Korth is public-spirited and takes
part in promoting all public improvements. He stands high in the
confidence of his friends and neighbors.
EVIN MILLET.
Evin Millet, one of the valued and representative citizens of
Bradford, living in retirement after many years of close connection
with agricultural interests of Franklin county, was born in Jo Daviess
county, Illinois, September 24, 1856. He is a son of Andrew and
Lovern (Henderson) Millet, natives of Ohio, who came to Franklin
county in 1870, locating in Reeve township. The father died here
282 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
in January, 1909, and his widow makes her home in Hampton. To
their union were born six children: Albert, a resident of Hampton;
Evin, of this review; Ellen, deceased; Sarah, the wife of James
Osborn, of Illinois; and Alma and George, deceased.
Evin Millet's entire active life was devoted to farming. He
was reared upon his father's homestead and aided in its operation
for some time, becoming familiar at an early age with the details of
farm ()peratif)n. When he left home he purchased land of his own
and has owned farms in various parts of the county. These proper-
ties he managed always in a capable and progressive way and became
well known as a successful and representative agriculturist. He is
now living in Bradford in practical retirement, although he owns
seven acres of improved land just outside the town limits.
Mr. Millet married Miss Dana Pickering, a native of Illinois,
and thev have become the parents of five children: Charles, a resi-
dent of Dows, Iowa; Mabel, the wife of W. I. Stockdale; Arthur.
at home; Jessie, the wife of John Hickther, of Lee township; and
Emma, who married Edward Fits, also of Lee township. Mr.
Millet is a member of the Methodist church and gives his political
allegiance to the republican party. He is well known throughout
the county for his many excellent traits of character and has com-
manded the respect and confidence of his neighbors and friends.
FRANK PEKAREK.
Frank Pekarek, a prosperous and progressive agriculturist of
Franklin countv, who has been for many years prominently con-
nected with farming interests of Geneva township as the owner of
the Maple Grove Farm, is a native of Bohemia, born December 25,
1837. He is a son of John and Kate Pekarek, who lived and died
in their native country. Three children were born to their union:
Frank, of this review; Annie, deceased; and John.
Frank Pekarek was reared in Bohemia and there acquired his
education. In 1867 he came to America and settled first in Wiscon-
sin, where he remained for three years. He afterward moved to
Iowa, spending a similar period of time in Marshall county, whence
he came to Franklin county, where he engaged in railroad work for
seven years. At the end of that time he bought forty acres of land
in Osceola township and after developing this for nine years bought
his present farm of two hundred acres, on sections 28 and 33, Geneva
JIR. AND JIRS. FRANK PEKAREK
I
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 285
township. This property is known as the Maple Grove Farm and
Mr. Pekarek has managed it practically and intelligently, making
it in the course of time one of the finest farms in his locality.
Mr. Pekarek married Miss Mary Kopacek, who died September
23, 1868, leaving a daughter, Annie, now the wife of Patrick Ryan,
of Kalamazoo, Michigan. After the death of his first wife Mr.
Pekarek married Miss Josephine Kudge and to this union were born
twelve children: Charles, of Geneva; Joseph, of Minnesota; Mary,
the wife of John Seikart, of Ackley, Iowa; Sophie, who married Wil-
liam Seikart, also of Ackley; Kate, the wife of L. Thomas, of Geneva;
Emma, who married G. Bolander, of Rockwell City; Frank, of Iowa
Falls; John E., at home; Albert, of Geneva; Ella, who married F.
Thomas, of Geneva; Edward, of Minnesota; and George, of Geneva.
Mr. Pekarek is a member of the Roman Catholic church and gives
his political allegiance to the republican party. He is one of the
early residents of Franklin county, identified for many years with
agricultural interests, and he has won a degree of success which places
him among the representative and valued citizens of his township.
DANIEL H. HELD.
Through well directed business activity and enterprise Daniel
H. Held has won for himself a foremost place among the leading
farmers and stock dealers of Franklin county. He owns four hun-
dred and eighty acres of valuable land on sections 31 and 32, Geneva
township, and has made this farm a productive and valuable prop-
erty, evidencing everywhere the intelligent care and labor he bestows
upon it. He was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, September 24,
1868, and is a son of Peter and Margaret (Schultz) Held, the for-
mer a native of Germany and the latter of New York. The father
came to America with his parents when he was still a boy and located
with them in Wisconsin. In 1886 he came to Iowa, where he had
purchased a farm in Geneva township immediately after the Civil
war. He resided upon this propertv for a number of years and also
discharged his duties as an Evangelical minister. For a period of
thirty years he had made the circuit in Wisconsin and was well
known in religious circles of that state. He died in Ackley, Iowa,
March 3, 1903, and is survived by his wife, who resides in Ackley.
Five children were born to their union: Caroline, the wife of Mat
Stauflfacher, of Ackley; Daniel H., of this review; Benjamin, a res-
286 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
ident of Ackley; Ida, who died at the age of one year; and William,
of Hansell.
Daniel H. Held came to Geneva township with his parents in
1886 and has since remained a resident of this part of the county.
He aided in the operation of the homestead until after his father's
death and then purchased the interests of the other heirs. He owns
four hundred and eighty acres on sections 31 and 32, Genev^a town-
ship, and there engages in general farming and stock-raising, being
also a shipper on an extensive scale. His interests are all carefully
conducted and have brought him a gratifying and well deserved
success.
On the 9th of July, 1896, Mr. Held was united in marriage to
Miss Christina Walter, a native of Germany, and they have become
the parents of three children: Walter, Elmer and Roy. Mr. Held
is a member of the Evangelical church and is connected fraternally
with the Modern Woodmen of America. His life has been one of
well directed activity and intelligent effort, resulting in the attain-
ment of a fair measure of success, and wherever he is known he is
respected and esteemed by reason of his genuine personal worth.
FRANK H. HACKBARTH.
Frank H. Hackbarth is a prosperous farmer of Morgan town-
ship, Franklin county, where he owns one hundred and twenty acres
of land on section 23, all highly improved. He was born in Wiscon-
sin, September 7, 1869, and is a son of A. H. Hackbarth, of whom
more extended mention is made in another part of this work. Frank
H. Hackbarth was educated in the district schools, attending near
his father's farm, and he remained with the latter until he was
twenty-three years of age, when he bought eighty acres on section
23, Morgan township, to which he has since added forty acres. He
is engaged in general farming and stock-raising, and his labors
return him a gratifying income. His farm by its appearance por-
trays the prosperity of its owner, and he has installed there the most
modern machinerv and has made a number of excellent improv-
ments. His buildings are kept in good repair and his fields are in
a high state of cultivation.
On July 19, 1893, Mr. Hackbarth was united in marriage to Miss
Sarah Capellen, a daughter of Henry Capellen, of whom more
extended mention is made in connection with the biography of E.
I
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 287
H. Capellen in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Hackbarth of this review
had six children, as follows: Lee G., born March 28, 1895; Leta
Edna, born March 8, 1897, who died a few days later, on the i6th
of the same month; Lester Edwin, born May 9, 1898; Floyd Frank,
born October 2, 1903; Daniel Harold, October 25, 1905; and Ver-
lynn Dallas, born July 24, 191 1.
Mr. Hackbarth now serves as clerk of Morgan township and
ably discharges his duties in that position. He also has been for
some time on the school board. He gives his political allegiance
to the republican party and in his religion is a member of the Metho-
dist Episcopal church. Mr. Hackbarth is highly respected by all
who know him, as one of the representative citizens of Franklin
county.
OLE IVERSON.
Norway has furnished many of the successful agriculturists to
Franklin county, among whom is Ole Iverson, who was born in
that country November 29, 1855. He is a son of Erick and Marie
(Nelson) Iverson, both natives of the land of the midnight sun.
They came to America in 1870 and, making their way to Iowa,
located in Oakland township, Franklin county. The father died
February 17, 1904, having survived his wife since January, 1871.
To them were born seven children: Iver, Nels, Christian, Gertrude
and Bertha, deceased; Ole, of this review; and Edward, of Morgan
township, this county.
Ole Iverson came with his parents to America when about fifteen
years of age, having received most of his education in his native
country. He turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, working
for three years as a farm hand and receiving ten dollars per month
in compensation for his services. He then bought in partnership
with his father eighty acres of land on section 8, Oakland township,
and later added thereto forty acres. He has since been successfully
engaged along agricultural lines. He has put up a number of sub-
stantial buildings, and his place is evidence of his careful methods.
On January 10, 1882, Mr. Iverson married Martha Nelson, a
native of Norway and a daughter of EUef and Bertha (Peterson)
Nelson, natives of Norway. The parents crossed the Atlantic and in
1872 settled in Green county, Wisconsin. There the father died.
The mother in 1882 came to Oakland township, this county, where
288 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
she passed away on September 21, 1907. They were the parents of
twelve children: Nels, of Oakland tcnvnship; Peter, deceased;
Christie, the widow of Lars Golackson; George, of Green county,
Wisconsin; Annie, the wife of Amos Bayston, of Orangeville, Illi-
nois; Carrie, who married Phillip Maybauen, of Hardin county;
Sarah and Ole, of Green county, Wisconsin; Martha, the wife of
our subject; lliomas, deceased; Ellef, of Popejoy; and a daughter,
Martha, who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Iverson had three
children: Eda Matilda, born in 1882, who died August 26,
1908; Berdelia Marie, who was born September 2, 1883, and for
some time taught district school, now being the wife of Alfred
Schwab; Nettie Amelia, born June 10, 1885, who became the wife
of Alfred Thompson, by whom she has a "daughter, Marvel Leota,
born November 24, 1908. Mr. Thompson died June 26, 1908. Mr.
and Mrs. Schwab have one son, Walter Orland Schwab, born
November 4, 1909.
Ole Iverson is a republican and for seven vears was road super-
visor. He also has served for some time on the school board of
Oakland township. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran
church. Mr. and Mrs. Iverson are highly esteemed by all who know
them, and such success as has come to him is well merited, for it
has been achieved through energy, industry and honesty.
ISAAC BENJAMIN SWITZER.
Isaac Benjamin Switzer, conducting a feed and sale stable in
Hampton, was born in Canada, March 10, 1865, a son of James
Switzer, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work.
When two years of age he was brought to Iowa by his parents, who
established their home on what is now the Mott farm, five miles east
of Hampton. Later they took up their abode in Giant township,
where fames Switzer passed away.
At the age of seven years Isaac B. Switzer went to make his home
with his uncle, W. H. Weaver, near what was then the town of Otis-
ville and is now known as Dows. There he remained until sixteen
years of age, acquiring a common-school education. He engaged
as a cattle herder and was afterwards for three years in the cheese
business in Franklin county. He afterward took up farming in part-
nership with his brother, Julius Nelson Switzer, and w^as later in
the liverv business in Dows, Iowa. At the end of six years he became
ISAAC B. SWITZKR
\t
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 201
interested in the construction of township roads and after following
this occupation for two years again turned his attention to agricul-
tural pursuits. In 1904 he bought eighty acres of land in West Fork
township, Franklin county, and to this added forty acres, operating
the property for six years. At the end of that time he sold his hold-
ings and moved to Hampton, where he erected a sale stable and feed
barn one hundred and twenty-two by one hundred and thirty-two feet
in dimensions and constructed of cement block. He has since oper-
ated this enterprise and has a large patronage, for his prices are
reasonable and his business methods beyond reproach.
On the 24th of December, 1902, Mr. Switzer married Miss Sarah
Way. a native of Wisconsin, and both are well known in Hampton.
Mr. Switzer attends the Congregational church, of which his wife is
a member. He is connected fraternally WMth the Modern Woodmen
of America and gives his political allegiance to the republican party.
He occupies a high place in business circles, and his success is the
natural result of his ability and industry.
NIS SORENSEN.
Nis Sorensen is one of the most extensive landowners in Franklin
county and is also connected with financial interests as president of
the Bank of Latimer. He was born in Germany, February 13, 1853,
and is a son of C. N. and Mattie Sorensen. He remained in his
native country until he was eighteen years of age and then crossed
the Atlantic to America, settling in Ohio, where he remained five
years. At the end of that time he returned to Germany but after two
years journeyed again to Ohio, making his home in that state until
187Q. In that vear he came to Franklin countv and settled on a
farm in Morgan township, operating and improving this property
for twelve vears thereafter. He then established himself in the hard-
ware business in Latimer but at the end of two years turned his
attention to the lumber business, following this until 1900. He has
accumulated extensive landed interests, owning four hundred and
forty acres in Franklin county and valuable property in North
Dakota. He is connected with financial interests of Latimer as presi-
dent of the Bank of Latimer and manages this institution in an able
and conservative wav, making it one of the leading banks in this part
of the countv.
2!'2 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
On the loth of June, 1879, -^^i". Sorensen married Miss Annie B.
Stork, a native of Germany, and they became the parents of seven
children: Mary and Louis, deceased; C. N., of Latimer; Jake, con-
nected with the Bank of Latimer as cashier; Andrew, at home;
Mary, deceased; and a child, who died in infancy.
Mr. Sorensen is a member of the Lutheran church. He gives his
political allegiance to the republican party and is now serving on the
city council, lending the weight of his influence to many measures
of advancement and reform. His life has been a busy, useful and
active one, and his success places him among the representative citi-
zens of Latimer.
ERVIN BUGE.
Ervin Buge belongs to the younger generation of successful agri-
culturists of Franklin county. He cultivates an attractive farm of
eighty acres, which is nicely improved and speaks well for his abil-
ity and progressiveness. Mr. Buge is a native son of this county and
was born October 31, 1884. His parents were August and Caroline
(Guds) Buge, natives of Germany, both of whom came in their
youth to America. They were married in Eldorado, Wisconsin, and
resided there for five years before making their way to Franklin
county in October, 1875. They located on section 13, Morgan town-
ship, where the father acquired eighty acres of land. In 1908 he
turned over this property to our subject. They vvere the parents of
ten children: Otto, of Morgan township; Amelia, who married Ernst
Gaulke, of Morgan township; Albert, of Coulter; Matilda, the wife
of Albert Korth, of Morgan township; Ida, who married William
Bush, of Hampton; Hulda, deceased; Helena, the wife of H. Stet-
horn, of Hampton; Louisa, who married H. McAllister, of Morgan
township; Ervin, our subject; and John, deceased.
Ervin Buge was reared upon the farm which he now owns and in
the acquirement of his education attended the schools of that neigh-
borhood. As soon as old enough he began to participate in farm
labor, assisting his father, and in 1908 the latter deeded the home farm
to him. It comprises eighty acres and is in a high state of cultivation.
Mr. Buge devotes himself to general farming and has been verv suc-
cessful along that line, employing the most modern methods. He is
systematic in his work and ever ready to embrace new ideas. He is a
member of the Evangelical church, in the work of which he takes
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 293
a laudable interest. Mr. Buge is popular among the younger people
in Morgan township and is highly esteemed by all who know him
because of his high qualities of mind and character.
OTTO ROLINE.
The industry that more than any other has raised the United States
to a foremost place amongst the nations of the world is that of farm-
ing and it is to the agriculturist that the people of this country must
give thanks for this gratifying accomplishment. This result has been
brought about by the sons of all nations who have settled in this coun-
try and among the foremost agriculturists who have been an import-
ant factor in farming development are the Swedish Americans. To
this hardy race belongs Otto Roline, who owns a valuable place of
two hundred and seventy-live acres in Morgan township, Franklin
county. He was born in Sweden, March 2, 1862, and is a son of
Anderson and Mary (Peterson) Roline, natives of that country.
There both the father and mother died. Of their eight children all
are deceased but our subject. Four died in infancy and the others
were Peter, August, and Emanuel.
Otto Roline was reared in the parental home in his native land
and attended public school until he was old enough to engage in
farm labor. He worked along that line for two years and then made
his way to Norway, where he remained for a similar period of time.
Returning to Sweden, he again spent two vears in that country.
Stories having reached him of the golden opportunities that were
awaiting the young man in America, he made his way to this coun-
try and coming to Dows, farmed in the vicinity, carefully saving
his earnings. In 1883 he bought one hundred and sixty acres of land
in Morgan township, which he cultivated with such good success that
he was enabled to extend the boundaries of his farm so that he now
owns two hundred and seventy-five acres. His land is highly im-
proved, and his buildings are kept in good repair. He engages in
general farming, planting the cereals most suitable to soil and cli-
mate, and also gives his attention to stock-raising.
On May i, 1883, Mr. Roline married Miss Johannah Peterson,
a nati\c of Sweden, and they became the parents of seven children:
a son, who died in infancy; Rudolph, of Morgan township; a son,
who died in infancy; and Hilmar, Arthur, Tekla and Victor, at
home. Mr. Roline is a member of the Evangelical church and in-
I
294 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
terested in its work. He gives his political allegiance to the republi-
can party, whose candidates he has ever upheld at the polls, and he
has served as school director of Morgan township. Not only has Mr.
Roline attained to individual prosperity, but he has been a factor
in agricultural development in Franklin county. He is highly es-
teemed by all who know him and has made many friends since locat-
ing here. He combines the good qualities of the Swedish race with
the aggressiveness and enterprise that seem peculiar to this countrv.
LARS L. OLESON.
Lars L. Oleson, the owner of a well improved farm located iii
Morgan township, is a native son of Franklin county, his birth hav-
ing here occurred on September 5, 1875. His parents, Ole L. and
Mary (Hanson) Oleson, were natives of Wisconsin and Xorwav,
respectively. In their family were thirteen children: Nellie, the
wife of William Donaldson, of Alden, Iowa; Marv. who married
J. Jacobsen, of Dows; Ole, of North Dakota; Lars L., of this review;
Amanda, the wife of S.' M. Davis, of Clarence, Iowa; Oscar, of
Morgan township; Henry, of Wright county; Martha, the wife of
L. Earnhardt, of Dows; Louis F., of Oakland township; Andrew
and Caroline, of Popejoy; Matilda, the wife of L. Carpenter, of
Minnesota; and Laura, deceased.
Lars L. Oleson at the age of fourteen took up farming, having
then terminated his school education. In 1899, when about twentv-
four years of age, he acquired title to eighty acres of land on section
14, Morgan township, and has since given his sole attention to its
cultivation. His farm betrays by its prosperous appearance the
modern methods employed by its owner. Mr. Oleson has now a
two-story home conveniently appointed, and the other buildings
on the land are equally modern. He also has erected a silo which
furnishes him the desired amount of feed during the winter season.
On October 28, 1897, Mr. Oleson wedded Miss Mary Rasmus-
sen, a native of Monroe county, this state, and a daughter of Andrew
and Sophia (Anderson) Rasmussen, natives of Denmark. The par-
ents came to Franklin county when Mrs. Oleson was but two years
of age. Both have passed away. Their children were: Clara, the
wife of W. Caster, of GifYord, Iowa; Hannah, who married F.
Anderson, of Morgan township; Peter, deceased; Mary, the wife
of the subject of this review; and Anna, who married Oscar Oleson,
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 295
of Morgan township. Mr. and Mrs. Oleson have three children:
Lawrence W., born May i, 1898; Bernetta, born July i, 1903;
and Lavcrne, born January 28, 1912. The parents are members of
the Lutheran church and interested in its work and its allied societies.
Both are popular in the neighborhood and have many friends. Mr.
Oleson is a republican and has ever upheld the candidates of his
party. For one year he served as treasurer of the local telephone
company, showing himself to be an able business man. He takes an
interest in all affairs of a public character affecting the welfare of
the township and is a public-spirited citizen. Personally Mr. Ole-
son is well liked, not only for what he has achieved, but for those
qualities of character which have made possible his success.
FRANK EBERHART.
Frank Eberhart, carrying on general farming and stock-raising
upon one hundred and sixty acres on section 36, Mott township, was
born in Fulton county. New York, March 28, 1854. He is a son
of Henry and Betsy (La Deau) Eberhart, the former a native of
Germany and the latter of New York. They moved to Illinois in
1866 and afterward settled in southern Iowa, where they remained
three years. The father died at Creston, and his wife has also passed
away. Six children were born to their union: Menzo and Alonzo,
twins, who have passed away; Margaret, the wife of Dewitt Wilson,
of Plainfield. Illinois; Frank, of this review; Melissa, the wife of
Arnold Thayer, of Moline, Illinois; and Sarah, who married Charles
Kern, of Des Moines, Iowa.
Frank Eberhart was reared at home and acquired a public-school
education. He moved to Franklin county in 1887 and since that
time has been connected with agricultural interests here, owning
today one hundred and sixty acres on section 36, Mott township.
Upon this property he engages in general farming and has met with
that success which always follows earnest and persistent labor.
On the 29th of December, 1881, Mr. Eberhart was united in
marriage to Miss Mary Costello, a native of Will county, Illinois,
and a daughter of Daniel and Mary Costello, natives of Ireland,
who came to America in their early years and located in Illinois,
where the father passed away. The mother afterward came to
Franklin county, Iowa, where her death occurred. They were the
parents of two children: William James, of Hampton; and Mary,
296 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
wife of the subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Eberhart are the
parents of a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, now the wife of Clarence
Moore.
Mr. Eberhart is a republican in his political views and interested
in the growth and development of Franklin county. During a period
of residence here covering twenty-six years he has become widelv
and favorably known, his upright and honorable life commanding
for him the respect and confidence of all with whom he comes in
contact.
CHARLES FREDERIC JOHNSTON.
Charles Frederic Johnston, a prominent attorney and banker of
Franklin county, is the sole proprietor of the Citizens Bank of Shef-
field, a private concern which was organized in 1899 and is one of the
leading institutions of the county. He has likewise been a leading
figure in local politics, representing Franklin C(junty in the lower
house of the state legislature during the twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth
general assemblies. His birth occurred on the old Johnston home-
stead a mile and a half east of Hampton, January 17, 1866, his father
being James |. Johnston, of whom extended mention is made on
another page of this volume.
Charles F. Johnston spent his boyhood on a farm and acquired his
early education in the district schools, while subsequently he attended
the Hampton high school, from which he was graduated with the
class of 1887. During the winter of 1885-86 he taught in a country
school. Following his graduation he studied law under D. W. Hen-
ley, who later became a member of the firm of Henley & Bedell and
afterward was the senior member of Henley, Bedell & Andrews. On
the 26th of September, 1888, Mr. Johnston came to Sheflield and
opened an office of his own. In 1889 he pursued a law course in the
State University of Iowa, passed the examination before the supreme
court of the state and was admitted to the bar in 1891. Throughout
the intervening twenty-two years he has been successfully engaged
in the practice of law at Sheffield, Iowa. He served as mayor of the
city in 1890 but resigned this office and went to Hampton, where he
was engaged in the practice of law at Sheffield, Iowa. He served
as mayor of the city in 1890 but resigned this office and went to Hamp-
ton, where he was engaged in the practice of law in association with
J. W. Luke for one year. During his absence his brother, G. A.
CHARLICS F. .lOHXfSTOX
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HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 301
Johnston, had charge of affairs at Sheffield. His success in a pro-
fessional 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 liimself 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 which there are far too many lapses in
professional ranks, it naturally follows that he seldom loses a case in
whose support he is enlisted. Mr. Johnston is also the sole pro-
prietor of the Citizens Bank of Sheffield, a private concern which
was organized in 1899. His brother George A. was associated with
him as partner in its conduct for several years until his death Feb-
ruary 7, 1910. Since March, 191 1, W. H. Reynolds has been cashier
of the bank, which is one of the leading institutions of Franklin
county and one of the foremost in the state for a city the size of
Sheffield. It has been built up and managed on a sound, conservative
basis and is recognized as a safe and solid institution in every par-
ticular.
In 1892 Mr. Johnston was united in marriage to Miss Delle
Haecker, a native of Franklin county and a daughter of Henry and
Barbara Haecker. She was graduated from the Hampton high
school with the class of 1888 and followed the profession of teaching
prior to her marriage. She is still a faithful worker in the cause of
education and was named a member of the Better Iowa School Com-
mission by the state superintendent of public instruction. Her
cooperation is ever given on the side of mental and moral uplift and
her efforts have not been without result. By her marriage she has
become the mother of three children, namely: Charles Frederic,
Jr., who is a member of the freshman class at the University of Wis-
consin in Madison; Winifred, who is seven years of age; and one
son who died in infancy.
As stated above, Mr. Johnston has been a prominent figure in
local tolitical ranks. He represented Franklin county in the lower
house of the state legislature during the twenty-fifth general assembly
and acted as chairman of the elections committee, also helping to
make the new 1897 code. While a member of the lower house of the
twenty-sixth general assemblv he served as chairman of the railroad
commit' ^e of the house of representatives and was strongly recom-
mended as speaker of the house. In 1898 he was appointed deputy
revenue collector for fourteen counties in the northern half of the
state, ably serving in that capacity for six years or until 1904. He is
Vol, n— 1 4
302 HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
identified fraternally with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern
Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is indicated by his
membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in which he has
served as president of the board of trustees for fifteen years. Both
he and his wife have spent their entire lives in Franklin county and
are among its best known and most liighly esteemed residents. At
this point it would be almost tautological to enter into anv series of
statements as showing Charles F. Johnston to be a man of broad intel-
ligence and genuine public spirit, for these have been shadowed
forth between the lines of this review. Strong in his individuality,
he never lacks the courage of his convictions, but there are as domi-
nating elements in this individuality a liVely human sympathv and
an abiding charity which, as taken in connection with the sterling
integrity and honor of his character, have naturally gained for him
the respect and confidence of men.
WILLIAM SENF.
William Senf, living retired in Latimer after many vears of
close connection with business interests of the city, was born in
DuPage county, Illinois, December 31, 1869. He is a son of August
and Mary (Schermer) Senf, natives of Germany. Ihc father came
to America when he was twenty-one years of age and located first
in Cook county, Illinois, whence he moved to DuPage countv. In
1890 he came to Franklin county, Iowa, and located in Marion town-
ship, where he resided until he retired from active life. He and
his wife are now living in Latimer. Among their eleven children
are included the following: Henry, of Minnesota ; Louisa, deceased ;
William, of this review; Annie, the wife of F. H. iVIenning, of Lati-
mer; and Herman and Louis, both deceased.
William Senf was reared in DuPage county and in 1892 estab-
lished himself in the hardware business in Latimer, this countv, and
operated this enterprise for ten years thereafter, building up a large
and representative patronage. When he disposed of this business
he bought a grain elevator, which he conducted successfully for
eleven years, or until he retired from active life in 1913. He owns
a fine house in Latimer and two hundred acres of excellent land in
Wisner township.
On the 26th of November, 1892, Mr. Senf married Miss Emma
Schmidt, a native of DuPage county, Illinois, and they have become
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 303
the parents of four children, Herbert, Edna, Laura and Luella. Mr.
Senf is a member of the Evangelical church and gives his political
allegiance to the republican party. He served as township clerk
for six years and is at all times interested in the growth and develop-
ment of his community. He has contributed in substantial measure
to the commercial progress of Latimer, and his present period of
leisure rewards many years of active and earnest labor in the past.
HENRY F. RICHTSMEIER.
Henry F. Richtsmeier is carrying on general farming and stock-
raising upon one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 7, Osce-
ola township, and is numbered among the successful and progressive
agriculturists of his locality. He was born in Illinois, August 12,
1874, and is a son of Henry F. and Martha (Stoneberg) Richts-
meier, natives of Germany. The father came to America when he
was twelve years of age and located in Illinois, where he grew to
manhood. He moved to Iowa in 1883 ^"^ purchased a farm in
Grant township, this county, whereon he resided until his death,
which occurred on the 4th of February, 1909. His wife survives
him and still resides upon the homestead. To their union were born
seven children: Henry F., of this review; Fred, of Franklin county;
John, residing in Bradford; William, of Geneva; and Herman,
Frank and Christ, of Grant township.
Henry F. Richtsmeier was nine years of age when he moved with
his parents to Franklin county and has been a resident of this
part of Iowa since that time. In his childhood he learned farming
through practical experience upon his father's property, and his
entire active life has been given over to this occupation. He now rents
the homestead of one hundred and sixty acres on section 7, Osceola
township, and here carries on general farming and stock-raising,
both branches having become under his able management important
and profitable.
On the 15th of February, 1899, Mr. Richtsmeier was united in
marriage to Miss Tillie Heitland, a native of Germany and a daugh-
ter of Henry and Maggie (Nortman) Heitland, also natives of the
fatherland. They came to America in 1891, locating in Grant town-
ship, this county, where the father engaged in farming for ten years.
He is now living retired in Buflfalo Center, Iowa. In this family
were ten children: Henrv and Herman, who reside in Hardin
;iU4
HISTORY OF FRANKLIN COUNTY
county; V,na, ot Buffalo Center; TiUie, wife of the subject of this
review; George, ot Buffalo Center; Elizabeth, the wife of William
Marske, of Portland, Oregon; Maggie, who married John Sleeper,
of Iowa; Jennie, the wife of Cort Micelsen, of Portland, Oregon'
Gertrude, who resides in Hardin county, Iowa; and a son'who died
in infancy.
Mr. and Mrs. Richtsmeier had three children, xVIartha Rose and
Jennie Gertrude, at home, and one who died in infancy. Mr. Richts
meier is a member of the Lutheran church and gives his political
allegiance to the democratic party. In business his 
