PAST AND PRESENT
OF
Allamakee County
IOWA
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME
CHICAGO
THE S. J. CLARKE PUBLISHING COMPANY
1913
THENEWYORy..
PusLic imM^Y..
ASTOR, LPW'!?X A^■D
BIOGRAPHICAL
D. J. MURPHY.
One of the most able lawyers and business men of Waukon is D. J. Murphy,
who during the twenty years of his residence here has actively identified him-
self with the city's professional, financial and public life, winning each year in-
creasing prominence in each field. He is today a leader at the bar and well
known as an organizer and a force in local democratic politics, his name standing
as a synonym for progress, growth and advancement.
Mr. Murphy has been a resident of Iowa since 1889. He was born in New
Diggings, Wisconsin, November i, 1867, and grew to manhood in that state
and was there educated, graduating from the State Normal School at Platte-
ville with the class of 1886. He afterward engaged in teaching, winning prom-
inence in his profession, rising to be principal of the Highland high school, a
position which he held for three years. In 1889 he came to Iowa and joined his
brother, D. D. Murphy, at Elkader, where he read law until 1891, when he was
admitted to the bar. He formed a partnership with his brother and they prac-
ticed in Elkader for two years, Mr. Murphy of this review coming in 1893 to
Waukon, where he has since been in active practice before the district and
supreme courts. His ability and worth have become widely recognized during
the twenty years and his success in handling important and difficult litigation has
placed him in a leading position at the Allamakee county bar.
It is not alone along professional lines, however, that Mr. Murphy has
achieved success and prominence, for he is an able and far-sighted business man
connected through investment or official service with various important enter-
prises in the city. He built one of the finest business blocks in Waukon, the
lower floors of which are occupied by a large department store, while the upper
story is fitted up into fine offices. Mr. Murphy has his own suite of three rooms
here, tastefully furnished and equipped with one of the finest law libraries in
this section of the state. He was one of the organizers of the Peoples National
Bank and is now a large stockholder and member of the board of directors.
He is a stockholder and director in the Citizens State Bank and aided in form-
ing the company which opened up and developed the iron mines in this vicinity.
He was elected president of the concern and still holds the office. All of his
business affairs are conducted in an able and discriminating way and the suc-
cess to which he has attained is entirely the result of his own talents and powers
which have been intelligently and worthily used.
In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on November 8, 1894, Mr. Murphy was united
in marriage to Miss Agnes Hay, who was born at Mineral Point, tliat state, and
5
6 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
who acquired her education in Platteville. For a time she was a teacher in
the pubhc schools of Milwaukee. Mr. and Mrs. Murphy have three children:
Lorna, who is a student at Mount St. Joseph's College of Dubuque : Robert H.,
also a student in St. Joseph's College in the same city ; and James P.
Mr. Murphy has been affiliated with the democratic party since casting his
first vote and is prominent in the party's councils. In 1912 he was a candidate
for the office of district judge and, although not elected, was proud of the vote
which he polled, carrying his home county by a majority of six hundred and
eighteen, in the very center of a republican stronghold. Mr. Murphy is a mem-
ber of the Roman Catholic church and his upright life and sterling qualities of
character have gained him the respect and esteem of all who are in any way
associated with him.
WILLL\M HARRIS.
Among the residents of Postville who were at one time closely associated
with the agricultural interests of Allamakee county and are now enjoying the
fruits of their former toil in honorable retirement is William Harris, who was
born in Morgan county, Ohio, June 19, 1847, a son of Elisha and Margaret
(Patterson) Harris, both natives of Morgan county, where the father followed
farming until 1854, when he came to Iowa. He was one of the first settlers in
Lybrand, Post township, where he located on a farm which he continued to
develop and improve until his death, which occurred about the year 1896.
He was born in 1819 and was seventy-seven years old when he died. His wife
died August 2, 1885. In their family were fourteen children, of whom the
subject of this review is the second in order of birth.
In the acquirement of an education William Harris attended district school
at Lybrand and when not engaged with his books aided his father with the work
of the farm. Until he was twenty-one years of age he remained upon the home-
stead and he then began his independent career, buying land in Post township
and turning his attention to its development. There he resided until 1904, trans-
forming the property during that time into a rich and productive farm supplied
with modern equipment and accessories. The place comprises five hundred and
twenty acres and is neat and well ordered in every particular. Mr. Harris has
the distinction of having brought the first Aberdeen Angus cattle to this vicinity
and for about eighteen years he was one of the most extensive breeders of that
breed of cattle in Allamakee county. He continued his personal supervision
and practical work upon his property until 1905, when he moved into Postville,
where he has since made his home.
In 1869, Mr. Harris was united in marriage to Miss Charity McDonald, who
was born in Postville, January i, 1849. She is a daughter of Duncan and Jane
(Green) McDonald, the former of whom was born in Union county, Ohio, June
30, 1818, and the latter in Rensselaer county. New York, March 18, 1827. The
father, who followed farming as an occupation, went to Wisconsin at a very
early date and his marriage occurred in Monroe, that state. He and his wife
came to Iowa in 1841), settling on the present townsite of Postville, where they
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 7
reMded for many years before removing to the vincinity of Nevada, Missouri,
whence they went to Lawrence county. In that section of the state both passed
away. They were the parents of three children, of whom Mrs. Hams is the
hrst'in order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Harris have six children. Herman How-
ard, born October 7, iSCxj, married Miss Christina Willman, of Postville, and
they have one child, Ossa, who was born February 20, 1896. Bertha, born
January 12, 187 1, married Darius Orr, a farmer in Post township, and they have
become the parents of four children: Ethel, born October 29, 1891 ; Edith, born
September 13. 1892; Esther, born February 27, 1896; and Eva, born November
14, 1899. Edith, born May 16, 1875, married Ernie Churchill, a plumber in
Monroe, Wisconsin, and they have one child, Charlotte, born May 6, 1906. Edna,
born March 18, 1879, married Fred Oehring, a jeweler in McGregor, and they
have a daughter, Esther, born June 3, 191 1. Glessner, born March 25, 1889, is
the wife of Arthur Webster, an electrician in Postville. Adelaide, who completes
the family, was born October 23, 1893, and resides with her parents.
Mr. Harris gives a general allegiance to the republican party but votes
independently when he feels that the best interests of the community demand
independent action. Although he has never sought nor desired public office he
served for two terms on the Postville city council and discharged his duties m
a most able and effective manner. He is a stockholder in the Bank of Postville
and is well known in fraternal circles, holding membership in the Independent
Order of Odd Fellows and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His wife
is a member of the Royal Neighbors. He is well known in this community as
an industrious, far-sighted and capable man who enjoys the confidence and respect
of his neighbors. He resides in a modern and attractive home in Postville, where
he is spending his retired life in the enjoyment of rest, earned by his long season
of honest and successful labor.
JOHN KRAMBEER.
Among the many sturdy, straightforward and reliable citizens whom Germany
has given to America is numbered John Krambeer, now engaged in general farm-
ing and stock-raising upon a fine tract of land in Post township. He was born
in Mecklenburg- Schwerin, on the 2d of November, 1854, and is a son of John
and Dora (Schultz) Krambeer, also natives of that part of Germany, the former
born on the 6th of December, 1831, and the latter on the 2d of June of the same
year. The father owned and operated a small farm in Germany, which he sold
in 1866 and came to America, settling on a farm in Garnavillo township, Clayton
county. Iowa, in the same year. Upon this he continued to reside for a number
of years, disposing of it finally in order to buy another tract of land one and
a half miles north of Clayton Center, a property which he continued to develop
and improve until his death, which occurred about 1881. His wife survived him
some time, making her home with her son until 1900, when she passed away.
To them were born five children, of whom the subject of this review is the
second in the order of birth.
8 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
John Krambeer was twelve years of age when he accompanied his parents to
America and his education was largely acquired in the public schools of Garna-
villo township, Clayton county, and in the German school of that locality. From
an early age he assisted with the work of the homestead and afterward worked
at farm labor in the employ of others until he was twenty-six years of age,
when he assumed management of his father's property. After one year, how-
ever, he purchased a farm near Hardin, in Post township, Allamakee county, upon
which he continued to reside for eight years, selling it in order to buy his present
farm, which was then known as the old Jamison property. He resided here until
1903 and then retired from active life, moving into Postville. However, after
four years he returned to his farm and has since continued to make his home
upon it. At one time he owned three hundred acres of fine land, upon which he
carried on general farming and stock-raising, but he has since disposed of the
greater part of this property, his son buying the portion containing the residence
and his son-in-law purchasing the greater part of the remainder. Mr. Krambeer
is living practically retired, although he has important business interests in
Postville, being a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Store and the canning
factory.
On the i8th of March, 1881, Mr. Krambeer was united in marriage to Miss
Ida Harnack, who was born on the 12th of December, 1862. To them have been
born five children: Bertha, whose birth occurred on the 6th of December, 1881,
and who is now the wife of H. C. Meyer, mentioned elsewhere in this work;
Matilda, who was born on the loth of December, 1882, and married Rudolph
Bugenhagen, residing on a portion of the Krambeer homestead; John H., who
was born December 18, 1885, ^"d who is now operating a portion of the home
farm; Emma, born July 3, 1890; and Hilma, born February 3, 1894.
Mr. Krambeer does not affiliate with any particular party, voting indepen-
dently according to his personal convictions. He is interested in public affairs,
especially in the cause of education, and did able work in its promotion during
his two terms as director of the school board and his three terms as its secre-
tary. He is well and favorably known in Post township, where he has so long
resided, and is now enjoying the reward of many years of active and well
directed labor in the promotion of the agricultural advancement of the county
where he makes his home.
GEORGE W. SHERMAN.
George W. Sherman is numbered among the pioneers in Allamakee county,
his residence here dating from 1857. From that time until his retirement he
was a force in agricultural development, his individual prosperity constituting
an element in the general advancement. He is honored as a veteran of the
Civil war, having served three years in that conflict, and in all the relations of
life has proved loyal, courageous and straightforward. Mr. Sherman is a native
of Pennsylvania, born in Erie county, February 8, 1834. He grew to manhood
on a farm in that section and acquired his primary education in the public
schools, supplementing this by a course in Albion Academy. He fitted himself
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 9
for teaching and after laying aside his books followed that occupation for three
terms before he was twenty-one years of age. In the spring of 1855 he left
Pennsylvania and came west, settling first in Monroe county, Wisconsin, where
he taught in the public schools for two years. He there married and came with
his wife to Iowa, making a permanent location in Allamakee county in 1857. He
was one of the pioneer teachers in this section of the state and for several years
after his arrival followed his profession during the winter months, engaging in
farming during the summers. He purchased forty acres of land near Rossville
and this he improved and developed until August 11, 1862, when he enlisted in
the L^nion army, joining Company A, Twenty-seventh Iowa \'olunteer Infantry.
His regiment was sent to Dubuque, where it drilled for two or three months,
and at the end of that time was transferred to Fort Snelling to assist in driving
off the Indians at that point. It was later ordered to Memphis, Tennessee, and
took part in many skirmishes, battles and forced marches, participating in the
Red River expedition and the battles at Pleasant Hill, Fair Oaks, Fort DeRussy,
Little Rock and Nashville. During all of this time, however, Mr. Sherman
never carried a gun, having been detailed to hospital duty, serving for the first
two years as nurse and for the remainder of his term of enlistment as acting
hospital steward. With the exception of a thirty-day furlough he was contin-
uously in service from the time of his enlistment until his discharge at the close
of the war, having never lost a day's time through sickness or from any other
cause.
After the close of hostilities JMr. Sherman returned to his old home in Erie
county, Pennsylvania, and spent a few months visiting his old friends and
neighbors. However, in November of the same year he returned to Iowa and
in 1866 resumed farming, engaging also in drilling and sinking wells. He has
the reputation of having constructed the first drilled well in Allamakee county.
After a time he sold his farm near Rossville and purchased one hundred and
sixty acres just adjoining the corporate limits of Waukon and this property he
developed and improved for many years, his practical methods, his knowledge
of farming, his industry, energy and success winning him a place among the
substantial and representative agriculturists of the county. Eventually, how-
ever, he sold his farm, disposing of it in five acre tracts, and retired from active
life, moving into Waukon, w'here he purchased the home in which he and his
daughter now reside.
In Monroe county, Wisconsin, Mr. Sherman married Miss Katherine Round,
who was born and reared in that section. She was a daughter of Zina Round, a
pioneer in Wisconsin, having come to that state in early times from Vermont.
Mrs. Sherman passed away in 1873, leaving four children : J. D., who is engaged
in farming near Waukon; Lida L., who makes her home with her father; Airs.
ATaggie E. Roberts, of Mason City, Iowa; and Lela, the wife of E. W. Goody-
koontz, who is engaged in business in Waukon.
Mr. Sherman keeps in touch with his comrades of the Civil war through his
membership in John J. Stillman Post, No. 194. G. A. R., of which he has served as
quartermaster for eighteen years. During the period of his residence in Alla-
makee county he has taken an active part in local politics, having served as
assessor and tax collector, as census enumerator and in various other positions
of public trust and honor. He and his daughter are members' of the Baptist
10
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
church and the latter is active in church and Sunday school work. A resident
of this section for fifty-six years and continuously identified with its growth
and development, Mr. Sherman has become widely and favorably known in the
locality as a man enterprising in business, progressive in citizenship and faithful
to all the ties and obligations of life— one of Allamakee county's most honored
pioneers.
O. T. HAGER.
O. J. Hager occupies a notable place in financial circles of Waukon as president
of the First National Bank, while his connections with other leading institutions
through investment or official service make him also one of the country's most
conspicuously successful financiers. He is a native son of Iowa, born in Alla-
makee county April 7, 1867, a son of Fred Hager, who was among the early
settlers in Iowa and who came to this section of the state in 1849. He married
here Miss Wilhelmina Helming and after the wedding took up a claim some six
miles beyond Waukon which he cleared, broke and fenced and upon which he
made many substantial improvements, replacing his original farm dwelling by a
good brick residence and making his property one of the finest and most valuable
m the section. When he left the farm he moved into Waukon and there spent the
last years of his life, passing away November 4, 1909, having survived his wife
since 1891.
O. J. Hager was reared upon his father's farm and acquired his primary edu-
cation in the public schools, supplementing this by a three years' course in Decorah
College. After laying aside his books he taught for four years but at the end
of that time came to Waukon, where he aided in organizing the First National
Bank with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars. Mr. Hager was made cashier
and he served in that capacity for five years, advancing afterward to the position
of president, an office which he still holds. The bank purchased an old building
which they tore down and replaced by the present modern and commodious
structure which is complete in furnishings and equipment and a worthy com-
petitor with the finest financial institutions in the state. The capital stock has
been increased to one hundred thousand dollars and an extensive and growing
patronage has been built up, much of the success of the concern being due to
Mr. Hager's able and far-sighted management. He is connected in an important
way with various other banks in this vicinity, being president of the Waterville
Savings Bank ; vice president of the New Albin Savings Bank, and a stockholder
and director in the Dorchester Savings Bank. He is connected in a similar way
with the Brownsville State Bank of Brownsville, Minnesota, and has come to be
known as one of the authorities on finance in this part of the country, his stand-
ing being based on twenty years of able work along financial lines.
Extensive and important as are his banking interests, Air. Hager has yet
found time to devote to other lines of activity and during the period of his resi-
dence here has been prominently connected with many profitable business enter-
prises. He is a real-estate dealer on an extensive scale, buying and selling Iowa
0. J. IIAGEi;
PAST AND PRESENT OK ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
13
and Minnesota lands and specializing in improved and unimproved farm proper-
ties in which he has valuable holdings.
" On September 20, 1900, Mr. Hager married Miss Ella Stevens, who was
born, reared and educated in Waukon. She is a daughter of Peter Stevens,
one of the original settlers in Allamakee county and for a number of years a
prosperous farmer. He later moved to Waukon. Mr. and Mrs. Hager are he
parents of two daughters, Helen and Anna. The family are members of the
Presbyterian church and are well known in religious and social circles. 1 hey
occupy a modern and beautiful residence in Waukon which Mr. Hager erected
and which they have made a center of hospitality for their charming circle of
friends. Fraternally Mr. Hager is connected with the Knights of Pythias and
his political allegiance is given to the republican party. A man of high worth
and sterling integrity, he is widely known throughout Allamakee county, a com-
munity which has known him during his entire life.
HON. JOHN F. DAYTON.
There is scarcely a phase of legitimate activity in Allamakee county in which
Hon John F Davton is not successful and prominent and to the advancement
of which he has not by his ability, industry and enterprise made substantial
contributions. He is one of the county's political leaders, an able and success-
ful member of the bar, a force in the development of the fruit growing industry
and each year of his activity since he came to Waukon in 1873 has witnessed his
growing prominence in all of these fields of endeavor.
Mr Dayton was born in Saratoga county, New York, January 10, 1849. and
is a son of Dr. Simon N. and Lydia (Houghton) Dayton, natives of New York
Dr Dayton spent his youth and early manhood in that state and afterward moved
to Illinois locating in Rockford, where he engaged in the general practice of
medicine until 1890. when he returned to New York and located in Corinth,
where he spent the last years of his life, dying there in the fall of 1899. His
wife survived him only a few months, passing away in February, 1900.
John F Dayton grew to manhood in Rockford, Illinois, and acquired his
education in the public schools, graduating from the Rockford high school with
the class of 1867. He was afterward a student in Beloit College for three years
and when he left that institution read law in Rockford. In 1873 he came to
Iowa and settled in Waukon, where he was admitted to the bar. In the same
year he formed a partnership with his uncle, Hon. Henry Dayton, and their
association has continued since that time, the firm being today one of the strongest
in the county, connected through its patronage with much important litigation.
Mr Dayton served as county attorney for two years and in public life proved
as able, far-sighted and progressive as he is in the private practice of his pro-
fession. . ,,
Aside from his work in the general practice of law Mr. Dayton is also well
known in Allamakee countv as an extensive fruit grower. In 1878 he planted
almost forty acres of land in grapes, strawberries and raspberries and later
added a nursery, where he specializes in raising apple trees and others bearing
14 PAST AND PRESENT OE ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
the hardy fruits. He issues an annual catalogue and does a large mail order
business, shipping his products by express and freight. He owns a neat and well
improved property of sixty acres, just outside the corporate limits of Waukon.
and is numbered among the successful farmers and business men of the locality.
On the 14th of October, 1875, Mr. Dayton was united in marriage, in Rock-
ford, Illinois, to Miss Laura Hewitt, born and reared in that city, a daughter of
John Hewitt, a pioneer of Winnebago county, who settled in that section in
1833-
Eminently public-spirited and progressive in citizenship. Mr. Davton has
smce taking up his residence in Iowa been continuously identified with public
life in the state and is an active and able politician. He was the first mayor
of \\ aukon, giving to the city a constructive, efficient and businesslike adminis-
tration, and he was afterward elected to the state legislature, serving in the
twenty-second, twenty-third and twenty-fourth general assemblies. During his
term of office he was connected with much constructive legislation, his vote and
influence being always on the side of right, reform and progress. He was a
member of a number of important committees, including the committee on rail-
roads and commerce, and so efficient, far-sighted and businesslike was his work
that he was named as the democratic candidate for speaker of the house in the
twenty- fourth general assembly. His public career has been varied in service
and faultless in honor and the work he has accomplished in the interests of the
community is destined to find a place in its history. Fraternally he is connected
with the Knights of Pythias and has served through all the chairs of that organ-
ization, being now past chancellor. He is also a member of the Modern Wood-
men of America and is one of the most popular men in Waukon, known to his
personal friends as "Frank." In all respects his life has been exemplary and
useful— the life of an upright, honorable and straightforward man and a pro-
gressive and public-spirited citizen.
ROBERT FREDERICK HECKER.
Robert Frederick Hecker, proprietor of a large carriage factory in Postville,
which he conducts in connection with an automobile repair shop, is one of the
representative and successful business men of his community and his labors
during the years of his active career have been potent forces in general industrial
development. He was born in Baden, Germany, November 15, 1852, a son
of Christian and \'eronica (Gerder) Hecker, natives of the same section of
the fatherland. The father, who engaged in farming all during his active life,
died in Germany and after his demise his widow and son crossed the Atlantic
to America, locating in New York city in 1861. After one year they came west
to Lansing, Iowa, where the mother married again, dying in this section about
the year 1899.
Robert F. Hecker completed an education, begun in Germany, in the public
schools in New York city and in the district schools in the vicinity of Lansing, and
continued to reside with his mother until he was twenty years of age. At that time
he began learning the wagon-making trade and after two years went to Dubuc|ue
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 15
and thence to Davenport, where he spent one year engaged in that occupation. He
then returned to Lansing InU at the end of six months came to Postville, where he
engaged in business for himself, manufacturing wagons and conducting a general
repair and blacksmith shop. In the early days he made spring wagons, buggies,
sleighs, etc., but he now does all kinds of automobile repair work and vulcaniz-
ing. The business has grown steadily during the passing years and is now one of
the important enterprises in the city, the credit f6r its rapid growth being entirely
due to Mr. Hecker's untiring efforts. As his sons grew older and left school
they were taken into the business and they now relieve their father of a great
deal of the active work, so that he has more time to devote to his other interests.
He has a tine farm of four hundred and twenty acres in Post townshii). which
is rented on shares, and he is the owner of a great deal of valuable property.
On the 6th of January, 1876, Mr. Hecker was united in marriage to Miss
Mary Hupp, who was born in Lansing, October 11, 1854, a daughter of Joseph
Hupp. Her father was a native of Hesse, Germany, and her mother of Bavaria.
They emigrated to America about the year 1853 and although the father was a
stonemason by trade he engaged in farming in Allamakee county. Mr. and
Mrs. Hecker became the parents of five children. John C, born November 12,
1876, is now associated with his father in business. He married Miss Lena
Bedenbender, a native of Laporte, Iowa. Robert M., who was born December
2, 1878, is also in partnership with his father. Joseph M., born September 22,
1881, has also a share in his father's business. Josephine, born February 8,
1885, married Lowell Moody, manager of a large dry-goods store in Montana.
Marv passed away at the age of seven years.
Mr. Hecker gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has
never sought nor desired public office. Although reared in the Catholic religion
he is not now a member of any denomination. Fraternally he is connected with
the Masonic order and is also a member of the Turner Society. In all the
relations of life he has been honorable and straightforward and his example is
well worthy of emulation. Prosperous in his business connections, he proves
what may be accomplished by earnest and persistent labor, for he has worked
his way steadily upward, improving every opportunity for advancement and
standing today among Pcstville's substantial and representative citizens.
ROBERT WAMPLER.
Robert Wampler, honored as a pioneer in Iowa and as one of the few remain-
ing veterans of the Civil war, has been a resident of Allamakee county since
1852. He has, therefore, witnessed almost its entire growth and development and
has borne an honored part therein, his work along agricultural lines having con-
stituted one of the forces in local agricultural development. He was born in
Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, May 22, 1842, and is a son of Eli Wampler,
also a native of the Keystone state. The father grew to maturit\- in Westmore-
land county and there married Miss Mary Jane Luek, a native of the same section.
They moved west in 1850 and settled as pioneers in Jackson county, where they
resided for two years, moving in 1852 to Allamakee county. The father, however.
16 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
never arrived in this section for he died of cholera on a Mississippi river boat
upon the journey, while two of his sons and one of his daughters died of the same
disease after reaching Lansing, Iowa. Mrs. Wampler with her surviving chil-
dren located on Clear creek, where she later married again.
Robert Wampler remained with his mother until the outbreak of the Civil
war, when, on October 15, 1861, he joined Company B, Twelfth Iowa Volunteer
Infantry. The regiment was soon afterward sent to Dubuque, where it was
organized and drilled for some time, and afterward it went to St. Louis, where
it remained during the winter months. In the spring of 1862 it was sent down
the river to Fort Henry, where Mr. Wampler was for the first time under fire.
He later participated in the battle of Shiloh, where he was wounded in a peculiar
manner. Having put his hand to his head to pull down his cap behind, a ball cut
off his finger and gave him also a scalp wound across the back of his head. He
was taken prisoner with General Prentiss and taken to Memphis, and later to
Mobile and Montgomery, where he contracted typhoid fever so severely as to bring
him near death and was placed in a hospital until his recovery. He was then
paroled and sent to Chattanooga with about eleven hundred other soldiers to be
exchanged, but it was not until October of that year that the exxhange was
completed in Richmond. Upon his exchange he went to St. Louis, where he
drew some money and received clothing and through the influence and kindness
of Colonel Earl his company was sent home on a furlough to recuperate. After
six weeks he returned to St. Louis and rejoined his command at Benton Barracks,
the regiment being later ordered to Vicksburg. It participated in the siege
preceding the fall of that city and also in the battle at Jackson. It later returned
to Memphis and afterward took part in the raid at Holly Springs. Mr. Wampler
was in the thick of the battle at Tupelo, Alississippi, fighting in a hotly contested
engagement of three hours' duration. He later returned with his regiment to
Memphis and from there to Eastport, where he remained in camp several
months, returning to Memphis at the end of that time. The regiment was later
sent down the river to New Orleans and after two weeks spent in Fort Jackson
aided in the attack on the Spanish Fort. In that engagement Mr. Wampler
was wounded by a shell, which exploded over him, a piece, one and a half inches
long and three quarters of an inch wide, striking him in the back. His wound
not proving serious, he returned to his regiment after a few days and served
until the close of the war, when he was mustered out at Memphis and returned
to Iowa, receiving his honorable discharge in Davenport on January 20, 1865.
With this honorable military record Mr. Wampler returned to -Mlamakee
county and purchased a forty acre farm, to which he later added the forty acres
adjoining. For sixteen years he cultivated and developed this property and his
practical and progressive methods were rewarded by success, his farm becoming
one of the best improved and most valuable in this section of rhe state. Finally
Mr. Wampler retired from active life and moved into Waukon. having earned
leisure and rest by many years of honorable and worthy labor. He purchased
a comfortable residence in the city and makes his home therein, having disposed
of all of his farm property.
While home on a furlough during the Civil war Mr. Wampler married,
April II, 1864, Miss Margaret Duff, a native of Westmoreland county, Penn-
sylvania, who was reared and educated in Allamakee county. Mr. and Mrs.
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 17
Wampler have five children: Eli M., who is a resident of Sioux City, Iowa;
L. O., of Waukon; Ella, married J. E. Mills, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota;
Mary Agnes, the wife of L. F. Seelig, of Waukon; and Lillian, who was married
December 25, 191 2. Two sons born to Mr. and Mrs. Wampler have passed
away. James grew to maturity and married. He died in St. Paul, Minnesota,
in 190 1. Warren met death by accident, having been killed by a horse when he
was a young man of seventeen, his death occuring in i<S92.
Politically Mr. Wampler is identified with the republican party and has been
for many years an active worker in its ranks. He has been a delegate to
numerous republican conventions and served for a number of years as city
assessor. He is prominent in the afifairs of the Grand Army of the Republic,
being connected with John J. Stillman Post, No. 194, of which he has served
as commander and of which he is at present chaplain. Since he was a lad of ten
years he has been a resident of Allamakee county and now at seventy-one can
count among his friends many who have known him from boyhood. As a public-
spirited and progressive citizen he has borne his part in the work of development
and progress, displaying in all business, public and private relations of life the
same loyalty and courage which marked his service on the southern battlefields.
GOTTFRIED STAADT.
Gottfried Staadt, a well known druggist of Postville, conducting a profitable
and growing business, was born in Post township, Allamakee county, February
21, 1857. He is a son of Anthony and Pauline (Verver) Staadt, natives of the
Rhine Province, Germany, the father born January 7, 1821, and the mother,
February 28, 1813. Anthony Staadt crossed the Atlantic in 1851, before his
marriage, his future wife landing in New York a few months later. Their mar-
riage occurred in that city and the father was afterward employed in a drug
store there for a short time, retaining his position until he went to Wisconsin,
settling in the vicinity of Sheboygan. In 1854 he came to Iowa, locating on a
farm in Post township, two miles east of Postville, and this property he con-
tinued to improve and develop for twelve years, at the end of which time he
turned his attention to business pursuits, opening a drug store in Conover. In
1866 he came to Postville, establishing a drug store in this city, which he con-
tinued to conduct successfully until his death, which occurred in December, 1902.
He was well known in local politics and was especially interested in school
affairs, serving for several years as president of the school board. He had long
survived his wife, who passed away January 3. 1890. They were the parents
of two children: Anthony, who was born October 28, 1853, and who died in
Milwaukee, December 16, 1871 ; and Gottfried, of this review.
After acquiring an education in the public schools of Post township and Post-
ville, Gottfried Staadt, at the age of sixteen, began his independent career, join-
ing his father as a partner in the drug business in this city. He retained this
connection until after his father's death, when he assumed entire charge of the
enterprise, which he has since conducted alone. He carries a full stock of drugs
and in addition has paid particular attention to his popular lines, which include
18 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
toilet articles, paints and oils. His excellent business and executive ability has
contributed in a large measure to the success which has attended this enterprise,
making it one of the largest and most important pharmacies in the city. He
is also a stockholder in both of the banks of Postville and is a director in the
Postville State P.ank. He is connected with the Postville Clay Product Company
and is the owner of some valuable farming property in Clayton county.
Mr. Staadt married, on the 9th of February, 1893, Miss Anna Welzel, born
in Grand Meadow township, Clayton county, September 13, 1872, a daughter of
John and Savina (Thoma) Welzel, natives of Bavaria, Germany. They came
to America in early life and were married in Grand Meadow township, where
the father turned his attention to farming, although he had been a meat cutter
in his native country. He later retired from active l)usiness life and moved into
Postville, where he died on December 18, 1906. His wife survives him and makes
her home in this city with her daughter, Mrs. Staadt. He was active and prom-
inent in local public affairs and held various important offices, including that of
school treasurer, in which he served for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Staadt
became the parents of four children: Anthony, born January 24, 1894, a gradu-
ate of Postville high school; Pauline, born January 16, 1896, who was graduated
from the same institution in 1913 ; Edward, born October 23. 1899 ; and Catherine,
born July 2, 1908.
Mr. Staadt gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and served
for one term as a member of the city council. He is especially interested in
educational matters and has done a great deal to promote the spread of public
education in Postville through his long period of service as secretary of the
school board, a position which he has held since 1885. Fraternally he is con-
nected with the Alasonic lodge, of which he is treasurer, with the ^Modern
Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a
member of the Turner Society and president of the Maennerchor. A resident
of Postville during practically all his life, he is recognized as a representative and
enterprising citizen of the community and is widely known by reason of the
excellent establishment with which he is connected. His business methods have
been such as neither seek nor require disguise, being at all times straight-
forward and honorable.
JAMES M. BARR.
Not only has James M. Barr seen .-Mlamakee county grow from a wilderness
with only a few inhabitants into a rich agricultural district containing thousands
of good homes and a number of growing towns, but he has participated in the
slow, persistent work of development which, was necessary to produce the
change which has been so complete that Allamakee stands in the front ranks
of the leading counties of the state of Iowa. Mr. Barr is numbered among
its most honored pioneers and is further entitled to a place in this volume as a
veteran of the Civil war, to whom the country owes a debt of gratitude that
can never be forgotten and never fully repaid.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 19
Mr. Rarr was born in Glasgow. Scotland, June 26, 1843, and is a son of John
C. Barr, of English ancestry Init a native of the north of Ireland. The father
was reared in Scotland and there married Katherine Allen, also a native of
that country, coming from a long line of Scotch ancestors. John C. Barr
emigrated to America in 185^ and went by way of New Orleans up the Missis-
sippi river to Dubucjue, where he worked in the lead mines for some time. He
later came to .Allamakee county, locating in Hanover township, where he took up
two hundred and forty acres of raw land, which he cleared, fenced and. improved,
opening up a new farm, upon wliich he resided until his death.
lames M. Barr's childhood was spent amid pioneer conditions and it was
he who aided his father in breaking the raw prairie land. Me had a five yoke
team of oxen and a large breaking plow, which cut an eighteen inch furrow,
and with this he accomplished a great deal of the initial work in the improvement
of the homestead. When he was eighteen years of age, in August, 1861, he joined
the Union army, enlisting in Company H, Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, as
a private. With his command he went south to St. Louis and into Benton
Barracks, where the regiment was drilled and its organization completed in
preparation for active field duty. It later followed General Price through
Missouri and was first under fire at Pea Ridge, Arkansas, under command of
General Curtis. There Mr. Barr received a slight gunshot wound in the left
shoulder and the next day was wounded in the right leg. Though disabled for a
time he did not leave the field. During his term of service he participated in thirty-
three different battles besides the guerilla fights through Arkansas to Helena.
He was in the thick of battle at Vicksburg, Jackson and Meridian, met the enemy
again at Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge and under General Sherman
marched to the sea, fighting every day until Atlanta was reached. The regiment
helped to drive General Johnson out of Resaca and was in the battles of Rome
and Kenesaw Mountain. In the latter engagement Mr. Barr was wounded for
the third time when a cannon ball struck the top of the rebel fortification knock-
ing down a large log which struck Mr. Barr, causing serious and almost fatal
injuries. He was confined to his tent for six weeks under treatment and was
at death's door a number of times. However, he responded to roll call every
day, his captain and comrades nursing and caring for him and answering to his
name. This was not the only time Mr. Barr just escaped death, for in the
charge at Vicksburg he received five bullets through his clothing, the shots com-
ing so close that his skin was burned but not broken. He aided in taking Jones-
boro and Atlanta and participated in the Carolina and Virginia campaigns.
After Lee's surrender the troops marched to Richmond and thence to Washing-
ton, where they took part in the grand review at the close of the war. Mr.
Barr was later sent to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was mustered out,
receiving his honorable discharge at Clmton, Iowa, July 26, 1865.
After the war Mr. Barr returned to Allamakee county and purchased a
threshing machine outfit, which he operated here, wearing out three machines
before he abandoned that line of work. Eventually, however, he purchased
land in Hanover township and opened up a new farm of one hundred and sixty
acres, upon which he continued to reside for a number of years. When he
disposed of it he removed to Howard county, where he purchased a wagon
and blacksmith shop, which he conducted until 1900, when he refitted the place
20 PAST AND PRESEXT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
for his sons, who now carry on the business. Mr. Barr resided in Howard
county nineteen years but at the end of that time sold his interests there and
removed to Duluth, where for two years he made his home with his daughter.
At the end of that time he purchased forty acres of wild land in Douglas
county, Wisconsin, on Eau Claire lake, a body of water clear as crystal, five
miles in length, with a smooth and beautiful shore. Mr. Barr built a neat cabin
near the lake and furnished it completely, making it an ideal summer retreat.
He spends every summer on the lake shore, fishing in Eau Claire lake and
hunting in the adjoining woods. In 191 1 he purchased a lot in Waukon and
upon it built a neat aand comfortable home, in which he now resides, taking
great delight in working upon and improving his place. He is his own house-
keeper and has proven an excellent one, keeping his home neat and attractive
in every respect. His leisure hours are spent in reading and his life is quiet,
peaceful and happy, a fitting crown to his many years of honorable and useful
labor.
In Hanover township, in 1871, Mr. Barr married Miss Anna Anderson, who
was born in Christiania, Norway, but who was reared in Iowa. They became
the parents of seven children. John C. is an extensive landowner in Wisconsin.
Robert T. is a plumber in Osage, Iowa. Alfred is engaged in merchandising
in Leonard, North Dakota. Ella K. grew to maturity and married, but has
passed away, leaving two daughters, Mabel and Mary Flo. James died at the
age of twenty-five years in Denver, Colorado, and Nellie died in Wisconsin at the
same age. Aldine died December i, 1910, when he was also twenty-five years
of age. Mrs. Barr passed away in Howard county, July 26, 1903.
Mr. Barr was formerly a member of the Knights of Pythias, having helped
to organize the lodge at Elma, Howard county, and he was also at one time
identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belongs to John J.
Stillman Post, G. A. R., and thus keeps in touch with his comrades of the
Civil war. His life record has at all times been a creditable one and in matters
of citizenship he has displayed the same patriotic spirit which he manifested as
a soldier on the battlefields of the south. In politics he has always been a stanch
republican since reaching manhood.
HON. WILLARD CHAUNCEY EARLE.
Probably no man is better known and more highly respected and esteemed
in Waukon and throughout Allamakee county than Dr. Willard Chauncey Earle,
for he is not only one of the pioneer physicians of this section of the state, but
throughout a period of residence here covering fifty-nine years has been one
of the greatest individual forces in its financial, commercial, political and moral
development. His activities have touched and influenced in an important way
practically every phase of municipal and county advancement and his great
success has rewarded a life high in its purposes, beneficial in its effects and up-
right and honorable in all its relations. Had he no other claim to the re-
spect of his fellow citizens, his long and loyal service in the Civil war would
constitute a valid and lasting one.
.7
WILLARD C. EARLE
PAST AND PRIiSENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 23
Dr. Earle has been a resident of Waukon since 1854 but was born in Hones-
dale, Pennsylvania. October 7. 1833. llis family is of old English origin and
the line can be traced back directly to a Saxon ancestor who livetl in Cireat
Piritain before the Xornian conquest. It is also of old American estab-
lishment, its tirst representative in this country having settled in Newport,
Rhode Island, as early as 1634. Members of the family were prominent in
that state for a number of years, later moving to Massachusetts where Calvin
Earle, father of the subject of this review was born February i, 1790, his birth
occurring in Hubbardstown. He there married Miss Betsy Foster and they
later moved to Pennsylvania, locating in what is now Honesdale, that state.
The father built the tirst house on the site where now stands a flourishing
community of three thousand inhabitants. Calvin Earle made his home there
until 1840 when he returned to Hubbardstown where he remained until he
came west in 1858. joining his son W'illard C. in Waukon. He here spent the
remaining years of his life, dying in October, 1872.
In the acquirement of an education Willard Chauncey Earle attended public
school in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts and later under a private tutor pre-
pared to enter Brown University. He was obliged to abandon this intention
on account of poor health, however, and instead joined his elder brother, J. W.
Earle, and came west to Tififin, Ohio, where both engaged in railroad work.
In 1854 Willard C. Earle came from Ohio to Iowa and in June of that year
located in Waukon, where he has since maintained his residence. His first
investment here was in a sawmill and for some time thereafter he engaged in
the manufacture of lumber in association with a partner. He afterwards pur-
chased his partner's interest and conducted the business alone with great suc-
cess until i860.
Dr. Earle was among the first to respond to President Lincoln's call for
volunteers for service in the Civil war and in October, 1861, joined Company
B, Twelfth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, being elected captain. The regiment was
sent to Dubuque, where it was drilled for a time, later going to St. Louis and
thence to the southern battlefields. He participated in numerous important
engagements, among which were the battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson,
Shiloh, Jackson, Black River Bridge, Champion's Hill and V'icksburg. After
the latter engagement Captain Earle was ordered to raise a regiment of colored
troops, the headquarters of which were to be with General Joseph Mower.
He carried this work forward to successful completion and, much to his sur-
prise, received the commission of colonel of the regiment, which was entirely
unsolicited on his part. He afterward learned that it was at the request of
Colonel J. J. Woods, of the Twelfth Iowa Infantry, and through the influence
of General James Tuttle and General Mower that this honor had come to him.
General Mower laid Colonel Earle under many artd great obligations for ad-
vice and instructions In organizing this regiment, the general being a graduate
of West Point, an ideal and efficient officer and a true-hearted patriot. The
regiment participated in the battle of Natchez and in the campaigns along the
Mississijjpi river and remained in active service until the close of the war.
Colonel Earle has always found the greatest satisfaction in the thought and
it is the sweetest memory of his life that he was able to help Abraham Lincoln
to destroy the most powerful and infernal labor trust ever conceived by man
24 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
and, moreover, he finds his reward in the thought that the black man con-
tinues in his upward development as the years roll on and that as times passes
the civilized world will better and better appreciate the magnificent grandeur
of thought and beauty of soul of that hnnest and remarkable man, Abraham
Lincoln, as he expressed and exemplified them in his life and actions.
With a creditable military record marked by brave, able and loyal service
in the Union cause. Colonel Earle received his honorable discharge and re-
turned to Waukon, whence he went to Chicago in order to enter Rush Medi-
cal College. He took a course of lectures in that institution in 1865-1866 and
during the following winter spent some time at the Jefferson Medical Col-
lege at Philadelphia, where he completed his studies, graduating with the class
of 1867. After receiving his degree he returned to Waukon and formed a
partnership with Dr. I. H. Hedge, beginning the general practice of his pro-
fession in this city. His partner, who was one of the earliest physicians in
Waukon, had built up an extensive patronage here and in the vicinity, and to
Dr. Earle as the younger man fell a large portion of the long rides and mid-
night calls incident to a country practice. The two physicians later established a
drug store and conducted it successfully for some time. Dr. Earle later pur-
chased his partner's interest and in 1870 added to his stock a fine line of gen-
eral merchandise, rapidly securing a lucrative trade. So steadily did this branch
of his business e.xpand that after seven years he erected a fine brick business
house, in which he continued to conduct a separate mercantile concern for a
number of years. Even at this time, however, this was not his only business con-
nection, for as early as 1867 he had formed a partnership with his brother in
the buying and shipping of stock and grain. J. W. Earle remained the active
manager of this enterprise until his death in 1885 when the business was taken
over by the subject of this review who continued to carry it on for some years.
Ever since beginning his active career Dr. Earle has been one of the leaders
in all work of public development and many of the most important business and
public institutions owe their inception and continued growth to his ability and
enterprise. He was one of the promoters of the Waukon & Mississippi Rail-
road Company, which was built by subscriptions from Waukon and Allamakee
county citizens. Dr. Earle gave largely of his time and means to promote this
project and was one of the greatest individual forces in its successful comple-
tion. In Waukon he has built and is still the owner of a number of substantial
business houses and has a comfortable residence in the city besides valuable hold-
ings in Allamakee county farming land. All of his business interests are care-
fully and conservatively conducted and in their management he has met with
that success which always results from ability, enterprise and well directed
organizing power.
During his half a century of residence in this city Dr. Earle's interests have
not been confined to lines of business development, for he has for many years
been active in local politics, his influence being always on the side of progress
and reform. After the close of the Civil war he identified himself with the
republican party and supported its principles and policies for a number of
years. In 1884, however, he allied his interests with democracy and, representing
that party, was nominated and elected to the lower house of the nineteenth gen-
eral assembly, receiving a majority of five hundred votes over his nearest oppo-
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 25
nent. After serving one term he was elected to fill out an unexpired term occa-
sioned by the election of Air. Larrahee to the office of governor, and he dis-
charged his important duties with honor to himself and to the satisfaction of
his constituents and friends. His political activity has always been of a con-
structive and progressive kind, and his public service has been beneficial and far-
reaching in its results.
On January i, i860. Dr. Earle was united in marriage to Miss Ellen Augusta
Hedge of W'aukon, a daughter of Dr. Isaiah H. Hedge, one of the pioneer
|)hysicians of Allamakee county and one of the best known practitioners in
Waukon for many years. Dr. and Mrs. Earle became the parents of three
children. The eldest, Minnie Charlotte, is the wife of Grant C. Hemenway,
for some time a lumber dealer in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and now a resi-
dent of Paris, France. They have three children, Charlotte, Willard and Genette.
Dr. Earle has one son Carlton Hedge, who is a prominent business man in
Waukon, where he is well known as cashier of the Citizens' Bank. William
Allison Earle, youngest son in this family, died April 21, 1866.
Among the forces which have directed the growth of Waukon, and which
have been the greatest contributing elements in the general advancement. Dr.
Earle's fifty-nine years of continuous and well directed activity are of utmost
importance, for they have affected politics, business and public morality and have
elevated standards, along all lines. Dr. Earle is well known and highly esteemed
in the community where he makes his home and his name stands for all that is
honorable and loyal in citizenship and upright and worthy in business relations.
CARL HOLTER.
Mercantile interests of Postville find a progressive and able representative
in Carl Holter, who for many years past has been closely connected with the
clothing, gentlemen's furnishings and shoe business in the city, controlling today
a, large and representative enterprise. A native of Norway, he was born in
Christiania, June 30. 1847, a son of Ole and Martha (Oleson) Holter, both born
in the vicinity of that city. The father spent his entire life farming in Norway,
dying in that country in i8fio. The mother afterward crossed the Atlantic to
America, settling in Postville in 1873, and continuing to make her home in the
city until her death, which occurred about the year 1003.
Carl Holter supplemented an education acquired in the public schools of
Norway by one winter's attendance after he came to America. He had, how-
ever, begun his independent career before crossing the Atlantic, having secured
a position as clerk in a government office in his native country. After two
years in that capacity he went to Christiania and was there employed in a
grocery store, later becoming connected with a hat store in that capital. He
came to the United States in 1869 and pushed westward to Chicago, where he
remained for four months working at anything which would bring him an income.
Having studied English while in Norway he had one advantage over manv of
bis fellow emigrants and found that his knowledge of the language of the
26 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
country was a valuable asset to him in the beginning of his career here. From
Chicago he went to Memphis, Tennessee, and there worked for six months in
a large bakery, returning at the end of that time to Chicago. After two months
he came to Postville, working upon a farm near the city for two years there-
after and then securing employment in a general store, a connection which he
retained for ten years, althougii he spent one year during that time in River Falls,
Wisconsin. Being ambitious to engage in business for himself, he founded the
firm of Holter, Schultz & W'elzel but after one year withdrew from this con-
nection and established the clothing firm of Armstrong & Holter. This associa-
tion continued from 1883 to 1892, at which time Mr. Holter purchased his
partner's interest and assumed entire control of the business. He has conducted
it alone since that time and controls an important and growing trade accorded
him in recognition of his full and complete line of goods, his modern and progres-
sive business methods and his courteous service. Always a progressive and public-
spirited citizen, he has taken a great interest in the growth of Postville's business
institutions and aided in the organization of the Citizens State Baiik, of which he
is now a director. He has not, however, varied outside interests, preferring to
devote all of his attention to the conduct of his store, with the result that he
is numbered today among the substantial merchants of the community.
On the 22d of May, 1883, Mr. Holter married Miss Mary Marston, who
was born in Post township, October 26, 1854, a daughter of James C. and
Nancy Maria (Fisher) Marston, natives of New York state. The father was
a prosperous farmer and also a local preacher. He came as a pioneer to Post
township, he and his wife being among the first settlers there, and both died in
the community where they had so long made their home. Mr. and Mrs. Holter
are the parents of a daughter, Edna, born April 23, 1884. She is the wife of
W. H. Burling, an attorney in Postville, and they have one son, Carl Frederick,
born November 21, 1912.
Fraternally Mr. Holter is connected with the blue lodge of Masons, in
Postville, with the chapter at Elgin and the commandery at West Union. He
was formerly connected with other important fraternal organizations but has
now withdrawn from membership. He is a progressive republican in his political
views and for twelve years did straightforward, able and businesslike work as a
member of the Postville city council. He is one of the best known and most
highly respected citizens of the community where he has so long resided. His
record is, indeed, a commendable one and the most envious cannot criticise
his business or political accomplishments. His course has been characterized
by the strictest fidelity to principle and in social relations he displays an unfailing
courtesy and cordiality which have won for him many friends.
CARL WILLIAM MEIER.
Carl William Meier is one of the enterprising merchants of Postville, where
he is conducting a large dry-goods store, and this and his other business interests
combine to make him a leading and enterprising citizen of the community, his alert
and progressive spirit enabling him to carry forward to successful completion
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALT.AMAKEE COUNTY 27
whatever he undertakes. He was born in Clayton county, May 14, 1850, and is a
son of Christian J. and Elizabeth (Runger) Meier, natives of Germany, the former
born in Prussia, May 13, 1825, and the latter in the province of Hanover,
January 7, 1827. In early life the father turned his attention to farming. On
coming to America he located in Ohio, near Portsmouth, in 1845 ^"*^ engaged
in digging iron ore until he came to Iowa. He met with an accident while
chopping wood, injuring his ankle and becoming incapacitated for heavy physical
labor. He was therefore compelled to learn a trade and engaged in shoemaking
for a time. It was in 1849 that he came to Clayton county, Iowa, and purchased
land, but he lived upon the farm only a short time, returning then to Ohio. In
April, 1850, he again took up his residence in this state and continued to reside
on his first farm until January, 1866, when he bought another place, living
thereon until he retired from active life in 1884. He spent his last days in Post-
ville, where his death occurred in September, 191 1. He had survived his wife
since 1906. They were parents of nine children, of whom the subject of this
review is the oldest.
Carl W. Meier attended school in Farmersburg township, Clayton county,
and supplemented this by one term at National. He remained at home until
1873 ''"d then purchased a farm, engaging in agricultural pursuits upon that
property until 1883, when he removed to AJlamakee county, locating on an
excellent tract of land in Post township. In 1892 he rented his farm and
removed to Postville, where he engaged in the furniture business for two
years, selling out in the fall of 1895 and conducting a similar establishment
in Farmersburg for about one year. Turning his business over to his son at the
end of that time, he returned to his farm in Post township but in 1902 again
located in Farmersburg, where he conducted a large and important general
merchandise store until 1908, when he disposed of his interests and came again
to Postville. Here he purchased the remnants of a general stock of merchandise
and he has since added to his store and enlarged his stock, carrying now a full
and complete line of goods, his enterprise being one of the largest and best
managed in the city.
Mr. Meier was married, September 8, 187 1, to Miss Louisa Hedeman, a
native of southern Illinois, born February 29. 1852. She is a daughter of
Frederick and Helena (Breuner) Hedeman, natives of Oldenburg, Germany.
The father crossed the Atlantic in the late '30s but after a few years returned
to Germany, making his second crossing with his wife about 1843. For ten
years thereafter they lived upon a farm in southern Illinois but in 1853 came
to Garnavillo townshi[), Clayton county, Iowa, where the father became an
extensive landowner and a prosperous farmer, giving all his attention to agricul-
tural pursuits until his death, which occurred about 1893 or 1894. His wife
survived him two years, her death also occurring upon the homestead. They
had six children, of whom the wife of the subject of this review is the fourth
in the order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Meier became the parents of six children:
Louisa, the wife of F. L. Eaton, proprietor of a restaurant and cafe in Spencer;
Christian, ex-county treasurer of Clayton county and now a prosperous farmer
in Montana; Amanda, the wife of .\lonzo Phillips, clerking in the store of our
subject; George J. and Irene M., who reside at home; and Wilbur, deceased.
28 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Mr. Meier gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has held
various important local offices, serving as trustee of Post township for three
terms and for a number of years as constable. He belongs to the Masonic order
at Farmersburg and is connected also with the Ancient Order of United Work-
men. All of his life has been spent in Iowa and although his career offers no
spectacular chapters, he yet belongs to that class of substantial and representative
citizens who constitute the real strength of any community by reason of their busi-
ness activity, their loyalty in citizenship and the honor and integrity of their
private lives.
GILBERT SWENSON.
Among the progressive and enterprising young farmers of Allamakee county
is numbered Gilbert Swenson, who owns and operates a fine property in Post
township. L'pon this he has resided since he was seven years of age and its
excellent condition at the present time is largely due to the care, skill and prac-
tical knowledge which he has displayed in its management. He was born in
Franklin township, this county, on the 25th of February. 1878, and is a son
of Jargen and Mary (Gilbertson) Swenson, natives of Norway, the former
born on the loth of May, 1839, and the latter in Christiania on the 22d of October,
1848. The father crossed the Atlantic when he was twenty-two years of age
and, locating near Madison, Wisconsin, worked in the employ of others for
about one year, after which he came to Iowa, settling in Grand Meadow town-
ship, Clayton county, in pioneer times. He rented land in that locality and after
a number of years purchased a farm in Franklin township, just across the line
from Post township, and there he resided for ten years, becoming one of the
representative and prosperous agriculturists of the community. Eventually,
however, he removed to South Dakota, taking up his residence near Chamberlain,
that state, but at the end of three months he returned to Iowa, settling on the
farm where the subject of this review now resides. In October, 1912, he retired
from active business life and removed to Clermont, where he still resides.
Gilbert Swenson acquired his education in the West Grove district school
of Post township. He has lived upon his present farm since he was seven years
of age and from his childhood assisted with the work of its cultivation, early
becoming familiar with the best agricultural methods. At twenty-three he
rented and assumed the management of the home farm and in the fall of 1912
bought the property, whereon he has continued to reside to the present time.
Being progressive and enterprising, he has carried on its cultivation along modern
and practical lines and has made substantial improvements upon it, erecting a
modern residence, fine barns and outbuildings and installing the necessary
machinery. He carries on general farming, giving a great deal of attention to the
raising of cattle, horses and hogs, and his business interests, being carefully and
capably conducted, have brought him a gratifying measure of success. He is a
stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Store and the canning factory in Post-
ville and is connected also with the Luana Creamery Company and the Elgin
State Bank.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 29
On the 24th of October, 1912, Mr. Sweiison was united in marriage to Miss
Tillie Gunderson, who was born in Clermont township, Fayette county, Iowa, on
the 2ist of October, 1888. She is a daughter of ,\rney and Anna ((Junderson)
Gunderson, natives of Norway, the former born on the 22d of February, 1848,
and the latter on the 24th of February, 1845. At the age of nine the father
crossed the Atlantic with his parents and located with them in Fayette county,
where he grew to manhood, becoming an extensive landowner and a prosperous
farmer. He served as county supervisor for one term and was also representative
from his district to the state legislature. He is still prominent and active in
public affairs and is doing capaljle and progressive work as a member of the
school board.
Mr. Swenson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and, although
not an office seeker, is interested in the growth and development of his native
county. He is still a young man but is already numbered among the progressive
and successful agriculturists of Post township, and his record is a credit to
a name that has been honored and respected in Allamakee county since pioneer
times.
PETER J. BEUCHER.
Peter J. Beucher, mayor of Postville and connected with business interests
as the proprietor of a profitable real-estate enterprise in Postville, is a native
son of the city, born just across the line in Clayton county, May 17, 1865, his
parents being Mathias and Louisa (Koevnig) Beucher. both of whom were
born in Trier, Germany, the father. May 10, 1830, and the mother, December
8, 1835. ' They came to Allamakee county in 1856 and were among the early
settlers in this section, settling near what was then the early Old Mission, or
Sixteen. The father turned his attention to farming, later moving to Springfield,
where in connection with the conduct of his farm he operated a small brewery.
In 1866 he came to Postville and was in charge of the city schools for some years,
conducting also a profitable hardware store until 1883, when he put aside the
cares of active life and lived retired until his death, August i, 1901. His wife
survives him and makes her home in Postville, being now in the seventy-eighth
year of her age.
Peter J. Beucher was reared in Postville and acquired his education in the
local schools. At the age of twenty-one he began his independent career,
establishing himself in the hotel Inisiness. in which he continued for a short
time, eventually trading liis hotel for land. At the same time he purchased a dray
line which, after operating it for three years, he sold, turning his attention at
that time to the butcher business. In this he engaged for a year or two, after which
he became identified with the real-estate business, I)uying and selling city
property and farming lands. He handles a great deal of city property and, being
an excellent judge of land values as well as a resourceful and far-sighted
business man, has made his enterprise jirofitable not only to himself but to his
clients also. For fifteen years he was a wholesale dealer of Pabst beer but he
has now abandoned that line of business. He is a director in the Citizens State
30 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Bank of Postville and is connected with five other financial institutions, most of
which are located in Iowa. He has extensive holdings in Minnesota lands and
city property in Postville and recently disposed of a large tract in Fayette
county. His business interests are conducted in a capable and progressive way
and his success places him in the front ranks of the substantial men of this
community.
In December, 1886, Mr. Beucher married Miss Lena Olson, who was born
in Norway in February, 1866. Her father died when she was still an infant
and her mother married again, coming to America soon afterward. Mrs.
Beucher died, May i, 1909, leaving si.x children. Louisa, born September
17, 1887, married Lynn S. McEwen, cashier of the Citizens State I'.ank of
Postville. Otto J. operates a dray line in this city. Leo is paying teller in the
Citizens State Bank. Charlotte lives at home. Harry and Helen are attending
school.
Although Mr. Beucher has been very successful in business affairs he has
not by any means confined his attention to this one line of work but has con-
stituted himself also an active force in local politics. He gives his allegiance
to the democratic party but is capable of independent action when the occasion
demands it. He is now in the second term of his service as mayor of Postville
and is giving to the city a straightforward, progressive and constructive admin-
istration. Fraternally he is connected with Decorah Lodge, No. 443, B. P. O. E.,
and with Postville Lodge, No. 204, F. & A. M., being thoroughly in sympathy
with the principles of brotherly love upon which these orders are founded. He is
a man of high integrity and business and political honor and he enjoys in the
highest measure the respect of all who know him. That many of his stanchest
friends are those who have known him from childhood is an evidence that his
has been an honorable and upright life and that he is in every way worthy of
the respect and esteem in which he is uniformlv held.
JOHN H. HALE.
One of the early residents of Waukon and a man who has many claims to the
honor and respect of his fellow citizens is John H. Hale, who came to the city
in 1865 after a long and honorable period of service in the Civil war and who
from that time to the present has been a central figure in mercantile circles here.
For almost half a century he has witnessd the work of development and progress
which has transformed the community and to an important extent has been
identified with it, working along constructive and progressive lines through many
active and honorable years until today he stands among the suljstantial and
successful men of the city he aided in upbuilding.
Mr. Hale was born in Hartford, Connecticut, September 26, 1838, and
acquired his education in Wilson Seminary in Massachusetts. He took a course
in civil engineering and after completing it came west to Wisconsin in the fall
of 1856, locating in La Crosse on the loth of October of that year. He there
engaged in important engineering work on the Milwaukee Railroad and afterward
was identified with the construction of the Root River Valley Road. In 1859
lollX II. IIALK
PAST AND PRESENT OI- ALEAMAKEE COUNTY 33
he went to Texas and practiced his profession there until the outbreak of the
Civil war. In 1861 he enlisted in the Union army, joining Company D,
Thirteenth Michigan \'o]unteer Infantry, and as a private was sent to the front.
He participated in numerous engagements, including the battles of Shiloh,
Chickamauga and Mission Ridge and was with Sherman on his march to the
sea. At Chickamauga he received a gunshot wound in the leg. He came
to Waukon and married in February, 1864, and almost immediately after-
ward returned to the front and, rejoining his command, served until the close of
the war. He won promotion from the rank of private to that of second and then
first lieutenant and was afterward captain and acting major through the
Carolinas. He marched with his regiment to Washington, where he took part
in the famous grand review, afterward receiving his honorable discharge at
Jackson, Michigan, on July 25, 1865. John H. Hale was related to Nathan Hale
of Revolutionary fame.
With this credible military record Mr. Hale came to Waukon and soon after-
ward engaged in merchandising, an occupation with which he has now been
identified for forty-eight years. Under the firm name of J. H. Hale & Company
he established a small business which he enlarged with his increasing trade until
he now has one of the largest dry-goods concerns in the city. For years C. W.
Jenkins was a member of the firm and since his death the name of the firm
has been J. H. Hale & Sons. A few years ago he erected a fine modern building
to accommodate his growing patronage and on two of the floors carries an im-
mense stock of goods which is well selected and tastefully arranged. Each year
has seen an increase in the volume and importance of his business, which now
amounts to more than fifty thousand dollars annually. Many changes have
been made in the firm name since 1865, the title being today J. H. Hale & Sons, as-
sumed when Mr. Hale admitted his two sons as partners.
Although he has won notable success as a merchant Mr. Hale has done
equally important work in civil engineering during the years of his residence
in Waukon. When the Waukon & Milwaukee Railroad was built into the city
by private subscription he had charge of the engineering and construction work
and he was also assistant engineer in charge of the construction of the Chicago,
Burlington & Quincy and the Wisconsin Central. In his early years he delighted
to leave his store and go into the open to work on engineering projects and he
continued his activity in this line until 1905, when he met with an accident,
having been run over by an engine and sustaining the loss of his right arm. He is
numbered among the notably successful men of Waukon, owning, besides his
business and the property upon which his store is located, a fine modern residence.
In February, 1864 Mr. Hale married Miss Henrietta M. Huestis, a native
of Nova Scotia, who came here with her parents when young, and they have
three children: Emily H., the wife of E. F. Wedary, of whom further mention
is made elsewhere in this work ; and Charles J. and W. H., partners in their
father's business. Charles J. Hale is married and has four children, three sons
and a daughter. Mrs. John H. Hale has since been called to her final rest.
Mr. Hale has been for many years identified with the republican party and
is in sympathy with the progressive wing of the organization. He is a member
of the Loyal Legion of Honor. His wife belonged to the Methodist Episcopal
church. He has been at all times interested in the welfare of the citv and has
34 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
given his active cooperation to many movements for the pnbHc good, while his
efforts in behalf of general improvement have been effective and far reaching.
Living in Waukon for forty-eight years, he is one of the best known citizens in
the locality, being widely recognized as a man of tried integrity and worth, of
business enterprise and unfaltering diligence. His fellow townsmen honor and
respect him and wherever he is known he has an extensive circle of friends.
Moreover, he deserves mention in this volume as one of the veterans of the Civil
war, to whom the country owes a debt of gratitude that can never be fully repaid.
ARTHUR S, RURDICK.
There is no one more popular or better known in Post\-ille, Iowa, than
Arthur S. Burdick, who for the past twelve years has been the faithful and
efficient postmaster of that place of which he is a native son, born July i8, 1875.
He has been identified throughout his entire life with the interests of that
locality, where he attended the public schools as a boy, worked at various
occupations and served an apprenticeship in the office of the Post\ille Review.
He also took a course at \'alder r,usiness College to round out his education.
Shortly after the death of his father, who was then postmaster of Postville, he
was appointed to that office, having the unique distinction of being the youngest
man ever called upon to fill such a position by presidential appointment. Mr.
Burdick was first appointed by President McKinley. was reappointed by Pres-
ident Roosevelt and received his third appointment at the hands of President
Taft. Conscientious, capable and painstaking, he is accurate in the performance
of his duties and accommodating in his ways with the public. He is intensely
loyal to Postville, and has taken an active part in various enterjjrises which
have gained for his city the reputation of a live and progressive community.
Mr. Burdick is a son of William Nelson Burdick, without mention of whom
no history of Allamakee county would be complete. One of the pioneer editors
of this district, the father was a man of more than local fame, for his influence
in politics and journalism was felt throughout the state, especially among news-
paper men, and he was readily recognized as one of the strongest and most
able editorial writers in Iowa. His command of English, his clear thought and
fearless expression marked him as one of the great writers of the country press
and it is not too much to say that for many years Postville was largely known
throughout the state of Iowa as the home of Burdick, of the Post\ ille Review.
Mr. Burdick was born near Buffalo, New York, in 1835. and migrated with
his family to Illinois when still a youth, later coming to Iowa and settling near
West L'nion. Later he removed to New Oregon, Howard countv, at a time
before the railroad had penetrated that section and all supplies were brought
by team from McGregor. When the railroad came Mr. Burdick removed with
other inhabitants of New Oregon to the new town of Cresco, of which he
became the first postmaster and where he began his remarkable career as a
publisher, editing the Howard County Times. He later published the Win-
neshiek County Register and in 1875 moved to Postville, purchasing the Review
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 35
and there beginning the work which gained him such a reputation among the
thinking people of the state. *
While in Cresco W. N. Burdick was married to Miss Amy E. Halstead, the
loving helpmate who survives him and who was to him such a loyal, helpful
and intelligent coworker in all that he undertook. In 1897 he was appointed
postmaster of Postville, a position which he filled most acceptably without re-
linc|uishing his editorial work until his death, which occurred in 1899. His
memory is still revered and held dear by the people of Postville and hundreds
of old-time friends in all parts of the state.
Arthur S. Burdick the subject of this review, was, on May 10, 1899, united
in marriage to Miss Lillian Riley and their home has been blessed by a son,
Edward, who is now a promising lad of thirteen years. A man of strongly
marked character, Mr. Burdick has become a forceful element in the business
and public life of his community where his sterling traits of character have won
him the high regard and confidence of all who have had social or business
relations with him. He is a loyal son of his native city, in the advancement
and development of which he has been a serviceable factor and which he iias
served in an official capacity for so many years with faithfulness and with
conspicuous ability.
JAMES BRIAR.
Throughout a period of residence of fifty-eight years in Allamakee county
James Briar has gained the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens, being
numbered today among the section's most honored pioneers. He has been one
of the greatest forces in agricultural development for more than half a century,
making substantial contributions to the county's resources by opening u]5 and
developing two fine farms. He is, moreover, entitled to representation in this
volume through his worthy and loyal service on southern battlefields during
the Civil war.
Mr. Briar is a native of New York and was born in Albany, October 28,
1838. When he was only five years of age he moved with his parents to Oswego
county, where they located upon a farm and where he grew to manhood. He
acquired his education in the district schools, attending during the winter months
and spending his summers aiding in the operation of the homestead. He gained
in this way a thorough and comprehensive knowledge of the details of farming
and this early experience has been invaluable to him in the course of his later
career. In 1855 he came west as a young man and located in Allamakee county,
where for several years he worked out on a farm, his principal duties consisting
of breaking the ])rairie land with ox teams. He continued at this occupation
until August 13, 1862, when he joined the L'nion army, enlisting in Company
A, Twenty-seventh Iowa \'olunteer Infantry. Soon after his company was sent
to Dubuque, where its organization was completed and where it drilled for some
time, afterward being sent north to Minneapolis as a guard to the paymaster,
who brought money to the Indians. The company was afterward sent to
Memphis, Tennessee, where it spent the winter, and in the following year it
36 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
participated in the siege of Vicksburg and under General Sherman went to
Jackson, Mississippi. Returning to Memphis, it was made a member of Banks'
expedition up the Red river and it took part in a two days' battle and in numerous
skirmishes and minor engagements before it was again sent to Memphis and
thence to Tupelo, where it was in the thick of battle. Mr. Briar afterward
went with his regiment to St. Louis and was in the raid through Missouri after
Price's army, driving that general out of the state. He then returned to St.
Louis and from there went down the river to New Orleans and thence to Mobile
and Spanish Fort. He aided in the capture of Fort Blakely and was afterward
sent to Montgomery, Alabama, where his regiment remained until the close of
the war. After Lee's surrender it was sent north to Clinton, Iowa, and there
mustered out, Mr. Briar receiving his honorable discharge.
After the close of the war Mr. Briar returned home and for three years
engaged in farming, cultivating the old home place. At the end of that time
he moved to Waukon, where for five years he engaged in teaming, later again
turning his attention to general farming. He purchased a tract of land three
miles south of the city, which he farmed and improved for some time, exchang-
ing it finally for a larger place. To this he made substantial additions from time
to time, owning finally two hundred acres of productive land. This he fenced
into six fields surrounded by barbed wire fences, erected a large residence, a
substantial barn and a number of outbuildings, making it one of the best
equipped and most valuable farming properties in this vicinity. He continued
to reside thereon until 1894, when he moved to Waukon, where he has since
made his home. He later sold his farm and retired from active life, having
earned leisure and rest by many years of honorable and worthy labor.
In the fall of 1865 Mr. Briar married Miss Sarah A. Gates, a daughter of
Samuel Gates and a sister of Mrs. Hugh McCabe, of whom more extended
mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mrs. Briar was born in Decatur
county, Indiana, but came to Allamakee county when she was thirteen years of
age. She and her husband became the parents of eleven children, ten of whom
are still living: William H., who is in the real-estate business in Mason City;
Samuel D., who resides in Sawyer, South Dakota ; Joseph H., who is in business
in Winona; Julia, the wife of A. P. Denning, of Heyburn, Idaho; James Elmer,
who served as bugler in a Waukon company during the Spanish-American war
and who is now engaged in farming in Buford, North Dakota; Charles C, of
Berthold, North Dakota; Adelia May, the wife of E. R. Pierce, of Idaho; Asa
L., who is associated with his brother, Joseph H., in the marble business in
Winona; Arthur L.. a commercial traveler with headquarters in Minneapolis;
and A. J., a farmer in Buford, North Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Briar lost a
daughter, Elizabeth, who died in infancy.
Politically Mr. Briar is afliliated with the republican party and has always
taken an active part in public afifairs. While still upon his farm he was elected
township trustee and road supervisor and for many years has been identified
with school matters, serving as one of the school directors. He has been a
delegate to numerous county conventions and has done able work on the grand
and petit juries. Fraternally he is connected with John J. Stillman Post, G. A.
R., and is now senior vice commandei". His wife is a member of the Women's
Relief Corps and has been on the official board for a number of years. Mr.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 37
Briar has resided in Allamakee county for nearly sixty years and his interests
are thoroughly identified with those of this section. He has witnessed a great
deal of the growth and development of the county and in all work of progress
has borne his full share both by his individual labors and his active cooperation
in progressive public measures. No man in Waukon is more widely and favor-
ably known than he, whose good citizenship displayed on southern battlefields
has survived unabated for over half a century.
JOHN HARNACK.
John Harnack, one of the most wealthy and prominent citizens of Postville,
where he lives retired, was born in Clayton county, Iowa, October 29, 1857, and
is a son of Christ and Dora (Sasz) Harnack, natives of Mecklenburg, Germany,
the former born July 21, 1817, and the latter November 11, 1822. Both crossed
the Atlantic in the same vessel but did not meet until they reached Clayton county,
Iowa, the mother having made the journey with her uncle, who settled in Guten-
berg. The father also became a resident of that community and there worked
at cutting cord wood during the winters and spending his summers as a lal)orer
in a stone quarry, receiving for this work fifty cents per day. After his marriage
he worked for several years in the employ of others but eventually was obliged on
account of his failing health to turn his attention to farming. He rented land
near Garnaxillo, in Clayton county, and remained upon it for a few years, later
purchasing an eighty acre tract of land near Elkader. This was entirely unim-
proved, but with characteristic energy Mr. Harnack set himself to the task of
developing it. With a yoke of oxen he made trips to McGregor and there
purchased lumber, with which he built the first house upon the homestead, in
which he lived five years. There he carried on the cultivation of his farm, facing
with confidence and courage the hardships and difficulties incident to pioneer
existence. During the first years he was obliged to keep his seed corn under his
bed in order to save it from the depredations of the many squirrels which fed
upon it if it were left uncovered. Eventually he replaced his first house by a two-
room cabin of hewed logs and a few years later he sold the farm for two thousand
dollars, having in the meantime cleared and improved it to a remarkable extent.
He afterward purchased a one hundred acre farin in the same vicinity and upon
it he resided for three years, at the end of which time he sold the property, buying
one hundred and sixty acres in the same township near Clayton Center. This
he improved and developed until 1878, when he disposed of the land and pur-
chased two hundred and seven and three quarters acres in Grand Meadow town-
ship, Clayton county, upon which he resided until 1886, when he rented the farm
and moved into Postville, where he has since lived retired. For some time he
owned another farm in Fayette county, just across the county line, but this he sold
to his son in 1885. He and his wife still make their home in Postville, where they
are numbered among the prominent and representative citizens. In their family
were seven children : Bernhardt, who died in infancy ; John, of this review ;
Sophia, the wife of August Dahl, a retired farmer living in Postville; Ida, whp
married John Krambeer, who lives upon his farm in Post township; Anna, the
38 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
wife of Joseph Schultz, a farmer of Winneshiek county ; Emma, who married
Louis Meier, engaged in farming in Post township ; and Mary, who after the
death of her first husband, Henry Brandt, wedded John Schroder, a retired
farmer Hving in Postville.
John Harnack spent his childhood upon his father's farm, dividing his time in
his youth between his studies at the Garnavillo district school and work in the oper-
ation of the homestead. He afterward spent two winters in the German school at
Clayton Center and was still later a student in the district school near Clayton. He
remained at home until after his marriage, which occurred in 1885, and he then
purchased from his father eighty acres of land in Fayette county. After one
year, however, he returned home and rented his father's homestead, oper-
ating both farms for some time and finally selling his own eighty acre tract.
He afterward purchased a farm one mile west of Postville, his two hundred
acres lying partly in Winneshiek and partly in Allamakee county. Upon this
property he carried on general agricultural pursuits for eight years, his industry
and practical methods winning for him a gratifying degree of success, and
gaining him a place among the representative and substantial agriculturists
of the region. At the end of that time, however, he rented out the property
and moved into Postville, where he became connected with business interests
as an employe of Henry Eckert in the latter's implement concern. He made
good use of his time and opportunities, and his industry, diligence and energy
resulted in his acquiring a comfortable competence, which enabled him to lay
aside the cares of active business life. He now makes his home in one of the
most modern and attractive residences in the city and he gives most of his
time to the management and supervision of his extensive real-estate interests,
which include not only his two hundred acre farm but also his residence and
a number of valuable lots in Postville.
On the 14th of April, 1885, Mr. Harnack married Miss Maggie Thoma, who
was born in Reed township, Clayton county, June 17, 1864. She is a daughter
of Fred and Katherina (Pesch) Thoma, both natives of the kingdom of Bavaria,
Germany, who in early life crossed the Atlantic to America, settling in Clayton
county on a farm. This proi)erty the father operated until about the year
1887, when he moved to Postville, where he lived retired until his death,
which occurred in 1893. He had long survived his wife, who passed away
in 1878. Mrs. Harnack was one of nine children, two of whom died in infancy.
The others are: George, a farmer in Post township; ./\nna, the widow of Charles
Schultz, formerly a retired farmer living in Postville ; Conrad, a resident of
Chicago ; Savina, the wife of Louis Saulsgaber, a resident of Minnesota ; Fred,
who makes his home in Omaha, Nebraska; and John, also a resident of Omaha.
After the death of his first wife the father was again married, and to this union
was born one child, Paulina, who married Bruce Klingman, steward of the
Elks Club at Clinton, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Harnack became the parents of four
children: Sadie K. E., who was born June 8, 1887, and who died November 26,
1894; Libbie, whose birth occurred on the 4th of November, 1888, and who died
November 22, 1894: Fred, who was born February 11, 1892. and died Novem-
ber 22, 1894; and Hulda, who was born January 3, 1896, and who is now
attending the Postville high school, from which she was graduated in June, 1913.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 39
Mr. Harnack gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and,
although he has never aspired to public office, he served for four years as a
member of the city council. Fraternally he is connected with the Turner
Society at Postville and his religious views are in accord with the doctrines of
the Lutheran church. He stands high in the regard of the people of this
community and his j)rogressive spirit, his high standards of honor and integrity
and his many sterling c|ualities of mind and character have won him the respect
and esteem of all who are in any way associated with him.
GEORGE WATERS.
One of the most able, active and progressive of Allamakee county's native
sons is George Waters, who now owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred
and forty acres in Post township and who in partnership with his brother has
other extensive holdings in this locality. No one is better known as a successful
breeder and shipper of registered cattle and high-grade horses and the business
affairs which claim his attention are all well managed and systematically con-
ducted, bringing to him a prosperity which places him among the men of worth
and affluence in this section of the state.
Mr. Waters was born in Ludlow township, this county, on the 21st of
August, 1858, and is a son of George and Sophia (Hill) Waters, natives of
County Wicklow, Ireland, the former born October 23, 1824, and the latter
July 29, 1832. In early life the father was a member of the police force in
County Wicklow but in 1854 crossed the Atlantic to America, settling first in
Pennsylvania, where for four years he worked in the coal mines. In 1858 he
came west to Iowa and purchased a small farm of thirty acres in Ludlow town-
ship, Allamakee county, which he improved and cultivated for a number of years.
In the spring of 1870 he disposed of that property and removed one mile north in
the same township, engaging in farming there until his death, which occurred
January 4, 1887. His wife survived him some time, dying October 3, 1910.
In their family were eleven children, of whom the subject of this review is
the third in the order of birth.
George Waters acquired his education in the district schools of Ludlow
township and from an early age was a practical and able agriculturist, having
aided in the operation of the homestead and afterward working at farm labor
in the employ of others. When he was about twenty-four years of age he
operated a threshing machine throughout his locality and afterward purchased
eighty acres of land, which he cultivated and improved for two years. At the
end of that time he sold his property and rented his present farm, afterward
purchasing this tract of land, upon which he has resided continuouslv since that
time. This comprises one hundred and forty acres and in addition Mr. Waters
is a partner with his brother Edward in the ownership of the Willow Lawn
Stock Farm, a highly improved property of three hundred and forty-nine acres.
The brothers are extensively engaged in the cattle and horse business here,
breeding registered Hereford cattle, which they ship to all parts of the United
States, their principal markets being the central states. They are also large
40 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
buyers and shippers of all kinds of horses and both are reliable, enterprising
and successful business men, managing capably the important concerns with
which they are connected. In addition to his work as a stock-raiser and
agriculturist Mr. Waters is also a professional auctioneer and has attained a
wide reputation in this field, being frequently called to other states. He is a
stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Company at Postville and in the
Citizens State Bank of that city and his activities, extending to many fields, are
important as elements in the general advancement.
On the 13th of December, 1882, Mr. Waters married Miss Eliza Eaton, who
was born in Post township on the 13th of December, 1861. She is the daughter
of Wells and Mary (Wood) Eaton, natives of Nova Scotia, Canada, the former
born March 2, 1822, and the latter April 14, 1825. The father in early life
worked at calking vessels in Nova Scotia but in 1845 came to the United States,
locating in Walworth county, Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming. He
was also a pioneer in Iowa, coming to this state in 1853 and locating upon a
farm in Post township, Allamakee county, whereon he continued to reside until
his death, which occurred on the 6th of May, 1881. He was one of the leading
promoters and organizers of Bethel church, was elected a member of its first
board of trustees and served in that position until his death. His wife afterward
removed to Postville, where her death occurred May 14, 1904. They were the
parents of eleven children, of whom the wife of our subject is the eighth in the
order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. Waters have two children: Cloy E., who was
born April 27, 1894; and Eaton A., born July 29, 1902.
Mr. Waters is a member of the American Hereford Cattle Breeders Asso-
ciation of Kansas City, Missouri, but beyond this has no fraternal or club
affiliations. He is a man of exem]ilary character and genuine personal worth
and his long residence in this part of Iowa has brought him success in business
and the respect, confidence and regard of all who are associated with him.
JAMES McEWEN.
On October 31, 1912, occurred the death of James McEwen and thereby was
removed from the life of the city of Postville a man greatly beloved and greatly
trusted. As financial adviser and friend he stood in the same relation to the
people as does a family physician or spiritual adviser. They gave him their
entire confidence and he never betrayed a trust or failed a friend, for the keynote
of his character was scrupulous and conscientious honesty. He was quiet, kindly,
liberal in his views, conservative in action and stanch in the support of what he
believed to be right.
The story of his life is an interesting one. It began in Canada, at River
Rouge, in the province of Quebec, July 25, 1830, his parents being William and
Catherine (McClaren) McEwen, both of Scotch descent. The parents were of
the plain people Init they bequeathed to their son those good old traits of
Scotch character — thrift, industry, hardiness, honesty and enterprise.
James McEwen worked with his father in his early youth, taking advantage
of the public-school courses offered in the vicinity and at the early age of sixteen
r L--'^i^
^,.-.- '1^
ASTOR, LENOX A.NO
TILDEN FOUNDATION*.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 43
engaged in teaching. In 1854 he came to the United States, spending his first
year in Wisconsin working on various farms, and in 1855 came to Iowa, after
which time his life was identified with the history of Winneshiek, Clayton and
Allamakee counties. The next few years were spent in teaching during the
winter months and in work for various people during the summer. In i860,
like many another adventurous youth, he became inspired with the desire to
go to the west and court fortune in a search for precious metals. He spent a
year prospecting in the vicinity of Pike's Peak and it was there that fortune
stood at his elbow, but he knew it not. Working with meager results, he became
dissatisfied and sold for five dollars a claim which in a short time made wealthy
the man who bought it. What would have been Mr. McEwen's history had he
worked that claim but a few days longer, no man may know, but this we do know
—that while this good fortune was withheld from him, it was still reserved for
him to lead an honored, helpful and useful life and fill an important place in
the history of development of Allamakee county.
Returning to Iowa, the next winter found him at Milliken's Bend, Mississippi,
chopping wood, for he was not afraid of work, and teaching, for that was second
nature to him. This time, however, he taught little colored children and the
children of the planter with whom he lived. It was unlawful to teach the negro
children in the state of ^Mississippi in those days, but he did it, and we believe
he never regretted that he broke the law. At this time came the outbreak of the
great war. It was unsafe for a northern man and an abolitionist, such as Mr.
McEwen was, to remain in the south, and upon the friendly advice of the planter,
he hastened to leave Mississippi, running the blockade on the last boat that came
north. He returned to Iowa and resumed his former work. He was not a
naturalized citizen of the United States at that time and he did not feel it his
duty to enter the army. He attended Fayette College for a short time, being
in the same class with Hon. D. B. Henderson, but war conditions closed the
school and Mr. McEvven returned to work.
On the 17th of October, 1863, Mr. McEwen was married to Miss Maria
Styles, a daughter of Timothy and Hannah (Shaw) Styles, well known pioneers
of Allamakee county. They were from New York state and Mrs. McEwen was
born at Whitesville, that state. At the time of her marriage to our subject
the family lived at Henderson Prairie, a postoffice in Fayette county. The young
people went to housekeeping on a farm, Mr. McEwen still engaging in teaching
during the winter months. In 1867 they purchased a farm of one hundred and
twenty acres about a mile east of Postville and here they lived and prospered,
moving to the city in 1878. Mr. McEwen entered into two partnerships about
this time. Under the name of Styles & McEwen he became interested in a
drug business which was conducted at Postville for about a year, when the
stock was removed to Calmar. At the same time he was also interested in a
dry-goods store under the firm name of Skelton & McEwen in Postville. To
this latter enterprise he gave his personal attention, succeeding well as a mer-
chant. In 1887 several business men of Postville established the Northeastern
Iowa Loan & Trust Company and Mr. McEwen succeeded to the management
of this concern, which was in successful operation for about five years. At the
end of this time the charter expired and the business had grown to such an
extent that it was considered best to carry on its affairs through the medium
44 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
of a bank, and the Citizens State Bank of Postville was accordingly organized,
Mr. McEwen being made the cashier upon the establishment of the institution
and serving as such to the time of his death. He gave to the bank his personal
and careful attention and there was no detail connected with the business too
unimportant to be solicitously considered. He became one of the foremost
financial men and one of the largest factors in the life of Postville and could
always be found in the front rank of those promoting the interests of the city-
material, moral or intellectual — although he was too modest to seek political
honors and too philosophical to care for their possession. However, he never
shirked responsibility and, being especially interested in the cause of education,
served his community faithfully and well as a member of the school board for
thirty-five years, as mayor of the city, as alderman, and in many capacities, gain-
ing him the confidence of the people. All these offices came to him unsolicited,
it being a case of the office seeking the best man available. His influence >vas
always for good and helpful measures. He was liberal in his support of civic
improvements, church and school. He was a deep reader, but not onl\- a reader
of books but also a reader of human nature and a student of life.
It was in the year 1877 ^'''^t great grief came into his life, a grief wli'ch
tinged all his succeeding years, although time ameliorated its cutting edge, making
him a tenderer, truer, more sympathetic man than he had even been beforo.
It was before the discovery of antitoxin had robbed diphtheria of much of its
terror tiiat the black "scourge" fell upon the land, fifty little graves in the Post-
ville cemetery marking the visitation of the grim destroyer and three of these
marking the resting places of his beloved children : Frederick Eugene, in his four-
teenth year : Bertha May, aged eight, and Omar Lee, aged five, all of whom were
taken within three weeks. It was one of those staggering, unfathomable blows
of fate that time may mellow but cannot cure, and only faith and hope can
mitigate. Two children remained to them in the later years: Mrs. Ethel Marsh,
of Chicago: and Lynn Shaw McEwen, now assistant cashier of the Citizens
State Bank.
It was in the afternoon of October 31, 1912, that Mr. McEwen died. In the
midst of a busy day he sat down to read and rest : a favorite magazine was in his
hands, and the wife, loved companion of so many years, was close beside him,
when there was a little gasp and life had flown, bringing to an end a career rich
in usefulness, rich in attainments — a life which had contributed much toward
elevating the fellow spirit in humanity.
BRADSHAW W. RATHBUN.
An excellent farming property of one hundred and thirty acres stood as an
evidence of the industry and well directed efforts of Bradshaw \V. Rathbun when
on March 4, 1910, he was called to his final rest after many years devoted to
agricultural pursuits. Practically his entire life was spent in this part of Iowa,
in either Winneshiek or Allamakee counties, for he came here as a child, grew
to manhood here and became known as a man of excellent business ability,
sound judgment and high standards of honor and integrity.
PAST AND PRESEXT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 45
lie was born in New York state in February, 1836, but when still a mere
boy was brought by his parents to Iowa, the family settling on a farm three
miles west of Postville. In the district schools of Winneshiek county he ac-
quired his education, studying during the winter months and in the summers
aiding his father with the operation of the homestead. In this way he early
became familiar with the best agricultural methods and was a practical farmer
before he reached maturity. After the death of his parents he became the sole
owner of the farm and continued to carry forward the work of its develop-
ment, his success coming as the logical result of industry, energy and perse-
verance. As he was able he added to his property holdings until at the time of
his death he was the owner of one hundred and thirty acres of rich and valuable
land. He also owned extensive tracts in Canada which, however, he sold before
he died. He early realized the fact that labor is the basis of all success and his
close application and sound judgment enabled him to acquire a competency which
left his family in the comfortable circumstances they now enjoy.
i\Ir. Rathbun was twice married. He wedded first Miss LiJjbie Hall and six
children were born to their union : May, who resides in Los Angeles where she
is assisting her brother who is in the mercantile business; Hall, a merchant in
Los Angeles ; Fred, who makes his home near Ossian where he works in the
employ of others; Bessie, who became the wife of Welton Cornell, a farmer
near Ossian ; Blake, who resides on the home farm ; and Charles Herbert, who
is engaged in general farming five miles northwest of Postville. Mr. Rathbun
married for the second time in July, 1900. when he wedded Mrs. Florence
Lozette (Clark) Miller, who was born in Waukon, a daughter of John Thompson
and Elizabeth (Blakesley) Clark, natives of New York. The parents were
married in that state and in the late '30s came west to Iowa, where the father
took up the study of law. He was admitted to the bar and took up the practice
of his profession in Waukon where he remained until 1849 when he went to
California, making the journey overland. After two years, however, he re-
turned to Iowa, having been unsuccessful in the California gold fields, and in
this state again began practicing law, being located at diflferent times at Lansing,
Decorah, Fort Atkinson and Waukon. He never made a permanent location,
always following where favoring opportunity led the way, and thus he became
well known throughout the state, building up a large, representative and lucra-
tive practice in criminal law of which he made a specialty. That he was well
known and fa\orably regarded in professional and public circles of the state is
evidenced by the fact that he was chosen a member of the committee appointed
to draw up the first Iowa constitution. I'ntil within a short time before his
death he was practicing at Cresco but when he became ill he came to Postville
where he died about the year 1883. He was at one time an extensive landowner
in this part of the state, Init before he passed away disposed of all of his hold-
ings. His wife survived him for four years, dying in 1887. In their family
were ten children of whom Mrs. Rathbun is the youngest in the order of birth.
.She was reared in this section of Iowa and in 1880 married Thomas M. Miller,
a native of Ohio, born February 29, 1848. When he was a mere boy he came to
Iowa with an older sister and her family and in this state grew to manhood,
learning the carpenter's trade which he followed for many years. He afterward
turned his attention to savvmilling and engaged in this occupation until his death
46 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
which occurred in May, 1881. He was at that time a resident of Postville, where
he owned a comfortable home, a number of town lots and the mill property. By
this marriage Mrs. Rathbun had three children: Emma, who was born January 10,
1 881, and who became the wife of Frank Handgartner, a farmer residing five
miles southwest of Postville; Katie, who was born August 16, 18S3, and who
married John Laros, who with his father and brothers owns a carriage factory
in Grinnell; and Florence, who was born January 10. 1887, and who is a teacher in
the Onawa high school, making her home with her mother. Fraternally Mr.
Miller was affiliated with the Knights of Pythias, the Independent Order of
Odd Fellows, the Legion of Honor and the Modern Woodmen.
Mr. Rathbun gave his allegiance to the democratic party but he never
desired political honors, as his interests centered in his farming operations,
which under his able management brought him a gratifying and richly deserved
success. His great business ability would have won him prosperity in any voca-
tion that attracted his interest and in the one which he chose he made sub-
stantial contribution to growth and development. He was a kind parent, a
true friend and a firm upholder of the law — a citizen whose life and work
made a lasting impression upon those with whom he came in contact and upon
the progress of the region where he had so long resided.
T. C. LEWIS, M. D.
Dr. J. C. Lewis, one of the most prominent and deservedly successful phy-
sicians and surgeons in Waukon, has been a resident of the state of Iowa since
1864. He is, however, a native of Wisconsin, born in Dunkirk, April 20, 1858, a
son of U. F. Lewis. The father was a native of New York state and went as
a pioneer to Wisconsin, where in the early days he engaged in carpentering.
He there married Miss Eliza J. Stillwell, a sister of C. S. and H. H. Stillwell,
of Waukon. In 1864 U. F. Lewis moved to Iowa and located at Buckland,
where he worked at his trade for some time, later establishing himself in the
grocery business there. He continued to make his home in Buckland until he
moved to Waukon, where the last years of his life were spent. His wife survived
him only a short time. In their family were two children: Dr. J. C, of this
review; and Jessie M., who is well known in educational circles of this county
as one of the most efficient teachers in the Waukon schools.
Dr. Lewis was still a child when he came with his parents to Waukon and
he was here reared and educated, supplementing a course in the public schools
by four years' attendance at the State University, where he completed a medical
course, graduating with the degree of M. D. in 1889. He immediately afterward
located in Ridgeway, in Winneshiek county, where he began the practice of
his profession and where for twenty-two years he continued to reside, becoming
well known as an able and successful physician. While still a resident of that
city he served as a member of the town council and as mayor and was for some
time a member of the board of health. In 191 1 he returned to Waukon where he
has since been engaged in the practice of his profession. He has demonstrated
his skill in the successful handling of a number of complex medical problems
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 47
and has already built up a good practice. Dr. Lewis is a far-sighted business
man as well as an able physician and has made some excellent investments in
Florida lands as well as in Waukon city property and in Iowa farms, and has
now extensive and important real-estate holdings.
In 1886 Dr. Lewis was united in marriage to Miss May B. Lowe, who was
born, reared and educated in Waukon. She is a daughter of Hosea Lowe, a
pioneer merchant in that city, who was identified with the hardware business
here for a number of years. Dr. and Mrs. Lewis became the parents of two
children. The elder, Laura J., was educated in the Ridgeway high school,
where she finished the course and was graduated. She died August 18, 1908.
at the age of seventeen. The other daughter, Elizabeth M., is now a student
in the Waukon high school.
Dr. Lewis is a Master Mason and well known in the local lodge of the
fraternity. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church,
Mrs. Lewis being a member of the auxiliary societies and an active Sunday
school worker. Dr. Lewis is a member of the official board and is also acting
as steward. He is a man of exemplary life, of generous standards and high
principles, and his industry, ability and enterprise have found a rich reward in
the high esteem his acquaintances place upon him as a man and a physician.
JAMES W. STEELE.
One of the most prominent of the younger business men of Postville is James
W. Steele, now engaged in the conduct of a large restaurant and confectionery
store in the city. He was born here, January 2, 1880, and is a son of Joseph and
Margaret (Ryan) Steele, natives of Illinois, where the father followed farming
for many years. The parents came from that state to Iowa and located on a tract
of land about one mile and a half northeast of Postville, where the father still
owns and operates a farm, to the conduct of which he gives his entire time and
attention. His wife passed away March 2, 1913. They were the parents of
thirteen children, of whom the subject of this review is the fourth in the order
of birth.
James W. Steele acquired his education in the district schools of Post town-
ship and in his childhood divided his time between his studies and work upon
his father's farm. He remained with his parents until he was twenty-eight years
of age and then went to South Dakota, where for two years he engaged in
farming. When he returned to Postville at the end of that time he established
himself in the restaurant and confectionery business, to which he still gives his
entire attention. By close application, energy and careful supervision of his
business he has secured a large patronage and is now the proprietor of one of
the leading restaurants in the city. The confectionery department has also
proven profitable and is an important source of income to him. The entire
enterprise is carefully and systematically conducted and has brought to Mr.
Steele a degree of success which places him among the representative and sub-
stantial business men of his native citv.
48 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COL'XTY
On the 25tli of April, igi i, Mr. Steele was united in marriage to Miss I'rances
Bromelkamp, a native of Monona, Clayton county, born April 29, 1882. She is
a daughter of Bernard and Christina (Miller) Bromelkamp, natives of Hanover,
Germany, whose marriage occurred in McGregor, Iowa, six weeks after the
father's arrival in America in the spring of 1881. He worked in a carriage
factory for one summer and then turned his attention to carpentering, later
removing to a farm in Clayton county, where he and his wife still reside. In
their family were four children, of whom Airs. Steele is the eldest. Mr. and
Mrs. Steele have one son, Joseph Bernard, who was born February 25, 1912.
Mr. Steele is a member of the Roman Catholic church. Politically he is identi-
fied with the democratic party and, although he never takes an active part in
public affairs, is yet loyal in matters of citizenship. He devotes his entire time,
however, to his business and, although he is still a young man, he has already
gained that success which follows earnest, persistent and well directed labor.
WILLIAM LEUI.
Banking interests of Postville are ably and well represented by William Leui,
one of the prominent and progressive citizens of that community and the presi-
dent of the Postville State Bank. Forceful, active and aggressive, he is giving
the large interests, of which he is the head, the strictest and most careful atten-
tion. A native of the neighboring county of Clayton, Mr. Leui was born in Grand
Meadow, September 5, 1856, and is a son of Jacob and Susan (Shield) Leui, well
known and highly respected pioneers of Clayton county, where he was reared on
his father's farm. In the acquirement of his education he attended the schools
of the neighborhood and in his leisure hours and vacations helped his father
with the work of the farm until he was nearly grown to manhood. However,
there was in him a desire for better things and, always wishing for a better
education than the locality afforded, he realized his ambition when he spent one
year at Fayette College, taking a business and commercial course, from which
he graduated, and also spending six months at the State University at Iowa
City. Better prepared for life's battle, he returned to Postville, where he
clerked for four years in the general store owned by F. W. Roberts and then
formed a partnership with Frank Orr. engaging in the hardware and implement
business. He was so engaged for a number of years, during which time the firm
prospered, and created for himself a splendid reputation among the people of
the community. It was during this time that he bought his first farm of one
hundred and thirty-seven acres, constituting part of the old home farm in Grand
Meadow upon which he was born. His means increasing and expanding, he
purchased two years later an additional one hundred and fifteen acres and the
management of these farms and his other business interests kept him busil\- and
successfully engaged until January i, 1912, when he became president of the
Postville State Bank. Under his able supervision the institution has continued
to prosper and expand in remarkable degree and in May, 191 2, one of the best
business locations in the city was purchased and the ground broken for a fine
two-story brick bank building to take care of the increased business of the
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 49
institution. Tliis building is now occupied by the Postville State Bank and gives
it the verv best i|uarters in the city besides adding greatly to the im])rovement
and appearance of the community. An outlay of fifteen thousand dollars was
necessitated for the completion of the new building, which stands as evidence
of the stability of the institution, the bank being one of the strongest in this
section and deservedly popular with the people, who have every confidence in
it and its officers. It has a capital of fifty thousand dollars, and an undivided
surplus of an even amount makes it one of the most responsible financial enter-
prises of this part of the state. Its deposits now exceed four hundred and
twenty-five thousand dollars and are rapidly approaching the half million mark.
Mr. Leui was married in i8S6 to Miss Jennie Orr, a daughter of Mr. and
Mrs. Tames Orr, highly respected pioneers, who came to Allamakee county in
1855 and who are now residents of Postville. To Mr. and Mrs. Leui two
daughters have been born, Hattie S. and Helen M. Their home is one of the
handsome residences of the city and there they often meet their extensive circle
of charming friends, who delight to partake of their hospitality. In his political
affiliations Mr. Leui is a progressive republican and although he is not active
in politics, takes that interest in the afifairs of the government that should be
demanded of every right-minded citizen and is an ardent champion of all move-
ments and measures undertaken in the interests of Allamakee county, his locality,
and his city. As he is progressive in politics he is progressive in business, although
he lets not one interfere with the other. The rapid advancement and development
of Allamakee county is largely due to the individual efiforts of such aggressive
men as Mr. Leui, who by their efiforts have made this one of the most prosperous
sections in the country — a locality which not only excels for material wealth but
which also carries high the banner of moral and intellectual advancement.
JOHN PEARL ELLIS.
John Pearl Ellis is the owner of a large and complete blacksmith shop in
Postville and his success in the conduct of this enterprise is the natural result of his
industry and enterprise. He was born in the city where he now resides, June 18,
1878, and is a son of Jonathan and Lydia A. (Dow) Ellis, the former born in
Ohio in 181 3 and the latter in New Hampshire in 1842. In his early years the
father engaged in the hardware business in Postville but later turned his attention
to dealing in real estate, becoming afterward identified with agricultural pur-
suits in Post township. He continued farming until 1885, when he returned to
the city and lived there retired until his death, which occurred in 1901. The
mother survives him and makes her home in Postville. They were the parents
of two children : Gertrude, the wife of W. Krambeer, a blacksmith in Charles
City, Iowa : and John Pearl, of this review.
In the acquirement of an education John Pearl Ellis attended public school
in his native city but his advantages along this line were extremely limited, for
he has been earning his own livelihood since he was fourteen years of age. The
independence and self-reliance which his early life engendered in his character
have remained among his most prominent qualities and constitute one of the
50 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
chief sources of his present success. Before he was sixteen years of age he began
learning the blacksmith's trade and after he had mastered it worked in the employ
of others for about eight years and a half, at the end of that time embarking in
busmess for himself with a partner. Their association continued for over hvc
years and then Mr. Ellis purchased his partner's interests, becoming in this way
sole proprietor of a large and well equipped establishment. He makes a spe-
cialty of horseshoeing and plow repairing but he does also all kinds of repair
work, employing two skilled mechanics to assist him. His shop is equipped
with all the newest gasoline and electrical appliances, for he keeps constantly in
touch with the trend of modern progress along the line of his business and
never allows the work done in his establishment to be inferior because of in-
sufficient equipment. A progressive and able business man and in addition a
specialist in his chosen field, he has been accorded a large and liberal patronage
and this is constantly increasing as the quality of his work becomes more widely
known.
Mr. Ellis was married on the 2d of July, 1901, to Miss Carrie J. Taylor, a
native of Lincoln, Nebraska, and a daughter of Harland and Jane (Bray) Taylor,
the former a native of Ohio and the latter of Iowa. The father was for many
years employed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad but is now a
resident of Hopkins, Minnesota. His wife has passed away. Mr. and Mrs.
Ellis became the parents of five children, Lyle, Clifford Keith, Kenneth, Ruby
Evelyn and Naomi, all at home.
Mr. Ellis belongs to Brotherly Love Lodge, No. 204, A. F. & A. M., and is
identified also with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order
of United Workmen and the Modern Brotherhood of America. He is one of the
prominent business men of Postville, identified with its growth and development,
and he is well known in Allamakee county as one of its progressive and public-
spirited citizens.
• EDGAR R. A. BRAINARD.
During his life Edgar R. A. Brainard was widely and favorably known in
Allamakee county as one of the foremost agriculturists near Postville, where he
owned a valuable farm of two hundred and fifteen acres which he successfully
cultivated until death claimed him December 5, 1909. He was one of the first
in this section to engage in bee culture and proved that such an enterprise could
be profitably prosecuted here. The success that came to him was entirely brought
about by his own efforts, for he started out in life at the age of sixteen and
unaided made his way in the world to a position which brought him the confi-
dence and good-will of all who knew him.
Edgar R. A. Brainard was born in McHenry county, Illinois, near Huntley,
May 9, 1851, a son of Isaac and Arvilla (Austin) Brainard, natives of New York
state, both born in Washington county. The date of the father's birth was April
5, 1816, and that of the mother, August 13, 1824. During his active life Isaac
Brainard always followed farming and he and his wife came to Iowa on June i,
1855, locating at what was then known as Cleveland, where he bought land, in the
•gNOliVQNnOj M3aTA.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 53
cultivation of which he coiitinuetl until his death. He passed away September
24, 1880, his wife surviving him until October 11, 1896. In their family were
six children, of whom our subject was the third in order of birth.
In the acquirement of an education Edgar R. A. Brainard attended school in
Postviile township and also a business college at Waukon, having been brought
by his parents to this section before he attained school age. He early assisted his
father with the work of the farm and when only sixteen years of age began to
take charge of its operation, becoming thereby the mainstay of the family. While
he devoted the summer months to farming, he taught school for several years
during the winter seasons and also worked in the employ of others until his
marriage, when he by purchase acquired forty acres of land, still continuing,
however, to teach school during the two following winters. He then had the
means to build a small house and began keeping bees, being the first in this
section to engage in such an enterprise. As his financial means accrued he added
to his farm from time to time until he owned two hundred and fifteen acre.5 of
land, all of which he cleared and which he developed and brought to a high state
of productivity. The buildings upon his farm were substantial and modernly
equipped, his residence comfortable, and the latest machinery was provided for
labor-saving purposes and in order to increase the yield of the fields. He was
considered one of the most substantial agriculturists of his section when death
claimed him December 5, 1909. He was closely attached to his farm, having
never been away from home with but one exception, when he was called to
Dubuque in order to do jury service. Having begun bee culture, he continued
along that line, becoming a leader of the industry and being extraordinarily
successful therein. As his means increased he invested judiciously in other
enterprises and became a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Store and the
Cooperative Creamery of Postviile. His stock-raising interests were also con-
siderable.
On September 22, 1879, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Brainard and
Miss Barbara McWilliams, a native of Scotland, born January 21, i860. She
is a daughter of Nathaniel and Mary (Yule) McWilliams, also natives of Scot-
land, who crossed the ocean in 1867 and after making their way into the interior
of the country, located on Henderson prairie in Clayton county, Iowa, where
they resided for several years before removing to Post township, where the father
rented land and worked for Mr. Hart. He bought his first land in Post town-
ship, where they resided for several years before moving upon the farm near
where Mrs. Brainard now lives, but later sold out and removed to Postviile,
where the father died November 7, 1896, the mother surviving him until February
27, 1905. In their family were nine children, of whom Mrs. Brainard is the
eldest. Mr. and Mrs. Brainard became the [larents of eight children ; Mary,
who was born July 22, 1880, and is now the wife of C. A. Simons, a farmer and
dairyman in Marengo, Illinois: Millie, who was born May 15, 1883, and is the
wife of Martin \'ickery, engaged in farming in Post township : James E., who was
born February 25, 1885, and died October 30, 1897; Arvilla, who was born
August 13, 1887, and is at home; Nellie, born September 28, 1891, also at home;
George, born December 18, 1893: Ralph, born April 6, 1898; and Genevieve,
whose natal day was December 18, 1905.
54 PAST AND PRESEXT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Mr. Brainard was a devout member of the United Brethren church, in the
work of which he was actively and helpfully interested, having been class leader
and trustee of the church, and teacher and superintendent in the Sunday school
for many years. His political allegiance was given to the repuljlican party
and he gave evidence of his public spirit by serving as school director and treas-
urer as well as township assessor for two terms. I-"raternally he was affiliated
with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Brotherhood of
America. The death of Mr. Brainard was the cause of widespread regref among
his many friends who sincerely mourned his loss and still cherish his memory as
one whose manly qualities demand respect and esteem. Mrs. Brainard still
resides upon the homestead and continues its operation in the same able manner
as it had been conducted during her husband's life. In February, iqi2. mis-
fortune befell her when the family residence burned down but, undaunted, she
erected a new and modern residence more comfortable and convenient than
that which had been taken by the elements. She enjoys the highest esteem and
good-will of all her neighbors and has many friends in Postville who admire her
for her excellent womanly qualities as well as for her business abilitv in suc-
cessfully continuing an extensive agricultural enterprise.
JOHN C. BEEDE.
John C. Beede, who is living retired in Waukon after more than fifty years
of prominent identification with farming interests in the vicinity, is numbered
among the pioneers in Allamakee county, his residence here dating from 1857.
He has been one of the greatest individual forces in the agricultural development
of this section, has always been interested in its expansion along other lines
and for more than half a century has been recognized as a public-spirited and
progressive citizen as well as a prosperous and successful business man.
Mr. Beede was born near Augusta, Maine, November 23, 1835, and spent
his early childhood in that city. He had no school advantages in his early life and
is entirely self-educated, his knowledge coming from his private study and wide
reading in mature years. When he was fourteen years of age he went to sea,
joining a fishing crew and engaging in cod and mackerel fishing off the New-
foundland coast during the summers and in the winters working in a store. After
he was twenty-one he followed a sea-faring life for some time and advanced
rapidly, becoming first mate of his vessel. During some period in his early life
he had learned the shoemaking trade and this he followed for a few seasons in
Maine after coming ashore. He married in that state in 1857 ^nd soon after-
ward moved to Iowa, where he joined his brother-in-law, Chester Caton, in
Allamakee county, where he has since resided. They farmed together for two
years and at the end of that time Mr. Beede purchased an eighty acre tract of
raw land in L^nion Prairie township which he proceeded to break, fence and
improve. Ujjon it he built an attractive residence, a good barn and sub-
stantial outbuildings and did everything in his power to make it a valuable and
productive property. Here for over half a century he carried on general
agricultural pursuits, each year with increasing success, becoming at length one
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALEAMAKEE COUNTY 55
of the prt)S|)crous aiul successful fanners of the comiuunily. liy well directed
labor and jiractical methods and strict adherence to high standards of business
integrity he accumulated a comfortable fortune which enabled liini to retire
from active life. Accordingly, in igio he sold his farm and mo\ed to W'aukon,
where he jiurchased an attractive hoiue in which he now resides.
Mr. Beede has been twice married. His hrst union occurred in Maine in
1857 and to it were born eight children: .\rthur S.. now a resident of Oregon:
LeKoy J., of South Dakota: Edgar L., also of Oregon; Angie M., the wife of
E. A. I [eath, of Alaska : Mrs. Cora L. Campbell, of North Dakota : Nellie, the
wife of Professor L. W. Alibott, for fourteen years superintendent of schools
in Nobles county, Minnesota: Albert \\'., who lives at home: and Fred, who
resides in W'illiston, North Dakota. The mother of these children passed away
on January 13, 1876, and on the 26th of May, 1877, ^^^- Keede wedded Miss
Mary T. Ryan, a native of Massachusetts, who was reared in Union Prairie town-
ship, Allamakee county, and is a daughter of Thotnas Ryan, who was one of the
pioneers in this jiart of the state. Mr. and Mrs. lieede have three children: John
C, a business man in Waukon : Minnie, the wife of W. J. Raymond, also of
Waukon, and Myrtle Irene, who married Ernest Raymond, of Nora Springs,
Iowa. One son born to Mr. and Mrs. Beede, William H., grew to maturity and
died in 1910, at the age of twenty-nine. They also lost a daughter, Lizzie, who
passed away in 1898, when she was twenty years of age.
Fraternally Mr. Beede is connected with the Odd Fellows, which he joined
in 1870, and he has passed through all the chairs in the subordinate lodge and is
now past grand. He and his wife are members of the Rebekah lodge and Mrs.
Beede has served in all of the chairs of the order, being at present past vice
grand. W. J. Raymond, Mr. Beede's son-in-law, is now noble grand of the
W'aukon lodge and his wife is noble grand of the Rebekahs.
Mr. Beede cast his first vote for John C. Fremont in 1836 and since the forma-
tion of the republican party has voted for every republican nominee for the
presidency. He takes an active interest in local affairs, especially in school
matters, and while on the farm was elected in 1838 a member of the school
board, servitig continuously for fifty-two years. He is numbered among the
real builders of Allamakee county, for he has borne an active and honorable
part in the work of its development and for more than half a century has con-
sistently supported all progressive public movements. He commands the con-
fidence and respect of his neighbors and well deserves the retirement which he
now eniovs, for it is the fruit of long vears of honest and successful labor.
MOSES AYERS BOLLMAN.
For more than half a century Moses Ayers Bollman was a resident of
Winneshiek county and during the greater part of that period was identified
with the farming interests. Although he never sought to figure prominently
in public life, he proved his loyalty to his country in the time of her greatest
need in the dark days of the Civil war and he was classed with those citizens
whose sterling worth, earnest purpose and fidelity to the duties which come day
56 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
by day make them valued residents of the community. He was born in Mus-
kingum county, Ohio, January i6. 1837, and was a son of WiUiam and Ehzabeth
(Hardin) BoUman, the former a native of the same section. The father, who
was a farmer by occupation, came to Iowa about the year 1853 ^"^ located just
northwest of Postville, where he purchased land upon which he continued to
reside until his death in 1873. His wife survived him several years, dying
in 1879.
Moses Ayers Bollman was one of a family of nine children. He grew up
on his father's farm, acquiring his knowledge of the best agricultural methods
by practical experience, and at the usual age entered the district schools of Post
township where he gained an excellent education. He began his independent
career at the age of sixteen when he began working as a farm hand, continuing
thus until 1861, when, his patrotic spirit being aroused, he volunteered for
service in the L'nion army, joining Company K, First Regular Iowa Cavalry.
He saw a great deal of active service, remaining at the front until after the
close of hostilities when he was mustered out with honorable discharge, returning
to Iowa with a creditable military record. He bought land six miles northwest
of Postville in Winneshiek county, whereon he continued to reside until his
death, his practical methods, his energy and close application bringing him as the
years passed a gratifying measure of success, and his high integrity and honor
and his sterling personal worth winning for him the respect, confidence and
esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
Mr. Bollman was twice married. He first wedded Miss Nancy Harris, a
sister of William Harris, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this
work. Mr. Bollman's first wife passed away in 1871. leaving three children:
Rena Belle, the wife of Amos McMartin, a farmer in Ellendale, North Dakota ;
Willard Ellery. engaged in farming in Bruce, South Dakota ; and Maggie Ellen,
who married Edward Green, a farmer residing seven miles northwest of Post-
ville.
On the 24th of March, 1874, IMr. Bollman was again married, his second wife
being Miss Carrie Brown, who was born in Laporte, Indiana, July 3, 1852. She
is a daughter of Luther and Mary (Walrath) Brown, both natives of that
section, tlie father born November i, 1823, and the mother, October 11, 1830.
They came to Iowa in 1854 and in that year located on a farm five miles north-
west of Postville, whereon they continued to reside until January 5, 1862, when
the father died. Mrs. Brown and her children moved into Castalia, where she
passed away, October 11, 1865. Their daughter, Mrs. Bollman, is one of a
family of four children. She grew up on her father's farm near Postville and
attended what was then known as the old red school house, located one mile from
her father's home. This school, now called the Oak Ridge school, is attended
by her own children. By this second marriage Mr. Bollman had eight children :
Fenton, who is engaged in farming near Caldwell, Idaho : Parker, a farmer re-
siding at Basin. Wyoming : Stella, the wife of Hayes Hougland. a farmer and
rancher near Republic, Washington ; Talcott, who makes his home with his
mother; Farrcll, a farmer near Cottonwood, South Dakota; \'era, the wife of
B. Post, a farmer in the vicinity of Caldwell, Idaho ; \'ives, a photographer re-
siding in Postville ; and Oberton, who is studying butter making at the State
Agricultural College at Ames. After the death of her husband Mrs. Bollman sold
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 57
tlie farm and came to Postville where she ]nirchased a comfortable and attractive
residence in wliich she expects to spend the remainder of her life. She is a
devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and is affiliated with the
Ladies Aid Society, in which she has accomplished much useful and beneficial
work.
Mr. IJollman gave his political allegiance to the republican party and was
never neglectful of the duties of citizenship, cooperating readily and willingly
in all movements and projects for the general welfare. For a number of years
he served on the school board and was for some time road supervisor, dis-
charging his i)ublic duties in a capable, far-sighted and conscientious way. He
was a member of the United Brethren church and his life was ever upright and
honorable, commanding the confidence and good-will of all who knew him. He
lived to witness a remarkable change in Allamakee and W'inneshiek comities dur-
ing the long period of his residence in this part of Iowa and throughout the
entire period his influence was always on the side of progress, truth, justice and
right.
JOHN M. COLLINS.
John M. Collins, a well known grocery and real-estate dealer of Waukon and
one of the early settlers in Allamakee county, was born in Lewis county. New
York, July 19, 1S43. His parents later moved to Kentucky and resided in Mason
county, that state, until 1856, when they moved to Iowa, making a permanent
location in Taylor township, Allamakee county. Here the father owned one
hundred and si.xty acres of land, broke the soil, fenced his property and began the
work of development, which he carried on along progressive lines for many
years, dying upon his homestead at an advanced age.
John M. Collins was a boy of thirteen when he came with his parents to
Allamakee county and his childhood was spent amid pioneer conditions. He
aided in the opening up of the new farm and afterward in its improvement and
development, spending all of his time when not engaged with his books in
agricultural pursuits. He acquired his primary education in the public schools
and supplemented this by outside study and reading, fitting himself for teaching,
an occupation which he followed for twelve consecutive terms, becoming well
known in educational circles of the state. He afterward entered public life,
accepting in 1880 the position of deputy county auditor and serving in that
capacity for four years. In 1884 he was elected auditor and at the end of his
first term reelected, afterward serving for nine consecutive years in the office,
He was later again deputy auditor and in all served as deputy and county auditor
for seventeen years, his public service being at all times loyal, efficient and dis-
interested. During his long term in office people from all parts of the county
came to Waukon to consult him and to lay before him matters which needed his
attention and he was never known to neglect any phase of his public duty. In
this way he acquired an extensive circle of friends, all of whom hold him today
in the highest honor and esteem. In 1898 Mr. Collins went to Minneapolis and
there engaged in the mercantile business, at the same time purchasing a half
58 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
interest in a dry-goods store at Prairie du Chien. He gave his attention to the
conduct of both concerns for one year and then sold out his interests and
opened a grocery store in Waukon which in the course of fourteen years he
has made one of the largest and most important institutions of its kind in the
city. He carries a complete and well selected line of goods and has secured
an enviable reputation as a careful and discriminating man of business whose
success is the direct result of the energy, honesty and straightforward dealing by
which it was attained. Mr. Collins is also well known as a real-estate dealer in
Waukon, for he specializes in the buying and selling of improved Iowa, .Minne-
sota, North Dakota, Montana and Missouri farming lands. He has made some
very judicious private investments and is now the owner of fourteen hundred
acres, part of which is improved land. In 1883 he purchased a residence in
Waukon and has made it his home continuously since that time with the excep-
tion of a year and a half during which time he lived in I'rairie du CJiien.
On the 1st day of February, 1874, Mr. Collins married Miss P>. T. Prazell, a
native of Canada, who came to the United States in i860. They have three sons
and two daughters, as follows : John B., who is married and who assists his
father in the grocery store; Michael L., a farmer in Nortli Dakota; William J.,
who is also employed in his father's store ; Mrs. Mary Regan, a widow, who
makes her home in Minneapolis; and Nellie, who assists in the conduct of the
grocery. Mr. and Mrs. Collins had one other son, Albert, who died in 1900
at the age of fifteen years. The family are members of the Roman Catholic
church, and Mr. Collins is a member of the Knights of Columbus. For over
half a century he has been a resident of .-Mlamakee county and his labors have
been a cooperant factor in the development and advancement of the section. He
is numbered among the public-spirited and progressive men of Waukon, giving
largely of his time, means and influence in the promotion of projects for the
general good. He occupies a prominent position in business, social and political
circles and has always shown an interest and ability which have made him a
valued member of the community.
RONNEBURGER & HOESLY.
Among the foremost newspaper enterprises in Allamakee county and, in fact
one which has a large influence in four counties and throughout the state, is the
Iowa Volksblatt, a weekly journal printed in the German language at Postville.
This paper is a great favorite with the sons of the fatherland located in this
section and the citizens of German descent and is housed in a finely equipped
ofifice, having a wide circulation, including a large number of readers in Germany.
The Volksblatt was established in 1892, by the Rev. John Gass, and later was
edited by Dietsch & Brechler, Mr. Dietsch becoming the sole proprietor in 1895.
In 1908 it was purchased by the present owners, Paul Ronneburger and Samuel
Hoesly, under whose management the paper has enjoyed a history of uninter-
rupted success and prosperity. Although an important factor in promoting
public progress and advancing the interests of the section in which it circulates, it
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 59
is independent in politics and devotes its attention largely to the news of Postville
and the four counties in which its readers are located.
The senior member of the firm, I\iul Ronnehurger, is a German born and
bred, having first seen the light of day in the capital of the empire, ISerlin. He
enjoyed the splendid and ilKinnigh educational advantages of the German public
schools, attended the printers' trade school and became an expert in the printers'
art in the fatlierland. The year 1892 marks his advent in America, where he
worked at his trade in Milwaukee, being for a time employed in the office of the
\'orwaerts. the well known paper edited by ex-Congressman X'ictor Berger.
After seven years in Milwaukee, Mr. Ronneburger worked for one year with
the Bellville (Texas) Wochenblatt and then became connected with the Banner
at Mayville, Wisconsin, and subse(|uently with the Green County Herold of
^lonroe, that state. It was here that he met his future partner, Samuel Hoesly,
and the two young men then decided to strike out for themselves, purchasing the
Iowa \'olksblatt.
In 1903 Mr. Ronneburger paid a visit to the old country and on October 26,
1910, he was married'to Miss Margarete Wersinger, of Berlin, Germany. Mr.
Ronneburger is an ideal newspaper man — a forceful writer, an excellent busi-
ness man and a strong factor in his community.
Samuel Hoesly, the junior partner in the concern, is of Swiss descent, his
father having come to America in 184S, and via New Orleans and up the
Mississippi, went to New Glarus, Wisconsin, where he made his home. It was in
Clarno, Wisconsin, on December 4, 1876, that Samuel Hoesly was born. He
received an excellent public-school education and at the age of fifteen entered the
office of the Green County Herold of Monroe, Wisconsin, where he learned every
branch of the printer's art, remaining with the one office from 1892 to 1908 with
the exception of the time he served with the First Wisconsin \'olunteers during
the Spanish-American war. At that time he was stationed at Jacksonville, Flor-
ida, under the command of General Lee, and in all he served eight years with
the Wisconsin National Guard.
Mr. Hoesly was married March 9, 1912, to Miss Edna Brouillet, a young
lady of French parentage. Mr. Hoesly is highly accomplished in printer's work
and has a decided talent for the artistic, the elements in the characters of both
partners and their accomplishments giving promise of a most successful future
for the firm.
HENRY OR IN DAYTON.
Henry Orin Dayton was born at Hadley, Saratoga county. New York,
November 10, 1834, and died at his home in Waukon, Iowa, January 24, 1901, of
typhoid fever. His boyhood days and early manhood were spent in his native
village. He received his education at Greenwich, New York, and at the semi-
nary at Charlotteville, that state.
In 1856 Mr. Dayton came to Iowa, arriving at Hardin on July i, where he
engaged in surveying, assisting his brother, Joel Dayton, who was county sur-
veyor. His first work was on the town plat of Hardin. He followed surveying
60 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
henceforth as his chief occupation, ahhough engaging in various other enterprises.
In the winter of 1857-8 he taught the Decorah school, at forty dollars per month.
He had one hundred and eighteen pupils enrolled, and one assistant, a Miss
Farmer. He proved very successful, and his school exhibition on the closing
day, April 2, 1858, drew a very large crowd. In 1858 he taught the summer
school at Hardin, after which he again took up surveying until December, when
he commenced teaching at Milton, or \'illage Creek, where he taught three win-
ters, and then took the Lansing school for two years. During the intervals be-
tween schools he put in his time surveying.
In the fall of 1864 Mr. Dayton organized a stock company for establishing a
woolen factory, and the following year they built a large stone building and
commenced operations early in 1866. Severe floods interfered with their work
from time to time, and the mill was twice destroyed by fire, the last time in 1875.
Mr. Dayton was often honored with offices of trust. He was county super-
visor from Lafayette township two years ; county surveyor eight years ; and
clerk of the district court si.x years. When elected clerk of the courts in 1874
he removed to Waukon, where he continued to reside until his death in igoi.
Here he served several years on the Waukon school board. After his third term
as county clerk he operated a creamery at Village Creek, and later at Waukon,
where he also established and operated a canning factory. LTpon retiring from
this he again took up civil engineering, in which he was actively engaged up to
the time of his last sickness.
On August 27, 1866, Mr. Dayton married Miss Maria Aldrich, a most de-
voted wife and mother, and a woman loved by all who knew her. Mrs. Dayton
died June 3, 191 1. To them were born six children, of whom three remain, viz:
Walter, of Salt Lake City ; Mrs. Leona Heath, of Dallas, Texas ; and Mrs. Anna
Davenport, of Clear Lake, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Dayton were members of the
Methodist Ejjiscopal church of Waukon, and he was one of the official board
for a quarter of a century. It may be truly said that Mr. Dayton was known
throughout .Xllamakee county, in his home life, as a neighbor, as a citizen, and as
a public official, and that no man in the county had more friends than he in all the
walks of life.
JAMES BROWN McWILLIAMS.
With the passing of James Brown McWilliams on March 11, 1896, Allamakee
county lost one of its valued pioneers. His career furnished a link between
the past, when crude conditions still prevailed, and the more modern era of the
coming civilization of the twentieth century. A sturdy agriculturist, he passed
practically his entire life in that vocation and attained to success by reason of
his industry and energy. Although over seventeen years have passed since
his demise his memory is still cherished by the older generation and the seed
he has sown as one of those who have I>een prominent in the agricultural develop-
ment of his district is still bearing fruit.
James B. McWilliams was born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, near Mason-
town, February 6, 1832, a son of Samuel and Sarah (Huston) McWilliams, both
tJAMES B.M = WILLIAMS
THE NEW YORK
PU?LIC LiSRARY
ASTOR, LFN9X AND
Tl'-D-N FOUNDATIONS.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 63
natives of Pennsylvania, in which state they passed their entire lives. The
father was an agriculturist by occupation and prominent in his district. James
B. McWilliams attended school in his native state and there was reared and
grew to young manhood, marrying on March 15, i860, Sarah E. Neeling, who
was born at Mount Vernon, Chester county, Pennsylvania, June 22, 1840, a
daughter of James and Anna (Cameron) Neeling. The father was also born
in Chester county, Pennsylvania, but the mother called Maryland her native stale.
The father always followed agricultural pursuits and they came to Iowa in 1854,
locating at National, Clayton county, wliere he engaged in the hotel business.
Later the parents moved to Algona and invested in land which the father culti-
vated with such good success that he was enabled to spend the latter part of
his life in retirement in Algona, where he and his wife passed away.
The father of our subject had died in his native state when Mr. McWilliams
was but two years of age and when about twenty-two. he came to Iowa accom-
panied by a brother and his wife. Me first located at Colesburg, in southern
Iowa, but after a few years returned to Pennsylvania. A year later, how-
ever, he and a brother returned to Clayton county, Iowa, taking up land in
Meadow township, and there he continued until he came to Postville, where
for five years he made his home, when a removal was made to a farm near this
city, to the cultivation of which he gave the rest of his life. For thirty-seven
years he made his home in this district and during that long residence gained a
reputation as a straightforward, reliable and honorable man in all of his deal-
ings. He built up a substantial fortune and upon his death left his wife and
children sufficient to set them up independently in life. Mr. and Mrs. McWil-
liams became the parents of ten children, of whom si.x, four sons and two
daughters, survive. Those born to this union were : Huston, who died at the
age of eleven months ; George, a resident of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada,
where he is engaged in the real-estate business and is a large landowner ; May,
the widow of Edward Clough, residing in Eureka, Montana ; Edgar, who passed
away in June, 1896, at the age of twenty-five years; Minnie, who died at the
age of five ; Zilla, whose death occurred at the age of three years ; Vergil, an
assistant bank cashier, who resides at Chester, Iowa ; Carey, a druggist of that
city ; Emmet, cashier of the German Savings Bank of Chester ; and Ethel, the
wife of F. J. Thoma, who is engaged in the grocery business at Postville.
The death of Mr. McWilliams occurred on March 11, 1896, and was caused
by a lamentable accident brought about through ptomaine poisoning. All of
the family were taken sick but Mr. McWilliams was afflicted so severely that
he was unable to withstand the shock and after two weeks' illness passed away,
deeply mourned by his immediate family and a large circle of friends who had
learned to esteem him for his manly qualities of character, his sturdiness, his
straightforwardness and for what he had done in promoting advancement and
development. His political adherence was at first given to the democratic party
but he later affiliated with the republicans, always keeping intelligently informed
upon all public questions, although he never desired public office. Fraternally
he was a member of the Masonic lodge at Garnavillo and of the Ancient Order
of United Workmen. It was on March 13, 1896, that the last remains of Mr.
McWilliams were laid to rest in the Postville cemetery, the Rev. L. S. Hand
Vol. II— 4
64 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
officiating. A large gathering of friends and neighbors had come to do the
last honors to one who had been much to them and who had ever had their full
esteem and confidence. Mrs. McWilliams survives and now makes her home
in Postville. where she is highly esteemed and respected for her womanly quali-
ties of character and that sweet, charitable view of life which makes her
beloved by all who know her.
CHRISTOF SANDER.
Christof Sander, carrying on general farming and stock-raising upon two
hundred acres of land in Post township, comprising one of the finest agricultural
properties in the locality, is numbered among the earlier settlers in Iowa, his
residence here dating from 1870. He was born in Hanover, Germany, on the
i6th of January, 1849, and is a son of Juergen and Dora (Sander) Sander, also
natives of that province. They never came to America. The father engaged
in farming in his native country during all of his active life, owning a fine
property of one hundred and sixty acres in Hanover.
Christof Sander spent his early childhood in the fatherland and attended
school there for eight years. When he was sixteen years of age he turned his
attention to farming, working at that occupation in the employ of others until
1867, when he left Germany and came to America, landing in New York, May i
of that year. He pushed immediately westward to Wisconsin and located in
Sac county, where he worked upon farms for three years, coming at the end
of that time to Clayton county, Iowa, near Postville. His capital at that time
consisted of seven dollars. He obtained work as a farm laborer and as such
continued for four years, after which he rented land for twelve years. During
that time by the exercise of unremitting industry and practical economy he
saved enough money to purchase a farm of eighty acres and to this he has since
added from time to time, the place now comprising two hundred acres, all under a
high state of cultivation. Success has steadily rewarded his well directed labors
and his farm is today one of the finest in this section of Iowa, well eeiuipped
with modern buildings and machinery and reflecting in its excellent condition his
many years of care and labor. Mr. Sander engages in general farming and
stock-raising on an extensive scale, keeping hogs, cattle, sheep and horses. He
is also interested in chicken raising and is a stockholder in the Farmers Coopera-
tive Store of Postville.
On the i6th of April, 1875, Mr. Sander was united in marriage to Miss Caro-
line Schultz, who was born in Mecklenburg, Germany, on the 30th of January,
1859, a daughter of Jochen and Katherine (Miller) Schultz, who came as pioneers
to Clayton county, Iowa, but later removed to Winneshiek county, the father fol-
lowing farming. Both have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Sander became the par-
ents of eleven children : George, who was born on the 24th of May, 1876, and
is now engaged in farming in Franklin township : Emma, whose birth occurred
February 13. 1878, and who married John Dederick, a farmer of Winneshiek
county; Ida. who was born on the 12th of April, 1880, and is the wife of
Charles Schute, a farmer in Clayton county: Otto, who was born September 14,
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 65
1882, and is a carpenter in Postville; Carl, who was born December 27, 1885,
and is also engaged in carpentering in that city ; and Konrad. born April 23, 1888 ;
Walter, August 30, 1892; Esther, October 14. 1895: Mahala, January 5, 1897;
Eldo, January 6, 1900: and Caroline, May 25, 1904.
I-'raternally, Mr. Sander is affiliated with the Ancient Order of United
Workmen and the Modern Brotherhood of America. A resident of this part of
Iowa for over forty years, he is well and favorably known, his business integrity,
loyalty in citizenship and sterling c|ualities of character having gained for him the
respect, confidence and esteem of all his associates. He is one of Allamakee
county's successful men and his prosperity is the more creditable to him since it
has been gained entirely through his own energy, hard work and unremitting
industry and is the result of many years of well directed and practical labor.
RAY F. TOPLIFF, D. D. S.
One of the most able and progressive dentists in Allamakee county is Dr.
Ray F. Topliff, now practicing in Postville. He is a native of this county, born
two miles west of the city. May 19, 1884, a son of John Nelson and Rachel
Elizabeth (Reed) Topliff. The father was born in Newark, New Jersey, on the
24th of July, 1836, his parents being Elias and Sarah (Woodworth) Topliff, the
former of whom was born August 30, 1801, and died November 26, i860, while
his wife died on the 4th of May, 1854. It was in the fall of 1847 that John
Nelson Topliff' accompanied his parents on their removal from ]\Iilford, Ohio,
to Iowa, the journey being made with two two-horse teams and one single horse.
They arrived at Monona on the 26th of November, 1847. that being just south of
the Winnebago reservation, and Elias Topliff took up the first claim on that
reservation before it was surveyed and before they had the protection of the
government from the Indians, as the red men did not move from the territory
until the follow'ing June. In the family of Elias Topliff' were six sons and four
daughters, of whom three sons and two daughters are still living.
In early life John Nelson Topliff" engaged in teaming prior to the advent of the
railroad, and during those pioneer days he experienced many of the hardships
and difficulties which came to those who settled on the frontier. For two years
after his marriage he made his home in Waukon and then removed to the old
homestead farm two miles west of Postville. where he resided until 1891, since
which time he has lived retired in Decorah, Iowa. In connection with general
farming he also engaged in the nurser\' and fruit business and met with excel-
lent success in his undertakings. On the 2d of January, 1869. he became a
Master Mason, joining the lodge at Postville, and has since been an exemplary
member of that order.
On the 1st of July, i860, in Waukon, John N. Topliff' was united in marriage
to Miss Rachel Elizabeth Reed, who was born in Ohio, June 21. 1841, a daughter
of David ami Mary (Allen) Reed, the former of whom was born June 2"], 1799,
and died in March, 1880, while the latter was born May 9, 1814, and died
February 4, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Topliff' became the parents of the following
children: Charles Louis, born December 28, 1862: John Nelson, Jr.. born
66 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
November ii, 1863 ; Anna Grace, who was born July 3, 1868, and died November
25, 1877; Frank Rolla, who was born February 6, 1875, and died October 25,
1877 ; and Ray F., the subject of this interview.
In the acquirement of an education Dr. Topliff attended the Decorah pubhc
schools and after graduating from the high school entered the dental college of
the Northwestern University at Chicago, graduating with the degree of D. D. S.,
in 1906. He began the practice of his profession in West Union, but after one
year came to Postville, where he has since engaged in practice. His office is
one of the most modern and best equipped in this part of the state and his prac-
tice is very large, requiring the constant services of an assistant. He is at present
furnishing and equipping a new office in the bank building on Main street and
expects shortly to move to his new location. He is a constant student of the mod-
ern and advanced methods which are being at all times introduced into the prac-
tice of dentistry and he is today one of the most able exponents of these methods.
His large patronage is a proof of the excellent results he has already accomplished
and in his ability and knowledge he possesses a guarantee of future professional
progress.
Dr. Topliff was married on the loth of November, 1910, to Miss Josephine
M. Lennon, who was born in Decorah, August 26, 1885, a daughter of Joseph
M. and Alice (Webster) Lennon, the former a native of Racine, Wisconsin, and
the latter of Decorah. Her father, who followed farming during all of his active
life, came to Iowa in early times and grew to manhood in this state, acquiring
his education in the public schools in the vicinity of Decorah. He began his inde-
pendent career by purchasing land between Decorah and Frankville and became
in time an extensive landowner. He retired from active life about the year 1897
and removed into Decorah, where he and his wife still reside, but he still super-
vises the management of his landed interests.
Dr. Topliff is a member of the Iowa State Dental Society, of the Alumni
Association of Northwestern University and of Xi Psi Phi. He belongs to
Brotherly Love Lodge, No. 204, A. F. & A. M., and is identified also with the
Order of Eastern Star. He is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America
and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is well known in social and
fraternal circles of the city, where his many fine qualities have gained him high
regard, while in his profession he has won that pro'minence which comes only in
recognition of merit and ability.
AARON B. COOK.
In 1907 after more than thirty-eight years' close identification with farming
interests in Allamakee county, Aaron B. Cook moved into Postville where he has
since lived in retirement, having earned rest and leisure by many years of earnest,
honorable and well directed work in the past. A spirit of enterprise and deter-
mination has actuated him in all that he has done and his work has been of a high
order, touching and influencing the trend of agricultural development in this part
of the state. He was born in St. Joseph county, Michigan, September 15, 1840,
and is a son of William and Ursula (Burr) Cook, natives of New York, born
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 67
near Utica. The father was one of the pioneers in Michigan, going there when
the present state was still a territory, and identifying himself with general farm-
ing in St. Joseph county where he remained until 1868 when he went to Mott-
ville, where he turned his attention to the real-estate business in which he con-
tinued until his death, September 5, 1878. He was prominent in public affairs
in St. Joseph county and held various positions of trust and honor, serving for
several years as county commissioner. He had long survived his wife, who passed
away in 1849. In their family were eight children, of whom the subject of this
review is the sixth in the order of birth.
Aaron B. Cook acquired his early education in the public schools of Mott-
ville and was later a student in White Pigeon Seminary. When he was nineteen
years of age he began teaching, spending the winter months at this occupation and
attending school during the summers. Afterward, however, he turned his atten-
tion to farming, buying land in Elkhart county, Indiana, where he remained
about two years. He followed this by two years upon his father's farm in
Michigan and then, in 1867, came to Iowa, having since continued a resident of
the state. At first he rented land in Ludlow township, Allamakee county, but
after two years purchased eighty acres in Post township, whereon he resided
continuously for thirty-eight years, becoming, in the interval, one of the most
prominent and substantial farmers in this section of the state. When he took up
his residence upon this property it was wild and unimproved, but with character-
istic energy he set himself to the task of clearing and developing it, steadily carry-
ing forward the work along practical and scientific lines. From time to time he
bought more land and added it to his holdings until they today comprise two
hundred and eighty acres of fine farming land. In connection with the work of
the farm, he not only threshed for himself and neighbors during the season —
owning successively three threshing machines — but he also taught in the district
schools during the winter season, becoming, through his able and successful
work, one of the leading educators of the county. He was, as may readily be seen,
an indefatigable worker, possessed of the ability to divide his energies without
impairing their force and he had, moreover, that knowledge of men and the
power of judging their capabilities, which enabled him always to hire efficient
and honest employes, a great deal of his success being due to this fact alone. In
addition to the activities above mentioned, he was also for some time president
of the publishing company which controlled the District Post, the second paper
in Postville and known as the greenback paper of this district. Mr. Cook is at
present manager of the cooperative Postville canning factory and has proven
himself a reliable and far-sighted business man as well as a successful educator
and a capable farmer. In 1907 he removed from his farm into Postville and is
now living practically retired, giving most of his attention to the supervision of
his extensive interests.
Mr. Cook married, on the ist of April, i860. Miss Caroline Machemer, who
was born in Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, June 20, 1838. She is a
daughter of William and Catherine (Seeman) Machemer, natives of that section
of the Keystone state. For many years the father followed farming, but in later
life turned his attention to the mercantile business, operating a large store in
Constantine, Michigan, whither he and his wife went in 1855. There the mother
died in 1878 and she was survived by her husband until 1893, his death occurring
68 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
when he was eighty-seven years of age. Of their family of eleven children,
Mrs. Cook is the sixth in the order of birth. She grew to womanhood in Penn-
sylvania and acquired her education in the public schools of that state. She and
her husband became the parents of seven children. Flora, the widow of O. D.
Franklin, of Postville, was born May 7, 1861. She is now a teacher in the Post-
ville public school. James Albert was born December 8, 1862. He is a resident
of Keller, Washington, where he is engaged in teaching. He married Myrtle
Hoagland, a native of Chickasaw county, Iowa. Carrie L.. who was born Sep-
tember 29, 1866. is the widow of Orrin M. Franklin and makes her home in
Waterloo, Iowa. Myrtle M., born February 14, 1872, became the wife of Elmer
McGhee, of the European Hotel, of Cedar Rapids. Perry E. was born Novem-
ber 25, 1874, and still resides on the home farm. He married Miss Stella Uhl.
Charles B. was born October 17, 1877, and died May 21, 1908. His wife was in
her maidenhood. Miss Estella Hammel. Gwendolyn, youngest child born to Mr.
and Mrs. Cook, was born I'ebruary 10, 1882. She is the wife of Walter Camp-
bell, secretary of the Cooperative Creamery Company of Postville.
Mr. Cook attends the Methodist Episcopal church, although he is not a mem-
ber of any religious denomination. He gives his political allegiance to the demo-
cratic party and is actively interested in public affairs, being always ready and
willing to cooperate in mo\emeiits for the genera! welfare. He has held impor-
tant offices, serving with credit as justice of the peace for sixteen years, as town-
ship trustee and as secretary of the school board. In all relations of life he has
proved honorable, upright, straightforward and efficient and. in the county where
he has resided for almost forty years, his name is a synonym for progressive
citizenship, business ability and high standards of personal and political integrity.
GEORGE WASHINGTON HANKS.
Through a residence of about thirty years in Allamakee county, George Wash-
ington Hanks firmly entrenched himself in the affection and regard of those
with whom he came in contact, while his business ability gained him a place
among the representative and valued residents of this section of the state. From
1862 until his death in 1891 he resided continuously upon his farm lying partly
in this and partly in Clayton county and each year added something to his high
standing in the community to the agricultural development of which he made
such substantial and lasting contril)utions. He came to Iowa in 18^9.
Mr. Hanks was born in West .\lmond, Allegany county. New York, on the
8th of October, 1834, and is a son of Rufus F. and Cynthia (Knight) Hanks,
natives of Greenwich, Connecticut, the former born, September 4. 1802, and the
latter, September 29, 1799. The father was a cooper by trade and an expert car-
penter and joiner, as well as a blacksmith, and he worked at all of these occupations,
first in Connecticut, and then in Pennsylvania, whither he went in 1837. In that
State he also followed farming, owning an excellent property which, however,
was largely operated by his sons. He was one of the pioneers in Iowa, locating
in Wayne township, Crawford county, in early times and making his residence
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 69
there until his death, which occurred in 1880. He had survived his wife only a
short time, her death iiaving occurred six weeks previously.
George Washington Hanks was the eighth in a family of twelve children.
He acquired his education in the district schools in Pennsylvania and at the same
time became a proficient and capable farmer, learning the best and most practical
agricultural methods by personal experience upon his father's property. Under
his father he also learned the cooper's trade, becoming an expert carpenter,
joiner and blacksmith, and he did a great deal of this kind of work in his father's
different shops. On the 24th of April, 1859, he left Pennsylvania and came
to Iowa, settling in Clayton county where he rented land, turning his attention
to general farming. He was very successful and was eventually able to purchase
a fine property of his own upon which he moved June 12, 1862, and whereon he
continued to reside until his death. For a time he worked at his trade in con-
nection with his farming operations, but later concentrated his attention upon
the development of his land, becoming one of the most prosperous and successful
farmers in this part of the state. Starting with forty acres, he added to his
holdings as his financial resources increased and he owned finally two hundred
and seventy-three and one-third acres, one hundred and thirteen of which lay
in Clayton county and the remainder in Allamakee. Upon it he made substan-
tial improvements, his progressive and modern spirit leading him to introduce all
the newest and best machinery, and to keep the buildings which he erected in
good repair. In addition to the development of his fields, he gave a great deal
of attention to stock-raising and eventually operated the farm as a general stock
farm, whereon he bred and raised pure-blooded animals. It was he who intro-
duced Polled Angus cattle in this vicinity and he did a great deal of important
work in improving the breed. For thirty years he steadily carried forward the
work of developing his homestead and his well directed and practical labors
were at length rewarded by a success which placed him in the front ranks of the
county's progressive farmers.
On the 3rd of July, 1856, Mr. Hanks married Miss Mary Ann Banister, who
was born in Cherry Creek, Chautauqua county. New York, September 15, 1834.
She is a daughter of William and Priscilla (Stewart) Banister, natives of Wind-
sor county, Vermont, the former born August 12, 1808, and the latter, Septem-
ber 12, 1804. They moved across the Green mountains to New York in 1830 and
in that state engaged in farming, an occupation which he followed all during his
active life. In 1837 ^^ moved to Crawford county, Pennsylvania, and there
resided until his death, which occurred November 8, 1890. He had survived his
wife since March 29, 1879. Although Mr. and Mrs. Hanks had no children of
their own, they adopted a nephew, W. James Hanks, son of the brother of the sub-
ject of this review. He was born in Franklin county, Iowa, August 31, 1871, and
grew to manhood in this state. He married Miss Agnes Dunn, also a native of
Iowa, and they have two sons: George L. and Harry Newell, who reside with
their father in Postville. W. James Hanks is engaged in the piano and jewelry
business in that city and is one of the progressive and enterprising young busi-
ness men of the community.
The death of Mr. Hanks occurred upon his farm January 12, 1891, after a
residence of nearly thirty years upon the property. After his demise Mrs. Hanks
remained upon the homestead until the following December, when she disposed
70 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
of the property and moved into Postville, where she has since resided, being well
known and highly esteemed in the community. Mr. Hanks gave his political alle-
giance to the republican party and was progressive and public-spirited in matters
of citizenship, cooperating heartily in all measures which he deemed would be
of benefit to the county or state. He served for a few years as justice of the
peace in Post township and in Postville was a director of the District Fair Asso-
ciation. Mr. Hanks was also a great lover of music and quite proficient in that
art. He taught it in early times to the great benefit of the young people, never
receiving any remuneration for his work, but teaching with a view of bringing
something beautiful into their lives.
He was about fifty-seven years of age at the time of his death which caused
deep regret among his many friends who had learned to esteem him for his
genuine personal worth and his sterling qualities of heart and character. Although
he did not seek to figure prominently before the public, he came to be known
throughout the community as an exemplary citizen, a faithful husband and a relia-
ble and trustworthy business man.
WIN FIELD S. WEBSTER.
Energy, application and unremitting industry have been the watchwords of
the career of Winfield S. Webster, who for many years has been identified with
the insurance business in Postville and who is today numbered among the prom-
inent, representative and deservedly successful business men of the community.
He was born in Schoharie county, New York, June 15, 1842, and is a son of
Daniel D. and Jane (Malick) Webster, also natives of that part of the Empire
state. The father was born in 1806 and m early life turned his attention to
merchandising, later abandoning this occupation in favor of farming. He uas
a brigadier general in the New York State Militia and held the rank until 1851,
when he left the state and moved west to Iowa, locating in the old town of
Moneek, in Winneshiek county, where he purchased land which he developed
and improved until he moved to Ossian. While on his first Iowa farm he hod
also engaged in the insurance business and he now turned his attention entirely
to that line of work, continuing in it until his death, which occurred May 10,
1892. He had long survived his wife, who died September 16, 1876. They
were the parents of eight children, of whom the subject of this review is the
fifth in order of birth.
Winfield S. Webster acquired his education in Moneek and in the grade
schools of Waukon and after completing it remained at home with his parents
until he was twenty-two years of age. He began his independent career as
salesman for a history of the Civil war which was published at that time but
after three months turned his attention to the insurance business, traveling as
a special agent through northeastern Iowa, his territory covering a quarter of
the entire state. He was thus occupied for two years and at the end of that
time came to Postville, engaging in the insurance business for himself, a line
of work in which he has been active since that time, building up a large and
representative patronage which he has proved very successful in conducting
&IL^ J. WZl^'
'U^
PAST AND PRESENT OE ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 73
He is in addition a dealer in real estate ; is a stockholder in the Clay Products
Company; the Citizens I5ank, which he helped to organize; the local Canning
Factory, and he owns valuable city property in Postville and extensive farming
lands in the west. A spirit of enterprise and progress actuates him in all that
he does and his unremitting industry, his unquestioned integrity and his known
reliability have been salient elements in his success.
Mr. Webster married on the 1st of January, 1874, Miss Ellen L Clark, a
native of Rock county, Wisconsin, born September 30, 1847, and a daughter of
Andrew and Laura (Bush) Clark. The father, who was a native of Bennington,
Vermont, born January 5, 1807, spent his entire active life in farming. He went
to Rock county, settling near Johnstown at an early date, and later moved to
Albert Lea, Minnesota. Erom there he came to Castalia, Iowa, and there pur-
chased a farm upon which he resided until within a few days previous to his
death. His demise occurred January 12, 1890, in Postville, where he had gone
to visit his daughter. He was well known in local affairs, having held some
important township offices, and he was known as a representative of one of
the oldest families in America, his father having been a soldier in the Continental
army during the Revolutionary war. His wife, who was born in Sheridan, .\ew
York, August 2, 1812, passed away in May, 1896. They became the parents
of ten children, of whom Mrs. Webster is the eighth in order of birth. Four
of their sons served in the Civil war and one was promoted to the rank of
second lieutenant, dying, however, before he received his commission. Mr. and
Mrs. Webster became the parents of three children : Roy Clark, who was born
July 7, 1876, and who died December 3, 1885 ; Ruby W'., born December 17, 1877;
and Arthur C, an electrician, who was born August 12, 1884, and who married on
December 26, 1912, Miss Glessner Harris.
Mr. Webster gives his political allegiance to the republican party but has
never sought nor desired public office although he has served ably on the town
council. He is well known in the Masonic order, having attained the thirty-
second degree in that organization. He has resided for many years in Postville
and he expects to spend the remainder of his days in the community, where he
is honored as a man who has worked his way upward to success by upright and
worthy means and who uses his prosperity not alone for his own benefit but for
the best interests of the city at large.
CASSIUS P. SMITH.
A spirit of enterprise and progress actuates Cassius P. Smith in all that he
does. He has worked diligently and persistently to develop and improve his farm,
which is today an excellent property, lying partly in Allamakee and partly in
Clayton counties. He was born in Clayton county, near National, on the 14th
of January, 1866, and is a son of Benjamin and Abigail (Wilkinsj Smith, natives
of Essex county, New York. The father came to Iowa in the early '50s and set-
tled in Clayton county, where he entered government land, upon which he con-
tinued to reside for a number of years. His marriage occurred here and he and
74 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
his family afterward removed to I'ost township, Allamakee county, where his
death occurred in 1887. His wife survived him many years, dying in 1907.
The public schools of Clayton county and the Postville high school afforded
Cassius P. Smith his educational oi)i3ortunities and when he was not occupied
with his books he aided his father with the work of the homestead. After he
had attained his majority he rented land in Post township and two years later
purchased the farm upon which he now resides. His holdings comprise sixty
acres in Post township, Allamakee county, and seventy-seven acres just across
the line in Clayton county. However, his son operates the Clayton county farm
in connection with his own projaerty. Air. Smith has made substantial improve-
ments upon his land and engages in general farming and stock-raising, keeping
cattle, hogs and horses. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Store
and the canning factory in Postville. and his business interests are carefully con-
trolled, so that he has now reached a plane of affluence, being numbered among
the substantial citizens of this community. '
On the 17th of January, 1888. Mr. Smith was imited in marriage to Miss
Lticy A. Webb, who was born in Post tow^nship, a daughter of Henry Webb, of
whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Smith
are the parents of two children. The eldest. Leighton, was born in i88g and is
now engaged in farming in Clayton county. His wife was, in her maidenhood,
Miss Carrie Swenson. Esther was born in 1895 and is now attending school.
Fraternally Mr. Smith is a member of P)rotherly Love Lodge. A. F. & A. M.,
of Postville, and is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and
the Modern Brotherhood of America. He is independent in his political views,
voting always in favor of progressive and constructive public measures. His
entire life has been characterized by devotion to manly purposes and honorable
principles and in business dealings he is straightforward and reliable, enjoying to
the fullest extent the confidence and good-will of those who know him.
\\ILLL\M H. EBENDORF.
William H. Ebendorf, who for the past sixteen years has been one of the
leading tailors in Waukon, is a native of Iowa, born in Clayton county, June 11,
1873. He was reared and educated in his native section and after laying aside
his books learned the tailor's trade at Elkader, later attending a cutting school in
Chicago, where he finished the course, becoming a skilled and expert workman in
this line. L'pon his graduation he returned to Iowa, settling in Elkader in 1896.
He established himself in business there, but remained only one year, coming at
the end of that time to Waukon, where he has since remained. His patronage
increased rapidly as his fine workmanship and reasonable prices became more
widely known and in 1907 Mr. Ebendorf was obliged to purchase his own l)usi-
ness house, in which he today conducts a large and growing tailoring concern.
In connection with this he does French dry cleaning and has secured a liberal
patronage.
Mr. Ebendorf married. January 25, 1898. Miss, Anna Beer, a native of
Elkader, and they have three children. Lura May, Harry and Herbert. Mr.
PAST A\n I'RI'.SI'.XT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 75
Ebendorf is a member of the Masonic fraternity, holding memhershii) in tlie
lodge and chapter, and he has held various important official positions in the
organization. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias and is serving as
chancellor commander. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen of America and in
that organization served as national delegate to the convention held in Buffalo,
New York, in June, 191 1, and to the Chicago convention held in January, 1912.
He is prominent in local republican politics, being now in the third term of his
able service as township trustee, his official life being distinguished by the same
qualities of energy, enterprise and sterling integrity which form the basis of his
successful business career.
HENRY C. MEYER.
One of the most active, progressive and successful farmers in the vicinity of
Postville is Henry C. Meyer, who since 1901 has owned and operated a fine
property of one hundred and thirty-eight acres, eighty rods beyond the corpora-
tion limits. The land lies partly in Clayton and partly in Allamakee counties
and is a well improved and valuable property, reflecting in its neat and attractive
appearance the careful supervision and careful methods of the owner.
Mr. Meyer is a native of Iowa, born in Fayette county, November 5, 1878, a
son of William and Louisa (Meyer) Meyer, natives of Hanover, Germany. As
a young man the father crossed the Atlantic to America and, coming immediately
to Iowa, located at Guttenberg, Clayton county, where he worked at farming in
the emplov of others for some time, later removing to Garnavillo in the same
countv and then to National. He there married, and afterward farmed as a renter
for a number of years, removing eventually to Fayette county and purchasing
land. I'pon that farm he still resides and is active in its cultivation, being the
owner of one hundred and sixty acres, substantially improved and well equipped.
He and his wife had nine children, two of whom died in infancy. The others are :
Minnie, who married Fred H. Brandt, a farmer in Clayton county ; William A., a
farmer near Castalia ; Caroline, the wife of John C. Weike, who is engaged in
farming in Grand Meadows township, Clayton county; Henry C, of this review;
Anna, who married Fred Kuhse. a farmer in Grand Meadows township, Clayton
county : Charley, who resides with his parents ; and Bertha, who married Charles
H. Schroeder, a resident of Fayette county.
In the acc|uirement of an education Henry C. Meyer attended the old Hender-
son Prairie school, named in honor of David B. Henderson, who was a jnipil
there, and he supplemented this by four months in the German Lutheran school.
Until he was twenty-two years of age he remained upon the homestead, assisting
his father in its operation, but, March 21, 1901, he purchased land of his own,
upon which he has resided since that time. He bought one hundred and thirty-
eight acres, eighty rods beyond the corporation limits of Postville. the land lying
in Clayton and Allamakee counties, and upon this he has steadily carried forward
the work of improvement, erecting modern buildings and installing fine farm
machincrv. Success has attended his well directed efforts in the cultivation of his
land, for his methods are always practical and modern and, therefore, productive
76 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
of excellent results. The farm is today one of the finest in this part of the state
and its owner is counted among Allamakee county's progressive and substantial
agriculturists. He is a stockholder in the Postville Canning Company and in the
Cooperative Creamery Company and his business interests are carefully managed
and always profitable.
On the 2ist of March, 1901, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss
Piertha Krambeer, who was born in Reed township, Clayton county, December 6,
1881, a daughter of John and Ida (Harnack) Krambeer. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer
became the parents of four children: Ethel, who was born January 12, 1902,
and who, on the "th of January, 1910, was killed by a train on the railroad cross-
ing near her home; Lawrence, born March 16, 1903; Hilda, born February 17,
1905 ; and Amy, whose birth occurred on the 21st of November, 1909.
Mr. Meyer is a member of the German Lutheran church and, politically, gives
a general allegiance to the democratic party, voting independently, however, when
he deems the best interests of the community require such action. He is not
active as an office seeker, but is interested in school affairs and is at present acting
as secretary of his school district. He is progressive and public-spirited, never
withholding his ready and hearty cooperation from movements to promote the
general advancement and development and, by his industrious and upright life,
has made his name honored and respected in the community where he makes
his home.
AUGUST SCHULTZ.
A life of hard and unremitting labor, guided at all times by a great deter-
mination and persistency of purpose, has brought August Schultz to a position
of prominence among the men who, for the past twenty years, have made sub-
stantial contributions to the agricultural development and progress of Allamakee
county. At eight years of age he was a hired laborer in his native country —
Germany — and his childhood was filled with hardships and privations, while later,
his life was filled with hard work and industrious striving after the success
which he enjoys today. He owns two hundred acres of land near Postville,
which by his practical and modern methods of development he has made a valua-
ble and productive property worthy of comparison with the finest farms in this
section of the state.
Mr. Schultz was born in Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Germany, on the 28th of
August, 1867, a son of Deitrich Schultz, who for many years was employed on a
trading vessel on the river Elbe. He served his term of enlistment in the
German army and never left his native country.
At the early age of eight years August Schultz was hired out as a farm
laborer, spending his summers at this work and attending school during the winter
months. This continued until 1884 and, during that period, he became a practical
and able farmer, learning the best agricultural methods and all the details of farm
operation. In July, 1884, he left Germany and came to America, settling imme-
diately in the vicinity of Postville, Iowa, where he secured employment as a farm
hand, and being ignorant of the English language, he spent two winters in school
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 77
in order to acc|uire it. During all of this time he saved money and by frugality
and economy, accumulated enough to buy land. He purchased ninety acres in
Post township, to which he later added forty acres, carrying forward its cultiva-
tion along modern and progressive lines until it was one of the finest farms in
that locality. He sold that property in 191 1 and bought his present farm of two
hundred acres, a mile north of Postville, and this he has also substantially
improved, erecting new buildings and installing the necessary farm equipment.
Mr. Schultz is a practical farmer, having learned the details of farm operation
through many years of hard work in the fields and the results are evident in the
excellent condition of his property today. He is a large shareholder in the
Cooperative Creamery Company and the Cooperative Mercantile Association of
Postville and is known in the town and the vicinity as a reliable, resourceful and
far-sighted business man.
On the 25th of December, 1895, Mr. Schultz was united in marriage to Miss
Dora Schultz, who, although she bore the same name, is no relative. She was
born in Grand Meadows township, Clayton county, near Postville, August 14,
1877, and is a daughter of William and Rieke (Moll) Schultz, natives of Ger-
many. The parents came to America in 1870, locating first in Mauch Chunk,
Pennsylvania, where the father engaged in railroad work. They moved later
to Alabama and then to Iowa, settling in this state about the year 1S73. After
several years of railroad work, William Schultz purchased a small farm in Clay-
ton county, and from that time to the present has engaged in agricultural pur-
suits, success steadily attending his well directed labors. He and his wife became
the parents of seven children, of w^hom the wife of subject of this review is the
second in the order of birth. Mr. and Mrs. August Schultz have nine children :
Velma, who was born March 13, 1897; Pjertha, April 8, 1898; Lawrence, Sep-
tember 2, 1900: Roy, May i, 1902; Milda, April 14, 1903; Elmer, December i,
1905; Harry, July 2, 1908; Kenneth, July i, 1910; and Gertrude, February 28,
1912.
Mr. Schultz is a member of the Lutheran church and fraternally is con-
nected with the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his political allegiance
to the democratic party. A resident of this locality for more than a quarter
of a century, his many sterling qualities of mind and character have become widely
known here and his honorable and upright life has commanded the respect
and confidence of all with whom he has had business or social relations.
PHILIP H. LETOURNEAU, M. D.
Dr. Philii) H. Letourneau, ])racticing in Waukon along modern and scientific
lines, is recognized as an able e.xponent of his profession and the liberal patronage
accorded him is proof of the confidence reposed in him by the general public.
He is a native of Illinois, born in Bourbonnais Grove, Kankakee county, April 20,
i860, and is a son of Hon. George R. Letourneau, born in Canada, of French
ancestry. George R. Letourneau came to the United States and settled in
Illinois, where he was one of the pioneers in Kankakee county. In 1849 he
crossed the plains by wagon train going to California, but at Fort Laramie was
78 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
seized with typhoid fever and was obliged to remain there for six weeks, his
partner and friend nursing him through his illness. Upon his' recovery they
journeyed on horseback to the gold mines of California and for some time
engaged in freighting from Sacramento to the gold fields, a distance of two
hundred miles. Mr. Letourneau later turned his attention to mining and after
three years returned to Illinois with about five thousand dollars in gold, which
he invested in land near Kankakee. He purchased two hundred and forty acres
and opened up a new farm, clearing and fencing the property and improving
it with a fine residence, a barn and substantial outbuildings. He farmed
there for a number of years, eventually selling his property at two hundred and
fifty dollars per acre. During this time he also engaged in the grain business in
Kankakee, building a large elevator, which he afterward sold. He was one of the
prominent men of affairs in Kankakee county and left the impress of his work
and personality upon its political history. He served for a number of years
as supervisor and was afterward for two terms in the state senate during
Governor Altgeld's administration. He made an honorable record in this and
other official positions of trust and honor and was county treasurer of Kankakee
county at the time of his death. His wife, who was in her maidenhood Miss
Elodie Langlois, passed away in 1896, and was survived Ijy her husband until
December, 1907. In their family were twelve children, six sons and six daugh-
ters, of whom nine grew to maturity.
Dr. Philip H. Letourneau was reared in Kankakee, Illinois, and acc|uired
his preliminary education in the public schools of that section. After completing
the high-school course he studied medicine in Northwestern University, grad-
uating from the medical department with the class of 1881, when he was
twenty-one years of age. He returned home and spent the following summer
in Kankakee county, moving in the fall of that year to Chippewa Falls, where
he opened an office and began the practice of his profession. He remained
there for twelve years and secured a gratifying and lucrative patronage in
recognition of his ability and the excellent results which attended his labors.
For the last seven years of that time he was connected with St. Joseph's Hospital
and for two years served as county coroner. When he left Chippewa Falls
Dr. Letourneau moved to Dubuque, where he practiced his profession for one
year, going at the end of that time to Lowden, Iowa, where for one year he
managed the practice of one of the old physicians there. From Lowden he
came to Waukon and in 1896 opened an office here, where he has since been
an honored member of the medical fraternity. From the beginning he was
accorded a liberal patronage, which has increased yearly, being now of gratifying
proportions. Dr. Letourneau is an earnest and scientific student of the underlying
principles of medicine and never considers his professional education complete,
keeping in touch with the most advanced medical thought by taking post-
graduate courses from time to time. He is an exhaustive reader along pro-
fessional lines and in his practice his labors have been attended with excellent
results viewed from both a financial and professional standpoint. He owns a
good home in Waukon and valuable farming jirojierty near San Antonio, Texas,
upon which Bermuda onions are extensively grown.
Dr. Letourneau married, in 1897, Miss Angelia Dodge, who was born and
reared in Wisconsin. Mrs. Letourneau is a member of the Waukon Methodist
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 79
Episcopal church and well known in religious and social circles. The Doctor is
interested in community affairs and is a public-spirited citizen, who has done
effective work for the welfare of the community. He is a member of the Knights
of Pythias. A student of the signs of the times, he keeps in touch with the
trend of modern thought concerning matters of general interest as well as of
professional advancement and has made a creditable record as a member of the
medical fraternity.
GEORGE ALBERT McCLINTOCK.
Among* the residents of Post township who are numbered among the
substantial farmers and representative citizens and who have achieved success
and prosperity by their own exertions and persevering efforts, George Albert
AlcClintock occupies a leading place. His industry and enterprise together
with good management have enabled him to acquire one hundred and sixty-five
acres of excellent land, which he has for many years past kept under cultivation
and from which he has derived bountiful harvests.
Mr. McClintock is numbered among Allamakee county's native sons, his
birth having occurred in Ludlow township, February i8, 1872. He is a son of
William and Ann (Cleverley) McClintock, the former a native of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania, and the latter of New York state. The father, who spent his
entire active life engaged in farming, came to Allamakee county at an early
date and purchased land which he continued to develop and improve until he
removed to Winneshiek county, where he passed away in September, 1871. His
widow disposed of the farm in the following February and purchased land
in Allamakee county, but this she has also sold and now makes her home with
her daughter Bertha, the wife of Mortimer Deering of Post township. She
is the mother of four children, of whom the subject of this review is the
youngest. By a former marriage William McClintock had one son, Joseph,
who resides at Northwood, Worth county, Iowa.
George Albert McClintock accjuired his education in White schoolhouse
No. 8, Post township, and in Evergreen school, which he attended for one
winter. He began his independent career at the age of fourteen, working as a
farm laborer and receiving at first only seven dollars a month for his services.
When he was twenty-one he turned his attention to other pursuits, driving the
stage between Waukon and Postville for a period of three years and a half
thereafter. At the end of that time he formed a partnership with his brother
and together they rented a farm near Fort Atkinson, Winneshiek county, which
developed and improved for two years. George Albert McClintock then removed
into Post township and here purchased one hundred and sixty-five acres of
land about a mile and a quarter beyond Postville. a property which he has since
operated. He engages in general farming and gives particular attention to
stock-raising, breeding high-grade shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs.
His farm is capably and carefully managed for he is a practical agriculturist,
following always the most modern methods and reaping his reward in the neat
and attractive appearance of his place and the profitable income he derives
80 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
therefrom. He is a stockholder in the Postville Canning Factory and is well
known to the business men of that city.
Mr. McClintock has been twice married. On the 13th of February, 1898, he
wedded Miss Mary B. Swenson, who was born in Post township, in April, 1872.
She was a daughter of Jerdon and Alary (Gilbertson) Swenson, natives of
Norway. The father crossed the Atlantic in early manhood and settled in Iowa,
wJiere at first he worked at farming in the employ of others, later becoming a pros-
perous landowner. He now resides retired at Clermont, Fayette county. Mr.
McClintock's first wife died February 18, 1910, leaving one child, Fernie, who
was born in January, 1899. Air. AlcClintock was married on the 28th of August,
191 2, to Mrs. Efifie (Belcher) Banks, a daughter of John Belcher, who was
born in Illinois and came from that state to Story county, Iowa, where he is
still engaged in farming. In February, 1898, jMrs. AlcClintock had wedded
James Banks, a native of Iowa, and by their union were born three children :
Horner, Ross and Charles, who make their home with their mother and
stepfather.
Air. AlcClintock gives his political allegiance to the republican party and
fraternally is affiliated with the Alodern Brotherhood of America. He is a fine
type of the self-made man and, always evidencing a willingness to work and
ambition to succeed, he has, step by step, made his way upward in the world
until he has risen to a position where he is numbered among Allamakee county's
substantial farmers and most highly respected citizens.
HON. DANIEL HAMPTON BOWEN.*
One of the most powerful and virile forces in republican politics in the state
of Iowa, one of the most able and successful physicians and surgeons in Allamakee
county and one of the biggest, most broad-minded and most generally beloved men
of Waukon is, beyond all question. Dr. Daniel Hampton Bowen, who for more
than a third of a century has give of his best energies, powers and talents towards
the promotion of state and municipal development along professional, political,
social and fraternal lines. His success and prominence are only the natural reward
of his many years of earnest and well directed labor.
Dr. Bowen was born on a farm near Decatur, Green county, Wisconsin, Sep-
tember 6, 1850, and is a son of Jared Ingersoll and Lacy Ann (Fleek) Bowen,
the former of Welsh and Scotch-Irish descent and the latter of Dutch ancestry.
The paternal branch of this family has been in America for many generations,
its representatives having crossed the Atlantic long before the Revolutionary
war. The father was born in Pennsylvania just across the \'irginia line and in
his youth learned the carpenter's trade which, however, he followed only a short
time, most of his life having been spent in farming. He came west in 1844,
settling in that year in Wisconsin where the remainder of his life was passed.
His wife, still active and hearty at the age of eighty-nine, makes her home at
Brodhead in that state.
* The sketch uf Ur. Bowen was prepared by a friend.
I)l;. DAMKl. II IKiWKX
1 FUBl'-
l=lTC.R: '-^
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 83
Dr. P.owen spent his childhood on his father's Wisconsin farm and his youth
was passed amid such conditions as usually fall to the lot of the farmer's boy.
In the winters he attended district school and in the summer months assisted
with the work of the homestead, alternating in this way until he grew to manhood.
He was ten years of age at the outbreak of the Civil war but was not too young
to have some understanding of the important issues involved, which formed his
political belief, in future life. After completing the course in the public schools
he turned his attention to teaching, following this occupation for several terms.
At the end of that time he took up the study of medicine under the tutorage
of Dr. R. Broughton, to whose able teaching he owes much of his professional
success. Three years in the physician's office were followed by a course at Rush
Medical College in Chicago, from which he was graduated in 1876 with the
degree of M. D. Coming west in search of a suitable professional opening he
settled at Rossville, Allamakee county. From the beginning he met with a
gratifying degree of success, building up a large and lucrative practice and
becoming well known as an able physician and surgeon. He remained in Ross-
ville until 1880 when he moved to Waukon where through many honorable and
worthy years, filled with useful achievements along professional and public lines,
he has since made his home. In the beginning he practiced in partnership with
Dr. Mattoon but since their association was discontinued has been alone. He is
numbered among the pioneer physicians of Allamakee county, having taken up
his residence here long before the railroad reached Waukon and in his practice
has had the varied experience which commonly falls to the lot of the country
practitioner. Dr. Bowen has been honored by his professional brethren in many
ways. He served as president of the Alumni Association of Rush Medical
College and also was president of the Allamakee County Medical Society. He is
at present a trustee of the Iowa State Medical Society and an alternate delegate
to the American Medical Association from the state society. The Doctor was
honored by appointment of Governor Shaw to represent Iowa at the international
congress of tuberculosis held at London, England, in 1901.
Although he has attained such distinction in professional circles it is not alone
along this line that Dr. Bowen has done good work for Allamakee county and
for Iowa, for since taking up his residence he has been one of the greatest' indi-
vidual forces in local republican politics, his activities touching and affecting
the political growth of the state. In Waukon he has held many offices of trust
and honor, having served as alderman and mayor of the city and as a member of
the school board, holding the latter position for twenty years. In 1878 he
served as county coroner, doing able and efficient work for two terms. His
brilliant legislative career began with his election to the twenty-sixth general
assembly and he served with credit through this session and during the special
session held for the purpose of revising the code of Iowa. At this time he was
chairman of the committee on public health and as such was responsible for the
amending and codifying of that portion of the laws of the state dealing with ques-
tions of health and safety. So well did he accomplish this important work that
but few changes, and those minor ones, have been made since that time. In
recognition of the importance of his services and their effectiveness in promoting
the best interests of the state, Dr. Bowen was reelected to the legislature at the
end of his first term and in the twenty-seventh assembly was again made chair-
Vol. n— 5
84 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
man of the committee on public health, displaying in the discharge of his duties
an integrity, political ability and high conscientiousness which constantly deep-
ened his popularity and gained him a place in the ranks of Iowa's statesmen.
Upon his reelection to the twenty-eighth general assembly he was one of the
republican candidates for the office of speaker of the house, his opponents being
such distinguished lowans as Hon. ^L L. Temple, Colonel W. G. Dows, Hon.
Mahlon Head and Senator W. L. Eaton. A spirited contest ended with the
member from Allamakee county the winner and it is said of him that no more
broad-minded, just and liberal man ever held the gavel in the Iowa house of
representatives. Always a stanch and loyal republican and popular with the
rank and file of the party, Dr. Bowen became a candidate for the office of
alternate at large to the national convention of 1904 and was elected. He was
elected in 1908 presidential elector from the fourth district by a majority of
twenty-five although the opposing faction carried the district by a majority of
four thousand. Thus it will be seen that during the years he has made his
home in Iowa Dr. Bowen has been prominent in the councils of his party and
has become a well known figure at state and district conventions — a man held
in high honor by reason of his personal integrity, his public standards, his am-
bitions and ideals and by reason also of the usefulness and benefit of his public
service.
Dr. Bowen married in Albany, Wisconsin, in February, 1877, Miss Hettie E.
Burns, who has proven a worthy helpmate to him on his journey through life,
sharing in all his successes, joys and sorrows. They have two children. The
eldest, a son, Albert Sidney Bowen was born in Rossville, July 28, 1879, and
after completing the course in the public schools of Waukon attended the State
University at Iowa City. He afterward studied medicine at Northwestern Uni-
versity, Chicago, and then spent three years as a partner with his father in the
practice of his profession. He then took the civil service examination, passing
with great credit, and was assigned to hospital service at Colon, Panama. After
two years in this service he took examination for entrance into the regular army
as a surgeon and was sent by the government to Washington, D. C. where he
entered the army medical school, later receiving his appointment as army surgeon.
He has served at Fort Snelling, at Fort Sam Houston and is now in the foreign
service in the Philippines with the rank of captain.
The other child born to Dr. and Mrs. Bowen is a daughter, Mary Charlotte,
and she has had a no less successful career than has her brother. She was born
in Waukon, August 14, 1885, and acquired her education in the city schools, later
teaching for a time in the public schools of Worth county. She afterward
attended the State University where her splendid work won for her not only the
degree of B. A. but also a scholarship providing for a year's post-graduate work
at the end of which she received her Alaster of Arts degree. A special course
in normal training completed her preparation and she is now employed as a
teacher of German and English in the State Normal School at Bellingham, Wash-
ington. In his children Dr. Bowen renews his youth, which indeed he has never
lost, and he rejoices in their success more than in his own.
Dr. Bowen has also taken an active part in the work of two great fraternities,
the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, in which he has held the highest offices
within the gift of the local lodges, representing them with credit and ability in
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 85
their state conventions. He is widely known and very popular in the sections
where he is known and most of all where he is best known. Many friends who
love and honor him have grown to depend upon his wisdom and kindly counsel,
and their opinion combines with that of the state at large that he is one of the
most substantial and loyal-hearted men that Allamakee county has ever known.
AUGUST H. MEYER.
August H. Meyer, who for many years has been influentially associated with
farming and stock-raising interests in the vicinity of Postville, owning today a
fine farm of two hundred and twenty-six acres, is a native of Iowa, born in
Clayton county, September 2, i860. He is a son of Henry and Dora (Kluss)
Meyer, both of whom were born in Mecklenburg, Germany, the former Febru-
ary 14, 1824, and the latter January 16 of the same year. The father worked as
a farm laborer in early years, crossing the Atlantic about the year 1854. He
located in Clayton county, Iowa, and purchased land near Giittenberg. which,
however, he later sold, removing to Post township, Allamakee county. Ke after-
ward made his home in Grand Meadow township, Clayton county, where he
resided upon rented land until his death in February, 1886. His v/ife survives
hmi and makes her home in F'ost township. To them were born two children :
Lena, who married Charles Thies, of Clayton county; and August H., of this
review.
In the acquirement of an education August H. Meyer attended district
school in Clayton county and the public schools of Guttenberg and from his
childhood aided in the operation of the homestead, becoming familiar with the
best agricultural methods. When he was twenty-one he hired out as a farm
hand, continuing thus for four years, after which he rented land in Clayton
county, one mile south of Postville. Afterward, however, he removed to Alla-
makee county, buying the farm he now owns, and since that time he has given
practically all of his attention to its improvement and cultivation until it is now
one of the finest agricultural properties in the locality. It comprises two hundred
and twenty-six acres of land, under a high state of cultivation, equipped with
an excellent barn and substantial outbuildings and with modern labor-saving
machinery. Mr. Meyer engages in general farming and is also extensively
interested in stock-raising, keeping over one hundred head of sheep and also
cattle, hogs and horses. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Shipping Company
and in the Postville Canning Company.
On the 28th of September, 1886, Mr. Meyer was united in marriage to Miss
Minnie Krambeer, who was born in Germany on the 6th of April, 1863. a
sister of John Krambeer, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this
work. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer have become the parents of five children : Amanda,
who was born in 1887, and is now the wife of Henry Kruse, of Monona
township. Clayton county; Gustav, a farmer in South Dakota, who was born
in 1888, and married Miss Elsie Fisher; Bennie, who was born October 26,
1891; Ervin, born February 21, 1893; and Walter, January 26, 1897.
86 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Mr. Meyer is a member of the Lutheran church at Luana and he gives his
political allegiance to the democratic party. He is interested in the growth of
the community, especially in the cause of education, which he has aided in pro-
moting through his two terms of service as a director of the school board.
His life has been such as to give him high standing in the eyes of the com-
munity and he is generally recognized as a man whose long years of active
labor in Post township have not only contributed to his own prosperity but have
also been of great value to the community at large.
OTTO P. MARTIN.
Otto P. Martin, well known in business circles of W'aukon as a member of
the firm of Martin & Sons, proprietors of a well appointed furniture and under-
taking establishment, is a native son of the city, born July 20, 1878. His grand-
father, Walter Martin, was born in Prussia and in that country grew to man-
hood and married. With his family, including his son, Henry Martin, father
of the subject of this review, he came to America in 1855 and located in She-
boygan, Wisconsin, where his death occurred. Henry Martin was born in
Prussia in 1850 and was only five years of age when he accompanied his parents
across the Atlantic. He remained in Wisconsin until he was sixteen years of
age and then came to Iowa, spending a number of years thereafter upon a farm.
Returning to Wisconsin he learned the carpentering trade and worked for two
years as a journeyman carpenter, coming at the end of that time to Iowa and
locating in Harpers Ferry, where he established himself in the furniture business.
After a few years he disposed of his interests there and moved to Waukon,
where he rented a business house and established a furniture concern. His
business prospered exceedingly and he was soon able to purchase land and build
his own substantial and commodious store, two stories of which are occupied
by a well selected stock carried by Martin & Sons. In 1873 Henry Martin
married Miss Sophia Bieber, a native of Germany, who passed away leaving
two children: Otto P., of this review: and Hulda, the wife of Paul Dannenburg,
of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. After the death of his first wife Mr. Martin married
Miss Barbara Sandry, a native of Germany, and to their union were born three
children: IMarguerita, who lives at home: and Wayne H. and J. Willard, both
of whom are associated with their father in the conduct of the store.
Otto P. Martin was reared in Waukon and acquired his education in the
city schools. He practically grew up in his father's store and mastered the
business in principle and detail. Since he was eighteen years of age he has
shared the responsibility of the conduct of the establishment and in 1899 was
made a partner with his father. Wishing to establish an undertakmg depart-
ment in connection with the furniture concern, he went to Chicago, where he
attended a course of lectures, later going to Des Moines to further pursue his
studies. He was a member of the first class in embalming in the state of Iowa
and in 1900 passed his examination and received a license as an undertaker
and funeral director. He has now been engaged in this line of work for twelve
years and has proved himself thoroughly qualified for the business. Martin &
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 87
Sons keep a well selected line of funeral goods and their parlors are well equipped
in every particular. They have two hearses and carry a fine line of caskets
and funeral supplies, a liberal patronage having been accorded them in recogni-
tion of their reasonable prices and straighforward business dealings.
On January 20, 1904, Mr. Martin was united in marriage to Miss Helen
Hausmeier, a native of Waukon, and they have two children, Ralph H. and
Howard F. Mr. Martin is a member of the Knights of Pythias and both he and
his wife belong to the German Reformed church and are held in high regard
by all who know them.
SANDER O. SWENSON.
One of the substantial, prosperous and deservedly successful farmers of Post
township is Sander O. Swenson, who owns and operates a fine property of two
hundred and sixty acres of land, upon a portion of which he was born March
-5- 1875. He is a son of John and Oline Swenson, natives of Norway, both
born in the vicinity of Christiania, the former on the 13th of February, 1845,
and the latter on the 23d of July, 1844. Their marriage occurred in Norway
in 1868 and they afterward came to America, settling first in Franklin town-
ship, Allamakee county. They later removed to Post township and here the
father purchased land, buying one hundred and eighteen acres, upon which he
carried forward the work of improvement and development until his death,
which occurred on the ist of December, 1891.
Sander O. Swenson acquired his education in the Highland district school,
which he attended until he was thirteen years of age. He was still very young
when his father died but he afterward assumed the entire management of the
farm, which he has continued to further improve and develop since that time.
He has added to the improvements made by his father, erecting a number of
modern buildings, installing a windmill and equipping the property with all the
necessary labor-saving machinery. In addition to the work of the fields he en-
gages extensively in stock-raising and this has come to be one of the most import-
ant sources of his income. He is a practical, modern and able farmer, and his
labors through the years have been crowned by success, his farm being today
one of the finest agricultural properties in this part of Iowa.
On the i8th of October, 1898, Mr. Swenson was united in marriage to Miss
Cora A. McGhee, who was born in Franklin township, near Hardin, November
TO, 1876, a daughter of Lucius and Ruth (Eaton) McGhee, the former a native
of Ohio, born July 17, 1852, and the latter of Iowa, born February 17, 1849.
Throughout his entire active life the father engaged in farming, becoming one
of the largest landowners in Franklin township and continuing to manage his
property there until his retirement. Mr. and Airs. Swenson have four children:
Lloyd Lucius, whose birth occurred on the 12th of March, 1900; Harlin Willard,
born July 26, 1903: Ruth May, born November 9, 1904; and Alice Lenora, born
March 28, 1908.
Mr. Swenson is a member of the I'nited lirethren church and fraternally is
connected with the Yeomen. He gives his political allegiance to the republican
88 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
party but has never sought office, preferring to concentrate his attention upon
the conduct of his farm. He is one of the most successful and capable business
men and substantial farmers of the locality and is a native son of whom Post
township has every reason to be proud.
■ THURE T. ERICSON.
Thure T. Ericson, who is now in the tenth year of his able service as justice
of the peace in Waukon, was born in Sweden, April 2. 1862. He is a son of C.
J. Ericson, also a native of Sweden, who grew to manhood there and married,
his wife having been in her maidenhood Miss Wilhelmina Charlotte Mattsson.
They came to America in 1867 and in June of the same year settled in Center
township, Allamakee county, where the father purchased a small farm and
turned his attention to agricultural jiursuits. From time to time he bought more
land and added it to his original holdings until he owned five hundred acres
well improved and developed. Upon that property he raised his family and
there died July 3, 1908. His wife survives him.
Thure T. Ericson was reared upon his father's farm and in his childhood
aided in its operation. He acquired his preliminary education in the public
schools of the section and supplemented this by a course in a commercial school
and one term under Professor Loughran. After laying aside his books he
carried on general agricultural pursuits upon the homestead for some time,
afterward going to LaCrosse, where he secured emjiloyment in the lumber mills.
While on the farm he gave a great deal of his time to the manufacture of sorghum
and during one fall made over four thousand gallons. He spent only two sum-
mers in the lumber mills and was afterward for ten years manager of a farm
belonging to Dr. W. C. Earle. This property comjirised two hundred acres and
was conducted as a dairy farm, being ecjuipped with all modern, sanitary and
labor-saving machinery. There was a cream separator and a large churn. The
output was from one hundred to two hundred pints of cream into butter each
week. He made an exhibit of his dairy products at the county fair and took
first premium on butter.
Mr. Ericson moved into \\'aukon in 1902 and at first turned his attention
to the real-estate business, buying and selling town pro]ierty and Dakota, Iowa
and Minnesota lands. In the fall of the same year, however, he was elected
justice of the peace and has been reelected each succeeding term for ten years,
discharging his duties in an able, conscientious and far-sighted way. He still
deals to some e.xtent in real estate and owns his own residence on Pleasant
street which is comfortable and attractive in every particular.
Mr. Ericson married in Center township, March 16, 1892, Miss Hannah
Swenson. a native of Allamakee county and of Swedish |)arentage, her father,
P. J. Swenson, having been born in that country and having come as a ])ioneer
to .Allamakee county. Mr. and Mrs. Ericson are members of the Piaptist church
of Waukon and are well known in religious and social circles of the city. Mr.
Ericson is a musician of great talent and ability and is entirely self-educated in
this art. having studied it bv himself after he reached maturitv. He has been
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 89
identified with several bands which were well known in this section of the
state and for years was a member of a cornet Ijand. He was for three years
with the band connected with the Fifty-third Regiment of Iowa and was the
organizer of the Center Band, of which he was the director for nine years. This
was composed of from twelve to sixteen musicians. Politically Mr. Ericson gives
his allegiance to the republican party and is intelligently interested in public
afifairs, although not a politician in the sense of office seeking. Having lived in
this section since his childhood, he is widely and favorably known here, and in
the course of an honorable and upright life has gained the respect and esteem of
all who are associated with him.
FRED H. STOPPERAN.
Among the younger generation who are making their mark in agricultural
circles of Allamakee county is numbered Fred H. Stopperan, who was born in
Grand Meadow township, Clayton county, Iowa, January 23, 1879, and who
is now conducting an excellent farm near Postville. He is a son of Carl and
Elizabeth (Schroeder) Stopperan, natives of Mecklenburg, Germany, the former
born in 1835 and the latter in 1845. The father crossed the Atlantic about the
year i860 and located in Pennsylvania, where for some time he worked as a
deck hand on a boat. He later came to Iowa, settling in Grand Meadow town-
ship, Clayton county, where he rented land, which he developed and improved
for four years, later purchasing a farm. He bought at that time one hundred
and twenty acres and upon it he continued to reside until 1903, when he retired
from active life and removed into Postville, where he died about three months
afterward. His wife survives him and makes her home in that city. They were
the parents of ten children, of whom eight are yet living, the subject of this
review being the seventh in the order of birth.
Fred H. Stopperan acc|uired his education in district school No. 7, Grand
Meadow township, and in his childhood divided his time between his books and
work upon his father's farm. He remained in Clayton county until he was
twenty-two years of age and then went to St. Paul, Minnesota, where he spent
one summer in the employ of others. Returning to Postville, he secured a
position as driver of an ice wagon for Mr. Buecher, for whom he continued to
work for three years, resigning his position in order to learn the cement and
mason's trade. Ai this he became very proficient and he continued to give his
entire time to it for five years, after which he turned his attention to farming,
purchasing ninety-seven acres of land, which he now owns. His farm is highly
improved, being provided with a fine barn and the necessary outbuildings, to-
gether with adequate labor-saving machinery. In addition to tilling the fields
he also pays considerable attention to stock-raising and keeps on hand a number
of fine cattle and hogs, which he feeds for the market. His fields are very
productive and the excellent condition and attractive appearance of the entire
farm is an evidence of the careful supervision and practical labor he has ex-
pended upon it. He is a shareholder in the Farmers Mercantile Association at
90 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Postville and is well known in the city as a reliable and straightforward busi
ness man.
Mr. Stopperan was married on the 17th of March, 1910, to Miss Lena
Brockmeyer, who was born in Westphalia, Germany, April 8, 1888, a daughter
of Carl and Henrietta (Lampa) Brockmeyer, also natives of that part of Ger-
many, the former born January 28, 1843, and the latter February 13, 1849. The
father was a butcher, a farmer and a weaver in his native country but after
he came to America in 1896 he gave his entire attention to agricultural pursuits,
purchasing a farm in Fayette county, Iowa, and later moving to Post township,
Allamakee county, where he and his wife now reside. They are the parents of
five children, of whom the wife of the subject of this review is the youngest.
Mr. Stopperan is a member of the German Lutheran church and politically
gives his allegiance to the republican party, serving at present as school director.
He is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern
Woodmen of America and is well known in local fraternal circles. He inherited
the industry and integrity of his German ancestry and aside from being num-
bered among the substantial farmers of the community he is also acknowledged
to be one of the representative citizens of his township.
EVAN SWENSON.
An unflagging purpose, strength of character, industry and perseverance,
combined with, a firm determination to achieve an honorable destiny, have
actuated Evan Swenson in all the activities of his varied and eventful career and
have brought him such substantial and well merited success that today no history
of the agricultural development of Allamakee county would be complete without
the record of his life. Starting at the bottom of the ladder, penniless, friendless
and in a strange country, he has steadily worked his way upward to prosperity,
constantly overcoming almost overwhelming obstacles and difficulties and stand-
ing today among the substantial and representative farmers and able business
men in the vicinity of Postville, where he makes his home.
He was born near Christiania, Norway, on the 20th of June, 1849, and is a
son of Swen and Maria (Olson) Swenson, also natives of that country. The
father was a tailor by trade and also cultivated a small tract of land in Norway
and, although he was crippled from the time he was one year old by the loss of
an arm, was a man of remarkable strength and accumulated a comfortable com-
petency. The mother passed away in 1863 and in 1871 the father came to
America, locating near Postville, Iowa, on a farm in Post township, where he died
in 1898. He had a family of nine children, of whom the subject of this review
is the youngest.
Evan Swenson attended school for a short time in Norway but his advantages
along this line were limited, for at the early age of fourteen he began working as
a farm laborer, and the independence and self-reliance thus developed in him
remain important elements in his character at the present time. For a while he
received eight cents per day for hard work in the fields, his wages never going
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 93
above ten cents a day, and after two years he was hired out to a farmer for a
period of eighteen months, receiving at the end of that time six dollars in money
and a suit of homespun clothes. Afterward he spent a similar period working
by the day and then rented a small piece of land, which he operated for one
season, giving all of the proceeds of the farm in payment for six months' rent.
His crop of hay he did not harvest, selling it all at public auction. The season
of 1867 was late and Mr. Swenson did not get in his crops until the 7th of June
and when harvested he realized for his summer's work only sixteen dollars. In
view of these conditions and the hardships which surrounded his life in Norway
he determined to leave the country and, having spent all of the money he had
made in the summer for living expenses during the winter, he borrowed in the
spring of 1868 enough to purchase a ticket to Quebec, Canada. He left Norway
with enough food to live on during the ocean journey and with a little over one
dollar and twenty-five cents in money and he landed in Quebec on the 20th of
June, 1868, on his nineteenth birthday, without one cent in his pocket. Mr.
Swenson was unfamiliar with the English language but borrowing ten dollars,
he managed to make his way west to Chicago, the journey consuming ten days,
and there met a cousin, who loaned him five dollars and gave him his supper.
From Chicago he pushed on to Madison, Wisconsin, where he borrowed seventy-
five cents to take him to Black Earth, and from that point he walked twenty
miles to Perry township, Dane county, where he hired out to a farmer for
twenty-five dollars a month. After two months he received eighteen dollars a
month until the winter time and he then continued with his former employer,
working for his board and lodgings. During the next season he again received
eighteen dollars a month and he continued to hold this position until November i,
1869, when he came to Iowa, having with the exception of a short time since
remained a valued resident of this state. He located in Postville but in the fall of
the same year went to McGregor, where he obtained a position chopping cord
wood on what is called Bloody Run for Mr. Lonsburg. After three weeks at
this work he returned to Postville and made his home with the family who were
operating Judge W'illiams' farm in Grand Meadow township, Clayton county,
remaining there until the spring, when he became a hired laborer in the employ
of Duncan AIcDonnell, for whom he worked for two months. In April of the
same year he returned to Judge Williams' property, working upon it for one
year thereafter at twenty dollars per month, and at the end of that time he re-
entered Mr. McDonnell's employ, remaining with him for six months. After
spending another period on Judge Williams' farm Mr. Swenson purchased a
yoke of oxen and went with it to Rock county, Minnesota, where he took up a
homestead claim two and a half miles from the county seat. It was a raw and
unimproved tract and Mr. Swensdn broke two acres of the soil, dug a well and
erected a sod shanty. He, however, did not continue the development of this
farm but after a month sold his outfit, gave up his title to the land and walked
to Worthington, whence he took the railroad to Mankato and came from there
to Postville. In the following fall he took charge of Judge Williams' farm,
then comprising twenty-three hundred acres, one of the largest agricultural
properties in this section of the country. He continued to superintend this place
for two years, earning during that time forty dollars per month, the highest
salary he had yet received. He married in 1875 and afterward rented Mr.
94 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
McDonnell's farm of five hundred acres for two years and at the end of that
time realized a long cherished ambition, buying one hundred and twenty acres
for fourteen dollars an acre. He cleared it of scrub and timber and with char-
acteristic energy and ability carried forward the work of its development and
improvement for nineteen years, selling it at the end of that time for fifty-three
dollars per acre. He afterward bought a farm two miles north of Postville, then
known as the Perry farm, paying for it sixty dollars per acre and selling it after
a three years' residence at a profit of ten dollars per acre. When he disposed of
this property he bought a farm near the Bethel church, the property being known
as the J. M. Harris farm, and he paid for this sixty dollars per acre. Upon this
property he has since resided, his holdings now comprising two hundred and eight
acres, and by his careful management, practical methods and unremitting industry
he has made it one of the finest farms in this part of Iowa, his success following
many years of earnest and well directed labor. L'pon his farm he has made
substantial improvements in buildings and equipment and has the entire tract
under a high state of cultivation. His attention is given for the most part,
however, to his stock-raising interests, which are extensive and important, his
high grade shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs commanding high prices and
a ready sale upon the market. Mr. Swenson is connected with the Cooperative
Creamery Company of Postville and is a stockholder in the Citizens State Bank,
and his ability is widely recognized in business and financial circles.
C)n the 6th of February, 1875, Mr. Swenson was united in marriage to Aliss
Eliza McWilliams, who was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, on the 6th of
December, 1856, a daughter of Nathaniel and Isabel McWilliams. Mr. and Mrs.
Swenson became the parents of twelve children : Arthur W., who is operating
three hundred and fifty-eight acres of land in Franklin township; Maria, wife of
Arthur A. Dresser, a farmer in Post township; John F., who resides near Frank-
ville, Winneshiek county ; Harry S., engaged in farming in North Yakima, Wash-
ington ; Katie, who married Jerome Van Allen, a mail carrier in Chicago ; Amy,
the wife of Chester B. Davenport, now a resident of Roseville, Illinois, and for-
merly teller of the First National Bank in Lincoln, Nebraska ; Frank L., a
soldier in the regular army, stationed at San Francisco, California ; Alma,
formerly engaged in teaching, who resides at home ; Hall L., who is attending
the Postville high school: Allison E., a student in the same institution; and Ethel
and Lillian, who are also attending school.
Fraternally Mr. Swenson is affiliated with the Masonic order, holding member-
ship in Brotherly Love Lodge, No. 304. He has been a member of the Ancient
Order of United Workmen since 1875 and of the Modern Woodmen of America
for the past seventeen years. His political allegiance is given to the republican
party and he has always been interested and active in public afl:"airs, rendering his
township and county able service in various capacities. He was for thirty years
a justice of the peace and has done a great deal of far-reaching and beneficial
work on the school board, having served as president and director of that body
and now as treasurer. He is one of the most prominent, representative and
successful men of this part of Iowa, where he lias resided since pioneer times
and to the development and upbuilding of which he has made such tangible and
substantial contributions. His life furnishes splendid examples of the value of
industry, determination and honoraljle purpose in the achievement of success,
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 95
for by his own unaided exertions he has readied the goal of prosperity, his
success and the methods by which it was attained having gained him a high place
in the confidence and esteem of all who know him.
JOHN BARTON JONES.
John Barton Jones needs no introduction to the readers of this volume, for
he is well known in Waukon and Allamakee county, where he has resided since
1875. He is one of the active business men and public-spirited citizens of the
community, where for a number of years he has been in the grain and coal
business, winning in the conduct of his affairs that success which always follows
earnest and persistent labor.
John Barton Jones was born in Newport, England, of English and Welsh
parentage, and was left an orphan when he was four years of age. At the age
of eighteen years a friend of the family from Wisconsin visited England and
persuaded him to come to America and he accordingly crossed the Atlantic, ac-
companying his friend to the vicinity of Bloomington, Wisconsin, where he
worked upon the farm. He subsequently clerked for a short time in a store,
continuing at that occupation until 1875, when he left Wisconsin and moved
westward seeking a favorable locality to make a permanent location. However,
not liking the country, he began his return journey to Wisconsin, but on his
way east arrived in Waukon. He was at that time obliged to work at anything
which would bring him an income. He secured a position as a member of the
construction department of the narrow gauge railroad then being built into
Waukon and he later worked with Mr. Hale on the surveys, aiding also in im-
portant bridge construction work. He continued in this line of employment until
the spring of 1876, when he joined C. O. Howard and George Stoddard in the
building of an elevator in the city. After the completion of this building he
took charge of Mr. Howard's grain business and from 1880 until 1890 worked
ably in his interests. In the latter year he resigned in order to enter the county
auditor's office and after serving one term was reelected, acting as auditor for
four consecutive years. After leaving the office he formed a partnership with
M. W. Eaton and they purchased the elevator known as elevator No. i in
Waukon, }.Ir. Jones taking charge of the grain and elevator business. The firm
also deals extensively in coal and building material and has secured an exten-
sive patronage. Much of the credit for the expansion of the business is due to
Mr. Jones' energy and enter])rise and he is known in Waukon as a resourceful,
far-sighted and progressive business man, whose judgment is seldom if ever at
fault.
Mr. Jones married, in Waukon, Miss Ada J. Goodrich, who was born and
reared in Allamakee county. Her father, Lyman W. Goodrich, was one of the
pioneers in this section of Iowa, having located here in 1852. He was a native
of New York, born in Chautauqua county in 1824, and in his early youth moved
with his parents to Illinois, residing in Cook and later in Kane county. He
married, in 1850, Miss Julia Merrian, a native of Canada, and after his mar-
riage turned his attention to farming, coming in 1852 to Allamakee county.
96 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAAIAKEE COUNTY
where he resided until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Tones became the parents of
three children: Alfred G., who makes his home in North Dakota; Stella F., who
is a teacher in the public schools in IMontana ; and Lyman B., who died at the
age of five years. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Presbyterian church of
Waukon.
In politics Mr. Jones is a stanch republican and has supported the party
since casting his first vote. Aside from his service as county auditor he has
also done able work on the board of township trustees and is progressive and
public-spirited in matters of citizenship. Fraternally he is identified with the
Knights of Pythias in Waukon and his religious views are in accord with the
doctrines of the Episcopal church. He is numbered among the successful and
prominent men of Waukon and his prosperity is the more creditable to him
since it has been attained through his own determination, energy and enterprise,
for he started out in life empty handed and, by the force of these qualities in
his character has worked his way upward to success. His business enterprise has
carried him forward into important commercial and financial relations and his
friendly spirit has gained him the warm and lasting regard of those with whom
he has been brought in contact.
CHARLES HERBERT RATHBUN.
Although yet a young man, Mr. Rathbun has already entered the ranks of
the landowners of Allamakee county by purchasing, in 1912, an eighty-acre
farm, upon which he engages in general agricultural pursuits, giving consider-
able attention to the raising of high grade shorthorn cattle. A native of Winne-
shiek county, Iowa, he was born three miles west of Postville, November 4,
1885, and is a son of Bradshaw Rathbun, a native of New York state. His
mother, who bore the maiden name of Hall, was born in Iowa. In 1843 the
father became a resident of Iowa, locating on the farm upon which our subject
was born and on which he settled with his father, Bradshaw Rathbun, Sr.,
thereby establishing title to the family as early pioneers of the state. Upon
this farm the father grew to manhood and there he continued in his agricultural
pursuits until he retired to Postville. Mr. and Mrs. Bradshaw Rathbun had six
children : May, a resident of Los Angeles, California, where, in connection with
her brother, she conducts a mercantile establishment ; Hall, of Los Angeles ;
Frederick, who resides in W'inneshiek county, Iowa; Bessie, the wife of Welton
Cornell, who owns a farm on the Military road, near Ossian, Winneshiek
county; Blake, on the home farm; and Charles Herbert, our subject.
In the acquirement of an education Charles H. Rathbun attended the dis-
trict school in his home township in Winneshiek county. He remained at home
until the age of twenty-one and then worked as a farm hand, saving his earnings
so that he was enabled in the spring of 1912 to purchase the eighty-acre farm
upon which he now resides and which is highly improved and cultivated. Sub-
stantial buildings can be found upon his place and he has installed the latest
machinery to facilitate the farm labor. He makes a specialty of shorthorn
cattle, as his father did before him, and keeps a number of high-grade stock on
PAST AND PRESENT OP ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 97
hand. Practically all of his attention is given to the improvement of the farm
and he has already succeeded in such a measure that a bright future may be
prophesied for him.
On February 23, 1912, Mr. Rathbun was united in marriage to Miss Hattie
Nancy Huffy, who was born in Clermont, Fayette county, Iowa, January 3, 1890,
a daughter of Charles and Ella (Gordon) Huffy, both natives of this state. The
mother, however, is at present residing in Allamakee county.
The political views of Mr. Rathbun are independent, his support being given
to the best candidates available, irrespective of party lines. He shows a deep
interest in the cause of education and at present efficiently serves as president of
the school board of the Highland district in Post township. Yet a young man,
he has already attained to a position of financial independence and is as highly
esteemed and respected for the success he has attained thus far as for those
qualities of his character which have made that success possible.
FRED T. HEINS.
Among the most prominent, able and deservedly successful of the younger
farmers of Allamakee county is numbered Fred J. Heins, who owns and oper-
ates a fine property of one hundred and fifty acres in Post township. He was
born in Grand Meadow township, Clayton county, Iowa, October 5, 1884, and
is a son of Fred and Dora (Schultz) Heins, natives of Germany, the former
born in Hanover, September 15, 1847, 'i^d the latter in Mecklenburg, May
30, 1851. In his early manhood the father crossed the Atlantic to America
and settled immediately in Clayton county, Iowa, where he purchased land.
When he disposed of his interests in that section he removed to Allamakee
county and here in 1890 he bought the farm upon which the subject of this
review now resides, devoting all of his attention to its improvement and develop-
ment until his death, which occurred on the 31st of December, 1900. He and
his wife became the parents of seven children, of whom the subject of this
review is the sixth in the order of birth.
Fred J. Heins was reared in Clayton county and acquired his education in
the district schools. In his childhood he divided his time between his studies
and work upon the homestead and when he was twenty-one assumed entire
management of his father's farm, having since ably carried forward the work
of development and owning today one of the best managed and most valuable
properties in the locality. He has one hundred and fifty acres of improved land
and in addition to the work of the fields engages e.xtensively in stock-raising
and dairying, disposing of his cream to the Cooperative Creamery Company,
of Postville, in which he is a large stockholder. He is connected also with
the Farmers Cooperative Mercantile Company and the Postville Canning fac-
tory and is well known in that city as a thoroughly reliable, straightforward and
progressive business man.
Mr. Heins married, on the 27th of February, 1906, Miss Anna Neuhring,
who was born in Grand Meadow township, Clayton county, July 16, 1887. She
is a daughter of Dietrich and Louise (Fischer) Neuhring, natives of Germany,
98 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
who after their marriage came to America, locating first in Clayton county.
There the father engaged in farming in the employ of others for a number of
years, later renting land and finally purchasing a farm, which he continued to
develop and improve until he retired from active business life. He is now a
resident of Postville. Mr. and Mrs. Heins became the parents of four children:
Edna, who was born on the 3d of May, 1907; Harland, born November 8, 1908;
a twin to Harland who died in infancy; and Aurelia, born January 7, 1913.
Mr. Heins gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is now a
member of the school board, being actively interested in educational atifairs.
He is still a young man but has already left his impress upon the agricultural
develo[)ment of this section of Iowa, and he possesses in his energetic, progressive
and enterprising spirit a guarantee of continued progress in his chosen field.
JOHN WATERS.
A business turning over a quarter of a million of dollars annually is no
small afifair and no small man could handle successfully such an enterprise.
Therefore, respect is due to John Waters for what he has attained as mana,<jer
of the Postville Farmers Cooperative Society, which yearly handles this vast
amount of business and of which he is the head. Active and popular, he has
become known as one of the foremost business men of Postville and his position
is based on just claims, for it rests on natural ability and a thorough experience
of conditions in Allamakee county — an experience which he has gathered in the
fifty-three years of his life which he has spent here, being born in Ludlow town-
ship, August 29, i860. His parents were George and Sophia (tlill) Waters,
both of whom have passed away, but are still lovingly remembered by their
many old-time friends and neighbors. George Waters was a north of Ireland
man and came to America in 1849, living a few years in Pennsylvania, and in
May, 1856, came to Allamakee county, where he began his life work on a forty-
acre tract which he purchased in Ludlow township. There he spent the remain-
der of his life on his farm, gradually wresting prosperity from the soil and
becoming one of the prosperous and substantial men of his locality.
John Waters was born amid the primitive conditions of the frontier. In
winter he attended the old log school and in summer worked on the farm,
assisting his father in the hard work of converting timber land into an agricul-
tural property. Remaining at home until he had grown to manhood, he then
went on a place of his own, and it was not until he was twenty-nine years of
age that he left the farm to engage in the hardware business in Postville. He
retired from that line in 1901 and in the same year was elected one of the sujier-
visors of Allamakee county. He served the people so faithfulh' and well that
three years later he was reelected, serving on the governing board of the county
for a total period of six years. In 1907 he returned to his early work and for
three years engaged in farming, but on January i, 1910, was elected manager of
the Postville Farmers Cooperative Society. Conscientious, ambitious, alert
and industrious, he has been very successful in promoting the growth of the busi-
ness of this institution and enjoys the entire confidence of the members of the
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 99
society and of the farmers of the community as a whole, at the same time retain-
ing the good-will of the business men of Postville. Under his able management
the business has largely increased, the stockholders receiving good financial
returns and every patron being satisfied. While many cooperative societies have
failed, or partially failed, in their mission, the one at Postville has thrived and
it is but fair that a portion of the credit for this be given to Mr. Waters for the
wise direction of its affairs.
The Cooperative Society was founded in July, 1904, with a paid-up capital
of one thousand dollars. It was composed entirely of the farmers living near
Postville and its chief business was the handling of live stock, which it sold on
commission for its members. Today the capital stock is nine thousand, four
hundred and fifty-five dollars and it owns its building and deals in flour, feed,
coal, salt, cement and similar products in car load lots and its store is well filled
with a large stock of groceries and farm necessities. The volume of business
last year was two hundred and forty-si.x thousand, six hundred and one dollars
and thirty-two cents, this sum including the handling of one hundred and seventy-
three cars of live stock, the shipments being nine thousand and thirty-five hogs,
one thousand and ninety-seven calves, six hundred and sixty-five head of cattle
and eiglit hundred and thirty-two sheep. The value of these shipments was tv.-o
hundred and one thousand, seven hundred and one dollars and ten cents. The
officers of the corporation are: G. W. Harris, president; R. J. Laughlin, vice
president: J. C. Weihe, secretary; W. J. H. Schultz, treasurer; and F. H.
Schultz, R. B. Waters, A. F. Marston, F. W. Meyer, W. H. Schroeder, Albert
Zieman, Arthur Behrens, John Lydon and Frank Haugartner, directors.
John Waters is a kindly and genial man, popular with his fellows and well
liked by people in all walks of life. At the same time he is a thorough business
man, aggressive in attaining his ends and conservative in his policy, giving
careful attention to all details, even the smallest, that come up in cht course of
the business. He was married, February 5, 1885, to Miss Minnie Early, and
theirs is one of the pleasant, hospitable homes of Postville, from which radiates
natural, true, warm-hearted hospitality — a hospitality which is cheerfully
extended to the many friends which Mr. and Mrs. Waters have in the com-
munity.
FRANK H. MOLUMBY.
Frank H. Molumby, who for the past eighteen years has been identified
with business interests of Waukon as a furniture dealer and undertaker, has
today one of the largest and best equipped stores in the city and controls an
important business. He was born in Clayton county, May 22, 1866, and was
reared upon a farm in that section, spending his childhood and early youth aid-
ing in the operation of the homestead.
After acquiring a public-school education Mr. Molumby left the farm and
began his independent career, obtaining a position as clerk in a business house
in Elkader, where he remained for six years, coming to Waukon in 1895. In
this city he purchased an interest in a furniture and undertaking business and,
63S6S0
100 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
commencing with a small stock, he gradually built up the business until it was a
large and profitable enterprise. In order to fit himself more thoroughly for his
work Mr. Molumby took a course in embalming and, in 1907, passed his exam-
ination before the state board, receiving his license in the same year. In 1909
he moved to his present location, where he occupies a double business house,
with two large rooms filled with a complete and well selected stock of furniture
and undertaking goods. He has his own hearse and carries a full line of caskets,
and both branches of his business are very profitable, for he has been accorded
a liberal patronage in recognition of his reasonable prices and his upright and
honorable commercial methods.
Mr. Molumby married, in Waukon, in November, 1896, Miss Nellie Fitz-
gerald, who was born and reared in this county, a daughter of Maurice Fitz-
gerald, a well known farmer of Allamakee county. Mr. and Mrs. Molumby
became the parents of six children: Mary, Pearl, Dolores, Frances and Helen;
and Gerald, who died in 1900, at the age of eleven months. The family home
is located in one of the finest residence districts of the city and is an attractive
and comfortable dwelling, which Mr. and Mrs. Molumby have made the center
of hospitality for their many friends. They are members of the Waukon Cath-
olic church and Mr. Molumby belongs to the Catholic Order of Foresters. His
life has ever been upright and honorable and he has at all times endeavored to
deal justly by his fellowmen and to shape his conduct in accordance with the
principles of good citizenship.
JOHN H. GERICKE.
John H. Gericke, a successful farmer and expert machinist, owning a fine
property of one hundred and si.xty acres in the vicinity of Postville, was born
in Clayton county, near National, on the 3d of July, 1874. He is a son of John
and Mary (Klinge) Gericke, natives of Germany, the former born in Prussia and
the latter in Mecklenburg. The father crossed the Atlantic about 1869 and
settled first in Chicago, where for a short time he worked in the employ of
others, later removing to Iowa and engaging in railroad construction work
between McGregor and La Crosse, Wisconsin. He abandoned this in favor
of agricultural pursuits, working as a farm hand in Clayton county until his
marriage, after which he rented land and engaged in farming for himself.
Success steadily attended his labors and he was eventually able to purchase a
fine property in Post township and to this he has added from time to time until
he now owns two hundred and twenty acres. He has of late years laid aside
the cares of active life and is living retired, his sons developing and cultivating
the farm. He and his wife became the parents of ten children : John H., of
this review ; Ida, the wife of Chris Meyers, who operates the farm adjoining
Mr. Gericke's ; Fred, who is engaged in farming in Franklin township ; Bertha,
the wife of Wendell Wagener, a farmer near Castalia, Winneshiek county ;
Amelia, who married Otto Sanders, a carpenter in Postville ; Matilda, who lives
at home ; Henry, who resides with his father on the homestead ; Amanda, who
JOHN H. GEK1CK1-:
PAST AND PRKSKXT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 103
became the wife of William Sebastian, a farmer in Franklin township ; Senda,
who lives at home ; and William, who resides on a farm in Post township.
John H. Gericke acquired his education in the district schools of Clayton
county and began his independent career when he was eighteen years of age, at
which time he formed a partnership with his brother William and purchased a
threshing machine, which he operated during the threshing seasons, spending
the remainder of his time assisting in clearing the homestead. He continued
thus until he was twenty-seven years of age and again in partnership with his
brother William purchased a half interest in two hundred and sixty-four acres
of land. This property they cultivated for three years, and at the end of that
time Mr. Gericke of this review sold his interests to his brother. He then
purchased the farm on which he now resides, his one hundred and sixty acres
being principally fine timber land, although he has a small tract cleared and
under cultivation. In addition to general farming he operates a sawmill, a
threshing machine, a silo filler and cutter and a corn shredder and has developed
a natural mechanical ability until he is today an expert machinist, never needing
any assistance in setting up or operating his machinery.
Mr. Gericke is a member of the Turner Society of Postville and is well
and favorably known in that place. His life has been such as to give him high
standing in the locality where he makes his home; and he is generally recognized
as a man whose industry, ability and well directed labors have not only contributed
to his own prosperity but have also promoted the growth and advancement of
the community at large.
CARL WILKE.
Through well directed business activity and enterprise Carl Wilke has gained
recognition as one of the prosperous farmers of Allamakee county. He owns
and operates a highly improved tract of land of one hundred and forty-six and
one-quarter acres near Postville. Since 1880 he has lived in this county, during
which time his labors have not only contributed to his own prosperity but have
proven effective forces in the advancement of the general welfare. Mr. Wilke
was born in Germany, December 18, 18C0, and is a son of John and Louisa
Wilke, natives of Mecklenburg. They never came to America, the father
spending his active life working in the factories of his native province.
Carl Wilke acquired his education in the public schools of Germany and
as a young man obtained work as a farm laljorer in Mecklenburg, retaining that
position until he crossed the Atlantic to America in 1880. Coming immediately
to Iowa, he worked as a farm hand near Postville for five years and then bought
a farm in Franklin township, this county, upon which he resided for eleven years.
He eventually sold that property and bought one hundred and forty-six and one-
quarter acres near Postville, upon which he still resides. He has made substantial
improvements upon the property and upon it carries on general farming and stock-
raising, both branches of his activities being well directed and profitable. In
104 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
addition to his homestead Mr. Wilke owns one hundred and twenty acres in Frank-
lin township, which is operated by his son.
On the i8th of November, 1887, Mr. Wilke married Miss Louisa Schuhz,
a native of Mecklenburg, Germany, born February 10, 1864. She is a daughter
of John and Louisa Schultz, both of whom have passed away. Mr. and Mrs.
Wilke have six children : William, who is married and engages in farming in
Franklin township ; and Ella, Nora, Bertha, Edna and Thelma, all of whom live
at home.
Mr. Wilke is a member of the Lutheran church in Postville. He gives his
political allegiance to the democratic party and although he has never sought
nor desired public ofifice, has in the promotion of his individual prosperity con-
tributed in substantial measure to the progress and development of this section.
He has depended upon no outside aid or influence but has wrought out his own
success along well defined lines of labor and achieved his prosperity by industry
and perseverance.
CHARLES H. MEIER.
Charles H. Meier has, ever since old enough, been prominently connected
with agricultural pursuits and now owns five hundred and fifty-five acres near
Postville, which he mostly rents out, although he still retains eighty acres for
himself, devoted to hay and pasture. Ever progressive and enterprising, he has
become one of the most substantial men of his section and is also largely con-
nected with other enterprises, especially along financial lines. A son of H.
William and Minnie (Koster) Meier, he was born in Garnavillo township,
Clayton county, Iowa, on February 12, 1862. The father was born in Prussia,
March 20, 1836, and the mother in Hanover, Germany, in 1844. She passed
away in 1901 at the age of about fifty-seven years. At the age of sixteen the
father crossed the ocean to America. During his active life he followed agri-
cultural pursuits, working in the employ of others around Postville for a time,
but later he removed to Minnesota and subsequently, having by thrift and in-
dustry, acquired the means, bought a farm in Clayton county, Iowa, where he has
since resided, now living retired. Charles H. Meier is the oldest of his seven chil-
dren, there being twenty-six years between his birth and that of the youngest child
in the family, and there also is a difference of twenty-six years between his and
his father's age.
In the acquirement of his education Charles H. Meier attended school in
Garnavillo township, Clayton county. He early assisted his father with the
work of the farm and learned methods and details under his able guidance. He
worked on the home farm until twenty-two years of age, when he rented his
father's land for one year and then bought a farm belonging to him in Post
townshij), Allamakee county. On that farm Charles 11. ?ileier remained until
1903, when he bought eighty acres one and a half miles from Postville and
removed to that place. That success has attended his labors is evident from the
fact that he now owns five hundred and fifty-five acres of highly improved land
in Post township. He operates eighty acres himself, while he rents out the rest
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 105
of his holdings, receiving a gratifying income from this source. He has extended
his interests to other lines and is a stockholder in various banks in Postville and
other places as well as a director in the creamery and the Farmers Cooperative
Store.
On September i6, 1884. Mr. Meier was united in marriage to Miss Amelia
Splies, a native of Garnavillo township, Clayton county, where she attended the
same school as her husband. She is a daughter of Jacob and Christina ( Brooker)
Splies, the father a native of Switzerland and the mother of Ohio. Mr. Splies,
who was a farmer by occupation, located in Garnavillo township, Clayton
county, where both he and his wife passed away. In their family were six
children, of whom Mrs. Meier is the fifth in order of birth. Mr. and Airs. Meier
have three children: Vina Hermina, born October 23, 1886, at home; Lester,
born July i, i8qo, who died December 17, igo6; and Orma, born June 28, 1892,
who resides with her parents and teaches in the district schools of Post town-
ship.
It is but natural that a man of the energy and activity of Mr. Meier should
take part in the public afifairs of his district and he has served efficiently as trus-
tee of Post township and also in the capacity of road superintendent. He gives
his allegiance to the republican party, ever upholding its principles and support-
ing its candidates at the polls. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran
church, in which he holds membership at PostviUe. A successful man in every
sense of the word, Mr. Meier has not only attained prosperity, but has made
many friends in his locality by reason of his high qualities of mind and character,
which gain for him the respect and confidence of all who know him.
FRANK W. AMES.
Frank W. Ames, carrying on general farming and stock-raising on sixty
acres of fine land in Franklin township, was born in Cattaraugus county. New
York, on the 23d of August, 1856. He is a son of Alphonso and Matilda
(Wheeler) Ames, the former born in Genesee county, New York, September
23' 1833, and the latter in Erie county, that state, in April, 1837. In early life
the father worked as a river lumberman and, possessing great ability in the
handling and controlling of men, made a success of that occupation. Later he
used this ability as the manager of large gangs of workmen engaged in railroad
construction in Pennsylvania. He afterward turned his attention to carpenter-
ing, contracting and building, trades in which he had served an apprenticeship,
and in 1872 he came west to Iowa, intending to make a permanent location in
the southwestern part of the state. However, he never carried out this plan,
dying one month after his arrival here. He had been twice married, his second
wife having been Mrs. Dorlesca (Hinman) Wilcox, widow of a veteran of the
Civil war. She has also passed away. By that union were born two children :
George, who resides in South Dakota; and another child now deceased.
Alphonso Ames had also two children by his first marriage, the subject of this
review being the elder and the only one now living.
106 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
In the acquirement of an education Frank W. Ames attended school in Cat-
taraugus county, New York, studying in the public schools of Little Valley and
afterward in those of Hardin, Allamakee county, Iowa. He began his indepen-
dent career at the early age of fourteen years, working for some time as a farm
laborer before and after coming to Iowa. He was later engaged in railroad con-
struction, but at the age of twenty-three rented land in Floyd county, beginning
the development of this property on the ist of September, 1879. After three
years he went to Monona township, Clayton county, where he had previously
purchased land, and at the end of a similar period of time rented another farm
in the same township. Eventually he removed to Chickasaw county and then to
Oelwein, Fayette county, remaining in the latter locality for three years. He
afterward spent six years in Luana and then bought the farm where he now
lives. He cultivated it successfully for two years and then returned to Luana,
where he remained for six years, coming back to his farm at the end of that
period. L'pon this place of sixty acres of highly cultivated land he engages in
general farming, success steadily rewarding his well directed labors and practical
methods. From 1904 to 191 3 he served as rural mail carrier and he is well
known throughout this section of Iowa, holding a high position among the
respected and able citizens.
On the 2 1 St of June, 1S79, Mr. Ames married Miss Allie Wilcox, who was
born in New York, August 14,^858. She is a daughter of Hiram and Dorlesca
(Hinman) Wilcox, the latter of whom became the second wife of the father of
our subject. Hiram Wilcox was a native of Pennsylvania and at an early date
came to Iowa, settling near Monona, from which section he enlisted for service
in the Civil war, dying in an army hospital in the south. His first service was
in Minnesota, when, as a member of the Twenty-se\enth Iowa \^olunteer Infan-
try, he fought against the hostile Indians. Mr. and ]Mrs. Ames have a daugh-
ter, Edna, who w'as born June 25, 1880. She is 'now in the tenth consecutive
year of her service as a teacher in the public schools, having acted in this capac-
ity in Luana, in Guttenburg and in Hardin, where she is now employed.
Mr. Ames gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has ren-
dered his township excellent service as constable and as road supervisor. He
devotes most of his attention, however, to his farm, which he has made the
equal of the finest in his part of the county, its excellent condition gaining for
him a high place among progressive and able agriculturists.
DARIUS S. ORR.
Still residing on the old homestead which his uncle entered many years ago
and which Darius S. Orr subsecjuently acquired by purchase and where he has
gained prosperity, he is not only prominent in agricultural circles of Allamakee
county, but has to his credit a long and distinguished service in the National
Guard of the state, in which he served for a number of years with the rank of
lieutenant colonel. A native of Post township, he has grown up with this sec-
tion and has not only been a witness of the wonderful transformation that has
taken place as primitive conditions have given way to the onward march of
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 107
civilization, but has been a helpful and cooperant factor in bringing about the
prosperous conditions which the present generation enjoys.
It was in a small log house one mile northeast of Postville that, on June 4,
1859, Darius S. Orr saw the light of day, his parents being James and Margaret
A. (Ellison) Orr. The father was a native of the north of Ireland, where he
was born March 15, 1829, while the mother was born in New York state in 1834.
When a boy eleven years of age the father crossed the ocean with his parents,
the family locating in Schuyler county. New York, at the head of Seneca lake,
where he grew to manhood. He received his education in the common schools
of Schuyler county and at the Plattsburg and Starkey Seminaries and for several
winters followed teaching in New York, while in the summers he assisted his
father with the work of the farm. In Iowa he also taught for six terms. The
year 1855 marked his arrival in Allamakee county and here he was married on
January i, 1856. The home farm upon which the father settled had been
entered from the government a year or two before his arrival by a brother, and
there James Orr continued successfully in farming and stock-raising until 1898,
when he and his wife removed to Postville, where they still live retired. The
father has passed the age of eighty-four and the mother is seventy-nine years
of age, and both are highly respected and esteemed as among the early pioneers.
James Orr was prominent in public life in his days, having held the offices of
township trustee and assessor, besides other positions. He and his wife are the
parents of seven children, of whom Darius S. is the second in order of birth.
In the acquirement of his education Darius S. Orr attended public school in
Postville and after laying aside his text-books, worked for his father until
twenty-one years of age. He then rented the homestead for ten years, his
labors being attended with such good success that he was enabled to buy the
place and there he still resides in the cultivation of two hundred and twenty-
five acres of highly improved land. He has added to the improvements by the
erection of modern buildings and has installed modern machinery and imple-
ments in order to facilitate labor and improve the productivity of the soil. He
gives considerable attention to stock-raising, breeding shorthorn cattle and Shire
horses, as well as Poland China hogs. Progressive and energetic, he follows
the most approved methods and, by scientific rotation of crops and fertilization,
keeps his land in the best condition.
On November 26, 1889, Mr. Orr wedded Miss Bertha Harris, a native of
Grand Meadow township, Clayton county, born January 12, 1871. Mrs. Orr
is a daughter of William and Charity (McDonald) Harris, the former a prom-
inent retired farmer of Post township. In their family are six children, of
whom Bertha is the second in order of birth. The others are : Herman How^ard,
who resides in Postville : Edith, the wife of Ernie Churchill, of Monroe, Wis-
consin ; Edna, who married Fred Oehring, of McGregor, this state ; Glessner,
the wife of Arthur Webster, of Postville: and Adelaide, residing with her par-
ents. Mr. and Mrs. Orr have four children, as follows: Ethel, whose birth
occurred October 29, 1890 ; Edith, who was born September 13, 1892; Esther,
born February 27, i8g6; and Eva, who was born November 14, 1898. All are
still under the parental roof.
In his political affiliations Mr. Orr is a republican, stanchly upholding the
candidates of that party at the polls. Although he never personally aspired to
108 PAST AND PRESEXT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
political honors, he served for some time efficiently as township assessor. He
has given a considerable part of his time to a worthy cause by rendering, for
twelve years, service in the Iowa National Guard. In the six years after his
enlistment he had, by gradual stages, attained the rank of lieutenant colonel
and as such commanded the Fourth Regiment. He has ever been interested in
matters military and has willingly given his time and attention to that branch
of the state government, recognizing its importance and beneficial influence upon
the young men. Fraternally he is a member of the .\ncient Order of United
Workmen. \'iewed from every side, the career of Mr. Orr is worthy of the
highest commendation and may serve as example for the younger generation.
While he has made himself financially independent by close application to the
work on hand, he has been an important factor along lines of progress not only
as an agriculturist, but also in moral and intellectual upbuilding. He is recog-
nized as a forceful element in his locality and enjoys the highest esteem and
fullest confidence of all who come in contact with him in a business or social
way.
; EDWIN R. LIVINGOOD.
Edviin R. Livingood has become one of the substantial farmers of Post town-
ship, owning a valuable agricultural property of olie hundred and eighty-six
acres near Postville. He was born in Franklin township, Allamakee county,
December ii, 1858, his parents being Greenburg J. and Abigail ( Ewing) Livin-
good. The father was born in Wayne county, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1820,
and the mother in Cannelton, Indiana, January 2, 1821. In early life Greenburg
J. Livingood followed the trade of cabinet-maker. With his parents he removed
from his native state to Ohio and then to Indiana, where he married, and from
there came to Iowa in 1852, locating in Ludlow township, this county. Later in
the same year, however, he went to Lebanon, Illinois, and did not return to this
county until the fall of 1864. He settled on the farm, to the cultivation of which
he devoted the rest of his life, passing away in 1898. His wife survived him
about seven years, her death occurring in 1905. In their family were four chil-
dren, of whom two are living, the sister of our subject being ]\Iary Jane, who
now resides in Waukon. She was the eldest of this family.
In the acquirement of his education Edwin R. Livingood attended district
school in Franklin township and for six months studied at the Elkader high
school. LTntil twenty-one years of age he assisted his father with the farm
work, but then took active charge of the place, which he operated until his twenty-
fifth year, when he bought the farm, and there he now lives. It then comprised
ninety-two acres, but he has since increased its boundaries, his property now
consisting of one hundred and sixty-eight acres, all highly improved. He gives
his attention to mixed farming and also engages in stock-raising. Here he has
resided continuously with the exception of about two years, which he spent in
the western part of the state, and he has devoted all of his life to farming inter-
ests. Modern and substantially built barns, outbuildings and sheds are pro-
vided and the farm is otherwise thoroughly equipped with up-to-date machinery
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 109
to facilitate the labor and increase the yield. As prosperity has come to him he
has made judicious investments and is now part owner in the Cooperative
Creamery at Postville and a stockholder in the Fanners Cooperative Store of
that town.
On October 21, 1882, Mr. Livingood married Miss Matilda Pechia, a native
of Post township, born December 9, i8(')4. She is a daughter of Joseph and
Martha ( Smith ) Pechia, the father a native of \'ermont and the mother of
Indiana. They were among the earliest settlers of Allamakee county. The
mother was a daughter of Reutien Smith, one of the pioneers on the Yellow
river. Mr. Pechia became a well known and prosjierous agriculturist of Post
township and continued in that occupation until his death. He and his wife
had ten children, of whom eight are now living and of whom Mrs. Livingood
is the fifth in order of birth. Mr. Pechia passed away December 7, 1885, having
survived his wife for about five years, her death occurring May 28, 1880.
Mr. and Mrs, Livingood have ten children: Maud Eleanor, who was born
June 24, 1884, and married Frank Miller, an agriculturist of Ludlow town-
ship; Willard Sidney, whose birth occurred on August 30, 1885, and who mar-
ried Effie Miller and is farming in Ludlow township on the old Livingood
homestead, which was entered as a government claim ; Charles B., born Febru-
ary 8, 1887, who married Esther Lee, and is now farming near Detroit, in
Becker county, Minnesota ; Stella Rosela, whose natal day was July 23, 1888,
and who is the wife of Gerald Moose, a farmer of Winneshiek county, this
state ; Earl Rinaldo, born August 25, i8go, who married Sophia Hager and
farms in Winneshiek county; Abigail Blossom, who was born April 8, 1892,
and is at home; Cecil Edwin, born May i, 1897; Caroline Dora, July 13, 1899;
Nellie Esther, May 3, 1903 ; and Lynn Mayhew, April 25, 1906. The five last
named are yet under the 'parental roof.
In his political views Mr. Livingood is independent, giving his support to such
candidates as he considers best able to fill the offices. In former years, however,
he was a republican. He has done valuable work as an agriculturist in Alla-
makee county, which not only has brought him success but has been a factor
in general development.
PETER RISER.
Upon the role of Allamakee county's honored dead appears the name of
Peter Riser, who at the time of his death in 1902 was one of the substantial
agriculturists and large landowners of Lansing township. Although born across
the water, practically his entire life was spent in Iowa among whose pioneers
he is numbered and to whose development and progress he made important
contributions through the years.
Mr. Riser was born in Switzerland, May 31, 1838, and when he was four
years of age was brought to the United States by his parents who established
Iheir home in Illinois. They there remained until their son was fourteen years
of age when they came to Iowa settling in Allamakee county in pioneer times.
Here Peter Riser grew to manhood, aiding in the clearing, opening and develop-
110 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
ing of the homestead and becoming a practical and able agriculturist. At the
age of twenty-one he began his independent career, turning his attention to the
occupation to which he had been raised and winning success as a general farmer.
Upon the death of his father he inherited a farm of one hundred and twenty
acres and upon this property continued to reside until his death, each year adding
to his prosperity and to the high regard in which he was held by his neighbors
and friends. As circumstances justified he added to his holdings, finally acquir-
ing three hundred and sixty acres of land upon which he made substantial im-
provements, erecting a large barn and all the necessary outbuildings and in-
stalling the needed farm equipment. The old log cabin in which the family
made their home in the early days still stands upon the homestead, but the
present residence is a fine, modern brick structure erected some years ago.
In Allamakee county Mr. Riser was united in marriage to Miss Catherine
Marti, who was born in Switzerland, February 4, 1844, a daughter of Henry and
Catherine (Blumer) Marti, who came to the United States in 1853. They
settled in Allamakee county and here made their home until their death, the father
passing away in 1871 as a result of a stroke of paralysis suffered seventeen years
before. Mr. and Mrs. Riser became the parents of the following children :
Marie Anna, who died October 17, 1871, when she was seven years of age;
John Henry, who is engaged in farming near New Albin, Iowa; George William,
a farmer of Lansing township ; Julius Edward, who passed away on January
10, 1900, at the age of twenty-eight; Emma, the wife of John Babler; and Philip
and Barbara Catherine, both of whom live at home.
Mr, Riser was ever stanch in his support of the republican party and although
he never sought nor desired office took an intelligent interest in community
affairs and could always be relied upon to further progressive public movements.
He was public-spirited and loyal in all matters of citizenship, cooperating heartily
in tliose measures and projects which had for their object the upbuilding and
development of the county wherein he had so long resided. Thus it was that
at his death which occurred November 11, 1902, Allamakee county lost one of
its representative and valued citizens. Mrs. Riser survives her husband and
makes her home on the farm, which is now conducted by her son Philip. She
is a member of the Methodjst church to which her husband also belonged and
is a lady whose many excellent traits of heart and mind have won her the
affection and esteem of all who know her.
BENEDICT TROENDLE.
Benedict Troendle has lived in Allamakee county for si.xty-one years and he is
one of the very few who have so long witnessed its growth and development.
During the time he has made substantial contributions towards its upbuilding by
opening up and developing a number of fine farms, and by his upright dealings,
his high integrity and his honorable and worthy life has aided in raising standards
of business and of citizenship. As a result he is known and honored all over
this section of Iowa and is today one of the leading and representative citizens
of Waukon where he is living practically retired.
MR. AND INffiS. BENEDICT TROENDLE
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 113
Mr. Troendle was born in Baden, Germany, March 25, 1831, and acquired an
excellent education in his native city where he remained until he was nineteen
years of age. He became proficient in Latin and French as well as German
for he studied for the priesthood, never, however, taking orders. In 1850 he
emigrated to the new world, going immediately to Ohio and joining his brother,
Sales,' in Huron county. There he went to work on a farm, engaging in agri-
cultural pursuits during the summer months and in the winter attending an
English school. For two years thereafter he continued as a farm laborer and
then in 1852 came with his brother to Iowa and settled in Allamakee county
where he has since resided being today one of the earliest living residents. They
purchased eighty acres in French Creek township and also twenty acres adjoin-
ing, buying this latter tract from a neighbor in order to get the benefit of a
spring of clear, cold water which supplied enough for all domestic purposes ard
also for watering the stock. The land was raw and unimproved but with
characteristic energy the brothers set about the task of developing it, clearing
it of timber, breaking the soil, and fencing the property into convenient fields.
In 1856 Benedict Troendle purchased his brother's interest and continued the
work of improvement alone, erecting the necessary outbuildings and tilling the
fields in the most practical manner, his progessive methods and well directed
industry bringing him a substantial measure of success. He continued upon
this farm until 1865 when he disposed of the property and purchased another
tract of land of one hundred and twenty acres, slightly improved. He made
this also a valuable and productive enterprise', selling it in 1868 and buying in
the same year eighty acres in Makee township near Lycurgus. To this he
later added another two hundred acres of which a part was improved when it
came into his possession, and he cleared this property and fenced it into fields,
continuing upon it for twelve years and making it eventually one of the finest
and Ijest improved farms in this part of the country. It was during the period
of his residence upon it that he was made postmaster of Lycurgus and he held
this office for many years, discharging his duties in an able, straighforward and
systematic manner. He is numbered among the pioneers in French Creek town-
ship and was long a potent force in its development, cooperating heartily in
movements for the general good and giving his active support to all progressive
public measures. He helped in the organization of the first school, donating a
half acre of land for the schoolhouse and also became a leader in founding the
first independent school in Lycurgus. Always interested in the cause of educa-
tion, he gave freely of his time and talents in this direction, accomplishing much
far-sighted, discriminating and beneficial work during a long period of service
as a member of the school board. Mr. Troendle erected a comfortable residence
upon his farm wherein he continued to reside until 1892 when he laid aside the
cares of active life, moving into Waukon where he has since lived retired.
On the 29th of July, 1855, Mr. Troendle married Miss Hedwig .Vicrling,
also a native of Germany, born and reared in Prussia. She is a dauylUer of
Anton Nierling, who emigrated to America and made a permanent location in
Allamakee county in 1854, purchasing land in Makee township and turning his
attention to general farming. Mr. and Mrs. Troendle became the parents of
five children : Julia, who married Gus Kerndt, a farmer of French Creek town-
ship, passed away in 1910 when she was forty-eight years of age. Caroline became
114 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
the wife of J. W. Rice of Waterloo, Iowa. Mary married John Miller of
Waukon. Johanna became the wife of Dan Haas. Gustave. youngest mem-
ber of this family, owns and operates the old home farm in Makee township. On
the 29th of July, 1905, Mr. and Airs. Troendle celebrated the completion of
fifty years of a peaceful and happy wedded life, their golden wedding anni\er-
sary being attended by their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to
the number of thirty-two, who together with o\'er two hundred friends, gathered
at the home in Waukon, making the day one of gladness and rejoicing. They
presented many tokens as souvenirs of the occasion, endeavoring in this way to
express in some slight degree the love and veneration in which they held these
worthy people, to whom they were bound by many ties of love and friendship.
Few if any men of Allamakee county are more widely known or more highly
honored throughout this section of the state than is Mr. Troendle, who for over
sixty-one years has lived in the county and who during all of that period has
honorably borne his share in the work of upbuilding and development. \'iewed
from any stand])oint, his life may be termed successful, for he has accumulated a
comfortable fortune, has drawn to himself many loyal and faithful friends and
has made his name an honored one wherever it is known.
JACOB HIRTH.
Jacob Hirth makes his home on a fine farm of one hundred and seventy-
eight acres on section 29, Lansing township — a property which his father pur-
chased in pioneer times and upon which he himself has resided since his child-
hood. He is one of the earliest settlers in this section, which he has seen develop
from a frontier wilderness, and in all of the work of upbuilding he has borne
an active and useful part, his labors constituting elements in general agricultural
progress. Germany numbers him among her native sons, his birth having
occurred in Baden, on the 3d of r)ctober, 1837. He is a son of John Adam and
Margaret (Kircher) Hirth, also natives of Germany, where the mother passed
away March 6, 1853. In the same year the father and children crossed the
Atlantic to America and, after arriving in this country, came west to Iowa, set-
tling in Dubuque, and thence coming to Allamakee county. Here John Adam
Hirth purchased one hundred and sixty acres of unimproved land and, with
characteristic energy set himself to cultivate and develop it. He built a log
cabin u])on his holdings and for many years made his home therein, eventually
erecting the present frame farm house. The old log cabin, however, still stands
• — a reminder of the hardships and inconveniences of pioneer times. The father
was reared in the Protestant religion in Germany and after coming to America
became a member of the Congregational church. He was a democrat in his
political beliefs and actively interested in the growth of the community he had done
so much to upbuild. He died upon his farm in Lansing township in 1896, having
reached the advanced age of ninety-one years. He and his wife became the
parents of four children, only one of whom, the subject of this review, survives.
Magdalena, who became the wife of Conrad Steibert, has passed away. She
and her husband lived for many years in La Fayette township. George was
PAST AND PRESENT (JF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 115
drowned in the Mississippi river when he was twenty-one years of age. Adam
died on the ocean wliile on the journey to the United States. He was at that
time two years of age.
In tlie puljlic schools of Germany Jacob Hirth ac(|uired his education and
after laying aside his books accompanied his father to America and after the
family settled in Allamakee county assisted with the work of the farm until
after the death of his father, when he assumed ownership and control. Since
that time he has steadily carried forward the work of improvement and the
results of his many years of care and labor are evident in the neat and attrac-
tive appearance of the place. He has increased his holdings to one hundred
and seventy-eight acres and upon this carries on general farming, harvesting
excellent crops and engaging to some extent in stock-raising.
Mr. Hirth has been twice married. In i86g he wedded Miss Katie Leppert,
by whom he had two children : Johannah, the wife of George Wendel, of
Lansing township, who became the mother of five children; and ]\Iagdalena,
the deceased wife of John Decker, by whom she had one daughter. Mr.
Hirth's first wife passed away in 1874 and three years later he married her
sister, Josephine Leppert, by whom he has five children: John J., who resides
in North Dakota ; Clara Emma, the wife of George Wendel, of Cerro Gordo
county, Iowa ; Charles E., who married Emma Decker ; and Roy Andrew and
William George, who live at home. Mrs. Hirth is a devout member of the
Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Hirth is a democrat in his political beliefs and is interested in the
growth and welfare of this section of the state, although he never seeks public
office. He is numbered among the real pioneers of the county, having come
to Lansing township when there were only a few scattered settlements and
when the Indians were still numerous on the prairies, while game abounded in
the forest and pioneer conditions were everywhere evident, there being no
schools and, indeed, no need for educational institutions. He has watched
the evolution which has transformed this wilderness into a populous, wealthy
and growing community and has been to a great extent identified therewith.
CHARLES B. BACHTELL.
Although a native of Pennsylvania, Charles B. Bachtell has practically spent
his entire life in Iowa, where for many years he was prominently connected
with agricultural pursuits, actively operating a large and profitable farm of two
hundred and forty acres. In 1909, however, he removed to Postville, where
he now resides in a handsome residence set in a plat of five acres, still super-
vising the operation of a two hundred and twenty-five acre farm, which he cul-
tivates by the means of hired help. Mr. Bachtell also has other valuable prop-
erty in Postville. He was born April 23, 1849, ^ native of Chester county, Penn-
sylvania, and a son of David and Susanna (Davis) Bachtell, both natives of the
same county of the Keystone state. The father was born December 18, 1818,
and the mother. May 6, 1819. In early life the father followed the trade of
butcher, but gave up that line in favor of farming when he came to Iowa in 1853.
116 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLA^IAKEE COUNTY
He settled at National, Clayton county, later buying land and, in the course of
years, becoming one of the leading agriculturists of his section. He continued to
reside there, near Elkader, and passed away on February 17, 1891. his wife's
deinise occurring within one month, on March 13. In their family were ten chil-
dren, of whom Charles B. of this review is the fifth in order of birth.
Charles B. Bachtell was brought by his parents to Iowa when but four years
of age and, in the acquirement of his education, attended school at Elkader,
making use of such opportunities as were afforded pupils at that pioneer period.
He subsequently attended district school near there in Clayton county. At the
early age of sixteen Mr. Bachtell tried his hand at farming and, hiring out,
worked for others until thirty years of age. carefully saving his earnings during
that time with a view toward independence. He then married and bought a
tract of one hundred and twenty acres, upon which he resided for thirty-one
years, profitably engaged in general farming and stock-raising. As his means
permitted, he had added to this farm until he owned two hundred and forty
acres. In September, 1909, he removed from there to Postville, buying a com-
modious residence set in a beautiful five-acre tract. However, he still operates
a farm of two hundred and twenty-five acres with hired help. Mr. Bachtell is a
stockholder in the Canning Factory and also in the Cooperative Creamery of Post-
ville. Moreover, he is interested in the Citizens Bank of this city.
The marriage of Mr. Bachtell and Miss Carrie Carrithers occurred on Feb-
ruary II, 1879. Mrs. Bachtell is a native of Post township, where she was born
August 3, 1859, a daughter of William H. and Elizabeth (Smith) Carrithers.
The father was born in Ohio county, West \'irginia, on December 29, 1829.
and the mother in Indiana, at or near Perry sville, on Alay 23, 1833. Their mar-
riage occurred in 1851, in Allamakee county, whence he had come in that year
on horseback, the mother arriving in 1849. The father always followed agricul-
tural pursuits and here took up government land, which he cleared, improved
and developed, spending the balance of his life, with the exception of two years
in the early part of his career, in this county. During those two years he worked
in a mill in Clayton county. He was prominent and favorably known in his local-
ity and for some years served as county supervisor. His marriage was per-
formed by Judge Topliff, who was the first judge of Allamakee county. Both
he and his wife resided in the home which he first prepared for sixteen years.
when he built the residence as it now stands and which is known as the Car-
rithers homestead. He made a specialty of stock-raising in connection with gen-
ral farming. Mr. and Mrs. Carrithers had three children, of whom Mrs. Bach-
tell is the youngest. She grew up on the home farm amid the primitive condi-
tions of pioneer life, under the able guidance of her worthy parents and received
her educational advantages in the district school of Post township. Mr. and
Mrs. Bachtell became the parents of three children : Elmer C, who was born
October 11, 1880, and died at the age of eleven months: one child, born in 1882.
who died in infancy; and Ralph William, born March 18, 1889, who resides at
home.
In his political affiliations Mr. Bachtell is a republican and, at a period about
twenty years ago, served efficiently as township trustee of Post township for
three terms, doing valuable work in promoting public interests at that early
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUXTY 117
period. A man of progressive tendencies and sound principles, he has based
his success upon determined endeavor and honesty, and the financial indepen-
dence which has come to him is well merited. Public-spirited and progressive,
he has ever been considerate of the general welfare and by his work has done
much toward promoting agricultural development. He enjoys the confidence
and good-will of all who know him and there are many in the Postville district
who are proud to call him friend.
HANS SIMENSON.
Farming interests of Hanover township lost a progressive and worthy rep-
resentative and Allamakee county an honored and worthy pioneer citizen when
Hans Simenson passed away on his farm on section 21. He was known and
recognized as one of the representative agriculturists of this vicinity — a man
whose success was an important element in general development, and he was
honored also as a veteran of the Civil war to whom the country owes a debt
of gratitude which can never be forgotten and never fully repaid.
Mr. Simenson was one of the many sturdy and industrious citizens whom
Norway has given to America, his birth having occurred in that country in
1840, his parents being Ole and Anna Simenson. They came to America in
1851 and settled in Winneshiek county, this state, where the father died in 1876.
His wife survived him some years, dying at the home of the subject of this
review in 1883. They were the parents of seven children, of whom one, a
son, still survives.
When Hans Simenson was eleven years of age he accompanied his parents
to America and settled with them in Winneshiek county. Four years later he
moved to Allamakee county and here he afterwards began farming for himself,
buying land on section 21, Hanover township. For a long period thereafter
he improved and cultivated this property, the years bringing him success,
prominence and substantial fortune and a place among the prominent and
representative agriculturists. From time to time he added to his holdings and
finally accumulated three hundred and sixty acres of land, of which one hundred
and eighty were in a high state of cultivation. In its development he adhered
always to the most progressive and practical methods and his farm became one
of the finest in this vicinity, reflecting in its neat and attractive appearance
the many years of careful supervision and practical labor which the owner had
expended upon it.
In i86g Mr. Simenson was united in marriage to Miss Patrena Larson,
a native of Norway and a daughter of Christian and Anna Larson, who came
to America in 1852 and settled in Allamakee county. The father purchased
land in Hanover township and operated it until his death. His wife survives
him and makes her home in Waukon, being now eighty-seven years of age.
They were the parents of ten children of whom four still survive, the wife of
the subject of this review being the first in order of birth. Air. and Mrs.
Simenson became the parents of four children : .Sarah, the wife of W. H.
Allen, a rancher in California ; Oscar C, a farmer in Winneshiek county ; Jane,
118 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
who married E. \V. Allen, engaged in the transfer business in Waukon ; and
Alfred, who owns the old homestead. The latter his added to his father's hold-
ings, owning now three hundred and seventy-eight acres of land, on which
he carries on general farming and stock-raising. Mrs. Simenson survives her
husband and makes her home with her son. She is a lady of many excellent
traits of mind and character and is widely known and highly respected, her
upright life having won for her the confidence and good-will of all who
know her.
In the life of Hans Simenson was a creditable military chapter. In 1861
he enlisted in Company H, Ninth Iowa Volunteer Infantry and went to the
front as a private. He participated in many of the most important engagements
of the Civil war, serving four years, and at the close of hostilities was mustered
out as corporal. He was always a most earnest and patriotic citizen, manifesting
these qualities at home as well as on the battlefield and he was never known
to withhold his support from any progressive public project. He served with
ability and distinction in almost all of the township oflices, considering it the
duty of every citizen to serve his fellowmen when called upon to do so. His
upright life was guided by the doctrines of the Presbyterian church of which
he was a devout member and he kept in touch with his comrades of fifty years
ago through his connection with the Waukon Post of the Grand Army of the
Republic. Mr. Simenson's death occurred on his farm in Hanover township, and
it deprived this part of Iowa of a representative and valued citizen — a man of
proved patriotism, loyalty and uprightness, whose life was guided and directed
by high ideals and whose accomplishments were important as factors in the
general development of this part of the state.
WILLIAM H. KERNDT.
William H. Kerndt, a successful and prominent farmer of French Creek
township and a worthy representative of one of Allamakee county's most honored
pioneer families, was born on the farm which he now owns December 19, 185Q.
He is a son of Herman Kerndt, a native of Schlesien, Germany, born in 1823,
and one of five Kerndt brothers who came to Allamakee county in 1853. Herman
Kerndt purchased two hundred acres of unimproved land in French Creek
township and devoted the remainder of his life to general farming, becoming
one of the substantial and representative agriculturists of the community. His
first home, a little shanty upon his holdings, was afterward replaced by a log
cabin and still later by the frame dwelling now occupied by the subject of this
review. This in turn he intends to replace next spring by a fine modern dwelling,
for which he has the material already upon his place. The father became a
successful and prosperous farmer and as his financial resources grew added
to his holdings until his farm comprised three hundred and ninety acres of land
lying on section 36. Herman Kerndt married Miss Godlieba Breuer, also a
native of Germany, and both passed away upon this farm, the mother dying
February 21, 1901, and the father, January 12, 1911. They were the parents of
eight children: Alvina, who lives in Lansing; Maria, who is now Mrs. Haas;
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 119
Jennie, who died at the age of twenty-two ; Charles, who met his death by drown-
ing when he was about twenty years of age ; Gustave H., a farmer of Lansing
township; Emma, now Mrs. H. R. Weirking, of Mankato, Minnesota; Annie,
who is housekeeper for her brother, Gustave H. ; and William H., of this review.
Mr. and Mrs. Herman Kerndt were devout members of the Congregational
church and the father was a stanch supporter of the republican party.
William H. Kerndt was reared upon his present farm and acquired his
education in the district schools of Makee township, in the independent district of
Lycurgus. During the last years of his father's life he assumed the management
of the homestead and after his death bought the interests of the other heirs
and has since been the sole owner. There are excellent improvements upon the
place, Mr. Kerndt having steadily carried forward the work of development
until the farm is today a valuable and productive property.
On the 19th of May, 1891, Mr. Kerndt was united in marriage to Miss Lena
Nierling, a native of Allamakee county and a daughter of Anton and Mary
(Buck) Nierling, both of whom have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Kerndt have
become the parents of six children : Herman, Maria, Leslie, Theodore, Willard
and Clarence, all of whom are at home. The parents are devout members of
the Congregational church and are liberal contributors to its support. Mr.
Kerndt gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and is keenly inter-
ested in local advancement and development, although this interest never takes
the form of office seeking. A resident of French Creek township since his
birth, he is largely familiar with the history of the county and has an intimate
knowledge of the events which have changed its annals and affected its policies.
His work and accomplishments entitle him to mention among the representative
men of this community.
CHRISTIAN FRAHM.
The history of the pioneer settlement of Allamakee county contains the
record of no more honorable, worthy and upright man than that of Christian
Frahm, who, landing in America with only one dollar in his pocket, has worked
steadily and courageously during the intervening years, winning finally success,
prominence and an honored name. He is one of the earliest settlers in Allama-
kee county, his residence here dating from 1856, and he has borne an active
part in the work of progress which has since reclaimed the wilderness for
purposes of civilization. He was born in the province of Holstein, Germany,
December 23, 1830, and in 1853 took passage aboard a three-masted vessel
called Hemisphere, sailing from Liverpool. After a long journey he arrived
in New York and pushed westward to Chicago, landing in the latter city with
a capital of one dollar. He found employment in Chicago, working at any-
thing he could find to do. his occujiations including the plowing of a cornfield which
grew where the business section of the city now stands. From Chicago he made
his way to Dubuque, Iowa, and there worked on the railroad and at other occupa-
tions until he came to Allamakee county, settling in Lansing, November 10,
1856. He proceeded to Waukon, where he spent three months, but in the spring
120 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
of the same year obtained a position as a farm laborer on what is now known
as Lansing Ridge. He later was employed by his brother in Lansing township
and afterward was for seven years on the Adam Hirth farm. Being ambitious,
economical and energetic, he saved his money, gradually accumulating enough
to rent land. Me engaged in farming in this way for one year and then, on the
7th of March, 1864, purchased the farm, buying at that time si.xty-two acres,
about forty of which could be cultivated. He erected a home upon this property
and with confidence, courage and steadfast purpose carried forward the work
of development, replacing the old buildings by new ones when necessary so
that only one of the original structures now remains. He later added forty
acres to his holdings, so that his farm now comprises one hundred and two
acres. It is said that in the early days he could \Aow a straighter furrow across
eighty acres of land with a yoke of oxen with no reins nor anything to guide his
team but "gee" and "haw" than can be done today with a team of horses and
the best plow manufactured. He engaged in general farming for many years,
success steadily attending his well directed and practical labors, and he accumu-
lated finally a comfortable competency, on which he was able to retire from
active business life. He has given over the management of the homestead to
his son and daughter, who care for their father in his old age.
In Lansing township, in 1868, Mr. Frahm married Miss Mary \\'essel, born
in Hanover, Germany, August 7, 1840. When a young woman she crossed the
Atlantic to America, landing in this country after a journey of forty-nine days.
After her arrival she worked for wages in order to obtain the money to pay
for her passage over, and her life was afterward filled with the hard work
always to be found upon a farm. .Ml difficulties she faced with confidence and
courage, proving a worthy helpmate to her husband and aiding him materially
in his struggle upward to success. She passed away in Lansing township, August
8, 1893. Mr. and Mrs. Frahm became the parents of five children, two of
whom survive, Sophia and Henry. They live upon the homestead, Henry
managing the work of the farm and Sophia taking charge of household matters.
For the past fifty years Mr. Frahm has been a member of the German
Methodist church. He affiliated with the republican party until the election in
November, 191 2, when he allied his interests with the progressives. He is a
splendid example of the self-made man, for, unaided by capital or influential
friends, he has worked out his own success. His life of toil and labor has been
crowned with a gratifying measure of prosperity and by his perseverance, industry
and integrity he has won an honored name as well as success.
CHARLES H. KRL'.MM.
No citizen in Allamakee county has achieved greater success as a general
agriculturist and stock-raiser than Charles H. Krumm. whose attractive home-
stead lies in Post township and comprises one hundred and eight acres of land.
He was born in Mechlenberg. Germany, September 6. i860, and is a son of
John and Caroline (Freil) Krumm, natives of the same locality, where the
mother died in 1870. Eight years later the father crossed the Atlantic
J^ ^
CHARLES H. KRUMM
MRS. CHARLES H. KRUMM
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 125
to America, joining his son who had located in Iowa some years before. He
settled on a farm south of Garnavillo, where he remained for seven years, retiring
from active life at the end of that time and making his home with his sons until
his death in 1885. In Germany he had served in the regular army, having begun
his term of enlistment in 1848. He never neglected any of the duties which fell
to his lot as a man and as a citizen, and his death was widely and deeply regretted
in the community where his many sterling traits of character had become well
known.
Charles H. Krumm acquired his education in the public schools of Germany
and when he was eighteen years of age accompanied his father to America,
settling in Clayton couniy, Iowa, where for a number of years he engaged in
farming in the employ of others. He was ambitious, industrious and energetic
and by the time he was twenty-two had accumulated enough money to rent land,
following farming as a renter until he purchased his present property of one
hundred and thirteen acres in Allamakee county. Upon this he has since made
substantial improvements, erecting modern buildings, installing the neccessary
equipment and steadily carrying forward the work of development along prac-
tical and progressive lines. In addition to this property he owns a five acre
timber tract two miles north of his farm and a large amount of stock in the
Postville Clay Products Company and in the Cooperative Creamery. Most of
his attention is, however, given to his stock-raising interests, which have contin-
ually increased in volume and importance and which now form one of the most
profitable sources of his income. He makes a specialty of breeding and
raising full blooded Poland China hogs and his shipping business has expanded
rapidly, his markets last year covering^ fourteen dififerent states. For a number
of years he bred cattle on an extensive scale but he has since discontinued this
branch of his business and now raises only milch cows for dairy purposes. His
business interests are always carefully and capably conducted, gaining him a
gratifying measure of success and a place among the representative farmers
and stock raisers in this vicinity.
On the 1 6th of January, 1882, Mr. Krumm married Miss Minnie Schierholz,
who was born in Garnavillo township, Clayton county, November 11, 1856 a
daughter of Herman and Anna (Taugeman) Schierholz, natives of Germany
the father born in Oldenburg in 1805 and the mother in the province of Hanover
in 1816. Mr. Schierholz came to America when he was twenty-eight years of
age, spending three months on the Atlantic. Landing in New Orleans he walked
from that city to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and there secured emplovment as
a cabinet-maker and carpenter, trades which he had learned in the fatherland
Later he removed to Ohio, settling on a farm near New Bremen, whereon he
resided until 1845, when he came as a pioneer into Iowa, taking up a grant of
government land in Garnavillo township, Clayton county. He steadily carried
forward its improvement and cultivation until 1890, when he retired from active
life and moved into Garnavillo where he passed away in 1897, at the remarkable
age of ninety-one years, nine months and thirteen days. His wife had died
in 1891. He was one of the first settlers in Garnavillo township and no man
was more familiar with pioneer conditions in that section of the state than he
for he made his first settlement there when it was a mere frontier district and
126 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLA.MAKEE COUNTY
when the Indians were yet numerous on the prairies. He witnessd the great
government round-up of three thousand Indians at Garnavillo and he liought
the first reaper ever used in this part of Iowa. In his death, Clayton county
lost one of her honored pioneer citizens and his passing was sincerely regretted by
all who were fortunate enough to come within the close circle of his friendship.
Mr. and Mrs. Krumm became the parents of six children, three of whom
are deceased. Those living are: Alice, who was born March 13, 1887, and who
married H. F. Schmidt, superintendent for the Johnson Brothers Manufacturing
Company at Madison, Wisconsin; Minnie Elizabeth, who was born August 27,
1888, and resides at home; and Effie Roselea, whose birth occurred on the 5th
of November, 1894.
Fraternally Mr. Krumm is aiifiliated with the Masonic order, holding member-
ship in Brotherly Love Lodge at Postville. the chapter at Elgin, the commandery
at West Union and the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine at Cedar Rapids. He is
identified also with the Modern Brotherhood, the Yeoman and the Turner
Society. His religious views are in accord with the doctrines of the German
Lutheran church and politically he is independent, voting according to his per-
sonal convictions without regard to party lines. .Mthough he has never sought
nor desired public office he was for a number of years treasurer of the school
board and during that time did a great deal of important work in school affairs.
He is a progressive, enterprising and loyal citizen and, having thoroughly
identified his interests with those of this part of Iowa, has made substantial and
lasting contributions to its agricultural growth and ])rogress.
THOMAS ELLINGSON.
Among the many upright, able and rejiresentative citizens whom Norway
has given to America is numbered Thomas Ellingson, whose entire active life has
l)een devoted to agricultural ])ursuits in Iowa. In association with his wife he
owns four hundred and si.xty-two acres in Hanover township and extensive
holdings in \\ inneshiek county and he has gained a high place in agricultural
circles of this vicinity, where he is recognized as an al)le and progressive farmer.
He was i)orn in Norway in 1869 and with his parents came to America in 1873,
settling with them in .Mlamakee county. The father here turned his attention
to farming and continued to engage in that occupation until his death, which
occurred in i8<)3. His wife survives him and makes her home in Winneshiek
county. ']"() their union were born eleven children, eight of whom still sur-
vive.
Thomas I'"llingson remained at home until he was nineteen years of age and
then Ijegan his independent career, working as a farm laborer for six years
thereafter. At the end of tliat time he began farming for himself and he has
since accumulated valuable land holdings, which he owns in association with
his wife. The home farm comj^rises four hundred and sixty-two acres lying in
Hanover township and is an excellent and well improved property, equipped with
fine buildings and modern machinery. Mr. Ellingson owns also one hundred
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 127
and sixty acres in Winneshiek county and Iiis business interests are carefully
and capably conducted.
In April, 1894. Mr. Ellingson was united in marriage to Miss Ella Hanson,
who was born in Hanover township, this county, in 1873. She is a daughter of
Hans A. and Maren Hanson, natives of Norway, who came to America and
settled in Allamakee county, Iowa, where their marriage occurred. The father
bought a farm on section 29 and gave his entire attention to its development
and improvement until 1897, when he retired from active life, purchasing a home
in Waukon, in which he resided until his death, which occurred in 1910. He
was at that time the owner of five hundred and eighty-two acres of improved
land, two hundred of which were in a high state of cultivation. He was very
active in local republican politics and held various positions of trust and respon-
sibility, filling almost all of the township offices. His wife passed away in
1898. To their union were born nine children, six of whom still survive. Mr.
and Airs. Ellingson have become the parents of eight children : Harris M., who
was born in 1895; Mabel H., whose birth occurred in 1898; Kenneth T.,' born
m 1900; Mildred A., in 1903; Alden E., in 1904; Carl J., in 1907; Lester M.,
in 1909; and Ella T., in 1913.
Mr. Ellingson is a member of the Lutheran church and is a man of exemplary
character, guiding his honorable and upright life by the principles in which he
believes. Indefatigable energy is perhaps his strongest characteristic and it has
led him forward in his business relations to a prominent place among the success-
ful farmers of his township.
LOUIS HIRTH.
No farmer m Allamakee county has achieved greater success in agricultural
pursuits and stock-raising than Louis Hirth, now operating the farm in Lansing
township upon which he was born. A spirit of enterprise and progress actuates
hmi in all that he does and his well directed energies have brought him to a place
among the well-to-do and substantial men of this community. He was born
on the farm where he now resides January 24, 1858, and is a son of Adam and
Margaret Hirth, natives of Germany. The father was born in Baden and in
1853 came to America, settling on a farm on section 18, Lansing township, in
that year. One of the first settlers in that section, he found pioneer conditions
everywhere surrounding him but, undiscouraged by this, turned his attention with
characteristic energy to improving and developing his property. Upon the three
hundred and twenty acres which he bought he built a log cabin, later replacing
this by a second and more commodious log house. .As the years went bv he
prospered in his undertakings and upon his death in 1864 was considered one of
the most substantial and successful farmers of this vincinity. He was a member
of the German Methodist church and a republican in his political beliefs. He
and his wife became the parents of six children: Mary, who married Adam
Decker, of Lansing township; Adam, who lives in Dubuque, Iowa; Barbara,
who married William Wendell, of Lansing township: -Annie, a resident of
Vancouver island, British Columbia, and the widow of William May, who was
128 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
killed in a snow slide; Louis, of this review; and Andrew, who makes his home
in Lansing.
In the district schools of Lansing township Louis llirth acquired his early
education, later attending for one term a school at Galena, Illinois. His child-
hood was spent upon the homestead and even before he laid aside his books he
assisted with its operation, later giving his entire time to aiding his mother.
When he was twenty-one years of age he and one of his brothers purchased
the interests of the other heirs and for several years thereafter conducted the
homestead. Eventually Air. Hirth of this review disposed of his share of the
farm to his brother and went to Hanover township, where he purchased land.
After farming successfully in that section for ten years he returned to the old
home and bought the farm from his brother, now owning the original tract of
three hundred and twenty acres, which has been in possession of his family for
sixty years. Upon this he has made substantial improvements, building a new
and attractive residence, a barn and a silo and all the necessary outi)uildings.
Since the beginning of his active career he has engaged extensively in the breed-
ing of high-grade Percheron horses and keeps registered stallions and mares.
He also raises full-blooded Poland China hogs and Aberdeen Angus cattle, his
stock-raising interests constituting an important source of his income.
On the 27th of February, i88g, Mr. Hirth was united in marriage to Miss
Emma Wild, a native of Allamakee county and a daughter of George Wild, of
French Creek township. Mrs. Hirth passed away December 19, 191 1, leaving six
children : Frank, who lives at home ; Cora, who recently married Ed Lentz,
with whom she makes her home in Minnesota ; and Xora, Flavia, Christina
and Kermit, all of whom live at home.
Mr. Hirth is a progressive republican in his political views and is interested
in public affairs, keeping himself always well posted on national and local issues.
He is active and able in business, progressive in citizenship and upright and hon-
orable in all relations of life — a native son whose life record is a credit to the
community in which he was born.
FRED W. DU\'AL.
A young man not yet thirty years of age, Fred W. Duval has already estab-
lished himself as one of the substantial agriculturists of Allamakee county,
cultivating a farm of one hundred and twenty acres, near Postville, which is
highlv improved and by its appearance gives evidence of the successful efforts of
its owner. Born in Ludlow township, Allamakee county, on October 16, 1884,
Fred W. Duval is a son of Henry and Anna (Menke) Duval, the father a native
of Germany, where he was born in the city of Bremen, and the mother of
Wisconsin. In early life the father learned and followed the carpenter's trade
and upon coming to this country as a young man located in Allamakee county,
east of Waukon, where in the employ of others he followed his occupation. He
was so engaged until his marriage, when he purchased a farm in Ludlow town-
ship, in the cultivation of which he successfully continued until his death, which
occurred in 1896. The mother still resides on the home farm in Ludlow town-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 129
ship. In tlicir family were eight children, of whom Mr. Duval is the third in
order of birth.
In the acquirement of his education Fred W. Duval attended district school
in Ludlow township and subsequently made his home with his mother until about
twenty-one years of age, when he began his independent career, hiring out as
a farm hand and so continuing for three years. Thrift and industry brought
him the means with which he was enabled to buy the farm upon which he now
lives and which comprises one hundred and twenty acres of fertile land. All
of his acres are under high cultivation and devoted to general farming, although
he specializes in stock-raising to some extent. His thorough work, and energy
and industry, have brought him rich harvests and, although yet young in years,
he is on the high road to prosperity.
On January 17, 1907, Mr. Duval w-as united in marriage to Miss Lena
Klepper, a native of Ludlow township, this county, who was born December 9,
1886. Her parents are Fred and Johanna (Bollhafer) Klepper, both natives of
Germany. The father was reared to and always followed agricultural pursuits
and upon coming to this country in the early '80s acquired land in Post township,
which he later sold to our subject, buying subsequently a farm near Frankville
in Winneshiek county, where he now lives, still actively engaged in the cultiva-
tion of his farm. Mr. and Mrs. Klepper have six children, of whom Mrs. Duval
is the oldest. Mr. and Mrs. Duval are the parents of two children : Clarence,
born March 21, 1908; and Viola, born August 19, 1910. Mr. Duval is a member
of the German Reformed church at Ludlow. Enterprising and progressive, he
has in a few years builded a success which might well be envied him, for there
are many who in a lifetime do not accomplish as much as he has done. He has
become a valuable factor in his locality and, while he is careful of his own inter-
ests, he ever finds time to promote worthy public enterprises and gladly bears
his share of time and money in promoting the welfare and advancement of
his district.
FRED RISER.
Upon the list of Allamakee county's honored pioneers appears the name of
Fred Riser, whose residence in this section dates from 185 1 and whose active
career has been closely identified with its growth and development. He has borne
an honorable and worthy part in the work which has transformed the region from
a wilderness into a populous and wealthy community and he is today one of the
most prominent and popular men of Lansing township, wdiere he is living retired.
He was born in Berne, Switzerland, June 14, 1834, and is a son of John and
Barbara (Orli) Riser, natives of that country, who emigrated to America about
1843 ^nd settled on one hundred and sixty acres of government land in Madison
county, Illinois. In 185 1 they sold the farm and moved to Allamakee county,
Iowa, after the father and his son John had made two trips to this state and to
Minnesota looking for a suitable location. Having finally determined upon
Lansing township John Riser purchased three hundred and twenty acres of
school land, unimproved, and while he was engaged in building a stable upon
i:iO PAST AND PRESENT OI' ALLAMAKEE COUXTV
this property he and his family lived in a rude shanty on the Andrew T. Sandry
property. They made their home in the stable for some time after it was com-
pleted and then moved into a frame and log dwelling which they had erected
and which still stands with the additions that have since been made. Both parents
have passed awav. the mother dying in Madison county. Illinois, and the father
in Lansing township when he was seventy-nine years of age. lie was a member
of the Reformed church in Switzerland and in .\merica a devout adherent of the
German Methodist Episcopal religion. In his family were five children besides
the subject of this review: .Anna and Elizabeth, who passed away in Illinois;
Christ, a retired farmer living in Lansing township ; John, who passed away in
1907; and Peter, who died in 1902.
Fred Riser was nine years of age when he was brought to the L^nited States,
his ninth birthday having been spent on the Atlantic ocean. The family landed
in New York, July 4. 1S43, after fifty-two days- on a sailing vessel, and from
there they pushed onward to Madison county, Illinois, where the subject of this
review remained until he was seventeen years of age and where he acquired
such education as could be gained during a few months attendance at a country
school. He came to Allamakee county with his father and assisted with the
work of the homestead until after the latter's death, when the land was divided,
Mr. Riser receiving as his share one hundred and si.xty acres, including the build-
ings upon the farm. He made further improvements, erecting one of the largest
barns in the township, and he steadily carried forward the work of development
through the years, becoming one of the ]irosperous and substantial agriculturists
of this vicinity and winning a competence sufficient to enable him to retire from
active life. He sold his farm to his son Otto, with whom he continues to reside.
Mr. Riser has been twice married. His first union occurred July 10, 1S54,
when he wedded Miss Barbara Marti, a native of Switzerland, who passed away
in 1862, leaving five children; John, deceased, who was a minister in the
Methodist Episcopal church; Kate, the wife of John Sharff, of St. Paul, Min-
nesota ; Fred, a practicing physician residing near Denver, Colorado ; Henry
William, who formerly engaged in the jiractice of dentistry and who resides in
Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Jacob, a dentist of Spokane, Washington. On the
lOth of March, 1864, Mr. Riser was again married, his second wife being Miss
Eva Margaret Swartz, who has also passed away. She became the mother of
thirteen children: (ieorge, deceased; Wesley, who resides in California; Matilda,
also deceased, who was married and had two children, Fred and Theodore
Fisher, the latter of whom makes his home with his grandfather, the subject of
this review; Edward, who has passed awaj' ; Lidia, the wife of .Albert Ross,
of Washington; Julia, who married Fred Sharff and makes her home with her
father ; Otto, who recently jjurchased his father's farm ; Ida, who married John
Long, of Montana ; Benjamin ; Selma, the widow of John \\"\\(] ; Gertrude, who
married Philip Rogcnsack, of North La Crosse; Manda, who married Ben
Feuerhelm. of Lansing township; and Adeline, who makes her home in Mil-
waukee, Wisconsin.
Mr. Riser is a member of the German Methodist Episcopal church and helped
in the erection of the church building. He was for many years in his early life
a democrat in his political beliefs but of late has affiliated with the republican
party. He was for some time a member of the board of school directors and
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 131
served ablv and efficiently for one term as township assessor. At the age of
seventy-nine he enjoys remarkable health considering his life of hard and unre-
mitting work and in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime — a straightforward,
honorable and progressive citizen, thoroughly alive to the best interests of the
community he has aided so greatly in upbuilding.
HENRY GRAMLICH.
Henry Gramlich, one of the progressive and representative farmers of Alla-
makee county, residing on a well improved property of two hundred acres on
sections i8 and 19, Lansing township, was born upon this farm September 2~,
1859. He is a son of Ernst F. Gramlich, one of the pioneers in Iowa, his resi-
dence in this state dating from 1856. He was born in Baden, Germany, February
22, 1826, and as a young man emigrated to America, where he first located in
Ohio. He learned there the blacksmith's trade and worked at it successfully
until he came to Iowa, purchasing in 1856 eighty acres of unimproved land in
Allamakee county. He steadily carried forward the work of developing this
property, building upon it a log house, in which he and his family lived for many
years and which is still standing upon the homestead. Later Mr. Gramlich
built a comfortable frame residence and in this made his home until he retired
from active life about twenty-five years ago. The declining years of his life
were spent at the home of his daughter Mrs. Frank Goettle, of Lansing town-
ship, and he there died December 16, 1905. He was a man of exemplary char-
acter and sterling worth, holding membership in the German Methodist Episcopal
church, helping in the organization of the congregation and in the erection of the
house of worship. He married in Ohio Miss Mary Kutcher, a native of (jcrmany,
born May i, 1826. She passed away in Allamakee county in 1907. They became
the parents of six children : George, who was born in Ohio and who passed away
when he was still a child; John, a native of Allamakee county, also deceased;
Mary, the wife of Henry Lenz, of Center township; Henry, of this review;
Katie, who died at the age of eighteen ; and Emma, who married Frank Goettle,
of Lansing township.
Henry Gramlich acquired his education in the district schools of Lansing
township and his childhood was similar to that of most farmers' sons in those
days, his time being divided between his studies and work upon the homestead.
After his father died he purchased the interests of the other heirs and assumed
entire control of the farm, which is his today and which by practical and well
directed labor he has made one of the finest properties in this vicinity. The
land lies on sections 18 and 19 and comprises two hundred acres, upon which he
engages in general farming.
Mr. Gramlich married, in Allamakee county. May 22, 1888, Miss Christina
Kumpf. a daughter of Fred and Dorothea Kumpf, natives of Germany. The
parents were married in Dubuque, Iowa, and came to Allamakee county at an
early day, and the father here engaged in farming until his death. His wife has
also passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Gramlich became the parents of four children :
Flora Emma, the wife of Ed Wessel. of Clayton county. Iowa; and Ella Jean-
132 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
nette, Ed Frederick and Henry Dewey, all of whom live at home. The parents
are members of the German Methodist Episcopal church.
Mr. Gramlich is a stanch republican in his political views and has held some
responsible official positions, serving for twenty years as secretary of the school
board and for twelve years as school director. In 1912 he was elected township
trustee and is still serving, discharging his duties in an able and conscientious
way. A resident of Allamakee county since his birth, he is well known here and
by a life upright and honorable in all its relations has won the favorable regard
of his neighbors. His success in the conduct of his farm places him in the
front ranks of progressive agriculturists and he is undoubtedly a native son
of whom the county has every reason to be proud.
IRA E. SMITH.
Ira E. Smith, a worthy native son and representative agriculturist of Alla-
makee county, is the owner of an excellent farm of three hundred and sixty
acres on section 9, Post township. He was born in that township, near his
present farm, on the 5th of December, 1871, his parents being David and Marena
(Barham) Smith, natives of Cole county, Indiana. Throughout his active busi-
ness career the father followed general agricultural pursuits. When a boy he
came to Iowa with his father, who built the old stone house and also erected the
first sawmill in this vicinity. This was as early as 1838. David Smith grew
to manhood here and experienced all the hardships and privations of pioneer life,
in later years recounting many tales of frontier existence in a district which was
but thinly settled and was still the habitat of wild animals. Much arduous
toil was necessary before the land was ready for the plow. Mr. Smith devoted
his attention to the work of grubbing and clearing and in the fall seasons operated
a threshing machine. When about twenty years of age he became a landowner
and during the remainder of his active life was busily engaged in the work of
the fields. In 1900 he took up his abode in Frankville and there died in March
of the following year. The period of his residence in this part of the state
covered about six decades and in his passing the community lost one of its
honored pioneers and esteemed citizens. His widow still survives and makes
her home at Frankville. They were the parents of two children : Ida, who lives
with her mother ; and Ira E., of this review.
In the acquirement of an education Ira E. Smith attended school at Myron
in Post township. When twenty years of age he secured employment as a
farm hand and about a year later purchased one hundred and sixty-seven acres
of land and started out as an agriculturist on his own account. He remained
under the parental roof until twenty-four years of age, when he was married
and took up his abode on his farm, residing thereon for seven years. On the
expiration of that period he bought the old homestead property and subsequently
lived thereon for eight years or until March, 191 1, w-hen he purchased an addi-
tional tract of one hundred and twenty acres on section 9, Post township, where
he has remained to the present time. He has disposed of some of his original
holdings but still owns three hundred and sixty acres of valuable land and cul-
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PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 135
tivates all of it with the assistance of tenants. He raises both grain and stock
and keeps high-grade horses, cattle and hogs, at times dealing in stock to a
considerable extent. His work is conducted along practical and progressive
lines and he is systematic in all he does, so that there is no loss of labor
or material, and the fields annually pay tribute to his efforts in rich and bounteous
crops.
On the 19th of November, 1895, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss
Jennie Smith, whose birth occurred in Post township on the 9th of July, 1875,
her parents being John N. and Susan (Lee) Smith, born in the years of 1828 and
1838 respectively. The father, a native of New York, was a stage owner in
early manhood, driving from Decorah to McGregor until twenty-five or twenty-
six years of age. At that time he located on a farm in the eastern part of Post
township, continuing to reside thereon until called to his final rest in July, 1895.
His widow makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Ira Smith. The latter was the
youngest in their family of eight children, of whom but two are now living,
namely : Ida, the wife of Samson A. Harris, a sketch of whom appears on
another page of this work; and Mrs. Smith, the wife of our subject. Mr. and
Mrs. Ira E. Smith have four children, as follows: Lester D., whose natal day
was December 18, 1897; Pearl R., whose birth occurred February 28, 190 1 ;
Clinton E., born June 20, 1905 ; and Ethelyn L., who was born on the 14th of
March, 1909.
Mr. Smith is a republican in his political views and held the office of trustee
for one term but declined to serve longer. His religious faith is indicated by
his membership in the United Brethren church at Bethel, while fraternally he is
identified with the Modern Brotherhood and the Woodmen. Mr. and Mrs.
Smith have an extensive acquaintance in the county where they have always
resided, and it is therefore with pleasure that we present this record of their
lives to our readers.
DAVID W. DOUGLASS.
The real builders and promoters of Allamakee county have largely been the
men who came into this region when it was an unimproved tract and utilized
its natural resources, transforming the wild prairie land into rich and productive
fields, the products of which constitute the chief source of the county's wealth.
David W. Douglass, now residing in W'aukon, is one of those who have contrib-
uted in substantial measure to the country's development and advancement, for
he opened up and improved a number of new farms, which he developed in
accordance with modern agricultural methods. He is further entitled to a
place among the honored men of this section as a veteran of the Civil war.
Mr. Douglass has been a resident of Iowa for sixty years but was born in .Vyr-
shire, Scotland, September 3, 1838, and is a son of David and Catherine Douglass,
also natives of Scotland. The father crossed the Atlantic to America about the
year 1849 and located in Lake county, Illinois, where he was joined by his wife
and son in 1851. Two years later they moved to Iowa and located in Ludlow
136 PAST AND PRESEXT OE ALLAMAKEE COUXTY
township, Allamakee county, where the father purchased an eightv acre tract
of land, which he cultivated and improved until his death.
David W. Douglass was a lad of fifteen when he came with his parents to
Iowa. He grew up on his father's farm and in his childhood broke the raw
soil with ox teams and aided in the development and improvement of the property.
On the nth of April, 1862, he joined the Union army, enlisting in Company B,
Sixteenth Regular L^nited States Infantry. Second Battalion, and with his com-
pany was sent to Columbus, where a camp of instruction was maintained. The
regiment remained there only a short time and was then ordered to the front,
where it participated in fourteen important engagements, including that of Stone
River, where it went into battle one thousand strong and came out with one hun-
dred survivors, the others having been killed, wounded or taken prisoner. He took
part in the battles of Chickamauga, the first and second engagements at Buzzards
Roost, the engagement at Resaca, Georgia, at Xew Hope church, at Kenesaw
Mountain, Rough Station, Peach Tree Creek, Jonesboro and Atlanta. At Stone
River Mr. Douglass received a gunshot wound in the breast but was not disabled,
continuing his active service until the close of the war. He was mustered out,
above the clouds on the top of Lookout Mountain, April 11, 1865, two days after
Lee's surrender, having gained promotion from the ranks to the position of
corporal in December. 1864. He later served on detached duty at brigade head-
quarters, acting for the First Division of the Fourteenth Army Corps.
After his discharge Mr. Douglass returned to Iowa and made his home upon
his father's farm. In the following year he fitted out a breaking outfit, consist-
ing of a large breaking plow and a five-yoke team of oxen, and with this he
engaged in breaking the prairie soil for one season. He married in 1867 and
in the same year purchased one hundred and sixty acres of raw land, of which
he broke eighty, selling the other half of his property. He farmed upon this
tract of land for ten years, disposed of it at the end of that time at a profit and
moved to Worth county, low^a, where he rented land and farmed for one year.
Returning to Allamakee county, he purchased eighty acres in the vicinity of
Waukon and spent ten years upon the property, bringing it to a high state of
development. He eventually sold this farm also and for two years thereafter
rented land, buying at the end of that time another tract near Waukon. This
was already improved to some extent but Mr. Douglass carried forward the
work of development along modern lines and when he disposed of it received
fifty dollars per acre. At that time he moved into Waukon and purchased a
home but afterward sold it and went to Oklahoma, where he again turned his
attention to general agricultural pursuits, purchasing a farm of one hundred and
sixty acres, which he held for a time and later sold at a handsome profit. Since
taking up his residence permanently in this city he has bought and sold a great
deal of residence property and also bought and sold another farm. His unre-
mitting diligence has brought him success, which enables him to put aside further
business cares, and he is now living retired, having earned leisure and rest by
many years of well directed labor.
In 1867 Mr. Douglass was united in marriage to Miss Adaline D. Ewing. who
was born in Perry county, Indiana. She is a daughter of James B. Ewing. a
native of Ohio, who grew to manhood in that state and there married Elizabeth
French, of Kentucky. Mr. Ewing moved into Iowa in 1853 and was one of the
PAST AXD I'RESKXT Ul'" ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 137
early settlers in Eranklin townshi]), Allamakee county. He became well known
as the tallest man in this part of the state, being six feet, eight inches in height,
and he was universally known as Uncle Jim Ewing. Mr. and Mrs. Douglass
became the parents of three sons and four daughters. James L, makes his home
in South Dakota. Mary is the wife of George Ralston, of Jefferson township,
Allamakee county. Alexander W. acted for some time as superintendent and
manager of an eighteen hundred acre grain farm in North Dakota, near James-
town. He was a soldier in the Spanish-American war, serving first as corporal
and later as lieutenant of militia. He now resides at home. William W. is a
farmer in .\llamakee county. Anna became the wife of Charles Welch, of
Beulah Station. Jessie married Robert Adams, of Lincoln, Nebraska. Agnes
grew to maturity and was for some time a stenographer in Chicago. She died
February 2, 1907, at the age of twenty years.
Mr. Douglass has been affiliated with the republican party since its organiza-
tion and is one of its most loyal and earnest supporters. He is a member of
John J. Stillman Post, G. A. R., and for years has served as officer of the
day at all functions and parades of the organization. Few men in Allamakee
countv are more widely and favorably known than Mr. Douglass, who has
made his home here since he was a lad of fifteen and who in the sixty years
which have since intervened has opened up and developed several new farms,
his labors constituting an important element in the general agricultural advance-
ment. Now, that he has passed the seventy-fourth mile-stone on life's journey,
he is enjoving a well earned rest, which is the natural reward of his former life
of toil. His fellow townsmen honor and respect him and wherever he is known
he has an extensive circle of friends.
WILLIAM Mclaughlin.
Although thirty years have elapsed since William McLaughlin passed away
on his farm in Hanover township, there are many in this vicinity who still
remember his sterling qualities of character and his business progressiveness and
who respect the substantial contributions which he made to the agricultural
development of this part of the state. He was one of the pioneers in Allamakee
county, coming here in 1856, and in the work of progress and expansion he bore
an active and honorable part through the years, becoming known as one of the
substantial and representative farmers of his township.
William McLaughlin was born in Ireland in 1820 and he spent his youth
and early manhood in his native country. In 1852 he came to America, and
settling in New York, followed railroad contracting for a few years. In 1856
he came to Iowa and made his home in Allamakee county in pioneer times. After
a year he bought land on Bear creek, Hanover township, and from that time until
his death continued to engage in farming, success coming as a natural result
of his energy, ability and enterprise. Pioneer conditions prevailed throughout
the countv at the time of his location here, but the hardships and privations of
this life were met with confidence and courage. From time to time he bought
more land, his last purchase being a fine tract on the Iowa river upon which he
138 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
continued to reside until his death. He passed away on the 14th of May, 1883,
and since that time his wife and one of his sons have operated the homestead
which comprises four hundred and twenty acres lying on sections 4, 3 and 9.
They have ably carried forward the work which Mr. McLaughlin began in pioneer
times and have today a productive, well improved and well equipped farm, evi-
dencing everywhere the many years of care and labor which have been spent
upon it. Mrs. McLaughlin and her son operate this as a stock farm, making
a specialty of raising and selling high-grade cattle, horses and hogs.
Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin became the parents of seven children. William
makes his home in Ryder, North Dakota. Margaret is teaching school.
Katherine is a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota. John is engaged in farming
in Hanover township. He married Miss Mary O'Meara, a native of Allamakee
county, and they have seven children : Donald, born in 1900; Mary Bernice, born in
1905; John Bertrand and Dorothy Marie, twins, born in 1907; James Melvin,
1909; Ralph Edmond, 191 1; and Genevieve J., 1913. Thomas, the fifth child
born to Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin, lives upon the homestead. Josephine resides
in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Celia, the youngest, became the wife of William
Collins of this county.
Mr. McLaughlin was a devout member of the Roman Catholic church and
was a democrat in his political beliefs, taking an active interest in public ai?airs.
He served for two terms as assessor of his township and proved able, conscien-
tious and reliable in the discharge of his duties. He was a man of many sterling
traits of character, trustworthy in business, progressive in citizenship and faith-
ful to all ties and obligations of life — and thus it was that in his passing Alla-
makee county lost one of her most valued and useful citizens.
HENRY MARTL
Henry Marti has been in an influential way for many years connected with
farming interests of Lansing township and his labors have contributed much
toward the agricultural development of the community. He owns four hundred
and eighty acres lying on section 31, a well improved and valuable property,
reflecting in its neat and attractive appearance the careful supervision and prac-
tical methods of the owner.
Mr. Marti was born on what is known as the old Jacob Marti farm in Makee
township, September 23, 1863, and is a son of Jacob Marti, of whom further men-
tion appears elsewhere in this volume. He acquired his education in the district
schools of his native section and after laying aside his books remained upon the
homestead until he was twenty-seven years of age, at which time he went to
Le Mars, where for two years he engaged in business. Returning to Allamakee
county at the end of that time, he turned his attention to agricultural pursuits,
buying the Roth farm of two hundred and thirty-six acres in Lansing township.
Since that time he has engaged in farming and stock-raising and success has
steadily attended his well directed activities. In 1913 he purchased the Kefiler
farm, this transaction making him the owner of four hundred and eighty acres
of good land, upon which there are two complete sets of improvements. His
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 139
methods are practical and, therefore, productive of good results and his pros-
perity places him today among the substantial and representative farmers of the
community.
In 1893 Mr. Marti married Miss Emma Roth, who was born upon the farm
where she and her husband now reside. They have nine children, Gara Elizabeth,
Selma Catherine, Walter Jacob, Roy Henry, Elsie Sophia, Harry William, Albert
Herman, Willard George and Mildred Emma, all of whom live at home. The
parents are devout members of the Congregational church.
Mr. Marti is not affiliated with any political party, preferring to vote inde-
pendently according to his personal convictions. He is especially interested in
educational affairs and has done much to promote the cause of educational
advancement through his able service as school director. He is connected with
business interests of this section as a director in the Cooperative Creamery Com-
pany. .A. man of broad experience, his labors have not only proven an element
in his own progress and prosperity but have also constituted a feature in the
development of the township, while his genial and social disposition and his
unfailing courtesy have made him very popular among his fellow citizens and
have gained for him their warm regard and friendship.
LEWIS DRAKE.
Lewis Drake, now serving as clerk of Center township, is not only a popular
and able official but also one of the most progressive and successful farmers
of Allamakee, his native county. He owns two hundred acres of land on
section 23 and upon this farm he was born March 9, 1871. His father, John
Drake, was a native of Canada but was reared in New York state, where he
remained until he was twenty-four years of age. From New York he went to
Michigan, working in the lumber camps in the winter and in the sawmills in
summer and continuing thus until 1868, when he came to Allamakee county.
Here he purchased one hundred and sixty acres of slightly improved land, erected
thereon good buildings and engaged in general farming until his death, which
occurred March 17, 1908, when he was seventy-three years of age. He was a
republican in his political beliefs and active in local politics, holding various
important township offices and acting as township clerk at the time of his demise.
He married, in Michigan, Miss Sarah J. Curley, who was born in Canada but
reared in the Wolverine state. They became the parents of five children :
Frank, engaged in the real-estate business in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Lewis,
of this review ; Jennie, who died at the age of twenty-four : C. C, a traveling
salesman with headquarters in Sedalia, Missouri; and Clarence, who died in
childhood. The mother passed away February 5, 1904. She was a member of
the Presbyterian church.
Lewis Drake acquired his education in the district schools of Center township
and grew to manhood upon his father's farm, learning at an early age the various
details connected with the operation of the homestead. After his father's death
he purchased the interests of the other heirs and is now sole proprietor of the
home place, which is called Lyndale and which is today one of the tmest farms
140 PAST AND PRESEXT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
in this locality. Since the death of his father Mr. Drake has been serving as
township clerk and has proven eminently well qualified for the office, discharging
his duties in a conscientious, able and progressive way.
Mr. Drake married Miss Grace M. Phipps, a native of Allamakee county and
a daughter of M. T. Phipps, a prominent farmer of La Fayette township. They
are the parents of a daughter. Myrtle E., and a son, John Lewis. Mr. Drake
gives his political allegiance to the republican party and in matters of citizenship
is progressive and public-spirited, taking an active interest in everything pertain-
ing to the general growth and development. He has spent his entire life in
this part of Iowa and his honorable connection with its official life and its agri-
cultural interests, combined with his many excellent personal characteristics, have
gained him an enviable reputation in the regard of those with whom he is
associated.
HENRY ENGELHORN.
Henry Engelhorn, an enterprising farmer and stock-raiser of Allamakee
county, is a native of the county and was born on the farm he now occupies, June
13, 1875. He is a son of Mathias Engelhorn, a native of Germany, who was
brought to America by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Engelhorn. They were
among the early settlers of Lansing township, residing for many years upon a
farm adjoining the ])lace now owned by the subject of this review. Mathias
Engelhorn grew to manhood there and afterward engaged in farming on his
own account, purchasing two hundred acres of land slightly improved. The old
log house which he erected upon his holdings still stands but he later built
a larger frame dwelling, now occupied by his son. The father died upon this
farm April 16, 1896. He had been twice married. His first wife was in her
maidenhood Miss Margaret Schmidt, by whom he had three children : Abraham,
who makes his home in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin ; Sam, who died in Oregon ;
and George, who passed away when he was a child. A'lathias Engelhorn's second
wife was Miss Dora Westphal, a native of Germany, who died at the home of
her son on the 7th of March, 191 1. She was the mother of six children: Henry,
the subject of this review; Elizabeth, the wife of Theodore lieyer, of Oshkosh,
Wisconsin; Bertha, who married J. W. Wendel, of Lansing township; Emma,
who died in childhood; Annie, the wife of Ben Decker, of Church, Iowa; and
Sophia, the deceased wife of William Mueller, of Davenport, Iowa.
Henry Engelhorn spent his childhood on his father's farm, dividing his time
between his studies at the district school and the work upon the homestead.
Having been reared upon a farm, he naturally turned to agricultural pursuits
for a life work and after the death of his father purchased the interests of the
other heirs to the property and assumed the ownership and control. He owns
two hundred and twenty-two acres on sections 31 and 32, Lansing township,
a valuable property with good improvements all made by himself and his father.
He is a practical and progressive agriculturist and his well directed labors have
been rewarded by a substantial degree of success, placing him among the men
of prominence in this community.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 141
On the 23d of December, 1902, Mr. Engelhorn married Miss Frances Spieler,
a daughter of Jacob Spieler, of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this
work. Mr. and Mrs. Engelhorn became the parents of three children : Clarence,
who died in infancy; and Walter and Oscar. The parents are members of the
Congregational church.
Mr. Engelhorn is one of the well known men of this township, where his
entire life has been spent and where his upright and honorable qualities of
character and his genuine personal worth are known and honored. A republican
in his political lieliefs, he has never sought to figure prominently in public life but
in business has proven capable and reliable, and his intense and well directed
activity is now bringing him a gratifying measure of prosperity.
FRANK GALLAGHER.
Among Hanover township's extensive landowners and prosperous farmers
and among Allamakee county's most progressive and prominent native sons is
numbered Frank Gallagher, who owns and operates six hundred and fifty-three
acres of fine land, the neat and attractive appearance of which is a visible evidence
of his life of industry and thrift. He was born in 1866 and is a son of Patrick
and Ellen (Butler) Gallagher, natives of Ireland, who came to America at the
age of twenty-six and eighteen respectively. Shortly after their arrival in this
country their marriage occurred and they settled in New York state, where they
continued to reside for fourteen years. In 1854 they moved to Iowa and settled
in Union Prairie township, Allamakee county, where the father purchased land,
which he operated until 1879. In that year he disposed of his holdings and came
to Hanover township, where he again purchased land, operating this farm, which
comprised one hundred and fifty-three acres, until he retired from active life.
He was one of the early settlers in this part of Iowa and when he first took up
his residence upon his farm in Hanover township his nearest market was at
Lansing, twenty-seven miles away. He still makes his home in Iowa and is one
of the venerable men of this state, having passed the age of one hundred years.
He has long survived his wife, who died in 1890. Seven children were born to
their union, of whom five are still living: Johanna, the wife of James Ryan, of
Frankville, Iowa; Mary, at home; Thomas, of Allamakee county; Eliza, the wife
of James Martin, also of this county; and Frank, of this review.
The last named acquired his education in the public schools of Allamakee
county. He was reared at home and by assisting with the work of the farm
acquired at an early age a practical knowledge of the details of farm operation.
When he was twenty-eight he assumed the conduct of his father's homestead and
has managed this property since that time, although he has added largely to his
holdings. At present he owns six hundred and fifty-three acres of well improved
land, with four hundred acres in a high state of cultivation, besides an interest
in a two hundred and forty acre tract in Minnesota. The Iowa farm lies on
sections 28 and 33, Hanover township, and is an excellent property in every par-
ticular, equipped with a fine residence, barns and outbuildings and the necessary
machinery. Mr. Gallagher devotes practically his entire time to its cultivation
142 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
and has been very successful, standing today in the front ranks of able and
prosperous agriculturists.
In 1890 Mr. Gallagher was united in marriage to Miss Maria Collins, who
was born in Allamakee county, a daughter of James and Mary Collins. Mr.
and Mrs. Gallagher have become the parents of five children : Patrick, who was
born in 1892 and is at home; Loretta, born in 1895, the wife of A. Goshie, of
South Dakota; James, whose birth occurred in 1896; and Francis and Leo, both
deceased. Mr. Gallagher is a member of the Roman Catholic church and he
gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has served his township
capably as trustee and is always ready to cooperate in progressive public move-
ments. There are few men in Allamakee county more widely and favorably
known than he. for he has made his home in this part of Iowa since his birth and
his upright and straightforward life has gained him the warm and lasting regard
of all with whom he has been brought in contact.
ALONZO MARTIN MAY.
Alonzo Martin May was born in the village of Scio, Allegany county, New
York, on the 20th of March, 1838. He is a descendant of Sir Thomas May, of
Mayfield, county of Sussex, England, located about forty miles south of London.
In the family records the name has been written Mayes, Mays, Maies and May.
Dorothy May, of this family, was the wife of William Bradford, who became
governor of the Plymouth colony. She died on the voyage to America. The
line of descent is: Thomas May, born at Mayfield, England, in 1590; John;
Samuel ; Samuel, second of the name ; Eleazer ; Theodore ; Ellis ; Philander
Franklin ; and Alonzo Martin. Theodore moved from Dedham, Massachusetts,
to Washington county. New York, served in the Revolutionary war and was
present at Burgoyne's surrender. Ellis followed farming at Union Village,
Washington county, until 1832, when he moved to Allegany county. New York.
He married Mary Wells and their fifth child was Philander Franklin. In 1835
he married Laura Ann Matthews, of Wyoming county, New York, a descendant
of one of the Pilgrim fathers and also of Revolutionary stock. To them were
born seven children, the second being Alonzo Martin, of this review. When he
was five years old his family moved west, the trip being made from New York
overland in a prairie schooner, a covered wagon drawn by two horses. The
party passed through Canada from Lewiston to Detroit, the Niagara and Detroit
rivers being crossed on horse ferry boats. They reached Will county, Illinois,
thirty-five miles south of Chicago, in .August, 1843, and there with five hundred
dollars in silver the father purchased a quarter section of land and built upon
it a fourteen by twenty frame house, one and a half stories high, the lumber
having been hauled from Chicago. In 1846 he moved to Rock county, Wiscon-
sin, and engaged in the manufacture of steel plows at Janesville, the first steel
plows in the country having been made by his brother Harvey H. May, of
Galesburg, Illinois. Disposing of this business in February, 1851, the father
went to Green Lake county, where he again turned his attention to farming.
There Alonzo Martin May completed a common-school education when he was
ALONZO M. MAY
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 145
fifteen years of age, having begun his studies in a select school over a wagon shop
in New York state. The first school which he attended in Illinois was in a
house made by setting up small trees or bushes, ten or twelve feet high, around
a space about fifteen feet square, the roof being leafy branches of trees. Mr.
May afterward attended Ripon College in Ripon, Wisconsin, and from there
went to Reloit College, completing the course in that institution in 1864. In
April, 1861, when the news came that Fort Sumter had been fired upon by the
rebels, he with a large number of other students tendered his services to the
government under the call for three months' men, and his company was assigned
to the Second Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteers. L'nder the call the regiment
did not see service in the field and Mr. Mav was afterward sworn in as a member
of a regimental band at Beloit. He was taken sick when this band went to the
front and secured a substitute, being, however, held to fill a vacancy should one
occur. At the end of a year the regimental bands were mustered out and he went
to Janesville, Wisconsin, to enlist, failing, however, to pass the medical examina-
tion. .\gain. early in 1864. with a large number of students and professors in
the colleges, he enlisted in Company D. Fortieth \\'isconsin Volunteers, his regi-
ment being widely known as the "Students Regiment." Mr. May was at that
time a member of the senior class, the seniors enlisting having passed their final
examinations ahead of time for the purpose of going to the front and finding
upon their honorable discharge their diplomas waiting for them at Beloit.'
Alonzo Martin May's father also served for some months in the L^nion army and
a brother, Isaac M. May, was for three years at the front, dying in a military
hospital in Chicago while on his way home after having been mustered out.
In 1867, having completed the course of study in the L'nion Theological
Seminary in New York city, Alonzo Martin May was ordained by Bishop Potter
of New York to the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal church and came west,
locating in Waukon, Iowa, as rector of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal church in
that city. The membership, small at that time, was soon further depleted by
removals and, Waukon being more than adequately provided for in the number
of churches, Mr. May discontinued his services at the end of five years and
transferred his membership to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which he
has since been an active member. He has been leader of the music and a chor-
ister for more than fifty years and occasionally has served as a substitute for other
pastors. He has always taken an active interest in the cause of education and
has done much to promote its spread in Waukon, especially during the year of
1868-9, when he had charge of the Waukon public schools.
In January, 1868, Charles B. McDonald brought a newspaper plant from
Blairstown to Waukon and established in this city the Waukon Standard. Mr.
May, being familiar with the newspaper printing business, at once became
identified with it and at the end of three months bought the outfit and may,
therefore, properly be called the founder of the paper. He continued its principal
proprietor and its editor for thirty-three years thereafter, making it one of the
greatest forces in the promotion of numicipal progress and growth. At the
end of that long period, on account of nervous prostration, he sold the plant to
his son, Robert Bruce May. During the first year after Alonzo M. May assumed
control his brother-in-law. R. L. Hayward, was associated with him in the busi-
ness and afterward for nine years E. M. Hancock, who had learned the printing
146 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
business in the office, was associated with him as a partner, taking principal
charge of the operation of the journal, while Mr. May filled the position of
official shorthand court reporter for the tenth judicial district of Iowa, compris-
ing six counties. This office he resigned after thirteen years of capable service.
During the last four years of this time his wife had principal charge of the edi-
torial work and proved herself a capable and far-sighted business woman. ]\Ir.
May was admitted to the bar, having passed the required examinations in June,
1872, but never actively entered upon the legal profession.
At Beloit, Wisconsin, on the 26th of July, 1865, Mr. Alay was united in
marriage to Miss Augusta Mary Hayward, the second daughter of Hon. Paul
Davis Hayward. who was born at Port Hope, Canada, although his parents were
natives of the United States. A member of the family to which he belongs served
in the Revolutionary war and signed the Declaration of Independence. Paul
Davis Hayward married on October 14, 1837, at Norwalk. Ohio, Miss Anna
Langford, a native of Ireland, and in 1841 they moved to Green Bay, Wisconsin,
and thence to Kingston, in the same state, where Mr. Hayward was register
of the U. S. land office and also county recorder of deeds. He became very
prominent in state politics and was afterward elected to the legislature, serving
for two terms with great ability and efficiency. He was in the Civil war as a
member of the Union army and died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs.
R. J. Alexander, in Waukon, November 24, 1890. He had long survived his
wife, who passed away in Canada, May 6, 1863. Their eldest son. George
Washington Hayward, was born in Huron. r)hio, August 31, 1838, and was
graduated from the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis in 1861. He
served in the Civil war, attained the rank of captain and died while on duty at
Alexandria, Egypt, January 16, 1886. Their eldest daughter, Anna E. Hayward,
is now Mrs. J. S. Gray, of Detroit, Michigan. Airs. May, the wife of the
subject of this review, was born at Green Bay, Wisconsin. June 8, 1842. For
seventeen years the family resided at Kingston, Wisconsin, where she attended
the public schools, and she was also afterward a student at Ripon College. The
next daughter, Ella M., was born August 5, 1844, and was for some time a
resident of Waukon. She married Hon. D. F. ^Morgan, of Minneapolis, Minne-
sota, a member of the state senate for some years. Both have passed away.
Richard L. Hayward was born August 5, 184(1, ^"fl in the Ci\il war fought as a
member of the Fortieth Wisconsin Infantry, and was afterward connected with
the first Wisconsin Cavalry. In i86g, after a year as foreman of the Standard
office and partner in the controlling company, he went south on accoimt of
failing health and died in Texas in 1882. Paul Davis Hayward, Jr., was born
at Kingston. Wisconsin, in 1849, attended college at Beloit and in 1870 located
in Chicago, where for twenty years thereafter he was prominentlv connected
with a wholesale paper firm. He died in Brockville, Ontario, lune 7, 1890.
Emma E. Hayward was born August 15, 1851. Sarah V. was born September
25, 1852. They are now residing in Detroit, Michigan. Carrie L. was born
June 30. 1857. and came to Waukon with her sister Mrs. J\Iay in 1867. She was
a student of Cornell College, Iowa, and at Olivet College, Michigan. She
married R. J. Alexander at Waukon, June 2j. 1883. For more than a third of
a century Mr. Alexander has been one of the most successful clothincr merchants
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 147
of the country and for many years has been an active member of the school
board.
Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo AL May became the parents of eight children. Frank
Hayward, the eldest son. was born in New York city, May 8, 1866. He learned
the printing business and for some years was a partner in the Standard at
Waukon. For the past twelve years he has held an important position with
the Northwestern Newspaper L'nion of Chicago. Anna Laura was born in
Floyd county, Iowa, August 4, 1867. She was graduated from the Waukon high
school and afterward learned the printing business. She married, November
20, 1888, Rev. G. N. Keniston, of the Methodist Episcopal church, and she died
at Elkader, April 29, 1890. Jessie Ella was born in Waukon, October, 15, 1868,
and acquired her education in the Waukon grammar and high schools. For ten
years she has been confidential secretary to the New York manager of the
United States Steel & Wire Company in New York city. Robert Bruce was
born June 20, 1870. After completing his education in the public schools he
learned the printer's trade and for some years thereafter was associate publisher
and editor of the Standard and is now foreman of the Iowa Falls Sentinel. Lie
married, October 4, 1893, Miss Lucy Taylor Stoddard, of Waukon, and they
have one son, Robert Bertrand. Winifred was born September 21, 1874, and
after graduating from the Waukon high school attended the Nora Springs
Seminary and Cornell College. She also learned the printing business
On the 5th of October, 1899, she married Ben D. Helming, one of the successful,
progressive and substaintial farmers of this county. He is a son of Simon
Helming and was born on the home farm, three miles west of Waukon, January
29, 1874. Their children are as follows: Carolyn Elizabeth, born June 30, 1900;
Dorothy Hager, born January 6, 1902: Paul Hayward, July 15, 1903; Benjamin
David, Jr., August 10, 1905 ; Robert Bruce, February 20, 1907 ; Frederick, April
25, 1910; and John Albert, March 28, 1912. Paul Davis was born March 18,
1876, and after com])leting a high-school course was for some years connected
with the Washburn-Moen Company of Chicago, after which he spent one year
as purser of the United States ship Tacoma during the Spanish-American war.
For three years he had charge of over three hundred miles of telegraph and
telephone lines as a member of the United States signal service in the Philippines
and he was for three years government clerk and storekeeper in the Panama
canal zone. For a similar period of time he has been clerk in the United States
adjutant general's office in Washington. He married in 1908 Miss Caroline
Hansen, of Chicago. Langford was born in Waukon, February 5, 1878, grad-
uated from the Waukon high school and took a two years' course at Cornell
College. He was for several years in the employ of the Washburn-Moen Com-
pany at Worcester, Massachusetts, and upon leaving that connection went to
Meriden, Connecticut, where he became associated with the Columbia Roller Shade
Company, acting as supervisor of construction of plants for that concern in
Chicago and in Oswego, New York. In the summer of 19 12 he became superin-
tendent of construction of an immense plant for the H. W. Johns-Manville
Alanufacturing Company at Finderne, New Jersey. He married at Worcester,
Massachusetts, Miss Florence Scott, and they have two children. Marian, the
youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo M. May, was born March 7, 1880, and
after graduating from the high school took a course in domestic science in Drexel
148 PAST AKD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Institute, Philadelphia. On the 26th of December, 1908, she married Dr. Einar
Onsum and after residing for a few years in North Dakota they went to his
native city, Christiania, Norway, where he has now a large practice. They have
one son, Einar Frederick, l)orn I-'ebruary 6, 191 1, and one daughter, born January
19. 1913-
Politically .^lonzo AI. May came into the republican party "on the ground
floor," though not yet a voter when the first republican club, the beginning of
the party, was organized March 20, 1854, at Ripon, Wisconsin, by Major A. E.
Bovay. Mr. May has been in sympathy with the progressive element in the
party represented in Iowa by such men as Larrabee, Cummins and Kenyon, and
he has been at all times active and public-spirited in matters of citizenship.
For some fifteen years he has served as clerk of the grand jury and at Des
Moines was elected bill clerk of the house of representatives of Iowa for the
1906 session. During the session of 191 1 he served as chief doorkeeper and was
doorkeeper for the 1913 session, but these offices have been tendered to him
without his seeking, for he has never been an active politician in this sense,
although he has taken an active part in temperance work and in everything
relating to the public welfare. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonic
lodge and Independent Order of Odd Fellows, organizations of which he has
been an active member for some forty-three years. In 1883 he became a charter
member of John J. Stillman Post, No. 194, G. A. R., and has been adjutant of
the post for about thirty years, thus keeping in touch with his comrades of fifty
years ago. Throughout a period of residence in this section of the state dating
from pioneer times Mr. May has firmly entrenched himself in the respect and
confidence of his fellow citizens and has taken an active, helpful and worthy
part in the work of upbuilding and development. He has steadily adhered to the
highest principles of business, personal and public integrity and has behind him
a record of service that has been varied in activitv and faultless in honor.
PATRICK DELANEY.
Among Allamakee county's substantial and progressive agriculturists is num-
bered Patrick Delaney, who since 1898 has resided upon his fine farm of one
hundred and twenty acres in Hanover township. He was born in 1866 and is
a son of James and Margaret Delaney, natives of Ireland, both of whom upon
coming to America settled in Indiana, where their marriage occurred. They
later removed to Iowa and in 1856 the father purchased land in Hanover town-
ship, Allamakee county, a property which he operated until his death in 1906.
His wife passed away in the same year. To their union were born ten chil-
dren, eight of whom survive: Johanna, the wife of William O'Meara, of Minne-
sota; Katherine, who married John Fitzgerald, of Tacoma, Washington; Ter-
rence, of Hanover township; Patrick, of this review; Thomas, a merchant in
Allamakee county; Mary E., who married Bryan Mahony, of Allamakee county;
John, who resides in Hanover township; and James, who is operating his father's
homestead.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAAIAKEE COUNTY 149
Patrick Delaney was reared at home and he learned the details of farm
ojieration through practical experience upon his father's property. At the age of
twenty-seven he began farming for himself, renting land upon which he operated
for five years thereafter. He then purchased one hundred and twenty acres in
Hanover township and upon this property has resided since that time, steadily
carrying forward the work of improvement and development and gaining recog-
nition as one of the substantial and able men of this locality.
Mr. Delaney was married in 1901 to Miss Anastasia Byrnes, a native of
Allamakee county and a daughter of Thomas and Katherine Byrnes, natives
of Ireland. The parents have passed away, the mother dying in 1908 and the
father many years previously. Nine children were born to their union, as fol-
lows : Eugene, who resides in North Dakota ; Annie, the wife of Thomas Collins,
of Allamakee county ; Katherine, who married Michael Bresnahan, of Alla-
makee county : Lawrence and Thomas, also of this county ; Anastasia, wife of
the subject of this review; Ella, who married Michael Burke, of Allamakee
county; Margaret; and Mary, the deceased wife of William Gavin, of Alla-
makee county. Mr. and Mrs. Delaney became the parents of four children:
James, born in 1903; Thomas B., who died when he was ten months old; John
J., who died in infancy; and Margaret. The family are devout members of the
Roman Catholic church.
Mr. Delaney is a stanch democrat and takes an intelligent interest in com-
munity affairs, cooperating heartily in all measures for the public good. His
life has been one of well directed activity, resulting in the attainment of a fair
measure of success, and wherever he is known he is respected and esteemed
by reason of his genuine personal worth.
J. P. BECKER.
Probably one of the best known and most popular men in Lansing township
is J. P. Becker, familiarly known as "Colonel" Becker to his many friends. For
thirty-six years he has been engaged in auctioneering here and now has a most
important and extensive business of this kind, being associated with his son under
the firm name of J. P. Becker & Son. He occupies a fine home upon a farm of
two hundred and forty acres on section 34, a well improved and valuable property,
reflecting in its neat and attractive appearance the care and skill of the owner.
Air. Becker was born in Luxemburg, Germany, April 3, 1838, and is a son of
Henry and Barbara (Fischer) Becker, who lived and died in the fatherland. Of
their six children the subject of this review is the only one now living. A
brother, Henry, came to America and was a soldier in the Union army during
the Civil war, enlisting from Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
J. P. Becker acquired his education in the German public schools and after
laying aside his books came to America, his nineteenth birthday having been
passed on the ocean. After landing in New York he made his way westward
to Ohio, where he spent three months, going from that state to Dubueiue, Iowa,
and thence to La Crosse, Wisconsin. After spending a short period in each
of those communities he was for two years a rafter on the Mississippi river and
150 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
he afterward spent some time in St. Louis, returning north just before the
outbreak of the Civil war. He purchased at this time eighty acres of land in
Lansing township and upon this built a frame house which was later destroyed
by fire. It was replaced by a second dwelling which still stands upon the prop-
erty. In 1893 Air. Becker disposed of his original homestead and purchased on
the same section one hundred and sixty acres of land, constituting the home
of his wife's parents, upon which they had lived and died and upon which he and
his wife now reside. For the past thirty-six or thirty-seven years Mr. Becker
has been an auctioneer and is considered one of the most able men engaged in
this line of business in Iowa. At one time he cried an auction in which four
hundred and twenty-two sales were made during the day and he has often con-
ducted large and important sales for three days in succession without apparent
fatigue. He conducts his business in partnership with his son under the firm
name of J. P. Becker & Son and he has secured a large patronage, for it is known
that his business methods are honorable and upright, his integrity unquestioned
and his ability of a high order, as is evidenced by the excellent results which
have attended his labors.
In Lansing township, on the 17th of December, 1862, Mr. Becker was united
in marriage to Miss Mary Hirt, a native of Luxemburg, Germany, born March
24, 1839.. She is a daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Yager) Hirt, who came
to America in 1856 and in the same year settled on the farm now occupied by
the subject of this review. Mr. and Mrs. Becker became the parents of nine
children, of whom four are still living. Three died in infancy. Mary, who has
also passed away, was the wife of Joe Duchien. Elizabeth, also deceased, mar-
ried James Riley. Those living are : Henry W., who is serving as assessor of
Lansing township and who lives on a farm adjoining that of his father; Barbara
C, who lives with her Ijrother Henry; John H., an auctioneer associated with
his father m business; and Louisa C., the wife of Joe Chamberlain, of Chicago,
Illinois.
Mr. Becker is affiliated with the democratic party, and is a member of the
Roman Catholic church. He has lived for many years in Allamakee county and
is widely and favorably known here, his many sterling qualities of mind and
character having gained him the respect and esteem of all with whom he comes
in contact. To his many friends he is known as "Colonel" and he has made the
name a synonym for high standards of business honor, for progressive citizen-
ship and for unquestioned personal integrity.
JACOB SPIELER.
In a history of the pioneer settlement and agricultural growth, develojiment
and upbuilding of Allamakee county it is imperative that mention be made of
Jacob Spieler, who is not only one of the oldest men in this section of the state
but was also one of the first settlers. That his life history is a record of success
is due to the persistent efforts and intelligently directed industry he displayed
during the years of his connection with farming interests here, and the retirement
PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 151
which he is now enjoying is the natural reward of his energy and determination
in tiie past.
Mr. Spieler was born in Canton L'nterwalden, Switzerland, September 8,
1825, and is a son of Frank and Anna Marie (Seibert) Spieler, both of whom
lived and died in their native country. There Jacob Spieler remained until he
was twenty-seven years of age and then, in 1852, crossed the Atlantic to America,
locating first in Illinois and later in Iowa, where he spent some time in Muscatine
and Dubuque. He w'as afterward employed in various capacities in Stillwater,
Minnesota, and was then for eight summers cook on a raft on the Mississippi
river, going as far south as St. Louis and meeting with many unic|ue and re-
markable adventures on that historic stream. He delights in recalling these
days and the incidents which made them interesting and he relates many stories
of the life and condition of the river men of those times. When he left the
Mississippi he came again to Iowa and, settling in Allamakee county, worked for a
time as a farm hand, being employed by Albert Hess and Fred Riser for a
number of years. He was also for three years engaged as a cheesemaker on
the farm belonging to Jacob Marti. An ambitious, energetic and determined
man, he steadily worked his way upward to prosperity and saved his money,
purchasing land of his own in 1872. At that time he bought one hundred and
ten acres, slightly improved, lying on section i, Makee township, and with char-
acteristic energy he began its further development, success steadily attending
his well directed labors. He took rank among the substantial, able and progres-
sive agriculturists of this section of the state and made his farm one of the
finest properties in Allamakee county, neat and attractive in appearance and
equipped with all the buildings and accessories found on a model agricultural
enterprise. He continued to reside upon this property until 1906, when he pur-
chased a house and three acres of land near Lycurgus. Here he and his wife now
reside, Mr. Spieler having well earned the leisure and rest he enjoys.
Jacob Spieler has been twice married. In June, 1871, on the day when
the first train ran through Lansing after the completion of the Chicago, Mil-
waukee & St. Paul Railroad, he wedded Miss Mary Feller, a native of Switzer-
land, who came to the United States with her mother and sister. To this
union were born five children, three of whom died in infancy. The others are :
Jacob J., who makes his home upon the Spieler homestead; and Frances, the
wife of Henry Engelhorn, of Lansing township. The mother of these children
died March 25. 1879, and on the 9th of October of that year Mr. Spieler was
again married, his second wife being Miss Louisa Zimmerman. She was born
in Wittenberg, Germany, April 19, 1853, and with her parents crossed the
Atlantic in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Spieler became the parents of a son, Carl
William, who makes his home with his half-brother, Jacob J.
The homestead is now in charge if Jacob Spieler, Jr., who was born there
on March 5, 1874. He acquired his education in the district schools of Makee
township and from his early childhood was familiar with the best agricultural
methods, having learned farming through practical work upon his father's
property. When the older Mr. Spieler retired he purchased the farm and has
since carried forward the work of developing and improving it, being numbered
today among the enterprising and progressive agriculturists of this vicinity. He
married, in September. 1906, Miss Anna Gruber, a daughter of Thomas Gruber,'
152 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
of whom further mention is made elsewhere in this work. They have three
children, Katie, Francis and Elsie. The house in w'hich this family reside is
one of the old landmarks of Allamakee county, for it was one of the first
buildings erected on the ridge and in the early days served as a schoolhouse and
church, the first school and the first meeting having been held in the building.
It has since been remodeled but the old house forms a part of the new structure.
Jacob Spieler, Jr., who has proven himself a worthy son of his father, both being
men who have never faltered in the performance of any duty whether of a public
or private character, and who have long since proven themselves worthy and
valued citizens of Allamakee county, their labors constituting elements in the
general progress and improvement.
JOHN A. DECKER.
After a period of loyal and faithful service in the Civil war John A. Decker
identified himself with agricultural interests of Allamakee county and for over
forty years thereafter developed and improved his property in French Creek
township, winning during the time a high place in the regard of his neighbors
and finally rest and retirement as a reward for his honorable and well directed
labors. He now makes his home w-ith his son in Lansing township and has
many friends throughout Allamakee county, to whom he is familiarly known as
Adam. He was born in Wittenberg, Germany, August 9, 1833, and is a son
of George and Mary Decker, natives of that country, who in 1847 came with
their family to America. They made the journey on board the sailing vessel
Quebec, which started from London, and after a voyage of thirty-five days landed
in America, having been delayed by a severe storm. From New York the
Decker family pushed west to Ohio, settling near Cleveland, where the father
purchased forty acres of land, upon which he engaged in farming for the
remainder of his life. He and his wife became the parents of ten children, only
one of whom, the subject of this review, survives.
John A. Decker was reared to manhood in Ohio, acquiring his education in
the public schools of that state. He came to Allamakee county a few years
before the outbreak of the Civil war but almost immediately afterward went to
Fillmore county, Minnesota, in search of a location for a farm. The open
prairie country not appealing to him, he returned to Lansing and there worked
as a fireman and later as an engineer in a sawmill. From that city he enlisted
in 1861 in Company B, Twelfth Iowa Volunteers, and served as a musician,
holding this position in his regiment until he was seized with illness, which
obliged him to go to the hospital at Mound City, Illinois. There he was given
a position as engineer on a stationary engine and continued to hold it until he
was discharged from the hospital. He continued his military service until
1866, in which year he obtained his honorable discharge at Davenport, Iowa.
With this creditable military record Mr. Decker returned to Allamakee county
and in French Creek township purchased eighty acres of unimproved land, to
which he later added one hundred acres. For many years thereafter he steadily
carried ''orward the work of developing this property, which in time became
iJit. AXIJ .Mi;s. .JOHN A. JJECKEl!
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 155
one of the best farms in this locality as a result of his practical methods and his
untiring industry. Eventually he gave it over to the management of his son
John and about the year 1907 sold the homestead and moved with his wife to
his son's farm in Lansing township, where he now lives in retirement, spending
the evening of his life in well earned rest.
Mr. Decker married. May 15, 1867, Miss Mary Eichhorn, who was born in
Germany, May 6, 1846, and who came to America with her brothers and sisters
when she was six years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Decker became the parents of
six children. John A. was born in Lansing township in 1868. He is now one
of the prosperous farmers of this township, owning a fine property on section
30. He married in 1894 Miss Lena M. Hirth, and they have a daughter, Edna.
With this family Mr. and Mrs. John A. Decker are spending their retired life.
Maggie married Joe Martin, of Church, Iowa. George makes his home with
his brother Samuel in the same city. Samuel married Annie Bechtel. Ben is
a general merchant in Church. Emma became the wife of Charles Hirth, of
Lansing township. Mr. and Mrs. Decker are devout members of the Methodist
Episcopal church.
For years Mr. Decker affiliated with the republican party but at the election
of 1912 he voted the democratic ticket. There are few citizens in Allamakee
county more widely and favorably known than he, for he has made his home here
for over forty-five years, during all of which period his life has been upright,
straightforward and honorable in all its relations. He has gained a comfortable
degree of worldly prosperity, while his genial manner and unfailing courtesy have
won him the warm and lasting regard of those with whom he has been brought
in contact.
HENRY LENZ.
Henry Lenz owns and operates a fine farm of one hundred and twenty
acres on section 4, Center township, a property upon which he was born, and
his genuine personal worth and excellent business qualifications entitle him to
mention with the representative citizens of the community. Moreover, he is
one of the successful stock-raisers in this section of the state and his interests
along this line are extensive and important. He was born August 22, 1855,
and is a son of Fred Lenz, a native of Prussia, Germany. The father served
for three years in the German army, taking part in the revolution of 1848,
and afterwards came to America, making his first location in Waverly, Ohio.
After three years in that city he came to Allamakee county and purchased from
the government one hundred and twenty acres upon which the subject of this
review now makes his home. Papers show that this land was filed June 15,
1854. Fred Lenz became a successful and prominent farmer, winning a place
among the substantial residents of this section. In the early days he erected log
buildings upon his property and some of these are still standing. He after-
ward added one hundred and sixty acres to his holdings but the farm has now
been reduced to its original proportions. He died upon this farm August 18,
1894. He had married at Waverly, Ohio, Miss Barbara Vogler, a native of
156 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Bavaria, Germany, who passed away April 20, 191 1. Both were members of
the German Methodist Episcopal church. They became the parents of six
children, two of whom are now living, namely: Henry, the subject of this
review ; Mrs. Emma Engelhorn, of Spokane, Washington. Those deceased
were : Katie, who died at the age of twelve ; Mary, who passed away when
she was six years of age; John, who died at the age of four; and William,
whose death occurred when he was two years of age.
Henry Lenz acquired his education in the district schools of Center town-
ship and afterward attended the Methodist Episcopal Church College at Galena,
Illinois. He made his home with his parents as long as they lived and after
their deaths purchased the old home place, upon which he has resided during
his entire life. Upon it he has made substantial improvements and it is today
a valuable and productive property, worthy of comparison with the best farms
in Allamakee county. For the past twenty years Mr. Lenz has dealt extensively
in registered pure-blooded Poland China hogs which he breeds and raises, and it
is said that he has done more than any other man to improve the breed of hogs
in this locality. He has exhibited at state fairs in Wisconsin and Iowa and has
disposed of some fine animals at excellent prices. All of his business interests
are capably conducted and his success places him among the men of affluence
in this community.
In Allamakee county, in 1S76, Mr. Lenz married Miss Mary Gramlich, a
daughter of Ernst Gramlich, of whom more extended mention is made elsewhere
in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Lenz are the parents of eight children: Emma,
who married William Parks, of Gillette, Wyoming; William, who resides in
Church, Iowa ; Nettie, the wife of Charles Yahnke, of Klemme, Iowa ; Theo-
dore, who is engaged in farming at Eagle Bend, Minnesota; Ed, who is fol-
lowing agricultural pursuits at Eagle Bend, Minnesota ; Clara, the wife of
Fremont Bauman, of Lansing township; and Harry and Edna, who live at
home. The parents are members of the German Methodist Episcopal church.
Until the election of 1912 Mr. Lenz gave his political allegiance to the
republican party but at that time he allied his interests with the new progressive
partv. He has always been active and interested in public affairs and has held
various responsible official positions, including those of township assessor,
school director, and treasurer and secretary of the school board. He is a man
of genial nature, broadly educated, well informed and an interesting and fluent
talker, and he has gained an enviable place in the favorable regard of his fellow
citizens, among whom his entire life has been passed.
FRANK L. MINOR.
As manager and superintendent of the large manufacturing plant operated by
the Postville Clay Product Company, Frank L. Alinor occupies a prominent place
in industrial circles of Postville and the vicinity, a jiosition which he has
achieved by reason of especial skill and long training in the line of work to
which he is now devoting his attention. He was born in Jefferson county, Ohio,
September 28, 1867, and is a son of Samuel D. and Hannah (Garlick) Minor,
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 157
tlie foriner born in what is now West \'irginia, in the Panhandle district, October
28, 1828, and the latter in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 5, 1840. In early life
the father worked as a pilot on boats on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers but
later became a brick manufacturer, operating a large fire brick factory at Empire,
Ohio, for twenty-two years and finally retiring from active life and moving to
Wellsville, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred on the
25th of December, 1912. His wife has also passed away, her death having
occurred in the same place. May 7, 1900. The father never sought to figure
in any way in public life, never seeking political office and even refusing to
accept a first lieutenant's commission ofl^ered to him during the Civil war. He
preferred to concentrate his attention upon his business affairs and these be-
came extensive and profitable, bringing him a comfortable competency and
a high place in industrial circles of the city. He and his wife became the par-
ents of seven children, the subject of this review being the fourth in the order
of birth.
Frank L. Minor acquired his early education in the public schools of Empire
and he afterward attended the Ohio State University at Columbus, graduating as
a ceramic engineer with the class of 1891. When he became of age he entered
his father's factory as manager and superintendent and continued in that posi-
tion until his father's retirement, proving an expert in everything relating to his
special line of work and also a far-sighted, discriminating and able business
man. When Samuel D, Minor sold his factory the son continued in the employ
of the purchasing company as manager and superintendent but after four years
resigned his position and went to Leavenworth, Kansas, where he became mana-
ger for the Pittsburgh Paving Brick Company, being afterward transferred to
Fairmont, West Virginia, where he u-orked in the same capacity for two years.
At the end of that time he established himself in business as a ceramic engineer
and soon built up a profitable and extensive patronage, erecting brick works at
Spokane and Seattle, Washington ; Portland, Oregon ; Oakland, California ;
and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, as well as in Port Credit, Canada. After accom-
plishing a great deal of important work along this line and winning for him-
self a reputation as an expert in every branch of industrial ceramics he aban-
doned his independent interests and identified himself with the Postville Clay
Product Company as salesman and erecting engineer. He came to Postville in
August, 191 1, and erected in the city the plant for the company he represented
and after its completion remained in charge as manager and superintendent,
positions which he has occupied since that time. The Postville Clay Product
Company manufactures all kinds of hollow building blocks and fireproof build-
ing material and controls an important and growing trade throughout the middle
west. To the local branch of the business Air. Minor devotes his entire time
and much of the credit for the continued growth and expansion of the Postville
factory is due to his initiative spirit, his modern and practical methods and the
skill with which he applies his knowledge of everything pertaining to the busi-
ness to the further advancement of his employers' interests. He is today con-
sidered one of the most able business men in Postville and the place which he oc-
cupies in business circles has been well earned and is richly desferved.
Mr. Minor married, on the 27th of June, 1894, Miss Ida McLean, who was
born in Toronto, Ohio, on the 5th of February, 1868. She is a daughter of
158 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
James and Eliza (Jackman) McLean, the former a native of Scio, Ohio, and the
latter of Knoxville, in the same state. In early life James McLean learned the
hatter's trade but he never followed this occupation, turning his attention to
general farming and continuing to engage in it during his active life. He served
in the Thirteenth Ohio \'olunteer Cavalry for three years during the Civil war
and during all of that period was never wounded or confined in a hospital. He
and his wife became the parents of twelve children, of whom the wife of the sub-
ject of this review is the fifth in the order of birth. Mr. Elinor gives his political
allegiance to the republican party and fraternally is connected with the Knights
of Pythias and the Masonic lodge. Although one of the later arrivals in Postville,
he is interested in the welfare of the comnumity and has already won for himself
a creditable position as a valued citizen and business man.
HON. WILLLA.M S. HART.
Hon. William S. Hart, of Waukon, ranks as one of the prominent men of
Iowa, as a lawyer, orator, soldier, political leader and legislator. He was born
in a pioneer log cabin in Cherry Mount settlement and Allamakee county has
been his lifetime home. His parents, William and Alicia (Conway) Hart, were
early settlers in that part of Paint Creek township.
William S'. Hart acquired his education in the district schools of his native
township and at the early age of sixteen began teaching a country school, follow-
ing this occupation until he was elected clerk of the district court just after com-
ing of age. His able service won him reelection but he resigned the office soon
afterward to practice law, having studied this profession while serving as clerk
under the preceptorship of Henry and John F. Dayton. Few men at his age
have attained more brilliant success as an attorney, notably in jury trials and in
cases tried before the supreme court. As a specialist in telephone and electric
law his services are in wide demand and papers and addresses by him upon this
branch of his profession have been published by the International Telephone Asso-
ciation. He is also consulted and retained as special counsel in all of their
important cases by some of the largest fraternal insurance societies in America.
Mr. Hart's success at the bar has been accompanied by his growing promi-
nence in politics and along this line he has done a great deal of constructive and
far-sighted work in the public service. As a member of the twenty-ninth and
thirtieth general assemblies he gave special attention to labor, railway, military
and telephone legislation and also to that on behalf of the dairy interests and the
State Agricultural College. He was chosen by the stock shippers of Iowa to
father the law compelling railroads to transport stockmen and to furnish sani-
tary equipment on stock trains and by the dairy interests of the state to champion
legislation favorable to that industry. As chairman of the military committee
he rewrote the military code of Iowa and a philanthropical state organization of
which Mrs. A. B. Cummins was at that time president selected him to write and
take charge of a child-labor law which is regarded as a model of its kind. The
legislative committee of the Iowa Federation of Labor thanked him in its pub-
lished report for his services as a legislator on behalf of the laboring men, while
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 15!)
in the interests of the State Agricultural College he vigorously and successfully
to the end of his service resisted the central educational board law and other legis-
lation then regarded as unfavorable to that institution.
Mr. Hart married Miss Nellie M. Holahan, a daughter of James Holahan, a
pioneer implement dealer and capitalist of Waukon. Mr. and Mrs. Hart became
the parents of six children: James; William S., Jr.; Malcolm J.; Nellie M. ;
Catherine ; and Ivan, who died in childhood. In the life of Hon. William S.
Hart there is a distinguished military chapter, which includes service in the Iowa
National Guards, his rank ranging from that of private to captain. He served
during the entire Spanish-American war in the LInited States Volunteers as a
member of the Forty-ninth Iowa Regiment and took part in the subsequent mili-
tary occupation of Cuba. The greater part of his United States service was spent
on detail duty as judge advocate, general court martial, Second Division, Seventh
LInited States Army Corps, under General Fitzhugh Lee, at Jacksonville, Florida,
and at Marianao, Cuba. Mr. Hart's reputation as a public speaker extends far
beyond the borders of Iowa and many of his addresses and speeches have been
printed and widely circulated. He is one of the most prominent and best known
attorneys, statesmen and men of affairs in the middle west and, being broad-mind-
ed, large-hearted and liberal, his influence has been a force for good in the
upbuilding of state institutions and in their development along constructive, logical
and progressive lines.
CHARLES J. HAAS.
A highly profitable and productive farm of two hundred and eighty acres on
section i6, French Creek township, Allamakee county, is evidence of intelligent
labors along agricultural lines undertaken by Charles J. Haas, who was born
upon this property October 4, 1872. As his father, who settled upon this prop-
erty, was one of the most progressive men of his time, he follows in his foot-
steps and is considered the most modern and up-to-date agriculturist in French
Creek township.
Joseph Haas, the father, a native of Germany, came to America when about
twenty years of age, entering upon his first work at West Point, New York,
whence he subsequently removed to St. Louis, where he was engaged in railroad
work as stone mason and stone cutter. Later he took contracts for putting in
culverts and laying of steel and finally by branching out was enabled to make
agreements which covered complete jobs of railroad construction. In 1851,
Joseph Haas came to .Allamakee county to see his mother, who had preceded him
here and during his sojourn assisted in completing the building of the stone ele-
vator at Lansing. Returning to St. Louis, he remained there until 1856, when
a brother in Allamakee county wrote him that a railroad was then to be built
from the junction to Waukon. Packing up his tools and instruments, he came
with his outfit and teams to .\llamakee county in order to be on the spot if con-
struction should begin, Imt although the road had been surveyed its building was
delp.\-ed for several years. He therefore turned his attention to agricultural mat-
ters and purchasing three hundred acres of land in French Creek township set-
160 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLA:^IAKEE COUNTY
tied thereon. About thirty-five acres of this tract were under cuUivation and a
primitive log shanty was upon the farm. Jn 1857-8 Mr. Haas erected the stone
house which still stands and here made his home, engaging in the breaking of the
land and placing his acres under cultivation, continuing in general farming until
his demise on August 31, igoo. Careful management and thorough and ])ro-
gressive methods resulted in gratifying financial returns and he was enabled to
extend the boundaries of his farm until it comprised six hundred and eighty
acres. It was said of him by his old-time neighbors that he was the most up-to-
date farmer in French Creek township, for it was he who installed upon his farm
the first mowing machine, the first riding plow and the first threshing machine.
In fact it was he who was always first to own any new machine, to try out its
merits, and always first to adopt any new method. That he was successful his
ensuing prosperity was the soundest proof. Joseph Haas was united in marriage,
in St. Louis, to Miss Julia Remstein, a native of Germany, who came to the
United States in the company of friends when a young woman, and at the time
of her marriage was employed in St. Louis. She was a true helpmate to her
husband during all her life, and after his demise made her home in Mankato,
Minnesota, passing away at an advanced age in April. 1913. It is but natural
that a man of such advanced views as Mr. Haas should have taken an active
part in the public life of his township, and he held all the township offices with
the exception of that of assessor, ever discharging his duties to the satisfaction
of his constituents. He gave his support to the democratic party and both he
and his wife were members of the Catholic church. In their family were ten
children : Joseph, who died at the age of twenty : Lawrence, of Hammer. North
Dakota ; George, of Jackson Junction, Iowa ; Ferdinand, a salesman for the
International Harvester Company; Mary, the wife of Henry Shulte, of Kansas;
Matilda, of Great Falls, ^Montana ; Julia, who married S. J. Bray, of Helena,
Montana; Henry, of Waukon, this state; Charles J., the .subject of this review;
and Katie, the wife of Joseph Schultz. of \\'ilmont. Minnesota.
Charles J. Haas was reared under the parental roof and there were early
instilled into his boyish consciousness the old-fashioned virtues of honesty and
industry. In the acquirement of his education he attended the district schools and
later a business college at Waukon, Iowa, and at La Crosse, Wisconsin. Early
he became acquainted with agricultural pursuits. ac(|uiring thorough methods un-
der the able guidance of his father and assisting him until his own marriage, after
which he continued along the same line. He lost his wife soon afterward and
then attended Upper Iowa L'niversity, after which he was for one summer cm-
ployed by the Atlas Art Studio of Chicago, for which concern he solicited orders
for photo enlarging. The following summer he was employed as fireman by
the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, running out from Eagle Grove. Iowa,
and for the following two years held a jjosition with the Piano Manufacturing
Company, being stationed as agent in North Dakota. When his father passed
away in upo he was appointed administrator of the estate and returned home.
After the afi^airs were settled none of the other heirs wishing to take over the
farm, he purchased the interests of the others and has since continued the opera-
tion of the old homestead with ever increasing success. He owns two hundred
and eighty acres, all of which is in a high state of cultivation, and engages in
general farming, planting grains most suitable to soil and climate, and giving a
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 161
great deal of his attention to stock-raising. His buildings are modern and
up-to-date, substantial and suitable, and the latest machinery and implements can
he found upon his farm in order to facilitate the labors that increase the yield
of the land. Mr. Haas follows in every way in the footsteps of his father as a
progressive agriculturist, and he has the distinction of being the first in French
Creek township to own an automobile.
The first wife of Mr. Haas was Miss Alice O'Brien, a native of Allamakee
county and a daughter of James O'Brien. Of this marriage one son was born,
Charles James, at home. Mr. Haas was again married, his second union being
with Aliss Helen Tilzenberger, a native of St. Lucas, Fayette county, Iowa. They
have six children: \'iola Laona, Anna Marie, Evelyn Eleanora, Daniel Ferdi-
nand, Bernard John and Merill Joseph.
In his political views Mr. Haas reserves independent judgment giving his
indorsement to whatever candidates he considers best suited to the offices to
which they aspire. He has efficiently served as township trustee and as school
flirector has done much toward promoting the cause of education. Both he and
his wife are members of the Catholic church, to which they give helpful support,
and are highly respected and esteemed in French Creek township for their
qualities of mind and character. While Mr. Haas has attained individual pros-
perity and is considered one of the most prosperous agriculturists of his dis-
trict, he had done much toward promoting general advancement and has proven
a serviceable factor in making this section one of the richest in the state. He is
public-spirited in the best sense of the word and is ever glad to bear his share
of time and money in promoting any worthy public enterprise.
SAMUEL WATERS.
A native of Allamakee county, Samuel Waters was born in Ludlow township
on June 27, 1873, and has devoted practically all of his active life to agricultural
pursuits, now owning a valuable farm of one hundred and twenty acres near
Postville. His parents were Samuel and Catherine (Lyons) Waters, the former
a native of County Wicklow. Ireland, where he was born on May 26, 1833, and
the latter born not far from Dayton, in Montgomery county, Ohio, on August
6, 1845. When sixteen years of age the father came with his parents to the new
world, the family making settlement at Pittsburg. Samuel Waters had already
worked in the lead mines of Ireland and took up similar work near Pittsburg,
continuing so until 1852, when he came west to Iowa and purchased land from
the government in Ludlow township. For thirty years he resided thereon, bring-
ing it to a high state of cultivation, and then made removal to Clayton county,
having put his old homestead into pasture. There he operated a farm of several
hundred acres until 1891, when he returned to the homestead, where he remained
for another seventeen years active in its cultivation, when he went to Frankville,
Winneshiek county, where he now lives retired. The mother passed away on
February 7, 1910. Mr. Waters, Sr., had been previously married to I\Iiss .Anna
Overholt, by whom he had four children. Of the second marriage eight chil-
ilren were born.
162 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
In the acquirement of his education Samuel Waters attended district school
for three terms in Ludlow township and subsequently the district schools of Clay-
ton county. He remained at home until about twenty years of age, when he hired
out as a farm hand in Frankville, Winneshiek county, for one year. He then
rented land in Ludlow township, successfully cultivating it for two years, and
then removed to Emmet county, Iowa, where for ten years he rented, returning
at the end of that time in order to assist his father for two years with his work
on the old homestead. He then bought one hundred and twenty acres of land
where he now lives. The farm was but partially improved at that time but he
has since lirought it to a high state of productivity, has erected a modern and
comfortable residence, a substantially built barn and other necessary buildings
which greatly increase the value of the property. He engages in general farm-
ing and in addition to his holdings rents eighty acres, which he also operates. He
is a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Store at Postville and also in the
Cooperative Creamery.
On March 13, 1895, Mr. Waters married Miss Jennie Hughes, who was Ijorn
near Red Cloud, Nebraska, on November 21, 1873, her parents being Frank and
Emily (Early) Hughes. The father is a native of Indiana and the mother was
born in Post township, this county. Mr. Hughes always followed agricultural
pursuits, coming from Indiana to this county and later removing to Nebraska.
About iScjo he proceeded to Oklahoma, where he took up government land, re-
taining his Nebraska land, and he now lives at Hartwell, Arkansas, still active
in his occupation. The mother passed away in 1884. In the family of Mr. and
Mrs. Hughes were three children, of whom Mrs. Waters is the oldest. Mr. and
Mrs. Waters have one daughter, Clara Catherine, born August 6, 1902. The
religious faith of Mr. Waters is that of the L'nited Brethren church and he is
helpful in its work and expansion. Politically he is independent, giving his sup-
port of the best men available without considering party affiliations. How-
ever he inclines toward the jjrohibition party, taking a firm stand upon matters
which concern the liquor question. While he has attained success, he has
been a factor for good in his community and has contributed towards the
upbuilding of moral and intellectual standards as well as to agricultural develop-
ment.
ANTON T. NIERLING.
Signal ability, energy and steadfast purpose have formed the watchwords in
the life of Anton T. Nierling, who stands as a central figure in financial circles
of Allamakee county through his connection with many important banking
enterprises. Through steps of orderly progression he has made his way upward
in the business world, being today cashier of the First National Bank of Waukon
and identified also with various other financial and commercial concerns. He was
born in French Creek township, February 8, 1872, and is a son of Anton Nierling,
born in Germany on the river Rhein in 1826. The father came to America when
he was a young man after having served three years in the German army and
after his arrival came immediately to Iowa, locating in Lansing about 1849,
ANTON T. NIKRLIXG
TlLDtH l-OUNuAflOK*.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 165
where lie lived for three years, after which he settled on Lansing Ridge, coming
two years later to h'rench Creek township. He was a miller l)y trade and fol-
lowed that occupation in his native country for several years, but he abandoned
it after settling in Iowa, gi\'ing all of his attention to the clearing and improving
of his two hundred and sixty acres of wild land. He married in Lansing Aliss
Mary Buck, a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and they became the parents of
a large family of children. The father never left the homestead which he de-
veloped, dying upon his farm in 1888, when he was sixty-two years of age. His
wife survived him for a number of years, passing away in 1902.
Anton T. Nierling was reared upon the home farm and from his early child-
hood assisted in carrying on the work of the homestead. He acquired his primary
education in the district schools and later completed his studies at the Breckinridge
School at Decorah. After laying aside his books he engaged in teaching in Alla-
makee county but after two years entered the Bayless Business College at
Dubuque, from which he graduated, receiving a thorough business training.
When he had completed it he formed a partnerhsip with Otto J. Hager and aided
in the organization of the First National Bank of Waukon, an institution founded
with a capital stock of fifty thousand dollars, which has recently been increased to
one hundred thousand dollars. Mr. Nierling first took the position of bookkeeper
and assistant cashier, but for the past ten years has been cashier, serving ably
and efficiently in the discharge of his duties. In this connection his excellent
business and executive ability have been called forth and the success of the
institution is in large measure due to him. As the years have passed Mr. Nierling
has extended the field of his activities and is now connected with a great many
important financial concerns, being president of the New Albin Savings Bank, a
director in the Waterville Savings Bank and in the Dorchester Savings Bank.
From the time of its organization in 1903 to January, 1913, he was a director
and manager of the Farmers Stock & Produce Company, which he aided in
organizing and promoting and of which he served as treasurer. The object of
the organization is purely for the purpose of establishing and maintaining a good
stock market for Waukon which object it accomplished during the time of his
ten years' management, to January i, 1913. In Waukon he is known as a man of
resourceful and discriminating business ability, basing a distinct success in the
world of finance upon an exhaustive knowledge of his business and upon the
aggressiveness, energy and enterprise which makes this knowledge efifective in
financial circles.
Mr. Nierling married, February 3, 1896. Miss Winifred Taylor, who was
born and reared in Waukon, a daughter of G. W. Taylor, a pioneer in the
settlement of Allamakee county and a veteran of the Civil war, now a well known
resident of Waukon, where he is living retired in the eightieth year of his age.
Mr. and Mrs. Nierling became the parents of three children, Gertrude, Shirley
and Paul A.
.Since casting his first vote Mr. Nierling has been a member of the republican
party but has never aspired to public office, although he served in a creditable and
able manner as city treasurer and also as school treasurer. He has also the honor
of serving as trustee of Upper Iowa University. He is a member of the Masonic
order, holding membership in the Waukon blue lodge, in the chapter and in
Decorah commandery. In both the lodge and chapter he has served in a number
166 PAST AXD PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
of official positions and he is also well known in the affairs of the Knights of
Pythias, of which he is now vice chancellor. He and his wife are members of the
Rathbone Sisters lodge, O. E. S. Mr. Nierling is undoubtedly one of \\'aukon"s
most representative and successful men and his citizenship is of that loyal and
public-spirited kind which evidences itself in far-sighted and constructive work
in the public service. No movement which has for its object the betterment
of municipal conditions or improvement of the city along any line lacks his
cooperation and hearty support and he is especially interested in the w'ork of
the committee on public improvements and paving, of which he is now acting
as chairman. A man of broad and modern views and high ideals, he is leaving the
impress of his work and personality upon the city both along lines of material
welfare and upbuilding and in standards of citizenship, and his name is respected
and esteemed wherever it is known.
ALBERT D. LARSON.
Albert D. Larson, who since 1912 has served with credit and ability as
sheriff of Allamakee county, has for a number of years past been identified in
an important way with agricultural interests of Hanover township and still
owns his valuable farm of three hundred acres in that locality, although he
makes his home in the sheriff's residence in this city. He was born in Hanover
township, December 31. 1867, and is a son of Christian Larson, one of the
earliest settlers in Allamakee county, of whom more extended mention is made
elsewhere in this work.
Albert D. Larson was reared upon the family homestead and acquired his
primary education in the district schools, supplementing this by two years" at-
tendance at the Waukon high school. When not engaged with his books he
assisted in the operation of the homestead and when he was seventeen years of
age assumed entire charge of the farm, acting as manager until after his father's
death, when he purchased the interests of all the other heirs. He thus came into
possession of one hundred and twenty acres of fine farming land and to this he
later added other tracts, owning today three hundred acres. Upon it he built
a fine new residence, a barn, a silo and other outbuildings and he fenced and
cross-fenced his place into convenient fields with woven wire. He gave his at-
tention to general farming and stock-raising and was also a shipper on an ex-
tensive scale. Success steadily attended his well directed labor and in the
course of time he gained an enviable degree of prosperity, winning recognition
as one of the prominent, substantial and representative farmers of his locality.
He was one of the promoters of the Farmers Stock & Produce Company of
Waukon and is still a stockholder and director in the concern.
Although Mr. Larson is an able farmer and an influential business man it
has not been along these lines alone that he has accomplished useful and bene-
ficial work, for he is one of the leaders in local politics and an active force
in republican circles of this vicinity. He has served as assessor of Hanover
township and as township trustee and for a number of years was deeply inter-
ested in school affairs, serving for twelve years as president of the board of
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 167
education. In the fall of 1912 he was nominated sheriff of Allamakee county
and after a hard fought campaign against two opponents was elected to the
office by a gratifying majority. He is now serving and has proved capable,
efficient and businesslike in the discharge of his duties. He moved to Waukon
upon assuming office and, although he owns the old Todd homestead in the city,
he now occupies the sheriff's residence.
In Waukon, on the 4th of October, 1899, Mr. Larson was married to Miss
Louisa M. Todd, who was born and reared in the city and who was later for
nine terms a teacher in the Waukon schools. She is a daughter of Frank and
Margaret Todd, of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Larson, having no children of their
own, have adopted and reared two, a son and a daughter : Oscar Williams, whom
they adopted at the age of thirteen and who has now reached maturity and
is in business for himself ; and Julia Flather, whom they took into their home
when she was a child of four and who is now a student in the Waukon schools.
Mr. Larson's mother is also a member of this family. She has now reached
the age of eighty-seven years. Mr. and Mrs. Larson are members of the Waukon
Presbyterian church and fraternally Mr. Larson is affiliated with the Modern
Woodmen of America. He is widely and favorably known throughout the sec-
tion where he was born and where his entire life has been spent and in his various
responsibilities as a business man and as a public official has discharged his
obligations so as to merit and receive the respect of all who know him.
MICHAEL QUILLIN.
In 1862 Michael Ouillin bought his first tract of land in Hanover township,
Allamakee county, and this formed the nucleus of the extensive tract which he
now owns. He has become well and favorably known in this part of Iowa,
and the years have brought him prominence and substantial fortune, so that he
stands today among the representative and able agriculturists of the section
where he has so long made his home. He was born in Ireland in 1842 and is a
son of Philip and Nancy Quillin, who came to America in 1848 and settled at
Lambertsville, New Jersey, where the father followed the stonemason's trade
until 1854. In that year he came west, and settling in Dubucjue, Iowa, con-
tinued in his former occupation for two years and a half. Removing from that
city to Lansing, in Allamakee county, in 1856, he preempted eighty acres of
government land in Iowa township and when he disposed of that property
bought two hundred and forty acres on the Minnesota line. This also he after-
ward sold and removed to South Dakota, where he proved up a homestead and
a tree claim, continuing to develop this property until his death in 1888. His
wife, surviving him some years, died in 1896. To their union were born eight
children, si.x of whom lived to maturity: Michael, of this review; Mrs. Mary
Fitzgerald; Thomas, of Minnesota; John, of Kimball, South Dakota; Mrs.
Bridget McGraw, who has passed away ; and Mrs. Ann Conklin, also deceased.
Michael Ouillin accjuired his education in the public schools of New Jersey
and of Dubuque, Iowa, and remained with his parents until he was twenty-two
years of age. Previous to that time he spent several summers as a river man
168 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
on the Mississippi, but finally turned his attention to farming, buying in 1867
an eighty-acre tract on section 34. Hanover township. From time to time he
added to this property, and although he has recently given eighty acres to his
son still owns three hundred and twenty acres, which his skill, ability and
industry have made one of the finest agricultural properties in this vicinity.
One hundred and eighty acres are under a high state of cultivation and the farm
is well managed and well equipped in every particular, evidencing the many
years of care and labor which the owner has bestowed upon it.
Mr. Ouillin married, in 1867, -^I'ss Rosa A. McGinnis. a native of Penn-
sylvania, and a daughter of Michael McGinnis, who settled in Iowa in 1857 and
followed farming in this state until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Ouillin became the
parents of fifteen children, twelve of whom survive: Phillip J., a farmer of Alla-
makee county, who engaged in teaching previous to his luarriage ; John J., of
Harpers Ferry, Iowa; Mary, the wife of Albert Lilliard, of Union Prairie town-
ship, Allamakee county; Anna Laura, the wife of Ed Collins, of New Albin,
Iowa ; Thomas, of Allamakee county, Iowa ; Celia, who is single and living at
home ; Ella, the wife of Fred Hancock, of Allamakee county, who taught school
previous to her marriage; M. J., of La Crosse, Wisconsin, a traveling salesman
for the .Swift Packing Company; Edward, at home; William, attending the State
Normal School at La Crosse ; Rose Mary, a stenographer, at home ; and Leon-
ard, at home.
Mr. Quillin is a member of the Roman Catholic church and gives his politi-
cal allegiance to the democratic party, taking an intelligent interest in community
afl:airs without being active as an office seeker. Since 1867 he has resided upon
his present farm, and his industry and well directed efforts through the years
have been rewarded by prosperity, prominence and that true success which lies
in the respect and esteem of his many friends.
ERNST P. LAYER.
Ernst P. Layer, living in Lansing township, is one of the progressive and
substantial farmers of Allamakee county, owning about eighty-three acres of
land on section ^^. Born in Center township on the 29th of September, 1863,
he is a son of one of the earliest settlers in Allamakee county, his father, John
Layer, having come to this part of Iowa in the early 'sos. He purchased a farm
in Center township and gave his entire attention to its development and im-
provement until about the year 1896, when he retired from active life and
moved to La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he now makes his home. He tells many
interesting incidents concerning pioneer days in this section and remembers the
time when the Indians were numerous upon the prairies and when it was no
uncommon sight to witness an Indian deer hunt. He was himself an enthusi-
astic sportsman and in his youth often wandered far from home, following
the trail of the deer. He witnessed practically the entire development of this
section of the state and is numbered among its most honored and successful
pioneers. He married in Germany and soon after he came to the United States
lost his wife. Returning to the fatherland some time afterward, he was again
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 169
married, his second union being with Miss Louisa Souer. By his first marriage
he had one son, George, who resides at Osage, Iowa. To his second union were
born eight children, five of whom are hving, namely : Louisa, the wife of Joseph
Blumer, of North Dakota; Elizabeth, who married William Blumer, also of
North Dakota ; Ernst P., of this review ; Herman, who makes his home in
Sacramento, California; and John, a resident of North Dakota.
Ernst P. Layer was reared upon his father's farm in Center township and in
his childhood divided his attention between his studies at the district school
and work upon the homestead. He remained with his parents until he was
thirty-two years of age and then began his independent career, renting land in
Center township. He continued to develop and improve this property until
about the year 1907, when he purchased the farm of eighty-three and one-tenth
acres on section 33, Lansing township, upon which he resides. This is a well
improved and valuable property and upon it he engages in general farming, his
well directed and practical labors having been rewarded by a gratifying degree
of success.
In Lansing township, on the 15th of October, 1895, Mr. Layer was united
in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Roth, a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Fischer)
Roth, early settlers in Lansing township. The father has passed away but the
mother survives and makes her home at Church, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Layer
have three children, Clara E., Theodore John and Herbert E. The parents are
members of the Congregational church.
Mr. Layer gives his political allegiance to the republican party and although
not an office seeker, has served capably and conscientiously as school director.
He is connected with business interests of this section as a stockholder in the
Calhoun Creamery Company. His energies have been largely concentrated,
however, upon the development of his farm which is a valuable and productive
property, bringing him a gratifying annual income, so that he is now one of
the prosperous citizens of this community. He is a man of genial nature and
genuine personal worth and has gained the favorable regard of his fellow citizens
during the long years of his residence in Allamakee county.
L\MES HOLAHAN.
Waukon numbered James Holahan among its capitalists. He became a factor
in its business circles as a pioneer implement dealer and eventually developed his
business to include the manufacture of wagons and carriages. His trade e.xtended
throughout northeastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota and his well merited
success made him one of the substantial and respected residents of the state.
Mr. Holahan was numbered among the worthy citizens that Ireland furnished
to Allamakee county, his birth occuring in Kilkenny. He was but a child in
years, however, when the family emigrated to America, making settlement at
Naugatuck, Connecticut, where the years of his youth were passed. He made
his initial step in the business world by learning the trade of a decorator and
painter. He was employed in that capacity in a clock factory of Naugatuck for
some time but eventually the family came to Iowa, settling at Decorah, so that
170 PAST AND PRESENT OE ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
from that point onward to the time of his death Mr. Holahan was a resident of
this state. In 1863 he took up his abode in Waukon. The Holahan homestead
consists of a magnificent forest park fifty acres in extent, planned and planted
by Mr, Holahan, and surrounds a stately, old-fashioned mansion. It is one of
the show spots of the city. After becoming a resident of Waukon Mr. Hola-
han opened one of the first implement establishments of the town, becoming a
pioneer in that line of trade. He Was not long in winning recognition for his
business ability in a growing patronage. He also began the maufacture of wagons
and carriages, conducting an extensive enterprise along that line. The trade not
only covered Allamakee county but extended into adjoining counties until it had
covered northeastern Iowa and southeastern Minnesota, and throughout the
entire district his name was household word for more than a generation. He was
known as a most enterprising and progressive business man, carefully formulat-
ing his plans and carrying them forward to successful completion. Obstacles
and difficulties in his path seemed but an impetus for renewed efifort that never
faltered until his purpose was achieved.
Mr. Holahan was united in marriage to Miss Kate Fenelon, a native of Car-
low, Ireland, and they became the parents of five sons and four daughters, namely :
W. J., who is now living in Mason City, Iowa ; John, who is located at Havana,
Cuba: iM. F.. a resident of Atlanta. Georgia; L. J., living in Dixon, Illinois;
James, who is located at Victoria, Illinois; Nellie M., the wife of the Hon. Wil-
liam S. Hart, a prominent lawyer and legislator of Allamakee county ; Anna ;
Gretta ; and Mamie, who is Sister M. Benoit in St. Xavier's Academy of Chicago.
Such in brief is the life history of James Holahan, one of the most worthy
and highly esteemed pioneer citizens of Allamakee county. He early recognized
the fact that there is no royal road to wealth and that there is no excellence with-
out labor. He, therefore, put forth effective effort to secure his advancement
and the methods which he followed and the course which he pursued commended
him to the confidence, good-will and honor of all with whom he came in contact.
JOHN HAMMEL.
John Hammel," carrying on general farming and stock-raising upon a fine
tract of land of two hundred acres near Postville, was born in Frankville, Winne-
shiek county, August 21, 1856, and is a son of John and Margaret (Jokers)
Hammel, natives of Baden, Germany, whose marriage occurred in America. The
father crossed the Atlantic in 1855, settling first in Boston, where he remained
for a few months, going at the end of that time to Frankville, Winneshiek county,
Iowa. There he spent one year and then purchased a farm in Post township,
Allamakee county, a portion of which his son now owns. He and his family
continued to reside thereon until the mother's death, after which he retired from
active business life, spending most of his time traveling through different parts
of the United States. He lived in Virginia for one year and was for three years
in the Soldiers' Home in Milwaukee. Later, however he returned to Iowa and
made his home with the subject of this re\iew, dying in the year 1903. He had
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 171
survived his wife for seven years. He was honored as a veteran of the Civil war,
having served in that conflict for nine months.
John Hammel acquired his education at the West Grove school in Post town-
ship and remained at home until his marriage. In 1881 he bought eighty acres
of his father's farm and also conducted the entire homestead until after the
death of his mother, when he moved to his own property. Later he became
the owner of the homestead, adding to his own farm and acquiring in this way a
tract of two hundred acres which he still operates. Having been connected with
farming since his early childhood, he is thoroughly familiar with the best agri-
cultural methods and understands every detail connected with the operation of
the farm. His practical labors have been rewarded by well deserved success and
he is today known as one of the most progressive farmers and stock-raisers in
this part of Allamakee county.
On the 4th of February, 1881, Mr. Hammel was united in marriage to Miss
Caroline Harris, a native of Post township and a daughter of Elisha Harris and
a sister of George Harris, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this
work. Mr. and Mrs. Hammel have become the parents of eleven children. Stella
is the widow of Charles Cook and resides in Postville. Ralph is in the employ
of the Standard Cream Separator Company and makes his home in Milwaukee.
Verna is the wife of Andrew Stockman, of Milwaukee, who is employed by the
John Deere Machine Company. Bertha is the wife of Lee Folsom, who resides
near Postville. Charles is also a resident of Milwaukee and is employed as chauf-
feur for the Solvay Coke Company. Leonard resides on a farm southeast of
Postville. Ruby and Ruth are twins. The former is the wife of Frank Lawson,
a farmer in Franklin township, and the latter married LaRue Webster, also en-
gaged in farming in that township. Earl is operating a farm in Franklin town-
ship. Augusta and Pearl are both residing at home. It is a remarkable incident
that the eleven children of Air. Hammel, all of whom are living, attended in the
acquirement of their education the same school' as their father, namely the West
Grove school in Post township.
Mr. Hammel is a large stockholder in the Canning Factory at Postville. Fra-
ternally he is afifiliated with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He has
been a resident of this part of Iowa since his childhood and is well and favorably
known here, his business reliability, his genuine personal worth and his sterling
<|ualities of character commanding for him the respect and esteem of all who come
in contact with him.
WILLIAM HART.
The pioneer history of Allamakee county would be incomplete were there
failure to make prominent reference to William Hart, who for fifty-six years
resided within its borders, taking up his residence in Paint Creek township in
1852. He was then a young man, ambitious and energetic, looking forward to
w^hat the future might hold in store for him as a reward for his industry and
determination. A few years after his arrival here he married and established a
172 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
home and throughout his remaining days continued a resident of this section of
the state.
Mr. Hart was a native of Ireland, his birth having occurred in County Gal-
way. In the year 1849 'ic crossed the Atlantic to the new world and after three
years spent elsewhere made his way to Allamakee county in 1852, taking up his
abode in Cherry Mount settlement in Paint Creek township. He found here a
district largely wild and undeveloped. Much of the land was still in possession
of the government and was covered with the native prairie grasses, starred with
a million wild flowers in the month of June and in mid-winter covered with one
unbroken dazzling sheet of snow. Mr. Hart at once took up the arduous labor
of developing new land and from that time forward was closely associated with
agricultural interests in this county.
It was on the ist of November, 1S55, that William Hart was united in mar-
riage to Miss Alicia Conway, who was also a native of Ireland, having been
born in County Roscommon. She left the Emerald isle for the purpose of mak-
ing her home with a brother who was then living in Paint Creek township, Alla-
makee county. She continued with him until her marriage and then went to her
husband's home in the Cherry Mount settlement, where their remaining days were
passed. They began with their domestic life in one of the jjrimitive old-time log
cabins, which stands as a venerable relic upon the farm which is now the prop-
erty of their son Hon. William S. Hart. Year by year the father carefully tilled
the fields and cultivated his crops and success rewarded him as time passed on.
Mr. and Mrs. Hart became the parents of a large family but lost two daugh-
ters, Sarah J. and Nellie, in early womanhood. Their surviving children are:
M. J., a resident of Waterville ; J. P., who makes his home in Saskatchewan,
Canada; William S. ; John ].. of Waterville; Mary A., who resides in Success,
Saskatchewan ; and Mrs. Katie Lloyd, of Linton township. The death of the
mother occurred on the 1.2th of June, 1897, when she was sixty-eight years of
age. Her husband survived her for about eleven years, departing this life on the
1st of April, 1908. He had reached the venerable age of eighty-three years and
was one of the oldest residents of the county at the time of his death, not only
in point of longevity but also in length of his connection with this part of the
state. His life was a busy and useful one. There was nothing spectacular in
his career but he bore his part in jthe work of general improvement and lived
to see many notable changes as log cabins were replaced by commodious and
substantial frame and brick residences, as primitive farm machinery was sup-
planted by the modern cultivator, reaper and harvester and as churches and schools
were built, thus developing the intellectual and moral forces of the community.
T. G. FAEGRE.
T. G. Faegre owns four hundred and eight acres of rich land on sections 9
and 3, Center township, constituting the farm upon which he was born. It is
a valuable property, well improved, and in its further development the owner is
giving evidence of a thorough understanding of the most modern and progressive
methods of agriculture. He was born August I, 1859, and is a son of Gilbert
Ml!. AM) -\11!S. lill.HKltT II. FAEGRE
V\Jb-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 175
H. and Catherine ( Hendrickson ) Faegre, natives of Norway, where their mar-
riage occurred and where their two eldest children were born. They emigrated
to the United States in 185 1 and in that year located on the farm in CenteP
township. Allamakee county, Iowa, whereon their son now resides. Their first
home was a cave dug in the side of a hill, but they later built a log house, which
they afterward replaced by a comfortable frame dwelling. From the govern-
ment the father purchased two hundred and eighty acres of land and he con-
tinued to de\elop and improve it until his death, which occurred February 14,
1904. He was survived by his wife only a few weeks, her death occurring
March 10, of the same year. Both were members of the Norwegian I^utheran
church and in politics Gilbert H. Faegre was a loyal republican. In their familv
were seven children: Martin and Hans, natives of Norwav, both of whom are
deceased ; Mrs. S. O. Nordvold, of Pierre, South Dakota ; Kasper, who lives in
New York city ; Albert, deceased ; T. G., of this review ; and Lena, who has
passed away.
T. G. Faegre was reared upon his father's farm in Center township and
acquired his education in the district schools. Before his father's death he
assumed charge of the homestead and later bought the property, which he has
since continued to develop. He has made several additions and improvements
and he now owns four hundred and eight acres, the neat and attractive appearance
of which evidences his careful supervision and practical methods. In addition
to general farming he buys and sells land to some extent and this proves a
profitable source of income to him.
Mr. Faegre married Miss Sarah Thorstensori, born in Allamakee county, a
daughter of Ole and Gunhild Thornstenson, natives of Norway, the former of
whom has passed away, while the latter makes her home in ' Paint Creek town-
ship. Mr. and Mrs. Faegre became the parents of six children, two of whom
died in infancy. The others are (iilbert. Florence, Selma and Goldie. The
parents are members of the Norwegian Lutheran church and Mr. Faegre gives
his political allegiance to the republican party. He has served as township trustee
and school director and his influence is always given for the furtherance of
education and other interests which he deems essential to the welfare and upbuild-
ing of the county.
JOSEPH DIXON.
Joseph Dixon, a prosperous and successful agriculturist of Hanover town-
ship, owns and operates one hundred and forty acres of valuable land on section
12, and in its cultivation has met with gratifying and well deserved success.
He is a native of this state, born in Winneshiek county in 1861, his parents being
William J. and Celia Dixon, natives of Ireland. They came to America at an
early date and settled in Massachusetts where their marriage occurred. In
1858 they settled in Winneshiek county, Iowa, and there remained until 1869
when they moved to Allamakee county, where the father died in 1913 at the
age of ninety-eight years. The mother passed away in August, 1878, at the
age of sixty-one years.
176 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
Joseph Dixon acquired liis education in the district schools of Allamakee
county and remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age. He then
turned his attention to railroad construction work and followed this line of
activity imtil 1898 when he entered the shops of the L'nion Pacific system.
In 1901 he made an entire change in his active interests, turning his attention
to agricultural pursuits in which he has engaged successfully since that time.
He owns one hundred and forty acres on section 12, Hanover township, and
upon this fine property follows general farming and stock-raising, success steadily
rewarding his earnest, straightforward and persistent labor.
In i8g8 Mr. Dixon was united in marriage to Miss Anastacia Fitzgerald, who
was born in Allamakee county, a daughter of Peter and Catherine Fitzgerald,
natives of Ireland and early settlers in this part of Iowa. Both have passed
away. Mr. and ]\Irs. Dixon have six chidlren : Celia C., born in 1899; Marie,
born in 1900; Joseph F., igoi ; Alice. 1905; William, 1907; and James A., 1913.
Politically, Mr. Dixon is affiliated with the democratic party and his religious
views are in accord with the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church. He is an
upright man. interested not only in the financial but also in the moral standing
of the community, and has gained the confidence and respect of his neighbors
both as a substantial farmer and a useful citizen.
PATRICK WHALEN.
Among the most profitable farms located in Allamakee county is that of Pat-
rick Whalen, comprising four hundred and forty-one acres on section 26, French
Creek township. He is one of the early pioneers of this section, where he was
brought by his mother in 1858. A native of New York, he was born in Oneida
county on April 13, 1851, and is a son of Thomas and Nora (Carney) Whalen,
natives of Ireland, in which country they were married. The father with his
family emigrated to America and established a home in Oneida county, New York,
but lived but a short time after coming to this country, passing away when his
son Patrick was but an infant. In 1858 his widow and her children came to
Allamakee county and here she purchased forty acres of unimproved land on
section 35 in French Creek township. Courageously taking up her duties of pro-
viding for the family, she undertook the cultivation of her farm and there her
children grew to maturity. The mother ever continued to make her home on
that property, where she passed away several years ago. Of her six children two
are now living: Patrick, of this review; and Peter, who makes his home in
Decorah, Iowa. Those deceased are : Elizabeth, who became the wife of John
Lauchlin, of French Creek township : William, who enlisted from Oneida county,
New York, for service in the Civil war and was killed during that conflict ;
Thomas, who died on the old homestead in 1888; and James, who passed away
at the age of twenty-one in this county.
Patrick Whalen was the voungest of these six children. He was educated in
the district schools and early began to take up life's duties by assisting in the
work of the farm and driving teams in order to break the land. At the age of
twenty-six he had acquired the means to purchase one hundred and sixty acres,
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 177
slightly improved, and by close application and following modern and up-to-date
methods has succeeded in gaining such gratifying results that he was enabled
to extend the boundaries of his farm from time to time until it now includes four
hundred and forty-one acres of fertile land. He has greatly improved his prop-
erty and lias erected thereon suitable and substantial barns, outbuildings and
sheds and his residence is comfortable and commodious. The latest farm machin-
ery and implements can be found upon his property and he is ever readv to
take up new methods which promise greater yields from his acres.
In 1876 Mr. Whalen was united in marriage to Miss Julia Reagan, a native
of Center township, Allamakee county, and a daughter of Daniel Reagan, one of
the earliest pioneers of this section. Mr. and Mrs. Whalen have nine children,
all of whom are living: Nora, the wife of P. J. McCauley, of French Creek
township : Daniel ]., a plumber of La Crosse, Wisconsin ; James, who is study-
ing for the priesthood ; and William T., Mary, Peter, Charles, Frank and Angela,
at home.
Mr. Whalen has always supported the democratic party and is well informed
upon all matters of a public or political nature. For three terms he served effi-
ciently as township trustee and while in the office of school director gave evidence
of his interest in the cause of education. He and his family are devout communi-
cants of the Catholic church, in the work of which they take an active and help-
ful interest. The career of Mr. Whalen is proof of the fact that success is
but ambition's answer and what he has attained is but the natural outcome of
industry and energy dominated by a progressive spirit. He is highly respected
and esteemed for what he has attained, and the confidence and good-will which
he receives from his friends and neighbors are highlv merited.
MORTEN C. DEERIXG.
One of the most alert, enterprising and progressive young agriculturists of
Post township is Morten C. Deering, who now operates three hundred and thirty-
six acres of fine land in this vicinity, comprising the farm upon which he was
born on the 2d of October, 1880. He is a son of Charles and Caroline Deering,
natives of Germany, the former born on the 12th of October, 1833, and the
latter in 1837. When he was about twenty-one years of age the father crossed
the Atlantic and after arriving in the United States settled on the shores of Lake
Superior, in Michigan, where he engaged in burning charcoal until he came to
Iowa about 187 1. In this state he purchased the farm in Post township, Alla-
makee county, whereon his son now resides, finding it an unimproved and wild
tract, which he cleared of timber before he could begin the work of develop-
ment. This he carried forward with characteristic energy and determination,
developing a fine farm, upon which he continued to reside until his death, which
occurred on the 20th of September, 191 2. He had survived his wife some years,
her death having occurred in July, 1902. In their family were five children:
Laura, the wife of Oliver Mackey, a farmer near Odebolt, Iowa; Frank, who is
an undertaker in Washington: Minnie, the wife of Richard lames, of Harvey,
178 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
North Dakota ; Hattie, who married James Maloney, a farmer near Esmond, in
the same state ; and Morten C, of this review.
The last named acquired his education in the Evergreen school near his
father's farm and his childhood was spent upon the homestead. From an early
age he assisted with the farm work, becoming thoroughly familiar with the best
and most practical agricultural methods, and at the age of seventeen he began
his independent career, working at farm labor in the employ of others for some
time. When he was twenty-one years of age he purchased the homestead of two
hundred and thirty-four acres, to which he has since added from time to time,
his holdings now comprising three hundred and thirty-six acres. Upon this prop-
erty he has made substantial improvements, erecting new barns and outbuildings
and installing modern labor-saving machinery. He carries on general farming
and stock-raising and both branches of his enterprise, being well conducted, are
also profitable and important. A progressive and enterprising young man, Mr.
Deering keeps in touch with the trend of modern advancement in agricultural
methods and ideas and his work has been important as an element in the later
farming development of his native section.
On the nth of October, 1903, Mr. Deering was united in marriage to Miss
Bertha LThl, a native of Franklin township, born October 11, 1881. She is a
daughter of John and Ann (Cleverley) Uhl, the former a native of Brooklyn,
New York, born March 22, 1854, and the latter born in England, on the 21st
of October, 1840. The father acquired his education in the public schools of
his native city and after the death of his parents came in 1872 to Iowa, where he
worked as a farm hand for a short time. Later he purchased property of his
own in Post township and also a number of acres across the line in Franklin
township and upon this farm he continued to reside for the remainder of his
life, his death occurring June 20, 1905. His wife survives him and makes her
home with the subject of this review. She had been previously married and by
her first union had four children: Adeline, deceased; Fred; Gertie, and George.
M; . and Mrs. John Uhl had three children: Stella, who married Perry Cook.
a larmer in Post township ; Bertha, the wife of the subject of this review ; and
Jesse, residing on the home farm in Post township. To the marriage of Mr.
and Mrs. Deering have been born also three children: Irving Charles, whose
birth occurred on the ist of June, 1907; Dorothy Irene, born on the loth of
February, 1909; and Esther Stella, born April 12, 191 1. Mr. Deering is a mem-
ber of the Modern Brotherhood of America but his fraternal affiliations are not
extensive, his attention being centered upon the development of his farm, which
is one of the finest and best managed in this vicinity.
PROFESSOR W. L. PECK.
Professor \V. L. Peck is now engaged in the fourth term of his able serv-
ice as superintendent of schools of Allamakee county and in this connection is
giving the benefit of his broad knowledge and unusual ability to his chosen field
of labor, winning for himself recognition as one of the foremost representatives
of educational interests of Iowa and taking a vital and active part in the pro-
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 179
motion and spread of public education throughout the state. He was born at
Ossian, Winneshiek county, August 25, 1872, and is a son of James Peck, whose
birth occurred in Oswego county. New York, June 14, 1832. The father grew
to manhood in his native locahty and there married Miss Lucinda Borst, also
a native of the Empire state. They moved west to Iowa in 1862 and located in
Winneshiek county, where the father engaged in farming for a number of years.
He later moved into Frankville and there lived retired until his death, which
occurred April 24, 1902. His wife survives him and makes her home with a
son in Frankville.
Professor W. L. Peck was reared in Winneshiek county and acquired his
primary education in the public schools. He later attended school in [■"rankville
and spent one year at Lenox College, going from there to the Iowa State Teach-
ers College. After two years in that institution he turned his attention to teach-
ing, following this occupation first in the country schools, where his ability and
success won him promotion to the position of principal of the Frankville schools.
He did creditable and progressive work in that capacity for five years and then
came to Waukon as assistant principal of the Waukon Business College, spending
eight years in that responsible ofilice. L^pon the expiration of this period he was
elected county superintendent of schools of Allamakee county and he has served
continuously by reelection since that time, his return to ofilice evidencing the value
of his services and their acceptability to the public at large. A brief glance at
the record of his career shows plainly his preeminence in both the administrative
and more purely scholastic phases of his chosen work. Llnder his able man-
agement he has succeeded in bringing all the schools of the coimty up to a higher
standard of efficiency. This has been accomplished mainly through systematizing
the work and by carrying it forward along practical and progressive lines. Pro-
fessor Peck keeps a complete record of every one of the one hundred and sixty-
one teachers in the county's employ and of every pupil in every school in the
county, these latter records showing not only the standing of the student but the
progress he makes from term to term. Professor Peck pays a visit to each
school once a year, thus keeping in personal touch with the teachers and pupils,
and he has initiated many substantial improvements in the methods of teaching
and also in the branches taught. His methods are at all times practical and he
inspires the teachers under him with much of his own zeal and enthusiasm.
During the course of his identification with the educational interests of Alla-
makee county Professor Peck has not confined his attention to the duties which
have devolved upon him in his responsible position but has also exerted a potent
and helpful influence in promoting general intellectual advancement in this local-
ity. In 1910 he organized the Farmers Institute, which holds a session each year,
and he also manages the county spelling contest held annually, when each town-
ship sends its most proficient scholar to represent it. He has inaugurated town-
ship teachers' meetings and in his office keeps a well selected professional library
for the benefit of his teachers. He has himself taught summer schools and insti-
tutes both in Winneshiek and Allamakee counties for the past fifteen years and
conducts personally a teachers' institute in Waukon every year. He never con-
siders his own education complete but remains always a close and earnest stu-
dent, following out exhaustive courses of study and taking many correspondence
courses also. Practically his entire life since attaining his majority has been
180 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
given over to educational work and he has become a recognized leader in this
field.
Professor Peck is a Master Mason and holds membership in the blue lodge at
Frankville, where he joined the order. He stands preeminent among Iowa edu-
cators, for he combines with a broad, exhaustive and comprehensive knowledge
the faculty of imparting it readily and clearly to others and an executive ability
upon which he has founded his success in the administrative branches of his
work. He gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but has never
been a politician in the usually accepted sense of the word. He is, how-ever,
never neglectful of the duties of citizenship and his influence has been a tangible
force for good in this community.
DAVID VINE DUNNING.
Among the most progressive, representative and deservedly successful native
sons of Allamakee county is numbered David Vine Dunning, who owns and oper-
ates a fine property in Franklin township, constituting the farm upon which he
was born on the 17th of January, 1864. His name has long been an honored
one in this community, his parents, William H. H. and Emeline (Jemison) Dun-
ning, having come to this part of Iowa in pioneer times. The father was born
at Ashtabula, Ohio, on the 25th of October, 1840, and went with his parents to
Wisconsin about 1851. A few years later he came to Iowa, settling in Allamakee
county about the year 1854, and here he grew to manhood, becoming afterward
an extensive landowner and a prosperous farmer in Franklin township. He
continued active in the development of his jiroperty in this vicinity until 1880 and
then moved into Clayton county, near Luana, where he continued until i8gi,
going in that year to Oklahoma. He purchased a farm in that state and con-
tinued to reside upon it until 191 1, when he retired from active life, moving into
Guymon, Oklahoma, where he passed away February 2"], 1913. His wife, who
was a native of Pennsylvania, born October 20, 1844, now makes her home in
Enid, Oklahoma. To their union were born six children, of whom the sub-
ject of this review is the eldest in order of birth.
David V. Dunning attended district school No. 4, Franklin township, and
afterward took a commercial course in a business college at Fayette. After lay-
ing aside his books he remained with his parents until he was twenty-one years
of age, acquiring by practical experience upon his father's farm a comprehen-
sive knowledge of the best agricultural methods, .\fter he had attained his
majority he rented the Oathout farm and developed it for two years, after which
he purchased the home place, upon which he has since resided, having added
to the property until it now comprises one hundred and twenty acres, practically
all under cultivation. Substantial impro\ements have been made upon it, excel-
lent Iniildmgs erected and modern machinery installed, and it is today one of the
best ec|uipped farms in this part of Iowa, Mr. Dimning standing in the front
ranks of progressive agriculturists. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Coopera-
tive Shipping Company of Luana and also in the Creamery Company there and in
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 181
business circles is known as a resourceful, far-sighted and discriminating busi-
ness man.
On the 17th of February, 1886, Mr. Dunning was united in marriage to Miss
Eliza Jane Lytle, who was born in Clayton county, a few miles southeast of
Luana, on the i6th of September, 1866. She is a daughter of Mathew S. and
Josephine (Oathout) Lytle, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter
of New York. The father, who during his entire active life engaged in farm-
ing, came west when a young man and became an extensive landowner in Clayton
county, continuing active in the management of his holdings until his death, which
occurred in 1904. His wife survives him and resides upon the Lytle homestead.
Mr. and Mrs. Dunning became the parents of two children: Roy Lytle, who
was born January 29, 1891, and who is assisting his father with the work of the
homestead; and Jessie \'ine, who was born September 12, 1896, and who is now
attending school in Waukon.
Mr. Dunning is a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal church and
fraternally is connected with the Modern Brotherhood of America. He gives
his political allegiance to the republican party and has served as township trus-
tee and school director, doing able and constructive work in both capacities. He
never, however, aspires to public office, preferring to concentrate his attention
upon the development of his excellent farm. Fie is highly esteemed and
respected in his native township and in the course of years has made many sub-
stantial contributions to its agricultural development.
ANDREW LEPPERT.
Among the large landowners of Allamakee county is Andrew Leppert, who
owns a valuable farm of seven hundred and forty acres on section 14, French
Creek township. His handsome residence and substantial farm buildings are
evidences of his prosperity and proof of his incessant labors and the progressive
methods which he follows. He was born upon this property on September 19,
1858, and is a son of Andrew Leppert, a native of Bavaria, Germany, whence
he accompanied his parents to the new world when fourteen years of age. The
family settled at first in Utica, New York, and there the father grew to manhood
and married. In the early '50s he came to Galena, Illinois, where he lived for
two years, at the end of which period he settled on a farm of one hundred and
sixty acres in French Creek township, among the pioneers, the farm being left
to his wife by her brother. The land was but slightly improved and he cleared
and developed it, transforming it into a highly productive agricultural enterprise.
As his means increased he added thereto and at the time of his death, which
occurred at the age of fifty-six, he owned seven hundred acres. He was one
of the foremost agriculturists of his day, was a member of the German Metho-
dist church and prominent in public afifairs, having held every office in his town-
ship. He gave his allegiance to the republican party. In New York state
Andrew Leppert married Miss Johanna Henry, a native of Saxony, Germany,
who passed away in French Creek township at the age of thirty-six years and
four months. The father subsequently married again and his widow now resides
182 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAAIAKEE COUNTY
at Church, Iowa. Of the children born to his first union, three are living, those
beside our subject being Mrs. Jacob Hirth and Mrs. Jacob Ebner.
Andrew Leppert was reared under the parental roof on the home farm and
early trained to agricultural pursuits under the able guidance of his father. In
the acquirement of his etlucation he attended the neighboring schools. When
twenty-two years of age he and his brother Charles purchased the old home-
stead and for several years farmed it in partnership. At the death of his brother
he acquired the widow's interest and has since conducted its operations alone.
He has made many impro\ements uijoii the property and his farm is considered
today one of the model enterprises of its kind in the county. His land is largely
under cultivation and planted in the most suitable grains and he also gives .atten-
tion to stock-raising. His residence is comfortable and commodious and the
whole appearance of the property bespeaks the prosperity of its owner.
Mr. Leppert was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Ann Bulman, a native
of Union City township, Allamakee county, and a daughter of G. W. Bulman,
who resides in that township and is a member of one of the early families who
settled in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Leppert have ten children, all of whom are
living: James H., Ralph H., Emma A., Jesse A., Oscar S., George Dewey, Lydia
J., Cora A., Willard A., and Gilbert Taft. Mr. and Mrs. Leppert are members of
the Presbyterian church, taking a deep interest in the organization. His political
faith is that of the republican party and he has served as school director of his
district, giving evidence of his interest in the cause of education. He enjoys
the high respect and esteem of his neighbors, to which he is fully entitled, as he
has not only attained an individual position of prominence but has been a factor
in promoting general advancement and development. Although he has never
cared to publicly participate in government affairs, he is ever ready to give his
support to worthy enterprises of a public character and is glad to bear his share
of time and money in bringing about growth along material, intellectual or moral
lines.
ELBA B. LAMBORN.
Elba B. Lamborn, a prominent and progressive farmer of Franklin town-
ship, owning and operating two hundred and forty acres of fine land, was born
in Champaign county, Ohio, on the 28th of May, 1850, and is a son of Nathan
and Laura (Burnham) Lamborn. The father was born in Chadds Ford, Chester
county, Pennsylvania, May 2, 1824, and the mother in Champaign county, Ohio,
March 2, 1823. The father was eleven years of age when he removed with his
parents to Ohio and in that state he grew to manhood. At the age of eighteen
he was apprenticed to a carpenter and worked for three years for his board and
clothing, after which he followed his trade in Champaign county until 1855.
In that year he came to Iowa and in the spring purchased one hundred and sixty
acres of land. He returned to Champaign county and brought his family to
Iowa, settling first in Hardin, where he engaged in the grocery business for two
years. In 1863 he took up his residence upon his farm and continued its develop-
ment and improvement uiuil liis death, which occurred May 10, 1907. He was
prominent and well known in local jiublic aft'airs, serving for a number of years
ELBA B. LAMBOllX
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 185
as township trustee and as township clerk, and in his passing this section lost one
of its earliest pioneers and one of its most valued and representative citizens.
He and his wife became the parents of two children, the elder of whom died in
Ohio at the age of three years.
Elba B. Lamborn was still a child when his parents came to Iowa and in the
public schools of Hardin and Waukon he acquired his education, attending school
during the winter of 1868-9 with E. M. Hancock. Later Air. Lamborn attended
a business college in Milwaukee, conducted by R. C. Spencer, and after laying
aside his books he remained upon the homestead, assisting his father with its
operation until 187 1. In that year he removed to Luana, where for a time he
clerked in a store but later engaged in various occupations until 1881, when he
opened a mercantile enterprise of his own in that city, continuing active in its
conduct for four years thereafter. In 1885 he sold out and after residing on
the farm for a short time went to Chicago, where in 1888 and 1889 he was
employed by the American Express Company in their transfer department. He
returned to Iowa at his father's request, the latter's health being in an impaired
condition, and took charge of the homestead, continuing to develop and improve
it along modern, practical lines until November, 1908, when he purchased the
property upon which he now resides, his youngest son taking charge of the orig-
inal farm. Mr. Lamborn owns two hundred and forty acres of fine land in
Franklin township and he has improved this with substantial barns and out-
buildings, a comfortable residence and all the equipment necessary to facilitate
the work' of the fields. He and his son operate the two farms together, carry-
ing on general agricultural pursuits and giving a great deal of attention to the
breeding and raising of high-grade stock.
Mr. Lamborn has been twice married. On the 17th; of December, 1872, he
wedded Miss Mary J. Van Kirk, who was born in Danville, Illinois, November
II, 1852, a daughter of Enos M. and Catherine (Carithers) Van Kirk, natives
of Vermilion county, Illinois. They removed to Kankakee county, the same
state, and there the father engaged in farming until his death. Mrs. Lamborn
passed away on the 14th of July, 1890, leaving three children. Belle was born
on the 7th of September, 1875, and married Charles H. Simonds, engaged in
the ice and coal business in Momence, Illinois. Harry V., born June 7, 1878. is
now foreman in the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company's works in Minneapolis. He
married Miss Helen E. Jacobson. The youngest son, Don E., was born March
9, 1890, and is now cultivating the family homestead. He married Miss Libbie
M. Clark on the 27th of January, 1913. Mr. Lamborn's second marriage occurred
on the 4th of June, 1894, when he wedded Miss Gertrude Eliza McClintock, born
in Winneshiek county, near Frankville, on the 26th of April, 1869. She is a
daughter of William and Ann (Cleverley) McClintock, the former born in Penn-
sylvania, near Philadelphia, and the latter in London, England, about the year
1840. Her father has passed away, his death having occurred in 1871, when
he was seventy-one years of age. By his second marriage Mr. Lamborn has one
daughter, Imo A., who was born on the 27th of July, 1902. She is attending
district school No. 4 at North Grove, two miles distant from her father's farm,
and has not missed a day or been tardy once in nineteen weeks.
Mr. Lamborn is a member of the Modern lirotherhood of .\merica and he
gives his political allegiance to the republican party. For eight years he did excel-
voi. n— 1
186 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
lent work as township clerk but has never aspired to public office, although he
is progressive and loyal in matters of citizenship. In this section where a great
deal of his life has been passed he is well known and highly respected, his genuine
personal worth and sterling qualities of character having gained for him the
esteem and regard of all who are associated with him.
THEODORE B. STOCK.
Theodore B. Stock, prominently identified with financial interests in W'aukon
as president of the Peoples National Bank and with business afifairs as president
of T. B. Stock & Company, dealers in hardware, is one of the best known men
in the city, his varied interests connecting him with practically every phase of
community life. He was born in Jefferson township, this county, December 31,
1871, and is a son of William Stock, a native of Germany, where he remained
until after he had reached maturity. As a young man he crossed the Atlantic
and came directly to Allamakee county, where he purchased a farm in Jefiferson
township. Here he afterward married Frederica Dravis, also a native of Germany.
Mr. Stock, father of the subject of this review, continued to develop his fine
property, adding to it from time to time until he owned two hundred and sixty-
five acres of land. Upon the homestead he raised his family and there spent
the last years of his life, dying about 1900. His wife survived him for some
time, passing away in 191 1. In their family were nine children: William, of
Howard, South Dakota ; Minnie, who married Fred W. Steffin, of Diller,
Nebraska ; Henry, who resides in Howard, South Dakota ; Charles and August,
farmers in Allamakee county ; Sophia, who makes her home in Waukon ; Theo-
dore B., of this review ; Louis, who is engaged in farming in this county ; and
Edward, who resides in Oakes, North Dakota.
Theodore B. Stock was reared upon his father's farm in Jefferson township
and acquired his education in the public schools. When he was a young man
he came to Waukon and began his independent career as a clerk in the employ
of H. F. Opfer & Brother, with whom he remained for six years, receiving
a thorough and practical business training which has been invaluable to him in
his later career. When he resigned his first position he formed a partnership with
P. A. Anderson and for eight years engaged in the boot and shoe business, selling
out his interests at the end of that time in order to organize the T. B. Stock &
Company, who for over twelve years have been prominently identified with
hardware interests here, controlling an important and growing trade along this
line. They have a large storeroom filled with a well selected line of stoves, shelf
and heavy hardware and building material and they do also a large plumbing
business. Much of the credit for the continued growth of the concern is due
to Mr. Stock's ability and business foresight and to the excellent way in which
his business affairs are managed. In addition to this he is connected with the
Peoples National Bank and as its president is a central figure in financial circles
here. He was one of the promoters of the institution, which has a capital
stock of fifty thousand dollars and is one of the safest and most conservative
banks in the county. The officers are: T. B. Stock, president; L. T. Hermanson,
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 187
vice president ; and P. E. O'Donnell, cashier, and the bank occupies a modern
and commodious building, finished in 1912. A general banking business is trans-
acted and a progressive poHcy maintained, tempered, however, by a safe con-
servatism and a constant regard for the best interests of the depositors. Air.
Stock devotes his entire time to the affairs of the institution and in his position
as president his organizing and executive abiHty have been called forth and he
has labored earnestly and intelligently to make the concern one of the substantial
moneyed institutions of the community.
Mr. Stock married, in W'aukon, on June 11, 1896, Miss Katherine Bieber,
a daughter of Peter Bieber, a pioneer in Allamakee county. Mrs. Stock was
born and reared in Waukon and here acquired her education. She and her hus-
band have one daughter, Dorothea, who is now a student in the Waukon public
schools.
Politically Mr. Stock is identified with, the democratic party and has served
as a member of the city council for a number of years. He was mayor of Waukon
and by giving to the people a straightforward, constructive and efficient admin-
istration did much to promote the advancement and growth of the city. He is
well known in fraternal circles, holding membership in the Knights of Pythias,
in which he has been through all the chairs and is past chancellor. He repre-
sented his lodge in the grand lodge of Iowa. Always an active religious worker,
Mr. Stock has done a great deal for the advancement of the German Reformed
church in this county and as secretarj' and treasurer of the building committee
was one of the leaders in securing the new church building, which is one of the
finest of its kind in Waukon. He has also been a liberal contributor to the
building funds of the other Waukon churches and his life has been upright and
worthy in all respects. A successful business man, a far-sighted financier, a
public-spirited citizen, he has for many years labored earnestly and intelligently
in the best interests of the city and has today reached a position of prominence
and achieved a degree of success which places him among the men of substantial
worth and marked ability.
FRED L. H. GERICKE.
Fred L. H. Gericke, whose operations along agricultural lines are proving
highly successful, is the owner of two hundred and twenty acres of land in
Franklin township, Allamakee county. He is one of Iowa's native sons, his
birth occurring in Clayton county, near Farmersburg, on the 13th of September,
1878, his parents being John and Mary (Klinge) Gericke. He was reared to
agricultural life, early becoming familiar with the tasks that usually fall to the
farm lad. In the acquirement of an education he attended school in Marion
township, Clayton county, and later was a student at Wesgrove, Post township,
this county. At the comparatively early age of seventeen years he left school and
began working as a farm hand in the employ of neighboring farmers, in the
meantime, however, continuing to reside with his parents. Thus he continued
until his marriage, when, desiring to engage in agriculture on his own account,
he purchased a farm and began its operation. From the very first he has been
188 PAST AND PRESENT OE ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
successful and is now the owner of a fine tract of land of two hundred and
twenty acres, twenty acres of which are in timber. The remainder of the tract
is all under cultivation and has been highly developed, owing to the careful
supervision and progressive methods of Mr. Gericke. General farming and
stock-raising fully occupy his time and attention although he is interested as a
stockholder in the farmers store, the Postville Creamery and the Canning Factory.
It was on the 26th of March, 1907, that Mr. Gericke was united in marriage
to Miss Lucy Heins, who was also a native of Clayton county, born April 7,
1889, a daughter of William and Minnie (Lange) Heins. The father was born
near Clayton Center, March 5, 1863, while the mother's birth occurred in Ger-
many, July 24, 1866. The father has been a lifelong farmer and at an early
day became a landowner in Clayton count}-. He has resided on his present
farm since 1887 and is still active in its operation, de\-oting his entire time and
attention to general farming and stock-raising, although in the past he has held
various local township offices. His daughter Lucy was the second in order of
birth in a family of four children, and in early life attended the Springfield
school, near Postville, in the acquirement of her education. By her marriage to
Mr. Gericke she has become the mother of two children, ]\Iilo W. J. and Clinda
M. L., the former born on the 14th of April, 1908, and the latter on the 22d
of May, 19 10. The family are members of the Lutheran church of Postville,
and Mr. Gericke gives his political allegiance to the democratic party. He has
never aspired to any office, although he is public-spirited in a large degree, pre-
ferring that iiis political service should be fulfilled as a private citizen rather
than as a public servant. Manifesting, from the very beginning of his business
career those traits — energy, industry and perseverance — that seldom fail to accom-
plish gratifying results, he has won for himself an e.xcellent place among the
younger generation of agriculturists of Franklin township, while the honorable
principles which he has ever followed in his relations with his fellowmen have
won for him the confidence, respect and good-will of all with whom he has
come in contact.
ELLISON ORR.
Ellison Orr, prominently connected with business interests in Waukon as
superintendent of the Standard Telephone Company, has been actuated through-
out all of his business life by a spirit of enterprise and initiative and has advanced
step by step to be one of the most substantial and representative men of the
community where he makes his home. He was born on the Orr farm near
^McGregor, Iowa, June 15, 1857, and is a son of James and Margaret Orr, of
Scotch-Irish ancestry. The father emigrated from Ireland at the age of twelve
and settled with his parents in New York state, coming to Iowa in 1856 and
purchasing a farm one and one-half miles northeast of Postville, whereon he
resided for many years.
Ellison Orr grew to manhood upon this farm and acquired his education in
the Postville public schools. After laying aside his books he taught for a number
of winter terms in the district schools in the vicinity of h.is home and from
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 189
January, 1891, to June, 1893, was teacher of the seventh and eighth grades of
the school in Postville where he attended in his youth. After three years devoted
to educational work he accepted the position of clerk in the Postville State Bank
and retained it for a similar period of time, later again turning his attention to
farming, an occupation which he followed until 1898. In that year he was elected
clerk of the court for Allamakee county and he did such able and effective work
that he won reelection to the office, serving in all from January i, 1899, to January
I, 1903, and proving discriminating, far-sighted and conscientious in the dis-
charge of his duties. On the ist of January, 1904, Mr. Orr was appointed general
manager and superintendent of the Standard Telephone Company and in the
fall of the same year he moved to Waukon, where he has since resided. He
possesses an initiative spirit and an executive ability which have been important
factors in his success in his present position and under his able management the
affairs of the concern have prospered exceedingly, the business has increased in
volume and the details of operation have been put upon a modern and business-
like basis.
Mr. Orr married, November 2, 1881, Miss Belle Makepeace, whose parents
resided in Winneshiek county. To their union were born four children : Fred,
a construction foreman for the Standard Telephone Company ; Harry, a civil
engineer in the employ of the Missouri Iron Company; Florence, who is engaged
in teaching; and James, at school.
Always interested in anything pertaining to questions of public education and
anxious to do his part in promoting educational facilities, Mr. Orr has accom-
plished some beneficial work in matters relating to the public schools and espe-
cially as a member of the board of trustees of the State College of Agriculture
located at Ames, a position which he held from July i, 1904, to July i, 1910.
He was for thirteen years a member of the State Militia, resigning in 1897, ^'^
the time of its reorganization, as first lieutenant and quartermaster of the Fourth
Regiment. He belongs to the Presbyterian church of Waukon and has been a
Mason since attaining his majority, being now a Knight Templar. He cooperates
in all movements for the material, intellectual and moral progress of the com-
munity and is recognized as one of the foremost business men of the city, his
remarkable success in an important capacity placing him in an enviable position
in business circles.
FREDERICK SEGRIST.
Frederick Segrist, carrying on general farming upon eighty acres of fine land
on section 7, Franklin township, is one of Allamakee county's most progressive
and successful native sons, his birth having occurred just across the county line
in Hardin, on the 5th of February, 1883. He is a son of Louis and Mary Ann
( Toyce) Segrist, the former born in Massachusetts in 1835 and the latter in
Indiana some seven or eight years afterward. As a young man the father came
to Iowa and his marriage occurred in Allamakee county, after which he worked
in the employ of others for some time. He later became an independent land-
owner in Franklin township and from there moved to Post township, where his
190 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
death occurred in igo2. His wife survives him and makes her home in Franklin
township. In their family were nine children, of whom the subject of this review
is the youngest.
Frederick Segrist was reared upon his father's farm and from an early age
assisted with the work of its cultivation, becoming thoroughly familiar with the
best agricultural methods and with everything pertaining to the work of the
fields and the care of the grain and stock. The occupation in which he had been
reared was the one to which he turned his attention upon reaching manhood and
upon the death of his father he assumed charge of the homestead, continuing to
develop and improve it until 1906. In that year he sold the property and bought
eighty acres on section 7, Franklin township, upon which he still resides. He
engages in general farming and stock-raising and devotes his entire time to his
agricultural pursuits, his farm evidencing in its neat and attractive appearance
his practical methods and well directed labors.
Mr. Segrist married, on the ist of May, 1904, Miss Zelma Lawson, who was
born in Franklin township, March i, 1886. To their union have been born two
children, twins, Bertha Louise and Bessie Lucile, whose birth occurred September
16, 1908. Mr. Segrist is independent in his political views and interested in the
growth and welfare of the community although never an office seeker. He is
well known throughout the township as a man of alert and enterprising spirit,
possessed of the resolute will which enables him to carry forward to successful
completion whatever he undertakes. His methods are at all times practical and
progressive and his success, rewarding earnest and persistent labor, places him
among the most prosperous and able of Allamakee county's native sons.
ROBERT J. ALEXANDER.
For thirty-four years Robert J. Alexander has been connected with mer-
chandising in Waukon, where during that time he has built up a large and
profitable patronage as a dealer in clothing and men's furnishings. He is one of
the active arid progressive business men of the city, where his long residence,
his sterling qualities of character and his straightforward business dealings have
made him widely known and honored. He was born in Linn county, near Mount
Vernon, July 18, 1852, and is a son of Charles Alexander, a native of New York,
who went south with his parents when he was still a child and settled in Missis-
sippi, where he grew to maturity. As a young man he came to Iowa, locating
in Linn county, where he married Miss Susan Smyth, a native of Ireland but
reared in the United States. Her parents came to Iowa and settled in Linn county
when she was sixteen years of age. Charles Alexander was subsequently one of
the earliest settlers in Cedar county, where he opened up a tiew farm, which he
improved and developed into a valuable agricultural property. He reared his
family upon the homestead and there spent the remainder of his life.
Robert J. Alexander spent his childhood upon his father's farm, aiding in the
work of the lields and acquiring his education in the public schools. He supple-
mented this by three terms at Cornell College and upon laying aside his books
taught for three winter terms, engaging in farming during the summer months.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 191
In 1879 he came to Waukon, where he formed a partnership with Levi Armstrong
under the firm name of Armstrong & Alexander. They put in a large and
complete stock of clothing and men's furnishings and opened for business in the
same building now occupied by Mr. Alexander, where he has conducted a pros-
perous mercantile concern for thirty-four consecutive years. The association
continued for twelve years and at the end of that time Mr. Alexander purchased
his partner's interest and since 1891 has conducted the business alone. He carries
a complete line of clothing and men's furnishings, his stock being varied and
well selected, and he has gained a large and growing patronage, accorded him in
recognition of the excellent quality of his goods, his upright and honorable busi-
ness methods and his reasonable prices. Mr. Alexander is doing an annual
business amounting to thirty thousand dollars and is one of Waukon's most suc-
cessful merchants and most progressive business men.
In 1882 Mr. Alexander was united in marriage to Miss Carrie L. Hayward,
who was born in Wisconsin but who was reared in Waukon, in the home of her
sister, Mrs. Alonzo M. May. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have two daughters :
Susan, who married B. H. Keeler, a civil engineer in Kansas City, Missouri ;
and Ruth, who is a student in Cornell College. They lost two children, Emma
and Hayward, both of whom died in childhood. The family residence is located
on Wooster street, near the public school, and is modern and up-to-date in every
particular, Mr. Alexander having recently remodeled it throughout.
Mr. Alexander attends the Methodist Episcopal church of Waukon and is
a man of exemplary character. A resident of Iowa all during his life and of
Waukon for over one-third of a century, he has thoroughly identified his inter-
ests with those of the community with the result that his name stands as a
synonym for progressiveness in business, for public-spirited citizenship and for
all that is honorable and upright in every relation of life.
FRANK ROFFMAN.
Frank Roffman, actively engaged in general farming and stock-raising, is one,
of the best known agriculturists of Franklin township, his fine farm of one hun-
dred and twenty-seven acres lying on section 7. In the management and conduct
of this property he displays excellent business ability, and his enterprise, care-
ful control and keen discernment are the factors which have gained him the
substantial place which he now occupies among the leading business men of his
community. He was born in Germany, on the 22d of December, 1871, and is a
son of John and Minnie (Blank) Roffman, also natives of that country. The
father spent his entire life engaged in farming, coming to America in 1875 ^^^
locating immediately in Post township, Allamakee county, where he purchased
land, whereon he continued to make his home until his death, which occurred on
the 20th of August, 1882. The mother survives him and makes her home in
Franklin township.
The Evergreen school in Post township afforded Frank Roffman his educa-
tional opportunities and in his childhood he divided his time between his studies
and work upon the farm. He began his independent career at the age of twenty-
192 PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
one, hiring out as a farm laborer, and he continued thus for nine years, after
which he purchased land of his own. He bought one hundred and twenty-seven
acres on section 7, Franklin township, and since he was thirty years of age has
been active in its cultivation. Upon his property he has made many substantial
improvements, erecting barns and outbuildings, all of which present a neat and
attractive appearance. Success has steadily rewarded his well directed labors
and he is today one of the prosperous farmers and substantial business men of
this vicinity.
On the 5th of December, 1900, Mr. Roffman was united in marriage to Miss
Lucy Segrist, a daughter of Louis and Mary Ann (Joyce) Segrist, the former
a native of Boston, Massachusetts, and the latter of Indiana. More extended
mention of these parents is made on another page in this work. Mr. and Mrs.
Roffman have four children; Harold, who was born October 14, 1903; E^rl,
born January 17, 1907; Otto, born January 21, 1909; and Mabel, born July 20,
1912.
Mr. Roffman is a stockholder in the Farmers Cooperative Store at Postville
and is connected fraternally with the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives
his political allegiance to the republican party and has been road supervisor and
a member of the school board, laboring effectively in that office to promote the
cause of education. As one of the large landowners and successful farmers and
business men of Franklin township he is well known, for his life record shows
what may be accomplished by a determined spirit and by unfaltering enterprise.
He has carefully noted and utilized each opportunity and his example of unre-
mitting industry and perseverance is one well worthy of emulation.
JOHN EDMUND O'BRIEN.
John Edmund O'Brien, controlling an important and representative business
as a dealer in real estate in Waukon, was born in Oneida county, New York, in
i860, and was one of nine children born to Michael Smith O'Brien and Henrietta
Alice Jenkins, who emigrated from Ireland in the early 'sos and were married in
Oneida county. They afterwards came to Iowa, settling in Ludlow township,
Allamakee county, where the father still resides upon his farm.
John Edmund O'Brien was ten years of age when his parents came to Iowa.
He worked on farms in this vicinity for several years and then engaged in car-
penter work in various parts of the state, being employed in the construction
of the buildings on the Illinois Central Railway between Onawa and Sioux
Falls, .\fterwards he spent two years working at his trade in Birmingham, Ala-
bama, and Jackson, Mississippi, going from the latter city to Chicago, Illinois
where he assisted in the erection of the exhibition buildings at the World's
Columbian Exposition and served for six months in the Columbian Guards. In
the winter of 1893 he went to California and put up the Canadian exhibits at the
Midwinter F,xi}osition in San Francisco. Returning to Iowa, he established him-
self in the building business at Waukon and his ability l)econiing widely recog-
nized, he soon secured a large and representali\e patronage.
PAST AND PRESENT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY 195
Mr. O'Brien served in Company L the Waukon company, Iowa National
Guards, under Captains Gibbs, Nichols and Stewart. In 1898, a few days after
the declaration of war with Spain, he went to Pensacola, Florida, and with Paul
D. May, enlisted in the United States Navy for one year as carpenter's mate,
first class. He served on the LInited States ships Tacoma, Lancaster and Cassius,
under commanders Sutherland, Very-Perry and Lieutenant Waters of Commo-
dore Remy's fleet. At his own request and through Senator Allison's influence
he received his honorable discharge at Norfolk, Virginia, at the close of the
Spanish-American war. Returning home he studied law first at the Iowa State
University and then at Drake University at Des Moines and was admitted to
practice before the state and federal courts in igoo. In the following year how-
ever he turned his attention to the real-estate business and in this he has since
continued, his patronage in Waukon being today profitable and important. He
is known as an expert judge of land values and his opinion has come to be regarded
as an authority on matters of this character. He is resourceful, far-sighted, ca-
pable and energetic and his sagacity is far-reaching and his integrity beyond
question.
At Medford, Oklahoma, March ig, 1903, Mr. O'Lirien was united in marriage
to Miss Decorah Grattan. a daughter of Henry G. Grattan, a pioneer in Allamakee
county and for many years one of the most prominent citizens in this part of
Iowa. He was born at New Haven, Oswego county, New York, June 28, 1826,
and was of English descent, a son of Amos and Abigail (Guyant) Grattan. The
former, a blacksmith by trade, was born in Berkshire county, Massachusetts in
1797 and died in Ludlow township, Allamakee county. Iowa, June 2, 1889. In
1835 he took up a claim and built the first log cabin where Kenosha, Wisconsin,
now stands. He was for fifty years a member of the liaptist church and voted
with the first organization of the old abolitionist party. He fought in the War
of 1812. His wife, who was in her maidenhood Abigail Guyant, was born Sep-
tember 8, 1794, in Canterbury, Connecticut, and died in Ludlow township, Alla-
makee county, in 1886. She was for a time the only white woman in Kenosha,
Wisconsin. One child was born to the union of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Grattan —
Henry Guyant.
Henry Guyant Grattan was for many years well known in agricultural and
journalistic circles of the middle west and as a leader in many public movements
of a progressive and constructive character. He founded and published the
Janesville (Wis.) Gazette, the Mt. Carroll (111.) Mirror and the Sterling(Ill.)
Gazette. He also did considerable literary work after coming to Iowa, but in
this state was chiefly interested in scientific agriculture, in the promotion of
which he was one of the greatest individual forces of his time. He was a member
of the board of trustees of Iowa Agricultural College and took a great interest
in the work of that institution, organizing several new departments, among which
may be mentioned that of domestic science. His own farm in Ludlow township
was a practical exemplification of his theories and was one of the best equipped
and most scientifically managed in the township.
Henry Grattan was married three times, first to Jane Trask who died in
1849, then to Phoebe Jane Tisdel, who died in 1865, and to Rosanna Russell who
survives him. She was born in Shetiford, Canada, and is of French and English
parentage, the daughter of Francis and Susannah (Griggs) liryant. Previous to
196 PAST AND PRESEXT OF ALLAMAKEE COUNTY
her first marriage which united her with Frankhn Russell who was killed in the
Civil war, Mrs. Grattan engaged in teaching. She was married to Henry Grattan
on the 9th of December, 1865. Henry Grattan's children are as f oHows : Marvin
Trask, born in Janesville, Wisconsin, in 1848; Jane, who was born in Freeport,
Illinois, in 185 1 : C)rlando Tisdel, born in ]\It. Carroll. Illinois, in 1855; Bertha,
born in Ludlow township, in 1868; John, born in Ludlow township, in 1869; and
Decorah, the wife of the subject of this review. The last named was born at
Waukon, Iowa, December 20, 1871, and acquired her education in the public
schools of the city, in the South Dakota Agricultural College and at Drexel
Institute, Philadelphia, Pen 
